Oct 16th issue

Carlson joins Inagural Ball festivities

A &E 5

Meet animals

Luther’s

emotional

supportive FEATURES 6

LUTHER COLLEGE

CHIPS

“Let the chips fall where they may.”

OCTOBER 16, 2014

VOLUME 137, NO. 6

Satrapi to discuss “Graphic Freedom”

SATRAPI SPEAKS. Author Marjane Satrapi delivers a talk at the seventh annual Film Festival in Rome, Italy in 2012.

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com EMILY CROWE STAFF WRITER Marjane Satrapi, author of “Persepolis,” will visit campus to offer a Distinguished Lecture and a Q&A session on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Assistant Professor of Religion Todd Green will host “A Personal Conversation with Marjane Satrapi” at 3:30 p.m. in Luther’s Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall.

“I like the fact that she is the author of one of the books that ties most of the campus community together, particularly students, but even all the professors who teach in the Paideia program,” Green said. “I think to have the person behind the book that brings those connections

Serving the Luther College community since 1884.

together is helpful.”

Assistant Professor of English Andy Hageman will introduce Satrapi for the lecture “Graphic Freedom” at 7 p.m. during which students will also be able to ask questions. “[Satrapi] really wants to make sure she serves the local community as best as she can,” Director of Campus Programming Tanya Gertz said. “She likes to do this Q&A format so that she can talk about the things we most want her to talk about. It’s going to be a conversation the whole time.”

Students can bring questions to the event or submit them beforehand.

SATRAPI, PAGE 4

Security revisits camera installation MAGGIE STEINBERG STAFF WRITER Last year, security placed cameras around campus to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty and staff. There are now 28 cameras in multiple locations around campus, with more planned for the future.

“The cameras are an investigative tool,” Director of Campus Safety and Security Bob Harri said. “When we have an incident occur, we can go back and look at some of the footage to see who’s responsible.”

The cameras are not monitored regularly, but all footage is recorded and only the security staff can view the footage, according to Harri.

“I think the cameras are helpful for fire alarms and making sure there’s no unwanted people in the building,” former Miller RA Ami Gilbert (‘15) said. “During times like Homecoming, where a lot of people are wandering around, it’s beneficial to have that extra security for the residents of the building.”

To date, the cameras have helped investigations of theft and endangerment.

“We had a successful [identification] last spring with two fire alarm pulls,” Harri said. “The video helped us out with both of those.”

Ten buildings on campus are equipped with security cameras, which offer other benefits besides investigations. In the event of a blizzard, for example, security can monitor the cameras to make sure students are safe during bad weather.

One camera, located in the server room in Main, offers an immediate view of malfunctions without the security officer needing to physically monitor the servers.

“Part of my role is to think ahead and identify potential risks and get ahead of them before they happen,” Harri said.

All security cameras are located in public areas such as entryways and hallways. There are none placed in residential student areas or offices.

CAMERAS, PAGE 4

Organizations work against domestic violence NOAH LANGHOLZ STAFF WRITER Student organizations and faculty are promoting events and discussions during October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Luther College Feminists are supporting students’ participation in “Red Against Rape” on Oct. 30 and will be tabling in the union on Oct. 29 to collect stories from people who are survivors of domestic violence.

According to organizers, the main purpose of these events is to start a healthy conversation about domestic violence and increase students’ awareness of the presence of violence on campus.

“The big thing is that this happens to people around you and you won’t even realize it,” Luther College Feminists Communications Liason Emma Cassabaum (‘16) said. “One in four

women will be a victim of domestic violence and one in three will be a victim of sexual assault.”

According to Cassabaum, the events sponsored by Luther College Feminists are meant to bring light to issues students may not otherwise take place.

Cassabaum also explained the importance of understanding what it means to be a feminist.

“It’s the notion that men and women should have equal rights economically and socially,” Cassabaum said. “That’s all feminism is. [It] is about having the freedom to choose to do what you want.”

It is also important to be conscious of the effect of language in everyday conversations.

“People will use rape as a colloquial term for ‘that sucked,’” Cassabaum said. “We want to eliminate that kind of hurtful language.”

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, PAGE 4

RED AGAINST RAPE. Representing the Luther College Feminists Talia Barber (‘15) and Bailey Barber (‘18) spread awareness about domestic violence.

Photo courtesy of Emma Cassabaum

NEWS

PAGE 2 OCTOBER 16, 2014

NEWS EDITORS: ANNA JEIDE & MARGARET YAPP

“Dream Catcher” tea incites mixed reactions, conversation on Sept. 26 in Baker Commons.

During the tea, a number of people wore “free spirit” attire based on the “Dream Catcher” theme. According to Tau Delta Gamma member Jenna mcGee (‘15), the theme was inspired by the bohemian trend popular in current fashion. McGee brought acrylic paint for attendees to use on their faces. Attendees were not required to dress up, according to McGee and Tau Delta Gamma President Kristin Syverud (‘15).

“The point of having a theme for a tea is to get people out of their comfort zone,” Syverud said.

“When they arrive [at Baker Commons], everyone is dressed up the same as they are.

So even if you were feeling silly, everyone is being silly with you.”

The Dream Catcher theme incited mixed reactions, many of which were recorded on the Luther College Confessions Facebook page, a page where students are encouraged to anonymously post their opinions.

Andrea Markert (‘17), who is half Cherokee, first learned about the tea theme from a fellow classmate.

Markert then participated in the discussion of the tea on the Luther College Confessions. Markert took issue with the theme, which she felt

to be an inappropriate representation of Native American culture.

“If you are a woman and you are seen with traditional face paint at a powwow, you are kicked out because it is strictly for the men,” Markert said. “It’s a sign of honor, similar with the headdresses.”

Markert acknowledged that she did not believe the theme to be intentionally hurtful.

“I know [Tau Delta Gamma did not] mean to be offensive or for this to happen,” Markert said.

The theme was later brought to the attention of the Luther College Diversity Center.

According to their website, the Diversity Center is a “resource that activates, develops and en hances diversity consciousness and intercultural competence with the goal of making the campus climate more inclusive for everyone.” One of the ways that the center accomplishes this goal is by addressing controversies.

“I think this was an act of cultural insensitivity,” Executive Director of the Diversity Center Shelia RadfordHill said. “Cultural insensitivity is a lack of ability to bridge cultural differences appropriately. When we are not sensitive to how others

“ If we offended somebody, we are 100 percent sorry...

There was no malicious intent.”

-Kristin Syverud (‘15)

TAU DELTA GAMMA TEA. (From left) Emily McLaughlin (‘17) and Kristen Syverud (‘15) pose at the Tau Delta Gamma “Dream Catcher” tea.

Photo courtesy of Kristin Syverud

LAURA HAYES STAFF WRITER Luther sorority Tau Delta Gamma held an informational tea entitled “Tau Delt Dream Catcher” that

sparked controversy across the Luther College campus. The tea was an informational meeting for those interested in pledging the sorority.

40 current and interested members attended the event, which took place

SMILING SISTERS. (From left) Caroline Pedersen (‘16) and Taylor Kinley (‘16).

Photo courtesy of Kristin Syverud may receive our expression of their culture, we are being culturally insensitive.”

For those who want to learn more about Native American culture, Markert will be having a presentation on various topics, including powwows, Native American clothing and spirituality in November.

Members of Tau Delta Gamma apologized for the Dream Catcher theme.

“If we offended somebody, we are 100 percent sorry,” Syverud said. “I take 100 percent of the responsibility for the theme. This was never an event where I looked at it and thought, ‘This is going to be construed as belittling a culture.’ I looked at it as a fun way to get girls to dress up. There was no malicious intent.”

InterFaith Student Association sponsors forum on Islam

KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS. Members of the InterFaith Student Association (IFSA) at the student-led forum on Islam, entitled “What I wish my friends understood about Islam.”

Jenn Jansen / Chips JENN JANSEN STAFF WRITER The InterFaith Student Association (IFSA) organized a student-led forum entitled “What I

wish my friends understood about Islam.” Both Muslim and non-Muslim students attended the event, which took place on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Jenny Masic (‘17) was born in Bosnia and

grew up practicing Islam. She recently joined the InterFaith Student Association, a group that meets intermittently for different religious holidays, member-organized meetings and talks, like the recent forum.

“I realized that people are legitimately curious … so there have to be people to teach people [what they] want to know and need to know,” Masic said.

Masic cited stereotyping and negative stigma as important reasons for the forum.

“I started going through experiences that as a Muslim, I would be stereotyped and stigmatized and it hurts when it’s personal,” Masic said. “I can’t say there are right and wrong perceptions; they come from what is happening in the world

right now.”

Kevin Honz (‘18) attended the lecture in an attempt to learn more about Islam.

“I guess I went because of curiosity more than anything, because I really do feel ignorant,” Honz said. “So much of the world is Muslim and I don’t feel like I know much at all about Islam … also it wouldn’t be portrayed by strangers.”

Honz believes diverse understanding to be important for the development of his own faith.

“It helps your own faith,” Honz said.

“Understanding where other people are will help you understand where you are. I think the point of [knowing] diversity is that you gain perspective of the world and then be a better part of that world.”

Assistant Professor of Religion Todd Green also attended the forum. Green has a special interest in Islamophobia and commented on the importance of interfaith relationships.

“I think the point of interfaith relations is about building relationships and then building dialogue,” Green said. “The models that are most successful in the world and most communities in the United States and around the world are those that really cultivate the relationship ...instead of just talking.”

For more information on IFSA and upcoming events, visit www.luther. edu/ministries/worship/interfaith.

NEWS

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NEWS EDITORS: ANNA JEIDE & MARGARET YAPP THURSDAY

Seven-Day Forecast

OCTOBER 16, 2014 FRIDAY

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ECO hosts Carrasco lecture Life Outside Luther

ECO EDUCATES. A lecture by Anita Carrasco served as campus group ECO’s first educational event of the year. ECO plans to host one educational event per month this year.

Bjorn Myhre / Chips

ERIKA STORVICK STAFF WRITER The Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO) hosted its first educational event of the year on Tuesday, Oct. 7 with a lecture given by Assistant Professor of Anthropology Anita Carrasco who presented on the Likantatay people of Northern Chile. She focused on the environmental, political and economic issues facing the Likantatay people.

The lecture was arranged by ECO as a way of connecting students with faculty and fostering discussions about environmental concerns on campus. ECO is an

organization centered on educating campus about environmental issues and making change in the community.

They have been implementing change projects on campus, from trash pick-ups to compost in the residence halls, but educational events are new for the club. ECO President Emily Dufford (‘16) has done research with Carrasco in the past and chose Carrasco to start the ECO series.

“This is new this year, but we’re hoping to reach out into the community a little bit more,” Dufford said. “The goal is to have one educational event every month. There’s a lot of stuff that people don’t

know about faculty, and they do cool stuff. They can share their knowledge with us, and we can have a discussion about it and learn together.”

Carrasco teaches environmental anthropology on campus. She originally became interested in the Likantatay people through personal experience. Carrasco grew up in an El Salvador mining camp as the daughter of a geologist. She has since gone on to do extensive research in this area, spending almost 12 years on the subject.

Her lecture focused on the displacement of the Likantatay over natural resources and its cultural and economic impacts on the indigenous community.

“I hope that [students] make connections between a place that seems very disconnected from their reality,” Carrasco said. “Even though we see them as something totally separate from our life, we are somehow connected … what happened to Likantatay could happen to Decorah.”

The lecture proved helpful for students like Erik Hahn (‘16), as he will be traveling with Carrasco and other Luther students to visit the Likantatay over January term.

“It’s cool that ECO put this on, and I’m happy that they did,” Hahn said. “What brought me to this lecture was my J-term. However, I’d be interested in seeing more.”

Students seek opportunities at Career Fair DANNY MAY VOLUNTEER WRITER The Luther Career Center’s annual Career Fair saw students seeking out job opportunities and internships from many national and regional companies.

According to several students, the Career Fair is a convenient way to learn about future employment possibilities “I think it’s awesome and encouraging,” Gifty Arthur (‘17) said. “It’s a great opportunity for students to gain experience.”

The Career Fair brings in representatives from many large companies, including Target, Best Buy and Hormel Foods.

“I think they bring in some great regional companies,” Patrick Larson (‘17) said. “There is a lot of potential here. It’s very effective.”

Company representatives also find the Career Fair beneficial, according to Sales Specialist at Wincraft Incorporated Eric Blomsness, as it provides them with the opportunity to make their name known and present employee criteria.

“We are looking for hardworking people with great social skills,” Blomsness said. “Our employees also need to be willing to travel.”

According to Director of the Career

Militants take Iraq army camp as bombs hit Baghdad Militants with the Islamic State group on Monday captured a military training camp in western Iraq, inching closer to full control of the restive Anbar province, as a spate of deadly bombings shook Baghdad, hitting mostly Shiite neighborhoods and leaving at least 30 dead. The attacks, which came as Iraqi Shiites marked a major holiday for their sect with families crowding the streets in celebration, raised new concerns that the Sunni militant group is making gains despite U.S.-led coalition airstrikes.

Hagel: climate change will challenge us militarily Rising sea levels and other effects of climate change will pose major challenges for America’s military, including more and worse natural disasters and the threat that food and water shortages could fuel disputes and instability around the world, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Monday. Addressing a conference of military leaders as the Pentagon released a new report on the issue, Hagel said, “Our militaries’ readiness could be tested, and our capabilities could be stressed.”

North Korea leader makes first appearance in 40 days North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un has made his first public appearance in five weeks, state media reported Tuesday, ending an absence that drove a frenzy of global speculation that something was amiss with the country’s most powerful person. The sudden resumption of the “field guidance” tours that had been a regular part of Kim’s public persona before he stopped showing up in media reports for 40 days allowed the country’s massive propaganda apparatus to resume doing what it does best - glorify the third generation of the Kim family to rule and will tamp down, at least for the moment, rumors of coups and serious health problems.

About 70 hospital staffers cared for Ebola patient They drew his blood, put tubes down his throat and wiped up his diarrhea. They analyzed his urine and wiped saliva from his lips, even after he had lost consciousness.

About 70 staff members at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital were involved in the care of Thomas Eric Duncan after he was hospitalized, including a nurse now being treated for the same Ebola virus that killed the Liberian man who was visiting Dallas, according to medical records his family provided to The Associated Press.

SUIT UP. Henry Jungbauer (‘15) (left) meets with Target representatives at the Career Fair.

Danny May / Chips

Center Brenda Ranum, the Career Fair is a positive experience for all students, regardless of their year in school.

“Attending the Career Fair is a good thing for students to do, especially early in their time here,” Ranum said. “It’s all about taking that initiative.”

The Career Center hosts several fairs over the school year and helps students complete resumes, cover letters and work within programs like LinkedIn, an online professional network where students can connect with employers

and peers.

“LinkedIn is a great way to follow and connect with alumni,” Ranum said.

“Use smaller jobs to build your LinkedIn resume and gain experience.”

Students are encouraged to use many tools to network, including the Career Center.

“We want you to be prepared,” Ranum said.

To learn about upcoming Career Center offerings, you can visit their website at www.luther.edu/careers/.

Bishops say gays have gifts to offer church Catholic bishops signaled a radical shift in tone Monday about accepting gays into the church, saying they had gifts to offer and that their partnerships, while morally problematic, provided homosexual couples with “precious” support. In a preliminary report released halfway through a Vatican meeting on family life called

by Pope Francis, the bishops also said the church must welcome divorcees and recognize the “positive” aspects of civil marriages and even Catholics who cohabitate, as well as the children of these less traditional families.

Compiled from: www.ap.org

NEWS

PAGE 4 OCTOBER 16, 2014

NEWS EDITORS: ANNA JEIDE & MARGARET YAPP

Cameras improve security CAMERAS, PAGE 1

around campus.

“Part of my role is to think ahead and identify potential risks and get ahead of them before they happen,” Harri said.

All security cameras are located in public areas such as entryways and hallways. There are none placed in residential student areas or offices.

“The ID system only tracks so much, but it doesn’t account for people letting others in or holding the door,” Larsen Assistant Hall Director Ben Nordquist (‘15) said. “When someone pulls a fire alarm or vandalizes property, it’s extremely helpful to know who was around and who didn’t belong.”

Security does not want a map published of camera locations out of safety for the inhabitants of the college, according to Harri However, all cameras are clearly visible in the buildings

Bjorn Myhre

Author offers open conversation, Q&A

Upcoming Events

SATRAPI, PAGE 1

Student Teacher Retreat

Thursday, Oct. 16 9:00 a.m., Baker Commons

Student Senate Meeting

9:00 a.m., Loyalty 100

Friday, Oct. 17 Volleyball- UW-River Falls Invite All day, River Falls, Wisc.

Des Moines Area Dinner with President Paula J. Carlson

6:00 p.m., Des Moines Gold and Country Club- West Des Moines, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 18 Women’s Soccer- Loras College 3:00 p.m., Home Sunday, Oct 19 Men’s Soccer- University of 2:00 p.m., Home Jamestown (ND) Monday, Oct. 20 Diversity Center Hike 9:00 a.m., Effigy Mounds National Monument Tuesday, Oct. 21 Volleyball- Wartburg College 7:30 p.m., Waverly, Iowa Wednesday, Oct. 22 Men’s Soccer- St. Mary’s 7:30 p.m., Home University Thursday, Oct. 23 Satellite Voting Station 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Dahl Centennial Union, Lobby Visitng Artist Talk: Susan White 7:00 p.m., Center for the Arts, Room 203 Norse Theatres- “Guardians of the 9:00 p.m., Valders Hall of Science Galaxy” Room 206 Friday, Oct. 24 Board of Regents Meeting All day, Luther College Women’s Cross Country- UW-La 4:30 p.m., Home Crosse Dual Men’s Cross Country-UW- La 5:00 p.m., Home Crosse Dual Information from luther.edu/events

There are boxes to submit questions near the Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life, in the library and in Main. To submit a question, students should write it on one of the slips provided near the submission boxes.

“Persepolis” has been featured in the Paideia curriculum for the past several years, so most students on campus will have read the book when Satrapi comes to campus.

“I wonder what her response will be to a campus where literally almost every student not only is aware of her work but has read it and possibly seen the film version as well,” Director of Paideia Rebecca Sullivan (‘84) said. “I don’t know when she would have had an opportunity to be in that setting, so I am looking forward to seeing her response to that.”

While at Luther, Satrapi will also show a clip of the thriller movie she directed titled “The Voices.”

The movie was released in January of 2014 and stars Ryan Reynolds and Anna Kendrick.

“She is going to be on campus all day for two events and will have the opportunity for interaction with the students,” Sullivan said. “She is promoting a new film and she seems to make a lot of appearances.”

Campus Programming and Paideia have discussed bringing Satrapi to campus for a couple of years, according to Sullivan.

“She lives in France so she doesn’t speak in the United States very often, and her visit is very tight in the time that she is doing her speaking tour,” Gertz said.

Because of Satrapi’s busy schedule, the event will be on a Saturday instead of a preferred weekday.

Her events on campus were scheduled carefully so that students can go to the Luther versusWartburg football game as well as the Q&A session and the lecture.

Students will also be able to have their books signed for an hour after the evening lecture.

“I’m just very excited,” Sullivan said. “I don’t know when we have had an event on this scale that has a connection to the first year course. It’s been a nice collaboration with Campus Programming.”

OPEN FORUM. Satrapi’s visit will include an on-stage Q&A. Photo courtesy of Photo Bureau

Groups shed light on DVAM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, PAGE 1 The Luther administration wants students to be aware of the resources and policies that are in place to help students who are involved in domestic violence.

According to Student Life Health Resources Advocate and Assistant Dean Janet Hunter, it is crucial to have educational conversations that highlight ways to avoid finding oneself in a precarious situation.

“Things will improve the more that we can have conversations

about healthy relationships and consent. What does a healthy relationship consist of?” Hunter said. “We need to be having those conversations.”

Other organizations are working with Luther College Feminists to bring attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Over homecoming weekend athletes were sporting purple ribbons and purple tape to raise awareness.

Towers Area Coordinator Jordan Burkhart (‘13) teamed up with Hunter to distribute tape and ribbons to draw attention to

Domestic Violence Awareness month.

Through events and actions such as these, student organizations and faculty intend to bring more visibility to the issue of domestic violence.

“We’re trying to facilitate those discussions, answer those questions as best we can and to provide you with stories from people who have honest experiences that can tell you firsthand what’s happening,” Cassabaum said. “Our big goal [as an organization] is to educate, inform and have that discussion.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 5

A&E EDITOR: DYLAN HINTON

OCTOBER 16, 2014

Inaugural Ball honors Carlson

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY. Michael Spear (‘18) leads a line of students around the dance floor at the Inaugural Ball.

MAKEDA BARKLEY STAFF WRITER The Inaugural Ball, usually called The Flamingo Ball, featured a new look this year to honor of the Inauguration of President Paula Carlson. SAC Flamingo Ball Co-chairs Samantha Ea (‘16) and Anna Johnson (‘16) spearheaded a temporary name change as well as a red carpet theme.

“This year is special … we’re making Luther history,” Ea said. “It’s in honor of President Carlson and this is the first time it’s ever been called the Inaugural Ball.”

The Flamingo Ball received the unique name when the SAC Council of 1983-84 wanted to organize a dance on campus for the student body.

“It was decided that we needed a fun dance

“We started right away in March … we that would attract a lot people,” Coordinator ordered decorations, contacted the band of Student Activities and the Union Trish and talked to the President about making an Neubauer said. “We just didn’t have many dances appearance, ” Ea said. on campus, so the Student Activities Council In honor of the celebrity guest, President thought, ‘what could we do to generate interest Carlson, the and encourage decorations follow people to attend a “This year is special ... we’re a red carpet theme, larger dance than making Luther history.” complete with a red normal?’”

That is when the - Samantha Ea (‘16) carpet in the lobby, decorative lights, idea of the name a message board “Flamingo Ball” was suggested and embraced by the council, and the where students could write a message for the custom of placing lawn flamingos throughout president and a photo station. campus for publicity began.

As is characteristic of the Flamingo Ball, a live This year, Johnson and Ea began planning the band provided music for the dance.

The Minneapolis-based band “The Sevilles” event in March 2014, putting in considerable time organizing in order to make the event a hit, played music covers from several different decades including hits such as “Twist and Shout” according to Ea.

Will Heller / Photo Bureau

and “Sweet Home Alabama.”

A large variety of students attended the ball, including first-year Resident Assistants who used the event to spend time with their residents. “[The ball] appealed to a wide variety of students this year, and the music was hoppin’,” Mikayla Brockmeyer (‘17) said. “I feel like sometimes people view it as a first-year event, but there was a good mix of upperclassmen as well this year.”

As the dance began to wind down, President Carlson made an appearance in the lobby of Regents to mingle with the attendees of the dance and even dance a bit herself.

Students also had the opportunity to get their pictures taken with the president and talk to her for the last 30 minutes of the dance, giving everyone a chance to welcome her to the Luther community.

Musicians host Marty’s Jazz Nights KATIE NELSON STAFF WRITER

Four jazz students looking for a creative outlet and local performance venue started a new tradition for jazz performers and fans alike with Marty’s Jazz Nights. Connor Jones (‘15), Adam Graf (‘16), Aidan Schmitt (‘17) and Joshua Jones (‘17) will play jazz in Marty’s from 8-11 p.m. every Friday when there is not another event scheduled.

“We played a couple of times last year. It was nothing formal; we were just bored one night and we wanted to jam, so we were like

SWINGIN’ SONG. Members of the Jazz Orchestra serenade Marty’s with classic and modern jazz repertoire.

Maria da Silva / Photo Bureau

‘let’s go play in Marty’s for a while,’” Schmitt said. “We had fun so we decided to do more.”

Along with the quartet, any musicians interested in creating music are welcome to join.

“Coming into this year, we thought we could do the same thing and advertise it more and make it open to anyone who wants to come and get playing,” Jones said. “It’s a time for us to come together and create and explore music, and just have fun doing it.”

This vision of a jazz jam session is an attempt to connect back to the heart of jazz music. “[Playing in a jam session] is so crucial for jazz at Luther and just to learn jazz wherever you are,” Adjunct Faculty in Music and Jazz Band Director Jon Ailabouni (‘10) said. “Playing in a jazz jam session … that’s really the essence of the music.”

Marty’s Jazz Nights will also be used as a space for less experienced jazz musicians to practice and get used to the genre.

“One of the beautiful things about this is they’re structuring the jam session to make it accessible for beginners,” Ailabouni said. “I am encouraging the younger or less experienced players to go. It’s not

required, but it really is the best way to learn.”

Robbie Nesmith (‘17) has joined the jam sessions in the past to build his jazz skills.

“We play many different kinds of songs, lots of different genres and types of jazz, but a lot of the concepts when you’re improvising are very similar,” Nesmith said. “So it helps me think about improvising - instead of how I’m going to improvise on this one song, it helps me think of it as a broader thing.”

According to some students, the live jam session also provides a unique music experience for Luther students.

“Luther is primarily known as a choral or classical music school, and we want to try to show that there is a jazz program and that there is a presence here,” Jones said. “We’re just trying to make that more known and more accessible to other people.”

In addition to drawing in musicians, many students have expressed interest in the burgeoning jazz presence on campus.

“I like [the jazz nights], it’s something different from the normal,” Nordic Brew student worker Melissa Hrdlicka (‘17) said. “They’re all really talented, so it’s cool to hear.”

Any students interested in attending or playing at the Jazz Nights are welcome and can check Facebook.com/lcjazznights for more information.

FEATURES

PAGE 6 OCTOBER 16, 2014

FEATURES EDITOR: CASEY DELIMA

Coping with kittens

CUDDLES AND PURRS. Ashley Tobias (‘16) snuggles with Cassidy, her emotional support animal.

Students use emotional support animals for personal mental health.

ABBY CARPENTER STAFF WRITER Some students at Luther find that the most beneficial way to foster mental health is to have an emotional support animal (ESA).

“Some people need prescriptions for mental health issues, and some need other things,” Coordinator of Disability Accommodations and Academic Support Sally Mallam said. “Animals are one of those ways to deal with different issues going on in a student’s life.”

In order to have an ESA at Luther, students must have documentation from a health provider, proof of vaccinations and liability insurance. On campus, the only places where a student can live with an ESA are Larsen and Olson, the only residence halls without a central air system. To be considerate to those with animal allergies, students living in other residence halls cannot have ESAs, according to Assistant Dean of Student Life and Director of Residence Life Kris Franzen.

Emotional support animals can include a wide variety of species including rabbits, ferrets, cats, dogs and even some reptiles.

“It’s whatever’s going to give that person comfort and help them,” Mallam said. “So it could be anything depending on what kind of person you are.”

This semester, the only ESAs on campus are cats. Mallam estimates that about 10-12 students have an ESA. Ashley Tobias (‘16) lives in Larsen with her six-month-old cat, Cassidy.

“It’s very calming,” Tobias said. “It just

makes life a little bit easier, because you have someone that relies on you. And it’s nice to come into the room and have someone that won’t be annoying.”

Making the decision to use an ESA can be challenging, but Tobias knew that it would be a good fit for her.

“I knew it was the right choice for me because I think having a roommate is very stressful,” Tobias said. “But with a cat, you’re not alone; you still have someone with you.”

ESAs are often very intuitive and form a special connection with their owners, according to Tobias.

“The other night I came home and I was just not having a good day, and she just knew it when I walked in the door and came and sat on my lap and it was just very calming and relaxing,” Tobias said. “It just makes you feel happier.”

Marlene Weikle (‘16) thinks her cat Delores does a great job of being an ESA. “She makes me feel good when she comes and snuggles, and it’s like ‘Oh yeah, I’m a warm and receptive person,’” Weikle said.

Weikle wasn’t always so sure that an ESA would be beneficial.

“I was pretty skeptical that an ESA would work, but I’ve been 100 percent turned around on that thought,” Weikle said.

“I’m very supportive of ESAs and think they’re a really great thing.”

ESAs can often be helpful because they provide company that’s different from human interaction.

“Even just having her around when I’m sad or lonely, she’s still a presence,” Weikle said. “It’s nice when you don’t want to be around people, but you don’t want to be alone either. There are no roommate issues with a cat.”

For Weikle, the added responsibility of taking care of a cat is actually helpful.

“You could look at it as a lot of extra

responsibility, but the nature of an ESA is really helpful for me even just to get up in the morning,” Weikle said. “She’s something that you have to take care of.

You could skip your 8 a.m. but you have to be up anyways to take care of your cat, so you might as well go anyway.”

Mallam is very supportive of ESAs at

Abby Carpenter / Chips Luther and anticipates that the number of ESAs on campus will grow in the coming years, as they are at many college campuses.

“From what I’ve seen, it’s truly helped the students who have an ESA,” Mallam said. “I see the need and it’s being filled with those animals.”

“There are no roommate issues with a cat.”

-Marlene Weikel (‘16)

PLAYFUL PAL. Marlene Weikle (‘16) finds her cat Delores to be a great roommate.

Abby Carpenter / Chips

FEATURES

PAGE 7

FEATURES EDITOR: CASEY DELIMA

OCTOBER 16, 2014

ABΨ unites with Love Your Melon MATT HELM STAFF WRITER This October, the Luther College sorority Alpha Beta Psi has teamed up with the charity organization Love Your Melon to provide hats for children battling cancer.

“Everyone in some way has been affected by cancer, so we felt that working with Love Your Melon would connect with the Luther community in a way that could really make a difference,” ABΨ member Ellen Pritchard (‘15) said. “These hats provide kids with confidence after losing their hair during chemotherapy; Love Your Melon places a personal level of support behind a child.”

For every hat purchased and credited to

“Luther College: ABΨ” on loveyourmelon. com, a hat is donated to a child with cancer.

Having already exceeded their 50 hat goal, ABΨ increased their goal to 200 hats.

“The hats are awesome and it is the perfect weather for them, cute beanies and baseball caps that you can wear a bunch of different ways,” Pritchard said. “They are a little expensive, but remember that you actually are buying two hats. Cool hats for a cause, what could be better than that?”

The Love Your Melon charity got traction on Luther’s campus last semester through the Dance Marathon and other events.

“Kids are so special because they can recover from things in a way that adults can’t,” Love Your Melon College Ambassador Allison Dippel (‘16) said. “Things are still so

magical and amazing for a kid. Getting to see their huge smiles when you deliver a hat is inspiring.”

ABΨ’s involvement in the Love Your Melon charity is one of three philanthropy projects the sorority puts on every year.

“Philanthropy is a huge part of being in a sorority,” ABΨ President Caitlin Olson (‘15) said. “It’s our job to give back to the community. We are not just a stereotypical sorority; we want to get out there and help people.”

Philanthropy has played a big part in helping the members of ABΨ get closer as sisters, according to Pritchard.

“Not only has the sorority been a great way to meet new people, but it has allowed me to form life-lasting friendships,” Pritchard said.

“This philanthropy project has only made that bond stronger. It has been incredible to get so many people focused on one goal. I feel strong with my sisters by my side, and we really pulled this together.”

ABΨ will get to personally deliver the hats to kids at hospitals in Rochester and Minneapolis while dressed up as super heroes.

“I’m so excited to go to the hospital that it almost makes me emotional,” ABΨ member Emily Hagan (‘15) said. “Those kids fight every day. They have to fight. To give them their confidence back is just really empowering.”

To purchase a hat, go to loveyourmelon. com and select the Luther College ABΨ from the cart, and wear your hat knowing that your child is wearing their hat too.

LOOKING GREAT AND FEELING WARM. ABΨ members Caitlin Olson (‘15), Ellen Pritchard (‘15) and Emily Hagan (‘15) sport their Love Your Melon hats to promote the charity.

Casey DeLima / Chips

Challenge course encourages collaboration ALISON VUOLO STAFF WRITER I reach up and tug my ropes, using their support as the thirtyfoot pole wobbles beneath my weight. I make the last shaky step up, covering the small top of the pole with both my feet. I look up from the ground, far below, then to the open air in front of me.

“1 … 2 … 3 … JUMP!” My stomach somersaults as I spend a slow-motion moment suspended in the air. One team of belayers runs back to catch the slack in my rope, and another yanks down hard. The course shakes as I swing into the support of my ropes. I can’t wipe the grin off my face as my team slowly lowers me to the ground. We all laugh and set up for the next round. It’s my turn to hold the ladder. I give the next climber a thumbs-up and she sets off, up and up.

For many students, the Luther College challenge course is a mysterious tangle of logs and ropes.

But for some, it has provided life skill development through challenge, teamwork and encouragement.

The man behind this program is Adjunct Faculty in HPE Jeff Boeke. Few know that he is one of the leaders in the ropes course industry. Prior to coming to Luther,

Boeke’s company Abee constructed and implemented challenge course programs in each state in the U.S. and in 20 different countries.

“I was in the right place at the right time,” Boeke said.

Boeke’s adventure education career began as a recreational therapist. It was in health care services that his model for the challenge course came about.

“Sometimes it was difficult to get patients out on rivers or rockclimbing sites,” Boeke said. “The ropes course system is a way to create a learning tool than we could build in our backyard.”

His challenge courses soon expanded beyond health care.

Boeke’s company began to provide challenge course services to educational facilities. His company wrote curriculum for schools, integrating the challenge course into various subjects, from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Boeke’s connection with Director of the Nena Amundson Lifetime Wellness Program Greg Lonning (‘83) brought the program to Luther in 2010.

“Jeff gifted the course to Luther,” Lonning said. “He provided all the materials; it didn’t cost Luther a thing.”

From there, Boeke went about developing a program that would

highlight the academic side of the challenge course and empower students to become leaders and facilitators of the course.

“We’ve had students that are now going on to get masters in this area,” Lonning said. “Some are going on to get jobs right away in this area.”

Students have been able to create an emphasis in their own studies, focusing on challenge course certification and educational leadership.

“That Luther supports that this program has academic merit is why it’s working,” Boeke said. “I strongly believe that adventure education, experiential education and education leadership are academic disciplines, and we are approaching it that way.”

For some, the challenge course and its curricular programs provide a career path, but for others, it is another way to have fun and work as a team.

“You really get a lot of excellent communication skills and team bonding,” Katie Vorderbruggen (‘16) said. “It’s great to see complete strangers work together. It builds a community of happiness, where people are going out and doing things they’ve never done before and having adventures.”

Whether it is a student hoping to pursue a career in adventure

education, a student group looking to build community or someone looking to take a fun skills course, they can find something to learn at the ropes course.

“A good adventure education program teaches people to celebrate learning,” Boeke said. “It shows us that personal interaction

still works, a group of people are probably more capable than they think they are and together they can do things that they probably could not do alone. That’s a powerful message, and if we do that all under the blanket of ‘let’s have fun for a few hours’—more power to us.”

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND. Katie Vonderbruggen (‘16) leaps off the “pamper pole.”

Alison Vuolo / Chips

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 8 OCTOBER 16, 2014

A&E EDITOR: DYLAN HINTON

DIMC showcases new performers CASEY DELIMA FEATURES EDITOR The Decorah Indie Music Collective (DIMC) is a new music outlet started by Luther students James Stortz (‘17), Brandon Marino (‘17) and Maxwell Green (‘17) and provides opportunities for not only local and touring artists to perform but also for students to enjoy a new kind of music.

“The Decorah Indie Music Collective is a music scene that we started in Decorah and whoever wants to play can play,” Stortz said.

The collective was started in early 2014 when Marino, Stortz and Green wanted to give students an alternative way to enjoy their weekends, hosting concerts at a variety of venues including house parties, campus stages and festivals.

“There was never really a scene for us,” Marino said. “We didn’t want to go to the bars. We started our indie scene so we could provide a place for local and touring artists to come out and provide a different scene for Luther to enjoy.”

Since their first show in 2014, the collective has seen an increase in popularity and their shows attract a larger amount of students.

“Our first show last year didn’t have as high of an attendance because people didn’t really know about us yet, so there were about

10 people there,” Marino said. “But the second event was the Forest Fest when we had Brooks Strause come down and we had about 35 people there. The last event had close to 60 or 70 people. We’re definitely growing and our show’s attendance is seeing a healthy, steady increase.”

According to Marino, the process of getting artists to perform with the collective is very simple.

“With local artists, the process is pretty word-of-mouth,” Marino said. “We hear about bands or artists here at Luther or maybe our friend knows about a band and we get those artists in.”

The process the collective uses to find touring artists and bring them to Luther is similar.

“It’s not too complicated to get touring artists to come here,” Stortz said. “It’s usually that one of our friends knows a touring band and they connect them to us.”

Marino and Stortz encourage any student or community member to contact them if they’re interested in performing with the collective.

“Even if new bands don’t have the most polished sound or if they’re nervous to get up on stage in front of a crowd, we still encourage them to contact us,” Marino said. “Almost every night we’re jamming and that has helped some groups here at Luther become more confident. We can help them get the experience that

INDEPENDENT JAMS. (From left) Seamus St. Clair (‘17), Will Krageshmidt (‘17) and Jake Allen play a set in the CFA as “Driftwood Bones.”

Photo courtesy of Skye Newcom they want because we’d really love to have them perform.”

Jack Ross (‘17) is one such student who will be performing with the collective in the future.

He and fellow Luther student Robbie Marston (‘17) are in a band called Coastal Cabins that recently released an EP. “We’ve got a gig with the Decorah Indie Music Collective coming up on October 24,” Ross said. “The collective hit us up after they heard the EP we released this summer and they invited us to be a part of the events of the collective.”

The event on Friday, Oct. 24 will be Coastal Cabins’ first performance with the collective, but Ross has attended some of the events that the collective has put on. “[The show] was awesome,” Ross said. “It was really well done.

I went into it expecting to just be okay but it definitely went beyond my expectation and had really great performers.”

The shows put on by the collective are free for anyone who attends, but the collective encourages people to donate when

they can.

“We just try and emphasize that a touring artist needs gas and food,” Marino said. “Pay what you can and donate if you want. The donations always go to the touring artists.”

The Decorah Indie Music Collective has three upcoming events on Oct. 18, Oct. 24 and Nov. 11. For more information, “like” their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ DecorahIndieMusicCollective or email Stortz at storja02@luther. edu.

Album review :

C ar ib ou, “O u r L ove”

PETER JARZYNA KWLC PROGRAM DIRECTOR The heart is a dance floor for memories, the ones that consume us ‘til we sweat them through our skin, stories begging to be told, if only to ask why they conjure such strong emotion. Loss, lovesickness, whatever words we use are all just part of a narrative we tell ourselves, and let’s face it: at the end of the day, we all breathe nostalgia like oxygen. This is the atmosphere that inflates the overture to Dan Snaith’s latest LP as Caribou, “Our Love.” Pressure rises within the adinfinitum repetition of “I can’t do without you” until ballooning heart-thunder synths reach climax and burst into nothing beneath the mantra.

From the conclusion of this bizarre but spellbinding opener, Snaith’s pilgrimage of detached memory could go anywhere, and so it falls on a buffer of understated

but vibrant deep house waves.

Memory here is not gold but “Silver,” as the song title indicates, a reflection of a past that will not suffice but will instead linger within hope for something better, as Snaith proclaims on “All I Ever Need”: “My next love / will be the best I ever had.” An internal conflict soon arises in the antithetical closing lyrics: “To get you back / is all I ever need.”

Peak emotion is found in the album’s title track and centerpiece, “Our Love,” where one recognizes the near-introspective intimacy of the “our love” between two individuals, while simultaneously breathing out the “our love” of a more communal ecstasy. Once the ghostly falsetto cry of “our love”

has been repeated enough times to synchronize itself into a purely percussive element, a deep bass pulls the feet into motion until a lounge-y groove straight out of Todd Terje’s toolbox takes the floor.

A vocal contribution from Jessy Lanza enters in “Second Chance,” a brief, dream-like response to Snaith’s heartsick wonderings, an imagined visitation from the one he yearns for. The tribal flute and percussion of “Mars” drifts into new territory; perhaps it is an homage to Snaith’s earlier, more baroque sonic explorations. Then, with the penultimate track “Back Home,” our love seems to end, as Snaith

asks, “Where did it all go wrong? / Why is this what we’ve chosen?” atop the most catastrophic synthline present in the album.

But then, out of disintegration, the spark of a new mantra begins to glow in closing track “Your Love Will Set You Free.” Such liberation, juxtaposed with inescapable heartache, leaves the album at a rather ambiguous close, which is all the more fitting for a dance record about love and memory. Whether your love is blooming or decaying, returning or lost, “Our Love” will get your heart, if not your entire

body, on its feet.

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

OCTOBER 16, 2014

The importance of discussing race Letter to the Editor

As I’ve read the most recent issues of Chips, I’m hopeful that the articles on racism can lead to open and honest discussion on the topics of race, privilege and civility on our campus. I’m grateful that our campus newspaper is becoming a leader in covering a discussion that is so difficult for this campus and for our country but so necessary to discuss. The echo of the recent incident covered in Chips reminds me of other times when members of our community engaged in culturally insensitive behavior. I’ve watched the discussion and want to say three other things besides thank you, Chips.

1. The dream catcher social drew on racist stereotypes of Native Americans. While choosing this theme was disrespectful and therefore inappropriate, an even bigger problem than the event was the vitriol that characterized some of the responses to it. If we can’t talk to one another about race, privilege and stereotypes without bludgeoning or bullying one another into submission, our democratic way of life is in jeopardy.

2. Some comments on Luther Confessions related to the Luther

Diversity scholarship: Diversity scholarships are given to students who offer a unique perspective or quality that enriches our student body. The need for and purpose of these scholarships deserve an informed discussion, one that can only be properly held in the context of merit aid and need-based aid more generally. Everything about the comments made on the Luther Confessions page, reported in Casey Delima’s editorial piece, was factually incorrect, but the bigger issue involved the underlying attitude of “we are helping poor minorities or privileging poor minorities at the expense of white students.” This attitude obscures several facts, not the least of which is that not all minorities at Luther or anywhere else are poor.

The other big problem is the notion that somehow minority groups are being chosen over certain other groups of students. The idea that the college invests in assembling a class of students that advances its mission and enriches the future of various professions is lost. The fact that we all benefit from diversity and that

the primary reason for providing diversity scholarships is to realize this social benefit is overlooked. The fact that 97 percent of Luther students receive financial aid and that the vast majority of Luther’s investment goes to the majority is lost. Any discussion of this topic should not perpetuate racist stereotypes but rather look at our system of financial aid and recognize the tendency of some of us to scapegoat students of color when it comes to financial aid, rather than looking at the facts.

3. We need to keep the discussion going as you point out, but the majority is not the only group on campus that may not understand all of the issues. As we move forward, we need to support forums and ‘teach-ins’ for all of us. These issues are too important. Full transparency regarding financial aid should help students and staff understand how and why it is in our interest to make a college education more affordable for all of us.

“If we can’t talk to one another about race, privilege and stereotypes without bludgeoning or bullying one another into submission, our democratic way of life is in jeopardy.”

- Sheila Radford-Hill

-Sheila Radford-Hill Executive Director Center

of

Diversity

The customer isn’t always right industry may be one of these places.

I believe that not allowing people to stand up for their physical rights as an employee of the service industry is problematic for two reasons, the first being that sexual harassment is a crime, and, to every crime, there is a victim. Asking an employee to simply deal with sexually inappropriate touching or sexual remarks shows a disregard towards the employee’s physical and mental safety. If an employee expresses discomfort towards inappropriate behavior of customers, they may be asked why they took the job in the first place, which leads into my second point.

The assumption that offensive comments and sexually In the past few weeks there have been two opinion articles on inappropriate conduct are just part of a public service job is harassment, specifically dealing with the occupations of waiting/ dangerous and does nothing to facilitate change. It doesn’t matter serving at a restaurant or bar. The first article, authored by Casey if someone thinks this behavior is ethically wrong; if they ignore DeLima (‘15), comes from the perspective of a female server the problem it will never go away. at a bar expressing distaste towards people touching her and To Mr. Dahl and others who believe that those in the service disbelief that asking people not to touch her is considered rude. industry should deal with discomfort while on the job: believing The article ends asking readers to refrain from touching those that the inappropriate actions of customers are wrong but asking in the service industry, as you don’t know their boundaries and the victims of these actions to “slap on a smile” and ignore it is shouldn’t risk crossing them. just a form of hypocrisy.

The second article, authored by John Dahl (‘15), comes from The “customer is always right” mentality is archaic and does the perspective of a male server who agrees that people should nothing but enable this behavior to continue. Those in the service not touch those who do not want to be touched, calling it “a industry should be allowed to stand up against inappropriate seemingly obvious belief that is sorely unobserved by certain conduct. The possibility of changing a few minds and creating a individuals.” However, Dahl goes on to state that although he also more comfortable atmosphere for those in the industry for years experiences discomfort because of his job as a waiter, there exists to come is worth the risk of a smaller tip. places and situations where bringing up discomfort towards a customer or client’s actions isn’t appropriate and that the service - Jayse Weaver (‘16)

Letter to the Editor

Upholding exceptional standards Student Senate commits to serving through advocacy, accountability, inclusivity, innovation and collaboration.

A Senate Sit-Down Recently, Senate decided upon a set of standards we would hold ourselves to as representatives of the student body and as advocates for students to the administration. It goes as follows: We, the Luther College Student Senate, are committed to serve through advocacy, accountability, inclusivity, innovation and collaboration.

As we reach mid-semester, Senate encourages all organizations and individuals to think deeply about the standards they will hold themselves to as we continue with this school year. Whether you uphold your values online, person-to-person, within a group or toward the larger community, it is necessary that we reflect on the impact each of us makes daily at Luther.

We hope to realize this in the following ways: Advocacy: We encourage all students to tell Senators about your concerns or updates about life on campus. We will work with you to make sure Luther continues to adapt to your needs.

Accountability: Senate’s Constitution and Bylaws are publicly available on the Luther website. We make sure to follow through with proposals and changes in accordance with our laws.

Inclusivity: Senate is open to the public during shadow block every Thursday in Loyalty Hall.

We have senators representing every class, the Diversity council, Campus Ministries, Greek organizations, Sustainability, Wellness, SAC, Decorah City Council and more. We strive to include all voices on campus.

Innovation: Every year, the people who make up Senate bring different strengths and ideas. Therefore, it’s essential that we adapt and are open to new ideas. One example of this innovation is the creation of Happiness Week, which began last year and is in the works of becoming an annual event.

Collaboration: Senate values collaboration between individuals and student organizations, and among faculty, staff and students. We encourage one another to utilize the vast amount of resources students possess.

Senate has made our commitments an integral part of our identity. We hope Luther students will uphold one another to the standards of our broader community and think about their own identities as we continue through the school year.

-Senate Executive Board

OPINION

PAGE 10 OCTOBER 16, 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.

Contact Chips: Phone: 563-387-1044 Fax: 563-387-2072 Email: chipsedt@luther.edu Advertising: chipsads@luther.edu Website: lutherchips.com Facebook: facebook.com/LutherChips Twitter: @LutherChips Fall 2014 Staff 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 Spencer Hodge Jennifer Jansen Nils Johnson Noah Langholz 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

What are opinions?

SARAH KING MANAGING EDITOR Part of Chips’s mission as the main source of student journalism at Luther College is to create a newspaper with unbiased, factual reporting. We try our best to write articles containing the perspective of all those involved in the story while we ourselves remain objective.

That being said, we do also want to provide a space where members of the Luther community can express themselves through writing. Chips supports Luther College’s mission statement, hoping to help it remain “[…] a community where students, faculty and staff are enlivened and transformed by encounters with one another, by the exchange of ideas and by the life of faith and learning.” We believe this can be achieved through the sharing of opinions in this section.

In order to achieve this, we set aside two pages for an opinion section, clearly separating factual reporting from these less objective features. On these two pages we publish letters to the editor, columns, cartoons and editorials.

Readers can find opinions from readers in the form of letters to the editor and columns. We welcome all members of the

Luther community to write when they feel moved by an issue or want to share a story.

Opinions can be fun and heartwarming, they can be critical and thoughtprovoking, and they can be a million other different things. Because opinions are individual ideas and expressions, there really is no limit to what an opinion can be. We need opinion articles as a society to communicate with one another, to share new ideas and to facilitate discussion of important issues. As an academic institution, we have perhaps one of the greatest opportunities to open up good dialogue with people from all kinds of backgrounds. We should take advantage of this while we can.

Cartoons are also a fun way to share a story or express criticism, and we welcome anyone who draws any to send them in.

As the editorial staff, we have all at one point or another been a writer for the newspaper. Because we are a staff of writers, you will often find opinions, or editorials, written by us. Editorials written by a single editor represent his or her opinion alone. Rarely, though sometimes, the entire editorial staff will write an editorial piece together that represents the opinion of the entire editorial board.

Editorials are separated from news

reporting so that readers can know that they are reading the opinion of an editor or editors at Chips.

I want to be clear that the articles printed on these pages are not news articles. Therefore, should anyone find the content disagreeable to himself or herself, they should understand that it does not represent the reporting of the Chips staff.

We cannot and will not rewrite or make corrections. It would be a violation of the writer’s right to free speech and completely contradict the purpose of these pages.

Chips does not edit these pieces except to correct grammar or to make the meaning more clear, always checking with the writer first. If you find yourself in a place where you are particularly moved by an opinion you read, I highly encourage you to write a response.

At Chips, we do our best to publish all content sent in to the opinion section unless it is of an obscenely offensive or threatening nature. The opinions expressed in these articles and letters do not represent that of Chips. They represent the opinion of the writer alone.

If you would like to share your opinion, submissions should be sent to chipsedt@ luther.edu and are due at 5 p.m. on Sunday nights.

Extending you an invitation

Editor-in-Chief: Managing Editor: News Editors:

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor and Luther Community, Feeling bored (read: not busy enough) on your Wednesday nights? Did you know that Luther College has a group aimed at educating the Luther Community on issues relating to gender and sexuality, as well as providing a safe space where gender and sexuality minorities and allies can socialize and engage in productive discussion? It’s called People for the Rights, Inclusion and Diversity of Expression (P.R.I.D.E), and we meet every Wednesday night at 8 p.m., with the exception of special events.

This week PRIDE President Jesus Lucero (‘16) and I will lead a workshop entitled “Yes Means Yes: A Con(sensual) Workshop,” which will focus on learning what enthusiastic consent means and looking at consent in a more positive light. Some topics

HEARTBREAK BURRITO

to look forward to throughout the semester are a Halloween movie night and discussions on Queer People of Color, Gender and Sexuality Minorites in Art, Music and Religion. We are also always open to hearing suggestions on topics that people would like to discuss or see workshops for during second semester!

Also, by talking to a member of PRIDE Council or attending a meeting, Luther students have the opportunity to learn more about MBLGTACC, the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference, which Luther students have attended for several years. This conference is a wonderful educational and networking opportunity and takes place on February 13-15, 2015. This year, one of the keynote speakers is Laverne Cox, a renowned activist and actress from Orange is the New Black. Applications are due before Fall Break!

Throughout the day each Wednesday, feel free to check out our sign in the Union lobby which will display where we’re meeting and what we’re discussing each week. One of the many unique things about this group is that if you aren’t interested in one week’s topic but the next week’s is something you’re really curious about, you can still come! Everyone is welcome at every meeting as long as the space remains a safe one.

Hope to see you there!

Marley Crossland (‘15) PRIDE Community Liaison

Spencer Hodge/ Chips

SPORTS

PAGE 11

OCTOBER 16, 2014

SPORTS EDITOR: JULIA JOSEPH

Cheerleading team shows strength JENNA NELSON STAFF WRITER Luther College Cheerleading is a student organization that values hard work and dedication both on and off the field. This year’s team of 11 girls practices three days a week and performs at home football and basketball games. They also regularly lift and have weekly cardio workouts to ensure safety in stunting.

Captain Kalla Galyon (‘16) discussed the importance of educating beginner cheerleaders.

“We focus a lot on our stunting because we have seven new people on the squad who have never cheered before,” Galyon said.

“There’s a lot of teaching to be done.”

Cheerleader Apryl Grund (‘18), who has an extensive background in cheer and the stunting roles, feels this helps her contribute in teaching.

“I feel like I bring a lot of knowledge to the team because some of girls on the team don’t have a lot of experience,” Grund said.

Currently, the squad is looking to move beyond the basics into more difficult and potentially dangerous stunts.

“We’ve been working on basic stunting for a couple of weeks now and we’re getting to the place where we can now go into some more difficult stunts and perform them at football games,” Galyon said. “We don’t perform anything unless we know that we can hit

it strong and we know that it’s safe.”

Safety is a serious concern for the cheer team and the sport in general according to Galyon.

Grund, who recently recovered from a separated shoulder, has suffered many injuries throughout her cheer career.

“This is a minor injury compared to the things I’ve had before,” Grund said.

Galyon also realizes the risk involved in dedicating yourself to being a cheerleader.

“Cheerleading is actually what doctors claim to be the most dangerous sport there is because of all the gymnastics and throwing of people,” Galyon said.

Concussions, broken bones and shoe-burns are common occurrences in the cheer world.

“Its a lot of strain on your legs and on your back,” Galyon said. “There’s a lot of bruises and shoe-burns on arms from catching people. “As bases, we’re holding a girl directly above our head, so if she falls and she doesn’t get caught the right way her foot comes and knocks you in the head and you’re going to get a concussion.”

Some may wonder why do these girls continue to cheer even with all the potentials for risk.

Galyon puts it simply: “it’s worth the pain and all the time because I love it.”

According to Galyon, the ability to harness school spirit and share it with the community is what keeps the cheerleaders coming back to the sport year after

“Cheerleading is actually what doctors claim to be the most dangerous sport there is because of all the gymnastics and throwing of people.”

- Kalla Galyon (‘16)

Norse of the Week JULIA JOSEPH SPORTS EDITOR Kelsey Sorensen (‘15) has been one of Luther volleyball teams leaders against six of the twelve schools they have faced so far, getting between 10 and 14 kills per game. The team is 12-13 overall this season with seven more teams left to play.

Chips: What has been a highlight of the season so far?

Sorensen: I would say the team. We’ve gotten a lot closer than we have in the past. We have so much fun together on and off the court. We’re genuine friends.

How long have you been playing?

Since third grade.

Why did you first start?

My parents just got my twin sister and me started together. We were in a community league during the time when the knee pads were the size of your face and we wore long pants. From then on, we started playing in school. We played on the same team through school and then sophomore year of high school joined different clubs.

Was there any sister rivalry?

Oh yeah. We’ve never actually played each other.

Every time our teams got matched up we had an event. In high school we had a senior year service we had to go to and then last year she came to the ACM tournament but we didn’t get matched up.

What match are you most looking forward to coming up?

Wartburg. Every year

we’ve been taking more games off of them. I think this year is the year and we’re all getting jacked about it. We’re really excited to show them what’s changed and what we’re made of.

What have you done as seniors to change the team and create more of a bond?

We’ve put an emphasis on team bonding and making that connection outside of volleyball, realizing that we’re all in this together and that we can support each other no matter what.

That’s what we’ve really tried to focus on.

How do you guys get one another pumped up before a game?

Kayla Ingvalson (‘17) has this speech that she does for us. It’s the same speech every time that gets us jacked. It’s motivational and goofy, but she has the perfect speaking voice. That’s the one thing we look forward to. After four years you kind of do your own thing and know your routine and first year start to figuring out what works for them quickly.

How do you stay focused throughout the game not knowing how many you’ll be playing?

We try to hold each other and ourselves accountable as much as we can. We’re always fighting and never give up. That’s what a lot of coaches have said about our team-that we’re unwilling to give up. We go out fighting every time. Obviously the best result would be to end in three, but we’re not going to give up if we have to play five.

Since you play a lot of tournaments how does that affect you mentally and physically?

[It’s] very hard to have four games in two

POWER IN PRIDE. The cheerleaders encourage Luther football fans with stunts during the homecoming game against Central.

Will Heller / Photo Bureau year.

“I feel like Luther has a lot of school spirit because we have a lot of good things going on here, whether it’s academics, the choirs and bands or if it’s our athletics, which are doing really well this year, too,” Galyon said.

“There’s a lot of spirit here at Luther and it’s just fun to be cheering and a part of it.”

BUMP, SET, SPIKE. Kelsey Sorensen (‘15) battles against University of Dubuque.

Will Heller / Photo Bureau days; it’s mentally and physically exhausting.

Coming in freshman year, it’s a big change and you’re not used to it. But if you can stay mentally strong, the entire game it gets your mind off how physically tired you are. Also, everyone is in the same boat when you get to that fourth match so it comes down to who can stay more mentally strong and put the ball down.

What is the best piece of advice your coach gives you before games?

She’s been talking a lot to us about having that mental attitude. We are going to work harder than them and want it more and have more heart than them. She reminds us to keep that in the back of our minds. As long as

we can push that much more, we can win.

What do you do to get ready before a game?

I always have to go to the training room, which builds my anticipation more. I like to center myself and get my mind focused before game time.

What will you miss the most?

Definitely the team. These girls are my family it feels like; especially the other seniors and Lindsey Ryan (‘16), who’s one of our juniors. I don’t know what I’m going to do without them, seeing them every day and going through all the tough times and good times without them.

That’s definitely what I’ll miss most.

SPORTS

PAGE 12

SPORTS EDITOR: JULIA JOSEPH

OCTOBER 16, 2014

Alums shake up swim meet

Weekly Standings

NILS JOHNSON STAFF WRITER At the alumni swim meet on Sat. Oct 11, one could have seen a caped and goggled superman gliding, fist forward, in lane three of the Aquatic Center. The swimming superman, Alex Case (‘11), and plenty more swimming alums took to the starting blocks to compete with the current Luther swimmers in the Alumni Meet this Saturday, Oct. 11.

The Alumni Meet marks the first event where Luther swimmers can test their abilities in the pool.

“I guess you could say this is the first time we ‘race,’” Roy Barnett (‘15) said. “It’s not necessarily run like a regular meet.”

The Alumni Meet is set up similarly to a typical competition, with a wide range of events and block starts, but the rules are a bit different once the swimmers hit the water.

“There really aren’t any rules for the alumni,” Seth

Football

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

#6 Wartburg Buena Vista Luther Central Coe Dubuque Simpson Loras

SUPERMAN SWIMS. Alex Case (‘11) dressed as superman for the Luther Alumni meet.

Nils Johnson / Chips Vander Horst (‘15) said.

Indeed, the atmosphere was very relaxed, especially for the alums.

Accompanying the superman-clad Case, several alums competed in a non-traditional manner.

Zoe Johnson (‘16) and Brandilynne Schierland (‘14) performed an unusual tandem dive that required both swimmers to lock in an embrace, one with her feet at the head of other, complete a 360-degree flip and land gracefully into the diving well.

Despite a fair share of unconventionality, many swimmers put forth

a considerable effort to compete with their younger compatriots.

Devan Benjamin (‘13) has continued to swim in her years after graduation and raced in Saturday’s meet.

“There’s really nothing compared to racing in a collegiate atmosphere and with a team that you once swam for,” Benjamin said.

Not only does the Alumni Meet offer an opportunity to reconnect with the past, but it also marks the starting point for Luther swimmers in their upcoming season. “[The meet is] about letting the freshmen see

how swimming works in college and letting them explore how we warm up and how we do team rituals and activities before a meet,” Vander Horst said.

While acclimating new swimmers for the years ahead is one aspect of the meet, for the seniors like Vander Horst, it marks the beginning of their final year of college competition.

“This is my last chance,” Vander Horst said. “I only have five short months to achieve my goals. But as a team, I’m looking forward to watching us grow once again, as a family, for another year.”

Luther and Wartburg soccer unite SPENCER HODGE STAFF WRITER Luther College and Wartburg College’s soccer programs have recently put their rivalry aside to publish an antidiscrimination campaign video in response to their experiences of racism on the soccer field.

The video is called “Luther College and Wartburg College United” and features players from both programs voicing a stand against discrimination of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion or sexual orientation in order to maintain an atmosphere of respect and dignity on game day.

“Luther and Wartburg are not typically on united fronts,” Head Men’s Soccer Coach Chris Garcia-Prats said. “We are rivals on the field, but in terms of antidiscrimination we will make a stand together.”

In separate incidents, students from both programs have been physically and verbally abused in terms of racial discrimination. The teams created the video in hopes to move on from abuse toward proactive stances against it.

“Our video response was not made on terms of justice or retribution,” GarciaPrats said. “It is simply a way of sharing that these incidents can happen on a college soccer field and that they are not ok… Students don’t deserve this kind of

treatment.”

Video director Michael Crocker (‘14) thought the production of the video was successful at providing this message directly from the players.

“Everyone was more than willing to participate,” Crocker said. “The guys that we chose to speak in the video are speaking from beyond a script. They were speaking from something deep in their belief.”

Associate Athletic Director Renae Hartl was a part of the production process and also commented on the success of the video.

“The creation of the video was a way of healing,” Hartl said. “The students were able to make a stand for themselves in a positive way. The guys had their arms around each other, they were having fun with the camera guy … and they were laughing. It was exciting to see.”

Luther soccer player Hollie Gray III (‘15) agreed that the video was a success.

“I loved the finished product,” Gray said.

“The day of its release I received about 40-50 texts … from all over the country complimenting the video and asking what is was all about … I think [the video] was very successful at serving its purpose.”

The video’s message has been spread far throughout the social media of Luther, Wartburg and the IIAC since its conception.

“We are very pleased with the measurable reach of this video,” Vice President for Communications and Marketing Rob Larson said. “We fully expect [its] viewing to be longer than most.”

The video has also been nominated for the NCAA’s Diversity Spotlight. The winner will be announced on Nov. 1 and will receive a $500 grant dedicated toward further diversity initiatives.

Those who have not seen the video can do so on the IIAC YouTube page.

A second video is to be published on Oct. 17 to further explain the first video’s motivations and the new cooperative relationship between Luther and Wartburg.

Meanwhile, the Luther men’s soccer team looks toward the rest of their season. “[Luther College has] a diverse team that represents many languages, internationalities and colors,” Garcia-Prats said. “It is a source of strength for us. We will always celebrate and defend it.”

“We are rivals on the field, but in terms of antidiscrimination we will make a stand together. ” - Chris Garcia-Prats

Recent Scores

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

Oct. 11 vs. Central College L 7-47

Upcoming Schedule

Oct. 18 @ Buena Vista University 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 @ Wartburg College 1 p.m.

Men’s Soccer #10 Loras #16 Wartburg #19 Luther Dubuque Simpson Central Buena Vista Coe

IIAC 4-0 4-0 3-1 3-1 1-3 1-3 0-4 0-4

Overall 11-1-1 10-2-2 12-1 5-6-2 10-7 3-10 4-8-1 3-11

Recent Scores

Oct. 11 @ Buena Vista University W 3-0

Upcoming Schedule

Oct. 18 vs. Loras College 3 p.m.

Oct. 19 vs. Jamestown ND 2 p.m.

Women’s Soccer Luther Dubuque Loras Wartburg Central Coe Buena Vista Simpson

IIAC 3-1 3-1 3-1 2-1-1 2-1-1 1-3 0-3-1 0-3-1

Overall 13-1 11-4 8-6 7-4-3 6-4-3 6-7 3-7-3 2-12-1

Recent Scores

Oct. 11 @ Buena Vista University W 4-0

Upcoming Schedule

Oct. 18 vs. Loras College 3 p.m.

Oct. 25 @ Pella Iowa vs. Central College 12:30 p.m.

Volleyball

Coe Buena Vista Central Wartburg Dubuque Luther Simpson Loras

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

Overall 20-5 18-8 16-6 18-7 11-15 12-13 10-13 10-13

Recent Scores

Oct. 13 @ Buena Vista University L 2-3

Upcoming Schedule

Oct. 17-18 UW- River Falls Invite Oct. 21 @ Wartburg College 7:30 p.m.