tan&cardinal otterbein college
thursday, may 20, 2010
vol. 91, issue 28
www.otterbein360.com
How well do you know Otterbein’s history? 6 Student addresses OC’s pursuit of equality 3 New system rolls out paycheck snafus 5 Tennis season generates OAC superstars 12
thumbs up thumbs down
Otterbein’s spring musical, “Pippin,” opens this weekend.
Port Columbus International Airport unveiled its new body scanner Wednesday.
Columbus raised more than $2.5 million at this year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Gulf oil spill has reached Louisiana wetlands.
Otterbein deleted the French major and German and Japanese minors.
Ronnie James Dio past away Sunday of stomach cancer. Information compiled by Cole Hague. Information from www.otterbein.edu, www.cnn.com and www.10tv.com.
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Britany Byers Lindsey Hobbs
opinion
Please put a pause on life
We’re always told to slow down as kids, but college is four years of living in the fast lane There is no time to stop, no time to take a breather and certainly no time to question what it is we want to do for the rest of our lives. With a struggling economy and stiff competition in the job market, it is crucial for every RaE single one of us REED mindless robots to bring our “A” game and do what we do best. For years, our parents, teachers, relatives and coaches begged us not to grow up too fast. In fact, when I was 12 or 13, I started getting grounded for wearing makeup without permission. And that was just the beginning. There were so many times when I wore clothing that was definitely not age-appropriate or laughed at jokes that I wasn’t supposed to understand. Years later, when I was 15, a neighbor told me that I would miss high school after I left. I laughed at the idea, and still wished those four years away. I got a job as soon as I legally could and started driving soon after. My parents never understood it. They told me I was growing up too fast and needed to slow down. Where is that advice now? Well, it wouldn’t be relevant anyway. We can’t slow down.
t&c editorial staff Editor-in-Chief
News Editor
Laina Thompson Assistant News Editor Hannah Ullom Opinion Editor Mike Cirelli Arts & Entertainment Editor Austin Walsh Sports Editor
assistant editors
Andrea Evans & Leah Driscoll Copy Editor Jayme Detweiler Photography Editor Kristen Sapp Assistant Photography Editor Jessica Miller & Rae Reed Business Manager Sarah Douglas Web Editor Justin McDonald
The T&C staff would love to hear from you. Write a Letter to the Editor and tell us what you’re thinking. Letters to the editor are letters responding to a writer or an article published in the Tan & Cardinal.
page 2| t&c | www.otterbein360.com
There are still as many hours in the day as there were before, right? That’s just it. College is like a clock on Speed. We are making decisions that will affect the rest of our lives. What we do now determines how we will contribute to society from here on out. Between the ample amount of questionable essays, barelypassed exams, stressful late nights at work and exhausting all-nighters, when are we supposed to ask ourselves if what we’re doing is really what we want to do? Realization of this uncertainty is a long time coming, but we will all think about it eventually. Are we doing what we actually want to do? Even if we absolutely adore the field we are studying, isn’t it healthy to challenge that adoration? So why aren’t we granted the time to question and evaluate these choices thoroughly without penalization? Sure, colleges — Otterbein included — offer classes that are supposed to allow time for reflection and justification. In theory, these classes seem like a hidden treasure. But in actuality, they are another hindrance. The classes are just another bump in the road to that tranquility we were acquainted with once upon a time. Frankly, there is no time to waste, because in our free time, Cole Hague Daniele Murphy
contributing staff Sarah Myers Danielle Pauley Dom Porretta Arnold Spikes Sharon Zalokar
there are multiple assignments we should probably be doing instead of second-guessing our current path. My question is this: Why did we wait so long to hurry? Now that we are old enough and wise enough to understand our parents’ advice, we can’t take it. The world desperately needs our sharp, perfectlymolded minds to fix all of the problems we currently face, and they need them now. Are you walking? You should probably pick up those running shoes, because according to the myriad of due dates and clock-in times, there isn’t time to take it slow. Write that réphoto by jayme detweiler sumé. Turn in that instant adult: Words of wisdom from parents report. Go to that and professors conflict with fast-paced college life. dreadful interview We are all running the same for that job you really don’t even race. The end result is the same: want. to become a college graduate We have to keep up with the with as little debt as possible. t&c pace. We have to keep going, and we have to keep a positive RaE REED IS a JUnIoR head on top of our burdened JoURnalISm maJoR anD IS a BUSInESS manaGER FoR THE shoulders. t&c.
contact
(614) 823-1159 tanandcardinal@yahoo.com Tan & Cardinal Otterbein College Westerville, OH 43081
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The views expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty and administration of Otterbein College. Opinions expressed in signed columns are those of the writer and not of the newspaper staff. Positions in unsigned editorials represent a consensus of the editorial staff. The first copy of the Tan & Cardinal is free to the public. Each additional copy is $0.50, and payment can be made at the office at 33 Collegeview, Westerville, OH 43081. Offenders will be prosecuted.
a piece of our past: The Philomathean Room on the third floor of Towers Hall is one of many historical gems on Otterbein’s campus. cover photo by jayme detweiler
thursday, may 20, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 28
opinion
OC makes monumental change to benefits policy
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Say What?
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF Motion recently approved by Otterbein’s Board of Trustees allows OTTERBEIN’S NEW DOMESTIC employees’ domestic partners to receive benefits provided by college PARTNERSHIP POLICY? On September 15 of last the criteria for marriage allowed real action has been taken, or
year, the Ohio House passed an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) equality bill — the first time in state history that such legislation passed either of the Ohio General ColE Assemblies. HaGUE Known as the Equal Housing and Employment Act (EHEA), the bill prohibits discrimination of employment, housing and public accommodations based on an applicant’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Though this is quite an achievement for the state, the EHEA is now being reviewed by the Senate. Some speculate that the legislation may encounter some opposition. But with 21 states and 16 Ohio cities — all but two of which are home to public universities — with laws addressing the same issue, doesn’t it seem like it’s time for Ohio to catch up? But while the EHEA bill is stalled in the Senate, Otterbein has decided to address this movement with the implementation of equality standards all their own. This month, the school’s Board of Trustees approved the motion to include domestic partners among those eligible to receive college benefits, on the basis that the relationship has been going on for at least 12 months. According to the policy, a domestic partnership is defined by the college as two unrelated individuals who share necessities of life, live together and have had an emotional and financial commitment to one another for a minimum of twelve months. In addition, partners cannot be married to someone else, have any additional partners or be related by blood closer than
by the state of Ohio. Legal dependent children of the partners will be able to receive the benefits as well. This new policy comes about as an effort to continually pursue equality, as stated in Otterbein’s mission statement: “The mission of Otterbein College is to educate the whole person in acontext that fosters the development of humane values.” The open enrollment period for these health benefits will begin during the month of June, while the benefits actually become effective July 1, 2010.
illustration by kristen sapp
it’s about time:
Welcome to the 21st centur y, Otterbein.
Earlier this year, I attempted to inform the Otterbein community about the passing of the EHEA in the Ohio House with an opinion editorial that discussed and debated the highly controversial issue. Though it’s been months since any
thursday, may 20, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 28
moreover, any decision has been made, the subject remains a matter that deserves sincere consideration and a speedy resolution. But most of all, it’s an issue that you should not only be paying attention to, but should also be outraged about. The issue at hand does not address the topic of gay marriage or other hotly contested issues. Rather, the EHEA simply grants rights and civil liberties to Ohio citizens that they — in my opinion — should have had long, long ago. Isn’t the right to equal employment and housing a right that is endowed to all Americans as inhabitants of our great nation? Wouldn’t you expect the same freedoms you enjoy to be shared by your fellow U.S. citizens? If yes, then let me pose this question: Why is this topic even up for debate? Regardless of the outcome of the Ohio EHEA bill, I am truly impressed by the advancements made by Otterbein with their inclusion of domestic partners among those able to receive their partner’s college benefits. Not only does this effort truly emphasize the goals outlined in the college’s mission statement, but it is also an example of how Otterbein is ahead of the curve in so many ways. And as an Otterbein student it gives me great pride to know that I am part of a school that emphasizes fairness and understanding and is not afraid of making changes to necessitate equal opportunity. So, while I may still anxiously await the verdict on the EHEA bill, I can rest assured that my alma mater will continue to be a beacon of hope and change in addressing campus issues with social resonance with compassion, evenhandedness and an open mind. t&c
ColE HaGUE IS a SEnIoR
BRoaDCaSTInG maJoR anD IS a STaFF WRITER FoR THE t&c.
“I am in favor of it. It coincides with Ohio’s law.” –Lindsey Billingsley senior art “It definitely makes things easier for homosexual couples.” –Kyle Marler sophomore sports management “I think it’s a good way to make sure the other person is able to be taken care of.” –Mindy Reckart sophomore art “I think this is a good policy until the relationship ends and, well, then you have a problem.” –JP Lococo sophomore business and sports management “I believe it is acceptable for a person to receive the same benefits as their partner even if they are not married, as long as they have been together for a while, meaning at least a couple years.” –Kelsie Randall freshman music and business photos and information compiled by kristen sapp
www.otterbein360.com |
t&c |page 3
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The “ayes” have it. The Otterbein College Senate passed bills on Wednesday that will further reconstruct the curriculum for coming years. Among the many changes, the Department of Foreign Languages and the Health and Physical Education Lifestyle Series (HPES) are taking the biggest hits. “No one makes these decisions lightly,” said Paul Eisenstein, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “Obviously, the idea of deleting a major is exceedingly difficult.” The French major is being removed from the course books, and according to Eisenstein, minimal numbers in the program are the main reason for this deletion. “The number of majors in the past seven or eight years has declined steadily,” he said. “For a number of the classes, I’ve only had two or three students enrolled, so we’ve had to cancel classes and offer them as independent studies.” According to Eisenstein, this not only creates scheduling problems for students, but also for the faculty who then have to take time to teach an independent study as well as their regular classes. However, Eisenstein also said that current French majors, as well as French majors entering in the fall, will be able to take their required classes and graduate as a French major. “We are also going to have what is called a French and Francophone studies minor,” said Eisenstein. page 4| t&c | www.otterbein360.com
Unfortunately, students are not the only ones being affected by this major elimination. “There has been a decision made about faculty … we are going to have to let someone go,” said Eisenstein. The other areas of the Department of Foreign Languages that are being snipped are the German and Japanese minors. “We are making this decision to be aligned with the national norms,” said Eisenstein.
“There has been a decision made about faculty ... we are going to have to let someone go,” Paul Eisenstein dean of the School of Arts and Sciences According to Eisenstein, across the country, colleges do not offer language classes for minors below the 200 level. “Currently, to get a German or Japanese minor at Otterbein, we only count 100, 110 and 120,” said Eisenstein. He also said that Otterbein has tried to offer upper-level courses, but once again low enrollment in the field forced them to cancel the classes. However, the Senate did pass one addition to the Department of Foreign Languages amongst all of the cuts. American Sign Language (ASL) will now be offered as a foreign language requirement option. For current students who wish to fulfill their foreign language requirement with ASL, a Bachelor of
Arts degree requires two quarters and a Bachelor of Science degree requires three quarters. “Once again, we are just trying to follow national norms,” said Eisenstein. “I think that maybe (before) there was just some unfamiliarity with the fact that ASL is its own autonomous language.” Some students around campus wish that this alteration would have happened long ago. “I personally know a lot of people who like ASL and are taking it now as juniors and would have liked to have it as an option before,” said Becca Devore, sophomore sports management major. The other prominent change that the Senate passed on Wednesday involved the requirements for the HPES. Currently, students must complete one quarter each of HPES 101, 102 and 103. Now, current and future students need only two quarters or one semester of HPES will be required and students can take them in any combination. “The committee wanted to help students get through the (semester) transition,” said John Ludlum, co-chair for the Academic Calendar Conversion Subcommittee. “The concern was that perhaps it was a little hard on students who couldn’t complete their HPES requirements by next year.” Some students welcome this change for scheduling reasons. “It’s going to make it easier for certain majors to get their credits in faster,” said Jessica Schetter, music education major.
& t&c
Editor’s Note
For exclusive stories and campus news briefs, visit www.otterbein360.com.
Senate Bill 09/10-17
By lInDSEy HoBBS News Editor
Senate Bill 09/10-18
Senate has passed further alterations to majors, minors and course requirements
Senate Bill 09/10-18
Curriculum gets another face-lift
Senate Bill 09/10-18
photo by jayme detweiler
The French major will no longer be offered at Otterbein, and the German and Japanese minors have also been eliminated.
Senate Bill 09/10-18
nip/tuck:
Senate Bill 09/10-16 Senate Bill 09/10-15
Senate Bill 09/10-14
news
Senate Meeting 5-19-10
• Deletes business administration major. Adds majors in finance, international business and management, management, marketing and general business. Deletes liberal studies major. Adds human resources major. Deletes and adds minors to reflect changes in majors. Combines biochemistry and molecular biology majors. Replaces Spanish major with majors in Spanish and Latin American studies and Spanish education. • Amends foreign language requirements to allow students enrolled before September 2011 to count American Sign Language as their foreign language requirement. •Amends HPES requirements to read that current students must complete two quarters of HPES 101, 102, 103 (in any combination) or one semester of HPES 1000.
• Deletes German and Japanese as minors.
• Deletes French as a major.
• Adds a major and minor in public administration.
• Approves the addition of a Gamma Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Otterbein.
• Approves the bestowment of an honorary degree for commencement speaker, Jeffrey Wadsworth.
thursday, may 20, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 28
news
Technical difficulties cause confusion with Cardinal checks After the switch to the Banner Human Resources program, the Business Office has been experiencing some issues with wages money in the bank:
By SHaRon ZaloKaR Staff Writer
Students, take a second look at your Otterbein paychecks before depositing them — the Business Office is working out some kinks in their new automated payroll system called Banner Human Resources, and a few glitches have sprouted up here and there. According to Dave Mead, vice president for Business Affairs, eight to nine of the errors involved Otterbein employee biweekly payroll for the month of May. All except one of these errors were due to issues with dates which were set as defaults for the system, and the other was a matter of the new system calculating a different federal tax withholding amount than the old system.
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photo by britany byers
Some Otterbein staff as well as students working for the college experienced problems with the dates and amounts shown on their paychecks. Mead said that these issues have since been resolved. A few students have also come forth with problems about their paychecks. Miranda Ford, a freshman broadcasting major, received payment for a month when she should not have. “I logged on to my … bank account and found that there was $1,100 that had appeared in my account from Otterbein,” she said. “They shouldn’t have paid me for that month because they had already paid me a lump sum.” Ford later said her payment was corrected. Randi Honkonen, a senior marketing and public relations double major, also received money for work she had not done. “I haven’t worked for the T&C as the copy editor since fall
quarter,” said Honkonen. “When I contacted the Business Office last Tuesday, I was told to write them a check for the difference.”
“Pays are being corrected as they are brought to our attention.” Dave Mead vice president, Business Affairs Honkonen’s concern with that approach to a solution was that it was only a temporary fix. “So I have not taken any further action since the Business
Office said they would call me back,” said Honkonen. According to Mead, the only other issue has revolved around another default setting of the Banner system. He said that when the “other” option of payment is selected on the system, it incorrectly pays out a resident assistant/graduate assistant salary. However, Mead said that he is still happy with the success of the new automated payroll system. “Out of the 500 individual students who get paid per pay period, at this time, only three Banner-related errors have been found,” he said. “Pays are being corrected as they are brought to our attention,” said Mead. If someone does not come forward, “That’s an integrity problem and we can’t do anything about that,” Mead said.
Mead also said that the payroll department typically has student payroll problems because not all time sheets are turned in on time and in some instances the situation depends on the job that is being paid for. “Each student is responsible for turning in a time sheet and each time sheet is entered individually,” said Mead. Kathie Gibb, director of Human Resources in the Business Office, is also optimistic about the new system. “We are not experiencing anything different than any other business using the automated system,” said Gibb. “Everyone works together as problems arise and we are fixing things as we are made aware of them.” Mead suggested checking your checks and getting in touch with payroll with any questions.
t&c
OC SECURITY REPORT
According to the WPD and the Otterbein Security Log, the following has been reported from May 13 through May 19.
1. 05/14 There was a bad check written to the Campus Center Bookstore at 2:30 p.m. 2. 05/14 At 11:25 p.m., there was an alcohol violation in the Roush Hall parking lot. 3. 05/18 Criminal damage was done in the Towers Hall Commuter Lounge. t&c information compiled by laina thompson
thursday, may 20, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 28
CAMPUS MAP courtesy of otterbein college courtesy of otterbein college
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t&c |page 5
arts & ente
Otterbein’s secret past un
Most of us know the basics of OC history. We’re a small liberal arts institution established in the mid-1850s. Bu now called Towers was once burned badly? And that OC was almost transplanted to Dayton at the turn of the cen 1847
By Hannah Ullom Opinion Editor
We walk the grounds of this campus every day, attend classes in Towers Hall and wear our tan and cardinal colors proudly. But what do we really know about the school we attend? We are walking the same paths and sitting in the same rooms that thousands of Otterbein students have since 1847, when the university first opened. Hopefully, these facts will teach you something, amuse you or simply make you proud to say you’re an Otterbein Cardinal. Enjoy.
Otterbein University opened. It sat on eight acres and comprised two buildings. Otterbein was the second coeducational school in America. Another Ohio institution, Oberlin College, was the first.
the book of phil:
1850
1853
1861-1864
The Main Building During the Civil caught fire and was War, 127 men from rebuilt and christened Otterbein joined the Administration the military efforts. Building. Students Eight of these brave nicknamed it Towers, soldiers were killed. and the name stuck.
1860
1891
1890
1870
1870
The Color Co established. W them for the t colors we prou today. Pictured: The o swatches chos school colors.
The Cardinals played The Ohio State Buckeyes, beating them 42-6. Pictured: The 1890 Otterbein football team.
1880
photo by jayme detweiler
1890
A group of male Otterbein students began the Philomathean Literary Society. A year later, a group of women began the female literary society, the Philalethea Literary Society. To this day, their meeting place, the Philomathean Room, is still on the third floor of Towers Hall.
photo by jayme detweiler
Philip William Otterbein’s Bible.
1939-1945 1920
1922
key to the castle: The
original key to Towers Hall compactly folded in half.
About 500 Otterbein men were drafted during World War II. Some women also joined the active services.
1930
1940
Calvin Coolidge, then the vice president of the U.S., visited Otterbein to rededicate the Civil War monument that stands in front of Towers Hall today. Pictured: Coolidge places a bouquet on the monument. photo by jayme detweiler
page 6 | thursday, may 20, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 28
1950
1952
1960
1970
photo courtesy of the o
Scandal erupted on campus in May when about 150 male students stormed the halls of Saum, Cochran and King. Around 1 a.m., the mischievous students first snuck into Cochran Hall and wreaked havoc on the all-girls dorm. Throughout the early hours of the morning, the men also found their way into Saum and King Halls through fire escapes and open windows. According to “Otterbein College: Affirming Our Past/Shaping Our Future” by Daniel Hurley, this event made a national headline in The New York Times. photo courtesy of the otterbein archives
1974
The Colleg bill that wo to drink in The Board however, sh Close, but n
ertainment
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nveiled
While sifting through the bounty of information on OC’s history, we uncovered a couple urban myths. We asked Robert Gatti. vice president of Student Affairs, to confirm or debunk some of the more memorable — and you might be surprised with the results.
ut did you know the building ntury? Read on to find out more
ommittee was We can thank tan and cardinal udly sport
original color sen as our
Budweiser swimming pool
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. wanted to build a multimillion dollar swimming pool on campus with the Budweiser logo printed at the bottom. Otterbein didn’t go for it, however, because of the dry campus policy. Status: FALSE
1900
Otterbein’s Board of Trustees proposed that Otterbein be moved to Dayton. As a result, Westerville residents raised thousands of dollars to pave the roads and install electric lights on the streets, new water and sanitary sewers and a telephone system.
1900
Underground tunnels between buildings
Underground tunnels that provide heat connect many of the buildings on campus, like Towers, Battelle and the Campus Center. The proof ? The snow melts on the sidewalks faster than in other places. Status: TRUE
1910
1908-1910
photo by jayme detweiler
The first fraternities and sorority are introduced at Otterbein. Pictured: A Sigma Alpha Tau pledge paddle from 1950. photo by jayme detweiler
to the window:
This stained-glass window was salvaged after the fire of the Main Building, now known as Towers.
tower power:
photo courtesy of the otterbein archives
Students walk in front of Towers in the ’50s.
1995
ge Senate passed a ould allow students their dorm rooms. of Trustees, hot the idea down. no cigar.
Twila, the Cowan Hall specter
Rumor has it that many years ago a despondent theatre student who did not get the lead role in a play hanged herself from the balcony in Cowan Hall. Her ghost now haunts it. Status: FALSE
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information compiled by mike cirelli
What’s your flavor?
Name: Stephen D. Grinch Position: Otterbein archivist Hometown: Bellafontaine, Ohio Alma mater: the finest college in the land, Otterbein What’s your flavor? savory How long have you worked at Otterbein? almost 12 years Do you know who Lady Gaga is? Yes. We sing the children’s book “Moo Baa La La La” to the tune of “Bad Romance” to our 20-month-old daughter. If you weren’t working at Otterbein, what would you be doing? touring as Gwen Stefani’s tuba player Favorite Otterbein artifact: Towers Hall. It’s the one thing every Otterbein student has had in common since 1871.
Otterbein introduced the Senior Year Experience program (S.Y.E.). This program allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the class to real life experiences outside of campus.
otterbein archives
1980
OC’s urban myths
1982
1990
2000
2010
Because of the fire that burned the Main Building (now Towers Hall) in 1870, the Philomathean Room was badly damaged. In 1982, Otterbein restored this historical gem to its original Victorian Gothic style. Towers Hall is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
photo by greg beers
2009
Otterbein’s first female president, Kathy Krendl, was inaugurated. Pictured: Krendl speaks at the Dee Dee Myers Convocation in 2009.
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photo and information compiled by jayme detweiler
Editor’s Note
To read a preview of the theatre department’s last play of the year, “Pippin,” visit us at www.otterbein360.com.
www.otterbein360.com |
t&c |page 7
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recess
C o m i c
ON campus May 20-23, 27-29 “Pippin” 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. Cowan Hall
Sunday, May 23
String Orchestra Concert 7:30 p.m. Grace Lutheran Evangelical Church
ON dvd may 25
Rock On the Range 12 p.m. Columbus Crew Stadium
“Dear John”
IN theaters may 21
ON cd may 25
“Shrek Forever After”
Stone Temple Pilots “Stone Temple Pilots”
“MacGruber” “Solitary Man”
“The Road”
Nas “Distant Relatives”
Information compiled by Andrea Evans Information from www.otterbein.edu, www.eventful.com and www.metacritic.com.
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What’s Next
IN columbus may 22-23
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by arnold w. spikes
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Win a $5 Graeter’s gift card!
The answers to the bolded clues can be found throughout sections of this issue. The first person to e-mail the correct answers to tanandcardinal@yahoo.com will win the gift card. Congratulations to Rebecca Moore for e-mailing the correct answers to the last crossword puzzle.
Across:
1. The blind lack this 4. Ryan from “The Office” is one of these 7. Epic poem scribe 9. Dorm floor leader 10. Vice president for business affairs 11. “_____ My Children” 12. Otterbein was almost moved here in 1900 13. Emeril’s catchphrase 14. Buzz 15. One whose pants are ablaze 17. Sike! 18. His fourth and final film comes out May 21 20. Espionage agent 23. T&C Asst. News Editor
page 8| t&c | www.otterbein360.com
24. Passed further changes to the curriculum 25. OAC women’s tennis Player of the Year
Down:
2. OC is switching to these 3. Language that won’t be offered as a minor at OC 5. Newest employee policy passed by Trustees 6. Literary society started by group of OC males in 1853 7. State withholding Obama’s birth certificate 8. _____ for ice on bridge 16. “Pork and Beans” band 19. Liberal arts college in Ohio 21. A tower here leans 22. Tribe
thursday, may 20, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 28
advertising
opinion
Hawaii bars Obama’s birth certificate
Birthers group wants proof that President Obama was born in the US, Hawaii government denies their demand
Just last week, Hawaii passed a law officially barring the release of President Obama’s birth certificate to the public. This law is focused on the socalled “birthers” group, who claim that Obama was not born in the Emmy United States BEaCH and is therefore ineligible for the American presidency. Despite the current Republican (yes, Republican) governor’s statements that the birth certificate does indeed exist and newspaper announcements from his birth year announcing his Hawaiian origin, hundreds of requests continue to pour into the state for hard verification. Despite the group’s obvious tendency toward conspiracy theorizing, I feel that this law could be problematic for the openness of our government. If a state can deny a birth certificate, what’s stopping them from denying other documents to the public? The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was enacted by President Lyndon B. Johnson in
1966. Through this act, government agencies are required to provide the public access to relevant documents on the basis that the people have a right to know information about the workings of their government. It is because of this act that most city hall meetings and court hearings are left open. It’s the reason the public knew what it did about the Watergate scandal. It allows us access to FBI transcripts that were once kept secret. The act protects our rights and keeps government agencies in check. This is why any type of restriction in this area is certainly grounds for concern. Typically, states are not required to provide a birth certificate for a private individual. They can, however, be responsible for procuring this information if the person in question is a public figure. While those in the public eye still have some privacy afforded to them under the act, according to FOIA, “Disclosure of particularly sensitive information about such persons is appropriate only where exceptional interests militate in favor of disclosure.” Meaning, if there is strong
enough reasoning for disclosure, then the appropriate documentation should be released. We should be able to gain access to documents pertaining to the leaders of our government. While I have no uncertainties about Obama’s country of birth, I feel that his certificate should be released in order to end the continued blather from the birthers group. The FOIA should protect the public’s right to know for certain in this instance. My primary concern is that a copycat law could be passed in different states — that the passage of this law could open the floodgates for denial of information across the country. It can get very dicey when agencies begin restricting access to information. It can cloud the transparency necessary for trust in our government. During Obama’s presidential campaign, he promised unprecedented openness. According to his memorandum entitled “Transparency and Open Government,” Obama says, “My administration will take appropriate action, consistent with law and policy, to disclose information rapidly in forms that the
&h
access denied:
mctdirect.com
President Obama’s birth certificate is only found online.
public can readily find and use.” This statement unfortunately does not fall in line with recent events in Hawaii that concern him directly. Of course Obama is a citizen. Of course his presidency is valid, but this denial of infor-
mation will lead to nothing but question marks for those unconvinced, and will open the door for other laws restricting the free flow of information. t&c Emmy BEaCH IS a SEnIoR BRoaDCaSTInG maJoR anD IS a STaFF WRITER FoR THE t&c.
Say What?
ow do you feel about the government withholding public documents? “If it is something the public needs to know, then it needs to be publicized. If it is going to hurt the public, then it’s the government’s responsibility to withhold it.”
“If it’s information that really needs to be released, then it should. If it’s something that’s not important, like Obama’s birth certificate, then it doesn’t need to be released.”
—Wes Meadows freshman health promotion and fitness
—John LaCorte junior health promotion and fitness photos and information compiled by jayme detweiler
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thursday, may 20, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 28
sports
Students teach injury prevention and recovery
Otterbein athletic trainers play a large role in helping athletes get back on the field following injuries By SaRaH myERS Staff Writer
Otterbein College provides several majors that are aimed at helping students succeed in their futures. However, some student athletes can credit one major to present success without even taking the course. Otterbein features 18 sports teams and unfortunately collegiate competition can cause injuries. This year alone the athletic training department dealt with 423 athlete injuries and 50 student injuries. And these numbers only represent long-term treated students and not the students who just dropped in for one treatment. “Otterbein has a fully functional athletic training room that also doubles as a physical therapy clinic,” said Chuck Goodwin, the head athletic trainer and clinical instructor. photo by kristen sapp The training room is stocked with five more: Sophomore athletic trainer Caroline Shafer oversees senior Wil Longsdorf work many types of state-of-the-art therapy equipment. The staff consists of six back from an injury in the weight room. Over 400 athletes rehabbed injuries this year. licensed and certified athletic trainers, one of which is a physical therapist. The most common injuries that come Sophomore Kevin Gallagher is an The primary physicians have underinto the facility are foot/ankle injuries, athletic training major who works with gone training and become board-certified knee injuries and shoulder injuries. the men’s soccer and softball teams. as sports medicine physicians and actually The physical therapists are available “Athletic training is preventing injuries work out of the health center clinic two to do rehabilitation on any student at Ot- in sports and helping athletes recover or more days a week. terbein with a note from a physician. when they do get hurt,” Gallagher said. “I
really like getting to work with a team for an entire season and interacting with the athletes on a day-to-day basis.” The athletic trainers dedicate a lot of time to the teams. They attend all the home sporting events, travel with the teams to away games and sit in on practices and workouts. Away from the field, students can easily surpass 25 hours a week working with the athletes. Some players enter the training room hours before a game, and at any given time one is liable to walk in from a game or practice needing attention. New president of the Otterbein College Athletic Training Society, junior Olivia Roberts, was influenced by the program when comparing colleges. “We are able to feel more like a family than a major and having those relationships provides for the best type of learning environment,” Roberts said. “I chose this major because I wanted to work in the medical field to interact with people.” She also enjoys forming connections with many of the athletes. “You really get to know them so you are able to understand who you are working with and why you are working so hard to make them better,” Roberts said. Above all, Roberts’ favorite part of being an athletic trainer is watching athletes excel in their sport once they have recovered from an injury. t&c
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thursday, may 20, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 28
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sports
Cards rack up awards and individual honors After cruising through the OAC in the regular season, senior Brittany Rings is named Player of the Year By DanIEllE PaUlEy Staff Writer
Less than two weeks after the Otterbein women’s tennis team was ousted from the conference tournament by rival BaldwinWallace, several Lady Cards were recognized for their success which helped Otterbein achieve a school record 19-win regular season. Most notably, the Ohio Athletic Conference named Otterbein senior Brittany Rings the OAC Player of the Year.
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After finishing the year unbeaten in the OAC with a record of 9-0, Rings was selected as a first-team all-conference performer for the third time in her career. She was named to the second team her freshman year. However, the announcement Tuesday marked the first time a Lady Cardinal was named player of the year. “I am really excited to receive this award,” Rings said. “It is a really great honor and something I have been working towards since my freshman year.”
Cheryl Thinnes, whom Rings consistently teamed up with for doubles matches, was also named first-team All-OAC. “It was such a great experience and opportunity to be teamed up with Cheryl throughout our college career,” said Rings. “Most players have to switch their partners from year to year, but we were fortunate to be able to play together consistently.” Both seniors, Rings and Thinnes, hit their 100-win mark this season. Rings went on to
compile 122, with Thinnes not far behind with 114. “Cheryl and I were able to grow as a team, which really improved our game, and we grew as friends off the court, which provided a lot of support during doubles and singles play,” Rings said. Along with Rings and Thinnes, three other Lady Cards were honored by the OAC for their tennis play during the season. Senior Megan Anders, junior Kylie Hammons and freshman
Taylor Jordan received honorable mentions in the OAC. Anders finished the season with a singles record of 6-2. Anders and Hammons partnered up at third doubles and went undefeated in the OAC 8-0. Jordan played fourth and fifth singles for the team and ended her season 7-0 in the conference. “These girls have become some of my closest friends and I could not ask to be a part of a better team,” Rings said. “Good luck to the girls next year.” t&c
Classified
House for Rent: 184 Cochran Alley. 4 bedrooms - 2 bathrooms - Washer/dryer. Call Amy: 513-617-3642
For the best in alternative rock, keep it live to 97.5 FM-The Wildcard.
bullpen buddies:
photo by jayme detweiler
Pitchers Dom Porretta, Corey White and Matt Hopkins bond during a weekday practice.
The field can fuel friendships
During his first season, Porretta witnessed bonding in the bullpen
Shows not to be missed: • • • • •
Manic Mondays: Monday 7-9 p.m. Name That Show: Tuesday 8-10 p.m. Shades: Wednesday 10 p.m.-12 a.m. Shenanigans: Thursday 8-10 p.m. Top 20 Countdown: Friday 1-3 p.m.
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Being a part of any sports team allows for a chance to build unique bonds and lifelong friendships with teammates. Something our baseball coach, George Dom Powell, often says PoRRETTa when speaking to us is, “The best man at Dom your wedding is PoRRETTa sitting in this dugout.” And for a lot of the guys that’s probably true. In fact, two guys instantly come to mind when I say that: senior pitchers Corey White and Matt Hopkins. The two roommates are practically inseparable. After all, they spend their entire day together besides attending class, although they are both studying to be doctors. They also get to spend the games together since they hang out in the bullpen.
Whether it’s a lifting session, pitcher-fielding practice, game or bus trip, everyone is always together, especially all the pitchers like White and Hopkins. “I was once told that I shouldn’t play baseball because it would interfere with school,” said Hopkins. “But Coach Powell basically told me that this is something I will always cherish and that school and baseball could be worked out. I’m happy that I stayed on all four years because this team was my favorite thing about college.” The reality is that Hopkins, along with eight other seniors, is graduating in less than a month. After an entire offseason and roller-coaster ride of a season together, I think it is an understatement to say that they will all be missed. And I’m sure they will miss this program. Obviously they will miss lacing up the cleats to take on
Marietta or Heidelberg in a conference doubleheader. Or maybe they will miss something smaller, like the spontaneous foamball fight that broke out one afternoon at the field. Or maybe it will be the pattern games like “snaps” that we played while stranded at Ryan’s buffet restaurant in Marion on a trip back from Heidelberg, the simplistic games that somehow made team goofs Brandon Gessner and John Quimby seem so smart for a night. A 19-20 season in which we missed the conference tournament for the first time in nine years isn’t the way many of us pictured this group of guys going out. However, I’m sure the camaraderie formed will be the thing the seniors remember most. t&c Dom PoRRETTa IS a FRESHman JoURnalISm maJoR anD IS a SPoRTS ColUmnIST FoR THE
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thursday, may 20, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 28