Volume 60, Issue 9
jan. 14 - 27, 2019 Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Clubs recruit at RSO Fair New Dean of Student Affairs Ronda Miller looks to connect with Stars Page >>> 2
LCC Robotics Club offers outlet for students to display their creativity Pages >>> 7
By Shauna Stocken A&E Editor Each spring semester LCC highlights registered student organizations at the RSO Fair. This year’s event was held Wednesday, Jan. 9. Members and club advisers decorated themed booths, which lined the sec-
ond floor of the Gannon Building. “I actually have a class in this building and I came down here when I heard all of this commotion,” said LCC student Amarie Moore. “So I just started talking to people and looking at the tables.” Clubs that participated included
the Catholic Student Fellowship, American Marketing Association, Sexuality and Gender Acceptance, and the brand new Human Resources Management Association. For a complete list of all LCC registered clubs, visit https://internal.lcc.edu/ studentlife/.
New Year brings new hope for LCC men’s basketball squad Page >>> 8
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jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Dean connects with students IN BRIEF By Ashlee Buhler Editor in Chief It’s never too late to change your outlook on life. Ronda Miller is living proof. On Dec. 2, Miller officially became the dean of Student Affairs at LCC. However, the journey to what she now calls her “dream job” was a bit unorthodox. From a young age Miller hated school. Although she said she was good at it, going to class was never really her cup of tea. In college she quickly took advantage of her newfound freedom. “At Michigan State the classrooms were large,” Miller said. “There were around 300 people in my first class. For a person who doesn’t like school, I realized very quickly that they wouldn’t know if I was there or not … so I stopped going to class.” During her junior year at Michigan State, Miller became pregnant. As a single mother, she eventually moved back home with her parents and dropped out of school. It was during that time that Miller realized she didn’t like the direction her life was going. “I just kind of felt like this wasn’t the life that God had planned for me,” Miller said. “I knew I wanted my daughter to look up to me, so I decided to go back to school.” Miller was accepted back at Michigan State on academic probation, which meant she had three terms to pull her GPA up. For the first time ever, she met with an academic adviser and began going to her professor’s office hours. This time around Miller was funding her own education, rather than getting assistance from her parents. She took a job on campus cleaning buildings from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. “I had this different hustle about me,” Miller said. “It was important for me to do well. I think my first term back I took maybe 14 credits and did well. That was such a great feeling to see my potential.” After graduating from Michigan State, Miller began working as an outreach worker in the health department. Then she worked as an at-risk counselor for the Lansing School District, which helped her to discover her passion for helping students. “I just fell in love with the students and trying to connect their families with resources,” Miller said. “I’ve always felt it’s important for me to let somebody know that I care and that I’m going to support them and help them through whatever they are going through.” Miller eventually decided to go back to school, this time at Western Michigan University, to get her master’s degree. After graduation she landed a job in admissions at Olivet College. Miller’s job was to recruit students, but she would also manage those students throughout their college journey to ensure they stayed on track. Eventually, Miller was promoted to associate dean of academic affairs, and ran the college’s resource center. “It never felt like work to me,” Miller said of her job at Olivet. “I loved my job. I can’t even put into words what it did to me. When I left there, I cried because I was leaving kids behind that I felt were like my own children.” In 2015, Miller brought her love and compassion to LCC. She served as an associate dean in Health and Human Services for three years before taking the position of interim dean of student affairs in June of 2018.
NEWS
Trustees meeting scheduled for Jan. 22 The LCC Board of Trustees Meeting calendar has been adopted for 2019. The first meeting of the year is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Administration Building boardroom. Meeting materials can be obtained from the Board of Trustees office at (517) 483-5252 or by emailing duncanb@star.lcc.edu.
Trustee liaison elected to national role
Photo by Ashlee Buhler
LCC Dean Ronda Miller sits down with Kevin Barragan, 29, a digital media major, to see what classes he plans to take this semester.
“It baffles me because I never liked school, but for 23 years now I’ve worked in education,” Miller said. “When they asked me if I would serve as interim dean of student affairs, I got goosebumps. I almost felt like I was dreaming.” Now as the dean of Student Affairs, with an office in room 1204 of the Gannon Building, Miller spends most of her days in meetings and doing administrative work. However, she said students are the nucleus of all the work she does. “It’s a privilege for me each and every day to come to this job and interact with students,” Miller said. “I want them to know that I, and all the people that work in this division, are here to help them achieve their goals. That’s what’s important to me.” Louc Genda, Miller’s administrative assistant, said Ronda’s devotion to equity is vital for student success. “What I enjoy most about working with Ronda is her authenticity and commitment to equity in education,” Genda said. “While equality in education grants equal access, every students’ experience is different. Equity in education provides the varying support a student needs to be successful.” Miller said she wants all students to know that her office has an open-door policy, and she is there to help them succeed. “I want students to feel like they can come in and say hello … or speak to me about a concern,” Miller said. “That’s important to me, more so than anything else. I’m a regular person and I want students to feel like they can come and talk to me or stop me in the halls if they see me. I love to hear students’ stories and if I can connect them with resources — that’s even better.” Despite her antipathy for school growing up, Miller took away something she hopes to communicate to LCC students. “Looking back, the one thing that helped me go to school every day, other than my parents, were my teachers,” Miller said. “I felt like they truly loved me. I could do anything and they would support me and encourage me … they made me believe I could do anything. That’s what I hope to transfer to students.”
At the 2018 ACCT Leadership Congress in New York, LCC’s executive assistant and board liaison Benita Duncan was elected as secretary of the Executive Committee of the ACCT Professional Board Staff Network. Duncan was elected by her peers at the Professional Board Staff Network. The position automatically ascends to the position of vice president and then president.
Business network event in Old Town Old Town is hosting the perfect event for local business owners or entrepreneurs. “Wake Up Old Town” is a free networking opportunity for business owners and professionals from all over the city to come together and share ideas to help Old Town thrive. The event will be held at Great Lakes Art and Gifts on the first Friday of every month, starting on Feb. 1.
Take a tour of the Capitol building Each year the Michigan State Capitol welcomes over 115,000 people to take a tour of the historic Michigan State Capitol building and learn the stories of Michigan’s past. Guided, self-guided and virtual tours are available. Tours typically last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and are free to the public. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit http://capitol.michigan.gov/tours.
Comedy night at Mac’s on Mondays Mac’s Bar located at 2700 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing hosts comedy night every Monday starting at 9pm. Come and see the best in local and regional comics on the Mac’s Bar stage. There is no cover charge, attendees must be age 18 or older. Hosts for the event are Dan Currie and Mark Roebuck, the event is free and all are welcome. For additional information, check out https://www.facebook.com/MacsComedy.
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JAN. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Herrmann leaves $1.5 million to students By Shauna Stocken A & E Editor In honor of the late Dr. Christian Herrmann and his generosity toward LCC, a press conference was held Dec. 13 to unveil his most significant contribution to the college. The gift was a $1.5 million donation, to be used for scholarships and student support. “Throughout the years, Dr. Christian Herrmann has remained a generous benefactor to the Lansing Community College Foundation,” said Dan McKean, executive director of the LCC Foundation Board. Herrmann, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 96, provided funds to renovate LCC’s atrium addition in 1995, as well as for his historical childhood house. The house, located next to the main campus’s coy pond, is now home to LCC President Brent Knight and his wife, Risé. Herrmann’s donation is the largest contribution ever gifted by a single person, according to Foundation Board officials. “This gift of over a million dollars will help … many of our students to overcome obstacles and be successful,” President Knight said. Knight said the donation will benefit LCC
Photo byShauna Stocken
Toni Glasscoe speaks during the press conference Dec. 13. Standing near are Dan McKean of the LCC Foundation (left) and LCC President Brent Knight. A photo of Dr. Christian Herrmann is shown in the background.
student success mainly in the form of financial student aid, for years to come. “It makes a difference for individual students whether you can attend college and be successful or not,” Knight said. “Without this money, many students just wouldn’t have this opportunity.” LCC foreign exchange student Jonida Sei-
ellara, from Albania, is a recent recipient of an LCC international student scholarship. “I think every student, when (they) win a scholarship, gets more motivated to go and study,” said Seiellara who began paralegal studies at LCC last spring. “Especially when you are international, because there’s an absence of your family here and you have
support from the other people (at LCC) that makes it feel like you are with your family.” Other speakers at the conference included Toni Glasscoe, associate vice president of External Affairs & Development at LCC. “Here’s the beauty; we have options,” Glasscoe said about the $1.5 million donation. “A lot of time when you have donations there are very specific things you can do with the money. Dr. Herrmann really gave us a lot of flexibilities. We can use the dollars for scholarships as well as student support.” According to Glasscoe, a plan should be established within the next six months, detailing how to best to use the funds. Uses could range from student food assistance to scholarship opportunities, she said. As stated by McKean, it was Herrmann’s heart and love for Lansing that inspired him to donate the way he did throughout his lifetime. “Lansing Community College is worth the investment,” McKean said. According to McKean, 40 to 50 new scholarship opportunities are now available, thanks to Herrmann’s donation. For a list of scholarships, or to invest in LCC, visit https://www.lcc.edu/foundation.
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jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Scholarship application still available By Sarah Barney Associate Editor There’s still time to apply for LCC Foundation scholarships. The general application must be completed online before Jan. 31 for students to be considered. The application includes some questions about the student, how many credits he or she is taking, program of study, about five personal statements and then financial information. Recipients must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 grade point average, although many scholarships require a higher grade point average. Scott Skowronek, coordinator of scholarships and operations for the LCC Foundation, spoke about the benefits of applying through the general application. “Our online system saves students time and effort by reducing the number of questions that a student needs to answer,” Skowronek said. “When a stu-
Photo by Sarah Barney
An LCC student begins the application process. dent completes the application, the system automatically applies the student to every scholarship that the student is eligible for.” Each academic year, the LCC Foundation scholarships given out total over $425,000. According to Skowronek, on average, the organization awards a little over $1,000 for each scholarship. “Each year, we award almost all of our scholarships,” Skowronek said. “There
are a few very specific scholarships that can be difficult to award, but working with our partners around campus, we often find worthy recipients even for the most difficult to award scholarships.” After applications are submitted, the LCC Foundation recruits volunteers from LCC faculty and staff, as well as the mid-Michigan community, to review applications. Each application is reviewed by two volunteers without them seeing the applicant’s name or demographic information. After that, the scores given determine how the scholarships are awarded. “LCC is very lucky to have the strong support of the community, and that is really expressed by our generous donors,” Skowronek said. “Many of our donors are LCC alumni who themselves benefited from scholarships when they were students. “Other donors are local organizations and businesses that understand the val-
ue of an education at LCC and want to help students achieve their goals and dreams.” Dietetics major Rachel Todter won an Honors Program Award through LCC. The award is merit based and covers full-time student tuition for two years, including summer semesters. To qualify for the award, Todter has to maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher and take a total of six honors courses throughout her two years at LCC. “It was really nice to have a scholarship so that I can take all my (general education classes) for free and then transfer to a larger institution without being in debt,” Todter said. “I’d definitely encourage other students to apply for scholarships because they can save so much more money, and it looks good on applications when they apply to other universities.” To fill out the general application go to https://lcc.edu/scholarships/.
Emotional support offered after tragic event By Ashlee Buhler Editor in Chief An LCC student-employee died after falling from a parking structure near main campus. The incident occurred shortly before 5:20 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10. The male student, age 26, died the next day at a local hospital. The death is being ruled as a suicide, according to the Lansing Police Department. The Lookout does not print the name of suicide victims. LCC President Brent Knight later released a statement to students and staff via email concerning the incident. “The students, faculty and staff at LCC
are a family,” Knight wrote. “When one of us is affected, we all feel it. I want you to know that you are never alone. Incidents of this nature can feel unsettling, especially on top of the stress you may feel at this time of the year with finals and the upcoming holiday season.” The college had therapists on campus in the days following the incident to help students and staff work through any grief they may have been experiencing. Dr. Levente von Heydrich, a licensed therapist from Expert Therapy Services, explained the services he was providing for LCC on Dec. 13.
“My purpose here is very specific: Provide assistance and relief to grieving
co-workers and students,” von Heydrich said. “As soon as they enter, I will do an assessment to establish where the person is in the grieving process. After the assessment, suggestions are recommended … we just get the ball rolling.” LCC offers free counseling services for students who are struggling emotionally, or just need someone to talk to. Appointments can be made by calling (517) 483-1924 or visiting https://internal.lcc. edu/supportservices/counseling. To learn more about mental illnesses, suicide prevention or to find local support groups, visit https://www.nami.org/ Find-Support.
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PLACE YOUR AD HERE Advertising in The Lookout’s classified section is inexpensive and effective. Cost is just $8.50 for 20 words or less. Additional words are 50 cents. Call (517) 483-1295 to place an ad.
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JAN 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LANSING
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Ferris State University is an equal opportunity institution. For information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit ferris.edu/non-discrimination.
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jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Student manages business and classes By Maddie Toles Sports Editor With the New Year ringing in, many students are focusing on managing their stressful lives or cutting down on extracurricular activities. Aaliyah Haqqi, a 25-year-old LCC student, is not one of them. With three core classes, her own business, and membership in three clubs, Haqqi knows something about a side hustle. Haqqi calls herself a “natural entrepreneur,” and it certainly shows. Starting when she was 12, she opened her own henna tattoo business. Haqqi details her love of this business by explaining its origin in her culture, and how the art of doodling has helped her combat her ADD and dyslexia. “It always helped me in class to doodle,
LCC Star
Photo by Maddie Toles
AALIYAH HAQQI
and even now, I have a notebook every time I’m traveling or going anywhere,” she said. “I just doodle in the little notebook. It really helps me relax.” The LCC student moves often due to her husband’s job, and she said that her business has been a wonderful way to get involved in the community. Haqqi also nods to her membership in the LCC American Marketing Association (AMA) for helping her expand her start-up, as it has taught her about the importance of networking and how to connect with customers. “It gave me a lot of different ideas to help right now; it’s been helping me with growing my business,” she said. “I’ve met so many people, not only on campus, but off campus,” she said about
- Alumni Spotlight -
being in AMA. “It’s reaching out to people I didn’t know before that can actually help me.” Adding to her busy schedule, Haqqi is also a student mentor at LCC and has two mentees. She said her love for the program comes from her own struggle to adapt in college, and she wants to give help that she didn’t receive in her beginning as a student. AMA President Joe Strother explained how Haqqi has made such an impact on LCC. “Aaliyah is very good at word-of-mouth marketing, which is unique nowadays in the age of technology and social media,” Strother said. “She has a fiery enthusiasm about most everything she does, whether it’s TRiO Services, Psychology Club or AMA.”
LCC Star
One class made the difference for alumni By Sarah Barney Associate Editor Every year, the LCC Alumni Association names a Distinguished Alumni Award winner. Last March, it was announced that Lansing native Robert Bessette was the 2018 recipient. Bessette attended LCC in 1961 and then again in 1965. During that time, he took a remedial math class, which he credits with greatly helping his later successes in life. “In the middle of this course, all of sudden, ‘ah-ha!’ things clicked,” Bessette said in a video interview. Bessette eventually transferred to MSU and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and an associate degree from LCC. Bessette went on to work for Burroughs Corporation, which is headquartered in Plymouth Township in Michigan, for 14 years. After that, he left to be a founding member, president and CEO of Core Technology Corporation. Some of the criteria for the alumni award includes career accomplish-
ments, impact of LCC on personal achievements, and enrichment and support of the community. Steve Slocum, the coordinator of major and planned gifts for the LCC Foundation, commented on the importance of the enrichment and support portion. “It’s fantastic if you become CEO of a company, but also are you using that to give back to society or the college in some way?” Slocum asked. Bessette is responsible for adding an embedded tutor to MATH 106 classes at LCC. In addition, he gives a speech each semester for MATH 106 students and answers their questions. Slocum got to know Bessette better when accompanying him to events. “I would describe Bob as scrappy,” Slocum said. “Bob got (where he is in life) by pulling himself up by his bootstraps. “He realized that he wanted to make a better life for himself and continue to strive to be better and better. He never really settled or expected
Courtesy photo
Robert Bessette receives the Distinguished Alumni Award from former LCC Board of Trustee Robin Smith.
anything less than what he defined for himself to be success.” To see more information about the
award and Bessette, go to https://www. lcc.edu/alumni/distinguished-alumni. html.
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jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Educ
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CLUB SPOTLIGHT
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Design, build and program with robotics By Islam Amir Staff Writer The LCC VEX Robotics Club is a student organization on campus that offers opportunities to students who are interested in learning about robotics. “The mission of the club is to offer students an outlet specifically for students interested in robotics to build things using their creativity and their imagination,” said Club President Julia Stouffer. Stouffer said the club’s main goals for the semester are trying to recruit new members and participating in robotics competitions. “We are planning on participating in the VEX U competition,” Stouffer said. “It is where teams of students design and build a robot that competes against the opponents in a series of specific challenges in regional, national and, eventually, international robotics. “In the meantime we are trying to expose the club to students who are inter-
Photo by Islam Amir
Robotics Club President Julia Stouffer answered questions about her club at the club fair Jan. 9.
ested in moving forward with our plans for the semester.” Stouffer said her personal experience is what motivated her to join the club. “I was a member of the robotics team back in high school (at Lansing Sexton) and I really enjoyed every time I spent in my robotics class … That really gave me a head start on my role today in the club. “I started the (LCC) robotics club because I want to give a chance to community college students to use their hands to build, program robotics and, most importantly, have fun.” Everyone is welcome to join the club, no matter what they are majoring in. The club will be meeting on Friday, Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon in Gannon Building room 2214. To become a member of the club or for more information, send an email to either of the advisers: Eric Bennett at bennete@lcc.edu or Don Eckford at eckford@ lcc.edu.
Campus Comments
“What is your New Year’s resolution for 2019?”
Madison Stoddard, 18, Sports Journalism
Kelsey Mateer, 18, Undecided
Daniel Dejene, 19, Journalism
Dan Maes, 20, Criminal Justice
“My New Year's resolution is to be more active (and) make new friends here; so being positive and get to know more types of people.”
“My New Year's resolution is to just be more positive (and) spread positivity to other people.”
“To continue to be a better version of myself. Toward the end of 2018, there was a lot of growth in my life. I would like to see that growth continue in every aspect.”
“My New Year's resolution is to start actually going on to bigger and better things. I have a lot of opportunities open to me, and I've always been afraid because it's very uncomfortable. This year, I'm just going to go full in.”
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jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Men prevail in MCCAA West showdown By Brodee Gillam Staff Writer The New Year brings new hope to the LCC men’s basketball team. After an 88-62 home win against Jackson College on Jan. 9, the Stars’ conference record rose to 2-1 (4-9 overall). LCC now controls its own destiny moving forward. Even though the Stars are five games under .500, it does not have any effect on their chances to win a conference championship. And, according to LCC Head Coach Mike Ingram, that has always been the goal. “We just have to win some games,” Ingram said. “Our goal was to be 1-0 in the conference, and then 2-0 and I thought we should be 3-0 right now. The first goal is always to win the conference. “We play, probably, the toughest non-conference schedule in the country at this level. We played seven teams that were ranked in the top 15.” As far as the minute distribution, Ingram said the past few games have been used to work out the kinks in the rotation. “At Kalamazoo (Valley CC) we started our second (unit) and I think they do a better (job) at setting the table for us,” Ingram said. “They are a little more organized. They play a little harder. … They came in and finished that game for us in pretty good fashion.”
Photo by Brynne Luter
Sophomore Donquall Jackson guards a Delta College player at an LCC home game on Dec. 5.
The win against Kalamazoo Valley CC was followed by a loss to Mid-Michigan College, where Ingram rolled out the same game plan, leading to a different result. Heading into the contest against Jackson College, Ingram decided to slightly change the starting lineup once again. “We tweaked the (starters) with a couple
guys that were (on the bench), put them in and played pretty well,” Ingram said. “I thought we competed.” LCC’s top performers against Jackson included sophomore Emmanuel Gildo with an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double. Freshman Skylar Wilson had an efficient stat line with 14 points and eight assists.
But sophomore Tony Trice stood out. Trice scored 24 points, shooting nine of 15 from the field and six of 10 from beyond the arc. Alongside his scoring prowess, Trice added six rebound and four assists. Ingram said he credits Trice’s performance to the Stars’ offensive execution. “I think the one thing that’s really hurt our shooters is that we weren’t passing the ball,” Ingram said. “I think our guards did a better job. Skylar Wilson started at point guard and then when we took him out, we moved Tony to point guard, so we were really passing the ball. Guys were getting up and down the court. “That’s the main thing with all shooters. If they can get open shots, and Tony’s a shooter, they have a better chance of scoring than if every time they get the ball (and) someone’s in their face.” As a sophomore at a two-year school like LCC, Trice has had to step up as a leader as the season has progressed. “In the beginning of the season, I wasn’t really taking the full responsibility of being a sophomore,” Trice said. “But now I’m telling the guys, ‘We need to play defense and we need to play hard to win’ because I really want to win.” The Stars’ next home game is on Saturday, Jan. 19 against Glen Oaks CC at 3 p.m. in the Gannon Gym.
Women’s hoop falls despite 27 from Williams By Maddie Toles Sports Editor The LCC women’s basketball team had its first loss of spring semester, 6354 to Jackson College on Jan 9. The loss was the third conference game of the season, putting the Stars record in the MCCAA West at 0-3, and the overall record at 4-10. At the moment, the Stars are on a three-game losing streak, but according to LCC Head Coach Layne Ingram, the Stars will rise this season. Despite the loss, sophomore Jaylynn Williams put up 27 points for the Stars, and also led LCC with 13 rebounds. Sophomore Jessica Taylor added 13 points for the Stars. Sophomore Jacqulyn Kolnitys paced LCC with four assists. Ingram said that for the rest of the season, he will be focusing on moving players off the bench and changing up the lineup.
He also stated his disappointment in the performance over the recent game, but shared his goals and plans to improve moving forward. “It’s been sort of a pattern with this team, playing games has been a struggle,” Ingram said. “It comes down to mental toughness, playing hard, not taking any plays off.” According to Ingram, one of the team’s major struggles has been filling the roster, as five players have been lost to numerous factors, including injury and ineligibilities. Ingram said new team members are currently being considered for the current season due to the lack of available players. The next home game will be against Glen Oaks Community College on Saturday, Jan. 19. The action starts at 1 p.m. in the Gannon Gym. Spectators are welcome.
Photo by Maddie Toles
Sophomore Jaylynn Williams, 21, defends a pass against Jackson College on Jan. 9 in the Gannon Gym. The Stars lost the game to the Jets, 63-54.
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JAN. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout — off the glass —
Writer returns; makes sports resolutions After two years of taking classes here at Lansing Community College and writing for The Lookout, last spring was the last time I thought I would have my name in this newspaper. But life has a funny way of bringing us back where we belong. After taking the fall semester off, I came back to LCC to finish my associate degree and The Lookout staff welcomed me back with open arms. Being able to write for this newspaper, alongside this staff again, is a great opportunity. With that being said, the transition into 2019 begs the question; what will come from the sports world in the new year? I definitely have a few ideas that would be awesome to see throughout the year. The first of these ideas is something which has never been done in any of the major professional sports: a female head coach. San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon, the first full-time female assistant in NBA history, is the most likely candidate, in my opinion. Hammon played in the WNBA for 15 seasons. She was a six-time All Star
brodee gillam staff writer
gillamb@lcc.edu
and was named one of the top 15 players in WNBA history in 2011. As one of the best guards ever in women’s basketball history, maybe even basketball history, her knowledge of the game cannot be questioned. Hammon has proven her abilities on the sidelines as well, in the NBA’s Summer League in 2015, guiding the Spurs summer squad to a championship. Alongside that, Hammon has been a part of the legendary Gregg Popovich’s staff for the past three seasons. Popovich’s coaching tree spreads all around the NBA, from Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer to Steve Kerr, the head coach of the reigning champion Golden State Warriors. By the end of 2019, this tree’s next branch should be Hammon, a brilliant
basketball mind that any team would be lucky to have. Sticking with basketball for the next sports resolution: Here is something that most of the greater Lansing area has wanted for a long time — another national championship for Tom Izzo and the Spartans. Michigan State has had good to great chances to win it all heading into every postseason, but this year feels different. This team has everything an NCAA champion needs, and most of it comes from a trio of juniors. Junior point guard Cassius Winston is orchestrating the offense with precision, and always bounces back after a stretch of poor play. Junior big man Nick Ward is reliable down low, either by scoring or drawing fouls. Joshua Langford, a junior guard/forward, has all the moxie and scoring ability to take on any opponent. Surrounding those three with role players, like Kenny Goins, Kyle Ahrens and Matt McQuaid, has this team looking less like teams of the past and more like a true contender come March. My last aspiration for sports in 2019 comes from the D.
Detroit’s pro sports teams have a wonderful history. The Red Wings are one of the most dominant franchises in NHL History. Even without a championship, the Tigers were a fearsome team throughout much of the past two decades. While the Pistons are competing for a playoff spot this season, the past success (and three NBA championships) clearly eclipses where the team is at now. I understand the notion that the Red Wings and the Tigers are going through rebuilding phases, but the fans deserve hope. The city should be buzzing with all three sports teams’ stadiums within 500 feet of each other, and that is just not the case. The Pistons are winning more, but outside of 29-year-old Blake Griffin, there is nothing to be excited about. After missing on Donovan Mitchell in the 2017 NBA Draft and Devin Booker a few years before that, the Pistons have no future. Fans all across Michigan deserve better than that from all three teams. So whatever has to happen in any of those franchises to get some excitement flowing in 2019, I am all for it.
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
LCC basketball player Tony Trice discusses why he loves the game
Q&A
The Lookout Sports Editor Maddie Toles recently sat down to speak with Tony Trice of the Lansing Community College men’s basketball team. The sophomore guard is a graduate of Waverly High School in Delta Township. When and why did you start playing basketball? “I just grew up playing basketball. It was always fun. My mom put it in front (of me on) the TV. It’s the only
thing I remember. I was probably 3.” What do you like most about playing basketball? “It’s just fun. It’s my favorite thing to do. I like competing, trying to win.” What’s your favorite memory from playing basketball? ‘Probably scoring 30 points against St. Johns (during) my senior year of high school.” Do you have any basketball role models you look up to? “I look up to my cousin, Justin. He played basketball at Toledo (Univer-
sity). He went to play overseas. He’s just a player in my family I look up to, to see it’s possible.” What are your plans after Lansing Community College? “My plans after LCC are to continue playing basketball, but if not, to continue getting a degree in some field.” What are you working on the most in your basketball game? “Just knocking down my shots and playing defense. The biggest thing I want to improve on is consistently making shots.”
Tony Trice
10|ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
New music to ‘Grace’ Mac’s Bar stage By Shauna Stocken Arts & Entertainment Editor Musician Grace Vonderkuhn, 27, and her band of the same name anticipates their first trip to Michigan at the end of January. Grace Vonderkuhn along with the bands Dogleg and Tidal will open for the band: Thin Lips on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at Mac’s Bar. Mac’s Bar is located at 2700 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing. It will feature the all-ages show Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. “I’m in a three-piece band, so it’s bass, guitar and drums. I play the guitar and write the songs,” Vonderkuhn said. Currently based in Delaware, Grace Vonderkuhn and her bandmates, Brian Bartling on bass and Dave Mcgrory on drums, have been together since 2015. “I was in another band that was kind of dissolving,” Vonderkuhn said. “I just wanted to go into another direction, I guess.” According to Vonderkuhn, her band is eager to get back on stage after its last tour in February, which
Courtesy photo
Grace Vonderkuhn and her bandmates, Brian Bartling on bass (left) and Dave Mcgrory, on drums have been together since 2015.
promoted the release of the 2018 debut LP, “Reveries.” Vonderkuhn is a born pop rocker, she explained, whose music combines psych and garage rock aesthetics with a sharp pop sensibility. “Our friends from the Thin Lips in Philadelphia invited us to support them
on tour and we were thrilled,” Vonderkuhn said. The Thin Lips recently went on tour with the band Hop Along, opening the show last August before beginning their own tour. “We want to play everywhere we can, so it’s kind of nice to cover more
ground,” Vonderkuhn said. According to Lansing resident and music enthuses Zach Carey, 23, Mac’s Bar is a Lansing destination for many people due to the venue’s all-ages shows. “I haven’t heard of Grace (Vonderkuhn) before, but I’ve heard of the Thin Lips,” Carey said. “I’ll most likely be at the show.” Carey frequents Mac’s Bar, he explained, for the authentic and raw music experiences it offers. “I’m into metal music, but I like learning about new artists,” Carey said. “That’s the great thing about Mac’s; you can really get (close) up and personal with the artists while they’re up on stage, and then meet the person or band after the show.” Tickets are available at the door or can be preordered online for $10 at https://macsbar.com/. Don’t forget to bring extra cash for merchandise ranging in price from $2 for buttons and stickers to $20 for a vinyl record of “Reveries.”
Festival of Trees lights up Turner-Dodge House By Ashlee Buhler Editor in Chief A Christmas tree decked out with Cat in the Hat decorations, a tree filled with stuffed animals from top to bottom, and another garnished with photography film strips. Those were just a sampling of what could be found upon entering the Turner-Dodge House in Lansing’s Old Town for the seventh annual Festival of Trees. The historical three-story house had over 50 decorated Christmas trees on display during the holiday season. The trees were decorated by non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals who were feeling creative for the holiday season. “The festival never disappoints,” said Barbara Loyer, manager of the Turner-Dodge House. “It always amazing how much creativity people have and how much time they put into their trees. Having them all together creates such a Christmas ambiance. It’s really fortifying.” According to Loyer, the event attracts approximately 500 people a week. “This is our biggest event at the Turner-Dodge House,” she said. For Linda Heusinkbeld and her friend
Landa Wagar, the Festival of Trees has become a tradition. “We used to decorate trees for multiple office buildings … so this is right up our alley,” said Heusinkbeld. “There really are some creatives ones. “My favorite is the one that says, “Say Cheese.” They took rolls of film and made a paper chain out of it. They took old film canisters and glittered them and then they put cameras in (the tree) … they did a wonderful job.” The “Say Cheese” tree was created by the Mid-Michigan Photography Club. Mary, a Lansing resident, came to the event for the first time with her husband, John. She said she liked the jungle-themed palm tree that was presented by Michael Beebe, the president of the Turner-Dodge Board of Directors. “We lived here originally, moved to Arizona and then came back, so we’re used to palm trees,” Mary said. “It’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see the rest of (the trees).” The Turner-Dodge House is located at 100 E. North St. in Lansing. For more information about the historical house and the events it hosts, visit https://www.lansingmi. gov/938/Turner-Dodge-House.
Photo by Ashlee Buhler
This palm tree was among the favoites at the 2018 Festival of Trees at the Turner-Dodge House.
11|Arts & Entertainment
jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
IN BRIEF
Arts and Entertainment
Annual cardboard classic is Jan. 19
Photo by Ashlee Buhler
Vickie Diebold, director of the dance show on Dec. 16, choreographed the beginning jazz dance to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.”
LCC’s dance skills on display By Ashlee Buhler Editor in Chief A crowd of over 50 people filed into Dart Auditorium on Sunday, Dec. 16 for the Fall Dance Open House. The show, directed by Dance Lead Faculty Vickie Diebold, was an opportunity for students enrolled in a fall dance class to perform the dances they learned during the semester. In total, there was seven performances, ranging from beginning jazz and beginning modern to intermediate ballet. For Abby Gabler, a 19-year-old math major, this was her first time performing at LCC. “I was a little nervous,” Gabler said. “I thought we did pretty well. It was my first time in intermediate ballet, so there was a lot of different levels of dancers, but I think we all worked together really well.” Allison Dimick, 23, performed in both the beginning jazz and African dances. “This was the first time I performed in years and it was exhilarating,” Dimick said. “The audience was a lot of fun … The costumes were also a lot of fun. You can run a dance over and over, but it’s the most fun when you have the costumes on and you’re in character.” The next LCC dance event will be the Spring Dance Concert, which runs April 12 through 14. The show will be titled “Back to our Roots.” It will allow student choreographers to pay homage to dance icons who inspired them. For more information, contact Vickie Diebold at diebov@lcc.edu.
For the 13th year, Gier Community Center, LCC Radio and the City of Lansing are sponsoring the Cardboard Classic. The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 19 at Gier Park on Lansing’s north side. The classic gathers friends and families to partake in not only the construction of cardboard sleds, but also a day of prizes and friendly competition. In past years, contestants have constructed sleds shaped as Viking ships, Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine, a coffee cup and much more. Doors open for registration at 1 p.m. and the race begins at 2 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee per sled. For more information on how to participate, visit www.lcc.edu/radio/events/cardboardclassic/.
Theatre hosting ‘Jack and the Bear’ The Robin Theatre, located at 1105 S. Washington Ave. in Lansing’s REO Town, will host the band “Jack and the Bear” on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The band describes its musical style as theatrical folk and root sounds, which often is compared to “dark Disney.” General admission tickets are $10.50 per person and can be purchased at the venue or at https://www.therobintheatre.com.
Winter fun planned at nature center Don’t let winter weather keep you indoors this season. The Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road in Okemos, has scheduled a “Winter Wonderland” of free activities on Saturday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regardless of snowfall or inclement weather, the park has planned both indoor and outdoor actives for all ages. Warm up with a campfire or a hike, try snowshoeing, watch dog sledding and much more.
Alumni receive StarCard benefits
Photo by Ashlee Buhler
The LCC beginning ballet class performs to “Carol of the Bells,” which was choreographed by Elzbieta Alabuszew-Kutek.
Anyone who has earned a degree, certificate or has simply enrolled in one class is considered LCC alumni and permitted to several StarCard benefits. StarCards grant access to the LCC Library to check out materials aside from computers. They also grant free admission to most sporting events, as well as free use of the main and west campus fitness centers.
12|A & E
jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
reviews
‘Astroworld’ album does little to impress By Islam Amir Staff Writer How does listening to only four songs make me feel like throwing my phone into the nearest garbage can? “Astroworld” is a studio album by Travis Scott, an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. He released the album on Aug. 2, 2018. Personally, I did not like the album, but I will admit the beat was on point. The reason I didn’t care for the album is because the lyrics don’t make sense to me. Also, the background vocals sounded like out-of-place church music. The songs, “Sicko Mode,” “Stargazing” and “Stop Trying to Be God,” were the
only songs that stood out to me positively. “Stargazing” is the one song that has any worthwhile lines on the entire album. For instance the lines, “Just to drown out all these thoughts, I tried all kind of things/If I take you to my past, you will be traumatized,” seem to be talking about a psychedelic trip through outer space, or what he imagines outer space to be. Perhaps it is because he may be high on drugs and they make him hallucinate about this made-up world. Likewise, Scott seems to incorporate several topics in the song. He talks about Ellen, his music, a girl who saved his life, rolling up, and going crazy. It’s too much! I did enjoy “Sicko Mode.” It starts
with an extended intro from, in my opinion, one of the most popular rappers in the world: Drake. Here, Drake sounds very much like Drake. But at the track’s one-minute mark, for an instant, it sounds like Scott has crafted a great Drake song, when the beat switches. He also works more with the dramatic mid-song shift than any other current rapper, but rarely does the dime turn work as well as it does here, and two minutes deeper into the track, he does it again. Overall, everyone has their own personal taste when it comes to music, but I do not like this this album, Travis Scott could have done better.
Photo from redditt.com
‘Smash Bros. Ultimate’ earns mixed reviews By Joe Strother Advertising Manager “Super Smash Brothers Ultimate,” the fifth installment to Nintendo’s legendary video game franchise, is already setting records upon its release in early December. The basic premise of this video game is quite simple. It is a king-of-the-hill style fighting game where anywhere from two to eight characters can battle it out on a stage. Characters can throw punches, swing swords and shoot lasers to try and rack up damage on their opponents. Once an opponent has received an ample amount of damage, the player can
Photo from bestbuy.com
then perform a unique “smash” attack to send their foes flying off the stage to claim one of their lives. While this gameplay is incredibly simple, it is very engrossing with all of the different combos and setups that
one can perform in order to prevail. The other component that makes Super Smash Bros Ultimate such a unique and addicting game is the 74 different characters a player can choose from. Mario, Kirby, Donkey Kong, Yoshi, Sonic, Pikachu, Solid Snake and even Pac Man are all playable characters, just to name a few. Each character comes with his or her own unique strengths, weaknesses, and styles that allow even the most experienced players to find enjoyment in playing with new characters. This is where the praise for Smash Brothers Ultimate ends, unfortunately. As a diehard player who has soaked up
hundreds of hours screaming at the TV set playing every edition of Smash Bros. with my cousins, it felt to me as though Nintendo came up a bit short with this game’s potential. Where Smash Bros. Ultimate falls short is the online gameplay. Playing online is something that is essential for video games in this day and age, and Smash Bros. Online feels clunky, laggy and disorganized. In an ideal world, Smash Brothers Ultimate would have an easier way to use a microphone to chat with opponents, a much easier way to play with friends, and have more online game modes, such as tournaments.
Spider-beings weave intricate web in movie By Danielle Hook Freelance Writer “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is a beautiful film filled with incredible, distinct animation. Miles Morales, voiced by Shameik Moore, is a new spin on the classic Peter Parker tropes. Peter is clumsy and awkward. Miles, however, is passionate about music and graffiti and is more relaxed. Through King Pin’s antics, viewers get to meet multiple versions of the spi-
der-powered heroes of other timelines. An older version of Peter Parker, voiced by Chris Pine, serves as a mentor for Miles as he struggles with his powers. Miles even gets a few improvements on Parker’s tried and true abilities. Spider-Woman (Hailee Steinfeld), Peter Porker (John Mulaney), Spider-Man Noir (Nicolas Cage), and Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn) make voice appearances as they all try to find a way back to their respective universes. These characters sometimes blend into
an area of trying too hard to be comic relief, and the viewers never really have strong emotions toward any of them. The animation is beautiful, as it should be, after being in production for four years. The plot, however, may fall a little flat at times due to very little explanation. The characters seem to know just what to do despite the strangeness of the situation. They also seem to make large leaps in logic to explain away how King Pin’s machine works.
Miles is half black, half Cuban and offers more representation for different ethnicities in super hero movies. His family is shown as very loving, despite his police officer father disliking spider-man. King Pin is even shown to value family as the audience sees his ultimate motivation for pulling the universe apart. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is beautiful and may be a revolution in animation, but it ultimately is a family movie for everyone to enjoy.
13|distractions
Jan. 14 -27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
This week’s King Crossword is sponsored by:
Hold your newspaper up to a mirror to get the answer to this week’s King Crossword:
14|opinion
jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout — THROUGH ASHLEE’S EYES —
Start the new year with the right people I ended 2018 the same way I started it; surrounded by the people who love and support me the most. In 2019 I plan to keep it that way. Everyone has their own definitions of success. For me, success is simply being happy with myself and where I am at in life. It’s a process, but over the years I have learned what works for me and what doesn’t. One of the biggest things is surrounding myself with the right people. That means people who make me laugh,
Ashlee buhler editor in chief
buhlera@lcc.edu
make me feel comfortable, pick me up when I’m feeling down and most importantly, appreciate me.
By choice, my circle of friends has gotten significantly smaller since my high school days. I’ve decided to stop wasting time on people who don’t reciprocate the energy I put into them. You know, those people who only show up when it’s convenient for them, or when they need something. I’ve spent too much of my younger years fighting for people’s approval or attention. The truth of it is, friends or family should never make you feel like
they don’t care about you or don’t have time for you. If they do — that’s when you know it’s time to distance yourself from them. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s ok to keep your circle of friends small. More importantly, it’s ok to spend time alone and focus on doing the things that make you happy. You owe it to yourself to have a great year, even if that means leaving some people behind.
— STOCKEN SPEAKS —
Beginning a bittersweet spring semester at LCC The start of spring semester came quickly for me. In the weeks prior, I scurried around preparing for the holidays while off from work and school. Now, three weeks later, it’s time to do it all over again. On the first Monday of the new semester, I sat in my statistics class at LCC thinking that my brain felt kind of gooey. While on break, I wrote almost daily in a journal. I also read “Crazy Salad” by my favorite writer, Nora Ephron, and started reading “The Feminist Mystique.” Despite my efforts, however, I
wasn’t able to keep my brain properly stimulated. My small break from reality taught me I’m incapable of being a lady of leisure. I’ve been restless and eager to get back to school and to journalism. With that said, the beginning of this semester also feels like the beginning of the end for me; it’s a bittersweet semester. As long as I pass statistics, I’ll be done with my education at LCC and my position on the student newspaper. With only four courses at Ferris State University (FSU) remaining, my journey as a college student also nears its end.
Shauna Stocken A & E Editor
stockens@lcc.edu
I look back and credit LCC professors and The Lookout Adviser Larry Hook for helping me define my character over the years. I’ve gained academic knowledge, as well as the courage needed to excel in
the field of business, and with my writing, in future endeavors. The month of May and the end of the semester might seem distant, but I’m aware of what aging has done to my perception of time. For me, time is a melting stick of butter I can’t hold on to. This semester will serve as a tribute to my time at LCC, the way everything must evolve and how change is inevitable. Here’s to a new semester, to New Year’s resolutions and a new opportunity to finish strong – no matter how long it took to get me here.
— SARAH’S STANCE—
Victim of sex-trafficking deserved better fate In 2004, 16-year-old Cyntoia Brown was given a life sentence over the killing of a 43-year old man who solicited her for sex. She said she believed he was reaching for a gun to shoot her, and so she shot him. Prosecutors argued that she shot him in the head while he was sleeping before taking money and fleeing. Thus, it was a robbery and not self-defense. She was living with a 24-year-old boyfriend at the time, a pimp who forced her into prostitution and raped her. Brown said she was scared for her life by the solicitor’s behavior and feared returning to her pimp without money.
sarah barney associate editor
barneys2@lcc.edu
After a juvenile court found her to be competent, she was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison. In 2011, a PBS documentary, “Me Facing Life: Cyntoia’s Story,” was produced. This led to celebrities such as Kim Kardashian West, Ashley Judd,
Rihanna and others to publicly support her release. This past December, Tennessee’s Supreme Court ruled that Brown must remain in prison for at least 51 years before being eligible for release. Luckily, in one of his last acts as Tennessee governor, Bill Haslam granted Cyntoia Brown executive clemency on Jan. 7. Brown has spent 15 years in prison. I was so happy to hear that after all this time, Brown will finally be given the chance at the life she has been denied for so long. I feel this was long overdue.
I still cannot believe that when a 16-year-old girl was found in that situation, instead of attempting to set her down a path for a better life, the courts ruled to send her to prison permanently. I understand that she took someone’s life, but it is apparent to me that it was sort of a special situation given the circumstances. I haven’t heard of any other cases like Brown’s, but I would hope that judges and prosecutors will work harder to rehabilitate individuals in these type of situations, instead of jumping straight to such harsh punishments.
15|opinion
jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout — staff editorial —
New Year offers chance for a clean slate For many, the New Year gives a reason to reevaluate goals and seek new opportunities. However for students, the start of a new year also means the start of a fresh school semester. Whether your new year’s resolution is to do better in your classes, get in shape or try a new activity, LCC offers plenty of opportunities to help students accomplish their goals. The Lookout staff believes student organizations are a great way to get involved on campus, expand your horizons and meet new people. The college currently has over 40 regis-
tered clubs and organizations to suit students of all interests. Are you interested in fashion design? There’s a club for that. Do you love playing games? There’s a club for that too. Do you want to learn more about music production? LCC has you covered. To learn more about the various clubs and organizations, visit the Student Life Office in room 2202 of the Gannon Building or call (517) 483-1285. For students looking to improve academically, The Lookout encourages them to check out The Learning Com-
mons in room 1313 of the A&S Building. Through The Learning Commons, students can meet with tutors, find a quiet place to study, or borrow laptops, iPad’s, calculators and other devices. LCC also has success coaches on campus to help students set goals, work on time management and study strategies, and connect with resources on campus. For more information on success coaches, visit https://internal.lcc.edu/aa/ success_coaches.
what is your new year’s resolution? — ashlee buhler
sarah barney shauna stocken
Maddie Toles
photo editor
the lookout staff —
Joe Strother
islam amir
Brodee Gillam
nicole cade
larry hook
buhlera@lcc.edu
barneys2@lcc.edu
stockens@lcc.edu
tolesm1@lcc.edu
luterb@lcc.edu
strothej@lcc.edu
ad manager
staff writer amiri@lcc.edu
gillamb@lcc.edu
staff writer
lead paginator caden@lcc.edu
hookl@lcc.edu
“Save money”
“Get my stories done before deadline day”
“New Year, same old me”
“Start being on time”
“It’s too late for resolutions”
“Wear a coat when it’s cold”
“Manage my stressful life”
“Take life one step at a time”
“Eat healthier”
“Drink more water and less pop”
Associate editor
A&e editor
is
b e l e c
A Look at Yesteryear Following are verbatim excerpts from The Lookout, highlighting news and information from the 1978-79 school year. The Lookout is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year: Sept. 26, 1983: In a move to balance the 1983-84 budget, the LCC board of trustees approved (in a 6-1 vote) an administration plan to lay off 22 full-time employees during a special meeting held July 22. The college staff was reduced by a total of 35 full-timers, 13 by voluntary leave and 22 involuntarily. When it was concluded last spring that a deficit of $1.7 million existed, a budget task force, composed of
representatives of all campus employee groups, college divisions and a student government representative, was formed to find solutions to the deficit. Nov. 21, 1983: An LCC student learned the naked truth about larceny last month. Joe Cargenie was left clothed with frustration but nothing else after a thief stole $208 worth of his clothing, including underwear and glasses, from a locker in the Vo-tech Physical Education locker room Oct. 12. Feb. 13, 1984: The Dental Hygiene Club’s budget of $485 was approved by Student Gov-
g n i rat
ernment, Feb. 1. The club plans on using the money for a convention and a dental hygiene booth. The dental students are using the money to send 20 students to the American Dental Association’s convention and to help pay for their “Brush-In” booth, according to Bill Kingsbury, SG president. At the “Brush-In” booth, students bring in old toothbrushes for new ones, explained Kingsbury. March 12, 1984: Calling for the need to create a “liaison” between LCC Student Government and campus handicappers, Freshman SG Representative Grayling Love has created a handicapper awareness committee. The committee was approved at the Jan. 26 SG meeting. The committee’s main purpose, according to Love, is to provide the handicappers with a
adviser
60
years
editor in Chief
sports editor
Brynne Luter
For many, getting in better shape is a big goal at the start of the New Year. Luckily for LCC staff, students and alumni, access to the fitness center and weight room is free of charge. The fitness center is located on second floor of the Gannon Building. For all students, a STAR card is required. Visit https://internal.lcc.edu/hhs/programs/ fitness/student-membership.aspx for more information. With the New Year already underway, The Lookout would like to wish everyone a safe and happy year. Here’s to achieving your goals in 2019!
place to explain their needs and make LCC an easier place from them to adapt to. April 16, 1984: The LCC Boxing Club has two new state champions. Both in the novice class, Steve Lewis and Roger Turner took state crowns at the Michigan Golden Gloves Tournament, held March 30-31 in Saginaw. Lewis’ title is in the 132-pound division, which was no easy division, according to Coach Bob Every. May 29, 1984: Students listening to Lansing Community College’s radio stations may well be hearing the most progressive music in the Lansing area, according to Dave Downing, station manager and disc jockey. … The two campus stations (WLCC and WLCR) are the only area stations who will “risk” playing new songs before they become hits, he said.
16|LAST LOOK
jan. 14 - 27, 2019 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Family uses tragedy to give life to others By Ashlee Buhler Editor in Chief Nathan Chance was sitting in a classroom at Lansing Community College when he received a phone call that would change his life forever: “The boys were hit by a car; it doesn’t look good.” It was Oct. 26, 2016. Dusk had just fallen, with the weather a bit drizzly. Nathan’s wife, Carrie, was in Grand Ledge picking up their 6-year-old daughter, Miranda, from dance class. Tagging along were their two sons: Zephan, 8, and Malachi, 11. The boys ran ahead as they headed back to the car. Thinking the road was clear, they crossed the street. That is when the unthinkable happened. Both boys were struck by an oncoming vehicle. Because of the road conditions, the driver could not see them. Nathan left class to meet his family at Sparrow Hospital. When he arrived, Zephan was severely injured, but conscious. Malachi, however, was motionless. The doctors ran some tests. Within 24 hours they informed Nathan and Carrie that their son had no activity in the brain. “It was devastating,” Nathan said. “You’re hoping for a miracle, but in reality, we were waiting for the body to just end.” Surrounded by his family in the days after the accident, Malachi died from his injuries on Oct. 31, 2016. Nathan, a 44-year-old education major at LCC, described his son as a kind soul;
the kind of kid who would have done anything for anyone. Despite his love for fishing, Malachi didn’t like the idea of harming a fish. At school he made an effort to say hello to everyone and became friends with those that nobody else would. “That solidified who he was,” Nathan said. “He was a friend to all, and that is what was so powerful about him. He was involved in Boy Scouts and even the older boys migrated to him … he was one of those infectious kids that draws you in.” Since his passing, Malachi has continued to make a difference in the lives of many. Through an organization called The Gift of Life, Malachi has given people from all walks of life a second chance to live. Several of his organs were donated, ultimately saving five lives and restoring vision in a sixth. Scott Rose, 47, was the recipient of one of Malachi’s kidneys and his pancreas. Rose was added to a transplant waiting list after his kidneys failed in 2015. About a year and a half later, he received a call that would not only save him, but change life as he knew it for the past 33 years. “I have been Type 1 diabetic since I was 12,” Rose said. “I’ve taken insulin shots my whole life, three to four shots a day, up until the transplants. “The day after the surgery everything changed. The way I had been used to living since I was 12, it was just no more … I guess you’d have to be a diabetic for that
Courtesy photo The Chance family gathers with a picture of Malachi. From left: Nathan, Zephan, Carrie, Miranda and exchange students Sophia Marsch (Germany), Yonas Lebsir (Germany) and Desiree Schlegel (Switzerland).
Courtesy photo Malachi Chance is shown with his father, Nathan. Malachi died as the result of a car accident that occurred Oct. 26, 2016. His organs were donated to assist others in need.
long to understand all the little things that you deal with that most people would not even think about.” In March of 2018, Rose had the opportunity to meet with Nathan and Carrie at their home in Lansing. “It went great,” Rose said. “It was absolutely wonderful. I was very eager to meet them. I was more nervous sending the first contact letter because I didn’t know if it was too early … I wanted to give them time to grieve, but at the same time, I didn’t want them to think I was taking what I received for granted.” On Oct. 3, 2018, the date of Malachi’s birthday, Nathan and Carrie received a letter from Zion, the 8-year-old boy who lives with Malachi’s heart. Zion received the heart when he was just 6 years old. “That was one was a huge one for us because it was the heart,” Nathan said. “Plus, he was one of the younger ones … the two little ones had the biggest impact because they have so much life to live still.” The other lives that were impacted by Malachi’s organ donation included a 5-year-old girl who received his liver and a 45-year-old women who received his intestines. His corneas went to a 45-yearold man and his other kidney went to a 70-year-old woman. In the two years since Malachi’s passing, Nathan and Carrie continue to make light of their difficult situation. “I admired how well they took the whole situation,” said Mandi Woodward, Carrie’s co-worker at Head Start. “The first thing (Carrie) said to me was to pray for the woman who hit him because it was noth-
ing more than a freak accident. “I thought it was really moving and touching that in that moment, instead of being angry at someone, her first thought was to think about that person.” In honor of Malachi, Woodward started an annual toy drive that runs through the month of October. The toys are collected at Head Start in Lansing (near Old Town) and Wacousta Elementary School near Grand Ledge, where Malachi went to school. The toys are then donated to Sparrow Hospital on the anniversary of the day that Malachi passed. “They always talked about Malachi and what a sweet and giving boy he was,” Woodward said. “I knew that the one-year anniversary was coming up and thought about doing something to give to the kids at Sparrow … (Nathan and Carrie’s) heart broke in that very same place, so seeing them giving back and knowing what it’s going to do for other kids, maybe in similar situations, it warms my heart.” To keep Malachi’s memory alive, Nathan and Carrie would like to set up a foundation in his honor called “Malachi’s Gifts.” The foundation would provide scholarships to send kids to a camp of their choice. The foundation would also continue to provide toys for children in hospitals. The hope is to spread joy and kindness, just as Malachi always did. “The name Malachi actually means messenger,” Nathan said. “We always thought his message was going to be something different, but I think he still has a strong message to put out to people. “Even though he is not with us anymore, his kindness has gone beyond him. Malachi’s message is that if you have to choose between being kind and being ugly, choose kindness.”
Courtesy photo Scott Rose brings an angel to Malachi’s grave. Rose received a kidney and pancreas from Malachi.