2 12 18

V

SPORTS 8

REBIRDS FEEL CRUSADE AFTER 74-58 LOSS TO VALPO

NEWS 3

ISU CONFIDENT ENROLLMENT NUMBERS WILL STAY STRONG FEATURES 6

ATHLETICS EXPLAIN LACK OF MEN’S VOLLEYBALL VIEWPOINT/TURNER 4

SHOW SUPPORT FOR BLACK HISTORY ALL YEAR

THE VIDETTE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018

videtteonline.com

Vol. 130 / No. 40

Progressive Insurance CEO among those speaking at Business Week Annual event will focus on diversity, post-grad beginning Feb. 19

Gyros on the go The Rock Restaurant introduces delivery service option

ANDREW DOUGHERTY Political Reporter | @addough

TIFFANY MORRISON News Reporter | @MorrisonTiffany

T

ricia Griffith, president and chief executive officer of Progressive Insurance, will be one of several keynote speakers during Illinois State University’s 2018 Business Week beginning Feb. 19.

Griffith will be speaking about her leadership perspective on both a personal level and in business on Feb. 22.

Business Week, taking place until Feb. 23, offers students an opportunity to interact with alumni, employers and industry leaders. The event is free and open to the public.

“We annually try to bring in CEOs and CFOs and other people in higher ranks in industry to talk about careers and professional development. In 2015 the CFO of Chipotle gave a talk to business students, so we try to bring in big name companies,” Steve Vandiver, executive director of marketing and communication for the College of Business, said.

“In past years we’ve had companies that are very large and well known in their respective industry, as well as those that aren’t household names such as Chipotle and Progressive Insurance,” he added.

The week kicks off with the Professional Development Dinner from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Uptown Normal. Marlene Dietz, Illinois State University’s first lady and the owner and president of Dynamic Leadership Development, will be the keynote speaker.

Business professional attire is recommended, and attendees can register at IllinoisState.Edu/BusinessWeek.

After seeing the need for team building, communication and facilitation in nonprofit companies, Dietz started a business called Dynamic Leadership Development in 2002.

This allowed her to continue working with government agencies on a contract basis, while also allowing her to do nonprofit work.

Business, and a networking event will follow at 8 p.m.

One local restaurant is now bringing its food right to customers’ doorsteps with a new delivery service.

The Rock Restaurant, located at 203 W. North St., announced on Jan. 26 it will be partnering with Mr. Delivery to provide a delivery option to customers.

In celebration of the new service, the restaurant gave out $10 gift cards to three individuals who guessed the Tiffany Morrison | Photographer delivery sur- The Rock Restaurant serves prise on its Mediterranean cuisine such social media as gyros and falafel. pages.

“Once we expanded the kitchen, we had more room to cook and prepare, so we thought it was the perfect time to add the delivery addition,” owner Said Saliba said.

Customers have easy access to the service, as they can find it on The Rock Restaurant’s website, Mr. Delivery’s website or the app.

Customers can also call the restaurant and order over the phone.

“It’s been phenomenal and it’s so easy,” Saliba said. “We get the ticket, get it ready and tell them how long it’s going to take and then they pick it up, simple as that.”

Saliba was searching for a platform to use for a delivery service as he felt the restaurant was too busy to provide one itself. In looking, he found Mr. Delivery and after further research on the company, he quickly signed a deal to collaborate.

see BUSINESS page 2

see RESTAURANT page 3

Photo courtesy Progessive Insurance

ISU alumna Tricia Griffith, who is the president and chief executive officer of Progressive Insurance, was named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” by Fortune Magazine in 2016. She will hold her Business Week address on Feb. 22.

Students will be able to participate in Transition Seminars on Feb. 20. There will be two one-hour sessions beginning at 6 p.m. in various rooms in the State Farm Hall of

ISU works with partner to increase international enrollment numbers MIKE SMITH News Reporter | @Agora_180

V

I

llinois State University is working to bring more international students to campus through a new partnership.

The university will partner with INTO University Partnerships, an independent organization that gives international students an opportunity for higher learning and expand the global reach of any university they work with. Since 2005, the

organization has worked to build a foundation upon which international students can thrive on campus.

The partnership will aim to increase international enrollment on campus and to increase opportunities for those that enroll to succeed once they are here.

However, the concept of bringing more students from abroad to ISU is

nothing new. In fact, the partnership is just a small part of a larger goal.

Media Relations Director Eric Jome said international students currently make up around 2 percent of the overall student population. He said the plan is to increase that to 10 percent over the next decade. see INTERNATIONAL page 3

Join the Vidette, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Omega Phi Beta as we come together to make Valentine's Day cards for kids in Advocate BroMenn Medical Center be hung all over the children's floor

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BUSINESS continued from page 1

Transition topics will include: Embracing Global Citizenship (SFHB 148), Pursue Your Passion (SFHB 149), Advice You Can Bank On (SFHB 150), Work Hard, Play Hard (SFHB 354), Refining the Limits (SFHB 355) and Building Your Brand (SFHB 367).

Business casual or casual attire is recommended, and registration is required.

The International Business Showcase will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 in the SFHB Room 357. Michelle Kurtz, the North American Contract Manufacturing Site Planner for Bayer Crop Science and an ISU alumna, will be the keynote speaker.

In her current position, she works to align operations and demand planning to provide an uninterrupted flow of imported materials to meet production schedules by managing both transportation and customs compliance.

Business casual or casual attire is recommended. No registration is needed to attend this event.

Each year, successful alums, who range from senior-level executives in top corporations around the world to entrepreneurs, are inducted into the College of Business Hall of Fame. This year’s event will begin 3:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Center for the Performing Arts.

The class of 2017-2018 inductees includes: Chairman/CEO of

Magnetic Corey Ferengul (1993), Senior Vice President/Head of Global Total Rewards of TorontoDominion Bank Jeff Wilson (1988), RSM Partner Zack Fortsch (1983), Founder/CEO of Red Frog Events Joe Reynolds (2003), Principal/ Certified Public Accountant of Kennsington Realty Advisors Inc. Kelley Smith (1981) and Executive Vice President of Human Resources for the Denver Broncos Football Club Nancy Svoboda (1986).

Business casual or casual attire is recommended. No registration is needed to attend this event. The keynote speaker will be Griffith.

An alumna of ISU, Griffith was appointed president and CEO to the Board of Directors of the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies in July 2016. The same year, she was named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” by Fortune Magazine.

“Having her come during Business Week was perfect timing for both her schedule and ours. How often do you get to be in the same room and listen to a person who runs a major worldwide company?” he said.

Vandiver continued to say students should attend because Griffith has an incredibly large amount of experience and connections in her industry.

“Think of all of the people she has met and the business scenarios she has had to deal with. You don’t get that kind of exposure every

The Vidette The Vidette is published Monday and Thursday every week, except for final examinations, holidays, and semester breaks.

The 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.

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day,” he said.

“Having someone of that magnitude here on campus and the opportunity this presents, I would think that anyone in business would want to hear this person talk. It’s a no-brainer if you are a business student to come and listen to her speak,” he added.

Business Week will conclude with Inspire: A Discussion of Diversity from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 23 in various rooms in the SFHB. Topics will cover race, ethnicity and gender. Business casual attire is recommended, and registration is required.

The keynote speaker will be Anise Wiley-Little, who is the chief human capital and diversity officer of the Kellogg School of

Management at Northwestern University. She has provided strategic counsel to Fortune 100 organizations and nonprofits, and she has written and spoken on the topics of human resources, diversity and work life.

To end the conference, cast members from “She Kills Monsters” will perform a 30-minute scene from the play from 1:30 to 2 p.m. in the Caterpillar Auditorium.

Vandiver said the events held during Business Week are created by student organizations in the College of Business, which their peers might find important.

“If a student can come for even one day, they’ll walk out with a lot of knowledge they will be able to use in their future careers,” he said.

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy award grants Y.E.P student members give $10,000 to community organizations STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ News Editor | @StephanieRoddd

grants will be partially funded,” Nash Castillo said.

“It’s really an amazing process and they spend grueling hours and hours going through all of these grants, reading everything, making sure they meet our criteria and deciding how to award them.”

Y.E.P members submit recommendations to the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation Board of Directors and Nash Castillo said they have always unanimously approved Y.E.P’s recommendations.

Students apart of the program feel it gives them a real-world look into philanthropy.

“I heard about it from a couple of other friends who had participated in it before and they told me that it taught them a lot about endowments and philanthropy in general,” Normal Community junior and Y.E.P member Kavya Sudhir said.

“I have learned a lot of new economic terms and about the grant process and what philanthropy really is.”

Approved organizations get the grant money allocated to them in January with the February awards ceremony wrapping up the process.

The Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (Y.E.P) program has awarded grants to seven different community organizations focused on helping aid the future leaders.

Y.E.P held their award ceremony Sunday at University Galleries, presenting awards to 100 Black Men, the Child Protection Network, Fostering Dignity, Illinois Heart and Lung, Max’s Miles, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Regional Alternative School.

Students apart of Y.E.P spend time researching these nonprofits to make recommendations about who should receive money.

“The Youth Engaged in Philanthropy, each year, have received an anonymous $10,000 grant,” Y.E.P mentor Bobby Nash Castillo said.

“Today we recognized those nonprofit organizations who wrote grants by youths, for youths, which the youth of Y.E.P decided to allocate that $100,00 towards. So they Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor broke up the money and were able to award Y.E.P Mentor Bobby Nash Castillo (right) speaks to high school students apart of the Y.E.P program it to a number of organizations this year.” about the work he does with nonprofit radio station WGLT during Y.E.P’s award ceremony.

Nash Castillo said 19 organizations Stephanie Rodriguez is a senior broadcast applied this year and, throughout the five journalism major and News Editor at The nonprofits applying for the grants and stu- individually and then they review the grants years of Y.E.P’s existence, they’ve granted out dents beginning the review process.

Vidette.

She can be reached at vidette_srotogether as a group. They go through and $50,000. dri7@ilstu.edu.

Follow her on Twitter “[Y.E.P students] read the grants decide how to allocate the money. Sometimes The grant cycle opens in October with @StephanieRoddd.

Illinois universities losing students to other states ANDREW DOUGHERTY Political Reporter | @addough

Public universities in Illinois are struggling with enrollment rates as 46 percent of high school graduates in 2016 chose to go to colleges outside of Illinois, which has higher education officials concerned.

Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Jana Albrecht explained that many aspects of Illinois State University make it a unique and inviting place for future Redbirds.

“We have had a strong and stable enrollment in the last five years, which has ranged from 20,000 to 21,000, but we do compete with schools out of state. At ISU, we try to give an individualistic experience for students coming to campus even if they plan on going to other places,” Albrecht said.

“Our university strives to have visiting students see how welcoming, friendly and community centered our campus really is.

We present to them what ISU has to offer, and I think they get a sense of that when they do come. When students do visit, we always talk about our faculty and how they are active, engaged and like to do research with undergraduate students,” she added.

When comparing statistics about retention and graduation rates, ISU compares favorably to many other colleges and universities across the country.

INTERNATIONAL continued from page 1

Jome believes international enrollment is low due to the school’s reliance on sticking with what works.

“Traditionally, that’s been around what we have had for a couple years,” Jome said. “That number fluctuates from two to three percent.

It’s been a solid, consistent number, and [international] students have a very good experience.

So, in a way, we don’t see that as a problem.”

The partnership will extend the reach of the university across the world, which is an opportunity that Jome says the school will use.

ISU’s retention rate remains at over 80 percent, and its graduation rate is 68.8 percent, 23 percent above the national average, according to ISU’s Points of Pride.

Albrecht continued to say ISU is very well known for many of its programs and the university is a top choice for any student who wants to become a teacher or nurse.

“ISU does a lot of things very well, but I think that we stand out for families because we do retain our students and graduate them. We also have excellent options for career choices when they do graduate,” she said.

ISU President Larry Dietz stated the school has fared well because “we have a strong brand, our academic programs are strong.”

“Strong retention, graduation and loan repayment rates also help reassure parents and students about investing in ISU,” Dietz stated.

State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and state Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) have introduced legislation that calls for a comprehensive overhaul of higher education. It has prompted the creation of a bipartisan working group that has been holding meetings.

“Business as usual can’t go on in higher education,” Brady said.

Overall enrollment at Illinois’ public universities has been declining, down from 204,781 in fall 2009 to 169,569 in fall 2016. Enrollment has only been growing at four of the 12 public university campuses.

One factor that has been affecting enrollment rates is the dwindling number of 18-year-olds in the Midwest, with more students from underrepresented groups with historically lower college participation rates than the general population.

“Other than highlighting specific programs we offer, we also have a number of students that change majors during their time

“With this new partnership, one of the biggest advantages is that we will be able to tap into a much larger and deeper recruiting network for international students,” Jome said.

While the focus is on international students, Jome emphasized that efforts made with the partnership will not affect the number of local enrollment on campus.

“Even though we are looking to increase the number of international students, this is not taking anything from recruiting students from Illinois,” he said. “Nobody from Illinois is being displaced by this.”

“What we are looking to do is increase the number of international students and then, by

RESTAURANT continued from page 1

Prior to the public announcement, The Rock Restaurant test drove the process for two weeks.

“I’ve had so much fun already with it. I’ve already been getting comments online and people are loving it,” Saliba said.

“One complaint that customers would say is the lack of parking for the restaurant, and we think this will be a solution or other alternative for that.”

Mr. Delivery is an online ordering and food delivery service available in 20 cities across the United States.

Vidette Achieve Photo

Illinois public universities have seen a decrease in enrollment rates over the past few years with 46 percent of high school grads leaving the state in search of higher education in 2016.

at ISU and we have so many options for students to choose from,” Albrecht said.

“They’re also leaders in their field so no matter what program you choose you are going to get a great education with the outcome that you’ll find employment or go to graduate school.”

extension, increase diversity and the globalization of the education that we can offer,” Jome added.

Jome said that while international students enjoy the education programs, they enjoy the campus and community because of its size, available transportation networks and the proximity to other locations like Chicago is closer than other colleges.

ISU President Larry Dietz previously mentioned where the school stands on international enrollment and why it is significant to plan things ahead of time.

“The biggest initiative in that area is international students; only two percent of our students

According to its website, its “focus goes beyond food, partnering with local businesses, schools, groups and restaurants, bringing our customers the best experience possible.”

The Rock Restaurant originally opened in December 1999 in Normal in honor of Saliba’s father’s restaurant in Lebanon. His goal was to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to Normal. Menu options include gyros, falafels and garlic chicken.

The Rock Restaurant was originally located on Dale Street, but relocated in May 2011 to its current Uptown Normal location on North Street.

“We’re always looking to improve somehow or expand

come from another country,” Dietz said.

“Most institutions of our size are between 10 and 15 percent,” he said. “We’ll eventually get there, but one of the things I think is important is that we’ve been a pretty conservative, work-your-plan and plan-your-work kind of an institution. We don’t just bring in 1,000 new international students and see how it goes.

That’s a disservice to ourselves and would be a disservice to those students. We need to do it in a gradual kind of way, and we plan on increasing that number.”

ISU will also set up an international student center on campus in the future.

somehow,” Saliba said. “We always have deals and events that we’re constantly working on.”

Since the relocation, the restaurant has added more Mediterranean items such as hummus, grape leaves, spinach pie, baba ghanoush as well as specialty desserts.

Due to the customer traffic the restaurant receives, it also expanded its dining area in Dec. 2014 for “a more comfortable environment for one to enjoy,” according to its website.

The Rock Restaurant’s mission, according to its website, is “always to serve the best sandwich in town with friendly service at a fair price.”

Viewpoint

PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

VIDETTE EDITORIAL

W

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018

Protect our women

omen are the backbone of our society: always the first to address you, the first to protect you and the first to feed you.

Without women, we would not exist. This is the truth society chooses to ignore so blatantly.

“Ignore” is the word we use due to the lack of value we see surrounding the lives of women. Over time, women have been taught to be careful out alone, never dress promiscuously and be wary of anything that goes bump in the night. The whole upbringing of women has been centered around the idea that no stranger could be trusted.

But what happens when statistics start pointing toward the people you know?

Recently, domestic violence deaths have been brought to our attention more and more. This does not mean they are actually becoming more frequent, just that the cases are getting more attention from social media and the news than ever before.

Many want to see domestic violence as the exception to the rule, something that rarely happens. But that’s just not the case. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. With that, it is noted that 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

The question begins to surface about whether women need to be worried about their safety solely on the fact that they are women. According to a Twitter poll, out of 38 total votes, 63 percent of participants said they do fear for their life solely based on their gender.

One thing to keep in mind is that we get no context behind any individual’s vote nor do we know if all the voters were just women.

But even with these factors considered, let us acknowledge that hearing from women is a great start in protecting them. Many times, women are left out of the discussions that not only pertain to them, but greatly affect their lives.

In addition to those discussions, be aware of what you can do in the moment. Know the signs of domestic violence and understand it can happen to anyone. Red flags of an abuser may be exhibited at any point in a relationship. Some signs can manifest as an abuser becoming jealous of the time you spend with others, an abuser embarrassing or shaming the victim and an abuser threatening violence against the victim or people they love, according to Domestic Shelters.

As difficult of a conversation as it can be, do not ignore anything that rises suspicion from you. With the climate of today’s society, we need to have women’s backs more than ever.

Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director

EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by LEXI ABHSIE, 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.

Show your support for Black History Month MY VIEW KAMARA TURNER | Columnist

F

ebruary is Black History Month, and not only is this month filled with so much culture and pride, but it is also full of opportunities for black people to show off their skills, talents and hobbies.

Many people may think there is no way to show their appreciation for Black History Month, however, there are many ways to show support for it.

Before supporting, it is important to know the history of Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, which originally began as Negro History Week in 1926. It was founded by Carter G.

Woodson, a black Harvard-trained historian. of course, there have been several objections to Black History Month, stating that it is unfair to devote a whole month to one racial group.

However, it is important to remember that black history is a part of American history. African-Americans have made a big impact on this country.

Despite the objections, there are several ways to support black people during February and months to come.

One of the most entertaining and educational ways to celebrate Black History Month is to visit a civil rights museum. Although there isn’t one in Normal, the DuSable Museum of African American History is a popular one near Chicago. By going to a museum, not only are you learning about important history throughout the United States, but you are also supporting the people who focus on the upkeep of museums so future generations can learn.

Museums are full of art, but you can also support black artists. No matter what kind of art you prefer, there are black artists everywhere that you will enjoy. There are especially so many artists at Illinois State University and the art varies – from singers, writers, painters, photographers and more. Art has the power to provoke a multitude of emotions that you can keep with you forever. Many black artists’ pieces go underappreciated, but buying their art can make sure they are getting the exposure they deserve.

There are also many black business owners that help manage these artists and their work. There is also an app that helps people find black-owned businesses called The Official Black Wall Street. Blackowned business help serve underrepresented communities by selling products that appeal to the black community.

Food is a big staple of the black community and something we

take pride in. Soul food is the most popular kind of food in the black community. Soul food is a great way to gather friends and family together and fellowship with one another.

Support black-owned restaurants or try out some homemade soul food recipes.

There is still so much to learn about black history. Talking with friends about black history can be a great way to be more educated, especially from older folks who have lived through segregation and have seen a lot more than we have.

Black history should be taught year-round, but Black History Month is a great way to catch up on knowledge and support African-Americans everywhere.

KAMARA TURNER is a mass media major and a columnist for The Vidette. Any questions or comments regarding her column can be sent to katurne3@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter @kvmara.

DEAR CUPID

To meet or not to meet?

LEXI ABHSIE | Columnist

Dear Cupid, Recently I have been talking to someone on Tinder, and he wants to meet up in person. I am nervous to do this for obvious reasons because I do not really know who this person is.

The plan is to go somewhere public during the day. All my friends say I should go and that I have nothing to lose, but I still have some reservations on if I should go and if I even have room for a relationship in my life right now. What should I do?

Almost Tinder Date

Dear Cupid questions can be submitted at https://t.co/ yL4vYT9ZD8.

Dear Almost Tinder Date, What could you lose from going on this date? Yes, it is scary to meet up

MY VIEW

with a stranger, but hey, this could potentially be the love of your life.

The great thing is you already planned it for somewhere public. This will help ensure your safety. If you want to feel more secure, you can screenshot their profile and send it your friends, share your location indefinitely with your friends before going on the date and internet creep on them beforehand to see if you could see yourself with this person.

Cupid Dear Cupid, How do you get a guy’s attention in a small amount of time?

Ready to Impress

Dear Ready to Impress, As generic as it sounds, the best way to do it is to just be yourself.

As young as we are, confidence is sometimes hard to find. We struggle with how we look, how we dress, how we act and every other detail about ourselves.

The wonderful, amazing, TRULY FANTASTIC thing is that you are special. Even with not knowing you, I already know this. So, be yourself and the right guy will be beyond attracted to you in no amount of time. When that happens, remember Cupid because I want an invite to that wedding.

Cupid

ONLINE POLL

?

How are you celebrating Black History Month?

Cast your vote at Videtteonline. com or by using The Vidette mobile app

EDITORIAL BOARD EMA SASIC Editor-in-Chief | @ema_sasic KEVIN SCHWALLER News Editor | @kevschwa KAYLA JANE JEFFERS Columnist | @KJJeffers KAMARA TURNER Columnist | @kvmara LEXI ABHSIE Columnist | @labhsie

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018

ISU to develop mass spectrometer with $300,000 grant MASON MCCOY Night Editor and Senior News Reporter @Real_McCoy18

team has received for their project.

The first of these grants was used to explore the possible use of the mass spectrometer by law enforcement ew research continues to take agencies for forensic purposes. place at Illinois State UniverThe team anticipates a two-tiered sity with $300,000 from the device will be ready for deployment National Institute of Justice being in a few years. granted to aid in the development of a “A two-tiered test uses two different mass spectrometer. methodologies to examine the same The desktop-printer-sized device is substance,” Mulligan said in a statebeing developed to aid in the identifiment. “This ensures there are checks cation of illicit drugs and substances and balances, and we hope this will by law enforcement. yield court admissible evidence for The team of researchers working to police officers who would use the develop the machine includes Jeremy system under development.”

Driskell, Jun-Hyun Kim and ChristoAfter it was determined useful, the pher Mulligan from the Department of second grant sought to determine if Chemistry; with Jamie Wieland from the use of the machine was cost effecthe Department of Management and tive and if the evidence gathered was Quantitative Methods. legally admissible. Michael Gizzi of the Kim, the research team member Department of Criminal Justice was responsible for designing methods to brought in to assist with the second efficiently analyze large surface areas grant-sponsored project. for illicit drugs, discussed the main Kim speaks for his team when he goals of the project. says that applying for grants is far “The main idea of this project is from over. developing a device to examine both “We will seek more grants to further Courtesy News.IllinoisState improve the accuracy and precision, as bulk and trace amounts of drug molecules,” Kim said. He went on to say that The portable mass spectrometer can analyze a substance onsite, making it useful for law enforcement to well as reliability, of our technique for the mass spectrometer “will allow for quickly examine samples of potentially illegal drugs at crime scenes. on-site applications (e.g., law enforceselective detection and accurate idenment, forensic investigation, drug addition to the normal functionality of the in the hopes of making it more reliable on tification of the desired target compound trafficking),” Kim said. machine, the researchers will be adding site. in mixed samples”.

On-site analysis of illicit drugs will Raman spectrometry testing to the device This newest grant is one of three the The $300,000 was granted to the team likely be a much simpler ordeal with law to assist them in the further development enforcement’s use of Kim and his team’s “The main idea of this project is developing a device to examine mass spectrometer. of the mass spectrometer, with plans for including a second tier of testing. In both bulk and trace amounts of drug molecules”

N

Jun-Hyun Kim, research team member

ISU mock trial team to compete in Iowa regional tournament HANNAH ZETTL News Reporter | @HannahZettl

Illinois State University’s Department of Politics and Government mock trial team is set to compete in the American Mock Trial Regional Tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Preparation begins for the upcoming competition following members of the organization taking home seventh place out of 53 teams present at the National Invitational Tournament. This was the 30th year of the tournament and was hosted by Loras College in late January.

The ISU group is split into two teams this season, Squad 1123 and Squad 1124. The first group secured a record of 6-2, and is staffed by A.J. Blodgett, Kelly Franklin, Tara Klein, Myles McLean, Michael Sheldon and Ann Stranges. Squad 1124 members include Lilian Alexandrova, C.J. DeButch, Nick Gab, Ethan Lyons, Tameka Newman and Olivia Smallwood, who hold a record of 3-5.

The mock trial team is coached by Department of Politics and Government professors Scott Kording, Josh Rinker and Thomas McClure, whose students find their direction fundamental when heading into tournaments.

“We really wouldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for [our coaches’] commitment to making us the best team that we can be,” political science student and member of Squad 1123 Tara Klein said. “I’m really looking forward to going to regionals, and knowing that no matter what happens, we will have done our absolute best because of the support we’ve had along the way.”

At these competitions, mock trial members develop analytical thinking skills, improve their oral communication, and learn how to think fast the way they will need to if they become litigation attorneys in the future.

One student who exemplified these skills at the January tournament was ISU senior Myles McLean, who was named one of 10 outstanding attorneys for his role defending a client accused of attempted murder.

Other teams who competed in the National Invitational Tournament included first place winner Cornell College, DePaul University, University of Iowa, Loyola University, Wheaton College, Hamline University, Morningside University and Carleton College.

The Redbird intercollegiate mock trial program was founded by professor Thomas Eimermann and attorney-judge James Knecht in 1987. Since then, it has developed a $1,000 scholarship related to the program, and is associated with the nationally recognized American Mock Trial Association.

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Features

PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018

Digging for answers

New month, new wave of Netflix movies

Why does ISU not offer men’s volleyball?

JONATHAN BARLAS Feature and Sports Reporter | @janvesleybarlas

A

question that has unconsciously plagued the minds of students around campus is the subtle yet surprising realization that ISU lacks a men’s volleyball team.

Yes, that is written correctly. Illinois State, one of the largest public universities in the state of Illinois, does not offer any sort of intercollegiate men’s volleyball team.

Often regarded as “nontraditional,” some universities see men’s volleyball as a luxury or even a hassle to construct. But as a university that houses over 20,000 students one can only wonder why a school as popular as Illinois State would not offer a male counterpart to a female-dominated sport?

By noticing trends within the high school realm of volleyball, the sport is unanimously offered throughout Illinois’ school system.

The Illinois High School Association offers over a total of 20 divisions at four different class levels, stretching from the northern suburbs of Chicago to as far as the St. Louis area.

While prominent in almost every public high school in Illinois, competition only heightens when it comes to private-Catholic institutions. Schools such as Marist and Brother Rice in West Chicago have consistently proven to be breeding grounds for Division 1 talent. The same goes for private (and/or Catholic) universities, headlining men’s volleyball as a sport their school proudly associates with.

As talent is noticed early on, sometimes that next level is often cut from a university’s budget. While other Midwestern state colleges such as Michigan State and Ohio State offer a men’s volleyball team, the schools’ budgets directly reflect the amount of sports a university can participate in.

ISU Director of Athletics Larry Lyons not only breaks down the budget implications that come with the creation of a new team, but discusses the different issues that could arise.

“You have to consider the cost. You’re go-

ing to have to consider what adding a sport university’s traditions can impact the way a does to [ISU’s] support services. You have to school will go about their goals. add a strength and conditioning coach, you “Loyola has traditionally had men’s volhave to add a trainer, you have to add more leyball and I’m not sure why they do, but it’s support in our study center ... Most people going to be specific to each individual instidon’t think about that second tution,” he said. “Traditionally, most schools level when it comes to [creating a have had a women’s volleyball program and team],” Lyons said.

I think it’s been a Midwestern Along with those sport for women that has always ramifications, the been very popular.” cost of hiring a When asked about the probcoaching staff, ability of a men’s volleyball recruitment team forming sometime officers, facilin the future, Lyons reity managetorted with the finishing ment and blow to the “nontraditional allocation of sport” of college athletics. scholarship funds “I think it would be highly (among the plethora unlikely,” Lyons said. of variables to create an intercolle“Going back to the giate sports team) are simply easier reasons of budgeting, said than done. gender-equity and Lyons has been a part of Illinois competition, all of State’s athletic departthose things play into ment for 30 years and has that discussion. But undoubtedly witnessed I’m not going to say countless Redbird tri‘no.’” umphs and tribulations.

As men’s volleyball While he remains hopepowerhouse Ohio ful for the sport to gain State comes off their more popularity, Lyons back-to-back nasubsequently asserts tional championship that men’s volleyball defense, volleyball lacks the perseverance to fans and players turn heads in the Missouri alike can now only Valley. wish for Illinois “I think in certain parts of State to feature the country [popularity] can a men’s team. certainly affect the sport. VolMaybe there will leyball is a really good example be a future where [because] there is no men’s a men’s team hosts volleyball in the Missouri Valley a Missouri Valley Conference, or any kind of conferConference Champience that we are contiguous with,” onship, but for now Lyons said. “Why would you have men’s we can only dream volleyball if you were to not compete for a of it. championship?”

Flynn Geraghty On top of the lack of competition Vidette Art Director or existence of men’s volleyball in the MVC, Lyons also explains that a

RACHEL SCHOLLMEIER Features Reporter | @r_schollmeier

With each new month, the popular streaming service Netflix releases new films and TV shows, but also takes away some fan favorites. February is the perfect month to waste away the wintry hours and fall in love with a new series or movie.

Take a look at this month’s arrivals and departures to mourn the loss of a bingewatchable series or perhaps to find some new titles to add to the “To Watch” list:

Returned Feb. 1: ‘Kill Bill’ Volumes 1 and 2 Starring Uma Thurman, these Tarantino thrillers are sure to keep hearts racing and blood pumping during the cold winter. Join The Bride as she seeks vengeance on a team of assassins and her former boss and lover, Bill.

“Ocean’s Eleven,’ ‘Ocean’s Twelve,’ ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’ With all three “Ocean’s” movies being added to Netflix, one should not have a shortage of thrilling crime movies to watch.

The all-female spin off “Ocean’s 8” hits theaters June of this year.

‘GoodFellas’ Put together by director Martin Scorsese, this classic tells the tale of mob life in New York City with a dynamite cast including Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci.

‘How The Beatles Changed The World’ This Netflix original documentary includes interviews and rare footage that reveals the story behind the Beatles, giving the viewer a better understanding of their social, cultural and musical impact.

Long-time Beatles fan and Heartland student Tony Sienzant said, “This is the best documentary on The Beatles I have ever seen.

It explains their importance and the cultural force they were...”

Full story online. videtteonline.com

‘I, Tonya’ puts spin on 1994 figure skating scandal RACHEL SCHOLLMEIER Features Reporter | @r_schollmeier

“There’s no such thing as truth.

Everyone has their own truth, and life just does whatever it wants.”

This stand-out line in “I, Tonya” captures the essence of the film as it dives into the background of Tonya Harding’s upbringing, offering a more sympathetic understanding of Harding’s side of the infamous figure skating scandal of 1994.

“I, Tonya” hit theREVIEW aters nationwide on Jan. 19.

The biopic focuses on the competitive ice skater Tonya Harding (played by Margot Robbie, who also co-produced the film) as she rises among the ranks in U.S. Figure Skating.

The film shows Harding’s world as she grows up and suffers from emotional and physical abuse from her overbearing mother (Allison Janney), while struggling to fit into the U.S. standard of beauty and wealth for figure skating.

Movie-goer and film enthusiast Donna Matias saw “I, Tonya” on its opening date.

"In this movie, she comes across as a broken child still trying to survive in a world that feels like it is against her,” Matias said. “Yes, she's rough around the edges, but after seeing where she came from,

you understand why. The acting in this movie is absolutely superb.”

The depiction of abuse in the film is crucial in portraying Harding’s character as someone more than just a tabloid scandal. It helps the viewer better understand the elements that lead to the incident.

After growing up around verbal and physical abuse, Harding was eventually able to forgive and accept it in her life. That said, the movie does not gloss over scenes of abuse. An especially difficult scene to watch is one in which her mother throws a glass at her, followed by a knife which pierces her arm.

The film keeps the viewer in suspense for the central event, which occurs when Harding’s abusive ex-husband (Sebastian Stan) conspires to injure her number one competitor Nancy Kerrigan.

However, the movie does not focus strictly on the negatives. The film also puts focus on Harding’s accomplishments as a skater, especially on the feat of being the first American woman to complete a triple axel.

Harding is a complex character whose motivation and ambition are better understood through experiencing a thorough look at the tragedy and challenges in her life — from childhood, to adoles-

cence, to adulthood.

In addition, the film takes a critical look into the role American beauty standards and classist views play on the fairness of skating competition.

Women’s studies ISU graduate Nicolle Littrell said, “I completely loved ‘I Tonya’ … It highlights Hollywood’s problem in dealing with women who do not fit the dominant beauty standard.”

A notable aspect about the film

is its effective use of interviewstyle storytelling, offering differing points of view on the drama that unfolds. Not only did this offer serious investigative moments, but it provides funny moments as well.

These recreated interviews are with those closest to Harding, including her mother, her skating coach, her ex-husband and her bodyguard (Paul Walter Hauser).

All in all, Robbie, Janney and Stan deliver unforgettable perfor-

mances, of which landed Robbie an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Overall, the movie is a 4.5 out of 5. In addition to the phenomenal acting, “I, Tonya” succeeds in challenging the viewer to question the meaning of truth and to look at Tonya Harding as a complex character and more than a tabloid scandal.

RATING: 4.5/5



Photo courtesy of NEON and 30WEST

THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018

Women’s hoops splits weekend MVC road games

Illinois State defeats SIU Friday night in offensive struggle, loses at Missouri State in Sunday matinee NICK LANDI & KADE HEATHER Sports Reporters

Looking to continue improving during a rebuilding season, Illinois State split two road games over the week in Missouri Valley Conference play.

Friday: Illinois State 39, Southern Illinois 36 Defense is what has kept the Illinois State women’s basketball team in most of its games this season.

As one may guess, it’s what gave the Redbirds their third-straight victory and a season sweep of Southern Illinois after defeating the Salukis 39-36 in Carbondale Friday night.

The Redbirds squeaked out a win after a fitting end to an ugly offensive game.

“I’m so disappointed with how we played, but I will take a win. We swept an opponent, we got a road win, ugly wins we’ll take, but we got to get better,” coach Kristen Gillespie said.

Megan Talbot extended ISU’s lead to 39-36 after hitting 1-of-2 free-throws with three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Salukis had one last chance to tie the game, but with ISU’s defensive interruption, SIU inbounded the ball to a player they did not want to.

Tiajaney Hawkins received the pass, dribbled once, picked up the ball, then dribbled again and heaved up a 3-pointer that did not count regardless, because she was called for a double-dribble as time expired.

SIU’s 36 points was the least ISU has allowed all season.

“We talk all the time, our offense is always a little hit or miss, but darn it, if they’re holding a pretty good team, third in our league, to 36 points, when they take twice as many shots as you did, I know that they (SIU) have to be sick looking at that stat sheet and shaking their head,” Gillespie said.

The Redbirds held SIU to just 23.3 percent shooting from the floor (14-for-60), and they outrebounded the Salukis 47-34.

The Redbirds committed a whopping 24 turnovers, including 11 steals by the Salukis.

Brittney Patrick accounted for six of those steals.

“I don’t know what team that was,” Gillespie said about her Redbirds.

Green led ISU with a game-high 12 points, eight rebounds and five blocks.

Livingston finished with four points, all from the free-throw line, and eight rebounds.

Her biggest rebound came on the offensive side after Green missed a jumper with 1:39 left in the game, because it caused ISU to run extra time off the clock.

This was the first three-game win streak

SOFTBALL

Natalie Stuckslager | Photo Editor

Illinois State head coach Kristen Gillespie led ISU to its first three game win streak since 2013 with a win Friday at Southern Illinois, which bumped SIU out of third place in the MVC. for ISU since 2013.

Sunday: Missouri State 75, Illinois State 58 Coming off a 39-point performance on Friday against Southern Illinois, Illinois State women’s basketball came into Sunday’s game against Missouri State looking to put that outing behind them.

Unfortunately for the Redbirds, their defense could not keep up with Missouri

State’s strong offense.

ISU fell to Missouri State 75-58 in Springfield, Missouri, ending its three-game winning streak. The 75 points the Bears scored were the most Illinois State (11-13, 5-8 MVC) has given up this season.

Full story online. videtteonline.com

some different things at the plate, and then we were able to string runs together in bulk.”

Great production from Allison Spence, who also put together a multi-hit and RBI effort provided just enough offense for Fink to hold off a furious comeback from the Panthers.

continued from page 8

The No. 2 Gators slugged their way past ISU, 9-0, as the Redbirds were shutout for the second time in three games.

The Redbirds only recorded one hit, which Game Five: No. 16 Michigan 6, ISU 1 came in the seventh inning from Riley A lack of offensive production against No. Strandgard, breaking up a perfect game.

16 Michigan would lead to a 6-1 loss for the “Opportunities have been there to score Redbirds in the weekend finale. early, and I think we just really need to get “I thought we had trouble getting started some of those runs early and keep the petal Melinda today and then got a bit better as the game to the metal,” Fischer said. “We’ve just been Fischer went on with better at-bats,” Fischer said. a bit inconsistent with the approach, and I “We had some situations where we couldn’t think if we correct that we will start to see come up with a big hit later in the game and overall, results.” it was a bit sloppy on both sides for both teams. It was Game Four: ISU 7, Georgia State 6 one of those games where whichever team stuck it The Redbirds finally shook off the early season out and gut it out was going to come up with the win. rust offensively, as their bats would come alive early- We saw some bright spots and we got some players on and never look back. In all, they would tally seven an opportunity to play, which is good for us moving forward.” runs in their win over Georgia State, 7-6.

One of those bright spots coach mentioned was the Led by Alyssa Wiebel, who went 2-3 including a HR, four RBI’s and even scored two runs for herself, at-bat Felde put together in the second inning with the Redbirds garnered the lead in the second inning the bases loaded.

Felde would work the count, then eventually draw thanks to a five-run burst. That push thrust them a walk which resulted in an RBI but also ended up forward and they never looked back.

“I really thought that what we weren’t able to do being the only run the Redbirds could salvage in this in our earlier games we were able to get done today,” game.

ISU heads to Arizona State next weekend to take Fischer said. “We were able to get some of our leadoff batters on base, so we had some opportunities to do part in the Arizona State Littlewood Classic.

CLASSIFIEDS

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Sports

PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018

REDBIRD RE PORT Men’s tennis secures pair of weekend victories The Redbirds defeated Belmont, 4-3, Sunday at the Bloomington Tennis Center behind victories from singles players Egehan Sertkaya and Igor Kolaric.

Coach says “What a battle we played today against a very good Belmont team...

“The guys competed so well.”

ISU men’s tennis coach Mark Klysner

“

Women’s tennis defeats NIU, 5-2 The Illinois State women’s tennis team defeated Northern Illinois 5-2 this afternoon, giving them an overall record of 4-1 so far this dual season.

Ali Rasper | Vidette photographer

Illinois State junior William Tinsley led the Redbirds with 13 points in a 74-58 defeat to Valparaiso Sunday afternoon in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Crusaders crush ISU ’Birds feel Fayne, Evans absence in 74-58 Valparaiso loss NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51

A

t halftime, it looked like the Illinois State men’s basketball team could escape with a win over Valparaiso Sunday afternoon.

Then the second half rolled around.

Valparaiso outscored the Redbirds by 14 points in the final 20 minutes, Bakari Evelyn poured in 22 points and the Crusaders defeated ISU, 74-58, before 3,330 at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Illinois State head coach Dan Muller said he was discouraged by the way his team competed.

“I’m really disappointed in the way we fought, competed and guarded,” Muller said. “It was reminiscent of some of our bad play previously in conference.”

Both teams struggled to protect the ball — ISU committed 18 turnovers to Valparaiso’s 15 — but the Crusaders capitalized more often, scoring 20 points on mistakes while the Redbirds managed just 10 points.

“We were back-and-forth, back-and-forth, then we forgot what color jersey we were wearing apparently because we kept throwing to them,”

Muller said.

The absence of Keyshawn Evans (knee) and Phil Fayne (ankle) proved to plague the Redbirds, who suffered multiple scoreless droughts in the second half.

William Tinsley’s success from Thursday night’s victory over Southern Illinois carried into the contest, as the Colfax native scored a team-high 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting (3-for-8 3-point).

“I’ve been working extremely hard throughout the season with Coach B (Brendan Mullins),” Tinsley said. “I know I am a good shooter and that I haven’t been consistent but I’ve been just working endless hours to get my shot right.”

Elijah Clarance, Madison Williams and Taylor Bruninga each contributed eight points for the Redbirds.

ISU trailed 37-35 at the intermission. In the first half, the Redbirds shot an impressive 53 percent from the field (14-for-26) but were bogged down by 12 turnovers.

But the roles reversed in the decisive second half, as ISU tightened up its ball security but managed just eight field goals in a period in which ISU shot just 8-for-32 (25 percent) from

the field.

ISU’s Milik Yarbrough recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds but failed to reach his 16-point season average for the fourth consecutive game.

Muller attributes Yarbrough’s struggles to the opposing team revamping their defense schemes and focus to try to slow down the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year candidate.

“They are trapping him right away in the post,” Muller said. “On ball screens and penetration, they are completely collapsing and they frustrate him with that … it’s hard to be the best player.”

Tinsley echoed Muller’s concerns of competition level without upperclassmen leaders Fayne and Evans.

“I felt like our mindset beginning to end wasn’t there, we weren’t mature enough,” Tinsley said.

Bruninga left the game late in the second half with apparent head or face injury after a loose-ball battle. His status moving forward is unknown.

The Redbirds return to action at 7 p.m.

Wednesday night to play Bradley at the Carver Arena.

“I’ve been working extremely hard throughout the season with Coach B (Brendan Mullins) ... I know I am a good shooter and that I haven’t been consistent but I’ve been working endless hours to get my shot right.”

Redbirds win one game, lose four at USF Wilson Demarini Tournament in Tampa, Florida

MIKE MARRA & STEPHEN GARNER Sports Editor & Sports Reporter

Game One: USF 3, ISU 0 In the season opener, Illinois State battled with host South Florida, but one bad inning spelled the end for a seasonopening loss.

In the sixth inning, the USF put a three-spot on the scoreboard and finished off the Redbirds in the seventh frame, blanking ISU, 3-0.

“It was a pitcher’s duel through five innings and we had several opportunities with runners in scoring

24

percent of the ISU’s men’s basketball team’s possesions resulted in turnovers in its loss to Valparaiso. The Redbirds committed 18 turnovers in 74 possessions.

MVC SCORES Loyola 75, Indiana State 71 (Sat.) Missouri St 72, Evansville 55 (Sat.) Drake 71, Northern Iowa 64 (Sat.) Southern Ill 74, Bradley 57 (Sun.) Valparaiso 74, Ilinois St 58 (Sun.)

MVC STANDINGS

Conf

Ovrl

Loyola Southern Illinois Illinois State Drake Bradley Missouri State Evansville Indiana State Valparaiso Northern Iowa

11-3 9-5 8-6 8-6 7-7 7-7 6-8 6-8 4-10 4-10

21-5 17-10 14-12 14-13 17-10 17-10 16-11 11-15 13-14 12-14

UPCOMING Golf

William Tinsley, ISU junior guard

Softball struggles in season opener

75

points from Missouri State Sunday afternoon marked the highest-scoring total allowed by the ISU women’s basketball team this season.

position prior to that sixth inning and just could not come up with a run,” coach Melinda Fischer said.

In the circle, Sarah Finck pitched well into the sixth inning, but could not make it out.

Prior to the sixth inning, Finck held USF hitless through four innings.

Game Two: UAB 2, ISU 1 In the first game of Friday’s double header, the Redbirds found themselves in another tight ballgame.

This time, the fifth and sixth innings did ISU in, as UAB

used a run in each of those frames to squeak past ISU, 2-1.

Shannon Felde drove in Stephanie Thulen for the Redbirds’ first run of the season.

Finck and Veronique Johnson each allowed an earned run in a combined three innings of work.

Game Three: No. 2 Florida 9, ISU 0 In the second half of the doubleheader, ISU did not fare much better.

Granted, it would be the first ranked opponent on the schedule for ISU. see SOFTBALL on page 7

Both the men’s and women’s teams will tee off Monday morning in their fall season openers.

Swimming The women’s swimming and diving team will compete in the MVC Championship Wednesday.

Gymnastics The Redbirds will travel to Eastern Michigan Thursday for a dual meet.

Baseball ISU will open its season this weekend with a threegame series at Arkansas State.

Complied by NATE HEAD | Vidette Sports