The Miami Student Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826
VOLUME 137 NO. 54
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
MIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD, OHIO
In 2001, The Miami Student reported on a request by the Oxford Police Department (OPD) to the U.S. Department of Justice for funding from the COPS MORE grant. OPD requested money to purchase nine laptops for use in squad cars. At the time, only 12 squad cars had laptops installed in them.
Housing woes continue at MU By Dylan Tussel
preferred and we’re trying to move them as fast as we can to get those processed and make those deciOf the nearly 1,500 Miami Uni- sions,” Miller said. “The university versity first-years who participated would go to whatever lengths were in the housing lottery last week, necessary to house its students.” more than 140 were left without a Coveney said she does not expect room assignment for the 2010-11 students to be placed in the baseacademic year. ments of residence halls like they Lucinda Coveney, director of were in fall 2009, but that Miami has housing conplanned ahead tracts and just in case. meal plans, “One thing HOUSING E-MAIL and Brian we’re doing Go online to see the e-mail Woodruff, asis upgrading sent to first-year students sistant directhose areas, so tor of housif we do find regarding not receiving a room ing contracts it necessary assignment on selection day. and meal to use them www.miamistudent.net plans, sent they are going out an e-mail to be similar warning parto student ticipants that rooms,” Conot everyone would receive a room veney said. “Last year was the first assignment on room-selection day, year we managed assignments (with but that they should sign the housing the sophomore on-campus living contract regardless. requirement), and we learned a lot “Depending upon the lottery time- from that process, so we put some frame received, a very small number safeguards in place.” of students may not see any available In addition to upgrading the overrooms when they enter the process,” flow housing spaces, Miami will the e-mail said. “If this should hap- soon begin a 15-20 year operation pen to you, we ask that you proceed in which existing residence halls with signing a housing contract.” will undergo renovation and new After signing the housing contract, residence halls will be constructstudents are put on the assignment ed, according to David Creamer, pending list, meaning they currently vice president for finance and don’t have a room, but will be as- business services. signed one as space becomes availCreamer said during those renovaable, Coveney said. tions, on-campus housing will not Pete Miller, associate vice presi- be reduced. dent for auxiliaries, said he under“We’ll probably see construction stands student frustration about not of the new beds begin in about 12 yet having a room assignment, but months,” Creamer said. “The renohe is confident everyone will be as- vations are dependent upon the new signed a room. beds, because before we can take “Of course anyone (in that situa- beds offline, we have to have beds to tion) is uncomfortable — you want replace those.” to know your room assignment, you want to be in the hall you first See HOUSING, page 9 Senior Staff Writer
SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student
Oxford City Council and the Planning Commission hope to reach an agreement on revamping Locust Street by adding more retail stores. Work could begin as soon as July.
COMMUNITY
City plans Locust Street upgrade By Bryan Fries
For The Miami Student
The Oxford City Council and Planning Commission are finding out just how hard cooperation can be as they try to iron out details for the proposed development of Locust Street. City Council recently sent the Planning Commission’s proposal for the area back with recommendations for revision. According to John Harman, a member of both the Planning Commission and City Council, the Locust Street development project has been in the works for more than a year. “We want to make Locust Street more pedestrian friendly,” Harman said. “We’re still (a society) reliant on automobiles, but we want to encourage walking and biking.” Automobiles, specifically where to park them, are one of the major sticking points of the commission’s proposal. As it is written now, all new developments would only be allowed to have one row of parking in front of the store. Harman said this might be a disincentive for businesses, as it may not be enough parking spaces. “We don’t want to make the zoning so restrictive that it doesn’t foster development,” Harman said. The other facets City Council asked the Planning Commission to change were a requirement that all
buildings face the street and that there are only allowed to be two signs for the whole development. City Council also asked the Planning Commission to include incentives to developers, such as tax breaks. As of now, there are not any incentives included in the plan. Despite the slight disagreements between City Council and the Planning Commission, Harman is optimistic the two sides will compromise. “These are fairly normal compromises that need to be made, and I’m confident we will be moving forward shortly,” Harman said. Harman said the Planning Commission will go over City Council’s recommendations at their next meeting May 11. After that, it will go back to City Council’s meeting in June and work could begin as early as July. The development of Locust Street is not expected to impact the businesses located on High Street because the Planning Commission is attempting to attract retail-type businesses. The Planning Commission is currently in the midst of hiring a specialized marketing company to help them determine what type of retail the Oxford market could support. “Because of the high student population, the average salaries of Oxford residents appear to be much
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CAMPUS
New major offers students fresh skills in Russian, European studies
By Noëlle Bernard Staff Writer
The Department of German, Russian, and East Asian Languages (GREAL) is offering a new major in Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian Studies (REEES). The major is available to current and incoming students. The major strives to present students with a wide range of knowledge by
utilizing the expertise of faculty in numerous departments and by offering study abroad opportunities. Margaret Ziolkowski, GREAL department chair and program adviser, said the major is interdepartmental and interdisciplinary. “We wanted to take advantage of the expertise in the different departments,” Ziolkowski said. “We created a two track major, in which students can either focus in politics
and history or language, literature and culture.” According to the course outline, the REEES major offers students opportunities to explore issues of political, social and regional and cultural identity, as well as official and popular culture. “The courses students can take all have to do with Russian and Eastern European studies,” Ziolkowski said.
The GREAL department presents students pursuing the REEES major with different study abroad options. Students are encouraged to participate in the Miami University summer Russian language workshop in Novgorod, Russia, the Miami summer culture workshop in St. Petersburg, Russia and an approved program though the Havighurst Center. “There are so many faculty on
INSIDESCOOP Miami graduate Rajiv Joseph is a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in drama.
CAMPUS, page 3
FORMING FASHION
Gabriel Craig presents Pro Bono Jeweler April 21 to 22 outside the Shriver Center.
u
FOLLOW THE RED BRICK ROAD
Red Brick Rally will host three bands this year for graduating seniors.
COMMUNITY, page 4
LEND A HELPING HAND
WWW.MIAMISTUDENT.NET EVERYONE LOVES FASHION
AN UPHILL BATTLE
Venice on Vine in Over the Rhine offers residents employment opportunities.
FEATURES, page 6
RUNNING THE BASES
The Road to
CAMPUS, page 3 Recovery program provides cancer
patients with rides to appointments.
Wed
70 q 43
Thu
69 q 45 p
Click through a slideshow from LYLAS’ spring fashion show.
FASHIONABLY FORWARD
Josh Messerly discusses Miami’s baseball comeback against Xavier University April 13.
Watch episode three from Amy Booker’s fashion blog as she interviews Miami senior Natasha Kelly.
SPORTS, page 14
COMMUNITY, page 5
p
wSee GREAL, page 9
ONLY
THE
EYE ON THE PRIZE
campus involved because of the Havighurst Center,” Ziolkowski said. “This enabled expansion in departments. We keep creating new courses while keeping some. It is very interconnected.” Sophomore Tim Model is a foreign affairs and global politics major currently minoring in REEES. However, he is debating whether to
FISCAL PRIORITIES UPDATE
Fri
66 q 50 p
Read an online story from Monday’s university senate meeting.
2
Campus
Tuesday
April 20, 2010
Editors Courtney Day dayce2@muohio.edu Hope Holmberg holmbehh@muohio.edu Amanda Seitz seitzam2@muohio.edu
News MUH ranks high for salaries BRIEFS By Taylor Dolven
award Professor receives honor for accomplishments Ann Rypstra, distinguished professor of zoology and director of the Ecology Research Center, will receive the Benjamin Harrison Medallion at commencement. Rypstra will receive the award for her work as a behavioral ecologist and her collaborative efforts at the University of Oxford. Rypstra was nominated for her productivity and teaches a number of courses at Miami University Hamilton. She has also published more than 70 articles in scientific journals. Rypstra has done work with the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Geographic Society. The Harrison Medallion honors Miami faculty or staff who make significant national contributions to education.
Senior Staff Writer
Miami University Hamilton (MUH) was recently ranked by an educational publication as one of the highest average professor salaries. The publication, Inside Higher Education, said the average salary for a MUH professor was $97,300. According to the survey by American Association of University Professors (AAUP), MUH is the eighth highest paying community college. The average salary for Oxford campus is $102,800 and Middletown campus is $86,900, according to the AAUP survey. A professor’s salary is determined by many different factors including how long they have been teaching for. “We have several professors who have been here for 25 and 30 years so they are going to make a lot more,” said Perry Richardson, communications director at MUH, of the Hamilton salary. Another contributing factor comes from research funds. The Oxford campus is more likely to receive research funding that
contributes to faculty salary, accord- both universities. “Our professors are tenured to Miami ing to Claire Wagner, associate director of and many have PhDs the same as they do in university communications. Oxford,” Richardson said. “We have more facilities and labs for reRichardson and Wagner both stressed the search,” she said. Hamilton campus’ ties to Miami. Wagner said classifying the regional campus “Our regional campuses are a part of our as a community college may not be accurate. larger university, so some professors teach here “I think people who are familiar with and there,” Wagner said. Miami and the fact that we have As far as categorizing MUH as a comtwo terrific regional campuses munity college, Wagner is unsure how this know the caliber of what haphappened. pens on those campuses is “Quality educational opportunivery high,” Wagner said. ties matter at all of our sites,” WagRichardson said the campus ner said. “There is a differoffers both associate and bachent level of opportunity when elors degrees with the intention you are allied with a large of expanding bachelor degrees in the future. four-year university.” “The bottom line is we do not Community colleges are see ourselves as a community colstrictly two-year colleges. lege,” Richardson said. “We see Richardson does not know ourselves as a regional campus why the Hamilton campus of Miami.” was included on the list of Wagner said MUH has a very community colleges, because strong relationship with the Ox- ERIN KILLINGER The Miami Student it is a regional campus that ford campus, and a lot of professors work at offers both associate and bachelor degrees.
Regional campus hosts former state representatives By Mary Kate Linehan
event Dance Theatre to perform jazz, modern, ballet, tap This weekend, Miami University Dance Theatre will perform spring concerts, featuring elements from a variety of styles including modern, modern ballet and jazz. The performance features dances choreographed by Dance Theatre director Lana Kay Rosenberg. Guest artists include Gregory Robinson, Judith Mikita and returning alumna Margaret Donohue. Student-choreographed works include “Cello Suites” by Lisa Walsh, a jazz piece titled “Lady in the Red Dress” by Carolann Crittenden, “Plastic Makes Perfect” by Lauren Schaeffer and “You Were There” by Hauna Viox. Sophomore theatre major Charlotte Stauffer designed the costumes for Rosenberg’s “Tutu Tap.” Miami architecture students designed and created hanging set pieces for Mikita’s “5 Arc-Shaped Subphrases,” which depicts the mathematics involved in the art of dance. A “talkback” will be held after the performance Saturday. The performances will be at 8 p.m. April 24 to 25 in Hall Auditorium. Admission is free for Miami students. For other students and seniors, tickets are $6 at the Shriver Center box office or $8 at the door. General admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
Senior Staff Writer
Miami University Hamilton (MUH) will be hosting two former congressmen Tuesday, April 20. MUH Center for Civic Engagement along with MUH senior Megan Casey, the Center’s student coordinator will host Congress to Campus in the city of Hamilton featuring former congressmen, Hon. Gilbert W. Gutknecht and Hon. Romano Mazzoli. Annie Miller, director of the Center for Civic Engagement, said the Congress to Campus event is open to students, faculty, staff and the entire Hamilton community. Participants include City Council, Vision Commission of Hamilton, an Immigration Panel, Latin American Studies classes, health care discussion groups, nursing classes and city banks such as U.S. Bank and First Financial Bank. The series of events began Sunday, April 18 with a welcome dinner at the Riverbank Café in downtown Hamilton. To get the congressmen to come to MUH, Casey had to apply to be considered for the Congress to Campus program through the Congress to Campus Office sponsored by the Congress established Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership in order to provide programs, such as the Congress to Campus program, to young people promoting public service and leadership in communities. “We really stressed on the fact that MUH is a very community oriented campus,” Casey said of the application. Casey said MUH consists of several students of the Hamilton community. “So that works out really well since they can already benefit from what the congressmen have to say and bring it back to their community and become really involved,” Casey said. Casey said the congressmen who participate in the program come for the purpose of stressing the importance of community and being a leader
within your community. “The basis of it is they come and talk about not only what they did in Congress and how Congress works but the importance of being a leader in your community, like civic engagement, being involved outside of just voting,” Casey said. “Just really doing stuff for your community.” Miller said the event and the former congressmen will focus upon the importance of bipartisanship and democracy. Gutknecht represents the Republican Party and Mazzoli represents the Democratic Party. “They are just going to talk a little bit about how their work has been so far in working with the Stennis Center and how other Congress to Campus events have been run,” Miller said. “But then they will also open it up for any kind of question about federal or local governing.” Miller mentioned a specifically interesting event within the Congress to Campus program the congressmen will lead. The event, “Achievement Gap,” was during dinner Monday night. “It is a new way to think about participating in democracy so instead of debate or the town hall style meetings we saw this summer, it’s really communities coming together to make decisions in a deliberative way and in a way where everyone’s opinion is apart of finding solutions,” Miller said of the discussion. The purpose of the discussion was to give MUH students the opportunity to think about how they want to participate in democracy, see themselves as active participants, and to know they are responsible for participating. Miller said the idea of bringing Congress to Campus was thrown around during discussion in 2009 with Casey but it was Casey’s final decision to apply that brought the program to Hamilton. “Megan actually filled out an application and coordinated all of this, we, as a staff in the Center of Civic Engagement, decided we thought this was going to be a pretty phenomenal project,” Miller said. The program continues through Tuesday, April 20 ending with an informal discussion with the former congressmen’s experience in the U.S. House of Representatives at the Egghead Café in Hamilton.
Powder puffs
workshop Grad student hosts discussion on politics Graduate practicum student Craig Berger invites all Miami University students to participate in his third and final dialogue session, titled “Pondering Politics.” No political experience or knowledge is necessary. Through his work at the Harry T. Wilks Leadership Institute, Berger stresses the need for better dialogue in our society to confront major issues. The purpose of the dialogue series is to explore the meaning and purpose of politics. The discussion, which will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 in McGuffey 117, will allow for participants to talk about politics in a safe forum. Tuesday’s session will focus on political parties. Berger plans to continue the dialogue series next fall. For more information, contact Craig Berger at bergercr@muohio.edu.
Members of the sororities and fraternities Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Chi host a football philanthropy, Monday night on Central Quad.
SAMANTHA LUDINGTON
The Miami Student
Campus
THE MIAMI STUDENT
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 ♦ 3
Miami alumnus Pulitzer Prize finalist for theatrical works By Kristen Grace Senior Staff Writer
Students at Miami University studying creative writing often worry about what they will do after they graduate. Many wonder if they will be able to find a job that has anything to do with writing creatively, which is why it’s important for students to know about successful alumni like Rajiv Joseph who is in the running for a Pulitzer Prize in drama for his play, “Bengal Tiger in the Baghdad Zoo.” Joseph graduated from Miami in 1996 with a degree in creative writing, but initially he wanted to write novels and short stories. But after graduating and spending three years in the Peace Corps, he couldn’t seem to produce anything or stick to a writing schedule, Joseph said. “I was really struggling writing fiction,” Joseph said. “I wasn’t good at it. It wasn’t exciting to me, I was having a
hard time producing work.” It wasn’t until he tried his hand at a screen play and was accepted into New York University’s (NYU) screen writing graduate program that drama became his main focus, Joseph said. Within a year after graduating from NYU, Joseph produced his first play. “Being able to see your own artistic work put up in front of an audience is an extraordinary experience,” Joseph said. Joseph said the best part of his career choice is “the amount of travel I get to do and living for short periods of time Joseph in cities that I wouldn’t normally have lived in.” Getting nominated for a Pulitzer Prize is a pretty nice perk too. Joseph said this is the biggest honor of his career so far.
Saturday night fever
Joseph advises students to find what works for them and not to make yourself doing something that isn’t working. “Be open to all artistic enterprises and find the way you can best express yourself,” Joseph said. Eric Goodman, director of the creative writing program, said examples of successful students like Joseph are extremely beneficial for students still working toward their degree, or those out of school who aren’t sure if they will succeed. “It makes students realize this can happen to them to if they can commit to what they are passionate about,” Goodman said. Students agree it’s encouraging to hear about students who are successful after graduation. “It’s comforting to know someone who was once in our shoes as a creative writing major here has gone so far,” said junior Rachel Peterson, a creative writing major. “I also think it gives a lot of credibility to the program here.”
Jewelry artist creates eco-friendly pieces, visits campus By Scott Schubert
titled “Crafting Activism in an Age of Ambivalence,” where he will focus on the meaning and social history of handGabriel Craig wheels his weathered made jewelry over the past 150 years. and tattered, yet sturdy bench into pubHe will do a live performance of the lic where he is likely to get the attention Pro Bono Jeweler and interact with the of passerbys. student body the following day from 11 He is about to sit in front of this a.m. to 5 p.m. outside the Shriver Center. bench in the cool, gentle breeze for In the Pro Bono Jeweler, Craig aims hours — doing what he knows best: to engage the public in discussion about creating jewelry. the cultural implications of jewelry as opCraig situates his bench on the aes- posed to the simplicity of its value as a thetic brick walkway that is the hub of profitable commercial entity. He wants to Virginia Commonwealth stress to them that someUniversity’s campus. He thing coming from the aligns his tools in their “He’ll sort of poke heart and hands contains proper positions and gets at people to make an enticing allure and ready to start. People cu- them think. He has connective appeal to its riously begin to gather that is not present a knack for getting owner around, wondering what in jewelry produced in people to consider large, industrial factories. he is doing. And when the crowd is just big enough, “I want the format of things in different he opens. the (live) performances to ways.” The fun begins as Craig reflect my educational and produces his first ring of altruistic goals,” he wrote AMY WEIKS the day and gives it away in an article for American PARTNER to an engaged spectator. Craft Magazine. “By givCraig’s practice of pubing away jewelry I am licly making one-of-a-kind, handmade able to focus on its cultural value rather jewelry and giving it away is part of an than its commercial value.” ongoing live performance he does known Amy Weiks, Craig’s main collaboraas the “Pro Bono Jeweler.” He has done tive partner, noted he has a great ability live performances of the Pro Bono Jew- to interact with people on a personal level eler in Richmond, Va. and his next stop is in his performances. Miami University April 21 to 22. “He’ll sort of poke at people to make After the former Art Museum curator them think,” Weiks said, adding that he noticed the creativity in Craig’s work, does it for the benefit of those observCraig was asked to visit as a part of the ing. “He has a knack for getting people to art museum’s exhibition “Adornment and consider things in different ways.” Excess: Jewelry in the 21st Century.” The Ironically, Kelly Wilson, Art Museum exhibit is located in Gallery 2 and Craig’s administrator, thinks getting people to work will be on display until June 10. talk to him might be the hardest part. At 6 p.m. Wednesday he will give a presentation at the Miami Art Museum See JEWELRY, page 8 For the Miami Student
SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student
Love You Like a Sister (LYLAS) hosts a fashion show Saturday, April 17 in Lower Alexander dining hall.
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Former MU marketing major publishes second novel in series By Patrick Wolande
friends, five girls and throughout the series, each of them experiences a different issue,” Smith said. “‘Hot’ deals with sexuality; the whole should she or shouldn’t Laura L. Smith, a Miami University alumna who she, and all of the implications that go either way graduated in 1991, is getting ready to release her third with that.” published book, “Hot,” May 15. First-year Amy Kendall said, “My sister read ‘SkinSmith said she always wanted ny’ and said she really like it.” to be a writer but never gave the Rebekah Guzman, Smith’s editor at NavPress, talkidea any serious thought through- ed about what attracted her to Smith’s writing. “I was out college. As a marketing major, first drawn to Laura’s writing because it depicts trueSmith never expected to be a writ- to-life characters and relevant, hard-hitting topics, iner because as she said, “You could cluding eating disorders, sexuality, anger and more,” be a business major, go and be suc- Guzman said. cessful, make a lot of money, that’s Guzman said establishing a fan base is important to Smith how society measures success.” the business side of Smith’s writing. It wasn’t until one day, while “Successful writers will establish a platform, build a on maternity leave from her job as list of fans, find speaking engagements a shopping mall developer, that her and take advantage of media opportuhusband asked, “What did you always “‘Hot’ deals with nities, all of which author Laura Smith want to be when you grew up?” Smith has taken a proactive role in doing,” sexuality; the responded with, “I always wanted to said. whole should she Guzman Smith said writing books with the be a writer, but who can actually be or shouldn’t she, same characters is somewhat easier. one of those?” Her husband simply “Because I already have established responded with, “Why not?” and all of the personalities ... so as I write the differSmith then signed up for a creimplications that ent books, I already know their quirks, ative writing night course at Georgia go either way what their favorite foods are, (etc.).” State University. with that.” But, Smith said there are still diffi“From the writing exercise I did culties in writing books in a series. there, I expanded on it and actually LAURA L. SMITH “But some of it is difficult for conmy first book published, “Cantaloupe AUTHOR sistency purposes ... I sometimes have Trees,” is a result of a writing exerto go back through all my notes from cise from that class,” Smith said. three years ago,” Smith said. Since “Cantaloupe Trees,” Smith When asked if she would be coming by Miami for released a book called “Skinny,” the first in a series. her book tour, Smith said, “I hope so, I don’t have anyHer new novel, “Hot,” will be the second book in that thing booked right now. But I have talked to a couple series, and “Angry,” due to be released in September, of different people from different organizations and I will be the third. would love to have something come to fruition.” “The series revolves around a group of high school Senior Staff Writer
www.facebook.com
Smith’s book focuses on topics that adolescent girls often find themselves struggling with.
4
Tuesday
April 20, 2010
Community
Editors Kelsey Bishop bishopka@muohio.edu Erin Fischesser fischeee@muohio.edu
Multiple arrests result in four charges for first-year At 8:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to 115 N. Campus Ave. for an unknown male pounding on the door and trying to enter the residence. When police arrived, they reportedly found a male, later identified as Miami University first-year Brian Malloy, 19, on the porch punching the door. When officers walked up to him, Malloy reportedly turned to the door and said, “George, cops, cops, let me in.” Malloy reportedly had the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath and was slurring his words. According to police reports, he could not remember his age. Malloy told police he was trying to contact a friend inside the house. The resident of the home told police she and her boyfriend were the only ones there and when her boyfriend opened the door to tell Malloy to leave, he tried to push past him. For this incident, Malloy was charged with underage intoxication and disorderly conduct. At 2:40 a.m. Sunday, officers again charged Malloy with underage intoxication and disorderly conduct after they received a call regarding an unwanted person from Bruno’s Pizza. The employee reportedly told police Malloy had been hovering over the cash drawer and would not leave. When police arrived, Malloy was reportedly leaning against a parked car unsteady on his feet with the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath, slurred speech and bloodshot, glassy eyes. After issuing citations, officers reportedly walked Malloy back to his room and told his roommate to call police if he tried to leave again.
Students report assault after leaving Stadium At 12:48 a.m. Saturday, a Miami University junior and senior came to OPD regarding an assault. The males reportedly told police one of them was in the bathroom at Stadium Bar when a verbal altercation began with another male. When the suspect left the bar, the males reportedly followed him out. At the corner of High and Poplar streets, the suspect reportedly pushed one of the males down and kicked him in the face before kicking the other male. The suspect was reportedly less than 6 feet tall with brown spiked hair, some facial hair, charcoal shorts and a salmon shirt. Officers are continuing to investigate the incident.
Female on curb vomits, spits on passerby At 1:50 a.m. Sunday, officers were flagged down outside Stadium Bar regarding a female who was intoxicated. According to police, a female was sitting on the curb next to the alley being held up by passersby. Witnesses reportedly told police she had been found in the men’s restroom at Stadium and was escorted out of the bar to the curb. She was reportedly unable to lift her head or respond to officers and later vomited and spit on a passerby’s pant leg. She was identified as Miami University sophomore Alexa Smith, 19. Smith was reportedly taken to McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital and charged with underage intoxication and disorderly conduct.
Unwanted male attempts to run from police At 1:30 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to an unwanted person at Brick Street Bar. When they arrived, officers reportedly observed a young looking male arguing with an employee. When officers tried to identify him, the male attempted to run away, but was wrestled to the ground before he was handcuffed and identified as Miami University student Ramy Toma, 19. Toma reportedly had the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath and told police that he had been drinking at Brick Street Bar. An employee reportedly told police staff members had attempted to remove Toma after they found him drinking in the bar. Toma was charged with resisting arrest and underage intoxication and taken to Butler County Jail.
HANNAH MILLER The Miami Student
Oxford residents will soon be able to shop at Dollar Tree. The new store is being built on Locust Street and is expected to open late May or early June. The chain expects to target its core customers, married females with children and an income of about $50,000 to $60,000.
New Dollar Tree to open By Leslie Scott Staff Writer
A new Dollar Tree store is currently under construction on South Locust Street and is planned to open in late May or early June. “We prefer to open stores earlier in the year because seasons and holidays are very important to the company,” said Shelly Davis, spokeswoman for Dollar Tree Inc. Although many students will not be in Oxford for the store’s grand opening, the store is not worried about making a profit. Davis said the chain just announced it hit the $5 billion mark in 2009. Dollar Tree has chosen to open in Oxford because these stores thrive off opening in locations containing their core customer. Davis described the core
customer as a married female with children and an income of about $50,000 to $60,000. However, the chain also relies on pocket customers as well. Davis said pocket customers are other big spenders such as teachers, students and others on limited budgets. “Many teachers use stores such as the Dollar Tree because they can buy creative items for their classes at a low price,” Davis said. “These stores contain a great mix of items that are necessities and items that are luxuries. There’s a mixture of household items and discretionary items.” The Dollar Tree stores offer many items from food to toys to silverware. “I can’t wait for the Dollar Tree to open up,” said Erica Norman, Miami University sophomore. “It can be a go-to place next year
when I’m looking for cheap items for specific one night themed events.” The 8,500 square foot store is considered a sweet spot by Davis. This size location is the store’s ideal. The Dollar Tree spends more money on the build out than other similar stores. “The Dollar Tree aims to build a fast, fun and friendly experience,” Davis said. “It provides large aisles, bright inviting windows and a close walk to the parking lot.” Not only does the store offer a place to buy items at cheap prices, it is also a new establishment that will provide employment. Davis said the store will create about 10 to 12 permanent jobs. Davis said people can start applying now by visiting the website or another local store. If
a person applies at a local store, a district manager (who is responsible for several stores within one area) can look at the application and refer that person to the Oxford store or other stores close by. According to the last public statement the Dollar Tree gave March 22, the chain consisted of about 3,834 stores as of Feb. 27. As of Jan. 30, the state of Ohio contained 164 of those stores. “The Dollar Tree is excited and proud to be part of the Oxford community,” Davis said.
Apply online http://www.dollartreestoresinc.com/
Graduation celebration takes over High Street By Grace Lerner For The Miami Student
Red Brick Rally, formerly called Red Brick Rasta, is an annual celebration held the night before graduation in May. This year, the rally’s 11th, is to be held Friday, May 7. The concert, which cordons off the block of High Street between Main and Poplar streets, starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until 2 a.m. This is the first year in which the event is being fully sponsored by the Campus Activities Council. Sophomore Emily Nussbaum, chair of Red Brick Rally, said three bands will be performing for seniors this year — The Forties, The Maplestar Classic and The Ark Band. The concert, which in the past has had a laid-back reggae feel, is expanding to three bands this year. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The Ark Band is a reggae band from Miami students set up for Red Brick Rally 2009. The event brings in bands and closes down Columbus that has been performing at High Street for seniors to enjoy their last night in Oxford before graduating. Red Brick Rally for the past 10 years. All three bands are Ohio-based and The Maplestar Classic is a band of Senior Abby Wyatt has attended past This year the stage will be in a Miami alumni. Red Brick Rallies, but is more excited for new place. “Shirts and beads will be handed out this year’s event. “(The stage will be) parallel to the road to seniors and any“It’s the last one,” and music will play towards campus,” one else who comes,” Wyatt said. “We’ll Nussbaum said. Nussbaum said. all be there and it Wyatt said the event will be a little “It’s the last night of Nussbaum said college and everyone treats will be more fun bittersweet though. that while the event because we’ll all “This is my last everything,” Wyatt it like the last night.” is aimed at seniors, go together.” said. “It’s sad to think about because anyone still in town is Wyatt described (Red Brick Rally) will be the last hurrah DANIEL BIRNBAUM welcome and encourthe atmosphere of the before we all graduate the next day.” ALUMNUS aged to attend. event as unique. Miami alumnus Daniel Birnbaum calls Many current stu“(Red Brick Rally the night “epic.” dents and alumni view is) a lot of fun … “(It was) probably one of my best Red Brick Rally as a great way to cel- there were people everywhere but it still nights ever,” Birnbaum said. “It’s all peoebrate their last night in Oxford. wasn’t too crowded,” Wyatt said. ple you know because the younger stu“(It’s a) late night thing after finals and Wyatt said people were floating in and dents have left … and it’s the last night to be a last night out on the town,” Nuss- out of the bars to go dancing in the street of college and everyone treats it like the baum said. “It’s the last celebration.” when she went to the event. last night.”
Community
THE MIAMI STUDENT
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 ♦ 5
Sing your heart out
SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student
The Oxford Chorale, directed by James Patton Scott, practices for their annual spring performance at Faith Lutheran Church. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. May 2 at the church.
Road to Recovery program seeks volunteer drivers for patients By Castle Arnold For The Miami Student
The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers in Butler County for the Road to Recovery Program, which is a program that has volunteers drive cancer patients to and from their treatments and doctor’s appointments. “It could be any appointment related to cancer or a follow up appointment, so really anything cancer related,” said Emily Oehler, health promotion coordinator for the American Cancer Society in Butler County. “It’s all volunteer; there are a number of cancer patients that don’t have a car to get to
their treatment, so they rely on the Road to Recovery volunteers.” Oehler said Hamilton County has been very successful with volunteers but Butler County is trying to get the program restarted. “I use it for patients who were having economic problems or maybe they needed some access to a car or usually rely on friends or family, but there’s a day or so when that’s just not possible,” said Dr. Ed Crane, oncologist and board president of the American Cancer Society for Butler County. Oehler said anyone is eligible to volunteer. Volunteers must have insurance and a vehicle that is good condition. They are also
required to get a background check and go through a training session by the American Cancer Society. “If people can’t volunteer their time, or don’t have the opportunity, buying a gas card and donating that is helpful so these volunteers can spend less on gas,” Crane said. Some Miami University students agree the program is a useful one. “This is obviously really helpful and provides good support to cancer patients,” junior Caroline Gallegos said. “One of my friend’s moms died of cancer when we were 10 or 11 and having a program like this would have been really helpful for her and her family.”
Crane said many variables get in the way of patients receiving treatment. “The more we can knock down those hurdles and let the patients just focus on getting well and getting through the treatment, the better off everyone will be,” Crane said.
Volunteer Opportunity Anyone interested in volunteering for this program should contact Emily Oehler. Phone: (888) 227-6446 ext. 4106 E-mail: emily.oehler@cancer.org
6
Tuesday
April 20, 2010
Features
By Evan Trout
For The Miami Student
Lashanda Thompson has never had it easy. A 29-year-old with two kids, one of which she had at age 17, and the other still an infant, she has seen more than her fair share of struggles. Thompson lives in Over the Rhine, named the most dangerous community in America by Neighborhoodscout.com, which calculates crime rates based on data and crime statistics from the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department. Thompson never graduated from high school and has yet to earn her general equivalency diploma (GED). “I have a family of two kids that love me dearly and want to see the best for me,” Thompson said. “I just want to have a good life for my kids.” Thompson was referred to Venice on Vine, a restaurant and catering business located in the heart of Over the Rhine, the two businesses collectively known as Power Inspires Progress, or PIP. They serve pizza and sandwiches, as well as other food, host live local musicians, put on art exhibits and promote free trade and organic foods. However, the restaurant is most famous for helping others overcome adversity. The local shop is known for the hope it inspires. This hope comes in the form of employment opportunities for city residents with employment barriers, which can be anything from criminal records to lack of a GED and physical or mental disabilities. Venice on Vine was Thompson’s answer to her problems. Those chosen for employment are trained not just in food preparation, but are tutored by local volunteers in subjects including high school math, computer technology, resume building and attending college. “I’m so glad I was referred to this program,” Thompson said. “Doors have opened and I’ve met a lot of successful people. My journey has begun.” Ladon Grandison, 38, is one of the many success stories to come out of Venice on Vine. She has two daughters, 11 and 14. She was introduced to Venice on Vine by a women’s work program she was involved in through the local YWCA. “They have a lot of great connections,” Grandison said of the restaurant. Grandison started a five-week construction apprenticeship April 12. “I will have knowledge of construction, how to handle biohazards, basically how to build a building,” Grandison said, beaming. “I’m excited, I can’t wait to paint some walls, slap some concrete down, you know?” Grandison said knowledge of these opportunities were important. “The more people know about this job, the more people benefit,” Grandison said. “Citizens out there trying to get jobs, this can help them. If you have a record, a felony, they can help you out.” Rina Saperstein has been the executive director at Venice on Vine since January 2007. Venice on Vine is a member of Community Shares, a partnership of non-profit organizations focused to strengthen economic equity and a healthy environment in Cincinnati. Saperstein said she heard about the job opening through a listserv. She was moved to join the restaurant after having seen the issues in the greater Cincinnati area. “It’s a buyer’s market for jobs, and it’s hard to compete,” Saperstein said. “If you’re not part of the workforce and haven’t been, it gets harder and harder to get into it.” The problem is compelling for Saperstein. “In Cincinnati, there have been a huge proportion of people who never graduated high school over many, many years,” Saperstein said. “These are people trying to live, to raise a family and who don’t have the credibility they need to get jobs.” Saperstein said she is inspired by the program’s progress. “I believe in the mission and I love the people here,” Saperstein said. “And I do see successes, and that’s what keeps me coming back.” Six and a half years ago, life looked bleak for Charlotte Ringel. Convicted on 13 counts of aggravated robbery, she faced a 39-year prison sentence. Ringel kept her head up, and was released six years later for good behavior. That was September 2009. Since then, she has already earned the right to be free from parole. “I’m very blessed,” Ringel said. “I know how to pray.” And she does not hide from her mistake.
Editor Amelia Carpenter carpenab@muohio.edu
“I don’t mind sharing it,” she said. “It’s a part of my past.” Upon her release, a man who ran a halfway house and heard of her release, came over to help her install a shower in her bathroom. During his time helping her, he informed her of the opportunities at Venice on Vine. She listened and applied. “After the third interview, they all chatted, read the police reports and agreed to give me the opportunity,” Ringel said. “I’ve been here ever since.” And she has not wasted her time. She spends her days outside of the restaurant working at the Findlay Market and for the Over the Rhine Urban Farming Project, while attending job fairs and actively networking. She is also preparing to pick up at Cincinnati State University, having left college after a year and a half. She plans to use the degree and her experience to become a chef and eventually start her own restaurant, which uses produce she will grow in her own personal garden. “It’s my passion,” she said. “You never know.” According to the Power Inspires Progress Annual Report for 2009, Venice on Vine had 15 employees graduate into jobs or school during the year. From previous years 13 employees were working, five were in school or training, one had graduated college and one had earned a GED. That amounts to 35 lives changed for the better, not even including those who have yet to get a job but whose time at Venice made that much more of a possibility. In addition, 31 passed tests for cooking, cleaning and customer service skills; 33 learned to use computers for e-mail and job searching purposes; 26 gained a six to 12 month work history. Forty-one educational, work-skills, life skills and community building events were held, and in total, 1,060 individual tutoring sessions were held. Miami University senior Lynsi Woods personally tutored for a number of those sessions. She enjoys tutoring at Venice “Citizens out there trying to get because the jobs, this can help them. If you people there have a record, a felony, they can are genuinely help you out.” interested in learning. There -LADON GRANDISON is also a sense of personal satisfaction. “It makes me feel good,” Woods said. “It’s nice that my education could be useful to somebody other than me.” Woods decided to continue tutoring at Venice during the spring semester. It has been a long road for Marieo Hill to get to where he is now, working at Venice on Vine. It took him three tries to get the job. He first applied in 2008, but had to move because of his financial situation and inability to afford housing near the restaurant. Eventually he moved back, re-applied and was hired, but got in trouble with the law. The day he was given the job, he went to court and was thrown in prison. “In the interview I did or said something they must have remembered,” Hill said. “When I got out they called me back and I got the job. I’ve been here five and a half months since. This job is helping me do the things I want to do.” What he wants to do, like Ringel, is start a restaurant. He cooks exotic dishes for his friends for fun. Hill has learned a lot about health foods over the years and wants to use his restaurant to inform people about healthy eating, and eventually start a food pantry that offers more variety and essential foods. “A lot of family and friends of mine have become innocent victims of gun crime,” he said. He has also been homeless at one point in his life and has seen multiple instances of police brutality. A few years back, Hill’s mother was granted a loan from a bank that went bankrupt just days later. His mother used the check to renovate their house, and three years later the banks came back. Hill was not properly notified and nobody searched the house before the boards began to go up on the doors. He was locked in the house with his dog, and on his birthday, no less. He could not break open the doors and began to panic, which accelerated his respiratory problems. Luckily, his phone was somehow still connected and he was able to call his cousin who came and broke through a boarded window to get him out. “If I didn’t have a phone, I might have died because of my breathing issues,” Hill said. Despite all the hardship he has seen, he still believes in Over the Rhine and in himself, in part because of programs like Venice on Vine. “There are a lot of ignorant people here who don’t give a damn about you, just about themselves,” Hill said. “But for all the ignorance, there’s twice as much compassion. It’s hard for an outsider to understand what it’s like here. After a few years, though, people get used to the ignorance start to see that some days things are all peaceful.”
HANNAH MILLER The Miami Student
THE MIAMI STUDENT
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 ♦ 7
Domestic violence forums highlight prevalence in Ohio By Hunter Stenback Senior Staff Writer
The first of five forums to be conducted across the state on family violence took place April 9 in Westchester, with the goal of increasing awareness among local officials and the general public. Conducted by the Ohio State University (OSU) College of Public Health, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio and the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio, the final
of the five forums is scheduled to take place this Friday in Akron. According to Dr. Kenneth Steinman, lead researcher on the project and clinical assistant professor at OSU, the idea behind the project is to compile data on family violence and educate local officials on how to use the information for grants and for dissemination to the general public. “What we’ve been doing is taking available research and data related to family violence that
Bombs away
SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student
McGuffey Foundation School students set off a yarn bomb with pieces they created Saturday in Uptown Park.
are routinely collected by state agencies, compiling and analyzing them and putting them into a format so people at the local level can use that information for grant writing and for educating government and community leaders about family violence,” Steinman said. He said the workshops are used for reviewing and teaching people about the data, where they come from, how to use them in a grant and appropriate ways to use data from a research perspective. The study focuses on family violence and three specific subcategories, including violence against a child, violence against an intimate partner and violence against the elderly. “We use the term family violence, and family violence differs from other types of violence in that it occurs in the context of a trusting relationship,” Steinman said. “So unlike, let’s say, being beat up at a bar, most of these people are living with or regularly see one another, and have some sort of trusting relationship.” Steinman said sometimes violence occurs in an intimate partner relationship or a caregiver to an elderly person. “We looked in particular at three types of family violence – child maltreatment, intimate partner violence and elder abuse and neglect,” Steinman said. “They’re all very common and they’re all inter-
related, so it’s very difficult to say which is more common because there’s some overlap.” As far as the data is concerned, it is difficult for researchers to tell if family violence is actually increasing or decreasing based on a number of factors that are beyond control. “Because domestic violence is really difficult to measure, we just don’t know whether it’s actually increasing or decreasing,” Steinman said. “What we can say something about is how agency reports are changing over time. What courts throughout Ohio routinely do is record how many requests they receive for Civil Protection Orders, and by tracking that we can get a sense about how many people are experiencing abusive relationships, and we can look at how that is changing over time.” Steinman said while the number has been increasing over time in Ohio, that doesn’t necessarily mean domestic violence is increasing. What it could mean is people are now more aware of this as an option for them to use, or it could be people have been very satisfied with this as an option. He said they are more likely to use this option if they find themselves in another abusive relationship. Whether or not the number of cases is increasing, domestic violence remains a problem throughout the state, and Oxford is no exception.
Lisa Hurley, city record keeper, said Oxford has seen 21 arrests for endangering children and 105 arrests for domestic violence since 2007. Steinman said while it is difficult to tell whether or not the actual number of cases is increasing, domestic violence remains a vitally important issue. “All three types of family violence are common, and they’re all important, especially compared to other threats to health and well-being,” Steinman said. “We do know that (family violence) has been a problem and still is a problem.” Miami University sophomore Molly Donovan agrees domestic violence is an important issue and hopes the forums will shed more light on the subject. “Obviously domestic violence is an important issue, and hopefully education will help people realize how significant it is,” Donovan said. “Awareness is the first step.” Steinman said the forums have been a success thus far. “We’ve had a great turnout and I’m very hopeful this will help people throughout the state to recognize that family violence is a compelling issue for our society to address,” Steinman said. “We want people throughout Ohio to recognize how surprisingly common, consequential and yet preventable family violence can be.”
THE MIAMI STUDENT
8 ♦ TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010
JEWELRY
ethical means. “I only use silver and gold and precious materials that are recycled,” Craig said. “And I stopped using gemstones unless I continued from page 3 know where they came from.” According to Ethicalmetalsmiths.org, “One of the biggest challenges will it is estimated in recent years 3.7 million be getting students to come out of their people have died as a result of the conflict shells enough to come up and talk to him,” diamond trade in Angola, Liberia, Sierra Wilson said. Leone and the Democratic Republic of Craig said a lot of commercial jewelry is the Congo. Diamonds in these areas are ilproduced in bulk. Often times a design is legally traded and used to fund warlords, made, and from that design molds are cre- civil wars and human rights abuses. ated so that hundreds of the same piece of The organic values Craig incorporates jewelry can be made at the same time. into his work are things he believes are not “There’s far more jewelry being produced typically found in commercial jewelry. in that way than there is being produced by First-year Justin Ping is familiar with individuals,” Craig said. “The things you Craig’s work, having read about him after make are special, whereas something you learning of his work with recycled metals buy might not be so special two weeks af- earlier this school year. ter you bought it. Something you made and “I just think what he does in terms of love doesn’t really go out of style.” sustainability and recycling is really cool,” Craig further Ping said. “As pointed out inan architecture “When you buy handmade jewelry major with an dustrial means of you feel like you’re getting mining and proemphasis on ducing jewelry sustainable ara piece of another person.” can be harmful chitecture, I to the environcan really apMARIANA WEFLEN ment and the preciate the MANAGER people who proway he can JUNIPER duce it. A 2010 take something Earthworks press that has been release states 90 percent of all mined gold used and completely revive it into someis intended to be used in jewelry, and pro- thing redefined and functional. It has an duction of just one gold ring produces originality that makes it special.” 20 tons of mine waste. Most of this gold One of the major motivators for Craig’s comes from large, open mines owned by decision to start performing for live audimultinational corporations, and a lot of the ences was his realization that there were toxic waste that is produced is dumped into not enough people who were aware of the streams, rivers and coastal waters. values of handmade art. “I had this frustration with how small Craig sees his jewelry as part of a larger the audience was for handmade jewelry,” purpose. He believes community, environCraig said. Despite the natural appeal of mental sustainability and self-sufficiency something handcrafted, handmade jewelry are important virtues in life. comprises only a small segment of the marGreen Oxford is sponsoring Craig’s ket. Craig said the audience for this type visit in light of his commitment to local of jewelry must be bigger, especially with activism and the cause of environmental sustainability. For example, unlike in com- the ongoing growth in “green” movements mercial methods of producing jewelry, and lifestyles. Craig avoids using processes involving “I really started to wonder, you know, acids and harmful chemicals with adverse why am I just making jewelry in my studio effects on the environment. He uses a lot and not really interacting with the public?” of recycled materials and makes sure what- Craig said. ever he uses in his pieces are obtained by The impromptu performances Craig
www.americancraftmag.org
Gabriel Craig works on making his environmentally-friendly jewelry for audiences. does in public are just one of the ways he tries to engage and educate people about the value of handcrafted art. He is also a writer and the creator of conceptualmetalsmithing.com, a blog that publishes material that promotes discussion of social reform and the relevance of crafts to society. In his presentation at 6 p.m. Friday, April 21 at the Art Museum he will speak on the long social history of crafts, helping him to put his own work into context — noting his idea of a self-sustaining lifestyle is not a new concept. “In the 1880s, 1990s and into the 20th century, there were a lot of people and
Check out our Web site www.miamistudent.net
projects based in hand skills and self-sufficiency and I think in the 20th century craft became more about making objects and selling them rather than about self-sufficiency and social change,” Craig said. By incorporating the values of sustainability and self-sufficiency into his work, he is actively trying to change that trend. “(When you buy handmade jewelry) you feel like you’re getting a piece of another person,” said Mariana Weflen, a manager at Juniper. “And it lasts longer.” To learn more about Craig and to purchase his jewelry, visit www.etsy.com/ shop/weikscraighandmade.
THE MIAMI STUDENT
HOUSING continued from page 1
Creamer said Miami will not be increasing on-campus housing through the construction and renovation plan. “The intent right now is not to increase the number of beds available on-campus, but to find ways to simply manage the availability of the existing number of beds,” Creamer said. Larry Fink, assistant vice president for housing and auxiliaries, said the rationale behind the new construction and renovation plan is that the rooms in Miami’s residence halls are too small and students need more space. First-year Alaine Perconti was among the students placed on the assignment pending list. She has since received a room assignment. She said the plans for construction and renovation are not addressing the current issue. “That doesn’t solve the problem,” Perconti said. “I don’t see the strategy behind that … find a solution for us now.” Creamer defended the sophomore on-campus
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 ♦ 9 living requirement and said it will be kept in place despite the perceived housing shortage. “I think that as we get through the first year or so of this, that this is going to be much less confusing for students,” Creamer said. “There have been some issues with executing room assignments as we’ve gone through this for the first time, but that process will work itself out.” Coveney said the number of juniors and seniors allowed to live on-campus was limited to approximately 900 in order to reserve housing for sophomores required to live on-campus. “We’ve been more conservative in our approach to how many juniors and seniors to accommodate,” Coveney said. “We’ve asked admission to form a waiting list of third and fourth-year transfer students rather than allowing them to sign contracts right away until we find out what the size of the first-year class is.” Andrew Beckett, associate dean of students, has been involved with the sophomore on-campus living requirement since its inception, and he said there is logical reasoning behind the policy. “Miami was looking at their retention, trying to increase our graduation rates … we’ve always had a lot of emphasis on the first year, and the thought was, ‘Let’s put some emphasis
GREAL
continued from page 1 add REEES to become a potential double major. “Aside from the fact that I was raised in a Russian household, since high school, I’ve been interested in Russian culture, politics and studies outside of the language,” Model said. “It’s a really unique major about an area of the world most people decided to stop worrying about after the Cold War ended. People seemed to forget how important that area of the world is.” Model said he also finds the major appealing because of the world-renowned faculty represented in the departments. “The people that run the departments and teach are really well known in their field,” Model said. “The faculty members are astounding and because it’s a small major it’s accessible.” Model views this major as a crucial stepping stone for students interested in these areas of focus or the world at large. “This area of the world has so many of the world’s natural resources and there is a huge problem of
on the second year,’” Beckett said. “We started looking at that issue, and some of the things we found were that students who lived on-campus tended to be more involved and engaged.” Student Body President-elect Heath Ingram recognized the importance of accommodating every student, and he said the housing shortage of fall 2009 cannot happen again. “Next year they can expect me to speak out strongly against this, especially after we’ve been assured there’s enough housing,” Ingram said. “If the same problem repeats itself in the fall, someone is going to need to be held accountable in that office for not addressing this problem.” Ingram said the student body has his full support in this issue and that he will not sit back and watch students be placed in overflow housing. “Students can expect I will be right back on the administration with ASG (Associated Student Government) working to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Ingram said. “A student’s housing directly impacts the student’s experience and we need to make sure we make every student’s experience the best it can be. Having students live in a basement or having three live in a room meant for two is unacceptable and doesn’t lead to a good student experience.”
political instability,” Model said. “That causes problems with the Unites States because we need what they have and their government is difficult to deal with. Understanding that area of the world is so crucial. We are directly involved by what goes on in that part of the world.” Ziolkowski feels strongly this new major will provide students with the skills to become a vital in such neglected regions and gain a deeper understanding of the world. “It has thrived as a major,” Ziolkowski said. “We are hoping to provide students with a broad expertise of the world and culture.” Sophomore Brittany Meade, an international studies major who studies Russian, believes in the potential of the REEES major. “It is a really great program, where right now in ITS you can only have a concentration in Eastern European studies,” Meade said. “If I were a first-year, I would definitely think about making it my major. It’s such an interesting region.” After learning more about the major, Model’s mind is almost decided about pursing his double major. “It’s a kind of niche major,” Model said. “Either you are interested or you’re not. I feel like it’s a great thing for Miami to have because it’s so vital for people to understand that region.”
DEVELOPMENT continued from page 1
lower than it actually is,” Harman said. “That fact somewhat dissuades companies such as Macy’s from developing here.” Bringing in an outside marketing consultant could help to offset some of businesses’ fears. Senior Ethan Davis agreed making Locust Street more pedestrian-friendly is a good idea. “Sidewalks on both sides of the street would be nice,” Davis said. “Oxford is a college town and if it’s easy to walk to a place, people would be more inclined to go.” Davis also agreed more retail stores are needed. “Right now, our selection is limited,” Davis said. “Wal-Mart’s out of the way and being able to buy basic goods would make life easier.”
The Miami Student
is looking for an advertising layout director. E-mail Katie at neltnekj@muohio.edu
.
10
Opinion
Tuesday April 20, 2010
Editors Thomasina Johnson johnsota@muohio.edu Sam Kay kaysj@muohio.edu
➤ EDITORIALS
The following pieces, written by the editorial editors, reflect the majority opinion of the editorial board.
Housing situation reflects failure to plan, adapt
A
t the risk of inducing what the university might call ridiculous paranoia, the editorial board of The Miami Student urges the 140 current first-years not guaranteed a specific room by the housing lottery to think twice before signing a housing contract with the university. The university has all the best intentions and the best interests of students in mind, but the housing fiasco at the beginning of this year demonstrated they might not currently have the resources to make good on their promises. Lucinda Coveney, director of housing contracts and meal plans, claims students will not be placed in the basements of residence halls fall 2010. However, the university is currently upgrading these overflow spaces. This board believes this is an indication of something other than mere due diligence. With hopes for a larger incoming first-year class next fall, there is little reason to just take the university’s word that a room – an actual room – will be found for all students. Instead of forcing current first-years not guaranteed specific rooms to sign a contract requiring a great deal of the student and very little of the university, Miami University should create a more flexible, less binding waiting list for these students. Miami should also take short and long-term steps to make more housing available for the students
who really want it. An easy and obvious solution would be to let certain current sophomores and juniors out of university housing contracts if they no longer want them. It would really be quite pitiful if the same problem, a highly predictable one, cheated students out of the housing they deserve two years in a row. If students do end up in barrackstyle living next fall, the university should proactively offer them reduced rates without waiting for complaints or requests. After all, the university claims — and we are inclined to believe — they have students’ best interests in mind. As for the long term, the university seems to have already taken some good steps. According to David Creamer, vice president for finance and business services, the university will begin to add new beds within 12 months. Perhaps it would have been a good idea to add beds before instituting the sophomore residency requirement, but what’s done is done. Hopefully, the stars will align to provide a real room in university housing for everyone required to live on campus. But students should be able to rely on planning and demonstrably actionable promises, not stars. To the hard-working, well-intentioned people in charge of housing: don’t count on everything working out magically.
City must stay on track for revitalizing Locust Street
T
he Oxford City Council and Planning Commission are working to make Locust Street more attractive to retailers and pedestrian friendly. Parking for customers and targeting a retail market for Oxford are two major challenges for the City Council and Planning Commission. The editorial board of The Miami Student supports the development of Locust Street and believes the Oxford City Council and the Planning Commission are taking a step in the right direction by encouraging retailers to help enrich and expand Oxford and the Miami University community. The board believes because Locust Street is the geographic center of residential Oxford, many students and community members would benefit from the convenience of nearby stores in a safe, pleasant atmosphere. Many large apartment complexes are located near Locust Street, and the people who live in these complexes would enjoy the ease of an extension of uptown. In addition to retail stores, the board believes moderately-priced chain restaurants, such as Applebee’s or The Cheesecake Factory would fill a void in Oxford. Because uptown parking is often
a hassle, the board recommends a centralized parking lot for the Locust Street stores. The board recommends either creating a lot or a parking garage with handicap-accessible facilities in the Locust Street area to encourage visitors to patronize the businesses. A major reason development has been slow is due to the perceived lower income of the Oxford community. Although most students do not have much spending money, the board believes more retail and restaurants would be successful on Locust Street. Many students complain the uptown area does not satisfy their needs. The board foresees Locust Street as an answer to these complaints. Overall, the board understands the need for the Locust Street development and encourages the City Council and Planning Commission to continue planning ahead for the future of Oxford. The board agrees that offering incentives to encourage businesses on Locust Street and hiring a marketing consultant are key steps for the future of Locust Street. The board encourages the City Council and Planning Commission to keep pushing for a pedestrian-friendly environment.
ERIN KILLINGER The Miami Student
➤ LETTERS
“Grand Night” makes MU proud Applause and gratitude to Miami University’s department of music is rippling through Oxford, following the resounding success of “AGrand Night for Singing” at Hall Auditorium Saturday, April 17. Few campus departments can boast the kind of student/ faculty collaboration reflected in this performance. In recent years there has been a lot of discussion in the academic community about the role of a university in our society. One recurring idea is the university should provide outreach to the public. This is something Miami’s department of music does year after year. Not only does its dedicated faculty train the students, providing them with the tools of the trade, but these same faculty members then spend the necessary rehearsal hours — beyond their assigned teaching loads — required for quality student/faculty collaborative performances. The result is a product that, as the department of music mission statement declares, establishes this department as “a vital component of a public university founded on the liberal arts.” The broad scope of Saturday night’s program represented the music of more than 30 illustrious composers, focusing on American musicals from 1929 to 2002. There were works by such composers as Rogers and Hammerstein, Bernstein and Sondheim, Charlie Chaplin, Billie Holiday, Andrew Lloyd Weber, George and Ira Gershwin, “Fats” Waller, Elton John and Tim Rice, to name a few. Three Miami music graduates in this performance, who have gone on to establish national and international careers in music, were Laura Smith, William Sauerland and Jonathan
Baldwin. Other wonderful contributions by fine guest artists included music performed by soprano Calesta A. Day, as well as Tedrin Blair Lindsey, a pianist of remarkable talent and energy. Congratulations to all of the students and faculty who participated in this project, to faculty members behind the scenes who aided in advance preparations, to Mari Opatz-Muni, associate professor, who provided expert coordination, and to Ben Smolder, associate professor and conductor, for his careful attention to the details of leading the performers in this truly Grand Night. Dr. Jerome stanley, emeritus stanlej@muohio.edu
Write TMS Letters must be signed with first and last names to be printed. Please send letters via e-mail to: miamistudent@muohio.edu or mail to: 17 MacMillan Hall Oxford, Ohio 45056
➤ WORLD AT A GLANCE (Chicago) Thanks to a tracking microchip embedded under his skin, a tabby cat named Charles traveled 1,300 miles from his home in New Mexico to Chicago. He will get a complimentary flight home.
(Iceland) Europe has begun to resume limited air traffic, helping release million of stranded travelers. The continent’s aviation industry may loose more than one billion €.
(Venezuela) On Monday, President Hugo Chavez marked the 200th anniversary of Venezuela’s independence by meeting with some of his closest Latin American allies. Venezuela celebrates its independence April 19, when in 1810, revolutionary-minded citizens decided to rule themselves until Spanish King Ferdinand was restored to the throne. Venezuela signed an official declaration of independence July 5, 1811. THOMASINA JOHNSON, SAM KAY The Miami Student
The Miami Student Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826
EDITORIAL BOARD Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief Hannah Poturalski News Editor Erin Maher Managing Editor Scott Allison Online Editor Thomasina Johnson Editorial Editor Sam Kay Editorial Editor Courtney Day Campus Editor Hope Holmberg Campus Editor
Amanda Seitz Campus Editor Kelsey Bishop Community Editor Erin Fischesser Community Editor Katie Giovinale Sports Editor Amelia Carpenter Features Editor Anna Turner Amusement Editor Samantha Ludington Photo Editor Hannah Miller Art Director
Source: ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Miami Student is looking for essayists. E-mail Jessica at sinkjk@muohio.edu.
THE MIAMI STUDENT
OpEd Page
➤ GREEN EGGS & SAM
Take time in life
How one professor teaches his students much more than music A class of boys assembles in front of a unrelated. I am here to tell you smelling trophy case filled with mementos of the the roses and seizing the day are quite achievements of other boys; once their the same thing. Life is the rose, accomage, now long gone. plishment is the smelling. But too often, Robin Williams, lurking too many of us divorce the act of apprebehind them, whispers, ciation from its object. We either think “Carpe diem. Seize the work cannot be enjoyable, or we think day, boys. Make your taking enjoyment in work somehow lives extraordinary.” detracts from it. This familiar line from Dead Poets So“All performances of ciety, voted among the Sam top 100 movie quotes human art, at which we Kay by the American Film look with praise and Institute, has a meswonder, are instances sage both clear and memorable; it is one of the resistless force of of many clichés and adages exhorting us to make the most of the limited time perseverance.” we have. We have all had concerned friends BEN JOHNSON tell us to “Stop and smell the roses” as RENAISSANCE POET, 1572-1637 we overwork or over study ourselves. Or perhaps they warn us, “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,” reminding us of the ever dwindling time we have to acI have been lucky enough to have a complish our goals before we become teacher who both espouses the virtues of rose fertilizer. and practices the industrious smelling of So what are we supposed to do? Gath- roses. Ethan Sperry, director of the Miami er the roses or smell them? Work hard University Men’s Glee Club and Colleor pursue temporal pleasure? It seems giate Chorale, works extremely hard, enimpossible to choose one. And despite joys it a great deal all the clichés in the world, we don’t and has quite a have to. The notion that enjoyment and bit to show accomplishment are mutually exclu- for his sive is, frankly, soul-crushing. It is also efforts. plain wrong. In the There are very few things every hu- h a n d man will do. One certainty is being born, b o o k s another is dying. The time between the of his former and the latter is what we make of groups, it. We are always aware of our mortal- S p e r r y ity on some level. But we clearly aren’t w r i t e s , aware enough, because our behavior would seem to indicate some kind of delusional belief in immortality. Why else would we waste hours away watching television shows we don’t actually enjoy? How else could we justify taking classes we don’t want to and then sleepwalking our way through them? What else could explain the multitude of unpursued dreams, un“The accomplished goals famous poet, Ben JohnERIN KILLINGER The Miami Student and uncaptured love? son, once said ‘All perforIt must be because we think enjoy- mances of human art, at which we look ment and accomplishment are somehow with praise and wonder, are instances of
the resistless force of perseverance.’ I firmly believe the great works of humankind come from tremendous work and effort more than raw talent. I often think anyone whom we think of as talented is just someone who works hard.” In this case, Sperry is trying to get each member of his choirs to put in the work necessary to make excellent music. But anyone Sperry has ever taught has learned much more from him than how to work hard at singing. There are a lot of things to work hard at in life and a lot of things to enjoy in life. Sperry has taught me they are one and the same. Cosmically speaking, none of us have very much time left. Sperry’s obvious passion for music, the hard work he pours into it and the breathtaking results his work yields have inspired his students to do the same for our respective passions. Whether you want to smell the rose, grow it, study it, sell it, paint it or write about it, go ahead and put everything you have into it. Your talent will eventually fail you; your hard work will always pay off. Sperry is leaving Miami at the end of this year to raise his children closer to family on the west coast. His departure will be tough on him and his students, but the 10 years he spent here were phenomenal for both. I would presume to say Sperry regrets not having more time to spend here, but doesn’t regret the manner in which he spent it. Could many of us say the same thing upon graduation? Could we say the same thing at the moment of our death? The time we have is limited. Our time in high school, in college, the time we have living in our parents’ home, the time we spend in the workforce, the time we have with our spouse, with our children, the time we have on this earth; no matter how we subdivide it, all time is finite. When each epoch of our lives comes to an end, and when our lives themselves end, we should not have to suffer from regret. Whether the end is sudden and unexpected – as is the case far too often – or whether it is a predictable end such as graduation or retirement, we should all be able to take solace in the knowledge that we have spent our time wisely; that we have earned our sleep.
➤ ESSAY
Classes seriously lack intelligent debate My good friend Sam and I constantly find ourselves talk- succeed — with her infallible logic and impeccable wit. I ing to one another. Strange, I know, but let me just say that should mention she and I have diametrically opposed politiwhen she and I talk it typically isn’t one of those “hey, how cal beliefs, and coincidentally enough the issues that I cross are you doing?” conversations. It is one of those long, deep over to the left she crosses over to the right. and terribly in-depth conversations going to the core of some We could not be more different if we tried but that is what issue. A conversation that begins when she walks into my I love about her. The point in life is not to fill your Rolodex room at 9:38 p.m. and ends when she leaves at 12:44 a.m. (or contact list, for our generation) with people who disagree Obviously, these conversations go on way past my bedtime with you, and not just disagree but are not afraid to tell you but I truly and deeply enjoy them because the spirit of discus- exactly how and why you are wrong. If you spend your entire sion is a dead art in our generation. time discussing a topic with someone who agrees with you, As a political science major, I honestly you will learn nothing. It is disagreement thought I would get into a lot more debates that sparks challenge, and challenge that “I firmly believe the than I have during my time here. leads to true learning. best form of education In my constitutional law class, my proI don’t know if Sam enjoys the convercomes from the fessor — a man I greatly admire and deeply sations as much as I do, but I love them respect — asked a simple question which enough for us both. She probably doesn’t constant questioning elicited a minute response. We were talkhow much they mean to me but she of the issue at hand ... know ing about the Home Building and Loan Asforces me to elevate my game and she lets Independent thought sociation v. Blaisdell (1934) case, in which me learn how she sees it. requires a level of the Court ruled on a Minnesota law that Our conversations give me insight into alters private contracts between banks that other ways to approach an issue. When understanding that lend money to people and the people that you see different points of view and you is crucial to take the money. He simply asked whether get to discuss and analyze and explain true learning.” we agreed with the Court’s ruling. your beliefs, it leads to growth. Diversity It was not an immensely complex quesin thought is crucial to growing as a pertion by any means and in fact in my opinson because it is easy to be around people ion it was a relatively simple question. Only three people that agree with you but the challenge lies in the people that dared to answer the question and the first two agreed with the disagree with you. Court. A rather dashing man — in reality a total and complete So back to my constitutional law class. My professor apnerd who sits in the front of the class, by which I mean my- preciated me stepping out on the edge, but it is questioning self — raised his hand and said, “I disagree.” that forces people to truly think about the issue at hand. I The professor looked at me and asked me why. After I laid firmly believe the best form of education comes from the out my argument a few students went back and forth on the constant questioning of the issue at hand. issue but the debate wasn’t especially thought provoking or Asking someone “why” is a natural thing to do, but when moving. It didn’t engage me as a student. The professor then you demand it from someone and force him or her to think, freely admitted the discussion was doomed because it was they are often baffled. Independent thought requires a level Friday, but that is no excuse. of understanding that is crucial to true learning. Sam and I managed to discuss some of the most complex and deep issues while not only respecting each other but also in essence learning from each other. That is why I truly MATT CHACEY love our talks because not only do I get to see the passion in CHACEYME@muohio.edu her eyes but I get to watch her try to beat me — and often
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 ♦ 11
➤ ESSAY
Government must tackle census issues With chronic under-funding, ill-prepared distribution centers, incorrect forms and general confusion, it seems like the 2010 Census has been an epic fail. This failure is surprising, considering the federal government only had 10 years to plan for it. Every 10 years in America the government has the increasingly difficult task of counting every person in America. The fact that the federal government doesn’t know how many people live in America doesn’t fill me with confidence, but I understand the necessity of the census. Seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are allotted based on populations of states, and states receive federal funding for social services based on their populations. Considering how important the census is, and the fact that state and federal government had 10 years to prepare for it, there have been several inexcusable mistakes made with the census. The first problem is extreme underfunding. For example, California spent $24.7 million during the 2000 census campaign. This year they have spent only $2 million due to state budget cutbacks, a problem which plagues many state governments during this economic downturn. States did not prioritize spending on the census, and this will come back to hurt them in the form of less federal funds. More than $400 billion is distributed to the states by the federal government every year. These funds are appropriated based on population. Using the example of California, America’s most populous state with more than 37 million residents, almost $3,000 worth of federal funds could be lost for every citizen not counted. Essentially, everyday citizens are going to be penalized (via less funding for social programs and infrastructure) for the poor planning of their state governments. The Census as a whole is hemorrhaging money; government watchdog groups warn that the entire Census is estimated to cost the Federal government $14.5 billion — around $47 per person. That is a very expensive piece of paper. Considering the 2000 Census cost $4.5 billion — around $16 per person, it seems the Census Bureau is doing something wrong. The biggest obstacle for the Census will occur after April 19, when the Census Bureau must begin dispatching Census employees to households which failed to turn in their forms. Currently, an estimated one-third of Americans have failed to do so. As of 2008, the Bureau was planning on using hand-held computer devices to record information from households which did not submit their censuses. However, the bureau decided against the use of computers due to technical challenges, mainly training census employees to use them. In my opinion, if you can’t use a computer you shouldn’t be hired as a census employee, but apparently the federal government doesn’t agree, thus the dependence on the archaic paper-and-pen based system. This system is inefficient and requires much more man hours of training and collection than a computer-based system. The Census should have explored the possibility of submitting census forms online, which would have been easy for many Americans who use computers daily, and then use the paper-and-pen method as a backup to people who do not use a computer or don’t own one. However, the Census’s general abandonment of technology was a big mistake. Not only is the infrastructure and bureaucracy of the Census massive and cumbersome, the census itself still has typos and mistranslations. The most obvious mistake, which many people noticed when taking the census was the use of the term “Negro” as an option for race. I can confidently say I have never heard an African-American person use that word to describe themselves, but apparently the Census bureau finds it’s appropriate. Many problems have also been reported in the foreign language versions of the census which was in some cases ineligible to the reader. It seems like a simple spell-check would have been a priority when producing a $4.5 billion document. The census also failed to count lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) Americans. In a last minute change of policy the Census told gay couples who consider themselves married to claim “Married” in the relationship status portion of the census, despite not having legal marriage certificates, and the inability of the Federal Government to recognize gay marriages. It was a nice gesture to the LGBT community, but too little, too late. These failures, among many have plagued the 2010 Census. America is scheduled to have its next Census in 2020, and considering the bang-up job the Census Bureau did on the 2010 Census they should start planning for it the day after the 2010 Census is submitted. Ty Gilligan
gilligts@muohio.edu
FYI Page
Tuesday
12
April 20, 2010
The Miami Student Oldest university paper in the United States, established in 1826 News 513-529-2257 Editorial 513-529-2259 Business 513-529-2210 Fax 513-529-1893
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Help Wanted Earn Extra Money Students needed ASAP. Earn up to $150 per day being a Mystery Shopper. No Experience Required. Call 1-800-722-4791 Earn $1000-$3200 a month to drive our brand new cars with ads placed on them. www.YouDriveAds.com Red Brick Property MANAGEMENT is now hiring college student for Part-Time maintenance work. For more info call 524 - 9340 Summer Job Looking for college student with reliable car to supervise 13 yr old & 9 yr old (taking to various camps & activities). Prefer someone living in Mason/West Chester area. Pls call Richelle for interview 513-336-6673
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For Rent 2 BR TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT NOW RENTING for fall ’10-’11. Great Location one block from campus: 22 E Central. Well maintained. Large spacious rooms. Off-street parking. Call First Financial Bank (513) 867-5576. HOUSE FOR RENT 3 Bedroom House, 2 full Baths, 2 car garage, washer/dryer, full kitchen, cable and hi speed internet in every room, large closets, all electric utilities, landlord pays water, sewer, and trash. Less than 5 years old. Call Lou @ (513) 658-2590 HOUSE FOR RENT 4 Bedroom House, 2 full Baths, 2 car garage, washer/dryer, full kitchen, cable and hi speed internet in every room, large closets, all electric utilities, landlord pays water, sewer, and trash. Less than 4 years old. Call Lou @ (513) 658-2590
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for rent 2010-2011 Great Properties available for the 2010-2011 school year. Contact OXRE at 513-523-4532 Furnished Rooms!!! Rooms for rent $675, $750 and $900 for the summer. occ. Groups of 1 to 5. May to Aug 2010, 1027 Arrowhead. Like New, remodeled, 5 bedrooms. 2 baths, Washer/dryer, dish washer, central air, on-site parking. COMPLETELY FURNISHED WITH 40” LCD TV, Free hi speed internet and hi def.cable TV; very low utility cost, wooded yard with access to hiking trails, and lots more. Contact me and I will send pictures. Call 740-862-2043, 740-407-4114 cell, 614-692-0510 work. Email Alan.barone@dla.mil LIVE UPTOWN THIS SUMMER: $1000 Per Person. Contact 524.9340 for more info 2010/2011 - 6 bedroom house with 2 baths, washer/dryer hookup, private yard and off street parking for 8 to 10 cars. Call Corso Realty at 523-3520 or 868-9700. 2010/2011 - 4 bedroom house with 2 baths, basement, washer/dryer and off street parking. Call Corso Realty at 523-3520 or 868-9700.
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Roommate Needed AVAILABLE PROPERTIES LOOKING FOR ROOMMATES 2010-2011: You will have your own bedroom... 17 East Spring Street: Looking for 2 Female for 10-11 1 W High; Loft #201: Looking for 1 Female for 10-11
2010/2011 - Uptown apartment with permit for 2 or 4. Call Corso Realty at 523-3520 or 868-9700.
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Campus & Vine New Construction 4 bed 3 bath Furnished Ready for this fall! www.muoh.net Schmates Rentals 847-274-6600 2 Bed 2 Bath Condo Hester Rd. 1260 sf. Sum, Fall +/or spring. Master BR w/ensuite. HUGE walk-in closets. Pets OK. $2400/pers/ sem, summer cheaper, negotiable. Call Dana 419-308-9195
Apartments apartments available FOR 2010-2011. 108 South Main St. (behind “Pour House”). Permit for 3. $2000/person/ semester. Large kitchen & living room. Really close to Uptown & Campus. Off-street Parking. Call Daniel 513-543-4470 www.miamiuniversityrentals.com CAMPUS COMMONS COMING THIS FALL - LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE REC CENTER. EXPERIENCE MODERN LIVING IN SOUTH CAMPUS QUARTER. FOR MORE INFO CALL (513) 523-1647 OR (513) 867-5522.
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Sports
THE MIAMI STUDENT
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 ♦ 13
track & field
Red and White run to fourth and fifth place finishes By William B. Morin and Andrew Tonne Staff Writers
The Miami University women’s track and field team has built a reputation this season on being consistently strong in terms of their willingness to compete. This past Saturday proved to be a bit rough for the ’Hawks, but nevertheless they still racked up 89 points and finished fourth out of 16 teams at the All-Ohio Championships in Athens, behind state conference rivals Kent State University, who took the title with 151 points, while Miami’s men’s track team placed fifth with 79 points. Senior Amanda Mirochna was the lone RedHawk victor Saturday. Her time of 10:48.73 earned her first place in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, while teammate Maggie Bingham was second with a personal best time of 10:50.65. “Mirochna’s win in the steeplechase was good, but her teammate’s second place finish and 25 second PR was even more impressive,” Head Coach Kelly Phillips said. “Maggie Bingham ran really well.” Junior Kelley Miller finished second in the 1,500-meter
run with a time 4:34.65, while junior Katie Lenahan took fifth in 4:38.68 and redshirt sophomore Rachel Patterson took seventh in 4:41.08. In the sprint events, sophomores Diona Graves and Rachael Clay played key roles in boosting the RedHawk team score. Graves finished second in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.12 seconds, and seventh in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.51. Clay took third in the 400-meter dash in a seasonbest 56.62. Graves and Clay also ran on the 4x200-meter relay that took second in a time of 3:51.96. Other standout performances for the ’Hawks include sophomore Brigid Carey’s second place finish in the 10,000-meter run with a personal best time of 37:39.11, and senior Nicki Mitchell’s second place finish in the heptathlon with 4,544 points. On the men’s side of the track, this meet was one of the most competitive of the year, many athletes placed and did well, including a couple of personal bests. On the decathlon section of the meet, junior Michael McCarty placed first with 6,778 points, along with sophomore Matt Rudin placing second and freshman Reggie Mitchell
who placed third. In the 3,000-meter steeplechase, senior Ryan Dezso and junior Robbie Fisher placed third and fourth, grabbing personal bests in the event with times of 9:11.97 and 9:20.47. Not only this, but junior John Rees took third in the long jump with a jump of 22-0.25. Next week, the RedHawks with have their last home meets of the season. Though the next meet won’t have scores kept, look for it to be exciting with lots of athletes competing and changing their events around. The meet kicks off Saturday, April 24. “The meet will allow the athletes, especially the decathletes, to take a break and regroup for the final push after such a draining and hard-fought meet in Ohio,” Head Coach Warren Mandrell said. Some RedHawk runners will also compete at the Penn Relays April 22 to 24, which Phillips is looking forward to. “It’s the biggest track meet in the world with more than 100,000 spectators over a four day period,” Phillips said. “We are bringing a small group, but hope to have some great performances.”
golf
RedHawks show season best in Hawkeye Invitational By Hannah R. Miller Staff Writer
The Miami University men’s golf team teed off at the Hawkeye Invitational this weekend, finishing in a season best second place out of 10 teams. Led by junior golfers Michael Drobnick and Nathan Sutherland, the RedHawk golf team finished the weekend at 11 over par as a team, shooting an 875 for the team total. Miami had five golfers competing in the team competition, and one golfer, Charlie Hendrickson, competing individually. In a field of 60 golfers, Miami had five of their six teammates finishing in the top 25. Sutherland and Drobnick tied for seventh, Craig Voorhees finished tied for 16th, Brett Tomfohrde finished tied for 19th place and Hendrickson finished in 23rd place. Matt Stasiak finished
MESSERLY continued from page 14
by scoring four runs in that frame to make it eight to two. The Musketeers would go on to add a run in three of the final four innings, while Miami could only muster two more runs. It would set up the ninth inning with the RedHawks coming to bat in the bottom half trailing Xavier 11-4. It was at this point during a break, I turned to fellow WMSR broadcaster JM Rieger who I was calling the game with and said, “Wouldn’t it be something if they (Miami) came back and sent this into extra innings.” Of course at the time I uttered this comment in a sarcastic tone. I also must admit, I said it with a lot of doubt Miami would make the game even remotely interesting. Little did I or the hardy few who stayed to watch the final outs know what was about to unfold. Ryan Kaup started the inning with
tied for 41st overall. Head Coach Casey Lubahn was glad to see the team working together. “A highlight yesterday was that we had 10 scores that were right in there,” Lubahn said. “All five guys were contributing; even six with our individual (golfer). All of our guys were contributing and playing good golf. It speaks volumes about the type of team we’re building. They can all come out and play well.” The only team finishing above the RedHawks was the hosting Iowa Hawkeyes team. They finished one under par, 12 shots ahead of Miami. “Iowa is a very good team,” Sutherland said. “We’re trying to figure out how to make up those 12 shots so we can beat a good team like that and be recognized as being as good as a team like Iowa.” The RedHawks seem to be on the verge of this
popup right in front of home plate that Xavier first baseman Ben Thomas called for. Thomas prematurely closed his glove causing the ball to pop out and land harmlessly on the infield grass. Often times it is difficult to point to a single play over the course of a game that will directly lead to its outcome. However, in this instance one could make a very strong argument that the error by Thomas sparked a Miami rally. From that point on, Xavier reliever Josh Murphy was not the same. After the error, Murphy would go on to give up four hits, walk one batter and surrender six runs before being yanked in favor of Alex Vice. The next Musketeer reliever would fare no better. Vice gave up a double to Kevin Bower that plated Kyle Weldon and moved Adam Wiesenburger to third. Zak Hatfield followed with a single to right to drive in Wiesnburger and pinch runner Ryan Brenner to tie the game at 11. So with only one out in the inning, the RedHawks had the winning run at first base. With momentum on his side, Klenke stole second to get into scoring position.
recognition, improving with each tournament. “Step by step, tournament by tournament, we just have to keep getting better and I think we’re all excited because we’re starting to see that progress,” Lubahn said. In preparation for next weekend’s tournament at Purdue University, the ’Hawks are focusing on their iron play and working to finalize the roster. Lubahn is looking to figure out which players are ready for not only next weekend, but also for the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championships right around the corner. “Next week we expect a pretty good field, so if we can compete at the Boilermaker (Invitational), it should give us confidence leading into the MAC,” Sutherland said. The RedHawks are back on the links next weekend at Purdue’s Boilermaker Invitational, April 24 and 25, in their final tune up before the MAC Championships.
Kaup scorched a single back up the middle. Klenke flew around third to score the winning run. The entire Miami dugout emptied and mobbed Kaup and Klenke behind home plate. The RedHawks had achieved the improbable scoring eight times in the bottom of the ninth to come from behind and win 12-11. Believe it or not, baseball can sometimes be a game of momentum. Miami certainly got a boost from the dropped popup that spurred an unlikely comeback against Xavier. We will never know if Miami would have won the game if Thomas caught the popup off Kaup’s bat. But, we do know the inning was not the same. Against all odds the RedHawks somehow, someway found a way to beat the Musketeers. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it was the best comeback story in sports history like the 2004 Boston Red Sox. Still, you have to admit it was a great rally. It was comeback few stuck around to see and even fewer heard on WMSR (the feed was cut off in the bottom of the ninth), but for those who were present we won’t soon forget it.
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In game two, the Bulls jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second, but the RedHawks quickly responded with two runs in the top of the third thanks to great hitting by Mawn, who hit an RBI double to drive in two runs. Linch continued her success with another spectacular performance, shutting down the Buffalo offense for the rest of the game. Mawn finished the game 1-3 with two RBIs while Torres was 2-4 on the day. “Everyone is always ready to come in (to play) whenever they are needed,” Linch said. “We have a lot of players that are capable of doing a lot of things.” Next up for the Red and White will be a four game home stand starting Friday with a double-header against the last place team in the MAC, University of Toledo. The RedHawks will then face off against the Bowling Green State University Falcons Saturday and Sunday, hoping to gain some ground on their MAC East Division rivals. The first pitch against Toledo is set for 1 p.m. Friday.
14
Sports
Tuesday
April 20, 2010
golf and track & field, page 13 Editor Katie Giovinale giovinkl@muohio.edu
Junior Adam Eaton slides safely into second base before Northern Illinois University’s Alex Beckmann can tag him out April 11.
SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student
baseball
MU puts up 10-3 victory over Broncos By Alex Butler Senior Staff Writer
This weekend the Miami University men’s baseball team needed a spark. After losing a pair of games to the Western Michigan University Broncos (9-25, 3-9 Mid-American Conference (MAC)) by just one run, Head Coach Dan Simonds put some faith in freshman Mac Thoreson. The right-hander was up to the challenge Sunday when he tossed a complete game, bounced seven Broncos via strikeout and only surrendered three runs on eight hits to give his RedHawks a 10-3 victory and spoil a sweep. “Going into the game I felt really well,” Thoreson said. “I remember coach asking me how I was feeling
and I felt the best I have felt all year going into a game. I learned a little bit from my performance at Ball State and I kind of applied it to today’s game. Our defense did a fantastic job behind me and it turned out to be an alright day.” Thoreson’s mates did all right at the plate as well. Outfielder Kyle Weldon went yard and finished with four RBI’s. Right fielder Adam Eaton raked three hits, scored three runs and knocked one run in. First baseman Kevin Bower added two RBI’s for the RedHawk (16-19, 4-8 MAC) cause. The Red and White win keeps them afloat despite dramatic defeats in the first two games of the series. Friday the RedHawks rallied late with three ninth inning runs but couldn’t tie the score and lost 5-4. Simonds’ squad
Miami displays late comeback over Xavier Josh Messerly
Don’t Mess
I
n sports, just as in real life, you never know when a small event or decision winds up becoming magnified down the road. Take for example the 2002 American Football Conference Divisional Playoff Game between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders. Out of timeouts and trailing by three with less than two minutes to play, the Patriots were driving for the tying score. Oakland cornerback Charles Woodson sacked New England quarterback Tom Brady forcing a fumble that was recovered by the Raiders. Everyone thought the game was over. Instead, the play was reviewed and referee Walt Colman ruled Brady’s arm was going forward — therefore it was not a fumble, but an incomplete pass instead. From that point on, the little known “tuck rule” was introduced into the vocabulary of sports fans. The ruling would end up changing the fortune of the Patriots. New England would go on to win the game 16-13 in overtime. That game would also be the starting point of a Patriots dynasty that included three Super Bowl titles in the span of four years. With the thought of a small event changing the course of a game in mind, I think back to last Tuesday night’s baseball game between Miami University and Xavier University in the Joe Nuxhall Classic. Xavier had blown the game wide open in the fifth
wSee MESSERLY, page 13
squandered a 1-0 opening lead and only scored their runs in the first and last innings of the game. Saturday they were primed to grab the bridge game of the series after building up an 8-0 lead on the Broncos. The home team caught the ’Hawks napping and galloped back in the game by adding runs in every inning from the fifth frame on, outscoring the RedHawks 12-2 during the stretch and plating the fatal run in the bottom of the ninth for a 11-10 victory. “The first two games weren’t bad,” Simonds said. “Certainly the result wasn’t good and we let them back in it in the second game. Today’s performance it was great to comeback after losing two very tough games. Mac Thoreson did an outstanding job and really set the tone for our team. He
threw a lot of strikes and struck out seven guys. He just did a terrific job and certainly we needed it.” But with Thoreson on the mound and the RedHawk lumber hot, Sunday would be no walk in the park for a blissful Bronco. “It was huge,” Thoreson said. “Yesterday was kind of a bummer because we had a big lead going into the late innings and Western Michigan did a good job of getting back into the game. We needed a good game today to keep the team together, to keep the morale because we know we have a great club and we just got to keep playing hard. Getting the win the third game and coming back home for our homestretch with a little momentum is definitely a good thing.” The Indiana University Hoosiers
will step out of the Big Ten Conference and try to spoil the RedHawk homecoming at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 20. “We need a better weekend and we talked about it,” Simonds said. “It’s good to get this one today. It was a good win for our team and getting ready for midweek games and big weekends now we get to play our side of the division. We need to take care of business against our side of the division. That’s going to be the story for us if we want a shot at this MAC title. We are going to have to take care of our side.” The Red and White will take on the Xavier University Musketeers Wednesday before getting a shot at a MAC opponent over the weekend when they host the University of Akron Zips.
softball
MAC rivals foil RedHawks in series By JM Rieger Staff Writer
Having won 10 of their last 13 games coming into a fourgame set that included two games against Kent State University (KSU) Friday and two games against the University at Buffalo Saturday, the Miami University softball team lost three of four games against their two conference foes, dropping their record to 20-19 overall and 5-5 in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Senior pitcher Meredith Linch had spectacular performances in two of the four games, pitching 11.1 innings in the second game of the doubleheader against KSU, only giving up one earned run and four hits while striking out eight. Linch then came back to pitch a complete game in the nightcap against Buffalo Saturday, giving up one run on seven hits while striking out four. “Meredith was very consistent (over the weekend) and gave us a chance to win games,” Head Coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly said. “She was extremely gritty and I was very proud of her.” Miami only scored five runs all weekend, and left 32 runners on base in the doubleheader against KSU. The RedHawks only left nine runners on base in the two games against Buffalo Saturday, but these losses hurt the Red and White as they dropped to fourth place in the MAC East Division. “We have no option but to bounce back at this point,” Linch said. “We didn’t do what we had planned (this weekend) and
MICHAEL GRIGGS The Miami Student
Sophomore Daniela Torres scores two hits and a run in Sunday’s game v. Buffalo. we need to just play our game from here on out. Our team is talented enough that we will get the job done.” In game one against KSU, the Golden Flashes scored three runs in the first two innings against sophomore pitcher Jessica Simpson, which proved to be enough as Miami would not score a run until the top of the seventh inning when senior shortstop Sarah Billstrom drove home sophomore third baseman Daniela Torres. Meanwhile, game two was marked by one of the best
pitching performances of Linch’s career, as she kept Miami in the game into extra innings. However, once the game reached the 10th inning, the international tiebreaker rule was implemented, which started a runner on second every inning with no outs. KSU took advantage of this, butting that runner over to third and then singling in the bottom of the 12 to sweep Miami. Billstrom finished game two going 2-4 with a run batted in (RBI), while junior infielder Meghan Mawn finished the
series against KSU having gone 4-8 with one run scored. After losing two games to KSU, the Red and White continued to struggle in game one against Buffalo, as a solo homerun by freshman designated hitter Taylor Rice marked the only run Miami would score, as Simpson once again took the loss, dropping her to 13-11 on the year. Rice, Torres and Billstrom each finished the game going 1-3 at the plate.
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