Update:
Dean Vaught affirms commitment to tenured faculty. P. 7A
Sports:
A&E:
Ramos brings versatility to UMKC softball season. P. 6A
‘Street Scene’ depicts jazz culture and honest living. P. 5A
UNIVERSITY NEWS UMKC’s Independent Student Newspaper
Volume 81, Issue 24
Tuesday March 18, 2014
Fundraiser benefits Kansas City’s Medicine Cabinet
Kate Baxendale Managing Editor
Kappa Epsilon fraternity hosted its second annual Rx Factor, a fundraiser talent show featuring contestants from the Schools of Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing and Medicine. Kappa Epsilon is a national professional pharmacy fraternity. Caroline Zeller of the School of Dentistry was named Miss Rx Factor and Tim (Tri) Tran of the School of Nursing and Health Studies was named Mr. Rx Factor. Mr. and Miss Rx Factor split 25 percent of the proceeds to donate to charities of their choice. Zeller chose to donate her portion to JayDoc Free Clinic, a student-run program that provides non-emergency medical care to uninsured and underinsured patients in Kansas City. Tran said he will donate his portion to a charity he feels needs it the most. “I decided to participate in this year’s Rx Factor because it sounded like a fun event for a great cause,” Tran said. “I thought I may be able to contribute to a greater cause with my charisma and talents and wanted to show the healthcare school just who I am.” The remaining 75 percent of the funds will go to Kansas City’s Medicine Cabinet, a program that provides immediate, shortterm emergency healthcare for underprivileged patients in the metropolitan area. Tickets for the talent show were $10 and contestants paid a $25 participation fee. “The whole idea behind this is twofold: one is to raise money for a fantastic cause, the KC Medicine
Cabinet,” said Maggie Bruce, who dressing up as a parrot and singing such as, “When I say ‘R’ you say organized Rx Factor. “And two is to in a human-sized cage in front of ‘N.’ When I say ‘Pharm’ you say ‘D.’ get all the schools working together as many people as possible,” Zeller When I say ‘floss’ you say ‘daily.’” because we all have different said. “My favorite part was looking Katelyn Lutz from the School of missions that we’re doing but really out in the audience and seeing my Pharmacy performed a tap dance it’s to better our patients’ lives and biggest fans: my parents. Everyone in a white flapper-style dress. to make sure they’re taken care of …” I met during the experience was Tran played the ukulele and sang a Bruce said mash up of “Over Kansas City’s the Rainbow” Medicine Cabinet by Israel was a perfect Kamakawiwo’ole choice this year and “I’m Yours” because it benefits by Jason Mraz. patients from all Maggie Light four branches from the School on Hospital of Nursing and Hill: dentistry, Health Studies pharmacy, nursing performed “Ice Ice and medicine. Baby” by Vanilla The show was Ice. a Miss AmericaViraj Patel style competition from the School that featured of Pharmacy scrubs modeling, painted himself talent, a mystery blue and danced round and a to “Friend Like question portion. Me” from Disney’s Each of the eight “Aladdin.” Patel contestants, four called himself men and four the genie in a women, modeled medicine bottle. creatively altered Tiffany Stewart scrubs in the first from the School round. of Pharmacy sang Round two a lullaby to her was talent, in baby while sitting which contestants Rx Factor donates 75 percent of funds earned to Kansas City’s in a rocking Courtesy // UMKC chair, showed off Medicine Cabinet. and their special skills. Zeller sang a absolutely wonderful and I’m so Patrick Badami from the School of humorous parody of “Let It Go” glad I was able to be a part of it.” Pharmacy did a rap. from Disney’s “Frozen.” She was Giovanni Brown from the School Emcees Aaron Blevins and Jenny dressed as a parrot and sang a of Pharmacy did a rendition of Cochran kept the night moving modified version of the song while Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin’ But a G Thang” with introductions to each round confined in a large bird cage. entitled “Nuthin’ But a Pharm and medical-related jokes. “I’d jump at any opportunity Thang.” Brown got the audience The mystery round was “Chubby to raise money for JayDoc while to participate in a series of chants Bunny,” in which the contestants
Market yourself with LinkedIn
Sam Littlefield Staff Writer
At UMKC, students who have polished their resume and have made a list of professional references may feel they are fully prepared for the job hunt. But are they? What could be missing? Some may say it’s an online profile on LinkedIn. “I believe LinkedIn is necessary in the job environment we are in today,” said senior business administration major Kate Sanders. LinkedIn has many benefits to offer, such as the ability to “network with other professionals in a safe environment, and have a digital resume floating around at all times,” Sanders said.
Yet some, like senior Connor Coday, lack faith in LinkedIn. “LinkedIn appears to be a very necessary application for employers,” Coday said, “though I haven’t seen any benefits of LinkedIn through my job application process.” Alumnus Max Seipple, an audience analyst for MAGNAGLOBAL, sees other benefits to using LinkedIn. “I wouldn’t say it is necessary,” Seipple said, “but it is an important piece of a larger puzzle.” Part of that piece Seipple referred to is the ability to network with other professionals. “It’s another touch point, another point of contact in which you and colleagues within the same field can
connect,” Seipple said. According to its website, LinkedIn is, “the world’s largest professional network,” with currently 250 million users. Facebook still trumps LinkedIn in the social networking realm, boasting more than one billion users worldwide. While Facebook may be a great place to connect with friends and family, LinkedIn gives you the ability to market yourself and your talents to potential employers. LinkedIn’s differs from Facebook in that it focuses on professional networking. “LinkedIn is an essential marketing tool for just about anyone,” said Gene Brown, professor of marketing. “Not only can you network online with
LinkedIn, you can use it as a targetmarketing tool while searching for groups, companies and influencers.” Brown encourages all his students to create and maintain a profile on LinkedIn. He believes it could help students better market themselves to employers. While professors like Brown may be in favor of LinkedIn, the question to ask is, ‘are employers using LinkedIn to find new hires?’ Lori Funk, assistant branch manager at Arvest Bank, would say the answer is yes because her husband landed a job thanks to LinkedIn. “My husband got a call from a bank recruiter last week who had found him on LinkedIn,” Funk said. Although Funk said her bank
had to put jumbo marshmallows in their mouths and say “chubby bunny.” The contestants added another marshmallow after each round until they could no longer keep the marshmallows in their mouths. Patel won the competition, stuffing approximately 20 marshmallows in his mouth. In the final round, the contestants were asked two questions: one from the three judges and one that was the same question for each contestant. The first questions were related to the medical field and the second question prompted contestants to choose which medical device they would be and why. After each round, the audience voted on their cell phones in a live poll for their favorite contestant. The judges’ votes counted for 75 percent of the results and the audience’s votes counted for 25 percent of the results. The judges were Dr. David Cohen, assistant professor at the School of Dentistry; Dr. Ann Cary, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Studies; and Dr. Patricia Marken, associate dean for Student Affairs and professor at the School of Pharmacy. The judges helped plan the events for the talent show. “Unfortunately [the School of] Medicine couldn’t make it tonight but the show goes on and we hope that they’ll be here next year,” Bruce said. “Working with dentistry and pharmacy and nursing is a great opportunity. We can all work together now before we enter the professional health field. We can work better and be better for our patients.” kbaxendale@unews.com
doesn’t use LinkedIn as a way of finding new employees, she would use it if given the opportunity. Funk explained that company recruiters often use LinkedIn to find potential employees looking for a job in their relevant fields. “There are other companies that will view a LinkedIn profile before interviewing,” Funk said. LinkedIn may not get you your next job, but the possibility exists. While for some, it’s just a great way to connect with colleagues. For those who believe it’s not what one knows, but rather who one knows, LinkedIn could be what they’re looking for in preparation for their next job search. slittlefield@unews.com
2A
Tuesday March 18, 2014 | Issue 24
UNIVERSITYNEWS UMKC’s Independent Student Newspaper
www.unews.com 5327 Holmes St. Kansas City, MO 64110 Editor’s desk: 816-235-5402 Advertising: 816-420-7593
Fax 816-235-6514
U-NEWS SENIOR STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ROZE BROOKS PRODUCTION MANAGER KYNSLIE OTTE MANAGING EDITOR KATE BAXENDALE A&E EDITOR JAKE NEWSTROM ADVERTISING MANAGER JOSEPH SALAZAR BUSINESS MANAGER BRADLEY CANTU
WEBMASTER
WILL ANGLES
MARKETING MANAGER JORDAN STRANGE DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ANDREW GRAFF COPY EDITOR JANET SCHAAF SENIOR BEAT WRITER JOEY HILL DAN MORENO BOARD OF PUBLISHERS CHAIR STEPHEN DILKS FACULTY ADVISOR WHITNEY TERRELL
Celebrating Excellence
Hiral Patel Staff Writer
assistant to the dean at the School of Law. This award is given to staff Some of UMKC’s finest faculty members who go above and beyond and staff were honored for their to improve experiences for students, achievements and contributions as well as faculty members. last week. The 4th annual award “She forms relationships with ceremony, Celebrating Excellence, students that last after graduation. took place on March 11 in Pierson When a student expressed a desire Auditorium. to intern in a western city, Jean sent Gail Hackett, provost and an email to an alumni contact there. executive vice chancellor for Within four hours, 60 attorneys had academic affairs, conducted the replied,” Hackett said. event. Dr. Denis Medeiros, vice The Staff Council Dedication provost for faculty affairs and dean of Award was given to Kevin Sansberry, graduate studies, assisted Hackett in senior human resources specialist for handing out awards. the department of human resources. Hackett thanked the community “This award recognizes and and campus for having high- celebrates a UMKC Staff Council achieving faculty members. member who consistently “Celebrating Excellence is participates in Staff Council [UMKC’s] way of valuing the activities, above and beyond the extraordinary work and talent call of duty,” Hackett said. “He that our University staff and encourages Staff Council members faculty offer our students and the to work for success by being greater community,” Hackett said. innovative and professional. Kevin “Celebrating excellence reminds is enthusiastic about other campus us that you [faculty and staff] are initiatives.” innovative about innovation and The next awards recognized imagination.” excellence in teaching. Four faculty The presentation of five staff members were given Elmer F. Pierson awards got the ceremony started. Outstanding Teaching Awards.
Mission:
To provide relevant, timely coverage of the UMKC community by seeking truth, fairness and accuracy in reporting while preserving the integrity of U-News as an independent student-run publication.
About us:
The U-News is the official independent student newspaper of UMKC, produced each week by a staff consisting entirely of students. We publish 4,000 copies each week, and distribute to the Volker and Hospital Hill campuses and surrounding neighborhood businesses. Letters to the Editor can be submitted by mail or to info@unews.com. Letters should be 350 words or less and are subject to edits for clarity. U-News is printed by News Tribune. U-News is an equal opportunity employer.
Contact Us
TEXT US: 816-86NEWS8 FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/UMKCUniversityNews
TWITTER: @University0News INSTAGRAM: UniversityNews
Celebrating Excellence recognizes University staff achievements. Mercedes Tillman, administrative “These awards are given by associate I, School of Nursing, UMKC’s Alumni Association in received the first award, which was honor of a 1919 University of Kansas for Human Resources and Campus City - now UMKC - School of Law Collaboration. graduate and long-time civic leader,” Tillman was credited with getting Hackett said. the School of Nursing involved in Safe Judith Wiseman, professor at Space training. She also organized an the School of Law, was the first to LGBTQIA panel for discussion and a be recognized for this award at the question and answer session. event. The Student Affairs Student “She generates the kind of interest Mentor Staff Award went to that make students want to know Kimberly Johnson, executive staff more. Professor Wiseman came to assistant to the chancellor. the School of Law with abilities “This award recognizes a UMKC and skills she had acquired from staff member who has made practicing tax and corporate law at a significant contributions to higher major firm and knowledge she gained education through exceptional as a CPA from a big-six accounting student mentoring,” Hackett said. firm,” Hackett said. “Kim is all business in a meeting, but The second person recognized when you need something more … was Keerthana Satheesh, assistant Kim is there for you.” professor from the department The Chancellor’s Education First of periodontics at the School of Award was then presented to Alicen Dentistry. Lundberg, administrative assistant “Dr. Satheesh is someone students in the department of art and art turn to, not just for academic help, history. but for good advice. They know her “Alicen has helped the department to be dedicated, hard-working, and of art and art history extend consistent,” Hackett said. education outside the classroom and Julie Wright Banderas, professor throughout Kansas City. She helped and assistant dean of graduate devise and administer a website of studies and allied health, also student opportunities,” Hackett said. received the award. “She works through the most minute “Julie is known to all graduate details to ensure that students have students and staff. She participated an opportunity to take a study trip in federally-funded research because or participate in a residency program of her position as a teacher ,” Hackett away from Kansas City. She helped said. bring the gallery of art back into The final honoree was Brent Never, operation.” assistant professor from the Bloch The next award, the Chancellor’s School of Management. True Unsung Hero Award, was “Every day, every time he walks awarded to Jean Klosterman, special into the classroom, he is energetic,
Jean Klosterman receives the ‘Chancellor’s True Unsung Hero’ award.
Eric Wombwell receives the award for ‘Excellence in Teaching.’ Photos Courtesy // UMKC enthusiastic and funny,” Hackett secondary education should be a said. The next award, the Provost’s priority and that teachers’ pay and Award for Excellence in Teaching, resources should be appreciated,” was presented to Eric Wombwell, Hackett said. “Caruso has visions of clinical assistant professor at the a greater world through knowledge of global thoughts.” School of Pharmacy. Jannette Berkley-Patton, assistant “Colleagues admire how Dr. Wombwell breaks down difficult professor from the department of concepts in a way that gives students psychology in the College of Arts and the confidence in their ability to Sciences received the next award, learn. This is definitely the trademark the Trustees Faculty Scholar Award. Berkley-Patton has attracted of a nationally gifted instructor,” national attention through her Hackett said. Ashim Mitra, chair and professor research on treatment of HIV in in the School of Pharmaceutical African Americans. The Trustees Faculty Fellowship Sciences from the School of Pharmacy received the Chancellor’s Award for Award was given to Sarah Dallas, professor from the School of Excellence in Graduate Mentoring. “His research group has published Dentistry. Dallas wrote an article that was more than 300 peer-reviewed research articles, 476 abstracts, published in the Journal of Cell 60 chapters and several patents Biology. This article caught the and patent applications,” Hackett attention of researchers who sought said. “[His students] have gone her out. “Dr. Dallas has lectured as a to respectable and high-income positions in pharmaceutical distinguished visiting professor at Yale, University of Alabama and industries.” Leigh Salzseider, an assistant Washington University in St. Louis, professor at the Bloch School, was to name a few,” Hackett said. The Chancellor’s Award given the Chancellor’s Early Career for Excellence in Community Award for Excellence in Teaching. Larry Garrison, professor of Engagement was awarded to the accounting from the Bloch School, department of architecture, urban received the Chancellor’s Award for planning and design in the College of Arts and Sciences. Excellence in Teaching. “AUP+D is able to draw on its “Larry says that taxation is a complex, ever-changing subject,” small full-time faculty, a handful Hackett said. “He tries to make it of dedicated and professional so interesting that students do not volunteers and talented enthusiastic students to get amazing results as want to miss a class.” Next, Simon Friedman, professor community partners,” Hackett said.
Kimberly Johnson receives the ‘Student Affairs Student Mentor Staff’ award. at the School of Pharmacy, was awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. “Students continuously describe his course as one of their favorites,” Hackett said. “Because of the respect he shows his students and his natural gifts in teaching, Dr. Friedman merits this award.” Two N.T. Veatch Awards for Distinguished Research and Creative Activity were presented. Reza Derakhshani, associate professor from the School of Computing and Engineering, was one of the recipients. Derakshani is an expert on observation. “Because of his engaging way of explaining the nature and potential uses for his research that relies on the human eye to confirm identity, Reza has been interviewed for radio, television and print media,” Hackett said. Anthony Caruso, associate professor from the department of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, was the other recipient. “He believes that American
The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Diversity was presented to Stuart Hinds, director of special collections at the Miller Nichols Library. “Stuart demonstrates the value and commitment he has for representing diverse perspectives and experiences,” said Hackett. Hinds is a major contributor to the annual African American ReadIns and activities held by pride committees. The final award of the afternoon was the Chancellor’s Award for Career Contributions to the University. Raymond Coveney, professor emeritus from the geosciences department of the College of Arts and Sciences, received this award. This award is the highest honor to any UMKC employee. Coveney has been at UMKC for 17 years. Coveney was honored for his dedication to his students and history of engagement with the University’s community. hpatel@unews.com
3A
Tuesday March 18, 2014 | Issue 24
That’s not my name: UMKC preferred name policy moves forward Paige Olson Staff Writer
Pathway, allows information such as a preferred name to be sent out to all other mediums. Implementation of a preferred “The initial conversation was name policy at UMKC is projected [about updating] Blackboard only,” to be up and running by April 1, Pryor said, “But Blackboard was just according to Vice Chancellor of not enough. It’s through Pathway Student Affairs and Enrollment that we can connect to all the other Management Mel Tyler. systems.” The new policy will allow students However, to do the modification to change their name via Pathway for needed on Pathway, the roster purposes. administration required support “We’ve been working with the from students and all four University other [Missouri System] campuses of Missouri campuses. Conversation and finally got them all to agree and about the policy increased last fall on align themselves with the preferred the administrative side and advanced name policy,” Tyler said. “The work with student activism. is being done as we speak.” “The student body is who the vice A resolution was passed last chancellor listens to,” Pryor said. month by the Student Government “It [the preferred name policy] is a Association requesting that students student-driven effort with student have the right to submit a name voices, and that’s how progress change. continued.” “This [preferred name policy] UMKC students voted for the is important for transgender preferred name policy last spring, students who previously had to out pushing the dialogue forward. themselves as transgender on the “Students passing it provided the first day of class when their birth support to show that there was a true name was called on the roster,” said student effort behind the policy and Dean of Students Eric Grospitch in it really boosted the administrative the UMKC Faculty Senate Meeting. involvement,” Pryor said. Discussion surrounding the effort “I signed off right away,” Tyler was initiated by the coordinator for said. “I then had conversations with LGBTQIA programs and services, my counterpart at the University of Jonathan T. Pryor. Missouri–Columbia to advocate for “I presented the policy to our their support for the policy.” dean of students who took it up to All four campuses approved the our Vice Chancellor and Registrar,” preferred name policy last month. Pryor said. Tyler speculates its debut as early as After Tyler signed the proposal, April. the resolution moved from Student “The conversation went the right Affairs to the Registrar to address way. Students did the diligences some needed adjustments. needed for these kinds of things to “In order to implement the happen,” Tyler said. preferred name policy, it requires The project has now been raised a modification to the Pathway to the top of the priority list for system,” Tyler said. modifications in the system. The primary software system,
“We should be proud that we have this preferred name policy that many campuses are struggling to even pass,” Pryor said, “But because of the efforts here at UMKC, we created a change across four different campuses.” “We have a history that has been progressive and our campus can be proud that we were the spark for change,” Pryor said. Tyler mentioned an upcoming diversity strategy encouraging students and staff to join together for the cause. “The implementation of our Diversity Plan that the chancellor and his committee have developed will make this campus a better place,” Tyler said. While Tyler and Morton are working towards a University-wide effort for inclusion, Pryor suggests that the real change needs to start in the classroom. “There is always going to be progress to be made,” Pryor said. “Some of that progress can be made in the classroom and trying to reach more faculty and staff members to know how to be inclusive for LGBTQIA students. The preferred name policy is a start to that.” Pryor suggested that staff can make themselves more inclusive by simply demonstrating their support and setting standards of inclusion within class dialogue. “We need to focus on making sure, as a campus, that we expand our safe spaces and continue to truly evaluate if we are offering our students safe spaces and asking our students what is safe and how can we improve,” Pryor said. polson@unews.com
Chancellor expects compliance on tobacco ban
Britt Ernst Staff Writer
Chancellor Leo E. Morton said he hopes for compliance with the student-initiated, campus wide tobacco ban that will take effect Aug. 1. In a brief question and answer session with students, Morton said UMKC, “kind of just copied what everyone else was doing.” UMKC will be the third University of Missouri System campus to go tobacco-free after the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Pointing out that the tobacco ban had been spearheaded by students, Morton said, “Our expectation is that when you lay down rules and regulations on the campus, we expect to get compliance.” Morton said he hopes when someone sees another person disregarding the tobacco ban that they will speak up and offer the University an opportunity to step in. In this instance, he said the University would approach the offender and, “… ask them to comply and go from there. I don’t see the need to put in anything like hangings at high noon or anything like that in order to get compliance.” Morton said there have been no
Crimea under siege Anna Lerner Staff Writer
Northern Ukraine, specifically Kiev, has faced immense destruction in these last four months. The political unrest moved to the south when 15,000 Russian military troops invaded Crimea March 1. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he sent troops to Crimea to protect the region’s Russian population. “Ukraine’s loyalties have been sharply divided between the Russian-speaking east and south, where people favor close ties with Moscow, and the west, where residents want to integrate more closely with the European Union,” The Kansas City Star reported. “With deep historic, cultural and social ties to Russia, ethnic Russians actually make up the majority of Crimea’s population, at 58 percent,” NBC News said. Armed Russian-speaking troops have already effectively taken control and isolated the Crimean peninsula from the rest of Ukraine. Regional government buildings were seized as a Russian flag was planted in a city hall. “Rival demonstrators chanted ‘Crimea is Russia’ and ‘Crimea is not Russia’ back and forth at each other,” CNN said. President Obama’s aides have privately conceded it would be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse
Russia’s occupation of Crimea. They are focusing their energy on drawing a line to prevent Putin from escalating the control, The New York Times reported. “Moscow has had an interest in Crimea for hundreds of years, with its rich farmland and its access to the Black Sea. Russia gave Crimea to Ukraine in 1954, when both Russia and Ukraine were part of the Soviet Union,” CNN said. Crimea will hold a referendum on March 16 to decide if the autonomous republic will part with Ukraine and join Russia. According to CNN, “Crimeans will be able to choose between two alternatives when they vote: ‘Do you support reuniting Crimea with Russia, as a subject of the Russian Federation?’ Or, ‘Do you support the restoration of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Crimea and Crimea’s status as a part of Ukraine?’” Ukraine has been in seemingly desperate need of a strong leader since President Viktor Yanukovych fled the country Feb. 22 due to threats made towards him and his family. He was seen residing in a fivestar hotel in Moscow under Russia’s protection. The Speaker of Parliament, Oleksandr Turchinov, took over as Ukraine’s acting president. A presidential election has been scheduled for May 25. However, Yanukovych is making it known that he has no plans of resigning, Yahoo
Russian military troops invaded Crimea March 1. Yanukovych insisted on March 11 News reported. According to CBC News, that he remains Ukraine’s legitimate Yanukovych said a presidential president and commander-in-chief election would be “illegal and and that he will fight to regain illegitimate” and he would return his power. This statement came to Kiev “as soon as circumstances two weeks after Ukraine’s acting government issued a warrant for his allow.”
Illustration // Joey Hill proposals for any sort of fines or tickets as penalties for disregarding the tobacco ban. However, the University could consider such consequences if problems persist. The University is hopeful that community resources volunteering their services will make cessation programs more affordable, according to Morton. These services will be offered through UMKC Health and Wellness. As a former smoker himself, Morton believes in the campuswide tobacco ban but understands the quitting process is different for everyone. According to the chancellor students can expect to see ashtrays and cigarette disposal receptacles disappear across campus within the upcoming months. Student Health and Wellness is offering a six week group smoking cessation program for students interested in kicking their tobacco habits. The program runs from Mar. 31- May 5 and meets once a week on Mondays from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. at MindBody Connection. Free nicotine replacement therapy will be provided to participants, but spots are limited. Interested students can RSVP to umkchealthpromo@umkc. edu bernst@unews.com
Courtesy // The Boston Globe and several other officials’ arrest. The warrant accused Yanukovych of participating in misconduct against the protestors in Kiev, resulting in numerous civilian deaths. alerner@unews.com
4A
Tuesday March 18, 2014 | Issue 24
In case you missed it:
March 10 6:29 p.m. Officers were called to keep the peace while a party retrieved items from an apartment. March 10 E 50 ST 6:47 p.m. Officers were called to an apartment because a couple were fighting.
March 12 8:12 a.m. The victim reported his license l plate tabs stolen.
ST RD
E 52ND ST
ROCKHILL RD
TROOST AVE
CHARLOTTE ST
CHERRY ST
ST ST LO CU
T
OAK ST
S RY ER
BROOKSIDE BLVD
GRAND
E 53RD ST
March 8 1:18 a.m. Officers arrested a minor party in possession of alcohol.
CH
E 53RD TERR
HOLMESST
AVE
E 52ND ST
March 13 2:04 p.m. The victim noticed the suspect in the law school. Vioation of Ex Parte.
UR ROCKH
March 8 12:49 a.m. Officers were called to a house on a noise complaint at the 5200Rockhurst block Universit y of Rockhill.
ST
ST
E 51ST ST
Linda Hall Librar y
March 10 5:34 p.m. The reporting party noticed the suspect in the Law School. Vioation of Ex Parte.
E 52ND
ST
March 11 3:03 p.m. The victim reported his license plate tabs stolen.
March 12 10:52 p.m Officers contacted parties for smoking marijuana in their suite.
TERR
E 51ST
March 9 10:16 p.m. The victim left her phone on the first floor and returned to find it missing.
HARRISON ST
GRANDAVE
VD SIDE BL BROOK
TH
E
March 9 9:38 p.m. The reporting party saw a suspicious person going through her belongings.
TH
49
FOREST AVE
CH
ER
RY
ST
UMKC International Ambassadors host Culture Night 2014
E 53RD
OFF THE MAP: 02/12/14, 4:47 pm. — Dental School, Officers responded to a reported suspicious person. The party was arrested on outstanding warrants. 02/13/14, 3:37 p.m. — Victim reported property taken from his office in the Medical School. Missing property: iPod.
Photos // Vishnu Chander
5A
Tuesday March 18, 2014 | Issue 24
One hot show:
UMKC Theater unravels fantastic tale of the streets Joey Hill Senior Staff Writer
Keeping up with its reputation for fantastic performances, the UMKC Theater has once again brought a marvel to the stage with its spring opera, Kurt Weill’s 1946 “Street Scene.” Written by Elmer Rice, “Street Scene” is an American opera providing an honest and unflinching look at the trials of the human spirit in the wake of hardship, longing and regret. A majority of this is expressed through song lyrics written by Langston Hughes, noted novelist and poet of the early 20th century. Hughes’ poignant lyrics provide symbolic layers that the Kurt Weil’s ‘Street Scene’ expresses trials of the human spirit in the wake of hardship characters gradually lose through lyrics of songs written by Langston Hughes. throughout the show. itself. Photos // Joey Hill Delving deeper, the musical numbers On the street there are a variety of to help cement the state of not shed light onto the secrets hidden in subplots happening simultaneously the hearts of the denizens of a New as relationships and families only the neighbors but also build on the feel of the time period. Two York apartment building. blossom and crumble. In the main performances in particular not only The story begins during midday building lives the Maurrants, a as the city is in full intensity. A family of four with a caring and help in this regard but also show off quick “hustle and bustle” jazz thoughtful mother Anna played the talents of two extremely talented tune plays as the inhabitants of movingly by April Martin and the UMKC students. The first is Daniel the New York block are alive with tyrannical and oppressive Frank Buchanan played fantastically by movement. Children skip rope and played by Jared Michael Johnson. Matthew McDowell. Daniel is a draw chalk drawings while young They’re accompanied by their two simple man whose wife is expecting men and women parade the street grown children, the rambunctious a baby. His appearance is sporadic in pinstriped suits and patterned Willie played by Vince Woods throughout the opera as his wife goes dresses. The scene is enveloped in and Rose played by Glenda Craig, through labor and finally gives birth the hue of orange and yellow lights, a young woman caught on the to a baby girl. The wife is never seen giving the entire stage a monotone cusp of adulthood. The struggle of and is only represented by painful color of humidity. The lighting also the Maurrants is a mix between screams from her apartment as she reflects the changing mood of the fear of the future and feelings of goes into labor so McDowell creates and carries the sub plot completely street as day turns to night and the hopelessness. on his own. He provides an ounce lights shift to blues, purples and Anna’s vision of a world full of comedy with his heartfelt aria magentas. of good people has been nearly The music, composed by Weill destroyed, displayed by the “When a Woman Has a Baby,” in is beautifully performed by the increasing violent outbursts of her which Daniel sings of the hardships UMKC orchestra and features a husband and rumors pertaining to of expectant fathers. The second student is Kathryn W. range from jazz to classical, changing her affair with another denizen of the Parsons who plays Jenny Hildebrand, with the tone of the show. During neighborhood, Steve Sankey played a recent high school graduate and the the moving aria “Somehow I Never by Michael Pugh. The affair is only eldest daughter to the Hildebrand Could Believe,” the music swells and suspected up until the third act in family, who are getting evicted due deepens with April Martin’s powerful which it is revealed as true, when to inability to pay the rent. Parsons voice creating a combination of Anna is discovered with Sankey by brings liveliness to the role and helps create the unbridled optimism of graduating high school, filling the streets with happiness and jubilation. The greatest moments of the story occur within the last two acts when Anna is shot by Frank and the neighborhood joins in a shuddering mournful performance of “The Woman Who Lived Up There” as she and Sankey are carried out of the apartment on stretchers. Frank escapes shortly after the murder but is found the same day and confronts a grief-stricken Rose, who has just returned from the hospital where her mother has died. He insists in the aptly-named “I Loved Her Too” that Rose is a good girl before finally being taken to jail. A visibly shaken Rose is comforted by Sam, who insists they run away A variety of music from jazz to classical are performed by UMKC’s together. Rose refuses, as she must orchestra. leave by herself and she explains Frank and the two are shot to death. longing and disillusionment. Yet Sankey dies immediately while Anna to Sam that trying to live up to the youthful idea of love is exactly what in the number “Ice Cream Sextet” dies at the hospital later that day. destroyed her family. Just as Rose the tempo is quick and happy as Anna’s story of fading romance is leaves, a young couple comes to the the neighborhood enjoys and sings juxtaposed with her daughter Rose’s the praises of the ice cream cones own blossoming ideas of love as she building planning to move into the delivered by Italian tenant Lippo becomes more romantically attached Hildebrand’s now vacant apartment. Fiorentino, played by Christopher to her downstairs neighbor Sam They go inside as the street fills up with children and pedestrians once Puckett. Kaplan, played by Chad DeMaris. more and, in a mirrored performance Grouped upon the front stoop of Sam is an intelligent young man a building set center-stage, a group studying to be a lawyer and is deeply of the play’s beginning, the tenants of tenants sit complaining about the in love with Rose. She is conflicted once again fill the stoop to complain heat. The set itself is one of the best with her own dreams of one day about the heat. This ending helps and most intricate that the theater leaving the city, which she blames create the main punch of the opera as department has built. f A life-sized for her parents’ descent, and about the brutal murder of two people and two-story building with enterable whether or not her future is to be the destruction of a family, as well as rooms on the second floor along spent with the kind and grounded the growth of another, are forgotten with two other corners of equally Sam or pursuing fame on Broadway and simply lost in the late afternoon tall buildings on each side create an by giving in to her married boss Harry haze of a Street Scene. authentic city-life look. It is through Easter, played by Devin D. Burton. jhill@unews.com the windows and the slamming of While the betrayal and the doors that turmoil afflicting the confusion surrounding the Maurrant characters is suggested, but the meat family dominates the story, Rice of the performance is on the street interjected a bushel of other subplots
Racing scenes make ‘Need for Speed’ theater worthy Sam Littlefield Staff Writer
“Need for Speed,” the adaptation of the popular video game franchise by Electronic Arts, offers phenomenal race scenes, but not much else for audiences. The film, directed by Scott Waugh, begins in the small town of Mt. Kisco, N.Y., and introduces Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul) and rich and famous Indy racer Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper.) Tobey and Dino grew up and competed in races together. It’s clear there is a level of hatred between the two, which is rooted in past conflicts. Tobey and his crew repair cars at the financially struggling Marshall Motors. The crew receives an offer from Dino to finish building a Ford Mustang, one that Carroll Shelby was building before his death, in return for a quarter of the selling price of the finished car. After past grudges arise, Dino challenges Tobey to a race. Tobey’s friend Pete (Harrison Gilbertson) jumps in as a third racer. The race ends with Pete in a fatal crash, and Tobey facing two years in prison. In order to get revenge on Dino, Tobey sets out on a trip from New York to California with little less than 48 hours to make the trip. Julia Maddon (Imogen Poots), an attractive girl in the business of buying super cars who also happens to be a talented driver, accompanies Tobey. Tobey’s goal is to enter and win the De Leon, the holy grail of underground street races in which the winner takes all the competing cars. A notorious figure referred to as Monarch (Michael Keaton) masterminds the race. “Need for Speed” lacks plot originality. The main character seeks revenge for the loss of a friend, there is a deep-rooted rivalry and we get an attractive female supporting actress who ends up kissing the main character by the end. What this movie does excel in is the racing scenes. It has spectacular camera shots, lacks CGI (computer-
Photo // IMDB.com generated imagery) and hosts a beautiful line-up of cars. One element that put the video game franchise on the map was the addition of aggressive police cars within the races. Players had to not only attempt to finish in first place, but avoid getting stopped by aggressive police. The film largely pays tribute to that element of the franchise. In the final race, six supercars with a combined value of just under $10 million battle for the lead while facing a multitude of police tactics. There are no super cops in this film, like The Rock’s (Dwayne Johnson) role in the “Fast and Furious” films. There are no major crimes in this film, other than the obvious illegal street races and a falsified case of grand theft auto. This movie is all about racing. For anyone who enjoys a good car race on the big screen or enjoyed the video games, this film is well worth experiencing in theaters. slittlefield@unews.com
Tuesday March 18, 2014 | Issue 24
6A
Sporting KC lives up to the hype
Dan Moreno Senior Beat Writer
Three years have passed since Kansas City was presented with a new project, one that promised to be attractive, newsworthy and satisfactory to fans weary of placing their hopes on teams that had never savored the pride of being champions. The project was launched under the name of Sporting KC. In November 2011, the project kicked off with a complete makeover of the old Kansas City Wizards. A new name, colors and insignia accompanied the new brand that was created. Sporting Park, even at its young age, has already been the scenario of matches between international teams as well as the All-Star match in 2013 and the final match of the MLS Cup. Since Robb Heineman, owner and CEO of Sporting Club, injected life into Sporting KC, the team has brought nothing but celebration and happiness to the city. “Our mission is to offer Kansas City a team that will provide a professional, top-notch sport experience,” Heineman said. That is precisely the experience fans get every time they attend a match at Sporting Park. In 2012, the team won the U.S. Open Cup match against the Seattle Sounders. Just one year later, Kansas City, also known as the soccer capital of the U.S., was chosen as the location
for the MLS All-Star Game against Italian team A.S. Roma. However, it wasn’t until Dec. 7, 2013, that Sporting KC became the MLS champion when the team defeated Real Salt Lake. After having lived in the shadow of the NFL and the MLB for at least two decades, today the people of Kansas City have given their loyalty and hearts to their very own professional soccer team. One can almost breathe the soccer spirit in the streets of Kansas City, something rare in American cities since this sport has yet to attain as much popularity as football, baseball and basketball. Fans of all ages sport the team’s shirts and caps; many cars proudly show off bumper stickers with the team’s name and insignia; the players themselves walk around Kansas City smiling and happy to represent a team that is well-loved. The days when Major League Soccer was virtually unknown and few people knew of local teams are fading away, at least in Kansas City. Every day more amateur soccer leagues appear and more soccer balls and cleats are sold. Little by little the most popular sport in the rest of the world has begun to take root in U.S. culture. Legendary players like David Beckham and coaches like Luis Fernando Tena are witnessing with admiration the growth of MLS as it conquers hearts and reaches firstclass levels of entertainment and
Kynslie Otte Production Manager
Sporting KC won the MLS Cup in 2013. sportsmanship. A young fan said, “I am off to the stadium today, knowing that if my team doesn’t win, at least they fought
Courtesy // Sporting KC hard to the end to raise up high the name of this city. Yay for Sporting KC!” dmoreno@unews.com
Cinda Ramos: Triple threat Dan Moreno Senior Beat Writer
Junior Cinda Ramos’ led UMKC to a 5-2 win with a three-run walkoff homer against Northern Illinois March 11. Ramos joined the Kangaroo family two and a half years ago, and, ever since, success on the field has earned Head Coach Meredith Smith’s team a number of victories. The Olathe, Kan., native works diligently at improving her game to put UMKC on the softball map. “Since the softball team is not really big on campus, we are trying to make a name for ourselves and represent Kansas City,” Ramos said. “I want Kansas City and our softball team to be known by more people.” After helping Olathe Northwest High School to the 2009 and 2011 Kansas 6A State Championship and holding the school record for RBIs (runs batted in) and ERA (earned
Cinda Ramos run average), Ramos decided to stick with softball and become a ’Roo. “Meredith [Smith] recruited me when I was in eighth grade,” Ramos said. “I chose UMKC because it was a Division I school and it seemed to me that I would be able to make a difference here other than going to a bigger school where I wouldn’t have played as much as I do here.” Playing for UMKC has also given Ramos the opportunity to play
different positions, all in which she has excelled. “I love playing here because I can pitch, I can hit and I can play outfield,” Ramos said. “Pitching is my favorite, though.” Ramos has been playing softball since she was six years old when her stepfather introduced the sport to her. “My stepfather and I wanted to do something together and that’s how it all started,” Ramos said. “Eventually he coached my team and we didn’t have a pitcher, so he made me pitch and I liked it.” Ramos still has another year of eligibility as a ’Roo, but her postgraduate plans include continuing with softball and pursuing a career in physical therapy. “After graduating I want to get my doctorate in physical therapy,” Ramos said. “I also really like coaching and giving lessons so I will definitively stick with softball.” Since Ramos lives just 20 minutes from home, spending time with her family has become her favorite activity. “I am very family oriented,” Ramos said. “I go down there a lot and watch all of my little brother’s and sister’s games so if I am not studying or practicing or traveling, that’s how I spend my time.” The softball team plays more than 50 games per season, so the women spend most of their time on the road. This makes it a challenge to balance academics and athletics for the players, but Ramos has found the formula to succeed in both. “It is very hard [balancing academics and athletics], especially since we leave on Thursdays and come back on Sundays,” Ramos said. “Lots of us are in the same field and have classes together so we push each other on the road to get everything done.” UMKC reached an agreement with the city of Kansas City, Mo., in fall 2011 to play its home games at the Missouri 3&2 Complex, which has become one of Ramos’ favorite spots. “I love playing home games,” Ramos said. “It is home. Playing on other people’s fields just does not feel as good as playing at 3&2.” With the second half of the season upon them, the ’Roos begin their preparation for the WAC games. “I like what I am doing now,” Ramos said. “I feel like I am making a difference. Working hard for my team
Chancellor talks future of Athletics
UMKC Athletics’ first season in the Western Athletic Conference may be one of its last, according to Chancellor Leo E. Morton, who suggested the Roos may join another athletic conference within the next three years. UMKC officials chose to leave the Summit League last spring upon receiving an offer to join the Western Athletic Conference. As incentive to join, the WAC waived its entrance fee, paid UMKC’s exit fee from the Summit League and agreed to hold its post-season basketball tournament in Kansas City during the 2013-14 season. On Thursday March 6, Chancellor Morton announced that the Missouri Valley Conference visited UMKC. The Missouri Valley Conference (NCAA Division I) is the second oldest athletic conference in the United States, though it has not sponsored football since 1985. Currently, the MVC has 10 members: Bradley University, Drake University, University of Evansville, Illinois State University, Indiana State University, Loyola University Chicago, Missouri State University, University of Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois University and Wichita State University. Joining the MVC would mean less travel for the Roos and could potentially aid the expansion of UMKC Athletics programs. “If you look at the distribution of the universities in this conference, we’re spread out in the WAC,” Morton said. “If you look at the distribution at Missouri Valley, it’s very tight. You can get to all of them [the universities] by bus. All those folks could travel here and it would be less of an issue filling up a place like Municipal [Auditorium].” The MVC accepted Loyola University Chicago last year instead of UMKC, but a conference-wide expansion east and west is predicted to happen within the next three years. Despite the MVC’s visit to UMKC in February last year, Morton affirmed that UMKC is not currently in negotiations with the MVC and the university will continue to compete in the WAC. kotte@unews.com
Ramos is a native of Olathe, Kan. and being available in three different positions makes me feel good. We want to win this conference and go to regionals.” Next up, the softball team will face Missouri State University at home
this Wednesday before heading to Columbia, Mo., this weekend for the Mizzou Tournament. dmoreno@unews.com
Ramos was recruited in the eighth grade. Photos Courtesy // UMKC Athletics
Tuesday March 18, 2014 | Issue 24
7A
Disclaimer: The views of individual writers expressed below in this section do not represent the official stance of U-News. U-News welcomes participation from all UMKC students. Letters to the editor may be submitted to Editor-in-Chief Roze Brooks, editor@unews.com.
Letter to the Editor:
RE: College of Arts and Sciences plans for budget cuts I was recently interviewed for an article that appeared in last week’s edition of UNews. The article was to focus on the impact of budget cuts in the College. The information I provided was similar to what I have shared with faculty and department chairs in various venues over the past year. Unfortunately, the story led with the headline “tenure track professors lessened priority.” I am writing to assure the readers of the UNews that this is not true. As many of you know, the College has lost several tenured/tenure track faculty members over the past couple of years and we have had to rely more heavily on non-tenure track faculty to meet our immediate teaching obligations. This will be true for the upcoming semester as well. However, this is NOT a longterm strategy, which I believe would be fundamentally incompatible with the mission of the College. It is absolutely critical for the College to have a strong core of tenured faculty. To that end, I have already made plans to begin working to develop a hiring plan for the upcoming year that includes new tenure-track positions. We will not be able to replace all open positions at once. But with continued emphasis on enrollment growth and cost
Dean Wayne Vaught reduction, I believe we will be able to increase the number of tenured faculty moving forward. That is my goal and commitment to the College. This is a high priority. I want to thank all of our faculty for all that they do and I look forward
Courtesy // UMKC to working with the entire UMKC community as we strengthen the teaching and research mission of the College of Arts and Sciences. Sincerely, Wayne Vaught
UNIVERSITYNEWS
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF FOR THE 2014-2015 ACADEMIC YEAR Contact terrellw@umkc.edu for more information
Tuesday March 18, 2014 | Issue 24
8A
UNIVERSITY NEWS WEEKLY FORECAST
Tuesday March 18 High 62°F Low 34°F
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday March 19 March 20 March 21 March 22 March 23 March 24 High 58°F High 68°F High 64°F High 55°F High 54°F High 56°F Low 36°F Low 45°F Low 37°F Low 33°F Low 31°F Low 31°F
CROSSWORD
SUDOKU