Feb. 23, 2017

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Salsa Tuesday

The 86 Club hosts Salsa Tuesdays

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Men’s Basketball

Bearcats to face off against Memphis

THE NEWS RECORD / UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI THURSDAY, FEB. 23, 2017

NEWSRECORD.ORG

Pence promises alliance to NATO, criticism of press EMILY STOLTZ | CHIEF REPORTER

JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Neville Pinto, visits The News Record to speak with the staff on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.

Neville Pinto takes office Says he feels a deep connection to the university

JUSTIN REUTTER AND PARKER MALATESTA | NEWS EDITORS

President Neville Pinto took office Monday, succeeding Interim President Beverly Davenport.

Pinto previously served as a faculty member for 26 years here at UC and held a number of administrative posts, including provost of the Graduate School. He recently served as the acting president at the University of Louisville.

Pinto said he returned to Cincinnati due to a deep connection he felt to the university.

“My connection to this institution is long, and I didn’t quite understand it when I was here as an assistant professor,” said Pinto. “When you come through an academic program, everything is focused on you and what you are doing.”

He came to the realization that he was a part of a much bigger thing, he said, and he looks forward to helping to train the next generation of teachers.

In an interview with the News Record, President Pinto addressed a variety of issues, from immigration to Title IX to perceptions of policing.

Immigration In recent weeks, there has been unrest over Trump’s immigration executive order, as UC students call for a sanctuary campus. Pinto called

immigration the “issue of the day.”

“These are the edgy and the rough issues that have to be addressed and thought about,” said Pinto.

“I would submit to you that the campus is doing exactly what it was supposed to,” he said. “You can be assured that we will provide you with a safe environment that we value very greatly for free speech and exchange of ideas.”

As a former international student himself, he said that he understands and appreciates the issue.

However, the university is also respectful of laws, he said. “If there is a law that you don’t like, that is a whole process that we have agreed to as a democracy … the ability to learn will not be impacted.”

Title IX Pinto addressed the federal investigation of UC to determine whether UC is a sexually hostile environment, and he stated that the university would go above and beyond Title IX standards to create a safe environment to learn under his regime.

“If you don’t have a safe campus and a safe environment for everybody, you cannot learn,” he said. “To me, meeting the requirements of Title IX is like meeting the requirements of accreditation. It’s sort of a minimum bar.”

It is crucial that we provide a safe campus for women and ensure student success, he said. “Success is when women come to this campus and don’t even have to think about these kind of issues … we will take actions that are necessary to ensure that we not just attain the requirements of Title IX, but we ensure that our objective is linked to student success.”

Policing Policy The university will also continue making strides in improving policing and combating bias at the university. “[The shooting of Sam DuBose] was a horrible tragedy. Even down in Louisville, I felt it,” said Pinto.

“We are moving aggressively in the right direction,” he said. “It is important to have a strong police force, but it is also important to create a culture that is more in line with our values.”

The case has had a national impact, he said.

“The first thing we did was go back to the University of Louisville and look at what our police are doing.”

When all the guidelines created by the Exiger Report are finally implemented, the university will be in a good place, said Pinto.

“The objective is to create a safe environment for our students to learn.”

This past weekend, President Trump held a campaign-style rally in Melbourne, Florida, just one month after his inauguration. According to Trump, the rally was a way of informing the American people of the progress that has been achieved since his presidency began.

During the rally, Trump made a point to express his disapproval of the “dishonest media.”The president, once again, accused news media of falsifying stories without legitimate sources.

On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence attended a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, where he assured viewers that he and the president support a free and independent press.

“But you can anticipate that the president and all of us will continue to call out the media when they play fast and loose with the facts,” he added.

At the same press conference, Pence was joined by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Despite President Trump’s open criticism of the organization, Vice President Pence promised that the United States remains fully committed to the alliance, according to CNN. However, the vice president did voice his concern that other members are not sharing the full burden.

Matt Brookins, a fourthyear political science student, also defended Trump’s criticism of NATO. He asserted that Trump does not have a problem with the alliances themselves, but rather the “disproportionate amount of responsibility it places on the United States financially and militarily.”

According to CNN, NATO requires member states to spend 2 percent of their GDP on defense spending, a target many of the alliance’s members have not met in recent years.

“Pence can reaffirm the United States’ commitment to NATO while also

trying to pursue a more proportional distribution of responsibilities between the member states,” said Brookins.

Vice President Pence also reassured leaders of the European Union that the United States will continue its “cooperation and partnership” with the organization, despite President Trump’s vocal support of and Brexit and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May. According to Luis Fernandes, a visiting scholar and professor of political science, Pence was sincere in his commitment.

“The world and Europe need a strong America if freedom and shared prosperity are to prevail,” said Fernandes.

Dissention among members of the Republican Party and the current administration has been a source of confusion and anxiety for onlookers all over the world.

Gov. John Kasich (R-OH), Sen. John McCain (RAZ), Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly attended the Munich Security Conference to discuss policy with world leaders.

In an interview with CNN, Gov. Kasich reported that many of the world’s powers are concerned about the president’s cooperation with NATO and existing agreements. Although they have heard from Trump’s counterparts, they have not been reassured by the president himself, according to Kasich.

“There is question that in a time of crisis, where will America be,” said Governor Kasich. “It is vital that the administration be on the same page,” he added.

According to Fernandes, however, the anxiety felt by other world leaders is a result of the United States relinquishing the bulk of the responsibility. “It is very clear that European allies will need to carry a much larger share of the security burden.”

Pinto on joining power-five conference DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR

The Big 12 Conference spurned the University of Cincinnati and other schools in October when they decided to pass on expanding for the time being.

With UC welcoming newly appointed President Neville Pinto on Monday, talks about the Bearcats joining a power-five conference have come back into the fold.

“Being, of course, in one of the power-five conferences would be an ideal,” Pinto said. “We need to keep that as the ideal and the goal, and push towards that. So, my experience is that it’s well worth pursuing, it’s important to pursue, in fact, if we want to have a national reputation as a university.”

Pinto is coming to UC from the University of Louisville, where he was the school’s interim president and the dean of the engineering school.

Louisville is a part of one of the power-five conferences, the Atlantic Coast Conference, as they joined in 2014.

Prior to joining the ACC, UL was in Cincinnati’s conference, the American Athletic Conference.

Pinto raved about the success of Louisville’s athletic program in terms of the number of teams they have for men and women, and that they care about their non-marquee teams – programs other than football and men’s basketball.

“One of the big advantages of being at Louisville is that they are a part of one of the power-five conferences,” Pinto said. “I’ve seen how student-athletes are empowered by successful athletic programs and what that can do for the reputation of the university.”

Pinto, from Mumbai, India, was an international student himself at

Pennsylvania State University in the 1980s, and he recognizes the importance of a strong athletic program for international students.

“We have students coming over from across the world to Louisville, Kentucky, because of the athletics program. And they’re terrific – they’re swimmers, they’re tennis players, they’re lacrosse players – I mean, they’re just terrific students,” Pinto said.

In addition to academics, having athletics on Pinto’s mind when starting his journey at UC may prove to be valuable for the university.

“That whole mix of athletics and academics, when both are very healthy, it’s an incredibly good place to be. That’s what we have to accomplish,” Pinto said.

UC Athletic Director Mike Bohn has played a large role in pushing the school into a power-five conference.

When the Big 12 made their decision not to expand, Bohn and former UC Interim President Beverly Davenport released a joint statement, saying that the process had only strengthened their collective resolve that the school can compete with the best and that they will remain committed, competitive and optimistic.

“I’ve spoken with Mike Bohn, our athletic director, and he’s just a terrific guy, and he’s very focused on getting to that point,” Pinto said.

Pinto was inaugurated as UC’s 30th president Monday. He is taking over for Davenport, who accepted an offer to be chancellor of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Davenport was filling the position after former UC President Santa Ono left to become president and vice chancellor at the University of British Colombia this summer.

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Visiting U.S. Vice President Mike Pence addresses a press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 after their meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

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Millennials not adhering to tradition EMILY STOLTZ | CHIEF REPORTER

FILE ART.

According to recent studies conducted by the Pew Research Center, millennials are not adhering to traditional milestones like their predecessors.

The studies found the millennial generation to be significantly less likely to have a spouse, children or own a home than previous generations.

But despite being uninhibited by lifelong commitments, the study found millennials to be less likely to move than past generations. According to Pew Research, only 20 percent of millennials reported living at a different address than the year prior.

Professor of Economics Michael Jones said that it’s a bit of a puzzle as to why this generation is less likely to move, despite lower rates of home ownership, marriage and children.

One reason Jones could

identify was the damaged job market.

“I think what’s driving the decline in mobility is the lack of compelling job opportunities for young workers. Unless the increase in salary and benefits is substantial, it may not be worth the financial and psychological costs of moving,” said Jones.

The slowly recovering jobs market has failed to give millennials just entering the work force incentive to relocate to more suburban areas.

The current trend is that millennials are staying put in more urban settings, despite a higher cost of living in these areas, according to Pew Research.

Brooke Schottenstein, a fourth-year psychology student, said that the Clifton area is an ideal location. “I love that I’m so close to the city, but not right in the middle of it,” said Schottenstein. “I

definitely want to stay here in Cincinnati if I can find a job.”

According to Jones, “The benefits of living in an urban environment are more robust job opportunities. If you lose your job, you are more likely to find a new opportunity than in a rural environment.”

Since millennials are far less likely to have children and spouses than previous generations, their impetus to purchase a home has also declined, according to Pew Research Another factor that potentially weakens this generation’s desire to own a home or relocate is student debt. According to the Census Bureau, more young people today are college educated. Today, about 22 percent of the young adult population holds a college degree, compared to 16 percent in 1980.

However, many still

wonder why millennials are deterred from renting in a new location. According to Jones, this could be explained by the increasing use of technology in the workforce. Many young people are now able to work remotely, decreasing their desire to change locale.

“Many people can be just as effective as web designers, programmers, etc. without having to move physically to a new job location,” said Jones.

Another trend among millennials is to move back home with their parents.

More 18 to 34 year olds are living at home than ever before, according to Pew Research. “I want to stay here, but I could definitely see myself back home to Columbus to save money,” said Schottenstein.

Whatever their reasons, it’s clear that millennials are slower to strike out on their own than previous generations.

UC Board of Trustees welcome new president PARKER MALATESTA | NEWS EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees met on Monday, introducing the newly appointed President Neville Pinto.

At the start of the meeting, chairman Thomas Cassady gave the president a resolution from Ohio Gov. John Kasich and praised the return of a longtime Bearcat.

“Welcome back, we’re so glad you’re here,” Cassady said.

It was the last meeting for Rob Richardson Jr., who in 2008 became the youngest person to ever serve on UC’s board. Prior to his departure, he was the youngest current board chair member among the country’s researchfocused public universities.

Pinto made his first appointment as president, naming Lori Ross as the school’s new vice president for legal affairs and general

counsel, pending approval from the remainder of the board. “She stood out from the national pool of candidates,” he said.

There was a presentation to the board discussing the international student experience, given by two students in UC’s foreign studies program.

Pre-business student Prerna Gandhi described her experiences following an acid attack in her home country of India. After the attack, Prerna had to undergo over 25 surgeries on the third degree burns that covered roughly 40 percent of her body.

The other student, Abdullah Bdaiwi, told the story of how the militant group ISIS destroyed his hometown in Iraq. He explained how the university assisted him financially in a grim time for him and his family.

Athletic Director Mike Bohn

attended the meeting to assist the board in the approval of new head football coach Luke Fickell’s contract. Bohn described the contract structuring process with Fickell as “smooth.” Fickell will be paid approximately $11 million through 2021.

When discussing recent concealed carry protestors on campus, President Pinto reassured listeners that the board viewed it as a pressing issue. “We have a serious view on the safety of our students,” he said. Another important issue that the board will be watching is the development of President Trump’s immigration orders.

Student Government body president Mitchell Phelps announced to the board that Student Senate had passed a bill rejecting concealed carry on campus. He noted that many students attended their meeting to

express their views. “63 students came to share their opinion on concealed carry,” he said.

The board named a new groundwater observatory after the geologist Charles Vernon Theis. He is known as an eminent hydrologist, being one of the first scientists to emphasize the importance of geological heterogeneity. He received his doctorial degree from UC in 1929, and his mathematical formula covering the size and flow of groundwater is still used today around the globe.

The research center is expected to open on March 10, located next to Great Miami River in the Miami Whitewater Forest. The lab will be used to study and investigate the problems and availability of groundwater.

Chen awarded $550K grant MOUNIR LYNCH | STAFF REPORTER

PROVIDED

Dr. Chen in his lab in the Vontz Center.

Dr. Jianjun Chen, an associate professor in the UC College of Medicine’s Department of Cancer Biology, recently received a $550,000 award from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that would fund his research into the role of the protein TET1 in acute myeloid leukemia cancer.

Ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1, known as TET1, is the protein that Dr. Chen’s award-funded research focuses on. This protein is encoded by the TET1 gene, which was discovered in a patient with the type of cancer Dr. Chen’s lab researches.

Dr. Chen has discovered that the TET1 protein has an abnormally increased presence in patients with acute myeloid leukemia cancer.

He describes acute myeloid leukemia as a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that causes an excess of immature white blood cells. He says that these immature white blood cells in patients have yet to become other types of functioning cells within the human body.

Chen’s research seeks to connect the overabundance of the TET1 protein to the development of the cancer and to see if that overabundance is required for the development of the disease. Previously, Dr. Chen’s research concluded that TET1 plays a cancercausing role in certain types of acute myeloid leukemia. His awardfunded research also seeks to explore the potential for future cancer treatments and therapies to target TET1.

Chen says researchers in his lab will use animal specimens with and without TET1 to determine its role in the formation of the cancer and in leukemia stem cell development, the cells that ensure the survival of the cancer.

The laboratory will also use a process called xenotransplantation. This process takes human cancer cells and places them into animal test specimens to confirm results as an alternative process of the same research.

“The award to Dr. Chen is a great honor to the lab” Dr. Xi Jiang said, a research

assistant professor in Dr. Chen’s cancer biology laboratory. In general, Dr. Chen’s laboratory seeks to translate the growing knowledge of leukemia’s biology to develop and improve treatment strategies for patients with the disease. This way, cancer patients may be able to receive better, more effective treatment, as this type of cancer has a more significant effect on childhood cancer patients.

UC has seen a major boost in what is known as “sponsored research” over the past year. In 2016, UC’s research and program funding from federal, state and private funds increased by around $30 million from 2015 across all of UC’s campuses. Dr. Chen’s research award has played a significant role in the increase of funding from private entities and NGOs to scientific research.

Dr. Chen’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Scholar Award will be allocated to his lab in installments over the next five years and will begin to fund the project this summer.

President Donald Trump and his administration have challenged the press in unprecedented ways.

From disputes over alternative facts and fake news to calling the press the “opposition party” and the “enemy of the American people,” President Trump and his administration have tested the norms that have traditionally governed the relationship between the news media and the government.

“We didn’t say this about Bush or Obama or even any prior president. This is real, and it’s going to have to be addressed by your generation like ours did with Nixon,” said Associate Professor of Journalism Leonard Penix. While

challenging the president is scary, Penix notes that Trump has been receiving criticism from both sides of the aisle for his treatment of the press.

UC College Democrats President Aditya RoyChaudhury thought the press was doing a good job.

“Personally, what I’ve seen is that they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” said RoyChaudhury. “They’re checking on anything, any policy or legislation that he’s putting forward and they’re reporting on it, which is essentially what their job is supposed to be. And we have a sitting president who is straight up calling out something that is in our Constitution” Trump’s behavior toward

the press is similar to that of a dictator, said Jonny Derringer, president of the UC College Republicans.

“It’s kind of scary to hear him say, ‘Anything that disagrees with me, like The New York Times, CNN, anything that disagrees with me or puts out a bad story about me is wrong automatically,’ it kind of shows signs of a dictatorship,” said Derringer. But there might be a good side as well, he said.

Trump’s accusations may cause the media to vet their information even more thoroughly to make sure not to give Trump fuel, said Derringer.

The general American public is showing historic levels of distrust for the

University of Cincinnati 45221-0135 Newsroom 509 Swift Hall 513-556-5912 chief.newsrecord@gmail. com Advertising 510 Swift Hall 513-556-5902 newsrecordbiz@ gmail.com The News Record is the editorially independent student-run news organization of the University of Cincinnati. It serves UC students, staff, faculty, alumni and the Cincinnati community with award-winning news and information on a variety of media platforms. The free newspaper is published on Mondays and Thursdays and is distributed to more than 80 locations on and near UC campuses. TNR’s website, www.newsrecord. org, is updated as news breaks and offers video, audio and interactive features. TNR’s app and podcasts are available for download on mobile devices.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook TheNewsRecord Twitter @NewsRecord_UC Instagram TheNewsRecord SoundCloud The-News-Record-1 STAFF Editor-In-Chief Jeff O’Rear Managing Editor Lauren Moretto News Editors Justin Reutter Parker Malatesta Chief Reporter Emily Stoltz

Trump continues unprecedented brawl with media ZACH PERRIN| STAFF REPORTER

Founded 1880

media, according to a recent Gallup poll in which just 32 percent of respondents said they had “a great deal or fair amount of trust in the media.”

Jonathan Delaney, firstyear industrial design student, expressed distrust in both major corporate press conglomerates and superconservative media sites such as Breitbart.

“It’s clear that [corporate media conglomerates are] in it for profit. They’re not in it to give us good news,” said Delaney. “And also with Trump, his alternative seems to be like conspiracy theorists and stuff that’s not any better.”

With less trust in the mainstream media, people often turn to outlets that report biased

interpretations of politics instead of just facts, according to Penix.

“It’s propaganda. There’s nothing in there that’s objective journalism,” said Penix. “And they are turning to those, instead of media they can trust, because they don’t know the difference because people have lost track.”

Penix also pointed out that while the public treats press as a monolith, it is a competitive business.

“We’re very competitive, and we don’t like to give up advantage for a story or a beat, especially in Washington. But we’re somehow going to have to band together and teach media literacy.”

Life & Arts Editor Isabella Jansen Opinion Editor Karly Williams Sports Editor David Wysong Copy Editor Cheyenne Krieger Photo Editor Shae Combs Chief Photographer Jean Pleitez Online Editor Stephanie Smith Designer Gabrielle Stichweh Broadcast Reporter Emily Wilhelm Videographer Michelle Fisk

LIFE & ARTS / 3 THURSDAY, FEB. 23, 2017

86 Club throws zesty Salsa Tuesday ISABELLA JANSEN | ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

The term 86 is used in the restaurant business, meaning to disregard, to nix, to regret or to throw away. The 86 Club’s goal is to create a place where everyone is welcomed, never turned away or made to feel 86’d.

The students here at the University of Cincinnati are no strangers to the 86 Club located on Short Vine, just a few minutes from campus.

While it was recently voted as the best concert venue by UC students this year for its live music every Friday and Saturday night, it is so much more than just a place to hear really good music.

For roughly the past six to seven months, every Tuesday night the 86 Club has hosted Salsa Tuesdays, where for $5 individuals of any skill level can come for

Locals gathered at The 86 Coffee Bar for Salsa Tuesday, February 21, 2017.

a salsa lesson.

Cindy Tucker, a volunteer barista at the 86 Club, said, “The people that come are some of the nicest people that I have ever met. They are very patient with new beginners, so they do some lessons beforehand, and then they have some guys that DJ, and you dance and learn the rest of the night.”

This past Tuesday, activities kicked off with Footwork Magic at 8:30 p.m. and music began at 9 p.m.

During Salsa Tuesday, authentic Latin music is played, including salsa, bachata, merengue and kizomba. You can even send the 86 Club music suggestions if you have any specific requests.

Tucker said that the majority of individuals who show up and participate in Salsa Tuesdays are college students, but you

will see some of the older demographic here and there.

“There is even a few older folks that come, that love teaching the new people, and it is a lot of fun,” said Tucker.

For those who love salsa music but are not big on the idea of public dancing, the event is still welcoming.

Apart from the impressive dance floor, the 86 Club also provides visitors with numerous activities like pool, shooting darts or relaxing while enjoying a tasty treat from the coffee bar.

Tucker also wanted to make sure that UC students were aware of all the opportunities that are made available at the 86 Club.

For starters, every Wednesday morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. anyone can come and enjoy pancakes, for no cost at all, which is

an appealing offer for any struggling college student.

They also provide volunteer opportunities for students who are in need of service hours. Students can volunteer and learn either how to barista or how to run a concert venue.

Even if you are not in need of service hours, the 86 Club can provide you with the chance to gain beneficial experience within these realms of work. You can apply for these volunteer positions through Volunteer@the86. net .

Whether it is Salsa Tuesday, live music on a Friday and Saturday night or just a weekday where you need a quiet place to finish your homework, the 86 Club is the perfect option any day of the week.

CCM to present ‘Mack and Mabel’ ISABELLA JANSEN | ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

The very talented members of UC’s CollegeConservatory of Music have, once again, brought their spring musical to the main stage.

On March 2, CCM will present “Mack and Mabel,” a bittersweet love story between legendary director Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand, his greatest star.

This is the show’s first time being presented as a main stage production, and it will run through March 5.

This story explores both the lighter and darker side of the “Golden Age of Comedy.” It has not been a major production in the Queen City for over a decade and has a memorable score by Broadway master Jerry Hermans, so it is sure to be a real treat for audience members.

It is Emily Fink’s, a third-year musical theatre student, first role as the title character here at CCM. “I had had leads before back in high school, but this is the first title role in a while. I was fortunate enough last semester to be a principle role in a musical revue, which prepared me to take on the responsibility of playing a role like Mabel,” said Fink.

In this musical, Mack, an aging director of silent films, tells the story in a series of flashbacks. He recalls his first encounter with Mabel, a feisty barista, who he turns into a silent film star. After a sizzling affair with Mack, Mabel leaves to act for a rival director.

Audiences will be able to watch as Mack and Mabel struggle to find their places in the changing industry.

Both will experience their own triumphs and failures along the way.

“People can expect, as always, a dazzling production quality. The Technical Design and Production Department will amaze the audience with the magnitude and beauty of its set, costumes and lighting,” said Fink. ”People can also expect a whip-smart story with a lot of heart set in America’s booming film industry.”

Aubrey Berg directs this production of “Mack and Mabel,” with choreography from Pattie James and musical direction by CCM graduate student Evan Roider.

“The score highlights Herman’s tremendous talent for melody — brassy two-steps, voluptuous ballads and a tap number that rivals those of the early 20th century,” Roider said. “Audiences can expect an old fashioned score that will have them humming as they leave the theater.”

It seems that the music of this performance is what first comes to mind for everyone involved in the production. Fink even says it is what she loves most about this musical.

“This music is the kind that makes you want to cry and dance and jump up from your seat. I also really enjoy how this is a classic musical: it’s got tap, big production numbers and a quick pacing to it,” said Fink.

If you love the arts, good music and need a night out, then come out and see what the members of this musical have to show for their eight weeks of endless hard work.

“The audiences can expect that the CCM musical theatre students will give their all in this production.

We love what we do, and it shows on the stage,” said Fink.

FILE ART.

Students spend spring break abroad JEN HAM | STAFF REPORTER

Every spring break serves as a tease for the quixotic summer to come.

It bespeaks adventure, short-lived carelessness and competition. Social media transforms into a ruthless realm of hyperactive show and tell.

One of the most prestigious things to showcase is a spring break abroad.

UC International Advisor Crystal Craycraft shares that in 2015-2016 alone, 1,700 students took the cue to study abroad. All the students traveling with UC International during spring break are involved with faculty-led programs. These programs focus on an artifact of knowledge or learning, which prefaces the trip in a semester course.

Other students take pride in their spring break in a different manner by giving back. Halston Maresh, third-year international business and finance student, said that she will be spending her week in March with H2O, a campus ministry, in Panama City, Florida. Maresh says that the focus is sharing the love of God, serving others and finding a greater purpose in life.

“We will be providing a free taxi service to the students staying at Panama City so that they can get back home safely and not worry

about drinking and driving. We will also be giving out a free pancake breakfast every morning,” said Maresh.

For other such lucky students, spring break means getting to spend a week exploring places like the plaza in Granada, Nicaragua or manifesting the essential college spring break experience at beaches like in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as Amani Russell, a third-year chemical engineering student, anticipates.

On the other less-appealing spectrum of spring break for those like research assistants, overloaded workaholics and the intelligent but frugal students, spring break is just another week in Cincinnati with less busy streets and endless free parking spots.

These homebodies should not despair, however. From March 11 to 19, Cincinnati will be bursting with unconventional, yet equally fun, spring break activities.

Music events such as the City Rockfest at the Underground on March 11, our own CCM’s Ensemblein-Residence: Tapestry of Voices on March 12, Phantogram at Bogarts on March 17 and the funky soul sounds of the Almighty Get Down at Northside Tavern on March 17

should at least satisfy the lusty ear of those who find themselves stuck in Cincinnati.

For those more visually inclined, there are events such as Transcending Reality: The Woodcuts of Kosaka Gajin or Dressed to Kill: Japanese Arms and Armor, both of which are hosted at the Cincinnati Art Museum from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout spring break. There is also a brand new interactive seahorse exhibit at the Newport Aquarium, “Mamma Mia!” at the Aronoff and UC’s Communiversity’s Make: An Introduction to 3D Printing.

Those of drinking age should not neglect celebrating the grand day of encouraged intoxication, also known as St. Patrick’s Day, as a proper means of good spring break entertainment. Locally, there are events on Fountain Square, at O’Malley’s in the Alley, Tin Roof at the Banks and Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, where green beer, live music and Irish dancing should be expected as the norm.

Whether throwing it down in Clifton, abroad or somewhere in between, this spring break – like past ones and the ones sure to come – is the perfect beginning to a great end of another academic year.

College-Conservatory of Music & Hypercube NOELLE ZIELINSKI | CONTRIBUTOR

The University of Cincinnati’s CollegeConservatory of Music hosted the band Hypercube this past Monday in Robert J. Werner Hall.

Hypercube originated in New York, where they launched several debut shows in 2012. Since then, they have grown and became popular around many audiences across the country.

They have visited several colleges to perform and present masterclasses, such as at Kent State University, the Oberlin Conservatory, University of Tennessee and, of course, the Cincinnati Conservatory.

The band itself is a quartet consisting of Erin Rogers on the saxophone, Jay Sorce on the guitar, Andrea Lodge on the piano and Chris Graham with percussion.

This band combines elements of rock-n-roll

to chamber music, while presenting an innovative and unique repertoire that is often underperformed.

Dennis Sullivan composed the first piece that was played, “Under Nails.” Sullivan attended this concert and actually provided some insight to his inspiration behind the piece and described it as having a lot of heavy metal in it.

“I’m thinking of qualities of sounds and timbres instead of any type of harmony,” said Sullivan.

“Some of the harmonic language can be linked to some Norwegian black metal stuff.”

Sullivan uses several different pieces and components to make this piece truly captivating and unique. He incorporates somewhat strange items, such as twine tied to pieces of drumsticks, and he uses the instruments in different ways. For instance, he has the pianist pluck and twist

the extensions of the piano interior.

“I wanted to make the instruments sound a way that people aren’t used to hearing,” said Sullivan.

Eric Frey, a secondyear commercial music production student, said that “Nucleus,” composed

by Alex Mincek, was his favorite.

This piece featured only

saxophone and percussion, and it strived to make the audience think that some of the sounds coming from the saxophone were actually from the percussion section.

“It forces you to think about it not as music, but as different sound qualities and timbres,” said Frey.

He also commented that it could be looked at from

different angles, such as a conversation between the saxophone and the drum set and comparing them.

Annie Heyob, a firstyear marketing student, said “Quartetto da Do,” composed by Juan Trigos, was her favorite. This piece is formed from seven different, but related, dances.

The basis of each part

COURTESY OF CCM

is the same, while the elements are different.

“It sounded more traditional, and I like how it balanced out the modern aspect of the concert,” said Heyob.

Hypercube had its first performance at CCM on Monday evening, generously hosted a workshop class for students on Tuesday morning and wrapped up their stay with a final concert with pieces composed specifically for them by CCM students on Wednesday night.

This band’s innovative, new sound has pulled audiences from across the country, as well as intrigue among several college campuses. Their performance Monday night, along with being compelling and captivating, created a new and exclusive sound that filled the hall with wonder.

4 / SPORTS THURSDAY, FEB. 23, 2017

Bearcats look to tame the Memphis Tigers JASON SZELEST | STAFF REPORTER

The University of Cincinnati men’s basketball team has gotten off to a 24-3 start this season, tied for their best since the 2013-14 season.

That year, the Bearcats dropped two of their last four regular season games before earning a No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament and losing in the first round to Harvard University.

This season, the Bearcats hope to avoid a similar fate, although the schedule does not stack up favorably.

All four of Cincinnati’s remaining regular season opponents hold winning records within the American Athletic Conference.

The tough closing stretch begins against the University of Memphis, who is 18-9 and 8-6 within the conference.

Although the Tigers have lost three of their past four contests, UC head coach Mick Cronin believes the team poses a very considerable threat, which is led by twin brothers Dedric and K.J. Lawson and junior guard Markel Crawford.

“The Lawsons have tremendous talent, both of them,” Cronin said.

“Crawford has won a lot of games in college. They are

athletic, they’re long and they’re fast.”

The Lawson twins, both sophomore forwards, combine for 31.7 points, 18.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game, while Crawford is averaging 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

Out of the trio of Memphis standouts, Cronin is most concerned with Dedric, who was named co-preseason Player of the Year along with UC guard Troy Caupain.

“He can score inside and out,” Cronin said. “He is a great passer, he knows how to get fouled. He is just a really, really skilled offensive player. He has a great feel for the game. I love him because he never shoots a fade-away. I love guys that do not fade-away.

He shoots six free-throws a game, which is a lot for a big guy.”

As a team, Cronin places the most emphasis on stopping Memphis from utilizing their speed to score in transition.

“Their ability to convert bad offense, your bad offense, into layups at the other end is great,” Cronin said. “Due to their speed and athleticism, they are really good in that aspect.”

Coaching wise, Cronin and first-year Memphis head coach Tubby Smith share something in

common that no other coach in the NCAA can boast.

The pair are the only two coaches who are former assistants of current University of Louisville head coach Rick Pitino and have beaten him as head coaches of their own schools.

“We are friends from being on the road and stuff,” Cronin said of Smith.

“We both worked for coach Pitino. He bought me dinner one time. The first time I ever beat coach Pitino, he bought me dinner and welcomed me to his club. He had a one-man club – he was the only Rick Pitino assistant to have ever won. So, he saw me on the road and he waved me in and said, ‘Come on, I have to buy you dinner.’”

As far as the history of this rivalry that dates back to Conference USA, the Bearcats are looking to continue their recent success against the Tigers.

Since joining the American Athletic Conference, Cincinnati has won four of their six contests against Memphis.

The game tips off at 7 p.m.

Thursday in Fifth Third Arena. It will be televised on ESPN. After Memphis, the Bearcats have three games remaining on their regular season schedule. UC plays

the University of Central Florida Sunday before coming home for senior night March 2 against the

University of Houston.

Cincinnati concludes their season March 5 in Stoors, Connecticut, against the

University of Connecticut Huskies.

The AAC tournament will begin March 9.

JUSTIN HILES | CONTRIBUTOR

Kyle Washington (24) devastates the attempted blocker with a hard baseline jam. February 18, 2017.

Keire makes record splash at AAC Championships CLAUDE THOMPSON | STAFF REPORTER

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Students and fans react to FC Cincy’s firing of John Harkes DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR

Futbol Club Cincinnati fired their inaugural head coach John Harkes.

The announcement came over the weekend, being a surprise to many due to the team having a winning season and making the United Soccer League Playoffs during their first season of existence.

“It was a hard decision due to John Harkes being such a likeable guy, and given his important role in our special inaugural season,” said team President and General Manager Jeff Berding in a letter to season ticket holders. “John was great with our fans and the media. We thank him for his contributions and wish him good luck in the future.”

Tom Grabo, 28, said he did not think it was true when he first saw the news.

“It was definitely a surprise when the story first broke,” Grabo said. “I, like many fans, never saw it coming, especially not so close to the season start.”

Olivia Thompson, a thirdyear theater design and production and costume and design student, said she was shocked.

“As a fan, it felt like it came out of nowhere, and it stung a little to hear that our very well-known coach

who had become a face to the team was no longer going to be that face,” Thompson said.

In his place, the team announced Alan Koch will be the new head coach.

Koch is the former head coach of Whitecaps FC 2 and was named assistant coach and director of scouting and analytics of FC Cincinnati in December 2016.

“Alan Koch, our new head coach, is someone I fully trust to align with our vision and goals for the franchise, and he has proven here, and in his prior coaching roles, that he will put the work in that is required,” Berding said.

Thompson is excited about the team’s new coach.

“I think Koch is going to be amazing,”Thompson said. “He already has coaching experience, which Harkes didn’t have, and has proven himself as a head coach. He has already been with FCC since December.

He’s the one that got the majority of new players to Cincinnati and [I] think he’s already proving himself on that front.”

Fans will see shortly how this move will impact the team.

FC Cincinnati began their preseason Feb. 19 with a 3-2 loss to OKC Energy out

of Oklahoma City. Their regular season will begin March 25 at Charleston Battery in Charleston, South Carolina, the team that beat Cincinnati in the USL Playoffs last season.

“Hopefully this move shores up a few of the inconsistencies from last year, specifically the late game collapses. But that might just be the Cincinnati curse. I’m half kidding and half serious. Since many of last year’s components on the pitch have stayed the same, I think we’ll know if this move was successful after the first few matches,” said fourth-year nursing student Will Hughes.

Grabo also hopes the hiring of Koch helps the team improve.

“It will definitely shake things up – coaching changes always do – but hopefully in a good way,” Grabo said. “I was concerned with the conservative play I saw in season one when we’d obtain an early one goal lead. I think the players have the talent and the drive to make this a good team, and we’re counting on Koch to pull it together and lead it.”

FC Cincinnati will play their next preseason match 4 p.m. Saturday against the Ottawa Fury in Bradenton, Florida.

University of Cincinnati senior Jacqueline Keire cemented her place in American Athletic Conference history, as well as UC record books, with a stellar performance at the AAC Championships.

Keire was named the AAC Most Outstanding Swimmer for the third consecutive year, a first for any studentathlete in the conference.

“It’s definitely an honor,” Keire said. “It’s really special to get awards. As far as my swimming goes, it shows consistency within three years and means that I haven’t dropped off yet, which is nice. Just staying consistent in the sport is good for me right now.”

Keire recorded a perfect 60 individual points at the event, as she secured three gold medals over the weekend to add to her collection of 13 – 11 individual and two relay.

The Canada native won the 50-meter freestyle, the 200-meter freestyle and the 100-meter freestyle – her third 100-meter victory in as many years at the event.

Her time in the 100-meter freestyle, 47.95 seconds, was a competition record and school record.

“People ask me all the time, ‘What she’s like,’” said swimming and diving head coach Mandy Commons-DiSalle. “I always tell everyone, if you could pick someone with talent and somebody who’s coachable and put it together in the perfect person, it’d be her. It always surprises people because they think that people who are

as talented as she is come with their own issues, not everyone, but people that need concessions or attention. She’s the most team-oriented swimmer and very humble about the success that she’s had. It’s never about her, it’s always about the team. To have our best swimmer represent [us] has been awesome and has been excellent for the growth of the team overall.”

Keire finishes her career in Cincinnati with one final trip to the NCAA Championship meet before setting her sights back north with dreams of the Canadian National Team.

“I’ve been all four years [to the NCAA meet]. I feel like each year, I want to progress,” Keire said. “My freshman year, I just made it, but then the following year, I got top-16. And then I got top-16 again, but last year, I wanted to come top-eight, but I didn’t get that. So, it’s still a goal for this year. I definitely think I can get top-three on the podium. More 200 than 100, but I think my 100 speed, especially at conference, is still there, so I don’t want to count myself out for that.”

She will end her career as the most decorated student-athlete in the history of the conference, having only lost one race at the conference meet during her freshman year, and has been named an NCAA AllAmerican three times in her career.

The NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championship will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, all day March 16-18.

The men’s championship meets will also be in Indianapolis all day March 23-25.

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