The Shield 1/31/13

In this Issue Alumnus recognized pg. 4

Vol. 43 Issue 19

Hackert: Beyond the basket pg. 7

THE

Thursday, January 31, 2013

SHIELD www.usishield.com

Photos by JIMMY PYLES/The Shield

The music & the man

Music Instructor Thomas Drury teaches a student to play the right notes in his Piano I class.

New music professor, minor at USI

Keyboard lab accommodating new minors

By JESSICA STALLINGS Staff writer

By JAMES VAUGHN Staff writer

Three new music minors were approved in December and added to USI’s music program on Monday, and a new professor started in the Fall 2012 semester.

Adding minors in general music, applied vocal music and applied vocal education was a three-year process for the music program.

Instructor of music Thomas Drury teaches music theory, aural skills and piano class. Drury said soon he wants to start up jazz appreciation class and hopefully provide private piano lessons.

“I enjoy the hidden treasure feeling that USI has,” Drury said. “There are so many students that want to learn more about music.”

Drury earned his undergraduate degree from the

Freshman internationals studies major Tyler Abbott plays the piano during his Piano I class.

Drury walks through sheet music with pre-med junior Zack Oxford as he plays the piano

DRURY on Pg. 5

An Electronic Keyboard Lab opened in Fall 2011 to accommodate three new music minors, which were recently approved.

Music Coordinator Daniel Craig said as part of a plan for the minors, the lab was necessary for foundation courses such as Class Piano I and II and Aural Skills.

“Having a piano at your hands and a computer attached to that piano, you can use the computer and piano together to work on music theory exercises,” Craig said. “It’s also there to allow students the opportunity to come in and learn how to play the piano if they so desire.”

The minor will not be listed on the DARS unKEYBOARDS on Pg. 5

Visitation ‘Spring into Fitness’ run to replace SpringFest temporarily policy revisited

By ARIANA BEEDOE Staff writer After the cancelation of USI’s annual music festival, SpringFest, campus administrators and students put together an alternative for this year.

“A Spring into Fitness 10K,” scheduled for April 13, will temporarily replace the festival.

“I am working with Ian Savage from APB (Activities Programming Board) to bring a band or two for that day,” said Marcia Kiessling, associate provost for Student Affairs.

“We are working to bring some food booths for that day to support both the run and the bands.”

The idea bloomed from multiple meetings tasked with figuring out the future

for the university’s yearly event between Kiessling and student groups such as the Student Government Association (SGA), the 24/7 Committee, and the

look forward to.

Instead of not having an event at all, the spring run is being held to commemorate past SpringFest events and to carry on the

For this proposal, we need staff support first, then student involvement.

-Marcia Kiessling Associate Provost for Student Affairs

executive officers of Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils.

The “Spring into Fitness Run” was created to keep a spring event for students to

The Shield is a designated public forum.

10-year tradition, she said.

The future of SpringFest is still undecided and unclear, she said.

The former SpringFest director, Tim Buecher, an-

nounced his retirement in the fall, leaving the event’s future and budget in question.

“Last year, all things happened at once,” Kiessling said. “We never knew about a budget.”

She said there is a committee being formed to push forward future plans for SpringFest and that there still needs to be a structure formed to support the event. After the committee forms, students will be able to take part in decision making concerning future events, but right now, the committee’s work is still up in the air.

“For this proposal, we need staff support first, then student involvement,” Kiessling said.

The proposal is supSPRINGFEST on Pg. 3

The students publication of the University of Southern Indiana

By JAMES VAUGHN Staff writer Overnight guests are unacceptable in USI housing.

But the Student Government Association (SGA) is taking another stab at a proposal to change the visitation policy.

SGA partnered with the Student Housing Association (SHA) last year to develop a proposal that would implement a 24hour visitation policy during the weekend.

The proposal made it to the Board of Trustees who rejected it. SGA Vice President Brian Anslinger said he is planning to form a commission that will tackle the policy.

“We’re going to reanalyze the proposal and see what we can do to add to it

or maybe enhance it,” Anslinger said.

He said some ways they are going to try to strengthen the proposal include figuring out a way to avoid liability issues and whether the visitation hours are affecting a person’s decision to attend the university.

“It just makes sense that we need to be updated and try to get in line with other universities,” Anslinger said. “We have one of the most restrictive visitation policy’s of the state-run institutions.”

The goal is to take the proposal to the SGA General Assembly by the end of February, he said.

“We’re going to try to come up with a common ground,” Anslinger said.

VISITATION on Pg. 3

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The Shield - January 31, 2013

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(812)421-1986 720 North Sonntag Ave.

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Page 3 - The Shield - January 31, 2013

USI Security Incident Log 1/23-1/30 Illness Report University Center 1/23/13 12:52 p.m.

Closed Illness Report 815A McDonald Lane 1/23/13 2:21 a.m.

Closed Drugs – Possession 8123B OʼDaniel Lane 1/23/13 7:56 p.m.

Closed Injury Report Liberal Arts Center 1/24/13 10:36 a.m.

Closed Theft

SPRINGFEST continued from Pg. 1 posed to be presented this month to discuss moving forward with planning SpringFest’s future. Many students have mixed views on this year’s change in events, and SpringFest in general. Public Relations and Advertising Major Melissa Chavez said trying to continue to have concerts in the PAC is “illogical.”

“The music is so pointed in one direction - it’s not diverse,” she said. “It would be nice to hear some hip-hop and R&B.”

News

Past SpringFests provided carnival rides and local music and gave students a chance to celebrate spring graduation.

“It was probably the best decision somewhere along the line,” said Public Relations Major Elijaih Tiggs when it came to canceling the major event. “Since it’s ran by a committee, they thought ‘let’s take some time to restructure this.”

VISITATION continued from Pg. 1 “We don’t want to push it beyond the measure of what the university is ready to commit to.”

He said he heard last year’s proposal was excellent and with his ideas for improvement, will hopefully pass when it gets to the Board of Trustees.

Junior theater major Kaleb Sullivan doesn’t think there should be a policy for students. “I do not live on campus, thank goodness,” Sullivan said.

He did reside on campus during his freshman and sophomore years.

“I think the university only makes a big deal out of it to make parents feel good about sending their offspring here,” Sullivan said. “But frankly, better security would make a much better impression.”

He ignored the policy when he lived on campus, he said.

“I think, as an adult, curfews are ridiculous and separating the genders has absolutely no effect on whether people sleep with each other or not,” Sullivan said.

‘The Varsity We Hail’

8117B OʼDaniel Lane 1/24/13 4:35 p.m.

Closed Illness Report Rice Library 1/24/13 7:33 p.m.

Closed Lost Property Report Liberal Arts Center 1/25/13 9:25 a.m.

Closed Incident Report (Information Only) Mahrenholz Road 1/26/13 4:03 a.m.

Closed Illness Report 8023B OʼDaniel Lane 1/26/13 9:37 p.m.

Closed Illness Report OʼBannon Hall 1/27/13 10:02 a.m.

Closed Injury Report University Boulevard 1/27/13 5:57 p.m.

Closed Traffic Accident University Boulevard 1/27/13 5:57 p.m.

Closed Property Damage – University Ruston Hall 1/27/13 7:50 a.m.

Closed Incident Report (Information Only) Physical Activities Center 1/28/13 2:37 a.m.

Closed Injury Report Childrens Center 1/29/13 11:40 a.m.

Closed Property Damage – Other Parking Lot K 1/29/13 3:13 p.m.

Closed Illness Report Rec. and Fitness Center 1/29/13 5:04 p.m.

Drugs – Manufacture/Possession Of 930A Eckels Lane 1/30/13 3:52 p.m.

Closed Drugs – Possession 930A Eckels Lane 1/30/13 3:52 p.m.

Closed Information gathered from USI’s Public Crime Log, provided by USI Safety and Security.

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.

Photo courtesy PHOTO SERVICES

First row (left to right): Elizabeth Daake, sophomore biology major, Abbey Arenas, senior biology major, Vanessa David, senior public relations and advertising major, Laura Mason, senior Spanish major, Monique Darden, junior social work major, Kate Maymon, junior education major Second row: Caylin Blockley, senior public relations and advertising major,William Love, junior education major, Ethan Broerman, junior business management major, Lewis Boyden, senior advertising major, Andrew Dile, senior psychology major, William Hooper IV, senior education major

Homecoming festivities to begin soon

By JESSICA STALLINGS Staff writer Homecoming week will start Saturday, Feb. 2, and end with the Homecoming Formal Feb. 9.

The Homecoming game will take place Feb. 9 at the Men’s Basketball game against University of Wisconsin.

USI will have a spirit competition and several activities within the same week of the game.

“The theme this year is ‘The Varsity We Hail,’ which is a piece of the USI Fight Song”, student development adviser Kathy Jones said. “It was picked because varsity addresses all athletics here.”

Jones said she hopes more students get involved with the spirit competition and the turn out will be better than previous years.

“With the amount of students we have on campus, we have been encouraging just your random student to form a team,” Jones said. “You don’t have to be tied to a student organization.”

Andy Dile, senior psychology major and homecoming court member, said he is nervous about tripping over his own feet during coronation.

“It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to represent the University, the organizations I am involved in, and the student body,” Dile said. “As APB’s Novelty Chair, I will be representing APB and homecoming court at the events starting with Midnight Movie at the REC. I will be helping with Sigma Tau Gamma’s Lego Build Off this Saturday. As member of Sigma Tau Gamma, I will be participating as a member of our spirit team.”

Kate Maymon, senior Spanish major and homecoming court member, said she is already blessed by being with such an amazing group of students.

“I knew it was not an opportunity that I would want to pass up,” Maymon said. “I’m planning on attending the kickoff event on Monday, ice skating on Tuesday, and Homecoming Bingo on Wednesday. I will also be tailgating on Friday night outside of the PAC and of course I will be at the games on Saturday.”

To vote for Homecoming King and Queen, check USI email throughout the week.

Homecoming Events Feb. 1 Doors open at 11 p.m. “Flight” begins at midnight at the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center (RFWC.) Feb.2 Sigma Tau Gamma’s Lego Build Off begins at noon.

Feb. 3 Super Bowl viewing at 5 p.m. in Forum 1.

Free food and drinks are provided.

Feb. 4 In the RFWC, the Homecoming Tip-Off will take place, including inflatable games, music and dancing beginning at 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 The Highlighter Dance Party and Outdoor Ice Skating will both be offered to students.

The Highlighter Dance Party will be at Carter Hall and t-shirts and highlighters are provided.

The Outdoor Ice Skating will take place in the Amphitheater (outside of the UC West entrance) and ice skates are provided.

Feb. 6 “Amadeus Percussion” will perform at 6:30 p.m in Carter Hall.

Bingo: Homecoming Edition following the performance at 7 p.m.

Prizes for winners include USI apparel.

Feb. 7 Wear red and blue or USI attire and The Loft will give discounts to students, faculty and staff. Discounts include a free beverage with any combo meal purchase and a free cookie when using a meal from a meal plan.

At 5:15 p.m. the women’s and men’s basketball game against Lewis University will take place along with the Craziest Fan Competition.

“Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part II” at 9:30 p.m. in Forum 1.

Feb. 8 Comedy Hour with Mo Amer at 9 p.m. in Mitchell Auditorium (HP 1002).

Feb. 9 2:30 p.m. Women’s basketball vs. University of Wisconsin - Parkside 3:15 p.m. Men’s basketball vs. University of Wisconsin - Parkside Homecoming King and Queen will be announced at halftime.

Homecoming Formal is in Carter Hall at 8 p.m.

The cost is free to USI students and open to the public. Music and food are provided by Activities Programming Board (APB).

Life & Culture

Page 4 - The Shield - January 31, 2013

USI alumnus recognized for passion, energy

By SHANNON HALL Life and Culture editor Featuring maps on every wall and a George Washington cutout, Paul Rynkiewich’s classroom looks like any other social studies teacher’s. But it’s not - his is the room of a Peabody Energy Leaders in Education Award winner.

Peabody Energy started the program to recognize great leaders within the community.

“I’ve always loved history and geography, even as a kid,” Rynkiewich said. “Although that’s not the case with every student, I do my darndest to bring enthusiasm to my class.”

The interaction with students is what he likes the most out about teaching.

“Being here a long

time, I still enjoy being around kids,” said the North Posey High School social studies teacher.

It was really quite a surprise, Rynkiewich said.

He received $1,000 in prize money and will be eligible for the national award.

He said he doubts he’ll win that because there are so many other great teachers out there.

After 32 years of teaching - 30 of them at North Posey - Rynkiewich said that even with his 54th birthday coming up, he doesn’t plan to retire soon.

“I’ve got several more years,” he said.

North Posey High School’s Assistant Principal Erin Koester said despite grading and assessing the students, Rynkiewich never gets “bogged” down.

“He has a way of deliv-

ering his instruction with energy that sometimes is not easy to have in the classroom as a teacher,” Koester said. “But every day he teaches students with this level of energy that is very unique.”

Koester, along with North Posey’s principal, felt the social studies teacher was worthy of the nomination.

“I wrote the letter because (Rynkiewich) was a former teacher of mine,” Koester said.

She said she benefited from being his student.

“I felt like it was necessary to recognize him for his passion in the classroom,” she said.

Along with teaching, Rynkiewich coaches the girls’ basketball team and serves as an assistant coach of the football team.

“He extends learning for the kids in various

‘High tide raises all boats’ Professor’s award nomination brings press to campus

Marcus Wicker

By SHANNON HALL Life and Culture editor

USI English Associate Professor Marcus Wicker was nominated for his poetry book “Maybe the Saddest Thing” for an NAACP Image Award, which will be televised.

“My PR sent out the nomination - I honestly had forgotten about it,” the 28-year-old said. “I got a phone call and was really surprised.”

He said he is more excited about being chosen as a nominee than he is about possibly winning.

“It’s truly an honor to just be nominated,” Wicker said.

He said although he didn’t expect “Maybe the

Saddest Thing” to raise this much attention, every author subconsciously believes in himself.

“As a writer, you want to tell yourself, ‘I think my voice and perspective is important to write,’” he said.

Wicker said he likes to remain low-key around campus, but students have still congratulated him on his nomination.

“Some seem to geniunely care,” he said. “A few have come up to me in class and congratulated me.”

Wicker said his nomination tells students that with training and revision, they can accomplish anything.

“Maybe the Saddest Thing” took several years to develop, he said.

“It began as my graduate student thesis, and then followed to a fellowship ,and it continued to develop,” he said.

He said he is currently working on another book.

English Instructor and Southern Indiana Review Editor Ron Mitchell said he was part of the committee that hired Wicker, and he had high expectations.

“He’s been even better

than I expected for just being here a single semester - what he’s accomplished is amazing,” Mitchell said.

He said students can benefit from Wicker’s enthusiasm and work ethic.

“He’s young, and it’s an inspiration to our students to see someone his age have his success,” Mitchell said.

His short time at USI has helped connections with the Southern Indiana Review as well, he said.

“He has (made) an impact in that the number of the people who know about the journal and submit to the journal has increased,” Mitchell said.

“The quality has (also) increased dramatically.”

More people are learning about the Southern Indiana Review through Wicker, he said.

“You know the phrase ‘high tide raises all boats’ - it’s brought a lot of national press to the university,” he said.

Want to watch?

When: Friday, Feb. 1st Time: 7 p.m.

Channel: NBC 4 (on both Wow and Insight)

Photo by SHANNON HALL/The Shield

USI alumnus, Paul Rynkiewich, teaches social studies at North Posey High School. Rynkiewhich received the Peabody Energy leaders in Education Award to recognize his great leadership within the community.

aspects, whether it’s in a class of U.S. history or out on the football field as their coach,” Koester said.

“The genuine compassion that he has for his kids is just evident every day when he is giving his les-

sons.”

She said he uses humor in the classroom, which helps students make connections between what they go through every day and events that happened a long time ago.

“While a lot of teachers here have that passion and energy, I think he’s kind of a leader, and they just follow,” Koester said. energy, I think he's kind of a leader, and they just follow," Koester said.

Emmons source of pride for community

By SHANNON HALL Life and Culture editor USI alumna Joanna Emmons helped save not one life, but 40 percent of lives.

The St. Mary’s critical care nurse specialist helped implement an early warning score system to help identify patients who are at risk of going into cardiac pulmonary arrest, which is when the heart and lungs stop working.

“We saw a 40 percent reduction in deaths (after the system was implemented),” she said.

Emmons heard about the system from a physician who read about it in a British article, she said.

The system takes into account signs that a patient’s condition is worsening so nurses can watch the patient more closely, she said.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) named Emmons the National Magnet Nurse of the Year for 2012.

According to the ANCC website, a Magnet hospital is “the most prestigious distinction a health care organization can receive for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes.”

St. Mary’s in Evansville is one of 13 Magnet hospi-

tals in Indiana.

“It’s very humbling, very exciting,” Emmons said. “It’s definitely not an achievement you receive alone. It was exciting for everyone at St. Mary’s.”

Emmons first received her associate’s degree from Olney Central College (OCC) in Illinois before attaining her bachelor’s degree in nursing from USI in 2005.

“I think my education at USI created a foundation (that helped me) continue (my schooling),” she said.

“The curriculum let me understand, as a whole, nursing and the community.”

From USI, Emmons continued on to Murray State University in Kentucky in pursuit of a master’s degree.

She got the job at St. Mary’s after graduating from OCC, but she continued to work there while studying at USI and Murray, she said.

“I worked and gained experience that benefited me in the classroom,” Emmons said. “It helped in a good way.”

She said she never stops learning, even after school.

“I learn something every day from my coworkers and from every patient I encounter,” Em-

mons said. “I love my job - just being able to help patients and families during the most difficult times in their lives.”

The College of Nursing and Health Professions Dean Ann White said she sees more nursing students pursuing higher education after USI. “We’re seeing more and more of our traditional students (in the nursing program) who start here ... go right on to get their master’s or, in some cases, doctorate’s,” White said.

She said she is excited that Emmons won such an award.

“To win such a prestigious award exemplifies how important it is for our nurses to be involved in activities and improve the quality of patient outcome,” she said. “The health care quality in the tri-state is very good, and we’re always looking to improve. We want to get better so we can get better results.”

Clinical Nursing Associate Professor Julie St. Clair said Emmons is a student you don’t forget.

“She was always positive and enthusiastic,” she said. “Besides the academic side, as a student, she was a real leader. We’re all really proud of her.”

Page 5 - The Shield - January 31, 2013

DRURY continued from Pg. 1 University of Iowa and his graduate degree from the University of Michigan. In 2004 Drury began playing piano for the choir at USI. Drury heard the music program was interviewing applicants for a music theory class, and he fit the job perfectly, he said.

“My primary goal is for my students to understand and appreciate the value of music,” he said.

Chris Howard, radio and TV major, said Drury has an understanding of music, past and present. Howard said he is also passionate about students’ learning.

“He challenges students to think for themselves,” Howard said. “He gives the students personal attention to make sure he or she knows what is going on.”

Howard said Drury makes learning music fun.

“His off-topic rants are my favorite things about his classes,” Howard said. “Because of the rants, I looked forward to class and, in turn, learning music. “ Daniel Craig, associate music professor, said he is very excited about having the music minors.

“More classes in music allow students to expand their learning about music,” Craig said.

Craig said he plans to see a music major pop up within the next 10 years.

“This is the first step in a lot of growth on campus,” he said. “Now is the time to start positioning ourselves into the process of a music major. A music major may be one of the last majors because of the experiences that are involved.”

Life & Culture KEYBOARD continued from Pg. 1

Photos by JIMMY PYLES/The Shield

Drury walks down the aisle of pianos, snapping his fingers to keep the students on time while they play.

til Spring 2014, but the courses are now available to students hoping to be credited with the minor and students who are interested in specific courses.

“If students who aren’t receiving a minor are taking the courses, it’s because they love music and they want to expand their knowledge,” Craig said.

Notation software is also available in the lab, which allows students to compose music and print it out.

“It is standard for most musicians to know this type of programming,” Craig said.

Students must be taking a course in the lab in order to take advantage of it outside the classroom. They only do that as a way to alleviate damage issues, he said.

Freshman Brian Tenbarge is an undecided major who decided to take the class because he writes music on the guitar and thought it would be a good opportunity to add a new sound to his music, he said.

“I’ve always enjoyed the sound of the keyboard,” Tenbarge said. “The sound it creates and the ability to play so many notes in such a small amount of time is unlike any stringed or wind instruments.”

He said he likes that each student gets his or her own piano and the fact that there are a small number of students in each class.

The teacher announced a substantial amount of lab hours to students who would like to come in and practice not during class, he said.

We have something they don't have:

Pre-law minor now available at USI

By JAMES VAUGHN Staff writer Even with a 4.0 grade point average (GPA), sophomore Samantha Schu worries about her dream of becoming a lawyer. The pre-law minor, which became available to students this spring, requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA. “It is unrealistic to think that’s good enough to get into most law schools,” Schu said. “I am apprehensive about getting into a good law school.”

The required GPA should be higher, she said.

Schu is one of two students who have officially declared the minor, according to the Registrar’s Office. Only one student has declared a minor in legal studies, which is another new option for stu-

dents interested in law.

“Before the minors, there was no guidance (for future lawyers) like pre-med is for future doctors,” she said. “This helps students planning to attend law school and offers better guidance as to the courses that will help them become more diversified.”

Schu said she feels the minors are necessary at USI and at all universities.

Recent USI graduate and Indiana University McKinney Law School student Brett Bueltel would beg to differ.

“I honestly would not have added a pre-law minor,” he said. “Obviously when you get to law school, the professors are going to teach you everything you need to know about the law and how to think like a lawyer.”

He majored in account-

Minor Requirements To view the requirements for the Pre-law and Legal Studies minor, visit this story on The Shields website at http://bit.ly/1182hfU ing at USI and didn’t go out of his way to take special courses pertaining to law, he said.

“Certain undergraduate majors and classes may help a little bit more than others, but a great work ethic is the most important thing you can take with you into law school,” Bueltel said.

If students have extra room in their schedule, the minor could be beneficial, he said. Bueltel graduated Summa Cum Laude - with greatest honor - with a 3.9 GPA. “IU isn't an Ivy League

law school, but I was able to receive a full-ride scholarship,” he said.

Political Science Assistant Professor Nicholas LaRowe was the driving force behind the development of the minors. The pre-law minor is for students who anticipate attending law school.

The legal studies minor is for students who simply want a background in law or plan to enter some sort of legal field, he said. The required courses for both minors are similar. However, most students in the College of Liberal Arts opt

to take Math 108 instead of Math 111. In order to minor in pre-law, students are required to take an economics course titled CostBenefit Analysis.

Microeconomics is a pre requisite for the analysis course, and Math 111 is a pre requisite for Microeconomics. Students minoring in legal studies have more options and are not required to complete Cost-Benefit Analysis.

Based on the number of interested students he has talked to over the past few years as the pre-law adviser, LaRowe predicted that at any given graduation, there will be approximately 20 students graduating with the minors.

“Law schools look for a certain skill set,” he said.

“We thought that students at USI who want to go to law school would be more

successful if they received kind of a focused, intentional training.”

While the basis of the pre-law minor is to build up a set of skills, the basis of the legal studies minor is to build up a base of knowledge, LaRowe said.

“You can certainly go to law school without taking a single one of the courses listed,” he said. “This is hopefully a way for students to get the most out of themselves while they’re here.”

Bigger state universities such as IU and Purdue do not offer a pre-law minor or feel that one is necessary.

“That’s something that I like, you know, the fact that USI is offering something that a lot of the bigger schools, like IU, (don't offer),” LaRowe said.

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Opinion THE

SHIELD

Your campus, your safety

By THE SHIELD Editorial board

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

Page 6 - The Shield - January 31, 2013

Human beings generally operate under the assumption that bad things will never happen to us.

We like to think that, for whatever reason, tragedy will avoid intervening with our lives. But I’m sure the people of Aurora, Newtown and now, most recently, Houston never thought that anything would interrupt their daily routines either.

So think about it. What would you do if there was

a gunman on campus?

How would you react?

An Indiana bill that is awaiting to be passed will allow people to carry guns on campus. Regardless of which side you fall on with the issue, it should get us all thinking more about what’s really important – the reality of having guns regularly present with students on a college campus.

A college campus should be a safe haven. In the midst of all the stress that presents itself in a typical school day, the tension and potential threat

of deadly weapons just because they are present legally are not what we need. Guns in public places on people who are not in uniform give us a feeling of unease.

We support better security measures. Having better security measures and training in place would promote a better environment – a safer atmosphere, if you will.

There would be little reason for personal concealed weapons if we had trained security and wellknown security proce-

dures.

We need people besides ourselves to act as the peacekeepers. We need them to ensure we can go about our day without worrying about the potential of danger.

Bad things can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. But we shouldn’t have to worry daily about our safety as students on a college campus.

We should be aware that bad things happen, but we should not have to be directly responsible for stopping a gunman while on

campus. We pay to learn and to live here and expect security and the administration to keep us safe.

Campus is the place where we learn and where some of us live most of the year. It’s where people can afford to spend the whole day outside, weather permitting. It’s where people can play a pickup game of basketball between classes without thinking about death or disaster.

We should be able to feel safe on campus without taking matters into our own hands.

Sports Editor Apply now! sports@usishield.com Copy Editor Alex Everley copy@usishield.com Visual Editor Kelsey Turner visual@usishield.com

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Mardi Gras Crawl Right direction

Wrong direction

Contact Us

By JAKE TAPLEY Opinion editor

By JIMMY PYLES Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief 812/464-1682

The Franklin Street Events Association, a new local organization, is looking to bring Franklin Street back to life. In the process of doing so, they have scheduled a Mardi Gras Bar Crawl.

Mardi Gras is the only street festival that trumps the Evansville West Side Nut Club’s Fall Festival in attendance, beating it by a landslide. And you know how the old saying goes: if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.

The “bar crawl” is taking a multifunctional approach as both a bar-related event and as a family event. I can understand the concern from both parties because it is an interesting blend, but, ultimately, I think it’s for the better.

As this year is the first year for the event, planners will find out what works and what doesn’t so they can plan for more events in the future.

Cultural events that are still in their infancy are exciting - there’s so much freshness, so much possibility there. If we can get enough people to tap into that potential, we could end up with something remarkable, original and unforgettable.

I like where this tradition is going. I think it’s a direction that we need to pursue more often to avoid falling into a routinized slump.

If you’re one of those people that thinks this event sounds “lame” or “stupid,” then I don’t want to hear you complaining about how there is “never anything to do in Evansville.” Because this is it.

We need to encourage this event, because it is what we need more of. We need to encourage the growth.

People are finally taking the proper initiative into spicing up the night life, and I think we should respect their attempts. We will only build from the mistakes.

Though I don’t know exactly what to expect, there is definitely promise of food, live music, games and prizes. At worst, it’s a start in the right direction.

Everyone is in luck this year because Mardi Gras is coming to Franklin Street, or at least a poor imitation of it. When I think of Mardi Gras, my mind instantly goes to drunk and topless people roaming Bourbon Street looking for their next beer or set of beads.

Franklin Street isn’t going to come close to living up to the Mardi Gras name. By naming it after something so iconic, people will go in expecting one thing and end up getting something completely different.

Mardi Gras is free, so why are people paying 10 dollars for a wristband and a shirt just to go to a business for some beads? Yet, you still have to buy a product, write a recommendation on their website or check into the business to receive those beads.

This doesn’t seem very well thought out to me. If you’re there, then why do you need to check in via social media in order to get the beads? You’re already there supporting the business.

First, don’t think about showing your boobs, because they’re actually giving you what is sure to be an ugly shirt to stop someone from popping the top.

Second, you have to be sober enough to write a nice little message or be able to correctly use your phone to check in.

Third, there is no parade. How can an event be called Mardi Gras and not have a parade? That’s like being sober and seeing no boobs - pointless.

Yes, a lot of towns have their own versions of Mardi Gras, and they are probably just as bad as this one is going to be. I completely agree with supporting local businesses, especially the ones on the West Side (most of which I frequently go to). But getting them together to pass out beads and calling it Mardi Gras is stupid.

Just because you hand out beads and have beer doesn’t make it Mardi Gras. There are just too many holes in the plan for me to get behind an Evansville Mardi Gras - better luck next year.

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It's Friday night and I'm broke, bored

By JESSICA STALLINGS Staff writer What am I doing on a Friday night? I'm sitting in The Shield office wondering what there is to do on campus.

Everything is closed on campus after 3 p.m., which is nice for the workers but not for the students.

Shouldn't I be able to do fun and free things on campus?

With the campus closing so early, students, especially those who live on

campus, are left bored in their dorms.

There are only a select few activities available on the weekends, such as getting dinner at the Loft with friends or going to work out at the Rec. Occasionally, there will be a game to attend or a possible activity that RA’s have planned, but there needs to be something else.

Of course there is the option of going out and getting drunk at a party, but that is not my forte.

Plus, it’s illegal to drink on campus, and getting caught with drugs or alcohol is not the greatest thing to have on your record.

If you want to go off campus for something to do, there isn’t much either.

The only hookah bar on the West side closed and the option to walk around Wal-Mart out of mere boredom is very appealing.

If you have the gas money to get to the East side, the mall closes at nine even on the weekend. So

it's almost pointless.

The university has taken some steps into adding activities for students, such as playing a movie in the Forum on Saturday nights or having intramural sports for students to get involved in.

We should continue down this path of creating events that students enjoy and are free.

Leaving the places to eat open later than 3 p.m. on Fridays would be another step in the right direction.

I would rather go to

Starbucks with friends on Friday nights than sit alone in my apartment trying to find something on TV. As a university with more than 10,000 students, we should have multiple activities for students to do over the weekend or at least provide a place to hang out on campus other than our apartments.

This campus is full of students with creativity.

So why not put it to use by creating an event for students to get involved in?

Page 7 - The Shield - January 31, 2013

Beyond the basket

Sports

Q &A with track runners Lauren Minor and Johnnie Guy

By JIMMY PYLES, Staff writer

Lauren Minor Senior indoor and outdoor distance runner

The Shield: When you were a freshman, did you think you would be where you are today?

Minor: Actually, I didn’t even know if I wanted to run in college, so when I was a freshmen I was still feeling it out. But once I hit sophomore and junior year, I was really glad that I kept running.

How is it transitioning from cross-country to track?

For me it’s a lot different because we do a lot more speed work outs. Jumping from grass lops to a short 200 meter track. I just try to adjust the best I can.

What’s it like working with Coach Hillyard?

Coach Hillyard has helped me so much over the years.

You can see that my times have improved majorly. All the work he has me do and pushes me to do it’s helped me tremendously.

Photos by JIMMY PYLES/The Shield Sophomore forward Anna Hackert drives the lane during the game against the University of Indianapolis on Jan.19.

Hackert's drive shows on, off the court

By ROBERTO CAMPOS Staff writer Since coming to the Eagles last year, Anna Hackert, no. 44, has left an impact on and off the court.

This year she has recorded four double-doubles and two Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Player of the Week titles, being the go-to-player offensively and defensively.

“I think what we’ve seen through Anna’s progression on the team is her really coming into her own,” women’s basketball coach Rick Stein said.

The Evansville-raised forward/center has been described by teammate Mary O’Keefe as a “leader” on the team and someone who will “encourage you but at the same time will help you out if you need it or if you’re doing something wrong.”

Stein has also picked up on Hackert’s leadership qualities. “For someone like Mary, who is a team leader also and understands the importance of leadership, to describe Anna as a leader tells how her teammates think and look at her as a leader of the team,” he said.

A secondary education mathematics teaching major, Hackert has taken her drive for success and applied it to other aspects of her life.

“She is a focused and driven person, whether it

is on or off the court,” Stein said. “Whether it is her school work or basketball or whatever, I think it’s just ingrained in her head. She wants to succeed in whatever it is that she’s doing.”

Hackert played on a championship team at Memorial High School and went from a winning team to the young Eagles team searching for what it took to achieve success.

“It was a little bit of an adjustment since I was used to winning. I don’t think I’ve ever had to deal with (losing) before, but I think it was good for me,” Hackert said. “It showed me how much harder I needed to work and how much harder our team needed to work to get better.”

O’Keefe and Hackert, who played as freshmen together last year, bonded over the position they shared and have turned to each other to deal with struggles.

“We play the same position so we kind of relate to each other - we know what we have to go through, so that’s created a close bond,” O’Keefe said. “We both came in as freshmen and we got along right off the bat, which was surprising because usually two new people don’t mesh together that quickly.”

Hackert and the Eagles are back in action against conference rival Bellarmine University this today at 5:15 p.m. in the PAC.

How do you prepare for races?

I usually think I want to run fast and try not to think about it too much because that’s where I get in trouble. I just stick with the same warm up routine and drills then race.

What are your goals for the season?

Track is a little more individual, but you’re still on the team, and you’re still working towards conference goals.

Going into outdoor track, I would love to make nationals because I barely missed cross country nationals by about 19 places so making outdoor nationals would be awesome.

Johnnie Guy Freshmen indoor and outdoor distance runner

The Shield: Why USI? Guy: I was originally at Purdue and didn’t really like the big school feeling, so USI was my second choice when looking at schools. I have a twin brother here and he told me about the campus. So I decided it might be better for me to come here since I’m from a small town and a small high school. It seemed like it would fit better for me here.

How is it transitioning from cross-country to track?

It’s a little bit different because in cross-country its 10k and indoors you go down to a 3k. There is a little more speed involved, especially because it’s on a 200-meter track. After getting the timing right, it’s not that difficult.

After running in your first event for USI and placing 10th in the Men’s 3000 meter run how does that feel?

It feel pretty good. It feels like I have a bright future ahead of me with this program.

What are you goals for the indoor and outdoor season?

For the indoor season, I would really like to make nationals, which means I have to run a little bit faster in the 3k and then really concentrate on running a 14:20:00 time for the 5k. For the outdoor season - just train hard for the 10k. Outdoors is little more important. That is like our long-term focus. I would like to break 29 minutes in the 10k outdoors.

Photos by JIMMY PYLES/The Shield Members of the women’s basketball team talk about the next play against the Greyhounds during their game on Jan. 19.

The women’s basketball teams plays it’s next game today against Bellarmine at 5 p.m. in the Physical Activities Center.

Puzzle answers from page 2

How do you hope to impact the overall-program?

I think I can make a big impact over next year and years after, especially for the cross-country season - looking to give us a big boost at nationals.

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The Shield - January 31, 2013

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