A chat with Bella Thorne
Who runs the sports? Girls.
Disney’s “Shake it Up” star discusses her future on the big screen, see Arts & Life, page 17.
Three women’s sports teams claim conference championships this year, see Sports, page 27.
Volume #98 | Issue #27 | May 27, 2014 | depauliaonline.com
Von Nida elected SGA president
Vote calls for divestment
By Nathan Weisman Asst. News Editor
Matthew von Nida and Christina Vera led a full ticket for the Student Government Association’s (SGA) executive board to victory in last week’s election. Von Nida and Vera ran unopposed, but Vanessa Cadavillo and Khalil Pillai who ran on their ticket faced challenges by candidates from OneDePaul, an unofficial student group who sought to reform SGA. Cadavillo won her race for Executive Vice President (EVP) for Student Affairs over OneDePaul candidate Nassir Faulkner. Pillai won his bid for EVP of Academic Affairs over OneDePaul’s Kevin Brooks. The race for EVP of Operations was won by Jake Boria, the current Senator for First Year Students. He was running against Pierre Anderson who is the current senator for Third Year Students. Von Nida supported Boria in his bid. OneDePaul didn’t win any of their bids for SGA’s executive board, but Joseph Arcus won his bid to be the Senator for Sustainability and Luke Kula will be a Senator for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. “OneDePaul will continue to be an active member of political discourse and discussion here at our University,” Michael J. Rance, a spokesperson from OneDePaul, said. “Our dream and our vision of fostering a community of engaged and active students will continue onwards, and we look forward to working with DePaul SGA in efforts to make DePaul University a better place for all.” “Every student elected to SGA worked hard to be elected,” von Nida said about working with next year’s senators. “We believe every voice will be important to SGA’s process this next school year. Everyone offers unique viewpoints, and we look forward to hearing those diverse voices.” One of their top priorities is addressing student concerns over the cost of their education. “College is expensive, textbooks are expensive, and living in this city is expensive,” von Nida said. “We plan to continue SGA’s efforts working with state legislators on enhancing Monetary Award Program, or MAP, grants available to students. Moreover, we hope to work with the university to increase opportunities for students on the DePaul scholarship portal.”
MATT PARAS | THE DEPAULIA
Supporters of DePaul Divest dropped a Palestinian flag Wednesday, May 21 in Arts & Letters Hall. By Kevin Gross Opinions Editor
Students voted in favor of a Student Government Association (SGA) referendum calling on DePaul to withdraw its investments in companies that do business with Israel’s military and corporations that work in the West Bank and Gaza, easily passing by 54.2 percent. A total of 2,908 votes were cast, with 45.8 percent against the referendum, an 8.4 percent
margin in favor of the proposal. The vote, dubbed “DePaul Divest,” followed weeks of campaigning by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and counter demonstrations by several campus Jewish groups opposed to the measure. SJP set up a ‘refugee camp’ in the SAC pit as well as an ‘apartheid wall’ detailing Israel’s alleged human rights violations, while Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsiolon Pi (AEPi) and Students Supporting Israel at DePaul (also known as Demon PAC) set up displays in
the Quad highlighting Israel’s achievements in technology, human rights and humanitarian aid, among other things. Both groups handed out flyers and urged students to vote against or for the measure. With the issue of Israel/ Palestine relations already a divisive one, it is clear that not all students see eye-to-eye with the nature of the referendum. “This campaign seemed to more so center around the vilification of Israel, rather than practical solutions,” Eli
Hershkovich, a Jewish student at DePaul, said. “These efforts were, if not anti-Semitic, at the very least pretty insensitive, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable on campus.” “One thing that I heard over and over again is that this effort is an ‘anti-Semitic attack,’ that (DePaul Divest) is attacking Jewish students on campus, and that’s just such a ridiculous claim,” Mishka Pavlovich, a member of Jewish Students for
See DIVEST, page 5
Students let loose at FEST By Amanda Driscoll Business Manager
DePaul’s grassy Quad was transformed Friday afternoon from a study space to music venue for the highly anticipated FEST. Walkie-talkies incessantly buzzed on the hips of DAB volunteers while equipment and lighting crews prepared for the festival. Grills were loaded with hot dogs, coolers were packed with drinks and fryers crisped funnel cakes to perfection. After a tormenting week of midterms and unpredictable weather, a sunny Chicago day filled with music and food was just what DePaul students needed. Earlier this month, DePaul Activities Board (DAB) announced to an energetic crowd in the Student Center Atrium that Washed Out, Local Natives and Childish Gambino would make their way to Chicago for the concert. Lauren Eisentraut, a junior and marketing coordinator for DAB, explained how much planning and budgeting must happen for FEST to be successful.
Photo courtesy of DAB
Students pack the Quad Friday, May 23 for Childish Gambino at FEST. “We spend the full school year planning for FEST,” Eisentraut said. “At the first meeting in Fall Quarter, we basically shout out the artists who we want to come. After that, we we figure out who fits in our budget, who isn’t touring and then we give the survey to the student body so they can vote.”
In addition to the three main acts, Bill, The Pony, winner of DAB’s Battle of the Bands, was set to kick off the festivities. The band, consisting of DePaul students Eric Richardson, Ethan Fang, Jake Garcia,
See FEST, page 20
2 | The DePaulia. May 27, 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
Arts & Life
Nation & World Sports
CTA hosts open house for Belmont Flyover project
'Generation Sex'
Balkan countries suffering from flooding
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Michael Corio eic@depauliaonline.com MANAGING EDITOR | Courtney Jacquin managing@depauliaonline.com ONLINE EDITOR | Summer Concepcion online@depauliaonline.com NEWS EDITOR | Grant Myatt news@depauliaonline.com ASST. NEWS EDITOR | Nathan Weisman NATION & WORLD EDITOR | Haley BeMiller nation@depauliaonline.com
A Latina theater group performed a never-beforeseen version of the play, "Generation Sex," last Wednesday, see page 17.
People raise concerns over the proposed Belmont Flyover project aimed to reduce 'L' delays, see page 6.
Battle of the guards With additions to the roster, it's up in the air who will be the starting shooting guard for men's basketball, see back page.
Intense rainfall led to severe flooding and 51 deaths in Bosnia, Servia and Croatia, see page 10.
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News. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 3
News
The lazy way
'Slacktivism' gives impression of impact, but is Internet activism really effective?
By Shannon Marks & Erin Yarnall
I
Contributing Writers
n March of last year, 2.7 million people changed their Facebook profile pictures to a red equal sign in solidarity with the Human Rights Campaign to show they support marriage equality. The year before that, the “Kony 2012” video, which hoped to raise awareness of African militia leader Joseph Kony, was posted by Invisible Children and has since received 99,439,515 views. This year, the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls has racked up nearly 4 million mentions on Twitter since the April 14 abduction of nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls. The recent trend of taking action by hashtagging on Twitter or changing Facebook profile pictures, better known as “slacktivism,” has sparked debate over the effectiveness of Internet activism campaigns and how much change can really come out of them. Most recently, First Lady Michelle Obama received criticism for tweeting a photo of herself with a sign reading “#BringBackOurGirls.” Despite the global spread of the hashtag, many question what it is actually accomplishing. “People in positions of power, like politicians and celebrities, have the responsibility to set an example for what activism looks like,” senior Jacq Spitzack said. “They have the ability to very publicly and critically engage with issues of justice and resistance, yet most of them do not use their popularity to further justice-oriented agendas.” Fellow student activist, junior Arielle Amiri, who has been involved with the DePaul Anti-Capitalist Coalition, the Occupy Chicago and NATO protests, agrees that those in positions of power who use online campaigning, like the First Lady, could do more. “They’re cowards,” Amiri said. Although using social media to raise awareness of an issue is a “powerful tool,” according to Spitzack, who has been involved with anti-capitalism, gender equality and environmental justice movements, it is only a first step towards change. “Social mediums can and have been used in very unique and clever ways to further activist agendas and causes,” Spitzack said. “That being said, merely posting, liking, sharing or tweeting an article or post with no thorough knowledge of the issue is not enough to enact social change. There is an action component to mobilizing that cannot be ignored.” Amiri agrees that online campaigning has its merits. “(It’s) tricky because there are some amazing activists who can only contribute from a distance, and there are some activists who attend events in person who are there for the spectacle of the event rather than the cause,” Amiri said. “I think ultimately the difference is the dedication to the cause they’re fighting for and how much time they spend thinking of new ways to reach more people and achieve your goal.” Both Amiri and Spitzack agree
Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS
Michelle Obama posted this photo on Twitter to raise awareness of the abduction of about 300 Nigerian schoolgirls. that the problem with “slacktivism” arises when using a hashtag or updating a Facebook profile picture are the only actions taken. “I don't think posting or sharing things on social media is inherently problematic,” Spitzack said. “The problem arises when people do not take that next step and critically engage with these ideas, whatever that may look like for them.” DePaul Business Professor Patrick Murphy, Ph.D, who authored “Mutiny and It’s Bounty,” Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS a book centered on the “coordinated defiance Many people changed their Facebook profile pictures in of authority structures,” March of last year to show support for marriage equality argues that raising with the Human Rights Campaign. awareness through social media is an important step in modern- about the earthquake over Twitter, leading day activist movements. to the topic trending for the four days “Awareness is necessary, but not following the event. The presence of the sufficient for change to occur,” Murphy event on Twitter had a direct correlation said. “(Online activism) really can to how much money was raised. institute change and make real change “You can name a lot of movements happen.” and countries where there has been online Murphy cites micro-loans and activism,” Dr. Roberta Garner, a sociology fundraising as successful outlets for professor at DePaul who has written online campaigning. numerous books on the organization of In 2010, the Red Cross raised $5 million social movements, said. “The controversy in two days following the earthquake is how effective and how far it goes to in Haiti earthquake through donations really change things.” made via text message. Additionally, they Both Murphy and Garner cite the encouraged people to share information Arab Spring as a critical moment in
online activism. In the week before former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation, the total rate of tweets about political change in Egypt increased from 2,300 a day to 230,000 a day. Videos featuring protest and political commentary went viral with the top 23 videos receiving nearly 5.5 million views. “What the effects were (of the Arab Spring) are not yet very clear,” Garner said. “I think it’s very easy to be caught up in excitement of the Internet community, but a problem with all social movements is that many take a long time in history to unfold. If you judge something too soon, it’s hard to see if it’s going anywhere.” Garner draws a historical parallel between the Internet and how print sources such as newspapers were used to lay groundwork to build communities in the late 18th century. “In an online setting, just like thousands of years ago, you want the rest of society to be aware,” Murphy said. “The authority structure in place will either choose to listen or have no choice.” Murphy believes that social movements on the Internet can reach beyond raising awareness and lead to effective change. “Today, we have a whole range of new things that people try to champion in regards to people belonging,” Murphy said. “These have more to do with esteem and the dignity of people. When you want to spread awareness to these issues, you need to be more social.” On the other end of the spectrum,
See SLACKTIVISM, page 4
4 | The DePaulia. May 27, 2014
Cutting edge College of Business receives one of first consumer 3D printers By Robert Martin Contributing Writer
The new technology that allows three-dimensional objects to be created from a desktop printer in minutes has arrived at DePaul. On May 13, the Driehaus College of Business’s “Center for Creativity and Innovation” acquired a Makerbot 2 Replicator, one of the first consumer model 3D printers to hit the market. The device is the first to be purchased by the college and was acquired as part of the center’s new innovation lab initiative. The $1200 printer works with digital modeling software to create solid objects through a process known as additive manufacturing. Once a digital model is perfected, the software cuts it down into a series of 2D layers. The device then prints each of these layers slowly on top of one another until a solid threedimensional product is formed. DePaul Center for Creativity and Innovation director Dr. Lisa Gundry believes the technology can serve as a teaching tool across a wide array of disciplines. “It brings your imagination to life,” Gundry said. “Being able to show something physically is a very powerful way of communicating your idea.” DePaul is one of many universities that has expressed interested in using the technology as a teaching tool. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign opened the nation’s first
collegiate “MakerLab” in the spring of 2013. The lab features 12 MakerBot printers in addition to modeling software and 3D scanning devices, which turn physical objects into digital models for the printers to replicate. The school also offers a course titled “Making Things” in which groups of students use the printers to design, prototype and manufacture new products. DePaul transfer student Emily Haas worked extensively with 3D printing while studying engineering at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. “I’ve seen people make entire chess sets and 3D puzzles, it’s insane,” Haas said. “It’s almost like when you build something with wood or clay, but this time you don’t even have to touch anything.” An animation major at DePaul, Haas says that 3D printing is being used extensively for stop-motion films, including major Hollywood productions such as ParaNorman and Coraline. The devices allow filmmakers to create uniform designs for character's heads and bodies rather than the crude clay models of the past. 3D Printing technology dates back to 1984 when inventor Chuck Hull created the first 3D printer while working for the South Carolina-based company 3D Systems. Nearly two decades later in 2009, MakerBot Industries was founded as one of the first 3D printer companies.
Photo courtesy of LISA GUNDRY
The Center for Creativity and Innovation at DePaul's business school purchased one of the first consumer models of a 3D printer currently available on the market. The printer costs $1200. The business sold starter kits that allowed knowledgeable users to solder together their own printers. In January of 2012, MakerBot introduced its first pre-assembled desktop 3D printer and continues to sell an entire line of the devices to this day. DePaul entrepreneurship professor Dr. Javier Monllor is introducing a business class in 2015 that will utilize the MakerBot. Titled “Product Design for Business Students,” the course will function much like the one at the University of Illinois, where students are required to prototype a new product using the printer as their
main tool. “I think this 3D Printer will be a good test to see how students accept (the technology), how it gets used and how troublesome it will be,” Monllor said. With thousands of free digital models available online, 3D printers are capable of printing just about anything. Earlier this year, doctors in the Netherlands successfully replaced the majority of a 22-year-old woman’s skull with one created by a printer. The operation is believed to have saved the patient’s life. Just months prior, the online organization “Defense Distributed” released all of the files necessary to create the first printable handgun. The
SLACKTIVISM continued from page 3 Garner is “skeptical” of the tangible effects of online activism. “The Internet does raise awareness, and it raises emotion,” Garner said. “But awareness is some distance from mobilization which is some distance from institutional change.” The disconnect between online activism approaches to mobilizing supporters of a cause to enact change is still unclear to many, thus leading to the “slacktivist” label. “I think ‘slacktivists’ genuinely care about the matter at hand, enough to minimally challenge their social media peer group, but I also think stepping out of their comfort zone and routine and the work that comes with it is very intimidating for some, so [‘slacktivism’] is a convenient alternative,” Amiri said. Although she “sees merit to both arguments,” Garner argues that “slacktivism” shouldn’t be associated with laziness, but rather the idealistic avoidance of politics. “Things never end up in the clearest way you want, but voting is a little better than clicking that you ‘like’ someone’s tweet,” Garner said. “By and large, young people want the country to be different, but if they’re not voting, I don’t think a lot can happen. Ultimately, you have to do more than looking at your computer
Photo courtesy of FLICKR
The "Kony 2012" video went viral with more than 99 million views. The video, by Invisible Children, hoped to raise awareness of African militia leader Joseph Kony.
screen.” One reason why fewer people are reaching past their screens and physically assembling could be the growing divide between the globalism of issues that people champion and the people themselves. “If you have weak ties to an issue, if
you’re mobilized by someone you’re not strongly tied to, there’s a limit to what your activism can do,” Garner said. Murphy disagrees, adding that the disassociation allows for more calculated tactics. “Many people who get involved
State Department ordered the group to take the files down, but they are still freely available on popular peer-to-peer file-sharing sites. The DePaul library has also indicated that is looking into 3D printers as part of the next phase of its renovation, but does not have any information or plans regarding how they will be implemented. “I think it’s great for our students to get experience observing or using the printer, because we’re seeing more and more in the industry today,” Gundry said. “It’s simply another skill they can be adding to their repertoire.”
online are more divorced from the issue,” Murphy said. “When you’re not directly affected, you can be more strategic. Given that it’s online is really not that different than it used to be more with more traditional social movements. Because it’s online though, it’s more contextual.” Despite the ability of the Internet to build communities and raise awareness, traditional forms of activism still play a pivotal role in enacting change. “(I) was inspired by the public presence of people that came out for the (Occupy Chicago) events,” Amiri said. “Even though I had already been doing smaller scale activism, I really got hooked by the enormous public presence and wanted to see more people out in the streets.” Both Amiri and Spitzack agree that activism, whether online or in more traditional forms, is a lifestyle choice. “To me, (being an activist) means that you are committed to justice in every aspect of your life, including your actions, your words and your daily interactions with others,” Spitzack said. “I find I am most motivated to resist injustices by weaving my activism into my daily existence.” “Give more time to your cause than retweeting something, or sharing something on Facebook or Instagram,” Amiri added. “Go out of your daily routine to contribute to the fight and constantly ask what the next steps are.”
News. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 5 DIVEST continued from front page Justice in Palestine, said. “We have Jews who were supporting the campaign; I am one of them, and we had many others.” SJP wrote an op-ed May 18 titled “No more intimidation, no more misinformation” where they clarified many of their stances and refuted the accusations that they call for the elimination of Israel or the existence of Jewish groups on campus. However, this failed to alleviate questions over the type of future that pro-divest activists advocate for Israel and Palestine. SJP member Dina Abdalla said, “BDS does not call for a one-state or two-state solution.” Additionally, as she describes, one of the solutions SJP advocates is that “Israel (has the) right to exist and defend itself, as long as they comply with international law … and implement UN Resolution 954, which calls for an Arab right to return.” Demon PAC member Matthew Rudolph believes that this type of resolution would have profound adverse effects on Israel, as it would “(require that) Israel relinquish its territory to several million Palestinian descendants, which would essentially eliminate Israel.” “I believe that we could see tangible progress if groups like SJP cared as much about the creation of a Palestinian state as they did the denigration of Israel … This helps no one — Palestinians included,” he said. In addition to the controversy over the nature of the campaign itself, many have complained about a bias in the wording of the referendum, which was submitted by SJP and approved by SGA’s Election Operations Board without changes. After a short introduction, the question read, “Do you think that DePaul should follow socially responsible investment practices and divest its funds from companies that profit from Israel’s discriminatory practices and human rights violations?” Abdalla described the process by which
AMANDA DRISCOLL | THE DEPAULIA
SJP's “mock apartheid wall” in St. Vincent’s Circle near the Quad on the Lincoln Park Campus aims to raise awareness about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. the question was placed on the ballot. “Every week at the Student Center we were tabling and collecting signatures to get this question posed on the referendum. We gathered over 1,300 signatures, which means that over 1,300 students had seen this and read the wording, and we had told them specifically our question,” Abdalla said. “The opposition group had the opportunity to pose their own question on the referendum…and at the end they decided they would not take that route and instead take the ‘vote no’ campaign route.” Cameron Erickson, the leader of Demon PAC, explained this decision. “Although the possibility came up in conversation, we decided not to put up a separate referendum because SJP's goal was to go after Israel and not focused on human rights,” he said. “As an institution, we should be focusing on socially responsible investing as a whole that reflects our Vincentian mission, rather than just singling out companies solely because they do business with the Jewish state.” “(Additionally), I have several accounts of students being told they were signing
vague platitudes like ‘protecting human rights’ and ‘against racism’, rather than actually being read the content of what they were signing,” Erickson continued. He described a member of the anti-divest movement who mistakenly signed SJP’s original petition due to the fact he was not told it involved divestment from Israel. While SGA is required by the organization’s bylaws to adopt the position of any referendum that passes, the vote is not binding and any action concerning divestment would have to be taken by the administration. Shortly after the results were released, DePaul President Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., released a statement by email. He addressed the referendum making it ambiguous about whether the administration would follow through with the demands of the vote. “The (divestment) request is problematic in a number of ways. First, of course, is because the political standoff at the root of this matter is deeply complicated … What is socially responsible to one organization or set of interests may be objectionable to another.” The statement
goes on to “encourage supporters of the referendum to present their case to the (Fair Business Practices) Committee and encourage all other interested parties to do the same.” When asked additional questions, DePaul Spokesperson Carol Hughes continually referred back to Holtschneider's statement and said it is an issue that needs to start with the committee. As of the time of publication, several administrators and members of DePaul’s investment committees could not be reached for comment on the likelihood of DePaul to follow through on the referendum’s request. However, leaders from both the pro and anti-divestment sides said they are hashing out plans to appeal to the committee in the upcoming months to encourage a decision one way or another. “From a human rights standpoint, (the investment board) has every reason to follow through on divestment from these corporations,” Leila Abdul Razzaq, president of SJP, said. “I have not heard a single legitimate human rights based argument against divestment.” Additionally, the incoming SGA members plan to follow through on representing the student body’s interests in DePaul’s investment practices. “Cristina and I are planning on always working with students and representing students,” incoming SGA President Matthew von Nida said. “SGA has two positions on (the) Fair Business Practices Committee, and we will ensure two SGA members will represent the student voice on that committee.” Although the student body has, for now, shown its affirmative support for divestment, it is clear that the debate will continue when the university deliberates over the possibility of taking action on the referendum in the fall. Michael Corio, Nathan Weisman and Grant Myatt contributed to this report.
SEE YOUR JOURNEY CLEARLY. REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER SESSION 2014 You can register for summer session at the same time you register for spring quarter, which means you can register now. Plus, with expanded course offerings, you can lighten your load for the upcoming academic year, move up to advanced courses more quickly or even graduate sooner. The more than 1,000 courses planned for summer include: » Online courses » Sequenced curriculum in science, math and language (finish a year’s worth of study in one summer) » Required liberal studies and core curriculum classes for undergraduates » Sophomore multicultural seminars » Foundational courses and electives for graduate students » Graduate and undergraduate certificate programs
Register online on Campus Connection or learn more at go.depaul.edu/summer.
6 | The DePaulia. May 27, 2014
Neighbors flood CTA open house for 'Belmont Flyover' By Kyle Tyrrell Contributing Writer
The CTA open house meeting for the Belmont Flyover Thursday night at the 19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison St. was a like a beehive that just got shook. Everyone in the room was buzzing about the $320 million bypass plan that, if approved, would collect a federal Core Capacity subsidy and initiate the bulldozing of 16 structures that belong to shomeowners and businesses along Clark Street, Sheffield Avenue, Wilton Avenue, Roscoe Street and Newport Avenue. The Belmont Flyover would route northbound Brown Lines trains over the Red and Purple Line tracks to help reduce train delays. At 5:30 p.m. residents and business owners were let in a room off the main police station foyer to find dozens of CTA representatives, all dressed in black suits with CTA badges, ready to receive them — smiles and all. By 6:30 p.m. the room was jammed, without room to move freely. Ellen Hughes was handing out tracts about her new group, Citizens Against the Belmont Flyover. “We chose that name because we wanted to be clear,” Hughes said. “I live on Wilton, east of my neighbors who will be kicked out of their homes, and our cause is to stop (the CTA).” Hughes said she was staggered when she saw the room full of CTA representatives who arrived early and set up myriad displays and information stations. “I was told this was going to be a meeting, like a public hearing.” Hughes said. “This is just an open house for the CTA to control all the information they want known.” Each CTA representative was poised — each flanking an easel, which held a poster of plans, other workers standing behind tables laid out with maps, charts and graphs to allay doubts and grievances. “This is an opportunity [for
anyone] to voice their opinions,” said Lambrini Lukidis, a CTA media representative. “(Everyone’s) comments will be part of the final design, we’re not making this proposal in a vacuum.” Lukidis was busy bouncing around the room, fielding each inquiry one by one. She said there’s a lot of misinformation going around as to what the CTA is proposing. “The delays and unreliability of the 'L' are only symptoms of the problem,” Lukidis said. “But we are focusing on the bigger KYLE TYRRELL | THE DEPAULIA picture. The heart of the problem is a capacity issue.” A CTA representative addresses the concerns that community members have with the flyover at a The capacity issue the CTA community meeting last Thursday. is addressing is the increased use of the 'L'. During rush hour, they might reduce crime underneath can only get 40 trains through the viaducts and tracks. per hour, which makes the trains “For me, the Clark and uncomfortably overcrowded. Sheffield area is really unattractive With the CTA’s projected rise in and unsafe,” Bayer said. “I want population density, the 'L' simply the redevelopment to improve won’t have enough room for all safety.” the riders and would have to turn Lukidis directed Bayer to a some away. project manager so she could help CTA media representatives them incorporate neighborhood said turning away 'L' customers needs into their proposed plan. would lead to gridlock and Dan Bowles, the general pollution in the city. They manager of Berlin Nightclub encourage public transportation at 954 W. Belmont Ave., said as a green alternative. the numbers the CTA is “We’re talking four minutes proposing about core capacity for every train that passes that — the maximum amount of 'L' Photo courtesy of CTA pinch-point (at Belmont),” passengers — and estimated Lukidis said. “It causes a ripple population growth don’t make A rendering of the Belmont Flyover project, which is designed to effect. This (project) is for the sense. increase the capacity of the 'L' for rush hour and relieve congestion. future. We’re trying to be good Bowles pointed to the chart stewards to the city and continue that showed a projected 300 necessary information for them. small — but they’re real,” Chase to foster public transportation.” percent rider increase within 15 They were all very emotional.” said. “The bypass is a proposal, According to CTA years. Tammy Chase, the CTA and we are working on several representatives, the Belmont “Currently the CTA says we director of communications and solutions for the problems we are Bypass Project is in the are at 40,000 riders a day,” Bowles media relations, was empathetic about to face” environmental assessment stage. said. “And they are projecting about residents’ fears. Chase said the proposal is in In order to get approval by the we’re going to hit 100,000 riders a “We can’t have major changes, the earliest stage, and the earliest Federal Transit Administration day when there’s a massive flight and I mean with anything, they would start is 2017. (FTA), the CTA needs to submit a from Chicago. Show me where without complaints and people Some questions linger: How plan that considers residents and these magical people are coming who are opposed,” Chase said. long did the CTA know about this business owners. from.” “But it would be irresponsible for project and where is the money “Right now we’re addressing In April, Melody Carvajal us not to do this.” coming from? every comment and statement walked to each home and business Chase said the long-term Lambrini, Carvajal and Chase, made, and then we present a and handed out a personally consequences of not building all CTA media representatives, mitigation,” Lukidis said. “Then signed letter to each person a bypass would be more provided answers to accusations we would address a statement to affected by the bypass proposal. detrimental to the residents implying foul play. the FTA about how to minimize “The whole idea was to put and businesses. Chase said by “We had been planning this certain issues that recur in the a face on this proposal so the 2030 the CTA thinks they will for years,” Lambrini said. “But we comments.” businesses (and homeowners) need at least double the trains are very, very early in the process Mariela Bayer rents near weren’t just sent a letter,” Carvajal to accommodate the growing and these are still only proposals the Addison stop and came to said. “I was there to answer number of riders. and potential impacts.” support the bypass because it questions and provide all the “Right now the delays are
SGA votes against creating senator for veteran students By Nathan Weisman Asst. News Editor
Last Thursday the Student Government Association voted down a constitutional amendment that would create a new senator for veteran students. A supermajority, or a two-thirds vote from SGA, would have been needed to pass the amendment. The amendment garnered only seven votes in favor.
Bobby Robaina, the senator for transfer students, introduced the amendment, saying it would be a great opportunity for SGA to pave the way because most student governments don’t have representatives for veteran students. He continued to say that DePaul has more than 500 veteran students, which is greater than the amount of students who attend the Theatre School or the Music School. Both schools have SGA
representation. The SGA Constitutional Revision Board, however, did not support the amendment after Robaina proposed it to them. They argued that veteran students were already being represented by other senators that cover their year or college. They also felt there would be a lack of interest from veteran students in running for the position. Sarah Rens, vice president of SGA, compared the position to the senator for adult students, which was eliminated at the beginning of the year because there was a lack of interest from students to fill the position. Brandon Davis, SGA treasurer, said he felt creating the position would open the
door for many other constituent groups to push for their own senator that fall under already established senators. During the discussion, several other members of SGA thought that creating the position was premature and wanted to see how the position of liaison for the Office of Veteran Services grew over the next year. The liaison positions were created by SGA this year to help represent voices from students groups that were underrepresented on the body. Liaisons, however, do not get a vote in SGA. The amendment failed to pass with seven votes for, 10 against and five abstentions.
News. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 7
University selects new communication dean By Jasmine Armand Staff Writer
Following a nation-wide search, Salma Ghanem was selected as the new dean of the College of Communication. Ghanem has been the dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for the past five years. She begins her new position at DePaul Aug. 4. Ghanem received her master’s and doctorate in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin. At CMU, she established a Social Media Strategy program where they are also exploring a minor in Entrepreneurial and Business Journalism. Ghanem taught at study abroad programs in Spain, Egypt, Turkey, Austria and Germany and is fluent in English, French, Arabic, with a working knowledge of Spanish. She credits her propensity to diversity to being born into an Egyptian and Swedish household then attending Sacré Coeur Catholic School in Cairo, Egypt. When asked during an open forum for the search process about what drew her to DePaul, Ghanem responded with DePaul’s
Catholic mission. “I love what it stands for, genuinely what it stands for,” she said. “I went to a Catholic school in Egypt and have an intuitive sense to the service component. When I came here it was enforced; it’s very student centered … I am very impressed with what I see here.” Ghanem plans to spend her time getting acquainted with the college’s faculty, staff, students, alumni and programs. Once her transition is complete, Ghanem plans to leverage DePaul’s advantageous Chicago location into further opportunities for students in order to keep them ahead in the dynamic field of communication. “(Ghanem) is a prolific scholar and active in her profession,” interim provost Patricia O’Donoghue said in an email. “Many who interviewed her were drawn by her warmth, professionalism and openness. We are very fortunate to have attracted this capable leader to our university.” The search committee, comprised of one dean, one student, one staff member and four faculty members, acted as an advisory board and sent its
recommendation to O’Donoghue and President Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M. for the final decision, according to committee member and public relations professor Teresa Mastin. Jean-Claude Bruno Teboul will end his 13 month tenure as interim dean at the end of this academic year, O’Donoghue said. “He has made a remarkable contribution to the College of Communication during the past 13 months,” O’Donoghue said. “We are very grateful for his service in this interim capacity.” However, three other dean positions at the university still need to be permanently filled. The Law School, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the School of Music all need permanent replacemnts with their current deans stepping down. Bruce Ottley was appointed interim dean for the Law School starting Aug. 1. However, Ghanem looks forward to providing the best holistic experience possible. “I’ll try my best to connect with students any time there is an opportunity,” Ghanem said. “I also maintain an open-door policy so if they want to meet with me, they will always be welcome."
Photo courtesy of CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Salma Ghanem joins the College of Communication as the new dean Aug. 4. She comes to DePaul University from Central Michigan where she was dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts.
CAMPUS CRIME REPORT : May 14 - May 20 Seton Hall
LINCOLN PARK CAMPUS
4
1050 W. Fullerton 9
University Hall 5 6
LOOP CAMPUS
Richardson Library 3
1 2
SAC DePaul Center
12 13 15 16
7
Bryne Hall
Ray Meyer Fittness Center
8
LOOP CAMPUS
LINCOLN PARK CAMPUS MAY 14 1) A theft report was filed regarding a bicycle taken from the rack at St. Vincent Circle.
2) A criminal damage to property report was filed for mirrors
MAY 14 12) A theft report was filed for a cell phone taken from the 6) A disturbance report was filed for a room in University Hall. 7) A theft report was filed for items taken from the Bean Café in the Ray Meyer Fitness Center. Offender was found and paid for the items.
damaged in the library and SAC restrooms.
8) A theft report was filed for items taken from Byrne Hall.
MAY 16 3) A disorderly conduct report was filed for a person trying
9) A possession of cannabis report was filed for a person in
to get into the Richardson Library. The offender caused a disturbance and was escorted out of the library.
4) A battery report and liquor law violation was reported in front
of Seton Hall. The subject was transported to Illinois Masonic by Chicago EMT.
5) A liquor law violation report was filed for a room in University hall. Offender was transported by Chicago EMT.
the alley behind 1050 W. Fullerton. Chicago Police were on the scene.
10) A liquor law violation was reported regarding a person who
11th floor DePaul Center. Cell phone was later recovered.
MAY 15 13) A disturbance report was filed for a fight that occurred on the first floor of the DePaul Center.
14)
A threats by electronic means report was filed for unwanted emails.
MAY 18 15) A battery report was filed for a person who was struck by an offender in Barnes & Noble. Chicago Police were called to the scene.
has no affiliate with DePaul University. The person was under the age of 21 years and transported to Illinois Masonic hospital.
16)
MAY 19 11) A battery report was filed for a person outside 2350 N.
Kenmore. The person refused any medical transport.
A criminal damage to property report was filed for graffiti in the DePaul Center.
8| The DePaulia. May 27, 2014
#IAmDePaul
University launches student-run Instagram By Danielle Harris Contributing Writer
Visiting Uncle Sammy’s, reading at North Avenue beach or taking in the view of the Loop Campus skyline are all common occurrences for a DePaul University student. Unfortunately, with a university-run social media account, these events are much more likely to be forgotten and replaced with yet another picture of the Quad or the campus bookstore. This realization called for the recent switch to a student-run Instagram account: @IAmDePaul. The switch began after Kris Gallagher, an internal consultant in University Marketing Communications, brought up the idea. “The idea of a student-run Instagram account that explains the DePaul experience to people off-campus sounded like a winner when I heard about it on a ‘Higher Ed Live’ podcast,” Gallagher said. After running the idea past Louisa Fitzgerald, an associate director in University Marketing Communications, the two put together a presentation for Undergraduate Admission. Fitzgerald said Undergraduate Admission “had an inactive Instagram account, so we all agreed that it made sense to convert that account to the student-run account.” The University Marketing Communications department followed the lead of St. Lawrence University who also has some of their social media ran by students rather than the marketing department. “St. Lawrence University’s social
media manager took the time to explain their account to us — how they came up with the idea, how they recruit and train students,” Fitzgerald said. The switch to a student-run Instagram officially began April 21, and first up to share a week of her life in pictures was junior Anna Hanson. Hanson is the Office of Admission communication and specialist intern. Due to her close involvement with running the university’s social media, she was an easy first pick to run the account. “I have to admit, I was nervous,” Hanson said. “Even though I help run lots of different social media platforms, I am never posting about myself or my experiences. I showed a week in my life. From a day at work to a night out with friends, @IAmDePaul is a true window into life at DePaul.” Every week since Hanson first took the reigns, another student has stepped up to the plate and put his or her life on display for current and prospective students alike to see. Casey Clemmons, senior and president of the SGA; Rachel Chessky, sophomore and FEST promotions assistant; and Teresa Nguyen, public relations director of Demonthon have each given the university a glimpse into their daily lives. Gallagher says the student takeover has exceeded their expectations. “Our original plan was to pilot the program through the weekend of graduation, June 14-15. We hoped to get 500 followers by then. We’re over 400 now, so we’re confident that we’ll keep it going next fall and possibly over the summer.”
RIGHT: Two Instagram photos from the @IAmDePaul account where a different DePaul student runs the account every week showing off life at DePaul.
Photo courtesy of RACHEL CHESSKY
Photo courtesy of TERESA NGUYEN
News. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 9
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
OLIVIA JEPSON | THE DEPAULIA
People line the beach near Fullerton Avenue Sunday, May 25 when temperatures hit a high of 77 degrees in Chicago.
10 | The DePaulia. May 27, 2014.
Nation &World
Photo courtesy of AP
A Bosnian woman cycles past a flooded cemetery in the village of Domaljevac near the Bosnian town of Orasje along the river Sava, 124 miles north of Sarajevo, Bosnia's capital.
Flooding devastates Balkan countries By Haley BeMiller Nation & World Editor
Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia are picking up the pieces of their broken nations after a “biblical” level of rainfall caused massive flooding. According to the Guardian, three months’ worth of rain fell on the area known as the Balkans in a three-day span. Experts said that level of rainfall happens only once every 100 years. The devastation so far has caused 51 deaths, the Weather Channel reported: 27 in Serbia, 20 in Bosnia and two in Croatia. According to Al Jazeera, 100,000 Serbian homes and 230 schools were destroyed, and 30 percent of the country’s railways are inaccessible. Even though the Balkans are miles away, Neda Bencun, a senior public relations and advertising major at DePaul, personally feels the impact of the flooding. Bencun was born in Serbia and left the country in the '90s soon after the Bosnian War reached its end. She grew up in Chicago, but remains very much connected to its large Serbian population. Some members of Bencun’s family still live in Serbia, and she said her family visits their relatives every two years or so. Bencun said her relatives live in areas that weren’t devastated as badly, and they can still get supplies despite many places being closed. News outlets have compared the damage to devastation incurred during the war, and Bencun believes that’s an accurate analogy. Citizens of both countries were finally getting back on their feet, she
said, but now they have to respond to this disaster. She said the only difference between the war and the floods is the number of casualties. And indeed, both countries will face a severe economic blow. The damage in Bosnia is projected to cost an estimated 1.3 billion euros to repair, the Weather Channel reported. Meanwhile, Serbia is faced with a 1.5 billion euro project. Because of this damage, the Balkans have seen a wave of displacement comparable to that during the war. Reuters reported that 35,000 Bosnia residents were evacuated by truck, helicopter or boat, and another 500,000 left their homes on their own. “It’s going to take months, if not years, for this to subside,” Bencun said. In Bosnia, a major concern is the presence of land mines leftover from the war. The country is currently littered with 120,000 unexploded mines and 9,400 marked mine fields, the BBC reported. But, some of those are covered by one of the 2,000 landslides caused by the flooding. The damaged nations have sought and received aid from Russia and the European Union. Russia in particular flew in cargo planes filled with food and power generators, according to Al Jazeera America. However, Bencun said the smaller nations are stepping up as well. Organizations in Slovenia, Macedonia and beyond are all offering humanitarian aid to Serbia and Bosnia. These groups have given everything from medicine to volunteers. Croatia also provided assistance to Bosnia and Serbia, even though it was also affected
Photo courtesy of AP
Residents try to excavate a car trapped in the mud caused by a landslide at the village of Topcic Polje, near the Bosnian town of Zenica. by the flooding, Bencun said. Bencun also shared the story of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, who asked for the international community’s attention to the incident after winning a match in Rome. He donated his winnings not only to his homeland, she said, but to Bosnia as well. This sense of unity is incredibly important when one remembers that these countries were once at war, Bencun said. While she doesn’t know how long the peace will last, she noted that they are all one right now, regardless of history. “Neighbor is helping neighbor, despite previous tension and differences,” she said. People in Chicago are also bridging
that divide. Bencun said people in the Serbian and Bosnian communities are donating to organizations of all different origins. “At this point, it doesn’t matter which organization that is and to who it is going because everyone affected is in need,” Bencun said. Several churches in the Chicago area have been collecting food and supplies for the devastated nations, including St. Simeon Mirotochivi Serbian Orthodox Church and St. Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church in Brookfield, Illinois. Websites such as the Novak Djokovic Foundation and Serbs For Serbs are also accepting financial contributions.
Nation & World. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia |11
ICYMI: What's happening in world news Thai military seizes power in bloodless coup
House passes curbs on NSA phone surveillance
Without firing a shot, Thailand’s powerful military seized control of this volatile Southeast Asian nation Thursday, suspending the constitution and detaining Cabinet ministers in a risky bid to end half a year of political upheaval that many fear will only deepen the nation’s crisis. The coup, the second in eight years, accomplished in a few minutes what anti-government protesters backed by the nation’s traditional elite and staunch royalists had failed to achieve on the street: the overthrow of a democratically elected government they had accused of corruption. The new junta leader, army chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, announced he was taking power almost immediately after talks between the nation’s bitter political rivals — which lasted a mere four hours over the last two days — ended in deadlock and the government refused to resign. Prayuth claimed he had to act to restore stability and “quickly bring the situation back to normal” amid increasing spasms of violence that together with controversial court rulings had rendered the government powerless and the country profoundly divided. The army, which imposed martial law in a surprise move Tuesday that many sensed was a prelude to taking full power, imposed a nationwide curfew that began at 10 p.m. The day's dramatic events were the culmination of a societal schism laid bare after the 2006 coup deposed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire tycoon whose populist movement has won every national election since 2001. The conflict pits a majority rural poor in the north and northeast, who benefited from Thaksin’s populist policies, against an urban-based elite based in Bangkok and the south that is concerned it is losing power.
In an overwhelming vote, the House moved the U.S. closer to ending the National Security Agency’s bulk collection of Americans’ phone records Thursday, the most significant demonstration to date of leaker Edward Snowden’s impact on the debate over privacy versus security. But the final version of the legislation, “watered down” in the words of one supporter, also showed the limits of that impact. The bill was severely weakened to mollify U.S. intelligence agencies, which insisted that the surveillance programs are a critical bulwark against terror plots. The bill was approved 303 to 121, which means that most House members can now say they voted to end what many critics consider the most troubling practice Snowden disclosed — the collection and storage of U.S. calling data by the secretive intelligence agency. Though some privacy activists continued to back the bill, others withdrew support, as did technology companies such as Google and Facebook. The measure now heads to the Senate. The USA Freedom Act would codify a proposal made in January by President Barack Obama, who said he wanted to end the NSA’s practice of collecting and storing the “to and from” records of nearly every American landline telephone call under a program that searched the data for connections to terrorist plots abroad. The bill’s original text limited the government’s data requests to those associated with specific people, entities or accounts. The approved version says the government may use any “specific selection term” to set the parameters of its search, including a type of device or an address. The new language appears to allow much broader data requests.
Photo courtesy of AP
Two students comfort each other during a candlelight vigil held to honor the victims of Friday night's mass shooting.
7 killed in shooting rampage near college campus The son of a Hollywood director stabbed three men to death in his apartment, gunned down two women outside a sorority and killed a sixth person in a rampage that was foreshadowed by a chilling Internet video in which he vowed to his victims that he would “take great pleasure in slaughtering all of you.” Authorities said the 22-year-old lone gunman, Elliot Rodger — the son of a director who worked on the “The Hunger Games” — carried out his attacks Friday night in the beach community of Isla Vista near the University of California, Santa Barbara. The rampage happened hours after he looked into a video camera and warned in a disturbing Internet video that he would slaughter those with a good life — especially women who shunned him, authorities said. Deputies wounded him during two separate shootouts as he sped through Isla
Vista, leaving a trail of bloodshed that ended with Rodger apparently shooting himself in the head before crashing his black BMW into a parked car, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said. Thirteen people were injured — eight from gunshot wounds, four from being hit by his car and one who suffered a minor injury whose exact cause was not clear yet, Brown said. Authorities had had three contacts with Rodgers in the past year, including one case in which he claimed to be beaten but deputies suspected he was the aggressor. On April 30, officials went to his Isla Vista apartment again to check on him at the request of his family. But deputies reported back that the Santa Barbara community college student was shy, polite and having a difficult social life but did not need to be taken in for mental health reasons.
Content by The Associated Press Compiled by Haley BeMiller | The DePaulia
voting time European officials, DePaul students gather ahead of EU elections to discuss current events By Brenden Moore Staff Writer
The Consul-Generals of Germany and Greece spoke to political science students on Tuesday as part of a presentation to mark the European Parliament elections held this past weekend. Dr. Christian Brecht and Ioanna Efthymiadou, of Germany and Greece respectively, shared their views on the elections in Europe and the growing powers of the EU Parliament. “When we talk about the European Union, it might seem from the outside as a very complicated bureaucracy, and sometimes even dysfunctional if you approach it in terms of a national state or a derivation, because it is neither; but being a unique entity in international law, it also has a life of its own and it works in practice and becomes nature to all of us,” Efthymiadou said. The presentation, held in the Schmitt Academic Center, also included segments from DePaul professors giving an overview of the European Union and the
nature of the European Parliament and its elections. Throughout the hour and a half event, a common topic of discussion was voter apathy among Europeans as well as the rise of radical right wing anti-European Union candidates as viable options. “We’re talking about potentially four or more European countries where an openly euroskeptical, an openly antiimmigrant and a nationalist party will come away with the most seats,” Erik Tillman, an associate professor of political science, said. Tillman hosted the event. Tillman, however, cautions that winning the most seats in the EU Parliament does not automatically lead to influence. While the two-party system reigns supreme in the U.S., European states tend to have many political parties, which can lead to a party winning the most seats with a relatively small percentage of the vote. The largest current party, the European People’s Party, has 274 members, or roughly 36 percent of the total chamber. In any case, a coalition government is likely. “Probably the end result of
Photo courtesy of AP
Women check electoral boards for the European elections, in Paris, Friday, May 16. all of this is going to be grand pro-European coalition of the mainstream parties,” Tillman said. He further added that the incoming parliament will have to deal with a crisis of trust among the European voters who feel that their needs are not being addressed. With the Eurozone crisis among other things, voter apathy is high. However, the diplomats stressed that the EU is positive and should be expanded.
For Brecht, the desire is in part personal. “I’m married to a French lady who has never given up her French nationality, she’s working at a German university,” he said. “She is serving there as a civil servant with her French nationality, so this is possible under the EU.” Brecht also added that his two adult children live in different parts of the EU, using it as an example for the options the EU
provides. The event was attended mainly by political science and geography students, and included a brief question and answer session. “I thought it was an interesting event,” Tillman said. “We got to hear to several different perspectives on the European Union and the challenges it faces today, and it served to remind us why the EU remains such an important project.”
12 | The DePaulia. May 27, 2014
Opinions
End the misconceptions By Erin Yarnall Staff Writer
Feminism means that women are going to kill men and take over the world, right? It means that all women will turn into lesbians, right? The primary feminist concern is if their date will go Dutch or not, right? Absolutely wrong. Feminism is simply the belief that people should be equal politically, socially and economically, without their sex being a determining factor in any of these realms. This misconception about feminism, and other misconceptions about women as a whole, is one of the primary reasons why women's and gender studies (WGS) classes should be required. Although it has been proven time and time again that women can be just as successful as men, some DePaul students have witnessed that not everyone believes this to be true. “I was waiting for the 'L' when some guy came up and I think he was trying to hit on me,” DePaul student Jennifer DePoorter said. “When he found out I was double majoring in English and journalism, he started laughing and told me I better marry rich now.” The idea that women need husbands to support them is so absurd that it becomes almost laughable when these stories are repeated. This evidence that some still believe that social inequalities between men and women are natural and should exist proves that WGS courses need to be taken seriously and
required on campus. Early in high school, when I began to have an understanding of the historical and modern inequalities between men and women, I started to identify as a feminist, and I imagined walking into my WGS 100 class as an expert in everything that was lectured, easily getting an A. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding classes I have ever taken. It made me question almost everything I had ever thought in my life by teaching me that, although I have been oppressed as a woman, I still am more privileged than many people. WGS classes teach about the history of feminism, the different movements involved within feminism, and why it is important. Beyond that, they also teach critical thinking, and being able to reflect on one’s self and the ways that we are more privileged than others. “Confronting our privilege can be terrifying, but it is so important,” WGS major Leeann Hepler said. “We can not create any social change without this step and WGS provides the tools to do so.” While some students may be intimidated to take a WGS class, the classes pride themselves on being open spaces for people to learn without being judged. “The classes are set up as seminars with awesome professors, and I have learned more from my peers through discussion in these classes than any textbook,” Hepler said. WGS classes not only discuss issues of sex and gender
Students should be required to take women's and gender studies classes
PK | CREATIVE COMMONS
A feminist sticker. Requiring students to take women's and gender studies classes may help to end misconceptions about feminism as well as alleviate demeaning behavior towards women. inequalities, but also oppression that has been placed upon people of different races and classes, making intersectionality a primary focus in classes. Intersectionality is the study of intersections between different oppressions, including race, gender and class. WGS classes have been finding a way to discuss all women’s experiences, and taking into account the numerous oppressions they may have faced. They acknowledge that the experience of a white woman and minority woman can be very different, for example. The things that students learn in these classes are desperately needed on college campuses like DePaul’s. Many students,
when asked, can recall numerous instances of sexism they have encountered on campus. “There was a guy in my class who told me feminists were responsible for the existence of sexual harassment,” DePaul student Jillian Rice said. “He said this was because we didn’t know what being friendly in the workplace actually meant.” Women’s issues are increasingly relevant on campus, especially after the sexual assault controversy that has happened recently. Sexual assault is an important issue that needs to be discussed on campus, and the fact that the banners in Arts and Letters Hall addressing these issues were taken down so
quickly shows that our campus is not having enough of a conversation about sexual assault. “Dude, after this it’s going to be all freshman girls,” was what one future Resident Advisor overheard another RA saying at their first meeting, implying that the RA was going to have sex with many incoming freshman women on their floor. A lack of respect for women is a problem throughout DePaul’s campus, and mandatory WGS classes would be an effective measure to hopefully end the disrespect and sexism that female students experience regularly, and hopefully would foster conscientiousness about how we should treat others in general.
Paper, not plastic Chicago's new plastic bag ban strives to help the environment By Gabriella Lewis Contributing Writer
When you shop at DePaul’s Etc. grocery store or go shopping for clothes at any of the shops in Lincoln Park, you don’t usually think twice about the plastic bag that you leave the store with. Chicago City Council’s recent vote and overwhelming passage of an ordinance that will prohibit major retail, grocery, drug, convenience stores and restaurants from offering their customers plastic bags will start in August of 2015. This change will allow for businesses to offer decompostable paper bags to their customers for a small price, forcing the customer to really think about paper vs. plastic. This may sound like a burden to those of you who have not had to live a life where plastic bags are banned. I, however, have been lucky enough to have been raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where plastic bags have been banned
since 2007, and I can attest from firsthand experience that it really is not that bad. Companies and store owners will face most of the burden initially, as they will have to provide alternative paper bags, which cost about three times more than plastic bags. However, in a recent interview on “Here & Now,” a National Public Radio (NPR) program, Guillermo Rodriguez of the San Francisco Department of the Environment commented on San Francisco storeowners’ experiences with the ban. “We haven't heard complaints from merchants claiming that it's an economic loss for them. In fact, I think for many of them, anecdotally, they're actually saving money, because they're not purchasing as many bags as they once were.” The only thing that changes with the consumer in terms of this ban is that we will be encouraged to think about how we will carry our purchases from the store before we reach the checkout counter. This
ALEX EFLON | CREATIVE COMMONS
The upcoming Chicago plastic bag ban is expected to have profound environmental effects, as 3 to 5 percent of the 3.7 million bags used daily in Chicago end up as litter. will hopefully motivate shoppers to bring their own bags. Kelly Tzoumis, a professor of environmental public policy at DePaul, is thrilled about the new law and believes this is a prudent move for environmental reasons. “I believe that this is a very good first step and environmental policy route for Chicago,” Tzoumis said. “Since a huge problem for the city is littering and the clogging of gutters by plastic bags, a small surcharge from the consumer will put cost of pollution back into the price of the good.” Tzoumis believes that the new
ordinance will not substantially affect business revenue, and that if it becomes too inconvenient for customers, that will just encourage them to reuse plastic bags that they already own. Ultimately, this new ordinance will make Chicago a more environmentally sustainable city. Most of us probably have a filled drawer or pile of plastic bags lying around somewhere that we’ve collected over the months of grocery trips that we can easily reuse. If not, the simple purchase of a reusable vinyl bag from your local Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, which costs between $1 and $5, will suffice.
Opinions. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 13
Internships: A 'priceless' experience By Parker Asmann Staff Writer
Anybody involved with doing work for a company or another person wants to feel like the work they are doing is worth something and that the time and effort they are putting in is appreciated. However, with the growing popularity of unpaid internships, is work without pay the precedent that’s being set? Experience is one of the most prized possessions a new graduate can have in the hunt for that first job. Aside from focusing the majority of their attention on school and getting the right grades to be appealing to employers, having an internship at the same time is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity to have a fighting chance at landing a job. Consequently, employers are taking advantage of the current reality students are living in and, more times than not, offering internships that don’t pay anything at all. In a recent analysis of government data regarding student debt published in The Wall Street Journal by Mark Kantrowitz of the Edvisors organization, the 2014 graduating class has been crowned the most indebted class to date. On average, each student that borrowed money throughout his or her college career now owes more than $30,000 in
ARKASHA STEVENSON | MCT CAMPUS
Cecilia Wu, a business intern with the Cinarron Group, Santa Monica, Calif. Critics fear that employers are exploiting unpaid interns as a source of "free labor." student debt. An outsider could potentially interpret that number as students being lazy, when in reality these students are juggling classes, work and student organizations all at once, without pay. With a little help, students could potentially curtail this debt with some form of pay from the internships they’re becoming involved with. “Unpaid internships are more or less just volunteering, not a job,” Jake Fessler, a 21-year-old international studies major, said. Not receiving any compensation for the hard work that interns put in for a wide
variety of companies sets a very bad precedent for young people. Growing up with the impression that the work you are doing is not worth anything leads students down a slippery slope with low expectations. At the same time, though, experience is and always will be the best asset an aspiring professional can have, paid or not. “My unpaid internship offers me something better than money, it offers me connections and a network of people to work with,” Martin Vitek, a senior at DePaul who is currently interning for the
Packback organization, said. Each opportunity and internship may be unique in its own way. However, unpaid internships also put a strain on the workforce for other people who are in the market for a full-time job, but can’t find any opportunities due to companies’ rising utilization of unpaid college internships, which function more or less as “free work.” When trying to decide whether or not to hire an intern who you can train and have work for free, or hire a graduate with all of the credentials and
experience who expects to earn a salary, it’s a no-brainer that companies are leaning toward the internship route. After all, it’s free work. “It’s free labor, and especially with so many of these companies and organizations having a ton of money to work with, free labor should never exist,” Fessler said. It’s an interesting dichotomy that has persisted in the world of unpaid internships. On the one hand, everyone would like to see that all internships are paid; but on the flip side, would this type of leap cause crucial internship opportunities to disappear and rob students and new graduates of the valuable experience that is needed to make the first steps in pursuing a career? Despite the existing criticism, the National Association of Colleges and Employers still reports that almost half of all internships are unpaid. At the end of the day, it’s hard to say whether or not internships should be paid or unpaid when the experience that is gained from such opportunities is really what’s important. Maybe employers could meet students somewhere in the middle and provide them with some pay, so the idea that their work is worthless doesn’t continue. Nonetheless, some type of needed change is evident, as the debt that students face after college doesn’t show any signs of slowing.
Is grad school necessary? By Fran Welch Contributing Writer
With graduation approaching in just a few short weeks, grad school is not just a main concern for senior students, but for the student body as a whole. In today’s society, efforts to attend undergraduate school alone are leaving students with loans large enough to equal the mortgage on a house. Adding a sizable loan on top of that for another four to six years in school? Forget about it. With tuition on the rise and showing no sign of lowering, graduate school is becoming a slippery slope for the majority of the collegiate population, leaving students with a dilemma: Is grad school essential for competing in today’s limited job market or is it a costly and unnecessary expense that fails to teach the practical skills that a job could? Daniel Makagon, a professor at DePaul University in the College of Communication, describes his decision as a hunt for balance between his interests in art and commerce. “If the art portion was working well, my salary was horrible. When my salary was good, the job made me miserable,” he said. “Because I enjoyed studying communication and was inspired by professors who were creative in the classroom, I decided to go back to school.” He then went on to pursue a Ph.D in hopes of teaching at a university, which
clearly worked out in his favor here at DePaul. One of the main issues for students debating over grad school is if they should go out into the job market or jump directly back into school. In regard to that issue, Makagon shared some wise advice. “Grad school is a path you should take (only) because you want to learn more, not to delay time finding a job. Experiences off campus can make for a more intellectually engaging experience once students return to school.” He went on to say, “I recommend working for a while and then returning. This will make for a better learning experience and there is a greater chance that a company will pay for the advanced degree if the choice is motivated in part by professional advancement.” With high tuition expenses being no surprise to the professional world, it is becoming more and more common that employers, especially those in the corporate world, are willing to pay for an advanced degree once a possible promotion is at hand. Many students here at DePaul, like Melissa Halliwell, a senior majoring in business management with a concentration in leadership, are waiting to see how far their bachelor degree can take them. “Right now, I don’t want to pursue a career that would require grad school because I don’t think it’s necessary since most of us are going into an entry level career,” Halliwell said. “Obviously, if you’re pursuing a career in law or medicine,
it’s unavoidable, but other than that, it’s good to have but not crucial in today’s economy.” However, some students at DePaul are going a different route by continuing on with grad school. Megan Heckel, a DePaul student pursing a masters of education in counseling with a concentration in college student development, is just one of many students pursuing a career where the continuation of grad school is an absolute must. Being fully aware that grad school was not the most budget-friendly choice, Heckel nevertheless thrived in the college environment and knew that it was the right path for her since day one. “I never even thought about finding a job and then going to school; it was always an assumed route I was going to take,” she
NATE BEELER | MCT CAMPUS
said. “Finding that counseling and higher education — both of which I’m interested in pursuing — require a masters, has made me feel less guilty if anything.” As a freshman in college with absolutely no idea of what the future holds, I think, along with a repeated consensus among several other interviewees, that grad school is only needed if your career path deems it absolutely necessary and if you’re considering higher education. Obviously there are several other scenarios to be taken into consideration, but for me — and a large majority of students who are not planning on being lawyers or doctors — saving the extra triple zero loan for something other than another student loan looks better and better each day.
The opinions in this section do not necessarily reflect those of The DePaulia staff.
14 | The DePaulia. May 27, 2014
Focus ™
Even celebrities make mistakes — sometimes really big ones. From Donald Sterling to Bill Clinton, public figures’ apologies can set the stage for forgiveness or mockery. By Olivia Cunningham Contributing Writer
Donald Sterling’s disorderly interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper on May 12 marked yet another celebrity apology gone wrong. While his apology seemed far from scripted, someone on his team should’ve looked over his notes one last time before he began the interview with “I’m not a racist.” But before he even began, he already made a mistake. “It took two weeks to apologize,” DePaul public relations instructor Jim Motzer said. Timeliness is an important component to a successful apology, according to Motzer. The lack of timeliness was one of the many reasons that Sterling’s apology failed his brand. PR and legal teams are prepared to make whatever moves necessary to rescue their clients from total destruction. These strategic moves differ from client to client, but a formal apology to the public is the most necessary, and coincidentally the most difficult. While Sterling put up a defensive front, other public figures rely on another component of a successful apology: remorse. MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry showed remorse on national TV when she
held back tears apologizing for her and her fellow panelists’ jokes about Mitt Romney’s adopted African-American grandson. “My intention was not malicious, but I broke the ground rule that families are off-limits, and for that I am sorry,” HarrisPerry said. She also went a step further and extended her apology to all other families formed through transracial adoption saying, “I am deeply sorry that we suggested that interracial families are in any way funny or deserving of ridicule.” Sometimes it’s not a single public figure who’s in the spotlight, but an entire brand. Netflix’s deadly announcement of a company split in 2011 between streaming and DVD rental, which would have hiked prices up 60 percent, set consumers off. CEO Reed Hastings attempted to calm customers with an apology video — shot outside an L.A. pool — but he didn’t quite gain their favor. “There was an apology, but no corrective action,” Motzer said. “(Hastings) did nothing to clear it up, but only complicated things for consumers.” Brands often try to take advantage of the public, using strategic words and rhetoric that the public will accept as truth, if only because they don’t understand it entirely.
But according to Motzer, that strategy does not make an effective apology. “You need to speak in terms that people understand,” Motzer said. “There’s a business rationale, but no consumer rationale.” The type of offense committed also plays a role in the public’s reception of the apology. Sterling’s and Paula Deen’s racist comments, for example, are different than Bill Clinton’s infidelity. “(Clinton’s infidelity) is definitely scandalous, but it’s a little more forgivable,” Eden Ames, a freshman digital cinema student, said. These days, celebrities drowning in scandal have a multitude of ways they can apologize, including television, Twitter, Facebook and personal letters to the victims. It’s not only what they say that’s important, but also the vehicle through which they say it. “I think Twitter is better (than broadcast) because if they make a public statement, it probably came from a publicist,” Sara Ocytko, a freshmen English and communications student, said. The question of authenticity is often present in conversations about celebrities, but it’s perhaps most important when it comes to their apologies. Ames said she
How
An effective apology cannot rely on sincerity alone for public figures in the middle of a scandal. There are guidelines they must follow. Jim Motzer, a public relations instructor, offers five components of crafting a successful celebrity apology.
doesn’t think broadcast apologies appear very genuine. “If there was to be a sincere apology, I feel like it would have to be outside mass media,” Ames said. While an apology is essential to saving face, there can also be backlash for apologizing too much or saying the wrong words. Paula Deen’s apology for using racist language verged on panicky rather than sincere. Sterling followed a similar pattern by bringing up the people hurt by his comments. Sterling also hit the interview off with a buzz word — “racist” — that made the public hurriedly click on links. Motzer said racism is not only a heavy word, but also virtually unforgivable. These hate-fueled tapes did not mark the first instance of racism for Sterling, who has battled housing discrimination lawsuits for his L.A. properties by 19 tenants in 2003, and again in 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice. For public figures like Sterling, who have histories pockmarked by scandal, the odds are against them from the beginning for convincing the public of their sincerity. “Apologies tend to work better if the incident is an exception to the way you live your life,” Motzer said.
Who: Miley Cyrus WHen: May 2014 What happened: Cyrus discussed a performer’s sexuality and promoted date rape. Defense: “You know everyone’s a little bit gay ... all it takes is one cocktail. And if that doesn’t work, sprinkle something in their drink. That’s what I always do.” Apology: “It sounded hateful but not what I meant. I never want hateful things being said about those I care about ... I was just tooooo turnttttt up.” — in a tweet
SAFE
PR NIGHTMARE
to craft
SAFE
Focus. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 15
Who: Donald Sterling WHen: April 2014
t a successful apology
What happened: TMZ released tapes that record Sterling’s racist statements in a conversation with his girlfriend, V. Stiviano.
Timeliness
Defense: “An 80-year-old man is kind of foolish, and I’m kind of foolish ... I guess being 51 years older than her, I was deluding myself. I just wish I could ask her why, and if she was just setting me up.”
Don’t waste any time between the scandal and the apology. The more time that passes, the more insincere the apology becomes.
Apology: “For them to hear that I’m a possible racist, it’s so painful to me because I’m not a racist. I’ve never been racist. It’s not me.” — in an interview with Anderson Cooper
Acknowledgement Publicly acknowledge the wrongdoing and the harm it caused to any and all affected parties.
SAFE
PR NIGHTMARE
Remorse Show remorse over the scandalous action, but make sure it is genuine and wholehearted.
Who: Paula Deen WHen: May 2013
Repair
What happened: Paula Deen admitted to saying the N-word, saying racist jokes and planning a plantation-themed wedding.
Fix what’s been damaged, but don’t do it privately. If the scandal was done in public, the repair should be, too.
Defense: “I can’t myself determine what offends another person.” Apology: “I know how I treat people. I know my love for people, and I’m not gon’ sit here and tell everything I have done for people of color.” — in an interview on The Today Show with Matt Lauer
Promise Make a promise that the scandal will never happen again and show that you have learned from it.
SAFE
PR NIGHTMARE
Who: Tracy Morgan
Who: Bill Clinton
WHen: June 2011
WHen: January 1998
What happened: Morgan used violent language to make a joke out of bullying, femininity and gay communities
What happened: Clinton had a sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, but at first denied it.
Defense: “God don’t make mistakes,” in reference to people “choosing” to be gay.
Defense: “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.”
Apology: “While I am an equal opportunity jokester, and my friends know what is in my heart, even in a comedy club this clearly went too far, was not funny in any context.” — in a written apology
Apology: “Indeed I did have a relationship with Ms. Lewinsky that was not appropriate. In fact, it was wrong.” — in a live announcement on national TV
PR NIGHTMARE
SAFE
PR NIGHTMARE
16 | The DePaulia. May 27, 2014
Arts & Life
Portraits of pride By Nicole Cash Contributing Writer
The large, colorful portraits, made mostly from aerosol, stood up against the white walls while about 50 people filtered in and filled up all the seats. Funky hiphop and smooth Latin music played in the background while the guests enjoyed refreshments and took photos. This was the scene Wednesday night at DePaul Art Museum's latest exhibit, "Portraits of Liberation Across Latino America." Lavie Raven, artist-educator and founder of the University of Hip-Hop, Desi Mundo, artist-educator and founder of the Community Rejuvenation Project, and Virgilio Elizondo, professor of Pastoral and Hispanic Theology at the University of Notre Dame, spoke at the event. Christopher Tirres, mediator and assistant professor of religious studies at DePaul, introduced the guests and discussed his own interest in liberation theology, the freedom from unjust social and political conditions in association with Catholicism. He described the subjects of the portraits, such as Gustavo Gutierrez of Brazil, as having “cultural sensitivity.” He also touched on the intersection of art and education, and its ability to “open up to issues of social justice.” He then proceeded to ask Raven, Mundo and Elizondo how their work encompasses social justice, identity and art. Virgilio Elizondo spoke first about his major influences growing up: parents, his “Mexicano” church, his “barrio” or neighborhood, which he referred to as “paradise,” and speaking Spanish. Elizando also discussed problems he had with his identity, as he often asked himself, “¿Soy Mexicano o soy Americano?” or “Am I Mexican or am I American?” and emphasized the importance of turning a “dual identity into a new identity.” For Elizondo, liberation theology manifests itself in his childhood neighborhood, groups of acculturation and groups of the poor. Lavie Raven, from Chicago’s South
Side, who created some of the portraits, talked about the influences of the black power movement and the “confines of an oppressive regime” being AfricanAmerican. During his childhood, he experienced life in Liberia and Israel, and ended up back in Chicago under President Nixon, Mayor Daly in Chicago and the deaths of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Also from Chicago’s South Side, Desi Mundo was one of Raven’s first students at the University of Hip-Hop and also worked on the portraits. “I’m a writer, first and foremost,” Mundo said, referring to his work as a graffiti artist, or as he calls it, “aerosol writing.” Mundo says he was taught to never use the term “graffiti,” as it is “derogatory” and “…relates stylized writing to a scribble.” Mundo was a member of Chi-Rock Nation, and has studied murals in Hyde Park and in Latin America. The speakers then spoke about their roles as art educators. For Raven, the notion of “transcommunity,” or “the union of divergence and different communities around a common goal,” has played a huge role in educating his students. Raven believes education is “… a formal fragmentation of life…Western civilization breaks down our cosmological self.” “We have to reflect the communities we’re working with…education is the dialogue,” Mundo said of his perspective on teaching art to youth. For Elizondo, his early education as a non-English speaker taught him to feel ashamed of himself, he said. “Education was alienation.” Mundo and Raven also spoke about art and its role in shaping the lives and identities of many children, specifically those who are oppressed or underprivileged. “Art is a language…it enables people to be at ease with who they are,” Elizondo said. “It is liberation in the depths of the soul.” The event ended in open questions from the audience for the guests and Raven rapped briefly for the audience, speaking to the oppression many face and the social issues that accompany it.
DePaul Art Museum exhibit pays homage to Latino thinkers
NICOLE CASH | THE DEPAULIA
Above and below left: Portraits of Latino liberation thinkers on display at the DePaul Art Museum as part of the exhibit "Portraits of Liberation Across Latino America."
NICOLE CASH | THE DEPAULIA
NICOLE CASH | THE DEPAULIA
Above, artists Desi Mundo (second from left) and Lavi Raven (third from right) stand with Fr. Virgilio Elizando (third from left) at the opening of "Portraits of Liberation Across the Latino Americas" exhibit at the DePaul Art Museum.
Bella Thorne: By Jenna Duddleston Contributing Writer
With Bella Thorne’s new movie “Blended” coming out on May 23, she is doing anything but “blending” in. With a book series, an album, her TV series “Shake It Up” finished and six more movies coming out within the next year or two, Thorne is quite a busy 16year-old. Thorne got her start in the Disney Channel show “Shake It Up,” on the air from 2010-2013. Now Thorne is trying to step away from television and hopes to do more in film. “I like the film world; I love working on movies,” Thorne said. “I like the style when you’re working on films … in a movie you can take your time, feel out the character and live in the character.” Thorne should have no problem entering into the film world with “Blended” coming to theaters May 23, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” coming out in October 2014, and “Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend,” “Home Invasion” and “Big Sky” expected to come out later on this year, and “Amityville” in 2015. While working on “Blended,” Thorne not only got to film in South Africa for two months but
also had the pleasure of working with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. “When you watch the film and you’re like ‘oh wow, these people are so funny and enjoyable’ and you love them, that’s exactly how they are off screen,” Thorne said. When asking about some of Thorne’s favorite scenes to shoot, she said she enjoyed the dinner scenes most. “I got to work with Kevin Nealon, who is so funny. He’s more of a dry humor like me, he’s just hilarious… and so is his partner in crime, Jessica Lowe.” Another project that Thorne is working on is her book series, “Autumn Falls,” that will be available on Nov. 11. Autumn Falls is about a 14-year-old girl whose life changes when her father dies and he leaves behind a journal for her. When she writes in the journal things come to life, but since the character is dyslexic, they come out a little bit wonky. Thorne, who is dyslexic just like the character, never considered a career in writing until she became close with Monique Fisher, Thorne’s teacher on “Shake It Up,” who helped her believe in her writing. “I wrote the book to teach kids that if I could have a three series book with Random House, one of the biggest publishing companies out there, they can do whatever they want. They can achieve
Arts & Life. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 17
The young actress discusses her new film with Adam Sandler
Photo courtesy of BELLA THORNE
Actress Bella Thorne, former star of Disney Channel series "Shake It Up," now appears as Hilary in "Blended," a new comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. whatever dreams they want. No matter how many people tell them they can’t.” Thorne’s debut album is also set to release by this summer. Her single, “Call It Whatever,” is now available on iTunes.
When asked where she sees herself in five to 10 years, she said she hopes to be invited to the Oscars. “Even if I’m not nominated, just invited would be cool or presenting would be cool. I’d be nervous and trip, I know I
would trip – I would definitely fall, I would face plant, break my nose or something… it’s gonna happen.” "Blended" is now in theaters.
'Generation Sex' entertains, educates By Jordan Sarti Contributing Writer
Wednesday night, Latina theater group Teatro Luna performed a never-beforeseen version of the play "Generation Sex." Though they have performed this play in other iterations, they added new segments and elements of performance that made the event a truly innovative experience. The Student Center’s multi-purpose room was filled with about 50 audience members. "Generation Sex" explores women’s experiences in the wake of technological advancement. Teatro Luna combines spoken word, dance, music, video clips and animation to explore various dimensions of sexuality and womanhood in the internet era. Their work has been featured in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, American Theatre Magazine, NBC, Univision and NPR, amongst others. Though it is billed as an exploration of sex, Generation Sex deals with the subject in a number of unexpected ways. The show begins with an emotionally agitating vignette in which a woman describes being raped by a coworker to other women in her office. The women quickly cover it up, attempting to convince her that it had been consensual. The six Teatro Luna performers are outfitted in high-waisted lamé briefs and nylons in shades of black and nude. Their outfits coordinate but don’t match; each member maintains a sense of individuality. They wear matching black leather Mary Jane heels. They then screen a clip entitled “Vulcan Sex,” which features an interview with a
woman who claims to only have sex once every seven years as a devotion to Star Trek. The next scene is an original piece written for the play that delves into BDSM: “My man hits me, and he loves me.” The women dance through various sheer screens and chant, “How can it be wrong when it feels so autocorrect?” Then, three performers dance on stage to a remixed version of “The Whisper Song.” One by one, they confess their versions of “vanilla kink,” or petty theft, not recycling and watching Netflix with a jar of Nutella all evening. The play segues into a sequence where one performer narrates her Craigslist “Casual Encounters” posting. She sprawled out on the side of the stage, away from the audience, while using a camera to project her face over the entire opposite wall. She seductively drawls a list of criteria — “be 4/20 friendly,” “be real, be passionate, be real passionate” — and rejects the ridiculous responses with an air of disgust, one by one. The discussion of Craigslist evolves into a monologue about human connection through technology. “Tell me you love me,” she says. “And tag me so I know it’s real.” The performers then retake the stage, girlishly lying on their stomachs toward the audience, their faces resting in their palms and propped up with their elbows, kicking their legs behind them. They begin to recite a piece about the wonders of the “diva cup,” a silicone cup that collects menstrual blood, with footage of women doing things one would expect from a tampon commercial — synchronized swimming, bowling, and talking to boys —
Photo courtesy of PANAMERICAONLINE.COM/TEATRO LUNA
Performers from Teatro Luna, a Latina theatre troupe based in Chicago. projected on the screen behind them. In the talk-back, one performer stated it is “another way that technology has changed sex: menstrual technology.” The benign gushing over this device turns political when they ask the audience to put their sticky, menses-covered hands up and proclaim, “Free at last!” The group said they were interested in “reclaiming menstruation” and reducing the shame surrounding it. They then screened a loosely animated piece about a 40-year-old woman named Inez who met a man who wrote erotica on the website TarotDaily.com. The clip details Inez’s internal monologue as she wonders whether she should make a move; worries whether he will want something from her; and eventually, allows herself to experience the encounter. The performers loudly coo, “Aw.” Then, after another dance sequence, they project a long slideshow of numbers and statistics about women’s rights. “7.8 million women are victims of domestic
violence, worldwide,” it reads. “1.3 million women are victims of rape.” The slideshow touches on issues of violence, poverty, equal pay and other concerns that women disproportionately face. They close the play with a piece about Greek mythology’s idea of soul mates. The talk-back was revealing: the performers, director and choreographer all gave the audience an opportunity to ask about parts they were confused about, a luxury rarely afforded in the art world. Director Alexandra Meda took the stage to explain that a central theme in this play is to “stop talking about how other people see us, how men see us. It’s about how we see us. And not just the positives. I’m interested in the interpersonal damage we do as women.” Sisterhood should not always be idealized. Meda continued, “I had to build a bizarre-o world of people, an exaggerated reality, to realize how much more messed up things are than I thought they were.”
18 | The DePaulia. May 27, 2014
'One for one' trend may not be right for all By Michele Seyfarth Contributing Writer
“BRIIIIINNNNNNGGG.” Your phone alarm yells at you for the second time this morning to wake up. One number repeats itself in your head, “96.” It’s a Monday and you’re already counting down the hours until the weekend. The cold water brings a chill down your spine as it splashes life onto your sleepy, droopy eyes. The smell of roasting coffee tickles your nostrils and offers promise for the day ahead. Today is a trial run for the new “Carpe Diem Espresso” you purchased from TOMS. Yes, TOMS, the shoe company known for their charitable works and “buy one give one” mode of operation, now sells coffee. Like its famous “one for one” shoes, which you slipped onto your feet while running out the door, your TOMS steaming cup of coffee also improves the lives of people in other countries. According to Toms.com, with every bag of coffee purchased, TOMS gives one week of clean water to a person in need. Or does it? Laura P. Hartman, a DePaul business ethics professor who runs a school in Haiti, said you might not be helping suffering
Photo courtesy of TOMS SHOES
Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS, stands near a kiosk of TOMS-branded eyewear. villages as much as you thought you were. “The challenges with ‘one for one’ models, like TOMS, is that if you send shoes into a developing economy, you are displacing the part (of the economy) that would be creating shoes,” Hartman said. It seems obvious that if no competition exists in regards to price, the consumer will buy the product that keeps on giving. It feels good to give; the consumer not only receives something in return but also connects to others by serving the greater good.
The “buy one give one” or “one for one” model of consumption in the United States is rapidly increasing. Take a look around. All different types of products, from water, shoes, clothing, coffee, glasses and even toothbrushes, are now part of the “one for one” design model. Oftentimes, a “one for one” model connects people nationally, even worldwide. Take project (RED), for example. (RED) has partnered with more than 20 companies, from Apple to Belvedere Vodka, for the fight against AIDS. (RED)
products are easily identifiable from the popular logo and cherryred coloring. (RED), started in 2006 by U2 singer Bono and attorney/ activist Bobby Shriver, has raised more than $240 million and 100 percent of the money has gone towards work on the grounds, according to red.org. This is a great idea, right? You may feel philanthropic while listening to a (RED) song on your (RED) iPod; however, you may not know the whole truth about the organization. “The problem with project
(RED) is their waste of funding dollars,” Hartman said. The branding and licensing model costs millions of dollars and a large majority of that money goes towards (RED)’s advertising, according to Hartman. Hartman is a proud supporter of Soles for Souls, a company that combines giving with microfinance. Soles for Souls contributes, or “loans,” shoes to individuals in a local economy for them to sell. The individuals then owe half of their profits back to the company after selling the shoes. “This model is teaching methods of business, to people who are generally illiterate, without displacing the entire shoe economy,” Hartman said. “If you just give, unfortunately at some point you will run out.” The question comes down to how aware we, as consumers, have to be about the products we purchase. Is it enough to believe a company’s mission statement, or are we responsible to research where our money is going and how it helps individuals suffering economically? “I feel like a lot of people don’t take the time to look into their organizations,” DePaul sophomore Kathryn Carlin said. “Oftentimes, they do their good deed and move on.”
When will the bass stop? 'SNL' tackles EDM, makes a point By Kirsten Onsgard Staff Writer
In the same week the word “dubstep” was recognized by Merriam-Webster, Andy Samberg returned to Saturday Night Live with The Lonely Island to parody moneyhungry DJs in a skit titled “When Will the Bass Drop?” The video features Samberg as Davvincii, a blatant spoof of DJ and producer Avicii. As Davvincii, Samberg opens his set with a dramatic click of a mouse, which is met with a roar of approval. His track is a repetitive mix of grinding and dissonant synth trumpets paired with a baritone chant, “When will the bass drop?” In stereotypical fashion, the synth climbs in pitch like a chugging electronic rollercoaster as Samberg teases the drop by hovering his pointer finger over a big red button with the word “bass” on it. Between multiple fake-outs, Samberg finishes a selfportrait and tends to his rock garden. “This is music,” says one faux attendee. “This is the best day of my life!” says another, played by Bobby Moynihan. As the synth creeps upward in pitch, the audience swipes their credit card and a handful of men drop off sacks of cash. But when he drops the bass with a push of the ominous button, Lil Jon flashes on Davvincii’s monitor to command, “Get turned up to death!” The audience members’ heads explode and gratuitous amounts of fake blood spurt across the dance floor. Certainly the skit is foremost meant to be taken for its comedic value; this is The Lonely Island after all, the parody music group who masterminded hits like “D--- in
a Box.” But Samberg and company could have easily focused instead on the other stereotypes that occasionally contribute to EDM’s poor reputation, like the occasional overuse and misuse of drugs or outlandishly clad attendees. Instead, the short points to something more important: overpaid and hyperpopularized DJs and a lemming audience that seeks nothing more than a satisfying breakdown. Avicii and similar DJs are stacking their bank accounts not by performing, but largely by pressing play. Jack Maurice, who produces electronic music under the name Overdo$e, says that he tries to distance himself from the commercialized, pre-packaged EDM parodied in Samberg’s skit. “The big point that I see in the video is (that) at shows a lot of people ogle over DJs spinning sets when they're not really doing much musically,” Maurice, who opened for Adventure Club at After Hours last weekend, said. “There are definitely DJs that can spin (amazing) musical sets, but in the current scene, a lot of DJs do basic mixing that is truly not impressive.” Today’s DJs do not simply provide background music to a party; they are the party. They command the stage and lead the audience, and similarly, Samberg levitates above the stage like a club messiah when the bass is finally dropped. In an interview with GQ, the Swedish producer whose real name is Tim Bergling, admitted that most of his dial turning was simply adjusting the volume. “There’s something fogeyish about someone saying ‘this is music’ as a punch line — it brings to mind people who claimed that rap wasn’t music, or rock or
Photo courtesy of HITFIX.COM/NBC
A shot from the May 17 SNL short in which Andy Samberg plays an EDM DJ. The sketch appeared as equal parts entertainment and cultural commentary. jazz,” Slate writer Forrest Wickman said in his commentary of the skit. And at face value, Samberg’s mockery of a young 20-something producer who has cracked the club music code is akin to an old rocker reminiscing about the days when so-called guitar music ruled the airwaves. But this is not about authenticity in music or even what constitutes a real musician. The landscape is changing, and even the more esteemed rock bands nowadays — from Radiohead to The War on Drugs — utilize some form of synthesizer or samples. There is certainly nothing inherently wrong about EDM or even DJs in particular. Electronic music has the capacity to be fun, and certainly dancing is meant to be a fun way to physically engage with the music. Personally, I do not see a reason to distance myself from electronic music producers, nor do I think the somewhat pompouslytermed “intelligent dance music” is the
only way to truly be an avid listener. “I believe there are two sides to the EDM world,” Daniel Pritchard, a junior in the School of Music, said. “There are those who enjoy being there for the music, and there are those who are just there for the party.” Certain producers can capitalize on audience members who need the instant gratification of a climax, whether in the form of the bass drop or the four-chord hummable melody. Shallowness is not the issue; it’s that the passive attitude means that such musicians can water down and minimize their efforts and still perform in sold out stadiums. “(Avicii) sells out stadiums because the majority of his crowd are looking for an excuse to party and, in a lot of cases, abuse drugs,” Pritchard said. “It strips EDM of its authenticity and seems to have become a demeaning term altogether, especially for other electronic artists.”
Crazy life
Victoria Maxwell's one-woman play on living well despite mental illness
Photo courtesy of BONNY MAKAREWICZ/VICTORIA MAXWELL
Above, Victoria Maxwell, an actress and creative director for Crazy for Life Co., performed her one-woman show "Funny, You Don't Look Crazy" at DePaul May 19.
By Shelley Mesch Contributing Writer
In an event hosted May 19 by DePaul University’s Center for Students with Disabilities, Victoria Maxwell performed her one-woman show “Funny, You Don’t Look Crazy,” a play about coming to terms and living with bipolar affective disorder, a mood disorder categorized by periods of alternating mania and depression with normal mood intervals occurring in between. Maxwell, who identifies herself on her business card as BFA, BPP (Bachelors of Fine Arts, Bi-Polar Princess), spoke about being diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder, anxiety and psychosis after multiple stays in Vancouver psychiatric wards. The diagnosis came when she was 25 years old, after being picked up by police during a psychotic episode where she skipped nude through the neighborhood where she lived. After the diagnosis, Maxwell struggled to come to terms with her mental illnesses and tried to find ways to justify her behavior and avoid prescription medications. “It’s my personality,” Maxwell said, referring to her mindset at the time. “It’s a gift not a curse. Don’t make my personality a burden.” Maxwell told her story of going through cycles of mania and depression to students and faculty in the Lincoln Park Student Center. Student Kayleigh Cox told Maxwell, in a discussion after the performance, how she related to Maxwell’s story through her mother who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while Cox was in middle school. “She has kind of gone through this cycle, and just in the last few years, she reached stability,” Cox said.
While Maxwell discussed all her mood changes, she answered more questions about the depressive phases. Maxwell felt the periods of depression were difficult because in the moment, she believed that mood was never going to end. “I definitely think a lot about the ‘what’s it going to take’ part,” student Clelia Sweeney said, referencing her own experiences with mental health and reaching wellness. Maxwell came from a family who was familiar with mental illness: her mother was bipolar. She said it was important for her to know there were people who understood and could support her when she was in a dark place. “Even if you feel you can’t get up, there are people reaching out to you,” Maxwell said. Maxwell also said her moods didn’t stabilize right when she began taking medication. The drug lithium was the first prescription she took, but she said it didn’t just even out her mood, it took away her emotions. “I felt like I was a walking piece of chalk,” Maxwell said. According to Maxwell, the idea of giving up the high, manic moods was difficult, but now that she is stable, she doesn’t need her disorder to create happiness for her. “When I’m craving the highs, it’s because I’m not cultivating joy in my life.” “Funny, You Don’t Look Crazy” is Maxwell’s second play about mental health. For the past 10 years, Maxwell has toured internationally, performing her works and educating others on the “lived” experience of mental health. She said her story is one that shows living with mental illness isn’t impossible. “Things don’t just get better, they can get really great,” Maxwell said.
Arts & Life. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 19
20 | The DePaulia. May 27, 2014
Seasonal disorder: When weather becomes unpredictable, so do fashion trends By Courtney Jacquin Managing Editor
April in Chicago: it could be winter, it could be summer. It could be one of the magical five days of spring the Midwest gets each year. It’s probably 50 degrees and raining. But on any given afternoon in the confusing months between a Polar Vortex and heat index warnings, the fashion is as confused as the weather itself. One man’s parka weather could be, and is, another man’s shorts weather. While some wear sandals, others wear boots. Who’s right? “I start to switch from winter to spring and summer clothes probably when the temperature hits around 50 degrees,” Carly Gillum, sales associate at The Green Goddess boutique in Lincoln Park, said. “I'm from the St. Louis area originally, so fifty (degrees) signals spring for us.” Gillum said that heavy sweaters and North Face jackets are the first to go at this time and get traded out for cardigans. Tights are done as well. “All things corduroy should be put away at this time, as well as Uggs,” Gillum said. “Fifty (degrees) or above means Uggs should only be worn as house
slippers and not seen by the outside world.” But working in retail makes things a little more complicated. At The Green Goddess, Gillum said spring clothes start to appear on the floor as early as February, and encourage her to start the switch a little earlier than normal. “The store influences what I wear,” Gillum said. “When the new clothes come out, we tend to wear the same color palate or clothes for the same season.” Alex Zens, manager at Art Effect in Lincoln Park, said her store moves even quicker, making the spring transition in January. “It’s interesting working in retail because we do get shipments of spring clothing in when it’s still freezing outside,” Zens said. “It’s weird to wear a cashmere sweater when you have T-shirts and tank tops on the floor.” The fashion industry is always, by nature, ahead of a normal closet. Designers show their autumn/winter lines during fashion weeks in February and spring/summer in September. “Fashion is on a different schedule,” Nicole Loher, social media specialist for Nanette Lepore and blogger, said. “Right now, everyone is trying for white and spring and color. I can't get into that yet, it's still way too cold
COURTNEY JACQUIN | THE DEPAULIA
Students outside of the DePaul Center displaying a variety of fashion trends. outside.” Both Loher and Zens said they try to mix their winter and spring wardrobes, not sticking to an ardent “switching point” in the year. “I actually believe in having a year-round closet,” Loher said. “I wear a lot of basics so what I wear in the summer, I layer for the fall and winter. I kind of just change as it gets warmer and colder.” “You can’t oftentimes wear everything (that comes in a spring shipment),” Zens said. “It’s
more about layering and being able to wear your winter things with your spring things, mixing and matching.” Even for those with yearround wardrobe, they still have some minimums. Loher said once she puts away her winter coat, it’s away for the season. Though the 10-day Chicago forecast calls for a week of belowaverage temperatures, at the very least, spring made it. But what about the transition from summer to fall in September?
“I'll find myself wanting to wear my fall clothes when it's still warm outside in August and September,” Gillum said. “In fact, I like to celebrate mini-fall, which is the period of time between winter and spring where it's too cold to wear summer clothes but too warm to wear winter clothes.” “But, absolutely no boots when it's hot,” Gillum said. “Under no circumstances. Not even for fashion.”
FEST continued from front page Danny Taki and Matt Rodriguez, was energetic during sound check. Students ran from security toward the front of the stage as Bill, The Pony opened up their set. Their sound is full and summery with an occasional twangy guitar rift, especially the band’s track “Ilsa Lund,” from an EP the band released in December 2012. Bill, The Pony sounds like an experiment between Kings of Leon and Vampire Weekend gone terribly right. As the Quad filled, students danced and clapped along with the opener. Lead singer and guitarist Eric Richardson said the band was extremely excited to be chosen for FEST. “Our experience was amazing, we had a blast up there,” Richardson said. “We were pretty surprised at the amount of people that showed up for us so early.” To prepare, the band won two-hour time slots at Music Garage to rehearse. In addition to rehearsal space, the band puts Magic, The Gathering playing cards in their instruments and yells “Pizza!” before they perform. “We played at After Taste earlier this year, but (FEST) was definitely the most active crowd I've ever played for,” Richardson said. “And we have our friends to thank for that.” Shortly after Bill, The Pony energized the crowd, Washed Out took the stage. Ernest Greene, frontman for Washed Out, is supported by a four-piece band. The singer/songwriter from Perry, GA opened up his set with “It All Feels Right,” arguably his most popular track from his most recent release “Paracosm.” DePaul students swayed and danced as the set progressed through “New Theory,” “Feel It All Around” and “Eyes Be Closed.” Between songs, Greene laughed as he told the crowd that he’s never seen people crowd surf to chillwave music.
After Washed Out’s short but sweet performance, Local Natives took the stage. The band, reigning from Los Angeles, opened with “Breakers,” the fifth track on their sophomore album “Hummingbird.” The five-piece band played a wide variety from both their debut and sophomore album, which included crowd favorites “Warning Sign” and “Airplanes.” As the sun began to set behind the stage, lead vocalist Kelcey Ayer said the crowd felt more like a festival in Los Angeles than chilly Chicago. The band energetically played through the rest of their set, and ended with a loud and passionate rendition of “Sun Hands.” Supporting vocalist and lead guitarist Taylor Rice jumped down from the stage during the finale, and held onto the barricade to sing the last two lines of the track. Students supported Rice as he dangled the microphone in the crowd for everyone to sing along. With the sun finally down, a smoke machine and strobes were turned on for FEST’s final performer, Childish Gambino. The rapper wasted no time and dove into “I. Crawl” and “II. Worldstar,” both from his 2013 release “Because The Internet.” The now completely overflowing Quad bounced and danced with raised arms to Glover’s genius lines. According to Rolling Stone, the “actorturned-rapper Childish Gambino wields his nerdiness with newfound confidence, spitting meditations on Internet culture with fluency and ease.” Regardless of labels for the artist, Childish Gambino’s stage presence on Friday was incredible. Glover jumped around stage and constantly thanked DePaul throughout his set. To finish off, Gambino perfectly performed “II. Earth: The Older Computer” and a crowd favorite,
Photo courtesy of DAB
Taylor Rice of Local Natives performs at DePaul FEST May 23. “Bonfire” from his debut album. As the Quad emptied, students chattered about the artists they saw, and which songs were their favorite. Rain or shine, chillwave or rap, DAB always
produces a festival sure to please, and this year was no exception. With FEST’s 30th birthday coming up next year, we can only expect a bigger and better concert in 2015.
Arts & Life. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 21
HEAD FOR THE HILLS ...Or at least go see a different movie. The latest 'Godzilla' reviewed
Photo courtesy of WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT
Bryan Cranston, left, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the most recent film adaptation of "Godzilla," the giant lizard monster that has been central to several movies in past decades.
By Kyle Tyrrell Contributing Writer
After seeing the new “Godzilla” film, I feel like someone thinks they pulled a fast one on me, but they didn’t. Naming the movie “Godzilla” was misleading. “Godzilla” isn’t really about monsters; it’s more about the American military complex — and I didn’t appreciate that because I thought I could escape advertising and government propaganda for two hours by being sealed off in a dark theater. It shouldn’t be hard to ruin a story that pretty much tells itself: A primordial green lizard — 10 times the size of a T-Rex and a million years more ancient — born from when the Earth’s radiation was at staggering levels, rising terrifyingly from the ocean depths to annihilate the hapless Japanese, with their gluttonous use of nuclear energy. Add some radioactive moths, and you have a May blockbuster. But I was wrong on all counts. Actually, it was more of a two-hour long Navy commercial with the same archetypes that are jammed into every other monster/ disaster film: A crackpot conspiracy theorist dad (Bryan Cranston of “Breaking Bad”), a loving, overly understanding wife (Elizabeth Olsen of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”), and the buff, handsome, white marine hero (Aaron Taylor-Johnson of “Anna Karenina”). How I longed for the linguistically delayed, badly dubbed-over Japanese versions with Godzilla disco dancing through the city. The problem is, when a monster movie is slapped together like this, with puddledeep characters and absurdly fortunate plot twists (Taylor-Johnson, the only marine who could disarm a nuclear warhead), you need to give us what we came to see: giant monsters in a city-wide battle royale. But there simply wasn’t enough of it. There’s plenty of delicious foreshadowing, like Cranston studying echolocation (a prelude to the geometrically lurid Mothra who is communicating with a female), and the M.U.T.O. discussions, an acronym you’ll have to research yourself. And then the poignant one-liner delivered by Dr. Ishiro Serizawa (Ken Wantanabe), “Let them fight.” Most of what’s seen of Godzilla is akin to seeing the shark fin skim the surface in
“Jaws.” It’s frustrating, and this is a remake, not an original. You don’t have the luxury of finely threading out a plot line, teasing us with glimpses of green progeny and pathways of destruction left by something big. But you should endure Cranston’s overacting and the legion of clichés doled out, knowing that, sometime, Godzilla will emerge from the ocean and save us all. When he does finally emerge about an hour into the movie, it’s a digitally satisfying spectacle and the first things you see are his eerily human fingers. A bit more boxy and angular than previous movies, Godzilla delivers with sheer size and authority to steal the movie, it just takes too long. There is some intense satisfaction if you’re like me and forgot Godzilla can breathe electric fire. When his scales start to glow like stars, you know you’re in for something digitally pleasing. However, it felt like the Army and Navy were trying to recruit me and I didn’t fall for it. I know this because I saw far more Army and Navy combat tactics than I saw of Godzilla. I suggest changing the name to “The U.S. Navy vs. Mothra, and sometimes Godzilla.” That aside, this version of “Godzilla” is a slight mea culpa for the 1998 disaster starring Matthew Broderick. But the same problems recurred: Dismal character development, obnoxiously long scenes without monsters and a lead role simply not relatable enough to root for. For a movie marketed to pre-teen and teenage boys, the military recruiters churned out a good pile of propagated garbage masqueraded as a movie. They took the dapper Taylor-Johnson, stuck him in the gym and cropped his hair to make him the prototypical white American soldier, and Olsen as the understanding, all-American blonde wife. “Godzilla” was more of an American military propaganda film than a monster movie, though at some points Godzilla did make a solid appearance. The vital scene comes aboard a freight plane where Navy troops parachute from the smoke-darkened skies with red flares streaking from their ankles, a scene rendered artistically to the score from Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” They plunge down over the monsters, as they tear through San Francisco.
Scenes like this showcased director and digital legerdemain Gareth Edwards’ cinematic talent for providing expansive panorama. Most scenes are replete with smeared gray skies and foreboding dialogue. The roughly scaled Godzilla is an aesthetic upgrade from the previous 1998 version. Visually, the movie was a delight. The
myriad aerial shots gave us the grandiose scope consistent with the blockbuster production value of “Godzilla.” But the whole wasn’t greater than all of its parts, and if you want your fill of monster mayhem, I’d recommend last year’s summer sleeper “Pacific Rim.”
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22 | The DePaulia. May 27, 2014
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Arts & Life. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 23
YOU'RE HERE
FOR WHOM?
We did the homework so you don't have to. Check back each week for the scoop on bands you can't miss at Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, North Coast and Riot Fest this year.
By Andrew Morrell Arts & Life Editor
BADBADNOTGOOD A jazz trio hailing from Toronto, BBNG are most known for their collaboration with Odd Future frontman Tyler, the Creator, who happens to be an experienced jazz pianist. After posting a video covering Gucci Mane's trap hit "Lemonade" in jazz form, the Los Angeles rapper helped the video go viral, and subsequently gain wide acclaim in the music blogging community. Their collaborations with Tyler and Co. are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg, though. Part of the newest generation of young jazz musicians, BBNG seek to inject the aging genre with helping of modernity, fusing hip-hop and rock styles into their music. They aren't exactly the archetypal jazz fusion group, however, with a more straight-ahead bop sound than you might expect from a band of 20-somethings. The trio originally met in a school jazz band, but from such noble beginnings, it already seems they are destined for bigger things. In 2012, the group helped compose and produce the soundtrack for WuTang founder RZA's directorial debut "Man with the Iron Fists." They have also donned their producer caps for tracks by artists such as Earl Sweatshirt (also of Odd Future), Danny Brown and others. The group's inclusion in the typically EDM-laden North Coast lineup is quite a surprise, but if you're looking to expand your horizons a bit, look no further than this unique trio.
Badbadnotgood North Coast Photo courtesy of BADBADNOTGOOD
Trombone Shorty
Lollapalooza
TROMBONE SHORTY A jazz trombonist from New Orleans, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews has been ripping up the elongated brass tube that is half his namesake since he was six. He plays with a blaring Dixieland sound that is unmistakable and able to cut through the air like a razor. One of the most successful jazz musicians of the last ten years, his 2010 album "Backatown" reached the top of the Billboard jazz charts, where it remained for as many as nine weeks. Trombone Shorty tours relentlessly with numerous musicians, his most regular backing band has been Orleans Avenue. Not that he would really need a group of musicians to support him. Andrews also happens to be fluent in multiple instruments, including the trumpet, drums and piano. If you're in the mood for some exciting, fun music to fill out your afternoon at Lolla, be sure to check these guys out.
Photo courtesy of TROMBONE SHORTY
ACTION BRONSON Only three years ago, Queens native Arian Asllani was a trained gourmet chef with aspirations to be a hard-hitting rapper. Today, he has finally reached that goal, performing under the name Action Bronson and having cultivated a unique pseudo-celebrity niche for himself. He originally gained recognition for his initial mixtapes, which showcased his fast-paced, old school flow. His vocal style has drawn comparisons to Wu-Tang Clan lyricist Ghostface Killah, an influence that he has referenced in interviews and has embraced the resemblance, calling Ghostface "one of the best rappers alive." Bronson is an imposing figure, not only for his rising status but physically as well. Despite his beefy stature, he comes across as a jovial stoner. He enjoys appearing in short videos online that display his life behind the scenes and off stage. Several of these demonstrate his love of food. In one video done by Pitchfork about a year ago, Bronson cooks up some grilled Ahi tuna while smoking a casual blunt with friends. Vice recently began a series (called "F---, That's Delicious," by the way) featuring Bronson talking about food he has cooked, eaten and enjoyed in his travels while on tour. As a member of XXL's Freshman Class of 2013, Bronson has proven that he can buck the trend of weirdo rappers that has become vogue in recent years, and succeed simply based on talent, ingenuity and some clever brand marketing. He also has a song that samples a Dean Martin song in a really cool way, which is awesome.
Action Bronson North Coast
Photo courtesy of ACTION BRONSON
24 | The DePaulia. May 27, 2014
St.Vincent’s
D e JAMZ
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“Spinning fresh beats since 1581”
Graphic by MAX KLEINER | THE DEPAULIA
Find this and all of our DeJamz playlists on depauliaonline.com and on our spotify account By Andrew Morrell Arts & Life Editor
This week's DeJamz theme is, admittedly, a little weak. It's that time of year again, when deadlines are suddenly around the corner and I increase my caffeine consumption by a factor of 10. I'm talking about finals, and I'm sure I'm not the only one for which these next two weeks will be a doozy. So, in light of my hectic schedule this week, I'm going to write about six songs I've really been digging lately. Sorry for the lack of creativity.
1. Del the Funkee Homosapien — "Fake as F---" — You know him as the rapper who appears on the Gorillaz song, but Del is also a mainstay of the indie rap scene, and has been since his debut in the early-'90s. This selection, from his superb 2000 album "Both Sides of the Brain," is one of many doses of his biting critique of lackluster rappers nowadays. 2. John Coltrane and Duke Ellington — "In a Sentimental Mood" — This track definitely sounds like what it feels like, you know? Maybe that doesn't make
sense, but upon listening to it you might understand what I mean. Duke and Trane craft a marvelous melody around a half somber, half hopeful chord progression. 3. Baths — "Aminals" — Baths is an artist who I had heard of some time ago but never really got around to listening to, until recently. He creates music not unlike Animal Collective or Four Tet, heavily relying on samples both digital and organic. The way he weaves these together is the cool part. In "Aminals," for example, he takes what sounds like a high school poms squad
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cheer and turns it into a hiphop-esque chant underneath lush instrumentation. 4. Mac DeMarco — "Chamber of Reflection" — My vote for most surprising artist so far this year, Mac DeMarco is a loveable weirdo who crafts some amazing yet simple rock 'n roll. Check out his latest album "Salad Days," for this and more great stuff. 5. Radiohead — "Reckoner" — Radiohead is perfect in every way, so there's not much to say about this song that you wouldn't already assume. But you should
also check out Ceelo Green and Modest Mouse's live cover of this song on YouTube, because it's great. 6. Little Dragon — "Klapp Klapp" — This Swedish band is finally getting the recognition they deserve here in the States thanks to this new album of theirs. It's a must-listen if you're looking to expand your musical palette a little, as they combine a wide variety of styles in a very intriguing, catchy way. Also check out their collaborations with Gorillaz and SBTRKT.
ACROSS
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1. Kids' pastime 4. Chaplin prop 8. Mantel piece? 12. Airport screen stat 13. Girasol, for one 14. In the old days 15. Court divider 16. Like dungeons, typically 17. Caged puck 18. How we walk 20. Poled boats 21. Bad thing to abandon 23. Causing chills 25. It's a big pain 27. Biological pouch 28. Bricklayer in a fairy tale 31. Historic Irish province 33. Old-style hair goo 35. It's re-served? 36. Golfer's consideration 38. Tutu material 39. "Pomp and Circumstance" composer 41. Request, as advice 42. Crushing blows 45. Where Joan of Arc was tried 47. Allotment term 48. It holds things up 49. Air-testing org. 52. Sharing a family tree 53. Alternative to high water 54. Sermon topic 55. Second draft, informally 56. Canoeing challenge 57. Champagne qualifier
1. Tumbler's dream 2. Broke the fast 3. Entrance boundary, perhaps 4. Cryptologist's interest 5. Chop-chop, to Byron 6. Port on the Loire 7. Forest ranger? 8. Mode 9. Mystery writer? 10. Fitzgerald forte 11. Aquatic shockers 19. Office overhead, often 20. Lace edging 21. Do a trucker's job 22. Gaze rudely 24. Grammy category 26. Long-distance calls? 28. Vampire's skin quality 29. Between assignments 30. Computer whiz 32. Drilling setup 34. Artist's inspiration 37. Not just given 39. Cultural prefix 40. Author Dahl 42. Charbroil 43. Water-skier's path 44. Etcher's medium 46. Cygnet, to ducks 48. Petal-plucker's pronoun 50. Crusty dessert 51. S. African political force
Sports. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 25
Sports
Photo courtesy of AIRFIT
Residents participate in Airfit, an acrobatic-based workout. Founded in Chicago, Airfit is offered in Lincoln Park and River North.
CIRQUE DEPAUL By Clare Edlund Contributing Writer
There’s a new, casual approach to working out — or hanging out. This suspensiontraining program, which started in 2010 (during an economical crisis), is slowly making its name in Chicago. Founder Shama Patel, striving to revolutionize fitness, left her professional attorney job to introduce a new workout, based in Chicago and known as Airfit. This acrobatic-based workout (similar to what trapeze artists do) combines ballet barre, yoga and Pilates on aerial silk hammocks that suspend from the ceiling. These silken hammocks are able to hold literally a ton (1000 lbs). This is P90X’s version of graceful posing in a nutshell. But, after about an hour of this bungee-contortion, expect to feel extremely stretched out and zen. After about six months (give or take), expect awesome abs, upper and lower body strength. A group of DePaul University students had the chance to experience Airfit firsthand on Saturday, May 17, taught by former circus performer Ryan Castillo. Castillo, suffering from gymnastics injuries, turned to Airfit as a new outlet to working out. “(Airfit) is a steep learning curve and is often polarizing — the poses are intense, but it’s rewarding in the long run,” Castillo said. He has been teaching Airfit for two years now. Photo courtesy of AIRFIT
Castillo began the class with a yoga-inspired stretch – and that was the easy part. From there, he taught around 15 different poses ranging from pigeon pose to dancers’ pose and more. AIR instructor Nicole Galuski took her first aerial fitness class four years ago after suffering from a knee injury. “It was a great way to ease back into exercising without putting direct pressure on my knee,” Galuski said. “I love all the different benefits from working with the aerial silks. Sometimes it helps me get into certain poses that are normally difficult, and sometimes it makes a certain exercise more intense, forcing me to use muscles that I am not used to using.” Galuski has been teaching for two years and incorporates yoga, cardio and barre exercises into her classes. She danced her whole life and completed a dance minor in college. Along with this, she studied Pilates and completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training in Thailand. The aerial silks, versatile as they are, are great for these many poses as well as converting into a hammock and taking a postworkout nap. Galuski’s favorite pose is the “cocoon,” which involves wrapping oneself inside the fabric with the entire body supported by the silk (resembling a butterfly coming out of a cocoon). This resting pose incorporates leg stretches and abdominal work. “It’s cool being inside the fabric, floating above the ground,”
Galuski said. According to Castillo, Airfit sought out instructors with different backgrounds, so no two Airfit instructors teach the class quite the same. Castillo bases his classes in a still-pose approach, which allows students to build core and upper body strength. Other instructors, such as Galuski, make their Airfit class more cardio-based. Airfit is flexible and comes in many forms — however, the combination of these fitness courses allows for a completely unique way of fitness. Castillo recommends that you have somewhat of a background in yoga, Pilates or gymnastics before attending an Airfit class. It’s no beginner level course, but it is excellent for athletes with injuries or someone who has been practicing yoga for a few months. “It’s rehabilitative in some senses,” Castillo said. “However, it is very intense – and some people like the edge and intensity.” Airfit, located in Lincoln Park at 2217 N. Clybourn, offers a complimentary first class to all newcomers. This is especially suitable for college students who sit at their desks all day. Galuski and Castillo’s favorite part about these exercise regimens are being able to hang upside down, kind of like Spider Man. “This elongates your spine and helps release any pressure on your back,” Galuski said. If you love to “hang out,” why not try Airfit? The first class is free, so there is nothing to lose and everything to gain.
26 | Sports. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia
The Lord of the Rings and bandwagon jumpers By Kyle Tyrrell Contributing Writer
The Chicago Blackhawks skated into the Western Conference finals for the second year in a row, looking for their third Stanley Cup in five years, and, once again, Hawks fans are out in full force. There’s a lot of talk about the bandwagon jumpers, who joined the Blackhawks fandom since their recent success, which started in 2009 when they went as far as the conference finals and fell to the Detroit Red Wings in five games. The subsequent year, they took the Stanley Cup. But what about the fans who have been there in the dark years? Nick Vittori, 21, a DePaul club hockey player, said he’s been a Hawks fan his entire life. “I went to the games when they were constantly losing,” Vittori said. “I went when it wasn’t even televised. We sat 13 rows off the ice and it was so empty we could sneak down and sit right on the glass.” Vittori said Chicago frustrates him at times because it’s a bandwagon city. “The only problem now is that tickets are much more expensive because all these new fans,” Vittori said. “Now the only tickets that are affordable are 300 level and I won’t go watch hockey from that far away.” According to Shannon Ryan, a Chicago Tribune reporter, “The team that was once the most anonymous in the city among the giants of the Bears, Bulls and baseball teams is now the second most popular behind the Bears.” “In fact, the Blackhawks are the only team in town that gained fans this year with an alltime high 47 percent fan rating, according to data released … by Scarborough Research,” Ryan wrote. The Scarborough Research that Ryan refers to was a poll taken on what percentage of Chicagoans watch the Blackhawks. In 2007, before
then-owner Bill “Dollar Bill” Wirtz died, it was at 8 percent. In 2012, it was 32 percent. Bill’s son William Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz inherited the team after his father died and immediately changed the philosophy of the organization. He commanded one of the most unprecedented coups in sports history. In October 2007 Wirtz, along with now team president and CEO John McDonough, who forged the marketing campaign in what Forbes called “The Greatest Sports-Business Turnaround Ever,” brokered a deal with Comcast Sportsnet Chicago to televise games. Wirtz invested in the team under the ethos: You have to spend money to make money. Three years later the Hawks hoisted their first Stanley Cup in 49 years, thanks to the innovative owner. Vittori, the patient Blackhawks fan who endured almost two decades of frustration, said it was a special moment. “When Kane scored that goal that nobody saw — as soon as he threw his gloves and I saw the way he was moving, I started crying,” Vittori said. “I never thought I’d see them win the cup and I knew I had been there for the hard times.” The Blackhawks secured the Stanley Cup again three seasons later in Boston in one of the most memorable game six endings in sports history. Now that the Hawks are honing in on a third Stanley Cup, the hockey magic seems to be encapsulating the city. “It’s just so great to see a team I love so much be so successful,” Vittori said. The bump from 32 - percent last season to 47 percent this season indicates more than 1 million people became new Blackhawks fans. Lauren Hernandez, a sophomore, said she proudly hopped on the bandwagon. “I don’t mind being a
I don't mind being a bandwagon jumper. I have always been a Chicago sports fan because it's such a great city for sports. Lauren Herandez Sophomore bandwagon jumper,” Hernandez said. “I have always been a Chicago sports fan because it’s such a great city for sports.” Hernandez said she never Photo courtesy of AP really followed the Blackhawks before they were televised Blackhawk fans celebrate in the agony of a Los Angeles Kings player. and asked why that was called bandwagon jumping. “What was I supposed to do?” Hernandez asked. “It’s pretty hard to follow something that’s not televised. Ever since they started playing on TV, I’ve been watching it. It’s been fun.” There’s no denying the pervasive Blackhawk’s euphoria in Chicago. And now as the Bulls prematurely exited the playoffs and the White Sox and Cubs are trudging the roads of baseball hell, the Blackhawks reign supreme in June — and that’s becoming habitual. Vittori said once people get a sense of hockey they fall in love with it. “It’s the toughness of the game,” Vittori said. “Also the Hawks have guys like Patrick Sharp, who’s probably one of the best looking athletes in sports. People love Kane and Toews too, though. What’s not to like?” The Chicago Blackhawks are seven wins away from joining the three-ring circus: dynasty status. The silver Stanley Cup makes its rounds at Chicago bars and venues all summer, where everyone gets to partake in the citywide celebration — Photo courtesy of MCT CAMPUS bandwagon jumpers and veteran Two women celebrate among a large crowd of Blackhawks fans fans alike. following the team's second Stanley Cup victory in Grant Park.
GUARDS continued from back page
GRANT MYATT | THE DEPAULIA
DePaul guard Durrell McDonald dribbles against St. John's. He took a major leap forward in his sophomore year.
We think he brings something to the table." “Aaron Simpson, the guy has averaged 20 points a game since he was a sophomore in high school,” Purnell said. “He’s cat-quick. We think he can play some lead ball, but he’s certainly a viable shooter.” The offense could use a boost. The Blue Demons averaged 69.4 points per game this season, their second lowest total under Purnell. More concerning, the team’s scoring dipped to 64.9 points per game after leading scorer Cleveland Melvin’s last game Jan. 25. Garrett Jr. and Charles McKinney also missed games during that stretch. Melvin and Young accounted for the team’s top scorers. Melvin scored 16.7 points per game and Young was just behind at 16.3. As good as Garrett was, he averaged 12.4 points game. Garrett will need to produce more in his sophomore
year as well. When Simpson committed to DePaul, he told The DePaulia that he was excited about the roster in place and is more than a pure scorer. “I’m an all-out kind of guy,” Simpson said in April. “I like to play hard and get my teammates involved. Everybody knows me for my scoring ability, but that’s not all I have. My passing ability is also good. I’m just trying to do what I can to win.” Garrett tweeted that with Wood, “DePaul fans are in for a pleasant surprise next year.” Purnell said he expects an easier time on offense next year because of other opportunities on the other side of the ball that will translate to points. “We think because of the athleticism and toughness that these guys bring, we can be a better rebounding team as well,” Purnell said. “Rebounding has a lot to do with defense and in my estimation is the key to our season. We put together a
group that has a defensive-first mentality. “I don’t think we’ll have problems scoring, particularly if we generate a few more points off our defense and a few more possessions rebounding the ball,” he said. In addition to the new guards, DePaul will have three other new players available. In the frontcourt are transfers Myke Henry, Rashuan Stimage, and incoming freshman Raymond Doby. Purnell mentioned each of the new players can be taught defense and most had defensive backgrounds. Purnell and Simpson both admitted that the new guard needed to improve his defense. Purnell added that the team wants to be a “peskier defensive team.” “Physically, with the addition of five more guys coming in, we have the ability to (be better in rebounding and defense),” Punrell said. “Starting June 15 or 16, we’ll start that process in a slow methodical way. By the time these guys come back in the fall, they’ll know what it takes.”
Sports.May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 27
COMMENTARY
A banner year By Matt Paras Sports Editor
The men’s basketball program felt like it couldn’t sink any lower after a loss to Butler on senior night in March. The team looked lethargic as the Bulldogs put up a 33-point beat-down on the Blue Demons. It capped off a regular season where DePaul lost 13 of their last 15 games. Outlets such as this one decided that serious changes needed to be made, starting with DePaul head coach Oliver Purnell and even athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto. Other outlets like Yahoo! and the Chicago Tribune wondered publicly what was the reason behind Cleveland Melvin’s departure and demanded answers. That was then. Shortly after that game, the Big East tournament started with DePaul pulling off a stunning upset over Georgetown, killing any chances they had for an NCAA tournament bid. The win over Georgetown was perhaps the team’s most satisfying victory in Purnell’s tenure. The next loss to Creighton was all but excused because that was expected. The Georgetown game still lives on as one of the best moments in the season. Ending the year on a strong note wasn’t just the case for men’s basketball — it was the case for all DePaul sports. While the men’s basketball program experienced another rough year, other sports quietly flew under the radar and produced excellent results. DePaul took home three conference championships this season with women’s basketball, tennis and softball wining the Big East.
“I think it’s a credit to our coaches, our student athletes, our entire athletic department staff, the university’s commitment to excellence sends a strong message that DePaul University is a place committed to student success and I think that this is a way to showcase that success,” Ponsetto said. Four programs made the NCAA tournament this year, having women’s soccer gain berth along with the team’s that won their conference championship. Of those programs, women’s basketball made it the furthest — advancing to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2011. Individual athletes also set records this season. Track and Field star Matt Babicz set a DePaul record for the shot put. Softball’s Kirsten Verdun and tennis’ Kelsey Lawson each pas -sed the 100 win mark for their colleligate careers. Basketball stars Brittany Hrynko and Jasmine Penny were named to the Big East’s first team. Garrett Jr. picked up Big East rookie of the year as well. Yet for all the accolades DePaul sports picked up in 2014, arguably the only one most students care about is men’s basketball. Fair or not, men’s college basketball is what fuels the budget for other programs. When people think about DePaul athletics, it’s how the basketball program has fallen and not the success of women’s basketball and softball. After having some time to reflect on the season, Purnell agreed that it was another disappointing outing. “The overall production and improvement of the team, I wasn’t satisfied with that,” Purnell said. “There were a number of reasons for that and I don’t think it’s real important to focus on that except for lessons learned. As we address
Photo courtesy of AP
Women's basketball celebrates their 2014 Big East Championship. this group of players now in meetings, we talk about a consistent approach.” People still care about DePaul basketball. Attendance slipped, but there was a little buzz about the program when the team beat Butler and St. John’s in consecutive wins. A win streak of two was enough to get some interested again. “I think one of the reasons that most institutions support athletics is because it’s a great way to build affinity and school pride,” Ponsetto said. “I would hope that our expectation is that it would do that. I’m really proud of our student-athletes and I’m really proud of our coaches and our staff that support them.” Most sports at DePaul accomplished a great deal this athletic year, but the best way to build school pride is to have a winning men’s basketball team. Hopefully, the men’s basketball program gives students more reasons to support them.
Photo courtesy of BIG EAST
Kirsten Verdun poses with Big East Most Outstanding Tournament Player trophy.
COMMENTARY
Media coverage of Sam provides insight to acceptance By Jose Figureora Contributing Writer
After the first openly gay NFL player Michael Sam kissed his partner on national television, reactions from the public and media outlets were mostly supportive, citing it as a significant step for LGBT representation and acceptance. These reactions potentially provide insight into where society’s acceptance level is for gays. “Michael Sam came out in an environment where machismo is less valued and honesty is more appreciated,” Andrew Suozzo, a DePaul LGBT studies professor, said. Sam, a former University of Missouri football player, was drafted to the St. Louis Rams as a seventh round pick and 249th pick overall. In celebration and on national live television, Sam tearfully embraced and kissed his partner upon receiving the phone call. Sam came out publicly in February, which lead to speculation about his draft chances, despite being the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Defensive Player of the Year. Dallas sportscaster Dale Hansen challenged Sam’s seventh-round draft pick. “Now you’ll never convince
Photo courtesy of AP
Michael Sam's media coverage has remained mostly positive.
me there were 248 better college players ... and better NFL ... prospects ... in that draft. 248 better than the SEC’s defensive player of the year? There’s just no way,” Hansen said. Suozzo cited similar support from media outlets during Jason Collins’ coming out. He is the first publicly gay athlete to play in any major American professional sport and was featured on the cover of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.” Collins’ No. 98 was the biggest selling jersey after signing
with the Brooklyn Nets, according to CBS Sports. Coincidentally, Sam’s Rams jersey was the No. 2 seller among rookies at NFL Shop. com, according to the Guardian. Now, I have a football team to talk about at awkward holiday parties or elevator conversations. I never had a home team to default to, being from Los Angeles, but with Sam’s draft, I have a connection to a sport, which never represented any major part of my identity. Both Collins’ and Sam’s coming out has helped to “change national and international
perception of athletes,” Suozzo said. There were negative responses to Sam’s kiss and draft, but these were in the minority. Miami Dolphis safety Don Jones called it “horrible” on his Twitter, but was fined and temporarily suspended. Derrick Ward, Super Bowl-winner with the New York Giants, posted his opinions via Twitter as well. “Man U got little kids lookin at the draft. I can’t believe ESPN even allowed that to happen,” Ward said. Intercultural communications professor at DePaul, Catherine Knight Steele, was particularly interested by Kushnir and Ward’s critique in relation to U.S. history, masculinity and LGBT rights. Large portions of the African American community has shown harsh resistance to same-sex marriage laws across the nation. “There is a long history of black masculinity working to counter the notion of being called a ‘boy,’” Steele said. Anthony Stanford said in the Chicago Tribune, “For blacks, faith, politics and fear have a tremendous effect on their collective psyche, shaping perception, and causing them to grapple with the acceptance of homosexuality and gay marriage … Joblessness, the
prison industrial complex and hopelessness forge the links in a chain of a modern-day, systemic emasculation of black men.” Both Suozzo and Steele commended Sam and Collins on their bravery coming out, inherently becoming LGBT and African American role models. “There’s a tremendous burden on Sam to perform well ... If he doesn’t play well, he could be viewed as letting down a community, but this is also an irrational burden. It’s just what happens when a stigmatized minority comes out,” Suozzo said. I was an athlete in high school. I started dating a male student my senior year. Once the word spread, I did receive a few questions from my teammates. My favorite one was, “Do you ever check us out in the locker room?” My experience being an out athlete in high school never had profound consequences beyond these awkward questions. I never felt this “irrational burden” Sam and Collins face, but I can recognize this burden is valid. “We are at a place of tolerance not acceptance,” Steele said. My hope is that both of their careers prosper and their bravery continues to inspire change in the national discourse on race and sexuality, which can potentially advance LGBT rights.
Sports
Sports. May 27, 2014. The DePaulia | 28
DEPAUL'S HOUSE OF GUARDS By Matt Paras Sports Editor
With Brandon Young graduating, the second spot in DePaul’s backcourt next season looked questionable. DePaul freshman and Big East rookie of the year Billy Garrett Jr. emerged as the face of the team, but the depth at guard seemed thin. DePaul sophomore Durrell McDonald and freshman RJ Curington were the only two leftovers from the roster. McDonald made a significant leap from his freshman to sophomore year, but there are questions whether or not he is a starting caliber shooting guard. Curington also showed promise in a three-game stretch before finding himself at the end of the bench again like he was at the beginning of the season. Perhaps the No. 1 priority for DePaul head coach Oliver Purnell this off-season was to add guard depth — and he did. What seemed like a thin situation is now a situation of who separates themselves to earn the starting shooting guard spot.
“We liked the group that is coming in,” Purnell said. “We think we’ve added shooting and athleticism. Offensively, we won’t have a problem making up for the points that we’ve lost.” DePaul added junior college guards Aaron Simpson and Darrick Wood in April. Both Simpson, a 6-foot scoring point guard from Lincoln College, and Wood, a 6-foot5 guard from Hutchinson Community College, can naturally score. Simpson averaged 20.2 points per game and Wood averaged 13.6 points per game. Simpson is known more for his ability to find his shot with ease while Wood is more of a two-way player. Wood will have three years of eligibility after spending one year at Hutchinson. Simpson will have two years since he spent two seasons at Lincoln. “Wood has got really good size and is athletic,” Purnell said. “He can probably play either guard position. He reminds you a little bit of Brandon in terms of length.
See GUARDS, page 26 GREG ROTHSTEIN | THE DEPAULIA
Lenti and Verdun reflect on softball season By Ben Gartland Asst. Sports Editor
Despite falling in the NCAA regional final to Kentucky, DePaul softball is happy with their season in which they rebounded from a lackluster 2013. “I think we had one of the most successful years at DePaul that I’ve been here for,” pitcher Kirsten Verdun said. “I think it’s a tribute to how well we played as a team and our team chemistry as well.” The team finished 44-11 on the year, winning the Big East regular and tournament championships, plus sweeping the Big East awards. Mary Connolly was Big East player of the year, Kirsten Verdun won pitcher of the year, Dylan Christensen won rookie of the year and DePaul also won coaching staff of the year. “I thought it was a great season for us, it was the best season for us since 2007,” DePaul head coach Eugene Lenti said. “It’s a dream year for these kids.” The coaching staff of the year award was a testament as to how well the assistant staff helped the mentality of the team, according to Lenti. “I have to give a lot of credit to our assistant coaches, they really turned the mentality of the team around of a lot of these young women,” he said. “They got them refocused to what DePaul softball is
Photo courtesy of BIG EAST
Two DePaul softball players pour Gatorade on DePaul softball head coach Eugene Lenti following the team's Big East Championship win. all about.” The success of the 2014 season came off of a season where the team was trying to rebound. The 2013 Blue Demon campaign saw them finish 32-21, losing in the Big East semifinal and missing the NCAA tournament for only the second time in the past decade. ”To turn it around and to go as far as we did this year really says something about the girls and how hard they worked," Lenti said.
The final weekend of the season lived up to Lenti’s talk about the team’s determination and resiliency. After falling in the first game to James Madison, DePaul ended the season of Ohio in an elimination game, before doing the same to James Madison in the next game. “I don’t know if the pressure was on, but we felt that in the first game we really didn’t play like we should have,” Verdun said. “It was really one of the only bad games we had in a month.”
They beat Kentucky in the first game of the regional final, going into four extra innings to take down the Wildcats on a walk-off single from Verdun in the bottom of the tenth. Verdun, a senior, had pitched all ten innings previously, racking up a 166 pitch count. “At that point, I wasn’t thinking of how tired I was or my arm, for me it was just getting the win whatever it took," she said. Verdun ended up pitching in all five regional games, totaling 530 pitches and 31 innings over the weekend. The double-elimination format made it so that Kentucky had to lose again after the first game, but they defeated the Blue Demons 10-1 in the second game. “(The team) never thought twice about it,” Lenti said. “We knew what the task was after we lost the first game, everybody was very businesslike and determined every single pitch and every single game after that.” After the 2013 season, the expectations were to try and get back to the tournament while also trying to accumulate as many Big East wins as possible. Lenti believes that the team did better than they were expected to at the beginning of the season. “I always try to evaluate the team as whether we met expectations or exceeded expectations and I think they exceeded everyone’s expectations,” he said.
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