The Rambler, Vol. 92 Issue 17 by The Rambler

WEDNESDAY

September 30, 2009 Vol. 92 • No. 17

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The Rambler The voice of Texas Wesleyan University students since 1917

Of Many Colors set to perform at Wesleyan A&E, page 5

Men’s soccer team breaks into national rankings Sports, page 6

Technology creates virtual classrooms Daniel McGary

dcmcgrary@mail.txwes.edu

Texas Wesleyan is using a new, innovative teleconferencing program between its main campus in Fort Worth and the Burleson site. The program’s software video feed utilizes dial-up teleconferencing equipment to transmit live video from classrooms on the main campus to classrooms. “The idea is to use live video technology to allow Wesleyan’s Burleson site to use all of its classroom space without having to hire more adjunct professors,” said Dr. Carlos Martinez, dean of the school of education. That has been an important issue for a long time, since the Burleson site usually has only two full time faculty members teaching onsite, Burleson site coordinator Judy Arnold said in a telephone interview. Burleson site coordinator Judy Arnold believes that the new technology can best be used to create virtual classrooms by combining the live video feed with the traditional arrangement of classrooms and desks. “The teleconferencing goes both ways,” Arnold said. “Students in classrooms at the Burleson site see the main campus classes on a very large screen, and, at the same time, they can ask the professor questions.” The classrooms on the Fort Worth campus have the same large screen where they see the Burleson classroom live. The result is live conversations between both sites, almost as if it is one large classroom. Burleson site recruiter Ashley Shetter believes that the video teleconferencing system is a great idea and has been very well received by students at the site. “Students who live in Burleson and surrounding areas really like the idea of earning a degree from Texas Wesleyan without having to commute all the way to Fort Worth,” Shetter said in a telephone interview. “The system has worked so well that Burleson students really feel like they are in a class with a live professor there.” Arnold said the overall effect is so realistic that professors in the main campus classrooms even have a seating chart of the Burleson site

 TECH, page 3

Sexual assault alleged in Village Jonathan Resendez

jlresendez@txwes.edu

Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff Students and teachers can now teleconference between the main campus and Burleson site.

Fort Worth police are investigating an alleged sexual assault that was reported in Wesleyan Village Sept. 24. Chuck Burton, assistant vice president of marketing and communications, said there were no breaches of security as the assailant may have been an invited guest of a female student. Burton said the assailant may have met the victim on the Internet. “We want all students to be extremely cautious,” he said in reference to online relationships. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, sexual assault is widely considered to be the most under-reported violent crime in America. Most sexual assaults on campus are committed by an acquaintance of the victim, which explains, in part, why these crimes are under reported. Kelly Neace, resident assistant at Wesleyan Village, said she would advise students who are meeting online acquaintances in real life to do so in a public place and take a friend.

Polytechnic High School passes the test, will not close its doors Texas Wesleyan almost lost an old friend and neighbor. After facing an uncertain future, Polytechnic High School will remain open, providing the university with a fellow community icon and academic partner. A year ago Poly High School faced state closure after failing to meet the minimum state requirements for academic performance for four consecutive years. Students were challenged to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in the spring. Students and staff succeeded, and the school found out this summer that it would remain intact. “I was sad at the thought of losing a school in our neighborhood,” said Lisa Dryden, an education professor at Wesleyan. Texas amended the law in 2006 to say that if a school failed to pass any portion of the TAKS with an acceptable rating for five consecutive years the state would require the school to close immediately or have alternative management appointed to run it.

“Everyone felt a sense of pride in their school and the things they could do.” Lisa Dryden

professor of education

The law also gives the Texas Education Commissioner the option of closing a school after four consecutive years. If the school had closed, it could only have re-opened as a new school under a new name and half of its students and teachers would be forced to relocate. Dryden, who is also Wesleyan’s director of the graduate program of education, collaborated with Poly through sitebased management teams. The program met monthly at the high school and discussed ways to raise test scores and create a stronger academic environment. “We built a learning community and raised school spirit,” she said. “Everyone felt a sense of pride in their school and the things they could do.”

Polytechnic improved immensely and went on to show double-digit gains in all TAKS categories, said Doug Maryak, assistant principal at Polytechnic. “People are now coming to us and asking us how we improved so much,” he said. Maryak said it would take two to three days to list everything that contributed to the improvement. However, the biggest thing was a change in the culture, which took several years and didn’t happen overnight. “Our kids now understand what great success is,” he said. University President Dr. Harold Jeffcoat and Provost Dr. Allen Henderson presented a banner to Polytechnic’s principal, Gary Braudaway, on July 2 congratulating the

Photo courtesy of Office of Communications Texas Wesleyan presents Polytechnic faculty and staff with a congratulatory banner.

school on its achievement. Texas Wesleyan has a history of partnership with Polytechnic. It allows the high school’s seniors to enroll in university classes for credit, giving them a taste of college life.

It also offers a Speak Up scholarship, which pays for all tuition and fees, to Polytechnic students exclusively. During Polytechnic’s struggle, Wesleyan circled the wagons showing its support for the high school. Wesleyan

organized a letter-writing campaign to students and staff and offered help including events such as Career Day, a community breakfast and community TAKS fair and tutoring assistance for students.

September 30, 2009

Opinion

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Moore Deceiving Rights go up in smoke Michael Moore fights the very ideal that’s made him rich

Matthew Fox

Kentucky Kernel/Uwire While trying to figure out what to write for my second column, I was flipping through the channels on TV. I saw Michael Moore on Larry King Live and The Colbert Report making his pitch for his new movie, Capitalism: A Love Story, and I knew the topic for my column. For those who have not seen the previews for his new movie, Moore is going after Congress (again) and the huge financial companies on Wall Street for taking the American people’s money. He said the American populous has had a love affair with capitalism, and now, as the Web site for the movie puts it, “ … the all too similar symptoms of a love affair gone astray: lies, abuse, betrayal…” I’m not writing to critique the movie, that’s for the entertainment section. What I am writing about is Michael Moore. He claims to be doing a huge service to the American people by going after AIG and other financial companies for “stealing” the people’s money. However, that is not the case. He simply focuses on the hot button issues and presents ideas that are, quite frankly, less than original. In the previews Moore is hailed as being some kind of prophet that has foreseen what all of us have known for a long time. Him trying to make a citizen’s arrest of the AIG executives, or walk-

ing up to them with sacks, demanding they fill them with the money they owe the American taxpayers, are over-the-top theatrics to get people’s attention. Tactics like that aren’t going to change anything. The biggest thing that irks me about Moore is that he has made this movie to speak out against capitalism, the sole reason he has been able to make all of his movies. He is taking advantage of our capitalist society just as much as the financial companies on Wall Street. If there weren’t a demand for movies and other forms of entertainment, then movie studios would never agree to produce them. I also find it a bit ironic that during times of economic hardship, the amount of money Americans spend on entertainment goes up, and Moore is putting out a movie during a recession about how bad capitalism is. He may not be a great documentarian, but he is a great businessman. As humans we do things for one of two reasons: physical or psychological reward. When we help a stranger, we do it for psychological reward because it makes us feel good. When we make a movie or cut a record we do it for financial (physical) reward. Even when we volunteer with charities or other organizations and seemingly get nothing out of it, it makes us

Chuck Fain

cmfain@mail.txwes.edu

College is stressful. There are deadlines to feel good to know that we’ve meet, papers to write and helped someone in need. extracurricular activities that Moore is in the same make demands on your time. category as all of the other Not to mention there’s work, directors, music artists or family and church (if you’re anyone in the entertainment into that sort of thing). business; they do it for money Like many, you may and he is not the exception to choose to alleviate some of the rule. this stress with tobacco – that If he were truly out to help is, unless you attend the Unithe American people he versity of Texas at Arlington. would focus more on underThe university is considerlying issues that are equally ing a measure that would important rather than the make the use of tobacco one that happens to be in the – all tobacco, dip included spotlight at the time. – illegal within the school As I’ve said before, he is a grounds. This includes stugreat businessman but he falls dent’s cars, which is considshort as a documentarian. If ered private property under Michael Moore thinks our federal law. government and capitalism According to CBS 11, the are really as bad as he says decision to ban all tobacco they are, then he should take products is the brain-child a cue from Thomas Jefferson of a 15-member commitand start a rebellion to retee, which included leading place and fix the government school administrators and and economy. But if he did committee chairwoman Jean that, then he would no longer Hood, vice president of hube able; to make movies and man resources at UTA. therefore would also make no “The overall goal is to have money. a healthy workplace,” Hood I’ll let you be the judge, said. but it’s pretty clear where this A healthy work place? writer stands on the subject. That’s the overall goal? Then Lethargic behavior is an epiI suppose any food items apdemic most institutions face. proaching 1,000 calories will While students complain also be prohibited. Goodbye, the work load is too much ice cream and pizza – and and they can not possibly get any carbonated and/or flaeverything done, conceivably vored drinks. this could be solved if stuWith this new healthdents spent more time paying attention in class and less time having a staring contest with the clock.

conscious goal, will morning calisthenics also be included with price of UTA tuition? Let’s also get rid of all those unhealthy elevators and force people to take the stairs. Have a wheel chair? Well, just think how healthy you’ll be once you finally make it to the top. You can use your newfound arm muscles to write UTA a thank you letter. And while we’re at it, let’s move the whole university out of the city so the students don’t have to breathe this horrible air polluted by industry. Whatever it takes to further facilitate UTA’s intrusive concern into its student body’s health. In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll admit that I smoke. I’ll also admit that it’s a filthy, expensive habit that has harmful side effects and can affect others who are around the smoke. That said, there should be certain restrictions in place to protect those who don’t wish to smoke, or to experience flavor country second hand. That’s perfectly reasonable and fair. However, UTA already has such restriction in place. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “Smoking is banned within 50 feet of a building, window or air intake system. Violators are fined $10 for the first of-

fense and $25 for a second offense.” The tickets can be waived if the violators agree to enroll in a smoking-cessation program. Perhaps UTA should focus more on enforcing the current smoking restrictions in place instead of this knee-jerk reaction of banning all tobacco products. “I’m not a smoker, and I personally do not care for smoking,” Joel Chaverri, an Iraq war veteran working on his master’s at the university, told the Star-Telegram. “What I can’t stand more is taking away individual freedoms. Smoking is not illegal, so if someone wants to do it, they should have that right.” This is exactly what UTA is doing.They are infringing on personal freedoms and individual rights. People don’t pay money to a college so that it can dictate their morality and deny them personal freedoms like so many mothers. If anything, people go to college to get out from under the thumb of such authoritarianism. Smoking affects those around you, which is why it should be confined to a designated area. This ban on tobacco, however, affects everyone. Once you give away the personal freedoms of one group, everyone else’s is also up for grabs.

Students, dress to impress

Ramya Vallabhaneni

Johns Hopkins Newsletter/Uwire College students are not necessarily known for their keen sense of fashion. Ask anyone. When most people try to conjure up the image of a typical college student, they envision tousled, unruly hair, ratty sneakers, unwashed jeans and old sweatshirts. This student, let’s call him Jim, just got up five minutes ago and is late for class. He’s barely brushed his teeth, much less had the time to comb his hair. He doesn’t care about what people think. He’s a rebel, and the women love him for it. After all, it’s college. Right? Of course, this description does not apply to all of us. It is almost offensively stereotypical to say that most college students roll out of bed not caring how they appear to others. There are many students out there that take time and effort to look put-together.

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

Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication welcomes all letters. All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature. Confidentiality will be granted if requested. 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.

Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press, Student Press Law Center, College Media Advisers and College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers.

“We are not afraid to follow the truth ... wherever it may lead.” — Thomas Jefferson

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.

Yet, we all know this image of the “typical” disheveled college student. We see Jim on campus everywhere, whether on our way to class or sitting in lecture. We know Jim. Some of us may even be Jim. But is it appropriate to dress that way on campus? I say no. Our parents, our college guidance counselors and those college brochures we all collected our senior year claim that college prepares you for the real world. In the real world, appearance does matter. Therefore, students should take some care in the way they dress for class. If professors dress appropriately for class, why shouldn’t students? They should treat their classes as they would their jobs and dress accordingly. I am not saying that we should wear pantsuits to class, and I am not saying we should dress as though we are

going to the Den, which is equally inappropriate. Clean jeans and a clean shirt are more than acceptable. But it’s more than the clothes we wear. Students should brush their hair, shower and wear clean clothes. We should take the time to look like we care. I understand the pressures that come with being a student. I understand that sometimes all you want to do is throw on a sweatshirt after a long night of studying. And this is perfectly acceptable once in a while. But it is completely inappropriate to do so everyday. And if you won’t do it for yourself, do it for the people in your class - it’s unbelievably distracting trying to hold your breath throughout an entire class period because you’re trying not to smell the unshowered, unkempt heathen sitting next to you

How would you feel if Wesleyan banned smoking?

Ladederick Minnifield, freshman theater

“It would be terrible.”

Earl Karr, graduate psychology

“I’m not a smoker, I’d be indifferent.”

Alexi Perez, senior biochemisty

“I don’t think it would be a good idea.”

Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University

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1201 Wesleyan St. Fort Worth, TX 76105 twurambler@yahoo.com To contact T he R ambler (817) 531-7552 Advertising Inquiries: (817) 532-7582

Shameka Hyatt, junior mass comm

“It would be unfair, I’m not a smoker but its not illegal to smoke.”

Lorrie Hohertz, junior paralegal

“I would feel like I’ve been singled out. I’m not a teenager, I’m an adult.”

Campus

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Students gather to praise

Jonathan Resendez | Rambler Staff Students congregate and sing on the mall in front of the library for the annual See You at the Pole event. Jonathan Resendez

jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu

More than 30 students gathered on the steps of the library last Wednesday to eat catered Italian food and wait for the beginning of this year’s See You at the Pole. Scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of every September, this year’s See You at the Pole event was organized by Baptist Student Ministries. Ashly Spencer, senior elementary education major and president of BSM, said the purpose of the ministry group is to give college students a chance to worship and help them find a church to be a part of. “See You at the Pole is a day people can come together and pray for the school, community, nation and leaders of the nation,” she said. Baptist Student Ministries also helps organize mission trips. In the past they have sent students on mission trips to Los Angeles and New York City. They hope to set up homeless ministries as well. Spencer said the organization relies heavily on word of mouth to draw new members to their bible study luncheons, which sometimes feature guest speakers, every Wednesday at noon. “The more people the better,” she said. “More people definitely came out this year.” Kevin Doskocil, alumni and active BSM member, said Christian, nonChristian and all other denominations are welcome.

After long run, admin assistant set to retire Kimberley Saleh

ksaleh@mail.txwes.edu

JoAnn Moore, administrative assistant in the school of business is retiring Sept. 30 after 15 years at Texas Wesleyan. Moore said she had never really wanted to retire before now, but now, she felt the time was right. “When the time was right, I would know it, and this is the time,” Moore said. Moore will be joining her husband who has already retired. She said she will spend more time focusing and taking care of her husband and

TECH

herself. Also, she has some upcoming surgeries and will especially need to take time for herself. “I will miss the interaction with students and the faculty the most,” Moore said. Chasiti Dixon is also the school of business’ administrative assistant. She has worked with Moore for more than three years. Dixon said her favorite thing about Moore is “listening to her crazy stories and getting a chance to bond. What I will miss most about JoAnn is listening to her sing gospel.”

Texas Wesleyan is more than a place to work for Moore, it is a family. Moore’s own family also has a history with Texas Wesleyan. She has several family members who have attended Wesleyan, including her son, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wesleyan. Despite her Sept. 30 retirement date, Moore could never abandon or forget about her Wesleyan family. She will be training and getting the new administrative assistant situated. She said she will also be making visits to campus from time-to-time.

continued from page 1

classes, so they get to know the Burleson students by name. The system has worked well technologically during the year and a half it has been in place. Shetter remembers that there was one ocassion when a mechinacal glitch interrupted the live feedback in one class, but that was quickly resolved. “Other than that,” Shetter said, “it has been reliable and trouble free.” The new teleconferencing system has, up until now, been used solely in classrooms in Wesleyan’s school of business. However, a generous grant from Wesleyan friend and donor, Alfred Brown Jr. has allowed the university to expand the system to other areas. It is now ready for use by the school of education, with the hardware and software now in place in Dan Waggoner Hall. School of business secretary Chastiti Dixon said the system has mainly been utilized in business courses that do not involve group projects. “So far it has not been used

in courses that involve a lot of outside the classroom, group-type projects, but that may change,” Dixon said in a telephone interview. “At this point, so early on, we are looking to see how it works out in larger applications in the school of education, then we may see different uses for business classes.” Martinez sees the new video teleconferencing system having a much greater role at Wesleyan in the near future. Martinez said future degree plans will allow students in other countries to do their coursework by a combination of live classrooms, video tele-

conferencing classrooms and online classes. “Our goal is to use the system to expand our graduate programs beyond the Metroplex,” Martinez said. “We’d like eventually to be able to use the technology to broadcast Texas Wesleyan courses abroad.” Martinez envisions degree plans that will allow students in other countries to do their coursework by a combination of live classrooms, video teleconferencing classrooms and online classes. Brown will be honored in a ceremony at 4 p.m. Oct. 1 on campus.

T C B Catering “Taking Care of Business” Chef Todd Brown (817) 821-1621 office tcbcatering@yahoo.com

September 30, 2009

In Brief... Self defense Kelly Neace, resident assistant at Wesleyan Village, will host a hands-on self defense program at 8 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Wesleyan Village clubhouse. Chance Burleson, six degree black belt and owner of Legends Martial Arts Karate School, will present a program focused on awareness and practical advice for staying safe. Burleson suggests wearing comfortable clothing to move around in. The event is open to all and will offer free egg rolls and fried rice. Benefit concert The music department is raising money for scholarships through an ensemble performance by Of Many Colors Oct. 2. Sponsored by Jan Fersing, Wesleyan trustee, the event will serve as the Fall President’s Council and Music Scholarship Benefit Concert.

The ensemble features a mix of professionals and amateurs and focuses on diversity. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. in Martin Hall with a reception to follow in the Louella Baker Martin Pavilion. The performance and reception, as well as valet parking, are free and open to all. To RSVP, call 817531-4404. Wesleyan Sunday Wesleyan Sunday is Oct. 4. The annual celebration will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary of Polytechnic United Methodist Church with a reception following in the Bragan Fellowship Hall. Jesse Sowell, professor of religion, will deliver the sermon. The morning will also feature worship music by The Wesleyan Singers under the direction of Jerome Bierschenk, assistant professor of music.

Hot dog, it’s Fun(d) Day! Amanda Edmondson

aedmondson@mail.txwes.edu

Advancement and alumni relations will host Wesleyan Fun(d) Day from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Louella Baker Martin Pavilion. A $5 contribution is good for a hot dog lunch. Faculty and staff are encouraged to come dressed in jeans and Wesleyan colors as extra incentive to participate. The event supports the Wesleyan Fund, which provides scholarships for students and funds programs at Wesleyan.

According to Leslie Antoniel, director of annual giving, when the school applies for grants from corporations and foundations donations made by faculty, staff and alumni are looked at closely. Fun(d) Day is intended to kick-off the campaign for faculty and staff contributions. “We ask that faculty and staff participate in giving back to the school through contributions to the Wesleyan Fund,” Antoniel said. A vegetarian option is available upon request.

College Life

September 30, 2009

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Principals’ Center

Wesleyan school of education sponsors center for local schools Daniel McGary

dmcgary@mail.txwes.edu

Texas Wesleyan’s school of education is partnering with local school districts to form a new professional development center for principals and other school leadership professionals. The Principals’ Center, a joint venture of Wesleyan and the National School Leaders Network, is intended to facilitate mentorships between established, veteran school principals and people who are new to the job. The center will not necessarily have an actual physical address on the Wesleyan campus. Instead, it will be more of what school of education professor Dr. Twyla Miranda calls a “virtual concept” center. Emphasis will be on using information technology to facilitate principalship mentoring, rather than providing an actual brick-and-mortar building. Dr. Miranda said there will be occasions when the Principals’ Center will need to use physical space on campus for meetings and other events. On those occasions, Dr. Miranda said space will be made for such functions in Dan Waggoner Hall. Dr. Carlos Martinez, board member of the program and school of education dean, said that the project will continue to be based at Texas Wesleyan, even though it is partners with principals from the National School Leaders Network. “The center is technically located on the main campus, although we have not yet assigned it a physical address yet”, Martinez said. A board of directors comprised of both Texas Wesleyan

school of education faculty and Fort Worth ISD officials, will lead the new Principals’ Center. Miranda said the board will meet in conference sessions that may be either at the main campus or at schools in the area. “When you have a meeting, Miranda said, “it is not really that important where the meeting takes place.” The new center held its first conference Sept. 24 in the Louella Baker Martin Pavillion. The conference hosted a distinguished panel consisting of representatives from local school districts and colleges, and Dr. Aileen Curtin, director of the doctor of education program at Wesleyan. The panel discussed issues such as education reform in Conner Howel l | Rambler Staff Texas and its effects. Dr. Carlos Martinez introduces panel members (left to right), Patricia Hardy, Dr. D. Mike Sacken, Dr. Melody Johnson, Dr. Gene Board member and Fort Buinger and Dr. Aileen Curtin. The panel answered questions concerning education reform Sept. 24. Worth ISD Director of Principals Dr. Josie Hernandez- use the site to do recruiting Gutierrez said the board will for our school of education’s publish a seasonal e-newslet- doctoral program,” Cain said. ter with regular updates. Miranda said that Texas The center will also have a Wesleyan became the home Web site with a link on Texas for the Principals’ Center beWesleyan’s homepage. cause of the university’s need “The Web site is already up to expand and improve existand linked to the university’s ing programs. homepage and it is interac“We already had a principal tive,” Hernandez said. “It also preparation program as part offers a lot of resources for of our master of education principals and other leaders.” degree plan,” Miranda said, Board members from the “and we also wanted to exFort Worth ISD see even larg- pand our principal mentoring er applications for the new program.” center. The project is also seen by Meadowbrook Elementary Wesleyan officials as a way to Principal Francesca Cain generate publicity for the unibelieves that the center will versity, especially its school of eventually serve most, if not education. all, school districts in North “The new center will be Texas. a great way for Wesleyan’s “We also plan to involve school of education to gain private and charter schools, as publicity and prestige in the Conner Howell | Rambler Staff well as public,” Cain said. local education community,” Dr. Twyla Miranda and Dr. Carlos Martinez are members of the board of directors that will “In addition, we intend to Miranda said. supervise the new Principals’ Center.

Making the Grade

Conner Howell | Rambler Staff Dr. Jane Moore recognizes Laurin Krumnow for her achievements in sociology. Krumnow was one of many students honored at the Dean’s Honor Reception Sept. 22.

T E XAS

Wesleyan UNIVERSITY

Grad

uate and Scho Professio ol Da nal y!

You are Invited to Attend Texas Wesleyan University’s 1st Annual Graduate and Professional School Day! When: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 Where: University Mall Area Time: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Over 25 graduate & professional institutions will be distributing materials and applications!

Students rebuild international club Josephine Okoth

jokoth@mail.txwes.edu

International students are rallying together to raise cultural awareness on campus through the international club. The international office anticipates organizing a meeting where the international club will be revived, new student leaders elected and social events organized. “The club that will be reestablished will have students taking leadership positions, as opposed to the former that was faculty led,” said Marie Boisvert, director of international programs. The first international club was established in September 2003 with a membership more than 60 students. Initially the international club was formed as a point of contact for international students, led by President Carolyn McCarron who was originally from Ireland. This year, the club is holding frequent meetings and an international week and festivities. “I want to make sure all international students enjoy their stay and study at Wesleyan,” Boisvert said. It is encouraging all interested students, both local and international, to be part of it. The current international student adviser, Tami Brunelle, has lived in three different countries and has similar experiences to the international students she serves. Many international students cannot wait for the club to come back. “This will enable us to meet, interact and share our expe-

“I want to make sure all international

students enjoy their stay and study at Wesleyan.” Marie Boisvert

Director of International Programs riences with others and help out each other, for it is not an easy thing moving into a whole new country,” said Toby Rachau, an international student from Germany and the Rams men’s soccer goalkeeper. Another international student from China, Mo Xu, said that in the future, as a way of preparing new incoming international students, the international office should provide advisory services in terms of American culture and way of life. “To psychologically prepare incoming students on what to expect,” Xu said. The students may then share with others what they learned and get different views, once the club is re-established. Xu also said that the club, once in operation, will conduct frequent meetings, tours and fun activities to break the monotony of constant school work. Ines Perhoc, an international student from Croatia, thinks that the club would provide answers to her many questions without having to schedule appointments with the international office. “Scheduling appointments doesn’t work for me because I may forget about them and I also never have the time to e-mail for an appointment,” Perhoc said.

She said having an open day where her questions will be dealt with is the best foot forward for her, because she can talk to fellow international students in the same situation. Senior business major Seth Nelson, who has been a member of the international club in the past, said he achieved a sense of global awareness and met people from many different countries. Nelson said the club will help students on issues pertaining to international study guides and volunteer services. The international club will host international week Oct. 19-23. During the week the club will showcase diverse cultures from all the nations represented in the school. There will be free native food and information on study abroad programs. Both faculty and students are encouraged to wear their native dress. The international club wants both local and international students to participate. “It is open to all, because it is about getting to know and appreciate all the diverse cultures this world has to offer,” Boisvert said. For more information on the international club, contact Marie Boisvert at mboisvert@ txwes.edu, or call the international office at 817- 531-5868.

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Arts & Entertainment

September 30, 2009

Wesleyan talent takes the stage Chuck Fain

cmfain@mail.txwes.edu

This weekend, Wesleyan kicks off two fantastic fall shows. One sings and dances; the other loves and romances. Theatre Wesleyan opens for its first show of the season, La Ronde. It is a racy period piece that concerns sex and the social classes. Characters go from scene to scene (and bed to bed) as they use negotiation and manipulation in their quest for fornication. Directed by theater professor Jeanne Everton and starring theater students ranging from freshmen to seniors, La Ronde promises to be a tantalizing affair you’ll want to have over and over again (don’t worry, we won’t tell…). La Ronde runs Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 8-11 in the Thad Smotherman Theatre. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. with one matinee at 2 p.m. Oct. 11. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $6 for all Wesleyan faculty and staff, $4 for all students with ID and seniors 65 and older. Call the box office at (817) 531-4211 for more information. On Oct. 2 in Martin Hall the Fall President’s Council and Music Scholarship Benefit Concert gets underway. It features the ensemble Of Many Colors, a lively group of performers who are just as diverse in their musical ability as they are in ethnicity. Of Many Colors features 12 vocalists and five jazz musicians making for one marvelous musical experience. The ensemble includes professional as well as dedicated amateurs coming together to fill Martin Hall with their talent. The Fall President’s Council and Music Scholarship Benefit Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. with an after-party in the Louella Baker Martin Pavilion. The concert, valet parking and afterparty are all free of charge. To RSVP, call 817-531-4404.

Photo courtesy Theatre Wesleyan La Ronde (above) opens Oct. 1. The Theatre Wesleyan production is a racy period piece that concerns sex and social classes. Of Many Colors (left and right) performs Oct. 2. It includes professionals as well as dedicated amateurs.

Photos courtesy Of Many Colors

Vampire epidemic: It sucks John Liontos

jliontos@mail.txwes.edu

Sinking their teeth into every young woman’s imagination and causing a global phenomenon, vampires are a hot commodity right now. Who do we have to thank for this? Stephenie Meyers, author of the popular book series, Twilight. Twilight’s success has spawned a revolution of unnecessary vampire fanatics into the mainstream. I’m sure you know of at least a few Häagen-Dazs-infused folks who are obsessed with the Photo courtesy of Cinamatical books or that awful excuse for The Twilight vampires suck. I mean, just look at that guy. a film. I have no problems with The character of Bella is ing and quite imaginative. vampires themselves. Like spineless and annoying. The Sookie Stackhouse is a true many other nerds out there, film was worse. It was admit- heroine and a strong womI owe my fondness of them to tedly somewhat enjoyable, but an unlike Bella. HBO’s True the brilliance that is Buffy the for all of the wrong reasons. Blood series is truly irresistVampire Slayer and its creator, I’d rather relive my Goose- ible and just as good as the Joss Whedon. bumps days than sit reading books, if not better. If you’re a I’ve tried reading the this garbage again. Twilight fan out there waiting Twlight books, but with each In the vast sewage of pop- to sink you’re teeth into sometime I tried, I lost countless culture, vampire filth lies a thing new, I highly suggest brain cells. Meyers is a dread- winner who takes out the graduating to the next level fully horrible writer who lacks garbage and grabs you with with The Southern Vampire imagination. The characters an addictive bite. That winner Mysteries or watching True come off as one-dimensional, is Sookie Stackhouse. Sookie Blood. and the story line lacks excite- Stackhouse or The Southern If that isn’t to your liking ment. Vampire Mysteries is a popular and you’re finding yourself The character of Edward, book series by Charlaine Har- going crazy while waiting for instance, comes off ex- ris that helped launch HBO’s for the next Twilight film intraordinarily irritable and was True Blood. stallment, I suggest checking the equivalent of the stereoWhile the books are labeled out The CW’s new series The typical controlling boyfriend. as mystery or horror, they also Vampire Diaries based on the play out book series by L.J. Smith. as a social I have seen the pilot and commen- thought it was quite enjoytary that able. I’m going to wait and is extrav- see how the series plays out. It a g a n t l y does come off a bit rehashed, p l o t t e d making me feel like “I’ve seen and dis- this before” and turning into turbingly a kiddy-ride version of True gripping. Blood. Pun intended, Twilight U n l i k e sucks, feeling like a tickle, Me y e r s’, leaving you with a bad rash, H a r r i s ’ whereas True Blood sucks like Photo courtesy of IGN images series is an actual vampire should. True Blood features vampire love done right. fascinat-

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Sports Rams into the record books: Men’s soccer ranked No. 24

The Rambler | www.therambler.org

September 30, 2009

Jacqueline Wittman

jrwittman@tmail.xwes.edu

The Texas Wesleyan University men’s soccer team broke into the national rankings for the first time in history on Sept. 15. The Rams ended up as No. 24 in the NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. The Rams kicked off the year with the best start in the program’s history and tied the school record for the longest winning streak at 6-0. “The team deserved the record for a six game winning streak and to be nationally ranked,” Head Coach Josh Gibbs said. “They put in all the work and deserved the results.” The Rams moved to No. 24 in the coaches’ polls—the first ranking in the history of Texas Wesleyan Men’s Soccer—after only receiving votes but no making the rankings the previous week. The Rams totaled 157 votes through games played Sept. 13. The poll was voted on by a panel of head coaches representing each conference, independents and unaffiliated groups. Gibbs calls this squad the most committed team since his arrival in 2006. “All the credit goes to the players,” he said. “With inju-

ries, changes in lineups and alternation between two exceptional goalkeepers, the team adjusted and accepted what needed to be done.” After defeating then sixth-

ranked Oklahoma City University 2-1 on Sept. 8 and Bethany College 1-0 on Sept. 11, the men tied the school record for the longest winning streak at 6-0 with the 1993

jjsoederbaum@mail.txwes.edu

As one of the strongest NAIA programs in the nation, the Wesleyan golf team is looking to add another chapter of success. “It is what motivates me the most,” Coach Bobby Cornett said. “We have a very strong tradition of success here at Wesleyan and plan on being continually competitive on a national level.” Losing graduating seniors and national tournament participants Kevin Doskocil and Carlos Arenas, Cornett returns three players from the team that finished second at last year’s national championships. Junior Armando Villarreal finished second individually at nationals and received third-team AllAmerican honors last year. Villarreal, senior Drew Koonce and junior Stuart Martin return this year with valuable experience. Koonce is looking forward to a successful season. “The only way to get better from last year is to win,” he said. “Coach leads us in the right direction, and it is up to us to finish it.” As the Rams took Newman University to a playoff at Abilene Christian’s Charles Coody West Texas Intercollegiate in the first tournament of the year, Koonce finished second individually. “He showed great composure despite lots of pressure,” Cornett said. “It is important to have players who don’t get overwhelmed by the magnitude of the competition.” Both Villarreal and Martin turned in solid score cards from the tournament as well. Joining the returning core this year are sophomore Derek Brown and freshmen Aaron Canavan, Frazer Ogston, and Dillon Watkins. “Frazer has already shown that he can play,” Cornett said. “He grew up

Forward Theo Nabassi. “With our determination, I think we will continue to accomplish great things.” Texas Wesleyan becomes the 122nd school in the na-

Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff The men’s soccer team practices at Martin Field before leaving for Arkansas to play John Brown University.

Rams Golf team returns to action Joakim Soederbaum

squad. “I am grateful to be a part of a team with such great players that are working hard toward the same goal—to win a championship,” said Senior

in a great golf atmosphere at St. Andrews golf course in Scotland. He takes control of a situation rather than letting circumstances decide his destiny.” On the coaching side, Bill Myers stepped up to become an assistant coach, and Ronnie Rosson has joined to become the director of instruction, allowing for further one-on-one refinement of the players’ skills. Having a great mixture of returning experience and

Freshman Frazer Ogston.

new talent, as well as a larger coaching staff at his disposal, Cornett is looking to play as heavy of a schedule as possible with only one thing on his mind. “Everything we do is in preparation for nationals,” he said. “Sure, it would have been nice to win the first tournament, but when it comes down to it, all that matters is where we are at nationals.” In the fall, the Rams will participate in a preview tournament in Silvis, Ill.,

the site of the 2010 national championship, at the same course where they finished runner-up behind Oklahoma Christian University. “The more experience the players have from the course, the less intimidating it is,” Cornett said. Returning junior Stuart Martin agrees. “Having played the course twice already last year and once again this fall is perfect,” he said. “It is like we have been preparing for the upcoming nationals for

Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff

two years.” According to Cornett, not many teams manage to deliver back-to-back years of excellent results. “Golf is a funny game,” he said. It really doesn’t matter whether you have the best team or not. You never know what you will get.” The strong tradition of success for the Wesleyan golf team begs to diff. Or, perhaps it just comes down to how Cornett sees it. “You just have to bite the bullet and do it.”

tion to be ranked in the Top 25 since 2000. “It’s a good achievement to be noticed and ranked in the country, but we’re not satisfied,” said Senior Midfielder John Kuethe. “We’re motivated to go for more and achieve greatness throughout our entire season.” Booting Kentucky’s University of the Cumberlands to No. 25, the Rams trailed 23rd-ranked Bellevue University. With 650 votes, Bethel University of Tennessee was at No. 1. The Rams are looking to carry on with record-breaking success by focusing on one game at a time and continuing to push forward. “This is special for the entire team,” said the goalkeeper and captain, senior Toby Rochau. “I hope that this early ranking will drive us to reach our overall goal of going to the national tournament in November.” This year, with 19 returners, the team holds a different mentality and a new outlook on life. “They decided to work hard and believe in each other,” Gibbs said. “We are seeing the benefits of that.” With an overall record of 8-6-2 last season, the Rams are off to a great start this year with a record of 7-2-0.

7-7 Flag Football Standings Name Pickles

Wins 2

Loses TP Scored TP Against 0 93 18

Byes 0

BOHICA

TapOut

Twisters

1 L's

Pink Dragons

Wesleyan Week-in-Sports • The Lady Rams Volleyball’s Destiny Clemons and Kristen Venhuizen were selected to last weekend’s Wesleyan Hughes Volleyball Classic. The Lady Rams, after finishing 1-3 in their own tournament, began conference play on home court last week. They lost 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-20) to Wiley College on Sept. 25 before making a quick recovery, beating first Jarvis Christian College 3-0 (25-7, 25-12, 25-9) followed by Texas College 3-0 (25-4, 25-4, 25-13) on Sept. 26. The Lady Rams are now 7-10 overall and 2-1 in conference. • Lady Rams Soccer went to Arkansas to take on John Brown University in their final contest before conference play. The Lady Rams lost 1-0 on a late goal. Goalkeeper Katy houchin made seven saves in the loss. The Lady Rams are now 6-3. • The Rams Soccer team did not manage to cope with John Brown University but lost 3-0 after allowing three goals in the first half. The Rams are now 7-2 when heading to Oklahoma on Oct. 1 to face Bacone College in their first conference game. • The Rams Golf team hosted the 12th annual O.D. Bounds Gold Classic at Diamond Oaks Country Club on Sept. 21. The tournament featured 35 teams and 139 individuals and raised a total of approximately $20,000, benefits that will proceed the O.D. Bounds Endowment. The Blue division was won by the foursome of Reed Petrie, Kyle Finkler, Stuart Martin and Billy Privette with a score of 119. The Gold division was won by the foursome of Mashall Barton, Benny Hamilton, Jack Kell and Johnny Pilcher after a scorecard playoff with a score of 136.

The Weekly Sports Quote “Any time Detroit scores more than 100 points and holds the other team below 100 points, they almost always win.” Doug Collins Former NBA player and coach

Fantasy Football Pig Skin Pick'Em Leaderboard Name Pts. June Johnson 25 Jeremy Newton 23 Ryan Amador 23 Rachel Loftin 23 Michael Greer 22 Fabiola Duron 22 Erik Hall 22 Terry Waldrop 21 Jason Simpson 21 Phillip Blockinger 21 Cara Lumpkin 21 Justin Payne 21 Sandy Gonzalez 21 Barbara Kirby 20 Ken Flowers 20 Keith Wright 20 Oscar Lazarki 20 Michael Chaney 20 Michael Wylie 19 Kyle Morgan 18 Trey Bomar 18 Randy Pistorious 18

Upcoming Sports

Game

Time/Place 7 p.m. Waxahachie

Thursday

Volleyball vs. SW Assemblies of God University Men’s Soccer vs. Bacone College Women’s Soccer vs. Bacone College

Saturday

Volleyball vs. Bacone College Volleyball vs. University of St. Thomas Men’s Soccer vs. Texas College Women’s Soccer vs. Texas College

11 a.m. Sid W. Rich. 1 p.m. Sid W. Rich.

7 p.m. Muskogee 9 p.m. Muskogee

2 p.m. Tyler 3 p.m. Tyler