Tuesday, February 15, 2011
www.msureporter.com
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Sculpture vandalized Damage jeopardized piece, warm weather added to injury AVERY CROPP
staff writer An act of vandalism and the high temperatures over the weekend caused a snow sculpture that was supposed to be displayed this week on campus to be torn down before most students could even view it. It was brought to campus through IMPACT and Jesse Lee Ellerbroek, an MSU alumnus, who majored in art with an emphasis in sculpture during his time here. The sculpture was titled “The Year of the Rabbit,” which was meant as an acknowledgment of the recent Chinese New Year. The rabbits featured stood back to back and held a light bulb between them, which had the world on top of it. This played into MSU’s motto: “Big ideas, real world thinking.” Ellerbroek started the sculpture Feb. 9 and worked on it until he arrived Saturday morning to finish it and found the sculpture damaged. He and his crew attempted to complete the sculpture even with the damage, but ultimately, because of the warm weather, it had to come down so it was not a danger to students. IMPACT advisor Greg Wilkins said the piece was removed Monday. “It would still be up if the integrity of the piece hadn’t been jeopardized,” he said.
courtesy of greg wilkins The world at the top of the sculpture was damaged, along with much of the back side of the piece.
Sculpture / page 3
angela kukowski • msu reporter The piece was taken down Monday, and a sign was placed near its site to inform students of the vandalism.
One Minute clinic wins Flu shots good option gold medal honor but no guarantee
Maverick Mentors reach out Some students believe they become even more sick to teach Gage residents
GRACE WEBB
staff writer
Stop by Gage Towers during the week and, more than likely, a table will be set up in the middle of the lobby where students called Maverick Mentors are doling out academic advice. This set-up, called the One Minute Clinic, has been going on for two years, and this year, the program won a gold medal honor at the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education 2010-2011 awards. Alisa Dean, Minnesota State Mankato’s academic programming director, helped form the program two years ago. She said the idea for the program came from the last director, but there was no set curriculum, so it was up to her to make a concrete plan. “I took together all their ideas and had a few weeks of time to kind of plan
INDEX
Voices..............................4 Study Break.....................5 World & Nation................7 Arts & Entertainment......9 Sports............................12
the first set of One Minute Clinics that focused on short one-minute sessions on academic activities that would help students be more academically successful in their first two years of college and kind of learn those course skills that they need,” Dean said. Dean worked with Gage Area Director Kenney White to develop the program. White had experience with this kind of program before when he worked at the University of New Hampshire. “I had a bit of a vision, she had a bit of a vision, [so] we collaborated a little bit and then she started creating this curriculum,” he said. One Minute Clinics offer students a chance to learn about different academic topics such as surviving finals, choosing majors and planning schedules. Maverick
Minute Clinic / page 2
GRACE WEBB
staff writer
During these bleak winter months, students are more at risk than ever when it comes to catching the flu. While most cases of influenza are basically benign, some of the more severe symptoms, including sore throats, fevers and body aches, can force students to miss class and even cause trips to the hospital. One way to help prevent influenza is to get a flu shot. Minnesota State Mankato’s Student Health Services offers such shots. Dr. Randy Hurd, the clinic’s medical director, said the shots are definitely worth it. “The medicines for influenza are not very good ones, especially compared to the vaccines,” Hurd said. “The vaccines are very effective, and it’s a myth that they’re not.”
inside CONGRESS ATTACKS MPR’S THE CURRENT AND WANTS TO KILL ELMO (4) A&E WRAPS UP GRAMMYS FASHION AND HOW IN THE WORLD JUSTIN BIEBER LOST TO SOMEONE NAMED ESPERANZA (9) WOULD LEBRON BE BETTER OFF A CLIPPER? (12)
Follow this.
Hurd said the clinic has given out 500 influenza shots so far and still has many more available. Students can walk in and ask for a shot or make an appointment by calling the clinic. Some medical insurance covers the cost, but the shots cost $20. The procedure usually takes less than 20 minutes. Hurd said this year has been different than previous years because of the recent outbreak of H1N1. This year, students have been getting a quicker but milder form of the flu. Hurd said students can be feeling fine when they wake up but get hit hard with symptoms two hours later. By the time they go to the clinic the next day, however, the fever or sore throat can already be gone. While the symptoms don’t last long, Hurd said the flu can still make students miserable for the two days
Influenza / page 3
@msureporter @natebrennan @kyle_ratke
facebook.com/ msureporter