2008_0520_CT_v62i15

Contact us: (619) 388-3880 / citytimes@gmail.com

Former humanities dean Winston Butler dies News, page 3

TAKE NOTE Child Development deadline coming up The City College Child Development Center will be accepting applications for fall enrollment the first two weeks in July.

Parents must be enrolled as day students at City College and are required to work at the Center three hours a week as long as their child is attending. Child Development 160 and 161 must be taken the first year the child is enrolled.

Limited services are available to parents attending night classes. For more information, call (619) 3883205. The Center is on 16th and B streets.

Read us online: www.sdcitytimes.com

Summer movie season kicking into high gear

Arts, page 6

CityTimes

Volume 62, Number 15

Covering the San Diego City College community since 1945

Charmed

Campus bookstore buyback continues

Whitney Lawrence City Times While many City College students are looking forward to selling back their textbooks for some extra cash before summer begins, about 282 stun Veterans dents have one adjust to campus last fee to pay: life. News, page 3 $41 will cover the cost for a cap, gown and tassel for this years graduation ceremony.

The commencement ceremony will be held May 23 at the legendary Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park at 6:30 p.m.

And talk about an economic stimulus package: another 517 students who aren’t participating in the ceremony will also receive their diplomas or certificates of achievement in the mail. A total of 975 degrees or certificates will be awarded, with some stu-

The campus bookstore’s buyback program wraps up May 22.

Buyback hours are Mon.-Thrs.

May 19-22, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; and Fri. May 23, 8:30 a.m.-noon. For more information, visit www.bookstore.sdccd.edu/city.

Limited parking at fitness center For students and faculty that park near the fitness center, be sure to give yourself time to find a space.

As of May 16, the school’s contractor put up fencing adjacent to the P building, as well as the spaces located behind the fitness center.

The fencing will stay up for approximately 14 months, the duration of a construction project.

Health Services summer hours Health Services will be available this summer to enrolled students.

Times are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday from 12 to 10 p.m.

LRC summer hours The Learning Resource Center’s summer hours are from June 2 to 13, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and June 16 to August 9, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

INDEX News/Calendar........................2-3 Opinion.......................................4 Arts............................................6 Focus.......................................... 7 Sports.......................................11

Grads get ready to walk City College awards 799 students in 2008

— Heather Richards

— Nailah Edmondson

May 20, 2008

Gus Celarie Courtesy Photo

City College’s badminton team won its third consecutive win after beating Skyline College 1407. Top, left to right: Crisselda Vinluan, Assistant Coach Thong Yang, Stephanie Fong and Head Coach Son Nguyen. Bottom, left to right: Amy Tu, Ha Tu, Aenoy Bounsavath and Sombath Vilitchai.

Badminton wins 3rd state title Team takes Pacific Coast Conference by storm Nailah Edmondson City Times “Winning is not just a title to us, it’s more of a commitment that we must fulfill,” said Son Nguyen, coach of City College’s badminton team.

The team has taken the Pacific Coast Conference by storm. For the third year in a row, they brought home the state title after beating Skyline College 14-7.

Aenoy Bounsavath and Amy Tu won the state doubles title. They beat Skyline College in a close match, 22-20, and by a landslide victory, winning 21-12.

The team has been undefeated for the past three years in a row since Nguyen became head coach.

Current Head Coach Nguyen was recruited

by Cassie Macias, the athletic director, in 2005 and became the assistant coach. A year later, he became head coach and brought home the state

title in his first two years of leading the team.

For the folks out there who laugh at the sight of a badminton game because they think it’s a joke and no real challenge, n Cross country coach Nguyen says, “It takes gets ready to go to the more than just strength Olympics. Sports, page 11 and fitness to be strong in this sport. You need speed, agility, accuracy, ability, the mental state and much more.”

Don’t think for one second that this dedicated team is taking a break since their season has come to an end. After each winning season, they jump right back in the saddle to prepare for the next season.

“We know that our opponents are working hard to get the title that we captured,” Nguyen said. “We work more like a family than just a team.”

The Knights plan to celebrate their victorious season at Disneyland this year.

See GRADS, page 2

ASG online elections not what expected Nailah Edmondson City Times City College held its first online student elections April 28- May 2.

Out of 15,000 City College students, only 841 participated during the five-day period compared to last year’s paper n ASG holds which awards ceremony. ballots, brought out 700 News, page 3 student voters in only three days. The Student Affairs Office was disappointed, according to Gail Rodriguez. Even candidates running for ASG positions were few and far between.

With a new generation of so consumed with the Web, the Student Affairs Office expected an increase in student participation.

See Elections, page 5

2

NEWS / CALENDAR

City Times

Grads Continued from page 1 dents earning both an associate’s degree and certificate of achievement.

With about 12 committee members and a host of other volunteers, Gerald Ramsey, Vice President of Student Services and chairman of the Graduation Committee, said “it’s an event that is always, because of staff and faculty, exceptionally well done and consistently staged with no major problems.� “It gets pretty wild out there,� gradua-

tion coordinator Gail Rodriguez said.

As of press time, of the 282 students walking in the ceremony, 112 associate’s degrees will be awarded along with 170 certificates of achievement. Five of those students will be graduating with a 4.0 grade point average, earning the highest honor.

A sign of the times: the youngest graduate is 17 years old, and the oldest is 61.

It is an exciting time for City College graduates. Some will transfer on to various universities to earn a bachelor’s degree, and others will use their degree or certificate to dive straight in to the workforce.

Rachel Brewer, a 2008 City College graduate, received the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, which qualifies her for

May 20, 2008

up to $30,000 per year for three years. “I want to take some time off and travel,� said Antonio Marquez, who is earning an associate’s degree in broadcast news this semester. “I want to continue to transfer to (San Diego) State.�

Marquez is involved with SDCC’s broadcast news program, Newscene, and now works as an intern at Univision with other City College alumni, Elias Awad, a reporter and sports anchor, and Marco Serrano, the weekend anchor at Univision.

Laura CastaĂąeda, assistant professor for the Radio and Television Department and adviser for Newscene, recalled many of her own students who graduated and went on to bright careers in journalism, including Mary Hensley, now a reporter for CBS in Palm Springs, and Shannon Handy, a reporter for ABC in Northern California.

John Hildebrand, chairman of the Communications Department, said he thinks it’s important for students to earn their

degree even if they are transferring to a university. “At this department, you’re not just learning new skills, you’re learning how to adapt and develop new skills,� Hildebrand said. “It’s really important to finish because it shows that you can take on a task and complete it. When you go to get a job, employers look at that. When they look and see you’ve completed that, they are reassured that you have skills, training, and maybe experience.�

Ramsey also encourages graduates, especially those who are transferring, to identify undergraduate classes they still need to earn their bachelor’s degree and take those courses during the summer session. “The cost of courses are substantially less,� Ramsey said.

Since spring 2000, City College has awarded 5,375 associate’s degrees and 3.939 certificates of completion.

CALENDAR

Compiled by Shevaun Brandom Send items to City Times, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, e-mail citytimes@gmail.com, call (619) 388-3880, or fax (619) 388-3814 n May 2-30 Exhibit of 3rd annual Photography contest T-215 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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n June 17 - Aug. 9 Summer Class for 8 Week session n June 23 - Aug. 2 Summer Class for 6 Week session

n May 30 Last day to file a petition for Repetition Violation for Summer 2008

n July 7 - Aug. 9 Summer Class for 5 Week session

n May 31 “Landscape of Desire� - Patricia Rincon Dance Collective Join an international dance program to explore the evolving voice of the Latino Border Community. $15 General Ad/ $10 Senior, Military, Student Event contact: Alicia Rincon, 619 388-3563, arincon@sdccd.edu

Summer Hours n Monday - Thursday Study Skills Workshops R-121 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tutorial/Learning Center 619-388-3685

n June 2 - 28 Summer Class for 4 Week session

n Tuesday Computer Lab T 309 for summer hours contact E. Brown 388-3624

n June 2 - July 3 Summer Class for 5 Week session

CityTimes

Visit us on the Web at www.sdcitytimes.com

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May 20, 2008

Campus mourns former arts dean

NEWS

Veterans’ new battle: Fitting into college life Mayumi Kimura City Times

Cancer claims Winston Butler, who retired last year Sonjiala Hotchkiss City Times Winston Butler, former dean of arts and humanities at City College, died in his home April 18 of cancer. There was a memorial service at his home on April 25.

During the service, two doves were released.

Butler was born in San Diego, but grew up Winston Butler in Taylor, Texas. After having been active in arts in high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from CSU Los Angeles and a master’s in theater arts from UC Santa Barbara.

Butler returned to his birthplace in 2000 to serve as San Diego City College interim dean of arts and humanities. He arrived at City seasoned in the community college environment having worked at Los Angeles City College (LACC) for over 20 years.

While at LACC, Butler served as chair of the theater department and as president of the academic senate.

Butler continued his career at San Diego City College serving as dean of arts and humanities from 2001 to 2007. Faculty remember him as a friendly and approachable person who cared deeply about the students.

“He gave me a chance for which I will forever feel grateful.

See BUTLER, page 11

Photos by DONNA MARANTO Contributor

History cut away April 7 marked the end of a site of beauty at Balboa Park. The “Gum Tree” at the Old Globe Theater complex, dying from the weight of cement and pipes strangling the roots, was removed amid tears and remembrances. Planted circa 1914-1915 at the beginning of the famous Pan-American expo, the huge eucalyptus tree — recently determined to present a danger to the surroundings — felt its last gust of wind as its stately posture was slowly cut away.

Kathy McGinnis new athletics dean Shannon Kuhfuss City Times San Diego City College’s Kathy McGinnis has been a teacher in the classroom, a coach on the field, and now has the opportunity to take on the role of dean in the office.

Effective July 1, McGinnis, former assistant athletic director and health and exercise science department chair, will take over as dean of health, exercise science and athletics.

The process to achieve this position was long but worth it for McGinnis. “The job was available for a year and I knew the whole time that I wanted it. It’s exciting to be a part of the growth.”

City Times 3

The new construction and renovations of City College are moving City fast into the future according to McGinnis. Programs such as Pilates and yoga classes are now being added to the health and fitness program to get students more engaged in the new practices of fitness.

“I want to generate that excitement with the community about City College. I want students coming right out of high school saying, ‘I want to go to City,’ rather than looking to one of the other community colleges,” said McGinnis.

McGinnis also hopes to create more visibility for the athletic teams on City College’s campus that would normally not get so

much spotlight time. Working hands on with the athletes will allow McGinnis to recognize what they need and how she can improve on the program.

With the new job title comes some disappointment. McGinnis will no longer be teaching her health class to her students’ dismay, but will always be remembered by each individual who entered her classroom as being informative as well as entertaining.

“She is a really great teacher.

She’s high-spirited while teaching information that is useful to everybody in everyday life,” said one former student, Vince Flippo.

See McGINNIS, page 11

Scuttlebutt. Using the head.

Taps, Taps. Tattoo. What does it all mean? It’s the language of a sailor. In the military, service members immerse themselves into deep tradition and terminology; but what happens when they leave that structured lifestyle for the free-willed student life?

Veterans face the mental challenge of becoming not only a student but a civilian. Imagine, for years being told what you can eat, how much you can sleep, what you can wear, or even how long you can grow your fingernails — to receiving absolutely no instruction at all. To most, it would seem empowering; and in many senses it is. But for the freshly separated veteran, it can be intimidating, and sometimes even overwhelming.

“The hardest part about the transition is the motivation factor.

The military is different. It’s hard to make friends and meet people because nobody here seems to be going to school for the same reason as me,” said Navy Veteran and City College Computer Science student Jon Bowen.

Others don’t have as tough a time. Many veterans view their prior military careers as stepping stones or extra pushes toward larger life goals and are able to move away from the military with ease.

“I already had my mind set on school for months before my separation. After Iraq, I had almost a year to prepare for the outside world. My mental transition was

seamless,” said Navy Veteran and Bio-Science City College Student Gerid Ollisen.

Those who do deal with daily struggle to fit back into college, or even society, would still agree that they would never trade their years in the military for anything in the world. The technical terms and skills may not directly translate into the civilian world, but the personal growth, discipline and determination does.

“The military taught me everything my parents should have taught me to be a man. I’ve learned to take responsibilities for my actions and to be self-sufficient; and to always have a backup plan,” Bowen said.

Those skills that veterans attained in the uncompromising military life become absolutely necessary to adapt to the “real world,” especially student life.

“Military schools are so fastpaced. The information you learn is condensed into such a short period of time. It really helps me now because it’s easier to study well, because everything in school is much more spaced out,” Ollisen said.

Another strain new veteran’s face is the daunting task of jumping back into the workforce.

Many talented servicemen and women return to realization that their specialties have no civilian job equivalent.

Many highly trained individuals such as radar technicians, missile handlers and military administration have trouble find-

See VETERANS, page 10

Student government wraps up school year Nailah Edmonson City Times “This is a good end to an interesting year,” Josef “Turtle” Shannon, current senator and newly elected vice-president, said.

The Associated Student Government hosted their second annual end of the year “thank you” ceremony May 15 at 4 p.m.

They awarded faculty and clubs for their involvement on campus this school year. Clubs such as Amnesty international, Phi Theta Kappa, Puente, Mecha, and Spanish and French clubs were honored.

Also recognized were faculty members Karon Klipple, Terrence Burgess, Gerald Ramsey and Gail Rodriguez, among others, for making it possible to get through a rollercoaster of a year.

The office of Student Affairs dealt with many difficulties this school year after their dean trans-

ferred. The position was temporarily replaced with Ramsey, who already held the vice president of student services position. After many ASG officers bailed, they were left with only two active ASG officers.

“Without Clemente and Turtle it wouldn’t have been possible,” Roderiguez said.

The new dean of student affairs, Denise Whisenhunt, was also present at the ceremony. She will begin the position in July.

“I really look forward to the year,” Whisenhunt said. “I think this is a very caring and nurturing environment.”

The Student Affairs Office is just the team to spread togetherness on the campus. They resemble a family more so than just students and co-workers.

“Next year we are looking forward to kicking things off with a bang,” City College President Terrence Burgess said.

4 City Times

CityTimes

OPINION

May 20, 2008

URBANALITIES By Michele Suthers

Volume 62, Issue 15 May 20, 2008 Published as: The Jay Sees / 1945-1949 Fortknightly / 1949-1978 City Times / 1978Incorporating the newspapers Tecolote, Knight Owl and Flicks Nailah Edmondson Editor-in-Chief Heather Richards News Editor Whitney Lawrence Opinion Editor David McAtee Arts Editor Photography Editor Shevaun Brandom Advertising Manager Calendar Editor Whitney Lawrence EJ Pennine Copy Editors Susan Roden Michele Suthers Graphic Artists Sonjiala Hotchkiss Shevaun Brandom Online Managers City Times Staff Evonne Ermey, Jacob Fredericks, Mayumi Kimura, Shannon Kuhfuss, Kristina Long, Heidi Stenquist Contributor Donna Maranto Roman S. Koenig Journalism Adviser City Times is published twice monthly during the semester. Signed opinions are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent those of the entire newspaper staff, City College administration, faculty and staff or the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees.

District policy statement This publication is produced as a learning experience under a San Diego Community College District instructional program. All materials, including opinions expressed herein, are the sole responsibility of the students and should not be interpreted to be those of the college district, its officers or employees.

Letters to the editor Letters to the editor are welcome, 350 words or less. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, spelling, punctuation and length.

How to reach us: City Times San Diego City College 1313 Park Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92101 Newsroom: T-316 Phone: (619) 388-3880 Fax: (619) 388-3814 E-mail: citytimes@gmail.com News homepage: www.sdcitytimes.com Program homepage: www.sdcity.edu/citytimes Member: Journalism Association of Community Colleges, Associated Collegiate Press and California Newspaper Publishers Association

Stand up and give passiveness the boot It’s sad that graduation season often calls for tall black boots under those long dark robes.

Thinking about it, the boots may just be traditional gear. Sliding that tassel from one side to the other does look suspiciously like a fly-swatting motion. I have a question for the graduates.

As you head out into the world, do you plan to kiss it or kick it?

There’s no middle ground on this one, despite the obvious line drawn between the cheeks. The biggest problem with the world today is that too many people are kissing it, and unfortunately, most of you have probably put your best college effort into learning how to pucker up.

When it comes time for the tough decisions in life, if you sacrifice your dignity, your values, your dedication to truth, you

VOX POPULI

Question and Photos by Heidi Stenquist Best: “All of the different activities that the college offers in the Gorton Quad. The activities give us students a chance for extra credit in classes.”

Worst: “In the beginning of the semester I couldn’t take a class that I wanted because of the school cuts. I was really looking forward to it.”

Fernanda Garcia, 20 Social Work

will be that much more willing to stand on the sidelines when others are mistreated.

These days, schools seem to no longer place emphasis on preparing students to be good citizens, well, not of a democratic country. Looking at leadership around the world in countries such as Russia, China, Vietnam, Italy and many would say our own United States, I can’t help but feel that now is the worst time in history for the world to have fallen in love with fascists.

The world problems we face today in regards to the environment, epidemics and inequality have the potential to impact the human animal in that most devastating of ways. Solving these problems will require the sum of individual efforts made with strength and freedom.

VIEWPOINT

Sonjiala Hotchkiss

In the face of injustice, inhumanity, indignity, a swift boot is just the thing that’s too often missing Throughout my grade school career I was taught that good citizenship took effort and commitment. Participating in my high school student senate actually taught me things about good government. I learned that patriotism isn’t the measure of how well your country fits with your ideal, but

instead of how hard you’re willing to work to insure that it does.

For the few of you who are not too busy bending over, please, walk with me a while longer. I’m that kind of woman who adores a boot in the face. In the face of injustice, inhumanity, indignity, a swift boot is just the thing that’s too often missing.

I find that too few people consult their conscience for any decision. The world is plagued by the many who are directed solely by their weaknesses, blown along by the fashion of social expectation, or willfully enslaved to the workhouse. There’s a war raging for the soul of humanity and there’s no place for paper dolls on the battlefield.

Sonjiala Hotchkiss is a City Times online manager

What was the best & worst of the semester for you?

Mychal Booker, 18 Respiratory Therapist

Mario Vera, 17 Dentistry

Best: “Coming to City College (from Mesa), the environment is different.

The teachers are very helpful and energetic, here you have support.”

Best: “When I passed my math tests, it made me feel good. I’m not really good in math, it made me feel confident.”

Worst: “Trying to get to school everyday on time, having a relationship and supporting myself all at the same time.”

Worst: “I’m new to City College and at first I didn’t know the campus or what classes I needed, now I’m worried about how I will pay for it in the future.”

May 20, 2008

OPINION / NEWS

City Times

5

Math requirements necessary for education, not life As I continue to make small strides toward finishing my transfer math requirements, the horror of whether it will take a third time to pass intermediate algebra has me freaking out as the semester comes to a close.

Having spent literally years of my college life in math classes and hundreds on books that never seem to get used the next semester, I can tell you the anxiety is high, but so is my quest to finish and transfer.

For those of you who grasp every concept easily, I salute you, I’m envious in fact.

But for those who struggle, which is the majority of us, math should be one of those subjects like any other subject needed for a specific major, one in which they will actually use.

I realize there are across-the-board standards for all students; still I question the validity of higher math as it applies to a students major. It’s like a child development student taking radiology classes. It’s unnecessary and reasonable to say so.

The reality is I have never used the math I’m learning and I would bet heavily I never will. The variables of life are one thing; the unknown we deal with regularly, except they’re not solved by the quadratic.

VIEWPOINT

Heidi Stenquist

Counter balancing math against required courses seems illogical at best to ask students to partake in classes that have nothing to do with student’s career goals.

I feel it’s the only class I should take in a semester; you know what that does to a student’s financial aid, or to a student’s grade point average?

Conceptualizing ideas, broadening perspectives and picking things apart are best left to the same people engineering or designing landscapes and architecture, finance managers or mathematicians, but not to those whose major it has nothing to do with.

Perhaps it is the will of the system that would have us pay for years of classes and books to help support the budget. I don’t know.

Some critics argue that math is intended for a well-rounded education, one that would maintain a certain smart level in colleges.

I disagree.

Misinformation printed in military opinion article Dear Editor: How could someone who bears the title of “editor” print blatant lies in order to voice a deluded opinion? In your May 6th edition, Mr. McAtee feebly attempted to take the con position to the subject of students in the military. His article was filled with minimally researched facts about the G.I. bill. Among those “facts:” “In order to access the MGIB an enlistee must see active combat and recover for two years before the money reserved for education becomes available...” FALSE. An enlistee can draw from his/her MGIB after the initial $1000.00 is paid into it, usually taking up the first year of the enlistment.

Furthermore, a service member does not have to see active duty. A naval air traffic controller stationed at NAS North Island has the same right to the MGIB as a frontline Marine Corps rifleman serving in Iraq.

“The bill only kicks in once the student is signed onto twelve units or more.” FALSE. An effortless walk into the VA/Records office would have allowed Mr. McAtee to see a clearly posted sign of 1⁄4, 1⁄2, 3⁄4, and full time benefits. This scale was set up specifically to assist those who wish to go to college but are unable or unwilling to commit to a full time schedule.

“Enlisting for eight years during time of was practically guarantees deployment no matter which branch of service you serve under, and at fifteen months at a time and three to four deployments on average, a severe amount of mental strain is inevitable.” FALSE. While I concede the statement that enlisting for eight years practically guarantees deployment, as stated before, an eight year enlistment is not necessary. A two year enlistment would satisfy the requirements or even serving one year and being discharged for medical or other administrative reasons provided that the conditions under which the discharge is obtained does not include “other than honorable.” In addition, all deployments are not fifteen months. Most average between

LETTER TO THE EDITOR City Times Readers six and ten months.

The article in question jumps back and forth between students actively in the military and those already out. While in the military, a service member has the opportunity for the military to pay the half the tuition for the classes the member wishes to take so long that the school load and work load can both be managed. The MGIB does not even have to be used until the member has been discharged. This option is particularly useful to naval personnel on active shore duty who can achieve a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university online or through courses offered on base.

While Mr. McAtee’s views on whether the military could assist his own education have been made clear, to suggest that those who wish to find out for themselves will incur severe mental of physical trauma is reckless. I hold the academic advisors and the college responsible for the lies printed.

Indeed, the military is not for everyone and to suggest that one would enlist solely for educational benefits is absurd. It takes a deep commitment and the belief that what one is about to do is bigger than they are. It is for these reasons that the government has seen fit to reward those who have made the commitment with the educational benefits to better themselves and society.

Joseph De La Rosa City College student Editor’s note: Because of City Times’ nature as a student-run newspaper, the City Times adviser and the college itself do not interfere with its contents, therefore bear no responsibility for it.

SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS

City Times welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be 350 words or less. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, spelling, punctuation and length. Submit letters through mail to City Times, San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101; by e-mail to citytimes@gmail.com; or by Web site submission at www.sdcitytimes.com. Readers are also welcome to submit comments to material posted online at the Web site. City Times staff can be reached at (619) 388-3880.

I took pre-algebra twice and algebra three times, plus numerous other registered attempts I don’t count.

However, students should take classes specific to a major, not ones that aren’t.

Even if I thought math was useful, I don’t really see how it is to me. Should we not be recognized for our individual gifts?

The more time I spend working the functions of algebra or using the quadratic equation, I question the f of g and wonder when I would ever put this to practical use?

Could I really be that smart enough to figure out I will never use it? Am I that vain to know I never will?

Yes, I am…

I already know, like the millions of grads who know it and tell me too.

Seriously, leave the higher levels to students who have interest in it or excel in it, or who are choosing a field that’s specific to that knowledge.

Unfortunately, the math lab is closed during intermission when it is vital to continue. Though it describes itself as “selfpaced,” it proves that it is not. If it was really at my own pace I would get the necessary time needed to complete the course.

Still, I’ll do the work; I’ll do it over and over if I have to, I’ve come this far. Two Associate Degree’s with honors and the undergraduate work for six majors under my belt, all waiting on the math transfer requirements.

I’m not asking for American schools to be dummied down, I’m asking for a logical reassessment of the value of math for someone who won’t use it.

Practical math applications should replace the current curriculum. Teach student’s real life math, not variables. Economics, business math, life management, and personal finance have been the best math classes I’ve taken in college.

Hard work is found everywhere.

So many people in this country probably never got their degree because they gave up on math; we would probably be a more thriving country if the higher math courses were left to those who embrace it.

As it stands, I will have to keep dredging on. I just want to encourage everyone (myself included) to do the work necessary to finish anything, even math, even if it takes three times.

Heidi Stenquist is a City Times staff writer

Elections Continued from page 1 “Most of the students on City College’s campus are 24 years old and up. They don’t care about getting involved,” Josef “Turtle” Shannon, the current senator, said.

“I’m not really involved on campus, I’m just trying to pass my classes,” said Krystal Barovetto, a 26-year-old Audio Engineering major.

Another item voted on was the student center fee, in which 791 students voted.

The majority (451 to 340) of voters chose yes on that measure. For the fee to pass, 20 percent of the student body needed to vote, which is 3,006 students. The fee couldn’t be passed due to the lack of student participation.

The student fee would go toward creating a facility for students. It would offer services such as club and meeting rooms, computer labs and other helpful services.

The student center would help increase student involvement, according to Rodriguez.

“We want to bring a more university feel to the campus,” Clemente Valdez, current ASG president, said. “More involvement increases retention, like better grades, and students are more likely to return the next semester.”

The new office holders are Robert Demartini, president, and Josef “Turtle” Shannon, vice president and current senator. The new treasurer is Michelle Wilson, and voted in as secretary was Christa Rew.

Nailah Edmondson City Times

Newly elected ASG President Robert Demartini speaks during a student government ceremony on May 15 in the faculty dining room.

Public events coordinator Sophia Fuentes, public relations officer Monecia Smith, and Webmaster Allan Souza were also elected.

Shannon was inspired after going to the Student Senate of Community Colleges conference this semester. This played a big part in his deciding whether to run for ASG for a second year.

“I plan to bring us together,” Demartini said. The new president said he has high hopes for the upcoming year.

Advice to the new officers from the current president is “Stick through it, hell or high water,” Valdez said.

Valdez also said he plans to train the new officers by showing them the ropes.

Demartini will start his presidency June 1 for the 2008-09 school year. He will also serve on the Board of Trustees. He said not only will his voice be heard, but the voices of the students as well through his representation. The new officers will begin in the fall.

6 City Times

Transfer a pop treat Local scene darlings Transfer have released a five song EP that highlights their dreamy tragic pop style, appropriately entitled “Sunken Eyes”. The EP is available now on Obscure Magpie music and can be found just about wherever the band tours. Which is pretty much everywhere in the tri-state area, as according to their Web site, the band tours every four weeks or so for about ten days.

A great quick listen, “Sunken Eyes” calls on deeper rock elements like spiraling bridges, larger rock build ups and trumpets, the band expands on their sound and opens up for future expansion.

Because there are only five songs on the disc, the possibility for highlights is either very high

ARTS

May 20, 2008

City Times has your quick reference guide to the biggest summer blockbusters

Photo Courtesy Paramount Studios LeBoeuf and Ford star in the latest Indiana Jones installment.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (May 21) The latest of the Indiana Jones franchise 19 years in the making, with Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchet, and Shia LaBeouf. Expect Spielberg to pull out all the stops for this summer blockbuster. A-

Photo Courtesy FIrst Look Pictures John Cusack relives his love of hitmen in ‘War, Inc.’ War Inc (May 23) John Cusack and Dan Aykroyd come together for the first time since 1997’s Grosse Point Blank for a political satire mocking the war of Iraq. The mood is set for laughter in limited theatres. A

LOCAL SOUNDS David McAtee

Photo Courtesy HBO Movies Grab your appletini and raise a toast at Carrie’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) this summer. david mcatee City Times or very low, and lucky for them each song is potent in its structure and sound in its melody.

The opener, ‘Sinking, Sailing’, kicks off with impressive drive and a minor note set up, and leads into ‘You are the Wolf’, a much harder song that leaves you buzzing. The two songs that follow creep by with all the epic pop chops you’d expect, and ‘White Horse’, the closer, takes the whole thing into the stratosphere for the final come down.

The rhythm section remains heavy and unwavering throughout, thanks to drummer Mike Cooper and bassist Jeremy Chambers. Matt Malarius’ vocal work is strong and soft at the same time, and he holds onto the notes with assured tonality and an impressive range while Jason Cardenas sends his headstrong and spooky guitar solos into orbit, losing the listener for a couple seconds at times, but always coming back to the comfort of the song’s plan to keep things accessible.

The vague yet certain references to psychedelia, minus the progressive elements, keeps the music familiar while hanging on to just enough fringe to keep it from getting boring. In a clever transmedia maneuver, Transfer made the EP available on iTunes in mp3 format and Amazon for us hard copy junkies.

Check local club listings for dates to catch them. Special thanks to Heather and all the fine folks at M-Theory Music in Mission Hills. Support your local independent record store and check www.transferband.com and www.mtheorymusic.com for more information.

Sex and the City (May 30) After 4 years off screen, the girls of Sex and the City tell you more about themselves than you really wanted to know. B

Photo by Rhythm & Hues, Getty Images The Hulk faces off with Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) in The Incredible Hulk.

Incredible Hulk (June 13) Five years after the flop of the first Hulk movie, Marvel tests the waters with the big green hero. Expect another hero to save the movie from being a flop. C

Photo by Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images Jack Black shows off at the Kung Fu Panda photocall in Cannes, May 14.

Kung Fu Panda (June 6) Chinese myth done with a twist for children. A star studded cast with Jack Black, Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu, expect children to love every second of it. A+ (Kids), C+ (adults)

Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures Christian Bale reprises his role as the caped crusader this summer.

The Dark Knight (July 18) Batman returns to the big screen with Christian Bale leading the way. With all the hype of the late Heath Ledger, expect a full house in every theater you go to. A— Summaries by EJ Pennine

‘Snuff’ tries hard for grit, but not substance Chuck Palahniuk’s new book “Snuff” is nothing new.

To be sure, it is in the fluid narrative style as practically everything he’s ever done starting with the publication of his first novel “Fight Club” in 1996.

In keeping with his signature

BOOK RELEASE David McAtee

affinity for the hidden grotesquerie of everyday life, Palahniuk examines the gritty commonplace of the porn industry through the experience of Cassie Wright, aging porn queen, who has decided to end her career by topping the latest porn record with 600 strap-

ping and desperate extras.

As always, the comments become biting commentary with each list item and prescription medication reference, putting normal everyday run-of-the-mill life into shameful perspective and leaving you questioning why you even get out of bed in the morning.

In fact, the most innovative and least repetitive aspect of this book is the marketing campaign that precedes its May 20 release on Doubleday books.

Everything from fake trailers for Cassie’s prior films (replete with eye rollingly poor sound and groan worthy video quality) to interviews with the Ms. Wright

See BOOK, page 10

david mcatee City Times

May 20, 2008

FOCUS

City Times 7

How to make perfect Students in the Cosmetology Department practice curling techniques in the S building. They practice rigorously, as they will be moving on shortly to real clients, as shown below. Participants must complete 1,600 hours in the program, which begins every nine weeks.

‘Practice’ the key in the Cosmetology Department Story and Photos heidi stenquist City Times

Every nine weeks, 24 new students begin a 1600 hour journey to complete the San Diego City College Cosmetology Program in a year.

“We need the attitude of a college student,” said Subie Phillips, head senior instructor, who describes the work necessary to finish the program and successfully pass the State of California cosmetology licensing exam.

Boasting an impressive 95 percent success rate, cosmetology students are held to a high standard of excellence and attendance for a career in skin care, nails or hair.

“It’s tedious but it’s worth it”,” said Valerie Cerrato who will graduate in August.

Students at the senior level move past doll head modular training and test out

See COSMO, Page 10

8 City Times

Semester ends, summer spends

LIFE&TIMES

May 20, 2008

“It is said that the world is in a state of bankruptcy, that the world owes the world more than the world can pay.”

American Poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson said this in the 1800s and it still rings true today, we are in debt.

According to the U.S. National Debt Clock, America is $9,369,730,853,952.17 in debt and continues to grow at an average daily rate of $1.46 billion a day and has grown at this steady rate since September 2006.

Deciding to get ahead of bills and out of debt just for yourself, at least aside from your student loans, means staying focused. Think about the future as a collective whole. Lessen the costs of life by not adding to it.

This summer you’ll have an opportunity to save more money as you redirect activities outdoors. Fun in the sun

ADVENTURES OF THE FRU-GAL Heidi Stenquist

is some of the best, cheapest stuff ever and goes a long way when looking for adventure on a budget. Seek it.

Network and share with your friends, someone has a cooler; pack some ice, drinks and eats, (on sale of course) and head to the beach.

Go to the dollar store and stock up on sunscreen found elsewhere for $5.

Beach balls, floaters and sand buckets are items that lend to years of enjoyment. Why pay more?

Buy a .99 cent kite and spend some time flying it. Walk on the beach, have a sand castle contest with friends, share a potluck picnic, a nighttime bonfire with marshmallows, go swimming, relax under an umbrella and read a book.

Books at thrift stores cost anywhere from .25 cents paperback to $1.50 hardback. We pay enough for our textbooks, go find one someone paid $24.95 plus tax for and get it for a buck, it’s exhilarating.

Remember thrift stores have beach chairs, fins, wetsuits, umbrellas, boogieboards, surfboards, all the summer clothes you would ever need, shorts, tanks, sundresses, sarongs, millions of tropical Hawaiian tops, easily dressed up for dinner and all with a price tag you can afford.

I just bought a four piece wicker set, at AMVETS half off for $30 dollars! I’m going to paint espresso brown and for another $20 bucks in paint it will look like a million. Repurpose, it’s a great way to lend to the environment.

Make sure if it’s something you can do for yourself, you do. Fixing something instead of buying new, or buying new at all, should all be considered.

Think thrifty always.

That old expression, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” makes financial sense when thinking about replacing something that works fine. Paint is another inex-

See FRU-GAL, page 11

Skip theTrip

MICHELE SUTHERS City Times

KRISTINA LONG City Times

Think local for summer break

Grab a towel, your swimsuit and some sunscreen and head down to the beach.

This is a fun, cheap way to spend your summer in San Diego. If you have some extra cash you may want to check out www. missionbayaquaticcenter.com. They rent out motor boats, kayaks, jet skis and more.

If you need a fishing pole or wet suit they have those available to rent as well. Some great beach locations are Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and Encinitas if you’re headed towards North County.

If you’re not a fan of the beach, then take a look at some of the other ways you can spend your summer in San Diego.

If you slacked off during the school year, then summer is a great time to retake some of those classes. San Diego City College offers many courses throughout the summer. They even offer online classes and classes as short as four weeks. Check out www.sdcity.edu for more information.

It’s not too late to register.

Southern California is also loaded with amusement parks.

Whether you’re an animal lover or a thrill seeker, there is an amusement park in San Diego for you. Some to check out are Sea World, Knotts Berry Farm, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and Legoland. If you don’t mind the drive north, you can also enjoy Six Flags, Disneyland or Raging Waters.

Most of these places offer student or Southern California resident discounts, so don’t forget to ask.

San Diego is also home to Balboa Park which hosts over 15 museums. This is a fun way to stay educated over the summer without reading books and taking exams. If you’re interested in marine life, check out the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla.

Every summer San Diego is flooded with tourists. They hit up all of our hot spots, and

then head on their way home. When is the last time you have stopped at Seaport Village, Beaumont Park or La Jolla Cove?

This summer treat yourself like a tourist. Remind yourself why San Diego is such an amazing place to live.

Internships are always a great way to spend your summer break. You can gain some insight to the career field of your choice, and sometimes even earn some dough. Some great places to look are www. craigslist.org or your school career center.

If you’d rather take a break from your studies, then snag yourself a summer job.

Some popular summer jobs are life guarding, summer camp counselors, and nannies. Check with local YMCA’s or Boys and Girls Clubs to find one of these positions.

Whatever you chose to do this summer, remember to reward yourself. You’ve worked hard all year long, and summer is only two and a half months after all!

May 20, 2008

City Times

9

10

ARTS / FOCUS / NEWS

City Times

May 20, 2008

Dancers step across borders to bring their vision Heather richards City Times The dynamic theme of crossculturalism, inherent in the student of body of San Diego City College and the city itself, has threaded together many of the projects, exhibitions and performances of this semester.

City College’s dance department, along with the world cultures department, will bring a final act to Saville Theatre on May 30 with the Blurred Borders

Book Continued from page 6 herself conducted by the author litter the Palahniuk Web site, www.chuckpalahniuk.net, where rabid devotees calling themselves ‘the Cult’ have begun anticipatory forums to precede the novel’s release. There’s even a MySpace page dedicated to the errant Ms. Wright, covered in glitter and

Cosmo Continued from page 7 what they’ve learned on real clients who come into the salon for a service.

“Studying is the most important part,” said senior Marvena Davis, who says the key to success in the program is, “Practice, practice, practice.”

Dance Festival.

Blurred Borders is an annual exchange of artistic expression from local and international artists supported by a grant from the world cultures department and is an example of the trajectory of San Diego City College and the downtown arts scene.

“A lot of my time is the visionary aspect,” said Alicia Rincon, chairperson of the visual and performing arts department at City College. “What is this gonna look like with the heart of downtown?

I want it (City College) to be … a center of the arts.”

In an appropriate reflection of San Diego’s shared border with Latin America, the dance festival produced by the Patricia Rincon Dance Collective, a San Diego based dance company that frequently collaborates with the City College dance department, brings Lux Boreal of Mexico and Yolande Snaith of London\ San Diego.

“Tres e Quatro” and “Waiting,” collaborative video projects of Patricia Rincon and video artist

Paula Zacharias, are representations of the spirit of Buenos Aires integrating footage from the streets and the Milongas, gatherings in Argentina and Uruguay associated with the music and the spritit of the tango.

Snaith will present “Hanging in the Balance,” a dance performance that draws from the baroque period as well as tribal music to insinuate the profoundity of the human experience. While, Boreal’s “Natural Breakdown” is inspired by the distances and

intimacies between individuals created by the media-exchange of the modern world.

The festival will be held in Saville Theatre May 30 and 31 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available online at www.rincondance.org/events. html and are $16 for general admission, $10 for City College students, and $12 for other students and seniors. Tickets bought at the show cost a few dollars more excepting City College students.

dozens of dated stills from her nonexistent movies.

The book takes the long route in telling the story of Cassie’s meteoric rise to porn infamy, tapping into the oral history style that Palahniuk used in 2007’s “Rant”, a novel told to the reader through the accounts of peripheral characters and traffic reports.

“Snuff” goes about its four chapter introduction rotating through the numbered men that are in the cast of the record break-

ing adult feature and getting their take on the comically absurd set up behind the scenes, citing adult film legends as precedent for why the guys walk about the craft services table not wearing pants, shave their torsos while holding up a conversation with other half nude cast members, and bring roses to woo the lady in question.

Jarring revelation being one of Palahniuk’s most common plot devices, Snuff has the requisite amount of character upheaval.

But this time around, the gargantuan plot twists that littered practically every chapter of 1999’s Invisible Monsters have been scaled down to fit the economical 197 pages. The twists are predictable and soap opera worthy, involving love children, scandalous historical trivia and graphic sexual description.

With Palahniuk’s writing credentials, his essays posted once a week online, his non-fiction recounts of “Fugitives and Refugees” from around the Pacific

Northwest where he resides, one could easily expect something with more meat, more substance, even more laughs. And he almost delivers this time, missing by a hair on each front. Perhaps he should go back to his hermitous ways for a time and skip all the hype himself.

“Snuff” will be released on Doubleday Books May 20, and will be available wherever books get sold. For more information, visit www.chuckpalahniuk.net, or www.doubleday.com.

Offering student and senior discounts, their reasonable prices motivate many to come in.

Services like $4 manicures, $5 haircuts or a blow dry, flat iron and style for $12. are offered on a first come basis, with no appointment necessary Wednesday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. till 8 at night.

Located in the S building on the corner of 16th and C Street, students and others can take advantage of a salon right on campus.

Veterans

that deserves to be going to veterans in the form of health, education and welfare. If you get out of the military and you want services, they’re not there because they’re dropped into a big, dark hole called Iraq and Afghanistan.

That’s a problem.”

Programs such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill and the Navy/ Army College Fund promise new enlistees funds to further their higher education. But alas, before new veteran-students can access these funds they have to tackle mountains of paperwork and a waiting period that could last months.

“By the time I finally had the MGI Bill activated, I had already

ended up using my own savings.

I was under informed of the process. The military’s transitioning program didn’t really get into it and the Veteran’s Affairs Office didn’t explain the process very well,” Ollisen said.

But many veterans would also be quick to add that despite the wait and excruciatingly long paper trail, once veterans finally tap into the fund there is no other reward like a check every month to say, “thank you for your service.”

“Because of the MGI Bill I don’t have to work, which gives me the time to focus on school. And right now school is my job, so I have to be good at it,” Ollisen said.

Maridza Garcia

Instructor/Owner

858-220-9414 info@polesensations.com

Continued from page 3 ing their niche as new veterans.

This problem can lead to months, even years, of being unemployed.

In California, that could mean they are living under the poverty line.

“The federal government is robbing Peter to pay Paul,” said Vietnam War veteran and program counselor at the outreach program Veterans Upward Bound, David Ortega Shaw. “They’re funding the war and the military experience currently by taking revenue

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May 20, 2008

SPORTS / NEWS / LIFE

McGinnis

“Everything we do reflects a central core.”

Continued from page 3

— Kathy McGinnis, new dean

Though she will no longer be teaching, McGinnis still wants to remain available to students for mentoring because she feels she has a lot of knowledge to get things done and so many ways to fix a lot of issues.

“Everything we do reflects a central core,” said McGinnis in reference to the administrators having an effect on the student body.

Twenty years of experience at City College was not what McGinnis had foreseen, but it became apparent that this was the path she was supposed to follow.

McGinnis made the move San Diego to City College in 1987 as the head softball coach and the rest was history.

There were certain people who helped mentor McGinnis along her career journey, such as

her mother and Mesa College’s Fitness Specialist Program Coordinator Judy Stamm.

“My mom got a degree when it wasn’t the thing to do and Judy has been instrumental in keeping me sane throughout the years. If you don’t have mentors, it’s easier to get sidetracked.”

McGinnis earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Michigan University in physical education, with a minor in therapeutic recreation, studied sports psychology at San Diego State University, and has a Master of Arts Degree from National University in human behavior.

When asked what advice she could give to students in relation to achieving goals, McGinnis replied, “Follow your heart.

Follow what you like. Be patient.

Nothing comes overnight.”

Butler

atre, was responsible for bringing Spanish language translation to the theater’s production of “Bad Dates.” He was also a member of the board for BRAVO San Diego and a member of the advisory board for Common Ground Theatre, which produces works by and about people of African descent.

Nancy Carey wrote in an e-mail of how Butler incorporated art into his home life by displaying his ceramic dish collection, cultivating succulents and orchids and turning cooking into a fun production. Carey also noted Butler’s love for his two dogs, Gaev and Sugar.

Butler asked that those wishing to honor his memory contribute to a scholarship fund for young black acting students at LACC or to the City College theater arts program.

Contributions can be made by contacting the San Diego City College Foundation at 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, and indicating the purpose of your gift.

Continued from page 3 His absence has truly left a void in the office and in my life,” said Josolyn Hill, Butler’s secretary when he was dean.

Butler supported the arts and multiculturalism, both at City and in the community. He helped revitalize City Times, bringing it back to newspaper status after it had been more of a leaflet or newsletter for a number of years.

He is also credited for his support of City Works, City’s literary magazine.

Butler helped bring new programs such as Music Matters, California Music Educators Jazz Festival and Jazz for Young People to City’s Jazz 88 radio station which earned them a 2005 Innovation of the Year award from the League, an international community college organization.

Butler, as board member of the San Diego Repertory The-

Fru-Gal Continued from page 8 pensive way to dress up anything.

See the potential.

If it’s something you can cut out, consider it. That’s individual to you; each of us has certain expenses that can be reduced.

Organization is key to prepare for anything, especially personal finance. Write out your bills and start watching what you spend money on. Seeing where the money goes is a great look at where you can save. Changing a couple things is a good start.

Begin.

With so much available on line to watch, it’s a wonder any of us still pay for cable. Do you really need it?

Entire seasons are online you can watch for free and a great way to see an entire season you missed. Just go to the networks Web site and enjoy hours of entertainment for free. With less commercial interruption it saves time as well and nice ways to watch a show while you’re knocking out an assignment.

Take your own pictures and hang them in a frame for your

own art, frames at thrift stores are typically 50 cents to a few bucks, be resourceful.

For you upcoming and future grads, Michael’s always prints a 40-50 percent off coupon in their weekly mailer. They have great matted frames you can put your degrees in for a fraction of the cost of those other guys.

Many times we forget the simpler memories of our childhood, filled with frolicking in the water, taking a hike, going to a park, playing board games or a weekly card game. Don’t.

There’s always ways to save, always and you don’t have to spend a dime.

Thinking thrifty is a way of life, it’s like dieting and it becomes a lifestyle. It’s every time you encounter a possible purchase.

Be mentally prepared to make the right choices, it will save you.

You’re always going to be faced with the challenges of affording life. As your education grows, so could potentially your debt. Keep it to a minimum by incorporating tips that reduce the cost of it all and give your summer the biggest splash for your buck.

Heidi Rae Stenquist (a.k.a. “The Fru-Gal”) is a City Times staff writer

City Times

11

SPORTS

FILE PHOTO City Times

Cross country coach Peter Gregory, left, is interviewed by Steve Bosh of KUSI-TV news after losing his home in the October wild fires. Gregory will be heading to the Olympics for the third time as a coach this summer.

TRIAL & TRIUMPH Coach awaits Olympics as China, and he, face adversity Mayumi Kimura City Times Peter Gregory likes running.

No — he loves running.

Peter Gregory, San Diego City College Men’s Cross Country coach and co-founder of the City College Track Club, loves running so much that he has devoted years of his life to coaching, which has led to an invitation to coach in his third Summer Olympics.

“The community, my family and my friends have been very supportive. Not a lot of people know at City. I try to keep it low key — I had my press coverage in my younger years.”

This year the Summer Olympics will be held in Beijing, China. Beijing is 1,300 miles from Chengdu, where only last week a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck, killing an estimated 15 thousand people.

“I hope the people are okay, and I am praying from them. I hope they are safe. These are the kind of times that material things are immaterial,” said Gregory, who had lost a home in last October’s devastating fires.

In Beijing, Gregory will be co-coaching Ugandan runners: William Bugiegi, Boniface Kiprop, and Margaret lkayo.

“In 2000, I was living in Nairobi, Kenya; I really had the insight on running in a Kenyan community. And that’s where I made a lot of connections to the runners. It was the greatest experience of my life,” Gregory said.

In the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Gregory cocoached Ugandan runner Richard Ochen and Kenyan David Kosekie. Coaches who

are of different nationalities are typically called co-coaches.

Gregory was again invited again to the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens to cocoach Kenyan runner William Garamasi and Ugandan runner William Bugiegi. He also cocoached Ugandan runner Boniface Kiprop, who came in fourth place in the ten thousand meter race, beating the time of worldrecord holder Ethiopian runner, Haile Gebrselassie.

“When I was in Athens, I went to different events and hung out with athletes from around the world. I met so many people from everywhere. I am of Italian heritage, so I even hung out with the Italians; who went on to win the Gold medal. I had been so consumed with running my entire life, so that experience gave me the chance to expand my knowledge; to step outside my box.”

Gregory’s love for running didn’t start with coaching; he began his career running at a very young age.

“When I was younger and living in Boston, I was asthmatic.

I was too short for basketball and too small for football, so I competed in a race instead; and won it! It drew me in. I knew then, at 11, that I loved running,” Gregory said.

Presently, he has competed in and completed 54 major marathons, including 17 Boston Marathons and 12 Los Angeles Marathons. And he competed in the Division III Nationals in cross country in 1987 to 1989.

He continues to be active in many national and local road races and meets, and has over 11 years of coaching under his belt.

“You get to see how they

progress as athletes; from the beginning. Like a chick hatching, from an egg or flower blooming. I love to be out on the field with all of them,” Gregory said of coaching.

“As a coach, he leads by example. He also runs marathons and gets an automatic respect from the athletes. He doesn’t just coach, he does.

He is kind of a dad to us, or grandpa,” laughed Tom Kee, men’s cross country team captain and this year’s Conference’s Student Scholar of the Year.

“I feel honored to be coached by someone who coached Olympic athletes. I’m not surprised that he was invited,” Kee said, who will be transferring next semester, “I will definitely miss him.”

And this year, Peter Gregory and Josh Wheeler, his long-time acquaintance, have begun City College’s first official Track Club.

“Peter came up to me with this idea and I had already been thinking about it. On the first day of recruiting, we had gotten a lot of interest from students.

We were surprised at how much interest there was in running,” Wheeler said.

The City College Track Club is in its early stages; but they encourage any students or faculty who love to run or would like to run, to join.

Although running seems to dominate the majority of his life, Gregory has other interests he actively pursues. When he’s not working at the hospital as a medical technician; he is also the drummer of the band, Gyft.

“I hope that next year I can dedicate more time to the band and coach full-time.”

12

City Times

May 20, 2008