November 20th Issue

Community members make ceramics for “Empty Bowls” FEATURES 6

Swim team foundation

fundraises

for cancer SPORTS 12

LUTHER COLLEGE

“Let the chips fall where they may.”

CHIPS

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

VOLUME 137, NO. 10

“Year of Listening” creates conversation

LISTENING IN. Deacon of Spiritual Formation Gifty Arthur (‘17) and Listening and Visioning group member Becca Rudquist (‘14) discuss the role of College Ministries at the listening session on Thursday Nov. 13.

Erin Danielson / Chips

College Ministries receives feedback about programming, role at a faith-based college ERIN DANIELSON VOLUNTEER WRITER This semester, College Ministries implemented a series of discussions to gather feedback about the effectiveness of their programs. The last session of the semester took place on Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Mott Room of the Dahl Centennial Union.

“I believe that the goal of our Year of Listening from the College Ministries perspective is to move beyond hearing to listening deeply to the ongoing conversations happening in

Serving the Luther College community since 1884.

and around campus as we look into the future” Deacon of Spiritual Formation Gifty Arthur (‘17) said.

According to members of College Ministries, these conversations will serve as an outlet for students to share their thoughts and experiences about exploring faith at Luther.

Megan Sisson (‘16), Nicholas Arnold (‘16) and Emily Mueller (‘16) attended the session along with two faculty members and two members of the Listening and Vision group. Dean of the Chapel at Wartburg College Ramona Bouzard and member of the Listening and Visioning group Becca Rudquist (‘14) facilitated the discussion.

“In the first session we talked about how most of College Ministries’ services are very worship-focused,” Sisson said.

“Moving forward, students would like the chance to interact with members of College Ministries in smaller group conversations throughout the week.”

YEAR OF LISTENING, PAGE 4

LIS wins lawsuit MATT HELM STAFF WRITER Luther College received a compensation check for $46,364.08 as a result of winning a class action lawsuit against LCD flat panel manufacturers. Library and Information Services purchased several items from the accused manufacturers.

“Basically what happens is somebody out there decides that a corporation is breaking rules and there are many potential plaintiffs, and then a law firm can take on what is called a ‘class action lawsuit’ on behalf of the plaintiffs,” Executive Director of Library and Information Services Paul Mattson (‘81) said.

Luther joined the lawsuit on Dec. 6, 2012, and it came to an end on Oct. 31, 2014.

The companies involved in the antitrust lawsuit included AU Optronics, Chimei, Chunghwa, Epson, Hanstar, Hitachi, Samsung, LG, Toshiba and Sharp.

“In this particular case, folks in the LCD flat screen business colluded to set the price instead of letting competition set the price,” Mattson said. “We at LIS decided that it would be worth it to be a part of the lawsuit and see if there was an outcome.”

The lawsuit applied to specific items purchased from Jan. 1, 1999 through Dec. 31, 2006.

“You need to document how you were harmed according to a specified date range and a series of makes and models that applied,” Program Support Coordinator Patty Livingood said. “It was on our end to root through our records of what we purchased and to provide data to say how many of these devices were purchased.

Laurel Womeldorf (‘66) was the one who gathered up all of the information, and it took a lot of time to compile the data.”

LIS discovered that 1,066 items qualified for reimbursement.

The payment on average was $33.49 per device.

“The lawsuit could have gone the other way, and even once they were found guilty there was appeal after appeal,” Mattson said. “We decided it was worth it to invest the work to dive into the receipts and enumerate all of the purchases in the right time window.”

The $46,364.08 has been returned to Library and Information Services for reuse.

“The money is coming back into our budget, and that seems appropriate because those are overcharges that we could have used to buy other things,” Mattson said.

LIS is in the process of deciding what to spend the money on.

“There are several rooms in Olin that are getting remodeled and need new AV stacks,” Mattson said. “Another possibility is another set of iPads to be used in classes. The Digital Media Center could also use new remote control technology. It’s easy to come up with the next big project.”

Administration restructures hearing board LAURA HAYES STAFF WRITER Luther College recently formed the Luther College Hearing Board.

The board is comprised of 11 members: five students, three faculty members (who are part of the Campus Life Committee) and three members of administration.

According to the Assistant Dean of Student Life Jane Hildebrand (‘74), this board deals with more serious violations of the Code of Conduct.

In the past, Luther College had two separate boards that dealt with violation of the Code of Conduct.

The Interpersonal Violence

Hearing Board managed issues like sexual misconduct, while the Campus Hearing Board handled nonviolent issues. These two boards were combined to form the Luther College Hearing Board.

Efficiency was one of the reasons for this combination, according to Vice President and Dean for Student Life Corey Landstrom.

“My first year we revised the student policy on sexual misconduct, but we knew that was only stage one,” Landstrom said.

“Stage two would be looking at our procedures. Part of what that entailed was, ‘is there a way that we can think about having one

hearing board?’”

According to Landstrom, this board will manage issues which could result in suspension or expulsion.

Such issues could include sexual misconduct, major physical altercation, a drunk driving arrest or selling illegal drugs.

In comparison, Hildebrand said that other minor violations such as residence hall, alcohol or vandalism violations are handled through an administrative hearing with hall directors.

HEARING BOARD, PAGE 4

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Bjorn Myhre/ Chips

NEWS

PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 20, 2014

NEWS EDITORS: ANNA JEIDE & MARGARET YAPP

Carlson visits Student Senate

CARLSON SITS DOWN WITH SENATE. (From left) Nana Odame (‘15), Ryan Goos (‘16), Zora Hurst (‘17), Jesus Lucero (‘16) and President Carlson at the Student Senate meeting on Nov. 13.

Emily Crowe / Chips EMILY CROWE STAFF WRITER Luther College President Paula Carlson visited Student Senate for the first time on Nov. 13. Her attendance is required at one senate meeting each semester, according to the Student Senate bylaws.

“President Carlson joined us for our Student Senate meeting this past week to talk about college-wide concerns and initiatives,” Logsden said. “It was interesting to hear about her experience at Luther so far and where she hopes to

lead the college.”

The senators shared concerns and positive comments about campus life brought up by students across campus.

“A lot of people have been complaining about the inability to control the temperature in their room,” Student Senate Sustainability Representative Meghan Barker (‘17) said. “They don’t want to put in a Fix-It because that just flips the temperature to the opposite extreme, ice box or sauna.”

Other concerns from students across campus included frustrations concerning issues with voting, housing

and laundry facilities, and genderneutral housing.

“Right now the [gender-neutral housing] proposal states that you must room with someone of the same sex which is potentially problematic if your sex and gender don’t exactly match up,” Diversity Representative for Gender and Sexuality Jesus Lucero (‘16) said. “Sex ... is determined at birth whether you are male or female but isn’t something that carries on into later life. Your gender can change regardless of sex because gender is what you identify as. ” The student representatives also

shared some of the positive feedback received about changes or updates around campus.

After each senator had the opportunity to share with the group, representative campus organizations updated the senate on events in the near future. Representatives from the Student Activities Council (SAC) and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) encouraged their fellow senators, as well as Carlson, to attend upcoming events including the SAC Cinema movie “Back to the Future” on Nov. 20, SAC Special Events Fall Fest on Nov. 13 and the Luther College Wrestling Open on Nov. 15.

“President Carlson, it would mean the world to me if you were there,” SAC Representative Ben Nordquist (‘15) said of Fall Fest.

The final portion of the meeting gave Carlson an opportunity to address the senate.

Carlson spoke about the importance of maintaining and improving the campus because students live here as well as learn here.

“The laundry machine matters and the temperature of your room matters,” Carlson said.

Even though this was only Carlson’s first Student Senate meeting, her dedication to improving Luther in the coming years was evident to Logsden.

“President Carlson is committed to our mission while leading Luther into the future,” Logsden said.

ΧΘΡ spreads human-trafficking awareness EMMA DEIHL VOLUNTEER WRITER For many, November serves as an excuse to grow scruffy facial hair and neglect shaving for 30 days, but for Luther students, November takes on a new meaning. Instead of “Noshave November,” members of sorority Chi Theta Rho (ΧΘΡ) created “No-slave November” to raise awareness on human trafficking. ΧΘΡ paired up with Red Thread, an organization formed to support girls in Nepal who have escaped sex slavery. After the girls are removed from the trafficking brothels in India, they are brought to safe homes, where they receive care, education

and support. The Red Thread Movement teaches the girls how to make bracelets, hats, scarves and other items which they are able to sell for a profit.

In early November, members of ΧΘΡ set up a table outside of the cafeteria and sold Red Thread bracelets during the lunch and dinner hours.

As students and staff made their way to the cafeteria, the members encouraged people to buy the bracelets and proceeded to explain the organization and the difference $3 can make for the lives of Nepali girls.

“Our goal is to sell 200 bracelets, which would raise $200 for the organization,” Philanthropy Chair Chelsie Wohlers (‘16) said. “People will also donate money to the

ONE THREAD AT A TIME. (From left) Jill Hess (‘15), Holly Williams (‘15) and Karly Karst (‘15) sell Red Thread bracelets in the Union.

Emma Deihl / Chips

cause. We usually raise over $100 just in donations each year.” ΧΘΡ also brought rape victim

advocate and crisis counselor Lauren Vollinger to campus to speak about human trafficking in the United States.

“We wanted to bring Lauren in because her area of expertise is human sex trafficking in the United States,” ΧΘΡ President Allison Vollinger (‘15) said.

“She can teach people that sex trafficking isn’t just something that happens overseas. It is something that happens right here.”

During her lecture, Lauren Vollinger provided insight about sex trafficking risk factors, signs and prevention, and spoke on the importance of education and awareness.

“Look out for people, be aware and know that it happens,” Wohlers said. “Just because we live in the ‘Luther Bubble’ doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference.”

NEWS

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NEWS EDITORS: ANNA JEIDE & MARGARET YAPP THURSDAY

Seven-Day Forecast

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Keep it Going series features International Men’s Day conversation

BOYS TO MEN. Professor of Religion Guy Nave (right) lectures at his Clamoring for Change religion course, members of which organized the Boys to Men event.

Katie Nelson / Chips

KATIE NELSON STAFF WRITER The Keep it Going conversation series held its second event, titled Boys to Men, on International Men’s Day, Wednesday, Nov. 19. The event featured a panel of four speakers and open conversation about men, men’s roles in society and what it means to be a man.

“Men and the roles that men play in society have been attacked and undermined by the media, by our incessant concern about sexuality and maleness, by stereotyping men and boxing them in,” Executive Director of the Diversity Center Shelia RadfordHill said. “Those stereotypes and those images of men have to do with a certain type of masculinity that boxes men in and that feeds a consumer culture that could be toxic to the rest of us. So we wanted to embrace an alternative view of

masculinity and we wanted to celebrate the roles that men play that are positive.”

The panel will consist of Professor of Religion Guy Nave, Jesus Lucero (‘16), Associate Professor of Economics Steve Holland and Hollie Gray (‘16).

Campus Counselor Stu Johnson will moderate, and Jason Leuthold (‘16) will perform a speech piece.

“The people in the panel present very diverse backgrounds and we are in a spectrum of ages,” Lucero said. “It will be interesting to see generationally what it means to be a man.”

The event was organized by a student

group from Nave’s Clamoring for Change religion course.

“We decided that we wanted to tackle this idea [of men’s role in society],” Clamoring for Change student Lexi Scharmer (‘16) said. “There’s a lot of hard topics at Luther that are difficult for people to talk about.

This conversation on International Men’s Day is a continuation of that series called Keep [it] Going.

This one is about the role of men in society, and we wanted to create an open space where we could talk about gender roles.”

“We wanted to embrace an alternative view of masculinity and we wanted to celebrate the roles that men play that are positive.”

- Sheila Radford-Hill

MEN, PAGE 4

Luther celebrates International Education Week For the first time this year, Luther College participated in International Education Week, a national initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to celebrate

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global learning experiences.

International Education Week is Nov. 17-21.

Luther’s series of events was put together by a partnership of the Center for Global Learning and the Diversity Center, with help from campus departments and organizations such as the International Students

and Allies Association and the Spanish department.

“We pulled together what students were already doing and created some of our own events,” Center for Global Learning Intern Amanda Peck (‘14) said.

Annual events like the Spanish Talent Show and the Career Center’s “Marketing Your Study A b r o a d E x p e r i e n c e” sessions were included in the week, but new events were also featured, including a “World Café,” an international education-

themed chapel by Campus Pastor David Vásquez and a “Global Potluck” at Norby House.

Diversity Center Administrative Assistant Jake Dyer commented on the benefits of holding and attending these kinds of events.

“My hope is that people come away with a good understanding of the value of international education and the resources that we have, as well as encouraging the integration of study abroad students and international students,” Dyer said. “It should encourage a campus climate toward cultural competence.”

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Life Outside Luther Europeans have prominent role in beheading video The militants who lined up behind their victims in the latest Islamic State video appear to come from outside the Middle East, including one from France and possibly two from Britain, as the extremist group tries to show a global reach. The grisly video — clearly aimed at a Western audience — lingers as much on the faces of the camouflaged extremists as the men who are beheaded. The victims include American aid worker Peter Kassig and more than a dozen Syrian soldiers.

Man who died from Ebola endured treatment delays A surgeon who contracted Ebola in his native Sierra Leone did not receive aggressive treatment until nearly two weeks after he first started showing symptoms — a delay that doctors said probably made it impossible for anyone to save his life. Dr. Martin Salia was in the 13th day of his illness when he reached Omaha, Neb. on Saturday.

He had waited three days to be formally diagnosed after an initial test for Ebola came back negative.

He then waited five more days to be flown to the United States.

Missouri Governor activates National Guard Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency Monday and activated the National Guard ahead of a grand jury decision about whether a white police officer will be charged in the fatal shooting of a black 18-year-old in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson. Nixon said the National Guard would assist state and local police in case the grand jury’s decision leads to a resurgence of the civil unrest that occurred in the days immediately after the Aug. 9 shooting of Michael Brown by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson.

Pope confirms Philadelphia trip for families conference Organizers of the World Meeting of Families were coy for months when asked if Pope Francis would come to Philadelphia for the massive Roman Catholic-sponsored gathering. It turns out that when the pontiff finally confirmed his attendance Monday, organizers already had gotten inside information from an unimpeachable source: Francis told Gov. Tom Corbett during a Vatican meeting in March that he would make the journey, his first papal visit to the United States.

Charles Manson gets marriage license Mass-murderer Charles Manson plans to marry a 26-year-old woman who left her Midwestern home and spent the past nine years trying to help exonerate him. Bride-to-be Afton Elaine Burton said she loves the man convicted in the notorious murders of seven people, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate.

Compiled from: www.ap.org

NEWS

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NEWS EDITORS: ANNA JEIDE & MARGARET YAPP

Hearing process changes Organizations recognize International Education Week HEARING BOARD, PAGE 1

“If there’s a more serious incident, then it could also be handled administratively by myself as the Conduct Officer or by [Student Life] in collaboration with the Dean of Students Corey Landstrom,” Hildebrand said.

“If we did not feel comfortable about making a decision about what those sanctions may be, we would go to a hearing board.”

When faced with an issue like as sexual misconduct, a student can bring the issue to the attention of officials that include, as outlined in the Student Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedures, the Harassing Conduct Officers, a Vice President or Dean, the Human Resources Office, a Residence Life staff member or the Campus Safety and Security Office. The student then has the option of filing a complaint, which will warrant an investigation, or filing a report, which will not lead to an investigation.

The complaint will then be investigated. In the case of sexual misconduct, the complainant (according to the policy, “the person who is the victim/ survivor of a violation”) and the

respondent (“a person accused of committing a violation”) will have the opportunity to give evidence and witnesses. The complaint then can go to the board, which will decide the appropriate sanctions.

At each hearing, there will be a minimum of seven board members present, including at least one student, faculty member and, according to the Code of Conduct Procedures, either the Student Conduct Coordinator (who serves as Chair) or the Student Life Division representative (one of the administrators). After the information is heard, the Hearing Board will take a vote on whether or not the respondent has violated the Code of Conduct.

Students also have the option of filing a complaint to the Decorah Police Department.

The police will then decide whether or not criminal charges will be filed.

“I agreed to be part of this board because I felt like it was my responsibility, to … make this campus as safe as possible,” Sam Weinberg (‘15) said.

Applications for the student positions will be available in the spring.

Upcoming Events Thursday, November 20 7:30 p.m., Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall Friday, November 21 Men’s Basketball- UW-Oshkosh All day, Oshkosh, Wisc.

Jazz Band Concert

Fall Opera Scenes

7:00 p.m., Noble Recital Hall, Jenson-Noble Hall of Music Saturday, November 22 Wrestling- Augsburg College 9:00 a.m., Minneapolis, Minn.

Open Chamber Orchestra Concert 4:00 p.m., Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall Sunday, November 23 Jazz Orchestra Concert 4:00 p.m., Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall Focus 9:00 p.m., Center for Faith and Life, Main Hall Monday, November 24 Chapel: Thanksgiving Jazz Hymn 10:30 p.m., Center for Faith and Sing Life, Main Hall Tuesday, November 25 Silent Meditation 5:15 p.m., Melanchthon Room, Center for Faith and Life Women’s Basketball- UW6:00 p.m., Platteville, Wisc.

Platteville Wrestling- UW- Eau Claire 7:00 p.m., home Wednesday, November 26 Thanksgiving Break All day Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving All day

EDUCATION, PAGE 3 Dyer highlighted the “World Cafe.” In this event, local coffee roastery K’uun Coffee will bring in many different roasts from around the world for people to try. The purpose of the event is to create an environment for conversation about experiences.

“You can come in and talk about your travels and experiences, and how they have impacted your goals,” Dyer said.

President of International Students and Allies Association Sylvester Mhlanga (‘16) is helping to gather international students to present food from their home countries.

“I believe that education is not just what happens

in class,” Mhlanga said. “For me, it’s more about sharing experiences and ideas from different places around the world. We have so many people from different places and that’s a resource that we should be making use of. I think that makes us better people. I think this International Education Week is something that should encourage people to get out there, not just during that particular week but in general.”

The “World Cafe” will be held in the Diversity Center on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 3-5 p.m. The International Education Chapel talk by Campus Pastor David Vasquez will take place on Friday, Nov. 21, at 10:20 a.m. and the “Global Potluck” will take place at Norby House on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 6-8 p.m.

DEBES LLAMARME. Students perform a rendition of “Call Me Maybe” at the Spanish Talent Show on Tuesday, Nov. 18 during International Education Week. Anna Jeide / Chips

Discussing masculinity MEN, PAGE 3 The first Keep It Going conversation followed the play “In the Heat of the Night.” The sponsoring organizations decided to host more conversations with the goal of talking about the difficult issues of race, privilege and how to be civil, according to Radford-Hill.

“We began to think about ways to get conversations going around these difficult topics of race and privilege, and do it in a civil way,” Radford-Hill said.

“International Men’s Day became one of the ways

for us to keep it going. We had the Call a Man Day [event] and we decided to add the Boys to Men panel, which talks about the experience of men, issues of masculinity and issues of privilege.”

Several campus organizations helped sponsor the event: Diversity Center, LC Fems, PRIDE, Student Senate, Black Student Union, Speech and Debate, Alpha Phi Omega, Luther Swimming and Diving, and Luther Men’s Soccer.

If any other organizations wish to be involved with future Keep it Going events, they are encouraged to contact Coordinator Student Organization Kasey Nikkel.

College Ministries listens in YEAR OF LISTENING, PAGE 1 The students at the session talked openly about the separation between the religion department and College Ministries at Luther.

According to students at the session, learning about the Bible in religion classes challenges their faith but also refines it.

Sisson and other students in attendance suggested that College Ministries, establish more of a presence across campus by creating casual settings to draw in new students and cultivate deeper discussions about faith and learning.

“I’m hoping to see more students and faculty actively involved in College Ministries whether it be in worship or in community service,” Arthur said.

Arnold discussed the student body’s overall desire to have more interaction and receive more feedback from members of the church. According to Arnold, this challenges students and faculty to reconsider what it means to be a college of the church.

Assistant Dean for Student Life Jane Hildebrand (‘74) and Director of Admissions Derek Hartl attended as members of the Listening and Visioning group.

“I hope to see College Ministries continue in their stead to address the general concern many have regarding the seeming disconnection between the church and academia,” Hildebrand said.

According to Hildebrand, faculty and staff have discussed this topic of religion and faith in the classroom repeatedly.

“We are still very much in the process stage,” Rudquist said.

“We need to be having these conversations and this needs to be a time of listening. It has become apparent that these discussions may have been lacking in some areas.”

Students and faculty who attended the session expressed the desire to continue these conversations.

“This process is meant to discern how best we can serve Luther College to live out its mission as we respond to changes in our society and in the church,” Arnold said.

Pastor Amy Zalk Larson (‘96) explained the next steps in Year of Listening. “A report of all the insights, input and ideas gathered will be shared with the campus pastors, the Listening and Visioning Group and President Carlson in late January,” Zalk Larson said.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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A&E EDITOR: DYLAN HINTON

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Sybarite5 debuts student work JENNA NELSON STAFF WRITER World-renowned string quintet Sybarite5 featured six Luther student compositions during their “Six for Five: New Works by Luther Students for Sybarite5” concert on Thursday, Nov. 13. Sybarite5 also took to the stage on Friday, Nov. 14, performing their chart-topping repertoire as part of the Center Stage Series.

“Most undergraduate musicians collaborate with their peers, whether as players, singers or composers,” Associate Professor of Music and Composer-In-Residence Brooke Joyce said. “This project gives Luther composition students the opportunity to work with top-ofthe-line professional musicians who will not only workshop their pieces but also perform them in a public concert.”

Composed of violinists Sami Merdinian and Sarah Whitney, violist Angela Pickett, cellist Laura Matcalf and bassist Louis Levitt, Sybarite5 engages with a variety of musical styles ranging from classical Mozart to indie-rock Radiohead. The seasoned quintet has performed at Carnegie Hall, on the CBS Early Show and even for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Joyce and Director of Campus Programming Tanya Gertz worked with both Sybarite5 and composition students Logan Larson (‘16), Jeremy Maas (‘16), Sam Milligan (‘15), Caleb Sander (‘15), Scott Senko (‘15) and

PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT. Student composers worked alongside Sybarite5 to showcase their compositions and gain experience with a professional ensemble.

Toby Ziemer / Photo Bureau Shafer Stromwall (‘15) in coordinating this unique performance opportunity.

“Tanya Gertz and I worked to bring this ensemble to campus with the mission of involving our student composers,” Joyce said. “I have been the liaison between the composers and the Sybarite5 players, and I helped the students get their pieces conceived and finished in time for the ensemble to learn and rehearse them.”

The Luther College student composition project stemmed from one of Sybarite5’s ongoing performance programs titled “New Music Idol,” which allows the work of

new composers to be workshopped and showcased by a professional ensemble.

The composers knew in advance what type of music Sybarite5 normally gravitates toward and is capable of performing.

“We got a better feeling for what they like to do, whether it’s covering indie rock or complex original compositions,” Milligan said. “That sort of exposed us to the fact that we could do anything we wanted.”

Milligan, a bassist himself, found the experience of writing for advanced strings rewarding.

“It was really neat being able to write for my own instrument in a more difficult setting,” Milligan said.

However, not all of the student composers were familiar with composing for strings. Larson, who normally composes choral work and takes inspiration from dubstep and pop, saw this as an opportunity for growth in a new style.

“I’m trying to branch out so this is a good experience,” Larson said. “I’ve never written for strings before.”

The chance to collaborate with professionals proved to be a valuable experience for the student composers.

Maas’ piece, titled “Smeared Incandescence,” was chosen by Sybarite5 to be included in their Center Stage set list.

Fellow Luther College student composer Pablo Gomez Estevez (‘18) attended both Sybarite5 events and appreciated the composer involvement and performance atmosphere.

“I love the energy that’s present when you have composers among the audience,” Estevez said. “I think it’s really a special activity to feel like we share the music, making it feel so alive.”

Opera scenes challenge conventions ERIKA STORVICK STAFF WRITER As the seasons change from fall to winter, the beautiful melodies of birds will no longer be heard across campus. Instead, those beautiful

arias and duets you’re hearing are students preparing for Fall Opera Scenes.

This year, the scenes are directed by Associate Professor of Music Andrew Whitfield and Instructor in Music Kathryn Reed. It is a credited course and has a full cast of 33 students.

GENDER AND GESTURES. The cast of Fall Opera Scenes studied gender dynamics in the scenes as well as dance and baroque gestures.

Breanne Pierce / Photo Bureau

“What’s great about the Fall Scenes program is that we can do excerpts from things when we may not be ready to do [a] whole production,” Whitfield said. “We do [Fall Opera Scenes] to involve as many people as possible.”

Many different themes are explored in these opera scenes. “L’Orfeo,” an early opera, uses the story of Orpheus to explore the power of music.

“There’s almost a through line to the performance, which is interesting,” Chelanga Langason (‘16) said. “That hasn’t really been a theme in [past years].”

Whitfield and Reed chose to do two different Romeo and Juliet scenes, one mixed gender and the other female. Having these two different couples encourages viewers to explore gender roles through the timeless love story.

In particular, the scene from Bellini’s opera featuring Jenny LeDoux (‘15) and Kelley Lokensgaard (‘15) challenges the traditional interpretation of Romeo and Juliet.

Lokensgaard, who plays Romeo, remarked on the challenges this role provided.

“You’d think that the music Bellini would have written would have been very robust, but actually Romeo and Giulietta sing the same arias,” Lokensgaard said.

“He clearly wrote it for two women.

Musically, it’s not uncomfortable because it’s what I’m used to singing. But … I have to hold my body differently, and my gestures can’t be as feminine.”

Gender roles are also prevalent in the other Romeo and Juliet scene from Gounod’s opera, featuring Brianna Shelly (‘16) as Juliette.

“Juliette is difficult for me [to play] because she is so young, in between the ages of 13 and 15, has never been in love before and is not necessarily a strong female character,” Shelly (‘16) said. “She’s a character that is completely ready to let a man run her life. As a Luther College female student, that’s a difficult acting endeavor … to understand the tenderness and vulnerability.”

In addition to learning the music, students participated in workshops on dance and baroque gesture. Renowned choreographer Jane Peck came to Luther and helped students with the late Renaissance dance featured in “L’Orfeo.”

“She helped us connect on an individual level with some ways of using gesture to communicate big themes,” Whitfield said.

Fall Opera Scenes will take place Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall.

FEATURES

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FEATURES EDITOR: CASEY DELIMA

Discussing Native culture Andrea Markert (‘17) presents lecture on Native American culture.

MAGGIE STEINBERG STAFF WRITER “What’s wrong with this picture?” Andrea Markert (‘17) asked during her lecture on Native American culture last week, pointing to the image of a female model wearing a headdress. “Besides the misappropriation represented here, women do not wear headdresses.”

The Nov. 12 lecture aimed to inform the Luther community about Native culture in America and the challenges facing Native people today.

With help from the Diversity Center and the education department, Markert put together the presentation over the summer.

“It’s Native American Heritage Month,” Markert said. “I did a chapel talk last spring where I burned sage and did a small ceremony, then I taught people how to make dream catchers. It was a big success.”

Markert, a fifth generation Luther student on her mother’s side, takes her Cherokee and Norwegian heritage seriously.

“People don’t know as much as they should [about Native culture],” Markert said. “I feel like my culture has been demeaned and

devalued.”

According Markert, there are 310 reservations and more than 550 recognized tribes in the country.

Market believes that there isn’t enough knowledge about Native culture on campus.

“When I talk to students in my classes about how much they know about indigenous people in America, I don’t get much understanding on the part of the students,” Executive Director of the Diversity Center Sheila Radford-Hill said.

Part of Markert’s presentation focused on Thanksgiving, which is often a time of mourning for many Native people.

“Thanksgiving got its name from the Plymouth colony declaring its victory over the Massasoit tribe,” Markert said in her presentation. “I personally don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. Some people will gather for a feast and then burn the food to commemorate the day.”

The last part of her presentation focused on powwows, which are Native American gatherings. Powwows are opportunities for sharing cultures, visiting, dancing and ceremony.

Most powwows feature a feast, games, silent auctions and contests of singing, dancing and drumming. The dancing contests are different for men and women. One of the dances for women is the jingle dance, where a woman will wear a special dress with metal pieces that jingle as they move. Markert wore her own jingle dress, which she made with her mother,

during the lecture.

As parting words of advice for Luther students, Markert outlined the acceptable terms to use when referring to Native Americans, which also includes Indigenous People, American Indian or the name of the tribe.

“My advice to Luther students is to not group all Native people together,” Markert said. “Just like all Europeans aren’t the same, all Native people aren’t the same. We have different values and different cultures.”

Markert plans to give another chapel talk about Native culture in the spring.

ADDRESSING APPROPRIATION. Andrea Markert (‘17) discusses cultural appropriation during her lecture on Native American culture on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Maggie Steinberg / Chips

Empty Bowls moves into the community NOAH LANGHOLZ STAFF WRITER Local artists and community members turned out to throw bowls for the Empty Bowls charity event sponsored by the Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center (NEIPJC) on Nov. 15 and 16.

Co-coordinator Ian Carstens (‘14) is hopeful that shifting organizational control from Luther to the NEIPJC will help put the project in the hands of the community.

“Luther can now participate in a way where they’re not carrying all that baggage,” Carstens said.

“Luther can be a participant in this

community-wide Empty Bowls.

Now with NEIPJC carrying it, ArtHaus can be involved. Clay studio can be involved as their own players in the Decorah Empty Bowls as opposed to a Luther Empty Bowls. This way it’s not confined.”

According to Carstens, the shift from Luther to NEIPJC was due to changes experienced by the organizations involved and a desire to see if different metho“Luther was reevaluating what they wanted to do ceramically, with a new professor and new ideas, so Luther decided to leave the project,” Carstens said.

“It is a grassroots idea; anyone can have it anywhere, which left it open

for anyone in Decorah to do it, so the NEIPJC took over.”

Associate Professor of Art Joseph Madrigal also spoke to the motivations behind the organizational changes.

“Luther as an institution can provide materials, students and resources, but the NEIPJC is a community resource,” Madrigal said. “The shift is about trying to find an actual sustainable seat for our involvement in the project.”

A major goal that Carstens has is to find middle ground in the artistry behind the project and the desire to assist in eliminating world hunger.

“We want to stir up this sense

in Decorah of community collaboration on one issue that is inclusive to art but also a life issue that we can marry to an artistic response,” Carstens said.

“There are community artists and student artists, so you have all these different types of artists making bowls, but then you have to fill the bowls, somehow. So we’re coordinating with different restaurants from around the area and non-profits to supply the different food materials.”

Madrigal spoke to the educational value for students throwing bowls for the project.

“One of my goals is that current students can work alongside really experienced potters and pick up techniques and can just see a more advanced master at work.”

Madrigal said.

The proceeds from the event will go toward feeding more people and maintaining the NEIPJC. “[Proceeds will] be going to

local food initiatives,” Carstens said. “There are some in Howard County and some of the funds will go to the NEIPJC to fund their non-profit programming and the local food efforts, too.”

Luther students came out to participate in throwing the bowls for the fun of creating artwork and giving back to the community.

“I really enjoy working with the clay and getting to create something, but it’s also rewarding for it to go toward a good cause,” Halina Pyzdrowski (‘18) said.

Last weekend the artists involved threw and trimmed the bowls, and on Saturday, Nov. 22 the artists will glaze those bowls. The bowls will then be stored until the event in the spring, when anyone can come and pay for a meal and a hand-crafted bowl. In previous events, the price for food and bowl was $20. Keeping the bowl serves as a reminder that there are always hungry people in the world.

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm | Thursday 9am - 8pm

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CRAFTING FOR CHARITY. Associate Professor of Art Joseph Madrigal demonstrates artistry and social activism by participating in Empty Bowls.

Noah Langholz / Chips

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FEATURES

PAGE 7

FEATURES EDITOR: CASEY DELIMA

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Soup’s On knits together

KNITTING FRIENDSHIPS. Students learn to knit at Soup’s On, a social event put on by Student Support Service (SSS) and the Diversity Center on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Makeda Barkley / Chips

MAKEDA BARKLEY STAFF WRITER Students and faculty mingled over warm soup and knitting needles on Thursday, Nov. 13, for Soup’s On. The Diversity Center and Student Support Services (SSS) established Soup’s On to provide a welcoming space where students can enjoy homemade soup while relaxing and getting to know new people. On Thursday, Nov. 13, students met in the Farwell lounge for the event.

“Soup’s On is designed to build a community with Luther staff, volunteers [and] international, multicultural and first-generation students,” Diversity Center Administrative Assistant Jake Dyer said.

SSS and the Diversity Center first partnered in 2005 as an initiative to help first-years and sophomores connect with other students.

“We partner with [the Diversity Center] because we thought we should try and get students to meet each other that wouldn’t normally meet, and try to get SSS participants who maybe have not had a whole lot of experience with diversity to experience that,” SSS Administrative Assistant Jennifer Folstad said.

The events take place in the Farwell social lounge on the second Thursday of October, November and January from 3:30 - 5 p.m. Although there are usually four Soup’s On events, there will

only be three this year due to scheduling conflicts.

“When we all sat down together and looked at the calendar, and we went through the entire month of March, there was not a single date that worked,” Folstad said. “We didn’t really want to go into April and in May everyone is leaving, so we decided to do it in January.”

Different soups, workshops and opportunities are offered each time.

“We’ve had a dance workshop, and the speech and debate team played some games, and people have played music before,” Dyer said. “We really appreciate people who commit their time to this event because it is about community and bringing people together.”

The Luther College Women’s Club partners with SSS and the Diversity Center for two of the events, providing soup and baked goods for students.

“We provide seven crocks of soup and four or five cakes … for some reason everyone did chocolate this time, incidentally,” Luther College Women’s Club member Sandy Hoeg said. “We just enjoy doing it for the students.”

For the two events that Women’s Club does not assist, the Diversity Center and SSS reach out to Luther faculty and staff, as well as Decorah community members.

At the November Soup’s On, students could be found crowded around the knitting table learning how to knit from members of

“Soup’s On is really important because it gathers so many different kinds of people.”

-Samantha Ea (‘16)

the Women’s Club, enjoying conversation at one of the smaller tables and tasted different versions of taco soup and chocolate cake.

“Soup’s On is really important because it gathers so many different kinds of people,” Samantha Ea (‘16) said. “I always meet a lot of people and the soup

is really good.”

Although the event is geared toward first-years, sophomores, multicultural, international and first-generation students, anyone is welcome to join the festivities.

“Apart from just going to eat, it’s a good way to encourage socializing between your peers,”

Derah Egbuna (‘16) said. “There are a lot of events on campus that encourage socializing, but very few give you one-on-one contact with someone. So you can go with your friend but you end up making friends there, too, and find out what else is going on in the firstyear and sophomore community.”

SOUP AND DISCUSSION. (From left) Jessica Edgar (‘16), Samantha Ea (‘16), Melody Elele (‘15) and Sarah Ea (‘16) enjoy conversation at Soup’s On. Makeda Barkley / Chips

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 20, 2014

A&E EDITOR: DYLAN HINTON

Spotlight on Jeremy Messersmith

THE MIDWEST’S TROUBADOUR. Minneapolis-based artist Jeremy Messersmith played an acoustic set to a packed Marty’s crowd on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Casey DeLima / Chips

CASEY DELIMA FEATURES EDITOR Minneapolis-based indie artist Jeremy Messersmith graced the Marty’s stage on Saturday, Nov. 15 for a concert sponsored

by SAC Spotlight. Before the concert, Messersmith sat down with Chips Features Editor Casey DeLima to discuss his performance, his newest album “Heart Murmurs” and more.

Chips: I heard you’re doing No-Shave November. How is that going for you?

Jeremy Messersmith: Oh, it’s ... it’s so prickly.

I’m basically wounding everyone close to me.

Luther is a small school with about 2,500 students; do you perform at small schools often?

No, I don’t usually perform at smaller schools all that much. That being said, I enjoy playing at smaller schools because it feels like everyone

knows you’re there. Sometimes if you play at a huge school, then maybe only 30 people on campus know about it, but at a smaller school it just feels like people are generally a little more connected with each other.

What got you into music?

Probably my inability to do anything else very well. I’m not a star of track and field. I’m not a scientist. I’m not good-looking enough to be a model, so I settled with music because I was okay at it.

What would you say your biggest influences are?

Probably church music and hymns because I grew up singing those a lot, and a lot of pop music from the ‘60s like the Beach Boys and the Beatles. I also like a healthy dose of singersongwriters like Aimee Mann and Elliot Smith.

What are the differences between your most recent album “Heart Murmurs” and

your previous albums?

I think [“Heart Murmurs”] has a bigger sound and I think it’s strangely my most personal. I like to make up stories, but with “Heart Murmurs” I tried to keep it closer to where I was at.

Do you have a favorite song or album of your own?

You know, I’m going to pick the black sheep of my records and pick “Paper Moon” which is a half-hour long ambient record that I did.

It’s super mellow, it’s not the type of music that you put on to party or anything, but it’s good to play in the background to go to sleep or study. Sometimes I like really chill music that doesn’t demand your attention.

Do you have a favorite record of all time?

I always try to come up with a different answer for this each time I get this question because during different parts of my life it’s been a lot of different records. I’m going to say that

“Lost in Space” by Aimee Mann has retained the all-time classic status and it’s an incredibly rich production. Her voice is amazing, and her songwriting is top-notch. There’s a line in a song “The Moth” that I particularly love: “Nothing fuels a good flirtation like need and anger and desperation.” I think about that line and marvel at how good it is.

Chacos or Tevas?

Tevas? What are Tevas? I don’t know what a Teva is.

Do you know what Chacos are?

Chaco? Is that a chocolate taco?

What kind of advice do you have for upcoming musicians?

I would say to figure out a way to do [music] for the rest of your life sustainably. I think that’s maybe the trick. A lot of times people get caught up on the end result and want to be famous, but you really need to learn to love the craft and the process of making music.

Track Review: Jessica Pratt, “Back, Baby” CARL BATES KWLC STATION MANAGER “Back, Baby” is the lead single from Jessica Pratt’s forthcoming album “On Your Own Love Again.”

Pratt’s 2012 self-titled debut has achieved almost mythical status due to circumstances surrounding its release, as fellow San Francisco artist Tim Presely created a new record label with the sole purpose of releasing her music to the world.

Her debut, 42 minutes of luscious, finger-picked folk, turned out to be a major success, selling out the initial pressing in just two weeks.

While “Back, Baby” exudes many of the same qualities that led to Pratt’s past success, there are some subtle changes in her sound on this release. Most notable is the improved production quality on this single. Pratt chooses to forgo the lo-fi aesthetic of her previous release, swapping the feelings of intimacy created by the calming fuzz of microphone feedback in favor of a crisp, clear and polished sound.

This change allows for Pratt’s vocals

to have a greater presence and clarity, and help to showcase the infectious vocal melody that tempts listeners to press the repeat button immediately upon the tracks’ completion.

Another point of divergence on this record is the fact that Pratt chooses to swap the finger-picked guitar orchestration that characterized her past work and instead feature a simple, strummed guitar instrumentation. She complements this with a splattering and running guitar countermelody.

However, these runs are few and far between as Pratt chooses to emphasize the simplicity of the partnership between her voice and the strummed nylon of the guitar.

Pratt has a distinctive vocal delivery. While her voice is nasally and adolescent in tone, it has a seductive,

confident and engrossing quality, in many ways reminiscent of Stevie Nicks or Joni Mitchell. The lyrical subject matter on this record is nothing new, yet Pratt’s delivery is

enthralling enough that when she laments a past relationship, you feel as if you could go “back, baby.”

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: SARAH KING

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Dressing up disease is not sexy Letter to the Editor Costumes, no doubt, are the highlight of Halloween and there are literally endless possibilities. This year, though, in light of the striking social situation that the Ebola virus has caused and the publicity it has received, there was one costume that was far worse than the revealing costumes that sexualize women or the grotesque costumes that would give any kid nightmares. This costume was one that was frightening, but not for the usual reasons. It did not

contain a frightening mask. It did not involve fake blood. It wasn’t even scary looking. However, the thought behind the costume is what is frightening.

The costume was that of a “sexy Ebola nurse.” First off, it is once again disappointing and frightening that we as a society find the need to hyper-sexualize so many female Halloween costumes.

But this cause of fright is nothing compared to the upsetting fact that society, for some reason, finds it appropriate to take a virus that is taking the lives of others and their family members and to use it to create an object of humor and enjoyment. Just because the majority of people in America haven’t been directly affected by the virus does not make it okay to parade around in a too-short hazmat dress and hazmat leggings accentuated with goggles and a gas mask.

Regardless of the fact that sexy costumes have gone way too far, this costume reeks of ethnocentricity and egocentrism, and once again reaffirms the idea that Americans engage in a discourse that is so far removed from our fellow citizens of the world.

While people are fighting and dying from this virus in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, Americans paraded around on Halloween in sexy Ebola nurse costumes, something they probably wouldn’t find sexy if they were the ones affected by the virus or if their loved ones were taken from them. It wouldn’t be sexy if they were the ones trying to actually administer care to Ebola patients while entertaining concern for their own health and well-being. It would be distasteful to proudly wear a costume that depicted AIDS, cancer or malnutrition, so why is Ebola any different?

Just when we thought the marketing of such a costume was bad enough, the terror found its way to Luther. We were absolutely shocked to see such a high disregard for the implications of such a costume.

While people may joke about the fact that the media have exploited and exaggerated the virus, it is most certainly not appropriate to satirize the virus itself.

Katelynn Pankratz (‘16), Ben Beaupre (‘16) and Caitlin Marschall (‘16)

Why we should celebrate International Men’s Day

ANNA JEIDE NEWS EDITOR Why do we need International Men’s Day? I have heard this question a lot lately.

Perhaps it is a fair question. Men still hold the position of power in most societies.

On average, women earn only 77 cents compared to one dollar that men earn for the same job, according to Forbes. If every day is men’s day, why do they need a special day?

I’m sure most people who ask that question mean no harm, but it reveals how we oversimplify what it means to be a man.

When we ask that question, we imply that their privilege discredits them from being celebrated.

FACING REALITY

We criticize men (especially the heterosexual, Caucasian ones) because of what they represent – male superiority that has ruled the world at the expense of others for centuries.

But is it fair that we demonize men for being men? They were born that way, just like everyone else. In most circumstances men still hold the power, but is that enough to incriminate them?

Often we don’t acknowledge the diversity that exists within the category of “man.” We assume they are one-dimensional, but men come in all colors, shapes and sizes. They represent a spectrum of sexual orientations.

They subscribe to a variety of religions, political beliefs and family values.

According to internationalmensday.com, the purpose of the day is to “focus on men’s and boy’s health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion for men to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular their contributions to community, family, marriage and child care while highlighting the discrimination against them.”

The last part of the mission statement, “highlighting the discrimination against

them,” is especially important. Men are discriminated against, too. Masculine stereotypes can be just as limiting, harmful and discriminating as feminine stereotypes.

Women are not the only ones affected by these generalizations.

One example that comes to mind is body image. There have been several campaigns to encourage women to embrace their body image (Dove’s “Real Beauty” and Victoria Secret’s “Love Your Body” campaign are just two examples). In general, we see body image as a “woman’s issue.”

I don’t see as many campaigns for men, but is there a need for them?

According to nationaleatingdisorders. org, the percentage of men concerned about body image has increased from 15 percent to 43 percent in the last three decades. The number of men concerned with body image now equals the number of women who are concerned, but our media and culture do not recognize this.

I am not arguing that gender stereotypes cause men to become self-conscious. But I wonder why we don’t talk about how this issue impacts women and men. Why are there more body-image campaigns targeted at females? Have we created an environment

that discourages men from openly talking about issues they face?

This is why we need an International Men’s Day. We need a day to discuss what it means to be a man from a man’s perspective, not from the perspective of society, culture or the media.

I want to celebrate men because of who they are, not because they fit into my cookiecutter concept of “masculinity.”

I could not be the woman I am today without some incredible men in my life. My brother, father and grandfather have always uplifted and valued me as a woman. They taught me to love my womanhood. I want them to know how much I appreciate them for being compassionate, strong and humble men.

I realize that this piece might exclude some who do not identify as male or female.

I hope that whoever reads this will see International Men’s Day as a chance for us to see each other as people first and members of our sex/gender second. Valuing each other as human beings should always be the priority.

So, call a man. Tell him you appreciate him for who he is. Happy International Men’s day from a woman!

Sarah King

OPINION

PAGE 10 NOVEMBER 20, 2014

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.

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Walker Nyenhuis Sarah King Anna Jeide Margaret Yapp Features Editor: Casey DeLima A&E Editor: Dylan Hinton Sports Editor: Julia Joseph Staff Writers: Makeda Barkley Abby Carpenter Emily Crowe Laura Hayes Matt Helm Nils Johnson Noah Langholz Danny May Jenna Nelson Katie Nelson Maggie Steinberg Erika Storvick Bailey Mulholland Alison Vuolo Rachel Williams Head Copy Editor: Katie Hale Copy Editors: Cameron Meyferth Bethany Seavers Templeton Ad Representative: Alex Brandt Sam Ward Ad Accountant: Tyler Hovey Photography Coordinator: Casey DeLima Photographers: Abby Carpenter Bjorn Myhre Design Technician: Bjorn Myhre Web Manager: Isaac Davis Promotions Director: Zora Hurst Distribution Manager: Elizabeth Hurley Adviser: David Faldet

MANAGING EDITOR: SARAH KING

Addressing bad audience behavior SARAH KING MANAGING EDITOR

Last Friday I saw “In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play,” and I do not think I could have been more disappointed. I wasn’t disappointed with the performance – the performance was fabulous, and I will rave more on that in a bit. No, what disappointed me the most was the audience.

When I first arrived at the CFA last Friday night a little after nine, I expected to find few other audience members.

After all, it was a late-night performance, starting at 9:30, a time I thought would scare away Friday audiences. Heck, I was a bit wary myself of going to a play that would go until midnight. I was happily surprised to find the house packed, and that so many people turned out to support the theatre department. I am especially glad that so many people were willing to see a play whose main theme is somewhat controversial and undiscussed, focusing on women’s sexuality in the Victorian period. Most audience members were young people.

In the first few minutes of the play, I knew I was going to love it. The set and costumes were as beautiful and elegant as the aesthetic-obsessed time they represented, the acting was engaging and moving, and the story compelling.

However, within the first few minutes I also knew the experience was going to be diminished. Distracting chatter and laughter began early on and persisted throughout the entire play.

Certainly this play had its moments when it was appropriate to laugh. Mostly, though, it was a play about identity crisis.

I watched as the characters on the play failed to understand their bodies, to understand their feelings or connect with one another. Like so many other great plays, “In the Next Room” had elements of drama, tragedy and comedy, much as life actually does.

Despite this, most of the audience members laughed at every possible moment, funny or tragic. A mother unable to nurse her child, unable to know herself and unable to connect with her husband is not funny. When the doctor dismisses his wife as she attempts to gain some intimacy with him, leaves the room and goes to his laboratory to give a patient a “paroxysm” – the Victorian word for orgasm – it is not funny. It is heart-breaking how little connection there is in their relationship. The fact that he is blind to his wife’s needs and more intent on his scientific work, work that involves the sexual stimulation of others, an element that is lacking in their relationship, is tragic, not funny.

Perhaps laughter is some people’s way

of dealing with sadness. There is tragic irony in this play, most definitely. This is not an invalid way of expressing oneself.

However, what happened at Friday’s performance, the incessant hysterical laughter at what felt like every moment, seemed much more like immaturity than a coping mechanism.

In particular, when much of the audience laughed at perhaps the most intimate moment of the play, the final scene when the two main characters find intimacy with one another and the performers become nude, I felt as though I sat among high school or middle school students rather than college students.

Those two performers demonstrated courage and dedication to their work in their willingness to be vulnerable in front of so many strangers in a way that I would bet almost no one else in the audience will ever be. Therefore, their laughter at that moment was disrespectful to their bravery and artistry.

Maybe I am wrong. Maybe I have too serious an attitude. Maybe this play really should have been taken light-heartedly, but I find that hard to believe. To anyone who would say I take things too seriously or sensitively, I would ask, “When did showing compassion and empathy become a bad thing?” If we view others’ lives, even fictional characters’ lives, as laughable amidst tragedy, we have lost

MSLC conference discusses Millenial social engagement A Senate Sit-Down

Part of serving as a senator on Student Senate is the experience of learning what it means to serve and how to best accomplish the goals that we set for ourselves. Thanks to the generous support of Student Senate, L3 and SSS, I, along with four of my fellow senators and five members of the SSS Leadership Council, attended the Midwest Service Leaders Conference (MSLC) hosted by Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

The MSLC is a conference hosted by different colleges in the Midwest that is completely student-run. This means that all event promotion, set-up and workshops are done by students and for students. Initially, I was a little stunned that I would be learning material from my peers and not someone who had written four books, has given many lectures or is the foremost expert in their specific field, but this conference was indeed special. Instead of being talked at, I genuinely felt that these presenters were talking to us and wanted to have a conversation.

Upon arriving we had 16 different options for workshops, from which we selected four to attend. The workshops ranged from “Mentoring, Service, Growing Local Food and everything in between” to “Civic Engagement and Pushing Past Misinformation: Assumptions, Stereotypes and Prejudice.” I can

say that I learned a lot.

As Millennials, we have general cynicism about a lot of things in life. A lot of us either feel like we can’t make changes so we give up, or we wait for someone else to make the change for us. The truth of the matter is that even though some of our generation thinks this way, we can change it to something more positive.

Our generation values transparency, and we value good information. Thanks to the Internet, information is at our fingertips, allowing our generation to rock at getting great information from reliable sources. This has changed the way we interact with society as a whole. Even though there may be a decline in duty-based citizenship (doing it because we have to), there is an upswing in engaged citizenship (doing it because we want to). No single way is better than the other, but we must learn how to truly tap into the power of engaged citizenship because that’s what our generation is tunning into.

Our day wrapped up with the keynote speaker, hip-hop lyricist, inspirational speaker and RNA Travis Lloyd. Travis spoke passionately about overcoming many obstacles in life, including foster care, group homes and institutionalization.

Giving back and encouraging others is something that Travis Lloyd has dedicated his life to and something that many of LC’s senators feel passionately about doing here as well.

As we further our knowledge on how to be great servant leaders, it begins with advocacy. We are here to serve as the general voice for our student body. I ask that you bring up your concerns to any senator you may be friends with. Believe me, we are out there. Let us be the conduits for positive social change here at Luther. Once again I’d like to thank all those that gave us the opportunity to attend MSLC and I hope that one day we can host MSLC here at Luther.

Jesus Lucero (‘16)

SPORTS

PAGE 11

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

SPORTS EDITOR: JULIA JOSEPH

Men’s basketball ready for Hawaii DANNY MAY STAFF WRITER Over Thanksgiving break the men’s basketball team will travel to Honolulu, Hawaii for the Surf ’s Up Classic, hosted by California Lutheran University.

The team will be in Hawaii for five days, spending the first two practicing and getting used to the time change, according to Meyer. The Norse will play on Nov. 28 and 29. Their first game is against The University of Puget Sound and the second against the University of Pacific.

“I’m really excited and looking forward to it,” Meyer said. “Trips like this really bring the team together. We’ll grow closer.”

The cost of the trip is covered by both the team’s funds and the players.

“We have a lot of alumni that support the team on a daily basis,” Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mark Franzen said. “We’ve also been fundraising for many months.”

The team will pay for the trip with the money they have fundraised and will also pay a small portion out of pocket.

“We worked sporting events like the football game to

raise money,” Nate Meyer (‘16) said.

Due to costs, only the 14 varsity players will be making the trip.

“We only dress 14-15 guys for varsity games,” Franzen said. “Whenever we travel anywhere, those are our guys.

It’d be tough to get 22 guys to Hawaii.”

Regardless, both the varsity and junior varsity players see no harm in splitting the team and have a very positive attitude going into the trip.

“I don’t think it affects the team,” Kevin Stafford Jr. (‘17) said. “Everybody is rooting for each other. They’ll go out there and have a good time, and those who don’t get to go will have their chance.”

Because of high costs, the team can only travel this far every four years. The men’s basketball team travels on a cycle, going one year to Hawaii, the next to the west coast, usually Los Angeles, then to the south, usually Texas, followed by a Midwest trip.

“The team went to Hawaii before I got here,” Meyer said. “And next year we’ll be going to Dallas.”

Players will have free time at night and for part of the final day for fun activities and to enjoy the weather. The team will return to Luther for their first home game on Dec. 6.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Men’s basketball practices for their upcoming trip to Hawaii.

Danny May / Chips

ESPNL covers sports with comedy SARAH OWENS VOLUNTEER WRITER Paige Lobdell (‘16) and Moran Lonning (‘16) host a weekly sports recap infused with humor and Norse pride.

The pair recently released their eighth episode of ESPNL and plan to continue producing new editions every Friday through the winter and spring seasons.

In upcoming weeks, viewers should look forward to a guest appearance by President Paula Carlson as well as a competition featuring Lobdell and Lonning against Clare Slagel (‘16), a national champion in swimming.

“A lot of people get nervous when the camera comes out, but I get over the top,” Lonning said.

“It’s just a blast for me.”

Lobdell and Lonning accredit their collaboration on ESPNL to Assistant Softball Coach and Coordinator of Social Media Teri Olson (‘05). Olson coached Lonning’s high school softball team and later coached Lobdell on Luther’s team.

“Knowing their personalities, I got really excited when Moran decided to transfer,” Olson said.

Lobdell, a communications studies major, has experience with radiobroadcasting, editing processes and camera techniques for filming. This background led her to begin making brief videos

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION. Moran Lonning (‘16) and Paige Lobdell (‘16) shooting their “guide to lose the holiday weight” workout video for ESPNL. Sarah Owens / Chips

for the softball team. Lonning’s experience comes from crafting music videos for years.

“I think every week they get better and more clever,” Olson said. “They just feed so well off each other.”

Knowing Lonning and Lobdell’s film background, Olson told the two of them it was her dream for them to pair up and make a video together. It became a reality when Lonning chose to come to Luther in the fall.

“We hit it off really well, so we made the first [episode] just for fun and took it to people in the athletic department to see what they thought of it,” Lobdell said.

“They loved it and said they would promote it.”

The girls announce sports highlights from the past week.

Each episode has a unique segment, ranging from a Homecoming Special music video, to “Can’t Hang,” where Lonning and Lobdell face off with a Norse athlete in their own sport.

“All of our really funny things have been spur of the moment that we’re nervous about doing, but need to get done so we can get to class,” Lonning said.

With their conflicting sports’ schedules, it has become more difficult to produce weekly videos. Chapel break provides an opportunity for a brief brainstorming and

L-U. Moran Lonning (‘16) and Paige Lobdell (‘16) produce their weekly ESPNL episode.

Sarah Owens / Chips filming session, but the two are responsible for writing the scripts, filming and editing.

“When we’re in front of the camera, it clicks; it’s nuts, we just snap into character,” Lonning said.

Lonning and Lobdell are driven by the support of their viewers. Both have encountered people throughout Decorah who have requested ideas for upcoming video segments, or simply exclaimed “Bang bang,” Lonning’s signature phrase.

The fan base has spread beyond the borders of Luther and even beyond Iowa.

“My friend just told me today that her graduate assistant friend at Augustana in South Dakota went home to Nebraska for the

weekend and came back saying, ‘ I was home and my friends told me they had to show me this hilarious video’ and it turned out to be an ESPNL video,” Lobdell said.

The spread of ESPNL is encouraging to Lobdell and Lonning, but they hope to reach more of the Luther community so their fellow students can be aware of what is happening on campus with athletics. They hope to make students recognize the dedication and hard work athletes put toward their accomplishments, according to Lonning and Lobdell.

“It’s easy to have an appreciation for the people who do the things you do,” Lobdell said. “You don’t actually realize how difficult other sports are and how good our athletes are at what they do until you’re going up against them.”

Follow Lobdell and Lonning’s work on Twitter (@ESPNLuther) or on the Luther College Athletics Facebook page and YouTube channel. Lonning and Lobdell give a special thanks to the Production Lab and to Lindsey Uphoff (‘16) and Sarah Nelson for their polos.

SPORTS

PAGE 12

SPORTS EDITOR: JULIA JOSEPH

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Swimmers fundraise with Hour of Power

Weekly Standings Football

#5 Wartburg Central Buena Vista Coe Dubuque Luther Loras Simpson

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

Recent Scores

Overall 10-0 8-2 5-5 5-5 4-6 5-5 3-7 3-7

Nov. 15 @ Simpson College 42-35

Men’s Swimming Loras Coe Luther Simpson

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

Overall 2-1 1-3 0-2 0-1

Recent Scores

Nov. 15 @ Macalester College 2 of 6

Upcoming Schedule

Nov. 22 vs. UW-La Crosse 1 p.m.

SWIMMING FOR A CAUSE. Luther’s swim team participated with 167 other swim teams around the country to honor Carleton Graduate Ted Mullin.

Casey DeLima / Chips ABBY CARPENTER STAFF WRITER On Nov. 11, Luther and over 167 other swim teams around the country participated in Hour of Power, a relay event in which the team continuously sprints for an hour to raise money for sarcoma cancer research.

Hour of Power started in 2006 at Carleton College when swimmer Ted Mullin passed away from sarcoma cancer. The money raised from the event goes to support research at the University of Chicago Medicine causes and treatment of sarcoma in young people.

“It's definitely hard to make it through the whole hour sprinting, but it's a great feeling at the end to know that we did it for a good cause,” Elizabeth Reed (‘15) said.

“It really means a lot to many individuals on our team to show support for those diagnosed with cancer, and this is a way that we as swimmers can do that. It's a pretty great feeling.”

Seth Vander Horst (‘15) agreed that the hour was physically challenging.

“Every couple of minutes you do a 50. I woke up the morning after very tired, and my legs just hurt

from stepping up on the block and diving in.”

Along with raising money for research, the team is also raising awareness about sarcoma cancer.

“I don’t want to make this about the ALS bucket challenge, but that really got a lot of people talking about ALS, so it’s the same with sarcoma cancer and Hour of Power,” Vander Horst said.

“We need to raise awareness and get people talking about it. Just because you’re in college doesn’t mean you can’t get cancer.”

Hour of Power is particularly special to the Luther team because swimming alum Jim Penning (‘13) is a sarcoma cancer survivor.

“It's especially important to our team because a lot of people have had personal experiences with cancer in their family,” Reed said. “It also hits home because a member of our team who graduated two years ago had sarcoma when he was in high school and he really inspired all of us to try and make a difference.”

Each year, more and more

teams participate in Hour of Power.

“There’s over 8,000 swimmers that participate in it every year,” Assistant Swim Coach Bethany Nicoll (‘10) said. “It happens at the same time on the same date all across the country, so it’s kind of cool.”

R e e d described the atmosphere at this year’s Hour of Power.

“Hour of Power was incredible this year,” Reed said. “It's not easy to do allout sprints for an hour, but there was a lot of dedication to make it through and leave everything in the pool.

The energy was great; even when we were all tired, everyone was still cheering for each other, plus we had some people in the stands and on deck cheering for us.”

Along with other supportive friends, some students from the track team showed up at the pool to cheer the swimmers on.

“A huge thank you to members of the track team that came and cheered us on.” Vander Horst said.

“It was really awesome to have their support.”

“It’s not easy to do all-out sprints for an hour, but there was a lot of dedication to make it through and leave everything in the pool.”

- Elizabeth Reed (‘15)

Women’s Swimming Loras Coe Luther Simpson

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

Overall 2-1 3-0 1-1 0-1

Recent Scores

Nov. 15 @ Macalester College 2 of 8

Upcoming Schedule

Nov. 22 vs. UW-La Crosse 1 p.m.

Wrestling Simpson Buena Vista Central Coe Loras Luther Wartburg Dubuque

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

Recent Scores

Overall 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1

Nov. 15 Luther College Open NTS

Upcoming Schedule

Nov. 22 @ Augsburg College Open 9 a.m.