Issue 23 online by The Independent Collegian

Arts & Life, A6

Sports, A5

An engineer of the arts

Rockets swarm Dayton in 2011 season opener 61-51

Independent Collegian IC The

Monday, November 14, 2011

Serving the University of Toledo since 1919

www.IndependentCollegian.com 92nd year Issue 23

College of LLSS dean dies at 75 By Sura Khuder News Editor

Alice Skeens, dean of the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences, passed away at the age of 75 Saturday morning. Faith Burress, Skeens’ niece, said the cause of death was unconfirmed but speculated to have been caused by either a heart attack or blood clot. Skeens underwent hip replacement surgery on Oct. 19 and was hospitalized for three weeks after returning to work early this month. Burress said she is unsure if Skeens’ cause of death was related to this

College. surgery. Throughout her career at ToSkeens was originally from Lovern, W.Va. She studied at ledo, Skeens served on various Concord College, Athens, W.Va., admissions, general studies and where she received a Bachelor student development counseling of Science in 1956. Skeens re- committees. ceived a master’s degree from She was very comWest Virginia University in 1960 passionate and very and a doctorate in education passionate about what from UT in 1972. she did. She just loved Before coming to UT, Skeens teaching and you could was a teacher in the McDowell tell. County Schools and Mercer County Schools in West Virginia from 1956 to ‘63. She also served Chelsea Wymer as a part-time instructor at Blue- UT Alumnus field State College in 1962. She came to UT in 1963 where Skeens became assistant proshe served as an instructor in the fessor in the College of Arts and Community and Technical

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Sciences in 1966 and was promoted to associate professor in 1982. She served as assistant dean for CAS from 1973 to ‘76, when she was named the college’s associate dean for student affairs. She also served as an assistant to former UT President Frank E. Horton. “She was a very special person that just was so loving and caring about everyone,” Burress said. “I just couldn’t say enough about the good things she’s done for me and other people.” She served as Faculty Senate chair from 1982 to ‘83. Skeens was named The Catharine S. Eberly Center for — Skeens, Page A2

Courtesy of the University of Toledo

Dean of the College of Language, Literature and Social Sciences Alice Skeens passed away Saturday morning.

SAAB addresses racial issues Student who passed out racist fliers attends SAAB meeting By Randiah Green Editor-in-Chief

Diane Woodring / IC

Putting up the WNIT banner Yesterday during the UT basketball game against the University of Dayton, the banner commemorating the Rockets WNIT Championship was unveiled.

The student who passed out fliers, which questioned Affirmative Action and called for no racist or racial student groups, attended a Student African American Brotherhood meeting two weeks ago with several racially-charged questions. SAAB President Christopher Scott said some of the group members recognized the male student immediately since he approached them with the fliers while they were raising money for Susan G. Komen in the Student Union Building. “Mind you, there were two or three other organizations there,” Scott said. “When this student came down, he came

to our table specifically with a the student asked the group flier that had our symbol on it. questions, such as why are If he wanted to talk about this there scholarships specificalissue, he could have given ly for African-Americans and some fliers to other minorities but not our table and the other Unfortunately this specifically for groups that student is misin- w h i t e students. were there, giving everybody formed since you don’t “He asked a have to be black to join lot of quesinformation.” Scott said that the Black Student tions made everythe student Union... one uncomthrew about 30 copies of the Matt Rubin fortable, but we remained flier on their President, table. calm and tried Student Government to answer the “We asked to stop after questions to about the fourth flier, but he the best of our ability,” Scott obviously kept going,” Scott said. Other questions included, said. “He was basically saying he didn’t like our “Why does UT do Affirmative organization.” — Flier, Page A2 During the meeting,

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UT celebrates Indian Festival of Lights By Sade Ganey For the IC

File photos by Kevin Sohnly

The Diya festival was hosted by the Indian Students Cultural Organization on Saturday. The festival is a celebration of Diwali, which is the New Year fesitval in the Vikrama calendar.

Swirls of bright colors and the smell of rich spices filled the Student Union Building Auditorium as the Indian Students Cultural Organization celebrated Diwali, a New Year festival in the Vikrama calendar that is highly anticipated. Also known as the Festival of Lights, the event took place Saturday night. In Indian culture, Diwali signifies starting over. The meaning behind the festival is receiving hope, renewing of friendships, goodwill and celebrating the joys of life. It is also finding the light through darkness and gaining knowledge where there is ignorance. According to Ishan Laheri, a senior majoring in pharmacy administration and a member of ISCO, the festival technically began Oct. 26, but is only celebrated for five days in the U.S. and only one day at UT because of classes. In India, Diwali is celebrated for 20 days and students are given a break from school. The renewing and cleansing of each home occurs during this time; all homes are filled with

oil lamps as a symbol of keeping evil spirits from the home. “It’s a holiday where we pray to our god, light firecrackers and just enjoy the day,” said Payal Patel, a senior majoring in pharmacy. Indian students came together and participated in the many activities and rituals of Diwali, including the lighting of diyas, oil lamps made of clay or brass. This year, there was a fashion show were students modeled traditional Indian wear, with females wearing colorful, beaded outfits known as saris. Also, different panels of Indian students participated in a dance competition, performing routines to a mixture of Indian, pop and hip-hop music. Tandoor Cuisine of India served traditional food, such as spicy chicken 65, naan bread and samosas, a deep-fried pastry. According to Ruchin Gorwala, a sophomore majoring in pharmacy administration and vice president of ISCO, the festival here in Toledo is a close rendition of how it is celebrated in India. Gorwala said celebrating Indian culture in a foreign country with a community

File photo by Kevin Sohnly

This year’s festival featured several dances and performances. that differs from their own helps him feel at home. “Diwali means a lot to me,” Laheri said. “We have a formal dinner and I get to meet all of my friends and family. It makes me feel at home being with other people who have the same religion as I do.” The turnout of the celebration was a big hit among students outside of the Indian culture, including students from the International Student Association. The ISCO was founded in the 1990s at UT, and this was their 10th year celebrating Diwali on campus.

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Independent Collegian

Flier From Page A1 Action hiring and why is there no European Student Brotherhood group on campus,” according to Scott. Scott said the meeting ended peacefully but the student did not seem satisfied with the answers he was given. “We could tell he came in with a lot on his mind,” Scott said. “We gave him a chance to get out his point of view but he didn’t seem to feel any better about the situation after the meeting.” NaSheena Gover, a junior majoring in social work who

Skeens From Page A1

was at the meeting, said the incident made the group think about how they could reach out to people of other races to avoid any misconceptions and let them know students of all ethnicities are welcome. “Just because it says ‘African-American’ in the title does not mean it’s for blacks only,” she said. Gover said the members of SAAB told the student if he wanted to start a European Student Group, he could. “Unfortunately, this student is misinformed since you don’t have to be black to join the Black Student Union, and if he wants to start a White Student Union, he could,” said Skeens for Principles of Psychology during fall 2005.

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Women’s “Woman of the She had a very Year” in 1993, an award commanding preswhich recognizes women ence when she entered who have made significant the room. She had a contributions to UT. Bill McMillen, provost and wonderful 20th century, old Hollywood actress executive vice president for voice. academic affairs, said in an email that the university is Bronwyn Rose Hazard deeply saddened to learn of UT Alumnus Skeen’s passing. “Dr. Skeens’ wisdom, friendship and decades of “She had a very commandservice to UT are an irre- ing presence when she entered placeable loss. She and her the room. She had a wonderful family are in our thoughts 20th century, old Hollywood and prayers,” McMillen said. actress voice,” she said. “I Bronwyn Rose Hazard, a think the best words to de2011 music graduate, had scribe her were strong-willed,

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this

for

space available Tell What Think Us You

Student Government President Matt Rubin. Vice President of the Student Experience Kaye PattenWallace said the university cannot take any action against the student because he did not violate any university policies. “That’s what life is about,” she said. “One of the things important in academic settings is to have dialogue about it so we can educate people about opposing viewpoints. He had every right and he expressed his opinion, which probably is not the view of the majority of students on this campus.” Patten-Wallace said the

exceedingly patient, kind, and very insightful and knowledgeable. If you had any question that branched off a topic, she’d

Monday, November 14, 2011

university has not officially identified the male who passed out the fliers, but Rubin told the Indpendent Collegian the male in question is a UT student. Despite the university not being able to take action due to freedom of speech, Scott said UT is not doing enough to combat the issue. “It’s fine if people have their opinion, but the way it was expressed is concerning,” he said. “Once it starts making students uncomfortable or unsafe, that’s where you draw the line.” Though the members of SAAB did not react negatively towards the student, Scott

said others could react violently. “What if a student who feels strongly opposed to this guy’s fliers or comments that doesn’t have anything to lose comes in contact with him,” he said. “We did our responsibility to not act negatively to this. We’re not going to harm anybody, but we don’t want anybody to get hurt or induce violence on this campus. It’s bad for business.” Scott said UT should do more to prevent the issue from progressing any further. “It really makes me sad,” he said. “We keep saying this is a learning experience but what if the experience is not over

yet? Are we waiting for a riot to break out on campus to say this is part of the experience? When students are concerned and feel unsafe on campus, the university should do something about it.” Rubin said if members of SAAB feel threatened, “they have every right to file a student code of conduct issue if they do feel like they have been a victim of harassment.” “It wouldn’t be the flier itself that was intimidating,” Rubin said. “But it wasn’t just the flier − what really hurt [Scott] and their group was the aggressiveness and the way the other student approached them.”

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Chelsea Wymer, a 2011 graduate in psychology, had Skeens for Principles of Psychology the spring semester her sophomore year. Wymer served on a focus group in this class where she said

The

she became close with Skeens. “She was very compassionate and very passionate about what she did. She just loved teaching and you could tell,” she said. “She was really student-centered and

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- in our opinion -

Organizations enrich community It’s important to be open-minded, especially on issues involving race, religion and gender — and these organizations offer a place just to do that. Such organizations should be encouraged, not shunned, because they exist to inform about topics they might not ordinarily consider. Caucasian or Asian students may be insensitive to issues relevant to Hispanics or African-Americans simply because they are ignorant. Issues raised in these organizations help unite the UT community because they promote awareness and help people of varying backgrounds empathize with each other. People, regardless of their ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations, can meet and talk at these organizations’ meetings. Topics debated are often personal; opinions come forth on each issue. Naturally, being exposed to something new will drive curiosity, which will empower students to become engaged in their community. Students will become wellacquainted with others in time, which could lead to new friendships. This is important because people from similar backgrounds often house homogenous ideas. They gravitate towards others like them; they think in the same voice. Exposure to something new will keep them from being too gender or racialexclusive on issues today. Without these organizations, UT wouldn’t be the community it is. These organizations help students stay connected to society and discussions that occur at these organizations can even offer good material for essays for assignments or scholarships. For many UT students, these organizations are something to be treasured, not trifled with.

The University of Toledo offers an abundance of organizations focused on ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations. Critics argue these organizations divide the community, but in reality, they exist to equalize by informing students and encouraging diversity. UT’s organizations aren’t just secluded to the people they are themed around; anyone is welcome to attend. People struggling with their ethnic or gender identities can find themselves a home. They can be educated about who they are not only as a person, but as a Mexican, a Caucasian, an Asian or, most importantly, an American. It’s through these organizations that UT students can find a place in their community. In this way, some organizations help increase self-esteem, such as the women organizations on campus. They offer a group setting where afflicted women can feel empowered and begin to build a sense of self-worth. These women can freely discuss pressing issues without feeling isolated. For some, the ability to talk or find friendships with others in a similar situation is the best therapy they can receive. The United States is becoming an increasingly diverse nation. Time spent at these organizations could be invaluable because students learn how to deal with people different from themselves. They’ll learn how to cooperate and effectively deal with ideas that might make them cringe. For instance, a social worker’s client from another country may despise Americans. Through these organizations, the social worker can learn about key events that may have occurred in that person’s country which developed that attitude.

Death of a university This anticipatory eulogy for the University of Toledo was written to predict its unfortunate future if certain patterns continue. UT’s decline in quality, safety and overall status as an institution of higher learning has been the subject of converfor Jantzen sation faculty and Ridenour s t u d e n t s alike. My dear University of Toledo, my alma mater, the place which nourished my mind for nearly half a decade, you will be missed. The day your halls ceased to educate was May 5, 2015; they became void of the desire of knowledge and finding methods of improving the human condition. Your cause of death disturbs me because I know I could have helped prevent it. Many dug the knife in you, and you were left ravaged on the killing floor by the most unattractive elements of human nature: greed, ignorance, sloth and unbridled hedonism. Your administration chose to pursue a high quantity of admitted students rather than a high quality. The retention rate dropped drastically. You began hemorrhaging money from your jugular vein. The academically gifted students who loved you transferred to other universities, for they felt they had no choice. They came to me personally

and told me, “I don’t feel safe at UT;” “What has happened to UT;” “I am always worried someone might break into my room;” “It was never like this before;” “I can’t believe what people are doing on my campus;” and most striking of all, “I am leaving UT because it has gone so downhill that no professional will take me or my degree seriously once they see where I got it. The professors are great but it’s the students. I no longer feel like Toledo can provide a good envi-

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It is the responsibility of current students to prevent UT from becoming decrepit.

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ronment for my education.” I knew the end was near when a professor asked why a student had a quizzical look upon his face and the student replied with a vacant stare. The professor said, “Let me speak in UT: ‘You look confused!’” I can blame the United States, I can blame the state of Ohio, I can blame the administration; but who I feel deserves the most blame is myself and my fellow students, the ones who saw what was happening and did nothing. We should have realized that you, UT, exist to educate

us, to nourish our minds and provide a way by which we can provide for ourselves. We didn’t realize that you belonged to us, that you were our responsibility and therefore, we refused to act; we refused to make our voices heard, always telling one another it was someone else’s problem to fix. It was ours, and I am sorry we failed you. It is the responsibility of current students to prevent UT from becoming decrepit. We must band together and make the changes necessary to keep our alma mater alive. Should we neglect our responsibilities, it will only be a disservice to ourselves, inhibiting our personal and professional success as students and as future leaders. We must demand higher standards for UT as well as for ourselves, and never cease until our goal is met. If you agree with what was written, please email students. fixing.ut@gmail.com. Please voice what you see as unacceptable at our dear university and tell Students Fixing UT what you want to see done about it. We will create channels by which our vision for UT can come into being. No matter what the obstacles may be, we will persevere, we will overcome and we will do so together.

— Jantzen Ridenour is an IC columnist and a senior majoring in religious studies.

Destination: unaffordable The evidence of inflation is visible everywhere as price tags skyrocket. Many students have pursued higher education at UT because of the university’s affordability. But with tuition rising, classes are becoming unaffordable and UT’s retention rates are falling. It seems the number one attribute that first drove students to UT is becoming the number one reason students are leaving. In years past, the university has improved the curriculum in many ways, including large-scale renovations and state-of-the-art equipment. UT offers several excellent programs and is home to many superb students.

the affordability of UT. The university was attractive to people across the state because they could receive a quality education comparable to top schools without having to pay the same price. This might not be the case anymore as tuition fees turn potential students away. UT’s “Gateway Project” is an attempt to transform Toledo into a college town. Although a college town is a perk, the number one thing driving students to UT is their ability to receive an education at a decent cost. The importance of having a Starbucks café or a new bookstore on campus shouldn’t undermine UT’s need to constantly improve

However, more and more students are be-

its academics. In the end, coffee once a day

ing forced to drop out due to rising tuition

is nice, but the education received is what’s

costs. This is a loss to Toledo since many

going to stick with students. They want a

talented students aren’t able to refine their skills because of their financial situation.

classroom experience that’s going to be

Their contributions to the world after gradu-

worth spending the rest of their lives paying

ation could greatly improve society, but in-

off. It’s the academics, abundance of programs

creased tuition costs have hindered them

and financial affordability that will attract

from accomplishing their dreams. Efforts should be increased to preserve

students to UT.

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Sports

I think that this game gave us the confidence that we can do something special this year.

Naama Shafir UT Point Guard

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Monday, November 14, 2011

Page

Joe Mehling – Editor

Rockets swarm Dayton in 2011 season opener 61-51 By Joe Mehling Sports Editor

Two days after routing Bowling Green, the Dayton Flyers trip up I-75 ran into a road block in Savage Arena. Toledo dismantled the Flyers, 61-51, avenging last year’s defeat in Dayton, in large part to a swarming defensive effort. Toledo held the Flyers to just 13 first-half points, forced 24 turnovers and had 14 steals in the 2011 home opener. “We did really well on defense and that’s what we wanted to do,” said junior guard Naama Shafir. “The second half we didn’t start the same way we did the first half but we found a way to finish. “I think we showed today that we have good chemistry. We communicate well, we play together well, and we showed that.” Shafir picked up where she left off last season scoring 16 points while dishing out five assists while her partner in the backcourt, sophomore Andola Dortch, scored 17 points and added seven rebounds. “When Naama is amped up and ready to go, so am I,” Dortch said. Dayton was led by forward Justine Ratterman, with 13 points and nine boards, and guard Patrice Lalor with 10 points. Lalor and Ratterman were the only Flyers to score in double digits yesterday

afternoon. The Rockets set the tone early on defense as they jumped out to a 10-0 lead with Dayton’s first bucket coming at the 13:43 mark of the first half. Toledo kept up the defensive pressure and pushed their lead to 31-9 with 2:16 left before the break. The Flyers managed to score four unanswered points before the half to cut the lead to 18 points. Despite the large deficit, Dayton came out firing in the second half and began to chip away at the UT lead. With 12:23 remaining the Flyers cut the lead to just 12 points but a quick 7-0 run capped off by a pair of Courtney Ingersoll free throws stretched the lead to 19. Just four minutes later the lead was just nine after a pair of free ones from the charity stripe by Lalor. The Rockets once again answered the bell and stretched the lead back to 14 points. The Flyers ran out of gas after the late UT run and were dealt the ten point loss. “It gives us confidence that we have talent and that we are a very good team,” Shafir said. “I think that this game gave us the confidence that we can do something special this year.” The Rockets return to action on Wednesday Nov. 16 when they travel to face Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Diane Woodring/ IC

UT center Yolanda Richardson had eight points and four rebounds in yesterday’s game against the University of Dayton.

UT ousted in overtime of 2011 NCAA tounrament

File Photo by Joseph Herr

Senior Ana Reynolds is just one of six seniors that will need to be replaced for the 2012 Rocket team. By Nate Pentecost Assistant Sports Editor

Ed Suba Jr./Akron Beacon Journal/MCT

Un“Luck”y The Browns may not have a lot of wins in 2011 but they might have too many to draft standout Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Less than a week after capturing a record fourth MidAmerican Conference title the Toledo soccer team saw their season come to an abrupt end Saturday in Milwaukee. The Rockets (14-7-2) pushed No. 23 Marquette (183-0) to extra time at Valley Fields before falling 1-0 in the opening round of the NCAA Championship. “This is who we aspire to be and where we want to be,” said UT head coach Brad Evan. “I think we belonged on the field today. Give credit to Marquette. They have a very good team and they found a way.” A pair of teammates set up

Marquette sophomore midfielder Taylor Madigan who netted the match’s only goal in the 97th minute during the first extra period. Advancing on the right side of the field, sophomore forward Maegan Kelly played a ball deep into Rockets territory to junior Lisa Philbin who found Madigan in front of the goal. Madigan booted a low shot just inside the near post past the outstretched arms of UT goalkeeper Vicki Traven to end the match and advance the Golden Eagles to the second round for the secondconsecutive season. The Rockets All-MAC keeper made seven saves before allowing the decisive goal ear-

ly in extra time. “You start in August with defense and it comes together for this time of year,” Evans said. “Everybody did their part. But it’s the bounce of the ball, that’s soccer.” Evans has a number of young, talented reserves and a strong group of returning starters to draw from. Toledo will return three 2011 All-Conference performers next season, including First-Team All-MAC selections Rachel Macleod and junior defender Natalia Gaitan, as well as Second and AllFreshman Team selection midfielder Alexis Tice. The Rockets ended the 2011 campaign with a 12-1-1 record in conference play.

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Artist Spotlight

Arts and Life Monday, November 14, 2011

Photos courtesy of Michael Koludrovich

Michael Koludrovich’s creates art in unique places, as seen in his space-themed guitar made with spray paint. During Halloweekends, he performs as a Screamster and thoroughly details his makeup, costume and character each year he participates.

To some, art can be a passion, a release, an avenue of expression and a form of joy. For Michael Koludrovich, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, canvas painting is all that and more. Given his major, one might not expect to see Koludrovich picking up a paintbrush. But despite his mechanical mind, his soul is one of an artist. “I just love doing art,” Koludrovich said. “It’s kind of funny because I’m a mechanical engineering major, and I just do it for fun.” He experiments with many different mediums and is constantly trying to find new methods that work. Currently, one of Koludrovich’s passions is spray painting scenes from outer space. “I just chose that style because not a lot of people do it,” Koludrovich said “I love outer space. So, when I saw someone do [spray paint art] for the first time, I thought, ‘I

have to.’ I just loved the detail in it.” After watching countless videos and repeatedly experimenting with the processes, Koludrovich finally developed his own technique to create the perfect planetary scene, using only spray paint, a few circular objects and other common household items. He has left his mark on many unexpected types of backgrounds, including old records, skateboards, mirrors and, more recently, guitars. “[The guitars] are probably my favorite thing I’ve ever created with the spray paint,” Koludrovich said. “Just the idea of taking somebody’s regular painting and putting it to something that I feel is a little more iconic, like a guitar, is awesome.” Spray paint isn’t Koludrovich’s only medium of choice. The artist also dabbles in acrylic paint, but not in its typical usage. “I water down acrylic paint

and still do a water color effect, but I feel like I’m able to do a lot more with the acrylic and the colors are a lot more vibrant,” Koludrovich said. Koludrovich realized his passion for art at a young age. “As kids, my mom brought [my siblings and me] up making crafts every day of the week,” he said. “We never really watched TV. My mom would take us out to the craft store to get crafts, or we’d go down to the basement and we’d just craft.” Koludrovich also works at Cedar Point as a Screamster during Halloweekends. He puts an immeasurable amount of time into developing his character. “I don’t just jump out at people; I actually have a background story and I have a character name,” Koludrovich said. “Once you can develop that character and people ask you random things, you’re able to answer in character.”

He details every inch of his costume and makeup design to make the experience more authentic. “The newest thing that I created this year was the mask that I wore,” Koludrovich said. “Almost every single night I got complimented on it. I even had the head of the costume department at Cedar Point personally come up to me and complimented me on my costume.” Though some of his work is terrifying, most of it is used to bring joy to the closest people in his life. “Most of the artwork that I do, I give away to people just because I love doing that. I love seeing people’s expressions,” Koludrovich said. “I am also a huge fan of original work. I love original artwork and stuff, so I love giving it away as gifts. The biggest success that I’ve had is probably just giving away something that I’ve worked eight to 10 hours on. There’s this definite labor of love behind those.”

Changes to a timeless musical By Matt Rubin For the IC

In a much needed break from campus politics, I attended the 25th anniversary tour of “Les Misérables” at the Stranahan Theater. The intricate story by Victor Hugo follows several characters in 19th century France and climaxes with the June Rebellion of 1832 when a rebel group, consisting mostly of students, built a barricade in the streets of Paris and inevitably perished fighting government soldiers. I first experienced this epic tale of revolution, love and redemption in Detroit in 2003 and later consummated my relationship with the show as a high school senior, playing the role of Thénardier, the “Master of the House.” Having seen a previous national tour and studied the script as an actor, I observed this company’s interpretation with a critical eye. The lead role, Jean Valjean, was played by J. Mark McVey, who has performed the role over 2,900 times. The crowd roared after he sang the soft and spirited, “Bring Him Home.” Andrew Varela, who played Valjean’s nemesis Javert, was equally impressive, adding relatable elements to the character as he belted “Stars.” The supporting cast was brilliantly portrayed, with the exception of Éponine, played by Chasten Harmon. Although Harmon had by far the strongest female vocal talent in the show, her powerful presence

Megan Aherne — Editor

: Michael Koludrovich Jazz legend to perform

An engineer of the arts

By Caitlin Arthurs Asst. Arts and Life Editor

Page

Photo courtesy of Matt Rubin

Matt Rubin with actors Richard Vida as Thénardier and Shawna M. Hamic as Madame Thénardier after a production of “Les Misérables” at the Stranahan Theater this past weekend. failed to encapsulate her character’s lowly and neglected nature. This production touted “new and improved” score and staging. Although these changes did not damage the show’s overall production value, I found them detrimental to the mystique and grandeur of one of the longest running musicals of all time. “Les Misérables” is renowned for featuring a large, rotating set piece allowing for smooth and speedy scene changes and perspectives from both sides of the barricade during battle scenes. The signature turntable stage was ditched for rolling set pieces and Victor Hugo paintings projected on backdrop screens. The highly emotional scenes were derailed due to the absence of the rotating

barricade. Although “Les Misérables” is not fully dependent on a rotating stage, I found myself pining for its return during the deaths of revolutionary leader, Enjolras, and the audacious youngster, Gavroche. Their demises were moved offstage, softening the emotional blow of losing the bold, red-vested leader and the innocent, courageous child. Later, both are seen on the back of a push cart, unfortunately recalling the famous “Bring out your dead!” scene from “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” The pace was also kicked up a notch, eliminating breaks in music and abbreviating certain songs. The entire show seemed unnecessarily rushed, leaving the audience little time to

catch their breaths after major plot developments. Firsttime viewers were at a disadvantage if they were unfamiliar with the story. Although written in 1862, “Les Misérables” connects with college students today. Like its characters, we must accept defeats and celebrate victories in our own battles, while weighing the importance and purpose of our actions. We experience an array of emotions, from feeling the flurry of love, to the pain of neglect and loss. “Les Misérables” shows that life happens without our control and in the end, those who attained redemption did so by making the best of their situation and showing love to others. — Matt Rubin is president of Student Government.

for faculty and students By Danielle Gamble Copy Chief

Legendary jazz lyricist Jon Hendricks will be celebrating his 90th birthday with the UT Jazz program at Crystal Lounge tonight and at the Center for Performing Arts tomorrow night. Hendricks will perform tonight after CrossCurrents, the jazz faculty group, and Jon Hendricks’ Vocalstra, a student jazz vocal group. Tomorrow, he will perform with the Vocalstra on their concert in the CPA Recital Hall, and the Jazz Lab Band will also perform. “We can’t believe he turned 90 this year and he’s as spry as ever,” said Gunnar Mossblad, professor of saxophone and director of jazz studies. Hendricks, UT distinguished professor of jazz, is a world renowned jazz writer and singer, and is considered by many critics as the “Father of Vocalese,” the art of lyricizing instrumental jazz lines. In an interview with National Public Radio, Hendricks said lyrics make a song. “You find a word that exactly describes that sound, and then you’ve got it. Words are very flexible things,” Hendricks said. He has written vocalese versions of pieces from jazz artists such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington, and arranged Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade” for the Volcastra, premiering it

Photo courtesy of Angela Riddell

Jazz legend Jon Hendricks turned 90 years old this year. with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra in 2003. One of Hendricks’ more famous collaborations was with the vocal group The Manhattan Transfer. His arrangement of “Birdland” on their 1979 album “Extensions” won a Grammy, and their 1985 album “Vocalese,” which Hendricks wrote all the lyrics for, won seven of the 12 Grammy nominations it received. Crystal Lounge is housed within the Ramada Inn on Secor Road, one mile north of campus. The cover charges for both performances are $5 for the general public and $3 for students and seniors.

Time is power, thought is lost By Max Peltier IC Staff Writer

years left on his clock. This goes against everyThe old saying “time is thing the movie stands for money” has never rung as and insinuates the poor cannot handle money. There is true as it does in “In Time.” no real reaThis sci-fi action-adventure son for the from “Gattaca” direcinteraction. tor Andrew One aspect Niccol tries that should to use the have been exidea of time plored was as currency Production how everyto limited In Time one in the success. Rating world looks PG- Grade The basic 25. This conpremise of 13 cept is adthe movie is Starring Justin Timberlake and dressed once that instead Amanda Seyfried during an interof money, action where people spend and earn the time they have Will is not sure if Sylvia, played by Amanda Seyfried, is someleft to live. Everyone ages normally un- one’s wife or daughter. The typical lines of what til they are 25, and at that point, they are given a year to people look like are blurred so that someone who is 105 spend and invest. Will, played by Justin Tim- years old looks the same as berlake, is a factory worker someone who is 25. Such an who lives in the ghetto of age gap in a relationship is Dayton, and is almost out of also acceptable in their time after only being alive for society. There is a lot of solid tal28 years. At the beginning of the ent in this movie, such as movie, he has roughly a day Timberlake, Seyfried, Cillian left and it seems to be the end Murphy and Vincent Kartfor him until he runs into a heiser. All of these people stranger in a bar who has have shown incredible skill in the past, but for some reaover one hundred years. Local criminals hear about son it does not show in this this individual and attempt to movie. The pacing is unrefined capture him to steal his time. Will saves this mysterious and the actors seem to be stranger and, in gratitude, the calling it in. The best acting comes man donates the rest of his from Kartheiser, but his acttime to Will. He takes the man’s time and ing might just be layover decides to go to the rich sec- from “Mad Men” where he tion of town to take down the plays a similar character. In the end, the movie is not entire time system. As expected, things get complicat- terrible, but it really lacks ed when law enforcement, proper direction and acting. I feel that if the movie criminals and a love interest spent less time being an acget involved. The movie boils down to a tion-adventure, chase movie social commentary about the and spent more time explorcurrent socioeconomic status ing the repercussions of time being used as currency, it of the United States. After receiving a century of could have been more free time, Will gives a decade interesting. There is nothing inherently to his friend. If this movie were defending the poor, then terrible about “In Time,” but his friend might have invest- it felt incomplete because ed it or escaped the ghetto. there were so many metaInstead, his friend uses his phors that could have been new wealth to drink himself explored and it did not purto death, wasting the many sue any of them.