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LUTHER COLLEgE
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dECEmbER 10, 2015
Serving the Luther College community since 1884.
VOLUmE 138, NO. 12
Just Action writes statement of solidarity against Islamophobia sIdney lArsen STAFF WRITER The Luther College group Just Action drafted a statement of solidarity in response to an increase of anti-Islamic sentiments throughout the United States following the Paris attacks. The statement, found on the Just Action page of the Luther College website, went live on Monday, Dec. 7 and is open for anyone to sign online. A slightly amended version of the statement will be published in Sojourners Magazine, a Christian publication focused on social justice issues, that will be available for Christian students around the country to sign and support. Associate Professor of Religion and Just Action member Todd Green said that the statement was designed to combat Islamophobic feelings throughout the nation. “The purpose of it is to respond to the growing trend of Islamophobia in the United States that I would argue is probably at its worst in the 14 years or so since 9/11,” Green said. The statement was read publicly for the first time on the morning of Monday, Dec. 7 in chapel. Green invited attendees to stand and read it together, prefacing it with an example of backlash
against the release of the statement. “Welcome, my friends, to the world of Islamaphobia,” Green said. “This is what you’re up against; this is what we’re up against: fear, hostility and hatred. And there are people out there who do intend harm. And there are people out there who want you to give into fear. And I’m here on behalf of the Just Action group to tell you that we will not do that.” Just Action’s statement is following Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr.’s statement that who urged students on his campus to begin arming themselves against Muslims. “I always thought that if more good people had concealed-carry permits, then we could end those Muslims before they walk in and kill,” Falwell said. According to International Student Coordinator in the Diversity Center Amy Webber, Muslim students on campus are very appreciative of the solidarity statement. “The Muslim Student Association is really grateful for this statement,” Webber said. “To know how many people around here are supporting them is important.” stAtement, PAgE 4
Enrollment shortages in classes may lead to course cancellations frAnces stevenson STAFF WRITER As spring registration continues, the Registrar’s Office will ask professors of classes with fewer than five students registered to cancel these classes. Four classes have already been canceled. According to Registrar Kristin Swanson, three multi-section classes were canceled, and a higher-level political science course titled International Relations taught by Assistant Professor of Political Science Pedro Dos Santos was also canceled. “As a department we’re somewhat baffled on how low the enrollment was for this class,” Dos Santos said. “I taught this class two years ago and I had 28 students.” According to Swanson, the number of courses canceled or with the potential to be canceled for spring 2016 is not unusual. The are many reasons classes have low enrollment numbers, including the small incoming class last year, according to Dos Santos. “It might be enrollment in general,” Dos Santos said. “We are still feeling the effects of the smaller class that we had last year. We’re going to keep seeing this for the next four years, so that might be a part of it.” Anderson finds that there are many ways a situation like this can come up. regIstrAtIon, PAgE 4
mAkIng A stAtement. The statement of solidarity has been shared over social media this week. Courtesy of Todd Green
LC Diversity Center releases survey results lAurA proescholdt STAFF WRITER Last week, Luther College’s Office of Assessment and Institutional Research (AIR) presented the results of the Campus Diversity Survey, administered for the first time in spring of 2015 to several campus groups including the Luther College cabinet, Student Life and Just Action. AIR will present the results to Campus Life this week. According to Assessment and Institutional Research Analyst Nan Hibbs, the goal of the survey was to better understand students’ views on diversity and their experiences of discrimination on campus. “Our hope is that the information from the Campus Diversity Survey in this case will inform discussions and decisions across campus for students, faculty, staff and administrators,” Hibbs said. “Our role is the collecting, interpreting and sharing [of data], which is what we’re doing now.” In March 2015, a link to the survey was sent in an email to 1,555 sophomores, juniors and seniors, of whom 35 percent responded. The results, released mid-October to faculty, staff and students, show both positives and areas for improvement. On the positive side, 95 percent of respondents reported feeling a sense of acceptance and belonging at Luther, according to the AIR report. In addition, students appear
to be “overwhelmingly comfortable” befriending diverse individuals. However, although 95 percent of respondents reported a feeling of acceptance at Luther, this number was not the same for all groups. For racial/ethnic minorities the number was 84 percent, for LGBT students 89 percent and for students with a disability 87 percent. Thirty-two percent of respondents reported feeling discriminated against or harassed on the Luther campus based on status or membership in a particular group. Of that 32 percent, 82 percent of students cited other Luther students as the source of the discrimination or harassment, which most often took the form of verbal comments (83 percent); glances (54 percent); ignoring (44 percent); and written comments on websites, email or instant messaging (36 percent). Other forms of harassment reported were threats of physical violence, physical assault, body language, vandalism, stalking, work assignments, LC Confessions, treatment by RA and Security Officer, cat calls and interrupting in class. Discrimination or harassment occurred most frequently on the basis of gender. “I think that the first takeaway is that, clearly, everyone’s not having the same experience out there,” Hibbs said. “It’s important to pay attention to that, and so I think with the first iteration, that’s what we’re doing.” survey, PAgE 4
News
PAge 2 december 10, 2015
News editors: ANNA Jeide & KAtie NelsoN
Students and organizations fundraise for Student Activities Council Christmas Cheer elyse grothaus stAFF writer
Student Activities Council (SAC) Service works to provide for the surrounding community through the annual Christmas Cheer project. In conjunction with the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation, Luther College is sponsoring 53 families. Various groups, organizations and offices around campus raise money and go shopping for Christmas gifts for the children in the families, in addition to other household items that the family needs. Luther became involved many years ago through Decorah resident Karen Trewin who brought the idea to the SAC when she was on the executive board. Now, Christmas Cheer is a longstanding tradition at Luther and many organizations on campus are involved. SAC co-chairs Hannah Kaare (‘17) and Nicole Niehaus (‘16) began working on this project in the spring. Their work started with communication with the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation to set a date for collection of the gifts. At the beginning of the semester, they advertised the project and arranged all of the families with the sponsors. Niehaus explained how important this event is to her. “It does bring in the true meaning of Christmas,” Niehaus said. “It is volunteering your time to go out and shop, and donating money to go out and make someone’s Christmas better. I can see how hard it would be to wake up on Christmas day and not have gifts for your children, so it makes Christmastime a little happier for these people. They are working so hard to make ends meet and this is one way we can help make them a little happier.”
ColleCting for Christmas Cheer. (From left) sAc christmas cheer co-chairs Nicole Niehaus (‘16) and Hannah Kaare (‘17) collect the donations that student organizations deliver to marty’s. Cameron Meyferth / Chips Along with donating to individual families, Christmas Cheer can be an opportunity for organizations to come together. Kaare emphasized how this project is one way to involve Luther with the surrounding community. “Basically the whole campus is involved in Christmas Cheer,” Kaare said. “It is a great way for them to get involved with SAC and to get involved with the Decorah community and the
surrounding communities as well. There is a wide range of organizations that take part in it. Even small organizations or friend groups can sponsor a family.” Genevieve Heimer-Lang (‘19) saw a sign advertising Christmas Cheer and was interested in the idea. She is sponsoring two families with a few other people on her floor. “It’s definitely a lot of work, but I would like to think that it is worth
it because every time I’m looking at the stuff that I got I think how a kid is going to have this,” Heimer said. “Christmastime is the best time to see how lucky we are and then we can help othewr people.” The gifts were dropped off in Marty’s on Tuesday, Dec. 8 and from there they will be taken to a church in Decorah. On Christmas day, these families will be able to open up presents.
senates discontinues college readership account anna Jeide News editor Student Senate voted to discontinue the College Readership Program at their meeting on Thursday, Dec. 3. The manner in which Senate receives funding has changed. According to Student Senate President Jesus Lucero (‘16), funding used to be allocated to Senate from Student Activities Council
(SAC), but now those funds are being allocated directly to Student Senate from the Co-Curricular Activity Fee (CAF). Effective next semester, the CAF will be distributed to SAC, Senate and Performing Arts Committee (PAC), where previously Senate had received their funds from SAC. “That means we have a lot of autonomy with the way we allocate our funds now,”
Lucero said. “With that, we now control the college readership account, which is an account that a lot of things came out of, including the newspapers (New York Times and USA Today), funding for the Launching Luther Leaders banquet and senior send-off.” According to members of Student Senate, the decision was made to discontinue the College Readership Account because of costs.
“Student Senate voted to discontinue the readership program in order to free up its $7,000 expense for use in other projects such as the funding of Luther student organizations,” Student Senate Chair of Communications Committee Andrew Carlson (‘17) said. In addition to the cost, senators were concerned that not enough students were using the resource. “Most of the newspapers are taken by professors,” Lucero said. “We do realize that there are students who use those newspapers, but it isn’t a significant amount.” Senate hopes to explore other options so that students will still have access to the newspaper. “We’re researching other ways that students can get their newspapers or get the news in general,” Lucero said. “Most of the ways we’re looking at that are online.” readership aCCount, PAge 3
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Discussing sustainability of de-icing on campus Luther College Facilities Services has been in communication with Sustainability Services to discuss the use of salt products to manage snow and ice on Luther’s roads and sidewalks. According to Manager of Environmental Services Ivan Hackman, Facilities Services uses primarily two products for managing winter weather on sidewalks and roadways: Promelt, an electric-powered ice melter, and WinterGreen, a liquid ice melter. “We have chosen these products because they fit both with our sustainability efforts and they are effective in keeping our sidewalks and roadways clear of ice hazards,” Hackman said. Hackman also stated that Facilities Services and Sustainability work closely on many issues towardsthe same goal of providing a safe environment for students, faculty and staff, by using sustainable practices and products whenever possible. “As with anything, we continue to look for better solutions to enhance the students’ learning experience
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at the College while working to be environmentally friendly,” Hackman said. Student Aaron Busch (‘16) has worked on the grounds crew for the past four years and worked on a project called “Salty Luther” as a senator in Student Senate. According to Busch, the goal ofnthe project was to educate both Student Senate and Luther students of the impact that excessive salt use poses on any body of water, such as the Upper Iowa River. Busch also stated that the salt kills the grass along the curbs and sides of the sidewalk, while also corroding the sidewalks more quickly. Referring back to Luther College’s mission statement, which states the goal to “practice joyful stewardship of the resources that surround us,” Busch feels we are not meeting that stewardship. “With the amount of salt use we are not adhering to that responsibility considering the Upper Iowa River and other bodies of water are a resource that surround us,” Busch said. According to Busch, Student Senate endorsed supporting a proposal to use more sand and grit instead of salt products, but after
meeting with numerous facilities staff, director of facilities and Grounds Crew Supervisor Paul Frana, there was no support for making the change. Busch stated that using sand and grit as alternatives to salt products would be a more sustainable option, that would still maintain safety and would also save the college money. “The college would also save thousands of dollars in the long run with the more sustainable option, considering salt is generally much more expensive than sand and grit,” Busch said. “The roads and sidewalks would last much longer than before because of the corrosive nature of salt products.” Though Busch states that a proposal for a change of product was made and declined, Hackman suggests that Facilities Services is open to other alternatives. “We value and look for different perspectives because it helps us to arrive at better solutions,” Hackman said. Assistant Director of the Center for Sustainable Communities Maren Beard and Cargill Energy and Waste Fellow Sam Pollan declined to comment on the issue.
CAF funds to be redistributed readership aCCount, PAge 2 Chris Lovagnini (‘16) is an avid reader of the newspaper. “As someone who reads the paper and enjoys doing the crossword puzzles every day, I’m going to be sad when the newspapers are gone next semester, but I’m sure Student Senate has good reasons for cutting them,” Lovagnini said. “In an age when social media makes information easily accessible at any time, I don’t think I will be any less informed about events in the world
without the newspaper. I guess I’ll just have to find another crossword source,” Lovagnini said. Lucero points out that the $7,000 can now be redistributed to allocate more funds to student organizations. “Some of the funds will go to different initiatives to support organizations,” Lucero said. “We’re thinking of starting a fund for organizations that are just beginning [and possibly] a scholarship for an organization that needs a significant amount of money for an event or equipment. We’re also thinking of making funds available for organizations that do not qualify as student organizations, such as Just Action, ‘Don’t Shoot’ or NASA, whose purposes are to educate or disseminate information rather than just what a normal organization does.” Students can contact Student Senate with questions about future options for news subscriptions. “We will be following up with students in the spring in regards to different options for getting news,” Lucero said. correctioNs in last week’s issue of Chips no. 11, a subheadline read “racism, education and islamophobia” on page one. the subtitle should have read “racism, education and civil rights.”
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life outside luther Responding to mistrust, feds investigate Chicago police Responding to deepening mistrust of one of the nation’s largest police forces, the federal government opened an investigation Monday, Nov. 7 into the Chicago Police Department, and authorities announced they would not charge an officer in the death of a 25-year-old black man who was shot in the back last year. The Justice Department investigation was to look into patterns of racial disparity in the use of force. It comes nearly two weeks after the release of a video showing a white Chicago police officer shooting a black teenager 16 times. Lack of trust between police and their communities “makes it more difficult to gain help within investigations, to encourage the victims and the witnesses of crime to speak up and to fulfill the most basic responsibilities of public-safety officials,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said. “And when suspicion and hostility is allowed to fester, it can erupt into unrest.” The investigation, which is separate from an existing federal investigation into last year’s shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, will also review how the department disciplines officers and handles misconduct accusations. Justice Department officials say they use so-called patternsand-practices probes to identify systemic failings in troubled police departments and to improve trust between police and the communities they serve. The civil-rights investigation follows recent ones in Baltimore, Maryland and Ferguson, Missouri, and comes as the police department and Mayor Rahm Emanuel are under intense scrutiny over their handling of the October 2014 death of McDonald. Officer Jason Van Dyke was charged with firstdegree murder Nov. 24, more than a year after the killing and just hours before the release of police dashboard camera footage showing the officer shooting the teenager. Emanuel, who initially said a federal civil rights investigation would be “misguided” but later reversed course, said the city needs comprehensive solutions in the wake of the video showing McDonald’s death. Speaking at a news conference, Emanuel said the police department’s challenges go beyond one case, and he’s making several reforms, including appointing a new leader for the Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates shootings by police. The previous head resigned Sunday. The authority’s new chief will be Sharon Fairley, a former federal prosecutor who also worked with Chicago’s Office of Inspector General. She appeared with Emanuel at City Hall and said she has no agenda beyond the pursuit of integrity and transparency. Compiled from www.ap.org
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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A&E EDITOR: JENNA NELSON
ULTRA
DECEMBER 10, 2015
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THEATRE. ART. DANCE. Photography from Ultra Mega Mega 2014 depicts the culmination of student artists’ works in a variety of artistic discipline (From left) Will Heller, Will Heller and Breanne Pierce / Photo Bureau MATIJA NIKOLIC STAFF WRITER & JENNA NELSON A&E EDITOR Students involved in the Visual and Performing Arts gather to showcase their work during Ultra Mega Mega which will take place in the Center for the Arts (CFA) Friday, Dec. 11 from 7-10 p.m. Artwork will be on display all through the CFA, dancers will perform pieces in Studio One and theater performances will take place in Jewel Theatre. The biannual event acts as a final showcase of the work completed by Luther students involved in the arts during the fall semester. According to Professor of Theatre Jeffrey Dintaman, this event is special because students can showcase their work in community. “I think the amazing thing about this event is that the building is filled with artwork and it’s an evening when [students] get to share their work where normally that would not happen,” Dintaman said. “For example, English and history students rarely share their papers as a class but here, every student in the class will get to share [their work] with their peers.”
Tessa Kraus (‘16) looks forward to having her friends attend the showcase. “It’s great that it’s happening every semester because unlike high school art students, we get a chance to present our work,” Kraus said. “It is really fun that all my friends can come and see my art.” According to Gallery Coordinator David Kamm, the schedule of events for the night allows for people to attend a variety of performances, even including a break for a quick laugh. “We changed the schedules so that the performances will not be overlapping and so that everyone can attend without missing out on something else,” Kamm said. “We are also keeping the crowd favorites; we always stop the event at a random point in time and do drawings for ‘dorky dork prizes’ such as little figurines of wrestlers or fortune cookies, which say that they are likely to end up in jail. It’s a fun event, and we don’t try to keep it too serious.” A community member who is participating in the event, Mathew Andreas, emphasizes the fact that the audience will get to experience various forms of art. “People have this idea of what painting and drawing is, but a lot
of people don’t really understand the process of print making, and they wouldn’t necessarily go to see a dance performance,” Andreas said. “When people come here, they will definitely see many things that they would not have otherwise encountered.” Andreas will be performing contact dance improvisation with students at this year’s Ultra Mega Mega. “We will be performing contact dance, which is all about making a contact with your partner and sharing weight, bringing a slow form into a presentational performance,” Andreas said. “It’s hard to explain dance because one needs to see the performance to really understand it. You will see people falling and lifting and surprising.” The theatre department will also be represented at the event as students perform scenes to conclude their courses. “So much of what we do can’t depend on a final, you can’t really test the work sometimes,” Elaena Hokestra (‘17) said. “This is a way for us to showcase our work throughout the semester. It’s basically a final in 11 different scenes.” Art student Claire Firary (‘17)
looks forward to sharing her portfolio with peers and the greater Decorah community. “It’s a chance for everyone to see what kinds of different art mediums we are working with,” Firary said. “I’ll probably show some of my print-making pieces and a piece that I made for my junior exhibition show. Everyone should come because we picked the best pieces from our class portfolio and we put hours and hours into these works. We are also open for people who are not students but live in town to come over and check out our work.” Students in the arts see Ultra Mega Mega as an opportunity to
boost their curricula vitae (CV) before they seek work in the real world. “We can put this on our CV as a group exhibition which helps in the professional world,” Lars Johnson (‘16) said. “This is a great way to show what we work on because I feel like the conception of art students here is that we are painting pretty pictures, but when we put it together with the theatre and dance departments it becomes this big thing that everyone can appreciate. This helps us gain notoriety.” Admission is free and open to Luther students, faculty, staff and the public.
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NEWS
PAGE 4 DECEMBER 10, 2015
NEWS EDITORS: ANNA JEIDE & KATIE NELSON
Just Action publishes statement combating anti-Muslim sentiments STATEMENT, PAGE 1 Green described the statement as the first step to showing the community that Luther does not support prejudice. “This is the first step toward sending a message to the larger community that bigotry is not one of our values at Luther College,” Green said. “That we are a community of justice, a community of equality, a community of inclusion and we will make a public show of support to any group that we feel might be targeted.” Green wanted to stress the fact that it was Just Action, not Luther College as an institution, that was responsible for the statement. “I want to make clear that this is not an official statement coming from the leadership of Luther
College,” Green said. “Though they will be made aware of this statement, too, and they will be welcome to sign onto it.” According to their website, the goal of the Just Action group “is to engage different community perspectives on race, class, place and policing, and to look together at how these things intersect.” Just Action member Jorge Lopez (‘17) further described the work of Just Action as standing up on campus for any and all persecuted groups. “We try to commemorate oppressed and marginalized demographics and bring awareness to their experiences,” Lopez said. “We acknowledge it and that we are speaking out against it and declaring that we stand with them.” According to Green, anti-Muslim prejudice is a very relevant issue here at Luther.
“I always see it as a potential problem here at Luther College,” Green said. “We have a small group of Muslim students, but are there incidents, even sometimes behind the scenes, in which Muslims experience some hostility or animosity or sense that there’s some anxiety directed their way here at Luther College? Yes, that does happen.” Alyssa Dutkanych (‘16) is very in favor of the antiIslamophobic movement on campus and plans to sign the statement of solidarity. “I am going to take my own pledge,” Dutkanych said. “I want to stop Islamophobia because all it is ignorance. Hating someone just because of what they believe in is absolutely ridiculous.” Those interested can find the statement of solidarity on the Just Action page of the Luther website at luther. edu/just-action/islamophobia/.
Diversity Center publishes survey results SURVEY, PAGE 1 Campus organizations are currently in conversation about the survey and how future programming and policy may develop in light of the results. According to Vice President and Dean of Student Life Corey Landstrom, the survey will eventually help administration to see whether or not policies and programming are effective in increasing inclusivity on campus. The survey will likely be administered once every three years. “In future years, it will be helpful to look at specific
responses to see if there are improvements in the climate,” Landstrom said. “Clearly, different respondents will make up the response pool, but [the survey] will nonetheless begin providing longitudinal information about the student experience.” Hibbs feels that the survey is an important piece in improving the campus experience for all students. “I think everyone is in agreement that when students experience discrimination or harassment, when they don’t feel supported by the Luther campus, when they feel excluded or when they
Registration shortages may lead to course cancellations REGISTRATION, PAGE 1 “There are a wide range of reasons a class may not fill up,” Anderson said. “It may be that the topic is not of interest, it may be that it’s at a bad time. A lot of students looking to fulfill their general education
Information from my.luther.edu Graphic by Emily Crowe
requirements think 100-level courses are the best place to do that [but] history 200-level courses are open to first-year students.” Classes that are required for a major are run often, even if they do not have five or more students, according to Swanson. Many of the classes that are canceled are electives taken to fulfill general all-college requirements or electives within a major. Students looking to fulfill general requirements may not look into all the classes that can fulfill that requirement which may be part of the reason general requirement classes are more likely to be canceled, according to Anderson. Another class that was almost canceled for low enrollment reasons was Assistant Professor of Africana Studies and History Lauren Anderson’s class The Civil Rights Movement, which connects the American Civil War to the Haitian Civil War. This class fulfills several general education requirements including the human behavior and historical perspectives requirements and can be used as part of the history and Africana studies majors. “[The class is] about massive violence and fear and the fear of violence and how that affects people’s decision making,” Anderson said. “It’s a really fascinating way to think about slavery and to look at forces that are pushing against the slave system.” The class now has five students and will continue to run this spring. Anderson is hoping to run the course every few years despite the setback this year, as with other similar classes. “I would encourage students to take advantage of the liberal art tradition,” Anderson said. “They get to take a class outside their major and explore widely. There are a lot of options. There is a really wide and wonderful array of choices.”
fear for their physical safety, well-being and learning will suffer as well, so I think that’s what makes this important,” Hibbs said. The full AIR report can be found at luther.edu/ir/ internal/surveys/diversitysurvey/.
Upcoming Events Thursday, December 10 Sustainability Council 4:15 p.m., Dahl Centennial Meeting Union, Mott Room Take a break from studying 7:00 p.m., Farwll Hall, to watch a movie Farwell Lounge Wrestling - UW- La Crosse 7:00 p.m., La Crosse, Wis. Friday, December 11 10:30 a.m., Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall VPA Showcase: Ultra Mega 6:00 p.m., Center for the Mega Arts All day, campus-wide Last day of classes Kwanzaa Chapel
Saturday, December 12 Wrestling - UNI Open 9:00 a.m., Cedar Falls, Iowa Women’s Basketball - UW- 3:00 p.m., River Falls, Wis. River Falls Kwanzaa Dinner
3:30 p.m., Dahl Centennial Union, Peace Dinning Reading Day All day, campus-wide Sunday, December 13 Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 a.m., Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall Candlelight Service 9:00 p.m., Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall Monday, December 14 Final examinations 8:00 a.m., campus-wide Tuesday, December 15 Final examinations 8:00 a.m., campus-wide Wednesday, December 16 Final examinations 8:00 a.m., campus-wide Shopping shuttle 7:30 p.m., Dahl Centennial Union, Student Organizational Suite Thursday, December 17 Final examinations 8:00 a.m., campus-wide Christmas at Luther 2015 7:00 p.m. on Minnestota Public Radio Information from luther.edu/events
FEATuRES
PAgE 6 DECEMBER 10, 2015
FEATuRES EDIToR: ABBy CARPENTER
Just Action group creates dialogue about racial inequality at Luther
stAnding united. From left, Dominique Savio Itanze (‘16), Visiting Assistant Professor and Instructional Design Librarian Christine Moeller, Professor of English Nancy Barry, Zora Hurst (‘17) and Rob Manges (‘16) read the Statement of Solidarity stating that we stand with Muslim community members after chapel on Dec. 7. Jesse Anderson / Chips Jesse Anderson STAFF WRITER Social justice movements take many forms. At Luther College, one such movement is known as Just Action, a series that seeks to establish and maintain an inclusive environment in the community. According to their website, Just Action was born as the nation mourned and protested the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and many others. The group has since grown to encourage inclusion, promote understanding of privilege and start conversations that seek to engage the Luther community on issues concerning racial inequality and diversity. Program Assistant to the Diversity Center Jake Dyer recounts Just Action’s founding moments. “It came out from the things that were happening in Ferguson, [Missouri],” Dyer said. “Students were coming in saying, ‘No one knows what going on, what’s Luther’s reaction to what is happening.’” The group’s first event followed the Center Stage production of “In the Heat of the Night.” According to Diversity Center Interim Director Wintlett Taylor-Browne, the group’s first public event was a conversation following the play on Oct. 24, 2014. “Just Action was a renaming of the original organization of Luther faculty, staff and students who participated in the ‘Don’t Shoot: The Perils and Promises of Privilege’ campaign last spring,” Assistant Professor of Philosophy Holly Moore said. The group has since sponsored numerous lectures, conversations and student activities. The group is driven by a common inquiry, according to TaylorBrowne. “We want to explore issues of privilege: how privileges can be used to oppress or exploit, and how privileges can be used to make a difference,” Taylor-Browne said. Jorge Lopez (‘17) speaks about how students can use their privelege to help others. “We, not only as individuals but as an institution, are flowing with privilege,” Lopez said. “We hope to use not only our own privilege but also influence others to similarly use their privileges, to speak out for those that don’t have the same privileges.” In exploring these issues, Just Action responds to injustice with education. “The group sees itself as educating the campus around these issues and taking action when and where necessary to bring
attention to these issues, as they come up in our society,” TaylorBrowne said. Just Action engages most of the Decorah community in exploring these issues. According to Taylor-Browne, Just Action includes the Peace and Justice Center of Northeast Iowa, the Decorah Public Library and pastors from multiple local churches. These connections bring the conversation out into the community from a group that was originally made of Luther faculty, staff and students. “Recently, Just Action members participated in the Luther Black Student Union (BSU)-organized walk-out to show solidarity with students of color and their allies around the country who protested against racial discrimination and harassment on the campuses of the University of Missouri, Yale and others,” Moore said. Aside from demonstrations, Just Action holds panel discussions to promote conversation. According to Taylor-Browne, panel discussions account for some of Just Action’s most notable events. On Thursday, Nov. 19, Just Action organized a panel in Marty’s
titled, “Keep it Going: A Campus Conversation—Part II ‘Racism, Education and Civil Rights.’” The next day, Just Action co-organized an event commemorating International Transgender Day of Remembrance in cooperation with People for the Rights, Inclusion and Diversity of Expression (PRIDE) and BSU. This week on Monday, Dec. 7, Just Action, in cooperation with many organizations in the Luther and Decorah community, held a release and public reading of a statement in support of Muslim community members. “With the increasingly hostile and demeaning rhetoric heard in the media and in our own community […] we will gather to stand in solidarity as friends and community members of all faiths and backgrounds, demonstrating our unity in diversity,” Moore said. Anyone interested in getting involved with Just Action is encouraged to contact Taylor-Browne; those interested in adding their names to the statement in support of Muslim community members may do so through the Luther College website.
stAtement of soLidArity. Assistant Professor of Philosophy Holly Moore, Lizzy Myra (‘18), Adjunct Faculty in Paideia Dalton Little and Advisor and Tutoring Coordinator Chivonne Marlow reading the pledge after chapel. Jesse Anderson / Chips
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DECEMBER 10, 2015
Holiday Lights and Helping Services sAmAnthA eA STAFF WRITER The annual Holiday Lights drive-through display at Pulpit Rock Campground, held by nonprofit agency Helping Services of Northeast Iowa, kicked off Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26 and will continue until Saturday, Dec. 26. The drive-through features twinkling lights, animated displays and even a visit with Santa Claus. Office Assistant for Helping Services Christine Morrow (‘16) describes the teamwork that goes into producing the light show. “It’s been going on for 11 years,” Morrow said. “It brings in a lot of money for Helping Services to keep on doing what they are doing. It’s really cool because of the people in the entire workplace; they are all so passionate about everyone, no matter what their job title is, they help out with it. It’s a big team effort, really, to get the whole thing going.” Development Coordinator for Helping Services and coordinator of the light display Dennis “Oz” Osmundson expressed his appreciation for the contributions the annual fundraiser brings for Helping Services. Funds are gathered solely on free-will
donations and sponsorship of light displays. “It’s our biggest fundraiser by far for the agency,” Osmundson said. “Last year, just in the free-will donation, we raised $26,000. We also have display sponsors. I hate to give it an exact dollar amount on what we bring in, but it’s still by far the most money we can take in. The community is super.” For many, going to the light show has become an annual tradition. “I think it’s something that grandpas and grandmas can take their grandkids through,” Osmundson said. “And it’s a drivethrough display, so it’s kind of an easy way to get to see a lot of different kinds of displays. I also think it’s a family tradition. ‘Let’s get in the car, go out to eat tonight and we’ll go see the light show.’” The money fundraised from the light show goes to various services that the nonprofit agency provides. “It might go to victims of domestic violence or abuse, maybe advocacy, helping them with whatever they have for needs,” Osmundson said. “It might be housing, or it might just be support. It might go to the mentoring program; they put on programs which might include
Lights for A cAuse. The funds collected for Holiday Lights are given to Helping Services of Northeast Iowa. Samantha Ea / Chips going to an apple orchard, things like that. It also goes to family support network, a network for parents that have children zero to three. That’s where the money is all used.” With last year’s record of cars in one night at 1,281, Osmundson is anticipating another high turnout this year. “I don’t know if we can match that again, but we’ll try,” Osmundson said. “I love a challenge. But [starting] December 10, we’re
open every day until the day after Christmas.” Kacy Rodamaker (‘19) saw the lights for the first time. “I thought they were super cute and super fun,” Rodamaker said. “They were good for all ages. The Santa Claus and the elf were super nice, and Santa gave me a hug. They were so nice to us and were awesome people. And I got a picture with Santa.” With the stress of finals and the end of the semester, Morrow
encourages students to take time for themselves, go see the lights and support Helping Services. “Take a break from studying,” Morrow said. “You need it. Either take a night and drive through with your friends or maybe if you’re babysitting. It’s an event that you can do with anybody. Or take a night off, reach out to Helping Services and see if you can volunteer because they would really appreciate the help. They love Luther.”
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ARTS & EnTERTAInmEnT
PAgE 8 DEcEmbER 10, 2015
A&E EDIToR: JEnnA nElSon
Luther Artists Collective sale JACob WArehime STAFF WRITER Over the weekend, the Luther Artist Collective (LAC) held their annual art sale in the Dahl Centennial Union. The sale, which ran from Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 6, featured a wide variety of art made by students at Luther. According to LAC President and art major Kristin Anderson (‘16), the annual sale is the staple event of the group. “This is our biggest fundraiser,” Anderson said. “It’s all student work. 70 percent goes back to the artist and 30 percent goes to LAC.” According to Anderson, the group itself is made up of students with a passion for creating art. “[LAC] is a student group for art makers and enthusiasts,” Anderson said. “We have some art education people, but also just some art makers. We meet once a week and we do critiques pretty often. People bring in their work and we just talk about it. We also support art in the community.” Anderson was selling her ink wash and acrylic paintings, however other items being sold ranged from ceramic items to knitted hats and headbands. LAC member Emily Schoen (‘16) was at the event selling her knitted and crocheted items. Schoen explained how the funds raised from the sale are used. “This is the big event,” Schoen said. “We raise money and [LAC] will take art students to places like Minneapolis to see art exhibits and then have a nice dinner.” According to Schoen, the funds from the sale help promote and develop a sense of community among the members of LAC. Traditionally, sales on campus are not allowed during Christmas at Luther weekend. However, Anderson acknowledged that the LAC art sale has been a key event for the group for so long that they were grandfathered in. Anderson said the influx of people on campus helps the sale thrive; however, she said that it’s not all about the money. “The majority of the people who walk by, obviously they don’t buy anything,” Anderson said. “But I think it would be worth it even if we get this much foot traffic. People are looking at the gallery, they’re going over to the Center for the Arts. And most of the people that walk through are like, ‘Wow, this is student work?’ I think that’s the biggest deal— getting things out of people’s studios.” Kassondra Johnson (‘16) was also at the event selling her prints and several paintings from a larger series she completed last spring. Johnson said that there are a lot of factors to consider for the artists who are selling their work.
Student Work. (From left) luther Artists collective Kristin Anderson (‘16) and Emily Schoen (‘16) sell their work. Jacob Warehime / Chips “For [what I sold], I found things I was ready to part with,” Johnson said. “Not that I have anything against my paintings, I just thought maybe I would give them to someone else.” Johnson also said that she had to consider what type of art would be best to sell. “Even the size [of the art] is something you need to think about,” Johnson said. “Smaller sometimes is better. And quicker to make.” As far as whether the art is created for the sale or for a class, Johnson said the ratio is about half and half. “I know some people just made some quick ones to sell,” Johnson said. “But I know there’s been a lot of artwork that’s
been made from [students] developing their portfolio for a class. It probably started in a class and then moved out to what they wanted to sell.” Hannah Tulgren (‘18) was someone who attended the sale. She enjoyed being able to see what other students on campus were creating. “It’s really cool,” Tulgren said. “A lot of these people I know, and it’s really cool to see their work. I get to see what these people are doing and creating.” Schoen echoes this sentiment. “For me, this is the big event,” Schoen said. “It’s a chance to hang out and know that the money is going to a good place.”
It’s a wrap at KWLC radio station emmA CASSAbAum co-STATIon mAnAgER The weather is turning, student stress is high and the Grammy nominations are out. Another year is coming to an end here at KWLC, and I’m looking back, reflecting on how
it’s been an incredible year. I’ve been fortunate in the little basement this year and have had the pleasure of working with over 50 on-air staff, as well as a dozen devoted workstudy staff. I’m thankful for their endless enthusiasm and their unique musical tastes—
their energy is what keeps KWLC alive. In addition to our talented staff, I’m grateful for our listening community—for you. We’ll keep churning out high quality, non-commercial college radio. All you have to do is keep your dial at 1240 AM. Thanks for listening, folks.
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.
OPINION
PAGE 9
MANAGING EDITOR: CAMERON MEYFERTH
DECEMBER 10, 2015
‘Tis the Season for selling Christmas at Luther tickets Letter to the Editor While scrolling through social media, namely Facebook, I saw that statuses and Luther class pages were being blown up with very similar postings: “C@L ticket(s) for sale, message me if interested! Willing to negotiate price.” These posts are nothing new for the Luther community to see. However, after being here for almost four years I have noticed a trend in the time period in which tickets are sold—the week of Christmas at Luther. It has come to my attention that students get their tickets early in the semester, hold on to them and later sell them because they ‘decide not to go.’ There are exceptions to which tickets can be sold—if family could not attend at the last minute, sudden circumstances arise, sickness occurs, etc. Refunds for
The Norse Poll
Christmas at Luther tickets are only available until Nov. 6, so selling because of situations like these are acceptable. What needs to be addressed are members of the outside community who wanted to buy tickets but did not have the opportunity because they were taken by indecisive students. Many people miss out on this wonderful experience because of how quickly tickets sell out. Seeing Christmas at Luther is a privilege for students and it is not being treated as such. Students spend countless hours rehearsing, and the conductors’ schedules are hectic for months. Over 630 people were in this year’s production, and showcasing what they have been working on for months is a phenomenal feat in itself. Selling a ticket because a student simply does not want to go leaves the seller with a pocketful of money and hopeful peers disappointed. This begs the question—should Christmas at Luther tickets be included with the CAF fee? Student privileges can only stretch so far, and paying for an experience such as this one is worth it. A student ticket discount of say $15 instead of the full $35 would not only reign in students who are committed to seeing the production but also allow those who missed out on getting tickets a chance to see this annual celebration. Seeing Christmas at Luther should not only be a privilege but also a means of student support and personal commitment. Hannah Burmahl (‘16)
What do you think about students getting tickets for shows like Christmas at Luther with their Co-Curricular Activities Fee (CAF) and then reselling them?
“I don’t think it should be allowed because people aren’t paying to get the tickets, so they shouldn’t be making a profit by selling them when they didn’t pay for them in the first place.” Sara Wagnitz (‘17)
“I don’t if I have that much of a problem with it, people re-selling tickets. I might feel differently if I was in C@L.” Philip Bagnoli (‘19)
“It could get to be a problem if it’s more than just, ‘Oh, hey, I couldn’t make it, I was planning on making it, I couldn’t make it.’ Going from that to where people just start selling them to make money.” Biz Wagenson (‘17)
Student Senate addresses changes to structure, location and finances A Sit-Down with Senate There are many new and exciting things happening in Senate, but the most important changes are to our structure and the way that we function. As representatives of the general student body, it is our duty to inform you of these changes because we truly value transparency. Following a collaborative meeting with SAC President Laura Vestle (‘16), SAC Vice President Carly Densmore (‘16), Senate President Jesus Lucero (‘16), Senate Vice President Nicole Lussier (‘16), Vice President, Dean for Student Life and Senate Adviser Corey Landstrom, Coordinator of the Union and SAC Adviser Trish Neubauer, Coordinator of Student Organizations Kasey Nikkel and Director of Campus Programming Tanya Gertz, there were
some important decisions made in regards to Co-Curricular Activity Fee (CAF) allocation. As all students know, the CAF goes to support bringing artists and creating events that add to our community and to the meaning of a residential campus. In the past, the CAF has been allocated to both PAC and SAC in order to fulfill this mission and under this structure, Senate was delegated money through SAC. After careful consideration of funds, it was decided that Senate will now be fully funded by the CAF and will move out of the allocated area of SAC funding. This is exciting for not only us but for many organizations on campus as this gives us more autonomy over our funds so that we may support our own mission of supporting student organizations. Along with this autonomy of our funds, Senate has had to make important decisions regarding how and to what we allocate our money. A considerable portion of our funds has gone to supporting bringing outside news sources such as the New York Times and
the USA Today to Luther’s campus. It has come to our attention that although these newspapers are being used by students, it is a very small percentage of the total amount of newspapers that we receive. We whole-heartedly support students continuing to break the Luther bubble, and it is our hope that the conversations that we have engaged in this semester continue so that we may educate ourselves about what is happening around the world. However, we as a Senate do not feel that this responsibility of paying for news is one that we must shoulder alone. At this time, Senate has voted to discontinue our contract with our news source provider, but we have begun to research an alternative for students to utilize in order to get the news that we deserve. We will continue to update the student body on our progress of finding an alternative news source. Lastly, we are happy to announce that Senate will have a more physical presence on campus in the form of an office. Over January term we have tasked a small group of senators to renovate and
reimagine the Student Organizational Suite (SOS) to not only accommodate our needs but to also keep the space as open and approachable as it is now. This new office is first and foremost for the student body, and we will be introducing Senate Office Hours where students will be able to find and speak to a senator any day of the week. Although the SOS will become our new home, we in no way want to deter students and organizations from meeting in and using the space as it has been used in the past. It is our intention that this blending of space will aid in conversation and collaboration with our student body and organizations. We do not wish to take from this space but rather add to it. We hope all these changes to our structure and functions will reflect positively on Senate and will do good things for our student body. If you have any questions, feel free to stop and talk to a Senator or email us at senate@luther.edu Jesus Lucero (‘16) Student Senate President
OPINION
PAGE 10 DECEMBER 10, 2015
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 5:00 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
Fall 2015 Staff Editor-in-Chief: Managing Editor: News Editors:
Emily Crowe Cameron Meyferth Anna Jeide Katie Nelson Features Editor: Abby Carpenter A&E Editor: Jenna Nelson Sports Editor: Steve Peterson Staff Writers: Jesse Anderson Cody Arndtson Samantha Ea Elyse Grothaus Elizabeth Hurley Sidney Larson Danny May Matija Nikolic Laura Proescholdt Elizabeth Stay Fran Stevenson Jacob Warehime Head Copy Editor: Bethany Seavers Templeton Copy Editors: Olivia Benson Erika Storvick Ad Representatives: Alex Brandt Hannah Mick Ad Accountant: Tyler Hovey Photography Coordinator: Abby Carpenter Photographer: Cody Arndtson Design Technician: Kathryn Olson Web Manager: Michael Spear Social Media Director: Britany Thorpe Distribution Manager: Elizabeth Hurley Adviser: Laura Fuller
MANAGING EDITOR: CAMERON MEYFERTH
Taking on responsibility for sorting our trash Letter to the Editor As citizens of the world, it is important for us to call for change in our societies. We often write our letter to the editor and feel our conscience is clear. Don’t get us wrong, writing a letter to the editor is a great way to express an opinion; we’re doing it right now. It is important, however, that we pay due diligence to the problem and its source. It is our civic duty not only to express our opinions but to be informed in those opinions to avoid ranting without just cause or pointing fingers unfairly. We recently completed a research project for a class by observing the composting habits of our fellow students for a few days in Oneota and the cafeteria, noting if people composted correctly. While many people are sorting their organic waste appropriately, a large portion is not.
Of those who needed to compost in the cafeteria, less than 50 percent composted correctly. This waste (and really, it is wasted, as compost is a valuable soil amendment) contributes noxious gases to the atmosphere that exacerbate climate change, and it takes up space in our ever-filling landfills. Even if you’re not interested in the environmental impact, Luther College spends thousands of dollars annually to take care of our waste. Institutionally, we have invested thousands of dollars in waste infrastructure that requires us, the student body, to understand our impact and utilize the equipment to the best of our abilities. When we are not invested in our waste disposal, we create inefficiencies in the system. Those inefficiencies create more work for staff and student workers who we pay (from our tuition dollars) to take care of our trash. It also forces them to do tasks they shouldn’t have to be doing, wasting their time and our money. When we misuse our waste infrastructure by putting compost
and recyclables in the trash we pay more in tipping fees to send it there, literally sending money to the dump. Instead, workers could use their efforts elsewhere on campus and we could use those dollars to improve facilities and resources for the Luther community. We will admit that our current composting system isn’t the most efficient, and that institutionally there is still work that can be done to improve composting rates. Our administration recognizes this, is working to make adjustments and is open to student input. At some point, however, we must stop blaming the institution and take responsibility for our own actions. In the end, it is our responsibility to take care of our own waste. We must be intentional with our actions and understand the consequences. Take the extra five seconds to put your fruits and vegetables in the compost and recycle your plastics and metals; no one else is going to do it for you. Emily Dufford (‘16) and Zoe Bachman (‘16)
Students introduce group: Norse Against Sexual Assault In light of recent events on campus and growing national attention to the issue of sexual assault on college campuses, many of us are compelled to act and respond. Students, faculty and staff representing Student Life, Campus Life, Human Resources and Riverview Center have come together to form a new committee, Norse Against Sexual Assault (NASA), to address the issue of sexual assault as it pertains to the Luther community. According to the Luther College Student Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedures, “Luther College is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment where all members of the c om mu n it y — s tu d e nt s , faculty, staff and visitors— are treated with respect and dignity. Therefore, the college will not tolerate sexual misconduct in any form. Sexual misconduct is not only an act against an individual; it is also an act that affects the entire college community. Acts of sexual harassment, sex offenses, stalking, dating violence and domestic violence are inconsistent with our educational mission.” NASA refuses to accept that sexual assault is something that “just happens,” or is an excusable act on any grounds. We are committed to creating an environment where individuals are safe and where survivors of assault are supported, rather than blamed, regardless of sex or gender. We seek to create a campus culture that openly discusses
the importance of consent in sexual relationships. We hope to empower students to stand up and speak up as active bystanders. We will hold each member of this community accountable for their actions. We seek to protect the rights of individuals and this community under the Luther College Code of Conduct and Title IX. But we cannot accomplish these things without your help. As students, we choose how we create these changes. We determine how we live in community together. It’s on us to ensure that every individual, regardless of sex or gender, feels at home at Luther College. NASA already has plans for spring semester well underway. We will offer bystander intervention training and other opportunities to discuss issues surrounding consent. We also want to hear from you. What concerns do you have? What suggestions can you offer? How would you like to see change occur? We encourage you to contact us at nasa@luther.edu or like our Facebook page, Norse Against Sexual Assault (NASA). (Note: NASA is not an avenue for reporting sexual misconduct. Please follow procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct policy to report cases of sexual misconduct). We hope to hear from you as we create a community that will not tolerate sexual assault.
“We seek to create a campus culture that openly discusses the importance of consent in sexual relationships. We hope to empower students to stand up and speak up as active bystanders. We will hold each member of this community accountable for their actions. We seek to protect the rights of individuals and this community under the Luther College Code of Conduct and Title IX.” - Norse Against Sexual Assault
Norse Against Sexual Assault (NASA)
SPoRtS
PagE 11
DECEMBER 10, 2015
SPoRtS EDitoR: StEvE PEtERSoN
Norse fall to Cornell College
Wrapped Up. Blake Letney (‘16) works to pin his opponent in a match against Cornell College on Dec. 2. CameroN meyferth MaNagiNg EDitoR Luther’s wrestling team lost 23-19 to the Cornell College Rams in the Regents Center Sports and Recreation Center on Wednesday, Dec 2. The eighth-ranked Luther team falls to 1-1 on the season, while the 19th-ranked Cornell improves to 3-2. Luther won four of 10 matches but was able to pick up bonus points at the 149-, 184- and 285-pound divisions to keep the score close. Dakota Gray (‘16) recorded a 6:59 fall over Cornell’s Josh Martin in the 149-pound division, Blake Letney (‘16) won with a 6-4 decision at 174 pounds, Justin Kreiter (‘17) beat Cornell’s James Garrett in the 184-pound dvision with a major decision 18-4 and Conner Herman (‘16) earned six bonus team points for the Norse when opponent Eric Tucker at 285 pounds was disqualified for stalling. According to Kreiter, the match was a disappointing loss. “Going into the dual we were favored to win, and I would
Cameron Meyferth / Chips
say we are still the better team,� Kreiter said. “It came down to Cornell out-wrestling us toward the end of matches and in key positions that cost us the dual. We didn’t wrestle at the same level we have been in the tournaments leading up to the dual.� Kreiter also commented on his own performance, which earned an 18-4 major decision for the Norse. “In my match personally I felt good,� Kreiter said. “[I] was really able to open up my offense.� Regardless of the loss, Kreiter expressed optimism about the rest of the wrestling season. “Moving forward, we will get better and work on fighting to win the key positions we lost in on Wednesday,� Kreiter said. “We have a good team up and down the lineup, and I expect to see good things in the upcoming meets.� The Luther wrestling team will look to bounce back on Thursday, Dec. 10 when they travel to La Crosse, Wisconsin, to take on the fifth-ranked UW-La Crosse Eagles. The dual meet will begin at 7 p.m.
throW doWN. Justin Krieter (‘17) gains position on his opponent. Cameron Meyferth / Chips
LoUd aNd proUd. Fans cheer on Norse wrestlers in the Regents Center Sports and Recreation Center on Nov. 2. Cameron Meyferth / Chips
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SPORTS
PAGE 12
SPORTS EDITOR: STEVE PETERSON
DECEMBER 10, 2015
Rochester Invitational swim meet sets new school records
Weekly Standings Men’s Basketball IIAC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Central Dubuque Coe Wartburg Simpson Loras Buena Vista Luther
BREATH DEEP. Hannah Rovang ( ‘19) swims butterfly in a meet against Morningside College earlier this season. Ashley Veeser / Photo Bureau STEVE PETERSON SPORTS EDITOR The Luther men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams traveled north last weekend to compete in the Rochester Invitational on Dec. 4-6. Luther raced and dove against nine other schools from the Midwest in the meet, which was hosted by St. Cloud State. The meet turned out to be a successful outing for Luther with three athletes setting school records for their events. Michael Streyle (‘19) set a school record in the 100 and 200-yard backstroke. Emily Anderson (‘17) broke the school record for the 100-yard individual medley, and Trevor Kao (‘18) set the record for the same event in men’s. New Interim Head Coach Bethany Nicoll credits the teams’ success to the preparation ahead of time. “This was our mid-season taper meet,” Nicoll said. “So we dropped the yardage in practice the week leading up to the meet so their bodies are rested and recovered and ready to swim fast.” Captain David Carius (‘16) said the lighter schedule this week also allowed
for some fine-tuning in the other aspects of the sport. “This past week we have spent more time focusing on smaller details such as time of our relay exchanges, breakouts and intensity,” Carius said. “Also, the rest we had going in means our times are typically faster and with more competitive teams at this meet, it allows us to really push ourselves and visualize the races we will have at the end of the season.” Assistant Head Coach Cassie PetersonHuber said that this meet is used as a springboard for the rest of the season as the teams prepare for the Liberal Arts Championships (LAC) in February and Nationals in March. “We now have an idea of some of the things that we need to focus on leading into the second half of the season,” Peterson-Huber said. “We’ll work with the team to make their strokes better, stronger in preparation for the LAC. The rest of December and January will feature some hard training before we start to taper for our conference meet.” This meet as evidence, the change in coaching staff mid-season has not caused
a change in attitude or performance, according to Captain Lexi Scharmer (‘16). “The adjustment has been about as seamless as it could have been,” Scharmer said. “Obviously having a coaching staff switch mid-season is less than ideal, but our previous assistant coach, and now head coach Bethany, has done a great job of maintaining continuity of training throughout the whole process.” Along with a relatively smooth adjustment in coaching, success this season has been a full-team effort, according to Carius. “I’m really proud of the way everyone has been working in practice and racing hard in meets,” Carius said. “Divers are killing it, and the freshmen have really stepped up and found their roles.” Peterson-Huber noted that adaptability played a big part in the success of the meet, and anticipates that it will lead to greater success as the season progresses. “What is most impressive from this team is their ability to listen to the coaches and make changes to swim even faster from one event to another,” PetersonHuber said.
Recent Scores
Overall 5-1 4-2 3-2 3-2 4-3 3-3 2-4 1-7
Dec. 2 vs. Mt. Mercy University, L 87-99 Dec. 5 @ Viterbo Universtiy, L 76-77
Upcoming Schedule
Dec. 29 @ University of Dallas (TX) Dec. 30 @ Austin College (TX)
Women’s Basketball IIAC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Luther Coe Wartburg Loras Buena Vista Simpson Dubuque Central
Overall 6-1 4-1 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4 2-4 1-5
Recent Scores
Dec. 2 vs. Mount Mercy University, W 69-53 Dec. 5 @ Viterbo Universtiy, W 56-37
Upcoming Schedule
Dec. 12 @ UW-River Falls, 3:00 PM Dec. 30 @ UW-Stevens Point, 1:00 PM
Wrestling
IIAC 2-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-1
#11 Coe #1 Wartburg Dubuque #8 Luther Loras Buena Vista Central Simpson
Overall 2-0 4-0 11-10 15-7 10-8 3-9 7-10 3-14
Recent Scores
Nov. 24 @ UW-Eau Claire, W 30-7 Dec. 2 vs. Cornell College, L 19-23
Upcoming Schedule
Dec. 10 @ UW-La Crosse, 7:00 PM
Swimming and Diving Coe Men Loras Men Luther Men Simpson Men Coe Women Loras Women Luther Women Simpson Women
Overall 4-2 3-3 1-3 1-2 4-2 4-4 2-2 1-2
Recent Scores
Nov. 21 vs. UW-La Crosse, L 92-151 Dec. 4-6 @ Rochester Invitational, 7th place
STEVE PETERSON SPORTS EDITOR On Nov. 22, Dakota Gray (‘16) was named the Athlete of the Week by the Iowa Intercollegiate Atheltic Conference (IIAC). Gray is also currently ranked No. 3 in the NCAA for Division III. After qualifying for the national meet last season, Gray has had a strong performance so far this season, going 9-1 with six falls. Gray also was named Gold Division champion at the AuggieAdidas Open on Saturday, Nov. 21. Chips: What does it mean to you to be given this honor? Gray: It means a lot because it means my hard work is paying off, and it is cool to get a little recognition for it. How has the season gone so far for you individually and for the team? The season is going well. I am currently 9-1 with six pins. As a team, we won our opening dual meet of the year against Eau Claire last week and have been wrestling very tough in the open tournaments. What are you most excited for as the season continues? How good we can be. We are a tough team that is getting better every day. I am excited to see what is in store for us. Is there anything you’re working on improving this season? There are a lot of little technical things that I work to improve on everyday, like defending legs, getting out on bottom and staying in
IIAC 2-0 1-1 0-0 0-2 2-0 1-1 0-0 0-2
Upcoming Schedule
Jan. 9 @ Loras College, 1:00 PM
Volleyball
PINNED. Dakota Gray (‘16) pins his opponent in a match against Cornell College on Dec. 2. Annika Vande Krol / Photo Bureau good position. Do you have plans to continue wrestling/coaching wrestling after graduation? Yes, I would love to coach wrestling somewhere in the future. Do you have any odd superstitions or rituals when you wrestle? The only ritual I would say I have is getting a good warm-up in before go time. What will be the biggest challenge facing Luther wrestling this season? Keeping everyone healthy. We are a great team that is getting better everyday. It’s a long season, so keeping everyone healthy will be huge for us.
Wartburg Loras Buena Vista Coe Luther Dubuque Central Simpson
IIAC 6-1 5-2 4-3 4-3 4-3 3-4 1-6 1-6
Overall 31-6 22-13 18-16 23-13 20-13 17-18 15-18 12-21