University of Indianapolis
Currency concerns Weak U.S. dollar affects student travel Page 10
The Reflector staff sends its condolences to all those affected in the Northern Illinois University tragedy.
THE
reflector .uindy. edu
Reflector
Vol . 86/ Issue 8
February 20, 2008
UIndy greets year of the rat Ind. first lady visits campus By Sarah Haefner Staff Writer
Carolyn Harless/The Reflector
Junior Caoze Qian participates in the Lion Dance to start the festivities at the Chinese New Year celebration on Feb. 7 in Schwitzer Student Center Atrium. The lion dance is performed to scare away the evil beast, Nien.
The University of Indianapolis ushered in the Chinese New Year 4705 in the Schwitzer Center Atrium on Feb. 7. The event was hosted by Asian Programs and the Chinese Student Union. The celebration highlighted many customs and traditions familiar in Chinese culture, including food, dancing, music and a lion dance. Students participated in the event, which lasted approximately three hours. Dr. Phylis Lan Lin, director of Asian Programs, had high hopes for the celebration and UIndy student involvement. “I call it a fusion: Chinese students retain most of their Chinese heritage but are assimilated to American culture—eating American food, seeing American movies, going to church,” Lin said. “But the Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate and welcome a new life perspective, deities of earth and heaven and a lot of prayers.” For the approximately 92 students from China on campus, the celebration was meant to create a sense of belonging. “There are three reasons why Asian Programs co-sponsored the event. We would like to have all of our Chinese students feel that the university is their home away from home,” Lin said. “Second, we would like to encourage and provide an opportunity for our international students to share their traditions and cultural heritage with our American students and the university community. Third, we would like to remind our international students to appreciate our university’s endless efforts in promoting
See NEW YEAR Page 3
Daniels teaches students about heart disease prevention in young women By Adrian Kendrick Feature Editor The University of Indianapolis welcomed Indiana first lady Cheri Daniels on Feb. 6 in Ransburg Auditorium to raise awareness of heart disease with college students through a program called Heart to Heart. According to Daniels, the four goals of Heart to Heart are to increase awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, to empower women to reach out and support others in living a heart healthy lifestyle, to educate women on how to live a healthy lifestyle, and to provide a collection of resources for more information and support for women. “We started the Heart to Heart program specifically to visit college campuses because we felt that a lot of college students are not eating right. They are not exercising, and they are smoking,” Daniels said. “They’re at a great risk, yet they’re at a very young age when they can make changes.” Daniels became interested in heart disease when her mother passed away from the disease. “At that time I did not know it was the No. 1 killer of women,” Daniels said. “When I became the first lady, I thought this would be a good issue to bring to light across the state.” According to UIndy nurse practitioner Vicky Swank, it is important that the governor and his wife both address health care issues. “When you have the head of your state and his wife out there promoting good, healthy habits, I think that’s wonderful,” Swank said. Throughout her speech, Daniels stressed non-modifiable factors (things that cannot be changed) such as gender, age and family history, as well as modifiable factors (things that can be changed) such as physical activity, eating habits, weight, smoking habits and getting
See HEART Page 3
Apartment complex Warren Hall gets an upgrade partners with UIndy By Kim Puckett Staff Writer College Crossing at National apartment complex may serve as one option for students looking for an on-campus living style. The four-story, recently built College Crossing is deemed an approved housing site for UIndy students. The complex houses only students in 52 apartments with two-, three- and four-bedroom options, according to the manager of the building, Binoy Pavagadhi. More than 4,600 students attend UIndy, and with an on-campus housing capacity of about 1,200, many students will be searching for places to live. Even with the current plans for expansion in the university’s future, immediately available space is limited for students who want to live on campus. According to Kory Vitangeli, dean of students, the residence halls are currently about 85 students beyond capacity, with residents living in residence hall basements and lounges. She said the apartment
complex can accommodate students who want to move off campus but still live in the area. “When College Crossing was built, one of the hopes was that it would provide close and convenient housing for students that we weren’t able to accommodate in the residence halls,” Vitangeli said. As a result of College Crossing’s collaboration with the university, students with academic and athletic scholarships or need-based aid covering on-campus living can apply their financial aid to rent costs at the complex. According to Vitangeli, this opportunity is unique. “No students besides College Crossing residents can take their financial aid off campus,” Vitangeli said. Although students living at College Crossing at National still receive commuter parking passes and meal plan options, their financial aid assessments are not affected by choosing to live at the complex, according to Vice President for Business and Finance Michael Braughton. Any aid packages or scholarships that are contingent on students living on
See COLLEGE Page 3
Kim Puckett/The Reflector
College Crossing at National has paired up with the University of Indianapolis to provide students with another residence option. Students can still use on-campus financial aid while living at the complex.
(Left) The first three floors of Warren Hall feature pre-renovated dorm rooms. These rooms have less storage and non-moveable furniture.
(Right) The fourth and fifth floors of Warren Hall were finished in the summer of 2006. The newly remodeled floors feature new carpet, furniture and updated fire escapes.
By Alicia Tuszynski Staff Writer University of Indianapolis administrators plan to complete an estimated $1.2 million renovation of Warren Hall by the beginning of the 2010 fall semester. In 2005, Dean of Students Kory Vitangeli developed focus groups to solicit information from students and concentrate on residents’ expectations about living on campus. Concerns from students included the need for moveable furniture, bigger closets and more storage space. “While evaluating what [students] want to see, we realized we needed to totally renovate and upgrade Warren Hall,” Vitangeli said. According to Physical Plant Director Ken Piepenbrink, in the past, general maintenance (such as upgrading the air conditioning units and replacing windows) was performed annually on all dormitories. “The cost to maintain the building will decrease if we continue upgrading
systems to make the buildings more efficient for living conditions,” Piepenbrink said. The fifth floor was completed in the summer of 2006, and the fourth floor was finished a year later. Functional and safety aspects of the rooms were updated, which entailed re-wiring the lighting and updating sprinkler systems and fire escapes. New carpet in hallways, re-furnishing of beds, drawers, desks and bigger closets were installed to provide better comfort and utilities. According to Piepenbrink, because of rising costs in the construction industry, the original estimate of $220,000 rose to $250,000. The contract states that the university would purchase the furnishings and supplies, and independent contracting companies were hired to install the equipment. When the time came for new freshmen to move into the dorm in the fall of 2007, it was a lucky draw for new residents to live on the new floor. A few incoming freshmen were fortunate enough to reside on the improved floors. Freshman communication major
Carolyn Harless/The Reflector Molly Noonan was one of the incoming freshmen who received a key for a room on the fifth floor- an all girls floor- at the beginning of the year. “My friend lives on the third floor. Comparing the two floors, I am so glad I am living on the new one. It is so much nicer,” Noonan said. An abundance of freshmen caused some to be assigned to live in the basement of Warren Hall this school year. According to Vitangeli, the school hopes to alleviate overcrowding so all residents can live in the new rooms. Warren holds approximately 275 residents. Depending on other campus projects, the final completion of Warren Hall may take less time than expected. “We do a surplus at the end of the year, and depending on the cash flow we decide if we can do more floors at once,” Piepenbrink said. Warren Hall and Corey Bretz are two of the oldest dormitories on UIndy campus. According to Vitangeli, the cycle of improvements are constantly updated and Cravens Hall is the next to be renovated.
OPINION One second, one big mistake for Bill Belichick
February 20, 2008
The Reflector Page 2
By Dan Friend Managing Editor
One second is a long time. The Bill Belichick of Dec. 3, 1995, used just one tick on the clock to show his team how to take advantage of all 3,600 seconds in a regulation football game. Belichick coached the original Cleveland Browns franchise for four years, until the end of the 1995 season, when Art Modell announced on Nov. 6 that he would uproot the franchise to Baltimore. Cleveland, and the Browns, felt betrayed. Less than a month later and nearing the end of a sound 31-10 beating from the San Diego Chargers, Belichick called a sideline pass to stop the clock and then scurried to issue his last time out with, of course, one second remaining. Then Browns place-kicker Matt Stover’s kick doesn’t get through the uprights before the final buzzer, but the margin narrows from 21 to 18 points. Pre-hoodie Belichick proved his point: a regulation football game is 60 minutes, and he wanted his team to play to its bitter conclusion. So why, with one more second until the finale of Super Bowl XLII, did Belichick prematurely scamper across the field with his figurative tail between his legs to avoid the undesirable championship loss? According to a Feb. 5 press conference transcript, Belichick denied that he was aware any time remained on the clock.
In the conference transcript from the Web site www.allthingsbillbelichick.com, Belichick said, “Basically, on that last play I wasn’t really sure of the time…I wanted to congratulate Tom [Coughlin]…They deserved it. There really wasn’t much left at that point.”
Belichick’s lack of personal composure overshadows his coaching brilliance. It should be noted that at least Belichick did congratulate the Giants head coach Tom Coughlin and with a hug. But this excuse seems implausible coming from the man who managed to catch an official’s goof from across the field and had a ruling overturned that the Giants did, indeed, have an extra player on the field who was hovering one stride from the sideline during Super Bowl XLII. Coming from the coach who kept his star-studded lineup on the field until the final play against NFL bottom feeders such as the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins, throttling them 56-10 and 52-7 respectively, the hasty one-second scamper seemed very unBelichick. In the past I have come to the defense of Belichick’s old-school football tactics and lack of desire for the oftabused media limelight. And despite my life-long affair with the Indianapolis Colts (to all the band-
Letterthe Editor
wagoners out there, I have pictures in my Eric Dickerson jersey), I had even prepared to give the Patriots a begrudging nod of approval if they completed the sacred 19-0 season. But at the threshold of history, the “aw-shucks” diligence of Eli Manning and the New York Giants denied the would-be-juggernaut Patriots the title of best team ever, and Belichick could not have behaved more childishly. As Patriots linebacker Junior Seau waited in the tunnel of the University of Phoenix Stadium impatiently tapping his cleats, officials were forced to remind Belichick that one final symbolic second remained, and it needed to be played to conclude the final play of the season’s final (meaningful) game. In anticlimactic fashion, time stagnated on the clock. Call me a purist, but that second sullied the integrity of the game, and it convinced me of what I should have known all along: Belichick’s lack of personal composure overshadows his coaching brilliance. The criticisms and frustration of the Spygate Scandal burned Belichick all season, and he channeled that fire directly into his players, who spent (almost) an entire season scorching opponents and looking for enemies, real or imagined. And in the minutes that ticked down to that last defining moment of the Patriots imperfect 18-1 season, Belichick, consumed by contempt, forgot that important lesson he taught the Cleveland Browns 13 years before: the game must be finished, and it’s a full 60 minutes.
to
Dear Editor:
Dr. Martin Luther King said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Black History Month is a time to reflect back on those who died for us, those who paved the way for African Americans to have the same rights and education as everyone else. One month is set aside to honor African Americans. In order to remember the achievements of African Americans, different organizations, universities or communities put on many programs honoring these triumphs. Black History Month is also about learning about another culture. Some people are afraid to step out of their comfort zone because they have no idea what could happen. That is the beauty of it all. People may think that they know about African American history. They know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman, Fredrick Douglas and Malcolm X. Black history is more than the people and the boundaries that they broke. It is about why they broke these boundaries; why they wanted to be treated equal. It is about the pain they had to suffer and why they went through it. They could have just given up and gone along with everything, but they did not. Instead they fought for the next generation and the generation after that. That is what Black History Month is regarding. It is about knowing your past so you can shape your future. Last year I heard this comment: “It’s Black History Month, the black people decorated.” This was disturbing to me for it showed me that some people just did not understand the importance of learning about another culture. Then I thought how do we, as African Americans, carry ourselves and would our ancestors be proud? We are more violent toward each other; we kill each other over things that have no importance. We talk down about each other when we should be congratulating and encouraging. We, as people of any cultural background, must take that step to understand another culture, for we all live in the same world. The color of our skin and the traditions we have will never change. Maya Angelou said it best “If we lose love and self-respect for each other, this is how we finally die.” Elisha Smith President of the Black Student Association
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Letterthe Editor to
To the Editorial Board of The Reflector: I am extremely disappointed and baffled regarding the lack of coverage by The Reflector of the Music Department’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” which occurred Feb. 1-2. I know firsthand what a major event this was for our campus. I had the privilege of performing with the fine cast and working with the dedicated production staff. The failure of the campus newspaper to acknowledge such a newsworthy undertaking represents, in my opinion, a gross oversight and disregard for an enormous challenge undertaken by so many students, faculty, staff and professional musicians.
Indiana Senate Joint Resolution 7: No equal rights? By Sarah Haefner Staff Writer Legislators passed Indiana Senate Joint Resolution 7 on Jan. 29, approving an amendment to the Indiana Constitution that would define marriage as an institution between a man and a woman, therefore outlawing gay marriage. The resolution further states that any unmarried couple will not receive the same benefits as a married couple. If the resolution is approved by a majority of Indiana voters in November’s general election, the amendment will be added. The Indiana State Supreme Court would be the only means of rendering this amendment null once it’s passed. Whatever view one holds on the rights of homosexuals, this particular resolution hits a hollow note and sends a shiver down the spine of anyone who believes the government should have little, if any, role in the personal affairs of citizens. We have given the government its power in the exchange for protection of our rights—not so that officials may make livelihood decisions on our behalf. One of the most prominent arguments proposed by those opposed to
marriage rights for homosexuals is the belief that homosexuality is immoral. This belief clearly stems from religious doctrine; a doctrine that not all follow and that no one should be forced to follow. This is the basis of our very government and was one of the most important issues at the birth of our nation. It is stated in the First Amendment that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” To force an individual to adapt to your beliefs is nothing short of intolerant self-righteousness.
Indiana should be at the forefront in the fight for equality and liberty for all. The United States has always prided itself on being the forerunner in human rights and civil liberties. The nation used to be characterized by change and progress. On the issue of gay rights, however, we have been surpassed by almost all European countries. According to CBS News, civil unions granting gay couples the same rights as married couples have been in existence since 1989 in Denmark. France and Germany have civil union laws as well.
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.
Logistically speaking, these laws do not make the entire European continent immoral—the European people understand the importance of acceptance and tolerance. I am ashamed to think that the legislators we voted into office have used the power we gave them to continue bigotry, regression of liberties and narrow-minded behavior. I have the overwhelming suspicion that in the future, we, as Indiana citizens, will look back at this point in history and be ashamed of the hate and prejudice we subscribed to if we pass this amendment in November. The country has a long history of allowing our reason to be destroyed by fear—of change, foreign ideas, outsiders and general unconventionality. Instead of fearing others, Indiana should be at the forefront in the fight for equality and liberty for all. Why aren’t we voting people into office who hold these ideals? It is time we send a message to our representatives—Indiana voters believe in a country free of hate. Idealist that I am, if each individual contributes his or her part to progress and change, each state will follow accordingly, creating a country transformed and invigorated with a new sense of hope and a wealth of liberty and prosperity.
On two different occasions, I sent a tip to the editorial staff suggesting that reporters investigate the extensive production that was underway and, for which, preparation and rehearsals had begun in September. But, for some reason, the tips were ignored. Now, I firmly believe in and support the right of the editors to decide what should be published in the newspaper. I cannot understand, however, why they would have ignored something of this scope and magnitude produced and performed by the university community. The production of “The Mikado” boasted a large cast of students in the chorus and in principal roles. The theater department worked diligently to create beautiful sets, costumes and makeup. Accomplished local artists provided impressive stage direction, choreography and lighting. There was the support of a full, professional orchestra under the direction of a faculty conductor. Both performances were given to capacity houses where parents, friends and other guests crowded the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center and rewarded the performers with rousing ovations. Yet, no mention was made of this event before or after the production by The Reflector. I cannot help but wonder if an athletic event of such proportion would have been ignored.
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.
Finally, since there was no previous acknowledgment in the newspaper, I would like to commend publicly all of the fine people who were responsible for making “The Mikado” happen. Thank you for your talent, your commitment, your tireless efforts and for your allowing me the marvelous opportunity to work with you. Bravo! Dr. Billy Catchings Communication Chair
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
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John Arvin Andy Burba Manny Casillas Sarah Haefner
Blake Hall Fangfang Li Kim O’Brien Cecilia Perdomo
Kim Puckett Peter Reddington JP Sinclair Alicia Tuszynski
NEWS
FEBRUARY 20, 2008
CAROLYN HARLESS/THE REFLECTOR
Junior Weijun Shao sings and plays the guitar as part of the Chinese New Year Celebration on Feb. 7 in Schwitzer Student Center.
New Year
from Page 1
Students celebrate Chinese New Year cultural diversity on campus.” The Chinese Student Union also had an instrumental role in the celebration. President Weining Chen said he believed the occasion not only celebrated Chinese culture, but the global community as well. “The whole world is a country,” Chen said. “The most important part was that everyone came together, and I appreciate everyone working with me.” Thousands of miles from home, Chen
couldn’t help thinking of his family during the special season. “I hope every member of my family is okay this year,” he said. Different from American customs, the Chinese New Year is a profound celebration of family. On New Year’s Eve, or Shou Sui, family members stay up late in hopes that it will increase the parents’ longevity. Instead of gifts, parents place money in a red envelope, Ya Shi Qian, and give it to their children. The color red symbolizes good luck and blessing, and the money is meant to ward off the evil beast, Nien. The beast in Chinese culture symbolizes turbulence and destruction, and the lion dance is meant to scare the beast away. Traditional ceremonies also include
firecrackers or loud drums and noises to scare off the beast. A typical celebration features symbolic food. A whole, uncut fish represents an abundance of food for the new year, freedom and conjugal happiness. Uncut noodles represent longevity. Chicken is served because the word “chicken” in Chinese has the same pronunciation as the word “family”. Mandarin oranges bring blessing and fortune, and red tanyuan, or dumplings, represent harmony, family reunion and blessing. The year 4705 is the year of the rat, which is said to bring fortune to the family. Those born in rat years are said to be leaders and pioneers. The presence of Chinese exchange students on campus stems from UIndy’s connection with the Ningbo Institute of Technology. Students study for two years in China and then enter UIndy their junior year. “UIndy is a good fit for these students because it’s small and provides personal attention with small classes and faculty and professors who can help with language and cultural adjustments,” said International Division Assistant Director Geri Watson. Watson said student organizations find it important to create such cultural celebrations for various reasons. “They want to promote their culture and plan events on campus, as well as educate their fellow students,” she said. Such celebrations also allow UIndy students to become acquainted with different cultures. “These celebrations broaden our horizons. We are living in a global village—the era of isolation is over,” Lin said. “We are blessed to have so many international students on campus, and they receive an American education, which provides a diversified learning environment with other cultures. They build and establish life-long friendships.”
HEART
from Page 1
First Lady Daniels comes to UIndy to speak on behalf of the Heart to Heart program
FANGFANG LI/THE REFLECTOR
First lady Cheri Daniels speaks to students as Cindy Adams, director of the Healthy Heart Center, and Connie Wilson, professor of nursing, look on. Daniels spoke about the importance of heart disease prevention.
COLLEGE
from Page 1
College Crossing accepts UIndy financial aid campus will still be granted, unlike for other commuter situations. Braughton worked with the owners of the complex to create a relationship geared to benefit students. After the owners approached Braughton over several years about building student housing, a compromise was finally reached. “The owners eventually convinced themselves that the demand was high enough to do their own project without
any occupancy guarantees from the university,” Braughton said. The collaboration between the apartment complex and UIndy began with the school providing upperclassmen students’ contact information to the owners for advertisement purposes. Beyond providing this information, the school agreed only to cooperate with the complex, not to guarantee a minimum amount of students that would live there, according to Braughton. Braughton also said the university has no plans to turn College Crossing into a residence hall or add it as an official part of campus. In addition to collaborating with College Crossing, the school is working with the city of Indianapolis to have sidewalks
regular check-ups. “Our unhealthy lifestyles [are the reason] why we’re seeing so much heart disease,” Swank said. Cindy Adams, director of the Healthy Heart Center at the Indiana Heart Hospital, also spoke at the event, focusing on how to live a heart healthy life. At the beginning of her speech she showed the audience a survey of what women perceived to be their most significant heath risk. The number one concern was breast cancer. Adams then explained that women’s real concern should be heart disease. She showed statistics of how many women die from the disease every year. “We are trying to spread the word feverously, so people can understand what the real facts are,” said Adams during her speech. built between the school and the apartment complex. Another facet of the agreement adds the apartment complex’s parking areas to the campus police’s regular patrol route, according to the College Crossing Web site. UIndy also has a dormitory for upperclassmen students in the planning stages, and hopes to finish it by the fall of 2009. According to Braughton, the plans include more privacy for resident students. Vitangeli also mentioned the new dormitory’s effect on the university’s agreement with College Crossing. “I don’t know if it [the agreement] will always be this way,” Vitangeli said. “Things may change once we have some more upper-class housing on campus.”
THE REFLECTOR PAGE 3
Ground breaking ceremony held for Schwitzer addition
KIM O’BRIEN/THE REFLECTOR
University of Indianapolis President Beverley Pitts, UIndy Trustee Bill Kiesel, Dean of Students Kory Vitangeli, Indianapolis Student Government President Kevin Dunleavy, Odle McGuire Shook Corp. Project Manager Scott Hunt and F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. President Phillip Kenney break ground on the $13-million expansion of the Schwitzer Student Center on Feb. 5. According to Adams, 10 to 15 years ago heart disease was a man’s disease, and women had nothing to worry about. “We [women] think we are not at risk. We are more likely to have a poor outcome [from a heart attack], to die within the first year of our heart attack and to be disabled,” she said. “It’s a lot worse for us [women].” According to Swank more young people have heart disease today than in the past. “It’s not an old person’s disease any longer,” Swank said. “The changes that you make right now will make a huge impact on not getting heart disease.” Professor of nursing Dr. Connie Wilson addressed the audience about heart health at UIndy and the resources the campus offers. Wilson discussed Polk Food Services and the variety of ways it addresses heart healthy diets, such as serving daily lowsodium entrees, suggested portion sizes and no trans fats or unhealthy oils in the food. Wilson also talked about what the Student Health Center and Koval Nursing Center do to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Blood pressure screenings,
on- and off-campus health fairs, yoga sessions and other activities are part of the KNC program. She also explained what the Ruth Lilly Fitness Center has to offer to students and the variety of sports and facilities available. According to Swank, she would like to see students change their exercise habits. “Leave 15 minutes early for class and walk around campus. Just 15 minutes every day would help,” Swank said. “Research has shown if you can exercise 15 minutes twice a day or 10 minutes three times a day, you are still going to get the benefit [from 30 minutes exercise every day].” Swank also said students should form a buddy system and walk together. This gives students a chance to chat and decompress while exercising. “Certainly if college students don’t pay attention to diet and exercise, they will be seeing heart disease down the road,” Wilson said. Wilson concluded her speech with a quote by V.L. Allineare. “When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no ‘I’ll start tomorrow. Tomorrow is disease.’”
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To sign up for Comm-120 see your adviser today! Questions? Contact Abby Adragna at adragnaaj@uindy.edu.
QUICK LOOK Spring Term registration open to students Registration for Spring Term is now open to all students. All full-time students must complete at least one Spring Term course in order to graduate. Students may register online, or through the Registrar’s Office in Esch Hall 131. To apply online, students must log in to their My UIndy and click on the self-service link. Students must then click on student and financial aid, registration, add or drop class (Spring Term) and submit.
L.A. Times publisher to speak to students, faculty Feb. 21 Los Angeles Times publisher David Hiller will be the featured speaker at the second annual Jerry and Carol Israel Lecture in Public Policy on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. in Ransburg Auditorium. Hiller will present a speech titled “The Future of News - Good News or Bad?” about the rapidly changing media industry.
Student Legacy Scholarships applications now available Applications for the 2008 Student Legacy Scholarships are available in the Financial Aid Office in Esch Hall 141. The scholarships of up to $1,000 are available to three undergraduate students. The non-renewable scholarships are offered by the Class of 2008 Legacy Committee.
SPORTS
The Reflector Page 4
February 20, 2008
Swimmers and divers take third at GLIAC
Senior Alex Arestis earns title of 2008 GLIAC Male Swimmer of the Year, both teams prepare for national meet By Crystal Abrell Distribution Manager
Both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams finished third at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference held at the University of Indianapolis Feb. 13-16. The four-day competition hosted seven swimming and diving teams and was held in the Ruth Lilly Fitness Center. After the competition, twelve UIndy aquatic athletes—seven men and five women—are poised to compete in the national competition held
March 12-15 in Missouri. UIndy athletes saw success throughout the event, and several GLIAC records were broken. Valerie Crosby broke the 100 butterfly mark—previously set by her—swimming the distance in 56.27. “Sometimes the kids get so uptight at the end of the season with fears of not succeeding,” head coach Gary Kinkead said prior to the GLIAC championships. “It is important that the swimmers relax and actually have some fun with it.” According to senior Ellie Miller, lots of preparation goes into getting ready for GLIAC. “To prepare for conference, our practices have decreased in the amount
Fang Fang Li/ The Reflector
Junior Katie Murray prepares for the conference meet at practice.
of yardage over the past week.” Miller said. “This is so we are hopefully rested and ready to swim fast starting on Wednesday. I feel our energy level has increased and that are team is mentally prepared for the meet. Everyone seems to have a positive attitude which is crucial in swimming.” Junior breaststroke swimmer Eric Mundt said positive things are to come. “The season has gone very well up to this point. We have had some amazing individual efforts throughout the year, and it is only going to get better this week at the GLIAC championships,” Mundt said prior to the GLIAC event. The Greyhounds took Fang Fang Li/ The Reflector dual wins over Lewis Senior Bryan Curtis comes up for air while practicing for the breast University on Feb. 2, in the final meet prior to the stroke event. GLIAC Championships. The ‘Hounds closed the night with a win of gain him an NCAA B-cut on Jan. 26. events. 140-83 for the women and 148-75 for He also took a win in the 50-freestyle On Jan. 26 the ‘Hounds competed the men. with a 21.74 and won the 200-yard against Wabash College in Crawfords The men and women both won the freestyle relay with a 1:26.66. ville, Ind., bringing back wins in 12 out 200-medley relay. Junior sprinter and According to Mundt, the season of 16 events, which gained a 181-117 freestyle swimmer, Isabela Tarfur won has gone very well up to this point, dual win for the ‘Hounds. the 50-freestyle with an NCAA B-cut and several guys have qualified for Arestis won the 200-freestyle with time of 24.21. Miller, a distance and the national meet. at 1:42.01, and the 100-freestyle sprint freestyle swimmer, won the 1000 “We have had some amazing with 46.20. Junior diver Randy Weiss freestyle with a 10:56.52 and the 500individual efforts throughout the year, took 237.55 points in the 1-meter and freestyle with a time of 5:24.40. and it is only going to get better this 265.05 points in the 3-meter spring. Senior freestyle swimmer Hanno week at the GLIAC championships,” Sophomore Marios Panagi was Ahonen won the 200-freestyle with a Mundt said. “We have a very solid named Great Lakes Intercollegiate time of 1:44.52. Senior Alex Arestis team this year, and we are pretty conAthletic Conference (GLIAC) Male took a victory in the 50-freestyle with fident going into this weekend. We Swimmer of the Week. Panagi is the a 21.71 and also had another victory have trained very hard throughout the third male ‘Hound to be named swimin the 100-freestyle with a 47.41 time. season. With the GLIACs coming up, mer of the week following Arestis and The men’s and women’s teams both we have been resting, and all the hard freshman Alican Alicli. Panagi won the won the 200-freestyle relay, ending work will definitely pay off.” 100-yard backstroke with a 51.88 to the meet with wins in 21 out of the 26
Wrestlers prepare to suit up for regional By JP Sinclair Staff Writer The Greyhound wrestling team is ranked 13th in NCAA Division II standings. UIndy wrestlers faced Findlay University on the mat on Thursday, but lost 18-15. The ‘Hounds lost half of the dual meet’s ten matches. Sophomore 141-pounder Matt Irwin earned an 8-5 overtime win, putting him just one win away from tying the Greyhound season win record of 42. Senior 133-pounder Shane Perkey also notched an 8-3 decision in the Senior Night competition. The ‘Hounds beat nine other schools
to take first at the Ed South Invitational at Carson-Newman College on Feb. 9. UIndy had three of the day’s first place wrestlers, helping them push to a first-place finish; as Lynn Panko, Shane Perkey and Matt Irwin earned top honors. Shane Perkey (31-5) was 3-0 on the day, sweeping the 133-pound class. Perkey had to beat eighth-ranked Kent Pierson from host school Carson-Newman in the championship final. Perkey is now ranked second in the nation in his class. When it came to the 141 pound bracket, Matt Irwin (40-4) ruled all, going 4-0 on the day. Irwin is also currently leading Division II in wins and is in the top 10 across all divisions of the NCAA in the win column. He is ranked fifth in the 141 weight class.
Women’s basketball loses share of first place to NKU By Dan Friend & Peter Reddington Managing Editor & Staff Writer
The University of Indianapolis women’s basketball team (18-5, 10-5 GLVC) faced off against the University of Northern Kentucky in a showdown for the top spot in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Saturday in Highland Heights, Ky. The teams were tied for first place going into the game, but the NKU squad walked off the court victorious, 68-60. After gaining the lead at the twoand-a-half minute mark , the ‘Hounds led the Norse through halftime and nine minutes into the second half. However, the UIndy squad would not make a field goal in the final five minutes, as the Norse gained the lead for good with just over four minutes remaining. A tough win against Bellarmine University kept the ‘Hounds in the hunt for the first place spot, as they edged out the Knights, 61-58 on Feb. 14. Freshman forward Samantha Meissel set the pace with twentythree points and nine rebounds, and the team shot 90-percent from the free-throw line. According to first-year assistant coach Constantin Popa, The ‘Hounds corrected previous errors to beat the University of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles 63-56. “We did a lot better job of sticking to our game plan and doing the things necessary to win,” Popa said. The ‘Hounds remained tough in
what Popa said was one of the roughest games of the season, which led the Lady ‘Hounds to the free-throw line, where the team made 90-percent of its shots. “This was by far our most physical game of the year. We’ve been trying to get our forwards to use their body’s more inside, and I think the girls did a great job of putting that into effect this game,” Popa said. The lead changed four times within the final three and a half minutes against Kentucky Wesleyan University, but the ‘Hounds came out on the wrong side of a 60-59 final last Thursday. According to Popa, the ‘Hounds did not move the ball around the court enough and played uncharacteristic of their normal style. Kentucky Wesleyan was vastly outnumbered with a mere eight players on the starting roster, as opposed to UIndy’s 15. Mast came off the bench in her first game back from her wrist injury, scoring 13 points and surrendering six turnovers. “We didn’t stick to our game plan at all,” Popa said. “I thought that, especially down the stretch, we didn’t play our style of basketball, and we let [KWC] control the pace of the game. We [also] had trouble with our rotations and didn’t move the ball around enough.” Mast was also named to the College Sports Information Directors Association of America (CoSIDA)/ ESPN The Magazine Women’s Basketball Academic All-District 5 Second Team. The ‘Hounds will host Lewis University at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 21.
Former high school Indiana State champion Lynn Panko (28-10) was also 4-0 on the day. He beat third ranked Cy Wainwright of Newberry College 5-2 in an overtime victory to take first overall in the 285-pound weight class. Panko is a two -sport athlete who also plays linebacker for the UIndy football team. Chad Woods (37-16) and Mike Horton (34-12) both took second place finishes in the 149 and 157 weight classes, respectively. Senior Brandon Gardner went 3-1 and earned third in the 165 weight class. “Its important, it could have a lot implications on seeding,” said head coach Jay Yates. “We have a lot of young guys that will have an opportunity next season.” The Reflector acknowledges its mistakes. Each issue, we will print corrections on the Opinion Page. If we omit anything, please contact us at reflector@uindy.edu.
Six-game skid leaves men’s basketball post-season outlook bleak, four wins needed with four remaining By JP Sinclair Staff Writer
The University of Indianapolis men’s basketball team (12-11, 6-9 GLVC) have dropped six games to fall to the sixth and final spot in the GLVC East. The ‘Hounds lost to NKU on Saturday night, 70-57. The Northern
Kentucky University Norse jumped on the ‘Hounds early and led 38-18 at halftime. The UIndy squad struggled to find its stroke from behind the threepoint line, as they made just four of 17 attempts. The team is 5-8 away from Nicoson Hall this season, and recently concluded a winless 5-game stretch of away games. The ‘Hounds shot just 65 percent from the free-throw line in a 61-54 loss
Dustin Brown/ The Reflector
Senior forward Justin Barnard drives to the basket in a 74-65 win against Brescia University in the season opener.
to Bellarmine University on Feb. 14. “We need to be more resolved going into the game,” Waltman said. “I’ve been really happy about how we have played when we are down, if we played that hard in the beginning we wouldn’t be down.” UIndy last played the University of Southern Indiana on Feb. 9 in Evansville, Ind. UIndy is last in the East division and USI is second in the West division of the GLVC. At halftime the ‘Hounds trailed 26-36. After the break the Cougars stretched the lead to 18. Senior guard DeAndre Brock scored 22 of his 28 points in the second half trying to keep the ‘Hounds in the game. Junior guard Keith Radcliff, senior forward Justin Barnard and Brock all hit triples down the stretch and evaporated the lead to within five, before the game was over. Radcliff had a career high 15. Junior guard Tyke Cockerham added 12 and also had six rebounds. The Greyhounds traveled to Kentucky Wesleyan University (KWU) (21-3, 11-2 GLVC) on Feb. 7. KWU is ranked No. 1 in the GLVC East and No. 24 in the nation. This game marked Justin Barnard’s 1000 point scoring mark of his career. “I look back on the years and years of hard work, of shooting in middle and high school, and its really paid its dividends,” Barnard said.
See BBALL Page 9
SPORTS
February 20, 2008
Greyhound baseball starts season with wins By Kim Pucket Staff Writer
The University of Indianapolis baseball team began its 2008 season with a winning weekend against previously undefeated University of West Georgia Feb. 11. The ‘Hounds finished the two-day series in Carrollton, Ga., with a 2-1 record to start the season. UIndy came back from an eight-run deficit in the sixth inning, scoring 11 unanswered runs to win 14-11. On Feb. 9, the ‘Hounds split with their opponent, losing 8-4 in the first game and winning 11-6 in the second. Head coach Gary Vaught listed the team’s bunting and defense as factors in its success. “We played 23 out of 25 innings good,” Vaught said. “Just the way the kids played together as a team, we are really proud of that.” In addition to the players, Vaught credited his coaching staff with the wins in West Georgia, which gave him his 600th career-win. “The 600 wins represent the staff that I’ve had and the players that I’ve had,” Vaught said. Vaught also said that the most memorable part of his landmark win was his players coming back from an 11-3 deficit. Dalan Dugger, senior short stop and third baseman, said the team’s offense played a large part in the weekend series win. “On the offensive side from the weekend, we had, I think, a team total of 34 hits, which is really good in just three games,” Dugger said. The UIndy baseball coaching staff brought in over 20 new players in the fall season and two at the semester break to assess as part of the possible roster. After final cuts, the team has a roster of 30 players. Dugger said the new additions and a large roster benefit the team. “Last year, we struggled a bit with injuries and sometimes didn’t have a person who could play another spot,” Dugger said. “This year is different. If someone gets injured, then we have two or three guys who can fill in at that spot.” Vaught said he expects this season to be a winning one and hopes to improve on last season’s 29-27 overall record. “I know we have power and speed, and I know the pitching is going to be there,” Vaught said. “We just have to find the right combination of players. We haven’t ever in the past had this depth of players.”
See BASEBALL Page 9
Dustin Brown/ The Reflector
Last year’s Greyhound baseball team, pictured here, finished the season 29-27. Coach Vaught said he hopes to improve on that record this season.
The Reflector Page 5
Track and field teams work to compete, build team camaraderie By Marcus Whalbring Entertainment Editor
The men’s and women’s track and field teams traveled to Wabash University Feb. 9 to compete in the Wabash Open Indoor Invitational. As the team continues the season, head coach Paul Fangman said he’s seen his team grow closer together in camaraderie. The women scored well in many of the events. Junior Nichelle Curtis placed first in the 55-meter dash with a final time of 7.28. Sophomore Shannon Smith placed third with a final time of 7.38. In the 200-meter dash, Curtis finished second with a time of 25.81, Smith finished third with a time of 26.15 and freshman Bisi Sanuth finished fourth with a final time of 27.09. Saidat also finished second in the 400-meter run with a final time of 1:02.35. In the 55-meter hurdles, red shirt senior Andrea Cook finished first with a final time of 8.51, sophomore Krista Leffers finished second with a time of 8.99 and sophomore Porshe Jackson finished fourth with a time of 9.21. In the 200-meter hurdles, Leffers finished second with a time of 30.19 and junior Carolyn Harless finished fourth with a time of 31.96. In the women’s high jump, Jackson finished sixth with a height of 1.48 meters. In the pole vault, junior Morgan Venne finished ninth, clearing 2.60 meters, and sophomore Shayna Smith finished tenth, clearing 2.60 meters. Harless finished seventh in the long jump event with a distance of 4.93 meters. In the triple jump, Cook finished seventh with 9.82 meters. In the shot put, sophomore Courtney Kuzmicz finished fourth with a distance of 12.08 meters, and senior Lara Lubbe finished eighth with a distance of 11.68 meters. In the weight throw, Kuzmicz finished second with a distance of 15.94 meters and set an NCAA Division II provisional-qualifying mark. Kuzmicz was named the GLVC Indoor Female Track Athlete of the Week for her performance.
In the men’s 55-meter dash, junior Freddie Helms finished first with a final time of 6.39, setting school, meet and fieldhouse records and qualifying provisionally for the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships. Helms also was named GLVC Male Track Athlete of the Week for this performance. In the 200meter dash, senior Anthony Flournoy finished first with Dustin Brown/ The Reflector a time of 22.40, and Helms finished Sophomore Krista Leffers practices hurdling second with a time during practice earlier this season. of 22.54. In the 400-meter run, Flournoy finished first distance of 18.61 meters, and Myers with a final time of 49.28. finished third with a distance of In the 55-meter hurdles, Kyle 15.70 meters. Vossler finished fourth with a time of Little said he expected to do well 8.01. In the 200-meter hurdles, sophoat Wabash and hoped that the performore Skyler Mattox finished second mance came second to the attitude with a final time of 25.47. that coach Fangman had instilled in In the 2000-meter steeplechase, him and the rest of the team. senior Bryce New finished third with a “We’re trying to build up a family time of 6:32.31. and friendship sort of community,” In the men’s 4x200 meter relay, the Little said. “Coach [Fangman] used Greyhounds finished second. That team the example of the Patriots to explain consisted of Cotton, Mattox, Vossler why it’s important to be a family. and freshman Kevin Keene. They didn’t stick together, but the In the high jump, sophomore Bryan Giants were a family, and that’s why Back tied for first with a height of 1.93 they won.” meters. In the pole vault, sophomore Little and his teammates had Cory Fornal finished fifth with a height five days to train for the event, and of 4.40 meters. In the long jump event, Fangman said training for his team Mattox finished second with a dissometimes varies. tance of 6.73 meters, freshman Kyle “When you have a player with Keller finished fifth with a distance of the potential to qualify for nationals, 6.28 meters and senior Brian Maloney you want to train him or her a little finished sixth with a distance of 6.10 differently,” Fangman said. meters. Maloney also finished fourth in Fangman named a few players the men’s triple jump with a distance of who fit that description. Among 12.65 meters. others, he mentioned Little, Shannon In the men’s shot put, freshman Smith, Michelle Smith, and Mattox. Craig Myers finished fourth with a But Fangman wished to make clear distance of 14.43 meters, and freshman that his team’s community meant Dustin Gilpatrick finished fifth with a more to him than their numbers. distance of 13.90 meters. “Our team camaraderie is the In the men’s weight throw, sehighest it’s ever been,” Fangman nior Willie Little finished first with a said. “I would rather have that.”
FEATURE
The Reflector Page 6
February 20, 2008
UIndy guides students in the right direction Former students say UIndy prepared them well for their profession By Meisha Baker Business Manager
Choosing a career can be a hassle, especially when a student is first entering college. Discovering which academic programs the school specializes in can help the student determine what they want and do not want to pursue. The University of Indianapolis offers an array of majors, minors and concentrations to prepare students for most professions that may peak their interests. For the 2006-07 graduation year, the most popular degrees at UIndy were: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Arts and Science in Psychology, Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical
Therapy. The most popular degree is the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences with an overall enrollment of 1,145-day division undergraduate full-time students. According to Mark Weigand, vice president of student affair and enrollment services, the most popular major for students upon arrival is undecided because many incoming freshmen are uncertain what path they want to choose in life. That should not alarm students because the statistics are constantly changing. “There’s a lot of movement from when students are freshmen to the outcome,” Weigand said. To lessen uncertainty, the university has a system that allows students to choose a major before they arrive at college so that the school can keep accurate results of which students are in particular majors. “We actually call each student the week before registration to make sure that we have the right major. We try
to help them the best that we can,” Weigand said. During the transition from high school to college, many students may fear they will not make the right decision about choosing a major, let alone a degree. “The more information you learn about a career and the curriculum that goes along with it, the better you can make a decision,” Weigand said. “The workshops that Career Services hosts are designed to make students think about the skills they have and what they need to do to refine those skills.” Career Services gives students information about what employers look for when hiring employees. “We point them in the direction of what kinds of jobs and internships are available to them,” said Paul Gabonay, director of career services. “Our job is to help [students] find environments where they can prepare and develop their own skills. Good communication
skills are one of the most important skills that students need to have for success in the real world.” Along with good communication skills, students need to demonstrate solid interviewing skills as potential candidates for a job, those skills will show employers that they are the most qualified person for the position. Career Services offers practice employment interviews to assist students in sharpening their interviewing skills and allow them to meet with outside consultants. “Being at the university helped me to broaden my academic scope resources and be more current in the [physical therapy] field,” said former student and Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Dr. Mary Ann Shurig. Clinical instructor and former student Cindy Lewis, RN, believes UIndy prepared her well for the position that she has now. “When I am interviewing [potential candidates] now, and I see a UIndy
grad, hands-down I call that one first. I know they’re well prepared. I know the program they’ve been through, the expectations. It is not an easy program,” Lewis said. Although some majors and degrees are more popular than others, UIndy allows students to stay in control of their own destiny by assigning academic advisors and allowing students the opportunity to take advantage of what Career Services has to offer. With smaller class sizes, students are allowed to learn more about careers and what is involved in the curriculum to make a decision about choosing what degree will best fit their future. “My experience as a student, and looking back now as an administrator, is that the university has a wealth of resources for students both in terms of the people that are here and also the information that’s available,” Weigand said. “I think the students that do take advantage of those are the students that are going to leave here best prepared.”
Community service impacts both community and students
By Sarah Haefner Staff Writer
The walls resolute in their industrial fortitude, the ceilings high and proud, and the floors creaking with invitation and curiosity, the building had decided character that could only be explained by its long, tumultuous history. Once a factory for carburetors and close to destitution in the early 1990s, the vision of a redevelopment committee kept the building from ruin by renting the space out to get local artists. Another institution, however, had enough foresight to get involved with the historic structure. The University of Indianapolis leased the extra space of the Wheeler Arts Academy in Fountain Square for classrooms, offices, and what would be an integral part of the Community Programs Center (CPC) and UIndy’s mission for education for service. Only one of numerous programs offered by the CPC, the Wheeler Arts
Community is a prime example of the core mission of the center. “The center connects students and faculty by creating partnerships with community groups, community agencies, and other institutions so that when our students are out in the community, we’re going to have a good idea of what kind of learning they’re going to be engaging in and the quality of those experiences,” said Professor of Social Sciences and CPC Director Tim Maher. Maher had a broader concept of analyzing the effects of civic service on volunteers, as well as the community. “I was particularly interested in seeing if we could concentrate our civic engagement programs in a particular area, so that we could have some gauge on whether we are really, positively impacting the community, or whether it was just a one-sided thing where our students benefit but the community may not,” Maher said. The CPC chose to concentrate its programs on the southeast side of the neighborhood, which has benefited from the volunteers who sign up for projects and the community. “If you’re a student and you’re out
doing some kind of service, you feel kind of lost. Here, there are so many UIndy students that you’re not likely to be alone,” Maher said. “Also, when students are out here doing community service, they find the community to be really intriguing. They come back and spend money, which stimulates the economy and helps the community grow.” The CPC has contacts with numerous programs that appeal to a variety of skills and interests. The Wheeler Arts Academy provides opportunities in art and theatre for disadvantaged youth while the Southeast Neighborhood Development works primarily with rehabilitating houses and landscaping. Another program students can get involved in is the Laurelwood Housing Community, which has made strides to connect local youth with university students. Second-year physical therapy graduate student Kristy Habiby became involved in Laurelwood four years ago at the request of a friend. Currently, she is the graduate assistant volunteer coordinator. “Laurelwood works with families
typically 100 percent below the poverty line. Volunteers meet every Tuesday for two hours off-campus and prepare a craft, activity and snack for kids ages five to 16,” Habiby said. UIndy students have a unique advantage concerning volunteer work with children. “Most of these kids don’t have a positive role model, especially someone in college. A college student may be able to encourage these kids to consider college in the future,” Habiby said. Students who view “community” on a larger scale may also consider national or international service opportunities. Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs is offering a pilgrimage to Koidu, Sierra Leone, in May of 2008. Working with Operation Classroom, Reverend L. Lang Brownlee, champlain of Ecumenical Interfaith Programs will take eight students, a staff member and a graduate alumnus to rehabilitate the interior of a library in a country largely decimated by civil war in the 1990s. “We demonstrate our values by how we live and what we do. There is so much need, and the need is so great,
that what we do feels like so little. Sitting back and doing nothing is not an option,” Brownlee said. The Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs hopes to offer an international service opportunity every other year for as long as students are interested. “It’s best to be educated about the realities of your world. We become better world citizens without preconceptions and prejudices. I hope students feel empowered as they help and realize they have gifts to offer others,” Brownlee said. Near or far, the impact community service has on individuals is immeasurable. “When you make friends with a kid who’s 12 years old and probably doesn’t have a place in the world, lives in a community that doesn’t have a lot to offer…well maybe the kid doesn’t get in trouble and leads a normal life,” Maher said. “Is that a success? Yes, I think so.” The CPC office is located in Good Hall, Room 222. For information on the Laurelwood Housing Community contact Kristy Habiby at habibyk@ uindy.edu.
School for Adult Learning celebrates 10th anniversary Adult students are happy with SAL’s programs
By Andrew Gouty Online Editor
The University of Indianapolis School for Adult Learning (SAL) is celebrating its 10th anniversary. To celebrate its anniversary, the SAL will continue its yearlong calendar of events with an Anniversary Dinner for students, alumni, and faculty on April 11th. Founded in 1998, the program has solidified since that time to provide adult learners (over the age of 24) with access to more courses, degree options and university services. Two degree options are offered through the accelerated program: a bachelor of liberal studies and a bachelor of science in organizational leadership. In addition, topics courses also are available in cooperation with various UIndy undergraduate programs and professors. Students in SAL are offered courses through three five-week sessions over the course of a fifteen-week semester. “One of the things that we have done is to establish course rotations, so that students know when particular courses come up, and that gives them the ability to plan ahead,” said Dean of the School for Adult Learning Pat Jefferson. More than 400 adult students attend courses through the program, many of which carry course loads in excess of 12 hours per semester, in addition to full-time jobs. In an effort to make the programs more accessible to adult students returning to a university environment, the SAL molds itself around the schedules of its students. Office hours generally run until 7 p.m. daily; and admissions, financial aid and other functions are handled internally to minimize red tape. In addition, many campus services taken for granted by UIndy undergraduates also are available to students in the accelerated program. The office of Career Services, the Academic Success Center, the Krannert Memorial Library and the Ruth Lilly Fitness Center all are made available to students in the SAL. Upon entering the program, students are required to take a Return to Learn-
ing course, in which they are introduced to the university format, their own style of learning, and university services available to them. From that point on, students take courses similar to courses taken by traditional undergraduate students. The theme of this 10th anniversary celebration is “Ten Years. Ten Faces. Ten Stories.” The following stories from alums represent hundreds of adult students that have benefited from SAL. Cindy Bell Class of 2007 Faced with a bleak job outlook in the automotive industry, Cindy Bell left a general sales management position at the now-closed Sharp Ford dealership just west of UIndy’s campus on Hanna Avenue Bell had taken classes as an undergraduate student at Indiana University and Purdue University Indianapolis, but did not finish a degree. Having heard about the School for Adult Learning through a friend, Cindy enrolled in the program in 2003 and graduated in May of 2007 with a bachelor of science in organizational leadership. “I really wanted to change careers and I started to take courses online through Northwood University…it just didn’t work out,” Bell said. After applying through the UIndy SAL, Bell was accepted into the program in a matter of weeks. “The University of Indianapolis was a completely different experience,” Bell said. “I expected it to be more impersonal, but I had people asking my opinion in class, which didn’t matter before.” Now a UIndy alumnus, Bell is considering further education, possibly a master’s degree or a career change (and more studies) in the field of Nursing. Cindy Sturm Class of 2003 Entering the School for Adult Learning in 2001, Diana Sturm was able to complete her studies and obtain a bachelor of liberal arts degree in May of 2003. After graduation, Sturm achieved her career goals as an appointed United Methodist pastor. Sturm describes her education as an “exciting adventure.” “The staff in the School for Adult Learning put me at ease immediately, and I was off flying,” she said “I never had any doubts.”
Alicia Tuszynski/The Reflector
Former “Survivor” winner Ethan Zohn visited the UIndy campus Feb. 6th and spoke to a crowd in Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center. He discussed using his $1 million dollar prize to co-found Grassroot Soccer, an organization that uses the power of soccer to fight the spread of AIDS and provides African youth with the knowledge, skills and support to live HIV free. To read more about Ethan Zohn’s appearance on campus flip to Page 8
February 20, 2008
ENTERTAINMENT
The Reflector Page 7
Art Walk adds sculptural color to Campus Nicki Crisci Opinion Editor
Walking around the university, students may notice vibrant colors of yellows and reds or the piercing gleam of steel that comes from the addition of sculptures that have been added to the previous year’s pieces. These sculptures, 17 in all, are part of the university’s sculpture walk. For the past three years, the university has brought in sculptures, which
Alicia Tuszynski/The Reflector
“Adam and Eve” is by Lee Benson, Chair of Art and Design at Union University.
can be seen from different points on campus. The arrival of such pieces all stemmed from the Universal Continuum piece outside Krannert Memorial Library that was donated by alumni for the university’s centennial anniversary in 2002. “The centennial piece became a focal point of the campus,” said Dee Schaad, chair and professor of art and design. “If you look at all the campus brochures, it’s always in everything. It really shows you the importance of sculptures on our campus.” The Sculpture Walk saw its beginnings three years ago when Schaad found that other communities had such pieces around. Schaad thought the university should consider having sculptures and was able to receive an inquiry grant from Lilly to begin the project. The particular pieces on campus were collected through advertisements in the Art Calendar, which asked artists to submit art for inclusion in the campus sculpture walk. The artists, he said, were then asked to rent out their work for a year. At the end of the year, they pick up their work. “We select pieces that we want and we deal with them in a way that seems most appropriate for the campus,” Schaad said. In the first year of the program the department had 30 entries to choose from and ended up with six. Now in the third year, there are 16 sculptures on campus chosen from hundreds of submissions. The pieces are not restricted to the
locality of Indiana, however. The Art Calendar advertises nationally and, Schaad said, provides equal opportunities for every artist. For instance, University of Indianapolis graduate student Catherine Schlebecker submitted a piece after seeing a posting from the Indianapolis Arts Council, and it was selected. Her piece, “Flowers and Wallpaper” now resides near the Sease Wing of the library. “I was ecstatic when I found out my piece was chosen. I love where my sculpture is. It fits beautifully between the trees in the outdoor setting,” Schlebecker said. Among the pieces that are located across campus, nine are new this year: “Jacob’s ladder,” “Dot to Dot,” “Temple XVIII,” “Numinous Wedge,” “Caterpillar,” “Freedom’s Folly,” “Quit Whining,” “Sol y Sombra” and”Adam and Eve.” The locations to these new pieces are mapped out on UIndy’s art department Web site. According to Schaad, a number of the pieces have been donated to the university, put on permanent loan— meaning that the artist still retains the right to take the piece, but lets the campus hold onto it—or purchased. The other pieces are only rented for a year by the artist or, recently, for a two-year period. Another change to the sculpture walk this year is the welcoming of another sponsor: Fifth Third Bank. This year, according to Schaad, the arts office heard that Fifth Third Bank supported art initiatives and contacted
Best Picture: “No Country for Old Men,” “Michael Clayton,” “Atonement,” “There Will Be Blood,” “Juno”
that moved things forward, more so than the directors. And what’s with the lack of a nomination for Joe Wright, the mastermind behind the miracle of a film that was “Atonement”? Other sad snubs include Werner Herzog (“Rescue Dawn”), Sean Penn (“Into The Wild”) and the genius experimenter Todd Haynes (“I’m Not There”).
Alicia Tuszynski/The Reflector
“Caterpillar,” by Brian Ferribly, stands on the northeast portion of Smith mall. the bank to see if they were interested. my graduate work at UIndy, I will con “The regional president of Fifth tinue to make more public sculptures,” Third Bank was down here visiting Schlebecker said. the branch, looked at our campus and The next big project the department wanted to support it. They now help is anxiously awaiting, Schaad said, is sponsor the project,” Schaad said. the renovation of Hanna Avenue so that Next year, Schaad is determined to the art can be showcased out on the get larger quality pieces and add more avenue. locations for statues so the university This, he said, will draw more interwill be seen as an art-friendly campus. est and prospective students. He said that once people see these For now, the sculpture walk continworks of art, they will be more likely to ues to grow in pieces, and students can want to submit pieces. view these works on daily trips through “My hope is that after completing campus.
Oscar season ’08 arrives: A rundown of the nominees The Deal: While I thoroughly enjoyed all these films, it’s a shame that a few very strong works were left out of the race. I was very much expecting “Sweeney Todd” to grab a nomination in this category. It’s possibly Tim Burton’s best. That spot went to “Juno.” Ridley Scott has a history of spectacular movies (“Blade Runner,” “Gladiator”), and “American Gangster” was no different. Another director who made a major masterwork was the alwaysreliable David Cronenberg with his fantastic thriller “Eastern Promises”. It would have made up for his “History of Violence” snub. Best Director: Julian Schnabel for “The Diving Bell and The Butterfly,” Joel and Ethan Coen for “No Country For Old Men,” Jason Reitman for “Juno,” Tony Gilroy for “Michael Clayton,” Paul Thomas Anderson for “There Will Be Blood” Knight-Ridder Tribune Graphics/MCT
Emmanuel Casillas Staff Writer As far as Oscars go, this year will be remembered as the year when the Oscars nearly didn’t happen. As is the case every year, there are things about the nominations to cheer for and things to yell about. Come on, it wouldn’t be the Oscars if that weren’t possible. So here’s a rundown of the major categories, and why Oscar made some of the stupidest decisions this year.
The Deal: Sidney Lumet, at 83, is still a major movie-making force. His body of work includes masterpieces such as “Twelve Angry Men” and “Network,” yet he has never been awarded an Oscar for Best Director, and this year will be no different. A shame, since his latest, “Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead,” is absolutely electrifying. If he never wins, he will join a host of great film directors who were also never awarded, such as Alfred Hitchcock, Robert Altman and Orson Welles. Other shameful shut-outs are the aforementioned Ridley Scott and David Cronenberg. While I like “Juno” and “Michael Clayton,” it was more the scripts and ensemble casts
‘Fools Gold’ a treasure Sami Shelton News Editor
With February being the month of love, we are sure to see several romantic comedies make their way to the silver screen this season. “Fool’s Gold,” directed by Andy Tennant, is one chick-flick that you may actually be able to get your partner to watch. The movie begins with island bum Benjamin “Finn” Finnegan (Matthew McConaughey, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”) scuba diving in a reef just off a Bahamian island. During the dive, Finn and partner Alfonzo (Ewen Bremner, “Elizabeth I”) discover a shard of a dinner plate that bears the family crest of 18th century Spanish royals. They believe the shard is from the sunken ship Aurelia, which contained massive amounts of treasure. This is just the beginning of Finn’s misfortunes, as he and Alfonzo are soon picked up by two of Bigg Bunny’s henchmen. Bigg Bunny had loaned Finn a large amount of money to bring back treasure, and a shard of the dinner plate did not impress him. Finn is taken out to sea by the henchmen, chained up and dropped into the open ocean. Amazingly and predictably, Finn manages to escape the chains, float in open waters overnight and get picked up by some intoxicated college students on spring break in Florida. During all this, Finn is supposed to be getting divorced at a meeting with his soon-to-be-ex-wife and fellow treasure hunter Tess Finnegan
(Kate Hudson, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”). Of course he is late to the meeting due to being stranded at sea, so what very little he owns (including the sunken Booty Call) is given to Tess without argument. It is very obvious here that Finn and Tess still love each other. After the meeting, Finn tells Tess about his treasure, but they ultimately go their separate ways. Of course, they are almost instantly reunited when Finn saves the hat of Tess’ boss’ (Nigel) high-maintenance, celebrity daughter Gemma (Alexis Dziena). Finn makes his way on board, realizes that Tess works on the yacht and they both manage to convince Nigel to fund their hunt for Aurelia’s treasure. Tess and Finn scour the island for clues as to where the ship may have sank, and end up finding the answers in the oldest building on the island, a church. All of the historic treasure is displayed in a museum, and everyone involved with the hunt becomes very rich. Tess and Finn, not surprisingly, re-marry in the end. Although “Fool’s Gold” is not a deep, philosophical, thought-provoking movie, it is a humorous chickflick that most men will even enjoy. The beautiful footage of the Bahamas is enough to warm up a cold winter night, and the sparks between another McConaughey/Hudson romance are more than enough reason to see this movie. If you are looking for a good date movie, “Fool’s Gold” is an excellent choice.
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis in “There Will Be Blood,” George Clooney in “Michael Clayton,” Johnny Depp in “Sweeney Todd,” Tommy Lee Jones in “In The Valley of Elah,” Viggo Mortensen in “Eastern Promises” The Deal: Denzel Washington may already have two Oscars, but there was no ignoring his mighty awesome performance as Frank Lucas in “American Gangster”. Pity there was no buzz for Christian Bale’s incredible turn in “Rescue Dawn.” Best Actress: Cate Blanchett in “Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” Ellen Page in “Juno,” Marion Cotillard in “La Vie En Rose,” Julie Christie in “Away From Her,” Laura Linney in “The Savages” The Deal: Just what the heck did Angelina Jolie do to tick off the Academy? She was a sensation in “A Mighty Heart,” her best acting yet. Instead, Cate Blanchett (who is always fantastic) gets another nomination for a part she already played, even though she’s got the Best Supporting Actress award in the bag. That spot could have gone to Angie or Nicole Kidman as the acid-tongued Margot in “Margot At The Wedding,” or even Amy Adams (“Enchanted”) as the best Disney character since Mary Poppins.
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem in “No Country for Old Men,” Tom Wilkinson in “Michael Clayton,” Hal Holbrook in “Into The Wild,” Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Charlie Wilson’s War,” Casey Affleck in “The Assassination of Jesse James by The Coward Robert Ford”
The Deal: At least Philip Seymour Hoffman gets some recognition. He was a livewire in all three movies he was in last year. Too bad there can only be five, or a just nod could have gone to Paul Dano who is a knockout in “There Will Be Blood” Best Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett in “I’m Not There,” Ruby Dee in “American Gangster,” Soairse Ronan in “Atonement,” Amy Ryan in “Gone Baby Gone,” Tilda Swinton in “Michael Clayton” The Deal: So many lovely performances, but One criminal absence is the exclusion of Jennifer Jason Leigh as the emotionally frazzled sister in “Margot at the Wedding.” And I held out hope for Leslie Mann’s no-nonsense turn in “Knocked Up.” And it wouldn’t have been a bad thing to see a nod go to Jennifer Garner (“Juno”). Someone who should definitely be on this list is the luminous Vanessa Redgrave for her soul-shaking seven-minute appearance in “Atonement.” Best Adapted Screenplay: “Atonement,” “Away From Her,” “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,” “No Country for Old Men,” “There Will Be Blood” The Deal: Too bad Ben Affleck’s screen adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s “Gone Baby Gone” was overlooked. It was a fantastic debut feature. The same
can be said for “Into The Wild,” another dumb exclusion, as well as Aaron Sorkin’s “Charlie Wilson’s War.” Best Original Screenplay: “Juno,” “Michael Clayton,” “Lars and The Real Girl,” “Ratatouille,” “The Savages” The Deal: How could they get this so wrong? I like “Ratatouille,” but that could have been a well-deserved spot for Todd Haynes and Oren Moverman’s genius script for “I’m Not There.” The spot also could have garnered a posthumous nomination for Adrienne Shelly’s swan song feature “Waitress.” Other Sins of Omission: For some reason, the Academy likes to pretend only three animated films are released a year, failing to even capture what was a particularly strong year for animation. While “Persepolis” and “Ratatouille” received just nods, Satoshi Kon’s “Paprika” is nowhere to be seen, and neither is “Beowulf,” “The Simpsons Movie” or “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” Apparently, because of sampling of other composers, the Academy disqualified Johnny Greenwood’s magnificent score for “There Will Be Blood.” Eddie Vedder also got a suspicious snub, despite winning the Golden Globe for Best Song for “Into The Wild.” Instead the Academy went with three songs from “Enchanted”, and one from the sappy crap-fest “August Rush.” And what’s with the Best Foreign Film category? I won’t doubt the chosen films since I haven’t seen them, but where are “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,” “Black Book,” or “Lady Chatterly”? And honorable mention goes to Eddie Murphy’s horrid “Norbit” for Best Make-Up design. Enjoy the Oscars!
Ways to make your Myspace music page look legitimate Marcus Whalbring Entertainment Editor
I look for new music all the time. Usually the most effective way to do that, for me, is to find a favorite musician or band on Myspace and see who their friends are. I’ve found a few that I like, and, of course, I’ve found a few that make me want to listen to William Hung. At least he’s entertaining enough. But through my connoisseurship of new artists, I have discovered certain patterns in the Myspace pages of big name and aspiring musicians, particularly in the Indie rock persuasion. This list carries the most ridiculous but, at times, factual ways to make a Myspace music page look legitimate. For any musicians out there who fit these descriptions, I may seem to be poking fun at you. Don’t worry. I am. 7. Top friends. It’s not important that you know the people in your top friends list. You’re trying to show people that you like certain musicians, support certain causes or carry an affinity for certain writers, artists, etc. I guess musicians like to pretend that, within the scope of the music world, there exists a camaraderie. You have to pretend that you’re actually friends too, so make sure you write little comments on their walls like “hey let’s get together and jam again sometime,” even though you’ve never met them. It helps the process of trying to convince yourself that you’ve made it into the club. 6. Pictures with songs. On Myspace, you have the option of pairing a song with a little picture that pops up when it’s clicked. Take advantage of this. Many musicians get lazy and just show the album cover on which the song played. You’re more pretentious than that. Make sure there’s a picture of a silhouetted dove flying in the sky, so you’ll look deep. If you’re an Indie rocker it needs to be more obscure, something random like a picture of Freddy Kruger, even though it’s a love song or something. Trust me. This does wonders. 5. Layout. Your first impulse will be to put a huge picture of a landscape or a picture of the band or musician in the background. Stop. You’re making a mistake. Solid colors are key. You can even resist the temptation to apply a certain layout to your background. You’ll look more grounded that way, like you care about the music man, the music. 4. The “sounds like” section. Originally, this section was meant for musicians to list other musicians they felt they sounded like. Now that just makes you look like a poser, a musician who can’t find a sound of your own. So what do you put here? It’s simple. You need one phrase that sounds absolutely ridiculous. “Sounds like: the burning shades of an empty house,” is a good example. Something cheesy about your past could work too. “Sounds like: a crazy kid who found his dad’s old record collection and fell in love with the sultry sounds of folk.” It’s up to you. 3. Influences. You only have to remember two things: The Beatles and Bob Dylan. You don’t have to have both, just one or the other. But neither one can be the first musician on the list. That’s too obvious. I know you don’t really like Dylan. You’re more influenced by John Mayer. You can’t put that. He’s too modern. And if you’re a hard rock band, you have to have Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath. 2. Influences that aren’t musical. So you don’t want to list the musicians you like. You’re too afraid you’ll look like you’re not interested in an original sound, right? Not to worry. You can put a laundry list of cheesy little images that inspire you. It really looks cool, and people will think you’re deep. This really only applies to singer/songwriter types though. “Long talks over coffee, the way the light hits the trees just right, squirrels, a fresh box of Milk Duds, the first page of a really good book, etc.” This may even be better for you than listing musicians. 1. Your picture. Are you looking at the camera? Well stop it. And don’t smile. You have to look pensive. You may want to remove the color too. It’ll look better in black and white. You could also wash it over with some funky Photoshop effect. That might look cool. The point is that you may not have an album yet, so you can’t use an album cover to represent you. But you want to look serious, artistic and over the top. Your picture will say all of that.
The Reflector Page 8
FEATURE/ENTERTAINMENT
February 20, 2008
Former ‘Survivor’ winner Ethan Zohn visits UIndy Emmanuel Casillas Staff Writer
The University of Indianapolis welcomed speaker, celebrity, humanitarian, former professional soccer player and 2001 season of CBS “Survivor” winner Ethan Zohn to campus Feb. 6 to speak about what makes good character and leadership as part of UIndy’s Leadership series. A former reality show contestant may not ring ‘great character’ at first, but Zohn showed just that. According to Zohn, his mother gave him advice on how to win the show, and he was one of the only winners never to receive a vote against him. “My mother [told] me, ‘Ethan you don’t need to win this game [by]
lying, cheating and stabbing people in the back,’ and I proved it,” Zohn said. “What matters is what you do when the cameras stop rolling.” Zohn began his speech by telling the crowd about being born and reared in Lexington, Mass., and his passion for soccer. He even showed the audience a trailer of the “Survivor”season in which he was featured along with a re-working of an N’Sync song all about him. Prior to his competing on “Survivor,” Zohn had already lived in Zimbabwe for a year as part of the Highlanders football team, but he described one moment during “Survivor” that inspired him to take up a particular cause. Coupled with a clip from the show that captured the event, Zohn talked about how he came across a band of children in a hospital parking lot, when he was allowed some time off from the
Alicia Tuszynski/The Reflector
Ethan Zohn speaks at UIndy on Feb. 6th to inspire others to follow their passion.
show. He brought out his hacky sack (a small bean bag used to play with on the feet), the only item he could bring from home, and played with the children. Later, when he found out that they were HIV-positive patients, he was so moved he said he learned what true survival was all about. He gladly gave his hacky sack away to one of the children. It was at that moment Zohn decided that he would use his potential prize money to help such children any way he could. He used his $1 million prize to establish the Grassroots Soccer Organization (he is co-founder), a charity that teaches AIDS awareness and prevention through soccer. According to the Web site, (www. grassrootsoccer.org), the goals of the GRS are to put 1.25 million African youth through the GRS program by 2010 and leave a lasting legacy in southern Africa, to utilize soccer and powerful role models to their maximum potential to reduce HIV transmission among youth and to have the most effective HIV prevention education and life-skills curriculum program in Africa. Zohn spoke on the plight of many Africans faced with an AIDS pandemic sweeping the continent and showed a clip from a documentary film called “A Closer Walk.” The clip featured an eight-year- old girl suffering immensely from the disease. Zohn said that he intended for the film to try to motivate his audience to take up a cause themselves and fight for what they believe in. “You guys are the future leaders of this world. You have the power to give people hope. You don’t have to be a ‘Survivor’ to do it. Everyone’s got it in
Alicia Tuszynski/The Reflector
Zohn said, “what matters is what you do when the cameras stop rolling.” them right now,” he said. According to Executive Director of Student Services Dan Stoker, who organized the event, Zohn had a good message. “He had a very laid back attitude that the students could relate to, which was nice to see,” Stoker said. “He was somebody who didn’t completely have it all figured out. He had some opportunities that came up in his life, and he was able to do something in order to further his passion.” After he finished speaking, Zohn
met with a crowd of people requesting pictures and autographs, and some who simply wanted to shake his hand and to thank him for his passion and authenticity. With a reception like that there is no question that Zohn accomplished his goal that night, for they may not be making regular treks to Africa, but they certainly did leave with a new sense of self. Zohn is still doing charity events and television and still making regular trips to Africa.
no reason to care how any of them fit into the equation. Liman doesn’t so much bother to direct. He just swings his camera around, making some attempt to sweep us up in the scenery and locales Christensen jumps to. Not happening. Look, it’s still the first two months of the year, and studios have little, if anything substantial to offer us. It’s a dead zone out there. What other explanation can there be for “Hannah Monatana/Miley Cyrus” whatever it’s called making tons of money? There is a solution though, an alternative to sitting through this dreck. Go get reacquainted with the films up for Oscars, many are still in theatres and
on DVD. There’s just no trusting anything being released lately. Try for the knockout films like “No Country for Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood.” Jump anywhere else that isn’t this turd. See “Jumper” if you must, but be warned, the acting is void, the editing is on auto-pilot, the script is a mess and the action scenes play out like you’re watching a trailer. There’s not a whole lot more I can say. There are only so many ways you can say a movie sucks. You just know things are going bad for a movie when you’re screaming inside your head: “Please, God, make it stop!” Seeing “Jumper” would be a huge mistake.
Liman ‘Jumps’ tumbles and falls with latest action/thriller Emmanuel Casillas Staff Writer
Just what the heck happened? I won’t deny Doug Liman has directed some awesome movies. Just watch the essences of cool that are “Swingers,” “Go” and especially “The Bourne Identity.” Liman hit a bit of a slump with the bloated “Mr. And Mrs. Smith,” but I don’t think anyone thought it’d get this bad. Working from a script by David S. Goyer, Jim Uhls and Simon Kinberg, from a novel by Steven Gould, Liman and friends whip up one heck of a
mess, “Jumper,” in all its inane, horrid glory. Hayden Christensen (who defined wooden for the ages in the “Star Wars” prequels) is David Rice, a teenager in a broken home family in Ann Arbor, Mich., who one day finds he has the ability to jump (that is, teleport) anywhere he wants, including his own town. This prompts him to go Nightcrawler and disappear to New York, robbing banks and anything else he can get his hands on, leaving I.O.U.s every time. This also gives us a chance to see Christensen do nothing much but pose, as he jumps to the face of Big Ben in London or has lunch on a pyramid in Egypt. He’s got it made.
Enter Samuel L. Jackson (does he ever turn anything down?), all done up in gray hair, as the leader of an organization that hunts down people like Christensen and kills them. It’s apparently a fanaticism thing. Then there’s Rachael Bilson (always deserving of something better) as his childhood sweetheart, Jamie Bell as a fellow jumper who may or may not want to help him and then Diane Lane (who already hit a career low in “Untraceable”) as his mom who took off when he was five; she looks incredibly bored in her cameos. Got that? It doesn’t really matter, since the movie is nothing more than throwaway action claptrap. There’s
SPORTS
February 20, 2008
Women’s tennis starts spring schedule By Andrew Burba Staff Writer The University of Indianapolis women’s tennis team opened its spring schedule with a 7-2 loss to Drury University, dropping its record to 2-3. Drury, the defending champions of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, gave the ‘Hounds their first league loss in four years on Feb. 10. Drury is ranked 18th in the nation in NCAA Division II play. In singles play, sophomore Aly Neidlinger defeated Drury’s Lindsey Castrodale 7-5, 3-6 and 10-6 to notch the only singles victory of the day for the Greyhounds. Seniors Laura Phillipp and Kristen Volz combined for an 8-6 victory over Drury players Lindsey Castrodale and Thu Ha Mai to add the only doubles win. Neidlinger has compiled a 5-3 record in singles play so far this year and is tied for best on the squad with senior Ashley Liles. Senior Lindsey Fischer, suffering from back problems, has made her way to a 4-4 record. Volz and Phillipp bettered their doubles record to 4-5 while the group of senior co-captains Fischer and Liles have posted a team best 4-2 record. The team was scheduled to open the season against Rockhurst University on Feb. 9, but due to a head coaching departure, the match was postponed to a later date. Head coach John Venter said he expects the women to rebound from their most recent loss. Venter believes that his team, loaded with depth and led by five senior co-captains who have spent all four years playing on the varsity team, will continue to play their hardest. “The best thing about this team is that they never focus on how far they can and will go. They only focus on having fun and playing the best that they can,” Venter said. Volz said the expectations are simple—the team expects to have fun and to win. The team’s next match will be against Division I Butler University on Feb. 29 at the UIndy Tennis Center. The remaining matches will lead in to April, when the NCAA tournament begins. The women’s tennis team has made it into the tournament three years in a row, and four of the last five altogether.
BBALL
from Page 4
Basketball returns from four losses on the road The ‘Hounds were up 18-14 midway through the first half. UIndy only scored nine while the Panthers got 29 more points before halftime. The Greyhounds never closed the gap to closer than 14 the rest of the game and lost 63-81. Brock led the way with 20 points. The ‘Hounds started off their road trip against St. Josephs College (13-8, 9-4 GLVC) on Feb. 2. The Pumas held UIndy to 26.7 percent shooting in the first half and went in at the half with a 21-29 lead. The Greyhounds came out after the half and cut the lead down to just two by a three-point basket from Barnard. St. Joe took a timeout and came out to go on a 3-17 point run. Despite several attempts to cut the lead down, the momentum was never again in the Greyhound favor, and the ‘Hounds lost 56-78. Brock scored 18 points despite being only five-19 from the field. Brock also had five assists and five rebounds. When asked about coming back next year, Waltman said, “It’s up to the administration, and at this point, I haven’t been approached about that.” The Greyhounds will face Lewis University on Feb. 21, which will start a four-game stretch of all conference games.
BASEBALL
from Page 5
Greyhound baseball begins season
Dustin Brown/ The Reflector
Sophomore Aly Neidlinger practices her singles play for upcoming matches in the spring schedule.
According to Vaught, major goals for the team, currently ranked third in the East Division of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), are to win 40 games during the season and make it to the Division II World Series. Dugger also said that making the World Series is a major team goal, along with winning each series and taking the top spot in the conference. The ‘Hounds will open play for the season at Greyhound Park on Feb. 16 with a double-header against Hillsdale College.
The Reflector Page 9
Men’s tennis falls to Div. I teams in season opener
Dustin Brown/ The Reflector
Junior JD Greenlee (right) and senior Jan Stastny (left) practice their doubles technique.
By Andrew Burba Staff Writer The University of Indianapolis men’s tennis team, led by interim head coach John Venter, opened the season by falling to two Division I teams, Ball State University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Ball State dominated its match-up with the ‘Hounds by sweeping every doubles and singles match. The Greyhounds fell to IUPUI with only the doubles combination of senior Jan Stastny and junior JD Greenlee earning a win on the day. Venter has taken the responsibility of the men’s coaching job after the resignation of George Adams, the previous coach of two years. Venter has been the coach of the University of Indianapolis women’s tennis team for the past six years. Despite the losses, Venter said he adamantly believes that each match was necessary for the development of his players. “I was extremely happy [with] the results of our first games,” Venter said. “Our players wanted to match up against Division I schools, and they went into the games with the right mindset.” Venter spent most of his time up to this point bringing in more players to raise the roster count. Two new players brought the total to seven players, six of them eligible to play. The two new players are sophomore Kyle Prow and freshman Blake Hall. Prow, originally slated to play just golf, was convinced by Venter to join the team and has brought energy and emotion to the lineup. Hall, on the other hand, was a transfer student who, Venter said, landed right in the team’s lap. These new players will join Stastny, Greenlee, and others to make a run at the NCAA tournament. It’s been three years since the team last made it to the tournament. The ‘Hounds will travel to Grand Valley State University on Feb. 23.
TWICE OVER
The Reflector Page 10
February 20, 2008
Weak U.S. dollar affects study abroad trips to Europe
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By Abby Adragna Editor-in-Chief
Opportunities for university students to study abroad in European countries may become limited as the value of the American dollar continues to fall. The dollar has become increasingly weak over the past several years, and it now has hit an all-time low against currencies such as the euro and the British pound. According to Darryl Clark, assistant professor of communication and chair of the International Study Committee, four of the 10 University of Indianapolis Spring Term travel courses offered last year were trips to countries that use the euro as their official currency (France, Germany, Italy and Greece). This year, five of the nine trips offered are to places that use the U.S. dollar as their official currency (four within the United States). Three of the remaining four trips are to places where the currency is much weaker than the dollar. The trip to Greece, led for the third year by Assistant Professor of theatre Catherine Moran, is the only European trip. “The lack of Spring Term trips to Europe may have something to do with the declining dollar, but I can’t be sure,” Clark said. “Roger Sweets’ trip to Costa Rica and Marilyn McElwain’s trip to Belize are consistent with past trips that they’ve led, so I doubt that the weak dollar has much to do with them. Nevertheless, there may have been faculty members who considered leading a trip but were discouraged by the cost.” In 2002, when the new euro notes and coins were first introduced, a euro could be bought for 86 cents; as of The
Reflector press time, a euro cost $1.46. “Personally, I have felt the dollar getting weaker against the euro all of four years now,” said Dr. Milind Thakar, associate professor of history and political science. “I’ve been to Europe four times since 2003, and each year the dollar is weaker. And right now it’s at a very bad level—an abysmal level.” Dr. Jennifer Camden, assistant professor of English, led a 10-day Spring Term trip to Italy last May. Camden said the trip was shortened from the initial plan to keep costs down. “Budget was definitely already a concern. And then with the weak dollar, we ran into even more problems,” Camden said. “Our travel agent had to make sure that the price of the trip that we advertised when we were first starting to recruit students was going to be close to what we ended up with, given the fact that the euro-dollar exchange rate was fluctuating.” Moran, who has continued to lead Spring Term trips to Greece despite the U.S. dollar’s falling value, said she has dealt with budget changes over the past few years. “I have had to increase the cost of the trip from $2,500 to $2,800 to cover expenses,” she said. “[Exchange rates make] a big difference for the students and the amount of spending money they will need.” The only prominent European country that is not part of the so-called eurozone is Britain. And the American dollar is doing even worse against the British pound, which was worth $1.95 as of The Reflector press time. According to a travel article by Michelle Higgins published in the Feb. 3 New York Times, “ . . . the contin-
$
ued slide of the dollar against other currencies has led the greenback to be shunned in unexpected places, creating new problems for American travelers and pushing prices higher.” The article said that some tour operators in America are adding currency surcharges or raising travel package prices to help deal with the weak U.S. dollar. It mentioned results of a December survey, which indicated that, of the members of the United States Tour Operators Association who serve Britain and other parts of Europe, more than 50 percent would consider increasing their prices as much as 15 percent because of the American dollar’s declining value. The article stated, “Last month, Group Voyagers, the parent company of Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways, added a currency surcharge of about five percent to many of its European tours . . . Overall, travelers can expect to pay $20 to $190 extra a person for the European tours.” According to Camden, ways can be found to make travel more affordable, but doing so may be at the expense of convenience and comfort. And while there is no clear end in sight for the decline of the U.S. dollar’s value, Camden said she would still consider leading another Spring Term trip to Europe. However, she would have a few concerns. “I love travel, and I think travel is one of the best experiences you can have while you’re in college especially,” she said. “For that reason, I wouldn’t hesitate to offer another Spring Term trip because I think the experience outweighs the cost. But I would be worried about getting enough students to sign up, because it is just fundamentally expensive to go to Europe.”
Eurozone
Countries that use the euro as official currency
4
13 8
12 10
13
2
6
5
1 9 14
15
7 11
Source: www.euro.gov.uk
3
1. Austria 2. Belgium 3. Cyprus 4. Finland 5. France 6. Germany 7. Greece 8. Ireland 9. Italy 10. Luxembourg 11. Malta 12. Netherlands 13. Portugal 14. Slovenia 15. Spain Abby Adragna/The Reflector
Source: www.Xe.com
Abby Adragna/The Reflector