The Echo 3.27.13

Letters from abroad: Nat Oliveira is studying abroad...for the second time

Baseball team heading in the right direction

Read more on page 5

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March 27, 2013 Volume 84 Issue 22 echo.snu.edu

TheEcho

6612 NW 42nd St. Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 491-6382

Study abroad funding policy to change, final version not yet clear Brad Crofford, Editor-In-Chief Funding for study abroad will be changing, but it is not yet clear how.

On March 11, the Cabinet had approved proposals passed by the Scholarship Committee, but it is currently reconsidering them, according to Dr. Scott Strawn, vice president for financial affairs, in a March 15 email to The Echo.

These proposals would have made it so that institutional scholarships no longer apply to study abroad programs, with the exception of international studies majors.

The issue will be reconsidered at the next Cabinet meeting, according to Strawn.

“What we do know is that there will be changes in how we administer financial aid to students who go on study abroad trips,” Strawn said. “We are taking more time and gathering a bit more data before we make a final decision on exactly how these changes will work and how we will operationalize them.”

While the Cabinet had originally

approved these proposals on March 11, they had not been communicated to the student body. They were, however, raised during a Cabinet Chat on Tuesday, March 12. “[We] are still trying to sort out how this change might impact our Tuition Remission benefit program.

This is why there has been a delay in communication to the campus on this topic,” Strawn said.

study abroad programs, with the exception of international studies program majors, according to Lee. State and federal aid, including loans, would follow students studying abroad. In addition, scholarships would still apply for students

studying at the Quetzal Education Research Center (QERC) in Costa Rica.

It seems this exemption for international studies program majors is because international experience Continued on page 2

The proposed changes:

Currently, scholarships apply to study abroad programs, according to Director of Financial Aid Diana Lee in a March 13 interview with The Echo.

The exceptions to the current policy are scholarships linked to room and board. Also, it is up to academic departments to decide whether departmental applications apply for study abroad.

Based on the changes the Cabinet had approved on March 11, scholarships would no longer apply for

A proposal before the Cabinet could make institutional aid no longer apply in many instances of study abroad. (Photo by Brad Crofford)

SNU Crew Recreation Team represents university over summer Kendra Nixon, Content Editor In a word, SNU Crew is, “Exciting!” according to Shelby Oxner, junior. Oxner was a part of the SNU Crew Recreation team last summer, along with seven others.

The SNU Crew recreation teams travel together throughout the summer, providing the fun at camps at

several different locations. Camps can include anywhere from elementary-aged kids to high schoolers.

According to Courtland Park, who coordinates SNU Crew teams and works in the office of admissions, “The Recreation Team represents SNU and the Office of Admissions at churches, retreats,

and camps across the South Central Region.”

The teams interact and build relationships with the campers while providing entertainment and promoting SNU. Students can expect to be leading games and events at the numerous summer camps that Nazarene districts hold.

“Doing SNU Crew my freshman summer was one of the best summers of my life,” said Oxner. “It presented opportunities to not only grow spiritually and as a person but IT WAS SO FUN, too! The Lord set the stage for us as a team and we were able to build relationships with Continued on page 3

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Study abroad funding policy, continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 is a required aspect of their degree program.

According to the 2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog, international studies program majors are required to have “the equivalent of a minimum of one semester of international experience which can be satisfied by participation in an international CCCU program or an approved ISP internship.”

But what would prevent someone from simply declaring an international studies major for the sole purpose of receiving scholarships for study abroad?

“The decision was made that the student had to be in international studies for at least two years in order to apply to study abroad,” Lee said.

As of March 13, the plan was for these changes to take effect in Fall 2013 if approved by the Board, according to Lee.

The process:

These proposals originated in the Scholarship Committee. This committee is composed of faculty and administrative staff, including three vice presidents. There are no student representatives on this committee, according to Lee, who

“The Cabinet is currently reconsidering the issue. They hope to have a decision by early April.” serves on the committee.

After passage by the Scholarship Committee, the proposals were considered by the Cabinet. The Cabinet passed them on March 11.

There are no student representatives to the Cabinet.

Students were able to provide input during Cabinet Chat. While

QERC, where Heather Cox is studying abroad this semester, would not be affected by the proposed changes. (Photo provided by Heather Cox)

there had been no public announcement of it, Vice President for Enrollment Management Linda Cantwell said “I think the word is out. The ‘SNU network’ is alive and well.”

“Students gave input last night at Cabinet Chat...Dr. Strawn, Dr. Gresham, and I were listening,” Cantwell said during a March 13 interview with The Echo.

The Cabinet is currently reconsidering the issue. They hope to have a decision by early April, according to Strawn.

If approved by the Cabinet, these proposals would go before the Board of Trustees. There are student representatives to the Board.

The potential effects:

The changes to study abroad funding could potentially affect a number of areas, including the number of students studying abroad, the programs they choose to attend and, indirectly, university enrollment.

Dr. Dunnington, director of the

SNU Center for Global Engagement, discussed the significance of the proposals.

“I have been a strong advocate for SNU funded scholarships to be applied for at least one semester of approved study abroad programs for SNU students,” Dunnington wrote in an email to The Echo on March 13. “I have supported this because SNU has strongly affirmed a commitment to helping students develop a global perspective--and I know of nothing that helps this develop and grow than a semester abroad.”

Dunnington also noted that it is also worthy of support “because of the Church of the Nazarene’s strong commitment to be a global church, taking the gospel to all corners of the world.”

Dunnington is currently on sabbatical at Africa Nazarene University in Kenya and was not part of the current discussions about potential changes.

The ability to study abroad may play a role in the university’s attrac-

tiveness to prospective students.

“I believe our somewhat longstanding generous (more than many other schools) policy has been an attractive feature in marketing SNU to potential students---particularly those having already come to value cross-cultural educational experiences,” Dunnington said.

Based on her intuition and 18 months at SNU, Cantwell does not believe the changes approved by the Cabinet on March 11 would affect enrollment.

“I did not see it as an inhibitor to growth, or I would not have voted ‘yes’,” Cantwell said. “I’ve yet to have a prospective student or parent ask me about study abroad opportunities.”

Cantwell emphasized that there would still be opportunities to “enhance a global perspective” through QERC, mission trips and possibly the Morningstar Institute.

Unanswered questions:

There are some aspects of the Continued on page 3

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Study abroad funding policy, continued from page 2 Continued from page 2 proposed policy that remain unclear.

Cantwell and Dunnington were unsure whether aid would still apply to students studying in Kenya as part of the Morningstar Institute. According to its website, “The Morningstar Institute is an international development and poverty alleviation training institute, housed in Southern Nazarene University’s School of Business.”

Strawn declined “for now” to answer a question regarding Morningstar in a March 15 email, citing the Cabinet’s reconsideration of the proposals.

Cantwell was unclear in answering a question regarding how students should plan for the fall of 2013.

According to an email sent to students by Dr. Dennis Williams on March 7, “Application deadlines to study abroad are quickly approaching in the next few weeks.”

The regular deadline for fall 2013 study abroad programs through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) is April 1, according to BestSemester.com.

Enrollment for fall classes at SNU began on Monday, March 25.

In a March 13 interview, Cantwell said she was unsure whether the Board would be considering these proposals by electronic vote or during a May meeting on the campus.

With the status of financial aid for study abroad being unclear until the Board’s consideration, it is unclear how students planning to study abroad in fall 2013 are to know in March whether they can afford it.

Other universities’ policies:

Policies regarding institutional aid for study abroad programs seem to vary widely.

Trevecca Nazarene University’s (TNU) policy seems similar to the proposed changes.

TNU reminded students in an email on March 11 that “no state or internal financial aid can be used for study abroad programs (e.g., PK scholarships, HOPE scholarship, etc.). Only federal aid can be used,” according to information provided

by Tyler Whetstone, editor-in-chief of TNU’s student newspaper, TrevEchoes.

Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) allows some aid to apply, according to information provided

by Meagan Ramsay, editor-in-chief of ONU’s student newspaper, The GlimmerGlass.

“Financially, Olivet students are allowed to use 50 percent of Olivet scholarships, up to a maximum of $2,500. However, any government funds may be used but no more than $2,500 Olivet financial aid may be provided. This does not ap-

ply to programs over the summer.

This puts a large damper on students who attend Olivet because of their scholarships, not giving them as likely an opportunity to study abroad,” Ramsay said.

Taylor University, a CCCU university in Upland, Ind., appears to have a comparatively generous financial aid policy.

Its “Financial Aid Study Abroad Policy” available through its study abroad website states: “Students enrolled in Taylor University’s established study abroad programs will receive financial aid as though they were on campus.

Students may receive institutional financial aid for their first study abroad program. Federal financial aid is available for additional study abroad programs. No financial aid (federal or institutional) will be awarded to students attending study abroad programs not offered through Taylor University.”

SNU Crew Recreation Team, continued Continued from page 1 teens that we found we needed more than they needed us.”

Although being a part of the SNU Crew involves a lot of highenergy tasks, many personality types are perfect for the job. Park, who was also on the recreation team when he was a student, didn’t necessarily fit the stereotype for

the job, but still considers it one of the best times of his life.

“I was on the SNU Crew for two summers and I would firmly place myself in the introverted category.

I like to think that I was good at it,” said Park. “In reality the important thing is that you are able and willing to build relationships with Sr. and Jr. High Students at camp as well

as have a passion for SNU. That’s what counts.”

Applying is simple. Applications can be filled out online and you will also need to have two character ref-

“It was such a unique experience...I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” erences filled out by faculty, staff, or employer. Once you have finished filling out your application, there will be a link for you to sign up for an interview time.

Oxner breaks it down by providing three reasons someone should apply for SNU Crew.

One, “It is such a unique way to serve and be used by God that will stretch you more than you can imagine.”

Two, “You get to meet the COOLEST teens and kids!”

And three, “It’s the funnest!”

If you aren’t convinced of how much fun it is, Park speaks from experience.

“SNU Crew is probably two of the most fun summers I’ve ever had,” Park said. “While it is work, you just can’t beat being at camps for the entire summer. Getting to lead games and be counselor/ mentor to the students in the South Central Nazarene region is immensely rewarding.”

“It was such a unique experience of growth, excitement, fun, exhaustion, and dependence, not only on your team but most importantly on the Lord. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Oxner concluded.

Anyone who is interested in being a part of the SNU Crew Rec. team can apply online by Friday, March 29 at 5pm.

OPINIONS TheEcho

March 27, 2013

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Study abroad changes: Prioritizing Kira Roberts, Layout Editor

So far the only thing I’ve heard anything about is academic money, Let me just preface this by saying that my but I can’t help but wonder, if acaintention is not to attack the school in any demic scholarships don’t count, form or fashion, but simply to express my why would athletics? After all, the school wouldn’t be supporting concerns about the system in general. students to play sports at a differAs you may have heard, there have been some rumors going around about the changes in financial aid for study abroad students. Specifically, the one that comes to mind is that academic scholarships may not transfer for studying abroad.

I understand that the school has important reasoning behind big changes like this; however, I can’t bring myself to understand how it’s ent school; they would be helping acceptable for a university of any broaden their horizons and imkind to keep students in a bubble prove their global vision as they and not support them in attaining transition into the real world after graduation. real world experience.

“We live in a culture that puts sports above academics”

Even before I got wind of this latest conflict, I have always struggled with the way the school system works. I feel like we live in a culture that puts sports above academics, no matter how many times you emphasize the word placement in “student-athlete.” How is it that athletes get paid thousands and thousands more in scholarships than brilliant and/or hard working academes (not to say that there aren’t people who fit in both categories)?

I know it’s strange for me to be bothered by this since I am an athlete, but it’s hard to understand how schools can pour money into developing athletic ability that is only going to matter for four years (for most athletes) but don’t put nearly as much into the academic

realm, which is much more important in the grand scheme of things.

In my opinion, what you learn in school and the experiences that come along with it are what are going to make a lasting impact, not only on individual students, but also on the effect our generation will have on the world (as dorky as that sounds).

Ever since freshman year I have wanted to study abroad in Australia. It’s been a dream of mine since middle school to live there at some point, but because I am an athlete, the only semester I will have off is my very last one. If it doesn’t work out because of finances, I know I will find a way to go soon after college, but it would be a tragic thing for any student to not be able to go because of a surprise like this one.

Our interview with Susie Shellenberger Ronna Fisher, Assistant Editor

Susie Shellenberger is a variety of things: editor, speaker, writer and more. She spoke in chapel on March 14. Learn more about her in our interview with her.

What were you like in college? What was your major?

My major was speech communications with a minors in education, English and creative writing. I enjoyed being involved in campus activities—playing four years of varsity tennis, student government and being the first elected female as student body president.

How did you get into publishing or involved with Focus on the Family, especially from being a youth pastor and drama teacher?

I was a youth pastor for 8 years and then entered the public school system to teach high school speech, English, drama and creative writing.

I’d fill my summers by speaking at youth camps.

One weekend between camps, I flew home and sorted through my mail and noticed a Focus on the Family magazine in my stack.

I’d never seen this publication before. I thumbed through it and noticed an announcement saying they were going to start two new magazines—one for teen guys and one for teen girls and were looking for a male editor and a female editor.

So I simply sent in my resume and a letter. I’d written one book by that time and several published articles, Sunday School curriculum, etc. They flew me out for an interview in Southern California. Fortunately, for me, they were searching

for someone with youth ministry experience who could also write.

They felt it would be much easier to teach someone with a youth pastor’s heart how to edit than to try and teach a journalist how to have a passion for teens. Fortunately, I had both: I’d been a youth pastor and was currently teaching high school students and was passionate about youth ministry—traveling several weekends a year to speak at youth events—but also had some writing and publishing experience.

A week later, they offered me the job. I took three weeks to pray through on it, and resigned my teaching job and moved to CA and created Brio magazine for teen girls. A year and a half later, Focus announced we were moving to Colorado Springs. I served as editor for nearly two decades.

Have you always liked writing? Or

public speaking? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Not all speakers can write. Not all writers are speakers. I happen to love both. I wrote my first “book” in fifth grade. We had to read a book and do an oral report on it.

After doing that, I decided I wanted to create my own story, and the teacher allowed me to do so and give an oral report on it. And that was the birth of my love for the written word.

What advice would you give for people who want to write, get into publishing or public speaking but don’t know where to start?

Advice for public speaking: Get all the experience you can right now Continued on page 5

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Interview with Susie Shelenberger continued right where you are. Teach Sunday school or a Bible study or start a debate club. Volunteer when you hear of a group who’s looking for a speaker. Take as many speech classes as you can, and become very comfortable thinking on your feet.

Consider joining a Toastmaster’s group.

For writing: Take your English classes seriously. Take as many creative writing and journalism classes as you can. Journalism and creative writing are really different. Journalism focuses more on the facts, whereas creative writing allows you the freedom of putting yourself into your writing—letting your feelings seep through in your writing.

This would be editorializing in journalism. A good blogger is usually a good creative writing. A good journalist focuses on the facts and the big five: who, what, when, where, why.

I’ve read that you’ve been on every continent? Is this true? What is your favorite place you have ever travelled to?

Yes, I’ve traveled to every continent. My favorites are Africa and Antarctica. There’s something about Africa that’s simply piercing.

Once you’ve been, you have to go back. You’re drawn to the beauty, the darkness, the mystique about the continent. And Antarctica?

There’s nothing better than being surrounded by literally hundreds of thousands of squawking penguins and kayaking around icebergs. It’s magnificent. It’s like being on another planet.

You write a lot about mother-daughter

relationships. Where do you get your information or insights?

When working with Brio magazine I’d get around 1,000 letters and emails a month from teen girls.

They were telling me—and asking me—things that would have been great conversations with their moms. So I began writing about it.

For a teen girl, every minute can be a different crisis. It can be overwhelming. I really believe every teen girl ought to have someone with whom she can say or ask anything. Nothing’s too risky, nothing’s too sensitive, nothing’s too “dirty”—and ideally that someone should be her mom. But when a girl can’t talk with her mom, she’s going to find another female she trusts. And thousands of teen girls feel they “know” me. Therefore, they trust me.

So I’m getting the questions their moms should be answering.

I love having these dialogues with girls, but at the same time I don’t want to take away an opportunity for a girl and her mom to bond.

So I always encourage girls to talk with their mom after I answer their questions. And then I started writing books for moms so I could help them draw out of their daughters what they were dying to talk about.

Sadly, many girls don’t talk with their moms, because at one time when they did dare to share something confidential, the mom told her prayer group or Bible study or close group of friends. So when I’m writing or talking with moms, I really stress that what your daughter does share with you should stay

between the two of you. Breaking her confidence is a recipe for disaster, and she’ll look for someone else to talk with.

The paper/magazine industry is struggling because of the internet and e-readers.

What helped you make a decision to start a new magazine after Brio [...]?

Brio doesn’t exist anymore. It was a paper magazine for nearly two decades—and also online—but Focus stopped publishing teen magazines in January 2009 and dismissed our staff due to the economy. I felt that teen girls weren’t ready to give up an actual paper magazine yet.

For a teen girl, a magazine is more than a magazine—it’s a relationship. It’s all about something they can smell, touch, look at, stuff in their backpack, pull out, share with a friend, etc. They feel they know the staff. It’s all relationship.

When you read a magazine online a lot of the relationship is gone.

You can’t actually touch it or smell it, etc. And many moms don’t want their daughters online more than they already are. So I feel the need for a teen girls’ magazine still exists.

So when Focus discontinued Brio, I launched a new magazine with a different publisher. They insisted we call it SUSIE. I didn’t want that, but they explained that my name had actually become a brand, and that it served as familiarity for Christian teen girls. So we launched in May 2009 as SUSIE in print and online. Almost four years later, I felt it was safe to now transition to a new name that really explains us better. So in January of 2013, we

switched to SISTERHOOD. This is who we are—a group of Christian teen girls around the world who want to raise the standard; girls who believe in and practice purity; girls who know they’re worth waiting for. We’re the only paper magazine for Christian teen girls in the world. We’re also online, but we’re also an actual paper magazine.

How did you come to speak at SNU? What brought you here?

Bethany is my hometown; I grew up here. My dad, Elmer B. Shellenberger, chaired the Business division for years. I moved back to Bethany last summer, so I actually live here now. Blair Spindle sent me an email and asked me to speak. I was honored to do it. I always love speaking on our Nazarene campuses. I’ve done revivals at ONU and TNU and have spoken at all the others.

From traveling with Rebecca St. James to speaking on Fox News, editing a magazine to leading mission trips, you have done an enormous variety of things. Is there anything you have done where you have surprised even yourself?

The past 16 years, I’ve taken more than 6,000 students on international mission trips. We use college students at LITS (Leaders In Training), and it’s always an amazing trip with miracles to talk about later. This summer we’re going to Peru. If you’d like to join us, go to: www.neverthesamemissions.com.

God always surprises me on these trips! He’s so faithful!

Letters from Abroad: Natalia Oliveira Natalia Oliveira, Guest Writer

As some might know, I am a Brazilian studying in the U.S. They were not kidding about the “best years of your life” being in college. I have had so much fun, had so many different experiences, met unforget-

table people and learned a lot inside and outside of the classroom. But sometimes a life time opportunity within another life time opportunity just knocks on your door, and you definitely do not say no to those. Somehow I was blessed

to study abroad again, this time to even further lands, into a language I was less acquainted with than English. Honestly it was not real to me until the very day of my flight to Spain.

The driving towards the airport

was excruciating; I realized that I wouldn’t be spending my last semester with my friends, there would be no more volleyball team to rely on, and all the cultural knowledge Continued on page 6

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Letters from Abroad: Natalia Oliveira, continued Continued from page 5 I fought so hard to adapt during my four years in America were just not going to work in Europe. I was a freshman all over again.

Needless to say that my family noticed the panic in my face right away.

My sister dealt especially well with it; she laughed as hard as she could of my obvious fear. The sudden contrast between my tears and her laugh brought me to reality, and I realized how silly I was being. I was presented with a blessing; a big one! How many people get to have their stressful senior year with half of the load they are used to? I was no longer a student athlete that tried to work a few hours as possibilities allowed. I became a student, a student in Spain, a student in Spain who had infinite possibilities of time use.

As I arrived in the country and my nerves start settling down, I found myself among at least 70 more “outcasts” as lost as I was, anxiously waiting for the beginning of our adventure, and willing to put their guards down in order to find friends to rely on. From there on, everything just started developing naturally as the ISA program had already schedule excursions in Madrid, Málaga and Toledo on our way to our final des-

tination: Seville. Honestly, those places were so full of beauty and history that the last thing we had to worry about was to come up with small talks.

When we arrived in Seville the real deal started: meeting the host families, start of classes, walking

“I was a freshman all over again” around a city that has no regional sense (you never know if the streets will suddenly curve around and take you to the completely opposite direction you originally intended to).

Personally, I’ve had a great experience with my Señora. She is a sweetheart that pays attention to every detail in our tastes and lives.

Once I didn’t eat the lettuce in the plates, and now I always get extra tomatoes. I don’t have time to come back home to have lunch, and she will make me a take out. I leave the house in a hurry because I overslept and forget to make my bed; I come back to a perfectly tidy room.

The biggest struggles here are the

classes. Only one is actually held in Spanish, which I am doing surprisingly well in. All the others are held in English; however, the grading and testing systems are different. They are a lot more critical thinking than I am used to in the U.S., plus there is no such thing as an “outline”. If you have been through 150 pages during class time until test date, you better study each one of those, because questions are very broad to the point that to get full points they request specific answers and relationships between the various subjects studied. In other words, if you get above an 80, you have excelled, and a 50 is considered average (yes, very strange).

And the language? My Spanish is coming up decently well, thank you very much.

As for my extra time in hands?

It really was not that hard to fill in.

I have found a great group of friends that loves to walk around and get to know new monuments and spots. I signed up for the intercambio program that provides the students with a Spaniard that wants to improve his/her English in exchange for helping us with our Spanish. I get to run along a huge and marvelous river that is 5 min-

Nat takes on the challenge of studying abroad...for the second time. Photo from Natalia Oliveira.

utes away from my home stay.

I am volunteering for Asociación para el Progreso y Desarrollo del Pueblo Gitano, which helps with the economic integration of gypsies into the Spaniard society. I am assisting with English as a Second Language classes for 6, 8 and 13 years old of a private school (ironic, no?). Furthermore, have I mentioned I have been to France, Portugal, Morocco and planning to visit England and Germany as well?

I was provided with an opportunity that was very scary at first, but as soon as I opened my mind and my heart to it the most incredible things have been happening. I am living a dream I have not dreamed of. A dream that was only provided to me with the help of many other people who did everything within their power to make it happen: my coaches, Veritas workers, my parents, and many others. And as always, the emotional and prayer support of my friends and family cannot be ignored, nor can my sister’s hysterical laugh at the right moment.

God gave me an early graduation gift, and I love it!

Correction: An earlier versions showed Natalia’s name incorrectly as Natalya.

STORMSPORTS TheEcho

March 27, 2013

Page 7

The Right Direction snuathletics.com For the first time this season Southern Nazarene picked up a Great American Conference series sweep by taking the third game of the series 10-1 over East Central Saturday afternoon.

The Crimson Storm (11-16, 6-12 GAC) jumped on the Tigers early and really never took the foot off of the gas to complete the three-game sweep and notch their fifth straight win.

SNU got its third straight complete game from its starting pitcher as Nate Saquilon (3-3) went the full nine innings and allowed just one run on six hits. He also struck out three.

Riley Morrow was perfect on the day as the sophomore went 4-for-4 with two runs scored as the Storm had 16 hits as a team.

Scott Stanley was also 2-for-3 with an RBI. Southern Nazarene scored four runs out of the gate in the bottom of the first. SNU had five straight base runners with an ECU error and four straight singles. Chance San Miguel drove in the first run with a single to center before Kyle Fultz singled through the left side to make it 2-0. Stanley then laced a single to right center before Aus-

tin Samulowitz hit into a fielder’s choice to put SNU up 4-0.

SNU added another in the second when Jacob Inbody singled through the left side to score Morrow to make it 5-0. The Storm pushed three more across in the sixth with the first two coming across on a Ryan Brosnan single to center. Brosnan then got in a run down between first and second to allow Morrow to score from third to give SNU an 8-1 lead.

ECU finally broke through in the top of the seventh with one in the top of the seventh, but scored two more on a Daniel Martinez double down the left field line to give the Storm a 10-1 lead.

The Storm step back outside of GAC play when they travel to Oklahoma City, Tuesday, for a 7 p.m, against former Sooner Athletic Conference rival Oklahoma City.

Morrow went 4-for-4 for the first time in his career. Photo from snuathletics.com

Congratulations to the Women’s basketball team for finishing out their season as NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!

SNU Keep up with results and scores at snuathletics. com Athletics

3.27.13

A&E

Spring Break Photo Contest Clockwise, from top left: “This Spring Break, I had the chance to visit Kauai, Hawaii, with my family. On my first day there, my dad and I took our cameras our to take pictures of our tropical environment. I was immediately captured by the pure white hibiscus flowers that had just been washed clean by an afternoon shower.” (Photo submitted by Jenn Wachtel) “This is of me the first day of break. We hiked a small peak and I climbed up this rock in Clyde, NC, where Caleb Grosse lives. Casey Myers, Sam Duce, Allie Oakes, Allie Mercer, Laura Miller, and Shelby Oxner were also on the trip.” (Photo submitted by Jakob Williams) Freshman Meagan Green poses with a 30-pound Amberjack caught in the Gulf of Mexico.

(Photo submitted by Meagan Green.)

“Christopher Troutman (alumnus of SNU) and I went to Niagara Falls for our honeymoon over spring break! Canada, eh?” (Photo submitted by Courtney (Richey) Troutman) Grace Williams, Class of 2016 Sociology and Spanish major, with her mom Joyce Williams and younger sister Abby Williams at Roman Nose State Park. (Photo submitted by Grace Williams) Colorado. (Photo submitted by Kira Roberts)

Results on page 10

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Arts

ENTERTAINMENT

TheEcho

March 27, 2013

Page 10

In praise of online movies: My favorite discoveries Brad Crofford, Editor-In-Chief I love movies, and what a time to be a movie-lover! When my friends and I want to watch a movie, we have so many options.

We can watch a DVD or Blu-Ray we already own. We can borrow a copy from the public library. We can rent a copy from Family Video, 7-Eleven or another store. We can go to one of the three Redbox kiosks at the intersection of 39th and MacArthur. We can watch one on Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hulu.

And, if these options are enough, we can go to a store and buy a movie.

Of all of these methods though, my favorite is watching movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Because there is one regular fee instead of a fee per use, I am more adventurous

in terms of the films I choose to watch. When I rent a movie, it is typically a widely-known film, and I read reviews ahead of time to ensure I will like it.

When I watch on Netflix or Prime, however, I am less limited, and I have discovered many great films I would not have otherwise watched. Here are some of my favorite discoveries.

Jodhaa Akbar-- Part love story, part historical epic and part lesson on historic Muslim/Hindu tensions, this Bollywood films succeeds on many levels. Be forewarned, though: its 205 minute running time is not for the faint of heart. (2008; NR; 205 minutes; Hindi with English subtitles; available via Netflix) Ek Tha Tiger-- This spy movie

about an Indian secret agent who falls in love with a Pakistani agent is an intriguing mix of James Bond-type action and Bollywood conventions; for example, a highspeed chase may be followed by a brief musical interlude. With action taking place from India to Ireland to Cuba, this film, the second-highest grossing Bollywood film of all time, is worth a look.

(2012; NR; 132 mins.; Hindi with English subtitles; available via Netflix) The Warlords-- This Chinese epic is part war movie and part historical drama. While some movies in this genre sacrifice story for action (e.g., Bodyguards and Assassins), The Warlords manages to combine intense action with a touching storyline. It contains

one of the most powerful, moving scenes I have seen in film.

(2007; R; 113 mins.; Cantonese with English subtitles; available via Netflix and Amazon Prime) Lumumba-- This understated film chronicles the final days of Patrice Lumumba, the first democratically-elected leader of the Republic of the Congo. (2000; NR; 109 mins.; French with English subtitles; available via Netflix) Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog-- This quirky short film stars Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle) and Felicia Day (The Guild). It is a hilarious, musical satire of the superhero genre. Its catchy tunes and wit will stick with you. (2008; NR; 42 mins.; English; available via Netflix)

Spring Break Photo Contest Winners : *

$15 gift card-- Grace Williams $10 gift card-- Jakob Williams $5 gift card-- Meagan Green Thanks to those who submitted entries! *winners were drawn randomly from those submitting entries

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