Fall 2011 Issue 1 by The Independent Collegian

Arts & Life, B1

Sports, B4

Second annual Music Fest on main campus

Dantin takes early lead against QB battle against Owens

Independent Collegian IC The

www.IndependentCollegian.com 92nd year Issue 1

Monday, August 22. 2011

Serving the University of Toledo since 1919

Auto services and lofts to come to Dorr Street Casey Cheap IC News Editor

The corner of Secor Rd. and Dorr St. will look different for fall semester 2012, as the groundbreaking for the Dorr Street Gateway Project took place Aug. 10th, 2011. Phase one of this project is a joint venture between the UT Foundation and Fairmont Properties that is expected to bring more foot traffic to the UT campus area of Toledo. “Besides the initial businesses moving into the new development, the UT Foundation is looking at the first phase of construction as an investment because it is a “student centered project,” Matt Schroeder, vice president for real estate development at UT foundation said.” The long-term goal is to have a substantial “college town” feel with area development in the next five or ten years. “This has been five years in the making,”Schroeder said. “We have done significant research through student opinion

and have looked at other universities to see what the project would look like.” “To make this successful, we had to appeal beyond just university students to appeal to tenants. In our opinion, these tenants are the best fit, and they complement each other well,” Schroeder said. The building that will be constructed at the corner of Secor and Dorr Streets will cost about $12 million, and will be 88,500 square feet—spread out over three floors. An 18,000 square foot Barnes and Noble student bookstore will be the anchor for this project. “[The development] will also include Gradkowski’s Sports Grille, Starbucks, Great Clips and a yogurt shop,” Schroeder said. Schroeder said that although there were tenants already leased, there is still available space for other retailers in the 19,000 square foot allotment for retail. Retail outlets will be on the ground floor.

Kevin Sohnly/IC

Community leaders participate in breaking ground for the Dorr-Secor Gateway project on August 10. The project is expected to be open by Fall 2012 and will include a hair salon, several auto service centers, lofts, the UT student bookstore and a sports bar. The upper levels will be reserved for student housing in the form of 48 apartments. “We are trying to create an urban feel [with the lofts],” Schroeder said.

“I want to stress for incoming students that construction is 100 percent under way, the bookstore will open in July 2012, and soon after the retailers will follow. We are already leasing two

and four bedroom unit apartments.” Student Government President Matt Rubin wanted to stress that no tuition money or student general fees went into this project.

“Student Government surveyed students last fall and found a good 30-50 ideas,” Rubin said. “Student ideas included things such as — Dorr, Page A3

Rocky gets female counterpart Smoking zones installed

Courtesy of UT Marketing and Communication Department

UT’s new female mascot Rocksy sports a ponytail and a skirt in contrast to the original mascot Rocky. The name Rocksy was chosen by students and faculty through online voting. She will not be making apperances at football games this year.

By John Gumersell IC Staff Writer

By Casey Cheap IC News Editor

The University of Toledo will welcome a new female mascot to the UT family on Aug. 31 during the second annual Music Fest. The mascot, Rocksy, is a female version of the current mascot Rocky the Rocket, with a ponytail and skirt.. After one month of online voting, 1,779 students and faculty chose the name Rocksy beating out other choices such as Rochelle, Rockelle and Ricki according to the UT Marketing and Communications department. Rocksy will make appearances this fall at community service programs throughout campus; she will not, however, be present at football games this year. This is an attempt to subtly introduce Rocksy to the UT community, according to Student Government President Matt Rubin. Rubin said this will allow students to become acquainted with Rocksy before she appears at sporting events. According to academic

Students wanting to take a smoke between classes will now only have seven locations on campus to do so. The new designated tobacco area policy was implemented on Aug. 1. The previous policy stated students could smoke no closer than 30 feet from the door to any building. The seven designated areas include Dowd, Nash, White and MacKinnon Halls, outside of Stranahan Hall, between Student Union and Carlson Library, between Horton International House and Academic House, between the Crossings and Ottawa House, among McComas Village, Parks Tower and Carter Hall and Nitschke Hall. The smoking zones were based on which areas were safest for students at night. There will be temporary smoking sites set-up prior to the start of athletic and other major events and for an additional three hours after the event,

— Rocksy, Page A3

Nick Kneer/ IC

There are now seven designated smoking areas on UT’s main campus. UT’s Health Science Campus will remain smoke-free. according to the official tobacco policy. “Student Government, Faculty Senate, Student Advisory Board, and the Board of Trustees have all

had input in this, we really tried to market this through UT News, and we held town hall meetings,” said Alcohol Prevention Specialist — Smoking, Page A3

What steps do you take to ensure your safety on campus?

“

Michael Tye

Junior, pro. sales, marketing

”

“

Texting UT Alert and knowing the UT police number.

At night, travel in packs.

Cesily Carter

Sophomore, nursing

”

Brittany Pullie

Senior, broadcasting

”

“

I always walk with a partner.

Have everything ready including keys and rocket card.

Always walk in groups.

Ryan Seibert

Fresh., math highschool ed.

”

Michekka Forrest Fresh., bio.

Check out our story on two students who were attacked and suggestions to keep yourself safe on and off campus on page A3.

”

The

Independent Collegian

Monday, August 22, 2011

The

Independent Collegian

Students attacked off campus By Brittany Jackson For the IC

The victim was then struck several times by multiple people and left with a broken nose, cheek bones, and orbital sockets. “I got hit a good six times by what I think was six different people,” he said. He said he was taken to Toledo Hospital and was released July 27. The attack left him eating a purely liquid diet. The victim said he plans on moving from his apartment behind the engineering buildings. No arrests have been made in this case.

UT Chief of Police Jeff Newton said although there is no absolute way to prevent an assault, students should always take precautions to decrease the likelihood of an incident. “Using safe practices like being aware of your surroundings, walking confidently and making eye contact with others, using the buddy system when possible, staying in well-lit areas and reporting any suspicious activity will reduce the likelihood of being targeted for crime.”

Dorr From Page A1

for long-term development.”

places to hang out, places to eat, local businesses, sports bars, and coffee shops.” Rubin said this first phase of construction will set-up the area for development in the next 10-15 years. “One of the goals is to get rid of a lot of the buildings on Dorr

ernment Jordan Maddocks said

ing state, local and community

leaders there.” Maddocks said he asked hundreds of students for their input. “We wanted to know where students wanted to shop and what restaurants they liked.” Maddocks said the information taken from the surveys was given to entrepreneurs who were interested in bringing their businesses to campus.

Smoking From Page A1

health insurance premiums, I think more will keep doing this.” UT’s Health Science Campus will remain smoke and tobacco-free. “That would certainly be one of my personal long-term goals [going smoke-free] as a health science instructor,” said Tavis Glassman, assistant professor of health education and public health.

Glassman said he feels the process was “very democratic.” Glassman said part of the reason UT is implementing the tobacco policy, other than the goal of having cleaner air on campus, is because tobacco companies are now marketing more aggressively to young adults. Glassman stressed the changes are not to punish smokers.

he was skeptical. He listed interfering with tradition, and copying rival school Bowling Green State University as problems with Rocksy. Veigel said the university would have to consider a third mascot, one that was gender neutral, in order to be politically correct.

Other students such as John Eckhart, a sophomore majoring in adolescent math education, welcome Rocksy. “I think it’s a nice change of tradition,” he said. According to Rubin, funding to create Rocksy will come from external affairs and not student’s pockets.

Two students were physically attacked in the Bancroft Hills neighborhood in late July, leaving one of them hospitalized with his mouth wired shut.. One of the victims, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering who wished to remain anonymous, said on July 25 a group of 10 to 20 juveniles approached him and a group of six. One of the juveniles struck the student’s girlfriend.

Alexis Blavos. Blavos said the new tobacco policy has been in the works for about two years. “There are actually companies that have stopped hiring smokers,” she said. “Because companies will save so much money on

Rocksy From Page A1 advisor at the UT Gateway Program Cynthia Spitler, Rocky’s purpose is to promote equality. When Justin Veigel, a senior majoring in environmental science first heard about Rocksy,

Vice President of Student Govthe project would not only be good for the campus community, but the Toledo community in general. “We could see how the community really supports UT, hav-

The

Independent Collegian

Monday, August 22, 2011

Classifieds

Extended

Forecast

Phone in your order to Rachel Rabb at 419-534-2438. Fax in your order to 419-534-2884. E-mail in your order to Classifieds@IndependentCollegian.com. Deadlines

All ads and ad material must be received by Thursday at 3 p.m. for Monday’s issue, and Monday at 3 p.m. for Thursday’s issue. The Independent Collegian reserves the right to pull any advertisement that misses this deadline.

Error responsibility

Read your ad on the first day of publication. We accept responsibility only for the first incorrect insertion. If you cannot find your ad on the first day it is running, call us immediately. Adjustments will be limited to the cost of the first insertion.

All Classified ads must be prepaid with a credit card or a check. You can stop by our office during regular business hours or mail us your ad and payment. All display advertising must be prepaid until sufficient credit has been established.

For Rent

Help Wanted

House for rent-Old Orchard-Goddard Rd-2 beds plus dormer-bath & 1/2-rec room in basement-screened porch-garage-appliances w/ washer & dryer-furnished or non furnished-security deposit- references-$1100 per month. John Day 419-262-7757

Must be willing to perform/comply with the following: working overtime; working on holidays and weekends; work in enclosed/confined spaces, such as tanks and silos; working new large, hot, highspeed machines; lift a minimum of 50 pounds; work around chemicals; wear fire retardant clothing and personal protective equipment; maintain your face daily so that a respirator/face mask can seal properly; perform fire fighting duties; work outside in harsh weather conditions; and work with petroleum products that are under high pressure and heat. Conditions of Employment Written tests and assessments; meeting physical criteria for the job; a physical skills demonstration test; ability to demonstrate basic computer skills; pass a background check and drug screening; and be eligible to qualify or hold a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC card). In order to be considered for this position, applicants must submit their resume per the following process on or before 11:59 P.M. of August 29, 2011. After August 29, a limited candidate pool will be randomly selected to take Phase 1 of the screening process. Selected candidates will be notified and assigned a testing date and time by e-mail. Phase 1 consists of 3 tests. All contact information must be accurate and up to date. All interested candidates must submit a resume to the following e-mail address: toledorefinery@certifiedstaffing.net Please place “Refinery Operator” in the subject line. Also, only use Microsoft Word as the format for resumes.

Competitive wages based on education/experience. Apply in person at Sunshine, 7223 Maumee-Western Rd., Maumee, OH 43537. Applications accepted Mon – Fri., 8am – 4pm. For more information and to learn about additional employment opportunities, please call 419-7941368 or visit www.Sunshine.org. Drug Free Workplace. EOE

Bedroom for rent fully furnished with cable and television wireless internet. Shared bath and kitchen. Private family room. Located in historic old orchard $325/mo. Utilities included. Call 419-531-3213.

Help Wanted Typist needed: 5-6 hours. serious/ dependable Call 531-7283 from 11am-11pm. Salary Negotiable Operator (Toledo Refining Company) Overview The Toledo Refining Company is located in Oregon, Ohio and is owned by PBF Energy LLC. The refinery has a crude oil processing capacity of 170,000 barrels per day. Description A refinery operator works 12 hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, various chemicals, and other products. Our company is committed to a foundation of safe and environmentally compliant operations so Operators must follow all procedures and safe work practices. New hires will be required to complete a 36 month apprenticeship program. Starting pay is $24.41 per hour. Responsibilities An Operator may be responsible for: Maintaining equipment and operations; climbing ladders, tanks, and towers up to 200 ft.; taking samples/readings of various process streams; initiating work orders and permitting for work related to the assigned unit; maintaining proper and safe process operations of the operating equipment; and communicating effectively during the shift and at shift relief regarding key process unit and equipment information. Basic/Required Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age; be legally authorized to work in the United States without restrictions; hold a High school diploma or equivalent; and hold a current driver’s license.

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS: Looking for a job with flexible hours? Sunshine is looking for positive, patient people to provide care to individuals with developmental disabilities. They require providing personal care and helping with daily living activities. Candidates with experience in the DD field are preferred but not required. All positions require: Valid driver’s license and good driving record; High School diploma or GED; Pre-employment background screening. We are currently hiring for the following positions: Part time weekend only positions 1st and 2nd shift. Full and part time 2nd shift. Sub and on call positions. Must be available at least 2 weekend days and 2 weekdays per month. Days and shifts are flexible. Potential to work additional hours depending on your availability and our needs.

NBC24.com

Payment policy

Need experienced typist, evenings, salary negotiable, call btw: 11am11pm 419.531.7283.

Monday

High

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Low

High

80 Low 87 Low 78 66

Low

Weather courtesy of Chief Meteorologist Norm Van Ness at NBC24.com

 Sudoku

Adoption Two Lovely English Bulldog Puppies For Adoption. Only to a Good Home! 1 Male, 1 Female. Please Contact: andrew4453@live.com

For Sale Ohio State Football In Trouble? Novelty T Shirt- Funny! Wear In Front Of Your Favorite Buckeye Available at OhioSwap.com House For Sale: 413 Darrow Toledo, OH. Nice 3 bedroom home freshly painted, new carpeting, central air. 5 min. walk to UT Buy for: $39,900. Please Call 419.262.7722 for more information.

Instructions

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.

write much? The

Independent Collegian 419-534-2438

IndependentCollegian.com

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit Sudoku.org.uk.

Forum

Monday, August 22, 2011

Randiah Green Editor in Chief

Mike Dumont Sales Manager

Vincent D. Scebbi Managing Editor

Megan Gross Forum Editor

- in our opinion -

UT’s ‘student-centered’ investment quite a bit of money, the investment will help promote the positive image of UT to the surrounding areas. We want our university to be viewed by the public as an academically well-rounded environment students want to attend. More than 88,000 square feet of retail and entertainment will be spread out over the three-floor structure. Apartments for student housing will also be available on the upper levels of the development. UT’s willingness to introduce new venues on campus shows how we can adapt to change how creativity from both students and faculty can take an idea and make it a reality. True, UT already has plenty of activities to do on campus, but sometimes students need something different. This addition will be a change from the norm and make for an interesting college town image. Matt Schroeder, vice president for real estate development at the UT Foundation, assures the public that everything will be open and ready for business by next summer. So even though current students have yet to be introduced to the urban culture strip, its production will not be questioned or turned down.

It’s official — the University of Toledo is building its own strip. Our campus is being modernized by Barnes & Noble, Napa Auto Parts, Papa John’s Pizza, Kwick Clean Car Wash and more, thanks to the brainstorming sessions of UT’s Student Government members. Some on-campus students have made comments about the lack of things to do within walking distance of campus. This new collection of businesses will be an interesting addition to the UT family and will be met with a long-awaited welcome from UT students. The groundbreaking “Gateway” project on Dorr Street was what UT President Lloyd Jacobs called “a symbolic occasion” for the university. It’s a monumental opportunity for UT to connect with the surrounding community. Funded by the UT Foundation, this project is being considered a “student-centered” investment. Other colleges are in the middle of towns with shops, places to eat and recreational hangout spots. It’s safe to say that the university is putting itself out there to become a more community friendly environment. With investment, there’s always a risk. Hopefully, this will work in the university’s favor because it has been heavily funded by an organization made up of several university alumni. Although $12 million is

College optimism in a fragile economy are the questions that become even more

So it’s August again, and a new school year has begun. The slates have been

important to a potential graduate.

wiped clean and new challenges await you.

While a college degree does decrease

This year, you can step out of your comfort

a person’s chances of unemployment, our

zone by trying a new group, class, or activ-

economy is still considered unstable. Ac-

ity you never thought you’d be part of.

cording to a study done in 2010 by the Na-

Employers don’t want your run-of-the-mill

tional Association of Colleges and Employ-

college student. They want someone differ-

ers, 24 percent of students who applied for

ent, interesting, and willing to step away

a job just before graduation were accepted

from the ordinary.

into that position after they received their

Students all over the country will be

diploma. Though that number is small,

sharpening pencils, packing lunches, and

that’s a four percent increase from 2009.

buying the right notebooks, folders, and

A recession repeat, according to some

binders for class. Parents will anticipate

economists, could be on the horizon for

the year by posting calendars to ease the

the American people. So should returning

stress and write checks to the school to

students still feel optimistic this fall when

bring the stress right back.

they come back to class? Only time will tell

It’s a busy season that most of us try to prepare for. Freshmen are starting a

how far students are willing to push them-

new chapter in their academic lives while

selves to go beyond the negative statistic

returning upperclassmen learn to prepare

and make them positive.

for life after campus. What’s next for me?

Economic prosperity is there, we just

Will I be ready? Is my resume good enough?

need to work to get there. Push yourselves

What if there’s nothing for me out there

this year, students, and make this year

when I leave? As college students these

great. Those statistics are just numbers.

days progress through their classes, these

They can always change.

- Letter To the editor In addition to commencement this past May came a decision to reorganize the Dean of Students Office which resulted in the elimination of my position, directing the support and services offered by the Student Union to students, student organizations, departments and the greater UT community. Not being on there as all of you students, faculty & staff return to campus will require some personal adjustment on my part. Having made that part of my annual schedule for 30+ years makes it something that will take time to change. The fact that most of this change occurred while most of you that worked closely with me were away for the summer break may

result in a bit of a surprise on your next visit to the Student Union Office. I am still a Rocket Fan and the athletic seasons are upon us & Homecoming is a couple months away & I will be there with the rest of you. There is no doubt that my reason for being at UT was a personal and professional commitment to insure that what I could do for you through your Student Union was done to make your student experience as good as it could possibly be. I was fortunate to have the support of talented student staff, a facility support staff committed to program support and an office staff that willingly went out of their way to help.

At the end of July staff members arranged a significant celebration to mark my retirement from the UT Student Union. Guests & students humbled me with the words of support and kindness which I will always cherish as an indication of the positive influence I was able to make. I look forward to the opportunities we will have in the months and years ahead to cross paths and recall what used to be. I wish you all the best! Thanks for 33 years in Student Affairs! Go Rockets! Hope to see you soon. —Thomas Trimble Retired University of Toledo Student Union Employee

Get motivated this fall The leaves are changing color sleep early, make it to class and as fall semester arrives, bringing the gym, do their homework, and with it thousands of long-term take the effort to do just a little goals that students from every more. Not surprisingly, field envision to the late Novemberaccomplish. early December blitz They could be immirrors the first proving grades, starting phase. The Thanksand finishing a fitness giving turkey symbolprogram or learning izes two things: a that musical instruprosperous year in ment the student has the past and impendbeen putting off for aging exams around the es. It’s great that we set corner. such goals for Ramana It’s the mid Sepourselves. tember-early NovemIndeed, it is the disReddy ber blues, spanning tinctive human way of life when one looks over days and about forty-five days, that separate months of obstacles and the men from the boys. This is when the extra efdistractions. Such goals, however, are usual- fort is put in. ly downplayed -- like New Year’s The reason? It resolutions -- for the reason that gets boring. It’s they go unfulfilled. What then are too routine for the potential problems one ought the average colto think about in the first few days lege student. Getof the semester? ting up early to hit How does one go about walk- the gym seems ing the line to avoid apparent burdensome, and temptations and pitfalls? the extra half When broken into smaller units, hour that was put the fall semester has three phases: in at the library is the late August-early September replaced by an rush, the mid-September-late No- outing with vember blues and the late Novem- friends or an afber-December blitz when exams ternoon of loiterbegin. ing around The most important thing to campus. learn in order to succeed is how to This is when apply proper study methods. A everyone is cutstudent should be able to engage ting corners not in abstract reading when he or she by deliberate deencounters new concepts, identify sign, but by dewhat is important, take proper fault. It’s the difnotes, engage in critical thinking ference between failing and passand program their memory. Although the majority of us ing with flying have proper study techniques, colors. So how do we wade through what we lack more often than not this important but boring period? is the proper motivation. The first thing to understand Consider the first phase: the late when we sense distraction is to August-early September rush. realize that it is natural and even This is the time whenmost stuexpected since routine tends to dents consciously or subconget boring. One of the most damsciously set their goals. They vow to stick with these aging things a student can do is to goals and do whatever it takes to guilt trip themselves because he or accomplish them. They go to she is not satisfying his or her

“

expectations. One proper way to motivate yourself is to think about the reasons why you chose to attend college or work on a project and chose a goal. Tell yourself in moments of weakness that you don’t have to be here. If nothing else, it is liberating to know that you’ve made that choice. Also, beware of rationalizations. One that I hear frequently is, “I just don’t have the time for it.” This may be true There’s always a risk of trying to do too many things, and there’s no denying that it happens often. But the danger that is more frequently encountered, is prioritization. As writer and speaker Scott Berkun once said,if you suddenly have a heart attack, you somehow find the time to make it to the hospital even on a busy day – a day when you had to go somewhere or do something. If you don’t have the time for something that’s important to you, it’s a good sign of the fact that you have to juggle your priorities. In other words, monitor yourself to see if you are doing everything you wanted to do at the start of the semester. Make a list if that helps because in truth, with study methods and the right motivation, a semester’s goals are completely doable. — Ramana Reddy is an IC columnist and a law student at UT.

A student should be able to engagin abstract reading when he or she encounters new concepts, identify what is important, take proper notes, engage in critical thinking and program their memory.

”

The

Independent Collegian Staff Editorial News Editor Features Editor Arts and Life Editor Sports Editor

Assistant Sports Editor Casey Cheap

Director of Photography

Sura Khuder

Copy Editors

Megan Aherne Joe Mehling

Business Assistant Business Manager & Classifieds Manager Denise Hanefeld Sales Manager Mike Dumont Accounting Coordinator Nicole Chick Ad Designer Adrielle Henry

The Independent Collegian 2132 Middlesex Drive Toledo, OH 43606

Fax 419-534-2884 Phone 419-5342438 E-mail Editor@Inde pendentCollegian.com

Web Master

Nate Pentecost Nick Kneer Allison Seney Danielle Gamble Samir Deeb

The Independent Collegian encourages your letters and welcomes the chance to publish as many as possible. Letters must be typed and include the author’s full name, rank, college and telephone number. E-mailed letters must include the same information, and can be sent to Forum@ IndependentColle gian.com. Letters may be no longer than 500 words.

The IC reserves the right to condense letters; none will be returned. When referring to a previously published letter, article or column, please make sure to include the date it appeared. Letters to the editor are due Monday at 5 p.m. for Thursday’s edition and Thursday at noon for Monday’s edition.

The editorials contained on this page represent the opinions of the student editors or the column’s listed author and not those of the Collegian Media Foundation.

IC Get Involved Don’t just

Read

Access our Web site’s message board to leave your comments about our most recent stories.

the Comment on the news News

Use our Web site to send in your letter to the editor or send it to Forum@independentcollegian.com

The

Monday, August 22, 2011

Independent Collegian

- Letter to the editor Remember the golden rule: render unto the “pay for play”, politicians as they would render unto the majority of the people, in this political culture of corruption. All pensions for state and federal workers not to exceed $75,000 in total payments. All government payments for retirees medical bills cancelled, retirees pay for their own

medical needs. All state and federal retirees to receive one dollar a year in interest for lost retirement benefits until the year 5000 A.D. when monies and benefits will be paid in full by state and federal governments. Greed is evil. If most of the

then these people should pay total taxes corresponding to the percentage of wealth that they control of that nation.

wealth of a nation is controlled

—William Wulforst

by a rich and infamous class,

Los Angeles, CA

Behind tradition lies the value

Student orgs have a role If there is one piece of

organization Be open to the people that

advice I could give some-

you enjoy being with because you will end

one to succeed in col-

up spending a lot of time together.

lege, it would be to get

Shared experiences create a common

involved on campus. Rea-

story that bonds you with others. The re-

sons

sults are powerful. I’ve met all of my best

get

involved

range from altruistic to

Braeden Glchrist

self- promoting. UT offers so many organizations to get in-

volved with, including club sports, religious groups, volunteer organizations, professional Greek

societies,

life--something

should interest you. Getting involved is all about finding what’s right for

friends from being involved in something— people I probably would not have met otherwise. It’s sad when older members move on and when they lose touch. Every semester is different. Old members

“

move on. New members must transition into leadership and

Student organizations help build your resume, but they accomplish so much more.

you. In high school, I was anything but involved. I worked a lot and never took the time to join anything. I entered coldifferent attitude. I was

myself and build up my resume. I quickly joined anything that sounded interesting and soon found myself overwhelmed. My evenings were packed with meetings and I was struggling to stay motivated. A friend of mine once told me to avoid joining everything, and instead find one group to really focus on passionately. What you get out of a group is proportional to what you put into it. This was a breakthrough. While narrowing down my involvement, I found what really differentiated student organizations was the people involved in them. Fraternities are a great example of

I feel relationships should stand as a metric to judge any organization.

have

been

enormously lucky to have the friends that I do. We weave shared narratives that bring

”

lege with a completely ambitious; I wanted to make a name for

mentoring positions.

us closer. Some classes teach the theories of your field, while student organizations

offer

another

avenue

development. Any organization worth joining will have its opportunities for improvement. Employers look for employees that have differentiated themselves by overcoming

Currently, we are more than halfway

numerous other agencies including Islamic

through Ramadan. As a Muslim, I never want

Relief Worldwide by simply visiting their web-

such a time to end, for there is no greater op-

site at www.islamic-relief.com, which pro-

portunity during which one can grow closer

vides more information on their East Africa

to Allah and gain good deeds. This is done

appeal.

through more frequent prayer, Qur’an recita-

Another life-threatening crisis overseas is

tion, spending spiritual moments with loved

Bashar Al-Assad’s government crackdown on

ones and Muslims in the community espe-

the Syrian people’s protests for reform and

cially at the mosque, donating to the needy

civil rights. Al-Assad’s continued use of im-

through zakah as a moral and spiritual invest-

prisonment, torture and outright killing of any

ment (as well as a major pillar of Islam) and,

who oppose him in Syria has in turn made

of course, the essence of Ramadan: fasting.

him one of the worst human rights offenders

Noor Najjar, a student blogger on the myUT

in the Middle East. The tragic stories we hear

homepage and a very dear friend of mine

from Syria hit home with many members of

posted on the first day of Ramadan a remind-

Syrian descent in Toledo who still have family

er about one of the core concepts of fasting:

there.

“The best way to understand a person is to

This Ramadan I am not alone in remember-

step in their shoes. What better way to under-

ing other struggling populations of the world.

stand what the hungry or deprived endure

Every night at my local mosque I join the

except than to step in their shoes for 30

prayer of my fellow Muslims in the Toledo

days?” Noor’s post re-instilled this highly rel-

community to make a special call (du’aa) on

evant and ever true notion. In turn, I would

behalf of people in Somalia, Syria and else-

like to expand on it in light of recent global

where. We pray for the relief of their struggles

developments.

brought on by hunger, oppression or both.

While the importance of fasting is first and foremost to exercise self-restraint and demonstrate discipline so that Muslims may become more righteous, there’s also a second benefit. Ramadan provides an opportunity to sympathize with those struggling elsewhere in the world. This could not be more appropriate to the current crises going on

“

Even if you are not a Muslim observing Ra-

The tragic stories we hear from Syria hit home with many members of Syrian descent in Toledo who still have family there.

worldwide.

”

madan, it’s important to be aware of the dismal circumstances overseas as people fight and face threats of torture, death by their own armies or by malnutrition. The tumult in Africa and in the Middle East often frames our own concerns as quite trivial, especially when we

have basic necessities and securities we

For instance, East Africa is currently endur-

should never overlook.

ing a humanitarian crisis as a result of the

As a Muslim I find acts through my faith as

worst drought in 60 years. Two failed rain

one of the most powerful reminders of such

seasons led to crop shortages on top of the

fundamental concepts. After such reflection,

boil down the total value of getting in-

horn of Africa’s already vulnerable state. It is

it is easy for me to discipline myself, to forget

volved. How do you sum up years of expe-

expected to affect more than 10 million peo-

I have not had water since five o’clock in the

riences in a few words? How can you tell

ple in countries including Somalia, Kenya,

morning. I can look forward to breaking my

stories that are only funny if you were

Ethiopia, Uganda, and Djibouti. According to

fast and sleeping comfortably at night once

there?

reports by UNICEF, southern Somalia is suf-

the sun sets, but I cannot speak on behalf of

fering from lack of proper healthcare, insuffi-

the millions of others globally who can not

cient food supply and lack of clean water.

necessarily do so.

obstacles. It’s easy to walk into an interview and talk about leadership positions held and events organized; it’s harder to

College goes by fast, so make the most of it.

Student organizations build your

resume, but they accomplish so much

In addition, Somalia’s political instability is

Living in a world that distracts and shuf-

this. They all strive for self-improvement

more. Whatever organizations you join,

worsening to a critical condition, and hun-

and brotherhood, but some fraternities

fles priorities, I find re-evaluating this world

they will define your collegiate life. Take

feel more ‘right’ than others. I’m always

dreds of refugees flee to camps in Kenya as

is most humanizing. Try to live by a verse in

my advice, get involved.

Kenya struggles to accommodate. The images

the Qur’an that reads, “And what will explain

online and on television depicting the famine

to you what the steep path is? It is the freeing

are beyond distressing.

of a (slave) from bondage; or the giving of

impressed with the success of rush week and its ability to match compatible people with each other in a few short meetings. People with varied pasts are bound together

shared

vision

for

the

—Braeden Gilchrist is an IC Columnist

Matters are expected to become worse with

food in a day of famine to an orphan relative,

majoring in mechanical engineering at

no rain forecast in sight. Spiking food prices

or to a needy in distress. Then will he be of

UT.

are making it increasingly difficult for the

those who believe, enjoin fortitude and en-

main agencies to afford emergency aid, so

courage kindness and compassion.” [90:

your help is crucial.

12-17] Ramadan Mubarak to all.

You can help UNICEF meet these needs by texting “FOOD” to 864233 to donate $10 from the United States or visit their website at www.unicefusa.org to donate online. You can also

make

donation

through

—Butheina Hamdah is an IC Columnist majoring in political science and public administration at UT.

Monday, August 22, 2011

The

Independent Collegian

The

Independent Collegian

Monday, August 22, 2011

Section

www.independentcollegian.com

Arts and Life Monday, August 22, 2011

Page

Megan Aherne – Editor

Second annual Music Fest on main campus Activites, food, fireworks and pop rock band Cartel coming to Centennial Mall By Matt Priser For the IC

UT’s second annual Music Fest will help bring in the new school year in style on Aug. 31. The festival runs from 2:45 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Centennial Mall. Following tradition, the festival is free and open to the public. Last year’s festival had a variety of bands as well as activities such as a pep rally, food vendors, a disc jockey between acts and fireworks at the end. Last year’s set included local rock band Mas Fina, reggae group Universal Expression, jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic accompanied by Thornetta Davis and the Motor City Horns, Motown legends Martha Reeves and the

Vandellas and the pop-rock group We The Kings, who headlined the festival. There are a wide variety of musical groups and food stands, and WXUT will be entertaining between acts. A pep rally will be held at 5:30 and fireworks will follow headliner Cartel’s performance. Cartel’s debut album “Chroma” was released in 2005 and their self-titled follow-up was released in 2007. The single for the new album is “Let’s Go” and the album is considered the closest studio effort to capturing their live show. Cartel has played at the Vans Warped Tour and was also in an MTV experiment “Band in a Bubble.” They are currently on

tour and will be playing in Ohio on the Aug. 28 and 29 in Cleveland Heights and Columbus with a stop in Joliet, Ill. before performing in Toledo. This year’s opening act is Abigail Stauffer. She is an acoustic artist from Ann Arbor, noted for having a warm and charming presence in her music. She mainly tours in the Midwest playing coffee houses and festivals and is currently promoting her new album, “Alone to Dream” which debuted March 15. The second act is country artist Glen Templeton. He got his first break touring in a musical tribute to Conway Twitty. Then he began producing his own work with John Wesley Ryles, Courtesy of www.cartelrocks.com

Cartel will be playing between 9:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. on memorial field Aug. 31.

Courtesy of www.cartelrocks.com

Cartel’s most recent album “Cycles,” which was released Oct. 20, 2009 features the single “Let’s Go.”

Kevin Sohnly / IC

Artists line streets of downtown for Art Walk Musicians, painters, sculptors, etc. display and create pieces in galleries and on sidewalks.

the husband of Twitty’s daughter Joni. He has toured with country music legends such as George Jones and has appeared on CMT and the Grand Ole Opry. He is currently touring with his Full Throttle Band for his current EP featuring the single “I Could Be the One.” Following the pep rally, flutist Alexander Zonjic will be making his second appearance at the festival with some musical guests joining at 6:00 p.m. He is

a classically trained musician who replaced the guitar for a flute and has performed with several different orchestras such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Zonjic released his own solo album, “The Classical Album,” in 1981 and has released various classical and jazz albums since. In 2010, he released his award winning jazz album, “Doin’ The D.” Hitting the stage at 7:45 p.m. is legendary funk band The

Ohio Players. They are most popular for their two top singles, “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster.” After several lineup changes throughout their career, 18 albums and several live and greatest hits albums, they broke up in 1997, but are back to perform once again. The full lineup, schedule and other information about Music Fest can be found on the webpage: https://www.utoledo.edu/musicfest/.

Kevin Sohnly / IC

When arts collide

Rita Lammers, violinist for the Toledo Symphony, playing inside The Art Depo during the Downtown Art Walk.

Final Destination showcases gore and special effects By Max Peltier For the IC

Courtesy of Doane Gregory/MCT

From left Miles Fisher as Peter, Emma Bell as Molly and Nicholas D’agosto as Sam in New Line Cinema’s horror film “Final Destination 5,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

“Final Destination 5,” the newest in the long line of supernatural slasher films, follows a simple formula. First, a group of unwilling youngsters avoid a terrible disaster thanks to one of them having a psychic vision. Second, death is portrayed as a force of nature which does not take kindly to a lack of victims and proceeds to kill off anyone who avoided the disaster one-by-one. Third, the deaths are always over the top and normally consist of some sort of “Rube Goldberg” style death constructed from everyday objects. In this movie, said disaster is a rather spectacular bridge collapse that would make any engineer cringe. After the characters survive, the plot moves on in the predictable way the prior films laid the groundwork for. However, “Final Destination 5” manages to put a small but noticeable twist on the series. In the past, individuals

could survive by just avoiding movies these days are all the killer traps that death con- about their gore-tastic death structs for them. However, in scenes. This movie is aware of that this movie, they can only extend their lives by killing and before the final credits roll, it treats us to a montage of deaths someone else. By killing someone else they from the prior movies while AC/ end up stealing however much DC’s “If You Want Blood, You time that person had left to Got It” plays in the background. Similar scenes are found live. This moral quandary is throughout the not explored much, but it movie and add does add a bit of much needed flavor to a dark humor to rather stale compliment the franchise. viewer’s apparAs expectent pleasure in ed, the deaths Production the misfortune are as overFinal Destination 5 of others. the-top as the “Final DestinaRating Grade previous films, tion 5” is not redragging us to ally made to win the main hurover any new Star- Nicholas D’agosto, Emma dle that this fans or critics, Bell, Arlen Escarpeta film needs to the acting is -dejump. cent and the special effects are All-in-all, this movie is for people who top-notch. Fans of the series will love it find entertainment in the orchestra of gore conducted by and people who have had no insupernatural forces. If you terest in the prior movies will are not going into this movie hate it. I would recommend seeing it to experience that, then you are most likely not going to if you stand in the middle ground, and I feel that it is the enjoy it at all. Horror audiences and best of the sequels thus far.

The

Independent Collegian

Monday, August 22, 2011

Open auditions for A Midsummer Night’s Dream By Lynnette Bates IC Staff Writer

The UT Department of Theatre and Film is ready to begin working on its first stage production of the season, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and the time has come for the year’s first round of auditions. Auditions for the fall production will be held in the Center for Performing Arts on Aug. 23 and 24 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Those planning to audition need to visit the main office in the performing arts building for a 10 minute slot.

While auditioning may seem daunting, especially during the first week of the semester, “Midsummer’s” Assistant Director Jo Ellen Jacob encourages new students to participate. “’Midsummer’ is an intimidating piece, especially for those who have never performed Shakespeare before, but don’t let that stop you from coming out to audition. We are always looking for new faces to work alongside our veteran performers.” To avoid conflict with the recent renovation of the Center for Performing Arts, the production will be staged at The Valentine

Theatre, located on Adams Street in downtown Toledo, during the first weekend in November. During auditions for “Midsummer” each prospective actor will be asked to perform a short prepared monologue for the director, Cornel Gabara. “Expect to change the emotions and ideas driving your monologue at the suggestion of the director. This is not to try and trip you up, but to merely see your range and how you respond to the situation,” Jacob said. “Confidence and willingness are the most important traits you can have. If you mess up, don’t sweat

it; take a deep breath and continue. You will always earn points for moxie.” In addition to the prepared monologue, familiarity with the script is suggested, because those auditioning may be asked to read from the show. Scripts are available for checkout in the UT library as well as in the performing arts building room 1002. The director may also ask for movement exercises to evaluate ranges of motion. Stage placement and body movement should be demonstrated in the monologue. To be cast in the show,

students must have a 2.0 grade point average or above as well as have evenings available for rehearsals beginning Aug. 29. Studying theatre is not a requirement to audition. For this production, students are encouraged to be enrolled in the Acting Historical Styles: Shakespeare however, enrollment is not required. Those unable to participate in this audition are encouraged to audition for spring productions Nov. 22 and 23. These shows include Sophocles’ tragedy “Oedipus, the King” and Sarah Ruhl’s “In the Next

Room,” also known as “The Vibrator Play.” Rehearsals for “Oedipus” begin Nov. 29 and cast members are encouraged to take Productions (THR 3800:001) in the spring. “In the Next Room” will begin rehearsals in early February and students are encouraged to take Production: Medical Interviewing (THR 3800:002) next semester. For more information about auditions, visit http://www.utoledo.edu/cvpa/theatrefilm/auditions.html or call the Department of Theatre and Film office at 419-530-2202.

Kevin Sohnly / IC

Music in the streets

Local band Old State Line playing on South St. Clair during the downtown Art Walk.

Write Kevin Sohnly / IC

It’s not just for writing on

Mario Dario, of Toledo, cutting paper sculptures inside The Art Depo on South St. Clair for the August Downtown Art Walk.

Much?

Call 419-534-2438 for information on how to write for the IC.

The

Independent Collegian

Soccer From Page B4 today and did what we asked of her and made the plays she needed to make,” Evans said of Traven. “We have to respond on the other side of the field and match their play.” In addition to holding a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks, Toledo took 22 shots to Purdue’s 8, including a number of quality looks in each half, but the Rockets were unable to capitalize. UT’s best opportunity to score may have been in the 87th minute when sophomore forward Nicole Gyurgvik legged in a corner kick to the far post for what appeared to be a legitimate goal.

However, the linesman signaled an offside call, negating the potential late-game equalizer. “I cannot talk about what Mark [the referee] saw or did not see,” Evans said. “He did not call it, so you move on and you have to find a way [to win], which we did not.” After falling to Purdue, Toledo took on another major program in Illinois yesterday evening, suffering a blistering 5-1 road defeat to the No. 24 team in the country. The Rockets managed to enter the half trailing 2-1, however with Traven having left the game in the 12th minute after being red carded for diving at the feet of an Illinois player on a break away,

Monday, August 22, 2011

things began to unravel when sophomore midfielder Ashley Ross entered in Traven’s stead, with Ross allowing all five Illini goals. “Illinois is a very good team,” Evans said. “They are well coached and cause problems with their mobility in the attacking third. As for us, we need to regroup quickly and grow from this experience and prepare for next weekend’s pair of tough home matches.” Toledo will attempt to rebound from a tough start this Friday at 5:30 p.m. when Big East opponent Louisville comes to Scott Park to take on the Rockets.

Write Much? Call 419-534-2438 for information on how to write for the IC.

File photo by Joseph Herr / IC

The Rockets look to rebound from their opening week losses against Louisville on Friday.

MAC tournament will change format in 2012 By Nate Pentecost Assistant Sports Editor

The Mid-American Conference has announced a revised format for the 2012 FirstEnergy MAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments this coming March at Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena. The new format will seed both tournaments by rewarding the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds with a bye into the semifinal round, while the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds will receive a bye to the quarterfinal round. Seeding for the tournaments will be determined by winning percentage, regardless of division. “This continues the efforts of our membership to challenge the status quo,” MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher said. “The new format will increase the importance of each regular season game and reward teams that excel during the regular season and bring greater value to the seeds earned by the top teams.”

The men’s and women’s MAC Basketball Tournaments will begin March 7-10, with the men’s opening round games beginning on campus sites Monday, March 5 for seeds No. 5-No. 12, while the women’s opening round games for the same seeds will begin on campus sites Saturday, March 3. The MAC will host the second round on Wednesday, March 7, the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 8, and the semifinals on Friday, March 9 at Quicken Loans Arena. All three days will feature two afternoon women’s contests and two evening men’s contests, with both Championships scheduled for Saturday, March 10 at times to be announced at a later date. “Changing the tournament bracket falls in line with our philosophical approach to each of the MAC Championships,” Greg Christopher, Director of Athletics at Bowling Green State University and Chair of the

NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee said. “Our tournaments and championships are about preparing our best teams for postseason. With that in mind, it makes sense to give our top teams byes and better-position their paths to the championship.” Last year, the MAC and Quicken Loans Arena announced a six-year contract extension which will keep the MAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament in Cleveland through the 2017 season. Both tournaments have been held at Quicken Loans since 2000. The MAC Men’s and Women’s Tournament will be televised on SportsTime Ohio Wednesday through Saturday, March 7-10, with the men’s championship to be televised on ESPN2 on Saturday, March 10. All men’s games, along with the women’s semifinals and championship game will also be broadcast on WKNR ESPN Cleveland 850 AM.

“

They are pumped there is no question about it...it’s about that time to see what we are capable of doing. Tim Beckman UT Head Football Coach

Section B

”

www.IndependentCollegian.com

Sports Monday, August 22, 2011

Page

Joe Mehling – Editor

Dantin takes early lead in QB battle against Owens By Joe Mehling Sports Editor

Junior quarterback Austin Dantin has earned himself a slight edge in the quarterback battle with teammate Terrance Owens coming out of the Rockets two-a-day practices. “Both of them are getting equal snaps with the first team but I would say Austin has a slight edge with the way he’s played throughout these two-a-days,” Toledo head coach Tim Beckman said. “We are planning on playing both quarterbacks and we are lucky to have them. We are excited to see how they perform.” Dantin started the 2010 season on top of the depth chart but was plagued with multiple injuries during the season and missed the final five games, including the teams 34-32 loss to Florida International in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. Owens filled in for the injured Dantin and threw for 1,244 yards, and 13 touchdowns in seven appearances last year. The Rockets open the season on Sept. 1 against Football Championship Subdivision opponent New Hampshire and whoever is under center for Toledo, they will be ready to play according to Beckman. “They are pumped there is no questions about it,” Beckman said. “We have been going through a two-a-day camp and have been working hard all summer long and it’s about that time to see what we are capable of doing. I know the kids are itching to play a game and see how far we have come since December.” Another major question surrounding UT this offseason was the need for a viable number two option for Dantin or Owens.

Junior wideout Eric Page has solidified himself as not only one of the most explosive players in the MAC, but in the country, however without a counterpart, defenses may be able to key in on the Toledo native. “Bernard Reedy, Cordale Scott and Kenny Stafford are definitely guys that have stepped up since camp,” Beckman said. “They are all very capable players. Then you have Danny Noble and Jerome Jones as tight ends that we can flank out and let them do what they do well. Just like last year we always found a way to get Eric the ball as much as we can. If that means moving him all over the field then that’s what we will do.” The position battles continue to be the story throughout the team’s camp as not only the quarterback and wide receiver position are up for grabs but the special teams is in need of an improvement. Vince Penza, Ryan Casano and J.D Detmer all seem to be in the running to be the star of the kicking game for the 2011 season. “Since I have been here this is the best that the kicking game has been,” Beckman said. “We have been injured a lot at the kicker position which is unbelievable. Casano has been great in camp after coming back from tearing his ACL. Penza has punted the ball extremely well throughout this camp because he has too.” Beckman also mentioned that Detmer has been kicking balls out of the endzone on kickoffs and even drilled a 54-yard field goal during a two-minute drill during practice recently. Kickoff for the opener against New Hampshire is set for 7 p.m. at the Glass Bowl.

File photo by Nick Kneer / IC

Junior quarterback Austin Dantin has taken a slight edge in the University of Toledo’s quarterback battle between he and sophomore Terrance Owens. Dantin was named the starter before the 2010 season but was plagued with injuries, giving Owens a chance to compete this offseaso. The University of Toledo begins its season against the No. 10 team in the FBS, New Hampshire.

Rockets falter in Parys shines during opening weekend Blue-Gold matchup By Joe Mehling Sports Editor

File photo by Joseph Herr / IC

Sophomore forward Nicole Gyurgyik scored UT’s lone goal of the season against Illinois. The Rockets dropped two games this week against Big Ten opponents to open the 2011 season. By Nate Pentecost Assistant Sports Editor

The Rockets women’s soccer team fell 1-0 to Purdue in its season opener at Scott Park last Friday, the first of two matches the preseason Mid-American Conference favorite dropped to Big Ten opponents over the weekend, falling to No. 24 Illinois 5-1 Sunday afternoon in Champaign, Ill. With the win, Purdue

avenged an overtime defeat at the hands of the Rockets in last year’s opener in West Lafayette, IN. The defeat drops Toledo to 11-4-2 all-time in season-openers, including 7-2-2 under head coach Brad Evans. “I don’t think it was an effort thing,” Evans said. “It was finishing. Goals change games. They finished one and we didn’t.” Boilermakers senior midfielder Lauren Montenegro

setup the lone goal in the 60th minute with a pass over the last line of UT defenders, which was collected by freshman forward Alex Hairston, who netted the ball past the outstretched arms of Rockets senior keeper Vicki Traven on a shot from just inside the 18-yard-box for her first collegiate goal. “She rose to the occasion — Soccer, Page B3

The Rockets volleyball squad kicked off their regular season with the annual Blue vs. Gold matchup in Savage Arena on Friday. Junior outside hitter Sondra Parys led all players with 25 kills with a .308 attack percentage. “For the little time that Sondra has been able to practice and play she has really stepped up her game,” head coach Greg Smith. “I have been impressed with her dedication, her hard work and her persevering through everything she has been through. She is striving to get better and you can see that she is a completely different player than she was a freshman. It is a huge positive for our team.” Other top offensive performers were senior Amber DeWeerdt with 16 kills and sophomore Lauren Rafdal with 17 kills. On the defensive of side junior libero McCall Paynter led the team with 20 digs while senior Kassie Kadera had 14 saves. Sophomore middle blocker Dakota Harkins registered a teamhigh 5 blocks. The Rockets will open the 2011 season with the Blue-Gold Invitational as they host Wright State on Friday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. followed by games against Niagara (10 a.m.) and Oakland (7 p.m.) on Saturday, Aug. 27.

File photo by Nick Kneer / IC

Junior Outside Hitter Sondra Parys led the team with 25 kills.