THE
Thursday, April 11, 2013 Vol. 34 Issue 28
The three amigos pg. 4
SHIELD www.usishield.com
How to spend $50 million Enriching the student experiencE $10 million on building scholarship endowment $2 million on broadening student experiential learning $2 million on completing construction of the Teaching Theatre
Enhancing the academic environment
Elevating Athletics
Strengthening community partnerships
$2 million on creating faculty engagement fellowships
$5 million on scholarship support for student athletes
$1 million on endowing operation for the Applied Engineering Center
$4 million on endowing faculty professorships
$1 million on soccer stadium enhancements
$4 million on sustaining Historic New Harmony’s Living Classroom
$1 million on establishing the Innovative Thinkers Speaker Series
$1 million on softball complex enhancements
$2 million on expanding support for nontraditional students
Providing ongoing Annual support $8 million on the USI Annual Fund
$2 million on developing a center to welcome campus visitors $5 million on building a conference center with convenient parking
USI launches new capital campaign By JESSIE HELLMANN News editor USI announced it was moving into the public phase of a $50 million capital campaign called “Elevating Excellence,” and the university is already halfway to that goal. On April 4th Ron Romain, USI Board of Trustee member, chair of the campaign and 1973 USI graduate, announced the campaign and said it already had $26.7 million. “That’s a remarkable start,” Romain said. “We’re just now entering the public
phase of the campaign, and you can see the broad support we have.” He said the $50 million, which has a goal to be obtained by December 2015, will go toward a variety of things for the university, including completing its strategic plan. “The campaign is focused on scholarship endowment, completion of the teaching theatre, broadening student experiences such as travel abroad and internships, and expanding opportunities for our faculty to participate in activities that will positively impact teaching methods and scholarship,” Romain said.
a $2 million challenge To inspire gifts form USI Alumni, donors of the University has offered $2 million to match, dollar-for-dollar, first-time alumni donors who make a gift of $50 or more and any previous alumni donors who commit a minimum of $1,00 to the Greatest Campaign Needs. Alumni will be recognized for double the amount of the gift.
CAMPAIGN on Pg. 3
USI to hire assistant dean of students By ARIANA BEEDIE Staff writer
Photos By JIMMY PYLES/The Shield
Students participate in the annual events “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” Tuesday. The event raises awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence by asking men to literally “walk a mile” in women’s shoes.
One step at a time By JESSIE HELLMANN News editor Happy-go-lucky 15-year-old Chrissy Harris had everything she could ever want. A charming, cute, funny and athletic high school student swept her off her feet in study hall, and he became her boyfriend. Everything was great until three months later. He began to tell her who she could and couldn’t associate with and what she was allowed to wear. He checked on her in class and checked her phone, breaking it if he saw her texting another guy - or sometimes just other girls. Harris said she didn’t realize the danger she was in until March 2006, when her boyfriend hit her in the eye with a
softball for talking to another guy at a softball game her father umpired for. “I remember holding my face and crying,” Harris said to a crowd of around 400 people at USI’s annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” Tuesday night, a walk to raise awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence. Men and women donned high heels to figuratively “walk a mile in her shoes.” “I just wish I would have realized then that the sentence ‘I won’t do it again’ was just a lie,” Harris said. “The days grew longer, and the abuse got worse. I hid everything. I covered up visible bruises with makeup and long-sleeved shirts. When someone would notice a bruise, I would always have a story to tell.”
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She said she would pray every day for the abuse to stop. On Jan. 25, 2007, she was finally free. “Free from looking over my shoulder. Free from secluding myself. Free from black eyes and blue arms, but most importantly, free to become the woman I am today,” Harris said. “I thank God every day for giving me the strength to walk away and stay away from the person I thought loved me. Because I was able to, I am proud to call myself a survivor, not a victim.” “USI and the Albion Fellows Bacon Center organizes ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ every year to raise awareness about sexual assault, rape and gender violence,” said Christine Johnston, student wellness assistant
Because the dean of students position alone cannot meet the needs of all students on campus, the university is in the process of hiring an assistant dean of students. The assistant dean of students position is being planned by the previous dean of students, Barry Schonberger, said Shelly Blunt, the interim assistant provost for academic affairs and chair of the hiring committee. “I think we’re just moving forward with that plan,” Blunt said. The proposed candidates will travel to campus April 10, 12 and 15 so a large committee of university representatives and two students can conduct closed on-campus luncheons and judge the candidates. “The hiring process began February 1, and we began reviewing applications at the end of February,” Blunt said. “It is a national search and we pay for advertising and the candidate expenses.” Blunt said Dean of Students Angela Batista asked her to chair the committee. “My job as the chair is to essentially organize the search,” Blunt said. “My committee screens applications based on a criteria - we identify someone that best meets the qualifications.” The job description said the university is looking for “individuals who have outstanding interpersonal, presentation and communications skills, a dedicated student focus, a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a working knowledge of behavioral intervention, threat assessment, and case management for students in distress.” The future assistant dean requires a master’s degree in student affairs, student personnel or a related area of expertise. Three years minimum of experience after the master’s degree is also required, and candidates had to include a letter of recommendation to be considered. “Once the person has been selected, we will make an announcement to the community,” Angela Batista said. The university needs more staff so it can better meet the needs of students - it’s not possible for one person, she said. “This person will be a key partner in advocacy - reaching out to faculty and staff,” Batista said. “We partner with the entire university.” The chosen candidate will assume the assistant dean position July 1. “The hiring process is typically a highly structured process that is confidential,” Batista said. Junior radio and television major Josh Alexander said he likes
WALK A MILE on Pg. 3
The students publication of the University of Southern Indiana
ASSISTANT DEAN on Pg. 3
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Page 3 - The Shield - April 11, 2013
News
USI Security Students work to eliminate Incident Log Evansville’s ‘miserable’ title 4/3 - 4/8
Injury Report Rec. and Fitness Center 4/3/13 Closed Traffic Accident Broadway Sports Complex 4/3/13 12:26 p.m. Closed Incident Report (Information Only) Ruston Hall 4/3/13 2:26 p.m. Closed Code of Conduct – Parking Violation Various On Campus Locations 4/3/13 Closed Code of Conduct – Parking Violation Various On Campus Locations 4/3/13 Closed Code of Conduct – Parking Violation Various On Campus Locations 4/3/13 Closed Code of Conduct – Parking Violation Various On Campus Locations 4/3/13 Closed Code of Conduct – Parking Violation Various On Campus Locations 4/3/13 Closed Harassment Off Campus (See Report) 4/3/13 8:17 p.m. Closed
Drugs – Possession Clarke Lane 4/4/13 11:58 p.m. Closed Drugs – Maintain/ Visit a Common Clarke Lane 4/4/13 11:58 p.m. Closed Illness Report Rec. and Fitness Center 4/4/13 12:25 p.m. Closed Criminal Mischief Clarke and Schutte Parking 4/4/13 12:29 a.m. Closed Fire- False Alarm Health Professions Center 4/4/13 1:08 p.m. Closed Illness Report OʼBannon Hall 4/4/13 1:10 a.m. Closed
Harassment 820A McDonald Lane 4/4/13 6:45 p.m. Closed Injury Report See Report 4/5/13 1:46 p.m. Closed Lost Property Report Health Professions Center 4/5/13 8:21 a.m. Closed
Theft Physical Activities Center 4/6/13 10:50 a.m. Closed Theft – University Property Physical Activates Center 4/6/13 11:15 a.m. Closed Illness Report Broadway Sports Complex 4/6/13 1:13 p.m. Closed Alcohol – Incident Orr Building 4/6/13 2:36 a.m. Closed Suspicious Circumstances 7961A OʼDaniel Lane 4/6/13 6:42 p.m. Closed Traffic Accident Boon Building 4/7/13 4:42 p.m. Closed Fire – False Alarm Health Professions Center 4/8/13 11:50 a.m. Closed Injury Report Children Center 4/8/13 12:10 p.m. Closed Illness Report Liberal Arts Center 4/8/13 4:16 p.m. Closed
Property Damage – University Science Center 4/8/13 4:32 p.m. Closed Injury Report Science Center 4/8/13 4:32 p.m. Closed Illness Report Rec. and Fitness Center 4/8/13 4:44 p.m. Closed
By JAMES VAUGHN Staff writer A public relations class at USI is tackling Evansville’s recently acquired “miserable” status. When a student shared an article about a recent Gallup poll listing Evansville as one of the top most miserable cities in America, other students were “disgusted,” said freshman public relations major Amber-Irene Hill. The poll was based on phone interviews conducted with 353,000 random adults in the U.S. It evaluated factors such as emotional health, life evaluation, work environment, physical health, healthy behaviors and access to basic necessities. Evansville came in eighth overall and ranked second-worst in terms of healthy behaviors. The Intro to Public Relations class of 37 students decided to take action to help improve Evansville’s image during their April 3 class and have separated into teams, said Hill, a Jasper, Ind., native. “I think it’s important
to show how strong (of) a community we have,” Hill said. “There are so many people our age that want to leave because they say there’s nothing to do, but there are so many things you can do.” She said Evansville has nice parks, great museums and awesome restaurants. The class’s research team will be responsible for finding attractions and facts about the community such as arts, museums, charities, events, neighborhoods and the people. Some students opted to join a video team, and the video is currently in the production phase. The social media team created a Facebook page called “We Are Evansville.” As of Wednesday morning, it had more than 1,200 “likes.” Freshman communications major Malia Dyer, a Mount Vernon, Ind., native, said the class as a whole took initiative to refute the city’s “miserable” status. “If people outside of Evansville happen to stumble upon the page, we want them to get a positive
Crime Log Key * Case suspended: No suspects listed, no leads. No follow up investigation unless new information arises. * Case cleared: The incident is resolved, suspect was identified and will be adjudicated appropriately. * Case pending: On hold, awaiting new information. * Violation of University Policy: Violation of the Studentʼs Rights and Responsibilities. * Failure to comply with a university official: Any university official, from an area coordinator to a security officer. *Residential entry: Someone walked into the residence. This is different than burglary because burglary is entering with intent to commit a felony.
extremely refreshing that a group of college students, some of whom aren’t even from Evansville, would take it upon themselves to spearhead a marketing effort to declare that Evansville is a great place to live, work and play.” Winnecke plans to wear his “We Are Evansville” Tshirt, which was designed by the class. He said he would be happy to distribute additional t-shirts to corporations in the area who wish to order them. He also plans to generate further media conferences with the students to continue to promote this effort, he said. “I think it’s pretty feasible that in a matter of weeks we’ll see thousands of brightly colored t-shirts all over the city thanks to that public relations class at USI,” Winnecke said. He doesn’t understand how Evansville could be considered a “miserable” place to live, he said. “I meet a lot of people as mayor and I don’t need some survey or poll results to tell me that Evansville is anything but a great city,” Winnecke said.
and we believe that when we encourage investment, people will respond. We think of this as an investment in a great institution.” This is the second capital campaign in USI’s history. The first one ran from 1995-1998 and raised $24 million, with a goal of $13 million. USI President Linda Bennett had a special announcement to make: because Romain and his wife have donated $5 million to the campaign already, USI’s College of Business will be renamed in their honor. “In recognition of their
leadership and gratitude for their exceptional generosity to their alma mater, and to this community, it is a great honor and distinct pleasure for me to announce that the University of Southern Indiana’s College of Business from this evening on will be known as the Romain College of Business.” Part of the donation paid for energy mogul T. Boone Pickens to speak Thursday night as part of a newly established Innovative Thinkers Speaker Series, said Dean of the Romain College of Business Mohammed Khayum.
CAMPAIGN continued from Pg. 1 Romain said $50 million is a substantial amount of money, but is the perfect amount for USI to strive for. “(The campaign) will stretch and challenge us, and I believe it’s the right thing to do at this point in our history,” Romain said. “No one ever achieved anything worth while with an average expectation.” David Bower, president of the USI Foundation, said the capital campaign is called “Elevating Excellence” to stress how great USI already is. “The campaign planning committee wanted to emphasize that USI is
a great institution already - we just want to make it even better,” Bower said. He said the staff has been working for about a year now in the “private phase” of the campaign to get donors to invite them to donate. He said donors will make a commitment and will pay it over a five-year span, and the goal is to have all commitments by December 2015. He said he thinks people will be eager to donate to the campaign. “We think we have a wonderful story to tell,” Bower said. “We believe USI is a great institution,
WALK A MILE continued from Pg. 1 program director and one of the organizers for the event. “Rape, sexual assault and gender violence are very unreported crimes,” Johnston said. “We know that (they affect) a lot of people, and we really want to make students aware of what is going on in their community as well as provide them services if they or their friends need it.” Several community leaders, including Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff, participated in the walk. Christina Wicks, the senior support victim specialist for the Albion Bacon Fellows Center, said the purpose of
the event is to raise awareness and teach men to be good bystanders. “If they see a friend or someone else do something bad, they’re going to step in and say, ‘Hey, that’s not right,’” Wicks said. “Unfortunately, the reason we kind of do put the focus on men is because mostly men are perpetrators. They’re the ones that can stop this from happening. Not the victim.” Wicks said the Albion Bacon Fellow Center offers free counseling for victims of sexual assault or violence.
ASSISTANT DEAN continued from Pg. 1 that students will participate in the hiring process. “I think it’s great the university is hiring this person,” he said.
If you’re hiring someone for the students, it’s only right for them to be a part of the process, he said.
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image of the city,” Dyer said. People from the community are sharing photos and stories on the page. “The whole goal of this page is to attract people to our city and keep them in,” Dyer said. “We want to change the negative image that Evansville got because of this poll.” Dyer said they’ve gotten a little off track in class and, though Communications Lecturer Pamela Hight supports their efforts, she’d like to get back on track. The class is hoping that the community will take their efforts and run with it, she said. Oswald Communications offered to donate colorful “We Are Evansville” t-shirts, which the students hope will be distributed citywide. Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke revealed his support for the campaign by making a surprise visit to campus. “I wanted to share my gratitude with them for being as offended as I was with the Gallup poll,” Winnecke said. “I find it
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Life & Culture
Page 4 - The Shield - April 11, 2013
The three amigos
Students travel to Spain to promote USI’s study abroad program By ARIANA BEEDIE Staff writer
Three USI students will head to Spain this summer to promote the university for six weeks. USI Eagles Abroad, a program created by Matt Rust and Brian Lewallen in Fall 2012, will track the students as they promote studying abroad through the use of social media. The three students not only have a shared interest in life abroad - they are also fraternity brothers in Sigma Tau Gamma. “This is a huge deal for me,” Rust said. “No other university has done anything like this before.” The junior psychology major said this journey is exposing a few firsts for him. Rust has never flown on a plane or traveled outside of the country. “We want to promote USI on a social media platform, with outlets for students to watch,” Rust said. Social media is an emerging technology that many universities haven’t yet utilized to promote their schools, he said. The students will use a Facebook page titled “USI Eagles Abroad,” along with a Twitter, Instagram and YouTube account, to document their journey.
“Through social media, I could show students what it’s like to be abroad, and all the excitement they’re missing out on if they didn’t go,” Lewallen said. The senior Spanish and international studies major traveled abroad to Grenada, Spain, in Fall 2011. He spent 10 days in the Dominican Republic in June 2012 before constructing the idea for USI Eagles Abroad. In Fall 2012 Lewallen and Rust collaborated with the provost, various deans and USI President Linda Bennett to spread awareness of the innovative concept. “Little by little, deans were contributing to our idea, along with the USI Foundation,” Lewallen said. “There is no other program quite like this.” After speaking with the university’s president, the students were invited to the President’s Roundtable to present their idea and ask for funding. The initiative was approved, as long as the group expanded to a more diverse perspective. “The reality is we’re doing something for the university, and being flexible with an idea is key,” Lewallen said. The students will travel to suburban schools in Indianapolis to promote USI Eagles Abroad, along with the univer-
sity itself, before heading off to Spain. “It’s going to expose the great things our university is doing,” Lewallen said. “I think the sky’s the limit.” After promoting locally, the students head to Spain for six weeks to promote the university on an international level and connect with other USI students already studying there. Jarae Gibson, a sophomore business administration major, was recently asked to join USI Eagles Abroad. “I’m excited,” Lewallen said. “He’s a great addition to our team.” Gibson said he is excited to help spread awareness about the program, although he doesn’t speak much Spanish. “I definitely like to see and embrace other cultures,” Gibson said. “Our goal is to promote USI to encourage potential and current USI students.” In Summer 2012 Gibson traveled to Ireland with the USI Chamber Choir. It was his first time traveling outside the country. “It was the coolest trip of my life,” he said. After traveling to Spain with USI Eagles Abroad, Gibson will travel to Japan in Spring 2014 to study abroad for one year and utilize the Japanese language.
Photo by JIMMY PYLES/The Shield
Matt Rust, Brian Lewallen and Jare Gibson will promote USI’s study abroad program in Indiana before traveling to Spain to promote USI to school and universities.
“BioShock Infinite” “BioShock Infinite” is masterfully crafted roller coaster ride that provides an experience that will have you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. If there’s one thing that anyone who reads this review should know, it’s that you simply must-play this game. In “BioShock Infinite,” you assume the role of protagonist Booker DeWitt, a man plagued with debt that he can’t repay. All out of options, DeWitt is coerced to travel to the flying city of Columbia to find a girl by the name of Elizabeth and take her back to the people he’s indebted to. What starts out as simple task accelerates into a complex situation that pits DeWitt against all of Columbia. It forces DeWitt and Elizabeth to form an uncanny alliance to escape the flying city alive. “BioShock Infinite” utilizes its robust narrative, engaging gameplay and beautiful visuals to create an experience that is hands down one of the best to hit the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The visuals are fully realized on a PC though. One of the game’s most powerful qualities is its narrative and setting. Colombia is a floating utopia in the year 1912. On the surface it reflects the American mindset of determination and ingenuity, but once you peel that away, you see it for what it really is: A city brainwashed by religion and the miracles of its prophet. A city filled with racism and maintaining the idea that African-Americans are property. “BioShock Infinite” is a progressive story in terms of being told through the video game media. It has undertones that question religion, government, science, freedom, racism and so much more, very much the way a good book does.
“Oz the Great and Powerful”
Rating: 5/5 stars
Never having been a huge “Wizard of Oz” fan, I drug my feet going to go see “Oz the Great and Powerful.” “Oz the Great and Powerful” is a prequel to the movie version of “The Wizard of Oz,” yet it is nothing like “Wicked.” But let’s face it - who cares about the wizard? Witches are more dramatic and just better all around. After the long, sepia-toned intro of how Oscar, or Oz the great and powerful wizard (James Franco), is a lowlife scam artist, and the “must-have” 3D effects of a tornado, the movie picks up. Oscar wanders about the Land of Oz and runs into Theodora (Mila Kunis), who helps him escape from the wicked witch. When Theodora talks about the riches the wizard receives, Oscar is all ready to become the wizard everyone wants and needs to save the land. There’s one problem though. The witches have actual magic, while Oscar just pretends and uses mind tricks. The movie allows those who watched the “The Wizard of Oz” to guess what happens - there’s a bad witch, a green witch, Glenda the good witch and flying monkeys about. Because of copyrights and trademarks, “Oz the Great and Powerful” had to forgo the ruby slippers and many other familiar characters. But you do get to meet new companions, such as a teapot girl and a non-scary, flying monkey. Oscar helps Glenda form an army that uses their specialties and give them hope of a land without the wicked witch. Of course, the movie leaves room for a sequel because Oz has many years before he’s the old wizard we know. Also, Dorothy and her house haven’t dropped into the land yet.
By: ROBERTO CAMPOS, Staff writer
Rating: 4/5 stars By: SHANNON HALL, Staff writer
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Page 5 - The Shield - April 11, 2013
Life & Culture
From tragedy to triumph By ROBERTO CAMPOS Staff writer Jason Martin grew up fascinated with a television show about Africa called “Wild Kingdom” and told himself that one day he would visit the place that captured his imagination. In 2009 Martin almost lost the opportunity to experience Africa for himself when he almost died while scuba diving in Cancun, Mexico. The incident was caused by equipment issues. “Like most people, I said one day I’m going to do this and that,” Martin said. “Life doesn’t always plan those days out for you. Life goes by and one day you wake up and all this time has passed, and I haven’t done this or that for whatever reason. The day where I woke up and realized that was when I almost died.” It was an experience that motivated him to actively pursue the goals he had in life. It rekindled his drive to go beyond the television screen and step into the world that “Wild Kingdom” vividly portrayed. “When I came up out of the water I told myself then that if there was something I wanted to do I was going to do it, and I was going to start right away,” Martin said. Since that day, the junior has traveled to Kenya six times and has relocated
to Evansville from Detroit to pursue a degree in public relations and advertising. In May 2010, Martin traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, for the first time, a trip where he would spend a month in the country. His first reaction to being in the place he had dreamt about was “overwhelming.” “I got to Nairobi at 6 a.m. and when I entered the city the sheer amount of activity that was happening was astonishing,” Martin said. On the way to his apartment in the city he slipped into a ditch and cut his leg. Not able to bandage his leg, he cleaned it up the best he could and ventured back out to get supplies. With his leg noticeably cut, he made a four-minute walk to the bus stop and in those four minutes Martin experienced hospitality from 10 strangers that brought him to a realization about Kenya. “All of those complete strangers saw the cut on my leg and said ‘pole sana’ to me, which is the compassionate way to say ‘I’m sorry’ in Swahili,” Martin said. “All of those people showing that much compassion to a complete stranger – I decided then that this is where I will live.” During the course of his travels to Kenya, Martin has formed many connections and bonds in the
community. One of his strongest relationships is with Rubin Kariuki. Martin met Kariuki through Kariuki’s son, who lives in the United States. Over time Martin has been assimilated into Kariuiki’s family. Because of their close relationship, Kariuki has given Martin a piece of land to help build his life in Africa. “The most important possession to any African is land, and he gave me a piece of land,” Martin said. “The nature of people in Africa is one that is genuine and compassionate. Their willingness to help people they don’t even know is what made me love Africa and made me realize that is where I want to be.” After all of his travels to Kenya, Martin now has a fuller realization of who he is – something that never would have happened if he didn’t travel to the “distant land” portrayed in “Wild Kingdom.” “Everyone should leave the country and see how the rest of the world lives,” Martin said. “Pick a place that is of some interest to you but isn’t a place that you already know and go. Go with an open mind. If nothing else, it will give you a greater appreciation for what you have here. “The place I choose was Africa and when I went, I fell in love with it. For me, it’s home now.”
Photo by MEREDITH HARRIS/The Shield
Kevin Hawkins, Geoff Bach and Michelle Walker sing “If You Were Gay” with their puppets during dress rehearsal for “Avenue Q.”
‘Sesame Street’ for grown-ups By MEREDITH HARRIS Staff writer Kate, who has been out of school for a couple years and is a kindergarten teaching assistant, is sweet, sassy, honest and caring, said Emily Durchholz, senior theatre arts major. According to Durchholz, Kate’s dream is to open up her own school for monsters. Kate happens to be Kate Monster, a monster puppet played by Durchholz in USI’s upcoming production of “Avenue Q.” The show will also feature human puppets and actual humans. USI theatre students will perform “Avenue Q” at 7:30 p.m. in Mallette Studio Theatre, in the basement of the Liberal Arts building, April 12 – 13 and 17 – 20. There will be an additional performance at 2 p.m. in Mallette Studio Theatre on April 14. The actors who use the puppets are on stage with the puppets, acting with them. “‘Avenue Q’ is ‘Sesame Street’ for adults,” Durchholz said. “(The play is) so funny … You don’t expect to feel something deep
from it, but it’s surprising.” Kate Monster’s romantic interest, Princeton, is played by USI alumnus Adam Woodruff. Princeton and Woodruff are in similar places in their lives. They both recently graduated from college and Princeton is like a “puppet me,” Woodruff said. Durchholz and Woodruff have been practicing with their puppets since January, when they got their parts. Using the puppets is hard, and they put a lot of work into it, Woodruff said. “We get to show the emotions, so (there is) this melding of a puppet/human relationship you also get to see,” Woodruff said. “It’s not just Kate Monster and Princeton’s relationship. It’s also like mine with Princeton and (Durchholz) with Kate Monster.” Eric Altheide, theatre assistant professor, said “Avenue Q” fit the qualifications of what he looks for when he chooses a play to direct at USI. “Avenue Q” taught students a new skill - how to use puppets - that none of the students had experience with, he said.
Tickets Students: $10 Adults: $15 Senior citizens: $13 Non-USI students: $13 Tickets can be purchased from the theatre’s website at www. usi.edu/theatre or by calling 812-465-4668. It is relatable and entertaining, Altheide said, and it shows people going from “the protected world of college” to the real world. He said “Avenue Q” is provocative, some would say vulgar, and is something the audience can get into. USI’s version of “Avenue Q” is slightly “grittier” than the original Broadway musical, Altheide said. “You get to see full frontal puppet nudity and puppet sex,” Altheide said. “Who doesn’t enjoy that?” Tickets are on sale for $10 for students, $15 for adults and $13 for senior citizens and non-USI students. Tickets can be purchased from the theatre’s website at www.usi.edu/theatre or by calling 812-465-1668.
Opinion THE
SHIELD Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Jimmy Pyles editor@usishield.com News Editor Jessie Hellmann news@usishield.com Life & Culture Editor Shannon Hall lc@usishield.com Opinion Editor Jake Tapley opinion@usishield.com Sports Editor Zane Clodfelter sports@usishield.com Copy Editor Alexandra Everley copy@usishield.com Visual Editor Kelsey Turner visual@usishield.com
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Page 6 - The Shield - April 11, 2013
USI Secret Admirers:
Flattering or Freaky? By SHANNON HALL Life & Culture editor With more than 1,000 likes on Facebook, USI Secret Admirers is gaining an incredible audience - an incredible audience that wastes time on an added layer of anonymity. First, I will be transparent: I “liked” the page. But I do not like the idea behind it at all. The page allows people to submit an anonymous message on Google Docs to their secret crush, and the administrators of the page (also anonymous) will post the messages as status updates. Followers can then tag their friends who the message is about and friends proceed to be either really flattered or really freaked out. Within the first few days, when there were less than 100 likes, one of the first posts was to a girl whose “tits are very nice and I want to motorboat them every time I see you. The only reason why I would even (bear) being in the same room with you is to f*ck the living sh*t out of you.” These admins of the highly popular page don’t have any ethics when extremely rude posts are given to them. They did eventually take that down, but I guarantee it was after the girl asked them to. OK, let’s say the admins do become ethically sane. What students are posting to this page represents USI - even if the page isn’t affiliated with the university - and it could affect the impression of the university on future students, their parents and your future employers. So when parents or future students see “Lemme see dat booty work, booty work. I will gladly give you some of my butt. I have all that I need. Roses are red. Violets are better. I want to bury my face in what you
have under your sweater,” they may not want to go here. Or maybe they will come but will keep to themselves so they won’t have to be subject to this degrading chatter. Yes - other universities have these sites, too. But USI is young and trying to gain a reputation of its own. This is obviously a great start. (Sarcasm. Yes, some of the posts are jokes, but think about what future employees might find when they Google your name - “Jane Smith” - and see a post that calls you a “sex kitten.” They may think again about employing you, even if you had no involvement in the page. If you really think that employers won’t find out who started the page, or that you “liking” some posts may be considered bullying, think again. And finally - why do students need to hide behind this page to admit crushes? Get out there and ask for yourself. Everyone is shy at some point, but if you want something, go after it. I mean, I say “excuse me” to guys - even if I don’t have to - because I think they’re cute. Hey, at least I’m actually talking to them. Facebook and texting already have so many layers that people can hide behind. Using your name is the smallest shred of dignity you have left. Don’t be afraid - video chat some guy or girl, ask to hang out (via text if needed), go get ice cream. Maybe you’ll find something. Granted, you could get your heart broken, but that’s part of life. If you never try anything, you’ll never know if it would work out or not. Quit wishing you could tell someone he/she is cute and just do it - with your name attached.
Stop the Violence By MEREDITH HARRIS Staff writer
Editor’s Note: In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Staff Writer Meredith Harris will give personal accounts of abuse and how to help prevent child abuse.
He pinned my arms down as I struggled to push the pillow from my face. His other hand pushed the pillow down as I turned my head to get more air. I couldn’t breathe. My mom pulled him off me and, after a fruitless attempt to make my 22-year-old brother apologize to me, told me to get dressed - we were going antique shopping. All I wanted to do was sleep in on our vacation. But, like many times since I was little, my brother physically attacked me for no reason. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I encourage you to take part in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Know the warning signs of abuse. Some common signs are bedwetting, withdrawal, changes in behavior, depression, anxiety or low self-esteem, rebelliousness, running away and attempts at suicide, according to www.mayoclinic.com. These are only signs of abuse, so keep in mind that just because a child exhibits these signs doesn’t mean that they
The new revolution: playing piggyback By JAKE TAPLEY Opinion editor In the past few weeks, I have noticed many people changing their Facebook profile pictures to a white equal sign with a red background in support of marriage equality - in particular, in support of the recent legislation for gay marriage. I just hope that all of these people consciously made the decision to upload that picture. If they are supporters, I think it’s great. But the support should not stop there, by any means. It has become entirely too easy for anyone to dip their feet into any campaign or movement with no risk at all to their person. This is both a remarkable accomplishment and a new way to cop-out - the
latter of which worries me. I’m not saying that everyone who supports gay marriage needs to take place in some public demonstration. I’m just saying that, if they’re trying to make a move for change, social media doesn’t count. I worry that we’re becoming a society who is content with playing piggyback on a cause and expecting everybody else to facilitate the change. You can’t just hashtag something and feel that you have done your part. You can’t just copy what everyone else is doing and feel that you are being revolutionary. While what you are doing is certainly a good use of social media, it isn’t necessarily the lengths to which you are able to go. And if you’re not active in a cause, you’re probably not really all that passion-
ate about it. Social media is promoting this passive behavioral trend, and I don’t know how to stop it from getting out of hand. Younger generations are likely to grow up oblivious to the problem altogether. If this continues to escalate, I worry that the only people actually fighting for anything will be our country’s political officials, along with the victimized and oppressed. Support can start on social media, but it shouldn’t end there. If you care enough to retweet something, then you should care enough to extend your support beyond that. I urge everyone to stop this “revolutionary band wagoning.” It’s not doing anyone any real favors, and it isn’t making a difference in the big scheme of things.
are being abused. Similarly, a child may not exhibit all of the signs if they are being abused, according to www.mayoclinic. com. Volunteer with Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of the USA, the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America or Big Brothers Big Sisters. When you’re volunteering with the kids, get to know them and be a positive influence in their lives who they can count on. I know as college students we’re busy, so if you don’t have time to volunteer, say a prayer that kids who are being abused can find a safe, loving environment where they can heal from their wounds. But most importantly, be a good listener and friend. When children or adult survivors finally tell someone their story, it is scary. I know from experience. According to www.mayoclinic.com, it is important to be encouraging and supportive. Listen to what victims are saying, offer comfort, help the child remain safe and provide additional support as needed. If you suspect that a child is being abused, don’t hesitate to take action and report it. Call the National Child Abuse hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD) or look for your local emergency number in the first few pages in the phonebook, as suggested by www.child-abuse.com.
Letter to the editor
As I walked from the library to class today, I was accosted by multiple individuals attempting to get me to support their causes or listen to what each had to say. I did my best to ignore them all, finding such intrusions into my personal time and space time consuming and simply annoying. However, this experience did get me thinking about a time when I was still a student at Purdue University. Two young men, fellow students, took up an interesting tradition: each Wednesday, they stood near the bell tower and verbalized free compliments to any students passing. I had class close to their weekly post and enjoyed comments such as: “Nice sandals – you’re an inspiration to all the warm-natured people in winter” and “You make that backpack look good.” Labeled initially as sarcastic, after years of consistency these two young men eventually were recognized for their sincerity and were asked to appear on nationally televised shows such as “Good Morning, America.” Though my time here at USI is quickly dwindling as I approach my imminent graduation, I challenge my fellow students to take up the tradition started years ago in West Lafayette. Not necessarily instead of, but what if along with the potentially annoying requests to buy a cupcake or join a sorority (even though you’re a male), there were people who simply praised those who chose to walk by? I know it would brighten my day. But then again, who doesn’t like compliments? Will Verkamp
Page 7 - The Shield - April 11, 2013
Sports
Boesing leads Eagles to 'consistent success' By ZANE CLODFELTER Sports editor USI Head Tennis Coach Chris Crawford recruits players from every direction, with distance having no significance in his recruiting plan. Crawford’s team is diverse, with eight players from seven different countries, but he needed some help in landing the lone Indiana native on his USI tennis roster. That’s when Crawford asked then-junior Joe Boesing to call his younger brother, who was a freshman at Indiana University, to gauge his interest in playing collegiate tennis. “It took two or three calls,” Crawford said. Three and a half years later, Joe’s brother Ben is now cementing his own legacy, following the footsteps of his older brother. “He’s been winning ever since he got here,” Crawford said. “He’s been successful every year. He’s going to break pretty much every record USI has in tennis.” Joe and Ben played together at USI for two seasons before Joe graduated with All-GLVC
honors in 2011 after Ben’s sophomore season. “I always played with (Joe) growing up - played on the same high school team, that’s why I chose to come to USI,” Boesing said. “I think it’s the best decision I have ever made.” Since his arrival on campus, Boesing has led the No. 40 Eagles (12-4, 4-0 GLVC) to consistent success under Crawford’s direction, with match wins piling up for both he and the team. “We have a great group of seniors and these guys are pretty close so everybody has the same idea of wanting to win,” Crawford said. “We stick together as a team and play for one another.” Boesing currently has a 15-match winning streak for the Eagles in singles play, leading to consecutive GLVC Player of the Week awards to begin the month. However, Boesing attributes some of his personal accolades and awards to his doubles partner, freshman Jack Joyce. “Jack and I playing together works well,” Boesing said. “He
plays aggressively and that puts me in a good position. I think it’s mostly about being competitive and never complacent.” Joyce, a native of Bournemouth, England, credits the contrasting style of he and Boesing as a key for being successful in doubles matches. “We are doing really well because we work together,” Joyce said. “He’s a big player and he attacks the ball pretty well so he usually sets me up at the net quite nicely.” Boesing and his teammates are currently riding a fivematch winning streak, with USI beating St. Joseph’s 9-0 in their most recent match over the weekend. The Eagles return to the court Saturday, when they travel to Indianapolis before beginning GLVC tournament play next week. While postseason play can provide unique challenges to a veteran team, Crawford hopes his team can utilize their talent as they play for both conference and national championships. “This team is so talented,” Crawford said. “I hope we can get what we can get out of our talent.”
File Photo/The Shield Senior Ben Boesing gets into position to return the volley during a tennis match last year. Boesing is 12-2, 4-0 in the GLVC and is currently on a 15-match winning streak.
Rugby starts spring season By JESSIE HELLMANN Staff writer The University of Southern Indiana’s rugby club, coming off a state championship during the fall season in the Indiana Rugby Football Union, ventures to excel against a stronger schedule in the spring season. And so far, it has. USI, ranked 13th of 210 teams in the nation, beat Michigan State 16-10 on March 23. Tyler Pipes, the team’s captain, said fall is the “conference season” and spring is an exhibition season. This spring, the members are focusing on scheduling games with prominent Division I teams to up their rankings and prepare for next fall.
“We decided early on that we were ready to test the waters for the next levels up,” Pipes said. But with bad weather and unforeseen circumstances, a number of matches have been cancelled this spring. The team had a game scheduled with Purdue University but “rough weather” led to its cancellation. USI and Tennessee Tech University were also scheduled to play, but several injuries prohibited the visiting Golden Eagles from making the trip, Pipes said. “Teams normally treat it a little better,” Pipes said. “We’ve just had rough weather and bad luck with other teams getting banged up.” Next up, the Eagles will
continue their exhibition schedule, playing Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Saturday and Ball State University April 20. USI will finish up the season a week later with a current members versus USI rugby alumni on April 27. Pipes said while the team experiences success, being unknown and unsupported by the student body can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. “Of course we’d all like to be stars on campus and throughout the community,” Pipes said. “It would be nice if the student body knew more about us, even nicer if they were just more informed about the sport itself. But at the same time, it gives us a bit more drive to know we’re
supporting ourselves quite a lot,” Pipes added. He said the university has, however, done wonders with supporting the team with traveling expenses, including hotel costs. “Now all we’re asking for is a little more support on Saturdays,” Pipes said. “The big home crowds can throw off a visiting team, and it’s always nice to have some cheers from the touch line.” Pipes said the team has about 30 players, and most come in with little experience. “We teach almost all players from nothing,” Pipes said. He said “spectacular” coaching from Patrick Odoyo, who played for Kenya’s national team, and Kurt Murell, who
played for a few teams in the New Jersey area, also play a vital role in player development. With solid coaching and dedicated players, beating schools such as Michigan State University are key to the club’s success. Jordan Cravens, a second-year USI rugby player and open-side flanker for the team, said a statement win against Michigan State was salutary for USI’s status. “(Michigan State) is a D1 college that everyone knows, and we are just little USI,” Cravens said. “Beating them puts us on the map. Beating them makes me feel like we can compete with any team we face, no matter how big of a school they are.” Luke Jackson, a wing and fullback for the team
who is out for injuries this year, said the team has experienced challenges recently. “They are riding the momentum of a huge win over (Western Kentucky University) and will carry that into this weekend against EKU,” Cravens said. “The big game for them will be against Ball State on the following weekend. That game will be a real test of what level they can compete at.” He said recruiting has improved this year, and training on and off the field has improved along with it. “They have a chance to become a staple of this institution by continuing their winning ways, and a force to be reckoned with within the rugby community,” Jackson said.
Puzzle answers from page 2
The Shield - April 11, 2013
Page 8
housing summer housing contracts now available http://www.usi.edu/media/954960/summer_contract_2013.pdf
looking for a job? Housing & Residence life is seeking desk assistants for summer, fall and spring. Also, hiring night clerks for the 2013-14 academic year. for more info go to: http://www.usi.edu/housing/student-employment
deadline to apply is april 19.
www.usi.edu/housing www.facebook.com/usihousing
@usihousing