LCC baseball starts season on right path
Dart to host dances from around world
Aviation tech offered at Mason site
Sports >> Page 6
A&E>> Page 8
Last Look >> Page 12
thelookout
April 6 - 19, 2015 Volume 56, Issue 14 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Colorful mural graces LCC Commons wall
Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief
created over a five-month span. It was altered digitally using the software As students walk down program Photoshop. the stairwell to the LCC Bishop used an array Commons they may see of different flowers in the something mural’s new that design. “Any time you catches “I have public art I their eye: a started vibrant colw i t h feel it is a good orful mural poppies thing,” Bishop on the wall. but evensaid. “It can The mutually I make people ral was the thought idea of LCC the imagthink about art President es were and its public Dr. Brent a bit rerole in society.” Knight. It strictive was created and that by LCC Art the popDesign and Multimedia pies had limited range in Professor Brian Bishop. terms of color,” Bishop Bishop said Knight ap- said. “Eventually I started proached him with the thinking about Michigan idea of the mural last Oc- flora, and ended up with tober. my backyard as inspira“Dr. Knight requested tion. ideas that were large, fill“Every year we have ing most of the wall, and geraniums, coneflower, … colorful as the rest of black-eyed susans and the commons,” Bishop snapdragons; many just said. “And that the image growing wild. That bewas positive.” came the inspiration for The image, which mea- this image.” sures 16 feet by 16 feet, was Bishop said he brain-
Photo by Brian Wells
Lansing Community College art faculty Brian Bishop stands in front of his artwork, which is now displayed above the stairs in the Gannon Commons.
stormed with many hand sketches, which he sent to Dr. Knight and a committee, before deciding on the finalized image. The mural was paid
with a portion of the $67 million grant the college had in place for renovations. “We saw a great opportunity for art on the wall,”
Dr. Knight said. “I am delighted with the outcome.” Bishop said he is pleased to see so much artistic expression on LCC’s campus.
“Any time you have public art I feel it is a good thing,” Bishop said. “It can make people think about art and its public role in society.”
Student entrepreneurs succeed at ‘Star Tank’ Shelby Schueller News Editor
Photo by Brian Wells
Megan Collins presents her “Make Your Own Mermaid Kit” during LCC’s “Star Tank” on Wednesday, April 1. Collins was selected by the judges to receive the $1,000 grand prize.
Six student entrepreneurs competed against one another to present eyecatching ideas to a panel of judges at “Star Tank,” April 1 in the LCC West Campus Auditorium. Each presentation involved a new business or business idea and was five minutes long. The event was hosted by LCC’s American Marketing Association (AMA) and was funded by the LCC Foundation.
“’Star Tank’ is an opportunity for students to pitch the ideas they have and feel like they have a voice for their plans for the future,” said Justus Smith. “It shows that people in the community and at LCC supports that.” Smith is an LCC student and a member of the LCC AMA. He was highly involved in the promotional aspects for “Star Tank,” including visiting business classes to recruit students and creating fliers. In addition to the possibility of winning cash,
Smith said this event helps contestants gain practice creating a business pitch and to be judged in a constructive environment from people in the field. After each presentation, the contestants had to answer questions about their business to the judges. About 40 people attended the event, including LCC business students, community members and four panelists. Panelists were business professionals who had succeeded in their field. They offered advice to the as-
piring entrepreneurs after their presentations. According to Bill Motz, LCC AMA adviser, the only requirement was that contestants be current LCC students. This year’s first-place winner was Megan Collins, who had the idea to sell a “Make Your Own Mermaid” kit on etsy.com. Collins won $1,000. Bryan Smith came in second and won $500 with his idea for a non-profit organization called the “Monarch See Star, page 3
Who is your pick to win the NCAA Tournament? “If I was at all invested in sports, I would probably give you an actual answer. I’m gonna give MSU as a response.”
Nick Sagolla, 20, Music
“I’d like to say Kentucky.”
Reggie Christian, 38, Computer Repair
“I honestly have no clue, but being as my husband works at MSU, I’m gonna have to say MSU.”
Deborah Perewitt, 28, Business Admin
“MSU.”
Carlos Macfie, 23, Criminal Justice
CAMPUSPERSPECTIVESCAMPUSPERSPECTIVESCAMPUSPERSPECTIVESCAMPUSPERSPECTIVESCAMPUSPERSPEC
2
April 6 - 19, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
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3 NEWS
April 6 - 19, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Powerlifting meet strengthens scholarships Shelby Schueller New Editor
LCC and powerlifters will test their strength to help raise scholarship money for LCC kinesiology students at the powerlifting meet, scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m. The scholarship is titled “Capital City Push-Pull Classic Scholarship,” according to Mari Croze, program director of fitness and wellness operations. It is funded by the annual powerlifting meet and is specifically for LCC kinesiology students. The powerlifting meet is an annual event sponsored by the American Drug Free Powerlifting Federation (ADFPF) and the LCC Fitness and Wellness Program. This year the meet is scheduled to be in the LCC Gannon Gym on the third floor of the Gannon Building. During the meet, contestants will be separated into categories of age, weightclass, gender and compete to lift as much weight as they can. The contestants can choose to lift weights by
Star
Continued from page 1
Program,” designed to help transition prisoners back to community life. Third place was tied between Farai Machamire and Hugh Haines. Each won $400. Machamire had the idea to create an app called “Starlive” in which college students can come together to sell textbooks and rate professors and classes. Haines’ goal is to open a pub restaurant that serves gluten-free food and beer options. Other business pitches included installing solar panels in the Middle East to give villagers electricity and reselling car parts online. Each contestant walked
Courtesy photo
Fitness and Wellness Program Director of Operations Mari Croze (left) and Fitness and Wellness faculty Jeff Buchin (center) give kinesiology scholarship money to Scholarship and Operations Coordinator Peggy Hellwig to put into the LCC Foundation.
bench press, deadlift, squats, or all three, according to Jeff Buchin, LCC weightlifting instructor and sometimes contestant at the event. “(Weight training) gives students an outlet to do a type of conditioning … away with a cash prize. Motz said contestants were not only evaluated on the business pitch itself, but also the quality of the presentation, the way they delivered the presentation and how much research they did to provide a solid foundation for the business. “It’s a challenging task,” Motz said. “You’ve got to use your oral presentation skills, you’ve got to use your PowerPoint presentation — it’s a package type of thing, but that’s what they’ve got to do in the real world so this is kind of good practice.” For more information, contact Motz at 517-483-1540 or email him at motzw@lcc.edu.
Photo by Brian Wells
Judges prepare for Nate Outwater’s presentation during LCC’s “Star Tank” on Wednesday, April 1.
that normally maybe they wouldn’t want to try,” Buchin said. “Weight training is important for everybody, because it helps build self-esteem.” Buchin said he estimates that around 50 people will be in attendance. There is a
$5 spectator fee for adults, but LCC students, staff and children 10 and under may enter free. According to Buchin, the money raised during the powerlifting meet will be used to increase the funds for the kinesiology
scholarship. “We wanted to give something back,” he said. Buchin said he thinks it is important to help students in need receive education through scholarship. According to Peggy Hellwig, LCC Foundation Scholarship and Operations coordinator, the standard amount awarded in the kinesiology scholarship is usually around $500. Hellwig said in past years, one student receives the scholarship money, which is split up over two semesters. To be eligible for the kinesiology scholarship, a student must be a fulltime, second-year student in the Kinesiology Program with a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. Hellwig said the application process is usually held from January to early February every year through the LCC Foundation page on lcc.edu. This year’s deadline was Feb. 16. According to Hellwig, the kinesiology scholarship is one piece of a large scholarship program that helps students of all kinds in different programs
throughout the college. “Every year we take in about 850 scholarship applications and between the college and the foundation, we’re able to help about half of those people,” Hellwig said. “Between the college and the foundation, we give out over $1 million in scholarship assistance every year.” Croze spoke of the many benefits the scholarship money can provide to kinesiology students. “This (scholarship) could help a student in many different ways,” Croze said. “They could use it toward their tuition, they could use it toward their books — there’s lots of different ways they could use this money.” For more information about the kinesiology scholarships, contact the LCC Foundation at 517483-1985 and ask for Peggy Hellwig. To learn more about the powerlifting meet, or to register online, visit www. adfpf.org. To register in person, go to room 108 in the Health and Human Services Building, located on main campus.
Read-in celebrates women’s lit Shelby Schueller News Editor Around 85 students, faculty and community members gathered in the LCC library to celebrate and interact with women’s literature during the 16th annual “Women’s Literature Read-In” March 30. Presentations included works created by women, and read aloud by either men or women. There were also original works created and read by women. Guests munched on fresh fruit and baked goods as they enjoyed the presentations. Teresa Purvis, LCC writing professor and organizer of the event, said the read-in is held every March in honor of Women’s History Month, and is designed to gain publicity for the literature program. “It was a way to … make literature a little more accessible,” she said. “It’s not just a matter of what’s kept between the two book bindings, but it’s something that’s alive and can be read out loud and you can have participation.” This year there were over 20 presenters and a variety of genres, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, historical writing, fantasy and creative non-fiction. Former LCC Writing Professor Linda Peckham presented her original work of creative nonfiction titled, “Century Man,” which
Photo by Shelby Schueller
LCC English student Abigail Becker reads “I Will Wait for You” by Jannette Izk during the “Women’s Literature Read-In.”
was based on her father and the months leading up to his death. “This is the first time I’ve considered it a complete piece,” Peckham said. “It seemed good to read it and it seemed good to have people listening to it who haven’t heard it.” Peckham said the best way to get better at writing is to “write and write and write but learn as much as you can, too, about the kinds of writing out there so you can do a variety of writing.” She also advised aspiring writers to join writing groups, such as the Skaaldic Society, so they can read their work to others and hear other’s works in a constructive environment.
According to Peckham, the Skaaldic Society meets once a month in the LCC library. According to Purvis, this year’s event was very successful. Purvis said she hopes the read-in will continue to expand in the future. “I hope that next year more people get involved and we can hear from other people on campus who are working on their own work or have discovered something that they want to read,” she said. For more information about the “Women’s Literature Read-In,” contact Purvis at 517-483-1047 or email her at purvist@lcc.edu. To learn about the Skaaldic Society, visit skaalds.wordpress.com.
4 NEWS
April 6 - 19, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC strikes silver with awards
Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief
LCC took home two SILVER Paragon Awards at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations Annual Conference in Portland, Ore., on March 24. Paragon awards are given for excellence in communications through the community. LCC Foundation received an award for a video titled “A Meaningful Gift,” which was released last October. The video, according to LCC Foundation Manager of Alumni Relations Andrew Lathrop, is a story about a former nurse who gives a gift of a scholarship to a current LCC nursing student. Several scenes were shot with the help of former LCC students. LCC collaborated with the GoodFruit video company, with the help of co-owner and LCC alumnus Justin Caine. The Foundation wrote
IN BRIEF News
Henrietta Lacks’ family to visit LCC
Photo by Brian Wells
LCC campus photographer Kevin Fowler shows his SILVER Paragon Award.
the concept and then took the storyboard idea to GoodFruit. Former LCC students James Cost and Kara Smith helped find house locations for two of the scenes. Foundation members worked with the LCC Nursing Department to develop a staged class. They brought in several students, then placed the lead actress into the scenario. “This is the first promotional video we have
ever done,” Lathrop said. “To spread our message through video was a nice thing to do.” The video can be viewed on the LCC Stars YouTube site at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=T0Ih_VYdIXc In addition to LCC Foundation, LCC photographer Kevin Fowler won a Paragon Award for his photo of a student in the Aviation Program. “It looks simple, but
is actually a pretty complicated shot,” Fowler said. “We used five lights to get the look and balance. All of these elements are tricky.” Fowler described what the award means to the photography program and LCC. “It places us firmly front and center among the prominent schools in the country,” he said. “At the conference in Portland, LCC was an unknown until winning two awards.”
LCC’s “One Book #OneLCC” initiative will come to a close with a Lacks family Welcome Reception Tuesday, April 21. The reception is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of the LCC library on main campus. After the reception, a free public presentation will be held in Dart Auditorium from 7 to 8 p.m. Seats for the public
presentation will be on a first-come, first-served basis, though guaranteed seating is available for reception attendees. The reception is free for LCC students, with limited availability. Cost is $25 for community members and employees. For more information and to purchase or reserve tickets, to go www.lcc.edu/library/about/ events/onebook.
Career assistance offered at workshop Having trouble deciding on a major? LCC’s Career and Employment Services can help you find your calling at the Career Choice and Planning Workshop on Tuesday, April 7. The workshop will be held from 3:10 to 5 p.m. in room 116 of the TLC Building Participants in the workshop will complete assessments that calcu-
late their interests to a list of suitable careers. Then, assistance with finding LCC academic programs/majors will be provided. Pre-registration is preferred, but not required. Walk-in guests are welcome, space permitting. To pre-register, or for more information, contact Career and Employment Services at 517-4831172.
Starscapes looks for student innovation Jaimie Bozack Staff Writer
Students can submit and show projects ranging from science experiments, posters and musical performances during the second annual StarScapes, April 22 and 23 in the LCC Gannon Building. Jeff Janowick, member of the steering committee, said the purpose of StarScapes is to give students a chance to showcase innovative work. “Many students work on interesting projects every semester and often the only person who sees that work is an instructor,” Janowick said. “This is a chance to share that work with a larger audience and celebrate the projects that students are engaged in.” According to Janowick, the idea for StarScapes grew out of LCC’s Strategic Plan and focuses on the college’s innovation commitment. “Innovation is about finding creative solutions to problems,” Janowick said. “LCC students do all of these things in their classes.
Courtesy photo
A student presents her work at last year’s Starscapes to campus officials. Students who have a faculty sponsor can sign up at lcc.edu/campus/innovation/student.
We want students to have a chance to share that and be recognized.” Last year’s StarScapes had over 25 presentations involving more than 60 students. Janowick said organizers are hoping to engage students from all areas of the college. “Last year was the first StarScapes and we’re hoping this year will be an even greater success,” Janowick said. “StarScapes is going to be in the Gannon Commons this year, so we hope that leads to even more energy for the event.”
Janowick said he enjoyed last year’s StarScapes. “I liked seeing how excited students were to share their work,” Janowick said. “They took great pride in what they were sharing with the rest of the college and they had fun doing it. “Ultimately it’s a way to celebrate our students. This is a way to share work and to shine a spotlight on the ways that students at LCC excel.” The event is open to all students and is free. The deadline to apply is April 8. Students can submit a proposal at http://www. lcc.edu/starscapes.
5 SPORTS Softball off to strong start in MCCAA play
April 6 - 19, 2015
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Rich Schenck Sports Editor
Opposing teams have not been the main opponent for the LCC softball team (12-9 overall, 10-0 MCCAA) in 2015; Mother Nature has. Two of the Stars’ first four playing dates in Michigan were hindered by weather. The relocation of its first home game against Muskegon CC turned it into a road game. The team’s most recent home game against Northwood’s JV team April 2 was called off because a driving rain was too much to continue play. The Lady Stars were trailing 5-3 at the time. “It makes it bad,” said LCC Head Coach Marc Kibby. “It’d been great if it just poured at 10 a.m. and we could just say we were done. We get ready for a game and the other team travels, it makes it really rough and disappointing.” After a slow start to the game, Northwood’s lead was cut thanks to a two-
Photo by Rich Schenck
LCC freshman outfielder Valorie Peters puts the ball into play as her teammates watch from the dugout against the Northwood JV softball team at Ranney Park on Thursday, April 2. The game was called off after three innings due to rain.
run blast by LCC sophomore catcher Hannah Knight. “We got off to a bad start this game,” Kibby said. “It’s a learning lesson for us that everybody comes hard to play against us and we have to
be ready all the time.” Along with Kibby, Knight expressed her frustrations with inclement weather and not being able to seize the opportunity. “It sucks; we’re all ready for the game,”
Knight said. “We were behind, and that’s even worse because you really want to get on them and you don’t even get the chance.” Aside from less than favorable weather, the Lady Stars have been on
a tear since they returned from their interstate competition, winning eight straight games as conference play began. Five straight games were stopped after LCC forced the eight-run mercy rule. Kibby said he is
pleased with the positive results so early into the season against conference rivals. During the winning streak Kibby’s squad has outscored its opponents 82-8 and is holding opposing batters to a .241 average, good for ninth in the nation among all divisions. The LCC bats were quiet down south, batting only .221 and eclipsing five runs only once in a 13-12 loss to Northwest Florida State College in early March. Since returning to Michigan the Lady Stars look like a different team, batting .379 and averaging 8.2 runs a game while going 12-0. LCC currently sits third in the MCCAA and second in the MCCAA Western Conference behind Kellogg CC (13-6 overall, 8-0 MCCAA) with only non-conference losses being the deciding factor. The Lady Stars were scheduled to travel to Battle Creek to face the Lady Bruins of Kellogg CC Saturday, April 4.
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6 Sports
April 6 - 19, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC baseball living up to potential in ‘15 Rich Schenck Sports Editor
The LCC baseball team (11-9 overall, 1-4 MCCAA) hit a bit of a slump recently as the Stars lost three of four games. The Stars split a doubleheader March 28 against Lake Michigan College, winning the first game 12-3 and dropping the second 4-1. The Stars then traveled on the road to face Delta College April 1 and lost both games in the doubleheader, 15-5 and 8-7. The losses dropped the Stars to eighth in the MCCAA, leaving a three-game deficit behind Kellogg CC, which is 4-0 so far in league play. The two teams will meet on April 25 as the Bruins travel to Lansing. Westside Park has been a kind home field so far for
Photo by Rich Schenck
Freshman Adam Underwood hits vs. Lake Michigan College at Westside Park March 28.
LCC as it owns a 4-2 record so far in 2015. As for neutral and away sites, the Stars own a .500 record at both.
The first game against Lake Michigan College was solid for LCC as sophomore pitcher Santiago
Track team confident Rich Schenck Sports Editor The LCC track and field team will have quite a few familiar faces on the roster for the 2015 season, since many were standouts for the cross country teams last fall. Both the men and women were scheduled to compete in their first track competition at the Charles A. Gray Alma College Invitational April 3. Before the meet, LCC Head Coach Jim Robinson expressed confidence in both of his teams to put up solid results. “I think we’ll do very well,” he said. “The core of the team had a great offseason. We’ve had a few injuries on our team, but with a team as deep as ours we should be fine.” Cross country stalwarts Stephen Merchant, Tony Vermilye and Tim Young are returning for the men’s team. Kayla Kraft, Allison Dible and Krista Magness have returned for the women’s team.
Young suffered from illness at the end of the cross country season. Vermilye suffered a stress fracture to his foot. Robinson said he will be looking for both to bounce back. “Stephen Merchant was our top cross country runner; he’s really picked up his game,” said Robinson. “He looks exceptional, so I’m expecting some real fast times from him.” Robinson said he will look for these runners to be the backbone for the 2015 campaign. “We have a real strong distance roster,” he said. “Essentially our top five we had at (cross country) nationals are all looking really good.” Training for the season didn’t necessarily hinder either team, according to Robinson. “We had to run through that terrible cold in February, but we’re beginning to see the results of that because the kids are in really good shape,” Robinson explained. Cross country compe-
tition lasts roughly three months, but the schedule for both teams is condensed into roughly two. Robinson said his coaching strategy needs to be altered to adapt to the change. “We had a big emphasis on them to train on their own during the offseason and Christmas break,” he said. “A majority of them did a great job on that and that makes all the difference.” With so many runners crossing over to track, Robinson said he was not worried about any issues from running on grass to surfaced lanes. “I think they will transition really well,” he added. “There are some athletes that are better at one than the other, but the talent really crosses over very well in terms of whether or not you have the aerobic conditioning.” Both teams will travel to Midland to compete in the Northwood Open on April 11.
Mendez dominated the mound. He gave up only three run on six hits in six innings of work to help
Mario Impemba’s story reveals bigger picture
I had the extreme privilege to meet one of the most recognizable voices in the state, Tigers play-byplay announcer and Michigan native Mario Impemba, during a recent book signing at the Eastwood Towne Center in Lansing. His memoir, If These Walls Could Talk, dives into his career as an announcer and the experiences that have crossed his path. As he stood at the podium telling his story of how the book came to be, I found myself closing my eyes and envisioning him next to Rod Allen on the television, filling my house with witty and informative conversation. It was an absolute joy listening to him talk about his journey slugging through the minors leagues. Whether it was forgetting to pack his equipment before getting on the team bus, to once using a toilet paper roll to hold his microphone, I’m sure he has
Q.
enough stories to fill 10 books. I asked him about the new Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame, which will be opening this summer at Cooley Law School Stadium in Lansing. Impemba is one of the experts on the selection committee for the hall. The answer he gave me about who might be the first-year inductees did not surprise me one bit. Impemba’s broadcasting career has included such highs as calling games for the Tigers in 2006 and 2012, when they team reached the World Series, to calling the 2003 season in
Q.
Q. What first inspired you to
Q. Why choose LCC?
Why do you like the catching position?
A.
A.
A.“As a catcher you can A.I believe I will be going to
play softball?
“My dad, he was big into baseball. As soon as I was old enough he put a bat in my hand and taught me how to throw. I fell in love with the game. I lived in a small town so sports kept (me) interested. It gave me an outlet, something to do.”
“In the beginning I just wanted to play really bad. Whoever gave me an offer, I would look into it and pick whoever it was. I also had a program here originally I was going to do and that was surgical technology. And softball was good so it was a bonus.”
in the victory against Lake Michigan College. Along with acclimating the newcomers, Merchant mentioned that the pitching order up top was solid and the rest of the order will sort itself out. LCC freshmen Blake McHenry, Austin Smith, Tom Lantzy, Drew Bergstrom and sophomore Mendez look like the top five of the rotation, giving up just a shade over three runs a game while fanning just over nine batters per game. The LCC baseball team was scheduled to hit the road to Centerville to take on Glen Oaks CC in a doubleheader April 4. The Stars are scheduled to play at Westside Park for a four-game home stand against St. Clair County CC on April 7 and Kalamazoo Valley CC on April 9.
— Laces Out —
& Athlete Spotlight: Hannah Knight QA
Sports Editor Rich Schenck recently spoke to sophomore softball catcher Hannah Knight. The Constantine High School alum is fourth on the Stars with a batting average of.338. She leads the team with 22 hits.
springboard the Stars to the 12-3 win. Mendez so far has fanned just over 11 batters a game while having an ERA of just 1.59. As for the offense, Lake Michigan’s pitchers couldn’t get the strikeouts when they needed them. Early in the first game LCC loaded the bases and used its .437 batting average for the game to force the visitors into a pitching change. For the season so far LCC is batting a solid .311 and tallying 6.35 runs per game. LCC Head Coach Andrew Merchant mentioned at the beginning of the season that his younger players were working out the freshman jitters. Freshmen Cole Hartsaw, Nate Lagenfeld and Christian Keller were responsible for batting in six runs
see the whole field, you can give tips, and you get the ball every time. It’s a challenging position. If there is somebody on base and they might steal, you always have to be ready.”
What’s next for you after LCC?
Ferris State. I’m probably not going to play because I’m going into radiology so I have to apply to the program and I might not get in the first time. It’s a really hard program to do and I don’t know if I can juggle softball with radiology.”
which the Tigers lost 119 games. He has even witnessed an outfielder trying to stop a drive to the centerfield gap by throwing his glove at it. Regardless of all the funny anecdotes and in-depth answers he offered about the 2015 Detroit roster, the one thing that I truly took from Impemba is that with a lot of hard work and a little luck, you can achieve your dream. This phrase is very cliché and something I’m sure a lot have people have heard over the years. But to have someone that is known across the country share his stories of the journey it took to get there, it makes it a little more special. As Impemba said on the 14th page of his book, “Sometimes all it takes is for one person to believe in you. The confidence that belief inspires often makes the difference in reaching your dreams.”
7 FEATURE
April 6 - 19, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Lookout Alumnus Spotlight: Autumn Luciano
Luciano journeys from periodicals to pin-ups Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief LCC alumnus Autumn Luciano loves vintage fashion. It is special when a person turns a passion into a career. Luciano has done this by transforming her house into a 1950s vintage pinup portrait studio. Luciano, 28, attended LCC from 2005 to 2009, where she majored in film production and direction. In 2008, she worked for The Lookout as its photo editor, where she took pictures for stories as well as photo essays. Kara Swanson, a current LCC student adviser and a former ad manager at The Lookout, talked about her former co-worker. “I really appreciate the artistic style that she took,” Swanson said. “She had a really unique perspective that was a nice addition to The Lookout.” The former photo editor
spoke about her favorite photo essay she worked on while on staff. “My favorite was the one I did on Eak the Geek,” Luciano said. “He is an old sideshow performer who was tattooed from head to toe who enrolled at Cooley Law School.” Luciano said she enjoyed the many sports and theater events she covered at The Lookout. The LCC graduate also spoke about a teacher who was influential during her time at the college. “Jeff Hamlin, who was my film professor, was great, she said. “He allowed us a space to be creative and still learn all the technical things we had to do.” After graduating from LCC, the pieces fell into place for Luciano to start her own business. “I started off pretty small; I left The Lookout to start working for a studio,” she said. “Summer hit and
the guy who owned the studio moved to Detroit,” she said. “So I worked on having a big garage sale and made just enough to buy a few studio lights and backgrounds.” Luciano said The Lookout helped her become more comfortable approaching people, which is important when running a business. Her portrait studio is called Decadence Dolls. Her work is a tribute to the golden era of pin-up models of the ‘40s and ‘50s. “I spent a lot of time with my grandma, who was my best friend ever,” Luciano said. “She also got me hooked on big band swing music, and would constantly take me to thrift stores. So I grew up with an appreciation of past decades.” Luciano gives this advice to those who desire to start their own business. “Gain as much experience as you can in your field,” she said. “Every
opportunity you get a little (closer) to your goal is worth working for.” In addition to her studio, Luciano also produces various local variety shows. Glitter Disco is a drag/ burlesque show at Club Spiral featuring dancing games and prizes. Tease- A–Go-Go is a themed burlesque show. The next event will be a science fiction inspired show on April 11 at the Avenue Café in Lansing. Luciano also directs a burlesque wrestling troupe called The Klaw Mark Kittens. This is inspired by the Irving Klawdirected Bettie Page wrestling films. She said the girls dress up in lingerie and do comedy skits and dance numbers, and it is really light-hearted. Those who wish to learn more about her studio and variety shows can visit Luciano’s website: www. AutumnLuciano.com.
Courtesy photo
LCC alumnus Autumn Luciano models in her studio.
GO WEST. PeoPle come here because they’re lookinG for somethinG. It’s not about packing up the
car and going to a different town. For them it’s about discovery. What they find is a challenge—something unexpected—that opens up new frontiers. Go West. Discover. Explore. This is one of America’s great universities. A lot of people who have become successful—skilled, happy, wealthy and influential—started by heading West. Western Michigan University. It’s your turn to Grab the reins.
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8 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
April 6 - 19, 2015
www.lcc.edu/lookout
IN BRIEF Dart, prepare to get down Arts & Entertainment
Film Fest rolls out red carpet downtown The fifth annual Capital City Film Festival will include a free kick-off party in downtown Lansing on Thursday, April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be drink specials, appetizers and live music at Lansing’s newest bar, The Beer Grotto. Located in the Stadium District, attendees
will be able to walk the red carpet alongside featured filmmakers, musicians, artists and actors as part of the four-day festival lineup. After the celebration, the opening night film will be shown across the street at The Lansing Center. For more information, visit www.ccff. com
Unique art event welcomes all painters Lansing Parks and Recreation is holding an art event for all experience levels. “The Make a Painting, Take a Painting” event takes place on Saturday, April 18 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Turner Dodge House in Lansing. An art instructor will teach techniques while
artists of all levels can enjoy refreshments and their own beverages. After the paintings are done, artists can choose someone else’s painting to take home. This is a 21-and-up event. The cost is $5 per person. To register, call Lansing Parks and Recreation at 517-483-4233.
Mac’s serves up double dose of local talent Fusion Shows, in partnership with the Capital City Film Festival, hosts a Michigan-lineup of musicians at The Loft on Saturday, April 11. Blues/classic rock Grand Rapids band The Legal Immigrants and Grand Ledge’s blues rock band Off The Ledge will perform in downtown Lansing.
Openers include alternative indie rock band Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish from Grand Rapids and pop-punk Second To None from Battle Creek. This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance. For tickets and more information, visit www.fusionshows.com
Sarah Spohn A&E Editor
The LCC Performing Arts Department presents “Global Get Down” Friday through Sunday, April 10 to 12. The annual spring dance concert showcases student talent in the form of both dancers and choreographers. This year’s program travels all around the world, bringing a diverse cultural collection of dances. Everything from belly dancing to Bollywoodstyle will be on display as “Global Get Down” brings art forms from roughly 10 countries to a single stage. Director and Lead Dance Faculty at LCC Vickie Diebold said while “Global Get Down” is an annual event, the theme differs from year to year. Last year’s theme was Kings & Queens, featuring music from the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin, and the King of Rock: Elvis Presley. “The music is amazing this year,” Diebold said. “With all the different types of music, it’s different than anything we’ve ever done before.” This year’s event went for a spin around the globe once or twice. “We start in America and we end in America,” Diebold said. “Some of
Courtesy photo
LCC dance students rehearse in Dart Auditorium for their upcoming “Global Get Down” performance. The performance will take place at 8 p.m. April 10 and 11, as well as 2 p.m. on April 12 in Dart Auditorium. Student tickets are $5.
the countries we’re representing are Brazil, Ireland, Indonesia, France, Turkey, Africa, India, Mexico, Poland, and we have a Bohemian number.” Adding specialized costumes, lighting effects and professional choreography, everything is coming together in time for the April showcase. “We’ve used different music from the different cultures,” Diebold said. “We’re doing dances representative of those different ethnicities and cultures.”
Bringing together a world of cultures, costumes and dances was no last-minute task, however. All 25 students performing went through auditions and were handchosen to be included in “Global Get Down.” Dance students were told about the showcase in September and given two months to choreograph a dance for the program. They presented their dances at the showcase and just one was chosen. “We have three alumni
choreographers, five faculty choreographers and one student choreographer,” Diebold said, “so we have nine different choreographers that have come together.” “Global Get Down” will take place Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. with an additional Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. in Dart Auditorium. There is a suggested donation of $5 to $10 to benefit the LCC Dance Scholarship. For more information, call 517-4831488.
Creative palettes on display at painting event Sarah Spohn A&E Editor
Twenty minutes. That’s all it takes for a masterpiece to arise. Perhaps you’ve heard of ultimate painting. It’s a vibrant upcoming live art event sweeping the nation. If you haven’t, perhaps you need to get out more. Wednesday, March 25 was the latest installment of Ultimate Painting at the Loft in Lansing. LCC art student Olivia Gorman paints during the first round of Ultimate The event invites artists to Painting at The Loft on Wednesday, March 25. apply online for a chance to splatter paint on canvasses during the live competition. Audiences sip drinks and vote for their favorite piece using their smartphones. Then the winning artists go on to the next rounds. After a total of three rounds, the best painters can go on to regional and national championships. Marketing Director Jenna Meyer of Meridian Entertainment Group said the ultimate Photos by Brian Wells painting event originally began in Canada in 2009. Ivan Iler paints during the final round of Ultimate Painting.
After a successful trial demo at last year’s Common Ground Music Festival, Meyer said the team signed on for the full 2014-15 season all across the state. Artists sign up to participate online and submit pieces of their work electronically. Meyer spoke about the application process. “There are usually 12 artists each time,” Meyer said. “Most of those apply in advance. We do have wildcards we offer at each event just because we think it keeps it fun to just have someone come off the street and submit their name.” Regardless of skill level, artist or innocent bystander enjoying a PBR or two, the event welcomes all to attend. “Everybody that leaves walks away thinking, ‘This is awesome. I’ve never seen anything like this. I really want to come again,’” Meyer said. “There really isn’t anything like it.” LCC art student Olivia Gorman, 22, experimented with her color palette, and her landscape sunset picture advanced
to the second round. Gorman said she has yet to take a painting class at LCC, but enjoys her awesome drawing teacher, Brian Bishop. Aside from class, it’s events like ultimate painting that reinforce her love for the arts. “I visited the first event, had never heard of it before,” she said. “I signed up online, sent in pieces and got a call back to participate.” “One of my competitors, the wild card, actually works with me at Painting With A Twist, so that was really nice,” Gorman said. Meyer encouraged different artists to pick up their brushes too. “Not just painters apply,” she said. “We get some people that will submit some of their drawing artwork which we will select those people as well. If you have talent, I think your talent can be broadcast through many different mediums.” For more information, or to apply for the next Ultimate Painting Event, visit www.ultimatepainting.com.
9 A&E
April 6 - 19, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Cosmos’ menu, decor are out of this world Richard Schenck Sports Editor Their origin states, “We come from a place beyond the stars.” The Cosmos in Old Town is truly a masterpiece from another planet. Nestled next to Zoobie’s Tavern at 611 E. Grand River Ave. is a scratch-made gastropub that is literally, and figuratively, out of this world. Walking through the door takes you from the capital city into a world of galactic battles between robots and aliens. But the out-of-this-world interior doesn’t stop there. As you sit down, the ta-
ble tops are clad with classic space icons like Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon. The dining area allows a great deal of natural light, which gives life to the murals. Echoes of trendy music keeps the atmosphere casual, but it is the open view of the kitchen and the resonating sounds that tell the guests quality will be the star. The menu is nothing short of amazing. Fries fried in duck fat, a handful of bruschetta varieties and pizza recipes will leave a person more worried about what to choose than how a place like this hasn’t come sooner. Pies like “Crispy Duck,” “Bosc Pair” and “Fried
Photo by Brian Wells
The Cosmos is located in Lansing’s Old Town at 611 E. Grand River Ave.
Egg” are truly outside the box and they work. Ingredients that aren’t normally seen on mainstream pies are enticing and foreign for the unfamiliar. If you’re feeling like exploring the great beyond, order the “Trust Us,” where you are at the mercy of the chef. The pie that I chose was
the Boursin Pizza. Tasso ham, Andouille sausage, roasted peppers and Cajun dust show the true Creole roots of the ingredients. While waiting, aromas from numerous dishes fill the front of the house. And incredibly friendly staff makes this a true culinary haven. When the pizza arrived
cellent news because Net- centric roommate, a loopy landlady, and finds herflix picked up the show. self emNetf l i x Peeeeeeeeeeeeeee- p l o y e d as a perd o e s nooooo sonal asn o t newwwwww-are! s i s t a n t / have a nanny Standards and Practices divi- to an erratic uptown mom sion; NBC’s loss, Netflix’s Jacqueline Voorhees. Trying to start anew, gain. The show is about four Kimmy openly worries women who are rescued that she’ll never get to have from a wacko cult whose a normal life, and her expemembers lived under- riences will make her bitter. She fears people will alground, believing humanity had been wiped out in ways see her as a victim, even though that’s not how an apocalypse. Kimmy (played by Ellie she sees herself. Kemper) spent the last 15 Kimmy is a relentless years in a dictated environ- survivor facing the world ment. with a positive attitude, reShe is now one of the fusing to be a victim. rescued Indiana “mole Ellie Kemper (Erin from women,” returning to the “The Office”) is perfectly real world, trying to make cast as the super enthusiastic and positive title chara life for herself. She winds up with an ec- acter. She is wide-eyed,
optimistic and confident; though it never comes across as naive. While Kimmy is a hilarious lead, she gets some comedic competition from her roommate, Titus, who has some of the show’s funniest stories amongst its political and social issues. Kimmy is “unbreakable” because she has an unbreakable spirit, which tends to overcome the tribulations thrown her way. It shows the fact that women are unstoppable, no matter what gets thrown at them. The entire arc of the season is built around Kimmy defeating fear of her past and conquering it to stand firm against anything else that might hurt her. It’s fresh, goofy and addictive (blame Netflix). The show even has a
the radio. It lacked originality and had annoying choruses and hooks. Since then, I haven’t really been on board which his music – that is until his newest album. While browsing around in Target I came across a new album from Fiasco. Surprisingly I had no idea he had even put a new one out. The album, titled “Tetsuo & Youth,” came out Jan. 20. I put my thoughts on his third album aside and bought the new album, hoping it would be good. Once I got it home I popped it in, laid back and started from the top. What did I think of it? Well, from beginning to
It hushes all the hype around rapper Kendrick Lamar’s new album and leaves me thinking that Fiasco’s album is better than Lamar’s. There is little to review negatively about this album. If I had to say anything negative it would be that it is a 78-minute album, with one too many long songs. The second song in the album is eight minutes of straight rapping without any hook or chorus. That is followed by two sixminute songs. Overall the new Fiasco album is my favorite of the year so far and my favorite album he’s put out.
it was a thing of beauty. The size of the pie isn’t huge, but that’s the way it should be. Each topping is cooked to perfection and one doesn’t take over another on each slice. The wood-fired oven, which can be viewed by customers, cooks the crust until it is crispy beyond belief. The Tasso ham and Andouille are a chewy, smoky flavor like nothing else. The tangy and creamy Boursin cheese married with the roasted peppers give a great palette cleanser that stands up to the bold Cajun meats. No great pizza should go without a suitable beverage. With a hallway connecting to Zoobie’s, beer and wine choices are just
a short walk away. Craft Michigan beer along with your standard American varieties are available. For the youngsters there are assorted fountain sodas, as well as specialty sodas like Jones and Faygo. Head Chef Dan Konopnicki, with owners Sam Short, Aaron Matthews and Alan Hooper, have created something unique, nostalgic and a pure example of fine dining with a casual feel. Their mission is “to enslave the human race, rule the galaxy, become all powerful...and serve outstanding pies.” With the pies they are cranking out of that woodfired oven, it won’t take long.
catchy auto-tuned theme song that lays out the show’s premise in brief, just like most gimmick sitcoms do. For “30 Rock” it took a little time to find it’s footing, but “Unbreakable” is
hot on its heels and hopefully next season we’ll see an even more exciting series emerge. And hopefully more songs from Titus, like his hit “Peeeeeeeeeeeeeeenooooo newwwwwware!”
It’s gonna be uh, you know, uh, a fascinating transition Vincent Mata Paginator “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is a new comedy created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, who last worked together on “30 Rock.” Knowing this, viewers can expect the same craziness and comedic tone of “30 Rock.” It’s packed with surreal zingers, pop-culture satire and jokes so rapid-fire they need a speed limit. The show was developed for NBC, but was rejected when network officials realized they couldn’t insert the series into their current lineup. It was also found to be too politically incorrect; which turned out to be ex-
King Crossword
Fiasco steps away from mainstream Jaimie Bozack Staff Writer Ever since I bought my first Lupe Fiasco album in 2006 I have been a big fan of his music. I remember sitting on my bed with my CD player, wearing my Skullcandy headphones, and listening to every word and rhyme that Fiasco rapped. Fiasco’s third album, “Lasers,” lost me. What I always liked about Fiasco is that he did his own thing. That is until he put out “Lasers” in 2011. “Lasers” was a whole album that was edited for
end this album is a masterpiece. And that’s just saying the least. Fiasco raps about everything from politics to the pizza man not delivering pizzas to his house, proving that he isn’t controlled by record labels telling him what to do. It follows the four seasons throughout the album, with instrumental songs titled, “Summer,” “Fall,” “Winter” and “Spring.” Fiasco raps over jazz sounds and infuses current sounds with classical-strings and guitar parts. The album is one of the best lyrical and instrumental albums I have heard in a while.
This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:
10 OPINION
April 6 - 19, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout — The Kohn Effect —
The truth is still out there ... X-Files back on TV
Cue the eerie theme music, Mulder and Scully are back. Fox network has announced that the X-Files will return for a six-episode season. The X-Files ran for nine seasons from 1993-20002. The FBI duo of Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) were assigned to cases of the unexplained called X-Files. Aliens, psychics, shapeshifters, Nazis, contagions, and occult serial killers
were just some of the cases the two tackled in their nine seasons. Whether it was a” monster of the week” episode,
or it involved the mysterious “Smoking Man” pulling the strings, the show really worked because of the chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson. The dynamic of Scully, a skeptic of all things X-Files, and Mulder, a believer of all things supernatural, made for one of televisions greatest on-screen duos. Most fans will agree after Duchovny left the show in season eight that the show started to suffer. Mulder’s replacement, Agent John
Doggett (Robert Patrick), just couldn’t capture the same magic with Scully. With both Scully and Mulder back, what uncharted territory can we see The X-Files take in the new season? One thing I think the show can explore and adapt in an X-Files-ish way is the war on terror and homeland security. Both of these issues have only increased since the show went off the air. Science-fiction like the
X-Files can come across as more believable when they throw in real events and happenings. Social media is another thing the show should cover. Don’t be surprised if we see Mulder’s hacking buddies, “The Lone Gunmen,” in the new season. There has plenty of spying and whistleblowing that has gone on from the NSA, Wikileaks, Anonymous and Edward Snowden that the show can touch on as well.
War in the Middle East is another place the show could delve. Maybe there are super-soldiers overseas that either the enemy or the U.S. are creating, or there are drones being used that are actually alien technology. My hope is the show will catch on with today’s viewers and Fox orders more than just six episodes. Then a new generation can experience the mystique and imagination of the X-Files as I did.
—Just Jaimie —
Local radio station puts an end to new music Playing air drums to Green Day, dancing to AWOLNATION and lip syncing to Weezer are among many memories I will take away from radio station 94.1 The Edge. On Monday, March 16 the alternative radio station that entertained thousands of listeners switched over to country station 94.1 The Duke. It left many people scratching their heads. I grew up on the music from 94.1 and it has been a
major influence in my life. I am very disappointed with the format switch. I’m not the only one who is disappointed. A recent outcry from the public took place after the switch. Petitions were signed, blogs were written and people turned their attention to 94.1 and asked “Why?” For me, the ending of 94.1 has left a huge hole in my life and my daily routine. The station is the reason I started going to local
shows, which allowed me to meet the people I am good friends with today. The Edge has made for
good times, like driving around with friends with the windows down, blasting music. If it wasn’t for 94.1 I wouldn’t have known about local bands, which include my boyfriend’s band. Advertisements for a show in REO Town is how I met my boyfriend atArtAttack. As I switch to the new 94.1 I hear the sounds of Tim McGraw. It makes me shut the radio off because no station will compare.
The public outcry shows that even with Spotify and iTunes, a large majority still listen to the radio. The ending of 94.1 has impacted much of Mid-Michigan. Not only does it affect local fans but it also affects local bands and venues. With the end of 94.1 it means that local bands have limited sources to get exposure. Venues like The Loft will be ending sponsorship with 94.1, which previously gave them attendance
through highly popular sponsored shows. The station, under its old format, sponsored sold-out shows such as Kongos, Twenty One Pilots and the Airborne Toxic Event. I am afraid that with the end of Alternative Music on 94.1 The Edge it will also be the end of the local music scene that flourished in Lansing the past few years. The old format is missed and the radio won’t be the same without it.
— The Unknown Spohn —
‘Someone’s knocking at the door’ of McCartney The internet is a crazy place; am I right? I’ve seen how quickly totally random things can go viral on the internet. I’ve written about a Blink 182 fan posting on Reddit for a chance to high-five member Mark Hoppus and the internet magically granting that wish. Some people claim there are obvious methods, strategies and statistics proving otherwise. So I’m trying a little experiment that hopefully ends up in the lap of one of my biggest heroes. It’s no secret I’m a Beatles fan. In fact, if you’ve
kept up with my columns, there’s a Beatle reference of some sort in nearly every single column since I’ve been a writer here on staff at The Lookout. I have written for 44 issues, with 32 columns. There have been 29 Beatles references and counting (not including this column). It started off innocently enough – the inserted lyrics, the song titles as column headlines, etc. But it quickly became a regular thing; a subconscious behavior. A British Beatlemania behavior. Slowly but surely the
Beatles have taken over my life, and now all I need is one thing. As my time here as the Arts & Entertainment editor comes to an end (two more issues left), I’ve added an item to my bucket list. Paul McCartney, I’ve got to get you into my life. So, in an effort to meet one of my musical heroes himself, I’m going out on a limb here. Help, I need somebody’s help, not just anybody’s help … The universe (here there and everywhere) works in mysterious ways. For some odd reason (perhaps not that odd considering
every little thing in my life is ) McCartney’s guitar player Brian Ray is one of my few followers on Twitter. I’ve had peculiar run-ins with just about everyone but McCartney. While
staying at the Omni Hotel in Indianapolis near the stadium, my mom physically ran into Rusty Anderson, Paul McCartney’s bandmate in the lobby. We’re fairly certain our room was the one where they were staying — concert confetti and rooftop session after parties and all. I got on the jumbo-tron at a Ringo Starr concert, spoke with the people on board the John Lennon Educational Bus, interviewed a Paul McCartney RAIN tribute artist and even stayed at the same hotel as the British royalty rock star.
So many close calls on this long and winding road, now I’m just waiting to be led to your door. Now tell me McCartney, if you hear the internet knocking with a request from me to you will you really let ‘em in? McCartney will be performing at Firefly Music Festival in Delaware this June. I’ve already got my tickets, but let’s share this across the universe so I can meet my idol in person. Let’s come together again, people. Don’t let me down. #HelpTheUnknownSpohnMeetMcCartney.
11 Opinion
April 6 - 19, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
What is the No. 1 thing on your bucket list? Jeremy Kohn
Nikki Nicolaou
— Staff Editorial —
thelookout
Sarah Spohn
Shelby Schueller
Editor in Chief kohnj2@lcc.edu
Associate Editor nicolaon@lcc.edu
A & E Editor spohns1@lcc.edu
News Editor schuels1@mail.lcc.edu
“Whitewater rafting.”
“Visit all 50 states.”
“Meet Paul McCartney.”
“Travel to New Zealand.”
Richard Schenck
Brian Wells
Jaimie Bozack
Vincent Mata
Sports Editor schen1@lcc.edu
Photo Editor wellsb6@lcc.edu
Staff Writer bozackj@lcc.edu
Paginator matav@lcc.edu
“See a Chelsea FC match at Stanford Bridge.”
“Go to Japan.”
“Work for Conan O’Brian.”
Lurah Peterson
Aaron Wilton
“To get my KFC in an actual bucket.”
Larry Hook
Unemployment rate is lowest in 14 years Michigan’s unemployment rate is currently 5.9 percent. The last time Michigan’s unemployment rate was this low was October of 2001. The state of Michigan has gone through its economic troubles since then. The biggest reason for the decline was the impact of 9-11, which affected the entire country. What hurt Michigan’s economy the most was the decline of the auto industry. This was one of the state’s main resources for income. Michigan has managed to bounce back. Gov. Rick Snyder was paraphrased in the Detroit Free Press as saying the state has added 400,000 sector jobs since 2001. According to the same article, since 2014 Michigan has seen increases in
the following areas of employment: * Manufacturing increased by 20,000 jobs; * Construction companies saw an increase of 12,000 jobs; * Health and hospital companies both increased by 8,000 jobs. The Detroit Free Press also reported that wages for manufacturing jobs have increased as well. The site ourmidland.com reports that some of the taxes that Snyder has passed, such as the personal property tax, may have also played a key role in the state’s economic growth. The Lookout staff is pleased to see Michigan’s economy doing well and hopes to see politicians and businesses further improve the economy and create new jobs for its citizens.
Classified Advertising Advertising Manager petersl8@lcc.edu
Advertising Assistant wiltona@lcc.edu
Adviser hookl@lcc.edu
“Visit WWII sites in Europe.”
“Traveling through Europe.”
“Live someplace warm during the winter.”
HAVE A STORY? Are you a Sexual and Gender Minority? Have an empowerment story you’d like to share on your workplace, or on being authentic? Contact Frank Vaca at Vacaafrank@ gmail.com.
‘RED WIDOW’ This is the second published book from Nathan Wilson, former editor in chief of The Lookout. It is a thriller about a streetwalker being extorted by a homicide detective. Call 517-8969504 or go to nrwilson.com. Cost is $8.
What are your next steps? You can finish your bachelor’s degree on the LCC Campus! Siena Heights University has a degree completion center right here on campus! Undergraduate classes available in: • Accounting • Bachelor of Applied Science • Community Services • Multidisciplinary Studies • Professional Communication CONTACT US TODAY! Phone: (517) 483-9726 Email: lansing@sienaheights.edu Web: www.sienaheights.edu/lans
12 LAST LOOK
April 6 - 19, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC’s Aviation Technology Center, located in Mason, is the home to four training aircraft, as well as a kit plane and a retired Army helicopter.
Photos by Brian Wells
LCC students soaring toward success with Aviation Technology Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief
students. Jennifer Fenning, the LCC Aviation Program coordinator, spoke on how closeThe LCC Aviation Technology program knit the students and faculty are. has been around for 40 years. The pro“We all know each other very well,” gram was located at Lansing’s Capital City Fenning said. “We help each other out, Airport before relocating to Mason in 2014. academically and personally. The students Students who enter this program can appreciate it as well. It is not a traditional receive a degree in two years, then enter a college setting. field that is high in demand. Several tests are taken throughout the According to Aviation Techtwo-year course, including a written nology Program Manager test. Oral and practical exams Mark Cosgrove, there are are also taken to test airframe 138,000 open jobs in and power plant skills. this field and the averFederal testing is done age salary is $50,000. through a separate FAA Classwork contesting facility. sists of learnExaminers conduct ing Federal Aviasimulated handstion Administration on scenarios that sturegulations, as well dents must solve. Once as math and physics a student passes the as it pertains to aircrafts, exam to become certified, Cosgrove said. The more the FAA license is good for a hands-on labs consist of worklifetime. ing on air-frame maintenance and variLCC student Christian Labiano spoke ous airplane engines. on what he likes best about the Aviation “We regularly have employers call us Technology Program. asking us if we have students ready to go,” “The facilities are incredible; it’s really Cosgrove said. “A number of our students brand new,” Labiano said. “We have all are hired before finishing the program, the tools we need here. We are really set up contingent upon getting their license.” to succeed.” FAA regulations set a maximum of 25 For more information on the LCC Aviastudents to a classroom; one class for first- tion Technology Program, log on lcc.edu/ year students and another for second-year aviation.
Aviation Repair instructor Patrick DeWitt (right) supervises Luke Hughson as he re-installs a valve stem on a tire.
Andrew Taylor (left) helps Israel Smaller re-install a wheel bearing.