UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
Men’s Tennis
Battle of the Bands A preview of the six bands competing. Page 7
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THREE PIECE SUIT
‘Hounds kick off spring season.
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THE
PHOTO BY DUSTIN BROWN
REFLECTOR
REFLECTOR .UINDY. EDU
VOL . 85 / ISSUE 7
FEBRUARY 7, 2007
Athens concerns hit home Students cite concerns with academic intergrity; university disputes accusations By Katy Yeiser EDITOR-IN-CHIEF As the University of IndianapolisAthens campus undergoes criticism from former faculty and staff, a new set of opinions has entered the circle of critics: its former students—students who say the academic rigor in Athens does not live up to that of the home campus; students who say the professors in Athens are unqualified; and also
students who doubt the claims. Over the past two months, UIndy’s Athens campus has been in and out of the news—overseas and at home—under analytical and unfavorable voices. On Dec. 15, 2006, The Chronicle of Higher Education addressed the concerns of two former faculty members from the Athens campus who questioned the academic and ethical standards of the branch campus and its chancellor, Vasilis J. Botopoulos.
The Acropolis is in the background of Athens campus.
The university responded with full support for the branch campus’s standards and its chancellor. (For details on what has been printed and the reaction from the university, see Page 3.) Students and faculty from the home campus are voicing their mixed feelings about their experiences with the Athens campus. Although students have expressed a universal appreciation for the opportunity to study overseas, some have found that their experiences in the classroom did not mirror those of the home campus. Sophomore political science major Chris Owens took a course about Olympic philosophy while he studied at Athens last fall. “They were teaching it out of an elementary school gym book, and one of the projects in the book was [to] draw the flag of your favorite country,” Owens said. He later dropped the course. Other students shared similar stories of their academic expectations not being met. “Academics were a lot different—a lot less challenging,” said senior communication major Danielle Richardson. “I had one class, macro economics, which was fairly hard. But the other classes I took…all of
them were very, very easy.” Richardson also spoke of her classes being cancelled frequently. Senior psychology major Cassandra Danzl, who took major, core and elective courses with the Odyssey program from September 2005 to June 2006, said that her academic experience was far from what she expected. “The classes there were easier academically, with lower expectations and requirements,” Danzl said. “I took 34 credit hours and only had three classes that stimulated me in any way academically.” Another student spoke of parallel experiences. “I was there for the whole semester and took 15 credit hours, which was probably equivalent to three hours here [at the home campus],” said 2006 graduate Carey Hart. While other students also spoke of low academic standards, not all students had the same sentiments. Senior theatre major Amanda Gwin said that although the academics may not have been as stringent, she still had a valuable learning experience. “It was nice to be able to not work as hard and learn about the culture you’re in. I learned more that way,” Gwin said. “I wasn’t stuck in the classroom.” Kena Hanni, a senior marketing major,
described her time in Athens as beneficial because of the opportunities to learn how businesses work internationally. “You have to go in with an open mind,” Hanni said. “You’re not going to learn everything in the classroom.”
See ATHENS, Page 3
Gateway Business Alliance plans to rehabilitate declining south side By Abby Adragna NEWS EDITOR
The Gateway Business Alliance has proposed as its first project a redevelopment vision for the area surrounding the University of Indianapolis. A desire to restore the aesthetically-pleasing and thriving Madison Avenue of the past was sparked by the city’s $8.1 million renovation of the street surfaces of U.S. 31 and Madison Avenue. According to David Wantz, associate vice president of community relations and UIndy representative for GBA, the idea of rehabilitating Madison Avenue fits into the university’s strategic plan in two ways. First, it supports the goal of making the neighborhood around the university a welcoming place to live. Second, it supports the goal of improving the economic development of the city of Indianapolis. “We would like to make a university district out of this place here,” Wantz said. “We have art, music, theater—all manners of cultural events on campus. The problem is you can’t make an evening of it. You can come to a great athletic event, but where are you going to go get dinner
beforehand? Where are you going to get dinner afterward? You can’t. You have to go miles away to do that. So we want to turn it around and make it a destination place.” GBA raised $40,000 through membership fees in order to get a company called Schneider Corp. to illustrate its vision for the redevelopment of the south side of Indianapolis. The vision involves making Madison Avenue a tree-lined boulevard with sidewalks, bike trails, colorful landscaping and decorative poles and stoplights. According to Wantz, this vision is the first step toward GBA’s goal of making the South side of Indianapolis a gateway to the city. By improving the appearance of the area, GBA hopes to draw in more business. “Everybody is noticing the decline in business, so what we’re trying to do is to stop that,” Wantz said. “It’s much like graffiti. If graffiti shows up in your neighborhood and nobody washes it away or paints over it, there will be more graffiti there tomorrow. But the minute you erase it, it stops the graffiti.” According to GBA President Jeff Cardwell, the company has a 10-year master plan for implementing the rede-
velopment vision. However, Cardwell is confident that the project will be completed much quicker than planned. Both Cardwell and Wantz agree that successfully carrying out GBA’s vision for the area surrounding the university will take full community support and involvement. “It’s one of those things where it’s more important for us to pick up momentum about this,” Wantz said. “It’s a slow process because we don’t have millions of dollars, but if we get businesses involved in this—and we’ve been talking to the city about this—pretty soon the plans will start to come together.” Cardwell believes that the implementation and execution of the visionary plan goes beyond business and city support. “Everyone has a role to play,” he said. “If you stand on two feet, have a heartbeat and breathe, you’re qualified.” As part of the redevelopment vision, GBA will sponsor three key events this year. On April 28, GBA and UIndy will work to clean up the University Heights neighborhood during the Great American Cleanup. GBA also will sponsor the “America
A SUPER SEASON
See GBA, Page 3
University introduces My UIndy Web portal with updated features By Meisha Baker STAFF WRITER
GARY W. GREEN/ MCT
SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL/ MCT
LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER/ MCT
Check out Page 8 for a photo compilation of the Colts road to the victory over the Bears, 29-17, for the Super Bowl XLI Title.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY JEFF CARDWELL
Part of the Gateway Business Alliance’s redevelopment plan includes updating the intersection at Hanna and Madison avenues.
The University of Indianapolis introduced a new Web portal at the beginning of this semester. The new portal is called My UIndy because of the individualized features and the fact that students, faculty and staff can personalize the site. The Web site now has features such as group sites, personal calendars, individual locker space and easier access to Blackboard. “The change for the Web site was prompted by the larger Banner project, and it offered us the opportunity to add features that we didn’t have in our old system,” said Director of Web Services Amber Weishaar. One feature that was very important for the development of the system was single sign on. With this new feature, students can log on to their accounts without having to remember a variety of pin and identification numbers. Student services are also much more accessible than they were with the old system. According to Chief Information Officer Jeff Rus-
sell, the updated features enable students and faculty to get more business done online than they could in the past. “We’re hoping to eliminate lines of students having to enroll in the hallways and make it easier for students to take care of their tuition payments online,” Russell said. According to Russell, although the system is up and running, it is still in its adjustment period, and feedback is important. According to Weishaar, the group site feature has received mixed feedback. “It’s really difficult to serve everybody the way that they want to be served,” she said. “We want to continually improve this new site. With the old intranet there were not many changes, and it was really stagnant. With this system there is a chance for students to comment and help make it better.” Weishaar and Russell would like to see more individual comments on how to customize and expand the Web site to make My UIndy better for all who use it.
OPINION
The Reflector Page 2
February 7, 2007
Colts’ Super Bowl trip worth pain of past losses for one editor By Tony Puckett Sports Editor
What a difference a year makes. This time last year, Indianapolis was in a state of prolonged shock following a punch-in-the-stomach loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff game. Sports pundits from around the country were relentlessly questioning whether or not Peyton Manning would ever win a big game. Nick Harper had been stabbed in the knee by his own wife. And Tony Dungy’s family was in the middle of what had to be one of the most trying times of their lives. The emptiness that followed the 2005 season was more than just depressing. It was evil. It was the type of fog that can descend on an otherwise reasonable sportswriter and turn him into an idiot. Of all the idiotic things that somehow escaped my mouth last year, the best (read: most idiotic) were: 1. “I know Tony Dungy’s a great guy, but maybe he’s just not the kind of coach that gets players to win in the postseason. I mean, Jon Gruden took
Dungy’s guys and led them to a chamthey had it in them all along. call that cost us the 1995 AFC Champipionship the year after he left Tampa If those beady-eyed Bears won last onship Game in Pittsburgh. Bay.” Sunday, then allow me to say that I Come to think of it, it was worth ev2. “If we lose Edgerrin James, obviously had it right the first time. ery mugging given to a Colts receiver we’re all going to be very, very sorry.” All those disparaging comments by a New England defensive back. 3. “Dan Klecko? Isn’t that the guy made last year obviously came out of Why, might you ask? who runs an auto parts store on the hurt. It could have something to do with west side?” This team and its fans took that loss the fresh paint I just applied to my 4. “Mark my words: Ben very hard. apartment walls, but more likely, it Roethlisberger will be an MVP all came down to the scene on candidate next year.” January 21, 2007, in the streets of 5. “The Colts will never win a “It was worth every mugging Indianapolis. playoff game when Peyton has more After what was surely the most given to a Colts receiver by a important victory in Indianapolis interceptions than touchdowns.” 6. “Next year is going to be history, the entire city hit New England defensive back.” Colts Brandon Stokley’s return to glory. the streets. Just wait and see.” There were celebratory high Now, over a year later, the world fives, dancing, even strangers just seems a little brighter, and I seem a That being said, I think it was worth hugging each other on the circle. little dumber. it. Whether or not we won the Super I haven’t seen Colts fans this excited Truth is, anyone who tries to predict Bowl, that AFC Championship Game since Mike Vanderjagt was cut by the how the NFL season is going to go will in the RCA Dome was absolutely worth Dallas Cowboys. more often than not make themselves every bit of heartache. (Speaking of Vandy, has anyone look foolish. It was worth going unbeaten for 13 seen that his jersey is selling on www. It’s been terrific seeing these Colts games, only to be swept aside by an Colts.com for $10? It’s like the orgaprove everybody—including me— historic Pittsburgh Championship. nization wants fans to purchase it for wrong this postseason. It was worth every loss in Gillette the sole purpose of burning it in effigy. It should be noted, though, that due Stadium. But I digress.) to The Reflector press time I am writing It was worth listening to ESPN’s There are very few moments in life this article exactly one week before talking heads say, “the Colts are terthat make you think, “I’m going to Super Bowl XLI. So, if you’re readrific—in the regular season,” year after remember this for the rest of my life.” ing this today and the Colts are World year. Throughout my life, the Colts have Champions, let me just say that I knew It was worth the bad out-of-bounds given me two of those moments.
I can still remember a Nov. 24, 2002 Monday night game at Denver that Vanderjagt tied with a 54-yard field goal, then won with a 50-yarder in the driving snow, as the precise moment I became a real Colts fan. I’ll never forget the “Monday Night Miracle” against Tampa Bay of 2003, in which Peyton and the gang rallied from a 21-point deficit to win in overtime. But this win over the Patriots, and the ensuing celebration downtown, takes the cake. Yes, I understand why people who see me comparing that night to the birth of a child might say, “It’s just football.” But calling my mom and dad from downtown that night, hearing the excitement in their voices and seeing it on the faces of a thousand of my newfound best friends, made me realize why I care. It’s something we’ve wanted for years, some of us without even knowing it. A night when we could forget our complicated lives and appreciate the simplicities in life. We love our families and friends. We (hopefully) have our health. And the Colts are going to the Super Bowl. Like I said, what a difference a year makes.
By Rachel Korb Staff Writer
“Marriage is something that should only be undertaken after a process of self-discovery.” Marriage is, after all, like two jigsaw puzzle pieces joining When a friend of mine recently into one great whole. How can these announced that he was engaged two pieces fit together if individually via Facebook, he received notes of they still haven’t formed their own “Congratulations! :).” But behind the shapes? scenes, my friends and I were debating Today’s young people are used to the likelihood of this marriage lasting. experiencing divorce. It has become It seemed to be unanimous. While a social norm. However, this does not each of us wants and dreams about love reduce the idea of marriage for us in and a future happy marriage, we felt any fashion. Quite the contrary: a our friend just wasn’t ready yet. good marriage has become an ultimate My own opinions about this ardream, a life goal, as movies such as rangement stem from a comment that “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and telea creative writing professor made vision programs like “The Bachelor” when discussing the writer’s continual show us. dilemma of finding his or her own The children of divorce grow up to voice. My professor lectured, “You’re wanting to be better parents than their in college! You don’t even know who own, and they find themselves looking you is yet!” She had a point. How to their grandparents as models. So, we many of us, after all, are no longer in have a resurgence of family values. contact with friends or an ex we had A popular opinion exists that young only years ago because we no longer people today get married in a search for have anything in common with that stability. As Paul stated: “‘The Free to person, or because either we or that Be You and Me’ generation [is] yearnperson “changed?” Of course we’ve ing for some ground rules, a measure changed: we’re still learning, growing of control, a way of grabbing on to and rapidly establishing viewpoints something solid and secure amid the based on the experiences we have and overwhelming range of options seemthe people with whom we come into ingly on offer.” contact. Most young people get married So, what does this have to do with expecting their marriage to last forever marriage? Pamela Paul, the author of and to forge a new identity for them. “The Starter Marriage and the Future of They want to get out of their tiny apartMatrimony,” after a great deal of study ment with their annoying roommates on divorce and commitment noted that, and away from a dating scene that takes
a lot of work, time and bother. They want to move on to the white picket fence, the dog, the cat with a bell, the Volvo and two and a half children. It is ideals like these that also lead to a hasty divorce rate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2000, more than four million 20-34 year olds checked the “divorced” box. Young people go into marriage with such high expectations that they become disillusioned when they realize that, even as a married couple, they still don’t have the combined income to move out of that tiny apartment. They don’t have the time to take on any new pets while working two jobs. They’re still driving the old Chevrolet Cavalier, and the new spouse occasionally acts like the old annoying roommate. This is not to say that marriage is not a wonderful institution. When two people go into a marriage as best friends and stay that way, their lives are filled with a new joy and take on life that is enviable. But do you know who your real best friend will be ten years down the road, the person you feel comfortable enough with whom to share each hope, dream, dirty diaper and messy bank statement? Getting married at an age when you’re still learning who you are brings a whole new complication to the table, and marriage already takes a great deal of work.
Clinton seeks to help students, minorities By Bridget Taylor Staff Writer
students at the University of Indianapolis is the cost of education. Clinton opposed President Bush’s program to restrict the loan consolidation proposal, and is instead a strong supporter of S. 371, the College Quality, Affordability, Have the problems of many Americans finally met and Diversity Improvement Act. This act would help their match in Sen. Hillary Clinton, D—N.Y.? Clinton students pay for their higher education in several ways. announced earlier this year that she is entering the 2008 These include: doubling the maximum Hope Scholarpresidential elections, but is a woman right for the job? ship Tax Credit to $3,000 and making it available to the With credentials like hers, she certainly appears to be a students for four years instead of two, enabling borrowsuperior candidate. ers of consolidated loans to refinance their loans (which Before the people of New York elected Clinton to the would allow many to take advantage of a lower interest United States Senate, she worked for years on behalf of rate), providing incentives for colleges to join the Direct children and families as the First Lady. She has served on Loan program, increasing the funding for successful several commitprograms for minorities and firsttees including the Senate Armed Ser- “Many people may be concerned about generation students and trying to recruit and train qualified teachers vices Committee how well a woman could run the counand professors. (http://clinton.sen— Clinton is the first New Yorker try, but Clinton is a very powerful and ate.gov) Now although all the terminolever to serve on knowledgeable woman.” ogy and political talk can sound this committee. confusing, it can be simply restated: Clinton also If you are a college student, have helped provide student loans, or just want to go to compensation to school but think it’s too expensive, the families of the Clinton is on your side. victims of 9/11, as well as the businesses that were affected. She understands that the price of an education has She also helped to provide health care for the front risen drastically and has become unaffordable to many line workers at Ground Zero. hopeful students. Senator Clinton will make a great candidate for the Clinton plans to help provide funds to successful proupcoming presidential election. grams and make a few changes to the maximum amounts She has experience in politics and working within the United States government. received of certain awards. Many people may be concerned about how well a When the 2008 presidential elections come around, woman could run the country, but Clinton is a very powI’ll be voting for Clinton. erful and knowledgeable woman. She’s knowledgeable, strong and qualified. It’s She has shown that she has what it takes. time that a woman have the chance to be in charge. Clinton also has a firm stance on several significant Not just any woman, but a woman who supports issues. One issue that is important to me and many the issues that we, as students, care most about.
THE
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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.
cartoon by Emily Scott
Young marriage: Blessing or burden?
Politics and polarization: Slowing down progress By Daniel Friend Opinion Editor
Partisan politics defines Capitol Hill. Clashes of ideology in Congress created the need for political parties during the United States’ founding years. The Federalists and Jeffersonian Republicans are gone, but the ideas behind those political positions are still alive and divide Americans today. George Washington warned of political parties, saying they would create division and distraction among the American people. However, Washington may have failed to see the potential in partisan politics. The process of democratic decision making is meant to be a slow bureaucratic grind; it is the vehicle by which people in this country solve problems. If one party could call the shots and makes all decisions at a quick whim, the idea of fair social debate would be defeated. The United States’ political environment today is polarized. The post 9/11 era forced the country to deal with unfamiliar issues, and the learning process has not been easy. The “War on Terror,” “Homeland Security,” and the Patriot Act have reinforced rigid
beliefs about the future of the country. During President Bush’s State of the Union address, he spoke of the public’s message in the 2006 election results: “Our citizens don’t care what side of the aisle we’re on – as long as we’re willing to cross that aisle when there is work to be done.” Differences of opinion are expected and necessary for the democratic process, but when politicians drag their heels and cater to interests of party contributors, the public is not being served. Barack Obama, Democratic congressman from Illinois and 2008 presidential hopeful, said, “America has faced big problems before, but today our leaders in Washington seem incapable of working together in a practical, commonsense way.” As Obama put it, the danger of extreme partisan allegiance is the loss of common sense. Moderate voices are drowned out by party policy and rhetoric. Both parties are guilty of playing hardball over tough issues and refusing to give good ideas a chance to work. When this happens, no one wins. At some point, politicians and citizens alike need to stop worrying about being good Republicans or good Democrats and concern themselves with being good Americans.
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Editor-in-Chief......................Katy Yeiser Managing Editor....................Shelly Grimes News Editor...........................Abby Adragna Sports Editor..........................Tony Puckett Photo Editor...........................Megan Komlanc Opinion Editor.......................Daniel Friend Feature Editor........................Ruth Shirley Entertainment Editor............Elyse Kaiser Online Editor.........................Ben Reed Business Manager.................Emily Scott Distribution Manager............Alison Hernandez Adviser..................................Jeanne Criswell
Lindsey Allen Meisha Baker Dustin Brown Nicki Crisci
Adrian Kendrick Rachel Korb Stephanie Little Tom Rastall Dyon Ravello
Joan Savage Sami Shelton Elisha Smith Bridget Taylor Katie Turley
Andrea Vachon Marcus Whalbring Ryan Wood Amanda Zimmer
NEWS
February 7, 2007
Media coverage of UIndy Athens
In the Dec. 15, 2006 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education, two former employees, Mike-Frank G. Epitropoulos and Nick A. Hondros, criticized the academic integrity of the Athens campus. The article also disclosed incidents of Greek students using university registration letters to be deferred from military responsibility. In Greece, once a male turns 18, he is required to serve at least one year in the military unless he is enrolled at a Greek public university or a university in another country. University spokesperson Mary Atteberry said that the university was informed some Greek students were passing off the registration letters as enrollment letters to the home campus instead of the Athens campus, in order to seek deferment. “It became clear that the letters could be used [for deferment] so they needed to be made very clear [that they’re not],” Atteberry said. Epitropoulos, the most outspoken critic, said that he still knows current employee and faculty members of
the Athens campus who share his concerns about the campus. “I’m just concerned that the students get the quality education and the faculty get the same treatment at the Athens campus as they do at the home campus,” Epitropoulos said. The Athens university responded with a written letter to The Chronicle signed by more than 50 staff and employees supporting the university. Epitropoulos said that although his experiences may not represent the majority of the faculty and staff, that should not negate his experience. “I have heard some characterization of myself and others who have come out in public as having a vendetta and being disgruntled. That’s not the case,” Epitropoulos said. Atteberry said the university was surprised by the critiques. “The comments from some of the folks that were quoted in the story from Athens were surprising,” Atteberry said, “because they had not brought up any of those issues before.” –Katy Yeiser, editor-in-chief
ATHENS
The Reflector Page 3
from Page 1
Students question academic experience overseas Maren Johnson, a junior psychology major who studied in Athens for five weeks last summer, added, “I felt there was a lot of hands-on learning experience...The work was the same.” Mary Atteberry, university spokesperson, said that the system of the Odyssey program, as opposed to the degree program, might make a difference in how the academics are perceived. She said the Odyssey program is designed to expose students to Greek and classic culture while taking basic level courses, and the degree program is designed in unison with the home campus’s degree programs. “They’re pretty lenient with the Odyssey students, which I understand, but I could have been a full-time student and gone maybe twice the whole time and got A’s,” Owens said. Danzl, who also studied in the Odyssey program, said that she did not think the program would have different standards. “I was expecting something
close to this campus, because they [the campuses] are so interconnected.” Atteberry said that one incident with a bad class or professor should not be perceived as representative of the entire campus and administration “What I see happening is a lot of times you get one little piece of it and you might think that’s representative of the whole culture,” Atteberry said. Several students said that the difference in Greek and American culture makes academics difficult. They spoke of Greek students coming to class 3045 minutes late, not completing class assignments and generally not challenging themselves academically. “The culture is so ‘no worries’ and laid back. They don’t stress about anything,” Richardson said. “So why make academics stressful?” Darryl Clark, assistant professor of communication who taught in Athens four years ago, said that some students’ less-stringent attitude toward academics adds to the difficult dynamic of cross-culturalization. “We’re not going to be able to plop down an American university in the middle of Athens and expect it to function like an American university,” Clark said. “That seems a little bit
naïve to me. But at the same time, there are improvements we can make.” Atteberry said she is not so quick to accept the different culture as a viable problem. “Say there’s a group of Greek students hanging out with students who are more interested in partying on Friday nights than they are on their studies,” Atteberry said. “They might go back to Greece and say, ‘Wow, they really are laid back and not focused on education like we are.’ So I think you have to be very careful when you make cultural comparisons.” Atteberry also said that as issues like these arise, the university investigates them appropriately, but cannot do so unless they are brought up. “There are always going to be faculty who are unhappy with a certain situation, and students who think they are not getting what they should get,” Atteberry said. “The challenge is, how do you sort that out?” As the Athens campus continues to develop, its students will continue to evaluate its progress. “They’re getting an American degree . . . so it’s a big deal,” Owens said. “So you might as well get an American education.”
17 students become first to UIndy has no immediate plans for land on Carson Avenue, earn UIndy nursing master’s Lots Madison Avenue and Street remain open; degrees through partnership Shelby UIndy focuses on student By Lindsey Allen Staff Writer Seventeen working nurses became the first graduating class of the University of Indianapolis’ nursing master’s degree program in December. UIndy was selected almost four years ago through an application process to participate in a partnership with Clarian Health. The partnership involves an on-site nursing master’s degree and registered nurse degree completion program. This allows RNs to complete classes after their shifts at Clarian Health. Clarian pays the students’ tuition, and the students pay for books and parking. Anita Siccardi, associate professor in the School of Nursing, has a positive outlook on the partnership. She believes the partnership helps the faculty by showing them that educating can be done outside the university setting. “The beauty of the connection is that we see the nurses in their workplace, and we get a closer connection and understanding of what the nurses at
Clarian do,” Siccardi said. According to Rebecca Renner, a December graduate of the program, the partnership between UIndy and Clarian Health is worth continuing. She enjoyed the program and the “tightly knit” group of her peers, and she hopes her master’s degree will offer her a new direction. After completing the program, Renner is now considering a career in nursing education, because of the field’s ability to impact students. Siccardi believes the partnership is good for the university because of the resources it provides students. The partnership allows students to work closely with experienced nurses, who can be seen as role-models for the students. Siccardi emphasizes that the program promotes a connection between teaching and practice, which she says is important for the future of nursing. Another group of 19 nursing administration students will graduate from the program in May. Earlier this month, the University of Indianapolis expanded the program after being selected to participate in a similar partnership with Hendricks Regional Health.
center
By Ben Reed Online Editor
The University of Indianapolis recently acquired six acres of property on the corner of National and Carson avenues. “We don’t have a purpose for the land yet, but we figure that you can’t go wrong with buying more land around here,” said Ken Piepenbrink, director of the Physical Plant. Piepenbrink also said that if the offcampus student apartments continue to house more and more students, then UIndy would look into offering the land to companies wishing to build similar student apartment buildings. The university also owns houses in the University Heights area just south of campus. Piepenbrink said UIndy is currently renting about 10 to 15 houses to students. According to Michael Braughton, vice president of business and finance, the university considers purchasing
GBA
houses on the periphery as they go up for sale. He estimated that UIndy purchased six houses in the past year. “We tore down some houses recently. This is because the houses were going to cost more to remodel than to tear down,” Piepenbrink said. The university also owns the property on the northwest corner of Hanna Avenue and Shelby Street. The lot was formerly used by a car dealership, but in 2006 the dealership decided not to renew its lease. “We are not currently looking at building anything on that property,” Piepenbrink said. “We have had groups of investors approach us about putting another car dealership there [or] possibly a strip mall, but there are no plans at the moment.” The university also has evaluated the empty building that was formerly LoBill Foods. “That area is close and very large,” Piepenbrink said. “However, we are not looking into purchasing it. We are hoping that a business will move in there that will help campus, though.” The expansion and renovation priorities that are established in the university’s Strategic Plan include expanding the Schwitzer Student Center, building a new recreation center, creating more on-campus housing opportunities, renovating Krannert Memorial Library and expanding parking options.
from Page 1
Company works to redevelop area surrounding UIndy We Remember” event on June 28 in Garfield Park. According to Wantz, the event drew more than 10,000 people to the park last year. The final event sponsored by GBA will be a resurrection of the Miracle Mile Parade that took place along Madison Avenue in the 1950s and 1960s. According to Wantz, the Miracle Mile Parade of the past was a very popular Memorial Day event in Indianapolis. This year, GBA will host the parade on Sept. 1. Cardwell believes these three events will give the people of Indianapolis an opportunity to get involved in the redevelopment. He said volunteers will be needed and welcomed for each event. GBA is currently looking for 200 volunteers for the Miracle Mile Parade to assist with such things as
“These are our priorities, but they are not necessarily in any kind of order. We don’t know yet when each will be completed,” Piepenbrink said. Braughton believes that UIndy’s most pressing issue is the Schwitzer Student Center expansion. “This is something that definitely is going to happen soon,” he said. “Business conferences love to come and present on college campuses, but we aren’t able to host many due to the fact that we don’t have space for them.” Braughton believes that hosting these conferences would be financially beneficial to UIndy. He also thinks that it is important for the cafeteria and dining area to be expanded to accommodate the growing number of students Although increasing student housing becomes important as UIndy continues to grow, the university does not have any current plans to build additional on-campus housing. Braughton and Piepenbrink both stated that the relationship between the school and the apartment complex College Crossing at National has worked well thus far, as more and more students continue to find residence there. According to Piepenbrink, UIndy keeps one major thought in mind during expansion consideration. “This is a campus of convenience, and we don’t want to change that,” he said.
simple logistics, security, parking and organization of participants. According to Cardwell, the implementation of GBA’s plan supports UIndy’s motto, “Education for Service.” “We take it one step further,” he said. “Gateway Business Alliance is providing an opportunity for service in action.” GBA also is working on a separate, but similar, project along Shelby Street. As part of the overall redevelopment vision, GBA hopes to put a bike lane or pedestrian walkway along Shelby Street from UIndy to Garfield Park. “We’re only two miles away from a major park, so it makes sense for us to try to get our faculty and students involved in that,” Wantz said. “Having a safe way to get up there makes for a better community.” Pictures of GBA’s vision for the South side of Indianapolis can be viewed on the company’s web site at www.gatewaybusinessalliance.com. The Web site also features a video that offers a look at the past, present and future of Madison Avenue.
n QUICK LOOK FINANCIAL AID AWARENESS MONTH February is Financial Aid Awareness Month. The priority deadline for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is March 1, 2007. The Federal Processing Center must receive each student’s FAFSA by March 10 in order for the student to be considered for maximum assistance at the federal, state and institutional levels. Students must also complete the university aid application and return it to the financial aid office. IPS TUTORS A United Way program called U-Rate! is looking for volunteers to help Indianapolis Public School fourth-graders with reading comprehension and vocabulary. Students interested in this opportunity must complete an application and pass a background check. They also must be able to work with their student once a week for the remainder of the semester. The tutoring will take place at the student’s school during the same hour each week. United Way of Central Indiana will train tutors to help them work with students on reading and vocabulary. For more information on the program or to sign up to work as a volunteer, visit uwci.org and click the U-Rate! link under Happenings. EITELJORG MUSEUM To give Indianapolis residents an opportunity to experience its exhibits and events, the Eiteljorg Museum has extended its hours on Tuesdays. The museum will be open every Tuesday until 8 p.m. Two current exhibits include Roy Lichtenstein: American Indian Encounters and Andy Warhol’s Cowboys and Indians. ATHLETIC MARKETING/DEVELOPMENT POST Erica Heermann, a 2006 graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, recently was named the University of Indianapolis assistant director for athletic development and marketing. Heermann takes over for Mike Freeman, who served in that position for the past three years before taking a position at Butler University. Heermann will assist Associate Athletic Director Matt Donovan in the development office, as well as coordinate the marketing efforts for all UIndy varsity sports.
SPORTS
The Reflector Page 4
February 7, 2007
UIndy women’s swim team relishes rest after win over Northern Michigan By Joan Savage Staff Writer
Ryan Wood/ The Reflector
Junior Laura Folsom competes in the backstroke leg of the 200-meter medley relay. Her team with junior Whitney Miles, sophomore Casey Owen and senior Mary Secoges placed second with a time of 2:00.17.
The women’s swim team notched their third dual meet victory on Jan. 27 against rival Northern Michigan, winning 140-106. The ‘Hounds set the pace for a strong day from the very first race. UIndy took the lead on the 200-meter medley relay, and kept it throughout the day. After a month that contained three dual meets, the ‘Hounds do not compete again until Feb. 21. Sophomore Rachel Costello said her Christmas break was really anything but a break. “We train five hours a day, usually three hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon…practices are so hard. We will swim about 7,000 yards or more in practice in the mornings and about 6,000 in the afternoon.” Costello participated in the winning 200 medley relay team against Northern Michigan with juniors Amanda Herd and Ellie Miller, as well as sophomore Katie Murray. Second place winners were juniors Whitney Miles and Laura Folsom, sophomore Casey Owen and senior Mary Secoges with 2:00.17. Costello also took
Men’s tennis prepares for spring season By Marcus Whalbring Staff Writer Despite a tough loss at Toledo this past weekend, the University of Indianapolis men’s tennis team feels poised to have a strong season. Off-season preparation started at the beginning of the fall semester. The team was at the track at 6 a.m. every day to condition for the first week. The fall also saw the Greyhounds winning a double-header in October, earning the team two victories over Marian College and Taylor University. In September, the ‘Hounds also hosted an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) regional tournament in which junior Jan Stastny and sophomore J.D. Greenlee reached the semifinals in the doubles bracket. Since the beginning of the spring semester, the ‘Hounds have spent every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, starting at 7 a.m. doing weight training and basketball conditioning, as well practicing their tennis game on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “We’ve been practicing hard,” senior Alan Dowell said. “We’re really well conditioned.” Last season the ‘Hounds finished 16-9 and won the third place match in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) tournament. The team is currently ranked fifth in the GLVC. Stastny and Greenlee are third in the doubles bracket and Stastny also is ranked 10th in singles. “I would really like to see us make a national ranking,” Stastny said. Head coach George Adams expects his team will perform well this season. “It’s looking pretty positive,” Adams said. “We’ve had a good fall, and everyone’s improving. We’re in excellent condition, and the guys are staying focused.” The team also has received a new addition to the coaching staff this season. Assistant Coach Paul Newman, a former player for Ball State, will
Women’s basketball prepares for season’s end
Determination and motivation are just two things that keep the UIndy wrestling team pushing to succeed as the regular season nears its final meet at the Ed South Invitational on Feb. 10. The ‘Hounds practice every day, occasionally twice a day, which requires them to wake up at 6 a.m. for workouts. “You have to do it to be good,” said senior Charlie Pingleton. “Every day at practice, what keeps me pushing harder is not being satisfied placing fourth. I have to be a national champion.” That attitude helped Pingleton earn
freshman guard Katie Dewey and junior forward Deanna Thompson. Canary was named the Player of the Week on Jan. 22 by the Great Lakes Valley Conference The UIndy women’s basketball team (GLVC). The freshman helped lead the moved to 6-7 in the conference last week- ‘Hounds to two convincing wins over end with a 69-59 win over division rival conference opponents Quincy and SIU Wisconsin-Parkside. Halfway through the Edwardsville. season, the ‘Hounds have the top-ranked “She is starting to become more agdefense in the GLVC. gressive offensively,” Moren said. “That is what this program is built on, With 15 players, the ‘Hounds have preaching the fundamentals of defense found themselves with a deep roster. and team defense,” Head Coach Teri “I think that is one of the things we Moren said. “This isn’t the first time in missed last year,” Moren said. “Only the seven years that I have been here that having eight or nine healthy kids from we’ve been at the top of the conference day to day, the team was missing the in team defense.” competitiveness against each other in Senior Amanda Norris earned her fifth their practices and suffered last year. double-double in seven games, with 14 In the months of December and Janupoints and 10 rebounds. ary, the ‘Hounds went 8-4, going unde With three players sitting out with feated at home during January. On Jan. injuries, the team’s practices have been 3, UIndy traveled to Oakland City, where shortened, as they are preparing for the they held the Lady Oaks to a season-low next opponent. 35 points in the win. Norris notched her “Some of those things you just can’t fourth double-double of the year, with 14 control as far as injuries,” Moren said. points and 10 rebounds. Her scoring also “We do have some kids with some nag- put her over 1,000 points for her career. ging injuries most of their season.” In their Feb. 1 loss to No. 7 Lewis With five seniors on the squad, such at home, the ‘Hounds managed only 39 as Norris, the ‘Hounds are showing their points on offense. Norris finished with leadership skills. Norris was a true fresh- 11 points, and Canary had 9 points and man for the ‘Hounds and understands 7 rebounds. what the program is all about. She also The rest of the season, Moren’s expecknows what the team needs to do in or- tation is for the team to win on the road. der to win in this league and go on to an The ‘Hounds have not been able to win NCAA tournament. on the road playing conference games, “She understands the philosophy of losing at Rockhurst, 74-55, and at Drury, the things we are trying to do,” Moren 56-53, two weeks ago. said. The ‘Hounds will move on to face 6’0” guard Jessica Canary is stepping Central State as part of a four-game road up to the plate for the ‘Hounds along with trip, starting Feb. 8.
By Elisha Smith Staff Writer
Dustin Brown/ The Reflector
Junior Jan Statsny prepares to return a serve during indoor practice. Statsny was ranked tenth in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA)/Fila Division II individual region rankings this preseason.
begin his first season with the ‘Hounds. The ‘Hounds also have many new players on their roster this season. Alex Brewer of Jennings County, Werner Henning of Greenwood, Levi Musser of South Bend and John Wright-Piekarski of Chillicothe are the four new freshmen this year. Sophomore Tom Rastall of Adrian College and sophomore Jonathan Hack are the two new transfer students. “I feel like this is probably the strongest team that I’ve been on in the four years I’ve been here,” Dowell said. “We just have a solid team all up and down the lineup.” Going into the Feb. 2 match at Toledo, Adams felt confident in the team’s ability to compete. Citing the team’s competitiveness against Ball State last year, he felt that Toledo wasn’t as good. Unfortunately, the match didn’t
go as planned, and UIndy dropped the match 0-7. While the team has been preparing for their first match of the season, they’ve also made sure that they stay close as a team. “Wherever we are, whether it’s at practice…or we’re just hanging out at dinner or breakfast, it’s just one joke after another,” Greenlee said. “We’re always making each other laugh.” Coach Adams is also proud of his team’s actions outside the practice court as well. “Our guys understand that it’s a privilege to come out and play and represent the University of Indianapolis, and we don’t take that lightly,” Adams said. The ‘Hounds look to get their early season back on track Feb. 10 against Division I opponent Ball State.
UIndy wrestling team nears final two contests By Katie Turley Staff Writer
second place in both the 100-meter and with 25.46 in the 50 freestyle. Spohr 200-meter breaststroke, second only to se- also nabbed the top score of 54.49 nior Niki Stevens. Stevens swam 1:07.89 for the 100-meter freestyle, followed in the 100 breaststroke and 2:27.36 in by Miller, 55.60. At 2:16.25, Secoges the 200 breastwalked off stroke. with first Freshman “I don’t think anything will be place in the Stephanie Cook as good a challenge as swim- 200-meter and sophomore butterfly. Andrea Tolliver The ming has been to me over the placed fifth and ‘Hounds are past 12 years.” sixth in the 100 now preparbreaststroke, ing for the - Alison Smith and Tolliver Great Lakes also placed Intercollegiate sixth in the 200 breaststroke. Senior Athletic Conference (GLIAC) ChamAlison Smith, Herd, Folsom and Miles pionships on Feb. 21-24 in Ashland, dominated the 100-meter Backstroke. Ohio. Kinkead feels that, even though Smith clocked in at 59.11, giving her a the competition will be stiff, the B-standard time, which is just under the ‘Hounds should be setting their sights national qualifying time. on the prize. “I’ve been swimming for 12 years “Our goal each year is to win both now, and it has just taught me so much, men and women at GLIAC, qualify as like hard work—and taught me you many to Nationals as we can and place really get out of something what you in the top 10 at Nationals,” Kinkead put into it,” Smith said. “I don’t think said. “The task at GLIAC will be difanything will be as good a challenge as ficult—Wayne State is defending chamswimming has been to me over the past pions in both men and women and look 12 years.” again to be the favorite, favored next I Sophomore Isabela Tafur grabbed see Ashland and then Grand Valley and a B-cut with 1:55.33 in the 200-meter us fighting out for third or fourth. We freestyle. Miller snatched the lead posi- will have to swim extremely well to tion and held onto it taking first place move into second.” in 1,000-meter freestyle with 10:48.18. The ‘Hounds has won the GLIAC Team captain and senior Holly Spohr meet the last two years, UIndy won took first place with 24.16 in the 50the two meets with a collective lead of meter freestyle. 337.5 points on runners-up. Freshman Abby Adrian took second
the UIndy Student Athlete of the Month Award for January. Senior and co-captain Michael Jackson said that Pingleton deserved the award for his hard work. “He’s a dominant wrestler, and he has good work ethic—all the qualities that would make a good captain,” Jackson said. In a Jan. 20 dual meet with Campbellsville, Ky., Pingleton won 3-0, with two wins by technical decision (winning by 15 points) and one by decision (winning by at least seven points). Along with Pingleton, Jackson recorded a win in the 174 lb. weight class, and senior Jose Navarro won heavyweight. As a second-year captain, Jackson
Men’s swim team preps for GLIAC The ‘Hounds easily beat Division I opponent Wabash College 179-119, in their last meet before the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) meet. Two swimmers posted national-qualifying times in the meet. Already qualified for the NCAA meet are juniors Hanno Ahonen, Alex Arestis and Kieran O’Neill, senior Jeremy Lindauer and freshman Yaman Oguz.
explained that he has to be a good role model, make sure the team is always prepared, and motivate his teammates, though he leaves coaching to head coach Jay Yates. “Every person has played a part in my success,” Jackson said, explaining that he has learned and picked up several different moves and techniques from his teammates. On Jan. 26, the ‘Hounds traveled to Wheaton, Ill, for the 2007 Pete Wilson Invitational. Capitalizing on hard work at practice, UIndy placed second overall among the 29 teams that attended the two-day tournament, including Division I opponents Rose Hulman, Wabash College and Manchester.
Women’s Basketball GLVC Conference Standings
East
Conf.
Lewis
Div.
East
12-1
6-0
SIU Edwardsville
9-4
5-1
N. Kentucky
9-4
3-3
Drury
9-4
5-1
Bellarmine
8-5
3-3
Southern Indiana
7-6
3-3
Kentucky Wesleyan
8-5
3-3
Quincy
6-7
3-2
UW-Parkside
7-6
Missouri-Rolla 4-2
5-8
3-3
Indianapolis
6-7
Rockhurst
2-4
2-11
1-5
St. Joseph’s
1-11
0-6
Missouri-St. Louis
1-11
1-5
Jackson and Navarro were champions in the 174 and heavyweight classes, respectively. Pingleton took home third in 147 along with junior Shane Perkey in 133 and sophomore John Flemming at 125. Junior Mike Horton finished second
The Bottom Line Student wins XLI tickets
University of Indianapolis senior Brett Moore watched the Colts play in Super Bowl XLI from a slightly better seat than most Colts fans. The communication major won tickets to the big game in Miami from a local Papa John’s contest. Contestants who threw a football the farthest from a lounge chair won the tickets. Also be sure to check out our special Colts section on Page 8.
Conf.
Div.
in the 157 weight class. On March 9th the team will travel to Kearny, Neb. For the NCAA Championships. Jackson and Pingleton each had the same prediction for the results of the tournament—a win.
Super Bowl Decorations
Offices all over the University of Indianapolis competed in a decorating contest in honor of the Colts’ first playoff appearance since moving to Indianapolis in 1984. Many administrative offices around campus participated, decorating with blue construction paper, fake paper fans tailgating, bears coming out of trash cans, a blue disco ball and even laptops displaying Colts highlights. The winner received a pizza party as well as all-important bragging rights.
SPORTS
February 7, 2007
The Reflector Page 5
‘Hounds use meets to condition for GLVC championship Track & field teams hope new talent will add to post-season success By Samantha Shelton Staff Writer With the indoor track and field season underway, the University of Indianapolis men’s and women’s track and field teams are devoting their meets to individual conditioning for the upcoming Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) meet. “We’re competing for conditioning, technique, positioning and provisional marks,” said Head Coach Scott Fangman. “We’ve had some already hit that mark.” Both UIndy teams competed twice during winter vacation in the Indiana Open Series I and II, which resulted in four conference provisional qualifiers–junior throwers Willie Little, Amy Schmitz, Andrea Horban and junior high jumper Emily Schaf. The ‘Hounds competed in the Wabash College Alumni Invite Jan. 20. The women’s team finished second, just behind rival St. Joseph’s College. Leading the ‘Hounds were Horban, breaking her own meet record with a shot put throw of 13.93 meters, and Schaf, who tied her own meet record in the high jump with a height of 5’4”. Senior Bathsheba Adams took
Dyon Ravello/ The Reflector
Junior Willie Little practices a throw on the track. Little was the runner-up in the weight throw at the Indiana Open Series II. second in the long jump with a leap of 5.19 meters, while sophomore Carolyn Harless placed fourth in the triple jump with 9.02 meters. The ‘Hounds took the top five places in the 55-meter hurdles, led by Adams in a time of 8.98 seconds. The men’s team finished fourth
at Wabash. Freshman Skylar Mattox placed third in the long jump with 6.6 meters, and senior Adam Campagna took third in the high jump with a height of 6’2”. Junior Brian Maloney had a leap of 13.10 meters, which was good enough for second place in the triple jump.
The ‘Hounds took sixth through eighth in the 200-meter dash, led by juniors Elliot Cohee with a time of 24.02 seconds and Kyle Vossler with a time of 24.12 seconds, as well as freshman Courtney Cotton with a time of 24.14 seconds. Fangman said that he is very pleased with his teams so far, especially with the adversities they have had to overcome. “We have the worst indoor facilities, but these kids have overcome that,” Fangman said. “We also had some major losses but everyone is stepping up. We have never, top to bottom, been closer.” The ‘Hounds lost thrower Aaron Lawson and high jumper Chase Eaton to graduation. Junior national qualifier hurdler and 2006 GLVC Male Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year Nick Hargrave is red-shirted this season, which is also a blow to the men’s squad. For the women, several key sprinters were lost to graduation. Despite the losses, the ‘Hounds are looking to some new faces to step up. New for the men’s team are junior sprinter Anthony Flournoy, and freshman hurdler Mattox. On the women’s side, freshman sprinters Porsche Jackson, Krista Leffers and Shannon Smith are looking to fill the void left from last year’s graduates. “We’re excited about the new people coming in,” Schmitz said. “Their talents will be a huge addition to
our team.” Both ‘Hounds teams continued their season by competing at the Findlay Track Classic in Findlay, Ohio Jan. 2627. “We’re excited because we are running our main events that we will run in conference,” senior sprinter Cicely Wattley said. “We want to see where we are.” The women made an impact on the competition by placing several members in the top 10. Junior Nichelle Curtis took fourth in the 55-meter dash with a time of 7.30 seconds, while teammate Smith took sixth in a time of 7.31 seconds. The two paired up again in the 200-meter dash with Smith taking fifth place in 26.03 seconds, and Curtis taking sixth with 26.21 seconds. Wattley ran a time of 58.4 seconds in the 400-meter dash, which was good enough for fourth place. The ‘Hounds 1600-meter relay team placed fifth overall in a time of 4:05.83. The men’s team was led by Flournoy’s second place finish in the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.70 seconds. Mattox had a jump of 6.40 meters to place fifth in the long jump, while Maloney also took fifth in the triple jump with a leap of 13.21 meters. Three ‘Hounds advanced to finals in the 55-meter hurdles, resulting in a 8.11-second 10th place finish and 8.25-second 13th place finish for senior Derek Austin and Cotten, respectively. The ‘Hounds will continue their season Feb. 10 at the DePauw Invite in Greencastle, Ind.
Men’s basketball wants to finish strong as conference tournament approaches By Amanda Zimmer Staff Writer The University of Indianapolis men’s basketball team is five games away from the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Tournament. The ‘Hounds are 11-9 in the season, 7-6 in the conference after dropping two straight at home to Lewis on Feb. 1 and Wisconsin-Parkside on Feb. 3. Despite oustcoring Parkside 31-25 in the second-half and setting up a chance for a game-tying shot, UIndy fell short, 72-67. The ‘Hounds now look to turn the second-half of the season around against Kentucky Wesleyan on Feb. 10. This season has been much different from the 2005-2006 season, in which the ‘Hounds went 4-23. According to sophomore forward Braxton Mills, the reason why the team is playing better this year is because of their chemistry. “We’re playing more as a team [this year],” Mills said. Junior forward Justin Barnard added that this season the team is playing with more confidence and listening to the coaches. “Last year we got a few games down, and we could never get back.” Barnard said. “I don’t think we really bought in to what the coaches were saying.”
In the Jan. 27 game at Bellarmine, that the GLVC is very strong. “I think Barnard hit a three-pointer to tie the every team in the conference can beat game with under a minute left. Junior anybody on any given day,” Barnard guard DeAndre Brock hit two free said. throws with 2.2 seconds left to seal the Mills said he believes that the key 66-64 win. to the ‘Hounds Brock is success this the leading “I think every team in the con- season is playscorer for the ing together as ‘Hounds, av- ference can beat anybody on a a team. eraging 17.2 The given day.” points per ‘Hounds have - Justin Barnard game. Brock three road scored 25 games coming points in the up in the next ‘Hounds’ 68-63 win against Quincy, who ten days, at Kentucky Wesleyan on was then ranked No. 9 in the country. Feb. 10, Wisconsin-Parkside on Feb. Mills has led the team in rebounding 15, and Lewis on Feb. 17. They close with an average of 5.9 per game and out the season with two home games, has had two 12-rebound games. In the versus Bellarmine and then Northern 69-67 win over Southern Illinois UniKentucky, who currently leads the diviversity (SIU) of Edwardsville on Jan. sion. 20, he had 15 points, nine rebounds, The ‘Hounds missed the NCAA Diand three blocks. vison II tournament last year after three On Dec. 9, the ‘Hounds won a hard- straight seasons of making the tournafought 56-55 game against Southern ment. Mills thinks that the team can Indiana, who was undefeated and make it back this year if they continue ranked No. 2 in the nation at the time. to defend well and communicate with Mills said he thinks that if they have to each other. face Southern Indiana again, it would Barnard said the key is to concenbe tough to beat them a second time. trate on their goal. “We beat them one time before, and “We just need to stay focused,” he they’re pretty good, so they’re probably said. “As long as everybody comes gonna want to get us back,” Mills said. in and keeps working hard and stays Barnard agrees that Southern focused, we can beat anybody.” Indiana is a great team, but pointed out
Katie Turley/ The Reflector
Senior guard Scott Strahm checks the bench for a play.
Captain’s Corner Hartley does balancing act with her two passions: tennis, education Tony Puckett Sports Editor Junior women’s tennis co-captain Jeannie Hartley has a busy life. Her day-to-day is so busy, in fact, it’s tough to listen to without the aid of an energy bar. A two-year letter winner on UIndy’s women’s tennis team, Hartley has an above-average class load most semesters, and she also participates in tennis practices that are sometimes scheduled to run as late as 11:00 p.m. She takes part in the University Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) in her free time as well. “I am extremely passionate about my education, which is why I am finishing my undergrad in three years and pursuing my doctorate degree in physical therapy beginning in the fall,” Hartley said. “I am also very passionate about the Student Athlete Advisory Committee that we have here. I think that it is a great way for the athletes on our campus to have a voice in the decisions that go on within the NCAA, and also a way for students to voice their opinions about things that are going on within our university.” Despite her heavy work load, Hartley still manages to complete all her work, keep her grades up and compete on a national level.
“A lot of time management gets everything finished that I need to have done.” Outside of class and SAAC meetings, Hartley and the rest of the women’s tennis team is preparing for a spring season that now contains the majority of their matches, culminating in the NCAA National meet on May 3. “We have had a good couple of weeks since we have been back from break,” Hartley said. “We condition twice a week and hit three times a week, so I think that we are getting a good amount of each.” Even though she intends to use graduate early after this, her third year, Hartley intends to her final year of eligibility to continue tennis while attending graduate school. And even though she intends on finishing her education by attending UIndy’s physical therapy graduate program, her thoughts remain on the more immediate season ahead of her. “I think that having our main season in the spring is going to be a big change for all of us, but I think that all of our hard work and dedication to the program is going to pay off,” she said. “We have all prepared ourselves for the tough competition and hopefully we can bring back another conference championship.”
FEATURE
The Reflector Page 6
February 7, 2007
Dean of nursing retires after 17 years at UIndy By Nicki Crisci Staff Writer
Dr. Sharon Isaac, dean of nursing, finds long walks by the river with her husband of 42 years and eating out at small-town restaurants ideal activities when she’s out of the office. But for the last 43 years, she has had another important favorite hobby—nursing. After spending the past 17 years of her nursing career at UIndy, Isaac is retiring. UIndy offers a “Bridge to Retirement” program for faculty after a certain amount of time, and Isaac has chosen to follow this program. She will leave the university at the end of July. When Isaac first started her college career, nursing was not the first thing on her mind. At first, she said, she wanted to be an archaeologist, but decided, “It would take too much time.” After rejecting archeology, Isaac decided she wanted to become a missionary. Her professor, however, suggested trying nursing first, and she soon entered a three-year diploma program at Marian College. Those three years would be the first of many she would spend in school during her nursing career.
Isaac went for her associate’s degree and spent two and a half years more on her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University. Six years later, she had her master’s degree and doctorate in education, also from IU. Isaac said it is ironic that she chose nursing because it would take less time and yet, she spent a longer time on it in the end. Isaac has, in fact, spent her nursing career helping people in a variety of places for a long time. She began her career as a staff nurse at Wishard Health Services, and quickly moved into higher ranking positions, such assistant vice-president at St. Joseph in Kokomo. She held her longest job at Methodist Hospital for 13 years, where she began as a staff nurse and eventually became head of personnel. “This was an odd job to have,” Isaac said. “It’s more of a business job than a nursing job.” As head of personnel, Isaac was able to put her leadership abilities to use, which eventually led her to UIndy. Isaac has been at UIndy for 17 years, 14 of which she has been dean of nursing. She still practices nursing at the university in the faculty Nursing Center from time to time, which is similar to the Student Health Center in
Schwitzer. Isaac also teaches a class for the master’s degree program and says she enjoys teaching. Her favorite part is the “satisfaction ... from seeing someone go from knowing nothing to knowing something,” Isaac said. Both students and faculty appreciate and respect Isaac. “[Dr. Isaac] is supportive of faculty and uses a participative management style,” said Dr. Karla Backer, associate professor for nursing. “[She believes in] group decision making.” Not only is Isaac respected for her management expertise, but for her kindness as well. According to Diana Meador, administrative assistant in the School of Nursing, “She’s a generous individual. She likes to support charitable organizations.” Rita Hankley, key advisor for the School of Nursing, said Isaac is “very knowledgeable, calm, and supportive.” Some faculty members know her for more than just her kindness; they know of her thirst for knowledge as well. “She loves to read,” said Backer, chuckling. “She goes through a lot of books!” Isaac’s colleagues regret losing her as their dean. “It’s sad to see her
retire,” said Deborah Diaz, assistant professor for the School of Nursing. “She’s been such an asset to the school of nursing.” Isaac said that the university has made her more “intellectually stimulated from the interaction between
the different professors.” She said she also feels more well-rounded from the knowledge she has gained in conversations with other faculty members. Although the long journey is a struggle, the end is satisfying. “It’s a lot of work,” Isaac said, “but it’s for people’s lives.”
Dr. Sharon Isaac, dean of nursing, will retire after 17 years at UIndy, leaving at the end of July. She has spent 43 years in the nursing field. Andrea Vachon/ The Reflector
Movement at Sundance to kick the swag habit Colts intern experiences By Mark Caro Chicago Tribune
CHICAGO (MCT)—For independent film publicist Jeremy Walker, the final straw was seeing a movie star “hijack” one of his staffers for an entire afternoon at last year’s Sundance Film Festival so he could score swag (i.e. freebies) at the various houses set up to lavish brand names upon celebrities. Walker also didn’t appreciate the filmmaker who “freaked out” because he might have missed the opportunity to snag a gift bag supposedly worth $50,000 at some Sundance party. When stars and filmmakers worry more about goodies than promoting their films, that’s a problem for Walker, who runs the New Yorkbased publicity firm Jeremy Walker + Associates. So he pulled a “Jerry Maguire” and wrote up his “Swagifesto,” which he sent out last week to the stars and makers of the films he is representing at this year’s Sundance festival, which kicked off Thursday. Swag, Walker wrote, is “evil.” “We’ve watched swag, like cocaine, turn nice, smart, humble, creative people into monsters. ... As with cocaine, once tasted, the consumer of swag instantly wants more. When people see other people doing swag, they want to do it, too. And, like cocaine, once it’s out in the open, swag permeates the culture, and it’s all anyone can talk about. ...
“(A)t the risk of sounding like Nancy Reagan, we may `just say no’ to swag, and depending on the circumstances, we may even say no to swag on your behalf,” Walker wrote. At founder Robert Redford’s behest, the Sundance Film Festival has taken up the war on swag as well. Every year, the quaint Main Street of Park City, Utah, increasingly resembles a corporate logo showcase as companies rent out storefronts to create “hospitality lounges” from which to “gift” celebrities. None of this is done with Sundance’s blessing, so Redford gave his staffers a mandate to do all they could to promote the festival’s role as a place to celebrate filmmakers and their work, period. As a result the Sundance Institute produced 25,000 buttons bearing the message, “Focus on Film.” They’re being given away at the festival with cards that read, “Visibly wearing this button during the 2007 Sundance Film Festival means that: —“I want to see films that I know I’ll never get to see anywhere else. —“My idea of ‘celebrity’ is the filmmaker who directed my favorite film at the festival. —“I’m willing to wait in the cold for two hours to see a hot documentary ...” “The whole focusing-on-film idea is if you don’t care about seeing these films and supporting these filmmakers, why would you be traveling to the mountains of Utah for 10 days in January?” said Elizabeth Daly, the Sundance Institute’s director of strategic
development. The answer is so they can go to cool parties and get lots of expensive free stuff. Paris Hilton somehow manages to show up at Sundance each year without a film to push. Swag already took a hit recently when the IRS announced that the pricey packages given to awards presenters, among others, must be reported as income. But that hasn’t stopped companies from offering everything from jeans to Botox treatments at this year’s festival. Two years ago, film publicist Jim Dobson gave celebrities gift bags containing up to $50,000 worth of, among other things, tropical vacation packages, diamond jewelry and an 18-karat gold vibrator. He said the reason was to keep his stars happy so they wouldn’t skip their interviews to go swag hunting. But this year, “out of respect to the festival,” he stopped. “It’s just gotten out of hand,” Dobson said. Walker said Thursday his “Swagifesto” has generated “incredibly positive” feedback so far, though some filmmakers said they may try to snag freebies on their own time. “If you look at it from the perspective of a truly independent filmmaker, free (stuff) can be life sustaining in some way,” Walker admitted. Then again, swag houses tend to snub unknown filmmakers anyway. ___ (c) 2007, Chicago Tribune. Distributed by McClatchyTribune Information Services.
New chair adds depth to department By Adrian Kendrick Staff Writer
The Department of Modern Languages is going through a lot of changes this semester. Its most significant change is a new chair, Dr.. Gerburg Garmann, who is replacing former chair, Michelle Stoneburner. “Whenever there is a change in leadership,” said Mary Beth Baggs, registrar and part time associate professor of German, “[that] means changes in the way things have been done. The previous chair did a good job but it’s good to have change and to see how we can make it [the department of modern languages] better. It’s good for the university, the students and everyone.” Garmann has four languages under her belt. She learned English in fifth grade, French in seventh and Latin in tenth grade. “I always had an interest in foreign languages,” Garmann said. “It’s something I am really passionate about.” Garmann feels strongly that American students miss out on learning foreign languages. “Americans, like everyone else, can learn a foreign language,” Garmann said. “I am sorry it’s not an opportunity for American students to learn foreign languages earlier on. The time is ripe for Americans to embrace the idea of learning a new language. Everyone has the ability to learn another language, they just have to be committed to it.” A native from Germany, Garmann received her Ph.D from Justus-Liebig Universitaet. While at the university, she met the man who would become her husband, a foreign exchange student. They eventually fell in love and moved to the United States. Garmann and her husband first lived in Georgia where her husband took a job. Meanwhile Garmann continued her French studies at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, where she received an ABD. Garmann’s husband accepted a new
Contributed by University Communications
Dr. Gerburg Garmann is the new chair of the Department of Modern Languages. job in Indiana and the couple moved to Indianapolis where Garmann took over the position of Chair of the Department of Modern Languages at UIndy. “I love it [my job] and I love to work with UIndy students,” Garmann said. “[Dr. Garmann] is wonderful to work with,” said Maribel Campoy, instructor of Spanish. “She is disciplined in her job and strict with the way she manages but is still friendly and responsible.” Dr. Garmann has also designed a new course that is being offered this semester which is called multilingual translations. In this class the students learn Spanish and German. The Department of Modern Languages is also offering six other classes this year: two Spanish, two German and two French classes. “I am so amazed with the students,” Garmann said. “There are 17 students in the multilingual translation class, and they are so committed. Students are underestimated. They think it is impossible [to learn foreign languages] but it is not. These students are learning both German and Spanish and they are doing so well.”
Alison Smith, a senior majoring in communication and minoring in German, has been Garmann’s student for three years. This year, she is enrolled in the multilingual transition class taught by Campoy and Garmann. “[Garmann] is why I added German as a minor. She is so helpful and the environment she creates makes me want to learn more,” Smith said. With the department of modern languages steadily expanding, Garmann and Campoy said they are excited about a new program currently under development called the Applied Language Program. In this program, students will learn new skill-oriented programs in specific fields such as business, law and translations—according to students’ interests—and foreign languages will be applied to that course. “This new program will keep the core of liberal arts, but enrich it with more career-oriented courses,” Garmann said. “This new program will dramatically raise the marketability of the graduate.” Not only is Garmann passionate about her work but she also is passionate about being a scholar, an artist and a poet. Garmann is an international poet who writes for both English and German journals. As a scholar, Garmann was trained to do literary research in German and French which has allowed her to publish several books and articles in peer-reviewed journals. Garmann is also a residential artist at the Sugar Creek Art Center in Thorntown, Ind. She will be showing her third exhibitions in acrylic paintings and sketches there from June 7 through July 28. Though Garmann has already accomplished so much throughout her career, she still has goals she hopes to reach. “I would like to refine my painting and writing skills because it’s a never-ending process,” she said. “There is endless growth. I think I will pursue this for the rest of my life.”
NFL careers first hand By Ruth Shirley Feature Editor
In looking for a career in sports, Sam Penrod, UIndy graduate, decided to turn toward management, and teamed up with the Colts in an internship over the past summer. Penrod finished his bachelor of science degree in sports management last December and started an equipment internship with the Colts last May. He worked with the Colts through minicamp, training camp and the pre-season, and continues to puts in hours on weekends. During the week, he works at Streets in Schwitzer Student Center. The internship was an intense seven days a week and though he was paid, he said, “I think we calculated it was like making a dollar for an hour’s work. It was enough to pay the bills while I was gone. It was obviously just more for the experience, just getting used to being around a professional organization.” During the camps, Penrod worked with individual coaches, assisting them with equipment in drills. He said the greatest benefit was working around professionals. “It was just a learning experience to be around pro teams and kind of see how things work, how to take a business approach about everything,” he said. “During training camp, Bill Polian, the general manager ... was nice enough to sit all the interns down. [He talked about] how he got to where he is got and he just gave us a Q and A at the end, which I thought that was cool from a guy that’s making millions of dollars a year.” Along with learning the equipment, Penrod and the other interns do other jobs for the players. “There’s been a couple times where I’ve watched Jeff Saturday and Tarik Glenn’s kids,” he said. “They come in with their Colts helmets on, running around. I’m ‘Mr. Sam,’ just pretty much being a big kid, playing around with them, keeping them entertained ... while their dads are in meetings.” Penrod said that when people find out he works with the Colts, they often ask for free football and Colts gear. While in Terre Haute at the Colts training facility, he told people he worked as a construction worker instead of for the Colts to avoid the typical questions.
“People just always want stuff for free,” he said. “They don’t want to give you nothing, but they ask for it.” Penrod does get some free gear himself, as well as access to good tickets. “I don’t get free tickets,” Penrod said. But he was able to get hard-to-get tickets for a friend. “I got some [lower level] tickets for one of my roommates for the Bengal’s Monday night game, because he’s a big Bengals fan. And the Bengals got demolished.” Although he’s self-proclaimed “the lowest person on the totem pole” with the Colts, Penrod often has the opportunity to interact with some of the players. “Some of the rookies [are] my age, so we can kind of relate,” he said. “Peyton’s real business-like. There’s definitely a hierarchy of players; everybody knows that if you watch the Colts. But they do like to have fun.” Penrod works all the home games, but sometimes works in the locker room for most of the game. At the American Football Conference Championship game against the Patriots, he was only out of the locker room for pre-game warm-up and halftime setup. Since the game was the championship game, the sponsors wanted to ensure the winning team got the T-shirts and hats right after the game. “The Reebok guys were going back and forth between the locker rooms with all the gear,” Penrod said. “They had the shirts and the hats pre-made so whoever was looking better, they were going [to their locker room]. At the last touchdown the Colts scored, they came down to our locker room, and we started taking everything out and setting the shirts and hats up.” One perk of the internship is experiencing the thrill of victory firsthand. “After we won, we just ran out there and started celebrating on the field,” he said. “It was fun.”
photo contributed by
Sam Penrod
Sam Penrod, Colts intern, poses with the AFC trophy.
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ENTERTAINMENT
February 7, 2007
The Reflector Page 7
Bands announced for first UIndy Battle of the Bands By Stephanie Little Staff Writer
The University of Indianapolis will host its first professionally–produced rock show in Ransburg Auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 17. This Battle of the Bands will feature six esteemed bands that were chosen from forty. “I’m the guy with the budget, so I basically polled on a lot of my professional and personal resources to develop a show that would be appealing to prospective and current students,” said Will Pfaffenberger, UIndy’s Arts Outreach Coordinator and Executive Producer of the Battle of the Bands. “It was my idea to do the Battle of the Bands. Traditionally, the Art Department brings in artists who are classical or jazz musicians. This was an idea intended to bring out the students. “We [myself and the judges] looked for all-around great bands. People who played real great songs, had great choruses, and also could sell it live onstage and really got into their music,” Pfaffenberger said. In addition to these requirements, at least half of the band has to be full time students in high school or college, and they have to play original songs. The six bands chosen to perform at the Battle of the Bands were Same As Sunday, My Hidden Track, The American Night, Three Piece Suit, Red Letter Reason and Paradise Regained. Singer and guitar player Chris Bauchle of Same As Sunday said that his band tries to send a positive message through their songs and has a Christian outlook on relationships. “We want to be a positive example in the music scene,” Bauchle said. Same As SunPhotos Provided by Respective Bands day describes itself as a pop punk/rock/ glam band. Some of the bands playing in this year’s battle are The Battle of the Bands is a “cool (clockwise from top) Three Piece Suit, Red Letter opportunity to come play with other great bands, to put ourselves out there,” Reason and American Night. Bauchle said. “School’s a priority, but the band is direction.” people listening. We all have the days next,” Bauchle said. “There’s nothing American Night, a band out of Fishthat we feel like we can take on the like being up in front.” ers, are excited about the upcoming world and we have days where the My Hidden Track was another band show. world takes on us,” Lehr said. “When chosen to play the show on the 17. “Anytime you play music in front someone is listening to us, I want them “Our band is different because of of new people, is a good thing. If they to feel empowered.” we have such talented musicians,” said like you or hate you, we’ll take either “This Battle of the Bands means singer and guitar player Chad Lehr or, because if they hate you, they’ll still that we’re finally breaking out” Lehr of My Hidden Track. “The guys are talk about you,” said Ryan Glock of said. “I want these kids to hear it [our absolutely amazing. There’s nothing I American Night. songs] and connect with it. This Battle wouldn’t do for these boys.” “The hard thing with being in is the first step of many for My Hidden “We are just as messed up as the music, it’s very hard to get into and Track. I think it’s a step in the right
7 great videos on YouTube By Elyse Kaiser Entertainment Editor With a new semester (and a new look), we at The Reflector, have added a new feature to the Entertainment Page. It’s called “YouTube This.” Basically, we in the newsroom spend more than a little time on YouTube.com and wanted to find a way to let readers know about some of the amazing channels and shows we’ve found. Every issue, one or two editors will contribute a phrase such as, “R.E.M. and the Muppets.” Then you, the reader, can go to YouTube.com and type the phrase into the search engine and view the video. To kick off this new and exciting feature, this “7 List” revolves around some of our all time favorite YouTube clips. Some of the items listed below are channels, however, with multiple shows to view. For this reason, some of them include recommendations or “Best Picks.” That way, if you just want to check out one video, you know which one won’t suck. 7. “Dylan’s Couch.” These are a series of videos by a 13-year-old kid. The videos chronicle his daily life in middle school and the plots aren’t always the most interesting, but just the fact that the kid is so young and delivering some of these lines is pretty hysterical. 6. “Nobody’s Watching.” Derrick and Will are two guys who sent a video to the major networks complaining about the fact that there aren’t any good sitcoms on television anymore, and NBC responded by flying the two out to film a sitcom pilot and their own web show. Even though the sitcom hasn’t been picked up, the two are pretty entertaining to watch and come up with some original stuff. Best pick: “Nobody’s Watching Ok Go.” 5. “Ok Go.” Everyone’s seen the treadmill music video for Ok Go’s “Here it Goes Again,” but you may not have seen the video they produced before that, called “Ok Go in the Back Yard Dancing” set to their song “A Million Ways to be Cruel.” This video is just as hilarious as the treadmill dance and perhaps way too underrated. 4. “George Washington.” Not since “Clone High,” (a brilliant but short-lived cartoon on MTV) has a cartoon poked fun at a national icon quite as well as this one. The song, the graphics, the British children—this video’s got it all. 3. “Improv Everywhere.” Using a good mix of hidden cameras and humorous sketch ideas, the comedy troupe Improv Everywhere can be seen all over New York City providing citizens with a smile and a memory. Okay, that description was pretty cheesy, but these guys really do describe themselves as bringing “excitement to otherwise unexciting locales and give strangers a story they can tell for the rest of their lives.” The skits are entertaining and creative and definitely fun to watch. Best pick: “Suicide Jumper.” 2. “Barats and Bereta.” These two guys are much like Derrick and Will of “Nobody’s Watching,” but funnier. Instead of limiting their comedy to a specific idea (like the “Nobody” guys do with television shows) Barats and Bereta tackle everything and everyone. From Auto Insurance, to Jehovah’s Witnesses, to Suburbanites, nothing is really off-limits. Best picks: “Mother’s Day,” “Cubicle War 2006” and “Completely Uncalled For.” 1. “Steve Carrell.” Okay, okay, I know, Steve Carrell is a huge star and videos of Carrell encompass a lot of material. But, Carrell has the most entertaining surplus of videos on YouTube. You can’t really pick the best because the videos range from chuckle humor to belly laugh type humor. You can find just about anything from his career: “Even Stevphen,” “Wildlife Expert” and “The German Who Says Nice Things.” Best picks: His “Wildlife Expert” pieces and his Second City skits.
YouTube This: “jogger trap” ~ Katy Yeiser, editor-in-chief “crazy bride” ~ Tony Puckett, sports editor
even harder to make a living from. If we could do this as a profession, as a career, and support ourselves, we’d do it in a heartbeat;” Glock said. Three Piece Suit is a classic rock band that has won the most recent Verizon Wireless Battle of the Bands, as well as the Noblesville Battle of the Bands for the past two years. “As far as the show goes, we’d really like to expose ourselves to the other [band’s] fans,” said drummer Abe
Shanehsaz of Three Piece Suit. “Hopefully pick up a fan or two.” A lot of the band member’s inspiration comes from “listening to other artists, like the Beatles,” Shanehsaz said. “Just listening pretty devotedly to other artists and the things they have to say.” Red Letter Reason is a rock/screamo/glam band that “doesn’t sound like anybody we’ve listened to,” said singer, guitar and piano player Derrick Royer. “Our best feature is our live show, [it’s] a little bit more exciting than your typical local show. The energy we show onstage shows that we’re really into what we’re doing.” “Our dream would be to perform in front of large audiences, not just be a source of entertainment,” Royer said. “We’ve got a good package deal. We’re nice guys, we put on a good show.” “We want to have a lot of dedicated fans to keep us doing what we love to do,” Royer said. “This is our time.” Paradise Regained, out of West Lafayette, features a saxophone player and a violinist. “We try to play music everyday, which I think is important,” said lead guitar player Jimmy Winn of Paradise Regained. “The Battle of the Bands is a really big step for all bands,” Winn said. “Every show you meet someone new, people who enjoy good music.” The songwriter for Paradise Regained, Adam Rutherford, “writes his music by playing] around with notes, and piecing them together like a puzzle,” Winn said. “He [Rutherford] writes what he feels and that’s how he writes his songs.” These six bands will be judged by celebrity judges and audience response. The first place winner will receive a free album from Big Walnut Studios. The concert is being sponsored by Radio Now 93.1 and NUVO. UIndy students get one free ticket, and UIndy staff members get four free tickets. Tickets can be picked up at the UIndy box office in Ransburg Auditorium.
Cruz generates Oscar buzz with ‘Volver’ By Stephanie Little Staff Writer
I wasn’t too apprehensive about seeing “Volver,” considering the Oscar buzz it’s already creating. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed by the film. Penelope Cruz is up for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in this year’s Oscars, and she did a splendid job in this film. The film is about family ties, family secrets and the love that keeps them all together. Raimunda (Penelope Cruz) is a young married woman whose family is the center of her life. She dearly loves her younger sister Sole (Lola Duenas), her beautiful daughter Paula (Yohana Cobo) and her elderly Aunt Paula (Chus Lampreave). Despite the recent passing of her mother Irene
(Carmen Maura), Raimunda believes she has her life in order. But upon returning home one night, she discovers a tragedy has befallen her and her daughter, Paula. Secrets are beginning to surface, secrets that refuse to be buried again. In the midst of this turmoil, Raimunda’s dead mother returns to her daughters in an attempt to reconcile with them. The film is filled with poignant and dark moments. The beautiful women and scenery counteract the often ugly issues that are raised in their lives. But moments of beauty and humor are always ready to appear and provide comfort. Raimunda first discovers the presence of her dead mother’s ghost when she smells Irene’s infamous farts in the bathroom. And in the process of covering up one of her secrets, Raimunda is forced to enlist the help of a frisky but
friendly local prostitute. The redeeming value throughout this film is the amazing and humorous relationships between these women. They are always there for each other, to confide in, yell at and always to forgive. The ghost of Irene warns young Paula of the devastating effects of a mother’s unrequited love and tells Paula to make sure her mother Raimunda, always feels her love. I, for one, did feel the love that flowed among these women. Whether they’re sharing a moment in Sole’s illegal hair salon or discovering their dead mother hidden in the trunk of a car, it’s all strikingly real and believable. I never doubted any part of this film, and that’s pretty rare. I didn’t cry, but that didn’t lessen the impact of the film. As long as you can read fast and enjoy crazy families with crazy secrets, you’ll love “Volver.”
Academy Award nominees announced By Emmanuel Casillas Guest Writer
Well the nominees are in and they are, well, slightly messy. They did, however, manage to make better choices than the Golden Globes (Bobby - Best Picture?). So here’s a rundown of the main categories, who deserves newfound Oscar status, who the dubious choices are, and who plain got screwed.
Best Picture - “Babel;” “The Departed;” “Little Miss Sunshine;” “The Queen;” “Letters From Iwo Jima” Should Be Here: Clint Eastwood did double duty last year with two masterworks (“Flags of Our Fathers” and “Letters From Iwo Jima”) that far outshine his previous works. Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” was the toughest film this year, but Alejandro Gonzalez Inarittu’s “Babel” towers above all of these by being the most emotionally moving and rich film of the year. Who Got Snubbed: Only the most fabulous movie of the year: “Dreamgirls!” Then there’s Paul Greengrass’ “United 93,” a masterpiece showcase of the best humanity can be. I love “Little Miss Sunshine” as much as anyone, but Best Picture? Best Director - Alejandro Gonzalez Inarittu - “Babel;” Clint Eastwood - “Letters From Iwo Jima;” Stephen Frears - “The Queen;” Paul Greengrass - “United 93;” Martin Scorsese - “The Departed” Should Be Here: Again, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarittu, Clint Eastwood and Martin Scorsese all created magnificent movies that matter, and congrats to Paul Greengrass’ nomination. Who Got Snubbed: Other than Inarittu, three other Latino directors churned out incredible works, they being Pedro Almodovar (“Volver”), Guillermo Del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”), and Alfonso Cuaron (“Children of Men”), all would have been equally deserving of the honor. Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio - “Blood Diamond,” Ryan Gosling - “Half-Nelson;” Will Smith - “Pursuit of Happyness;” Peter O Toole - “Venus;” Forest Whitaker - “Last King of Scotland”
Should Be Here: Forest Whitaker is absolutely thunderous and should most definitely prepare his speech. O Toole, Gosling and Smith gave equally marvelous work but won’t be able to stop Whitaker a bit. Who Got Snubbed: Leo should have been nominated for his amazing role in “The Departed.” Then there’s Edward Norton who turned in three great performances this year in “The Illusionist,” “The Painted Veil” and “Down In The Valley,” and too bad for Sacha Baron Cohen (“Borat”), who could have been the upset nomination.
Best Actress: Meryl Streep - “The Devil Wears Prada;” Judi Dench - “Notes On A Scandal;” Kate Winslet - “Little Children;” Helen Mirren - “The Queen;” Penelope Cruz - “Volver” Should Be Here: This is the one main category The Academy actually got right, all these ladies were amazing in all their respected films. Best Supporting Actor: Djimon Honsou - “Blood Diamond;” Mark Whalberg - “The Departed;” Eddie Murphy - “Dreamgirls;” Jackie Earle Haley - “Little Children;” Alan Arkin - “Little Miss Sunshine” Should Be Here: Eddie Murphy’s soulful performance in “Dreamgirls” should award him Oscar cred, but he should lookout for Jackie Earle Haley, who is absolutely haunting in “Little Children.” Who Got Snubbed: I love Alan Arkin, Mark Whalberg and Djimon Honsou but it’s because of them that Brad Pitt, who gave his most emotionally bruised performance in “Babel,” and Adam Beach (“Flags of Our Fathers”) were left out. And just what did Jack Nicholson do to get snubbed? Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson - “Dreamgirls;” Adriana Barraza - “Babel;” Cate Blanchett - “Notes On A Scandal;” Rinko Kikuchi - “Babel;” Abigail Breslin - “Little Miss Sunshine” Should Be Here: Definitely Hudson, who brings down the house in “Dreamgirls,” and of course Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi, who are emotionally shattering in “Babel.” Who Got Snubbed: Yes, little Abigail Breslin scored a nod, but once again this is a case of cute kid stealing Oscar thunder. Good for her though. It totally left out Maggie Gyllenhall (“World Trade Center”), Maria Bello (“World Trade Center”), and Catherine O Hara (“For Your Consideration”).
The Reflector Page 9
SUPER BOWL SPECIAL INSERT
February 7, 2007
Un-Bear-ably good! A super season: the photos that made us believe
The Registrar’s office joins in the decorating contest, even including computer screens playing highlights (above.)
Corner Marlin Jackson indicates a Colts fumble recovery against the Bears (above.) Reggie Wayne celebrates a touchdown (below)
Peyton Manning directs the Colts offense against the Ravens (top left.) Coach Tony Dungy hoists the AFC Championship Trophy (above.) A statue is uniquely decorated at the Fifth Third Bank Tower downtown.
All Colts photos Contributed by MCT Registrar and Statue Photo by Megan Komlanc/ The Reflector
Dominic Rhodes celebrates on the field at Dolphins stadium after Super Bowl XLI (above.) Rhodes ran for 81 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries.
February 7, 2007
TWICE OVER
The Reflector Page 9
The PRIDE turns ten
The evolution of PRIDE on campus over the last decade By Elyse Kaiser Entertainment Editor
Ten years ago may not seem that far in the past. 1997 was a year of boy bands, Jnco jeans, “Titanic” and the birth of The PRIDE on the campus of University of Indianapolis. But the ten-year anniversary is a one of the first of many milestones for this student organization. “The PRIDE’s overall purpose is to raise awareness about what the issues there are in the gay-lesbian community, along with allies; and to be not only educational and to have out-reach programs, but to be a place where anyone can get together and be who they are in a non-judgemental, non-assuming atmosphere,” said Alison Verplaetse, junior and The PRIDE’s current political activism chair. “The PRIDE was officially started in the 1996-1997 academic year, the year prior to that a group of students got together and met once to see if there was a need, if people would support it. I was one of those students,” said Jeffery Barnes, production manager and technical director for the Theatre Department and current faculty advisor for The PRIDE. “We decided to go forward with it and began meeting the next year. We spent a long time trying to figure out how to become an organization and what the group wanted to be and provide to the campus.” At first, the group had a hard time getting off the ground with the usual kinds of harassments that are associated with minority groups attempting to organize themselves. According to Barnes, the group would hang up flyers and posters for upcoming meetings and they would quickly be torn down, defaced and/or written on. “An organization like this hadn’t existed they didn’t know what to expect. They didn’t know what sort of programs we would bring to campus or what we could add to campus,” Barnes
According to Catchings, there was a specific staff member who would discourage people from participating. “This person would also sometimes come to meetings, not as a heckler so much as a dissenter,” Catchings said. “The tendancy on this person’s part was to equate homosexuality with AIDS, so that if you were gay you were engaged in some kind of suicide. We could never quite get through to this particular person that not everyone who was gay was ill, had AIDS, or even any other type of STD.” “Interestingly enough, this person always created all kinds of furor among the group and energized the group because they had a common foe out there—someone to rally against. So it was this person’s speech and discourse that had a tremendous impact on keeping the organization animated,” Catchings said. In the past ten years, PRIDE has gone on to find its place on campus. “We really weren’t accepted by the student body primarily and I think it was just a matter of educating people and gaining acceptance Left: Current leadership team for over the years. I think we’ve The PRIDE, Alison Verplaetse, proven to be a valuable asset David West and Rowdy Halter. to the campus community,” Above: Founding leadership, Barnes said. Jeffery Barnes and Billy Catchings “Our success is proven by the fact that we’ve made Megan Komlanc/ The Reflector it,” Verplaetse said. “It’s been ten years and we’re still here faculty and staff. mind as a very negative time, but also a despite resistance of certain students and faculty who don’t approve.” Once the committee approved the very positive time, when the university According to Catchings, the foundorganization, it would go on to the supported us.” ing members are involved in an effort faculty for a formal vote. The PRIDE Eventually, the student activito see greater understanding about was initially denied the right to become ties committee’s refusal to grant The sexual identity as a whole. a student organization. PRIDE students the right to organize “All professional health organiza“The same year that The PRIDE reached the attention of the faculty. tion have long removed homosexuality came before the committee as a pro“Matt Donovan, at that time the from the disorder list no professional posal, a saber and sword group was chair of the committee, brought the organization considers homosexuality proposed, that committee approved the report before the faculty and indicated a disorder,” Catchings said. “My desire saber and sword group and denied The the details of The PRIDE’s proposal The PRIDE,” Catchings said. and said that group had been denied ap- would be that the scholorship and the wisdom that we have would somehow Even though the students were proval for admission,” Catchings said. make its way into the popular awaredenied organization rights on campus, “A motion was passed by the faculty they continued to meet and work on to approve the organization despite ness.” their constitution. what the committee had decided. The “We either had to meet in someone’s faculty, overwhelmingly, endorsed the dorm room, or meet off campus. We creation of The PRIDE.” decided, for the time being, to meet off While the students didn’t face much campus and we decided to publicize organized resistance to their programit well so hopefully, it’d get people’s ming other than that initial committee attention.” decision, their were some voices of The group was very careful not to dissent. said. The group quickly found some faculty advisors, Paul Washington-Lacey, senior associate for student career development and employer relations, and Dr. Billy Catchings, chair of the communication department and associate professor, who assisted the students in writing bylaws, their constitution and creating a proposal to become a student organization. At that time, to reserve a space or room on campus the organization had to be registered as an university student organization—a process that included writing a formal proposal and going before a committee made up of students,
break any school policies and therefore decided to meet at a Denny’s close to campus. “Once the president at that time, who was Ben Lantz, heard that this group of people were trying to organize and were meeting off campus he was very dismayed,” Catchings said. Lantz then contacted the students. “Ben Lantz called myself—I was the vice-president—and the president at the time and called us into his office and said, ‘Regardless of whether you ever become a recognized student organization you will always have a place to meet on campus,’” Barnes said. “That always stands out in my
Matthew Sheppard’s mother to speak at UIndy in March Judy Sheppard, mother of gay hate crime victim Matthew Sheppard, will speak in Ransburg Auditorium on March 6 on “The Legacy of Matthew Sheppard.” The event, co-sponsored by The PRIDE and Campus Program Board, will also feature a reception after Sheppard’s address in the Schwitzer Student Center atrium with information tables from local social organizations and refreshments. In October 1998, Sheppard’s 21-year-old son was brutally beaten, later dying from the beatings, by two young men in Laramie, Wyo. where he attended college at the University of Wyoming. Since the tragedy, Judy Sheppard has become an influential advocate of diversity and against hate crime. According to the foundation’s Web site, she and her husband, Dennis, founded the Matthew Sheppard Foundation to “honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations,” and “to replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance,” according to the foundation’s Web site. The foundation furthers Matthew’s story specifically through the Equality Project, the Erase Hate Project, the Youth First Project and its youth lounge Web site, Matthew’s Place (http://www. matthewsplace.com). Because Sheppard is a wellknown figure, The PRIDE and Jeffrey Barnes, faculty advisor, saw this as an opportunity to, according to Barnes, both commemorate the tenth anniversary of The PRIDE and draw “awareness to the fact that we have such an active organization on campus such as The PRIDE” as well as “to raise awareness to issues such as hate.” The event is a free ticketed event open to the public, with a limited number of seats available to students. Tickets are available in the Student Business Center and the Resident Life Office. -Ruth Shirley, Feature Editor
MAJOR MILESTONES FOR GAY RIGHTS
1996 “Friends” celebrates a “lesbian wedding.” Carol and Susan, played by Jane Sibbett and Jessica Hecht do not kiss. The full AIDS quilt—the size of 43 football fields—is displayed on the Washington Mall
1997
1998
“Will & Grace” Ellen DeGeneres debuts on NBC. becomes the first The sitcom is openly lesbian structured around actor to play the two gay men and lead role as a a couple of lesbian in a TV heterosexual sitcom. Chrysler, women. The Mazda, Wendy’s show airs for and J.C. Penney eight successful withdraw their ads seasons and lands from the episode. a coveted spot on the Must See TV Thursday line-up.
The PRIDE organization forms on the UIndy campus.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the gay civil rights movement off-campus. Here are just a few ideas and places to look for more information on how you make a difference, both city and statewide. ADVANCE INDIANA Gary Welsh provides intelligent and accurate news, commentary and blog postings on matters of equality in his blog “Advance Indiana.” www.advanceindiana.blogspot.com
1999
2000
2001
Vermont Supreme Court rules that “All My Children” the state must breaks new ground grant same-sex couples the same with the character rights as married Bianca Montgomery The Netherlands (played by Eden couples. are the first Riegel), daughter country to extend of Erica Kane marriage to sameABC airs an (played by Susan sex couples. episode of Lucci), who realizes “thirtysomething” she is a lesbian. which contains a scene in which two gay men lay in bed talking. The network loses over $1 million in advertising revenue.
FELLOWSHIP INDY
roots organizing.
Indy’s best environment for making gay friendships. They are Indy’s oldest and largest gay men’s social organization. Their primary activity is monthly pitch-in dinners in member’s homes located in the metropolitan area. Members are adult, single and coupled gay men who enjoy good company, good conversation and the opportunity to make new friends.
www.hrc.org
www.felloshipindy.org
GAYINDY.ORG A not-for-profit volunteer organization designed to be an online clearinghouse of information for the gay, lesbian and transgendered community of Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. www.gayindy.org
AMAZON GIRLS
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN - INDIANA
Amazon Girls is a community of out, proud lesbians who seek adventure through activities such as hiking, camping and flying kites. www.amazongirls.org
The nation’s largest GLBT political group. It lobbies Congress, works to elect GLBT-friendly political candidates, sponsors public education and engages in training and grass-
2002
Belgium and recognizes samesex marriages.
INDIANA ACTION NETWORK Indiana Action Network (IAN) is a group of Hoosier activists dedicated to fighting injustice against the Indiana GLBT community. IAN especially focuses on issues of gender, sexuality, orientation, attraction and affection as well as exposing and critiquing how sexism, homophobia and anti-gay oppression affect all Hoosiers. www.indiana-action.net
INDIANA EQUALITY Indiana Equality is a coalition of organizations from around the state that focus on ensuring basic human rights for Indiana’s GLBT citizens. It seeks to amend the Indiana Civil Rights Law to include sexual orientation and gender identity and to oppose the discriminatory marriage amendment to our state’s Constitution. Participating organizations include Interfaith Coalition on Nondiscrimination (ICON), Indi-
2003 Canadian provinces British Columbia and Ontario begin marrying same-sex couples. Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules that same-sex couples cannot constitutionally be excluded from marriage.
Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire elects the Rev. Gene Robinson, an openly gay priest, as bishop.
2004
2005
The movie “Brokeback Mountain” is President Bush released to supports U.S. theatres. It is consitutional the story of two amendment bisexual sheep banning same-sex herders in marriage. Wyoming and goes on to win three Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.
2006
Senate blocks a bid to amend the Constitution to esssentially ban same-sex marriage.
ana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (INTRAA), Indiana Action Network (IAN), Justice, Inc., Indiana PFLAG Alliance, Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Social Workers (NASW). www.indianaequality.org
businesses owned by, operated by or supportive of the local GLBTA community, as well as promote GLBTA business participation in efforts to enhance economic development and quality of life. www.indyrainbowchamber.org
INDIANA TRANSGENDER RIGHTS ADVOCACY ALLIANCE (INTRAA)
INDY SOUL SISTAHS
A statewide advocacy organization that works to ensure freedom from social- and government-sanctioned discrimination against gender variant people in the areas of housing, employment, insurance, public services, health care, public safety, child protection and advocacy, and education. INTRAA is dedicated to building a strong transgender and allied community to act as a force for positive change in Indiana. www.intraa.org
INDY RAINBOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce seeks to promote
Indy Soul Sistahs is a small but growing group of black lesbian and bisexual women working to promote visibility and unity among lesbians in Indianapolis. www.indysoulsistahs.com
PFLAG: PARENTS and FRIENDS OF LESBIANS and GAYS PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal rights. www.pflag.org
February 7, 2007
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