Oct. 13, 2014

Since 1966

Vol. 39, Iss. 7

Monday, Oct. 13, 2014

IN BRIEF

UCCSScribe.com University of Colorado Colorado Springs

UCCS to host gubernatorial debate Oct. 15

NEWS

Potholes Response to road issues varies with location 3

Green Action Fund Committee begins fall approval process 4

courtesy | TalK radio neWS Service

CULTURE

Eating Healthy There are ways college students can eat healthier 5

Student spotlight Sophomore to attend World Affairs Council in November 7

John Hickenlooper (D) and Bob Beauprez (R) participated in the Denver Post debate on Sept. 30.

Samantha Morley smorley2@uccs.edu

The last debate before governor elections is coming to campus this week.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in

the Gallogly Events Center, the debate will feature John Hickenlooper (D) and Bob Beauprez (R). Hickenlooper is running for re-election and a second term in office.

Susan Szpyrka, vice chancellor for administration

and finance, and Tom Hutton, executive director of university advancement, worked together to bring the debate to campus.

According to Szpyrka, the Gazette, the Colorado Springs Independent, the

Colorado Springs Business Journal and KKTV 11 News approached the university.

“It seemed like a great opportunity for our campus, in particular the students and faculty,” she said. “We want Continued on page 3 . . .

Trader Joe’s distinctive business draws crowd on opening day

OPINION

Ebola Media is making society worry more than it has to 9

GMO Labeling products ploy for fear rather than education 9 megan lunsford | The Scribe

Parking lots surrounding Trader Joe’s filled with customers eager to shop at the newly opened location on Oct. 10.

SPORTS

Clyde Mascot Learning about the student in the costume, but keeping their identity a secret 11

Volleyball

Team took on Regis on breast cancer awareness night 12

Ashley Thompson athomp13@uccs.edu

2014 has been a big year for Trader Joe’s in Colorado.

After years of bypassing our state, the grocery store finally opened locations in Denver, Greenwood Village and Boulder this February.

And now, ahead of schedule, Trader Joe’s has arrived in Colorado Springs.

On Oct. 10, the arrival of a new anchor store for the shopping center prompted hundreds of people to flood the shopping center to peruse the merchandise and fill their shopping carts.

Market research analyst Sara Porjes recently did a report on the chain and its success, and it turns out that the grocery store’s secrets are simple.

The first is that Trader Joe’s offers unconventional products. Quality items such as buffalo burgers and all-natural peppermint shampoo can be found in the aisles.

Customers appreciate the unusual variety of products.

Trader Joe’s Speculoos cookie butter resembles peanut butter, tastes like a Belgian cookie and is hard to find at most other grocery stores.

The second secret to Trader Joe’s success is the affordable pricing. In her report, Porjes

indicated that a reason the store can keep prices low is because about 80 percent of their inventory is privately labeled.

Finally, the creative shopping environment is attractive to customers. Employees walk around in Hawaiian shirts as part of their uniform.

Trader Joe’s tries to source food locally in order to maintain variety in their products. Popular items are kept stocked, while items that don’t sell as quickly are taken off the shelves.

Titus Hocking, freshman nursing major, attended the opening and was pleased with the store.

“I thought it was astounding, the prices of the products and

the amount of people [at the store] blew my mind,” Hocking said. “I had heard a lot about the place from various people which made me want to go check it out.”

According to a store employee, not everyone working at the Trader Joe’s UVC location is a new hire. A few employees were transferred from locations across the country.

Among the new employees, however, are a few UCCS students, including preengineering major Sam Marsh.

“I am very excited about the opportunity. It’s an incredible environment and I get to work with a bunch of amazing people,” Marsh said.

News

Oct 13, 2014 | 2

Students involved in disability activism hope to gain more transit routes Audrey Jensen ajensen4@uccs.edu

The “Transit Matters” rally, march and buss-pass giveaway that celebrates transit and hopes to explain to Colorado Springs why transit matters, will take place Oct. 20.

Courtney Stone, independence center community organizing manager, explained that “city council is deliberating the 2015 budget on Oct. 20 and 21 so we are trying to put a little pressure on them.”

Transit in Colorado Springs includes the bus and taxi systems that are provided to those who live here.

The Community Transit Coalition, a coalition of 15 different organizations, is helping organize the rally.

“We’ve met with five of our city council members, house reps, community leaders [and others] to make transit an issue in hopes for an increase [in money towards transit systems] in the 2015 budget,” said Stone.

The Independence Center, helping to coordinate the rally with CTC, looks to be a conduit for people with disabilities to express themselves, according to Stone.

UCCS senior and former president of the Disabled Student Union Cynthia Barrum prefers to take the

megan lunsford | The Scribe

Student Cynthia Barrum utilizes public transportation and is a disability activist.

Mountain Metropolitan transit six-route bus to get to class.

However, her traveling options became limited when the city dismissed a bus route that she depended on.

“Me and my friends became involved [in activism for disability] because it was threatening our home,” Barrum said. “If I needed to go anywhere I need to get on the bus first, including UCCS.”

“When they yanked the route, I had no access to any transportation. It felt like house arrest.” Barrum added.

The Mountain Metropolitan is scheduled for each bus to arrive every half an hour on weekdays and once an hour on weekends.

“Transit is a huge need for people with disabilities, because for many, it is their sole source of independent

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transportation,” Stone said.

“When people want to get to jobs, medical appointments, or do simple things like grocery shopping, they often rely upon the bus system to do so.”

“There was one time I missed the last bus for the six-route bus. It was late and cold,” Barrum said. “I thought, what am I going to do?”

“I was 28 years old and I had to call my parents.

Whenever I told someone my situation they would ask, ‘Where are your parents?’” she said. “People expect that I automatically have an adult to fall back on.”

Barrum mentioned a support group at the Independence Center on Friday afternoons to troubleshoot problems.

“It is not politically motivated,” she said. “If someone has a severe problem they can go to the support group with it, [the problem] can move from the support group to a CTC meeting.”

Stone received updated information on the 2015 budget regarding transit routes.

“The mayor has proposed a $471,000 increase in the transit budget for 2015,” Stone said. “The only step remaining is for City Council to approve the increase in the 2015 budget, which is why we are holding the rally on Oct. 20.”

Stone sees a vital need to expand the transit system in Colorado Springs.

“We want to demonstrate to council how big a need for transportation is in our community and that there is a lot of power in the community to work toward increasing transportation options,” Stone said.

The CTC march is from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Oct. 20 and will begin and end at city hall.

.com

New, Improved and Coming Soon!

News

Oct 13, 2014­­| 3

(continued from page 1) Gubernatorial debate at UCCS

courtesy | colorado.gov Democrat John Hickenlooper will run for a second term as governor.

to integrate the opportunity to actually be physically present at the debate.”

Over 100 tickets were sold on Oct. 8, the opening day for sales. Tickets are free with your student ID, one ticket per valid ID. “This is a tried and true part of our democracy,” Hutton said.

Szpyrka and Hutton went through a detailed schedule and communication process in order to bring the debate to campus.

“Putting on something like this is a lot of work,” Szpyrka said.

“The partners were very anxious for us to be able to do it,” she added. “We were very supportive of wanting to do that we just have to make sure that logistically we could handle it.”

The attendees will be a mixture of students, faculty and staff as well as community members. While there are several media partners, The Scribe will be involved as well.

“We said we really needed to have our student newspaper involved because part of this is the experiential learning that the university can bring,” Szpyrka said.

“Sitting in class and reading about it is completely different to sitting in the arena and listening and watching it and

courtesy | house.gov

Republican Bob Beauprez is campaigning for his first term as governor.

seeing the candidates and knowing that one of those is going to be our governor.”

Jonathan Toman, Scribe editor-in-chief, will be one of the panel members to ask the candidates a question.

“We felt strongly that the student newspaper should have the same access as the

other media partners because it’s on our campus,” Szpyrka said.

Additional questions will come from audience members and social media outlets such as Twitter during the event.

Attendees are prohibited from bringing in large bags and campaign paraphernalia.

If someone would like to voice their political stance, they can take their signs to the University Center Lower Plaza.

Heckling during the event will not be tolerated.

If people are causing a distraction, they will be asked to leave.

Hutton and Szpyrka advise attendees to arrive between 6 and 6:30 p.m. in order to ensure good parking and seat locations. Chairs are first come, first serve.

Once the debate begins, attendees will not be allowed to exit and re-enter the auditorium.

The audience is permitted to take photos, but the flash must be turned off.

“I think it’s a great honor that the campus was selected as sort of a neutral place to hold these kinds of things,” Hutton said.

The debate will be broadcast live on MyKKTV Channel 11.2 (Comcast Channel 41, Century Link Prism Channel 10). It will also be available online at www.kktv.com, www. gazette.com and www. csindy.com. It will air until the polls close on Nov. 2.

The Lowdown What: Gubernatorial Debate Where: Gallogly Events Center When: Oct. 15 7:30 - 9 p.m.

How much: Free. Ticket required.

Tickets located at the Info Desk in the University Center. One per student ID.

Parking and road issues have different funding, repair systems

megan lunsford | The Scribe

Depending on the location, issues with parking lots and roads on campus are handled by different branches of administration.

Kyle Guthrie kguthri2@uccs.edu

Driving on campus can be something of a bumpy ride.

Commuters have to navigate through a conglomeration of traffic, construction, maintenance crews and the occasional pothole. When running late for a class, issues such as these can cause commuter nightmares when travelling on campus.

As UCCS expands its influence in the community,

the growing on-campus roads still require constant care and maintenance.

Jim Spice, executive director of parking and transportation, helps keep the roads and intersections safely maintained for students.

“We just repaired the pothole by the old garage as you come into the school,” Spice said. “We actually just repaired it this week.”

Spice also explained that campus roads are a shared responsibility of several branches of the administration.

“While parking lots

are my responsibility, the roadways are the facilities responsibility,” Spice explained. “General fund dollars are going to be used for road ways, and the general fund is state money.”

General funds are state supplied funds that go toward the university facilities, and since the roadways are the responsibility of the facilities, these are the funds that go towards their repair.

A separate fund must be generated for parking lot maintenance. Parking is primarily funded from

auxiliary funds, such as parking permits and visitor passes.

When potholes, cracks or deficiencies are noticed on the campus roads, facilities is responsible for turning in the work orders to have them repaired. Once the work order is received, parking and transportation services work to repair the problem.

Spice also stressed the importance of complaints and work orders being turned in to the proper authorities. If people have concerns about non-parking areas, they

should notify facilities about maintenance concerns.

“If they see problems in the parking lot though, be sure to call parking,” he said.

The facilities department also conducts weekly sweeps to locate and repair burned out lights. Parking lot stripes are also repainted once a year to ensure visibility.

Because of the fact that students drive the roads and parking lots more often, the facilities and road crews often rely on submitted work orders to address any issues with the roadways.

News

Oct 13, 2014­­­ ­ | 4

Foreign Service Officer discusses overseas opportunities for students Nick Beadleston nbeadles@uccs.edu

Those looking for a career that mixes the romanticism of overseas travel with a concern for U.S. interests abroad may consider a career as a Foreign Service Officer.

Joanne Cummings, a second generation FSO currently stationed at the United States Air Force Academy, was on campus Sept. 26 to deliver a lecture on Middle Eastern history and politics.

“It’s constantly changing, its constantly developing, every couple of years you get to do something new,” said Cummings. “You can spend a few years in Rio de Janeiro and then you spend a few years in Kuala Lumpur.”

FSOs work primarily for the U.S. State Department, and can find themselves stationed at one of the more than 270 U.S. embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions across the globe.

Their skill sets are organized into “cones”: consular, economic, management, political and public diplomacy.

Cummings has held numerous posts in the Middle East, including that of Economic Section Chief for the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria. Most recently she was stationed in Yemen, before

“It’s constantly changing, its constantly developing, every couple of years you get to do something new ... You can spend a few years in Rio de Janeiro and then you spend a few years in Kuala Lumpur.”

- Joanne Cummings, second generation Foreign Service Officer which she also spent time serving as an advisor to senior military leaders in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Now she is one of a number of Diplomats in Residence, FSOs stationed at academic institutions around the country who provide guidance to potential candidates.

Cummings explained that becoming a FSO requires several levels of testing and screening. Step one is to pass the Foreign Service Officer Test. Unlike standardized testing, this exam requires candidates show up with much more than just a number two pencil.

“What the department is looking for is more a kind of person, than a specific batch of content knowledge,” Cummings said. “They really like people who have that life experience that they can demonstrate how they would respond to different kinds of situations.”

About 10 percent of people who take the written test pass

it, according to Cummings.

She further estimated only 10 percent of those that succeed go on to pass the oral exam board.

Unlike many careers, entry into Foreign Service is not determined by one’s level of schooling.

Cummings, who received her bachelors in history from the American University of Beirut and her masters in geography from The University of Texas at Austin, said FSO selection is an instance where experience trumps education.

“A minority of people who come in have a master’s degree in international relations,” she said. “It’s not that it’s a bad thing to do, it’s just that it’s not necessary.”

Cummings explained spending time abroad, whether in the military or with a nonprofit, increases a candidate’s chances of being selected.

“All of those give you the ability to say in a situation like that I would do this, and let me give you an example from my

own life,” she said.

“What I find is that people who come in straight out of graduate school, straight out of college, they’re very smart, they may write really well, they might have good analytical skills all of which are hugely important,” said Cummings.

“But they tend to be more challenged in terms of how do you work on a team, how do you figure out the social dynamic of another country, because they’ve been focused on one way of looking at things.”

The only prerequisite is that candidates are American citizens between the ages of 21 and 59. Cummings indicated that language skills, particularly Arabic and Farsi would greatly benefit a candidate.

Despite the difficulty of the written test, candidates can take it as many times as they want.

“I know ambassadors who have taken it five times before they passed,” said Cummings.

She also recommended reading The Economist Magazine cover to cover for more than six months to acquire an up-to-date understanding of world affairs.

Once candidates pass the written test, there is still the oral board and background and medical screenings before a final selection board makes a decision. If candidates are accepted, they are placed on a

sliding scale list and await their first assignment.

But those looking to sit in the U.S. Capitol or in the French Riviera might want to reconsider their career choice.

“If you want to work in D.C., you should not be in the foreign service,” said Cummings. “If you go into the Foreign Service because you want to serve in Western Europe, they’re probably going to weed you out.”

She indicated after an FSO’s first few tours, during which they build critical skills, they are able to bid on specific assignments and locations based on their qualifications.

Those willing to serve and prove themselves in what many would consider less than desirable or dangerous locations will have a better chance of being stationed in posts of their choosing later in their career.

Despite the trials necessary to enter the Foreign Service and the challenges an FSO faces throughout their career, Cummings was adamant that the unique experiences are worth the sacrifice and effort.

“There’s nothing better, there’s nothing I would rather do.”

Those interested in careers with the Foreign Service can find more information online at careers.state.gov, or they can contact Cummings at Joanne.

Cummings@USAFA.edu.

Green Action Fund approves first fall proposals Kyle Guthrie kguthri2@uccs.edu

A hydrations station, 5K and a possible commuter bike program are the first projects to go through the Green Action Fund proposal process this semester.

Vanessa Ferona, the project coordinator for GAF, explained the funding goals and costs for this semester of projects.

The Ulrich House hydration station, a continuation of one of GAF’s most well-known projects, was approved for $2,812. The Trek the Trail 5K was approved for $400, with $300 going toward reusable water bottles and $100 going towards sustainable food for the runners.

“The Trek the Trail 5K is happening this month, and the Ulrich [station] is in the works,” Ferona explained. “It will be this semester, but I’ll say that it will probably be installed next month.”

“We’re having a meeting next month to plan out the installation and everything. Usually it takes about 30 days once everything is said and done.”

courtesy | green action fund

The campus greenhouse and solar tables are a few of the projects completed by the Green Action Fund.

Ferona anticipates the bike program will be successful.

“The commuter bike program is probably going to be a pretty cool project that we’re looking at doing,” Ferona said. “It’s going to be great.”

Created in fall 2011, The Green Action Fund accepts and evaluates student-driven ideas to increase sustainable efforts on campus. The committee first approved projects in spring 2012.

Any student at UCCS can submit an application. In

addition, the student is required to also turn in a project proposal budget which details the costs of the materials, labor and marketing required for the project.

Small grants for projects cost between $1 and $15,000, and large grants cost $15,001or more.

According to Ferona, approval is based on the proposed project meeting several different criteria-driven objectives.

These objectives include

the reduction of the ecological footprint of the campus, increased student involvement, education and outreach potential of the project, long term feasibility, and the scope of impact on UCCS from the project.

GAF approves two groups of projects per school year, one in the fall and one in the spring.

The committee has approved and implemented 32 projects since its creation. Projects include initiatives ranging from the recent greenhouse expansion to

toilet retrofits in summit village.

The “Take Back the Tap” project aimed to reduce bottle waste throughout the campus by eliminating the sale of bottled water throughout the school and adding tap stations for the purpose of refilling re-usable bottles.

GAF is also responsible for the new solar tables seen in several plazas throughout the campus. AC and USB outlets are on the tables for general use and are powered by the solar panels on top of the table.

CULtUre

Oct 13, 2014 | 5

Centennial, Dwire Halls venues for Eating nourishing food on a college student’s budget annual Indie Spirit Film Festival

ajensen4@uccs.edu

courtesy | indieSpiriTfilmfeSTival.org

The seventh annual Indie Spirit Film Festival will take place from Oct. 17 to 19.

Kyle Guthrie kguthri2@uccs.edu

The seventh annual Indie Spirit Film Festival will take place in Colorado Springs this year from Oct. 17 to 19.

The three days will consist of film screenings, awards and receptions at each location.

UCCS will host the final day of the event in Centennial Hall and Dwire Hall from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“It’s a festival that’s unlike anything else. Our festival is unique in that we show multiple categories and multiple genres. We’re pretty much an open festival, we never restrict entries,” Steve Kurtz, director of the Indie Spirit Film Festival, said.

“It’s a lot about watching films, but it’s also about the festival experience itself.”

The festival encourages participation from filmmakers of all levels of experience. This year will include a special incentive for the artists. The event has partnered with Shorts HD, a company that may pick up distribution rights of any film that catches their attention during the festival.

Lauren Bies, senior visual and performing arts major, is an intern for the festival. She was also the winner for the audience choice award last year for

her film “Grasslands of the Netherlands.”

She is hoping that this festival expands her enthusiasm for film to many others throughout the community.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for all filmmakers and a wonderful opportunity for the university and community too,” Bies said. “There’s a great diversity to all of the films as well. There’s a great combination that offers the public a huge array of options.”

“Our goal is to help build the cultural influence in Colorado Springs,” Kurtz said.

There were 500 submissions this year. Kurtz and his team had to narrow the list down to 49 films that they felt showed the most promise.

The festival will also show 25 assorted short and feature length films from around the world. All the filmmakers and their cast and crew are coming in for the event.

The festival has brought attention from all over the world, including the Internet and social media.

“We didn’t realize the hits we are getting on social media from all over the county. We are making ourselves known throughout

the United States, and we are changing films for the better and we are putting UCCS on the map with this,” Bies said.

“We were not aware of just how important film was to this community,” she continued. “People are going online and wanting to volunteer in great numbers, and we did not realize the strong base of film in Colorado Springs.”

The festival will be begin at Palmer High School on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. with the opening film “Sitting Bull’s Voice” and an opening night reception will also be held at 9 p.m. at the Tim Gill Center.

The Antlers Hilton will show shorts and other films Oct. 18.

The Lowdown What: Indie Spirit Film Festival When: Oct. 17 - 19 Where: Oct. 17 - Palmer High School Oct. 18 - Antler’s Hilton Oct. 19 - UCCS Centennial Hall and Dwire Hall More Info: indiespiritfilmfestival.org

Eating healthy should not be as big a struggle as it seems for college students.

College students feel forced into un-healthy eating habits because they cannot afford the best quality of food or do not have time to cook a decent meal.

With a busy schedule of work, classes, studying and somewhat of a social life it is more convenient to get grab-n-go.

“I remember as a college student eating ramen and green beans,” Michelle ToroDietz, assistant director of student loans, said. “I think I could have done better by budgeting my money by thinking about it ahead of time.”

Fast food may be bad for you, but it is quick and it tastes good. But eating junk food on a regular basis will only push you further away from health.

The first step towards eating healthy is being aware of what food and drinks you are consuming on a daily basis. If you already eat healthy, I applaud you for being a productive college student, but students can benefit from the next steps towards eating what your body needs.

On Oct. 9, UCCS Peak Nutrition Clinic dietician Julie Anderson spoke about what is necessary to eat and how to go about buying healthy foods on a college budget.

She provided a handout and discussed which food groups she believes are important to have as part of a daily consumption.

Those groups included protein, carbohydrates/ starches, fruits, dairy, satiety sources and non-starchy vegetables.

Anderson mentioned that between these food groups there is a way to balance your diet whether you’re attempting to lose, maintain

“

Eating junk food on a regular basis will only push you further away from health.

“

Audrey Jensen

or gain weight.

“It is important to eat protein if you’re trying to lose or maintain your weight,” Anderson said. “It takes four hours to digest.

[Per meal] you should eat protein as big as the size of your palm.”

Anderson explained that the longer protein or fiber-filled food, such as vegetables, take to digest, the longer you have food in your system and stay full.

The more protein and fiber consumed the more time it takes to digest.

Vegetarian options for protein are also provided on the handout, which include food items such as tofu, quinoa and starchy beans.

According to Anderson there is a common misconception that it is bad to consume carbohydrates.

“It is not good to eliminate carbs because this is the primary source of fuel for our brains,” Anderson said. “[Without carbohydrates] this is when we go into a room and forget why we are there or when you do not get anything out of studying.”

Examples of proteins Anderson gives out include 100 percent whole grain, steel cut oats, cereal with over three grams of fiber and less than six grams of sugar and starchy beans (kidney, pinto, garbanzo, black and refried beans).

A lot of these items are located in your local grocery stores such as King Soopers, Safeway, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Albertson’s, Costco and Sam’s Club.

If you look for weekly sales, do research and take time to plan ahead. Then, you will have better options for yourself that provide the energy and motivation to make it through your days.

Anderson can provide information for students wondering about nutrition and the financial aid office will continue to provide budget workshops once a month.

eDItorIAL

Oct 13, 2014 | 8

Small-school UCCS folks watch out, change is coming Jonathan Toman Editor-in-Chief

Samantha Morley Managing Editor

Taylor Hargis Copy Editor

Eleanor Skelton News Editor

courtesy | WiKimedia

courtesy | flicKr

Audrey Jensen Scribe Staff scribe@uccs.edu

It’s no secret that UCCS is expanding at rates we can’t even plan for. We’re no longer a small school, and we have had our share of growing pains when it comes to parking, construction and classroom availability.

Those three facets of life at UCCS have had to watch their backs, as pressure from students, staff and faculty have forced them to adjust the way they do things.

But now the tables have turned, and it is our faculty and staff that have to keep their wits about them.

Staff and faculty members at this university have been able to get away with a small-school attitude for a long time.

UCCS has, frankly, long been an afterthought in Colorado as we played second fiddle not only to our larger neighbor in Boulder but also to other schools around the state such as CSU-Fort Collins and the Air Force Academy.

With that history in mind, some of our staff and faculty have a small school way of doing things and a small school way of representing themselves. That has worked just fine in the past. Not now.

The school is developing its own reputation now and beginning to set the standards for the other schools in Colorado, not the other way around.

A word of warning to those on campus that are small school people: watch out. You are a dying, endangered breed.

As UCCS continues to expand, the school will require representatives with a big school mentality. More scrutiny will be put on those that have been here for a while, and analysis will be done to ensure our staff is properly equipped to move UCCS forward.

And they had better be ready, as this is happening right now, in big-kid, world moving speed.

It’s like going from mayor of a town of 2,000 people to mayor of a city of 2 million people in one year.

Oh, and someone is watching your every move because they believe you

will struggle with the transition.

Those that move slowly, don’t understand how the world works or are out of touch and don’t respond well to change will be the first to go.

As Bob Dylan once explained, “The times, they are a-changin,” and UCCS is not exempt from change, especially due to the rate at which we are expanding.

And everyone is watching our change.

When a parking garage is unexplainably behind schedule and there is a turf field on top, people notice. When our neighbors are frustrated by the continued parking issue and Bill Vogrin writes a column in The Gazette, people notice. When teachers have discussions over what classrooms they will be able to use and when, people notice.

And finally, when faculty and staff members at this seemingly everchanging university mess up, or aren’t good enough in the first place, people will notice.

Keep an eye on this school: lots of folks will either have to shape up, or they will be shipped out. Quickly.

Corrections and Clarifications In last week’s “Student shares mental health experiences and colorful camper,” the name of the camper was given as the “Camper Caper’ and it was explained that Elise Eagle spends “most of her time” in Manitou Springs. The camper is known as the “Happy Camper” and Eagle has only been to Manitou Springs once this year.

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Alexander Nedd Opinion Editor

Alexander Nedd

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opINIoN

Oct 13, 2014 | 9

Coming out and staying out difficult but worth it

Alexander Nedd anedd@uccs.edu

Coming out opens you to a world of judgment and hostility not commonly experienced by our heterosexual counterparts.

But our community and acceptance is growing.

In a national survey

released last week, over 9.5 million citizens in the United States identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender. Also last week, the Supreme Court decided in favor of 11 states to overturn laws for same-sex couples. 30 states, including Colorado and our nation’s capital, now have marriage equality.

The numbers are growing and the future is looking a lot brighter than it did when I came out almost four years ago.

But even with these strides to equality, the reality of injustice still lingers in the air, bearing the question: does it truly get better?

A year ago I wrote “Coming out is going out,” for The Scribe. Since

its publication, I can still wholeheartedly confirm this belief. The rise and acceptance of LGBT individuals is growing in ways I can’t even count.

Schools are letting same-sex couples take awards such as cutest couple and homecoming crowns. People are supporting their LGBT friends, pushing bullying away. Gay is finally becoming OK. But there is always an exception to the norm, and being gay will find that rule in place more often than not. My coming out was a lot smoother than most because of my loving family and friends.

But since coming out I have had my fair share of people who were less than

fond of the idea. Are they wrong? Not necessarily, but the people who don’t agree with same-sex relationships make staying out difficult.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told I’m going to hell based on a characteristic that I had as much choice in as my skin color. No one should have to face news stories of people calling you the scum of the earth just for having a different partner preference. Yet it’s a story all too familiar to those in the LGBT community.

When I came out, popular YouTube videos began to emerge among openly gay celebrities. The “It Gets Better Project” went viral. Stars opened themselves to troubles

they had faced based on their sexuality and shared how they overcame the obstacles. Their videos ended with the simple message that it does get better.

All that was meant to help reverse the trend of rising depression and suicide among gay youth.

However, the videos showed celebrities at the height of their careers. It’s only natural they would say it gets better.

I understand the heart of the message, but some stars seriously went through a lot before ending up in the eye of Hollywood.

Coming out doesn’t make things better. But it does make people like me stronger.

Staying true to yourself is hard, but it’s the only way to show that you won’t be pushed aside. My sexuality is simply one part of me, it doesn’t define me.

I refuse to let others put their definition of me upon my sexual orientation.

My life got better once I realized that the thoughts of others didn’t matter.

It’s a thought I had when I first came out and it’s the thought that continues to drive me to this day.

Don’t let yourself become a victim, don’t wish for it to be better.

Make it better, and be yourself.

We’ve spent enough time in the closet; don’t shut the door on your own progress. Only then does it get better.

Ebola: America’s made-up nightmare GMO labeling is fear-mongering,

Taylor Hargis thargis@uccs.edu

Ebola is being ridiculously overblown in American media.

Headlines have been popping up through mainstream media over the last few weeks intending to instill fear in readers: “Tips you need to know about Ebola,” reported NBC; “5 things to talk to your child about Ebola,” wrote the Washington Post; “Ebola: The ISIS of Biological Agents?” read CNN. All of the major news networks are updating the world daily on Ebola victims, symptoms, prevention methods and the continuing search for a cure.

The disease has earned international attention. Thomas Duncan, the first confirmed victim of Ebola in America, died early last week after contracting the disease overseas a few weeks

prior.

According to ABC News’ chief health and medical editor, Richard Besser, the outbreak about began nine months ago. Since then, there have been around 8,000 cases reported within West Africa and over 3,000 people have died from the disease.

These are good reasons to be concerned with the outbreak.

But if you’re scared of a rising plague significantly affecting the general population here in America, don’t hide in your basement yet. The only true scare factor of the disease is the network you’re currently watching to get updates from.

Ebola, or Ebola virus disease, is contracted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a sick person.

Ebola is not an airborne disease and cannot infect someone unless the fluid is ingested or transferred through a cut or needle prick.

There is no evidence to indicate the possibility of a widespread Ebola epidemic in the United States. The number of infected people continues to climb overseas, but only one has died in the U.S. News organizations have dedicated entire front pages and airtime

to cover this disease and talk to people who are scared about Ebola because of how big a deal those same news organizations made of it in the first place. It’s a cycle that desperately needs to stop.

There is a major difference between American and West African culture when it comes to fighting a disease such as this: resources.

Sadly, many of the African countries currently afflicted with Ebola do not have sewage systems.

Since the virus can be transmitted via bodily fluid, this does not bode well. Obviously, however, this is not an issue in America.

President Obama recently decided to send 3,000 U.S. troops to West Africa to help fight the spread of Ebola. The troops will train medical professionals, erect care facilities and teach local communities how to treat infected patients.

That’s another reason why an epidemic in the United States is highly unlikely.

Don’t let the media scare you without reason. Know the facts, do your research, and take a breath: there won’t be an Ebola epidemic here anytime soon.

not educational

Taylor Hargis thargis@uccs.edu

If you visited a Whole Foods over the summer, chances are you were flagged down on your way out to sign a petition requiring labeling of all genetically modified organism products.

Since then, the campaign has gained substantial ground and is now on the November ballot.

According to their campaign website, Proposition 105 “gives Coloradoans the opportunity to make informed decisions about their diet, health, and general lifestyle.”

As a nutrition major and an avid food label reader, I wholeheartedly disagree. There are many things wrong with our food industry, but a lack of required GMO labeling is not one of them. On the contrary, this law would be little more than fear-mongering, rather than the education the bill supposedly stands for.

While the question of whether or not GMOs have harmful side effects is still a hot topic of debate (though science is still pointing to no), the majority of the public misunderstands the concept of what a GMO truly is.

GMOs are often thought of as artificial foods created in dark laboratories, when in reality they are simply crops with selective breeding to produce desirable characteristics, such as disease and insect resistance.

These can reduce or eliminate the need for external pesticides and limit widespread crop deaths. Most GMO opponents aren’t too worried about the negative impacts the opposite could have.

Selective breeding was revolutionary for the progression of agriculture and though altering genomes may be a little more scientific in nature than it was in the past, it’s still the same concept.

Health fads and general misinformation have led to fear of things as basic and essential as fats and carbohydrates in the past.

Though unlikely to change the dirty practices of the food industry as a whole, GMO labeling is likely to have a similar effect on the masses by being deceptive.

Proposition 105 would not only hurt the future of positive GMO use but it will also harm local farmers, small businesses, and families in general with stigmatization and economic effect, such as a likely increase in food costs.

For local farms that use GMOs in order to make a sustainable living from farming, this mandate will have a negative impact and could even put some out of business. Considering a local farm is one of the most reliable sources to acquire healthy, affordable and sustainable food, this is counterproductive.

Furthermore, the line between GMO and nonGMO is bound to be hazy.

What should and shouldn’t be labeled under this proposition isn’t black and white and will likely lead to market confusion.

For those who are still wary of GMOs, labels already exist. Any product that is labeled with “USDA Certified Organic” or “Non-GMO Project” is guaranteed to be GMOfree, therefore eliminating the need for a “contains GMO” label.

If you’re concerned about what you’re putting in your body, do some research, make your own decisions and shop accordingly. GMO labeling isn’t necessary on any grounds, leave the rest of us out of it.

LIFe on the BLUFFs This week

Mon

13

at UCCS Wed

15

Sudoku 4

7

6

8 7

9

9

5 3

6

3

6

7 2

4

8

2

7 5

Speaker Kate Fagan 7 p.m.

UC 302

14 Sat

18

Top Ten Things to do once you reach adulthood

10

8 7

Tues

Sam Taylor Poetry Reading 7 p.m.

Heller Center

Rainbow Pancakes 7:30 a.m.

University Center

Family Weekend - Family Feud 8:30 p.m.

Berger Hall

Campus Chatter Samantha Morley, smorley2@uccs.edu

What is your favorite thing about being an adult?

Alexander Nedd, anedd@uccs.edu

4

5 1

1

2

1 2

16

Bring your completed sudoku to the Scribe office (UC 106) for a prize!

3 1

Thurs

Rape Aggression Defense *Women Only* 5 p.m.

Parkway Garage

Oct 13, 2014 | 10

1

9

Say “Back in my day”

Michael Jeffries, freshman, criminal justice “No curfew. I usually work until one in the morning and don’t go to bed until two.”

9

Wear high-heels

8

Have a say in your bed time

7

Buy your own favorite cereal

6

Go to an R-Rated movie

5

Accept alcohol that is offered

4

Play videogames all day

Katharina Sandoval, junior, psychology “I like the responsibility and freedom. They go hand in hand.”

Toam Hoand, freshman, biology

3

Offer kids advice

2

Make financial choices without your parents

1

Do what you want!!!

“I can drive like a man and not be arrested like a 13-year-old because 13-yearolds shouldn’t be on the road.”

&

Sweet Salty Tweets “I love our rec. #uccs” @hannahcaly18

“Ind the win streak continues!!

Capture

Clyde

Win a prize! Come to The Scribe office (UC 106) and tell us where the picture was taken.

Go mountain lions!!! @UCCSVolleyball @GoMountainLions #uccsvolleyball #uccsathletics #uccs” @Laurenhahn

“I been out of #Colorado so long that

I haven’t seen a #deer since probably 2008! And those suckers would freely roam the #UCCS campus, lol!” @number1k9

“Gotta leave for work in 30 minutes,

time to chase the cheddar hopefully doing something aſter tho what’s good tonight #UCCS” @TG_MACE

Sports

Oct 13, 2014­ ­­ | 11

Clyde, the anonymous mascot explained, but not revealed Ashley Thompson athomp13@uccs.edu

With the absence of the UCCS cheerleading team, Clyde is the one school spirited icon that remains.

Whether he’s at a soccer game or freshman orientation, almost every student has spotted the mountain lion mascot. But what goes on behind the mask?

Assistant athletic director for sports information Jared Verner is in charge of all things related to our mascot, including the suit itself and those who wear it. There is a privilege of being Clyde, but the cost comes with remaining anonymous.

UCCS athletic events are Clyde’s strong suit.

“Clyde does his best to be at every single home game,” said Verner.

But Clyde is also scheduled for CU system events.

According to Verner, Clyde was in Denver three times this summer for a staff appreciation day, Colorado University day and an appearance at a donor event at the Denver Zoo. The appearances were made alongside the mascots of CU Denver (Milo the lynx) and CU Boulder (Chip the buffalo).

Although Verner did admit that there are several people who wear the Clyde suit, he remained very secretive about their identities.

“Part of it is just that mystique of not knowing the person behind the mask,” Verner said. “From a strictly administrative perspective, it’s nice because it forces people to go through us to ask Clyde for appearances.”

Verner indicated that while CU Boulder has several Chip suits, there is currently only one Clyde costume.

“There are more requests for Chip than there are for Clyde,” Verner explained.

However, Verner also said that there are more requests for Clyde than ever before and he hopes to supplement the 10-year-old suit with another one in the near future.

In fact, Clyde is currently undergoing surgery. At least that’s how Verner put it.

“Clyde is going through some alterations ... he’ll be fine, its minor surgery,” said Verner. “The changes that we’re making are being done in a way that will hopefully increase his flexibility.”

The alterations to Clyde’s feet, neck and hands will add traction on his feet, as well as increased mobility in his neck and hands, all of which will allow for faster reaction time.

Those interested in becoming Clyde should keep in mind that wearing the suit is no small task.

Visibility is a struggle, as students who attend home sporting events have noticed, and temperature is

megan lunsford | The Scribe

Clyde walked the runway during the bookstore fashion show in September.

another factor.

Verner can speak from personal experience, as he has worn the suit himself.

“If you’re claustrophobic, the suit could definitely be intimidating.

It also gets very hot,” he said.

If Clyde is making an appearance at a game or event in hot weather, Verner is very careful to make sure that the student inside the suit stays safe. Breaks may be scheduled,

and there is an ice vest that can be worn under the costume so that the student doesn’t overheat.

So what are some benefits to being Clyde? Anonymously rambunctious behavior in public is one thing. Another is that no one actually knows who is behind the mountain lion mask. Finally, Clyde is very photogenic.

“Everyone wants to take a picture with Clyde,” said Verner.

Freshman Alex Darwin helps women’s golf have best season in program history Celeste Burnham cburnham@uccs.edu

In the second fall season for UCCS women’s golf, freshman Alex Darwin helped lead the mountain lions to a record-setting season.

With her tie for 10th at the final Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference event this fall, Darwin had her second top ten finish of the fall. As a team, the mountain lions turned in the best round in program history Sept. 23.

Darwin got started in golf through the influence of her father and has been playing the game since she was five.

“My dad taught my sister and I when we were really little,” said Darwin.

Originally from Albuquerque, N.M., she chose UCCS because of the campus and the new women’s golf program and coach.

“Coach Farnsworth was everything that I ever wanted in a coach so it all fell together perfectly,” said Darwin.

Her goal entering the season has been adjusted due to her success.

“My goal was to have a scoring average of a 78 but that has definitely changed,” she said. “It’s

courtesy | sports information

Freshman Alex Darwin putts at the second RMAC tournament of the fall.

lower now.”

Darwin lowered her best single round score throughout the season, from 76 down to 74. On day one of the Western New Mexico Fall Intercollegiate tournament, Darwin broke the school record formerly held by Laura Gritz, and teammate

Michelle Romano broke Darwin’s record the next day.

“It’s a good feeling,” said Darwin.

“I haven’t consistently shot that well.

It’s a little bit surprising but it’s very rewarding.”

Darwin writes down her goals before a tournament, something she

said helps her concentrate.

“Not necessarily the score, but the things I want to do well. I think that takes some pressure off,” she said.

In the second RMAC event of the season Darwin turned her game around on the second day.

“Seeing that I can have a bad day, and come back and have a really good day, I’m excited that I could put two rounds together to make it into the top ten,” she said.

Darwin measures golf through the concept of team, not just individual scores.

“It took time but I think traveling together and being together almost every day of the week, we became better friends and had fun,” said Darwin.

The improvement this fall has inspired Darwin for the spring season.

“I think that we’ve seen a glimpse of what we can do. I think staying focused on how we can be getting better and not staying content will be part of the challenge,” she said.

With the end of the fall season, Darwin will continue to focus on her business major. She is ready to get into what Coach Farnsworth calls her “attack” mode in the spring.

“I’m sad the season’s over. I don’t know what I’m going to do with my time,” said Darwin.

Sports

Oct 13, 2014­­ | 12

Midnight Madness tradition continues Oct. 14 Brandon Applehans bappleha@uccs.edu

Practice at midnight seems unorthodox, unless you are a member of the UCCS basketball teams.

Midnight Madness, the kickoff to the new season, is here and that means a slamdunk contest, prizes and a preview of this season’s hoops teams.

The women’s team, led by last season’s Daktronics All-Region selection Abby Kirchoff, will look to hype the crowd in a shooting clinic.

Crowd involvement will be needed, so fans with a jump shot should be prepared to step forward.

“Midnight Madness starts

off the season right while getting the UCCS students involved with the men’s and women’s basketball program,” said Kirchoff. “We really appreciate all the support from the students and our fans.”

The men’s team will make an appearance with a handful of guests in the slam-dunk contest. This event is closed to audience members.

Last season the men’s team was led by the sophomore duo of Derrick White and Alex Welsh, who both averaged in the top 15 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference scoring.

The team finished 21-9, earning a birth in the NCAA tournament.

The team is ranked 17th in

the country coming in to the 2014-15 season.

The two juniors are ready to see the atmosphere at Midnight Madness.

“The crowd and the atmosphere are easily the best part,” said White. “It’s always fun to watch the dunk contest and the other games we having going on. There’s a chance I will be in the dunk contest but I haven’t decided yet.”

“It’s crazy to think it’s my third season, I feel like time is flying,” added Welsh. “The best part about the night is seeing all the people in the crowd and getting everyone excited for the year.”

This will be the first Midnight Madness for

women’s basketball coach Shawn Nelson, who begins his first season at the helm.

“I’m looking forward to the crowd and the fans,” said Nelson. “People like basketball here. It’ll be exciting to see the men’s and women’s team and start to get those butterflies out.”

Joining Nelson will be men’s basketball coach Jeff Culver.

“It’s a great opportunity for the new students to get a glimpse of the product that we have as well as the student-athletes representing the university,” said Culver.

“The best part about the night is getting the gym filled with a bunch of basketball fans and having fun. The energy

from the students is by far the best.”

Following the event, the men’s team will begin their midnight practice.

Midnight Madness begins at 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 14.

The Lowdown What: Midnight Madness Where: Gallogly Events Center When: Oct. 14, 10:30 p.m.

How much: Free

Volleyball falls to Regis on breast cancer awareness night

nooh alrashid | The Scribe

The UCCS volleyball team competed against the Regis Rangers during breast cancer awareness night on Oct. 7.

Brandon Applehans bappleha@uccs.edu

The UCCS volleyball team threw everything they had at the Regis Rangers Oct. 7, but the Mountain Lions fell in three sets, losing the last two by a combined total of six points.

Designated as breast cancer awareness night, students and fans lined the bleachers in their pink attire. Certain fans were lucky enough to score pink “strength wristbands” given out by the players.

All of the proceeds from the night, including ticket sales and donations, went to Susan G. Komen of Southeastern Colorado.

The organization raises money for local hospitals specializing in breast health education and treatment programs for women.

UCCS raised $266 on the night.

Sophomore Cassidy Bush led the Mountain Lions, recording 10 kills and three blocks. Team captain Kim Catlett, junior, gave the team nine kills for the night.

“First game was a little rough,” said Bush. “They are the best team in our conference. It’s nice to know that if we play our best we can beat these number one teams.”

“From day one our goal is trying to out-work people,” added Catlett. “We’ve picked random times to outwork people. I think we could have won this game.”

Regis only committed one error in the first set and the Mountain Lions never led.

In the second set, UCCS

took their first lead of the match 4-1. In the final minutes of the set, UCCS took a timeout with a twopoint lead at 21-19. Regis won six of the next seven points to take the set.

“We haven’t done a very good job of closing games out when we are ahead.

We need to not be afraid to lose,” said Bush.

Catlett had 11 digs on the night, her 12th match in double digits this season.

Redshirt freshman Morgan Evans had a .500 hitting percentage and six kills.

“I think we are definitely improving. I think there are some games that we should have won, but there’s always going to be those moments.

We are improving every game and practice,” said Catlett.

After taking on Colorado Christian in Lakewood on Oct. 11, the Mountain Lions return home on Oct. 17 and 18 against Colorado Mines and Metro State. The contest against Mines begins at 7 p.m. in the Gallogly Events Center and the game against Metro starts at 5 p.m.