Volume 38, Issue 33 - May 18, 2016 by Met Media

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The Student Voice of MSU Denver

Volume 38, Issue 33

May 18, 2016

Celebrating largest graduating class in 50 years

The university celebrated its newest graduates at Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 14, at the Denver Coliseum. To accommodate continued growth in the number of MSU Denver’s graduates – more than 1,900 undergraduates and 130 master’s students participated in Saturday’s commencement – two ceremonies were held, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Photo by Sara Hertwig • shertwig@msudenver.edu

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Students and their families gathered at the Denver Coliseum, May 14, for the Spring 2016 commencement ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of over 2,000 graduates. During two ceremonies 1,909 students graduated with bachelor’s degree and 130 graduated with a master’s degree. Of those, 250 graduates received academic honors ranging from maintaining 4.0 GPAs to participation in honors programs. Friends and family packed the stadium for the ceremony, and cheered in support of the graduating class. “It’s been a long road,” said Jeff Blinn, father of Human Services graduate Staci Elizabeth Blinn, who graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. “It definitely wasn’t the

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four year plan, but we made it.” This was the second year the commencement ceremony was held at the Denver Coliseum. Originally held on campus, the change was made to address inclement weather problems and provide more space for the increasing attendance rates over the past eight years. “Our graduation had gotten too big. We were trying to accommodate about 12,000 people on the Tivoli fields,” said Cathy Lucas, MSU Denver’s chief of staff and associate to the

president for marketing and communications. Lucas also said that while some people’s reception to the change was negative at first, support has been increasing and they plan on signing a five-year contract for future graduations. “It was nice to see that everyone could fit inside and see the graduates. Given the weather for that day, I’m glad it was inside,” said journalism graduate Kelsey Hammond. Looking back, Blinn said MSU Denver’s less traditional aspects like flexible

“I truly felt I received the best education I could and wouldn’t want to go to any other college,”

— Kelsey Hammond

Features Environmental sustainability at GrowHaus PAGE 6 >>

schedules were a good fit for his daughter, who had to juggle other obligations while attending college. “It worked out well for her situation,” Blinn said. Hammond had some challenges of her own, dealing with a commute from south Denver four days a week and the resulting cost in gas. Though this made it hard to stay motivated, the hands on support she received from her professors in class helped her to overcome the challenges and earn her diploma. “I am very proud to be a MSU graduate. I didn’t party my college experience away. I truly felt I received the best education I could and wouldn’t want to go to any other college,” Hammond said.

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Keenan McCall

Sports

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May 18, 2016

Students return to higher tuition in fall Story and photo by Esteban Fernandez eferna14@msudenver.edu Students can expect to pay nearly $500 more for their education next semester after the MSU Denver Board of Trustees approved a 7.9 percent tuition increase for fiscal year 2016-17. The hike is capped at 9 percent for MSU Denver by House Bill 16-1405, however the cap only applies to the 2016-17 school year. The $20 million cut proposed earlier this year was not implemented by the Joint Budget Committee in Colorado’s legislature, instead more public monies were transferred into higher education. MSU Denver ended up receiving nearly $1.2 million, or a 2.5 percent increase in its budget. However, according to Vice President for Administration and Finance, Steve Kreidler, tuition and fees at MSU Denver, which make

up 66 percent of the school’s overall revenue, dropped again due to low enrollment. “Tuition and fees are now two thirds of all the income that comes to the university.” Kreidler said. The school has lost nearly $46 million dollars from falling enrollment since registration peaked in 2011. Colorado’s excellent economy lures potential students away from pursuing degrees, Kreidler said. MSU Denver’s main goal is in serving non-traditional students with families and job concerns, but during periods of strong economic activity many students potentially find it in their interest to work rather than attend school. In 2011 unemployment in Colorado hovered around 8 percent. Today that number is closer to 3 percent. Despite the rise in tuition rates, at

Steve Kreidler, vice president of Administration and Finance, speaking to the board of trustees on MSU Denver’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2016-17.

least 34 percent of students may qualify for grant packages that cover the cost of tuition, fees and books. The office of financial aid increased the amount of aid available to students whose expected family contribution ranges from $0 to

Congratulations to the MSU Denver class of 2016

$2,400. These students make up almost 70 percent of MSU Denver’s student body. The students fees proposal made by Jacki Maldonado, vice president of the Student Government Assembly, was also approved.

News Briefs » MSU Denver assists with survey MSU Denver is launching a health survey in an attempt to determine if there are identifiable health effects for residents living downwind from the former Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant. MSU Denver will partner with Colorado State University and University of Colorado at Boulder as well as health professionals and the community organization Rocky Flats Downwinders to survey residents from Arvada, Westminister, Broomfield and surrounding communities.

» Student activities budget faces cutbacks

The Student Government Assembly recommended that the MSU Denver Board of Trustees approve giving the SGA the power to raise student fees up to 5 percent per year without holding a vote. The move is part of a measure to offset the cuts getting made to the student activities budget.

» Lethal motorcycle accident A motorcycle accident May 9th claimed the life of MSU Denver student Nikolai Wells Petkov. Petkov was enrolled in the school’s Industrial Design program. Donations should be sent to the Nikolai Petkov Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1985, Basalt, CO 81621.

» Proposed raise for campus parking MSU Denver 2016 graduates celebrate receiving their diploma during the spring commencement May 14 at the Denver Coliseum. Photo by Sara Hertwig • shertwig@msudenver.edu

Auraria Higher Education Center is considering a 50 cent increase to parking fees as well as higher fines. The proposal was discussed at a board meeting April 15th, and is pending approval.

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Opinion

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No one wants to hear that they should be productive over the summer. Especially not the college student fresh off a week-long Red Bull, no sleep bender. Definitely not the stand-while-you-sleep college student who took six classes last semester while working two jobs and possibly toted children around during “free time.” Why then, dear God, would I implore this group above all others to forego fun over the their well deserved warm weather break? I don’t mean that you shouldn’t have fun per say, but be smart

about your fun. There is nothing better than knowing that you edge out the other jobless hopefuls on graduation day in areas of experience and expertise. While college is undoubtedly expected as the next step of young adults in the path towards adulthood, it should be more than just another notch in your belt or something that you are supposed to do. Whatever you major is find a way to make summer work for you and I guarantee that if you love what you’re going to school for you will have fun this summer. Of course an internship would be the smartest use of your time, as most degree programs now require intern credit for graduation. No one wants to juggle practice adulting at a real job while juggling student life. For those with more adventurous plans for the summer, write a blog about your escapades. Make a documentary

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The Metropolitan accepts submissions in the form of topic-driven columns and letters to the editor. Column article concepts must be submitted by 1 p.m. Thursdays and the deadline for columns is 9 p.m. Sundays. Columns range from 500 to 600 words. Letters to the editor must be submitted by 5 p.m. Mondays to be printed in that week’s edition. There is a 500-word limit for letters to the editor. The Metropolitan reserves the right to edit letters for formatting and style. All submissions should be sent by email to themetonline@gmail.com. The Metropolitan is produced by and for the students of Metropolitan State University of Denver and serves the Auraria Campus. The Metropolitan is supported by advertising revenue and student fees and is published every Thursday during the academic year and monthly during the summer semester. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of MSU Denver or its advertisers.

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of people you meet along the way. Turn your road trip into an economic or social experiment and document it online. Create a new way to garden in your small dark studio apartment. Volunteer for grassroots campaigns that will benefit your neighborhood. Deliver groceries to low income families living in food deserts. I think you get my drift.

community in which you live and take up space. Least of all, if you have absolutely nothing but vegging on your ass planned for the summer, at least enroll in a class or two and collect some financial aid. Doing these things over your summer breaks will make heading into another full semester load much easier than laying around for two months and then trying to re-acclimate yourself to the grind. Taking classes year round keeps your mind sharp and your college life a little shorter, because let’s be real, everyone knows that 12 credits isn’t really full time and won’t get you a walk across that commencement stage in four years. So no, don’t waste your summer break getting drunk at noon for fun. Work harder, play later, laugh last.

While college is undoubtedly expected as the next step of young adults in the path towards adulthood, it should be more than just another notch in your belt or something that you are supposed to do. Basically, show future employers that you know how to use a variety of media platforms or programs to do things that are relevant to your field of study or be a valuable member of the

Immigrating to ‘new kid’ status

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Don’t waste your summer having fun

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By Irma Laliashvili ilaliash@msudenver.edu Being the new kid in class is not always an easy situation, especially when you move to the United States from a foreign country and you have no clue what “Where are you from?” means. At least, that’s what happened to me. It was sixth grade. I was 12 years old and had just moved to the United States from Russia with my parents. I remember my first day of middle school like it was yesterday. It was midSeptember and I was the new kid in class. Yes, the new foreign kid in class, who did not speak English. As you can imagine, I was terrified about fitting in and adapting to a new culture and language. I felt uncomfortable and awkward. The only few words and sentences

that I knew how to say in English, were hi, goodbye, thank you, you are welcome, what is your name and cheese. Yes, “cheese.” I’m not sure why. I suppose whenever I used to watch American cartoons and movies, they all yelled “CHEESE!” when taking pictures, so the word got stuck in my head. Plus, I love cheese. Starting middle school, I had to learn the English alphabet and basic grammar from scratch. Everything American kids learned in kindergarten, I had to learn at the age of 12. At first it was challenging to learn a new language and adapt to a new culture and traditions. Everything was so new and not what I was used to. I walked into my math class for the first time, and the next thing I know, kids were standing all around me, asking me where I’m from. I did not know what “Where are you from?” meant at that time. What came to my mind was, “What are they saying?” “Are they insulting me?!” I was offended without even knowing what the sentence meant. I started smiling and saying “I’m sorry, I don’t speak English.” The majority of the kids in class were very nice and understanding, and said that it was okay, I will learn to speak English in no time. As the years went on I got used to the culture and gained American friends. Each

The only few words and sentences that I knew how to say in English, were hi, goodbye, thank you, you are welcome, what is your name and cheese. year, my English got better and better. I even started thinking in American-English, which is very interesting to me to this day. Though I must admit, critical analysis is not easy, because there are still times when I literally translate what I am going to say in my head before I say it out loud. But that usually happens in formal situations. One of my successful academic experiences so far was when I graduated from high school. After living in the USA for more than a decade, I realize now that education is very important in this country. Just like any other country, having a college degree makes you look professional, intelligent and educated. When I graduated from high school, I literally felt like I was on top of the world. I felt very proud of myself. I’m thankful to all my wonderful English teachers who have helped and guided me through it all. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible.

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2016 AugustMay 21,18,2014

Bluegrass and beer collide at Sun Drenched Music Festival By Chris Bjork cbjork1@msudenver.edu Summer signals the season of beer and festivals in Colorado, two things that draw people to Denver. Kicking off this year’s festival season is The Sun Drenched Music Festival which began on May 14. The festival, which took place on the lot of Colorado Beer Company’s Can Works, proved to be a perfect spot for the company to host its first annual music fest. Complete with a lineup of locally acclaimed Bluegrass bands, plenty of cold beer and a wide array of food trucks and fun games, the event offered good times for its patrons. The chilly weather on Saturday

afternoon couldn’t stop a sizeable crowd from gathering for live music and an early opportunity to enjoy Colorado’s summer festival season. “My favorite part is definitely when the sun came out. I’m ready to be a little sun drenched, but Bluegrass is fun and it’s something to do on a Saturday and we plan on doing day drinking,” festival goer Ryan Getsel said. Once the festival was underway, the sounds of cracking beer cans and instruments being tuned resonated throughout the outdoor venue. Caribou Mountain Collective performed first and successfully drew a handful of people toward the front of the stage after jumping into their first number. The band’s set, which included elegante fiddle melodies

Lindsey Finklang and Chris Berisford play ladder toss May 14 at the first annual Sun Drenched Music Festival. Photos by Alyson McClaran • amcclara@msudenver.edu

from Etience Cremieux and impressive Dobro solos from Allen Cooke, revealed the instrumental prowess behind the band. All of the bands, including Caribou Mountain Collective, seemed comfortable and cheerful to be on stage while swaths of people from the streets began pouring in. “This festival aspect is really cool because you usually end up hanging out the whole time and see a bunch of other great music and have that whole atmosphere. No one is in a bad mood,” Caribou Mountain Collective Dobro player Allen Cooke said. Following Caribou Mountain Collective, the festival’s lineup (including Bill McKay Band, The Railsplitters, Rapidgrass Quintet and the locally recognized Hot Buttered Rum) kept the crowd moving on their feet. The

enthusiastic crowd interaction and overall turnout for the event revealed the outflow of support for the bands who performed. As the day at the festival trudged on, several people preoccupied their time with the event’s beach party games which included sand volleyball, beer balloon fights and cornhole. With Warped Tour, Rocky Grass, and The Underground Music Showcase right around the corner, the Sun Drenched Music Festival succeeded in establishing an exciting festival atmosphere for the beginning of summer 2016. It may be only in its first year, but judging from all the smiling faces and impressive band performances, Sun Drenched showed a lot of promise for a return next Summer.

Hot Buttered Rum headlines at the first annual Sun Drenched Music Festival May 14.

Review: Gamelan Anglkung at the King Center Concert Hall By Luis Bustos

lbustos@msudenver.edu Unique and diverse, MSU Denver’s Gamelan Angklung recently performed the rhythmic percussion show “Manik Kusuma.” Directed by I Made Lasmawan, MSU Denver students performed Gamelan at the Kings Center with the help of students from Colorado College. The eccentric orchestra was composed of hand drums, ceng-ceng cymbals, a xylophone and other organic instruments. This performance was accompanied by a puppet show from the world renowned puppeteer, Dalang Ki Mith. “Our music program is founded on western classical traditions, jazz traditions,” said Peter Schimpf, chair of MSU Denver’s music department. “It’s crucially important for any musicians education to experience a way of thinking about music, performing music that is completely outside of those traditions. “ Traditionally performed all night long in Balinese temples, the Anglkung performance

expresses the intricate relationship between life and death. Through cheerful and rhythmic melodies, the orchestra conveyed a welcoming environment. Members of the orchestra expressed gratitude and excitement over the performance. “This was our first time doing it with the shadow master, we were really excited about that,” said Westin Sandford from Colorado College. “We were surprised about how funny it was.” Embracing modern influence, the stage was also graced by two elegant performers clothed in silky Indonesian attire. This type of dance couldn't be found in a traditional context. Through synchronized choreography, the two women expressed power and defeat effortlessly while gliding across the stage. They swayed their arms as they slowly juxtaposed one anothers movements. The tight exchanges were hypnotizing. Following the Indonesian dance, the puppet show commenced. While heavily influenced by tradition,

the puppet performers didn’t fail to entice the audience with quirky humor when given the opportunity. The calculated comic relief brought comfort to the atmosphere while contrasting the otherwise dark plot line. The enriching performance was clean, well rehearsed and precise.

The show brought a diverse crowd, including Auraria students and members of the community. “I think it’s really important and special to do these kind of world music things, to see these other cultures and how they work, it’s awesome” said attendee Katy Wherri.

The Anglkung performs Gamelan Manik Kusuma at King Center Concert Hall May 8. Photos by Abreham Gebreegziabher • agebreeg@msudenver.edu

May 18, 2016

Intern Joe Brodsko places new heads of lettuce onto a board that will be placed in water May 2 at the Flourish Farm which is an aquaponics farm at GrowHaus.

Volunteer Sue Zirves makes cucumber salad May 16 during a cooking how to cook the free produce they received.

Education in an urban food desert By Mary-Kate Newton

mnewton5@msudenver.edu

With the nearest grocery store 3 miles away, and years of industry having poisoned the soil, Elyria-Swansea is a dramatic example of an urban food desert. In the heart of this desert, next to train tracks, I-70 and the Purina dog food factory is GrowHaus, a nonprofit indoor garden that aims to educate and provide for the ElyriaSwansea community. Pollution issues of Elyria-Swansea go back to Denver’s mining boom. Smelting was a crucial process to early mining: the process of extracting ore from soil through roasting and melting, and Globeville and

Elyria-Swansea were Denver’s premier smelters. Smelting released toxic levels of sulfur dioxide gas, copper and selenium into the neighborhood’s air and soil. Particulates from these metals include arsenic, cadmium and mercury. This contamination is still being felt in Elyria-Swansea. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Elyria-Swansea is in the most polluted zip code of Denver. In 1983 the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment sued the American Smelting and Refining Company for damages to natural resources, and in 1989 a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of neighborhood residents demanding contaminated soils be removed. Several lawsuits and two Superfund designations later,

Former MSU Denver students Gabriel Adams and April Freeman pick a flower off the passion flower plant May 16. The plant was donated by Adams two years ago.

the GrowHaus opened in 2009. GrowHaus overcomes soil pollution through hydroponics and aquaponics to raise fish and grow vegetables without soil. GrowHaus has a market for locals to buy their vegetables as well as other essentials. Education, however, is the cornerstone of GrowHaus’s operation. Every monday, GrowHaus partners with Food Bank of the Rockies to provide food for the locals, and offer cooking classes. Vrnda Noel is a caretaker who brings a group of people with disabilities to GrowHaus weekly for this seed-to-table experience. “It’s teaching through supportive community connections,” Noel said. Most of Noel’s group receives about $16 a month in food stamps. “How do I teach someone to feed themself on $16 a month? This program is crucial for them being able to survive,” she said. Noel explained that recently, one of the men in her care hadn’t eaten for two days before she came to pick him up and take him to GrowHaus. GrowHaus has hosted a small garden for Noel’s group for 5 years. “They get very attached to the garden and everything in it. They are involved from the beginning picking out which vegetables they will grow,” Noel said. “Some of them had never even touched soil before this garden.” Jacob Brodsko has been part of Noel’s group for nearly a year. He said he learns more and more about how to cook for himself and how to garden and values his Mondays at GrowHaus. GrowHaus intern, Joe Burner is a secretary at Jay Bee Farms, a Farmers to Veterans co-op. Weeks into his internship, Burner values the work he does to support the community. “These vegetables are grown by U.S. Veterans, so you can know it’s grown with quality, attention to detail and passion,” he said. “It feels good for vets to have something to take care of, and the community, in turn, gets access to healthy and fresh vegetables.”

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class that is offered every Monday for community members to learn

Joe Brodsko picks kale May 2 at the Flourish Farm that will be sold at the marketplace in GrowHaus.

Photos by Alyson McClaran amcclara@msudenver.edu

Carie Zaba, left, is helped by Vrnda Noel May 16 with picking out food that Denver Food Rescue delivers every monday for community members to take home for free.

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Sports

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May 8, 2016

Sport Shorts » Tickets still available for Spring Sports Fest MSU Denver is the host for the 2016 NCAA Division II National Championships Festival May 16-21. Tickets are still available on ncaa.com/tickets, so get your’s before the event sells out. Men’s and women’s tennis, women’s lacrosse and softball will all take place at The Regency Athletic Complex. Women’s golf will be at Common Ground Golf Course in Aurora, Colorado while men’s golf play at Green Valley Ranch G.C.

» Track and field completes regular season

The MSU Denver outdoor track and field team finished their regular season after competing at the Colorado School of Mines Last Chance Meet in Golden, Colorado May 15. Senior Erik Boss and freshman Kyle Jones competed in the men’s 1500-meter event, with Jones placing sixth with a time of 4:07.12. Boss finished in eighth place with a time of 4:15.33.

» Softball season wrap-up

Softball wrapped up their 2016 season in the NCAA tournament after losing to Texas A&M Commerce, 13-6 May 6. The Roadrunners finished the regular season as Rocky Mountain Athletic Champions with an overall record of 35-19.

» Baseball season wrap-up

Roadrunners baseball concluded the regular season with a 2-1 series win against Colorado Christian University May 5 and 6. Sophomore pitcher Julian Garcia won his fourth RMAC pitcher of the week award after he broke a school record during his ten strikeout performance in his final outing of the season against CCU. Garcia set a new mark for MSU Denver baseball completing the season with 95 strikeouts, surpassing Kris Lalk’s 89 set in 2015. The Roadrunners finished the season with a record of 17-23 overall and 13-17 in the RMAC.

» MSU Denver club lacrosse recognized

Junior Forrest Lambert was named Second Team All-American in the Division II Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association. The Roadrunners finished the season 10-3 overall and 3-0 in conference.

No. 1 West Texas A&M competes against Grand Valley State in the first round of the NCAA Division II Championships May 17. MSU Denver is the host site for the 2016 Spring Sports Festival May 16-21. Photos by Abreham Gebreegziabher • agebreeg@msudenver.edu

NCAA brings National Champs to Denver Opening ceremony honored student-athletes on and off field “I couldn’t be more excited for MSU Denver to be the host mtolber3@msudenver.edu institution for this year’s festival along with the Denver Sports Sports Authority Field at Mile Commission,” MSU Denver High was the host site for the President Stephen Jordan said at 2016 NCAA Division II National the opening ceremony. “It’s really Championship Opening Ceremony great to have the NCAA here.” held May 16. There were a number of other The event introduced and key speakers at the opening event recognized some of the top including Denver mayor Michael student-athletes across the country Handcock and NCAA president for their efforts in their respective Mark Emmert. sport as well as academically. “The NCAA runs 90 national The Spring Sports Festival, championships all over the country but this is the only one where there is this many students all in one place,” Emmert said. “Every time it’s been held, it’s been the highlight of the season for all of our student athletes.” One major award given at the ceremony was the Elite 90. This recognized the student-athletes who had the highest grade-point average in each of the six sports at the festival. According to the NCAA website, “The Grand Valley State sophomore Taylor Sparks eyes a pitch in the 4-0 loss to the No. 1 West Texas goals of the festival A&M. The softball tournament will continue through May 21. are to enhance the

By Mike Tolbert

as it is often called, is a five-day Olympic-style event where 76 collegiate teams and 20 other qualifying individuals compete for NCAA titles in six sports. Men’s and women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, softball and men’s and women’s tennis will all be featured in the festival. MSU Denver will be the primary host for the championship games with men’s and women’s tennis, lacrosse and softball being held at The Regency Athletic Complex.

student-athlete experience, create more awareness and exposure for Division II sports, and increase attendance by hosting multiple championships in one location.” The festival is a twelve-year old tradition with the inaugural games for spring sports in Orlando, Florida. Denver is the first place where the event has been held in the Western region of the country. Student-athletes participating in the festival will also be involved in community engagement activities throughout the week. Teams will volunteer at places like the local veterans hospital, a youth clinic at the YMCA, Children’s Hospital and much more. Men’s golf and softball kicked off competition May 17. The first round of men’s golf began at 7:30 a.m. at Green Valley Ranch Golf Course and ran until 6 p.m. Softball had a start time of noon to 7:30 p.m. at The RAC. All other sports will begin May 18-21 with the closing ceremony being held on the final day. A complete schedule of times and locations can be found at ncaa.com/diifestival. “What you’re going to experience over the next handful of days is truly a remarkable thing,” Emmert said. “There is literally nothing at all like it.”

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Date xx, xxxx Met Sports Break Events Review Spective Insight May 18, 2016

XX9

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May 18, 2016

Wednesday Sunny

✷

National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day Job Search Meet Up Location: Tivoli 210 Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Cloudy

82/47

65/41

National Maritime Day

2016 NCAA Division II Spring Sports Festival Location: Regency Athletics Complex Time: Varies

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Location: Sie FilmCenter Time: 1 p.m. Colorado Dragon Film Festival Location: King Center Time: All Day

Rockies @ Pirates 5:05 p.m.

Cyrus Chestnut Trio Location: Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge Time: 6 p.m., 8 p.m.

Cloudy

National Pick Strawberries Day

Admitted Student Information Session Location: Plaza 242 Time: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

2016 NCAA Division II Spring Sports Festival Location: Regency Athletics Complex Time: Varies

Rockies @ Pirates 11:35 a.m.