02 27 14fullissue

M T H E M O N TA G E

Will e-cigs be

vaporized on campus?

JASON JAMISON STAFF WRITER

E

lectronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, have provided another alternative to smoking traditional tobacco rolled cigarettes in the U.S. since 2006.

However, public places are beginning to add e-cigarettes to their list of banned smoking apparatuses. The latest coming on Feb. 17, when Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) banned e-cigarettes from their campus.

At STLCC-Meramec, there is no policy that covers e-cigarettes in the STLCC Student Handbook. That may change next month, according to Paula Savarino, Chairwoman of the College Institutional Affairs Council (CIAC).

Continued on page 5

Photo Illustration By: Cassie Kibens, Rebecca Biundo and Cory Montero

Volume 49 Issue 10

www.meramecmontage.com

February 27, 2014

2NEWS February 27, 2014

Meramec Morsels: News Briefs Jazz Concert The STLCC-Meramec Music Department is presenting a Jazz concert on 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4. The event will be held in the Meramec Theatre under the direction of Christopher Braig, the new adjunct Jazz instructor. Meramec students from Jazz Improvisation courses will perform in two Jazz combos, a piano trio and vocal solos.

The concert will feature student compositions and world-class artists Steve Davis and Willem von Hombracht. There will also be a closing performance by Christopher Braig. The concert is free and open to the public.

Applying for Graduation Spring 2014 graduates’ application for degree and certificates are due by March 1, 2014. The application is available online or in the Admissions office and should be returned to the Admissions office upon completion.

Advisor award needs nominations

Afriky Lolo energizes Meramec

Nominations for the Academic Advisor of the Year Award are due by March 3, 2014. The award is to acknowledge excellence in academic advising at STLCCMeramec. Nominees should demonstrate a helpful attitude toward students; availability to students, faculty and staff; can provide accurate information regarding academic requirements and has knowledge of STLCC regulations, policies and procedures; and supports student development through advising.

Nominations are submitted either by emailing the form to Julie Massey at jmassey51@stlcc.edu.

Or by submitting the form in person at the Academic Advising and Counseling Center in Clark Hall AD202. The form can be found on the STLCC website.

For any questions contact Julie Massey at 314-984-7592.

The STLCC-Meramec Symphonic Band and Orchestra will join Afriky Lolo, West Africanstyle drummers and dancers, in a concert 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. The performance will be held in the Meramec Theatre. Admission is free. For more information contact the Meramec Music department at meramecmusic@ stlcc.edu or 314-984-7639.

Chancellor’s Forum A Chancellor’s Forum will be held at 12-1 p.m. on Monday, March 3 in BA 105. Students are encouraged to attend.

“Colleagues” Art Exhibit STLCC-Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery Presents “Colleagues.”

The showing features the work of full-time art department faculty from the four STLCC campuses and the University of MissouriSt. Louis. The exhibit opens on Feb. 27 and runs through March 28, with an opening reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Feb. 27.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m-6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday. The gallery is closed Sundays and the week of March 10 for spring break.

Play Auditions Auditions will be held at 1-3 p.m. on March 5 and 7. for “Ten Minute Plays” and will take place in the Studio Theatre room THT:112. Auditions will be cold readings. For more information contact Jean Rebollo at mrebollo@stlcc.edu.

Character introduced for early registration Saint Louis Community College is introducing Earl E. Bird, a way for the college to encourage early registration; the campaign begins Tuesday, March 4. Earl E. Bird will encourage students to meet with an advisor or get a degree audit, to take advantage of the priority registration date and to pay for classes by May 9.

Students that sign up for classes

by May 9 will also be entered to win their choice of an iPad or $500 book scholarship.

Women’s History Month events Keynote Speaker The lecture “Women Navigating the Politics of Rights and Justice from Local to Global Terrain: A Global Critical Race Feminist Perspective” is led by Keynote Speaker Faye V. Harrison, Ph. D. She will speak about the simultaneous and interlocking dimensions of difference and inequality that operate in contexts ranging from local to global spheres of identity, experience and collective action.

This event is free and part of the Women’s History Month events. The event will be held from 11-11:50 a.m. on Monday, March 3 in the Meramec Theatre.

Feminist Cafe Women’s History Month Committee and student facilitators Janice Kitrel and Ro Kicker are holding a Feminist Cafe on 1-2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5 in SO 107.

It is free to attend and addresses questions about feminism.

Spring Career Fair A T

M E R A M E C

The Music Department at Meramec offers courses and ensembles for all students.

You may take classes for general education credit or pursue the Associate of Arts in Music degree to prepare for transfer into a Bachelor of Music or Music Education program. ** SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE **

COURSES

MUS 101,102,201,202 MUS 103 MUS 113 MUS 114 MUS 115,116 MUS 121,122,221,222 MUS 128 MUS 130 MUS 138,139,216 MUS 141,142,241,242 MUS 143 MUS 211,212

Music Theory I,II,III,IV Basic Music The History of Jazz The Enjoyment of Music Class Voice I,II Class Piano I,II,III,IV Survey of Rock Music Beginning Guitar Jazz Improvisation I,II,III Applied Music (Lessons) I,II,III,IV Introduction to Desktop Publishing Music History I,II

Interested in performing in an ensemble?

All Meramec students may participate. No audition is required!

ENSEMBLES

Music 132 – Orchestra Music 133 – Jazz Lab Band Music 134 – Symphonic Band Music 135 – Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Voices of Magic jazz choir All ensembles hold a seat/part assignment hearing during the first rehearsal.

Members of the Concert Choir may audition for the Chamber Singers and/or the Voices of Magic jazz choir.

For more information, contact the Meramec Music Department Gary Gackstatter, Director of Instrumental Music, ggackstatter@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7636 Dr. Jerry Myers, Director of Choral Activities & Music Theory, gmyers34@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7638

OPPORTUNITY SUCCESS FREE Admission!

CAREER Thursday, March 6 2014 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Meramec Gymnasium 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122 Meet with area employers and learn about employment opportunities in your community!

NEWS 3

February 27, 2014

STLCC-Meramec holds safety forum

Tripping hazards, unlabeled chemicals and workplace injuries among concerns during forum

SPENCER GLEASON EDITOR IN CHIEF Potential hazards on campus were the focus of STLCC-Meramec’s Safety Forum Tuesday, Feb. 18 in BA 105. Kim Mueller, a representative from the Human Resources office at the Cosand Center, and Marcy Cline, from the Risk Management Office, presented the forum to faculty and staff.

During the forum, pictures of Meramec and other STLCC campuses and buildings, were shown to point out possible dangers within warehouses, closets and offices.

According to Mueller and Cline, there were 64 trip hazards at Meramec in 2012.

That was 32 fewer than STLCC-Florissant Valley (96) and 11 fewer than STLCCForest Park (75). Trip hazards included

TRIP HAZARD

INSPECTION in 2012 FV:96 *Falls on concrete, FP:75 curbs, carpet MC:64 tears stairway CC:11 obstruction, and in W:00 basements.

uneven concrete sidewalks, carpet tears in doorways and poorly marked curbs and stairways.

“Don’t block fire exits and don’t put combustibles below stairways,” Cline said.

“Also, pay attention that signs or other obstacles aren’t covering fire extinguishers.”

In the education and health services departments, the national average of workplace injuries was 4.7 injuries per 100 workers, according to Mueller. At STLCC, the average was 2.2 injuries per 100 workers.In 2009, STLCC spent $330,445 on workers’ compensation.

“Not every injury at work is work related,” Mueller said. “Wearing the

wrong kind of shoe, like heels, and the shoe gives out underneath is not work related. However, if it is slick and you’re wearing the correct type of shoes, it is. If any employee or student has an injury, you should direct them to Campus Police.”

According to Cline, payment for emergency situations is not always guaranteed.

“The school doesn’t pay for every scenario,” Cline said. “It is important to fill out the police report. It documents what happened. In flustered moments, 911 calls on campus to the Kirkwood Police Department transfer to Meramec Police.”

According to Cline, STLCC will

BACKPACK STRESS

10-15 % 2 no more than

body weight

shoulder straps

provide specific space heaters during the winter and extension cords are only good for 90 days.

For students, Cline and Mueller suggest not to text while walking and to wear backpacks with both shoulder straps and a strap around the waist, if possible.

“Backpacks shouldn’t weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of the student’s body weight,” Cline said. “Pick a pack and wear it correctly — two shoulder straps and a waist strap, too, if possible.”

Safety Forums are open to students, staff and faculty and are presented every semester.

CHEMICALS:

$1,000 to test unlabeled containers to see what it is

with possible waist strap

Course Spotlight: Ice Skating

PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER

Liz Suda (middle) skates around with other students during the Ice Skating class at the Kirkwood YMCA. The class is on Monday and Wednesdays from 12:30-1:20 p.m.

GRAPHIC BY: REBECCA BIUNDO

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NEWS 5

February 27, 2014

E-Cigs: STLCC considers potential ban continued from page 1 As part of the CIAC, Savarino will be meeting with the College Academic Council on March 3 in order to discuss an official policy for e-cigarettes.

“We don’t know exactly where we are going to take it,” Savarino said. “But we know that we definitely want to ban e-cigarettes from classrooms, regardless of instructor preference.”

With no policy in place, at the moment, students and faculty are allowed to use e-cigarettes at their discretion.

“Are you supposed to assume that you aren’t allowed to smoke e-cigarettes?” Sophomore Maria Doubeck said. “I think you have to take into consideration what it would take to make a policy and what it would include. In class it may be a distraction to some, but not bother others.”

According to Lt. Ben Talley of the Meramec Police Department, the use of e-cigarettes outside of buildings is not a problem.

“We are currently not taking any action against the usage of e-cigarettes outdoors,” Talley said. “There are no issues with using them outside. We don’t make arrests for violations of [tobacco] policies.”

The use of e-cigarettes in the classroom falls into the same area of discretion as food and cellphone usage, according to Kim Fitzgerald, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. It is up to the instructor.

“

“The instructor determines the rules of the classroom. As with all devices, it is completely up to the instructor what is allowed in their class,” Fitzgerald said.

“There is a tobacco-free policy, not smoke free.”

Some professors are beginning to include their personal ban of e-cigarettes into their class syllabus.

“I’ve had to include it in the syllabus,” Professor of Psychology, Dr. Vikki Ritz said.

“It’s an evolving policy. When a new policy begins to evolve, it becomes hard to think of all the contingencies.”

Talley said that one of the gray areas of e-cigarettes is the uncertainty of what may actually be in them and there is no current form of field testing for e-cigarettes.

“There is no field test for what is in an e-cigarette seeing as how they are relatively new on the market,” Talley said.

Anthony Russo, Chief of Meramec Police, said that he and his officers are on campus to ensure a secure and enjoyable environment while keeping the peace and carrying out policy.

“I just want to make sure the campus is safe for everyone. We try to not be an occupying force,” Russo said. “We will enforce whatever policy the college comes up with, but we really don’t have any problems. Most of the students are cooperative.”

Should e-cigs be allowed on campus?

Students respond: “I’m really against all smoking because it’s not healthy. I think it’s a bad example for other people like my daughter who is 17. I don’t want her to smoke. If she can’t tell the difference from looking at other people, I don’t think it’s good.”

“It’s not too bad. It smells nice, occasionally. I’ve never passed one that bothered me. As long as they are happy, I’m happy.”

Judy Comfort “I feel like ,not in classes of course, but on campus, I don’t think it’s a problem because it’s not as bad as tobacco. It’s not like anyone is getting secondhand smoke.

I don’t use them but I’m a fan of them.”

Marc Rousseau

“I’m completely for it. The only chemical actually inhaled is nicotine, sometimes and the only thing released is water vapor.”

Sydney Scott “In classrooms, I think feel like it is a little bit distracting cause like sometimes out of nowhere you see a cloud of smoke and it takes a way from education.”

Michael Niehaus

“On campus, I don’t see why not because it’s just water vapor and the smell isn’t bad.”

We are currently not taking any action against the usage of e-cigarettes outdoors.”

-Lt. Ben Talley

Mary Grace Phillips Greg Krulin January 2, 2011 Enforced banned signs posted

August 17, 2009 Smoking ban effective August 23, 2010

Other campuses were not on board, ban lifted

2009

2010

2011

January 26, 2012

March 3, 2014 Administrators will meet to discuss e-cig policy

BOT voted in favor of district wide tobacco ban with $15 fine and disciplinary action

2012

2013

2014

2015 GRAPHICS BY: CORY MONTERO

6 OPINIONS February 27, 2014

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

DALILA KAHVEDZIC STAFF WRITER

Young and “in love” When looking at love today and looking at love in the 70s and 80s, it is evident that many things have changed. Scroll down your Facebook newsfeed and look at all the fourteen year olds claiming to be in love.

Are such claims believable? Probably not.

At the age of fourteen my biggest worry was whether or not I would get to hang out with my best friend on a Friday night.

Movies like “High School Musical” make love in high school seem better than it is.

Sure, there are a few lucky people that end up with their notorious “high school sweetheart”, but such people seem to be rare. At the age of fourteen (or even younger) people like to think that they know what love is; but are they actually old enough to know? Are they mature enough to maintain a true relationship? Speaking from personal experience, some seventeen

year old people don’t know how to keep a good and healthy relationship going, so how in the world is a child of fourteen supposed to?

Society nowadays has lowered the standards for relationships. Romance seems completely rare and has been replaced by lust. Girls are losing selfrespect for themselves and their bodies by trying to adjust to what all the guys want.

Competition seems to be a daily thing “I’m better than her because I’m skinny,” or “I’m better because I’m thick.” When it comes down to it, none of that matters because true love doesn’t happen with the eyes but with the heart. Opening the car door for a girl or doing something sweet for her is described as being “whipped” (being completely controlled by your girlfriend/ boyfriend). Rather than going up to a girl’s door and picking her up for a date, a text is received with “I’m here, come outside”.

Technology seems to have a big role in today’s relationships as well, considering some people would actually consider, “Oh my god he/she hasn’t texted me back within 20.5 seconds; he/she hates me.”

Although this topic can be debated, I believe love isn’t always perfect and maturity is needed for a good and stable relationship. Silence should be comfortable and big and expensive dates should not be necessary. Self-confidence is required because nobody should have to depend on somebody else to make someone feel good.

Love should help you grow, not hold you back. Love should be absolutely in every sense of the word magical.

KEEPIN’ IT REAL

JAKE HUNN GRAPHICS EDITOR

Bending the rules

It is nearly impossible to take a walk on campus at Meramec without passing a sign clearly stating the college’s rules concerning tobacco. Meramec’s smoking policy is plain and simple: “No consumption of tobacco or tobacco products is allowed on any college property or in any college facility.” Despite STLCC’s Tobacco Free Policy, a student or faculty member enjoying a smoke break on campus is not an uncommon sight. This poses the question of whether or not the rule is obsolete or violators simply need to abide by the rules.

What is most intriguing is that both students and staff alike have been known to violate the ban on tobacco consumption on college property. It seems that even campus police officials tend to turn their heads as campus policy is disregarded. When

CHALLENGING CONVENTION

BILLY GARDNER STAFF WRITER

Habitat for inhumanity Marius, the young giraffe, made news recently when workers at the Copenhagen Zoo shot him in the head and fed him to lions. What was especially bizarre was that the skinning and butchering of the large mammal took place in front of the zoo-goers. Worldwide public outrage has followed after the zoo ignored a petition with thousands of signatures asking that the life of Marius be spared. But, according to Copenhagen Zoo’s scientific director, Bengt Holst, when breeding giraffes “you will inevitably run into socalled surplus problems.” The execution of Marius the giraffe serves as an opportunity to reexamine the larger issue: how humane is it to keep animals in captivity?

There is no doubt that zoos are somewhat educational. People, young and old, have the opportunity to view animals from all the over the world. But, aside

from a few basic facts about each species, zoo-goers are not learning much. The educational value is outweighed by the injustices being committed.

Animals at the zoo are kept in tiny, stressful enclosures that fail to mimic their natural environment. The animals have no stimulation and are unable to thrive the way they would in the wild. Some animals, especially birds and aquatic creatures, are nearly immobilized by their confinements.

These conditions lead to serious health problems, physical and emotional. Many zoo animals display signs of behavioral problems and stress such as frequent pacing.

Some of the animals kept in captivity are highly intelligent. Orcas and dolphins are believed to have the ability to communicate and are social creatures. These animals are frequently kept in solitary tanks, especially the orcas, and spend their lives in tiny pools performing tricks.

Many people have a fascination with animals and this fascination leads to the obvious demand for zoos. However, a day of entertainment is not worth the mistreatment and inhumane nature of holding animals captive.

the parties held responsible for enforcing a policy are either participating in or allowing the violation of said policy, a red flag should appear to policymakers that the rule is no longer relevant to the majority students, staff and faculty.

This is not to suggest that the use of tobacco become legal anywhere on campus.

Many public establishments (Starbucks, for example) have policies that tobacco must be used at a designated distance from the door, allowing non-smokers to enter and exit without the worry of taking in secondhand smoke. Meramec (and all of STLCC for that matter) could benefit from a policy of that nature as students from many different backgrounds with diverse lifestyles.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY: JAKE HUNN

EDITORS Spencer Gleason Cory Montero Cassie Kibens Jake Hunn David Kloeckener Rebecca Biundo Justin Villmer Shannon Philpott

Editor in Chief Managing Editor Production Manager Graphics Editor Photo/Asst. Sports Editor In-Depth Editor Sr. Copy Editor Faculty Adviser

MONTAGE STAFF THE MONTAGE Tiara Bams Billy Gardner Robert Knight Dennis W. Parks Dalila Kahvedzic Jason Jamison Ryan Granger Cory Muehlebach Darla Storm

Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer

To place an advertisement, contact the advertising manager for rates, sample issues, etc., 314-984-7955.

Editorial views expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessarily the views of St. Louis Community College, the board of trustees or the administration.

The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semester at St. Louis Community College Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122.

314-984-7655.

One copy of The Montage is free of charge. Up to 10 additional copies available, $1 each, at the office of The Montage, SC 220. Bulk purchases may be arranged with circulation manager.

Editorial policy: All letters should be no longer than 500 words and must include identification as a student or faculty member, phone number and address for verification purposes. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for content and length. All letters submitted will be published in print and online.

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OPINIONS 7 A new face for the Catholic Church

February 27, 2014

Pope Francis leads the Catholic Church into the 21st century CORY MUEHLEBACH STAFF WRITER

Roman Catholicism needs a new face and Pope Francis has a fitting smile. With the modern age comes modern principles; the world is changing. Gay marriage is becoming a civil issue, capitalism is heaping its way into our lives and banking monopolies threaten our livelihood. The Catholic Church must obstruct sin instead of contributing to it if it wishes to survive in today’s liberal culture.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio or Pope Francis has done many things unique to that of modern popes. He helped organize relief funds for the victims of Typhoon Hayain, he gave condolences and hugs to the physically disabled in Lourdes and he believes the Catholic Church should not interfere spiritually with sexual preference. These words seem very radical for a pope associated with Catholics who have of a notorious history of disagreement with homosexuality. He was even quoted as saying, “If someone is gay and he searches for the lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”

The pope is also urging Bishops and Cardinals within the church alike to abstain from material riches to obtain them socially and spiritually. He drives a used Renault with 190,000 miles on it and no bulletproof glass; Pope Francis is even against capitalism saying that the world has become an idolater of this God called “money.” He also said that men and women should be at the center.

“We don’t want this globalized economic system which does us so much harm,” he told the crowd.

“Men and women have to be at ILLUSTRATION BY: CORY MONTERO

the center ... not money.”

The Catholic Church has been the center of religious tension within homes for the last 200 years. Many people are becoming Atheist and are completely disregarding the Church as an appropriate source for morality and spirituality. With the recent scandals regarding priests and children or the money hoarding of the bishops, it is a fresh sigh of relief to see a pope who means business and who actually tries to live by what Jesus said.

This does not mean that there are no great Christians around today, though. The pope just seems to be an adequate leader that can perhaps weave the moral fiber of his people back into place. It has been ripped apart by corruption and perhaps will always have its issues, but Pope Francis is a step in the right direction.

Conservatives who claim to know Jesus should adhere to his words. Many Christians of today see people as habitual sinners who are not capable of forgiveness or love from God; they damn them to hell or create circles at Colleges to arouse their guilt, but these people are blatantly wrong. The message of Pope Francis is love and forgiveness, not belittlement and judgment; as it should be.

Catholicism is a ship well along its way on a maiden voyage towards divinity and Pope Francis is on its bow. With a levelheaded leader and a people ready to appreciate what Christianity is really about, Catholicism could be on its way to fitting in with the 21st century.

8 INDEPTH February 27, 2014

INDEPTH 9

February 27, 2014

spring break road trips & staycations REBECCA BIUNDO INDEPTH EDITOR

road trip tips

things to do: milwaukee, wis.

• • • • • •

Just because going somewhere sunny and far away may be out of the question, these 3 cities are less than 400 miles away and easy to navigate. Here are famous places to visit in Chicago, Milwaukee and Kansas City.

• • • • • •

Millennium Park & the Bean Wrigley Field Navy Pier Shopping on the Magnificent Mile The Willis Tower Lincoln Park Zoo The Field Museum

books to read over break “The Monuments Men”

by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter

things to do: kansas city, mo.

things to do: chicago, ill.

• • • • • • •

Jelly Belly Factory Northpoint Lighthouse Discovery World Miller Park Milawaukee County Zoo Gesu Church

Liberty Memorial American Jazz Museum Science Center at Union Station Starlight Theatre National Airline History Museum Kansas City Style Barbeque

“The Glass Castle”

by Jeanette Walls

“Wild”

by Cheryl Strayed

“Life of PI”

by Yunn Martel

the best of netflix binges Title: “Breaking Bad” Seasons: 5 Episodes: 62

Title: “The Office” Seasons: 9 Episodes: 201

Title: “Game of Thrones” Seasons: 3 Episodes: 30

Title: “Heroes’ Seasons: 4 Episodes: 77

local attractions Located in Sunset Hills, visit Laumeier Sculpture Park for 105 acres of sculptures and a museum.

Enjoy some crazy donut creations including Chicken and Waffle and Maple Bacon at Strange Donuts in Mapelwood

Robin Thicke performs March 15, 2014 at The Fox Theatre in Midtown

Practice your swings, play a round of golf or even play a lighthearted round of mini golf at Tower Tee in Affton.

Stop by the historic Ted Drewes’ Frozen Custard in St. Louis City for a tasty cold treat.

Release your inner child and visit the City Museum for climbing and exploring the many floors of caves and jungle gyms.

PHOTOS BY: REBECCA BIUNDO

10 ART&LIFE So you want to be a storm spotter?

February 27, 2014

Sky Club hosts Jim Kramper, speaker and warning coordinator RYAN GRANGER STAFF WRITER The first day of spring is March 20. Longer days and warmer temperatures come with the threat of severe weather. With the change in season, STLCCMeramec’s Sky Club hosted an event with guest speaker and Warning Coordinator of the National Weather Service, Jim Kramper.

Kramper, who spoke for nearly three hours in the Meramec Theatre, taught the 175 attendees the importance of safety during severe weather.

He also gave information on how to become an active storm spotter and what to report to the National Weather Service when severe weather arises.

“Storm spotters can supply us with what we call ground-truth information,” Kramper said. “I can look at the radar and suspect hail is falling or I can suspect a tornado is on the ground, but the bottom line is the radar can’t tell me. I need those ground-truth reports coming from volunteers to tell me for sure.”

A trained storm spotter is a volunteer who has attended one of these classes. The volunteers receive an identification number, register that number and are able to report weather information that is viable to the National Weather Service.

“Basically it’s a free class that’s open to the public,” President of Sky Club, Arielle Byington said.

“The purpose of it is to make people aware of severe weather, how to identify severe weather and emergency procedures. Just what you [need to] do in those types of situations.”

In the presentation, Kramper discussed that the National Weather Service’s job is to communicate information and get it out to the public. He also told the audience that it is their job to interpret that information and make a decision in regard to safety.

“One thing to make clear, this is not a storm chasing class,” Instructor and Sky Club advisor, Joe Schneider said. “It’s about

observations on what the public is seeing. Not just tornado and severe [weather] type stuff. People will call in for the amount of snow that fell, or the amount of ice and sleet that’s accumulated on their house or car.”

Kramper who has been working with the National Weather Service since 1985, taught the audience how to search for tornadoes when looking at a super-cell thunderstorm. He explained the differences in shelf clouds, wall clouds and funnel clouds. He also gave a glimpse into storms he has chased, as well as storms that have been recorded by locals across the St. Louis National Weather Service’s 46 county coverage area.

“To have 175 people come on a Saturday morning is really good,” Byington said. “People stuck around and seemed genuinely interested.

I’m graduating, but maybe someone will carry the torch and plan it again [next year].”

PHOTOS BY: CASSIE KIBENS ABOVE: Jim Kramper, guest speaker and warning coordinator for the National Weather Service talks to audience members in the Meramec Theatre. The event was free and open to students, faculty, staff and the general public.

FAR LEFT: Bill Coby, Amateur Radio member, hands out information about the Amateur Radio Association to the event attendees.

LEFT: Arielle Byington (left), president of Sky Club, and Joe Schneider (middle), Sky Club advisor, gives out gift bags to raffle winners. The gift bags contained mugs, T-shirts and umbrellas.

ABOVE: American Red Cross employee presents shirt handed out to STLCC students who donated blood on Feb. 24 in the Business Administration Building.

RIGHT: Brittany Shafer (left) draws Malei Barry’s blood (right) for the American Red Cross. Students thinking about donating in the future, make sure to use these tips from the American Red Cross. Drink plenty of water while staying away from alcohol and caffeinated beverages to make sure you are well hydrated. Eat a diet high in iron-rich foods.

PHOTOS BY: CORY MUEHLEBACH

ART&LIFE 11 Moving forward: a different approach

February 27, 2014

Meramec showcases finalists and announces a campus winner for Innovation of the Year REBECCA BIUNDO INDEPTH EDITOR Every year STLCC recognizes faculty and who are willing to improve the college with new programs and installments through an awards program called Innovation of the Year. Each campus has five finalists and awards one to be the campus winner.

“Innovation comes in a variety of ways, shapes and forms but it’s about opening up your mind and thinking about things in a different way and seeing how you can improve things,” said Pam McIntyre, STLCC-Meramec’s interim president.

The Innovation of the Year committee is comprised of Meramec faculty and staff who ultimately choose and agree on a campus winner. This year’s committee included Renee Dingman, Amanda White, Amelia Bursi, Sophia Pierroutsakos, Pam McElligott , Reni Joseph, Vicki Ritts, Ken Wood, Linda Nissenbaum, Sue Daniel, Hope Steiner, Lisa Stepanovic.

On Feb. 20, The Innovation of the Year committee awarded Debbie Corson and the Service Learning Advisory with this year’s innovation of the year: the Student Philanthropy Grant Program. The program is designed to let students write grants who are participating in service learning through classes. Each year, the grants are then awarded to students.

Corson hopes the program will get more participants and create more competition between students and grants. Corson was also nominated for her innovation, Semester of Service Program.

“It’s a real motivator for students to get involved in their community and that’s part of the whole idea of service learning.”Corson said, “Doing something that might give them a whole new perspective on life can be important to their co-curricular transcript.”

PHOTOS BY: REBECCA BIUNDO From upper left : Winners, Debbie Corson and Rebecca Helbling. Corson and Helbling won for their strides in service learning and grants. Pam McIntyre and the finalists pose for a group picture. Eric Nielsen, Gail Hafer, and Steve Schamber atttended the ceremony and were a finalist for their program, “The Canned Food Game.” Jane Kennedy and Suzzie Huff devised a program assisting health students with advising. This landed them a nomination for the award. Renee Dingman, chair of the Innovation of the Year committee announces Meramec’s winner for Innovation of the Year. Katy Smith, a refrence librarian, (not pictured) created the online virtual tour of the Meramec Library. The tour shows the library through numbered sections and explains how the library works on and off campus.

The Finalists: Winner!

Debbie Corson & Rebecca Helbling of the Service Learning Advisory Committee Student Philanthropy Grant Program (SPGP) With the SPGP, students are encouraged to write grants while being involved with service learning. The program aids 1-2 grants a year but Corson would like to write more to increase competition in the future.

Suzzie Huff & Jean Kennedy Academic Advisors Allied Health Academic Advising Since academic advising can be limited to open appointments, health students may not be able to receive the help they need, said Kennedy. Allied Health Academic Advising gives health students a chance to get advising even when the office is packed with other students.

Gail Hafer, Eric Nielsen & Steve Schamber The Canned Food Game The Canned Food Game offers students a chance to give back and get benefits back at the same time. As classes become teams, the amount of cans brought in translate to points they get tallied up all semester.

Debbie Corson Service Learning Coordinator Semester of Service Program The Semester of Service program was devised by Corson to reward students for completing 45 service hours in a semester. Students participating in the program will receive a certificate of service, letters of recommendation, and Missouri Campus Compact website recognition.

Katy Smith Reference Librarian Virtual Library Tour Smith introduces Meramec to an online virtual tour of the library. Smith hopes this will cure students’ “library anxiety,” by letting students research the library without being there. This would take the place of library orientations on and off campus.

12 ART&LIFE February 27, 2014

PHOTOS BY: DENNIS W. PARKS LEFT: Shakira Crawford and Brian Cordona help serve food at the Evening Student Appreciation event.

ABOVE: Mark Boner, Osmanan King and Cary Kyles enjoy free pizza and hanging out together during the Evening Student Appreciation event held Feb. 24 in Communications North and Lecture Hall.

Continue your education

at Fontbonne University

Join us for the Transfer Open House Saturday, March 8

•

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Learn about credit transfers • Find out more about evening and online degrees offered for busy adult learners • Meet faculty and students • Tour campus • Explore your financial aid and scholarship opportunities

Register online at www.fontbonne.edu/meramec.

To learn more, contact our admission office at 800.205.5862 or fbyou@fontbonne.edu.

ART&LIFE 13 February 27, 2014

Meramec makes music

Meramec hosts inaugural Choral Festival feat. Derric Johnson CASSIE KIBENS PRODUCTION MANAGER The audience rose to their feet clapping as more than 60 choir singers from Kirkwood High School (KHS), University of Missouri- St. Louis (UMSL) and STLCC-Meramec ran down the risers to hug their guest conductor.

Derric Johnson, Creative Consultant in the area of music and programing for Walt Disney World, was the guest conductor for the inaugural Meramec Choral Festival. The festival was held Friday, Feb. 21 in Meramec Theatre.

“I’ve wanted to do a choral festival here since I came,” said Jerry Myers, Meramec Program Coordinator and Director of Choral Activities. “To me a choral festival is non-competitive and non-evaluative. You learn and you collaborate.”

Johnson spent the hours leading up to the choral concert working with each school separately for 45 minutes, then an hour with the combined choirs.

The choirs worked on the pieces in the weeks leading up to the event.

The songs featured were some of the music Johnson arranged.

Johnson said the schools did a great job with the music and were well prepared. “[The choirs] perform with energy and happiness,” Johnson said. “It’s exactly what you want.

Excellence is where passion and precision merge. A lot of people have great passion, but they have no precision. Other people have great precision but they have no passion.”

Thirty-one members from Meramec’s Concert Choir participated in the Choral Concert and the solos were awarded after auditions. Johnson worked with the soloists during the combination rehearsals.

“Derric is very picky with what he wants which is totally a good thing,” Meramec Choir student, Corey Chaney said. “He’s a really well-known composer, which is really cool. It’s not very often you get to sing for someone like that.”

Myers said he has spent the last couple of years trying to put together the first Meramec Choral Concert and spent time talking with area schools to see who would be interested. KHS

and UMSL fit the bill because of their “accomplished directors and premier programs,” Myers said. Choir students at Meramec also enjoyed working with the two schools, Myers said.

“It’s really cool [to work with other schools],” Meramec Choir student, Oliver Dowden said. “It’s really difficult to find such a large ensemble with so many different skilled people at a community college level and the chance that we get to [perform with other schools] is really special.”

Myers said he was very pleased with how the rehearsals and clinics went with Johnson. Myers also said that Johnson did not just focus on the music at the clinics; he also focused on giving advice for life in general. Overall, Myers said he thought the performance went over very well.

“The concert, I think, was a tremendous success,” Myers said.

“Every group sat in the house, so they could listen to each other and hopefully learn from each other. Our performance with the combined choirs was quite exciting.”

TOP PHOTO: Derric Johnson conducts Kirkwood High School, University of Missouri- St. Louis and STLCC- Meramec’s choirs. Johnson has been working with various choirs for 50 years. He arranged and conducted the final two songs of the choral concert.

ABOVE: Oliver Dowden, Meramec Choir member, sings his solo during the combined choir performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” arranged by Johnson.

This is Dowden’s second semester in the Meramec Concert Choir.

RIGHT: Jerry Myers, Program Coordinator and Director of Choral Activities, conducts the Meramec choirs during rehearsal Feb. 21. Myers has worked for various choirs in the past and has spent the last five years working at Meramec.

FAR RIGHT: Abby Lampe (left) and Ashley Vance (right) sing their solo during “This Land Is Your Land.” The song was arranged by Johnson.

PHOTOS BY: CASSIE KIBENS

CAMPUS

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March 1, 2014 April 5, 2014

1-ON-1 WEEKENDS

These special weekend dates are for students looking to get more information about Park University. Meet one-on-one with an admissions counselor and receive a tour of our historic campus. RSVP early for time slots as space is limited!

• May 16, 2014 • July 12, 2014 • June 6, 2014 • July 18, 2014 • June 14, 2014 PERSONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE

Make any day your visit day. Tour the Parkville Campus, meet faculty, talk with current students and discover historic Parkville. Schedule your experience at park.edu/montage or (816) 746-2533

SPORTS15

February 27, 2014

PHOTOS BY: DAVID KLOECKENER

The Lady Archers softball team practices in the Meramec gym during Feb. 24. The Lady Archers will open the season on March 3 at 2 p.m. against the Missouri Baptist University JV Spartans at Meramec. Following the home opener, the Lady Archer travel on the road and return home on March 14.

New Coach, New Season The Lady Archers look to kick off a new softball season on a high note after a winning season.

DAVID KLOECKENER ASST. SPORTS EDITOR The softball team has made it to another season with expectations of doing well.

After having a postseason run that ended at the Regional XVI championship game, the Lady Archers will have seven returning players to help lead the team throughout the season.

First year Head Coach Sharon Marquardt is looking forward to it being a good season with the returning players and new recruits that were picked up

in the fall.

“From last year’s team we have seven players. We have four pitchers (two freshmen, two sophomores) that are going to carry the weight of the team,” Marquardt said. “We have Nicole Willie who is the sophomore who will lead that group of four and Rebecca Vogt who is the freshman that will also help lead that group.”

When looking at the season as a whole, Marquardt went on to

mention how the team is stacked with quality playing that would be a big part of the season.

Marquardt highlighted that while playing teams multiple times, Lady Archers will hopefully do well enough to take wins against other schools such as Jefferson College and other schools in Division I or II. “We are in a conference with half Division I and half Division II schools. All the Division I teams are in our region so we

play them four times out of the year. Jefferson College has always been a rival of ours in Division I. It would be nice to come out and take one from them,” Marquardt said. “We have a sound pitching and catching staff. We hit well in the fall so we are hoping it carries over to the spring.”

According to Marquardt, playing Division II teams multiple times in a season will take its toll throughout the season but is confident that the team is doing

well and would start off the season on the right foot while playing the teams multiple times.”

“I think we are doing very well. Last fall we had a short 10 game season and did very well,” Marquardt said. “Sometimes you’d like to have that element of surprise but when you see teams four times a year, there’s no element of surprise. It’s going to be the best team that comes out to play that day who will win the ball game.”

16 SPORTS February 27, 2013

For the love of the game SPENCER GLEASON EDITOR IN CHIEF

SPENCER GLEASON EDITOR IN CHIEF

Bring basketball back to the Mac When the gym floor at STLCC-Forest Park was damaged due to a pipe bursting in a men’s bathroom and some leakage from the roof, the home court for STLCC basketball became a revolving door.

After coming back from a stretch of away games, both the men’s and women’s basketball programs played a home game at STLCC-Florissant Valley on Jan. 11. Then the “home game” on Jan. 15 against Three Rivers Community College, was moved to Three Rivers. It finally became set in stone that a stretch of home games would be played at Meramec from Jan. 22 until Feb. 3—three games each for the men’s and women’s programs, until the men played two more games at Florissant Valley on Feb. 12 and Feb. 22.

Is your head dizzy, yet?

Why did the STLCC Athletic Department, directed

by Meramec President Pam McIntyre, schlep her studentathletes from gym to gym for home games during three consecutive ones at Meramec? Why not move the basketball programs permanently to Meramec?

Before athletics was consolidated in July 2011, STLCC spent $78,309 on new lighting and $53,000 on new fans in the Meramec gym—only to move basketball to STLCCForest Park, where they spent an additional $131,550 on new lighting, $45,925 on the court floor—which is now ruined—and $40,464 on bleachers.

The Meramec campus is centrally located in the St. Louis area—has more of a community feel, which STLCC needs. It actually has a concession stand and the gym is on the first floor.

The same cannot be said for Forest Park. There, the team sets up a plastic folding table on one end of the court for concessions and the gym is on the second floor.

STLCC can make this right if they move basketball back to Meramec. Maybe McIntyre will consider it. Maybe she will not.

But, if she attended more than one game over the course of the season, she would see how much Meramec came alive those three games.

PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER

From Left to Right: Lady Archers Head Coach Shelly Ethridge, Assistant Coaches Melanie Marcy, Lemetrius Jackson and Janey Milligan look on during the Archers’ game against the Penn Valley Scouts on Jan. 22 at Meramec. Jackson and Milligan played for Ethridge and Marcy during 2010-11 Meramec Magic seaon.

Mini-mes take the court

Meramec Basketball alum take on assistant coaching positions for Meramec SPENCER GLEASON EDITOR IN CHIEF As members of the 2010-2011 Lady Magic basketball team, Point Guards Lemetrius Jackson and Janey Milligan, were a part of what they deemed a family of players. Now, they have joined the family of Lady Archers’ as coaches.

The accomplishments of their 2010-11 team never subsided — going undefeated at home, winning the Region XVI Championship and making a NJCAA Tournament appearance — one of only 16 teams in the country to do so.

The communication never faded between that coaching staff and the ones that don the green and gold. And Ethridge, who still sends “Merry Christmas” texts to her former players, was open to the idea of former Magic player, Jackson, becoming part of the STLCC Lady Archers’ coaching staff, last season.

Since then, the trio of Ethridge, Marcy and Jackson, has become a foursome — adding Jackson’s former teammate and former Magic player, Milligan.

“They’re extremely valuable. We wouldn’t be the team that we are without these guys,” Ethridge said. “They have a different perspective from what Coach Mel and I have because they’ve played more recently than we have and they can relate with the kids a little bit better.”

For Milligan, after her days as a Magic basketball player, she played for the Lady Lynx at Lindenwood-Belleville. When her senior season was finished, Milligan received a text message from her former coach asking if she would be interested in joining the coaching staff.

“It was late summer because I remember that I was still taking classes at LindenwoodBelleville and I had to rearrange my schedule, so that I could be at practice at Forest Park at 2 p.m.,” Milligan said. “I told her, ‘I don’t know if I can get it to work.’ She said, ‘Make it work.’ I said, ‘Yes ma’am.’”

Since Jackson and Milligan’s playing days have ended, the coaching avenue has only opened up more possibilities.

“That’s the next step. I can’t go anywhere else and play, so it’s always been something that I wanted to do, even when I was younger,” Milligan said. “I figured I would play until my eligibility runs out and then coach. I love the game and always wanted to stay around the game.”

‘WE’RE LIKE A FAMILY’ The two have brought the point guard perspective that Ethridge was looking for, to help the team. But with that perspective, also

came the reminiscing of the Magic days.

“What it all comes down to is that we’ve been to where they’re trying to get to. We’ve been to the National Tournament as players.

And I’ve been to the National Tournament as a coach, as well,” Jackson said. “Our experience is what’s going to be coming at them.”

Aside from sharing what lies ahead with the 2013-14 Lady Archers, Jackson and Milligan also help with scouting reports, watching film with players and recruitment.

Their attitude also reflects on the team and keeps the mood loose, according to Ethridge.

“The thing, especially with our group, is we’re so goofy. We really talk smack to each other nonstop, all the time. It doesn’t matter who you are, you’re going to get picked on,” Milligan said. “But [Jackson] and I really trash talk each other a lot. It’s all in fun. We’re like a family. [Jackson] and I are like the little sisters who just constantly bicker, but love each other at the same time.”

The light mood is something that Ethridge appreciates.

“It’s a lot of fun. I need these guys to keep me upbeat because there are games that are fairly disappointing,” Ethridge said. “These guys can always bring up our spirits. They have been so helpful for both of us in so many different facets. It’s been great having them.”

‘THE NEXT STEP’ The two roads that Jackson and Milligan traveled led them both back to STLCC. This time as coaches.

Jackson, who left to play basketball in Kentucky, returned to St. Louis before her senior year. She had injured her knee and shoulder while playing in Kentucky and contacted Ethridge to let her know she was coming back to town.

“I decided I didn’t want to go back out there my senior year. So, I got in touch with [Ethridge] and told her, ‘I’m coming back in town. Could I help out with coaching?’”

Jackson said. “I’m getting so much into coaching. This is what I’ve fallen in love with.

This is the way I play basketball—through the players.”

FILE PHOTO

STLCC Lady Archers’ assistant coach Melanie Marcy (left) and Janey Milligan (right) cheer on the now defunct Meramec Magic during the Region XVI Tournament for the 2010-11 season. Milligan and her Magic teammate, Lemetrius Jackson now coach for the Archers with Marcy.