The DePauw | May 6, 2011

THE DEPAUW

FRIDAY, M AY 6, 2 011 | INDI A N A’ S OL DE S T COL L EGE NE W S PA PER | VOL . 159, IS S UE 4 8

Fiascos at sorority formals: A look at events gone awry

By CHRISTINE DiGANGI investigate@thedepauw.com

Start with alcohol. Take a few shots before leaving. Sneak a drink on the bus.

Pass around a flask in the bathroom.

Not everyone partakes, but for many, it’s the way to start the fun for a sorority formal. And then, every once in a while, it’s the beginning of a disaster.

Junior Kelsey Moore, president of Alpha Phi sorority, knows that all too well, as she shut down her chapter’s formal barely an hour into their event April 2.

“I would characterize it as the perfect storm of a terrible formal,” Moore said.

“Not only did we have our women who were out of control, we had dates who were out of control.”

Moore arrived at Serendipity, an event venue in Plainfield, Ind., 30 minutes after the event began. By that time, two women were being sent home for having flasks and multiple members had thrown up. It was 7:30 p.m.

Alpha Phi requires there to be 10 “sober sisters” at formals who will go home with members or dates who behave poorly, are excessively intoxicated or break any rules, such as having a flask. By 8:15 p.m.,

Moore had fewer sober sisters than women being told to go home, so she and her executive board ended the party. They called the limos, loaded the buses and were on their way home a half hour later.

Getting out of control The incident with Alpha Phi resembles the fiasco Kappa Alpha Theta sorority dealt with five years ago.

According to a story published in The DePauw on April 11, 2006, Theta’s formal ended an hour and a half early, after emergency vehicles took two women to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. There were also reports of damage to the event space, The Ritz Charles in Carmel, Ind. The Ritz Charles also hosted a wedding reception that night, which attendees of the dance disrupted. As a result of their experience with Theta, the venue immediately stopped hosting greek events.

Rhonda Coulter, the owner of Serendipity, wasn’t sure what to think after her encounter with Alpha Phi. She had hosted an event for DePauw’s Delta Gamma sorority in November with no issue, her first experience with a greek event. With a good first impression as a reference, she

took on Alpha Phi’s formal. Though Coulter said the sorority’s leadership handled the issues on their own and there was no need to call extra law enforcement, she thinks she might consider putting more security in place before allowing another greek event in her space.

“I won’t host them (Alpha Phi) again,” Coulter said. “I’m just ready to put this behind me.”

Serendipity and The Ritz Charles aren’t the only venues to be shocked by the behavior they saw from a DePauw sorority. In 2008, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis decided to stop serving alcohol at greek events because of the formal Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority had there.

Jess Pesola ’08, then-president of Kappa, said that at least one woman vomited at the museum and that members got “loud and rowdy.” The museum told the sorority that smoking was not allowed, even outside the space, but Pesola said people kept going out on the balcony to smoke anyway.

“There were a lot of rumors of people peeing in exhibits, but that completely wasn’t true,” Pesola said. No one at the event caused any damage to the museum.

“They were mostly upset at having young

IN-DEPTH NEWS

Drugs at DePauw: A closer look pages 4 and 5

Longboarding on campus | pages 8 and 9

people drunk in the space. … They were not ready for what they found,” she said.

well.

After the negative outcomes of the Children’s Museum formal, Pesola said Promising events gone wrong Kappa put more policies in place to prePesola said she thinks the downfall of vent similar problems in the future. They their formal was the choice to have it at tried to provide food before and during the Children’s Museum. the event to balance the alcohol con“I think the greek community has to sumption. Furthermore, members had be mindful of where they choose to host to check in an hour before leaving for the their events,” she said. event and stay to socialize at the sorority Pesola compared the formal to a wed- house, in order to prevent drinking elseding reception with mostly people in their where before getting on the buses.

20s, but choosing a “cool venue” over a Traveling presents another issue. Peobanquet hall meant choosing a place that ple try to save money by getting intoxicatdoesn’t encounter college kids’ behavior. ed to achieve their buzz before leaving for “People go there to have a good time,” the night, resulting in concealed drinks Pesola said. “You try as a leader the best on buses, Pesola said. In Alpha Phi, the that you can to make sure your members seniors take limos to the spring formal, are making good decisions. Some people and each couple is allowed either one definitely go too far.” bottle of wine or a six pack of beer for the Moore was surprised by the disas- journey. Even if the woman’s date breaks trous event, considering how well Alpha rules or becomes belligerent while she Phi’s fall-semester formal had gone. She makes good decisions, the sorority memhad been concerned about new mem- ber is held responsible and goes through bers making poor decisions because it the judiciary board. was their first formal, but more than half “A lot of the issue was people bringing of the women who went through Alpha Phi’s judiciary process were seniors. Pesola said that much of the drunken behavsee sororities | page 3 ior at their formal came from seniors, as

He’s the camera man

Bruce Weller, a freelance photographer for Neustadt Creative Marketing, takes pictures of students walking through academic quad for the new marketing campaign. He would ask students at random to ‘model’ for him around campus, at sports games, and in class. CHASE HALL/THE DEPAUW

See Tuesday’s issue of The DePauw for more coverage of the campaign.

2 | Happenings CAMPUSCRIME

May 1

• Noise — loud music/people • Forwarded to Interfraternity Council | Time: 1:14 a.m. | Place: Beta Theta Pi fraternity

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

Students demand Al-Jazeera English channel on campus

May 4

• Sexual Assault — Delayed Report • Pending | Time: 9:30 a.m. | Place: Campus •Assist Campus Living — Possession of Paraphernalia • Forwarded to Community Standards Committee | Time: 11:01 a.m. | Place: 713 S. Locust St. SOURCE: PUBLIC SAFETY FOR THE FULL BLOTTER, VISIT HTTP:// WWW.DEPAUW.EDU/STUDENT/SAFETY

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS In the article, “Students rise early for royal ceremony, enjoy live coverage,” which ran in the May 3 issue, freshman Tommy Hiller was misidentified.

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May 2

• Fire alarm • Hair care products/alarm reset | Time: 2:44 p.m. | Place: Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority

VOL. 159, ISSUE 48

Investigative News Editors

• Noise — fireworks • Officer checked area/unable to locate source | Time: 11:54 p.m. | Place: Anderson Street Hall

May 3

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

News Editors

• Theft of personal items • Recovered | Time: Unknown | Place: Beta Theta Pi fraternity

• Noise — loud music • Turned off prior to making contact with house | Time: 12 a.m. | Place: Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity

The DePauw

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Two students from Professor Rebekah Tromble’s Global Governance class argue that Al Jazeera, the world’s first and largest Arabic news station, should be provided at DePauw. The presentation was a product of all 14 students’ work over a semester. CHASE HALL/THE DEPAUW.

By JOE FANELLI news@thedepauw.com

A little over three months ago, political science professor Rebekah Tromble informed her Global Governance class that they would all take part in a semester-long class project of their own design. Last night in Watson Forum, the 14 students from Tromble’s class presented their case on bringing the news channel AlJazeera to DePauw cable.

“It started off as just a project, but we spent two months with this. And if you spend two months on something you have to get involved,” said junior Paromita Sen. Al-Jazeera, launched in 1995 from Doha, Qatar, was the first 24 hour Arab news station in the world. It is currently broadcast to more than 220 million households in more than 100 countries and has received numerous awards for its content and reporting.

In America, there has been much controversy over the cable news network.

In 2003, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld called AlJazeera’s reporting of the war in Iraq “vicious, inaccurate and inexcusable.”

Thursday night, the student panel defended the station, reasoning that the presence of the Al-Jazeera English news channel at DePauw would “provide independent, impartial news for an international audience” and would “offer…a diversity of perspectives.”

The students all gave their input about the station, offering critiques, advantages and differences in broadcasting, and the final challenge of bringing it to DePauw.

The students have been filling petition forms for support from the campus. They are also contacting professors to write letters to the university voicing their backing of AlJazeera.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” Tromble said. “I really expected there to be more obstacles…there were moments where I was a little afraid everything might de-rail, but they were really committed to it.”

Sophomore Jennifer Brinduse said that she signed the petition and is “completely for Arab news at DePauw,” but still was not swayed by the presentation. She has questioned some of the practices of the station after two correspondents of Al-Jazeera left this past year.

“I think there were a lot of criti-

cisms [of Al-Jazeera] that were not presented. But overall, I think it’s a good thing for Al-Jazeera to be here,” Brinduse said.

It seems the biggest hurdle will be the station’s accessibility at DePauw.

Certain cable providers do not include Al-Jazeera as part of their available channels (there has been a large movement through the Al-Jazeera English website for a demand of the station through all cable providers).

DePauw’s current cable supplier offers the channel, but not in the current package.

“The chances are quite good, but the question that still has to be answered is what is the financial issue,” Tromble said.

Sen feels that right now, the results of their efforts and response from the campus have been “more symbolic than anything.” Regardless, she feels “it’s great that 14 students can start a conversation on campus.”

Students will be around campus with petitions to sign until May 12.

The class hopes to present their case for Al-Jazeera, along with the support from students and faculty to DePauw administrators sometime in the near future.

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3 | News sororities | from page 1

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

flasks and a lot of that was dates having flasks on them,” Moore said. “We’ve decided…until we have a really good formal where no one gets in trouble that we will host all of our formals and informals pretty much in Greencastle, within 15 minutes of the chapter house.”

ity that you could always be caught drinking.”

But by her junior and senior year, the tension faded. She said risk management decreased and people stopped being fearful. Between her freshman year and graduation, Ruegg only remembers one other big greek incident: Theta’s spring formal of 2006.

Lessons that don’t stick Becky Ruegg ’06 remembers her first informal in Pi Beta Phi sorority — everyone got breathalyzed.

As a freshman in 2003, she remembers that the Indiana State Excise Police had been stopping at college parties frequently, and it had DePauw on edge.

“I remember sitting in chapter receiving the threats that no one underage should be drinking,” Ruegg said. “We were aware Excise had been showing up at formals to breathalyze.”

She couldn’t remember the exact location, but they had taken buses from campus to a venue in the woods. That night, when she and friends stepped outside from the hot building, Ruegg saw a long line of headlights approaching them.

They went back inside, where Excise eventually arrived and told the party to divide themselves into two groups: over 21, and under 21. With their IDs out, the college students waited in the two lines as every person received a breathalyzer test.

Everyone passed.

“It was remarkable,” Ruegg said. “It scared everybody on campus.”

Ruegg took over as president of her sorority as a sophomore. She said there was a culture of caution at DePauw in 2003 and 2004, and she remembered getting wrist-banded, having to show both her driver’s license and DePauw ID when attending large fraternity parties.

“I believe that experience from our freshman year kind of kept everybody grounded,” Ruegg said. “It was almost like everyone was on edge about the possibil-

A community with a bad reputation The Ritz Charles isn’t the only venue that stopped hosting greek students. Chateau Thomas, a winery in Plainfield, Ind., refuses greek events to avoid dealing with damage and underage drinking.

“I’ve been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years,” said Cindy Schrader, Chateau Thomas’s director of catering.

“They are, generally speaking, a problem in my experience. … Taking drinks on the floor, dancing barefoot, dropping glasses. Just stuff like that — vomiting. Not good stuff.”

Though some are turned off by the negative image, other venues have no complaints about DePauw students. The Skyline Club in Indianapolis has hosted multiple formals for DePauw fraternities and sororities.

“We’ve never had issues with DePauw,” said Traci Ashcraft, private events director at the Skyline Club. “That’s one school I know that we don’t have to worry about.”

Both Kappa and Alpha Phi apologized to the owners of the event spaces they used during their chaotic formals. Multiple attempts to contact Theta’s president from 2006 were unsuccessful.

Moore, though disappointed in the chapter’s inappropriate behavior, was happy to hear Serendipity had not decided to automatically reject other greek groups.

“We worked really hard to make them understand that it was, one: uncharacteristic of ourselves, and two: uncharacteristic of DePauw and our greek community.”

FRATERNITIES V. SORORITIES Aliya Beavers, a four-year greek life coordinator at DePauw, said reports of poor behavior off-campus have primarily concerned sororities.

“I think that has to do with location and proximity to the school,” she said.

Chapters of the National Panhellenic Council typically have a curfew for off-campus events, usually 11 p.m. or midnight, and women can only travel within about an hour from their chapter house.

“Fraternities can go to another state,” Beavers said. “If something happens in a hotel in another state, we may not find out about it.”

— Christine DiGangi, investigate@thedepauw.com

NOT JUST A DEPAUW PROBLEM In 2010, the Pi Beta Phi chapter of Ohio University arrived at a West Virginia art center for their spring formal. When they left, the staff of the Parkersburg Art Center had to deal with vomit, a trashed event space and $45,000 worth of damage.

“This is an art museum, not a pig sty,” said a representative of the art center, who asked not to be named since the museum board asked employees not to speak of the event. “That was our one and only horrible experience.”

The representative said the problems stemmed from overintoxicated guests, leading them to throw things around the space and rip a sink off the wall. Women caused most of the damage.

Aliya Beavers, who has been a greek life coordinator at DePauw for four years, said there’s not a trend of these bad events on campus, but she knows she doesn’t hear everything that happens. Regardless of how frequently these problems occur, the implications affect all greeks.

“I remember when I was a grad student working with students at Bowling Green [State University] and students having difficulty scheduling their formals because no one would take them,” Beavers said.

Beavers, an alumna of Miami University in Ohio, mentioned how some chapters at her alma mater had trouble with out-ofcontrol formals as well. The Pi Phi chapter there was suspended after wreaking havoc on Lake Lyndsay Lodge in Hamilton, Ohio, including repeated vomiting, property damage, and a guest defecating outside. Pi Beta Phi’s national website says the chapter will be reinstated this summer and will reorganize its membership.

— Christine DiGangi, investigate@thedepauw.com

Panel discusses the truth behind the ‘fair trade’ stamp “The farmers hardly see any profit,” said Hannah Harp ’10. “It’s the merchants who buy it and the people who Hundreds of DePauw students drag process it. When 200 pounds of coffee themselves out of bed in the morning beans sells for $200, while one pound and grab a $1.79, 20 oz. cup of coffee as of beans makes 50 cups of coffee, and Starbucks sells their coffee at four dolpart of a morning ritual.

The price of that cup generally lars a cup, it’s hardly a fair cut.”

Professors Glen Kuecker of the hisremains steady day to day, regardless market-altering price changes. Yet, bean tory department and Alex Puga of the price fluctuations create unstable living modern languages department also sat conditions for coffee farmers — hitting on the panel. They were equally skeptiproducers in Central and Southern cal of the fair-trade concept. They said, “Yes, fair trade is better than a raw capiAmerica hardest.

During Wednesday night’s “Coffee talist market,” but they’re tired of seeing Commons” panel, four students and the fair trade stamp where it doesn’t two professors addressed issues inher- belong.

“Mainstream capitalists see [fairent in coffee production and whether trade farms] as a threat…” Kuecker they could be solved by consumers purchasing fair-trade coffee. The Fair said. “Take Starbucks — they say they Trade USA website describes fair-trade use fair trade for good marketing, but products as those for which the produc- not even 20 percent of their coffee actually is. They use their own coffee.” ers are “justly compensated.”

With so much confusion surroundAbout 20 people came to Peeler Art ing the fair-trade label, some students Center’s Auditorium to hear the discussion. Junior Katy Strader, a panelist, were led to ask, “How do we know shared her experience about living in a which coffee is really fair trade?”

No one in the room really had an fair-trade coffee community, Las Marias, answer other than to know the places El Salvador. The other three students on the panel had either visited El Sal- where the coffee comes from — like vador or Thailand. Other students in towns with families like Strader’s host attendance had been to coffee commu- family.

For example, Kuecker knew of nities in Guatemala.

Strader lived in El Salvador for a such a town. He supplied the event few months with a host family of seven with fair trade coffee from a small café — soon to be eight. Her host mother in Guatemala which had been robbed picked coffee beans while her husband and collected donations in an effort to worked in other realms of agriculture reimburse them.

DePauw’s source of fair-trade coffee six days a week.

The fair-trade logo is featured on has been Green Mountain Coffee for as products that meet fair-trade guide- long as Steve Santo, general manager of lines, which usually focus labor and Dining Services, can remember.

“We’ve been using their Fair Trade environmental standards but vary from country to country. The purpose is to coffee for the nine years I’ve been here,” make towns like Las Marias more sus- Santo said. “I’d say 90 percent of our tainable and facilitate economic growth. coffee, including flavored coffee, is fair Strader sometimes joined the family trade.”

Green Mountain Coffee uses Fair to pick the beans — explained as “stripTrade coffee from Mexico and Tanzania. ping the branches” — at 3 a.m., walking To the students and professors who two or three hours to their plot of land.

She remembers, “The youngest in the attended the event, fair-trade coffee refamily, four, was excited to go pick cof- mains an important issue that requires looking beyond the fair trade name. fee beans for the first time.”

“People need to know where their The family made, on average, $6 a coffee comes from,” Puga said. day.

By MELISSA BURKLOW news@thedepauw.com

4 | Investigative News

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

Drugged and drunk: Marijuana, alcohol’s impact on campus Substances on campus include pot and booze; designer drugs and study drugs are much less prevalent, but still available

ABOVE: The funnel above is used as a beer bong. TOP RIGHT: A lighter and a pipe sit on the floor. BOTTOM RIGHT: A man ignites a lighter in order to do illegal drugs. PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY STAFF/THE DEPAUW

By DANA FERGUSON investigate@thedepauw.com

SHE KNOCKED on a locked room in a fraternity house as she had many times before, and stumbled in. In order to please her older sister visiting for the weekend, she went searching for marijuana. It was a short search. Upon entering the room, the freshman encountered a group of students sitting around a table snorting cocaine off of a coffee table, something she had not encountered any other weekend.

“It just sort of freaked me out — I was like ‘whoa,’” said the woman, who asked not to be identified being involved with illegal drugs. “I don’t know, I was just kind of blown-away because I knew that it happened on campus and I knew that there were people who did cocaine and things like that, but to walk into a room and just see it like right in front of me was really weird,” she said.

Though initially startled by the scene, she came to the conclusion that the use of cocaine was not incredibly surprising given the large number of students who come from wealthy families. She said her high school also had a number of wealthy

students who used cocaine.

“When people find out, I think they’re surprised so I don’t think that it’s something that’s broadcasted and I don’t think it’s something that people see as normal, but it’s definitely out there. It’s not the norm, but it’s out there,” she said.

Though alcohol is the most prevalent drug on campus, numerous DePauw students take advantage of harder substances, despite the legal, social and health risks they can pose. These drugs often remain out of the public eye and the reports of Public Safety officers, but for students the locked door can easily open.

In 2009, 211 referrals were made to

the Community Standards for improper alcohol use while 26 were made for drug use, according to the DePauw Public Safety Crime Statistics. Though the numbers have decreased from 266 referrals for alcohol and 56 referrals for drugs in 2008, students and administrators admit that drugs and alcohol are a significant problem for the student body.

Drug and alcohol use cause great concern for administrators, President Brian Casey said, and he hopes to implement more events at which students can interact, and therefore reduce the number of events centered around alcohol or drugs on campus.

“They [drugs and alcohol] are a constant source of concern and worry,” Casey said. “At its most primal level, you worry about the safety of students.”

Director of Public Safety Angie Nally also said alcohol is a significant problem on campus, but viewed other drugs as less prevalent.

“I think there are instances when our students are using illegal substances,” Nally said. “I don’t know that it is the most prevalent issue on our campus.”

Alcohol: the most common drug For many students, drinking almost automatically accompanies any campus event or weekend festivity. Pre-gaming, drinking games, and social drinking occur on campus on a regular basis.

The 2008 CORE Alcohol and Drug survey showed that 82 percent of students had consumed alcohol in the 30 days preceding the survey.

Outgoing Student Government President Christine Walker, a senior, expressed little surprise at the large number of students involved in drinking.

She said students drink quite often on campus and often justify their excessive consumption as a reward for hard work.

see drugs | page 5

5 | Investigative News drugs | from page 4 “The drinking is definitely part of the DePauw culture,” Walker said, “ ‘Work hard, play hard!’ is the slogan that people use to describe it.”

Nally said the desire on campus to get “drunker than drunk” has increased.

“It just feels as if as a community we’ve passed the point where feeling some effects of alcohol is satisfying,” she said. “We’ve reached the point where we have to be excessively intoxicated to reach the point where we feel like we’ve satisfied the need to have alcohol.”

This danger, along with many other factors, discourages some students from drinking. Sophomore Carroll Bible chooses not to drink because she does not wish to alter her personality and has a family history of alcoholism. However, she attends fraternity parties on occasion in order to socialize.

“They’re pretty easy to come by here, a ton of people have them so you just have to go out and find them.”

A sophomore male who asked to be anonymous, speaking about study drugs like Adderall.

“It’s definitely how you get to know people at DePauw and that’s at any school, not DePauw alone so I like them, but I don’t like when they get out of control or people make decisions that aren’t in their best interest,” Bible said.

A freshman male who wished to remain anonymous said he chooses to drink though he is under the legal drinking age. It helps alleviate anxieties. The freshman has been drinking since high school, but college and fraternity life have significantly increased his use of alcohol.

“It’s like one of the social things to do when there’s like a party going on or something and it just makes you more sociable, makes approaching random strangers easier and I think that it makes some situations funnier or easier to confront,” he said.

Junior Margaret Busam also said drinking takes a large part in social events at DePauw. Busam said she began drinking in high school and continued throughout her DePauw career. She said DePauw has just as much drinking, if not

more, than larger universities, because so many students come to DePauw knowing that there is a strong alcohol culture.

Cindy Babington, vice president for Student Life, echoed Nally, saying safety is most important to the university when it comes to drinking.

“If our message was don’t drink until you’re 21, we’d just be burying our heads in the sand to the reality of what’s going on, so I think it’s our obligation to do that part where we’re educating students about the risks of alcohol and how to be safer if you choose to drink,” Babington said. “But it is a tough message to relay to students and it puts us in an awkward position,” Babington said.

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

are some people who have the opinion that marijuana opens their minds to exploration and intellectual engagement,” Nally said.

tion medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in order to improve focus and to study for greater periods of time.

Students often fail to recognize the The hard drugs: harder to find potential dangers associated with using Though very infrequently encoun- another person’s prescription, Babingtered by Public Safety, designer drugs ton said. such as cocaine, heroin and ecstasy are “I think because students see that used on campus more often than many benefit from it they’re ignoring all the students realize. potential risks involved, and I think we Only 0.02 percent of students said need to do a better job of getting those they had used designer drugs in the 30 risks out there,” she said. days preceding the CORE survey, but ask Medication is prescribed to an innearly any student, and they can tell you dividual based on weight, symptoms a person they know who uses or can get and other factors. By giving or selling hard drugs. it to someone else, Babington said, the Babington said students are rarely medication may have different effects Under the radar: marijuana caught with designer drugs, but they pre- that may be negative. She mentioned Though most parties provide alco- sent serious danger to students’ health. instances where students using another hol up front, just down the hall behind a individual’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivclosed door, a student can regularly find ity Disorder prescription required medimarijuana. attention for increased heart rate and “I think it’s our obligation to do cal Nally pointed to marijuana as the other effects. most common illegal drug recovered by that part where we’re educating An anonymous sophomore male said Public Safety and said it often comes with he buys Adderall or Concerta from classstudents about the risks of a dangerous culture that emphasizes mates in order to focus better during his weapons and violence. studying sessions for finals. alcohol and how to be safer if “We’ve seen visitors to campus who “I have ADHD, but I don’t have a preyou choose to drink. But it is are supplying the drugs or coming to scription basically. I used to be on meds, parties and not only bringing the maribut they made me act like a zombie,” he a tough message to relay to juana with them but also the culture that said. comes with it. It is an illegal activity and The sophomore said the drugs help students and it puts us in an on lots of occasions there are ramificahim calm down and focus for extended awkward position.” tions for dealing with marijuana that pose periods of time. high risk to those individuals,” Nally said.

“They’re pretty easy to come by here, Cindy Babington, vice president The CORE survey showed that 43 for Student Life a ton of people have them so you just percent of DePauw students had tried have to go out and find them,” he said. marijuana at least once in their lives comCara Setchell, the associate dean of pared to 47 percent of college students “Every once in a while we hear rumors students, said an increasing number of nationwide. about cocaine use and I think that that’s students are seeking prescription drugs.

An anonymous freshman male said probably something that if student’s are “We haven’t had this at the forefront he smoked marijuana, even though he using cocaine, that’s a drug that’s more of our attention in recent years, but it is a had several friends who received legal serious than, say, marijuana,” she said. real problem,” Setchell said. consequences for use or possession.

Nally recognized that Public Safety For that reason, Abigail Gerwin ‘09 Despite the statistics showing otherwise, occasionally encounters designer drugs, returned to DePauw on April 14 with a he thinks who use marijuana on campus but she said designer drugs are extremely fellow student from Ohio State Univeris probably nearly as high as that of stu- difficult for officers to find as they do not sity’s College of Pharmacy and OSU’s Dr. dents who use alcohol. always cause drastic changes in mood or Ken Hale to give a presentation entitled “Practically all the students at DePauw behavior and are well hidden on campus. “Prescription Medication Abuse in the drink and I’d say it’s like the same [with College-Age Population.” The presentapot],” he said.

Reaching into the cabinet: growing tion presented the issue of prescription The freshman explained that he uses trend of prescription drug use drug abuse nationally and provided varimarijuana to reduce social tension and to As finals push some students to their ous programs for colleges and universimake normal events seem “funnier.” He breaking points, some seek an illegal ties to educate students on the dangers also said he uses the drug to “open his edge to improve their focus and ability to of prescription drug abuse. mind” at times for academic endeavors. study: Ritalin and Adderall.

Many administrators attended the Nally said she worries students who Many students illegally purchase pre- presentation and expressed a desire to smoke marijuana might have less motiva- scription medications not actually per- implement similar programs at DePauw tion for everyday activities. scribed to them from other students at in order to combat problems with pre“For people who consume marijuana anywhere from $3 to $30 a pill to feel the scription drugs. Currently, the university to excess it can have dramatic effects on effects of those medications. has yet to adopt such programs. their desire to do well in classes and there Many students buy and use prescrip

Alcohol bottles. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

BY STAFF/THE DEPAUW

The aftermath of drugs Often the drugs and alcohol come with negative effects that may not set in until later. Whether that be a hangover, increased heart rate or addiction, using a drug generates a change within the body.

Babington said professors have called her office regarding students they believe to have drug or alcohol problems coming across in the classroom. These calls, though, don’t happen frequently.

Eighty-six percent of students said they had never performed poorly on a test or project due to drug or alcohol use, and 77 percent said they had never skipped a class due to drugs or alcohol, according to the CORE survey.

Still, Babington said there has to be some impact.

“I’ve had that conversation with students before and they say, ‘no, no, no, I get all my work done and then I socialize.’ “ she said. “And I think for some students they can probably handle that pretty well, and I think for other students, they can’t.”

— Andrew Maddocks contributed to this story.

6 | News

New housing process completes first cycle

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION ON ALCOHOL The four subcommittees, consisting of students, administrators and faculty, discussed alcohol use on campus and made recommendations for a safer drinking culture. They met Thursday to share the results. The subcommittees had overlapping ideas in many areas and their proposed recommendations will go into a final report that may influence future policy decisions.

By GENEVIEVE FLYNN news@thedepauw.com

Now that the majority of students have been given housing assignments for next year, the new process has been received with little complaint from students.

Director of Campus Living and Community Development Myrna Hernadez said there was an issue with room-type availability, as many students requested single rooms.

Students have united with Campus Living and Community Development to establish a new housing system for those who do not live in greek houses based upon student reviews of the process from previous years.

“Students were placed by class year with our office working to minimize the number of students who received their last preferences, whenever possible” Hernandez said. “There was one application deadline and students were notified earlier of their housing assignments than in previous years.”

Freshman Nadiyah Ford said signing up for housing next year was a rather simple process. But although Ford wanted to live in Mason Hall, a popular dorm among rising sophomores, she was placed in Bloomington Street Hall, her third choice in housing placement.

“Mason is the only sophomore dorm that has air conditioning,” Ford said. “Living in Bloomington means I have to walk further to go to the gym now, but I’ll have a single, so it will be easier for me to make my own schedule.”

The new housing plan also allowed people to sign up for housing in groups, giving students more control over who they would live with. Although this change has the potential to hinder students from meeting new people, Ford said she likes this new policy.

“If you can’t have control over where you live, you should at least have control over who you live with,” Ford said. “I don’t really have anything to complain about.”

The new housing system also encourages students with the same graduation year to live together, placing many independent sophomores in North Quad.

The students who signed up before the due date for off-campus housing have all received their housing assignments. Hernandez said those who submitted late housing applications should find out about their housing placement within the next few weeks.

Students who are interested in becoming involved in improving the housing process will have the opportunity to make suggestions regarding the housing plan next fall.

“We are currently conducting a survey to collect student feedback about this year’s process and will likely convene a student group in the fall, provided there is sufficient interest, to discuss the feedback and suggest improvements for next year,” Hernandez said.

THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENFORCEMENT AND SANCTIONING THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERALL ALCOHOL USE Recommendations • Make students more aware of insurance policies for fraternities and safety strategies • Look into effectiveness of IFC policies and change, further implement, or eradicate policies accordingly • Work to reduce pre-gaming • Restructure Winter Term to promote safety and reduce opportunities to use alcohol

THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Recommendations • Create definition for excessive consumption • Make fraternity chapters more aware of procedures for events • Potentially set a maximum number of attendees for parties so as to limit dangerous issues with excessive drinking • Further discuss kegs on campus

Recommendations • Further improve relations between students and Public Safety officers by using further outreach efforts • Show faculty members the processes Public Safety uses in reprimanding students so as to reduce opinions that Public Safety does not prepare students for the real world • Facilitate a peer-to-peer mechanism of preventing dangers of alcohol • Implement policies that create larger sanctions for consuming beverages with an alcohol content over 14 percent

THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND INTERVENTION Recommendations • Provide additional information on the health effects of using alcohol and more information regarding treatment and interventions • Provide more information on alcohol throughout a student’s time at DePauw, not just in the first year • Create a clear institutional goal around alcohol

Greek councils endow philanthropic fund

By DANA FERGUSON news@thedepauw.com

Six years after the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council started the endowment for fraternity and sorority philanthropy, the two councils paid a combined $4,000 on April 15 to push the endowment total over $12,000. The endowment needed to reach the $12,000 mark in order for the councils to be able to award grants to be paid with the money.

Panhel’s director of service and philanthropy, junior Megan Murphy, explained that Panhel, along with IFC, worked to finish funding the endowment this year.

“They didn’t really know much about it be-

cause it sort of fell apart for a while, but we just kind of thought maybe we could complete it, and before you know it we wrote the checks — we wrote them a couple weeks ago and it was really exciting,” Murphy said.

Now that the endowment fund has reached its minimum for withdrawal, the two councils will convene to decide which charity or program in Greencastle will receive a grant. Every year, a grant of up to 4.5 percent of the fund ($540), will go to a different cause chosen by the councils.

Eric Wolfe, a greek life coordinator, explained that now that the councils have funds to award, they have to come together and decide who will receive a grant.

Murphy explained that the councils will likely

seek out charities in Greencastle that have specific needs and don’t already receive support from the university.

Murphy and Wolfe said the councils hope to expand their union to include all greek councils on campus in the long run, but the two councils involved sought to complete the fund this year in order to award grants as soon as possible.

The $4,000 that completed the fund came from fraternity and sorority dues, along with excess funding of the two councils. Murphy said that the money came from every chapter.

The councils will meet at the end of the year to consider charities and organizations and will likely reward the grant early next semester.

7 | News

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

Changes in a timeless academic department

By KATHERINE SHOVER news@thedepauw.com

As the oldest major at DePauw, classical studies has played an important role since the 1800s, when as a part of their general education all students were required to take courses like Latin, Greek and Roman Civilization — courses now assigned to the Classics Department.

With professor Carl Huffman set to retire at the end of next year and professor Jinyu Liu going on leave for two years, the department must undergo several changes.

To fill in for Liu who is leaving after receiving the New Directions Fellowship from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, DePauw recently hired James Wells after receiving over 77 applications for the Wells position. The first in his family to attend college, Wells went on to earn his Ph.D. in classical studies at Indiana University and has taught at Hamilton College.

Both faculty and staff had high expectations for the new professor. Throughout the application process for the position, faculty and students examined the potential hires for several essential qualities expected in a classical studies professor.

In the Classics Department, interdisciplinary skills are crucial. Dean of Academic Life and classical studies professor Pedar Foss described classics as “an incredibly multidisciplinary discipline by its very nature,” emphasizing how Classical Studies covers a broad range of civilizations over the course of over 4000 years.

“Most of the professors know everything about everything related to classics, and outside of it as well,” said senior Nick Smith. A double major in classical civilizations and Greek, Smith also expressed a desire to expand the department and find “some manner by which to increase the number of students in upper-level courses.”

Not only is an increase in student interest important, but some also cite the

importance of hiring a professor who will inspire greater enthusiasm. Lindsay Llewellyn, the only senior Latin major, said the ideal classics professor should be “someone knowledgeable in their field, and someone that can translate their love of the subject to their students.”

When hiring new professors, DePauw strongly considers student input in making the final decision. In addition to holding mock classes that students can attend, DePauw also arranges for several students to meet with potential professors over lunch.

“As faculty, we have our own ideas and expectations of what makes a good class,” said Rebecca Schindler, chair of the Classical Studies Department. “But that’s not always the same as what the students think makes a good class, so it’s important to us to have feedback from the students.”

Huffman said teaching ability in the classroom is the most important component taken into account when hiring a new teacher. However, the learning experience professors would provide outside of the classroom also plays a large role. “[The professors] are very helpful,” sophomore Kristen Fanning said. “I’m applying to a Classical Studies school for study abroad, and even teachers I’ve only tangently known…have offered to help me with my application.”

With 25 students majoring and 10 minoring in classical studies, the department has a much smaller number than some majors, but it commands a strong amount of enthusiasm.

“We’re hoping to see continued growth and continued strength,” Foss said. “Our ability to communicate to students in understanding the origins of Western Civilization, while not the only important civilization to learn about, are essential for growing up as informed and thoughtful citizens in a Western country such as ours.”

Despite undergoing many changes, the Classical Studies Department continues to offer courses that provide a valuable learning experience for many students at DePauw.

“You learn a lot more than just how to conjugate Greek verbs,” Smith said. “you learn about English, philosophy, religion, rhetoric, all areas.”

Rocking for Delta Jamma

Electrical Lobe performs at Delta Jamma in Bowman Park on Wednesday. Hosted by Delta Gamma sorority, the event raised money for Service for Sight, a national organization. ISABELLE CHAPMAN/THE DEPAUW w

Ice storm • DePauw 2020 • Little 5 • Ubben Lectures • Death of Osama bin Laden

INSPIRED BY THE NEWS? HELP SHARE IT WITH CAMPUS. JOIN THE STAFF OF THE DEPAUW WE’RE HIRING: news editor • features editor • opinion editor • sports editor • visual editor • photography editor • graphic designers • assistant copy editors • coffee slave • cartoonists • reporter • photographer • opinion columnist • and other positions

Applications due May 11. Pick one up on the newsroom door in the PCCM Questions to fall 2011 Editor-in-Chief Matthew Cecil: editor@thedepauw.com

8-9 | Features

Tearing up

New trend has students ‘tearing up concrete waves’

By DAVE JORGENSON features@thedepauw.com

Though this season’s spring weather has brought chilly winds and downpours of rain, students have snuck out of their hibernation — whether it be their dorm room, greek house or Roy O. West library — in order to get fresh air. Along with pleasant spring weather comes various forms of transportation or recreation, traditionally bicyclers and Rollerbladers. But sophomore Alex Riggs and his friends travel by longboard.

On one of these days, Riggs was riding to class on his longboard when he accidentally rode into the grass and stumbled in front of a couple of passing students.

“See,” one student said to the other, “I told you.

They’re everywhere!”

Riggs looked at the student in disbelief, picked up his board and rode away.

“He was right in front of me,” Riggs said. “Like, I could hear him say it. I don’t know what his problem was.”

The passing student may have been referring to the recent rise in longboards across campus, a mode of transportation far more common on the west coast where most longboard stores are located.

The longboard itself is shaped like a rectangle with smoothed edges. Longer than a skateboard, it does not allow for the usual tricks the shorter skateboard might.

However, a longboard does come in several different sizes – though all longboards are still much longer than a skateboard.

TheLongboardStore.com mentions in their FAQ section the advantages and disadvantages of different longboard sizes. “A longer longboard is going to be more stable and are great for longer commutes and cruising,” the site says. It also reveals that a shorter board, though

harder to handle, “turns much quicker” and is “easier to carry with you to the office or class.”

Riggs believes longboards are extremely efficient and easy to ride.

“I could probably do the Forrest Gump thing on a longboard,” Riggs said. “And just ride it across the U.S.A.” Riggs also explained that the boards allow a student to get anywhere on campus in five minutes or less.

Not only do the boards provide an efficient way to travel they’re simply, “exhilarating,” said freshman Rob Weidner. “You can’t do as much on bikes.”

“They’re absolutely bro-tastic. But there are people who aren’t bros that have longboards.

It’s a square versus rectangles thing.”

–Chip Potter, freshman

His friend, sophomore Robby Spichiger was quick to correct him.

“Absolutely not,” Spichiger said. “Rob, that makes no sense.”

Spichiger then explained that a bike is faster and easier for traveling long distance. However, he added, “[A longboard is] cheaper and easier to fix. You don’t need a lock for a longboard.”

Weidner agreed.

“You can just take it with you into class. It saves you a lot of time.” He also added, “You don’t need a kick stand for a longboard.”

Freshman Chip Potter is a proud owner of a recently

purchased longboard. He said he finally caved in and purchased his longboard after seeing Weidner, his roommate, with one.

“I’ve had my longboard for one month,” Potter said.

“It gets you from point A to point B really quickly. I get to all of my classes in about 3 minutes.”

Potter mentioned that at least five or six of his fraternity brothers also have a longboard. However, he insisted that the longboard was not just a fraternity stereotype, as it is often perceived.

“They’re absolutely bro-tastic,” he agreed. “But there are people who aren’t bros that have longboards. It’s a square versus rectangles thing.”

A firm advocate of longboards over bikes, Weidner still warned of the dangers of longboarding.

“Those spike balls are my downfall,” Weidner explained. “The ones that fall from those trees get you every time. And getting my wheel caught in a hole. Hate that.”

Yet, the board’s positive aspects seem to far outweigh any negatives. Though a fellow fraternity brother heckled Weidner, Riggs and Spichiger about “tearing up the concrete waves,” the longboard certainly is growing in popularity across campus, despite the encounter Riggs had with two turned-off students.

Potter advised future purchasers to stick to the Internet when searching for the right longboard.

“I got mine off the Internet for a fraction of the price it would’ve cost [at a store],” Potter said. “I’d always wanted one, even in high school. It’s a great way to get around.”

Though Weidner had not yet developed a name for his longboard, Potter already had a name in mind for his board when asked.

“The Icebox, because it’s so chill.”

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

p the concrete waves

TOP: A longboarder cruises down Locust Street Thursday afternoon. ANDREW MADDOCKS/THE DEPAUW ABOVE LEFT: Freshman Chip Potter rides his longboard along Locust Street. CARLY PIETRZAK/THE DEPAUW ABOVE RIGHT: Freshmen Seth Morris and Cameron Wiethoff longboard along Locust Street. CARLY PIETRZAK/THE DEPAUW

10 | Features

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

REMEMBER EXERCISE IN SUCCESSFUL FINALS SEASON

GERARD’S FINAL MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS

Music columnist says ‘so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye’ A

fter writing nearly 30 music columns “Dookie” by Green Day – I have this for The DePauw, it’s time for me to album to thank for getting me into rock pass the torch and go on my way into the music. Its blend of melody and minimalism great abyss that is the real world. I sin- do well to capture the struggles of growing cerely hope my columns were helpful in up on the cusp of the 21st century, making your pursuit of new music or, at the very it a classic for our generation. least, thought provoking.

“Sam’s Town” by The Killers – Before I go, I’d like to share with you While this album may not have the same some of my favorite albums that I never infectious pop sound of “Hot Fuss,” it posgot to mention in my three years as mu- sesses a delightful maturity rarely found in sic columnist. I strongly encourage you to contemporary pop rock. add these to your summer listening list and “The Fame Monster” by Lady Gaga give them a few listens before coming to – It’s probably unnecessary to promote any conclusions. Many of my all-time fa- Lady Gaga to college students, but I really vorite records took a few listens before I want people to see this album as a bencheven began to like them. On that note, I’m mark in pop music. Every song on this alout. Peace. bum is just so good.

“As the Eternal Cowboy” “De-loused in the

by Against Me! – It’s only 25 Comatorium” by The Mars minutes of music, but I have yet Volta – Simply put, this album is to find a more potent combinaa masterpiece. It may be a little tion of energy, melody and lyrical heavy for some, but its flawless depth in a rock album. instrumentation and ambient “Abbey Road” by The narrative create a genreBeatles – I assume most of defying sound that is as you have heard the singles beautiful as it is chaotic. from this album and would “Planet of Ice” by probably recognize its fa- GERARDPANNEKOEK Minus the Bear – I think mous cover art, but have the best word to describe you ever listened to the whole thing from this album is “sexy.” It has some songs that start to finish? I cannot say enough good groove real hard. Think Pink Floyd meets things about this album.

Passion Pit. “London Calling” by The Clash – “The Shape of Punk to Come” by These guys proved that punk rock could Refused – I generally stay away from hardbe done intelligently. On this album, they core music or anything with a lot of screamfused the power and energy of punk with ing, but this album is different. It’s smart jazz, reggae, pop and rockabilly to make and successfully combines a wide range of one of the most critically acclaimed albums music styles while still rocking face. of all time.

“The Wait” by ZOX – If you like vio“Picaresque” by The December- lins and reggae-rock, then you will definiteists – This is the album I put on when I’m ly like this album. It’s kind of complicated, feeling sick. It’s a beautiful indie folk-rock switching back and forth between upbeat record that may or may not have magic and downbeat songs, but the whole thing healing powers. comes together quite nicely.

“Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac — Judging by the cover art, you probably — Pannekoek is a senior from Chesterton, Ind., wouldn’t think this is one of the greatest majoring in English writing. rock albums of all time. I guess that’s why features@thedepauw.com

we’re told to not judge anything by its cover.

Healthy tips to manage end-of-year stress A

s the month of May springs to life, Exercise — With all the papers and DePauw students start to look for- assignments you have to complete, ward to the many attractions of the you probably don’t have the time to month – the warm weather, soaking workout, and because it’s finals, this up the sun outdoors (unless of course excuse seems perfectly justifiable. Big Indiana weather decides to have its mistake. If you’ve already read this far periodic mood swings), the numer- into the column, you probably know ous social events hosted by the greek a little bit about the benefits of workhouses on campus, being home or ing out on productivity. Even half an abroad for the summer and hour of exercise can greatly increase seeing family and friends. blood circulation, stimulating However, the one thing your mind and body, making you we’re definitely not looking more focused and productive. A forward to is among the inshort, explosive workout and a evitable: finals. It’s the last rejuvenating shower will give you hurdle we must all cross to the motivation to complete that reach the other side – 15-page paper in no time. filled with fun, friends Tip: Start the day with and frolicking (and your quick workout. summer jobs). calorie burns SUMERUCHATTERJEE Morning The finals seaare typically higher son on campus than burns during the can be damaging in many ways – in- day, and checking off the workout for creased stress from all the academic the day early in the morning will you pressure, finalizing travel plans for the give you more time to work on school. summer and catching up on all the Also, it’s a great feeling of accomplishwork that you have been postponing ment and good time management. until the last minute. All this pressure and time crunch situations can have Stress Eating – Busy burning a devastating toll on your health and the midnight oil preparing for finals? well-being, which takes an even great- It seems to be the perfect excuse to er toll on your productivity, throwing disregard basic nutritional guidelines, off calculations and coherent argu- but stress-induced binge eating is a ments as well as thwarting plans. common practice during periods of Here are a few things to keep in greater academic pressure in colleges mind while preparing for finals and around the country. Just don’t forget how to stay healthy and fit through - Taco Bell, PB & Js, Doritos and Monthis season: sters don’t exactly make up the food pyramid. It is essential to provide your

body with a high-energy, high-fiber diet that will help you pack in more productive hours throughout the day.

Tip: Surround yourself with healthy things – you’ll be a lot less likely to eat junk. Fibrous cereal, fruit or even wellbalanced sandwiches make the perfect snack between meals.

Hydration – Sleep deprivation (which is almost unavoidable during finals) negatively impacts the body’s natural digestion and even affects the basal metabolic rate. To counteract this, keep yourself amply hydrated.

And for clarification, Monsters and 5-Hour Energy don’t count as sources of hydration. Avoid carbonated and unnecessarily sugary drinks. Stick to water.

Tip: Drink up. Water, that is.

Focus – On a slightly broader note, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. We’re all here to learn, not to take finals. So go out and enjoy the breeze once in a while. Do stay productive and manage your time effectively, but remember, health must always be your first priority.

Stay healthy, and happy finals!

— Chatterjee is a sophomore from Kolkata, India, majoring in economics. features@thedepauw.com

THE DEPAUW is proud to announce its editorial board for the fall semester of 2011-12

Matthew Cecil, Editor-in-Chief Rachel Cheeseman and Chase Hall, Managing Editors Ellen Funke and Stephanie Sharlow, Chief Copy Editors

11 | Opinion

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

THE DEPAUW | Editorial Board Andrew Maddocks | Editor-in-Chief Macy Ayers | Managing Editor Rachel Cheeseman | Chief Copy Editor Samuel Weigley | Managing Editor Ellen Kobe | Chief Copy Editor

EDITORIAL

Drink responsibly when off campus For the majority of students, fraternity and sorority formals are a lot of fun. However, as pointed out by our story on greek formals (see story on page 1), sometimes problems with alcohol occur.

For formals taking place around Indianapolis, students often begin drinking the afternoon before the formal, on their way to the formal and once they are in the venue. For out-of-state formals, the events can turn into weekend-long drinking fests.

At DePauw, students often find excuses to go out and get “wasted.” However, unlike senior dinners, Little 5 or celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden at The Duck, formals usually take place off-campus. In these instances, students must be aware that they are representing themselves, their local and national greek chapter and DePauw University.

It was only a few years ago that the Delta Zeta controversy put DePauw under national spotlight — and not in a good way. Although getting kicked out of fraternity and sorority formals has not landed us in The New York Times recently, it has not cast us in a favorable light either.

In an interview with The DePauw, President Casey said he wished more people would talk about the academic reputation of the institution, rather than just about greek life and the Princeton Review rankings. If DePauw students continue getting kicked out of formals, then people will continue to see DePauw as an “Animal House”-like school rather than an a school full of bright, engaging and promising students.

Furthermore, renting out a venue, purchasing lots of dinners and hiring a disc jockey is not cheap. If a formal has to be shut down because a handful of students were publicly intoxicated, everyone loses their money, not just those who cause problems. A lot of people can be let down by a few people’s poor decisions.

We are not advocating eliminating alcohol completely from the formal experience. However, there is a difference between socially drinking and drinking to the point at which students’ actions are out of their own control. If those who choose the latter begin choosing the former, everyone — both students and those working the events — will have a more pleasant formal experience.

Write to the editorial board: edboard@thedepauw.com

EDITORIAL POLICY The DePauw is an independently managed and financed student newspaper. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of DePauw University or the Student Publications Board. Editorials are the responsibility of The DePauw editorial board (names above).

The opinions expressed by cartoonists, columnists and in letters to the editor are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial staff of The DePauw.

The DePauw welcomes letters to the editor. Letters

must be signed and accompanied by the author’s name and phone number. Letters have a 350-word limit and are subject to editing for style and length. The DePauw reserves the right to reject letters that are libelous or sent for promotional or advertising purposes. Deliver letters to the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media, e-mail the editor-in-chief, Andrew Maddocks, at editor@thedepauw. com or write The DePauw at 609 S. Locust St., Greencastle, IN 46135.

MIKE HARRIS/THE DEPAUW

International law a mediocre solution I

’ve long since lost count of how many times I’ve heard the words “international law” throughout the Libyan conflict and especially since bin Laden got killed. Even in Tuesday’s issue of The DePauw, a letter to the editor criticized the USA for the manner in which they have gone after leaders like Gaddafi and bin Laden. If international law was established to help bring about world peace, is violating it ever acceptable?

While no decent person would argue against a goal as worthwhile as world peace, there’s a problem with international law: the U.N. can’t enforce it.

In a sense, the interaction of nations in the world is like individuals in society. Every time people obey laws, they go along with the basic premise for society: that by giving up a bit of their freedom, they make it possible for those in power to maintain order. Order has positives for everyone involved; people tend to be happier (and have longer life expectancies) in a civilized world than in cutthroat anarchy. Nations also benefit from more peace and free trade than from chaos.

The problem is convincing people to give up that first bit of freedom to help establish a collective group. This is especially true to nations. Nations have gone to war for thousands of years over anything and everything, but only in

the last 100 years or so has there been a upset about them. semi-successful attempt to create a govEinstein once said, “Nothing is more erning body for the world capable of es- destructive of respect for the governtablishing and maintaining peace. Eve- ment and the law of the land than passryone wants peace but refuses to give ing laws which cannot be enforced.” up their autonomy. Would you be will- Until it gains power to enforce the laws ing to let the U.N. control our schools, it passes, the U.N. will continue to be our military, our taxes? It’s harder to obeyed only when obedience is constomach. But having that level of con- venient. It’s easy to participate in the trol would give the U.N. the power U.N. and ride around on a moral to impose sanctions significant high horse, but nations rarely (if enough to stop conflicts. ever) go against their own inSimply put, the U.N. curterests purely out of the goodrently does not have the power ness of their hearts. Torture is to enforce international law. illegal under international law?

The writers of last edition’s letSorry, we think it’s necessary ter to the editor (who for our war effort and made a number of valid no one really has the arguments, many of power to stop it. which I agree with) Want to see a acknowledged that change in the world?

ANDREWCARTER bin Laden deserved to Be the change; vote die. But who was gofor the change. Maying to punish him for killing thousands be a candidate has a better solution of innocent civilians? Not the U.N. The than giving more power to the U.N. United States stepped up to the job and but ideas have to start being debated. has vilified for it in parts of the world Only when someone has the power to ever since. In Libya, the U.N. “author- enforce international law can curing inized its member nations to establish a justice in the world become a practical no-fly zone” according to CNN. Once objective instead of an idealistic dream. again, they lack the power to actually do anything themselves. The economic — Carter is a sophomore from Carmel, Ind., sanctions they impose can be signifi- majoring in English writing. cant, but Kim Jong Il doesn’t seem too opinion@thedepauw.com

12 | Opinion

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Reconsider bin Laden’s assassination: Position demands public neutrality take the streets for peace, not hate S

ince arriving at DePauw University, I have received serve. a steady stream of requests from students and othI very much know that this might be disappointing ers to speak out on various political and social issues. to some members of our community. But it is imThe recent Indiana legislative session has prompted a portant that my office not quash the efforts of anyone number of such requests. This session was particular- in our community to advocate for their positions, no ly active, with bills before legislators on such issues as matter how righteous or questionable their cause may same-sex marriage, funding for Planned Parenthood be. I will, of course, support any student group that and statewide immigration policies (the SB 590 bill). wishes to speak out on an issue or wishes to assemble I write today to clarify the position my office must to make their positions known. And, again, I will altake with respect to requests for me to speak out in ways have an open door so I can listen to community support of or in opposition to legislative actions. concerns.

While I continue to be proud of the participation It is important for me to say here that DePauw reof our students in legislative matters and the ways in mains deeply committed to diversity and tolerance. which our students, on a wide variety of issues, seek These principles guide our decisions in the oversight to have their voices heard on many important isof student life, the admission of students, the hirsues — and while I will always be open to ing of faculty and the conduct of all of our afmeeting with students and faculty to hear fairs. This commitment is embedded in our their thoughts and concerns about issues — it academic and student handbooks, in our facis important for the mission of this university ulty governance policies and in the practices that I do not take a public stand on these politiof our Board of Trustees. This commitcal matters. ment is also exemplified in vigorous, No matter how strongly I may feel respectful and informed discussion personally about any political issue, in our classrooms. This is exactly including SB 590 (and there are many how an institution such as ours can BRIANCASEY political issues, including this one, — and should — communicate to about which I have very strong and the world the essential importance deeply held personal feelings), my position as head of diversity to our mission. of a university makes it impossible for me to speak as There are times, though, when I must speak to the an individual, as opposed to as the voice of the institu- climate on this campus and to the behavior of memtion. Were I to comment publicly on any legislative bers of our community. Last year, Cinco de Mayo was matter, I would be, de facto, speaking for DePauw. the occasion for some hurtful expressions in connecEvery student and faculty member must have the tion with a campus social event. There have been refreedom to speak freely about all issues if we are to cent, troubling examples of similar behavior this year. have a healthy, open dialogue on the issues of the It is my hope that this year’s Cinco de Mayo will be an day, and for that reason, the institution should not opportunity to correct ignorance and a moment for

Were I to comment publicly on any legislative matter, I would be, de facto, speaking for DePauw. decree what the acceptable position on any political issue is. This means, unfortunately, that in order to preserve freedom of expression for the campus, I often have to limit my own. Whatever my own opinions on these issues, to declare an institutional position on any of them would have a chilling effect on debate and opinion on the campus. Finally, it is crucial to note that important issues are typically very complex.

There are often not just two but many sides to these issues, and even more to the impacts any proposed solution might offer. It is unlikely that, in a broad public statement, I would have the opportunity to engage such complexities with the nuances they de-

education and understanding. Glen Kuecker’s talk on the history of Cinco de Mayo was a good opportunity for such transformation to begin. I know there will be others.

I am, again, more proud of DePauw’s politically active students than I can express, and of their hard work to make DePauw and the world a better and more just place.

— Brian Casey is the 19th president of DePauw University. opinion@thedepauw.com

A

s I watched the images of animated crowds belief. We do not have to look far to see the gathering outside the White House and in frightening consequences of this shift within lower Manhattan last Sunday night, I could our own borders. not help but wonder exactly what was Almost anyone can recount a story of being celebrated in the chants and profiling in airport security screenings. songs resounding in the streets. In Leaked secret documents have revealed spite of the unquestionably murderthe horrific treatment of prisoners at ous acts perpetrated by Osama bin Guantánamo. Legal manipulation in conLaden and his followers around the nection with terrorism trials has quietly world, it remains troubling that this become commonplace, as in the cathartic “Mission Accomplished” case of Syed Fahad Hashmi. An moment, which ten years and American citizen of Pakistani two wars have failed to provide, origin, student-activist and could only arise from a political Muslim, Syed was held for MATTBRAUER killing committed thousands of four years without trial and miles away. President Obama manipulated into accepting solemnly declared that justice had been done, a plea bargain which saw him incarcerated in and most of those interviewed on the news ech- a Supermax prison. He was accused of having oed his pronouncement. Rather than take such briefly housed an acquaintance that later desentiments for granted, we ought to consider livered ponchos, raincoats and socks to an alprecisely what we believe justice to be.

Qaeda leader in Pakistan.

Is Bin Laden’s death a victory for the United States, for freedom and morality, or is it just one more moment in an ongoing cycle of marginalization and violence?

We must first clarify what happened. Saying that Osama bin Laden died is misleading. He was assassinated in a covert mission by United States operatives. While the administration claims there was a contingency plan to capture Bin Laden alive, officials have also admitted that Bin Laden was unarmed when he was shot in the head. Obama’s administration followed the same mythical, “Wanted Dead or Alive,” wild west logic of justice that former president George W. Bush laid out in 2001. Declaring bin Laden an enemy combatant, they circumvented the procedural justice enshrined in the values of our judiciary system, even though legal procedures are far from unprecedented for violent leaders like Bin Laden. Slobodan Milosevic, Charles Taylor and Saddam Hussein all had trials, whether in their own countries or in international forums.

However, the preference among American officials for extralegal assassinations has a long history as well. This latest installment reflects the dangerous idea that we may withhold legal rights from certain accused criminals based on the nature of their suspected crimes and, if not explicitly, on their national origin and religious

Beyond the disturbing implications of our de facto redefinition of justice, we must ask ourselves an even bigger question: Is true justice to be found in vengeful or punitive measures or in actions that address the conditions inciting people to hatred and hostility? Is Bin Laden’s death a victory for the United States, for freedom and morality, or is it just one more moment in an ongoing cycle of marginalization and violence?

Do our actions at home and abroad reflect our stated belief that all people are created equal or reflect an ideology of power and exclusion?

Bin Laden’s assassination punctuates a tragic chapter in contemporary history. Before we go into the streets in celebration, we should take this moment to reflect on our own history in the Middle East and central Asia, on our treatment of prisoners in places like Abu Ghraib and Guantánamo and on stories like that of Syed Fahad Hashmi. Then, when we do go into the streets, may it be for the sake of peace instead of in the name of violence.

— Brauer is a senior from Wheaton, Ill., majoring in romance languages. opinion@thedepauw.com

13 | Sports

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS

Teams working and improving

MEN’S LACROSSE

Lax team ends 2011 season with victory

By LEWIS BROWN

By LESLIE GABER sports@thedepauw.com

Despite any NCAA Championship matches that may await them, the men’s and women’s tennis teams are not looking past the final weekend of the regular season.

The Tigers are hoping to make strong statements Saturday when they conclude the regular season at home against Washington University-St. Louis.

For the men, the results of Saturday’s contest could have important NCAA Championship implications. A win or close loss against the sixth-ranked Bears could improve DePauw’s chances of receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.

The Tigers (17-6) are currently listed at No. 17 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s national rankings.

Trinity University claimed the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference’s automatic bid to the championships after defeating DePauw 6-3, in the SCAC Championship match on April 24.

“In the SCAC tournament, we all played pretty well,” said senior Hunter Schouweiler. “We fought really hard in singles and doubles, so we’ve just been working on a few technical things – tactics, smarter shots.”

While the team has already made great strides this season, especially given its relative youth, Schouweiler says the importance of Saturday’s match against Wash. U. is not lost on the Tigers.

“It’s going to be tough for everybody knowing that it’s kind of a must-win,” he said. “At the same time, I think [head] coach [Scott Riggle] has really stressed that we’ve just got to play within our ability and not look too far into the future.”

Meanwhile, the 17th-ranked women most recently captured their fourth-straight Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference title after defeating Sewanee: The University of the South in the championship match on April 24. While that win helped DePauw secure the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championships, the team still wants to close the regular season with a win.

After the Tigers swept the doubles points in each of their three SCAC tournament matches, senior Janelle Arita said the team hopes to carry that strong doubles play into Saturday’s match.

“That was the key for us to win our match against Sewanee because it was really important that we got off to a good start in doubles,” Arita said. “Hopefully we can continue that against Wash U. and get a good lead.”

With the field for the NCAA Championships set to be released next week, Arita says the Tigers can focus their attention solely on the regular season finale against No. 15 Wash U. Saturday.

“We’re still working and improving in preparation for the Wash U. match. After that, we’ll start thinking about nationals,” she said.

The men will face Washington-St. Louis at 9 a.m. Saturday at Blackstock Courts, while the women will play the Bears at noon.

sports@thedepauw.com

Editor’s note: Lewis Brown, the author of this article, is a member of the men’s lacrosse team.

Men’s lacrosse ended its season with a victory over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Wednesday.

The team consists of players of all ages and different skill levels and although they did not get the season started off on the right note, junior and coach Alex Grip is happy with the way the season ended.

“We knew we weren’t playing our best lacrosse during the early games and everyone really stepped it up as soon as we got back from spring break,” said Grip. “It was a really positive turnaround, ending the season with wins against Wabash and Rose-Hulman were absolutely a high note for us.”

One of the key players in the win was sophomore Jack Glerum, who finished with two goal and three assists. Glerum feels like the future is definitely bright for this program.

“With a strong freshman class at attack and defense and without any seniors on the

“I’d say our best game of the season was played against Wabash. All our players came together to play as a team that day. We were playing unselfish lacrosse and everyone on the field was making big plays.”

Alex Grip, junior and coach

roster, I expect us to be even better next year,” he said.

Both players echoed the sentiments that it is sometimes hard to get people to come out and play but that the attendance improves year in and year out and that no matter who shows up, they are having a good time.

“We have a very solid and cohesive team which creates a fun atmosphere people want to be a part of,” said Grip. “The more support the team has, the more of a chance the program has of becoming a varsity sport - a clear goal of our club.”

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Confer-

ence had its inaugural conference lacrosse tournament this year and with the switching of conferences, that goal seems to be in limbo.

If the North Coast Athletic Conference does pick up lacrosse, there is one team that DePauw will not be afraid of.

In the four-year history of the program, the team has yet to lose to the Little Giants of Wabash College and the team wants to keep it that way.

“I’d say our best game of the season was played against Wabash. All our players came together to play as a team that day,” said Grip.

“We were playing unselfish lacrosse and everyone on the field was making big plays.”

Unlike last year’s team, this one is relatively young and the future of the program is bright. With the weather causing some scheduling nightmares, the Tigers only competed in eight games this year and finished with a record of 5-3.

Either way Grip wants to make sure that everybody knows that they are invited to come out and play, even if they haven’t picked up a stick before.

“It’s a great sport and it can be pretty easy to pick up with a bit of practice,” he said.

“Give it a go and try something new. That’s what coming to college is all about.”

This Weekend at Almost Home • Friday, May 6th • Saturday, May 7th

Live music with Ellusion, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Live music with Rov Killebrew, 8:30 pm. – 11 p.m.

Drink Specials: $3 well drinks on Saturday, additional sales on Specialy Liquors!

Also, don’t forget to stop by the Swizzle Stick on Monday nights for Open Mic Night from 8 – 11 p.m.! Enjoy bottled wine at half price!

14 | Sports: When They Were Students Rasmussen | from page 16 Mostly bald with short white hair on both sides of his head, the wrinkles below his eyes and around his cheeks show his age, but the smiles and wide eyes he produces when talking about ESPN bring back his youth.

“The excitement and the enthusiasm of the audience just helps build the adrenaline,” Rasmussen said. “Especially speaking to college graduate class is really amazing. The kids are really excited and enthused about it.”

Time at DePauw Rasmussen doesn’t make it back to Indiana much these days. Since graduating, Rasmussen has spent most of his time living on opposite coasts. He now resides in the state of Washington, traveling to speaking events, selling his book on the founding of ESPN and pitching new entrepreneurial ideas.

In fact, he can’t quite remember his last trip to Greencastle, guessing it was likely the late 90s while Robert Bottoms was president of the university.

Despite his time away, he still keeps a close eye on DePauw. He communicates with Sports Information Director Bill Wagner frequently at conferences, and Executive Director of Media Relations Ken Owen makes sure to send Rasmussen a copy of each year’s Monon Bell Classic on DVD. Rasmussen found his way to DePauw after graduating from Gage Park High School on the southwest side of Chicago. A baseball player, he wanted to pursue a career in the sport but advice from his father and principal led him to take an academic path. A full-tuition Rector Scholarship helped sway his decision to attend DePauw.

“It made all the sense in the world to go to DePauw to me,” Rasmussen said. “I think that the small-college experience and of course the scholarship helped. I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”

Once at DePauw, Rasmussen played baseball as a freshman, but stuck to playing intramural sports in the following years with his Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brothers. He also joined the Air Force ROTC program.

Through these programs, he made his closest friends.

Rasmussen pointed to his fraternity as a major factor in his success at DePauw.

“We learned from each other. We helped each other. One of the things I’m really proud of, I really learned how to study and attack a problem,” Rasmussen said.

“Every single semester I was at DePauw – eight-straight, from the first until I graduated – my grade point average increased. So I must have been learning something. Maybe I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but I was learning something.”

Fraternity brother Jim Poor ’54 currently resides in Greencastle. A close friend from their days at DePauw, Poor recalls Rasmussen as extremely personable.

“I don’t think anybody that’s ever met him didn’t like him,” Poor said. “He was outgoing. I think he was smart. And as far as the AFROTC was concerned, he rose to the top very quickly and that’s the reason he was student commander.”

“It’s like watching your children grow up to be huge successes.

I’ve watched my sons and my daughter and they’re all successful. That’s fun. And ESPN is kind of our fourth kid if you will. There is a great satisfaction to watching it.”

— Bill Rasmussen ‘54, who founded ESPN

As student commander of the AFROTC, Rasmussen held responsibility of the two battalions at DePauw.

Walt Dannenberg ’54, a battalion commander under Rasmussen and fellow Lambda Chi, remembers Rasmussen as a strong student.

“He’s a quick study,” Dannenberg said. “It seemed like he didn’t have to work as hard as the rest of us.”

When Dannenberg got married in 1955, Rasmussen was the best man of his wedding. Both Dannenberg and Rasmussen married their college sweethearts from DePauw, both members of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

The four stuck close together throughout college and shortly after. His description of Rasmussen’s personality mirrors Poor’s.

“He’s very personable. He’s a lot fun

to be around,” Dannenberg said. “Guys like him. He did good work. Whatever he did, he did well. That’s a pretty good combination. He’s a very bright guy.”

Still, neither of his close friends from DePauw would have ever imagined Rasmussen would found an institution as large as ESPN. “Not in a million years. There wasn’t such a thing as ESPN when we were in school,” Dannenberg said. “I remember going back to our first reunion after he founded it, and I was just stunned. And even then, we didn’t have any idea it would take off like it did.”

Dannenberg, who was CEO of First Midwest Bank in Lake Forest, Ill., at the time, even said he wouldn’t have invested in the network.

Poor knew that Rasmussen was invested in sports from all the intramural athletics he participated in but considered ESPN to be a vast undertaking.

“I guess he knew what people wanted,” Poor said. “I guess he knew what would go and what wouldn’t go. And he was an entrepreneur as far as 24-hour-aday sports were concerned and it paid off for him. Paid off big.”

The founding of ESPN The birth of ESPN wasn’t the culmination of a lifelong dream, tens of years of planning or a first job out of college.

Rather, the idea was born from Rasmussen finding himself jobless as a middleaged man. In May of 1978, Rasmussen was fired from his position of communications director of the New England Whalers, a team from the former World Hockey Association.

Rasmussen worked a number of jobs since his graduation from DePauw.

After entering the Air Force postgraduation, Rasmussen started an advertising service business in 1959. At age 30, he committed himself to sports broadcasting. He landed a radio job in Amherst, Mass., in 1962 and switched over to television three years after. In 1974, Rasmussen started his stint with the Whalers.

No more than a week after his firing, Rasmussen started to look into producing sports for Connecticut cable systems, taking advantages of the numerous colleges and universities in the state. But with the insistence of his son Bill, who would later graduate from DePauw in 1986, Rasmussen committed in August of 1978 to creating a national sports network.

At this point, Rasmussen’s idea

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

needed three things: a way to transmit the network, programming to fill every day and financial backing. He simultaneously had to find solutions to all three problems.

“It’s amazing what you can do when you don’t know what you can’t do,” Rasmussen said to the crowd in Fort Wayne.

Once he was able to purchase a satellite transponder through RCA to distribute the network, Rasmussen felt his idea start to grow legs.

Rasmussen flew all over the country meeting with investors and NCAA committees trying to convince them that his idea was stable from all sides. He referred to his discussions with these organizations as a “mental Ponzi scheme” of sorts.

Eventually he found financial backing through the Getty Oil Company after failing to convince eight other possible investors. Rasmussen then reached an agreement with the NCAA to allow ESPN to provide coverage for a number of sports.

A little over a year after Rasmussen set his eye on creating a national sports network, ESPN premiered at 7 p.m. on September 7, 1979, becoming the first 24-hour broadcast network.

ESPN anchor Lee Leonard uttered the first words for Rasmussen’s network.

“If you’re a fan, if you’re a fan, what you will see in the next few minutes, hours and days to follow may convince you that you’ve gone to sports heaven.”

Though the network was his idea, Rasmussen was unable to maintain his hold on the network for long. By the end of 1980, Rasmussen was replaced as president of ESPN and was a mere consultant at the request of Getty Oil. When ABC bought the network in 1984, Rasmussen lost his share in the company.

Since ESPN, Rasmussen has continued his entrepreneurial ways with less success. Attempts in radio, television, the Internet and even a stadium-golf project haven’t reached anywhere near the level of ESPN. Still, Rasmussen fancies himself as an idea man.

“I guess it’s kind of a compulsive organization thing,” Rasmussen said. “I like to see all the things in line. Once you have an idea and start you just fill in all the blanks until you get there. Some ideas work, some ideas don’t work.”

Watching from a distance As ESPN has grown, Rasmussen has watched with a smiling eye.

“It’s like watching your children grow up to be huge successes,” said Rasmussen, a father of three. “I’ve watched my sons and my daughter and they’re all successful. That’s fun. And ESPN is kind of our fourth kid if you will. There is a great satisfaction to watching it.”

One of the biggest moments for Rasmussen came when ESPN bought the rights to broadcast Monday Night Football.

“I got chills up and down my spine when the first Monday Night Football game came on ESPN. Can you imagine Monday Night Football on ESPN?” Rasmussen said. “When we started – unattainable. We knew that eventually we would get a big enough audience. We were all confident that the audience would grow because sports are just absolutely compelling.”

This January, Rasmussen was named one of the “Pioneers and Innovators in Sports Business” by the “SportsBusiness Journal/Daily.” He’s still working on other ideas, though.

Rasmussen’s most recent project is called Power Grid TV, which he hopes will stream college sports games that aren’t normally televised.

“I really think that every campus in the country can be its own 24/7 TV channel if they want to,” he said. “But there’s some technological glitches along the way of people trying to get out front.

You know, me of all people, I’m not going to blame them for that. Some of the pieces weren’t in place.”

“And frankly at my age, I don’t want to have to go through studying something and then they have to fix it and that will be three or four years from now before they really get it,” Rasmussen said.

“So we’ve got a couple of other companies we’re looking at. If they’ve got the technology, we’ll let it happen.”

While pitching Power Grid TV and closing in on 80 years old, Rasmussen has started to come to realization with just how long ago his DePauw experience ended.

“I graduated in 1954. I can’t believe that,” he said. “And I was trying to figure out which alumni reunions were coming up. And I looked in one of the DePauw Alumni magazines, and I can remember when I was first out of school, we were way back at the end, now we’re on page one.”

15 | Sports

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

Triathlons, marathons at DPU Numerous students embark on running competitions as a way to challenge themselves; running is a ‘mental vacation’ for some

By ANDREW CARTER sports@thedepauw.com

All the streets downtown are blocked by the cops and crazy people are running through the streets. It’s not a prison escape, just marathon season.

DePauw is well represented at nearby events, with junior Morgan Busam and sophomore Patrick Ledwidge both running in half-marathons this week. Busam ran The Flying Pig in Cincinnati on Sunday and Ledwidge is running the Indianapolis Life 500 Festival Mini-Marathon this weekend. It was Busam’s first halfmarathon ever and she is now training for her first full marathon in Chicago in August. This will be Ledwidge’s third competitive race.

Both runners trained extensively for the events.

“I started training in January for the race in May,” Ledwidge said. “I know people that started later; I just wanted to make sure I was prepared. I didn’t want to feel like I had to cram in some mileage towards the end my training.”

Planning was also a key step in the training process.

“First and foremost you really need a set training schedule, especially for a full

“First and foremost you really need a set training schedule, especially for a full marathon,” said Busam. “26.2 miles is not something you can just go out there and wing.”

Morgan Busam, junior

marathon,” Busam said. “26.2 miles is not something you can just go out there and wing.”

She runs four to five days per week with a few days of lifting thrown in as well.

Ledwidge and Busam both get a sense of personal accomplishment from their running, which keeps them going through all of their intense training.

Training for a long race a nice contrast from the short-term goals of school according to Ledwidge.

“It’s not like a test in which you are studying only a week or so before,” he said” It’s awesome to see your physical and mental strength grow over a longer period of time.”

It is more than just getting in great shape, running has other benefits for the athletes.

“Running is my mental vacation each day,” Busam said. “As one foot hits the pavement after the other, I focus on taking my stress and worries out on the ground.”

For Busam in her first and Ledwidge in his third, their hard work continues to pay off and both agree that there is nothing quite like finishing that first race, “I would look to my left and look to my right and see runners beside me smiling and encouraging me to keep trucking,” Busam said. “Naturally the best moment of all was seeing that finish line and breaking into a sprint eager to say I am a half-marathon runner! It’s a moment you will never forget.”

Both runners also agree that it is an addictive feeling and with the races Ledwidge has completed, he can attest to that. He enjoyed the Indy marathon, which he completed at the end of his freshman year, and said he is going to do it again.

“When I finished the race, it seemed like a perfect culmination of my first year at DePauw,” he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY and CONGRATULATIONS to MATT CECIL, THE DEPAUW’s next Editor-in-Chief!

tiger week OF THE

name:

RYAN WOODARD, SENIOR

sport: IM SOFTBALL

position: LEFT FIELD

hometown: AVON, IND.

bats/throws: RIGHT

Highlight: On Monday night, in muddy conditions, Woodard went 4 for 5 and hit for the cycle in Delta Tau Delta fraternity’s victory over Phi Gamma Delta fraternity (FIJI). He ended he game with 5 runs batted in.

On the team’s chance of winning the championship this year: “We are really starting to develop as a team and keep getting better as the year goes on. If we hit our stride in the playoffs, we will be a force to be reckoned with.”

— COMPILED BY LEWIS BROWN, SPORTS@THEDEPAUW.COM

16 | Sports

The DePauw | Friday, May 6, 2011

SOFTBALL

WHEN THEY WERE STUDENTS

ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen still sharing his special story

Bill Rasmussen ‘54, holds a photo of the first “SportsCenter” set while standing in front of the the most recent “SportsCenter” set at ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Ct. Rasmussen founded the sports network.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESPN

BY TYLER JAMES features@thedepauw.com

On a dark and cold Thursday morning in October, Bill Rasmussen stood in front of a packed auditorium of 525 people at the University of Saint Francis. From that podium in Fort Wayne, Ind., the 1954 DePauw graduate shared stories he’s told hundreds, even thousands of times since September 7, 1979.

On that day nearly 32 years ago, Rasmussen’s dream that was laughed at, doubted and passed up by a number of businesses finally came to fruition. That day, a 24-hour sportstelevision network called ESPN broadcasted its first show.

His stories rarely change and

there’s barely a question that he hasn’t been asked, but whoever Rasmussen speaks to listens with a close ear, amazed that one man could have stumbled into founding something so huge. Many in his audiences don’t remember television before ESPN, but there he stands. The founder. The originator. The father.

One story Rasmussen frequently tells involves long-time ESPN anchor Chris Berman. Every anniversary, Berman calls Rasmussen and says, “George, happy anniversary.” As Rasmussen represents the founding father of ESPN, Berman refers to him as George Washington.

The crowd in Fort Wayne might have considered him George Wash-

ington as well. Lines of men and women dressed in business attire asked for autographs near the stage after Rasmussen, and Indianapolis Colts Vice Chairman Bill Polian spoke. During a break in the program, Rasmussen sat and signed copies of his books while Polian left to move on with the rest of his day. With other speakers scheduled to follow him, the crowd had to be asked to be seated for the remainder of the 17th annual CEO Forum.

Wherever Rasmussen travels, these audiences fuel him. At his age, the travel may physically tire him, but the crowds help reenergize him.

see Rasmussen | page 14

Junior sets records, lifts offense

BY MICHAEL APPELGATE sports@thedepauw.com

In an offense which preaches scoring one run every inning, head coach Bonnie Skrenta often talks about moving runners on the base paths using sacrifice bunts and fundamental base running.

While the team primarily scores their runs in this manner, the Tigers are enjoying having a pure power-hitter in the heart of their lineup.

Catcher and designated player Haley Buchanan, a junior, has provided a big-time homerun threat hitting in the fifth position in the lineup. Providing protection for senior Emma Minx, Buchanan has often stepped up to the plate with runners on and come through with instant offense.

Last weekend, Buchanan hit her 11th and 12th homeruns, earning her the single-season homerun record, previously shared with sophomore Amy Hallett (10). Her homeruns came in game one against Washington University-St. Louis, where she launched a grand slam and a two-run homerun for a total of six RBIs, leading the team to an 8-2 victory.

Before Buchanan stepped to the plate to hit her grand slam on Saturday, senior Emma Minx drew a walk to load the bases for the Tiger slugger. With Minx leading the team with 52 RBIs and showing power with nine homeruns, pitchers often pitch around the senior and end up making a big mistake.

“She provides protection to not walk Emma Minx,” said coach Skrenta. “She just knows how to come through. What’s more fun is when she gets in the game and I give her the bunt sign and she is committed to the team’s game-plan.”

Buchanan’s batting average of .302 is indicative of her role on the team as a slugger or fitting into Skrenta’s offensive strategy of telling anyone at any point to move runners on the base paths. With a team leading nine sacrifice hits and 2-2 in sacrifice bunts, Buchanan is more than willing to give up her bat if it means a better chance for her teammates behind her to score.

“If Emma gets on base, I know I’m going up there to bunt,” said Buchanan. “I definitely have a situational attitude, and thinking about that sort of thing helps me calm down. I know my role and I know how to get it done.”

In the championship game of the SCAC tournament, Buchanan hit a three-run ho-

Catcher/designated hitter Haley Buchanan, a junior, bats against Trinity University at DePauw’s softball field in the SCAC championship game on April 24. Buchanan hit two homeruns last weekend, setting DePauw’s single season homerun record at 12. MICHAEL APPELGATE/THE DEPAUW

merun in DePauw’s 3-2 win. She came to the plate hitless in the tournament and with two outs, just wanted to put a good swing on the ball and score the runner on second base.

“Coach always talks about bleeding second base and when a runner is on second base, they’re going to score no matter what,” Buchanan said. “As hitter, when you see a runner on second, you have to make sure they can get in, either hit it to the right so they can move over easier. As a team, we need to score those runs every inning.”

Her .694 slugging percentage is good for fifth in school history, and with her 12 homeruns, Buchanan now leads the SCAC and is tied for 16th in NCAA Div. III. With Buchanan’s ability to be either a power hitter or to set up the batters behind her, Skrenta appreciates her willingness to be a team player.

“She’s been a wonderful teammate and player to coach.”