THE
SHIELD
T h u r s d a y, A p r i l 6 , 2 0 1 7 | U s i s h i e l d . c o m | v o l . 4 7 i s s u e 2 9
Law Day speaker reflects Softball on Scalia’s impact, health continues to surge by Taylor O’Neil Hall sports@usishield.com @taylorOHall318
Photo by Katie Thompson | The Shield
The Court of Appeals of Indiana listen to oral arguments in the case of Melvin Wolfe v. State during the seventh annual Law Day March 29, in Carter Hall. The case concerns a dispute over a battery charge, where Wolfe claimed self-defense in a bench trial. Law Day also featured keynote speaker Dr. Stephen L. Wasby.
by Riley Guerzini
news@usishield.com @rguerzini
Since Justice Antonin Scalia’s death in February of last year, the U.S. Supreme Court has been deadlocked 4-4 in several major cases, but that could change soon with the nomination of a new judge. “He is still very much with us today in context,” Professor Emeritus at the University of Albany-SUNY Stephen Wasby said. “What we perceive of him affects what we do now.” Wasby gave his keynote address “After Scalia, Now What?” in Carter Hall March 29 at the university’s seventh annual Law Day. He spoke about Scalia’s impact both outside and inside the court during his time as a Supreme Court Justice. “Within the court he was a son of a bitch,” he said. “He continually wrote opinions about other justices opinions on a case, even his fellow conservatives.” Scalia’s death left the Supreme Court with four liberal and four conservative justices, meaning many cases would go undecided unless one of the justices decided to break from their ideology. Wasby, who said he is a Democrat, said Scalia was unpredictable, which makes President Donald Trump’s
claim to nominate a judge “just like Scalia” all the more difficult. “He could have been the leader of the conservatives on the Supreme Court, but he wasn’t because of his
‘
People had much more interest in Prince’s cause of death than Scalia’s -Stephen Wasby Keynote speaker at Law day
lack of restraint,” he said. Wasby also argued that justices’ health should be properly vetted before they are chosen to be on any
Toastmasters builds communications by Gabi Wy features@usishield.com @GabiCWy
Because of her time with the Speaking Eagles, Samantha Biggerstaff has gone from saying “um” 45 times in an hour to, at the most recent meeting, only once. “It’s helped with my ability to communicate,” the senior finance and accounting major said. “It helps me be comfortable. Now, I can talk to anybody.” The Speaking Eagles is the university’s chapter of Toastmasters International, an organization that works with individuals to improve their public speaking skills. “I think it’s important for everyone if you have a job anywhere,” Biggerstaff said. “You need to be able to communicate.” Biggerstaff, the organization’s vice president of edu-
’
cation, won second place at the last area Toastmasters competition. She’s been with the Speaking Eagles since fall 2015. “Toastmasters is so diverse,” she said. “I’ve realized that what you say affects others, and because of that, I can be more effective in what I say and empathize with others.” In a semester, each member is expected to give 10 speeches, followed by feedback from the other Toastmaster attendees. This includes compliments as well as constructive criticism. “The first day, I was terrified,” Biggerstaff said. “Now, I’m pretty calm. I have more confidence, and it’s made a big difference.” Chaze Patrick, a graduate student and the Speaking Eagles’ vice president of public relations, has been with Toastmasters for eight months.
Toastmasters, PAGE 3
court. “People had much more interest in Prince’s cause of death than Scalia’s,” he said. Junior business administration major Charlie Peters attended the speech, and she said she thought Scalia was a good justice. “You always have those far-right people and those far-left people, and he just happened to be the far-right one at the time,” she said. “I’m a Republican, so a lot of the stuff I had personal opinions about, but it’s always good to hear two sides to things. I definitely think what he was saying about the current justice system situation is very accurate.” Judge Neil Gorsuch, who was nominated by President Trump Feb. 1, would replace Scalia if he is confirmed by the Senate. Senate Judiciary committee will vote on Gorsuch, an appellate judge from Colorado, this week. Gorsuch will have to fight off opposition from the Democrats, who plan on filibustering his nomination. “If it was a very far-right person that they were voting in, then I would definitely think that they would have some reason to not want to vote him in,” Peters said. “Because he is very middle of the line and because he votes how he believes and not what his party believes, I don’t think they should have much of a problem with him.”
No. 10 Southern Indiana (31-7) didn’t allow a run in its doubleheader sweep against Bellarmine (15-23) at the USI Softball Field Tuesday. Both starting pitchers, Courtney Atkisson (10-4) and Jennifer Leonhardt (171) pitched complete game shutouts. By winning the first game, Atkisson joined Leonhardt with double digit wins. Game one remained scoreless until second basewoman, Claire Johnson, broke through the Bellarmine defense and starting pitcher, Sabrina Fussenegger, in the fifth inning with an RBI single. Screaming Eagles shortstop, Lexi Reese, added an RBI single of her own with the next at bat to put USI up 2-0 for good. The scoring began sooner than the fifth inning in game two. With third basewoman, Mena Fulton, on second, freshman left fielder, Allison Schubert, homered to left field for her second of the season. USI added the rest of their runs in the third. Catcher, Haley Hodges, added a home run of her own and extended her home run and RBI records by going yard, and freshman pinch hitter, Bailey Slivka, added her first two RBIs with a single up the middle. Slivka entered the game for center fielder, Olivia Clark-Kittleson, after USI loaded the bases with two outs. “I was just trying to stay calm and relaxed. The more pressure you feel, the more nervous you are,” Slivka said. “I just wanted to do everything I could for my team and try to produce some runs.” Slivka said she was excited to score her first RBIs and happy that her teammates were there to support her in the moment. Head coach Sue Kunkle said she knew what she was doing by subbing in Slivka for Clark-Kittleson even though prior to the game Slivka was batting .071 (1-
for-14). “She’s an outstanding hitter, and she hasn’t gotten to show her real self yet,” Kunkle said. “She’s able to handle failure, and I knew she could handle it. We were up and whether she failed or not, I knew she could handle it and I wanted to give her the opportunity. Success or failure, she was going to be ok.” Kunkle said Slivka is a strong player that takes the ball consistently in practice and that’s how she knew putting her in the situation would pay off. She said this was an important series to take against a usually difficult opponent that will be even tougher to play against once they’re fully healthy again. “This doubleheader was a must for us. It wasn’t an option for us to lose a game, but to have two shutouts was awesome,” Kunkle said. “We played well together even though we didn’t have our usual 15 hits. I think people expect that from us, but it isn’t realistic.” After winning game two against a team from her hometown, Louisville, Leonhardt followed up her no hitter Sunday by picking up her ninth complete game shutout and lowering her ERA to 1.06. Leonhardt said it’s a team effort and for her to be so dominate requires help from the defense. During the second inning Leonhardt loaded the bases, but Hodges was able to catch a ball fouled behind home plate. “It’s a big conference game for us. The schools are close to each other, so it’s kind of a rivalry and tensions were high. My teammates helped me stay calm out there,” Leonhardt said. “It’s always the goal to have them scratch a zero up there.” With the sweep USI passes the 30 win mark with 18 games left in the regular season. They’re on pace to surpass last season’s win total of 35 and they can tie Sunday if they win the games against Saint Joseph’s College and University of Indianapolis Saturday and Sunday.
‘Yarnstorm’ hits campus by Riley Guerzini news@usishield.com @rguerzini
Last Sunday, students from Leigh Anne Howard’s Advanced Performance class ‘yarnstormed’ campus in an effort to visually communicate the ideas and theories they discussed in class. The Shield sat down with Howard, a Professor of Communication Studies, to talk about her class project. The Shield: What was the yarnstorming for? Leigh Anne Howard: This was a class project, I teach a class for juniors and seniors in communication studies called advanced performance studies and in that class we usually have a unit looking at visual communication. Students usually do a project working with the kinds of ideas and theories we work on. So this year the yarn storming project was the project connected to the visual unit in that class and so students worked in groups, we had
Photo by Megan Thorne | The Shield
four student groups and each group member had to recruit an outside of the class volunteer to help the installation. The Shield: Why would this be more effective instead of doing social activism on social media, how would it be more effective this way? Howard: I would be reluctant to say it’s more effective, but it’s very different,.
Often this kind of work is unexpected, so you’re walking through wherever you’re going and all of a sudden there’s sweaters on trees and people start talking about it, one of the things I did last night was I checked my Facebook and people had already popped some pictures of it, ‘does anybody know what this is?’ I think it’s one of the things in communication is to keep in mind that an
effective communicator understands his or her audience, understands there are multiple ways of getting a message across and then picking the way that has the most impact based upon that message.
The Shield: Was this all over campus? Howard: Yes, but it was primarily concentrated here in Liberal Arts. One of the student groups worked to
yarn, PAGE 3
2
The shield | April 6, 2017 | Usishield.com
PUZZLES
For weekly puzzle solutions visit usishield.com/puzzles
Stay connected Editor-in-Chief
812/464-1682 editor@usishield.com
The Shield at USI
Newsroom 812/464-1645 news@usishield.com
Twitter @usishield
Sales
@usishield
812/464-1870 sales@usishield.com
Snapchat usishield
The Shield is the student publication of the University of Southern Indiana. The Shield is a memeber of ACP and ICPA. First copy is free. Additional copies of The Shield are 25 cents.
The Teacher Recruitment Fair is a job fair designed to introduce teaching candidates to poten al employers. School districts both locally and from all over the country a end the Teacher Recruitment Fair.
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin
December 2015 Graduates are also welcome to attend! Presented by
Contact Career Services for help with your resume a few weeks before the fair!
812-464-1865
www.usi.edu/careerservices
News
The shield | April 6, 2017 | Usishield.com
Senior earns top honor by Riley Guerzini
news@usishield.com @rguerzini
Evan Stieler said during the college search he wanted to go somewhere that would let him play basketball. “I think I was in that mindset of the high school athlete like ‘oh I have to keep playing,’” he said. Stieler, a senior biology major, will be awarded the President’s Medal at commencement April 29. The recipient of the award is chosen by the Student Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate. Originally from Newburgh, Stieler said he has fallen in love with the community and the opportunities he has been granted have led to a lot of personal growth. “I was very honored to be able to represent the senior class,” he said. “Some of these people I have really gotten to know over the past four years. It’s the perfect close to my undergraduate experience. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve
learned a lot.” Of the long list of organizations Stieler is involved with, which includes Student Ambassadors, SGA and Board of Trustees, he said he had the most fun being a Resident Assistant for the Honors Living Learning Community. “Getting close to 30 freshmen every year and really being their connection to the university at first and helping them form their own experiences is so rewarding,” he said. “Seeing some of these residents go from when they enter as a nervous freshman and when they leave going into their sophomore year, they are a completely changed person. To be able to witness that I believe is the essence of college.” Stieler said getting involved on campus was what made him feel at home. “It really plugged me in. I learned so much about the university and its history and its mission,” he said. Stieler said he plans to attend medical school next year, but is unsure of
where. He said the faculty has been a huge help in advising him. “They even gave me their personal cell phone numbers so throughout the whole medical school process I could just text them with any questions,” he said. “Them willing to take their time really meant a lot to me, and it really showed me how much they care about the students here. I think it’s a testament to the quality of our faculty here.” Assistant Professor of Biology Kimberly Delaney is one of the faculty members advising Stieler on options next year. Delaney said Stieler has matured both socially and intellectually in the classroom. “Evan has all of the intellectual capabilities to meet the rigor of medical school, and I think his level of involvement here on campus has made it clear that he can manage to balance that classroom pressure very well,” she said. Delaney said Stieler is one of the brightest students she has taught during
her time at the university because he is fun to teach and he is a leader among his peers. “If he’s having a good time in the classroom, there’s a good chance other people are having a good time in the classroom and that means something,” she said. “When you have 38 people staring back at you on a topic they’re not interested in, you want them to be relaxed, you want them to be enjoying themselves and Evan really contributes to that more than a lot of students have ever seen.” Delaney said Stieler’s peers recognize him as a natural leader, and she believes this is his greatest feature. “I sat at a table with some current presidential scholars who were trying to get current high school students to come here and they said ‘oh you have to live in the Honors Living Learning Community’ and they didn’t say that because it had better rooms, it was because of Evan,” she said. “He was a reason to pick a dorm.”
Faculty Senate looks to alter factbook by Riley Guerzini
news@usishield.com @rguerzini
The Faculty Senate is looking to increase salary transparency within the university. In a formal request sent to the Faculty Senate for action, Liberal Arts Representative Chuck Conaway charged the Faculty and Academic Affairs subcommittee to work with the Economic Benefits subcommittee and the Office of Planning, Research and Assessment (OPRA) “in order to set up guidelines that will make reporting of faculty and administrative salaries and positions more transparent to the univer-
sity community.” The factbook currently presents information on enrollment, graduation rates and completions, faculty and credit hour distribution, but none on administrators. “We are looking at different variables and gathering information on support staff and other employees,” Chief Data Officer Katherine Draughon said. “The factbook is really a document for gathering information on students and tracking student success.” The Faculty and Academic Affairs subcommittee is currently taking on the standing charge concerning data collection and hiring practices
in which they are “evaluating the relative growth rates of faculty compared to administration,” according to the Faculty Senate charge. Also, the Economic Benefits subcommittee is reviewing faculty salaries and benefits compared to other American universities. The charge states that there is not an adequate amount of information in the factbook to successfully complete these assignments. “As a result, concerns about salary inequities have continued to circle our campus,” the charge stated. Draughon said that OPRA does not have ac-
cess to salaries, and they have to go through Human Resources to access that information. “We just recently had a faculty freeze so that we could gather more employee data,” she said. “We have been interviewing people and asking them what changes can be made to the factbook and if administrator data is one of them, and they find it helpful, we will add that data.” Draughon said that OPRA is in the process of redesigning the factbook for the fall. The factbook is updated every year based on fall enrollment numbers.
Yarn
continued from Page 1
create awareness of mental health disorders, so that’s one that’s probably spread the most. There’s some here on the benches in LA some by Art Center, some by HHP and there was one by the Orr Center, but someone took it down and then the sweater one is over by the courtyard. It’s a relatively small class, there are 10 people in the class, so 10 people and their partners did this in three hours on a Sunday. We’ve had a lot of support for the project and that’s been sort of fun. I sent out a call on social media to people to donate yarn and we got yarn donations. We were able to work with Dean Beeby as well as the provost office and physical plant. In an ideal world you wouldn’t go through and get those permissions, but you know often people see this work as vandalism and I didn’t want anything adverse to happen to my students as they were putting these things up. The Shield: Have you done a project like this before? Howard: This is my first yarnstorming to work with students, I’ve seen it, I’ve read about it and I have a colleague who has done some research related to it. Honestly, I’ve always wanted to see what would happen and again it’s just fun. I’m learning and they’re learning at the same time and I like it when students and faculty members learn from each other. The Shield: How long did it take? Howard: Most of the ac-
Fire- False Alarm: Construction or Other Means Ruston Hall 3/31/17 5:58 p.m.
Code of Conduct: Parking Violation McDonald East Apartments: Clark and Schutte Lot 3/28/17 3:04 p.m.
Code of Conduct: Visitor Violation McDonald East Apartments: Matthews Building 3/29/17 12:39 p.m.
Code of Conduct: Parking Violation McDonald East Apartments: Clarke and Schutee Parking Lot 4/1/17 4:36 a.m.
Code of Conduct: Visitor Violation OʼDaniel South Apartments: ODS South Parking Lot 3/28/17 4:49 p.m.
Code of Conduct: Visitor Violation McDonald East Apartments: Porter Building 3/29/17 12:58 a.m.
Traffic Accident: Hit and Run University Boulevard: Roundabout 4/1/17 6:13 p.m.
Incident Report (Information Only) Ruston Hall 3/28/17 8:30 p.m.
Traffic Accident Support Services Center 3/30/17 3:13 p.m.
Fire Alarm- Cooking McDonald West Apartments: Saletta Building 3/29/17 12:17 p.m.
Illness Report McDonald West Apartments: Hanly Building 3/30/17 4:32 p.m.
Illness Report Science Center 3/29/17 2:31 p.m.
Code of Conduct: Co-Habitation Parking Lot B 3/31/17 12:01 a.m.
Traffic Accident Orr Center: Circle Drive 3/29/17 3:03 p.m. Injury Report Liberal Arts Center 3/29/17 11:53 p.m.
Visitor Violation McDonald West Apartments: Durbin Building 4/2/17 1:17 a.m. Criminal Trespass McDonald West: Durbin Building 4/2/17 1:17 a.m.
Code of Conduct: Visitor Violation Parking Lot E 4/3/17 4:16 a.m. Code Conduct: Visitor Violation OʼDaniel North Apartments 4/3/17 4:33 a.m. Deception/Falsification/Misrepresentation Recreation Fitness and Wellness Center 4/3/17 9:36 a.m. Illness Report Forum Wing 4/3/17
2:51 p.m.
Fire-Cooking OʼDaniel South Apartments: Boon Building 4/3/17 5:20 p.m. Theft Recreation Fitness and Wellness Center 4/3/17 5:38 p.m.
Alcohol Offense: Alcohol Incident Clarke and Schutte Parking Lot 3/31/17 8:36 a.m.
Code of Conduct: Parking Violation Campus Housing: Residence Life Community Center 4/2/17 5:56 p.m. Deception/Falsification/Misrepresentation McDonald Lane 4/2/17 5:15 p.m.
Code of Conduct: Tobacco Smoking Ruston Hall 3/31/17 5:58 p.m.
Code of Conduct: Visitor Violation Parking Lot C 4/3/17 3:50 a.m.
Criminal Mischief OʼDaniel South: Hendricks Building 4/4/17 7:52 a.m.
Injury Report Ruston Hall 4/4/17
The Shield: How long will it be up for? Howard: About three weeks before we take it down.
The Shield: What do you hope that your students learn from this experience? Howard: I hope they learn something about the power of visual. I want them to learn about the power of aesthetic communication, that’s what this is about. A lot of times we think of communication and we think of interpersonal communication or we think of public speaking or we think of mass messaging and we don’t often think of performance communication. I also hope they learn about problem solving, decision making, teamwork, cooperation. I think those are the things that aesthetic messaging brings. Regardless of what your major is, those are things you need to know. When you look at what employers ask for, they want people to be able to communicate critically, creatively and clearly.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
“It’s a very unique experience,” Patrick said. “You see (people who were) very shy, and then they go up there and make an effort to speak.” He said through Toastmasters, he’s gotten special opportunities and experience, particularly a job with the university’s Outreach and Engagement office. “It’s really a good ice breaker,” Patrick said.
“A lot of people ask what Toastmasters is, and then I get them to come see what it is.” Toastmasters is open to any student of any major, and the accounting department pays for students’ dues. “Through Toastmasters,” Patrick said, “you can heighten leadership and communication.”
briefs
3/27/17-4/4/17 Stalking OʼDaniel North Apartments: Welsh Building 3/29/17 11:53 p.m.
tion had started by 12:30 or 1 (Sunday) and some people started a little earlier because of scheduling and probably maybe until 4-4:30 all the groups were working. One group finished earlier, around 2:30, and they jumped in to help one of the other groups. Again that kind of cooperation is characteristic of this kind of project and that was good to see.
Toastmasters continued from Page 1
USI Security Incident Log Code of Conduct: Visitor Violation Newman Hall 3/27/17 11:41 p.m.
3
3:47 a.m.
Robotics competition returns to USI
Walk a Mile set for Tuesday
The Pott College of Science, Engineering and Education will host the 10th annual Lego Robotics Competition from 9 to noon Saturday in the Griffin Center. The event is organized by the student chapters of the Society of Women Engineers and American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Full-time student will host the event in a volunteer capacity. It is free and open to the public beginning at 8 a.m. The teams competing are made up of middle school or high school students with up to four students. They will build, design and program a Lego Mindstorms robot for the mission. The teams are judged on design, presentation, creativity and team spirit. Any questions about the event can be directed to Natasha Smith, an associate professor of engineering, at 812-465-1087.
The annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”, an international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence is planned for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Carter Hall. Registration starts at 5 p.m. Local figures like Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding and police chief Billy Bolin are scheduled to participate. The Albion Fellows Bacon Center and the university Sexual Assault and Gender Violence Prevention Group are hosting. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the event.
Information gathered from USIʼs Public Crime Log, provided by USI Safety and Security.
NEED A JOB? THE SHIELD IS HIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS, WRITERS, DESIGNERS
APPLY IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF UC EAST OR COME TO OUR WEEKLY MEETING AT NOON ON MONDAYS
4
Features
The shield | April 6, 2017 | Usishield.com
Over 100 awards given at art show
Photo by Sarah Rogers | The Shield
Holli Nelson attends the 47th annual Juried Student Art Exhibition Sunday afternoon. Nelson is the sister of student artist Kerri Nelson. “I love this piece of work,” Nelson said. “It gives attention to a fuller figure that normally only perfect women get.” Kerri Nelson is the artist of the piece “Three Hearts of a Sloth.“
by Sarah rogers
opinion@usishield.com @suruhgrace
Weaving her way through the sardine-packed bodies at the 47th annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, Claire Wright exited the awards ceremony. Convinced she would not win any awards on her photo, Wright did not think twice about accompanying her grandmother outside to get some fresh air. “My grandmother wasn’t feeling well so we went outside,” Wright said. “I didn’t know I won anything until after the awards ceremony was finished.” Wright won the $150 Photography Merit Award on her photo titled “Downtown Life.” “I was so shocked,” Wright
said. “I am still in shock.” Wright said her success is one step toward her photography career after college. “It’s so humbling to be recognized like this,” Wright said. “I just know that all of this is for a greater purpose. This isn’t about my photo; this is about what I am capable of doing, and it’s wonderful.” The Juried Student Art Exhibition recognizes students across art departments through scholarships, purchase awards, merit awards, department awards and academic achievement awards. The total amount donated to the ceremony was $40,000. Art students are recognized from departments from graphic design, to 3D printing, all the way to sculpture and woodworking.
‘
This isn’t about my photo; this is about what I am capable of doing and it’s wonderful. -Claire Wright Art Major
’
106 awards were awarded to students, with monetary value ranging from $50 to $2,000. Teresa Irwin, much like Wright, was attending the art show for the first time as an artist with accepted work. “I have submitted work before, but this is the first time they have ever accepted any of my work,” Irwin said. “It was a bit of a shock.” Irwin’s piece, titled “Greek Architecture Chess Pieces,” is the result of her first attempt at 3D printing. “It’s a completely new ballpark,” Irwin said. “It was definitely a learning curve for me.” Irwin said the chess pieces were inspired by her love for art history. “The chess pieces resemble Greek architecture,” Irwin said.
“I have always loved the history of art, and being able to replicate something so historic through a new technology is fascinating.” Irwin said she plans to continue 3D printing in the future. “I am hoping to convince museums to create 3D replicas of artwork that already exists in the museum,” Irwin said. “I would love to replicate ‘Vinis Tomatillio.’” Irwin said coming to the art show is inspiring. “I encourage artists who didn’t get into the show to still come and look at the other work,” Irwin said. “Once you are able to overcome the disappointment of not being chosen, you are able to look at it as a learning experience.”
YOU’RE ALREADY PROCRASTINATING “Like” The Shield on Facebook: The Shield at USI
zimride.com/usi
The shield | April 6, 2017 | Usishield.com
5
REVIEW
‘13 Reasons Why’ raw, potentially problematic Available on Netflix “13 Reasons Why” is addictive. I watched the 13 50-60-minute episodes in two days. However, I think it’s rather dangerous material to wade through in 13 binge-able episodes. Several other reviews of this show, which came out on Netflix Friday, have pointed out that this show really can only appeal to the younger generation. The dialogue and acting are juvenile compared to shows designed for adults. Given this demographic, I think perhaps the creators of this show should have been more sympathetic to the vulnerability and suggestivity of a younger generation and not graphically show depictions of violence and self-harm. The premise of this show, based on a popular YA book by Jay Asher, centers around Clay Jensen receiving a set of tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, a girl who recently committed suicide. She says on the tapes that if you’re listening, you’re one of the 13 reasons why she killed herself. Amidst Clay listening to the tapes, the other people listed as reasons try to intimidate Clay and keep him from telling the authorities and getting all of them in trouble, as Hannah’s parents are pushing for a lawsuit against the school. This bit is added to pad on the show’s runtime and was not as prominent in the book.
Throughout this show, the acting is so-so. Many of the actors playing the teenagers don’t have much prior acting experience, and that shows. The exception to the mediocre acting is Dylan Minnette as Clay. He portrays a tortured soul poignantly. When Clay finally listens to his tape, all the evidence points towards Clay being innocent in Hannah’s death and that she only included him because she wanted him to know her story. However, in one of the most powerful moments in this show, Clay listens to Hannah try to absolve him of guilt, yet he yells in anguish that he “killed Hannah Baker.” This show plays with the viewer’s emotions. There are characters who try to convince others Hannah’s lying on the tapes about the sexual assaults and traumatic events her classmates forced upon her. In the end, it’s left open, but it’s likely Hannah gets some sort of posthumous justice in the way the final events play out. “13 Reasons Why” is frustrating as a television series. Most teenagers given a set of tapes like Hannah’s would binge it just like I did the series and listen to all the tapes in one night. However, Clay takes an excruciating length of time, probably weeks, to listen to the tapes. That’s not realistic, and it’s incredibly annoying to sit through hour-
long episodes where Clay asks questions that would just be answered if he listened to the tapes. My biggest problem with the show, as mentioned before, is its starkness in depicting suicide and sexual assault. The creators and producers of this show have stated they wanted to face the issues head-on and make the watcher uncomfortable, as anyone should be, watching these things onscreen. However, I don’t know if “13 Reasons Why” has the audience for that kind of raw, razor-piercing, blood-gushing, onscreen action. In many ways, young people, if not confident and in safe places, are incredibly impressionable. I’m not saying we should avoid talking or depicting suicide on screens altogether. However, if the demographic is likely going to be teens, the show shouldn’t have clearly outlined the process Hannah took to kill herself. “13 Reasons Why” left me feeling conflicted. Its message of “don’t be a bully” and “be careful of how you treat others” was clear. However, it didn’t give much hope for victims like Hannah, teenagers who could be considering suicide. This show is blowing up; everyone’s talking about it and its fight against bullying and rape. I just hope talking about it keeps us from becoming the tragedy.
Rating 3/5 BY gabi wy
Screagle Towne Apartments Rent for each apartment is $2,380/monthly ($595/monthly per person). Each apartment has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Deposit is $1200. Apartments are fully furnished, and also come with Cable, Wifi, and utilities are paid. All of this and only 5 miles away from campus. This apartment will be move in ready August 1st, 2017. For more information please contact us at screagletowne@gmail.com
Floor Plan
Sadness personified in song Available on Spotify From ants getting squashed on the ground by a busy man’s boot to the elderly woman whose family waits by her bedside for the heart monitor to flatline, every creature will eventually die, and part of the human condition is grieving over a loved one’s death. This, in part, is the message behind Mount Eerie’s latest album “A Crow Looked at Me.” More specifically, the album serves as a means of communicating the raw emotions Phil Elverum, who makes music under the moniker of Mount Eerie, has latched onto since his wife’s death last year at 35 due to pancreatic cancer. Each song paints vivid imagery of how Elverum is adjusting to the aftermath of his wife dying, and he uses the second person to address his deceased wife throughout the album. Themes explored in the album center around various questions he has for his wife now that she has died or tasks or places Elverum has to go now his wife, the per-
son that would have gone with him before, has died. Its opening track “Real Death” begins by stating “death is real,” a tone-setting phrase that’s repeated throughout the album. The song also mentions how a week after his wife died, she received a package in the mail, and it was a backpack for their daughter who was born the year before she died, and upon noticing this, Elverum “collapsed there on the front steps and wailed.” The rest of the tracks follow the same pattern. Elverum references something
monotonous like taking out the upstairs bathroom garbage as he does in “Toothbrush / Trash” and it leads him into an existential crisis of what life without the woman he loves is like. On “Seaweed,” Elverum says his wife has been dead for 11 days, as he ventures to the site where they had planned on building a house. While he’s there, he poses rhetorical questions to his late wife about animals or flowers that she may have liked because he can’t remember, and he realizes he’ll never know. He addresses all of the songs to his wife, Genevieve, aside from the final track “Crow” which is to his daughter. On it, Elverum contemplates if the bird in his daughter’s dream could be her mother. From beginning to end, “A Crow Looked at Me” tells the harrowing tale of a hollowed man who must grasp at anything to make sense of his wife’s death. Elverum creates true beauty out of the macabre.
Rating 5/5 BY Taylor O’Neil Hall
Tall Ships offers ‘raw’ sound Available on Spotify Tall Ships released its second album, “Impressions,” in March. Never having heard of the band before, I researched its history. From what I discovered, the band has had a hard go of things. Tall Ships has been an independent band for a number of years, due to lack of money, management and label. With that being said, “Impressions” was everything I did not expect. Expecting their sound to be along the lines of The Lumineers and Kaleo, my reaction to “Impressions” was pleasantly surprised. The sound wasn’t what I expected, but good God, it was good. A mixture of alternative rock, soft punk and indie, the album never allowed me a moment of relaxation—I never knew what I was getting myself into the further I traveled down the list of songs. Listening to “Petrichor,” the lyrics hit me first. “Don’t believe me when I say I’m sorry, I don’t mean anything I say.” The lyrics are raw and honest, not oozing of a fake attitude of happiness or coolness that so much
music keeps in step with. The song never grew repetitive, and the lyrics continued to speak a kind of vulnerable truth most artists are uncomfortable with. “Please forgive me for my boring stories, I’ve never felt that much at all.” These lines speak of an emotional numbness most people can identify with, but rarely speak of. The second song I listened to was “Meditations on Loss.” Following suit with “Petrichor,” “Meditations on Loss” told a truth without apology. Having a more metallic sound, “Meditations on Loss” set the mood with a disorienting clash of eclectic guitar and drums, and monotone vocals. “So as I am without faith, tell me what should I dream of.” The song focuses on someone running frantically trying to find meaning and purpose, while not “knowing what I’m running from.” “Meditations on Loss” is unsettling. Understandably so, considering the title. However, the lack of conclusion leaves a feeling
Rating 4/5 BY sarah rogers
of despair and emptiness. It’s a beautifully written song, and the intent is successful, but dang. Taking on a softer and more mellow attitude, “Home” was a nice song to end on. However, the lyrics were as real and raw as ever. Taking the storyline of a man looking back on his life, I connected on a personal level to the longing to go back in time. “And all the years gone by, feels like nothings changed. The old feelings of nostalgia are toxic and dangerous.” Dang right nostalgia is toxic. “Home” is about looking back on a past love, wishing that relationship could come back. “It’s clear to the both of us that something real was lost, what it is we can’t define.” “Impressions,” you left me in a mess of emotions— a good mess of emotions, but painful nonetheless. I look forward to a future with Tall Ships in it, and I have no doubt their next album will be just as powerful.
6
Opinion
The shield | April 6, 2017 | Usishield.com
Hammock Weather | philip kuhns | The Shield
The winter that never happened by sarah rogers opinion@usishield.com @suruhgrace
Campus has officially been decorated for SpringFest. Hammocks have invaded the grassy areas, students have reclaimed the outdoor picnic tables, and guys in shorts can finally stop pretending they aren’t cold. Normally I understand the excitement of spring; winter is the spawn of Satan. Generally winter lasts the majority of the school year, and students forget what sunshine feels like. Spring jumps in right at the
end of the year, attempting to make up for its lack of presence during the academic year. I say generally because this year was different. Different because winter never showed up. Why? Because global warming showed up instead (spoiler alert, it’s been here for a while). Global warming is the gradual increase in Earth’s temperatures as a result of pollution. Students walked around mid-January wearing shorts, and winter gear was packed up after a couple of half-hearted attempts to get into the Christmas spirit.
It’s all worth it by osman bien aime orbienaime@eagles.usi.edu
We’ve all made mistakes, some larger and more impactful than others. Sometimes they’re big enough to bog us down and impede our progress. Even when things are at their worst, it’s important to never stop moving forward. With that being said, I have been in college now far longer than I had originally planned. Torn between what I’m interested in, what I’m good at, what would make me money, and, in more self-conscious years, what hypothetical people would respect me for doing, I’ve struggled to find my place in college since I started. Whether it’s one thing or another, in spite of everything I’ve learned and can learn, I’m not a great student. I consider this to be my greatest failing as a person. Not my proudest admission, but I feel it is important to mention. I know I’m not the only person at USI who can admit to this, and I’m sure there are other students who have felt the same, sickening sensation of underachievement I have.
And what do all of us have in common? We’re still here. Time and time again, I’ve thought “okay, college isn’t for me.” And at my darkest moments, I’ve considered dropping out. You know, just leave, pick up a job that maybe I don’t really enjoy, but pays well, chapter that part of my life and move on. Maybe come back if I feel like it. But that simply isn’t what I want for myself. I know what I want to do now, and I know I can become great at it if I keep trying. And that’s what you have to remember—keep trying. We mess up all the time, and an unfortunate bunch of us will have that moment where we look at ourselves in the mirror and think “I can’t do this. I should just stop.” But there isn’t a single thing you may want for yourself that isn’t worth working toward. You’ve made mistakes as a student, you’ve felt the sting as yet another class has to be retaken, but if it means enough to you, you won’t let it stop you. I certainly don’t intend to.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Shield accepts original, unpublished letters for all of its readers. Letters should be no more than 250 words, signed and have a telephone number for verification. The editor reserves the right to edit for length, style, and grammar. Pieces will appear in The Shield online. Letters can be submitted online or via e-mail.
For the wise guy that inevitably asks, “If global warming exists, why is it cold outside?” global warming also causes extreme weather conditions. Yes, this means extreme winters as well as extreme summers. The effects of the pollution have led to swelling of oceans, eroding coastlines and causing residents from Louisiana, New York, Alaska, all the way to Thailand, Brazil, and Australia to relocate. For residents of Sahel, the region located in Africa suffering from drought and famine, the climate change is even more damaging. Located south of the Sahara
Desert, Sahel is already hot and arid. Adding climate change to the mix makes it harder for residents to grow reliable crops, find enough water, work and raise a family. Places like Sahel are on the fast track to even greater poverty. What does it mean when we have hardly seen a flake of snow in southern Indiana, and our current president refuses to even speak the words “climate change?” What does it mean when his big push for fossil fuels in the United States is about American industrialization and not the effects those fuels will have on the environ-
ment? It means the environment will continue to be trampled underfoot of an administration that considers political leverage more important than taking care of the only Earth we have. There is no reset, rewind or redo button. If there was, it would have been pressed long ago. Stop being indifferent to the harm inflicted on our environment. You aren’t going to think it’s a bunch of treehugger crap when you have no clean water to drink and no clean air to breathe. It’s not going to just be other countries suffering for much longer.
Our brother, Canada by grace poynter ghpoynter@eagles.usi.edu
Last week, David Haines came to the university to speak about the refugee and immigration problem around the world. I was humbled to meet the man himself and have the opportunity to listen to his speech. I was delighted we shared some similar views about the Obama administration, but I realized quickly we held very different views when it comes to the Trump administration. As Haines began his talk, he compared the United States and Canada, a theme he continued for most of the discussion. Some of his data was interesting, but also outdated by two years. A lot has happened in
two years, if I might add. The United States and Canada have been life-long pals. They share borders with each other. You could think of their relationship similar to a sibling relationship. Haines also mentioned the United States should be more like Canada. He went on to add that Canada has roughly 35 million citizens, while the United States has 318 million. Canada has been known to let in thousands of refugees, while the United States isn’t so humble. I felt like Haines’ study contradicted itself, seeing as the United States and Canada are very different. The countries differ in political systems and are run by very different leaders. Their population sizes are not similar either. This leaves no point comparing the two when it comes to
adding more people to it. Canada has always been the first to step up and help other countries around the world, but this is a much bigger problem than just lending a helping hand. Haines was modest when it came to declaring whether or not he was supportive of or against our current president, but he made it clear Canada was doing much better than the United States. The refugee problem around the world is nothing short of a big one, and there should be more people getting involved and voicing their opinions, but it is also a very dangerous game to get involved with. I overall enjoyed Dr. Haines’ talk about the problem, and it helped me better understand what other countries are doing, made me question the problem as well.
New beginnings by maxywell carlton cmcarlton@eagles.usi.edu
The feeling of embracing the unknown is scary. The fear can come when it comes time to make a decision at the end of an experience. Everything comes to an end in life. This finality can awaken an array of emotions. While some may see the end as exciting, some will feel anxious and unsure when the finish line approaches. Less than a month from today, many seniors at the university will walk across the stage of their educational prestige, accepting the final culmination of their work to move forward from academia. Many students are excited to see what life has in store for them after col-
lege. Yet, some experience a dark cloud of uncertainty that looms over them with the ending. Some of these students have been attending school every year since preschool, and now their education is complete. They will enter their chosen career, expected to apply 18 years of education in a practical work environment. Students wonder where they will work, who their friends will be, and about starting a life somewhere completely foreign. It could drive anyone mad. Just take a minute and breathe. Instead of looking toward the finale of college with anxiety and confusion, first look back at how far you’ve come.
We have all been through end points in our life. Remember when we left high school and college seemed like some scary adult school we couldn’t possibly find our place in? Now look where you are-about to leave the once daunting place that became a comfortable safe haven. This next adventure will not be any different. Take a few more breaths and realize that it will all be okay. If you were able to make it through the first day of preschool, you will be able to make it after walking off stage with your head held high accepting what the future has for you. Get ready to open up the next story of your life; it will be a fascinating read.
There’s this idea that only liberals care about the environment, but the condition of our home is not a partisan issue. Global warming doesn’t care if you are a Democrat, Conservative or Libertarian. Global warming doesn’t care if you are Muslim, Jewish or Christian--global warming will affect us all. So, as you enjoy the winter that never happened, I encourage you to think about what the implications of that really are. Mother Earth is suffering; it’s time we helped her out.
THE
SHIELD Editorial Board Sarah Loesch Editor-in-Chief Riley Guerzini News Editor Gabi Wy Features Editor Sarah Rogers Opinion Editor Taylor O’Neil Hall Sports Editor Megan Miller Chief Copy Editor Abigail Stanley Visual Editor
S ta f f NOW HIRING Special Publications Manager Meleah Brock Page Designers Philip Kuhns Illustrator Megan Thorne Chief Photographer Gavin Gaddis Community Engagement Manager
Sales & Marketing S ta f f Jon Anderson Sales & Marketing Director Jenny Pike Business Manager NOW HIRING Marketing Manager Danielle VanHooser Layout & Design Coordinator Gavin Gaddis Circulation Manager Tessa Holcomb Sales Consultant Opinions expressed in unsigned editorials represent a consensus opinion of the editorial board
Sports
The shield | April 6, 2017 | Usishield.com
7
Women’s golf takes second place
Photo Courtesy of Photo Services
Junior Taylor Howerton follows through with her swing during the Screaming Eagles Golf Classic in September. Howerton transfered to the university to compete in the 2016 season after spending her freshman year at Indiana University.
by TAYLOR O’NEIL HALL sports@usishield.com @TaylorOHall318
Taylor Howerton and teammate Kori Jacobsen led the way as the USI women’s golf team wrapped up a second place finish at the Maryville Spring Invitational in Missouri Sunday. Howerton tied for fourth while Jacobsen tied for sixth. At the end of round one Saturday, the team was in fourth place out of six teams after they shot a 324. Howerton ended the round sitting outside the top 10 after she shot an 80. “The first day I was not satisfied with my play. I had an injury in my shoulder which held me back from playing my best,” Howerton said. “I had a few hiccups on a few holes
that made my score jump up.” She managed to cut seven strokes off her first round score Sunday when she shot a team low of 73, giving her a 153 total for both rounds. Howerton said Sunday she felt more relaxed after a chiropractor worked on her shoulder and since she knew the course from playing on it the day before, she knew how to play the different holes to improve her score. Jacobsen, who finished second on the team with 154 strokes after both rounds, said the team’s mindset changed going into the second round. “Coach wasn’t too happy with how we played the first day, so she made it clear we needed to play the way we know how to play,” Jacobsen said. “We
all went into (round two) a little more focused and we were ready to play well.” Jacobsen, who had the team’s best round in round one (76), said she did so by keeping the ball away from problem areas on the course. She said her play has improved because she is less anxious about making mistakes. “I think realizing this is my senior year and my last shot at it, my mindset has changed going into these tournaments,” Jacobsen said. “I just go out and do what I can do rather than freaking out if I hit a bad shot.” The team finished round two with a 308 and a shot 632 over both rounds. Head coach Lu Anne Howerton said she was proud of the team after they improved their play on the second day by fin-
ishing the round with 16 fewer strokes than the day before. “We need to be right around 300. We were at 308 the last day. If we can get around 300, we’re going to be set pretty good for the conference tournament,” Lu Anne said. She said the team needs to work more on its short game during practice time because she thinks that’s
where players can add unnecessary strokes onto each hole, which is something she said happened Saturday and Sunday. “All the girls hit the ball really well, it’s just no one likes to put a lot of time into their short game,” Lu Anne said. The team travels to the Norwood Country Club in St. Louis to compete in the Triton Invitational Sunday
‘
in their second to last competition before the GLVC Championships start April 28. “Going into Norwood (Country Club), we’re playing a lot of our conference teams,” Lu Anne said. “This should really be a good challenge and show us where we stand going into the conference tournament in a couple of weeks.”
I just go out and do what I can do rather than freaking out if I hit a bad shot. -Kori Jacobsen Senior on the golf team
’
Men’s track has ‘solid’ performance
Photo courtesy of Photo Services
Senior thrower Jalen Madison competes in the hammer throw at a meet during the 2016 season. Madison currently holds the record for the third farthest hammer throw in university history. His throw was 144 feet and five inches.
by TAYLOR O’NEIL HALL sports@usishield.com @TaylorOHall318
Mike Hillyard said the
men’s track and field team had a “solid” performances in the final day of the WashU Invite. The team ended the meet seventh out of 13
teams with a score of 35. The men earned points in the 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter events for distance and in the hammer and javelin for throwing.
“The highlights would be the guys in the 10K,” Hillyard, the head coach, said. “It was the first ever track 10K for all those guys, and it gave them
some good qualifying looks for the conference championships.” USI ended with three top-five finishers in the men’s 10,000 meter: Cain Parker (third place), Jesse Stanley (fourth place) and Austin Nolan (fifth place). The men’s team also earned three top-ten finishes in the 5,000 meter, including Noah Lutz who finished first. Hillyard said he thought the team’s performances in the non-distance events were close to the week before at the VU Bill Smith Challenge in Vincennes which is important for the team moving forward. “Consistency matters,” Hillyard said. “For them to come back after some solid performances a week ago and still be in that same range again a week later definitely shows consistency, which is a good thing.” Though the men’s throwing performances weren’t “earth-shattering” as Hillyard said, senior thrower, Jalen Madison, threw his personal best in the hammer throw. “Jalen had been dealing with a knee issue for a while, so he had missed training time. For him to come out and throw a personal best in the hammer is great,” Hillyard said. “He’s a hard working young man and a tremendous asset to
our team.” Madison finished the meet with two top-10 finishes in the discus (ninth) and hammer throws (sixth) and he finished in the top 15 in the shot put event. His hammer throw of 144 feet and five inches is the third farthest recorded throw in university history. He also had two seasonbest throws in the shot put and the discus. Madison said he thinks he’ll be able to top his personal record in the hammer throw because at the event before the WashU in Vincennes, he fouled a throw measured at 46 meters, two meters further than his current personal record. He said getting enough sleep, eating right and working out consistently will be a big part of the rest of the season. “I just need to keep working my training plan I have made up for the outdoor season,” Madison said. “Within the next few weeks I’m going to be hitting my pre-competition phase, and then it’s about getting to conference (championships) and peaking at the right time.” Madison and the rest of the men’s team compete in the Marian Knights Classic in Indianapolis Friday and Saturday.
8
The shield | April 6, 2017 | Usishield.com
Upcoming Games
scoreboard Women’s Tennis
Men’s Tennis USI
April 1 5-4
McKendree University
USI
baseball
softball USI
USI
McKendree University
April 1 8-1
March 29 Kentucky Wesleyan College 8-0 2-1 McKendree April 1 University 7-0 3-4
USI
April 2 4-2 2-0
University of Illinois Springfield
USI
April 4 2-0 5-0
Bellarmine University
men/woMen’s Track and field Men: 7th of 13 Teams Women: 5th of 13 Teams Wash U Invite
Oakland City University
USI
March 29 0-2
USI
March 31 4-2
University of Illinois Springfield
March 29 5-2
University of Illinois Springfield
USI
woMen’s golf 2nd of 6 teams Maryville Spring Invitational
Men’s golf Music City Regional T for 17th of 24 teams
woMen’s golf
2 p.m. April 7 Saint Joseph’s College Rensselaer, IN
2:00 p.m. April 8 USI Baseball Fields Univ. of Wisconsin Parkside
10 a.m. April 8 Taylor University Evansville Tennis Courts
Noon April 9 USI Baseball Fields Univ. of Wisconsin Parkside
April 9-10 St. Louis, MO Triton Invitational
Men/woMen’s Track and field All Day April 7-8 Indianapolis, IN Marian Knights Classic
men’s tennis 3 p.m. April 7 Saint Joesph’s College Rensselaer, IN Noon April 9 Bellarmine University USI Tennis Courts
Baseball
Women’s Tennis
Noon April 9 Bellarmine University Evansville Tennis Courts
Softball Noon April 8 Saint Joseph’s College Rensselaer, IN 11 a.m. April 9 University of Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
2:30 p.m. April 11 University of Missouri St. Louis St. Louis, MO
Men’s golf April -10 Noblesville, IN Midwest Regional #3
WHAT ARE YOU DOING AFTER GRADUATION?
Staying for Summer? Taking summer classes and want to live on campus? Complete the online summer housing contract! Available online April 1. Residents must be enrolled in three credit hours per summer session if they want to live on campus. If you are a current USI resident and are staying for the summer, you do not have to check out from your room by May 3 at 6 p.m. You need to have completed the summer housing contract. HRL staff will contact residents when they can move to their summer housing assignment. Most moves to summer housing will need to take place during the first week of summer classes. To complete the summer contract, please log into myUSI, click on the Housing icon to the left and go to the appropriate online form.
Questions about spring closing? Visit www.usi.edu/housing/2017-spring-closing-information