CHRONICLE Richland
Vol. XL Issue 15 May 12, 2015
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NEWS/CAMPUS
Additional security at DCCCD graduation in Garland center MARTA PLANELLS Managing Editor
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The recent attack at a cartoon contest in Garland took place at the Curtis Culwell Center, where in the coming weeks numerous high school and college graduation ceremonies will be held, including Richland’s commencement Thursday at 7:30 p.m. After the attack Sunday night, when police killed two gunmen who attempted to enter the event featuring cartoons of Prophet Mohammed, Garland ISD (responsible for the facility) decided to implement new security measures to prevent any further incidents. Additional procedures will directly affect Richland students, faculty and staff. The Garland police department has been working with security officials from Richland and Eastfield colleges to implement a new clear bag policy. At press time, Eastfield’s graduation was set for May 9. Curtis Culwell Center officials encourage
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guests not to bring bags; however, if students do bring purses or bags, they should bring clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 by 6 by 12 inches. Alternatively, they may use one-gallon Ziploc-style bags and clutch bags approximately the size of a hand. Bags will be inspected at the entrance of the center. The organization will also provide clear bags at the front entrance for guests who might need one. According to DCCCD Director of Media Relations Ann Hatch, the Curtis Culwell Center is going to provide additional police presence at no extra cost to high schools and colleges that have scheduled their events at the facility. Those officers will be from the Garland Police Department. Whitney Rosenbalm, director of marketing and public relations at Richland, said they received a couple of calls from concerned students. Other students showed their worries on Richland’s Facebook page saying this should be a happy day and not one to be worried about safety.
Staff photos Melanie Brandow
The attack at the IANT Mosque off of Abrams Road turned out not to be a hate crime.
Richardson mosque attack not linked to Garland bloodshed Police do not believe the attack on a man leaving a mosque in Richardson May 4 was a hate crime. The attack happened at the Islamic Association of North Texas, a day after police killed two gunmen who attempted to break into an event featuring caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in Garland. Police had increased security at the mosque to prevent possible retaliation after the crime in Garland. Police presence, however, did not prevent two suspects from attacking a member of that community while he was leaving the mosque that Monday night. Khalid Hamiled, spokesperson for the IANT, explained the nature of the attack. “It was very fast, it was violent. He was struck in the head multiple times with fists,” he said. From the very beginning, police were careful about calling this a “hate crime.” “The timing of it is very suspicious, but Garland and Richardson police departments are doing excellent work. Richardson has not concluded its investigation so we cannot draw final conclusions until they do so,” Hamiled said. Late Monday, Richardson police finally concluded that it was not a hate crime. Even
Khalid Hamiled, addressing concerns of attack at IANT Mosque in Richardson.
though police are still seeking the motive, investigators said in a press release they do not think there is any link between the Garland incident and the attack outside the mosque. “During follow-up interviews with the victim, he has given investigators reason to believe, and he is of the opinion that, he was likely targeted for reasons other than his religion or ethnicity,” police said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. The attack at the mosque did not change its daily prayers or activities. Richardson police announced they plan to be on site to prevent any further incidents. — Marta Planells
New leader at Richland Staff illustration Isai Diaz
Yasmin Siraj was elected incoming Student Government Association president in a landslide win May 4-5, beating her nearest challengers by more than 100 votes. Siraj had not been part of the government association prior to the election, but she has experience working in the Office of Student Life. That gave her a better understanding to students’ needs and concerns. Siraj said she is thankful for all the support and efforts. Siraj is pursuing a science major because she wants to become a doctor. One of the things Siraj wants to accomplishe next academic year is to convince students to get more involved in the programs of English a Second Language. Siraj wants members of the SGA to help Richland’s students who are learning English.
Staff photo Blanca Reyes
— Blanca Reyes
Yasmin Siraj, incoming Student Government Association president.
CAMPUS/OPINION
A true love story - canine style Copy Editor
Whoever heard of a middle-aged man going to a park, picking up a pretty, young brunette and taking her home to meet his wife? That’s exactly what happens in A.R. Gurney’s captivating comedy-drama, “Sylvia,” which ran in Richland’s Arena Theater May 2, directed by drama chair Andy Long. While the audience was small for a Saturday night performance, those in attendence had plenty of laughs for this canine conundrum. Long could not have chosen a more enthusiastic actress to play the lead role of the dog, Sylvia, a Labrador-poodle mix. With long, curly brown hair, the pretty, petite Audrey Clark, 18, lit up the stage in every scene she was in. It couldn’t be easy playing the role of an animal, but Clark was so frisky and lovable as a pet that the audience could not keep their eyes off her. “Sylvia” is really a love story between Greg and Kate, a husband and wife trying to readjust to middle-aged life without their grown kids, who are in college. But, trouble starts the minute Greg comes home with Sylvia. Kate cannot stand the dog and wants her out of the house immediately, if not sooner. So, the battle over Sylvia begins between the duo. As the show progresses, the plot becomes distorted and turns into a ménage à trois when Greg becomes so fixated on his new canine companion that it threatens his marriage and job. Jermaine Johnson had the demanding role of the distressed husband who hates his nagging boss and can’t stand his boring job. So, when he latched on to Sylvia, his whole attitude changed when she’s on stage – his love and attachment for her clearly showed in every scene. Jordan Bechtol as Kate did well as the authoritarian wife hovering over Greg. At first, Kate calls the dog “Saliva” to show her ha-
tred of the animal. As an English teacher, she loved her job teaching inner-city kids about Shakespeare, so she’s on a different mental plane entirely than Greg. As actors, both Johnson and Bechtol fit their roles as husband and wife, but the rapport between them didn’t seem to ignite as a married couple, in spite of the disruption from Sylvia. Clark’s mannerisms and expressions were superb in trying to capture a dog’s actions, mental state and obnoxious behavior. She had fleas, demanded food when hungry, loudly gulped water from the toilet, refused to get off the couch as Kate insisted and soiled the carpet. In one delightful scene, Sylvia showed her hated of cats with a string of profanity. This was not a play for anyone under 16. The playbill noted that it was “Rated Mature for Language.” Sylvia has a sexual encounter with a dog in the park named Bowser, which leads to a confrontation with Bowser’s owner, Tom, played by Raied Makhamreh. They argue about it and Greg accuses Bowser of raping Sylvia. After that, Sylvia becomes sexually attracted to other dogs, so Greg has her fixed. That turned into some hilarious scenes when Sylvia spouts off at Greg: “You had me spayed, Greg! You destroyed my womanhood. I feel like a gutted turkey.” Makhamreh played two totally different roles in addition to Tom. One was Kate’s friend Phyllis, who fascinated the audience playing a tall, thin, blonde woman with big boobs, and an obnoxious, androgynous, blond bespectacled therapist named Leslie. Dressed in brown slacks and a striped sweater with bright red tennis shoes, Makhamreh thoroughly delighted the audience with a weird interview with Greg about his failing marriage by confessing how he [Leslie] relies on his patients to inform him about what sex he is. It was just hilarious. “Sylvia” definitely shows the genius of Gurney as a playwright in creating such an unusual
Image courtesy Jennifer Owen
Raied Makhamreh, left, plays a woman and friend, Phyllis, giving advice about the disruptive new pet in the family, Sylvia (Audrey Clark), center, to wife Kate (Jordan Bechtol).
love story about a pet. When the comedy-drama came out in 1995, at first, theaters wouldn’t accept it because they thought it was insulting to have a woman play a dog. It was supposedly “sexist.” But, when Sarah Jessica Parker was asked to play the role, it became a huge success. “Sylvia” wasn’t just for laughs. It did have quite a clever, appropriate ending. In one last
touching scene, the couple tries to take Sylvia away to another family. She gives Kate a paperback titled, “All’s Well that Ends Well!” by Shakespeare, and Kate melts and decides to keep her. Greg then turns to the audience to explain that they kept the dog for 11 years and both cried when Sylvia died at the vet’s office. Isn’t that the case with all those who love pets?
Despite attack, united we stand, divided we fall BLANCA REYES Photography Editor
Our community has been at the center of a storm for the past week due to an attack at Garland’s Curtis Culwell Center May 3 during a cartoon contest. The “Draw the Prophet Muhammad” contest, organized by political activist Pamela Geller, ended with two dead terrorists. Later identified as Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi, the two gunmen attacked the center wounding an unarmed security officer. The gunmen were shot and killed by a traffic police officer working the event. The “real” purpose of the contest and its organizer has been endlessly debated. An editorial in The New York Times called the
event needlessly provocative. The fact of the matter is that two men are dead because they were intolerant. Although I am a supporter of freedom of speech, I also think that people should be careful with what they say. Geller has an extensive history of openly disagreeing with some tenets of the Islamic faith. Some people actually call her Islamophobic. Geller, however, should be aware that many people listen to her and the most important thing right now is to stay calm and stay united. It means that we should be aware of the danger around us, but not tolerate violence or refuse others their right to freedom of speech. I know that when something or someone
goes against our belief system, often the natural reaction is to try to defend our beliefs. Many people, however, misunderstand the meaning of our actions and they use that misunderstanding to commit crimes against our society. My question is how different are those people from their attackers? Everything should be based on tolerance and respect.
Everything should be based on tolerance and respect. wwThe sad part is that, after a tragedy happens, innocent people pay for it just because of the way they look, the religion they practice or their culture.
It is important to understand that this attack was committed by extremists who have a personal point of view and was based on their interpretation of their religion. I am totally convinced that we should be aware of the possible dangers around us and be cautious, but we also need to be tolerant and not blinded by a visceral feeling of mob justice and rage, even if understandable. Being in a very multicultural college environment, I think, it is important for us not to drag up negative feelings. On the contrary, we have to remember that united we stand, divided we fall. We need to come together as a diverse community, fighting for the goals of free speech, respect and tolerance, and never tolerate, practice or justify violence as the way to solve our differences.
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JOYCE JACKSON
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ENTERTAINMENT
Promising summer flicks RICKY MILLER Entertainment Editor
I have optimism and I have faith. So here are the Top 5 flicks I’m looking forward to seeing this summer. 1. “Tomorrowland” (May 22) Sci-fi tale looks like a lot of fun from “The Incredibles” director Brad Bird, who assembles a cast including George Clooney and Britt Robertson from (TV’s “Under the Dome”). Bird has not steered me wrong yet, so this intriguing tale tops my summer must-see list.
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Image courtesy wp.com
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2. “Inside Out” (June 19) New Pixar animated tale features the inner thoughts and emotions of a young girl named Riley: joy, fear, anger, disgust and sadness. Like last year’s Oscar-winning “Big Hero 6,” San Francisco is the backdrop for the story.
3. “Mad Max: Fury Road” (May 15) Tom Hardy takes on the role of Max played by Mel Gibson 36 years ago. His character is wandering the desert just trying to survive another day. This big-budget opus also stars Charlize Theron (Oscar winner for “Monster”) and “About a Boy” star Nicholas Hoult. Image courtesy themovienetwork.com
Image courtesy slate.com
5. “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” (Aug. 14)
4. “Minions” (July 10) Those lovely yellow guys spend years in the BG era (Before Grut) looking for a sinister master. They find it in Sandra Bullock’s Scarlett Overkill. It also features the voice talents of Michael Keaton, Jon Hamm, Allison Janney and Steve Coogan. Image courtesy wp.com
Yet another update of a long-forgotten show about spies during the Cold War. From director Guy Ritchie, whose stock rose with his 2009 update of “Sherlock Holmes” with Robert Downey Jr. This one stars Henry Cavill (“Man Of Steel”), Alicia Vikander (“Ex Machina”) and Armie Hammer (“The Lone Ranger”). Image courtesy armiehammerfans.com
CAMPUS
Cinco de Mayo activities on campus ISAI DIAZ Staff Writer
Starting like most of events on campus, people were excited to see what was going to go on at the Cinco de Mayo festivities. About 700 people attended. A long line wrapped around the breezeway while Mexican music played in the background. Classic Mexican foods like enchiladas de pollo (chicken), frijoles (beans), arroz (rice) and hard shell tacos were served by Royal Catering. Professional dancers taught groups of students how to salsa and tango and move their feet to the beat. Kristi Nealy, coordinator at the Office of Student Life (OSL), said, “It was a really festive day.” OSL made little flags as an educational piece
to give the student body facts about Cinco de Mayo. Nealy said for next year, “More than likely we will have another fiesta lunch.” She added that she would like to have the dance lessons again so that it could encourage more students to participate. Nealy also said that she would like to have more live bands play. And to wrap up the excitement, students beat the candy out of a piñata.
Staff photo Melanie Brandow
Staff photo Isai Diaz
Grabbing some grub, students fill plates from Royal Catering.
Students Jaime Navarro, information technology, and Stephanie Plantarte, international studies, dance to salsa music.
An unidentified participant smacks a piñata.
Staff photo Ashling Han
‘May the fourth be with you’
Victor Thomas is ready to fight the “rebels scum.”
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The 501st Legion invaded campus on Star Wars Day, May 4. The legion is an all-volunteer group composed of Star Wars fans. The organization works to better the local community with full-costumed charity and volunteer work. One of the troopers, Bradley Lawrence, aka 71 Cobra Trooper, said that he likes dressing up as a Star Wars character because it makes “people smile … You can tell when you come across a Star Wars fan and they are super excited to see you.” Kelly Sonnanstine, coordinator of new student orientation at the Office of Student Life, organized the event. Invade the empire by visiting www.501st.com. — Isai Diaz
Photo illustrations Isai Diaz
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CAMPUS
Students make plans for summer, future As the spring semester draws to a close, students begin to adjust their schedules as well as their emotions.
Heejon Kim, 22, a South Korea native, member of Phi Theta Kappa and historian
of SGA, is science major at Richland. She nearly broke into tears when she said, “It is emotional because I know I’m really going to miss Richland College. I know I will be facing more adventures and challenges in my path. I had a really, personal hard time in here,” Kim added. “Last year, I found my dad has cancer, but really, I wasn’t going down! Richland, literally, was my family.” She singled out Carter Bedford, director of the Office of Student Life, Dr. Tim Sullivan, anthropology professor, and Dr. Tony Summers, vice president for student development, but mostly her parents. Kim, was born in Seoul and finished high school in Capetown, South Africa, after her parents asked her if she wanted to see what life was like outside. Kim will graduate with a GPA of 3.8 and transfer to Southern Methodist University with a STEM Scholarship after summer classes.
Katlyn Smith, 27, mother of two, secretary of the Student Govern-
ment Association (SGA) and president of the Anthropology Club, said, “I’m the first female in my immediate family to graduate from college, so it’s an achievement by itself for me.” Smith is graduating from Richland with an associate in art and plans on transferring to SMU with plans of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology with a minor in religion. She received a Student of the Year Amidon Beauchamp nomination and the Anthropology Skully Award for Executive Members while at Richland.
Ayham Shaban, 20,
a graphic designer from Syria as well as a fellow member of Phi Theta Kappa, will be graduating with his associate in science. He wasn’t all that thrilled since it was only a first accomplishment. He said, “I don’t really care about the associates, it’s the bachelor’s that count.” Shaban will be transferring to the University of Texas at Arlington to study civil engineering. Shaban said he plans on just taking summer classes and working.
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— Ryan Bingham Duff
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“Sounds of Summer Concert”: Aug. 6 7:30 p.m. The concert features the following: Evening Jazz Ensemble – Phares Corder, director Jazz Combo – Brad Williams, director Chamber String Ensembles – Jordan Kuspa, director Chamber Brass Ensemble – Phares Corder, director Plus, vocal and instrumental soloists Movie event The Alliance Française presents a free showing of a French movie: “Landes” – starring Marie Gillain, Jalil Lespert and Miou Miou, a film by François-Xavier Vives (In French, subtitled in English)
CHRONICLE STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Layout Editor Online Editor Photography Editor Entertainment Editor Copy Editor
Melanie Brandow Marta Planells Kisten S. Chetty Joe Stumpo Blanca Reyes Ricky Miller Joyce Jackson
ON THE COVER We’ll be back in the fall
COVER AND FONTS Staff illustration Chronicle staff Certain cover fonts are provided by the following: http://www.nymfont.com - http://www.bvfonts.com
STUDENT MEDIA STAFF Crissy Ashley Isai Diaz Ryan Bingham Duff Ashling Han Abraham Igene Truman Kohler-Katz
Anthony Nguyen Lydia Nigussie Jerome Robinson II James Shrader Fatma Mohamed Swaleh Quan Tran
STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS
Staff photos Melanie Brandow
The Richland Summer Music Program will include a variety of courses in music theory, piano, composition, music technology, performing groups and private lessons throughout the summer. Register through Derrick Logozzo, derricklogozzo@dcccd.edu, and Dr. Michael Crawford, mcrawford@dcccd.edu, music coordinators.
Richland
May 21, 7 p.m. Sabine Hall, Room SH-118 “Landes” takes place in the 1920s. Liena, 35, inherits vast property in an industrial forest after the death of her husband and a dream of his that was never realized: electricity throughout the land. She fights to see this dream realized – and the destiny of a free woman meets the destiny of a nation. (95 minutes) Free, but RSVP at admin@afdallas.org The movie is suitable for all audiences, but contains some violence. Campus repairs Austin Longacre, senior associate director of facilities services, said the ADA projects will continue through Denco Construction Company. The East side traffic improvement project is expected to be completed July 27. There will be new carpet in Lavaca, Alamito and Yegua Halls and the Fannin Performance Hall, but the work will be done at night and on weekends to minimize disruption.
Erica Edwards Jack Fletcher David Goodloe Tim Jones
Steve Noviello Larry Ratliff Marshall Siegel
ISSUE DATE May 12
AWARDS
ACP Pacemaker Winner, 2000, 2001, 2007 ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 ACP Online Pacemaker Finalist, 2007, 2008 1st Place - TIPA Sweepstakes, 2005 3rd Place - TIPA Online, 2005 & 2006 Over 170 Texas college journalism awards since 2000 CMA Newspaper of the Year Finalist, 2014 1st Place – TCCJA Overall General Excellence, 2014 2nd Place - Pinnacle College Media Award, 2014
CONTACT INFORMATION
El Paso Hall, Room E-020, 12800 Abrams Rd. Dallas, 75243 Newsroom: 972-238-6079 E-mail: richanchronicle@gmail.com Advertising: 972-238-6068 E-mail: advertise@dcccd.edu Fax: 972-238-6037
Staff meetings to resume for fall semester: Monday and Wednesday 2 p.m. in E-020 Letter Policy Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements. Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. For identification and verification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s classification (grade level), full name, address and telephone number, although address and telephone number will not be published. Editorial Policy The Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration. © Richland Chronicle 2015
NEWS/CAMPUS
Honoring T-Ducks’ successes
Summer Events May 4-22 Student Photo-Imaging Exhibition Brazos Gallery
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 972-238-6339
May 25 Memorial Day
Campus closed
Above left: Exemplary students of the Honors Academy were among those acknowledged at the Richland College 27th annual Student Success Awards. From left: Muneer Muneer, Ashton Self, Muaz Mohammed, Ezra Calado and Rashum Bhatti. Above Right: A group of students from the Journalism and Student Media department were honored From left: Kimendran Chetty, adviser Erica Edwards, Joyce Jackson, Richland President Kay Eggleston, Marta Planells, Ricky MIller, Vice President for Student Development Tony Summers, Sean McNellis, Melanie Brandow, David
June 1-July 10
Photo courtesy Kim Deng
Staff photos Melanie Brandow
Patterson and Isai Diaz. The Journalism department includes KDUX WebRadio, the Chronicle TV and the Chronicle. Right: Members of the Student Government Association (SGA) were recognized for their hard work. The SGA won the Texas Junior College Student Government Association best video award. The association also won the “Advisor of the Year” award, given to Carter Bedford, director of the Office of Student Life. From left: Nariman Al-Matari, Heejon Kim, Matt Goss, Quynh Pham and Ryan Newman.
Under the Influence Faculty Student Exhibition Brazos Gallery
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 972-238-6339
June 3 Dance performance 1 p.m.
Fannin Performance Hall, Room F-102
Richland’s definitely got talent “La file du 14 juillet” ( movie comedy) 7 p.m.
Sabine Hall, Room 118
July 13-Aug. 7 Fired Up Students Ceramics Exhibition Brazos Gallery
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 972-238-6339
Aug. 6 7 p.m.
Richland’s Summer Sounds Showcase Concert
Evening Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Chamber Staff photo Melanie Brandow
Participants in last Thursday’s Richland’s Got Talent contest, organized by the Black Student Association and Office of Student Life, pose for a photo. The three best
performances won prizes that included a portable charger, a printer and a digital media player.
Ensembles and soloists
Fannin Performance Hall
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