April 20, 2010

The Chronicle T h e i n d e p e n d e n t d a i ly at D u k e U n i v e r s i t y

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH YEAR, Issue 136

www.dukechronicle.com

Questions linger about Hellinga case

Suspect in Carson case pleads guilty

Microfinance the world

Investigation of James B. Duke prof still pending

by Rachna Reddy

Atwater faces sentence of lifetime imprisonment

2004 was a triumphant year for Homme Hellinga, James B. Duke professor of biochemistry. He had just received a $2.5 million Director’s Pioneer award from the National Institutes of Health, won a $10,000 Feynman Prize and discovered a way to engineer a powerful enzyme from a simple protein. The following year, he secured a titled professorship at the University. Hellinga’s accomplishments shone with promise—both Duke and the field were excited for the future.

Homme Hellinga But three years later, those sentiments dimmed. John Richard, professor of chemistry at the State University of New York at Buffalo, had collaborated with Hellinga on his research. But in 2007, while Richard and his own team followed Hellinga’s notes, they discovered that his designed enzyme—whose details were published in Science magazine and the Journal of Molecu-

Demario Atwater, one of two men accused of killing former UNC student body president Eve Carson, pleaded guilty to several federal charges Monday.

Along with Laurence Lovette, Atwater is accused of kidnapping and murdering the 22-year-old University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student in March 2008. Among other charges that include kidnapping and possession of a firearm, Atwater pleaded Demario Atwater guilty to carjacking resulting in death, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s office Monday. The plea deal stipulates that Atwater will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole but will not face the death penalty at the federal level. He will be sentenced Sept. 23.

“Today’s plea spares Ms. Carson’s family

by Ciaran O’Connor

THE CHRONICLE

THE CHRONICLE

emily shiau/The Chronicle

A panel of experts from international microfinance institutions hosts a discussion at the Fuqua School of Business Monday evening. The event was sponsored by the Duke Microfinance Leadership Initiative.

See hellinga on page 5

See atwater on page 4

Singler to stay for senior year DSG Judiciary weighs claims in Robinette case

ian soileau/Chronicle file photo

Junior Kyle Singler, who was projected as a late first-round NBA Draft selection, announced Monday that he will be returning for his senior season.

Junior Kyle Singler announced Monday night that he will remain at Duke for his senior season, ending weeks of speculation about his NBA future.

Singler, a 6-foot-8 swingman, was projected to go anywhere from the middle of the first round to the beginning of the second in the upcoming NBA Draft.

By choosing to return for a fourth season in Durham, Singler will hope to improve his potential draft position and make himself a certain lottery pick. And as far as his team is concerned, Singer’s return—coupled with that of Nolan Smith and the addition of Seth Curry, Kyrie Irving and the rest of a highly touted recruiting class— the Blue Devils figure to be the favorite to defend their national title next season.

“I love being here at Duke and am excited about next year,” Singler said. “I had two great options in front of me, but I did not want to miss out on all of the great things to come in a senior season.”

Singler averaged 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in 2009-2010 and peaked during Duke’s NCAA Tournament run. The junior played some of his best games in the postseason, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors for his performance in Indianapolis as Duke won its fourth national championship.

—from staff reports

ONTHERECORD

“If you make that investment in me, I’ll make sure you’ve made the right investment.”

­—QB Thaddeus Lewis on his talks with NFL general managers. See story page 7

by Joanna Lichter THE CHRONICLE

The Duke Student Government Judiciary held a hearing Monday night, following allegations that junior Justin Robinette was impeached as chair of the Duke College Republicans because he is gay. As of 5 a.m. Tuesday, the Judiciary had not reached a verdict in its more than 10hour meeting.

College Republicans could lose its charter if the Judiciary rules that the club violated its constitution. Robinette formally resigned from his position as chair of the College Republicans April 15 and filed a complaint with the Judiciary shortly thereafter.

The Judiciary chose not to split up the proceedings so that associate justices could have the case material “fresh in their minds” and maintain confidentiality, said Chief Jus-

Baseball: Atop the Mound Duke’s pitching staff has reflected the ups and downs the Blue Devils have experienced this season, PAGE 7

See robinette on page 6

New LDOC policy looks to increase safety, Page 3

2 | TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 the chronicle

worldandnation

TODAY:

7243

WEDNESDAY:

6341

Eruption of Iceland’s volcano affects European economy

Stockman will pay $7.2M NSA data collection halted in SEC lawsuit settlement WASHINGTON, D.C. — A special federal court that oversees domestic surveillance has raised concerns about the National Security Agency’s collection of certain types of electronic data, prompting the agency to suspend collecting it, U.S. officials said.

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which grants orders to U.S. spy agencies to monitor U.S. citizens and residents in terrorism and espionage cases, recently “got a little bit more of an understanding” about the NSA’s collection of the data, said one official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because such matters are classified.

The data under discussion are records associated with various kinds of communication, but not their content. It was not clear what kind of data had provoked the court’s concern.

“

Work is the curse of the drinking classes.

— Oscar Wilde

”

NEW YORK — David Stockman, a former budget director in the Reagan administration, will pay $7.2 million to settle a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit claiming he misled investors while running auto-parts maker Collins & Aikman Corp.

Stockman, who was chief executive officer of the company, neither admitted nor denied liability in the settlement, which was made public Monday in a filing in Manhattan federal court. The $7.2 million payment will be partly offset by $4.4 million that Stockman previously paid to settle investor lawsuits.

The settlement of the SEC’s allegations against Stockman and four other ex-Collins and Aikman executives ends a case that began with a criminal indictment claiming the defendants intentionally defrauded investors.

TODAY IN HISTORY 1946: First baseball broadcast in Chicago.

MILAN, Italy — European business events including trade fairs in London and Milan and talks on a loan package for Greece have been diminished, delayed or canceled because of flight disruptions caused by volcanic ash from Iceland.

U.S. bank Morgan Stanley told clients “stuck in London”following an analyst day for Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s Asda unit that it can arrange desk space, analyst and management meetings, and store tours to fill their time. The Salone del Mobile in Milan, the world’s biggest furniture and design fair, had fewer visitors than expected because of travel restrictions.

“About half of the clients we were expecting didn’t show up” in Milan, said Maurizio Peregalli, a designer at Zeus, which makes furniture and lighting. “Our business has been hit hard by the groundings.”

Traffic authorities across Europe imposed a flight ban after Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted April 14, spewing dust across Europe. The ash, which can clog plane engines, has resulted in the cancellation of as many as 63,000 flights and prompted the closure of airports from Dublin to Moscow. Air France-KLM Group, Europe’s largest airline, is among carriers pushing European governments to ease restrictions.

The World Retail Congress in Berlin, set to host Burberry Group Chief Executive Officer Angela Ahrendts, Kingfisher CEO Ian Cheshire and WPP CEO Martin Sorrell, was postponed until October.

“Many speakers and delegates faced huge difficulties reaching Berlin in time for the event,” the organizers said today in a statement. The conference had been scheduled for April 21 to April 23.

Denis Doyle/bloomberg news

Airline passengers wait in line Monday for their flights to depart from Barajas Airport in Madrid. Following the eruption of an Icelandic volcano last week, air traffic throughout Europe has been halted due to safety hazards caused by the remaining ash in the air. The resulting lack of flights has had a negative effect on the airlines, but has caused an increase in the amount of travel by train and car.

Class of 2014 Find your focus...

The Focus Program • Artists at Work • Between Europe and Asia: Explorations in Culture, Law & Cognitive Science • Engineering Frontiers • Ethics Leadership and Global Citizenship • Evolution and Humankind • Exploring the Mind • Faces of Science • The Genome Revolution and Its Impact on Society • Global Health: Local and International Disparities • Medieval and Renaissance Worlds • Modeling in the Economic and Social Sciences • Muslim Cultures • The Power of Ideas • Power of Languages • Visions of Freedom Applications Accepted: April 5-May 31, 2010 www.focus.duke.edu Questions? Contact the Focus Program... focus@duke.edu; (919) 684-9370

REDuCE • REusE • RECyClE

DonAtE Books!

Give your extra books (including textbooks) to the the Friends of the Durham County Library

Earth Day April 22, 2010 11 am - 3 pm in front of Duke Chapel Look for the Discovery Mobile!

the chronicle

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 | 3

LDOC policy Sushi Love may join MOP next Fall changes aim to boost safety DUKE UNIVERSITY STUDENT DINING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

by Sanette Tanaka THE CHRONICLE

Durham restaurant Sushi Love will not join the Merchants on Points program until Fall semester at the earliest, the Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee announced at its meeting Monday night.

DUSDAC co-Chair Jason Taylor, a senior, said there is not enough time left in the school year to accept an additional vendor.

“There isn’t any way we can get them on, and I don’t think it is practical right now,” Taylor said.

Sushi Love currently delivers in conjunction with the student-run Devil’s Delivery Service and accepts orders on credit cards. Although DUSDAC discussed adding Sushi Love to MOP because of expressed student interest, definite plans were not made.

“Sushi Love never approached us directly or submitted their documents,” Taylor said. “We never made contact.”

He noted that the process of adding a vendor to MOP typically takes two months. After the eatery presents a proposal to DUSDAC, Dining Services reviews the vendor and installs the necessary machinery to accept points.

“I am interested to see how delivery sushi works and how the quality will be,” Taylor said. “I think it would be neat, but I’m curious to see how it will go over [with students].”

In other business: Last week, after DUSDAC dined at and reviewed Devil’s Bistro, the recently opened Central Campus eatery, the committee submitted a list of suggestions to the eatery. Recommendations included adding

by Christina Peña THE CHRONICLE

nate glencer/The Chronicle

At the DUSDAC meeting Monday night, members discuss adding Durham restaurant Sushi Love to the Merchants on Points program. The group said Sushi Love will not join the program until next Fall at the earliest. umbrellas to the tables on the outdoor patio, creating a separate line for grab-and-go items and making water more accessible.

“DUSDAC has been doing an extensive amount of work surrounding the campus eatery,” said co-Chair Alex Klein, a junior and The Chronicle’s Online editor. “I am very proud of that.”

Bon Appétit Management Company, which runs the Bistro, has responded well to all the suggestions, Taylor said.

Since its opening, the Devil’s Bistro

has acquired its liquor license, ordered a projection screen to show movies and will likely hire additional staff.

“I think they are doing a lot behindthe-scenes to get going as fast as they can,” Taylor said. “I was really impressed with everything they did.”

Incoming co-Chair Andrew Schreiber, a junior, also said DUSDAC will hold an open town hall forum to discuss the current state of Dining Services with students April 25.

MENU SAMPLING Old School Veggie Burrito Regular Chicken Burrito Cheese Quesadilla Chicken Quesadilla Veggie Nachos

$2.86 $5.65 $1.41 $3.59 $4.12

The Last Day of Classes will see a few changes this year to promote a safer, healthier celebration.

LDOC will be treated much like the night of the National Championship game.

Campus will be closed off to those not affiliated with Duke and police will ensure that motor vehicles coming through campus are part of the Duke community. Duke students will also be required to carry their DukeCards with them at all times.

“All of the students had various experiences last year or in prior years, and [the LDOC committee] came to the conclusion that part of the challenge comes with managing and dealing with students who are not Duke students,” Dean of Students Sue Wasiolek said.

LDOC Committee co-Chair Christie Falco, a senior, noted that last year, thousands of non-Duke affiliates came onto campus on LDOC. In addition to a closed campus, students will be limited to carrying six beers on their person, six less than last year’s limit.

“It is really hard to get administrators and faculty to feel good when you’re saying you can have 12 beers,” Falco said. “Drinking needs to be kept under control—finish six and get more.”

Falco added that the committee and See LDOC on page 4

10% off with Duke ID

great food. low price. open late.

1920 1⁄2 Perry St. at Ninth St.

just a block from East Campus

4 | TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 the chronicle

atwater from page 1

ldoc from page 3

and friends the uncertainty and pain of a drawn-out trial and endless appeals,” said U.S. Attorney Anna Mills Wagoner in the statement. “We hope this resolution will help the Carson family put this horrendous act behind them, as best they can, and move on with their lives.”

Atwater and Lovette allegedly kidnapped the Athens, Ga. native from outside her Chapel Hill home just before 4 a.m. March 5, 2008. Authorities contend the two men stole Carson’s SUV and stole $1,400 after bringing her to several ATMs. Carson’s body was found at 5 a.m., at the intersection of Hillcrest Circle and Hillcrest Drive in Chapel Hill. She had been shot five times, once in the head.

“While we deplore the evil and negligence that led to Eve’s death, we agree with the U.S. Attorney’s decision to accept the plea agreement,” Carson’s parents said in the press release. “We are very grateful for the dedication and hard work that have gone into the investigation and prosecution of this crime.”

Atwater is also facing separate charges of firstdegree murder and kidnapping at the state level.

Lynne Klauer, public information officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District, confirmed that the federal plea deal does not affect the state charges, which also carry the possibility of capital punishment.

“We can still proceed with our case,” said Orange County District Attorney Jim Woodall. “The state can still go forward with the death penalty.”

According to The Associated Press, Orange County has not issued a death sentence in approximately seven decades.

Lovette was 17 years old at the time of Carson’s murder and cannot face capital punishment. He is also being charged with robbing and murdering Duke graduate student Abhijit Mahato at his off-campus apartment in Durham Jan. 18, 2008. Lovette faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for both murders.

Lovette and Atwater had already been charged with previous crimes and were under parole supervision at the time of the murders, prompting increased scrutiny of North Carolina’s probation system.

administrators are also cracking down on drinking games like beer pong and chugging on the quad.

Tom Szigethy, associate dean and director of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Health Promotion Center, said the emergency medical services tent will be moved to a more visible location near the Chapel so that students can see where it is and take responsibility for helping each other.

“Hopefully this will make students more aware that choices they may make can possibly put them in that tent,” Szigethy said.

Containers that students can carry with them will be limited to 24 ounces, instead of 30 ounces like last year, and the LDOC committee will be handing out free 24-ounce water bottles.

“It’s a safety thing,” Falco said. “We don’t want entire boxes of Franzia.”

There will be various events scheduled throughout the day. Activities include a Chapel climb, Mulan sing-along and a campus-wide barbecue in Krzyzewskiville. Much of the programming is scheduled for either earlier or later in the day because police have said the heaviest drinking occurs around mid-afternoon, Falco said.

“We’re trying to curb that heavy drinking,” Falco said.

“We want to revitalize LDOC and make it more inclusive for those who do not drink.”

With all of these scheduled events, however, LDOC will still be a regular day of class.

“Classes come first and foremost,” Vice President for Student Affairs Larry Moneta said. “The events are really intended for students to occupy their time between classes or if they don’t have classes.”

Some administrators have heard anecdotes about students going to class intoxicated or drinking alcohol in class.

Wasiolek noted that she has even heard about professors providing alcohol for their students.

But Moneta assured that most faculty members are responsible.

“Those [professors] must be the saddest creations on earth, but those faculty members are so far and few in between,” he said.

Moneta noted that Lee Baker, dean of academic affairs of Trinity College, would be sending a message to all faculty about asking students who come to class intoxicated to leave.

larsa al-omaishi/Chronicle file photo

This year’s Last Day of Class festivities will be closed to outside visitors.

Administrators hope the policy change will increase safety during LDOC. “We’re certainly aware of that type of behavior and the reality is that students should hold students accountable,” Moneta said. “That is just embarrassing.”

Christine Pesetski, assistant dean for off-campus and mediation services, said the A-team, which is made up of faculty, staff and students, will be the initial enforcers and monitors of the event. She added that enforcement depends on student behavior and cooperation.

“The conduct system is not if x [action] then y [consequence],” Pesetski said. “It depends on many things—if the person is over 21, if they were being disruptive, any past incidents.”

Despite the policy changes, Falco noted that the LDOC committee is not trying to stop students from drinking or having fun.

“We are fundamentally trying to start making people aware that LDOC is a privilege, not a right,” Falco said. “There were way too many medical emergencies last year. Things are getting a little out of control.... We are trying to start the trend of a safer and more under-control festivities.”

the chronicle

hEllinga from page 1 lar Biology—did not perform as Hellinga alleged it did, according to a 2008 article in Nature magazine. Suspicions began to rise about the decorated scientist’s integrity.

Now, three years after those suspicions first arose, the situation has yet to be resolved. Hellinga remains a titled member of the biochemistry faculty and the shadow of the controversy looms over the department and Duke’s reputation.

In Fall 2007, following Richard’s findings, Hellinga attributed the mistakes in the experiment to his former graduate student, Mary Dwyer, and requested a formal inquiry of her. Dwyer—who told Nature she raised concerns about the data with Hellinga before publication—was cleared of all wrongdoing in February 2008 and both of the papers in question were retracted. Months later, on July 24, Hellinga wrote to the Correspondence section of Nature that the University had granted his request for further investigation, acknowledging “personal responsibility to the scientific community” and to his students and colleagues for the errors.

“So many questions were being raised, that I thought it would be appropriate that somebody had a look at this and—as it says in the letter, in a dispassionate, objective way— try to figure out the facts and the rights and wrongs of the case,” Hellinga said in an interview with The Chronicle this month.

Senior Medical School officials—including Nancy Andrews, dean and vice chancellor for academic affairs, Sally Kornbluth, vice dean for research, and Wesley Byerly, associate dean for research services—referred all questions regarding the status and scope of the investigation to Doug Stokke, assistant vice president of communications for Duke University Health System. Andrews, Kornbluth and Byerly declined to comment further.

“Duke is committed to nurturing and supporting the highest quality science and we review all allegations concerning research integrity according to established procedures,” Stokke wrote in an e-mail statement on behalf of medical school administrators. “We trust that you and your readers will understand that it would be inappropriate for Duke to comment on any specific proceedings due to confidentiality and other restrictions.”

The investigation The University has a multi-step process in place to address research misconduct— defined as “fabrication, falsification or plagiarism”—on the part of Duke faculty.

Such investigations—whose details are confidential—are handled by Byerly, the Medical Center’s misconduct review officer.

When a suspicion of misconduct is relayed to the misconduct review officer, he notifies the vice chancellor for academic affairs—currently Andrews—and they decide whether to forward it to a standing committee for inquiry. After the standing committee reports back, the vice chancellor can choose to launch a formal investigation.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 | 5

At this point, an ad hoc committee, whose members are chosen by the vice chancellor for their expertise and impartiality, is formed.

The committee prepares a final report and the vice chancellor determines a course of action. Ad-hoc committees can include experts from outside institutions, if deemed appropriate by the vice chancellor. The identity of the members on the committee is undisclosed.

A number of abnormalities have arisen in this particular case.

Jane Richardson, also a James B. Duke professor of biochemistry, said there are advantages and disadvantages to having an internal office investigate. An outside committee might not understand local issues, the intangibles and who the people involved are, she said. In addition, by requesting an investigation of himself, Hellinga became both the accused and complaining party.

It remains unclear what influence Hellinga, as the complainant, had on determining the charges.

“Duke has a financial as well as a public relations interest here in keeping [Hellinga] and keeping him going,” Richardson said.

“They really have a conflict of interest in this— as any institution would to some extent. This never looks good for a school’s reputation.”

She said, however, that she would not question the sincerity of those currently serving on the committee.

“They definitely take their job very seriously,” Richardson said.

Provost Peter Lange said internal investigations are the standard across the country.

Unless there are “extenuating circumstances,” the entire investigation process should take no more than 312 days—less than one year. By this summer, Hellinga’s investigation would have lasted two years.

Chris Raetz, chair of the biochemistry department from 1993 to 2007 and a current professor, said people he meets across the country are still asking about how Duke is handling the situation. His response, he said, is that it has been a year and a half into the investigation, and there is still no word of a resolution.

“I mean, yes, he deserves due process by all means, and we don’t want to jeopardize that, but there has to be a resolution at some point,” Raetz said. “The administration should be held accountable for wrapping it up at this point.”

The situation has been further complicated by Hellinga’s conduct toward Dwyer. Issues of scientific misconduct are tied together with allegations of misconduct as a mentor.

Duke University Policy and Procedures Governing Misconduct in Research, outlined in the Faculty Handbook and last revised January 2007, state that “neglecting to supervise others properly in work for which the faculty member is responsible,” is an inappropriate practice, but does not necessarily represent misconduct in research—possibly putting it outside the parameters of the investigation.

The document also states that principal investigators—faculty members who head their own labs—must bear primary responsibility for the research conducted under their supervision.

Student impact ‘not just about Dwyer’ The Hellinga situation has elicited an outcry not only from scientists frustrated by his failure to explain experimental mistakes, but from graduate students angered by his willingness to accuse Dwyer.

“To the outside world, the University has done nothing, except maybe halfheartedly confirmed that they’re investigating Homme [Hellinga] on his own terms,” said Louis Metzger, a recent Ph.D. graduate in biochemistry. “But they never even said what the scope of their investigation is.”

In the summer that followed Dwyer’s exoneration—prior to Hellinga’s own request for an investigation—Metzger and several other graduate students in biochemistry drafted a petition requesting a formal investigation of Hellinga on two possible offenses: that he published Dwyer’s data despite her objections, and that he pursued “baseless and malicious, or reckless” misconduct charges against her.

Metzger delivered notarized copies of the petition July 3 to the offices of eight University administrators, including Kornbluth, Andrews, Lange, interim Chair of Biochemistry Kenneth Kreuzer and President Richard Brodhead. Each copy bore 18 signatures of current students and recent graduates. Many more wanted to sign, Metzger said, but were afraid or felt it was not in their best professional interests.

Dwyer was not informed of the petition.

Metzger said he wanted the petition to be about the principles behind the incident instead of perceived as a personal vendetta.

Andrews met Metzger the same day he delivered the petition specifically to inquire about Dwyer’s involvement. Metzger clarified that he believed she was unaware of it and they did not discuss further issues. He received no response from the other recipients and later that month in Nature, Hellinga publicly announced his investigation.

One year later, the investigation was pending, and Metzger still had no word about its status or the petition. He requested to meet with Andrews and was granted a meeting with Kornbluth late last August.

Metzger said he understood the investigation was confidential, but he wanted confirmation that the students’ concerns were being addressed. After a series of exchanges and meetings, Kornbluth confirmed that the committee had been made aware of the petition and would discuss the issues within its purview.

One month later in October 2009, Hellinga’s former post-doctoral student published results that contradicted two more of his papers. In an open house with biochemistry students that month, Andrews declined to answer questions about the ongoing investigation, Metzger said.

“The worst part in the department is the students feel that Duke and the department are stonewalling and not doing anything about this,” Richardson said. “It’s unclear that the investigation took under mandate what the students asked.”

Richardson said she is closer to the environment in Hellinga’s lab than most faculty

in the department, as she and her husband have also worked in protein design and served on the Ph.D. defense committees for many of Hellinga’s former students. Prior to the inquiry of Dwyer, the Richardsons were close friends with Hellinga and his wife, Lorena Beese, also a James B. Duke professor of biochemistry.

“I think [Hellinga is] brilliant and his ideas are really going to work in the long run,” Richardson said. “His part in this is also a tragedy.”

Richardson said, however, that Hellinga’s lab is “much too hard” on graduate students.

“This is not just about Mary Dwyer,” she said.

James Qiu, currently a post-doctoral associate at Tufts University, joined Hellinga’s lab as a graduate student in 2003 and worked there for three years before switching laboratories—an unusual move—and graduating in July 2009. Qiu said there is a fundamental problem regarding graduate students’ protection. “[Dwyer] was really Homme’s favorite graduate student,” he said. “That he turned around and accused her of academic misconduct when the results were not what he wanted them to be after previously winning prestigious awards for the same work is very disturbing. It gives the perception that any professor could level a charge at any student at any time.”

Richardson said she feels it would be better if Hellinga does not take graduate students in the future.

“It would mean we wouldn’t have to hassle every time we get a new class in, warning people in a way that would work,” she said.

A repairable department Many faculty and students said the pending investigation has affected Duke’s reputation, specifically hampering the search for a new chair of biochemistry.

Professors and students said they are often asked about the Hellinga controversy at job interviews and scientific conferences.

“I mentioned I was from Duke and people didn’t want to ask me about the science, they wanted to ask me about this Hellinga character,” Qiu said, relating his experience at a conference in New Hampshire.

This year, the biochemistry department embarked on its third chair search in as many years.

Richardson said she thinks the unresolved investigation has affected the effort to fill the position.

“It’s hard to believe this wouldn’t have a strong effect on people,” she said. “I doubt we’ll get a chair until this is all taken care of.”

Raetz said, however, that chair searches are generally lengthy processes and the biochemistry department has been functioning well with an interim leader.

Despite the taint of the investigation, students and faculty appreciate the cohesiveness of the graduate student population in the biochemistry department.

“Our program has been damaged by this affair, but it is not broken,” Metzger said.

6 | TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 the chronicle

robinette from page 1 tice Matthew Straus, a sophomore. Straus recused himself from the hearing because he attended last week’s College Republicans meeting in which Robinette was impeached.

As of now, the case will remain in student hands, University administrators said, citing Duke’s tradition of student self-government.

Associate Justice Carissa Mueller, a junior, presided over the hearing and will vote on a ruling with three other justices.

Robinette could not be reached for comment Monday or early Tuesday morning.

Monday’s hearing was only open to those who provided testimony, Straus said. In total, the Judiciary heard testimony from 22 individuals, and both sides presented evidence to the Judiciary separately. Based on his past experience, Straus said the majority of the evidence would likely be in the form of e-mails, constitutional amendments and resolutions.

“We were just showing our reasons behind the impeach-

ment and our reasons had nothing to do with Justin’s sexuality,” said junior Rachel Provost, College Republicans chief of staff who testified at the hearing. “Most of us had known about this for months before that.”

The articles of impeachment maintain that Robinette was removed from office because he had “repeatedly failed in his capacities as chair.” Among other charges, Robinette was accused of mishandling group endorsements, fixing internal elections, neglecting to coordinate events with the College Republicans at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and exhibiting unbecoming conduct.

Because they had attended key meetings of the College Republicans executive board, Straus and senior Spencer Eldred, DSG vice president for student affairs, served as neutral parties and offered testimony at the end of proceedings.

Straus said he felt the College Republicans impeachment meeting April 14 was conducted in an inappropriate manner.

“To have me as a guest and have a meeting like that in front of me as a guest, I asked, ‘Aren’t you embarrassed?’”

The Chronicle’s National Championship Commemorative Edition

is now available at Duke Stores glossy keepsake edition that follows Duke on the road to #1!

Straus said in a interview early Tuesday morning.

Associate Justices Martin Njoroge, a junior, and Chastity Threadcraft, a senior, also recused themselves from the hearing Monday. Njoroge is Robinette’s close friend and Threadcraft was away on a prior engagement.

At 3:30 a.m., Mueller declined to comment about the possible outcomes of the proceedings, adding that she did not know enough about the case at the moment. Ultimately, the Judiciary can do essentially whatever it wants, said Associate Justice David Wang, a sophomore.

Vice President for Student Affairs Larry Moneta said the administration is monitoring the situation and conducting its own informal conversations about the events.

The review process in this situation falls under student jurisdiction, said Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations. No complaint has been filed with the Undergraduate Conduct Board, Schoenfeld confirmed Monday.

“The administration would only intervene in extraordinary circumstances if there was concern that DSG’s own processes were not being followed [or there were] safety concerns,” he said.

Purchase The Chronicle’s National Championship Commemorative Issue: chron.it/ncaachamp

Available at Duke Stores and online www.shopdukestores.duke.edu

Chronicle T’s also available!

919.684.3811 www.dukechronicle.com

It’s amazing what you’ll find under one roof • Biodegradable Tableware • Packing Peanuts • Boxes • Bubble wrap • Tape • Food Service Platters • Cups • Napkins • Invitations • Cutlery • Table Covers • Arts & Crafts • Games • Office Furniture • Kids Furniture • Wrapping Paper

FEATURED ITEMS OF THE WEEK: Packing & moving got you worried?

Wide selection of corrugated boxes and packing materials are available right down the street.

Show your DUKE ID for a discount (EXPIRES 4/30/10)

1010 West Main Street, Durham NC • 919.688.6886 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm • Saturday 9am-4pm Convenient off street parking, near Brightleaf Square

Sports

>> MEN’S LACROSSE

The Chronicle

TUESDAY April 20, 2010

Sophomore defenseman CJ Costabile was named ACC Player of the Week for his play in the Blue Devils’ 13-9 defeat of No. 1 Virginia Saturday

www.dukechroniclesports.com

QB Lewis hopes name is called in NFL Draft Thursday, the National Football League will kick off its 75th annual player draft, now a three-day made-for-television extravaganza carried live on ESPN and the NFL Network. For the first time, the draft’s first round will be held on Thursday night, with the drama and theater of the event moving straight to Primetime. 32 players will be anointed as a team’s first-round selection on Thursday and will almost Will instantly become multimillionaires.

After opening night, the spotlights will turn down a notch, Commissioner Roger Goodell will hand over the duties of announcing picks to a deputy and NFL teams will get down to the business of making the remaining 223 picks of the draft. These picks will be more calculated gambles than surefire bets, with t e a m s in later rounds taking flyers on players that they view as underrated or overlooked.

Most players tabbed in the late rounds will never make the final cut for NFL rosters in August.

A few of these bets will pay off in monumental fashion—with the sixth-round selection of three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady perhaps the most notable example.

But out of 2010’s class of draft-eligible players, there might not be one player that

Flaherty

merits a late-round shot at an NFL roster more than Duke’s own Thaddeus Lewis.

Lewis wrapped up a record-setting Duke career this fall by finishing as the ACC’s second all-time passing leader, with his career total of 10,065 passing yards ranking only behind N.C. State’s Phillip Rivers in the record books. Lewis’s steady hand at the helm of David Cutcliffe’s offense over the past two seasons was a fundamental element of the Blue Devils’ recent football resurgence.

His strong body of work earned him a trip to February’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis, where just over 300 top prospects work out in front of all 32 NFL teams.

“They said I did well, went out there and threw the ball well,” Lewis said of his combine workout. “I just did what I needed to do. I worked out and competed in front of all 32 teams, and a lot of guys didn’t [get that opportunity].”

Measured up alongside his combine contemporaries Sam Bradford, Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy, Lewis doesn’t particularly jump off the paper. Although Lewis put in a strong showing at the combine, including running the fourthfastest 40-yard dash time at his position, the prevailing measures and metrics that grade NFL quarterback prospects aren’t favorable to him. At 6-foot-1, Lewis is a hair shorter than most NFL teams would like. And although he was a prolific passer with the Blue Devils, Lewis doesn’t quite have the top-flight arm strength that league offensive coordinators covet.

But in evaluating Lewis’s intangibles, there’s plenty for NFL teams to like. From the moment he took over in the second series of his freshman opener against Richmond until his final snap senior year, Lewis lawson kurtz/Chronicle file photo

See lewis on page 8

Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis’s record-breaking Duke career has not guaranteed him a spot on an NFL roster.

baseball

Pitching staff the key for Duke against ACC’s best

by Alex Krinsky THE CHRONICLE

ian soileau/Chronicle file photo

Junior Dennis O’Grady has gone 0-2 in six starts for the Blue Devils so far this season.

Inconsistency has plagued the Duke pitching staff all season.

Although its pitchers have fueled the team’s success, their moments of Liberty brilliance and vs. promise have been offset by breakdowns Duke and lopsided TUESDAY, 6 p.m. losses.

Lynchburg, Va. The Blue Devils entered this season understanding that they would win games with solid pitching and defense—even with the loss of star pitcher Andrew Wolcott to the MLB Draft—rather than explosive bats. In most of the team’s wins this season, Duke (21-

16, 6-12 in the ACC) has held its opponent to few if any runs and has accumulated four shutouts thus far.

“Our team is really based on pitching and defense,” junior Dennis O’Grady said. “Every time we go out, our goal is to shut the other team out and just throw up zeros every inning.”

O’Grady, senior Michael Ness and sophomores Ben Grisz and Eric Pfisterer have been workhorses for the Blue Devils and have each pitched more than 35 innings Senior Christopher Manno, though, came into this season with high expectations but has underperformed to this point. Manno is 1-2 with two saves and a 6.25 ERA. The senior has faired no better in conference play, posting an 8.37 ERA.

“Chris has been really good for us during his career, and he’s working very hard,” head coach Sean McNally said. “He’s made some bad pitches and he’s paid for it.… He’ll get it cranked up.

For us to be good, he’s a key guy.

From what I know about him, he’ll continue to work at it relentlessly, and that’s all he can do.”

Freshman Chase Bebout and Marcus Stroman, however, have stepped up immensely and made a positive impact.

Bebout, an imposing figure on the bump standing 6-foot-6, has been a vital contributor to Duke’s success with a record of 4-1 and a 3.72 ERA. In ACC play, Bebout’s 4.38 ERA is the lowest on the team.

“They’ve been huge,” See pitchers on page 8

8 | TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 the chronicle

pitchers from page 7

ian soileau/Chronicle file photo

Freshman relief pitcher Marcus Stroman (above) and starter Chase Bebout, also a freshman, have combined for eight wins this season.

Announcements

O’Grady said of the two freshmen. “Marcus and Chase have been big contributors for us this year. If we didn’t have those two guys, I don’t how many wins in the ACC we would have.”

Stroman plays second base and is instrumental in the Duke offense, but he has also been a force on the mound. Out of the bullpen, Stroman is 4-1 with three saves and a 4.34 ERA. “Marcus has been unbelievable—a freshman like that who can come in and be in pressure situations in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings with the game on the line,” O’Grady said. He’s a special player and he’s really going to be the face of the program.”

There is an undeniable dichotomy in the Duke pitchers’ performance in nonconference games compared to conference matchups. Duke’s domination of nonconference opponents and its struggles in the ACC is a reflection not only of the conference’s superior level of play, but also of the pitching staff’s own vulnerability.

In six games against Fordham and Temple, for example, the Blue Devils only allowed 13 runs. In just three games against powerhouse Georgia Tech, though, Duke gave up 43.

“We have the same mindset in ACC games and nonconference games,” O’Grady said. “The competition is a lot different. The ACC is the best league in the country and the best players play there, and it’s just a learning curve.”

Duke still has four series left against tough ACC opponents to end the season, and the pitching staff must be more dependable in order to finish strong and make the conference tournament.

“We’re going to try to be consistent for the remainder of the schedule,” O’Grady said. “We really need to start turning around and getting more wins, and it’s going to start with the pitching staff.”

HOLTON PRIZE IN EDUCATION Three cash prizes of $500 will be awarded for outstanding, innovative, or investigative research in education related fields. Application deadline is April 23, 2010.

Open to Duke undergraduates.

For more information, http://educationprogram.duke.edu/undergraduate/awards

Holton Prize in Education

Three cash prizes of $500 will be awarded for outstanding, innovative, or investigative research in education related fields. Application deadline is April 23, 2010.

Open to Duke undergraduates.

For more information, www. duke.edu/web/education/scholarships/holtonprize.html

Paralegal Intensive

EARN $1000-$3200 A month to drive our brand new cars with ads placed on them. www. YouDriveAds.com Seasonal Leasing Specialist Pinnacle Ridge Apts. is seek-

ing a Seasonal FT Leasing Specialist for May - August. Candidates should be familiar with leasing practices & procedures, community & resident relations, & should possess exceptional communication & customer service skills. Job duties will include: meet, greet & qualify potential residents, show model(s), inspect units, assist with move-ins as needed, & maintenance of resident records. Yardi background & leasing license preferred. Weekends required. www. watertonresidential.com Send resume to: pinnacleridgepm@watertonpm.com

Apartments for Rent

Summer

Duke certificate in paralegal studies begins 5/24. Free info session 5/6. learnmore.duke. edu/ paralegal 919-684-3379

Help Wanted BARTENDERS ARE IN DEMAND!!!

Earn $20 - $35 per hour. 1 or 2 week classes & weekend classes.

100% Job Placement Assistance.

RALEIGH’S BARTENDING SCHOOL. Have Fun! Make Money! Meet People! CALL NOW (919)676-0774 www.cocktailmixer.com Earn Extra Money Students needed ASAP. Earn up to $150 per day being a Mystery Shopper. No Experience Required. Call 1-800722-4791

Partners Place 3 BR, 3 bath apartment for lease starting June 1, 2010. Top floor. Recently refurbished. Very convenient to West Campus. 1650/mo. e-mail JANANCECO@lexcominc. net or call JIm Nance 336-2490296 PARTNERS PLACE DEAL! 3 BR for summer, fall, academic or full year. Hardwoods-overall great condition. 1st floor unit in newer quieter back building. $1625 dsr@ bankrlaw.com 214-732-6441 1BR 5min to DUKE, FREE WIFI & FREE W/D, great for Grads! 919.286.4100. Forest Pointe. www.NC-Apartments. com

Answer to puzzle

The Chronicle classified advertising

www.dukechronicle.com/classifieds

chase olivieri/Chronicle file photo

Despite playing for three different offensive coordinators, Thaddeus Lewis excelled in his college career, giving him a shot at being an NFL draftee.

lewis from page 7 played under the direction of three different offensive coordinators. For each of his first three seasons, Lewis was burdened with learning a new offensive scheme in just a few months before being thrown right into the action in the fall.

But as his success on the field at Duke indicates, the mental challenge was but a small hurdle and was a formative experience that is a great indicator of his ability to grasp the complexities of a pro-style offense. Correspondingly, Lewis felt he excelled in the intense, one-on-one interviews that teams conduct at the combine.

“I got good feedback, and some of the guys said, ‘If I didn’t know your system, now I know [it]. You did a good job regurgitating what you learned from Coach Cut, and that’s a good sign of a good quarterback.’”

And in the same vein, two seasons under the tutelage of a highly regarded quarterback guru such as Cutcliffe has prepared Lewis well for the challenges of the NFL. His play this season was enough to have one fellow ACC coach, Maryland’s Ralph Friedgen, proclaim that Lewis “is definitely an NFL prospect.”

But even more effusive praise of Lewis came from Duke

offensive coordinator Kurt Roper. “I keep telling everybody that there’s not 90 quarterbacks in the world better than Thad Lewis,” Roper said in an interview with ESPN.com.

“You look at 30 [NFL] teams having three quarterbacks.

Thad is a good football player and should end up playing in that league in some role.”

Although Lewis has recently drawn some additional attention from individual teams—he participated in a private workout with his hometown Miami Dolphins in early April—Duke’s record-holding signalcaller knows that his NFL chances are far from guaranteed. Lewis said that he would definitely pursue opportunities as an undrafted free agent if his name is not called in New York. But after hearing him make the pitch for himself at Duke’s Pro Day in March, it’s hard not to be pulling for Lewis as NFL teams work down their draft boards this weekend.

“He’s a guy with a great work ethic who has the ability to make the guys around him better,” Lewis said of himself when asked how he would describe his strengths to an NFL general manager. “He is a team player, a hard worker, and he is a leader. He’s going to give you everything he has.

“If you make that investment in me, I’ll make sure you’ve made the right investment.”

rates All advertising - $6.00 for first 15 words 10¢ (per day) additional per word 3 or 4 consecutive insertions - 10 % off 5 or more consecutive insertions - 20 % off special features online and print all bold wording - $1.00 extra per day bold heading - $1.50 extra per day bold and sub headline - $2.50 extra per day online only attention getting icon - $1.00 extra per ad spotlight/feature ad - $2.00 per day website link - $1.00 per ad map - $1.00 per ad hit counter - $1.00 per ad picture or graphic - $2.50 per ad deadline 12:00 noon 1 business day prior to publication payment Prepayment is required Master Card, VISA, Discover, American Express, cash or check ad submission

online: www.dukechronicle.com/classifieds email: advertising@chronicle.duke.edu fax to: 919-684-8295 phone orders: (919)-684-3811

No refunds or cancellations after first insertion deadline ADVERTISERS: Please check your advertisement for errors on the first day of publication. If you find an error, please call 919-684-3811. The Chronicle only accepts responsibility for the first incorrect day for ads entered by our office staff. We cannot offer make-good runs for errors in ads placed online by the customer.

the chronicle

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 | 9

Diversions Shoe Chris Cassatt and Gary Brookins

Dilbert Scott Adams

Doonesbury Garry Trudeau

The Chronicle LDOC changes we’d make: free chicken nuggets for everyone!: �������������������������� hon, (yu)hon reporting strictly prohibited that day: ����������will, emmeline, lrupp real music. BOOM! i just went there: �������������������������������������� tullia continue the “concert” til 5 a.m.: ������������������������������� drew, joanna wiffleball on the quad: �������������������������������������gabe, harrison, dan glass bottles prominently allowed. and kegs.: ������� courtney, libby pre-LDOC concert at the Link: ��������������������������������������� klein, carter move the whole thing to East: ����������������������������������������������tiffany Barb Starbuck flogs molly every now and then: ��������������������� Barb

Ink Pen Phil Dunlap

Student Advertising Manager:...............................Margaret Potter Account Executives:.................... Chelsea Canepa, Phil DeGrouchy Liza Doran, Lianna Gao, Rhea Kaw, Ben Masselink Amber Su, Mike Sullivan, Jack Taylor Quinn Wang, Cap Young Creative Services Student Manager............................Christine Hall Creative Services:................................Lauren Bledsoe, Danjie Fang Caitlin Johnson, Megan Meza , Hannah Smith Business Assistant:.........................................................Joslyn Dunn

Sudoku

DUKE STUDENT SUMMER STORAGE Free Lock !

Summer Storage Specials

Safe & Secure Storage for Your Stuff!

May through August Rent Specials

A-1 MiniStorage 1000 Junction Road

(919) 471-6668

5 x 10 units $180 10 x 10 units $220 for the entire summer

Best Rates in the Triangle Just 7 miles from campus

• Long Distance & CLIMATE CONTROLLED Local Relocation • Boxes & Packing STORAGE Supplies • Special Duke Student Rates Call (919) • Pick Up 419-1059 Available or 489-3941 • CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

(No number is repeated in any column, row or box.)

“Where customer service is still a priority” NCUC C-726 ICC MC315111

www.trosamoving.com

www.sudoku.com

The Independent Daily at Duke University

The Chronicle

10 | TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 the chronicle commentaries

“

Too many ‘maybes’ Thousands of high school nomic climate or a basketball seniors eager for an invitation championship—can increase to Duke’s Class of 2014 are or decrease the number of going to have to keep on wait- students that enroll. ing. Last week, The New York If the University does not Times reported that 3,382 fill all of the spots in an inapplicants—up 856 from last coming class through its iniyear—had been tial round of offered a spot acceptances, it editorial on the Univerneeds a reserve sity’s waiting list. of high-quality students that At highly selective liberal a waiting list provides. But in arts schools like Duke, wait- order to maintain diversity ing lists play an important and ensure a representative role in allowing the Office of freshmen class, this waiting Undergraduate Admissions list must be sufficiently large to secure a talented and di- to contain “buckets” of difverse freshmen class. ferent types of students.

It is difficult for the UniAs important as a sizeable versity to determine just how waiting list may be, this year’s many accepted students will number is unreasonably choose to matriculate. Un- large. fortunately, there is no tried Last December, the Uniand true formula to calcu- versity admitted a record late yield, as extenuating high 602 students to the Class circumstances—like the eco- of 2014 through the bind-

onlinecomment

We do not want to elect a freshman into a role this large.

—“The Duke Voice” commenting on the story “Vote for Akpaninyie.”

See more at www.dukechronicle.com.

Letters Policy The Chronicle welcomes submissions in the form of letters to the editor or guest columns. Submissions must include the author’s name, signature, department or class, and for purposes of identification, phone number and local address.

Letters should not exceed 325 words; contact the editorial department for information regarding guest columns.

The Chronicle will not publish anonymous or form letters or letters that are promotional in nature. The Chronicle reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length, clarity and style and the right to withhold letters based on the discretion of the editorial page editor.

Est. 1905

”

Direct submissions to:

E-mail: chronicleletters@duke.edu Editorial Page Department The Chronicle Box 90858, Durham, NC 27708 Phone: (919) 684-2663 Fax: (919) 684-4696

The Chronicle

Inc. 1993

will robinson, Editor Hon Lung Chu, Managing Editor emmeline Zhao, News Editor Gabe Starosta, Sports Editor Michael Naclerio, Photography Editor shuchi Parikh, Editorial Page Editor Michael Blake, Editorial Board Chair alex klein, Online Editor jonathan angier, General Manager Lindsey rupp, University Editor sabreena merchant, Sports Managing Editor julius jones, Local & National Editor jinny cho, Health & Science Editor Courtney Douglas, News Photography Editor andrew hibbard, Recess Editor Austin Boehm, Editorial Page Managing Editor Drew sternesky, Editorial Page Managing Editor ashley holmstrom, Wire Editor chelsea allison, Towerview Editor eugene wang, Recess Managing Editor DEAN CHEN, Lead Developer zachary kazzaz, Recruitment Chair Taylor Doherty, Sports Recruitment Chair Mary weaver, Operations Manager Barbara starbuck, Production Manager

zachary tracer, University Editor naureen khan, Senior Editor toni wei, Local & National Editor rachna reddy, Health & Science Editor Ian soileau, Sports Photography Editor Maya Robinson, Multimedia Editor Emily bray, Editorial Page Managing Editor Rebecca wu, Editorial Page Managing Editor Charlie Lee, Design Editor Ben cohen, Towerview Editor Maddie Lieberberg, Recess Photography Editor Lawson kurtz, Towerview Photography Editor caroline mcgeough, Recruitment Chair Andy Moore, Sports Recruitment Chair CHRISSY BECK, Advertising/Marketing Director REBECCA DICKENSON, Chapel Hill Ad Sales Manager

The Chronicle is published by the Duke Student Publishing Company, Inc., a non-profit corporation independent of Duke University. The opinions expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of Duke University, its students, faculty, staff, administration or trustees. Unsigned editorials represent the majority view of the editorial board. Columns, letters and cartoons represent the views of the authors.

To reach the Editorial Office at 301 Flowers Building, call 684-2663 or fax 684-4696. To reach the Business Office at 103 West Union Building, call 684-3811. To reach the Advertising Office at 101 West Union Building call 684-3811 or fax 684-8295. Visit The Chronicle Online at http://www.dukechronicle.com. © 2010 The Chronicle, Box 90858, Durham, N.C. 27708. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior, written permission of the Business Office. Each individual is entitled to one free copy.

I

ing early decision program.

This left approximately 1,100 spots open for the regular decision round.

At the end of March, the admissions office extended acceptance offers to 3,372 high school seniors—more than three acceptances for every open spot. On top of this cushion, the University offered another 3,382 students a spot on the waiting list.

Although many students will remove themselves from the waiting list and commit to attending another school, the chances are still slim for those who choose to keep their sights on Duke. The number of incoming freshmen admitted off the waiting list changes each year, but the Office of Undergraduate Admissions estimates that it will be less than 60 students this year.

Such a large waiting list for such a small number of spots unfairly keeps high school seniors hanging on for a concrete answer from the admissions office. Students invest time and money to apply to Duke, and they deserve a timely “yes” or “no,” not a noncommittal “maybe.”

And if students perceive that their application to the University is not being evaluated fairly, all of the financial resources the admissions office has spent building up the Duke brand will have been for naught.

What is most revealing about this entire episode, however, is the fact that the admissions office is increasingly strained by the evergrowing number of applications to Duke. Guttentag admits that admissions of-

ficers did not have enough time before the March deadline to re-evaluate the waiting list and eliminate students who should have been denied. This is problematic.

Because of its role in crafting the undergraduate student body, the admissions office is integral to the life of the University. It must have the time, resources and staff to thoughtfully and fairly evaluate each application— and deny students when appropriate.

Moving forward, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions must carefully consider how it can maintain the thoughtfulness and scrutiny of its selection process as the number of applicants continues to rise. In future years, 3,000-person waiting lists will be simply unacceptable.

Ego

love it here. I really do. I’d better, consider- ularly because your resumé reads, “Hi, I’ve done ing how much I recently blew ordering a class all this random crap that makes me exactly 36 perring, but I digress. cent qualified for nothing because I have no idea Rather than giving a sentimental (and incom- where I’m going with my life. Hire me!” plete) list of all the things here I It’s even easier when you say it love, I’m more concerned with one all at once. Depressing as all that of the things that I don’t: Managing may be, though, it’s still only one your ego at Duke is no small task. side of the coin.

The fact that I’m obsessed enough A couple weeks ago I passed with my own to write about it is a through a hallway where a couple case study in just how hard this guys were playing a game they place makes it. called “Nutball.” It was aptly named, If it were easy, we wouldn’t have describing the elegant and sophistijeremy walch the infamously recurring theme cated sport of throwing tennis balls anger turned of “effortless perfection” on camat one another’s genitalia. Amerisideways pus. There are people around ca, I give you your future leaders. you, many of them, who the Duke I make no guarantees about their culture is absolutely eating alive. You may know prospects for producing the next generation. they’re struggling, but odds are you don’t.

I suddenly feel far less inferior. It’s comforting.

(A quick note of clarification: That term, effort- That’s just the beginning, though. What goes on less perfection, is not inherently female-exclusive. around you can bring your ego to new and lofty As far as I can tell, its association with women’s is- heights, perhaps in part because it is happening in sues stems from its usage in a report several years the context of our Gothic Talentland. ago by the Women’s Initiative. Call me insensitive, It’s a good feeling when you get a perfect score but I don’t think this is a strictly female phenom- on that test with an average in the low 70s. It’s enon. It could just be that men might try to be wonderful when people compliment your writperfect, too.) ing (though a scathing indictment of their taste, Take a look around you. There’s an absolutely really). It’s flattering when you catch her staring ludicrous amount of talent here. I’m reminded of at you for the umpteenth time and she blushes. a shirt by SnorgTees that reads “I urinate excel- When you find out you’re someone’s hero—espelence” across the front, except in less polite terms. cially when that someone is your own hero—you Although I am sure most wouldn’t ever say it, the are on top of the world. phrase describes pretty much everyone at Duke.

But this doesn’t solve the problem; you are still It also explains the state of male bathrooms in my letting your worth be dictated by factors in hands dorm most weekends. They are spreading excel- other than your own. Arguably, it’s worse because lence, you see. now you have farther to fall. Oh, and fall you will.

There is the guy who plays piano, orates mag- Duke will always find ways to humble you. nificently, understands quantum physics and can I wish I could say that I rely on my own interpick his nose with his little toe while doing a hand- nalized definition of excellence, but I don’t. I try stand. There is the girl who dances, sings beauti- to, but it is too tempting to rely instead on exterfully, fills a room with laughter and has no clue nal validation, especially during the times when how pretty she is. Then there’s you. it comes readily. Sometimes I don’t mind being You are not in the same league as these people. called arrogant because it means I fooled someThey seem capable of doing anything well and one into thinking I’ve got it figured out. Often the barely even working at it. You’re struggling just people I’m trying to fool are those closest to me. to do merely what’s asked of you. Putting yourself If I can take any solace, though, it is in knowing up against that level of giftedness is not just hum- that I am hardly alone in letting Duke and my peers bling, it is outright painful. You want to hate them define what success is. I hear it going on every day. for it, but you can’t because you know they don’t “Otherwise I’ll drown in the sea of resume want to hurt you. They are just better than you. builders.”

It is easy to get down on yourself when you rec“Look at this picture; am I prettier than she is?” ognize this. It’s easy to get down on yourself when “But you’re so much smarter than me!” you can’t keep up in a class. It’s easy to get down “Is everyone going out tonight?” on yourself when it seems like you don’t have as Perfection indeed. many friends as you should (and Facebook affirms it). It’s easy to get down on yourself when your Jeremy Walch is a Pratt junior. This is his final initial efforts to line up an internship fail spectac- column of the semester.

the chronicle

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 | 11

commentaries

Aluminum! Foiled again!

L

ast week, when you were passing the gested that despite their fanciful and “very trees that line the West Campus Plaza temporary” quality, there remains “a part of on your way to lunch, did you catch a whimsy that’s very important—people can glimmer of silver out of the often think better when corner of your eye? While their spirits are lifted... and sitting on the C-1 on the this is serious.” way back from class, did For bin Fuad, to whom you spot a humanoid figure the subtle spreading of dangling from the handrail the “joy of the universe” above your head? Or did a is a significant endeavor, miniature soldier guarding anonymity lends an aura the beverage-containers of secrecy that he believes shining li recycling bin perhaps give heightens the intrigue of all too human you a moment’s pause as his project. “If I were in you walked out of Perkins the audience, I’d think after a night of studying? [anonymity] is more interesting,” he inIf you’re familiar with the aluminum sisted, noting that he’d like his figurines foil figurines that make mysterious ap- to take on “some kind of universal aspect” pearances around West Campus, you independent of his identity. know what I’m talking about. At half a This sentiment, which associates the foot tall with a metallic sheen that flashes appeal of a piece of art to the secrecy of in the sunlight, they’re pretty hard to miss. its origins, brings to mind another, more Notice one dangling from a tree branch, well-known artistic undertaking. PostSeand suddenly they’re everywhere—an in- cret, started by Frank Warren as an ongovasion of tiny foil statuettes peaking out ing community art project, relies on the from every corner of campus. anonymity of its contributors, who mail Of course, detecting their unexplained Warren their secrets on homemade postexistence on campus opens the door to fur- cards. Selected secrets appear weekly on ther mystery: Who makes these foil men? Warren’s blog, with the hope that these Why? What, if anything, do they mean? concealed experiences will represent the These questions always puzzled me, until I collective confessions of those who visit traced the foil men back to their source. the PostSecret website.

As it turns out, they’re made by a softBin Fuad’s aluminum foil men and spoken and thoughtfully philosophical PostSecret are examples of the way in student at Duke, who prefers anonymity. which anonymous art can use personal After picking up the skill at a young age, reactions and experiences to express hu“bin Fuad” (a code name he specified man universals. They reveal how basic upon our introduction) can now make emotions—joy, for instance—are both each foil man in less than five minutes— private and common phenomena, how and he makes, he said, sometimes a hun- perhaps the most deeply personal feeldred at once to scatter across campus. At ings are always universal. other times, he shapes just one based on Indeed, with finals looming and enda passing fancy and leaves it wherever it of-the-semester ennui setting in, the urge strikes him as a fitting location. to retreat into our own worlds of stress and This is not to say that I found out every- individual summer plans may be appealthing there is to know about our diminutive ing. But we should try not to forget the aluminum foil friends. As we sat on the Plaza ties that bond us together in spite of our mere feet from where I’d seen my very first individual frustrations and ambitions. foil man, bin Fuad remained reluctant to Whenever you next find yourself bogged lend his own interpretation to his artwork. down, look around instead, because who The simplicity of his aluminum art knows? There may be an aluminum foil reflects, in a sense, the sincerity of his in- man peeking out at you from the nearest tentions: “I really enjoy when I see them tree, or the archway of your dorm, or the make certain people happy,” he explained, bench in front of your doorway. Go ahead, though he stressed their exact meaning was look around—see what you’re missing. meant to be open to personal interpretation. When, for instance, I pressed him on Shining Li is a Trinity sophomore. This is the whimsical nature of his creations, he sug- her final column of the semester.

editor’s note Monday’s story, “Duke College Republicans impeach chair,” detailing the removal of former Duke College Republicans chair Justin Robinette, a junior, has provoked a strong reaction from our readers. This is understandable, and it merits some explanation.

The Chronicle was alerted to this story around 3 a.m. Thursday when junior Justin Robinette, who had been impeached at a College Republicans meeting earlier that night, contacted two editors in The Chronicle’s University department.

In an e-mail, Robinette alleged that he was impeached because of his sexual orientation.

Friday afternoon, a Chronicle reporter met with Robinette in person.

He informed her that he was not prepared for a story to be published due to personal reasons, but he said he hoped to work with us on a story in the future.

At this point, news of the incident was spreading quickly across campus

and beyond the University. The Chronicle was contacted by a wide range of individuals who wished to share their thoughts on the issue. Clearly, this was no longer a private matter.

I had a personal meeting with Robinette Sunday, and we discussed his concerns about going on the record.

Following our conversation, Robinette consented to an interview with The Chronicle.

We would not have published the story unless Robinette was willing to speak to us on the record.

Furthermore, The Chronicle would never seek to “out” any member of the LGBT community. Robinette gave us his explicit consent to conduct an interview, and it was our responsiblity to report a newsworthy event that has attracted the acute interest of the campus community.

Will Robinson is a Trinity junior and editor of The Chronicle. Please contact him at wrr3@duke.edu if you have questions.

I

The Road Taken

t’s my final column of the year, so ories? Did you check off everything on you’re going to have to bear with me your bucket list? while I get a little literary. It’s a reAs a general rule of thumb, I like to flective time, and having avoid regret. It’s a taxing grown up in New Engemotion that gets in the way land, Robert Frost’s childof happier reflection. Are hood stomping grounds, there things in my Duke I know that it doesn’t get career that I could’ve done more reflective than his differently? Of course. I poem “The Road Not could’ve joined a different Taken.” fraternity or stayed indebradford colbert pendent. I could’ve tried Most people familiar with the poem tend to to work things out with my the other side remember only the final girlfriend freshman year lines, out of context, as a ringing en- instead of breaking up in November. I dorsement for individualism: “Two roads could’ve stayed in Durham instead of godiverged in a wood, and I—I took the one ing abroad. I could have studied more less traveled by and that has made all the for this test or less for that test; I could’ve difference.” But if you read through the written another draft for that paper or rest of the poem, the speaker actually stayed at the bar for one more pint. points out that the two paths were pretIt’s natural to imagine the hundreds ty similar—“the passing there had worn of directions your life might’ve gone had them really about the same,” and so the you made a different choice. But I like to two paths “equally lay.” think about it in reverse—every decision The glamorized “road less traveled” is I’ve made over the last four years, large or only how the speaker is anticipating de- small, has led me to where I am standing scribing his choice later on, “somewhere now. And while I wouldn’t say that I am ages and ages hence.” But in his mind, standing exactly where I thought I would he will always remember the two paths as be, as I look back on all the good memoequal and wonder what could have been ries, the view from here is pretty great. had he chosen the other (leading him to And while I don’t want to rely on the say those final lines “with a sigh”). message of regret, I also don’t like the What Frost is writing about is regret, self-important justification provided by and as we count down to the end of the the simple reading of those final lines. year—and for seniors like me, to the end What is it about the road less traveled that of our time at Duke—perhaps regret is made all the difference? Is it somehow something that’s on your mind as well. better just because fewer people have Time’s just about up—did you have traveled it before? Is there a case here for enough fun? Do you have enough mem- Robert Frost as the world’s first hipster?

At the end of the day, there’s nothing to gain by trying to compare your own experiences to those of anyone else. Experiences are inherently subjective and Duke Partnership for Service endorses personal; they can be different without Akpaninyie necessarily being “better” or “worse.”

Both Ubong Akpaninyie, a sophoWhether you were on the floor of Lumore, and Gordon Wilson, a freshcas Oil Stadium in the student section man, have presented valuable ideas to in Indianapolis or burning benches on improve Duke-Durham relations and the quad here in Durham, the fact redevelop a strong relationship with the mains that we won a National ChampiDuke Partnership for Service. We would onship and celebrating it was awesome be excited to work with either candidate everywhere. on his initiatives. However, we chose to It sounds silly and obvious when you endorse Akpaninyie for this year’s Duke say it that way, but I guarantee there’s Student Government vice president for a senior out there walking by a bulletin Durham and regional affairs. board with “Things to do in Durham!!”

Akpaninyie’s priorities for next written in colorful ink, looking up and year align closely with our own, and he down the list and saying, “Man, I wish I demonstrated a good understanding had done that,” or worse, “Boy, if I don’t of our function. His ideas to promote hurry up and do that, I’m going to regret freshman involvement in social action it.” Those are the most dangerous regrets: complements the transformation of our not the ones you’re feeling now, but the First-Year Program, as do his ideas for ones that you think that you’re going to on-campus events. He proposed confeel 10 years from now. crete ideas to promote clear and effecBut at the end of the day, there is no tive communication between dPS and perfect Duke experience—no cookieDSG, and a commitment to leveraging cutter mold to try and squeeze through DSG’s resources to further our goals. in four years. Don’t regret the things We value his extra year on the commityou’ve done or haven’t done. Find the tee, and feel that this experience allowed things at Duke that you enjoy, enjoy him to compare and evaluate different them as much as possible and treasure philosophies in this position. He demthose memories. onstrated a clear understanding of the fiOn a personal note, I spent my first nancial reality with respect to transportathree years at this school relatively anonytion issues, but also has ideas for creating mously, and I don’t regret those years at long-term solutions in spite of this. Akall. Then senior year came, and my name paninyie has proactively researched social and thoughts graced the campus newspaaction initiatives at other universities, and per every other week; I don’t regret that has used this extensive knowledge to dechoice either. Writing this column has velop creative ideas to address Durhambeen an honor, a challenge and a joy. I related issues. Finally, we are confident in haven’t always made friends with my writhis ability to relate to major stakeholders, ing, but I hope I’ve made people think such as the administration, student body about campus life a little more. and community partners.

I’m ready to graduate and move on to life’s next big dream without regret.

Becky Agostino Thanks for reading.

President, Duke Partnership for Service Trinity ’11 Bradford Colbert is a Trinity senior. This is his final column.

endorsement

12 | TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 the chronicle

Democrats look to close partisan divide on Wall Street reform

By Shailagh Murray and Brady Dennis The Washington Post

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic leaders scrambled Monday to peel away the Republican votes they need to bring a Wall Street reform package to the Senate floor this week—an effort hampered by sharp partisan divisions.

Both sides are attempting to exploit a lingering resentment toward Wall Street in the election-year debate. Democrats have seized on the attempt to curb reckless investment practices as part of an effort to depict the GOP as out of touch with the concerns of average Americans. On Monday, Democrats sought to use a lawsuit brought against financial giant Goldman Sachs by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a cudgel to persuade Republicans to line up behind the bill.

Republicans, in turn, think voters have even less faith in Washington than in the banks and investment houses that played central roles in the nation’s economic collapse, and they are portraying Democrats’ overhaul attempt as a

“bailout” that could cost taxpayers billions.

White House officials said President Barack Obama will give a speech at New York’s historic Cooper Union college on Thursday in which he is expected to remind voters in the starkest terms of what many in Washington assert is the irresponsibility that took hold on Wall Street as financial firms sought fatter profits.

A laundry list of presidents have appeared at Cooper Union to deliver policy pronouncements, and Obama is no stranger to the venue. At a critical point in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, he used the backdrop to outline his economic message and the need to “establish 21st century regulatory framework” to a Wall Street that had proved surprisingly supportive of his campaign. Executives at Goldman Sachs gave almost $1 million to Obama’s 2008 campaign. But the government action brought against that firm has now become a pivotal point in the administration’s push for reform.

“By not enacting our legislation—by filibustering it, stop-

To right These Wrongs: continuing the Work of Terry Sanford Symposium, book Signing and reception friday, april 23, 2010 Sanford building, duke university

Fifty years after Terry Sanford was elected governor of North Carolina, this symposium revisits the pressing concerns of his political career: poverty, education and racial inequality.

3:30 p.m. concurrent panel discussions

“Facing the Achievement Gap from Kindergarten to College” Panelists: Charles Clotfelter, Helen Ladd, Minnie Forte-Brown, and R. Scott Ralls

“From Then to Now: Antipoverty Efforts in North Carolina” Panelists: Robert R. Korstad, James L. Leloudis, Leslie Winner, Naomi Feaste, and Noah Raper

Photograph by Billy E. Barnes, courtesy of the North Carolina Collection, Wilson Library, UNC-Chapel Hill, Billy Ebert Barnes Collection.

“The Pursuit of Equity in Health, Wealth and Citizenship” Panelists: William A. Darity Jr., Sherman James, and Irene Godinez

5:00 p.m. reception, Terry Sanford photo exhibition, and book signing

To Right These Wrongs: The North Carolina Fund and the Battle to End Poverty and Inequality in 1960s America (By Robert R. Korstad & James L. Leloudis, UNC Press 2010)

6:30 p.m. Keynote address by n.c. Sen. dan blue (d-Wake)

THE Sanford ScHool of PublIc PolIcy

Inaugural Series

The final event of the Sanford School of Public Policy’s 2009-2010 Inaugural Series Register online at www.sanford.duke.edu/events/inaugural/special/ or contact (919) 613-7315 PovertyChronad2.indd 2

4/1/10 12:30 AM

ping it—we leave the American public vulnerable once again to the kind of shenanigans that have occurred in our large financial institutions across this country,” Senate banking Chair Christopher Dodd, D-Conn. told reporters Monday. “This comes right down to this basic question,” he said. “Whose side are you on? What more do you need to know?”

Dodd’s 1,400-page bill would create an independent regulator, housed at the Federal Reserve, who would be charged with protecting consumers of mortgages, credit cards and other loans against lending abuse and other deceptive practices. It also would create oversight of the vast derivatives market, curtail the regulatory powers of the Federal Reserve and give the government authority to wind down large financial institutions in an orderly way.

Republicans have argued that the measure contains loopholes that could lead to government bailouts of such firms.

They also have maintained strong opposition to the creation of the new consumer regulator, arguing that it would be another layer of government bureaucracy that would burden businesses, stifle innovation and lead to higher costs.

But even as the rhetoric grew more heated, Democratic and Republican negotiators explored potential areas of compromise, including changes to a $50 billion fund that the financial industry would set up to liquidate bankrupt firms. Some Republicans say the firm could encourage the high-risk investments that led to the current crisis.

Dodd, the chief sponsor of the Senate legislation, said the fund could be altered in the interest of a bipartisan deal. “There are other ways of doing it,” he said. “This isn’t the only way.”

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner made the Capitol Hill rounds on Monday, visiting two Republican senators as part of the administration’s quest for converts. Unless Democrats can pick up at least one Republican on a procedural vote to bring the bill to the Senate floor, a GOP filibuster could stall it indefinitely.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Ky., the main GOP critic of the overhaul measure, struck a more conciliatory tone in a Senate floor speech Monday. Obama had singled out McConnell in his radio address Saturday for the GOP leader’s “cynical and deceptive assertion” that the Democratic bill would lead to more bailouts.

In his remarks on Monday, McConnell conceded that “both parties agree on this point: No bailouts.” He urged his Democratic colleagues to “come together and direct our energies toward making sure we achieve that goal, and leave aside all the name-calling and second-guessing.”

Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the bill could reach the floor as soon as Thursday, although a vote to allow debate to begin probably would occur no earlier than Monday. Senate Agriculture Chair Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark. is expected to complete work Wednesday on a final portion of the legislation that would regulate derivatives.