February, 28, 2017

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

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017

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Gov. Greitens speaks at Lincoln Days

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Chloe Skaar Staff Reporter @chloeskaar

Missouri Republicans gathered in Springfield this weekend to hear Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and Sen. Roy Blunt discuss recent accomplishments and outline future agendas for Missouri’s government and economy.

Lincoln Days, an annual conference hosted by the Missouri Republican Party, filled the weekend of Feb. 24-26 with preparations for future political battles, delegate voting and the exchange of policy ideas.

Saturday’s events were initiated by an early breakfast hosted by Blunt, followed by a discussion with Greitens and a crowd of eager students, veterans and voters alike. Greitens presented a list of priorities for his time in office and detailed his actions to date.

Missouri’s economy, which Greitens described as “open for business once more,” was promised an increase in number of jobs and rate of salaries. Greitens told the enthusiastic crowd that America’s economic comeback would begin in the state MIRANDA ROLLER/THE STANDARD they call home.

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens addresses the crowd at Lincoln Days at the University Plaza Hotel and ConvenGreitens also promised a

tion Center.

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“strong, common sense conservative agenda” for Missouri, beginning with the Right to Work Law, passed earlier this month. This law will prohibit union security agreements from being enforced and ban mandatory union fees.

Greitens continued his discussion of enacting a conservative agenda by addressing abortion clinics in the state and his extreme budget cuts since taking office.

“We will put money into the budget for protecting the most vulnerable people in Missouri, which includes the lives of those unborn,” Greitens said. “I will not allow St. Louis to become an abortion-sanctuary city.”

Other groups that were promised protection were survivors of domestic violence, students with special needs and foster children ­— each of which will be prioritized by Greitens’ changes to the state’s budget.

“My first dinner at the governor’s residence was held with three foster families,” Greitens said. “There are over 13,000 foster kids in the state we live in, and they must know that we are going to stand up for them.

They are our children, too.”

u See GREITENS, page 8

MSU in tough position following budget cuts Hanna Flanagan Staff Reporter @hanna_flanagan Public universities in Missouri are in a unique position following Gov. Eric Greitens’ proposal to withhold 9 percent of federal funds from higher education next year, as they are now facing two different budget issues, according to Missouri State President Clif Smart.

The 9-percent budget cut proposal comes after an initial 7.5-percent cut, which was announced earlier this year. Smart said the first cut is not uncommon, as it helps states manage the cost of higher education. He said most schools have “emergency funds” for this reason.

“It’s not that unusual to have a withholding because revenue’s not coming in like (the government) had anticipated,” Smart said. “We have money set aside to deal with that. Every-

body has some reserves.”

The predicament revolves around the second budget cut proposal; according to Smart, the savings used to compensate for the initial 7.5 percent cut cannot be used again next year for the 9 percent withholding.

This is not just the case for Missouri State ­­— ­­public universities across Missouri are in the same situation. But Smart said some schools will be hit harder than others financially for one main reason: enrollment trends.

“Here’s the difference: we have about $3.5 million of enrollment growth,” Smart said. “We can use that money to pay for all of the additional expenses. University of Missouri doesn’t have enrollment growth –– they’ve shrunk.”

Smart explained that public universities receive the majority of their money from state funding and tuition. Next year, universities with declining enrollment (Harris-Stowe State Uni-

versity, the University of Missouri Saint-Louis, the University of Central Missouri, Missouri Western State University and the University of Missouri, according to Smart) will lose money from both of those sources.

“They get a 9-percent budget cut, they don’t have enrollment growth, and they have additional expenses,” Smart said. “So, they’re in a tougher position than we are.”

Even though Mizzou is facing the repercussions of decreasing enrollment, they have one significant advantage over other higher education programs in the state. Smart said the Mizzou is one of only about 25 schools in the country that does not subsidize their athletics.

“Their athletics pay for itself,” Smart said.

“That is a phenomenal help. So, one of the things we’re doing that MU is not doing is evaluating reducing the cost of our athletics.”

Athletics and enrollment are two elements

that will contribute to how each university handles the budget cuts. But Smart said all higher education in Missouri will approach the situation similarly.

“You want to be able to use budget cuts to eliminate things that aren’t efficient. You want to come out in a position (so that) when there is additional money, you can put it into things that are more meaningful,” Smart said. “It is an opportunity to eliminate some things you really should’ve eliminated a long time ago.”

At Missouri State, these things will not be academically related. Smart said he hopes to preserve as many academic programs as possible, as they are the most important part of the university experience.

Joe Carmichael, a Board of Governors member, also said one commonality among Missouu See BUDGET, page 8

DEVELOPER REVEALED FOR Gutting to plead not guilty NEW RESIDENCE HALL

Hanna Sumpter Staff Reporter @hannasumpter

Plans for a new residence hall moved forward as the identity of the developer, which has partnered with Missouri State University, has been revealed.

Bryan Magers, president and owner of Bryan Properties LLC, released a statement on Feb. 23 confirming his company’s partnership with the university on the development of a new residence hall.

“We are proud to work with Missouri State University,” the statement says. It later adds that, “as MSU Presi-

dent Clif Smart noted, a public-private partnership will allow the university to continue to grow its incoming freshman classes for years to come, and both of us believe this proposal will help reduce development costs for the school, while providing funding in a tight budget for the state of Missouri.”

The partnership was presented to the board primarily

by President Smart during their executive committee meeting on Feb. 15. The board approved the partnership during the same meeting after a bit of discussion.

Although the developer had not been named at the

time, Smart said, “the developer wants to make this work (and) is a significant contributor to the university. I think (this could be) used as kind of a legacy piece for the university.”

Other options discussed during the meeting included a site near Kentwood Hall and the replacement of a MSU parking lot with a new residence hall.

Despite these options, Smart said in a Clif’s Notes statement that the public-private partnership was an option that led to a positive cash flow for the university.

A document released at the Feb. 15 board meeting con-

firmed that the public-private option was actually the only option, which resulted in a positive cash flow.

This is the first public-private partnership the university has been involved in, but Bryan Properties does have experience in these kinds of partnerships. A similar arrangement to the partnership with MSU was made between Bryan Properties and Drury University for their University Suites building in 2012.

If the residence hall is built, the public-private partnership will consist of a lease agreement between the uni-

u See DEVELOPER, page 8

Cortlynn Stark Staff Reporter @Cortlynn_Stark

Edward Gutting, 43, was charged with the first-degree murder of a fellow MSU professor in August. On Feb. 27, his attorney announced plans to plead not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

Gutting, a MSU instructor in the College of Humanities and Public Affairs, had his pretrial conference scheduled for March 20. Attorney Scott Pierson represented Gutting for Dee Wampler’s firm.

Prosecuting attorney Todd Myers said he expects the mental health plea to apply to all

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Shattering the Silences discusses hope and Kenya: Page 2

Black History Month Banquet and Fashion Show: Page 5

Track team heartbroken: Page 6

five charges.

Gutting is charged w i t h first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, second-de- Edward Gutting gree assault and first-degree burglary.

In September, Myers approved a private mental health screening requested by defense attorneys.

Gutting plead not guilty to the charges at his arraignment in December. u See GUTTING, page 8

2 THE-STANDARD.ORG

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017

Documentary filmmaker shares stories of hope during political violence Danisha Hogue Staff Reporter @Danisha_Queen Documentary filmmaker and musician Patrick Mureithi brought his talents and stories to Missouri State’s campus on Feb. 23. Between songs from his album “This I Believe,” about peace, trust and self-acceptance, Mureithi shared stories from his time in Rwanda, Kenya and Springfield in a house concert in the Plaster Student Union Theater.

“Between his music and his documentary work, he really brings forward an unique presentation,” said Jamaine Abidogun, coordinator of the Shattering the Silences series and a MSU history professor.

Mureithi shared where his story began. In 1994, after graduating high school in Kenya, he moved to Springfield to attend MSU. In the same year, a genocide occurred in Rwanda, killing 1 million Tutsi citizens.

“I had no idea that two countries away from where I was that what some people have called one of the most brutal, and the most efficient genocides in human history was unfolding,” Mureithi said. “At the time, we had no internet, no Google. We had state-run media TV, newspaper, radio … while I heard about some massacres in Rwanda, I didn’t really hear about the term ‘genocide.’”

He graduated from MSU and later worked for local TV station KY3 as a cameraman.

It wasn’t until Mureithi watched a PBS documentary, “Ghost of Rwanda,” in 2004 that he learned details about the genocide and became intrigued.

After learning about a three-day program that united perpetrators and survivors of the genocide, Mureithi knew he had to tell their

stories. He filmed his first documentary “Icyizere” about their relationships.

Over 50 students, faculty and staff listened and interacted during the presentation. Mureithi led the audience in a stress relief technique called Faster EFT, which uses a series of tapping along the forehead, temple, cheekbones and chest. The audience chanted a series of sayings, such as “I release all confusion,” “It is safe to let go” and “I love myself enough to ask for help.”

He shared this technique in his second documentary, “Kenya: Until Hope is Found,” where citizens sought peace after a series of protests in Kenya led to political violence in 2007 and 2008. Mureithi also used this technique himself while battling depression and grief.

“Stress and anxiety are the number one killers on the planet,” Mureithi said.

He said being educated on how to deal with stress and other mental issues isn’t always well received.

Providing an environment for discussion of important topics that improves and educates the campus community is the goal of the Shattering the Silences series.

“Anytime we can have courageous conversation or we can bring provocative activities and events to the campus, particularly when dealing with diversity and inclusion, it enhances our students,” H. Wes Pratt, chief diversity officer, said.

Some students said they learned more about different cultures because of the different events brought to campus.

“I think it’s important that we realize — especially in this area, because it is majority white area of the country — that we’re not the only people, and we need to appreciate other

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

Patrick Mureithi spoke about his time in Rwanda, Kenya, on Feb. 23. cultures and understand them in order to create government policies that include everyone,” Emily Coe, senior biology major, said.

Mureithi ended the session with a quote from a Rawandan survivor and trauma victim,

Mama Aline: “In order for you to be healed, you have to acknowledge that you are wounded, then you can speak of healing with authority.”

MO State buys MO bear statues for campus Danisha Hogue Staff Reporter @Danisha_Hogue To spread school spirit, Missouri State University will purchase up to 20 bear statues to place around campus and within academic buildings over the next three years. Students will choose if the project is finalized in the April referendum.

The painted bear statue project began over one year ago when President Clif Smart brought the idea to Missouri State after seeing a painted mascot on another campus.

“I saw this in Fayetteville and wondered if it might be a good way to commemorate senior

classes,” Smart said. “Students seem to like the idea of big painted bears of scenes and events related to their college years.”

According to a presentation by senior class president Daniel Guerrini, the project will donate four statues to the graduating classes of 2017-2020 as the senior class gifts.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Guerrini, a political science major, said. “I’m hoping the student body supports it in the April referendum.”

Donations made through the Missouri State Foundation and crowdfunding will cover painting and finishing, delivery to campus and installation.

Each bear will stand on all four legs and

be 48 inches tall, 63 inches long and 30 inches wide. The painted design on the bears will be based on what the graduating class’ Sr. Class Commission feels were the most important parts of their Missouri State experience.

“I’ve actually gotten a lot of feedback,” Guerrini said. “It passed the (Student Government Association) senate to be on the ballot … (The) senate is made up of various representative from classes, as well as student organizations in general, so that shows a lot of student support.”

If approved, the painted bear statue would be an option on the homecoming ballot for the future senior class.

So far, the Office of Planning, Design and

Construction has narrowed down three companies that are interested in the project. Mark Wheeler, project manager-architect, said that no official timeline has been set for the first order of statues.

“We’d be excited to see it implemented and see them pop up around campus,” Wheeler said. “Everybody we’ve talk to has been very excited and supportive of it.”

Wheeler said the statues would create a photo opportunity for the campus. Prospective locations for the statues include the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center, Craig Hall and Foster Recreation Center. Individual colleges will also have the choice to purchase and design a bear for inside locations.

Weekly Crossword © 2017 King Features Syndicate

ACROSS 1 Do as you’re told 5 A cont.

8 Old fogy 12 Geometry measure 13 Born 14 Divisible by two 15 Soared 17 Choose the best 18 Japanese pond carp 19 With resolution 21 Twelve 24 Highway division 25 Saharan 26 Demonstrated, as when on strike 30 Chaps 31 Chess wins 32 Consumed 33 Sank a billiard ball 35 Caspian feeder 36 Addict 37 William Tell’s target 38 Formosa, today 41 Annoy 42 -- Major 43 Fined for speeding, e.g.

48 Indonesian island 49 High-arc shot 50 Basin accessory 51 Help in a crime 52 “Tasty!”

53 Annoyingly slow DOWN 1 Rowing tool 2 Sis’ counterpart 3 Common Mkt. 4 Talked on and on 5 Opposed 6 Lawyer’s payment 7 Clearly embar-

rassed 8 Edict 9 Egg 10 Farmer’s home?

11 Sans siblings 16 A billion years 20 Tattoo-parlor supply 21 Moist 22 Sandwich cookie 23 Brass component 24 Metric measure 26 Obviously 27 Rainout cover 28 Common Latin abbr.

29 Strike from the text 31 Smaller plateau 34 Persian Gulf nation 35 Maintenance 37 Noah’s boat

38 Big brass instrument 39 Bedouin 40 -- of Capri 41 Cold War weapon (Abbr.)

44 Debt notice 45 Pair 46 “A mouse!”

47 Parched

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opinion

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

Ali Spies Columnist @alicethespy

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Millennials: Young, not dumb

You have had that moment when you’re in class and your professor talks about going to school in the “middle ages.” If you are lucky, your professor might also talk about crazy technology from “back in his or her day” that must be secret to all of the young folks, such as a corded telephone or a

black and white television.

While writing this, my professor asked the class if we knew who Bill Nye The Science Guy was.

You can’t tell, but I rolled my eyes.

Why do people over a certain age feel that anyone significantly younger than them is clueless or just stupid? I can’t count how many times a professor has made a comment like the ones mentioned

or about how we, the younger generation, must not know something that the professor experienced when he or she was younger. Even if I wasn’t around for the popularity of it, I still know what cassette tapes, VCRs, corded phones and libraries are.

This attitude can be more serious than just a professor making comments, though. In the 2016 election, many people said

millennials shouldn’t be considered in the vote because we do not know anything about what’s going on. People think millennials are entitled, lazy and narcissistic.

Those claims have been proven wrong, and the argument is worn. Yet, people still believe it.

In light of recent events, people have been calling millennials overly sensitive or whiny when they are just simply stand-

Perspectives of a teacher

Tate Brand Guest columnist Sophomore unified biology education major

At one point in everybody’s life we get a feeling of overwhelming inspiration to do something, whether that be a career choice, a political choice, a religious choice, etc.

The biggest decision I have ever made is when I was inspired to pursue education. I was raised by teachers, and for years I figured that would be the last thing I would want to do with my life. I mean, they make very little money, they are always stressed out about one thing or another, and they are regularly portrayed as the “bad guys.”

So, for a long while, I was convinced that I was going to be a lawyer. After all, they made plenty of money, and I love to argue with people. I did everything I could to try and stay away from teaching as a whole. This all changed when I heard slam poet Taylor Mali recite his famous “What Teachers Make” poem from a YouTube video.

The poem is a look into what teachers are about, and it really changed my perspective on what the point of teaching is. I’m sure almost everybody has heard the phrase, “those who can do, and those who can’t teach.” This is a phrase muttered in TV, books and movies and is one of the first lines spoken by Mali.

Looking at it now, this is one of the dumbest sayings I have ever heard in my life.

As I’m sure many of you know, teachers play a vital role in our society; they try to teach and shape the future generation for what those kids are going to do with their lives. Teachers attempt to mold their students into the best people they can possibly be, whether this be their character, knowledge or social skills.

Unfortunately, far too often teachers are painted in a rather negative light by the entertainment industry and often times the media.

They are displayed in movies as depressed, desperate, child-hating people who are only teachers because they were so bad at everything else. Even some of the most renowned movies portray teachers as little more than dictators and bullies, like in “The Breakfast Club” or “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and I believe that this is having an influence on all people.

Yes, as children and teens, we all disliked our teachers. I’m sure every one of us has muttered the phrase, “you’re not the boss of me,” at least once while going through school. That is to be expected. We were just kids who wanted freedom, and we felt this way about anyone who held authority over us.

The big problem comes in when parents blame teachers for when their kids get in trouble. After all, their kids are “perfect little angels,” and the teachers is “just picking on them.” Well I’m here to tell you that, with a few exceptions, no teacher wants to punish a student. We want to see all of them succeed in all things.

When it comes to a point that we have to punish a student, it’s because we expect better out of them, and when they succeed, teachers are sure to let the students know. The one time parents should get upset with what teachers are doing is when there is absolutely no instructor input, because that means that the teacher has given up, and this is something that should never happen.

The one thing to take away from all of this is that teachers deserve to be respected as professionals, just like everyone else. These are people who decide that instead of living a glamorous life making money and having many materialistic things, they want to work with kids and shape generations for years to come.

So, I’ll end on a quote from Mali: “Now let me break it down for you, so that you know what I say is true. I make a God. Damn. Difference. Now, how about you?”

ing up for what they believe. I don’t think it is fair to call people ‘sensitive’ in a negative way if they are saying that they don’t use slurs or talk down about a minority group. I think the millennial generation is more empathetic to others than previous generations have been, and that might make people nervous. I think people get scared when, instead of fighting against each other, people join togeth-

er to make good in the world.

I don’t think any of my professors are trying to be mean or negative when saying these comments. It just makes me cringe when people assume a younger generation is too naive or inexperienced to know common things.

Half the time I am told I am an adult, and that means I should be mature and act a certain way. Yet other times, especially in

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR ROOTS Qiuyue Li Columnist @Holiday12058442 Nearly once a week, my dad sends me long messages begging me to read books about traditional Chinese poems and to introduce the culture to my American friends.

I normally steer clear of his request and continue watching reality shows or Netflix.

Ancient and classical Chinese is hard to comprehend because each word has a meaning, and each phrase line contains earnest emotions and are reflections of poets’ sufferings. You can’t just read and memorize the 16 or 24 words without knowing the background and origin.

When I was exposed to things like K-pop and SNL, I found it nerve-wracking to study traditional Chinese culture. It was sophisticated and outdated, in my opinion.

I have basically erased all my memories about traditional Chinese poems and literature. Even though I can sing all the lyrics of my idols’ pop

songs, I can’t recite poems by prominent Chinese poets. I can remember all the lines from the TV show “Friends,” but I can’t name one traditional Chinese classic.

The only thing I am good at in connection with my culture is speaking Chinese.

However, my friends have pointed out that my English is my most fluent language and better than my Chinese.

It’s not just me who doesn’t know a lot about Chinese culture, though. All of my friends are obsessed with K-pop and buying albums. My beauty-lover friends watch makeup tutorials by Kathleen Lights and basically buy all the things she has recommended. My fellow English major friends watch “Shameless,” “House of Cards” and other trendy shows on a daily basis.

None of them pay attention to traditional Chinese culture.

Now you understand my dad’s frustration. He is right about me being an ignorant person.

Confucius institutes are flowering globally, and more

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Thaddeus Green Senior political science major I was disappointed to read in a Feb. 17 News-Leader op-ed from Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft that he was supporting Scott Pruitt for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Later that same day, I was glad to see Sen. Clair McCaskill voted against the Pruitt nomination. It is great to see a politician who stands up for the public good. On the other hand, I was disappointed that Sen. Blunt voted to confirm this person who is so clearly not fit for this job.

Scott Pruitt is a climate denier. As the Attorney General of Oklahoma, he sued the EPA at least 12 times, challenging regulations on mercury, carbon and ozone pollution. This is another case where the emperor has no clothes.

Pruitt’s home state of Oklahoma produced 24 percent of its electricity over the last year from wind energy. So, while Pruitt the politician sued the EPA over the Clean Power Plan, his fellow Oklahomans were building wind farms, creating jobs, and reducing air pollution. The City of Springfield actually gets a big chunk of our electricity from a wind farm in Oklahoma.

As a student at Missouri State University, I know that my generation will end up paying the price for environmental pollution. The students I talk to have the same concerns I have about this man leading the EPA. It’s scary to think that we may have a man who cares more about his anti-environment ideology than the protection of America’s waterways, environment, and, ultimately, the health of its citizens.

Most everyone has heard the statement “Vaccines cause autism.” Along with that, most people have a strong opinion on the matter.

On the one hand, there are people who say individuals who don’t vaccinate their children are idiots. On the other hand, some believe that vaccines and autism are related, and you choose against vaccinating.

I find myself surrounded by pro-vaccination people. I respect their opinions, as long as they have done their research. I can see their side of the argument. There is a reason, however, for why I can’t agree: my little brother was a perfectly healthy little boy until he got his measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations.

Within weeks of the vaccinations, which contained the amount of mercury appropriate for a grown man, my two-year-old little brother lost his entire vocabulary, and he stopped looking us in the eye. My brother is 18 years old and hasn’t spoken a word since he was two. My brother falls on the profound end of the autism spectrum.

Autism is a confusing disorder. No one knows exactly what causes it or how it happens.

All that is known is what it is, and the website Autism Speaks defines it as, “a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences.”

Autism develops between the ages of one and five. There is discrepancy over why it develops; nature versus nurture. Nature means it is purely genetic and nothing happened to cause the development of the disorder. Nurture means something in the environment led to the development of the disorder.

The science of human development acknowledges both nature and nurture as necessities for human development, so the two work together. This is why it is really hard for my

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foreigners are fascinated about my culture. China’s economy has remarkably progressed the world’s economy, culture and military power because of things like gunpowder, compasses and paper-making.

But as popular culture dominates my life, there is nothing I can do but turn a cold shoulder on my own indigenous culture.

The culture I have abandoned makes me who I am today. It is in my roots, my flesh and my veins. It is the philosophers’ intelligences that have guided me to be a modest and loving person.

Their masterpieces will always be like Chinese lighthouses that lead us to be fine people with integrity and decency.

The world evolves every second, but learning history helps you navigate life and distinguish right from wrong so that you can better understand the present moment. I want to change by learning more about my culture and history.

With this in mind, are you willing to change with me?

Vaccinations: Understand both sides of the argument Ally Gaither Columnist

SABRINA MERRILL/THE STANDARD

class, it feels like I’m in freshman year of high school again.

I’m tired of feeling like I’m too young or not good enough to compete with others. Just because I’m younger does not mean I know less than someone older. I know that when I get older, and a new generation takes over the young adult age range, I will treat them like the adults they are.

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family to accept that my brother’s autism wasn’t caused by something biological; we believe something external caused it.

He was healthy and had a good vocabulary for a two year old. All of a sudden — nothing — immediately following his MMRs. It is widely known that mercury is poisonous and mercury poisoning has extreme effects on the brain. Autism is a neurological disorder, so it is not crazy to create a correlation between a vaccine with enough mercury for a grown man and a disorder that shares similar characteristics to mercury poisoning.

I am not saying that it is okay to not vaccinate your kids. Since 2001, when my brother was diagnosed, they have removed the high doses of mercury from vaccines, and vaccines become safer each year. What I am saying to you is that there was a correlation at some point; my brother is living proof. Notice also, I am saying correlation, not causation.

Autism is a puzzle that has yet to be solved.

No one knows what causes it yet.

Please vaccinate your children now and in the future, but don’t be so hateful towards those who are unsure of vaccinations. You have your strong opinion, but there are people, like me, with reason to be skeptical. My family watched my brother fade away. Anyone who knows what that is like knows that it is a terrible thing to go through.

Autism is not easy to live with for anyone.

It is not curable; it will never go away. Having a child with autism won’t be easy, but there is really no way of preventing it.

Even if not vaccinating your kids would protect them from autism, look at it this way: Would you rather have a kid with autism who will grow up living blissfully in their own little world or be insanely smart, or would you rather have a kid who dies at a young age because of a disease you could have prevented them from getting?

Life with autism isn’t easy, but at least it’s a life.

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life

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

‘Afro-Punk’ highlights social stigmas of punk rock culture Alexander Ulrich Reporter Trainee @aulrich21 As part of Black History Month and Missouri State’s Public Affairs Mission, the Student Activities Council presented the documentary film “Afro-Punk,” directed by James Spooner. The film uncovered the social stigmas of punk rock, especially for African-Americans who view themselves as the minority in the music scene that they love so much.

Afro-Punk was created 14 years ago in 2003, but it is still relevant today.

“It means a lot that it still has legs and there is still interest,” Spooner said.

The key messages in the film include the adverse effects from America’s history of slavery, racism, marginalization, and the impact of falsely stereotyping African-Americans

in the music industry and society.

“In almost every way, this film is a self portrait –– it’s like my biography,” Spooner said.

“I was bitter; I was angry and really frustrated with the community, the punk, hardcore, indie rock scene. That did fuel the movie.”

Spooner described the making of “Afro-Punk” as “deep intense therapy.” It helped him come to terms with his identity, accept his history and find beauty in all of it.

“Afro-Punk” was the first film that Spooner directed. Its style reflect its content of punk.

The documentary-style narrative was influenced by the films: “Streetwise,” “Wattstax,” and the skateboard documentary, “Dogtown and Z-Boys.”

The documentary followed the lives of about 80 young black people from around the United States as they shared their stories of struggle with

being social outcasts of punk rock, which was already an outlet for activism, challenging the status quo and reacting to oppression.

Although the themes of “Afro-Punk” seemed like they would fuel hatred and resentment among African-Americans, the protagonists of the film seemed liberated in their minds without much bitterness.

“The documentary was very interesting and eye-opening,” junior journalism major Shelby Dowler said. “It was neat to see how the punk rock scene became a sanctuary for the people in the movie.”

Dowler said not only did he enjoy the documentary, but also James’ outlook on life.

“I thought James was driven and inspiring,” Dowler said.

“I liked his personal philosophy of not needing experience to go out and do something great.”

The one-hour film was followed by a Q&A session with

COLLIN O’CONNELL/THE STANDARD

James Spooner, film director, shared his documentary “Afro-Punk,” on Feb. 22.

Spooner, where he discussed his experiences as a filmmaker and tattoo artist in California.

He also addressed the topics of punk rock, regional social climate, racism unique to

America and how he overcame his personal struggle.

“I didn’t even really know how much of a metaphor it was for so many people’s experiences,” Spooner said. “That is

something that anyone can take home. Whatever your personal struggle is, if you don’t run from it, but dive into it, you can walk away from it with power.”

Nelson honored at inaugural Fraternity Classic Matt Campanelli Staff Reporter @THE_MattyCamp What started as an idea for a fraternity hockey game brought forth the question, “Why don’t we play this year?” Patrick Cronin, vice president of programming for the Missouri State chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon, helped make it a reality.

Sigma Phi Epsilon played Pi Kappa Alpha in the “Fraternity Classic” hockey game at Mediacom Ice Park on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The idea for a hockey game was brought up this past November, and planning for the event started in January.

The Fraternity Classic wasn’t just a hockey game, though. It was also a fundraiser for the Richard Nelson Memorial Fund. Nelson was a Missouri State football player who was killed Jan. 14 in his hometown of Las Vegas.

“We were looking for a cause to donate to, and (Sigma Phi Epsilon) and Pike have different philanthropies, and then the tragedy with Nelson happened,” Cronin, a junior marketing, advertising and promotion major, said. “We just thought, ‘Why not give it to that?’”

Keaton Leslie, president of the Missouri State chapter of

MSU PHOTO SERVICES

Richard Nelson Pi Kappa Alpha, said the two fraternities looked at other chapters around the country for ideas for the game and to help develop their own concept. “(Other chapters) had done it, and it had been such a success, and we kind of knew that Saint Louis is such a big hockey area, and we thought it’d be big here,” Leslie, sophomore finance major, said.

Cronin and Leslie said that the two fraternities want the “Fraternity Classic” to become an annual tradition, with money being raised for a different cause each year. Leslie also said he was happy with Wednesday night’s turnout.

“When I got (to Mediacom Ice Park), the line was probably 100 people out the door,”

Skaar: ‘Difficult Women’ portrays feminine hardship

“Difficult Women” by Roxanne Gay

Chloe Skaar Staff Reporter @chloeskaar

“For difficult women, who should be celebrated for their very nature” serves as an introduction and attribution for Roxane Gay’s “Difficult Women” –– titled most appropriately.

Before the end of the first page, readers grasp that “difficult” is not intended solely to describe the women of the book. It also serves as an understatement for their lives, romances, dreams, jobs and fears.

The book consists of 21 fictional short stories; each are equally acidic and diverse.

The stories range from violence and fear to love to science fiction. Initially, I felt wary about each chapter bringing a new setting, but it soon became clear –– Gay’s characters are designed to demand that their stories be heard in a fashion which is certain to make readers crave meeting as many imagined

individuals as possible.

Gay dives headfirst into the extremes and excitement of femininity. She begins with the hellish abuse of a 10-yearold who binds herself to her sister indefinitely, even granting readers the chance to witness the gathering of a women’s fight club. Gay speculates the consequences to both heart and soul that result from a forbidden love affair with a priest to a sci-fi tale of marrying into the bloodline of the man who absorbed the whole Sun, living with the blame of leaving the world in a darkness without cease.

Admittedly, digesting Gay’s narratives can be difficult at times, as can their twisted and lovely subjects.

She shamelessly offers explicit, graphic, yet addictive details of the lives of every kind of woman, in every kind of state. Readers will find their breath quickening and stomachs churning –– my jaw dropped for the first time about halfway through page 8.

Gay consistently demolishes the boundaries between metaphor and attribute. She embraces the possibility that some women are literally made of glass, while exploring the wonders and pitfalls of marriage. Gay also creates a character who carries her emotions as the strenuous weight of water and its rotting damage; a graceful metaphor come to life. She paints an insightful picture of how this woman shares her curse, traveling as far as the Sahara Desert for a honeymoon in order u See FEMINISM, page 8

Leslie said. “I was very happy, and it’s good to see a lot of people show out for a very good cause.”

The two teams played three 12-minute periods, and the teams were made up of members from each fraternity.

Head football coach Dave Steckel performed the ceremonial puck drop before the game.

Sigma Phi Epsilon scored early in the first period and never let up as they cruised to an 8-2 win over Pi Kappa Alpha. Sigma Phi Epsilon won the Fraternity Classic trophy.

Leslie said he thinks that, despite the outcome, the two teams had fun and the result didn’t matter as much as the cause the two fraternities were playing for.

“I think everyone had a lot of fun, minus the blow-out score,” Leslie said. “All the guys that were playing for us were super excited, and winor-lose it doesn’t really matter.

All that matters is the money we raised.”

Graham Nave, sophomore finance major and philanthropy chair for Pi Kappa Alpha, estimated that the two fraternities raised over $3,800 for the Richard Nelson Memorial Fund.

Nave was the goalie for Pi Kappa Alpha and is also a goalie for the Ice Bears D III

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

Sigma Phi Epsilon and Pi Kappa Alpha played each other during the “Fraternity Classic” and donated profit to the Richard Nelson Memorial Fund. team. He said he enjoyed playing in a game and for a cause.

“It was incredible,” Nave said. “There were so many people here. It was loud; it was rowdy, and that was a lot of fun. It was incredible.”

Nave said that he also hopes the two fraternities can build on this year’s game success.

“I hope we can build it bigger and better every year,” Nave said. “This was kind of a trial run, a guinea-pig year, and next year I think it will be

much better.”

Nolan Wuesthoff, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, also plays on the D III team on defense and said that he enjoyed playing for a good cause.

“This is the first charity game I’ve played, and it’s a blast when it’s for a good cause,” Wuesthoff, a junior marketing major, said. “I love the intensity. When the fans go wild, it just gets you pumped up.”

Mediacom Ice Park was

filled with students wanting to cheer on their fraternities or just to take in a hockey game. Connor Hughes, senior marketing research major and member of Pi Kappa Alpha, said that it’s nice to contribute to something big.

“It’s nice to give back to the community and contribute to something larger than ourselves,” Hughes said. “It’s also nice to be competitive with some of our other fraternity members and bring our culture together.”

Spotlight Series: Closser inspires community through art, writing Bailey Vassalli Staff Reporter @baileyvassalli After attending two different universities, Cole Closser found himself attending Missouri State University where his father was a professor in the English ] department. These days, Closser is an assistant professor in the design department.

“I finished my undergrad degree here, and the faculty was so much nicer, so much more helpful than any of those other places,” Closser said. “It just really felt more welcoming. When the opportunity to work with those people came up, I jumped at it.”

Closser was raised by two English teachers and said that he wouldn’t be doing what he is if it weren’t for them doing what they did. He attended Kansas City Art Institute and University of Tennessee-Knoxville before finding his way back to Missouri State. Years later, he teaches illustration, design and comics at the school he liked best. He also writes and illustrates comics, and he has published two full-length books. He said what he is doing right now is exactly what he wants to be doing with his life.

“My dream since I was nine or 10 years old was to be a children’s book illustrator and a college art professor,” Closser said. “Now I make comics and teach illustration and design in college.

That’s pretty close.”

Closser’s father encouraged him to read a lot of literature growing up, and he said he’s also been drawing ever since he can remember. In his mid-twenties, he learned comics were the medium he wanted to work with.

“My stuff is made to look like it’s for kids, and the content is for so-called grown-ups,” Closser said. “They’re about things I’m concerned with through the vehicle of something that looks more accessible.”

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

Cole Closser, assistant professor of design, also creates illustrations and comics, and he has published two books.

He said he deals a lot with mental illness within his work. He tries to bring it up in a way that will make people talk to each other.

“I’m a very passionate person,” Closser said. “I think my favorite people are passionate people. It drives me crazy when I ask someone what’s important to them and they say ‘I don’t know.’ I’ve always been super passionate about art and music; I’m incredibly passionate about politics, about spirituality, about love, pretty much just anything interesting.”

“I love teaching with Cole. My favorite thing is how much I learn with him.

It’s inspiring,” colleague Jennifer Murvin said. Murvin highlighted the fact that Closser is very open about life and how it really engages students.

Although he has known what he wanted to do with his life since he was young, there were some years in his teens when he wanted to be a “rockstar.” In addition to his comic creations, Closser said he can play guitar and bass—”poorly.”

“I was in a lot of embarrassing bands,” Closser said.

Out of all of the embarrassing bands, Closser said the most embarrassing were the two “new metal” bands he took part in. He said “new metal” was big in the early 2000s, and it was heavy metal with rapping. Aside from the “new metal” bands, he was also in a singer-songwriter band. He toured colleges, and he said they played a little of everywhere. He didn’t care for it much.

“My momma always loved everything I did visually—she didn’t love my bands,” Closser said. “My dad has finally come around. He finally approves, it just took a while.”

The passion that Cole Closser has for his work is described as admirable, and he mentioned no plans of leaving Missouri State University in the near future.

He is continuing to write and illustrate and has most recently been working on his next book.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017

THE STANDARD

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Sanfoka: A night of history, diversity and tradition Katie Haynes Staff Reporter @JournalistKatie Diversity was celebrated at Missouri State University on Feb. 25 at the first-ever Black History Month Banquet “Sankofa,” sponsored by the Multicultural Resource Center.

“Sankofa,” was explained to mean to “come back, reclaim the past and to move forward.” A dinner was served and was followed by some traditionally inspired works of art, and spoken word was shared

by Untamed Tongues.

Illuminating the room were the faces of people from many backgrounds, and the room buzzed with a powerful energy that seemed to bring everyone together for a night of music and history. Friends and families conversed and the setting allowed for a night of reflection and celebration of black history.

Churena White, part-time staff member within Multicultural Programs, and Chevalier Moye, a senior logistics and supply chain management major, hosted the night’s festivities. The evening began with performances from Marquita Logan, a senior psychology

COLLIN HADLEY/THE STANDARD

Robert Odneal performed at the Black History Month Banquet and Fashion Show on Feb. 25. major, F.A.I.T.H. Ministries and His Legacy. Xavier Ghoston, a singer for F.A.I.T.H. Ministries and a graduate student in communication studies, had some thoughts to share about the night.

“I liked how different the event was,” Ghoston said. “It allowed for people to see and celebrate black culture. It was

nice to see different cultures come together to celebrate black culture.”

The program moved on to a speech from Honesty Gant, and a musical selection by senior general business major Jakobi Connor. Honesty Gant, sophomore digital film production major, shared about her contributions to the banquet.

“I was actually a part of the planning committee for this event,” Gant said. “This event gave us the opportunity to spread education about black history.”

There was a tribute from multiple sororities and fraternities involved in the National Panhellenic Council, and a special address was made by

Cheryl Clay, the president of the Springfield NAACP Chapter. Performance art was demonstrated by Deon Shotwell, George Semugeshi, the African Student Association and JJ, and the Soul Society.

Following the performances was a fashion show that incorporated styles from different decades, all the way back to

the 1930’s. Shekinah Kiagiri, freshman molecular biology major, participated in the fashion show and spoke about how it made her feel.

“I really enjoyed myself,” Kiagiri said. “I’ve participated in national banquets, and I am in the Multicultural Resource Center a lot, and it was really cool to meet so many new people.”

Closing remarks were made

by Yvania Garcia Pusateri, executive director of the multicultural programs.

“The mission is to spread education,” Garcia-Pusateri said. “The event also provides critical disclosure of black identity. The event is meant to showcase global culture and how these students use their identities to contribute to education, and the United States of America and internationally.”

The event was funded by the diversity grant and collaborated with Multicultural and Diversity Programs, the African Student Association, the Association of Black Collegians, F.A.I.T.H. Ministries, His Legacy, the NAACP, the National Panhellenic Council and Untamed Tongues.

Featured artist Sarah Stracke captures roller rink culture Casey Struble Staff Reporter @Casey_A_Struble In the soft pastel lights of Skateland, kids pose, show off or nonchalantly ignore Sarah Stracke’s camera. Behind the camera lens is a love of kids, culture and education.

Stracke, a senior double major in photography and art education, can be found either in the studio or in a classroom teaching the precocious youth of Springfield. Her work with children inspires both her and others’ work.

“If you’re not cut out for it, you’ll know it your first day of practicum,” Stracke said on art education.

Some of the high schoolers

may be reluctant to open up about themselves and their art when they’re “still trying to figure out who they are and what they want to say,” explained Stracke.

The middle schoolers that attended Stracke’s practicum have been excited.

“They’re taking high school classes already –– they want to be there,” Stracke said.

“Middle schoolers are kind of cool because they’re still coming into themselves. They haven’t built up that adolescent wall.”

For the last three years, Stracke has been honing her photography and art knowledge in Brick City. Two of her most influential instructors have been Steve Willis, Art

education head, and Gwen Walstrand, a photography professor.

Walstrand hosted Stracke’s introduction to digital, 35 mm and large format photography.

Stracke has worked with her Canon DSLR, Nikon F4 film camera and a large format camera with bellows and an anachronistic black curtain.

Willis hosted Stracke’s academic trip to New Mexico, where her penchant for engaging with cultures came to fruition.

“We lived in the house of a Native American family. We got to interact with the culture in the most raw way,” Stracke said.

Stracke and other students learned about the history of the

MIRANDA ROLLER/THE STANDARD

Sarah Stracke is building her art portfolio off of her travel and time capturing shots in roller rinks. southwest Native American people and visited the Acomo Pueblo. As Stracke photographed the red, chalky geometric dwellings, she learned how the perception of the culture had morphed the people.

“Many of the natives sold trinkets and kitschy items that had no real relation to their culture. They do this because it makes money, and tourists expect it,” Stracke said.

Walstrand commented on

students learning their style.

“In our students, we often see developed motor skills and theory,” Walstrand said, “But we also want to see how they develop their work conceptually.”

Walstrand and Willis are on the review board to accept Stracke’s portfolio and candidacy.

“We want our students to understand what contemporary problems for photographers are,” Walstrand said. “It’s their subject matter and how they chose it—what cultures are presented.”

Stracke has noticed a whole culture in the roller rink, and works to show this through her

u See STRACKE, page 8

6

THE STANDARD

sports

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

Bears show fight in loss to No. 25 Wichita State Men’s hoops clinches play-in round bye at Arch Madness Wyatt Wheeler Sports Editor @realYitWheeler When a Top 25 team comes into JQH Arena during a disappointing season, one might think the Bears would lay down after being blown out by them earlier in the season.

That didn’t happen. These Bears fought, despite coming out on the losing end.

The Bears fought back from an early second-half deficit of 11 points to bring it within four with 14:10 left.

“That’s fight,” senior guard Dequon Miller said after his Senior Day game. “We didn’t give in or fold under pressure.”

Sophomore guard Ryan Kreklow sunk a 3-pointer just seconds after Miller hit one of his own, but it was Wichita State from that point on.

No. 25 Wichita State (27-4, 17-1) topped Missouri State (16-15, 7-11) 86-67 in a game where the score didn’t tell the whole story.

Missouri State battled and hung in there with one of the best teams in the country until the Shockers broke out on a 15-6 run after Kreklow brought the game within four points.

Wichita State’s deep and talented roster proved to wear the Bears down, as three of the Bears starters played at least 35 minutes.

“They do what they do; they wore us down and, you have to give them a lot of credit,” head coach Paul Lusk said. “They had some guys who made some big, big shots.”

Ending the Bears’ 10-3 run early in the second-half was redshirt freshman guard Landry Shamet who hit a 3-pointer to spark a 10-2 Wichita State run. The Bears weren’t able to recover from there.

Despite not being able to bounce back, Miller still felt like the effort was there in his last game at JQH Arena.

“I thought we fought hard,” Mill-

er said. “We didn’t come out on our heels like we did when we played when we played at Wichita State. I thought everyone played hard and gave their best effort.”

Wichita State topped the Bears on Feb. 9, 80-62 in a game where Missouri State didn’t put up much of a fight, as the Bears went into halftime down 48-21.

With the loss, Missouri State clinches at the very least a share of the sixth spot in the Missouri Valley standings. Being sixth place going into the Missouri Valley tournament would secure the Bears a spot out of the play-in round.

“The results (today) didn’t end up the way we wanted them to, but we going to make this run at Arch Madness,” Miller said. “We probably don’t got nobody who believes in us, but us. We just have to stay tight and hang in there.”

Miller scored 19 points off 7-13 shooting after a career-high 26 points Wednesday night at Bradley.

“Dequon probably put together his best week personally in his career,” Lusk said. “He played a very good game.”

On the opposite end of the court, Wichita State clinched a share of the Missouri Valley regular-season championship for the fourth straight season.

Shamet played a key part in the Shockers’ win by scoring a career-high 23 points while going 5-8 from 3-point land.

Missouri State will play Northern Iowa in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament in St. Louis on Friday at 8:35 p.m.

The Bears clinched the No. 6 seed and a play-in round bye Sunday morning after they finished ahead of Bradley in the RPI standings.

No. 3 seed Northern Iowa beat the MEGAN BURKE/THE STANDARD Bears at JQH Arena 55-52 on Feb. 12.

The Bears beat the Panthers in Cedar TOP: Dequon Miller goes up strong to the basket during Senior Day loss to WSU. LEFT: Dequon Falls, Iowa on Dec. 28, 68-64.

Miller hugs teammates after being taken out. RIGHT: Alize Johnson drives the basket.

Track ‘heartbroken’ after MVC Championships moved Alec McChesney Staff Reporter @Alec_McChesney Three weeks ago, Missouri State University announced that it had formally withdrawn from hosting the 2017 Missouri Valley Conference Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships due to budgetary concerns and increased construction costs.

For the second time since 2015, MSU had accepted and later withdrawn as the hosts of the MVC Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The student-athletes on the track and field team were informed of the decision on Feb. 7 at a team meeting.

“This is like dejavu for us,

and it is really embarrassing not only for the team, but for coach Ronald Boyce and for the university, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking,” senior Holly Pattie-Belleli said.

“They left this decision until the last minute and blamed it on something that fit.”

In order to host the MVC Championships, the MVC required MSU to build a javelin throwing facility, which was determined to cost around $270,000 for the MVC meet at Parkview High School.

In addition to the javelin-throwing facility, MSU would had to overhaul the current shot put, discus and hammer throwing areas on campus.

The additional costs of hosting the tournament proved to be

“It is really embarrassing not only for the team, but for coach Ronald Boyce and for the university, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking.”

— Holly Pattie-Belleli too much, and the school decided to forfeit the opportunity.

“We all kind of had questions to when construction would start and fields would start getting worked on because we obviously know we don’t have a javelin runway and that our throws facility needs to be worked on,” sophomore Selena Buckner said.

“When we found out at the meeting, we were just blindsided and had no idea.”

For the athletes, it’s more

than just competing on their home track. It’s also about how their school looks in the eyes of their peers.

“I was approached last weekend by a Wichita State University athlete, and it’s just embarrassing that we have to explain to other people why we can’t host,” Pattie-Belleli said.

After MSU surrendered their chance at playing host, Wichita State accepted the MVC’s offer to host the meet.

Although MSU is still set to host the Missouri State In-

Many of the athletes feel slighted by the athletic administration at MSU, despite the impressive records posted by the team.

“We have a great program here at MSU; it’s just a shame that our athletic administration is not showing us the same support as the other teams,” Pattie-Belleli said. “We would love to have the support of our athletic directors and have them come to our conference tournament.

“We just want to have the same opportunities as the rest of the teams on campus.”

Pattie-Belleli and her teammates understand that track and field may not be the

u See TRACK, page 7

New additions carries baseball to perfect week

Lady Bears come back for Senior Day win

Wyatt Wheeler Sports Editor @realYitWheeler

Cortlynn Stark Staff Reporter @Cortlynn_Stark The Lady Bears came back from a first half 11-point deficit to win 61-52 on senior night. For the three seniors, it was their last time playing at JQH Arena.

“It’s just the last time we’re going to walk out of this tunnel,” senior guard Lexi Hughes said.

“That’s hard. Especially when you want to keep coming with such a great atmosphere, and we’ll never get that again. It flies by.”

Hughes and senior forwards Rachel Swartz and Onye Osemenam were freshmen when head coach Kellie Harper took over.

“I think a common pattern, regardless of who we’re playing is that coach Kellie wants us to work on ourselves first,” Osemenam said. “And if we are able to do what we’re best at and everyone contributes what they’re good at, we’ll be successful and I have full confidence in that.”

The Lady Bears found success Sunday as three of them, freshman guard Alexa Willard, sophomore guard Danielle Gitzen and junior forward Audrey Holt—each—shooting 100 percent of their free throws. Junior guard Liza Fruendt only missed one.

Nearly a third of MSU’s points came from free

vitational on April 21, many Bears track and field student-athletes are not pleased with the decision.

“We just want an equal opportunity to showcase our talent,” senior Shani Adams said.

“We make nationals—win conference and regionals every single year.

“I just want to know what else we have to do to be recognized by the Missouri State administration and why we are being brushed under the rug so often.”

In the past 21 years, Missouri State has never once hosted the MVC Championships for the sport and only hosted its first regular-season meet for the first time in eight years in 2016.

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

Lexi Hughes rises up for a layup. throws.

“The free throws the entire game were important,” Harper said. “When you’re shooting as poorly as we were shooting, you’ve got to manufacture points with steals or free throws or second chance points and our second chance points were critical.”

Loyola went on a 10-0 run to cap an 18-7 lead and watched MSU struggle.

But Fruendt beat Loyola’s defense to score a u See LADY BEARS, page 7

While a lot of the attention during the offseason has been put on returning starters like Jake Burger and Jeremy Eierman, maybe not enough was made about the new additions to the Bears baseball team.

That’s no longer the case.

New additions to the Bears baseball team (6-1) led them to a 4-0 week.

JUCO transfer junior infielder Ryan Skalnik and freshman catcher Drew Millas played key roles late in games to keep the Bears perfect on the week.

Skalnik drove in the go-ahead run in Tuesday afternoon’s game at Oral Roberts after the Bears allowed a four-run fifth inning. Skalnik’s 3-RBI double put the Bears ahead, and they would go on to win 9-5.

Millas proved to be a hero for the Bears as well, and his first career home run proved to be a timely one. Millas gave the Bears a 5-4 lead in Saturday afternoon’s win over Lipscomb.

The home run came after junior third baseman Jake Burger and sophomore shortstop Jeremy Eierman went back-toback for home runs in the sixth inning.

Lipscomb would tie the game and force extras with a solo shot in the eighth.

Senior outfielder Alex Jefferson gave the Bears some breathing room with an RBI-double after Millas’ home run to give the Bears a 6-4 win.

That win came a day after Millas and Skalnik combined for late-inning heroics to give the Bears a 7-5 win over Belmont.

A four-run eighth inning erased a 5-3 deficit.

The scoring began when freshman outfielder Jack Duffy drove in senior first baseman Justin Paulsen from third. Millas would follow with an RBI-single of his own to drive in senior second baseman Aaron Meyer.

After sophomore center fielder Steinmetz scored Millas on a fielder’s choice, Skalnik drove in Millas to put an end to the scoring as the Bears finished with a 7-5 win.

Missouri State’s week ended with a dominant pitching performance from sophomore Dylan Coleman, who pitched seven innings and only allowed one hit.

Millas came away with two RBIs on the Bears’ way to a 5-0 win over Middle Tennessee.

Missouri State will start the week Tuesday in Jonesboro, Arkansas, for a two-game series with Arkansas State.

The Bears will open up their home schedule starting Friday with a threegame series against Central Arkansas.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017

THE STANDARD

D3 Ice Bears advance to National Tournament

Tennis swept over weekend Mike Volding Staff Reporter @MiketheKid65 The Missouri State women’s tennis team fell to 4-6 on the season this past weekend as they dropped two hardfought battles against Creighton and the University of Central Arkansas.

Game 1: Creighton On Friday afternoon, the Bears dropped a tightly-contested match-up against the Creighton Bluejays 2-5. The match-up included a trio of three-set defeats in singles play. After the Bluejays claimed the doubles point by winning the majority of doubles matches, the Bears also came out of the gates fast by winning the first two single matches.

Coming into Friday’s match, Bears’ freshman Alye Darter had a red hot 3-0 record at the No. 1 singles spot. Darter was able to secure her fourth consecutive match at the No. 1 spot.

“Alye has been playing in the No. 1 slot for the past four matches,” Bears head coach Mallory Weber said, “She is a freshman on top of that. She is really handling the added pressure well;

Alec McChesney Staff Reporter @Alec_McChesney MEGAN BURKE/THE STANDARD

Fati Khamissi stares down here opponent during match vs UCA. I am really looking forward to see how she continues throughout this year.”

Bears sophomore Fati Khamissi was able to pick up the second singles match victory for the Bears. Khamissi’s victory gave the Bears an early 2-1 match lead. But the Bluejays were able to bounce back to win the bottom four spots.

“We came out really strong at the top of the line up today,” Weber said.

“I think it is really difficult to win up high, but our one and two came out and really took care of business today.”

Game 2: Central Arkansas On Sunday morning, the Bears narrowly missed giving the unbeaten University of Central Arkansas their first loss, falling 3-4.

Weber said that she saw some serious improvements from their last match

LADY BEARS layup and broke MSU’s cold streak.

Loyola got into foul trouble early on, letting MSU score much-needed free throws. At the end of the half, the Lady Bears were down 21-20.

Willard sunk a jumper off an inbounds play to take the lead for the first time since early in the first quarter. Buckley, Willard and Fruendt all scored in a 14-0 run that put MSU up by 10.

Buckley snagged an offensive board and put it back up to score. At the end of the quarter, Buckley hit a 3-pointer to push MSU’s lead to seven points.

“I think the second quarter our players understood what needed to happen better,” Harper said. “I thought

THE-STANDARD.ORG 7

on Friday.

“One thing that we wanted to improve on from Friday was our doubles play,” Weber said. “We did just that; we came out and won that doubles point, which really gave us momentum going into the singles matches.”

Khamissi and senior Ekaterina Donetskova posted a strong showing in the No. 1 spot of doubles, winning 6-3.

The Bears were able to string together a pair of single match victories.

Bears’ freshman Alye Darter continued her domination in the No. 1 spot, by picking up her fifth consecutive win in the No. 1 spot and her sixth consecutive win overall.

“I just really wanted to make sure that I did my part and that I did the best that I could for my team,” Darter said.

Continued from page 6

the third quarter was the best quarter for us offensively. We moved the ball well; we took better shots. I think that was a direct reflection of the halftime.”

In the fourth quarter, Gitzen slipped through Loyola’s defense again, and Buckley followed up with two easy throws. Buckley later faked her defender out on the right side of the basket, twisted around and scored on the left side, leaving her defender in the dust.

The last eight points scored by the Lady Bears were free throws.

The Lady Bears head to Iowa on Thursday to take on Drake and Northern Illinois on Saturday. On March 9, they kick off the opening round of the MVC tournament.

TRACK Continued from page 6

highest-revenue sport on campus, but they also don’t believe they are being given the chance to earn revenue.

“We know that track and field isn’t a sport that is highly watched or even funded, so we understand that there are going to be differences between certain teams. But we aren’t even given the chance to generate any revenue,” Pattie-Belleli said.

“We are not asking for state-of-the-art locker rooms, new

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

Liza Fruendt drives the lane.

“I think one thing I can take away from here is family, and that’s not blood,” Hughes said. “Our fans, out teammates, our coaches, everybody in Springfield—that’s family, and we definitely feel that every single day— and we appreciate that.”

equipment, plane rides to competitions or fancy marketing videos; all we want is a place to compete and host like the rest of the teams at MSU.” Boyce has been running the track and field program at MSU for 21 years and understands where his athletes are coming from.

“We truly aren’t trying to start any wars or anything, but on the same token, these are feelings the girls are trying to express and I respect that,” Boyce said. “And I do respect the challenge that the administration is facing.”

“This is all about Missouri State and representing Missouri State and making it better; they just feel a little frustrated right now.”

Over the weekend, the Missouri State University Division III Ice Bears had the opportunity to win their first ever ACHA Regional playoff game, and they didn’t disappoint.

In order to survive and advance, MSU had to come out victorious in back-to-back games.

Although they fell behind in both contests, the Ice Bears are heading to the ACHA National Tournament.

In the first contest, MSU took on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and it took overtime for the Ice Bears to defeat the Pioneers.

With 10 minutes left in the third period, Wisconsin-Platteville led MSU 2-1. The Ice Bears evened the score at two when senior forward Drew Sturm found Shane Thornton for the equalizer.

As the third period came to an end, the Ice Bears dominated possession but couldn’t find the back of the net. Then just a few minutes into overtime, Thornton found an opening for Sturm, and he buried the game-winning goal.

“We were all over them in the third period and in the overtime, so it was just a matter of time till we got one,” sophomore forward Connor Breneman said. “Once it went in, it was cool carving our mark in history, but we knew we needed to take care of business in the second game.”

The win over Wisconsin-Platteville was the first regional tournament victory in the history of the Division 3 program. After their first win, the Ice Bears faced off against Bradley University.

It was a winner-take-all game.

Lose and your season ends. Win, and your season continues at the ACHA National Tournament in Columbus, Ohio.

In the second period, Bradley held a 2-0 lead over the Ice Bears.

Then, the Braves committed a penalty, and MSU capitalized to narrow Bradley’s lead. On the power play, senior forward Shawn Leslie connected with senior forward Tyler Reineri on a give-andgo to get the Ice Bears on the board.

Bradley scored late in the second period to take a 3-1 lead, but Leslie found the back of the net

NAMI Southwest Missouri and Christ Church Episcopal are accepting sleeping bags, blankets, etc., to hand out to homeless veterans during the 2016 Veterans event.

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for a second time to narrow the score yet again. At the end of 40 minutes, the Ice Bears trailed the Braves 3-2.

With 3:40 remaining on the clock in the ACHA Regional Championship, the Ice Bears still trailed the Bradley Braves 3-2.

In a matter of 20 seconds, the Ice Bears turned their fortunes around. The comeback started when senior captain Troy Korte emerged from the corner with the puck, skated around the net, deked the goalie and equalized the score at three.

“I was instantly overcome with excitement because it was such a wonderful experience to help my team in a win-or-go home moment,” Korte said.

On the very next shift, Reineri carried the puck deep into the offensive zone, maneuvered past the goaltender and buried the game-winning goal.

“It was amazing to see Reineri score that goal. I kind of joked with him during the second intermission saying ‘You feeling okay?

You haven’t scored yet this game,’” senior defenseman Tyler Overman said. “When I saw the goalie come out of the net to attack Reineri, I knew he had it. His patience with the puck is the reason he’s one of the top scorers on our team.”

After the Ice Bears’ goal, the Braves picked up a two-minute minor penalty. With the man-advantage, MSU successfully held onto their 3-2 lead and secured their place in the ACHA Division 3 National Tournament.

“It’s a huge stepping stone for the program because both parts of the Missouri State University Ice Bears’ club have made it to a National Tournament,” Korte said.

At the ACHA National Tournament, MSU will play against Oakland University, Bryn Anthyn College and the University of Georgia in round-robin pool play.

The top team from each four pools will advance to the quarterfinals.

All of the games will be played in Columbus, Ohio, at the Columbus Blue Jackets practice facility.

“We must carry our good attitude from Regionals into the National Tournament,” Breneman said. “In the next two weeks, we need to stay healthy, practice hard and stay focused on our game.”

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GREITENS

Continued from page 1 Greitens included in the speech his excitement about millennials increasing their own education and involvement in politics, highlighting their importance for a stable future government.

“When we make the case to these young people about conservatives and the Republican Party, they can see the potential for change that this party can offer,” Greitens said. “That’s why my campaign had organizations present on almost every college campus in Missouri.

These youths are the future of Missouri and the

THE STANDARD

future of the Missouri Republican Party.”

A panel discussion with the four female members of Greitens’ cabinet was held on Saturday as well. Those present were Sarah Steelman, commissioner of the Office of Administration; Chris Chinn, director of the Department of Agriculture; Anne Precythe, director of the Department of Corrections; and Carol Comer, director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Each cabinet member was asked to provide goals for their services and was interviewed by Todd Graves, chairman for the Missouri Republican Party. Prevailing topics were potential improvements to local government branches

and the women’s hope for more balanced representatives for Missouri’s voters.

“It has been my findings that women (representatives) really want to solve problems,” Steelman said. “Women that participate in the political process serve as role models. We must model behavior that is acceptable in society in order to see it reflected.”

Jackson Days, the sister event hosted by Greene County Democrats, will be held at the Oasis Convention Center in April. Tess Harper, MSU grad and Oscar-nominated actress, will appear as the keynote speaker along with the chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party, Stephen Webber.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017

MO State alumnus inspires students during reading series Noah Standish Staff Reporter @NoahjStandish Author, professor and MSU alum Duane Gilson returned to campus Feb. 24 as a featured author for the English department’s reading series. Gilson read some of his poetry and nonfiction works to a large crowd in the Plaster Student Union Theater.

The reading series, sponsored by the creative writing program and the College of Arts and Letters, consists of readings by public authors that are free and open to the public.

Before his reading, Gilson spoke to aspiring writers, sharing some of his experiences as an author and professor while citing Frank O’Hara and Maggie Nelson as some of his literary influences.

“Don’t limit yourself,” he said. “I thought I’d always be a poet, and I love poetry, but I feel at home

writing creative nonfiction.

It’s so important to not let anybody tell you that you can’t do something or that you can’t try something.”

Gilson graduated from MSU with a master’s in English in 2010 before going on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in poetry and nonfiction and a Ph.D. in cultural studies.

Gilson currently serves as an assistant professor of English at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Gilson is also the author of several poetry and essay collections, including “Brit Lit” and “I Will Say This Exactly One Time.” His poetry collection “Catch & Release” earned him a Robin Becker Prize.

Gilson spoke highly of his time at MSU, citing Marcus Cafagna and Matthew Calihman as few of his favorite professors.

“There was never a professor in the English department that I didn’t like,”

DEVELOPER Continued from page 1 versity and Bryan Properties. Upon the completion of the lease, the university would then gain ownership of the residence hall.

The planning for the residence hall is currently in the design phase according to Lisa Hamark, a marketing director with Bryan Properties. Currently, the building is expected to house 400 students.

“Four hundred beds is BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD meaningful,” Smart said.

GUTTING

Continued from page 1

The victim was Marc Cooper, 66, an emeritus MSU professor. Cooper taught history classes at MSU for almost 35 years. His wife, Nancy Cooper, 67, received non-life-threatening stab wounds, according to the Springfield Police Department.

BUDGET

“We would be in good shape for a while and have room to grow.”

Finding enough space for all of the student applicants in the current residence halls has been a struggle. Smart attributes this problem to growing freshman class sizes.

“It has been our growing freshman class which has grown from about 2,500 to about 3,200 over the last six years,” Smart

FEMINISM

According to a probable cause Continued from page 4 statement, police found Gutting walking in the street near the Coopers’ to transform it into a blessing. home on Aug. 17. On the same night, Fans of Rupi Kaur’s “Milk and Cooper was found with multiple stab Honey” will be ecstatic –– Gay is equally as capable of implementing wounds in the living room. a twist of words and use of memories to rip out the reader’s heart and stomach—effortlessly describing their

Continued from page 1 ber, also said one commonality among Missouri schools is the need for a “sharper focus” on spending and university-sponsored programs.

He said it is crucial for universities across the state to acknowledge the fact that federal funding will continue to decrease, as it has for the past few years.

“This is not just a Missouri State problem, this is an issue with all higher public education in Missouri,” Carmichael said. “It’s clearly got the board focusing on long term— it can’t all be tuition.”

Carmichael said the downward trend in state funding is forcing universities to look for a lasting financial solution.

STRACKE Continued from page 5 photography.

“There are mysterious stories behind the kids,” said Stracke on what she describes as “roller rink culture.”

On her first shoot Friday, she aimed to see the different cliques and relationships between the skaters. Skateland, between the ends of

he said. “As a teacher, there are lots of professors that I continue to think about all the time.”

Students who attended valued the opportunity to witness the success of an MSU graduate.

“It’s great to see someone else who went through what I’m going through and to find success,” Abby Monsees, senior professional writing major, said.

Jennifer Murvin, senior instructor in the English department, praised Gilson’s use of popular culture references in his writing.

Murvin teaches from Gilson’s “I Will Say This Exactly One Time” in her ENG 305: Nonfiction II: Memoir class.

“There’s a conversation that goes on in his essays, and it’s beautiful,” Murvin said. “It’s inspiring for students to see the achievements from someone who sat where they’re sitting. It goes to show that anyone can write from anywhere

— and about anywhere.”

Event Coordinator and Assistant Professor of English Michael Czyzniejewski was excited to have the alum featured for the reading series.

“He was an undergrad here, and now he’s a professor and a published author –– we need to celebrate that. He’s representing us,” Czyzniejewski said.

Gilson expressed gratitude to be considered for the reading series. “(It) allows students to be exposed to a diversity of voices,” Gilson said. “It really opens up the world of creative writing beyond the scope of the university, and it’s such a big honor to be a part of that — to inspire students the way writers inspired me.”

The next featured author, University of Missouri-St. Louis professor and Moon City Press author Mary Troy, will visit MSU on March 24.

said. “We are now at capacity in the residence halls and there is little room for sophomores and juniors to live there.”

The location of the new residence hall has not been specifically revealed, but Hamark confirmed that the plans are being made for the residence hall’s location to be along South Holland Avenue.

According to the Greene County Assessor’s website, Bryan Properties and its entities own a portion of land just north of the O’Reilly Catholic Campus Ministry that

would be fitting for a residence hall. Multiple apartment buildings currently sit on the area that is suspected to be the area for the new residence hall. It has not been said what would be done with the apartment buildings if the residence hall is scheduled to be built in this spot.

Smart said MSU would know if the residence hall would be built or not by the end of May. Magers said in the statement that he expects the hall would open by Fall 2019 if MSU and Bryan Properties agree that the project is feasible.

raffish contents that have been present in her audience all along without so much as needing to shake the reader’s hand.

Gay’s tales of heartbreak and feminist magic will make readers eager to share the collection with every woman in their lives –– mothers, sisters, best friends and girlfriends alike. The unique stories will connect audiences to the women around them with compassion and

curiosity. Gay composes her work intoxicatingly, tempting the reader to drink in each story, cherishing and cursing every word as if it were written about a loved one.

Springfield’s expanse and Nixa’s woods, was packed with kids, parents, date-goers, dancing skaters and more.

“I want to get tighter shots, more close up, to get to know the regulars,” Stracke said.

As the photographer builds her reputation and style, insights into the nostalgic, neon universe will make their way to her portfolio.

In the coming week, Stracke will attend a conference for the National Art Education Association in New

York City. She and her colleagues will attend panels on education, publication and the creative process. On return, Stracke will soon go in front of her review board.

“They’re the most critical of my work,” Stracke said, “which is needed.”

“I, of course, can’t say anything, but Sarah’s a great student,” Walstrand said, holding a thumb up.

Sarah Stracke’s work can be found at www.sarahstracke.com.

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