Dec. 12, 2007 | The Reflector

UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS

Health and fitness

‘Tis the season

MRSA outbreaks spark concern on campus Page 10

Happy Holidays from The Reflector Page 6

THE

REFLECTOR .UINDY. EDU

LEXINGTON HERALD/MCT

REFLECTOR

VOL . 86/ ISSUE 6

DECEMBER 12, 2007

UPDATE: Campus overhaul moves forward University officials assess parking assignments, issues on campus

CAROLYN HARLESS/THE REFLECTOR

Construction workers are building a road to connect Hanna Avenue and National Avenue near Ruth Lilly Fitness Center.

Adrian Kendrick FEATURE EDITOR

Available parking spaces at the University of Indianapolis have become scarce as enrollment numbers have grown, but plans to address this situation are underway.

According to Executive Director of Communications and Marketing Mary Atteberry, by Jan. 1 the parking lot between The Perk and Ruth Lilly Fitness Center will be taken out of service during the expansion of Schwitzer Student Center.

In place of the lost parking spaces, the Physical Plant is opening a temporary lot for faculty and staff where the tennis courts are currently located. The lot will contain 65-70 spots.

Once the Schwitzer expansion is completed in the summer of 2008, the temporary lot will be closed and a new

lot will be created.

“Nothing will be gained with the new temporary parking lot for students, but be assured that we are aware parking is an issue, and we are trying to come up with solutions to alleviate that stress,” Atteberry said.

Another parking issue is that some students who live in the residence halls park where commuters are suppose to park, said Vice President for Business and Finance and Treasurer Mike Braughton.

That problem already has been addressed and commuters can now use the parking lot next to the Stierwalt Alumni House.

“We will not reduce the parking that is available here on campus, but we’re actually going to add some spaces,” Braughton said.

According to UIndy President

See PARKING Page 3

Schwitzer renovation to be completed by fall of 2008, officials say Staci Reafsnyder SPORTS EDITOR

Renovations to Schwitzer Student Center and its surrounding areas on the University of Indianapolis campus are underway with the approach of the 2008 spring semester.

Schwitzer will be expanded, and the building’s first floor will be completely renovated; Campus Drive will be re-routed directly from Hanna Avenue to National Avenue and a recreation area, featuring new volleyball and basketball courts and walkways, will replace the recreational facilities that currently sit between Schwitzer and Ruth Lilly Fitness Center.

Renovations to Krannert Memorial Library are still being discussed, but final plans have not been made, said Mary Atteberry, executive director of communications and marketing.

“We had the consultants on campus, and they helped take some input [for the library],” Atteberry said. “They are just looking at that input now and trying to create a plan for renovation.”

According to University of Indianapolis President Beverley Pitts, the changes to the library will occur over a two- or three-year period. The library is being renovated to make it more useful for students, but an expansion of the building will not take place, Pitts said.

According to Atteberry, a ground breaking ceremony for the new wing of Schwitzer Student Center will be held the week of Jan. 14.

Atteberry said that the indoor renovations to Schwitzer will not begin until the end of the 2008 spring semester. Some of the renovations include a combined grill and coffee shop in the place that is currently The Perk, a 75- to 100person seating area in the atrium, a pizzeria in the place that is currently Streets Corner, a new entrance on the south side of the dining hall (which also increases the seating size from 400 to 500) and a new student lounge in place of the President’s and Trustee’s dining halls.

The Center’s expansion will add an additional 48,000 square feet among the three floors of the building. New President’s and Trustee’s dining halls and a dining hall designated for special events will be included in the new wing. The new special events dining hall will have sub-dividers that will allow the room to be adaptable to groups of various sizes, Atteberry said.

The expansion is scheduled for completion on Nov. 1, 2008.

UIndy struggles to find a solution for residence hall overcrowding

CAROLYN HARLESS/THE REFLECTOR

UIndy has been forced to use residence hall lobbies as makeshift bedrooms, like this lobby on the second floor of Corey Bretz Hall.

Adrian Kendrick FEATURE EDITOR

The University of Indianapolis expected to build a new residence hall in 2008, but that campus development is being delayed.

UIndy had anticipated that an outside contractor would build the new residence hall, but the discussions did not go far and an agreement was not reached, said Executive Director of Communications and Marketing Mary Atteberry.

“We decided not to count on an outside contractor, and we are looking into constructing our own residence hall,” she said. “That has unfortunately delayed when we can get one in place.”

According to President Beverley Pitts, the university currently does not have plans for a residence hall,

but there are plans to open one in the fall of 2009.

“We were working with College Crossing to form a partnership with them to build housing, but that partnership did not work,” Pitts said. “So now we will build the residence hall the way we want to fit our whole housing plan.”

Residence halls have been overcrowded this year, but that problem cannot be solved until the new dorm is built.

According to Atteberry, all UIndy can do is try to find a solution to the overcrowding situation if it develops next year.

“We are going to try everything we can to make it work, like we have done this year, and obviously be careful about the reservations we take for residence halls,” she said.

According to Pitts, a lot of students

See DORMS Page 3

Mar Elias Campus becomes first Student-partiers cited Arab-accredited university in Israel Dan Friend MANAGING EDITOR

Abby Adragna EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

Mar Elias Campus, a University of Indianapolis international partner located in Northern Israel, has received accreditation approval from the Senior Committee of the Council of Higher Education in Israel. The CHE in Israel has approved full accreditation for the disciplines of communication and marketing, computer science and environmental science and chemistry to be taught on the Mar Elias Campus in Ibillin, Galilee. This news came just days before the graduation of the first group of Mar Elias students on Oct. 29.

UIndy has been offering undergraduate degrees at Mar Elias Campus since 2003 in the areas of computer science, communication and environmental science and chemistry. The CHE’s accreditation approval means that Mar Elias Campus will no longer be a UIndy branch campus but an independent university. The event marks a first for Israel as Mar Elias is the only Arab-accredited university in the country.

Mar Elias Campus is open to students of all backgrounds and faiths and currently educates Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Druze students. According to the Mar Elias Campus Web site, the campus has a goal of “Unity within Diversity” and serves as a model of Middle Eastern reconciliation.

CONTRIBUTED BY DR. HAITHAM ALKHATEEB

Dr. Haitham Alkhateeb (far right, third row) stands with the Mar Elias students who visited UIndy in the summer of 2006.

“It [the Mar Elias Campus] is a beacon of hope for the Arab-Israeli community,” said Dr. Haitham Alkhateeb, associate professor of mathematics and computer science at UIndy and key advisor for Mar Elias students. “Each of the graduates will carry this beacon of knowledge and peace around the country . . . It is the first time in Israel that the Arab community succeeded to demonstrate and make a difference in promoting higher education.”

According to Mary Moore, vice president for research, planning and international partnerships at UIndy, students who

have been admitted to Mar Elias Campus earn their degrees from UIndy. However, she said the campus has not admitted new students for the past two years. With the accreditation, Mar Elias Campus will be able to admit new students in the fall of 2008 who will work toward a Mar Elias Campus degree. According to the Mar Elias Campus Web site, the school hopes to develop academic programs in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, business and peace studies.

See CAMPUS Page 3

Indiana State Excise Police cited forty-three University of Indianapolis students under the suspicion of alcohol violations in connection with a house party in the early morning hours of Dec. 1 in the University Heights neighborhood.

According to the excise police incident report, Excise Officer Randy Weitzel was driving past the house located at 1601 E. Edwards Ave. shortly after midnight in an unmarked police car when he saw a young man leave the front door of the house carrying a “beer bong” and a line of people gathered at the back door. Six excise officers and the University of Indianapolis Police Department were informed of the potential “underage drinking party” and arrived at the house shortly after the notification.

The report states that University of Indianapolis Police Officer Thomas Wright and Excise Officer Joseph Fults approached the back door of the house, where a young man was leaving. They identified themselves as police officers and told the man to stop, but he reentered the house. The officers followed him into the residence, where they found more than sixty individuals.

The officers on the scene administered portable breath tests and issued citations under the suspicion of minor consumption and, in the case of four renters of the house, under the suspicion of furnishing alcohol to minors.

According to University of Indianapolis Chief of Police Keith Smith, when UIndy police arrive at the scene of a house party, their common practice is to ask the residents of the house to get the situation under control and arrange safe transport for people to get home. He said disciplinary measures normally are handled within the university’s disciplinary system. However, because Indiana State Excise Police officers were present, Smith said that it was important that the excise police stay consistent with policies that have been enforced this year at schools such as Indiana University, University of Notre Dame and Ball State University.

“The State Excise Police are not part of the university,” Smith said. “They can’t work within the system like we [UIndy police] can.”

Smith said that the size of the gathering was comparable to many that have occurred in the University Heights neighborhood in recent years. He also said that the frequency of incidents in the area has increased in the past four to six years.

Now that citations with mandatory court dates have been issued by the state, a question exists about whether the university will handle the cases, said Kory Vitangeli, dean of students. The university’s diversion program allows a student who is ticketed in any type of alcohol violation in Marion County to have their cases handled by

See ALCOHOL Page 3

OPINION

The Reflector Page 2

December 12, 2007

Professor analyzes Pakistan crisis

By Douglas Woodwell Guest Writer Assistant Professor of International Relations

Cartoon by Marcus Whalbring

There are few more nightmarish scenarios imaginable than a nucleararmed, Islamic-oriented state collapsing into civil chaos and war. In the case of Pakistan, this scenario is plausible. The Bush administration faces a number of tough choices and challenges in the coming year as the political situation in Pakistan continues to unfold.

Unlike the case of Iraq in 2003, the presence of WMDs and top al-qaida leadership are both established facts in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the central government can barely maintain control of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, let alone far-flung wilderness “tribal” areas believed to serve as a hideout for Osama Bin Laden and his associates.

At the center of the current instability is the country’s President, Pervez Musharraf, who was recently re-elected (by a less than free-and-fair voting process) to a second five-year term. Although he recently “took off his uniform,” giving up his second role as the country’s head military general, Musharraf’s past eight years have been spent ruling as a military dictator – albeit a rather lenient dictator as dictators go. After his re-election this past fall, Musharraf almost immediately declared a state of “emergency rule” and began a crackdown on civil rights and political opponents throughout the country.

Despite his undemocratic credentials, the current administration has considered Musharraf a key ally of the American effort to fight al-Qaida and bring stability to Afghanistan.

While critics have sometimes argued that Musharraf’s support for counterterrorism efforts has often been half-hearted at best, he generally has been considered the least-worst option for the United States since 9/11 and has managed to maintain a precarious stability while overseeing the arrest of several top al-Qaida leaders.

Unfortunately for President Musharraf, his declaration of emergency rule simply accelerated a trend whereby his popularity among Pakistanis has continued to fall and the legitimacy of his government increasingly is called into question. His days are numbered, and it’s almost impossible to imagine that Musharraf will be able to maintain his hold on power by force alone for another five years.

Two major questions follow. First, will the widespread opposition to Musharraf lead to an increasingly volatile situation within the country? Second, what future course should the U.S. navigate in terms of its level of support for the current government versus its cultivation of support for potential opposition figures?

The good news is that while worst-case scenarios involving nuclear weapons and religious fundamentalists are scary in their implications, it is unlikely that either presents much of a current threat.

Pakistani nuclear weapons are crude, heavy and large—hardly the easy-tosmuggle, suitcase-style bombs you might see on TV. Thus, the idea that someone will obtain and smuggle a fully built nuclear weapon out of the country seems unlikely.

More worrisome would be a wholesale take over by Islamic extremists able to assume control of a functioning nuclear arsenal. This possibility seems remote, however, given the rather limited support that mainstream Pakistani society has offered fundamentalist political groups in the past.

The most militant segment of Pakistani society—those that are sheltering al-Qaida types while lending support to Taliban extremists across the border in Afghanistan—are largely bottled up in isolated areas of the north and west of the country. They are unlikely to present a threat to the country as a whole despite recent forays outside of their traditional region.

The biggest civilian threat to Musharraf’s continued rule has not come from Islamic fundamentalists, but rather from members of the legal profession.

Judges and lawyers agitating and protesting for the rule-of-law have done more to damage the credibility of the government than any other segment of society. This bodes well for the moderate majority of Pakistanis that eschew extremism and genuinely want a return to democracy.

In terms of U.S. policy, the Bush administration could simply cut ties with Musharraf and declare its support for full democracy in Pakistan, and nothing less. Unfortunately, this idealistic course of action would be the most likely to lead to greater instability in Pakistan, at least in the near term, and would result in the end of cooperation by Musharraf in the fight against al-Qaida and Islamic extremism if he remained in power.

More realistically, it would be best at this point for the United States to continue to press for an end to emergency law and urge the initiation of a freeand-fair election process, while at the same time, continuing to cultivate close ties with the Pakistani military.

There are few countries in the world in which the civil-military divide has remained weaker than in Pakistan. It is likely that Pakistani military leadership will step in and assume control of the government at some point in the coming year or two, just as Musharraf himself did as head general eight years ago.

High-ranking army officers represent the true center of power in Pakistan, and these officers will not forever abide being associated with Musharraf’s increasingly illegitimate and unpopular rule.

When the time comes, the U.S. must be prepared to support truly reforminded military leadership in the short term with the intention of promoting the restoration of both stability and democratic institutions to Pakistan in the longer term.

Top 10 things to learn about holiday road-travel from Murphy’s Law

By Nicki Crisci Opinion Editor

5 No matter how many times you change lanes, the one you left will always be moving faster.

1 Anything that goes wrong on the road will happen during the holidays when most stores are closed, disabling chances of buying a quart of oil for the “service engine” light that popped up halfway through the journey.

70 miles

Gas Station :20 miles Rest Area: 30 miles

6 Twenty miles from a Shell station, your gas tank will read dangerously close to empty and you will hit gridlock traffic.

7 No matter how well potty-trained Fido is, and even if you just took him for a walk before getting back in the car, he will go to the bathroom in the passenger seat, and it will be diarrhea.

8 Your urge to use the restroom will increase as you get farther away from a bathroom, and the bathroom you finally find will have no toilet paper.

2 The gas station clerk will tell you to turn right when you should turn left at the exit, and you will drive two hours in the wrong direction.

3 A charged Ipod will inevitably die at a moment when you need some AC/ DC to make the time pass faster and curb your road rage.

4 When you want Mc-

Donalds, there will not be one for at least 70 miles.

9 Your car tires will be in perfect condition until you are in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a bridge, and then one tire will go flat.

10 The road less traveled, according to your GPS system and MapQuest, will put you in traffic for two hours, thereby foiling your “I’m saving time” theory.

Alternate grading systems: Which ones work and apply to UIndy?

By Marcus Whalbring Entertainment Editor

Finals are upon us again, and that means students will sift through their notes and textbooks and stuff their heads with facts until they bleed algebra equations from their noses.

They’ll finish their tests and go home, filing away the facts they have studied like old birthday cards, and then they’ll move on in hope that the formulas and definitions they read repetitively will magically resurface should they ever be needed again.

So why does this cycle repeat itself every semester? Why do students force themselves to remember facts for two hours and just forget them later? It’s for the sake of an “A.” Obviously, most schools in the United States use the letter grade system to measure the results of a student’s per-

formance, but other forms are starting to sprout up around the country on the grade school, high school and college levels.

A Feb. 20, 2002, article by Claudia Rowe of the New York Times features an abnormal system of grades and curricula from a program in the Hudson Valley Sudbury School System. According to Rowe, the students pursue any subjects that appeal to them, such as “video games, woodwork or…Barbie dolls and ballet.”

The idea that Sudbury is applying sounds like it’s straight out of the movie “Accepted,” but the teachers and faculty at Sudbury believe that students will learn through their own interests and passions.

Rowe’s article also states that students will learn secondary subjects while they’re pursuing their interests.

For instance, a student who likes to play video games probably will have to learn to read in order to understand the

THE

REFLECTOR University of Indianapolis 1400 East Hanna Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46227 reflector@uindy.edu

The Reflector is a student publication, and the opinions contained herein are not necessarily those of the University of Indianapolis. The Reflector is dedicated to providing news to the university community in a fair and accurate manner.

Letters to the editor, suggestions, corrections, story ideas and other correspondence should be addressed to The Reflector, Esch Hall, Room 333, or sent via electronic mail to reflector@uindy.edu.

directions that show him or her how to play.

On the MSN Web site (www.msn. com), Christina Couch discussed schools such as Reed College and New College of Florida that have no grades.

As a result, there are no tests to stress over, no assignments with deadlines and no late-night work. The students’ education is more relaxed, and they claim that they learn more with that system.

However, the biggest question that arises is whether or not these alternative systems work. According to Rowe, a study in 1991 showed that some students enrolled in the Sudbury Schools (87 percent of 188 students) ended up enrolling in higher education including institutions of Yale, Columbia University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

According to Couch, students from New College of Florida receive a long evaluation from their professors when

they finish school. They aren’t graded, but they discover their strengths and weaknesses and are evaluated on competence and progress. Therefore students cannot complete lackluster work.

So what does all this mean? Is the system we use at this university flawed? I certainly don’t think it would hurt to try something new. But if it simply can’t be done, perhaps it is up to the students to make sure that they get the most out of their education.

Schools such as Reed College and New College focus a lot on small classrooms, close attention from professors and class discussion.

At the University of Indianapolis, we are blessed with small classes that allow us to receive more attention from our professors and each other. But we also have a responsibility to ourselves to ask questions and inspire new ideas and ways of thinking.

I’ve taken a couple of classes at

Anonymous letters will not be printed. To be considered for publication, letters must include a valid name and telephone number, which will be verified. Letters are subject to condensation and editing to remove profanity.

Submission of a letter gives The Reflector permission to publish it in print or online.

The Reflector welcomes advertisers from both on and off campus. Advertising rates vary according to the patron’s specifications. Interested advertisers should call 317-788-2517 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 317788-3269 after hours or fax 317-788-3490.

Readers are entitled to a single copy of this paper. Additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Reflector business manager. Taking multiple copies of this paper may constitute theft, and anyone who does so may be subject to prosecution and/or university discipline.

UIndy that had a different structure but still used letter grades. The difference was that students were encouraged to be involved in discussions and handson experience.

I would encourage any student to find out if any classes like that are available to them. They can inspire growth. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone say that no one cares what your GPA is when they’re considering hiring you. If that’s true, maybe we should try to focus more on bettering ourselves and challenging our own ideas. After all, it’s our education.

It’s up to us to make of it what we will.

The Reflector acknowledges its mistakes. Each issue, we will print corrections on the Opinion Page. If we omit anything, please contact us at criscine@uindy.edu.

Editor-in-Chief......................Abby Adragna Managing Editor....................Dan Friend News Editor...........................Sami Shelton Sports Editor..........................Staci Reafsnyder Photo Editor...........................Carolyn Harless Opinion Editor.......................Nicki Crisci Feature Editor........................Adrian Kendrick Entertainment Editor............Marcus Whalbring Online Editor.........................Andrew Gouty Business Manager.................Meisha Baker Distribution Manager............Crystal Abrell Adviser..................................Jeanne Criswell Staff :

James Allen Lindsey Newett Dustin Brown Cecilia Perdomo Erik Kispert Kim Puckett

NEWS

DECEMBER 12, 2007

ISG piggy banks benefit charity

CAMPUS

from Page 1

Mar Elias becomes accredited

The graduation ceremony held at Mar Elias Campus on Oct. 29 recognized 52 graduates who completed their UIndy degree requirements. The ceremony also recognized 62 students close to completing their UIndy degree and 14 students in their third year of study. Currently, there are 90 students working on the UIndy degree at Mar Elias Campus, Moore said.

According to Moore, who spoke at the Mar Elias Campus graduation ceremony, the graduation was recognized by many important people. Speakers included members of the government of Israel, the American Embassy and the European Union, as well as Archbishop Elias Chacour, who is the founder of Mar Elias and one of the highest-ranking religious leaders in the country. One distinct aspect of the UIndy degrees earned by Mar Elias students is that they are recognized in the United States and Israel. “[To] have earned a degree that is recognized in both the United States and Israel provides each student with

ALCOHOL

from Page 1

Athletes ticketed by Excise university sanctions, instead of going to court, she said. As of The Reflector press time, no announcement had been made about whether the cases would be handed over to the university.

One or more members of six UIndy athletic teams were cited during the incident, including student-athletes from the baseball, cheerleading, football, softball, volleyball and women’s soccer teams.

According to Dr. Sue Willey, director of

PARKING

from Page 1

UIndy assesses campus parking situation

By Lindsey Newett STAFF WRITER The Indianapolis Student Government Service and Philanthropy Committee organized the Piggy Bank Project that ran from Nov. 14 to Dec. 5. The project raised money for the Ronald McDonald House at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

The service project was designed for all students, faculty and staff members to participate by donating spare change for the Ronald McDonald House. This was the first year for the ISG Piggy Bank Project.

“Our motto for the Piggy Bank Project is change can mean two things: small coins and to transform,” said President of the Service and Philanthropy Committee Katie Stam. “Why not use one to create the other? No matter how big or small, it makes some sort of transformation.”

The piggy banks were located in the entrance of the cafeteria, Streets Corner, The Perk, offices in Schwitzer Student Center, department offices in Good and Esch halls and at the front desks of all residence halls. The piggy banks were displayed with a brief explanation of the project.

Within the first two weeks, the Piggy Bank Project raised just over $70. A total of $110.97 was reached by the end of the service project.

“We raised $40 in two days,” Stam said. “If that doesn’t say anything then I don’t know what does. Our hope is to continue with this next semester.”

Service and Philanthropy Committee board member Muchafora Moyo, said the committee also worked to find an organization that could double the amount earned during the project so that the money donated in the end would help out a great deal.

According to the Ronald McDonald

THE REFLECTOR PAGE 3

Beverley Pitts, the university asked a small group of people to look into how the parking lots are being used so officials can assess how the university is using the current parking.

“We may be reassigning some new lots or opening up some lots that were not open before. We may put in some temporary gravel lots. We’re doing everything we can,” Pitts said. “[UIndy] added a huge lot last year and this year we added parking with the old car dealership that used to be across the street. The parking situation is a moving target, and we are aware of that.”

According to Atteberry, there is a lot of cost involved in building a new parking lot, and UIndy is trying to find some solutions.

“I would like to emphasize that there is a lot of parking space available at Key CAROLYN HARLESS/ THE REFLECTOR

Indianapolis Student Government placed piggy banks around UIndy to collect change for the Ronald McDonald House at Riley Children’s Hospital.

House Web site (www.rmhc.com), the organization has helped more than 10 million families since 1974 and is supported by more than 30,000 volunteers each year. The Ronald McDonald House is located in Indianapolis and has 52 bedrooms that accommodate needy families with patients at Riley Children’s Hospital.

Other future projects for ISG include a service project for the homeless in Indianapolis and Indy School on Wheels, a mentoring program that has students spend time with povertystricken children.

“The purpose is not only to raise international experience,” Alkhateeb said.

“It provides each student with the opportunity to improve their English language because the language of instruction at Mar Elias Campus is mainly English . . .

[And] it gives them a better opportunity to be admitted into a graduate school.”

According to Moore, although Mar Elias Campus is now becoming a fullyaccredited, independent university, the campus likely will still remain connected to UIndy in various ways.

“Will they be completely independent?

I think that the nature of the partnership will shift, but that we will stay partners,” Moore said. “There are educational opportunities for our university and opportunities for the Mar Elias students through that partnership.”

One way UIndy hopes to help Mar Elias is by providing scholarships for Mar Elias students to visit UIndy and participate in the regular semester, Moore said.

UIndy recently helped promote the Montana Logging & Ballet Company concert that took place on Nov. 18 in Indianapolis, and proceeds from the concert benefited Mar Elias Campus students.

“The success of a partnership shouldn’t just be measured by how long it lasts,” Moore said. “It’s like a relationship; some relationships are shorter but meaningful and intense.” athletics, when an athlete violates team rules, the coach of each team submits recommendations for the necessary punishments. In addition to other penalties, some of the athletes involved could possibly lose scholarship money and playing time and do community service because of the incident, Willey said.

The house involved is owned by former UIndy men’s basketball coach Todd Sturgeon. The four renters of the house present during the alleged incident are members of the UIndy baseball team. Head baseball coach Gary Vaught declined to comment on the situation and the four renters of the house could not be contacted.

awareness of service opportunities to students, but to also reach out to organizations around us and help make a difference in our city as a whole,” Moyo said.

ISG hopes to bring the Piggy Bank Project back next semester to raise more money.

“ISG is an organization that appreciates the helping hands of students, faculty and staff in promoting our projects,” Moyo said. “It is the organizations hope that everyone will bring forward any suggestions of future projects and ideas on how ISG can help make the stay at U of I more

DORMS

from Page 1

UIndy searches for more options want to live on campus, and UIndy wants to make sure that the freshmen who want to live on campus are able to. UIndy also wants to let students know in a timely manner if they are not able to live on campus so that they can find available housing in time.

“Our goal is always to have residence halls full but to also have enough housing,” Pitts said. “A lot more students want to live on campus than before. So it’ll take a little bit of time to make sure we meet demand, especially with the students that request early.”

According to Pitts, the university currently is trying to find a way to fund a new residence hall, developing designs and working with Student Affairs to keep a time line on the project so UIndy can be sure to have enough housing by the fall of

Stadium that is almost never full, and it is not that far [from campus]. We’re a bit spoiled here [at UIndy] as far as parking goes,” Atteberry said. “We have a small and personal campus, and we are fortunate to have close parking, but we have to consider other options to support the building of other lots.”

According to Pitts, asking students to pay for parking is not on the agenda.

“We want to keep the cost low for students as much as possible, and we will do everything we can to make that happen,” she said.

Pitts said the problem is not that UIndy has not addressed the parking situation, but that there are more students who want to be on campus. Students want a parking space when they arrive on campus, which is a difficulty on many college campuses.

“I want everyone to know we are listening. We understand, and we are doing everything we can with trying to be reasonable with students’ money,” Pitts said.

“We’re going to do everything we can to address the parking situation but not at [the students’] cost.”

2009.

If money is borrowed to complete the project, the money would be paid back through room fees and other costs that UIndy will charge students, Braughton said.

Dean of Students Kory Vitangeli is working with students to get ideas and to find out the best use of space in order to provide the best kind of housing for students, Pitts said.

The last residence hall built at UIndy was Central Hall. It was opened in 2001 and cost about $8 million.

Braughton said that because of inflation, a residence hall similar to Central Hall could be as much as $10 million by the time UIndy begins building.

The residence hall’s new location is being considered between Warren and Cravens Hall, where a parking lot currently exists.

“We are thinking that would be the perfect community thing. Maybe we can have all three residence halls connected by a covered walkway,” Braughton said.

“That is the direction we are headed.”

Dept. of Modern Languages to make academic changes offered to allow students to learn the basics of languages other than their chosen major or minor.

“Too many students leave this university without ever taking a conversation class, or doing service learning or an internship,” Garmann said.

According to Garmann, all modern language students

By Sami Shelton will be asked to pick between a business track and a literature track, based on their interests and future plans.

NEWS EDITOR Students then will take three courses pertaining to their track of choice.

“We hope to provide internships locally and also interThe Department of Modern Languages at the Univernationally,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences sity of Indianapolis has made changes to the academic Dr. Daniel Briere. “Students can then learn translation and requirements for all students working toward a major language consistency firsthand.” or minor in the department. These changes will be According to Garmann, the modern language department implemented in the fall of 2008 is planning to combine internships with the study abroad According to Gerprograms at UIndy. burg Garmann, chair of “[Study abroad] the Department of Mod“Too many students leave this university internships will take ern Languages, the numplace in the spring and ber of hours needed to without ever taking a conversation class, or summer,” Garmann obtain a major will rise doing service learning or an internship.” said. “They will be from 24 credit hours to better coordinated and 36 credit hours. The mi- Gerburg Garmann won’t take away from nor program will jump a student’s time on from 18 credit hours to campus.”

24 credit hours.

The new program “The current programs are not up to date,” Garwill allow students to be competitive with students from mann said. “[Our] catching up with other universities other universities, according to Garmann. The change also is overdue.” will help students become better prepared for graduation Currently, the modern language 101 courses do not and more marketable in today’s economy. count toward a student’s major or minor. Under the new “This change is a reflection of today’s reality,” Briere system, any modern language course under 201 will not said. “More companies are needing translators to commucount toward a major or minor. nicate with people overseas.”

Students will have to take at least one conversaStudents who already are working on majors or minors tion course and one writing course in their language in the department have the option of staying with the current of choice, Garmann said. Students also will take two program or joining the new program. translation courses and an outside learning experience “You never know where life will take you,” Garmann course, which may include an internship, a practicum said. “Language students will find that there will be many or service learning. Also, multilingual courses will be new and exciting opportunities for them.”

New requirements will better prepare students for graduation

QUICK LOOK Change in UIndy administration

Student Activities Coordinator Eric Raider will be leaving the University of Indianapolis for a new position in the Kelley School of Business at IUPUI. Beginning second semester, Executive Director of Student Services Dan Stoker will take over Raider’s duties.

Theatre Department receives honor The Regional Selection Committee for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival announced their invitation to the University of Indianapolis Theatre Department to participate in the regional festival in Milwaukee, Wisc. in January. The production The Shape of Things, directed by Cate Moran, will perform as a “showcase” production, meaning that it will not be considered for advancement to the Kennedy Center in April. The production was selected from 35 applicants from Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.

Semester II payment due Payment for Semester II is due Dec. 19. Any questions regarding loans, scholarships and grants or other discounts should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at (317) 788-3217. If you have a question about scheduling, contact your advisor, the School for Adult Learning or the appropriate graduate program office. Information about payment options is available in the Accounting Office. Contact (317) 788-3221 for assistance.

The Reflector Page 4

Captain’s Corner Jarvis reflects on past accomplishments

By Staci Reafsnyder Sports Editor

Junior men’s swimming captain Greg Jarvis began swimming competitively as a third grade elementary school student.

“Basically, I started swimming competitively when they built the new pool at my high school,” he said. “My older brother had started [swimming], and I wanted to be a lot like him. That’s when I took some interest in it.”

Jarvis went on to swim as a member of Center Grove High School team.

He also swam for a club team during his off-season.

“Our entire [high school] team trained [with] rigorous distance workouts ranging anywhere from 15 [thousand] to 18,000 yards a day,” he said.

Jarvis said that after he graduated from Center Grove in 2005, he chose to attend the University of Indianapolis because the swim program focuses on sprinting, rather than endurance training. Currently, he is majoring in chemistry and minoring in Spanish.

As a freshman, Jarvis made it to the Division II swimming and diving national competition. He was named a 2006 All-American with a fifth place team finish in the 200 free relay, and he also compteted in the 800 and 400 free relay at the meet.

“It was really exciting my freshman year because it was in Indianapolis [at the Natatorium, which] is one of the fastest pools in the world,” Jarvis said.

As a sophomore and in his second year on the team, Jarvis competed in the 2007 nationals. The event was held in Buffalo, N.Y., that year, and Jarvis competed in the 50 and 100 freestyle events and the 200 and 400 relays. For the second time in his career, he was named All-American for being in the top eight at finals in his event.

At the end of the 2006-07 season, Jarvis was selected by his peers to be a captain for the 2007-08 season.

“I have found the captain [position] to [be] fairly difficult because you have to be on top of it at all times,” Jarvis said. “People are always asking you questions, and you’ve always got to know the answers or who to point to [for] the answers.”

The top ten times in UIndy’s records rank Jarvis No. 10 in the 50 freestyle with a 21.43 time and No. 7 in the 100 freestyle with 46.94.

Head coach Gary Kinkead said he anticipates good things for Jarvis.

“Everything is really on track, and he will probably be able to go to nationals for us again this year,” Kinkead said. “He has a good work ethic.”

D 12, 2007 SPORTS House of Champions meet ends, Christmas training begins for swimming and diving ecember

By Crystal Abrell Distribution Manager

The ‘Hounds competed in the IUPUI House of Champions meet Nov. 30 -Dec. 1. The two-day event took place at the IUPUI Natatorium in downtown Indianapolis. The House of Champions Invite was the final competition for the fall 2007 semester. The ‘Hounds accomlished two NCAA Division II A-cut times and 14 B-cut performances, to qualify swimmers for nationals.

Hanno Ahonen, a senior freestyle swimmer, earned a bid in the national meet with a winning 4:33.82 time in 500 freestyle and received a B standard win in the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1:41.35.

According to head coach Gary Kinkead, there was a lot of leadership displayed in this meet, as well as throughout the year.

“Displaying leadership can be difficult because you are leading peers,” Kinkead said. “But the leaders of the team are doing a great job to keep in mind the general welfare of the overall team throughout the year and in competition.”

Other winners were junior Isabela Tafur in the 100 freestyle, senior Kieran O’Neill in the 200 individual medley, sophomore Marios Panagi in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke, junior Alex Arestis in the 100 freestyle, freshman Baris Ilhan in the 1650 freestyle and sophomore Yaman Oguz in

Wrestlers vie for top spots in nation

By Dan Friend Managing Editor

Collegiate wrestlers from across Indiana competed in the Little State Tournament Dec. 7-8 in Nicoson Hall.

UIndy hosted the tournament this year, which included 11 schools from NCAA Divisions II and III and the NAIA. Head coach Jay Yates said that Little State and the upcoming Ohio Northern Invitational on Dec. 15 will indicate how well the team bonded and trained during the first semester of the team’s five-month season.

“These are measuring points for where we are and what we need to work on for the second semester,” Yates said before the Little State tournament.

Three Greyhounds finished the competition on top of their weight brackets, as Mike Horton, Kevin Flinn and Lynn Panko took top honors in the 157, 174 and 285 weight classes, respectively.

Improved individual performances helped the UIndy wrestling squad to four third-place finishes at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Wisconsin Invitational on Dec. 1.

Junior Jimmy Nichols, senior captain Shane Perkey, sophomore Matt Irwin and junior Kevin Flinn all took third place in the college 125, 133, 141 and 174 weight classes, respectively.

Horton, a team captain, finished fourth in the 157 weight class.

Irwin wrestled his way to the quarterfinals, but a controversial call from the official at the end of the match kept him from advancing to the semi-finals, Yates said. But Irwin finished the day’s

the 200 butterfly.

UIndy lost to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, placing third in the NCAA Division I competition at the House of Champions meet. The women took fifth out of the eight teams competing. ‘Hounds men’s swimmers Arestis, O’Neill, Oguz, freshman Alican Alacli and senior Hanno Ahonen will progress to nationals. The two women continuing onto nationals are senior Valerie Crosby and Tafur.

According to Kinkead, the teams have faced a lot of challenges this year, but many of those challenges are positive.

“With all the numbers on the team this year, it is difficult to get everyone in the pool. But at the same time, it’s easy to fill spots for competition, which is great towards our advantage,” said Kinkead.

According to Crosby, many tough challenges lie ahead.

“The upcoming challenges I see definitely lie in Christmas training.

Five hours a day wears down everyone both physically and mentally. We cannot lose sight of what we are working so hard for,” Crosby said. “We train the entire academic year for the end result.

At conference in February and nationals in March is where it shows.”

The ‘Hounds competed in the Patrick Woehnker Invitational at Wabash College on Nov. 17-18. The men’s swimming team took seven wins as well as two NCAA D. II A-cuts. The women accomplished two wins and gained an A-standard.

The men’s 200 freestyle relay fell 2/10ths of a second short to winning team Depauw University and finished runner-up at the invite. The women’s 200 freestyle relay also finished runner up in this event. The men’s 800 freestyle relay team brought back a meet record A-cut 6:51.55 time, and the women’s 800 freestyle relay team took first with 8:06.34.

“Both our women’s and men’s teams are progressing well so far this season.

We are lucky to have such a diverse group of deeply committed athletes who have a lot heart and love for the sport,” Crosby said. “So far we have had many great swims early in the season, which is very inspiring. It is still fairly early in the season, about halfway, so who knows what is possible.”

Crosby was named Swimmer of the Week and broke her year-old record in the Wabash Invitational. Crosby took a second and a half off her 100 butterfly relay time and won with 56.85, gaining an A-cut for her and her team. According to Crosby, the team is progressing immensely.

Also at the Patrick Woehnker Invite, senior distance and freestyle swimmer Ellie Miller took runner-up for the ‘Hounds in the 1650 freestyle 18:08.33.

In the same invitational, senior freestyle and back swimmer Chad Damitz was a dual winner with a 53.84 in the 100 freestyle and a 1:59.08 in the 200 freestyle. Alacli took a victory in the mile swim, finishing the 1650 freestyle

See SWIM Page 10

Captain’s Corner Murray swims through shoulder injury

By Staci Reafsnyder Sports Editor

Carolyn Harless/ The Reflector

Sophomore 141-pounder Raham Hunter and head coach Jay Yates practice wrestling techniques. competition with a 10-7 decision over Charlie Curran of Elmhurst College.

“I fought back through the consolation bracket. Calls don’t always go your way. It’s just something that happens,” Irwin said. “You’ve got to keep your head up and keep going” The competition was tough when the ‘Hounds wrestling squad traveled to Missouri on Nov. 18, Yates said.

The Missouri Open featured many of the nation’s top-ranked wrestlers from Divisions I and II. Perkey and Horton both finished in third place.

It was a double-elimination tournament.

Perkey lost his first match of the day but bounced back to win his last four matches of the day on the way to his third place finish.

In Horton’s second match of the day, he defeated the second-ranked wrestler in the nation in the 157-weight class, Jason Leavitt from the University of Central Oklahoma. Horton won three matches before losing in the quarterfinals, but he ended the day with two more wins and a third-place finish.

As of Dec. 6, Perkey is the nation’s top-ranked 133-pounder, and Horton is third in the 157 class. Horton said that

See MAT Page 10

Junior women’s swimming captain Katie Murray has come back from a shoulder injury that kept her out of the pool during Christmas break training last season.

“I remember December training, and I was basically out,” Murray said.

“All I could do was kick [because] the shoulder injury had been so much.”

However, injuries have not daunted her in the past. Murray started her swimming career around the age of seven after she broke her arm and was told that swimming would be the best therapy.

Murray started swimming on a YMCA team, and after two years, she began swimming for the Marlins, the premier swim team in Cincinnati, Ohio.

During the last three years that she swam for the Marlins, Murray was on the sectional and national team.

Although Murray primarily swam for the Marlins, she also made waves as a member of the Mother of Mercy High School Bobcats swim team. As a swimmer for the Bobcats, Murray was named captain, broke the mile record and qualified for the state meet in the 200 individual medley (IM) her junior and senior years.

Murray has been swimming for 10 years now and has competed in many national competitions in both high school and college.

After graduating from Mercy in 2005, Murray came to the University of Indianapolis to major in environmental chemistry.

In her first year on the Greyhound swim team, Murray earned All-American status for the 400 IM and had an A-cut qualifying standard in the 800 freestyle relay.

Murray said the first half of her sophomore year went well, but she injured her shoulder during that season and was barely able to finish the conference meet in 2006.

Over the summer, Murray went through physical therapy and stayed out of the water for six months. When Murray returned this season, she did not compete in the first meet. During the House of Champions meet Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at IUPUI, she only competed in one of three sessions in the 100 butterfly relay and the 200 IM. “There are days where I can do practice, and I feel good, but I haven’t been anywhere near the times that I have been in the past during competition,” Murray said. “It’s really hard to accept times that are ten seconds slower than what you’re used to.”

Swimming head coach Gary Kinkead said that he hopes Murray can overcome her injury and get back to going to nationals. Murray still has a good possibility of competing in nationals, he said.

“She feels [that] if she is not working real hard, that she’s not making progress,” Kinkead said. “She is doing well. I think it’s a tough thing mentally to get over.”

At the Ashland University season opening meet, Murray had a time of 2:20.91 for the 200 IM and improved to 2:19.58 at the House of Champions meet. Her 100 butterfly also has improved from 1:03.70 at the Truman State University meet to a 1:03.55 time at the Wabash Invitational.

Track and field teams start indoor competition The men’s and women’s track and field teams started their indoor season at the Illinois State University Early Bird Invitational Saturday. The men recorded 10 top-five performances, including a first -place finish by senior Elliott Cohee in the 60-meter hurdles finals.

A small group from the women’s team competed at the meet. Junior Morgan Venne recorded the highest finish for the ‘Hounds, placing fourth in the pole vault.

Dustin Brown/ The Reflector

Senior hurdler Elliott Cohee prepares for the indoor season.

SPORTS

December 12, 2007

The Reflector Page 5

Greyhound men’s basketball starts Women’s basketball season undefeated 6-0, 2-0 GLVC consistency pays off

By Abby Adragna Editor-in-Chief

Despite two exhibition losses against Division I schools Purdue and Wright State Universities in early November, the Greyhound men’s basketball team has swept past six opposing teams to remain undefeated in the regular season.

According to redshirt sophomore Sebastian Moore, the Greyhound men have been successful so far this season because of great teamwork.

“As a team we are really working well together,” Moore said. “I think our winning streak can be attributed to everyone being on the same page and just unselfish ball play.”

The ‘Hounds defeated Great Lakes Valley Conference foe University of Missouri-Rolla at home Dec. 1, outscoring the Miners 84-53 and improving their record to 6-0 (2-0 GLVC). Senior forward Justin Barnard turned in a standout game and led the team in scoring, rebounds, assists and blocks.

Barnard hit six three-pointers to earn the 11th spot in the school’s alltime record book for three-pointers made. He totaled 26 points for the game and recorded eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Senior guard DeAndre Brock added 16 points as all 12 UIndy players scored in the game.

The Greyhound men defeated University of Missouri-St. Louis 69-52 in the GLVC opener at home Nov. 29. Junior Braxton Mills led the ‘Hounds with 13 points and nine rebounds. Barnard and Brock followed close behind with 11 points each.

According to head coach Royce Waltman, the two GLVC victories were an important start to the team’s conference play.

“If you’re going to compete for a championship in your conference, you have to protect your home court,” he said. “Now, if you’re going to win the conference, you’ve got to be able to go on the road and win some. But you have no chance if you’re going to let people come into your place and win.”

By Cecilia Perdomo Staff Writer

Dustin Brown/ The Reflector

Junior forward Braxton Mills (42) prepares for a shot as he drives to the basket against Missouri-St. Louis senior David Ward (25) November 29.

The ‘Hounds pushed past in-state rival Franklin College Nov. 26 with an 80-74 victory at home. UIndy led 4226 at the half, but the Grizzlies came back and cut the lead to just one point, 56-55, and later jumped ahead of the ‘Hounds, 74-73. UIndy regained the lead with free throw makes by junior forward Tristan Rogers and claimed the victory with a steal and fastbreak

by Brock. The ‘Hounds were led in scoring by Brock with 21 points, followed by Rogers and junior guard Tyke Cockerham with 14 each and Mills with 12. Mills also recorded five steals and a game-high eight rebounds.

The Greyhound men gave undefeated host Saginaw Valley State University its first loss of the season Nov. 21 with a 68-65 overtime victory.

The ‘Hounds led by four at the half, but the Cardinals came back to tie the game 61-61 and drive it to overtime. UIndy held SVSU to just four points during the final period, and Brock nailed two free throws with 10 seconds remaining to seal the victory. Brock had a gamehigh 24 points and was named the GLVC men’s basketball player of the week.

The ‘Hounds came from behind to defeat host Hillsdale College 78-76 Nov. 19. UIndy trailed throughout the contest and ended the first half with an eight-point deficit. With less than

five minutes to play, Brock hit two free throws to tie the game at 73. He then sunk a three-pointer with just under two minutes left and drove the ‘Hounds to victory. Brock led the team with 22 points and five assists, followed by Barnard with 15 points and a gamehigh nine rebounds.

According to Waltman, the victories in Michigan were the most important and memorable wins the ‘Hounds have captured this season.

“It’s always hard to win on the road, and they were two decent teams,” Waltman said. “We pulled the games right out at the end, which always does a lot for the confidence of your team.”

UIndy opened the regular season with a home victory over Brescia University Nov. 15. Brock led the ‘Hounds to the 74-65 win with 16 points, followed by Mills with 14, Rogers with 13 and Cockerham with 11.

According to Moore, the ‘Hounds are on the right track right now, but they aren’t taking their six wins for granted.

“Coach Waltman is staying after us to keep a be-happy-but-not-satisfied mentality,” Moore said. “There’s always more we can give, and he works every day to get that out of us.”

The ‘Hounds will next compete in a tournament at Queen’s University in Charlotte, N. C., Dec. 15-16.

The University of Indianapolis women’s basketball team (7-0, 2-0 GLVC) opened their season with a win over Oakland City University Nov. 21, and have remained undefeated through seven games.

The ‘Hounds took their seventh consecutive win 88-44 over Ohio Valley University Dec. 8. UIndy took an early lead, and maintained it throughout the game. Sophomore guard Jessica Canary totaled 23 points for the night, leading the ‘Hounds in scoring. Sophomore guard Katie Dewey had four steals and assists, and a career-best 14 points, UIndy traveled to Ohio Dec. 4. to earn their sixth consecutive win of the season, defeating Tiffin University 69-45. Canary was the top scorer of the night, with 12 points, aiding in the Greyhound win.

The ‘Hounds defeated the University of Missouri-Rolla on Dec.1 64-57.

The Lady Miners were tied with the ‘Hounds with just under 10 minutes remaining, but the ‘Hounds soon pulled ahead.

“That [the game against the Lady Miners] is going to be more of a contest. It will prove to people that we are here to represent U of I and play well,” said senior forward Deanna Thomson

before the game.

Senior guard Karla Mast led the ‘Hounds with 29 points. Mast also was awarded Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week on Nov. 19. Her performance in the regional games with a cumulation of 50 points in the GLIAC/GLVC challenge earned her the honor.

“It was an honor not only for Karla but for our entire team,” head coach LeAnn Freeland said. “They have worked very hard in the preseason and early practices, to be the best they can be. The honor for Karla really solidifies [that] what they are doing is working.”

UIndy accomplished their first win in the Great Lakes Valley Conference by defeating the University of Missouri-St. Louis Tritons 79-56 Nov. 29 in Nicoson Hall. The score remained close early as the Tritons were in the lead.

However, in the fifth minute of the first half, the Greyhounds took the lead and maintained it for the rest of the game. Both Canary and freshman Samantha Miessel scored 18 points.

According to Freeland, the lady Greyhounds were preparing for the Tritons and wanted to start the conference season with a win.

See BBALL Page 10

Dustin Brown/ The Reflector

Senior Karla Mast tries to avoid blocks from University of Missouri-St. Louis players.

FEATURE

The Reflector Page 6

December 12, 2007

TIS’ THE END OF THE SEMESTER: HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

International students embrace traditions

By Andrew Gouty Online Editor

As this semester’s finals week grinds to a halt, campus parking spots and residence halls will become temporarily open as a sign that a lengthy winter holiday break is upon us. While some students will retreat home over break to family and friends, others will remain in Indianapolis for a variety of reasons.

Those international students who have opted to stay at the University of

Name: John Waller Class: Senior Major: Theatre Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana Staying over break: Residence hall Plans for break: “Writing my novel, tentatively named ‘Blame Reagan’. I'm also going to the American College Theatre Festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in January.”

Indianapolis for the break have a treat in store for them this year. The second annual International Student Holiday Luncheon will be held on Dec. 18 at 11:30 a.m.

The event is planned by the UIndy Administrative Assistant Council, which has asked the campus for monetary donations to assist in paying for the meal. Small gifts also have been requested in an effort to host a gift exchange for the students.

“It’s a good chance for students to

share the gift-giving traditions that we have in this country, as well as giving them the opportunity to share international traditions during the holidays,” said Cora Heck, administrative assistant in the International Division.

While some students are sharing meals and gifts with family and friends here in Indianapolis, others are traveling throughout the United States and the rest of the world during winter break. Take a look at these students plans for the break.

Name: Ruth Shirley Class: Senior Major: English Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana Staying over break: Home Plans for break: “I’m going to sleep – and I won’t be doing homework. I’ll actually be continuing with my internship at the JCC (Jewish Community Center). It’s a marketing internship that I started over the summer.”

Name: Annie Koerner Class: Junior

Major: International Business Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana Staying over break: Germany and Czech Republic Plans for break: “I leave Sevilla [Spain] on the 15th for Berlin. I'm living with a friend and his family. Then I'll be in the Czech Republic for a few days to visit more friends. I’m in Germany until the eighth of January, and then I head back to Sevilla.”

Make your gift sweet this holiday season

By Sami Shelton News Editor It’s that time of year again! The Christmas season is just around the corner, and many people are already well into their holiday shopping. But once you find the perfect present, how do you make the outside look just as special as the inside?

Many people take the standard, less creative route by putting the gift into a box and using pre-printed wrapping paper. This can be difficult when you have an unusual-shaped gift, or one that cannot fit in a box.

If this is a problem you have experienced, or you are simply looking for a creative way to wrap your gifts, I suggest you make your own gift-wrapping material. It’s a fun, easy way to create a gift that no one will forget.

This Christmas, I decided to make fleece tie blankets for my younger siblings. The blankets are large and cannot easily fit into a box. Instead of making a lumpy, messy ball of wrapping paper and fabric, I decided to wrap my blankets to look like pieces of peppermint candy.

This is an easy way to wrap anything from clothing to DVD collections.

To start, I bought inexpensive red-and -white printed wrapping paper. Then I found clear wrapping paper at Target, but clear cling-wrap also can be used. You

will also need double-sided tape, scissors, rubber bands, colored cardstock paper and ribbon to make your peppermint present.

First, wrap the gift with the printed

If you wish to add a to/from label, choose a color of construction paper that coordinates with the printed wrapping paper. Cut out a circle from the cardstock paper and write the words To and From on it. Then, wrap the cardstock paper with excess clear wrapping paper and tie both ends with ribbon.

This will not only make your gift look like candy, but will make the to/from label a sweet finising touch as well.

To make the gift even more special, use ribbon to tie an actual piece of candy to the gift. For my gifts I used candy Sami Shelton/Reflector canes, but any type of candy can be used.

Pictured above are the gifts wrapped in This project only cost peppermint wrapping paper. me around $12, and I was wrapping paper. On the sides, where able to wrap more than one present with one would normally fold the wrapping the materials I bought. You can cut down paper and tape it shut, gather the paper on the cost by buying the materials from a together and tie it with a rubber band. dollar store (I bought everything from TarThis will make the ends look like they get). Also, the clear wrapping paper can be are twisted closed, much like a peppersubstituted with cling wrap, and the extra mint candy. candy does not have to be added.

Next, wrap the gift with the clear This project was a fun way to make my wrapping paper or cling wrap. Gather inexpensive gifts look special. These cute the ends together, like the printed peppermint presents are not only unforgetwrapping paper, and tie with curled table, but they also look great underneath ribbon. Make sure the clear paper is the Christmas tree. longer than the printed wrapping paper, So when wrapping your gifts this holito give the effect of the candy being day season, use your imagination. Your wrapped in plastic. loved ones will appreciate the creativity.

Christmas party brings hope

By Adrian Kendrick Feature Editor

Stephanie Garcia, 6, an adorable girl with dimples and long, straight hair is shy and respectful. Donzell Walker, 8, a boy with a short hair cut and thick eyebrows is focused and excited when he talks. Ra’Leisha Davis, 10, is a beautiful girl with light-brown skin; she always wears her hair in a ponytail.

She is a leader and extremely helpful.

These children are the reason that week after week, the University of Indianapolis volunteers return to the Laurelwood Housing Project.

Suzanne Stocky, volunteer coordinator at Laurelwood Housing Project, and other volunteers at UIndy helped throw a Christmas party for these and other underprivileged children.

According to Stocky, she wants to help the children, and give them a better life.

“It was fun. The kids were shocked that we [the volunteers] were able to get all the gifts in before they came home,” said Stocky.

Laurelwood Housing Project is located on Carson Avenue. It is a lowincome community, about 500 families live living below poverty level. The kids, according to Toni Peabody, the retired field coordinator of 12 years, range from ages six to 15.

“Laurelwood is one of the longest partnerships UIndy has ever had,” Peabody said.

The Christmas party was held on Tuesday, Nov. 27, and 45 children attended.

According to Stocky, the volunteers put green Christmas trees on the boys’ gifts and red snowmen on the girls’ gifts. Each gift also had a riddle on it, and if the child guessed the riddle and was correct, he or she was able to pick a gift they wanted.

“I was one of those maniacs at Kohl’s at 4 a.m. on Black Friday,” Stocky said.

“I was in line for an hour, but it was well worth it.”

Stocky also went to other stores.

Ranging from footballs to dolls, each gift cost $20. The party included pizza, soda, goodie bags and games.

“These kids are looking for a break

from their situations,” said volunteer freshman Tim Coxey. “Suzanne cares about the kids and understands their situation. The Christmas party was an exciting night.”

When the children receive something they have never had before, they are shocked, Stocky said.

“I came from a middle-class family, and my father was a good provider,” Stocky said. “Seeing kids who don’t have a jacket when it is cold out, and you know they are not getting anything for Christmas, it touches your heart.”

According to Community Partnership and Service Coordinator Marianna Foulkrod, they [the volunteers] see how rewarding the experience is in the children’s eyes.

“This program is phenomenal. It makes me happy that we are doing something positive in the community,” Foulkrod said. “It is priceless.”

Stocky said she hopes the program shows the kids there is more to life than their situation and that there are people out there who care.

“Their faces are what I love,” she said. “That is what makes volunteering special for me.”

December 12, 2007

ENTERTAINMENT

The Reflector Page 7

Student-Directed Productions end the semester Nicki Crisci Opinion Editor

Stepping into the Studio Theatre for the Student-Directed Productions provided an unexpected thrill to the evening’s theatre experience. Before the plays even began, a Monkees track played along with the sounds and actions of three actors from the first play who performed like monkeys, equipped with bananas and monkey hats.

Senior Jeffrey Dalstrom directed “Words, Words, Words” and “The Philadelphia,” while senior Kristin Sollenberger directed “A Period Piece” and “The Problem.” The whole production, they said, was at least a year-long process.

Being their first lead-directing experience at UIndy (Sollenberger having assistant directed “Speak Truth to Power” and “Don’t Dress for Dinner”), their impressive talents were displayed in every aspect of the production. Even the designs and props went together in a simple, yet effective way.

“There is a uniqueness being an actor, designer and stage manager and, at the same time, director. It provides a real cohesiveness,” Sollenberger said.

While each individual play was unique, there was, at the same time, a cohesiveness to the whole night, with the laughter of the audience, themes of

relationships and personal philosophies and obscenities making the plays mesh together.

The first play of the night, “Words, Words, Words,” was performed effectively by Lucas Souder, Brandon Reed and Chelsea Wood. Each actor was believable in his or her animal mimicry and never lost character or a chance to get a rise out of the audience.

The whole idea behind the story was amusing and performed to the best of the actors’ abilities. Of the three actors, Wood particularly stood out, with her continued exuberance and impromptu scenes on the stage before and after the play.

The plot to “A Period Piece” was a little confusing when Manny Casillas and Kathryn Reinhardt, an arguing couple, were joined by Drew Pastorek and Mason Absher. Suddenly, the couples switched partners, and Casillas started arguing with Absher, and Reinhardt with Pastorek. However, the actors cleared up the confusion throughout the scenes of the play. The overall message, that couples fight over the same things even today, was a prevalent theme that the actors performed in a comical way. While there were obscene dialogues, they were not added for crude humor. They actually added to the personalities of the characters.

Casillas and Pastorek stepped up and played their roles as substandard men in the relationship really well, mirror-

ing each other through the time period skillfully, not to mention Absher’s hilarious role as the angry man with attitude coupled with the talents and witty accusations and comebacks of Reinhardt.

In “The Philadelphia,” the audience was in for a treat with the pairing of Reed and Souder, each as much an eccentric character as the other. From the manic opening, when Reed runs onto the set, and the comic ending, when Souder rushes out of the theater, this play was humorous to the last Philly cheesesteak. They were able to reverse their roles in a flash—Reed became the laid back go-getter while Souder finally fell to pieces in his own ‘Philadelphia.’

Emma Davis also played her role well, advancing and complicating the comical dialogue between Reed and Souder.

“The Problem” was arguably the best play of the night and received the most laughs of the four plays. Crystal Vissers and Drew Pastorek convincingly played their twisted, married couple role without flaw.

The audience was prepared for a promising play when Peggy Lee’s “Fever” played before the start of the scenes and Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s get it on” ended it.

Vissers’ and Pastorek’s varied roleplaying really had the audience believing that the characters were discussing real events in their lives. Vissers did an excellent job of being comedic and

Drew Pastorek and Crystal Vissers perform in “The Problem.” could make a person’s jaw drop with the scenarios she described to her husband. Even Pastorek’s apparent composure was highly convincing until the reality of the scene came to light. It was a shock that had the audience rolling in the aisles.

Overall, the whole theater experience was extremely enjoyable and the directing skills of Dalstrom and Sollenberger created a great experience for the audience.

They both said that they hoped to direct again in the future and that these plays represent a suitable starting point for their careers.

“I really like seeing the whole

picture and being the hands that meld everything together,” Dalstrom said.

The plays, which had performances on Nov. 30, Dec.1-2 and 6-8, successfully ended the 2007-2008 theatre season.

Such an end creates much anticipation for the dinner theatre production “Red Herring,” assistant directed by Dalstrom, whichpremiers after winter break.

“I hope they [the audience] had fun. And if they enjoyed it, then I did my job,” Sollenberger said. “While it’s about having fun, they may have pondered about their own relationships at the same time.”

If only I could say anything close to that for the movie. New Line made millions from Peter Jackson’s stunning “Lord of The Rings” trilogy, and in the hopes of capitalizing on that success, they poured $150 million into this tepid adaptation. Director Chistopher Weitz was even sent by New Line to the set of Jackson’s “King Kong” for a lesson in box office moviemaking. Even from a script adapted by Weitz and Pullman himself, “The Golden Compass” movie drains all the vital life and energy that the book so deftly portrayed. Weitz should have taken better notes.

It starts with a little girl named Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards), an orphan living at the Jordan College in Oxford with her adventuring uncle, Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig of “Casino Royale”). Joined by her ever-present ‘demon,’ Pan (voiced by Freddie highmore), an extension of the human soul represented by an animal, Lyra involves herself in some mischief that reveals things to her she does not quite understand. Rumors and stories abound among the children, particularly those of the sea-traveling “gyptians” and

what happens to the ever-growing number of disappearing children. When a mysterious and powerful woman known as Mrs. Coulter arrives to take Lyra, the college master turns over ownership of an alethiometer, a golden compass, to Lyra.

Lyra soon suspects that Mrs. Coulter (as played with more creepiness than necessary by Nicole Kidman) is involved with the disappearing children, and suddenly she is taken in by gyptians looking to mount a rescue mission, cavorting with aeronauts and hiring talking bears (a talking bear voiced by Ian McKellen, doing his best Aslan) for help.

Pullman’s novel never skimped on the action, and neither does the movie, but the novel never skimped on the emotion and urgency of the story either.

And it’s in many of the movie’s more dramatic scenes that Weitz stumbles.

Filling a big-budget fantasy with sufficient character development is no easy task, especially when Peter Jackson set the bar so high. But even his “Rings” trilogy displayed excellent and memorable nuances among the characters,

live and computer generated. Weitz tries to up the stakes as best he can, but he does his actors no favors by rushing things along. How sad it is to see top actors like Kidman and Craig reduced to the sidelines. Even when they are given something to do, it seems the only direction was “emphasize your accents as best you can.”

Actors this good can afford to take risks, but a hack like Weitz only can throw so much on screen in the hopes that something will stay sharp, no such luck. Many of the action sequences are messy, and although the climax involving a battle that includes witches led by sexy Eva Green (“Casino Royale”) manages to build some excitement and vivacity, it’s too little, too late.

Making an adaptation of the controversial novel was a risk in itself, but what could have been a fresh new take on fantasy is instead saddled with rushed and choppy direction, average acting and tacky effects. Dakota Blue Richards only scowls when necessary and emotes elsewhere, but her acting is not registering. Lyra is a character whose curiosity leads her into life-

altering experiences, but Richards is bogged down by clunky dialogue that is embalmed in endless exposition.

And her demon is more annoying than insightful.

As “The Da Vinci Code” movie proved last year, a film filled with controversial material should be a good film first, debate-worthy second.

All you Facebook-ers out there have nothing to fear. “The Golden Compass” fails to turn up any lasting effect of heart, urgency, dazzle or anticipation for a sequel. It’s a droning and tacky affair, a shame for the studio that gave us the iconic “Lord of the Rings” films.

Still, given the stir it has caused, it’s still a credit to Pullman and New Line that they would ever try to bank on Pullman’s novels. Do yourself a favor and judge the novel on its own merits.

Despite incidents to the contrary, Pullman asserts his books do not promote atheism. In response to the boycott, he said, “Why don’t we trust readers?

Why don’t we trust film-goers? Oh. It causes me to shake my head with sorrow that such nitwits could be loose in the world.” Amen to that.

Photos Contributed by Jim Ream

Weitz displays poor adaptation of ‘The Golden Compass’ Manny Casillas Guest Writer Theatre Major

Chances are you’ve already heard of New Line’s recent fantasy epic and box-office hopeful “The Golden Compass.” Based on the first in a trilogy of fantasy novels from Philip Pullman, the film has stirred controversy for months and incited boycotts from the likes of the Catholic League and other groups over the supposed anti-Christian content of the film. There is even a Facebook group, “Do NOT Support The Golden Compass.”

Pullman, an avowed atheist, has been cited a number of times in interviews as saying that he is trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief. Many believe that the novel’s themes indoctrinate young readers to view Christianity as dangerous and feel that it could lead to a rise in Atheism, particularly among youths. Pullman’s novel, controversy notwithstanding, is filled with rich symbolism and engaging concepts.

How to waste time during winter break Marcus Whalbring Entertainment Editor

When finals week is over at last, the world of papers, tests and class participation will be as non-existent as your desire to go to those early morning exams this week. Winter break will be here, which means you’ll probably have plenty of time to waste your time. Do you want to play “Halo 2” non-stop like a 14-year-old kid who’s living on nothing but Red Bull and Skittles? You have every right. I’m glad that you have a to-do list to keep you busy. But for the rest of you that have no idea what you’re going to do with your time, I have compiled a list of seven things to do when you have nothing else to do.

7. Watch the Christmas classics. You know you want to see a Rudolf and the Abominable Snow Man duke it out on a claymation iceberg. The little drummer boy is banging out an ancient tune for you, and Frosty is ready to wish you a “happy birthday.” Ralphie Parker has his Red Rider loaded, and he wants you to watch him beat Scut Farkus’ face while he shouts obscenities. You need to get your copy of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and a box of tissues and settle in for the night. You cry every time. Don’t deny it.

6. Make some cookies. You might as well do something. Throw some scratch together, and you should be occupied for the next four hours. Be sure that your cutters are diverse so no one gets tired of looking at 50 Christmas tree cookies.

Keep a glass of water on hand, because your tongue will be tired of the frosting you’ve been licking off your fingers all night.

5. Get a job, pal. The holidays are coming up, and you don’t want to get behind on your shopping. There are a few people out there (and it’s not you) who got their shopping done early. But for you it’s time to get on top of things. So shovel some snow for your neighbors. Go back to that checkout lane you manned at the grocery store in high school. I’m sure the qualifications and breakthroughs in technology haven’t gone too far ahead of you. Just don’t go back to the factory. You don’t need to spend your vacation getting up at 4:30 in the morning.

4. Get organized. Your closet is so messy; the monster that used to hide in there when you were three has been chased out by the roaches. It’s time to show everyone that you’re actually mature enough to take care of your stuff. I know you have a hard time letting go of things, but that picture you drew of a rabbit in kindergarten isn’t cute anymore. You’re in college now. And if you’re like me, it’s pretty hard to walk through your room these days. You might want to shove some stuff under your bed. If you have time, alphabetize your DVD rack or something.

3. Read something. I know. You’ve been reading non-stop for the last few months. Who are you kidding? You never did the reading for class, so dig through that closet you’re about to organize and find that copy of Moby Dick you’re grandma gave you three Christmases ago. And there’s nothing wrong with a magazine here and there either. I think if you read for four hours a day, you might be able to get through War and Peace before it’s time to get back to school. Go for it.

2. Go play in the snow. You’re not too old. In fact, you can get more creative now with the sledding. Your ramp can be three times taller than it used to be when you were a kid. You will fly. You can also get pretty technical with your snowman.

Get a butter knife or a chisel and make something creative. You can get really detailed if you try. “Hey. Is that John Stamos standing in that guy’s yard? Nope, just a snowman.” Do you see what I mean? By the way, don’t bother with snow angels. That would be fun for about two minutes, and you’ll get snow down the back of your shirt. Nobody wants that.

1. Nothing. Wait a minute. You don’t really want to do anything do you? After a long semester, you probably just want to lie on the couch and watch the next installment of “Project Runway.” There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s only one month out of your life, and when you get out of college, you won’t have as many opportunities for month-long periods of leisure. Take advantage of the time you have while you have it.

The Reflector Page 8

FEATURE/ENTERTAINMENT

Dinner, concert both rich in tradition

By Erik Kispert Staff Writer The University of Indianapolis held this year’s annual Christmas Celebration concert Dec. 7 and Dec. 9 at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center. The latter performance was followed by the Christmas dinner for faculty and staff, hosted by Polk Food Service (PFS).

The Christmas dinner for students traditionally takes place the week before finals. Ted Polk said that he has hosted the dinner for most of the 33 years he has been affiliated with UIndy.

Polk also hosts the annual feast for faculty and staff members.

Following the Sunday performance of the Christmas Celebration concert, faculty and staff members gathered in the student center for a buffet-style dinner. According to President Beverley Pitts, the event is an important tradition.

“The best part of the night is the reading of the Christmas story. It’s like ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’” Pitts said. “It reminds everyone what Christmas is all about.”

In years past, PFS hired a sculptor to carve ornate ice sculptures in the shapes of swans, candy canes, candles, cruise ships and vases. They have not done so in recent years in an effort to lower costs, according to Marsha Dorsey, a PFS employee.

Debra Davis, an administrative assistant in the Admissions Office, said

she remembers receiving a beautiful Christmas centerpiece featuring a hurricane lamp after the dinner one year.

“Everyone dresses up for the dinner, and that helps make the atmosphere really special,” Davis said.

Polk estimates that around 300 university employees and their family members turn out for the faculty and staff dinner.

An equally important and deeplyrooted tradition is The Christmas Celebration concert. Sandra Osborne, assistant director of financial aid, said she remembers attending the concert as a little girl when her father was an employee at the university.

“It used to be held at the University Heights Methodist Church across [Hanna Avenue]. Hearing the music in a church made it even more special,” Osborne said. “The faculty members used to read the Christmas story from the scripture between songs.”

The concert has been an annual event at UIndy since 1979, when Paul Krasnovsky joined the music faculty.

“The Christmas Celebration concert is UIndy’s adaptation of the famed Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is performed on Christmas Eve at Kings College of Cambridge University,” Krasnovsky said.

Until the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center was completed in 1994, the concert was held at a Methodist church and featured only the choirs.

“In 1979, the music offices at UIndy were located in Good Hall, and there

was not a performance space dedicated to music, so we held it at the church,” he said.

When the new fine arts building opened the format changed, and the university’s instrumental groups began performing in the concert along with the choirs.

“For the last two years, the Christmas Celebration returned to the choironly format, but this year it will once again feature both vocal and instrumental groups,” said Peter Nichols, technical and operations manager of the fine arts center.

Krasnovsky had a few interesting stories to tell about his experiences with past Christmas concerts “One year I was on my way to a rehearsal the day before the concert, and I slammed my middle finger in my front door,” Krasnovsky said. “I had to go to the emergency room to have it stitched up, and they told me I couldn’t conduct with it.”

Krasnovsky said that he did conduct the concert the next day, left-handed, and he had to try to hide that his right hand was wrapped in gauze in such a way that it seemed like he was making an obscene gesture.

“I got the best laughs I’ve ever heard,” he said.

Next year the Christmas Celebration concert will reach its 30th anniversary.

“The Christmas season has so many traditions, and we need them,” Krasnovsky said. “This is one of those great traditions.”

December 12, 2007

Ember is for all ages James Allen Staff Writer

Most authors’ debut novels usually end up on the bottom shelf of a discount cart at a bookstore. They tend to be modestly promising, a sort of foundation on which the author builds his career. This is not true for Jeanne DuPrau’s debut novel The City of Ember, a book you will not want to put down until you run out of pages.

The book’s two main characters, Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, live in a city called Ember, where no natural light can be found. The entire city must rely on lamps in order to see. Its power source is a mysterious underground generator powered by a raging underground river. Beyond the city lights is nothing but complete blackness. When the lights go out in the city at night, nothing can be seen.

Portable lights do not exist. The city is entirely self-contained and selfmaintained. Nothing is known about the creation of the city or anything beyond its walls.

At the age of 12, the citizens begin working. The food is rationed and is grown primarily from a greenhouse or is retrieved from the storage units which, at first, seemed to be endless.

However, the supplies start to run low.

The Builders, those who made the city, left a message in a small box should the eventual need arise to

leave Ember. The Builders decided that the citizens would eventually need to leave the city. The locked box is set to open in the year 220, but before it does, it gets lost in the back of a closet in Lina’s house, hidden away. Lina and Doon soon discover the importance of the document and set out to decipher the code and alert the citizens of Ember about their discovery.

An interesting note about this book is that it will be made into a film, which is set to come out in October of 2008. The movie will star Bill Murray, Tim Robbins and Mary Kay Place (of HBO’s “Big Love”). Lina and Doon will be played by Saoirse Ronan (“Atonement”) and British actor Harry Treadaway (“Control”). The actors seem to fit their parts in the books so far, except for Treadaway who will be a 23-year-old man playing a 12-year-old boy.

The scene in the book in which the generator fails should be interesting to watch.

In the book, the generator, on more than one occasion, breaks down, and the townspeople are left frozen in complete blackness. Director Gil Kenan will have a challenge in adapting those scenes to film.

Overall, the book is well worth the read for anyone.

The main characters are 12 years old, but Harry Potter was only 11 in the first book of that series. Besides, you can never be too old to be a child at heart.

‘Awake’ introduces an original premise with poor presentation

By Kim Puckett Staff Writer

With an original and interesting premise, average acting and poor directing, “Awake” fails to meet its description as a psychological thriller.

Hayden Christensen (“Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith”) stars as Clayton Beresford, Jr., an heir to a billion dollar company who is in need of a heart transplant. During his surgery, Beresford experiences what is called “anesthesia awareness.”

According to the beginning of the film, more than 30,000 people every year experience the phenomenon of anesthesia awareness. When patients are not given the correct amount of

anesthetic for their body weight, they can experience complete paralysis but be fully aware of the entire procedure.

The patients feel pain and are aware of what is going on around them.

Christensen’s character not only feels the unbearable pain of a heart transplant, he also overhears his doctors’ plot to kill him in surgery.

Beresford’s overprotective mother (Lena Olin, “Alias”) and new wife (Jessica Alba, “Good Luck Chuck”) sit nervously in the waiting room as his excruciating surgery experience unfolds.

The concept of anesthesia awareness is brilliant for a film, and even the other plot twists in “Awake” make the movie interesting. However, first-time director Joby Harold fails to carry out the plot in believable or innovative ways.

For example, Beresford leaves his

body during the surgery, runs down the halls of the hospital and relives past conversations. This aspect of the plot only seems to serve the setting of the movie by moving it out of the single surgical room. His out-of-body experience seems pointless and forced, not moving the action of the plot at all.

A rare, thrilling part of the movie occurs when Alba enters the surgical room to check on her new husband’s surgery.

Her complete change of character transforms the entire scope of the film.

Without giving the entire plot away, the drama that ensues almost makes the film worth watching.

Alba, who has had lackluster performances in most of her films such as “Good Luck Chuck” and “Into the Blue,” steps up her acting in this film.

Her performance is not likely to

generate Oscar buzz, but she shows improvement as her character, Sam, evolves over the course of the film.

Alba’s character shows her true colors at the end of the film, changing the audience’s entire outlook on her role in the plot.

This change allows Alba to switch roles herself, playing two completely different women.

A more prestigious and recognized actor, Terrence Howard (“The Brave One”), does not live up to his past performances such as in the Oscarwinning “Crash.” In “Awake,” Howard plays Dr. Jack Harper, Beresford’s doctor of many years. He performs the heart surgery and plays a role in the murder plot against Beresford. Howard seems emotionless and disconnected even when his character is feeling torn and shameful.

Alba’s and Christensen’s characters begin the film in a passionate love affair.

The sex scenes between them are not overly graphic, but they are far too frequent and packed together. With the film only running 78 minutes, the amount of passionate kissing and partial nudity from the two characters is a bit overbearing.

The film “Awake” was mostly a disappointment.

The film did not use its fascinating concept to its full potential. The performances did not boost the appeal of the film either.

With better direction and actors more versed in thriller films, this movie could have been brilliant. I recommend waiting to see “Awake,” and the phenomenon of anesthesia awareness, until it comes out on DVD.

December 12, 2007

The Reflector Page 9

SPORTS

DECEMBER 12, 2007

THE REFLECTOR PAGE 10

Health officials seek to educate campus of increased MRSA threat

By Dan Friend MANAGING EDITOR

infection. Three additional studentathletes were hospitalized for MRSA infections during the same school year.

MRSA presents a larger risk than more commonly diagnosed staph infecThe increasing number of cases of tions due to the bacteria’s resistance the bacterial infection Staphylococcus to commonly prescribed antibacterial medications such as penicillin and and the newer, drug-resistant form, amoxicillin, Moran said. She also said methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus that one of the most dangerous aspects aureus (MRSA), prompted campus of the infection is its tendency to spread health leaders to take preventative rapidly, taking only two to three days to measures as far back as 2005 to stop become a serious medical threat. the spread of the bacterial infection.

Campus health officials did not The school’s first confirmed case wait long to address the issue, Moran of MRSA was found in August 2005, said, as the student health center began and according to registered family nurse practitioner Lynn Moran, direc- working with the athletic training staff and campus residence directors and tor of the University of Indianapolis assistants by October 2005 to spread health and counseling center, it was word of the new bacterial variation and not a pretty sight. ways to recognize and prevent it.

Moran said that a UIndy student“We really need to catch MRSA at athlete was hospitalized and given an early stage, so that’s been our whole fluids intravenously for nearly two focus,” Moran said. “The best way to weeks after contracting the bacterial prevent it is through education.”

Symptoms of a staph or MRSA infection include a “quick eruption” of tender swelling which may appear like a spider bite or pimple, accom- “Quick eruption” of tender swelling panied by redness - Redness and bumps with an - Bumps with an elevated border elevated border, - Rapid swelling and warmness according to Moran.

She also said that rapid swelling and

SYMPTOMS

of MRSA and Staph

MAT

from Page 4

Greyhound wrestling hosts Little State Tournament he and Perkey have known each other from wrestling since they were eight.

“Experience definitely plays a part.

As long as I’ve know Shane [Perkey], we’ve been wrestling,” Horton said.

But according to Yates, the team plans to improve before the second semester, when it will send its top wrestlers to regional and national tournaments.

“As far as wins and losses, we

could definitely do better. We just need to keep improving,” Yates said. “And never be satisfied.”

SWIM

from Page 4

Christmas training to begin relay with an A-cut 15:51.77, a halfminute away from the school record.

This record has not been broken in 11 years.

The ‘Hounds next meet is the UIndy Invitational on Jan. 4-5 at the Ruth Lilly Fitness Center.

warmness are also indicators of the bacteria.

Moran said that most people learned about the easiest way to stop the spread of staph, MRSA and other harmful bacteria from their mothers: washing the hands 3-4 times a day significantly decreases the chance of catching MRSA or staph. Cleaning clothes, bed linens and commonly used hard, flat surfaces with soap and water also will decrease the likelihood of a bacterial infection.

Ned Shannon, UIndy’s head athletic trainer, said that areas where large numbers of people gather in confined areas, such as hospitals and nursing homes, historically have been areas heavily affected by staph and MRSA, which is why athletic teams are generally the first to see its effects.

Sports that involve equipment, such as football shoulder pads or soccer shin guards, pose a greater risk than those that don’t use equipment.

Shannon said that the athletic department has witnessed an increase in the number of staph in recent years, but its migration is not limited to the athletic community.

“We have seen more staph, without a doubt,” Shannon said. “As far as we’re concerned in the athletic world, yes we have. It’s a standard fact. It’s out in the community and it’s in our sports world.”

In 2006 the Student Health Center diagnosed 30 students infected by some form of staph, including 27 studentathletes. Numbers have increased this year, as 35 students were diagnosed as

BBALL

from Page 5

Women’s basketball undefeated “We are definitely not over confident, but we are hungry for the next game,” Freeland said before the game.

During the Thanksgiving holiday break, UIndy played Oakland City University Nov. 21 at Nicoson Hall.

The final score for the night was 77-60.

Mast led the ‘Hounds with 17 points.

“We came out pretty strong against

Staph and MRSA infections at UIndy*

*Statistics provided by the University of Indianapolis Student Health Center

having a form of staph, including 28 student-athletes and one confirmed case of MRSA. Despite the increase in numbers, Moran said that no students have been hospitalized since the first serious outbreaks in 2005.

“We’re getting better awareness,” Moran said. “We know that it’s not going to go away, but we can control it better.”

On campus, Shannon said that the weight room and locker rooms in the Ruth Lilly Fitness Center are areas where students stand a greater risk to come in contact with staph or MRSA. The staph bacterium survives on flat surfaces, both Moran and Shannon said, and in an area such as a weight room where many people contact the same equipment, there is a greater risk

to come in contact with the bacteria.

Antibacterial hand sanitizer dispensers were placed in the weight room and Schwitzer Student Center within the past year, but Shannon said that was more of a general health issue than a move to combat the spread of MRSA or staph.

Shannon said there were going to be more aggressive in targeting at-risk areas with new technology, but there was no panacea for this “new and improved version” of staph.

“There is not one thing that an individual can do to completely prevent him from getting staph or MRSA. It’s a number of different things,” Shannon said. “The one thing that will combat MRSA the best is education.”

Oakland City,” Freeland said. “During the second half, we really relaxed and did not play very well.”

Freeland is the new coach for the UIndy women’s basketball team and she has worked with the team for three months.

“We are still getting used to our coaches and their teaching habits and rules,” Thomson said.

According to Freeland, the team has many strengths and fewer weaknesses.

“Our strengths are our ability to run the floor, and our offense is very effective,” Freeland said. “Our weakness is understanding positioning, but we have been working on that and are starting to see some positive results.”

Thomson is one of the few seniors left on the team and advices freshmen to work hard and improve to the best of their ability.

“It is better to go to practice and the games open-minded and be a good team player,” Thomson said.

This year’s team lost five seniors and gained four freshmen.

“I think our team has a lot of chemistry and the freshmen have brought an immense amount of talent,” Thomson said. “We get along on and off the court, which helps immensely in our play on the court.”

The ‘Hounds travel to St. Petersberg, Fla. on Dec. 15 to play Eckerd College.