CHIPS March 9, 2017

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VPA puts on a production of "The Nether"

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TRIO moves offices, hosts open house

Baseball travels to Minneapolis, plays in US Bank Stadium

LUTHER COLLEGE

“Let the chips fall where they may.”

CHIPS

MARCH 9, 2017

VOLUME 139, NO. 15

Standing Out

Senate begins Campus Climate Committee

Luther alum Chris Norton ('15) returns to campus to spread inspiration with his talk, "The Power to Stand."

MADELINE AJACK STAFF WRITER

ANA LÓPEZ STAFF WRITER Luther alum and co-author of a memoir Chris Norton ('15) delivered a motivational talk in the Center for Faith and Life (CFL) on Feb. 28.

Approximately 200 students, faculty, staff and community members attended the talk. The talk was followed by a question and answer and book-signing sessions.

Norton suffered a severe spinal cord injury while playing football during his first year at Luther. Doctors gave him a three percent chance of recovering movement below his neck. However, Norton focused on his physical therapy every day and was able to walk across the graduation stage with help from his fiancée to receive his diploma. A video of Norton’s graduation walk quickly became viral.

During his talk, Norton explained that he found purpose in living his life after the football game in which he suffered his injury. According to Norton, part of that purpose is to travel the country delivering motivational talks as well as founding an organization for others who have similar injuries.

Throughout his recovery process, Norton co-authored a book with his father titled “The Power of Faith When Tragedy Strikes: A Father-Son Memoir.” After the speech, Norton signed copies of the book and met attendees.

During his lecture, Norton discussed the three core principles that helped him get through his recovery: attitude, effort, and purpose.

Norton explained that changing his attitude was necessary to achieve his goal of regaining movement. Effort was necessary to continue through his training and he explained that he had found a purpose in inspiring and motivating others.

In an interview with Chips, Norton said that although this was not his first time visiting Luther to speak, this was his first time delivering the talk in such a large venue. Norton also said that is was nice to see people he knew.

“I love coming back,” Norton said. “I am familiar with the area, I am also familiar with a lot of faces. It was great seeing Brian Solberg and other people who helped me on the field when I was injured. They

Serving the Luther College community since 1884.

Chris Norton ('15) stands up on stage with help from Alex Peterson.

Annika Vande Krol ('19) | Photo Bureau played a huge role in my recovery. There are so many great people here at Luther College.”

Norton also added that among the familiar faces there were some of his former teammates.

“I was around with the [current] senior class,” Norton said. “I know some of those football players from when I was around on campus for a little bit in 2015. I do recognize some of those people, so it was great to see them.”

NORTON | PAGE 4

Student Senate is organizing a Campus Climate Committee to identify Luther’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in regards to race and ethnicity, sexuality and gender identification, political orientation, and communication with the Luther administration.

Student Senate Vice President Kyle Knoke (‘17) is in charge of organizing and analyzing the ideologies of each subcommittee.

“I felt called to represent my constituents,” Knoke said. “Usually when someone calls for something to happen, the conversation ends after the concerns are voiced and we need to do some tangible things for students.”

All of the subcommittees have similar focuses, explained Student Senate President Betsy Fawcett (‘17).

“The goal is to produce a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) report,” Fawcett said. “Each group will have to analyze inclusion equity, what Luther is doing well, how other schools compare to Luther, idea creation, and proposals."

CAMPUS CLIMATE | PAGE 3

Panel discusses competing passions EMMA BUSCH STAFF WRITER The Women and Gender Studies department sponsored a panel titled "Competing Passions: Intersections of Race, Gender, and Sexuality on Feb. 28 in Olin 102. The goal of the panel was to invite community members to discuss intersectionality as Black History Month ends and Women’s History Month begins.

Approximately 65 people attended the discussion.

Panelists included Assistant Professor of Sociology Ronald Ferguson, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Women and Gender Studies Maryna Bazylevych, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Thomas Johnson, and Wiley Cook (‘18). Cook replaced Assistant Professor of Africana Studies and History Lauren Anderson on the panel as she had fallen ill earlier in the day and was unable to participate.

Christ Norton ('19) signs copies of his book, "The Power of Faith When Tragedy Strikes: A Father-Son Memoir."

Annika Vande Krol ('19) | Photo Bureau

PANEL | PAGE 4

NEWS

PAGE 2 MARCH 9, 2017

NEWS EDITORS: DANNY MAY & JACOB WAREHIME

Sunnyside considers upgrades Center for the Arts cafe supervisor expands menu, rethinks public appeal XAVIER CONZET STAFF WRITER

Nursing students Kileigh Dudek ('17), Aubrey Pedersen ('17), and Mallory Hinds ('17) at an awareness table event in October 2016.

Photo Courtesy of Elise Heiser ('17)

Nurses encourage conversation on eating disorders KRISTEN WUERL STAFF WRITER The Luther Student Nurses Association (LSNA) hosted an awareness table outside of the cafeteria on Feb. 27 and 28 to inform students about eating disorders and to answer questions about Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW), a campaign that ran from Feb. 26 through March 4.

LSNA member Izzy Williams (‘17) said that the group sought to raise awareness for a wellness topic this semester after doing so for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2016. Since February was National Eating Disorder Awareness Month, Williams said that this awareness table was an immediate platform to publicize the cause.

According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) website, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their life including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or an unspecified feeding or eating disorder. The mission of the NEDA is to support individuals and families affected by eating disorders and to serve as a

catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.

The NEDA uses EDAW as a support mechanism for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

“EDAW is put on by the NEDA to spread awareness about eating disorders and to educate people about what they are, who they affect, and how to help a friend,” LSNA member Meghan Mayer (‘17) said.

“Several [LSNA members] have close friends who have suffered from eating disorders, and we’ve seen how they affect every aspect of their lives. We wanted to spread more awareness [about eating disorders] and get people thinking about them.”

Mayer said that LSNA sought to lift the stigma about discussing eating disorders through continuing conversation.

Additionally, members of LSNA referred students to Health Services and Counseling Service to receive help or learn more about eating disorders. The group also encouraged students to fill out a 'care report' through the Student Life Office if they were worried about a friend who might have an eating disorder.

“EDAW brings light to a subject we

typically hear about in middle school and high school,” Williams said. “In college, [the subject] kind of dies down. College is still a stressful environment, and some people still have body image issues. We took EDAW as a way to promote how there are still resources for [students].”

Although eating disorders are common, LSNA Volunteer Chair Victoria Sandeno (‘17) said that the difficult nature of the topic hindered larger crowds.

“Eating disorders are a really hard topic to talk about, especially in a public area,” Sandeno said. “It’s important that we do talk about them, though. The tabling was helpful because people who [did talk to us] were curious about eating disorders or wanted to help a friend.”

Mayer agreed that some students were concerned about friends and wanted to help them.

“In my experience, everyone knows someone who has an eating disorder or who has had an eating disorder,” she said. “It’s important to be supportive and make sure people get the help they need. [During eating disorder treatments,] we want you to love yourself as you are, accept yourself as you are, and become as healthy as you can be.”

In an effort to draw in more business, Sunnyside Cafe is considering updating its menu and extending business hours.

Sunnyside supervisor Nicolay (Nic) Suvorov said that increasing publicity and customers at the Center for the Arts (CFA) is the primary objective, since Sunnyside is often overlooked.

“The issue is that people do not know about us,” Suvorov said. “The population inside [the CFA] is not large enough to sustain [Sunnyside] and we need to reach out to the rest of the student body.”

Suvorov explained that some changes have already been implemented, including expanding its menu to feature soup, spring rolls, and crepes.

“We wanted to diversify our menu and make Sunnyside feel more like a full-service restaurant,” Suvorov said.

These changes are oriented toward attracting a larger lunch crowd to complement the busy breakfast hour.

Sunnyside has also increased its sandwich inventory, and is focusing on baking and cooking the proper amount of its most popular menu items, such as cinnamon rolls, in order to cut down on waste.

Sunnyside is currently open from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, but Suvorov wants to see the afternoon portion expanded to accommodate those students whose classes end just as Sunnyside closes for the day.

“If we were to extend how long we are open by just a little bit, then we would be an option for many students,” Suvorov said.

Sunnyside student worker Steven Holkesvik (‘19) has been pleased with Sunnyside’s upward quality trend.

“I think that Sunnyside has definitely improved,” Holkesvik said. “The variety has definitely increased and [Suvorov] has brought many other good ideas.”

Suvorov said he appreciated his co-workers’ support.

“The management and office workers have been very supportive as well as the rest of the kitchen staff,” Suvorov said. “They are always willing to provide help if needed.”

Sunnyside supervisor Nicholay Suvorov (middle) with student workers Samantha Morgan ('20, left) and Chila Suedel ('20, right).

Xavier Conzet ('19) | Chips

NEWS

PAGE 3

NEWS EDITORS: DANNY MAY & JACOB WAREHIME CAMPUS CLIMATE | PAGE 1 The purpose of these SWOT analyses reports is to see how Luther compares to more conservative schools in regards to these areas of campus climate.

“The analysis will help us to see emerging strengths at Luther currently,” member of the sexuality and gender identification committee Matt Amann (‘17) said. “This will really help us build a better environment.”

In addition, each of the SWOT analyses will be presented to the new Dean for Institutional Equality.

“With the new Dean for Institutional Equality, their job starts before they even get here and this analysis will help them [immerse] themselves,” Knoke said.

Each of the subcommittees has its own goals in addition to producing a SWOT analysis.

Knoke said that the Campus Climate Committee and subcommittees are not involved with the Strategic Planning Committee.

“We aren't affiliated with the Strategic

MARCH 9, 2017

Planning Committee,” Knoke said. “But we wanted to mimic that same idea with smaller, more focused groups on diversity.”

Some of the primary focuses of the subcommittees, especially the sexuality and gender identification subcommittee, are to make small, actionable steps to

felt especially called to participate in the sexuality and gender identification subcommittee.

“I feel like LGBTQIA+ students need to have their voices heard,” Amann said.

“I want students that visit campus to feel included and actively sought after.”

The subcommittees will continue to meet throughout the remainder of the school year to discuss ways to improve and adjust the Luther community.

“Luther does a great job dealing with these current issues,” Knoke said. “But there is a lot of opportunity for Luther to improve. Luther believes in diversity, but we don't have the roadmap to get there without the committee.”

Fawcett said she hopes that the Campus Climate Committee ultimately leads to a sense of unity on campus.

“I want to make Luther a better place,” Fawcett said. “I want to give those who don't feel like they have a voice a voice.

Together we can come up with a more inclusive community and make Luther more welcoming. These committees will make Luther a better place.”

WEATHER THURSDAY Cloudy

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“The analysis will help us to see emerging strengths at Luther currently. This will really help us build a better environment.”

-Matt Amann ('17) achieve larger goals of a more welcoming Luther community.

“One big change I would like to see is more diversity among students and staff,” Amann said. “But our main goal would be to get gender-neutral bathrooms and housing on campus.”

Amann, who is not on Student Senate,

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27/18 SATURDAY Mostly cloudy

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For Caf Fast, students donate meal swipes for a cause BEN SELCKE STAFF WRITER College Ministries held its annual ‘Caf Fast’ fundraiser on March 8. Students donated a meal swipe to the Diversity Center book fund and the Sonya Lund International Student Emergency Fund.

The annual fundraiser determines its recipients based on perceived need and relevance. Past donations have gone to causes such as the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America's (ELCA) malaria campaign and assistance for Syrian refugees.

Students were able to donate a cafeteria swipe from either lunch or dinner on March 8.

This year’s donation amounts will be split between the Diversity Center and Sonya Lund funds.

The former provides onetime financial aid for students from diverse backgrounds in need of textbooks, while the latter aids Luther international students with emergency travel.

Student director of the Caf Fast Derek Barnhouse (‘18) explained why College

Ministries decided to raise money for these specific causes.

“We were interested in choosing a cause that was close to home and that specifically helped Luther students,” Barnhouse said. “We also felt that the [Sonya Lund Emergency Fund] was really relevant in light of the current

political climate.”

Daniel MelaasSwanson (‘18) accredited his donation to an interest in his classmates’ well-being.

“The relevance of [the Caf Fast] is very key,” Melaas-Swanson said. “This is affecting students we go to class with.”

According to College

Pastor Mike Blair, Luther has held the Caf Fast nearly every year for the previous 20 years. Blair said that College Ministries chose cafeteria meal swipes as its donation medium because they are convenient for students to give.

“It started as a way for students to make

(From left) College Ministries members Jana Mueller ('19), Derek Barnhouse ('18), and College Pastor Anne Edison-Albright.

Ben Selcke ('18) | Chips

an easy offering and contribute,” Blair said.

“Students don’t often have cash on hand so it combined the practical side with the idea of fasting.”

Blair explained that the Caf Fast is not only a way for students to help others but also a way to engage with their religious tradition. “[Fasting] is a practice in many different religious traditions,” Blair said.

“Christians know this as a Lenten practice, but Muslims know this in Ramadan, and in other religious traditions it is not uncommon to have a time of fasting.”

According to Blair, the Caf Fast event has garnered 500600 donations in the past, and students are inclined to donate. This year, the event exceeded that, as Barnhouse said it garnered between 600 and 650 donations.

“What I hear from students is 'How do I make a difference?’”

Blair said. “This is a small thing in a way, but when everyone collaborates, [the result is] a significant contribution to a cause or need. [The spirit of donating] resonates — it is in the DNA of Luther.”

SUNDAY Mostly cloudy

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42/32 THURSDAY Mostly cloudy

44/32 CORRECTIONS In a March 2 story in the Arts & Entertainment section, Chips incorrectly spelled a student's name and recorded graduation year in the top-right photo caption. That student is Namuun TsendAyush ('17).

Icons designed by Freepik from Flaticon.

NEWS

PAGE 4

MARCH 9, 2017

Life Outside Luther Wikileaks releases Vault 7 If confirmed, Wikileaks' latest release, dubbed Vault 7, appears certain to deliver a serious blow to the C.I.A. The so-called Vault 7 documents details what are described as highly classified C.I.A. hacking tools used to break into smartphones and computers, turn Internetconnected TVs into spies and bypass encryption on messaging services like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram.

WikiLeaks commented on the release, saying that the source of the leak was raising policy questions that “urgently need to be debated in public.”

Republicans reject Democrats’ special counsel call Senate Republicans rejected Democrats’ calls for a special counsel to lead an investigation into Russian interference in the presidential election. Conflict occurred during a Judiciary Committee hearing on President Trump’s nominee to be deputy attorney general, Rod J. Rosenstein. Rosenstien, if appointed, would oversee any such inquiry now that Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself.

Trump revises travel ban President Trump revised his travel ban. The new ban removes Iraq, though leaves six other predominantly Muslim nations on a list of those barred from entering the U.S. Trump also discarded a provision which explicitly protects religious minorities.

“Unregulated, unvetted travel is not a universal privilege, especially when national security is at stake,” said John Kelly, the Homeland Security secretary.

Republicans unveil healthcare plan House Republicans unveiled their long-awaited plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The proposal would scrap a system of tax credits aimed at the poor for one that would be most generous to the elderly.

NEWS EDITORS: DANNY MAY & JACOB WAREHIME NORTON | PAGE 1 Attendee Paige Harris (‘19) said the talk motivated her. “[Norton’s] story has inspired so many people that he said he would never change what happened to him,” Harris said. “That was something that really resonated with me because his perseverance showed that anyone can overcome life's struggles and make something good out of them.”

Christian Wright (‘18) said the talk influenced him as an athlete.

"I really liked the inspirational message,” Wright said. “It also translates easily to any sport. Doing your best and giving 100 percent no matter where you are is important. That is what will make you a better teammate and make the person next to you better."

PANEL | PAGE 1 Professor of Sociology and panel moderator Char Kunkel asked panelists to share their thoughts on the importance of intersectionality in day-today life, as well as in the films screened on campus during Black History Month.

Johnson discussed the importance of dispelling the notion that film and television are not worth critiquing.

“One of the things you have to push back when people talk about media, specifically film and television, is the idea that it's just entertainment,” Johnson said. “We have to think about representation don't we?

There are representations of gender, race, class, ethnicity, disability, and religion.

Often times there is some intersectionality there.”

Johnson also mentioned that individual views of different representations vary and are often imperfect.

“But as we think about representation, we also have to recognize that a

"I really liked the inspirational message,” Wright said. “It also translates easily to any sport. Doing your best and giving 100 percent no matter where you are is important."

- Christian Wright ('18) At the end of his talk, Norton took time to recognize the support he continues to receive from the Luther community.

representation [some] might find problematic, I may think there's a different way of reading it,” Johnson said. “As we consider that, we have to recognize no representation is going to be perfectly accurate, ideologically pure, or innocent of possible offense. But that doesn't mean that we can't critique it.”

Ferguson discussed how the black community has grappled with harmful messages from films like D.W. Griffith’s "Birth of a Nation" (1915) in the past, as well as how Nate Parker’s "Birth of a Nation" (2016) has attempted to respond to such messages.

“My experience has been that for black people, there has been a need to redefine who we are in light of all these messages,” Ferguson said.

“Redefining brings with it a risk that we’re again seen as a threat or seen as not playing by the rules. The reality is that when we start thinking about a narrative that talks about what it takes to actually be free, it’s a narrative that isn’t neat — it’s

“Everyone seems to be supportive either through Facebook, Twitter, or online,” Norton said. “Just that community of Luther individuals all around who rallied around me and [support] me. That’s the greatest thing about being at Luther, it's such a community with a family-like environment. We all have each other’s backs and we support one another.”

Norton said he hopes to continue to give similar talks.

“It is my passion to share my story and help people realize that they can overcome their challenges and change what they are dealing with,” Norton said. “I am still scheduling more and more talks. I want to speak in as many opportunities I can get. ” Norton is now headed to Birmingham, AL, for a talk with student-athletes.

ugly and it's bloody. In many cases, it is what we must do.”

Bazylevych said it is important to recognize that people have the power to affect which messages are considered important in society, and that many people find this unnerving.

“We often times put a lot of trust into our institutions and our system and we believe that maybe that it is the best as it is,” Bazylevych said. “But really I want to encourage the power of individuals to affect who we listen to and how we respond. I think this human factor makes people uncomfortable because it erodes our trust and stability a little.”

Cook discussed how people often have to place greater emphasis on certain aspects of their identity in certain situations.

“At certain times in people’s lives, they have to codeswitch,” Cook said. “They have to navigate which identity they can use in which place. [It is] also important to study Black Lives Matter through the lens

of intersectionality, in that all people are validated in their experiences and should be upheld and have human rights and dignity.”

The panel concluded with a discussion on how the Luther community can invite others to participate in conversations that enable learning and growth.

Professor of Religion and attendee Guy Nave commented on the importance of engaging in such conversations in order to gain understanding instead of trying to advertise one's opinion.

“Oftentimes we are under the assumption that multiple monologues are dialogues,” said Nave. “That is not dialogue. You’ve got multiple people engaging in monologue.

Dialogue is about mutuality and seeking understanding more than persuasion. It’s engaging for the purpose of understanding you, more so than persuading you. So part of this is developing the ability to genuinely understand one another.”

Compiled from: nytimes.com

POLICE BLOTTER March 4.

On March 4 at approximately 1:02 a.m. the Decorah Police Department was conducting an investigation in the parking lot near Subway on College Drive. During the investigation, marijuana was located along with paraphernalia. Trey Gerrit Boeyink ('20) was arrested and charged with Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Brevin Walker ('20) was arrested and charged with OWI 1st Offense.

The information in the log comes from the Decorah police department activity bulletin.

All those accused of violating the law are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Assistant Professor of Sociology Ronald Ferguson, Wiley Cook ('18), and Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Thomas Johnson during the panel.

Emma Busch ('19) | Chips

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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A&E EDITOR: ELIZABETH BONIN

MARCH 9, 2017

Iris, played by Emma Withers (‘18) marvels at the cake Mr. Sims, played by Skye Newcom (‘18), created for her.

“The Nether”

Photo courtesy of Photography by Brittany

Where virtual reality has no boundries

How do we define morality when there are no consequences?

SAM MITCHELL STAFF WRITER In a futuristic world, humanity is slowly replacing reality with “The Nether,” a virtual reality without consequences. The cast and crew performed the play written by Jennifer Haley in Jewel Theatre March 1-4.

Stage manager Elaena Hoekstra (‘17) noted the complexity of a play with two worlds.

“The show is about virtual reality versus the reality that we experience in a day to day life,” Hoekstra said. “Through virtual reality it is much easier for us to lie and therefore much harder to trust people.”

“The Nether” was chosen in part to complement this year’s Paidea theme “Who Do You Trust?” According to Hoekstra, the play fit perfectly with the theme.

“There’s a sense of freedom and maybe trusting too much on the internet,” Hoestra said.

“But there’s also the idea that you shouldn’t always trust what’s on the internet.”

The play displays how difficult it can be to negotiate

interactions in reality and the virtual system, particularly when actions in the virtual system bear no consequences. According to theatre major Emily Garst (‘18), who played Detective Morris, the cast considered the same dilemmas their respective characters faced regarding right and wrong and who can be trusted.

“There are constant moments of questioning whether or not it’s okay that I trust myself, if I trust who I really am, or even if I trust the information that I give to you or whoever my scene partner might be,” Garst said.

To understand their character roles, the cast used an acting style called the Meisner Technique.

The technique involves focusing on the character’s emotions rather than the performer’s own in order to truly understand and become the character while on stage.

According to Theater major Erik Mueterthies (‘18), who played Cedric Doyle, the technique was used for the production to help the dark content of the play seem more real through the actors and the roles they played.

“It became a play that we

had to approach gingerly,” Mueterthies said. “We wanted to make sure that [the cast] and the character were separated. You create a truthful parallel to the situation that is fictional in real life, but it is still something that could happen to you. It has to be something emotionally charged enough for you to be able to project your own feelings onto the character that are eventually able to ramp up to an emotional state, and then be able to slip into your character.”

The cast and crew wanted the audience to question their own views on morals and the dominant rise of technology after viewing the play.

“I hope the audience recognizes some things within themselves,” Garst said. “Things that tell them that they have the potential to do things that we never thought we would be able to do, or things that we might not want to do.”

Attendee Mitch Gage (‘19) enjoyed the complexity of ethics and consequences in “The

Nether.”

“This play, while grappling with such complicated and difficult topics, was a very amazing piece of art that the performers demonstrated very beautifully,” Gage said.

Donations taken at the beginning and end of the show went to the Duluth Trafficking Task Force, an organization created by the ELCA. They help to work against trafficking and prostitution among young women.

FEATURES

PAGE 6 MARCH 9, 2017

FEATURES EDITOR: FRAN STEVENSON

Director of TRIO Achievement Program Tammy Hove (‘93) and TRIO members chat and eat during TRIO day celebration.

Julia Curtis (‘17) | Chips

TRIO opens its doors to campus JULIA CURTIS STAFF WRITER Luther College’s TRIO Achievement Program continues to help students transition from high school to college and offer support for first-generation and low-income college students in their newly renovated office space in the lower level of Preus Library.

Luther College’s TRIO program held an open house in their new location on Feb. 28.

The event lasted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provided refreshments for students, faculty, and staff. The event was in part a celebration of the renovated office space and a celebration of National TRIO Day. TRIO, previously called Student Support Services, moved from the Student Academic Support Services (SASC) office and changed its name to TRIO to differentiate itself from SASC and better support its members during the entirety of their college career.

“TRIO’s goal is to help students successfully transition into college and really thrive and benefit students the whole way through college,” Administrative Assistant Jennifer Folstad said.

As a nationally funded organization, TRIO began at Luther in 1973 to support firstgeneration and financially-disadvantaged students. Luther’s chapter receives funding for 160 students, but aids 180. Sixty-six percent of the students it serves are both first-generation and from low income families. Luther receives the federal funds through grants every five years. Director of TRIO Achievement Program Tammy Hove ('93) writes the grants and acts as the spokesperson for the organization.

“One of the great things besides articulating what you want to do over the next five years,

[is that] we also have an opportunity to share what we’re already doing and some of the results that we’ve had,” Hove said.

TRIO selects incoming Luther students and asks them to apply for the program.

If accepted, the program places students with one of the three advisers: Advisor and Instructor Cheryl Wieseler, Advisor and Tutoring Coordinator Chivonne Marlow, and Hove. TRIO advisors work in conjunction with the students’ faculty advisor.

Wieseler teaches three sections of a college transition class every fall for TRIO firstyears. The class, Foundations of Learning and Development, lasts a full semester and introduces first years to each other and college life. “[In the class] we talk about anything from the difference in studying from high school to college," Wieseler said. "To talking to professors, to money and taking personal responsibility for things."

TRIO and its advisors promote peer interactions with other TRIO students through the peer leadership program and the tutoring program. Marlow said that the difference between TRIO tutoring and SASC tutoring is the amount of time alotted to the tutors.

“One of the perks with TRIO is that students can have extra tutoring time,” Marlow said. “With TRIO, we have some students who meet for an hour or an hour and a half per week and that extra tutoring time is a really nice benefit that we can provide.”

The organization hosts workshops that are open to all students and social events for TRIO students. It also provides school supplies and textbooks to Luther students.

“Right before finals we have extended

Danielle Dunn (‘18), Jack Benson (‘18), and Makeda Barkley (‘17) drink out of a root beer keg at TRIO’s open house.

Julia Curtis (‘17) | Chips hours, so if you need resources or someone to talk to, there will be someone in the office,” TRIO student worker Danielle Dunn (‘18) said. “We also have resources for students who are a part of TRIO like folders and notebooks and sticky notes and other academic supplies that you might need.”

One annual event is Financial Aid Jeopardy, a way for first-year TRIO students to learn about how to apply and receive financial aid in a fun way. Other activities include Soup’s On, which is a program hosted by TRIO and the Diversity Center, and the TRIO celebration banquet. The events help promote relationships between TRIO students and other Luther faculty and groups like the Diversity Center and the Career Center.

“Having the conjoined events is a nice way to get my foot in the door and introduce me to the people in that office, rather than just me going on my own into the Career Center or the Diversity Center,” TRIO member Sheila Lowery (‘18) said. “It’s a nice way to ease yourself into those situations.”

Jack Benson (‘18) felt that TRIO helped him grow and develop into a more capable individual.

“My freshman year compared to where I am now, I am entirely different,” Benson said.

“The opportunities that TRIO has given me have really sped that process up and made me into a stronger individual than I was then. It’s been a huge resource not only for me, but for my other colleagues as well.”

FEATURES

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FEATURES EDITOR: FRAN STEVENSON

MARCH 9, 2017

Associate Professor of Music Michael Smith conducts brass ensemble.

Annie Goodroad (‘19) | Photo Bureau

Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble The group attended the regional International Tuba/Euphonium Association Conference at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. BIZ WAGENSON STAFF WRITER & FRAN STEVENSON FEATURES EDITOR

Associate Professor of Music Michael Smith.

Annie Goodroad (‘19) |Photo Bureau

Luther’s Tuba and Euphonium ensemble traveled to the regional International Tuba/Euphonium Association Conference held at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, from March 2-5.

This was the first time Luther’s ensemble attended the conference and the longest trip the ensemble has taken since it was started by Associate Professor of Music Michael Smith. Smith led the trip with Professor of Music Juan Tony Guzman (‘90). The ensemble — five tuba players and 13 euphonium players — joined Smith on March 4 in Ames.

Members of the Tuba and Euphonium ensemble at Iowa State University.

At the conference students listened to other groups perform a variety of pieces. They also performed a 30-minute set including six different songs.

One of the six songs was a solo piece by Benjamin Ostrem (‘19) entitled “Carnival of Venice.”

The ensemble also performed Smith’s own arrangement of the piece “La Padovana Op. 18," a piece based off an English folk song called “Ward the Pirate," and an arrangement of “Finlandia.”

Ensemble member Ethan Harris (‘18) felt grateful Smith provided the group with this unique experience. “[Getting] to travel a little bit and to perform for other people is an opportunity most other ensembles don’t get to have, so I think that was a big draw for

Photo courtesy of Elena Zarecky ('17)

[Smith],” Harris said.

Harris was excited to improve on his performing skills and for the opportunity to meet fellow tuba and euphonium playerss from other schools.

“I hope to gain performance experience and exposure to other performers of our instruments,” Harris said.

After the conference, Luther ensemble member Robert Muller (‘19) agreed that performing in front of a new audience was one of his favorite parts of attending the event this year.

“I really enjoyed playing music off-campus to a different audience than we typically have on-campus,” Muller said.

There were eight other schools in attendance at the conference to perform their sets on Saturday. According to another euphonium player, Seth Warner (‘18), the conference provided Luther tuba and euphonium players with the opportunity to hear other student performance ensembles play and learn more about other areas of tuba/ euphonium performance.

“Some of the things [I enjoyed were] hearing other performances and different styles,” Warner said.

Muller said that being able to participate in the day’s events gave him an appreciation of the different experiences that Luther makes available to its students.

“I learned about the greater world of experiences and opportunities that Luther College provides and how important it is to use those opportunities when they are presented,” Muller said.

PAGE 8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MARCH 9, 2017

A&E EDITOR: ELIZABETH BONIN

Music bonds father-son duo SHANNON BAKER STAFF WRITER Luther alum Hans Peterson (‘90) and his son Nelson Morlock performed in a recital on March 2 in Marty’s. The recital showcased many songs written by Peterson and throughout the 90-minute concert the father-son duo exhibited a diverse set of compositions with a variety of instruments.

During the performance Peterson played piano and guitar, Morlock played fiddle and guitar, and both contributed vocals. Approximately 50 people attended the event.

The repertoire included music ranging from soft and soulful to strong and upbeat, and many of the pieces had a personal connection to Peterson.

In terms of genre, Peterson characterizes the majority of his music as “acoustic rock,” but also enjoys playing slower songs with greater depth.

“I deeply appreciate [music] that one might call spiritual without being religious,” Peterson said. “So often we talk about service in the world but rarely do I see a church radically welcoming the stranger, and feeding the hungry. Show me the church that is living out the radical call to discipleship. That is the song I want to be singing.”

When introducing the song titled “Arise,” Peterson explained the inspiration for the song came from his pastor who had depression. The song was a call to lift up one’s spirit in times of tribulation.

Another song, entitled “Munching Apples,” a piano and vocal solo performed by Peterson, recalled the connections Peterson felt to his grandfather and his farm during Peterson’s youth.

For Peterson, a song does not need to be spiritual in order to help a person find peace amidst pain.

“I would much rather play a concert in someone’s living room—never mention God or at least Jesus—and have someone walk away opened to something beautiful, something beyond, and be challenged to strive for justice in a world so much

Nelson Morlock plays guitar in Marty’s.

in need of healing,” Peterson said.

Peterson and Morlock also had several upbeat pieces that featured Morlock on the fiddle and Peterson on guitar and vocals. During one song, Morlock began on piano but midway through quickly switched from piano to fiddle while Peterson took over the piano part. In another instance of versatility, Peterson and Morlock taught the audience a song with Spanish lyrics, including hand motions, and invited the audience to participate in several verses.

Sam Poppen (‘19) and Pastor Mike Blair also intermittently showcased their musical talents. Poppen and Morlock performed violin duets including the Scottish-style song “Ashokan Farewell.” Peterson, Morlock, and Blair performed a Celtic song entitled “Wayfaring Stranger” with Blair on guitar, Morlock on violin, and Peterson on piano.

Attendee Alex Aakre (‘19) enjoyed the substance behind the music.

“I appreciated the depth,” Aakre said. “Every single song had a meaning and story behind it.”

Peterson was excited to return to Luther for this performance, as he was last on campus in 2011 for a musical and liturgical collaboration with Luther College Ministries. Peterson teaches music at a parochial school; runs a publishingperformance company called Dakota Road Music; and performs in church gigs, house concerts, and community concerts with his son.

“I do gigs with him because he puts up with hanging out with his dad and because he is an incredibly creative, passionate musician,” Peterson said. “Nelson thinks we have good chemistry. He believes it’s desirable for an audience to see a close bond between band members.”

Peterson is looking to complete a recording project with Morlock and has already started booking gigs for the duo from January to May of 2018.

Shannon Baker (‘20) | Chips

Selamnesh Zemene from Ethiopa performs at the lecuture in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall.

Olivia Enquist (‘19) | Chips

The Nile Project runs through Luther OLIVIA ENQUIST STAFF WRITER The Nile Project, a collective of musicians who collaborate and engage with citizens living along the Nile River, performed on March 4 in the Center for Faith and Life (CFL) as a part of the Center Stage Series. They also gave a lecture on March 3 to explain the issues surrounding the Nile and how the group formed.

The Nile Project was formed in 2011 to build cross-cultural connections through music as a response to the rising geopolitical tensions regarding the Nile river basin. The river basin includes 11 countries of various economic states and cultural histories: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.

In the lecture, Nile Project Producer and Chief Executive Officer Mina Girgis discussed the importance of communication to cultivate sustainable choices regarding the future of both the river and the people that depend upon it.

Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies and Political Science Rachel Brummel explained what makes the issues regarding water in the Nile River basin so complicated.

“Environmental problems don’t pay attention to political borders,” Brummel said.

“The environment doesn’t pay attention to whether it’s Iowa, Minnesota, Ethiopia, or Egypt. The Nile Project is such a cool example of people who have recognized the challenge that comes along with sharing resources, but being from countries that define their interests by national boundaries.”

Brummel added that the large number of countries within the Nile river basin makes it one of the most complicated watershed issues.

“The Nile river basin is so interesting because it has some of the most complexity when it comes to geopolitical issues, in the number of

countries that are involved, as pretty much any river basin in the world,” Brummel said. “A river basin is basically defined by the fact that all the water in the area drains, effectively, into the Nile River. If you drop any water in parts of Ethiopia, ultimately that water will end up in the Nile River.”

The musicians worked to build collaboration across diverse communities and to incorporate differing music styles and modes into their sound.

The result reflects the diverse cultural and musical traditions within the countries they come from.

Audience member Sam Poppen (‘19) appreciated the unique musical style.

“That’s the first time I’ve really been exposed to that form of music in a live setting and I really loved it,” Poppen said. “Its tonal quality was just very interesting to listen to because it’s so different than what we usually hear. On top of the music, the message of love and peace that they brought, especially since they each come from differing countries and backgrounds, was really refreshing and full of hope.”

Throughout the performance, the musicians explained the history or origins behind instruments they were playing. One of the musicians stopped to introduce the Ugandan adungu, a multi-stringed instrument that sounds similar to a ukulele. Another musician introduced the Burundi iumuduri, which is a bow like instrument that is hit with a stick.

The musicians encouraged audience participation through singing and clapping.

Performing Arts Committee President Sheri Schwert (‘17) explained that PAC tries to bring musical groups that will connect to the Luther and Decorah communities.

“The Decorah community is based around the Upper Iowa River and has a huge stake in keeping the river healthy,” Schwert said. “Understanding that the Nile River floods once a year and the Upper Iowa River, it seems, does the same. We have that small connection with something so far away.”

OPINION

PAGE 9

MANAGING EDITOR: MAKEDA BARKLEY

STAFF Editor-in-Chief Emily Crowe Managing Editor Makeda Barkley News Editors Danny May Jacob Warehime Features Editor Fran Stevenson A&E Editor Elizabeth Bonin Sports Editor Katrina Meyer Staff Writers Lily Kime Ana Lopez Sam Mitchell Shasa Sartin Ben Selcke Biz Wagenson

Madeline Ajack Shannon Baker Emma Busch Xavier Conzet Julia Curtis Olivia Enquist

Part-time Writers Nora Felt Kristen Wuerl Head Copy Editor Olivia Benson Copy Editors Elyse Grothaus Sarah Owens Ad Representatives Tyler Hovey Madeline Petellin Web Content Manager Michael Vann Social Media Director Elyse Grothaus Distribution Manager Sarah Owens Faculty Adviser David Faldet

SUBMISSIONS Submissions for letters to the editor should be submitted 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, 400-700 words and submitted before Sunday at 5:00 p.m. the week before publication. Publication of all letters is at the discretion of the editor.

Chips will not accept submitted articles or campus announcements.

Opinions expressed in columns and letters are those of the authors(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Chips or organizations with which the author(s) are associated.

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.

Fax: 563-387-2072 Email: chipsedt@luther.edu Advertising: chipsads@luther.edu Website: lutherchips.com Facebook: facebook.com/LutherChips Twitter: @LutherChips Instagram: @luthercollegechips

MARCH 9, 2017

OPEN LETTER

Concerned Students’ Action Plans for the Betterment of Luther College As proposed to Luther College Community (Administration, Board of Regents, Faculty, Staff, and Students): Taking into account Luther’s history and college mission statement, we have attached a list of proposals to maximize the wellbeing of all students attending Luther. Our concerns are not to be received as attacks, but as healthy critiques. They are not meant to be dismissed, but discussed critically amongst administration and students.

If there are any questions, comments or concerns, you may forward them to: StandingforSocialJustice@gmail.com.

Respectfully, Concerned Students of the Luther College Community Action Plans to Uphold the Luther College Mission Statement I. Racial, ethnic and gender awareness and inclusion: A. Establish a Safe Zone Workshop Committee responsible for administering semester training workshops for all departments, faculty, staff, and students.

B. Create visible and easily accessible gender-neutral restrooms on at least one floor of all buildings and residence halls on campus.

C. Integrate discussions about social issues happening in the wider world into campus programming annually.

D. Hire more faculty and staff of color and different religions.

E. Create and enforce a comprehensive

racial and ethnic awareness and inclusion curriculum throughout all campus departments and units, mandatory for all students, faculty, staff, and administration.

This curriculum must be vetted, maintained, and overseen by a board which includes students, staff, and faculty of color.

F. Increase funding, resources, and personnel for the Diversity Center on campus to boost outreach and programming and campus-wide awareness and visibility.

G. Establish and fund a bi-monthly shuttle service for students to visit the Masjed Abubakr Al-Siddiq in Rochester, MN, free of charge.

H. Train students in bystander intervention and educate students on racial microaggressions and privilege via orientation.

II. Sexual Assault: A. Train students in bystander intervention and educate students on rape culture via orientation and Fit and Well classes.

B. Ban individuals from playing in extracurricular activities including Greek Life while they are being investigated or charged for a serious crime (hate crime, multiple sexual assault).

III. Mental health: A. Increase funding for Counseling Services to add two counselors to the staff.

B. Mandate all staff to become mental

health first-aid certified.

C. Provide a HIPAA compliant room in all halls for counselors, RAs, and other certified staff to meet with a student.

D. Mandates for every person on campus to be taught the warning signs of suicide and how to address these concerns in an appropriate manner. All staff on campus should also be taught how to recognise signs of mental illnesses and undergo proper training on how to accommodate for students who are struggling.

E. Keep shadow block for students who utilize this time to receive accommodations from Disability Services and/or counseling services.

F. Provide an animal-student program for those suffering from a mental illness and are unable to have an ESA within their room.

G. Update the response protocol for those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide.

IV. Disability: A. Give every student with a documented disability the appropriate technology that the individual needs in order to succeed at Luther.

B. Install a charging station of all motorized wheelchairs and scooters in every building on campus.

Signed, Josh Gonzalez (‘18) and Jacqueline Congello (‘18)

EDITORIAL

Sexism is bipartisan What do ambitious, assertive women get when they achieve an advanced position in the political world? Vicious critiques on their appearance, clothing, and bodies. Regardless of political affiliation or ideological identities, women are attacked for a multitude of superficial MAKEDA BARKLEY things that are NEVER MANAGING EDITOR applied to men. Degrading tweets about Hillary Clinton from the 2016 Presidential Election cycle took over Twitter, and it was largely attributed to sexist conservatives. However, the viciously sexist attacks have transitioned to another powerful, assertive woman in the spotlight: Kellyanne Conway. Conway’s hair, wardrobe and makeup choices have garnered a large number of degrading tweets and social media posts criticizing her for her appearance. No longer can either party hide behind party lines and point fingers to the sexists on the other side — misogyny has been exposed as the favorite bipartisan pastime it is.

Similar to the ways that news outlets have a history of sexist red-carpet interview topics for women, so do mainstream news and “politically active” Twitter users. Since when have women’s appearances had anything to do with their ability to effectively do their jobs? Never. That’s when. Yet over and over female politicians face sexual harassment, mockery, and have their abilities brought into question over the color and cut of their pantsuits. Never do their male colleagues have to deal with this kind of personal attack. The closest we have gotten is the lowstooping humor surrounding Trump’s comb-over, which is comparatively tame in relation to the attacks that both Hillary Clinton and Kellyanne Conway have faced. In general, criticisms

of male politicians come from a critique of their policies or stances on issues rather than how they physically present themselves.

Although the issue of critiquing women in a way that almost always involves their appearance is one that exists in everyday society, it is particularly rampant in the undermining of women who know what they want and how to get it. This kind of woman is often a politician, an assertive and confident individual that threatens the patriarchal power-structure of our culture and in particular, our government. Often, if the criticism is not based in her appearance, it’s for something that her male colleagues would never be criticized for.

In a recent social media blow-up involving Kellyanne Conway and a couch, it wasn’t her fabricated terrorist attacks that made headlines, but her posture on a couch. Because she kneeled on a couch in the oval office while all of the men in attendance stood nearby, she was obliterated on twitter and other social media platforms. “[Kellyanne] Conway simulating a teenager grasping for attention. We have only the best. Believe me!” is one tweet that made the Twitter feed following this event.

Meanwhile, Obama has been featured in an “iconic” photo of he and Biden where he has his foot up on the desk in the oval office. He never faced any criticism over this in the volume that Kellyanne has faced. Additionally, while not as timely, Hillary Clinton was constantly attacked for how “old” she looked, her hair, her makeup, and her clothes. Again, Trump was never criticized for his abominable suit choices.

In summary, we have to stop pretending like this is an isolated issue that can only be applied to liberals or conservatives. This truly is a bipartisan issue that not only crosses party lines but completely defies them. Women are constantly rated and judged on their appearances rather than their abilities or intellect regardless of social standing. In particular, women who have managed to rise above the gender gap are berated in the extreme.

Sexism is alive and well and it needs to end.

OPINION

PAGE 10 MARCH 9, 2017

MANAGING EDITOR: MAKEDA BARKLEY

EDITORIAL

A case against Cards Against Humanity: Privilege and shock-value Cards Against Humanity is the equivalent of that boy in junior high that repeats the naughty jokes he hears on “Family Guy” for his friends, oblivious to the fact that they’re not laughing at him for his inherently diminished retelling of an already unfunny joke but simply JACOB WAREHIME because it is commonly NEWS EDITOR understood that what is being said is taboo. In short, Cards Against Humanity is a dumb game. That’s my thesis.

I realize that this is the one thing I could say more unpopular on campus than “I voted for Trump so he could build a wall through Anderson Prairie,” but this is a belief that I’ve held very close and very secret for a very long time. There are two main reasons for my disdain. First, many of the cards are either in bad taste or try too hard to be humorous that they actually achieve the exact opposite. Second, the format of the game is inherently unfunny.

Historically, Card’s Against Humanity has proven a hard game for me to critique. Not because I couldn’t put my finger on what I didn’t like about the game, but because its defenders always revert to bullying based on the concept that people are too easily offended

nowadays. “Woah, PC police over here doesn’t want us to play Card’s Against Humanity. He’s worried he might be offended.” Besides being the thing that gifted the world everyone’s favorite 45th president, this mentality has become synonymous with the game itself — its creators even use it as a marketing strategy. The back of the box reads “Cards Against Humanity is as despicable and awkward as you and your friends.”

But I don’t dislike the game because of this. I dislike the game because it’s not funny. No, I’m not offended by the content. I’m as white and cisgendered as the half-dozen white men that invented it with their 2011 Kickstarter. It’s unfunny because it’s trying so hard to be funny. Some of the cards are so bizarrely juvenile that even 13-year-old me might look up from his iPod Touch fart generator app to roll his eyes. Take for example the cards, “A ball of earwax, semen, and toenail clipping,” “Having anuses for eyes,” “A snapping turtle biting the tip of your penis,” and, my personal leastfavorite, “Jerking off into a pool of children’s tears.”

While these cards can be passed over as harmlessly juvenile, many other cards rely on homophobia, classism, racism, ableism, domestic abuse, and rapeculture to secure a laugh. Randomly drawing cards out of my roommate’s copy of the game, I was rewarded with “Not giving a shit about the Third World,” “Passable transvestite,” “Poor people,” “Child abuse,” “The Trail of Tears,” and “Surprise sex!” I’m not against taboo humor. Nor am I advocating that comedy should ere on the side of safety. It shouldn’t. It should blatantly throw itself to the wind. However, you can always make

a joke at the expense of someone. The best comedy hits on something deeper, it takes these topics and buries itself deep within them — sometimes to uncomfortable lengths.

However, with Cards Against Humanity, the “humor” is not created from playing the game at all — which calls into question the point of the game in the first place. It doesn’t matter what I match the card “inserting a Mason jar into my anus” with because the joke lies within the supposedly “shocking” concept of putting a Mason jar into my anus. I would be just as well off to read through the cards. And how many times can you play the card “Firing a rifle into the air while balls deep in a squealing hog” before it loses its shock value? Once? Twice? And then you’re left with, “Oh yeah, that card. Ha.” This staleness is evident in the ever-increasing number of Cards Against Humanity expansion packs users are encouraged to purchase.

Consider the game Apples to Apples. Same premise but with cards that don’t beg to be laughed at. In Apples to Apples, the humor comes from the situation.

It’s organic and spontaneous. And I would argue, refreshing in the face of Cards Against Humanity’s ‘wink wink, nudge nudge’ non-humor.

So no, I’m not offended by Cards Against Humanity.

But I’m sure there are some that might be. The effectiveness of the game’s humor relies on the privilege of its users. I just think that there are multiple things that make the game cringefully unfunny. Or maybe I just wanted to see the phrase “inserting a Mason jar into my anus” published in Chips.

EDITORIAL

Mishandling of snow removal in dorm parking lots contentious I received my first parking ticket last week. And, because I was mad that I received a $25 ticket from Luther Security for parking in a snowremoval zone on a dry, 50-degree day, I started paying attention to other cars who parked in these areas. While it is frustrating that six parking spaces in the parking lot between Olson and Larsen, a parking lot that is already not large enough for all the Olson and Larsen residents who wish to park there, are devoted to piles of snow even EMILY CROWE when there is no snow, this is not the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF big problem nor is it really the point of why I felt the need to write this article in the first place. No, the problem that I think needs to be addressed is the fact that during the last snowfall, the parking spaces reserved for snow were suspiciously empty. The single handicap parking space in the entire lot, though, had a giant mound of snow blocking it.

I understand that the snow needs to go somewhere, and I do appreciate that the parking lots are cleared for us so quickly and efficiently that I almost don’t realize it happens. However, it is frustrating that there are six spaces in the parking lot set aside so that giant piles of snow can be left to melt and, rather than use them, the handicap space is used. Then students — as I have noticed many other cars with the unfortunate yellow slip since my own ticket was issued — were ticketed for parking in a space that is reserved, apparently, for no reason.

Olson is, admittedly, not a handicap-accessible dorm. There is no elevator and there are stairs leading to two of the dorm’s four doors. However, were someone who had the need and right to park in a handicap parking space to try to find parking in our cramped parking lot, only to find that the parking spot designated for their use was covered in snow, their next nearest option would be very far away from the entrance.

This is not only morally wrong; it is illegal. And, if it happened to snow while myself or someone else were parked in the snow-removal zone, I wouild hope there would be a better way of handling it than simply shoveling it into the handicap space. According to adant.com, the Americans with Disabilities Act website with information regarding ADA guidelines, a parking lot the size of the one between Olson and Larsen, 51-75 spaces, should have three handicap-accessible parking spaces. As a private liberal arts college, there may be different guidelines that I am unaware of, but I imagine that no matter the guidelines, they would never allow a handicap parking space to be used for snow, especially when there are other spaces available.

I am certain that I only noticed this indiscretion because I was mad that I received a parking ticket that I felt was unnecessary and undeserved. But because of my own trivial anger, I hope some good can come about. Luther Facilities, please refrain from plowing snow into the handicap parking in the future. Luther Security, please consider making the snow-removal parking spaces open for use unless there is actual snow falling or on the ground. And students, don’t park in snow removal zones unless you feel like throwing $25 bucks away. To educate yourself on the rest of the Luther specific rules that are apparently finable — for instance, it is $100 if you park in a handicap space or “Inside building” and $15 for occupying two spaces — visit www.luther.edu in the student handbook under the Vehicle Regulation Manual section.

SPORTS

PAGE 11

MARCH 9, 2017

SPORTS EDITOR: KATRINA MEYER

Ballroom and Swing takes Dance fest LILY KIME STAFF WRITER The Luther College Competitive Ballroom and Swing team competed at the U Dance Fest competition in Minneapolis, MN, on March 4-5.

This competition hosted by the University of Minnesota is the biggest competition that the Ballroom and Swing team attends during their yearlong season.

At this competition, Kjerstin Nelson (‘18) with Brenna Sherman (‘19) and Yifeng Zhang (‘17) with Deanna Grelecki (‘19) made it to the quarter finals round in bronze Latin samba.

Cody Arndtson (‘17) and Jessica Skjonsby (‘17) reached the quarter finals round in the combined silver level rhythm, cha-cha, rumba, and swing category. Jason Sczypiorski (‘18) and Nelson reached the quarter finals round in strictly Argentine tango, and Nathan Campbell (‘18) and Natalie Wade (‘18) went to the quarter final round in the dancers studio bronze standard foxtrot category.

In both the advanced mixedproficiency American rhythm swing and advanced mixed-proficiency American smooth foxtrot, Henry Cravens (‘20) and Skjonsby went to the semi-finals. Campbell and Brenna Sherman (‘19) reached the semifinal round in the newcomer mixed proficiency international standard foxtrot, and Stephen Ster (‘17) and Helen Arneson (‘19) made it to

the semi-final round in newcomer standard foxtrot and quarter finals in newcomer standard waltz.

All dancers at this competition dance at different levels that dictate who they compete against, what the judges are looking for in the dance, and what moves competitors can do, among other requirements. All firstyear members dance at the newcomer level. According to three-year member and current Vice President of the team Nelson, dancers at this level primarily focus on knowing the timing of the dance and having good posture.

The next level that comes for dancers after their first year is the bronze level. This level places a great deal of emphasis on technique and more repertoire than the newcomer level. The final level offered by the Luther’s Swing and Ballroom team is silver, which focuses on the technique of individual moves and connecting the moves. On the Luther team, each level has had unique challenges this season.

“Our newcomers have some really great technique because they’ve really been focusing on that,” Nelson said.

“Our bronze level is really great with working with adaptability because there have been a lot of partner changes this year [with people studying abroad]. Our silver level hasn’t really gotten the chance to test ourselves, but the U Dance Fest is our chance to do that.”

Although the U Dance Fest is the

biggest competition that the Luther College Swing and Ballroom team attends, they participate in several others as well. The team’s competitive season begins in the spring where the team will attend three different competitions in the midwest.

During a competition weekend, a couple could dance anywhere between six and 40 dances depending on whether or not judges decide to call them back for further rounds, according to three-year member Wade. For the beginning rounds, there can be up to 15 couples on the floor at a time with only four or five able to continue on, so the judges are making their decision very quickly and may base their initial decisions on the way a couple enters the floor, according to Nelson. During the final rounds, judges are able to make their decisions on which couples will place based on the couples’ technique and repertoire.

The teams are very supportive of everyone. Shouts of support are not only from one teammate to the other, but often from members of a team to a different team. According to second-year member Grelecki, these competitions are as much of a social experience as they are a competition.

“Because we are a student-led organization, I want our team to take pride in the fact that we created this team and we do well at these competitions,” Grelecki said. “I want us to see how well these other teams

do and to recognize that they’re student-led as well. It’s a community between our team and other teams.”

This event acts as a primary competition for the team’s season, a chance to interact with other collegiate ballroom and swing clubs, and a challenge for newcomer dancers to test out their skills and experience what this huge competition is like.

New member Laura Kalsow (‘17) is looking forward to the chance to show what she has learned through this past season of practices with the team.

“My goals for myself and other newcomers is that our smiles are

genuine,” Kalsow said. “They’re not scared and forced. And I hope we take a moment to appreciate all of the work that we’ve put into this.”

The next event that the Luther College Ballroom and Swing team will sponsor is the second Annual Dancing with the Luther Stars, which will take place May 3. Social lessons are taught by members of the team and take place every Monday night at 8 p.m. in the North Gym of Regents Center. These lessons are open to all Luther students and community members interested in learning how to dance.

Samuel Nunnikhoren (‘17) and Abby Mark (‘18) compete at the Dance Fest.

Photo courtesy of U Dance Fest

Norse of the Week KATRINA MEYER SPORTS EDITOR Bailey Hocker (‘18) helped lead Luther Softball to a decisive 13-2 victory over Dominican University. The game only lasted five innings when the mercy rule came into effect after Luther scored seven runs in the second inning. This game brought Luther’s record to 6-0 after Hocker went 2-2 with a walk, driving in a game high three RBIs and one run.

Chips: How does it feel to start the season off so well?

Hocker: It’s incredible. This is my first year at Luther. I just transferred here in August, so to be a part of the program and having such a good start is amazing. It just makes me a lot more excited for the rest of the season.

How have you guys been training to get ready for the season?

We train hard every day. It’s either two workouts per day, lifting, or working specifically on defense or offense. We are pushing ourselves to become better and

better every day.

Do you have a go-to pregame song?

Not a specific song, but we have one girl on our team who is in charge of the aux. She has a play list that she put together that she spent a lot of time on.

When did you start playing softball? Why? I started when I was six or seven. My mom had played in college also, so that was the sport she put me into. I ended up loving it so much that I stuck with it through college, too!

What has been your favorite

moment playing softball here so far?

My favorite moment was probably our first day of of f icial practice this semester. You could just see the excitement in my coach’s eyes as well as my teammates. We were all hyped up and everyone was so excited to kick off the season.

Do you have a favorite softball player that you look up to?

I look up to my mom a lot.

I don’t really have any specific players other than that. I do try to watch a lot of Big 10 softball.

That gives me a lot of inspiration

and motivation. I have a couple of friends that play for Big 10 teams like Minnesota, so I like to keep up with how they are doing.

If you could play any other sport, what would it be and why?

Probably soccer. I played soccer when I was younger and it was a lot of fun. It’s another team sport and I really love that feeling of being with a team.

If you could have a superpower while playing softball, what would it be and why?

Super speed. It would help me get around the bases and it would be very useful in the outfield.

Bailey Hocker (‘18) Photo Courtesy of Luther.edu

SPORTS

PAGE 12

SPORTS EDITOR: KATRINA MEYER

MARCH 9, 2017

Weekly Standings Softball

Max Uetz (‘18) at bat in the Minnesota Vikings stadium.

Photo Courtesy of D3 Photography

Luther Baseball opens season in U.S. Bank Stadium SHASA SARTIN STAFF WRITER Luther baseball won their season opening double-header 7-5 and 6-5 against Carleton College at the new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN, on March 1.

In an interview with Chips prior to the games, the Norse were very excited to get back on the field, according to outfielder Gannon Jordahl (‘18).

“I mean, it’s the first game of the season,” Jordahl said. “Playing baseball is what we all love to do. Getting to play whether it’s inside or outside is always really exciting. The new facility — the U.S. Bank [stadium] — is beautiful, so I think we’re all excited to get in there and play baseball.”

The opportunity to play in the U.S. Bank Stadium arose from the demolition of the Metrodome in 2014. The Metrodome was the stadium the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, and area schools used for various sporting events. The Norse would otherwise play there for winter games.

Head Baseball Coach Bryan Nikkel said that the team was

very excited leading up to using this new venue.

“We were really looking forward to it all year,” Nikkel said.

“It was a great experience for our guys, and really fun for our fans to come watch as well.”

Before the game, Luther baseball hosted an alumni social in Minneapolis. There were approximately 80 family members and friends of Luther baseball in attendance.

“It was definitely exciting and we’re looking forward to playing there every spring,” Nikkel said.

“And for us there’s not a lot of options in late February, early March.”

In the winter portion of the baseball season the team plays non-conference games. Firstbaseman Bryce Hingst (‘19) explained the significance of this part of the season.

“The beginning of the year is a lot of fun,” Hingst said. “We get to do a lot of traveling. We get to go to U.S. Bank [Stadium] this week, then down to St. Louis this weekend, and play three games there. Then we go up to the Wisconsin Dells the week after that. And then fly down to Arizona for spring break.”

Collegiate baseball teams

Player

AB

R

H

RBI

Vogt (‘19) Opdahl (‘17) Silversmith (‘17) Hingst (‘19) Uetz (‘18) Reimer (‘17) Athmann (‘19) Gleason (‘19) Halverson (‘19)

2 4 3 3 4 3 3 4 4

1 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 0

1 1 1 2 0 0 1 2 2

0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 2

Player IP Silversmith (‘17) 5.2

H 7

R 4

ER 4

LaPage (‘19) Coffey (‘19)

0 1

0 1

0 1

0.1 1.0

Box scores for Game 1 (left) and Game 2 (right).

year’s conference win.

“We want to get back to the conference tournament and win the conference tournament like we did last year,” Hingst said. “I think one of our goals as a team is to kind of run the conference this whole year and win the regular season conference championship.”

Additionally, the Norse hope to nurture their team mentality.

Pitcher Collin Nimrod (‘19) explained the importance of a good team atmosphere.

“Baseball is a pure team sport,” Nimrod said. “Being able to help the team out is the most important thing.”

The Luther baseball team lost 14-7 to Washington University on March 4 and played them again in a double-header on March 5, winning the first 9-2 and losing the second 7-5.

Come spring season, Silversmith is hoping for a lot of student support.

“We have a brand new stadium built down there so we want to see people fill it up,” Silversmith said.

The first home game will be played March 31 against Coe College.

across the country will normally have non-conference schedules in the first part of their season, infielder Joe Silversmith (‘17) said. Hingst went on to explain why these games are important.

“It’s a lot of playing different teams that [we] don’t really know anything about or really don’t know how they play.” Hingst said. “I think it’s a lot of fun. Just seeing different things, playing in different places.”

Looking ahead to the inconference games, the team is hoping to continue the energy of their 2016 season.

“We had a really good year last year and now we’ve got to back it up with another good year this year, so it’s going to be fun,” Nikkel said. “I think there’s definitely a target on our back in the conference, but I think that’s a good thing. Are we going to be the real deal or are we going to be a flash in the pan?”

Silversmith noted that this part of the season brings challenges in terms of competition.

“We have a pretty tough beginning schedule, so we want to come out with as many wins as possible,” Silversmith said.

Hingst also reflected on last

Player Vogt (‘19) Opdahl (‘17) Silversmith (‘17) Hingst (‘19) Uetz (‘18) Reimer (‘17)

AB 3 4 3 4 2 3

R 1 0 0 0 1 1

H 1 2 1 1 0 1

RBI 0 2 0 0 0 0

Sullivan (‘17) Athmann (‘19) Halverson (‘19)

3 2 3

2 0 1

2 1 1

2 1 1

R 2 1 0 2

ER 2 1 0 2

Player Cardamon (‘19) McKnight (‘19) LaPage (‘19) Whitham (‘19)

IP 4.0 1.1 0.2 0.1

H 4 1 0 1

Stats Courtesy of Luther.edu

Loras Luther Coe Wartburg Nebraska Wes. Dubuque Simpson Buena Vista Central

IIAC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 2-0 6-0 5-2 8-4 6-4 1-3 2-8 0-0 0-0

Recent Scores

Mar. 3 @ Washington University- St. Louis W 2-1 Mar. 3 @ Northland College W 17-0 (5)

Upcoming Schedule

March 18 Transylvania University March 19 Hamilton College

Men’s Tennis Coe Dubuque Luther Wartburg Central Nebraska Wes. Loras Simpson Buena Vista

IIAC 2-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-2

Overall 5-3 5-0 4-2 3-7 3-9 1-5 4-1 6-6 3-5

Recent Scores

Mar. 4 @ St. Scholastica W 5-4 Mar. 5 @ UW- La Crosse L 8-1

Upcoming Schedule

Mar. 11 @ Gustavus Adolphus College Mar. 12 vs Iowa Central CC

Women’s Tennis Luther Coe Dubuque Central Wartburg Loras Simpson Nebraska Wes. Buena Vista

IIAC 8-0 7-1 6-2 5-3 4-4 3-5 2-6 1-7 0-8

Overall 10-2 9-1 7-4 7-3 4-5 7-7 5-7-1 1-8 0-15

Recent Scores

Mar. 4 @ St. Scholastica L 5-4 Mar. 5 @ UW- La Crosse L 9-0

Upcoming Schedule

Mar. 18 @ Gustavus Adolphus College Mar. 20 @ Calvin College

Wrestling Wartburg Loras Central Coe Luther Dubuque Simpson Buena Vista Nebraska Wes.

IIAC 8-0 7-1 6-2 5-3 4-4 3-5 2-6 1-7 0-8

Overall 20-0 12-7 10-2 11-8 9-8 7-11 6-9 2-7 1-9

Recent Scores

Feb. 11 Winona Statue University Invitational NTS Feb. 14 @ St. Olaf College W 38-9

Upcoming Schedule

Feb. 25 NCAA III Central Regional Mar. 10-11 NCAA III National Championships