November 4, 2014

Tuesday, November 4, 2014 @msureporter

facebook.com/msureporter

Minnesota State University, Mankato

www.msureporter.com

NOVEMBER

4

TUESDAY HIGH: 53 LOW: 34

NOVEMBER

5

WEDNESDAY HIGH: 53 LOW: 30

NOVEMBER

6

THURSDAY HIGH: 44 LOW: 26

Diversity & International Education Week Educational week kicks off with high hopes to open eyes.

YUSEONG JEON Staff Writer Diversity & International Education Week is going on from Monday throughout Friday at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Celebrating the special week of November, a variety of events will be held.

The history of the Diversity & International Education Week is unique at MSU. MSU created its own Diversity Week to celebrate diversity issues at first.

Next, the U.S. Department of State created International Education Week, which is celebrated worldwide. MSU decided to combine both so it became to the Diversity and International Education Week.

The special week aims to bring benefits of international education and create global diverse environment.

“It is an opportunity to spotlight all of the international engagement which is happening on campus,” said Mandy Prorok, education abroad advisor of the International Affairs at MSU. “During the week, professors from international universities will visit MSU, diverse cultural events will be held and global business information will be shared to broaden people’s perspectives regarding diversity.”

In fact, a lot of different organizations at MSU will be involved in the diverse events, including International Programs Office in the Kearney International Center, the American Indian Student Association, American Indian Affairs, Latino Affairs & Latino Student Wellness, the International Student Association, the World Languages & Cultures Department, the Women’s Center and Opportunity Access Success In-

tercultural Services (O.A.S.I.S.) in Institutional Diversity.

“People who are responsible for the diversity from the academic department to international diversity offices work on the coordination of the events together,” Prorok said.

One of the most outstanding events during the week is the 14th annual Study Abroad Photo Contest held each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday in the Centennial Student Union’s Lincoln Lounge.

MSU students who have had the privilege to have studied abroad along with current international students on campus will showcase photos regarding their international experiences.

Students who have studied abroad or current international students submitted their photos into four different categories for the contest: Cultural Experience, Landscape, Art of the Selfie, and

mnsu.edu Anna Wiitanen-Eggen, a student worker and peer advisor at the International Programs office

Brooke Emmons • MSU Reporter One of the photo displays that have been put up for Diversity & International week’s festivities.

INSIDE:

Mavericks Abroad.

Through voting by the general public and MSU students for the competition, students with the best pictures in each category will win a prize, such as gift cards from Barnes & Nobles, Jazzman’s Café, Target, etc.

“The purpose of the Photo Contest is to communicate with global citizens from different cultures in university,” said Anna Wiitanen-Eggen, a student worker as well as a peer advisor in International Programs Office.

“We got only 75 photos from students this year. I hope it will work and students will be more involved in the photo contest from next year so that we can go on to the event and make it bigger,” Wiitanen-Eggen said.

Another traditional event during the Diversity & International Education Week is the Diversity Dinner organized by O.A.S.I.S.

SOCCER’S THIRD TITLE - PG. 11

The Diversity Dinner is the 44th annual event, with the purpose of celebrating diversity and promoting the events regarding diversity in general.

“O.A.S.I.S. will showcase performances of students with two alumni speakers in the event to recruit diverse students to come to campus,” said Shayla Braunshausen, recruitment and retention advisor at O.A.S.I.S. “Diversity Dinner this year will serve about 260 people because all tickets for the event are sold out. People coming from different colleges and departments and outside universities will participate in the event.

This event is always huge,” Braunshausen continued.

For more information, contact the Office of Institutional Diversity at 507-389-6125 or Kearney International Center at 507-389-1281.

ED/OP

4

SPORTS

11

A&E

15

2 • MSU Reporter

News

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

ESPN founder Rasmussen to speak at MSU Rasmussen comes to share professional ups and downs with audience.

createspace.com Bill Rasmussen, who has had a long reign over ESPN, and the fellow show Sportscenter.

JOE OLKIVES Staff Writer One of the most popular

networks on cable television is ESPN. On Nov. 4, Bill Rasmussen, the founder of ESPN, will be speaking at the Centennial Student Union Ballroom at 8

NOW LEASING 5 BEDROOM UNITS FOR 2015-2016!

• CLOSE TO CAMPUS: 1300 Block of Warren St.

• LARGE 1500 SQUARE FT. split level townhomes

p.m. This is a great opportunity to hear an inspirational story of a man who began a television revolution.

Rasmussen is well known for his public speaking and this is a rare opportunity to listen to his story. He will share his journey from the Air Force, onto being an economics major in college, and how he was able to impact television history by launching the first 24-hour network. This is a great chance for students of all majors, even if you are not in the Sport Management or select few other classes, to get to hear Rasmussen come talk to them in their class.

Like many successful people, Rasmussen had an idea and a vision. He will share the story of his many failures. Rasmussen tries to “stimulate their thinking and get them enthused.”

“We started ESPN getting a penny a day and look what it has grown to. It’s now worth a $66 billion company, so if I can instill a little bit of enthusiasm in people and they have an idea, I’ll answer any questions they may have,” Rasmussen said.

ESPN first kicked off in 1979 with its original program

chingonatv.com Rassmussen has worked tirelessly to push ESPN to the top.

Sportscenter, which is still by far the most popular running program on the network. It wasn’t until the late 1980’s that ESPN rose to the top of television networks. Programs like Monday Night Football and deals with the NFL and MLB for pregame shows, post-game interviews and full broadcasts brought viewers access to sports

from a new perspective.

Eventually, ESPN would have deals with all the major sports leagues, broadcasting highlights and covering games of college and pro sports teams. From its original single network ESPN has continued to grow, there are now over 46 networks interna-

ESPN FOUNDER • Page 5

WALMART IS NOW HIRING SEASONAL & PERMANENT POSITIONS!!

Cashier, Electronics, Consumables, Toys Apply at Walmart Hiring Center located in the photolab at www.walmart.com/apply

• GUARANTEED parking permit • FULL SIZE WASHER & DRYER in unit

Email us at: kietzerco@yahoo.com Call us at: (507) 345-1607 www.warrenstreettownhomes.com

507-625-9318

1881 Madison Ave., Mankato, MN 56001

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

MSU Reporter • 3

News

MSU College Republicans busy on social media Dedicated group has pointed their efforts into upcoming votes.

NICHOLAS JOHNSON Staff Writer

The 2014 mid-term elections take place today and in the months, weeks and days leading up to the moment when Minnesotans across the southwest of the state head to their polling place to cast their ballots, the Minnesota State University, Mankato College Republicans have been active on campus and in the Mankato Area both in working in support of candidates and in Get Out the Vote efforts. Tuesday’s efforts included 12 hours of manning phones at the Republican Victory Office making calls in support of Republican gubernatorial m candidate Jeff Johnson. Sunday saw a rally at Buster’s parking lot in support of Jim Hagedorn, running for the House Seat in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional

District, and Dave Kruse, who is running for Minnesota’s District 19B seat, following a day of volunteer door knocking along side of the candidates. On Oct. 18, Johnson met with the College Republicans on campus and on Oct. 17 with Mike McFadden, candidate for US Senate running against incumbent SNL alumni Al Franken.

A recent investigation by conservative-leaning Minnesota Majority revealed that 1,200 felons had illegally voted in the 2010 election that, after a hotly contested recount that famously saw votes appear out of cars and from missing ballot boxes, had Franken win out over Norm Coleman by 300 votes. This was an active post on the College Republicans Facebook page along with logistical and motivational posts in support of both individual candidates and of

Republican governing philosophy. Once such posts that MSU College Republicans shared from the Facebook group Right Wing Rants & Raves states, “Just because we don’t support your liberal anti-God, amoral agenda does not make us: ‘Ignorant, racists, bigots, hillbillies, uneducated, haters, inbreeds, morons…’ It simply means we think for ourselves, honor God and love our country.”

Political pundits across the board, citing a series of polls, are forecasting a wave election for Republicans with some harking back to the 2010 midterm elections which Presidents Obama conceded as a “shellacking.” The Washington Post’s Election Lab gives the Republicans a 96 percent chance of

REPUBLICAN • Page 7

MSU College Republicans’ Facebook profile.

facebook.com

2015 Housing Rush Z Z Z

LOCATION - Right across the street from MSU VARIETY - Studio, 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom apartments AFFORDABILITY - Rates for every budget Renewing? No transfer fee. No new security deposit.

See us November 4th at the Housing Fair.

1340 WARREN STREET | MANKATO, MN 56001

4 • MSU Reporter

Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Follow the Reporter on Twitter @MSU Reporter or Like Us on Facebook.com/ msureporter

Email the Editor in Chief: reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

The right to die: assisted suicide The ethics of euthanasia challenged by new situations.

FALL 2014 EDITOR IN CHIEF: Schuyler Houtsma........ 389-5454 NEWS EDITOR: Hannah Kleinberg....... 389-5450 SPORTS EDITOR: Joey Denton.................389-5227 VARIETY EDITOR: Rae Frame................... 389-5157 ADVERTISING SALES: Mac Boehmer............. 389-5097 Brandon Poliszuk......... 389-5453 Jase Strasburg.............. 389-1079 Amber Masloski...........389-1063 Allie Bigbee................ 389-5609

AD. DESIGN/PROD. MGR.: Dana Clark..................389-2793

POLICIES & INFORMATION • If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, call Editor in Chief Schuyler Houtsma at 507-389-5454. The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board.

abc7.com Britney Maynard, after enduring the brunt of her condition. She passed this previous weekend.

months to live, she was living in California. She soon moved to Oregon shortly after, one of five states where assisted suicide is legal, along with Montana, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington. New Jersey has a similar bill that has been passed by state

assembly and will be voted on by state senate at the end of the year.

In 2002, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize assisted suicide. Since then, it has also been legalized in the countries

of Albania, Belgium, Colombia, Germany, Japan, Luxembourg, and Mexico. Globally, the rate of assisted suicide has been on the rise in the past decade, and by more than 33 percent in the past

RIGHT TO DIE • Page 5

“Do you think euthanasia is ethical?”

ALESYA DZENGA, JOURNALISM “I think it can take place if life brings only suffering to this person.

But only with his or her relatives’ agreement.”

STAFF

BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad.................. 389-1926

ALEX KERKMAN Staff Writer Britney Maynard, the terminally ill cancer patient and right to die advocate, died peacefully surrounded by her family and friends Saturday. Though her life is over, her legacy may just be beginning.

Assisted suicide is not a new topic in the United States. The subject reached mass public attention in the 1990s due to the trial of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the Michigan physician who assisted more than 40 people with suicide. Bills presented to the senate to legalize assisted suicide have been around since the early 20th century, only for all to be voted against. Yet when Maynard, a recently married 29-year-old, announced to the world she planned to end her life less than a month later, an old debate was rekindled.

Suicide, the only crime you can’t be convicted of if you commit, is illegal in most of the United States. When Maynard was given her diagnosis of six

Minnesota State University, Mankato

SHELLY THAO, PRE-NURSING “I think it is ethical, depending on the person’s guardian. They are allowed to end or continue that person’s agony.”

RIAZ MAHMOOD, IT “I think it totally depends on the person’s choice. But taking the pill just to get away from suffering is almost suicide. But it’s their choice.”

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a student-run newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-389-1776. Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

• Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation. The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Compiled by Yohanes Ashenafi

MICHEL KIELEY, MARKETING

TYLER BREN, SPORTS MANAGEMENT

“I think it should be allowed in situations where someone is terminally ill and in pain.”

“I think people should be allowed to do whatever they want with themselves because it is their body.”

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

ESPN FOUNDER “We started ESPN getting a penny a day and look what it has grown to.”

any sports fan you currently know. Without his idea, it’s hard to say what sports television would be like today.

Rasmussen will detail out some differences in starting a business these days compared to when ESPN took off back in 1979, with technology being a biggie.

“If you and I decided this minute to start a new business, we could have a URL and page under construction in the next 10 minutes,” Rasmussen said.

“That didn’t happen back when we were there.”

Rasmussen is still able to describe the little details of some of the earliest days at ESPN. Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to one of the better live speakers you get the chance of hearing. He will be on campus

RIGHT TO DIE “Suicide, the only crime you can’t be convicted of if you commit, is illegal in most of the United States.” continued from 4

continued from 2 tionally broadcasted in 16 different languages all over the world.

It wasn’t always easy for him. There were many skeptics and few believers. He had been fired from his job and discouraged from pursuing this dream he had. But he did not give up.

He was able to turn people into believers.

Now we see his dream.

Everyday people flick on their Televisions while getting ready to go to work, or before class, just to see what they might have missed in the wide world of sports. People gather on certain nights of the week to watch their favorite teams compete on Monday Night Football and other programs like Sunday Night Baseball, or College Gameday on Saturday mornings. This idea he had has probably impacted

MSU Reporter • 5

News

on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. in the Centennial Student Union Ballroom. Get tickets at the MSU Athletics office or at the Maverick Box Office.

“I would invite anybody that wants to come and ask a question,” Rasmussen said. “Everytime I finish there’s a long line of people asking questions.”

And don’t worry, according to Rasmussen, questions about ESPN never get old.

year alone.

The topic is conflicted amongst students as well. Assisted suicide was brought up for debate in one of my classes, with both sides making their cases.

“I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be legal is certain situations,” one student said.

“If they are deemed mentally component, terminally ill and having a poor quality of life, then they should have the choice to end it.”

Opponents of assisted suicide state that it violates many major moral and ethical codes, such as a doctor’s Hippocratic Oath and many different religions. They also argue it could open the floodgates on giving doctor’s too much power, and the killings of those either not critically ill or too early to tell.

Personally, I don’t have a problem with assisted suicide.

There are chronic diseases an illnesses and are impossible

to imagine living through the pain. I had a relative go through a very similar situation. Though he ended up succumbing to his illness, near the end our family could sense his desire for life to end. He hardly recognized himself anymore after being bed-ridden hooked up to oxygen. This was also one of the Maynard used for defending her decision.

So did Maynard become the shining face toward Right to Die Activism, the one who finally got the ball rolling?

Perhaps she is just the latest in a long list of people who have struggled to get the movement going. Only time will tell how the assisted suicide debate will play out, and for better or worse, Maynard’s legacy will be forever tied to it.

6 • MSU Reporter

News

CSU Haunted Takeover

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Starbucks joins social movement Tattoos, piercings and other forms of expression are becoming accepted.

RAE FRAME A&E Editor

Trevor Cokely • MSU Reporter Photos from the CSU Haunted Takeover, which took place last Wednesday in the Centennial Student Union.

People have been tattooing their skin, dying their hair, and piercing or gauging their bodies throughout history, yet in many modern societies these are still considered alternative behaviors.

In America, we are witnessing many of these societal norms changing—especially in the workplace— as people become more accustomed to seeing bright hair, facial piercings and body tattoos.

As of October, Starbucks is joining the growing list of companies that will allow employees to wear nose piercings and visible tattoos (with the obvious requirements that body art not host inappropriate content).

Many companies have removed restrictions on hairstyle and colors, which can give a company a fresh face and a more genuine representation of the bright people who work there.

Dress codes in the workplace are also seeing some very interesting freedoms—with some Target locations (including the Mankato store) allowing employees to wear colorful scarves along with the usual dress code. This is a great way for the company’s employees to express themselves while still being very visible to customers who are looking for assistance in the store.

Many people might argue that facial piercings may present a health concern, especially in the food industry, but many piercing enthusiasts go the extra mile to care for their piercings, and seeing an employee with a well-cared for nose stud will hardly register to many customers, while the same piercing covered in a band aid may create concern or even an unpleasant aversion. The appearance of a bandage may indicate sickness or dirtiness, and create the concern that the bandage could fall into food—a far more disturbing possibility than the unlikely event of a piercing falling out.

Employee satisfaction and

fau.edu Starbucks, a top-grossing coffee franchise that has opened its mind to a different kind of people.

personal expression make a beautiful pair, allowing everyone to bring the best parts of their style and personality to complement their professional persona. Feeling great about how you look can be difficult when wearing a uniform, but having the freedom to be yourself can encourage many people to present a better version of who they are and help make a workplace more efficient and employees more dedicated.

While there are still com-

panies that maintain very strict dress codes, it’s important to see those groups becoming outliers in a changing culture. What was once a stigmatized form of artistry and personal expression is slowly being realized and accepted. Once a trend is approved in workplace dress codes, it’s no longer a trend—it has become a cultural element that will help the industry of body modification and decoration grow and reach the people who share these passions.

$10 OFF

$20 OFF

(MINIMUM OF $50)

(MINIMUM OF $100)

ANY PIERCING

ANY TATTOO

307 N. RIVERFRONT DR., MANKATO, MN 56001 OPEN MON.-SAT. 12-8

507-387-6601

www.cactustattoo.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Letter to the Editor In response to the Reporter article, “Many push for more library hours.”

I read with interest the MSU Reporter Opinion piece “Are MSU library hours sufficient for students?” (“Many push for more library hours” in print edition, Tuesday, October 28, 2014), noting the references to 24-hour access provided at public research universities in other states (but not, I would point out, at the main research campus in Minnesota).

Your Library faculty and staff welcome student input and work collaboratively with student leadership to address the needs identified. For example, at MSSA’s request, all floors of the Library remained open until 2 a.m. during finals week last year. We publicized this as a pilot study and collected data all week. Simply put, the trial showed insufficient demand to keep all floors open after midnight.

Until 2007, the MSU Library closed at midnight Sunday through Thursday, and

MSU Reporter • 7

News

this remains the schedule at peer institutions in Minnesota such as St. Cloud State or University of Minnesota Duluth.

In response to MSSA requests, we made staffing, security, and 2007 budget allocation changes, extending first-floor hours until 2 a.m. After a similar consultation process with students and faculty, we also added Saturday hours during summer sessions. For the past 7 years, with support from MSU’s central administration, we have maintained the extended hours as a budget priority, supplemented by a major budgetary commitment to providing 24/7 online access to Library resources, including the “Ask Us 24x7” email and chat service.

Although it might be desirable to have a 24/7 study space on campus that is safe, quiet, and comfortable, we simply cannot offer this option in the Library at this time. We

are very proud that Memorial Library is a well-used study space and will continue to work with students and faculty to prioritize and address campus needs as best we can.

Joan Roca, Dean of Library Services Minnesota State University, Mankato

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

REPUBLICAN “It simply means we think for ourselves, honor God and love our country.” continued from 3

gaining the six Senate seats needed to take control of the US Senate with the New York Times giving them a 68 percent chance.

Republicans have painted this election as a referendum on the policies of President Barack Obama, such as the controversial Affordable Care Act, the doubling of the national debt during his time on office, the response to the ISIS threat, as some view it as unclear, immigration reform, the use of the IRS as a political weapon against opponents and the response to the threat of Ebola. Democrats have attempted to distance themselves from the president in the lead up to the election with candidates choosing to not appear with the president during one of his numerous campaign stops over the last two months.

Although national polls show trending towards the

Republican brand in most states, Minnesota is deep blue, having not voted for a Republican at the presidential level since 1972 (being the sole state to not back Reagan in his re-election bid). Polling shows Franken is up by ten points, but recent polls have showed a tightening and Minnesotans have showed their ability to upset predictions, such as with the election of wrestler Jesse Ventura to Governor.

Regardless of results of today’s election, the MSU Mankato College Republicans have been an active organization in our political system this cycle, which shows them to be organized, hard working and civically minded – a praise-worthy accomplishment regardless of political affiliations.

Only 1 Mile Away From Campus!

CSET SPOTLIGHT: QUN (VINCENT) ZHANG During my sabbatical year, I worked for technology companies on research and forwardlooking projects in 100- and 400-Gigabit per second optical transceivers and signal processing algorithms for point-of-care testing medical devices. Many ideas generated from these projects will be studied in depth and utilized for external funding applications. The knowledge gained from solving real engineering problems was incorporated to the two new graduate-level courses developed during my sabbatical leave: Advanced Communication System Design (Fall 2014) and Statistical Signal Processing in Communications (Spring 2015).

Another benefit is that the sabbatical leave gave me time to travel and opportunities to exchange ideas with experts outside Minnesota. I visited and presented at institutions such as Tsinghua University and Shandong University in China. I began collaborating with researchers in the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology (SIMIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). I visited and worked at MicroPoint Bioscience’s Shenzhen, China site.

During my sabbatical leave, I also worked on advanced technology, explored collaboration opportunities, and identified my future research and teaching focuses. It has been a rewarding year.

115 Parkway Ave., Mankato, MN 56001

Call 507-387-1217 Today!

Visit our new website: www.glenwoodterrace.com

Beautiful Outdoor Pool

• 1 Bedrooms @ $649 • 2 Bedrooms @ $799 • FREE Parking on Campus • Air-Conditioned Units

Spacious Apartments

• Outdoor Grills • On-Site Laundry • Heat & Water Included • All Pets Allowed!

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Evenings and Weekends by Appointment

8 • MSU Reporter

News

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Students weigh in on 2014 midterm issues College students have bright ideas for this election.

BROOKE EMMONS Staff Writer With the much-anticipated 2014 midterm elections taking place there is speculation on turnouts throughout college campuses.

In the 2010 midterms, it’s estimated that only 24 percent of all eligible college aged people ages 18-29 voted. Multiple organizations including Rock the Vote and The New Voters Project have worked tirelessly since the past elections to get young voters to get out and vote this year.

Midterm elections traditionally have fewer turnouts than Presidential elections because they have less press and media involvement, but the Senate and Congress are just as important to the United States government.

Overall there are several topics that are big throughout all ages in this election. The International Business Times conducted a poll in the last week of October with 1,200 registered voters. Of the voters, 48 percent were male and 53 percent were female. Economic growth and job creation, which has always been very important in elections, is thought of as the most important by 23 percent of people. Another 23 percent’s top priority is the gridlock situation in Washington. The next

largest grouping was 12 percent concern towards the deficit.

Next came Social Security, health care, and Medicare were next, all at 9 percent. The next steps towards military action in the war against ISIS were the biggest issue for only 7 percent.

The lowest was the Ebola outbreak, being the most important to only 2 percent.

In polls with college students only, the top concern is the same as the polls with voters of all ages. Improving the economy as well as creating more jobs is the top priority issue, as many students fear not being hired post graduation.

This is when the similarities end between the mass population and college students. Next highest on students minds are tuition and student loans. At the end of 2012, the collective student debt in loans amounted to $966 billion. The majority of students are concerned with how the government will help them tackle these massive debts by offering refinancing, better loan options, and more grants. Also, the topic of tuition freeze is on the rise.

Minnesota State University students had a lot to say on this topic specifically when asked about what their most important concerns for this midterm election were.

“A lot of thing to do with col-

lege and school. Obviously that’s my life right now. So financing with school funding and loans,” said Cassie Rumpza, a MSU junior who is undecided on a major.

Dalton Schank, a junior majoring in medical lab science has two concerns. “Health care and education,” he said.

Another student who just entered the world of college debt also was concerned with the issue.

“Mostly towards keeping tuition frozen,” Callie Rohlik, a freshman majoring in exercise science said. This will be her first election that she can vote in.

Though tuition and loans are huge on college student’s minds, there are other pressing topics.

Reproductive rights are one of these, as many college students look towards affordable contraception and have strong feelings about abortion.

Another topic important on college student’s minds is LGBTQA equality. Many campuses, including MSU, have a strong LGBTQA community that works towards pushing marriage equality. With the majority of states having legalized gay marriage, their efforts are working, and this election season students are looking to finish the job and make marriage equality nation wide.

This midterm election is

a t y u r o E s c

d n T t E j

u a M s o

Brooke Emmons • MSU Reporter Dalton Schank, a junior attending MSU.

extremely important for not only the Senate and Congress, but also the next presidential election. College students are projected to have a better turn out than years past, but the num-

bers are still shockingly low.

Make sure to exercise your right to vote in order to work towards fixing the issues you care about most.

FOR RENT RENT RATES FOR 2014 SCHOOL YEAR:

$410 per room Apartments & Townhomes (Includes FREE internet & cable)

Available Houses Published to Our Website on Nov. 1st!

Call or Text Jeremy to schedule an appointment!

Call Only

507.351.5192

Call or Text

952.994.5966

744 JAMES AVENUE • MANKATO, MN 56001

(507) 387-3771

EMAIL: HUNTINGTON@NATIONWIDEHSG.COM

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

MSU Reporter • 9

News

An editor’s request this Election Day JAMES HOUTSMA Editor in Chief

Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, one of the most important days of the year (if not the most) is upon us. A significant step above our required immunizations and oil changes for our vehicles, Election Day is more than a scheduled obligation -- it’s a civic duty.

And like so many civic duties, sometimes people need to be begged to do them.

Therefore, if there’s one thing that needs to be conveyed this Election Day, it’s this: please just vote.

There’s no such thing as an unimportant election year. 2014 alone determines the fate of the Minnesota gubernatorial seat, several U.S. House positions, one of Minnesota’s national

Senate seats and dozens of state House candidates, not to mention plenty of area government positions, including the mayor of Mankato. That’s more than enough importance right there.

These are the people we choose to oversee our communities, jobs, schools, roads, state, nation; you know, “trivial stuff.”

In fact, contrary to the thought that only presidential race election years hold the most importance, years like this come with arguably more local impact. So please, just vote.

Admittedly, it’s not hard to become disillusioned with our political system. Congress in recent years has gone from getting nothing done fast to getting nothing done at all, caving to interest groups and campaign financers as opposed to the people they serve (some more openly than others). But as dark as things may seem, there’s a way back to the light short of violent revolution (thankfully not quite to that point yet.)

You can get involved with candidates who don’t play the game and have their full interests invested in their constituents. You can volunteer as an election judge for your county like so many good men and women do to help out in making this election process as smooth as possible [Hi Patty]. But simplest of all, you can vote.

It seriously has never been easier to vote in the state of Minnesota. Thousands have already taken advantage of the state’s new early voting laws allowing for absentee voting in any situation. Same day registration is a convenient and inclusive trait that makes a difference for so many. Polling places can easily be found via the Secretary of State’s website at http:// pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. The amount of assistance involved in completing roughly five minutes of community responsibility is astounding.

Most of all, don’t be that person who complains about

MSU Reporter Archives Editor in Chief James Houtsma has one suggestion this Election Day: vote.

the political process without having done your part in it. That would be awkward. It’s as easy as taking pen to paper. To be that person who quotes To Kill a Mockingbird’s Atticus Finch “In

r

● STEP 1: Sign up for a tour TODAY at the housing fair in the CSU (Right here, right now!) ● STEP 2: The day of your tour receive a free pizza afterwards (Yes, a WHOLE FREE pizza for EACH person!) ● STEP 3: Sign a lease that same day and get a $50 gas card (YES, per person!) ● STEP 4: Enjoy your pizza and gas and live at the BEST place with the MOST amenities in Mankato.

the name of god, do your duty.”

Cliche, yes, but oh so fitting.

10 • MSU Reporter

News

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Grant brings promise of strong workers BROOKE EMMONS Staff Writer Minnesota State University, Mankato President Richard Davenport will host a grant signing ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. to honor three regional companies that received Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Grants (MJSP). The ceremony is to be held in the Centennial Student Union Hearth Room.

The MJSP grant program works with businesses and educational institutions to strategically train or retrain workers in

Expires 4/30/15.

Expires 4/30/15.

order to expand work opportunities and keep high-quality jobs in the state.

The grants were awarded under the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

A total of $500,000 from three different grants were awarded to Truck Bodies and Equipment International in Lake Crystal, MN, Michael Foods in Gaylord, MN, and Firmenich in New Ulm, MN, were given by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development in June 2014.

Truck Bodies and Equipment

Expires 4/30/15.

International in Lake Crystal, MN, is a company consisting of five major leading manufacturers of dump bodies, landscape bodies, platforms, hoists and truck and trailer equipment and accessories.

Michael Foods in Gaylord, MN, is a leading food processor and distributor in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products.

Firmenich in New Ulm, MN, is the largest privately owned company in the perfume and flavor business.

Minnesota State Mankato is partnering with the companies

who received the MJSP grant.

By doing this, the University will be able to serve 1,084 employees who work at the three different companies, helping both them and the school.

In the partnership the school will provide job training to the employees in a large variety of courses designed specially for their professions. In these courses, the students will learn lean strategy, finance for nonfinancial managers and leadership, amongst many more valuable tools for the workplace. “This event showcasing the MJSP grants shared by Min-

nesota State Mankato and these three companies is held to highlight these established partnerships and to promote public awareness of the opportunities available for businesses to partner with the University,� said Davenport.

Light refreshments will be served at the event. Representatives from the companies receiving the grant as well as business leaders from the community are invited to attend to celebrate and honor this partnership.

MSU Reporter • 11

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Follow the Reporter on Twitter @MSU Reporter or Like Us on Facebook facebook.com/msureporter

Email the Sports Editor: reporter-sports@mnsu.edu

507-389-5227

Don’t hate, that’s three straight The 2014 NSIC regular season champs host no. 8 seed for first-round action of the NSIC tournament on Wednesday.

TOMMY WIITA Staff Writer The Mavericks women’s soccer team has shown everyone they are out to set records with professional-like play throughout this entire season. The Mavs

Molly McGough The 2-0 win over Winona State on Sunday gave Molly her 30th career shutout,

had their two last regular season games this season this past weekend, defeating Upper Iowa University 4-1 and Winona State 2-0. They have finished their regular season with a record of 18-0-0, and 15-0-0 in the NSIC. This marks the first time the Mavericks have finished with an undefeated regular season record.

In their first game against Upper Iowa, the Mavs defeated the Peacocks of Upper Iowa 4-1 at Upper Iowa, clinching their third Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Regular Season Championship in as many years.

The peacocks fell to 9-6-1 and a 9-4-1 conference ledger. Senior Emily Moris started the scoring four minutes into the match. Junior Korey Kronforst drew the Peacock’s goalie out of the net and shot a pass to a wide open Moris in front of the goal to put the Mavs up 1-0 early.

Kronforst added a goal in the

Photo Courtesy of Minnesota State Athletics Meet your 2014 NSIC regular season champions. They outscored their opponents 59-5 in their 18 victories.

23rd minute after senior Breanna Steele took a free kick from across midfield that fell in front of sophomore Dana Savino. Savino forced the defense to keep the focus on her and passed it to Kronforst, who tapped it in for her first goal of the match. However, the Peacocks did answer just a few minutes later as Aimee Wronski was able to get one past senior Mavs goalkeeper Molly McGough to cut the lead in half.

In the second half, it didn’t take long for the Purple and Gold to add their lead in the second

half as Savino and Kronforst hooked up again in the 50th minute. Savino kicked one over to Kronforst who used the heavy wind to help her guide the ball into the top right corner of the net from 27 yards to put MSU up by two. Just 10 minutes later, Kronforst made herself a hat trick for the day as she scored her third goal of the day and her 14th of the year, this time coming unassisted to seal the deal for a 4-1 MSU win. She now stands fourth all-time in goals scored in program history with 39 and need

just three more to move up to third all-time. She also moves up to the fifth spot in career points, totaling with 90.

Minnesota State outshot Upper Iowa 28-9 and held a 13-6 advantage in shots on goal. The Mavericks also won the battle for corner kicks 7-1. McGough improves her record to 15-0, allowing just the one goal and making five saves on the afternoon.

WOMEN’S SOCCER • Page 14

Fourth quarter rally keeps Mavericks perfect CHUCK ABBOTT Staff Writer

Trevor Cokley • MSU Reporter

The Minnesota State University, Mankato football team proved yet again why they are the no. 1 ranked team in the country as they beat a no. 10 ranked Sioux Falls team by a score of 27-14 this past Saturday. The running game and defense by the Mavericks once again played to their expec-tations and helped them move to 9-0 on the season.

MSU totaled an astounding 326 rushing yards on the no. 2 ranked defense in the conference in USF. Leading the way for the Maverick ground game was Connor Thomas, who racked up 140 yards rushing, along with a huge 70-yard touchdown run that put the Mavs up by 10 in the 4th quarter.

Andy Pfeiffer also had a nice day on the ground with 93 yards, and Pieruccini added 88 as well.

However, give some credit to the Maverick offensive line.

From the start of the game, MSU completely won the battle in the trenches. The offensive line consistently pushed back the Sioux Falls defensive line and were creating huge holes for the back-

Josh Gordon The junior defensive end earned his second NSIC Defensive Player of the Week award of the season after getting 4 sacks and 10 tackles on Saturday.

field. Linemen don’t often get credit for big days, but hats off to them for their performance on

Saturday.

Although quarterback Nick Pieruccini didn’t have a career game like the previous Saturday, but he did enough to keep the Cougar secondary on their heels. He went 7-16 for 125 yards and a touchdown to Dorian Buford on a beautiful 41-yard strike to take a three-point lead early in the 4th quarter.

“It was nice, it was wide open and I was protected, it was a real nice play all around,” Pieruccini said.

Buford had great separation on his route and Pieruccini dropped it right in on the numbers. The main impact the sophomore quarterback had was in the running game. Whether it was a scramble out of the pocket or a quarterback read option keep, he had the USF defense guessing the entire game.

On the other side of the ball, the Maverick defense seemed out

FOOTBALL • Page 14

12 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Mavericks earn two points in Bowling Green

The weekend occupied a hat trick, but it ended like both series’ last season -- a split. end, assisted by Blake Thompson and Lafontaine. The third period was all Falcons, though.

“They’re a good hockey team,” MSU Head Coach Mike Hastings said. “Their bite was good again. And we had opportunities.”

Spezia would score his third goal of the weekend and the eventual game winner before BGSU sophomore Kevin Dufour added a late empty net goal to seal the game up with a 3-1 win.

It was Dufour’s NCAA leading ninth goal of the season.

“Not scoring on the power play was our demise,” Hastings said. “It wasn’t good enough.

Trevor Cokley • MSU Reporter

Bryce Gervais (above) had the Mavericks’ first hat trick since Eriah Hayes did it in February of 2013.

DEREK LAMBERT Staff Writer The Minnesota State University, Mankato men’s hockey team experienced some déjà vu this past weekend when they faced off against the Bowling Green State University Falcons.

At BGSU, the Mavericks came away with a series split against the Falcons, just like the two se-

C.J. Franklin The freshman forward had a fourpoint weekend, including three assists in Friday’s 5-2 win over Bowling Green.

ries in 2013-2014.

On Friday night, MSU fell behind early when Tyler Spezia put the Falcons on the board 3:31 into the first period. The Mavs fought back, though, and took control of this game.

Jean-Paul Lafontaine buried a power play tally at the midpoint

of the first period with assists going to Casey Nelson and Matt Leitner. Tied at one apiece after the first period, the Mavericks took over in the second period to run away with this one.

Just over a minute into the second period, Nelson tallied his first goal of the season with Lafontaine and Brad McClure recording assists on the play.

Maverick-leading goal scorer Bryce Gervais added to the lead with two second period goals of his own heading into the third period.

Just 33 seconds into the final period, Spezia struck again with his second of the night to close the gap to 4-2, but the night was highlighted by what came next.

Gervais netted his third goal of the game for his first career hattrick and his team-leading seventh goal of the season. Freshman C.J. Franklin recorded assists on all three of Gervais’ goals for the first three-point game of his career.

Maverick goaltender Stephon Williams recorded 17 saves on Friday to secure his fifth win of the season.

On Saturday night, the Falcons fought back to earn a series split and avoid a Maverick sweep.

BGSU led after one period of play on a goal by Brett D’Andrea for the only tally of the period.

Then in the second period, Franklin tied the game for MSU on his fourth point of the week-

Jean-Paul Lafontaine The senior tied things up in the first period before a three-goal second period in Friday’s win over Bowling Green.

One goal on the road isn’t going to get it done.”

Williams made 18 saves on the night, but was credited with the loss, bringing his record to 5-2 on the season.

With the split, the Mavericks move to 5-3 on the season and 3-1 in conference play.

“It was a hard game,” Hastings said. “That’s what it’s going to be in this league. We knew this weekend would be a test.”

Next up for MSU is a home

$10-$11 TO START

NOW HIRING

Direct Support Staff to help up to 4 individuals with developmental challenges in area group homes.

Positions open include: - FT & PT 3p-10p - FT Awake Overnights - PT Sleep Overnights All positions include every other weekend.

HAUGBECK SUPPORT SERVICES

Apply at 125 Madison Ave or contact Paul at 385-6201

a o v C s i

h s w d

e s s e I b o f t d l p l

e i Trevor Cokley • MSU Reporterg t Sophomore forward Jordan Nelson has a goal and three assists in eight t games.

M f series this weekend against al much-improved Bemidji Statem University squad. The Beavers come to town for the two gamei series which is slated for puckH drop at 7:07 p.m. on Friday andk H Saturday night.

Bemidji State is currentlya 3-3 after a weekend sweep overk Alaska Fairbanks. That isn’t say-S ing much, but the Beavers did3 start their 2014-2015 season withR two games against North Dakotaf and then two against no. 1 Minnesota. They did get swept by the Casey Nelson Gophers, but had a 1-1 split wiht Sophomore defenseman added a UND and they were ranked no. 2 goal and assist in Friday’s victory at the time. over Bowling Green.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

MSU Reporter • 13

Sports

Volleyball ends Friday funk with second conference weekend sweep of season .

LUKE LONIEN Staff Writer

The Mavericks were finally able to get that Friday monkey off their back as they swept University of Mary in the Taylor Center last Friday. A total team sweep for MSU as four Mavericks put up at least nine kills.

“It’s nice to win two in a row,” head coach Dennis Amundson said. “Winning streaks are always nice. Nothing builds confidence like winning”.

The Mavericks took control early, jumping to an 11-5 lead in set one. The Mavericks kept the set in their control, riding the early lead to a 25-21 set victory.

In set two, the Mavericks led 14-9 but were unable to put University of Mary away. The Marauders fought back and were able to tie the set up at 20. The Mavericks did not let the Marauders get the lead, as they took the last five points of the set, earning a 25-20 lead.

With a 2-0 set lead, the Mavericks had all the momentum going into set three. UM was not rgoing to let the Mavericks take the set easy, as they played the third set tight. Down 12-11, the Mavericks took the lead on a four-point run to get the mid-set lead. The Mavericks carried that mid-set lead into a 25-20 lead.

MSU had several players chip in on the offensive end. Chandra Honebrink led the way with 11 kills, Sydney Powell and Krista Hassing chipped in 10 kills each and Vikolia Meade added in nine kills of her own. Ellie Van De Steeg kept her solid play up with 38 assist, and Honebrink and Rissi McNallan each had 10 digs for the Mavericks. Haley Forgar-

ty added in 9 digs herself.

Amundson was pleased with the solid contribution all the way around.

“Sometimes it just the way the game works out. Depends on what they are doing, who is hot and who is not,” Amundson said.

“We always try to be balanced”.

Getting the Friday win was big for the Mavericks, but they had another match on Saturday.

The Mavericks were able to take control of the match and get their second sweep of the weekend over Minot State on senior day.

MSU took care of business after the early deficit going on a seven point run, getting three kills on the run from both Powell and Jena McNallan. The run gave the Mavericks a 12-10 lead.

The Mavericks kept their solid play up, winning the first set 2521.

In set two the Mavericks saw themselves trailing again early 7-4. MSU was able to keep the set close, and tie things up late at 20 apiece. This set would need extra points, and the Mavericks were able to prevail on back-toback kills from Honebrink to get the 29-27 win.

The Mavericks again saw themselves trailing in the third set, but they did not let the deficit slow them down, as they were able to knot things up at six.

MSU used a 12-4 run mid-set to get an 18-10 lead. Minot would not back down, as they cut the lead 22-19. The Mavericks were able to close out the set, getting a 25-21 set win, and finish off Minot with a sweep.

Honebrink led the way with 13 kills and Jenna McNallan and Powell added in 12 kills of their own. Van De Steeg added in 46

JOB FAIR Nov. 7th & 8th

Fun & Exciting Job! Great Benefits!

Work Inside or Out! Flexible Hours & Competitive Wages • Lift Operators • Weekday Medical Staff • Food Service • Rental Shop • Ski & Board Instructors

• Tech Shop • Bartenders • Cooks • Ticket Window • Night Janitor

Apply at Mount Kato Ski Area One mile south of Mankato on Hwy. 66 www.MountKato.com

assists for the Mavericks while Fogarty had 17 digs to lead the Mavericks. Honebrink followed with 15 digs.

The Mavericks will have to keep the momentum going on this upcoming road trip.

“We got to go on the road and figure out what to do. Both of

those teams would love to beat us. Moorhead always plays hard and Northern would love to return the favor we gave them at our place,” Amundson said. “We just got to focus and make it happen”.

With the weekend sweep the Mavericks move to 16-9 (12-6)

Trevor Cokley • MSU Reporter

record, and head on the road this weekend for a rematch against Northern State on Friday, the Mavericks upset the ranked Huskies in the Taylor Center earlier this season. The Mavericks finish their regular season at MSU Moorhead in Moorhead on Saturday.

14 • MSU Reporter

Sports

FOOTBALL

of it to start the game. Back-toback plays went for 20+ yards on USF’s first drive of the game, but the defense held up and came up with a huge fourth down play that halted the Cougar drive on the 25, which set the tone defensively for the rest of the game. Just like the offensive line, the Maverick front seven won the battle up front as the Cougars rushed for only 77 yards, a team which usually averages well over 200 yards per game on the ground.

Defensive end Josh Gordon was

continued from 11

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

WOMEN’S SOCCER “Senior goalkeeper Molly McGough made six saves and improves her record to 16-0-0 on the season.

Just this last shutout gave her the NSIC regular season record and gave her 30 on her career.” continued from 11

Trevor Cokley • MSU Reporter

a man on a mis-sion this week, earning his second NSIC Defensive Player of the Week award as he totaled four sacks to become the new single-season sack leader at 16.5 currently, and with two regular season games to go.

The biggest play of the game was a 4th quarter interception

by Kris Fleigle to all but ice the game for the Mavericks.

“Ya definately, one of our mentalities of our defense is bend but don’t break, and we believe that no offense can continually

drive all the way down the field on us. Eventually they will make a mistake,” Fleigle said.

He also came up with a huge sack on fourth down in the 3rd quarter to spark that momentum and end a Cougar scoring chance.

Minnesota State looks to continue their 31-game NSIC winning streak as they take on the Wayne State Wildcats on the road next week. Be sure to tune into that game at 2 p.m. this Satur-day.

In their second match, the girls played Winona State on Senior Day and defeated them 2-0 to finish a perfect regular season. MSU got the scoring started in the 31st minute as senior Emily Moris tallied her sixth goal of the season. Sophomore Kiana Nickel shot a pass back to Moris on top of the box and Moris found a crease in the defense to boot one into the left corner of the net to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead at the half.

Minnesota State came back to strike again the 68th minute to increase its lead to 2-0. Sophomore Dana Savino headed a ball to Nickel, who worked her way towards the front of the net and somehow snuck it past Warrior goalkeeper Rachel Oleson to give the Mavericks a cushion. Senior goalkeeper Molly McGough made six saves and improves her record to 16-0-0 on the season. Just this last shutout gave her the NSIC regular season record and gave her 30 on her career.

The Mavericks outshot the Warriors 18-13 and had eight shots on goal compared to six for WSU. MSU also had more corner kicks in this one, with a margin of 9-4.

Next up for Minnesota State is the first round of the NSIC/US Bank Women’s Soccer Tournament. The Mavericks will be the #1 seed and will play #8 Bemidji State on Wednesday in Mankato at The Pitch. Opening kick is set to go for 1 p.m.

MSU Reporter • 15

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Follow the Reporter on Twitter @MSU Reporter or Like Us on Facebook facebook.com/msureporter

Email the A&E Editor: reporter-arts@mnsu.edu

507-389-5157

Beauty in the blues Chastity Brown brings her soulful sound to Mankato.

npr.org

LORIEN MEGILL Staff Writer

Fresh off of a European tour, Chastity Brown and her band will perform Saturday, November 8 at Hooligans Neighborhood Pub 1400 East Madison Ave., Mankato. The Ericksons will open the show at 8 p.m., with Brown performing at 9:30 p.m.

The concert is co-sponsored by KMSU-The Maverick and the Minnesota State Mankato Per-

formance Series with assistance from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

The Ericksons latest release, The Wild, was produced by engineer Beau Sorenson, who has worked with artists such as Field Report, Bob Mould, and Death Cab for Cutie. This album stays true to the duo’s previous sound and folk arrangements while incorporating elements like electric guitars and pedal steel. The result is a darker and deeper album that further accentuates the

vocal abilities of the sisters.

Chastity Brown’s style and sound is a blending of gospel, roots, soul, jazz, blues, and country that plays to her strengths vocally. Her music has a rich, bittersweet feel that resonates deep in the American psyche.

Her voice is rich and smooth, producing a very enjoyable and somewhat hypnotic listening experience. Her most recent album, Back-Road Highways, was coproduced by Fred Cannon, (who has worked with artists such as

Prince, Queen, and Stevie Wonder) and recorded at Paul Buono’s Helsinki South studios in Nashville, Tennessee (Brown’s home state) with the help of her new label Creative and Dreams Music Network. “After You,” a track on the album, was featured in the BBC/HBO film Mary & Martha starring Hilary Swank.

Brown opened for Leon Russell at City Winery in Chicago and performed on stage with Michael Kiwanuka while supporting him at First Avenue in Minneapolis.

Brown is accompanied by Robert Mulrennan on the electric guitar, deVon Gray on the keyboard, Jef Sundquist on bass, and Greg Schutte on percussion.

Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 the day of the show.

They can be purchased online at mnsu.edu/music, and in person at the Performance Series Office or Hooligans. For more information, call the Performance Series office, (507) 389-5549.

Nightmare on Front Street EDM takes Mankato by storm over Halloween weekend.

JENNA VAGLE Staff Writer Downtown Mankato was infested with zombies, nurses, angels, demons, TV icons, musicians and many other creative creatures Friday night. The Halloween celebration brought many of these individuals to Chopps bar, where Ruthl3ss Entertainment invited DJs from Minneapolis to preform their lat-

est and greatest EDM tracks. A Nightmare on Front Street was the name of the event Ruthl3ss put together and it was a night filled with dancing, drinking and experiencing the love for music as one.

EDM means Electronic Dance Music. This genre is a broad variety of Dubstep, house, trap and electronic music. It’s not just a genre of music to the EDM community, it is a way of

wordpress.com

life and a family they can turn to that shares the same interests.

Headliners for the Nightmare included White Balance and Litch. While Litch took the stage Saturday night, White Balance killed it Friday preforming from 11:30 pm to 1 am. Patrick Laubis and Mark Phillips, two of the

three members of White Balance, took time to answer some questions.

Phillips said, “Chopps was a lot of fun, it was our third time playing in Mankato. We got to play a bunch of unreleased tracks from some big artists, (that I’m not allowed to mention) and we

Web Photo

snuck in a few of our own things that we’ve been working on.

Our equipment got shut off at one point in the night and while the tech was fixing it, the crowd started chanting, ‘White Balance! White Balance!’ and it was pretty awesome.”

EDM • Page 17

16 • MSU Reporter

A&E

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Less is more in Our Town Director and actors come together to create a classic story.

LORIEN MEGILL Staff Writer The MSU Department of Theatre & Dance is bringing an American classic to the stage.

Our Town, the 1938 play by Thornton Wilder, takes place in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire from 1901-1913. Using minimal sets and props, this show follows two families in the town through life’s most poignant experiences, both joyous and painful.

This is the third time that MSU has presented Our Town, having previously produced the show in 1950 and 1993.

The show is directed by Matthew Caron, a third-year MFA Directing candidate who is in his element, he said of directing: “I just really love directing plays, in general. I love the challenge of solving the problem of a play. It’s fun to identify the main things I want to communicate and then finding ways to make that happen.”

Caron previously directed A Piece of My Heart, Sky Girls, A Plague of Angels, Three Months

Girls project won first place in the Regional Dramaturgy Competition at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and he received second place in the Regional Costume Design competition.

Much of the play centers around one couple: George Gibbs and Emily Webb. Senior BFA Acting candidate Carter Allen plays George. This season, Allen played “Monsieur D’ Arque” in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; last season he was “Man in Chair” in The Drowsy Chaperone, “Charles Condomine” in Blithe Spirit, “Jerry” in the Studio production Betrayal and “Touchstone” in As You Like It. He played “Phillip Lombard” in And Then There Were None and “Thomas” in The Imaginary Invalid (both performances garnered scholarship nominations). He also appeared in Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line, Cactus Flower, Altar Boyz, The Phantom of the Opera, The Producers and Born Yesterday. His Highland Summer Debut was in 2012, when he performed in three shows: Love, Sex, and the

learning more and more about him every night. It’s fascinating!”

Stasny is a senior BFA Act-

Ben Stasny

Sophie Jones

and The Girl in the Studio; and Boeing Boeing in Highland Summer Theatre 2014. Before returning to MSU for his graduate studies Caron worked in the theatre department at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, directing shows including Blood Wedding, And Then They Came for Me…, and Romeo and Juliet.

In January 2013 Caron’s Sky

Blonde. This season she was a “Silly Girl” in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and last season she appeared as “Bishop” in Sky

I.R.S.; Avenue Q; and The Sound of Music, and in 2013 he played a “Clown” in The 39 Steps and “Patsy” in Monty Python’s Spamalot. Sophie Jones, a junior BFA Musical Theatre candidate, plays Emily. Jones appeared in the 2013 children’s theatre touring production of Shine and made her MSU Mainstage debut in the ensemble of Legally

Girls in the Studio and in the ensemble of The Drowsy Chaperone. Jones also appeared as “Hodel” in the Merely Players Community Theatre’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. Every character presents a unique challenge, and Jones said the challenge of playing Emily came from the fact that “Emily is quite literally the “perfect” girl. She’s intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and beautiful, which is extremely intimidating because I have to make the audience believe that a person like that exists. I have to base her in reality in order to truly bring her alive onstage.”

Ben Stasny plays the Stage Manager, who serves as a kind of narrator for the show. The Stage Manager addresses the audience and integrates himself with the onstage action. Stasny approached this unusual character much in the way he would any character and is rewarded by continual discovery: “Acting is all about give and take. In my opinion, it doesn’t really matter if my character speaks only to the audience or only to other actors; I’m still required to respond to what is being brought to the table. I guess I didn’t really approach this character any different than I have other roles in the past. I was still required to do text analysis, I still had to fit him within the world of the show and I am still

ing candidate who recently finished his run as “Lumiere” in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Last season he appeared as “Aldolpho” in The Drowsy Chaperone, “Jaques” in As You Like It, and “Thenardier” in the season opener, Les Misérables. Other past roles include “Robert” in Betrayal, “Clov” in Endgame, “The Adult Men” in Spring

Awakening, “Brother Timoteo” in The Mandrake, and “Elle’s Dad” in Legally Blonde; he was also a member of the cast of Buzz the department’s 2012 children’s theatre touring production. He made his Highland Summer L Theatre debut in Love, Sex, and S the I.R.S., and went on to appear Avenue Q, and The Sound of Music; and was a “Clown” in The 39 d Steps and “Sir Robin” in Monty l Python’s Spamalot. t The show is designed to be W presented minimally in regard to s set and props—offering a unique o challenge for all involved. a “The biggest challenge with e the show is that it is intended to b be done with no set and no props. a All objects handled by the actors t are to be imaginary. This means l that we’ve had a real challenge r in making sure the actors pan- 1 tomime things in a realistic and credible fashion. They must be t clear and specific. Certain de- t sign elements are also helping S with this--in particular the sound h design. So, even though the ob- w jects are imaginary, they sound v very real,” Matthew Caron said: a The sparse nature is one of w the things that drew Sophie i Jones to the show: w “One of my favorite things c about this show is the fact that w we don’t use props or a lot of set w pieces. This show is traditionally s done without a “finished” set, so t it’s really interesting to act in a a show with such a minimalistic t look.”

This style also allows for a g more subtle approach from the A THEATRE • Page 19 h

TWIN CITIES SERVICES MSP Airport Select Downtown Service (Minneapolis & St. Paul) Train Connections to The Mall of America and Event Centers

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

“You can’t revise nothing’” Poet Robert Hass brings insight, writings to Good Thunder Reading Series.

LORIEN MEGILL Staff Writer

This month the Good Thunder Reading Series and the English Department at MSU brought the 2014-2015 Andreas Visiting Writer, poet Robert Hass, to share his knowledge and some of his work with students and anyone else who was interested. Hass has published multiple books of poetry, including Time and Materials winner of the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize; he was the Poet Laureate of the United States from 1995-1997.

Last Thursday Hass came to the MSU campus and spoke at three events throughout the day.

Starting with the morning when he held an informal Q&A. He was relaxed and invited a conversational atmosphere while also sharing his expertise and wisdom. He reminded us that it’s important to just get to work and write something because “you can’t revise nothing” (as his first writing teacher told him). Hass, who is also a translator, answered questions about his work translating Haiku, which led into a conversation of prosody and the sounds of language.

Thursday afternoon Hass gave a craft-talk in Ostrander Auditorium. He talked about his ventures into prose poetry

MSU Reporter • 17

A&E

EDM “White Balance killed it Friday, performing from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.”

. continued from 15

poetryfoundation.org

and how his opinion of the form changed over time. Hass used his own work as an example of weaving in and out of prose and verse within a single piece.

He also talked about how each writer has an individual experience growing up that no one else shares exactly and so each writer has a unique history and characters to portray.

The final event of the day was a reading by Robert Hass and third year MFA candidate in creative writing Elizabeth Horneber, who is this year’s Andreas Graduate Assistant. Horneber began the reading with an excerpt from a non-fiction piece that incorporated imagined conversations with Søren Kierkegaard. Hass began his poetry

reading somewhat in answer to the non-fiction essay, reading a poem written as a conversation with Czesław Miłosz, the Polish poet with whom Hass worked to translate Miłosz’s poetry into English. Hass then read a grouping of poems about death at various ages.

It was certainly a treat to have such a prolific and award-winning poet visit campus and share not only his work but also his wisdom and approach to writing.

The next writer coming as part of the Good Thunder Reading Series is Bonnie Jo Campbell.

On November 20, Campbell will give a talk on craft at 3 p.m. in CSU Ostrander Auditorium, and a Reading at 7:30 p.m. in CSU 245.

White Balance started DJing roughly two years ago.

Phillips said his favorite venues to play are Skyway Theater in Minneapolis or Iron Clyde in Duluth. He also stated that anywhere he’s playing is fun and it’s the idea of getting people together to enjoy the music with him and his sidekicks that he really loves.

“We’re all on this rock flying through space together, so why not come together and celebrate our existence. EDM is really about connecting with people who have similar interests. It’s really about coming together and enjoying the music, and that’s what the EDM family means to me.”

This is the fourth event that that Ruthl3ss Entertainment has organized to bring EDM to Mankato. The first event, Neon Nights, was held at the Mankato Event Center July 26 and

27 of this year. White Balance also headlined for this epic event and they were featured at another night of Dubstep at Summer Sound Off, also held at Chopps, the weekend before school started.

“This last weekend was probably the most fun we’ve had in Mankato. You can tell EDM is pretty new to Mankato, but it’s cool how accepting they are to it, and us. It feels like home every time we play there. A big ups to Chopps for stepping up and holding EDM events when other venues in the area weren’t willing to!”

Phillips exclaimed about the new EDM scene in Mankato.

Other DJs included in this Halloween Bash included B:Product, Digital T/DJ ATack, ShakaBrah, Zanster, and GoHard.

18 • MSU Reporter

A&E

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

A Swift departure from Spotify Will breaking ties with underpaying streaming companies boost sales or encourage online piracy?

CHELSEY DIVELY Staff Writer Taylor Swift refused to add her new album, 1989, to Spotify and has removed all of her old albums from the site. Her reason for the sudden departure from the popular music-streaming site is that she feels artists deserve to be paid more for their work, even though approximately 16 million out of the 40 million subscribers have played her songs in the past month. On Spotify, each play earns artists $.006 and $.0084 per play, which is an extremely little amount in comparison to what other companies like iTunes provide.

Despite the given reason, there is speculation that this was a ploy to boost sales for her new album; this is surprising because Taylor Swift is one of the top grossing artists of our generation and is making money off of her performances, merchandising, albums, and singles. Have you looked at the price of a Taylor

billboard.com

Swift concert lately? She’s not exactly hurting for cash, and she is getting some money from Spotify and nothing from the masses of people downloading from Pirate Bay or other torrenting sites.

Let’s be honest, there’s a chance

that pulling from Spotify will lead to more illegal downloading of her albums or switching to other sites like Grooveshark that don’t pay to stream her stuff, not to mention the thousands of YouTube videos and AMV’s with

her music. Spotify is competing against sites that are literally paying nothing in royalties to artists and they continue to make money off of advertisements. In response to the removal of her music, Spotify issued this state-

T S

C e o ment online: l “We hope she’ll change her i mind and join us in building a new music economy that works for everyone. We believe fans should be able to listen to music wherever and whenever they want, and that artists have an absolute right to be paid for their work and protected from piracy. That’s why we pay nearly 70% of our revenue back to the music community.

PS – Taylor, we were both young when we first saw you, but now there’s more than 40 million of us who want you to stay, stay, stay. It’s a love story, baby, just say, Yes.” What Taylor Swift’s final de- n cisions will be remains uncer- c tain, but there is a chance that s we will see a shift in the musical w industry’s policies regarding on- b line streaming and royalties. t G h T a

m t e D a

Need to scrap your vehicle? $$ CALL US $$ • Used parts, cars, trucks & repairables!

• Purchasing all grades of metal!

• Including Appliances • Free Pick Up of Junk Cars!

• Friendly, Reliable Service • Top Dollar Paid • Online Parts Search

HOURS: Mon.-Fri., 8-5

507-524-3735

(10 miles south on Hwy. 22)

BANDRAUTOTRUCKSALVAGE.COM

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Arts live on in Diversity and International Education Week

TEREASA HATTEN Staff Writer

International Education and Cultural Diversity Week, celebrated November 3-7 this year, offers many opportunities for learning and celebration. Events include a photo contest for inter-

the Kearney International Center of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Poetry submissions for the event required the following information: poems in their original language and English translation, the author of the poem, as well as the participants’ contact information.

There will be a total of 35 par-

they’ve written themselves and all participants have worked very hard to translate their poem into English.

While International Education and Cultural Diversity week greatly highlights the International Center, they hold several other events each year – one of

Photo by Yohanes Ashenafi

national students, a poetry recital, and an afternoon of game show trivia. The photo contest will run all week and voting will be held in the Lincoln Lounge of the Centennial Student Union.

Game show trivia will also be held in the Lincoln Lounge on Thursday, November 6 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Students, faculty, and community members are all invited to attend the International Poetry Recital event hosted by the Department of World Languages and Cultures and sponsored by

MSU Reporter • 19

A&E

ticipants, made up of graduate, undergraduate, and international students, as well as some faculty.

They will be reciting poetry in 11 different languages: English, French, Vietnamese, Spanish, American Sign Language, Persian, German, Catalan, Portuguese, Quechua, and Korean.

Several of these readers will be reciting in a language they are currently learning, some of them beginners and some advanced students. Most will be reading works by renowned poets, but a few will be reading poetry

which is the Mankato Area International Festival that occurs in April. More information on this can be found at mnsu.edu/ international/events.

The recital will be held in the casual lab of Memorial Library (ML45) from 2-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5. Anyone with questions about the event or its participants can contact Enrique Torner, Professor of Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, at his email enrique.torner@ mnsu.edu.

Staff: Campus Pastor Wong, Reverend Roger Knepprath, Mark Probst, Vicar Allen Kirschbaum, RA Kody Green

THEATRE “Using minimal

sets and props, this show follows two families in the town through life’s most poignant experiences...” .

continued from 16

actors and a return to a simpler time. Strong dialogue is a hallmark of theatre and a focus on that is likely part of what gives Our Town its sticking power.

“Our Town is so stimulating because it allows the actors to focus on intention, motivation, subtext and through line.

Sometimes, and especially in big musicals like Beauty and the Beast, it is easy to forget about the character’s intentions and subtext but in Our Town all we have to play off of are the other actors on stage with us. There is little music, no dancing and hardly any sword fights. This show forces us to really listen to each other and respond accordingly. I think this show is beautiful, especially during an age where entertainment is over-saturated with endless action and explosions.

It’s nice to have a play where all we really do is talk,” Ben Stasny says.

Like any truly long-lasting show, Our Town contains a set of universal themes and ideas that resonate with people universally. Director Matthew Caron spoke to this universality: “It is a play about growing up, getting married, love, living and dying…the themes of life, love and death are applicable to all people of all times.

No matter where you live or what your culture is like, all people deal with these things.

So, in that way, Our Town takes these themes and expresses them through the story of a small, American town and applies them to all humanity.”

Sophie Jones also finds a takeaway from the show that can be applied to anyone, “I think it’s a great commentary on how so many people never seem to appreciate life while they live it. It’s also a great reminder to enjoy the little things in life; it’s over before you know it.” It is the universal threads running through the show that provide something for everybody and make the show not only entertaining but also enriching.

The show opens on November 6 and runs for two weekends, with performances at 7:30 p.m. November 6,7, 8, 13, 14, and 15, and 2 p.m. November 15 and 16, in the Ted Paul Theatre of the Earley Center for Performing Arts. Tickets are $16 regular, $14 for senior citizens, youth 16 and under, and groups of 15 or more; and $11 for current MSU students.

They can be purchased online at MSUTheatre.com, by calling 507-389-6661, or in person at the Theatre & Dance Box Office in the lobby of the Earley Center for Performing Arts, open from 4-6 p.m., MondayFriday.

1506 WARREN STREET • MANKATO • MN (Look for our electronic sign!)

507-345-4511

WWW.BEACONWELS.ORG

Mondays • Wednesdays......................................................... Bible Study Tuesdays...................................................................... Bible Study 11 am Wednesdays.........................................................................Vespers 9 pm Thursdays................................................................... $1 Supper 5:30 pm ..................................................................................Bible Study 4:45 pm

CENTER HOURS: 8am-10pm OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Wednesday, 12-5pm; Thursday 9am-9pm

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

RENTMSU H O U S E S: 1-10 bedroom houses.

RentMSUcom.

4/30 COLLEGE TOWN: 3-5 bedroom cottages CollegeTownMankato. com. 4/30 C O L LEG E S TAT I O N: 1-5 bedroom apartments CollegeStationMankato.com.

4/30 LOFTS@1633: 1-4 bedroom loft units Loft1633.com.

4/30 QUARTERS AT MANKATO: 2-4 bedroom multi-level townhomes and flats RentMSU.com. 4/30

AVAILABLE AUGUST 2015: House for Rent, 2 and 1/2 baths, 4 B/rooms, W/D, A/C, Garage, Rental License (5 unrelated adults), $1,380 a month + utilities, West Mankato. Text or call for more Info: 507-779-4631.

11/13

NOTICES

FREE SHOTOKAN KARATE classes offered Monday 6-8 pm, Tuesday 7-9 pm, Thursday 6-8 pm. Room PH 102. Beginners are welcome. Need not to be a MSU student to join. For info call Brad @507-388-5301 or lostgonzo@gmail.com or search MSU Shotokan on Facebook or Yahoo Groups.

4/30

20 • MSU Reporter

Advertisement

Tuesday, November 4, 2014