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THE
reflector .uindy. edu
Reflector November 20, 2007
Vol . 86/ Issue 5
UIndy begins planning for KML renovation By Erik Kispert Staff Writer
Erik Kispert/The Reflector
The west entrance of Krannert Memorial Library is one part of the building that is being considered for renovation. UIndy IS held workships Nov. 5 and 6 to get ideas from faculty and students.
Nursing dept. offers first online degree program Officials hope to use program to help the nursing shortage in Indiana By Lindsey Newett Staff Writer The University of Indianapolis will offer an accelerated online nursing master’s program for the first time beginning in the summer of 2008. The online nursing program will be available to students nationwide who want to complete their degree while continuing to work and maintaining their lifestyles. The mission of this program is to provide quality, highly needed nurses to the state of Indiana and the country. The program also will accommodate people with non-nursing undergraduate degrees who wish to start a new career path in nursing. “If the health field was of interest to them [in the past], then nursing becomes very attractive to them,” said Mary Lynn McHugh, dean of nursing. The online program requires that nursing prerequisites must be met before beginning the master’s portion of the program. The new course is hoping for at least 12 students to enroll this summer. By taking core courses through Blackboard software, students will be able to complete a master’s degree in 27 months. This program could help fill the current shortage of nurses in Indiana and across the country, McHugh said. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Web site (www.aacn.nche.edu), the shortage of registered nurses in the United States will increase to 340,000 by the year 2020. Concerns of the program were voiced at the Oct. 23 Faculty Senate meeting. Worries included the constant need for staff members and the additional stress on existing faculty as the program begins to grow. The debate lasted for more than one hour. According to McHugh, the faculty are trying to tie this program to UIndy’s identity as a small school. The program will still maintain the one-on-one relationship with students through the Internet. “We have to have adequate technology in place to pull it off and keep the interactive part of the teaching process,” said Roger Sweets, faculty senate president. According to McHugh, pay levels for nursing faculty have begun to decrease over the years, and it’s getting harder to recruit people into the nursing field. “The nursing faculty shortage is beginning to reach a crisis point and be a very big barrier to educating the additional nurses this country needs,” McHugh said. “The average age of nursing faculty nationwide is 55-57. And within the next ten years, half or more will be retired.” The UIndy graduate nursing program was ranked in the top 75 nursing programs in the state, according to U.S. News and World Report. Sweets said that nurses who have graduated from UIndy have received very high remarks from health care personnel. “We want this to be a unique way to address the nursing shortage and needs of Hoosiers who need a second career,” Sweets said.
University of Indianapolis Information Systems held two workshops about the scheduled renovation of Krannert Memorial Library on Nov. 5 and 6 in Ober Dining Room. The sessions were held to gain insight about the use of the library from students, faculty and staff. Shirley Dugdale, director for learning environments at DEGW, and Chad Kainz, senior director of academic technologies at the University of Chicago, led the sessions. The Chicago-based DEGW strategic design consultancy has been involved with projects at several universities, including Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University and Georgia Tech University, according to the company’s Web site (www.degw. com). Dugdale said that UIndy is currently in the programming phase. “‘What should be in the building?’ is the question we are asking right now,” Dugdale said. Jeff Russell, chief information officer at UIndy, made connections with the DEGW firm at an annual information technology conference sponsored by a non-profit organization called Educause. According to Russell, the university decided to hire DEGW and Dugdale for this preliminary planning phase because they did not have any vested interests.
“Some architects will recommend a particular design because it benefits them through relationships they have with their contractors,” Russell said. DEGW is an independent consulting firm,and Russell said he believes they will find what is best for UIndy. Krannert Memorial Library has seen very few changes since its construction in 1977. According to Russell, the renovation is the only academic building project in the university’s master plan. “The project really kicked off last spring after we secured funding for it,” he said. The cost of the renovations is still unknown and will remain so until a more definitive concept is chosen, according to Russell. He estimated the university’s contributions to be at least “a few million dollars” but said that could change very quickly. “It depends on the design and the resources we decide we need,” Russell said. Dr. Philip Young, library director, said there is the possibility of a donor adding to the available funding that would be available for the renovation project. “That would open up possibilities for us, like renovating the west entrance, which really just looks like a back door,” he said. “We want it to look more inviting.” Young said that the main focus so far is to open up the first floor space, making it more conducive to group learning. “The various areas which have evolved out of need
See LIBRARY Page 3
ISA celebrates Festival of Lights By Nicki Crisci Opinion Editor Bright lime-green, blue, red and yellow garments illuminated the stage for Diwali Night, also known as the Festival of Lights, in the Schwitzer Student Center Atrium Nov. 7. Diwali Night, hosted by the Indian Student Association, was to commemorate the Hindu religious holiday of Diwali. Students of all religions were invited to celebrate at the event. A slide show during the performance presented the idea that different religions make up one identity. The theme of the presentation was “Secularism: Our Hallmark.” Such religions as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam and Christianity were included on the slide, with a letter of each word highlighted to spell out Indian— showing the combination of religions for the Festival of Lights celebration. According to ISA member Himanshu Saini, Diwali is known as the festival of lights because it is on the day when the moon is not out (and the lunar cycle is at its darkest). “The lights illuminate the darkness. All of India is lit up during Diwali,” he said. The festival celebrates the return of the god Rama as he came back from his 14-year exile. People light lamps in their homes to show the triumph of good over bad forces. Also, according to Saini, they pray to the Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, by lighting candles in hopes of a prosperous year. Firecrackers usually are set off as an end to the day of prayer and the beginning of
Carolyn Harless/The Reflector
Reshma Sekhar dances as part of the welcoming ceremonies at the Festival of Lights on Nov. 7. the Diwali night celebrations. While firecrackers could not be lit inside Schwitzer, the celebration ended with such festivities as traditional singing, dancing and a fashion show. “I never thought it would be done. It took a month to get everything organized, but it turned out well,” said ISA president Zain Irfan.
Carolyn Harless/The Reflector
From left to right: Himanshu Saini, Anu Mathew, Shubhada Ramani and Manish Jain perform “The Calling Dance” at the Diwali celebration.
The fashion show included colorful, traditional garments worn by both men and women and ended with many different dances. According to Irfan, the dances were mainly traditional, but a few were western style dances taken from Bollywood, the Indian entertainment industry similar to Hollywood. At the official end of Diwali Night, students joined the dancers on stage. “Diwali is a festival of togetherness and friendship. It’s a time to get families together and celebrate,” Saini said. While the dancers were on stage and the music played, others in the audience went to the long table that held traditional Indian food. Irfan said the food was mainly vegetarian, like the food found in northern India. The food included Naan, a flatbread; a vegetarian rice mix; and non-vegetarian butter chicken. At another table at the event was a henna tattoo artist. Henna tattoos are made from the paste of a plant that dyes the skin a reddish tint. “Henna is a medicinal herb that releases heat in the body and is for decoration in most cases,” said ISA member Shubhada Ramani. “Typically, brides use it for more auspicious purposes before traditional Indian wedding ceremonies.”
See DIWALI Page 3
OPINION
The Reflector Page 2
November 20, 2007
Don’t ‘Facebook’ this: Advertising gone mad By Nicki Crisci Opinion Editor
Remember the days before TiVo when there was no choice but to sit mindlessly through commercials pitching the latest technological advances? No? What about before pop-up blocker software came out and ads had to be incessantly clicked off the computer until your hand went numb? Well, you are about to be annoyed once again, and this time it’s close to home for college students—introducing Facebook ads on a computer near you. While Facebook already displays ads on the sidebars of its pages, it has never been intrusive. But in a recent move, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg announced that he has decided to favor advertisers over consumers and allow companies such as Coca Cola, Blockbuster and others to put ads on the pages in an obnoxious way. In an article in the Nov. 7 issue of The New York Times, Zuckerberg, in response to the comment that people might not like the advertisements, said, “I mean, it’s an ad-supported business.” After earlier rejecting the offer to sell Facebook to larger companies back in the spring of 2006, to keep the site as a peer-to-peer network, Zuckerberg finally decided to sell out after all. Thanks a lot, Mark. This new advertising system that Facebook will implement is fairly simple to understand. For those who use Facebook, you know how you receive a message when a friend updates information or when he or she sends
out a bulletin? Well, the new advertising will work in the same way. For example, your friend purchases an item on Amazon.com. Now your friend can click on the option to display what he or she bought on Facebook. Amazon.com then intrusively puts a link in the news feed section of Facebook to notify every friend of the purchase and to add in a link to go to Amazon.com. A mass e-mail is then sent out to everyone on the friend list
Big Brother is watching and he wants you to rent Blockbuster movies, drink Coca Cola and shop at Amazon. advertising that Amazon.com should be used because it was recommended by you—your picture attached to the ad and all. Smile! Say hello to becoming a billboard advertisement for companies—without any payment either. Some may argue that all you have to do is not click the option. However, there are Facebook users out there who write about certain products and brands in their interest sections. Now some advertising messages will be accompanying that information for you to see. Say for instance in your profile you write that you love Coca Cola. Friends will be notified of your choice and view that on your profile accompanied by Coke’s ad and a link to its Web site. Advertisement is unavoidable.
It seems to me that a general complaint about parking at the university will do more to foster unity amongst a group of students than almost any other topic. Parking has been an issue for several years; this year is no different. If one is to complain about it, (nay, even mention it!) to an administration official, it seems that the general reply is that the number of students has increased by a few percent. This is wonderful for them, for they get the money out of it. They apparently had absolutely no qualms about taking the students’ money. They have acknowledged, at least in an e-mail, that there is a slight problem about parking— no, really? I was recently a recipient of a parking ticket; I can now join a club that I am sure many of my fellow students could also be admitted to. In effect, what they are doing is actually punishing the student for going to class. I did not park in a handicapped spot or in a spot designated for visitors; I parked on the curb far behind the Christel DeHaan building. It was hardly a convenience or luxury to park there. When one is offered a parking pass, necessarily, one is the recipient of a promise that there is a parking spot there to park in. Admittedly, it does not have to be a good spot, but it must be a spot nonetheless. Do not be fooled by the “At least parking is free here” line; the university has a high enough tuition rate that they cover the parking expenses somewhere in there. Ah, silly people who have given me that line, at least it is free, for you. I hardly parked on the curb because I thought it would be fun. I parked there for there were no other parking spots available at that time. The university must do something about this problem now and not in the future. They say they are building a new parking lot, good for them. They are building for the immediate future though; of this I am sure. There needs to be a surplus of parking, a plethora of parking, if you will. They also bought a lot across the fairly busy street on Shelby for immediate parking; they have only ‘til someone is hit by a car to rethink that move, I am sure. What the University of Indianapolis should do is something more like the following idea. They should suspend writing those abhorrent parking tickets. It really is ridiculous that they are punishing people that go to class. Obviously, the commuters need a place to put their car; it follows that there should be a parking spot open for them. I believe it is quite irresponsible of the university (as a business, I might add) to not do everything in their power to make sure the student (or really, the paying customer) is completely happy. I am hardly for anarchy when it comes to where to park, but parking on a curb where it is not blocking others in seems perfectly acceptable in this case. If a student has nowhere to put the car, it almost seems as if the university really does not want that person there. But, don’t forget to send the check! Krista Kinslow
The Reflector acknowledges its mistakes. Each issue, we will print corrections on the Opinion Page. If we omit anything, please contact us at criscine@uindy.edu. On Page 4 of the Nov. 7 issue, the photo credit for the “Greyhound swimming” article reads “Dustin Brown.” It should read “Carolyn Harless.”
Happy Thanksgiving from The Reflector!
We will be back with our next issue on December 12, 2007
THE
REFLECTOR University of Indianapolis 1400 East Hanna Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46227 reflector@uindy.edu
The Reflector is a student publication, and the opinions contained herein are not necessarily those of the University of Indianapolis. The Reflector is dedicated to providing news to the university community in a fair and accurate manner. Letters to the editor, suggestions, corrections, story ideas and other correspondence should be addressed to The Reflector, Esch Hall, Room 333, or sent via electronic mail to reflector@uindy.edu.
While others may value their friend’s suggestion to buy from a certain company, it is another thing to shove it in your face in such a way. Facebook is using relationships to sell products through this advertising strategy. While this doesn’t break any privacy issues, because we elect to provide the information, it is still interfering in the interaction with friends on the site. We decide what information people can see, down to our likes, music, choices and our relationship status. By giving out this information, it’s not private anymore. The big problem with this, however, is that the information is for friends to know, not companies. It’s pretty low when companies sink to the level of using relationships as a means to sell products. It would be like having solicitors at the door selling appliances because your friend bought a toaster at Sears. If Facebook knows all of this personal information, how far will they run with it? Advertisers can start targeting Facebook users based on the simple information of whether the user is male or female. Big Brother is watching, and he wants you to rent Blockbuster movies, drink Coca Cola and shop at Amazon. Maybe some company will come out with a spam blocker for Facebook. Then again, even that software would have to be advertised somewhere. Our society is a never-ending cycle of ads, and students are stuck in the middle of this relentless capitalism merry-go-round. Stop the ride. I’m ready to get off.
I want to speak for a second about something that may need to be looked at a little more. I want to talk about justice. I am talking about justice in society, court, school and the church. I am talking about the justice we allow ourselves to provide for other people. Whatever we allow ourselves to do leads to the outcome and consequences that people have to be confronted with because of the actions of society as a whole. I am not saying that the things that go on in society are everyone’s fault individually. It is everyone’s fault individually and as a whole. We always say that we should treat people how we want to be treated. This statement is true. If everyone did that, the world would be great. The world is practically in chaos because we are doing what “everybody else is doing.” We have to feel what everybody else is feeling. We want to have what everybody else has. There is no “everyone else.” In my experiences “natural equals life,” and materialistic ideas equal death. The “everyone” world is materialistic. If we can’t keep materialistic needs to a minimum, we are headed for destruction. I have a short story to tell you before I close. It is an example of the “everyone theory.” There was a 21-year-old boy who was a college student with honors. He played on the football team and was on his way to the NFL draft. He had millions of dollars in endorsements and a good job working on computers. In his free time, he hung out with his buddies in the hood where he grew up. One day he and his buddies were at a party and someone wanted to pick a fight with him, and he wasn’t going to back down: his image was on the line. He didn’t know what people would think of him. What should he do? Do both guys have a role to handle this situation in a better way? He ended up fighting and someone got shot. Luckily he was okay. This is and example of the “ego.” His ego kept him from backing down because he had an image to protect. We need to start being men and women and setting good examples. We need mutual justice. That is the only way. We are not “good” because we have money, because we can fight a battle and things like that. We would be “good” if we could set a good example for the kids. Kwame Thomas
Cartoon by Marcus Whalbring
Christmas commercialized earlier each year By Andrew Gouty Online Editor
Pause from your reading for just a minute to go find a Christmas album. If you have some old Alvin and the Chipmunks tracks handy, that will do nicely. Kick start your 33 days of Christmas with a commercial spirit like no other. It is that time of year again, though “that time of year” seems to grow longer, and get more drawn out and desperate every year. Personally I’m on day 27 out of 60 or so of my holiday celebrations. I’ve been tallying by daily trips to Starbucks, but I’m forced to invent new uses for the red cups scattered all over my apartment. UIndy is behind by modern standards. The festive lights that now dot the campus only went up last week. That’s tardy at best. Starbucks had the gumption to wait until after Halloween to start serving the eggnog. Many other retailers couldn’t resist the early rush. The big box stores had their wreaths and festivity on display the minute they got the memo. I want to be at the next policy meeting when Wal-Mart decides on the date to begin their next holiday ad campaign.
In a room full of executives sitting in a board room, I will be the guy in the corner with his hand raised, saving Labor Day from advertisements that include snowmen and a red-cheeked guy with a beard. Raucous laughter will likely ensue following my suggestion, but I’d still like to try. Christmas needs no saving, nor does it need defending. However, the changes in recent years have sparked a new but already tiresome debate about the commercial nature of the holidays. I am waiting in rapture for Bill
...there are other observed holy days in the month of December. Some people call them holidays. O’Reilly’s next rant on how secular interest groups are going to ruin things this year. Bill-O can be quite an inspiring guy, but only in the sense that college students of the proper age should find a pub that shows Fox News and drink every time he calls someone a secular pinhead. So begins the polarized and politically natured arguments regarding holiday spirit. In the coming weeks, there undoubtedly will be a few floating lists of retail
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and public organizations that have replaced the references to the Christmas holiday with references to the winter season or simply, “the holidays.” Buyers beware. Besides sounding like something out of a 1960s witch hunt led by a representative from Wisconsin (I’m looking at you, Joe), the whole scenario simply makes my eyes want to roll back in their sockets. It seems prudent to remember that there are other observed holy days in the month of December. Some people call them holidays. The point is that many American companies decided, out of respect for a multitude of religions and holidays, not to offend minority groups by referring to the winter season in generic terms that are inclusive of all faiths. I guess that’s what bothers me about the commercialized nature that the holidays have taken on. It’s not the advance of sales campaigns and lights strung up in October. If the campaigns detract from the moral nature of the holidays, then that’s a personal battle worth thinking about. Think about it. Don’t repeat my mistake and write about it. I’m mad enough at myself already knowing I’ve fueled a healthy chemical fire. Go buy your presents on Black Friday, string up your lights and when they ring up as “holiday lights” on the register, don’t blow a fuse. Happy Thanksgiving.
Editor-in-Chief......................Abby Adragna Managing Editor....................Dan Friend News Editor...........................Sami Shelton Sports Editor..........................Staci Reafsnyder Photo Editor...........................Carolyn Harless Opinion Editor.......................Nicki Crisci Feature Editor........................Adrian Kendrick Entertainment Editor............Marcus Whalbring Online Editor.........................Andrew Gouty Business Manager.................Meisha Baker Distribution Manager............Crystal Abrell Adviser..................................Jeanne Criswell
Readers are entitled to a single copy of this paper. Additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Reflector business man- Staff Writers: ager. Taking multiple copies of this paper may constitute theft, and anyone who does so may be subject to prosecution and/or university discipline.
James Allen Lindsey Newett Dustin Brown Cecilia Perdomo Erik Kispert Kim Puckett
NEWS
November 20, 2007
LIBRARY
from Page 1
UIndy plans KML renovations and which have just been crammed into the spaces available will be integrated,” he said. Another key attribute that Dugdale, Russell and Young hope to incorporate into the new library design is a main information desk, which would serve as a hub to direct library patrons to the appropriate resources. Young said the library shows several symptoms of being outdated. “Look at how many students have laptops now, and how they have to stretch power cords across aisles just to plug them in,” he said. He said the new library space will provide things as basic as electrical outlets in convenient places for laptop users.
DIWALI
from Page 1
UIndy ISA celebrates Diwali According to Irfan, more than 200 people attended the event. It was their goal, he said, to bring awareness of the
“The paneling and the furniture are very 70s,” Young said. “We will probably do something to make it look more modern, but like everything else, the design is totally up in the air right now.” He even said there was the possibility of building a coffee shop within the library. “We would have to work something out with Ted Polk, but we hope that can happen as well,” Young said. The university hopes to be in a position to select an architect by this spring and begin looking at possible designs, according to Russell. DEGW plans to be ready to report its findings early next month. Both Russell and Young said that considerations for this project are not finalized and encouraged students and faculty to contribute ideas they may have for the library. Suggestions can be sent via e-mail to Russell at jrussell@uindy.edu or Young at pyoung@ uindy.edu. ISA to the community, and he believed the goal was achieved. “I was amazed that we had so many [people] come to the event. We had the support of many people,” Irfan said. “Everyone held their nerves and pulled it together at the end to put on a good celebration.”
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UIndy students give back Students volunteer to help with Special Olympics By Dan Friend Managing Editor UIndy student-volunteers offered spare hands to the Special Olympics bowling competition Nov. 10 at Expo Bowl near Beech Grove. The event hosted 196 Special Olympics athletes, and according to Steve Sassaman, competition director for Indiana’s Area-Nine Special Olympics, volunteers were needed to help supervise the day of bowling. Sassaman organized the event and families traveled from as far away as Connersville and Lawrenceburg to participate. Sassaman, a student at Ivy Tech Community College in Lawrenceburg, said Expo Bowl was the only bowling alley large enough to accommodate the number of athletes in this year’s competition. After the venue was chosen, he contacted the University of Indianapolis in search of volunteers. According to senior English major Yen-Chun Chen, community service is part of her curriculum at UIndy. Chen is enrolled in a social problems course that requires students to record 24 hours of community service. Aside from volunteering for Special Olympics, Chen helped tear down a rundown house as part of a Circle K volunteer event. Although junior nursing major Jaimie Burgett said she was not interested in specializing in the treatment of the intellectually disabled, she said the event was a chance to relate to different types of people and to complete community service hours as part of the requirement
Dustin Brown/ The Reflector
UIndy freshman Lindsay Shade talks with participant Chucki Sherman about his bowling style. Several UIndy students volunteered Nov. 10 at the Special Olympics bowling competition. for living on the fourth floor of Central Hall, the honors students’ floor. Honors students are required to complete 10 hours of community service per year. “I think it will help me with my nursing education,” Burgett said. “Learning how to deal with people with special needs, learning how to talk to people and learning how to treat them just the same as you would treat anyone else is important.” According to Sassaman, the social and physical health of the athletes is
important to Special Olympics competitions. Basketball, volleyball, swimming and horseback riding are among the other competitions held by Special Olympics, and he said that every event can use the support of volunteers. “This is the generation that will be taking over and leading on, and community service has been pushed to and through high school and into college,” Sassaman said. “Everyone here is a volunteer, and this event couldn’t happen without them.”
Entrepreneurship program gives students hands-on opportunity By Andrew Gouty Online Editor
Photo
contributed by
Stanley Osweiler
Junior Stuart Thomas, sophomore Brock Easton and freshman Seth Galloway survey a development property as part of the Small Business Venture course project.
Students of the newly developed entrepreneurship program in the University of Indianapolis School of Business are participating in a real-world business development project as part of their course work. The project represents approximately one-third of the students’ semester grade and is based on developing a plot of land approximately 30 miles west of Indianapolis. The land up for potential development is owned by Doreen Howell, administrative assistant in human resources at UIndy, and her husband Melvin. Students in the ENTR 280 Small Business Venture course are required to generate business plans for the development of the plot of land. “[The relationship] came about quite by accident,” said Stanley Osweiler, professor of entrepreneurship. Osweiler took a position this fall as a professor in the School of Business and since then has developed the necessary relationships to provide a real-world business venture project for UIndy entrepreneurship students. Now, more than halfway through the semester, students are finishing their 35 to 45 page business plans. The business plans take comprehensive looks at the potential uses for the plot of land and include topics ranging from idea generation to funding, development and marketing. Several varied concepts are in the works, including a vineyard, extreme sports course, youth camp and horse stables. During the process, students from the ENTR 443 Entrepreneurial Finance course were invited to provide analysis for financial and legal aspects of the business plans. According to Osweiler, the next step for entrepreneurship students may be to explore the feasibility of any plans the Howells deem viable. This step of the development process is potentially planned for the spring semester, when entrepreneurship students may be given the chance to explore the implementation strategies for their business plans. However, working through another lengthy business plan is not out of the question for students. “It’s like anything else; you don’t get good at it doing
it once,” Osweiler said. Repetition in the small business venture course has been moderated by a stock of hands-on exercises that relate to real-world examples. The mix between classroom theory and real-world example has kept many of the students interested in the assignment. “Classroom lectures can be so boring and disengaging; hands-on experiences keep me awake,” said junior entrepreneurship major Felisha Brooks. The hands-on components of the course lend themselves to an overall plan for the entrepreneurship program. According to Osweiler, the program should convey fundamental business concepts, appeal to students’ natural curiosity, encourage leadership and focus on hands-on learning. “The project has really helped bring life and substance to the textbook. The text I use is great, but a textbook is just a textbook,” he said. The Small Business Venture course project is just one tie to real-world topics for the entrepreneurship program. Students recently had the opportunity to attend Indiana Entrepreneurship and Innovation Day on Nov. 8, which showcased the Collegiate Idol competition. The competition was put on by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and hosted at the Indiana Convention Center. Fifteen student teams were asked to present a twominute pitch on their product, service or business idea. Five finalists were selected to expand on their ideas later that afternoon in a five-minute presentation. Area entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and angel investors were present to provide an ear for college students and professionals alike, the latter vying for potential investment monies for new or ongoing business projects. Junior marketing major Emilie Myers was selected among other applicants to be one of the presenters at the Collegiate Idol competition. “I would definitely do it again. I got very good feedback, and it emphasized a lot of what I’ve learned in the classroom,” Myers said. More opportunities may be in the works for next semester and next year, as the entrepreneurship program hopes to expand its ties with organizations such as the IEDC and participate in more events like Collegiate Idol.
QUICK LOOK UIndy Tennis Center offers lessons
The University of Indianapolis Tennis Center will offer tennis lessons at the newly acquired indoor tennis center on National Avenue. Dates and times are as follows: Beginners: Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Intermediate/ Advanced: Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 from 8 - 9 p.m. Cardio Tennis: Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 from 8 - 9:30 a.m. A second session for all group lessons is half price for UIndy students and faculty. To sign up, contact the Tennis Center at (317) 788-7700.
Concert to benefit Mar-Elias Campus
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Congregation Beth-El Zedeck and the University of Indianapolis will co-host the Montana Logging & Ballet Company on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church. All proceeds from the event will benefit the students of the Mar-Elias Campus in Ibillin, Israel. The campus is a UIndy-affiliated institution that promotes peace and understanding by welcoming students of all religions. The Montana Logging & Ballet Company has performed their comedy and music on National Public Radio and has played for such audiences as the National Press Club and the National Education Association. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance at St. Luke’s Church and Congregation Beth-El Zedeck.
Graduation information available The Registrar’s Office has released graduation information online on the registrar Web site (http://registrar.uindy.edu). A graduation checklist, important dates, commencement ceremony information and testing dates are available. Contact the Registrar’s Office at (317) 788-3219 with questions.
SPORTS
The Reflector Page 4
November 20, 2007
UIndy volleyball team vies for national championship By Staci Reafsnyder Sports Editor
play. The ‘Hounds defeated Lewis 3021 in both the first and third set, but Lewis captured sets two, four and five with scores of 26-18, 30-23 and 15-13, respectively. Freshman outside hitter Lyndsay Callahan said the only score that was significantly close was the fifth set, 1513, which determined where the team
would be heading next. In the first game of the NCAA championship, the ‘Hounds gained their first-ever NCAA tournament win In the second game of the NCAA after defeating Hillsdale University Division II Women’s Volleyball on Nov. 15. Hillsdale won the first set Championship in Allendale, Mich., 24-30, but the ‘Hounds came back to on Nov. 16, UIndy fell to Lewis Uniwin the next three sets 30-24, 30-24 versity for the third time this season and 32-30. and ended their NCAA tournament “Jody has been to the NCAA [tournament] before, and she prepared us for what we needed to know,” junior setter Beth Robbins said. “She knew what it was going to take to defeat Hillsdale.” Callahan led the team with 19 kills and 19 digs, contributing to the overall total of 77 kills. The ‘Hounds limited Hillsdale to a total of 71 kills. “The first game was crazy,” Callahan said. “We started off slow, lost the first game, and we all just flipped a switch.” Robbins said that on the first night, everyone contributed to the victory over Hillsdale, and the team played well. Robbins and senior outside hitter Casey Chrzastowski were given regional honors Nov. 14. Robbins was chosen for All-Great Lakes Region’s first team, ranking fourth in the nation with 13.72 assists per game. Chrzastowski was chosen for second team, totaling 447 kills and Carolyn Harless/ The Reflector 1,146 attack attempts this season. Sophomore Jessica Breeden goes up for a spike in the ‘Hounds’ The team made it to the NCAA first round match of the GLVC tournament against the University regionals after hosting the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament of Southern Indiana.
for the first time in the school’s history Nov. 9-11. UIndy, No. 1 in the NCAA Great Lakes Regional rankings, fell to Lewis University (30-3) 26-30, 24-30 and 26-30 on Nov. 11 in the GLVC tourney finals. Lewis took the lead early in the first set, but the ‘Hounds tied the score at 8-8 until Lewis came back to lead 2219 and eventually win. In the second set, the ‘Hounds still trailed, giving Lewis another win. Callahan put the ‘Hounds on the score board in the third set. Both teams scored back and forth, but Lewis came out on top in the final set of the game. Robbins totaled 31 assists, 11 digs and 13 kills, while sophomore Kyleigh Turner led with 27 digs. “It wasn’t a matter of ability, it was more a mental game than a volleyball match,” Callahan said. In the GLVC tourney semi-finals Nov. 10, the Greyhounds played a fiveset game against Rockhurst University. In the first match, Rockhurst out-hit the ‘Hounds with a .275 hitting percentage and won 30-24. UIndy came back for a 30-11 win in the second set when Chrzastowski helped the ‘Hounds’ offense by serving 15 points. The third set started with back-toback scoring from both teams, but the ‘Hounds broke the 12-12 draw. Junior outside hitter Ashley Fallos made the game-winning kill, bringing the ‘Hounds to a 30-25 victory.
Set four resulted in a 30-23 win for Rockhurst, and the game went into a fifth set. The ‘Hounds came out on top with a 15-11 victory to win the match. Chrzastowski led the ‘Hounds with 18 kills and four service aces, while freshman Cheneta Morrison totaled 15 kills and 15 digs. The University of Southern Indiana came to the Ruth Lilly Fitness Center Nov. 9 for the GLVC quarterfinals. UIndy defeated USI in three sets, 3023, 30-21 and 30-16. In kills, Chrzastowski led with 14, followed by Callahan with 12, senior Elizabeth Shuyler with 11 and Morrison with 10. “We were really proud we got to host [the GLVC tournament], and the atmosphere was crazy,” Callahan said. Robbins said it was great to host a GLVC tournament, which has never been done in the school’s history, and it was neat to have all the teams come to Indy. According to the University of Indianapolis Web site, the Greyhound volleyball team can boast 33 wins, a 25-match win-streak, five all-conference players and two all-region players. Robbins said that the seniors led really well this season and that the team had a lot of victories because of their leadership. “I think that our team was amazing,” Callahan said. “I wouldn’t have wanted to be with any other girls. We made a statement about our program and our school and the years to come will be even better.”
Men’s tennis coach resigns Wrestling has its first match in Wisc. By Meisha Baker Business Manager
The University of Indianapolis men’s tennis head coach George Adams announced his resignation Nov. 9 due to a full-time position offered by his current job. Adams coached the men’s tennis team for two-and-a-half years, compiling a 24-25 record at the university. “Coaching at the university is only a part-time job. I know that with the new job, I wouldn’t have the flexibility and time to continue coaching tennis,” Adams said. Adams did not plan to resign from his position as men’s tennis coach, but an opportunity arose for Adams to better take care of his family. “[Coaching] for me was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Adams said. In his resignation, Adams said he wants the team to keep its focus and continue to work hard and keep the philosophies it has followed. “It was really a good run, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity. It was a really difficult decision,” Adams said. “I had to move on to keep my fulltime position to support my family; and in the end, that’s what’s important.” In Adams’ absence, women’s tennis head coach John Venter will serve as interim head coach for the men’s team. According to the University of Indianapolis Web site, the Director of Athletics, Sue Willey said the administration is happy to have John Venter on staff to continue the tradition of the UIndy tennis programs. Venter graduated from the University of Indianapolis in 1993 and was a past player on the men’s tennis team. He has led the women’s team to three conference championships, was named conference coach of the year three times and holds an 84-54 record for with women’s tennis team. “I’ve been close to the program for a long time, and I’m excited to take a more active role with the team,” Venter said. Venter’s goals for the season are to get the roster up to a minimum number of players so that the team can have a good, competitive spring season and to go as far in the conference as possible. “I want to make sure that it’s understood that there’s a lot of great talent on the team,” Venter said. “It’s a privilege for me to be able to coach them.”
By Abby Adragna Editor-in-Chief
The Greyhound wrestling team officially opened its season at the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Pointer Open on Nov. 10. No team score was kept because it was an open tournament, but the ‘Hounds had several top individual performances. The Gold division was open to everyone, while the Silver division was for freshmen only. Sophomore Matt Irwin took first in Gold 141, senior Mike Horton finished second in Gold 157, junior Jimmy Nichols placed sixth in Gold 125 and junior Kevin Flinn took sixth in Gold 174. David Close took second in Silver 165, Jessy Walley took second in Silver 174, Keith Smith placed fourth in Silver 184, Tyler Voth was fifth in Silver 133 and Nick Dewig took fifth in Silver 133. According to head coach Jay Yates, because the UWSP Open was the first tournament of the season, it showed where many of the team members stand at this point. “We felt we did pretty well overall,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of things to
work on, but it gave us a good basis for the rest of the semester.” The ‘Hounds held an interteam dual meet on Nov. 3. According to sophomore Josh Allen, the dual usually determines which team members are designated as varsity, but Erik Kispert/ The Reflector this year it was Junior Kevin Flinn attempts to pin teammate different. junior Aaron Brooks during a wrestling drill at The team doesn’t need practice 18. to designate According to Yates, the tournament varsity wrestlers for any tournaments included tough Division I and Division until second semester, Yates said. II competitors. “So this year it [the dual] was more Heading into the tournament, the of just an exhibition meet,” Yates said. “It was just a chance to get them out on team expected to compete to win, Allen said. the mat, get them in their singlets and “We work hard every single day to put them in an actual match situation produce wins and championships, so before we start our real competition. It that’s what we expect to do,” he said. was more or less a warm-up match for Results from the Missouri Open them.” were not available as of The Reflector The ‘Hounds competed in the Mispress time. souri Open in Columbia, Mo., on Nov.
UIndy cross country runner LeAnn Sarka competes in NCAA finals By Crystal Abrell Distribution Manager A year-and-a-half ago, LeAnn Sarka transferred to the University of Indianapolis from the University of Detroit Mercy to continue following her dreams of running cross country. Sarka started her running career at a young age, joining the track team in sixth grade with a desire to be a sprinter. “I started running because all my friends were doing it, so I decided to give it a try,” Sarka said. “I truly believed I was going to be a sprinter, but my sixth grade coach made everyone on the team do a mile time trial. Apparently I did well on that; and ever since then, I have been a distance runner,” Sarka said. Sarka, a senior biology major at UIndy, grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind., and graduated from Homestead High School. Sarka said that transferring from Detroit Mercy to UIndy was just what she needed. “I really did not like my surroundings in Detroit, and I knew I wanted to get away,” she said. “I still enjoyed running and knew I wanted to get my education in a big city. I did some research on UIndy and decided it was the right choice after speaking with Coach Casey.” Sarka said she gets a lot of support from her family, friends, teammates and coaches, and she enjoys seeing her fiancé and parents at as many meets as
well. She also likes to do a two-mile possible. However, she said she knows man said. “LeAnn was known as a hard “shake-out run” the morning of a race coming to the meets is hard for them worker before she arrived at U of I, and to wake up her legs, she said. when they are far away. According to she has simply maintained that attitude “I am actually very superstitious Sarka, even though many parents can’t while she’s been here.” and like to stick to my same traditions make it to every meet, team members Sarka began her season by winning before every race,” Sarka said. encourage one another with their trathe Wabash Hokum Karem partner According to Fangman, Sarka has ditional team prayer and cheer before relay race with teammate Ashley Clifworked very hard to accomplish Allevery race. ford. She ended with a personal-best American status in track and hopefully “It helps to have so many people six-kilometer time of 22:06 and an cross-country as well. behind you and encouraging you to 11th place finish at the NCAA Great “She runs every day, putting in excel,” Sarka said. “Coach Casey does Lakes Regional, which carried her about [several] miles a week,” Fanga great job at pushing me and the team to the NCAA finals. Sarka and her in practice. It is other 15 competitors awesome to have make up the United a coach that has so States Track & Field much confidence and Cross Country in our team. Also, Coaches Association the upperclassmen All-Region team. are all really close Sarka’s 22:06 time and do a great job made her one of the at pushing one antop two individual other,” Sarka said. finishers after the According to four teams that coach Paul Fangadvanced to the man, motivating National meet, which Sarka is a pleasure. included Grand “Our job in moValley State Univertivating LeAnn is sity, University of easy. She motivates Wisconsin-Parkside, herself. We pretty Wayne State Univermuch cheer and sity and the Uniwatch,” Fangman versity of Southern said. Indiana Just like many The NCAA finals runners, Sarka has took place at Misher superstitions. souri Southern State She said she likes to in Joplin, Mo., on Carolyn Harless/ The Reflector eat at Fazoli’s one Nov. 17. The last or two days before time a UIndy runner a big race, to ensure Senior LeAnn Sarka heads toward the finish at the GLVC qualified was 2001. her stomach settles championship meet held at Butler University on Oct. 20. Sarka hoped to get
under the 22-minute barrier, but she said she knew she would have many challenges before her. “There will be extremely tough competition coming from all over the United States. And as this is my first time qualifying, I am not really sure what to expect. Every course is different, and I hope I can place high,” Sarka said before the race. Sarka and Julianne Hoekzema (Northern Kentucky) competed in the NCAA finals event from the Great Lakes Region. Sixteen individuals and 32 teams competed in the NCAA finals. Sarka posted a time of 22:27 to place 72nd among a field of 189 at the National meet. She said she hoped to do better, but she is glad that she had the experience of competing in a national cross country race. Sarka is majoring in biology but does not know at this time what she is going to do after graduation. But she plans to continue running on her own and running in local road races. Her goal for running after college is eventually to work her way up to the marathon and qualify for the Boston Marathon. Sarka also hopes to coach at the high school level after graduation and continue her love of running through training others. “I love the feeling of accomplishment after you’ve just finished a hard workout or ran a really good race. I also love competing and pushing yourself to your limits,” Sarka said. “It’s quite a rewarding sport, and I have formed many close friendships throughout the years.”
SPORTS
November 20, 2007
The Reflector Page 5
Greyhound football ends season with a loss to Northwood University By Staci Reafsnyder Sports Editor The Greyhound football team (6-5, 5-5 GLIAC) ended its season with a loss to Northwood University in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 10. With 13 minutes remaining in the first quarter, freshman running back Craig Ray took a pass from senior quarterback Casey Gillin 46 yards to the end zone, and the ‘Hounds jumped to a 7-0 lead. Northwood tied the game 7-7 with almost nine minutes left on the clock, but junior running back Eric Wright made a nine-yard run to put UIndy ahead 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. Wright’s run also helped him tie the school record with 13 rushing touchdowns in one season. Ray added another touchdown from a Gillin pass, pushing the score to 21-7. The second touchdown for Northwood came when sophomore quarterback Spencer Klukowski threw a pass to freshman wide receiver Quillan Mathis, bringing the score to 21-14. Northwood junior defensive back Antonio Dixon then forced a fumble on Greyhound freshman Brandon Axum, helping the Timberwolves tie the game 21-21 at the end of the second quarter. “We were up 21 to seven, and a couple of things happened: we got some big pass plays on us, and then
we turned the ball over,” said defensive coordinator Bob Bartolomeo. The ‘Hounds’ defense held Northwood in the third quarter, keeping the score at 21-21, but the opposition scored twice in the beginning of the fourth quarter to take the lead 35-21. “We fought back,” Gillin said. “We were down 14 points with about seven minutes to go and ended up making a drive.” With five minutes left on the clock, sophomore wide receiver Tyran Fakes caught a pass from Gillin to score a touchdown and bring the score to 2835. Wright then scored for the second time, tying the game 35-35, breaking the school record with 14 rushing touchdowns for the season and sending the game into overtime. The overtime started with UIndy on defense, and Northwood scored a touchdown, to take a 42-35 lead. Gillin faked a pass play to Wright and rushed to the end zone for a touchdown, sending the game into a double overtime with a 42-42 draw. “Anytime that you include your quarterback as part of your running attack, it presents a different approach in terms of defensive schemes,” Bartolomeo said. In the second overtime, Northwood’s defensive line stopped UIndy’s offense and finished the game with a field goal to claim a 45-42 victory over the ‘Hounds. “It just felt like our team attitude, our team chemistry and everything was there for us, but we failed to score in
our second possession in overtime,” said head coach Joe Polizzi. Gillin said that at the beginning of the game the Greyhound team had momentum, but then mistakes were made that gave Northwood a great field position. On Nov. 14, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference chose six Greyhounds for the All-GLIAC first and second teams. Four Greyhound defensive players, senior Jimmy Fleshman, junior Leonard Bush, senior Kevin Shaw and senior Kenneth Akridge were chosen for the Carolyn Harless/ The Reflector first team. Offensive Freshman Brandon Axum returns a punt in the ‘Hounds’ last home game ‘Hounds players of the season against Saginaw Valley State. Wright and senior Zach times and really hung together. graduating, there will be a lot of Dennis were chosen for With the 2007 season at an end, the holes to fill. the second team. returning football players will have a The coaching staff is trying to get “I felt we played some very good the best young, motivated student football [this season], and I thought our short break before their weight trainguys played hard. The courage that was ing begins, following the Thanksgiving athletes available to them, he said. holiday. They will begin conditioning “It’s going to be a difficult chore shown in all of our come-from-behind for the 2008 football season when the to replace such a quality group of efforts was very impressive.” Polizzi second semester begins. seniors, but we’ve got good, young, said. “In the end, we needed to make According to Bartolomeo, the talented athletes,” Polizzi said. more plays.” coaching staff is constantly looking at “We’ll get some injured guys back Bartolomeo said that there were next year, and we feel like we’ll be players to recruit for the new season. games throughout the season when the as explosive as ever.” Polizzi said that with 14 seniors team came back through some tough
UIndy men’s and women’s basketball squads tip off the season The UIndy women’s basketball team defeated Findlay University 82-67 on Nov. 16 and Ashland University 65-62 on Nov. 17. Senior guard Karla Mast was the top-scorer for both games, posting 25 points each night.
The UIndy Greyhound men’s basketball team defeated Brescia University 74-65 in its season opener on Nov. 15. Brescia came from behind and led 28-27 at the half. The ‘Hounds opened the second half taking back the lead for the rest of the game. Senior guard DeAndre Brock led the ‘Hounds with 16 points. Dustin Brown/ The Reflector
Freshman guard Jordan Wood gets a three-point shot off before her defenders have the chance to block it.
Dustin Brown/ The Reflector
Senior forward Justin Barnard pushes past several Brescia players to the basket.
FEATURE
The Reflector Page 6
November 20, 2007
I CELEBRATE, YOU CELEBRATE, WE ALL CELEBRATE International student discovers American holiday By Adrian Kendrick Feature Editor
Kim Puckett/The Reflector
The No-bake trifle:
Not your traditional Thanksgiving dessert By Kim Puckett Staff Writer
Kim Puckett, Dessert Maker
Grade: AComments: I like the overall taste, but the texture is a little gross. I think it would be an interesting twist on holiday desserts. My family would be impressed with it.
Kim Puckett/The Reflector
Pumpkin pie has come to be the standard Thanksgiving dessert. Although this traditional treat is known and loved throughout the United States, straying from the norm can spice up Thanksgiving celebrations. To create some novelty and relieve some stress in holiday meals, consider taking the “no-bake” direction. Less work and more surprises makes a nobake Thanksgiving trifle a spectacular addition to the holiday spread. With simple and inexpensive ingredients, such as a store-bought chocolate pound cake, vanilla ice cream, cannedcranberry sauce and whipped cream, any college student can make this dessert without spending too much time or money. I made this new dish and tested its appearance and flavor across the campus. I presented my dessert to students and members of the faculty and staff. Overall, I think they enjoyed it as much as I did. If you would like to present a new twist on dessert to your Thanksgiving get-together, round up the aforemen-
tioned ingredients and get to work. off the dessert, add a layer of whipped To make this trifle, start with a clear, cream for presentation and flavor. This inverted cake dish. If you do not have dessert is better served chilled. Leava fancy cake ing it in the dish, any refrigerator for “Less work and more surlarge, clear a couple hours bowl will before serving prises makes a no bake suffice. Cut gives the flavors Thanksgiving trifle a spectac- time to blend the chocolate cake into ular addition to the holiday together. cubes and The ingrecover the dents cost about spread.” bottom of $8. I bought all - Kim Puckett the dish with Kroger brand them. foods, so that If you canmade it cheaper. not find an already-prepared chocolate It would have been more expensive if I cake at the grocery store, as in my case, had bought a pound cake, but the cake substitute a cake mix that you can bake mix was still the most expensive part of yourself. This step will increase the the dessert at about $3. preparation time, but it also cuts down I think the dessert was worth the on cost. price because the dish was big and After lining the bottom of the bowl would feed a number of people. It with cake cubes, place about half the also has the presentation of a gourmet contents of a regular size ice cream dessert, even though it is simple and container into the microwave and heat inexpensive. until melted. Add some melted ice The inexpensive ingredients and cream and cranberry sauce on top of short preparation time make a no-bake the cake in the dish. Thanksgiving trifle the perfect dish for Continue to layer the cake and a college student to bring to any holitoppings until the dish is full. To top day pitch-in dinner.
UIndy Grades Roberta Thompson, adminstrative assistant
Grade: A-
Comments: I feel this dessert matches the festivities of the holidays because of its red tint, and the flavors blend together well.
Megan Fornuto, sophomore
Grade: A-
Comments: While I enjoyed the overall flavor, I did not like the whole-berry cranberries. I think it would be a great Thanksgiving dessert because the large quantity would feed many people. It would be better with caramel instead of cranberry sauce.
Aryn Ross, sophomore
Grade: B+
Comments: The trifle tasted good but could have used more cranberry sauce. The look of it reminds me of dirt pudding, but it does not have as much flavor. I do think the dessert is appropriate for the Thanksgiving season, however, because it contains the traditional side dish of cranberry sauce.
International students are beginning to learn more about the distinctly Amercan holiday known as Thanksgiving. “I really didn’t have any views of Thanksgiving until my friends invited me to their house [to experience it]” said senior, Chengqi Dong, an international student from Hangzheu, China. According to Geraldine Watson, assistant director of the International Division at the University of Indianapolis, international students view Thanksgiving as a cultural tradition for Americans, and a number of the students have indicated they would like to experience it. “There are organizations that invite them [international students] to Thanksgiving,” Watson said, “but I think they would rather go home with a roommate or be invited by someone’s family.” According to Dong, celebrating Thanksgiving last year with his friends was fun and if he had stayed on campus during break it would not have made sense. According to sophomore Courtny Cotten, he invited Dong to his house last year for Thanksgiving to let Dong experience something he wasn’t use to. “He asked me what Thanksgiving was, and I said, ‘Well, why don’t you come to my house and enjoy it with my family’?” Cotten said. Now that Dong has experienced Thanksgiving, he views it as being happy. “I believe it is a big family reunion, and I liked the food. The turkey made me sleepy, though,” Dong said. According to Dong he felt welcomed in Cotten’s home. “Them inviting me really helped me understand American culture,” he said. “Their families were nice to me.” Cotten said he believed that Dong had a good time celebrating Thanksgiving. Dong said he is looking forward to experiencing Thanksgiving again this year. “International students are interested in celebrating Thanksgiving because they don’t have it,” Watson said, “and Americans can help by reaching out.”
UIndy Thanksgiving dinners donated to charities By Cecilia Perdomo Staff Writer
The University of Indianapolis hosts a Thanksgiving dinner on campus every year for faculty and students to come together as a family. The dinner was on Nov. 15 in the Schwitzer dining room and was served at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. An average of 300 people attend the dinner. For this reason, the cafeteria was fully staffed and the din-
ner divided in two shifts, said graduate student-worker Ramesh Chandran. According to chef Dan Phillips, the dinner included an oven roasted whole turkey, sage dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, Jello, pumpkin pecan pie and cranberry relish. According to Chandran, the Thanksgiving dinner is the most exquisite meal that Phillips and the staff workers in the cafeteria prepare. The Thanksgiving dinner is the favorite event of Ted Polk, director
Nicki Crisci/Reflector
UIndy students enjoy the Thanksgiving feast.
A celebration under one roof By Crystal Abrell Staff Writer Although Thanksgiving is an American holiday, people from countries including Taiwan, Japan, Israel, Serbia, Spain, Yugoslavia join together to learn about and experience Thanksgiving. Every year, Dr. David Wantz, associate vice president for community relations at the University of Indianapolis, hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner to welcome those from other countries who have no place to go for the holiday. The annual Thanksgiving dinner began ten years ago when Wantz’s wife, Susan Fleck, and Dr. Paul Krasnovsky, a professor at Franklin College and associate professor of music at UIndy, knew faculty members who had no place to go on Thanksgiving. Wantz, along with
Fleck and Krasnovsky decided to invite these people to their homes. “We all had friends who had no place to go on Thanksgiving, so we decided to invite these folks who, number one, don’t know anything about Thanksgiving and number two, had no place to go, to our homes,” Wantz said. Rakic Svetlana, a guest who teaches at Franklin College, always brings his traditional cakes and baked goods to the dinner. Musicians who attend this dinner from Serbia always play their instruments after dinner. “The activities and dinner are something completely new to us. I enjoy meeting new friends and gaining relationships with others from all various walks of life,” Svetlana said. At the beginning of dinner after everyone arrives, they join in a circle to announce individually where they are from and how they became familiar with the American Thanksgiving feast. “It is incredible to just sit back and listen to all the different languages being discussed in the same room,” Wantz
said. “It’s magnificent.” A wide assortment of foods is prepared for the feast, besides the traditional turkey or ham. Everyone who attends the dinner chips in a dish of choice to add to the diverse mixture of foods. According to Wantz, around 30 individuals join together to familiarize with the American Thanksgiving culture. “To the families, it is a gateway to the American culture. We are so appreciative of the American openness and friendliness. Before moving to America, we had no idea how welcoming American culture really was,” Svetlana said. “Having an opportunity to experience what Thanksgiving was really about gave us a true understanding of the American way.” According to Wantz, the idea of inviting these people into their home was not a heroic act but a noble thought. “We just wanted to welcome these wonderful people into our home,” he said, “and show them what American culture is all about.”
of Polk Food Service, because it is a way of showing his appreciation to the students, Chandran said. According to Polk, an estimated 120 turkeys are cooked. “It is my favorite one of the year. I just love it [the dinner] because it brings us all together like a family,” Polk said. According to Chandran, the remaining turkey is sliced and put into aluminum pans and taken to the charity chosen that year. “[This] is a good occasion to at-
tend,” Chandran said. “Everyone has a great time, and the food is outstanding. It’s better than a homecooked meal.” In past years, Polk Food Service has donated food to several charities. This year the charities chosen were Ronald McDonald House, Wheeler Mission and Manna Ministries. Polk helps the charities by preparing turkeys and cooking side dishes. “I donate to charities,” he said, “because it is the right thing to do.”
November 20, 2007
ENTERTAINMENT
The Reflector Page 7
Award-winning poet gives reading for students By Kim Puckett Staff Writer
Award-winning writer and poet Mark Doty read selections from his work as the latest artist in the Kellogg Writers Series on Thursday in the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall. Doty, author of seven books of poetry and three memoirs, read poems from his previous books and prose from his latest memoir, “Dog Years.” The author began the reading with a poem entitled “Broadway,” which emphasizes what Doty called “the jewel of love.” He also read poems “Brian Age Seven,” about the self-portrait of a young boy and “Stairs,” which revolves around his faithful, sixteen-year-old dog. “Lost in the Stars” recounts a specif-
ic event that Doty attended in 1992 to benefit people with AIDS. In the poem, he expresses the feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness that he and his friends felt during that time of crisis. According to Dr. Jennifer Drake, associate professor of English, Doty’s memoirs and poetry are image rich and transcendent. “His work is very grounded in the physical, daily world,” Drake said. “Then he’ll all of a sudden move into a meditation of something more abstract like death or time or beauty.” The selection Doty read from “Dog Years” recounted the first time he and his partner Paul had to take their beloved dog to a kennel. The story then moves to 15 years later, as he compares his aging dog to King Lear. The poet closed the reading with his poem “Heaven for Paul,” about a
near plane crash that he experienced. The poem examines the different ways people cope with near-death experiences. After the reading, the floor was opened for a question-and-answer forum, and Doty held a book signing. Doty also led a creative writing class for University of Indianapolis students and 11 other people from the community from 12-2 p.m. on Thursday. According to Drake, the class was completely turned over to the accomplished writer, who prompted attendees to write poems of their own. Drake, along with two other English professors, Elizabeth Weber and Kyoko Amano, serves as a co-director for the Kellogg Writers Series and chose Doty to appear at the University of Indianapolis because of his work and prestige. “We have all taught Doty’s work
because it shows up in anthologies a lot,” Drake said. “We also wanted to invite a high profile writer to come as part of the Kellogg Writers Series and the Spirit and Place Festival.” Doty’s visit is part of the Spirit and Place Festival as well as the writers’ series. According to the festival’s Web site, the festival is a seventeen-day, non-profit program that serves to bring religion, arts and humanities to the Central Indiana community. The University of Indianapolis serves as one of the event’s theme partners for 2007. Two more writers will appear in the Kellogg Writers Series next semsester. Jane Ann Phillips will be at 7:30 p.m. on March 6 in Good Recital Hall. Lee Upton will be the final writer at 8 p.m. on March 27 in the studio theatre in Esch Hall.
Marcus Whalbring/ The Reflector
Mark Doty answers a question after his poetry reading Thursday night before his book signing.
CPB brings the Coast to UIndy ‘Beowulf ’ retells the
classic in a new form
By Sami Shelton News Editor
Bands Envy on the Coast and Red Letter Reason rocked Ransburg Auditorium on Nov. 14 in a free concert presented by Campus Program Board at the University of Indianapolis. According to CPB Live Performance Chair Jenna Tucker, students were given a unique opportunity to see an up-and-coming band. “Envy on the Coast isn’t wellknown, but they will be,” Tucker said. “We’re giving the students an opportunity to see them before they will have to pay to get a ticket.” Envy on the Coast, formed in 2006 in Long Island, N.Y., is an alternative rock band that has performed with various acts such as 30 Seconds to Mars, Cute Is What We Aim For and My Chemical Romance. They also have been featured in MTV’s $2 Bill Tour, the Alternative Press Tour, Bamboozle and this past summer’s Warped Tour. According to the Envy on the Coast Web site (www.envyonthecoast.com), the band was named to the Alternative Press’ 100 Bands You Need to Know in 2007 list and has won a finalist position in Spin.com’s Band of the Year contest. The band is comprised of vocalist Ryan Hunter, guitarists Brian Bryne and Sal Bossio, bassist Jeremy Velardi and drummer Dan Gluszak. “The band is all college aged, and they are really into their fans,”
By Roger Moore The Orlando Sentinel (MCT)
Cecilia Perdomo/ The Reflector
From left: Ryan, Jeremy, Brian, Dan and Sal pose after their concert.
Tucker said. “I saw them at Warped Tour, and they always took the time to talk with them [the fans].” According to Tucker, there was a chance the band would cancel their performance at UIndy. Lead vocalist Hunter was diagnosed with a case of acid reflux combined with a polyp and a burst blood vessel on his vocal cords, according to the Web site. The band was forced to cancel its performances, including several college shows. Hunter was forced to stop performing before the show’s end, due to, what he called, “an exploding in his throat.” UIndy is currently the only college show on the band’s tour list, and was the first performance since the cancellations. Local band Red Letter Reason opened the concert. According to the band’s MySpace.com profile, the group was created in 2005 and plans on releasing its first full-length album in
2008. The group consists of vocalist Derrick Royer, guitarists Dylan Morris and Josh Kincheloe and drummer Ben Scott. According to CPB Vice President Joanna Huff, students will enjoy more concerts and performances as the year continues. “The students want more concerts, and I think Jenna [Tucker] is trying to take that into account,” Huff said. “She’s very knowledgeable about music, so I think students are going to get a great variety of shows on campus.” CPB’s next live performance shows are scheduled during Winter Welcome Back Week on Jan. 14-18. Comedic magician Derrek Hughes and the Show Off Show will headline the event. “There are going to be a lot of different acts...things students are not going to expect,” Huff said.
"Beowulf," that original brawling epic of Anglo-Saxon lore, earns an eye-popping treatment in the new film from the team that gave us "The Polar Express." It's so thrilling that the audience will forget they’re looking at animation and tumble into a story of pride, bravery, greed and lust. The creators of the film use motioncapture animation, which consists of actors acting out scenes with animators and computers turning that acting into painted characters in front of visionary backdrops to create a world of legend. The faces are less plastic-looking than "Polar Express," and the action is more vivid and lifelike. The audience is hurled into a grim, gray fifth-century Denmark and taken into the great mead hall of King Hrothgar, played by a digitally-rendered Anthony Hopkins. The king's latest drunken revel is just winding down, his too-young queen (played by an animated Robin Wright Penn of “Forrest Gump) dreading another night with this naked old drunk. The doors explode, the candles whiff and the gigantic man-beast Grendel bursts in. He kills and devours the warriors. The "camera" swoops in on Be-
owulf (Ray Winstone of "The Departed"), standing in the prow of his Viking ship, a heroic introduction for a larger-than-life man. He shrugs off the worries of his best friend (Brendan Gleeson of “Braveheart”). "This troll of yours will trouble us no more," he tells the Danes. Beowulf is the last true hero in this movie world, and his struggle with beasts and the beast within are epic and modern. Director Robert Zemeckis has a filmmaker's eye and applies that to the animation, giving shots that the mind can imagine but the camera cannot capture without digital wizardry. Battles between he-man and man-monster are filmed as no wrestling match-tothe-death you've ever seen. Grendel's mother is a serpent, slithering into the form of a nubile Angelina Jolie, even more physically perfect than usual. This is a full-blooded rendering of the story, an interpretation of the legend that builds more morality into it than it has boasted these past 1,500 years. The thrills have kept readers enthralled for generations, but Zemeckis has found the dark psychological underpinnings of this tale. His version of it will endure even if the technology he used to tell it is replaced by something even more stunning. © 2007, The Orlando Sentinel Distributed by McClatchy-Tri bune Information Services.
Acting talent from the college crowd Marcus Whalbring Entertainment Editor Finding talent among young actors and actresses can be a task that requires digging into both small independent films and huge blockbusters. Most critics tend to think that the only acting experience available for young people in Hollywood can be found in three places: teen slasher films, college comedies with a lot of alcohol and sex or the Harry Potter movies. Those three categories can include performances by talented actors, but there are many other genres of film that also require gifted young performers. The people in this list have represented the college-aged generation very well, and they may even grace the stage at the Academy Awards someday. This list, however, carries two criteria: no one on the list started out as a teen pop singer, and at no point was Lindsay Lohan ever considered a possibility. 7. Shia LaBeouf, born in 1986. It’s true that Shia achieved his acclaim on the Disney Channel, but since “Even Stevens,” he has shown his abilities as an actor in a few roles that he made his own. He has a quick wit and a sense of clever humor that can seem like a guy on too much caffeine (“Transformers”), but he also can enliven the dramatic roles with believable emotion (“The Greatest Game Ever Played” and “Disturbia”). His next projects include the new installment of Indiana Jones, opposite Harrison Ford, and “Eagle Eye,” directed by D.J. Caruso (“Disturbia”). 6. Keira Knightley, born in 1985. When people think of Keira Knightley, the first thing that comes to mind is probably her role as Elizabeth Swann in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” but it was her role as Elizabeth Bennet in “Pride and Prejudice” that landed her on this list. “Pride and Prejudice” is definitely a film worth seeing if you want to observe Knightley at her best. She has had other commendable roles as well (“Atonement” and “Silk”) and likely will have more in the future. Her future projects include the films “The Duchess” and “The Edge of Love.” 5. Joseph Cross, born in 1986. That kid who played Michael Keaton’s son in “Jack Frost” years ago is all grown up, and he’s starting to bloom into an actor who knows how to tackle dramatic films. His two latest films were “Running with Scissors” and “Flags of Our Fathers.” Great things can be expected of his next two projects: “Untraceable” and “The Golden Door.” 4. Paul Dano, born in 1984. His cartoon-like face and overly-cynical attitude stole the attention of viewers in “Little Miss Sunshine.” Clearly Paul Dano takes his career as an actor very seriously, and he seems to be interested in roles that challenge him in his performance. Audiences can expect to see Dano again in “Explicit Ills” and “Where the Wild Things Are.” 3. Michael Cera, born in 1988. Cera is a very young talent who has focused on comedy for the most part, but he is clearly intelligent enough to take on more serious roles in the future. He is most well-known for his leading role in “Superbad,” but the fake documentary-style show that he shares with Clark Duke, which can be viewed on clarkandmichael.com, show how clever a writer he is and how intelligent an actor he can be. Michael Cera’s next project is a film called “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.” 2. Shareeka Epps, born in 1989. Epps is the youngest on the list, but she may also have the brightest future ahead of her. She started out as the young introverted student opposite Ryan Gosling in the critically acclaimed film “Half Nelson.” Even though it was her first role in film, Epps showed tremendous maturity and ability that will likely show up again and again in the future. Her next films are the sequel to “Alien vs. Predator” and “Four.” 1. Scarlett Johansson, born in 1984. She has been very busy over the last few years, sometimes taking on two to three roles at a time. With titles under her belt like “The Prestige,” “In Good Company” and “Scoop,” Johansson will likely prove herself as the actress from our generation who will be most remembered for her craft. She has a laundry list of films coming up in the next few years that include “The Other Boleyn Girl,” opposite Natalie Portman, and “Vicky Christina Barcelona.”
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FEATURE/ENTERTAINMENT
November 20, 2007
Former ‘Hounds take on the music scene in England was just a way for them to get over here.” The pair’s time at UIndy started in July of 2000 and ended in October of 2001. Hall said that Sparks was a theater major and Sharlando studied radio in the communication department. But it wasn’t their areas of study, their soccer playing or even their music that made them stand out on campus. According to James Carson, UIndy alumnus and former roommate of Sparks and Sharlando, it was purely their personalities. “They had a wild sense of humor,” Carson said. “They were the kind of guys that were up for anything.” Hall said that Sparks’ theater experience played a major role in his day-to-day life. “He was the drama major that was always playing different scenes with his accent, especially with the girls,” Hall said. “He loved the spotlight, the attention.” Trent Kuprewicz, who also played soccer with the two, said that Sharlando was more into playing soccer than Sparks and loved to goof around just as much as his musical sidekick. During their time at UIndy, the two aspiring musicians cut a small demo, but they never ended up pursuing music while they were in the U.S. Hall said they were never able to find a third person for their group, which prevented them from playing a single show during their time in the states. Although they never performed in Indianapolis,
Kuprewicz said he saw hints of their talent from time to time. “They performed for us all the time,” Kuprewicz said. “Sometimes they would sing karaoke. They really liked singing Bon Jovi, and you could tell that they had talent.” But the two dreamers must have had more in mind for themselves than belting out Bon Jovi for their friends because they left the U.S. and took the next step in their pursuit of music. They returned to England, added Martin Skarendahl on bass and started performing and building a following. Today they have released a fulllength album called “Trick to Life” and have gigs booked across England until mid March. The album includes an array of catchy indie-pop songs like “Goodbye Mr. A” and “Worried About Ray.” A few of the songs can be heard online at the band’s myspace page: www. myspace.com/thehoosiers. More information about the band can be found at the band’s official website: www.thehoosiers.co.uk. Even though Sparks and Sharlando have since moved on from UIndy and started a following as a British indierock band, how they felt about their short-lived time at UIndy can be found on the band’s Web site where they discuss their name: “A Hoosier is a native of Indiana, the mid-western corn growing capital of America, a place we found ourselves when we found ourselves.”
The third story line is between a college professor, Dr. Stephen Malley (Robert Redford of “Indecent Proposal” and “The Sting”), and his student Todd Hayes (Andrew Garfield of TV movies “Freezing” and “Trial and Retribution XI: Closure”). Malley and Hayes discuss Hayes’ potential for a life of greater meaning in Malley’s office. Garfield does a fantastic job of being an apathetic student, which makes the chemistry of the two actors work. Redford, a talented actor, does well in his smaller role, Contributed By Trent Kuprewicz playing his part without stealing Tom Cruise as Senator Jasper Irving
the scene. Redford also directed the movie. His directing was as good as, if not better than, his acting. The three story lines are all connected in a small way; one takes place in California, one in Washington, D.C. and another in the Middle East. Redford ties them together with the central theme of standing up for what is right and not easy. Although this theme is never stated in the movie, the three stories all fall into the same moral dilemma. The biggest criticism of the movie involves the use of computer-generated imagery in some of the shots. It is easy to see that most of the helicopter scenes in the movie are computer graphics. Overall the movie is worth watching. It seems to take a practical approach in examining the flaws of the war on terror. It also shows how America’s politicians can be foolishly ambitious.
Contributed By Trent Kuprewicz
Irwin Sparks (Right) and Alfonso Sharlando (Middle) perform karaoke for their friends at a wedding.
By Marcus Whalbring Entertainment Editor Irwin Sparks and Alfonso “Allen” Sharlando used to run up and down the soccer field for the University of Indianapolis. Now they are running up and down the stage and emerging in the spotlight of England’s music scene.
Sparks and Sharlando make up twothirds of The Hoosiers, an indie rock band that hails from London. Sparks plays guitar and performs vocals; Sharlando plays the drums; and Martin Skarendahl plays bass. According to the band’s Web site, Sparks and Sharlando grew up together in England and were looking for a way to get to the United States and dive into
the music scene. According to Gabriel Hall, assistant coach of the UIndy men’s soccer team and former teammate of Sparks and Sharlando, earning a soccer scholarship was, to them, the best way to find a place in the U.S. “Basically this was the only school that would give them one [soccer scholarship],” Hall said. “I think that
“The Last Samurai” and “Minority Report”) and journalist Janine Roth (Meryl Streep of “Prime” and “A Prairie Home Companion”). Irving is a smug young senator who has clear ambitions for the White House. He is developing an operation, along with the armed forces, that will “win the war on terror and win the hearts and minds of the people.” Cruise’s acting was disappointing. It was almost as if the actor himself were being interviewed on the street. In the film, he is over-confident and covered with a see-through smile. He was only playing himself so he did not necessarily need to step far out of his acting ability. The second storyline is between army rangers Ernest Rodriguez (Michael Peña of “Shooter” and “World Trade Center”) and Arian Finch (Derek Luke of “Friday Night Lights” and “Glory Road”). Ernest and Arian are stranded after
falling out of a helicopter in the mountains of Afghanistan. The two actors do a terrific job of playing both college buddies and brothers-in-arms. The on-screen bond between them is evident, and the storyline of Ernest and Arian is the most entertaining.
Redford shows his directing strength in ‘Lions for Lambs’ By James Allen Staff Writer
Politics, war, mistrust and death all are involved. I am not talking about the war on terror. I am talking about a movie about a hypothetical war on terror. Robert Redford’s “Lions for Lambs” is a film covering three different story lines that are all vaguely interconnected. America faces a new “Axis of Evil” that is Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. With the development of nuclear arms in Afghanistan and the alliance of the Sunnis and Shiites, the U.S. has much to worry about. However, this is all speculation in the film. The movie shows how a senator exploits the truth and deceives the public in order to serve his own political victory. The movie’s first storyline involves Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise of
Handout/MCT
November 20, 2007
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TWICE OVER
November 20, 2007
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A Soldier’s Thanksgiving A look at three U.S. servicemen with UIndy ties
By Abby Adragna & Dan Friend Editor-in-Chief & Managing Editor For many Americans, the word “Thanksgiving” invokes thoughts of family, feasts and football. But according to Joe Ward, Army National Guard specialist and University of Indianapolis physical plant carpenter, members of the United States military serving in Iraq are given little time to reflect on the holiday—or any holiday. Ward returned from a year-long tour of duty in Iraq on Oct. 14. “[While in Iraq] we had Thanksgiving dinner, turkey and all the fixings—and the same on Christmas,” Ward said. “But you just go through the daily stuff…If your mind is back home, you are going to miss something, and someone is going to get hurt.” While stationed in Iraq, Ward’s company was responsible for clearing roadside bombs, the No. 1 killer of U.S. troops since the beginning of the conflict in 2003. As a combat engineer, Ward surveyed roads and highways from Fallujah to Baghdad and constructed road blocks when a bomb was detected. His battalion lost only one soldier and disarmed 1,600 improvised explosives during its deployment overseas. When Ward returned to the states last month, the transition from constant danger in the Middle East to the relative peace of the Midwest proved challenging, he said. “You set up a shield as soon as you get over there [Iraq]… your emotions are definitely not on your sleeve,” Ward said. “It was hard for my wife to deal with at first, me being straight-line, but after you’ve been home a while, everything works itself out.” Now that he is home, Ward said he has enjoyed making up for lost time with his wife Kelly and daughter Alexis. The Wards are traveling to Las Vegas to spend the holiday with family, and Ward said he is looking forward to celebrating all the birthdays and holidays that he missed last year. “It was definitely hard being away,” Ward said. “I hate using the phrase that you adjust to it, but you just kind of do. You adapt. You know you can’t be there [with family], so you’re just doing what you can to get yourself back home.” Like Ward, U.S. Army Spc. Luke Thornberry, a combat photographer, knows how hard it is to be away from home during the holidays. Thornberry, a former UIndy student and Reflector photographer, has been in Iraq since Aug. 2. This is his first deployment overseas, and he will be there until March. While in Iraq, Thornberry missed his one-year wedding anniversary on Oct. 30. He said he gets sad when he thinks about missing important celebrations, such as anniversaries and birthdays, as well as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. “To be honest, I will probably try not to celebrate the holidays,” Thornberry said. “The more they make it seem like home, the more I will miss it. I will probably e-mail my friends [and] family and talk to my wife, but that is about it.” Thornberry said that of all the photographs he has ever seen, war photographs are the most moving to him. He wanted to be a combat photographer so that he could capture those real emotions and gain extensive photography experience, he said. (To see more of Thornberry’s photos, visit www.reflector. uindy.edu).
Contributed by Joe Ward
Joe Ward’s unit patrols a street in southern Baghdad in early July.
Contributed by Luke Thornberry
Following a blast from a roadside bomb targeting Thornberry’s unit, troops release smoke around the site to avoid snipers. As a combat photographer, Thornberry accompanies different units around the camp and takes photos and videos of their missions.
While he enjoys his job, Thornberry said he is looking forward to returning home in four months to his wife, green grass, hot showers and good meals, among other comforts. “When I get back to the U.S., I’m going to get a condo in Baltimore or Annapolis, plan a trip to Mexico for a week, have fun with my wife and just relax for a while,” he said. While Thornberry will spend the holiday season overseas, Dr. Greg Clapper, UIndy professor of philosophy and religion and chaplain lieutenant colonel of the Indiana Air National Guard, will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday at home. Spending time with family on Thanksgiving is especially important to Clapper this year because he will be overseas during Christmas. According to Clapper, he and his family try to make service a part of the holiday season. He said that in the past, his family has spent Thanksgiving volunteering at various soup kitchens. Clapper has been a chaplain for 18 years, serving the past 10 years in the Indiana National Guard. During the university’s winter break, Clapper will work at the Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl. Germany. It will be his third deployment to this site. “Basically, my work is to be a hospital chaplain to those who are injured in the war in Iraq or Afghanistan,” Clapper said. “I also end up serving people who are in the hospital for more everyday kinds of concerns. So if somebody breaks a leg or has cancer or something, I’ll relate to them, too. But the biggest reason that I’m there is the war casualties.” Clapper said he believes it is important to remember the troops who are serving overseas during the holiday season. His last deployment to Landstuhl was just after the holiday season, and he said he noticed that the people in the military who were working at the hospital didn’t receive as much support as those who were injured. Clapper decided to raise money to buy chocolate bars for every employee at the hospital on Christmas Day. Each chocolate bar will have a sticker reading “Thanks for Serving” and featuring the UIndy logo. Clapper said he plans to personally deliver the chocolate bars on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Although he will not be with his family for Christmas, Clapper said he is happy to serve others. “I will certainly miss my family. We always gather at Christmas, and it is an important celebration for us,” Clapper said. “But in the past, we’ve also tried to tie service into the holiday. To me, it’s a good way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, of giving.” Ward, Thornberry and Clapper share the experience of military service, and as Thanksgiving and Christmas are observed stateside, they all said it is important to remember those serving overseas during times of international conflict.