M T H E M O N TA G E
Mindful of Cancer
Meramec educates students on cancer prevention CASSIE KIBENS PRODUCTION MANAGER What started out as just a lump on his throat, turned into four months of Chemo and three months of radiation. His junior year was disrupted and family was worried, but through it all, he found a new passion. Lan Trinh, nursing student at STLCC-Meramec, was diagnosed with Hotchkins Lymphoma at 17. Trinh is in his last semester of nursing school and will graduate in December. “[The Doctor] said it was just a couple rounds of chemo and radiation and you’re done. It kind of disrupted my junior year. I couldn’t run track that year,” Trinh said. “I was in orchestra but I couldn’t continue because they put a port in me, which allowed easier access for chemo and situate in such that the violin would have rested right there so I couldn’t maneuver it, so I had to stop.” Trinh’s family, friends and teachers supported him. They knew to not push him too far the day of and the day after treatments. According to Trinh, people need to be mindful of cancer, especially if there is a family history of it. “Some [cancers] you can’t really screen until it gets too late. Be more vigilante with your yearly checkups with your doctor, don’t wait like five years before something is wrong,” Trinh said. “If anything is wrong, don’t just blow it off.” According to the American Cancer Society, in 2012 men had a one-in-two chance of developing some type of cancer and women had a one-in-three chance. STLCC-Meramec has been dedicating a day to the disease for about ten years now. Meramec has been hosting Cancer Awareness Day for over 10 years now. For the past few years Debbie Corson, Service Learning Coordinator, and Stephanie Franks, professor of nursing, have planned the event, which took place Oct. 9. “As an RN I did health teaching with patients and their families for years, and I’ve been an RN now for 25 years,” Franks said. “I always liked the teaching aspect of it because it empowers people to take care of their own health.” Franks’ Nursing of Adults and Children II class has been participating for the last three years by creating handouts and posters in order to educate their peers about the various types of cancer. These nursing students are in their second year and will graduate in May 2014.
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Volume 49 Issue 4
www.meramecmontage.com
October 24, 2013
2NEWS October 24, 2013
Meramec offers alternatives to night support Technology service options still available for evening classes CASSIE KIBENS PRODUCTION MANAGER STLCC-Meramec has not had night technical support due to the lack of demand in the past. However, there are still options; faculty, staff and students can utilize if they find themselves needing technological support. “We’ve gone through several generations of where we’ve added support in the evenings and removed support in the evenings,” Vice Chancellor of Technology and Educational Support Services, Dr. Craig Klimczack said. “The biggest challenge is when we had support in the evenings we get very, very few calls for real technical calls.” Meramec’s Media Services is one of the support options on campus. Media Services focuses more on the install, repair and servicing aspect of Meramec technology. Media Services is responsible for making sure projectors work, delivering laptop carts and checking out various photography and videography equipment to students. “There will be somebody here at night time to physically bring the computers to your classroom, but if something on the computer actually goes wrong, that’s not [Media Services’s] jobs,” Patrick Mallory, Senior Manager/Library and Instructional Resources, said. “Their positions is to deliver and set up and all that. We have a line there where the interworking’s of a computer, the software that’s on the machine, the operating system [and] the image, that’s in the realm of our Technology and Education Support System (TESS) department, our IT department.” The TESS department is responsible for the innerworkings of campus technology. If a computer has problems connecting to the server or if the computer itself malfunctions, the TESS department takes care of those problems. Media Services can assist with providing a substitute computer, but when it comes to actually fixing the
PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER Students work on homework, essays and research in one of Meramec’s on campus computer labs. Although there is not night technical support, Meramec students and staff depend on each other when a technical situation arises.
issue the TESS department is the one to call. Sharon Swan, Senior Manager of Campus Technology believes that even if Meramec had the nighttime technology support, it would not be much different than how they handle issues during the day. “If you think about it, you’re in the classroom during the day and there’s a computer that doesn’t work, unless something can get done to get the computer up and running very quickly, we’re not
going to send somebody in and disrupt that class the entire time that class is in session,” Swan said. “Even if we did have someone here at night, I don’t know that the response would be any different, we’d still wait for the class to be over and then go in there because if we’re in the classroom working it’s kind of disruptive from what’s going on.” While the nighttime technology support may not return anytime soon, it
could make an appearance with the way technology is currently advancing. “I see [the addition of nighttime tech support] probably changing in the future, it’s just there’s nothing specific about that,” Klimczak said. “As the media services becomes more technical in nature that we may see that evolve, but that’s just not the way we are organized today.”
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NEWS 3 October 24, 2013
STLCC decides on new interim chancellor Dennis Michaelis, Ed. D., is named new STLCC interim chancellor, will start on Oct. 28 SPENCER GLEASON EDITOR IN CHIEF
On Thursday, Oct. 17, the STLCC board of trustees announced Dennis F. Michaelis, Ph. D., as the new chancellor. His term will begin Monday, Oct. 28 and he has agreed to serve as interim chancellor through June 2015. Since the Board of Trustees granted Chancellor Myrtle E. B. Dorsey’s request for personal leave on Sept. 26, they began the search for a new chancellor. “We were looking for a leader and someone who could help the college keep going with it’s current plan to try to help more students graduate,” Craig Larson, Ed. D., board vice chair said. “That’s a real problem for us. More than one out of two people who start here don’t come back next year. So were looking for somebody who can fix that. We were looking for somebody who can work well with the Board and a veteran leader.” The board of trustees used the help of The Registry, a company that specializes in filling interim administration positions for colleges and universities. The firm, which is based in Boston, Mass., is solely through membership, It holds over 450 members from 49 states. “We recruit, people nominate their colleagues and people self nominate as well,” Kevin Matthews, part owner of The Registry said. “When we get a call from the Board, we have a long conversation about what the situation is at the institution and what the needs are. Then we tell the institution that we’ll come in at the salary level that’s already paid and we’ll negotiate all the terms up front. That way there is no surprises.” The board of trustees was given 11 names from The Registry and they narrowed down to their top three choices. On Oct. 9, the three candidates visited Meramec, STLCC-Forest Park and STLCC-Florissant Valley. “My priority right now is just to get acquainted with the college and with the faculty, staff, administration and students. I want to get to know the college. That’s really my first priority,” Michaelis said. “I’ve already been on all the campuses, but they’ve been quick visits so far. I’m going to be on the campuses and have a chance to have good,
thorough tour and meet a bunch of people.” Michaelis did research on STLCC since being referred by The Registry. According to Michaelis, he understands the emotions of how STLCC was left behind through Dorsey’s leadership. “I know how to use Google just like most people do. You can find out a lot of information,” Michaelis said. “I read the stuff that was in the St. Louis American. I read the stuff that was in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. I looked at Board Minutes. I read the Meramec Police Investigation of the incident. It’s obvious that lines of communication need to be opened. It’s obvious that there are some bad feelings and wounds.” Although, according to Michaelis, he is not looking at the past. He wants to look forward. “I know the fact that the old chancellor’s contract was not renewed made some people happy and some people mad,” Michaelis said. “But the reality is I don’t know her. I’ve never met her. All of that is past.” With few administration positions at Meramec filled with definite personnel, by having an interim president, acting vice president of student affairs and interim police chief, Michaelis understands the state of Meramec’s administration. “There’s no question that that needs to be addressed. By definition, I am an interim chancellor. I’m a temporary guy, but that’s on purpose,” Michaelis said. “It’s okay to have that go for 18 or 20 months. In fact, I think it’s a healthy thing. I think there are wounds or bad feelings that I think an interim can give some time for those things to heal up a little bit. It means that it will pave the way for the person who is the full time chancellor.” While repaving the way for a new chancellor, Michaelis will try to heal the wounds left by Dorsey. “I think a lot of the goal is to frankly, get people talking to each other again. I think there’s been a lot of disruption in the college. But I can’t do a thing about that, to change the past. What I can do is attempt to create an environment where people feel like they can talk to each other and people feel like they are being listened to.”
Visit www.meramecmontage.com for more news stories.
PHOTO BY: SPENCER GLEASON Dennis Michaelis, Ed. D., speaks to faculty and students at Meramec on Oct. 9. Michaelis was named the new interim chancellor of STLCC on Oct. 17. He will start on Oct. 28 and fill the postion through June 2015.
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
4 OPINIONS October 24, 2013
GETTING SCHOOLED
MALAIKA TOLFORD STAFF WRITER
Who is Profiting from Your Education? In the last century, higher education has changed from a privilege to a necessity and now it seems to be a necessary luxury. If you must have a degree in order to be successful, the student is going to find a way to get it. At a community college especially, students are highly motivated. Even those of us without clear goals are on a necessary path, and the romanticized image of a student learning simply for the sake of learning may not hold up in hustle and bustle of today’s academic environment. Technological advancements have made distance learning, a popular alternative to classroom learning,
CHALLENGING CONVENTION
BILLY GARDNER STAFF WRITER
Same-Sex Marriage The same-sex marriage debate has made its way into the nation’s consciousness in recent years. Many states have legalized it, while it remains illegal throughout the majority of the U.S. It seems baffling that same-sex
possible at public and private institutions, community colleges and online universities alike, but at what cost? The advent of the online university makes it much clearer that education is an industry these days. Students pay, they plug in the work, they receive the degree that students paid for. Privatized education is not new, but the potential societal consequences of forprofit education in the future have not been fully enough explored. If students are lucky, traditional education through schooling will continue to give us a broad set of skills including how to think critically and creatively. I find it hard to believe that a corporate or forprofit educational model would have the student’s best interests at heart. Why would they help students become creative, engaged, critical citizens? It would not be in the student’s best interest, as capitalist enterprises, to create a generation of consumers who question their very products. Instead, the industry teaches citizens to become successful in a world controlled by corporations. Before students get too carried away envisioning a dystopia future where society downloads the knowledge and skills necessary for workplace success in some Matrix-style contraption, look on the bright side. The very same technology that has made distance learning so successful has also given us revolutionary resources such as massive open online courses (MOOCs), Ted Talks and the Khan Academy.
MOOCs are an especially refreshing concept because they allow global citizens to learn, equally, from the most esteemed university researchers in the world. These online free educational ventures serve as a necessary reminder that while your degree may not be free, knowledge is out there if students are willing to inquire. It is our responsibility as students, teachers and citizens to continue the human tradition of exploration and the quest for knowledge and understanding.
This starts with a conscientious choice to engage, learn and progress. While paying for school might be necessary, (how else will pay for the teachers, administrators, staff and buildings themselves?) I would be wary of any individual or enterprise that seeks to make a profit off of student’s personal exploration of the world. Is buying a degree really worth the cost? If it is not, then invest in oneself and make sure that the students the one in charge of student education.
marriage faces such passionate opposition. Arguments against same-sex marriage are illogical, silly, ungrounded or hateful. Religious beliefs are frequently sited for why same-sex marriage should not be legal. Many religions put forth the idea that same-sex is wrong because it is sinful. But, religious beliefs are not based in fact, they are faith based. Therefore, they cannot be interjected in a rational debate because they are by definition irrational. Besides that, marriage is a secular institution. Religious beliefs are irrelevant to the discussion on same-sex marriage. Another common argument against same-sex marriage says that legalizing gay marriage is a slippery slope that could lead to the legalization of pedophilia, polygamy, incest or marriages to non-human beings. This point of view insists that for this reason, the definition of marriage must be firmly held and defined as being between a man and a woman. The problem with this argument, aside
from its overall stupidity, is that there is no evidence or reason to believe that this would occur. The slippery slope argument is debunked when a process cannot be demonstrated for how the perceived “cause” will lead to the potential “effect”. Many people will also say that same-sex marriage should remain illegal because it would be a detriment to traditional family values. This idea reeks of hatred and condescension. “Traditional family values” is a buzz-phrase used to convince others that same-sex marriage is scary. Who would want to weaken family values? There is no reason to believe that families of same-sex couples would lack the values of any other family. Two men or two women are no less capable of loving, supporting and caring for a family than any other couple. It seems that two adults making a commitment to spend their lives together would fortify their relationship, thereby strengthening their family unit.
Besides, what are “traditional family values”? The problem with not legalizing same-sex marriage is that it is blatantly discriminatory. Gays and lesbians are not being extended the same rights as straight Americans. There are countless stories of couples suffering discrimination by denied visitation of their sick would-be husband or wife, not inheriting their partner’s property following death, not being able to adopt and not being able to file joint tax returns. These are a few of many examples of how same-sex marriages being banned affects these couples. Gays and lesbians are human beings that are often treated as second-class citizens. In a nation that prides itself on freedom and individuals rights, it is appalling that so many people are quick to suppress the rights of others. The fact that same-sex marriage is not legal nationwide is sad, pitiful and embarrassing.
EDITORS Spencer Gleason Cory Montero Cassie Kibens Jake Hunn David Kloeckener Cory Muehlebach Rebecca Biundo Justin Villmer Shannon Philpott
Editor in Chief Managing Editor Production Manager Graphics Editor Photo/Asst. Sports Editor Opinions Editor In-Depth Editor Sr. Copy Editor Faculty Adviser
ILLIUSTRATION BY DALILA KAHVEDZIC
MONTAGE STAFF THE MONTAGE Tiara Bams Michelle Barry James Claiborne Billy Gardner Jake Heidbrink Robert Knight Aaron McCall Dennis Parks Kenndra Roberts Matthew Tamasi Malaika Tolford Darla Minor Dalila Kahvedzic Marina Nichols
Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer Staff Designer Staff Multimedia Specialist
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 necessaritly the views of St. Louis Community College, the Board of Trustees or the administration. The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semeWster 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 5
October 24, 2013
ILLIUSTRATION BY CORY MONTERO
A glass half-full Moving forward with optimism for the future of STLCC THE MONTAGE EDITORIAL STAFF As we welcome Interim Chancellor Dennis Michaelis, Ph.D., to STLCC Meramec, it is inevitable that students have certain expectations. It is critical that we make our expectations of Chancellor Michaelis known. As Interim Chancellor, we expect Michaelis to keep us informed about current events that affect students, to put education before politics and to act reasonably in the interest of individual student success. Of course, one might qualify such expectations as the obvious duties of a college chancellor, but under former Chancellor Dorsey students were not necessarily granted such benefits. Under Dorsey, we were often left in the dark in the matter of issues that directly affect tudents. Dorsey rarely provided any sort of statement concerning controversial topics other than an empty assurance that the college is “focusing on student success” (as Fox 2’s Elliott Davis found out in a redundant “You Paid For It” segment last year). On that note, what is it that we would like to see in place of Dorsey’s empty promises? We want answers; answers to the questions we would haveliked to ask Dorsey: How does it affect students? Is
student safety on the line? What is the chancellor’s opinion? Instead of relying on local media to find out about significant events such as last April’s campus attack, we expect to be informed promptly in order to properly prepare for any ways that we may be affected. Hopefully, Chancellor Michaelis will provide us with this crucial information and replenish some of the charisma that Dorsey failed to provide. It is crucial to the success of the college that Chancellor Michaelis put education before politics. After all, Meramec is both a college and a business. In any business politics will exist and be a prominent aspect of it is operations. However, Meramec’s business is education. It’s what we pay for and it is what we dedicate countless hours to achieve. Thus, education must take priority over administrative politics. We hope that Chancellor Michaelis might be seen on the local news informing the community of how the college is growing, rather than defending irresponsible spending in a standoff with Fox 2’s Elliott Davis; or better yet— not on television at all, but in his office ensuring that students can be as successful as possible at STLCC.
6 In-Depth October 24, 2013
TH ULTIMAT TO EVER
HALL REBECCA BIUNDO IN-DEPTH EDITOR
<< Trick or Treat: Tell me a joke? It is that time of the year again when princesses, vampires and dragons are walking door to door to get the best treats around town. But telling jokes to get candy is not a tradition practiced by everyone. Actually, St. Louis is one of the few cities that make kids work for their reward. The tradition started back during the depression to prevent crimes on the holiday. Since then, St. Louis children have quickly learned that a simple trick or treat will not suffice.
Things that go bump in the night >> Paranormal investigation has been around practically since ghosts themselves, but the hit Travel Channel show “Ghost Adventures” follows genuinely haunted houses across America. Earlier this month, the show visited the infamous Exorcist House in St. Louis, where a possessed boy was exorcised in 1949. The show’s crew and investigators decked out the room with cameras and microphones as they try to talk to paranormal activity in the house. The full episode can be found on YouTube.
Halloween just is not Halloween without visiting a haunted house. In the St. Louis region, there are several options to get that scare fix. Celebrating its 20 anniversary, “The Darkness” located near Soulard offers three different haunting attractions including a 3-D section. “Creepyworld,” in Fenton, Mo., includes ten mini haunted houses in one location with new additions for this season. The Lemp Brewery and Haunted Mansion in Downtown St. Louis, is one of the few authentically haunted houses in the country. It features an underground chamber and much more. The haunted houses are open every night until Nov. 2. For more information and tickets visit http://scarefest.com.
>>
Q: What would you do in a zombie apocalypse?
“Go to Dick’s Sporting Goods because there are weapons such as baseball bats, to throw at the zombies!” -Kenneth Hyunh
“Find a crazy person’s nuclear bunker and hide in that.” -Randolph Pham
PHOTOS BY DALILA KAHVEDZIC “Oh I’d fight them” -Kat Leicht
>>
<< Local scary attractions to visit
Black cats and voo
As one of the most popular holidays, Hallowee and superstitions. Crossing black cats and step luck, but there are many other superstitions c cemeteries and gravesites on Halloween night Also, broken mirrors are a source of misfortune Halloween.
In-Depth 7 October 24, 2013
HE TE GUIDE
RYTHING
WEEN
Make your own pumpkin cookies These days just about everything is pumpkin flavored: coffee, cupcakes, frozen yogurt and even Pringles. But a simple DIY can change a St. Louis classic into a reinvented treat. Follow these simple directions to make Gooey Butter Pumpkin Cookies. Ingredients : 1 egg 1/2 cup butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 8oz. package of cream cheese 1 pumpkin cake mix 1 bag of powdered sugar Beat one egg, a half-cup of butter, a half-teaspoon of vanilla and one eight-ounce package of cream cheese. When it becomes fluffy, add one package of pumpkin cake mix and mix thoroughly. Then, refrigerate for 30 minutes. Next make balls out of the dough and roll in powdered sugar. Bake the cookies at 350 F for 10-12 minutes. When done, sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy.
Q: W he A: In re did th the m e hips Q: What do you call a fake noodle? te ains tream r drown A: An Impasta! ? ! ILLUSTRATION BY CORY MONTERO
odoo dolls
en becomes an outlet for spooky traditions pping on sidewalk cracks could lead to bad connected with the spooky holiday. Visiting t could make for a paranormal experience. e as well. Avoiding these are key to a better
Q: Why did the boy throw the clock out the window? A: He wanted to see time fly!
o you d t a h W : Q ! A: A-Dell
uter?
comp g n i g n i s call a
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nap d i k e h t t u ar abo e h u o y d i Q: D up! e k o w e H A:
ILLUSTRATION BY CORY MONTERO
8 ART&LIFE
October 24, 2013
Ingredients for a healthier life Students listen to dietitian about healthy options JAKE KAHVEDZIC STAFF WRITER October is National Cancer Awareness month, and to coincide with this, the STLCC-Meramec campus held a day for many awareness groups to spread their cause in the Meramec quad Oct. 9. For the event Operation Food Search stated that they would be teaching students about how to have a nutritious diet on an affordable budget. The connection between what Operation Food Search was promoting and cancer awareness became very clear after a cooking demo by dietitian Leslie Bertsche, ultimately making the call for more nutritious cooking just as relevant as cancer awareness. “One of the things that we know about cancer awareness month is that what you eat can help in cancer prevention,” Bertsche said. “Eating a diet that's rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins is all important for cancer prevention.” The demo involved Bertsche preparing a black bean quesadilla, while showcasing her knowledge by highlighting the value of the ingredients. Some of the most interesting facts involved the cancer preventing aspects of the ingredients. For
instance, when Bertsche began cutting up red onions, she talked about the high amount of antioxidants present in red onions and how this attribute makes red onions better for preventing cancer over other kinds of onions. The presence Bertsche had in these moments summarized the demo: a fun blend of knowledge and cooking that made the entire act of eating healthy seem easy. “The important information I wanted to share was that making a quick and easy dinner full of veggies and other healthy ingredients can be pretty simple and doesn't have to take a lot of time,” Bersche said. The enthusiasm of the audience added to the overall feel of the demo through the banter of cooking tips among one another as well as a steady stream of questions that were provided to Bertsche throughout. “I really enjoy anything that has to do with nutrition,” student, Rachel Jennings said. “I like to learn more ways to cook for my family on a vegan lifestyle. I like to find out about more information about the preparedness of vegetables and overall other styles of cooking because my entire
family isn't vegan.” Eating healthy on a budget was also an important lesson taken by the audience and Bertsche made the connection between her demo and hunger awareness month. This is the first year Operation Food Search was part of Meramec’s Cancer Awareness Month. “What we know is that people who are experiencing food insecurity or hunger may be more reliant on [fast food] because they see it as being cheaper, but the purpose of our program in general is to teach people that you can make a quick and easy cheap meal that isn't full of fat or sodium or other processed foods and our whole purpose is to really tell them how to they can stretch a buck in the healthiest manner possible.” said Bertsche.
PHOTOS BY DARLA STORM Top: Student enjoys food made on campus. Bottom Left: Bertsche speaking about healthier food choices. Bottom Right: Ingredients for a black bean quesadilla.
ART&LIFE 9 October 24, 2013
A step in the right direction A look into the lives of Meramec alumni DENNIS W. PARKS STAFF WRITER One of the heroes in that Cardinal victory in 2011 was STLCC-Meramec alumnus, David Freese. However, Freese is not the first or only graduate of Meramec to rise to fame and fortune. Currently, three names have plaques on Meramec’s Alumni Walk of Fame
that is located beneath the flagpoles in the visitor parking lot at the front of campus. These names are Sharon Rohrbach, a former nursing student; Todd Newton, a former communications student and a group of music students collectively known as Sh-Boom.
SHARON ROHRBACH Co-Founder of Nurses for newborns
SUBMITTED BY: SHARON ROHRBACH Sharon Rohrbach, co-founder of Nurses for Newborns Foundation and Dynamic Change Consulting.
After graduating from Meramec in 1976, Rohrbach began her full-time career as a registered nurse. Working at St. Anthony’s Medical Center in south St. Louis County, she was assigned to the Critical Care Nursery. In this position, Rohrbach was often filling a key role in caring for newborn infants with lifethreatening illness brought into the hospital’s emergency room within the first few days after delivery. This experience gave Rohrbach the idea that much of this ER care of newborns could be eliminated by additional medical assessment of newborns and education for new parents. “I kept waiting for someone else to step up to attack the problem of infant mortality and no one else did, so I started Nurses for Newborns,” Rohrbach said.
Teamed with Robin Kinney, co-founder of Nurses for Newborns, Rohrbach founded the Nurses for Newborns Foundation (http://nfnf.org) in 1991. According to the foundation’s website, “Nurses for Newborn’s mission is to provide a safety net for families most at-risk; to help prevent infant mortality, child abuse and neglect through home-based programs that provide education, healthcare and positive parenting skills.” Through home visits by registered nurses, Nurses for Newborns, “serve teen moms, moms that are mentally or physically challenged, infants that are sick and general population families that are in need.” According to Rohrbach, her most helpful class while attending Meramec was the Women Entrepreneur Class, in which
she learned how to prepare a business plan and build a successful organization. “Apply what you learn as soon as possible. I don’t think I would have retained the information about how to write a business plan if I didn’t apply it quickly,” Rohrbach said. Rohrbach has been given many awards over the past decade. She has received awards like the Robert Wood Johnson Community Leadership Award, the Use Your Life award and a $100,000 Purpose Prize in 2007. After retiring as CEO in 2008, Rohrbach now works as a consultant at Dynamic Change (http://dynamicchangeconsulting. com), which she co-owns with Nurses for Newborns co-founder Robin Kinney.
“Life in the Bonus Round: A Game Show Host’s Road to Success & Fulfillment.” “Be aggressive. Whatever you want to see happen in your life, you need to be passionate and focused,” Newton said. “Be open and up front about what you want to achieve from it.” Newton’s personal development books are available at http://toddnewtononline. com, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Best Friends Animal Society. “I have the power to choose what my life will become.” Newton said.
SUBMITTED PHOTO BY: BRADFORD ROGNE
TODD NEWTON
Voice-over for E! Network and Writer Working as an intern for St. Louis radio station HOT-97 FM while attending Meramec, Newton did what he could to learn as much as possible about the radio industry. “I think I was extremely observant during that period in my life,” Newton said. “I had to knock on a lot of doors, but I just never quit.” Radio work soon led to television work, doing voice-overs for E! Network. Soon he was in Los Angeles looking for an agent. His current book project, “Living the Dream: Success for Today’s Achiever” discusses success and its different
definitions. “I don’t believe in big breaks,” Newton said. “You just have to keep looking- and working- for that next step. I never look at any opportunity as being too small. There’s always something to learn from each endeavor, whether it’s a meeting, a TV show or a conversation with a stranger.” Newton has used his skills learned while a student at Meramec to become a radio personality, Emmy Award winning television host, author and keynote speaker. He has served as host of The Price Is Right Live! and is the author of
Todd Newton, radio DJ, television emcee, book author, and motivation speaker.
SH-BOOM Fifties and Sixties Rock and Roll Cover Band
SUBMITTED PHOTO BY: DANIEL GRUHN Current members of Sh-Boom. Front row left to right: Dave Caito (Meramec graduate 1981), Rob Miller (Meramec graduate 1982), Ben Lackey, Justin Straight, Ron Roskowske, Brad James (Meramec graduate 1981) Standing left to right: Lamar Pilsing, Dennis Roussin.
Fifties and ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll cover band, Sh-Boom is a collection of Meramec graduates and alumni that have been making music together for more than 30 years. Founding members Dave Caito and Brad James graduated from Meramec in 1981, while Rob Miller graduated from Meramec in 1982. Founding members Scott Lackey, Ben Lackey and Mike Waterman also attended Meramec. Tom Gerke and Lamar Pilsing were also included when the band became the first recipient of the Meramec Alumni Walk of Fame in 1999.
“The success that my band ShBoom has enjoyed was a long process of taking advantage of nearly every opportunity to perform, regardless of the monetary reward,” James said. To maximize that opportunity, ShBoom realized they had found a niche and they offered a unique product. Performing at a private party attended by the VP Fair’s corporate sponsors gave the band exposure to several corporate contacts. “It also opened our eyes to the opportunities there were to play for private business,” James said. Encouragement by Meramec’s music department faculty to perform
all styles of music seems to have been the band’s best preparation for success. “We were provided with many opportunities to perform both on and off campus,” James said. James’ advice to students looking to reach their potential is “take advantage of as many opportunities as you can to use your talents and gifts; whether creative, athletic or academic.” To find out where Sh-Boom is playing or to schedule them for your event, check out their website at http://sh-boom.com.
10 ART&LIFE October 24, 2013
Student finds passion in various forms of glass work Jeremy Lampe, educational assistant in the STLCC-Meramec art department, has been working in glass for over a decade, but his path in the arts started at Meramec. He took general transfer requirements at Meramec after high school. “I was about to graduate with my associates degree when I signed up for ceramics. And then just took ceramics for another two years,” Lampe said. When Lampe was ready to transfer to a four-year institution to attain his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, the renowned ceramics program at Southern University at Edwardsville (SIUE) was his choice. “Now I wish I had waited to go there for grad school,” Lampe said. During his time at SIUE, Lampe worked as a production potter at Mississippi Mud in Alton, Ill. It was also during this time that he fell in love with glass. These days, when Lampe is not helping in the clay studio, he is at 3rd degree glass factory on Delmar where he teaches classes and works on his own pieces, which are mainly large sculptural pieces, which he sells and shows all over the country. “It’s fun going to those conferences and knowing everybody and getting to hang out with people that you grew up watching,” Lampe said. Lampe is currently applying to M.F.A. programs to begin next year. Even though he has had a lot of success locally and nationally in his pursuits, continuing
PHOTO BY: MALAIKA TOLFORD
Lampe demonstrates the proper way to load a raku kiln. He has been working with glass for more than a decade.
education at the graduate level will mean being able to teach. “I’m part of this group called Glass Secessionism, they’re trying to establish glass as a fine art … which it is,
but you have to wait for the collectors to catch up to that speed. They’re still caught up on the Venetian glass,” Lampe said. Lampe is excited to be part of an art
community that is changing every day. “That’s my goal, to try to make something that someone’s never seen before,” Lampe said.
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“Having the nurses involved has and his classmates explore their career really made a difference; students fields and areas of specialization, too. definitely go and talk to the nurses and “[Nursing] really stuck to me. I really learn a lot,” Corson said. “Of course this is great for [students] to talk really want to end up working with kids to their peers about cancer prevention in cancer, just because I was there and I because if you hear the message from can relate to the kids and the parents,” your peers it makes it a lot more Trinh said. “So that’s my purpose for impacted on your life.” Franks has been teaching at becoming a nurse. I’m hoping that Meramec for 14 years and said she because I was there, that kind of eases enjoys the community aspect of the the anxiety, the stress the frustration of Cancer Awareness Day event. “Before I taught I was a home the whole family.” health nurse and I felt teaching and Trinh’s experience with the children prevention, he met in the working in the hospital gave him c o m m u n i t y, I really want to end up working an eye-opening is very with kids in cancer, just because I important.” look on life. He was there and I can relate to the found a new Franks said. “Why treat an kids and the parents,” respect for kids and illness if we their strength. can prevent it from “You think h a p p e n i n g, kids with cancer is as opposed to pretty morbid subject. I was kind of treating it after it’s occurred?”
“
-Lan Trinh
Corson said she wanted to become part of Cancer Awareness Day because she likes to see a variety of service learning options for students and faculty. “It just fits with service learning, and it fits with our campus,” Corson said. “The nurses are doing their clinical so they’re doing a service learning project, and we like to try to provide opportunities for different faculty members to offer service learning and this is just one of them.” As a nursing student, events like Cancer Awareness Day, help Trinh
shocked how all these kids who had, I found out, had terminal cancers, and were going to die soon were just having the times of their lives, like playing games and doing what not,” Trinh said. “It really made me appreciate how tough kids are, because now for adults, we find out we have terminal cancer, we sit there and we just wither away in our beds and wait for the time to come. It’s just making the most of what’s left.”
2013-14
CAMPUS
VISIT DAYS
Park University is located in historic Parkville, Mo., only minutes from downtown Kansas City.
VISIT PARK
D I S C O V E R A N D E X P L O R E A L L W E O F F E R AT A N E X C I T I N G PA R K UNIVERSITY EVENT OR A PERSONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE FALL PIRATE PREVIEWS
Get the whole story at this event where we feature every academic program, visit with current students and show you why Park is such a great value. • September 28, 2013 • October 12, 2013 • November 16, 2013
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 Park University seeks comments from the public about the University in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Center Association of Colleges and Schools. Comments addressing substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs should be submit in writing to: Third-Party Comment on Park University, The Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411, or at www.ncahlc.org, no later than Oct. 21, 2013.
12 SPORTS October 24, 2013
Fighting for a Cause MMA fighters and spectators come together to support veterans DAVID KLOECKENER ASST. SPORTS EDITOR On Saturday Oct. 26th, the Chaifetz Arena will be hosting Warriors for Heroes MMA vs. PTSD. Doors open at 6pm and festivities (singing of National Anthem, introducing fighters, judges or referees, etc.) start 6:30. The first fight will start at 7pm. Event coordinators and staff are looking forward to having a good event to support veterans. “We’re hoping to raise a lot of money for returning veterans,” Dave Mirikitani, Director of Promotions said. “That’s the goal of this event.” The organization helping put on this event is the Adam Muffler Memorial Orga (AMMO). AMMO was started this year in memory of Adam Muffler who served two tours overseas and committed suicide after starting his MMA career. Muffler was a fighter from the St. Louis area who had PTSD and was 1-1 in his fighting career. When looking at the national average for suicides amongst military personnel who come back from overseas with PTSD is high with 22 soldiers a day. According to Mirikitani, MMA is a good sport for veterans because it has some of the same skills as when they were in the military. “These guys are doing whatever they
can do to make the best of their lives and MMA is a good way to do that,” Mirikitani said. “It’s a good way to relieve aggression and a way to be apart of a team.” There will be 22 men and women fighting on Saturday including STLCC alumnus Mark “Tricky” Dickman. Dickman is a two time AllAmerican wrestler while in the wrestling program at the Meramec campus in ’02-’03. Dickman has an overall of 6-1-0 in his MMA career. He has held titles such as Cage of Honor Lightweight Champion and Shofight MMA Champion. All proceeds will go to rehabilitative treatment for returning veterans suffering from PTSD. For tickets and donations, visit http:/ammo-usa.org.
High Kicks
ILLUSTRATION BY CORY MONTERO
PHOTOS BY DAVID KLOECKENER Left to Right Photo: Jessica Smugala (21) of STLCC runs down Katie Lindquist (5) of College of Lake County. Katie Rapisardo (22) fights for the ball against College of Lake County’s Margerate Nusser (22). On Oct. 4 the Lady Archers won 2-0 against College of Lake County. Their overall record sits at 11-5-2.