10Mar2011

MERAMEC COMICS PE A SC D N U See Page SO

#12

Montage The

St. Louis Community College–Meramec

March 10, 2011 Vol. 46 Issue 11

KAPLAN!!

BAYNUM!!

MILLER!!

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY: KAVAHN MANSOURI AND KAIT THOMAS

Montage Reader Poll Is STLCC making the right budget cuts?

A. Yes. Given the circumstances, they are making good choices.

B. No. Cuts should be made elsewhere.

C. I don’t care. I’m just glad I’m not the one making these decisions.

How often do you use social media in class?

To vote, visit: www.meramecmontage.com

C 14%

B 64%

A 21%

WASSON!! ...CANDIDATES FOR CAMPUS PRESIDENT

2

Layoffs hit services, scare students Student Matt Venable asks what will happen to ACCESS when one staff gets laid off

STORY ON PAGE 5

13

Keeping the weather “cool” at Meramec Meteorology professor Joe Schneider predicts the weather for his students on Facebook

16

Men’s, women’s basketball shoot for nationals The Lady Magic prepares for its last season on the diamond

2 NEWS

March 10, 2011

Meramec Campus

Meramec Campus Simpson Lake Cleanup The service learning department will set up for their semiannual Simpson Lake Cleanup Project on April 16.

From 8:30 a.m. to noon, volunteers will help remove invasive honey suckle and trash from the surrounding areas of the lake.

For additional information, call the service learning department at 314-984-7234.

CAMPUS Meramec Campus Clothesline Project The Clothesline Project (CLP) is a national project which serves as a visual depiction of violence against women.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 22, the CLP will take place in the student center quad Students, faculty and staff can make shirts that will be displayed on a clothesline for others to see.

For more information, call Darlaine Gardetto at 314-984-7695

Humanagerie The Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery will feature a collaborative ceramics art exhibit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 12.

The exhibit will show ‘vessels with imagery’ that blends humans and animals. All exhibit pieces were created by regional high school students and college students.

For additional information, call 314-984-7632

BRIEFS Meramec Campus Pamela Merritt From noon to 1 p.m. on March 23, Author of blog “Angry Black Bitch” Pamela Merritt will speak about socialism, feminism, race, and politics in the Student Center in Room 200.

The event is co-sponsored by the Meramec Diversity Committee and is open to the entire public. Admission is free.

For additional information, contact Darlaine Gardetto at 314-984-7695.

PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER

The Caldwell Construction Company, based out of Louisville, KY is building a new water tower, across from the Meramec track on Rose Hill Dr. Construction is being done to replace the “delapedated” one right next to it. The construction will be completed by April.

Layoff upset students Joseph Douglas - Editor-in-Chief -

Matt Venable, STLCCMeramec student, overheard a discussion he was never supposed to hear.

The ACCESS office’s Adaptive Technology Specialist Sue Kelmer, who has trained ACCESS students to use adaptive technologies for the past 10.5 years, will be laid off with no definitive plans on how the services she provides will be replaced.

“The way I found out about it was kind of secondhand. I happened to be in the right place at the right time when somebody was discussing it and I’ve asked lots of questions and I’ve gotten the responses of, ‘How do you know that?’ and ‘We don’t have a plan. There is no plan in place.’”

In February, STLCC announced 47 other layoffs throughout the district.

This motion is part of a reorganization effort to allocate more money toward developmental education. “[Students] have been good about talking to me about stuff,” Kelmer said. “‘Who do I talk to?’ ‘Where do I go?’

‘What’s the information?’And I’ve given them all of that.

Nobody from the campus level has come to talk to me at all about what they’re going to do… I imagine at some point they will.”

Ever since the discovery, Venable said he’s been asking other students if they knew about Kelmer, but no one was ever told.

“I’m just trying to get the word out because this is dramatically going to affect me and a lot of other students,” Venable said. “A lot of the access students don’t really know because it hasn’t been announced to anybody.”

According to Linda Nissenbaum, manager of the ACCESS office, approximately 550 students use the ACCESS office every semester. The center is responsible for helping students with disabilities overcome obstacles to their education with programs that aid students with reading, visual, attention, and compositional impairments.

Layoff upset students See Page 3

SPRING CAREER FAIR

Full-time, Part-time, Internship & Volunteer Opportunities!

Students, alumni and community members welcome!

Network with professionals!

March 10, 2011 9 AM - 2:30 PM Meramec Gym Free Admission!

Dress professionally.

Bring your resume on resume paper.

Prepare a 30-second spiel about yourself.

Research participating companies.

For more information

314.984.7611

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Documentation of disability may be required.

NEWS

March 10, 2011

Layoff: Biggest concern is ‘for the students’ Continued from Page 2 “I was quite shocked because I had no idea this was going to take place,” Nissenbaum said.

Venable, who has reading and writing handicaps, said he uses the reading and writing programs at least four times per week. He said it takes him two to three weeks to read a chapter, but with the assistive technology, he’s able to read as well as everyone else.

When the programs malfunction, he said Kelmer is always there to fix the problem.

“There’ve been many times where I’ve been taking a test and one of the programs stops responding or something crazy… So immediately while she was proctoring the test, I’d come out of the cubicle and say, ‘Susan, it’s being stupid,’ and she’ll be able to get it back to a functioning order so I can finish the test.”

In addition to working for TESS, Kelmer currently has responsibilities to the ACCESS center and Meramec’s Library.

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“Working with the students, knowing what they need and being able to provide that all these years, I want to make sure that is not interrupted for them as much as possible,” Kelmer said.

Emilie Burke, president of the Focus on Ability Club and a student worker at the library, said she originally heard the news at one of her club meetings.

“I heard and I just couldn’t believe it,” Burke said. “It’s really hard to see her go... It will affect the students to see her leave. It’ll affect me. She was a really nice person to get to know.”

While there are no exact plans yet on who will take over Kelmer’s services, George Wasson, vice president of academic affairs, said there is no intention of eliminating the service.

“I understand how the students feel about there being a change, but we will be providing these services,” Wasson said. “I’d like to put people’s minds at rest and tell

them we will.”

In the meantime, Vice Chancellor for TESS Craig Klimczak, M.D., said he will be working with college officials to fill in the service gaps.

“I am deeply concerned for everyone who is impacted by these fiscal decisions. In no way is the layoff decision a reflection on anyone’s performance or assignments,” Klimczak said. According to Klimczak, the TESS layoffs were determined by seniority, affecting the newest employees first.

In February 2010, the board of trustees approved the support of several new technology solutions. In order to make up for the increased services TESS must provide, several of the eliminated positions within TESS will be converted into three new senior application and system programmer/analyst positions.

However, Kelmer said she doesn’t apply for any of those positions.

“I have not been appointed

3

PHOTO BY: JOE DOUGLAS

Matt Venable holds a paper he typed using technology available through the ACCESS office. The document outlines the programs and devices Sue Kelmer helps operate and what he says will be affected with Kelmer leaving at the end of June.

to any new positions and I haven’t been notified of anything else,” Kelmer said.

Venable’s mission to inform students about Kelmer has felt like a “one-man crusade.”

“My main thing is they don’t realize what they’re going to be losing in a few short months,” Venable said.

“It’s not a personal thing for me. Susan is a person that’s a big asset to me. This position is crucial to my being able to continue my education.”

Kelmer said her biggest concern is for the students she serves.

“I worry about them probably more than anything else,” Kelmer said.

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4 NEWS

March 10, 2011

From textbooks to notebooks

Faculty find social media helps, hurts learning opportunities Kurt Oberreither

that students will use it in accounts, said the department class but not favorable. stepped into the realm of “When you’re not social media about a year ago.

“We wanted to have Students, staff, faculty mentally in my class, that’s and visitors can “like” STLCC- upsetting,” Suchland said. a way to informally share Meramec to receive updates “I do ask students to use advising information with our students in an efficient way,” via Facebook or follow the [laptops] for strictly notes.”

Meramec student Erin Woodruff said.

“Students district on Twitter and receive Bowling said she usually today use Facebook more than tweets.

A recent study from checks Facebook updates e-mail so it was a good way the Collegiate Learning twice a day and that it is a for us to reach out to them Assessment found that 45 “little bit” of a distraction. with timely information about percent of college students “Some of my classes are advising services, deadlines don’t significantly improve online, so instead of writing and registration reminders, critical thinking, complex a paper, I’ll be on Facebook advising appointments, and special advising events.” reasoning and writing by the instead,” Bowling said.

Meramec Counselor Jason Woodruff said she end of their sophomore years.

Adjunct sociology instructor Duchinsky said, students thinks other departments Colin Suchland said he facing problems with social could follow suit. She said doesn’t think social media is media affecting their personal others already have a social or school life haven’t stepped media presence including the culprit. the Meramec Library, “I’m firmly of the belief through his door.

“Students haven’t Graphic Design and Music technology isn’t making us dumber; it’s more about presented [me] with spending Departments, and the Center human intention than tools,” too much time on Facebook,” for Visual Technology.

In the computer lab on Suchland said. “You can use Duchinsky said. “It makes a hoe to hoe your garden or sense that I wouldn’t but it’s the second floor of Business you can whack someone on probably still an issue for Administration, Doris Wright students much more than oversees students using the the head with it.”

Suchland said Facebook they’re willing to disclose or computers.

Wright said she can and school can work share.”

Meramec Academic monitor their activity on cohesively through discussion Advising has a Facebook and the desktop at her desk. and student interaction.

However, he said with the Twitter page. Advisor Tracy Furthermore, Wright said availability of access to things Woodruff, who is partly during midterm and finals responsible for updating like Facebook, it’s inevitable Meramec BW Transfer ad-5.25x8c_Layout 1 2/24/11 1:51 PM the Page 1week, nobody is allowed to -Staff Writer-

PHOTO BY: JESSE HOFFORD

Meramec student Roman Ayrapetov, uses a computer to check his Facebook page.

Some students, faculty and staff use social media sites to communicate about assignments and other class curricula.

access Facebook, YouTube or any other form of entertainment on the browser.

“Students 100 percent cannot use a computer when it could be used for something more useful,” Wright said.

“It’s restricted.”

Duchinsky said Facebook sometimes plays such a heavy role in students’ lives that the deletion of an account can be a precursor to a serious problem.

“If someone’s feeling suicidal and they go and commit essentially Facebook suicide—not they just drop people as friends or end communication but that they pull the plug on the entire thing—that’s something we look out for,” Duchinsky said.

Also, Duchinsky said when the relationship between instructor and student moves to things like Facebook, the line between personal and professional becomes blurry.

Suchland said he wouldn’t “friend” a current student on Facebook and that he only has two past students as contacts on the website.

“I don’t do it out of respect for the student-teacher relationship,” Suchland said.

Duchinsky said like anything, social media has its advantages and disadvantages.

“There’s potential in Facebook, sometimes beneficial, sometimes maybe not. Some distractions are necessary. Our lives are hard.

So being able to just zone out, that’s useful to people, but you certainly can have too much of what appears to be a good thing,” Duchinsky said.

Visit

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for more photos, videos and news stories

Visit your UMSL transfer coordinator during Transfer Day on March 22!

Talk to UMSL representatives from the Honors College, Business, Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts and Communication, Engineering, Education and Nursing.

Plus, application fees will be waived for fall 2011 applicants.

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NEWS

March 10, 2011

5

Search for STLCC-Meramec president down to four

The search for a new campus president is down to the “final four” as Interim president Zerrie Campbell’s term comes to an end. On March 1 and 2, the four candidates visited STLCC-Meramec to answer questions from students, faculty and staff. The candidates included George Wasson, vice president of academic affairs for Meramec; Thomas Baynum, Ed.D., president of Coastal Bend College; Anita Kaplan, former president of the Medical Center Campus of Miami Dade College; and Andrea Lewis Miller, Ph.D., chancellor of Sowela Technical Community College. Candidates were given the opportunity to voice their leadership styles and personal experiences with their audiences.

PHOTO BY: KELLY GLUECK

Thomas Baynum, Ed.D., president of Coastal Bend College.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Anita Kaplan, former president of the Medical Center Campus of Miami Dade College.

Thomas Baynum Kelly Davis - Copy Editor -

After spending four years working as president and chief academic officer of Coastal Bend College, Thomas Baynum, Ed.D., said he is ready to move.

Baynum said he is prepared to share his wisdom which is why he stood in front of students and faculty to validate why he wants the next presidential position at STLCC-Meramec.

“Everyone does and should have their own opinions. I am here to listen and give them answers,” Baynum said.

Baynum told his audience that he is here to help Meramec.

He said he wants to get involved, talk to students and teachers and hopefully make a change.

“I really want to find a way to pull ideas and opinions to create a dialogue and keep that ball in the air,” Baynum said. “The idea in a dialogue is to keep it up there and

do not let that ball drop.”

When it comes to this position as president, Baynum is looking to meet all the needs that the students and faculty desire, especially with the budget cuts.

“I need to know more details about the [budget cut] situation. Without discussion and consideration, pink slips cannot be done and handed out,” Baynum said.

Baynum said he wants to help Meramec in any way possible through active communication, support and contribution from a trustworthy staff.

“I am a talk-and-eat kind of guy,” Baynum said. “I make sure that people eat and discuss improvements.”

Baynum said he wants people to feel comfortable to come to him for anything and everything; it’s all about respect. He said he is willing to listen and help in any way that he can as quickly and efficiently as possible.

PHOTO BY: SHANE RICE

Andrea Lewis Miller, Ph.D., chancellor of Sowela Technical Community College.

Andrea Lewis Miller Shane Rice - News Editor -

With approximately 17 years of experience, Andrea Lewis Miller, Ph.D., chancellor of Sowela Technical College (STC), said she believes students are the foundation for success.

Miller has served four years as the chancellor for STC and was tasked with converting the technical college over to a comprehensive college to “better community education.”

Miller holds a doctorate and master’s degree in cell and developmental biology from Atlanta University along with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from LeMoyne-Owen College.

“When I was presented with the opportunity for Meramec president, I went online and looked at the outlined profile. I saw what students, faculty and staff wanted from their next president were looking for,”

Joe Douglas

No one person makes the decision. Anita Kaplan, Ed.D., previous president of Miami Dade’s Medical Center Campus, said she places much focus on making collaborative decisions whenever possible.

“My best ideas come from other people. You are other people,” Kaplan said.

An opportunity Kaplan said she has provided to students in the past is involving student officers in the decision-making process at her level. She said she also tries to attend student government meetings whenever possible to see what’s happening at the student level.

One issue Kaplan addressed at the forum was the need to look at alternative sources of revenue in the face of funding shortages. “We’re going to have to be really creative, and innovative, and entrepreneurial

and all those things in every aspect of the work we do about how we can offset some of these losses, and I don’t think there’s any one answer.”

Kaplan’s experience in decision making comes from working in higher education for approximately 36 years.

From 1974 to 2010, Kaplan has worked at several community colleges and universities throughout the nation. She has held positions including professor, director of academic assistance, division chair of liberal studies, dean of academic affairs, assistive dean of external relations, executive vice president of academic affairs, and president.

“I think I’ve grown up in the environment where I’ve had experiences as a classroom teacher, as a middle-level administrator, as somebody involved in the community and making partnerships with business, with industry, with hospitals,” Kaplan said.

Miller said. “I matched that up with my background and my experiences and decided to apply because I believe I am a match for what the campus seems to need.”

Miller said she considers her managing style collaborative and calls herself a servant leader, “… because to lead you must serve.”

During the forum, Miller said it’s very important to not only listen to others but communicate back and respond to the needs of students, faculty and staff.

Miller said it is critical to hear and understand what people have to say and what their concerns are.

According to Miller, all issues are important and should be dealt with as such.

“It’s also important to get people to share in the governance of an issue or issues,” Miller said. “People need to see a leader as a person that will do whatever it takes to be part of the campus community through good and bad times.”

George Wasson

Anita Kaplan - Editor-in-Chief -

PHOTO BY: MIKE ZIEGLER

George Wasson, vice president of academic affairs for STLCC-Meramec.

Kurt Oberreither - Staff Writer -

STLCC-Meramec’s own George Wasson is one of four presidential candidates vying for Meramec’s top seat.

At the third presidential open forum, students, faculty and staff were given the opportunity to learn more about Wasson, vice president of academic affairs.

Wasson served as acting president in 2010 and is working toward a doctorate in management, community college policy and administration.

Wasson’s experience at Meramec ranges from academic affairs to economics club sponsor.

At the forum, he said having worked in other areas at the campus and going back to school will help him step into the role as president and see the “big picture.”

“I’ve been preparing a lot,” Wasson said. “This isn’t the easiest

thing I’ve done—going back to school, writing these papers. This isn’t something I thought about last week.”

Wasson said he is “process oriented” and focused on keeping others informed. Wasson said communication and consistency are two key aspects to improve faculty morale.“We have to see that we’re appreciated,” Wasson said. “I work hard [and] you work hard. When we feel people aren’t listening, morale goes down the tubes.”

According to Wasson, Meramec’s many resources and abilities need to be brought together. Additionally, Wasson said Meramec has come to a time when stability is important for the progression of the campus.

“Meramec is a very good campus. I think, though, with a little bit of leadership and this continuity, we can become a greater campus,” Wasson said.

OPINIONS

March 10, 2011

Sex

Pursuit of Happiness

Self-improvement

Politics and Media

National budget won’t cut it

How to listen and benefit from it

Patrick Olds

Joe Douglas

- Editor-in-Chief -

Listen here…

Listening is an underused and misunderstood element of communication.

It’s not because people don’t like listening, it’s because they don’t know how to properly do it. It’s much easier to say something than to listen to someone else. However, practicing and developing good communication skills provides several benefits.

First, “listening” is commonly mixed up with “hearing.”

Listening and hearing are two very different things. Hearing is a passive act that takes no energy. Listening, on the other hand, is an active art and actually requires concentrating entirely on the speaker.

Take a look at the Chinese symbol for “listen.” It’s made up of four characters: “ear,” “you,” “undivided attention” and “heart.” Listening takes an ear, whether it comes in the form of flaps of cartilage on the sides of the head or in a person’s eyes, a person must be able to receive information from someone else. Listening also requires you. If you’re thinking about other things, the person is better off talking to a brick wall.

Undivided attention means ignoring all other distractions, even your own thoughts.

Place all focus on the person talking and only the person talking. Lastly, listening takes heart. You must want to listen. Without it, you won’t remember most of what the person said and the speaker will likely notice it.

Also consider the L.A.D.D.E.R. acronym. Listen carefully by remembering what the person says. Ask

POLITICS

Keeping Them Honest

- Opinions Editor -

questions that follow up on what the other person said.

Don’t interrupt; no matter how important what you’re saying is, assume it’s probably not as important as what the person talking has to say. Don’t change the subject abruptly; it’s extremely rude and makes the speaker feel like you don’t care about what he/she has to say (the same goes for “Don’t interrupt”).

Control your emotions by expressing level enthusiasm. Also, respectfully listen; even if he/she is boring, suck it up and be appreciative of the opportunity to learn something.

Listening is an easy skill to learn but difficult to apply.

Use it when conversing with a friend, in an interview, when talking with a lover, and when on the job.

Listening is applicable everywhere. God gave us two ears and one mouth so we could listen twice as much as we speak.

Most people listen to others when the other person is talking about something interesting.

Being a good listener also means listening to topics that aren’t very interesting.

Good listeners reap several benefits. A good listener is better at making friends, and building and maintaining those relationships than someone who doesn’t listen often. In fact, people who listen more than they speak in a conversation are actually seen as better conversationalists and are held with higher regard by their peers.

People who employ proper listening skills are also more likely to succeed in an interview, do better at work, enjoy longer-lasting and more meaningful relationships, and expect quicker promotions.

I hope someone was listening.

The line between necessity

and luxury has been badly smeared in regard to the national budget debate.

For the first time in more than 30 years last year, the U.S. House did not pass a budget for fiscal year 2012.

That places a great burden on the current members of Congress. Recently, a two-week extension was passed to extend the debate.

What’s the biggest sticking point? It’s knowing what to cut and what not to cut in spending that is the holdup.

The United States has national debt of more than $14 trillion. Most people can’t even visualize what a billion dollars look like. Try to wrap one’s mind around $14 trillion.

The newly-elected House of Representatives is lead by a Republican majority that wants to cut just more than $60 billion.

Democrats are proposing a $10.5 billion cut. Both cuts are from a previous $3.7 trillion budget. For a visual, a $10.5 billion cut represents less than one-third of 1 percent of the national budget.

If we are taking an honest look at reducing the national budget, $10.5 billion will not cut it. The proposed $60 billion seems like a drop in the bucket. It’s a matter of whether everyone that represents us is taking us seriously.

When Democrats find fault with cutting a bloated education budget that has not improved with an influx of dollars throughout the past 20 years, then what should be cut?

How many people know that the House of Representatives is trying to pass a requirement that all government agencies publish the programs for which they request money?

Currently, only the Department

of Education does so. Why are we allowing blank checks for government agencies that have proven time and time again that they are mostly incompetent when handling taxpayer funds?

The real problem is the recognition of a clear difference between necessity and luxury.

Our debt crisis is not just an inconvenience; it is a crisis.

It is the liberals’ mindset that we are not broke, as Michael Moore said, but that the rich people have the money and are not sharing.

Moore said this while suing from profits for some of his films.

If this debt meets reality in the future, will we look back and say, ‘Could we have cut this or that?’ I feel like we will say that programs which are proposed to be cut will be immaterial to us.

It really depends on whether the politicians feel the debt is a real threat to our future security and standard of living.

These cuts in discretionary spending seem futile, but reductions have to start somewhere, and we cannot afford not to cut programs because we enjoy the luxury.

Recently elected Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virgnia recently said President Obama is ”the most powerful person” when it comes to avoiding a government shutdown over the budget, and that he “has failed to lead this debate or offer a serious proposal for spending and cuts.”

Is Washington willing to make the difficult cuts in the future toward entitlement programs?

That’s where the real money is.

It has to start somewhere.

What qualities do you look for in the next president of Meramec?

Online Columns

www.meramecmontage.com

That’s what she said; that’s what he said

America kicks ass

Melissa Sain - Student -

“A little more exposure would be nice. If the next president could be more accesible to all students around campus, not just in the Student Center.”

Robert Knight - Student “A president who actually has legitimate understanding of leadership. Since I’ve been here, I have not seen any example of leadership. They are administrators, not leaders.”

Kelly Davis - Copy Editor -

Shane Rice - News Editor -

Online dating Shane and Kelly introduce online dating in different ways. Kelly is all for it, while Shane cautions against it.

Kavahn Mansouri - Art & Life Editor -

Kelly Ballard - Associate Professor of Mathematics -

Waving in the air of freedom

“I would like someone who has a vision to keep the integrity of this institution strong with future financial instability. I want someone to keep the programs that are servicing our students well. I want someone that is a jack-of-all- trades because this is a great school.”

Whats the next best thing after waving an American flag? How about a car flag?

7

OPINIONS

March 10, 2011

The fast lane to love

Meramec singles “change lanes” down new dating highway

Kelly Davis - Copy Editor -

The majority of men and women spend a good portion of their adult lives dating. Many of these dates end in tragedy due to bad behavioral habits and the absence of attraction.

There is another way to date without having to tolerate this foolishness.

Speed dating is the quickest way to meet, greet and survey a variety of dates in less than a few hours.

On March 4, students at STLCC-Meramec were given the opportunity to discover the thrill of speed dating.

The event was held in the Student Center, which was transformed into a room of romance. Tables were frosted with pink tablecloths and heart confetti. Music played

to set the mood. There were snacks, punch and chocolate roses that men and women could buy for someone special.

To participate, everyone had to pay four dollars prior to the event or five dollars at the door. The money went to the American Red Cross Foundation in order to help those who are battling measles. Hence, this event was for an admirable cause.

Before the event began, students of all ages, who were dressed casually in jeans or formally in fancy dresses and suit jackets, filled the room.

One by one, men and women were watching the door with anticipation, hoping the next person would be their perfect match.

Those who entered were told to give their contact information and take a number. The number was supposed to help make the process run more efficiently.

With this number, men and women did not have to tell their names. Instead, they would remember the person

simply by their number and other qualities. For instance, No. 9 was a male who loved to talk about sex and Mardi Gras. This concept, however, may not work for everyone.

The participants also received a checklist. The checklist had three columns: one for a person’s number, one to check “yes,” and one to check “no.“ If both contestants checked yes on their checklists, they would receive each other’s contact information by e-mail. If one checks “yes” and the other checks “no,” no information would be obtained. As follows, if both check “no,” no one gets any information.

At 7 p.m., everyone settled into their seats as they listened to the hosts express their appreciation for attending and explain the rules. Women were told to sit on the side of the table closest to the windows, and men were supposed to sit on the opposite side.

For four minutes, men and women would tell a little about themselves with hope for a possible connection.

Once the timer went off, the men would stand, say their goodbyes, and move on to the next table.

Unfortunately, there were twice as many men as there were women so most of the men had to wait by the snack table until they were able to participate again.

Nevertheless, the event as a whole was an exceptional experience.

A few people ran into old friends and past hookups.

Some even discovered new friendships.

Afterward, many men and women connected and chatted.

They seemed to be very happy for they were smiling and chatting with everyone.

However, not everyone found his/her perfect match.

These people were easy to spot because they looked dismantled and rushed out of the room in a hurry.

For those who had a splendid time, it is probably because they had a positive attitude and an open mind.

They were willing to listen, ask questions, and share their interests. These aspects are

very important when speed dating.

The others, who refused to ask questions, were either uncomfortable or scared of the situation.

They were probably not prepared for speed dating. Without a doubt, it’s pretty obvious they are overwhelmed when they told the opposite sex that this experience was a huge mistake because they were easily intimated and they didn’t intend on taking anyone on a date since they are jobless, cheap and would rather sleep and play video games.

Certainly, speed dating is not for everyone, but it is something everyone should try at least once in his or her lifetime.

Men and women can benefit from it because it can teach them the concept of communicating and raise their self-esteems.

It is also a fascinating way to find a soul mate and discover that everyone is exceptional in his or her own way.

The Egyptians win their freedom... “click”

As world crises occur, Americans’ attention spans shorten

Don Handshy - Staff Writer -

The world seems like such a small place. Long gone are the days when traveling across the ocean seemed like a daunting task, as well as the days when the Internet was a far-fetched sci-fi dream. Fast forward to today when millions of people around the globe witnessed a country revolt against their government via Twitter.

So why, then, are we as disconnected as ever?

Look no further than our attention spans, or more specifically, our selfish lack thereof.

How many of us stopped paying attention to Egypt once the Egyptian people had won their freedom?

On Feb. 11, the very same day that former President Hosni Mubarak stepped down from power, a female correspondent for CBS was beaten and raped by an angry Egyptian mob. This event received little media coverage and garnered even less public response.

So if we aren’t paying attention to this, what are we paying attention to?

Maybe we’re paying too much attention to the less important things, like Justin Bieber getting “snubbed” at the Grammys, or Lindsey Lohan’s latest court appearance. Charlie Sheen dominates the news lately, which pushes out stories about the struggles in Libya, the upcoming federal budget changes that will impact Americans across the country, and even the recent deaths of four young servicemen in Afghanistan on Feb. 27 and 28. For some reason, we don’t really focus on those issues as much as we could.

We live in extraordinary times that deserve greater attention. Governments are

crumbling in the Middle East, America’s government struggles with securing our future. People desperately cling to their jobs while looking for secondary employment, yet we focus more on celebrity drama.

American culture has always been fascinated more by entertainment rather than education and politics. Take a look at CNN’s website for example. Make special note of the kind of stories available on the U.S. edition. Now, switch to the International edition.

There is a stark contrast in coverage between the two, where world events that affect our livelihood receive significantly more coverage

internationally than useless celebrity drama does.

We owe it to ourselves as college students and as parents to be more aware and better informed.

If every person made it a point to watch a news program or read a newspaper for as long as our favorite TV show lasts, we would find that we could be better connected to the world. What happens here and abroad can impact our lives significantly.

Whatever needs to be done, now is the time to do it.

Revolution spurs revolution.

When the world is faced with revolution, why not create a new, individualized world?

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InDepth

It’s not a stranger, it’s an acquaintance PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY: JAMES CARROLL AND STEPHANIE STOUGH

Statistics show most rape victims know the perpetrator Stephanie Stough - Managing Editor -

In the United States, someone sexually assaulted every two minutes. Most of them are never reported.

According to the FBI, there were zero reported cases of forcible rapes on the STLCC-Meramec campus in 2009.

“There hasn’t been any sexual assaults reported since I have been with the college. We had one shortly before I came here, just short of three years ago. It was one where the young lady defended herself and was able to get away,” Police Chief Paul Banta said.

But according to RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), college students are four times more likely to get raped than other age groups.

Banta said that Meramec campus police take several measures to protect students. Police are available at 314-9877667 until midnight for students who would like a police escort to their car or to class.

“We have the blue lights system on campus to where if you can push a button for assistance in the parking lots. If you push that button, the police department will come.

We also offer, if you’re here late at night or if you

have any reason to believe you might be assaulted on your way to class or to your car, we will escort you to your class or back to your car,” Banta said.

“It’s always nice if you don’t have availability to those resources to travel in groups. People are less likely to be assaulted in a group of people.”

Most rapes do not occur from strangers to the victims though. According

self-defense techniques, but also said that being mentally prepared for the situation can be more beneficial than physical training.

“Prepare yourself mentally. I don’t think a lot of people understand the advantage of putting yourself in a mental picture where you may be attacked and figure out how you would defend yourself in that situation. It’s a very

Meramec,” Zumwinkel said. “This idea of stranger rape is really the exception to the rule. Most people who are victims actually know their perpetrator so it’s just not the trauma of the violence of the experience but also the breach of trust, usually by someone they know.”

Since sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes, with 60 percent still being left

“If it’s not wanted, if it’s not consensual, it’s a crime.”

- Donna Zumwinkel, counselor and associate professor to http://rainn.org, approximately two-thirds of rapes were committed by someone the victims know. Ron Mirikitani, personal defense instructor at Meramec, said the majority of people who attack are either a friend or relative to that person.

“If someone is really nice to you and you drop your guard and all of the sudden they are on you, you are very tactically disadvantaged because you’re not prepared mentally or psychologically for the situation,” Mirikitani said.

He teaches his students to avoid situations with threatening people and teaches kicks and other

mental and emotional decision whether or not you’re going to be a victim or fight this off,” Mirikitani said.

Donna Zumwinkel, department chair of counseling at Meramec, said that victims who think they may have been a victim of sexual assault should seek out medical and psychological help, even if they are unsure if it was rape.

“Telling someone is the most important thing so they can get help. While there have been perhaps rapes on campus, there’s undoubtedly women and men who have been victims of sexual violence during their time here at

unreported according to RAINN, Banta said it’s important to report it to the police so the perpetrator is not able to commit another crime.

“A lot of people don’t report it because of the embarrassment, but anybody who has any compassion for their peers would want to take those steps so someone else doesn’t have the same experience,” Banta said.

According to Zumwinkel, it’s important for people to seek out medical and emotional help if they even suspect but are unsure they have been a victim of sexual assault.

“I think sometimes victims may have a

question in their minds after the incident wondering if that was rape or not because they knew the person. If it’s not wanted, if it’s not consensual, it’s a crime.

It’s never the victims fault. Bad judgment does not lessen the crime. A lapse of judgment on one person does not excuse the actions of someone else,” Zumwinkel said.

Meramec’s counseling center offers a free and confidential service for all students. Zumwinkel said her advice for students is to take advantage of this service, as not getting help will have long-term effects on sexual assault victims.

“I would strongly encourage someone to use our resources here.

What they can expect is confidential, free time to talk to one of the counselors here. We would want them to know that we are here to help and that they are not alone. They feel isolated and alone when in fact, in Missouri, one in seven women have been a victim of sexual violence, so they are not alone,” Zumwinkel said.

“They could start with counseling office here or with the St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center. As hard as it may be to come forward, coming forward may be easier than living with it for the rest of your life.”

9

March 10, 2011

Learning the vulnerable parts of the body

A look at the numbers

Ron Mirikitani teaches personal defense classes every semester, where he teaches selfdefense techniques such as different leg strikes or elbow strikes, and teaches the best way to form a fist and effective ways to kick perpetrator without getting hurt. Below are the most vulnerable places of the body (courtesy of http://selfdefender.net).

According to the FBI, the following is the number of reported forcible rapes at each college campus from 1999-2009. Some colleges did not report crime statistics every year, and according to http://rainn.org, 60 percent of rapes and sexual assaults go unreported.

eye nose throat collar bone solar plexus elbows

7

Lincoln University

1

Missouri Southern State University

1

Mineral Area College

1

Missouri University of Science and Technology wrist

groin knee

5

Western Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University

7

16

Southeast Missouri State University

ankles

Avoiding dangerous situations

Preventing rape can be just as important as seeking professional help after it happens. Follow the tips below while walking alone to prevent from being another victim of rape or sexual assault.

‑ Be alert. Take notice of the surroundings and who may be around. Knowing what and who is around can be helpful in case of a bad situation.

St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley

1

‑ Avoid isolated areas and walking alone. A perpetrator is less likely to attack if people

St. Louis Community College-Meramec Truman University

are around.

‑ Be confident and walk with purpose. Being alert and looking confident may ward off possible attackers.

‑ Trust instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Get out of the situation promptly. ‑ Avoid carrying too many things at once while walking alone. This makes a prospective victim appear vulnerable and can weigh them down.

‑ Always have a charged cell phone ready in case of an emergency. ‑ Avoid situations alone with a stranger or someone untrustworthy. ‑ Don’t put headphones in both ears at once. Be aware of your surroundings,

7

Procedures after sexual assault Victims should make every effort to save anything that might contain the perpetrator’s DNA, therefore a victim should not:

shower - Use the restroom - Change clothes - Comb hair - Clean up the crime scene - Move anything the offender may have touched

4

- Bathe or

2

6

University of Central Missouri University of MissouriColumbia

especially when alone.

1

7

University of MissouriKansas City University of MissouriSt. Louis Washington University

5

ART & LIFE

March 10, 2011

Fine arts professor’s work, ‘Mark’s Nature’ displayed

Mark Sheppard’s drawings are displayed in University city’s ‘The Green Center’ Clinton Borror - Staff Writer -

The Green Center in University City, Mo., now houses an exhibit entitled “Mark’s Nature.” The exhibit holds the works of adjunct instructor Mark Sheppard, adjunct fine arts professor at STLCC-Meramec. According to the Green Center’s website, it is “a center for environmental education and the arts.”

The Green Center is a piece of property and a house used for a variety of educational purposes and programs for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and students.

There are volunteer opportunities for all ages including gardening and removal of invasive plant species from the Green Center. There are training opportunities for adults who volunteer to lead classes. The staff of the Green Center is entirely composed of volunteers, with the exception of three paid employees. The Green Center also has temporary art exhibits on display.

The Green Center

focuses on education related to wildlife and the outdoors. Sheppard’s artwork that is displayed incorporates elements typically associated with the natural world. With most of his artwork, he incorporates elements associated with the unnatural world into his artwork.

He draws monsters and organisms which could never exist and places them in with his images of wildlife.

“We decided to go with Mark. His whimsical way of showing nature is like a field guide, like in ‘The Spiderwick Chronicles,’” said Joanne Richardson, the head of the arts council for the Green Center.

Two of Sheppard’s works sold during opening night of the exhibit on Feb. 11.

One was titled “Rattlesnake Master and Acorn.” Other of Sheppard’s works on display include “Fish House,” “Outhouse Hunters” and “Donkey with a Flower.”

There are 25 of Sheppard’s works on display.

“I try to put my work out there. That’s what keeps an artist alive,” Sheppard said.

Proceeds from sales of artwork at the “Mark’s Nature” exhibit will support the Green Center’s youth arts programs.

On the Green Center website, under “Nature and Art Education” if the “Art Exhibits” option is clicked, information about Sheppard can be read and an image of “Fish House” can be seen. It is a black and white image of a fish, much larger than the nearby humanoid figure, with a window in its forehead.

“I like to take ordinary objects and put them out of context,” Sheppard said.

Sheppard has been influenced by several artists.

“I like a lot of the Dutch painters in the 1500s and several illustrators, sometimes in the early 1900s, late 1800s.”

Sheppard designs his own imagery rather than finding the creatures he draws in mythology or from other sources.

“When it comes to my own works, I try to make any my own, and I try not to use influences,” Sheppard said.

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PHOTO BY: COURTNEY STARK

Fine arts instructor Mark Sheppard’s work is displayed at University city’s Green Center. Sheppard’s artwork is for sale at the center.

Sheppard teaches Drawing II this semester at Meramec.

He also teaches at St. Charles Community College. He works as a two-dimensional, representational artist.

His artwork shows many unreal beings, but beings recognizable for what they are intended to be. Monsters are relatively clearly shown as monsters. Outhouses on feet chasing hunters are recognizable as outhouses on feet.

“I work with recognizable content in my work. It’s not just complete abstraction,” Sheppard said.

Sheppard’s artwork at

the Green Center, “Donkey with a Flower” is an image of a donkey with humanoid hands holding a large flower standing on its hind legs.

“We think Mark has a sense of humor.

What is Mark’s nature?”

Development Director of the Green Center Andrea Grant said.

Mark’s Nature will close after March 31. The Green Center is open Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment.

“This is education for children. Mark is very, very childlike in a good way,” Richardson said.

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ART & LIFE

March 10, 2011

11

Theater department uses iPad for lighting Funds from Digital Arts and Technology Alliance used for $32,000 lighting board Mike Ziegler - Staff Writer -

The STLCC-Meramec Theater Department has a new addition this year in the form of a $32,000 light board purchased with funds from the Digital Arts and Technology Alliance (DATA).

DATA is an umbrella organization that supports various academic programs and provides professional level workshops within Meramec. There are four centers of excellence, DATA included, among the STLCC district. Each center presents a budget to the college presidents to determine how money is to be distributed among the centers of excellence each year.

The money used to fund the centers of excellence comes from the Missouri's Regional Technical Education Council, as described by Manager of the Digital Arts and Technology Alliance, Michael Burks, Ph.D. “With [DATA] we are able to offer opportunities for students that are found at only a few institutions in the country, and in the St. Louis area, only Washington University compares to us,” Burks said.

Theater students and faculty attended the United States Institute for Theater Technology Conference last March to find a new lighting system for Meramec.

The system they came back with, called the ETC Eos, adds capabilities that were not possible with the prior system.

“Instead of having two different boards that controls intelligent and conventional lighting, this board can control everything from one board,” said Ian Cornelius, lighting and techincal theater student.

Intelligent lighting, as described by Cornelius, includes the lighting instruments that move while conventional lighting includes instruments that remain stationary.

“Right now we don’t have enough intelligent lighting to say that we’re not going to deal with conventional lighting anymore,” said theater supervisor and designer Darren Thompson. “There are still a lot of theaters out there that have the conventional instrument is part of their standard kit. So we don’t want to completely let go of that.”

Included with the ETC Eos lighting panel is an app designed for Apple products running the iOS operating system.

“That is one of the coolest things that is out there,” Cornelius said. “You can control just about the whole board from any location while you’re connected to the

network.”

Thompson echoed Cornelius’ sentiments about the app.

“You’re not always having to run back and forth from the board,” Thompson said.

Thompson said due to the design of the app students are able to easily use and find functionality within the app after minimal training on the theater owned iPad, also purchased using DATA funds.

“I love that I can bring a student in and they can take ownership of it,” said Thompson.

Meramec offers students opportunities in the theater department that isn’t be found at most other schools within Meramec’s region of Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, Thompson explained.

“We can provide them with that most places don’t have the time, funds, or personnel to do. We are both regionally and nationally recognized for the work we do in Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Not a lot of schools can make that claim, or even try to be

PHOTO BY: MIKE ZIEGLER

Student Ian Cornelius operates the light console during a dress rehersal for Waiting for Godot on Friday, Feb. 11 in the Meramec Theatre. The light console was bought last March and cost $32,000.

because they are just trying to keep their heads above water,” Thompson said.

“Some students have come from other schools or toured other schools and said this is one of the best experiences they’ve had theatrically.”

Theatre students seem to

agree with Thompson.

“When I first got here I had no idea what I was getting into. What is offered here is fantastic,” Cornelius said.

“The staff here is so helpful.”

Access to the level of technology offered in Meramec’s Theatre is a

necessity Thompson said.

“We’re seeing so much of this high tech equipment come out it’s becoming a necessity if you want to train to people in the field of lighting in technical theater,” Thompson said. “They have to know how to deal with it.”

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12 ART & LIFE

March 10, 2011

Soundscape

Musicians and painter find fusion through music Amber Davis - Staff Writer -

A landscape of sound is produced as artist James "Gecko" Payne paints a 6 feet by 8 feet canvas.

STLCC-Meramec Kevin Danneman and Taylor Perkins play their instruments. This scene of artistic fusion is known as Soundscape.

“There is a sound that people hear in the psychedelic realm and people can relate that to a consolation of energy of those sounds,” Payne said, describing their instrumental band.

Soundscape has been together for three years and Payne has been with them for the last two years. Payne has been painting professionally for eight years and three years artistically, while Danneman has taken guitar as his main

hobby for 12 years and Perkins has been drumming for five years.

Payne makes his paintings based on the feel of the music.

He sets out the colors he chooses to use at live shows when he has heard the sound check from Danneman and

thinks of what to do for each Soundscape song. The painter of the band practices his art at the venue 2720 on Cherokee Street, where some of his canvases are put on display for more than $1,000.

“I was in a previous live art band, but when I met Kevin at

“It was as if my art and the music were meant to be.”

-James “Gecko” Payne Perkins.

“We produce solid, structured sounds and our songs can be over eight minutes long,” Danneman said.

Having such lengthy songs, Payne prefers to be in a relaxed mode when he

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kevin Danneman adjusts his effect board during a live Soundscape show.

a friend’s house, I showed him my art and listened to him and Taylor’s music. It was as if my art and the music were meant to be,” Payne said.

This artistic instrumental band loves to pack a venue with as many people as possible.

“We are having our next show at Cicero’s on April 2, and I am trying to get as many people to come to have a soldout show, it is cool to see a packed room with a small size venue like Cicero’s,” Danneman said.

Soundscape tries to play shows two to three times per month or once every month and a half. They have had the power cut out on them in the middle of their show a man stopped Payne to tell him he would pay $200 for the painting he was doing.

“It was July of last year at Shwagstock and a man stopped me in the middle of the show. He said, ‘Hey, man, I’ll pay you $200 for that painting. But don’t stop now.

Keep going; it’s great!’” Payne said.

“We are Soundscape until

SUBMITTED PHOTO

James “Gecko” Payne stands next to a painting he created during a show.

further notice,” Payne said.

They want to have their name legal to able to start preproduction for their CD. “We want to play music and paint. We want our band to get around and be seen. But we are better musicians than promoters for Soundscape. Our band is more underground and a small local band,” Payne said.

With no lyrics to go along with their music, Danneman said that Soundscape is open to anything new.

“We would love to have someone get in contact with us and want to be a guest singer

for a song. I think it would be great. We have tried to have a vocalist come be a part of our band but it just didn’t fit right with the music we were making. But I think we are more into the idea of having a guest perform with us,” Danneman said.

Payne said the band would like to have a celebrity guest.

“When Soundscape gets to the state of popularity, we could have anyone come and be a guest vocalist, for example Kayne West,” Payne said. “Or even a woman vocalist would be cool, too.”

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SUBMITTED PHOTO

Taylor Perkins plays along with fellow musician Kevin Danneman. Opposite the stage James “Gecko” Payne creates a piece.

MERAMEC

ART & LIFE

March 10, 2011

13

And now, the weather with Joe Schneider

Meteorology teacher uses Facebook to post St. Louis weather updates Tim Doty

- Copy Editor -

Approximately 500 million other people in the world, such as Joe Schneider, meteorology professor at STLCC-Meramec, have a Facebook account. Along with being the only meteorology professor at Meramec, he may also be the only user to post updates on weather conditions along with what's on his mind.

"When I first started with Facebook, I never intended to do that. Being a teacher, no one really cares if I'm grading an astronomy or meteorology test or if I'm headed to class or something. So I thought 'How can I make this something unique and maybe make it worth to have friends?' So I started just posting the forecast on there. It's just grown over time," Schneider said.

Schneider teaches meteorology along with astronomy and physical science. He said His love for the physical sciences began in elementary school.

"It started in fourth grade. I had a teacher, Mrs. Boehne, and she spent about a month on meteorology and astronomy. From then on, I just loved meteorology and astronomy and I thought that I wanted to go into one of those. It's been a dream of mine really since I've been in grade school," Schneider said.

In the mid-’90s, Schneider interned at KTVI in St. Louis.

While there, he met and interned for meteorologists Dave Murray, Chris Higgins and Glenn Zimmerman. His duties while there consisted of taking DIFAXes, which are black and white maps,

analyzing them, and showing the meteorologists at the station what could happen depending on what season it was. "[Interning at KTVI] was a great experience. I got a chance to meet all of the meteorologists that are still there. I was just investigating my options of what I wanted to do," Schneider said. "It was overall a very pleasant experience and a great learning experience."

Schneider graduated from St. Louis University in 2000 with a master's degree in meteorology with a minor in mathematics. He had received a scholarship in graduate school to teach classes, and his experiences led him to choose teaching over research.

"My first intention was to go to do research when I was an undergrad. I received a scholarship to teach. It was through that process of teaching those classes then over the 3-year period that got me to fall in love with teaching basically. I enjoyed it, fell in love with it, and that's what I wanted to do instead of doing some kind of research

PHOTO BY: KELLY DAVIS

Meteorology professor Joe Schneider sits at his office in Science South revieweing a powerpoint on tornados. Schneider uses Facebook to update his students on St. Louis weather.

"As I got back to school and I started maybe not updating it like every day with the weather forecast, I started getting e-mails of 'Why aren't you updating this?' I said, 'What are you talking about?'

he uses raw data from sites such as http://NOAA.gov and sometimes makes his own forecast.

"A weather forecast is like putting together a puzzle. You have many pieces to use and

“You’re trying to forecast something that is -Joe Schneider, basically chaos theory.”

meteorology professor

position," Schneider said.

The concept for Schneider to put forecast updates on his Facebook profile blossomed this past winter, and he started getting e-mails from people who were wondering where the updates were after Schneider started posting when he saw potentials for winter storms.

They said, 'Because we look at your Facebook account every single day to get the weather.' So I realized then that I was doing a service for all these people and I enjoy doing it," Schneider said.

Schneider said that putting together a weather forecast is similar to assembling a puzzle. He said

PHOTO BY: KELLY DAVIS

Meteorology professor Joe Schneider points to a weather front on a overhead projector. Schneider majored in meteorology as well as astronomy.

they have to be put together in the certain way. If a few of the pieces are not correct, the puzzle will not be completed and the outcome will not be reached. I try very carefully to put those pieces together and come up with the best possible forecast," Schneider said.

Putting together a forecast and interpreting data from models is a skill, Schneider said.

"When I say models, it's all numbers. It's not like it's all pretty little pictures that we show you guys in class.

You've got to interpret all of that; that's what you have to do to put together a forecast.

Sometimes I want to look at the raw data, and then look at it on a weather map, and then make my own forecast," Schneider said. "I enjoy it. I realize a lot of people depend on it now."

Meramec student Steven Davis took Schneider's Introduction to Astronomy course in spring 2010. He said that Schneider made the class more interesting and easier to understand.

"I needed another science class and I had heard that he [Schneider] was a pretty good teacher so I decided to take that class. I really had no interest in the topic so I figured it would be a boring

class. Fortunately, I was wrong," Davis said. "The way Joe taught the class made it really interesting and easy to remember. He would turn a difficult topic into something that was easier to understand as well."

A serious study of meteorology involves math and physics. Schneider said that these two subjects are the basis of meteorology.

"To study meteorology, you've got to be very, very good in math and physics.

You've got to go through the whole calculus sequence.

You've got to take your college physics, your engineering physics, then there's atmospheric chemistry then cloud physics," Schneider said. "You're trying to forecast something that is basically chaos theory."

Schneider said he has had "anything and everything" when it comes to reactions from what he posts as weather updates on Facebook.

"Sometimes the comments are really complimentary.

Other times it's teasing. I know they are not ripping on me in a mean way," Schneider said. "Somebody said, 'You're the Facebook meteorologist.'

Most of the reactions are positive. I enjoy doing it and will continue to do it."

Schneider said it makes him feel good when students tell him through Facebook what they've seen.

"It really makes you feel good because they're thinking about the course they took. It's kind of great because those students give me a friend request through Facebook and then we can stay in touch. I know how much the people are using the meteorology," Schneider said.

"I'm using Facebook as a way of teaching, really."

14 ART & LIFE

Four separate animals along with a fish tank are in Science West. Two of the animals are Black Rat snakes in Science West.

Living in Science West

March 10, 2011

(Above) A turtle swims through its tank in Science West. (Below) A snake slithers through its tank. There are four different tanks of animals in Science West.

Animals provide hands-on experience for biology students

PHOTOS BY: KELLY GLUECK

Someone you know has been through more than you will ever know.

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March 10, 2011

The passion to play the pastime

SPORTS

Former STLCC-Forest Park baseball player comes to Meramec to play ball Nick Herrin - Staff Writer -

Working two jobs, the loss of old teammates and coaches, and having to drive from the STLCC-Forest Park campus to STLCC-Meramec to play baseball could cause a player to lose his passion for the national pastime. The loss of a scholarship and switching from a starting gig to a utility role could even cause a player to walk away

from the game altogether.

That is not the case for Cody Higgs, utility third baseman for the Magic Baseball team.

When it became apparent that STLCC sports teams would be combining due to financial limitations, players on the Forest Park Highlanders believed there was a good chance the team would separate.

Although the baseball team at Forest Park began

Cody Higgs takes an at-bat at Busch Stadium on Sept.

Community College baseball team after the St. Louis

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charging for parking, Higgs admits that more could have been done to gather the finances to keep the team together.

“I felt like there was really a lack of effort to keep our program at Forest Park,” Higgs said.

However, Higgs said he is no longer in any way pessimistic regarding how the switch turned out.

In his final season with Forest Park, Higgs said he was dissatisfied after the Highlanders head baseball coach left for a coaching position at Christian Brothers C o l l e g e High School, l e a v i n g Forest Park with a coach who was unfamiliar in the head coaching role.

N o w , H i g g s says he is ARCHIVE PHOTO thankful to be 19. The Magic played the Lewis and Clark Cardinals defeated the San Diego Padres. reunited with

his former high school coach and Meramec head coach Tony Dattoli.

“He was inexperienced and didn’t know what to do in what situations, and brought on in experienced assistant coaches,” Higgs said in reference to the Forest Park head coach. “But coach Dattoli is very knowleged about the game. He knows exactly what he is doing,” Higgs said.

Higgs has also had no trouble getting to know his teammates at Meramec.

“As for my teammates, I played against these guys in conference and I know a bunch of them from playing against them. I got to know the team and I just became part of a family.”

Although Higgs isn’t particularly thrilled with the prospect of less playing time, he has grown not only as a baseball player but also believes he has become more responsible, working two jobs while competing for innings on the diamond.

“My life is just baseball and work,” Higgs said.

“But I feel like the switch is a lot better. I feel like I’ve become a better ball player

PHOTO COURTESY OF MERAMEC

because of it. I’m happy.”

Higgs has been practicing since fall with the team, and anticipates the team doing well this season.

“Our goal is definitely to win the national championship. We have high expectations,” Higgs said.

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16SPORTS

March 10, 2011

Saving their best for last

Men’s and women’s Magic basketball teams finish “historical” seasons, head toward national tournament

PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKNER

Spencer Gleason - Sports Editor -

In the first STLCCMeramec basketball game since the announcement of the basketball programs being cut at Meramec next season, the Lady Magic took their talents to Kansas City, where they battled the Penn Valley Scouts in the semi-finals of the Regions XVI Tournament.

Meanwhile, about 98 miles northeast from Kansas City, in the town of Trenton, Mo., the men’s basketball team began their Regions XVI Tournament, as they took the court against the rival STLCC-Florissant Valley Fury.

Both teams came away with a victory.

The following day, in the championship game of their respective tournaments,

each team did what they had done the day before— win. The instant the buzzer sounded to end their games, two more historic moments had just been tallied up for the Meramec Magic 20102011 basketball teams. There were two more Regions XVI Championships to bring home.

“The game is just so emotional for these kids,” women’s head coach Shelly Ethridge said after defeating the Scouts 78-68.

“I’d probably go as far to say that there probably isn’t another team in this region that works as hard as these kids. So I hope that it pays off for them.”

In the final season as the Meramec basketball team, both the men’s and women’s squads have made their mark in Magic history.

Now both teams look

toward their ultimate goal of the national tournament.

The women’s team will play in Peoria, Ill., starting on March 16, while the men’s team will play in Danville, Ill beginning March 15 for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Tournament.

Both teams look to prove they still have some Magic left in the tank.

“I think the studentathletes and the coaches deserve a great amount of credit for staying focused on the task at hand,” manager of physical education and athletics Bob Bottger said.

“It’s no secret that there are many changes that there are in the future in intercollegiate athletics.

I really commend them for doing a great job.”

PHOTOS BY: SPENCER GLEASON

Lady Magic head coach Shelly Ethridge looks on as her team plays the Penn Valley Scouts in the semi-final Region XVI Tournament game. The Magic won 78-68.

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MONTAGE .COM for video and slideshow of the men’s and women’s basketball teams

Top: The men’s and women’s Magic basketball teams huddle together after the final regular season and last home game.

Above: Meramec Magic players walk off the court after victory against the Penn Valley Scouts. Right: Magic players on the bench cheer on their teammates in the second half of the semi-final game in the Region XVI Tournament.