Luther athletes honored at Norse Awards
SPORTS 12 Students promote sustainability grant
NEWS 3
LUTHER COLLEGE
“Let the chips fall where they may.”
CHIPS
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
Serving the Luther College community since 1884.
VOLUME 137, NO.14
Decorah residents discuss Palestine ERIKA STORVICK STAFF WRITER George and Martha Lowe brought the reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict all the way to Decorah through a presentation on Thursday, Feb. 12. Their discussion at the Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center highlighted the growing inequality between the Israeli and Palestinian people and encouraged American action on behalf of Palestine. The presentation marked the Lowes’ recent return from their 90-day trip to Palestine. Their trip was sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation, where the Lowes served as volunteers and taught in the vocational training school. “90 days is a long time for a vacation, but we just kind of got our feet wet in how wonderful it is to live in that part of the world,” George Lowe (‘76) said. “We are so fortunate to have been able to travel there, and I wish that every American would have the opportunity to go and see.” The couple took about 5,000 photographs throughout their stay but focused on 40 during the presentation. The theme of their presentation was “movement,” or lack thereof, particularly of the Palestinian people. “It just takes one or two days to see what’s going on, and suddenly it may change all the things you thought about the way things were,” George Lowe said. The Lowes were in Jerusalem as part of a pottery program at the Lutheran World Federation vocational center. The couple team-taught a class on the basics of art, teaching everything from pottery to drawing and weaving. Their students were primarily Muslim Palestinian women, all from East Jerusalem. “They are trying to increase the number of women who are coming to school and getting the skills so that they can go out into the work force or have some sort of profession,” Martha Lowe (‘75) said. According to the Lowes their trip occurred during a tense time in Israel, so their students were unable to make it to class. Road closures and house demolitions also prevented students from getting to school. In spite of the political climate, they were able to see some of the women they taught experience new freedom by attending their class. PALESTINE, PAGE 4
EXPLORING CONFLICT. Martha Lowe (‘75) presents on her visit to Palestine. G.V. Suos / Photo Bureau
MARCHING FOR CHANGE. Community members gathered in the Center For the Arts on Feb. 15 to raise awareness of police brutality and racial inequality. G.V. Suos / Photo Bureau
“Don’t Shoot” series hosts march to campus MATT HELM STAFF WRITER Luther College Ministries collaborated with local congregations to host a “March for Justice” in response to police brutality and racial inequality prior to their annual Gospel Sunday worship service on Feb. 15. “Marching urges us to come together and realize that we are all in this together, we have to be allies to each other,” Assistant Professor of Social Work and “March for Justice” committee member Ginger Meyette said. The march began at the Congregational United Church of Christ and gathered members from First United Methodist Church, First Lutheran Church and Northeast Iowa Unitarian Universalist Fellowship as they made their way to campus. “The walk of solidarity is inherently political in that it's saying we are not going to overlook what is happening in our world,” United Church of Christ Pastor Laura Arnold said. “There's a great monastic tradition that everything we do can be an act of prayer: To put
faith in our feet. To be a visible and viable presence. To exercise that witness with our bodies seems undeniably important in our lives right now.” Arnold believes that the church should play a role in ending racism. “We are really good at being ‘Iowan Nice,’ and what that means is that overt racism is not going to be exercised as much, but that doesn't mean racism doesn't exist,” Arnold said. “Culturally, we are at a pivotal moment where we can no longer ignore the problem at hand. If the church in particular isn't a part of making a visible commitment to not let this continue, then humanity as a whole is robbed.” The group stopped at the Center for the Arts, the location of the original Black Student Union house, where they sang and reflected on black history at Luther College. Afterward they marched to the Center for Faith and Life for a gospel worship service. “The Gospel Sunday service gives us a chance to learn from how the African-American portion of the Body of Christ worships,” Campus Ministries Pastor Amy Zalk Larson (‘96) said. “If we look at the scripture, we can see so
“We are really good at being ‘Iowan Nice’ ... but that doesn’t mean racism doesn’t exist.” -Laura Arnold
much about God's care of all people. Jesus talked constantly about issues of economic exploitation and injustice. We need to apply his principles to remedy our broken systems.” Maggie Steinberg (‘15) is a student organizer for the ongoing series of lectures and events entitled “Don't Shoot: The Perils and Promises of Privilege,” of which the “March for Justice” was a part. “There are about 16 AfricanAmerican women on campus,” Steinberg said. "It is difficult for the small portion of students to keep the conversation going when most of the campus is unwilling to speak up. Luther students will not be shielded from the world forever. As young people we have the energy and the ability to really create positive social change, and we have to take advantage of that." For more information about upcoming events in the “Don't Shoot Series” go to www.luther.edu/dontshoot or follow the QR code below.
NEWS
PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 19, 2015
NEWS EDITORS: MAKEDA BARKELY & EMILY CROWE
Honor Council to change Code SUBMITTED BY DAVID ZALK HONOR COUNCIL CHAIR The Honor Council is implementing language changes in the Honor Code as follows: 1) Old: Plagiarism. Intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one's own in any academic exercise. The term includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. New: Plagiarism. Using or representing the words or ideas of another as one's own in any academic exercise. The term includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct
quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. 2) 6.1.5 Recommendation of probation, suspension, or dismissal. 3) Old: 2.2.1 The Honor Council Chair is elected by and from the Honor Council for one academic year with no term limit. 2.2.2 The Honor Council Secretary is elected by and from the Honor Council for one academic year with no term limit. New: 2.2.1 The Honor Council Chair is elected by and from the Honor Council for one year with no term limit. 2.2.2 The Honor Council Vice Chair is elected by and from the Honor Council for one year with no term limit.
4) Old: 3.4 The responsibilities of the Honor Council Secretary are: 3.4.1 To keep the minutes of the Honor Council meetings. 3.4.2 To maintain the website of the Honor Council. 3.4.3 To assist the HCEC where and when needed. New: 3.4 The responsibilities of the Honor Council Vice Chair are: 3.4.1 To keep the minutes of the Honor Council meetings. 3.4.2 To maintain the website of the Honor Council. 3.4.3 To supervise and assist the HCEC where and when needed. 5) Old: 4.3.2 The HCC will select the date, time and place for the Honor Board Review, and notify the Respondent (student alleged to have violated the Honor Code) by personal delivery, certified mail, or by encrypted electronic mail
(with receipt confirmed), a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the Honor Board Review. New: 4.3.2 The HCC will select the date, time and place for the Honor Board Review, and notify the Respondent (student alleged to have violated the Honor Code) by personal delivery, certified mail, or by encrypted electronic mail (with receipt confirmed), a minimum of three (3) class days prior to the Honor Board Review. 6) Old: All aspects of the Honor Code Reviews are confidential and cannot be shared with anyone outside the HCRB unless the investigation urgently requires it. New: All aspects of the Honor Code Reviews are confidential and cannot be shared with anyone outside the HCRB unless the investigation or Honor Code requires it. 7) Addition: In the instance the Honor Council Chair is not available, the Honor Council Vice Chair is able to lead Review Board meetings.
Broken Marty’s, Nordic Brew equipment causes stress ERIN DANIELSON STAFF WRITER
The Marty’s rice cooker has broken several times this year, most recently on Feb. 6, 2015. “Someone poured water into [the rice cooker] without putting the pan in, so it had to be dried out and reassembled,” General Manager of Dining Services Wayne Tudor said. “It was fixed by Monday.” The rice cooker was out of service for a few hours. The problem was solved quickly, according to Marty’s Supervisor Joyce Brincks. “We borrowed one from Oneota for the weekend since
they weren’t open,” Brincks said. “So we were not without a rice cooker for more than a few hours.” Despite the multiple breaks in the last year, it has not created an issue for staff, according to Marty’s staff member Kim Walters. “[Facilities services] normally gets something right away for us, or we improvise and do what we have to do,” Walters said. While the rice cooker is currently functioning properly, some students are still concerned about the potential loss of rice in Marty’s. “I’m a big rice fan,” Hannah Haugen (‘17) said. “It’s one of my favorite foods. So when
I go to Marty’s and get a burrito bowl, which happens occasionally, I want rice in my burrito.” Marty’s is a highly popular location to eat on campus for many students and a broken machine can cause stress for staff members. Nevertheless, standing for long hours is the most stressful part of the job, according to Walters. “We do a lot of standing,” Walters said. “It’s a very fastpaced environment, so we just have to be able to stay on top of things.” Student workers have also experienced difficulty with the espresso machine in Nordic Brew. As of now, the machine
Pictured left is an updated and corrected version of the graphic printed on page one of the Feb. 12 issue of Chips. We mistakenly printed inaccurate information regarding several of the institutions and neglected to include the year in which the statistics were originally reported.
COFFEE FIX. Sarah Doreza (‘17) uses the Nordic Brew’s espresso machine to froth a cappacino. Abby Carpenter / Chips is functioning, according to student worker Allison Swenson (‘16). “It’s not currently broken, but it does frequently break,” Swenson said. “If it is broken, a maintenance person is called and it is usually fixed within 24 hours.” The effect this broken machine has had on students and other customers is something Nordic Brew student worker Jenna Dengler (‘16) can joke about. “They kind of follow the five stages of loss and grief,” Dengler said.
Although not all students come to Nordic Brew looking for caffeine, it is apparent that those in search find themselves disappointed by the broken espresso machine. “I drink a lot of coffee because my classes are so challenging and take a lot of time,” Haugen said. “I don’t get a lot of sleep. I manage about six to seven hours a night and so I need at least a cup of coffee a day. If the espresso machine is down, it really hits home with me.” Recently the espresso machine has been working, but the pace at which it works still upsets customers and puts stress on staff members, according to student manager Steph Gilberg (‘16). “With the machine we have we can only steam one drink at a time,” Gilberg said. “The most stressful part of our job is when there are a lot of orders. Customers get impatient since it seems like we are just standing around, but they don’t understand that we can only go as fast as the machine works.” For now, students need not be concerned as both the rice cooker and espresso machine are in working condition.
NEWS
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NEWS EDITORS: MAKEDA BARKLEY & EMILY CROWE
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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Seven-Day Forecast
Sustainability Council seeks grant proposals SARAH OWENS STAFF WRITER Sustainability grant proposals have been fewer in number in recent years according to Student Sustainability Council members. Members of the committee note the popular misconception that grants must be focused on environmental changes. While environmentally beneficial projects are always welcomed, the grant stresses that students should encompass the economic and social areas of sustainability as well. Student Sustainability Council member Travis Houle (‘15) emphasized the grant’s versatility and the wide range of opportunities it presents for proposals. “Sustainability is something that can be engrained into everything,� Houle said. “You could use recycled paper, you could use recycling at an event, you could have local food versus store-bought Wal-Mart food at an event and that would promote sustainability. I think anywhere on campus could use a grant like this and it’s strange to me that no one has really capitalized on this.� The Luther Sustainability Grant Fund (LSGF) is in place to encourage sustainable practices by awarding grants of up to $2,000 to students who plan to undertake “environmentally responsible, economically beneficial and socially sensible projects.� “Students have a really rich history here of creating positive change,� Sustainable Foods Educator Maren Stummes-Diers (‘08) said. “This is one way that we’re hoping we can empower students to find something that needs to be changed, and to provide the funds to help them make that change.� According to Stummes-Diers, students have a unique opportunity to affect change on campus. “I think students really are the eyes
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Life Outside Luther White House puts immigration plans on hold following ruling The Obama administration put its new deportationrelief program on hold Tuesday on the eve of its launch, complying with a federal judge’s order. Immigrants expressed disappointment after the judge put a hold on Obama’s plan to protect more than 4 million people living illegally in the U.S. from deportation. However, many said they haven’t lost hope. President Barack Obama promised an appeal of the ruling.
SAVING ENERGY. /XNH /XPEDU ç DQG $VKHQDĆ %H\HQH ç use drying racks funded through the Sustainability Grant Fund. Sarah Owens / Chips and ears of the college,â€? StummesDiers said. “Anything they see that needs to be fixed or improved or changed I think is really valuable.â€? Once a proposal is submitted, the Student Sustainability Council, which consists of four to five students each year, reviews the project abstracts and presents the drafted applications to the Sustainability Council. Approved projects such as residence hall drying racks and the SPOKES Bike shop receive publicity assistance from the council, encouraging people on campus to get involved. The grant money can then be used toward project materials, professional work, community education and advertisement. “I want applications,â€? Houle said. “Right now it’s an organization that I’m a part of, but I haven’t had to do anything lately. I want to be busy with it because it’s a cool thing.â€? Both Houle and Stummes-Diers stress that the project doesn’t have to be elaborate and they encourage any students creating projects for class to come talk about their ideas with the committee. Any and all applications are accepted. “We have had students come to us after [taking] Environmental
Sustainability Grant Funded Student Programs
Gunman in Copenahgen attacks just got out of jail The Danish gunman who attacked a free-speech seminar and a synagogue in Copenhagen was released about two weeks ago from a jail where he may have been radicalized while serving time for a vicious stabbing. As Denmark mourned the two victims, these and other troubling details emerged Monday about Omar Abdel Hamid ElHussein’s path to the country’s worst terror spree in three decades. Grief wracks Egypt village after its sons are beheaded in Libya Last year, 13 young men from el-Aour traveled to neighboring Libya among the tens of thousands of impoverished Egyptians seeking work there. They became victims of Libya’s chaos and were among 21 Christians taken by militants in December and January. After nearly 50 days knowing nothing of their fate, their families on late Sunday saw their videotaped last moments: the 21, wearing orange jumpsuits, were marched onto a Libyan beach, forced to kneel with a masked, knife-wielding militant standing behind each, and then beheaded.
Graphic by Samantha Ea Philosophy, and that’s a great thing, Stummes-Diers said. “Then there’s a pretty solid proposal, they’ve done the research and it’s clearly something that they think the campus needs. The students that are really motivated to make positive change and that are really passionate about their projects usually make it happen.� To apply for the grant, visit www. luther.edu/sustainability or follow the QR code below.
Democrats seek relief from health law penalties The official sign-up season for President Barack Obama’s health care law may be over, but leading congressional Democrats say millions of Americans facing new tax penalties deserve a second chance. Three senior House members strongly urged the administration Monday to grant a special sign-up opportunity for uninsured taxpayers who will be facing fines under the law for the first time this year. West Virginia train derailment sends oil tanker into river A train carrying more than 100 tankers of crude oil derailed in southern West Virginia on Monday, sending at least one into the Kanawha River, igniting at least 14 tankers and sparking a house fire, officials said. Lady Gaga engaged to ‘Chicago Fire’ actor Taylor Kinney Lady Gaga is no longer caught in a bad romance: she’s engaged to actor Taylor Kinney. The pop star shared the news on her Instagram account Monday. She posted a photo of a ring on her finger and wrote: “He gave me his heart on Valentine’s Day, and I said YES!�
Compiled from: www.ap.org
NEWS
PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 19, 2015
NEWS EDITORS: MAKEDA BARKLEY & EMILY CROWE
Campus drug violations increase FRANCES STEVENSON STAFF WRITER Drug violations on Luther’s campus for 2015 are occurring at a steeper rate than that of 2013. Statistics show that recent police presence on campus is, more than anything else, a result of reported drug use. Other reasons include medical emergencies, vandalism, automobile collisions and investigations into break-ins and sexual misconduct. In January 2015 there were 11 arrests on drug charges, a large increase from previous months. This
Graphic by Samantha Ea
number is particularly startling according to security, as the number of students on campus is reduced during January term. “There were four [arrests] in November,” Director of Safety and Security Bob Harri said. “Two or three in a month are normal.” The presence of police on campus has been noted throughout the year, but their reasons for being on campus remain confidential. The number of drug violations in the residence halls is balanced almost evenly between first-year students and upperclassmen, according to Harri. From 2012 to 2013, the number of drug violations remained relatively consistent, rising from five to six. This number has doubled in the 2014-2015 academic year; January 2015 alone saw the occurrence of twice as many arrests as were reported in all of 2013. Resident assistants play an important role in detecting illegal drugs on campus. They are encouraged to contact Security, who may also refer to the Decorah Police Department. “I appreciate this policy,” Assistant Dean for Student Life and Director of Residence Life Kris Franzen said.
Upcoming Events Thursday, February 19 Summer Camp Fair 10:00 a.m. Dahl Centennial Union Composition Colloquium: Jerry 6:15 p.m., Jenson-Noble Hall of Owen Music, Choir Room Friday, February 20 Track and Field - U of Dubuque 4:00 p.m., Dubuque, Iowa. Spartan Invite Dance Performance: Forgiveness Lunch 9:30 p.m., Storre Theater Center Stage Series: Hot Sardines 7:30 p.m., Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall Saturday, February 21 Dance Performance: Forgiveness 2:00 p.m., & 9:30p.m., Storre Lunch Theater Men’s Tennis - Hope College 9:00 a.m. Holland, Mich. - Wabash College 4:00 p.m. Holland, Mich. Women’s and Men’s Basketball 4:00 p.m., Dubuque, Iowa University of Dubuque Sunday, February 22 Men’s Tennis - Ohio Northern 9:00 a.m., Holland, Mich. Dorian Band Festival Concert 7:00 p.m., Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall Monday, February 23 WGST February SpotLight 4:00 p.m.,Valders Hall of Science, Lecture: Sheila Radford-Hill Room 206 Dorian Band Festival Grand 6:30 p.m., Center for Faith and Concert Life, Main Hall Tuesday, February 24 Tuesdays with Marty Session I 4:00 p.m., Dahl Centennial Union, Mott Silent Meditation
5:15 p.m., Center for Faith and Life, Room 205 Wednesday, February 25 Guest Lecture: Taylor Brorby 7:00 p.m., Valders Hall of Science Room 206 Thursday, February 26 ELCA Summer Camp Fair 10:00 a.m., Dahl Centennial Union Norse Theaters Movie Night: 8:00 p.m., Valders Hall of Science, Mockingjay, Part 1 Room 206 Information from luther.edu/events
“I don’t want my student staff to have to handle illegal substances.” Students have spoken to the harshness of Luther’s drug policy. Instead of a citation or violation within the college, incidents are dealt with almost exclusively by the Decorah Police Department. Drug violations often result in a misdemeanor, which is the penalty for drug possession in Iowa. While some students feel that the drug policy is appropriate, others feel that it is too severe a punishment for the crime. “I understand how the harshness may discourage drug use,” Victoria Revier (‘18) said. “But I do not think it is worth ruining lives.” Though not all students feel that the drug policy is effective, the Luther handbook employs a “no tolerance” policy to deter students from engaging in illegal activites. Mostly, administration hopes students students will act responsibly. “We would just like to see students make good decisions and consider consequences of their actions before they do them,” Harri said. “Understand that if you engage in illegal behavior, there can be consequences.”
We would just like to see students make good decisions and consider consequences of their actions before they do them,” - Bob Harri
George and Martha Lowe reflect on Palestine visit PALESTINE, PAGE 1 “One woman ... got a car to come to school. It was the first time she had ever driven,” George Lowe said. Their presentation traced the Lowes’ travels through various cities, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho. Though these cities are not far apart by American standards, the Lowes still spent a lot of time traveling and experienced the difficulties of checkpoints. In their presentation, the Lowes highlighted the difficulty Palestinians experienced in obtaining travel permits. “As an American who can go back and forth all the time, I feel really sad for these people. This system is going on and we are allowing it to go on,” Martha Lowe said. In working with the Palestinians, the Lowes acknowledged that they saw the conflict from a different perspective than that of American eyes. Their presentation criticized the bias within the American government and the media. The Lowes urged their fellow citizens to reconsider America’s foreign policy in Israel. “Occupying another person’s country and restricting their movement, denying them access to work and other benefits, is the definition of apartheid,” George Lowe said. “Israel
has Jewish people, and that’s wonderful, but the government is inflicting apartheid and that’s wrong. It’s going to bring them down someday.” The Lowes also have a personal connection to the area, as they were host parents to Ahmed Alkhalili (‘10), a Luther student from the Ramallah area. They were able to visit his parents, but his parents were unable to visit the Lowes in Jerusalem. “It’s this mindset,
Palestinian, terrorist, Palestinian, terrorist,” Martha Lowe said. “We don’t really have to deal with it; it’s not us, but we see it.” The Lowes urged audience members to learn more about the conflict. to continue supporting the Palestinians, the Lowes intend on selling olive oil derived from olives they picked during their stay. The oil will be available for purchase at First Lutheran Church.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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A&E EDITOR: DYLAN HINTON
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
“Forgiveness Lunch” builds resilience
BRICK, “MORTAR” AND MOVEMENT. Created by Blake Nellis (‘07), “Forgiveness Lunch” is a dance work that centers around the theme of forgiveness through dance and creative set design. Kasi Misseldine / Chips KASI MISSELDINE STAFF WRITER “Forgiveness Lunch” is an original dance work in three parts created and choreographed by Adjunct Faculty in Dance Blake Nellis (‘07). The piece focuses on the manifestation of forgiveness in human lives. “I think forgiveness has been a sort of process in my life the past few years,” Nellis said. “What is forgiveness? How can I forgive?” The title “Forgiveness Lunch” was inspired by a specific image of forgiveness which Nellis has shared with the cast: Imagine an adolescent boy fidgeting at a table in the visiting room of a prison, across from his jumpsuit-clad father. The boy nibbles on a Snickers bar and struggles to find words that will communicate his guilt and shame. For a few years, these weekly lunches are
the only time allotted to the son and his father. “[Nellis provides] so much visual and emotional imagery for how to feel a movement,” Sara Maronde (‘15) said. “You connect with the movement a lot more because you put something personal into his imagery.” Maronde cites Nellis’ directing style as effective and meaningful. The narrative and personal nature of the piece also appealed to her. “I find [the piece] very engaging,” Maronde said. “You can tell that it’s really personal and focused on relationships, and moving past thoughts [and] emotions that you’ve carried, that you’ve walked with. How do those show up through movement?” Performer Travis Nietert (‘15) feels emotionally connected to the piece as a dancer because the themes resonate with him on a personal level. “[Nellis] doesn’t necessarily tell you exactly
what he wants,” Nietert said. “He lets you get there on your own, [he] creates something that is his image but also is partly your own, which I think is really great. Forgiveness is a huge part of my life. I don’t think you can forgive and forget. It’s something that dwells in you spiritually and emotionally. Each act of forgiveness is different, has a different scope of how big or small it is.” Images of forgiveness appear throughout the piece. In the first section entitled “Mortar,” a pile of bricks is the only set piece. Dancers struggle with the bricks in various ways, building and rebuilding them in different formations, bringing them forward as offerings. At one point, a dancer steps toward the audience and silently mouths, “I’m sorry.” “Mortar” was originally choreographed last year for the James Sewell Ballet. Since then, Nellis has created “Forgiveness Lunch” by adding two new sections, one of which is a
solo of his own composition entitled “Dark Mountain Manifesto.” The original music for the piece was composed and recorded by Nellis’ brother, Justin Nellis (‘10). “Everyone should come and see it,” Neitert said. “It’s going to be a heavy experience that I think will really matter for people because oftentimes we don’t deal with heavy things, and we stay in this lightness throughout our days. I think it’s about the journey of the audience as well as the performer. Come experience the journey.”
“Forgiveness Lunch” will be performed Friday, Feb. 20 at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in Storre Theatre.
The couple that plays together, stays together LUANNA GERDEMANN VOLUNTEER WRITER Love and music were in the air for Associate Professors in Music Xiao Hu and Du Huang, a married couple who makes up the world-famous Unison Piano Duo. Hu and Huang performed together as a part of the Faculty Recital Series on Saturday, Feb. 14. This recital incorporated a romance theme, a four-part Norwegian Dances piece and a special Argentinian love piece, and marked the 14th anniversary of the couple’s first concert together
at Luther, which also happened on Valentine’s Day. According to Hu and Huang, performing as a duo is a very different experience than a solo performance, due to the higher demand for accuracy and the integration of both musicians’ styles and ideas. “When you have two of exactly the same instruments, like string quartet or a violin duo, there are a lot more issues because you have to be so in sync to sound good,” Hu said. Hu and Huang were brought together as a duo by their piano professor in Cincinnati while working on their doctorate degrees. Their first piece together was a Bartόk
two piano piece in a chamber group. They began playing as a duo shortly after that experience. “It gets very personal,” Hu said, “because that is how you are trained.” Not only do the technicalities of successful playing need to be taken into account, but the personalities of both performers have an impact on their work. “If couples play together, they either play together or they’ll get divorced,” Huang said. Caleb Sander (‘15) studies under Huang and can attest to the importance of the couple’s chemistry enriching their musical duo. “Since they live together, they do everything together,” Sander said. “They raise their children together, cook together, drive in their car together and now they play piano together. They’re familiar not only with how they play with each other, but also how the other breathes, how they move outside of the piano.” Being a couple is advantageous to them as they are able to practice together often. Sometimes they even begin their practice after their children go to sleep. “Working with an extremely accomplished musician like Xiao, it gives me a lot of stimulation artistically, so that’s rewarding,”
Huang said. Hu and Huang both find that performing as a couple is a valuable experience. “I know I have the best accountable partner, so the last thing we say before we walk out onto the stage is, ‘have fun,’” Hu said. “We work really hard and we do all we can before that,
but when we walk out on stage we’re just going to have fun and live in the moment, and that’s always the most important part of our work.” With more than 150 people in attendance, the audience was captivated by the duo’s Valentine’s Day performance, concluding the recital with a standing ovation.
A POLISHED PAIR. Associate Professors in Music Xiao Hu and Du Huang gave a recital as the Unison Piano Duo on Feb. 14. LuAnna Gerdemann / Chips
FEATURES
PAGE 6 FEBRUARY 19, 2015
FEATURES EDITOR: ABBY CARPENTER
Luther celebrates love of books EMMA DEIHL STAFF WRITER Finding time to read for leisure can be difficult for the average college student. However, during the month of February, people are encouraged to celebrate I Love to Read Month by curling up with a book that doesn’t require hours of note-taking or a dreaded 10-page paper. “Reading leisurely is the opportunity to step outside of our work and to really engage much more deeply and authentically in a text,” Instructional Design Librarian and Visiting Professor Christine Vivian said. Professor of English Nicholas Preus (‘69) mentioned why he believes reading is important. “We talk a lot about theory of mind,” Preus said. “How do we know what someone else is thinking? How do we know that another human basically has a similar interior world to our own? That’s a very important thing to understand, and one important way to understand it is to read stories of other people that take you into that world, and you build the possibility of empathizing with other people’s thoughts.” According to Associate Professor of English Amy Weldon, reading can expand our horizons. “Reading is one of the most fun things you can do,” Weldon said. “Like any fun thing — skiing, dancing, crafts making or just laughing and talking with friends — it expands the boundaries of your own small self and just makes life and the world in general seem bigger, more magical, more mysterious and awesome.” Weldon also emphasizes the feeling of personal connection that reading can provide. “I love the sense reading gives me of being connected to other people in other times and places that were ‘history’ long before I was born, but that, somehow, I recognize as I learn about them.” Weldon said. Preus adds another reason to read for recreation. “I heard that hot-looking men reading books on the subway are attractive, so guys, get out the books!” Preus said. “Reading is important, by golly.”
LOST IN A GOOD BOOK. Instructional Design Librarian and Visiting Professor Christine Vivian reads “The Book of Unknown Americans,” which will be next year’s summer text for Paideia. Emma Deihl / Chips Bela Rosales (‘16) offers a solution to students’ lack of leisure reading. Last semester, she and her peers reconstructed Litardis, a book club that had existed in previous years. According to Rosales, the group consists of about 10-15 members, who meet three to four times per semester. “We didn’t want the book club to be a huge time commitment because we wanted a lot of people to be a part of it, and we know everyone is busy,” Rosales said. “It just gives people a chance to geek out about reading, and we always have a lot of food.” The group read two books last semester, Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” and William Gibson’s “The Peripheral.”
Preus Library is also encouraging students to read by starting a contest. When visitors walk into the library, they can find a poster with various photos of bookshelves, or “shelfies”. The books pictured in the shelfie are hand-picked by a specific librarian. “The person who can correctly pair a Preus librarian with his or her shelfie will win a prize,” Vivian said. The librarians also want Luther students and staff to post their own shelfies. Additionally, a display will be put up later in the week that will be dedicated to the love of reading. Information about Preus Library events can be found on their Facebook page.
Man vs. Food: the Oneota Co-op DANNY MAY STAFF WRITER To those Oneota Co-operative virgins out there: take action. The store provides excellent hot dishes in addition to its already well-known grocery offerings. Upon entering the Co-op, I was greeted with pleasant sights: an array of beautifullycolored fruits and vegetables, appropriate lighting and warm faces at the cash registers. The kitchen and counter are located on the far side of the store while the seating is to the immediate right, where patrons can enjoy their purchases amongst wooden tables and natural lighting from the large windows at the front. My visit to the Co-op started at 11:15 a.m., prompting me to order lunch. I dined on the “Turkey Mango Madness” panino, a pink lady apple and an oatmeal bar, all washed down with a cup of “Winter Solstice” medium-dark roast coffee. The sandwich was comprised of smoked turkey, a mango mayonnaise sauce, provolone cheese and roasted red pepper on sourdough bread. The smokiness of the turkey combined with the mango mayonnaise’s sweetness provided a nice contrast, while the provolone and red pepper balanced the sandwich to give it a bold and sensual taste. The crisp apple and buttery, rich oatmeal bar complemented the sandwich well. As for the coffee, I found this particular blend bold and smooth, with the slightest hint of peppermint. It was an energizing beverage that could have complemented a
variety of meals. Speaking with fellow diners, I gathered a few more recommendations. “I usually get the Grilled PB&J,” Alex Bishop (‘17) said. “It’s a delectable treat. Or the Turkey Jack; you can never go wrong with that. But today I had a ham and swiss quiche.” The Co-op’s grocery section also attracts buyers with its diverse offering of highquality products. “I usually get a few groceries, like some vegetables or a bottle of fish sauce,” Scott Mittman (‘14) said. “The quality here is generally higher, and it’s nice for some items.” Customers are able to purchase a share in the Oneota Co-op for $140, which can be paid monthly. They also offer a college cooperator program at a lower rate. Memberowners receive small discounts, exclusive ordering privileges and a subscription to the newsletter. The Co-op’s prices are generally higher than those of local competition, but some customers feel that the quality is worth the cost. “For the most part, prices are pretty fair,” Bishop said. “It’s definitely pretty good quality food, so I don’t mind paying a little extra for it.” Commenting on the Co-op as a whole, customers expressed satisfaction. “They do a good job,” Bishop said. “Their menu and buffet are always pretty diverse. It’s a great place and a good atmosphere.” A 15-minute jaunt off campus, down College Drive and onto Water Street provides you with tasty, quality food in an intimate setting.
ENJOYING A WELL-ROUNDED MEAL. Alex Bishop (‘17) sits down for lunch at the Oneota Co-op’s Water Street Café. Danny May / Chips
PICKING FRESH PRODUCE. A Decorah shopper selects vegetables from the Oneota Co-op’s arrangement of organic produce. Danny May / Chips
FEATURES
PAGE 7
FEATURES EDITOR: ABBY CARPENTER
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
Sordahl helps students explore natural history SAMANTHA PHILLIPS STAFF WRITER Even though Professor of Biology Tex Sordahl (‘73) is nearing his final days at Luther College, his legacy will live on through the Hoslett Museum of Natural History. Tucked away in the Valders Hall of Science and home to thousands of carefully preserved specimens, the museum has been directed by Sordahl since 1980. “Being head of the museum is basically a volunteer job,” Sordahl said. “It’s not really in my job description, but it does fit with what I teach. So it has to be a labor of love if you’re going to take care of something like that.” The museum started in 1877 with a donation of bird eggs. It was originally located in the Vesterheim but has since been relocated to Valders. The taxidermy collection has grown to include thousands of fish, birds, plants, insects, mammals and even a goat named Billy. “It’s very much like a library,” Sordahl said. “We’ve got thousands of specimens, and you have to know where each one is.” Sordahl’s self-proclaimed attention to detail and organizational skills are qualities that he looks for in Luther students as well. He has hired a total of 41 students over the years to help him work behindthe-scenes on the museum, and he keeps a record on file listing each of his “assistant curators.” Curator duties include arranging and cleaning exhibits, keeping records of the specimens on a sophisticated computer database and doing taxidermy on the side. According to Sordahl, they must have especially nice handwriting to label the organisms’ foot tags. “It’s sort of embarrassing to say that I judge people by their penmanship, but I do,” Sordahl said. “And when I see somebody who writes really neatly in my class, I start wondering if I want to hire them.” Corrina Slings (‘17) is one such student who began working with Sordahl at the beginning of the semester. More than anything, Slings is looking forward to the opportunity to perform
TAXIDERMY WITH TEX. Jennie Solverson (‘15) prepare taxidermy. “It’s funny because I’m vegan,” Slings said. “A vegan taxidermist.” Slings was comforted to know that the majority of animals in the Hoslett Museum died of natural causes. Sordahl works individually with his assistant curators to teach them the art of taxidermy. He meets with students in the lab several nights a week, working with them as they practice skinning birds and other organisms. “It’s a special kind of knowledge that you get by taking [a bird] apart and putting it back together,” Sordahl said. “That’s an intimate relationship with animals that you don’t get if you don’t do that type of museum work.” Kim Howell (‘15) began working with Sordahl this January as an assistant curator and has already begun learning the nature of taxidermy. “You get to be artistic, but it also incorporates biology,” Howell said. Sordahl will be the first to admit that he searches for
a
Professor of Biology bird for the museum.
students who have artistic talents as well. Due to the nature of the job and the intricate nature of the birds being skinned, he appreciates students who can work well with their hands. Assistant curator alum Stykel Stevenson (‘12) recalls the passion Sordahl has for his position. “Tex is incredibly passionate about the study and teaching of ornithology,” Stevenson said. “He is an environmentalist with a deep concern for nature and its inhabitants. He is also proudly Norwegian with roots in the small town lifestyle.” Many people have expressed
Tex
Sordahl
(‘73)
concern about what will happen to the Hoslett Museum and who will care for its collections after Sordahl retires. The current plan is for Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology Dawn Reding to become the new Hoslett Museum Director and Curator of Vertebrates. Though Sordahl will technically leave his position at Luther, he does not plan to stop doing what he loves. “I like to say that nobody ever retires from ornithology,” Sordahl said. “I have had the good fortune that my vocation and my evocation are pretty much the same.”
helps student Samantha Phillips
/
curator Chips
Jennie Solverson (‘15) has been an assistant curator for the majority of her college years and has come to understand the impact Sordahl has made on the Luther community. “The [biology] department will not be the same without him,” Solverson said. “He’s the head of the department, but also I think that a lot of the faculty members respect him because he’s one of the senior members of the sciences.” After retiring, Sordahl plans to remain in Decorah, where he will continue pursuing research opportunities and spending time with the birds he loves.
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WHAT A HOOT. Professor of Biology Tex Sordahl (‘73) smiles next to a stuffed great gray owl in the Hoslett Museum of Natural History Samantha Phillips / Chips
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 8 FEBRUARY 19, 2015
A&E EDITOR: DYLAN HINTON
Tapping jazz with Hot Sardines LAURA PROESCHOLDT STAFF WRITER Luther students should prepare to be transported to the Gatsby era with Hot Sardines, an up-and-coming hot jazz group from New York City, performing in the CFL on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. The group is a jazzy riot of horns and sultry vocals fueled by driving stride piano, clarinet, washboard and a furiously fast tap-dancer. Director of Campus Programming Tanya Gertz and Alex Klyn (‘14) saw the Hot Sardines on a trip to New York last January and were instantly impressed by the band’s energy. “There is this kind of infectious joy that came from this show,” Gertz said. “Alex and I ended the show thinking, ‘That’s it – they have to come to Decorah.’” Band members Miz Elizabeth and Evan “Bibs” Palazzo spoke to Chips this week about their artistic process and upcoming performance: Chips: Tell me about the Hot Sardines’ style of musical interpretation – how do you give hot jazz classics a modern twist? Hot Sardines: We play it firmly rooted in 2015 and in our own musical passions; so you may hear a James Brown beat or a bluesy Ray Charles run, even if we’re playing a tune written in 1922 , long before those two came on the scene. We all have references we love and we don’t shy away from weaving them in just because the era doesn’t match. What were your early music influences? Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Primaheck; even the Muppets have a lot of great music. Why do you think audiences find new jazz so appealing? We’re surprised by everything that’s happened with the band, especially since we never set out to start a band. We believe music should
move you, and this kind of jazz is spirited stuff that aims for the heart and soul. It’s such fun to hear live. Tell me about your original compositions. What does your writing process look like? How do you get inspired? There’s no real process. A melody will come to one of us and we just have to get it down before it disappears into the ether. For “Let’s Go” off the new album, Evan recorded the melody on piano on his iPhone and sent it to me, and I wrote the lyrics when inspiration hit, which was on an airplane. There’s no way to “get” inspired. It just sort of happens. Any advice for aspiring musicians at Luther College? Play what you love. That’s all there is. What has surprised you most about this whole ride? How truly universal these songs are...we see folks from age 9 to 99 at our shows. What is special about the Hot Sardines? This isn’t special, but I think it’s true about us: You can’t fake authenticity. You have to love what you’re playing or it won’t resonate. After the performance on Friday, there will be a public reception with the Hot Sardines downtown at the Courtyard and Cellar. Gertz encourages students to use this as an opportunity to continue the fun the band will start onstage. “It’s like the social part of the art,” Gertz said. “It’s a chance to experience the joy of the high of that show together; you don’t have to lose it right away.”
Hot Sardines will perform Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life. Tickets are free with CAF or $24 to the public and can be purchased at tickets.luther.edu.
FOOT-TAPPING FIENDS. Hot Sardines is a musical group out of New York City that plays high-energy jazz tunes accompanied by a tap dancer. Photo courtesy of hotsardines.com
Track review: Kendrick Lamar, “The Blacker the Berry” PETER JARZYNA KWLC PROGRAM DIRECTOR Word of advice: when King Kendrick is rasp-throated and out of breath, listen closely. Our latest taste of what Lamar’s highly anticipated new album might
sound like is an intensely political joint. “The Blacker the Berry” rides a Boi-1da beat that sirens and broods like the fire-lit streets illustrated in the opening hook. Kendrick delivers with urgency and aggression, and one line, repeated at the top of each of three verses, sticks out: “I’m the biggest hypocrite of two-thousand-fifteen.” Lamar is sure to hold his listeners down until unveiling the meaning
Photo courtesy of trialsntresses.com
of this confession in the track’s final lines: “So why did I weep when Trayvon Martin was in the street? / When gangbanging make me kill a n***a blacker than me? / Hypocrite!” The song’s title pays homage to Harlem Renaissance author Wallace Thurman’s novel of the same name, which probed at racism occurring from within black communities. Whether intentional or otherwise, Lamar’s attention to this phenomena serves as a response to some widelypublicized criticism from musician Azealia Banks, who was unhappy with Lamar’s recent comments to Billboard concerning the cases of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. By lobbying for self-love as a necessary initial step to combat racial violence, Banks tweeted, Lamar disregards the generational effects of poverty, racism and discrimination. In “Berry,” Lamar broadens the notion of generational racism entirely, confronting the fatalistic hypocrisy of this complex: institutional racism hits communities the hardest by stirring up racial violence within. Lamar carries a torch that is so
authoritative and rare because of how deeply personal it is; he bloodied his own knuckles beneath the fist of societal injustice. Author Michael Chabon, who annotated the track’s “Genius” page, notes that by acknowledging the uncomfortable complexity of this issue, Lamar aims for a fuller embodiment of solidarity. “Lamar’s ‘I’ is not (or not only) Kendrick Lamar but his community as a whole. This revelation forces the listener to a deeper and broader understanding of the song’s ‘you,’ and to consider the possibility that ‘hypocrisy’ is, in certain situations, a much more complicated moral position than is generally allowed, and perhaps an inevitable one.” With a voice carrying this kind of weight, it’s no surprise that Lamar is being careful to ease his latest statement into societal consciousness. To exercise some solidarity myself, I’ll echo the masses: Kendrick, we’re ready for that album. For the best in new independent music, tune in to KWLC Radio Monday through Friday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturdays and
Sundays 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. KWLC can be found at 1240am on the radio dial or online at kwlc.luther. edu.
Scan this QR code with your smartphone to listen to Kendrick Lamar’s “The Blacker the Berry.”
OPINION
PAGE 9
MANAGING EDITOR: SARAH KING
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
The dominating problems with ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Letter to the Editor
There are two things that I wish someone had told me before I saw “Fifty Shades of Grey”: 1. That the following next two hours were going to be some of the most uncomfortable moments of my life. 2. That I shouldn’t see it. “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the first installment in the “Fifty Shades” trilogy by E. L. James, tells the tale of college senior Anastasia Steele who falls in love with CEO Christian Grey after an interview for the college newspaper. Grey reveals that he practices BDSM (a condensed acronym for bondage/ discipline, dominance/submission and sadism/masochism). Further, he wants Anastasia to be his submissive, and she has to reconcile her growing feelings for a man who insists that he doesn’t do relationships. That’s it. That’s the entire plot. Yet the film, which released on Feb.
13, has grossed $94.40 million during its opening weekend according to imdb.com. This figure is more than the “Imitation Game” (which has grossed $80.23 million in 12 weeks) and triples the amount grossed by “Jupiter Ascending” ($33.80 million in two weeks). With a number like $94.40 million, it begs the question, what is “Fifty Shades” doing right? With laughable dialogue, a predictable plot and lead actors with the chemistry of a boiled cabbage, “Fifty Shades” has little to offer an audience. As the Australian Today reporter Lisa Wilkinson said, “… ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ is more appalling than appealing. It is domestic violence dressed up as erotica, and if there is one thing this movie is not, it is erotic.” For example, Christian Grey is meant to come off as a dominant, hypermasculine businessman with a fetish for gray ties. In reality, Grey is emotionally abusive and manipulative. Throughout the movie, he buys Ana lavish gifts like a new car and computer, but they were not given from a place of affection but out of a desire to persuade Ana to become his submissive. Attorney and writer for Huffington Post Pamela Jacobs published an article entitled “6 Early Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship” that details specific behaviors and traits that are
commonly seen in emotionally abusive relationships. Several of these behaviors can be seen in the relationship between Grey and Ana. For example, Jacobs lists “3. He will want you all to himself ” and describes, “He will glare at other men for looking at you and question you about your male friends … But soon, he’ll make you feel guilty for spending time with friends or family.” Early on in their relationship, Grey isolates Ana from her friends and family. He makes her sign a non-disclosure agreement that prevents her from discussing their relationship. Because of this agreement, when Ana becomes upset because Christian has pushed her too far, she is unable to confide in her mother. Further, because she is upset, Ana visits her mother, only to be followed by Christian. This is not romantic behavior. This is controlling behavior. Further, as Emma Green indicates in “Consent Isn’t Enough: The Troubling Sex of ‘Fifty Shades,’” trust is one of the
main aspects of BDSM. Because some of the sexual acts that the dominants and submissives engage in can be dangerous, the partners must have explicit safe words that let the other partner know when they are uncomfortable. However, “Fifty Shades” completely disregards this fact. Grey and Ana engage in BDSM play outside of Grey’s “play room” despite the fact that Ana has not signed over her consent to be Grey’s submissive. In one instance, Grey insists that Ana must be spanked for rolling her eyes at him, assuming the role of the dominant even though Ana had never engaged in BDSM or signed her consent. What’s even more alarming is the feedback. Christian Grey is praised as a type of Byronic hero — moody and misunderstood — instead of being viewed as an emotional manipulator. Women are supposed to want to be with a man like Christian Grey. After all, don’t all women want to be dominated?
“With laughable dialogue, a predictable plot and lead actors with the chemistry of a boiled cabage, ‘Fifty Shades’ has little to offer an audience.” - Laura Hayes
Laura Hayes (‘15)
Senate infringes on freedom of the press SARAH KING MANAGING EDITOR This week, if you flip to page three of our paper, you will read the headline “Honor Council to Change Honor Code.” What you won’t read, however, is how Chips was practically forced into printing this article. In order for Student Senate to pass the changes proposed by the Honor Council, Senate bylaws require the proposal changes to appear in two consecutive issues of Chips. In having this bylaw, Senate places the newspaper in a position where we either stand in the way of change or allow them to tell us what to print for the next two weeks. The changes the Honor Council outlines are quite small. Most of the changes they wish to make consist of eliminating single words from their code and changing the Honor Council titles of “Honor Council President” to “Honor Council Chair” and “Honor Council Secretary” to “The Honor Council Vice Chair.” Is it really necessary to print this two weeks in a row? I don’t think so. We already struggle to fit current stories in our pages. Requiring the same text to run twice limits our ability to share relevant stories with readers. I want to be clear. I never want
to get in the way of change, nor do I think the Honor Council is wrong in making updates to their Code, however small they may be. I also believe it is important to keep students informed about what kinds of changes are made to the Honor Code. However, it is wrong for the Student Senate to determine what must be printed in Chips. It is flattering that Student Senate views Chips as a relevant source of information for students; however, it does not change the fact that their bylaw infringes on our freedom as the press at Luther. Chips is supposed to be an independent student publication, written and organized by the students for the students. I acknowledge I write this at the risk of sounding like a founding father. Nevertheless, our purpose here at Chips is to be a source of news and information to our students, as well as a means of voicing our opinions and sharing ideas. Student Senate requiring Honor Council to have their proposal published by us for two weeks in a row places us in a position with two options: print repetitive information or stop change. The former would make us use up a significant amount of what precious little space we have. The latter would mark us as an organization that prevents change.
How could we say no? There really never was a choice. This is why Student Senate must change this bylaw. If organizations around campus make it a requirement for the newspaper to print their content for even a single week Chips cannot remain unbiased and independent. We would no longer serve as a free press.
Instead, Student Senate could require the Honor Council to get their proposal published in the newsletter or other sources of PR across campus. Chips is always open to suggestions, and if the Student Senate wanted to suggest to the Honor Council that they try to get their content published by Chips to broaden the readership of
THE AVERAGE MALE LUTHER STUDENT
their proposal, Chips is always open to hearing new story ideas. There is nothing wrong with the desire to inform students, and we aim not only to do this ourselves but also to aid other organizations, as well. What is wrong is Student Senate dictating to Chips what to publish. It risks the danger of setting the wrong precedent for what Chips is and does.
Sarah King
OPINION
PAGE 10 FEBRUARY 19, 2015
On European Islamophobia
Luther College Chips Chips is a student publication of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. The paper is designed, composed edited and managed entirely by Luther students. It is published weekly during the academic year, excluding the month of January. The opinion section is designed to provide a forum for Chips, its staff members and the Luther community. Opinions expressed in articles, editorials and columns do not necessarily represent the views of the Chips staff. The author is solely responsible for opinions expressed in Chips commentary. Chips will not accept submitted articles or campus announcements. Submissions for letters to the editor should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document to chipsedt@ luther.edu with Letter to the Editor as a subject line. Letters to the Editor are subject to editing without changing the meaning of the letter. Authors will not be notified of changes prior to publishing. Letters must be signed, 300-400 words and submitted before Sunday at 5 p.m. the week before production. Publication of all letters is at the discretion of the editor. Contact Chips: Phone: 563-387-1044 Fax: 563-387-2072 Email: chipsedt@luther.edu Advertising: chipsads@luther.edu Website: lutherchips.com Facebook: facebook.com/LutherChips Twitter: @LutherChips Spring 2015 Staff Editor-in-Chief: Managing Editor: News Editors: Features Editor: A&E Editor: Sports Editor: Staff Writers:
Head Copy Editor: Copy Editors: Ad Representatives: Ad Accountant: Photographers: Design Technician: Web Manager: Social Media Director: Distribution Manager: Adviser:
MANAGING EDITOR: SARAH KING
Walker Nyenhuis Sarah King Makeda Barkley Emily Crowe Abby Carpenter Dylan Hinton Julia Joseph Cody Arndtson Elizabeth Bonin Erin Danielson Emma Deihl Matt Helm Danny May Kasi Misseldine Sarah Owens Steve Peterson Samantha Phillips Laura Proescholdt Colin Robinson Frances Stevenson Erika Storvick Elizabeth Tabaka Margaret Yapp Katie Hale Cameron Meyferth Bethany Seavers Templeton Alex Brandt Hannah Mick Tyler Hovey Cody Arndtson Samantha Ea Isaac Davis Britany Thorpe Elizabeth Hurley David Faldet
Letter to the Editor I have read with a certain disappointment and disbelief Maggie Steinberg’s article on European Islamophobia that appeared in the Feb. 12 edition of Chips. I believe your description of European Islamophobia is completely decontextualized and lacks a real background. The undertone that you take in describing European attitudes toward Muslim people highly disregards what European people have been suffering for the past 1,400 years. Europeans have done their wrong to Muslims undoubtedly, but if we are seen as Islamophobic, it is with a reason. That reason is 500 years of Muslim piracy on the Mediterranean coast, where people that sailed ran a daily risk of ending up as slaves of one of the several sultans of Africa and the Ottoman Empire. If we have Islamophobic attitudes, it is because Spain had to fight a 500-year-long war to become a country independent from Arab domination. If there is an anti-Islamic
attitude, it is because we have seen the bombings and terrorist attacks to the synagogues of Europe in the past 50 years. If we are seen as Islamophobic, it has to do with the fact that Charlie Hebdo is only one in a long series of terrorist attacks to our continent, the last of which happened on Sunday, Feb. 15 in Denmark, one of the most welcoming countries of Europe. If we are perceived as Islamophobic, it is because we cannot forget the images of Muslim terrorists holding hostages of 385 people (mainly kids) in the Beslan School (Russia). We have made inclusion and integration a part of our culture for the past 70 years, and yet we still cannot live in peace and feel safe in our own country. Doesn’t this explain why Europeans are becoming Islamophobic? In your article you mention that the attackers of the Charlie Hebdo newspaper “were labeled as terrorists.” I find that incredibly (and perhaps involuntarily) offensive to the French people who died that day. What do you call a man who shoots a journalist because they offended his religion? A naughty boy? A scoundrel? I don’t know a better word to describe that than the word “terrorist,” a bringer of terror in a continent that has done many wrongs in history but certainly also suffered great tragedies. I do not approve of Islamophobia, but you can’t simply talk of it without explaining where Islamophobia in Europe comes from. Alessandro Giovanni Battaglia (‘16)
Addressing journalistic integrity Editorial Brian Williams has recently been under a lot of fire, but not the kind he used to claim to have experienced. On Feb. 4, military newspaper Stars and Stripes revealed the NBC Nightly News anchor to have fabricated parts of a story from his coverage of the Iraq invasion in 2003. NBC has launched an internal investigation, and Williams received a six-month suspension. Many have called Williams’ voice monotonous, sonorous and sleepinducing, but for years many people found comfort and trust in his matterof-fact approach to broadcasting. That trust is now broken. According to Business Insider, as a result of his actions, Williams has fallen from the 23rd-most-trusted person in America to the 835th spot. The entire situation has many of us wondering, why would someone with so much success risk his career to embellish a story? There are a number of possibilities, none worthy
of such a lie. The first is that perhaps Williams lied in a kind of unconscious way, the way so many of us do whenever we tell stories to friends or family. After all, don’t we all embellish our stories a bit with every retelling? The second could be that he wanted to attract more viewers. Broadcast news is cutthroat and ratings are everything. Williams may have made his story sound more interesting in order to gain more viewers. These reasons, of course, do not justify the lies. A third, more pessimistic yet completely plausible possibility, is that Williams lied to boost his ego. He wanted to seem more impressive and relevant. News anchors, movie stars, professional athletes and all other kinds of celebrities throughout history have proven that fame can give an individual the feeling of invincibility and privilege. They think they can get away with anything because of their “elite” status. In fact, Williams’ story is not so different from a similar tale from Hillary Clinton, in which she
The Norse Poll
“It makes you wonder what news source you can trust since NBC is supposed to be one of the most credible ones out there.” Leif Larson (‘15)
claimed to have dodged snipers in Bosnia. The issue of credibility becomes especially problematic for journalists. These people are supposed to be trustworthy. They are supposed to remain unbiased. They are most peoples’ source of information for what goes on in the world. Within television news, NBC has the reputation of being the most serious, the most accurate and the most truthful. So how do we go on from here? Can we ever trust the news again? Or are we all destined to become cynics? We at Chips are committed to truthful journalism. We strive for objective, factual reporting that is relevant to the community. However, we also acknowledge that we make mistakes. Sometimes a statistic is misreported or unattributed, and we want to apologize for all previous mistakes we have made, as well as those which we might make in the future. We always want to remain accountable to our readers, which is why we report corrections and admit our shortcomings.
Chips asks students what they think about this week’s editorial.
“Three words: Brian Williams, no.” Chelanga Langason (‘16)
“He should have known better. That’s not how credible news works.” Cierra Buckner (‘18)
SPORTS
PAGE 11
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
SPORTS EDITOR: JULIA JOSEPH
SHARING IS CARING. Club sports such as Ultimate frisbee, shown, use their SRC time to allow for all three teams to practice.
Steve Peterson / Chips
Teams compete for SRC space STEVE PETERSON STAFF WRITER February is one of the busiest months for Recreational Services. With the frigid weather outdoors, collegiate teams, intramurals, club sports and students all compete to use the large indoor space of the Student Recreation Center (SRC). “Academics have priority, then athletics, then recreation and then our greater community,” Coordinator of Recreational Services Vicky Jaeger said. Throughout most of the academic year, classes and sports affiliated with the school get to use the space during the day and most of the afternoon. In the evening, the building is usually designated for student recreational activities from 8 p.m. until close, according to Jaeger. During these hours, the space is open for intramural sports, club sports and any students who want to utilize the open space. “In February, it is just crunch time,” Jaeger said. “You have all the spring sports starting their seasons, and you have the winter sports that are still in season, so there is a real lack of space.” With the high demand for use of the SRC by the college, the start time for student recreation gets moved back to 9 p.m. during the month, according to Jaeger. To accommodate this altered
Norse of the Week JULIA JOSEPH SPORTS EDITOR Sam Raiche (‘15) placed third in the 200 fly and eighth in the 500 freestyle during the Liberal Arts Championships on Feb. 11-14. The men’s team finished second overall. Chips: What made you first want to be a swimmer? Raiche: Both of my older brothers swam in high school, and I think my mom thought it would be a good idea to put me in a summer league when I was around nine. I hated the cold water and early mornings and quit after two weeks. The next summer, I tried again and told myself that I wasn’t going to quit. I wasn’t good in any sense of the word, but I loved meets and the people I swam with. What's the biggest challenge you've faced throughout your career? Swim season is such a grind. We have morning practice at 6 a.m. four days a week for the better part of four months. In the middle of a hard set, there really isn’t a whole lot around to distract you. Looking back at a completed season, the
schedule, the building remains open for an extra half hour. “When people have early classes and a lot of homework, guys have trouble getting to that late practice,” Pound Captain Jesse Hitz Graff (‘16) said. The Luther ultimate teams are finding it difficult to begin their seasons around this tight schedule. LUFDA, FREYA and Pound have to share the SRC space during the month in order to maintain a regular practice schedule. “Everybody wants to be playing,” Jaeger said. “The club sports want to get their season going, but there is really not much space for them. What we’ve tried to do is create an ultimate league on certain nights, which at least gives them some reserved space to practice. We’re doing the same thing with rugby, because they start playing in two weeks.” These practices are scheduled for Monday through Thursday from 9-11 p.m. It is reserved for club and intramural ultimate, and all the teams practice during that time slot. Occasionally that
amount of time and effort put in seems unreal. At the beginning of swim season, sometimes I feel like I have a mountain in front of me. It can be hard to keep the long-term goals in mind and show up ready to give my best. If you could be on an Olympic relay team, who would you want the other three swimmers to be and why? Michael Phelps: However much bad press the guy receives, I would never turn down the opportunity to swim with a legend. He’s hands-down the greatest. Jason Lezak: He still holds the fastest 100 freestyle split ever from his leg in the 2008 Beijing 400 free relay. Plus, his story is amazing. He is the shining example of hard work. Katie Ledecky: She’s just a monster in the pool. At 17 she’s already an Olympic gold medalist and multiple national and world record-holder. I love watching her smash expectations of what’s possible for a 17-year-old girl. What's one of the most important things you've learned swimming for Luther? The swim program here has taught me what it means to sacrifice for your family. The satisfaction I get from knowing that I did everything I could to help my team outweighs any happiness I get from a personal best or pain from practice or racing. Do you have any pre-meet rituals or routines before a race? The things that I do to get ready are more for practicality than anything. I like to have my cap and goggles on well
reservation has been overridden by another intramural sport or team practice. The late time frame of the practices has also posed an issue to the teams. “After coming off a month of not really being able to practice together, not being able to have a full space for scrimmages and not having that time to build the chemistry before our tournaments is tough,” FREYA Captain Hanna Jensen (‘15) said. “With three teams practicing in there, it gets chaotic.” LUFDA played in their first tournament of the year Feb. 6-8, FREYA will play in their first tournament at the end of February and Pound will play their first tournament in early March. “If we are going to be well, we all need space to be well,” Jaeger said. “We have to cooperate. There’s ‘x’ amount of space, and we all have to remember there are a lot of students who aren’t varsity athletes but still want to play. Everyone needs to be more respectful of one another.”
“In February, it is just crunch time. You have all the spring sports starting their season, and you have the winter sports that are still in season, so there is a real lack of space.” - Vicky Jaeger
DIVE ON. Sam Raiche (‘15) had a strong last season with Luther’s Swimming and Diving Team. Bre Pierce / Photo Bureau before my races so I don’t panic trying to fit a cap on my head as I step up on the blocks. I also like having multiple layers on so I don’t get cold. The only thing I would call a ritual is wearing a tank top that my brother got me for Christmas my junior year. What's your favorite race and why? I started swimming the 200 butterfly my sophomore year at Luther and it’s become my favorite event. It takes good technique to swim a fast-paced butterfly at that distance. I also like the strategy of it. You have to know how to pace a 200 fly or the end is going to hurt way more than it should. What's the best part about the Liberal Arts Championships? I love seeing everyone go all-out. It’s such a fun, positive atmosphere and
the team gets up for everyone’s swims. Swimming can feel like a really lonely sport, but it never feels that way at LAC. What will you miss most about swimming and being on Luther's team? I’ll miss the closeness of the team. I’ll miss chasing something with a group of people who care about it as much as I do. I’ll miss the feeling of being deadtired after LAC and knowing that we did something incredibly special for each other. Best piece of advice for first-year teammates? Don’t let the sport get to your head. Rely on your teammates to help pick you back up and don’t give anything less than your best for them. Whatever you do, do it with love and joy for your family, whomever that might be.
SPORTS
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SPORTS EDITOR: JULIA JOSEPH
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
Luther hosts third annual Norse Awards COLIN ROBINSON STAFF WRITER Luther student athletes gathered to hear the winners of the third annual Norse Awards on Sunday, Feb. 15. The three showcase awards during the event are the Norse Pride, Male Athlete of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year. Nominations are reviewed by the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, or SAAC, who also set up and ran the awards ceremony. “Our role as a board is to organize the entire event from beginning to end,” Koepnick said. “This includes communicating with coaches, gathering information on athletes and nominations, writing voice-over scripts, as well as countless other details to organize.” The first award, the Norse Pride Award, had four nominees: The Luther College Men’s Soccer Team, Anne Versnik (‘17, Softball), Kayla Uphoff (‘14,
Weekly Standings Women’s Basketball IIAC 9-3 9-3 8-4 8-4 6-6 5-7 3-9 0-12
Luther Dubuque Coe Loras Simpson Wartburg Buena Vista Central
Recent Scores
Overall 19-4 15-8 15-8 14-9 16-7 14-9 8-15 9-14
Feb. 14 vs. Central College W 63-44 Feb. 11 @ Loras College W 73-72
Upcoming Schedule
Feb. 18 vs. Wartburg 6 p.m. Feb. 21 @ University of Dubuque 2 p.m.
Men’s Basketball IIAC 10-2 9-3 8-4 6-6 6-6 4-8 4-8 1-11
Buena Vista Dubuque Coe Central Wartburg Loras Luther Simpson
SAAC HOSTS AWARDS . SAAC members Meagan Koepnick (‘15), Lindsey Uphoff (‘16), Alise Miller (‘15), Martin Stalberger (‘15) and Cody Kliethermes (‘15) open the awards. Kate Knepprath / Photo Bureau Cross Country and Track) and Conner Herman (‘15, Wrestling and Football). The Men’s Soccer Team was nominated for their video with Wartburg College called “Will you join us?”, a short film addressing racial
Graphic by Samantha Ea
abuse in college athletics. “We’re honored to be nominated and it’s special that we’re getting recognized for it, because I’m sure people have watched the video and forgotten about the message by now,” J.W. Slauson (‘15) said. “It’s nice to see that people still recognize and remember it.” Nominations recognize accomplishments from the past year’s seasons by athletes and teams. The Norse Awards are the only opportunity for all collegesponsored teams to come together and be recognized for different successes. “This award to me is not a personal accomplishment,” soccer player Martin Stalberger (‘15) said. “It is a way of recognizing a team which is filled with many great players who all help one another become the best they can be." Nominees for the Male Athlete of the Year were Alec Knop (‘15, Baseball), David Carius (‘16, Swimming), Andrew Peter (‘14, Golf), Ramesh Karki (‘14, Tennis), Martin Stalberger (‘15, Soccer) and Josh Vos (‘14, Football). “Being nominated for this award makes me feel like the work I've put into each practice is paying off,” Carius said. “I feel that this
nomination is more a credit to my team environment. Nominees for Female Athlete of the Year were Maggie Helms (‘16, Tennis), Erin Wilson (‘15, Soccer), Leah Broderick (‘15, Track and Field, Volleyball), Clare Slagel (‘16, Swimming) and Tricia Serres (‘16, Track and Field, Cross Country). “Ever since I started playing tennis, I've struggled with confidence and belief from time to time,” Helms said. “Receiving this nomination has further validated that my hard work and dedication to tennis has paid off.” These ceremonies are a representation of the hard work and dedication of Luther’s student athletes and the coaches that help them achieve their goals. According to Koepnick, the only outside help comes from the statistics and nominations of the coaches. “As an athlete, I feel very grateful to be nominated, especially with the number of talented female athletes we have at Luther,” Wilson said. “A sport like soccer really is a team sport. This nomination comes back to my teammates, because as the legendary and marvelous Mia Hamm once wisely said, ‘the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.’”
Recent Scores
Overall 17-6 19-4 14-9 13-10 13-10 9-14 8-15 6-17
Feb. 14 vs. Central College L 69-70 Feb. 11 @ Loras College L 61-70
Upcoming Schedule
Feb. 18 vs. Wartburg 8 p.m. Feb. 21 @ University of Dubuque 4 p.m.
Wrestling #1 Wartburg #16 Luther #17 Coe Central #28 Loras Dubuque Simpson Buena Vista
IIAC 7-0 6-1 5-2 3-4 3-4 3-4 1-6 0-7
Recent Scores
Overall 18-1 13-6 9-8 8-4 9-11 8-13 7-11 2-14
Feb. 13 vs. Buena Vista University W 41-6
Upcoming Schedule
Feb. 17 @ St. Olaf College 7 p.m.
Women’s Swimming Luther Loras Coe Simpson
IIAC 2-0 2-1 1-2 0-2
Overall 3-2 5-3 6-6 2-4
Recent Scores
Feb. 11-14 Liberal Arts Championships 1 of 11
Upcoming Schedule
Mar. 18-21 NCAA III National Championships 10 a.m.
Men’s Swimming Luther Loras Coe Simpson
IIAC 2-0 2-1 1-2 0-2
Overall 2-3 4-4 2-9 2-4
Recent Scores
Feb. 11-14 Liberal Arts Championships 2 of 9
Upcoming Schedule
Mar. 18-21 NCAA III National Championships 10 a.m.