WEDNESDAY
November 11, 2009 Vol. 92 • No. 23
ONLINE:
www.therambler.org
The Rambler The voice of Texas Wesleyan University students since 1917
Coffee X Spot teams with student organizations to raise funds. College Life, page 4
Student-athletes juggle families, class and sports. Sports, page 6
Campus safety still an issue for some
Wesleyan business school seeks title Kimberly Saleh
ksaleh@mail.txwes.edu
Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
Campus security is a concern at every university, no matter how large or small. According to campus security reports, there were 19 burglaries and five assault violations on or around Wesleyan since 2007. Comparing these numbers to Texas Christian University’s 27 burglaries and 10 assaults would make Wesleyan appear safe. For some Wesleyan students, however, safety is still a concern. Heath Scott, president of the Student Government Association, said campus security is the only SGA priority that hasn’t made discernible progress this year. “I can’t walk around this university without hearing students talk about the lack of cameras, lack of lighting and things in that regard,” he said. Over the summer, Scott met with Felisa Barnes, security manager, and Kun Dunson, director of facilities and security, to discuss a campus lighting and security camera initiative. SafirRosetti, a nationally renowned security firm, was hired by Wesleyan to do an assessment of the campus’ security. The report included possible short-term and long-term security investments Wesleyan could consider. Suggestions for physical factors such as lighting and fencing were included along with personnel suggestions like hiring an armed police force. “We had a lot of anecdotal evidence and individual opinions about, ‘We need to do this or that,’ but it was good to have an expert opinion as to what we ought to do,” said Bill Bleibdrey, senior vice president of finance and administration. “Some of the things were kind of no brainers, and we had them underway already. We knew we needed better lighting.” Bleibdrey said some of the things in the report, like blanketing the campus in security cameras, will not be implemented because they are “impractical.” The lighting project still has a way to go, especially as more parking lots are added, Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff Bleibdrey said. For some students, campus While efforts are made by the univerity each year to improve campus security, some students still think
SECURITY, page 3
improvements are needed.
The school of business is working to receive accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB is an international accreditation that symbolizes the highest standard of accomplishment for business schools worldwide. “Only about 5 percent of all schools of business hold the elite title,” said Dr. Hector Quintanilla, dean of the school of business. The main purpose of the accreditation is to show that the institution confirms its pledge to quality and continuous improvement through meticulous and comprehensive peer review. AACSB has a standard of excellence in management education. “Schools like [the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Arlington] are AACSB, and we want Wesleyan to join this prestigious level,” Quintanilla said. AACSB puts colleges and universities through a process to obtain the recognition. It begins with the school establishing AACSB international membership, then moves to a recommendation for accreditation by the accreditation committee are sent to the board for approval or remand. “AACSB would enhance the look of the school because the school would be on an international level,” Quintanilla said. “It would allow students from other countries to attend, and it would allow them to transfer credit hours from their current school to Wesleyan.” The possible status has stu-
BUSINESS, page 3
Theater students hard at work in new shop Amanda Edmondson
aedmondson@mail.txwes.edu
The long-awaited Claudia Stepp Scene Shop opened this semester at the corner of Binkly Street and Avenue C, giving theater students a functional place to work on technical theater. “I absolutely love it,” said senior Jenny Jones, student foreman at the new scene shop. “It’s nice to have a new building with enough space and work areas.” The scene shop is where theater students go to build the sets for all of their performances. This scene shop is not only the first one on campus to be designed specifically as a construction zone for sets, but it is also the first building ever designed specifically for the theater department’s use. “It makes it more appropriate to the environment our students are going into,” said Bryan Stevenson, designer and technical director of the theater program. “It brings us more up to the industry standard.” The previous home of the scene shop was in the Baker
“It makes it more appropriate to the
environment our students are going into. It brings us more up to the industry standard.” Bryan Stevenson
Theater Program Designer and Technical Director Building, built in 1915, before its extensive remodel last year. It was originally three different storefronts and was purchased by Wesleyan in 1982 to serve as the international gymnastics headquarters center. That idea was terminated and – fortunately for the theater students who, at the time, were working out of a threecar garage – it was approved to house the scene shop. “Everything we had there we had found to come in; and that was our home,” said Joe Brown, theater professor. However, while the Baker Building improved upon the garage, it was still less than adequate. It had only basic electricity, an old central heating and cooling unit and one tiny
bathroom. “It was really not meeting code; it was a dangerous building,” Brown said. Last year, when the school was given the opportunity to remodel the Baker Building into the new Coffee X Spot and community center, the theater department was given the chance for the new scene shop. This was due in large part to Wesleyan board member, Claudia Stepp, the benefactor Andie Massingill | Rambler Staff and namesake of the scene Nick Young-Davis and Michael Rudd work on sets in the new Claudia Stepp scene shop. shop. She donated the down payment for the building and Although the students have an production of The Woman to celebrate. provided additional funding been working in the scene in Black. “They haven’t had time to for landscaping. shop all semester, it will beThat’s when the theater stu- stop, look and enjoy because “It’s a replacement building come official the evening of dents – who have been busy we had to get shows built,” for something we really need- Nov. 14, when the shop will customizing the shop and Brown said. “But generations ed, a good classroom space,” have its ribbon cutting and a putting together sets for two will benefit from this shop.” Stevenson said. reception prior to the Wesley- shows – will get their chance
2
|
Opinion
November 11, 2009
The Rambler | www.rambler.org
Finally, can’t we all just hit a bong? Chuck Fain
cmfain@mail.txwes.edu
Several generations ago, herb was thought to bring about states of hysteria, cause insatiable addiction and drive a person insane. Anyone who’s ever tried marijuana knows this to be a laughable summation of its effects. Unfortunately, this propaganda along with unofficial marijuana mascots such as Cheech and Chong, Jay and Silent Bob and possibly Shaggy and Scooby, have hurt the herb’s reputation. However, pot has kept classier company with the likes of Fredric Nietzsche, Duke Ellington and most all of our founding fathers. The times, they are a changing’ – and so are peoples’ view of marijuana. According to TimesOnline. com 44 percent of Americans think marijuana should be legal. California and 12 other states in the union have legalized marijuana for medical use, with five more currently
considering the measure. Even Texas gives its police officers the option to issue citations for possession of marijuana under two ounces (though most of them choose to waive that option). Most recently, President Obama announced that the federal government would not spend any more time raiding medical marijuana dispensaries in states that have legalized it. Now that’s change I can believe in. This is great news for my fellow mellow brethren, even for those of us who aren’t fortunate enough to live in one of the sativa savvy states. This means the tide is turning, change is on the way, and the future looks a whole lot greener. This is also a welcome change from the former administration (led by hewho-shall-not-be-named) that seemed to relish enforcing their big government federal law over the populous approved state law (doesn’t sound very Republican of
them, does it?). Of course, there are those wet blankets out there who will tell you that legalizing marijuana, even for medical use, will corrupt our national morals and turn us into a nation of dope smoking sex fiends who prey on one another and eat baby kittens. The killers of buzzes also say that marijuana dispensaries will be a haven for organized and street crime, and that the medical license used to obtain said herb is just a bureaucratic loophole for people to abuse drugs. First off, marijuana legalization will not be the downfall of this great nation. It’s like accusing the Bush administration of setting up the Sept. 11 attacks – it attri-
butes so much to something capable of so little. Smoking pot is non-addictive, has no severe withdrawl symptoms and has a grand total of zero fatalities for
excessive use. Try saying that about any other drug, including Tylenol. No, my hemp hating friends, marijuana is not a drug with the necessary potency or addictive properties to destroy a nation. That’s a job for less benign drugs such as your cocaines and your
heroines. I must concede; however, pot does make kittens look delicious… The concern about soaring crime rate is exaggerated. Sure, there may be some people jumped for their stash on the way home from the marijuana dispensaries, but there’s people jumped for their money after leaving an ATM. There’s people who have been killed for their shoes. There have been robberies at donut stores where the thief stole only pastries. The point is, people will steal anything that’s valuable. Just because there’s a threat of another person stealing said item doesn’t mean we should legally penalize it. You just have to be smart about when and where you purchase. And, concerning California and their permissive prescription policy, I say, so what. Are you a doctor? (If yes, could you take a look at this thing on my back?) Have you done extensive research on the subject of marijuana and classified all its known
effects on the human body? If not, what right do you have to tell someone what works for them doesn’t work for them? One of the beautiful things about pot is its versatility. I’ve known it to cure depression, anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea due to chemotherapy and to serve as a general relaxation tool. What if someone wants to smoke pot just to get stoned? Is that so wrong? People drink the legal substance of alcohol to get drunk. Given the drugs we’ve already legalized in this country that have no medical benefits, I say why the hell not? The Obama administration is slowly lifting off the shackles of oppression from our herbal homie, opening the door for new policy and new ways of thinking. As I stand at this newly opened door, I don’t see a danger that should be feared, I see an opportunity that should be taken in … and inhaled.
Air traffic is in control Wendy Liddle
wjoefling@mail.txwes.edu
Nov. 12, 2001, a CNN article reads, “The flight that crashed in Rockaway, a Queens neighborhood, carried 260 people including five infants. At least six people have been reported missing in the neighborhood following the crash. By late Monday, searchers had recovered 265 ‘relatively intact bodies’. The crash was attributed to human error.” Aug. 27, 2006 a CBS News article reads, “A commuter jet mistakenly trying to take off on the wrong runway crashed into a field and burst into flames killing 49 people. Among the dead was a newlywed couple starting their honeymoon and a man that took an early flight to get home to his children. The Black Box has confirmed pilots made this deadly error.” These news stories have one thing in common and it’s not that they are about plane crashes that occurred in the United States. Give up? These stories are perfect examples of how the media take tragedy and mold it into sensational journalism. Stories of planes falling out of the sky and body counts in the hundreds have a remarkable way of tormenting the
“The media always delivers the bad and the ugly and conveniently fails to mention the good.”
Robert Danforth
Skywest Airlines Pilot
public and portraying air travel as a risky game of Russian roulette. “The media is so good at highlighting the darkest hours of commercial air travel,” said Robert Danforth, a pilot for Skywest Airlines. “The media always delivers the bad and the ugly and conveniently fails to mention the good.” According to the International Herald Tribune, the aircraft yearly loss rate in the United States from 1995 to 2006 was 0.37 per million flights. These numbers are miniscule when compared to the average number of vehicle-related fatalities in this country. “Air travel is by far the safest form of travel there is,” Danforth said. In the last 10 years, nearly half a million people died in traffic related fatalities in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration. Of those accidents, 95 percent are caused by human error. “I would choose traveling by air over driving any day,” Danforth said. “There are so many distractions on the road, and people are so unpredictable when behind the wheel. “I’ve been flying for 10 years, and I have a flawless track record in the air. I wish I could say the same for my driving record.” “Passengers ask me all the time if the plane is safe or if the pilot knows what he is doing,” said Lisa Hutchins, a flight attendant for United Airlines. “It’s troubling to see the fear and anxiety that comes over them the second they board the aircraft.” The media’s dramatic portrayal of airline crashes distorts the reality of air travel and adds to the mistrust and stress that is associated with traveling nowadays.
The Rambler Founded in 1917 as The Handout Publisher: Harold G. Jeffcoat
Jonathan Resendez, news editor Laurence Sheehan, opinion editor Conner Howell, college life editor Joakim Söderbaum, sports editor Chuck Fain, entertainment editor Laura Rosser, photo editor Rachel Horton, multimedia editor LaShawnda Mayhorn, social media director Daniel Bravo, advertising manager Kelli Lamers, faculty adviser Dr. Kay Colley, faculty liaison
Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press, Student Press Law Center, College Media Advisers and College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers. Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole.
R ambler Contribution
Please send all news briefs to twurambler@ yahoo.com. Submissions due by noon Friday to see brief in the following week’s issue.
Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication, welcomes all letters. All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature. While every consideration is made to publish letters, publication is limited by time and space. The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for space, grammar, clarity and style. Letters to the editor may be subject to response from editors and students on the opinion page. “We are not afraid to follow the truth ... wherever it may lead.” — Thomas Jefferson
Maj. Hasan, I share no pitty for you Laurence J. Sheehan
ljsheehan@mail.txwes.edu
The attack on Fort Hood last week echoed through the hearts of Americans. On Nov. 5, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan went on a shooting spree at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. Hasan is the suspected killer of the 13 indviduals -- 12 soldiers and one civilian -- and is also responsible for injuring 42 others, according to CNN.com. A couple of days after the incident, Hasan was taken off his ventilator and began talking to investigators. If anyone has been paying attention to the news since the shootings, you know half
of the garbage being spewed by the media. The search for Hasan’s syndrome that made him snap is underway. Fox News is claiming that several media outlets are giving Hasan an out in blaming his shooting spree on a mental illness. Hasan is an Army licensed pyschiatrist and has been helping soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with their stress issues. Some speculate that Hasan, who has not been to Iraq or Afghanistan, is suffering from the same stresses. Can you suffer from stress by association? I’ll never claim to be an expert to this, but I’m pretty sure that I’m not going to become bipo-
lar just because one of my friends is bipolar. Hasan was set to deploy overseas and had said, according to Fox News, that he could not see killing other Muslims. He’s right. He shouldn’t kill Muslims. None of us should. Islam is a beautiful religion. But your’re not going there for the sake of killing Muslims. I have no pity for this guy, and the darkest part of me hopes he gets the worst treatment and is executed. His life should be left up to the 13 families that are left without sons, daughters, mothers and fathers. Then justice will be served.
Do you think marijuana should be legal?
Daniel Martinez-Torres junior psychology
“My concern is it will become an outlet for worse drugs.”
Kevin Keathley senior religion
“Yes. I don’t do it, but people are going to do it regardless.”
Rene’ Rosser senior psychology
“I agree with legalization for medical reasons.”
Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University
The Rambler
1201 Wesleyan St. Fort Worth, TX 76105 twurambler@yahoo.com To contact T he R ambler (817) 531-7552 Advertising Inquiries: (817) 532-7582
Loic Morvannou freshman mass communication
“Yes, I don’t think it’s more dangerous than alcohol.”
Ashly Spencer senior education
“There are pros and cons to both sides.”
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Campus
November 11, 2009
|
3
Ex-pilot lands in right place Renee Greer
crgreer@mail.txwes.edu
Finding his purpose in life kept Dr. Michael Ellison’s heart searching for the career he always wanted. A desire to fulfill his purpose and a word of advice from his coworkers forced him to get his head out of the clouds and to make the landing of his life. Forty years ago, Ellison, psychology professor and director of the counseling department, graduated from Oklahoma State University and started to work as a juvenile felony rehab counselor. Soon, he experienced a burnout period. “I was 21-years-old, and I realized I was too young to work with that group of people,” he said. Ellison started to experience stress because he didn’t believe he could effectively help them. As a stress reliever, he began sky diving. Ellison found himself at the mouth of a whole new world that he had grown to love. In fact, he loved it so much that he eventually began flying charter planes. “I eventually became an airline pilot, and the whole while I was thinking of counseling,” Ellison said. “I just couldn’t get away from wanting to
counsel and help others.” Ellison kept his ears ready and available for the opportunity to offer help to anyone that needed it. “My copilots would tell me about their problems, and the counselor in me immediately kicked in,” he said. “They finally told me to shut up and go be a psychologist.” After 10 years of flying planes, Ellison took their advice. “Boring holes in the sky were no longer interesting to me, and being away from home 20 nights out of a month was breaking more than my spirit to fly,” he said. With a renewed hunger, Ellison decided to go back to school. He eventually graduated with a PhD in psychology and began working in the field. After gaining years of experience with companies such as MHMR, he was recruited to Texas Wesleyan as an adjunct professor. After being offered a permanent position, he saw the huge demand for a counseling training program in Fort Worth. In fall 2004, the graduate program opened its doors for the first time. According to Ellison, Texas Wesleyan had the first counseling master’s program in Fort Worth.
“Boring holes in the sky were no longer interesting to me, and being away from home 20 nights out of a month was breaking more than my spirit to fly.” Michael Ellison
Director of Graduate Counseling Programs “I know we are successful because I continue to see the number of students increase each year,” he said. The graduate program has almost reached the maximum number of students allowed this year. Its mission is to “create a learning environment where each student is provided an opportunity to pursue individual excellence, to think clearly and creatively, to communicate effectively and to develop professionally.” For at least some students, that’s exactly what’s happening. “The counseling program has helped me see the world through new professional eyes and I’m very grateful for that,” said counseling graduate student Selena Alexander. “I have re-discovered myself in the counseling program.” While Ellison is pleased with the success of the pro-
gram, he continues to look for ways to improve the quality of the education offered to students. “I’m looking forward to offering a PhD degree in marriage and family therapy some day,” Ellison said. He credits his faculty with the success of the program as it is today. “Our professors are highly qualified, and they are all active counselors,” he said. “Our professors welcome students through the front door of the program, and they congratulate colleagues on the way out.” According to Ellison, 100 percent of professional counseling students pass the National Counseling Exam on the first try. Wesleyan’s program currently ranks among the top schools for its counseling program, according to university search engines
SECURITY
BUSINESS continued from page 1
dents excited as well. Senior Lauren Bell said she thinks it is a great opportunity to take advantage of the accreditation. “As a soon-to-be graduate, I am very pleased with the education that I have received,” she said. “I believe that Wesleyan is one of the finest institutions, and getting accreditation will not be the basis of the high standards of business education for Wesleyan. “Instead, it will show the high educational standards that Wesleyan has always held for their students prior to this accreditation process.”
Back in business The academic success center officially reopend its doors Nov. 5. The center operates under the guidance of Coordinator of New Student Programs Blair Ensign, shown above helping a student, and Assistant Director of the ASC Michael Greer Hall (left). The center offers free tutoring in writing, math, biology and history. The ASC is open daily Monday through Saturday. For hours and details visit www.txwes. edu/arc.
such as EducationPortal.com. “Before I decided on Texas Wesleyan, I looked at several schools, and I couldn’t find any schools that came close to what I’m getting right here at Texas Wesleyan,” said William Polk, a graduate student in the counseling program. Now that he’s back where he always wanted, Ellison is de-
continued from page 1
lighting is even a deterrent for enrolling in night classes. Morgan Yinger, junior education major, is a commuter student who has a night class in McFadden that ends at 9:30 p.m. She said she parks in the faculty parking because it feels safer. “I haven’t noticed anyone, no,” she said, in reference to campus security at that hour. After-hours personnel is another issue at the forefront of security at the moment, said Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, university president. The university is increasing the after-
Photos by Renee Greer | Rambler Staff
Renee Greer | Rambler Staff Dr. Michael Ellison returned to counseling after a stint as an airline pilot.
hours personnel and focusing on the training of newly hired security. In the spring, Stanley Security Solutions offered Wesleyan a proposal with four different payment plans of about $16,000 over a five year period with a free upgrade at the end. Wesleyan did not follow through on the deal. Jeffcoat said the university budgeted conservatively at the beginning of the fiscal year because of uncertainty on how the economy would affect enrollment and funds. “The first place that we gen-
termined to allow students in the program to do the same. “It’s a certain component that develops during a counseling session that I want my students to experience,” he said. “It’s not religion, but it’s that intangible stuff that connects the counselor with the clients, and I like to call it spirit.” erally look to if we have extra resources is keeping the faculty,” he said. “The priority for the institution has been things like personnel.” Bleibdrey said there is a four-phase campus security initiative that includes lighting, fencing and controlled access, a camera system and personnel additions that will reach completion within three to four years. Kesha Carter, freshman sociology major, lives in Stella and believes campus security in general is inadequate. “I think they’re being cheap about campus security,” she said.
Old POly Grill “Best Soul Food in Town”
Texas Wesleyan University Students and Staff Buy One Get One 1/2 Off With University ID
1417 Vaughn Blvd. Ft. Worth, Texas 76105
We Cater! 817-536-3051
ABBGROUP is in need of employees in these categories: BOOKKEEPER PAYROLL/PAY RECEIVER
Requirements of the job: Should be computer-literate Must be efficient and dedicated There is NO age discrimination
Our salary is attractive plus benefits and requires only little of your time.
ABB GROUP
For more information, contact us at abbgroup00@gmail.com
WANTED The Rambler is looking for YOU!
Seeking applicants for ALL positions in the Spring 2010 semester If you are interested and would like to apply please visit www.therambler.org or stop by the Human Resources Office located in the Administration Building
Don’t Miss Your Opportunity!
4
|
College Life
November 11, 2009
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Coffee X Spot offers All-nighter Students debate library hours student group funding Conner Howell
mhowell@mail.txwes.edu
It’s a win-win situation as the Coffee X Spot partners with Wesleyan student organizations to sponsor fundraising events and donate the proceeds to student groups. Donna Griffin and Veronica Ricard, co-owners of the Coffee X Spot, said they were looking for ways to expand their client base among the community when they were approached by a student group looking to host a fundraiser. “A student with the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority approached us and asked if we would be interested in partnering with them,” Ricard said. Seeing it as a chance to increase their exposure to the local Wesleyan community, the duo became interested in the group’s proposal, Griffin said. “The school is a great supporter of ours, and we depend upon the students, faculty and staff,” Griffin said. Griffin said the student suggested the idea of sponsoring the group’s fundraising event and 10 to15 percent of the proceeds made by the Coffee X Spot during the event would be donated to the group. “We thought it was a good idea,” Griffin said. “That way we’re helping each other. Griffin said it’s a very flexible system in which student groups can request a date to host an event at the Coffee X Spot and negotiate the amount of time the group needs for the event.
Conner Howell | Rambler Staff Freshman Dustin McAlpin is one of many Wesleyan customers who support the Coffee X Spot.
“We’re open to working with the organizations however they want to do it,” Ricard said. Griffin said student group events are scheduled after hours, and she sends out a notice in her newsletter letting people know to come support the organization. Griffin said she and Ricard have gotten requests to sponsor fundraisers for other organizations at Wesleyan and the surrounding community too. “Right now we’re talking to another sorority at Wesleyan
and a church group,” Griffin said. Yuri Valenzuela, chapter orientation adviser for the Alpha Gamma Graduate chapter of the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, said Griffin and Ricard were eager to support the event. “They were very open about the idea,” Valenzuela said, “and they worked with us to help make the event a success.” Valenzuela said Griffin and Ricard agreed on 10 to 15 percent of the proceeds because
it was based on a similar percentage that other businesses donate to organizations. Because of its convenient location next to Wesleyan and its connection to the neighboring area, the Coffee X Spot provided a singular opportunity for LTA, Valenzuela said. “The coffee shop is within the community we work with,” Valenzuela said. “Our passion and love for Texas Wesleyan, its students and the surrounding community were the motivation to work with them.”
Angel Maldonado
amaldo@mail.txwes.edu
While the West Library operates during the week from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., some students need more time to study. “I spend about three or four hours a day in the library,” said senior advertising major Josh Grace. Grace said he works during the day and usually only has time to do work late at night. “I have to get papers and research done late at night, and it’s frustrating when the library isn’t open,” Grace said. At Texas Christian University, the library stays open 24 hours every weekday. Junior communication major Jasmine Quezada said she likes having the hours to work late. “I think it’s a big advantage having access to our library pretty much all the time,” Quezada said. “Sometimes I don’t finish assignments until 3 a.m., so it helps to be able to stay and finish up.” The University of Texas at Arlington has similar library hours, staying open 24 hours during the week with shortened hours during the weekend. Eric Hernandez, a junior kinesiology major from UTA, said the longer hours makes studying easier. “It’s convenient having all that time to work into your schedule,” Hernandez said. “Especially when doing group work, it’s easier to find a time suitable for everyone.” While neighboring universities extend their library hours throughout the night, Sheri Parker, coordinator of library operations, said commuting is a main reason why
the West Library closes when it does. “Wesleyan is more of a traditional school,” Parker said, “and there is a significant age difference amongst the student population. Most commuters don’t return to the campus at night.” Wesleyan has 3,333 undergraduate students this fall, and only 344 live on campus. Cindy Potter, director of the West Library, said she keeps an open ear and mind toward student needs. “We hear things from our student workers about what can be changed as well as take a count to see how often students use the library,” Potter said. “I really would like to hear what students want their library to be like. “What we usually get in our suggestion box are comments about getting better candy, which is something too general,” Potter said. “I would like to see a focus group in which the library and its staff could work with students and/or [Student Government Association] so we can find out what students need.” Senior business administration major Nathaniel Gagnon said he likes the idea of a focus group. “If you keep that channel of communication open, it may be easier to keep up with student needs,” Gagnon said. Potter said she would be open to anything that would help students. “I truly do want to know if there is anything that the library could add that would be positive towards the student body’s education,” Potter said. “After all, ultimately, that is what students are here for.”
Veteran cook loves to serve Andie Massingill
admassingill@mail.txwes.edu
JUMP, page 4
Shawn Robinson’s career has been in food. Having cooked for fast food chains, country clubs and catering services, Robinson is at home at the SUB. He has worked as a cook at Wesleyan for six years. “It just keeps getting better and better,” Robinson said. Supervising the coffee shop, store and grill, Robinson has been quick to make friends. “He is a very nice guy, always wanting to make sure you don’t have to wait too long for your food,” said Linette Brandon, a freshman business major. Robinson gets to work Monday through Friday at 5:30 a.m. even though he is not required to be at work until 6 a.m. “I get here early every day to make sure everything is in its place,” Robinson said. Originally from Ohio, but raised in Waco, Robinson said he really likes that he settled in Fort Worth. Andie Massingill | Rambler Staff “I started with 12 Oaks Ca- Shawn Robinson (left) talks with Carlos Rangel and Brandon tering, which was contracted Flowers at the food line in the SUB. with the food distributing company Aramark. That is recently lenge. We have inventory to how I got to Wesleyan,” Rob“It was awesome,” Perry keep up with and students to inson said. “I have these kids said. “I will be back.” keep happy; it’s all about your spoiled. They know I will Glenda Johnson, head ca- attitude.” make up their burritos and shier, has worked with RobinWorking at Wesleyan is burgers just the way they like.” son for four years now. Rob- more than a job to Robinson, The students enjoy more inson supervises Johnson and it’s a family affair. than just Robinson at the has her working all over the “I bring my 6-year-old son SUB. SUB. to the basketball and table “I love the pizza,” said Sortia “He is really about team- tennis games,” Robinson said. Burnham, a freshman biology work,” Johnson said. “He is a “We have lots of Wesleyan major. “Shawn makes sure the great supervisor.” novelty items that my son food is always really good.” Kory Davis, an employee likes to collect.” Robinson said that what that works in the coffee shop Katie Romig, a freshman makes every day great is at the SUB said, “I have only exercise science major says, meeting new people and get- been working here about a “He is really funny – always ting to be his own boss. month, but Shawn is really ready to crack a joke with “The students seem to like good with the kids and gets a you.” me and call me by name,” lot of work out of me.” Robinson likes to keep life Robinson said. Robinson said, “Dealing fun for everyone by keeping Kaylee Perry, a sophomore with people that don’t want to things light and simple. “I am English literature major, ate work and just chill and make here for the students,” Robinat the SUB for the first time a check is my biggest chal- son said.
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Arts & Entertainment
Beyond Shakespeare Teachers do more than just teach Chuck Fain
cmfain@mail.txwes.edu
The Arts and Letters Faculty Showcase takes place at 2 p.m. Nov. 11in the Orientation Room of the West Library. This is an event to showcase the often unknown accomplishments of Wesleyan professors in the school of arts and letters. At the helm of the faculty showcase’s maiden voyage is author, sailor and creative historian Dr. Jeffery DeLotto. Dr. DeLotto is a Wesleyan English professor, who was also the first author that Texas Wesleyan University Press published. His book, Days of a Chameleon: Collected poems, is currently available on Xlibris.com and Amazon.com. Recently, however, his fancy has turned to fiction – historical fiction. “I’ve always been interested in the recreation of history through creative writing,” DeLotto said, though he’s not referring to simply making things up about the past. He is talking about trying the best he can to fill in the gaps that history has left behind due to absence of any official record. “Much of what we believe today of people like Richard II, III, Henry the IV, we get from Shakespeare’s plays,” DeLotto said. Though the facts may have been altered for entertainment purposes, DeLotto believes that links to the past such as these are important “not only in conveying historical fact, but in conveying people’s interest in what happened a long time ago. I think it’s an important role for someone involved in creative writing to take on, getting and maintaining people’s interest in history.” DeLotto will expound more on the role creative writing plays in historical recreation during the faculty showcase. “Aristotle says that, ‘Poetry is something more philosophic and of graver import than history.’ In other words, it takes a good writer, a good creator to bring the history enough to life so that we’re interested enough to learn from it,” DeLotto said. The history that has interested DeLotto most as of late, featured at the faculty showcase, is that of the Native American peoples known collectively as the Caddo Nation, or the Caddo Confederacy.
They were a group of Native Americans living in parts of Louisiana and East Texas. In fact, Texas got its name from the Caddo, who the Spanish explorers called “Tejas Indians.” DeLotto’s research has produced three short stories on the subject of the Caddo Nation. They all feature a fictional Native American character, a detective named TwoHawks. The most recent of the Two-Hawk stories, “A Gutting on the Camino Royal,” was read on Nov. 5 as the opening event for the Eighth Native American Symposium and Film Festival at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Excerpts from these stories as well as a poem written in the voice of Two-Hawks are tentatively planned for the showcase. The Karankawas, another tribe of Native Americans, have also caught DeLotto’s literary attention. This tribe lived around the Southern Texas coast between Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff Galveston and Corpus Dr. Jeffery DeLotto presents his research at the Arts and Letter Showcase Nov. 11. Christi. They were very tall, known to practice ritualistic cannibalism and hopes it continues, saying that it’s a shame no one by 1850, they were completely wiped out. DeLotto is aware that so many professors are doing fasciplans to travel to the area and research to get a feel nating research, publications and other academic for what these people’s lives were like. activities outside of school. This is the first even of its kind, and DeLotto
Novermber 11, 2009
|
American music class features pop, jazz Chuck Fain
cmfain@mail.txwes.edu
Chopin and Bach aren’t for everyone, and if you happen to fall into that camp, the Wesleyan Music department has a class for you. It’s called “Music in America.” It’s the perfect class to take for that lacking Fine Arts credit, or if you’d like to take a more contemporary music appreciation course or if you’re just looking for something fun and entertaining to fill that empty hole in your schedule. Music in America is offered next semester, spring 2010. According to Dr. John Fisher, music department chair, the class will include “a chronological survey of various styles of American music from New England Psalm singing to the avant-garde, including art music, folk, popular music and jazz.” Students are also ready for the new course. “Finally,” said junior theater major Andrea Allmond, “a music appreciation class about music I actually appreciate.” There are no prerequisites for this course, which counts as a three-hour credit. It will take place in room 102 of the Ann Waggoner Annex, also known as the music building. The course takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:40 a.m. and includes lecture, demonstration, discussion, listening and participation with American music styles.
Fort Worth film festival features both local, international flavors Chuck Fain
cmfain@mail.txwes.edu
With its premier museums, stunning architecture and impressive theaters, downtown Fort Worth is quickly becoming a cultural force to be reckoned with. Not bad for a town largely associated with cows. The Lone Star International Film Festival is headed to Sundance Square begining Nov. 11 to add even more clout to our bubbling cultural scene. The festival brings with it “an impressive slate of narrative and documentary features and short films from around the world,” according to its Web site. Since 2007, the Lone Star Film Society has put on this festival in downtown Fort Worth, giving local and international filmmakers alike the chance to showcase their talents. These are not your average Hollywood films with a big budget and even bigger explosions. These cinematic stories capture the true heart of filmmaking and storytelling, reminding
Photo courtesy of lsiff.com Meg Ryan wraps things up in Serious Moonlight.
the audience that car chases do not a movie make. “Our films represent an eclectic cross-section of genres and artistic movements, with an emphasis on the future of the art of filmmaking,” said Alec Jhangiani, LSFS artistic director. Aside from the hot tickets this year, such as The Scenesters, Artois the Goat, The Messenger and Serious Moonlight, there will also be special screenings, after parties and an awards ceremony for audience and critic favorites. “With films of this quality, from U.S. and international talents, there is such true di-
versity in this selection that it offers an absolutely unique experience to expand one’s horizons,” said Dennis Bishop, LSFS director. So, break out from the norm this weekend and get expanding on that horizon. What better way to experience the local flavor than by seeing it on the big screen. Open your mind to a different culture, a different type of story and a different way of looking at the world around you. The festival runs through Nov. 15. Movie venues, times and prices vary. For ticket purchase and more information, visit www.lsiff.com.
Not just a newspaper anymore.
The Rambler
Photo courtesy of U.S. Narrative Feature Films Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson in The Messenger.
5
The Voice of Texas Wesleyan University Students Since 1917
6
|
Sports
November 11, 2009
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Parent-athletes struggle to do it all
Jacqueline Wittman
jrwittman@mail.txwes.edu
When Texas Wesleyan soccer player Danielle Parks and volleyball player Evoni Darling win a match, their night doesn’t consist of going out to celebrate. Parks rushes home to her 7-month-old daughter Kacelynn, and Darling can’t wait to pick up 2-year-old Cheyenne. Being a student-athlete in college comes with enough responsibility, but for a few, being a parent-student-athlete is even more challenging and makes every moment even more valuable. “I quickly had to learn how to manage my time better,” Darling said. “It’s all about fitting more in with less time.” Having the job of parent, student and athlete can add up. As involved parents, Park’s and Darling’s days involve class, diaper changing, homework and practice. For Parks, a senior defender on the women’s soccer team, college life suddenly changed from revolving around her to revolving around blue-eyed baby Kacelynn. “Before Kacelynn, I would just get up and go to class or practice,” she said. “Now I have to pack both our bags the night before. It’s all about what’s best for her.” If the baby is up at 4 a.m., so is the star player. “Without a doubt, Kacelynn always wakes up at least twice a night, usually at 1 [a.m.] and 4 [a.m.],” Parks said. “It’s definitely challenging, especially when I have a test or game the next day.” The women’s soccer coach, Josh Gibbs, witnesses Danielle’s perseverance and accomplishments as a mother, athlete and student. Gibbs has
Many times, Parks will managed to maintain a 3.5 prised and even thought she bring Kacelynn to soccer GPA and was voted co-cap- was joking, but now it’s cerpractice when she can’t find a tain by her peers. tainly reality. sitter or Grandma has to go to “She has done a great job “My teammates are very work. of balancing academics, supportive and they love “I have to plan at least one athletics and being the best Cheyenne,” Darling said. day in advance,” she said. mom she can be,” Clawson “She is like an extra person on “Sometimes my only option said. our team.” is to bring Kacelynn to pracWith great support, DarSpending as much time as tice,” she said. “If coach didn’t ling has made the best of possible with their precious let me bring her to practice her difficult situation. little ones are always top prisome days, I don’t know what “No matter how you look ority for Parks and Darling. I would do.” at it, a child is a blessing,” After this semester, the little At practice, one of the train- Clawson said. “Evoni is girls can expect to spend more ers or injured players will play blessed to have a beautiful time with their mothers. with Kacelynn until practice child, teammates that are Offseason brings the possiis over. supportive of her and a fam- bility of a little more free time. Parks’ teammates enjoy ily that has been her rock.” Parks will earn her degree in seeing Kacelynn’s precious When Darling told her kinesiology this December, smile and vibrant eyes; some teammates that she was and Darling will return for even buy outfits for her. pregnant, they were sur- her senior year next fall. “Next to buy are toddler soccer cleats, so she can be just like her mom,” teammate Heather Pagano said. Juggling parenthood along with athletics and college is not easy. Darling, a junior, understands. Breaks don’t come too often for Darling. She is enrolled in 15 hours this semester and practices from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with matches running through December. Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff “I had to learn how to fit Parks and 7-month-old Kacelynn in all my homework and still have quality time to spend coached Parks since 2006 and all of us to stay positive in with Cheyenne,” she said. has seen her excel as a new life,” he said. “She has a tough “My life has definitely bemother. situation, but she’s excellent come more schedule-oriented “Danielle is a great asset to at what she does, on and off and filled with more responsiour team and motivation for the field.” bility.” Grandma Darling cares for Cheyenne during the day My life has definitely become more while Evoni is in class and Cheyenne is often schedule-oriented and filled with more practice. present at Darling’s matches. Her grandparents bring her responsibility. out to support her hardworking mom. Head Volleyball Coach Christy Clawson knows DarEvoni Darling ling’s situation is a difficult Student-Athlete and Parent one, as it is for any parentCourtesy of Evoni Darling athlete. But, Darling has Darling with her 2-year-old daughter Cheyenne
“
”
Next week: a closer look at basketball
The Weekly Sports Quote
Wesleyan Week-in-Sports
• The Lady Rams Volleyball team (16-16, 10-6 RRAC) split a pair of games Nov. 7. The Lady Rams took a 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-17) loss to ninth-ranked UT-Brownsville before defeating Our Lady of the Lake University 3-0 (25-15, 2510, 25-10). Finishing fourth in conference, the Lady Rams will play the fifth-seeded Our Lady of the Lake University in the first round of the conference tournament. The game is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., Nov. 13 in the Sid W. Richardson Gymnasium. Jeremy Vine • The Lady Rams Soccer team (14-6) defeated Bacone ColRadio 5 lege 4-0 in the first round of the conference tournament Nov. 5. Despite a one-goal lead at half time, the Lady Rams did not manage to follow up with another win in the semifinals. Tournament champions UT-Brownsville ended the Fantasy Football Lady Rams’ season with a 4-2 win Nov. 6. Pig Skin Pick'Em • The Rams Soccer team’s (11-8) season came to an abrupt Leaderboard end as the Rams suffered a close 2-1 loss against Our Lady of the Lake University in the first round of the conference Name Pts. tournament Nov 5. Cara Lumpkin 83 • The Rams Basketball team (0-2) dropped their season Jeremy Newton 82 opener 77-72 to Evangel University Nov. 6 before suffering an 88-65 loss to LSU-Shreveport Nov. 7. Michael Greer 81 Rachel Loftin 79 Upcoming Sports Phillip Blockinger 79 Fabiola Duron 79 Game Time/Place Terry Waldrop 78 JV Basketball vs. 3 p.m. Jason Simpson 78 Thursday North Lake College Irving June Johnson 77 Oscar Lazarki 76 Volleyball Conference 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Daniel Bravo 75 Tournament Sid W. Rich. Women’s Basketball 2 p.m. Ryan Amador 75 vs. Evangel University Claremore, OK Friday Trey Bomar 75 Men’s Basketball vs. 3 p.m. Southwestern Waxahachie Erik Hall 74 Adventist Univ. Keith Wright 74 Sandy Gonzalez 73 Volleyball Conference 2 p.m. Kyle Morgan 73 Tournament Final Sid W. Rich. Men’s Basketball vs. 5:30 p.m. Barbara Kirby 72 Saturday Sterling College Sid W. Rich. Randy Pistorious 72 Women’s Basketball 6 p.m. vs. Roger State Univ. Claremore, OK Ken Flowers 70 Michael Chaney 56 JV Basketball vs. 3 p.m. Julie Handley 56
“So your autobiography is out in paperback. What’s it about?”
Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff
Justin Payne Thomas Vasquez Melanie Mudukuh Carolyn Ikens Michael Wylie Ken Dunson Andrew Grace
30 30 26 22 19 11 11
Sunday
El Centro College
Monday
Women’s Basketball 6 p.m. vs. Dallas Christian C. Dallas
Tuesday
JV Basketball vs. Cedar Valley College
Sid W. Rich.
7 p.m. Sid W. Rich.