Feb. 19, 2014

95th year • Issue 23

Black Student Union presents annual

FASHION SHOW COMMUNITY / 7 » Serving the University of Toledo community since 1919

INSIDE

Zach Garber and Jonathan Williams make a mark on Rocket basketball SPORTS / 5 »

Should students care about the honors college?

“

OPINION / 4 »

“In the end, it’s basically the same work load that your regular classes dump on you — the difference usually ends up being that you get asked to do more thought-provoking work about things you actually enjoy learning.”

DANIELLE GAMBLE Editor-in-Chief

“College appealed to me because it provided avenues of learning outside of the classroom — avenues that I would find very difficult to explore if I was stuck in the classroom in order to jump through more hoops than necessary.”

SAMUEL DERKIN News Editor

Law Center gas leak solved free of charge Students were evacuated from UT’s Law Center Feb. 12 after authorities discovered a gas leak.

NEWS / 3 »

www.IndependentCollegian.com

Wednesday, February 18, 2014 UNIVERSITY FACILITIES

REPAIRS IN PROGRESS

Damage to UT’s buildings still being assessed

By Samantha Rhodes Features Editor

The University of Toledo has filed two claims so far after 24 buildings on the University of Toledo’s Main Campus and Health Science Campus suffered water damage when pipes burst in January.

Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of March.

Chris Levicki, manager of structural maintenance, said the total costs and coverage for all damages have not been determined at this time, but that UT’s Office of Risk Management said UT is responsible for the first $100,000 worth of cost per claim because of their deductible.

The deductible refers to the amount the policy holder has to pay before the insurance company begins covering costs.

Levicki went on to say that many of the buildings sustained damage to the interior finishes (walls, flooring and ceilings) as well as office equipment.

“There are a number of office type equipment such as computers and printers that were damaged,” Levicki said.

The labs in Sullivan Hall are still closed for repairs.

Though many of the damages are already repaired, Levicki said the “worse cases” are still in progress.

COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO

After a pipe burst at Sullivan Hall on Jan. 30, areas of the building suffered water damage. Final repairs are expected to be completed by the end of March.

By Samantha Rhodes Features Editor

President of Facilities and Construction Jason Toth, the extreme cold temperatures and wind chill caused a number of situations resulting in frozen pipes and equipment on campus such as fire suppression lines and plumbing lines.

After discovering the need for emergency repairs in both the East and West Ramp parking garages in September, the University of Toledo has completed portions of repairs, but is still working to finalize construction.

According to Dan Klett, university architect, UT has worked on portions of both the East and West Ramp parking garages beginning on Sept. 20, 2013, when contractors conducting inspections as part of scheduled maintenance discovered the need for emergency repairs.

Temporary emergency measures were implemented immediately and resulted in partial closures for the remainder of the fall 2013 semester.

Phil Whaley, a structural engineer at Poggemeyer Design Group and a regional expert in the repair of concrete structures, coordinated the repair work on the East Ramp, according to UT News.

The West Parking Ramp and the lower three levels of the East Parking Ramp opened Jan. 6 while the top level remained closed for needed repairs.

See Sullivan pipes / 3 »

See Parking repairs / 3 »

NICOLE GREEN / IC

The East parking garage, located by McMaster Hall, has been under construction since emergency repair work began in September. Acording to Dan Klett, university architect, the university committed $900,000 to associated repair costs.

“The damage in Scott Hall, Tucker Hall, Bowman-Oddy, Sullivan Hall and Wolfe Hall was substantial,” Levicki said. “Only classes in Bowman-Oddy and Sullivan Hall were affected though. Some of the labs had to be held at other locations within the building.”

According to Associate Vice

Repairs continue on East and West parking ramps

STUDENT RECRUITMENT

Honors college changes raise excitement, concern

By Amanda Pitrof Associate News Editor

Making students more aware of their options and expanding recruitment are among the changes being made in the Jesup Scott Honors College.

“What concerns me is that we’re attracting these bigger numbers of well-prepared, academic, band-one students, and yet a very large percentage … are choosing not to be a part of the honors program even though they are eligible to be a part,” Provost Scott Scarborough said at the Feb. 11 Faculty Senate meeting.

What is worse, according to Scarborough, is that half of those who do choose to take part in the honors program drop out before they get to the end.

“So what it says to me … there’s something wrong about the program,” Scarborough said.

“How do you alter the honors college experience so that 100 percent of these students who are capable and willing and able to benefit

from experience like this would choose to be a part of this experience?”

Only 40 percent of students who start out as honors students end up graduating with honors, according to Lakeesha Ransom, dean of the honors college. Based on conversations she has had with students, she feels this is partly because many students don’t realize they have options other than writing a thesis.

“When they got to the thesis, they didn’t necessarily see how it related to what they wanted to do long-term, and it seemed like it was incongruent with their longer-term vision for what they’d like to do,” Ransom said in a recent interview.

While there has always been the option to write a thesis or to conduct a project, she thinks that “what most students have interpreted is ‘You have to write a thesis.’”

To remedy this, Ransom said, the honors college is trying to make students more aware of the types of projects they can do instead of writing a thesis.

“I think we’ll really be able to see the impact this fall when we start analyzing the numbers...”

DEAN LAKEESHA RANSOM

The projects are tailored to the students’ individual needs while maintaining the standards of the honors college. Some examples Ransom gave of what students may do for their projects are: • Engaging in core research, which usually leads to students publishing an article about their findings.

• Studying in another country and writing a report about research they conducted there.

• Starting an entrepreneurial venture.

• Putting together a gallery exhibition of their work.

In addition to creating and paying attention to new pathways for honors students, See Honors college / 3 »

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| The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

CAMPUS DIGEST Facebook.com/ICollegian

www.IndependentCollegian.com

Getting your game on

From Feb. 14 to 16, gamers took over the Student Union for the 29th BASHCon. Students and community members from near and far came to participate in the convention. Games like Pathfinder (shown above) were played. Look for more pictures of the event on the IC’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ICollegian.

Be your own

hero

At the Learning Enhancement Center/Writing Center, we can help with the following subjects: • Math • Accounting • Writing • Foreign languages • Science • E-tutoring

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fridays: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

We’re located in the Edith Rathbun Cove (lower level) of the Carlson Library.

NICOLE BADIK / IC

This week in UT history 35 years ago: When it rains it pours, and this seems to be the case with the buildings of the University of Toledo. Leaking roofs are a problem with practically every building on campus, Fred Peltier, project coordinator for the physical plant, said Friday.

75 years ago: Faculty members have received more University traffic tickets than have students, but they have refused to appear in the University traffic court or pay fines, Melvin Wienman, student head of the Traffic Bureau, revealed this week.

80 years ago: ”Smoking in the halls must cease” is the decree handed down by Student Council, president Jacob Folger announced. “Smoking rooms for men are provided on the 500 and the 200 floors,” Mr. Folger said, “and smoking should be confined to these places.” A smoking room for women is located in the west wing of the 200 floor.

STUDENT GROUP OF THE WEEK

Hillel

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How are you preparing for midterms?

“I don’t have a ‘midterm exam’ because I am an English major.

We just have normal exams.”

Miranda Kuyoth Fourth-year English

Purpose: Our mission is enriching the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. Hillel welcomes students of all backgrounds and fosters an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.

Leaders: President: Drew Saltzstein; religious vice president: Jacob Rashbaum; social vice president: Taylor Zanville; outreach coordinator: Sara Federman; first year student Hillel: Jessica Moses; secretary: Devin Billstein Upcoming events: Nice Jewish Girl Shabbat Feb. 21 at 5:30 p.m., Jewish House of Pancakes (JHOP) Feb. 26 at noon, Game Night Shabbat Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m., Women of the Wall Program March 12, Give Kids the World Shabbat March 14 at 5:30 p.m., and Jewish Jeopardy April 8 at noon Learn more: Call Hillel at 419-724-0377, find them online at www.toledohillel.org, Facebook by searching University of Toledo Hillel, on Twitter @hillelUT, on Instagram at toledohillel and Toledo Hillel on Pintrest.

“Just doing homework.”

Andrew English

First-year Mechanical engineering

Would your group like to be featured as the IC’s Student Group of the Week? Email Morgan Rinckey at mrinckey@independentcollegian.com.

The Independent Collegian staff Visit us at Carlson Library, Suite 1057 Write to us at 2801 W. Bancroft St., Mail Stop 530 Toledo, OH 43606 Contact the editor at editor@independentcollegian.com Advertise by emailing sales@independentcollegian.com Phone: 419-530-7788 Fax: 419-530-7770 EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Danielle Gamble News Samuel Derkin, editor Amanda Pitrof, assoc. editor Features Samantha Rhodes, editor Sports Blake Bacho, editor Community Amanda Eggert, editor Alexandria Saba, assoc. editor Opinion Morgan Rinckey, editor Photography Nicole Badik, director Copy desk Lauren Gilbert, copy editor

BUSINESS Advertising Zachary Hartenburg, account executive Haley Musser, graphic designer

“I study extremely hard two to three days before exams.”

Ricky Wilson Third-year Exercise science

Distribution Mandi Jung, manager Operations Michael Gonyea, manager COLLEGIAN MEDIA FOUNDATION Adviser Erik Gable The Independent Collegian is published by the Collegian Media Foundation, a private, not-forprofit corporation. © 2014

“Studying and not sleeping.”

Crista Constantine Second-year Film

NEWS

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 | The Independent Collegian |

Follow us on Twitter @TheICToledo

IN BRIEF

Social injustices film screening and discussion to be held Feb. 20

The University of Toledo will screen a film by former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich titled, “Inequality for All,” on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 5 p.m.

Following the event will be a live webcast with Reich where attendees can ask him questions.

The film came out in September, but was not released to local theaters. It discusses the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Some policies discussed in the film include unions, minimum wage and Right to Work laws. The film also addresses tuition and student loans, so students are encouraged to attend and ask questions.

The event is presented by the UT Social Work Program with help from Student Government, Owens Community College, Toledo Move to Amend and Toledo Area Jobs with Justice. It will take place at the Scott Park Auditorium and is free and open to the public.

Questions for the webcast may be submitted by emailing ifaqa@sfsu.edu, tweeting @InequalityFilm or commenting on the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com/InequalityForAll.

Hearing for fate of Toledo abortion clinic postponed The hearing at the Ohio Health Department to decide the outcome of the last abortion clinic in Toledo has been postponed, according to a report in The Blade.

Rather than being held Feb. 18, the Capital Care Network of Toledo hearing before an appeals court is being continued, according to a health department spokesperson.

Capital Care’s transfer agreement with the University of Toledo expired July 31, 2013, and it cannot renew its transfer agreement with UT Medical Center due to provisions in Ohio’s most recent budget.

These provisions don’t allow publicly funded hospitals, such as UTMC, to create transfer agreements with abortion clinics.

Toledo will become the largest city in the state of Ohio without an abortion provider if the clinic is forced to close.

CORRECTIONS In last week’s story “Student Government passes five pieces of legislation,” we missquoted SG Senator Joey Kupicki, who said “Old-Town” instead of the printed “O-Town.”

Also, in our Feb. 5 issue’s story “Dean of Students takes on new responsibilities,” we reported that Dean of Student Experience Tamika Mitchell reports to assistant provost Sammy Spann. Mitchell works closely with Spann but reports to Senior Vice President for the Student Experience, Kaye Patten Wallace.

We regret these errors.

Like us at Facebook.com/ICollegian

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GAS LEAK

Law Center gas line fixed

By Amanda Pitrof and Samantha Rhodes

Associate News Editor and Features Editor

After a gas leak affecting the University of Toledo’s Law Center last week, Columbia Gas repaired the damaged gas line at no cost to UT. Students were evacuated from UT’s Law Center the afternoon of Feb. 12 after authorities were notified of a gas leak.

The leak occurred in pipes outside the building, but some of the gas was “pulled inside through the airhandling equipment,” according to the dean of the College of Law, Daniel Steinbock.

According to Steinbock, when students smelled gas, someone “called in the alarm” and everyone was safely evacuated. The fire department, UT police and Columbia Gas of Ohio were all notified of the situation and arrived to help.

Jason Toth, associate vice president of facilities and construction, said

Honors college from page 1

the honors college has also increased recruitment.

Ransom said there was “a big marketing push” within the college when she arrived last year, and “tens of

Sullivan pipes from page 1

“The extremely cold temperatures, wind chills and significantly higher-thannormal snow accumulation have been the cause of most of the issues on campus,” Toth said. “Sustained temperatures at negative 20 to negative 40 degrees create conditions that systems designed in this region are not able to withstand.”

Toth said the water damage was due to a “trickle-down effect” with several systems failing, starting with air intakes, which backed up to the buildings’ heating systems, which are primarily steam-powered.

“Failure of multiple systems including outside air dampers failing to close, the freeze stats on air handling units tripping out causing AHU’s to shut down, etc.

Parking repairs from page 1

According to Klett, additional testing of the structural members (columns and beams) of the parking ramps was also conducted due to safety requirements.

These tests, conducted by Toledo Testing Laboratories, examined the chemical composition of the concrete and the structural integrity of the reinforcing steel inside the concrete.

The top level of the East Parking Ramp was reopened

AMANDA PITROF / IC

A gas leak was reported at the UT Law Center Feb. 12. Students and staff were evacuated, and it was determined the leak was outside the building on the Columbia Gas service line.

that within 15 minutes of the evacuation, it was determined that the gas leak was outside of the building on the service line that feeds the emergency generator in the basement of the Law Center.

“The outside air intakes for the air handling units were pulling the gas and odors into the facility,” Toth said.

“UT facilities staff turned off the gas

service immediately after identify the problem.”

According to Toth, the College of Law cancelled some afternoon classes as a pre-emptive measure while the situation was being addressed.

Classes prior to 6 p.m. in the Law Center were canceled on that day, but evening classes took place as scheduled.

Toth said Columbia Gas and

Toledo Fire cleared the building shortly after advising that it was safe to resume classes. The entire incident was of no cost to the university.

“The damaged gas line was noted to be on the Columbia Gas side of the meter meaning that it was their responsibility to make the repairs at no cost to the University,” Toth said.

“The repairs took place on Friday of last week and all systems are back online as usual.”

According to Steinbock, the Law Center staff responded “excellently” to the situation.

“They evacuated when requested,” Steinbock said. “We needed to cancel some afternoon classes and for a time were uncertain about the evening classes, but the faculty and students remained flexible, and fortunately the evening classes were able to be held.”

Steinbock also said the law students reacted very well to the evacuation, adapted easily to the class meeting changes and remained calm.

thousands of letters” were sent to the high school juniors who would be part of the incoming class in fall 2014.

More recent recruitment pushes have included the Scholarship Day UT hosted Feb. 9.

“We had 700 students and their families spend the day with us,” Ransom said.

But more students means fewer available resources.

At a Faculty Senate meeting Feb. 11, members expressed concern about the university’s ability to disperse

enough funds to the honors department.

“The question is … where do you devote these limited resources we have?” asked one senator.

Ransom was enthusiastic about the changes, and said in an interview that she feels

the honors college is “gaining momentum.”

“I think we’ll really be able to see the impact this fall when we start analyzing the numbers of students that are admitted into the honors portal,” Ransom said.

caused many of the problems experienced on campus,” Toth said.

Levicki said damaged buildings on Main Campus included Bowman-Oddy, Wolfe Hall, Scott and Tucker Halls, the Student Union, the Glass Bowl, the Student Recreation Center, Ottawa East, Stranahan North, Parks Tower, Savage Arena, Memorial Field House, North Engineering, and Nitschke Hall. Damaged buildings on the Health Science campus included the Veterans Administration Building and the Block Health Science Building.

Sullivan Hall also flooded Jan. 30, forcing communication classes to relocate. This damage occurred after a pipe cracked in a fire suppression unit and was reported by janitorial staff around 11 p.m., according to College

of Communications and the Arts Dean Debra Davis.

Paulette Kilmer, a professor of communication, said that due to the construction, her classes have been moved from Sullivan Hall to Rocket Hall, Room 1562.

“With all the construction going on, I don’t really think it’s smart to have students come in there because there’s a lot of dust and hammering and the smells from paint, the fiberglass in the hall — it’s just not a place right now for students,” Kilmer said.

“I hope the repairs are done very fast.”

Levicki said companies such as Cousino Harris, Simplex Grinnell, Spieker Company, Bayes, Inc., Midwest Environmental Control, Schindler and Dunbar Mechanical are performing repairs as well as UT facilities and construction personnel.

Toth feels that his department has worked effectively and tried to restore damaged areas in a “timely fashion.”

“UT has reacted to each situation as quickly as possible,” Toth said. “Facilities & Environmental Services have worked to provide cleanup services following floods and

coordinated repair efforts using either in-house trades or outside contractors. We feel that we have worked closely with users and others to restore damaged areas in a timely fashion.”

Toth said UT is “pushing to have all repairs complete by the end of March.”

Feb. 3 with ongoing maintenance and repair work continuing on lower levels.

Klett said the repair process has taken so long because “structural analysis and repair planning” were required prior to any permanent repairs being made on the garages as well as the recent cold temperatures.

“The extreme winter conditions and low temperatures slowed the repair process considerably,” Klett said.

Acording to Klett, UT committed $900,000 to “cover all costs for emergency temporary sharing,

temporary stone parking lots, structural analysis, repair design and actual repairs.” He said both the East and West parking garages have been deemed safe for use by the engineering consultants hired by the university.

Though he does not know when the construction will be fully completed, he said those using the parking garages should be careful when walking or driving near areas where repair work is taking place and to never cross the barricades around construction zones.

4

| The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

OPINION Follow us on Twitter @TheICToledo

It’s not easy being green Columnist Benjamin Lynn says it can be hard to be environmentally green, but the Green Fund is meant to help sustainability on campus. Look for his column at www.independentcollegian.com/opinion.

Like us at Facebook.com/ICollegian

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POINT/COUNTERPOINT

Is joining the honors college worth it?

Yes: the honors college has better classes and helps students think critically

No: the honors college causes hoops to jump through, and participation in groups is a better experience

in honors, even before it became the Jesup When someone asks if you want to be in Scott Honors College. If anything, I regret the honors college, you know what answer not taking time to get all my you’re supposed to give. “Of requirements squared away for course,” you should say. That’s that little honors ink blot on what your parents probably my diploma. want, and it’s definitely what But the cool thing is that your professors and univereven though I won’t be sity administrators want. finishing with honors, I still Why? Well, because it’s enjoyed the heck out of my the key to success, of course. time there, and I’ve gotten to You’ll be around the best and experience the real, tangible brightest that UT has to offer, benefits of the program — the you’ll get a better job, you’ll ones that last after graduation. have a better college experience The best and most honest and you’ll never have to worry endorsement of the honors about a receding hairline. program I can give is that the And if you chuckled at classes are almost all phenomthat last one, hopefully you enal. If you like to learn, to be recognize that it’s just as empty EDITOR-IN-CHIEF in classes that ask you to think a promise as almost all of those critically about topics instead other statements. And I say of just handing you busywork, then you this because before I can tell you what the would love honors classes. honors program does well, I have to explain Like all honors students, I took a class what it doesn’t do. called Honors Reading Conference in place Being in the honors program myself, I can of English Composition. Instead of hashing tell you that many of the best and brightest are, in fact, outside of the honors program be- out ham-fisted persuasive essays on beatencause they want to devote their time to school to-death topics, I read several great works of classical literature, then discussed them with activities or jobs instead of school work. And a dozen people who actually read the books, some of the “brightest” honors students are a too (or were at least very good at faking it). few filaments short of a light bulb.

I read a lot, but instead of just regurgitatYes, I know a light bulb only needs one ing Wiki-analysis of these books in a useless filament. paper, I was actively discussing their merits And don’t even get me started on the idea in an engaged class and occasionally writing that being in the honors college guarantees brief synopsis of these thoughts in succinct you a better job when you get out. To any responses. student who strives for empty accolades beBut even more exciting than reading cause they think A’s are mini tickets you can pay out at the end of your school career to the conference was my honors seminar. Part of my requirement as an honors student was to take a few seminars, which are smaller classes The best and most honest devoted to interesting topics. I was very endorsement of the honors fortunate to take a class about J.R.R. Tolkien program I can give is that and other works associated with Lord of the Rings, led by Dan Compora. the classes are almost all Let me repeat: I took a class on Lord of phenomenal. If you like to the Rings. And yes, it was as amazing as it sounds. learn, to be in classes that The beautiful thing about this class, like ask you to think critically many honors classes, was that the profesabout topics instead of just sor was not afraid to integrate the real world into the classroom. I play the rolehanding you busywork, playing game Dungeons and Dragons, so then you would love honors I gave a presentation on gaming and how classes. the game took inspiration from Middle Earth. For one of our papers, I used my knowledge as a music major to explore the music in the Lord of the Rings and talk employer of your choice: you’re going to have about why Howard Shore scored the films to fight for a job with everyone else. the way he did.

But what about the honors program making your college experience better? That’s the To this date, my favorite classes have all claim that’s a little harder to unravel — partly been honors classes. In the end, it’s basibecause it’s a little vague, and partly because cally the same work load that your regular it’s kind of true. classes dump on you — the difference usually You see, there’s no guarantee that you’ll ends up being that you get asked to do more have more fun in college if you’re in honors, thought-provoking work about things you because that depends entirely on what kind of actually enjoy learning. person you are. The guy who’s here just for a There are some other perks, too. Honors piece of paper with no real love of learning is students get to register for classes first, no going to hate the advanced curriculum, and matter their grade level. Even though the the chick who’s already got more internships honors requirements are kind of strict, the and leadership roles than she can juggle could honors faculty and staff have always been get frustrated by some of the extra classes surprisingly flexible. And whether it’s fair or she’d have to take. not, faculty often trust you a little more as an Like I said, I’m in the honors college and I honors student. have been since I was a freshman. However, But the person who’s going to get the most I’m built along the lines of the second exout of the honors college is going to be the ample. I don’t plan on graduating with honors person who’s doing it for the love of knowlbecause I haven’t finished all of the requireedge. Apply to the honors college and give ments and doing so would tack on more time yourself the chance to be surprised at how than I can afford at this school. much you enjoy learning.

But does that mean I hate the honors colDanielle Gamble is a fifth-year double malege? Do I regret joining? joring in communication and music, and the Absolutely not. I’ve had a great experience editor-in-chief of The Independent Collegian.

When I first came to the University of reluctant to finish in it.

Toledo three years ago, I met with an Now, don’t get me wrong. I will be the advisor to play “sorting hat” first to say that there is nothwith my next few years in ing wrong with academics. I college. I remember her love college, and boy, do I love trying to sell me on the learning. And I want my uniidea of entering into the versity to be a place of true honors college. She told learning. me that by taking harder But I have learned more in courses and by putting one semester in a student orextra work into regular ganization than my academic classes, I would emerge classes have taught me in three from college leaps and years. And I now know that bounds ahead of my peers. true learning happens best at And even though she an institution where student assured me that the harder organizations are given the classes would pay off in same attention as honors the end, and explained all classes. of the benefits of being an The biggest theme that I NEWS EDITOR honors student, I remained see in my classes is professors unconvinced and declined her offer. pushing students to be “critical thinkers.”

If I am completely honest, I declined for Almost every assignment in my first two one simple reason. I did not want to be years of general classes had something to trapped in the honors program. College do with thinking critically. My English appealed to me because it provided avenues composition classes, humanities classes of learning outside of the classroom — and communication classes all told me that avenues that I would find very difficult to they were teaching me critical thinking, explore if I was stuck in the classrooms in and I would learn the secrets to indepenorder to jump through more hoops than dent thought if I only listened to them. necessary.

At the start of my second week on The Throughout my life, I have known brilIndependent Collegian staff, Editor-in-Chief liant people that practically live in honors Danielle Gamble sat me down and told me classes. Whether it be in high school or that I had some of the worst critical thinkcollege, they were convinced that their edge ing skills she had seen in someone my age. lay in more time in the classroom and in the I was shocked to hear that. My professors lengthy Latin words after their degree. had taught me, trained me.

I knew one friend from high school Hadn’t they? who had always done honors classes and In weeks of working in a student-run qualified in spades for UT’s honors courses. organization, I learned that real critical He became a recluse; he figuratively killed thinking doesn’t come with a grade. You himself his freshman year. I barely saw won’t find it in a research paper or in my friend for two years, and on the rare a PowerPoint slide. You learn by going occasions I did see him, he lamented that out there, screwing up and then learnhis classes were doing nothing — nothing ing from it. And that is what I love about except preventing him from having the student groups. They are able to provide social experiences he was hoping to get out a safe environment in which to learn of college. what life really is by learning from your mistakes.

Now I know that not everyone is like my If I had gone into the honors college, friend, but he was a man who loved classes if I’d felt tied to my grades, I wouldn’t be and then felt trapped inside of one. half as learned as I am now. Maybe if I had Over the past several years, I have actually taken those honors classes, I’d be watched UT’s goals to improve and singing a different tune. But I highly doubt bolster the honors college. They have created honors college housing and honor it — because every day, I run into honors students who haven’t had the experiences students receive early registration, select I’ve had, and who I have outstripped in classes and, often, the best professors. key areas of both knowledge and wisdom.

And I understand why the university That’s not to say I’m the biggest genius in is doing it. Honors programs give colthe world. It’s to say that I’ve found a way leges prestige and everything that stuffy to stretch my academic legs, and other academics use to say that their university students have had their growth stunted is better than yours, as they shake their against their will. academic jowls and smoke oversized Instead of allocating resources for the calabash pipes. “top” students and locking them into one But still, even with all of the resources “honored” college, why can’t we instead that UT has poured into the honors coldivvy these resources out to departments, lege to improve their standing, it seems or to the student groups that are providlike most who start off in the program are ing the kind of real-world experiences that students need? I know that making I have learned more in this choice may take a little wind out of one semester in a student our sails in the academic world, but in the end, we came to college because we organization than my wanted to learn. academic classes have I turned down the honors college betaught me in three years. cause I wanted to learn more than book smarts. That’s why the majority of qualified And I now know that true students are turning down the opportunity learning happens best to be in the honors program — because at an institution where we’re looking for something more than extra hoops to jump through. We’re lookstudent organizations are ing for something real. given the same attention Samuel Derkin is a third-year double maas honors classes. joring in English and communication, and is the news editor at The Independent Collegian.

DANIELLE GAMBLE

SAMUEL DERKIN

COMMENTARY

Prepare to protest against the smoking ban Last semester the Young petition to repeal the ban this Americans for Liberty Monday, Feb. 24, from 10 and I stood up for a.m. to 1 p.m. in smoker’s freedom. the Student Union We had a great taby the Free Speech bling session with board. We will also awesome turnbe handing out out. I personally free “cigarettes,” or believe it played a rather notes rolled part in the narrow and taped to look victory in Student like the tobacco Government. The product. legislation for the This issue is imtobacco ban was portant whether or defeated by one not you’re a smoker. vote.

The administraWe thought we tion’s argument IC COLUMNIST won, but the adthat the ban is for ministration at the university has your safety is just a façade so the brought the tobacco debate back school and government can tell to life. you what to do. However, we all In order to fight this massive have a God given right to our invasion of our rights, the Young bodies and therefore we have Americans for Liberty and I will property rights over it. With this be collecting signatures for a being established, we all have the

RON JOHNS

right to put whatever legal substances we want in it. Smoking is an unpopular topic. However, doing the right thing is often times unpopular.

The university may contend they aren’t outlawing students from smoking in general, but only on their campus. But as one smoker told me, “They must not know what it’s like to be addicted to something.” The point he is making is clear — when he wants to smoke, he feels he has to smoke. It is almost an involuntary need.

A loose comparison would be if the university outlawed going to the bathroom, and in turn removed all the universities’ restrooms. People would still have to go, but they just couldn’t on campus. The university could protest that they’re not outlawing our students from voiding their blad-

ders; they are just not allowing it on campus. Most everyone would agree that’s absurd, just reopen the bathrooms and let people do their thing. I mean the university paid a lot to install the bathrooms, and chances are they aren’t going to use them for much else. Also people going to the bathroom there wasn’t harming anyone.

Moving away from the bathroom humor; there is a very real reason I brought that example up. Like bathrooms, we at the University of Toledo have established areas for people to do their business; smoking business, that is. The fundamental point of the comparison is that the overwhelming burden being placed on smokers just to puff on a cig is beyond ridiculous, especially when we have designated areas for them to smoke already set up.

All these reason point to the

tobacco ban not only being an encroachment of our freedoms, but a bad idea in general.

Since last semester our student body president and the administration have pushed to make this tobacco ban a real thing in a bad way. SG said no to the smoking ban, and no one in charge listened.

One can only wonder why they put it up for a vote if the SG president wasn’t going to respect the decision. The anti-choice tobacco ban group took their legislation to the faculty senate to have it rubber stamped through, but it’s up to us as students to veto the bill, because our student body president is not willing to do what is right. So make your voice heard; please come to our protest next Monday, grab a “cigarette” and sign the petition!

Ron Johns is a fourth-year double majoring in marketing and entrepreneurship.

Editorials appearing on this page represent the consensus view of the editorial staff. Columns and letters to the editor reflect the opinions of their authors, not those of The Independent Collegian.

SPORTS Follow us on Twitter @ IC_Sports

IN BRIEF

UT women look to continue three-game winning streak The University of Toledo women’s basketball team heads into the home stretch of the team’s Mid-American Conference slate this week with a pivotal matchup at Eastern Michigan on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in the Convocation Center.

The Rockets are currently in second place in the West Division standings behind Central Michigan, while the Eagles are tied for fifth place in the division.

Toledo will look to continue momentum from a season-high three-game win streak against Miami, Kent State, and, most recently, Ohio.

UT enters Wednesday’s divisional matchup on the heels of a back-and-forth, fourpoint victory over the Bobcats on Saturday before a season-high 4,692 fans in Savage Arena. The Rockets scored seven of the game’s final ten points to record their 22nd consecutive triumph against Ohio at home, dating back to Jan. 7, 1987.

Toledo holds a 19-14 edge in contests played in Ypsilanti, Mich. UT has split the last six games in the Convocation center.

Toledo men’s regular-season finale to be televised The Mid-American Conference announced on Tuesday that the University of Toledo men’s basketball regular-season finale on Saturday, March 8, will be televised on Time Warner Cable’s Sports Channel. The Rockets will face off against Eastern Michigan, and tip-off is set for 2 p.m.

This will be the sixth home game that Toledo has had televised by Time Warner Cable this season.

The Rockets have a 21-4 record so far this season (9-3 in MAC play), and are currently tied for the best overall record in the MidAmerican Conference with Akron and Western Michigan.

Toledo will visit archrival Bowling Green on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 9 p.m. before hosting Ball State on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. as part of a basketball double header at Savage.

Rockets to host ‘Ultimate Tailgate’ party between games of Sunday’s basketball double header Fans attending this Sunday’s basketball doubleheader at Savage Arena can experience the “Ultimate Rocket Tailgate” between the women and men’s games.

The UT women host Western Michigan at 2 p.m. and the men will face Ball State at 6 p.m.

For $10 ($9 in advance) fans can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet in the Fetterman Gymnasium in Savage Arena from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The buffet will feature a complete hot dog bar and a nachos bar, as well as beverages and cookies.

For Pre-Sale Reservations, call 419530-4040 or visit www. utrockets.com.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 | The Independent Collegian |

5

UT softball goes 1-4 at Easton Desert Classic The University of Toledo softball team opened the 2014 spring season last weekend at the Easton Desert Classic in Las Vegas, Nev. Sports reporter Austin Henry recaps the action.

SPORTS / 6 »

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MEN’S BASKETBALL

A FRESH IMPACT

Zach Garber and Jonathan Williams are leaving their marks on a record-setting Rocket squad

By Blake Bacho Sports Editor

When freshman center Zach Garber first met freshman guard Jonathan Williams at a University of Toledo football game in 2012, Garber thought “Jon Jon” was a pretty quiet guy.

That opinion of his new teammate changed quickly once the two joined the men’s basketball team.

“That’s not him at all,” Garber explained with a smile. “He doesn’t ever stop talking; he is just always doing something.

[Rian] Pearson says he is irritating him the whole time.”

Pearson’s irritation aside, the entire Rockets squad — including the team’s head coach, Tod Kowalczyk — seems to be happy with what UT has seen from all three freshmen players.

And while freshman guard Jordan Lauf has been the one to establish himself as a fan favorite with his physical style of play, Garber and Williams have each proven to be integral components of a Rocket squad set to post a record for wins this season.

“[They] have played a very good amount of minutes as freshmen on a really good team. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

TOD KOWALCZYK UT men’s basketball coach

“More times than not in recruiting you’re not quite sure until you get them,” Kowalczyk said. “These three, we knew from the moment they committed to us that we had three really good players that would make impacts as freshman, and all three have. “[They] have played a very good amount of minutes as

freshman on a really good team. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Williams and Garber say that they, just like their coach, knew they could find their places on Toledo’s squad, one that Jon Jon said functions more like a family than a basketball team.

“Everybody knows everybody’s role,” Williams said. “In the locker room, we are all just brothers. We are a family. It is just good chemistry.”

That chemistry is evident on the court, especially during the two games this season that Williams started in.

In the most recent of those games — Toledo’s revenge victory at home against Ohio — Jon Jon finished in double digits in the scoring column.

“We are 2-0 with him in a starting role,” Kowalczyk said. “He has done a great job both times. He is a guy that will certainly be a great starter in the future.”

Kowalczyk sees permanent starting roles in sight for both of these freshmen, but he also sees good things ahead for Garber and Williams off of Bob Nichols court as well.

“Zach is a guy that could JACKIE KELLETT / IC hang with anybody, any Freshman guard Jonathan Williams (left) and freshman center Zach Garber are two thirds walk of life,” Kowalczyk of one the most effective freshman classes in recent Rocket history. Toledo head coach said. “Everybody loves Tod Kowalczyk says he couldn’t be more proud of the newest generation of Rockets.

Zach. Jon Jon has a great personality. He is fun, he to go on visits for basketball.” “Our whole team has been ing in front of a lot of people. is funny, and both of them in Garber, who was a fourclicking, everyone around “That wasn’t a lie. Every my opinion have very bright year letter winner in all four campus is like, ‘Oh, they are game there is a lot of people.” futures outside of basketball.” of his high school sports, basketball players; when is And Jon Jon, Garber, as For now, however, both Garpointed to the recruiting abil- your next game, your next well as their head coach, look ber and Williams are focused ities of the Toledo coaches, home game, we are going to forward to giving Rocket on the game both of them say as well as the chance to play try to make it.’ It has been fans plenty to cheer about for they have always loved. in front of his family, as his such a great experience to many more years to come.

“I played basketball, basemain reasons for choosing to have such a following.”

“Both guys are going to be ball, football, and track [in become a Rocket.

For Williams, the fan base tremendous players,” Kowalchigh school],” Garber said. “I And the freshman center has certainly lived up to the zyk said. “You look at what they like playing the other sports, points to the team’s current promises Kowalczyk made are doing as freshmen — they’re but basketball has always 21-4 record — as well as him during recruitment. fulfilling a very important role been my love. Even during Toledo’s enthusiastic fan base “It is amazing. When Coach on a very good basketball team. baseball and track seasons I — as proof that he made the K was recruiting me, he asked “In the future it is going was playing [basketball], and right choice. if I liked playing in front of a to be their team, [and] they during football season I had “This season has just been lot people. I said yes, and he will be ready for it when to miss [games] because I had phenomenal,” Garber said. said come here if you like play- the time comes.”

BASEBALL

Toledo baseball kicks off season with 1-2 showing at First Pitch Invitational

By Marcus Dodson Sports Reporter

The University of Toledo baseball team kicked off their spring season with a 1-2 record at the First Pitch Invitational in Greenville, S.C. The Rockets fell to Xavier 6-4 on Saturday, and on Sunday defeated Norfolk State 11-3 before losing to Furman 13-5.

“We really hit the ball well down there,” said Toledo head coach Cory Mee. “That was nice to see. We also had some good pitching. As a whole we threw the ball pretty well.”

“When you give teams more outs in an inning, it makes things harder. We will need to play a little better on that end, but it is still early [in the season].”

CORY MEE UT baseball head coach

In Toledo’s opening game against Xavier, senior left-handed pitcher Ryan

Wilkinson gave up only four hits, two walks, and one earned run over six full frames before being pulled, a performance his coach called a “solid showing.”

“We figured [he] would throw well,” Mee said.

The two teams entered the seventh tied at one, but Xavier put four runs in at the top of the frame to give themselves a lead they would never relinquish.

“When you give teams more outs in an inning, it makes things harder,” Mee explained. “We will need to play a little better on that end, but it is still early [in the season].”

The Rockets pounded out 13 hits during their Sunday morning victory over Norfolk State. Five Toledo batters led the attack with two hits each.

Senior right-handed pitcher Cameron Palmer allowed only one fun on four hits, while posting four strikeouts during over five innings on the mound.

“When you hit the ball like that, plus good pitching and solid defensive [efforts], you would like

PHOTO COURTESY OF UT ATHLETICS

Sophomore CF John Martillotta (above) went 1-for-3 with one run scored and one RBI against Xavier last Saturday during Toledo’s first game of the First Pitch Invitational.

to see results like that,” Mee said. “That was a good team win that you can be happy with.”

Toledo closed out their weekend against Furman, where the Rockets fell to the host team after committing four errors and giving up eight walks.

UT jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, but they watched their cushion disappear after Furman tied things up in the bottom of the third.

The Paladins went on to score 12 runs over the next four innings.

“When you make errors, you extend the inning,” Mee said. “When you extend the inning, you make it harder to win ball games.”

Toledo continues their spring season next weekend in the Louisiana State University Tournament in Baton Rouge, La. The Rockets will face Texas Southern on Friday at 1 p.m., the host Tigers on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Virginia Tech on Sunday at 11 a.m. at Alex Box Stadium.

“It is a great way to play some really good teams,” Mee said. “LSU has one of the best atmospheres in the country for college baseball. This will be a fun experience for the boys, and a chance to get some good wins.”

6

| The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

UT softball goes 1-4 at Easton Desert Classic

By Austin Henry Sports Reporter

The University of Toledo women’s softball team trudged home after last weekend’s University of Nevada-Las Vegas Easton Desert Classic in Las Vegas, Nev. with a 1-4 record to start the spring season.

The Rockets fell to their first two opponents during the three-day event, and they split the second day’s games before losing their final matchup against Seattle on Sunday.

“It was a long weekend on the road,” said UT interim head coach Kyle Gross. “We know what we must improve on, and we can’t be more excited to get back to it when we return to Toledo.”

The Rockets opened the tournament on Friday against No. 10 Oregon, falling 11-3 to the Ducks after only five innings of play.

Oregon scored seven runs in the first two innings alone, while completely shutting UT’s offensive game down for the first three innings of play. The Rockets managed only four hits during the game.

“I thought the team played well,” Gross said.

“Looking at who we were facing, it was kind of intimidating, but the girls were not affected by it.

“Oregon is a very wellcoached team, and they just hit the ball in the right spots. Now we know what to work on.”

The Rockets took a slim 2-1 lead over Utah into the fourth inning of the second game of the day, but they were unable to maintain the cushion. Toledo eventually fell 8-3 against the Utes.

“We took the lead somewhat early and [we] had

the momentum,” interim head coach Lane Leedy said.

“But as soon as we have one mishap or error, all of that momentum vanishes.”

Freshman second baseman Chandler Rice led her team with three hits against Utah, and senior third baseman Lani Ernst was able to hit one over the fence for a solo home run in the third inning.

But the Rockets left eight runners stranded over the

“It was a long weekend on the road. We know what we must improve on, and we can’t wait to get back to it when we return to Toledo.”

KYLE GROSS UT interim softball coach

course of seven innings of play, and their opponents capitalized on that lack of offense.

Toledo’s second day in Sin City didn’t start off any better than the first, as UT fell 9-8 to Cal State Northridge at the end of a tightly contested game.

The Rockets led 8-4 heading into the seventh inning, but they allowed the Matadors to score five runs on four hits and three errors.

Sophomore pitcher Marla Gooding allowed only one walk and two earned runs during her time on the mound for Toledo. Her team, however, committed five errors on their way to their third loss of the weekend.

“We are slowly working our way back up,” Gross said. “We are growing as a

team every game. Now we are beginning to play how I know we can.”

Toledo’s first and only victory of the weekend came in their second game on Saturday, where they managed to defeat Utah Valley 3-1.

Freshman pitcher Emily Anderson allowed just two hits, and she fanned nine batters during the Rockets’ victory over the Wolverines. Utah Valley managed only one extra base hit in the game.

Toledo scored all three of their runs during the first inning, forcing Anderson to maintain UT’s lead with her pitching.

Sophomore left fielder Jessica Lemieux had a multi-hit game, going 2-for-5 and scoring a run while stealing two bases from the leadoff spot.

Sophomore first baseman Sammy Emery had two hits as well, and an RBI. UT finished the tournament in the same way they opened it — with a loss.

The Rockets fell 4-2 against Seattle on the final day of competition.

The Redhawks scored quickly in the first inning, and they quenched a late Rocket comeback in the sixth.

“Every team has set backs and room for improvement,” Gross said. “This weekend really showed us what we must improve upon. We can’t wait to get back to the fundamentals.

“These were our first games of the season, and it’s a long one. We must improve to be able to do better.”

Toledo will return to action on Friday, Feb. 21, in the first day of the Frost Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn.

CLASSIFIEDS

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FOR RENT STUDENT HOUSING 3-4 Bed, 2 Bath House Appliances Included 2 min walk to UT Available May 1, 2014 Call (989)859-3367 UTRENTALS.NET Two- to four-bedroom houses, all appliances included, central air, alarm systems, video surveillance at most properties. Call Shawn, 419-290-4098. www.utrentals.net.

HELP WANTED WERSELL'S BIKE SHOP Now hiring mechanically

inclined person for part-time position. New bike assembly and minor repairs. 419-4747412 or stop in at 2860 W. Central Ave.

PUZZLES THEME: WICKED WEATHER

ACROSS 1. Hesitates 6. Cranberry habitat 9. ____ Cola 13. Tropical vine 14. Hole punching tool 15. “_____’s Heroes” 16. Type of window 17. “Young” prefix 18. *_____ warning system for tsunamis 19. *Twists around an eye 21. *Polar ______ 23. To boot 24. Long, long time 25. Communications regulator 28. *Like frostbitten fingers 30. Snake, usually 35. Porcine fat 37. Hawk’s aerie, e.g.

39. Japanese animation 40. Popular three-layer cookie 41. Delivery bird?

43. Singles 44. Out in the open 46. Twelfth month of Jewish civil year 47. Poverty 48. Joseph Stalin, e.g.

50. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ show 52. Dog tags, e.g.

53. Solomon-like 55. H+, e.g.

57. *Tornado visual 60. Swell 64. Japanese-American 65. Victorian time, e.g.

67. Mountaineer’s tool 68. Mountain ridge 69. “Swan Lake” steps 70. Fossil fuel rock deposit 71. Chipper 72. Café alternative 73. Christian virtue, pl.

DOWN 1. Eastern ____ 2. Ethereal 3. Flock member 4. Genuflected 5. Old West hangout 6. Misery cause 7. Be obliged 8. *Stops wind from nipping fingers 9. *Wear a heavy one in winter storm 10. Princess Fiona, at night 11. Mineral residue 12. Take your pick

15. Lifting injury 20. People, places and things 22. Goes with “aah” 24. Let off the hook 25. *Spring threat 26. Turn pumpkin into Jack-o-Lantern 27. Native American people in parts of Canada 29. Boundary line 31. *Winter bank matter 32. Biblical mount 33. Make corrections 34. The defense _____ 36. Small town or hamlet 38. Test choice 42. Designing Calvin 45. Local in a college bar 49. Black __ event 51. Type of sausage 54. Slumbered 56. Jack Black’s Libre

Last Week’s Puzzle Solved

57. *Lightning can cause this 58. “Breaking Bad”

victim 59. Profit 60. Facilitate 61. Cut the crop 62. *Outburst 63. Donald and Ivana, e.g.

64. Siesta 66. Repeated at rallies

Last week’s solution

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 | The Independent Collegian |

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7

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Strutting down the runway FASHION SHOW

Annual Black Student Union scholarship fashion show to model talented students Staff Reporter

Students will be dressing to impress Friday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. for the 45th annual Black Student Union Scholarship Fashion Show.

“It’s a big fashion affair,” said Isis Darks, a fourth-year marketing major and the IC’s fashion editor. “Everyone dresses up, comes, sits and watches the models walk down the runway to music, while photographers take pictures of all the scenes,” Darks said.

The show is being hosted by YouTube sensation and Wild n’ Out star Emmanuel Hudson, who has more than 175 million views on his YouTube channel. This is set to be the first year the fashion show will have a celebrity host.

“I’m expecting this year to be a huge success with Emmanuel Hudson drawing in a crowd,” said Tiffany Fulford, BSU vice president.

According to Hudson’s bio on the Wild n’ Out page, he’s making a cameo in the ABC network series, “Nashville” and the new Rain Forest Film, “The Ride,” starring Kevin Hart and rapper turned actor, Ice Cube.

“We are counting on our students and faculty to come out and support our 45th annual scholarship fashion show and overall enjoy what talent the students have to offer in fashion and academics,” said Kome Esquere a fourth-year health care administration major and BSU public relations director.

“This show isn’t just a tradition for BSU, but a show for students to get involved in a scholarship fashion show,” she added.

All of the show’s profits will go toward the two BSU scholarships, both worth $1,000. They will be awarded at intermission to one male and one female student of African American decent. The students selected must be in good academic and judicial standing and an undergrad of the 2014-2015 school year.

“It’s one of BSU’s longest standing traditions and we wish to continue its success in giving students the opportunity to stay in school,” Fulford said.

The remainder of the money will be used for following year’s scholarships.

Darks won the scholarship her freshman year, and now she’s this year’s director of the show.

“I originally just applied for a role as a scene director, but when I found out that I was show director, I was ecstatic,” Darks said. “I was so geeked because I kind of had a vision and now it’s coming to life.”

She said the inspiration for this year’s Fashion Show, “Color Me Bad,” came from the 1978 Musical, “The Wiz.” “I love the scene where Dorothy, the Lion, the Tin-Man and the Scarecrow reach Emerald City and singers and dancers come out dressed entirely in black, then entirely in green, then red, and then gold. I added pink

to the mix,” Darks said.

While directing the entire show, she is also a scene director for the opening scene. Every scene has a different director.

Scene directors put together outfits for their models, which are then responsible for bringing their own, purchasing or borrowing the clothes the scene directors chose for them.

Autumn Baker, a first-year communication major, is co-directing the final scene, “Gold.”

“We have about 20 models to work with, but I’m not worried,” Baker said, “I was confident when I applied for the scene director position.”

The scene directors chose their own models at model try-outs which were held last semester with a final try-out held this semester during Martin Luther King Jr. week.

Elise Russell, model and a fourth-year business management major, said she had to walk three times for her audition.

“I’m actually getting my clothing out of my closet. I have tons of different styles that I’ll be bringing to the runway,” Russell said.

In the past the fashion show has brought in a crowd of between 400-500 people.

“Students should come to the fashion show to see how much hard work and dedication myself and the rest of the students here at UT put into this show, including the long nights of practices and balancing out work schedules and homework,” Russell said, “and because someone every year receives a scholarship that will encourage students to do better in classes to apply.”

Tickets are on pre-sale in Ask Rocky for $10 general admission and $15 V.I.P. At the door tickets will cost $15 general admission and $20 V.I.P. V.I.P. tickets allow attendees to have an up close and personal experience with the show, by placing them right next to the runway.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Union Auditorium.

PHOTOS BY NICOLE BADIK / IC

By Angela Peluso

STUDENT ORGANIZATION

Pi Sigma Epsilon receives national recognition

By Sohan Mutha Staff Reporter

After achieving the highest rank, gold status, for the second consecutive year, the Epsilon Delta chapter of the Pi Sigma Epsilon professional business fraternity at the University of Toledo is in the running to be one of the best in the nation.

“We focus on building young professionals to be ready for the real world, while also competing against 61 other chapters,” said Kelsea Kiene, a fourth-year professional sales and marketing major and the national coordinator of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE).

Manuel Vazquez Ederra, a second-year professional sales and marketing major and the president of PSE, said that they are a co-ed professional sales, marketing and management fraternity that “helps give students structure to their career paths, helping them to better understand themselves where they want to head professionally and we do it all with a family aspect and a strong sense of unity.”

With 93 active members, Ederra said that their chapter has surpassed the gold status requirement and accumulated 42,000 points that were collected through sales projects, social events and philanthropy events.

“Basically it’s like a business and we’re judged on things that a business would be

COURTESY OF KELSEA KIENE

Members of Pi Sigma Epsilon pose for a group shot. They are a professional business fraternity that deal with professional sales, marketing and management.

successful at,” Kiene said. “So that’s recruitment, retention, profitability and statistics if we’re growing and so forth and we reached what they call gold status, which is the highest honor in the organization.”

Kiene, said that given their recent successes, their chapter has been asked to help organize the national convention for PSE to be held in Miami from April 8 to April 13.

“I’m extremely honored. I joined three years ago, and at the time we were building and it’s

really beautiful to see it all come together,” Kiene said. “It’s like everyone is on the same level, same page working together bringing innovative ideas for projects, goals, just the energy in the room is beautiful.”

Ethan Barteck, a second-year finance major and the vice president of finance for PSE, said that he is really excited to showcase what they have accomplished this year at the national convention.

“It’s awesome, it’s really cool to see UT put up there with top schools from across the country,”

Barteck said. “It also helps us encourage our members here on campus and instill confidence that we really aren’t that different from other schools and we can run with the big dogs.”

There are a number of events that are lined up by PSE for their members as well as the general public.

They are partnering with the Office of Recreation to host the second annual “UT BenchPress Competition,” a fundraising event, on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. at the UT Student Recreation Center.

Ederra said that the participants are categorized according to their weight and they compete against each other to see who can lift the most weight per pound.

Students who register before Thursday, Feb. 20 will pay $20 and for any late registrations or the general public, a fee of $25 will be charged. Participants get a shirt and a goodie bag and there will be cash prizes for winners.

Cody Sobczak, a third-year human resources major and the vice president of public relations for PSE, said PSE will host a “Sunshine Homes Service Event” where they will spend time with people with developmental disabilities on March 1 and 2 and also on March 15 and 16.

General member meetings are held Tuesdays from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Stranahan South Room 131.

8 | The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, February 19, 2014 MORE ONLINE

What color makes you BAD? Neutrals are nice and an easy go-to, but I can’t live without color. Bright tones give you an extra boost of confidence whether you’re strutting down the runway or down the sidewalk.

In light of the 45th annual Black Student Union Scholarship Fashion Show, “Color Me Bad,” here are a few ways to find that color that makes you BAD.

Clothing Like ‘Neons in November’ your pop of color can be a fun maxi or a bright pair of pants. To keep things simpler, take Michael Jackson as an inspiration and cop a colored leather jacket. With fire hydrant red or electric blue, you’ll make a statement without being too extreme.

Jackets and blazers are the staples you’ll need to rock your ego with your head high. They’re interchangeable, so you’ll get the maximum wear out of

the hue you choose to go with. For a chic day look, sport a color blazer and dark denim with heels or calf/ thigh high boots. As it gets later in the day, pull FASHION EDITOR out a jacket to stay warm, while giving off an edgier look for the night life.

You can find an array of colored leather jackets at Aliexpress.com, where you’ll find everything from green to pink. As for blazers, don’t be afraid to frequent the young miss section in department stores.

Have your pick from the rainbow, and since the clothing is roomier you’ll probably wear a smaller size.

ISIS DARKS

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IN BRIEF ‘The Old Maid and the Thief’ to be performed “The Old Maid and the Thief” will be performed by the University of Toledo Opera Ensemble starting Feb. 21 through Feb. 23. It was originally created as a radio opera. The performance opens in the context of the fictionalized “NBC Radio Hour.” An old maid and a young one vie for the attentions of a man suspected of being an escaped convict. Both women go to absurd lengths to win his heart, while keeping gossiping neighbors at bay. The performances on Friday and Saturday are at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. at Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for general admissions.