MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER WWW.MVCCGLACIER.COM MAY 9, 2014 VOLUME 47, ISSUE 16
Student achieves prestige By Ashley Meitz News Editor Each year, 85 students throughout the country are selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship of up to $30,000. This school year, one of Moraine Valley’s own has been awarded the prestige. Nada Omer’s scholarship will help cover a significant share of tuition, expenses, books and fees during the final two to three years spent obtaining her bachelor’s degree. According to a news release, Moraine Valley’s Student Development Department surprised Omer with flowers and the announcement of her achievement during one of her evening classes. “I was absolutely floored when I found out,” she said. “I had been checking my mail every day waiting to hear something about winning. I was so nervous. I know the scholarship is one of the most selective in the country, and I honestly didn’t think I was
Nader Omer, of Chicago Ridge, is congratulated by the Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees (from left): Eamon Almiladi, Tom Cunningham, Susan Murphy, Eileen O’Sullivan, Sandra Wagner, Joe Murphy and John Coleman. Omer was one of 85 community college students to receive the Jack Cooke Kent Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. [Courtesy of Moraine Valley Marketing] going to win, but it has given me an immense sense of relief that I don’t have to burden my family with debt to achieve my
dreams.” In 2011, Omer earned her GED through Moraine Valley with a test score that was
so high that she was offered a scholarship to enroll in classes. In May, she plans to graduate with an Associate of Science
Degree from the college and go onto a university in the fall to finish a bachelor’s degree in TRANSFER | page 3
Laps for cancer Acquiring a new skillset By Ashley Meitz News Editor Moraine Valley hosted its Relay For Life overnight fundraising event , bringing families, students and community members together in order to raise cancer awareness and funds while supporting current cancer fighters. The team-based fundraiser celebrated survivors and remembered those who have passed from the disease. Relay For Life strives to fight against cancer through raising funds given directly to the American Cancer Society (ACS), which works to raise awareness of different types of cancer throughout the general public. Every
year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries lend their time and efforts to ACS. As a result, the nationwide society is able to prevent cancer, save lives and diminish suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The concept of walking laps to raise funds began in May 1985, when a surgeon by the name of Dr. Gordy Klatt sought to enhance local income toward fighting cancer through doing what he loved: running marathons. He spent 24 hours circling a track, running over 83 miles and raising $27,000. 29 years later, the United States boasts over 5,200 Relay For RELAY | page 6
By Ashley Meitz News Editor The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This is an opportunity for 30 days dedicated toward raising awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on different ways to prevent it. Whether hosting unique fundraising events or events intended to raise awareness, institutions around the globe take part in this national campaign. Moraine Valley is one of thousands of college campuses to join the 2014 Sexual Awareness Month campaign. Counseling and Career Devel-
opment set forth a series of events throughout the month of April in an attempt to promote awareness throughout the campus. “We want to bring the national day to our own local level on campus to support prevention, awareness, and resources and do our share,” said Paula Adduci, Moraine Valley counselor. April 29 marked the final part of Moraine Valley’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month series with a Self-Defense event led by Innovative Survival Arts members Tony Leon, Nick Moran and cotrainer, Armando. The demonstration was meant to prepare students,
faculty and staff for challenges that might be presented during life-threatening situations. While classes through Innovative Survival Arts do include hand-to-hand tactics and actual techniques to use if approached or attacked, there is also an emphasis on the mental approach toward self-defense. The team enforced the audience with the concept of “360 Awareness,” meaning to always be aware of who is around you, what is around you and where you are. Whether at the mall, getting out of your car or taking a walk, people must constantly DEFENSE | page 7
IN THIS ISSUE Entertainment Dan Scott leads student actors through the award winning drama “Crimes of the Heart” Entertainment PAGE 7
Sports Women’s tennis team returns home from Texas. Page 12
Features Students indulge in sweets and entertainment at Ice Cream Social. Social Page 1