LCC TORCH.COM
LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S S T U D E N T- R U N N E W S PA P E R
M AY 1 5 , 2 0 1 4
The Torch volume 50, edition 24
INSIDE TITANS TIE-BREAKER TRACK TAKES CHAMPIONSHIP BOHEMIAN BASH AT HULT EU G ENE , O R E .
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Women Speak event draws tears, laughter Women’s Center provides camaraderie Penny Scott Reporter
SIGNS OF TROUBLE ALEX QUADRINI / THE TORCH
Lane Budget Committee citizen-at-large Chris Matson listens to a budget presentation before the May 14 Board of Education meeting. The college must cut approximately $12.6 million from its budget in the face of a projected 12 percent enrollment drop.
Students protest potential tuition increase Sean Hanson Managing Editor Students packed a sweltering boardroom to urge the Lane Board of Education to fully consider the ramifications
of a tuition increase as the college seeks to balance the budget against a projected $12.6 million shortfall. The board must adopt a budget by June 30. The most recent proposal anticipates
a $92 million general fund budget funded more by tuition than state money. It is built around an estimated 12 percent enrollment drop and a $3 tuition hike. When added to the $2 inflationary
BASKETBALL
Titans’ top shooter moves to Minnesota
BOARD ON PAGE 3
About 25 Lane students attended the ”Women Speak” event held at the Women’s Center on May 8, sharing the differences between living in their home countries and abroad. The event was the first of its kind at Lane and was organized by Rita Loop, advisor for the Women’s Program Transiciones division. Originally from Panama, Loop said that the more women are able to share their personal and cultural experiences, the more they are able to collaborate and grow together. “Sisterhood goes across cultures. We are not that different, and I believe that this is a movement that is just starting,” Loop said. “Seeing women from different countries come together is the birth of something important.” Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Libya and Palestine were just some of the countries represented by students in the group. Regardless of barriers with language, the women shared painful experiences from their lives which left many of the participants in tears. Dominating the WOMEN ON PAGE 3
Blood Mobile visits Lane
Kirschbaum signs letter of intent at Bemidji State
Jarrid Denney Sports Editor Lane sophomore Zach Kirschbaum has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball for the Bemidji State University Beavers, a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II school in Bemidji, Minn. Kirschbaum, a 6'10" forward, was named to the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges All-Southern Region Second Team and shared the region’s defensive player of the year honor. He averaged 18.19 points per game during the 2013-14 season and shot 50 percent from the field. He ranked second in the NWAACC in blocks per game (2.89) and was third in rebounding (10.63). Kirschbaum played just one season at Lane, after transferring from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif., where he played during the 2011-12 sea-
Zach Kirschbaum
son and redshirted the 2012-13 season. He chose Bemidji over the University of Denver, Colorado State University Pueblo and Holy Names University, among other schools. “His recruitment was crazy,” Lane head coach Bruce Chavka said. “It was everything from (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) schools all the way up to Division I; there were three or four schools Division I-wise
that were interested. I think he’s in a great situation. He’s got a full-ride to an NCAA Division II school and that’s why he transferred here from Vanguard, because he wanted to try to get to a higher level.” Kirschbaum said he thought Bemidji gave him the best shot to fulfill his dream. “After two years I want to get my bachelor’s degree in sociology and then transfer overseas and hopefully sign with a team,” Kirschbaum said. “I would love to go to Israel, Germany or Australia.” Bemidji State finished fourth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference last season with an 18-9 overall record. Kirschbaum is the second Lane athlete to sign with an NSIC school this month. Last week, Lane women’s basketball standout Tori Mahaffie signed with University of Mary.
Over 100 donate on Main Campus Courtney Springer Reporter Lane staff and students rolled up their sleeves for the Lane Blood Mobile phlebotomists from April 29 to May 1. Just over 100
people successfully donated blood. Each donation could save up to three lives according to the American Red Cross. The Lane Blood Mobile will be back on campus July 10 from 9 a.m. to noon.
2 The Torch LCC TORCH.COM LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S S T U D E N T- R U N N E W S P A P E R
STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alyssa Sutton MANAGING EDITOR Sean Hanson SPORTS EDITOR Jarrid Denney A&C EDITOR Penny Scott REPORTERS Jackson Dietel Eddie Leach Laura Newman Chris Piepgrass Courtney Springer COPY CHIEF Zack Bear PHOTO EDITOR Eugene Johnson PHOTOGRAPHER Alex Quadrini August Frank CARTOONIST Riley Webber PRODUCTION MANAGER Byron Hughey GRAPHIC ARTISTS Wes Fry James Capps WEB EDITOR Tenaya Smith AD MANAGER Randy Maxwell NEWS ADVISER Paige Parker PRODUCTION ADVISER Dorothy Wearne POLICY • Letters to the editor should be limited to 300 words. • Guest commentaries should be limited to 500 words. • Please include the author’s name, phone number and address (for verification purposes only). • The Torch reserves the right to edit letters and commentary for length, grammar, spelling, libel, invasion of privacy and appropriate language. • The Torch reserves the right to publish at its discretion. All web and print content is the property of The Torch and cannot be republished without editiorial permission. • Up to two copies per issue per person of The Torch are free; each additional copy is $2.
CONTACT The Torch Lane Community College 4000 E. 30th Ave. Eugene, OR 97405 torch@lanecc.edu (541) 463-5654
OPINION&COMMENTARY EDITORIAL
Leaders must present all sides We’ve had it happen often. A student offers a little speech at the beginning of the class requesting that you register to vote or sign a petition to keep their club funded. More recently, students have used class time to urge their classmates to attend Board of Education meetings to protest tuition increases. When you’re approached in hallways, it’s a lot easier to pass by on the pretext that you’re in a hurry for class, or to mumble that you’re not interested. However, in a classroom you are a captive audience, in the most literal sense of the phrase. Last week, members of our student government stopped by some classrooms and requested that students show up to the May 14 Board of Education meeting to protest proposed tuition increases. They didn’t, however, mention that without a raise in tuition there will be cuts elsewhere on campus. Cuts that will affect students in a drastic way. Did you know our Cottage Grove campus is in jeopardy? Did you know our Child and Family Center is in jeopardy? Did you know that without an increase in tuition, we could lose several programs vital to our school? Regardless of what happens with tuition, there will be changes throughout programs on campus, but students shouldn’t protest a raise in tuition without knowing what else is at stake. Students should be able to make decisions on their own, and can do so wisely if provided with all of the information. Student government should trust that students will be smart with their choices. Withholding information to gain more support is a lie. Students need to make the effort to be more informed. Decisions are constantly
RILEY WEBBER / THE TORCH
made around campus, concerning budgets and programs, that students should know about. We urge members of student gov-
The Torch takes home multiple awards Sean Hanson Managing Editor The Torch, Lane Community College’s student newspaper, won 25 awards, including the top prize, in the annual Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association Collegiate Newspaper Contest. This was the fourth time since 2009 that The Torch took home a first-place award for general excellence, the highest honor a college newspaper can receive from the ONPA. The Torch, which is funded through the student activity fee, is in its 50th year. Three from The Torch won more than one award. Photo Editor Eugene Johnson won five awards, including best sports and feature photos. Former reporter Taya Alami won four, including best writing. Sports
THE TORCH / Thursday, May 15, 2014
Editor Jarrid Denney won two, including second place in the best-section contest. “We’ve had a rough year, and it was good to see everybody’s hard work pay off in a big way,” Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Sutton said. But it was reporter Laura Newman’s first-place prize for her editorial, which stressed the need for cultural-competency training among Lane’s staff, that called the contest’s importance into focus, Sutton said. “She had never written an article before, let alone an editorial, and then took first in that category,” Sutton said. “It’s good to get feedback from professionals in the industry, assuring us that we’re doing something right.” The winners were announced May 9 at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany.
ernment to give all the facts. We urge students to ask for more information. After all, presenting every side is the cornerstone of higher education.
The Torch ONPA AWARDS GENERAL EXCELLENCE: First place BEST DESIGN: Byron Hughey and Wes Fry, first place BEST WRITING: Taya Alami, first place, Kyle Webb, second place BEST EDITORIAL: Laura Newman, first place, Alyssa Sutton, second place BEST WEBSITE: Tenaya Smith, second place BEST FEATURE STORY: Aislinn Rennison, first place, Marissa Corr, second place
BEST FEATURE PHOTO: Eugene Johnson, first and third places BEST CARTOON: Kassidy Zuniga, first place BEST NEWS STORY: Taya Alami, second place BEST SERIES: Taya Alami, second place BEST PHOTOGRAPHY: Matt Edwards, second place BEST REVIEW: Taya Alami, second place BEST SPECIAL SECTION: Eugene Johnson, third place
BEST SECTION: Sports Editor Jarrid Denney, second place, Former News Editor J. Wolfgang Wool, third place
BEST HEADLINE WRITING: Staff, third place
BEST SPORTS PHOTO: Eugene Johnson, first and third places
BEST SPOT NEWS PHOTO: Brett Stanley, third place
BEST SPORTS STORY: Jarrid Denney, third place
BEST HOUSE AD: Staff, third place
3
NEWS&FEATURES
BOARD:
Members seek more information
CONTINED FROM P. 1 increase passed earlier this year, the proposed increase would nudge tuition closer to $100 per credit. The student government has urged the college to cap the proposed tuition increase at $1.88 per credit while the Oregon Student Association has taken a hard-line stance against any tuition increases. Both groups sent representatives to the board’s May 14 meeting, before which Lane College Services representatives presented their most recent budget proposal and answered board members’ questions. “Was there a concerted effort (to communicate) with our student community?” board member Matt Keating asked during the meeting. “At every point in the conversation, students were included,” Vice President of College Services Brian Kelly replied. Board member Robert Ackerman said he received the documents too late to fully review them before the meeting, and Budget Committee citizen-atlarge Chris Matson said that Oregon law requires the college to furnish documents at the committee’s request. Keating praised College Services’ transparency before board member Tony McCown and Budget Committee citizen-at-large Kevin Cronin began requesting information regarding the budget. McCown asked the college to prepare a list of the differences between the last proposal and this one, to show the board “how we got from 14 days ago to this budget.” Afterwards, Cronin asked for the college’s pre-recession numbers from 2007 — regarding the average refund for students who receive financial aid and the ratios of loans to grants and students to staff, among other statistics — because he would “like to be more in touch with what was going on back then.” That was the last time the college was budgeting during a sound economy, he said. Cronin also asked to see the vacancy rates and rent schedule for student housing at Titan Court. At one point, Budget Committee citizen-at-large Jacque Betz sought to reassure the protesters that “decisions that are made at the college are not made in a vacuum.” The Budget Committee will meet at least once more before the board convenes June 11 to approve a budget.
WOMEN: Participants share stories, perspectives CONTINED FROM P. 1 informal one-hour event were discussions regarding the cultural differences regarding the status of women in different countries. They talked about their relationships with men and the differences between being married, divorced, and single in their home countries and here in the United States. “I got married when I was 13. My parents made me get married at that age,” Lourdes Daran from Mexico said. “I have three kids, and coming to the United States was the best thing that happened to me and my kids.” Daran said she worked two full-time jobs and that she felt guilty because she didn’t feel she spent enough time with her children. She added that there wasn’t any other way to make it as a single mother and that the situation was nothing compared to how her life was in Mexico. “I was an abused woman. I was mentally and physically abused,” Daran said. “I am not afraid to say. It is why I am the person I am right now. It has made me stronger.” Lilia Salgado Fletes, also from Mexico, cried as she said she has faced many obstacles and continues to do the best she can no matter what her circumstances. “I want to give back,” Fletes said. “Now I am crying, but I am strong.
PENNY SCOTT / THE TORCH
Lane students Cecilia Sanchez from Mexico (left) and Alla Hazim (right) from Palestine share the differences between being women in their own countries, compared to being women in the United States at the May 8 “Women Speak” event at the Women’s Center.
I want to be good at everything. I want to be a good friend and I want to be a good student. I’m going to make it. We can do it. We are women, but we can make it.” Alla Hazim from Palestine said in her country men are responsible for finances and that it is their duty to take care of women financially. She said she worries about money here in the United States. “There is no homelessness in our country,” Hazim said. “I am from Palestine. She is from Saudi Arabia. She is from Libya,” Hazim said, pointing
to the women seated nearest her. “There is no homelessness in our countries.” Many of the women shared that they had been abused both physically and mentally by men. The women said that leaving such relationships is more difficult in their home countries. Some of the women noted that wives from previous generations stayed with their husbands longer, whether there was abuse or not. The response from Marcie Parker, who works at the front desk of the Women’s Center, brought laughter around the room.
“I didn’t get married to any of my kids’ dads,” Parker said. Cecilia Sanchez from Mexico said that even though the women in the room were from different cultures, they have many things in common. “We are here to encourage each other,” she said. Loop said that the event was a great success. She said it was not just about women sharing together, it was about women speaking up and becoming leaders. Loop said she plans to hold more events at the Women’s Center in coming weeks.
Break into print ... with a job that will give you a valuable life experience
Applications for 2014-2015 Torch and Denali editors will be available Wednesday, May 7, in The Torch office, Building 18, Room 214, Lane Community College, 4000 E. 30th Ave. Eugene, Ore. Applications are due Friday, May 23, at noon. Return applications to Building 18. Room 214
Denali Editor
Torch Editor L CC TORCH.COM
LaNE COMMuNITy COLLEGE’s s T u d E N T- R u N N E W s Pa P E R
APRIL 17, 2014
Denali editor selects and manages the 2014-2015 student staff, organizes a production schedule and has the final word on all matters concerning the magazine. He or she must have a concrete understanding of, or the commitment to learn, the technical skills of the prodution process of a magazine. He or she can expect to work an average of 20 hours per week. A background in literature and art is recommended. Knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop is extremely helpful. The editor must be an officially registered Lane student and must maintain a 2.00 GPA or higher. The Denali editor will be paid a stipend of $550 per term and will serve, fall, winter and spring terms of the 2014-2015 academic year.
The TORCH
INSIDE DENTAL CLINIC OPENS HARD CHOICES FOR PARENTS BASEBALL RECAPS
VOLUME 50, EDITION 20
EUGENE, ORE.
The Torch editor is responsible for directing newsgathering and the publication process, and has control of the news and editoral content of the paper. The editor should have journalistic, management and organizational abilities, training and/or experience. He or she should also have previous service 2014-15 ASLCC candidates Presidential candidates begin look for student support campaigns, politicking on a newspaper staff, and have gained an adequate understanding of the operation of a newspaper. The applicants must have completed at least six credits at Lane within the last 12 months and be registered for three credits per term at Lane while editor. The editor must maintain a 2.00 GPA or higher, can expect to work 3040 hours per week, and will recieve a monthly stipend of $700 per month for 12 months. The editor will serve fall, winter, and spring terms of the 2014-2015 academic year.
COLORRUN
CHRIS PIEPGRASS / THE TORCH
ashley Mills (left), anes Koushkbaghi (center) and ashley Ford (right) get weird after the Color Me Rad 5k fun run april 12.
Third annual running event hits maximum capacity for runners
Chris Piepgrass Reporter
The Color Me Rad 5k visited Eugene for its third consecutive year on April 12. As the crowd gathered before the
sound of the starting horn, participants were given a shirt and a pair of shades; at the end, that once-pristine white T-shirt — along with the rest of them — was caked in color. Color Me Rad goes to cities all over the U.S. The organization al-
so tours select cities in Europe, Australia and South Korea. Color Me Rad works with the same local charity each year. That charity receives a portion of the proceeds made by the 5k in the host city. In Eugene, Relief Nursery has been selected as the
beneficiary. “Relief Nursery supports the prevention of child abuse and neglect,” Jennifer Anderson said, a volunteer representing the charity. “Relief Nursery will receive $75 for each
Instructors negotiate for power to eject unruly students
Polls open April 28 to May 1 J. Wolfgang Wool News Editor
With a little more than two weeks to campaign, 20 students officially announced their intention on April 14 to run for office in Lane’s student government. Students are elected to four different positions in the Associated Students of Lane Community College. The positions are president, vice president, senator and Student Finance Board student-at-large. This is the first year where the treasurer and the multicultural programs coordinator will not be elected. A ballot measure passed last year turned both titles into appointed positions. The presidential and vice
presidential candidates run together on a joint ticket, whereas the other two positions run alone. According to the student government’s bylaws, the elected presidential ticket will receive a monthly stipend and up to 12 free credits. According to an email from Elections Committee Chairwoman Rebekah Ellis, there are currently three presidential election tickets: Francisco “Kiko” Gomez for president and Ben Buchanan as his vice president; Michael Weed for president and Malisa Ratthasing as his vice president; and Clinton Fear as president and Kathy Renfrowand as vice president. Gomez and Ratthasing are senators in the student government. Weed is the ELECTION ON PAGE 3
COLOR ON PAGE 6
Leaked faculty safety proposal causes controversy
ELECTION
Tran Nguyen Reporter
Michael Weed
Francisco “Kiko” Gomez
Fundraising puts campaign under scrutiny
Senator becomes candidate after meeting blow-up
J. Wolfgang Wool News Editor
J. Wolfgang Wool News Editor
Nearly two months ago, Lane student government Sustainability Coordinator Michael Weed announced his intention to run for student government president.
Student government senator Francisco “Kiko” Gomez began campaigning for the presidency April 14 after saying he would resign last week. During the April 2 student
SCRUTINY ON PAGE 2
GOMEZ ON PAGE 3
Students might find themselves removed from the classrooms under the faculty union’s negotiating safety proposal, giving instructors authority to dismiss students with inappropriate behaviors without filing a Code of Conduct complaint. The current proposal reads: “Faculty members have the right to permanently remove students from their class for disruptive, threatening or otherwise inappropriate behavior. Faculty members exercising this authority shall notify their supervisor within 24 hours. Students may be returned to the class by the FACULTY ON PAGE 3
The Torch / Thursday, MAY 15, 2014
4
SPORTS&RECREATION
15 .434
Reddick’s batting average over that stretch.
19
Games the Titans have played this season that were decided by one run.
12 PHOTOS BY EUGENE JOHNSON / THE TORCH
Consecutive games in which Lane utility player Konner Reddick has had at least one hit.
Sacrifice hits by Lane outfielder Darin Nelson, the most in the NWAACC run.
The Lane baseball team kneels in a pre-game huddle before hosting Clark Community College in a May 12 doubleheader against the Penguins. Clark won the first game 1-0 and Lane won the second game 7-3.
Season on the line Titans will battle Lakers for second place, trip to the NWAACC playoffs
Jarrid Denney Sports Editor The Titans are deadlocked in a second-place tie with the Southwestern Oregon Community College Lakers in the NWAACC Southern Region. Their playoff ambitions hinge on a May 16 winner-take-all three-game series with the Lakers. The series could include a continuation of an April 25 game that was suspended in the top of the 13th inning due to darkness. The teams will play a doubleheader with the first game beginning at noon and, if each team wins a game, they will play the remainder of the suspended game as a tiebreaker. Both Lane and SWOCC own 16-11 records and trail the Clark Community College Penguins (19-9), who have already locked up first place. Only two teams from each region go to the playoffs, and whichever team claims two wins on Friday will book its ticket to the NWAACC tournament. Titans head coach Josh Blunt said his team is embracing the situation. “We’re excited for it,” Blunt said. “I like our chances. Obviously, it’s a little nervewracking … the halted game could decide the season.” Blunt said both sides will be depleted in the continuation of the suspended game if it is played. Lane’s leading hitter, sophomore Konner Reddick, will not be available because he has already been subbed out of the game, and the same goes for freshman infielder Kyle Watson. Lane will also be without freshmen pitchers Beau Ueland, Shane Quaterly and sophomore Eric Ruaro. Freshman Travis Boggs will be on the mound
Sophomore Eric Long hits a pop-fly to center field May 12. Long’s batting average is .293 this season.
for the Titans when the game resumes. The Titans also could be without their top power-hitter, sophomore first baseman Jarren Goddard, who sat out the last two games with a pulled hamstring. Blunt said Goddard has looked “significantly better” than he did on Monday, the day after he was injured, but whether or not he plays against SWOCC will be a game-time decision. To reach their current position, Lane won three of four games over the weekend. In one of his strongest showings of the season, sophomore pitcher Jared Priestly led the Titans to victory in the May 11 opener versus the Clackamas Community College Cougars. Priestly threw seven shutout innings and allowed six hits and no walks while striking out four Cougar batters. He will be the Titans starter in the series opener versus SWOCC.
THE TORCH / Thursday, May 15, 2014
Sophomore Jeff Hardy threw eight innings against Clark, striking out three batters and allowing only one run on May 12.
“I’m stoked to be that guy. Like any athlete, you want to get the ball in that situation,” Priestly said. “I’m honored that (Blunt) thinks I’m the one who should contribute to the team and help us get a win that day.” The Titans were led on offense by sophomore shortstop Tucker Campbell, who went 4-for-4 with an RBI and a double. Reddick and freshman catcher Kyle Beam each had two hits and drove in a run. The nightcap took a more dramatic twist. The Titans and Cougars were tied 5-5 after three innings, and the Titans were forced to go to their bullpen early after Ruaro surrendered five runs on six hits and was pulled after just 2.1 innings. Titan reliever Chris Neifert was able to get the Titans out of the third inning without further damage being done, and after that, freshman Travis Kelly was lights-out for the Titans. Kelly pitched
four nearly flawless innings in relief; he surrendered no runs, no walks and just one hit while striking out three Cougar batters. “(Kelly) was supposed to be one of our four starters this season,” Blunt said “But we’ve kind of hesitated to take him out of the relief role because he’s saved our lives in that situation so many times this year.” Lane was held scoreless by Cougar starter Mike Kelly until the bottom of the seventh, but seized the game when Reddick drove in Motague with a walk-off single. The next day, the Titans faced off against the Penguins in their final home series of the year. Blunt gave Jeff Hardy the ball in Game 1, and the Titans sophomore didn’t disappoint. Hardy tossed eight innings and struck out three batters while allowing just three hits and one controversial run. Penguin designated hitter Michael Gonzales scored
the lone Clark run on a double-steal, after it seemed like fellow Penguin Sam Kosbab had already been tagged out while running back to first base. However, the umpire ruled that Lane first baseman Kyle Watson missed Gonzales with the tag, and Kosbab was called safe. Had he been called out, the inning would have been over and no run would have scored. One run was all the Penguins needed, as they held the Titans scoreless for the remainder of the game behind the pitching of Kevin Hamman. Hamman limited the Titans to just five hits in a complete game shutout. The Titans struck back in Game 2 with a 7-3 victory. Campbell went 2-for-3 and drove in two. Montague had three RBIs and a double. “That was big, for sure,” Priestly said. “It’s definitely a big momentum boost for this upcoming week, and I think it’s gonna lead to us playing well against SWOCC.”
5
SPORTS&RECREATION
contributed by Grady o’connor
(Left to right) Lane freshman Kristine Dunn, sophomore Jalen Tims, Clackamas Community College sophomore D’Nara Jones and Lane sophomore Jhazelle Ambus run the women’s 200-meter dash at the May 10 NWAACC South Region Championships in Gresham.
Lane cruises to victory Hallock and Walker top scorers at NWAACC South Region Championships
Jarrid Denney Sports Editor Lane’s track and field program has made winning the regional championship almost an annual event. At the May 9 regional championship in Gresham, the Titans men scored 225 points and edged out the second place Clackamas Community College Cougars by 23 points to claim their 11th consecutive regional title. Lane’s women’s squad dominated every section of the meet in a 250-point performance, outscoring the second place Cougars by 65.5 points on the way to their sixth straight title. “It was, for both squads, a dress rehearsal for NWAACCs,” Lane head coach Grady O’Connor said. “Our goal was to compete for position and place, instead of trying to chase marks.” Sophomore Kara Hallock, who finished second in the
NWAACC Heptathlon Championship earlier this month, led all athletes with a 46-point performance. Hallock finished first in the 100-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles and long jump. She placed second in the high jump and set season-best times in both hurdle events. On the men’s side, freshman Trever Walker earned top-athlete honors by placing fourth or better in three different throwing events to earn 23 crucial points for Lane. Walker finished first in the shot put, second in the hammer toss and fourth in the discus throw. Three other Lane athletes scored 16 points or more, led by sophomore Diego Gonzalez, who scored in the triple and long jump events, as well as the 400-meter dash. The Titans won 13 total events, nine of which came from the women’s side. Sophomore Madison Seaman placed second in the shot put,
discus and hammer throw, while sophomore Jhazelle Ambus won both the 100 and 200-meter dashes. The Titans will compete in the NWAACC Championships in Spokane, Wash, on May 1920. Lane’s men’s and women’s teams were both crowned champions last season, and both will be in contention to do so again. O’Connor said he sees the Cougars, as well as the Community Colleges of Spokane Sasquatch, as the strongest competition on both the men’s and women’s sides. Clackamas did not have all their top athletes on full display at regionals, and it is likely that they will give the Titans a greater challenge in Spokane. Budane Sultessa is the top 800-meter runner in the conference but did not compete at regionals, and Elizabeth Venzon is the NWAACC heptathlon champion but only competed in two events
at Gresham. After several Titan athletes suffered injuries at last week’s Oregon State University High Performance meet, O’Connor said he was planning to limit the number of events his athletes participated in at regionals in order to prevent any further injuries. O’Connor stuck to that plan, but the Titans were unable to escape the meet entirely healthy. Sophomore Dylan Hamming and freshman Mackenzie Folkerts both came away from regionals with nagging injuries, and O’Connor is unsure if they will be able to contribute at the NWAACC championships. “That’s the worry we had going up there — getting somebody hurt,” O’Connor said. “That’s just the nature of the meet. The nature of the sport. We can’t dwell on it. We just need to rally and support those guys, and hopefully, somebody else will fill the void.”
Titan Regional Champions Women Jhazelle Ambus 100-meter dash: 12.34 200-meter dash: 25.4 Jalen Tims 400-meter dash: 56.5 Macaulay Wilson 800-meter run: 2:16.61 Nicole Maurmann 1,500-meter run: 4:48.69 Kara Hallock 100-meter hurdles: 14.4 400-meter hurdles: 1:03.58 Long jump: 18’08.00 ft Ambus, Kristine Dunn, Tims, Wilson, 4x100-meter relay: 47.49 Kristin Clark Triple jump: 37’01.00 ft Men Jonathan Cornish 1,500-meter run: 4:02.58 Sean McGetrick 110-meter hurdles: 15.30 Dakarai Hightower High jump: 7’0.25 ft Trever Walker Shot put: 47’10.00 ft
The Torch / Thursday, MAY 15, 2014
6
ARTS&CULTURE
Exhibit reshapes perception of art Artist challenges traditional interpretation in Building 11 gallery
Penny Scott A&C Editor Jeanne Heifetz is a New York-based artist whose collection, Geometry of Hope, is inspired by the difference between what we think we see and what we actually see. Shadows, which have no independent existence, but are part of how the brain works, are an important aspect of the collection, Heifetz said. Heifetz sets rules for each piece she creates to give herself a framework from which to work. From there she improvises and enjoys the freedom that comes from having a sense of ongoing dialogue with her work where she’s constantly making decisions. Nikky Allen, a media arts student who works in the gallery, said the exhibit is attracting a lot of attention. People ask him questions regarding the materials used by the artist and the effects she is creating. “People are really curious,” Allen said. “I’ve watched many people go in and look through the fabric at the reflection on the wall. For my-
self, I was thinking about getting my computer out and looking up effects of color on visual 3D.” Heifetz says there’s no intended message in her work. She presents what fascinates her, trusting that the same things will fascinate others. “The art really catches my eye,” Lane student Grace Madden Huang said. “It’s so different.” The main elements Heifetz uses in her work are colored glass rods, stainless steel mesh and silver and copper coated wire. It’s essentially embroidery for the 21st century, she said. “Oftentimes we consider drawing and painting as the standard mediums in 2-dimensional art, and it can sometimes be difficult to see past the traditional forms of art,” Jennifer Salzman, media arts instructor said. “I find this exhibition to be an exciting use of alternative materials.” The way the room is lit plays an important role in what happens to the shadows, Heifetz said. During the day the shadows can appear
penny scott / THE TORCH
Grace Madden Huang, an English as a Second Language student, views the Geometry of Hope exhibition in the Building 10 gallery.
muted. When the light subsides in the early morning or afternoon, the interior lighting will pick up the drama of the shadows. Lane gallery staff were in charge of selecting the lighting for the exhibit. “Jennifer (Salzman) has chosen a very elegant presentation with a single shadow so, you have a sense of dialogue with just the two talking to each other,” Heifetz said. Color plays an important
role in the collection, both for its inherent beauty and in the context of the difference between perception and reality. “Color is one of the elemental joys of being human,” Heifetz said. Heifetz uses shift tint glass for some of her pieces, in which the color of the glass completely changes with different light sources. “If you look at something and say that it is that color, it gives you a certain faith and confidence that your sens-
es are working,” Heifetz said. “But if you move that same object into a different light source and it’s suddenly a different color, that’s a very disorienting sensation.” Geometry of Hope is a tribute to a collection of art owned by Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, which comprises art by a group of postwar Latin-American artists whose work was shown together under that title. It will be on display in the Building 11 gallery until May 22.
REVIEW
Multimedia extravaganza invades Hult Center Musicians, dancers and acrobats take stage with orchestra
Eddie Leach Reporter For four hours, the Silva Hall at the Hult Center was transformed into a multimedia music and dance collaboration, a modern fantasia which felt more like a psychedelic club rave than a concert, with the added fun of a costume party. This was the much-anticipated Bohemian Dub Ball on the night of Saturday, May 10. The ball had its roots in local Eugene band Medium Troy. The three members of the group, Connor Sullivan and brothers JoJo and Jessie Ferriera, all attended Lane. Their idea of combining a full orchestra with their trip-hopinspired beats, grooves and socially conscious lyrics had its first outing last November at The McDonald Theater. The Bohemian Dub Ball expanded that show. The 30-piece Bohemian Dub Orchestra consists of a full string section, horn section (both brass and wind), guitar, accordion and percussion. They are led by conductor Jeremy Schropp. Jessie Ferriera said that there are at least 10 mem-
August Frank / THE TORCH
Medium Troy performs with The Bohemian Dub Orchestra at The Hult Center May 10.
bers of the orchestra currently enrolled at Lane. For visual effect, LightAtPlay, an interactive lighting design company, provided two half-globes for either side of the stage at floor level and a massive globe suspended centrally above the stage. These interactive light sources responded to the music and the movement of the dancers, generating constantly shifting color patterns throughout the evening. Think of these as highly advanced, digital versions of a disco ball. Many people attended in full costume. I saw a cossack, a pirate, an apostle and countless
THE TORCH / Thursday, May 15, 2014
other outrageously outfitted people, all contributing to the atmosphere and spirit of the event. The show featured five DJs, five dance troupes and a set by Medium Troy. Among the DJs, nationally renowned artists Devin the Dude and RJD2 generated the greatest crowd response. The first half of the show saw an appearance by the Broadway Revue Burlesque. Their high-spirited, hilarious and slightly naughty routine, complete with high kicks, delighted the audience. They were followed by the Work
Dance Company, Eugene’s premier hip-hop and jazz-funk troupe, which gave a Vampirethemed routine to a pounding beat. It was reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” but with much more aggressive and extreme shapes. Devin the Dude closed the first half of the show. His down-tempo hiphop flow and sense of humor had the crowd waving their hands in the air. The second half began with a set by Medium Troy backed by the Bohemian Dub Orchestra. Among their tunes was crowd favorite “SpaceTree,” a new electro-swing number and
a heavy-duty cover of Portishead’s classic trip-hop anthem “Glory Box.” During their set, various dancers moved around the stage. An aerial silk artist drew gasps from the crowd. A gymnast did flips and rearscreen projections synchronizing with the music appeared behind them. The crowd surged forward, drawn by the sheer power and energy of the combination of Medium Troy and the Dub Orchestra. They received a huge ovation. The final act got underway after a quieter dance piece by Harmonic Lab and a very lively breakdance crew that popped and spun to hip-hop beats, which included a slow-motion sequence to Chopin’s E minor prelude. RJD2 ended the night with a lengthy set using four sets of turntables and two samplers. He capped his set with a superb collaboration with the Dub Orchestra. They continued throughout the Grande Finale, as the various dance groups returned for brief reprises of their earlier sets. His energy, innovation and musicality was the perfect way to bring this extravaganza to a close.
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ARTS&CULTURE
Renowned pianist plays at Ragozzino Musical authority melds classical European and traditional African music Chris Piepgrass Reporter Dr. William Chapman Nyaho’s May 9 recital showcased material from composers of African descent. The concert was put on by the Lane Diversity Department in collaboration with the Black Student Union whose members ushered during the event. Before each song, Nyaho spoke a little about the piece he was about to play and explained the cultural influences and how they affected the music. The night’s theme was playful piano music from the African diaspora. “I made a New Year’s resolution not to play any western European music until I learned a full recital of music by composers of African descent,” Nyaho said. The diversity department has been searching for professionals to represent a storytelling series at Lane that will help inspire students that
Chris piepgrass / THE TORCH
Dr. William Chapman Nyaho addresses the Ragozzino Hall audience as Asia Wooten accompanies him on May 9.
wish to become performers. At the department request, performers and speakers come to the college to speak about their lives and how they have achieved their goals. When diversity department director Donna Koechig asked Dr. Stanley Coleman, a Lane instructor of literature and
communication, if he knew somebody who would like to perform, Coleman instantly thought of Nyaho. “We’ve been pushing people we know to come here because they have so much to offer, and they’re such role models for young people who want to be performers,”
Coleman said. John Watson, Lane’s marketing manager, granted guests free admission into the concert. Before his performance, Nyaho sat down in the multicultural room to discuss his background and answer questions.
Nyaho is a Ghanaian native, raised in Switzerland where his father held a job with the United Nations. His family later returned to Ghana where he developed a passion for both traditional African music and classical European. “I come from a family where music was important, traditional music and classical music. I grew up with all of that swirling in my head,” Nyaho said. “I struggled with being able to meld my passion for traditional music with classical for a long time.” In college he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Oxford Honour School of Music before pursuing a master’s degree from the Conservatoire de Musique de Geneve in Switzerland, and later a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. “It was an amazing revelation, learning and struggling through all this music,” Nyaho said. “It’s very exciting to be able to share it with you.” Pete Alport / Visit Bend
EVENTS CALENDAR: May 15 to May 20 Wednesday 15 Geometry of Hope Featuring artist Jeanne Heifetz Main Art Gallery, Building 11 April 28 to May 22 Elements and Forms Exhibit, Sister Gallery, Building 11 April 28 to May 22 The Works Dance Ragozzino Performance Hall Building 6, May 15 to 17 7:30 p.m. General Admission: $10 Students: $5
Thursday 16 Art Workshop for Stress Reduction Building 10, Fiber Studio 221 May 16, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
E T A T S N OREGO TH AN EDGE WI
s ors and 30 minor oose from 18 maj Ch . nd Be t in ge ee , gr es ate University de s. Take small class Earn an Oregon St signature program joy es en ad d sc an Ca ad Uro OS ab ding and study s ip sh rn te and options, inclu in , ch ar nce through rese hands-on experie n. tio ea cr nd re endless year-rou
Union Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Center Building, May 16 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pre-registration required open to first 80 guests Admission: $25
Saturday 18 Workshop: Artist book with Matthew Tyson Building 10 Room 223 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday 20 Malcolm X Birthday Celebration May 20, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Building 1 Multicultural Center
Schedule a visit 541-322-3100 cascadesadmit@osucascades.edu Application Deadlines June 1: Summer term application Sept 1: Fall term application
OSUcascades.edu/transfer The Torch / Thursday, MAY 15, 2014
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ARTS&CULTURE
Mayra Jaquez plays the accordion and sings for the student body May 7 for International Day in Lane’s cafeteria.
Lane showcases world talent
International Day unites students from 35 countries Chris Piepgrass Reporter
courtney springer / THE TORCH
Cody Mendonca and Emily Westlund take the stage for a pick-up rehearsal at Actors Cabaret of Eugene on May 8 for the production of Into the Woods.
Fairy-tale musical enchants audience Lane students perform at Actors Cabaret of Eugene Courtney Springer Reporter Stephen Sondheim is known for his technically intricate musicals and Into the Woods is no different, but that didn’t deter Mark VanBeever, director, from taking the show by the horns. VanBeever is a graduate of Lane’s GED program and has been acting and directing in the community for several years. He has presented his vision of the show at Actors Cabaret of Eugene, which opened May 1. The seats were nearly full when the house lights dimmed and the stage lights illuminated a silhouetted forest in hues of purples and blues. The Narrator, played by Austin Vanderplaat, began to tell a medley of fairy tales including Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and more. Veteran and Lane student Ben Buchanan was cast as the Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood. Buchanan’s elaborate costume included a furry mask, with chest and hand prosthetics, giving the Wolf an element of authenticity. Buchanan captured the charac-
courtney springer / THE TORCH
Marv the wooden cow takes on the role of Milky White, the beloved bovine from Jack and the Beanstalk in Actors Cabaret of Eugene’s production of Into the Woods.
ter’s sleaziness through movements around the stage and manipulations of his costume pieces. The music was canned, meaning it was pre-recorded instead of played live, but this didn’t affect the cast’s enthusiasm . With only floor mics amplifying their singing, the cast effectively filled the room with sound and maintained crisp dialogue throughout the show. Vanderplaat recently attended Lane majoring in acting, but has taken a break from the academic world to work and act within the community, applying what he learned at Lane to
THE TORCH / Thursday, May 15, 2014
real-world situations. The character who stole every scene and only said “moo” was Marv, a white wooden cow that represented the character Milky White. Marv was listed in the playbill, citing his past experiences with North Eugene and Churchill High School productions. “I tracked him down especially for this show. He was created for my first production of Into The Woods at North Eugene Highschool 15 years ago,” VanBeever said. The first act wrapped up the fairy tales with commonly known happy endings. The
second act then further analyzed what happens post happy ending, complete with Sondheim’s creative weaving of story lines. The audience was well pleased opening night and expressed their delight through steady applause, laughter and overall enthusiasm. Lane also touched the lives of other actors like Cathy Becker, who played Granny in Little Red Riding Hood, and India Potter, who portrayed both Florinda and Snow White. Becker grew her passion for theater by taking voice and acting classes at Lane, and plans to take more in the future. Gene Chin, voice instructor at Lane and the University of Oregon, played the Baker. The central character helped pull focus during Into the Woods with a quest that required appeasing a witch in order to have a child with his wife. Other actors openly shared stories about seeing Lane shows, taking classes years ago or knowing students and staff. The show will run May 16, 17, 18 (matinee), 22, 23 and 30, and closes Saturday, May 31, at the Actors Cabaret of Eugene on 996 Willamette.
International students and performers from 35 different countries gathered in Lane’s cafetria on May 7 for Lane’s International Day. Lane created the event to demonstrate the talents of Lane’s multicultural student body. Beth Schenderlein coordinated the showcase this year. “The mission of International Day is to showcase the amazing talents of the diverse population of international students who come to Lane and promote understanding between cultures,” Schenderlein said. “We also want the whole student body of Lane to have the opportunity to meet our international students.” The day started with a fashion show. Twelve students modeled clothing from their native countries. As the day went on, singers and musicians took the stage. Dancers also performed, pulling students from the crowd out of their seats to join them. Lane student Yaara Tal helped Schenderlein organize the event. “I think 85 percent of the crowd was international students,” Tal said. “I love working with other students and getting to know new people from different countries and cultures.” Local residents of Lane County also gathered to hear Jimmy Le, a Lane student in the audio engineering program, lay down tracks for the audience. This year Lane Media Services provided student workers to film the event. Forrest Beckley, a Lane music major, heard the music from across the cafeteria and joined the festivities. “I thought it was really cool to hear songs in different languages,” Beckley said. International Day is an event held annually in early May, and all the participants volunteer their time, whether they are students or faculty. “We appreciate you sharing your culture with us as you learn here at Lane,” Lane President Mary Spilde told the group.