The
Technician bulldogs.kettering.edu/technician
September 10, 2014
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Volume 113
Issue 3
Sobey Lecture By Matthew White Copy Editor The Holocaust. Perhaps the most famous incident of ethnic cleansing ever undertaken, it claimed the lives of nearly six million Jews—a figure that does not include the other five million “undesirables” killed as part of the same plan of ethnic purity. Dr. R. M. Douglas, Professor of History at Colgate University, gave a lecture on August 22 entitled “Ethics and Ethnic Cleansing: A Contemporary Lesson from the ‘Good War’.” During his lecture, he argued that Nazi Germany was not alone in their use of ethnic cleansing to achieve a “better” Europe. The Allies, who had fought long and hard to defeat Germany, took a page out of her book and used many of the same principles to corral the German population now spread across the continent.
What’s Inside
German-speaking people were in countries like Czechoslovakia, who did not want them after the war. Re-drawing the borders of countries also became difficult with such disparate populations. In part retribution for World War II, and part to gain favor with the people of Europe, the Allies decided to move the Germans. Dr. Douglas also spoke about Poland, which had been moved on the map after Soviet and German occupation during the war. After the war, the Soviet part of Poland remained with them. To make up for lost space, Germany seceded equivalent territory to reconstitute “new Poland.” Large groups of native Germans now found themselves in Poland, which wanted nothing to do with them. Quick feasibility studies showed that moving so many people humanely would be impossible. Continued on page 2
fola Book Sale and Silent Auction
CANUSA Games
3
Ford Day
Donations and the lunch talk
The book by Dr. Douglas about the topic on which he spoke, courtesy of Colgate University
Robot Society
Opinions
6
Students write about the Art Center
Midterm Madness
Meet the new members
7
10
Professor Causley
By Matthew White Editor-in-chief
By Adam Lecznar Staff Writer
By Chaz Mancino Staff Writer
Kettering University continued to show its support for the Flint community and young adults in August by hosting two events in the annual canusa Games. On August 8th and 9th, middle school and high school students from the Flint area competed against students from Hamilton, Canada, Flint’s sister city, in heated games of Soccer and Flag Football using Kettering University’s facility as playing fields. "Kettering has a nice sport complex and athletic facility,” explained Mike Schaal, Kettering’s Director of Recreational Services, who was approached by the planning committee for the canusa Games about donating the use of Kettering’s facilities for two of the games’ many events. “They were attractive to the committee because then those events could be held in one general area, rather than being spread out across Flint. It also displays a confidence they have in the condition of our facilities, and a trust that Kettering will provide leadership and support to the organization.” The games, which began in 1958, and are the longest running international games in North America, are an annual Olympic-style event in which young students from the US and Canada compete for prizes. The games are held across the US and Canada, but the country which hosts them is switched every year, and Mr. Schaal is confident that the games will return to Kettering in 2016. “Everything happened so fast, but the games went off well,” commented Mr. Schaal. “It’s very possible the games will return to Kettering in two years.”
Midterms at Kettering University may have passed, but students are still recovering from the stress brought about by constant studying and late nights. Even though they were given time to relax during Labor Day Weekend, those feelings will only return as final exams draw ever closer. For freshmen, midterms may seem different from tests they’d taken in high school, but some were able to experience midterms before they began at Kettering, like Freshman I student Susan Olson. “High school midterms aren’t much different from the ones in college,” Olson claimed. “I studied for them the same way.” Olson’s attitude about midterms is shared by some older students, such as Junior II ra Tyler McCardell, who seemed pleased with his scores. “I think all of my tests went fairly well,” commented McCardell, “and I haven’t had anyone in my unit come to me with concerns about midterm scores, so I suppose they did alright.” Freshman II student Brandon Yarch also mentioned some of the ways he prepared for his midterm tests alongside other students. "I just study normally and rest the day before. I don’t stress out and try to cram the material right before the test. I also think doing homework is very important to understand the material, even if it’s not required.” Now that all Kettering students have completed their midterms, they have a better understanding of what they need to do to prepare for final exams and how those scores will affect their grades. Having already cleared one hurdle, the next shouldn’t seem as daunting, and hopefully many students will have a positive outlook as they begin to prepare for their final exams and the end of this term at Kettering.
Professor Matthew Causley is the newest mathematics professor here at Kettering University. He first heard about Kettering University through a friend who had a job at General Motors. Both wanted to go to college together, so Kettering University was the obvious choice. Professor Causley graduated with the class of 2006 with his Bachelor’s degree.
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While at Kettering University as an undergrad, Professor Causley co-oped at Towers Perrin, which is now Towers Watson. As a co-op, he assessed risk and saw trends to fund insurance claims. This is an actuarial science with a medical focus. Professor Causley received his PhD at New Jersey Institute of Technology (njit). There, he studied the mathematics behind electromagnetics that includes the way that complex dielectrics behave and the material memory that they have. Continued on page 2
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The Technician
News
Sobey Lecture Continued from front page The Allies, said Douglas, showed no concern for this. They instead rounded the people up, put them in boxcars, and moved them back into the same concentration camps the Allies had liberated just weeks ago. Douglas compares the scale to that of the Holocaust: 8 million Germans were moved. Approximately 500,000 died in the process. Douglas also called the move “one of the most prodigious incidents of rape in the history of the world.” Most students, however, have not heard of this great movement of people; which is categorically a form of ethnic cleansing. Dr. Douglas said that Germany will not admit to it for fear of creating controversy, nor the other European nations for fear that they will be held responsible. Instead, everyone remains silent. Dr. Douglas, Irish by birth, has a unique chance to study such a dark moment in history, Ireland being largely neutral in the war. In his closing remarks, Dr. Douglas reminded everyone that ethnic cleansing tends to look alike no matter the situation, and that such cleansings only build animosity—the only way to curb it is to kill everyone, which is not feasible. He is careful to insist that the Holocaust was far worse than anything the Allies did, but still emphasizes the shared qualities of the two.
CANUSA Games Continued from front page Mr. Schaal also saw some of his employees at the Recreation Center volunteer to oversee the games as they occurred at Kettering. “Our vitality is tied to Flint,” summarized Schaal. “The games broadened our prospects for future students and showed our commitment to supporting our community.” There was no cost of admission to the events, and Kettering received no monetary benefit. Mr. Schaal received a letter from the planning committee for the games thanking him and all of Kettering for their support.
FOLA Book Sale & Silent Auction
Professor Causley
The next fola Book Sale & Silent Auction is coming up on Thursday, September 18th and Friday, September 19th in the Great Court of the Campus Center. There will be hard covers and media for $1, paperbacks for just 50 cents. You just might find your next favorite book! Hours for the Book Sale will be 7:30-5:30 on Thursday, and 7:30-3:00 on Friday. Bid on auction items from sponsors like The White Horse, Healing Hands Chiropractic & Massage, Ahee Jewelers, Sagano Japanese Bistro, The Whiting, Crust Bakery, Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, Insight Health Spa & Aesthetic Center, The Lunch Studio, Holiday Inn Gateway Centre, Italia Gardens-Miller Road, Maloof Jewelers, Pride & More Styling Salon, and lots more. Bidding for the Silent Auction ends promptly at 1:30 on Friday of the sale. Proceeds from this sale and silent auction will benefit "Friends of the Library and Archives" to help fola bring events like holiday receptions and "Gaming Night" to the Library. For questions or more information, call Linda Pierce at (810) 762-9840 or email her at LPierce1@kettering.edu.
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Technician
Announcing a fully on-line course for students on work term LIT 372: MASTERPIECES OF LITERATURE Free elective for all majors Fulfills upper division humanities requirement Fulfills requirement for literature minor Prerequisites: COMM 101, HUMN 201, SSCI 201 Consider the benefits of taking your humanities elective while on your work term. You’ll have more time to read and write the required papers, finish your required courses earlier, and arrange a lighter final term.
For more information, contact Dr. Miller-Purrenhage (Liberal Studies)
Chloe Hauxwell
Editor-in-chief
Kaitlin Solovey
Assistant Editor
Ari Budiono
L ayout Editor
Erin Boyse
Online Editor
Matthew White Copy Editor
Bryan Boyse
Distribution Editor
He did not receive his Master’s degree; instead, he started his PhD one week upon finishing his last coop term. He then went to receive a post-doctorate from Michigan State to become a professor. There, he did research on the mathematics behind plasmas. Professor Causley kept in close contact with the mathematics department at Kettering University and was told about a job opening in that department. He applied and managed to get the job. He currently teaches just math-408: Probability and Statistics, although he hopes to expand out into other math classes include the different types of calculus, numerical methods and matrices, and matrix algebra, just to name a few. He also shows interest in starting his own math classes. His interest in mathematics started when he was in grade school because of the different patterns that math has. He was intrigued and good at it, which led him to pursue being a professor in mathematics. Professor Causley is 31 years old and is originally from Bay City, Michigan. His interests include martial arts, videogames, and solving Rubik’s cubes. While a student at Kettering University, he was in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and a tutor .
FALL 2014 REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Normal tuition rates apply
The
September 10, 2014
Staff writers Devin Aryan Colleen Chavis Charles Mancino Adam Lecznar Photographer Joseph Stevenson
Faculty Advisor Christine Levecq Special Thanks To Betsy Homsher
Submissions Policy The Technician encourages any interested students to attend staff meetings. Meetings for Summer 2014 are each Tuesday and Friday over the lunch hour in The Technician office, located on the 3rd floor of the Campus Center above the Sunrise Café. Student submissions are encouraged and will be published if their material is in the public interest. Submissions or letters to the editor from faculty and administrative entities will be published if space is available. The Technician reserves the right to edit any and all submissions for brevity and clarity. Anonymous submissions are rarely published and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Individuals wishing to publish anonymously should consult the Editor-in-chief. The deadline for the upcoming issue of The Technician is 10th Tuesday at 6pm. Expected distribution is 11th Wednesday. Send submissions to atechnician@kettering.edu.
September 10, 2014
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The Technician
Automotive
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 By Chaz Mancino Staff Writer Shocks containing magnetorheological fluid. A 6.2-liter V8 with an Eaton TVS supercharger creating 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. Optional carbon ceramic brakes. Objects that were once present on the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 are now on a newer Corvette: the 2015 Corvette Z06. The new Z06 sheds the LS7 V8 engine that the old Z06 had, but it is replaced with a supercharged LT4 V8 engine. The Eaton supercharger present inside the engine bay runs about 9.5 pounds per square inch (psi) of boost and sits onto of the LT4’s aluminum block. In order for the LT4 to handle the power, it utilizes custom-machined steel connecting rods, forged pistons, and titanium intake valves. The cylinder heads are made from A356T6 aluminum to increase strength and heat resistance. A direct injection system that is shared with the LT1 V8 engine in the Corvette Stingray helps the engine to run a 10.0:1 compression ratio. In addition to the direct injection system, the LT4 shares the LT1’s variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation systems. For the first time in history, the Corvette Z06 will offer an automatic transmission. Instead of choosing a seven-speed manual transmission, customers
can now select a Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. A torque tube made out of carbon fiber will connect to whichever transmission is chosen. Compared to the old Z06’s aluminum torque tube, the new carbon fiber one is three times stiffer. In addition to being the first Z06 to offer an automatic transmission, the new Z06 will be the first
Stopping power for the new Z06 includes 14.6-inch two-piece brake rotors with six piston fixed calipers and 14.4-inch two-piece rotors out back with fourpiston calipers. An optional Z07 package brings 15.5-inch front rotors and 15.3-inch rear rotors, all made from carbon ceramics, to the party. The Z07 package utilizes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Other goodies on the new Z06include launch control and Magnetic Selective Ride Control shocks, both standard on all new Z06s. The new Z06 will also be offered with three aero packages. The highest level of the aero package adds a thick carbon fiber splitter with tall end plates, carbon fiber rocker extensions, and a tall rear spoiler that includes a clear center panel whose height is adjustable. The Z06 will be visually different than its Stingray brother because it will have a bigger hood vent, different grille set, rear brake cooling vents in front of the rear wheel one with a removable roof panel. The new Z06 also wells, and black moldings over said cooling vents. weighs more than the old Z06, which tipped the The new Z06 starts at $78,995, an increase of scales at 3259 pounds, but the structure of the new $2,420 compared to the last Z06. one with its top panel off is about 20 percent stiffer than the old one. The new Z06 coupe tips the scales Photo courtesy of Car and Driver at 3524 pounds. The new Z06 will wear Pilot Super Sport 285/30ZR-19s up front and 335/25ZR-20s in back.
Kettering’s Annual Ultimate Frisbee Tournament – ThunderStorm By Jeff Mahieu Guest Contributor Since 2010, Kettering University’s Ultimate Frisbee Team, Kettnetic Thunder, has hosted their Ultimate Frisbee tournament series – ThunderStorm. Attracting seven teams in the state including CMU – Notorious B.I.D. and MSU – Riot Control (B), the tournament was a huge success, even in its first year. With a large attendance in players and spectators, the whole day is packed full of a fun and Ultimate experience. This year, October 18th will feature the fifth consecutive year hosting a fantastic tournament. This one day event will feature up to 10 teams competing in pool play and bracket. For accomplishing first place, the winning team receives a special trophy disk (and bragging rights). During the tournament, there is also a raffle drawing of various prizes and tickets may be purchased throughout the day.
Some of the prizes in previous years include Kettering Ultimate Frisbee disks normally available for $10. With many teams expected in attendance, that Saturday will surely not be forgotten. Thinking about attending? The tournament is free to spectate, and all may join to watch some intense games of Ultimate Frisbee. Friends, family, and general fans of the sport can witness firsthand the excitement. Stay for a full day of fast paced, disk throwing, lightning speed running or simply join us to watch high level gameplay in Finals. The action begins around 8:00am when the Harris Fields Park opens, and runs until Finals which is typically around 4pm-6pm. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs or enjoy the comfy seating of our grass fields. Last year, I had the privilege of being one of the 22 members on the only sports team at Kettering. Leading up to ThunderStorm 2013, the hard work this team put in was astounding! In addition
to two hour practices twice a week, players on the team hit the gym for some intense workouts in their spare time. By the time ThunderStorm ‘13 rolled around, we were required to memorize multiple drills and many different plays in order to be an efficient team. Ultimate Frisbee is also a self-officiated sport demanding knowledge of technical fouls— when/how to call them and how the foul is resolved. Despite having many rookie players join the team, including myself, Kettering managed to compete well against the higher ranked teams and there was great sportsmanship the whole day. This year, Kettering’s team is back and ready in full force. With more intense workouts and practice sessions, I have no doubt that Kettnetic Thunder will be performing even better this year. We have enhanced our drills, designed more efficient practice sessions, and pulled in a few more newcomers to the team.
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The Technician
September 10, 2014
Ford Day Ford Donates Truck to SAE By Chaz Mancino Staff Writer Along with supporting Kettering University, Ford Motor Company gave a big gift to the SAE teams. A maroon 2014 Ford F-250 will now transport the various SAE teams to and from competitions. The truck has already transported the Clean Snowmobile Challenge, Baja, and Formula teams to their competitions for the 2014 season. Its first haul was transporting the Clean Snowmobile Challenge team last March to Houghton, Michigan, where the team took first place overall. Formula SAE Team Leader Thomas Vendittelli is very grateful for the donated truck; “By Donating the F-250 truck, Ford Motor Company has enabled the Kettering [SAE teams]. We are grateful for the ability to further our educational experience. I would like to give a big thanks to the people at Ford and Raj Nair for helping us out in our time of need.”
Above: A member of sae displays the Ford logo on his shirt in front of the newly donated Ford truck Below, left: Raj Nair gives a presentation in the new first Robotics center as part of the Ford Day celebration Below, right: Raj Nair presents a check from Ford for $50,000 to the first Robotics Community Center Photos courtesy of Mr. Bryan Boyse
Lunch Presentation By Erin Boyse Online Editor Part of Ford Day was a presentation during lunch. The food served was “Michigan-themed” which included Koegel coney dogs, Better Made Chips, Faygo Pop, and Vernors. The presentation was given by Raj Nair, gmi alum (’87) and group vice president for Global Product Development. He started with the history of Ford and how the automobile symbolizes freedom and independence and allowed the creation of the suburban environment. He continued with the size of the company, stating that Ford builds a vehicle every
6 seconds. It is a global company with operations on 6 continents and 50% of resources globally. All of the vehicles produced are the same around the world, unlike other manufacturers who make different models for different countries. Nair also talked about the 4 pillars of Ford, which are quality, green, safe, and smart. They are moving towards having sync connectivity in all of their vehicles, and are focusing on increasing environmental friendliness by reducing co2 emissions. They also offer a safe driving program called Driving Skills for Life that is a free web-based and hands-on program for new drivers.
Ford also encourages their employees to volunteer by giving them time off for the Global Week of Caring. More than 12,000 employees and retirees from 6 continents worked on various community projects. Nair also asked interested students to apply online. After the talk, sae members went on stage to present Raj Nair with an award thanking Ford for the donation they received. The presentation ended with a question and answer session which included a comment from Professor Bell. He mentioned how proud Kettering is of Raj’s accomplishments and thanked him for the donation.
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The Technician
Gaming & Technology Android Wear
By Ari Budiono Layout Editor At the beginning of the year at CES, there was a large emphasis on wearable technologies. However, many of these products were either only prototypes or from small ventures that did not offer the ecosystem that Google and Apple had the potential to offer. We have been promised a revolution in wearable computing, and early entrants, such as the Pebble and Samsung Gear, have attempted in fulfilling this promise. However, this previous devices were either limited in features or ecosystem. Welcome to Android Wear. Android Wear is Google’s answer to unifying wearable technologies, starting with an Android Wear smart watch. Similar to how Google creates Android and allows companies to use the software one their own devices, Android Wear is essentially an operating system optimized for the wristwatch form factor. It does not allow the watch to be able to stand alone, however, but through a Bluetooth connection to an Android device, many features, such as mirroring notifications from the phone, are enabled.
The first examples of Android Wear being sold to the public would be the LG G watch and the Samsung Gear Live. Much of the watch is powered using Google Now, a feature in Android that brings useful and relevant information to the first screen for the user to glance at while using the device. Android Wear is more than just a mirror of Google Now cards and notifications. Smart watches running Android Wear are also able to search by speech, notify on the watch on selected application updates, and run applications that have an Android Wear counterpart. However, unlike Android phones and tablets, Google has chosen to control the entire software experience on all Android devices to ensure consistency. This unity is not currently anywhere else (unless Apple releases their own smart watch). An Android device is needed to be able to load the applications on the watch itself, and to do this, Google has an application that the user can download to enable it. Other than pairing the watch to the phone the same way any other Bluetooth device would be paired up, getting an Android wear powered smartwatch is simple is following the onscreen prompts and keeping the device charged.
When the watch is not actively being used, users can choose to have a “watch face” that is on the screen to imitate a traditional wristwatch. Google seems to have intently made the operating system the most efficient when the user uses the voice commands on the watch, as some applications or settings can be tedious if the user does not choose to use the voice commands. This may highlight that Google imagines the users to become used to talking to the device to do tasks. This is an exciting time to be in the field of wearable technologies for Samsung and LG have just released to the press new watches of their own and Motorola is getting ready for the public release of the Moto 360. At IFA, and consumer electronics show for the public in Germany, many companies unveiled their version of a smartwatch. Sony has their Smartwatch 3, Asus has their ZenWatch, Motorola with their Moto 360, LG with their LG G Watch R, and Samsung's Gear S. Each of these devices highlight the vision that each company has of the future of smartwatches. Although they are each different in some form, they will all (except Samsung) have one thing in common: Android Wear. With all of these devices that are either choosing to be part of the Android Wear bandwagon or not, the future is bright in the land of wearable technologies.
Many of the watches described above. Courtesy of GSM Arena
The New Nintendo 3DS By Devin Aryan Staff Writer Releasing new hardware mid-console life is nothing unheard of in Nintendo’s repertoire, and keeping pace with all of their past handhelds Nintendo just announced the new Nintendo 3DS. This new console packs a few surprises though, including a better CPU, an additional joystick, an NFC reader, and improved 3D functionality. The new feature that is exciting gamers most is the additional control stick on the right side of the console. Being called the C-Stick, similar to the GameCube controller’s yellow joystick, it will allow gamers to more easily control the camera functions in some games, as well as remove some touchpad functionality if desired. Nintendo has stated, though, that the C-Stick on the New Nintendo 3DS acts more like a button, and not an actual control stick or control nub. It was also stated, however, that the new C-Stick is very easy to use. The 3D functionality was also improved. On the original 3DS models, the range in which the 3D was viewable was very limited. This has been remedied by new functionality, in which the viewing angle is much wider. This is done through use of the con-
sole’s front facing camera and gyroscope. By tracking the player’s face, as well as sensing what angle the player is viewing the screen from, the console is able to adjust the angle in which the 3D can be viewed. The NFC reader was added to the lower screen. This will allow the New Nintendo 3DS to read and write to the Amiibo figurines that are going to be released sometime this winter. So far the Amiibo have been announced to have functionality with the upcoming Super Smash Bros. games, as well as Mario Kart 8. The console also got an exterior redesign. The major changes are that the game card slot is now at the front of the lower half of the console, rather than the back. The stylus slot has also been moved to the front, as well as the button for power. The console has gained the C-Stick, as well as two additional shoulder buttons, the ZL and ZR buttons. The Start and Select buttons were also moved to below the A/B/Y/X buttons, next to the lower screen. The new Nintendo 3DS will feature micro SD card support. Nintendo handhelds have supported SD cards since the DSi, but never before did they support micro SD cards. The console does not, however, support regular SD cards
The console will also feature an enhanced CPU. This will allow content and games to be downloaded faster, but more importantly means that better looking games can be developed for the console. This in turn means that there will be games that are exclusive to the New Nintendo 3DS. One such game has already been announced, Xenoblade Chronicles. Originally for the Wii, this JRPG will be ported to the New Nintendo 3DS, meaning the console’s enhanced CPU allows the console to handle Wii games. This may mean that other Wii games will be ported as well. The final new feature revealed so far is the console’s ability to self-adjust the screen brightness. Utilizing the front facing camera to sense the level of light in the area of play, the screen brightness will adjust to an appropriate level. This is intended to help save battery life for the gamers who currently have a high brightness setting on their consoles. The New Nintendo 3DS has been announced to come in both the standard and XL size (called LL in Japan). The console has been confirmed for release in Japan on October 11, but a western release has not been confirmed. It has been stated that if the console comes to the west, it will not be in 2014.
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The Technician
September 10, 2014
In Pictures
As the end of Summer term approaches, students stay busy around campus: (from top) • The line of cars waiting for their heat at the Firebirds Autocross events • Ford representatives, including co-ops, pose with one of the vehicles in the pool on Ford Day • Outdoors club members enjoy whitewater rafting in West Virginia during Labor Day break
Top photo courtesy of Mr. Ari Budiono, middle photo courtesy of Kettering Communications, bottom photo courtesy of Mr. Bryan Boyse
September 10, 2014
Top, clockwise: • Kettering students volunteered handing out water to Crim racers on University Avenue • Old Fords lined up in front of the Capital Theatre during Back to the Bricks • Ryan Neph plays guitar in front of the pool on a sunny day while other students hang out • Josh Tol and Muhammad Ghias look at one of the vehicles in the pool during Ford Day
Photos are courtesy of Kettering Communications, except #2 and #4 (Mr. Bryan Boyse)
The Technician
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September 10, 2014
The Technician
The Robot Society
The Robot Society has selected five students and two faculty and staff members at Kettering for membership. The Robot Society was founded in 1927 as the “Mad Hatters” with the intent to recognize and honor students that have proven direction and leadership in extracurriculars. While the name of the organization has changed, the organization continues to honor leadership on campus with the election of the seven new members for the society: Ben VanZoest, Christopher Lafayette, Jack Stock, John Oliver, Patrick Atkinson, Rhonda Clarke and Ryan Neph. The Robot Society is limited to selecting one percent of the current student body each year. The new Robots must strive to live up to the Robot Ideals of leadership which is creative, service that transcends self and citizenship the demonstrates responsibility. Students will be able to see the new members on Wednesday, September 10th, when they are holding the doors of the Academic Building open for everyone while wearing bowler hats, red bow ties, white gloves and holding canes.
Ben VanZoest
Ben VanZoest is a Senior Electrical Engineer from Novi, Michigan. He has been a leader on campus for quite some time. He is very involved with his fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha serving as President, Treasurer, Scholarship Chair and Student Advisory Committee Representative. Beyond his fraternity, Ben mentors in the community by helping with Kagle Leadership Initiatives as a Mentor and FYE 101 as a Peer Mentor. He is also very involved with Student Alumni Council serving as Vice President of Membership and Vice President of Alumni Relations. In his limited free time, Ben likes to volunteer at Paws Animal Rescue, The CRIM Race, McLaren Foundation, Hurley Foundation, 48 Hours of Volleyball and as a CCFA Cabin Counselor. He is continuing to make an impact at Kettering through his involvement with the various students he mentors.
Christopher LaFayette
Christopher LaFayette is an Industrial Engineering student from Northville, Michigan. From an early age, he was involved in leadership positions in many different organizations. At Kettering this trend continued, and he has served on Kettering Student Government Finance Council for the past two years. He has held many officer positions in his fraternity, Sigma Chi, most notably as Pledge Educator. He is the founder of the Plastics Engineering Club as well as its current President. He also cofounded the Management Consulting Club. Chris has also been a frequent volunteer for his favorite charitable organization, Junior Achievement, which is dedicated to providing financial literacy education to grade school students. He also helped organize a fundraiser for Smile Train, raising enough for two cleft lip corrective surgeries. Chris looks forward to starting his career and continuing to pursue his passion for leadership and volunteering.
Rhonda Clarke
Over the past years, Rhonda has graciously given her time to contribute to Kettering University and the Flint Community. Rhonda has held multiple leadership positions with organizations here on campus. Rhonda serves as a student representative on the President’s Resource Advisory Committee, President of Alpha Pi Mu, served on the executive board for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) as President, Academic Excellence Chair, Programs Chair and the Secretary and Vice President of the International Club. Rhonda is also a peer mentor for the Office of Women Student Affairs and participates on Kettering’s Flint College Town Lego Team. She is a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and Black Unity of Congress. Rhonda has a passion for mentoring students and served as an Academically Interested Minds (AIM) Camp Counselor for the past two years. Her achievements as a leader led to many memorable moments. She led her NSBE group to winning the first ever Kettering Cup and also Chapter of the Year for the second year in a row. Rhonda also had the chance of introducing a movement called “A Walk for Education” to Kettering’s campus. A Walk for Education is a movement created by the National Society of Black Engineers that promotes college and STEM education in underrepresented communities. While serving for the University, Rhonda has been mentioned on the Dean’s List multiple time. Outside of campus activities, Rhonda volunteers at her home church, Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church, in annual Holiday Food Giveaways, serves on the youth ministry, is a certified youth mentor and volunteers for organizations such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint, and Crim Festival of Races. Rhonda co-ops for Brose North America located in Auburn Hills, MI. She is assisting the Industrial Engineers in the Automation Team with the development of additional assembly concepts for the Power and Manual Seat Track Assembly Lines. She plans to continue her education and pursue a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from an Ivy League University.
WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER OF ROBOT SOCIETY?
September 10, 2014
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The Technician
The Robot Society Ryan Neph
Dr. Patrick Atkinson
Jack Stock
Ryan Neph is a dedicated student and leader on campus. He is currently the president of the Kettering Student Government, and President of the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society. In his time at Kettering he has also most notably served as Vice President of the Interfraternity Council, Co-Director of the Compass Crew orientation planning team, and President of his Sigma Chi Fraternity chapter. Ryan is involved in community outreach and assistance through the university and his fraternity. This summer, he co-organized the Sigma Chi Derby Days fundraiser which was responsible for raising approximately $2700 for cancer research and treatment over the course of one week. Ryan is always willing to lend a helping hand to classmates and university faculty and staff. He was chosen as the Greek Officer of the Year in 2012 for his service in organizing Greek Week and the Greek Semiformal and Awards Dinner. He was awarded as co-op student of the year by his employer Siemens PLM in 2013 and was named the Sigma Chi Balfour Outstanding Senior at his chapter in 2014. Furthermore, he was inducted into the Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society for exemplary performance and dedication as a physics student at Kettering University. Ryan considers his greatest achievements at Kettering University to be the development of his character based on a solid foundation of values, and consideration by his peers and classmates as a role model and model student.
Jack Stock joined Kettering University in September, 2000. He is head of External Relations and responsible for development of non-alumni related groups and individuals, keeping Kettering at the forefront in supporting greater Flint, Genesee County, and the state. Jack has a B.A. from the University of Michigan-Flint and more than 20 years experience in fund development including individual giving at Kettering, executive director with Junior Achievement of Southeast Michigan, community relations at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, marketing with the Flint Institute of Music, and executive director of Kids In New Directions (KIND). Jack is involved in community activities including Rotary International, Flint Uptown Redevelopment, University Avenue Corridor Coalition, Keep Genesee County Beautiful, Priority Children, Friends of Atwood Stadium, the Carolyn Mawby Chorale, and Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. He serves as advisor to two fraternities, Theta Xi and Beta Theta Pi. He is married to Nancy, with who he has six children: Emily, Elizabeth, Ellyn, Mallory, Leah and Philip.
Dr. Patrick Atkinson is a professor of Mechanical Engineering with a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Mechanical Engineering, with expertise in bioengineering, crash safety, orthopaedics, and solid mechanics (how things deform when they are pushed or pulled). Atkinson enjoys "giving students a great engineering education and the additional courses/labs that allow them to specialize in engineering subspecialties." In addition to an extremely strong commitment to his family, Atkinson finds time to enjoy music, playing instrument, karaoke and working around the house.
What is the Robot Society? This honor society was organized in 1928 for the purpose of giving recognition to those students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, citizenship, and service to the Kettering community. Scholastic standing is an added criterion for election.
— from the Registrar's website
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September 10, 2014
The Technician
Student Submissions All's Faire Here
By Tiffany Turner Guest Contributor Truly, almost anything goes here. From elaborate costumes to stuffed killer bunnies, to wonderfully fake accents and potions and turkey legs, the Michigan Renaissance Festival has a little something for everyone. The name is a bit of an understatement here, in this magical place where apparently Renaissance refers to the time period stretching all the way from the crusades to…the American colonies? Where, I guess, some peasants wore tie-dye under their knickers and skirts? Okay, so maybe it’s not the most historically accurate of past-times, but to this reporter it certainly is one of the most entertaining
essential experiences of the summer. Stretching out over several acres of land, nestled in the woods of Holly, Michigan is a haven of fantastic nonsense. Modern cheekiness meets medieval inspiration at the Faire. It is hard to take yourself seriously where the pickle venders shouting in the town square are so witty about their merchandise. You can shake hands with a Crusader in full, home-made armor right before you waltz on over to Queen Elizabeth or a troll or a fairy (or, on occasion, the Joker from The Dark Knight). Hold on to your jeans if you dare, or else be ushered mercilessly into every costume shop in sight by vendors in full costume garb. “Naked” is a terminology for visitors without a corset or armor, but some folk are a bit kinder and just chastise you for walking around in public with “not but your knickers on!” And, in concurrence with the theme, almost any “Renaissance” or “Renie” attire is welcome and probably
sold right on site. Myself, I have about three good costumes (or, more accurately, costume-vender repellents) in my wardrobe. Getting in character is as fun as it is expensive. It is true that the food is not exactly medieval gruel and beer, seeing as more than likely neither peasant nor lord dined on the smoothies and fried chicken found here, but that inaccuracy just adds to the tongue-in-cheek atmosphere of the Faire. However, the preferred meal of turkey legs does bring a rather nice barbaric touch back to the scenery. Well, that is if you choose to eat them without cutlery or barbeque sauce. Note please that these legs are roughly nine inches tall and four inches in diameter, completely slow roasted and juicy and impossibly tempting. You can devour them with some manners and use a plastic fork, or just go completely carnivore and not worry about napkins until the very end. Other dishes available, such as pizza, may be a lot more elaborate, but they are certainly not as popular. After you’re finished with the signature Ren Faire meal, or even if you just bring the leg(s) with you, be sure to stop by the main fair ground, where every weekend there’s something new. One day you’ll find the falconer, another the (truly historically accurate but far more safe) jousting knights in armor, or even a circus performer with a giant swinging wheel juggling axes (see photo to the right). Once in my many years of faire-going I found a filming crew and actors at that very same spot, of course verbally jousting with each other with very bad and consequently hilarious puns. The film All’s Faire in Love and War, I would highly recommend. The film truly does capture some of the hilarity and, well, shall we say creative side of the Faire when it has been taken to the extreme (as it usually is in reality). Just off to the sides of the streets we see several shows, most of which are slightly inappropriate, but of course that, too, is a just another facet of the atmosphere. At the faire one can see anything from belly dancers to singers to pyro-maniacs to the perennial Washing-Well Wenches. I am going to choose to let you, with your imaginations, decide on just what kind of shows and jokes are told at the Ren Faire, but please know that they are overall, although a bit inappropriate, not too wild. Anyways, the whole point of the Faire sometimes is to just let your imagination run wild, and that is what I pro-
pose to you. Oh, but one more thing: the mermaid exhibit is absolutely amazing (please see the photo to the left). Last but certainly not least, is the astounding artwork sold and displayed at the Ren Faire. So many beautifully hand-crafted belts, statues, hats, feathered masks, paintings, shields, purses, swords, staffs, wands, soaps, costumes, candles, and a million other wonderful things are here. Try looking over the woven banners, you may decide on a new family crest. Try digging through the rings, you may find the new One Ring of Middle Earth (don’t knock it before you try it, you never really know). Live musicians make music and flowered garlands can be plucked from the shelves and worn all day long. Even the costumes, if they were not home-made, are usually made by the vendors themselves. Here is where you can find some true historical fact, as the vendors describe the meticulous care that goes into their wares. They do it with such detail and precision and beauty, I might add! Any woman can feel like a princess and any man can feel like a warrior, or really anyone can feel like anything they want to feel like, in those costumes. The Renaissance Festival, in short, is an absolutely wonderful time, full of the creative and sassy humor of our modern age mixed with historical inaccuracy and occasionally some accuracy. Considering how no one really cares about how historically accurate you are, or really about any rules you follow so long as you have fun with a medieval accent, I would say only this: in a modern world so fast-paced, so tiresome and formal, the Renaissance Festival can be your truly magical escape to your wildest fantasy, and consequently self-definition. It is a haven for that side of yourself you keep hidden in the strict formality of the bard room or class room. If you have a little Shakespearean actor in you, or if you just have a craving for turkey legs, you are most welcome at the Renaissance Festival. As I said, all’s faire here.
Photo (left): Tiffany Turner at the mermaid tank at the festival. Photo (above): A circus performer with a giant swinging wheel juggling axes. Both photos courtesy of Tiffany Turner
September 10, 2014
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The Technician
Art & Lifestyle Art Review
By Jeremy Fick Guest Contributor Not everyone on campus knows about the Kettering Humanities Art Center in the Liberal Studies Department. I did not know much about it until I visited it this past week. I certainly wouldn’t have wandered in there without some sort of outside influence simply because of how busy the Kettering life can be, but I strongly encourage anyone who has even a few minutes to enjoy the stunning art exhibit currently being shown. Indeed, it has a lot that even engineers can marvel at, in the way the artists use technique to convey emotion. One of the artists who have their work on display is Matthew Malott, a Kettering graduate of ‘00, who is now an environmental engineer at Delphi. One can see his love for the earth, not only through
his occupation but also in his highly detailed pieces. His love for art started with pencil drawings of friends and family members. His piece Alberta, for example, is a portrait of an older person with such high detail that one might think it is a photograph. Her age shows through the heavily wrinkled skin, but her frank and friendly eyes turn her whole face into an expression of character rather than age. Malott moved to doing pieces of scenic locations in Michigan and more recently, boats. Most of his pieces in the center are maritime scenes. He does several pieces in pencil and these are of wooden masts and ropes. His attention to detail is shown again in Ropes on Tarangini and Five Pin where one can see individual strands of the ropes and the grain of the wood. His more recent paintings use watercolor, which Malott loves because of “the brilliancy and detail that modern watercolors
provide.” An amazing range of colors can be seen in Mast Hoops where the mast has beautiful orange colors. In Waterlogged and Spotlight, the colors are used so well that the boats look glossy. A reoccurring theme that can be seen in his watercolor paintings are the reflections of people and objects in the water and on the glossy boats. This adds an interesting effect to the pictures because it is adding another dimension to his artwork and allows us to see more deeply into the scene. This was my first time experiencing an art exhibition and definitely will not be my last. It was great seeing the work of an artist who was a Kettering student. The attention to detail and reflection effects are definitely things to keep an eye out for. This art display is a must see and will surely impress anyone who visits.
Panorama of Christopher Watson's paintings in the Art Center, courtesy of Mr. Ari Budiono
A Hidden Jewel: Kettering’s Humanities Art Center By Chadd Ketchem Guest Contributor Currently at Kettering we have a lot of opportunities that we don’t take advantage of. But what about the ones we never hear about? Currently on display here at Kettering are two very good local artists. Their work is located in the Humanities Art Center in the Academic Building on the 4th floor, a place few visit and most don’t know exists. These local artists are Christopher Watson and Matthew Malott, and together their work makes up “Straight Lines: The Art of Draftsmanship”. The entire gallery is incredible; however, I would like to elaborate on Watson’s work because of its sheer size and vitality. Viracocha is the first of multiple pieces that I would like to point out. As you enter the gallery it was the first piece that caught my attention. It is an odd piece to say the least, and has some very vivid and wonderful colors. On the left side there is a pale old man wrapped in a blanket in the sun; the center contains an old sculpture that I assumed was from the Aztecs or another South American civilization; and on the right there is a hispanic man with a top hat on. It instantly drew up the idea of religion since the old man sits in the middle of a halo which is the sun, and the sun is what provides light, nourishment, and heat. The man on the right I believe represents humanity and its place on earth. The piece
of art in between represents humanity’s praise and sacrifice to the sun, and more generally, its search for meaning. The painting is very clean and has some very elegant details such as the man’s very deep colorful eyes as well as the tired and lost expression on his face showing he is lost in the world and is in need of human connection. Another interesting piece is from Watson’s prior occupation where he painted billboards and other advertisements for companies. The painting is of a 1960s red Buick Riviera. The background consists of a very vivid and colorful sky that seems to move around the car and show off its speed and power. The car, however, is where all the detail is placed. It is almost as vivid as a picture and has the curves and body lines perfect. The best detail is the light streaks across the car and accents the curves and edges exactly as they would be if it were driving at dusk. This picture represents the American Auto Industry at its finest and helps capture the beauty and work put into designing a vehicle. The most intricate and detailed of Watson’s work is actually an untitled piece that he drew on a window shade because he had no paper. Watson says that it reminds him of a childhood friend named Antoinette. It is of a young black girl looking up with eyes that pierce right through you. The portrait is extremely detailed from her hair and eyes down to the shading of her skin and shirt. The eyes tell a
story in this portrait—she seems to be very content and happy, almost if she is inviting you to go out and play like when you were a young child. The fading of colors to represent shading are also perfect and has the sun shining on her back. The final piece I would like to talk about is of Richard Pryor, a former black comedian back from 1960 till his death in 2005. The drawing done in black and white has Pryor with a look of disgust or astonishment. The details in this drawing are of the same caliber as all the rest but with pencil, Watson is able to portray perfect facial features that help convey the complexity of the man he was, and the wide range of emotions he was able to capture in his comic work. The hair in the picture is what really impressed me. The mustache and other facial hair are each drawn individually and it show the time as well as effort Watson put into this drawing. This drawing is a fitting tribute to a man who change the art of stand-up comedy in America. The Humanities Art Center has done a great job setting up the exhibit. Watson’s work is extremely detailed and talented. The other artist currently on display is a fellow engineer named Matthew Malott and his work is of the same caliber as Watson’s. I would highly encourage you to go see the gallery and interpret all of these great pieces of art for yourself.
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The Technician
Logic Puzzle The grids provided to help solve logic problems are useful for identifying what you have learned from each clue. Where the vertical and horizontal squares meet are your possible answers and these will be crossed out as each is proven to be false. When you find a true match, draw a black dot in the appropriate square. When you prove a combination false, draw an 'x' in the square.
Mary Smith put all five wedding gifts from each of her five pairs of aunts and uncles into one stack, and only later did she realize that she’d absent-mindedly put all five cards into a single pile on top of the stack and couldn’t remember which aunt and uncle had sent which gift. Each pair of aunt (Amber, Emily, Janet, Maisie, and Patsy) and uncle (Bill, Doug, Nick, Tom, or Zack) live in a different state (including Iowa) and sent a different item (one is a vase). Can you match each aunt-and-uncle pair with their respective state and gift? Clues: 1. Aunt Maisie’s husband is Uncle Nick. 2. Uncle Bill and Aunt Emily and their respective spouses sent, in some order, the salver and the urn. 3. Aunt Amber and Uncle Doug live in Georgia. 4. Aunt Patsy and her husband sent the toaster. 5. The rotisserie came from the Delaware relatives. 6. Uncle Zack and his wife (who doesn’t live in Kansas) sent neither the salver nor the toaster. 7. Aunt Janet and Uncle Bill live in California. Puzzle solutions are available at http://bulldogs.kettering.edu/technician/
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