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STANDARD THE

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014

M I S S O U R I

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U N I V E R S I T Y More than 100 years in print

Volume 107, Issue 16 | the-standard.org

Former MSU students in criminal cases: Where are they now? dents are awaiting verdicts on their individual criminal cases.

Fahad Maashi, a former English Language Institute student at Missouri State University from Saudi Arabia, was charged with armed criminal action and domestic assault in the first degree on March 14, 2013.

He posted a $50,000 bond in June of last

By Amber Duran year with the condition that no contact be The Standard made with the victim or the victim’s family in Two former Missouri State University stu- any form, according to court documents.

Keep up on the latest developments in these criminal cases

He is also under house arrest with an active GPS electronic monitoring system.

The alleged victim, a foreign national from Taiwan, is currently not in the country, and there is no expectation she will return for trial or assist in the prosecution of Maashi, according to court documents.

He has a pretrial conference scheduled for Jan. 27, 2014.

Austin Pelley, a former Missouri State University student, was charged in September

of 2011 with second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in the death of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son, though Pelley could only be convicted of one charge.

Two months after Pelley was released on a $200,000 bond, he violated the conditions of his release by having contact with a child, according to court documents.

Pelley is now being held without bond.

His pretrial date is set for Feb. 10, 2014 and jury trial on March 10, 2014.

All torn up

Differing opinions follow ruling that samesex couples can file joint tax returns

By Sadie Welhoff The Standard

Evan Henningsen/THE STANDARD

The construction at Plaster Sports Complex will continue until next year, when it and the other B.E.A.R. Fee projects are estimated to be completed, including the track and soccer complex and the field hockey and lacrosse complex.

From athletics to academics, MSU is having some work done, but not all of it is immediately apparent to students

By Trevor Mitchell The Standard

All across the campus of Missouri State University, it’s easy to tell that big changes are in the making.

Parking lots are being demolished, the track is being torn out and the student section of the bleachers has come down (on purpose).

University Architect and Director of Planning, Design and

Construction Douglas Sampson said that there are plenty of projects still in the works.

One of the most noticeable changes being made is the track around the football field in Plaster Sports Complex, which is now largely composed of rubble, with backhoes and bulldozers working around the clock to complete the project as soon as possible.

Sampson said that the track construction, along with the redesign of the student bleachers,

NEWS | 2 MSU economics professor says national debt is unsustainable

is on track to be completed in the fall of 2014, as scheduled, even though the excavation has uncovered some pipes and other fixtures that were originally unknown to workers.

Sampson said that even though these discoveries were a surprise, it is not expected to have any significant effect on the construction’s timetable.

A budget increase of $1.7 million has also been approved, all from private donors, which will provide new signs and video boards for the student fields.

Also expected for the fall of 2014 is the field hockey and lacrosse complex, which Sampson said will include the addition of water cannons for making the field playable.

“There will be an alarm that goes off when these things are about to turn on,” Sampson said.

“These things could knock you over.”

On the non-athletics side of things, bids for the construction of the new MSU welcome center will be going out in April.

Sampson estimated that the welcome center would take roughly a year, but also said that it would be “ready when it’s ready.”

OPINION | 3 Martin: It’s time to legalize marijuana

“If it’ll be better in October than it will be in August, then it’ll be done in October.”

The welcome center will serve as a centralized place for students and visitors alike to be introduced to campus and a start for all tours.

Parking lots 13 and 14 are being removed in order to make room for the construction of the center.

The proposed JQH Transitway, to be built in front of Strong Hall, has been pushed back to the summer of 2015. The transitway was proposed as a way to “connect” Strong Hall to the surrounding areas on campus.

Sampson said the transitway will also give more preference to pedestrians over cars, meaning they don’t have to step down into the road to cross.

Other renovations coming up soon for the university include the entirety of Pummill Hall, Kentwood Hall and the lobbies of Hammons and Hutchens.

Additionally, the Plaster Student Union’s third floor will be under renovation next winter break as a start of a complete renovation of the PSU. More information on the university’s construction projects can be found at http://design.missouristate.edu/.

LIFE | 4 Springfield celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Gov. Jay Nixon’s executive order last November allowing married same-sex couples to file joint tax returns caused many to voice their approval, but four Missourians have other things to say.

Justin Mosher, Don Hinkle, Kerry Messer and Joe Ortwerth filed a lawsuit on Jan. 8, challenging the constitutional validity of the executive order.

An amendment in the Missouri Constitution says a “marriage shall only exist between a man and a woman,” and the plaintiffs said that allowing married samesex couples to file joint taxes is unconstitutional because of the amendment.

Michael Whitehead of the Whitehead Law Firm is representing the four plaintiffs. He could not be reached for comment.

After the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, the U.S. Department of Treasury decided that, no matter what state they lived in, married same-sex couples could file federal taxes.

Nixon then directed the Missouri Department of Revenue to accept federal returns from legally married same-sex couples with Missouri income.

Nixon’s office is not commenting on the lawsuit, but when Nixon issued the executive order in November, he said it would not change same-sex marriage in Missouri.

“It’s important to note that this executive order applies only to the specific issue of tax filing status and does not in any way authorize or sanction same-sex marriage in Missouri, which is not recognized under our state constitution,” Nixon said.

PROMO is Missouri’s statewide organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality through legislative action, electoral politics, grassroots organizing and community education, according to its website.

PROMO Deputy Director Stephanie Perkins said she feels the lawsuit will not hinder samesex couples from filing.

“I don’t think it’s going to affect the process at all,” Perkins said.

According to Perkins, this new system will help condense tax filu See SAME-SEX, page 2

SPORTS | 6 MSU Sugar Bears earn top-10 finish at Florida competition

2 | the-standard.org

The Standard

Calendar

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Association of Information Technology Professionals, 5:306:30 p.m., Glass Hall 101 Student Activities Council meeting, 4-5:15 p.m., Plaster Student Union 313

Student senate meeting, 5:30 p.m., Plaster Student Union 313

Wednesday, Jan. 22 UMKC School of Pharmacy information session, 10-11 a.m., Professional Building 224 UMKC School of Pharmacy information session, 3-4 p.m., Temple Hall 105

Entertainment Management Association meeting, 5-6 p.m., Meyer Library 101

Thursday, Jan. 23

Study Away 101 info session, 11 a.m.-noon, Plaster Student Union 309

Friday, Jan. 24

Faculty Writing Retreat, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Meyer Alumni Center 101

Saturday, Jan. 25

Presidential Scholarship interview day, all day, Plaster Student Union third floor

Monday, Jan. 27

Meet, Eat & Greet with Psychology Club, 4-5 p.m., Plaster Student Union ballroom

Briefs

MSU releases dean’s list

On Jan. 17, Missouri State University released the dean’s list for the fall 2013 semester, which 3,950 MSU students made.

Students needed to be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average to make the list.

MSU releases fall 2013 graduation list

During the 2013 fall commencement 1,379 students received degrees from Missouri State University The university 978 bachelor’s degrees, 396 master’s degrees, four specialist degrees and one doctorate degree.

Twenty-seven students graduated summa cum laude, 59 students graduated magna cum laude, and 103 students graduate cum laude.

City renews grant to MSU professor

The city of Springfield gave a renewal grant of $29,233 to Robert Pavlowsky of MSU for a water-quality-monitoring program he is implementing in urban areas of Springfield.

Influenza cases reported at Taylor Health Center

Multiple cases of the flu have been found recently at Taylor Health and Wellness.

Across all of Greene County, there were 109 reported cases for the week ending Jan. 11.

The flu vaccine is still available at Taylor Health and Wellness, and it is free for any enrolled student.

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014

Still no charges following Green-Beckham’s arrest

By Nicolette Martin The Standard

A football player from the University of Missouri who was arrested on Saturday, Jan. 11 in Springfield has still not been charged.

Dorial Green-Beckham, a sophomore football player for the Mizzou Tigers, was arrested along with two other Springfield men (John McDaniel and Patrick Prouty) in conjunction with a traffic stop, according to a news release from the Springfield Police Department.

According to the SPD, the stop was made near Sunshine Street and Jefferson Avenue after an officer noticed that the license plate tab on a 1999 Jeep Cherokee, driven by McDaniel, had expired.

When the officer made contact with McDaniel, he could smell an odor of marijuana inside the vehicle, the release said.

Approximately one pound of marijuana and assorted drug paraphernalia was found in the vehicle, after which all men were arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for Distribution of a Controlled Substance.

The suspects were released pending further investigation and the laboratory testing of evidence.

“The release of suspects, pending the filing of formal charges, and without bond, based on the outcome of a completed investigation and lab results, is normal procedure in Greene County for non-violent felonies and most drug cases,” the SPD release said.

As of Jan. 21, no charges had been filed pending further investigation.

Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson told NFL.com that the crime lab testing could take three to six

Screenshot/THE STANDARD

Dorial Green-Beckham’s last tweet was over a week ago, made soon after his arrest in Springfield; since then his Twitter page has remained inactive.

months, and Green-Beckham’s father, John Beckham, reportedly texted media outlets the following statement: “After being interviewed, he was released. We feel very confident that the investigation will result in no charges against Dorial. Dorial very much regrets being in this situation, and our family looks forward to this being resolved.”

On Jan. 11, Dorial Beckham tweeted the following: “People judge before knowing what happen. Let’s not judge me for what happen and don’t saying anything to me to try to bring me down.”

He has not tweeted since.

Green-Beckham led Mizzou in receptions in the Tigers’ 12-2 SEC East-winning 2013 season.

MSU economics professor says national debt is unsustainable

Thomas Wyrick: Politics to blame for debt that has increased 158% in decade

By Amber Duran The Standard

The national debt is over $17 trillion.

It goes up every second, like a ticking clock.

Thomas Wyrick, emeritus professor of economics, said that the economic doomsday clock is ticking for America.

At the end of the fiscal year for 2002, America’s national debt was $6,228,235,965,597.16 and at the end of the 2012 fiscal

year it was at $16,066,241,407,385.89, according to Treasury Direct, a financial services website for purchasing securities from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

In 10 years, the U.S. government has increased its debt by about 158 percent.

And the debt has surpassed $17 trillion already this year.

Wyrick likened the urgency of the financial state of America to a figura-

Same-Sex Continued from page 1

ings for married same-sex couples, while other states could have problems balancing their state tax laws with new federal ones.

“We are going to see some states with a very confusing process,”

tive Tiananmen’s Square scenario.

“If someone doesn’t stand in front of this machine, it will never stop,” he said.

The problem, Wyrick said, lies in the mentality of politics.

Congress is looking for votes by promising money to this generation, and they are not thinking about 20 or 30 years down the road, he said.

“So, they put it on the credit card and send the bill to future generations,” Wyrick said.

While Wyrick is convinced spending cuts to government programs are the only way to turn back time on the doomsday clock, some government

Perkins said.

Not every state is paired with the IRS when it comes to tax filing. If a same-sex couple were married in a state where same-sex marriage is legal, but choose to reside in a state where it is not legal, their state and federal tax forms would not match.

Perkins said Missouri’s new process could be imitated in other states and further cooperation

officials find a different priority.

Sen. Claire McCaskill said that her focus for Missouri is all about getting people back to work.

“Increasing job opportunities and getting Americans back to work, even while we work to rein in federal spending, should be a top priority,” McCaskill said in an email interview.

“The goal remains keeping our economic recovery moving in the right direction and boosting jobs for folks in our state and across the nation.”

Wyrick, though, paints a bleaker picture.

“The day of reckoning is coming,” he said. “Who’s going to speak for future generations?”

between federal and state laws would be more beneficial for same-sex couples.

“We would want to see as many people as possible get equal recognition in their own state,” Perkins said.

Missouri is the first state where same-sex marriage is not legal, but the couples have the ability to file their taxes jointly on the state and federal level.

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Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 | the-standard.org

It’s time to legalize marijuana

By Nicolette Martin, Editor-in-Chief

The Standard

With the recent legalization of marijuana in both Washington and Colorado, an interesting conversation is brewing between those who believe marijuana should be legalized and those who don’t.

I had a really interesting conversation with my parents — who both were in college during the 70s at Christmas (yes, the perfect setting for a discussion about getting high). While neither of them have a strong position on the legalization of marijuana now, the conversation brings up a valid argument in the saga of pot legalization: What’s the big deal?

Many argue that marijuana shouldn’t be legalized (with little to back it up, in my opinion), and as it still remains illegal (in most states), peoples’ lives are forever being changed for wanting to get high.

So right now you might be thinking, “Oh look, another pot head who just wants to be able to go to class high and buy marijuana whenever she wants.”

The truth is, I’ve never smoked pot, and don’t really have a strong desire to do so. But as someone who firmly believes that people should just be able to do what they want to do (if it doesn’t hurt anyone else), I think it’s about time that every state make it legal.

There are many reasons it would be beneficial (or simply not harmful) for marijuana to be legal.

One: money.

Pot stores in Colorado made more than $1 million on the first day. Washington and Colorado, the two states who have already legalized pot, also charge 25 percent tax on marijuana sales.

You know what 25 percent of $1 million is? $250,000.

In one day.

People may argue that, because marijuana is now legal in these states, it just makes it easier for the marijuana dealers and those selling it illegally to access it and avoid paying the taxes. The thing is, alcohol was illegal for 13 years and peo-

ple found ways to get it. People were arrested and put in jail for bootlegging ALCOHOL — something that we can now walk down to the Brown Derby and get with an ID and $10.

Two: the discrepancy between states.

I know what you’re thinking now: state’s rights, blah blah blah. I don’t think you should be arrested for something in one state that is legal in another state.

People may say, “So if killing is legal in Hawaii, then everyone should be able to do it?” Well obviously not, but killing would never be legalized in Hawaii. The fact that states have deemed it appropriate to legalize recreational marijuana use should make other states fall on board. Hey, it’s happening, slowly but surely, with gay marriage.

Three: everyone likes to say that marijuana is so terrible, is a gateway drug, is addicting, causes bodily harm, blah blah blah.

An article by Mark Anderson of Montana State University and Daniel Rees of the University of Colorado at Denver reported that legalization of marijuana for medical purposes has been associated with reductions in heavy drinking, especially among 18- to 29-year-olds and with an almost 5 percent decrease in beer sales.

Furthermore, a study by researchers at the University of California found that cannabis use among those ages 16-20 over an 18-month period had a less negative effect on a teenager’s brain tissue than drinking alcohol.

However, it was also found that chronic cannabis use can produce a dependence syndrome in as many as one in 10 users.

Regardless of one’s opinion, it remains clear that the issue of marijuana legalization will continue to be at the forefront of discussion for many, many years to come (unless it’s legalized before then).

Some may say that it shouldn’t be legalized at all and will stand by that position for whatever reason, but I say, let them eat cake get high.

Editorial cartoon

By Rachel Brown

Physical address: Clay Hall 744 E. Cherry St. Springfield, Mo.

Newsroom: 417-836-5272 Advertising: 417-836-5524 Fax: 417-836-6738 Standard@MissouriState.edu www.the-standard.org

Postal address: 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897

The Standard is published on Tuesdays during the fall and spring semesters.

The Standard

Editorial Policy The Standard is the official student-run newspaper of Missouri State University. Student editors and staff members are responsible for all content. The content is not subject to the approval of university officials, and the views expressed do not represent those of the university.

Editor-in-Chief Nicolette Martin Nicolette012@Live.MissouriState.edu

Photo Editor Nic Deckard Deckard993@Live.MissouriState.edu

Life Editor Amber Duran Duran1989@Live.MissouriState.edu

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News Editor Trevor Mitchell Trevor613@Live.MissouriState.edu

Letters and Guest Columns Letters to the Editor should not exceed 250 words and should include the author’s name, telephone number, address and class standing or position with the university. Anonymous letters will not be published. Guest column submissions are also welcome. The Standard reserves the right to edit all submissions for punctuation, spelling, length and good taste. Letters should be mailed to The Stan-

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dard, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897 or e-mailed to Standard@Missouri State.edu.

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The Standard reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy at any time. The Standard encourages Advertising Policy responsibility and good taste in The Standard will not accept any advertising. Political advertisements advertising that is libelous, promust show clear endorsement, such motes academic dishonesty, vioas “Paid for by (Advertiser).” A samlates any federal, state or local laws, ple of all mail-order items must be or encourages discrimination submitted prior to the publication of against any individual or group on the advertisement. Advertising havthe basis of race, sex, age, color, ing the appearance of news must creed, religion, national origin, sexu- have the word “advertisement”

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Position requests will be honored when possible but are not guaranteed.

In case of error or omission, The Standard’s liability, if any, will not exceed charge for the space occupied by the error. The Standard is not responsible for typographical errors that do not decrease the value of the advertisement. Liability for any error

Briana Simmons Sadie Welhoff Cartoonist Rachel Brown Photographers Evan Henningsen Raven Kohlenberger Distributors Chad Grittman Brian Hamm Gus Skibbe

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Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 | the-standard.org

Calendar Tuesday, Jan. 21

Design and Image 2014; Biennial Graphic Design and Illustration Student Exhibition, all day, Student Exhibition Center, free

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

SAC Presents: Hot Chocolate Giveaway, 8-11 a.m., Strong Hall, free, first 150 students will receive a free travel mug SAC Concerts Presents: Aaron Carter, 7-9 p.m., Plaster Student Union Theater, free

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Welcome Week Wii Bowling, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Plaster Student Union, free APO Spring Recruitment Event: Safe Sex Kit Packing, 6-8 p.m., free, free pizza for all attendees

Happy Hour Live, 5-7:30 p.m., 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, free SAC Movie Roast: “Sharknado,” 9-11 p.m., Plaster Student Union, free

Thursday, Jan. 23

Joplin MarooNation Event, 6-8 p.m., Twin Hill Golf and Country Club, 2019 S. Country Club Drive, Joplin, Mo., $10 The Harlem Globetrotters, 7-10 p.m., JQH Arena, $19-75

Trivia Night, 7:30-9:30 pm., Patton Alley Pub, free The Floozies in concert, 9 p.m., The Outland Ballroom, $15

SAC After Hours Presents: Winter is Coming, 9-11:59 p.m., Plaster Student Union West Ballroom, free

Evan Henningsen/THE STANDARD

Friday, Jan. 24

Citizens of Springfield united on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, embarking on a freedom march through town holding signs supporting the vision Martin Luther King Jr. had and shared with the world in his “I have a dream” speech.

Flavor and Flair, 6-9 p.m., 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, $4045

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2014 served as the stage for community unity and growth in Springfield

MSU Master Filmmaker Series: Master Class with Editor, Bryon Smith, noon-1 p.m., Plaster Student Union 200, free

SAC Presents: Rock ‘N’ Bowl, 7:30-10:30 p.m., Level 1 Game Center, free

Skinny Improv Mainstage, 8-10 p.m., Skinny Improv, $10-12

Saturday, Jan. 25

Alpha Phi Omega Recruitment Event: Ozarks Food Harvest, 8:15 a.m.-noon, Ozarks Food Harvest, free Discovery Center Squid Dissection Workshop, 10 a.m., 438 E. St. Louis St., $40-45 MSU Master Filmmaker Series: Master Class with Editor, Bryon Smith, 7-9 p.m., Plaster Student Union 200, free Skinny Improv Mainstage, 8-10 p.m., Skinny Improv, $10-12

Sunday, Jan. 26

Trivia Night, 7:30-9:30 pm., Patton Alley Pub, free SAC Films Presents: “Ender’s Game,” 9-11 p.m., Plaster Student Union Theater, free

Monday, Jan. 27

Mercy Hospital Information Table, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Second floor Plaster Student Union, second floor, free Relay for Life Kickoff Event, noon-9 p.m., Hurts Donuts, free

Meet, Eat and Greet with the Psychology Club, 4-5 p.m., Plaster Student Union third floor ballroom Open Mic Night at The Flea, 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m., 637 S. Kimbrough, free

Briefs

Tent Theatre calls for auditions at MSU

Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre is holding open call auditions Feb. 15-16 for the summer 2014 productions.

This summer will be the 52nd season of Tent Theatre, and this summer’s production includes the following: “Forever Plaid,” “You Can’t Take it With You” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Audition times can be reserved online at www.tenttheatre.com.

The auditions will be held at Webster University in St. Louis, Feb. 21-23 and Ripley Grier Studios in New York City, March 67.

Technical positions are also available for the following areas: carpenters, electricians, wardrobe, stage and house management, marketing and running crew. The deadline for technical application is Feb 14.

Work runs May 19 through July 25.

The Tent Theatre rehearsals start May 26 with the final performance landing on July 21.

All company members will receive a weekly stipend based on their individual experience, time commitment and ability.

For more information, contact Mark Templeton at 417-8364644.

The theme of this year’s march and celebration was “Fulfilling the Dream: Changemakers.” Cheryl Clay, president of the SpringWith the goal of keeping Martin Luther field chapter of the NAACP, addressed this King Jr.’s dream alive, hundreds of Spring- during the program at the Gillioz following field residents, including many Missouri State the march. students, participated in the Freedom March There has been a lot of progress in Springand celebration on Monday. field, Clay said, but after more than 50 years Participants from all backgrounds marched since King’s speech, his dream is still unfulfrom Mediacom Ice Park to the Gillioz The- filled. She encouraged everyone in the audiater in downtown Springfield as a way to ence, not just the elected officials and civic remember King’s legaleaders, to pledge to cy and celebrate the become changemakers progress of diversity and fulfill the dream of Achieving this dream is and civil rights. economic empower“It’s important ment of all people. just one small step because he spent his “I, too, have a toward achieving Dr. whole life for our freedream for Springfield,” dom, so why not spend said Mayor Bob Kings’ dream.” one day to serve him Stephens during his and give back?” said speech. “That everyKristina Osborne, a Bob Stephens one read, learn and live junior communications the 14th Amendment, Mayor so there is equal treatmajor, who participated in the march for the ment under the law for first time this year. all people.

“This is huge, because Springfield is a pre“Achieving this dream is just one small dominantly white city, and it is awesome to step toward achieving Dr. King’s dream,” he see mixes of ethnicities get together to do said. something like this,” Osborne said.

Missouri Rep. Charlie Norr and Sen. Bob Osborne was part of a group from the Rise Dixon were there to present a resolution to the and Shine Learning Center who brought a local NAACP chapter from the entire legislagroup of young children to the march for a ture. Norr said they are constantly working to field trip. She said it was important for the make sure the people of Springfield are kids to experience and learn about this event, becoming “diverse enough to move into the because they weren’t born during the civil 21st century.” rights movement when King, Jr. was alive, and Wes Pratt is the vice president of the it is hard for them to connect back to that time, NAACP Springfield chapter. He has seen lots so even a minor taste of the continued move- of progress in the diversity of the city since he ment today is beneficial for them. became active with NAACP in 2007.

By Rose Marthis The Standard

“

Evan Henningsen/THE STANDARD

A participant of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day march inspires other attendees through a megaphone.

“This annual tradition has become symbolic for the community, signifying growth and development,” said Pratt, who also works for MSU as an equal opportunity officer and the director of the office for institutional equity and compliance.

“It honors diversity in a broader sense that is not just race, but cultures and perspectives too,” he said.

Pratt said the move toward diversity in Springfield is a work in progress, but each year during this celebration, King and his efforts are recognized, and that is beneficial for everyone in the diverse crowd of attendees.

“I am excited to see Missouri State and Springfield grow into a community that welcomes everyone,” said Pratt.

Graduation garb gets personalized

By Briana Simmons The Standard

The December 2013 commencement was the first time graduates were allowed to recognize their accomplishments in academic and student organizations and show a little personality at the same time.

The graduates didn’t sneak their stoles and decorative caps into JQH Arena. They participated in a fairly new change allowed by the university.

Andrew Wright is the director of admissions and the commencement chair.

“There has been some talk amongst the board of governors and administrative council. We’ve had a lot of changes in the last few years, and there is a consensus that we’d like not to be as formal,” Wright said.

In past years, graduates were allowed to wear regalia with honors cords for academic honors, the honors college stoles, construction and technology management hardhats and military honors.

These honors will still be recognized, but the university has decided to lessen its policies for proper dress and decorum at commencement.

Now, regalia for academic departments and student organizations, such as pins or stoles, may be worn by graduates.

“We won’t recognize them, in terms of during the ceremony, we’re not going to have people stand up by those. We’re still

No decorations

going to recognize the honors, but we’re no longer going to tell people ‘you can’t wear those,’” Wright said.

The change may seem small, but this means that the 300 student organizations MSU — including fraternities and Appropriate at sororities — will be able to recognize their decorating involvement during graduation.

Although it will not be formally declared, the university is also allowing decorative caps with appropriate images and languages.

Graduate and doctoral students will wear the all-black caps and gowns, but it will be different for undergraduate students beginning with the spring commencement of 2014. Undergraduates will wear maroon caps and gowns.

Wright said the university’s student government was asked their opinion on this change.

David Schneider, student body president and spring 2014 graduate, said SGA made no formal vote for the change.

“I think there are mixed reactions, but in general, many members of the senate seem to be in favor of some of the changes they’re talking about,” Schneider said.

Herff Jones sells the caps and gowns and is also in charge of stoles and cords.

Maroon robes for Cheyenne Harman, sophomore marketing undergrads, black major, is the campus representative for the robes for graduate company.

This information will be available on students the university’s website soon.

THEN NOW Solid black robes for undergrads and graduate students Illustration by Nicholas Deckard

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014

The Standard

the-standard.org | 5

Never too late to become a student

First-generation students are more common than you think at Missouri State

By Kelsey Berry The Standard

Angela Stanley, a first-generation college student and senior professional writing major, initially began her higher education in 1981, but life threw some curveballs and she ended up divorced and jobless.

More than 30 years later, she lost a very good job and made the decision to go back to school.

“I had always intended to go back to school and finish up my degree, and this seemed like the appropriate time to do so,” she said. “After all, I’m just old, not dead. I still have about 20 years left in the work place.”

Stanley joined TRiO Student Support Services, a student outreach program that helps disadvantaged students navigate their way through college.

“Running around with all these young kids was very intimidating,” she said. “Without the emotional support I got from TRiO, I wouldn’t have made it through my first semester.”

Now, two years after beginning her technical writing program at the age of 51, Stanley is preparing to walk for graduation in May and is starting her accelerated master’s program.

Her motto for success? Believe and be fearless.

“Even if people think you are a freak for going back to school, be true to yourself and to your ambition. The results u See FIRST, page 10

Raven Kohlenberger/THE STANDARD

TRiO Student Support Services is a program that helps disadvantaged students navigate through college life.

University Ambassadors: ‘Student public relations team’

By Peyson Shields The Standard

Raven Kohlenberger/THE STANDARD

A University Ambassador gives a tour on the Missouri State University campus.

Besides the allure of attractive people and friendly squirrels, what brought you to Missouri State? Was it the fact that on your way to class you can OD on your favorite latte? Or maybe it was the fact that you can get a flu shot for free. But let’s be honest, it was probably the award-winning newspaper, The Standard, that lured you in.

No matter the reason, your journey at Missouri State University probably started with a tour around campus led by a University Ambassador. University Ambassadors (known as the Honey Bears back in the SMS days) are Missouri State students that provide tours for prospective MSU students and their families, and help answer any question that they might have.

Francis Ahrens, a junior public relations major, is in his fifth semester as a University Ambassador. Ahrens said that being a UA has been nothing but a great experience and that he is excited to start giving tours this upcom-

ing semester.

Now, any student has the opportunity to apply to be a University Ambassador just like Ahrens. Danielle Parker, a senior early childhood education major, is also in her fifth semester as a UA. Parker is one of the recruitment chairs for University Ambassadors alongside senior entertainment management major Sara Sabulsky.

Parker describes the job as a UA as being “the official student public relations team for Missouri State University.” Parker also said that the main goal of being a UA is to support the university’s recruitment efforts and to “provide a student presence and assistance at other official university functions.”

The University Ambassador team is looking for students who are overall good communicators and who support Missouri State.

“To become a University Ambassador, you have to have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, be a full time student at the university and have 24 Missouri State credit hours completed by u See MSU, page 10

6

STANDARD

SPORTS

THE

M I S S O U R I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 | the-standard.org

Scorebox

Men’s basketball (12-6, 2-4 MVC) Wednesday, Jan. 15 Missouri State 27 28 — 55 Indiana State 39 31 — 70 Saturday, Jan. 18 Missouri State 36 53 — 89 Northern Iowa 39 55 — 94 Women’s basketball (7-8, 2-2 MVC) Saturday, Jan. 18 Drake 31 35 — 66 Missouri State 45 44 — 89 Swimming & diving Saturday, Jan. 18 vs. Truman State Men: W 156-93; Women: W 134-119

Check out The Standard Sports on Facebook for the latest updates on MSU athletics.

www.facebook.com/ TheStandardSports

Sugar Bears: eighth place in jazz, ninth place in hip-hop

Sweet finish for Sugar Bears

Calendar Tuesday, Jan. 21

Men’s basketball, 7:05 p.m., vs.

Evansville at home

Thursday, Jan. 23

Swimming & diving, 6 p.m., vs.

Drury at Drury

Friday, Jan. 24

Women’s track, 11 a.m., Gladstein Invitational in Bloomington, Ind. Ice Bears, 7 p.m., vs. Mizzou at Mediacom Ice Park

Saturday, Jan. 25

Women’s track, 9 a.m., Gladstein Invitational in Bloomington, Ind. Women’s basketball, 1 p.m., vs.

Indiana State in Terre Haute, Ind. Swimming & diving, 2 p.m., vs.

Missouri S&T men at home Swimming & diving, 2 p.m., vs.

Lindenwood at home Men’s basketball, 7 p.m., vs.

Southern Illinois at home

Ice Bears, 7 p.m., vs. Mizzou at Mediacom Ice Park

Sunday, Jan. 26

Women’s volleyball, TBA, vs. to be determined in Wichita, Kan.

Monday, Jan. 27

Women’s basketball, 7 p.m., vs.

Illinois State in Normal, Ill.

Follow the game live by following The Standard on Twitter @thestandard_MSU

Briefs

MSU studentathletes recognized

Missouri State student-athletes who earned academic distinction in the fall 2013 semester will be recognized by Director of Athletics Kyle Moats at the men’s basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The AD honor roll features an all-time high 239 student-athletes, which is 61 percent of the 391 student-athletes, according to a university news release.

Forty-seven student athletes also achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Swimming teams sweep Truman State

The men’s and women’s swimming teams swept the Truman State Bulldogs over the weekend, 156-93 and 134-119, respectively.

According to a university news release, the Bears won 24 events total — 14 on the men’s side and 10 on the women’s side.

The women’s team has now defeated the Bulldogs 10 times in 19 meetings.

The teams will be back in action at 6 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Drury, looking for a seasonsweep of the Panthers.

Parking changes at JQH due to construction

Due to construction between JQH Arena and Glass Hall, there are changes in reserved parking lots for Bears and Lady Bears basketball games.

For information on where to park, visit http://www.missouristatebears.com/ot/parkingupdate.html.

Photo courtesy of the Missouri State University Sugar Bears

The Missouri State Sugar Bears at the Universal Dance Association competition in Orlando, Fla., last weekend.

ment major and a fourth-year Sugar Bear, says that they are determined and that they work very hard.

“The number one thing going to UDA Nationals is confidence,” Figg said. “It is a very, very intimidating competition.”

Last Wednesday morning, the Sugar Bears left, and over the weekend they competed several times in front of strict judges.

Susan Brown, the spirit squad’s coordinator, said

By Eli Wohlenhaus that the technique level at the competition is under The Standard more scrutiny from judges, who are pickier about each movement and rotation, adding a lot more pressure than when performing at the halftime of a footSolid: A word used in athletics to describe a wellball game or basketball game. rounded individual who can excel at multiple tasks.

The Sugar Bears, with their winning reputation, For the Sugar Bears dance team at Missouri strode into the warmth of the Florida air and put two State, it is their goal to be a good routines on the solid team. In order to floor. accomplish this, they have to The number one thing There was no train several hours each going to UDA Nationals denying that this week. is confidence. It is a award-winning proThe Sugar Bears diligently very, very intimidating gram was going to attend home sporting events continue its hot and other university celebracompetition.” streak, and the tions, loyally cheering on Misjudges confirmed it, souri State. However, each Taryn Figg as the Sugar Bears year they take the opportunity Sugar Bear were awarded eighth to do something for themplace in jazz and selves. ninth in hip-hop.

Each January, the Sugar Bears fly to Orlando, By making it to the finals in jazz, this was their Fla., to compete the Universal Dance Association fifth straight national finals appearance for that cateCollege Nationals. They compete in two dance category. gories: jazz and hip-hop. Ten times out of the past 11 Although they weren’t the top team in the nation, years, they have been in the top 10 out of the entire finishing in the top 10 in both categories can give nation. them pride in knowing that they undoubtedly were a How has this success been able to continue? solid team.

Taryn Figg, a senior child and family develop-

The Missouri State Sugar Bears came home from Florida with a top-10 finish

“

‘Snow’ storm at JQH Arena Sisters Bry and Tyonna Snow combine for 40 points in Lady Bears’ win against Drake Bulldogs

By John Robinson The Standard

There was a “Snow” storm inside JQH on Saturday, Jan. 18 as the Lady Bears (7-8 2-2 MVC) rolled over the Drake Bulldogs (7-9 1-4 MVC) 89-66 with 40 combined points from sisters Bry and Tyonna Snow.

The game was close in the early minutes of the first half, with the Bulldogs grabbing a 3-point lead with 18:03 left in the half, and then the Lady Bear’s locked down.

“Minus the first few minutes of the game, I thought we had a pretty good focus on what we needed to do defensively to get a win today,” said Lady Bears head coach

Kellie Harper.

The Lady Bears’ defensive plan was to limit the 3-point shooting of the Bulldogs, although five 3-pointers from Kyndal Clark slipped through. The Lady Bears locked down, limiting the best 3-point offense in the Missouri Valley Conference to just six total 3-pointers and only 33 percent of all shots the entire game.

“Early on we let them hit a couple of wide open threes, but we just D’d up a lot better,” said senior guard Hannah Wilkerson. “We made a lot of hustle plays, like put u See SNOW, page 9

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014

The Standard

Getting personal bests in Lincoln

the-standard.org | 7

Two Missouri State track Bears set personal records at Holiday Inn Invitational in the Husker State

By Nicolette Martin The Standard

Two members of the Missouri State women’s track team set personal bests at the Holiday Inn Invitational hosted by Nebraska, according to a university news release.

Sophomore distance runner Cindy Forde ran 1:38.55 in the 600-meter (her previous best was 1:38.60), and freshman distance runner Erin Roebuck ran 58.43 in the 400-meter — more than two seconds faster than her previous best.

Forde’s finish put her in 10th place Junior sprinter Althia Maximilien and sophomore sprinter and jumper Robiann Broomfield got Missouri State’s best finishes of the day at the event — Maximilien

finishing third in the 200meter and Broomfield finishing third in the triple jump.

Other Bears who placed in the top 10 at the invitational included senior sprinter Pernell Joseph (sixth place in the 60-meter); sophomore sprinter Shavonne Husbands, Maximilien, Roebuck and sophomore sprinter and hurdler Oarabile Babolayi (fourth place in the 4x400-meter relay); sophomore distance runner Tenaly Smith (ninth place in the 600-meter); sophomore jumper Betsy Borgsmiller and senior jumper Gemma Smith (tied for eighth in the high jump); and Gemma Smith (eighth in the triple jump).

The team will next compete at the Gladstein Invitational in Indiana — a two-day event that begins Jan. 24.

Raven Kohlenberger/THE STANDARD

The Missouri State Ice Bears made their return to Mediacom Ice Park last weekend after more than a month away. The Bears split the series.

Ice Bears split series In first home game in more than a month, Ice Bears split with SIUEdwardsville Cougars

By Chase Probert The Standard

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After more than a month away from Mediacom Ice Park, the Missouri State Ice Bears returned home for a split between the ACHA Central region’s No. 8 team, the Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville Cougars.

Game One of the series was preceded by a special puck drop ceremony where Missouri State University President Clif Smart dropped the puck and later enjoyed the game from a front row seat.

Despite being outshot and marked for 16 penalties on the night, the Ice Bears were sparked by the presidential puck drop and a return to friendly confines and started the weekend by cruising to a 5-2 victory on Friday night.

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Senior forward Derek Bartsch start- ahead for good, and Bartsch followed ed the scoring by finding the back of the with his second goal of the game to help net a little more than five minutes into pad the Missouri State lead 4-2. the game. A few minutes later, senior Lombardo saved 35 of 37 shots forward Miguel Franco scored off a faced for the Ice Bears, who also slick pass by senior defender Jake received goals from Franco and junior Guthrie to defender give the Ice Justin BuchBears a 2-0 heit. Guthrie We’ve been playing lead in the and junior early going. forward with a lot of heart The turnMatt and tonight was ing point of Townsend the first game had two no exception.” came in the assists each second perifor Missouri od when the State, as Derek Bartsch Cougars tied well.

Senior forward, Ice Bears the game at The Ice 2-2 on a Brett Bears, who Denap were without power-play both senior goal a little forward more than halfway through the period. Blake Ryan and junior forward Jack The Ice Bears and junior goalie Steve Ryan in game two, got off to another Lombardo responded by netting two great start in Saturday’s game. Bartsch goals before the end of the period and started the scoring once again with his shutout the Cougars the rest of the way. third goal of the weekend just 27 sec“We were excited to come back onds into the game. However, the Ice home and play in front of a home Bears would not be able to ride the crowd,” Bartsch said after Friday’s win. wave of momentum as they had the “We’ve been playing with a lot of heart, night before. and tonight was no exception.”

The Cougars countered Bartsch’s SIU-Edwardsville recorded 18 shots goal with three of their own and took a in the second period, but only snuck one 3-1 lead into the second period, but the power-play goal by Lombardo, who Ice Bears mounted a comeback to tie the protected the net while the Ice Bears game after back-to-back goals by junior struggled to stay on the ice due to penal- defender Eric Aldag and Townsend — ties. Three minutes after Denap’s game- separated only by 15 seconds. Despite tying goal, Missouri State’s junior forward Adam Otten put the Ice Bears u See ICE, page 8

“

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8 | the-standard.org

The Standard

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014

Out for season Sophomore guard Marcus Marshall will miss Bears’ remaining games after surgery; Lusk: ‘This certainly changes things’

By Mike Ursery The Standard

A lot of the men’s basketball season still remains, but the Missouri State Bears will have to finish it without one of their key players.

Sophomore guard Marcus Marshall had surgery last week to repair a torn meniscus. He will miss the team’s remaining games.

“This certainly changes things,” head coach Paul Lusk said. “I would be dishonest if I said this doesn’t have an effect on our team.”

Lusk also said that redshirt sophomore guard Dorrian Williams will be the primary ballhandler while Marshall is out, but freshman guard Devon Thomas will see more playing time as well.

Marshall averaged 14.3 points on the season while playing in 12 games. The team has played two games in conference play since his injury, and the absence of his contributions was felt.

The Bears dropped a 70-55 decision to the Indiana State Sycamores on Jan. 15 in

Terre Haute, Ind. Senior forward Jarmar Gulley led the team with 15 points in the contest.

MSU out-rebounded the Sycamores and shot 42 percent from the field, but a 14 percent 3-point efficiency proved to be the deciding factor.

The Bears played another road game on Jan. 18 against the Northern Iowa Panthers in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Junior guard and forward Ron Mvouika hit six 3-pointers en route to a career high 28-point performance.

The Bears set a new record in McLeod Center by shooting 59 percent from the floor. The Bears trailed by 13 points at the half but were able to erase that deficit and take a 61-59 lead with 9:10 left to play.

The Panthers went on another run late in the game to take a 79-67 lead, and held off a rally by MSU to secure a 94-89 victory.

The team returns home this week to play a pair of games at JQH Arena. The Bears have lost three straight games for the first time this season and have dropped four out of their last five.

Missouri State will face the Evansville Aces on Jan. 21 at 7:05 p.m. The Bears are currently tied for fifth in the Valley with Evansville at 2-4, a position they share with two other teams. MSU has lost four of its last six games against the Aces.

MSU will then finish its two-game homestand against the Southern Illinois Salukis on Jan. 25. Southern Illinois is one of the other teams tied with the Bears in the conference standings.

The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

File Photo/THE STANDARD

Sophomore Marcus Marshall underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He will be out for the rest of the season.

Ice

Continued from page 7 the comeback effort, the Cougars answered back with two more goals of their own before the end of the period. The Cougars’ Jeremy Meletti added his second goal of the game in the third period and SIUEdwardsville went on to win with a final of 6-3.

“We had flashes of brilliance tonight, but in the end we got away from our game plan and it would come back to bite us,”

Raven Kohlenberger/ THE STANDARD

The Missouri State Ice Bears take on SIUEdwardsville at Mediacom Ice Park last weekend.

head coach Bob Bucher said following Saturday’s loss. “We would lock down the lanes and prevent opportunities, but then we would lose sight of the game plan and create a window of opportunity. You can’t leave good teams with opportunities like we did.”

Missouri State’s homestand continues next weekend when the Ice Bears welcome in-state rival Mizzou to Mediacom Ice Park on Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. both nights.

Weekly Crossword © 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

ACROSS 1 Category 4 Automobile 7 Wield a cleaver 11 Carry on 13 One's years 14 Carry on 15 Eastern potentate 16 Scrooge's cry 17 Open slightly 18 Beelzebub 20 Grate 22 Tiny veggie 24 Cafe 28 Frisbee material 32 Trembled 33 Apiece 34 One of the Seven Dwarfs 36 Smell 37 Group character 39 Missile launcher 41 Mexican cactus 43 Humor 44 Newcomer 46 Indiana's state flower 50 Not working 53 The 50 States (Abbr.)

55 Perlman of "Cheers" 56 Layer 57 Thickness 58 Thailand, once 59 Health resorts 60 Pirouette pivot 61 Chances, for short DOWN 1 Angers 2 Dalai 3 Make with yarn 4 Taxi 5 Culture medium

6 Detox location 7 Some casino patrons 8 Muslim pilgrimage (Var.) 9 Eggs 10 Apiece 12 They use clay pigeons 19 Trawler need 21 Bro's counterpart 23 Help 25 Agenda heading 26 Chess piece 27 Gumbo ingredient 28 Sound from a chick 29 Tardy 30 Sore 31 Corn on the 35 Crow's call 38 Pigpen 40 Goose egg

Last Week’s Puzzle Answers

42 Burst, volcano-style 45 Norway's capital 47 Columbus' home 48 Tide type

49 Sweet potatoes' kin 50 "- only a paper moon, ..."

51 Chips' go-with 52 Meadow 54 Sailor's assent

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014

The Standard

Senior guard Desiree Phillips plays in the Lady Bears’ 89-66 win against the Drake Bulldogs.

Raven Kohlenberger/ THE STANDARD

Snow

Continued from page 6

backs and steals. We just got on that run and kept going.”

On the other side of the ball, the Snow sisters accounted for just under half of the Lady Bears’ total offensive points, with sophomore guard Tyonna Snow recording five steals and senior forward Bry Snow blocking three shots. It certainly seemed like the two sisters were in complete synch the entire game, but Bry Snow says it’s a testament to the way the Lady Bears practice.

“I would say we did (feed off each other), but I think we feed off everyone else

too, but it’s not just about me and Tyonna. Everyone else had a great game today.”

Harper shared that mindset, saying, “We had a lot of folks contribute, even if it didn’t show up on the stat sheet.”

Sophomore guard Kenzie Williams recorded her first double-double as a Lady Bear with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Wilkerson was a perfect 6-6 on the floor with two 3-pointers, and junior forward NiJay Gaines totaled four rebounds, six assists and five steals. Gaines’ performance caught the attention of Harper.

“I told our team, when you have people like that, who do all the little things, we could be a good basket-

ball team.”

This was just the beginning of an eight-game stretch that includes six home games, which presents a great opportunity for the Lady Bears to make a run for the top of the conference.

“We don’t wanna win one, lose one, win one, lose one.

We just want to win,” said Bry Snow. Wilkerson added, “Looking at the records in the conference, it’s Wichita State and Indiana State, and then everyone else. So it’s about separating ourselves.”

The Lady Bears want to get a winning streak started as they take on the UNI Panthers on Monday, Jan. 20 before traveling for two road games, then returning home to take on Indiana State on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.

Who?

the-standard.org | 9

“Falling in love is a crazy names herself, is only a voice, thing to do. It’s like a socially but she and Theodore instantly acceptable form of insanity.” connect and become friends.

So says Amy (Amy Adams) Trevor And then, slowly, they in the new film “Her,” marketbegin to become more.

Mitchill ed as “A Spike Jonze Love Theodore and Samantha share Story.” their secrets, go on dates, and News While the love story it tells for all intents and purposes are Editor is a bit unconventional, anyone a normal couple — apart from who has ever been in her lack of a body. love will likely recogHow the two deal 4 SEE IT IN THEATERS nize a bit of their own with these challenges WAIT FOR IT ON DVD insanity in it. forms the crux of the “Her” is the story film, and the result is one SAVE YOUR MONEY of Theodore Twombof the most remarkably ley (Joaquin Phoenix), a writer who writes sen- moving and true portrayals of relationships and timental letters for others who aren’t able to love in film. It’s not hard to get me to cry durexpress their feelings. He’s going through a ing a movie, but “Her” might be the first one divorce from his childhood sweetheart, and where it’d be easier to think of when I wasn’t apart from Amy, he seems to have no other crying. friends.

Phoenix gives Theodore an amazing range Theodore spends his free time playing video of emotion, especially in his dialogue with games, using phone sex services and generally Samantha — it’s easy to forget that Johansson distancing himself from society as much as isn’t actually present, and that the multitude of possible. facial reactions and vocal inflections that That isn’t a hard thing to do in the near- Phoenix is portraying are in response to simply future world that “Her” presents to us — every- a voice. one has an earbud-like device that they can talk And what a voice it is. If nothing else, to in order to check email or do other tasks.

Johansson’s performance should open a discusIn the early parts of “Her,” Theodore gives sion about awards for actors who aren’t physioff the vibe of a teenager going through his first cally present in a film. breakup, seeking out ways to make himself Samantha is simultaneously ecstatic to be depressed. alive and doing whatever she’s doing, and “Play melancholy song,” Theodore says in always questioning whether those feelings, and one scene, as he leans against an elevator wall, all her others, are simply the result of her proand then furrows his brow as lyrics about wish- gramming, and you can hear it in every quaver ing for death begin to play. “Play different of her voice. melancholy song,” he says.

“Her” is at once a positive and negative But that all changes when he downloads a comment on our reliance on technology and a new operating system touting artificial intelli- classic love story, and entirely deserving of the gence. Samantha (Scarlett Johansson), as she title of one of the best films of the year.

10 | the-standard.org

The Standard

First

Continued from page 5

are satisfying, but the journey is everything.”

Stanley is one of many first-generation students at Missouri State University who comes from a household where neither parent has received a bachelor’s degree.

According to the fall 2013 census headcount, 41.6 percent of all degree-seeking undergraduates at MSU are first-generation.

Some of these students, like Stanley, face additional challenges that make it difficult to finish school, and Missouri State offers TRiO Student Support Services to help them succeed.

TaJuan Wilson, the director of TRiO programs, has been at Missouri State for three years and went through TRiO as a student.

MSU

Continued from page 5

end of May 2014, so fulltime freshman students are eligible to apply,” said Parker.

Ahrens joined University Ambassadors the second semester of his freshman year and said that he wanted to do more than just sit in his room.

“A day in the life of a UA includes water, khaki’s, comfortable shoes and your UA polo and nametag,” said Ahrens.

Ahrens has had a lot of contact with prospective students and said that the most rewarding part of being a UA is having current students tell him that he played a part in them choosing Missouri State.

“I was a low-income, first-generation student, myself, so I can relate to some things that most people probably can’t relate to,” he said. “I was tired of being poor and coming from an uneducated family. It was just time to do more.”

Wilson said many first-generation students go to college for the same reason he did: to close the income gap and to change the history of an uneducated family structure.

He said he believes that first-generation students bring an attitude of hard work, passion and a true desire to be at school and to learn.

“They are faced with many challenges, because they don’t have people in their family who have paved the way for them, so to speak. They may be the first in many cases, but that’s why we exist. To provide them with resources, to help them be successful and achieve those goals.”

Eighty-nine percent of TRiO students are first-generation, according

Parker explained the application process for those who are interested.

“You can access the UA application online by going to missouristate.edu and simply typing University Ambassadors into the search bar. After you have filled out the application in its entirety, you can turn them in to the Office of Admissions, Carrington Hall 204 by Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. We will then post a list of those selected for interviews outside of the Office of Admissions by Friday, Jan. 24,” Parker said.

“Being a member of University Ambassadors is more than just giving tours.

Since I have been an ambassador, I have met some of my best friends on campus because of the organization,” said Ahrens.

to Wilson, but the program also provides services to low-income and disabled students.

Services provided by the TRiO program include: • tutoring • reading or study-skills assist ance • scholarships and financial aid • lending of cameras, laptops, calculators, etc.

• personal development (time management, money manage ment, stress reduction, etc.)

• cultural events • activities and outings Karen Grosso is the first year experience coordinator and an academic adviser for TRiO, and she meets with freshman, junior and senior first-generation students weekly.

“I feel like TRiO is a really good way for students to connect with someone on campus so they feel like somebody cares about them and really knows them,” she said. “I want

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014

them to feel comfortable enough to come and talk to me if they have a problem or a concern.”

Grosso said she feels like the program has really helped with retention at the university.

“We have seen students be very successful, even after college, and I really feel like a proud parent,” she said. “I am just so proud.”

Sophomore hospitality and restaurant administration major Alysia Chenault and junior health services major Jade Deloney are two students that Grosso has met with weekly to help guide them through their college careers. Both women are first-generation college students.

“When I got accepted to Missouri State, it was a really big deal, because my mom never went to college and my grandparents didn’t go,” Chenault said. “The TRiO advisers have really helped me see that you can make a career out of whatever

you want to be, and it’s not just about being financially stable. It’s about finding where your heart is.”

Deloney said only a handful of people in her entire family have gone to college and graduated. She spent her high school career in a sub-par school district that wasn’t very challenging, so she said she wasn’t prepared for the workload that came with a college program. TRiO helped her adjust to the challenges of college life.

“I found tutors, went to the Bear Claw, learned study skills and really worked on self-discipline when it came to studying,” she said. “It took me a while to really make a consistent change and keep my focus throughout the semester.”

To learn more about TRiO Student Support Services, stop by the office located in the west lower level of Freudenberger House, visit http://trio.missouristate.edu/ or call 417-836-6220.

Participants march in downtown Springfield for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration of 2014.

People participated in several events throughout the day for rememberance of King and his fight for civil rights.

Evan Henningsen/ THE STANDARD