GlimmerGlass OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY’S
GLIMMERGLASS.OLIVET.EDU FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Professor prepares to run for Congress Nicole Lafond
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News Editor
rian Woodworth, associate professor of criminal justice, has decided to run for the second congressional district and has utilized the help of many ONU student volunteers in launching his campaign. Woodworth received a final contract from Olivet for the 2012-2013 school year. Although he has weighed the possibilities of running for Congress in the past, it wasn’t until he realized he wouldn’t be returning to Olivet that he began to “seriously examine the potential,” he said. Woodworth has assumed the Republican Party and said, in part, his inspiration for running is fueled by his disappointment with the direction our government is pursuing. Having experience in farming, factory work, business, law and education, Woodworth believes he has the experience and education to represent the people within the demographic of the new district. When asked why people should vote for him Woodworth said, “Because I am a fresh voice and I am not a Washington insider … I’m focused on bringing true representation for our district to D.C. and [will] work to get Washington working for the people again.” Work has been done behind the scenes to commence Woodworth’s campaign. Members of the political science club, Capitol Hill Gang, as well as other students and alumni, have contributed to the development of the campaign. “Select members of the Capitol Hill Gang (CHG) have been of phenomenal assistance,” Woodworth said. “When I decided to run, we needed 600 signatures and had less than 10 days to do it. With the help of six CHG students acting under the guidance of Matt Van Dyke and Matt Logan, we were able to secure 858 signatures in under eight days.” These student volunteers have also helped by doing research and graphic design for the campaign. Junior Matt Van Dyke, Capitol Hill Gang president, said volunteers are gaining experience by helping out. “While we are keeping Capitol Hill Gang officially separate from the campaign, many students have taken an interest in volunteering ... and are using the campaign as a way to get internship credits. That way, they are helping a professor as well as getting credit for their majors.” Political science major Denee Jones schedules Woodworth’s campaign. She is hoping to get some real-world political experience for her future goals of going to law school. “It would be amazing to be able to write on a resume that I was involved with a campaign for a candidate that was elected to the U.S. Congress,” she said. The Republican and Democratic primaries for this district, which reaches from St. Anne to Lake Michigan and the west border of Kankakee County to Indiana, will take place March 20, according to Van Dyke. Jones believes Woodworth has a fair chance, based on the articles she has seen so far. “It seems like people are getting tired of career politicians,” she said. “Congress could use someone like [Woodworth.]”
IN THIS ISSUE
NEWS
Dare
to
SPORTS
Cheer team kicks it -Page 12 up a notch
LIFE
Sophomore class hosts speed dating event to meet new people -Page 7
VOL. 71 NO. 9
Dream
Sophomore Logan Smith plays his trumpet during Band Winter Showcase’s “Dreamt” performance. BWS is put on by the marching band each year and content is left up to the creativity of the members.
PHOTO BY ETHAN BARSE
Social Justice Club emerges Morgan McCririe Staff Writer
The International Justice Mission (IJM) club on campus has undergone major changes. Now called the Social Justice Club, it has expanded to broaden the scope of its involvement. Last year sophomore Erin Evans and junior Sam Starner were active in trying to start new clubs on campus, both with a similar theme: social justice. Instead of creating solitary groups, Evans and Starner collaborated with junior Rose Zell, president of IJM, to form the Social Justice Club. The goal is to reach a wider audience by working with various non-profit organizations like IJM, Invisible Children and TOMS.
In-depth guidelines on how to use the new Joule learning system to aid new users -Page 3
OPINION
Two students dispute the relevance of marriage to the Christian walk -Page 5
Evans, president of the new club, was somewhat involved with IJM last year and was heavily involved in the Invisible Children screening that took place last semester during the missions fair. Evans feels called to missions in Africa where Invisible Children is active, because she is passionate about it. “It’s hard to get involved and help when you’re far away, but giving money is a way to be involved in things you couldn’t be [involved with] otherwise. Just because you’re far away, doesn’t mean you’re separate,” said Evans. Like Evans, Starner also feels strongly about an organization, TOMS shoes. She likes that TOMS works within America’s consumer society, targeting a wide range of people. “You can fill your needs and someone
LIFE
M.E.R.C. club hosts campus events to bring awareness to Black History Month -Page 8
else’s [when you buy a pair of shoes],” she said. Starner wants to work for TOMS someday and hopes to influence others through her work there. “I believe in doing what you can to make a difference,” she said. Evans said she hopes that by shedding light on injustice, people on campus will be moved to action. “Our main goal is to make injustices known. Education is the first step. If people don’t know, they won’t act,” she said. The Social Justice Club had its first meeting Friday, Jan. 27, and will have biweekly meetings for the rest of the year. They are already planning events for the semester, including an IJM movie night, a clothing drive, an Invisible Children screening and a TOMS “Style Your Sole” event.
SPORTS
The tennis team is preparing to cause a ‘racquet’ this spring season -Page 10
INDEX
News: Pages 2-3 Opinion: Pages 4-5 Life: Pages 6-9 Sports: Pages 10-12