V
VIEWPOINT 4
FEATURES 6
VPS IN NEW SPOTLIGHT
THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020 Vol. 133 |
videtteonline.com
ISTOP BRINGS COMMUNITY AND THEATER TOGETHER
Reflecting on
a year of challenges
President Dietz addresses COVID-19 adaptations at ISU KELLIE FOY & GRACE KINNICUTT News Editors | @kellie_foy & @GKinnicutt
A
fter a rocky start to the fall semester due to a school year like no other, Illinois State University has adapted to life in new ways. From more online and asynchronous classes to many Redbirds scattered across different living situations, ISU continues to persevere through the impacts that the coronavirus has caused. Vidette News Editors Kellie Foy and Grace Kinnicutt sat down with ISU President Larry Dietz to talk about how COVID-19 has shaped the fall semester, what the future for spring semester and future events will be like for students, staff and faculty and how the pandemic has financially impacted the Redbird community.
See DEETS ON DIETZ on Page 3
Photo by Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020
Tarhule: Spring break remains, testing to increase ALEXIS PLUMMER News Reporter | @Lexi1Oliver
Even with students voicing their opinions to still have a spring break, ISU has a plan to keep the spread of the virus down. l l i n o i s State University stu“We will have a larger testing site dents and staff have been when students come back in January wondering for the last few and will have more space to work with weeks if they will be having a to test students and see who all could spring break this year and if winter have contracted the virus,” Tarhule break will be extended. said. A survey was sent out to Determining whether to have students, faculty and staff to see spring break was a tough choice to if they would want their spring make. Students use that time to relax break canceled, kept the same or their minds before their last few split up into long weekends. months of school. After receiving feedback from If break had been canceled, it would students, faculty and staff it was have taken an important time for studecided that the 2021 spring break dents to relax without work or classes. will still be March 6-14. The start At the same time, not having spring of the spring semester will also be Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 break could have protected students the same and will start on Jan. 11. and staff from getting the virus due One of the reasons why students Even with a mask on, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Aondover Tarhule smiles for the camera for a quick photo op. This is Tarhule’s to students not traveling during that wanted spring break to remain time. the same is many students believe first year as ISU’s provost. “There is not a right choice in the that it is important to have spring President for Academic Affairs and Provost Aonmatter. If I cancel spring break, some will combreak to maintain mental health. dover Tarhule said. plain because it’s canceled and then if I don’t, The university is still worried about study With this being a concern for many, the subsome would complain about that too,” Tarhule abroad students traveling during the break and ject of what to do for spring break was brought said. that it could increase the spreading of COVID-19 up and students at ISU could have gone another in the community. direction. ALEXIS PLUMMER is a News Reporter for The “Students go to a lot of different places during Other options for spring and winter break had Vidette. She can be contacted at amplum1@ilstu. spring break like going to the beach in Florida, been brought up by staff members to see if they edu. Follow her on Twitter at @Lexi1Oliver. go to Cancun and go to March Madness,” Vice could alleviate concerns about COVID-19.
NEWS IN BRIEF
I
Growing the funds for ag research GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @Gkinnicutt
ABOVE: A pennycress plant is displayed on a table to show how it grows and what it looks like. TOP LEFT: Community members gather outside of the farm to listen to the guest speakers discuss the grant-funded research. BOTTOM LEFT: U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood talks about the benefits of the grantfunded ag research. Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
STAFF LIST
PHONE OR FOLLOW
2020-2021 Editor in Chief Elizabeth Seils News Editors Kellie Foy Grace Kinnicutt
Photo Editors Alex Gant Maia Huddleston
Features Editor Andrea Ricker
Night Editors Katie Beste Kelvin Pough
Sports Editors Jake Fogal Jake Sermersheim
Social Media Lauren Hamlin
Art Director Flynn Geraghty
Office Manager Danielle Burstyn
Ad Sales Manager Brianna Wilkens
Marketing Team Manager Erynn Schroeder
Ad Production Manager Haliah Offutt Business Manager Grant Olson
Federal and state legislators met this morning at university farms to discuss grant-funded research that helps benefit agriculture, the economy and the environment. Some of the highlighted research projects were the benefits of pennycress crop and potential source of biofuel, water quality and soil health, anaerobic digestion and carbon sequestration research and associated education and outreach partnerships. Central Illinois lawmakers attended the event, including U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis and Darin LaHood, state Sens. Bill Brady and Jason Barickman and state Rep. Dan Brady.
Business Adviser Madeline Smith General Manager John Plevka
Editor 309.438.8745 Display Ads 309.438.8742 Business 309.438.5929 Classifieds 309.438.7685 Fax 309.438.5211 General Manager 309.438.7688
Twitter @The_Vidette Facebook @The-Vidette Instagram @the_vidette YouTube @videttevideo
Rep. Rodney Davis
Betsy Dirksen Londrigan
Dirksen Londrigan, Davis to square off in Tuesday night debate Illinois State University's NPR station, WGLT, is hosting a debate between candidates running for the 13th Congressional District at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Incumbent Republican Rep. Rodney Davis and IF YOU GO Democratic challenger Betsy Dirksen WHAT: 13th ConLondrigan are gressional Debate between Rep. scheduled to Rodney Davis and appear. Democratic The 13th challenger Betsy CongressioDirksen Londrigan nal District WHEN: 7:30 p.m. includes the Tuesday counties WHERE: Livestream Calhoun, on WGLT Facebook Christian, De Witt, Greene, COST: Free Jeresy, Macon, Macoupin, Montgomery and Piatt. It also includes portions of Bond, Champaign, Madison, McLean and Sangamon counties. The debate will livestream through WGLT's Facebook, WGLT 89.1 FM and on WGLT's website. The debate is not open to the public to attend due to COVID-19. Co-hosts of the debate include Heartland Community College, ISU American Democracy Project and Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, Illinois Wesleyan University, McLean County League of Women Voters, The Pantagraph and WJBC. GRACE KINNICUTT | News Editor
The Vidette
The Vidette is published Tuesdays every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The digital Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2020 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
“
We want people here, who are not only healthy physically, but are healthy emotionally and mentally. Illinois State University President Larry Dietz
”
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz sits down to talk with The Vidette on Friday about COVID-19’s financial impact, spring semester plans, diversity and more. Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites
DEETS ON DIETZ Continued from Page 1
remains strong, its reputation remains solid and its future remains bright.”
Where is the $16 million grant money provided COVID-19’S FINANCIAL IMPACT ON ISU through FAFSA and split with other entities on How much has COVID-19 drastically changed the campus going? “The Federal CARES Act resulted in a grant to Illinois State university’s current fiscal year? “It started in the last fiscal year as we refunded nearly $18 million in room and board and we refunded some student activity fee money at the end of last year. This year, we’re at about 50% capacity of the residence halls, so our dining and housing budgets have been pretty dramatically impacted. The other piece of that is that we have a lot of lost revenue, we usually have events in the Bone Student Center, in the fine arts areas and athletics (...) [the] other part of that is lost revenues through very few events. The third part is [the] expenses directly related to COVID. That includes testing, face coverings, hand sanitizers, hiring extra staff for maintenance and cleanliness work. Despite the cataclysmic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois State University’s brand
DIVERSITY UPDATES, MANDATORY TESTING IN SPRING SEMESTER
of approximately $16 million. $8 million was for students, $4 million of that went out the door last fiscal year in the spring semester and some expenses through the summer. Those are predominantly emergency expenses with students not able to pay the rent, need some food money [and] need some books. The other $4 million was reserved for this fiscal year. The items that we’re spending [the $4 million] on are basically the same that they were for the spring semester. The [other $8 million] for the university [is what] we can’t draw that down until we’ve spent the student life money. We’ve drawn down last fiscal year’s money, but we’re not drawing down the current fiscal year until we have more of the money spent on the student side. [The other $8 million] has gone for a lot of technology enhancements that we had to do to switch our
was the right decision. The part that’s going to be very important is that if people do go somewhere, they go Will all students be home or if they take a required to get tested break somewhere else regularly next semester? that they continue to “Our goal is to have wear a mask, be safe, something in line with the wash your hands and saliva-based testing from avoid large crowds. the U of I, maybe even When they come before the end of this year. back, [they should] In order for that to happen, get tested [since] our laboratories have to be Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites the testing allows approved [and] they have President Larry Dietz is interviewed by The Vidette Friday. us to isolate indito be approved by the FDA. viduals who need A lot of things have to come to be isolated.” together to allow that to occur. Once Considering the administration Do you have any updates that’s all set up and we’ve got the wasn’t originally planning on physical facility set up over between about moving forward with here [by] Watterson as one of those having spring break, what went the Multicultural Center [laboratories] and we’ve got the drive- into the decision of keeping it? and other diversity plans? thru by Cardinal Court, [and] those “I commend our provost (Aondover will remain. The saliva-based testing “We’re finally working on Tarhule) and his staff and a lot of other will allow us to do a lot more, so our [the Multicultural Center]. people for putting together a good hope is that for the students that are The plan for that is to look for that survey. We gathered information from living in residence halls, [testing] to be open by the end of the spring that survey and one of the things that will be mandatory. For students that semester. [On Thursday], we had became pretty convincing, particularly are working on campus, for students another meeting with the Anti-Black from students we received, was [that that are on campus taking classes and ISU group [and] that’s coming along they] need a break. Mentally to maybe clinics or laboratories, [testing] will well. [With] the demands that they’ve slow down a little bit or get caught up be mandatory.” expressed to us, we’re working hard on papers and studying in such a way with them to get some traction on What is the outlook for the spring they haven’t had time to do. For some those things. [This] week, we’ll have a that means just staying here and semester and when do you think folks, Board of Trustees meeting [and are] not even going home, but just getting a preparing a report as an update to the decisions will be finalized? break from the pressures of the semesBoard of Trustees. Dr. Doris Hous“You’re never done with [deciter. We took that to heart and talked ton, the new interim for the presisions]. But [Thursday’s weekly COabout it a lot internally. We want dent for Diversity and Inclusion, has VID-19 update is] as final as we know people here, who are not only healthy been working with a lot of our other how to get right now. We thought physically but are healthy, emotionally vice presidents and other folks [to that we needed to put and mentally. The word came prepare] the report. One of the things that out because back pretty clear that the spring that has been a concern is that some students are regisbreak was conducive to that, folks have expressed that they don’t tering for the spring so we turned that around. know where we are on things that semester [and] we It was on the Academic maybe that committee does. We’re wanted them to have a Senate agenda to ask for [going to] figure out a way like the full idea about expectaa change in the calendar other communication that you read tions. We’re going to be and we asked for the re[with the COVID-19 updates] that a lot in the spring like moval of that. There are covers a lot of different topics and we we were in the fall to a lot of smiles all around will try to do the same thing related to stay on the health and the table from faculty and diversity and inclusion.” safety side.” students alike, so I think it
courses from face to face to online.”
How have the grants ISU received helped students and the university? “Thanks to the generous donations of alumni, faculty, staff and friends, the university has also used the COVID-19 Redbirds Response Fund to provide emergency assistance to students. To date, almost 7,000 students have claimed CARES Act funds and 160 students have received support from the COVID-19 Redbirds Response Fund. The generosity of donors further contributes to the reduced net cost for students and helps make enrolling and progressing in college possible for many students who would otherwise not be able to achieve their higher education goals. Meanwhile, Illinois State concluded its largest fundraising campaign on June 30, raising nearly $181 million for the Redbirds Rising campaign and smashing our original goal by more than $30 million. When Redbirds Rising began, we knew our goal was ambitious. Over the course of the campaign, thousands of alumni and friends stepped up, making Redbirds Rising the university’s most successful fundraising campaign to date.”
MAJOR FALL SEMESTER DECISIONS
Will the residence halls be open until the end of fall semester? “[They] will continue to be open because that’s the only home that some of our students have. Others will be encouraged to go home, but the residence halls will be open for those that want to stay or don’t have a place to go. After Thanksgiving, we hope that most folks will go home, stay home and take all their classes online because there really only be another week after that of class and then another week of prep for finals [week].”
What led to the decision to push Homecoming Week to the spring semester? “I rely on recommendations from our advancement folks or Alumni Engagement folks. The recommendation came back that says moving football [season] in the spring and Homecoming has been tied to a football game typically. [We decided that] maybe we would try something different for the spring and have Homecoming tied to the football game. I think what we’re trying to do [is] a couple of different models [to] test out what works and what works the best with a hopeful realization that we won’t have to worry about this next fall.”
With a virtual December graduation, will May and December 2020 students be offered to walk in the May 2021 graduation? “Obviously, there may be some people that would have graduated this December that couldn’t or maybe you graduated last spring and couldn’t in person. The same is true for this December and maybe for next spring. If we’re at a place, and we hope we will be, where we can have in-person graduations, we will stagger that. There will be the population that would normally graduate in the spring, they will be honored first and then December grads and opportunities for other folks across the stage somewhere. We’re still working on the details of that, and again, all that is going to be guided by health and safety issues and where we are with COVID. [This] really gets back to the point as the best thing we can do to plan for the future is to be safe today, [which is] for everybody to wear masks, to social distance, to wash your hands [and] to not gather in large crowds.”
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020
VPs get new, unusual spotlight in 2020
I
t’s been a whole week since the one and only vice presidential debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris. Here’s a fun social experiment idea for the more outgoing Vidette readers: take a walk around the ISU Quad and stop a few random students walking by to ask them, “Hey, did you catch the debate last week?” If they say yes, ask them a question, something along the lines of, “What was your biggest takeaway from it?” Take note of how many of them say “That fly that landed on Pence’s head!” or “They sure talked a lot about fracking.” Maybe, you’d find a Green New Deal reference. Even political experts would probably admit, the vice presidential debate is a much tougher bingo card to fill up. Especially compared to the “bigger” presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden. For example, most people probably would’ve had “three old men yelling at the same time” as their free space. Not to mention, “bigly,” “strongly,” “We have to move on,” “Many people are saying,” “Please let him speak,” “thousands,” “millions,”
“billions,” and the like. There are plenty of legitimate reasons why many Americans, especially young people, were turned off from the vice presidential debate due to the presidential debate that preceded it. However, let’s face it — it’s been understood for a long time that many people simply don’t give a flying-frack about vice presidential debates. Sure, the fly landing on Pence’s head will undoubtedly be a lasting image — but there was so much more to it than just that. There were, and still are, serious issues at stake, and the way Pence and Harris talked about those issues (or
didn’t) matters. For instance, climate change is one of the biggest issues facing the nation, and it’s one many scientists say needs quick, decisive action. When the issue is boiled down to banning fracking and a $2 billion Green New Deal, that matters, and so does the vice president’s stance on it. The usually looked-over position matters even more so than usual, due to the proverbial elephant and donkey in the room. Trump is 74 years old; Biden is 77. Whoever wins will become the oldest president in U.S. history — in the midst of the deadliest pandemic in a century — after one of them has already
caught said deadly virus. “The vice president being one heartbeat away from the presidency” is a tired cliché. Some might go so far as to say that it’s lost meaning over time. Maybe it has. But the vice presidency still matters. It matters just as much now as it did in 1945, when Vice President-turned-President Harry Truman decided to drop an atomic bomb on two Japanese cities, four months after Franklin D. Roosevelt died in office. Now the world is one misunderstanding away from nuclear Armageddon. It matters just as much now as it did in 1963, when John F. Kennedy was assassinated in broad daylight and Lyndon Johnson took over. There are currently 58,318 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. For either Harris or Pence, there is a genuine potential of receiving the presidency, and so the person who bears that responsibility should matter to the American people. In this case they are more than a backup or an advocate for the president, they are a potential president on their own. The person who becomes vice president “fracking” matters.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by JOHN MURRAY, 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.
From making home feel like college to making college feel like home MY VIEW MIKEY FORNELLI | Sports Reporter
C
rinkled Post-it notes, various pens, a mug, a half-finished crossword, a mask, a calculator, a framed picture, notebook paper both used and unused, headphones, a dry highlighter and even more notebook paper. All sprawled out across a ping pong table, a growing art exhibit showcasing the daily life of a college freshman working remotely. Similar scenes are seen in dorms across America this fall; or in the case of myself and many other Illinois State University students, trading dorms and dining halls for makeshift basement and bedroom campuses back home.
ONLINE POLL
How much do you know about the Green New Deal? Cast your vote at Videtteonline.com or by using The Vidette mobile app
I was curious of how many ISU students have a similar story this semester. Of the 283 freshmen who answered my poll in the “New Redbirds 2020” Facebook group, just shy of 40% (104 students) say that they are “taking their classes online from home or elsewhere off campus.” Do not get me wrong. I am not asking for pity, at all. Life is different right now; nothing is as expected, for people of all ages. High schoolers are losing important tests for their future, people are losing jobs, kids are losing valuable social time. But I thought I’d share my experience with the important decision this fall for college students; whether risking health and living on campus just to do online class was worth it at all. For me, now midway through my first semester of college, I have worked from home since day one. I started at my desk in my room but moved 10 feet out the door to a ping pong table for a change of pace, and to give me a small commute when I get out of bed for class in the morning. I made the decision to stay home about a week before I was set to
move in and canceled my housing contract last minute. I can’t speak for the 103 other students I mentioned before, but from my perspective, working from home has not been that bad. I have a lot more space than a dorm room, and since I’m in my own house, a mask is rarely required. Zoom class has been successful for the most part, although I feel I can speak for many when I say group projects over Zoom are just about as difficult as anything can be. However, there is an obvious lack of the social aspect. Living on campus presents an awkward situation for those who don’t want to risk their health or education, but also have a boosted social life after months of quarantine at home. I am not speaking negatively about anyone here; everyone makes the choice that’s best for them. However, the way I see it, many college freshmen had an extra motive for living on campus this fall because it was just a change of pace. I would be lying if I said I don’t resent that independence, but in a semester where all my classes are online, I did not see a point in risking my health or
“
education to live in a dorm and possibly be sucked into a premature break from COVID-19, at least for the fall. Last Sunday I traveled to campus to meet a small group of fellow Vidette sports writers for lunch and to watch football. I got there early, so I took a walk around campus and the Quad, just like I did when I went and visited ISU as a high schooler. I know that soon enough, whether it is next semester or next year, I’ll move on campus and have a great time doing the whole “college experience” thing, writing for The Vidette, going to games, attending in-person class, meeting new people and much more. However, for the time being, I left campus to drive two hours home and do my chemistry lab exam from my cluttered ping pong table — thinking to myself that maybe next time I’ll just bring my computer and do it from the Quad. MIKEY FORNELLI is a Sports Reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at mlforn1@ ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @Mfojr.
THEY SAID IT
NOTABLE NUMBERS
? 2
back-to-back championships for Illinois State University volleyball. The Redbirds’ next season has not been announced. The team is looking to earn another championship title once the season starts. SPORTS, PAGE 7
25,000
requests for mail-in ballots from voters in McLean County, according to McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 29.
POLLING PLACE 2020
I think it is very important to use theater as a vessel for social change. It is always beneficial to create art with purpose. With theater being such a dynamic medium, it helps create visceral reactions to draw attention to important topics.” Benjamin Wendt, president of ISTOP
EDITORIAL BOARD ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth ANDREA RICKER Features Editor @ricker_andrea GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor @GKinnicutt KATIE BESTE Night Editor @BesteKatherine
MAIA HUDDLESTON Photo Editor @maiawrites MYA ROBINSON Sports Reporter @Im_Myaaa JOHN MURRAY News Reporter @Jmurr_
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
Water is a ‘human right’ A new course of study is on tap at ISU about sustainable water that teaches students to work toward guaranteed water for everyone
Rafael Mencha | Photographer | @kuma_topics_
The lake remains quiet and still during the late evening hours. Lakes can easily cause flooding with a fast amount of rainfall and melting of ice. JAKE DAHL Features Reporter | @jdahl3005
One of Earth’s most important resources is water, but many Illinois State University students might be unaware that there is a project on campus working toward guaranteed water for everyone. The aptly titled Center for a Sustainable Water Future is an interdisciplinary group at ISU. The focus of the group is primarily on providing students opportunities to learn about sustainability through the lens of water usage. “The idea for the center started with faculty. I initially approached the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences about the idea of an interdisciplinary center that focused on water-related issues,” professor and Department Chair for Anthropology and Sociology and co-director Joan Brehm said. Joan “They were supportive. Brehm We hosted an open forum among faculty and staff to see who might also be interested. Eventually in May of 2018 it was approved by the provost and we became what we are now.” Finding a co-director for Brehm was a success when expanding the group and getting the word out to faculty and staff. “I was invited by the former director of
Sustainability to join the group of faculty who were means we need to collaborate and work together to forming the steering committee for what would address all facets of these challenges,” Brehm said. become the center. She had already known about “These are the kinds of problems that our stumy interest in water as a human rights dents will have to address once they and sustainability issue,” Department of move on from ISU. It is critical that Politics and Government professor and they have experiences with interdiscico-director Noha Shawki said. plinary approaches to addressing our “I was excited to learn that professor current and future challenges. Artists Brehm was spearheading an effort to are equally important in this process.” create a new interdisciplinary center, and The remaining problem is how to I’ve been involved with the center ever get students involved in the process. since.” While getting faculty and staff The co-directors are just two of the list working on the project is good, getting of names involved with the Center for a an intergenerational and an interdisNoha Sustainable Water Future. ciplinary group together is important Shawki The group comes from various departto secure the sustainable future that ments on campus. the group is working toward. Different departments include the Departments Luckily, ISU has provided for that. of Biology, Agriculture and Health Sciences. One of “We just received approval for our water susthe more interesting ones included is a representa- tainability minor, which will be in the fall 2021 tive from the Department of Art. catalog. Students can add this minor to whatever “Interdisciplinary work is the key and essential major they have without adding time to degree in concept to this center. When you look at all the most cases,” Brehm said. issues and challenges that are facing us in terms “One of the unusual aspects of the minor is that of water, every single one requires a collaboration the core course for the minor will be team-taught of different disciplines to truly address that chal- by a social scientist and a natural scientist. [This is] lenge,” Brehm said. an approach that reflects our commitment to the Brehm used the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, interdisciplinary study of water. Students will have as an example to explain this. a unique experience in this class,” Shawki said. “For example, the water crisis in Flint, Michi“Beyond the minor, the center has hosted a varigan, represents challenges to public health, child ety of programs that are of interest to students, development, social justice, engineering, urban including a documentary screening, an art exhibit planning and policy. Solving these problems and guest lectures.”
Freshening up your ability to live with floods ALEXIS PLUMMER News Reporter | @Lexi1Oliver
Illinois State University’s Center for a Sustainable Water Future group is holding a water-themed lecture series this year via Zoom. Those who would like to attend the lecture series can join the Zoom meeting 3 p.m. Thursday after registering. The group brings together academically diverse faculty from across campus to advance research, creative expression and other ways to show students how they can enhance water solutions within Illinois. The first speaker of the series is Caroline Gottschalk Druschke. Druschke is an associate professor of English at IF YOU GO the University of WisconsinMadison. WHAT: Living with The name Floods lecture of the preseries sentation is WHEN: 3 p.m. “Living Well Thursday with Floods: WHERE: Zoom Connecting public engage- WHO: ISU Sustainable Water Group ment, storytelling and and Caroline Gottbiogeochemischalk Druschke cal research to support freshwater systems.” Druschke works closely with many community-based organizations so that she can conduct field based, mixed-methods research to help support community-level flood resilience. Druschke knows of the topic from her cross-disciplinary training in rhetorical studies, ecological science and community-based learning. This investigates the logic, practices and consequences of freshwater restoration and management. Another organization that Druschke had been a part of is Headwater Labs. The lab builds critical theories and conducts social and ecological researches about stream restoration, flooding, watershed-based agricultural conservation and fisheries management.
JOIN THE
DIGITAL-FIRST
VIDETTE TEAM!
Print | Web | Social Media | Multimedia | Design | Blogging | Podcasting APPLY at Videtteonline.com
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020
Setting the stage for social change ISTOP brings advocacy, education ALEXIS PLUMMER News Reporter | @Lexi1Oliver
T
here are a variety of student organizations, but one focuses on using theater as an avenue for social change. The Illinois State Theatre Outreach Program was first established in 2011, with the purpose of educating its audience with performances made to bring awareness to politically charged issues. This program gives students another platform to voice their opinion on things that they feel need to be addressed, and they use the stage to do just that. “Theater is extremely important in bringing awareness to different causes because it’s one of the only art forms that [can] unite people’s live[s],” sophomore acting major Leela Wolgemuth said. “It allows people to connect to different social justice issues being presented more easily and more genuinely when they’re Photo courtesy of Benjamin Wendt witnessing the work of dozens of Illinois State Theatre Outreach Program works to raise awareness for various issue through theater. The group holds multiple events throughout the people in front of their very eyes, year to achieve this goal and this year’s events, such as play readings, are taking place on Zoom. and not pre-recorded.” Those who are in the program ater being such a dynamic medium, it helps create visceral The program not only gets to gain the information but have been working to not only get to use their creativity reactions to draw attention to important topics.” also gets a chance to see what it can look like as their profesbut to use it in a way that allows them to bring up issues to Starting almost 10 years ago, the program has had many sional line of work. those who come to their shows. shows throughout its time. “We also have sponsored a Chicago trip for our members Seeing that everyone may not agree or even like what “ISTOP has produced works that include advocation for to see theater that advocates for social change in the city someone has to say, just bringing up an uncomfortable subminority groups, such as LGBTQ+ and racial minorities, as where many of us will work after graduation,” Vice Presiject can still get those thoughts going— and that is enough well as works that have been education focused,” Wolgedent Shannon Kuiper said. to start a change. muth said. ISTOP hosts a variety of play reading events throughout “I think it is very important to use theater as a vessel for This does not mean that members of ISTOP do not look the year. Due to COVID-19, events are held virtually on social change. It is always beneficial to create art with purfor more ways to become more informed on things that can Zoom. Those interested in checking out the events ISTOP pose,” ISTOP President Benjamin Wendt said. “With thecause social change. offers can visit ISTOP’s Facebook page.
Frightfully fun Halloween costume ideas band and a heart necklace if you have one. You could make this a couple’s costume too. Have your partner wear a varsity jacket and jeans with a scrunchie on their wrist.
CHELSEA CORA News Reporter | @cora_chelsea
H
alloween is right around the corner, and the costumes are the best part. This year has thrown us a lot of curve balls, but what is a better way to take your mind off things than to dress up and get your spook on? Here are some fun pop culture costume ideas for 2020, whether you are celebrating Halloween with your roommates or just getting some cute Instagram photos.
‘Riverdale’ characters Whether you dress as Jughead in a serpent jacket, Archie in a varsity Jacket or Betty and Veronica, these costumes are full of fun. This costume can be made for singles, couples and groups.
‘Outer Banks’ characters Dress up as one of your favorite characters from the popular Netflix show “Outer Banks.” You can dress up as John B in a colorful shirt, flip flops and a black eye, or one of the other characters. You could also make this a group costume with the characters.
Harley Quinn in ‘Birds of Prey’
Harley Quinn seems to be a popular costume every year, Claudette Barius | DC Comics/TNS but it is definitely Carol Baskin and Joe Exotic Halloween will definitely look different, but there is no reason not to still dress up. coming back in from ‘Tiger King’ There are plenty of pop culture references to make, like characters from “Birds of 2020 because of Prey.” A funny costume for couples “Birds of Prey.” To or friends is Carol Baskin and turtleneck underneath and a mask. We candress like Harley Joe Exotic. All you need for this not forget the mask she was wearing in her Quinn, you will need a bunch of colorful fun costume is some animal print for both of pieces, especially pink. You can DIY this costhem and top it off with a hat and a mustache photos. Add some green hairspray and some sunglasses to make it fun. tume, and to make it more fun, carry around for Joe Exotic. a baseball bat as your prop. Lara Jean from ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved
Billie Eilish at the Grammy Awards
Billie Eilish definitely showed up in style at the Grammy Awards. You can look up or DIY this costume on the internet. All you need is a black and lime green suit with a lime green
Before’
Dress as Lara Jean from the popular Netflix movie “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” Wear a light pink short-sleeved shirt tucked into a brown flowy skirt. Add a yellow polka dot head-
TikTok stars
Make this fun and creative! Dress as your favorite TikTok star. You could dress like Charli D’amelio, Noah Beck, Liza Koshy, etc. Look up your favorite star and DIY the costume.
David Dobrik Who does not love David Dobrik? This costume can go many different ways. You could wear all black with a hat, or pilot cap and sunglasses. Look at one of your favorite videos that David Dobrik has created and match his outfit.
Emily in Paris Match one of her colorful work outfits, or simply wear an elegant black dress with your hair in a bun and heels to match what she wore to the ballet show.
Joe from ‘You’ Dress as the stalker, Joe, from the series “You.” Joe’s look is very simple, consisting of a basic white T-shirt under a button-up shirt with a jean jacket over it. He wears jeans or nice pants with a belt and carries a backpack most of the time. Doesn’t seem like what a stalker would wear, but he pulled it off. Can you?
Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence from ‘Cobra Kai’ Make this a duo or a single. Dress up as Daniel LaRusso by wearing a simple white longsleeved shirt or even better, a white robe. Add a large white headband to your forehead and try to match the design he wore. As for Johnny Lawrence, wear a simple black short sleeve shirt with black pants and a skinny black headband.
Elle and Lee from ‘The Kissing Booth’ Dress as Elle and Lee from the popular movie “The Kissing Booth.” Match the amazing duo by wearing their “Tea Elle and Lee Dance Dance Mania” shirts. Match them with skinny jeans and casual sneakers or Converse. Finally, show off your best dance moves.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Diving into Division I
ISU diving coach Pearsall plunges into Redbirds’ pool DARNYSHA MITCHELL Sports Reporter | @DarnyshaM
F
rom swimming world championships around the world to landing at Illinois State University as the new diving coach of the swimming and diving team, Logan Pearsall looks to bring his championship background to the Redbirds. Pearsall got his start in swimming and diving at age 12, competing in summer leagues in his small, 2,500-person hometown Port Allegany, Pennsylvania. He found diving to be his niche. He continued diving competitively through college at Salem State University, University of Rhode Island and three years at Clarion University, where he won four national titles and was inducted into the Clarion Sports Hall of Fame. “Getting inducted to my college sports hall of fame is one of my favorite athletic achievements,” Pearsall said. Pearsall accumulated numerous accolades throughout his career, both as a diver and head coach. Pearsall is a 41-time masters diving national champion and a five-time world masters champion. He won four NCAA Division II diving championships between the 1- and 3-meter springboards and is a 6-time All-American. His four NCAA titles tie him for the most ever in NCAA Division II men’s diving, a record he now
shares with his former student Ammar Hassan, whom he coached at Colorado Mesa University. In his six seasons as CMU’s head coach for the Mavericks, his student-athletes accumulated 34 all-American performances as well as 13 honorable mention all-American efforts. Pearsall coached his and CMU’s first individual national champion during the 2017-18 season, Ammar Hassan, who won the NCAA Division II title on both the 1- and 3-meter springboards. For his efforts, Pearsall became College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) NCAA Division II Men’s Diving coach of the year in both 2018 and 2019. To make Pearsall’s success even more astounding, he overcame an injury months before competing in the 2017 FINA World Master’s Championship in Budapest, Hungary, during his tenure at CMU. “I was playing rec league softball and trying to show off and I slid into third base trying to get the triple and I was safe,” Pearsall said. “But I slid in and came down the wrong way and snapped my wrist. For probably just over three months, I was in a cast. I didn’t really get to get in the water or anything.” Pearsall worked out with a personal trainer three days a week during his recovery process. He said while doubts lingered in his mind about being able to compete, he combated those thoughts with encouragement from friends, coaches and other athletes along with envisioning his recovery. “Visualization is huge in the sport of diving,” Pearsall said. “So mentally getting myself out there and visualizing diving off the board and coming around and doing a lot of that work psychologically, it really helped.” Pearsall fully recovered and competed in the championship, walking away with two
gold medals, three silver, a fourth place medal and fifth place medal. Pearsall was relieved to return to competing at his highest level. “It was a good feeling that that competitive rush came back,” Pearsall said. “There’s definitely something about being in the game-time situation. I’m the type of person that I can watch somebody that is talented and feed off their energy. And so if I’m not able to feed off that, then I kick my own energy in. But there were a couple of divers that I had watched, and I was like, ‘All right, I want to beat them.’” The Redbirds announced Pearsall as new head coach of the swimming and diving team in August. Pearsall said coming to ISU was an ideal next step in his career, going from Division II to Division I athletics. “I’m a very competitive person in and out of the pool,” Pearsall said. “And I just thought that it would be a great fit. And so far, it’s been great that we’ve been hitting the phone heavy with recruiting and just trying to make sure that we’re getting the best athletes that are possible to come here to Normal.” Pearsall said what he looks for in his recruits is talent, height, size and of course, academics. “Being a good student-athlete is important,” Pearsall said. “I don’t want to have to be constantly sitting in on meetings and such with academic advisers making sure how do we get to above the 3.0, or whatever. I want athletes that I know are going to come in and I don’t have to worry about their academics. I worry about the pool side, and I know that they’re going to have those taken care of.” uEXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com Newly hired diving coach Logan Pearsall Photo Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
Q&A: Paul DeJong looks back on unprecedented MLB 2020 season
T
here were many ups and downs Cutting down fans and travel during the 2020 MLB season for made everything different. It former Redbird and current St. Louis made me realize everything Cardinals short-stop Paul DeJong. I took for granted. Little Despite having to stop partially through the things like going out to eat on season due to a positive COVID-19 test, DeJong the road. We all figured out had a solid season with a .250/.322/.349 slash what we needed to thrive. line with three home runs. Next year we are going to Despite punching their ticket to the playdo things genuinely and offs, DeJong and the Cardinals were unable purposefully because of what to beat the San Diego Padres in three games. we learned this year. Hear from DeJong as he looks back on JS: What was the hardest the season. struggle this season? Jake Sermersheim: How did stopping PD: It is more like the and starting affect you and the team in the mental side of things. This playoffs? year was quiet, it became all Paul DeJong: It is hard to say. We were about what we were doing. right there in game two and could not pull There weren’t extra distracit off. It would have been a lot different tions. I learned how to take if we could have won game two. Looking Tribune News Service care of my mind more than back at the end of the season we knew anything. Also, just more The St. Louis Cardinals’ Paul DeJong runs the bases after hitting what we had to accomplish. We saw where a solo home run in the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at experience on the field and the end was and what our goals were. I learning about yourself helps Wrigley Field in Chicago in 2019. thought it was a great job by our team to me make it what I want movwin that many games and get in. We all ing forward. All these things JS: What was the biggest thing you learned showed something deep in ourselves, that I went through makes me want to pursue my during 2020? we were able to overcome adversity. I think greater excellence. I also didn’t want to comPD: I think it all taught us something indiwe all showed something deep in ourselves pare myself to others with my performance. It vidually in our habits. We had less time on the to overcome adversity with mind over matter. is all about being the best me moving forward. field so we had to figure out what we had to do We were all feeling something at the end. We That will take some building up and some to be able to play. We all learned how to take developed that on-field switch. With limited meditation to achieve this. care of ourselves and take care. On the field practice time we weren’t able to practice JS: How do you feel physically after the it will always be baseball. But off the field we as much. We had to develop our own switch shortened season? all have to learn to take care of ourselves. I got when it was game time. PD: I still feel good. I don’t feel the normal more of a perspective on baseball in general.
SPORTS IN BRIEF Former Redbird Taylor Lynch transfers to Mercer
Former Illinois State University sophomore volleyball player Taylor Lynch has transferred to Mercer University, after leaving ISU in mid-September. This marks the only transfer for the volleyball team through the fall semester. Lynch said in an Instagram post, “Excited to continue my education and volleyball career at Mercer Taylor University!” Lynch The outside-hitting Lynch finished sixth on the Redbirds with 119 kills throughout the 2019 season, playing in 70 sets throughout 23 matches. Lynch added 34 digs and 40 blocks to her redshirt freshman season. She had
a season high of 16 kills against rival Bradley University on Oct. 4, 2019.
MBB puts non-conference schedule in motion
Illinois State University men’s basketball is among several teams rumored to participate in the Elevate Hoops Multi-Team Event (MTE) in Lincoln, Nebraska. The MTE field will consist of fellow Missouri Valley Conference foe Northern Iowa University, along with University of Nebraska, Louisiana
State, Cleveland State, University of Nevada, University of San Francisco, West Kentucky University and Colorado State. The Redbirds recently set a conference schedule for the 2020-21 season that kicks off against Evansville on Dec. 30 in Evansville, Indiana. The team has its first official practice of the 2020-21 season at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
NDSU’s Trey Lance declares for NFL Draft Junior quarterback Trey Lance of the North Dakota State Bison has
CLASSIFIEDS
end-of-the-season tiredness. I have a lot of new ideas on taking care of my body and working on strength and mobility. I want to pursue my strength and mobility goals just because I have a lot of extra energy. There are a lot of daily things that won’t tire me out. I began to figure out how to help my body. I did a lot more frequent exercise. I am going to take less of breaks and not doing anything because I don’t feel tired yet. I’ll work on strength and mobility through November and December. JS: What are your plans for training this off-season? PD: I heard some guys talking about how Max Scherzer was going to go home and throw 50 innings. You never know what some of these pitchers might do. Like, guys like Ryan Helsley was getting ready to be a starter but only threw 12 innings with everything going on, he probably threw more than that in spring training. All these guys have a lot of work left in their arms. JS: What was the hardest part of the season? PD: The stop and start were the hardest part. I was really pleased with how I responded during the first break in April. When things got hard, I became more desperate for results and I wasn’t able to be the best player I could be. With a short season you start thinking I could do this and this but I learned I need to be patient and let the results show. Compiled by JAKE SERMERSHEIM | Vidette Sports Editor
declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. By making this decision, the projected first-round pick will be missing the spring Missouri Valley Football Conference season and leaving NDSU. On Saturday, the Bison defeated Central Arkansas 39-28 in NDSU’s lone game of the fall semester. Lance accounted for four total touchdowns, two through the air and two on the ground. The dual-threat quarterback has been on people’s radar after a stellar sophomore season that cumulated in an FCS National Championship. Lance threw for 2,786 yards last season and found the end zone 28 times.
Lance threw his first interception as a Bison on Saturday. As a rusher, Lance ran for 1,325 yards and scored 18 touchdowns during his time in Fargo, North Dakota. Many NFL scouts currently have Lance in the top 10 of their mock drafts, alongside Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields. Lance follows in the footsteps of former Bison and current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, who was selected as the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Wentz going No. 2 makes him the highest selection ever for an FCS player.
Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
SUBLEASE
HELP WANTED
Subleases available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600 Need an apartment for immediate move-in? 3 and 4 bedrooms and roommate matching available! www. sami.com (309) 888-4600
Shannon’s Five Star restaurant 1305 S. Mercer Ave in Bloomington is looking for servers to join our team. Availability must include evenings and weekends. Apply in person. Immediate positions available.
Interested in joining the AVANTI’S FAMILY of dedicated associates? To View Available Positions & Apply Online Visit: AVANTISNORMAL.COM/EMPLOYMENT. HTM OR INDEED.COM $11.00 or Higher Starting Wage Based on Experience and References
SERVICES Are you To-Done with It? If you, a loved one, or a friend have unwanted or unused items that you would like to have picked up for donation or purchased for a fair price, please contact Susan @ (309)531-8184 via text or call.
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020
Sports
Fab Five
Proctor can fill hole left by Robinson
Senior class looks to lead volleyball to three-peat
MY VIEW ZACH STANGEL | Sports Reporter
A
MATT PETROVITCH Sports Reporter | @matt_petrovitch
B
uilding dynasties and defining legacies on back-to-back championships leads the Illinois State University volleyball team into the spring looking for ring number three. Heading the title holders is a group of five seniors, who are joined by a common goal of winning and friendships that have turned into a family dynamic. This includes Kaylee Martin, Stef Jankiewicz, Sydney Holt, Kendal Meier and Alyssa Kronberg. Since the 2018-2019 season, Illinois State volleyball has held a record of 47-20. In this time, they have six top-25 ranked team wins heading into the spring season of 2020-2021. Quite an accomplishment some would say, but there is always room for improvement, and to continue to win is the motivating factor for these seniors. Holt touts that the program has improved and continues to build its resume as an underdog. “Us girls, we talk about our top 25 wins. We enjoy taking those games and having upset victories,” Holt said. “We have been making a name for ourselves here at Redbird volleyball and we will continue to leave our legacy.” Anticipation for the upcoming spring season could not be higher with a third championship within grasp, and for these seniors, going out on top is their only option. “My sophomore year, when we won, it was a different dynamic because we were still learning from the other girls. The changes of attitudes across the program, everybody was in on every day. Working hard and not giving up. That was really rewarding for us,” Meier said. “Now as seniors and leaders we have grown and embraced the hard work. To have two rings with our coach only being here for four years with a class that was not her recruiting class shows how great of dedication she has to us and trust we have in her.” This group of seniors has something that runs deeper than just being teammates. Joining this squad means joining a family, as they come together and talk about what is on their mind. That is what the seniors do and more importantly, that is what this team is about. “Winning championships for the people next to you is the motivating factor,” Kronberg said. Wanting to be the best version of yourself on and off the court contributes to our winning ways and it will continue to show.” These seniors do not accomplish those tasks alone. Since their season was pushed back to spring, they have leaned on each other more for support and have found themselves as more than athletes, but as women empowering women. Head coach Leah Johnson put into words how her team is coming together in uncertain times.
Illinois State University Athletics
From bottom left clockwise: Kendal Meier, Stef Jankiewicz, Sydney Holt, Kaylee Martin and Alyssa Kronberg pose for a photo. These five seniors make up a core that is attempting to three-peat as Missouri Valley Conference champions. “We work for relationships with each other and allow the girls to be themselves and that is what a family does,” Johnson said. “We continue to help empower and to become the best versions of ourselves each day. Our girls know and trust that they can present anything to us, and we will be there to help.” Being a part of the Redbird culture has shaped and changed these seniors’ lives in ways only they could understand, but how they want to be remembered is something we all may admire. For three of the five seniors, they have been together since freshman year, but for Kronberg and Martin, the road to Illinois State started at different universities. From starting out there, it was a telling sign they needed to find their new home. Kronberg spent a year at Memphis before deciding to transfer to Illinois State and she says it was the best decision she has made for herself. “At Memphis, there were a lot of things that went wrong, and I truly did not enjoy it,” Kronberg said. “When I came to Illinois State and met everyone I instantly felt more at home and being a part of the Redbird culture was the next step for me.” Martin had a similar experience at Northern
Illinois University. “I never felt at home with NIU. It was not the place for me and that was OK. Illinois State from the start felt like home even before stepping on the court, I knew it was the right fit.” Since being together from their sophomore year and now into their senior season, a collective goal is on their mind of leaving a legacy for the underclassmen to follow themselves. Johnson understands the culture that has been built for Illinois State volleyball over the past two seasons of their winning ways and believes that her seniors are leaving a lasting impact. “It is an investment that they are making,” Johnson said. “As a program we provide the platform, but they are taking the time to do the hard work and tackling each challenge that is in front of them.” The Fab Five of ISU has taken their studentathlete careers very seriously and there is only one thing on their minds now. Will spring season mean ring season? Jankiewicz put it simply for herself and teammates. “A third ring looks great on the hand and good in your heart.”
Redbird football kicks off fall scrimmages JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim
ABOVE: ISU head coach Brock Spack talks to the Redbirds after practice. RIGHT: Redshirt sophomore Taylor Grimes making an over the shoulder catch against safety Clayton Isbell. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALEX GANT | PHOTO EDITOR | @alexgant16
After practicing for nearly a month, Illinois State University’s football players finally had the chance to take on some real competition: themselves. On Saturday, ISU began the first of three intrasquad scrimmages that wrap up on Oct. 24. Wide receiver play was on display as Taylor Grimes and Austin Nagel reeled in three catches and totaled over 40 yards. Senior quarterback Brady Davis also threw for 112 yards on 8-of-17 throwing with an interception to Charles Woods. Fall practice will wrap up for the Redbirds on Oct. 24.
fter a long wait, Illinois State University football is back. Practice has started up and one key piece is missing: James Robinson. Robinson is now the starting running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he has gotten off to a hot start. He is second in the NFL in rushing yards and averaging 4.9 yards per carry. The question that everyone is asking is who is there to replace him? The player looking to take advantage of his expanded role is Jeff Proctor. I believe that Proctor will do enough for this team. He is an explosive player who will make highlight plays. But, he will not be able to put up the numbers that Robinson did. In his senior season, Robinson ran for 1,899 yards and averaged 126.6 yards per game. It is unfair to hold Proctor to these standards as he is replacing one of the best ISU players of all time, but he can impact the game in a different way than Robinson. Robinson never really made an impact in the passing game, which is something that Proctor can do. In the 2019 season, Robinson only had 16 catches while in 11 games as Robinson’s backup, Proctor had five catches for 61 yards. Over a full healthy season and being the primary back, Proctor’s numbers will skyrocket. Proctor will help out returning quarterback Brady Davis in the passing game. It is nice to have someone who you can rely on catching passes out of the backfield. ISU relied heavily on Robinson. This season, they will have a more balanced attack and can rely on Proctor to maintain success on the ground and in the passing game. Proctor is not going to be putting up the numbers that Robinson did. Robinson is second in ISU history in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, all-purpose yards and total touchdowns. Asking Proctor to put up those kinds of statistics is unrealistic. Proctor has his own unique skill set to make this team fun and exciting. With Davis getting hurt, the ISU passing game really suffered. In the FCS championship game ISU threw for just 38 yards. With ISU getting healthy for this 2020 season, they do not need Proctor to average 130 yards per game, but they do need the explosive plays. Last season, ISU ranked last in the MVC in pass offense, something that Proctor can help with his pass catching ability. They also were bottom half of the conference in total offense on the season. ISU is going to need Proctor to help them with the home-run hitting plays if this offense wants to improve for next season. Going into the past three seasons ISU knew who was going to help carry the offense. With Robinson gone, look for Proctor to be the star of the show. ZACH STANGEL is a Sports Reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at zstange@ilstu.edu Follow him on Twitter at @StangelZach.