Crescent Magazine February 2016 by UE Crescent Magazine

crescent February 2016 | University of Evansville | College Culture Upfront | issuu.com/uecrescent | $2.50

MAGAZINE

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SOPHOMORE CESAR GUITUNGA JR.

by Ryan Murphy

2016

SPECIAL ISSUE

FASCINATING PEOPLE

Hidden among the confines of UEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus are many students who are clearly fascinating people. CM puts the spotlight on 13 captivating students.

crescent February 2016 | University of Evansville | College Culture Upfront | issuu.com/uecrescent | $2.50

MAGAZINE

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SENIOR JACK ANDREW

by Charlie Ericson

2016

SPECIAL ISSUE

FASCINATING PEOPLE

Hidden among the confines of UEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus are many students who are clearly fascinating people. CM puts the spotlight on 13 captivating students.

crescent February 2016 | University of Evansville | College Culture Upfront | issuu.com/uecrescent | $2.50

MAGAZINE

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SOPHOMORE RACHEL PATCH

by Marisa Patwa

2016

SPECIAL SPECIAL ISSUE ISSUE

FASCINATING PEOPLE

Hidden Hidden among among the the confines confines of of UE’s UE’s campus campus are are many many students students who who are are clearly clearly fascinating fascinating people. people. CM CM puts puts the the spotlight spotlight on on 13 13 captivating captivating students. students. | 14

crescent February 2016 | University of Evansville | College Culture Upfront | issuu.com/uecrescent | $2.50

MAGAZINE

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SENIOR SARAH CHEATHAM

by Magda Sokalski

2016

SPECIAL ISSUE

FASCINATING PEOPLE

Hidden among the confines of UEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus are many students who are clearly fascinating people. CM puts the spotlight on 13 captivating students.

crescent February 2016 | University of Evansville | College Culture Upfront | issuu.com/uecrescent | $2.50

MAGAZINE

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FRESHMAN SIENNA CREWS

by Ajay Sundaram

2016

SPECIAL ISSUE

FASCINATING PEOPLE

Hidden among the confines of UEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus are many students who are clearly fascinating people. CM puts the spotlight on 13 captivating students.

Attention Class of 2016

BALLintheHOUSE ACAPELLA GROUP

WinterWHISPERS WITH DJ QUADRIVIUM

TRENDING TOPICS

It’s time for Americans to get involved and make strong moves to help Syrian refugees. We have an obligation to make a difference.

OPENING OUR ARMS TO

SYRIA CHRISTINE GRAVELLE

ince 2011, the world has been observing the horrific events as they have been unfolding in Syria. We’ve been witnesses to the ongoing consequences of Syria’s brutal civil war as items pop up on Twitter news feeds and are covered on various news programs. Here are some things we need to remember about what is happening in Syria today since the figures are shocking. The U.N. and other agencies report that more than 250,000 Syrians have died in the almost five-year-old civil war and more than 1 million have been injured. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, which manages conflict death tolls, actually stopped counting Syria’s dead in 2014 because there was a lack of access to killing zones, so the numbers are probably higher. While figures vary depending on the agency reporting them, as of last month, the U.S. Agency for International Development estimated that there were 13.5 million Syrians who need humanitarian assistance. World Vision, a long-standing Christian humanitarian organization, said 7.6 million people have been displaced within Syria, about half of which are children. The U.N. also estimates that more than 400,000 Syrians live in 15 besieged locations in the war-torn country without access to necessary resources, with Amnesty International reporting that more than 50 percent of Syria’s population is displaced. To put all of these figures into some type of context, World Vision further reports that the crisis affects more people than those affected by Hurricane Katrina, the

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2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami combined. Even though the U.N. asked for $8.4 billion in humanitarian aid in 2015, only $3.8 billion was pledged worldwide. About $1.6 billion came from the U.S., according to the State Department. Hopefully more will be donated this year. What is taking place in Syria is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. The U.N. reported two weeks ago that 4.6 million people have fled to neighboring countries and beyond. Nearly half of all Syrians have been forced from their homes — 3.8 million people have fled to Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt, and the internally displaced makes this the largest displacement crisis in the world. Slightly more than 10 percent of refugees have fled to Europe. The Wall Street Journal reported in September 2015 that the U.S. has accepted about 1,600 refugees since the crisis began in 2011, with about 1,500 admitted in 2015. Since our country was built by immigrants, it seems the U.S. can admit more while ensuring they won’t be a threat. One of the biggest obstacles to admitting more refugees is the suspicion that we might be letting in people who undoubtedly come from a region where terrorism and anti-Western beliefs are common. Many Americans fear that an influx of Syrian refugees would be a threat to our nation’s safety. But I can’t help but think about one of the things our country was founded on — the idea of refuge from persecution. Indifference toward Syrian refugees is a betrayal of

our founding ideals and what we stand for. It’s true that we can’t take everyone in, and we must exercise caution when refugees arrive from a region that is known for its anti-Western views. But the U.S. remains the only hope for millions of people, and hopefully the projected acceptance of at least 10,000 Syrians will happen this year. So what can we do? Donations to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, and World Vision are great ways to start. Many refugees end up in camps that have become overcrowded and unsafe. Donating money can help to get food, clean water and medical assistance to those in need. But the chance to make an impact is much closer than you might think. Lisa Kretz, assistant professor of philosophy, helped start Scholars for Syria, a student group that is working to make a difference. “Working on Scholars for Syria has been heartwarming and empowering,” she said, “and it makes me excited about what communities that care can accomplish when they work together with open hearts and open minds. “Students can help by donating, but getting on board with Scholars for Syria is where someone can really make a big difference. If you just look around at how active the university has been in the support of Syrian students, it is easy to see the good work that has been done and be inspired.” The next Scholars for Syria meeting is at 4 p.m. Feb. 12 in School of Business Administration 172. Make attending the meeting a priority and contact Kretz at lk102@ evansville.edu for more information.

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

twitter.com/ItsOnUsUE • facebook.com/ItsOnUsUE

In a situation where someone is

“

The most rewarding aspect is the opportunity to make as many connections and build as many relationships as I have. Having my mentor there to help me navigate through new professional territory has helped me to start to build the foundations of what I know could be my dream career and I am forever grateful for that.

AT RISK FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT,

What is the most rewarding aspect of the mentoring program?

UE students would

• Ask if the person is OK • Try to find the person’s friends • Offer to walk the person home

”

Alanna Payne Junior Evansville, Ind. Marketing & Management SIDE NOTE: The mentor program is only one of the many great opportunities UE offers to its students, and after watching so many of her friends successfully go through the program, Alanna knew it was something she wanted to be involved in. Her dream is to have a career in music business, ideally in Nashville, and when she found out she had been matched with UE alumnus Dan Rogers, senior marketing director for the Grand Ole Opry, she knew completing the program was something she couldn’t pass up.

UE Connect helps you network and gain access to people and other things that can make a difference in your quest for the ideal career. Let UE Connect help you navigate your future.

STUDENT-MENTORING PROGRAM One-On-One COnneCtiOn: Explore the opportunity to connect with an alumni or community professional working in your desired career field.

Show your pledged commitment to helping stop sexual assault.

ITSONUS.ORG

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

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Build YOur netwOrk: Begin building your professional network through a variety of networking opportunities. Find new OppOrtunities: Open your eyes to different types of careers and experiences available to you upon graduation.

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For more information, visit www.evansville.edu/ueconnect UE Connect is a partnership between the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations and the Center for Career Development

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STATE OF AFFAIRS

Since the banning of anti-miscegenation laws, interracial relationships have been on the rise.

ARE YOU DOWN FOR

THE SWIRL? KEZIAH COLLETON

nterracial relationships have been on the rise since anti-miscegenation laws were abolished, showing that swirling is for more than just ice cream. And the blackwhite relationship has a history of its own. An interracial relationship can take many forms, but this column is about the blackwhite relationship. Interracial dating is not new, but can still be considered controversial. When two people of different races date, it is known as swirling. Journalists Christelyn D. Karazin and Janice Rhoshalle Littlejohn, authors of “Swirling: How to Date, Mate and Relate Mixing Race, Culture, and Creed,” define the term as a romantic blending of two people most often of different races or ethnicities. Their book provides expert tips on navigating the terrain of the blackwhite relationship. Unfortunately there was a time where this type of relationship was outlawed. Anti-miscegenation laws criminalized interracial marriage and in some cases sex between people of different races. The first British colonial law in 1664 banned the marriage of whites and slaves, and it wasn’t until 2000 that Alabama became the last state to overturn its unenforceable ban on interracial marriages. Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple from Virginia, made waves across the nation when they challenged these laws. Richard, a white man, and Mildred, a African-American and Native American woman, married in 1958 in Washington, D.C. After returning home to Virginia, the Loving’s were jailed and charged with violating Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act. To avoid jail time, the couple agreed to

12 |

stay out of the state for 25 years, but they returned five years later. Their landmark 1967 Supreme Court case invalidated laws against interracial marriage, ruling that anti-miscegenation laws violated the 14th Amendment. The Lovings’ case changed the course of history. Several documentaries have been made in their honor, and Loving Day, an unofficial holiday that honors mixed-raced relationships, is celebrated in June. There has been an increase over the past decade in the prevalence of interracial relationships. Census data in 2014 found that 7.9 percent of marriages were black-white unions. At a record high, Gallup reported in 2013 that 87 percent of Americans approved of whites and blacks marrying. This data shows an immense amount of progress in American attitudes toward such a union; in 1959 this number was a measly 4 percent. The Pew Research Center reported in 2015 that 19 percent of blacks and 7 percent of whites have a spouse of a different race. And data from a 2008 study published in “Family Relations: Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies,” reported that marriages with a white wife and a black husband are 44 percent less likely to divorce. Interracial love has its own force in the media and popular culture. Some might not have noticed, but compared to times past, swirling is now more prevalent on TV. Did you ever notice during our Disney Channel days that white characters had white love interests and black characters had black love interests? Or before that, when Ken automatically went steady with Barbie, while Christie dated Steven? It was almost like we

were being subconsciously influenced toward a more homogenous future love life. Besides the Lovings, there are plenty of famous celebrity couples who are down to swirl, including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Lauren Hashian, Robert Pattinson and FKA Twigs, Robert DeNiro and Grace Hightower, and Ice-T and Coco, just to name a few. Information from the WoMen’s Center at California State-Fullerton states that swirling comes with its benefits and challenges. Interracial relationships can strengthen your beliefs, expose you to new ways of thinking, or another culture or religion and afford you a wonderful romantic experience. On the other hand, your relationship could fall victim to discrimination and racism. People who would like to take a chance and swirl need to keep a few things in mind. For our generation, dating someone outside of our race is a no-brainer. But beware: not everyone will be as psyched about your interracial relationship as you are. Despite changes and acceptance by far more people than ever before, you need to recognize there are still some places and people who won’t welcome your relationship. Personally I welcome dating outside of my race. Some members of the black community feel that I would be turning my back on my race if I did this, but I disagree. Dating outside of one’s race does not mean denouncing one’s heritage or culture. Interracial relationships — romantic and platonic — are, in my opinion, one of the remedies to racism and discrimination.

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

To Harlaxton “I cannot tell a lie...Turoni’s is the best!”

WITH LOVE

—GEORGE WASHINGTON

DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

DAILY — 7” cheese pizza.......$5.37 each topping.............$.67 chicken.................$1.29 MON. — Chef Salad.......$6.22 TUES. — Pizza Burger.....$3.86 WED. — Whole Strom...$6.22 THURS.— Steak Sandwich...$6.22 FRI. — Italian Salad w/Chicken...$5.95

Famous for Feasting, Imbibery & Frivolity!

Write Valentines to Harlaxton

Feb.10–11 • 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Ridgway Center lobby

Valentine’s Party to Harlaxton

Feb. 12 • 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Dunigan Lounge, SOBA

Everyone who loves Harlaxton is invited! 4 N. Weinbach Ave. • turonis.com 812–477–7500

Office of Education Abroad | SOBA 263 | studyabroad@evansville.edu

Mon–Thurs: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. • Fri: 11 a.m.–12 a.m. Sat: 12 p.m.–12 a.m. • Sun: 4–11 p.m.

NOW

HIRING Crescent Magazine | February 2016

crescent magazine & linc yearbook are hiring reporters/writers, photographers, designers, copy editors, sales representatives, social media assistants & event planners for the 2016–17 school year

Eykamp Hall 253 Feel free to bring your dinner with you if you want!

what ...............

4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22 or 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23

where ............

Providing Academic Credit Experiences for UE Students since 2002

The LinC CRESCENT MAGAZINE

for more information

INFORMATION MEETING when ..............

attend the

tm2@evansville.edu

Learn about the positions available with the LinC and Crescent Magazine for 2016–17. | 13

2016 FASCINATING PEOPLE

2016 MOST FASCINATING PEOPLE — It seems every media type has its list of “most fascinating people.” From Cosmopolitan to Barbara Walters to USA Today, you can always find a “most fascinating” list somewhere. We decided to highlight 13 students — while featuring six of them on separate covers — for this issue, and all of the students are fascinating in their own way. They include a writer who uses Marvel Comics as a teaching tool, an aspiring stand-up comedian and a former Marine. We thank each of them for trusting us with their stories, and we hope you have as much fun reading them as we did writing them.

d. In el, rm Ca ng e | si or ur om N ph So

RA CH EL PA TC H

14 |

November 2015 | Crescent Magazine

MARISA PATWA

MAGNIFICANT Where others might hide, she embraces the inner demon that is her peculiar disorder known as trichotillomania.

Crescent Magazine | November 2015

IN EVERY WAY E

xamining the $3,000 worth of Mary Kay cosmetics that is laid out like Christmas presents, 10 women are eager to make up their new friends. In the center of the group is 20–year old Rachel Patch, drawing eyebrows onto a young girl where her real ones used to be. It’s September and Rachel is leading a confidence-building workshop for the Heart and Soul Academy’s annual three-day retreat in Colorado. The academy is a program for people with body-focused repetitive behaviors, where they compulsively harm their physical appearance or cause physical injury to themselves, such as skin picking or cheek biting. The program is meant to help them find ways to reduce or overcome their unwanted and damaging behaviors. For Rachel, it is picking the hair on her head until there is nothing left but brown fuzz that gives her a sweet release. In the BFRB world, this disorder is called trichotillomania, and it is an impulse control disorder — a coping mechanism millions of Americans use to deal with life’s everyday pressures. Rachel first started pulling out her hair 13 years ago, and she has grown from a young girl embarrassed of her disorder to a prominent leader in the trichotillomania community who proudly displays her baldness as a badge of courage and beauty. For some people, their trichotillomania began when they started pulling out an eyelash to blow on to make a wish. For Rachel, it was seeing

how many eyelashes or eyebrow hairs she could pull out for fun. And what began as an innocent nighttime game with her 7-year-old self turned into an intoxicating habit. “Pulling my hair feels freaking amazing to me,” Rachel said. “It feels so good. I can’t even explain it.” At first her parents grounded her for pulling, thinking that would solve the problem. It was when she no longer had eyelashes or eyebrows and constantly wore bandanas to cover the bald spots on her head that they realized something was seriously wrong. The family even left their church before Rachel’s first communion because some members thought her pulling was a form of self-harm and therefore a sin. It wasn’t until six months later in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, when on her way to her first retreat, that Rachel met pink- and blue-haired Mandy Lane, who also suffers from trichotillomania. Rachel realized then she was not alone in this odd thing she did. “She just started to open up to me,” Rachel said. “She was like, ‘this is what I have and this is what I do.’” When she got to the retreat, the nursing major truly blossomed. “I went to the retreat wearing my bandana,” Rachel said, “and left leaving them all behind.” Christina Pearson, the academy’s president, said she first noticed Rachel at the retreat when the youngster went up to an elderly woman who had never met anyone with trichotillomania and started talking to her. “Here she is at 8 years old, with up to 200 people from all over the world, and no one was as young as her,” Pearson said, “but she immediately made friends with everyone in the room.” Now, millions of people in the trichotillomania community know who Rachel is. She has spoken about the disorder at conferences and has led interactive webinars with young people struggling see RACHEL, page 28

| 15

photo by Kate Sarber

JARED SUTPHIN Freshman | Huntsville, Ala. | Electrical Engineering

MAKING LIFE

A PARODY

This competitive swimmer is a man of few words, but he enjoys creating offbeat rap parodies with friends. ISAIAH STEVENSON

t was a typical summer day in Huntsville, Ala., when a group of high school friends, hanging out at a local swimming pool, started creating their own raps because they were bored. This seemed to go on every time the guys got together and didn’t have anything better to do. From this a hobby was born as freshman Jared Sutphin started making videos that became rap parodies. Early parodies featured those same guys and others singing to the music of Carnage’s “I Love Tuh” about liking to cook burgers on the grill, showing their devotion to Taco Bell by lampooning “Live Mas” and rapping to their own lyrics beside old, beaten-down cars they wished were new. “One day I looked at all the junk cars and thought it would be funny to make a video about how nice they are,” Jared said. You don’t often see Jared in many of the improvised videos because he is the man behind the camera; he actually does most of the work that needs to be done prior to filming, including finding the beat and writing the lyrics, recording the song and complet-

16 |

ing the editing and finding a place where the friends can shoot the video. “I pretty much do everything myself,” he said, “except for when I’m on-screen. Then I get someone else to hold the camera.” No one would guess that a guy as quiet as this electrical engineering major would be the creative force behind these videos. “People who don’t know me think that I’m an outgoing guy, but I’m not,” Jared said. And while Jared swims freestyle competitively for the Aces, coach Rickey Perkins was surprised when he learned of Jared’s hobby. “I just laughed,” he said, “because here’s this guy who doesn’t say three or four words, and he’s rapping. He plays his cards close to his chest, so he doesn’t show you a lot of emotion one way or the other.” Perkins described Jared as polite and serious around adults, adding that he is a super-smart swimmer and is pleased with Jared’s start to his collegiate career. “He’s an intelligent racer,” Perkins said. “He just waits and waits and waits, then puts on the gas.”

Jared was a four-year letter winner for his high school swim team and captain for two seasons. His performances helped Huntsville win state championships in 2012 and 2013 and a respectable fourth-place finish last year. Jared was also selected for the North Alabama High School Championship team from 2012–14 while earning all-Tennessee Valley honors in 2013 and 2014. Seen as a responsible student, Jared likes to stay on top of his schoolwork and other responsibilities. And even though he’s quiet, his likable, laidback nature led to his pledging Lambda Chi Alpha last fall. “Jared is definitely more of an introvert than an extrovert when you first meet him,” said John Smith, a close high school friend and a member of his parody group. “He’s one of those guys you have to get to know before he’ll open up.” While he doesn’t have much time to make videos when school is in session, Jared said he has ideas for some he hopes to make in the future. In the meantime, check out his Medford Hills Productions on YouTube.

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

LACI ROWE

MARVELOUS

SUPERHEROINE

Captain America hoodie, a vibrant shield tattoo on her shoulder with another declaring “I don’t like bullies” show senior Kirstin Ethridge’s passion for superheroes. While she lacks Captain America’s girth and regenerative capabilities, she treads in his shadow with determination. She is simply not afraid to be herself or fight everyday villains. Kirstin has been reading comics since fourth grade. As a junior at Mater Dei High School, she began teaching part time at Holy Redeemer School and spent summers as part of the school’s Safe Alternative Child Care summer staff. She read comics to the students and taught them life lessons using superheroes. This led to making comics with them and incorporating superheroes in other fun activities. Kirstin uses superheroes in her teaching and also in her school assignments. How often Kirstin references superheroes every day is little surprise to senior Grace Hunter, who has been witness to Kirstin’s love of Marvel Comics for years. “All of her shirts are Marvel unless she’s going to a job interview or something,” Hunter said. “And she’s doing the lesson plan blog for her media course. I know more than I ever thought I’d know [about comics].” On Kirstin’s lesson plan blog, “SuperLessons,” she finds ways to include comics into lessons that meet high school level course requirements. Her plans range from exploring Captain America’s creation during World War II as a way to spread patriotic propaganda to discussing the progressiveness of Hawkeye’s comics being told through sign language because of his deafness. The blog was originally an assignment last semester for Writing 330, “Digital Media Writing,” but Kirstin still enjoys working on it. “There are a lot of blogs about Marvel, a lot about teaching, but not many about Marvel and teaching,” she said. “It made me go back and look at new comics.” Kirstin’s blog is filled with colors and comic strips, with each post given a superhero image as a header and comic pages throughout. After adding a quote that relates to the lesson’s character, she summarizes the character and the lesson. She lists materials needed and standards met by the lesson. Then she plans out each part of the lesson. “They’re wonderful,” Hunter said. “I always share them on Facebook for my teacher friends since I’m an elementary education major.”

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

Besides her passion for comics, Kirstin’s teaching experience of more than five years is another reason why she decided to create the blog. “She’s very patient and very good with kids, but at the same time, she doesn’t coddle them,” senior Tia Balmer said. “She’s a compassionate teacher yet stern when she needs to be.” Hunter said Kirstin’s interest in superheroes only adds to her skills. “She holds them captive,” she said. “She can tell them a story of ‘Avengers’ and they won’t want to go home; they’ll just want to stay and hear the rest of the story.” Outside of working with children, Kirstin gives tours at the Children’s Museum of Evansville and also writes. She is finishing a young adult novel and hopes to get it published. Though Kirstin keeps herself busy, Marvel remains a constant in her life. Superheroes are even important within her core friends, who have named themselves certain characters. “[Kirstin and I] became Tony and Bruce,” Balmer said. “She’s snarky in a fun way, and I’m more of one where I’m OK as long as you don’t pester me for too long and my temper goes off.” With the energy and enthusiasm of a superhero herself, Kirstin is optimistic about her future, knowing she has a wedding to look forward to in August. “The main thing I want to do is marry Grace and have kids with her,” Kirstin said. “Getting published and working at Marvel can come after.”

KIRSTIN ETHRIDGE Senior | Evansville, Ind. | Creative Writing

photo by Kate Sarber

As a long-time Marvel fan, she teaches lessons with help from Captain America and friends.

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The former Marine corporal has led by example — as a veteran who became an involved student.

ISAIAH STEVENSON

LEAVING

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forced his long-time desire to be a police officer and allowed Mark to focus on his studies. With his drive and determination, he also quickly got involved in the small community of veterans at UE. One of the first organizations he joined was UE VETS, a group dedicated to helping veterans and their families. Mark served as president of the organization for the 2014–15 school year and over the years has also led Veterans Day services and panel discussions and helped create videos emphasizing how friendly UE is to veterans. Mark also wanted to join a fraternity. After accepting a bid from Sigma Alpha Epsilon in 2012, he decided he wanted to become chapter president. So as a sophomore, he was elected and served two terms. Freshman Blake Sergesketter, a Navy veteran, said Mark is the type of guy who wants everyone to be a success and he leads by example to accomplish this. He said Mark is a guy who believes in action. He does so much and is still a good student, and Mark wants people to see this and know they can do it too. “He’s everything you’d expect a leader to be,” Sergesketter said. Now that Mark’s two terms as SAE president are over and he is nearing graduation, he has more free time and takes the opportunity to interact with his brothers. Still living in the fraternity

house, he enjoys it because, by doing so, he is not defined by just his military experience. “It’s a change of pace from living with a bunch of marines,” Mark said. “I enjoy it because you don’t have to be talking about Marine stuff all the time” Mark is also viewed by many as a great networking resource, and as Student Congress outreach chair, he is working with a committee of students who are trying to find better ways to market UE and communicate with prospective students in an effort to increase enrollment. It seems a fitting final assignment for a man who knows how to take charge.

MARK SPECKARD Senior | Valparaiso, Ind. | Public Health

photo by Kate Sarber

hy is it that when people think of U.S. military veterans they think of the downtrodden? You know, the homeless veterans who return home and can’t find work or anything productive to do with their lives. The ones being treated — or not — for post-traumatic stress disorder and have trouble re-integrating back into society. We never adequately acknowledge the veterans who come back home after tours in dangerous lands improved because of their experiences. But senior Mark Speckhard just happens to be one of those veterans. Fresh out of Valparaiso (Ind.) High School in June 2008, Mark joined the Marines. He began his service as a driver, and he soon earned his first leadership position as a team leader. After further training, he was promoted to squad leader and given increased responsibilities during his second deployment to Afghanistan, which included overseeing a 12-man platoon that included several Afghan policemen. Mark’s job was to set up security for meetings in various Afghan villages. “I enjoyed it,” he said. “It was kind of intimidating at times, realizing you’re in charge of 12 other marines and all their equipment. They do a good job of preparing you, though.” Mark was discharged from the Marines in 2012, shortly before completing his four-year tour. He believes being a marine changed his life for the better. He said he was not a good student in high school and his time in the Marines allowed him to grow up and ultimately become a better student. “There were times when I was deployed when things got interesting,” he said. “But the overall experience, the good times and the bad times, was what made the change.” Coming to UE after his discharge rein-

A LEGACY

SIENNA CREWS Freshman | Lincoln City, Ind. | Undecided

AJAY SUNDARAM

photo by Kate Sarber

Her self-described weird mixture of athletics, fashion and style turns into a winning combination.

unners take about two years to mature and re-learn their technique before they become an asset to a college team. It isn’t the norm for younger runners to outpace older, more experienced runners, but someone forgot to tell freshman Sienna Crews. Recruited by coach Don Walters out of Heritage Hills (Ind.) High School, Sienna showed potential right away by finishing well at early meets, including taking first at the Austin Peay Cross-Country Festival. And at the Greater Louisville Classic, she finished eighth among 369 runners. She also set her personal-best 5K time at the MVC Championship. Described by freshman Hayley Elliott as energetic and bubbly, Sienna was consistently the fastest runner for the women’s squad, bringing something special to the team. “She brings happiness to the team,” freshman Ashton Bosler said. “She’s always saying something funny.” Some of the other freshmen had raced against her in high school and recognized she would be the runner to beat. “I think she tries to have fun with it and keeps doing her best,” Bosler said, “and it’s very neat as a freshman she has accomplished this much.” And while she has made a name for her-

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

STYLISH

AND SPEEDY self on campus, she has a way to go before she breaks the records of former women’s standout Kelby Jenkins, who holds every UE women’s cross-country record there is. Sienna knows she has things to work on before she can count herself among the elite. “My biggest issue is focus,” she said. “My second mile is always slower than my first, and then my third and so on are back on. I always tell my mother to shout at me to stay in focus.” No one questions that Kathleen Crews is her daughter’s biggest supporter. Sienna speaks fondly about a time when children would mimic her mom shouting, “Go, Sienna!” in the hallways of her school. But Sienna didn’t care. It’s a voice she can still distinctly recognize at any point in a race. “My mom knows what she’s talking about,” Sienna said. “I can hear her yelling.” As a successful high school athlete, the Lincoln City, Ind., native won the Pocket Athletic Conference championship three of four years — she was injured her junior year and couldn’t participate. She was also a Coach’s Choice All-Star Award winner in addition to other honors she has received. Sienna was aware that while her running form through high school left many people astounded, NCAA Division I cross-country was going to be a totally different beast. But

she said she was always OK with that, espcially with Walters as her mentor. Sienna said she initially liked him because he was intimidating. But when she was injured her junior year in high school, Walters never gave up on her. That’s when Sienna knew she had to come to UE. Like many athletes, Sienna has day-of-therace superstitions. “She is very superstitious,” Bosler said. “In middle school she forgot her hair tie and raced with her hair down and did really well. Now she always races with her hair down.” Outside of running, Sienna has a variety of interests. She has a flair for fashion and is also an avid writer — she writes a fashion blog and is never without her journal. But she has yet to declare a major. “That’s how my life is,” Sienna said. “My lack of a major is a metaphor for my life.” Walters sees that he has a potential record-breaker in Sienna, and UE may have a scorching new beacon for cross-country. “When you really dig in to somebody like her, you find something new every day,” he said. “She’s going be a leader. Freshman year, you sit and you wait and you don’t make any waves. She will be a leader not only cross-country-wise. She will gain the respect of others.”

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RYAN MURPHY

CONSTANTLY

CONNECTING

oore Hall is finally quiet after a long day. Students are in their rooms, winding down, keeping to themselves, until there’s a knock on the door. When they open it, junior Cesar Guitunga Jr. stands in front of them, smiling and asking how they’re doing. He does this for everyone on his floor, going beyond what is expected of a resident assistant. The exercise science major is from Mozambique, a southern African nation whose Indian Ocean coastline is dotted with popular beaches. He grew up in Maputo, the country’s capitol, which is at the farthest southern tip of Mozambique near Swaziland and South Africa. Even though he grew up in a culture that still struggles economically since its independence from Portugal in 1975, Cesar described his homeland as a place where people regularly connect with one another. This initial cultural disconnection made living in the United States something of a shock. “Here, if you are in a class with someone, you don’t necessarily know them,” he said. “In Mozambique, if you have a class with someone, you greet them on the street.” Connecting is so important to Cesar that he has made it a point to interact with anyone he can, from those in his classes and dorm to the chance meeting, and all are greeted with the same warm smile.

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“I’ve never seen him upset or get mad,” sophomore Amanda Alexander said. “He’s one of those people who’s a constant, happy light. He’s a bright spot in my day.” A member of International Club and an RA for two years, Cesar attended high school in Pretoria, South Africa, about four hours from Maputo, where he played soccer. He was recruited by UE to play soccer, and while he has not played much, he remains dedicated to the team. One thing Cesar considers to be of utmost

importance in his life is his Christian faith. He loves to discuss his beliefs with others and likes listening to others discuss theirs. His girlfriend, freshman Olivia Goldstein, who is Jewish, admires his openness. “It’s interesting to see that two people from very different cultures and very different faiths can have so similar morals,” she said. Cesar believes this openness is inherent to his faith. “As a moral Christian, I should be willing to talk without any judgment,” he said. Cesar wants to continue to meet and get to know as many people as he can. “I think people matter,” he said. “I’m what I am today as a result of people checking up on me.”

photo by kate sarber

Making connections with people is a part of what makes this international student who he is.

CESAR GUITUNGA JR.

November 2015 | Crescent Magazine

Junior | Maputo, Mozambique | Exercise Science

TAYLOR GATES Sophomore | Lafayette, Ind. | Creative Writing

LACI ROWE

Her enthusiastic dedication to “SVU” has led to a growing influence on social media.

DEVOTED

night of watching a TV show suddenly turns into an all-nighter, checking to see what everyone on Twitter thought about a show or if anyone caught the subtext at the end of another. This has become a weekly occurrence for sophomore Taylor Gates, who has been faithfully following “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” for four years. All it took was binge-watching the show at a friend’s house one night until 5 a.m. for the dark humor of “SVU” to suck her in. “I obviously love all of the characters,” she said. “They’re so well-written, and the character development is so cool.” Whether it is live-blogging the newest episode on Tumblr, taking a “Who is your Favorite Character?” quiz on Buzzfeed or recapping the best one-liners of the season on Twitter, people support their favorite shows on social media. Taylor has her own rituals. “She gets crazy before episodes come out and freaks out about it, making sure she’s there to watch,” sophomore Jordan Buechler said. As “SVU” airs, the creative writing major live-tweets, makes jokes about the show and takes screenshots. Many of these resur-

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

face in posts on her “SVU” blog, “16th Precinct,” which she started in September. Her blog contains commentary on new episodes as she watches them live. In Taylor’s first post, she explains the blogs conception, writing that she is an extreme fan who not only owns all 16 seasons of the long-running series, but has also pretended to be sick so she could stay home just to watch “SVU” live. “Naturally, I figured I would channel my obsession into something that could somehow help me in the future by developing my writing skills,” she said. The blog was part of an eight-post blog assignment last semester for Writing 330, “Special Topics in Writing.” Regardless, she still has fun and includes witty wisecracks in every post. Even her ending comments, from her “Honest Episode Titles” to her rating of actress Mariska Hargitay’s hair, retain the same snarky voice as her summaries. “You know you’re doing life right when you take something you’re passionate about and apply it to other things,” sophomore Josh Baty said. While her blog doesn’t reach a large audience, Buzzfeed noticed Taylor’s dedication

photo by kate sarber

SUPER FAN to and knowledge of “SVU” and has already featured three “SVU”-related quizzes. “[Buzzfeed] is so easy to work with and so fun,” Taylor said. “I make them when inspiration hits me and I have free time just to connect with people.” Those on Twitter have also shared Taylor’s quizzes, and her own Twitter account has received similar attention. With more than 2,700 followers, she sees her feed as one of her greatest accomplishments. Through her Twitter, she has chatted with cast members from TV’s “The Fosters” and received responses from Hargitay and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda — she even has writers from “SVU” following her. “She’s really good at connecting to large amounts of people, which will certainly help her in what she wants to do for a living,” Buechler said. As an honors student and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, Taylor hopes to influence communities online as well. “I want to keep reaching more and more people, doing more serious social issues,” she said. “[I want to] have a balance of entertaining people and being serious when I need to be.”

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ALEXANDRA BILLHARTZ Senior | New Baden, Ill. | Music Performance

MAGDA SOKALSKI

Her form of expression is sweetly higher than most, and her voice always draws people in.

SWEETNESS

photo by Kate Sarber

OF VOICE

scene from the opera “Olympia” was drawing to a close when a patron drifted off. That was until senior Alexandra Billhartz let out one long, piercing high E flat, jolting the woman awake. Hitting awakening high notes isn’t something just anyone can do, but people agree that Alexandra can hit the high notes beautifully. “In opera, she’s what we call a coloratura soprano” said Eric McCluskey, assistant professor of music. “It means that her voice can move more quickly, more at ease with going higher.” Coloratura is a challenging voice type. In fact, Alexandra is the only coloratura in the music performance program, and she makes it seem effortless. “She has a lovely tone quality,” McCluskey said. “I remember when I was first working with her, she liked early music, and then, later we got into standard opera. I remember thinking to myself, ‘Well, she is singing Handel so maybe she can do standard opera repertoire,’ and she can.” Along with her performance in “Olympia,” Alexandra has performed most recently in “The Old Maid and the Thief,” has sung “The Ballad of Bay Doe” and “Laurie’s Song” in UE’s “Opera Scenes” and attended

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“

Songfest, a Los Angeles-based summer opera performance program. Singing has always been a part of her life. She was 4 when she started singing in her church choir and with another group in her hometown. When she was in fifth grade, her choir director, seeing Alexandra’s passion for music, suggested voice lessons. It was then that she was introduced to opera. “At first she was like ‘OK,’” said her sister, freshman Emily Billhartz, “but she ended up loving every aspect of it, and it grew from there.” Alexandra works hard to perfect her craft. When she sees a chance to perform, McCluskey said she jumps on it. “She’s always thinking ahead of what she needs to be doing next,” he said. “She’s very disciplined. I hear her practice all the time. You have to be willing to put in hours.” McCluskey said sometimes coloratura sopranos sound brittle, but not Alexandra. Her voice has a sweetness to it, and she loves singing the arias and connecting with the characters. “When I’m performing, in some ways, it’s my way of expression,” Alexandra said. “It’s a big communication thing.” Seeing the enjoyment she gets from per-

forming is obvious, and others enjoy hearing and seeing her perform as much as she likes doing it. “She’s someone to look up to,” junior Kelsey Fields said. “She’s a marvelous performer.” Along with opera, Alexandra shares her talent in other campus choirs and is the main Neu Chapel cantor. She is also a member of Sigma Alpha Iota. “Singing is that constant thing I’m doing,” she said, “It’s a part of my personality.” Along with being a vocal performance major, Alexandra is also getting a minor in math, a seemingly strange combination, but she disagrees. “There is so much math in music,” she said. “Needing math in fractions, upper music theory is a lot of math. The connection between them is interesting.” Alexandra plans to attend graduate school to earn a doctorate in vocal performance. Afterward, she hopes to perform professionally. In the meantime, anyone can listen to Alexandra and other music majors perform in recitals and various UE productions. “Everyone should go to her senior recital,” Fields said. “It’s going to be amazing.”

“

Her voice can move more quickly, more at ease with going higher.

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

Her sunny disposition and flair for organizing events made her a favorite on campus.

TOBY KUHNKE

PLANNING eciding how to start a story on December 2015 alumna Marketa Trousilova is a hard thing to do. Her list of accomplishments runs deep, and if you try to pigeonhole the things that interest her, you would have a hard time doing so. Marketa arrived at UE in January 2013 to play tennis for the Aces after spending a year at Kansas State. She found that her decision to transfer to UE was the right choice. “In Kansas, it was a very tough experience,” she said. “It felt like they were just a sports school. It just wasn’t for me.” While she knew she would be playing tennis for the Aces, she didn’t want to be solely defined by it. She got her wish. Marketa finished her tennis eligibility last spring. During her playing time, she was named to the MVC All-Select Team three times and was also recognized with multiple awards for her academic achievements. She was also honored with the MVC’s Leadership and Service Award, one of 10 student-athletes selected based on their academic standing, good sportsmanship and extensive community service. Marketa’s involvement in community service covered everything from volunteering with the Evansville Boys and Girls Club to helping as an International Orientation Leader.

“It’s genuine,” senior Leah Burger said. “Not just a way to build her resume. She honestly just loves helping people. People first took notice of Marketa through her involvement with International Club and as an IOL. Her ability to organize events and how she interacted with new students was applauded. “She’s good at getting people hyped up about things,” Burger said. “When she commits to something, she gets really into it and is passionate.” Her love of organizing events began with her high school prom. Marketa and her classmates didn’t like the approach their principal was taking, so she took the lead and turned the dance into a student-run event. “We were a

photo by Kate Sarber

MEMORIES

rebel class,” Marketa said, “but it turned out amazing. It was so rewarding.” Once she arrived at UE, she became involved in activities that allowed her to get as much event-planning experience as possible. This was especially true in November when Marketa served as co-chair of the International Bazaar’s decorating committee. Although this was her third year helping with the event, she said it was definitely more of a challenge because the bazaar was bigger than ever. “She has such an eye for what makes an event good,” said Megan Sicard, assistant director of Cultural Engagement. “Anything that’s fun, exciting and shiny she’ll be good at doing.” Marketa said her time as an IOL was also rewarding and challenging because IOLs have to balance the cultural norms of multiple cultures. “She really went above and beyond as an IOL,” Sicard said. “She’d spend hours with an individual student. She always brought energy to both the students and the IOL groups. In fact, she won ‘IOL of the Year.’” Despite everything she was involved in, Marketa said there is nothing more satisfying than seeing an event come together. She said event planning gives her the opportunity to create lasting memories for people. “You see people enjoying it,” she said. “It’s a privilege to be a part of that.” Now that she has graduated, she has returned home until the fall when she will return to the U.S. to attend Illinois State to earn a master’s degree in communication.

MARKETA TROUSILOVA December 2015 alumna | Teplice, Czech Republic | Communication

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CARL MINNETTE Sophomore | Evansville, Ind. | International Studies

MARISA PATWA

His enthusiasm for international culture endears him to those who share their culture with him.

AMERICAN

TOURIST

group of international students cautiously makes its way around a row of chairs lined up in Carson Center small gym, waiting for the music to stop so each could claim the seat nearest to them. It seemed like a typical icebreaker, but something was off. Someone was off. Among the faces of new Peruvian, Brazilian, Chinese and Saudi Arabian students was someone who spoke American English and didn’t look anything like the rest. Sophomore Carl Minnette shrugged shyly, almost not wanting to admit he was raised in Evansville, Ind. When he revealed he was an American who was invited to the event by his Dominican Republican roommate, junior Rene Perez, he offered to leave. “No, it’s OK!” someone said. “It’s good for him to be here.” It was then that Carl, who has struggled with Tourette syndrome since age 14 and has often been labeled different, connected with the students many see as different too. Living with Tourette’s, a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics, is not always easy. He developed the disorder while going through puberty, and although Carl enjoyed participating in mu-

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sicals and had a group of friends at North High School, he also dealt with bullies and depression. It got so bad when he was 16 that he took off two semesters of school. Carl said although he was once ashamed of his Tourette’s, he now embraces it as a part of who he is and believes everyone is supposed to be special in their own way. “If we were meant to all be the same, we’d all be boys, girls, have cancer, be blind,” he said. “We’d all have tics. But we don’t. We’re different. We’re meant to be unique.” Carl’s interest in the lives of international students and their cultures began in high school when he first became captivated by what he learned from exchange students attending his school. Since then, he has become even more fascinated by the different things he learns from international students — about their food, their languages, their traditions and their styles of dance. “He has always been there and helps us feel at home,” Perez said. For Carl, his support is as simple as treating others the way he wants to be treated. “If I were a student in a new country,”

he said, “I’d be scared too and would want someone to help me.” Junior Gabriela Tom said he loves Brazilian culture so much he often excitedly approaches her about something new he has learned. He once ran up to Tom while she was talking to a professor, gave her a hug and repeated the new Portuguese word his Brazilian friends had taught him. This new word translated roughly to something like “hot chick.” But what Carl didn’t know was the professor also spoke Portuguese. Tom gave Carl an odd look — one he’s seen many times before. So he grabbed Tom, hugged her again, and said the word again. “He’s always so enthusiastic,” Tom said. “I don’t want to kill his vibe. He comes up thinking he is fluent.” Carl’s enthusiasm for life never wanes, and even though he has Tourette’s to deal with, making a difference in the lives of international students is a contribution he believes benefits him and them. From dinners at his home to giving tours of the city he knows so well, he’ll do anything to help them forget they are tens of thousands of miles away from home.

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

MARK ANTHONY GONZALEZ Senior | Bolton, Ontario, Canada | Sports Management

OLIVIA SHOUP

This Canadian is agile and has lightening quick speed — the talent to take his game to the next level.

PLAYING

PASSIONATELY T

he Aces haven’t always produced a win-loss record that they could be proud of, but it didn’t take UE or the MVC long to recognize the talent of forward Mark Anthony Gonzalez. To some, soccer is just a sport, but for this senior, his feelings for the sport go much deeper. Mark Anthony, who grew up in Bolton, Ontario, Canada, has been playing soccer since he was 4 and became a starter for the Aces almost from the moment he stepped on campus. He said he has always loved the sport, so balancing his life around soccer was second nature. His secondary school soccer team won its athletic association’s championship in 2010 when Mark Anthony was 16. And prior to joining Toronto’s Sigma Football Club, he played for two club teams, leading both to league championships. Mark Anthony was also a starter for Sigma FC, champions of the 2011 Ontario Soccer League Under-21 Club. He was the team’s leading scorer when former UE coach Mike Jacobs noticed the 17-year-old, recognizing his above-average talent immediately. At the time, Jacobs called Mark Anthony a dynamic attacking player who could create and finish scoring chances — and he

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

was right. Over four seasons with the Aces, Mark Anthony scored 27 goals. He also led the MVC in goals in 2013 and was named to the all-MVC freshman team in 2012 and the all-MVC first team for the last three seasons. Coach Marshall Ray said Mark Anthony is technically gifted, one of the team’s and conference’s best. He has a great pace, and his increased size has allowed him to deal with the demand better. And while his attitude has never been negative, he has definitely matured. He can play for 90 minutes, offense and defense, with determination. “He effectively can take over a game by himself and influences the same characteristics from his teammates,” Ray said. He said Mark Anthony can also defend and is flexible in his position. He can play attacking midfielder, holding midfielder — even wide positions, but he’s most influential as a center forward. “He has been a cornerstone for the team,” Ray said, “a role model for how a Purple Ace should play.” Mark Anthony said playing college soccer has not always been easy. Because he was a team captain, Mark Anthony held himself to a higher standard and tried to lead by exam-

ple. But he said his hard work and demanding practice schedule paid off by helping him perform — and lead — more effectively. “Coach Ray always stressed to compete no matter what,” he said. “It was no walk in the park.” But Mark Anthony has a great support system. Along with his teammates, coaches and family, his girlfriend, USI senior Kyleigh Carpenter, is always by his side. She has been the woman behind the man for more than a year and helps him to stay on track. As a National Physique Committee bikini competitor, Carpenter lives an active lifestyle, training year-round for competitions, lifting weights most days and following a strict diet, which rubs off on her boyfriend. “She stops me from snacking,” Mark Anthony said. “She’ll ask, ‘Do you really need that?’ She keeps me in line.” As he waited for January’s Major League Soccer draft, Mark Anthony finally learned he had been selected by Sporting Kansas City’s Swope Park Rangers. The club is one of 11 in the United Soccer League that is owned and operated by a MLS franchise. But to many, there was really no doubt that Mark Anthony would find himself playing professional soccer as soon as he could.

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JACK ANDREW Senior | St. Cloud, Minn. | Communication

This senior has been preparing for a career in comedy since his elementary school days.

A NATURAL

photo by Kate Sarber

ENTERTAINER

CHARLIE ERICSON

enior Jack Andrew wrote a letter to himself when he was in fourth grade that he saved to read later in life. So when he was a senior in high school, he reread the letter. It told the older Jack that he should be performing stand-up comedy at the famed Second City Comedy Club in Chicago. And oddly enough, the following summer he attended a two-week comedy course at the prestigious club. While that might have been Jack’s first step into the comedy arena, he has been performing since. He once took the stage at a Minneapolis club following a psychic who claimed to have a direct connection to the Virgin Mary. Knowing that all he had to do was be better than she was, Jack found a great way to get the crowd on his side. I opened with, “I’m not a big fan of cuddling. I am always so self-conscious. Am I breathing too loud? Does my breath stink? Does my throbbing erection bother you?” he said. It worked. Although Jack said the psychic probably made his act better than it actually was, he got his fair share of laughs. Jack credits his brother with getting him

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interested in comedy since he was the one who showed him what he calls “awful Dane Cook stuff” followed by his own look into the comedy of George Carlin and others. Jack said he first started preparing for what he hopes will become a comedy career a long time ago. He enjoys making people laugh because it makes him feel good. “It’s like when they smile,” he said, “I’m giving them a temporary escape from their day.” Jack said he has long pictured himself working a day job, writing jokes when he could and trying to earn extra bucks with stand-up comedy at night. “He needs to do it,” senior Ben Phillips said. “It makes him who he is. He’s constantly shooting content out, asking ‘Hey, is this funny?’” But as all comedians know, some jokes fall flat. “When I come across that in a gig, I just move on,” he said. “Either that, or I’ll shift material. I’ve usually got a healthy mix of self-deprecating humor and dirty stuff.” When he isn’t cracking jokes and making people laugh, Jack is attending to his small

group as an Orientation Leader, taking a role in Phi Gamma Delta or finishing his communication degree requirements. “I decided that I wanted to major in communication mostly because I was watching ‘Mad Men’ my freshman year,” he said. OLs see him as someone who gets to know freshmen, making them feel at ease. “He’s a character, always,” senior Anneliese Trapp said. “He makes you laugh, he makes you uncomfortable, and he is always willing to walk right up to someone and start a conversation.” As an incoming freshman attending SOAR sessions, Jack knew he wanted to be a part of it. It wasn’t until later that he realized how much comedy helps freshmen relax. “There’s no better feeling in the world than being able to make people laugh,” he said. “It’s the most natural thrill in the world.” But in situations such as SOAR, where Jack knows freshmen are incredibly nervous, he said he tries to put himself in their shoes. “I walk a fine line between introverted and extroverted,” he said. “I dislike a lot of people, but I crave company.”

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

SARAH CHEATHAM Senior | Greencastle, Ind. | Athletic Training

With her sunny disposition and larger-than-life personality, it’s no surprise she is the reigning Miss UE.

TRULY

photo by Kate Sarber

AN ORIGINAL MAGDA SOKALSKI

or most of us, craving home-cooked meals, wanting to sleep in our own bed — even missing the family dog — make us long for home. Homesickness is common, especially in our first few months of college. As a freshman, senior Margaret Frerichs became homesick. And one time, despite the late hour and the hour-long drive, a new friend noticed and drove her home. “I don’t have a sister, an actual sister, so she’s practically my sister,” she said. “And I always go to her if I ever need advice.” That’s just the kind of person senior Sarah Cheatham is. Whether it’s getting together with her Alpha Omicron Pi sisters, looking after her residents as a Villages resident assistant, hanging out with friends or handing out Dum-Dums from the stash she carries with her, Sarah is truly a people-person. “I don’t know if this sounds cliche, but I really like helping people,” she said. Sarah is known for her smile, her delightful disposition and her caring nature. And with these things come a fun-loving, quick-witted sense of humor. “She’s very sarcastic, dry humor,” Frerichs said. “She’s hilarious.”

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

It didn’t take Sarah long to get involved once she arrived on campus. An Orientation Leader for three years, she applied because her OL had made a difference in her life. “I was the only one from my school who came here, so I was really nervous,” Sarah said. “My OL made me feel so welcome, and I wanted to make freshmen feel that way.” While Sarah’s positive outlook is charming, her real love lies with athletic training. “She’s very passionate about her major and helping the athletes,” Frerichs said. “She’s always showing me videos related to it, like, ‘Hey, look at this video of a girl whose elbow is popped out, and look at them put it back in.’” As the senior student athletic trainer for women’s basketball, Sarah provides rehabilitation for injured players along with anything else the players might need. “She’s at the point where she knows she can handle anything,” said Jeff Tilly, assistant professor of athletic training. “I know that’s where I want my athletic trainer seniors to be.” While most athletic trainers hope to go on to work with sports teams after gradua-

tion, Sarah’s devotion lies with the military. “I’m not from a military family,” she said. “I just know a lot of people who went into the military, so military men and women have always been close to my heart.” Sarah hopes to eventually work with the Army but is up for anything military related. “If I had to dream big, I would want to go for [black operations], but that’s dreaming really big,” she said. “I have to first work at the bottom before I can go to the top.” That probably means more schooling and experience. She is applying to graduate schools. Auburn is her top choice, especially because it is close to Fort Benning, Ga. In the meantime, Sarah’s sunny disposition will continue to be a bright spot on campus, even in the training room. “You can never tell if it’s a good or bad day with her,” Tilly said. “She’s always upbeat.” But with her cheerful personality clearly evident to those who know her, maybe it was Sarah who described herself best. “I’m just a loud, optimistic person,” she said. “I want everyone to be as loud and peppy as me.”

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z RACHEL, from page 15 with the disorder. Even adults ask her for advice. And at 14, Rachel did something virtually unheard of in the trichotillomania community — she quit cold turkey. For four and a half years, she resisted the urge to pull. And for those four glorious years, Rachel thought she was cured of her disorder and would never again have to deal with the nightmare of hiding bald spots or going into a three-hour pulling trance But even though she tried to be brave and strong, her insecurities eventually caught up with her, and she became a bit of a basket case in the process. She finally snapped when a guy she was interested in did not want to date her, and she believed it was because she had no hair. Her worst nightmare came true when her tendencies started again in March 2014, when the stress of finals and picking the right college were just too much. She just couldn’t help but pull. Rachel said she was so disappointed in herself and felt as if she had let down the entire trichotillomania community — she had been their beacon of hope. But she survived her relapse with the help of her boyfriend, Andy Duffin, a sophomore finance major at IU, who finds her just as beautiful with hair as he does without. “Andy has been there when my hair was down to my butt, when I started pulling again and now the baldness,” Rachel said. “Lordy, gotta love him.” A year and a half later, Rachel has again come to terms with her disorder and has shaved her head so she does not become distracted by fighting the urge to pull. “It’s more important for her to be a nurse than look good,” Pearson said. “It’s not an easy life, but it’s one worth living.” Sophomore Stephanie Sillings said one of things that made her want to be Rachel’s friend was her openness about her disorder. “And now she shows off by rolling out of bed 10 minutes before class like ‘I’m ready,’” she said, “and I’m still trying to do my hair.” Rachel became a Mary Kay representative last spring as a way to make some quick cash, but she now sees it as an opportunity to help younger girls with trichotillomania feel better about themselves. “But for her, it’s not about hiding,” Pearson said. “It’s about enhancing.” It’s actually a fashion statement, although most people think she has cancer. But she doesn’t mind. She sees it as an opportunity to spread awareness and educate people about trichotillomania and other impulse disorders. “People say if you don’t have a comment on your hair for six months, you should change it,” she said. “I get a comment every day.”

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campus crime

The following information was compiled from criminal offense reports filed Oct. 17, 2015 through Jan. 17, 2016 in Safety & Security.

Jan. 17 – Student found intoxicated in front of Ridgway Center. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. — Four tires on four vehicles were slashed in C-lot. Losses not reported. Jan. 15 – Four students found intoxicated on Brentano Hall fourth floor. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. — Two students found in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia on Brentono Hall fourth floor. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Jan. 13 – Hispanic male grabbed a trash can and threw it at a vehicle. Evansville Police Department notified and man was taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail. — Student reported wallet stolen from and a window broken in his vehicle parked in University Apartments-lot. Hispanic male seen leaving the area. Loss not reported. — Student reported bike and bike helmet stolen from the bike locker near Hale Hall. Helmet recovered. Loss reported at $170. Dec. 17 – Two students found intoxicated in G-lot. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Dec. 16 – Student found intoxicated near School of Business Administration. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Dec. 14 – Student reported credit cards and other items stolen from her purse. Loss reported at $3. Dec. 13 – Six students were stopped by Indiana Excise Police officers in Q-lot. Three of those students received underage drinking citations. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Dec. 11 – Two students found intoxicated in J-lot. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Dec. 9 – Two students found intoxicated in K-lot. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. — Student found intoxicated on Moore Hall first floor. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. — An intoxicated male tried to enter the Sigma Phi Epsilon house. EPD notified, man was arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail. Dec. 7 – Orange traffic cone stolen from A-lot. Loss reported at $15. Dec. 5 – Cap removed from gas meter located behind Hazeart apartments. Loss not reported. Dec. 2 – Graffiti found on walls in west stairwell of Hughes Hall. Loss not reported. Nov. 28 – Three students found intoxicated in a Walnut Commons townhouse. Referred to the vice

president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Nov. 22 – Student seen littering after urinating on a light pole. He then ran into Schroeder Hall and was found in a third floor room. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Nov. 15 – Student reported receiving harrassing text messages while at work. Nov. 10 – Alcohol found in a student’s vehicle parked in G-lot. Student said it belonged to his sisters and gave it to the Safety & Security officer. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Nov. 8 – Two students found intoxicated on Weinbach. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. — Student found intoxicated on Schroeder Hall fourth floor. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Nov. 6 – Student reported her car stolen from the Panhellenic Center parking lot. EPD notified. Vanderburgh County Sheriff Department found vehicle at Eagle Village Student Apartments. Loss reported at $19,000. Nov. 1 – Student found intoxicated near Hughes Hall. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. — Two students found intoxicated on the Lambda Chi Alpha house steps. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Oct. 29 – Male found trying to steal a bike from Q-lot. EPD notified, man was arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail. Oct. 26 – Cash stolen from a student’s wallet in a Hale Hall third floor room. Loss reported at $800. Oct. 25 – Student found intoxicated in a Moore Hall second floor restroom. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. — Ground light found broken behind School of Business Administration. Loss not reported. Oct. 24 – Student reported a screen cut and kitchen window broken in a Walnut Commons townhouse. Loss not reported. Oct. 21 – Two students reported being followed by an intoxicated male near Hughes Hall. EPD notified and apprehended the man. He was banned from campus. Oct. 18 – Student appeared intoxicated on Walnut and ran from security officers but was apprehended near North Hall. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Oct. 17 – Male found intoxicated at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house wearing only his underwear. EPD notified, man was arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail. February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

Questions At school or work, students are usually expected to follow those more experienced. New leadership programs are here to teach us just how that works. GEOFF EDWARDS Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Engagement

photo by Kate Sarber

to values and figuring out personal values and the organization’s values and how those might jive or be in conflict. Some people are good visionaries, but they have a hard time conveying that vision. That’s why a lot of people have executives and marketing people. Their job is to be able to put this vision onto paper or to create some sort of message so people can better understand the vision.

Q: What are the differences between

Q: Leadership can be defined in various ways. How do you define leadership? A: I would define leadership as a set of skills, inherent or learned, that allow people to make decisions and convince others to act in a certain way. Charisma plays a lot into that, but what we gain from charisma is the attraction that makes other people feel like they have to listen to you and follow you. Two people could say the same thing, but if one doesn’t have that personal touch, others are less likely to follow him or her.

Q: What do you think makes someone a good leader? A: Some of the big things are vision and really understanding where you are headed. Another aspect of leadership is commitment

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

being in a position of leadership and being a leader? A: The president is only as good as his or her staff — the job is too big. We praise the person at the top, and not all of the people who help look as good. The issue with a lot of leaders is that role they’re stepping into is bigger than they are. I think a true leader is willing to lose his or her job because he or she is standing up for his or her values. That’s a leader, not necessarily a leadership role.

Q: What sets a leader apart from a manager?

A: Managers are meant to get the job done. The role of a leader is to get people to achieve their greatest potential. If there’s failure involved, leaders create a learning opportunity. They move the organization along despite failure, while the manager’s role is to complete the task. From a mana-

gerial standpoint, people are going to lose their jobs because they fail at something. There are a lot of characteristics that overlap, but ultimately, it’s about the end result.

Q: How can students get involved in leadership education? A: We have plenty of opportunities. Those in Leadership Academy are getting a formalized structure of three stages of personal development to understand and implement the skills they’re learning. Others participating in the National Society for Leadership and Success are hearing from successful people on what leadership and success means to them. We’ve tried to do a similar thing with the Lunch and Lead programs, but they’re really intended to talk about just one aspect of leadership.

Q: What could a student gain on top of learning how to be a leader? A: One of the best things is they learn a lot about themselves. It’s not about developing leadership skills to become a leader in a formal way. It’s about figuring out how to navigate within an organization, to contribute one’s best. That doesn’t always mean that they have to be the person directing the operation. They can be a contributor by following, doing what they’ve been asked to do, meeting deadlines and contributing in a constructive manner.

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SEXUAL TENSION

ERIN WILLER

PLEASURE

FOR EVERYONE N Sexual satisfaction is depicted by the media as an effortlessly erotic act.

oah carries a rain-soaked Allie upstairs with such burning desire they barely make it to the bed, as depicted in one sexually sizzling scene from “The Notebook.” And in a matter of minutes, they are completely satiated from their passion-filled tumble between the sheets. The big O. Anyone can have an orgasm but how the media portrays people having them — and the way they are achieved — is not the way they normally happen in real life. It differs from person to person. People actually go through four stages on their way to sexual satisfaction. Most people are aware of the first two stages, where a couple gets excited and then more so and then the physical changes occur. It is the third stage — orgasm — that has many people confused. The shortest of the stages, the feeling an orgasm gives both men and women is similar. But how men and women achieve orgasm is a different story, and it is here that the differences occur. While various types of stimulation to the penis will result in a male having an orgasm, research shows that up to 80 percent of women cannot reach orgasm through penile-vaginal intercourse. Some women think this as a problem and others don’t. What many people forget is that the clitoris, not the vagina, is the female sex organ, so it is understandable that most women do not orgasm based on intercourse. On the other hand, the clitoris has more than 8,000 sensory nerves, but that does not mean orgasm comes easy to all women — nor is it as easy to achieve orgasm as portrayed in the media. Lora Becker, associate professor of psychology, believes it is the media that influences us the most — and many of us first learned about sex through the media. How it is portrayed by the various media is also how we believe orgasm is achieved. Since orgasms are actually difficult for women to achieve through intercourse versus the story the me-

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dia tells, 67 percent of heterosexual women admit to faking orgasm. Senior Glyne Pease believes this is because the emphasis is on male orgasm. “Most women think sex is finished when the man is finished,” she said. Senior Justin Slattery said others believe women fake orgasms when sex is viewed as a male-dominated act, although he does not feel this way. “[It should be] mutual enjoyment between consenting partners,” he said. “The satisfaction shouldn’t be one-sided.” Becker believes it many times has to do with a woman not wanting to disappoint her partner. Women actually have a tendency to rate their sexual experiences more positively after they have faked an orgasm. They pleased their partner, and that may be more important to them than pleasing themselves. “Women are raised to please others,” she said. Becker also said when it comes to achieving orgasm, many men also have trouble. In fact, 28 percent of men admit to faking. Stress and pressure to perform are often the culprits. “It’s so interesting that we hide human sexuality,” she said. “We are our most intimate selves when we are sexual with partners.” Many people have a hard time talking with their partners about what they like sexually. No one is instantly comfortable when discussing their likes and dislikes. It takes talking to get comfortable. “Accepting that even though you are embarrassed, the person you are talking to is probably embarrassed too,” Pease said. When it comes to sexual satisfaction, communication and honesty are equal parts of the equation. “Everybody needs to learn about themselves and their partner,” Becker said. “You have to learn how to make your partner’s coffee. Why isn’t that true in an intimate situation?”

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

EQUALITY

THROUGH THE LENS

RYAN MURPHY

Marching in memory of King.

The air was bone-chilling and the wind cut like knives, but nothing stopped students and others of all races from marching together in celebration of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. After the re-enactment of the 1963 March on Washington, participants came together to sign peace pledges and listen to King’s “I Have A Dream” speech as they warmed up with hot cocoa and coffee in Ridgway Center. Putting a finishing touch on the celebratory day was a speech by the Rev. Terry V. Atwater, a UE alumnus and senior minister for 40 years at North Shore Church of Christ, who addressed those in attendance in Eykamp Hall.

Taking a stand, sophomore Kenyia Johnson is one of many who signs the MLK Peace Pledge to commit to 40 days of peace. | Taylor Williams

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

Braving the cold in not much more than a jacket, sophomore Choudhury Yusuf proudly displays his poster as he marches. | Taylor Williams

Transforming present day Lincoln into the March on Washington of 1963, students and the community re-enact the march that gave hope for race equality and left a mark on history. | Chelsea Blanton

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THE HOT CORNER

There is no room in any sports Hall of Fame for players who cheat. Only those who respect their sport should be selected.

REWARDING

CHEATING ALEX GOULD

hen I was about 5 years old, I enjoyed watching TV shows typical of the time, but nothing compared to watching a baseball game. I remember the players, the roar of the crowd, analyzing aspects of the game and the feeling that nothing in the world mattered as much as that game going on in front of me. To me, baseball has always been the best form of entertainment. And because of my love for baseball, I learned to idolize some of the greatest athletes ever to play the game. Players like Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants, Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals, Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs and seven-time Cy Young Award winning pitcher Roger Clemens — now prime candidates for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Fast forward to December 2007 when the Mitchell Report, the result of a 21-month investigation into the use of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone in Major League Baseball, was published. The report claimed that more than 100 players had taken performance-enhancing drugs during their careers; a time that became known as the steroid era, considered to have run from the late ‘80s through the late 2000s. Bonds (who holds the record for career home runs), McGwire (who admitted to using steroids and with Sosa broke baseball’s single-season home run record in 1998) and Clemens headlined the report’s list of guys suspected of using steroids. Fans — including me — were devastated. They learned their heroes cheated their way to the top.

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Remarkably, some people still don’t believe that steroids actually help a player’s performance. But sportswriter Zachary Rymer said in a Bleacher Report article that there were four players in 1995 who hit 40 or more home runs. The following year that number skyrocketed to 17. In fact, from 1996–2006 there were eight or more players who hit 40 or more home runs each season. This was unheard of. And in 2007, after testing became standardized, the total went back down to five players and has not risen since. The issue today is whether or not those players who used steroids, even before testing became standardized, should be admitted to the HOF. Some say they should, arguing that they would have gotten into Cooperstown regardless. But others take the view that steroid use is cheating and those suspected should never be allowed in the HOF. I agree, even though some of them were my heroes and made baseball that much more exciting. Steroids were actually banned in 1991, and although home runs bring fans to games and make certain players fun to watch, steroid use is a disgrace. ESPN writer Wallace Matthews, a HOF voter, explained in “Cheaters Don’t Deserve A Hall Pass” what players he did and will not vote for. He also quoted rule No. 5 of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s election guidelines. It states: “Voting shall be based on the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played.”

As the rule clearly states, players must prove their integrity, sportsmanship and character. When players cheat, they discount the game’s purity and are discarding a part of the rules. True, baseball can be dirty at times. Sometimes fights break out and occasionally pine tar is found on a pitcher’s neck. But using illegal substances as a way to gain a physical advantage over other players should not be rewarded. There just isn’t room for cheating in baseball. Pete Rose, who played for the Cincinnati Reds for most of his career and is arguably one of the greatest players to ever play the game, was found guilty of betting on baseball. He was banned from baseball in 1989. He will probably never be admitted to the HOF, even though he still holds a number of records, including most career hits. If Rose is not allowed in, then any player who has used steroids should not be considered either. And now catcher Mike Piazza (who mostly played for the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers) is to be inducted this summer into the HOF. The 12-time AllStar admitted to using androstenedione before it was officially banned. But remember this: androstenedione is a steroid. If players of questionable character continue to be admitted to the HOF, the message conveyed is that respect for the game means nothing. Respect and integrity for the game should mean more than personal records. If you let one cheater in, you might as well make steroids legal for players to use and let them all in.

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

ATHLETES IN ACTION

TAYLOR WILLIAMS

GO ACES! Move, cut, look and pass.

Basketball fans across the country are carefully watching the Aces after their impressive start and continued above-average play this season. A banner hanging in their practice facility is a tribute to the 1999 team that made it to the NCAA Tournament. That was 17 years ago and they were the last UE team to make it to the Big Dance. The banner is also a sizeable incentive to play hard, and it seems to be working. With center Egidijus Mockevicius named to the Senior CLASS Award list for those who excel in four areas of excellence, he also holds the top rebounding spot in NCAA Division I basketball. Guard D.J. Balentine leads the MVC in scoring and remains in the D-I’s top 20 in scoring. If you missed last Sunday’s game against Wichita State, you only have four more chances to catch the Aces at Ford Center before MVC Tournament play begins March 3.

His skills are no joke! Ranked in the top 20 in scoring in the NCAA and recently acknowledged in Sports Illustrated as a Mid-Major Player of the Week, guard D.J. Balentine isn’t fooling around. With his eyes on the prize, he leaps past Southeast Missouri forward Joel Angus III as he goes for the basket as forward Willie Wiley stands ready. | Kate Sarber

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

Clearly better than — and above — the rest, center Egidijus Mockevicius proves he can definitely shoot the ball as well as rebound it. | Kate Sarber

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OVERTIME

CREATING

The father-son relationship is particularly important — and special — to forward Blake Simmons.

HIS OWN PATH CHARLIE ERICSON

rowing up the child of a coach is filled with perks and advantages most people don’t understand. Those kids get to know players in a special way, travel to watch teams play, move to new locations as their dads accept new positions, and if talented enough and love the sport, become players themselves. Junior Blake Simmons has lived this life as the son of coach Marty Simmons. It seems Blake was born with basketball in his blood, and as his childhood friend Kyle Aiton said, “In eighth grade he was very good. In high school, he was the man.” A standout player for Castle High School, Blake was a three-time first team all-SIAC player and was named an Indiana All-Star as a senior. Deciding to play for his dad was a relatively easy decision for the 6-foot-5-inch, 210-pound forward, but it was an emotional moment for coach Simmons when Blake called and announced, “I want to play for you, Dad.” “It was definitely a father moment instead of a coach one,” coach Simmons said. “In the end, it was just a moment where I was a proud dad, one of those times you just get tears in your eyes.” For Blake, staying close to home and playing for UE was a natural thing to do. “In my opinion, he’s the best coach in the country,” Blake said. “I just knew I wanted to play for him.” Being the son of the coach hasn’t always been easy for Blake. He said it’s gotten easier since freshman year, and admits just out of high school he didn’t take criticism well. “Now I feel like I have more of a lead-

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“

ership role,” he said, “and I know that my dad is just trying to make me the best player that I can be.” And that is definitely happening. Blake finished last season as UE’s top free throw shooter as well as being named a MVC first team scholar-athlete. He was also named to the all-MVC freshman team and finished as the MVC’s top scoring true freshman. Guard D.J. Balentine calls Blake “the three-point specialist,” saying he has an unbelievably high IQ for basketball. He always seems to know where to be on the court. Balentine described the time during the 2015 CollegeInsider.com Tournament championship game where Blake pushed past three bigger players to grab a rebound, then turned, pushed down court and positioned himself for a jump shot. As the seconds ticked away, the ball dropped into the basket and the Aces secured the lead and eventually the win. After the shot, Blake turned and faced his teammates, shouting and beating his chest in triumph. “He’s had a lot of good games though, a lot last year,” Balentine said, “but I can’t really think of one specific game that was better than that. The relationship between father and son does not go unnoticed. They’re extremely close, but they don’t allow the connection to interfere with team goals. In fact, Balentine said they both do a good job of not showing anything out of the ordinary, but Blake never calls his dad coach, always Dad. “Not only does it help Blake as a player, but it helps him as a man, too,” Balentine said.

Coach Simmons definitely likes having his son playing for him. He said it’s a cool arrangement. And while some people might think he treats Blake differently, that is simply not true. “Well, as my son, I guess I’ll always expect more from him than from the other guys,” he said. “So, I guess I treat him differently that way. [But] when we’re away from [campus], like at home or going to the grandparents, it’s definitely a different relationship.” Blake is especially close to his family, which includes his younger brother, Cole, who plays seventh grade basketball for Castle North Middle School “He’s a great big brother, that’s something a lot of people don’t know.” Balentine said. “He takes his little brother out three or four times a week. I’m always really impressed by that.” Even though he is majoring in sports management and business administration, Blake eventually wants to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a coach. “What I really want to do is coach alongside my dad, ” he said. “I’ve always looked up to him. He’s been my No. 1 role model since day one.” Despite thir similarities, Coach Simmons sees his son’s future as entirely his own. “He’s a lot better person than I am, and he’s definitely making his own way,” he said. “We’re much different players. He also really enjoys the atmosphere of Evansville, and he wanted to go here on his own. All in all, I think he’s done a really good job of making his own path.”

“

What i really want to do is coach alongside my dad.

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

photo by Kate Sarber

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

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BRAIN BOMB

MENTIONS & INVENTIONS When you tend to your Wii-related injury, last thing on your mind is probably who invented the first video-game console. And the inventor’s race is probably not the first thing you think of as you watch a 3-D movie, have a water gun fight or donate blood. In honor of Black History Month, all these inventions and mentions are about African-American men and women. Get ready to learn something new.

The great achievement of Thurgood Marshall’s career as a civil-rights lawyer was his victory in the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case. In 1965, he was appointed to serve as the first black U.S. solicitor general and in 1967 he became the first African American named to the nation’s highest court.

Everyone knows tennis great Serena Williams, but Althea Gibson was actually the first black person to play in and win Wimbledon and the U.S. national tennis championship. She won both tournaments twice. In all, Gibson won 56 tournaments, including five Grand Slams. Cartoons would be nothing without special effects genius Marc Hannah. The computer scientist developed the 3-D graphics technology used in films. Without him, Aladdin and Jasmine couldn’t have taken that magic carpet ride. The man behind the Super Soaker is Lonnie Johnson. Every year since its release in 1982, the Soaker has ranked among the world’s 20 best-selling toys.

In 1943, Euphemia Haynes became the first AfricanAmerican woman to earn a doctorate in mathematics. You go, ‘Phe!. Women all over should give a shoutout to Percy Julian. He developed the synthesis process, which was critical to the medical industry. Her innovations led to the creation of the birth control pill.

Women all over should give a shoutout to Percy Julian. He developed the synthesis process, which was critical to the medical industry. Her innovations led to the creation of the birth control pill. Gerald Lawson, a mostly self-taught engineer, paved the way for home gaming as we know it today when he created the first home video-game console with interchangeable cartridges.

In 1990, boxing great Muhammad Ali used his legendary status and his own goodwill to help secure the release of 15 U.S. hostages being held by Saddam Hussein after he met with the the Iraqi dictator. Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald was the first black woman to win a Grammy, taking home two awards in 1958 and winning 13 more during her Illustrious career.

Charles Drew’s research on blood transfusions led to the development of the blood bank. He helped England set up its first blood bank and improved techniques for blood storage that saved thousands of lives in World War II.

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February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

WHO KNEW?

WHERE DOES MY CARD COME FROM? Valentine’s Day is the second biggest day of the year, behind Christmas, for greeting card sales at about 144 million cards. But who makes these cards? Hallmark, the largest greeting card company in America, began sending Valentine’s Day cards in 1913. Hallmark starts with an 80-person staff that analyzes the past year’s cards. They use the data they collect from more than 100,000 customer reviews, focus groups and in-store observations to create about 2,000 cards that are then added to the year’s collection.

WHAT PERKS ARE IN YOUR CUP? Let’s face it, college students need coffee. It keeps us alert at all times of the day, and it’s handy when you’re trying to stay awake while pulling all-nighters. But how much coffee is too much coffee? While drinking too much coffee can actually kill you, the lethal dose is about 100 cups — impossible to drink all at once. Doctors

WHAT TO DO WITH THE DIAMONDS? There are storms on Saturn and Jupiter that rain diamonds up to a centimeter wide. Methane in the air becomes graphite, which turns into diamonds. Please, let some rain our way.

DON’T SHARE KISSES WITH LIP-BALM LIPS? Lips have a network of blood vessels under the surface that absorb anything — even germs. Herpes, viruses and cold sores can spread through lip balm, even if there are no visible sores. Now is not the season to be sharing lip-balm kisses.

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

say drinking up to six cups of coffee a day is not associated with an increased risk of death. In fact, studies are finding coffee consumption may protect people against Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and liver cancer. So don’t feel too guilty about that extra cup of coffee and happy studying! Yeah, right.

WHAT’S A PAIR? Before becoming the undergarment that it is today, underwear once came in two separate parts. The term “pair of underwear” stayed with the garment even after the two parted company.

WHO SAID JAYWALKER FIRST? “Jaywalker” is a term city folk use to refer to someone who crosses the street somewhere other than at a crosswalk. This term actually comes from the word “jay,” a term for someone who was an idiot, a hick or just plain dull. Guess we’ve all been idiots at some point.

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OFF THE WALL

DOTM JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

tempescope — the weather box Have you ever woken up in the morning and wondered about the weather, but you were too lazy to get up and go look outside or even to grab your phone and check an app? Well, now there’s a way you can check the weather without having to leave your bed! TEMPESCOPE, as described on the company’s website TEMPESCOPE..COM, is a little glass box that reproduces various weather conditions inside the box that mimic the weather forecast outside. The display is connected to a weather app on a mobile device that will actually display the weather as it looks in real time right outside your window. If it’s sunny, the device glows. If it’s pouring rain, water droplets will fall from the box’s ceiling. If the forecast calls for clouds, fog will form within the box. And Tempescope

can even mimic a storm’s thunder and lightning. One of the cooler aspects of the is that you can also set the weather to another location. For example, if you want to know if your friends in Grantham, England, are facing the cold British drizzle, you can synchronize the device to reflect the conditions across the ocean. You can also set the Tempescope to display whatever weather you want. If it’s depressingly cold and rainy outside, you might want to display some sunny vibes inside your home. Tempescope can’t recreate snow, but the developers are currently trying to fix that. The product is set to hit stores in April, but you can get it online now for a mere $199. But don’t worry — the device’s creators are even campaigning for a cheaper retail price.

really awful pick up lines

TIDBIT

> You can call me Nemo because I’m never afraid to TOUCH the butt. > Are you cholesterol? Because you keep MESSING with my heart. > Hi, the VOICES in my head told me to come over and talk to you. > Are you a parking ticket? Because you’ve got FINE written all over you. > When I look at you, I see more STARS than the cast of “Valentine’s Day.” > I hope there’s lots of SCORING tonight during and after the Super Bowl. > I hope you know CPR because you take my breath away. > You must be from Tennessee because you are the only TEN I see. > I play the FIELD, and it looks like I just hit a home run with you.

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Strawberries and raspberries aren’t berries; they’re aggregate fruits. Berries are fruits that stem from one flower with one ovary and have several seeds.

chocolate martini

This drink goes out to all the lovely couples and proud singles out there this Valentine’s Day. This drink is super easy to make for students who are simply too lazy to wait longer than a few minutes for a sweet coco buzz. DRINKSMIXER.COM says to mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Pour the mix into a chilled cocktail glass and share with your sweetheart. Or, if you’re single, you can sip while you sulk. It is said to be very smooth and very delicious!

ingredients: 1 1/2 shots Godiva

chocolate liqueur | 1 1/2 shots creme de cacao | 1/2 shot vodka | 2 1/2 shots Half-and-Half

heard it here “Honesty is the key to a relationship. If you can fake that, you’re in.”

Nintendo was originally a playing card company back in 1963. They started cab services and short-stay hotels before becoming a video-game company.

– comedian Richard Jedi

Don’t be embarrassed to sneeze because the consequences of holding it in are worse. If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can damage your eardrums.

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

people tweet the damndest things I believe the children are our future. That’s why they must be stopped.

@SamReidSays I suspect that low-carb diets work not because they are healthier but because without carbs, I simply lose the will to eat.

@AnnaKendrick47 I hate it when I get up early to go to the gym and I can’t find that thing for the thing, and I can’t go. I hate that.

@perlapell I can’t date anyone who buys one-ply toilet paper. If you can’t respect yourself, you’ll never respect me.

@tylercoates Just heard someone bragging about his one night stand. Whatever mate, I’ve got two night stands. Either side of my bed.

@rhysjamesy In 1,000 years archaeologists will dig up tanning beds and think we fried people as punishment.

Things that make us Crazy CRICKET, CRICKET

ALONE WITH NO ROLE

There is nothing worse than when you have the courage to speak up and make a joke then realize you’re the only one laughing. Everyone has a unique sense of humor, but it’s always extremely awkward when you have to explain what was so funny. Next time lets leave the jokes to Comedy Central and work a little harder on the punch line.

There is something truly horrible about running out of toilet paper. At home this problem is an inconvenience, but in public, with no one else around to save the day, this can be disastrous. You’re forced to follow in Taylor Swift’s footsteps and “Shake It Off.” This can put a damper on anybody’s day, literally.

WHAT CHANNEL IS THIS?

Walking around Evansville can be incredibly beautiful and peaceful, but one thing that never fails is the scent of this city. You could be having a lovely day and taking a stroll, when a huge whiff of feces floods your nose from a nearby drain hole. Let’s not even mention what happens when it rains. Going out for fresh air now has a completely new meaning.

It’s clear what the purpose of advertising is, but who decided CGI animals were a good way to sell products? Do marketers really think someone will be persuaded into buying medications, cars or insurance from a creepy talking creature? No, I don’t want you to save me 15 percent, scary talking Gecko.

EAU DE TOILET

@oliviawilde

REMEMBER WHEN... …KIDZ BOP started back in 2001 and all those commercials with the children dressed up singing your favorite songs came on? Now, 15 years later, they have released Kidz Bop 30! Yes, 30. And Kidz Bop 31 is on its way this summer. There have been over 15.9 million albums sold and 4.3 million tracks. The children are chosen after an audition and perform the songs for two to three years before passing the torch to the next faces of Kidz Bop. …the most romantic thing to do was passing LOVE NOTES to your crush in class? There was simply no better way to confess your undying love to your crush than by sending a personal note. But if you were caught, you ran the risk of having your note read aloud by the teacher. …FIB FINDER EXTREME was the ultimate way to tell if someone was lying about something? This 2000s version of a lie detector told all. All you had to do was find a friend and put your fingers on the buttons on either side. When you asked your friend that question you were all dying to know the answer to, the machine would light up and beep and then give you the answer — green if it was true, red if it was a lie. It made for some great slumber party memories. …you had to blow into VIDEO GAME CARTRIDGES in order to get them to work? If you played any PlayStation or Nintendo games as a child, you remember that if a game was broken, all you had to do was blow into the back of it until your face turned blue from a lack of oxygen. When you put the cartridge back into the machine, it was as good as new.

The oldest condoms date back to the 1640s. They were found in a cesspit at Dudley Castle and were made from sheepskin or intestines.

Crescent Magazine | February 2016

There are more fake flamingos than real ones. There are about 950,000 real flamingos while millions of fake ones have been produced.

Seems celery and carrots actually have negative calories. It takes more calories to eat these foods than either is actually made of.

You’re born with 300 bones, but by the time you become an adult, you only have 206. As babies grow, some of their bones fuse together.

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A CLOSER LOOK

COSTUMES &

photo by Kate Sarber

COMPASSION OLIVIA SHOUP

he UE Theatre costume shop is more than just a little corner in Hyde Hall — it is where magic happens. Theatre design and technology majors transform fabrics into elaborate costumes designed by Patti McCrory, professor of theatre and costume designer. After more than 30 years of designing costumes, McCrory steps back and lets students bring her designs to life. She acts as an overseer during the process, helping students learn the craft through hands-on projects. She said working with students is stimulating, and she gets excited when they understand new costume design techniques. Senior Alison Clifton, a TDT major, said design cannot be taught in the classroom. Some skills come from experience, like McCrory’s ability to express the mood of a play. “She’s very good at finding the emotional value in the play and portraying that through her costumes,” Clifton said. McCrory said she often struggles to find a play’s meaning, but she finds inspiration

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“

in her own feelings and experiences. She is known to leave notes telling students and coworkers that she appreciates their work, as they create her renderings. “I need them so badly, and they know that,” McCrory said. “They’re rising to the occasion and working so hard.” One of her favorite ways to encourage the crew is with food. Jean Nelson, costume shop manager, said McCrory goes the extra mile by bringing special treats — even homemade meals — to the shop. “She realizes that we’re putting long hours in,” Nelson said. “She tries to help us in any way she can to get through it. It shows that she cares about us as people.” McCrory said she loves to cook and knows students often work for hours without a break, so she makes sure everyone eats. “She’s a great caretaker,” Nelson said. “She cares so much about her students.” McCrory said working with students is one reason she has stayed at UE for 28 years. She left her former job at Indiana State in

1988 to fill in for a friend for a year as a visiting professor, but she loved the students and faculty too much to leave. She said the move was originally temporary because her twin sons, Barry and Russell Harbaugh, were 5 at the time. But the move from Terre Haute yielded positive results for everyone. Both Barry, a book editor, and Russell, a film director, graduated from UE. In fact, Russell created a short film, “Rolling on the Floor Laughing,” that was inspired by his family and filmed in Evansville. It appeared at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. He is now adapting it into a feature film with the working title “Love After Love.” McCrory said the filmmaking process has been emotional, but she has always supported her sons’ love for the arts. Clifton said McCrory is great at fostering similar artistic talent in her students. “It’s like working with somebody who knows all the tricks,” she said. “And it’s great to get to learn them from her. I’ll draw from the things she taught me forever.”

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“It’s like working with somebody who knows all the tricks.

February 2016 | Crescent Magazine

noh8campaign.com

Join a Tri-State Alliance LGBTQ Group. Under 21 group meets at 7 p.m. Saturdays and 21–29 year olds meet at 7 p.m. Sundays at the TSA office, 501 John St. Suite 5, Evansville.

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TRI-STATE ALLIANCE

Serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities of the Tri-State since 1980

(812) 480-0204 • www. tsagl.org • facebook.com/tristatealliance • #tsaglbt

CAREER

DAY 2016

Tuesday, Feb. 23 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Meeks Gym, Carson Center CAREER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

Full-time professional, co-op, internships, part-time, summer jobs and camps. Seasonal positions. PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE: Take advantage of this opportunity to interact with more than 100 employers from Evansville and beyond.

WEHT-TV WFIE-TV Accuride Berry Plastics Corp. Bowen Engineering Corp. Cook Medical Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center

Evansville Police Department Fifth Third Bank Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana Indiana State Museum MasterBrand Mead Johnson Nutrition Metronet Northwestern Mutual

Peace Corps Target Toyota Boshoku Indiana Toyota Motor Mfg. Indiana U.S. Marine Corps. United Companies Vectren

COLLEGIATE CAREER EXPO 10 a.m.–3 p.m. EST THURSDAY, FEB. 18

Marriott Hotel, Downtown Indianapolis Gain access to more than 125 top employers from Indiana and beyond. • Bus transportation provided from UE. Contact the Center for Career Development to reserve your seat. • Register for the Collegiate Career Expo through UE JobLink (search for posting 722252 on the Jobs tab)

Open to all students and alumni University of Evansville is committed to providing equal education and employment opportunity to all qualified students, employees, and applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age or disability.

Need assistance with your job, internship, co-op or graduate school search? Contact the Center for Career Development • career@evansville.edu • 812–488–1083