MVCC Glacier

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MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER WWW.MVCCGLACIER.COM FEBRUARY 13, 2015 VOLUME 48, ISSUE 11

Election fever

Letter of hope

MVCC Student Caileen Casey signs her petition. [Erica Sinnott] Jackie Cronin Editorial Assistant

Trustee Tom Cunningham reviews materials at a 2013 Board of Trustees Meeting of 2013. [Erica Sinnott]

By Brendan Sullivan Staff Writer Tom Cunningham, one of Moraine Valley’s newest Board of Trustee members, is up for reelection this semester after being elected to complete the last two years of an unexpired term in April of 2013. Prior to his election, he had served on the Orland School District 135 for eight years, five of which as Director of Illinois Association of School Boards. It’s no surprise he’s passionate about the quality of the local school systems. Born and raised in the school district, he’s also an alumnus of Moraine Valley, enrolled his children through the same schools he worked for, and has two siblings who are both teachers in the Chicago school system. When asked on his opinion of Moraine after being a faculty member for two years, he said, “We’re doing a fantastic job right now. I want to keep

it that way. Moraine, for the value right now, is one of the best deals in the country.” Cunningham has made it clear he’s working towards that goal with his actions thus far, showing dedication to the students he works with every day. He shows special concern for their financial situations, knowing there are more expenses in a college student’s life than just their schooling. Last year, the Board authorized semester tuition increases per credit hour, but voted to cap it to $2 per credit hour as opposed to the $7 originally requested. Next year, he plans to limit expenses in the budget. “At Moraine, you can work a part time job and afford your tuition. That’s a break the kids need coming out of high school,” Cunningham said. With college costs at an all time high, and more students deciding the price of their degree isn’t worth the risk, his thoughts are refreshing

things to hear. According to data from the Labor Department, the price index for college tuition has grown over 80 percent in the last decade. Cunningham commented, “[The students] need a break, especially on the south side. We don’t have a really wealthy community here. I’ve lived in these communities my whole life.” There will be two six-year trustee positions up for grabs for the April 7 election when Cunningham’s and Patrick Kennedy’s terms expire. Kennedy will not be seeking reelection, but four other candidates are running in addition to Cunningham. The positions will be awarded to the two candidates with the highest total vote counts. Cunningham commented, “I’m looking forward to it, I’m looking forward to getting back on the board for six years and doing what I can.” Brendan Sullivan can be contacted at sullivanb86@student. morainevalley.edu.

Governor Bruce Rauner’s State of the State Address touched on topics that hit quite close to home, or college in this case. Rauner promised Illinois residents that he would not change budget funds for technical training and community colleges. However, there is a rumor circulating that Rauner intends to cut the education budget by 30 percent.

Moraine Valley’s Student Government Association (SGA) wants to ensure that Rauner will commit to his promise. The SGA will be sending a letter to Rauner asking him to protect and improve finances and preserving programs that help students attend college. In the letter, the SGA hopes that Rauner will increase funding to the Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant by $50 million, as well as doubling the investment in MAP over the RAUNER | page 4

Green Future By William Lukitsch Editor-in-Chief Clean energy and job growth potential were topics of discussion at a forum led by three state legislators at Moraine’s main campus on Feb. 10. Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham, Representative Kelly Burke, and Representative Frances Hurley discussed the beneficial aspects of investing in the renewable energy sector, related to the residents of their districts. Over 100 students and local residents attended the meeting. “There aren’t many sectors

of the economy where we see this growth of high-salary jobs,” said Cunningham. “We see that in the energy field, particularly as we expand and find new sources of alternative energy.” Rep. Burke said that she was excited to bring the panel discussion to residents of the district she represents, and echoed the sentiments expressed by Cunningham on the important financial and environmental benefits of renewable energy. “I think one of the things is Illinois doesn’t get enough credit for is being a leader in ENERGY | page 2

IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES Valentine’s Day Celebration in U Building goes successfully. SOCIAL PAGE 1

SPORTS Men’s Basketball currently on a hot streak. PAGE 12

ENTERTAINMENT “Reconstucted Landsapes” builds a steady foundation at FPAC. SOCIAL PAGE 5


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