The Franklin: Apr. 8, 2016

IN THE NEWS

FEATURE

AROUND TOWN

Johnson County Museum: Local museum contains exhibits on Indiana culture

So long for now: Mathematics professor taking year-long sabbatical

Construction in town: Changes to roads may lead to headaches for residents

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Friday, April 8, 2016 | TheFranklinNews.com

Phi Delta Theta fraternity suspended LAURA OLIVO

maria.olivo@franklincollege.edu

The college’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity chapter has been suspended for “risk management violations” and “failing chapter operations” for an unspecified amount of time.

In an all-campus email sent Wednesday night, Dean of Students Ellis Hall said the college has been working with the fraternity’s headquarters to take action and investigate the student misconduct and allegations.

Only fraternity headquarters – not the college – have the authority to suspend chapters.

“While the college community is saddened by this news, it recognizes the national fraternity’s responsibility to uphold its standards,” Hall said in the email.

“Franklin College is committed to Greek organizations that live out the college’s mission and values.”

Their fraternity house, which is located at 698 E. Monroe St., was deemed closed Wednesday.

All 19 members residing in the house will be required to move and find alternate housing no later than April 13.

At the time this story went to print, the fraternity’s page was still up on the college’s “Fraternity & Sorority Life” website section.

In an email from Hall to faculty and staff members nearly a month ago on March 17, Hall updated personnel on an “issue” regarding the Phi Delt chapter on campus.

Hall said the chapter had been operationally suspended by their national headquarters on March 10.

At that point, the members were still allowed to live in the house but were not allowed to have guests.

The email also said the fraternity headquarters staff was on campus March 16 to complete a mem-

bership review, which was an “opportunity for each member of the chapter to share information” with the staff.

Before this story went to print, The Franklin reached out to every fraternity chapter member who lives in the house for comment, including Phi Delta Theta President and senior Jacob Collins.

Those who replied declined to comment.

Natalie Brewster, Greek life and activities coordinator, also declined to comment for this article.

All Interfraternity and Panhellenic Council officers were asked not to comment to any media.

Aside from the all-campus email sent out Wednesday night, The Franklin did not receive an official statement from the college by the time of print.

Phi Delt members and friends of the fraternity members turned to social media to express their feelings about the suspension Wednesday night.

A couple members of the fraternity posted “DAMN PROUD TO BE A PHI” on Twitter.

On Instagram, sophomore Shayla Jones – who is the vice president of recruitment for the Panhellenic Council – posted a photo of her throwing up the Phi Delt hand sign with junior fraternity member Jordan Watson, with the caption: “Here’s to the boys that turned into my brothers. Here’s to the house that turned into my home away from home. … It wouldn’t be my world without you in it, men of [Phi Delta Theta], and nothing will ever change that.”

Various students, including freshman Devarrio Wilkins, shared their thoughts with The Franklin.

“You reap the consequences of your actions,” Wilkins said.

Zoie Richey | The Franklin

The Phi Delta Theta house located at 698 E. Monroe St. will house its 19 residents until they are required to leave by or on April 13.

Senior Chase Steinbrunner said he thinks the men should still be able to live in the house for the rest of the year just as long as there are no events held.

Sophomore Maria Torres said she was confused by the news at first.

“I had to read the email a couple times to understand,” Torres said. “‘Risk management violations’ is so vague.”

Freshman Simina Mansfield said she wasn’t surprised by the suspension email.

“Fraternities are crazy, and I would expect something like that,” Mansfield said. “It’s not that every guy is crazy, but the chapter is being judged as a whole because of it.”

See “Phi Delt” page 3 VIDEO FEATURE

Griz on the Mall: It seems like all fraternities are shutting down. I know that’s not completely the case, but it was sudden, and I know some of the guys in Phi Delt, and I feel sad for them that it happened.

– Trey Boles, junior

I think it’s interesting that there is very little language about the college’s opinion on what’s happening. Honestly I’m not surprised.

– Taylor Heideman, junior

I was shocked. The one thing I thought it might be drinking in the house and the Nationals found out, but there were other actions that went into this.

– Luke Peduto, sophomore

Students recall their favorite childhood memories YouTube.com/TheFranklinMedia ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Poll:

Do you think Franklin College does a good job informing students about important campus incidents?

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A+E

Living in the past, looking toward the future

ARTS + ENTERTAIN MENT

SHELBY MULLIS shelby.mullis@franklincollege.edu

& ABOUT

OUT

4/12 Equal Pay Day Bake Sale Stop by the Student Center Atrium between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the Equal Pay Day bake sale. All items are 78 cents for women and $1 for men.

4/12 Spring Chamber Concert Visit Custer Theatre at 7 p.m. for a night of talent as the music department hosts their annual spring concert.

4/13 Pi Beta Phi’s Lips for Literacy Take a study break in the Branigin Room for musical entertainment. Tickets are $4.

FRANKLIN

THE

Issue 17, Volume 112

Executive Editor Caitlin Soard Opinion Editor Megan Powell News Editor Ashley Shuler Sports Editor Ben Brown Copy Chief Leigh Durphey Photo Editor Zoie Richey Web Editor Ashley Smith Ads Manager Blake Williams Adviser Katie Beck Adviser, Publisher John Krull

@TheFranklinNews

@TheFranklinNews

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night at the museum is more than a Ben Stiller film for Franklin College’s new history lecturer, David Pfeiffer, who spends most of his time just three minutes down the road from the college at the Johnson County Museum of History.

As the local museum director, Pfeiffer is always living in the past through his work, but said he looks to the future as he searches for ways to partner with the college.

Through events, groups and activities, the museum staff is trying to make history fun and appealing to students.

“We’re looking at different events where we can tie in a movie at the Artcraft with a talk and find some social events that can make history fun,” Pfeiffer said. “That’s just a way to tie in the local history of the area that you guys are going to school in this wonderful town called Franklin.”

A group called “Hypstory” invites students to share their love for history and be a part of the planning process for exhibits.

Recently, Theresa Koenigsknecht, the museum curator, worked with Franklin College and the local high school to create a sports exhibit that will soon be on display.

The museum is home to four permanent exhibits about the county’s early inhabitants, the state’s Civil War infantry, Victorian life and 1950s culture.

An exhibit titled “Artist of Necessity” is temporarily on display through April and showcases the art and basket weaving of Linnie Higdon.

Before landing a position as history professor Meredith Clark-Wiltz’s co-professor for her introductory public history class, Pfeiffer partnered on behalf of the museum with Clark-Wiltz and her classes.

The museum also offers internship positions to local college students over the summer and Winter Term.

Senior Taylor Kilgore spent his last summer interning at the museum.

Kilgore, a history major, worked with Pfeiffer and Koenigsknecht to research and prepare for exhibits.

“The museum really encompassed me by giving me hands-on opportunities to work with people from Johnson County,” Kilgore said. “It’s important for FC to have a relationship with the museum and other local businesses because it really gave me a chance to explore career opportunities within my major while also thinking outside the box.”

To promote the museum to local residents, Koenigsknecht said the museum tries to maintain a steady social media presence through Facebook and Instagram.

“We’re very family focused, but there is a little bit of something for everybody,” Koenigsknecht said. “The different events we have all the time keep things fresh and can appeal to different people’s specific interests.”

Zoie Richey | The Franklin

The Johnson County Museum of History offers four permanent exhibits and one temporary exhibit for visitors to explore, as well as a genealogy library. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1931.

From a genealogy library to hands-on exhibits, Koenigknecht said her goal is to bring in as many people as possible for an enjoyable experience.

Admission is free – which is a way to keep the museum as open to the public as possible, Pfeiffer said.

“We are very lucky,” Pfeiffer said. “I think we are one of the best county museums in the state, and that’s because we have a wonderful partnership between the county and the Johnson County Historical Society.”

Pfeiffer said that the financial help of the county and historical society has allowed them to stay open for as long as they have.

“It’s important to know the history of where you’re at,” Pfeiffer said. “You don’t want to be just an island by yourself on campus. It’s important to be a part of the community, which is why we try to bring people in by making the history of Johnson County as fun and interesting and interactive as possible.”

The Johnson County Museum of History is located at 135 N. Main St. in downtown Franklin next door to The Willard. Admission is free, and the museum is open Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Franklin

The Franklin aims for accuracy and clarity in all articles.

We take errors seriously and regret any mistakes. If you find an error, please send an email to thefranklin@franklincollege.edu.

CORRECTIONS On page 5 of the March 18 issue, Jill Radford’s name was misspelled.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

A replica of Nick’s Candy Kitchen, a popular hangout spot, is featured in the Fabulous 50s exhibit.

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The Victorian Era exhibit features a formal sitting room and Victorian artificats from the late 1800s.

Weekend holds president inauguration, student festival MAKENNA MAYS makenna.mays@franklincollege.edu

It’s not too late to take part in the activities surrounding President Thomas Minar’s inauguration this weekend. Below is a day-by-day highlight of events.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 WHAT: Inauguration symposium WHEN: 1:30–4:45 p.m.

WHERE: Branigin Room Everyone can attend the inauguration symposium, which will feature the following guest speakers for the “Thinking Forward… Embracing New Dimensions” topic: • Mark Shields: syndicated columnist and political analyst for PBS NewsHour

• Scott McCorkle: CEO of Marketing WHERE: Fitness Center Cloud, Salesforce in Indianapolis • Debra Humphreys: Senior Vice Later in the evening, there will be a President of Academic Planning and music festival starting at 7 p.m. in the Fitness Center.

Public Engagement at the AAC&U There will be a four-act concert with • Franklin College seniors Khadijetou (Atama) Abdourahmane and Ian performances by Seth Cook, Tony Styxx, Homegrown and Branigin BouMullen “I’m really excited to speak on such a levard. The event will be emceed by platform,” Mullen said. “I think having Rafael Sanchez and Lauren Casey, the opportunity to speak to so many both graduates of Franklin College people about such an interesting topic who work as RTV6 reporters.

In addition to the live music, the fest is the coolest part.”

Mullen has been working with speech will have food trucks, free t-shirts and professor Steve Comiskey and English raffle prizes. professor Richard Erable to perfect his speech, which will highlight the im- SATURDAY, APRIL 9 portance of a liberal arts education.

WHAT: Franklin College Fest WHEN: 7 p.m.–10 p.m.

WHAT: Inaguration ceremony WHEN: 11 a.m.

WHERE: Spurlock Center The main event – the inauguration of Minar –will take place in the Spurlock Center at 11 a.m.

Immediately following the ceremony, the president’s inaugural luncheon will be held in the Branigin Room.

Zoie Richey | The Franklin

The college is celebrating the inaguration of Thomas Minar this weekend. Minar is the college’s 16th president.

‘Before I graduate’ wall asks students to share their FC bucket list CHRISTINA RAMEY christina.ramey@franklincollege.edu

Students, faculty and staff who were in Franklin College as freshman. the student center before spring break At the wall, students were invited to may have noticed an open-ended sign write various things they wished to do that said “What should you do before before they graduate from the college you graduate?” on sticky notes.

The sign is a Some of the acpart of a project tivities written put together by a include visiting leadership theory Benjamin’s Cofand practice class feehouse, seeing taught by profesa movie at the sor Dale Rebhorn, Artcraft Theatre, who has each secpainting the Bention of his LEA jamin Franklin 220 class plan and statue at the front implement camof campus and pus projects. grabbing a meal at Sophomore The Willard.

– Morgan Elkins, sophomore Claire Hirsh is The leadership one of the stuclass is now comdents working on piling a list of acthe project. She said the class came tivities students wrote onto the wall. up with the idea after discussing what They are going to pick the top 10 they did the first weekend they were at or 15 suggestions and put them onto

“

I think the ‘Before I graduate’ wall is a great idea to come up with ideas to tell freshmen the popular things to do in Franklin.

magnets.

There are no plans to continue the wall each year, but the magnets with suggestions will be passed out to incoming freshmen each year.

Sophomore Morgan Elkins is one of the Photo provided by Franklin College Alumni Association Facebook Page students who This poster was on display in the Student Center the week before wrote on the wall. She wrote Spring Break. Student responses included seeing a movie at the that she want- Artcraft Theatre and painting the Ben Franklin statue. ed to study tell freshmen the popular things to do abroad and see a movie at the Artcraft in Franklin,” Elkins said. “Especially if Theatre. they are new to the area or state.”

“I think the ‘Before I graduate’ wall is a great idea to come up with ideas to

Phi Delt

continued from page 1

This isn’t the first time the chapter has been suspended.

In another instance, detailed in an October 2003 issue of The Franklin, the fraternity was suspended for the same reasons outlined in Hall’s email this week: “violations of the fraternity’s risk management policy” and “failing chapter operations.”

The 2003 article also addressed rumors that the suspension was because of alcohol on fraternity property and events, which violated the fraternity’s policies.

But by November 2006, the Phi Delt chapter was reinstated and members were moving back into their formerly boarded-up house. @THEFRANKLINNEWS

Phi Delta Theta was the first fraternity at Franklin College and was established in 1860. It was built on three basic principles: friendship, sound learning and moral rectitude.

Ashley Shuler and Christina Ramey contributed to this story.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

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Title 9 applies to sexual misconduct cases LAURA OLIVO maria.olivo@franklincollege.edu

NEWS

GRIZ ON THE MALL:

FAV O R I T E M E M O R Y Suzie Sickels, sophomore

“When I was a kid, we had gotten through all the books in the children’s section of the library, and we didn’t have a lot of money at the time. So my grandmother would take us to Borders, and we would sit there on our weekends and read all the books in there.”

Connor Nash, senior

“When I was a senior in high school, we [my friends and I] planned this big spring break, but I got into trouble two weeks before we were supposed to go, so I couldn’t go anymore. I finally convinced my mom to let me go. ... I didn’t tell anyone I was going down there and showed up at 8 in the morning.

Everyone was still sleeping, so I go in there, and I wake up my best friend and say ‘Dude, what are you doing in Indianapolis?’ He jumps up and freaks out, but then realizes I was in Florida.”

Suzie Nagy, sophomore

“For my eighth birthday, I got a dog. I had gotten a cat a year before, and I absolutely loved animals. I used to go to the animal shelter and volunteer with my grandma all the time. I remember when Merlin came there, and I was like ‘Grandma, I love this dog.’ They surprised me and got it for me. It was really unexpected.”

Stephanie Smith, sophomore

“[My favorite memory happened] about three years ago when I sang in front of my family for the first time. That’s how I discovered my love for music. Now, I’m a music major.”

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FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

In 1972, Title 9 legislated equality where it didn’t exist: between genders, equal budgets and equal participation.

Recently, sexual misconduct has been added as a form of sexual discrimination, and therefore falls under Title 9.

“Sexual assault became part of Title 9 in terms of whether or not female victims are being treated fairly,” said Kerry Prather, athletic director and head of the men’s basketball team. “If the federal government thinks colleges and universities aren’t doing enough, they have the ability to pass judgment and take federal funds.”

Maureen Pinnick has been the human resource manager at the college for 10 years, and she has also been a Title 9 Officer for two years.

“People associate Title 9 with athletics, and that’s not entirely true,” Pinnick said. “Nowadays, it’s evolved.”

Under Title 9, discrimination isn’t allowed between genders, race, age or sexual orientation.

All educational schools abide by rules compiled by the department of civil rights and department of education.

Federal funding does tie in with Title 9 because the college offers financial aid to students making it a requirement for Franklin College to abide by the law.

“More reports does not equal more funding,” Pinnick said.

Prather has been working with the National Collegiate Athletic Association by making sure Franklin athletes are informed on sexual assault.

“All member schools need to be more intentional with having sexual assault conversations,” Prather said.

Franklin College has 21 teams, so if about 400 athletes are spoken to about sexual assault, nearly half of the student body has been informed.

As an athletic director, Prather monitors conversations to catch student remarks.

As a coach, he enforces the theme of respect among the men’s basketball

players.

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee is a group made of two student athletes of each sport and they are the voice of student athletes to the administration.

“My involvement as their advisor came in trying to help students and student athletes get onboard with taking the pledge and making the ‘It’s On Us’ video,” said Mary Johnston, assistant director of athletics, senior woman administrator and head volleyball coach.

At the first meeting of the semester, counselor Sara Kinder had a bystander intervention conversation with the committee Johnston advises.

As a coach, Johnston tells her players to make good decisions regarding alcohol and instances of sexual assault.

“The conversations of trying to be good role models encourage them to be safe because that’s what we want them to be doing,” Johnston said.

Faculty, staff members experience increase in insurance costs JESSICA KAISER jessica.kaiser@franklincollege.edu

Faculty and staff members at Franklin College aren’t happy with the new increases on their health insurance.

For individuals, their Anthem insurance coverage went up $60 a month.

For employees with family coverage, the price went up $160 a month.

Franklin College is a part of a “self-insured trust,” where money from the college and other area schools are pooled together. This money is then used to pay claims.

Daniel Schluge, vice president of business and finance, said the reason the insurance went up is because of claims.

“Claims over the last several years have caught up with the trust,” Schluge said. “If you have more claims than you have premiums, then you have to charge more premiums.”

Faculty and staff who are affected have frustrations.

Biology professor Alice Heikens said she isn’t happy with the increase.

“With the large increases in our insurance and no comparable increase in our salaries, we make less every year,” Heikens said. “Not only do we have an

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unusual mid-year hike in rates, but it has been suggested that we will experience a major increase starting next year.”

Spanish professor Sara Colburn-Alsop shares the same sentiment.

Colburn-Alsop is the only member of her family insured by the college, while husband, assistant Spanish professor Dan Alsop and their children, are insured elsewhere.

“The insurance cost for a single individual at FC was an inexpensive option for someone who is fairly healthy and willing to take the highest deductible, Colburn-Alsop said. “The family insurance plan was very high, even prior to this change.”

Colburn-Alsop said her family decided to compare the college family plan with outside plans and found a plan that was significantly cheaper than the one offered at Franklin.

With the additional hike, Colburn-Alsop said additional faculty and staff member are considering other options outside insurance.

“Most faculty and staff that I know are either jumping ship now and trying

Zoie Richey | The Franklin

Franklin College faculty and staff members are not happy with their increased insurance rates.

to find a more affordable family plan or already were lucky enough to have a partner or spouse at a different institution or job that could provide a much better insurance option for his or her family,” Colburn-Alsop said.

Even with adverse reactions, Schluge said the insurance raise is inevitable.

“People aren’t happy about it and the college isn’t happy about it,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have any options today. We have to go down this path.”

Professors, commuters look forward to city street makeover SHELBY MULLIS shelby.mullis@franklincollege.edu

sacrificing part of my yard to make it safe. I don’t mind paying more on my taxes to know that it makes the city more functional and more attractive to businesses and to residents.”

The first phase of Jefferson Street construction is scheduled to take place

from August 2016 to December 2016 on Jefferson Street, stretching from North Main Street to the Admiral Gas Station.

For more information on the project, visit the City of Franklin’s website at franklin.in.gov.

ET

MADISON STRE

W. MONROE STREET N. JACKSON STREET

W. COURT STREET

N. MAIN STREET

E. COURT STREET

JEFFERSON ST REET

A nine-phase reconstruction project 10,000 kids. A lot of the kids at Frankset to begin in August is a project that lin seem to really enjoy the commucity engineer Travis Underhill says will nity, but when all is said and done, I make Franklin more attractive and in- think this is a huge step at Franklin viting.

College – no different than the impact Reconstruction plans of Franklin’s to the city.” downtown streets began more than When Counseling Center Director three years ago with the renovation of John Shafer moved to Franklin 33 North Main Street and years ago, he said he West Jefferson Street. immediately fell in Since then, the city love with the small has received more than town. $13 million to complete As a routine bicycle the projects through commuter, Shafer state and federal fundsaid he rides from ing, grants and city dolhis home on Walnut lars.

Street to Main Street, “It’s multiple projto Home Street, then ects, not just one,” Uncrosses over Jefferderhill said. “Everyson Street to Monroe thing that is in place Street, which leads today comes out and him straight to the will be replaced.” college.

Underhill said everyShafer called it a thing on the city’s to-do matter of “shortlist will be 100 percent term inconvenew upon completion – niences” that will including storm pipes, eventually lead to water mains, roadways, a “long-term advansidewalks and a few tage.” decorative features.

Nevertheless, ShaFreshman commutfer said he is excited er Mohanid Akermawi for the redevelopAlexis Whiteman | The Franklin is a resident of Frankment of city streets.

The sign shows a detour for lin Lakes subdivision “For the good of the upcoming construction. about five minutes from the city and makAlthough it won’t start for a few the campus. ing Franklin a more months, residents are already Although he said Jefbeautiful place, we preparing. ferson Street is not a can all be patient part of his daily comwith waiting and takmute, he frequently uses the road. ing an alternative route,” Shafer said.

“This will definitely help the town,” “It’s so easy in Franklin just to go two Akermawi said. “People want to live blocks around, so personally as a resisomewhere comfortable, safe and dent, I’m happy to do that for a more well-renovated or more modern. It attractive look.” may be very tedious and annoying goSimilarly, Casey Hayes, head of the ing through construction all the time, music department, said he is also exbut it is a very good thing for this city.” cited, but more so for a separate road Because the largest impact on the construction project, which began college will be on commuters and pro- April 4. fessors who use the Franklin roads Hayes, who lives at the intersection frequently, Underhill said the city will of King Street and Forsythe Street, will do its best to make the construction as be losing nearly 12 feet of his properclear as possible. ty to a new five-foot-wide sidewalk, an But he asks that – despite frustration addition Hayes said he has hounded – the Franklin community is patient the city for since 2009. and cooperative with the signage and After much contemplation and disconstruction. cussion with the city, Hayes said he “One great thing about Franklin and and his neighbors negotiated with the the college is, in recent history, we’ve city to preserve as much yard as possiworked very hard to work well togeth- ble by eliminating the plans of an addier,” Underhill said. “The size of the tional bicycle path. school makes it easy to actually get a “They’re doing very good things,” message to 1,000 kids as opposed to Hayes said. “I have no problems at all

WATER STREET

This street map highlights where the construction will be starting in August. Although the downtown streets are busy, many residents say it will be worth it to create a better town. @THEFRANKLINNEWS

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FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

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A YEAR OF REST

MATHEMATICS PROFESSOR JUSTIN GASH ON SABBATICAL, FAITH AND HEALTH

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fter eight years of teaching, mathematics professor Justin Gash is taking a year of rest.

Gash said he is taking his sabbatical now for two reasons – one, because he’s eligible and two, because he needs it.

Franklin professors can apply for sabbatical – a period of paid leave stemming from the word “Sabbath” – after every seven years they continuously work at the college.

“My pastor said Sabbath is not so much about what day it’s on, but that a good life requires intentional periods of rest,” Gash said. “It’s a decision, and it’s better in the long run to have time to regroup, renew and reflect.”

Gash said Franklin College and the United States as wholes have a strong culture of work ethic.

“You’re either sitting at zero or running full-speed ahead,” he said.

“There’s no in-between.”

During his sabbatical, Gash plans to accomplish three professional projects.

The first is to get the wheels turning on the second edition of the book, “A Friendly Mathematics Competition.”

The first edition tells the story of the Indiana College Mathematics Competition by presenting the problems, solutions and results of the competition’s first 35 years.

Gash is working with senior Leilah-Olivia Hendricks to build a webpage that can accept student solutions to the more problems to compile for the book’s second edition.

He will also oversee senior Jacob Smith’s research project analyzing data Gash has collected over the years of his office hours.

The goal is to find the correlation between how much time students spend in his office and what grade they receive at the end of the semester.

Although he’s not sure he’ll get to it, Gash’s third project is to start analyzing the data he has collected from his class “exam wrappers,” which he asks students to fill out before and after tests to gage how they feel about their performance.

But a big reason Gash is taking his sabbatical now is because he is getting a hip replacement in May.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

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Gash has a rare genetic disorder called Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, which hinders cartilage and bone development. His doctor describes his condition “pseudo-achondroplast” – or, “fake dwarf.”

“It’s a challenge to do it over Winter Term and come back and teach in the spring, like I have been doing” Gash said. “I’m going to focus on getting my strength back at my own pace.”

Aside from projects and procedures, Gash plans to take time to kick back and spend time with his family and wife and read Christian apologetics.

“We have such a workaholic culture,” he said. “There’s something being missed if it’s just about work and projects.”

But Gash’s academic projects haven’t always been in the plan – calling himself an “accidental educator,” Gash started his teaching career as a summer math tutor while in school before deciding to take his skills into the classroom.

Gash said mathematics has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember, and that, quite honestly, he was a born nerd for the subject.

“I remember – as a 3- year-old in Riley Children’s Hospital – counting down backwards from 100 to 1,” he said. “I used to get stuck around the 7s and 8s.”

Gash earned a degree in mathematics and computer science from DePauw University and his doctorate from Indiana University.

Upon graduation, Franklin College was on his short list of schools to teach at because it was close to home – and because he subscribes to the concept of a liberal arts school.

“I drink the liberal arts Kool Aid,” he said. “What we teach here is greater than what I can do alone.”

Working as a Franklin College professor is Gash’s first job, and his first day was eight years ago in fall 2008.

“On the way home from my interview, I turned to my wife and said, ‘It feels like home here,’” he said.

Gash said teaching mathematics and helping students learn how to look at quantitative data makes him feel like he’s doing something good with his life.

“I love what I do,” he said. “I think God made me to be an educator – I think – you’d have to ask him.”

STORY: ASHLEY SHULER

PHOTO: JORDAN BRODNER

DESIGN: LEIGH DURPHEY

@THEFRANKLINNEWS

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FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

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Airport security: Public safety measures intrude on others

OPINION

EDITORIAL

JUSTIN BRAUNSDORF

Trump surpasses Cruz on LGBT issues Listen: I’m about as hip- for LGBT, immigrants, and py-dippy liberal as you can Native Americans. get. I think we should limit Cruz has attacked Planned fossil fuels use, tax the rich Parenthood, despite overand raise the minimum whelming evidence the wage to something livable, scandalous videos which and I’m sure as heck voting broke were fraudulent. for Bernie Sanders.

Trump, despite his othSo here’s the thing: Don- er incredibly misogynistic ald Trump is a more reason- comments, has said Planned able Republican candidate Parenthood “does great than Ted Cruz. work on women’s health.”

There, I Trump said it. So is also the let’s commost vocal pare: anti-immiCruz is grant canthe most didate on anti-LGBT the ticket.

Republican C r u z candidate also votin the runed against – Justin Braunsdorf, sophomore ning.

He environopposes m e n t a l gay pride parades and same- protections, seeking instead sex marriages and advocates to maintain the unsustainfor an anti-gay marriage able, destructive path that amendment to the Constitu- will lead to drastic and dantion. gerous climate change. Cruz On the other hand, Trump also promised to abolish the accepts the Supreme Court’s Departments of Education, landmark decision on Energy and others.

Obergefell v. Hodges that alTrump “merely” wants lows for same-sex marriages to strip the Department all over the country. of Education of almost all In 2013, Cruz voted against funding. Both candidates reauthorizing the Violence are horrible choices for the Against Women Act, citing nomination. In the simplest its expanded protections as of terms: Trump is wrong being “a feminist attack on and loud. Cruz is wrong and family values.” These expan- smart. And that is considersions included protections ably more dangerous.

“ In the simplest of

terms: Trump is wrong and loud. Cruz is wrong and smart.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

THEFRANKLINNEWS.COM

When it comes to international or domestic flights for Americans, security is an easy process. But if you are Muslim, it is a whole other story. That should not be the case.

Freshman Mohamed Ali had to participate in more security measures when traveling becasue of his apperance and name.

“Mostly if you fly to the U.S., specially if you’re not American or European, the country you fly from to the U.S. searches you very carefully,” Ali said. “I flew from Jordan to Chicago and was asked after I passed security and before getting on the plane to go with security for more security check up.”

We understand there needs to be extra precautions, but when do you draw the line?

Muslims are no different than anyone else, but due to recent events of extremist groups, the peaceful nature of Islam is harshly judged.

Ali was on a flight from Cairo to Madrid to switch planes for Ecuador. Police came on

board before others got out and asked him and some other passengers, including a women who wore a hijab, to hand over their passports and walk to a big room that “looked little like jail,” Ali said.

This is just ridiculous. Just due to your name and skin color you can be detained for

most recent and valid, ensuring all signatures are correct and hoping the system will recognize her and the documents.

“In addition, I have to worry about catching my connecting flight,” Mueller said. “Of the handful of times I flew through Chicago, for example, passing through the line to customs and immigration took over two hours.”

The fact that going through customs for some takes over an hour shows there is a problem.

This process should not discrininate.

What really makes a difference with skin color? We are all human, and, believe it or not, are all made equal.

OUR POSITION No should be discriminated because of their name, faith, or their original country.

hours–in this case Ali was held for 12 hours.

Not only has Ali had problems as a Muslim male, but senior Raphaela Mueller from Germany also has had struggles. She said she hates travel- The editorial board represents the opinion of ling through the United The Franklin and its staff members. Opinion States to see friends. editor Megan Powell moderates the board and Mueller said going its members, including Brittney Corum, Christithrough immigration na Ramey and Ashley Steeb. Caitlin Soard, the and customs causes executive editor, sits on the board. If you have stress in making sure an issue you would like the board to cover, all documents are the email megan.powell@franklincollege.edu.

OUR BOARD

Music: The ultimate expression music has always been a part of my life.

It’s in my blood. On my mom’s side of the family, there are a lot of talented musicians. We have bluegrass musicians, gospel singers and instrumentalists. My grandpa, in fact, was the music leader BRITTNEY CORUM at his church when we were still brittney.corum@franklincollege.edu little.

If you just stop and listen to the Have you ever had that accom- world around you, you will hear plishment of being able to play melodies and harmonies everyyour first song on an instrument where. that you have been practicing on Also, think of the hard work for months, even years? composers and musicians do to For as long as I can remember, make sure the music captured the @THEFRANKLINNEWS

feelings a person wouldn’t be able to express or how to express it.

In music, you can listen to different genres and songs that can tap in with your emotions and let them out in a safe way.

When I’m feeling low and down, I turn my playlist to the big Broadway numbers that always make me smile; “It’s a Hard Knock Life” from Annie or “Slap that Bass” from Crazy for You. The point is that listening or even singing with these songs gives me a way to express myself in a safe way. It also makes me feel good, and relived after I’m done.

TRUMP

CLINTON

Decision 2016: Top presidential candidates resonate with students

CHRISTINA RAMEY christina.ramey@franklincollege.edu

If it comes down to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, I, for one, will be voting for Hillary Clinton.

I would rather have a female be the president then someone who is pretty well-known for saying the

JESSICA KAISER jessica.steeb@franklincollege.edu

SANDERS

It’s no secret that Donald Trump doesn’t care about what he says.

For me, that’s why I will vote for him.

The things people see on TV and social media are simply half of what Trump actually says. He

MEGAN POWELL megan.powell@franklincollege.edu

With this presidential election, I am feeling the Bern all the way.

There are multiple reasons why you should vote for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. He is the only one I see that could be the face of America.

words, “You’re fired.”

It’s basically going to come down to picking the one you think won’t screw up too much while in office.

Clinton is the best choice because she has made a career in politics unlike Trump. Trump is a businessman. He doesn’t have a reason to run for president.

Clinton focuses on many important issues such as affordable college, income inequality and workplace reform. These seem like basic issues, but they are topics that many people are concerned about.

Trump spends most of his time,

from what I have seen, talking about building a wall, keeping out immigrants and foreign people and answering questions with his own questions, then proceeding to answer his own questions.

How exactly is he going to “make America great again”?

How is he going to make college affordable? What is he going to do about the economy? I haven’t heard what he plans to do.

I don’t want to vote for someone who may spend all their time worrying about foreign affairs and not what is going on in our country.

doesn’t hold back. He gives us the bitter truth and isn’t a politician who sugarcoats everything, like most are.

Quite frankly, I believe most young adults would be okay with some of the policies he would make if they actually listened to all of what he has to say.

First off, there is a problem with people coming into the country illegally and there needs to be an easier way for them to be here legally.

Second, ISIS is a problem.

Trump is the only candidate that isn’t afraid of ISIS and wants to take them down.

Trump, like me, is okay with

Planned Parenthood, but not with the abortions they perform.

Planned Parenthood stops women from getting horrible STIs and helps with their health, as well.

Trump is against abortions, and I stand with him. I believe that there are certain circumstances where an abortion would be appropriate, but I do not believe that it should be something that any woman who is pregnant can receive.

Trump might not be well-liked, but I agree with his views and values he has for America. That’s why I’ll be voting for him in November.

One, Sanders knows the system well. He served two terms in the United States Senate and was elected to the House of Representatives every two years as the lone representative from Vermont. In addition, he served as Mayor of Burlington, Vermont.

Two, Sanders has been consistent in advocating for students, the middle class and the working poor.

Three, he voted against sending in ground troops into Iraq, which proved to have been the wise decision, which is his main contrast with Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Four, Sanders is funding his campaign though small donations

from millions of people, while his opponent, Clinton, has a super PAC which accepts millions from a small amount of people.

Five, presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders has never accepted $200,000 for one speech. Clinton took the money and refuses to release the transcript of the speech.

Finally, in the Wisconsin Democratic primary, according to the NBC News exit poll, 71 percent of those who consider themselves Independent voted for Sen. Sanders.

Support from Independents are critical in winning the General Election.

Feel the Bern.

@THEFRANKLINNEWS

CONFESSIONS OF

A commuter ASHLEY STEEB ashley.steeb@franklincollege.edu

Instead of living in residence halls or campus houses where I have to worry about my neighbors around me, I choose to live at home with all of its comforts.

As with any situation, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s talk about the positives first.

The major one is that my family saves around $10,000 on room and board fees.

Honestly, this is one of the main reasons why I picked Franklin over other colleges. I’ll spend less time paying off my loan debt compared to other students who have to pay for housing.

But there are pros and cons to everything. Disadvantages include having to be up early, so I’m not late for classes.

Living at home is great for home cooked meals and staying close to family, but this also means I have to work a little harder to stay connected with other students. It’s not like I can just open my bedroom door and talk to girls down the hall.

However, the advantages of living at home do outweigh the disadvantages.

Saving money. I know I’ve already said that, but that’s a lot of Benjamins saved.

Others include to ability to sleep in my own bed, not sharing a bathroom with a whole floor of women and having home cooked meals.

The opportunity to cuddle with my two cats on a daily basis is the best advantage, let’s be honest.

I’ve heard many stories of students missing their pets, and how they wished they could have their pet with them. I don’t want to imagine a life where I had to go weeks without seeing my cats.

Occasionally, I feel like I’m missing the complete college experience; however, when I hear resident student horror stories, I’m glad I chose to be a commuting student.

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Track and field hopes to refocus after break JAY SISKIN kevin.siskin@franklincollege.edu

SPORTS

WEEKLY RECAP 4/1 MEN’S BASEBALL

Franklin vs. Earlham L, 9-4

4/2 MEN’S BASEBALL

Franklin vs. Earlham W, 21-18 Franklin vs. Earlham L, 11-5

The track and field teams have several goals for their upcoming home meet this Saturday, head coach Paul Sargent said.

The two goals at the top of their list are straightforward: shake off the rust from their spring break and simply just focus and compete.

Both teams have had a solid start to the outdoor, Sargent said, and he’s not wrong. The women’s team has finishes of second and fourth and the men’s team is coming off a third place finish.

But Sargent said he hopes the team can get refocused as a team coming off a break.

“At this point, we’re a bit too caught up in thinking about events rather than just being an athlete,” Sargent said.

The team doesn’t have many home meets scheduled for its outdoor season. This Saturday’s meet could give Franklin the home field advantage.

Senior Emily Young said she is excited to be able compete at home and use the meet to build momentum for the rest of the season.

“Being a senior, I am very excited for the home meet this weekend. Both the men’s and women’s teams have had strong performances this season.” Young said. “Personally, I am ready to be in the heart of outdoor season and what this next month has in store heading into conference. This is a chance to build confidence for both teams.”

Baseball team confident going into Defiance series

WOMEN’S SOFTBALL Franklin vs. Berea W, 8-0 Franklin vs. Berea W, 10-2

4/3 MEN’S TENNIS

Franklin vs. Hanover L, 9-0

WOMEN’S GOLF

Washington University Spring Invitational Franklin finished in 11th place

4/5 WOMEN’S GOLF

Big Four Classic Franklin finished in 4th place

MEN’S BASEBALL

Franklin vs. Hanover W, 7-0

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Alexis Weidner, a sophomore on the women’s team, said she believes both teams can use this meet as an opportunity to grow as a team before each team heads into bigger meets and Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference championships.

“Our goal for the team as a whole is to try and improve our times across the board so we can build momentum heading into Indiana DIII Championships and the HCAC Outdoor conference meet,” Weidner said.

Both of those championship meets will be in the next few weeks following the Grizzly Invitational.

The Invitational begins Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

Ally Marlow | The Franklin

Freshman Mitchell Moore prepares for a pitch against Albion College earlier this season.

BEN BROWN benjamin.brown@franklincollege.edu

The men’s baseball team began conference play the day the college closed for spring break, March 25.

So far the team currently has a 4-4-conference record and currently sits in fifth place in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The team will continue conference play against Defiance College in a three-game series beginning today.

Defiance has a 3-5-conference record and sits in eighth place in the conference.

Sophomore Mitch Schuman is confident coming into the games.

“Going into Defiance this weekend, I expect us to come in and take all three games,” Schuman said. “Having THEFRANKLINNEWS.COM

@THEFRANKLINNEWS

[sophomore Christian] Sullivan on the mound the first game is a great way to start off on the right foot, especially if we show up ready to hit.”

Junior Jacob Troxell is also confident going into this weekend.

“Our expectations are to win each pitch, win each inning and, most importantly, win a series,” Troxell said.

Following the Defiance series, the team will take on number one in the conference, Rose-Hulman.

Schuman believes this weekend against Defiance will be important going into the Rose-Hulman game.

“The games this weekend are very important in order to beat Rose-Hulman,” Schuman said. “When we sweep Defiance this weekend we will go into the Rose-Hulman game with more confidence and a positive attitude.”

Troxell also said he believed this game would be important.

“Every game we play is the most important game,” Troxell said. “Our goal this weekend is to take it one game at a time.”

This weekend will also be important to get the team on track. Schuman said that so far conference play has not been what he was expecting.

“Conference this far has been mediocre,” Schuman said. “I know our team is capable of winning the conference championship and that goal is definitely still within reach. We have many key players that can help us win conference on both sides of the field.”

Both Schuman and Troxell said they feel like the team is steadily improving throughout the season.

“We feel as though we improve each game,” Troxell said. “We have a lot of young talent on our team so each game we are able to learn and improve. We are excited for what is to come for the rest of the season.”

Not only does the team feel like they are constantly improving, but they have also narrowed down the areas they need to focus on.

“I think the team could work on hitting with runners in scoring position as well as extending innings with two outs,” Schuman said. “Coach Marshall has added base running into our batting practice to help us execute and in important situations in the games.”

The games will kick off at 4:15 p.m. tonight at Defiance College.

Women’s softball looks to keep conference championship hopes alive DARRELL CRENSHAW Indiana well represented at NCAA Tournament

Jordan Brodner | The Franklin

Junior Savannah Blevins (left) connects with the ball at the plate. The team joins together to celebrate after a good play in a game against Kalamazoo earlier this season. The team won both games against Kalamazoo.

MEGAN POWELL

megan.powell@franklincollege.edu

As the majority of campus left for Spring Break to go home or go on vacation, the women’s softball team called Grizzly Park home for the break.

The team traveled to Berea, Hanover, Transylvania and hosted Berea at home. Highlights include a 16-5 win at Berea and a double hitter win against conference opponent Hanover making them 16-8 on the season and 3-3 in conference play.

“Being 16-8, most people would be really happy with that, and I think that we are probably better than that,” head softball coach Butch Zike said.

“We have suffered from some real severe injuries; we have five of six kids that have been out.”

One of the setbacks the team is facing is the loss of short stop and sophomore Lauren Huebler to a shoulder injury that has her out for the rest of the season.

“There was a hard hit ground ball to the right of me and I laid out for it and my glove hand was fully extend-

ed,” said Huebler. “As I hit the ground I subluxed my shoulder, which means it came out of place, but when I stood back up it went back in. But when it came out is when they think I tore my labrum.”

Unable to play, Huebler supported her teammates as they battled the Pioneers of Transylvania after Hanover, where they lost 1-0 and then 8-2.

“It will be troublesome from here on out,” Zike said.

The team has reset the program’s most wins streak for the past two years.

Three years ago the program had one winning season in 20 years.

Members of the team from the past two years have their winning ways and the team hopes to continue on to their goal of winning their conference.

Freshman and second base player Shelby Mager from Hamilton Southeastern High School said she has high hopes for her collegiate softball years and is ready to contribute to the team.

“I really like my team because I love socializing and hanging out,” said Mager. “We always have a good time and we joke around with each other and I think it makes the sport fun.”

Both players are first-year members of the Franklin family as Huebler transferred from Ball State University, where she took a year off from playing softball. Both players – and Zike – said they feel supported from the campus community.

“We have great fan support and great parent support,” said Zike. “I think that our program is based on a lot of parents helping us out.”

“One thing that I will say is that this is a great group of kids,” Zike said.

“You hear that all the time from coaches, but in reality, we have really good character, easy to coach and just really nice young ladies.”

The Grizzlies take on Anderson University tomorrow at Anderson with the first game at 1 p.m. followed by another at 3 p.m. @THEFRANKLINNEWS

Indiana has always been deemed a state in which basketball is played at the highest degree and in the 2016 NCAA tournament that was on display when four Indiana collegiate teams made it to the field of 64.

Indiana, Purdue, Butler and Notre Dame were finalists in the big March Madness tournament. IU and Purdue both entered the tourney as a 5-seed, while Butler was a 9-seed and Notre Dame was a 6-seed.

The first weekend went well for the Indiana schools with a 3-1 record with the only loss coming from a Purdue loss to Arkansas Little Rock. The round of 32 had another good showing with wins by IU and Notre Dame.

The lone loss came from Butler falling short to 1-seed Virginia 6977. Much to the delight of Indiana fans, the Hoosiers pulled off an impressive victory against rival Kentucky 67-73. Notre Dame escaped an upset against 14-seed Stephen F. Austin 75-76.

Up next was the Sweet Sixteen, IU facing 1-seed North Carolina and Notre Dame up against a red-hot Wisconsin team. IU put up a great fight but lost 86-101 to the eventual runner-up North Carolina Tarheels.

Notre Dame, on the other hand, put up a smooth victory against The Badgers of Wisconsin, setting up a third showdown with the Tarheels, in which the Irish won the first match-up but were blown out

by Carolina in the ACC conference tournament. The result of this game would go similar to the one on the conference tournament, with the Irish falling 74-88 to the Tarheels.

All in all, the state of Indiana showed that they earned the title that so many people have given them that this is a basketball state.

They showed in the tournament that they are one of the most dominant states still out there when it comes to basketball, and they show no signs of slowing down.

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FRIENDS OF FRANKLIN

What do you enjoy most about working in the library?

“I like to people watch, so it’s nice because I can see everybody. I like that I can get my homework done; it gives me a lot of free time.”

Victoria Dillon, junior

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Ally Marlow | The Franklin

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What is your favorite hobby?

“My favorite hobby is singing. It’s relaxing, and it’s an awesome way to bring glory to God.”

Mary Jane DeWitt, freshman