BETTER THAN THE U-PASS?
DOG DAYS ARE OVER
Innovative GPS-based transport service generates much fanfare, protests, News, page 3
Benefits of adopting a furry friend, Focus, pages 14-15
Volume #98 | Issue #15 | February 17, 2014 | DePauliaonline.com
The time for change is now
By David Webber Sports Editor
Enough is enough. This is agonizing. This is comical. This is embarrassing. Rip it up, tear it down, and start over from the beginning. There’s no other way. Clevela nd Melv i n’s mysterious and untimely departure from DePaul University is the last straw in a long list of mistakes concerning the athletic department’s handling of Blue Demon basketball. Calling back to the halcyon days of Ray Meyer and Mark Aguirre can no longer shield the current regime from criticism; in the category of “what have you done for me lately,” DePaul basketball fails in every measure imaginable. It starts at the top, unfortunately, with Athletic Director Jean Lenti-Ponsetto. For all of her outstanding accomplishments not only as an athlete at DePaul but as a leader in men’s and women’s sports, Ponsetto will forever be defined by her inarguable failure to lead Blue Demon basketball back to relevancy.
By the numbers She arrived July 1, 2002 to head a program that was no longer dominant but certainly not a doormat. Head coach Dave Leitao was busy shoring up a team that had been reduced to shambles at the inconsistent hands of coaches Joey Meyer and Pat Kennedy. Leitao, who was hired by Ponsetto’s predecessor Bill Bradshaw, compiled a 58-34 record in three seasons and led
File Photo | the depaulia
Since coming to DePaul in 2010, head basketball coach Oliver Purnell has a 8-59 record in the Big East.
Commentary DePaul to two NIT trips and the school’s second appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1992. He left after finishing 20-11 in 2005 to take a higher-paying gig at the University of Virginia. It was Ponsetto’s time to shine. It was time for her first hire, her first chance to directly influence the future of DePaul basketball. And at first, it seemed to work. Ponsetto tabbed former Richmond head coach Jerry Wainwright to lead the Blue Demons. Around this time, the athletic department made a decision that drastically changed the face of DePaul sports. Ponsetto, in one of her finest moves as athletic
FILE PHOTO | the DEPAULIA
Jean Lenti-Ponsetto has been athletic director since 2002. director, successfully shifted DePaul from the unheralded Conference USA to the biggest moneymaker in college basketball: the Big East. An NIT appearance in 2007 signaled that perhaps Blue Demon basketball
was on the fast track to relevancy. It wasn’t. After posting 32 wins in his first two years, Wainwright struggled to just 27 wins until January of 2010, when he was fired following a 67-50 home loss to No. 13 Georgetown. From 2008 to the firing, DePaul went a staggering 0-20 in conference play. Ponsetto’s first experiment had failed miserably. Enter Oliver Purnell. The respected coach had won everywhere he had coached and was coming off of a supremely successful 138-90 stint with Clemson. It seemed like a slamdunk hire, at the very steep price of about $15 million. The rest is history. Purnell has “led” DePaul to a mark of 40-75, including a spectacularly
horrid 8-59 in conference play. Purnell’s signature win is a double-overtime victory over unranked Butler Jan. 9 of this year. The Bulldogs were already 0-3 in the conference and not considered a threat. It was a game that no one would consider important. In fact, the Associated Press’ recap of the game still references DePaul as the “Blue Devils” three times, signifying the insignificance of the “signature” win. Wainwright and Purnell are Ponsetto’s only two hires for the men’s team. Wainwright went 58-80 before getting fired, giving coaches under Ponsetto a total record of 99-170 (including 15 losses in 16 games under interim coach Tracy Webster in 2010) which is good for a .368 winning percentage. The conference record is even more miserable: a combined 29-123, which comes out to a measly .191 winning percentage. As they say, the numbers never lie.
Judging Jean Straying from the stats, it is obvious that Ponsetto is qualified for her job. Those who say otherwise on the message boards and radio shows are entitled to their opinions but foolish nonetheless. She has done wonders for women’s college athletics and has overseen superb play from several of DePaul’s sports, most notably the women’s basketball team and the softball team.
See CHANGE, page 27
Preparing for ‘the sound you hope you never hear’ By Tom Fowkes Contributing Writer
Taylor Sebastian, a 19-year-old student at the Palm Bay Campus of Eastern Florida State College, was walking to class on the afternoon of Jan. 30 when she heard a fracas followed by a sound that she at first assumed was a “firecracker,” according to USA Today. Moments later, Sebastian also heard what the ominous subject line of an email from DePaul Public Safety issued the day before, “The Sound You Hope You Will Never Hear.” “Gun, gun, he’s got a gun!” After a spate of shootings on college campuses late last month that included this incident, DePaul Public Safety was compelled to refer faculty, staff and students to safety materials that have been developed to “provide training on how to
remain safe in the event of acts of violence on campus.” “With the recent shootings…we thought it was a good time to remind everybody,” Public Safety Director Bob Wachowski said. “People really need to prepare and say, ‘hey, this could happen here.’” The Targeted Violence Guidelines include instructions on navigating and even de-escalating potentially dangerous situations. Both the document and Wachowski advocate awareness and vigilance. “You have to have a plan,” he said. “Nobody, including the police or Public Safety, can walk you through everything.” In addition to the guidelines, Public Safety also shared a safety video entitled: “Shots Fired On Campus,” which was
See SHOOTINGS, page 4
JOHN TERHUNE | the ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kevin Luse of Purdue University Fire Department collects police tape as the Electrical Engineering building is opened Jan. 22 on the campus of Purdue University. The building had been closed since engineering student Andrew Boldt was shot and killed.
2 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014
First Look INSIDE THIS ISSUE The DePaulia is the official student-run newspaper of DePaul University and may not necessarily reflect the views of college administrators, faculty or staff.
News
Sports
Nation & World
Arts & Life
Comcast purchases Time Warner Cable
Birthright experience
Raising his voice
One DePaul student shares her journey to Isreal, see page 16.
Michael Sam comes out as the first openly-gay college football player, see page 28.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Michael Corio eic@depauliaonline.com MANAGING EDITOR | Courtney Jacquin managing@depauliaonline.com ONLINE EDITOR | Summer Concepcion online@depauliaonline.com
SGA disconnect
ASST. ONLINE EDITOR | Amanda Driscoll
Some students share a lack of understanding and representation by student government, see page 6.
NEWS EDITOR | Grant Myatt news@depauliaonline.com ASST. NEWS EDITOR | Nathan Weisman NATION & WORLD EDITOR | Haley BeMiller nation@depauliaonline.com
The two biggest cable companies in the United States join forces, see page 10.
OPINIONS EDITOR | Kevin Gross opinion@depauliaonline.com
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News. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 3
News
Going from the U-Pass to the U-ber By Maria Elias Contributing Writer
“It’s like an addiction,” DePaul senior Kathryn Sheehy said. “UberX is destroying my bank account, but I can’t stop using it.” Chicago’s new ways of transportation, Uber, Lyft and Sidecar, are taking over the city, and DePaul students have fallen in love with the trend. With Chicago’s polar vortex continuing, many students have put their U-Passes away and are becoming some of Uber’s favorite clients. “The instant gratification of having a ride wherever you want to go despite the cold in Chicago is totally worth the declining bank account number,” DePaul junior Sofia Fernandez said. “Uber also is available for me when I want it, the service they provide is instantaneous and ever since Google became a verb, there is nothing more satisfying.” While many are thrilled with the new service, old fashioned taxi companies are up in arms about the new trend. However, as Chicagoans embrace the changing industry, more and more regular taxi drivers are converting to UberX for many reasons. “The cab companies take advantage of the drivers,” UberX driver Tony Soltani said. “I didn’t want to pay that lease anymore; so, I invested, bought this car and now am UberX driver.” Soltani switched over to UberX last
year after driving for Yellow Cab for 15 years. As the cab companies charge their drivers a weekly lease, many cab drivers are continuing to switch to UberX to avoid that weekly fee. The city of Chicago is now regulating UberX, Lyft and Sidecar. These drivers will be required to go through the rigorous background checks that traditional taxi drivers have, in order to guarantee safety for the clients. Ensuring passenger safety, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has required licensed ridesharing companies to train and organize drug tests for their drivers, conduct regular criminal background checks and assure that their vehicles pass an annual, 21-point inspection. Emanuel’s new ordinance is designed to make passengers feel safer than they already do in these ride-sharing services. “I always feel safe when I take an UberX, because I have their picture, name and information all on my phone,” Sheehy said. “Also, Uber is safer because if I’m out at night, I don’t have to worry about being in the street alone trying to hail a cab. I just call an Uber and they come to me.” Safety is not only a concern for passengers. Soltani explained that while he might not be making as much money while driving UberX as he was with Yellow Cab, he is much happier with UberX due to safety reasons. “Normal taxi does not know who is
OLIVIA JEPSEN | THE DEPAULIA
Mayor Rahm Emanual has several precautions in place to ensure similar safety with ride-sharing programs, such as UberX, to all other cab companies. getting into my car. They could rob taxi drivers or even shoot taxi drivers” Soltani said. “With Uber, I know your name and information so it is much safer. I am much happier.” While the safety and the convenience of these services lure customers in, Sheehy is one avid Uber client that is trying to cut back from now on.
“I just want to be better about using my U-Pass more since it is basically free transportation, but this weather makes it more difficult than normal,” Sheehy said. “UberX will always be my best friend when I’m trying to get to and from the bars, but during the weekdays, I need to stick with the ‘L.’”
Extreme makeover Blue Demon Week replaces homecoming By Jasmine Armand Staff Writer
“Once a Blue Demon, always a Blue Demon” Students may see this phrase on large banners hanging in Kelly Hall or from the elevator lobby in the DePaul Center and even massively displayed on the side of the Lewis Center. All these signs are just one part of a campus-wide plan to rebrand Homecoming Week into the allinclusive Blue Demon Week Feb. 16-22. A Blue Demon Week Partners committee emerged from an Affinity Task Force with the goal to make Homecoming an institution-wide effort. In an effort to turn it around — they started with the name. SGA President Casey Clemmons said the committee found that students, like fourthyear lighting design major Bailey Rosa, associated homecoming with football and high school, which was problematic for a football-free university. “I feel like a lot of schools have homecoming around their football season to bring fans home," Rosa said. "I don’t feel like changing the name of it really matters. I don’t see a lot of alumni around which is
what homecoming seems like it should be.” Blue Demon Week Coordinator Emma Kolander, a sophomore, said the name change was a part of Vision 2018 and an effort to make the week not just a DAB event but a DePaul event. “It’s really exciting that I got to be a part of the big decision,” Kolander said. “We’ve put a lot of time, a lot of effort into trying to put together a week ‘for students, by students’ [DAB’s motto]. We’re looking to make it a week of student-oriented events but also make it a DePaul-oriented event.” One of the goals of Blue Demon Week is to link past and present Blue Demons. Last year was the first Blue Demon Day that allowed alumni across the nation to be connected through their attendance of the day’s men’s and women’s basketball games. For alumni who cannot make it to Chicago, there are regional game watches for the men’s games being organized in 16 cities including Indianapolis, Boston, Denver and Washington, D.C. This year, the week will culminate with Blue Demon Day. “The idea is that when you’re a student, you participate in Blue Demon Week and when you’re
NATHAN WEISMAN | THE DEPAULIA
Painted windows on the old Dominick's building by the Fullerton "L" stop promote Blue Demon Week. an alumnus you participate in Blue Demon Day and there’s that continuity between being a student and being an alumni and always feeling like you’re a part of the DePaul community,” Clemmons said. An effort for unity on DePaul’s campus is one that sophomore communications and media studies major Tiffany Hung finds increasingly necessary. But first she’d like some clarity. “I was a little confused because I wasn’t really sure what Blue Demon Week meant,” Hung said. “I didn’t know that
homecoming was associated with this week.” The signs were enough for sophomore Emily Valdez who didn’t attend homecoming dance last year because she didn’t hear about it. While she probably won’t go again this year and thinks the name change is “no big deal,” she accredits her awareness this year to the banners. Aside from the vagueness, Hung agrees with the rebranding mission. “It’s a good way to bring more community, family-sense feel to DePaul because we are a
commuter school and we do have very low school spirit,” she said. “I think it’s a good effort.” If Blue Demon Week sounds like it’s just a DABSGA partnership, it’s not. The rebranding includes a whopping 23 university offices. From the more obvious Alumni Relations and Athletics to the newer Office of Health Promotion and Wellness. The Blue Demon Ball, formerly known as the Homecoming Dance, will be held Friday Feb. 21 at the Bridgeport Art Center- Skyline Loft.
4 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014 day. However, every time I see on the news that there has been another school shooting I do feel a bit uneasy.”
SHOOTINGS continued from front page made by the Center for Personal Protection and Safety (CPPS). Both of these resources articulate similar approaches to coping with and surviving active shooter incidents, including: • A combination of potential strategies referred to in the video as “get out, hide out or take out,” often colloquially called “run, hide, fight,” where individuals flee, hide from or directly confront the assailant depending on the situation. Public Safety’s guidelines do not explicitly endorse personal intervention, however. • Developing a survivalist mindset through preparation and attentiveness. As Wachowski said, “if you’re prepared, you’re more likely to survive the incident than if you’re going to be panicked.” • Aiding law enforcement intervention by any means, whether it be relaying necessary information or simply “remaining calm and (following) officer’s instructions,” as stated in Public Safety’s guidelines. Lilli Gregory, a 20-year-old DePaul sophomore who works for University Housing Services as a residence hall desk receptionist, reviewed these materials and said that “it is important for every student and faculty member to do so also because it is important that everybody know what to do in a situation like that.” Gregory also said that she generally feels “pretty safe on campus during the
“Ominous trends” The recent rash of campus shootings began at Purdue University in Indiana, with the Jan. 21st murder of 21-year-old senior Andrew Boldt, allegedly by 23-yearold undergraduate teaching assistant Cody Cousins. Cousins fatally shot and stabbed Boldt in a classroom, and nothing has yet been revealed about a possible motive for the crime, according to police reports. His former neighbor, Purdue senior Andrew Matyasovski told the Indianapolis Star that, “obviously something was wrong in (Cousins’) life. I don’t know what…I didn’t see any outward expression of that.” Just days later, 19-year-old Justin Singleton was arrested and charged with the murder of 20-year-old student Brandon Robinson at South Carolina State University. The same week, a student was shot and critically injured at Widener University in Chester, Penn., in an act that university spokesman Dan Hanson said, “was not a random act of violence,” in a written press statement. The following week, another nonfatal shooting at Eastern Florida State College occurred that was precipitated by a physical fight where the accused shooter was being beaten by two men, one of whom he would draw and use a firearm on. All three parties are claiming selfdefense in the case. These incidents serve to highlight how gun violence does not always manifest itself as random and widespread, but in contained and situational instances as well.
Photo courtesy of AP
Father Nathan Reesman prays during a prayer service for Andrew Bolt, a undergraduate teaching assitant at Purdue Univeristy who was shot and killed on campus Jan. 21. “It’s always something to be concerned about, because it is happening in society… [and] it’s happening more places than just on college campuses,” Wachowski said. “The media portrays it a lot more when it’s at a college campus …you have kids getting killed in the city of Chicago on a daily basis, and that doesn’t make news blurbs.” According to Pew Research, the national firearm homicide rate was down 49 percent from its 1993 peak as recently as 2010. Similarly, an article featured in Time Magazine following last year’s Washington Navy Yard Shooting sought to disprove the notion of an “ominous trend” of mass shootings by pointing out that the rate of such incidents as
defined by the FBI (one in which at least four people excluding the perpetrator are killed) has not significantly risen since 1980. Furthermore, the article pointed out that these shootings “make up a tiny fraction of homicides – usually less than one percent.” A Feb. 3 Associated Press article views the stable rate of such shootings, particularly in schools, conversely. “The rate of school shootings is statistically unchanged since the mid-to late-1990s, yet still remains troubling.” Even in the aftermath of Sandy Hook and the ensuing emphasis on safety and security, trends continue unabated. Continued on next page...
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News. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 5 Proactive measures Heightened safety concerns have been noted at other universities in the aftermath of recent events. In a Feb. 2t AP article, Indiana University’s emergency management similarly promoted the “run, hide, fight” strategy detailed in the materials shared by DePaul Public Safety, and stated that a “more comprehensive training tutorial for faculty is in the works.” Currently, for DePaul faculty, “training regarding targeted violence is not mandatory,” Wachowski said. “Violent situations that have played out on college university campuses over the past several years have each been very different, and it would be almost impossible to provide training for the many variables or scenarios that could happen.” Carolyn Hoerdemann, a current adjunct professor in Theatre Studies and DePaul alumna, stated that “this should be offered and possibly mandatory – it’s worth thinking about and spending some time with professionals in the matter.” Hoerdemann, who has been employed at DePaul for 10 years, said that she would be “willing to go to a training of this sort…this is all making me think I need to brush up on my safety procedures in the classroom.” Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Journalism Director Lisa Pecot-Hebert said that her “students are my top priority; I am a teacher by trade and a protector by nature.” Pecot-Hebert also said that since “we have to take a mandatory online compliance training session every year, why not make a school violence safety training session mandatory as well? Some professors won’t like it…[but] why wait
Photo courtesy of MCT CAMPUS
Sam Wells, Dean of Duke Chapel, (top) joined demonstrators to honor the anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings and to protest gun proliferation in front of Duke Chapel April 16, 2008, in Durham, N.C., which remains the deadliest college shooting in the U.S. for something to happen before we take action?” Despite the fact that faculty training for these situations is not required, Public Safety annually issues reminders to view their safety materials, and also conducts training sessions at the request of individual departments. Lilli Gregory said that she was trained for “different procedures in different kinds of situations,” in her capacity as a
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residence hall desk receptionist. “It is important to make sure that nobody who is not supposed to be there gets in. This being said, I have asked people I was unsure about to wait outside the lobby for whoever they were waiting for. To me, it is better safe than sorry.” In his three-decade career with DePaul Public Safety, the only incident involving a firearm on campus that Wachowski recalled dealing with involved a student with a licensed weapon in a residence hall. “It was a legitimate firearm, but obviously they can’t have them on campus so the student was arrested.” Even with new laws allowing Illinois residents to apply for concealed carry permits, Wachowski said that DePaul will “remain a weapons free campus,” as evidenced by the “no firearms” signs that were conspicuously installed on campus buildings in December. “We have a lot of resources that we use to deal with this stuff at the university, it’s very proactive,” Wachowski said. He meets weekly with other key faculty and staff members on the Student Care Team to assess any problems and immediate needs the University has, and he maintains an “excellent working relationship with local law enforcement,” where officers, supervisors and the Public Safety dispatch can directly contact police officers. Their network “includes the FBI, Homeland Security…if there’s any threats to college campuses, they’ll notify us,” he said. University Counseling Services is also directly involved in such matters. While there has never been a specific threat of targeted violence at DePaul, students with mental health concerns have been identified and assisted by the department in the past, according to Director Jeff Lanfear. “Several years ago, Student Affairs began a Student Advocacy and Welfare (SAW) initiative,” he said. “A major focus of [it] is helping faculty and staff recognize and refer distressed students to counseling and other advocacy services…here at DePaul, a strong sense of collaboration exists in which many university offices and programs come together to work as a team.” Nevertheless, profiling those who might pose a danger to others is elusive and difficult. “The reality is that no two school shooters are alike and there is no accurate profile of the violent offender,” Lanfear said. As Wachowski said, “the types of
individuals, especially with the mass shootings, it’s kind of hard to see why some of them did it because none of them are here to interview. They always take their own life before the first law enforcement officer arrives, so there’s really no followup…they don’t want a confrontation with the police, they don’t want to be captured. You know, they have one mission: mass destruction, and that’s it.”
Shots Fired In the unlikely but unfortunately possible event of a mass shooting on a DePaul campus, Wachowski said that the “Chicago Police will be here quickly, I mean you’re talking probably 1 to 3 minutes as a max. We have cars in the area all the time at both campuses, we have foot patrols at the downtown.” While CPD would assume control of the situation, DePaul Public Safety and facility staff would fill the assistance role by providing access to and intimate knowledge of university buildings. Also, depending on the scale of the event, other law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and ATF could be called in to assist. Wachowksi’s recommendation to students is to “know your exits…that’s going to help you in anything.” He further stated that it would greatly benefit members of the university community to “watch the video, look at the tip sheet… [and] just kind of think through what you would do in that situation.” Public Safety’s guidelines also encourage students to be observant of others, and to report suspicious activity or individuals to the proper authorities. Lilli Gregory said that while she has never felt uneasy around students or residents on campus, she is “always aware of what is going on around me…[but] I feel that should something horrific such as a shooting happen on or around campus, the authorities would be able to work together to help out.” Carolyn Hoerdemann also said that she feels that “security is good at DePaul, especially in some of the newer buildings. I find I think about these events when they happen at other schools and wonder what I would do for a moment and then I put it out of my mind…I remember thinking how brave the teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary were – I hope that I could be as brave and smart in this type of situation, and of course I hope I don’t need to be put to this test.”
6 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014
SGA disconnect Some feel a weak connection with DePaul's student government By Lindsey Murphy Contributing Writer
DePaul University’s Student Government Association works year round trying to ensure students’ voices are heard and issues are addressed around campus. However, some first and second-year students are feeling disconnected from the organization and their designated senators. Some students said they find it hard to approach concerns or situations they want addressed by the organization. “As a second-year student I don’t feel very connected to the second year senator, unfortunately, I don’t even know who it is,” Kenzie Verheyen, a sophomore at DePaul University, said. According to the organization’s website, SGA is “committed to promoting and advocating the student voice and opinion.” Therefore, the organization has put together a group of executive officers and senators to represent the student body at DePaul. SGA consists of 10 executive officers and 22 senators ranging from class senators to representatives for The Theatre School. Elections for SGA are held every Spring and Fall quarters on campus. Not only are underclassmen feeling the disconnect, upperclassmen who have attended the university for more than two years are also at a loss for whom to contact with a concern. “The only connection I feel
to SGA is through the promotion of events they put together throughout the year,” Carly Carynski, a senior and transfer student at DePaul, said. “It looked like a great organization that would not only strengthen my ties to the school, but also give me an opportunity to explore student concerns and help to address them,” Emily Duddleston, the current parliamentarian of SGA and former senator, said. The student-led organization holds general board meetings on Thursdays that are open to all students to attend and voice their concerns about things happening on campus. SGA's initiatives include: affordability of education, campus affinity, incoming administrators, affordability of textbooks, sustainability and more. SGA President Casey Clemmons said the organization is “constantly thinking, envisioning and implementing new ways to engage with the student body.” A handful of nonmember students attend the general body meetings, as well as a few invited faculty members. However, many first and second year students are unaware of the fact that SGA holds these meetings. The students that do know about the meetings see it more as an opportunity they would take if they wanted to involve themselves more in the organization, not to address concerns. “I’m sure I would attend if I wanted to get more involved within SGA,” Verheyen said. The designated class senators
NOAH GELFMAN | THE DEPAULIA
SGA members and students meet at the weekly general body meeting Thursday, Feb. 13 in Lincoln Park. of SGA hold “out of office” office hours where they sit in Brownstones or the Loop Campus for students to approach them about issues or concerns, however, some students said the times and locations of these office hours aren’t brought to the attention of students in a way that they will remember and plan a visit. “I feel like there is very little contact between most students and their senator, unless they are just more involved with clubs and activities,” Verheyen said. Some first year students replied with “not at all” when asked if they would know what steps to take to address an issue they had on campus with SGA. Some also suggested that the SGA senators make themselves more available to the students of their designated class. “At least by making their email addresses available and reassuring their academic grades that they are always willing to hear what students have to say,” Maria Giannetos, a first year student at DePaul, said. SGA has nearly tripled their number of followers on Twitter in the past year and gained a
steady following on Instagram and Facebook. The organization sees this as a way for students to get to know them more and have another outlet to voice their opinions. “SGA is beginning to have so many members and different representatives that it can make it hard to distinguish who is the representative for which group of students,” Jake Boria, the firstyear senator of SGA, said. In the beginning of the year when some students were campaigning, some incoming freshmen saw senators posting on their designated Facebook group for the graduating class of 2017, but hadn’t heard from them since. Also, according to freshmen students in that Facebook group, a few issues were brought up from students and initially addressed by the senator, but students were unsure if it was ever taken care of by the lack of follow up from their representative. “It was one of the days that we were experiencing extremely low temperatures and, as a commuter, I did not find it right that DePaul did not seem to care about the safety of the majority of
their students – the commuters,” Giannetos said. “There were several hundred Facebook comments concerned with the daily commute and an SGA leader responded saying she would forward these apprehensions to someone higher up, although it did not seem to do anything.” The executive board members of SGA explained how they are taking many steps in order to better hear students and their issues with DePaul, not just by actively engaging on social media, but also by keeping their ears peeled for insight from students in order to best help the student body and address their concerns. “I commonly find myself listening to my peers in class, in the Student Center or even on the CTA, talking about things they wish DePaul would do,” Brandon Davis, SGA Treasurer, said. There is more hope than uncertainty for students at DePaul looking to depend on SGA as an outlet for their opinions and concern. “I would hope that if I was very concerned about something, that SGA would take time to listen,” Carynski said.
2014 t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f f i c e s o f: ac a d e m i c a d m i n i s t r at i o n • a l U m n i r e l at i o n s • s t U d e n t a f fa i r s • ac a d e m i c e n h a n c e m e n t • s G a • d e PaU l c e n t r a l • c a r e e r c e n t e r • s t U d e n t r eco r d s • d P U B lc
News. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 7
A no-horse town
Alderman proposes Chicago horse-drawn carriage ban By Michele Seyfarth Contributing Writer
While 2014 may be the Year of The Horse, Chicago Ald. Edward Burke hopes horses will not have to endure traffic jammed Chicago streets much longer. Burke voiced his dislike for the Chicago tourist attraction when he proposed a ban on horse carriages in the city earlier this month. Burke follows in the footsteps of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio who recently proposed a similar ban that would eliminate horse carriages in Central Park. DePaul sophomore and selfproclaimed animal rights advocate, Nina Mandile thinks the city is making great strides with the proposal. Mandile, who is a vegetarian and a member of PETA, said, “I think it’s amazing that they’re finally moving in the right direction for animal rights.” However, it wasn’t necessarily the issue of traffic as it was the toxic fumes that
frustrated Mandile the most. “My biggest concern is that the horses are breathing in so much exhaust,” Mandile said. “It’s making them die much earlier.” Mandile would much rather take a tour bus to view the iconic Chicago buildings. “I feel like riding in horse carriages would be frustrating, especially in traffic,” Mandile said. While the proposal may have many supporters, director of the DePaul Center for Animal Law, Professor Margit Livingston, said it will most likely take a number of years before there is sufficient public sentiment to support an outright ban. “It is apparent that carriage horses work in very difficult and unnatural conditions,” Livingston said. “They are exposed to exhaust fumes from automobiles, the hazards of vehicular traffic in a congested city and potential weather extremes.” Livingston isn’t sure the benefits of the carriage rides outweigh the negative health
Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS
An empty horse carriage drives through Chicago in the Gold Coast area. and safety concerns at this point. However, another factor to consider are the jobs that will be lost if the ban on carriage rides passes, as well as what will happen to the horses. “It is also possible that if rescue groups are not in a position to take in the horses, they would be slaughtered,” Livingston said. Lake Forest resident Aileen Ryan hopes
the ban will not pass and would be upset if the horse carriages left Chicago. Ryan, who feels that the horse carriages give Chicago “personality,” has always had a special place in her heart for the majestic steeds. “I remember wanting to ride them every time my family and I went downtown, or at least going over to pet them,” Ryan said.
CAMPUS CRIME REPORT : Feb. 5 - Feb. 11 LINCOLN PARK CAMPUS 1150 W. Fullerton 6
1050 W. Fullerton 4
Clifton Fullerton
LOOP CAMPUS
8
2
Centennial Hall
Daley Center
Corcoran Hall 7 3 5
14
Athletic Center 1
11 13
DePaul Center
McCabe Hall 10
15 12
Lewis Center
FEB. 5 LOOP CAMPUS
LINCOLN PARK CAMPUS FEB. 6 1) A criminal damage to property report was filed regarding
11) A criminal trespass to land report was completed regarding
FEB. 8 5) A suspicion of cannabis report was filed in Corcoran Hall. No drugs were found. 6) A criminal damage to property report was filed regarding graffiti on a door at 1150 W. Fullerton.
graffiti on the exterior of the Athletic Center.
FEB. 9
2) A possession of cannabis report was filed in Clifton
The offender was transported to Illinois Masonic Hospital by Chicago Fire EMS.
Fullerton Hall. The offender was taken into custody by Chicago Police.
3) A suspicion of cannabis report was filed in Corcoran Hall. No drugs were found.
FEB. 7
4) A possession of cannabis report was filed for subjects in
the rear of 1050 W. Fullerton. Chicago Police were called to the scene.
an offender who was brandishing a box cutter outside of PNC Bank. The offender was escorted to Public Safety. Chicago Police arrived and took the offender into custody.
FEB. 6 12) A harassment report was filed regarding a student being harassed by non-DePaul affiliated persons in the Lewis Center.
7) A liquor law violation report was filed for a room in Corcoran.
FEB. 10
8) A liquor law violation report was filed for a room in
DePaul Center. The offender had received a previous criminal trespass warning for DePaul property. Chicago Police were called, and took the offender into custody.
Centennial Hall. The offender was transported to Illinois Masonic Hospital by Chicago Fire EMS.
9) A robbery report was filed for an incident at the Great Clips on Webster. The offender was taken into custody by Chicago Police.
FEB. 10
13) A criminal trespass to land report was completed at the
14) A criminal defacement report was filed regarding graffiti at the north exterior section of 14 E Jackson.
FEB. 12 15) A criminal trespass to and warning was issued to a
10) A criminal sexual assault report was filed in regards to
suspicious person in the women’s restroom of the Lewis Center. Chicago Police were notified of the incident.
13) A theft report was filed for someone who had property
information Public Safety obtained from Chicago Police. The incident occurred in McCabe Hall.
8 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014
NewsBRIEFS By Nathan Weisman
the third DePaul administrator to leave this school year, following the provost and dean of the law school. She will be replaced temporarily by Erin Moran, the associate vice president for advancement, while the school searches for a permanent replacement.
Asst. News Editor
CAFA floods SGA meeting Students from the Contingent for an Alternatively Funded Arena filled the room at the Student Government Association's general body meeting last Thursday night. The students came to ask questions about the new arena to DePaul University's Treasurer Jeffrey Bethke. Bethke was invited to speak about the arena and address the concerns some students have about TIF funds being used for the arena. While Bethke maintained that DePaul only had a role in the arena, which is no longer directly receiving TIF funds from the city, students from CAFA argued that the school was still tied to the TIF funds through arena connection to the Marriott project. After a short question and answer session with Bethke, SGA and CAFA members discussed the arena. While the majority of SGA members showed support of the arena plan, some did have speculations about the arena and the ability of the school to make money back through ticket sales and naming rights. Bethke asserted that while some risk was involved, the school expects the arena project to pay for itstelf if not create a profit for the school. The discussion also brought into question the necessity or ability of a new arena to help bring new recruits for the school's floundering men's basketball team. While some students felt the team should earn the new stadium, others maintained
Theatre School building gets LEED Gold certification
NOAH GELFMAN | THE DEPAULIA
Students from CAFA and SGA listen to Jeff Bethke at SGA's general body meeting. that the new arena is instrumental in attracting the recruits that DePaul needs to become a winning team.
Administrator leaving to become president of Seton Hill Mary Finger, the senior vice president for advancement, is leaving DePaul to become the president at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa. Finger has been at DePaul for nine years. She will assume her new role on July 1, 2014.
While at DePaul, Finger integrated alumni relations, alumni communication and fundraising operations into a single comprehensive advancement program. Under her leadership the university was able to triple the amount of gifts received and the total number of alumni donors. "Mary has participated in nearly every major decision of these past nine years as a member of the cabinet, and has always done so with humor, wisdom and genuine passion for the mission," DePaul President Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M. said in an email to staff and faculty. Finger is
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The United States Green Building Council awarded the new Theatre School building the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold designation. The decision makes the Theatre School the first performing arts building to receive a Gold certification. “DePaul’s new Theatre School underscores the fact that Chicago is a great theatre city and a great architectural city,” Brian Imus, the executive director for the U.S. Green Building Council Illinois, said. “Our city now boasts a performing arts center that is a role model for sustainability and that deserves a thunderous applause.” In order to be certified the building was constructed and designed to be as efficient as possible. The project included water efficient landscaping, green roofing, use of low emitting materials and innovations such as development and use of new insulating materials in the exterior walls. The Theatre School building is the fourth DePaul building to receive the gold LEED certification following the Arts & Letters Hall, Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Science Building and the DePaul Art Museum.
News. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 9
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
GREG ROTHSTEIN | THE DEPAULIA
A good and free way to escape the cold and snow is at the Lincoln Park Conservatory near Fullerton Parkway and Stockton Drive.
10 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014.
Nation &World
A tale of two cable giants
Sochi 2014: A warm and Comcast buys Time Warner Cable in $45.2 billion merger sunny Winter Olympics It may be winter, and it may be Russia, but Sochi's Olympic games are far from being an Arctic tundra. Sochi is a beach resort town, and temperatures throughout the Olympics have been extremely mild. To combat the forecast, officials have been using snow they manufactured and stockpiled long before the games began. The Associated Press reported that they aren't too concerned with the balmy conditions because they have this extra snow. However, Friday's forecast reached a high of 64 degrees, and according to AP, this forced a schedule change for the downhill portion of the men's super combined. The athletes needed to compete early in the day before the sun could start melting the snow. Additionally, some athletes have expressed concern about risks posed by the warm temperatures. Here's a look at the forecast for the next few days of the Winter Games. Photo courtesy of AP
Comcast has agreed to buy Time Warner Cable for $45.2 billion in stock, or $158.82 per share, in a deal that would combine the top two cable TV companies in the nation.
By Haley BeMiller
SS
P.M. Showers
Nation & World Editor
Comcast agreed last week to purchase Time Warner Cable for $45.2 billion in a deal that would join the two biggest cable companies in the United States. According to a news release, Comcast purchased Time Warner entirely in stock, which amounted to $158.82 per share, and will acquire the company’s 11 million subscribers. This merger has several business perks for both companies, especially Comcast, which completed its takeover of NBC Universal last year. It allows the company to spread its services to parts of the country that have been previously neglected. In particular, the door is now open for consumers in Los Angeles and Dallas, which were dominated by Time Warner up until now. Time Warner, on the other hand, will be able to access Comcast-dominated markets in Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston, and according to CNN, customers can enjoy Comcast’s wealth of channel offerings. Comcast's per share price of $158.82 is also more generous than other offers the company has received in the past. Paul Booth, an assistant professor of new media and technology at DePaul, is concerned about the newly announced merger. Booth believes media products have become increasingly standardized because fewer companies own content, and this drastically reduces options for consumers. “This is a continuation of something that’s been happening for a very long time,” he said. Moreover, Booth said the deal could have a negative effect on consumers' wallets. Less competition tends to lead to higher prices, and companies like to roll out those hikes via small increases in monthly bills so customers won't notice.
Monday, Feb. 17 High: 52° Low: 44°
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However, Booth fears that these consumers won't pay any mind to the deal or its impact. “It worries me that we tend to not really care very much as consumers who is providing our entertainment, who is providing our media, as long as we get media that we want,” he said. Even though it already has people talking, Comcast and Time Warner's merger is not quite set in stone. The companies don't compete directly in many markets outside of New York, so the arrangement is unlikely to result in an antitrust battle. However, CNET reported that the deal could affect the public interest and would thus attract scrutiny from the FCC. Comcast has acknolwedged the insecurities of regulators and will sell off 3 million subscribers so they don’t hold more than 30 percent of the country, the Los Angeles Times reported. But to Booth, the companies' defense against competition is flawed. Even if the
they don't compete now, he said, the merger eradicates the possibility of competition in the future. Despite this, he's skeptical that the deal will get blocked. “We tend to be much more lax on our antitrust laws than we used to be,” he said. Booth believes that consumers who are unhappy with mergers like this can make a difference if they speak their minds. He said anyone could do something as simple as write a blog post or contact his or her representatives and demand the enforcement of antitrust laws. Additionally, Booth said consumers can shift away from the television and turn to the growing industry of online entertainment. If more and more people start utilizing products like Netflix and Hulu, he said, people will cancel their cable and companies like Comcast will no longer be able to sustain themselves. “Turn off your cable. Send a message,” he said. “I think if enough people do that, cable companies will start to notice.”
A.M. Showers
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Thursday, Feb. 20
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FORECAST COURTESY OF THE WEATHER CHANNEL WRITTEN BY HALEY BEMILLER | THE DEPAULIA
Nation & World. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia |11
ICYMI: What's happening in world news Judge: Virginia same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional
"Day We Fight Back" speaks out against NSA surveillance
A federal judge ruled Thursday that Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, making it the first state in the South to have its voter-approved prohibition overturned. U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen issued a stay of her order while it is appealed, meaning that gay couples in Virginia will still not be able to marry until the case is ultimately resolved. Both sides believe the case won't be settled until the Supreme Court decides to hear it or one like it. Allen's ruling makes Virginia the second state in the South to issue a ruling recognizing the legality of gay marriages. A judge in Kentucky ruled Wednesday that the state must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. It did not rule on the constitutionality of samesex marriages inside the state, however. The Virginia judge's ruling also follows similar decisions in Utah and Oklahoma federal courts. “Through its decision today, the court has upheld the principles of equality upon which this nation was founded,” the plaintiffs' lead co-counsel, Theodore B. Olson, said in a statement. The Virginia Attorney General's Office took the unusual step of not defending the law because it believes the ban violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. In her ruling, Wright Allen agreed.
A coalition of the nation's leading technology firms joined an international protest Tuesday against the U.S. government's spying programs, urging more limits on collections of Americans' electronic data and greater oversight and transparency about the secret operations. Top executives from Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Facebook, AOL, LinkedIn and Twitter published a joint statement and sent a letter Tuesday to President Barack Obama and members of Congress. The coalition of tech firms, known as Reform Government Surveillance, urged changes that would include a government agreement not to collect bulk data from Internet communications. Technology companies expressed outrage last year after media accounts based on leaks from former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden disclosed that the U.S. and the Britain intercept massive amounts of electronic Web metadata abroad from foreign computer users and sometimes from Americans. The stance taken by the technology firms provided a public boost to “The Day We Fight Back,” a day of protest against the government's spying operations organized by civil liberties and privacy advocates. Activists urged Americans to write and call members of Congress in protest. By midafternoon, “The Day We Fight Back” claimed backers had sent 104,000 emails and made nearly 50,000 calls to Congress. “Reports about government surveillance have shown there is a real need for greater disclosure and new limits on how governments collect information,” Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said. “The U.S. government should take this opportunity to lead this reform effort.”
“The legal process will continue to play out in the months to come, but this decision shows that Virginia, like America, is coming to a better place in recognizing that every Virginian deserves to be treated equally and fairly,” Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat, said in a statement.
Photo courtesy of AP
Facebook software engineer Brielle Harrison demonstrates expanded options for gender identification.
Facebook offers new gender options for users You don't have to be just male or female on Facebook anymore. The social media giant has added a customizable option with about 50 different terms people can use to identify their gender as well as three preferred pronoun choices: him, her or them. Facebook said the changes initially cover the company's 159 million monthly users in the U.S. and are aimed at giving people more choices in how they describe themselves, such as androgynous, bi-gender, intersex, gender fluid or transsexual. “There's going to be a lot of people for whom this is going to mean nothing, but for the few it does impact, it means the world,” Facebook software engineer Brielle Harrison said. Harrison worked on the project and is herself undergoing gender transformation, from male to female. On Thursday, while watchdogging the
software for any problems, she said she was also changing her Facebook identity from Female to TransWoman. “All too often transgender people like myself and other gender nonconforming people are given this binary option, do you want to be male or female? What is your gender? And it's kind of disheartening because none of those let us tell others who we really are,” she said. “This really changes that, and for the first time I get to go to the site and specify to all the people I know what my gender is.” Facebook, which has 1.23 billion active monthly users around the world, also allows them to keep their gender identity private and will continue to do so. The Williams Institute, a think tank based at the University of California, Los Angeles, estimates there are at least 700,000 individuals in the U.S. who identify as transgender.
Content by The Associated Press Compiled by Haley BeMiller | The DePaulia
Obama seeks to decrease sexual assault at universities By Brenden Moore Staff Writer
Last month, President Barack Obama created a task force assigned to find ways to reduce sexual assault and violence on college campuses. The effort renews an issue that the administration has dealt with in the past. While previously focused on reducing its occurrence in the military, the administration will now put a spotlight on an issue that has become all too common on college campuses. “To say sexual assault on college campuses is prevalent would be an understatement. Undergraduate women have a one-in-four chance of being raped,” Sam Lowy, a junior at DePaul, said, citing statistics from the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network, an anti-sexual violence organization. Lowy is an activist advocating for changes to DePaul's policy regarding sexual assault prevention and enforcement. She is also starting an AntiSexual Assault Coalition, but the organization is not officially recognized by the university at this time. While the problem is evident,
finding solutions may present a challenge to those on the task force, as the environment in college is different than that of other places. “I think there’s a culture of silence around acquaintance rape — the most common kind of assault — so victims are often afraid that they’re the only ones or that no one will believe them, which allows rapists to go unreported and continue their destructive behaviors,” Lowy said. “I also think that the nature of dorm life — close quarters, young people, alcohol regardless of the prohibition — lead to people in vulnerable positions around people that are predatory.” According to the New York Times, only 12 percent of students who are raped report the crime. And with various issues like alcohol in the mix, very few of the accused are charged with a crime. With these statistics as a backdrop, the president is challenging colleges and universities to try and better prevent these types of heinous crimes. While the task force will have 90 days to come up with recommendations, the people the commission is charged with
Photo courtesy of MCT Campus
President Obama has been a vocal advocate of preventing sexual assault in the military and is now turning his attention to combating the issue on college campuses. helping, students, have ideas as to what recommendations should be made. “I think the best solution to sexual assault on college campus is for there to be mandatory and comprehensive consent training,” Lowy said. “The idea that everyone
can always protect themselves is ludicrous and perpetuates the cultural myth that men can’t help but rape, something I know isn’t true.” This sentiment is echoed by the administration, as they believe that men should be more
responsible and play a larger role in preventing sexual assault. “I want every young man in America to feel some strong peer pressure in terms of how they are supposed to behave and treat women,” Obama said, according to the Times.
12 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014
Opinions
A fresh breath for smokers By Tom Fowkes Contributing Writer
By now, CVS Caremark’s decision to stop selling tobacco products by Oct. 1 has filtered through media outlets to a public that has responded with commendation at best, and minor annoyance at worst. While even President Obama praised the company’s decision as a “powerful example” in the effort to “reduce tobaccorelated deaths,” some smokers and smokeless tobacco users have bemoaned the latest in a long line of inconvenient slights against them. On DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus, students like 18-year-old freshman Alex BEX ROSS | CREATIVE COMMONS Harris seek out every suitable cranny to A teenaged cigarette smoker blows a smoke ring. indulge in their smoke breaks during this particularly unaccommodating winter, loathe tobacco and how it ravages human and Superman as a child, or mimicking and are now to be left without one of their beings, I still feel that people should have the motions of smokers with my candy nearest sources for cigarettes. “They’re every right to purvey and purchase it if cigarettes – right down to biting little bits way cheaper than the Mobil … so that they so desire. off of one end, and flicking away the “ash.” really helps,” Harris said. “Them stopping More importantly, retail entities, All this in spite of never being able to selling, it’s like, ‘great, let me spend more especially pharmaceutical ones like CVS, have a conversation with one of my uncles money, because I don’t do that enough.’” should be afforded the right to sell or not before his untimely passing, his voice box I can certainly relate, as I still vividly sell these products according to their own removed in a fruitless effort to fight the and painfully recall emerging from CVS wishes. It’s not as if the company is going throat cancer that would eventually claim on Lincoln Avenue every morning, eagerly his life. entirely health-oriented either, as they will packing a fresh box of Newports against continue to stock items including alcohol When my turn to pick up a cigarette the palm of my hand. Oddly enough, and junk food. came, years of indoctrination had made I’ve discovered only from coverage of the Still, while CVS’s cessation of tobacco me ready for it. Like Alex Harris, my company’s recent announcement that there “whole friend group” smoked by the sales may not yield an irreparable dent in have been bans on tobacco products in their profits, I find it admirable that they time I was in high school. My first time pharmacies in my native Massachusetts are willing to sacrifice whatever portion smoking a cigarette was straight out of a for years now. I guess I never ventured of their revenue that these products classic after school special- someone told much further than Blue Hill Gas Station in me to try one, so I did. That decision led constitute for the sake of public interest. Quincy anyway. Eventually, the shelves behind CVS’s to an incredibly and unnecessarily harmful At the time of writing, I am 6 hours counters will be emptied, and the company 5-and-a-half-year habit (as well as my and 10 minutes shy of 16 months without will initiate information campaigns and patronage of Lincoln Avenue’s CVS), the a cigarette, and I track my progress so treatment programs to assist smokers. breaking of which has been one of the meticulously because it is a moment-toWhile many students will certainly remain most worthwhile efforts of my life. moment struggle more often than I admit. huddled under awnings, their smoke I’m not spinning a sob story, and I first inhaled and experienced the clouds indistinguishable from their frozen I fully accept the responsibility and initial violent coughing fit and subsequent, repercussions of my own actions. breath, some may in fact walk down transitory, light-headed euphoria of Lincoln Avenue for a different reason than However, after years of experience with a cigarette 7 years ago when I was 15 before. and reflection on the subject, nothing years old, but I truly knew that that day I now know from experience how can convince me that tobacco companies would come long before it did. I will refreshing it is to walk through those are anything but manipulative, unethical never forget having the same fascination revolving doors back out onto the street drug dealers who push tainted and deadly Fifty years after the first U.S. surgeon general’s report on the health hazards of smoking, a with Joe Camel that I felt with Batman and draw a breath of clean, fresh air. products. With that said, although I now new report greatly broadens the list of diseases linked to cigarettes.
Even more harm tied to cigarettes
Adult cigarette consumption per person, per year
1964 surgeon general’s report on smoking and health
First evidence linking smoking and cancer
4,000
Broadcast ad ban
3,000
Federal cigarette tax doubles
2,000
U.S. enters into WWI
U.S. enters into WWII
1,000
Cigarette price drop Nicotine medications available over-the-counter
Great Depression begins 1900
1986 surgeon general’s report on secondhand smoke
’10
’20
Smoking now linked to • Type 2 diabetes • Rheumatoid arthritis • Liver, colorectal cancer • Erectile dysfunction • Age-related macular degeneration • Cleft palate birth defects
’30
’40
$0.62 federal tax increase ’50
Since the 1964 surgeon general’s report, Americans who have died because of smoking More than
20 million
’60
’70
Continuing to smoke
42 million
American adults
3 million
middle and high school students
’80
’90
2000
’10
Americans suffering from a disease caused by smoking
Americans dying prematurely from smoking each year
More than 16 million
Nearly 500,000
Source: U.S. Surgeon General, U.S. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, American Lung Association Graphic: Melina Yingling
© 2014 MCT
Infographic courtesy of MCT CAMPUS
If you give a kid a dollar By Gabriella Mikiewicz Contributing Writer
Do you remember those times as a child when someone gave you a dollar and you ran straight to the gumball machine and indulged yourself with newfound freedom of having your very own money? Any money that came into my hands always left within a few hours. I never had a strict allowance, and my parents would give me any amount that they saw fit for whatever activity I needed it for. A recent study has shown that parents are now increasing their children’s allowances since previous years. Around four percent of American families have increased their children’s allowance to about $50 per week. Even more shocking, an article in the Chicago Tribune reports, “More than one percent of parents are shelling out between $91-100 a week.” These numbers seem shocking at first, and while $100 is pretty extravagant, a weekly allowance from a younger age might actually be helpful in the long-run, depending on how the parent approaches the topic. The issue some parents have with giving their child an allowance is that it teaches their children the idea of “free money,” which we all know by now doesn’t exist. This could have repercussions in the long run for college students. Children who receive an allowance without having to do anything in return may tend to think that good things come from the generosity of an authority figure, and they might ask a professor for an A instead of working towards it. This is why it is necessary to tie a child’s allowance into chores, grades or even behavior. This would instill in the child the idea that you can get compensated for the amount of good that you do and that you have to work hard to get there. Whatever money I got my hands on, I was unable to resist the temptation to spend it right away. Because of this, I never saved much money at all. This has definitely become my ruination in college. All of my paychecks go straight towards Thai food take-out and new clothes. Maddy Bourque, DePaul sophomore, said that she has never received an allowance and has had to learn these lessons in college. “I’m good at prioritizing my finances so my bills never go unpaid, but struggle with saving money for the future. I use most of my paycheck each month and luckily have help from my family for rent and tuition,” Bourque said. Allowances can teach children valuable lessons about keeping track of where their money goes and not splurging on unnecessary items. Even a few dollars per week can teach a child to save their money for a few weeks in order to buy one big thing, instead of several pieces of gum at the store. Alexander Haddad, a 19-year-old biology major, was given an allowance throughout high school, which has taught him financial responsibility. “I’ve always been good with not blowing all of my money right away, but I’m glad I learned that lesson before I came to college,” Haddad said.
Opinions. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 13
Dirt for gold:
One Nebraskan's thoughts about the plans for the Keystone XL oil pipeline
By Nick Oviatt Contributing Writer
The debate surrounding the Keystone XL Pipeline – which will carry millions of gallons of oil a day – once again proves how ignorant Americans can be. The plan to build a new pipeline through the Great Plain states also proves that, more often than not, both sides are wrong. The debate isn’t between environmentalists and conservatives, or between business-friendly politicians and farmers. Rather, it is a group of misinformed people battling the facts. As a Nebraskan myself, I can vouch that the United States federal government is getting involved where they don’t belong. It was Nebraska’s Republican governor who first delayed the pipeline to conduct studies on the safety of the pipeline, not the Obama administration. It was only after the people of Nebraska wanted answers that the federal government got involved. Unfortunately, the state’s investigations wrapped up long before, concluding that as long as the Keystone XL pipeline went around the Ogallala Aquifer, the largest source of underground water in the nation, the pipeline was safe. So, one of the main concerns about contaminating the aquifer was shot down after the pipeline was rerouted to go safely around
SARAH A. MILLER | ASSOCIATED PRESS
A segment of the Keystone XL Pipeline being constructed in Texas. The project would carry oil from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico when completed. Nebraska’s largest water supply; still the Obama administration stands in the way. The truth is that tar sand oil, before being refined, cannot even seep through to the underground water supply. The only valid concern regarding a pipeline burst was the chemicals used to transport the oil, which could possibly seep deep enough to the underground water supply. Since that concern is no longer applicable due to the reroute, we now turn to focus on the job creation argument, which many see as invalid since the pipeline will only create a couple dozen permanent jobs.
However, thousands of temporary jobs will be created. These temporary jobs could help the currently unemployed by allowing them time until the economy gains further strength, with hopes that the job market will be better by the time they are done constructing the pipeline. Even the dozen or so jobs that will be created in a state like Nebraska is still sizeable growth for a small Nebraska town. To put it into perspective, it can mean over $140,000 in new tax dollars for a school that typically has a budget in the low millions. That might be small change in Chicago, but that’s a sizeable
difference for small Midwestern towns and schools. Additionally, pipelines already exist throughout Nebraska and neighboring states to the north and south. These previously existing pipelines are not only older, but were built with weaker and less robust materials. These existing pipelines, such as the original Keystone pipeline, are already built across the famous Ogallala Aquifer. The real risk lies in these older pipelines, not the new one. Of course, we could always justify this risk by saying that it helps America achieve energy
independence, right? Wrong. The truth is that the tar sand oil from Canada will go straight to Saudi-owned refineries and be sold to China. This is also exactly why it doesn’t matter if the pipeline is built here or not. TransCanada, the company that plans to build Keystone XL, is already planning to build the pipeline across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean if the original plan is officially halted across the Great Plains. The state department’s recent report citing little effect on carbon emissions and the environment means there is practically no risk. Also, a federal study conducted last year found that the development of the pipeline has no significant impact on the development of tar sands. Essentially, tar sands will continue to develop as a fuel regardless of the Obama administration’s decision, and there is nothing that can be done with the pipeline that will curb fossil fuel emissions. Thus, the United States might as well seize a profitable, easy, low-risk job creator that puts more power into the hands of Americans. In the end, the part of the country the Keystone XL pipeline actually affects has already agreed to the terms. In Texas, construction has already begun. It’s time to tell Obama and the rest of the country to “get lost.” This issue is best dealt with locally.
Before tweeting, think twice By Kirsten Onsgard Contributing Writer
Justine Sacco was not a household name until her digital faux pas went viral last December. Before boarding a flight the publicist sent an offensive tweet that echoed exponentially around cyberspace in a surge of retweets and a viral hashtag: “Going to South Africa. Hope I don’t get AIDS. Just kidding. I’m white.” The social media blunder would cost her not only her online reputation, but her career as well. News and media organizations took this as a cue to revive longstanding arguments about social media responsibility and maintaining a reputation online. Some editorials jumped to her defense, but the sheer volume of outlets pushing the click bait story speaks to a certain distrust and fear. If Twitter is our soapbox, they argue, it is imperative to understand the consequences of every 140-character thought. And all too often, the young people of Generation Y are the demographic blamed for irresponsible Internet use. DePaul College of Digital Media professor Doug Miller agrees that age is not necessarily a factor in predicting online behavior. Though it might be easy to simply conclude that young adults show poor judgment and over share on social networks, he argues it’s likely equal
across age groups. “It is just that the 90 percent use rate of social among 18-29 year olds provides for more chances for it to bubble to the surface, versus 78 percent adoption from 30-49 year olds and even less participation in older demographics,” he said. But the “digital native” theory – the idea that those who grew up with such technology understand it best – does not necessarily provide a solution. Miller says that young adults, in particular, place a high value on online social interaction. Because those who do not participate in such networking risk ostracization, weighing the costs and benefits is different, and more is at stake. “There is a very large difference between how I use Facebook, and, say, (how) my mom does,” says Andrew Elam, a sophomore studying network security. “I have a lot more random things liked and posted and utilize it a lot more.” Like many his age, Elam says he has taken steps to groom his social presence. He has deleted old photos from his early Facebook days and says he never posts anything that might seem inappropriate. He agreed that people his age view social networking activity as an extension of in-person interaction. “In my opinion, younger adults are perhaps better suited to understand the ‘in real life’ value of digital social networks than their older counterparts,” Miller said. “Research shows that the networks
A woman uses her iPhone. (that) younger users are building using digital tools is more diverse and greater in number than their ‘offline’ older counterparts.” Testament to this understanding is the rise in popularity of self-destructing social media platforms, like Snapchat. Despite concerns that it would proliferate the exchange of lewd photos, the app has flourished, boasting at least 30 million active users, according to Business Insider. Snapchat is just the beginning. Ephemeral social media is the next logical step for a generation that values their social facade. Certainly there are ways to corrupt this sense of privacy; other apps have launched specifically to allow users to screenshot without notifying the sender. But an app that allows its users to send a select group of friends a couple of spontaneous selfies without posting for their entire social circle has a subtle – but evidently strong – power. The difference between Gen Y and Gen X is not that we understand how
JHAYMESISVIPHOTOGRAPHY | CREATIVE COMMONS
to navigate social networking better, but that we need to understand it, both socially and for our careers. The pressure to participate and likewise the stakes of participating are higher, and for the most part we act appropriately. Certainly, as we navigate and accept this dual identity there will be mistakes. However, for us this fact is not something to fear, but something to manage; we delete and self-monitor, and occasionally an update will sour a few followers. For us, it’s no different than slipping up and spewing out something inappropriate in person. It happens. “Ultimately, the role of digital tools in the social equations young adults are having to solve is not to be overlooked,” Miller said. “I think older adults – specifically those in charge of hiring, who might be inclined to pass over a candidate dropping too many ‘f-bombs’ in their tweets – need to be more understanding of those very real social demands prior to passing judgment too quickly.”
The opinions in this section do not necessarily reflect those of The DePaulia staff.
14 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014
Focus
Photos courtesy of Tree House Humane Soc
Opt to adopt
Animal-lovers nationwide are saving lives by adop
Photo courtesy of Meghan Webster
DePaul graduate Meghan Jones bonds with her dog Webster the day she adopted him from a rescue group in Michigan in October 2012.
By Hannah Vogel Staff Writer
After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, animals lovers from around the country flocked to New Orleans and the surrounding areas to rescue animals that were separated from their owners. DePaul sophomore Alexis Pentecost was one of the people who continued the rescue mission and adopted one of the 10,000 dogs the Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescue saved. “It’s seriously the most rewarding feeling I could ever imagine,” she said of adopting her Australian Cattle Dog named Pepper. Pentecost used to foster dogs and then
adopt the ones that never found a home. But because she’s had such a positive experience with Pepper, she joined an Australian Cattle Dog rescue group and adopted her next three dogs — Farrah, Molly and Sheila, all Australian Cattle Dogs — from various shelters. “I wanted to help unloved dogs instead of encouraging breeders to overproduce,” Pentecost said. Pentecost ultimately saved the dogs from the less than pleasant fate they may have suffered in the shelter: euthanasia. According to the American Humane Society, shelters take in approximately 8 million stray and unwanted animals across the country. Of those 8 million, 3.7 million are euthanized due to overpopulation in the shelters. In fact, shelter euthanasia is the leading cause of death for both dogs and cats in the United States, according to the American Humane Society. Some shelters, such as the AntiCruelty Society of Chicago, have adopted a “no kill” policy. Other smaller shelters, however, cannot keep their doors open and implement a “no kill” policy simply because they don’t have enough money to support an unlimited number of animals. “If you’re wondering about whether or not overpopulation still exists in Chicago, it absolutely does,” Tatiana Garrett, the director of communications for the AntiCruelty Society, said. “When you adopt an animal, you save their life,” Linda Estrada, the president and director of the Animal Welfare League, said. “This is their last place to go; it’s like the last seat on the bus and if you don’t adopt an animal from a shelter and you adopt from a pet shop, you’re supporting
puppy mills, which are horrendous.” not obtained by gove The Animal Welfare League, located humane societies or a at 6224 S. Wabash Ave., currently houses organizations. Violat 1,483 pets and takes in almost every kind $1,000 a day if the off of animal. But like many shelters, it’s “(Puppy mills are struggling with overpopulation. Mendoza said. “The m Many people are apprehensive about breed continuously … obtaining their pets from an adoption their own excrement shelter because they think they are exercise. They’re liter adopting someone else’s problem. They cell, and they’re neve think they may be purchasing an animal that does not get along with When you adopt an families, barks too much or isn’t trained. animal, you save their life. But Estrada, like This is their last place to many employees of go.” adoption centers, encourages the Linda Estrada adoption as opposed President, Animal to buying animals from pet stores. Welfare League “Anybody who wants to go to a pet store has to understand where the animals the actions of puppy are coming from,” Trisha Teckenbrock, While the bill is p a public relations associate at the AntiDePaul students who Cruelty Society, said. of their own have the At pet stores, it’s possible that the Olivia Hutsler, a juni animals came from controversial places adopted two pets, on like puppy mills, which have been her at school, her cat criticized for placing profit over the wellproponent of pet ado being of the animals. does not want puppy Chicago pet stores may no longer be practices to continue able to support unethical puppy mills “You are literally barring the passage of a bill proposed by adopt an animal,” Hu Chicago city clerk Susana Mendoza. In In addition to sav a council meeting on Feb. 5, Mendoza college students can a introduced a bill that would prohibit pet adopting a pet rather stores from selling dogs and cats that were from a pet store. Acc
Focus. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 15
Homeward bound If you’re looking for a furry companion to come home to every day, look no further than the local “no kill” animal shelters. There are countless dogs and cats of all breeds, sizes and ages available for adoption.
ciety and The Anti-Cruelty Society
t
PAWS Chicago
Photo courtesy of The Anti-Cruelty Society
pting - not buying their pets
ernment-run facilities, animal rescue tors would be charged ffense were repeated. e) overcrowded,” moms are forced to … They’re caged in t. They don’t get any rally in a tiny jail er cleaned. They’re prone to all kinds of diseases, and they basically breed them until they’re dead.” Chicago would not be the first city in the United States to take such steps. Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix have all passed similar bills in response to groups who do not support mills. pending passage, o want to have pets e option to adopt. ior at DePaul, has ne of which lives with Leona. Hutsler is a option because she y mills with unethical e. saving a life if you utsler said. ving lives, thrifty also save money by r than purchasing one cording to the Best
Friends Animal Society, the cost of buying a pet ranges from $500 to $1,000. When you adopt a pet, costs typically range from $20 to $500, depending on whether the pet comes from a city shelter or a rescue group. At the shelters there are staff members who take the animals out for walks and play with them, but nothing compares to a warm permanent home. “It’s their second chance at life,” Anthony Estrada, a humane investigator at the Animal Welfare League, said. “They just need someone to come spend a little time with them. Some TLC, a little tender love and care.” Meghan Jones, a recent graduate from DePaul, adopted her dog Webster from a rescue center and is giving her dog just that. “I adopted my dog Webster from a rescue group in Michigan in October of 2012,” Jones said. “He was a year and a half old at the time and very sick. I think he is the most wonderful thing, so loving and grateful, very well behaved. It’s a lot of work, but I cannot imagine not adopting.” Linda Estrada is hopeful the problem of overpopulation can be fixed if people spread the word about adopting pets. “People don’t realize,” she said. “They think what can I do, I’m one person. Well if one person told 10 people what they see and those 10 people tell, that’s how countries are changed.”
PAWS Chicago is the largest “no kill” humane organization in the Midwest. Since its formation in 1997, the killing rate of homeless animals has dropped almost 70 percent. In 2013, nearly 6,000 animals were adopted from PAWS Chicago. PAWS is located at 1997 N. Clybourn Ave and offers both dogs and cats for adoption
Tree House Humane Society
Photo courtesy of Tree House Humane Society
A shelter for cats only, the Tree House Humane Society has rescued and adopted more than 16,000 cats since its founding in 1971. The Tree House Humane Society is the largest cageless “no kill” shelter for injured, sick and abandoned cats in the Chicago area. The shelter is located at 1629 N. Ashland Ave.
The Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago
Photo courtesy of The Anti-Cruelty Society
TOP: Swarley, a one-year-old Chihuahua/Daschund mix, is up for adoption at the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago. MIDDLE: Yelena, an adult female cat, is available for adoption from the Tree House Humane Society. BOTTOM: Fouryear-old Jade, a Shepherd mix, is up for adoption at the Anti-Curlety Society of Chicago.
The Anti-Cruelty Society is one of the oldest no-kill animal shelters in the country. Founded in 1899, the organization focuses on finding homes for pets, preventing cruelty, educating the public and spaying and neutering to prevent overpopulation. The AntiCruelty Society of Chicago is located at 157 W. Grand Ave.
16 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014
Arts & Life
Journey through heritage
Photo courtesy of LAUREL DUNAY
Students explore their Jewish culture on Taglit Birthright Israel By Jessi Barnes Contributing Writer
I got the e-mail during finals week Winter Quarter of 2013. It was now official, I was accepted and heading to Israel for 10 days over the summer on Taglit Birthright Israel (Birthright) – a free 10-day experience of a lifetime. My mind was almost instantly flooded with a mix of emotions. I was ecstatic, for one, but I was also absolutely terrified to spend 10 full days in a foreign country with a group of 50 strangers. But, I took the leap. And, if I had not faced my fear and anxiety, I am absolutely certain that I would not be where I am today. Going on Birthright has brought me a deeper connection with my faith, a brand new family of friends, and, of course, a severe case of wanderlust. Birthright can be summed up into a fascinating; unimaginable; and, admittedly exhausting, 10-day excursion across Israel with a group of 50 or more young adults, who quickly transition from strangers to family. The Taglit Birthright trip has an outdoor adventure focused itinerary, while integrating the historical and cultural aspects of the beautiful country of Israel as well. There was acceptance of any and all beliefs, which was a breath of fresh air. It is an exceptionally welcoming experience to each and every participant. Being thousands of miles away from home with a group of 50 strangers in a foreign country may seem terrifying to some. I know it was for me. So, why take
the chance and go on a Birthright trip? Jordan Gold, junior, went on Birthright because he felt he “needed a new perspective” and wanted the chance to “visit the roots of my religion.” Curiosity about your background, heritage and faith is common among young adults, and going on Birthright can help hash out some of the difficulties that come along with the “finding yourself ” stage of life. I was in the same boat. I applied to Birthright with the intent of learning more about myself and my heritage. And, what better way to do that than to spend 10 days in beautiful Israel – the homeland of the Jewish people? The number of reasons to take this trip are absolutely infinite. Allie Kahan, freshman, took a trip this winter to “break up” the monotony of the dreadful six week break. Cameron Erickson, junior, explained that he “wanted to see firsthand why a strip of land smaller than the state of New Jersey was in the news so often.” Bringing together the various motives for taking the trip and the wide-range of backgrounds truly enhances the Birthright experience by granting so many more opportunities to learn and grow. The 10 days are spent traveling all over Israel, from the Golan Heights in the North, to the Negev Desert in the South, there was never a dull moment. The first question anyone asks when you return from Birthright is about your favorite part … which is extremely frustrating, seeing as it is nearly impossible to narrow it down to just one
Photo courtesy of HALEY SEPPA
Students on their Taglit Birthright trip to Israel spend 10 days absorbing the nation's rich history. moment. Matt Weitz, junior, said that he “will always remember watching the sun rise on top of Masada and riding camels during sunset the night before.” Floating atop the Dead Sea fully caked in mud, kayaking along the Jordan River, wandering the Shuk marketplace in Jerusalem and spending time on the beach in Tel Aviv are among the many enjoyable experiences to be had during those too-brief 10 days in Israel. Of course, there are many sentimental moments woven into the midst of all of the fun. Visiting the Western Wall for the first time can be an extremely, and usually unexpectedly, emotional experience for many participants, including myself. Personally, I was not very religious before my trip to Israel. However, being at the Western Wall was an extremely intense moment for me. Witnessing firsthand all of the notes stuffed into the cracks of the ancient wall, and realizing that each
of those notes represented an individual’s gratitude, hopes, prayers, dreams or wishes, hit me extremely hard. Kahan explained the experience at the Wall as being “the most powerful” moment of her trip. Gold even admitted that he “bursted out into tears,” while visiting the Western Wall. “At first, I didn’t think it was anything that special,” he said, “and then it hit me out of no where.” Regardless of motive to take the trip, most, if not all, Birthright participants come back home with an overwhelmingly positive attitude – about all aspects of their adventure throughout Israel. Christie Lacey, junior, perfectly explained that Birthright “not only helps you appreciate all you have, but, also teaches you to be a more accepting and tolerant person” and that Birthright has helped her “grow so much as an individual.” Birthright gave me so much as well. Most importantly,
I gained a group of friends that I can call family and a fresh perspective on my heritage. Birthright also led me to many exciting opportunities, including my Israel Internship with the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation’s Israel Education Center today. Of course, there are always the questions of eligibility. Recently, with much excitement, Birthright expanded their eligibility. Teens who had previously gone on an educational trip to Israel during high school were not eligible to take the trip, but now, they are able to participate. So, if you are Jewish and between the ages of 18-26, you are eligible to take this amazing opportunity to travel to Israel. Interested? Eligible to go? Registration for Summer 2014 trips open 9a.m. Feb. 19. Register at www.israelwithisraelis.com
Arts & Life. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 17
'Speak unspoken truths': Janet Mock at DePaul By Jordan Sarti Contributing Writer
One of the most prominent transgender icons in pop culture appeared at DePaul’s Student Center Monday. Writer and activist Janet Mock gave a presentation and short reading from her new landmark memoir, “Redefining Realness.” Mock was the editor of People magazine when she agreed to be the subject of the sensational Marie Claire feature, “I Was Born a Boy.” Since coming out as a trans woman, Mock has been involved in various types of activism, founding the #girlslikeus twitter campaign for trans women to connect and empower one another. She also serves as a board member for the Arcus Foundation, an LGBT advocacy group. Trans advocate Janet Mock, who spoke at DePaul Feb. 10. Last week, Mock was interviewed by CNN host Piers struggles of trans youth: They technical difficulties, Mock Morgan. Though the exchange are statistically at a high risk for played audio of Sylvia Rivera, a was amiable, she later took issue homelessness, joblessness, mental trans woman and activist from with statements made by Piers, health issues and involvement the early 1970s, confronting the namely a promotional tweet in the sex trade. Uncomfortable cis gendered members of her that misgendered her: “How with being glorified as a role LGBT community who were would you feel if you found out model whose achievements are excluding trans people. the woman you are dating was entirely possible for all people, Mock honored other trans formerly a man?” After receiving she made a point to state that she women of color who “carry the some backlash from the trans only represented a possibility, movement on a grassroots level.” community, Morgan invited her and others may not have the She spoke of erased history: There back to discuss what went wrong. opportunity to overcome trials is very little recorded about trans Mock responded to Morgan’s as she had. She cited civil rights people. She expressed her hope exasperation unapologetically. activist Audre Lorde’s assertion that she could use her visibility The large meeting room that “nothing neutralizes to give a platform for the more held more than 100 seated creativity quicker than tokenism, disadvantaged to speak. Mock onlookers, while Mock that false sense of security fed by praised actress Laverne Cox commandingly took the stage a myth of individual solutions.” (“Orange is the New Black”) and with a PowerPoint presentation. Mock feared others would use her model Isis King (“America’s Next She first introduced herself and success as a negation of systemic Top Model”) as trans women detailed her background; she oppression. who offered the community studied journalism at New York She referenced the work of other possibilities and positive University and went on to a other radical women of color, representation. She promoted successful media career, until she including bell hooks and Marsha Cox’s new documentary project chose to change direction. P. Johnson. Although there were about incarcerated trans women. Mock drew attention to the
Photo courtesy of JANET MOCK/ATL PHOTOS
Throughout her discussion of trans issues, Mock continually referenced the phrase “speak unspoken truths.” She emphasized the importance of voice, representation, and visibility, not for cis onlookers, but for trans youth. Her relationship to the cause, while rooted in strong political analyses of systemic oppression, was intensely personal. Mock went on to give what she called a “light reading” from “Redefining Realness.” The excerpts she selected related stories from her childhood, coming out as a woman in high school, and a deconstruction of her emotional connection to pop culture. The audience was very engaged, enraptured by her earnest idolization of Beyoncé and self-deprecating quips. Then Mock opened the forum
for questions. Audience members inquired about her current relationship with her father, what she thought of NYU (“I just know it was really expensive for no reason”), and what went wrong with Piers Morgan. The third time Morgan was brought up, Mock exasperatedly asked, “Is this an insightful question? I’m really tired of talking about Piers Morgan.” When prompted about why she did not speak up during her first appearance on his show, she admitted: “I was scared. That was my mistake.” One audience member asked how to deal with hostility from the community, to which Mock replied, “I don’t.” She explained the impact that creating her own community of extended family had on her well-being and advised the asker to look around. “I see people here smiling and nodding. Those people are your community.” The session came to a reluctant end, and Mock began signing copies of her book. People filed out, buzzing with energy. Arielle Amiri reflected on the event, “I thought her story was very provocative, her presence was very electric, her pride and self love was very inspiring. However, I do wish she went into the systematic nature of how structures are exclusionary to trans people and people of color.” Janet Mock’s presentation at DePaul was informative while remaining informal and capturing the spirit of her conversational writing style. “Redefining Realness” is a landmark book in the way of transgender authors, and no amount of talk show controversy can steal the stage.
DAB hosts 'Rom Com and Cupcakes' event By Clare Edlund Contributing Writer
DePaul University is an active place during the school year thanks to the DePaul Activities Board (DAB). DAB strives to brighten campus life by hosting an array of events on both the Lincoln Park and Loop campuses. However, it is clear that both campuses celebrate school spirit quite differently. Lincoln Park is beaming with campus life throughout the Student Center and quad, while the Loop campus consists of students rushing to the skyscrapers planted in the heart of Chicago. That does not leave much room for hopping college student life in the Loop campus, but a busy rush-hour professional environment more so. The “Rom Com” event, hosted by DAB Feb. 13, was a Loop campus-event meant for students to watch a romantic comedy film and eat complimentary cupcakes in spirit of Valentine’s Day. DAB leaders took initiative in organizing this event – after all, the event coordinators had to have the event approved by the Eboard; reserve the rights for the '90's film featured “You’ve Got Mail”; and then pre-order
about 40 cupcakes from “Chartwell’s” to be catered to the 11th floor of the DePaul Student Center. Little mishaps, such as the cupcakes arriving “icing-less” compelled the coordinators to rush after the caterer to demand mounds of spreadable chocolate and vanilla frosting. After this was resolved, the DAB leaders were able to relax, sitting atop the DePaul Center lounge counter and enjoying their favorite flavor of cupcake. The rest of the room held disengaged DePaul students, not watching the movie, but sitting at nearby desks with their eyes glued to their gadgets, working fiercely on papers and internship applications. One student sat in a green lounge seat, close to the cupcakes. He was facing away from the television screen staring deeply into his Android, with a set of Skull Candy headphones morphed around his ears. Students would nonchalantly stroll by the cupcakes taking quick glimpses and shyly disappearing. Unlike the regimented Lincoln Park events where students who live nearby can easily travel, the turnout of this event, like many of the DAB events held at the Loop, was a laid-back, come-and-go atmosphere. “You can have a cupcake – they’re free,”
Photo courtesy of ANGRYJULIEMONDAY - FLICKR
The "Rom Com and Cupcakes" event at DePaul's Loop campus Feb. 13 provided Valentine's Day cheer for students. Mandie Lederer, variety coordinator, told the confused, lingering student who had the “I wonder if those cupcakes are free” face. Lederer, now a senior, has been on DAB since her sophomore year. She and her crew foster fun events nearly weekly on both the Lincoln Park and Loop campuses. “Loop events are more difficult to put on because it’s mostly commuter students who are going in and out,” Lederer said.
“It’s also harder to think of ideas for Loop events – but we can definitely be more creative with it.” The overall turnout of the Rom Com event was sporadic to say the least – no one stayed to watch Tom Hanks, but students took advantage of the cupcakes, thankful to have a sweet fix before cramming for midterm exams.
18 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014
Study abroad diaries: Merida, Mexico
PARKER ASMANN | THE DEPAULIA
The children of Emiliano Zapata Sur in Merida, Mexico, displaying their artwork from their English class that Parker Asmann assists in teaching.
By Parker Asmann Contributing Writer
There comes a point in everyone’s life where everything seems to click and fall into place. It’s as if you’re standing atop the summit of the tallest mountain, that picture-perfect view expanding along the horizon with a cool breeze blowing, sending chills down your spine and giving you the feeling that your whole life is about to start over; today was that day. Now into the final stretch of my time studying abroad here in Merida, the realization that this dream experience must come to an end in the near future is starting to become more and more clear. It’s with this realization and the events that played out this past week that I find myself overcome with a sense of responsibility and accountability to these kids, these families and the Emiliano Zapata Sur community. Wednesday, Feb. 12 started out just like most days here: A calm morning filled with moms, dads, hard workers and those alike all in motion to get their day started. Classes came and passed without much thought, and before long, it was time to head out to the community to partake in our service. As we arrived at the house more prepared than ever before, our threehour session kicked off, but today was different, there was something in the air. Uncomfortable, I found myself having trouble leveling with the kids and getting them to understand the activities we had all worked so hard to organize. Although silently frustrated, we progressed through a reflection activity, then to an English lesson and on to the last of the three, a photography lesson. It wasn’t until the kids got ahold of our cameras that I realized the weight of what we were actually doing in this community. I wasn’t frustrated with them; it was the weight of how badly the others and I wanted to be a positive influence and inspiration that came crashing down.
The goal or overall theme for our kids throughout this program has been the arts and using the arts to develop their creativity and make learning something that they enjoy and feel is a necessary part of every day life. While watching the kids venture around the community taking pictures of everything they enjoyed – friends, family, horses, dogs and even their neighbors – it suddenly hit me. That wind that cripples took over my whole body and it all became clear. We weren’t just taking pictures; this was something bigger, something significant. Later the next day, instead of having our usual class at Universidad Marista, each group had the chance to go back out to the community and talk one-on-one with the moms, without any of the kids being present. An unique opportunity all of us were thrilled to have. While the talk mostly surrounded education, the good and the bad, and what the moms in the community felt about it, it was the final conversation that opened my eyes to the true impact of this program. Hesitant to respond at first, the question of what the moms thought about us students and what we had organized and done with the kids thus far surfaced. Their response was something I could have never expected. Collectively, the moms explained how much of an inspiration we all had been to their children and their learning process. One of the fathers even explained how, through this program, the community had been brought closer together, bringing with them new skills and new knowledge that they had learned in their respective groups. For more photos and stories from Parker's trip, as well as the entire series of Merida Diaries, visit depauliaonline.com
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Arts & Life. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 19
Table the motion
DePaul alum reflects on beer pong success By Michele Seyfarth Contributing Writer
Joseph Mollo is no ordinary founder and chief executive. Mollo does not sport a suit and tie, and his office doubles as a buzzing woodwork factory. However, he possesses something every businessperson needs: passion. Mollo is the sole founder of C5 Beer Pong, a Chicago-based company that designs and creates custom-made, luxury beer pong tables. Coming up on the threeyear anniversary of Mollo’s first beer pong table sale, he never pictured a life like this. To the surprise of many people, beer pong is not Mollo’s biggest passion. “I am passionate about building products and design,” Mollo said.
This day in particular was a busy workday for Mollo, which is surprising because of his laidback nature and his casual attire of jeans and an apple red t-shirt with a large “C5” logo. “My typical day varies so much, when you’re a solo founder you have to wear a lot of different hats,” Mollo said as his cell phone buzzed with an incoming text. Even though customers can design their dream beer pong tables in a matter of two minutes on the C5 website, Mollo sometimes can share up to 40 emails per customer dealing with specific details for their tables. “There’s a lot of communication that goes in,” Mollo said while twirling a pen between his fingers. “I want to replicate the experience someone
Photo courtesy of C5 BEER PONG
The basic beer pong table made by C5 Beer Pong, which can be customized in any number of ways. would have building their own beer pong table for themselves.” Other than the first table Mollo built by hand, which is carefully wrapped and kept in a safe place, his most memorable table to create was the first colored beer pong table. “It’s always the first of a certain kind that are my favorites,” Mollo said. “It kind of opens new doors and breaks barriers down.”
2014 March 3 — LinCoLn park Campus
March 4 — Loop Campus
Cortelyou Commons
DePaul Center Concourse
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Get up-to-date info on Commencement Weekend 2014 • Be photographed in cap and gown or business attire • Order your official DePaul University class ring • Shop for graduation announcements and gifts • Meet vendor representatives • Meet DePaul Alumni Relations staff • Meet with other DePaul departments • Make hotel inquiries
CoMMENCEMENT DATES College of Law Sunday, May 18 [Rosemont Theatre] Processional at 1:30 p.m. College of Education Saturday, June 14 [Rosemont Theatre] Processional at 8:30 a.m. School of Music and The Theatre School Saturday, June 14 [Rosemont Theatre] Processional at Noon School for New Learning Saturday, June 14 [Rosemont Theatre] Processional at 3 p.m. College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and College of Science and Health Sunday, June 15 [Allstate Arena] Processional at 8 a.m. College of Communication and College of Computing and Digital Media Sunday, June 15 [Allstate Arena] Processional at 12:30 p.m.
For more information visit go.depaul.edu/commencement2014.
Driehaus College of Business Sunday, June 15 [Allstate Arena] Processional at 4:30 p.m.
No registration required to attend.
t h e U N i v e r s i t y o F F i c e s o F: ac a d e m i c a d m i N i s t r at i o N • a l U m N i r e l at i o N s • s t U d e N t a F Fa i r s • ac a d e m i c e N h a N c e m e N t • s G a • d e PaU l c e N t r a l • c a r e e r c e N t e r • s t U d e N t r eco r d s • d P U B lc
Mollo’s voice filled with excitement as he described the purple table he was asked to make for a Manhattan customer. The customer, who wanted the table to match the ambiance of his home, had his interior designer work with Mollo. Now, more than half of the tables C5 makes are colored; the purple table was deemed a success and was a giant leap for expanding the product line within the company. The job is tough, but the 24-year-old entrepreneur’s love for woodwork keeps him going. Mollo is also grateful for his father for starting an Italian furniture company, which gave him early exposure to the industry. However, beer pong tables were not something that the Mollo family imported from Italy. “I definitely had to explain beer pong to them,” Mollo said with a laugh. A wide smile grew across Mollo’s face when he spoke of his family. Mollo, the baby of the family, is the sixth child. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without their support,” Mollo said with a slow nod of his curly dark-haired head. Mollo took a modest tone when he talked about his success, a tone that is noticeably different than when he talks about his passions. Mollo’s passion comes from wanting to do something completely different than what everyone else is doing and he likes making and following his own path. However, Mollo would not be on the path he is on now without some guidance along the way. Mollo attended DePaul for and has nothing but praise for the DePaul Coleman Entrepreneurship Center and its mentors. “The Coleman Center provided great opportunities for mentoring,” Mollo said. “I had no idea what I was doing, no idea how to start a business, so I think that it was very important to have mentors and talk to people who’ve been there and done that.” Mollo’s eyes lit up when he talked about his DePaul experience and truth could be heard behind every word. “DePaul has great resources being in the city, being able to
network, I think it’s something that you really can’t replicate if you went to a school without an entrepreneurship community,” Mollo said. Professor Raman Chadha was one of Mollo’s biggest supporters and role models at DePaul. Chadha, who was the executive director of the Coleman Entrepreneur Center during Mollo’s time at DePaul, is quite fond of the man Mollo has become. Chadha recalled Mollo as an attentive and engaged student who always drew from his peers’ experiences. “He is a very commmiteed entrpeneur, he strives to continue to improve and he has been very open to learning from others,” Chadha said. “All of those combined, along with his ambition to do well, led him in the right direction for a very bright future,” Chadha said. Just as Mollo had been the mentee, he has also been the mentor. DePaul sophomore Katy Carlin has known Mollo for the past six years when he started tutoring her during her freshman year of high school. “Joe is very down to earth and is just a colorful person,” Carlin said tilting her head and smiling. “When you’re around him he puts a smile on your face, he’s full of good vibrations." The business venture that Mollo built from the ground floor is attracting customers from all over the country. Mollo’s tables look appealing and are attracting a new demographic of beer pong players. Surprisingly, many corporate offices have designed tables with Mollo. “It’s not just a college game anymore, it’s becoming an industry,” Mollo said. Mollo’s confidence in his business comes from knowing the product can survive on its own and he enjoys the rising competition in the luxury beer pong industry. “I don’t want to argue that C5 is changing the world, but it is exciting to know we are making an impact on a game that is ripe for innovation and growth,” Mollo said in his casual matterof-fact tone.
20 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014
Jimmy Fallon takes over on 'Tonight' By Eric Domingo Contributing Writer
Jay Leno, comedic icon, aired his final show Thursday, Feb. 6. "The Tonight Showâ€? will bring in its sixth host, Jimmy Fallon, the young and former “Late Nightâ€? host, to replace Leno’s 22-year dominance. Fallon now joins Steve Allen, “Tonight Show’sâ€? first host in 1954, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Leno and Conan O’Brien. Hopefully, Fallon will find greater success replacing Leno, since O’Brien wasn’t successful in his short stint as host from June 2009 to January 2010. Unfortunately, O’Brien’s “Tonight Showâ€? tenure couldn’t find the same successes as Leno’s, which led to NBC bringing Leno back to his original time slot. NBC was going to move O’Brien to a later time slot after midnight, but he didn’t want it. O’Brien released a press statement saying that he would not continue as host of “The Tonight Showâ€? if he was moved to any time after midnight. He was afraid it would ruin the tradition of “The Tonight Show.â€? Fallon’s takeover has fans talking about the pressures of following Carson's and Leno’s footsteps. The pressure is high for the former “Saturday Night Liveâ€? star, and fans are proud of how he’s been handling it. “I think he will handle the pressure extremely well. Compared to the other late night talk show hosts ‌ Jimmy has always offered sustainable material,â€? Jon Francia, media associate at Starcom, said. Although many fear another O’Brien failure, fans in attendance were supportive when Fallon made an appearance during Leno’s last week. Everyone stood up and clapped, welcoming Fallon with open arms. He talked about his role as the new host and
how he felt honored that he was going to take on the show. He brought in his “Thank You Notes� sketch and incorporated humor and gratitude. Fallon thanked Leno for passing the torch to him, with hopes a Seattle Seahawk won’t intercept it, and told Leno he’ll do his best to make him proud every single night. It was about time for Leno to step off stage and pass the show on to a youthful host. Some believed that Leno’s comedic style was bit out-of-date and are excited for Fallon’s takeover. “I think Fallon’s humor is more up-todate, and today’s viewers are able to relate to him. I think Leno is a little outdated now, and only the older crowd would enjoy watching him,� Christina Orda, DePaul alumnus, said. Even though a Fallon and Leno comparison is eminent, comparing these two comedians is like comparing two basketball players who play different positions. Leno has been successful off his stand up jokes, where Fallon makes comedic gold with his sketches. It’s like comparing Michael Jordan to LeBron James. You can’t compare a guard to a forward, and you can’t compare a stand up comedian to an improv comedian. Leno is amongst the ranks of Carson, where he’s found success hosting for over two decades. Fallon only hosted “Late Night� for about five years. They’re just too different to compare. Differences amongst the two comedians are obvious, but will “The Tonight Show� be the exact same? No. Sketches will be called something different and Fallon and Lorne Michaels, producer of the reinvented “Tonight Show� and Saturday Night Live mastermind, will throw in more improv. “The interaction and involvement with
Salam means Peace
Photo courtesy of AP
Jimmy Fallon took the reigns from 22-year "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno this week. the show will grow tremendously. It will no longer be just a talk show; it will be an interactive show,� Francia said. “Audience members will have the opportunity to not only watch celebrity guests, but also play games and have fun with them.� That’s Fallon’s style: being interactive, incorporating guests and having fun. Although it’s inevitable that he’ll mimic some ideas from Leno, there’s no doubt Fallon will spice it up a bit. Just like Leno’s “Jay Walking� was similar to Allen’s “Man On The Street� interviews, Fallon will probably spin some of Leno’s old sketches. There would be no surprise if he renames Leno’s successful “Headlines� sketch and adds audience interaction.
Fallon announced to Leno and “The Tonight Show� fans that he’ll incorporate his “Thank You� notes sketch, and it’s a safe bet he’ll keep his famous “Angry Fan Walking Out� sketch. Fallon always seemed to get the biggest fan responses from those two sketches, and it’s in his realm of drama and humor. He’s always been the type of comedian to break grounds and create interesting material. There’s no doubt Fallon will do an exceptional job hosting “The Tonight Show� and appeal to younger generations, while still making older ones laugh. “He’s really out there, compared to other late night talk show hosts, and his jokes and content are original,� Orda said.
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Arts & Life. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 21
'Moth' at TTS - a wild, haunting ride By Andrew Morrell Arts & Life Editor
Bullying has become something of a hot-button issue of late. Hardly a week seems to pass without a tragic story of its effects in the headlines. Whether this is indicative of a growing problem or just more focused attention on the issue is anyone's guess. Declan Greene's "Moth" strays from the usual path of societal indictment that many works about bullying take, and instead looks inward at what it does to a child mentally, physically and emotionally. Now playing at The Theatre School and directed by Michael Osinski, "Moth" takes a sledgehammer to any notions of what a play should be, with stunning, terrifying results. The most striking and effective way that "Moth" differs from typical theater is its cast of only two - Noah Laufer plays Sebastian, a troubled yet eccentric kid whose enormous imagination is a blessing and a curse. Opposite him is Claryssa, played by Audrey Gladson, sort of the yin to Sebastian's yang - cold, distant and frustrated with her lot in life. There are other characters too, including Sebastian's mom and the kids who torment the pair regularly, and they are also portrayed by Laufer and Gladson moving in and out of character within a scene. Even the scenes themselves shift at a moment's notice, without costume or set changes, giving the play a frenetic pace at times, and also focusing the emotional depth of the narrative. It's much harder to figure out exactly what's happening, or what will happen, in a scene with two characters jumping back and forth between roles, but
Photo courtesy of MICHAEL BROSILOW
Noah Laufer as Sebastian in The Theatre School's production of "Moth." this is hardly detrimental. The device forces the audience to question exactly what reality they are witnessing, adding a dark, cerebral element to the narrative. Laufer and Gladson gel exceptionally, even if their characters seem to hate one another at times. One standout scene is an awkward romantic moment that Sebastian and Claryssa share, complete with uncomfortable dialogue and the two literally falling over each other. This moment so perfectly captures the
experience of teenage romance that it might trigger flashbacks to your own first kiss. The lighting and sound design, by Peyton B. Smith and Kami Siu, respectively, is equally exceptional. Brilliant reds and dark blues highlight the emotional intensity of select scenes, most notably when Sebastian is visited by an "angel of destruction." Several hues of light combine with a fog machine to create an eerie, ethereal effect when this angel visits him
during an out-of-body experience. Care was clearly taken even in the smallest of details, such as when Sebastian and Claryssa engage in an online chat. We hear the soft whirring of the computer and see a green glowing light from under the set. It's a simple yet effective way to pull the audience even deeper into the play. The ad for "Moth" on the TTS website notes that the play is "recommended for mature audiences," and this is no understatement. With such intense subject matter and no intermission, "Moth" feels like a spooky roller coaster, and will keep viewers on their toes for its duration. As a supplement to the play, the creators of "Moth" at TTS have compiled a Tumblr with images, videos and text related to the play's story and themes. Upon checking out the website the next morning, I found that it could be effective as a post-viewing adjunct to tie up any loose threads, or learn more about the play's development Included are links to interviews with Greene, as well as mock family photos of Sebastian and Claryssa, screenshots from Neon Genesis Evangelion (an anime that Sebastian references frequently), and much more. The addition of the Tumblr was a unique touch, and an intuitive way to further engage audiences that more productions should take advantage of. With "Moth," The Theatre School continues its streak of producing captivating, risky pieces of theatre. It's cutting-edge drama, right here on campus. "Moth" runs through Feb. 23, Wednesdays through Saturdays, in the Healy Theatre at 2350 N. Racine Ave.
Know your presidents: a President's Day quiz 1On whose birthday did the first President’s Day fall? a. George Bush b. George Washington c. John Adams d. Calvin Coolidge
3 What was the name of the Turkey that President Obama pardoned in 2009?
2Who are Admiral Dewey, Bishop Doane, Dr. Johnson, Father O’Grady and Fighting Bob Evans?
a.Teddy Roosevelt’s guinea pigs b. Civil War heroes c. Nicknames for the Secret Service d. Obama’s imaginary pals
5Who liked to skinny dip in the Potomac?
a. FDR b. Mary Todd Lincoln c. Lyndon B. Johnson d. John Quincy Adams
6Who was the first a. Dale b. Gobble guy c. Courage d. Lil Buddy
president to throw the first pitch at a baseball game?
4How many presidents
did not attend college? a. 44 b. 9 c. 1 d. 0
a. Dwight D. Eisenhower b. William Taft c. Rutherford B. Hayes d. William Henry Harrison MAX KLEINER | THE DEPAULIA
22 | The DePaulia. Feb 17, 2014
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A she in his clothing: Three easy styles for androgynous attire By Raya Sacco Contributing Writer
Non-gendered clothing is making headlines everywhere, from magazines to celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Rihanna. Beanies, plaid shirts, snapbacks and Jordans are seen on both men and women. These unisex styles portray a specific attitude; fashion designers call it "grunge," and it’s considered today’s most popular trend. So what if we transformed menswear into women’s fashion? Here are three different pieces, three different styles and three different ways to feel sexy in men’s clothing. For one look, take an oversized men’s bro-tank from H&M and tie a gray button down around the waist to show off those curves. A black hooded sweater is a great layering piece for simple T-shirts or dresses, and putting the hood up adds a dramatic touch and completes any casual outfit. “It’s nice being able to utilize men’s clothes, the comfort ability with the style,” Andi Remoquillo, junior, said. Remoquillo wears a football themed T-shirt with leather leggings and adds purple knee-socks for a feminine touch.
Arts & Life. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 23
She completes the look with patent leather combat boots, elevating a basic look to a night-time get up. As another possibility, wear an oversized men’s open neck sweater over a leather bandeau, add two-tone black sheer tights and sky high spiked heels for evening wear. The low cowl neck is perfect for busty women without purposely revealing cleavage. Adding little details like patterned tights, colored knee socks or trendy heels transform menswear into marketable women’s fashion. The idea here is to create your own design with basic clothes sold at common retail stores like H&M, Zara and Urban Outfitters. TV personality Kylie Jenner is famous for taking this trend to the next level. Dime Piece LA, a label known for its bold unisex statements, is a brand Kylie, Ciara and Rihanna love to incorporate into their everyday wardrobe. Designers like Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang and Theory are fashion designers to watch for when it comes to men’s silhouettes and boxy moto jackets for women. Fashion fades but style is eternal. Think unconventionally and have fun. After all, there are no boundaries with fashion.
RAYA SACCO | THE DEPAULIA
DePaul student Andi Remoquillo pairs a men's t-shirt with tights and knee-high socks for an "easy livin'" look.
Come to a FREE Information Session Friday, February 28th 12:00 PM (Noon) Illini Center Orange and Blue Room 200 S Wacker Drive Chicago
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24 | The DePaulia. Feb. 17, 2014
St.Vincent’s
D e JAMZ
“Spinning fresh beats since 1581”
Graphic by MAX KLEINER | THE DEPAULIA
Find DeJamz playlists on depauliaonline.com and spotify By Stefanie Safahi Staff Writer
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “Ignition Remix” since my first year at DePaul. I guess there is some sort of unspoken rule floating around college campuses that you have to play the song at least once during a party in order for it to be considered a party at all. While “Ignition Remix”
1. “Genius” 2. “Homie Lover Friend” 3. “Thoia Thoing” 4. “I Wish” 5. “Echo” 6. “Pregnant” 7. “Bump n’Grind” 8. “I’m A Flirt (Remix)” 9. “Your Body’s Callin’” 10. “Step in the Name of Love”
is certainly one of the most esteemed R. Kelly songs, and rightly so, there are a great deal of underrated yet genius songs out there by this R&B prince. Something about a postValentine’s Day R. Kelly playlist seemed so right. Everybody could use a little more R. Kells in their lives, right?
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1. Shock absorber 4. Pucker 8. Some stay at home 12. Bad thing to invoke 13. Unbending 14. Frenziedly 15. Ad conclusion? 16. Apple food? 17. Subcompact 18. Bay tree 20. Delivery means 22. Salts on deck 23. Naval rank 27. Bygone leaders 29. Be snoopy 30. Big one 31. Fine-tune 32. Purchase 33. It's often swatted 34. Symbol of industriousness 35. Camera movement 36. Opportunities, so to speak 37. Shortened, as a sail 39. Does and bucks 40. Disdained newspaper 41. More than touched 44. View from a hill 47. Archer of myth 49. Cake recipe word 50. Blood-bank measure 51. Like some awakenings 52. Wear and tear 53. Casino calculations 54. Nostradamus, reputedly 55. Acapulco affirmatives
DOWN 1. Just what the doctor ordered, maybe 2. Callas specialty 3. New member of society 4. Contract addenda 5. Russian range 6. Foldaway, perhaps 7. Dishonorable doings 8. Curses 9. "What Kind of Fool ___?" 10. Slip on 11. Hit the slopes 19. Like hen's teeth 21. "___ takers?" 24. Ding-a-ling 25. Drive or reverse, e.g. 26. Circus props 27. Scorch 28. Court defense 29. Wit's end? 32. Wisconsin footballers 33. Takes one's leave 35. Shade of green 36. Harder to penetrate 38. Worries 39. Part of L.E.D. 42. Not yet final, at law 43. Old flames 44. Double header? 45. What's more 46. It may get flipped 48. Wish undone
Sports. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 25
Sports
Blue Demons keep rolling, win 9th straight By David Webber Sports Editor
Megan Rogowski nearly equaled the McGrath-Phillips Arena record for three-pointers, and DePaul hit 11 treys to secure an 89-73 victory over visiting Seton Hall Saturday afternoon. The win extended DePaul's school-record conference winning streak to nine. Rogowski hit seven threes in the game, one short of her own arena record set in January. She led all scorers with 27 points, many of them provided by Brittany Hrynko, who scored just six points but dished out a careerhigh-tying 12 assists. "Megan could make every shot from 22, 25 (feet)," head coach Doug Bruno said. "She knocked down her long ones pretty good." DePaul (20-5, 11-2 Big East) executed their run-and-
gun offense to near perfection in the first half and while they may not have made every shot, it was apparent that they had the opportunity to. Cuts were crisp and screens were hard, and Seton Hall (14-10, 5-8) made little effort to lock down. The Blue Demons constantly found open space to operate. Rogowski and Jasmine Penny combined for 34 of the team's 49 first half points, mostly because there was no contest from the Pirates. Rogowski started 4-4 from downtown and netted five three-pointers in the half, and Penny hit six of 10 shots from primarily deep in the paint. On one of the rare contested shots in the half, Rogowski caught the ball and stroked a three-pointer from the corner while getting hit on the hand and crashing to the ground. The junior calmly stepped to the line and sank the ensuing free throw
to complete the four-point play and give DePaul a 22-11 lead with just over 14 minutes remaining until halftime. She finished with 19 points at the half. "We always shoot the ball to make it," Rogowski said. "Today, the ball was going in. My teammates were finding me. I was getting open looks and we had great ball movement." Seton Hall closed the gap, but a 13-1 run over the final 5:07 of the first half gave the Blue Demons a comfortable 16-point lead going into the locker room. True to form, Rogowski opened the second half with her sixth three-pointer to put DePaul up by 19. Still, DePaul failed to gain much momentum and continually allowed Seton Hall to climb back into the game. "We have not had good second halves. That's something we've been dealing with all season
Villanova, Providence embarrass DePaul, win by combined 48 points
EMILY BRANDENSTEIN | THE DEPAULIA
Chanise Jenkins was one of three Blue Demons to score in double figures, chipping in 11 points to go along with 4 assists. long," Bruno said. "(We realized) we were making mistakes...in certain spurts we picked it up and got back better. The team did a good job with that," Penny said. "We made a lot of improvement but
Big East Men's Basketball Standings
there's still a lot we need to do to get better." The Blue Demons led 64-54 before a 10-2 run helped DePaul pull away and secure the victory. DePaul earned its 20th win for the seventh consecutive season.
Big East Women's Basketball Standings
By Matt Paras
Overall
Conference
Overall
Conference
Asst. Sports Editor
22-2
10-1
19-5
12-1
20-4
10-2
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11-2
17-8
7-5
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9-4
15-10
7-5
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6-19
1-13
With or without Cleveland Melvin, the Blue Demons continue to stink. Since the departure of Melvin was officially announced, DePaul dropped two straight games this past week, losing to No. 6 Villanova and unranked Providence by a combined total of 48 points. On Saturday, Providence’s Bryce Cotton scored 22 points to lead the Friars at home in an 84-61 rout as the Blue Demons' (1015, 2-11 Big East) losing streak rose to eight. Cotton, who scored 28 points in the teams’ first meeting, was 7-14 from the field and had six assists. Five other Friars scored at least 10 points and Providence was in control the whole game. Providence (17-9, 7-6) jumped out to an early lead and DePaul trailed 49-26 at halftime. Brandon Young led the Blue Demons with 18 points. Sandi Marcius added 16 points and Billy Garrett Jr. scored 10. “I just thought we didn’t get in a funk in the first half,” head coach Oliver Purnell said. “I thought our energy defensively wasn’t there and offensively we weren’t real smooth. We rushed some shots and we just didn’t have a good first half at all.” In the second half, DePaul went on a 14-2 run to cut Providence’s lead to 14 (7258) with 5:44 left. Providence, however, closed the game with a 12-3 run. The Blue Demons struggled to shoot the ball from 3-point range, converting just two of 13 attempts. They shot 40.4 percent on the day. Providence finished shooting 53 percent (27-51) on the day and 43 percent from beyond the arc. Against Villanova (22-2, 10-1) DePaul suffered through another blowout on Wednesday at Allstate Arena. Villanova’s sharp passing led the Wildcats to shooting 54 percent and beat DePaul, 87-62. The Wildcats shot an astonishing 57 percent from 3-point range, including
NAM Y. HUH | AP
Brandon Young and the Blue Demons had no answers for Villanova and Providence, getting routed twice and running their losing streak to 8 games. draining 8 threes in the first half. “They really enjoy playing together,” Villanova head coach Jay Wright said. “This year right from the start, even from the beginning of summer, these guys really like making the extra pass. We’ve got five guys who could really pass.” Young had another strong game, scoring 27 points and grabbing six rebounds. He took on the bulk of scoring in Melvin’s absence. “We just weren’t focused for 40 minutes,” Young said. “We didn’t give enough effort on defense. We can’t just keep playing offense. It’s tough.” It has been more than a month since the Blue Demons have won a game, last beating St. John’s on Jan. 14. “Any team in our league that loses its leading scorer and rebounder, it’s going to affect them,” Purnell said. “We just have to keep going and finding a way to win.”
26 | Sports. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia
XXII Winter Olympic Games Coverage
Five-ring failure
By David Webber Sports Editor
It's just not the year the U.S. hoped it could be. Not even close. For a country that isn't traditionally dominant in the Winter Olympics, the United States has managed to disappoint in a shocking number of ways. As of Feb. 16, the U.S. is tied for second in the overall medal count with 16. This is stunning considering they have yet to medal in several events they were expected to control. Shani Davis and Brian Hansen, two gold medal favorites in speedskating, have netted nothing but controversy. After failing to medal in any events, it was revealed that their new Under Armour uniforms could be to blame. The uniforms, engineered by scientists at Lockheed Martin, were never tested before competition and have inspired a multitude of complaints from athletes. Davis' best finish thus far is eighth in the 1,000 meters, an event where he was a two-time defending gold medalist and the expected winner. He finished 11th in the 1,500 meters. Hansen, a young, up-and-coming star, was expected to go for gold after securing a silver in Vancouver in 2010. He finished seventh in the 1,500 meters, ninth in the 1,000 meters, and a dismal 33rd in the 500 meters. It's incredibly disappointing, especially since it is currently costing the U.S. the overall medal lead. Are the uniforms to blame? Is the training to blame? Who knows? It's mind-boggling that every single member of the U.S. speedskating team has completely failed. Likely, it's a mental issue stemming from all of the other problems. In fact, Davis didn't even consider the uniforms a problem until a Korean reporter informed him of the possibility. The media latched on, and now the team is thinking about everything except how they can win a race. But perhaps even more shocking is the U.S. performance—or lack of one—in the snowboarding halfpipe event. This is an event owned by Americans. It's an event that was literally invented by Americans. The Winter Olympics don't have many sports that the U.S. can excel in or call its own, but the halfpipe is the one event that America can inarguably hang its hat on every time. Shaun White is the king of the halfpipe and he failed to medal after scoring gold in Vancouver. The Canadians—yes, Canadians—took the halfpipe by storm and stole the U.S.' event from right under White's nose. There's no clear explanation. The poor conditions in Sochi could be at fault, as well as overblown expectations. But the fact of the matter is that the U.S. failed to show up where it mattered this year. Thankfully, the hockey team seems to be keeping pace. The U.S. swept its first three games, including a thriller against the host nation, and look to be favorites to appear in the gold medal game. A win wouldn't make up for the lack of competitiveness in other events, but it would lessen the sting. Perhaps its just not the year for America. These athletes must show up when it matters to keep the interest high and the passion flowing.
Shani Davis
BEST FINISH
8th
MATT DUNHAM | AP
Brian Hansen
BEST FINISH
7th
MATT DUNHAM | AP
Shaun White
BEST FINISH
4th
JAE C. HONG | AP
Sports. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 27 CHANGE, continued from front page She facilitated the move from mid-major conference to BCS conference and played a large role in securing the new arena that will be built downtown for DePaul to call home starting around 2016. DePaul athletes routinely finish near the top of the entire country with test scores and GPAs, and Ponsetto’s reputation amongst her peers appears to be immaculate in several ways. But none of that matters. It’s unfortunate, but having one major sports team can be a curse. No matter how you perform in other facets of the job, no one will care if said sports team plays poorly. The men’s basketball team is the only squad in the department that brings in significant revenue for the school. The issue is twofold: many of DePaul’s sports depend on that very revenue to continue operating. If the basketball team
A lack of self improvement
moved to the SEC from the Big 12 in 2012 and have been wildly successful in football; neither team was particularly dominant in their prior conference but A&M has been a perennial Top25 team and Missouri played in the conference tournament. Making the switch is tough, but other programs have proved that a quick turnaround is possible. Moving to a better conference is supposed to draw better recruits. It’s supposed to increase your level of play. DePaul’s been working at this for nearly a decade. Ponsetto can stay in the athletic department—she’s earned it—but someone needs to step in and run this basketball team more efficiently. Unfair? Yes. But necessary? Certainly. Twelve years of ineffectiveness is far too much. At a major university with bigmoney sports teams, Ponsetto would have been gone long ago.
Cleveland Melvin and Brandon Young have been the faces of Blue Demon basketball for four years. They've played well, but they've failed to show significant improvement over time under Oliver Purnell.
Points per game 14.3
2010-11
12.6
17.5
2011-12
14.5
16.6
2012-13
16.7
16.7
2013-14
15.2
A bump from year one to year two is the only thing preventing the averages from being nearly static.
can’t bring in enough money, every sport, player and coach suffers. Moving to the Big East was the biggest step. Losing at a BCS conference is still more profitable than winning in a midmajor conference. But television deals and radio ads only do so much. The seats are empty, the boosters have little motivation to contribute financially, and the prospect of filling a brandnew, multi-million dollar facility in the near future seems bleak. Winning is the ultimate cure, and the entire department is brought down a few pegs with every loss by Purnell’s squad. That’s where Ponsetto finds herself. And it might be time she gets the boot. A common defense is that DePaul is still easing its way into the Big East. Nothing could be further from the truth. The new Big East is weaker than it’s been in decades and the results are the same. DePaul is not the first team to make a switch like this. Missouri and Texas A&M
The men’s team hasn’t just played badly, they've played horridly. And the nail in the coffin is that there have been absolutely no signs of improvement. No signs of hope. Only empty seats and barren box scores, with not even the faintest reason to believe it could change.
Pressing Purnell Purnell arrived with a reputation for turning teams around. No matter where he coached, he always found a way to win. DePaul was a particularly large challenge—the fan base was waning, the stadium was too far away, and lack of success had tarnished the program’s reputation. It’s not hard to argue that Purnell has, for all intents and purposes, failed in every way. Despite those challenges, there has been nothing to be proud of. This is especially true on the recruiting side. Purnell can claim all he wants that the University of
SAM, continued from back page more homosexual athletes will be able to come out as well without having to worry about risking their career. After Sam made the announcement Sunday, Feb. 9, on ESPN, he has been shown nonstop support. He reported that his teammates and coaches were aware and they have always been supportive. The university is based off of a “One Mizzou” motto, which has been proven to more than just a motto. It has been hard for athletes to come out as being gay because of the fear that
Illinois steals all the good recruits, and that programs like Kentucky and Duke poach the highestranking Chicago talent. DePaul has a rich basketball history and the Midwest is the hotbed for high school talent. If Purnell can’t recruit Chicago, Indiana, and Michigan - three areas with enormous amounts of talent— how can he possibly lead this team into the future? His highestrated recruit, Billy Garrett Jr., likely would have gone elsewhere if his father was not an assistant coach on the team. Purnell’s most prosperous recruits, Melvin and Brandon Young, are both from Baltimore and, despite putting together a pair of decent careers in Chicago, would likely be role players on most BCS conference rosters. They have been good for DePaul, there’s no doubting that, but there’s also no question they haven’t improved in the slightest over the last four years. Melvin, in particular, has failed to get better. After winning Big East Rookie of the Year as a freshman, his stats remained static and his defense is still questionable. Purnell simply hasn’t gotten the best out of his players, be it Melvin and Young or former Blue Demons like Moses Morgan and Donnavan Kirk. Purnell needs to go. Similar to Ponsetto, it’s unfortunate and unfair. While the blame on Purnell is inescapable, his track record still indicates that he’s one of the finest coaches in the country. Perhaps his personality doesn’t click. Maybe he’s not comfortable recruiting in the Midwest. Perhaps the program is too damaged for even a coach of his caliber to fix. Still, you can’t convince me or anyone else that teams like Creighton (Omaha, Neb.), Providence (Providence, R.I.) and Xavier (Cincinnati, Ohio) have a better recruiting edge in their respective areas than DePaul. Purnell is a proven commodity, but he obviously does not belong in Chicago.
Changes on the horizon Ponsetto and Purnell each have contracts extending through 2017. I hate to say it, but it would take a huge amount of guts for anyone to keep those contracts on the books for that long. If there was some semblance of
Near MISSES
Anthony Davis Hometown: Chicago ESPN Top 100 rank:
Wayne Blackshear Hometown: Chicago ESPN Top 100 rank:
1
27
Tracy Abrams Hometown: Chicago ESPN Top 100 rank:
87
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS
improvement, then maybe. But DePaul basketball has become a laughingstock, and things need to change. A final, damning comparison resides in Dallas under the watchful eye of 73-year-old Larry Brown. Brown took the reigns at Southern Methodist University in 2012 to turn around a program that hadn’t been the NCAA Tournament since 1993. SMU finished 15-17 as a member of Conference USA in Brown’s first year, finishing second to last in a conference that had only two tournament teams and boasted such “powerhouses” as Rice, Tulane, and East Carolina. Like DePaul, SMU made the jump—this time, a move to the newly formed American Athletic Conference, of which they became a member in 2013. The level of play has been much higher in the AAC than SMU played in C-USA. Brown’s squad routinely battles perennial powers like Memphis, Connecticut, Cincinnati, and last year’s national champion Louisville Cardinals. Yet SMU currently stands at 20-5 with three wins against Top-25 AAC teams (including a 21-point rout over then-No. 7 Cincinnati) and is ranked No. 23 in the country. SMU has done a thousand times more in one season than
DePaul basketball
DePaul has done in a decade, and with far less history to lean on. This, more than anything, is an embarrassing example of the failure that is DePaul basketball. Melvin’s departure should be the straw that broke the camel’s back. It won’t be. That kind of bad publicity should shock an organization into fixing what ails them—but motivation from bad press means nothing when the leadership at the top has no idea how to correctly run an organization. All that’s been released on the expulsion is 61 measly words, words as vague as they are uninformative. If DePaul is assuming the public will accept this ridiculous “explanation,” then the department truly is dysfunctional. Schools always report expulsions for academics; since DePaul hasn’t said that was the reason, then there are only a few things that could have possibly warranted an un-enrollment. Transparency is key to running a functional organization. Thus far, the school has been decidedly opaque, and is running the program further into the ground. Until DePaul comes forward with the truth, the Melvin saga will continue to be a dark splotch on a department that can’t afford any more mistakes.
under Oliver Purnell
40-75
8-59
3
Overall record
Conference record
Last-place finishes
they will no longer have a career. Many athletes throughout history have retired, and then come out, but no athletes have done what Sam has done. The stereotype that the best athletes have been strictly heterosexual is one that needs to be broken, and Sam has helped do that, being an All American defensive end, one of the best in the country. Athletes like Billie Jean King have come out after their playing days were over, because of the fear of not being accepted. Athletes are constantly under pressure of being signed and gaining a fan base, all of which should have nothing to
In an interview Feb. 13, NBA All-Star and Chicago native Anthony Davis told ESPN's Bill Simmons that he and several highly touted recruits were ready to go to DePaul before going their separate ways.
do with their sexual orientation. Sam has a high chance of entering the NFL this year, which will show other gay athletes that they can be accepted and, most importantly, will be accepted. The value of an athlete is based on their ability to compete, play and be a good sport, not their sexuality. Students at the university have shown nothing but support for Sam, including writing his name on Farout Field with the Mizzou “M” at the end of Sam, as well as creating trends on social media. Support for Sam has spread from just the campus of Mizzou to DePaul
1 ESPN Top 100 recruit
and nationwide. DePaul senior Kevin Rodriguez vocalized his support for Sam. “I think what he did was awesome," he said. "If an athlete from DePaul had done the same I would support them 100 percent, and I know the rest of DePaul would do the same” Through his actions, Sam has proven that he is more than comfortable in his skin and is proud of the man he is today, making himself a role model, not only for younger generations, but also for other athletes and people who have been facing the same struggle that he has for acceptance.
Sports
Cleve
Sports. Feb. 17, 2014. The DePaulia | 28
leaves
Senior Melvin no longer enrolled at DePaul By Matt Paras Asst. Sports Editor
DePaul announced last week that DePaul senior forward Cleveland Melvin is no longer enrolled at DePaul after being suspended indefinitely. Melvin was suspended indefinitely on Jan. 25 for violating an unspecified team rule, right before DePaul’s game against Seton Hall. Melvin had missed the following games and large question marks surrounded when he was going to return. The statement puts an end to the senior’s career. He was ranked near the top of DePaul’s all-time scoring leaders and earned the Big East Rookie of the Year award in 2011. "I want to thank everyone at DePaul and the basketball program who helped me the last four years," Melvin tweeted. "I wish nothing but the best for my teammates and the coaching staff the rest of this season and in the future." Head coach Oliver Purnell appeared on his weekly radio show on 670 the Score with Laurence Holmes last Monday, but offered very little about Melvin's departure from the team. "I can't comment on that because of student privacy acts and that kind of thing," Purnell said. "'Cleve' won't be with us and that's just the way it is. We've just got to move
forward." Purnell said the team reacted fine when told Melvin would no longer be a part of the team. "We went out and practiced and that was that," Purnell said. "I can't tell you how they reacted in their private moments, but they reacted and went out and had a good practice. That's the most important thing in terms of team." How players reacted in their private moments will remain a mystery, but guard Brandon Young was visibly shaken when discussing Melvin, following Wednesday's loss to Villanova. Young was a part of the same recruiting class that brought the pair from Baltimore in 2010. "It's sad," Young said. "That's a brother I came in here with my freshman year, but since he's gone someone else has got to step up." Young, who had said before the Providence game that he would reach out to Melvin, paused when asked if he had talked to him since his departure. "We've just got to come out and fight for 40 minutes and worry about our opponent," Young said in a monotone voice. "We'll worry about that later." Melvin was averaging 16.7 points per game and 6.4 rebounds this season. He finished sixth in career scoring and appeared in 110 games.
Melvin's
career numbers
1,792 points 704 rebounds 131 blocks
DePaul rank 6th 14th 3rd GRANT MYATT | THE DEPAULIA
COMMENTARY
The times, they are a-changin' Michael Sam makes history
JEFF ROBERSON | AP
Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin have not yet resolved their issues.
By Natasha Jenkins
The bully culprit
Contributing Writer
University of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam recently came out as being homosexual and is the first openly gay college player. Sam took a risk in telling the world about his sexuality; being the first openly gay football player takes courage that not everyone has. With high chances of entering the NFL, Sam has shown that he is courageous and able to be comfortable with who he is. There always needs to be someone willing to break the social norm so that more people can feel as comfortable and welcome as he does. Michael Sam’s coming out broke the ice for other gay athletes to be able to follow in his footsteps. People like Michael Sam are necessary in order for society to grow and develop into a better-rounded group. Jackie Robinson, the first African American baseball player, broke the social norm of having all white players in the MLB. After his display of courage, players from all over the world welcomed into baseball. Hopefully, after Sam’s actions
See SAM, page 27
By Matt Paras Asst. Sports Editor
Ted Wells, an independent lawyer investigating the scandal regarding Miami Dolphins’ Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito, found Friday that Incognito had an instrumental role in harassing Martin, causing Martin to leave the team in October. The 144-page report found that Martin was subject to racial taunting, inappropriate comments made about his mother and sister and verbal abuse by his teammates. The report also revealed that a former Dolphins player, regarded as Player A, and an assistant trainer were subject to homophobic and racist comments as well. The report revealed a glaring insight into the culture of an NFL locker room.
JEFF ROBERSON | AP
Look for more analysis on this controvery in next week's DePaulia.
Michael Sam was the SEC Defensive Player of the year last season, but it remains to be seen whether his coming out as gay will impact his draft stock.
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