April 2017

April 26, 2017

Campus Headlines p. 7 USF Relay for Life p. 12 - 13

Saving the Arts

p. 18 -29

Side by Side p. 30 - 31 USF Sport Roundup p. 38 - 39

Editorial Board Hannah Tadey

Editor-in-Chief hannahtadey@stfrancis.edu

Ashley Montgomery

Head Assistant Editor Photographer ashleymontgomery@stfrancis.edu

Katie Nork

Assistant Print Editor katherinenork@stfrancis.edu

University Retiring Faculty & Staff....................... 5 Campus Calender.................................. 6 Final Exam Schedule............................ 6 Campus Headlines................................ 7

Kylie Mason

Saving the Arts The Arts Matter.................................... 20 Spending on the Arts........................... 22 Deans and the Arts.............................. 24 Why Illiteracy is Still an Issue............. 27 Job Market for the Arts....................... 28

News

Commentary

Community Update.............................. 8 World News........................................... 10

Side by Side............................................ 30 Brown Girl, Small School.................... 32 When Parenting Becomes Too Much.... 34

Entertainment USF Relay for Life................................ 12 Summer Movie Reviews...................... 14 Gallery 7................................................. 16 USF Art Gallery.................................... 17

Sports American Sports Museum.................. 36 USF Sports Round Up......................... 38 #SpringSaints........................................ 40 Farewell Seniors.................................... 42

Social Media Coordinator kyliemason@stfrancis.edu

Sarah Schoenrock

Layout Director sarahschoenrock@stfrancis.edu

Sara Michalowicz

News Editor saramichalowicz@stfrancis.edu

Mat Tuck

Entertainment Editor mathewtuck@stfrancis.edu

Clarice Swanson

Feature Editor clariceswanson@stfrancis.edu

Kamari Jordan

Commentary Editor kamarijordan@stfrancis.edu

James Thrope

Sports Editor, Fact Checker jamesthrope@stfrancis.edu

Liz Venerable

PR Manager elizabethvenerable@stfrancis.edu

Iain Morison

PR Specialist Iainmorison@stfrancis.edu

Patti Raspolich

PR Specialist pattiraspolich@stfrancis.edu

Staff Writers Abby Kieffer Alejandra Medina Autumn Lee Christian Hoeger Giovanni Alvarado Ivan Flores Julie Kitzer

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April 26, 2017

Letter from the Editor Students, Staff, Alumni and Community Members, The time has finally come; the end of another spring semester is upon us which means one of two things for USF students; (1) that a much-needed summer break is near, or (2) that graduation – whether that be for undergrad or graduate students – is only ten days away. For me, the end of spring 2017 means the latter.

It is with such a full heart that I thank you all for your continuous support shown to the Encounter staff. From visiting us at our sign-up meetings down in the Uno Lounge to asking for a new issue as we distribute around campus, you were there. You have pushed my staff and myself to be better. Sometimes this was hard, but it goes without saying that it was rewarding.

Contents

Staff

With graduation upon me, I will no longer be running the Encounter and will pass the torch along. Before I do so, I would like to thank my staff one final time for everything they did to help me transform this publication over the past several semesters: Staff writers, I am so proud of each and every one of you. It isn’t easy to get involved in a club, especially one that is very major-specific, has strict deadlines yet leaves much of what you do up to yourself. Kudos to all of you who wrote for the Encounter. From the one-timers to our writers who commit to at least one article an issue, know that it did not go unnoticed! And hey, we told you it wouldn’t be that bad!

Section Editors and PR Team, you are some of the most important people this publication has. From thinking of article ideas to “harassing” students to get the articles in on time, from talking to business owners around town to effectively distributing the 500+ issues we come out with for each publication, you were not only there, but at the front of it all. Thank you.

And finally, to my Executive Team comprised of myself, my Assistant Editor Ashley Montgomery, my Print Assistant Katie Nork, my Social Media Coordinator Kylie Mason and my Layout and Art Director Sarah Schoenrock, I am at a loss of words. I hope you all know that there were many times we would have not gone to print if it were not for you. We revamped our social media. We gave our print publication a face lift. We broke the Internet and had to create a new web publication from scratch. I owe you my sanity and I owe you my success. We are one team and, as cheesy as it sounds, I could never have asked for a more involved, forward-thinking, passionate team than the one that surrounds me. You will all do such great things.

And now, as the tears start to form in my eyes, I have one final thing to say: Class of 2017 dismissed, bring in the dancin’ lobsters!

From the top: Hannah Tadey (Editor-in-Chief), Ashley Montgomery (Head Assistant Editor, Photographer), Katie Nork (Assistant Print Editor), Kylie Mason (Social Media Coordinator), Sarah Schoenrock (Layout Director), Sara Michalowicz (News Editor), Mat Tuck (Entertainment Editor), Clarice Swanson (Feature Editor), Kamari Jordan (Commentary Editor), James Thrope (Sports Editor, Fact Checker), Liz Venerable (PR Manager), Iain Morison (PR Specialist) and Patti Raspolich (PR Specialist)

With the fullest heart, Hannah C. Tadey usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

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Knights of Columbus Holy Trinity Council 4400 1813 East Cass Street in Joliet

Joliet’s Favorite Fish Fry since 1957 Friday 11AM-9PM Saturday 4PM-8PM Open Year Round Join the Knights today!

(815) 723-3827

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April 26, 2017

www.kofc4400.com

ko4400@yahoo.com

by: Clarice Swanson, Feature Editor

University

Retiring Faculty and Staff by: Clarice Swanson, Feature Editor

Dr. Biliie Terrell, USF MSW Director, Dr. Patrick Brannon, Professor is an alumna of USF, and has served at the University for 30 years. Dr. Terrell has held the positions of BSW Field Director, BSW Program Director and Professor, Chair and MSW Program Director, as well Director of the Office of Institutional Diversity and University Ombudsman. As to what she will miss most in her retirement, Dr. Terrell commented, “I will miss all the wonderful people here at the University who welcomed me many years ago and remained warm and supportive over the years. Many of them have given their time and helped me with many student enhancement programs over the years. I will miss my students the most! They have made my journey here as professor and administrator, wonderful, fun and extremely meaningful.” During her retirement, Dr. Terrell will return to private practice where she works with a variety of individual and family treatment issues, and will also travel with a group called the “Traveling Professors.”

Dr. Ling-Yi Zhou,

Professor of Psychology, has been at USF for 22 years, and has held various positions including Assistant Professor of Psychology, Associate Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Psychology Department. She was brought to USF after a national search to fill the position and was drawn here as she was looking for small academic programs with good potential for growth and the opportunity to teach small classes. Dr. Zhou says the one thing she will miss the most is “motivated students with thirsty minds.” Her plans for retirement include continuing to teach online, continue education for herself, leisure activities and possibly volunteer work.

Photo courtesy of USF Flickr

of Music, will be leaving USF after 25 years of dedication to the school. He has taught a variety of music courses, spent 17 years as Department Chair and currently serves as the Director of the Schola Cantorum and Singing Saints. He was first brought to USF by his desire to teach at a small school in the Midwest and was able to start a brand new Music program.

Throughout his time here, the Music Program has developed a Major and Minor, added an orchestra, musicals and three more vocal groups. Dr. Brannon stated he will miss working with the students, especially the Schola Cantorum and their candlelight Christmas Concert. In his retirement, Dr. Brannon hopes to travel and be more involved with his Southside Chicago neighborhood.

Charles Beutel, Vice President of Admission

and Enrollment Services, has served at USF for 41 years. He has held multiple positions including Admissions Counselor, Director of Admissions, Director of Enrollment Management, Registrar and Chief Admission Officer. After attending his undergrad here, Beutel was asked to come back as a faculty member to recruit business students. He says he will miss all his colleagues, the great people that work here and the great students who attend here. In his retirement, Chuck Beutel will still be involved around USF Community, particularly with the opening of the new science building.

The University would also like to thank Dr. John Bowers, Professor Sara Leone and Marilynn Vollmer, who were unavailable for comment, for their dedication to USF.

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Campus Calendar by: Sara Michalowicz, News Editor

• Fri. April 28

o Schola Cantorum and Singing Saints Spring Concert: 7:30-10 p.m. Sexton Auditorium *tickets required*

• Sat. April 29

o Freshman Registration: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Sun. April 30

o Commencement Mass: 4-6 p.m. St. Joseph Chapel – Motherhouse

• Wed. May 3

o Student Teacher Appreciation Dinner: 5:30-7:30 p.m. San Damiano Hall

• Thu. May 4

o 33rd Annual Student Honors and Awards Convocation: 7-9 p.m. Pat Sullivan Recreation Center

• Sat. May 6

o Doctoral/Master’s Degree Commencement Ceremony: 9-10:30 a.m. Pat Sullivan Recreation Center o Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony: 1-2:30 p.m. Pat Sullivan Recreation Center

Final Exam Schedule Day of Exam

Monday May 1

* Late afternoon (3:55 P.M. and later) and evening courses: will have exams during regularly scheduled class times from May 1 - May 4.

Tuesday May 2

Wednesday May 3

Thursday May 4

TR TR R TWRF TR

9:35 AM 9:15 AM 9:35 AM 9:35 AM 10:15 AM

MWF MW

7:50 AM 8:30 AM

TR TR TR TWRF

7:50 AM 8:00 AM 8:30 AM 8:00 AM

TR R R

11:10 AM 11:10 AM 12:30 PM

MWF MW MW MW MW F

10:10 AM 10:10 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 10:10 AM

TR TR TR T T R

12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 12:45 PM

TR T R T R

2:20 PM 2:20 PM 2:20 PM 3:00 PM 3:15 PM

MWF M MW MWTR W MF MW MW

1:40 PM 1:40 PM 1:15 PM 1:40 PM 1:40 PM 1:40 PM 1:40 PM 2:00 PM

MWF MW MW MW M W F MW F MW

12:30 PM 12:25 PM 12:20 PM 12:30 PM 12:30 PM 12:30 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 1:00 PM 1:15 PM

Time of Exam

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9 AM - 11 AM

MWF M MW MTRF

12 PM - 2 PM

MW MWF F

3 PM - 5 PM

MWF MW MW M M

9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM

11:20 AM 11:20 AM 11:20 AM

2:50 PM 2:50 PM 3:30 PM 2:50 PM 3:30 PM

April 26, 2017

University

Campus Headlines Changes to the Social Work Department

LaVerne & Dorothy Brown Science Hall Update

Changes are being made to the Social Work Department here at USF in the next few months. First and foremost, construction will begin immediately after commencement to build dorm rooms on the fourth floor of Tower Hall where the department currently resides. Over the summer, the department will move to the former College of Education suite 313 on the third floor of Tower Hall. Secondly, the MSW Director, Dr. Billie Terrell, has decided to retire this May. She has been in the department for 25 years and is credited with creating the Master of Social Work program in 2007 as well as two scholarship programs. Dr. Lorri McMeel will be departing from USF to continue her teaching at a different institution.

Dr. Buster C. Ogbuagu stated, “We are currently interviewing candidates to replace these two wonderful faculty members.”

How’s Construction on the new science building going? This is a question that seems to be on the minds of many students here at USF. While weather has pushed back the finish date of the new science hall in the past, this last mild winter has helped the construction. Tentatively, the LaVerne & Dorothy Brown Science Hall is on track to be completed around November of this year. According to the USF Provost, Dr. Frank Pascoe, “Realistically, classes in the new building should be ready to start by the spring semester of 2018.” The completion time is, of course, subject to any weather-related slowdowns.

by: Sara Michalowicz, News Editor

USF Relay for Life 2017

by: Sara Michalowicz, News Editor Several student organizations and departments from USF hosted the annual Relay for Life event on March 24. The Relay takes place each spring and this year is no different. Senior Jeremy Grachan, USF Student Government Association president, explained, “Our goal this year was to raise and donate $3,000. We were ecstatic to learn we had actually raised $6,145 that we were later able to donate.” To read more about this event, see pages 12 and 13.

Photo credits: Ashley Montgomery

by: Mat Tuck, Entertainment Editor

Other Campus Constructions by: Mat Tuck, Entertainment Editor

The USF-owned house on the corner of Wilcox and Taylor was knocked down in late March. The lot will remain empty for the immediate future. There are plans to eventually knock down other USF-owned houses near the one just demolished in order to turn the area into either a parking lot for students or potentially another new building. What new building would go there is still to be determined; plans are not yet definite.

However, the houses knocked down on Wilcox street are currently being turned into a parking lot for students that is tentatively being called Lot W, short for West Parking Lot.

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Community Update by: Autumn Lee, staff writer

Collins Street Prison Crumbling The Collins Street Prison, famously known for its use in “The Blues Brothers,” has long been abandoned. Since its closure in 2002, the prison has been turning to shambles. While the prison remains an attraction, it is decorated with “No Trespassing” signs across the property to halt the exploration of its interior. In March of 2017, the Joliet police were given the option to prosecute those who trespass when the city of Joliet and the Illinois Department of Corrections came to an agreement upon such procedures. The prosecution was set in place not only for the prevention of intrusion, but also for the safety of those who attempt to enter. Walls are crumbling, ceilings

New Local Winery

The City of Joliet has created a new distillery ordinance and has rezoned a former Catholic Diocese property for a winery planned for “The Castle” at 310 Bridge Street. Sehring Property Holdings acquired the structure, as well as two nearby buildings, with plans to use them for wine tastings, sales and events. The building was originally built to be used as a brewery in 1892 and was later used as the first home for bishops when the Diocese of Joliet was created in 1948. Eleven Joliet residents were given a tour of the building where they walked through each room of the house. They viewed stained glass windows, chimneys covered in ornate details, a library, kitchen and dining room as well as diocesan artifacts. Further exploration found a basement with a vault. The last stop on the tour showed an excavated site with cistern-like structures and an abundance of limestone to be used as a wine processing area. Sehring Property Holdings would like to open by fall so they can have the first grape crushing for wine; however, the winery will not be open to public at that time.

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April 26, 2017

are collapsing and floors are slick with old paint chips, razor wire and glass from broken windows. There are hazards along the outside of the property as well, covered by overgrown grass and branches.

The City of Joliet and the Illinois Department of Corrections have attempted to address some of the safety issues on the property by welding shut some access covers across the grounds in an attempt to prevent people from falling into them. Local officials have been working to make the prison a tourist attraction, or at the very least, clean the prison up.

News

Cinemark

Cinemark Louis Joliet has posted a job offer in search of servers to assist the food and beverage team. It appears that the local theatre will be offering food and beverage directly to guests in theatre. Many Cinemark theatres across the United States offer the service with a vast menu of wine and spirits, as well as a dine-in food menu. At present, there is little information on when the new service will be implemented, but we hope to hear more in the future.

INTRODUCING: The Forge

A club at 22 W. Cass St. has, once again, changed hands. What was formally Mojoes and then The Tree has now become The Forge. Frank Mastalerz has acquired ownership of the location and is confident the downtown Joliet location will bring in crowds if it is run right. “I know it can work. We have a proven history of it working,” Mastalerz said during the remodeling at The Forge. The club opened April 7 with Hi Infidelity followed by many other bands and tribute artists over the following weeks. Mojoes brought in hundreds of people for the heavy metal shows they held. Often, Mojoes drew in so many people that they ran into issues with the city authorities when the venue exceeded its maximum capacity of 950. In July 2015, new owners took over and renamed the facility

Photos courtesy of wikimedia.org, theherald-news.com, emjcorp.com and ticketweb.com

The Tree, which closed this past December. Mastalerz knows the history of the club, as he booked most of the shows that played at the club under both names. He believes he knows why the clubs failed, as he has experience running his own club – The Pearl Room in Mokena – and also leading as events coordinator at Toyota Park in Bridgeview. The new owner is making many changes to the interior of the club. For example, he has moved a staircase alongside the stage to the opposite end of the room so as not to distract from the band. The stage was enlarged by request of many bands who played at the club before and a kitchen added for more business during times where there is not a show, as well as during. Mastalerz plans to bring 60 to 80 shows to The Forge this year.

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World News by: Hannah Tadey, Editor-in-Chief

India to Ban HIV/AIDS Discrimination

NEW DELHI, INDIA – Last Tuesday, India passed a landmark bill to ensure equal rights for those living with HIV/AIDS. The bill, called the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, makes it illegal to discriminate against people living with and affected by the disease. India is now the largest country in the world to ban this kind of discrimination and the first of its kind in south Asia. What’s meant by “discrimination?” This legislation makes it illegal to discriminate against those living with HIV in the workplace; deny them access to education; deny access to housing or health care; deny the right to stand for or hold public or private office. Most importantly, it bans businesses and any public place from refusing entry to anybody suffering from the disease. As the bill was being passed, India’s Health Minister J.P. Nadda called it “historic” and promised action “against those who create hatred against HIV patients.” Steve Kraus, Director of the UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific, said, “This legislation begins to remove barriers and empowers people to challenge violations of their human rights.” Currently, India is ranked third in countries with the most HIV cases with more than 2.1 million people living with the disease. It follows #2 Nigeria, with 3.5 million affected people, and #1 South Africa, with an overwhelming 7 million cases of HIV/AIDS.

Meningitis Kills Hundreds in Nigeria, Vaccine Underway NIGERIA - A horrendous meningitis outbreak has killed 489 people and sickened an additional 4,637 in Nigeria this year alone, according to the country’s Center for Disease Control (CDC). Nigeria is suffering greatly from a new strain of meningococcal meningitis, called “Stereotype C,” ever since 2013; this strain is 50% fatal when untreated, which is more-than-common in this impoverished country. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that a vaccination campaign is underway. “There is a vaccine available,” explained Nigeria’s CDC Chief Exectuive, Chikwe Ihekweazu, “but it is not commercially available for the stereotype involved in this specific outbreak, and we have to make application to the [WHO] for vaccines.” On a brighter note, Health Minister Isaac Adewole said in a press release that up to 1.3 million vaccines have been acquired, including 500,000 doses of the much-needed meningococcal vaccine, provided by the WHO. The British government has also donated an additional 820,000 doses.

Unfortunately, vaccines do not mean there is a 0% risk of death.

Through research, the WHO has found that even when diagnosed and treated early, 5% to 10% of patients die within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Though this epidemic is especially bad this year, it is not uncommon for the region. Nigeria is one of 26 countries within the sub-Saharan African region known and commonly referred to as the “meningitis belt” due to the large number of epidemic occurrences.

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April 26, 2017

News US, Mexico and Canada Join to Launch World Cup Bid NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - Last Monday, representatives of the U.S., Mexican and Canadian national soccer teams made an announcement that the three countries will be joining together to enter a bid to host the 2026 World Cup. The bid comes at a time where U.S. President Donald J. Trump has “implemented an aggressive stance on immigration enforcement and wants to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border,” explained Jill Martin for CNN. However, United States Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati is calming soccer fans’ minds: “We have the full support of the United States government in this project,” Gulati said at the press conference last Monday.

“The President of the United States is fully supportive and encouraged us to have this joint bid. He is especially pleased that Mexico is part of this bid – and that’s in the last few days we’ve gotten further encouragement on that.” The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), soccer’s

governing body, is expected to name the host for 2026 in May 2020, which coincidentally is the final year of President Trump’s first term. Seeing that presidents are limited to two four-year terms, Trump would not be in office during the 2026 games if they were to be held in North America. “For the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol, and the entire Mexican soccer family, it is a source of pride to be candidates, along with the United States and Canada, to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026,” Mexican Football Federation President Decio de Maria said. “We have a unique opportunity to be the first country to host three World Cups. As such we are filled with pride and committed to make it the best ever.” North America last held a men’s World Cup in 1994, which was hosted by the U.S. The U.S. has also hosted women’s World Cups in 1999 and 2003; Mexico has hosted men’s World Cups in 1986 and 1970, and Canada hosted the last women’s World Cup in 2015.

Assad’s Wife Faces Revoked UK Citizenship LONDON, ENGLAND / DAMASCUS, SYRIA – As tensions rise and all eyes start to focus on Syria, British lawmakers are calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s UK-born wife, Asma Assad, to stop backing her “murderous” husband or have her citizenship annulled. Backing his threat, Conservative lawmaker Nadhim Zahawi told CNN that Asma “has been using her social media platform in support of this murderous regime… Her husband has clearly crossed the line in terms of using poison gas on his own people and she has to make up her own mind.” He continued to explain that “Mrs. Assad, being a dual citizen, is a propagandist of this murderous regime.” As some criticize Zahawi and his beliefs, many stand by him and are voicing the same concerns. Tom Brake, a Liberal Democrat member of Parliament, has written to Home Security Amber Rudd who has the power to strip British citizenship from Photos courtesy of borgenmagazine.com, sickchirpse.com and cnn.com

dual-nationals. “Is Asma continues defending the Assad regime’s murderous actions, the onus will be on the UK Government to deprive her of her citizenship or demonstrate that her actions are not seriously prejudicial to the vital interests of the United Kingdom,” wrote Brake. Though it is not common to be stripped of a dual-citizenship, it is certainly not unheard of; Home Office figures show that 37 individuals were stripped of their citizenship between January 2013 and December 2014, which is possible and legal under section 40 of the British Nationality Action 1981.

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USF Relay for Life This year’s USF Relay for Life was held on March 24 in the Pat Sullivan

Center and was by all accounts a big success. This year’s donation goal was $3,000, yet our Relay for Life event demolished this goal by raising $6,145 for the fight against cancer (That’s over twice as much as the goal!). The night was all about honoring the cancer survivors and their families who attended the relay and celebrating the success they had in beating cancer.

As the President of USF, Arvid Johnson said himself during the opening of the event, “This event makes real our value of compassion that we celebrate this year. In our Franciscan tradition, compassion is loving our neighbor as ourselves because we recognize the good and the divine in each other.” He went on to say that the attendees raising money at the event made USF’s compassion real by raising money to support their neighbors.

One of the most touching moments of the event came when cancer survivor Molly Emerson gave her story about beating cancer. Molly is a sophomore here at USF who battled cancer when she was only fourteen years old. According to Molly, she never would have found out about her cancer if she hadn’t had to go to the hospital for breaking her jaw.

She was diagnosed with stage two Ovarian Cancer. It took four rounds of intense chemotherapy to beat the horrible disease. “Looking back, as odd as it may sound, I’m actually really glad I experienced cancer,” Molly said during her testimony. “I’m a much stronger person because of it.”

Because of her experience with cancer, Molly decided to go to school for radiation therapy. She would eventually like to get into pediatric care so she can inspire kids to get out and share their stories.

After the opening speeches, the cancer survivors took to the floor to make their first lap around the gymnasium in the Relay for Life. The families and caregivers of the survivors took the second lap. After that, hundreds of people flooded the course to walk a lap in support of the cancer survivors. It was truly an impressive sight. There was also an elegant survivor’s dinner held after the initial walk.

The REC was filled with fun activities to participate in during the event. There was food to eat, crafts to make, raffles to enter and even a mechanical bull to test your skill on. I myself, made a paper flower and an origami swan while donating a little bit to the American Cancer Society.

There were lots of fun ways to get involved.

Around 8:30, the Luminaria dedication took place. Luminarias honor every life touched by cancer. Participants dedicate them to a loved one lost, someone currently battling or anyone who’s overcome it. The lanterns were decorated with names and messages to the people they’re dedicated to. Participants shared emotional moments as each Luminaria was lit in remembrance of a life touched by cancer. A moment of silence was taken to remember loved ones the luminarias were dedicated to.

If you didn’t get a chance to go to the Relay for Life, make sure to keep it in mind for next year.

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April 26, 2017

Entertainment

by: Mat Tuck, Entertainment Editor

Photos courtesy of Alumni & Parent Relations

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

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Summer Movie Preview : by: Christian Hoeger, staff writer

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April 26, 2017

“Wonder Woman:” DC’s last chance to right the ship of their cinematic universe before going all in with the upcoming Justice League movie. “Wonder Woman” was the surprise highlight of “Batman v. Superman” and the world is ready for a standalone female superhero movie done right. There is a lot on the line for the movie for all the parties involved, but I for one believe this movie will be done right and Gal Gadot will further her star trajectory by nailing this role.

“The Fate of the Furious:” By the time you’re reading this, many of you will have already seen this movie. So I’ll keep it nice and quick: evil Dom, a submarine and tanks. Primed to make all the money.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2:” Time for my low-key worry of the article: I am borderline worried about this sequel. The first one was nearly perfect because of its use of humor and fantastic soundtrack. This will probably connect somehow to the upcoming slate of Avengers films and have some overarching purpose, but what if the jokes and new music don’t feel as fresh? This movie will, no doubt, break whatever records “Fate of the Furious” sets and won’t be a commercial disappointment, but after an even funnier superhero movie (“Deadpool”) and the success of a darker, more adult superhero movie (“Logan”), what if Guardians 2 feels “stale?”

“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales:” Advance screenings have critics and fans hailing this as a return to form for the franchise and recaptures the magic of the early Pirates movies. I’m sure it will be an enjoyable popcorn flick in the hot summer months, but my once reverence is that this franchise needs a miracle for a full reconciliation.

Award Hopefuls (Non-Blockbuster):

“Free Fire:” An absolutely fantastic cast led by the real MVP herself, Brie Larson, is sure to be a critical darling filled with witty dialogue and plenty of stand-offs in a movie about a gun sale gone wrong. Think a less dark “Reservoir Dogs;” that’s my hope for this movie.

“Baby Driver:” A young getaway driver who is named Baby and is listening to music at almost all times as it’s the only way he can function properly. Directed by the always fantastic Edgar Wright (“Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World”) and led by the young but talented Ansel Elgort. Sure to have plenty of laughs and action but with the signature “heart” and meaning that has come to define Wright’s filmography. The soundtrack is bound to be full of bangers as music is intertwined directly with the plot.

Science Fiction Twosome:

Entertainment

THE BLOCKBUSTERS:

“Alien: Covenant:” RIDLEY SCOTT RETURNING TO AN ACTUAL “ALIEN” MOVIE. Yes, I fully realize “Prometheus” was a prequel, but that wasn’t fully the feel or set-up of a true “Alien” movie. Think of almost any of your favorite sci-fi or horror movies and you can find some kind of connection or inspiration from Ridley’s original “Alien.”

Movie of the summer. Movie of the year. Don’t @ me.

“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets:” The director of the cult classic “The Fifth Element” taking on a beloved comic book series with a cast featuring Rihanna. I’ll take a series of films please.

“The Mummy:” Tom Cruise. Great effects. New “Monster” movie universe. I’ll give it a whirl and so should you.

“Transformers: The Last Knight:” Apparently this will be Michael Bay’s “last” main “Transformers” movie, though there are plans for plenty of spin-offs and side projects not involving the steady (and explosion and lens flare driven) hand of Bay. Should end with a bang.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming:” A buddy movie where Iron Man and Spiderman get to team up to fight a hopefully engaging and well fleshed out Vulture played by Michael Keaton. After his great showing in “Civil War,” I’m excited to see more of this new Peter Parker, even if the previews are giving away wayyyyy too much.

“Dunkirk:” Christopher Nolan (“Inception,” “Interstellar,” “Batman Begins” Trilogy) tries his hand at one of the decisive battles in World War 2; shot with an IMAX camera, this movie is sure to be gorgeous.

“War of the Planet of the Apes:” Apes. Woody Harrelson.

War. You can have all my money.

Photo courtesy of pakium.pk

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Gallery Seven:

The “Gem of Joliet”

As the artist James McNeill Whistler once said, “an artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.” Located in the heart of downtown Joliet and right next to the historic Rialto Square Theater, Gallery Seven is the center of all work that is fine art.

I had the chance to converse with one of the participating artists from Gallery Seven, Barbara Eberhard, and ask her some questions about the gallery. Eberhard is also a current member of the Chicago Society of Artists and an adjunct professor at the University of St. Francis.

Q: When was Gallery Seven founded?

A: It was founded in 2007. In fact, June will mark the ten-year anniversary.

Q: What kind of pieces can we find here?

A: Here in Gallery Seven, we have eight participating artists featured.

Mainly we feature photographs of different genres and processes.

We also display ceramics, paintings and jewelry which are all available for purchase.

Q: What are the featured pieces here at the gallery?

A: Well every month we have a featured artist and for that, we bring different kinds of mediums. (A medium is the material that artists use to create their art). For this month (April), we are featuring artist and composer Renee C. Baker.

Q: What can someone take from visiting here (besides maybe purchasing a piece)?

A: Here in Gallery Seven, people can find photographs, paintings, sculptures and jewelry from consignment artists. When visiting, people truly get the art gallery experience. I like to consider Gallery Seven as the “Gem of Joliet” since we are right next to the “Jewel of Joliet” (J & M Jewelers).

Q: Why do you consider art like this still important to this day?

A: Art in general is an important part of our society and culture.

It is something that follows us and inspires others to recreate and is an outlet of expression. People can truly learn about themselves through art.

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April 26, 2017

by: Ivan Flores, staff writer

The “Open Lens VIII Prospectus” exhibit features submitted images from photographers and will be open to view from June 1 through July 7. Photographers can submit their work during the month of April, which will then be critiqued by a jury of judges and winners will be awarded Best of Show, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place and Honorable Mentions. The exhibit reception for “Open Lens” will be on June 3 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and will be open and free for the public. If you would like to participate and submit your work, you can stop

by Gallery Seven or visit their website for a complete copy of the prospectus and entry form.

“The Art of Illinois” exhibit will run throughout the month of October and will showcase artists of Illinois, 18 and over, that are called upon to share their vision of Illinois. For submission information, please visit the Gallery Seven website.

Eberhard will host a reception of her exclusive work in August 2017 at the USF Gallery, located across the street from the St. Bonaventure Campus in downtown Joliet. Admission will be free.

For more information regarding Eberhard’s reception, please visit the USF Art Gallery Current and Upcoming Exhibitions section of the USF website. To view more of Eberhard’s work and portfolio, please visit: www.barbaraeberhard.com.

For more information on upcoming fine art exhibits and additional services Gallery Seven offers (custom framing and workshop/ seminars, etc.) please visit: www.galleryseven.net.

Address: Gallery Seven 116 N. Chicago St. – Suite 102 Joliet, Ill. 60432 Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. First Saturday of the Month 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. By appointment, please call (815)-483-4310.

Photo credit: Ivan Flores

by: Mat Tuck, Entertainment Editor

In downtown Joliet attached to the famous Rialto Square Theatre is USF’s very own art gallery. Paintings, photos and sculptures decorate the walls of the sleek studio off Van Buren Street in the heart of the city. In the month of April, the gallery plays host to the annual USF Art and Design Awards exhibition. This exhibit showcases an overview of art, design and photography produced by current USF students. The exhibit is especially important because one student whose work is displayed in the exhibit wins the prestigious Coleman Scholarship. This year’s winner?

Freshman Austin Hines, whose interesting self-portrait followed all the guidelines of one of his class projects while also being “outside the box” enough to stand out among his peers.

The USF Art and Design Awards exhibition happens around April every year and is open to students of all majors at USF. In terms of participation from students, this year’s exhibit is one of the biggest. “This has been probably the most we’ve had,” Art Gallery Director Jennifer Moore said. “We had to edit out quite a few because there just wasn’t enough space. That’s what happens when you have a big school show and people want to exhibit.”

The Coleman Scholarship isn’t the only award worth receiving in this exhibit, though. The professors from the Art and Design department also chose Presidential Purchase Awards and the Juror’s Choice Award to award to students whose art really stands out. Gloria Allen, Danielle Conrad, Rachel Rivette and Shannon Walker all received a Presidential Purchase Award and Hayle Silva won the Juror’s choice Award.

Entertainment

The USF Art Gallery

The pieces in the exhibit are chosen based on aesthetics, space and presentation. If the piece is aesthetically pleasing, presented professionally and they have the space for it, then it gets into the exhibit. Students are allowed to send in three pieces to potentially be displayed in the gallery. While Jennifer Moore said they like to put up pieces from everyone who sends them in, she admits that not everything makes it on the wall.

Along with the USF Art Gallery giving students a chance to showcase their artistic abilities to their peers and professors, the gallery also has six to eight professional exhibits per year. Some of these exhibitions include artist-talks where students and faculty get a chance to pick the brains of semi-local artists and have a collaboration of ideas. These events are usually popular because, As Moore says, “People want to know. They don’t want to just come in and view the work. They want to be educated about the work. Who better to give insight into a piece than the artist who made it?”

All students are welcome to check out the USF Art Gallery. The next exhibit is the 2017 USF Senior Thesis. The exhibition is an in-depth look at graduating senior projects and will be on display at the gallery from April 28 through June 22.

For more information about upcoming exhibitions, visit: stfrancis. edu/academics/art-and-design/galleries USF Art Gallery | 25 East Van Buren Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60432

Photo credit: Mat Tuck

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April 26, 2017

Saving the Arts

Saving The Arts usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

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April 26, 2017

by: Kylie Mason, Social Media Coordinator

Since Donald Trump has started his presidency, he has made many decisions that have caused controversy among the masses. In March, President Trump released his 2018 budget blueprints which announced his plans to increase military spending, yet defund the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) amongst many other cultural agencies. As expected, those who understand what the arts mean to the American culture and how the arts influence the world were outraged at this plan. Many voiced their concerns, including National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu who stated, “We are disappointed because we see our funding actively making a difference with individuals of all ages in thousands of communities, large, small, urban and rural, and in every Congressional District in the nation.”

So why do the arts matter? To fully understand why the arts matter, it is important to understand what the arts are. The dictionary definition of art is “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

Education is relevant in every child’s life for 12-plus years.

Math, history, science and language arts are required, but what keeps the children interested in school for those who do not want to grow up to be a mathematician or a chemist?

That’s where the fine arts come in. Steve Ellis, principal at Fike High School in North Carolina, stated when speaking with the Washington Times, “You can’t just offer, especially at the high school, math, science, social studies and reading.

What that does is cut out the courses that students can be interested in. The elective courses are what keep the students in school.”

However, as Chicago Public Schools (CPS) lost funding in 2013, it laid off over 1,715 total teachers with 159 or more in the art or music departments per Chicago Teachers Union.

That is nearly 10% of art or music teachers at CPS, which was quite a heavy blow to the arts education. Per the Washington Post, as different schools’ budgets are cut across the United States, schools are either eliminating funding for art and music programs or cutting the costs heavily. Even though the No Child Left Behind Act mandates that “the arts” are a core academic subject, somehow the fine arts programs are still deemed as a luxury. This means that musicals, plays, art classes, foreign language classes and choir can be completely cut to make sure that the core classes USF Art Major are taught in public schools.

According to DoSomething.org, students who study art are four-times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and three-times more likely to be awarded for school attendance. With the fine arts being cut and education becoming solely based upon standardized testing and “core” academics, it causes a lack of involvement and loss of attendance of students. Bob Bryant in his article “The Importance of Fine Arts” stated, “The fine arts also provide learners with non-academic benefits such as promoting selfesteem, motivation, aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure, creativity, improved emotional expression, as well as social harmony and appreciation of diversity.”

Saving the Arts

The Arts Matter

“Art is a way to put my personality onto a surface.

I am proud of the person I am and art is a way to express who I am in its truest form.”

At first thought, art is considered painting, sculpting, drawing and design; however, art expands to many more categories. Art is music, acting, film, graphic design, writing, - Joey Santillo, opera, fashion, expression and much more. These types of art forms are encountered daily, so what happens if the freedom that is considered art disappears? Our creative expression starts to slowly diminish. When asked what art means to him, Joey Santillo, a USF Art major, stated, “Art is a way to put my personality onto a surface. I am proud of the person I am and art is a way to express who I am in its truest form.”

Graphic Design student Autumn Lee responded similarly, stating, “Art is the only way I feel I can truly express myself in a way that someone else might find beauty.” Students, and people in general, enjoy and need this creative outlet to be able to express who they feel they are.

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How do we $$$$$$$$$$$ Government Spending on the Arts:

United States:

Federal funding to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), created by Congress to offer support and funding for art projects, remains static at $146.2 million a year, with a measly annual budget of $158 million.

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April 26, 2017

Northern

Ireland: England:

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland announced it will award over £13 million ($21 million USD) to arts projects through northern Ireland, including theater and literature for its tiny 1.8 million population.

In 2012-2013 alone, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) funded 16 major national museums and galleries totaling £447 million ($728 million USD) according to The Conversation.

*Information was retrieved from “Culturally Impoverished: US NEA Spends 1/40th of What Germany Doles Out for Arts Per Capita” by Jodie Gummow from AlterNet.

Infographic designed by: Sarah Schoenrock, Layout Director

Finland:

In 2011, government expenditure on culture was €33 million ($44.61 million USD) for its 5.3 million citizens with €14 million ($18.93 million USD) spend on individual artists alone.

Sweden: In 2011, the Swedish

government spent 2.60% of its central government spending on culture alone.

The Swedish Arts Grant Committee allocates approximately 100 million SEK to the arts ($15 million USD). That may not seem like a lot but keep in mind there’s only about 9 million Swedish citizens.

Australia: In Australia, government

expenditure for the arts and cultural activities in 2011-2012 period was estimated to be approximately $7 billion in USD for a population of only 22 million. In 2013, the Australia government confirmed an additional $75.3 million in funding over four years to support Australian artists and art organizations.

Saving the Arts

compare? $$$$$$$$$$

Germany:

Germany’s cultural budget was approximately $1.63 billion USD in 2013.

France: The budget of the French

Ministry of Culture for 2013 was close to €7.4 billion ($10 billion USD) with €3.5 billion ($4.73 billion USD) dedicated to the cultural field alone.

Photo courtesy of wordpress.com

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How the Dean of Business (COBHA) Sciences) View the Importance of Orlando Griego, Dean of the College of Business and Health Administration by: Alejandra Medina, staff writer Many current students and adults have feelings of nostalgia towards art classes, music or band practice, photography and so many other aspects of fine arts in education, yet budget proposals and necessary budget cuts often lead to the annihilation of art programs in schools, businesses and our government.

It is sad to think that an art class or music class that inspired us years ago will not be available for our younger siblings to experience.

It is even more difficult to accept that under the current American government, the arts are no longer an important asset to invest in as they begin to consider removing the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities from current budget proposals.

Art programs are usually the first to be cut from budget proposals.

I interviewed Orlando Griego, Dean of the College of Business & Health Administration here at USF, to see why cutting art programs often seems like the best option.

Q: In your opinion, are the arts (literature, painting, music, film, theater, etc.) important to the economy?

A: Yes, art is important to the economy. But art has a wide meaning. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the “arts” include about 1.9 million people. This, however, includes TV, radio, advertising, college professors who teach, florists, post office employees (design stamps) and more areas we don’t traditionally think of as artists. Pure artists who paint, write and perform account for only 31,720 jobs in the U.S. (bls.gov).

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April 26, 2017

Q: Why do you think art programs are the first to be defunded in our schools and our government?

A: “Art” programs that deal with graphic design, computer graphics, car designers and other forms of design are actually growing and being funded in academia and promoted as technology. Pure art (e.g., artists, writers and performers) unemployment rate is one of the highest in the nation (over 12%). So, the general thinking is often economic by schools and government. Put your money into areas that will bring in the most revenue.

Q: Is there a way to ensure that art programs continue to thrive even with dwindling budgets?

A: Yes. Pure artists need to learn the value of marketing their industry. The creative aspects of art programs can change lives, industry and the economy. Those employed average over $75,000 per year. However, artists are great at creating work and not promoting their work. If more non-artists knew the value extrinsically and intrinsically, they would push leaders to support it more.

Dean Griego explains that when it comes to the economy, and in the case of budget proposals, money and profit are important factors. Yet, even though supporting art programs may not be the best business decision for organizations, art is still very important and I plan to cherish those memories of music class by donating to organizations that seek to preserve art education.

Robert Kase, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences by: Giovanni Alvarado, staff writer The arts are often seen as useless or a “waste of time” and are usually considered to be the first classes cut since so many students dismiss them in interest entirely. In an interview with the College of Arts and Sciences Dean, Dr. Robert Kase, Kase explained the many reasons why the arts matter and the many benefits of having a Liberal education after graduating.

“The arts and sciences include almost anything you can think of. By being immersed through the Liberal Arts, you can become a wiser, well-rounded person than by studying your major,” said Kase when asked why the arts should matter to a student. When asked the questioned of what a student could benefit from when taking the arts in a Liberal-education system, he answered, “The liberal arts don’t just make you a well-rounded person, but make students critically think, use logic and understand how to problem solve and work around certain problems to get to the best solutions. So, for example, you may be a Communications major, but you should at least have common algebra problem-solving skills in your belt. You may just never know when you could be reporting something and need a specific equation to get an estimate on something important to the story.”

Dean Kase has a huge point to this, as it’s true that Liberal education teaches students how to think. It allows students to develop the required skills to become lifelong learners, which will come in handy when absorbing new information and strategies needed to excel in a career.

“The Liberal Arts are not meant to hurt you and be an annoyance to your major,” explained Kase. “Rather, they are meant to help you gain a variety of skills in virtually everything.

The Liberal Arts education especially helps students gain good communications skills, become more knowledgeable and, most of all, become a leader in society. You become a servant leader by leading serving others to help people.”

Saving the Arts

and the Dean of Art (Arts and Art Education

A Liberal Art education can also contribute to a student’s happiness and self. Knowing more about life increases pleasure and having a cultivated mind enjoys itself and life. “There is not one civilization that didn’t participate in the arts or fine arts.

From our own clothes to a design of a building, everything you see around you was creatively, critically thought and made,” said Kase.

It’s been proven that people who are highly educated have higher satisfaction in life. “Don’t be the type of person that can be easily replaceable at your job,” said Kase when I asked for his final thoughts. “An employer could hire someone who either has a major study alongside a well-rounded education or someone with just their major of study. Who do you think is more employable? I want all of you students to graduate better prepared with all the skills you receive and embrace and adapt with diversity to take on the world.”

At the end of the day, we should all embrace the arts for the grand gifts they give us through skills. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to be Liberally-educated here at the University of St. Francis. I hope all of us can take in full advantage of the benefits as we learn, grow and develop to our future careers.

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Open 24 Hours/7 Days (815 W. Jefferson St. Location Only)

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Joliet’s Favorite Since 1966 www.homecutdonuts.com

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April 26, 2017

by: Abby Kieffer, staff writer In the “Beauty and the Beast” remake that just recently released to theaters, there was a line from Gaston’s henchman, LeFou, “where he begins spelling ‘G-A-S-T-O-N’ before realizing that since he’s illiterate, he actually doesn’t know how to spell anything, let alone his pal’s name” (Renfro, 2017). While this was comical and lighthearted, illiteracy still exists – more than people probably think.

Illiteracy, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, is “the quality or state of being illiterate; especially: inability to read or write.” Looking globally, the total adult illiterate population is 773.5 million people according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics, and the youth population is just as bad at 123.2 million people who are considered to be illiterate. When looking at that number, it is hard to believe that that many people would be considered part of the population that would lack the ability to read or write.

Saving the Arts

Why Illiteracy is Still an Issue in Our Own Nation Today

However, the numbers are just as scary when looking at the United States. In fact, according to the Huffington Post, “a study conducted in late April by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy shows 32 million adults in the U.S. can’t read. That’s 14 percent of the population. Twenty-one percent of adults in the U.S. read below a fifth-grade level, and 19 percent of high school graduates can’t read.”

This number is terrifyingly high and there must be reasons behind this. Why are more and more people illiterate today? Parents with little to no schooling, lack of motivation to read, certain living conditions as well as learning disabilities are just a few of these reasons, according to the Literacy Foundation. This makes sense, but it doesn’t make the situation any less scary.

Literacy can do so much good for us, and that good does not just have to do with school.

And the question remains, what can we do to change this, fix it, or make it better?

America Reads, which was set in 1996, proposed to “enlist ‘one million volunteer tutors ready and able to give children the personal attention they need to catch up and get ahead.’” This is a program that USF has also used recently in which students can apply to be tutors to help students in the community to build their literacy skills. While this is for students to improve their literacy skills, what about adults? As seen in the statistics, adults are just as prone to being illiterate, which can cause a cycle to form in the younger generation. Andrianes Pinantoan suggests the following to improve vocabulary skills in adults: read (a lot), take notes on words that are unfamiliar or different, writing often using these new words that are found to practice understanding the meaning and usage of them and researching words and ideas that one comes across as it is more likely that getting more information will build on understanding.

These are skills that are taught in schools to students as young as early-elementary to as old as high school, and even sometimes in college. Building these vocabulary skills is just the beginning of improving literacy among people. It takes a nation to get us out of this rut. As Frederick Douglas quoted, according to the Frederick Douglas Foundation, “Once you learn to read you will be forever free.”

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Job Market for the Arts by: Patti Raspolich, PR Specialist As times change, society has broadened its horizon on what is considered to be a successful career choice. Subjects and activities that were once thought of as extracurricular activities are now proving to be promising career choices for those creative individuals. Growing up, children hope to be something along the lines of a doctor, teacher, firefighter or astronaut. While these are all enormously important jobs that should never go unappreciated, there has been a shift to being more open-minded when it comes to

Art and Design Graphic Design

2015 Median Pay: $46,900 per year / $22.55 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Outlook 2014-2024: 1% (Little or no change); adding 3,600 jobs

Photography

2015 Median Pay: $31,710 per year / $15.24 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent Job Outlook 2014-2024: 3% (Slower than average); adding 3,900 jobs

Multimedia Artists and Animators

2015 Median Pay: $63,970 per year / $30.76 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Outlook 2014-2024: 6% (As fast as average); adding 3,900 jobs Other occupations available with this degree: art directors, craft and fine artists, visual arts education teachers and industrial artists.

figuring out one’s career path. Careers dealing with art, music and imagination are emerging and becoming more popular than ever before.

If you are on the more creative side and tend to gravitate towards the arts, then here is a list of possible career choices that are associated with majors offered at USF. All information is provided by BLS.gov.

Communication and Media Arts Copy Editors

2015 Median Pay: $56,010 per year / $26.93 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Outlook 2014-2024: -5% (Decline); subtracting 6,200 jobs

Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators

2015 Median Pay: %55,740 per year / $26.80 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Outlook 2014-2024: 11% (Faster than average); adding 6,400 jobs

Reporters, Correspondents and Broadcast News Analysts

2015 Median Pay: $37,720 per year / $18.13 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Outlook 2014-2024: -9% (Decline); subtracting 4,800 jobs Other occupations available with this degree: public relations specialist, social media strategist, web developers and public relations and fundraising managers.

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April 26, 2017

Broadcast and Sound Engineer Technicians

2015 Median Pay: $41,780 per year / $20.09 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary award or certificate Job Outlook 2014-2024: 7% (As fast as average); adding 7,700 jobs

Musicians and Singers

2015 Median Pay: $24.20 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: No formal education credential Job Outlook 2014-2024: 3% (Slower than average); adding 6,000 jobs

Music Directors and Composers

2015 Median Pay: $49,820 per year / $23.95 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Outlook 2014-2024: 3% (Slower than average); adding 2,600 jobs Other occupations available with this degree: music teachers, audio engineers and music industry entrepreneurs.

English Writers and Authors

2015 Median Pay: $60,250 per year / $28.97 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Outlook 2014-2024: 2% (Slower than average); adding 3,100 jobs

Saving the Arts

Digital Audio Recording Arts and Music

Technical Writer

2015 Median Pay: $70,240 per year / $33.77 per hour Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Outlook 2014-2024: 10% (Faster than average); adding 5,300 jobs Other occupations available with this degree: journalists, law and public service specialists and grant writers.

While there are several options listed above, this is just a small portion of the possibilities available to those who wish to pursue a career in the arts. If you are interested in finding more careers that are involved with the arts, check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook at BLS. gov or visit Robert Kase, the Dean of College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Francis

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Side by Side:

De-Funding the National FOR: Let me start with saying, I am an artist. I have been involved in the performing arts since I was three years old and am in no way against additional funding for the arts. However, it is important to understand facts when it comes to balancing a budget. And one of those facts is, it is a plausible choice for the National Endowment for the Arts to be defunded based on where the money goes and how it affects those artists receiving these funds.

It is important to understand what the funding goes towards for the National Endowment for the Arts. According to the National Endowment for the Arts website, the endowment funds artist’s projects and events. But included under the much longer list of what is not funded by the NEA are: direct grants to individuals, the reconstruction of artist facilities, individual elementary or secondary schools, general operating or seasonal costs for a venue and more.

The National Review points out, “We have not seen a renaissance in American creativity since the inception of the NEA, but we have seen tremendous growth in cultural agencies, in their payrolls and in their administrative staff.” This shows that the funding is very much directed, but not as closely linked to artistic projects as one may think.

Next comes looking at the financial comparison of what the NEA truly provides to artistic facilities. According to The Heritage Foundation, private charitable funding has grown over 40% in the past twenty years, topping out at about $10 billion. The National Endowment for the Arts federal funding of $138 million does not even amount to two percent of the financial aid presented by private funding. For concrete comparison, The Metropolitan Opera of New York receives $390,000 in funding per year. In comparison to their annual 133-million-dollar revenue, the endowment equals less than the ticket sales of a sold-out performance. Therefore, removing the fund will not have as significant of an impact as many people believe.

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by: Clarice Swanson, Feature Editor Finally, it is a widespread belief that the government should not be involved in art. There are multiple restrictions placed on grant applicants from the NEA, that can be found on their website, that would not necessarily be in place through private donors. A fear of “mediocrity” is perpetuated by government funding, as the need to please a government agency produces less excellence in art and more of a style of required creativity, based on what is most likely to receive funding.

In a dream world where finances are not an issue, there would be no problems keeping a government fund for the arts. However, there are enough issues with the fund itself, and a lack of truly significant funding, to make the NEA cut a plausible start towards a balanced budget. Art is not dying, and will not die out if the NEA is taken away.

Against: Federal agencies and departments are unclear entities, and their responsibilities, scale and scope are often vague. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has a mission of funding museums, fine arts, dance and theater. The NEA, for example, has funded projects that are related to making sure children have access to playgrounds, affordable housing, historical preservation, improving health care, designing parks and promoting social justice. Defunding the NEA would be extremely irresponsible and downright wrong.

If you care about any of these things, you should also care about the NEA and its funding.

Many will argue that it is not right to force Americans to pay for the arts through taxation. However, eliminating the NEA’s funding won’t make a dent in the national deficit. According to the Washington Post, the NEA and NEH (National Endowment of Humanities) comprise a mere 0.02% of the budget; however, cutting the budget will deprive communities of a much-needed source of creativity.

According to John Hopkins School of Education, the arts serve a very important role in all of our lives. They not only provide an outlet for creativity and expression, but “they are languages that all people speak that cut across racial, cultural, social, educational and economic barriers and enhance cultural appreciation and awareness.” The arts have also been proven to “improve academic achievement – [enhance] test scores, attitudes, social skills, critical and creative thinking.”

The NEA’s $148 million budget is considered small in comparison to the $3.5 trillion that is spent by the federal government annually. Still, this money helps realize projects across the country in a range of disciplines every year.

by: Julie Kitzer, staff writer For example, a $10,000 NEA grant made a remarkable difference to Willoughby, Ohio’s Fine Arts Association.

The grant that was provided to the association supported a music enrichment program for middle and secondary school students in the Painesville School District.

This NEA-funded program was specifically tailored to deliver weekly one-on-one music instruction, instruments, teachers, books and transportation to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds within the district’s four counties.

Many of the participants were Latino or black with a large migrant worker population. These children face significant obstacles to succeeding in life, let alone in music. However, this program has given them a chance to succeed in both.

Commentary

Endowment for the Arts

Linda Moran, President/CEO of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, told Billboard in an interview, “We are, once again, at a crossroads where music and arts education in our school systems are being threatened by severe cuts. Possible defunding of the NEA would not only be devastating to the arts community at large, but also to the youth of this country.”

Are you still thinking, “I don’t care about the arts; I don’t visit museums. Why should MY tax dollars go toward the NEA funding?” Before you start thinking about how this tax is making you go for broke, consider this: the cost per American for all this? A measly $0.46 a year - less than a penny a week.

Are we really becoming the type of society that doesn’t support the arts and historical preservation? I believe that things like art and science, books and thoughtful consideration of complicated problems should never be deemed worthless and tossed away.

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Brown Girl, Small School: Who Run the World? Girls! *Guys Unfortunatley*

by: Liz Venerable, PR Manager Throughout American history, there has been a battle over women, their bodies and their jobs/roles. From the national government to the man in every woman’s life, we are all told how we “should” act and how we “should” dress. Although there have been advancements for women in America, such as the right to vote, there is still so much to be achieved.

Think about it, women are taxed for having menstrual cycles, as if we have a choice. The “Tampon Tax” or “Pink Tax” is a sales tax in which tampons and other feminine hygiene products are not tax exempt whereas some other medical necessities are. Sales taxes are regulated state-by-state, meaning a hand full of states, like Illinois, are not taxing tampons, while the remaining 38 states are taxing tampons because they are classified as a luxury item. I’m sorry, but there is NOTHING luxury about the shedding of the uterine lining.

Speaking of the uterus, we can’t talk about women without talking about the female reproductive system. The biggest battle for women in America has always been the right to have an abortion. Before any pro-lifers get your pitchforks, ask yourself: would abortions be this big of an issue if women had the same access to birth control and intrauterine devices (IUDs) as men have to Viagra and vasectomies?

The answer is “no,” and here’s why: when it comes to abortion, prolife believers say that once an egg has been fertilized, it is a baby, but if there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize then there is no baby and thus no abortion. This is not to say that birth control will stop all women from having to get an abortion because shit happens, but less shit would happen if women had access to birth control the way men have access to Viagra.

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What I mean by “access” is that, when it comes to men, there have not been any complaints about insurance companies covering Viagra. This allows men to continue having sex for non-procreative reasons and despite medical conditions that would otherwise prevent it, such as men with heart problems. For those who say that any birth control besides fertility awareness/natural family planning method is unnatural, can you please explain to me how a man over the age of 50 getting an erection is natural? According to CDC, it is quite normal for men over the age of 50 not to have an erection. Yet, most government officials don’t see the issue with Viagra getting covered by insurance companies while birth control is not. I wonder if it is because most government officials are men over the age of 50.

The female reproductive system is not the only conflict women have to face. We also deal with being paid less for the same work (and FYI: the wage gap effects everyone but white men). It’s complete BS that women are not paid fairly because they can have children, as if becoming a mother makes a woman less valuable.

According to the 2015 census, the U.S. population was more than 308 million, with females comprising 50.8% of the total population. Even with women making up a little over half the population, we cannot go to school without a sexist dress codes, we cannot take control of our lives without being called bossy or a b*tch and, according to a 2014 report by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, one out of every six women cannot walk down the street without being sexually assaulted.

So, how are we going to “make America great again” when women are not respected or seen as having any worth? I think we need to teach people that when you discriminate against someone based on their sex, you are a sexist. Remember when you support the political, economic and social equality of the sexes you are not only a feminist, but you are also a humanitarian.

“We cannot succeed when half of us are held back”- Malala Yousafzai Photo courtesy of borgenmagazine.com

2017

Commentary

Congratulations!

From the staff of the USF Encounter

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When Parenting Becomes

Too Much

(AKA Parents: Stop Living Through Your Kids) by: Iain Morison, PR Specialist

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April 26, 2017

Commentary

The Ball Family has been making headlines all over the sporting world for the past several months. For those who are unaware, this family of five has three children that all are projected to reach NBA-status by the time they have completed their first year of college. However, more often than not, this family has been making the headlines for the wrong reasons. Half of the family’s spotlight comes from the sons’ elite play (Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo), but the other half comes from the boys’ father, LaVar, catching headlines with how he handles himself with the media. LaVar Ball has been on shows like “First Take” and has made many controversial statements that have propelled him into “stardom” (if you want to call it that).

For all LaVars’ “antics,” the question many people have asked is if he is just using his children to develop his own brand – Big Baller Brand (BBB) – or is he using his personality to help his kids become more marketable, putting them into position to be financially successful? No matter what the right answer is, these thoughts bring into question whether LaVar is using his sons to bring fame to his own brand and theirs, or is he just living vicariously through his children?

Joseph Burgo has been a clinical psychologist for more than 30 years and he called parents who play sport through their child(ren) as “narcissistic.” They are the parents who compare and compete with other parents as to who has the more successful child. They also place an unhealthy amount

Photo courtesy of slamonline.com

of pressure of winning on children; they are the parents who stand on the sidelines and don’t let the coaches coach, instead electing to be their “remote control,” selecting their child’s every action from the sideline. This type of pressure can lead to good things in the future, but you see a lot of cases where this style of parenting ruins a child’s confidence and fosters unhappiness. The child places so much emphasis on a single path to success that if it doesn’t go per plan the consequences can be disastrous. The public has no idea on the style of parenting that LaVar uses with his children, but per his comments to the media, he has a distinct path set out for his boys, which is to be one-and-done college athletes.

The real shame about this type of parenting is that the children can’t find love and acceptance from who they are as a person; they start to associate winning and performing to a high standard as their only way of gaining acceptance and can’t achieve happiness without success. While we cannot speculate on what his children are feeling, it appears LaVar has found a very delicate balance between a narcissistic and a supportive parent. His children behave like they are confident and sure of their purpose and path, and they have the competitiveness to go out and compete without their father’s reassurance. But often, parents who place such high expectation and pressure on their children don’t often see the result they were expecting.

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by: Katie Nork, Print Assistant Chicago could see a new sports museum in the next three to four years. Mark Lapides, the former Chief Marketing Officer of Adler Planetarium, wants to open a sports museum that will teach children and adults about topics that range from history to biology, primarily focusing on sports. The name of the museum will be the American Sports Museum and it would be the first museum of its kind to bring all different sports under one roof. Lapides doesn’t know the actual location of the museum yet, though he wants it to be close to Downtown Chicago and accessible to Chicago Public Schools students.

Fifty-million dollars will need to be raised for the museum to open its doors. Lapides says that the museum will occupy 100,000 square feet and employ about 250 people.

Sports

New Chicago Museum: American Sports Museum

According to the American Sports Museum’s website, the organization wants “to create non-traditional learning opportunities- in subjects from science to history to race relations and political science- for millions of visitors to Chicago, young and old, and for Chicago Public School students, students from Illinois and all over the Midwest.”

Lapides wants to use sports to teach about subjects other than sports, making it more interesting to the museum visitors.

For instance, he wants to teach people about a physics using baseball or he wants to use football to teach anatomy (picture what happens when a player tears his/her ACL). Lapides also says that women’s sports will be an important part of the museum.

The museum will have an entire floor dedicated to school visits as well as private classrooms for teachers to use after visits. In addition to the technologies used for learning, the museum will be home to sports memorabilia. The American Sports Museum wants to put a new spin on learning: it doesn’t want to just display objects, it wants to teach about the world using those objects as examples.

The American Sports Museum states about the idea of using sports to teach about other subjects as this: “There is something interesting about sports that we don’t often consider. Sports connects to our lives in so many ways—not the expected lessons of teamwork, competition and learning how to win and lose. But, to physics. Biology. History. Race relations. Medicine. International relations. Law. Politics. And much more. Thus, sports can be used as the connective tissue to provide a broad and vast story about all aspects of our world.”

Photo courtesy of trbimg.com

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USF SportS RoundUp

by: Sara Michalowicz, News Editor

Women’s Bowling Wins NAIA Invitational National Championship

In only its fourth year as a program, the USF women’s bowling team captured the 2017 NAIA Invitational National Championship title, while freshman Abby Ragsdale earned All-Tournament Team Honors and Tournament MVP. At the end of competition on day one, the Lady Saints finished in second place after 24 baker qualifying games, with only seven pins separating the top three teams. The Lady Saints headed to the double-elimination match play bracket as the No. 2-seed. USF survived a dramatic first match with a 3-2 win over No. 15-seed Hastings University. USF then put together a 3-1 win over No. 7-seed Midland University in their second match and followed up with a 3-1 win over the defending champion and No. 3-seed, Robert Morris University, to end day two of competition. Being one of only two teams alive in the winner’s bracket, USF was set to face No. 1-seed University of Pikeville, in which the Lady Saints prevailed 3-2. Pikeville fell into the contenders bracket and edged out Robert Morris University to force another USF and Pikeville match-up. In the championship round, USF swept Pikeville in three games, 187-178, 183166 and 190-158, to claim the NAIA National title. This title was particularly special as the varsity roster is comprised of five senior players; Lauren Douglas, Courtney Fowler, Allyson Lakota, Sara Michalowicz and Lauren Troha. The remaining varsity players include juniors Autumn Lee and Nicole Troha and freshman Abby Ragsdale.

Women’s Tennis Undefeated in CCAC Play

The USF women’s tennis team remained undefeated in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) play after defeating Purdue Northwest 7-2 on April 15. The Lady Saints record sat at 5-0 in league play with their season-high fifth straight victory and moved two matches over .500 mark overall for the first time this year. Against Purdue Northwest, senior Gabrielle Demchenko and junior Eva Lopez both won their singles matches – Nos. 1 and 2 – and teamed up for an 8-1 win at No. 1 doubles. The Lady Saints picked up another 8-1 win at No. 2 doubles by juniors Merle Schlaeger and Brittney Kupiec. Schlaeger added a No. 3 singles victory while Kupiec added a No. 4 victory. Sophomore Erika Edrada added the Lady Saints’ seventh win on the day in the No. 5 singles match.

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Sports

USF’s Athletes of the Week Ashley Galason

USF sophomore shortstop Ashley Galason was selected as the CCAC Softball Player of the Week for the seven-day period ending March 26. Galason put together multiple hits and/or RBIs in three games the week prior en route to a .571 batting average, 1.143 slugging percentage and nine RBIs.

Morgan Dieringer

USF junior Morghan Dieringer was named the CCAC Softball Pitcher of the Week, for the second time this season, for the seven-day period ending April 2. Dieringer threw 19 scoreless innings over three appearances in the week prior, resulting in a 2-1 record.

Huston Gass

USF senior Huston Gass was named the CCAC Men’s Golfer of the Week for the seven-day period ending April 2. Gass earned tournament medalist honors at the Knox College Prairie Fire Classic over the weekend prior after firing back-to-back rounds of 71 to finished 2-under par.

Kyle Mitchell and Cam Knudsen

USF senior Kyle Mitchell and junior Cam Knudsen were named CCAC Men’s Track & Field weekly honor roll courtesy of their performances over the weekend of April 2. Mitchell was named CCAC Field Athlete of the Week after gaining top honors in the shot put and finished runner-up out of 25 challengers in the discus. Knudsen was named CCAC Track Athlete of the Week after finished second, in a field of over 200, and recorded a time of 14:27.71, which automatically qualified him for outdoor nationals.

Raven Kelly

USF senior Raven Kelly was named CCAC Athlete Field of the Week for the seven-day period ending April 9. Kelly put together the NAIA’s second-best performance in the hammer throw event this spring with her toss of 56.76 meters and followed with the third-best mark in the shot put event with 14.16 meters. Her shot put was the No. 1 showing while the hammer throw landed Kelly with a runner-up finish.

Photos courtesy of USF Athletics

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#SpringSaints

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April 26, 2017

Sports

Photos courtesy of USF Athletics

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Farewell, Seniors As May approaches, we at the Encounter and the greater USF community bid a fond farewell to our departing seniors. These men and women have put in countless hours to perfect their sport. Their hard work has earned them many championships, individual awards and lifelong memories. Here’s to the following student-athletes who have made our university proud:

MEN’S SPORTS: Baseball:

Nick Fleischauer Kyle Burton Dan Darling Matt Degraw Austin Mendell Mitch Zack

Basketball:

Jake Raspopovich JoJo Ballestero Landus Anderson Tikko Moore Logan Timmons Jean Pietrezak Dusko Despot

Bowling:

Patrick Karli Sam Marcotte Shane Matejcak David Mcmanus Jeff Nichols Trenton Saucedo Peter Switalski Justin Vandenburg Ken Vandewerken

Golf:

Lane Barbier Jake Fleischauer Daniel Frantz Huston Gass

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April 26, 2017

Football:

Donte Cobb Pete Rufo Mike Passo Mike Calandriello Omar Aqel Tyler James Ross Stremme Tim Smith Calvin Brayboy Coleon Leverson

Soccer:

Alejandro Mandujano Aaron Ortega Abel Trujillo Jose Estrada Josh Lopez James Thorpe

Tennis:

Lucas Randall Anders Sandberg Fritz Ticala

Track:

Ryan Bauers Brandon Carson Jake Fitzgerald Kyle Mitchell Joseph Parochetti Joey Santillo Anthony Santillo Chris Santillo Jesse Unzueta

WOMEN’S SPORTS:

Softball:

Basketball:

Tennis:

Angelica Osusky Charnelle Reed Mary Rouse Jordan Giddings:

Bowling:

Lauren Douglas Morgan Flaherty Courtney Fowler Allyson Lakota Autumn Lee Sara Michalowicz Katie Nork Lauren Troha Taylor Wilmoth

Soccer:

Kayla Paeth Yessica Reyes Leslie Rueda Bianca Rivera Keely Martin Raquel Montoya Alex Truhlar Shannon Pedone

Sports

By James Thorpe, Sports Editor

Caroline Roberts

Gabrielle Demchenko

Track:

Daryll Rodriguez Gracie Ball Julia Caithamer Ashley Clark Karissa Cockburn Isi Edeko Raven Kelly Mallory Maticic Kayla Paeth Nikki Pease

Volleyball:

Danielle Conrad Ashlynn Wallace Alyssa Bridleman Kelly Gould Brooke Hartnell

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