The Glacier 6- 21- 13

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER WWW.MVCCGLACIER.COM JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

Changes at graduation ceremony

College President, Sylvia Jenkins (center) commences the graduation ceremony, which was held on May 17 at 7 p.m. in the G Building. The College’s Board of Trustees and other event speakers are pictured behind Jenkins. The ceremony went off smoothly, but some students were dissatisfied with changes made by the College’s President. [Glenn Carpentar]

By Phil A. Bianco News Editor Months of hard work and plenty of sleepless nights came

to pay off for about 400 of Moraine Valley’s 2,353 eligible graduates at the 44th annual commencement ceremony.

Graduates, family and all

those who work towards the success of Moraine’s students packed the gym on May 17th for a night of celebration of goals achieved and new oppor-

tunities to come.

The event began as the top two students from each of Moraine’s four degree sections marched into the gym, with the top student from each section carrying a Gonfalon (a type of banner) representing their respective degree section. Across the crowd, one could see students wearing their robes, honor cords, stoles and tassels. It was a scene that inspired great reverence for the graduates, many of whom have persevered through the toughest of times to make it to graduation day.

College President, Sylvia Jenkins welcomed all in attendance after a series of songs meant to honor the graduates and those who have helped them earn their degree or certificate. Vice President of Student Development, Dr. Normah SallehBarone then welcomed the student speaker, Jean Kane to the stage. Kane, a non-traditional student, has held a number of jobs over the past twenty years and has been a member of the

Chicagoland Regional College Program (CRCP) at UPS since January 2012.

The College and UPS are partners in the CRCP program. Participants in CRCP work for UPS. The company pays the students and provides them with additional funds for tuition, fees, books and other expenses related to school such as transportation.

President Jenkins chose Kane as the speaker after she saw her speak at a UPS awards dinner.

“I liked her message. What I wanted people to get out of her speech is that you can make it no matter what your situation is.”

In past years, the student speaker has been the winner of the Leadership Scholarship, an award given to one of the College’s top student leaders. This years winner was Justina Pauplyte, “I was really disappointed that the process was changed.

I’ve always dreamed of speaking at graduation and I feel like that GRADUATION | page 5

Phi Theta Kappa breaks record Explosion

hits home

By Phil A. Bianco News Editor

By David Alexander Staff Writer

Members of Moraine Valley’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Alpha Iota Lambda can often be seen sporting shirts with the phrase “we are the elite” on the back.

The chapter lived up to this claim by taking home 14 awards at the Honors Society’s Regional Convention—the most awards ever collected by a chapter at the Illinois Regional convention. “We are very proud of our teams accomplishments and would like to thank Phi Theta Kappa for recognizing the amazing work these students do all year long,” said PHI THETA | page 4

Officers and advisors of Alpha Iota Lambda chapter at the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention in San Jose, California: (left to right) Kim Golk, Kayla Smith, Justina Pauplyte, Demetrius Robinson, Phil A. Bianco, Tim Stoehr and Kyle Wong. [Provided]

Kevin Sanders is not a name that most of Moraine Valley Community College’s community is familiar with but on Wednesday May 15, Moraine Valley’s Board of Trustees elected to posthumously honor this 1999 graduate of the College.

This associate of science graduate from Moraine Valley was among the 14 people killed by the blast that ripped through the West Fertilizer Company storage and distribution facility in Texas. Kevin Sanders was on duty at the West Fertilizer plant on that fateful day as an Emergency Medical Technician EXPLOSION | page 4

IN THIS ISSUE ENTERTAINMENT Elton John, Billy Joel cover man makes a stop at Moraine.

PAGE 14

SPORTS Former Cyclone signs with Eastern Michigan University.

PAGE 8

FEATURES The Library will host an interactive zombie game come October.

PAGE 9

2

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18 ABOUT THE GLACIER The Glacier is published biweekly during the fall and spring semesters by the students of Moraine Valley Community College.

SUBMISSION POLICY All submissions should be typed and letters to the editor must include the author’s name, phone number and email address.

Anonymous submissions will not be accepted.

9000 West College Parkway Palos Hills, IL 60465-0937 U Building Room U207 Phone: (708) 608-4177 Fax: (708) 974-0790 glacier@morainevalley.edu www.mvccglacier.com Twitter: @mvccglacier facebook.com/mvglacier

By submitting content to The Glacier, the sender acknowledges that they represent and warrant all rights to the content. They agree to indemnify and hold harmless Moraine Valley Community College, The Glacier, hosts, affiliates, officers, readers or employees from any liability, damage or cost. The sender agrees to also hold this true for any claim or demand by a third party due to or arising out of the content they submit. The sender agrees to give The Glacier unlimited license in perpetuity to the content and the information therein. The Glacier reserves the right to edit content as deemed necessary.

EDITORIAL POLICY The opinions expressed in the Glacier do not reflect the views of the faculty, staff or administration of Moraine Valley Community College. Views expressed by non-staff do not reflect the views of The Glacier. All content decisions for The Glacier are under the authority of student editors. Material is not submitted to college administration for advance approval.

SUMMER STAFF Faculty Adviser Ted Powers powerst@morainevalley.edu

Editor in Chief Anne Parker editorinchief@mvccglacier.com Summer Editors Phil Bianco news@mvccglacier.com Sean McDermott sports@mvccglacier.com Connor Reynolds layout@mvccglacier.com

STUDENT TRUSTEE CORNER | NOOR SALAH

Hello MVCC students; I hope you are enjoying your summer even if you’re taking summer classes.

I want to welcome the upcoming freshmen to college. I remember my first day of college. I was nervous and scared. I didn’t know what to expect.

My topic for this month is to provide you with some tips you can use when you start your first day of college.

I know it is hard to transition from high school to college or even if you took a break before starting college for personal reasons. My first tip is to attend all orientations. It is extremely helpful to know your way around the campus.

You will be more comfortable when you start your first day of college. I know it is easier to stay with your group of friends, but it is always good to become comfortable meeting new people. I learned from experience. I was extremely anti-social and I had to learn how to become friendly.

Becoming more involved will help you meet more friends, and joining clubs will definitely help you as well. I joined the Arab Student Union, which changed my entire college experience.

I become involved and this is where I am now, the Student Trustee.

You also want to be organized. In high school, the teachers tended to lead you through all of the homework and due dates. In college, the professors post the assignments often for the entire semester and expect you to be prepared.

Buy an organizer, a big wall calendar or whatever it takes for you to know when assignments are due. You also want to find the ideal place for you to study. For me it is the quiet library downstairs in the L building.

Find a place that works best for you to get your work done while avoiding as many distractions as possible. You also want to go to class.

Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the professors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Become an expert on course requirements and due dates.

Professors spend hours and hours preparing course syllabi and calendars so that you will know exactly what is expected of you and when.

Professors schedule office hours for the sole purpose of meeting with students and take advantage of that time.

You also want to take advantage of the tutoring and writing center. It helped me a lot when it came to classes that I had difficulty with or even writing my essays.

You also need to seek a balance. College life is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don’t tip the balance too far in either direction. Make time for you. Be sure you set aside some time and activities that help you relax and take the stress out of your day or week.

Don’t feel pressured to make a hasty decision about a career or a major. It doesn’t matter if it seems

Graphics Editor Emalee Kay graphics@mvccglacier.com Photo Editor Mike Frederiksen photo@mvccglacier.com Online Editor Dawn Klingensmith online@mvccglacier.com

Contributing Staff Dimka Atanassova David Alexander Ruba Ibrahim Joshua Johnson Jerry Rodgers Special Contributors Bill Droel - Campus Minister Noor Salah - Student Trustee

Distribution Manager Robert P. Boyer distribution@mvccglacier.com

as though everyone else seems to know what he or she is doing with his or her lives.

College is the time for you to really discover who you are, what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at, and what you want to be. It’s not a race; take your time and enjoy exploring your options.

Take responsibility for yourself and your actions. Don’t look to place the blame on others for your mistakes, own up to them and move on. Being an adult means taking responsibility for everything that happens to you.

And finally be prepared to feel overwhelmed.

There’s a lot going in your life right now. Expect to have moments where it seems a bit too much. As one student says, be prepared to feel completely unprepared. The trick is knowing that you’re not the only one feeling that way.

Student Trustee, Noor Salah can be contacted at salahn22@student.morainevalley.edu. Her office is loacted in U204.

Stop by with any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions.

3

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

IN BRIEF Board of Trustees Meeting A special meeting of the Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees; the Governing Board of Moraine Valley Community College, District No. 524, Special Meeting, will be at 8:15 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, Board Room, D219, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

Scholarship Opportunity The Foundation has a $1,000 scholarship that must be awarded for the fall 2013 and spring 2014 semesters, and currently looking for a student who would qualify for the scholarship.

It is the William Opelka Scholarship and the following are the terms: Currently or will be enrolled as a full-time student in MVCC Student who is and remains involved in one of the following areas; Moraine Valley Forensics Team, Moraine Valley Percussion Ensemble, Moraine Valley Student Government, Moraine Valley Student Newspaper, Twenty-two hours of documented community service during the preceding semester; Has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher; enrolled in 12 or more credit hours during the semester(s) in which the scholarship is awarded,

demonstrates financial need, submits a 500 word, typed, double-spaced essay that expresses the motivation and drive behind the student pursing the completing of his or her education.

The essay must cite two specific examples that reflect Bill Opelka’s values, which include faith, family, community service, unique character or personality traits.

Student Government Book Scholarship The Student Government Association is giving away five $200 book scholarships for the summer semester.

Part-time and full-time students are eligible to apply. The deadline for submissions is May 6. You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be a current student.

Applications are available in the Student Life Office, U115. For more information, stop by Student Life or call (708) 9745353.

Walking the Walk featuring Stephenie Presseller Childhood places, experiences with inspirational people, and life choices push us in new directions in life. Stephenie Presseller takes us on her ongoing journey that has led her to become the first sustainability manager at Moraine Valley.

This is an amazingly beautiful, challenging, and winding road that invites us all to come along and “walk the walk” toward sustainability. To watch this video, visit: morainevalley.edu/tlc/default. htm.

Summer athletic camps Sign up your son, daughter or grandchild for a summer basketball or volleyball camp at Moraine Valley. The basketball camp is for boys and girls entering third through eighth grades. It will be July 15 through 18, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Athletics Director, Bill Finn, will lead the camp, which is intended to develop and improve fundamental skills, instruction and team play. The volleyball camp is for boys and girls entering fifth through ninth grades and will be July 15 through 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volleyball coach, Gloria Coughlin, will lead the camp, which will help kids develop fundamental volleyball skills through group work and individual attention.

The cost for each camp is $70. Register in the Athletics Department, Building G. For more information call (708) 9745727.

Business Champion Awards Nominations

The Economics Development Council for the Southwest Suburbs is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Business Champion Awards. Nominations will be accepted through August 28. Awards span the following four categories: Training and Development, Sustainability, Excellence in Government, Philanthropy, Entrepreneur/Small Business Person of the Year, and Women in Business/Leadership Award.

Businesses or individuals are eligible only if they are located in or provide services within one of the 26 communities in Moraine’s district, or if they are a client of Moraine’s Corporate, Community and Continuing Education. Individuals can only one in one category, but feel free to nominate in more than one. Entries must include a nomination form and a brief description of the business or individual and why they are being nominated. Self-nominations are welcome.

Awards will be presented at the 19th annual Business Champions AwardsStars of the Southwest Suburbs on November 6. Nomination forms can be found online at morainevalley.edu/ccce.

For more information, call Eda Schrimple at (708) 974-5714 or email her at schrimplee@morainevalley.edu.

4

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

ficer and Vice President of Communi- out the year. served the chapter for nine years, PHI THETA | from front page said Demetrius Robinson, manager cations, Kayla Smith received the even Additionally, both chapter advi- was named to the All Illinois Adviof student life and Phi Theta Kappa higher distinction of Outstanding Offi- sors took home two awards each. sor Team. Robinson was also given chapter advisor. cer. Vice President of Leadership, April Kim Golk, an academic advisor, took the distinction of Outstanding AdviThe chapter took home several Gallik was named a Spirit Award win- home the Horizon Advisor Award sor for his ability to inspire chapter collective and individual awards. members.

Chapter president, Tim Stoehr was The chapter also took home first given the Leader of Distinction place in the yearbook competition award. and had one of its now former of“I didn’t think I had a shot when ficers, Kayla Smith inducted as Vice I saw that the winners were mostPresident of Illinois’s Northeastern ly regional officers. It’s a great Region. Smith, the chapters first honor to be on par with such a ever regional officer, will lead the high-quality group of leaders,” states largest region, which is made said Stoehr. up of several City of Chicago colIn addition to being named a five lege’s. star chapter—the highest level The past year has been one of the a chapter can reach—Alpha Iota strongest yet for Moraine Valley’s Lambda was recognized as an OutPhi Theta Kappa chapter. The incomstanding Chapter. ing officer team and remaining adviThey also took home an Outstandsors hope to build on this year’s sucing Officer Team Award and anothcess. er award recognizing their Honors If you are interested in learning in Action project. Every chapter is more about Phi Theta Kappa, please strongly encouraged to complete contact Demetrius Robinson at an Honors in Action project, which (708) 974-5353 upon the start of the requires research and active comfall semester. Students must have atmunity participation based around Advisor, Demetrius Robinson congratulates Vice President of Communications, Kayla Smith least a 3.5 GPA after completing 12 the theme, “The Culture of Competion her Outstanding Officer Award at the 2013 Illinois Regional Convention. [Provided] credit hours to join. tion.”

Vice President of Fellowship, Phil ner for her enthusiastic participation and was named a Hall of Honor Ad- Phil A. Bianco can be contacted at news@ Bianco was named a Hall of Honor of- and guidance of the chapter through- visor. Demetrius Robinson, who has mvccglacier.com.

EXPLOSION | from front page on duty at the West Fertilizer plant on that fateful day as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the Bruceville-Eddy, Texas Volunteer Fire Department when the fatal explosion occurred.

According to the citation to honor him posthumously, Kevin Sanders, in addition to his MVCC’s associate of science degree also has an Associate in Applied Science degree in veterinary technology from Parkland College, Illinois, in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from the University of Illinois.

Other highlights of the May 15 Board of Trustees meeting included a proposal tabled before the board to the intent that the college purchase the Blackboard Outcomes Assessment website to help standardize and “systematically collect, and then analyze/aggregate assessment data that can be shared with students and other college stakeholders.”

The cost of the Blackboard software to the college will be $62,274.91 with $22,274.91 coming from the Title III Grant the college gets, and the remaining $40,000 for maintenance will be generated from the Academic Assessment budget.

The report of the bids to erect a new limestone, solar powered monumental campus identification sign on the corner of a 111th street and 86th Avenue was also presented to the Board of Trustees with Envision General Con-

tractors of Hickory Hills being nominated for the contract having come in with the lowest bid of $207,141.

The college will also spend $54,440 on maintaining the fleet of elevators that serve the college buildings. Suburban Elevator of East Dundee was the favorite because they presented the lowest responsible bid for the contract.

In addition, keeping with the end of the semester awards spirit, a sleuth of students who had won awards and otherwise distinguished themselves in the course of the year at competitions like the Skyway Festival and the League of Innovation were recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting.

Jeff Grindle won first place at the League of Innovation meeting for his essay, The Shave, Nicole Cesario who was second with “The Only One of a Kind White Crayon” and “My Guardian Angel” by Julian Kondratowicz.

Andrew Hynes and Johnny Pondexter won an Outstanding award at the Skyway Jazz Festival while Lydia Limas and Jeff Perino both bagged awards of Excellence awards for their art pieces Betty and The Communal Garbage respectively.

Lauren Smith presented her Communication Analysis speech that won her first place at the Forensic national team event held last month in Las Vegas.

David Alexander can be contacted at alexanderd45@student.morainevalley. edu.

5

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

400 of the 2,353 eligible graduates participated in the 2013 Commencement Ceremony. The event will be held in Moraine Valley’s new Health Education & Wellness Center next spring. [Marketing] GRADUATION | from front page opportunity was unfairly taken from me.”

Pauplyte has not received any communication from the College addressing her concerns despite the President being notified.

President Jenkins also made the decision to get rid of the Keynote speaker for this years ceremony. Instead, a representative from UPS gave a very brief thank you to the College for their con-

tinued partnership on the CRCP program. The event, at times, felt like an infomercial for UPS. “Overall, I loved the ceremony but there was too much UPS. I also don’t understand why a student speaker wasn’t selected from this graduating class,” said graduate Tim Stoehr. President Jenkins told the Glacier that she is not sure how the selection of the student speaker and keynote speaker will be done next year.

A graduate shows her excitement just before receiving her degree at the 2013 Commencement Ceremony. [Marketing]

After all the speeches, the graduates began to walk across the stage. Some seemed happy to be done with it while others looked nervous—probably hoping that they wouldn’t trip as the strolled towards their degree or certificate.

Delwyn Jones, faculty association president and assistant professor of communications & Nicholas Thomas, Chair of the Academic Senate, called the graduates

names before they entered the stage.

“As far as I can tell, the event went very well. There is a lot of preparation that goes into graduation. Its not a one man show,” said Jenkins. “Practically every department had a hand in the success of this commencement ceremony.”

Phil A. Bianco can be contacted at news@ mvccglacier.com.

Renovations to come

Student Trustee, Noor Salah in the board room, D219. [Mike Frederiksen]

By Jerry Rogers Staff Writer On Wednesday’s Board of Trustees Meeting, one could expect a lengthy list of subject matter to get through the scheduled program.

The Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees assembled in standard session at 6:00 p.m. on June 19, 2013 in the Building D with Wagner, Murphy, Coleman, Cunningham, Kennedy, O’Sullivan and Salah that all reside as the Board of Trustees. The meeting was called to order and started promptly.

The board persistently continued to evaluate many alternative options that are associated within the best interest of Moraine Valley Community College, that will further the best interest of the college success and stability in the immediate future.

There are new proposed degree programs (Sleep Technology) that are in the process of coming to manifestation that will only enhance the rich

academic tradition at Moraine Valley Community College.

“The college already has such a lavish educational tradition, and it’s crucial for the community in assisting younger and senior workers to meet the area’s workforce requirements,” said by Joseph P. Murphy, Vice Chairman.

During the meeting, the board also hinted the possible future renovations for Building A, B, & L and the Health Career Center infrastructure. That would be a much needed update due to the fact that the original mechanical structure was installed 35-40 years ago.

A 59,042 square foot renovation project on the main campus will consist of 12 instructional classrooms, 6 computer labs, 6 seminar rooms, 1 open computer lab, faculty space, and a student lounge/study space. That will tremendously help out with the student body that is enrolling at Moraine Valley.

“The projects are in the planning stage and within the foreseeable future, but it’s a constant stride forward that will help to address the campus of Moraine’s most immediate needs,” said Murphy.

“Our board is in good faith that the future is bright for Moraine,” said Sandra S. Wagner, Chairman. With future plans such as these it’s hard to question otherwise.

Jerry Rogers can be contacted at rogersj3@student.morainevalley.edu.

Views

6

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

Should photographers clock out forever?

“A talented photog-

“...in today’s society

rapher can do more

people are expecting

than point a camera

everything to come

at a scene and click”

fast and easily”

By Mike Frederiksen Photo Editor

By Anne Parker Editor-in-Chief

In what was surely an unexpected move, the Chicago Sun-Times recently laid off We have to come to terms and face it. Most people in the world today have its entire photography staff. a mobile device like an iPhone or an iPad. Being so tech-savvy, mobile usWhile the publication maintains that they’re moving towards video and multi- ers posses an opportunity to do many things, even become photographers. media content, the question remains: Who will operate those cameras? The answer The fact that the Sun-Times fired all of their photography staff and told their we were given is a simple one: the Sun-Times will rely on freelancers and even their journalists to capture photographic moments on their iPhones, is in deed a shock. own reporters to provide the photographic content.

While it is a dismay that a local and iconic newspaper would lay off its 28 person full As a photographer, seeing this brings plenty of dismay. The Sun-Times was time photography staff, obviously it had to be done for the best interest of the physlucky enough to employ a consistent ical newspaper’s presence. The Sunstaff of talented photographers, some Times has seen a drastic downslide of whom have won Pulitzer prizes for in subscription numbers and ad their work. The publication will cerrevenue, because of the growing detainly feel the consequences of their mand and trend towards online news. decision, because it goes without sayThe digital world is improving day ing that a compelling photograph is by day and becoming faster, that the just as important as any story. average cell phone user is taking on the So why does a publication need phorole as photographer, documenting tographers? In a news story, the readevery aspect and occurrence througher will get the facts from the text, but out their lives. This has been seen look to the photo to understand and through new social media advances feel for what has happened. A talented like Vine, Instagram, and Facebook. photographer can do more than point There has been talk back and a camera at a scene and click; he or she forth about the premise of physiwill be able to capture the emotion of cal newspapers being disbanded, the people, depict the true intensity of and online media becoming the only a scene, or simply create a visual work form of news. The Sun-Times has that will successfully draw the reader recently made changes to the apinto the story, as well as properly illus[Flickr by naixn] pearance of its physical paper, in trate. A true photographer is one part order to appeal to its readers. Howartist, one part technician. As well as creating a work of visual art, a photographer ever, they still recommend online media as the way to go for faster access. And needs to master the camera itself, as it is a tool like anything else used to create. in today’s society, people are expecting everything to come fast and easily.

The Sun-Times were even lucky enough to have John Whit, in their employIt also all comes down to what sells. If the public would rather watch vidment, a Pulitzer prize-winning photojournalist. Of course, a Pulitzer Prize is a eos or look at pictures then read text, then the journalism business has to corather pristine award. As the proverbial holy grail of journalism awards, it’s not incide with that. And if that means teaching all of your journalists ‘iPhone to be taken lightly. With this being said, Mr. White met the end of his employ- photography basics’ which the Sun-Times is focusing on, then so be it.

However, the quality of a photograph can never be replaced with one taken ment simply because of the change in the publication’s overall vision. While this is the official reason for the layoffs, one must still consider the current decline in on an iPhone. If the Sun-Times or any newspaper thinks that journalists can take a credible and captivating photo on an iPhone, then there is a great postraditional journalism.

A secondary cause for the layoffs may be a monetary one; seeing as how a sibility that the physical newspaper will never be the same. If journalists are publication can massively cut costs by replacing freelancers, as well as making going to start taking their own photos on story assignments, then they betreporters take pictures while on the scene. This goes back to how photography is ter be ready to learn how to use an actual camera that takes quality phoa hallmark of journalism. Photography can even be considered to be journalism tos. The public will just have to wait and see what journalists can produce as in the purest – capturing an event with a camera places the event on film and im- they take on the role of photographers. Unfortunately, print news for The Sun-Times will probably never be the same, and not Pulitzer-Prize worthy. mortalizes a scene without filtering through the mind of a writer or artist.

Mike Frederiksen can be contacted at photo@mvccglacier.com.

“No, because the economy is falling through, artists are the first to go.”

-Joy Lowery

“Anyone can be a photographer now but they’re missing out on the passion.”

-Hannah Naughton

Anne Parker can be contacted at editorinchief@mvccglacier.edu.

“Yes it’s the employers’ choice to lay off their photographers.”

-Matt Rogers

“No, photography is an art and an easier way to report.”

-Angelica Garcia

7

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

VIEW FROM THE HILL | BILL DROEL | MVCC CAMPUS MINISTER The events depicted in the movie “42” are relatively recent ones. Yet most young adults and many middle-aged people don’t know much about segregation in our country. We know something about the Civil War (especially those at Moraine Valley who attended a talk about John Brown’s Raid last semester).

We know something about prejudice, which is directed at people from every ethnic group, every age group, at both genders and against gays. But our experience of institutional segregation is, thank goodness, slight. The movie “42” is thus instructive and also inspiring.

However, Eric Metaxas, writing in USA Today (4/11/13), says the film leaves out the motivation of Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson. Why did they attempt to integrate professional sports? The movie omits “the role of faith” and thereby “does a serious disservice to history,” says Metaxas.

Jimmy Breslin, a well-known New York City columnist, puts faith at the heart of his rendition of the story. The opening scene in his biography of Branch Rickey (Penguin Lives, 2011) highlights Rickey’s Methodist “religious fervor.” Although Rickey was conservative on every issue, his Christian religion strongly and clearly forbade segregated institutions.

In 1943 Rickey needed a bank loan for his Brooklyn Dodgers. He wanted to scout colleges and other leagues for prospects, including black ballplayers. He approached the Brooklyn Trust Company, which already held an $800,000 Dodger debt. The bank president, George McLaughlin, was a liberal Catholic. His Christian religion also taught that segregation is a sin.

Here is where the story (and life itself) gets interesting. Neither Rick-

ey nor McLaughlin tried to convert people by moralizing. Both lived in the real world where everyone does everything for mixed motives and where the right thing often gets done for the wrong reason. Put it this way: Rickey and McLaughlin wanted to make money. And so did hundreds of other people who eventually had to cooperate in order for baseball to be integrated.

Breslin reconstructs the meeting at the bank. Walking in the door Rickey said to himself: Don’t start asking McLaughlin where he stands on civil rights. It doesn’t matter. How he behaves is what counts.

McLaughlin fully understood that the new bank loan would eventually bring black players into the major leagues. But reflect on McLaughlin’s reaction to Rickey: “If you want to do this to get a beat on the other teams and make some money, let’s do it. But if you want to do this for some social change, forget it. We want to win and make money. Don’t try to bring principle into this.”

The approach was used multiple times in the Robinson story. The influential Dodger broadcaster, for example, happened to be from the South was against integration. But he wanted a paycheck, and came to admire Robinson. The team’s fiery manager wanted a World Series bonus and squashed a players’ protest of Robinson on the basis of that bonus.

Like Rickey, Robinson was a person of faith. During the famous contract scene where Rickey tests Robinson with insults, both men meditated on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. They believed that Jesus’ way of non-violent resistance was, as Metaxas writes, “a profoundly heroic stance.” Robinson was not hired to preach about integration. He was paid to play baseball excellently and to offer quiet example to hateful people.

The civil rights movement that followed the April 1947 debut of Robinson is also a religious story, even if some portrayals of the 1960s leave faith out of that history.

Contact Mr. Droel at droelb@morainevalley.edu.

College must innovate to survive not a business. And this isn’t just any college, it is Moraine Valley Community College: a campus where the President of the United States once delivered a speech, a campus widely respected for being innovative.

I’m writing to issue a challenge to the students, staff, faculty, administration and board members: live up to your claim and be innovative. We live in a time where the conventional way of organizing society is falling apart. The economy continues to perform at a below average rate two years after the recession ended. American students continue to fall behind in STEM and other areas key to global competition. And civic participation is nowhere near where it should be in a free, democratic society.

I believe that much of this can be attributed to the fact that our society is highly stratified. Normal people don’t Officers and advisors of Phi Theta Kappa at the 2013 Student Life Banquet. (Left to right) Kyle Wong, Kim Golk, feel like they matter. It is common to hear young people saying how useless it is to vote or even participate in poliBy Phil A. Bianco tics. What is the solution to these issues? I believe that soNews Editor ciety needs to be democratized. All over the globe, people are rising up and calling on their leaders to change the way they govern. From Turkey to Brazil, China to New Moraine Valley changed my life; there is no doubt about that. I wasn’t an excep- York: people are tired of the old order and top-down rule. tional student in high school, quite the contrary. I really had no other option besides So where does Moraine fit into this picture? Moraine Valley’s method of organizaMoraine Valley. I started my time here with an open mind and a commitment to bet- tion is a part of that old order and, I believe, that although the College is doing okay ter myself—something all students should have. now, this success cannot last unless the college is democratized. I believe that comI succeeded in earning great grades, and getting involved in numerous leader- munity colleges can play a key role in democratizing society because these public inship positions on campus (including becoming news editor for The Glacier). I’ve met stitutions make education affordable to the masses. And I think everyone can agree many great people, learned countless life lessons and gained innumerable skills such that there can be no democracy without education. as public speaking and writing. I’ve even collected a number of awards and recogniBack to my challenge; the leaders of Moraine Valley, whether students, administions from the College. trators or whoever, must work to become more open and transparent. There must be I love Moraine Valley. It is the place where I came into my own; the place where I more student participation in decision making. This move alone puts Moraine at the have taken steps towards becoming the person I want to be. Moraine is a great place top of the list of innovative institutions. And that’s not all. Democratizing college for those who get involved in Student Life, and for those who choose to limit their governance, at-least to some extent, will spur student involvement, which will only involvement to the classroom. help student success (the combined GPA of students who participated in clubs or orHowever, I have one major critique of the College that is consistently repeated by ganizations is consistently higher than the rest of the College’s student population). student leaders and by some staff and faculty. The College is unfortunately run in a In short, democratizing the College can be an effective way of ensuring the long highly top-down way. The people who run the College (the administration and Board term sustainability of Moraine Valley’s success and the advancement of student sucof Trustees) have what can be called the “chain of command,” if you will. Everyone cess. I urge the entire Moraine Valley community to stand together to truly be what has a superior that they must go to if they want to be heard or get something done. the College so often claims to be, innovative.

I understand that many organizations have similar set-ups, and I also understand that it is not an entirely ineffective way of running a business. But this is a college, Phil A. Bianco can be contacted at news@mvccglacier.com.

8

Mike Frederiksen, Photo Editor photo@mvccglacier.com

Birchleaf Spirea

Moraine in Bloom

Photospread

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

Blue Oat Grass

Photospread by Mike Frederiksen

State Street Miyabe Maple Virginia Sweetspire

Brilliantissima Red Chokeberry

Dwarf Fathergilla

Eastern Redbud

Fireglow Japanese Maple

Social

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

9

Open houses expand campus knowledge

The Blue Island Center is one of the three campuses provided for Moraine Valley students. [Provided]

By Joshua Johnson Staff Writer Moraine Valley Community College currently has two off-campus learning facilities.

The Moraine Valley Education Center at Blue Island and the newer Southwest Education Center are located in Tinley Park. Both facilities recently held an open house for pro-

spective and enrolled students The Southwest Education center held its open house on Saturday, June 1. The Blue Island facility held its open house on Saturday, June 8.

Parents and students had the opportunity to meet staff and faculty at their respective campuses and asked a variety of questions to help them learn more about classes offered at each campus.

According to Melissa Saeed, a Moraine Valley Community College Student Development Specialist, “The major purpose of the Open House was to introduce the Southwest Education Center to potential and new students, give information regarding classes offered and services available. “ New and potential students were given campus tours and received some light refreshments. The students were

also able to learn about all of the programs and courses offered at their respective campuses.

The event flowed smoothly, and was concise and focused. Everyone seemed generally pleased with the outcome of the event. “[students] seemed very pleased that they could take classes close to home.” said Saeed.

OPEN HOUSE | page 11

10

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2012 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

Zombies attack at One Book One College

By Joshua Johnson Staff Writer Stories, they are part of the fundamental nature of the human mind.

They are the ways we see the world.

Humans have been sharing stories since the dawn of their existence.

They are integrated into every facet of our world.

At Moraine Valley the Library and Bookstore have come together to create the One Book One College program. The whole idea behind this program is to choose one book (one story) to focus on and to host a variety of events and activities inspired by the theme of this book.

This year One Book One College chose the book World War Z by Max Brooks. This book tells the story of a world recovering from a war of the undead (zombies) and is told as a series of interviews from survivors of the catastrophe.

The hope of using this story is to bring people together from across many different disciplines. To inspire intelligent conversation and to help people learn something new in a unique and curious way.

This year the program will feature many events based on a wide variety of themes associated with this book.

Some of the themes covered will be: Infectious disease and public health,

Review: World War Z

By Joshua Johnson Staff Writer Death, it is an inevitable part of life.

Humans have always held a morbid fascination for death and in many cultures they have a mountain of stories and myths pertaining to it. Of these myths none are more fascinating then tales of the living dead (some may call them Zombies).

While they may go by many names, zombies appear in literature throughout the world. In recent times humans have rekindled their interest in these odd creatures. Thoughts of zombie apocalypses have been becoming more prevalent in recent times. Although no conclusive evidence has ever been shown, that doesn’t stop the cogs of the human imagination from turning.

Author Max Brooks shares a morbid fascination with this topic. Brook’s book “World War Z”, is a riveting tale of Earth recovering from the aftermath of the worst war in human history, the Zombie War. The book is written in a series of interviews from survivors of the war. The interviews are broken into several categories that break down events leading up to, during, and after the war.

Each interview is full of emotion and shows thoughts of people from all around the world. The interviews are given from political officials and the military, famous people and some big business people. Even everyday people are given a voice. It truly shows a point of view from many people from global and social scales, covering every rung of society.

The book also brought up moral issues and shows what can happen when hiding the truth. What are you willing to do to survive?

“World War Z” cover [Crown] Would you kill your own child to save them? Will you lose your humanity?

This book shows the endurance of the human spirit and shows how far people are willing to go to ensure their survival. It shows what people are capable of in extraordinary circumstances; how one can go from a materialistic suburbanite to hardened warrior.

The fallibility of the human race also comes through in the book, that even though humans can rise from the ashes, the road was a bloody one.

It showed the worse that humans are, the extent of how wrong human error can reach.

The most eerie thing about this book is that, unlike most zombie stories you read, one can actually picture the events in this book happening. One can actually connect with stories of the peoples. People may have never actually had to go through the same things as them, but emotion, the reality of it was just so overwhelming it could bring tears to your eyes.

Joshua Johnson can be contacted at johnsonj758@student.morainevalley.edu.

Oral History and How We Remember, The Individual and Society, Zombies, Monsters, and The Profane in Art and Literature, Disaster Mobilization and Government Interventions, Networks, Knowledge, and Infection, Dystopian and Apocalyptic Literature, Beliefs, Evidence, and Science, Just War, Genocide and Holocaust, The Psychology of Survivorship, Genre Fiction and Storytelling.

Some of the upcoming events in this series are as follows: The first upcoming event in this series is to be The Hopeful Mythology of World War Z. This program will discuss the ‘zombie literature’ as a genre.

It will also look at how the book fits into this genre as a whole. This event will be held on September 11th in the Library Lounge.

The next event will be Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse. World War Z is all about the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. The ideas and ramifications of this go well beyond the realm of human thought. In this book the story is told by the perspective of the survivors, some of them could never have imagined the possibility of the

attack. In this program faculty gather to answer the vital question of how they think we could survive a zombie apocalypse.

Another event that is coming up is Zombies, Art and Pop Culture. This will be a panel discussion that will review how zombies have become a cultural symbol among art, film and literature. It will also go over where the images of zombies comes from and why it strikes on such a deep note with in the human mind.

Another interesting event that will be held is Zombie Math: RealWorld Implications of the Numbers.

This event will feature the use of a real world mathematical model to predict disease outbreaks in a fictional zombie epidemic.

Many more events will be held in this diverse array of programing. To find out more about the upcoming events visit the One Book One College website at: wwz.apps.morainevalley. edu/events.aspx.

Joshua Johnson can be contacted at johnsonj758@student.morainevalley. edu.

11

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

Library prepares for World War M game

By Joshua Johnson Staff Writer Zombies: To some this may seem like a harmless word, yet to others it may be the source, it may be the word that induces sheer terror.

Zombies appear in literature from around the world. Although the word for them may be different, most cultures have some version of these creatures. A picture of the living dead can be found around the world. Even today, zombie myths can be found in popular culture.

One of the most popular books about zombie apocalypses is Max Brooks’ World War Z. This book is the focus of Moraine’s One Book One College program at the Moraine Valley Library. The library will be having a variety of events pertaining to the book, and many classes will partake in these events.

One of the most anticipated parts of this program is the upcoming game World War M Humans vs. Zombies.

This game will be played in October and features an interactive component with students and faculty. The object of the game is to try guessing the anti-

The World War M Humans vs. Zombies will be a deadly but educational experience. [Library] dote for the zombie plague and to save the human race. For more information visit wwz.apps.morainevalley.edu.

According to Troy Swanson, Department Chair, Library/Learning Resources, the purpose of the game is: “The game is intended to enhance the curriculum by providing an active learning opportunity for faculty that connects students, learning, and faculty across disciplines. This is an event where faculty members from different disciplines (such as microbiology, literature, sociology, and nursing) may

build assignments around it. Students will experience the event differently depending on the course that uses it.

This will enrich our discussion across campus.”

Swanson was inspired to plan the game because he wanted to create a fun and interactive way to connect the theme of the book on campus.

“Many campuses have done the ‘humans vs. zombies’ games in the past, but few have connected it to learning,” said Swanson “We also know that student groups on campus were interested in a version of this game, so we knew that there was some interest.” said Swanson.

A major concern when getting this game started was safety. They wanted the game to be as safe as possible and not cause any concern with campus officials. They did not want to put any students or staff in danger. Only time will tell if they will succeed in this endeavor.

“Ultimately, we hope that students walk away from the game with a new understanding of their courses and with an interest in the themes of the One Book program...” Swanson said.

Joshua Johnson can be contacted at johnsonj758@student.morainevalley.edu.

The Southwest Center in Tinley Park is well noted for it’s use of green and Earth friendly technology to make the campus more efficient. [Provided] OPEN HOUSE | from page 9 Moraine Valley strives to provide a quality education for the surrounding community. It is a community college after all and one of its main focuses is to help its community succeed in their educational endeavors.

The open houses are great places to recruit students who live father from the main campus but still wish to at-

tend Moraine Valley. And the College feels this will boost admission rates.

The Open Houses had a relatively large turnout. The combined total for both facilities reached over 100 students and parents that were in attendance.

Joshua Johnson can be contacted at johnsonj758@student.morainevalley.

12

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2012 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

Past alum jumps into digital age

Skydiving isn’t normally one of Amanda Sidorwicz’s pastimes, but she is so devoted to journalism that she actually did jump out of a plane for an article. [Provided]

By Anne Parker Editor in Chief Amanda Sidorowicz has come a long way since her days on The Glacier. Today she now carries an important role within the Multimedia Services in Information Technology at the College.

After searching for job openings, like most fresh, new talent, Sidorow-

icz found a posting online calling for a Digital Media Coordinator.

“I get to be creative and technical, so it’s a lot of fun and definitely a new challenge,” said Sidorowicz.

Already she is experiencing some great perks the come with the new position that she started on June 3.

“The biggest perk has to be able to work at the college I started at. I had a

blast during my two years here, and to be able to come back as an employee is truly a special opportunity.”

Sidorowicz attended Moraine Valley from 2006 to 2008 where she received an Associate in Arts. Her journalism career took off when she was awarded second place at the Illinois Community College Journalism Association in 2008 for a Sports Feature article.

She has had plenty of work experience that definitely shares her qualifications for her new role as Digital Media Coordinator. Sidorowicz has had various jobs with the American Technical Publishers.

From Moraine Valley she went on to Benedictine University until 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts and Communication Arts. She kept on her passion for writing as a staff writer for The Condor, Benedictine’s student newspaper.

Now that she has moved on to digital media, this form of media is truly her favorite, unlike print media, which in her opinion, “is dying.” Therefore, it is a good time to experience new surroundings and new forms of media.

Sidorowicz explains, “the job is exciting and challenging, and it allows me to learn and grow in the multimedia and technology field. I couldn’t ask for anything more. In a career, you want to have the opportunity to learn a lot and challenge yourself, and I know this job will allow me to do that.”

Sidorowicz has realized a new perspective in the new work environment.

“Everyone is really intelligent and hardworking. It’s really interesting to see how the classroom technology operates. When you’re a student, you see the projectors and the classroom’s podiums, but you never ask yourself how they got there or how much work went into them.”

Her new role with the Multimedia staff has treated her like a second family in a second home, and is one of her favorite components to her new job at Moraine Valley.

“They are a fantastic group. I see myself happy and successful in my career,” said Sidorowicz.

Anne Parker can be contacted at editorinchief@mvccglacier.com.

13

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

Cavill ‘Steel’s’ the show as Superman

By Joshua Johnson Staff Writer It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No! It’s Superman?! Again?

Superman, the world famous superhero returns in another super hero film.

The film makes a smashing success in the box office reaching over 36 million dollars in the opening weekend.

Zack Snyder directed the movie. It has an ensemble cast that includes Amy Adams , Diane Lane , Michael Shannon and Russell Crowe. Henry Cavill stars as Superman. Cavill is the first British actor to take the role of Superman in a feature film. The music was well done and brought forth a feeling of nostalgia. It was epic and full of emotion that really connected with the audience on a spiritual level.

The film follows the life of Clark Kent.

Clark was born on a planet far from Earth. The planet, Krypton, where Clark is from, becomes unstable and implodes on itself. To save him, Clark’s father sent him on a space craft to Earth. Clark was saved while his home planet was destroyed.

He lands on Earth and lands near

Smallville, Kansas. He is found by a small town couple, who raise him as their own. As a child, Clark is often conflicted because he feels different and displays powers he does not understand. As he grows up he tries to find himself and eventually he realizes his true potential.

Of course you can’t have a superhero movie without a great villain. For this film the villain is a war criminal from Clark’s home planet. It was an evil brought forth from his home planet.

It was contained before Clark’s home planet was destroyed but afterwards it was released. Eventually it finds its way to Earth. The Earth’s only hope is for Superman to save it.

Although many superhero movies may struggle from a lack of originality, this move seems to do a good job of being creative with a theme that has been used over and over again. It’s wide and diverse cast complement each other well. The dynamic action and peaceful resilience of this film allows it to flow smoothly.

This movie gets a solid B+.

Joshua Johnson can be contacted at johnsonj758@student.morainevalley.edu.

Henry Cavill races to the rescue in the successful Superman reboot [Warner Bros.]

14

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

Witter’s concert gets Moraine feeling ‘groovy’ rose to fame, and became the most popular recording artists of the 1960’s. The 1975’s “Still Crazy After All These Years” topped the charts, and won the Grammy for Album of the Year, followed by multiplatinum album sellers “The Jim Witter on the piano performing in front of a packed Doro- Rhythms of the thy Menker Theater on May 11. [Michael Frederiksen] Saints”, “Hearts and Bones”, and

By Dimka Atanassova “Graceland”.

Staff Writer The show at the Dorothy Menker Theater was performed in Witter’s Jim Witter, Canadian pianist, characteristic multimedia “musical country/contemporary Christian time machine” tribute of S & G duo’s singer, songwriter, and recording art- timeless classic hits with memoraist performed his one-of-a-kind, sold- bly rich renditions, distinguished out concert at Moraine’s stage on May ethereal sound, exceptionally solid, 11, 2013. The popular demand for his choirboy harmonies, and expressive well-wrought artistry was so huge lyrics. An overhead screen projected that two shows on the same day ac- a sophisticated slide video. commodated his fans’ devotion.

A back screen visual demo preThe show title, “Feelin’ Groovy”, sented a timeline of people and recaptured the musical journey of events of the ’60s as the “Decade of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s (S & Freedom and Love”: The Woodstock G) sensational career. In 1957, S & G festival; Motown Records; Janice formed the group “Tom and Gerry”, Joplin; Jimmy Hendricks; GM; Diet created a series of memorable albums, Coke; First Heart Implant; Star

Track; First American in Space; The Beatles’ first American Tour; “floppy disks” were introduced; the assassinations of J. F. Kennedy and M. L. King, Jr.; and the anti-Vietnam war protests that changed the political scene.

The MV’s audience witnessed for a third time Witter’s and his Band’s musicianship and was in for a groovy trip down memory lane. A Dove, Juno, Canada, and Nashville, TN, Awards nominee, Witter has been performing since 2001 nostalgia shows that captivated fans and brought audiences to their feet. A versatile musician, a real professional, a headliner, and a fabulous entertainer with an appealing personality, Witter unleashed his rich tenor in a solo or in duet with Ian Tanner, eased of shifting to ring a guitar accompaniment or showing his facile fingers at the Grand piano. Thus, he recreated the atmosphere of the most famous folk duo of the ’60s, Simon and Garfunkel.

The opening rendition was “Mrs. Robinson”. It was featured in the film “The Graduate” and became one of the biggest S & G’s singles of the late ‘60s.

In succession, their greatest hits like “I Am a Rock”; “El Condor Pasa” (If I Could), “Bye Bye Love” and “Cecilia” wowed the crowd. During the rendition of “The Boxer”, drummer Daryl McWaters secured an explosive back beat and employed tasteful orches-

tration. Ian Tanner, a multi-talented guitar star, soulful singer, and female voice interpreter was featured as a soloist or in duo with Witter and the fans enjoyed their cohesive sound.

The stately ballad “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” was an enormous hit topping the charts for 10 weeks.

It was also a massive commercial success that won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Witter’s powerful voice and impressive piano techniques recreated this soundtrack with notable tunes and lyrics that vibrated a nation and set standards in thoughtful pop music decades later. The audience spontaneously rewarded Witter’s masterful interpretation with standing ovations.

Some thirty Vietnam War veterans in attendance were recognized with the “Homeward Bound” song. A tribute to Paul Simon’s songwriting career was “Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover” where the audience participation was expected.

Jim Witter and his Band will return to MV’s theater for the fourth time during the 2013-2014 season. Look for the new Fine and Performing Arts Center’s catalog this summer; tickets are sold fast.

Dimka Atanassova can be contacted at atanassovad2@student.morainevalley. edu.

15

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

BASEBALL | from page 16 the Cyclones to better things are AllConference Team members Mario Hernandez and Scott Petrovich, and All-Region Second Team member Mike Habas.

“Hernandez was a great help in the sense of loving baseball and really understanding the importance of winning,” said Farmer. “Petrovich was a pretty good shutdown outfielder and a phenomenal catcher. Having these two gone to me will be the biggest pieces missing to the puzzle next season.”

Both Hernandez and Habas have sparked interest from numerous Division II schools. Also leaving the Cyclones will be Joe Lyons and Danny Kenealy.

Despite all the dark areas in the program last season there is a ton of light shimmering on the baseball program, that light comes in the form of the returning freshman and the core of recruits that have signed on.

“Without a doubt we’ve signed a good core of ballplayers,” exclaimed Farmer.

Headlining the recruiting class is AllState shortstop Jason Hein out of Oak Forest H.S. Another key signing for Farmer includes Billy Thome out of Oak Lawn H.S. A big edition coming to the Cyclones is third baseman Alec Jeffries who is transferring from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Jeffries played

Head Coach Cole Farmer (black) talks to his players before they run onto the field. Farmer’s second season is shaping up to be a memorable one for the Moraine Valley baseball program. [Michael Frederiksen] baseball for local high school Oak Park & River Forest under head coach Chris Ledbetter.

“Jeffries is a quiet young man that is very focused about his future in baseball,” said Ledbetter. “He was our starting third baseman and cleanup hitter who has tremendous power and has good arm strength with carry across the diamond. He’s going to be in the three or four hole in the lineup,” said Farmer.

“Jefferies hones the most power out of anyone in the region when he’s on.

Right now our offense is looking good.”

Farmer has already accomplished his goal from the start of his coaching career at Moraine Valley: sign players to play for the Cyclones from the local high schools.

“I’m getting kids fresh out of high school. I’ll be able to install my philosophy of baseball in their head and have them understand that this is not high school anymore...It is college and the stakes are up a little. I feel that the group I’ve signed so far already understand it.”

Also returning for the Cyclones are

Michael Levigne, Brandon Martinez and Kyle Belluomini.

“I’m trying to build my team around these three players,” said Farmer. His second season as skipper looks to be a promising one for the Cyclones. Farmers’ ability to sign big bats and crafty aggressive pitchers should pay big dividends this year. Look for a more aggressive, competitive and ambitious Cyclones baseball squad in 2014.

Sean McDermott can be contacted at sports@mvccglacier.com.

16

Sports

Sean McDermott Sports Editor sports@mvccglacier.com

THE GLACIER JUNE 21, 2013 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 18

Ward sparks new life at Eatern Michigan Sean McDermott Sports Editor Karrington Ward did something last season that no one has ever done before at Moraine Valley: he led the Cyclones to the NJCAA Division II National Championship Final.

As the starting forward/guard for the explosive Cyclones team in 2012-13 season, Ward averaged 21.7 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game, which earned him a spot on the NJCAA Division II All-American first team (for the second consecutive year) and a roster spot on the 2013 NJCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Association All-Star game in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena on May 11.

Ward scored 24 points in the game and was named MVP of the West All-Stars.

As the 6’7’’, 200 pound forward/guard moves on to Ypsilanti, Michigan to continue his career at NCAA D-I Eastern Michigan University, there is a story of triumph and determination that has led to all the success. Ward had to prove to himself and to others that there was more than just skill, size and athleticism, but an underlying spark in his game that has given him the talent to go on to Eastern Michigan; his work ethic.

At a young age Ward was already showing promise as an exceptional basketball player as he was named MVP of the Illinois T’Wolves (a travel basketball team) three consecutive years (sixth through eighth grade).

After graduation Ward would attend Lockport Township High School. The moment Lockport’s head coach Lawrence Thompson Jr. saw Ward’s ability at the Porters’ tryout he knew Ward could very well be

something special.

“He was a great athlete who was willing to learn how to hone his full basketball ability and become an exceptional basketball player,” said Thompson.

Ward’s full potential wasn’t realized until halfway through his junior season. “His jump shot was beginning to develop

Though Ward unfortunately remained unsigned by a fouryear school, he would later sign on to play for Kankakee Community College where he continued to push himself to become a better ball player. As a freshman Ward averaged 19.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game. After his one-

liked the way Coach Rob Murphy has turned the program around. It’s a great school.”

“We are excited to add a multi-dimensional scorer to our roster,” said EMU’s secondyear head coach Murphy. Murphy (a former assistant coach for the storied Syracuse University basketball program) has

Karrington Ward goes up for a slam dunk. Ward led the Cyclones to the NJCAA National Championship and will continue his playing career at Eastern Michigan University [Micahel Frederiksen] and started to become more consistent,” said Thompson.

“His senior year he became an all around basketball player. He was able to shoot the ball outside as well as drive the ball to the basket. He played defense and he was the head of our full court press in which he created a lot of turnovers. He also rebounded well. He always would put the team first. He was one of the hardest working and most athletic players I’ve ever coached.”

year stint with Kankakee, Ward transferred to Moraine Valley for his sophomore season in which he became the most decorated Cyclone in Moraine Valley history.

After receiving five quality scholarship offers Ward chose Eastern Michigan University over University of Washington, DePaul University, the University of Detroit-Mercy and the University of St. Louis. “The coaching staff made me feel like I was at home,” Ward said. “I

compiled a 30-36 record and guided the Eagles to a MAC West Championship in just two seasons.

Ward’s signing has sparked new life to the Eastern Michigan fan base. Some fans are calling Ward a poor man’s version of a George Gervin, the former EMU alum and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer. Ward in fact does show a striking resemblance of Gervin.

Both Ward and Gervin stand at 6’ 7’’ and play the same po-

sitions as shooting guard and small forward.

“We are really excited to have Ward on our roster,” said EMU’s associate head coach Mike Brown. Brown recruited Ward thanks to a little tip from former Moraine Valley head coach Dedrick Shannon. “Shannon is a good friend of mine. I respect him and the job that he does.

Shannon called me about Ward and I went out to see him and loved Ward and the rest is history.”

Brown believes that Ward signed on with Eastern Michigan over many major program schools because of the family atmosphere that is implemented in the Eastern Michigan basketball program.

“Coach Murphy is a relationship kind of coach,” explained Brown. “I feel that Ward really liked the atmosphere here as well as our campus and facilities and we were the best fit for him overall in being successful in his two years of college and afterwards.”

The sky’s the limit for Ward.

With his athleticism and skill Ward will make the Eastern Michigan basketball program a contender for the MAC title.

“Ward is a tremendous talent, but he’s also a nice young man,” said Brown. “He’s a quality character guy that will do things the right way. We are really excited to have a person like him at our program.”

The Eagles training camp begins in September, where for the first time the entire coaching staff will get the full look at the 2013-14 squad. By the way things are already shaping up, we’re going to hear a lot more about Karrington Ward for the next two seasons.

Sean McDermott can be contacted at sports@mvccglacier.com.

Future looks bright for Farmer’s Cyclones Sean McDermott Sports Editor The first year for head coach Cole Farmer has been a doozy.

Immaturity within the ball club, dueling directions between coaches and a lack of overall commitment paralyzed the Cyclones (13-26) 2013 season.

Since the Cyclones were knocked out of the Region IV

playoffs, the Cyclones program has seen a lot of changes.

The first main change was the overall firing of assistant coach Alan Quijano.

“I hired Quijano on a whim last year and that backfired on me,” said Farmer. The main reason why coach “Q” is not returning is due to the fire and ice mix Farmer and Q had about the way the program was going to play ball.

“We can’t have two coaches fighting over the philosophy of baseball and go out and win ball games,” said Farmer. “The players got torn because one coach would tell them something while the other would tell them to do something completely different. It eventually built barriers between players and coaches and I found this out halfway through the season.” Coach Farmer is spending

this off-season searching for an assistant who understands the game and is as aggressive as he is.

“I need to have a coach who is on the same page with me,” said Farmer. “Playing conservative baseball won’t get us anywhere. Being aggressive is going to work in our favor.”

Farmer will interview at least five candidates and with the help of Moraine Valley Athletic

Director Bill Finn and head trainer Geoff Davis will pick a suitable assistant.

Infielder Alex Krupa and left handed pitcher Justin Luzzi will also not be returning for their sophomore season at Moraine Valley. “Their talents were good enough to excel at the college level, but their overall attitudes and mindset weren’t there.” Moving on from BASEBALL | page 15