Winter 2012 by North by Northwestern

NORTH BY WINTER ‘12

HIDING IN

PLAIN SIGHT

Bernardine Dohrn’s journey from fugitive to faculty

AND...

Antique beats Global Wildcats Athletes gone Greek A night with SafeRide Princess Diana on campus

R UI

EQ R S TS NT LL S TE UDE EDI T T M A M U S TO G E/ R N G GR FO LYIN P NO AP

get a GRADUATE DEGREE in journalism.

join the MEDILL network. CONNECTED IN NYC, CHICAGO, D.C. AND THE WORLD

))

www.medillmsj.com

) ))

38 WHO IS BERNARDINE DOHRN? ON THE COVER

The Final Chapter

A goodbye to Bookmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alley

Players Who Pledge

Balancing Greek and athletic life

Student Smiles

Meet the happiest club on campus

cover illustration: geneve ong, photos: daniel schuleman

Winter

2012

GENIUS

10 Tall, Dark, Handsome Brew the perfect cup of Joe.

15 Electronic Tattoos Apply directly to the forehead.

QUAD

22 Purple Planet Workin’ all over the world

24 Pay Per Minute You’ll never miss class again.

SCOOP

31 I’ll Drink To That

Take a shot with Tyra.

37 Old Town

Bakery, comedy, history, oh my!

EXTRA

48 Prospie Points

How to reel in future students Published with support from Campus Progress, a division of the Center for American Progress. Online at CampusProgress.org

Frances Willard would not approve.

34 32 Lacrosse ladies

photos: daniel schuleman

Distilling me softly

50 Under Pressure

A Mac vs. PC dilemma

GENIUS

your guide to living smart.

Let’s Get It

These unconventional cocktails are a new twist on aphrodisiacs. By Minhee Kang

Chocolate-dipped strawberries and rhinoceros horns—two vastly different foods with the same purported effect: sexual arousal. Aphrodisiacs have been known for hundreds of years, helping people get over their fears of laughable sexual performance or lack of desire. In the past, foods were often characterized as aphrodisiacs based on the way they looked or how exotic they were. Even today, people believe chocolate heightens desire or that oysters increase libido, but are any of these claims true? John Michael Bailey, a Northwestern psychology professor, states that all effects felt from traditional aphrodisiacs are actually in people’s minds—a placebo effect. But never fear, because he also says that aphrodisiacs—substances that when taken increase sexual desire and arousal—in their definitive forms do actually exist. The problem is that most of them are illegal. Bremalanotide, a peptide that was discovered while trying to create a drug to make people tan, works in both men and women to increase sexual arousal. Unfortunately, it can only be ingested through a subcutaneous injection, and it isn’t FDA approved. Other drugs, like methamphetamines, greatly increase one’s sexual motivation, and marijuana is purported to give more intense orgasms. “None of these are an aphrodisiac that you can stick into someone’s brownie,” Bailey says. Instead, he suggests that “the strongest aphrodisiac is expressing romantic sexual interest to someone in direct enough a way for them to get it.” Bailey also sweetly reminds us that “alcohol is the most widely used drug to affect sexual behavior, more by decreasing inhibition rather than creating sexual desire.” Since most aphrodisiacs are considered in one way or another to be illegal substances, there is no better way to start off a love-filled night than with a mixed drink. Or three.



OYSTER SHOOTER

To start off your date, down an oyster shooter with your lover. Oysters were once considered to be aphrodisiacs because they are loaded with zinc, but also because of their appearance.

Sake Ponzu sauce 1 quail egg 1 oyster Green onion Fill a double shot glass halfway with sake, then fill the shot glass until it is threefourths of the way full with ponzu sauce. Place the oyster inside. This is the hardest part—crack the quail egg and discard the egg white. Put the yolk on top, sprinkle it with a little bit of green onion, then throw that shot back.

WASABI MARTINI There’s nothing that arouses the senses quite like some spice. Kick up your libido with a nice dab of tear-inducing wasabi.

Strainer 1 K shots of vodka K shot lemon juice Splash of triple sec Glob of wasabi Throw everything into a shaker filled with ice cubes and mix well. Strain the mixture into chilled martini glasses. If you like, before filling the glasses, rim them with wasabi for an extra kick.

CAFÉ ARMARETTO For thousands of years, people have believed that the scent of almonds was a strong aphrodisiac for women. End your evening with a hot cup of coffee with an irresistible twist.

photo: daniel schuleman

1 ounce amaretto almond liqueur K ounce cognac 4 ounces hot coffee First, brew the hot coffee. In a mug, pour the liqueur and the cognac before adding the coffee into the mixture. If you want, top your drink off with whipped cream.

northbynorthwestern.com | 5

slug

Ginger lentil soup

Ginger, Spice And Everything Nice Make a meal with this feisty root. By Shaina Coogan You probably know at least something about ginger. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without gingerbread houses, and ginger ale is hands down the best beverage choice when flying. Maybe you’ve poked hesitantly at the pickled pink stuff next to the wasabi that comes with your California roll. But you probably didn’t realize all the things this feisty Asian root can do. Widely known for its use as a digestive aid, ginger is low in calories and contains dietary fiber, also a boon to your tummy’s health. Raw ginger root alone packs a sharp, spicy punch — like a milder horseradish — but once cooked, it adds a bright, exotic undertone to a variety of dishes. Fresh ginger root is remarkably inexpensive. Ground ginger will run you a little more, but a little goes a long way, as ground spices are always more potent than their fresh counterparts.

GINGER LENTIL SOUP

6 | WINTER 2012

1. Rinse the lentils with cool water, drain them and set aside. Chop the onions, garlic and carrots; grate the ginger. 2. Place a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions. Cook until transparent and slightly browned. 3. Add garlic, ginger and carrots, and cook while stirring for one minute. Add cumin and cayenne pepper and cook for 30 seconds. 4. Add water to the pot, and scrape the browned bits off the bottom as the water sizzles. 5. Add lentils and broth. Simmer for about 45 minutes until lentils soften. 6. Taste and season with salt and pepper, and

finish off with lemon. Serve with cheese over rice and couscous. (Recipe adapted from joythebaker.com)

CARROT-GINGER MISO DRESSING Just like the dressing you get on your salad at Japanese restaurants, this version is sweet, spicy and bright in taste and color. You can use this as a salad dressing or a dipping sauce for other veggies. Yields 4 servings. 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped 1 small shallot, peeled and roughly chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger 2 tablespoons sweet white miso 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil ¼ cup neutral oil (such as vegetable) 2 tablespoons water 1. Combine the carrot, shallot and ginger in the food processor, pulsing until finely chopped. 2. Add the miso, vinegar and sesame oil. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the neutral oil and water. Serve immediately. (Adapted from smittenkitchen.com)

photo: daniel schuleman

Served over rice or couscous, this soup makes for a hearty and filling meal, especially when it’s still snowing in April. I accidentally doubled the amount of cumin in the recipe the first time I made it and actually found the flavor lacking when I followed the recipe exactly. If you like a little more smoke and spice in your soup, I’d definitely recommend adding more. Yields 8 servings.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, chopped small 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 to 4 tablespoons ginger, grated or finely diced 3 cups water 3 to 4 carrots, sliced 1 pound French lentils 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth 2 teaspoons ground cumin ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste) 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste Grated cheese for serving Cooked couscous or rice for serving

GINGER CHICKEN This chicken dish is bold. If you’re on the fence about ginger, beware. You can scale back the amount called for in this recipe if you don’t want it to overpower the lime and garlic flavors. Be sure to pound out your chicken breasts nice and thin to ensure even cooking. I baked mine for about 10 to 12 minutes at 375 F, but prepare it to your liking. Yields 4 servings. 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, pounded thin (½ inch) 3 cloves minced garlic 3 tablespoons ground ginger (or 6 tablespoons fresh) 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 limes, juiced In a large plastic bag, combine the garlic, ginger, oil and lime juice. Seal the bag and shake until mixed well, then open the bag and add chicken. Seal bag and marinate in the refrigerator for no more than 20 minutes. Remove chicken from the bag and grill, bake or broil, basting with marinade, until cooked through and juices run clear. (Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com)

GINGER-INFUSED LEMONADE This recipe isn’t mouth-puckeringly sour, but the lemon shines with a hint of warm ginger at the end of each sip. Yields 6 servings. 1 cup sugar 1 (6-inch) piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and grated 4 ½ cups water 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (depending on the size of your lemons, you may need anywhere from 8 to 12) Zest of 2 lemons (removed with a grater, zester or vegetable peeler) Lemon slices for garnish (optional)



TRY THIS: Mix the lemonade with light rum for a cool cocktail

1. In a medium saucepan, prepare a simple syrup by combining the sugar, ginger root, lemon zest and 1 cup of water. 2. Bring the ingredients to a boil, and then immediately remove from heat. Set aside and allow the mixture to cool. Use a strainer to remove the solids from the syrup. Pour the lemon juice into a pitcher; add the simple syrup and the remaining 3 ½ cups of water. Stir well and serve over ice. Garnish with lemon slices if desired. (Recipe from David Lawrence’s Boy Eats World!)

SOFT GINGERBREAD COOKIE ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

photos: daniel schuleman

I followed this recipe almost to a T (using butter instead of shortening) from the website, but the ice cream part was my addition. If you’ve ever found yourself disappointed by gingerbread men, both in texture and flavor, give this recipe a spin. These surprisingly spicy cookies manage to be crispy at the edges but tender in the middle, just sturdy enough to support a small (or large — I won’t tell) scoop of your favorite ice cream. Yields 2 dozen cookies. 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking soda ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup butter, room temperature 1 cup white sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon water ¼ cup molasses 2 tablespoons white sugar (optional) Preheat your oven to 350 F. Sift (or whisk) together the dry ingredients — flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually add the dry ingredients until well-combined. Chill the dough if it seems too wet to work

with. Shape the dough into walnut-sized balls, and roll them in the remaining sugar if desired. Flatten the balls in your palm and lay them two inches apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool five minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If making ice cream sandwiches, scoop a small ball of your preferred ice cream and sandwich it between two of the cookies. (Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com) northbynorthwestern.com | 7

drink

The Sweet Side Of Bitters Using Angostura bitters will take your cocktail to the next level. By Kevin Shepherd How come drinks always taste better in bars? Maybe it’s just your body trying to convince you that those 14 bucks really were well-spent, or perhaps you still stock your kitchen with Skol. No shame. More likely though, you’re just overlooking some of the smaller stuff, the little touches that make a good drink great. Enter Angostura bitters, an odd little liquid that only really makes sense once you start treating the process of mixing drinks more like gourmet cooking. Bitters are the spices of the drinking world, the pinch of salt that makes or breaks a dish. Accordingly, mixing in more than a dash or two of bitters is tantamount to filling a baked potato with pepper; the taste of the bitters will readily overpower everything else. But in moderation, the cinnamon-y, sour taste of the (rather inaptly named) bitters can accentuate all the other flavors in the mix and leave you with a restaurant quality drink. As if that weren’t reason enough to keep a bottle in your pantry, Angostura bitters supposedly have curative properties. Originally developed in Venezuela to cure soldiers’ stomach disorders, the unique recipe has stayed pretty much the same for nearly 200 years. The bottle rather boldly claims that one may also use bitters in “soups, cereals, salads, gravies, jellies, apple sauce and all similar desserts.” Herbs steeped in booze: What’s not to love?

OLD-FASHIONED 1½ ounces bourbon, scotch or rye whiskey 1 sugar cube 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1 splash soda water 1 orange slice 1 lemon 2 maraschino cherries 1. Place sugar cube in glass and saturate with bitter. 2. Add a splash of soda water, and stir until the sugar dissolves. 3. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add whiskey. 4. Garnish with orange slice, lemon twist and two maraschino cherries.

SINGAPORE SLING 1½ ounces gin M ounce cherry brandy T ounce Cointreau L ounce grenadine 1K ounces pineapple juice 1 ounce fresh lemon juice 1 dash Angostura bitters 1. Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. 2. Shake well. 3. Strain into highball glass. 4. Garnish with pineapple.

MANHATTAN 1M ounces rye or Canadian whisky M ounce red vermouth 1 dash Angostura bitters

8 | WINTER 2012

photo: john meguerian

1. Pour all ingredients into mixing glass with ice cubes. 2. Stir well. 3. Strain into chilled martini or cocktail glass.

Shot O’ The Mornin’ To Ya! Four St. Patty’s drinks guaranteed to make your day. By Laurel Zoff Pelton It’s that time of year again. The time to put on some green, go out with your pals and participate in the responsible consumption of intoxicating liquors. St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and with these little green drinks that pack the punch of the fighting Irish, we can promise a day of celebration you’ll always remember. Or one you’ll completely forget.

THE GRASSHOPPER

This drink is for the classier pub-goer. With a twinge of mint cream, it’s cool, refreshing and with two and a half shots, it will definitely get the ball rolling. What you’ll need: Blender Ice cubes or crushed ice 1 shot sweet cream or ice cream ¾ shot White Crème de Cacao ¾ shot Green Crème de Menthe Hazelnuts What you’ll do: Put ingredients together, blend it up, pour into a margarita glass (in keeping with the Irish tradition) and garnish with hazelnuts.

BLOW JOB

Not for the faint of heart, the Blow Job takes some work. You’re going to need some tools. You’re going to need some balls. Although it’s not green, it fits the bill with its sweet, Irish cream. Drink up! What you’ll need: A tall, skinny glass Kahlua Baileys Irish Cream Whipped cream What you’ll do: Fill the glass with L Kahlua, L Baileys Irish Cream (poured carefully over the side to create a solid layer), and top it off with whipped cream. Next, put the glass on the table, put your mouth around it and find a way to suck it down.

FLAVORED KAMIKAZE

When you need to take a break but still want to look like you’re getting drunk, the Kamikaze is there for you. With its sweet apple flavor, you won’t even notice you’re drunk until you’re screaming Dropkick Murphys lyrics in the streets.

photo: john meguerian

What you’ll need: Mixing glass Ice cubes ¾ shot vodka ¾ shot Sour Apple Schnapps Dash of Sweet and Sour mix Splash of 7UP What you’ll do: Stir those bad boys together, and strain the mixture into a nervous glass (a.k.a. a bigger shot glass so your drunk ass won’t spill).

SHOT O’ WHISKEY

Self-explanatory. For when you reach the point where you can’t read recipes. What you’ll need: Shot glass Shot of solid Irish whiskey What you’ll do: Get drunk. northbynorthwestern.com | 9

drink

The Coffee Snob’s Almanac How to brew coffee in your own room. By John Meguerian and Anca Ulea It’s the end of the month, and your wallet is getting thinner. But that doesn’t seem to affect the need for caffeine you developed sometime between your freshman year and last finals season. It’s not addiction if you enjoy the taste, right? Right. Well, coffee philanderer, if you’re still spending $3.50 per drink at your local Starbucks, it’s time for a change. The coffee there may seem better than anything you could ever produce, but the truth is you can make tasty coffee in the comfort of your home. Making your own coffee in a dorm room may seem daunting, and making coffee shop quality coffee in an apartment might seem impossible. But we’re here to help, so stop spending your money on skinny vanilla lattes. Throw out that 10-year-old drip coffee maker, and check out these tips on how to make delicious coffee all by yourself. The key to making good coffee is freshness. That means storing your beans in an airtight container and trying to use them within a week of purchase. Anything you can do to keep your coffee as fresh as the day it was roasted will only improve your coffee experience.

inexpensive blade grinders you can purchase on Amazon. These tend to produce unevenly ground particles, unlike their more expensive burr counterparts, but the result is still better than week-old coffee grounds and won’t burn too big a hole in your wallet.

Krups 203-42 Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder with Stainless-Steel blades $19.95 Amazon.com Proctor Silex E160BY Fresh Grind Coffee Grinder $13.08 Amazon.com Mr. Coffee Electric Coffee IDS77 Grinder with Chamber Maid Cleaning System $18.88 Amazon.com

RECOMMENDED PURCHASE:

LOCALLY SOURCED COFFEE

Grinding coffee beans is the equivalent to opening a soda can. If you open it a week before you drink it, the soda inside the can will be flat, stale and not much fun to drink. When you grind coffee, it increases the beans’ surface area, releasing more of the flavors and oils into the surrounding hot water. If you ground the beans weeks before you brew your coffee, they lose the majority of their flavor, producing a weak and virtually tasteless cup. Although high quality burr coffee grinders can run you a few hundred dollars, there are some

Another way to ensure freshness is to buy locally sourced coffee. Lucky for us, the Chicago area has a lot of amazing coffee brewers. Here are our favorites.

10 | WINTER 2012

INTELLIGENTSIA COFFEE & TEA Founded in Chicago in 1995 by Doug Zell and Emily Mange, Intelligentsia supplies coffee to many coffee shops and restaurants in the Chicago

Piendamo blend 1 pound, $24.00, intelligentsiacoffee.com

METROPOLIS COFFEE COMPANY Metropolis Coffee Company was founded in 2003 and is located in Edgewater, right off the Granville Red Line stop. You can buy bags of whole bean coffee at the shop itself, online or at various Whole Foods stores in Chicago and Evanston. Schweik’s blend 1 pound, $13.80, metropoliscoffee.com

ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS ALTERRA was started in Milwaukee in 1993 by three friends who needed some good, strong coffee to stay up working long nights. They decided to start roasting their own coffee, opening the first ALTERRA cafe in 1994. ALTERRA can be found in Evanston at Unicorn Cafe (1723 Sherman Ave.). ALTERRA’s Favorite blend 1 pound, $11.75, alterracoffee.com. You can also buy ALTERRA coffee beans at Unicorn Cafe for $13.50 a pound; on Fridays, all bulk coffee is 10 percent off.

photos: john meguerian

COFFEE GRINDER

area. You can find Intelligentsia coffee in Evanston at Coffee Lab (922 Noyes St.), Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop (825 Church St.) and Cafe Mozart (600 Davis St.).

HOW TO BREW IT So now you’ve got a grinder and some good, whole bean coffee. Here are some ways to brew it, including some for those with no access to a stove or hot water.

FRENCH PRESS French press coffee maker Hot water Stirring rod or spoon 2 tablespoons coffee per 8 ounce cup

NEW ORLEANS STYLE COLD BREW COFFEE Cold brew coffee requires some patience (it takes about 12 hours to steep), but is significantly less acidic than hot-brewed coffee and will last about a week in the fridge. It’s perfect for late nights and early mornings, when you don’t have time to brew your coffee. The tools you need to make it are also pretty inexpensive and easy to find. Mason jar (but any container with a lid will work) L cup ground coffee (coarse or medium grind) 1 ½ cups room temperature water Coffee filter (can be replaced by two layers of cheesecloth or a very fine sieve) 1. In the jar, stir together the coffee grounds and water. Put cover on lid and let sit overnight (or about 12 hours). 2. Strain twice through the coffee filter, cheesecloth or sieve. 3. The resulting liquid will be very concentrated, so mix with an equal part cold water or milk in your preferred drinking glass. (If you like your coffee stronger, skip this step or add water to taste).

4. Add ice and enjoy. Note: The above measurements will yield about two drinks. If you want to make more, multiply the ingredients, and keep proportions the same. The longer you let the coffee steep, the stronger it gets, so when you’ve reached a level you like, strain it and refrigerate it for up to a week.

POUROVER Cone dripper Appropriate size filter 2 tablespoons coffee per 8 ounce cup Hot water 1. Optional but highly recommended: Set up your filter in the dripper over your cup and rinse thoroughly with hot water. This gets rid of the papery taste and heats everything up. 2. Once your water is boiling, measure out 2 tablespoons of coffee beans per 8 ounces of water (this is the size of a normal coffee mug) and grind to a sand-like consistency. 3. Put the grounds in the filter and pour just enough water to saturate the grounds. It will foam up. This is called the bloom; let it work for about 30 seconds to let off some CO2. 4. After your coffee has bloomed, slowly pour the rest of the water in a circular motion over the grounds, and let it drip through.

photo: john meguerian

1. Brewing with a French press requires coarser coffee grounds, otherwise the mesh filter gets clogged. To get the perfect texture, grind the beans until they’re chunky, but still distinct particles, resembling potting soil. 2. Remove the plunger from the press and add dry coffee grounds to the clean pot, measuring out 2 tablespoons per 8 ounces of water. 3. Slowly pour the desired amount of hot water over the grounds. Most of the grounds will float to the top and the coffee will bubble a bit. You can stir the mixture at this point to push the grounds to the bottom of the water. 4. Replace the lid on top of the pot with the plunger fully extended. If you didn’t stir the mixture in the last step, do so after a minute of letting it sit.

5. Let the coffee sit for five minutes before slowly pushing down the plunger.

northbynorthwestern.com | 11

love

Don’t Dwell On It Excessive thought leads us to succumb to temptation. By Sarah Kuta

12 | WINTER 2012

phase one of the study, the cold or nonvisceral state group spent 10 minutes watching a female fashion show, while the sexually aroused group watched a 10-minute erotic film. The men then examined five photographs of women. In phase two, these steps were repeated, and both sets of participants were told that the women in the photographs were incoming international students. By making these women available in the near future, the researchers hoped to heighten temptation. When the results of the study were analyzed, the aroused men spent more time examining the phase two photographs when they thought they had a possibility of meeting the women. In contrast, the nonaroused spent marginally less time examining the photographs when they believed they could meet the women. Sexual arousal heightened the desire for possible impulsive behavior — infidelity — whereas nonarousal actually promoted self-control. “It is the visceral state that takes over the person’s way of thinking, their motivation and their cognitive processes,” Chou says. Laura Stuart, sexual health education and violence prevention coordinator at Northwestern, says the study only tells part of the story of the temptation of infidelity. “Typically I would say it’s not just a physical arousal thing,” she says. “I’m sure that whether people are physically aroused does have an impact on whether or not they have sex with someone, but I also think that for most people there’s something else going on emotionally or psychologically.” So what does this mean for college students who are perceived to have high sex drives? When you add alcohol to the picture, it’s possible to see how the lines of fidelity become blurred. “People do dumb things when they’re horny, and people do dumb things when they’re drunk,” says Jai Broome, a Weinberg junior and member of SHAPE, Northwestern’s Sexual Health and Assault Peer Educators. “Sex is a fundamental desire, and it makes sense that people might do things they’ll regret later when they’ve been drinking.”

—Alia Wilhelm

photo: priscilla liu

t’s a lonely Saturday night, and your significant other is away for the weekend. Your libido kicks in, and you decide to head to a party with some friends. An attractive specimen brushes up against you on his or her way to the kitchen, and you start weighing the pros and cons of striking up a conversation. It might lead to something, you tell yourself, but you’re so lonely, and a little chatting couldn’t hurt, right? Actually, it could, at least according to a new study conducted by the Kellogg School of Management. Results of the study about how and why people give in to temptation were published in a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. The article, titled “The Push and Pull of Temptation: the Bidirectional Influence of Temptation on Self-Control,” describes how thinking longer about your decision can actually lead you to make the wrong one. This research challenges the notion that humans are wired to make rational, thoughtful decisions in every situation and only fail to do so when their passions or urges pull them in the opposite direction. Instead, researchers found that it all depends on our visceral state. If a person is dieting and sees a tempting piece of chocolate cake while hungry, impulse is more likely to take over. But if the individual isn’t hungry, he or she will exercise self-control. Eileen Chou, along with Kellogg assistant professor Loran Nordgren, found that when people are in a hot or visceral state they are more likely to give in to their impulses rather than exercise selfcontrol. “It’s almost as if you have one devil on each shoulder,” Chou says. “When you’re in that visceral state, you should go with your gut and not think about whether you should or not, because the time you take to deliberate will make you even more likely to give in to your temptation.” Nordgren and Chou tested this concept on romantic relationships by tracking how long 49 heterosexual males in committed relationships gazed at photographs of attractive women. In

HAPPY FEET Secrecy has always been hot. It’s exciting to know something that people around you are unaware of. But it’s especially thrilling if the secret takes two to keep. Usually when you have to override your desires to hide your real emotions, you become even more obsessed with what you’re hiding. At least that was Daniel Wegner’s logic in 1994 when he decided to conduct a study on secrecy and its effect on relationships. Through the use of questionnaires, Wegner and his psych buddies set out to discover how most people viewed secret relationships. He found that subjects repeatedly dished out higher ratings for past relationships that had been secret, as opposed to long-gone public romances. People not only took longer to get over secret relationships, but were also more likely to be obsessed with undercover, kiss-me-if-no-one’s-watching kind of relationships Next came the actual experiment, in which 58 pairs of men and women participated. There were four participants per table (two females and two males) and they were instructed to play a simple card game. Each woman was paired up with the man sitting across from her. Certain partners were instructed to play footsie with each other, but in such a way that it would be noticed by the others at the table. Other partners were told to use their feet for contact, but this had to be kept strictly hidden from those around them. The remaining partners did not communicate by feet in any way. The results of the study showed that couples who had played footsie in secret were much more likely to be attracted to each other than any of the other partners. Wegner concluded that secrecy is an important ingredient in love and attraction.

How effective is online dating really? Professor Eli Finkel can tell you on northbynorthwestern.com.

You’re Doing It Wrong The do’s and don’ts of crafting your online dating profile. By Shaunacy Ferro In this day and age, it’s becoming perfectly acceptable to take your dating life online. With the right combination of curiosity and desperation, anyone can end up disregarding the stigma associated with online dating in return for potentially getting some. But OkCupid is a veritable meat market, and not all cuts are exactly choice, if you know what I mean. Crafting the perfect profile is hard, and unless you’ve Photoshopped yourself into a perfect 10, a few misguided answers could mean the difference between casual drinks with a cutie and an empty inbox. The only thing more embarrassing than your friend finding your dating profile is your friend finding your bad dating profile. Give yourself a leg up with these tips. Just because it’s true doesn’t mean you should say it. When OkCupid asks you what the most private information you’re willing to admit is, take it with a grain of salt. First impressions and all. Don’t mention how bitter you are about your last breakup or the degrading state of your mental health. For the love of God, don’t tell me it’s “I have a dating profile.” We’re all here essentially soliciting sex from strangers on the Internet. No big deal. This is the 21st century — have no shame.

Full disclosure: The love of my life has yet to message me as a result of my fantastic profile. But a girl’s gotta have standards.

On that note — don’t be generic. Unless you have a damn good reason or a damn witty follow up, don’t tell me you can’t live without your family, friends or cell phone. Snooze fest. If you’re going to be one of those “can’t live without music” people, be specific. “I could never live without my Zune” says a lot more about a person, and the same goes for “I love Fall Out Boy.” If you really do spend a lot of time thinking about improving solar cell efficiency, say so. Someone might find that really sexy.

illustrations: geneve ong

Tone is everything. I’m surprised how many profiles I’ve read that sound angry. Internet anger is attractive to very few of us. Humor, on the other hand, is almost always attractive. If that’s not your thing, feel free to make this your space for deep thinking on the state of humanity. You’re competing with the entire Internet, so it’s important to sound like yourself. Boring profiles are the kiss of death.

Be honest about what you want. If you want casual sex from someone ages 21-23, say so. If you are a long-term relationship kind of person, don’t pretend you’re into casual sex. It’ll just mean wading through extra unwanted messages. The beauty of Internet dating is that you can vet your prospects before you have to meet them. Outright lies just waste everybody’s time.

Of course, a charming set of essays describing you to a T can only get you so far. You also have to be proactive. If you see that someone puts in all the effort to churn out a profile that knocks your socks off, please grow some balls and ask them out for coffee.

Length is important. Yeah, it’s hard to get to know someone without actually talking to them. But if your profile is six words long, I’m not going to have any conversation starters. “You’re kind of cute” isn’t going to start much of a dialogue. That said, I don’t need to read through the catalogue of your iPod or your entire life history. Shoot for about a couple sentences per question — just enough to pique someone’s interest.

Please don’t tell me you’re really good at sex. Some things should remain a pleasant surprise.

It’s okay to be a little mysterious, especially if the truth is boring. It’s great if you like to kick back with your friends on a typical Friday night, but that’s not going to catch anyone’s eye. “Skipping moonstones” might.

northbynorthwestern.com | 13

info

Programming Primer The easiest and cheapest ways to get coding right now. By Gursimran Singh Whether you want to build a game, website, mobile application or simply explore creative concepts, programming is an indispensable skill. It offers the means to create instantly usable and distributable products, so it’s very relevant to Northwestern’s mix of entrepreneurial, creative and technical students. With its nearly endless possibilities, programming allows your imagination to run wild. Programming is also the fuel that powers many multitalented efforts on campus. The Creative Arts of Technology Studio student group melds art and programming, while the NUvention Web course offers a rigorous understanding of tech startups. There are plenty of creative opportunities for programmers of all skill levels here at Northwestern. But where to begin? To find out, choose your level of comfort and follow along.

THE INITIATE Your first mission is to build intuition. Choose a comfortable language to learn the basics of programming. Don’t get lost in the wilderness of Java and C++. Scheme is a wonderfully simple and powerful language. Just read How to Design Programs, a free book available at htdp.org that teaches program design and basic concepts applicable across many languages. Want to learn what you can build with Scheme? Browse Racket-Lang.org and find out. Another great choice is Ruby, a flexible language that you can try right in your browser. Check out TryRuby.org and the quirky and free Why’s (Poignant) Guide to Ruby. Ruby is a great language to build web applications and has an enthusiastic community. Are you better motivated by a course format? Search for open courseware in computer science, or watch Khan Academy’s series on programming. Also, StackOverflow.com is a great programming Q&A site with hundreds of posts by fellow programmers. Use it for solving any peculiar problems you might encounter.

CODE WARRIOR You are comfortable with code. Now, your mission is to keep challenging that comfort zone. ProjectEuler.net has a collection of nontrivial problems to build your coding skill. You can use any language and then check how others did the same problem in the forums. It’s a great way to make constant, weekly progress or even to learn the quirks of a new language. If you hail from the world of imperative languages such as Java or C++, try learning a functional language like Racket, Haskell or Clojure. Even traditionally imperative languages now include some support for the functional style, so you can still benefit from learning a purely functional language. Few books are as enlightening as Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs. There are even fewer such books available online at no cost. You will learn more than a smattering of recipes. You’ll build a mental framework to encompass and contextualize future learning.

JEDI MASTER

14 | WINTER 2012

illustrations: sarah lowe

You’ve implemented a language or two, hacked the Plan 9 kernel for fun and are much more qualified than I am. Would you like to teach a mini-course or two? You could popularize a niche programming concept, pitch your own open source project or simply share some of the magical secrets you’ve unearthed during your travels. The CATS student group would be a great place to start. There are also many entrepreneurship opportunities at Northwestern. You could discover cofounders for a new startup idea, or consult young startups about how badly they need to rethink their technology decisions. Also, is it true what they say about the power of the dark side?

Second Skin One day, these super sensors could save your life. By Robinson Meyer temporary tattoo of a grizzled pirate, clamping a sword in his mouth and sporting a ragged blue hat, leers at readers from the pages of September’s issue of Science. The article isn’t about advances in treasure map technology, in mid-size Bay Area football franchises or even in third grade birthday party clean-up. Instead, the article, “Epidermal Electronics,” describes what the privateer tattoo can hide: a very small, very thin medical sensor. Researchers at Northwestern and other institutions have figured out how to condense many kinds of electronics so that they’re both as thin and malleable as skin. These condensed electronics can include solar cells, wireless coils and, most importantly, medical sensors like EEGs and EKGs, which monitor brain and heart activity, respectively. The sensors can transmit data wirelessly at short distances to stations, computers or cell phones. “That is what we’ve achieved: something as flexible as skin, without using glue,” says Dr. Yonggang Huang, the Joseph Cummings Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern. Huang helped lead research on the project. As he sits in his office, he smiles and talks quickly, lifting objects off his desk as examples and describing one life-changing application after another. The small, thin sensors, he says, may be able to save children from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, a mysterious condition in which children die in their sleep without warning. “Often when [SIDS is] discovered now, it’s too late,” Huang says. “But if there was something on the baby’s forehead to monitor brain signals, it could send a signal to something which would dial an ambulance and get help.” The sensors could prevent a trip to the hospital too, he says. Now when someone becomes suddenly sick, emergency medical workers or doctors must take their vitals. But with these new sensors, the patient could stay at home, broadcast their biomarkers to their cell phone and see if the diagnosis might be serious.

illustration: sarah lowe

Graphic representation of medical sensors Shrunken sensors might even let Lou Gehrig’s disease patients interact more easily with computers, banishing the clunky equipment required today. “If you put the sensor on your neck, it can recognize words after some training,” Huang says. “Once a sensor can register a human voice, the device can send signals out to perform tasks. We demonstrated that it understood ‘up, down, left, right.’” That the sensor can be concealed with a temporary tattoo (whether skin- or pirate-colored) is part of its appeal. Current computer interfaces — whether therapeutic or not — require something to click or hold: a keyboard, a mouse, or a touchscreen. Even speech interfaces require a microphone. But the new sensor is so small it can’t even be felt by its carrier. The sensor might make possible, in Huang’s words, “a true human-computer interface.” The sensor can stick to skin without glue (and without sensation) because of the Van der Waals force, the same weak in-

termolecular interaction that lets geckos stick to walls and binds the human body’s cells together. Because of this force, a sheet of paper is harder to pick up off a desk than a stapler. “We wanted to make a device so thin it can really follow the skin’s roughness,” Huang says. And will we see the device soon — in hospitals, if not in CVS? Not really. It takes about a decade to test biotechnology for humans after researchers license it to drug companies. Dr. Huang chuckled when asked what the sensors would cost — “That would depend on the market, which is something we professors are not good at,” he says, adding that companies were interested in its many applications. “They want to do this; they want to explore this,” he says. Huang doubts the sensor would be cheaper than current methods, saying the team hadn’t invented anything new, only improved or shrunk existing technology. The sensor isn’t designed to be reusable, either, but if a method of peeling it off that

maintained its structural integrity were found, it could be. The sensors also can’t stay on the body for too long. Skin constantly dies and flakes to the ground, and right now, the censor blocks that process. The sensors also can’t handle sweat. The researchers were primarily funded by the National Science Foundation, which pays for about 20 percent of all academic science research in the U.S. (Despite Republican threats last year, the NSF’s budget was increased by $173 million for 2012.) When the technology is finally licensed, though, Northwestern will get a chunk of the potential profits. It’s discoveries like this that keep Northwestern functional as a research university. Professor Richard Silverman’s 1989 synthesis of the drug Lyrica funds not only the Silverman Center, a nanotechnology group within the university exploring scientific expanses, but also humanistic studies at Northwestern. When Northwestern researchers discover, humanity — and the humantities — benefit. northbynorthwestern.com | 15

home

Bitchin’ Bottles

You’ll never have to buy another Aquafina again. By Susan Neilson Remember winter break, when you were anxiously awaiting the best spectator sport at Northwestern? Unfortunately for its eager audience, rush week was gorgeous (weather-wise). As a result, not a single sorostitute was punished with frostbitten toes for wearing sky-high heels. Add in the stubbornly liquid consistency of the Norris Ice Rink, and the depressing truth emerges — global warming has taken all the fun out of being at Northwestern. As heavy consumers of plastics and other CO2 emitters, however, we undergrads are a major part of the problem. Easiest way to begin its solution? Reusable, environmentally friendly water bottles. And since no one wants to look like a renewable resources enthusiast, here are the sexy ones.

Bobble It doesn’t often work out this way, but the best looking part of this minimalist bottle is also the coolest. That weird-looking appendage jutting into the transparent, bubble-like interior is a state of the art filter, designed to keep your tap water clean and your body running smoothly. The bottle

comes in three sizes and eight colors, so there’s really no excuse not to buy one unless you hate the earth. Size: 13 ounces, 18.5 ounces or 1 liter (34 ounces) Get it: $9.99 at Office Depot in Evanston | $8.99, $9.99 or $12.99 on waterbobble.com.

Sigg Design Bottle Everyone knows you mean business with a Sigg. The Swiss company has dominated the metal water bottle niche since 1908 and has been a favorite of hikers and backpackers for the duration of its existence. The aluminum bottle is sleek, lightweight and iconic, so it’s no wonder they’ve recently been spotted on the lips of superstars like Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz. But the single coolest part of the Sigg is that it’s customizable.

Go to cafepress.com/designer/sigg/ and make one with your face on it. What other opportunities do you have to desecrate a classically Swiss minimalist design in a series of rapid clicks? Size: Multiple sizes Get it: $7 at Sports Authority in Chicago | $18-$30 at mysigg.com.

The Bamboo Bottle The Bamboo Bottle proves once and for all that green is gorgeous. As its name indicates, the outer layer of this bottle is made out of bamboo, one of the most eco-friendly plant resources that can serve practical purposes like water bottle construction. It’s totally plastic-free, for all you cancer-phobes. Instead, it has a glass interior that together with the bamboo puts one in the mind of a Zen-inspired living room. It can store drinks of

any temperature, so slurp your steaming chamomile tea or your iced chai tea latte from its beautiful depths with equal impunity. Just remember to take a cleansing breath first. Size: 0.5 liters (17 ounces) Get it: Not in stock nearby | $25 on bamboobottleco.com

Thermos Threadless Hydration Bottle Elementary school lunches, meet high school T-shirts. Threadless and Thermos have partnered to create a line of lovely stainless steel bottles with long, elegant necks. My personal favorite is their version of the iconic astronaut/radio image, because quality names like “Funkalicious” tend to grab my attention. But there are some more

intricate designs available as well, with things like phoenixes and green monsters and such, that should keep the indie kids happy. Size: 24 ounces Get it: Not in stock nearby | $14.99 on thermos.com

Platypus PlusBottle

16 | WINTER 2012

thinking; hurrah for the Platypus PlusBottle. So, raise your glasses — or your soft polyurethane pouches. Size: 1 liter (34 ounces) Get it: $16.95 at Moosejaw Sporting Goods store in Chicago | $17.65 at rei.com

photos: priscilla liu

It’s flexible, lightweight and compact — 80 percent lighter than a solid bottle of the same volume. It’s also damn convenient, both in terms of weight and accessibility. You can loop it to your backpack, and it won’t clang in that embarrassing way that Nalgenes do. Most importantly, however, it looks like a grown-up version of a Capri Sun bottle. Hurrah for innovation and outside-the-box

QUAD

what’s going on around campus.

More Than Meets The Fry This 1835 Hinman cook dishes out rhymes. By Sandra Song tanding behind a row of woks and dressed in chef’s whites is Jumaanee Rogers, a rising rap star and avid roller skater who pursues his passions in between dinner shifts and servings of stir fry. Most people know Rogers, 28, who’s also known by the stage name Mr. Money Roger$, as the man behind the exhibition station at 1835 Hinman’s dining hall, but little do they know that this accomplished musician is probably one of the only rappers they’ll meet over a wrap. “Music, skating, work and being a father is all combined into one, so my life is very, very, very busy,” Rogers says, shaking his head. “It’s just like my money, I just got to manage it. I can’t get behind in my bills just like I can’t get behind in the work that I do.” The multitalented Rogers grew up entertaining people, beginning at the age of 5 when his mother would have him perform for her friends. “My mother used to work nights bartending, and after the bar closed her friends would hang out at my house,” he says. “It’d be 3 or 4 in the morning and they’d wake me up from my sleep to sing a song that they didn’t even think a kid my age would know.” Rogers started roller skating around the same time. He even formed a skating group called ChiForce, which has won the prestigious Adrenalin Awards and starred in a McDonald’s commercial. He also started getting serious about music as a teenager, when he began participating in rap battles and winning cash prizes. “I usually write a song in an hour or even faster,” Rogers says. “I’m good under pressure and it’s why I used to do free-styling. I can say something and not be able to repeat it again, but other

photo: ariana bacle

people will be like, ‘That was hot.’” Rogers didn’t actually start recording his material until later, training himself to start writing down lyrics and practicing until “it all made sense.” He says the biggest challenge is getting people’s attention and coming up with an infectious tune. “Nowadays, you have to have a catchy hook and nice tune, because if you don’t have a good beat and a catchy hook, you’re not going to be heard,” Rogers says. Today, Rogers continues to pursue his music career, opening for acts like prominent Atlantabased rapper Bone Crusher, performing at local open mic venues like the Subterranean and putting out material including his self-titled debut and last year’s Root of All Evil mixtape. He is also currently in the process of recording a new album, which will be released sometime this spring. While recordings are a crucial part of any music career, Rogers says his favorite part is just entertaining people. He hopes to continue playing shows where he can “give people what they pay for” and impress them with his genuine self that’s full of “his own swag.” Students who know of his rap career also say that they can see him as an enthusiastic performer who is able to connect with his audience. “His flow is decent and I’d say he’s good skate music,” says Andrew Yang, a Bienen and Weinberg sophomore. “He also has a lot of pride in where he comes from. He’s probably able to connect with an audience from around here because of that.” And while he hopes to eventually move to Atlanta, where he feels the music scene is more supportive, Rogers still enjoys working at North-

While smooth jazz and classic rock are the norm at 1835 Hinman, resident rapper Mr. Money Roger$ has a different idea of good cooking music. Here are some of his favorite artists to listen to while he’s cooking up your curry. The Isley Brothers: “They’re very cool, very mellow. I like all their songs, so I can continue to cook without changing it.” R. Kelly: “R. Kelly’s like The Isley Brothers. I can listen to him without having to switch it. It’s real feel-good music.” Al Green: “I’d wake up from my sleep every Saturday because my stepmother would always play Al Green.” The O’Jays: “Their music has a lot of meaning for me. They talk about a lot of things that I can relate to.” Young Jeezy: “It’s my hype music. You know, motivational music. Street music.” Mr. Money Roger$: “I like to get into the feel of my own music.”

western and wants to stay at the school for the time being. “To be honest, I’ve never kept a job for this long,” Rogers admits. “So for me to do this, I know that I’m meant to be here. If I was forced out, I’d probably try to stay here as long as I could.” The one thing that’s on his to-do list before he leaves Northwestern though? Play Evanston’s biggest music festival, of course. “That’s definitely on my bucket list,” Rogers smiles. “I got to open for the crowd on Dillo Day.” northbynorthwestern.com | 17

profile

Beyond Bra-Burning How one student group hopes to change the face of feminism. By Alice Li

ilitant. Aggressive. Feminazis. And that’s just a mere dip of the toe. Feminism is a loaded word, prolific with meanings that often undertake the extremes. For some, feminism may take the iconic form of Rosie the Riveter, heralding women with the stance “We can do it.” For others, a feminist is a man-hating lesbian who forsakes shaving and displays her middle finger for the whole world to see. Whatever the case may be, there is no denying the explosive nature of the title. “There’s the whole joke that if you have 100 feminists in a room, you’ll have 100 different types of feminism,” says Kevin Johnson, publicity co-chair of the College Feminists. A wry grin quirks his lips, indicating he’s a part of the joke as one of the few males

photo: john meguerian

18 | WINTER 2012

in the organization, before the Weinberg junior continues, “For me though, it’s a lot about just simple recognition for how society works and how patriarchy is affecting society and how gender roles are different.” While College Feminists may be just short of 100 members, the influence of the group at Northwestern University has steadily seeped into the fabric of day-to-day campus life. Originally established as the Woman’s Coalition in the late ‘80s, College Feminists has since evolved into an organization that aims to address the intersection of gender, race, sexuality and culture. “If most people were presented with what feminist movements are doing today, many would identify as a feminist,” says Bonnie Alexander, a Weinberg junior who is co-director of the College Feminists. “But because that message isn’t out there, people aren’t using that word all the time.” For Kelsey Sheridan, a Medill senior and Sex Week co-chair, these messages are what drive the organization’s events. “What we face as an organization is how to be relevant

to students and how to make people think we are relevant,” Sheridan says. “Part of the problem is a branding issue, where a lot of people don’t even know that Sex Week is prepared by College Feminists.” Whereas events like The Vagina Monologues may be a more overt appendage of College Feminists, the association also hosts annual activities such as Sex Week and Take Back the Night. All three aim to encourage dialogue regarding sex and misconceptions about sexual health. However, for the members of College Feminists, the movement is far more complex than just a campus enterprise. “Even on a campus that is as enlightened, educated and progressive as ours is, things still slip through the cracks, and it’s not things people are entirely aware of,” Alexander stresses. “From the way we treat sexual harassment to issues that we’re going to deal with in the real world, like workplace equality, I do think there’s a real need for these to be addressed to make everyone on more equal footing.” And that is exactly what College Feminists strives to do beyond Northwestern’s borders. Sheridan says College Feminists engage in writing campaigns to state legislators, participate in Walk for Choice and Slut Walk, as well as provide funds for a Kenyan student to go to high school in honor of International Woman’s Day. “We don’t exist solely to perpetuate feminism on this campus,” Sheridan says with a hint of a laughter in her voice. “But I think just because Northwestern is more liberal doesn’t mean that we have no problems with gender.” Recalling examples of gender problems, Johnson, the group’s publicity chair, is further testimony to the gender stereotypes that still exist on campus. “Once I was wearing a shirt from the group that said ‘This is what a feminist looks like,’ and one of my co-workers was like, ‘I can’t take you seriously wearing that shirt.’ I was like, ‘I can’t take you seriously at all.’ What century is it?” Johnson says, his face contorted in a comical mimicry of disbelief. “We need to break down the image of the bra-burning feminist, not that it’s a bad thing at all, but it’s not the entire issue of feminism. The whole point is that people are different, and really, it’s about individuality and expression.”

From Army To Academia In 1969, Mark Sheldon’s moral objections protected him from war. By Marcus Lee ong before teaching courses on ethics, Professor Mark Sheldon faced a real-life ethical dilemma: fight in a war he didn’t believe in or potentially face jail time for refusing to serve. After serving two years in the U.S. Army without entering combat during the Vietnam War, Sheldon chose the latter. He was willing to stay and risk his life in a position he believed in, but not one that involved killing other people. For that reason, Sheldon chose to leave the army and received honorable discharge as a conscientious objector, a label which, at the time, sent many to prison or caused them to flee the country. Sheldon received his draft notice in the summer of 1967 while a student at Shimer College in Chicago. He was allowed a deferment to finish his last semester in college only if he voluntarily signed up for three years of service, which Sheldon thought was an unfair practice. “It seems absurd that because you were in college you got a deferment, and if you didn’t go to college or didn’t have the resources to go to college, then you got drafted,” Sheldon says. “I felt a lot of guilt about that.” In December of the same year, Sheldon was inducted into the military. He was shipped to Fort Dix, N.J. where he completed basic and advanced training. The fact that he had a college education allowed him to progress to the extremely demanding Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Ga. which he says gave him insight about human beings. He met people from many different backgrounds he would not otherwise have had a chance to know. Though Sheldon wanted to work in the medical corps, he was offered the position of 2nd lieutenant in the Infantry, which meant he would lead a platoon on the battlefield instead of holding the nonviolent position he desired. At this point, the army sent Sheldon to Fort Knox in Kentucky to be a training officer. All the while, his opposition toward the war was brewing. “Because of what I heard from people returning from Vietnam, I ended up realizing what I suspected to be true about Vietnam was true,” Sheldon says. “I told myself I didn’t want to be in the position of killing people who weren’t my enemies.” In 1969, despite orders to get on a plane from San Francisco to Vietnam, Sheldon had already decided he wasn’t going. He applied for discharge as a conscientious objector two weeks before he received the orders. Soon after, a chaplain and an Infantry colonel interviewed Sheldon to see if his objection was legitimate. Although the chaplain

photo: daniel schuleman

concluded that Sheldon should be discharged, the Infantry colonel thought he should still be deployed as a noncombatant in the military. Sheldon realized the medical corps were about making sure the forces on the field were in shape to fight, not saving lives. The role he once wanted to fill in the military now no longer seemed to make sense. With his future hanging in the balance, Sheldon enlisted the help of two lawyers practicing in Washington, D.C., both of whom were WWII veterans opposed to the war in Vietnam. They helped get his case heard by the civilian court in the capital which allowed him to stay in the U.S. Meanwhile, the military assigned him the position of family housing officer at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. while his case was heard. Although he expected to be sent to jail as many were at the time, Sheldon says he felt no ill feelings toward the military. “[The military] treated me with a great deal of respect, and it was all clear to me, in terms of anybody that I spoke with, that many of them weren’t particularly supportive of the war,” Sheldon says. The military eventually granted Sheldon honorable discharge at the end of 1969. The experience made him realize he wanted to pay further attention to philosophy because it allowed him to reflect on ethical issues of social justice. Soon after he was discharged, he enrolled in Brandeis University to complete his graduate degree. Sheldon remarks that it’s difficult to look back on these events, not because of the struggle he faced, but because he still wonders about the men he became friends with in the forces. After gaining discharge, he lost

contact with many of his military friends, many of whom were not supporters of the Vietnam War either. “People end up fighting for the guy next to him, not for the cause, not for the war, not for the country,” Sheldon says. “You are looking out for the guy next to you. I got to know those guys pretty well, and it was hard not to see them anymore.” As a lecturer, Sheldon rotates teaching four classes: bioethics, ethical problems and public issues, environmental ethics and philosophy of medicine. In addition, he has talked about a variety of subjects ranging from the ethics of war and terrorism to the conflicts that arise in modern medicine. By standing up for his beliefs and through his experience in the military, Sheldon has come to see himself as someone who raises questions and examines the possible responses without any agenda. “I think what came from my experience in the military is the very strong feeling that one needs to examine one’s life. That took me to a place where some very fundamental questions needed to be addressed,” Sheldon says. “That’s what I have taken into teaching.”

“I TOLD MYSELF I DIDN’T WANT TO BE IN THE POSITION OF KILLING PEOPLE WHO WEREN’T MY ENEMIES.”

northbynorthwestern.com | 19

profile

Dallas, You Can Drive My Car One writer sits shotgun in a SafeRide car. By Sean Kane It’s a slow Saturday night, and I’m sitting next to Medill senior Dallas Wright in a SafeRide car. Bernie Foster, the SafeRide coordinator, says Wright is one of their most experienced. Normally, as soon as it’s 7 p.m., he’s flooded with passengers, and the car is full of radio chatter between drivers and dispatchers. But no one needs a ride yet tonight. The temperature is dropping rapidly, so soon he’ll begin his normal runs, hauling out to the Ridge and Davis alley, launching up Sheridan to the frat quads and sneaking through alleys, flashing his headlights each time he meets a street. After 15 minutes of waiting and no rides, we head to 7-Eleven for a drink. He grabs a tall can of iced tea lemonade and heads for the counter. A small child in a knit hat challenges him with a karate kick. They spar playfully. “This is the easiest job I’ll ever have,” Wright says as he shoots the Prius down an alley. It’s a simple job: Just ferry around drunk kids and those avoiding the cold. He does have to give up the occasional Saturday, like this one, but tonight he’s only working a half shift so he’s off at 11. He’s already making plans. “Music is important,” Wright says as he spins the wheel, sending the car down another alley. Without it, this would be a boring job. But as long as the stereo works and his phone is charged, Dallas enjoys the time to himself. A Wu-Tang song comes up on the playlist, and the student

who needs a ride from the library to Chili’s doesn’t show up. At 8 p.m., the rides start to pick up. We drive a guy from Ridge and Davis to Zeta. We ask what he’s doing there on recruitment night. “They need help moving furniture.” After an 8:25 p.m. bathroom break at Burger King, we’re back to the driving. The pickup at Bat 17 has an extra rider. Dallas lets him in. Their previous activities amplify their appreciation. “This is what NU SafeRide is about!” “Is your name Dallas? That’s really cool!” “I probably pull eight U-turns a night,” Dallas says as he spins the car around. We make a pickup at Norris and slowly descend the hill southbound. The students walking in front of us can’t hear the hybrid silently creeping behind them. A quick flash of the high beams startles and disperses them. A few minutes later, we’re back at Norris. A stream of girls, all gussied up for recruitment, pours out. Their bare legs shiver. Most didn’t dress for warmth. Two climb into the car. One is quiet. The other one, relieved to be out of the sorority event, opens up about rush and decriminalization. The empty streets just south of campus are full of cops. Dallas knows when the streetlights change. It’s unnerving at first, hurtling toward a red light. But the light turns green just as the Prius hums across each intersection. After a few white-knuckled clutches of the door handles, I’ve gotten into the rhythm of the pickups.

One minute we’re turning around at the end of University. The next we’re up at the circular driveway by Ridge and Noyes, dropping off passengers. The house next door is having a party. We’ve been here three times. Everyone appreciates Dallas giving them rides. “I’ve gotten food before,” he says, as we wait outside Sargent. “I guess girls have baking parties or something. They’ll ask, ‘Do you want a cupcake or muffin?’” By 10:15 p.m., no one is going home anymore. The library pickups dwindle. Partygoers out on the stereo try to wave Dallas down. His pickup at Sargent is a rowdy group of three. They each hold a fluorescent bottle of sports drink. They’re arguing about cheese. One claims that you can get a burger with cottage cheese at Steak ‘n Shake. The rest of the car scoffs. It’s her favorite kind of burger. The other two challenge her preference. There is a lull in the conversation just as one mutters, “He’s cute.” She didn’t mean for Dallas to hear. The other two laugh. “I bet he’s feeling good about himself.” “He’s feeling it right now.” Dallas smiles. The girls press on. “You should pick us up at The Keg later.” “Come to the lacrosse house after work!” They reach their destination and Dallas shrugs them off, but not without giving one his phone number first. “What’s your name?” one asks as they pile out of the car. “His name is Dallas!” “No!” another girl answers angrily. “That’s where he’s from!” We drive off. A block away, and she’s already texting him. Dallas grins. “I should have asked what her name was.”

photo: daniel schuleman

20 | WINTER 2012

Guy Talk This Medill alum went from purple to pundit. By Christian Holub very year, the American Consulate in Hong Kong makes sure American soldiers serving overseas can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. They provide turkeys and set each soldier up with a host family of expatriates so they can eat Thanksgiving with fellow Americans. For Guy Benson (BSJ ’07), who was born in Saudi Arabia and lived in Hong Kong before moving to New Jersey in the fourth grade, those dinners are an image of America he hasn’t forgotten. “Getting to meet some of those guys who were serving our country abroad I think stirred my patriotic feelings, even being halfway across the globe,” Benson says. Those first stirrings of emotion eventually developed into the fiery patriotism that fuels Benson’s career as a conservative political commentator. During his years at Northwestern, Benson, now 26, spent most of his time covering sports for WNUR, but as graduation loomed, he decided he would rather pursue political journalism in order to give back to the country he loves. “I thought that if in some small way I can persuade and influence people in a positive way that helps advance not just my ideology but also the truth, I thought that was worthy of dedicating decades of my life,” Benson says. Benson’s career in political commentary now spans blogs, TV and radio. He is the political editor of Townhall.com, a popular conservative political website, and often makes appearances on various conservative radio programs and TV panel discussions. Benson seems to have seen it all when it comes to politics, but the one thing capable of surprising him was when he had an encounter with a current Medill freshman. “It completely blew my mind, because it doesn’t seem that long ago,” Benson says. “The idea that there’s someone at school graduating a full eight years after me is crazy.” The passage of time is noticeable, but Northwestern culture, particularly his Medill education, remains an influence on Benson’s day-to-day life. “Medill doesn’t exist to train and groom pundits, and certainly not conservative ones,” he says. “But more than anything else, Medill trains you to think and write clearly. That’s a skill set that’s not just applicable to straight-up news reporters. I use written and spoken word every day. It’s my currency. It’s my living.” For the past few months, Benson’s work has focused on the 2012 presidential election. There’s a lot of interest in the Republican primaries, and Benson says election coverage always draws a ton of Internet traffic for Townhall. Part of that interest came from the chaotic nature of the campaign, which found Republican candidates soaring in polls and then plummeting sharply a few weeks later.

illustration: sarah lowe

Benson has personally attended nearly every Republican debate and traversed early primary states like Iowa and South Carolina to speak with Republican voters. He found that most voters were still basically undecided. “Generic Republicans are beating Obama in polls but real Republicans are losing,” Benson says. “We have this very beatable Democratic president who needs to go, but Republicans almost have the junior varsity squad on the field. I think there are many twists to come in this saga. It’s not over yet.” The streamlined writing techniques Medill teaches aren’t the only parts of his Northwestern experience that remain part of Benson’s life. He still has Northwestern football and basketball games circled on his calendar and tries to get together with other alumni to watch them. Political commentator Keith Olbermann is a living testament to the possibility of a journalism career spent covering both sports and politics, but Benson prefers to preserve sports as a fun distraction. “I can get together with NU alums and bond over it. Especially in D.C., there are a lot of people rooting for the blue team and a lot of people rooting for the red team, but when the game comes on, they all root for the purple team.”

FM AM 50

100

125

northbynorthwestern.com | 21

140

profile

Away We Go For some Northwestern graduates, the U.S. just wasn’t big enough for their career dreams. By Lydia Belanger ears after graduation, members of the Class of 2012 will reconvene for drinks and weddings, staying in touch via the Facebooks and LinkedIns of tomorrow. Some will bring their spouses and kids to Homecoming games, guest star at lectures or give standing ovations at Waa-Mu performances. Some may even come back and work for the university. A total of 13,000 NU alumni are currently living and working abroad, 3,400 of whom graduated in the last five years. In recent years, the number of alumni abroad has increased rapidly, especially in Asia, according to Aspasia Apostolakis Miller, director of students, young alumni and career services at the John Evans Alumni Center. Despite the anchoring nostalgia for their alma mater, alumni are increasingly locking their belongings in storage, confronting cultural and language barriers and purchasing one-way tickets to new homes overseas.

TEMPORARY TRAVEL Many NU students stay in the U.S. to spend a couple of years with Teach for America, but the qualifications and application process for

without the “American bubble” support system that watched over her while she studied abroad, she says she has had to learn to be independent while adjusting to a new environment alone. “My experience proves that you don’t have to go get a nine-to-five office job right away,” Henrikson says. “Instead, I’m learning about myself and learning about the world.” In the fall, she will head back to the States for law school, not forgetting the lessons she has learned, which she says in some ways have been more enriching than those she learned during her four years at Northwestern. “As much as I love to travel, this was always intended to be temporary,” Henrikson says.

GOING THE DISTANCE Unlike Andreeff and Henrikson, many alumni wait and work for a few years before establishing their goals and making the move to a foreign country. Laura Ginsberg, who graduated from Northwestern with an education degree in 2004, decided three and a half years later that her plans were broader than teaching in the United States. She didn’t just want to teach or continue doing educational consulting — she wanted to learn. “I had always wanted to learn to speak Spanish and get to know another culture on a deeper level than just a tourist,” says Ginsberg, who travelled extensively while growing up and always dreamt of living abroad. “At that point, everything was replaceable, and what wasn’t replaceable was the opportunity to move somewhere.” In 2007, Ginsberg flew to Buenos Aires with a friend. She started to learn Spanish, and after a year when her friend left, she stayed. Ginsberg eventually applied for and landed a job at UVCMS, an e-learning company. She worked there for three years as a senior project manager before being hired at Loom, Inc. in April 2010 as the director of course development. Now 30, she says she has no regrets about her decision to pursue a nonconventional career path. “In the States there’s this feeling that there’s a set way to do things and a set timing. I think it’s perceived as avoidant rather than looking at all the growth that happens when you live somewhere else,” Ginsberg says. “I just felt like while I was inclined to follow that cultural or societal mentality, I also knew that I wanted to do something different.” The transition has not been easy, however. Ginsberg says that Argentina is filled with “nuances” that she is unaccustomed to, and that she had to learn the language before she could start to understand the culture. There are also elements of “professional culture” that differ from her U.S. standards; she says that her co-

illustration: geneve ong

22 | WINTER 2012

teaching in China are far less rigorous and competitive. If you have a four-year degree and speak English fluently, you’ve got a shot. When the domestic job market wasn’t yielding favorable results for Daniel Andreeff (WCAS ‘11), he started to expand his scope. He had studied abroad at Oxford, but he wanted to encounter challenges an English-speaking country couldn’t provide. So, he applied for an English teaching program in China. “I felt like if I was ever going to take a leap of faith and move to a country I had never visited and didn’t speak the language, right after graduation would probably be the best time,” Andreeff says. “I felt like I would probably never be as open to completely new experiences or as able to pursue them ever again.” Andreeff was sitting in Evanston’s Unicorn Cafe with friends when he got a call from his teaching program, Princeton in Asia. In that moment, he went from clueless to certain about his post-graduation plans. Despite his limited knowledge of Mandarin and obligation to travel 7,000 miles away from home, Andreeff says he didn’t hesitate. He was excited to do something “adventurous” after graduation. Andreeff now teaches international relations theory and foreign policy to seniors and English to freshmen at China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing, and he says he views teaching abroad as something challenging to do in the interim. He says he thinks this experience will inform him in any work he does in the future. Lindsey Henrikson, another Weinberg 2011 graduate, also teaches in China and is considering law school among future plans. After studying abroad in both Spain and Scotland during her Northwestern career, she decided to head to the Chinese village of Hechuan to teach English at the Pass College Chong Qing Technology and Business University. In rural Hechuan, both Henrikson’s apartment and school have limited electricity and no heat. Often, there are more students than chairs in her classroom. She devised her curriculum from scratch, and her administrators at her school have yet to sit in on one of her classes. However, her salary is more than double that of the Chinese teachers at her school. Although it converts to very little in U.S. dollars, with her $15 per week food budget, she says she eats at the nicest restaurants in town. Henrikson’s students, all just two years younger than she is, have shown her around China’s numerous big cities and invited her into their homes. But

workers express no guilt leaving their desks at als is to go away anyway in order to gain new 5:59 p.m. when workdays end at 6, whereas in insights into life. the U.S., employees may feel obligated to stay “Experience in a city like London, where late or take work home with them. At the same there are so many opportunities, is likely to time, her co-workers have become some of her further your career wherever you end up,” closest friends, along with fellow expatriates. Bonham-Carter says. “They have made me challenge my own thinking and my own habits and truths that I thought were universal,” Ginsberg says. Despite her established community, Ginsberg says she plans to move back to the U.S. Christina Siders, senior career counselor at one day to be closer to her family. But across University Career Services (UCS), says she the Atlantic, 2003 grad Charlotte Bonhamsees several students each year who are interCarter has lived in London for seven years — ested in positions abroad. She works with both long enough to consider the city her home. undergraduate and graduate students, helping “I think I’ll be here forever,” Bonhamthem clarify their career goals. Carter says. “I married an English citizen, and “I can probably count on one hand the we have a house and cats, so I’d say my life is number of students that have been opposed pretty settled here.” to the idea of working abroad,” Siders says. For Bonham-Carter, the decision to move She says she has noticed this willingness to to England was spontaneous, and initially, explore new parts of the world in conjunction not meant to be permanent. After graduating with an increase in students who already have from Northwestern, she worked at a Chicago international experience on their resumes from arts organization for a year and a half. But high school. From volunteer or religious trips despite the fun she had in college and the year to exchange programs, Siders says “students afterwards, she grew bored of always hanging come in with a higher level of comfort living in out with the same people and going to the same another place outside of their home country, bars. “I just wanted to close that chapter in my and as a result, want to continue to expose life,” she says. themselves to new ideas and new cultures.” Upon her acceptance to a master’s curatoSiders’ counseling is personalized, yet it rial program in San Francisco, she thought the involves some distinct steps, the first being a next chapter had bit of a reality check for begun. But during some. a tour of the school, “I would say, first experience in a city like london she learned that the and foremost, the stuwhere there are so many op program was actudent needs to recognize ally modeled on one that it’s a time-intensive portunities is likely to further at the Royal College and sometimes more your career wherever you end of Art in London. challenging search,” up bonham carter On a whim, she Siders says. “Then, I ask applied and got in. them what their goal is Two years later, she “didn’t feel like” moving for the next few years. Maybe they just want to back home. travel, but maybe not immerse themselves in a “When I moved over, I think I thought I new country.” was going to move back to Chicago after the Ginsberg also emphasized the importance two years, and I remember kind of thinking, of goal-setting prior to making any drastic should I just put my stuff in Chicago in stordecisions to move abroad. age for a couple years, because I’ll be back?” “I think if you don’t have a set purpose, you Bonham-Carter says. “And then I maybe, deep flounder,” Ginsberg says. “I always knew that down inside, knew that it wasn’t necessarily at the end of the day my purpose here was to going to happen.” learn Spanish fluently and learn the Argentine Even though London is the ideal location culture. It was a personal rather than a profesfor aspiring curators, finding a permanent, sional objective.” paid position proved to be difficult, especially Siders also encourages students who are seone in a museum as opposed to a commercial rious about moving to a foreign country to join gallery. She signed a one-year contract at the alumni networks, available to Northwestern Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin, filling graduates in cities all over the world. Bonhamin for a woman on maternity leave. After that, Carter says she has become involved with and she filled two more year-long maternity covers built relationships out of the groups in London. in London. The third time, the woman never “You end up hanging out with these people returned, and Bonham-Carter took her place. even though you don’t know them that well, “I think that it’s good advice to go for those because you’re in the same city, and that’s quite opportunities,” Bonham-Carter says. “You can nice,” Bonham-Carter says. “Northwestern get a better job than if you look for a permanent alumni are always around the world, so it’s not position from the start.“ like you’re always going to be the only person Bonham-Carter admits that she envisions who’s in that city. herself moving back to the States for a year However far away, maybe the unofficial or two, just to “touch base,” and she says she maxim really is true: realizes that not everyone will connect to a new “You can leave Evanston, but Evanston city like she has. Her advice for those individunever leaves you.”

READY, SET, GOALS

.—

WORLDWIDE WORK Rather than waste away summer babysitting your neighbor’s 4-year-olds or busing tables at a local restaurant, consider teaching English to a classroom of first graders in Thailand or working in a health clinic in England. Let these online resources be your door to the perfect job, internship or volunteer opportunity abroad.

GOING GLOBAL If you’re a senior looking for long-term employment after graduation, Going Global can help. It’s an online database with numerous lists of job and internship postings. CareerCat on the UCS website gives Northwestern students a free subscription to this helpful site. Users can search the database by employer, country, wage, occupation and job title.

GO ABROAD Go Abroad offers comprehensive lists of short-term programs perfect for students who are not ready to be totally independent yet. After choosing your location and desired job type, the search engine directs you to dozens of employment programs that fit your criteria.

STUDYABROAD.COM & INTRAX INTERNSHIPS ABROAD If you’re not quite ready for a full-time job abroad, then check out internship opportunities overseas. StudyAbroad.com is a search engine offering information on a variety of internships all around the world by guiding users to the website most suitable to their needs. After selecting a concentration, desired country and city, the site directs users to lists of different internship programs, pulling information from around the Web.

CCUSA Want to have an unforgettable summer camp experience — but abroad? Through CCUSA, students can find summer camp volunteer positions in several countries and volunteer opportunities on everything from conservation to education. —Saron Strait

northbynorthwestern.com | 23

campus

Let northbynorthwestern.com crunch the numbers for your classes.

The Price You Pay How much did that nap really cost? By Hilary Fung Some professors say every foregone minute of class is a wasted dollar, but others say we shouldn’t factor sunk costs into a decision. Here’s a not-so-scientific look at the costs of some common classes, assuming a 10-week quarter, a standard load of four courses and that every course is equally costly. Life moves pretty fast and so does money when tuition is more than $13,000 a quarter.

When you only meet for three hours a week, every minute counts — and is worth $2.04, to be exact. Skipping once is like skipping a week of any other class, and you theoretically waste $346.60 by doing it. Introductory art classes and political science seminars are examples of these costly gems.

$168

.86

LECTURE & LAB

$ $132

.04

LECTURE General Chemistry runs for 50 minutes every day with an additional three-hour lab once a week, so each minute holds a value of only 89 cents. If you skip lecture and lab one day though, you miss out on $168.86. Some art studio classes come close at 340 minutes a week, and Journalism 201-1 and 201-2 meet for 330 minutes a week — so their per minute costs would be higher.

24 | WINTER 2012

.60

THREE-HOUR CLASS

$ $

$ graphics: hilary fung

$ $

$346

Skipped an 80-minute lecture? That’s $132.04 down the drain, assuming you have that lecture twice a week with a 50-minute discussion section. Your class is worth $1.65 per minute. Introductory classes like Psych 110, Econ 201 and Econ 202 fall under this category.

Royal Treatment

photo courtesy of brian bahr / northwestern magazine

A look back at Princess Diana’s visit to campus. By Rachel Poletick In a century where royalty is a relic of a historically divided class system, the idea of kings and queens is anything but current. Yet for some reason, many of us — particularly Europhiles — look at countries with the crown still intact as being quaint, maybe even more sophisticated than our own. We idolize them as icons of fashion, as bearers of all that is elegant and urbane. And when they pay even the slightest attention back to us, we practically weep at their feet. A little known fact among the Northwestern population today is that in 1996, one of the most adored royals of recent years paid our little Midwestern school some very sought after attention. “Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales visits Chicago,” read the press passes for Princess Diana’s three-day visit in June of that year. Diana arrived in Evanston as part of a larger trip to Chicago where she did things like visited hospitals and attended charity galas. The princess was known for her charitable work and support for societies focused on healthcare and disease prevention and control. While in Chicago, she made appearances at a Northwestern University School of Law symposium on breast cancer, a luncheon benefiting the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center of Northwestern University and a personal visit to Cook County Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. But Princess Diana’s visit to Northwestern signified something more than just another stop along the almsgiving route.

For many Northwestern students it was their first (and likely only) brush with royal fame. In a special edition of the Daily Northwestern, then-ASG president Leontine Chuang wrote an article detailing her experience preparing to give Princess Diana a tour of the campus, which spanned University Hall to Annie May Swift Hall to the Sculpture Garden of the Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art. “The nervousness already churning in my stomach increased as she walked toward us, but it soon disappeared because she was nice, down-to-earth and quite funny,” Chuang wrote. The princess, though a celebrity in the traditional sense of the word, was more a regular human being than a persona. Yet her presence at Northwestern brought the school to huge measures to make the campus better suited for royalty. Professor Kathleen Galvin recalls how many renovations occurred along the path that Diana would take during her June 4 walking tour of Northwestern’s south campus. “The cracks and rough spots on the stone steps [of Annie May Swift Hall] were fixed, and the entrance landscaping was improved,” Galvin says. “The stairs to the basement were also fixed because the only ladies’ room in the building was in the basement.” Every measure possible was taken, regardless of the likelihood of Princess Diana even seeing the renovations. “My strongest memory

is that the ladies’ room was upgraded in case she expressed a need to use such a facility,” Galvin continues. Diana’s visit to Northwestern’s Evanston campus on that day lasted 20 minutes total, and as far as anyone knows, the Annie May Swift Hall restrooms were a location she did not have the pleasure of encountering. But nonetheless, Northwestern was prepared in every way for her arrival. Members of the press and anyone expected to gain an acquaintance with Her Royal Highness were given an instruction page on protocol when meeting the Royal Family. Among the instructions was, “It is customary to wait for the member of the Royal Family to extend a hand, initiate conversation, etc.” Granted, the extent of preparation was warranted seeing as the last member of the Royal Family to make an official visit was Prince Charles in 1986. Princess Diana’s visit certainly has not been exceeded by any particular visits witnessed by Wildcats of the past few decades. While we have seen some great comedic, musical and entertainment industry names visit and speak to the Northwestern population, the magnitude of the response to Princess Diana’s visit is unrivaled. Diana was a phenomenon worth fawning over. And because she chose us, the Northwestern community became the awed subjects of her glistening presence — a reaction that was well deserved.

FROM TRASHY GUESTS... 3) 01) ) ) 189 ) (20 ) ) 10) 978 006 elt ( 996 991 eas 010 (20 n (1 v ) P 2 o ) e 7 h ( t s d 7 c a (1 a (2 9 u (1 s i n o e 8 n 9 o e v m y a l o 1 a 9 e i a H e E ( g j 1 R ( b g o D n k or re by ck O a An Blag yM Blac cess Leno rleto odo Cos Rod Jay The Bill Cha Trac The May Bara Prin

...TO CLASSY GUESTS northbynorthwestern.com | 25

campus

Norris Or Not Speak now, or forever hold your peace. By Jordyn Wolking Imagine a prettier, more modern version of Norris located right along Sheridan Road. A&O screens movies in a real movie theater; the food options go above Sbarro and the Crêpe Bistro; student groups have more office space. It’s no longer difficult to find seating near Norbucks. Those of you who forgot (or never knew) about the push for a new student center probably assume it will never see the light of day. However, ASG and a few administrators are still exploring options to improve the Norris University Center. Last year, the New Student Center Initiative’s ground team formed a proposal for the center. They garnished the support of approximately 1,200 students through door-to-door campaigning and surveys. But the strategic plan didn’t explicitly mention a new student center — it consisted of vague statements about target goals — and as a result, the issue quickly fell from students’ line of sight. Instead, the push for a new student center continues at a higher level. “Student support is only ever going to be a component,” says SESP sophomore David Harris, who worked on the ground team

last year and is currently ASG’s vice president of services. He added that it’s now in the administration’s hands. “We can continue to press and state this is a priority, but at the end of the day, it’s not our call.” The strategic plan did include the need for new student spaces and a greater sense of community — the main goals of the New Student Center Initiative. The plan also states Norris’ problems and proposed solutions. The hiring of Patricia Telles-Irvin as the new vice president for student affairs last summer is also promising for proponents of the Initiative. “She gave her overwhelming support,” says ASG vice president and Weinberg senior Ash Jaidev, who has worked on the initiative for two years. “Her hiring was a step in the right direction because she’s obviously a big supporter of building community.” Although Telles-Irvin cannot commit to any plans just yet, she is eager to explore possibilities: expanding Norris, repurposing another building or constructing something new. This quarter, she hired an assistant vice president for student auxiliary services, Julie Payne-Kirchmeier, whose job description includes making

recommendations about the future model for a student center, along with many other student affairsrelated tasks. In 2005, outside consultants conducted a comprehensive needs assessment of Norris, Jaidev says. Telles-Irvin intends to bring these consultants back to update their report and re-evaluate students’ needs and desires. Jaidev is eager to work with the consultants and Payne-Kirchmeier and hopes to include an architect in the process. “I hope to […] get her input and feedback as to what’s the best way to move this forward to show the administration that this is something students want [...] this is something our campus needs,” Jaidev says. “President Schapiro is really going to listen to quantitative data that really shows that there’s a need for this on campus.” Communication junior Jazzy Johnson, who led the ground campaign, says student opinion will be crucial to any decision about student space on campus. “I think it would take another big push from students,” Johnson says. “Right now, we’ve kind of died down.” Jaidev expressed similar concerns. “What’s dangerous would be if we didn’t continue to do the

research and people forget about it,” he says. Telles-Irvin shared the same concerns but has noticed interest from students and some administrators. She emphasized the role of discussion with Schapiro and the board of trustees about the various options. “My first impression was that the size of [Norris] does not accommodate the needs of our students at this time,” she says. “There’s a lot we can do, it just depends on what students are looking for.” Jaidev says Schapiro’s hesitancy about the student center has never been an issue of purely cost but rather gauging where it should fall on the university’s list of priorities. He hopes that working with Telles-Irvin, Payne-Kirchmeier and the outside consultants can bring the issue back to the administration and make it part of the capital campaign so the appropriate funds can be raised. “That list of priorities is based on what students are actually talking about,” Jaidev says. “We’re taking steps forward to meet with administration to be constantly on the gas pedal and make sure what we’re doing is in the best interest of the campus.”

26 | WINTER 2012

photos courtesy of northwestern archives

An early photo of Norris and the final draft of the Norris floor plan from 1969

The Music Men Practice and performance are their preferred pastimes. By Olivia Curry t Northwestern, it’s currently planning more. Pika is still usually engineers or distinctly a side project, however, chemists who claim and Henley says he barely knows to have the hardest anyone who can get paid for playing majors. While Case Wiseman, a their own music outside of school, senior in the Bienen School of Mubut that he’s earned cash by doing sic, doesn’t compare his studies to jazz gigs. theirs, he does contend that, “people Wiseman has been paid for playdon’t realize the level of commiting in orchestras, and he has also ment for maintaining excellence accompanied former students Eric on your instrument.” Being a music Seligman and Josh Fink as a brass major, it turns out, is pretty hard. add-on in their ensemble Fuzzy Wiseman’s specialty within the Moon. He says few Northwestern music major is trombone perforstudents play outside gigs, and he mance, and he usually spends three senses that the Northwestern comto four hours a day practicing. munity is hungry for music. Constant practice isn’t necessarWiseman acknowledges playing ily the norm for all Bienen students. gigs is also a way to get his name The music major is as broad as the out there. In classical performance, School of Music itself and encomlanding a good full-time job is tough. passes all manners of performance “Everybody’s dream is to be in the specializations as well as jazz studChicago Symphony,” he says. “But ies, music cognition, music compothere’s like one opening every 20 sition, musicology and more. years.” He laughs, but tempers his Andy Henley, an easygoing humor by making it clear that for junior majoring in both jazz studies him, even before college, “perforand music education, agrees that his mance seemed like the only option.” majors keep him busy. Music majors Many college students are faced take more classes each quarter than with the daunting post-graduation the average Northwestern student task of finding work after majoring because many courses count for half in something less than practical, a credit, and required ensembles but for music majors the job market add up to a lot of class time. Henseems to be even slimmer. ley’s music education double major Wiseman says he plans to freeis time-consuming, so he says he lance for a year before taking some might not practice his instrument as auditions for grad school, which he much as other jazz studies majors. says is pretty much a requirement to Henley’s instrument of choice is be on track to play in an orchestra. the bass, and he chose jazz studies And if he fails? He has those fears, instead of a classical performance but he says, “I love it so much, it major like Wiseman’s because in doesn’t matter. Music is a great way jazz, “you can make up stuff, which to express myself in ways I’m usuis so much fun.” He’s diplomatic, ally not good at in daily life.” but seems to indicate that the fun Henley laughs when asked the of improvisation beats the rigor of same question, but music as a form classical theory any day. of expression might be what draws For fun this year, Henley plays him in too. The similarities between bass guitar in a four-person the two students, who have only band called Pika. The heard of one another, are name refers to clear despite their differa small, rare, ent concentrations. Both rabbit-like Henley and Wiseman The pika is thought to animal. are soft-spoken, quick be the inspiration for He explains to smile and temper everyone’s favorite how he any strong opinions Pokémon, Pikachu. bestowed the that could be perceived name upon the negatively, except ones group. “I was in about their love of music. Canada this summer, Just as Wiseman insisted that and my sister rescued one.” music was his only option, Henley A pause. “And then it died.” As a describes similar feelings, albeit in result, the lost rodent’s soul was the tone of an easygoing jazz musiimmortalized in the band’s name. cian: “It’s just more fun than most They played a gig last quarter other things for me. It’s definitely in despite their busy schedules and are my top three activities.”

illustration: hilary fung

northbynorthwestern.com | 27

campus

Happy And He Knows It Happiness Club president turns frowns upside down. By Rebecca Oken acebook stalk Alex Wilson, and you’ll probably walk away from your computer a happier person. About 12 of his 32 profile pictures feature his infectious smile, eight contain cartoon smiley faces and two have both. These statistics may be creepy, but they’re evidence of why Wilson is the ideal person to be the face of Northwestern’s Happiness Club. Wilson, a McCormick senior from Bedford, N.Y., is president and co-founder of the club. It’s a lighthearted yet committed organization that recognizes the importance of what Wilson describes as the “simple things that you kind of overlook.” On this campus, where it’s easy to forget the impact of doing something as simple as smiling to brighten someone’s day, Wilson and the Happiness Club are on a sugar-induced, balloon-distributing, stranger-hugging mission to remind everyone of just that. Although the club is a unique and distinctive part of Northwestern culture today, it only gained T-status through ASG in February 2010 and

B-status in November 2010. Before that, the Happiness Club “just started out as a group of friends,” Wilson says. Ben Larrison, who was a senior when Wilson was a freshman, started the club and hosted its first event, Free Hugs and Hot Chocolate, during Winter Quarter 2008. As a freshman searching for ways to become involved around campus, Wilson stumbled upon a Facebook event for the Happiness Club and immediately wanted to get involved. It was as simple as that. “I’ve always been […] a happy, positive person. Becoming involved in the [club], being happy became my mantra. As the Happiness Club grew, I got happier.” The first event he participated in was Candy and Compliments in February of his freshman year. After Larrison’s graduation, Wilson became the leader of the club and helped the organization gain legitimacy over the next two years. He helped form a six-person exec board, which holds regular meetings to plan the alliteratively named, silly and sometimes childish events that distinguish the club. For the most

part, the Happiness Club has been club’s popularity increases is to get successful at doing just what its more students to come to meetings name suggests, especially during focused on planning the big events. the dark and depressing months of “Our events have been simple and Winter Quarter. easy to run […] but we still need “Our goal is to just basically volunteers to help,” Wilson says. bring people together in different With the launch of a new website and unique […] fun, positive ways,” and Wilson’s hopes of spreading Wilson says. What better way to do the Happiness Club’s mission to that than by good old man-on-thefellow perpetually stressed college street recruiting to remind people campuses, he’s really proud to there’s always something be a part of this to smile about? Seasonal exciting time for staples like Free Hugs and the organization. Hot Chocolate in the win“President of the ter and kite flying in the Northwestern Unispring have proven effecversity Happiness tive, while unusual activiClub” would make ties like laughter yoga have anyone’s resume been memorable moments stand out, let alone It takes 15 minutes of in the club’s short history. an engineer’s, but laughter to burn off After leading the club for Wilson, it’s the calories of two for the past three years, clearly far more Hershey’s kisses. Wilson knows it has lots of than that. potential. “This club does “It’s the attifill a niche that it didn’t before,” he tude of making the best of what you says, adding that with his upcoming have and then also being thankful for graduation, setting the course for everything you have,” Wilson says. continued prosperity is of utmost We could all benefit from taking a importance. page out of his brightly colored and One of Wilson’s goals as the smiley face-sprinkled book.

photos: daniel schuleman

28 | WINTER 2012

SCOOP

the quarter in culture.

Going Vogue By Ariana Bacle Sierra Tishgart interned at Vogue this past summer, and now this Medill senior is working for Teen Vogue as Assistant Online Features Editor. The Philadelphia native took time out from her busy schedule to trudge through a particularly snowy day and tell us about what type of changes puberty brought on (don’t worry, guys, it’s not what you think), how she remains chic even in the bitter winter and what she can’t leave home without.

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP? I love vintage shops. In each city, I have a specific vintage shop that I really love. In Chicago, it’s Sofia; in Philadelphia, I like to shop at Vagabond; in New York, I love Shareen Vintage. I find that I like vintage shopping because it’s always a little bit more affordable so it allows me to play with my look and change things up and try new things. I still don’t think I really know what my style is. I don’t really ever want to have a specific style. I think fashion should be fun.

WHEN DID STYLE START BECOMING IMPORTANT TO YOU? I might say when I hit puberty. Probably around that age. Seventh grade. I think style and fashion are so tied to your body and how you feel, and I think when I started becoming a little more aware of my body and you know, I think as much as you dress for yourself, [...] at that age there’s your presentation, you’re in high school, people are noticing you. I just started to take more notice of how I looked. I think I’ve always enjoyed shopping because it’s entertaining, but I’d say my interest in fashion started around seventh, eighth grade and I really started using it as a way to express myself.

DO YOU FEEL PRESSURE TO LOOK FASHIONABLE WHEN YOU GO TO WORK? It’s certainly different dressing for a magazine. You want to look a little more refined. I never felt pressured to spend a certain amount of time or go out and buy a certain label. I’m certainly inspired when I get up in the morning because it’s part of the culture there. It’s a common interest you have with everyone in the office, and it’s something that can be fun to partake in. I wear heels a bit more, I put more effort into it, maybe more just because I think everyone kind of appreciates it. It’s not like I feel like I have to. I think New York more than the magazine culture encourages me to kind of put more effort into an outfit. I’ve lived in a few cities — London, Chicago, spent some time in Paris — but there’s a certain way New Yorkers put themselves together even if it’s the simplest outfit. It doesn’t need to be frilly or over the top. There’s a certain simplicity that’s really refined, and I like that, and it makes me want to work in the morning and not just want to put on jeans and the warmest thing possible, which is usually what I do here.

FAVORITE THING YOU OWN? It has to be these three rings that have been passed down from my family. One is the first ring my dad ever gave my mom, this ring my dad wore throughout high school — he was a huge hippie. And the ring with the three V’s is my mom’s original wedding band. I love wearing them, and people ask me about them a lot, so it’s a good conversation piece. I wear a lot of costume jewelry, but this jewelry is really personal to me, and I feel naked without them. It’s just nice to carry a little something of my family with me every day.

photo: john meguerian

DO YOU FIND IT HARD TO REMAIN STYLISH WHILE IT’S SO COLD? I always joke that I’m seasonably fashionable. [Laughs] It’s much easier to put on a little sundress and an easy pair of sandals in the summertime and feel good and look good. But I recently just bought a new winter coat that isn’t just like my big, puffy, let’s-make-me-look-likethe-Marshmallow-Man, and that was a really good purchase. I really love UNIQLO HEATTECH, and I actually take their ultra light down and put it under my coats, and it saves my life. Sometimes it can be really dark and gray here. If I’m not having the greatest day, and I don’t wanna go outside, I put on something that can [...] perk up my mood a bit, maybe make me smile, something colorful.

northbynorthwestern.com | 29

entertain

Get down to this playlist at northbynorthwestern.com.

Blame It On The Boogie

Can yesterday's favorites be today's party hits? By Eric Brown Pop music is a tricky thing, because it simultaneously encompasses momentary cultural fixations and expert songwriting. What separates a Ke$ha from a Beyoncé? And what artists get lost in the shuffle? We takes a look at what worked in vintage pop — and what we could learn from it today.

’50s

“JOHNNY B. GOODE” BY CHUCK BERRY Remember that scene in Back to the Future where Michael J. Fox commandeers the band playing at his high school’s dance? Before any schmuck could cue up an iTunes playlist, live bands played pop songs for audiences to dance (not grind) to. Back then, Chuck Berry’s songs were staples. Does it still work? Of course! Who doesn’t get hit with a wave of nostalgic glee when they hear classic records from the likes of Berry and Elvis Presley?

’60s THE BEATLES’ CATALOG Could there be any other choice? From their humble roots as the prototypical Chuck Berry-style pop band to their eventual ascent to the throne of rock music, The Beatles portrayed a slew of musical styles that are still popular today. From the tight perfection of “Can’t Buy Me Love” to the sheer human brilliance of “Hey Jude,” The Beatles did it all. Does it still work? Not all Beatles songs are upbeat, but 1, the compilation album with all 27 of the band’s No. 1 singles is a career-spanning collection of great tracks.

’80s

“BILLIE JEAN” BY MICHAEL JACKSON

Forget about Michael Jackson’s potential criminal problems and string of outrageous media stunts for a second: In the '80s, was there anything the King of Pop couldn’t do? Few pop songs have ever been as well-crafted as “Billie Jean” — or the entire 1982 album Thriller that houses it. Does it still work? Thriller spent 80 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200, 37 of which it ranked first. Throw on the record, and songs like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller” and “Beat It” will show you why Jackson is still an icon 30 years after their release.

’70s

THE SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER SOUNDTRACK There’s a romanticized notion of the '70s these days. The decade is the home of classic rock titans and the birthplace of punk, after all. It’s easy to forget that for most of the decade, disco dwarfed other genres in its popularity. Disco hasn’t earned its modern caricatured persona without good reason either: When was the last time you wanted to throw on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack for any other reason than a joke? Does it still work? Again, how often are you struck with the desire to crank some disco? Alternatives: Get the Led out, but on the dance floor. Riff-heavy songs like “Black Dog” and “Dancing Days” (Seriously! Dancing days!) can win out on their classic rock prestige alone, but it’s easy to forget that Zeppelin also knew how to bring the funk. “Trampled Under Foot” was built with rhythmic motion in mind, and “The Crunge” was partially plagiarized from a groovy James Brown song.

’90s

“MMMBOP” BY HANSON “CRAZY” BY GNARLS BARKLEY

30 | WINTER 2012

illustrations: geneve ong

’00s

Producers ruled the last decade, and the best example is “Crazy,” brought to listeners by indie producer and musical Swiss Army knife, Danger Mouse. Along with singer Cee Lo Green, Danger Mouse created one of the most ubiquitous pop hits in memory and embodied the ‘00s: Diverse collaborations between producers like Timbaland and unique artists created a vibrant tapestry of heterogeneous pop music. Does it work? The pop charts from the ‘00s are best taken holistically. Other options to consider? Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone,” Gorillaz’ “Feel Good Inc.” and OutKast’s “Hey Ya!”

Bad fashion, corny boy bands and painfully annoying music: Hanson embodied everything that was awful about pop music in the ‘90s. When it came to teen pop, genre giants like Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys at least had sexual attraction working in their favor; Hanson was just a group of awkward adolescent guys singing music that sucked. Does it still work? No. The popular misconception is that the ‘90s were a poor time for music, but it actually saw the peaks of grunge and alternative, indie’s emergence and hip-hop’s golden age. Alternatives: In a modern world where electronic sounds and sampled elements dominated the party music scene, quirky alternative icon Beck might be able to find a new niche. His 1996 album Odelay was one of the first to wholeheartedly embrace digital sampling, and tracks like “Devils Haircut” and “Where It’s At” that sounded avant-garde 15 years ago are more sonically contextual today.

Booze Tube You change the channel, we'll tell you when to drink. By Phillip Butta Everybody knows that TV shows — much like a sexually repressed animorphic ballerina’s spree through NYC dance clubs — are better experienced with mindaltering substances. So count your blessings, because we’ve already done the liver work to find out how to best add a little spice to your lazy TV Sundays. And by spice, we mean booze.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY

GAME OF THRONES

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

TRUE BLOOD

Yeah, yeah, I know. The AHS finale aired in December, but if wanting to see Dylan McDermott’s butt every day is wrong, then I don’t want to be right. Seriously, this show is like gay catnip.

Or as I like to call it, The Tudors with zombies! Unlike The Tudors, however, comprehension of this show requires partial sobriety. If you get too drunk and lose track of things, just contemplate how so many pretty people can exist in a universe without Queen Helene beauty products.

Clearly, you have to be drunk to take anything Tyra Banks says as remotely credible. If necessary, pre-game until you feel comfortable screaming at the TV or going to the nearest bar to smize your way to a free drink.

This show has everything. Witches, sex, vampires, homos, fairies (not homos), fabulous leather outfits. A recipe for the perfect Saturday night, in a nutshell. If you drink enough, you can pretend you’re a vampire. I do it all the time!

WHAT TO DRINK SoCo or Jack Daniel’s. In honor of our beloved Southern belle, Constance Langdon, a.k.a. Blanche Devereaux meets Hitler.

Lots and lots of wine! And feel free to slip a little arsenic into your fellow TV watcher’s glass. Chances are that sneaky douche is plotting to murder you and take over the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Or use the last of the toilet paper.

Vodka (or rum) and Red Bull. Can I get a “Cycle 5”?! Feel free to accompany with granola bars.

Vodka cranberry. Get it?! Because it looks like blood! Alternatively, you can go on HBO.com and splurge on some authentic Tru Blood. It’s nonalcoholic, so bring yo’ spirits, children!

illustrations: geneve ong

WHEN TO DRINK 1. Every time someone dies (naturally or otherwise). It’s a given. 2. Every time Constance says something bigoted. Just wait ‘til her showdown with the dead gay couple. You’ll be as wasted as Ben’s baby momma, Hayden “Shovel-tothe-Face” McClaine! 3. Every time somebody tries to call for help in the murder house, and no one hears. You know, soundproof walls in Los Angeles really are a blessing. After all, you wouldn’t want to disturb your neighbors with all the people dropping dead in your mansion and whatnot. Am I right, O.J., or what?!

1. Every time Tyrion gets it on. Was anybody else slightly turned on watching The Wizard of Oz after this? 2. Every time Cersei does something bitchy. If there’s anything Game of Thrones and Village of the Damned have taught me, it’s that all blond people are evil or dragons. Go Team Brunette! 3. Every time there’s a super awesome sword fight. It’s just like your monthly visit from Aunt Flo, girls. If there ain’t blood, it don’t count. (And you might be pregnant.)

1. Every time one of the models says something stupid. (Just kidding! You’d be dead.) 2. Every time someone says “fierce,” “work,” “bitch” or a variation. Legend has it that the skies will open and rain apocalyptic hellfire when Tyra discovers that she can use all three words in the same sentence. And yes, you will drink thrice when said blasphemous miracle occurs. 3. Every time one of the models says something at panel. Not since the Great Celia Ammerman Bitch-Out of 2009 has a model dared speak her mind in the presence of Führer Tyra. Mark my words, Tyra. One day they will revolt!

1. Every time you see one of the following: Bill Compton’s ass, Eric Northman’s ass, Sam Merlotte’s ass, Sookie Stackhouse’s ass (or boobs). So many appendages flopping about! These people have no shame. (And clearly neither do I because this is what I look forward to every episode.) 2. Every time Lafayette gets sassy, which generally includes him saying the words “hooker,” “bitch” or “lover.” Sorry Sassy Gay Friend, but Sassy Gay Witch beats you every time. 3. Every time Anna Paquin says a word. That accent... holy shit. It’s like they got a Canadian-born Kiwi to play a Southerner! Oh wait... northbynorthwestern.com | 31

sports

Lacrosse The Universe All they do is win. Now let’s get to know them. By Mark Olalde

32 | WINTER 2012

ahead of the curve in the women’s lacrosse world, and all the other coaches are trying to catch up to her. And when they do, Kelly’s doing something new and something innovative, and she’s always staying on top of the game.” One of the team’s current All-Americans is Communication junior Taylor Thornton, an athlete who wasn’t highly recruited out of high school because she’s from Texas, which has not traditionally been a lacrosse state. Since Northwestern is in Illinois, another nontraditional lacrosse state, Amonte Hiller doesn’t try to make Northwestern like other lacrosse schools. “I think that I’m not afraid to take a risk on a player that maybe isn’t as polished,” she says. “We feel like we can develop them when they get here.” The confidence and trust she places in her team are central to her coaching philosophy. “In order to be good, you have to play together, you have to trust each other and really believe in each other, and know that one, two people can’t make things happen all by themselves,” Amonte Hiller says. “So I think that we really try to emphasize that with our girls.” With this philosophy, the team won the national championship in only its fourth year back in Division I with a perfect 20-0 season. The performance was so amazing that in 2005, President George Bush invited the team

to the White House. The team was famously criticized because several players wore sandals, which weren’t considered formal enough for the White House. The women quickly turned the situation around and auctioned the flip-flops to raise money for their biggest fan, then-10-year-old Jaclyn Murphy. Murphy was comforted by a picture in her hospital room of an NCAA lacrosse player while she underwent treatment for a malignant brain tumor. Alexis Venechanos, then an assistant coach, heard of Murphy’s illness first and the coaching staff put together an NU lacrosse package. Since then, Murphy has recovered and remains close with the team, staying in contact with them and texting them before every game. It also turns out that the picture hanging on the wall in her hospital room was Amonte Hiller as a player. No one realized until later. Murphy’s family was then inspired to start the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation that pairs sports teams with ill children like Murphy to help with their recovery. “[Murphy] has just brought this positive environment to the team,” says Brianne LoManto, Weinberg senior and the team’s starting goalie. “No matter what happens in life, whenever you’re posed with a very difficult situation, you can always overcome something.”

photo: daniel schuleman

t’s 7:30 a.m. on a freezing January morning. The ground outside is covered with the first major snow of another Chicago winter. The team shuffles into their makeshift locker room and prepares for practice. The atmosphere is light and laughter breaks out when they learn that a carload of teammates will be late because they got stuck in the snow. Northwestern University’s women’s lacrosse team is one of the most dominant college sports teams in history. The team has been to seven straight national championships, won six of them and completed two undefeated seasons. It’s led by Kelly Amonte Hiller, four-time Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and Weinberg senior Shannon Smith, the reigning winner of the Tewaaraton Award and Honda Sports Award, given to the country’s top lacrosse player. After nine years as a club, the varsity program was restarted in 2002 with Amonte Hiller at its helm. She is quick to point out that Northwestern took a chance by hiring her because she was only six years out of college and had never been a head coach. The risk paid off, and Amonte Hiller has been hailed nationally as one of the best college coaches. “I don’t think you could find a better coach than Kelly,” Smith says. “I think she’s always

Back In The Saddle How social media helped the equestrian team jump over its obstacles. By Alex Nitkin etta-Lee Lax is a thrill seeker. What the Medill sophomore does, and has done since she was old enough to walk, produces more deaths and injuries than any other Olympic sport. During a lifetime of riding, Lax has seen more than her own share of injuries, including a concussion and broken arm she suffered in the second grade. But she never stopped. Because she’s a rider, and equestrian sport is her passion. Lax has competed in nearly every riding category since elementary school, from dressage to performing hunters, jumping, equitation and eventing. At the beginning of this year, though, Lax set aside her own competitive goals and achievements to take the reins as president of Northwestern’s equestrian team, a club sport that sends its competitors to ride against varsity teams. Facing a set of major challenges, including constant concerns over funding and transportation (the team needs to drive 45 minutes to an affiliated barn just to practice), Lax sought to rejuvenate a struggling team by finding a new way to appeal to prospective riders. “We decided to represent ourselves in a totally different way,” Lax says. “We wanted to market ourselves to try and make sure everyone knew who we were and that everyone was welcome to join.” That’s why the team redesigned its website, launched pages on Facebook and YouTube and started a Twitter account called @NUEquestrian. As a result of the new advertising push, the team nearly doubled from 15 members last year to 26 today. Part of the team competes in quarterly shows at varying degrees of skill and difficulty, while others are in the group just to learn how to ride. Weinberg freshman Jenna Katz had never ridden a horse on her own before she found Lax and her fellow equestrians at September’s ASG Activities Fair. “It was something I’d wanted to try since I was little, and I figured college is the time to try new things, so I just went for it,” Katz says. “And so far, it’s been amazing. Everyone’s been supporting me so much, and I really feel myself improving.” The club’s sudden surge of new members, however, has faced Lax and her leadership team with the challenge of maintaining funding. Calling equestrianism “one of the most expensive sports outside of school,” Lax says that the $2,000 annual budget the Athletics Department provides the team is far too little to operate on. “We have to pay for use and upkeep of horses, a lot of equipment, transportation to get to competitions and hotels to stay at once we get there,” Lax says. “A lot of our funding comes from concessions sales, but we constantly have to think of new ideas to raise money.” But for Lax, the endless work that goes into keeping the team afloat is worth the opportunity to go ride every once in a while. “There’s no therapy like riding a horse and really bonding with it — horses are really intuitive and give you a kind of unconditional love you won’t find in most humans,” she says. “Riding is an experience that’s hard to share with people who haven’t done it. It’s calming and thrilling at the same time.”

photo: ariana bacle

northbynorthwestern.com | 33

town

In Good Spirits Get your drink on at Evanston’s first distillery since Prohibition. By Hilary Fung EW Spirits is the result of three years’ work or a century of Evanston history, depending on how you look at it. The only distillery in town — and one of only three in Illinois — finds its home in a short alley near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Main Street. Prior to World War II, FEW owner Paul Hletko’s grandparents ran a brewery in what is now the Czech Republic. Hletko’s grandfather lost the brewery when he was sent to a Nazi concentration camp with his six brothers and sisters. As the only survivor, he never recovered the business. Hletko, who has been making beer at home for 20 years, found inspiration to turn his hobby into his livelihood when his grandfather died in 2008. “I was looking for a way to build on that family legacy, and try to move forward, and try to build something positive instead of always looking in the rearview mirror,” Hletko says. But he faced a problem. No one before him had succeeded in building a legal still in the home of Prohibition, so Evanston had to relax its laws before he could start his business. Three years later, Hletko says he’s happy about FEW’s location. It gives him a story, manufacturing liquor just blocks from the house where Frances Willard lived when she ran the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. Hletko himself lives two blocks from FEW with his wife and children. “There have been an awful lot of very notable Evanstonians that have lived here, but I don’t think any of them have the effect on the social fabric of America the same way Frances Willard did,” he says. FEW shares the initials of Frances Elizabeth Willard, which Hletko says is a coincidence. In reality, he named his business for his plan to stay small. “We don’t make a lot, we make a few,” Hletko says. The entire industry is small, and Hletko is friends with the owners of Illinois’ other distilleries: Koval in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood and North Shore Distillery in Lake Bluff. Hletko also finds it easier to stand out in the business of spirits than in the more mature business of beer. His unique products combine old and new. FEW’s most popular bottles are decorated with old-fashioned prints of hot air balloons and Ferris wheels, but the spirits are new whether you compare them to today’s big brands or the bathtub hooch of the Prohibition era. FEW American Gin, for example, has a whiskey base rather than a typical vodka one. “It’s a lot softer,” Hletko says. “It’s got a lot more citrus and vanilla flavors, a little subtle pepper kick at the end, and it’s very much a whiskey drinker’s gin.” He also distills bourbon and rye; his white whiskey was awarded the double gold medal at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition. Hletko says the business is a lot of work, but he’s having fun. After several months of running the business, he no longer notices the grainy smell of mash and the grinding and steaming sounds of machinery.

photo: daniel schuleman

34 | WINTER 2012

theatres worth checking out

Show Me The Movie

illustration: kk rebecca lai

This eclectic group of theaters will get you out of bed and to the cinema. By Susan Neilson Movies weren’t always like this. Now that we’re in college, many of us process the bulk of our entertainment in extra-long twin beds, eyes glued to paltry 15-inch Mac screens. Does it embarrass you that you watch television and movies in the same way your 15-year-old brother watches porn, without the obligatory self-gratification that makes the experience worthwhile? (Hint: It should.) Consider this a wake-up call, friends. Hearken back to that golden age when movies were about popcorn, plush velvet seats and shameless necking. Look toward a weird, wonderful future of open mic comedy between showings, cocktail-stocked VIP lounges and incomprehensible art films. Here’s a list of highlights in the Chicago movie realm, so there’s a wealth of experiences at the ready — as long as you can find the energy to dust the cracker crumbs off your covers and put on some fucking pants.

Where to Bring the Bros | The Brew & View

Where to “Treat Yourself” | The Patio Theater

Where to Go for Foreign Films and FearMongering | The Music Box Theatre

Where to Bring the Queen of Fucking England | ShowPlace ICON Theatre

It’s often called the premiere venue in Chicago for independent and foreign films. I guess that’s cool, if you’re too cultured for Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squeakquel, but can’t quite grasp the merits of “chiaroscuroed film-noir visual style” (See Gene Siskel, above). What’s truly rad about the Music Box, apart from its name, is its resident ghost — “Whitey,” a neighborhood character and the Music Box’s manager for an astounding 48 years who died on a couch in the theatre and — according to legend — never left. Ooooh.

The ShowPlace ICON is a yuppie’s dream. A catchy slogan informs us that we’re “redefining how movies should be watched.” What kind of urban glamour-seeker wouldn’t want to “redefine” something so thoroughly unpretentious as Beauty and the Beast 3D by getting a Freschetta pizza delivered directly to his or her assigned seat? If that’s not the definition of chic, then hit me over the head with GoogleDefine. And if assigned seats don’t cut it for you, just head on over to the 21+ VIP Reserved Assigned Seating section, where the landed gentry and nouveau riche alike can sip on expensive cocktails. Ah — to be young, in love and liberal with your parents’ emergency money.

The Patio Theater, located in northwest Chicago, boasts more than 85 years of familyrun excellence. As good as it looks on paper, though, the Patio experience is not about the size of its screen — the largest single one in Chicago, according to its website — but the overall performance. Said performance includes $5 tickets for any age at any time, cheap popcorn and drinks ($5 for the combination, practically free when you consider the sky-high prices of the buckets they sell at AMC) and according to the website, “a simulated blue sky, flickering stars and moving clouds.” In case it all sounds too good to be true, though, the theater only shows one film at a time. Best special event: None scheduled. However, there is a cloud projector for the twinkling star ceiling, a “special” touch that will make any Patio experience a memorable “event.”

It’s cheap — just $5 gets you a double or triple feature. It’s also interactive — go watch Grease and be prepared to dance. According to its website, it draws a “lubricated crowd.” The Brew & View, a sexy little cinematic offshoot of the Vic Theatre, offers underground and second-run cinema alongside copious amounts of pizza, drink specials and open mic comedy. Movies aside, it sounds like a damn good time. I’m just hoping that the “lubrication” to which the site refers is alcohol-based. Best special event: This one’s a DIY — Brew & View does private bookings for up to 1,000 people. Just call (773) 929-6713, or email GM@brewview.com

Best special event: the Music Box Massacre, a 24-hour horror movie marathon every October.

Where to Bring the Pretentiously Sexy RTVF Major | The Gene Siskel Film Center The Gene Siskel Film Center is Chicago’s premiere cinematheque. If you’re intimidated by the word cinematheque, stay away. The Gene Siskel is notorious for screening the artsiest films it can get away with — and because it’s funded by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, it can get away with a lot. If you can get excited about the German film El Bulli: Cooking in Progress, described as a “concentrated portrait … [of] the world’s foremost proponent of molecular gastronomy” and spoken in Catalan, then you’ll feel at home among the artistically over-evolved über-hipsters that flock to each obscure offering. Best special event: Oscar Night America, Chicago’s only official Academy Awards party, held annually.

Best special event: None. Evidently, this place is special enough on a daily basis (although you can do private parties, which, unless you’re Tom Hanks’ son, are financially out-of-your-league).

northbynorthwestern.com | 35

town

Such Great Heights True North Treks helps cancer survivors find healing in nature. By Krislyn Placide

36 | WINTER 2012

made me feel restored and full and aware and really brought me back to my senses, both literally and figuratively.” Victorson wants a restorative experience for these cancer survivors, ranging from age 18 to 39, who may be feeling lost in transition after their battle with the disease. Applicants are diagnosed with a range of cancers, from thyroid to breast cancer to leukemia, but all go through a very toxic, difficult time and may find it challenging to readjust to daily life. “It was challenging for this group to get back into the normal things they were doing, whether it be college or careers or relationships or fertility,” Victorson says. Weinberg junior Hannah Pancoe recently joined the fundraising team for True North Treks in memory of a loved one who went through a similar experience to the young men and women who go on the treks. Unlike these participants, Pancoe’s sister lost the battle to cancer about a decade ago at the age of 20. “It was a really difficult thing to have the person that I looked up to the most taken away when I was about to enter my teenage years,” Pancoe says. “[The cancer survivors] are sort of at an age range that doesn’t get that much attention, and that hit home for me.” So far, the organization has been on one trek in northern Montana and Idaho. The participants took part in a variety of activities including hiking and meditation. “The hardest thing to do on this trek is to try to sit and just be where we are,” Victorson says. “Meditation is hard because we’re programmed to be thinking about the past or the future.” If meditation was the most challenging aspect of the trip, eating well was probably the easiest. Each participant brought some food and spices with them on the trip so that when mealtime came around, everyone would share ingredients and form cooking groups to prepare collective meals. “For me, camping can suck unless you’re well-fed, you sleep well and you’re dry. And we really pay attention to those things,” Victorson says, conjuring the images of the Thai and Indian dishes

they made for dinner and the fragrant cinnamon bun breakfast they shared. “We tried to make the food really tasty, so no one complained about the food. If anything, that was the highlight, how good food can be out in the backcountry.” It’s difficult to know exactly what the survivors take from the experience, but Victorson says that hopefully “the seeds of meditation will flower along the way.” When the participants go to routine doctor’s visits, instead of being overcome by anxiety, they can “be present with whatever’s happening in that moment and [...] try their best not to judge it as being bad or good,” a mental state fostered by meditation. True North Treks has three treks coming up in 2012 for which they are currently recruiting volunteers and participants. Their most recent trek never took off because some participants had to drop out last minute, but Victorson is ready to push forward and teach a new group of young cancer survivors to take on the bear.

illustration: alexis sanchez

When camping out in bear country, prepare to abide by the rules of bear hygiene unless you want to look into the eyes of a massive, hungry grizzly bear. This means more than just brushing your teeth and rinsing your face. Bear hygiene involves making damn sure there is no trace of food, human waste, perfume or even toothpaste anywhere near your sleeping area, because bears have an impeccable sense of smell. It involves shouting through the trees and across the lakes as you hike during the day so that the bears know that you’re there. These guys don’t like to be surprised. At the end of the day, a group of campers can do everything possible to stave off the bears, but the uncertainty remains. David Victorson, assistant professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine, finds these bears to be an appropriate allegory for cancer. True North Treks, the Evanston-based nonprofit organization Victorson started in 2008, takes a group of young adult cancer survivors on camping trips into wild, unadulterated nature. These patients, although recovering and practicing habits to stave off cancer, never know what the future could bring. Victorson started True North Treks with the idea that it would be a way to support young adult cancer survivors during their transition from diagnosis and treatment into survivorship. As a health psychologist personally interested in forms of healing beyond traditional western medicine, Victorson affirms the power of meditation and yoga as well as the transformative nature of being outdoors, partially because he had his own cleansing experience on one of his many camping trips growing up in the upper peninsula of Michigan. “My dad and I had a pretty big clash of ideas at that time,” Victorson says. “He took me on a fishing trip to this island in Lake Superior called Isle Royale, a beautiful, pristine wilderness area.” Victorson says that after that trip, things with his dad just seemed to get better. “I always grew up with this appreciation of nature and the fact that nature calmed me. It

Old Town For The Young Folk Take the Brown Line to travel back in time. By Arpita Aneja For only $2.25 and a ride to the Brown Line’s Sedgwick stop, you can experience a neighborhood different from other parts of Chicago. With areas untouched by the Great Chicago Fire, the buildings in Old Town have a distinctly 19th century feel to them. Architecture aside, it’s also home to several restaurants, boutiques and quirky shops worth checking out.

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

THE SECOND CITY

ZANIES If you’re over 21 and love stand-up comedy, Zanies is your Old Town destination. This comedy club features acts every night of the week with professional comedians including Michael Palascak and Mike E. Winfield.

This improv-based sketch comedy theater was once home to comedy gurus like Tina Fey and Steve Carell and still hosts shows featuring upand-coming comedic actors. Who knows, you might even see the next Stephen Colbert.

Learn a little more about the city just south of Evanston. A $12 student admission charge comes with an audio tour and access to a wide range of exhibits about historical icons like Abraham Lincoln as well as more contemporary topics like Chicago’s LGBTQ community.

A RED ORCHID THEATRE

THE SPICE HOUSE

An intimate venue that seats only 80 audience members, this theater has unique contemporary plays running every week. With preview tickets at $15 and regular season tickets at $30, you can experience theater in a way you may never have before at a fraction of the cost of a Broadway show.

The first thing that’ll greet you upon entering this shop is the robust smell of spices from all over the world. The Spice House has almost every kind of spice imaginable. Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary expeditions beyond the realm of Easy Mac or you just love the smell of spices, it’s definitely worth a visit.

THE FUDGE POT BISTROT MARGOT

photos: arpita aneja

STRING A STRAND ON WELLS For the crafty college student, this shop offers countless beads from all over the world. From plastic to glass to stone to semi-precious, there are enough beads in this shop to satisfy any amateur jeweler. Customers can even create their own custom jewelry inside the store.

Looking for an afternoon or evening in Paris? You don’t have to travel very far. Bistrot Margot, a French restaurant in the heart of Old Town, will satisfy your Francophile needs with its turn-of-the-century Parisian décor and its entirely French menu (not to mention they make a killer Eggs Benedict).

The name is enough to make your mouth water before you even enter the shop. This store sells several different types of fudge with flavors ranging from chocolate marshmallow walnut to vanilla peanut butter. The store also offers other sweet snacks like candied apples and chocolate-covered strawberries.

northbynorthwestern.com | 37

Bernardine Dohrn was once on the FBIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Wanted List. Today, the former revolutionary teaches at Northwestern. Though she spent her youth challenging authority, she now fights for justice within the system â&#x20AC;&#x201D; legally.

THE DOHRN IDENTITY By Matt Bellassai

ernardine Dohrn is a master of evasion. She’s been known by at least five names throughout her lifetime: Bernardine Rae Ohrnstein. H.T. Smith. Marion DelGado. Rose Bridges. And she’s been called worse: The most dangerous woman in America. La Pasionaria of the lunatic left, according to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. A fugitive. An outlaw. A communist. A criminal. A terrorist. And now, for the past 12 years, a professor. Not many at Northwestern would suspect the charming 70-year-old law professor, with the silk flower dangling delicately from her curled hair, to have the past of Bernardine Dohrn. It’s her magnetism, her polite smile, her calm demeanor that make the elusiveness so flawless. She respectfully declined an interview for this story, unsurprisingly, given her history of discomfort with the press. Reporters have told, retold and sensationalized the story of her and her husband, fellow former radical Bill Ayers. But she was polite in her denial. Teaching, and then family business across the country, she explained. “Regrets.” Of course, Dohrn is well-trained in the art of avoidance. For 10 years, she skirted authorities as a leader of the subversive militant group, the Weather Underground, whose operatives, hidden behind creative aliases and disguises, launched a series of bombings on key government landmarks to protest U.S. aggression in Vietnam and racism at home. They detonated an explosive in a Pentagon bathroom. They attacked the U.S. Capitol building. They blasted the State Department headquarters in Washington, D.C. So good was Dohrn at evading capture — and inflaming her enemies — that, for three of the 10 years she spent in obscurity, her smooth olive face, long chocolate hair and thick leather jacket, collar popped, hung in post offices around the country in the form of her very own FBI-certified Most Wanted Fugitive poster. “CAUTION,” the page warned in pointed black letters beneath her cold, blank stare. “DOHRN REPORTEDLY MAY RESIST ARREST, HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH PERSONS WHO ADVOCATE USE OF EXPLOSIVES AND MAY HAVE ACQUIRED FIREARMS. CONSIDER DANGEROUS.” The fourth woman ever placed on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitive list, Dohrn was arrested at least four times, but altogether served less than a year in prison. While underground, however, Dohrn became the face of radicalism in America, in part because of her legendary good looks, thigh-

Illustrations by Geneve Ong

high boots, tight mini-skirts and oversized chic sunglasses. Before each meticulously planned bombing, an anonymous caller would place a telephone call to the target, alerting those in harm’s way that a bomb was set to go off, urging all to evacuate. It was often Dohrn’s sharp, crisp voice echoing from the receiver, and it was her voice that declared war on the United States in a communique the Weather Underground broadcast to the world in 1970. Dohrn was hidden, but somehow undeniably present. And so she has been for the past two decades. Thirty years out of hiding after a judge ruled the evidence against her circumspect, the woman once considered one of the most dangerous in America continues a life that is anonymous yet public. From her small office speckled with family portraits and earthy decorations, tucked away in the tall, lakeside Rubloff building of the Chicago campus, she’s masterfully avoided attention and controversy. Her arrival at Northwestern more than 20 years ago went largely unreported. Besides small media flare-ups after 9/11 and during the 2008 presidential election, Dohrn has operated with relative inconspicuousness, quietly directing the Northwestern Law School’s Children and Family Justice Center to reform the notoriously broken Cook County Juvenile Court system. And she teaches a course titled, ironically, Children in Trouble with the Law, training Northwestern law students in a typically underrecognized field. Such are the contradictions of Bernardine Dohrn. Journalists and historians have savagely clung to controversial then-and-now caricatures of the former-radical-turned-law professor. And the paradoxes are hard to ignore. Veiled yet detectable. Once one of the FBI’s Most Wanted runaways, Dohrn lives a life of relative freedom and prosperity. Stunningly beautiful, tanned and youthful, even at 70, yet hardened by an ugly past. A fierce proponent of peace and justice, yet best remembered as an advocate for armed violence. A brutal opponent of the establishment, yet a revered professor at the type of institution that once produced her most-hated enemies. Formerly one of the most notorious radicals of the turbulent Sixties, she rebukes the sensationalization of an explicitly explosive past. Of course, Dohrn is neither running from the authorities nor, as is commonly believed, hiding from her past. Perhaps the greatest paradox is the distance between the caricature and the real woman. While she has certainly

traded the dregs of underground life for a more posh living as an academic elite, Dohrn remains largely unapologetic for her less favorable proclivities, which she’ll discuss openly with those she trusts will represent her accurately. The settings may have changed, but her politics remain largely the same. And they may be more relevant now than ever. Given the salience of the Arab revolts, Occupy protests and the ongoing struggle for democracy and justice, both at home and abroad, that have pushed hundreds of thousands to the streets in outrage, the politics of Bernardine Dohrn are perhaps more important now than at any point since the days that Dohrn herself spent leading violent weaponed gangs in the streets of Chicago.

ct. 8, 1969. Beneath a fair, moonless sky on a cool autumn night more than 40 years ago, about 600 young anti-war demonstrators gathered on a public field in Lincoln Park. Those who didn’t have army hoods to complete their pseudomilitaristic costumes settled instead on football or motorcycle helmets and construction hats. Many wore stiff denim jackets to protect against the fierce Chicago wind, which fed the flames of a massive bonfire the protesters kept alive with park benches they had wrestled from the ground and smashed to pieces. The protesters came prepared for battle, mobilized by the Weathermen, the hardened, violent faction of the radical activist Students for a Democratic Society, which Dohrn and her comrades had taken over earlier that year. Organizers planned a four-day demonstration to coincide with the trial of the Chicago Eight, a band of young radicals charged with conspiring to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago a year before. Dohrn, Ayers and other Weather Underground leaders intended for the demonstrations to become vicious. In the months leading up to the protest, the Weathermen adopted the tactic of charging into high schools shouting “jailbreak” and occasionally beating or tying up teachers, in hopes of radicalizing students. They’d hoped for 1,500 to 2,000 protesters at the Oct. 8 rally. Between 300 and 600 arrived that night. Few though they were, the protesters posed real danger. They carried three-foot clubs, steel pipes and wooden sticks. Some of the more sadistic protesters stuck razors haphazardly into potatoes to lob at policemen standing guard outside the protesters’ destination, the Drake

Hotel. It was here that Judge Julius J. Hoffman, 74 years old at the time and a graduate of Dohrn’s future employer, the Northwestern Law School, waited peacefully within. Judge Hoffman, who lived within the opulent walls of the sprawling, luxurious Drake, just a few blocks north of Northwestern’s Chicago campus, represented the epitome of injustice to the protesters. He was an unassuming man, small-framed, bald but for a few tufts of hair above each ear, with a natural frown. But he was powerful. Part of the system. That fall, Hoffman presided over the Chicago Eight trial, which was replete with its own eruptive theatrics, and he was widely criticized for his treatment of the defense. Jerry Rubin, one of the eight young social activists on trial, told Hoffman during a particularly fiery trial session, “You’re the laughingstock of the world. Every kid in the world hates you because they know what you represent. You are synonymous with Adolf Hitler. Adolf Hitler equals Julius Hitler.” Disdainful of the injustice they perceived Hoffman and the establishment at large were guilty of, the protesters gathered that autumn night under the Weathermen’s direction. Shortly before 10:30 p.m., small riots erupted on the field. The radical leaders of the Weather Underground urged the crowd to move, “to tear down the Drake hotel and get Hoffman,” according to the Chicago Tribune. And so the crowd obeyed, charging down Clark Street, shouting, breaking windows, hurling stones and bottles, battling police. Two were shot. At least 65 were arrested. The National Guard was called for the second day of chaos. A phalanx of about 60 members of the Weathermen’s “women’s militia,” wearing helmets, heavy gloves and leather jackets, carrying Vietcong flags and clubs, charged a military induction center. Twelve women, including Dohrn, were arrested on charges of aggravated battery, refusing to obey a policeman and disorderly conduct. On the morning of the final day of demonstrations, police arrested 41 members of the Weathermen hidden in Evanston’s Covenant United Methodist Church on Harrison Street, not far from Ryan Field. The Chicago Tribune would also label Garrett Theological Seminary on Sheridan’s West Side as a “movement center,” offering sleeping quarters to demonstrators throughout the three days of rampage. Despite the arrests, the Days of Rage, as the Weathermen called them, were a success. The streets of Chicago were alive with fire, smoke and blood. They had achieved at least a semblance of their mission to “Bring the War Home.” The Weather faction of SDS had solidified itself as a potent force in radical activism.

or a woman who fomented such rage, Dohrn hadn’t always been so radical. Born in Chicago on Jan. 12, 1942, Dohrn lived with her family outside of the city for eight years before they moved to the middle class Milwaukee suburb of Whitefish Bay, Wis. At Whitefish Bay High School, Dohrn became treasurer of the Modern Dance Club, a member of the National Honor Society and editor of the school newspaper. Her parents “had a great belief and trust in the system,” Dohrn said in a 1995 book. “They didn’t have any radical ideas, but they were loving and devoted.”

40 | WINTER 2012

Our right to have a meeting, our right to exist is very much in question in this country. — Dohrn, 1969 Dohrn would later return to Illinois. In 1963, she graduated from the University of Chicago with an honors degree in political science and education. Dohrn was one of only six women in her University of Chicago law school class to graduate with a law degree in 1967. Even then, she hadn’t been completely radicalized. When students occupied the administration building at the University of Chicago, Dohrn said she was only an observer. “I wished I were daring and courageous enough to be demonstrating,” she said. “But I didn’t know those students and I couldn’t imagine breaking into their world.” During her last year of law school, things changed. As the conflict in Vietnam escalated, Dohrn was working on community development projects in Chicago when national SDS organizers contacted her and asked her to join them. She accepted and, in part because of her enchanting personality, quickly rose to the top of the movement. At the June 1968 national SDS convention at Michigan State University, Dohrn

declared herself a “revolutionary communist” and was elected national intra-organizational secretary, one of SDS’ top three co-equal offices. Gradually, Dohrn’s rhetoric became more inflamed. It was a formative period, not just for Dohrn, but for the radical student movement at large as it sought to define its true purpose. Some saw the movement as an international communist conspiracy, others as a struggle against racism and imperialism. Some in the black movement saw Dohrn and other SDS members simply as middle class white elites looking to play radical. Milton Gardner, a journalism student and communications coordinator of what the New York Times called “a militant Negro group at Northwestern University,” For Members Only, said in 1969, “White radicals just don’t know their role. They want to take over. They don’t have their own thing, and they don’t have their own issues.” For Dohrn, the struggle was one of survival in the face of those who doubted the radical movement, but also those in the government who, Dohrn said at the time, were systematically attacking activists. “Our right to have a meeting, our right to exist is very much in question in this country,” she said then. On a Sunday in June 1969, this conflict came to the fore of the movement. For four days of the SDS national convention in Chicago, members battled furiously over the future of the organization. The Progressive Labor faction voiced the greatest discontent, calling for a more purist revolutionary line. On the fourth day, Dohrn mounted the convention podium, and in a calm, clear voice, denounced the Progressive Labor Party as a “counterrevolutionary” faction that served “the man, not the revolution.” Out of the convention’s “ideological orgy,” as the New York Times would call it, the Weathermen emerged as the dominant force controlling SDS’ national offices. By December 1969, Dohrn’s radicalization was complete. Her fellow militants had by then formed the violent Weathermen faction, borrowing from a lyric from Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues”: “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” Dohrn told the group to “unite with other white radical groups to overthrow the racist American power structure.” It was obvious, she continued, “that peaceful demonstrations accomplish nothing, so it is time for more violence.” In October, the Weathermen would stage the Days of Rage in Chicago. After the successful rampage, the Weathermen pushed forward with plans for increased militancy, convening a “National War Council” in Flint, Mich. in December 1969. They became drunk with rage. They built an arsenal. Then, in March 1970, an explosion. In a small townhouse on West 11th Street in Greenwich Village, New York City, three Weathermen, including Ayers’ girlfriend at the time, Diana Oughton, would perish assembling a bomb. The press would speculate over the origins of the blast. A gas explosion, perhaps. But a Daily News article finally identified the cause, labeling the townhouse an anti-war radical “bomb factory.” Two bodies were recovered, though Oughton’s was “mutilated beyond recognition and identified finally from a fragment of finger,” according to Ayers’ memoir.

“The townhouse explosion was the Weather hell,” Jonah Raskin, a Weather member, wrote in 1974, “a devastating event psychologically and politically.” The attack, it seemed, displayed the frailty of human life.

he event pushed the Weathermen underground, in part to evade the FBI, which began an intensive search for Dohrn and other Weather Underground leaders following the townhouse explosion, but also as a means of distracting authorities to give their brethren in other radical organizations freedom to operate with less persecution. When they failed to show up for trial in Chicago on conspiracy charges they incurred from the Days of Rage riots, they became federal fugitives, or “invisible, legendary radicals,” as Raskin would call them in admittedly bombastic style, as was often the case for Weathermen, who spoke of themselves in highly idealized terms. They were, after all, making history. In May 1970, well-entrenched underground, Bernardine Dohrn would declare war on the United States on behalf of the Weathermen, recording the message on a simple store-bought radio tape deck. It was, in a sense, an existential statement. We’re alive, it said. Threatening, menacing, hypnotic, Dohrn’s voice hymned the chilling words, “Hello, this is Bernardine Dohrn,” it began. “I’m going to read you a Declaration of War.” It took her only a single take to get the statement right. “The parents of ‘privileged’ kids have been saying for years that the revolution was a game for us,” Dohrn read in the statement. “But the war and racism of this society show that it is too fucked up. We will never live peaceably under this system.” The words were inflamed, but the times, she now says, were just as inflammatory. “Freaks are revolutionaries, and revolutionaries are freaks,” Dohrn continued. “If you want to find us, this is where we are. In every tribe, commune, dormitory, farmhouse, barracks and townhouse where kids are making love, smoking dope and loading guns — fugitives from American justice are free to go.” She ended the declaration with an ominous warning: “Within the next fourteen days, we will attack a symbol or institution of American injustice.” For 19 days, much to the FBI’s relief, nothing happened. But on the twentieth day, an anonymous caller told the New York City switchboard operator “there is a bomb set to go off at police headquarters.” Fifteen minutes later, at 6:57 p.m., a bundle of between 10 and 15 sticks of dynamite exploded inside a second floor men’s bathroom. Papers fluttered through the halls, and glass from windows fell to the streets below. The next morning, a communique arrived at the New York Times and Associated Press, signed by “Weatherman,” taking credit for the attack. “Every time the pigs think they’ve stopped us, we come back a little stronger and a lot smarter,” it read. “They guard their buildings and we walk right past their guards. They look for us — we get to them first.”

organization took credit for 21 bombings, each time warning targets in advance to avoid civilian casualties. Armed propaganda, they called it. “Domestic terrorism,” in the eyes of the FBI, which continued its hunt for the fugitives. Over time, the chase would fizzle. As the conflict in Vietnam died, so did the fervor of the Weathermen. The judge, former foe Julius Hoffman, dropped the bombing conspiracy charges against Dohrn in 1974 because of illegal enforcement surveillance, but she still faced local charges stemming from the Days of Rage demonstrations in 1969. They remained hidden. “I just couldn’t imagine turning myself in and ‘giving up,’” she said. In 10 years of hiding, Dohrn would fall in love with Ayers and they’d have two children, Zayd, named for the Black Liberation Army member Zayd Shakur, and Malik, for Malcolm X. As the children aged, the pressure of life underground became unbearable. “By the time Malik was born, it became clear that we wouldn’t be spending the rest of our lives underground,” she said. At 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1980, Dohrn and Ayers turned themselves in to the Cook County Criminal Court. Dressed in a herringbone jacket and wool slacks, she stood defiant. “I regret not at all our efforts to side with the forces of liberation. The nature of the system has not changed.” Dohrn plea-bargained the remaining charges against her to three years’ probation and a $1,000 fine. Ayers would remark on the ridiculousness of his freedom. “Guilty as hell, free as a bird — America is a great country.” A year later, Kathy Boudin, a former Weather Underground member, botched an armored truck robbery. A Brink’s guard and two state troopers were killed in the commotion. Authorities called Dohrn to testify, apparently because of her Weathermen connection. “I wasn’t involved at all and I have no idea where they got that from,” Dohrn told Chicago magazine in 1993. “At the time of the Brink’s arrest, there was great hysteria and pandemonium, and because I had been friends with and knew people who were arrested there, there was a certain set of assumptions that I must

have been involved and I must have been a ringleader. And they were clearly shown to be not true.” Nonetheless, Dohrn refused to cooperate with the grand jury, which she objected to on principle. Boudin pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. Dohrn served seven months in jail for her refusal to cooperate. Eventually Dohrn and Ayers took custody of Boudin’s infant son. Dohrn was left to begin a new future as a 43-year-old wife with three children. In 1984, 17 years out of law school, Dohrn passed the New York State bar exam. Like all prospective lawyers, however, she was subject to approval by the Committee on Character and Fitness of the State Supreme Court. Her lawyer, Don H. Reuben, a Life Trustee at Northwestern, made a fervent case for her admission. “I think she’s a reformed person,” he said. “I think her philosophy now is to work within the system.” “I would be very troubled, as to the notion of fairness, if she wasn’t made a member of the bar now,” Reuben told the New York Times then. “This country makes a point of looking at people as they are and not visiting upon them their past silliness of their youth.” In 1985, the panel rejected her application. “She is disappointed,” Reuben said. “She continues to think she is now qualified and that she presented a good record.” Instead, Dohrn began work at the New York office of the powerful Sidley and Austin law firm. Her father-in-law, Thomas Ayers, and Sidley’s senior partner, Howard Trienens, were old buddies from Northwestern. And in fact, both Ayers and Trienens would serve as chairman of Northwestern’s Board of Trustees, Ayers from 1975 to 1986, and Trienens immediately after until 1995. Indeed, Trienens told the Chicago Tribune in 2008 that he personally hired Dohrn at Sidley. “We often hire friends,” he said pointedly.

n 1987, Dohrn and Ayers moved to Hyde Park after the University of Illinois at Chicago offered Ayers a job. First, Dohrn

For 10 years, with the help of the Weather Underground’s elaborate network, Dohrn and Ayers remained in hiding. In that time, the northbynorthwestern.com | 41

worked in the Juvenile Division of the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office, then on the Children’s Rights Project with the American Civil Liberties Union. Then, in 1991, she was named director of Northwestern Law’s Juvenile Court Project, and in 1992, director of the newly formed Children and Family Justice Center. Given her connections at Northwestern, it’s not hard to imagine why Dohrn ended up at the law school. Her father-in-law was, after all, chairman of the board, namesake of Ayers College of Commerce and Industry and the CEO and chairman of Commonwealth Edison. Trienens denied helping Dohrn come to Northwestern. “The dean hired her,” he said, referring to Robert Bennett, who was dean of the law school in 1991 when Dohrn came to Northwestern. Her job was carefully constructed to avoid faculty approval, whose input is custom for new hires. Law Professor Ronald Allen told the Daily Northwestern in 2001 that Dohrn’s hiring was done without faculty input. “There is a conception that she is a member of the faculty,” he said. “But her hiring was done exclusively by the dean as a low-level administrator and was never dealt with as a faculty issue. Some individuals were upset back then, and others thought she deserved a chance to make a positive contribution. But it was never under the faculty’s purview.” Regardless, only a handful of objectors raised concerns, among them law Professor Dan Polsby. “I do not in any way challenge the motives or the integrity of any of my colleagues, and I have no reason to doubt that she is a hardworking, socially conscious lawyer,” Polsby told Chicago magazine in 1993. “I do know that some genuinely horrific things are in her background, and I am bewildered and unhappy to reflect that she finds no occasion for the expression of remorse for the cruelties that she — at a younger time, a while ago, but nevertheless — for the cruelties that she inflicted on other people, including many, many innocent people.” Despite objections, Dohrn was left, it seemed, to live her life peacefully in Chicago, quietly building a new life and career at Northwestern.

ept. 11, as is often said, changed everything. On that Tuesday morning in 2001, the New York Times ran a review of Bill Ayers’ memoir, Fugitive Days, on the front page of the paper’s Arts section. “I don’t regret setting bombs,” the article began, quoting a choice line from Ayers’ bombastic, melodramatic prose. “I feel we didn’t do enough.” Of course, Ayers couldn’t have known the context in which those words would be printed. Later that morning, nearly 3,000 Americans would perish in the attacks on Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and New York. Northwestern law grad Sean O’Shea, a New York attorney, picked up on the story, discovered Dohrn’s past and was outraged. O’Shea demanded Northwestern return his $1,000 contribution to the law school, and a handful of other alumni followed. The law school stood by Dohrn, who rebuked the campaign against her as a “witchhunt” brought on by post-Sept. 11 hysteria. “Any alum who actually researches the efforts we’ve made in the law system for children

42 | WINTER 2012

would probably increase their contribution to the school,” Dohrn told the Daily Northwestern after the controversy. “I love the work we do at Northwestern. It has been a wonderful home for me.” David van Zandt, law school dean at the time of the controversy, told the New York Times he was positively in support of Dohrn. “All the things she’s done here in the 10 years she’s

To advocate breaking the law, that would be a problem. She’s told me she abhors violence, past, present or future — Van Zandt

been here have been just terrific,” he said. “If someone continues to advocate breaking the law, that would be a problem. She’s told me she abhors violence, past, present or future.” Discontent has ebbed and flowed ever since, and Dohrn and Northwestern have become accustomed to critics. University Archives has dutifully filed pages upon pages of emails from outraged alumni. The law school’s Alumni Relations office has a five-inch thick folder of complaints accrued over the past decade. Phonathon callers are instructed to sympathize with alumni who raise concerns over Dohrn’s past and to assure alumni her former tactics don’t influence her work. The terrorist charge has predictably reemerged time and again for a decade. In 2008, Sean Hannity and other conservatives began highlighting an alleged connection between then-presidential candidate and Illinois Senator Barack Obama and Ayers. Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin amplified the allegations with her notorious charge that Obama was “someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect that he’s palling around with terrorists who would target their own country.” The media, however, debunked the allegation. An Obama campaign spokesman explained to CNN that Ayers and Dohrn hosted a campaign event for Obama after then-Illinois State Sen. Alice Palmer announced Obama as her Congressional successor. Otherwise, as Obama explained during the Democratic presidential primaries, “This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood [...] the notion that somehow as a consequence of me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago when I was 8 years old somehow reflects on me and my values doesn’t make much sense.” Dohrn and her husband have recently found their way back into headlines after the couple auctioned off a $2,500 dinner at their Chicago home to raise funds for the Illinois Humanities Council. Two members of the IHC board have since resigned.

he work Dohrn has done for Northwestern is undeniable. Just last year, she and the law school celebrated 20 years at the Children and Family Justice Center, which has grown into a vibrant part of Northwestern’s vast Legal Clinic and the Chicago legal community at large. Of course, remnants of her past inevitably remain. Her rhetoric is still inflamed. Her character still controversial. Last year, she wrote that the U.S. “seemed to declare war against (some of ) its own youngsters.” But then again, for a woman with as many contradictions as Dohrn, critics will say just about anything. There are those who say, as a former radical, she’s simply sold out to the establishment. “The charge that most sixties people joined the establishment and became sellouts is preposterous,” she said in a 1995 book. “Most people have stayed the course. Most people are trying to do work that is meaningful. Most people are trying to live lives that are whole. Most people are trying to live in harmony with their values [...] Today, our work doesn’t amount to a movement [...] but this local work is part of the sixties legacy.”

CΩNFLICT OF

Athletes are sometimes discouraged from going Greek, but some join anyway. Here’s what happens when two of Northwestern’s most high-profile communities collide.

INTEREST By Stanley Kay | Photos by Daniel Schuleman

hen Stephen Simmons decided to attend Northwestern University in 2006, he knew he wanted to go Greek. His mother was a member of Delta Sigma Theta, and his father was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi; both chapters are members of the “Divine Nine,” which are the nine traditionally black Greek organizations that comprise the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Simmons grew up around Greek life and always planned on going Greek when he eventually attended college. One problem: He was on the football team. Involvement in athletics certainly doesn’t preclude one from joining a Greek organization. Otto Graham, the most illustrious player in Northwestern football history, was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. Drew Brees, considered by many to be the best quarterback in the National Football League, was a Sigma Chi at Purdue. Luke Donald was a member of Sigma Chi at Northwestern and is now ranked the No. 1 men’s golfer in the world. And several players currently playing for the Wildcats are involved in Greek life. Simmons, who graduated in 2010, successfully earned membership to Kappa Alpha Psi and eventually became the chapter’s president. But his involvement in Greek life, and the time-consuming new member process, didn’t go unnoticed. “My coach was pissed,” Simmons recalls, referring to the pledge process of attaining full membership. “I pretty much lied to him the whole time and told him I didn’t know what he was talking about. But it was kind of obvious that I was going through some stuff.” Simmons says the concerns of his coaches faded after he became a full member but that his decision to take on another significant time commitment was not supported. “They don’t really support […] you being involved in a lot outside of your sport because they feel like you should put all that extra time […] into your sport to make yourself and your team better,” Simmons says. “It’s pretty much like how most teachers think their subject is the most important and the only one that matters.” He acknowledges that he initially came to school to play football and understands why coaches would be hesitant about student-athletes taking on other commitments. In his words, the school is “paying you” to play your sport and represent the university. But some studentathletes undoubtedly want their college experience to be defined by more than their sport, and at Northwestern joining the Greek commu-

44 | WINTER 2012

nity is one way to accomplish that goal. Going Greek poses a number of problems for student athletes, including the possibility of skeptical coaches. For some, the team is akin to a fraternity or sorority, so there’s no need to join a Greek organization. But how do those who do take part in Greek life balance both commitments? Do they ever have to choose one over the other? What’s the difference between the fraternal experience of a team and the similar bond of a Greek chapter? Even though a team could be construed as a type of fraternity, Northwestern student-athletes from a number of varsity teams continue to join Greek chapters. The football team — which many would consider the best fraternity on campus — has several Greek players in both National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and Interfraternity Council organizations. NPHC at Northwestern includes seven members of the “Divine Nine,” including Kappa Alpha Psi. Northwestern’s IFC, on the other hand, consists of 18 fraternities. Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), an IFC fraternity, has a history of attracting student-athletes as potential members. Within the chapter there are currently 12 varsity athletes, many of whom are swimmers. Four football players that recently received bids didn’t end up joining the fraternity. According to former Pike president and McCormick junior Patrick Schnettler, the four players accepted their bids and wanted to join the chapter, but ended up not doing so. Schnettler, who is now president of IFC, declined to give the names of the four players, but says that the main reason they didn’t join was because they were worried joining a fraternity would negatively affect their time commitments to both their academics and football. Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald doesn’t have a standard policy on Greek life, according to spokesperson Mike Wolf. “He does not have a formal policy on this, but if a student-athlete is not performing up to academic expectations, etc., he would likely advise them not to join a fraternity,” Wolf wrote in an email. “Several factors go into such decisions, but Coach Fitzgerald always wants his [student-athletes] to enjoy a well-rounded college experience.” Like any varsity sport, football is a huge time commitment, so it’s understandable that a coach would be wary of his players joining another organization. Simmons admits that trying to balance both commitments was “something I would never do again or wish on my worst enemies,” but many student-athletes still see the appeal of a haven outside the athlete bubble.

David Nwabuisi, a senior with one remaining year of football eligibility, is the president of Omega Psi Phi at Northwestern and a starting linebacker for the Northwestern football team. As one of the Wildcats’ key defenders, there is extra pressure for him to perform on the football field. But he has never had any major issues balancing both football and fraternity. He says that Omega Psi Phi has allowed him to interact with others at Northwestern he may have never encountered had he not joined the Greek community, especially because the football team is like a fraternity of its own. “You’ve got so many teammates you don’t really need any other friends,” he says. “But once I joined the fraternity it opened up all these other lanes to socialize with people and get to know other people.” Nwabuisi understands why coaches would be hesitant about certain players joining Greek life. His own ability to balance football, Greek life and academics was the only reason he was able to go Greek successfully. “Coaches want your focus on football understandably. They’re paying you to do it,” Nwabuisi says. “They just don’t want you to lose track of what you came here for.” Despite the heavy commitment football requires, the team has a substantial Greek population. A number of campus leaders are on the team, so it’s clear that Fitzgerald wants his players to explore the many opportunities afforded by college, as Wolf said. Some coaches, however, are less open to the idea of Greek life. Dominic Greene, the director of fraternity and sorority life at Northwestern, says that in the past he has worked with chapters concerned about potential conflicts between coaches and athletes who want to join Greek life. “There has been a time in the past where I’ve been asked by a fraternity to send an email to a coach being like, ‘Hey, this is OK, they’re a good fraternity,’ because this athlete was afraid the coach was going to pull his scholarship,” Greene says. However, that fraternity eventually decided that it wasn’t necessary for Greene to contact the coaches.

ne male student-athlete, who spoke under condition of anonymity, recently decided to join a Greek organization against the wishes of his coach. Though the coach never explicitly told him not to go Greek, he feels that the coach wouldn’t have been pleased with his decision. The student-athlete says he mainly wanted something in addition to his team.

“The athletes at this school, they all hang out together, they all go to each other’s parties, they all go to each other’s games,” he says. “It sort of limits the people you can meet, and there are a lot of really interesting people at the school.” When he arrived at Northwestern, he initially figured that athletes didn’t join fraternities. But he eventually met students who were in fraternities and decided he wanted to join the Greek community. Before he joined, however, he wanted to make sure a fraternity wouldn’t interfere with his academics or sport. The student-athlete says that prior to joining he spoke to the fraternity’s pledge educator, who assured him there would be no hazing or anything that interfered with his athletic commitment. If joining a fraternity would have cut down on his academics or athletics, the student-athlete wouldn’t have joined. “These guys know I’m here to play a varsity sport more than I am to be in a fraternity,” he says. He doesn’t expect to keep his new fraternity a secret forever. But for now, members of both the fraternity and his team are keeping quiet. It’s not the first time this has happened, either: Greene recalls a situation where a fraternity didn’t wish to give him the real names of student-athlete members, because they feared a negative reaction from their coaches. The aforementioned studentathlete anticipates his coach will find out eventually, but he is confident that his coach won’t be upset as long as he maintains his quality of play. The athlete also says that he will likely remain closer with his team but will be able to more spend time with the fraternity during the offseason. Nwabuisi gives a similar assessment of the situation facing Greek athletes, some of whom have skeptical coaches. In his mind, it’s all about time management and handling multiple commitments. “At the end of the day you have to make your own decisions […] you can’t just disappear from football if you’re going to decide that you want to also do this,” Nwabuisi says. “You’ve just got to make sure you can balance it all. I decided I was going to be able to balance it all, so I went forward with it.”

or many student-athletes, it can be difficult to balance so many commitments, whether or not the athlete is a member of a Greek organization. But going Greek did help one ex-athlete quit her team. Sophomore Hannah Singer, a former diver, quit the team during her freshman year, mostly due to injury

and the intensity of participating in a varsity sport. But she says having a group of friends in her sorority, Kappa Delta, helped make the decision easier. Mary Grace Gallagher, a senior member of Kappa Delta, recently finished her final year of volleyball. Originally, she was opposed to joining Greek life and even felt like her mother forced her to go Greek. (Gallagher is from Atlanta, and according to her mother, “Every southern girl must join a sorority.”) Gallagher has been very involved in her sorority since the end of her sophomore year, holding positions like assistant treasurer and treasurer. But prior to the end of her sophomore year, she was “absent” from Greek life. “My team was like my sorority. I had 14 girls who were my best friends and literally hung out 24/7,” she says. “So there was no reason to be involved in a sorority, because I felt like I already had that through the volleyball team.” Toward the end of her sophomore year, Gallagher immersed herself in Kappa Delta on a spur-ofthe-moment decision. She received an email stating that the assistant treasurer decided that she no longer wanted to hold the position and that a replacement was needed. Gallagher says she randomly decided to apply and was awarded the position. From that moment, Kappa Delta became a defining aspect of her college career. She lived in the Kappa Delta chapter house during her junior year and became extremely close with the girls in her sorority. When she began living in the house and became active on the Kappa Delta council, Gallagher became even closer with her sorority sisters. “All of a sudden I would go to practice and hang out with [my teammates], but then I’d be really excited to come home and hang out with all the girls in KD,” she says. “That I was more excited to see them than hang out with my friends at volleyball was just a very interesting switch for me.”

But during this period, she says it sometimes became difficult to handle both her athletic commitment and her sorority responsibilities. During the fall, when she was often traveling with the team, she had to stay on top of her schedule and plan ahead so she wouldn’t fall behind in her duties as treasurer. Despite the extra effort required by her position, overall she never had a problem balancing her commitment to both athletics and Kappa Delta.

etsi Burns, who is currently Northwestern’s assistant dean of students, worked in the athletic department for almost 15 years before becoming assistant dean. Besides being the assistant director of athletics, the director of student development and an avid Wildcats supporter — the walls of her office are even painted purple — Burns was an academic adviser in the athletic department. In fact, Gallagher was one of her advisees. When she was in college at Purdue, Burns was an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi, a sorority that does not have a chapter at Northwestern. She is a big proponent of the Greek system at Northwestern and believes it is a positive influence on campus. “A lot of the values that our student-athletes hold are also held by Greek organizations in terms of academics, community service, philanthropy and leadership,” Burns says. Lots of regular students don’t join Greek organizations, and Burns says athletes aren’t any different. But for those who want to join a fraternity or sorority, it can be a meaningful aspect of college life, just like it is for Nwabuisi and Gallagher. “Student-athletes that do decide to go Greek handle it very well and take advantage of everything that the Greek system has to offer,” Burns says. “It’s a great distraction for them, to be involved in other things outside of their sport. It gives them some balance.”

Greek organizations will often make concessions to athletes, because they frequently have to miss chapter events for games, practice and other athletic commitments. Former Pike president Schnettler says his fraternity understands that athletics can come first, especially when athletes are in the midst of their season. “They are contributing to Pike by being a varsity athlete and somebody who is contributing to the Northwestern community in that way,” Schnettler says. Burns expresses a similar view: “Really, it’s the Greek organizations that understand and know that athletics plays a huge part in these students’ lives. It’s their scholarships. They’ve made a commitment. So what I’ve found is Greek organizations are very understanding when they pledge a student-athlete, and work with that student individually and understand that there are going to be concessions.” Burns says that when she was in the athletic department, she never witnessed any coaches openly discouraging players from joining Greek life. She says coaches generally want their players to fully experience Northwestern, including the Greek system if they choose. But she also says that some coaches consider the team to be a fraternal experience. “Some of them really feel as though their team is their support — their friend base — that fills that void that a Greek organization might for a student,” Burns says. “So why would they need that?” The answer to that rhetorical question varies for Northwestern’s student-athletes in the Greek community. For some, joining a fraternity or sorority was a matter of family history or cultural bond. For others, the goal was to find a friend outlet away from the athlete bubble at Northwestern. And many don’t go Greek at all. Greek organizations — especially fraternities — tend to value athletics. Success in intramural sports is generally seen as a significant accom-

plishment by fraternal organizations. The “athlete” is interwoven with the notion of an idealized fraternity man. Pike’s slogan, for example, is “Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, Gentlemen.” At Northwestern, however, the athlete’s role within the Greek system seems to be inconsistent and inexact. Though, according to Burns, student-athletes are encouraged on the surface to pursue other interests outside of sports — and clearly many do — there are athletes who are discouraged from pursuing their interest in Greek life. In an age when college athletes across the country have become high-profile celebrity figures, perhaps joining a Greek organization provides a sense of normality. Though the term student-athlete represents a college athlete’s commitment to both academics and sport, the concept of being a student involves more than just taking classes. The well-rounded student is typically involved in a number of activities, and for Northwestern students, Greek life is a common extracurricular. For student-athletes, finding the balance between “student” and “athlete” might be made easier by getting involved in something like Greek life. The time required to excel in the classroom and on the field might be enough to discourage many student-athletes from going Greek. But clearly it’s still very possible to maintain involvement in both the athletic and Greek spheres of Northwestern. For Simmons, participating in both athletics and Greek life is all about determination. “If it’s really that important to you and something you really want to do and that you commit yourself to doing, it can be done.” Full disclosure: The writer of this story, Stanley Kay, was elected president of Delta Chi earlier this quarter. He also regularly attends IFC Presidents’ Forum. While Patrick Schnettler is now IFC President and leads the biweekly forum, Kay did not know Schnettler before he interviewed him for this story.

northbynorthwestern.com | 45

illustration by alyssa keller

a final farewell to bookman’s alley Evanston has its own time machine in the form of Bookman’s Alley, a store for used and rare books. The smell of nostalgia and faded glory hangs in its air; visitors’ footsteps drop their haste upon entering its door. But this old-fashioned book store will be closing its doors at the end of this month, leaving the book lovers of Evanston to fulfill their reading needs elsewhere. We salute you, Bookman’s Alley.

Photos by Daniel Schuleman

EXTRA

one last thing.

Teach Me How To Prospie How to impress potential Wildcats. By Jon Oliver

ARE YOU CHET HAZE?

NO Are you in a fraternity/sorority?

YES

All done! Your prospie is impressed.

Is Tom Hanks your dad?

Wait, is it a professional or music fraternity?

YES

NOT SURE

Are you Colin Hanks?

YES

Are you in Medill?

YES

Impress your prospie with its rich history, prestigious registration fees and the story about that one time Chad puked all over some girl he was banging.

You were really good on Dexter this season! Any chance you’ll be back on Mad Men this year? Hit me up, man!

Do you work for the Daily?

Are you in marching band?

YES

Prospie impressed? Do you work for NBN?

YES

Regale your prospie with your most hilarious band inside jokes.

[insert advice here]

Good choice.

Prospie impressed?

Enlist your prospie to write a touching account of his/her visit.

Just drop out of Medill already. You were born for the theatre.

YES

Do you live on campus?

YES

Be patient, asshole. Take your prospie to NU’s ultimate hang zone, Norris University Center.

Get on the El!

Prospie impressed?

illustrations: sarah lowe & alyssa keller

YES

Enlist your prospie to help write a hard-hitting expose of his/her visit.

Pass UChicago yet?

YES

Prospie impressed?

YES Really...?

NO See any students?

Try getting some Crépe Bistro.

YES

Prospie impressed?

YES

48 | WINTER 2012

Prospie impressed? Your prospie sucks and will never be impressed by anything. Except maybe a BK run. Try that.

YES

Now is a good opportunity to remind your prospie how cool NU is (Shh! Only in relation to other top universities).

LOL ’Cats

Look at these fucking memes. By Gabe Bergado The culture of memes has rapidly built itself an Internet empire over the past few years. From cheeseburger-loving cats to white girls who say ignorant things to black girls, almost everything has become some sort of meme. But what if parts of Northwestern life were to become memes as well? Let’s take a look at some that might make it in cyberspace.

photo: daniel schuleman

#NORTHWESTERNPROBLEMS Inspiration: #firstworldproblems As Northwestern students, we sometimes forget there is a world south of Davis Street and north of Ryan Field. We get cut off from the rest of the world in our own little purple bubble, filled with academic stress, sinful weekends and a unique student culture. Northwestern transforms into a world of its own, with problems we complain about as if the apocalypse were on the horizon. I can’t sit in that part of the dining hall because someone I hooked up with last week is sitting there, and I never texted them back. #NorthwesternProblems. Studying abroad in Europe was so much fun, but now I forgot how to actually study because all we did was drink fancy wine every night. #NorthwesternProblems. They’re the type of problems that are miniscule compared to the lack of clean water and corrupt governments in developing countries, but in this 56 grand-a-year snow globe called Northwestern, they mean everything.

CHET HAZE ADVICE LYRICS Inspiration: Advice Animals Don’t ride low. Only ride easy. Mexicans? Must be in West Los Angeles. Nobody says it better than Chet Haze. His song lyrics can easily be seen as an advice animal meme. We could all learn something from the intellectually stimulating lyrics of Northwestern’s resident rap star. Motherfucker talking behind my back? His girl’s on my ballsack. Such eloquent words, Chet. Just as one would turn to Lame Pun Coon for a pitiful joke to tell on a first date or Business Cat for the purrfect economical decision, Chet Haze Lyrics provide the advice you want when you’re looking to have a night filled with expensive booze, cheap antics and cruising down Sheridan in a taxi like it’s a convertible on the Pacific Coast Highway.

FUCK YEAH FITZ Inspiration: Fuck Yeah Comics Northwestern may not have had the best football record this past year, but there are occasions where we can be proud of our sports team. And nothing says proud like a Fuck Yeah Fitz. The Wildcats intercept a pass by the opposing team— everyone do the Fuck Yeah Fitz! With a 28-6 win over Rice University, Fuck Yeah Fitz comes out. It’s only fitting that Wildcat fans turn to the iconic coach in moments of pride.

SELF-GRATIFIER GRATIFYING HIMSELF Inspiration: Paula Deen Riding Things While roaming the Internet, everyone has probably come across a picture of Paula Deen riding something, whether it’s Free Willy or a family of five. The Northwestern equivalent would be the self-gratifier gratifying himself, photobombing all sorts of photos. A picture of the women’s lacrosse team making a goal? Oh, look! There’s the self-gratifier in the back! A bunch of engineers in a tech lab working on a new project— isn’t that the self-gratifier on that guy’s shoulder? The mystery of the self-gratifier may never be solved, but he’ll be sure to stay in our memories if immortalized as a meme.

northbynorthwestern.com | 49

How To Escape A Robbery... And keep your smartphone too. By JJ Bersch

Robberies have become something of a norm at Northwestern. Chances are you’re going to have a run-in with an Evanston thug at some point, so you should keep these tips in mind to cut your losses.

• Tell them they could take your iPhone now, but if they come to your house tomorrow, you’ll give them your iPhone AND your iPad. Then give them your best friend’s address. • Buy a Nokia phone and constantly have people call you when you’re in public. Robbers will recognize the annoying ringtone and/or see you on your awful phone and deem you unworthy of robbing.

— advertisement —

• 50 | WINTER 2012

illustrations: geneve ong

• Have a baby. Take that baby with you wherever you go. Witches steal babies. Robbers don’t, and they also don’t steal from people carrying babies. • Befriend Mark Wahlberg. If he could have stopped 9/11, he definitely can stop a measly robbery. • Just never go out, stupid. • Purchase a pack of wolves. The chances of them saving you from a robbery and of them eating you are about the same, but do you really want to risk going head-to-head with a robber without a pack of wolves by your side? • Shave your head so you look like Robert DeNiro in Taxi Driver. • Bond with the robber over your mutual love Maid in Manhattan and cranberry juice with vodka. Instead of losing your iPhone, you’ll gain a lifelong friend.

iProblems

illustration: sarah lowe

Breaking up with your PC is hard to do. By Shaunacy Ferro As a PC user at Northwestern, I often find myself in the minority. Seven out of my eight roommates own some kind of MacBook. In my lectures, sleek MacBooks covered in brightly colored plastic far outnumber dark, clunky PCs. My own beast of a computing device cannot fit on most normal classroom desks. It refuses to shut down or start up in a timely manner, is likely ridden with viruses and, after a little more than two years, has meant many an hour on the phone with an IT service across the ocean. I wake up each morning wondering if it will make it through the day. As a Christmas gift, my parents gave me partial funding to buy myself a sweet new MacBook. I haven’t touched the money. I decided on a model; I even went to the Apple store. But I didn’t buy anything. It didn’t feel right. I wasn’t ready to become that person yet. Macs comprised a little less than 11 percent of the personal computer market in 2010, but everywhere I look, there they are. A 2011 survey found that 31 percent of students under the age of 25 own Macs. I wonder if my desire to own one is truly motivated by a need for efficient photo and video editing and virus protection, or if after two and a half years of college, I’ve simply digested the idea that this is the kind of computer I’m supposed to have. Back in 2006, a tech consultant named Tim Bajarin told Information Week, “When we talk to Gen X and Gen Y, they’ll tell you the MacBooks are the coolest machines on the market.” Six years later, it’s no less true. Apple

has become a status symbol in many ways. Watch any movie, and the product placement of a laptop will almost always be angled to display the little Apple logo, or if not, a pear or some ripoff that is a clear emulation. It’s been a few months since my computer did anything truly disturbing, like flash the Blue Screen of Death. Perhaps the viruses, the temperamental approach it takes to do things like “standby,” the way it sometimes whirrs loud enough to rival the sound of my breaking refrigerator, the decrepit speakers — they’re just quirks. I know this doesn’t make sense. Computers are machines; they’re supposed to work. And the consensus among my Macowning friends is that Apple products just do — no complications or tricks. Just a computer that runs. It’s a logical choice to make, one that plenty of people are making. But I’m suspicious of bandwagons. Susceptible but suspicious too. I don’t want to want to buy things because they’re cool. I don’t want to be a cog in a marketing machine. But I’m human and not, in fact, smarter than marketing executives who have spent their lives trying to figure out how to make me want their products. I don’t like to buy nice things. I’m a little hipster, or a Luddite, or maybe both. I’m stingy. It took me years to get an iPod. I lugged around a brick-sized Dell Jukebox until it crashed into an unusable mess. I would have bought another if they were still being manufactured. Now in possession of an 8GB iPod Nano from

when 8GB was still a lot of space, I can’t imagine buying one from the latest generation. I’m dreading the impending upgrade, though the LCD screen no longer keeps up with the music as it changes. My cell phone cost me $15 with a contract and occasionally doesn’t use correct English grammar within its interface. But should I feel guilty about wanting something that all empirical evidence suggests is a good product? There’s a nagging voice in the back of my head suggesting that I’m willing to plunk down a thousand plus dollars for something just because everyone else has it. After all, how often do I edit video, if that’s my reason for making the switch? Is my computer not just a glorified portal to the interwebs and occasional receptacle for Word documents and PDFs of class reading? Part of me wonders what better things that money could be used for. If it makes me spoiled, or entitled, if it’s something I consider myself “needing.” Or if it’s simply long-term planning based on the personal experience and customer satisfaction of everyone I’ve talked to about the choice. Either way, buying a Mac shouldn’t make me a better or a worse person. But when it comes to brands that sell themselves as cool, you’re in some ways buying into an image — even if that image is expanding to include my grandpa and his iPad. I worry that I’m just not ready to convey that every time I whip out my computer at a coffee shop. I am #firstworldproblems. • northbynorthwestern.com | 51

Find Your Place in Northwesternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Community

Mass Times: Sundays at 9:30 am, 11 am and 5 pm Student Mass at 9 pm Moonlight Mass: Wednesdays at 10 pm