The Orion - Spring 2012, week 16

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Chico State’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1975

LOVELY IN LAVENDER

BEST OF OFSSHOW SHOW The Orion sports staff chooses and celebrates the top athletes of the year. Package A6

The first Lavender Graduation ceremony was held for LGBTQ students and allies Friday. Story B5

VOLUME 68 ISSUE 16

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

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3 students attacked over weekend Quinn Western STAFF WRITER

Two Chico State students suffered stab wounds and a third was severely battered Saturday morning just one week after a crime-filled Cinco de Mayo weekend. Two students were stabbed multiple times about 2 a.m. Saturday on Citrus and West Sacramento avenues, according to a press release from the Chico Police Department. Both students are expected to survive. One male and one female are suspected of stabbing the students in a fight, Chico police Sgt. Curtis

Prosise said. The male and female walked down the street yelling, said Sean Ross, a sophomore civil engineering major. Nicholas Swietlow, also a sophomore civil engineering major, and Ross yelled at them to be quiet, and then the male and female ran onto the property, threatening that they carried a weapon. Swietlow and Ross told the male and female to calm down, Ross said. The woman came from behind and stabbed Swietlow in the back. The second stab victim, David Preher, chased after the male and was stabbed twice in the back by

the female, Ross said. Swietlow suffered a gash in his left arm cutting his artery and no longer has feeling in his pinky, Swietlow said. The stab to his left upper-side started fluid build-up in his left lung. Preher suffered a punctured spleen and internal bleeding, Ross said. Police officers also found a severely battered 21-year-old female in an apartment at 1 a.m. Saturday on Mechoopda Street, according to the press release. An unknown male came into the apartment through a window and found her sleeping, said Katie >> please see CRIME | A4

THE ORION • QUINN WESTERN

STABBINGS Emergency medical technicians load an ambulance at West Sacramento and Citrus avenues early Saturday morning. One student was beaten and two were stabbed over the weekend.

STATE BUDGET

OCCUPY

Governor’s budget revision met with different reactions

Student protesters occupy Chico creek

Ben Mullin NE WS EDITOR

Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget revision, released Monday, projected no further funding cuts to the California State University system, provided his tax initiative passes in November. If the tax initiative doesn’t pass, $50 million in additional “trigger cuts” would be added to the CSU cuts, but if it does, current funding for the CSU will be left intact, CSU spokesman Erik Fallis said. “Higher education has been largely spared,” Fallis said. But banking on the fact that economic recovery “is just around the corner” does not serve higher education, Chico State President Paul Zingg said in an email to The Orion. “I think the proposal is dreadful,” Zingg said. If the trigger cuts pass, Chico State will lose about $40 million from its general fund, which could cause further program suspensions, a hiring freeze or reduced enrollments in 2013, Zingg said. “Nothing in the governor’s budget even hints at reinvestment,” Zingg said. The California Community College system, which has seen $809 million in cuts over the last few years, could be cut by an additional $300 million in November if the tax initiative doesn’t pass, said Paige Dorr, a spokeswoman for California Community Colleges. If the initiative does pass, the community college system will be given $300 million, Dorr said. “It’s critical that we don’t sustain any further cuts but secondly that we get some new money in,” Dorr said. The revised budget also changes the amount that Cal Grant recipients would receive to pay tuition. Rather than being given a single “all or nothing” grant that covers the entirety of tuition at a University of California or CSU campus, 37 percent of all Cal Grant recipients would receive a lesser amount of money based on their cost of college attendance and family income. Ben Mullin can be reached at

broke down over the winter intersession, and now NE WS EDITOR many of the people who spent Six students shouted that their nights outside for stuthey were drowning in debt dent advocacy have stopped Wednesday, but they were coming to Occupy meetings, held above water by inner Davidovitz said. “People have conceded that tubes and water wings. The students, some this is the way things are,” he stripped down to their bath- said. The students who joined the ing suits, waded into Big creek protest laughed Chico Creek and held as they each tried aloft cardboard signs to outdo themselves reading “Drowning with progressively in debt,” “C$U Chico” more ridiculous puns. and “Stop cutting People “School is for fish,” classes.” As passhave Wanner yelled. “This ersby walked across conceded is a university.” the concrete bridge Although the stubetween Glenn and that this dents were laughing Plumas halls, the stuis the way about their protest, dents yelled slogans. things are Davidovitz said they “Our school is were sick of the highly liquid,” California State Unishouted Colton MITCHEL versity system taking Wanner, a junior DAVIDOVITZ sustainable manufac- junior music industry advantage of stuturing major, gently and technology major dents and that he and his group expected paddling his inflatstudents to underable raft against the stand their message. current of Big Chico Creek. “I think they take us seriNext to him, on the south bank of the creek with a ously,” he said. “I’m worried bright blue plastic water wing the administration isn’t takwas Mitchel Davidovitz, a ing us seriously.” Junior political science junior music industry and technology major. Every few major Steven Perle, who seconds, he gave a huge blast watched the protest from a from a whistle and yelled a nearby bank, said the proslogan at someone walking test’s main purpose was to spread awareness of the conon the bridge above. Like Davidovitz, some of stant cuts made to the CSU. As the group began packthe students who joined the protest are former leading ing to leave, Davidovitz said members of Occupy Chico that another purpose of the State, he said. The universi- protest was to get students ty’s Occupy movement, which excited about advocating for protested rising student themselves. “Students just need to tuition and bloated administrator salaries at the end be more involved,” he said, of fall 2011, has lost speed squeezing the air out of a because of diminished stu- green and white inner tube. dent interest. Communication between Ben Mullin can be reached at Occupy Chico State members newseditor@theorion.com Ben Mullin

“ “

THE ORION • ANNIE PAIGE

TROUBLED WATERS Students wearing bathing suits in inner tubes shouted slogans at passersby Friday to protest rising tuition fees and the high salaries of administrators like Chancellor Charles Reed.

newseditor@theorion.com

Former professor kills himself after arrest for sexual abuse Ben Mullin NE WS EDITOR

A Chico State professor emeritus died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Friday after being arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse of a minor two days before. Robert Britton, 73, shot himself in the head with a .38 caliber handgun in an orchard near Meridian Road after being released from jail on bond, said Lt. Allen Smith of the Butte County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. Police found his body some distance away from his car with the gun and a suicide note at 3 p.m. Friday.

Britton had been arrested at public affairs and publications. Wills about 10 a.m. Wednesday, foldeclined to comment on the allegalowing an interview with police, tions against Britton. Chico Police Sgt. Scott Franssen Mike Ward, the dean of the College said. Britton was released on of Engineering, Computer Science bonds Wednesday night. and Construction Management didn’t Franssen declined to comknow Britton well during his time at ment on other facts surrounding Chico State, he said. Ward only saw the arrest out of concern for the ROBERT BRITTON Britton occasionally but was upset at suspected victim’s privacy. the news of his arrest. The professor Britton, a former computer sci- emeritus was “It’s a sad, sad state of affairs,” found dead Friday ence professor, taught at Chico he said. State until 2008 as a part-time professor in the school’s faculty early retire- Ben Mullin can be reached at ment program, said Joe Wills, director of newseditor@theorion.com

INDEX >> World News

BREAKING NEWS >>

Student arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse of a minor Paul Michael Braun, a 48-year-old Chico State student, was arrested Tuesday at 2 p.m. on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a child under the age of 14 earlier this year. University Police arrested Braun and he has PAUL BRAUN Chico State stubeen booked into Butte dent arrested on County Jail. suspicion of child molestation

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

WEATHER >> today | sunny

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92 58 Forty-nine headless corpses were found Sunday in northern Mexico. Members of a drug gang under the name of “Zetas” stated that they killed the 49 people in a message left at the scene. The massacre is the latest in a string of atrocities committed by warring drug gangs in northern Mexico. Source: Yahoo News

A new deal made on Sunday between Egyptian and Palestinian officials may end a mass hunger strike by Palestinians in Israeli jails. The strike has lasted almost a month with about 1,600 prisoners participating, including three who have refused food for more than 70 days.

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Presidential pay reform meets criticism Aubrey Crosby STAFF WRITER

New California State University presidents can make 10 percent more than their predecessors — but that money can no longer come from the state. The California State University board of trustees voted to put a cap on state-funded presidential pay Wednesday at the board’s meeting in Long Beach. Incoming presidents can earn up to 10 percent more than the salary of an outgoing president, but the additional money has to come from private fundraising. Of the 25 board members, 24 voted in favor of the policy amendment. Board of trustees member Margaret Fortune was the only dissenting vote against the policy. The amendment allows incoming presidents a 10-percent increase over the outgoing president’s salary, but only if it is funded by the university of the president, Fortune said. The state-funded portion of the salary of a new president should be the same as their predecessors. “The reason I voted against this amendment is to signal from the top that we understand what students and faculty are facing in these hard economic times,” Fortune said.

This amendment was not made with the best interests of the CSU in mind, and the CSU chancellor and system are not being transparent with the amendment, said Vince Ornelas, California Faculty Association chapter president for Chico State. “This idea that the board of trustees has reformed their compensation is false,” Ornelas said. “All they’ve done is shifted that increase in presidential salaries from the public sector to the private sector.” This is a big step backward for the CSU system, said Susan Green, CFA treasurer for the Chico State chapter. “It’s nice that they have heard that people are upset about administrative pay,” Green said. “It’s also disappointing that all they have done is shifted it to the power of private groups as a means to raise money to increase their salaries.” The university funds capable of being used for a pay increase can come from donations to the university but would not come from money set aside for campus improvement or education, said Stephanie Thara, a spokeswoman for the CSU system. The policy amendment was put into place because of the $750 million in budget cuts to the CSU system and the unprecedented retirement of

many campus presidents, Thara said. This policy change does not directly affect Chico State President Paul Zingg’s current salary, Zingg said in an email to The Orion. His salary has remained the same since 2007, and Zingg doubts it will change in at least two to three years, he said. “If we’re going to have a salary freeze in the system, then the presidents should feel it too,” Zingg said. “However it is realized, a compensation policy for the CSU that is fair, equitable and competitive is a good thing.” Some students think the board of trustees made the right decision but could have done more. It’s good that the board of trustees froze increases in pay from state funds, said Alison Saechao, a freshman English major. However, Saechao disagrees with the use of private funds to pay university presidents, she said. It shouldn’t be necessary for presidents to receive additional outside payment. “They hold a public position and receive funds in the public eye,” Saechao said. “They shouldn’t be increasing salaries when tuition is increasing.” Aubrey Crosby can be reached at acrosby@theorion.com

Source: Yahoo News

Poll results— A.S. elections

NATION >>

Energy Ballot Initiative 2012

University 85.2% Facilities Use YES Initiative

87.7% YES

South-campus area most likely for alcohol arrests 2011 crime stats indicate dangerous hot spots around Chico crimes include open liquor containers, felony DUIs, liquor sales to minors and STAFF WRITER DUIs while biking. In 2011, about 89 percent of crime was Chico crime was down 8 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, but that number against property, and the remaining 11 percent were crimes against people, may be misleading. Alcohol-related crimes went down Woodward said. Larceny, the theft of personal prop29 percent from 2010, but this decline in reported crimes could be due to a erty, accounted for 55.2 percent of crime decline in officers who can file reports, in 2011, Woodward said. Burglary, the said Robert Woodward, the Chico Police act of entering a building to commit a Department crime analyst who com- crime, followed larceny, accounting for 21.4 percent of crime in 2011. piled the statistics. However, burglary was down The likelihood that most 27 percent, rape was down 24 crimes cluster in geographic percent and larceny was down areas with a high student popabout 6 percent compared to ulation continued in 2011, 2010, according to the report. according to the report. These The fact that most of the cluster areas are informally I feel that 2011 crime was against propknown as the south-campus even on erty does not seem to surprise area, which includes downthe big students. town, and the north-campus “Our house got broken into area. weekends over spring break, so the house Alcohol arrests are expected it hasn’t crime is not surprising to me, in cities where there are college been that at least around here,” Costa students, said Matthew Riebe, bad. said. a freshman psychology major. A flat-screen TV was sto“I am shocked that the len and all the doors broken arrests have gone down in Costa’s First and Citrus avethough, especially seeing how nues home, he said. Chico gets a whole lot of bad THOMAS COSTA People just want what othincidents going on over the Junior agricultural business major ers have, but they don’t want weekends,” he said. to kill anyone, Riebe said. College students are much Despite a record high of five more likely to binge drink and get out of control than other residents, homicides in Chico and a 32 percent so it makes sense that police would increase in auto thefts, other crime took regulate those areas more, said Becca a decrease, Woodward said. “The theft and homicide rising Russell, a junior business administradoesn’t surprise me,” Riebe said. “Peotion major. It seems like alcohol consumption ple are just trying to make more money for college students has gone down these days, especially with the state’s throughout the years, said Thomas economy in deficit.” The police department can’t get exact Costa, a junior agricultural business major. It is noticeable because Chico is numbers on incidents or arrests with Chico State students specifically, Woodnot as crazy as it has been in the past. “I feel that even on the big weekends ward said. The department has tried it hasn’t been that bad,” Costa said. to compile a report, but students don’t “There hasn’t been that many arrests want to admit they are students, so there is incomplete data. and that many people in the hospital.” Chico police encourages everyone to Alcohol-related crimes are most common with students in the south-campus fill out a report about any incident, even area, according to the report. These if police officers don’t come out and do consisted of 1,245 drunk in public, 509 it with you, Woodward said. misdemeanor driving under the influence and 189 minors in possession of Natalie Eucce can be reached at liquor offenses. Other alcohol-related neucce@theorion.com Natalie Eucce

THE ORION • LINDSAY SMITH

SOURCE • ASCHICO.COM

After a long “evolution” on the topic of gay marriage, President Barack Obama made a statement in favor of same-sex unions in an interview with ABC News May 9. Source: weeklystandard.com

Newly passed A.S. initiatives explained, Senate to consider students feel, Barrett said.

Quinn Western STAFF WRITER

Texting while walking was banned in a New Jersey town Sunday. If citizens are found texting and walking they could be fined up to $85. More than 117 tickets have already been issued since the law came into effect. Source: Yahoo News

CALIFORNIA >>

Governor Jerry Brown announced in a YouTube video that he wants to raise California taxes Sunday. He said if the tax increase is not established, more programs will lose funding.

The University Facility Use Initiative and Energy Ballot Initiative were both passed in the April Associated Students election by more than 85 percent. The new A.S. president and A.S. director of university affairs will go to the Academic Senate to propose the initiatives approved by students. A.S. President Jaypinderpal “Jay” Virdee plans to meet with Chico State President Paul Zingg and send a formal letter to advocate for students, but Virdee can’t make the university change, he said. “We can send a formal letter, but by the end it’s their choice,” Virdee said. University Facility Use Initiative The normal business hours are Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays. This initiative will extend normal business hours to 10 p.m. on Fridays for recognized clubs. Universityrecognized groups will not be charged to use campus facilities during these normal business hours and extended hours. These initiatives serve as an outlet for students and for their voices to be heard, said Michael Barrett, A.S. executive vice president. The initiatives show how

Energy Ballot Initiative 2012 This initiative states that the A.S. president and A.S. director of university affairs ask the university to create a five-year plan to cut Chico State’s energy usage and cost by one-third. The university could use more renewables, optimize the use of buildings, shut down certain buildings on the weekends and reduce plug load, said Mark Stemen, professor of geography and planning. The smart-carts in many classrooms use 38 watts and remain on year-round, Stemen said. This plan was introduced by Stemen’s “Environmental Thought and Action” course. “The hope is that the university will respond with a plan that will begin to reduce energies over the next five years,” Stemen said. “It’s unfortunate that the leadership is all coming from the students.” Potential clash The two initiatives clash, Barrett said. “One cuts down energy by a third and one extends hours and energy usage,” he said. The Academic Senate will be hearing two nearly opposite initiatives. Quinn Western can be reached at qwestern@theorion.com

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Source: Reuters

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FBI agent Stephen Ivens has been missing since Thursday and is considered armed and suicidal. About 100 FBI agents and 40 Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department rescuers have participated in the search for Ivens around the Los Angeles area. Source: Fox News

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Suspended Discontinued INFOGRAPHIC BY• LINDSAY SMITH

Officials discontinue admissions for outdoor ed Pedro Quintana STAFF WRITER

On the 10th day, food rations were low. Students on the outdoor education Immersion Semester trip hiked through canyons and swampy waters in Utah to pick up their weekly food rations, but after hiking 10 miles and not finding food, they were forced to move on. They finally found their destination after hiking on empty stomachs and low water rations. For Josh Roden-Lowe, a senior kinesiology major, the events of his spring 2011 immersion trip into the wilderness were a mental challenge that taught him how to survive in vulnerable moments. Like the students on the immersion trip, the kinesiology outdoor education program will now have to fight for existence. It is one of several programs that will be suspended and disallowed to accept admissions for fall 2012. Students who had interest in the program are now advised to choose another major, said Maggie Payne, interim dean of the College of Communication and Education. Courses offered in the outdoor education will not change for students who are currently in the major. “Things are not coming to a dead halt,” Payne said. All seven colleges on campus have been told to decrease their budgets by 20 percent. The cuts are a result of Gov. Jerry Brown’s latest state budget proposal that seeks to overcome a $16 billion deficit. Programs with discontinued admissions include animal science, the licensed vocational nurse to bachelor of science

A3

in nursing program and the accounting information systems option within the business information systems major. The College of Communication and Education has been working for two years on eliminating programs less viable than others to see where resources are needed most, Payne said. Many have advocated for this program, but the passion doesn’t change the fact that outdoor education is a very high-cost program, she said. “We think there are ways to reduce the cost, but it will not be the original vision of the program, it will be what we can reasonably afford,” Payne said. Students who are currently enrolled in the program pay a course fee that goes toward field trips, including the immersion trip. More than $1,000 goes toward food, transportation and equipment on such a trip. The immersion program is one of the top programs available, said Andrew Wainwright, a junior outdoor education major. With the cuts, the program will go from a phenomenal program to just a good one, he said. “The resulting drop in field experience will make us less well trained and have less field experience than we did before, which would make us a bit less qualified to enter the workforce when we graduate,” Wainwright said. The university was aware of the cuts but initially decided to give its approval to invest in the outdoor education program, Roden-Lowe said. It has since decided to suspend the immersion program, replacing the practical skills with extra courses.

The department of kinesiology has been unable to cut enough costs for the program to go forward, Payne said. Since the program has a limited number of students, it was the best time to close enrollment. The immersion trip has attracted students from different majors, such as Heidi Rogers, a senior environmental science major, to gain experience and prepare for outdoor education. The program teaches students how to endure different scenarios in the wilderness through hands-on learning, Rogers said. Officials haven’t given a time frame for when the program will be allowed to accept new students, Payne said. The program is still up in the air until the college addresses budget concerns and takes time to re-imagine the program. “This was a very difficult decision to do, it would be easy to suggest that we are planning to kill the program,” she said, “but it is actually, in the long term, going to save the program by making it sustainable in terms of cost.” Before he made a 2,200-foot climb during an outdoor education Immersion Semester trip, senior Jeremy Robertson wrote in his journal how precious it was to be out in the wilderness, surveying nature. On the trip, he saw “an indescribable beauty that many will never witness,” and very few people get to experience, he said. And now that the sun is starting to set on admissions for the outdoor education program, even fewer will get to do so. Pedro Quintana can be reached at pquintana@theorion.com

On Saturday and Sunday, Chico State’s spring 2012 graduating class will receive diplomas. Graduates from the Colleges of Agriculture, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Business and Engineering, Computer Science and Construction Management will graduate Saturday. On Sunday, students from the Colleges of Communication and Education, Natural Sciences and Humanities and Fine Arts will receive their degrees. Source: Campus Calendar

THEORION.COM EXCLUSIVES >>

To read about your job prospects after graduation, check out theorion.com on Thursday.


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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

Provost search nears completion POLICE

BLOTTER Information cited directly from Chico Police Department and University Police. Chico Police

Thursday, 11:02 a.m.: Domestic dispute reported on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Male and female on bikes, female trying to get away. Male has child in bike trailer northbound from Costco. Male stating he’s going to kill female. They’d been in a confrontation by FoodMaxx. Male trying to ram female off of the roadway. Thursday, 11:09 p.m.: 415-subject reported on the 900 block of West Second Street. Group of eight to 10 black adults threw a beer can at reporting party’s girlfriend and hit her. Reporting party said “hey” to the subjects and they all started charging at the reporting party. Reporting party and girlfriend rode off on their bikes and got away from them. Thursday, 11:26 p.m.: Domestic dispute reported on Broadway Street. Walking toward the children’s playground. Reporting party is very disruptive, refusing to answer any questions. Continues to say “send police.” Now they are running and getting away. Only description so far is “teens.” Friday, 6:11 p.m.: Upstairs neighbor threw a bucket of cold water on reporting party and her small child. Neighbor was upset over an issue with her boyfriend. Reporting party requesting to speak to an officer. Upstairs neighbor moving out on Tuesday and will stay away from each other until then. Friday, 7:22 p.m.: Found child reported on the 1500 block of Kona Drive. Reporting party located a 5-year-old female crying and looking for her mom. Juvenile doesn’t know her address or phone number. Reporting party cannot understand last name. Reporting party standing by with juvenile until police department arrives. Saturday, 3:53 a.m.: Firearm in public reported on the 300 block of Oak Street. Male subject between residence and apartment complex was crawling on the ground. One subject has a shotgun. Unknown description on the other side of the fence. Second subject is a black male with an afro, he is the one crawling on the ground. -Compiled by August Walsh

Brenna Dillman STAFF WRITER

After the resignation of former provost Sandra Flake in February, Chico State is on track to find a provost before the fall 2012 semester. Flake resigned seven months into an academic reorganization process that would have resulted in fewer colleges and purportedly cut costs for the university, according to a Feb. 7 Orion article. The provost is the leading academic officer and takes charge of the university when the president is away from campus. The field of applicants has been narrowed to four candidates who are each visiting the campus and interviewing with the provost search committee. The committee will give its

recommendation to the president Friday. Former A.S. President London Long, who sits on the search committee, is looking for a provost who will be accountable to students, she said. The new provost’s salary will be determined after he or she is hired, Chico State President Paul Zingg in an email to The Orion. The previous provost’s salary was $204,000 per year. Whether academic reorganization will proceed under the new provost will be discussed after the provost is hired, Zingg said. The candidates for the position are: Rex Fuller Fuller is the current provost and vice president for academic affairs at Eastern Washington University, where he is also the

executive dean. Fuller graduated from Chico State in 1975 with a bachelor’s in public administration. He also attended Harvard Graduate School of Education and the University of Utah, where he received his doctorate in economics. Gayle Hutchinson Hutchinson is the current dean of behavioral and social sciences at Chico State. Hutchinson attended the University of Massachusetts, where she received her bachelor’s degree and her doctorate in education. Elizabeth Hendrey Hendrey has been the dean of social sciences at Queens College, City University of New York since 2005, where she manages a $21.7 million budget. Hendrey graduated with a

Academic Senate does not pass no-confidence chancellor vote Amid media scrutiny for lavish dinners and travel bills, Chancellor Charles Reed was not condemned by faculty at the senate meeting. Aubrey Crosby STAFF WRITER

Chico State’s Academic Senate voted against a resolution of no confidence in Chancellor Charles Reed during its meeting Thursday. The formal disapproval of the California State University chancellor was opposed by 23 of the members who voted and was only backed by 10, Senate Chair Russell Mills said in an email announcement to the Academic Senate Friday morning. If the resolution had passed, it would have been attached to the senate’s “Affirmation of the Importance of Our Commitment to Affordable, Quality Education and Shared Governance,” said Timothy Sistrunk, senator at large. The senate’s affirmation began as the original proposal for a resolution of no confidence and eventually “morphed” to include any points the senate urged the CSU board of trustees to acknowledge, Sistrunk said.

“All the issues are represented in the many different parts of the document,” Sistrunk said. The stated issues include increased student fees and classroom sizes, the status of summer courses paid for by students and program cuts on campus. “Our local students are expected to deal with these programs that have not been accommodated for,” Sistrunk said. While Sistrunk voted in favor of the censure of Reed, he understands why it did not pass, he said. “It’s all pretty dramatic,” Sistrunk said. “They are all reasonable people, and I can understand and see why they voted against it if they feel it is not the best option.” Susan Green, treasurer of the Chico State chapter of the California Faculty Association, was disappointed that the resolution did not pass, but she is “understanding,” she said. “I’m glad people were willing to bring it to the floor for the senate to consider,” Green said. “But if folks weren’t willing to vote for it, then they just weren’t willing to vote for it.”

bachelor’s in economics from Princeton University. She continued her education at Duke University, where she earned her master’s and her doctorate. During her visit to Chico State, Hendrey said she wanted to be accessible to students and faculty. Belle W. Y. Wei Wei has been the dean of engineering at San Jose State since 2003. She earned her bachelor’s in biophysics from UC Berkeley and continued to Harvard University, where she earned her master’s in engineering. She graduated from UC Berkeley in 1987 with a doctorate in electrical engineering and computer sciences. Brenna Dillman can be reached at bdillman@theorion.com

CRIME: After attack, student begins healing continued from A1

Cresci, a junior and the victim’s roommate. The man was crouched at eye-level next to her bed, said the attacked student, a junior Latin American studies major who does not want to be named because of safety concerns. “I woke up to a tap on my shoulder,” she said. He hit her in the face until she bled profusely, Cresci said. Cresci heard her roommate calling her name and a door slam as the man ran out. The attacked student couldn’t open her mouth the day it happened and is internally bruised, the student said. Emotional healing will be the hardest, the attacked student said. “She’s a strong girl,” Cresci said.

Aubrey Crosby can be reached at

Quinn Western can be reached at

acrosby@theorion.com

qwestern@theorion.com

Congratulations Alpha Gamma Delta graduating seniors! We will miss you greatly and wish you luck in all your future endeavors. Love, Your Sisters


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SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012 |

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sports

Who do you think was the top athlete of spring 2012? Vote for your choice at theorion.com

SPORTS SHORTS A7 STAT ’CAT A7 WILDCAT OF THE YEAR A7

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

Blake Mehigan SPORTS EDITOR

The Benchwarmer On to the next one In last week’s sports section, former Sports Editor Allie Colosky posed the question, “Is this the best season ever?” I hope not, if only for selfish reasons. Taking over as editor of any section is never an easy task, but attempting to live up to that sort of title would make it nearly impossible. I can only hope to come in and have the same kind of impact men’s basketball head coach Greg Clink and softball head coach Angel Shamblin have had in their four- and three-year respective stints at Chico State. The two came in and helped build upon the sports program that had been anchored by men’s track and field coach Kirk Freitas and women’s soccer head coach Kim Sutton, two coaches who have been successful in their sports for more than a decade. For myself, I’ve worked either with or under three prior sports editors, so I feel it is only right to pay my respects to Lindsey Barrett, Thomas Lawrence and Colosky. If nothing else, I have to live up to the legend of Lawrence. The Chico State alumnus may be the Dr. Dre of The Orion, as the two sports editors to follow him were both on his spring 2011 staff, myself included. While I don’t anticipate to have an impact like his, as a friend and former colleague, I am more than honored to be connected to Lawrence in that sense. Living up to a standard set by someone else is hard, and athletes face the same kind scrutiny on a yearly basis. Often many are challenged to be as good or better than they were the season before. After another successful season, the softball team will look to rebuild as 11 players are graduating, including standouts Britt Wright, Hailey Stockman and Sam Baker. My sports section will have to be built as well, if not better, than the ones that Colosky, Lawrence and Barrett made when they were editors. I’ve had the gift and the curse of working with three different editors, and I have had the opportunity to observe and take note of each editor’s style. While I’ll likely be different from all of them, their varying approaches will undoubtedly influence the way I run this section. Their contrasting styles helped aid me in the steps I took toward something I am honored to be: editor for the sports section. I won’t promise that I will forever change the face of the sports page the way Freitas, Sutton, Clink and Shamblin have changed the athletic department. However, I will guarantee that my staff will be the most competent reporters available and that the stories will be informative and captivating for our readers. I certainly won’t be the next Barrett, Lawrence or Colosky. I can, however, be Blake Mehigan, and I look forward to seeing who I am as the sports editor.

Editor’s note: The selection of athletes for best in show is based on votes cast by The Orion sports staff.

FILE PHOTO • FRANK REBELO

1

FILE PHOTO • AARON DRAPER

FILE PHOTO • MICHELLE REINMUTH

2

3

STARS Seniors Hailey Stockman [center], Kyle Souza [right] and Jay Flores [left] earn first, second and third place respectively for best in show for their individual contributions to the success of the softball, men’s golf and men’s basketball teams in the CCAA this year.

BEST IN SHOW Wildcat athletes go above, beyond this year

PLAY OF THE YEAR

Men’s basketball victory against Sonoma State COOKIE DOESN’T CRUMBLE With 0.9 seconds left junior guard Damario “Cookie” Sims pulled up for the game-winning jump shot to bury Sonoma State 76-74 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship tournament March 2. After falling behind 66-57, the ’Cats went on an 18-9 run to pull out the victory and advance to the title game in the tournament. Senior Jay Flores’ steal from guard Steven Pratt led to the assist that set up Sims for the game-winner.

0:07 remaining

0:05.5 remaining

0:04 remaining

0:01.5 remaining

0:00.9 remaining

Jay Flores gains possession of the ball

Flores passes ball to Josh Jackson

Jackson gives ball back to Flores

Flores dribbles upcourt and passes to Damario Sims

Sims sinks an 18-foot jump shot as time expires

MOST LIKELY TO STAND OUT

SPRING QUOTES

Best hair: Damario Sims basketball guard Sims’ dreads have become his trademark look behind his lightning-fast moves on the court.

Celebrity look-a-like: Blake Gibbs baseball outfielder Gibbs’ play this season is comparable to the Dodgers’ Matt Kemp, but his looks are closer to Kemp’s teammate Andre Ethier.

When we travel, there are two buses — one with black people and one with white people. We don’t do this on purpose, it just happens naturally.

ANALISE RIEZEBOS women’s basketball forward

Tallest: Jason Conrad basketball center At 7 feet tall, Conrad is the tallest athlete to ever play at Chico State. Ever.

Most dominant team performance: softball Pitcher Sam Baker threw a perfect game, and catcher Hailey Stockman hit three grand slams this season.

I am not going to lie. I tell girls I play baseball.

BEN MANLOVE baseball catcher

Best comeback: baseball Eight runs in the ninth inning closed the gap on a 7-1 deficit April 22 for a win over Sonoma State at Raley Field.

Blake Mehigan can be reached at sportseditor@theorion.com

j[ ock ] talk

What was your favorite moment of the semester?”

“Celebrating after our home playoff win. Cutting down nets, jumping on tables and celebrating with Jay Flores.”

“Conference. It’s the time when you find out who worked the hardest and who wants it the most.”

“That’s a pretty easy one. That was when we won our ninthconsecutive CCAA track and field championship.”

Eric Wright

Damario Sims

Kirk Freitas

senior | men’s track and field

junior | men’s basketball

head coach | men’s track and field

PH W th w pl ju ev an ty Hi


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SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

Track athletes improve on previous bests, set stage for championship Price Peterson

WILDCAT off the

STAFF WRITER

YEAR

was going on in Michael Souza’s event. “My job at meets now is to sit and videotape and photograph Michael while he competes,” Paul Souza said. “He really likes to watch himself after to see how he can improve.” As a computer science major, Souza compares the event to the likeness of a complicated physics equation, Souza said. Now more than ever, the sole purpose of Michael Souza’s meets is self-improvement, he said. “Last week he jumped over me and my other teammates with ease,” said Jon-Michael Delima, a senior track and field teammate. Having an audience is a huge push to do well while competing, Souza said. It gives that much more of an incentive to perform. Souza encourages more students to come out and watch the track team at home meets, because that kind of support means a world of difference to the athletes during their events. Overall, he’s a good guy and a good addition to the Chico State track “ohana,” or family, Delima said.

Setting new personal records and reaching provisional marks was the goal for several men’s and women’s track athletes Friday and Saturday. With most of the team resting in Chico this weekend, there were only a few athletes participating in the Stanislaus Twilight Qualifier in Turlock and the Willamette West Coast Invitational in Salem, Ore. This was the last opportunity for the competitors to receive National Collegiate Athletic Association provisional marks, which qualify the athletes for selection in the NCAA Championships. The weekend was all about improving personal records, junior javelin thrower Bridget McClarrinon said. The Wildcats participating in the Stanislaus Twilight Qualifier put up some impressive numbers, but only senior Clayton Francis was successful in improving his NCAA provisional marks in NCAA the triple jump. CHAMPIONSHIP Francis finished third and EVENT jumped a distance of 48-7 1/4, which was more than a Who: foot farther than his earlier Men’s and provisional mark set March women’s track and 17. His jump was also recorded field teams as the ninth-best triple jump When: in Chico State history. May 24-26 There were also three members of the women’s Where: team who participated in the Neta and Eddie meet. DeRose ThunderEach of them came up bowl at Colorado short of their personal State Universityrecords, but all of them fin- Pueblo. ished within the top three of their respective events. Junior Aimee Rodgers won the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute, 1.38 seconds. McClarrinon threw the javelin 134-4 and won the event. The throw was about 6 feet short of her season record. Senior Katie Spencer finished the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 11:25.58, which earned her second place. Saturday was all about the seniors in Oregon at the Willamette West Coast Invitational. The three seniors, Miles Dunbar, Stephanie Consiglio and Joseph Rivera, were Chico State’s only competitors, and they each earned provisional marks in their respective events. When looking back on what may have potentially been the last race of his college career, Dunbar said he enjoyed the ride. Dunbar crossed the finish line third in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, running a provisional time of 9:06.78, which goes down as the eighth-fastest time in Chico State history. While finishing fifth in the women’s 1,500meter run, Consiglio earned a provisional time of 4:31.59. Her time was the 27th fastest time in the nation this year and was good enough to be the fourth-best time in school history for the event. In the men’s 1,500-meter race, Rivera earned a sixth-place finish and the eighth-fastest run in school history with a time of 3:47.85. The championships will be held May 24-26 at Colorado State University in Pueblo, Colo. With the extreme change in elevation, the long distance runners left Tuesday to start getting acclimated to the elevation.

The Orion can be reached at

Price Peterson can be reached at

editorinchief@theorion.com

ppeterson@theorion.com

Hailey Stockman SOF T BA LL The senior catcher was named MVP of the California Collegiate Athletic Association and had one of the best seasons of any Wildcat in the history of the program. Stockman hit 11 home runs, a singleseason record for Chico State. Three of those were grand slams, and two came in the same game against Humboldt State Feb. 26.

Wildcat of the Year is meant to acknowledge the contributions made by an individual athlete on a team. The winner was chosen by The Orion sports staff from nominations taken from all sports.

STAT ’CAT >>

1

(WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD) Junior Aimee Rodgers came in first place with a time of 1 minute, 1.38 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles over the weekend in the Stanislaus Twilight Qualifier to wrap up the regular season.

9 (MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD) Senior Clayton Francis jumped into the Wildcats’ all-time top-10 for the ninth-best triple jump with a mark of 48-7.25.

THE ORION • KEVIN LEE

ONE GIANT LEAP Michael Souza, a computer science major, has become an asset to the men’s track and field team since transferring to Chico State. The junior high-jumper thrives on the crowd’s attention.

Souza leaps to new heights Alyson Nagel STAFF WRITER

When junior high-jumper Michael Souza was asked what his favorite thing to do is, he simply replied, “to jump high.” And jump high he does, as he has competed consistently well this season and has found himself in Olympic-qualifier territory since recording a 7-foot jump April 15. “The highlight of my career so far is jumping 7 feet,” Souza said. “Reaching that mark was such a good feeling, especially since a lot of people were watching.” The Sacramento native began jumping in the eighth grade, and he decided to quit basketball in high school to focus his athletic efforts solely on the high jump. His focus changed because he saw a spark of potential in a career of high jumping. When Souza began competing, he knew that high jumping was unlike any other track and field event, he said. “I wasn’t that good in high school,” he said. “The competitive relationships I had with my friends helped me to get better by the time I went to college.” Souza began competing

more seriously at Sacramento City College. “I had a few really supportive coaches who helped better my jumping and get

Last week he jumped over me and my other teammates with ease.

JON-MICHAEL DELIMA track and field decathlete

me here to Chico State,” he said. Although Souza has had helpful coaches, his parents have always been his biggest fans. His father, Paul Souza, was there to offer support when he began competing. “I didn’t really know anything about high jump when Michael started jumping,” Paul Souza said. “I thought I knew what was going on, but really the most important thing was I was there to support him.” After watching his son compete for a few years, Paul Souza was able to grasp a better understanding of what

STAFF COMMENTARY

Era of pulled punches leads to softer athletes, sports Andrew Delgado A

13

A SST. SPORTS EDITOR

(BASEBALL)

The number of times the baseball team has earned a bid in the past 17 years to compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournament.

s t r o sh Recap

o St of Chic

ate At

s hletic

Players win games, coaches lose games and referees mess them up. Referees are not only blowing calls but blowing the whistle too early. My plea is to let the players play. Every sports fan can recall a game when the referee missed a call and their team lost. My moment came on one snowy night in 2002, when New England Patriot Tom Brady “tucked” the football and the Oakland Raiders were robbed of a chance to go to the Super Bowl. In the NFL, the league has taken extra measures to “protect players.” In theory, this

is perfectly understandable. However, the league, and sports in general, are taking it too far and changing how the game is played. The NFL is now evolving into a flag football league rather than a tackle football league. Players are getting fined thousands of dollars for hits that would have been given awards 10 years ago. Football is a contact sport, and the league is fining players for having too much contact. In the NBA, players seem to be getting soft, and the slightest touch results in arms flailing in the air followed by a loud scream of pain. I hate to admit it, but Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers has, at times, benefited from a league that calls fouls

The baseball team didn’t snag the CCAA championship but did earn a bid to the NCAA championships. The tournament begins tomorrow against Western Oregon University.

early. Sometimes the calls are correct, but I dislike when players play physically or hard and get called for a foul due to the acting of opposing players. I miss the days when you could post up, drive hard to the basket and hear nothing but the fans roaring. There is often a whistle that comes with that drive to the basket now. Even announcers notice when the referee lets the athletes play, and they usually congratulate the decision not to call a foul. Calling fouls too early has become a trend, as I noticed while at Acker Gym cheering on the women’s basketball team, and it seemed as though they were getting called every other shot. People were yelling, “Let

Both the men’s and women’s track teams are headed to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournament May 24-26 in Pueblo, Colo.

them play, ref!” My voice might have been one of the loudest. Sophomore guard Jazmine Miller has had multiple games that have been altered by the referee’s whistle, she said. The refs either call fouls too much or they don’t call them at all. I am not saying that the referees shouldn’t ever call a foul or throw a flag, but they should definitely dial it down a bit. Athletes are getting too soft. It isn’t their fault, but they have no choice in the leagues they play in. I may have to subscribe to ESPN 8 “The Ocho” to actually watch a league that allows physical play.

Referees are not only blowing calls but blowing the whistle too early.

ANDREW DELGADO asst. sports editor

Andrew Delgado can be reached at adelgado@theorion.com

The men’s golf team was able to brave the elements to finish on top in the Super Regional of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournament.

source: The Orion

source: The Orion

source: The Orion

FILE PHOTO • BRETT EDWARDS

FILE PHOTO • BRETT EDWARDS

FILE PHOTO • FRANK REBELO


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The fifth annual Art Ed Jury Exhibition celebrated the works of art education students Story B3

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

Josh Hegg G U E S T CO L U M N I S T

Curtain call

THE ORION • ANNIE PAIGE

PLAYING WITH PASSION Hugh Hammond, a junior music major, is one of five students within the music composition program. He is also the student coordinator of the Music for Healing and Wellness program.

tudent composer ives life to songs

~

The ideas for songs come at unpredictable moments, sometimes while he is asleep or even STAFF WRITER walking his dog, Hammond said. His work has many different aspects, said Hugh Hammond does not follow the rhythm of an everyday song but creates his own notes, Warren Pinckney, a professor of music. “Hugh’s music is accessible, yet modern, learning about himself and others as he goes. As a composer, he constructs a flow of sound entertaining, yet technically pretty advanced,” Pinckney said. to create songs that reveal stories or feelings. In addition to writing music, HamInspired by James Taylor, Jackson mond is also a vocalist and pianist. He is Browne and John Williams, Hammond, in the choir and is the student coordinaa Chico native, is a junior and one of tor of the Music for Healing and Wellness only five music composition majors program, in which students play music on campus. To write for patients at Enloe Medical Center. Hammond came to Chico State as a “Hugh’s work is very promising,” music composition major after receivreally Pinckney said. “While his potential is ing the Presidential Scholarship, a well, you amazing, he needs to be surrounded by $12,000 scholarship for highly qualihave to let the best musicians, composers and teachfied high school seniors, but found that he wanted to learn how to record music loose those ers available in order to reach the top.” Although Hammond has produced in addition to writing it. natural praised work as a music composition From there, he began taking courses passions. student, he may be the last music comin the recording arts program and took position major to graduate from Chico up his second major. State, because the university cut the He began recording songs in the HUGH HAMMOND major option in fall 2011. The music edustudio with Ian Smith, a senior music junior music major cation option in the music major was industry and technology major. suspended last month, as were jazz studTogether, they recorded two complete ies and other smaller major options in the songs within a year of knowing each other. Hammond plans to have a 10-song CD in music department. The department offers the same classes it did the near future. “It was kind of cool to be there with him at before the change was made, and the only differthe beginning and be the first to record him,” ence is the distinction of having a title that goes with the major, Hammond said. Smith said. “I think having smaller distinctions and more Hammond knows the dynamics of his songs and is open to input from others when it comes titles gives people more of an identity, sends them to what they want to play and see, but he is on a track that feels more meaningful for them,” particular about his work and always wants to Hammond said. “It is part of the diversity that makes the campus so powerful for students.” produce the best product, Smith said. Hammond finds passion in his music and uses “We could totally see Hugh writing Disney songs,” he said. “His songs are really fun it to connect with people on an intimate level, he said. and catchy.” “To write really well,” he said, “you have to let With pieces ranging from classical to pop rock, his songs hold meaningful themes behind loose those natural passions.” the fun lyrics, Hammond said. Writing a song can take him anywhere from six months to a Nicole Walker can be reached at year. nwalker@theorion.com Nicole Walker

“ “

Editor’s note: Josh Hegg is a senior music industry and technology major and the keyboardist for Chico band Clouds on Strings. Staying ’Live Reflecting on my experience as a music student at Chico State, I am amazed as to how different this campus looked and felt when I began attending four years ago. I was fortunate enough to see some of the best national and Chico talent at the frequent live concerts held in the Bell Memorial Union auditorium for a small amount of cash and enough willpower to walk across campus from Lassen Hall. With the fist of Sacramento’s bureaucratic rule squeezing ever tighter, Chico State is struggling financially. This campus is a special place, and it’s going through a difficult time. So naturally, when people “tighten their belts,” things deemed unnecessary get the ax. In this case, live entertainment has been chopped. I am not here to offer a bleak outlook on your college career and then leave you to weep on your friend’s shoulder — although you are more than welcome to do so as I support group bonding. I am here because I think there is a way to solve the problem. There is a way to make the arts on this campus relevant without having them snatched away because of a lack of funds and initiative. I believe it is in the best interest of the university to create a volunteer, student-run and student-operated arts committee. Students would be in charge of creating and facilitating live art on campus with as little interjection from university advisers as possible. The administration members seem preoccupied with themselves, so I suggest that we cut them out of the equation. I give them the utmost respect, but wouldn’t it be nice to give arts to the students who are inspired and dedicated to making arts better? I can think of a couple things we could change right now to improve live art and entertainment tenfold on this campus. First, let’s take down those paintings in Common Grounds. We all love Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix, but those walls are a perfect spot to host student-made artwork. If different students are commissioned monthly to create visual art, then that art can be displayed in the coffee shop for all to enjoy. Second, let’s utilize Common Grounds after hours. The BMU auditorium is too big for most events. I say we turn Common Grounds into an after-hours arts venue booked by students for students. I urge the university to allow students the opportunities to become empowered by the art they create and to enjoy overseeing their own work. If you are interested in working to make this happen, we should chat, or maybe we can just play some music together. That would be nice, too. The Orion can be reached at editorinchief@theorion.com

VIRAL VIDEOS >> speaking

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No Doubt is building momentum for its new album, to be released in September, through a series of webisodes. This first video shows the band recording the track “Push & Shove.”

While at a senior center looking for stories of love in the old days, NBC reporter Ben Aaron made two new friends. Watch Harvey and Eddy discuss rap music and Lindsay Lohan.


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arts all week @ theorion.com

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

STAFF COMMENTARY

‘Annie Jr.’ hits Laxson stage passionate and moving message that things can always STAFF WRITER get better, Schmidt said. SeeThe sun will come ing live theater is much more out tonight as the Play- fun and creates compassion house Youth Theatre for the characters. “Annie Jr.” will feature presents “Annie Jr.” in Laximpressive dance numbers, son Auditorium. The show will feature more strong vocals from the cast than 30 children ranging and an exciting story, Karch from 4 to 17 years old playing said. Community members of all ages will enjoy orphans onstage. the show. With more than 24 “ANNIE JR.” “We’ve been scene changes, the practicing really play tells the story When: hard and we’ve got of a fiery young 7:30 p.m. today it locked down,” orphan girl who Karch said. “It will yearns for a family Where: Laxson make everyone want that will take her Auditorium to dance.” in. In the midst of Tickets: The humorous her adventures, she $8 students antics of the famous falls into the care $12 adults orphan and her of a cold-hearted $10 seniors group of friends billionaire who coupled with the quickly begins to Playhouse emotional journey see her as a daugh- Youth Theof her search for a ter. The play is set atre works family will make in the 1930s and to provide an for a charming and features recognized environment for children to entertaining show. music and a comepractice dance, “It’s a great expedic cast. music, theater rience for kids,” “The songs are and improvisasaid Robert Karch, the same from tion. Zoe’s father. the movie, and With local actors we have a really and musicians in nice set,” said Lisa Schmidt, the director of the cast, the production may inspire more children to get the play. The production will feature into theater after seeing oththe redheaded orphan Annie, ers their age perform, Zoe played by 12-year-old Zoe Karch said. “Everyone can relate to the Karch, alongside the other famed characters, including message of the play because Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks no matter how difficult played by Nicholas Hoover things are it will always get and Miss Hannigan, played better,” Zoe Karch said. “Annie Jr.” is playing by Flannery LaGrave. The play will mirror the famous tonight only at 7:30 p.m. movie and include the hit Tickets are $8 for students songs “You’re Never Fully and children, $12 for adults Dressed Without a Smile,” and $10 for senior citizens. “Tomorrow” and “Hard Knock Life.” Kayla Wohlford can be reached at The show will deliver the kwohlford@theorion.com Kayla Wohlford

ILLUSTRATION BY • CHELSEA ROSS

Theater not lost art among digital media Angel Huracha STAFF WRITER

The lights begin to dim and cellphones should be turned off. The fi rst few lines are recited and the orchestra begins its melody. As the curtain rises viewers take deep breaths, and the fi rst moments of the live theater experience are underway. Only the stage exists and audience members become lost in the magic of the theater. However, theater is facing unprecedented challenges in a rapidly evolving digital society. Electronic and digital technologies have spawned an array of media that have replaced the essence of live theater. From 3-D movies to YouTube videos and smartphones, theater has competition when it comes to winning the audience’s attention. With a young generation raised avidly on a digital culture it may prove more difficult to lure people to live theatrical performances. We’ve become

too busy with technology and with the mentality that even if you miss a theater show or a performance by one of your favorite bands, you need not worry — it will be online. Sure, that sounds great: Why not enjoy the performance at your own convenience in the comfort of your own home in your Spiderman pajamas and pink bunny slippers as you munch on a bag of greasy potato chips? But we are humans, and as a theatergoer I urge you with a plea like Effie White’s in “Dreamgirls” to experience theater. Society’s grip on reality and communication is changing rapidly. There is a human connection within all of us. We need not hide behind a glowing white monitor. The ability of actors to memorize all those lines, place themselves in the character’s skin and portray that character successfully onstage repeatedly is truly amazing. There is no digital barrier between the audienceandtheperformers.No fast-forwarding. This is why theater is so

important. Even with the distraction of people in the audience texting or checking Facebook, theater is real. Like standing nude in front of an audience and baring your soul to a crowd of strangers, vulnerability is difficult to hide onstage. Theater puts humanity in front of you in real time. In an age where that is becoming less common, I can’t think of an art form that is needed more than theater. Theater gives us opportunities to gather together in a meaningful way, explore the human condition and tackle issues while bringing people into the same room. So, please think about attending shows at Laxson Auditorium or some of the smaller theaters around campus next semester. There’s nothing like the sublime feeling you get either when performing or when you see something that transcends anything you’ve ever seen before.

Even with the distraction of people in the audience texting or checking Facebook, theater is real.

ANGEL HURACHA staff writer

Angel Huracha can be reached at ahuracha@theorion.com

Writing pros share poetry, prose

READ ALOUD Anna Blackmon Moore, an English lecturer, shares her creative works with an audience at the 1078 Gallery Friday night. Moore’s serious works ranged in topic from breast cancer to world hunger.

Paige Fuentes STAFF WRITER

THE ORION • BRETT EDWARDS

Professors may not have much grading to do during dead week, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t busy. The 1078 Gallery got a taste of some of Chico State’s own creative works Friday evening. Thomas Fox, an English professor, and Anna Blackmon Moore, an English lecturer, shared some of their most recent creative writing at “A Reading of Mixed Genres” held in the gallery on Broadway Street downtown. As Fox and Moore have had books, essays and poetry published, the two drew a crowd of people ready and expectant to hear new works. Chico resident Randi Peet had heard some of their prior works, she said. “I’m curious to see what they’ve got to share tonight,” Peet said. The gallery was filled with many faces from the English department, as several

I got goose bumps. Especially when she started off her reading with such an intense beginning.

CONNOR RAINEY Chico resident

faculty members came to support the two writers. Fox began the evening by reading some of his poetry. Inspired by his recent travels around the country working with the National Writing Project, he saw it fitting to write at least one poem every time he was on a plane, Fox said. The National Writing Project promotes efforts to improve the teaching of writing. Between each poem he read, he entertained the crowd with a quick quip to ease his way into the next poem, which kept the

crowd involved. “I’ve read these writings to complete strangers, but it feels good to finally read it to a crowd of people that has a lot of familiar faces,” Fox said. As the evening transitioned to Moore’s reading, the mood turned serious with intent listeners among the crowd. Moore’s work approached serious issues including breast cancer, world hunger and social problems and had many people nodding in understanding as she read. The emotions were real and even staggering at times. “I got goose bumps,” Chico resident Connor Rainey said. “Especially when she started off her reading with such an intense beginning.” With no intermission and authors reading straight through the event, audience members were eager to chat with the authors when the reading was over. Paige Fuentes can be reached at pfuentes@theorion.com

Dear Future Orionites: Send your staff applications over to Plumas Hall 001.


arts all week @ theorion.com

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012 |

eded: e n s l a i r Mate

ote: Each week a DIY N s ’ r o t i d E art project is featured with a step-by-step guide.

GETTING READY To make Polaroid magnets, you will need a small square photograph to place in the center of the stretched canvas. Choose a photo worthy of the refrigerator.

• Small square photograph • Small stretched canvas (size will vary based on the size of the photo)

Photo magnets attract attention

B3

• Scissors • Glue (if it doesn’t work, use tape, hot glue or Mod Podge) • Magnets (size will vary depending on the size of the canvas) • Colored markers (optional) PHOTOS BY • ANNIE PAIGE

Miguel Rocha STAFF WRITER

Turning a favorite photograph into a Polaroid magnet is a cheap and easy way to make it into something special. In these harsh economic times, there is no need to buy expensive frames. All you need is a little bit of creativity. These magnets will not empty your pockets, and they are a fun way to add a little bit of decoration to your refrigerator. Use these directions to make your photograph stand out.

Steps

1. Choose the photograph you want.

3.

2.

Cut the photo into a square like a Polaroid. Make it about the size of the canvas.

3.

With Mod Podge or glue, attach the magnets to the back frame of the canvas.

4.

Attach the Polaroid to the canvas using glue, tape, hot glue or Mod Podge, whichever you have that works best. Center the Polaroid, leaving some white space on the bottom of the canvas.

Miguel Rocha can be reached at

5.

You can paint the rest of the white space black to make the Polaroid stand out or make designs using markers that are similar to the colors of the Polaroid (optional).

mrocha@theorion.com

OPPOSITES ATTRACT Magnet strips can be bought at craft stores as well as at stores like Target and Walmart. Use glue to attach the magnets to the outer edges of the back frame of the canvas.

5.

4.

STICK IT To attach the photo to the canvas, use glue, tape, hot glue or Mod Podge. The white edges make the photo look like a Polaroid.

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ADD PIZZAZZ To further personalize your new photo magnet, use complementary colors to add designs to the bottom of the canvas.

Fish-inspired flags fly high in BMU Art Ed Jury Exhibition features koi flags, manga, mixed media Juan Mejia STAFF WRITER

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Sculptures, quilts, comics and watercolor art have been watching over campus. The fi fth annual ArtEd Jury Exhibition celebrated the works of art education students Friday in an awards ceremony. All semester, different exhibitions made the Third Floor Gallery in Bell Memorial Union their home, including four-panel manga art and a mixed media art exhibition. The manga and art education shows were open to art education majors only, whereas the community was invited to participate in making koi flags, said Masami Toku, professor of art education. “Each student has a special studio emphasis,” she said. “We have ceramics, printmaking, you can see the variety of artwork displayed here.” The koi flags have been on display on the bridges on the BMU’s second floor, and each one makes its own creative statement. “Everyone has their own reasons to their

particular design or look,” said Trao Vang, a senior art education major and fi rst place winner of the koi art show. “It’s really nice to see when they come together like this how creative people can be.” Vang’s flag is decorated with a Hmong symbol, which reminds him of scales on a fi sh, he said. The red on yellow color scheme was chosen because orange is the color of koi fi sh. It’s fun to see how someone can take a template and make something people can love, he said. Each entry in the mixed media competition provided an artist’s statement and a professor’s statement identifying the motives and the meaning for each of the pieces. “I think it’s a good experience to have your work in an actual gallery,” said Rebecca Brown, a senior art education student with an emphasis on ceramics. “It gets your name out and lets people see your actual artwork.” The reception ended after the awards were handed out. Some of the 50 attendees decided to stay and look at the exhibits for one last time before heading out to begin working on their future projects. Juan Mejia can be reached at jmejia@theorion.com

Chico heats up for concerts FUNKY FUSION Gravybrain plays at 7 p.m. Friday to kick off the concert series.

Get down for free every Friday this summer at the Friday Night Concert Series in the City Plaza.

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Chico S Owne tate Studen d and t Opera ted

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY HUDSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Looking for the

daily dose?

For more community and campus events, or to add your own, scan the QR code or visit www. theorion.com/calendar


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FEATURES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

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features

Students find much more than water in Big Chico Creek Story B6

SEX COLUMN B6 WORD OF MOUTH B6 FOOD COLUMN B7

B5

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

Juniper Rose F E AT U R E S E D I T O R

Rose-colored glasses

Lauded in

Paul Smeltzer STAFF WRITER

Tears fell from the eyes of family members and friends of those involved in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community as they watched their loved ones draped in sashes at a graduation ceremony. In black gowns and square caps, 14 students received diplomas at Chico State’s fi rst Lavender Graduation ceremony Friday in the Bidwell Bowl Amphitheater, celebrating hard work and LGBTQ civil rights. Abigail Havens, a math major who is a part of the LGBTQ community, is taking the year off after graduating and then going to graduate school, she said before walking in the ceremony. “This lets me be a part of a group CHICO STATE where I can express myself,” Havens GRADUATION said. CEREMONIES The fi rst graduation of this kind was held in 1995 at Michigan State University, Asian according to the Consortium of Higher Graduation Education Lesbian Gay Bisexual TransCelebration gender Resource Professionals’ website. 6 p.m. May 17 Lavender was incorporated into the cerat Harlen emony’s name to represent and combine Adams Theatre the colors of the pink triangle gay men Latino were forced to wear and the black trianGraduation gle lesbian women wore while political Celebration prisoners in Nazi Germany. 1 p.m. May 19 Havens will miss the people of the at Laxson Chico State community most after gradAuditorium uation, she said. “They’re very supportive, very kind, Black very understanding,” Havens said. “But Graduation I’d actually like to come back and work Celebration here. I even got the office I want to work 2 p.m. May 19 at Harlen in picked out.” Adams Theatre As she watched the graduation, Havens’ friend, Donna Smith, said Commencement she couldn’t be happier about Havens’ Ceremonies achievements. 9 a.m. “Statistical, pure and applied math, May 19-20 that’s three degrees in math,” Smith at University said. “She’s kicking ass, are you kidding Stadium me?” The LGBTQ community offers a family and a place where students don’t feel isolated on campus, Havens said. It’s extremely important that there are events like this graduation ceremony to recognize the achievements of LGBTQ students, said Abigail Teicheira, a graduating senior who double-majored in Spanish and multicultural and gender studies. “We are a minority group and we are discriminated against,” Teicheira said. “And so for things like this it shows that we are just as important as everybody else on this campus.” This event urged graduating seniors to continue their support and activism within the LGBTQ community and to provide further guidance and support for students along their journeys, said graduating senior Laura Daegling, a religious studies major. “It’s important for all of us to recognize the credible achievements and transcendence of adversity that each and every one of us has faced during our years in college,” Daegling said from behind the lectern at the ceremony. In a moment of self-reflection during her speech, Gayle Hutchinson, the dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, said she thought about wearing a paper bag over her head to the ceremony to make a symbolic

point, but decided she couldn’t because it wouldn’t fit over her cap. During Hutchinson’s years in graduate school at the University of Massachusetts, she participated in her first gay march in which thousands of students and teachers with paper bags over their heads lined the streets of Northampton, Mass. As the group marched there were religious protesters on the sidewalk holding coffins and “showing signs that we should die,” she said. “There were marchers afraid of retribution,” she said. Hutchinson almost cried with joy when she was asked to participate at the Lavender Graduation ceremony and commemorate this significant event and milestone, she said. “When you come to an event like this,” she said, “you are paving the way for the future.” Paul Smeltzer can be reached at psmeltzer@theorion.com

PHOTOS BY • ANNIE PAIGE

GRATEFUL GRADS Seniors sit in Bidwell Bowl Amphitheater surrounded by family, friends and faculty before Chico State’s first Lavender Graduation ceremony began Friday evening. CELEBRATE The Lavender Graduation ceremony honors LGBTQ students as they move forward from Chico State.

Don’t get F’d over Between three A’s and an A- was an F. My heart was pounding. I couldn’t speak. I refreshed the page — it didn’t go away. Once the tears came, they wouldn’t stop. I had read reviews on ratemyprofessor.com that said the professor who sealed the black mark on my record was biased and unfair. And it seemed to me as though there were some students in my class that the professor liked and some she did not. Even with all this in mind, when I failed Spanish 201 last semester the idea that a teacher would assign a grade based on personal dislike instead of quality of work stunned me. I held the common misconception that once a grade is on your transcript there is nothing that can be done about it. By the time I realized this was not the case, it was too late to take action. When grades come in this summer, you can avoid making the same mistake. Not all grades are created equally, and if you think that yours was assigned unfairly don’t sit on your couch mourning — contest it. Here’s how: Teacher first If you are confident that the grade you received was not deserved, let your teacher know. Form a well-reasoned argument, collect all your graded work from the semester and make an appointment to meet with your professor. Don’t be accusatory, but tell your teacher up-front that you are hoping the grade can be changed. Judicial affairs If you aren’t successful with the teacher angle, don’t be afraid to go to Student Judicial Affairs. That’s what it is here for — students are the priority. Those working there want to help you, and they have the ability to change your grade. You must meet with the director of Student Judicial Affairs to file a “notice of inquiry” within 30 days of your grade being assigned. You will meet with the professor who assigned the grade, then the chair of the department and then the dean of the college in an attempt to come to an “informal” resolution. If the above does not resolve the issue you can request a formal grievance hearing with additional representatives. After the hearing, the vice president for student affairs will make the final decision on what your grade will be. Move on I learned more from Spanish 201 than from all the classes that contributed to the 3.8 GPA I once called my own. After spending a semester putting the subjunctive tense ahead of sleep on my to-do list and coming out with an F anyway, I finally realized grades are not everything. Take a deep breath. There is more to your education than grades. Juniper Rose can be reached at

ILLUSTRATION BY • MARK ROJAS

featureseditor@theorion.com

FASHION >> Cut-off jeans

Compiled by Juniper Rose DICTIONARY

Reaganing

“shek-o”

[Ray • gan • ing] “I was looking through my shorts

“I like them because

up off my bedroom

drawer and I didn’t

they are shorter for

floor. They were the

have any clean

summer and they’re

first thing I saw.”

shorts, so I decided

really in right now.”

“I just picked them

to make some pants into shorts.”

Shannon Matthias

Will Sperry

Madeline McGrane

senior | biology

senior | construction management

freshman | undeclared

A continual streak of perfection named after the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan. I have been Reaganing this whole day. Every single thing I have done has been completed perfectly and then some. source: urbandictionary.com


features all week @ theorion.com

FEATURES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012 |

B6

the

face SE X COLUMN>>

Aubrey Crosby S E X CO L U M N I S T

Closet passions I love sex with men, but I crave sex with women. Don’t get me wrong, I love my boyfriend and I love having sex with him, but the fantasies and lust for females remain. I’m not the only one. An April 2011 study done by UCLA’s School of Law estimates that about 8 percent of Americans have engaged in “same-sex sexual behaviors” and about 11 percent of Americans acknowledge an attraction to people of the same sex. Others worry about the same things I did — fear of being an outcast and the struggle to push away the stereotypes. Until I came to college this fall, I felt insecure telling the world about my passion for women and men alike. Many of my high school friends were conservative or religious, and I always worried about how my parents might react to the news. I was afraid of being judged for my sexual preferences. Coming to college has made me comfortable with identifying myself as bisexual. Having friends who are more openminded about my orientation has led me to be confident with my sexploits, and proud of my choices. Even President Barack Obama has come out in support of same-sex couples, so it seems the whole topic of same-sex relations is becoming much less taboo. I found that the easiest way to break away from the stress of the issue is to bring your secret passions out of the closet. Don’t be afraid of telling people about your sexual preferences or even your provocative fantasies. My new friends and I have always had fun bragging about our adventures in the bedroom and being open about our sexuality. Sharing with them has taught me how much I love the intimacy of being with another woman. Nothing compares to being able to make somebody’s toes curl, especially when it comes just as easily as pleasing yourself. Now, whenever I get the chance to talk about my passion for women, I take it. Sure, that leads everyone to ask the same typical questions — “Do you and your boyfriend have threesomes?” or “Have you ever cheated on him with a girl?” The answer to both is no, but answering these worn out questions helps to push the stereotypes out of everyone’s minds. On the other hand, the intrigue gets people thinking about what they might be willing to try. If getting others to expand their horizons means answering the same questions time and time again, I’m OK with it. It’s a great idea to look at all of your options before settling for just one thing. You could be leaving a world of satisfaction hidden from yourself. It is easier than most people think to come to terms with the fact that you may like something completely unexpected — my view of sex was turned upside down when I discovered how much I enjoy women. Not everybody wants to have a sexual relationship with the someone of the same sex, but keeping an open mind can lead to unknown pleasures. You’ll never know until you try.

THE ORION • JENNA VALDESPINO

RACKING IT UP Justin Cardoza, Matt May and Travis Moore work together to pull a bike rack from Big Chico Creek near Glenn Hall during their “Environmental Thought and Action” class May 8.

Class cooperation cleans creek Cardoza, a senior communication studies major, waded in and muscled two bike racks out of the muck in between Butte and Glenn halls, Moore said. “We just felt manly pulling those bike racks out of the creek,” Moore said. The students collected all the trash in a pile near Butte Hall and snapped a photo before facilities management and services hauled the trash away, he said. The time constraint of the class period did not allow students to go deeper into the creek clean-up, Cardoza said. There is probably a lot more trash that the creek has sucked up and buried under layers of sediment, he said. Mark Stemen, their professor, also invited students from his “Environmental Issues” class to climb into the creek and pull out trash, he said. The “Environmental Thought and Action” class, created by Stemen 10 years ago, is the capstone of the environmental

Christopher Tavolazzi STAFF WRITER

A desk, two bike racks, a shopping cart and heaps of trash — that’s what students recently pulled out of Big Chico Creek on campus. The “Environmental Thought and Action” class has about 18 students who had finished their semester project and were throwing around ideas for their next project, said Travis Moore, a fifth-year environmental science major. After spotting a shopping cart in the creek the previous week, Matt May, a senior enviromental science major, had the idea to clean up the creek during their next class meeting, Moore said. The class jumped on the idea and into the creek. The students took the assigned class period on May 8 to scour the creek for anything that didn’t belong there, Moore said. Moore, May and Justin

studies minor and emphasizes environmental action as well as activism, he said. The semester project in the class was Energy Ballot Initiative 2012 on the Associated Students ballot, Moore said. The initiative proposed that A.S. urge the university to reduce energy consumption by one-third in five years. The initiative passed with 2,853 votes for and 401 votes against the initiative, according to the A.S. website. After having success with the initiative, students in the class wanted to get out and do something, rather than watching videos during dead week, Stemen said. It’s rewarding to feel like a piece of the community and to see change as a result of the class’ actions, Cardoza said. “There’s a certain value in protecting your community,” he said. “Sometimes to inspire change you have to lead it.” Christopher Tavolazzi can be reached at ctavolazzi@theorion.com

Music program suspension leaves hole in education for Chico community students Stephanie Geske STAFF WRITER

Chico State has suspended the music education program at Chico State, but the rippling consequences won’t only be felt on this campus. While small in numbers, Chico State’s music education students make up the ensembles that perform and teach music to students at elementary and high schools in Chico. When the current music students graduate, there will be no one to take

over the community outreach efforts, said Michelle McConkey, professor of music education. This will lead to “killing music” throughout Northern California, she said. Music majors are able to connect with one another and the community by joining the student chapter of the National Association for Music Education, putting on music festivals and volunteering through CAVE at schools in the Chico Unified School District for band classes. Geoffory Felver, a senior music education major, chose to transfer to Chico State because of what he had heard of its music education program. Felver wants to teach after graduation, he said. By going

ILLUSTRATION BY • MARK ROJAS

to schools in town, Felver was able to see how teachers instruct different ages and give children a chance to get help on a one-on-one level. “It gave them music, and us a way to teach,” Felver said. There are specific classes that work with schools in the district, McConkey said. A PTA member at Rosedale Elementary contacted McConkey to create a partnership with Chico State students, and this led to the establishment of the program at two other elementary schools. The philosophy of the music department is “learn by doing,” she said. Having students volunteer around the community allows them to experience teaching and interaction with all age levels. “They can discover what area fits best for them,” McConkey said. After the remaining music students graduate, it’s unknown how much help Chico schools will get from Chico State students, she said. There won’t be students with the right knowledge and skills to assist younger students. The music festivals will also be displaced, McConkey said. These festivals are put on for high school and junior high students by Chico State students, but when the Chico State students involved leave, the festivals probably won’t be held on campus. “This impedes our outreach to the community,” she said. Todd Filpula, a music and

band teacher at Chico High School, worked with Chico State students for the California Music Educators Association Region 3 Large Ensemble. “They were absolutely outstanding,” Filpula said. “They were the reason for the success.” With continuing budget cuts to the university, Filpula is unsure if Chico State will be able to host this festival next year, he said. There are other ramifications to the cuts as well, McConkey said. The ensembles may struggle to get incoming students and keep the high standard of quality they’ve established and will suffer because the students are the leaders. This is a loss of a recruiting opportunity, Filpula said. The chance for Chico High School students to be brought to Chico State, work with college students and see what the programs are like will be gone. As for whether the music suspension will be lifted, McConkey said she has hope and that she, other faculty members and the administration are working on a “game plan.” Because of the music program suspension, students who are music majors are being encouraged to finish their music classes in the next year and a half. “It’s not ideal,” McConkey said. “I wouldn’t want that, but my hands are tied.” Stephanie Geske can be reached at sgeske@theorion.com

Aubrey Crosby can be reached at sexcolumnist@theorion.com

WORD OF MOUTH >> If you were a food, what would you be?

See “Stick a fork in it” on B7

TRENDING TOPICS

“Chocolate soymilk. It’s a new spin on a classic, and nothing could be more wholesome than a glass of chocolate milk. ”

“Spinach, because it is filled with calcium so it keeps me strong and alert — especially during finals.”

“Pineapple. It’s refreshing and sugary. I love sweets, and I’m sweet.”

#YOLO #Y An acronym for “you only live once.” “Getting drunk with my grandma on Mother’s Day... #YOLO”

Brittany Whitman-Hall

Charlie Normandin

Zoe Pennington

senior | international relations

junior | business administration

junior | recreation administration source: twitter.com


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STICK A FORK IN IT

LLOOKING BACK

Adventurous meals reect appetite for life Rebecca Mahan FOOD COLUMNIST

Your relationship with food can say a lot about your relationship with life. I don’t mean in terms of the glass-half-empty or glass-half-full outlook. I’m referring to what you actually eat. Personally, I’ve always been a “try anything once� type. Sucker for novelty that I am, nothing excites me more than trying my

hand at a new game or going somewhere I’ve never been before. In the same way, there are few recipes I’d ever refuse to try. This is a major contrast to some of my friends who won’t even go near an unlabeled sushi roll. Life is all about experiences – having them, remembering them, hoping for them and sometimes regretting them. But if your stomach isn’t open to new possibilities, your mind won’t be either. In most cases I’m a fan of the “to each his own� philosophy, but it’s no secret which approach

I think is better. Just as it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, I believe it’s better to have tried a dish and hated it than to never have taken a bite. Because on the off chance that the love isn’t lost or that the new dish becomes your favorite, the risk is always worth a shot at the reward. So get out there and tell life you’d like the weirdest thing on the menu. Rebecca Mahan can be reached at foodcolumnist@theorion.com

ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO• EMILY WALKER

EMPLOYMENT SEARCH Today students face a tough economy and limited chances of ďŹ nding a job after graduation. In 1985, the job market was reported to be promising for almost all majors at Chico State.

SAUERKRAUT CHOCOLATE CAKE

20 minutes

1985 | Once thriving job market now looks grim for graduates

serves 2 Directions

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • •

2/3 cup butter 1 1/2 cups fine white sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cups water 2/3 cup sauerkraut, drained and finely chopped Frosting of your choice (I used 2 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, melted, and 6 ounces of cream cheese, softened, mixed together and cooled)

Heat oven to 350 F. In the medium bowl, whisk together our, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt, and set aside. In the large bowl, press butter and sugar together until it has a u y texture. Melt slightly in microwave if needed, but don’t overheat. Next, add eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, and beat together until smooth, then stir in the vanilla. Slowly pour

both the our mixture and the water into the butter mixture, stirring as you go. Finally, stir in the ďŹ nely chopped sauerkraut. Grease the 9-by-13 inch pan and pour in the batter. Bake for about 40 minutes, depending on the oven. Let cool for 10 minutes and invert onto another plate to let cool completely before frosting. Once the cake is cool to the touch, apply the frosting of your choice and serve.

THEN When students received their diplomas in the spring of 1985, they could expect something else to be handed to them — a job. In that year, Chico State’s job placement oďŹƒce reported that employment looked promising in “almost all areasâ€? for future grads who had not yet secured a job.

RISKS, REWARDS While trying foods that sound unappetizing takes a sense of adventure, the payo of ďŹ nding a new favorite meal is worth the chance of having to spit into your napkin.

Other things you’ll need: • 1 medium and 1 large mixing bowl • Baking pan, 9-by-13 inches • Spoon • Whisk

STILL HUNGRY? Find more recipes online by scanning this QR code.

NOW

-Compiled by Ben Mullin

Moving?

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to study what they love — but some loves are worth more than others,� said Anthony P. Carnevale, one of the authors of the job prospect study. Undeclared freshman Jon Williams is skeptical that the university will set him up with a job upon graduation, but still sees higher education as a good investment. “My chances of employment really fall to zero if I drop out.�

College students who are willing to spend four years studying what they love might also have to spend time without a paycheck. Today’s college graduates face high rates of joblessness, according to an article published Jan. 3 by The Washington Post. The fields of study with the worst prospects are arts, humanities and architecture, according to a study referenced in the article. “People keep telling kids

THE ORION • REBECCA MAHAN

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John Westlund, who was then the placement director of business and technical majors, reported that Chico State was “almost cleaned out of accountants,� and that computer science jobs, though slightly down, were still holding strong. “There is far too much emphasis on getting a job and not enough on getting the education,� Westlund said. “Jobs come.�

“Job market outlook positive for future grads� Vol. 14, issue 14, May 15, 1986

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>

r e

opinion B9 |

Thumbs Up to going home for summer to a fully stocked refrigerator and not an alarm clock in sight.

Thumbs Down to judgmental people. I’m rubber, you’re glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you. Column below

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

Thumbs Up to Chico State’s first Lavender Graduation. Congratulations, grads! Story B5

opinions all week @ theorion.com

EDITORIAL >>

Transparency necessary for student knowledge When the Student Activities Office declined to give The Orion information regarding an investigation into alleged conduct violations by multiple fraternities, we were frustrated and left wondering where the transparency that Greek Life representatives talked about had gone. Juan Blanco, a Greek Life adviser in the Student Activities Office, was approached by two Orion reporters and would not give us any information about the investigations, citing university policy. But freedom of information is the lifeblood of journalism. In order to accurately report on a situation or person, developing reliable sources and building trust with administration and school officials is necessary. The Student Activities Office is supported by the Associated Students activity fee, money that comes from student tuition. All students on campus are potential new members of Greek life, so if organizations are breaking the rules, students have a right to know about it. Especially because student fees help support the programs put on by student organizations. Connie Huyck, coordinator of the Student Activities Office, said those working in the Student Activities Office understand that they have a responsibility to students. When The Orion covered the events that led to Phi Kappa Tau’s probation earlier this

Editor’s note: Ben Hames is an international exchange student from London. Every week, he voices his opinions about the differences he sees at Chico State.

semester, the Student Activities Office was very open and forthcoming with information. In that case, conclusive evidence was present, which is why representatives were able to give more information, Huyck said. When the current investigations are completed, the Student Activities Office will release information about the sanctions, Huyck said. The office is also looking into a way of listing students who are in good standing with the university and those who are not. The Orion’s goal is not to libel or infringe on the privacy of individuals, but rather to provide information to the public. We work to report the news. We can’t pick and choose to write only the good or the bad — we report on it all. These conduct violations may be small and insignificant, but the fact that The Orion, and therefore the student population, can’t find out the details needed to impartially evaluate the investigations of university-recognized fraternities is troubling. The Orion even reached out to individual fraternity presidents to find out what was going on, but many of them are left out of the loop as well. Leaving the press, and more importantly the student body, out of the circle of information creates that “hush-hush” environment that taboos like hazing and the drinking culture thrive in.

ILLUSTRATION BY • CHARLOTTE HILLS

Judgment of others unecessary, wrong and have your own sex life to talk about. Rumors Lucas Meek It doesn’t matter if rumors are true or OPINION COLUMNIST false. Rumors spread fast at a university College is a place for discovering who like Chico State, and there is no way to stop rumors in a society as connected as you really are. Yet for some reason, people judge oth- ours. The only way to calm rumors is to care ers and say one lifestyle is better than another. We are all in different stages less about them. Celebrities constantly of college and different stages of life, so have rumors started about them, yet I’m not sure how or why anyone would they still manage to get out of bed every day and live like nothing is wrong. want to judge others. College students’ issues can’t be No one can say for sure that their nearly as magnified as the choices are better than yours, issues they deal with, so just so don’t let them, whether worry about yourself and enjoy you’re studying your butt off, the beauty of Chico. doing drugs, gaining popularPersonality ity downtown or just getting Unless My personality is drenched through life and school. you’re my in sarcasm. I’ll do or say anyPeople always want others to like them, but life would be less penis, you thing to anyone. I’m not afraid to show my interesting if we were all the shouldn’t true colors in almost any situsame and everyone got along. care who ation, and more people should There’s a reason people are different, so encourage those I’m having do the same. Personalities vary differences and don’t be afraid sex with. greatly, yet some people put on masks to appear the same as to show who you really are. everyone around them. If you don’t like what I have Hiding who you are only to say, you might as well walk LUCAS MEEK opinion columnist cheats yourself. Be smart and away, because I really don’t believe in yourself – your pergive a f*ck. sonality won’t lead you astray. Here are some things that If you have a place to fit in and you you shouldn’t give a f*ck about. know there are people who get along Sex life Yes, I had sex with her, and I really with you, you might as well let your freak flag fly. Try being yourself before don’t know why you care. Unless you’re my penis, you shouldn’t you assume that people aren’t going to care who I’m having sex with. College is like you or that you don’t fit into a ceroften seen as a time for sexual explora- tain situation. tion and adventure. Sure, it’s important to know at least a Lucas Meek can be reached at little bit about the person you are hook- lmeek@theorion.com ing up with, but that’s about the extent of it. Sex is something that should stay Scan the QR code to between the people involved. Don’t check out a column ask questions or make assumptions. about hair weaves Other people’s sex lives rarely involve and read letters you, and there are few situations in to the editor and a which another person’s sex life is your guest column by The Orion photo editor. problem. So relax, and maybe you’ll get laid

“ “

to the

Letters Editor

Justin Wood LE T TER TO THE EDITOR

I am writing this letter after hearing about the recent suspension of the outdoor education program at Chico State. My wife recently graduated from Chico State with a master’s in outdoor education and, before that, a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and outdoor education. I have personally volunteered many hours of my own time assisting with the kinesiology department’s “Methods of Teaching Canoeing and Kayaking” class and with the Immersion Semester in Outdoor Education. I have been around the program for many years and have gotten to know many of the students, faculty and alumni of the program, and I regularly hear all the great things about this program and how it provides students with the experience, education and knowledge to be leaders in the industry worldwide. I personally know of many alumni in management, running programs for such companies as Outward Bound, the National Outdoor Leadership School and other experiential education companies in New Zealand, Mexico, Hawaii and throughout the continental United States. Many of these students were attracted to Chico State because of the top-notch outdoor education program and the opportunities it offered like the Immersion Semester. The outdoor education program is a leader in its field and is heavily influencing the

outdoor education industry in a very positive way. One thing that has impressed me about the outdoor education program is the high level of involvement of alumni. I have never seen such levels of dedication and commitment year after year by alumni and associates and for such a small monetary incentive. The incredible number of alumni volunteers shows the level of passion for outdoor education, and this demonstrates the large amount of appreciation and how much they believe in the program. If the university decides to continue the suspension of the program, it will be a tragic mistake that will set back the university, the city of Chico and the outdoor education profession as a whole. The outdoor education program offers students alternatives to the traditional academic options that may not be for every student. The program attracts students to Chico State who are active, healthy, dynamic, humble, have a deep respect for the natural environment, who will go into the world and represent Chico State in great ways and will return to Chico State to help mentor students and keep the program thriving. I beg you to not give up on this program and to keep looking for new and creative ways to keep the program alive. I believe you will be able to look back 20 years from now and be proud of the outdoor education program and be proud knowing you helped save it.

Read the guidelines to the right for information on how to submit your own Letters to the Editor Editorial Board The opinion editor can be reached at

opinioneditor@theorion.com

Ben Hames O P I N I O N CO L UMN IS T

Homesickness Some students at Chico State may not have been home or seen their loved ones in a few days, weeks or even months. In the nine months I have spent in the U.S. away from my parents, I haven’t exactly become a changed man, but I have learned a lot from my experiences. Being away from my family members has made me realize just how much they mean to me and that I value them more since they are the only family I have. Before, I wanted to be by myself to live my own life and get away from parental constraints. But now there is nothing I want more than to be held in my mother’s embrace. It’s not that I hate it here and desperately want to return to my homeland, but I am looking forward to going home after I have made the most of my stay here. I have been able to go to far more wonderful locations than I had ever imagined like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and even Mexico. Home is where the heart is, and it will be an almighty rush of emotion as the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of my hometown come back to me upon my return. Say what you want about British cuisine. I miss good, oldfashioned fish and chips. I miss my fair share of London: the red buses, the food, even the accent and how people talk. It’s surprising how much you value something after it’s gone. I wanted to get out of London. I wanted to see what else was out there, travel the world. California is an amazing place, and I will always have a spot for it in my heart. But this experience has taught me to be proud of my roots. I can say with confidence that my cultural identity has increased 10 times compared to what it was before coming here. Ben Hames can be reached at bhames@theorion.com

Students confront sexism Sam Kelly OPINION COLUMNIST

Sexism is one of the issues most like to think was solved in the ’60s, along with racism and all of those other relics of an antiquated America. Fast forward to today, and well, the continuous battle to create something society has never had can be overwhelming and depressing. The war on women is still being waged, and the only way to combat sexism is to recognize how subtle, everyday utterances continue the system of inequality and discrimination, said Morgan Covington, an intern at the Gender and Sexuality Equity Center. “Continuing to do what you’ve always done will get you what you have always gotten,” she said. Covington sparked my interest in the concept of “interpersonal

The Orion encourages letters to the editor and commentary from students, faculty, staff, administration and community members.

activism.” This is how you change the world in a manageable way. Start with the people you hang out with, or in Covington’s case, classmates. She went to the whiteboard at the front of the class to draw attention to an instructor misusing pronouns and wrote, “We are not all guys.” Covington’s professor was surprised and claimed that she “didn’t mean anything by it” and meant the word “guys” as including everyone. That is the problem. Many people don’t mean to be sexist. Most would not boastfully acknowledge they are working to keep a centuries-old system of inequality alive. But if you are not doing anything about it, you are being sexist. Men are in an awkward position to combat sexism, because men fighting it can be seen as sexist by some, as if those who are oppressed can’t fight for themselves, said

• Letters and commentaries may be delivered to The Orion, Plumas Hall Room 001. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters are also accepted by e-mail and go directly to the opinion editor at opinioneditor@theorion.com

• Commentaries should be limited to 500 to 700 words and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Please include your phone number.

Maurice Conner, president of Men Against Rape and Sexism. This is why MARS has refocused and begun fighting alongside women, not just for them. Raising awareness and educating people about sexism is the most important thing that MARS does, he said. True to the new focus, MARS is a much more inclusive organization, with several women and gay men now working as a part of the group to eliminate sexism, Conner said. It takes the tireless, seemingly endless efforts of people like this to steer the enormous wheels of our culture to a place where everyone is created equal. Doing nothing keeps things the same. Doing something makes things different. It is not possible to simply say it’s not my problem, it is all of our problem. Sam Kelly can be reached at skelly@theorion.com

• Letters to the editor should be limited to fewer than 300 words, must include writer’s name and phone number (for verification) and are subject to condensation. Please include your year in school and major, or your business title.

Editor in Chief

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Jenna Valdespino

Kjerstin Wood

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• The Orion does not publish anonymous letters, letters that are addressed to a third party or letters that are in poor taste. The opinions expressed by The Orion’s columnists do not necessarily reflect those of The Orion or its staff.


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