Mvcc Glacier

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MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER WWW.MVCCGLACIER.COM FEBRUARY 21, 2014 VOLUME 47, ISSUE 11

Opening date draws near By Ashley Meitz News Editor Scheduled to open March 2014, the Health, Fitness and Recreation Center is undergoing its final phases of construction. Construction Manager of the project, Richard Martinez, was present at a Board of Trustees Meeting held Wednesday, Feb. 19. Martinez explained that the Center is 99% finished, and although there have been a number of small delays due to the extreme weather conditions, it is still scheduled to open March 15. Security systems are intact, interior construction is complete, floors have been waxed and electricity and elevators are functioning. While the Center is perceived as being ‘free’ for fulltime students, it should be noted that there is an $8 fee added to each credit hour which supports funding. In order to offset the cost of infrastructure, maintenance and the decrease of

state funds, this automatic addition to tuition is what made construction possible. Moraine Valley employees, students and the community are encouraged to take advantage of current signing promotions. Currently, members receive one month free when an upfront payment is made, or 10% off a 12-month membership paid in full at the time of purchase. With access to group fitness classes, three hardwood courts, instructional programming, intramural sports and a four-lane lap pool and whirlpool, the Center is ideal for any person of any age. The 113,000 square-foot facility is committed to serving each type of individual. A Hammer Strength free weight area, an Olympic lifting platform and four separate fitness studios prove the point further. Modern locker rooms, private shower stalls, towel service, daily lockers, permanent locker rentals and complimentary computer sta-

tions with Wi-Fi are among some of the amenities. It is important to note that the Center will be open on days school is not in session and past regular school hours. Beginning March, hours are as follows: Monday -T hursday 5:30 a.m.- 11 p.m., Friday 5:30 a.m.10 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. Membership Sales Hours are Monday and Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Register inside the P Building or call (708) 608-4015. For more information, visit hfrc@morainevalley.edu. Ashley Meitz can be contacted at news@ Construction team led by Manager Richard Martinez works to make HFRC mvccglacier.com. fitness ready in time for opening date, March 15. [Erica Sinnott]

Getting prepared for the worst By Ashley Meitz News Editor

Chief O’Connor led an emergency response presentation telling of different scenarios and emergency procedures in place at MVCC. [Erica Sinnott]

Moraine Valley Police Chief, Patrick O’Connor, has over two decades of experience in criminal justice. Previously, Chief O’Connor worked for the Illinois terror task force. MVCC Chief O’Connor’s Moraine Valley police department is recognized as one of the largest campus police forces, con-

sisting of over 60 officers and ranking among the top three largest departments in the state. Moraine Valley boasts one of the safest campuses in the country. “Not a new issue, we hear it because we report it better.” In his expert opinion and through decades of law enforcement experience, Chief O’Connor finds the former statement to be true of emergency situations, specifically unsuspecting mass shootings that seem to appear more and more in our society. Chief O’Connor referenced several past incidents where senseless

attacks on innocent people took place. A notable event was the former Marine, Charles Woodman, who had a brain tumor causing major mental issues. Woodman, former United States Marine and described as a prolific killer, was the first that we as a society dealt with a major attack on innocent people caused by mental health issues. When it comes to emergency procedures, Chief O’Connor preaches one core belief; “You are responsible for you.” Among this major conviction, derives three integral POLICE | page 6

IN THIS ISSUE Entertainment Justin Santora presents his “Vestiges” in the DiCaprio Gallery. SOCIAL PAGE 7

Sports Local Olympian undergoes heartbreaking loss and takes silver. PAGE 12

Features Valentine’s Day speed dating and dating games in the U Building. SOCIAL PAGE 1


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