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THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL

Keeping up with SGA

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018 Vol. 130 / No. 35

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Student leaders plan new initiatives this semester

EMA SASIC | Editor in Chief | @ema_sasic

ith each new semester, Illinois State University’s Student Government Association members take time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the previous semester and prepare for what can improve the coming months, Student Body President Beau Grzanich said. “To measure SGA’s success on the previous semester, you have to first look at the aim of what we wanted out of our terms. When we campaigned as a ticket, [Student Body Vice President] Ashley Shannon, [Student Body Chief of Staff] Idan Rafalovitz and I decided that the name of our ticket would be “We Are ISU,” Grzanich said. “There’s not one person on this campus that will follow the same path as somebody else, and I know we all define diversity in different ways, but when we say it, we don’t mean we’re this

percent white, this percent black, this percent Latino and so on,” Shannon said. “We’re saying we all come from different backgrounds, we got here under different circumstances and we all play a part in what makes this community what it is.” Keeping this concept in mind, when Shannon, Rafalovitz and Grzanich were elected, they decided the three pillars they would base this year’s SGA on would be “United, Engaged and Active.” These three manifested themselves in several different ways last semester. Grzanich said the association wanted to be united, engaged and active in all walks of campus life, so it set up many initiatives that would tie into different sectors of campus. “From housing, to sustainability, to health and wellness, to athletics, to visibility, to town and gown relations, to creating platforms for positive

From left, Student Body Vice President Ashley Shannon, Student Body President Beau Grzanich and Student Body Chief of Staff Idan Rafalovitz talk about their plans for the spring semester.

NEWS 3

TV-10 TO LAUNCH NEW SHOW ‘IT’S SO FUNNY’

VIEWPOINT/SCHWALLER 4

LET’S ASK MEN SOME TOUGH QUESTIONS, NOT JUST WOMEN

political discourse, we have been just about everywhere,” he said. “For many of these events, the feedback we’ve had has been simply humbling.” SGA began a “You’ll Be Fine, Wait to Sign” initiative, which was geared at helping student understand their power in the off-campus housing leasing process and informing new students of the realities of student realty. The group reached over 30,000 people collectively. There was also a Feminine Hygiene effort which saw thousands of individuals making use of free feminine hygiene products provided by SGA. Shannon is working with the Student Wellness Ambassador Team to continue work this semester and develop plans for long-term funding. Other initiatives focused on relationships between students in terms of politics. see SGA page 3 Photograph by NATALIE STUCKSLAGER Vidette Photo Editor

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PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

STAFF LIST Editor in Chief

Ema Sasic

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

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It’s a party, it’s a party Illinois State prepares to celebrate 109th Founder’s Day

STAR JOHNSON News Reporter | @Star2flyy_

Illinois State University will celebrate Founders Day, a long-standing tradition where the university is recognized for its many accomplishments, Feb. 15. There will be several events lined up for the celebration. The Employee Recognition Private Luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 14 in the Brown Ball Room of the Bone Student Center. The registration deadline is Feb. 6. Participants can attend the Loyal Circle Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. Feb. 15 in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center. Loyalty Circle donors are invited to enjoy a reception with light refreshments prior to the Bell Ringing Ceremony which begins at 10 a.m. in the Brown Ballroom. The STATE Showcase will take place Natalie Stuckslager | Vidette Photo Editor from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Golden Globe winner and Redbird alumna Jane Lynch Faculty will meet in the Circus Room, recieved an honoary degree during Founder’s Day Team Excellence and Students will meet 2017. in the Spotlight Room and Distinguished place at 2 p.m. with a reception at 3:30 p.m. Professor and Retirees in the Circus Room. The Founders Day Convocation will take in the Brown Ballroom on the same day. The Alumni Awards Dinner will be at the

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Alumni Center at 6 p.m. ISU alumnus Craig Bouchard ’77, M.S. ’79 will receive an honorary doctoral degree at the Founder’s Day Convocation. He is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Braidy Industries, Inc. “It’s just a very special feeling. I sat in those classes and taught classes in Schroeder Hall when I was a grad student there,” Bouchard said. “At the time, I looked at all of the professors and said I would never be as smart as any of them and Craig now I’m getting this very Bouchard nice degree so that’s such a great feeling.” For more information on Founder’s Day visit the website at https://illinoisstate. edu/founders-day/. Star Johnson is a news reporter for The Vidette. She can be reached at vidette_ sjohns7@Exchange.ilstu.edu Follow her on Twitter at @Star2flyy_.

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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

New variety show ‘It’s So Funny’ comes to TV-10 KEVIN SCHWALLER News Editor | @kevschwa

New Illinois State University TV-10 variety show “It’s So Funny” will kick off its first live broadcast show Wednesday. The 30-minute show will produce six bi-weekly live on-air broadcasted shows throughout the spring semester. It is also in collaboration with the School of Communication and Student Television Workshop. “It’s So Funny” will air through campus cable and YouTube.

According to the show’s Facebook page, “variety shows were very popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Having a variety show means any and all content has potential to be on our show and most things students want to do can happen within reason. This is the avenue we wish to take with an open and constructive learning environment.” TV-10 director Laura Trendle Polus said the show came as a result of asking students for new possible show ideas. “It was because of Mallory Lovings having a show [Midnight With Mallory] last fall, I think people got kind of excited,” Trendle Polus said. “We have not done a show like this at TV-10 for a long time. It kind of opens people’s eyes and then we started getting people who have always wanted to do something.” Emily Long Producer Emily Long said the inspiration for “It’s So Funny” came from shows similar to “The Carol Burnett Show.” “It will include a monologue, pre-recorded and live comedy sketches, improvisational comedy, live music, games and other talents,” Long said.

Auditions were held Jan 18 and 19, and a team of 18 students has been assembled. “We’re really busy at TV-10, we already do a lot,” Trendle Polus said. “But we felt like if students have the interest, that it was a good thing and we should run with it.” “[People are] going to see students who are really excited about what they’re doing. Who really want to either open their eyes or entertain them,” Trendle Polus added. “They may be watching a future star.” A nother new show, “What’s Happenin’?” aired Wednesday. The new shows will join “Sports Zone,” “The Bottom Line” and “Ten on 10” on TV-10’s lineup, along with its regular daily broadcast. For additional information, visit the “It’s So Funny” Facebook page or contact itssofunny.tv10@gmail.com. Kevin Schwaller is a senior journalism major and News Editor and columnist for The Vidette. He can be reached at vidette_kschwal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @kevschwa.

ISU, IWU alums receive Oscar nominations Laurie Metcalf, Richard Jenkins recieve Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor honors for “Lady Bird,” “The Shape of Water” EMA SASIC | Editor in Chief | @ema_sasic

lums from BloomingtonNormal universities received honors from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Tuesday as they were nominated for their work in some of 2017’s top films. Illinois State University alumna Laurie Metcalf received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She plays Marion McPherson in Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird.” She previously received a Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Other Best Supporting Actress nominees include Octavia Spencer (“The Shape of Water”), Mary J. Blige (“Mudbound”), Allison Janney (“I, Tonya”) and Lesley Manville (“Phantom Thread”). “Lady Bird” received four additional nominations, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actress. Metcalf graduated from ISU in 1976 with a degree in theatre. She is from Edwardsville, Illinois. She previously won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “Roseanne” and a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

ABOVE: Laurie Metcalf arrives for the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on Sunday | Kirk McKoy /Los Angeles Times/TNS RIGHT: Richard Jenkins arrives at the 75th Annual Golden Globes at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018 | Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times/TNS for “A Doll’s House, Part 2.” Illinois Wesleyan University School of Theatre Arts alumus Richard Jenkins was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, making it his second career Oscar nomination. He plays Giles in Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” and was previously nominated for a Golden

SGA continued from page 1

“In a time when the political climate of the country is as polarized as we’ve ever seen it, we wanted to provide students an example of what positive political discourse looks like in our College Dems/Turning Point USA debate,” Grzanich said. “Thanks to the work of our Civic Engagement Committee and the Political Science department, we had a packed room of students and over 1,000 online viewers watch how political discourse can still be respectful and intellectually driven.” Based on the We Are ISU concept and the pillars of being United, Engaged and Active, SGA deems the fall semester successful. “The members of Student Government have put in a tremendous amount of work to accomplish this kind of success, and I couldn’t thank them enough for everything they have put into this organization as well as the student body,” Grzanich said. “This past semester would have been nothing without the help of every single person on this Association, and they deserve all the credit in its success.” For the coming months, SGA members hope to see the continuation of several of its initiatives from last semester, but also have plans for new opportunities for students. After collaborating with Senator Lucas Wolbers and several other off-campus Senators, advocacy for the implementation of a food bank on campus should be a priority for SGA. The group will work to cement the idea

Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award and Critics Choice Award for the role. Other Best Supporting Actor nominees include Willem Dafoe (“The Florida Project”), Woody Harrelson (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”), Christopher Plummer (“All the Money in the World”) and

into reality in the coming months. As primary elections near in March, SGA will also be working towards increased visibility of the TurboVote system, which allows students to register to vote and apply for absentee ballots if necessary. SGA will be hosting voter drives to encourage students to be more civically engaged. Many students that live off-campus note they want options for recycling, and SGA members say the initiative is “becoming more of a possibility” with the passage of a 20-year solid waste management plan by the McLean County Board. “The plan provides the groundwork for the town of Normal to mandate apartment complexes to provide recycling opportunities for its residences,” Grzanich explained. “Student Government is ecstatic about this possibility and plans on meeting with council members in the coming months in an effort to turn this concept into a reality. We are very committed to a greener and more economically conscious Illinois State.” On an internal basis, SGA will also be debating its constitution and by-laws this semester. Possible changes include better representation for all students and greater collaboration between Registered Student Organizations and Student Government. Most importantly, SGA members want to encourage ISU students to get more involved both within their own organization and the more than 400 RSOs available on campus. “When I first got to ISU, I didn’t find my niche yet. I didn’t have any expectations, but slowly, I was able to find myself,” Shannon said.

Sam Rockwell (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”). “The Shape of Water” leads this year’s Academy Awards with 13 nominations, including Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Director. It is the 10th film in Oscar history to receive 13 nominations. Jenkins was previously nominated

for an Academy Award in 2009 for Best Actor for “The Visitor,” and he won an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Limited Series for “Olive Kitteridge” in 2015. He graduated from IWU in 1969. He is from DeKalb, Illinois. The 90th Oscars will air live 7 p.m. March 4 on ABC.

Viewpoint

PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

VIDETTE EDITORIAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

Adults have a responsibility to protect children

arry Nassar, former doctor for United States Gymnastics team and sports physician at Michigan State University, has been on trial for his abuse against more than 140 young girls and young women. While initially charged with felony accounts of child pornography, Nassar has now had to face the music for his horrendous actions over the years. But the question remains: how was he able to abuse so many before getting caught? And he wasn’t even caught initially for the abuse he dealt out. Some of the most prolific names in gymnastics have been abused by Nassar: Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney and Jordyn Wieber. Nassar had access to so many young girls because of his high position at USA Gymnastics as well as the trust he was able to instill in the young girls. USA Gymnastics, the organization that picks and trains the national competing teams for the Olympics and World Championship teams, failed its athletes. There’s even evidence that the organization knew something was happening between Nassar and its gymnasts

and athletes. When leaving USA Gymnastics, Maroney agreed to “a non-disclosure agreement contained in a settlement agreement [she] signed with USA Gymnastics, Maroney could face a $100,000 penalty for speaking about her alleged abuse or the settlement. Maroney reached a $1.25 million settlement deal with USA Gymnastics in December 2016; the agreement includes non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions. Last December, Maroney filed a lawsuit with

USA Gymnastics and others seeking monetary damages and among other things asking the court to nullify those provisions,” Elle Magazine reported earlier this month. USA Gymnastics back pedaled on this, releasing an official statement that it would not charge Maroney the $100,000 fine as per the agreement. But it still stands that USA Gymnastics knew something was happening and still chose to protect the predator instead of the minors in its care.

Earlier this week, three members of the board stepped down: Paul Parilla, chairman; Jay Binder, vice chairman; and Bitsy Kelley, treasurer. Scott Blackmun, the Olympic committee’s chief executive, said in a statement that his organization had been discussing board changes with USA Gymnastics since October. He said those talks escalated over the weekend, after days of victim-impact statements by former gymnasts in Michigan, and culminated in the decision by the three board members to give up their roles. While this change can help in the overhaul of USA Gymnastics, it still stands that the organization let it happen. It let a predator have a high position in its institution. It is adults’ responsibilities to protect children, and USA Gymnastics wholeheartedly failed to do so. Having conversations about what is appropriate touching and what isn’t is impactful and necessary for all. Even for doctors. Children should be told they are allowed to say “no” without fear of repercussion from an organization that could tell them whether or not they’re going to the Olympics.

Editorial Cartoon by Samantha McIntyre | Vidette Editorial Cartoonist

EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by KAYLA JANE JEFFERS, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the University.

Double standards still evident despite #MeToo, #TimesUp MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist

e are all more than familiar with the #MeToo and #TimesUp social media initiatives, and there is no denying the progress we have made in putting an end to sexual misconduct. However, despite the fact that we have seemingly made a dent in preventing sexual misconduct and believing its victims, there still seems to be a reoccurring theme: blaming women or forcing them to answer for men’s sexual misconduct. At the Screen Actors Guild Awards, E! host Giuliana Rancic dove right into asking “GLOW” actress Alison Brie about her brother-

in-law James Franco’s sexual assault allegations … even though Brie was nominated for two awards that night. “What are your thoughts on that?” Rancic asked. This all came despite the fact that Franco himself was also in attendance, but was seemingly not questioned at all. Meryl Streep was the subject of an art campaign that alleged “she knew” about Harvey Weinstein’s assault history, placing the blame on her and not Weinstein. With Weinstein, it was: why didn’t these women speak out earlier? Why are they on a witch hunt? Why did they go up to his hotel room? Why did Hillary Clinton accept donations from him (A question that Barack Obama was rarely asked, even though he took twice as much money from Weinstein)? Those who have worked with director Woody Allen in the past are also being called out (and rightfully so), however the

women are the ones being forced to answer for it. Actors Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez both worked with Allen on an upcoming film. Both responded to the controversy by donating to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, however Gomez is the one still in the hot seat. “Lady Bird” director Greta Gerwig was called out as well, however Justin Timberlake, Steve Carell and other notable men who have worked with Allen in the past have yet to be called forward with the same intensity as Gerwig and Gomez. Yes, women are more likely to be the victims of a sexual assault than men, but in general, is anyone interviewing director Tim Burton about his relationship with Johnny Depp? Don’t get me wrong – I do not mean to defend or apologize for these people’s decisions. Literally everyone that has worked with Allen knows or has heard about his past. This is incredibly problematic

REGGIE IN THE NEST by SAMANTHA MCINTYRE | Vidette Cartoonist

and doesn’t make their decisions OK. And as mentioned, women are often the victims of an act of sexual misconduct. But this is about more than that. The people under fire should really be the ones committing these acts, and we shouldn’t steer away from that; society has placed an unneeded burden on women for men’s actions and caused men to snake around the issue. The double standard is as absurd as it is unnecessary. Women having to answer for men encourages the system that fails to hold men accountable for these things. It was evident at the Golden Globes, where “Big Little Lies” star Alexander Skarsgård, who won the award for playing an abusive husband, while wearing a “Time’s Up” pin, did not utter a single word about domestic violence in his acceptance speech. Actually, a majority of the men who won didn’t mention anything about the movement. Women

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who work with an offending man and answer for his actions fuel this failed system that will never fully hold a man accountable and will continue to encourage them to stay silent about their power, privilege and misconduct. This movement, while impactful, has seen a majority of men in Hollywood stay silent on the subject. A rare few have actually spoken out, with their input giving off a sense of confusion on the subject. Uncertainty is more than acceptable; this movement has encouraged everyone to think about their actions and how they treat other people. We should all make an effort to think about these kinds of things. But, frankly, we must start burdening men the way we burden women. Kevin Schwaller is a senior journalism major and news editor and columnist for The Vidette. He can be reached at vidette_kschwal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @kevschwa.

Do tough questions need to be turned on males so #MeToo and #TimesUp are not viewed as a female issue? Cast your vote at Videtteonline.com or by using The Vidette mobile app

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

Lend a helping ‘handle’

NEWS IN BRIEF Dietz announces provost finalists, forums

Blo-No taproom gives patrons chance to drink beer, give donations VERONICA BUGAJ News Reporter | @vero_bugaj

Lil Beaver Brewery’s new taproom opened its doors to the public earlier this month and is doing more than just giving locals beer on tap. Located in Bloomington, the brewery was founded by Chad Bevers and Dale Thomas. The brewery has had beer available on draft at select locations since November. “Our initial hours will be limited and we’ll be featuring 10 different beers,” Thomas said. “We’re only offering our products for on-site consumption for the first couple weeks, then we’ll start offering bottles and growlers to go as well. Our lineup will be ever changing, so you can expect something different nearly every time you visit.” Bevers is also the Executive

Director for Midwest Food Bank, and has worked for nonprofit organizations for most of his career. “In addition to providing great hand-crafted beers, we’re a l s o

excited to announce an ongoing promotion to help support local nonprofit organizations,” Bevers said. “I know firsthand how impor-

tant awareness is for non-profit organizations, and we want our brewery to help accomplish that.” Lil Beaver Brewery has partnered with Marcfirst, a local nonprofit organization that supports families of people with developmental disabilities, as the initial recipient of their ongoing promotion to raise money and awareness for local nonprofits. The promotion, called the Helping Handle, will generate $1 for the selected charity of the month every time someone orders a pint. “The beer on this handle might rotate throughout the month, but there will always be a tap designated as the Helping Handle,” Bevers said. “In addition to the $1 we’ll be donating, we’re also going to ask our customers if they would like to match it.”

Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director

State Farm to relocate downtown Bloomington location ANDREW DOUGHERTY Political Reporter | @addough

Ali Rasper | Vidette Photographer

The 80-year-old building was the original headquarters of the insurer.

State Farm will move the final 150 employees in its downtown Bloomington site located on 112 East Washington Street to other locations by Feb. 1. The move is part of a larger shift towards redefining itself into a modern workplace. The shift towards a more collaborative physical workspace for employees includes condensing its IT department, realigning management, offering buyouts and redesigning space at its corporate and south headquarters. State Farm spokesperson Missy Dundov stated this has made segmented office spaces such as the downtown location less useful for the insurance company. State Farm informed Bloomington city officials of the decision during phone calls on Jan. 11. “They just notified us that it was happening, but I haven’t been privied about what they would do,” Bloomington City Manager Steve Rasmussen said. The 89-year-old building has been a proud site for Bloomington residents, as it was the original headquarters of the insurer. At its peak, the building was home to 900 employees, including its founder G.J. Mecherle. In a statement given to the Pantagraph, State Farm’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer Mary Schmidt said, “To offer customers a competitive price, we have to have operation efficiencies. While it is never easy to

close a location, we gave people — in some cases four years’ — notice because we wanted to make sure everyone in these facilities has ample time to make personal and professional decisions.” Last May, State Farm announced plans to close 11 facilities across the U.S. over the next four years, displacing over 4,200 employees. The insurance giant planned to move the work over to the Bloomington headquarters and its regional facilities. The company is currently in the process of renovating its corporate headquarters along Veterans Parkway to accommodate large departments and their teams. Since 2015, the insurance company has spent $1.6 million on improvements to the downtown building. Asbestos abatement and new fire alarms and sprinklers are part of those improvements. “From what I’ve heard, the reason they’re moving the headquarters is because the office space is out of date with their current models of housing employees. They prefer an office space that promotes collaboration between employees, and the downtown space was a bit more classical,” Illinois State University’s Student Government Association’s speaker of the assembly Billy Stripeik said. City officials see the move as a potential opportunity and will not complicate efforts to revitalize downtown Bloomington. The City of Bloomington is exploring potential catalyst projects to increase daily foot traffic in the downtown area and available property is ideal for the projects.

Burger Baskets:

President Larry Dietz announced the finalists for the open position of Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at ISU Wednesday. Open forums for the candidates will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 8, 9, 13 and 14 in the Old Main Room of the Bone Student Center. The finalists include College of Education in the University of Hawaii System professor Risa Dickson; Dean of the College of Architecture, Design and the Arts at the University of Illinois at Chicago Steve Everett; Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fisk University Rodney Hanley; and professor of psychology at Kentucky State University Lynda Brown-Wright. Dickson’s forum will be held Feb. 8, Everett’s Feb. 9, Hanley’s Feb. 13 and Brown-Wright’s Feb. 14. The current interim vice president for Academic Affairs and provost is Jan Murphy, who has worked at ISU since 1986. For additional information, contact the Office of the President at (309) 438-5677.

KEVIN SCHWALLER NEWS EDITOR

Cultural resources page available through Human Resources The Illinois State University Human Resources website has now added a cultural resources page. The webpage provides links to diverse affinity groups, campus cultural resources and civic and charitable organizations that people seeking jobs can go through. Some links lead to organizations like Midwest Food Bank, Black Business Alliance and Conexiones Latinas de McLean County. The webpage, headed by director of Academic Employment, Melanie Schaafsma, was created so that people considering finding a job in the Bloomington-Normal area could find answers to frequently asked questions all in one place. The webpage can be found on the Human Resources page, under Current Employee and Prospective Employee. This list of resources will also be made available in recruitment packets for potential ISU faculty and staff. For suggestions, contact Melanie Schaafsma at mkschaa@IllinoisState.edu.

CINDY HERNANDEZ NEWS REPORTER

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Features

PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE

REVIEW

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

Netflix’s ‘End of the F***ing World’ is charming, gruesome, binge-worthy BECKY FLETCHER | Features Reporter | @becky_fletcher

A new Netflix original that is both charming and weird has made its way to binge-worthy popularity, as if the streaming service needed another reason to distract students from their studies. “The End of the F***ing World” takes on the oddpairing of a coming-of-age story and crime that leaves watchers wanting more. Seventeen-year-old James feels that he is a psychopath, and after targeting different types of prey just to feel something, he decides he needs to move on to something bigger. Alyssa, who is the new girl at school, is tired of conformity and thinks everything mainstream is utterly boring. She wants to shake up her world. The two find each other, and Alyssa decides she is going to fall in love with James, while he plans to kill her. Alyssa convinces James to go on a wild road trip with her in search of her real dad with plenty of nail-biting and heartwarming moments in between as the teens continuously get themselves in

severe trouble. The series provides a lot of character growth through each episode. The development leads watchers to connect with the teens and provides an inside scoop on how they feel as events take turns for the worst and they fall in love. Season one is identifiable solely on the theme of wanting to break the rules. To live a free life and not doing what is socially expected, can be scary and rewarding at the same time. Bleak scenery in every episode gives a sense of darkness surrounding the teens’ lives. The old-style music truly fits this coming-of-age love story with doowop and country styles interspersed throughout the episodes that expresses a sense of naivety for the situations they have deliberately put themselves in. As bleak as their surroundings seem to be, the two teens have no trouble navigating through every obstacle. They learn to trust each other, even when it truly seems like the end of the world. Without sharing spoilers, the season finale leaves watchers feeling mad and

curious for what lies ahead for the young lovers. Will it turn out all right, or can the build-up of crimes lead to somebody’s demise? A weakness in this series lies in some of the secondary characters. Some seem to lack the same charisma as the leading teens and are not as relatable, yet they are an integral part of the story and should be recognized as so. Despite that, the show is firm in grabbing and maintaining attention. To watch these teens grow and find out who they are is truly inspiring. It makes the need for a second season feel desperate. The origins of the show are based off a comic book by the same name by Charles Forsman. Where the first season ends is where the comic ends too, but fans are hopeful that a second series is in the future. Rumors float, but it is hard to say. But for everyone’s sake, let us hope there is. Characters as human as Alyssa and James are hard to come by. With Alyssa’s strong dynamics as a blunt and honest woman, and James’ desire to feel and love something in this world, it becomes hard to turn away. Let the binge watching begin.

RATING: 4.5/5

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Photo courtesy Netflix

A time to reflect

Cynthia Ruszkowski approaches retirement in June, but can’t ‘imagine any place I’d rather be’

STUART STALTER | Senior Features Reporter | @VidetteStuS

n August 1996, gas was $1.23 per gallon, the “Macarena” dominated dancefloors and management and quantitative methods (MQM) professor Cynthia Ruszkowski, 65, of Monmouth, Illinois, joined Illinois State University. Though the world has changed, Ruszkowski remains a fixture in the College of Business. While preparing to retire this June, Ruszkowski reflects on her journey. Ruszkowski PROFESSOR double majored PROFILE in psychology and sociology at Millikin University, graduating in 1974. Ruszkowski obtained a master’s degree in human resource management and development from National-Louis University in Evanston in 1984. After using the latter degree for training and development in numerous businesses, ISU contacted Ruszkowski for a human resources professor position. “I actually had never considered teaching in higher education, but I’m a believer in following opportunities as they come up, so decided to give it a shot,” Ruszkowski said. The career change was the correct choice. Ruszkowski is a former adviser of Alpha Kappa Psi and Alpha Zeta and Alternative Spring Break chaperone. Additionally, she has won many awards, including ISU Outstanding Faculty Member awards and was named an outstanding teacher by the Panhellenic Association.

The biggest honor Ruszkowski earned is universal respect from her peers. That respect starts at the top with Interim Department Chairperson of MQM Roberta Trites. “Cyndy has been a long-term team member in MQM who has contributed her knowledge and expertise to expanding the horizons of many, many students,” Trites said. “She is generous and gracious to her colleagues, and we will all miss her mightily.” Ruszkowski’s students respect her just as much as colleagues. “I love Ruszkowski,” freshman marketing major Elena Kurylak said. “She is very nice, understanding and really has a taste in little parts of the business world.” Besides experience, Ruszkowski honed her craft through researching the art of good teaching. She facilitated ISU faculty courses at the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology for four years. “I believe a good teacher never stops learning, listens to their students and attempts to engage students so they want to come to class and stay involved while they are there,” Ruszkowski explained. Ruszkowski serves more than classroom knowledge. Her favorite hobby is volunteering for service organizations. This work includes aiding the Russian Orphan Lighthouse Project — a program founded in 1998 — where Russian orphans spend several days with American families. In Illinois, she is involved with the prison system. This work includes the Mom and Me prison program. In this program,

Photo submitted by Cynthia Ruszkowski

Professor Cynthia Ruszkowski worked with several business prior to having a career change and joining ISU’s faculty. She has been a professor at the university for 22 years and will retire in June. children visit their incarcerated mothers for three consecutive days in the Decatur Correctional Center. “The greatest lesson I have learned from service is there are always many people in much worse situations than I am, and I should not feel sorry for myself,” Ruszkowski said. “It feels awesome to help brighten someone else’s lot in life, even if just for a moment.” Ruszkowski’s favorite daily activity is walking through the Quad. The biggest changes she has experienced is evolving from several students flirting with her as a younger teacher to current students thinking Ruszkowski

reminds them of their grandmother. The other metamorphosis regards ISU’s reputation. “I have been fortunate to experience the evolution of ISU as an ‘easy’ state school to get into, to the high class, challenging institution it is today,” Ruszkowski said. “I am very proud I had the opportunity to be a part of that.” Pride is the word Ruszkowski associates with her tenure. After teaching, she hopes she occasionally crosses the minds of former students. She would like to be remembered mostly for education. “There is no greater compliment, as far as I’m concerned, than if a student says, ‘I learned

a lot in your class,’” Ruszkowski said. That said, Ruszkowski realizes she has learned as much from ISU as her countless students. “I have been here for 22 years, just because I couldn’t imagine any place I’d rather be,” Ruszkowski explained. “ISU has provided an education for me in ways I never imagined.” In retirement, Ruszkowski wishes to increase her volunteer work, watch her five kids grow and possibly travel. STUART STALTER is a Senior Features Reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at sstalt1@ilstu.edu Follow him on Twitter @VidetteStuS.

“It feels awesome to help brighten someone else’s lot in life, even if just for a moment.” Cynthia Ruszkowski, management and quantitative methods professor

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7

ISU hosts pair of MVC teams

SPORTS IN BRIEF

Redbird women to welcome Drake, Northern Iowa KADE HEATHER Sports Reporter | @kade_heather

he rollercoaster season of Illinois State women’s basketball continued last weekend when ISU cruised to its first road conference win at Evansville, but fell by just three points at Indiana State. ISU (8-10, 2-5 MVC) returns to Redbird Arena this weekend to begin a four-game home stand, but the Redbirds will have a taller order to fill. ISU will welcome first-place Drake at 7 p.m. Friday and fifth-place Northern Iowa at 2 p.m. Sunday. Drake (12-7, 7-0 MVC), last season’s MVC regular season and tournament champions, comes into Friday after an 81-64 victory over UNI. The Bulldogs have comfortably won their MVC contests, defeating each opponent by more than 10 points. Drake averages an MVCbest 83 points per game and an 11.6 scoring margin. While signs point to Friday’s contest not being very close in points, ISU coach Kristen Gillespie hopes her team can compete like the NCAA sixth-ranked defense they are. “I told our players, they’re the number two scoring offense in the country and we’re the number six scoring defense,” Gillespie said. “Ao I think it’s going to be a fun test for our kids. We’re going to compete and play extremely hard.” If the Redbirds can defend the Bulldogs well and show how tough it is to score as an opponent in Redbird Arena, then this game may serve as a stepping stone in the rebuild of ISU Women’s Basketball. However, it will be a tough task for ISU. Drake has done exceptionally well sharing the ball, as they average an NCAA-best 22.8 assists per game. The Bulldogs also feature two MVC top-five scorers in Sara Rhine (15.6 ppg) and Becca Hittner (15.4 ppg). “I don’t think our players are going to be intimidated or scared, we have great respect for Drake and that’s what we’re trying to aspire to and get to the level they are,” Gillespie said. Next up, the UNI Panthers (8-10, 4-3 MVC) will visit Normal Sunday.

RALLY IN THE VALLEY

Experience proving to be X-factor for teams STEPHEN GARNER Sports Reporter | @StayTrueSdot3

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UNI has a 1-8 road record, but will look to improve on that when they face-off at Bradley Friday night. The Panthers come in with a similar story to the Redbirds. They also have one senior and sport the second-best scoring defense in the MVC (61.2 ppg), behind ISU (53.8 ppg). “I like our matchups in that game, they have some skilled players but our perimeter players do a really nice job of taking other guards out of what they’re doing.” Gillespie said. “Our post will have to be ready to battle too, they are a well-balanced team.”

A key for the Redbirds should be controlling the boards, as the two teams are about evenly matched in that category. ISU averages 38.3 rebounds a game and allows its opponents to grab 35 RPG. Meanwhile, UNI averages 40 RPG and its opponents snag 36 RPG. “If we rebound and if we can get to the foul line and be aggressive, I think we will have success,” Gillespie said. The Redbirds will look to even their record this weekend, as the following weekend they will play host to Loyola-Chicago and Valparaiso.

As conference juggernaut Wichita State transitioned out of the MVC to the AAC, it allowed for each team’s aspirations regarding a conference title to become more realistic. The newly opened spot at the top of the conference has made for fairly intriguing competition that has resulted in fluid movement in the conference’s hierarchy. The teams currently owning a top three ranking in the conference (Loyola, MSU and Drake) all have a roster construct and main rotation that consists of a majority of upperclassmen. Two of those three (Loyola and MSU) have seemingly begun to separate themselves as their non-conference dominance has translated to conference play, in large part thanks to the continuity and experience factors they can rely on. In other words, experience trumps all. There are plenty of talented teams throughout the conference, however, the teams garnering the most viability as the season progresses all have a steady diet of upperclassmen to deploy in their

main rotation. Most notable stat for the week: Stingy defense has continued to be a commonality among the more viable Valley hoops programs. The MVC can claim 4 of the nation’s top 25 defenses. Those teams are UNI (No. 6 at 61.6 ppg allowed), Missouri State (No. 13 at 62.4 ppg allowed), Bradley (No. 17 at 63.2 ppg allowed) and Loyola (No. 23 at 64.1).

1. Loyola Ramblers 6-2 (16-4) Enjoying their best record through 18 games since the 1965-1966 season, the Ramblers are currently enjoying a five-game win streak. Two games at Valparaiso then at Drake should both push the Ramblers’ limits.

2. Drake 6-2 (12-9) The Bulldogs, currently tied for first in the conference record-wise, have begun to put it all together as Reed Timmer has led the team with deep-shooting.

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ISU’s Cooke, Lecoeur capture weekly honors Both the Illinois State Gymnastics Team and the Redbird Swimming and Diving Team have a representative in its respective conference’s Athlete of the Week honors. Illinois State sophomore gymnast Gabrielle Cooke was named Midwest Independent Conference Performer of the Week Wednesday after an impressive individual performance Sunday in a dual competition against Alaska Anchorage. In the Redbird victory, Cooke compiled scores of 9.90 and 9.85 from the judges, winning the floor competition outright with a total score of 0.125. The Chicago native also won the vault (9.775) and all-around (38.875) titles at that event. Her all-around efforts included second place finishes on the bars and beam for the Redbirds. ISU’s Caroline Lecoeur has been named Missouri Valley Conference Diver of the Week, the league announced Tuesday. A transfer student from Lyon, France, Lecoeur earned first-place finishes in both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events with scores of 292.20 and 277.95, respectively, last Friday. The Redbirds will compete in a pair of meets this weekend. The team will travel to Evansville Friday before welcoming Washington-St. Louis to Horton Pool Saturday.

NATE HEAD | SPORTS EDITOR

Young Redbird talent captures weekly awards Youngsters on the Illinois State Track and Field team are bringing in the Missouri Valley Conference awards, following a nice showing at the Notre Dame Invitational. Freshman thrower Julia Bourke and sophomore Luke Nelson have been named MVC Field Players of the Week, the league announced on Tuesday. Bourke finished third overall with a throw of 14.84m, which is seventh in ISU history and the best distance in the MVC. Nelson recorded a career-best 5.08m in the pole vault to earn a second place weekend finish and first in the MVC. MIKE MARRA | SPORTS EDITOR

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Sports

PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

Puzzled by the Panthers Redbirds drop second-straight on the road, fall below the .500 mark on the season MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU

Monica Mendoza

ISU coach Dan Muller is searching for answers after his team falls under .500 overall and in MVC play this season. After going 17-1 in Valley play a season ago, the Redbirds are now in a fight to stay out of the bottom of the MVC.

Sometimes when it rains, it pours. And Northern Iowa (11-10, 3-6 Missouri Valley Conference) poured it on Wednesday night. Spurrrd by a 25-0 run in the first half, the Panthers downed Illinois State, 83-72, dropping the Redbirds under .500 for the season and in MVC play (10-11, 4-5 MVC). “We’re not handling a surge very well. That’s two games in a row — 17-0, 25-0 run — and it’s both ends,” coach Dan Muller said. “So much of it’s our offense.” Illinois State went 10 and a half minutes in the first half without a point, leaving Northern Iowa with a convincing 40-14 stranglehold on the game just before halftime. To make matters worse heading into halftime, Keyshawn Evans traveled with the ball attempting a half-court shot as time expired. As if the call wasn’t bad enough, the shot went in to add to the already miserable first half, but obviously was waved off due to the traveling violation. The Panthers shot a blistering 47-percent from the field, while Illinois State shot 26-percent in the half. Northern Iowa came into the game averaging just about six and a half 3-pointers per game, but made seven in the first frame alone. They finished making 12. Illinois State did not fair much better to start the second half as Northern Iowa never took their foot off the gas. Northern Iowa led by as many as 31 in the game and finally looked like the team that was picked to finish second in the MVC.

One of the bright spots for ISU was Milik Yarbrough’s fourth doubledouble of the season, as he recorded 20 points and 13 rebounds. Yarbrough did not start the game due to a toe injury he suffered versus Indiana State. “He was fighting through some pain. I know it’s painful, but he was really, really good and I thought he competed very hard — pretty much the entire game,” Muller said. “That was good to see from him.” Evans scored more than 13 points for the first time since his injury, where he sat out on New Year’s Eve. Evans finished with 25 points on the night. The Redbirds showed signs of life towards the end of the game, closing the UNI lead to 12 with just over two minutes to go. “Our intensity and spacing and toughness was better,” Muller said of the second half. “We drove through contact, got in the paint, we moved the ball instead of just trying to go oneon-one [like] in the first half a couple times. We had guys make shots.” After taking back-to-back losses by double-digits, where the Redbirds have trailed by 31 points and 40 points, Muller wants to see better effort level, but feels Wednesday’s late surge will bring confidence to this team. “The effort level is still sporadic, but the biggest thing is two games in a row, when a team’s really going at us, we’ve not responded very well,” Muller said. The Redbirds will return home to face Valparaiso, where they have a 6-3 record, arguably playing the biggest game of the season, not wanting to fall deeper into the basement of the Valley. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. Saturday from Redbird Arena.

Local prep star decommits from ISU, reopening recruitment Payton has offers from U of I, Bradley, SLU on table, while trying to get back to IHSA State Finals MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU

After giving his verbal commitment to Illinois State and coach Dan Muller on Aug. 24, Bloomington High School standout Chris Payton has decommited from Illinois State and reopened his recruitment. “After talking it over with my family, I’ve decided to reopen my recruitment,” Payton said. The scare all along had been this would happen, since Payton cannot ink his letter of intent until November 2018. To go along with that, coaches, like Muller, cannot openly talk about recruits until the letter of intent is signed and official, per NCAA rules. The 6-foot-6 junior chose Illinois State in the summer after receiving scholarship offers from Bradley, Saint Louis, and the University of Illinois. Illinois State was the first

school to offer Payton a scholarship. As a sophomore, Payton scored 12.4 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game and shot 51-percent from the field throughout the season. Payton led Bloomington High School all the way to a third place finish in the IHSA Class 3A Tournament. In the two state tournament games, Payton scored 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds. Bloominton High School finished the season with a 28-5 record. With an entire off-season to progress, Payton has done so, increasing both his points per game average and his rebounds per game average substantially. Payton is now scoring 20.9 points per game and 12.9 rebounds per contest, good enough to average a double-double. All hope is not lost for Illinois

State, as Payton admits that the Redbirds are still an option. “I would like to thank the coaches for all they did throughout the process and ISU will remain amongst the top of my options,” Payton said. “It is home. It’s a place where I love to be and feel most comfortable,” Payton said in an interview with the Vidette over the summer. “ISU definitely made me feel welcome, and everything is positive.” Over the summer, Payton played his AAU basketball for Bradley Beal Elite, where he was surprised and excited to receive an offer from the Fighting Illini, just down the road in Champaign. Payton’s numbers this season are on pace to be good enough to land him some IHSA All-State honors and the scholarship offers should be flying in for the junior.

“I would like to thank the coaches for all they did throughout the process and ISU will remain amongst the top of my options.” Chris Payton, Bloomington High School junior

Courtesy of BHS Sports

Chris Payton has reopened his recruitment after decommiting from Illinois State Tuesday.