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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 Vol. 130 / No. 45

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CHANGE IS OBVIOUS FROM THIS YEAR’S NOMINEES

PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

STAFF OUTSIDE LIST LOOK Editor in Chief

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Future Redbirds’ discipline for peaceful protests will not hurt admissions chances

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llinois State Universit y announced over the weekend that future students’ admission will not be threatened if their high school disciplines them for engaging in any potential peaceful protests. “Illinois State University would like to assure high school students that disciplinary action associated with their participation in peaceful protests will not impact their admission to the University in any way,” the statement, released on Twitter, said. The announcement comes in response to the news of high schools across the country participating in “walkouts” and other peaceful protests to stand in solidarity with Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students after the mass shooting that took place Feb. 14, leaving 17 people dead, as well as protesting gun violence overall. These national walkouts will take place throughout March, the first being held March 14. Those behind the Women’s March scheduled a National School Walkout at 10 a.m. in every time zone. Students, teachers and other faculty members will walk out for 17 minutes – one for every life lost at the Florida high school. Kingsley Junior High School in Normal will participate in the National School Walkout. Sur vivors of the Parkland shooting organized a “March For Our Lives” on March 24. Those impacted by the massacre will march the streets of Washington, D.C. with hopes of putting an end to gun violence. High school students across the country will walk out of their schools in solidarity. Director of Media Relations at ISU Eric Jome said the decision to support future students’ peaceful protests came after several colleges had put out similar statements.

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

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Parents and students walk into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Sunday, February 25, 2018 for an open house as parents and students returned to the school for the first time since 17 people were killed in a mass shooting at the school in Parkland on February 14, 2018. “This was something our admissions folks had been noticing really since the end of last week,” Jome said. “It’s a growing conversation among universities that were receiving questions from students. A number of universities across the nation were starting to put out messages just reassuring those students about any participation in peaceful demonstrations would not have any impact on admissions decisions.” “Universities were starting to get questions, [ISU] had gotten some questions,” he continued. “Our admissions staff, in conjunction with other administrative leaders, decided [it was] a good idea to also put out a message just to reassure people.” Illinois Wesleyan University also posted a message regarding peaceful protesting Monday, stating, “If you participate in a peaceful protest against gun violence and are disciplined by your

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 2017 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890

school, we will not penalize you in the admissions process.” ISU and IWU are among numerous universities standing with high school students that may be suspended or disciplined for participating in the protests. The

University of Illinois, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Marquette University in Milwaukee and more schools across the nation have made similar announcements.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3

THE 90TH ACADEMY AWARDS

A fairytale life IWU alumnus Richard Jenkins calls second Oscar nomination ‘humbling’

KEVIN SCHWALLER AND EMA SASIC | News Editor and Editor in Chief | @kevschwa and @ema_sasic

efore he became a two-time Academy Award nominee, actor Richard Jenkins, from DeKalb, Illinois, was roaming campus, attending dances and on stage at Illinois Wesleyan University. Most recently recognized for “The Shape of Water,” which received a monstrous 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Jenkins, the actor described the experience and recognition with a simple word: humbling. “The first time [I received an Academy Award nomination], I thought, ‘This is great. I got nominated, it’s fantastic,’” he said. “And then it happened again and it’s like, ‘Really?’ It’s an honor and it’s humbling.” “The Shape of Water,” directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer and Jenkins, is set in the 1960s and follows the story of Elisa Esposito (Hawkins), a janitor in a top secret research facility, as she falls in love with an amphibious creature being held captive. Jenkins plays Giles, a gay advertisement illustrator and Esposito’s neighbor. Jenkins, 70, was drawn to the film as soon as he read the script. “It always comes back to the character you’re asked to play. Could you respond to it? Do you read it and go, ‘I’d like to try this?’ Or do you read it and go, ‘There’s other people that could do this a little better than me,’” he said. “He sent me an email and said, ‘I want you to play Giles, here’s the script, I hope you love it as much as I do.’ I read it and I sent him back an email and said, ‘I think I do,’” he added. In the film, Giles decides to profess his attraction to a diner employee, but is rejected and discriminated against. That scene, Jenkins said, is one he is happy del Toro put in the film, especially since it is set in the 1960s, because “it changes everything.” “I was in high school in 1962, and if you were a straight, white man, life was good. But if you were not, it wasn’t so great. I always say, ‘We had no gay people in our high school until our 35th reunion,’” Jenkins said. “It was a huge risk Giles took, but he was a lonely man and he can’t be who he’s supposed to be in that society. What is he feeling that he’ll reach out and put his hand on somebody else’s hand in 1962?” But before he became a household name after appearing in “Step Brothers,” “Olive Kitteridge,” for which he earned an Emmy Award, and “The Visitor,” which earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, Jenkins was getting ready to spend four years at Illinois

LEFT: Actor Richard Jenkins in an Illinois Wesleyan University alumnus. | Photo courtesy Narrative RIGHT: Richard Jenkins, director Guillermo del Toro and Sally Hawkins on the set of “The Shape of Water.” | Photo courtesy Kerry Hayes/Twentieth Century Fox Wesleyan University’s theater department. “I’ve always wanted to be an actor, ever since I can recall. That’s what I wanted to do since I [first] went to the movies,” he said. “I don’t know if I ever doubted it, but I felt I may not have the talent to do it.” “Illinois Wesleyan was a great fit for me, because I had no experience when I came,” he added. “It was a nurturing place for me. I really found it to be where it became clear to me what I wanted to do with my life. For me, it was like going to Europe to go to Bloomington.” He said he struggled his freshman year because he got mononucleosis, better known as mono, and found himself not “participating” as much as he would have wanted to. However, once he recovered, he saw that IWU was “the right school.” He even attended dances at Illinois State University and competed on IWU’s swim team. “[ISU] guys killed us,” he said while laughing. During his undergraduate days, Jenkins said he received guidance from former Director of the School of Theater Arts John Ficca. “He really was instrumental in me saying to myself: ‘You can do this. You’re going to do this.’ I think I would’ve done it anyway, because it never occured to me not to do it, but he gave me confidence,” Jenkins explained. “He said to me, ‘I think this is the career for you.’ To have somebody say that to you is huge.”

“I loved being on stage there, I loved the people, the students. College is a really great thing. And it’s not just the education, you learn life skills. For me, it was huge,” he added. After he graduated in 1969, Jenkins said a lot of luck was on his side. He was made a company member of Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island, where he stayed for 14 years as an actor. During that time, he learned a lot of about the career he was hoping to break through in. “One thing I learned is that I wasn’t any good. Then the real work began,” Jenkins said. “How do you get better? I was boring myself, so you know you’re not any good. If I was boring myself on stage, you can imagine what the audience must be feeling.” One day, he was performing a play at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut, and Bill Tresh, a manager from New York, was watching with actress Sandy Dennis, best known from “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” “For some reason she was at the play and during the play, she pointed at me and said, ‘Sign him,’” Jenkins said. “He came backstage and said he wanted to represent me.” “There’s a lot of talented and gifted actors that just never got their break,” he continued. “I look back on my life and think if I had done that, this wouldn’t have happened and that wouldn’t have happened. Luck plays a huge

part in this.” Since then, he has worked with and met notable names in film including ISU alumnae Laurie Metcalf and Jane Lynch. The Bloomington-Normal roots are still present in Jenkins’ life. He has gone through award season alongside Metcalf, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for “Lady Bird,” calling her one of the “great actors anywhere.” With the 90th Academy Awards airing live Sunday, Jenkins will wrap up promotion for “The Shape of Water.” It is the 10th film in Oscar history to earn 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Jenkins believes the film “struck a chord” with audiences, praising del Toro’s storytelling. “[del Toro] didn’t know how it was going to be received, he didn’t have any idea,” Jenkins said. “As he said, which I love, ‘Success and failure live right next to each other, and there are no numbers on the door. You just knock.’ That’s kind of how it works.” Jenkins said he is taking a break to focus on family after award season wraps up. If anything comes along that is interesting to him, he said he will “jump in there,” because a person’s passion never takes a break. “The thing I tell young actors is: if you’re made to do this, if this is what you have to do in your life, you will figure it out and find a way,” he said. “There is a place for you.”

Talkin’ Oscars Weekly Pop podcast hosts Ema Sasic, Kevin Schwaller go off air, discuss who will win Sunday ES: As we said in our last podcast, we already know who’s going to win the main acting categories. KS: Can I just say that my ideal four actors for this category are Jennifer Lawrence (“mother!”), Timothée Chalamet (“Call Me By Your Name”), Tiffany Haddish (“Girls Trip”) and Armie Hammer (“Call Me By Your Name”) and we aren’t getting ANY of those? ES: Yep. So instead, let’s focus on some overlooked categories. KS: We can talk about cinematography. ES: I’m very mad “Call Me By Your Name” was snubbed for this category. Northern Italy was so beautifully captured. I fell in love with ancient buildings. KS: I’m rooting for “The Shape of Water” for this because, same. Except shoutout to Rachel Morrison for her Info by Cindy Hernandez | News Reporter and Graphic by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director

work on “Mudbound,” she is the first female nominee in this category! ES: I have to say I’m disappointed with this year’s nominees for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. I feel like previous years had more “oomph” to offer in this category. And “Beauty and the Beast” and “I, Tonya” were snubbed. KS: Speaking of, “Beauty and the Beast” wasn’t nominated for Visual Effects either. ES: We said back in March 2017 it would be nominated for, no question. KS: I’m all for “The Last Jedi” because I don’t actually care about the other movies nominated. Give Carrie Fisher some love.

Full story online Check out the related Weekly Pop podcast on videtteonline.com

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PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

VIDETTE EDITORIAL

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Trump can’t protect LGBT, despite saying he would

uring his campaign, President Donald Trump said he would protect his LGBT+ supporters, but many saw it for what it was —blowing smoke and trying to get votes. Because over and over again, Trump has failed to do so. He has actually actively taken support away from LGBT+ folks in the country. Some examples of rollbacks from the last year include a regulation that would have allowed transgender Department of Health and Human Services staff more protections when using the department’s bathrooms and other facilities and proposed regulations that would have further banned discrimination in Medicaid and Medicare. Also, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act — which banned sexual orientation-based discrimination in healthcare and, for the first time, extended those protections to transgender folks — was included in the rollbacks. But, the Trump administration is back at taking health benefits from the LGBT+ community. Just earlier this year,

the administration issued a ruling that health workers can refuse to treat transgender people if it goes against their religion. This constant taking away of rights from citizens just shows that Trump was, in fact, pandering while on the campaign trail. Every single person in this country should have the right to healthcare, but that is slowly being chipped away. With these rollbacks and policy changes,

LGBT+ and queer people can and are experiencing it. The newest ruling that health workers can refuse to treat trans people means that even if a transgender person could pay for their treatment, they could be turned away just because a nurse or doctor didn’t want to deal with them. Which is an ongoing problem with transgender people in healthcare. According to MyTransHealth, in 2015, “50 percent of transgender patients

have had to educate their health care providers on their identities. About one in four trans individuals say they delay medical care in fear of discrimination — and that fear is warranted, as almost 20 percent of trans patients have been refused care by medical professionals.” And this is usually on a basis of the health official “not knowing” how to treat trans patients. This new rollback will add to more transgender people feeling unsafe in hospitals and less likely to seek medical attention in fear of discrimination. No one should be afraid of getting medical help. That is a right we should all have. But for transgender people and other members of the queer community, it hasn’t always been and these rollbacks just make it worse. It feels like not a lot can be done, as Trump is insistent on rolling back literally anything that former President Barack Obama touched. Calling representatives might be the only option available for constituents to do in order for rights to be reinstated.

Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director

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

Oscar nominations reflect welcoming change MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist

t’s that time of year again – the Oscars! You don’t even have to know me to know I’m in my absolute prime during this time of year. And there’s a lot to be celebrated. This year’s Academy Award nominations were some of the most diverse yet. There are definitely much more important issues to tackle in the politically divisive mess that is 2018, but I’d argue that the Academy Awards’ progress towards actual diversity is at least notable considering its impact on the entertainment industry. And again, I love the Oscars. Last year was a thing of beauty in terms of baby steps towards actual diversity and representation, and a year

later, I’m starting to think that maybe something’s really changed. This year’s group of nominees celebrates films and filmmakers alike. Two of the five Best Actor nominees (Daniel Kaluuya and Denzel Washington) and two of the Best Supporting Actress nominees (Mary J. Blige and Octavia Spencer) are black. The Best Director category includes a Latino man (Guillermo del Toro), a black man (Jordan Peele) and the fifth female to ever be nominated (Greta Gerwig — only one, Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker” in 2010, has ever won). Dee Rees, who is also a lesbian, became the first black woman to be nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for her film “Mudbound,” and cinematographer Rachel Morrison became the first woman to ever be nominated for Best Cinematography for the film as well. There’s also “Coco,” an animated film starring an entirely Latino cast, which is up for two awards. LGBT films “Call Me By Your Name” and “A Fantastic Woman” are both nominated as well, for Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Film, respective-

ly. And while “Call Me By Your Name” is led by two straight men, “A Fantastic Woman” is about a transgender woman, actually starring trans actress Daniela Vega. Vega will also be the first openly transgender person in history to be a presenter at the ceremony on Sunday. Music composer Benj Pasek and screenplay writer James Ivory, who are both gay, are nominated for work on “The Greatest Showman” and “Call Me By Your Name,” respectively. So, I think it’s safe to say that the Academy is continuing to move in the right direction after years of embarrassingly white nominees resulting in the #OscarsSoWhite movement. However, there is still a long way to go. I’m sure you were surprised or thrown off by a couple of “firsts” in the categories this year. I mean really, only FIVE women have EVER been nominated for Best Director, and this is the 90th Academy Awards? And four out of 20 acting nominations hardly make for a pool of impressive diversity. It’s also a shame to have to find two years of “diverse” nominees a true accomplishment, but as we all know, Hol-

REGGIE IN THE NEST by SAMANTHA MCINTYRE | Vidette Cartoonist

lywood is quite flawed and baby steps are better than no steps at all. But it really is important to recognize diverse talent. These nominations can open more doors for those who have traditionally been ignored in the past. This gives filmmakers of all backgrounds more of an opportunity to shine. In general, there are signs of true progress in the industry. Look at Disney: the studio hired two black directors, Ryan Coogler and Ava DuVernay, to tackle two of its biggest films in 2018 (“Black Panther” and “A Wrinkle In Time”). So, yes, I applaud the Academy. The Oscars are the entertainment industry’s most prominent ceremony. There is no denying that Hollywood influences society and that society influences Hollywood, so it is important for these milestones to be made. It just sucks that it’s taken so long for us to get here. Kevin Schwaller is a senior journalism major and news editor and columnist for The Vidette. He can be reached at vidette_kschwal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @kevschwa.

MORE OPINIONS ONLINE

Editorial: Future Redbirds should be involved in peaceful protests Letter to the Editor: Endorsement for Dr. David Gill Editorial: Let teachers teach, not shoot Visit The Vidette’s website or mobile app for complete details on these web-only opinion pieces by Vidette Editorial Board

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

The last of an era Mother Murphy’s celebrates 50 years

EMA SASIC Editor-in-Chief | @ema_sasic

Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor

Mother Murphy’s, a head shop located in Uptown Normal, is celebrating 50 years of providing the town with 70s and 80s inspired posters, accessories, jewelry and tapestries, among other things.

ANDREW DOUGHERTY Senior News Reporter | @addough

Mother Murphy’s, the last of BloomingtonNormal’s mom-and-pop shops that represents the counter-culture movement of the 1970s and 1980s, which has had a positive impact on students and community members alike, is celebrating its 50-year anniversary. Located in Uptown Normal, Mother Murphy’s has been owned by Michael and Becky Williams, who bought the store in 1990. “The store was opened in 1968 by Betty Anderson and Charlotte Radka, whose maiden name was Murphy, which is where the shop received its name. The logo was actually drawn by an Illinois State University student,” Michael Williams said. Williams began working at the shop in 1979 as Mother Murphy’s was one of the few head shops that opened as the hippie counterculture movement was rolling through the Midwest. During the Reagan administration’s War on Drugs, many of the head shops in the area began to close down, with Mother Murphy’s being the exception. “I think part of it has to do with our location, as we’re right here on campus. We get new young people brought to us every fall semester who show up on campus and have

empty dorms and apartments,” he said. “They want to make a statement about themselves and decorate their walls and make it their own home.” He attributes part of the shop’s success to generations of students passing down their knowledge about the shop and the support of people in the local community. “We’ve become so diversified over the years as we still carry a variety of products such as smoking accessories, incense, posters, tapestries, jewelry, records and skateboards,” he said. “We sell hundreds of decorator-type items when the students come to campus. The other part of our success happened when we opened up the skateboard shop and made it part of our store,” Williams added. “Since opening the skate shop we try to employ skaters because they know what’s good and what’s not, so we put them in charge of that end of the store.” Williams continued to say that when customers enter the shop, they get hit with a sensory overload due to the many images, music and smells that people will not experience anywhere else. “I’ve heard from our customers that we give a lot of home-spun friendliness and make them feel welcome,” Williams said. “We try to be as friendly as possible, which

seems like a no-brainer but there’s a lot of other headshops that aren’t like that. I think that makes us unique to the area.” Visitors who first enter Mother Murphy’s will notice the names and comments written all across the stairwell, a tradition that began in the late 70s by Anderson. “Betty allowed it to happen and it just became a tradition,” he explained. “Now there’s decades-old names and comments written on the walls. We get people who come back ten years later and try to find their name or what they wrote, it’s a neat tradition.” “We have a bucket full of markers for those who want to sign their name, leave a comment and add something to our collaboration,” he added. Highlighting the importance and significance of the shop, a reporter from High Times Magazine is seeking to include Mother Murphy’s in an article of the oldest headshops in the country. Williams said that through the years of support from students and the local community, Mother Murphy’s will be having specials all year long in celebration of their 50-year anniversary. “We would like to say thank you to everyone for supporting our store, and our celebration is directed towards all the people that have kept Mother Murphy’s thriving throughout the years.”

“I’ve heard from our customers that we give a lot of home-spun friendliness and make them feel welcome.” Michael Williams, Mother Murphy’s Co-owner

Burger Baskets:

Jan Murphy named ISU Vice President, Provost Illinois State University President Larry Dietz has named Jan Murphy the permanent vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, effective March 1. Mur phy has served as interim provost since January 2017. The position was previously held by Janet Krejci. A national search Jan was conducted to Murphy fill the position, and with changes in the dynamic of the candidate pool, along with feedback from campus, it led to the decision to name Murphy as permanent vice president and provost. “Jan Murphy has an impressive track record of service to Illinois State University as a professor, department chair, dean, and most recently, as interim provost,” Dietz said in a statement. “I have full confidence that she will continue to serve the University well as provost and I look forward to her continued leadership in Academic Affairs.” Murphy’s career spans over 30 years at the department, college and university levels. She joined ISU in 1986 as an assistant professor of family and consumer sciences, becoming a full professor in 1995. She was the university’s associate provost for more than 10 years and previously served as interim provost in 2008. In the College of Applied Science and Technology, she was the former assistant dean, associate dean and chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. She also served as director of Campus Dining Services. “I am deeply honored to be named to the position of vice president and provost on a permanent basis,” Murphy said in a statement. “I had originally chosen not to seek the position, but I deeply appreciate President Dietz’s confidence in me. Illinois State has been a wonderful academic and professional home for me and I am proud to continue serving in this leadership capacity.” Murphy received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, a master’s degree in human nutrition and a doctoral degree in nutrition research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

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PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE

Features

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Ali Rasper | Vidette Photographer

Redbird Gloves teaches boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, grappling and self-defense to students of all skill levels.

Fight club

Redbird Gloves perfects students’ martial-arts crafts DANIA DE LA HOYA ROJAS Features Reporter | @daniadelahoya

or most college students, boxing is just something they sometimes see on the television or on the big screen. However, for one group of Illinois State University students, it is an average Monday and Wednesday night. Redbird Gloves has been at the university since 2009 and to Know has given students interested in mixed martial arts a venue to practice their craft ever since. President and senior psychology major Lawrence Nisivaco said Redbird Gloves focuses on a variety of forms of mixed martial arts and aims to educate students above all. “We teach boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai,

RSO

grappling and self-defense,” Nisivaco said. “At the beginning of practice, students get to pick which side they want to practice on: the boxing or the MMA side. For the most part, we recommend that students with no experience start with boxing to understand the basics of striking.” Nisivaco said the club is open to any student, from beginners to experts. “All levels of experience are welcome, including no experience,” Nisivaco said. “We provide all of the equipment for them to use. Additionally, [prospective members] can come to three practices before paying dues — $20 — to see if they like it or not.” Nisivaco added that it is this openness that makes it such an attractive way for students to dip their toes into the world of self-defense, surrounded by experienced members who are

more than willing to help them grow. “The best part about Redbird Gloves is that it’s full of athletes that have experience in different combat styles and different backgrounds,” Nisivaco said. “Incorporating different backgrounds makes each student a well-rounded fighter.” Vice president and sophomore environmental health major Gino DiCaro said he joined to mix his hobby with the opportunity to help others learn. “I’ve been doing mixed martial arts for years and I wanted to not only keep training but share my knowledge in this field,” DiCaro said. Both Nisivaco and DiCaro said the easiest way to join the RSO is through social media. “The simplest way [to get involved] is to join us on our Facebook page at ‘ISU Redbird Gloves,’” Nisivaco said. “On the page, you can

find our schedule — time, date and location — and any necessary updates.” DiCaro added that events for student organizations or just showing up are also easy ways to get involved. “Contact the club on the Facebook page, at Festival ISU [or Winterfest], or by showing up to one of the designated practices [to get involved],” DiCaro said. Redbird Gloves meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in the Prairie Room or Circus Room of the Bone Student Center. DiCaro said he recommends interested students attend a practice and try it out for themselves. “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, learn MMA and self-defense, and get in shape with a great group dynamic,” DiCaro said. “You won’t regret joining.”

Sami Sips safely brews good times for students TIFFANI JACKSON-SKINNER Features Reporter | @_smilesssss

It is no joke that college can be stressful. From studying late at night, to waiting for results on an exam, sometimes a drink is well needed to let loose and have fun. Most people turn to their local bar for a drink, but what if someone is not in the mood to drive? What if the bar is crowded and a student just wants to be surrounded by their circle of friends? Is going to the bar or buying ONYX an expensive bottle at the liquor CONNECT store really the only option? Most think so, but senior business administration major Samiat Majekodunmi gives students the opportunity to enjoy their favorite drink in the comfort of their homes. Attending bartending school over the summer, Majekodunmi received her license and started her own bartending business entitled “Sami Sips.” “I was inspired to start my business Sami Sips because I really enjoyed drinking with my friends and eventually got tired of spending money at the bars or going to the store to buy

liquor,” Majekodunmi said. “I work at Meijer, so one day I decided to buy a bartending kit, had a few of my friends try out the drinks I made, received great feedback and that’s when I told myself that I could turn this into a business.” Majekodunmi began to tend campus parties, special occasions and when business began to boom, she hired senior communications major Cherelle Newsome as her assistant. “I assist Sami with behind the scenes work such as inventory and the financial aspect of the business,” Newsome said. The Sami Sips menu is made up of a variety of drinks with outstanding flavors. Liquid Marijuana and Long Island Iced Tea happen to be customers’ favorites. “Usually when you go to a bar in this area, the drinks served are watered down. My drinks stand out because not only are they strong, they have a great taste,” Majekodunmi said. Not only does Majekodunmi serve drinks with great taste, her prices start as low as $3 and she provides fishbowls and party yard cups for only $15. In addition, Majekodunmi and Newsome argue that Sami Sips provides a safer drinking experience for Illinois State students.

Onoriode Dugbo | Vidette Photographer

Senior business administration major Samiat Majekodunmi started her catering-bartender business, Sami Sips, last summer. For a reasonable price, she will bartend at campus parties and special occasions. “Sami Sips has its own personal spin as it focuses on delivering a memorable experience while promoting safe drinking,” Newsome said. “We understand the dangers of drunk driving, so we also travel to customers so that they can socially drink in the comfort of their home

without being forced to get behind the wheel.” Sami Sips only serves students ages 21 and up. For booking prices and a full menu of drinks and prices, students may contact her on Twitter at @ __SamiD or on Snapchat at SamiSips.

THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Liking Loyola Vidette Sports staff rolls with Ramblers in St. Louis Loyola (25-5, MVC 15-3) The Missouri Valley was wide open to start the season. However, a 15-3 record in league play exhibits the dominance the Ramblers have established all season long. Behind the stellar play of Player of the Year Clayton Custer, Loyola has unmatched depth and a +10.3 point margin average. Loyola will continue to prove why they are the conference’s best and take the crown in St. Louis. STEPHEN GARNER | SPORTS REPORTER

Loyola (25-5, MVC 15-3) The Ramblers were steady in an erratic year in the Missouri Valley, as they waltzed their way to a regular-season championship. Player of the Year Clayton Custer makes this team go, but Loyola shows no glaring weaknesses in its rotation. Expect the Ramblers to stay hot this March and snag the Valley’s automatic bid as Arch Madness champion. NICK DAMIANI | SPORTS REPORTER

Loyola (25-5, MVC 15-3) With how unpredictable this season has been in the Missouri Valley Conference, it would seem that the best option is to pick a lower seed to go on a run and win it all at Arch Madness. However, the gut instinct tells me to stick with top-seeded Loyola. Not only do they have a guy who makes everyone on his team better in conference, Player of the Year Clayton Custer, but MVC Freshman of the Year Cameron Krutwig will be the difference this weekend due to his play in the post. The Ramblers punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in over 30 years. NICK LANDI | SPORTS REPORTER

Loyola (25-5, MVC 15-3) The MVC has been wide-open all season since the departure of Wichita State and therefore, Arch Madness is Loyola’s to lose. The Ramblers have reiterated that experience and belief in themselves wins MVC championships. Look for Loyola to shine on the conference’s biggest stage because of its coaching, team chemistry and depth. KADE HEATHER | SPORTS REPORTER

Graphic by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director

Loyola (25-5, MVC 15-3)

Illinois State (16-14, MVC 10-8)

Loyola finished the season as not only the best team in the Missouri Valley Conference, but the hottest team in the league. The Ramblers have won seven straight, having not lost a game since Jan. 31 against Bradley. The Ramblers had the second ranked scoring offense and second ranked scoring defense, while having the best scoring margin in the MVC. Expect Loyola to carry its momentum into Arch Madness and earn a trip to the Big Dance.

The Redbirds have one of the clearest paths to Sunday afternoon of all tournament teams, opening with a matchup against a modest Indiana State team before what is expected to be a date with the reeling Salukis. Look for ISU to ride the Big 3 to a rematch from Saturday’s battle with Loyola, where the Redbirds lost a nailbiter in a sold-out, road arena despite 20 turnovers. The Redbirds will be more careful with the ball and cut the nets down at the Scottrade Center.

TYLER JACHNICKI | SPORTS REPORTER

NATE HEAD | SPORTS EDITOR

Loyola (25-5, MVC 15-3)

The year of parity in the MVC should continue this weekend in St. Louis. The feeling of a team like Missouri State as the seven seed making a run to the title isn’t a wild thought, but this year’s Arch Madness champ will be the Loyola Ramblers. Smooth and steady are what the Ramblers have been and they are rolling into St. Louis with a head of steam.

Loyola was pushed to the brink by Illinois State in the season finale, proving the Ramblers can take all that teams have to throw at them. There’s a reason Loyola swept away MVC honors as it came out and why Porter Moser will be this year’s MVC Coach of the Year. Expect the Ramblers to cut down the nets in St. Louis.

NEIL DOYLE | SPORTS EDITOR

SUMMER SESSIONS start MAY 21 and JUNE View popular transfer courses and register at

MIKE MARRA | SPORTS EDITOR

harpercollege.edu/summerISU

HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (03/01/18). Explore new horizons this year. Tight team coordination widens the range of possibilities. Pursue a personal dream. Unexpected funding sources arise. Summer romance and a refreshing pause lead to surging physical health and fitness. Your team wins next winter. Family gatherings delight. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8. Reach a turning point in your physical health and fitness, with

this Virgo Full Moon. Are you having enough fun? Enjoy time with loved ones. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7. Change directions with a romance, passion or creative endeavor under this Full Moon in Virgo. Hang out with family and friends. Relax and eat well. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is a 7. Domestic changes require adaptation under the Virgo Full Moon. Renovate, remodel and tend your garden. Begin a new home and family phase. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 6. A new phase in communica-

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED- FOOD & DRINK Crestwicke Country Club is hiring for seasonal full time and part time serving positions! Experience is preferred not required! Positions are starting in April and will work through to November. Must be able to work weeknights and weekends! Employees must have flexible hours, good after, highly motivated and act and dress professionally. They also must provide excellent customer service and care, demonstrate knowledge of food and drink menus, assist in teamwork when necessary, work in fast-paced environment and have own transportation. Apply with resume to Ashley. egeberg@gmail.com.

HELP WANTED- CHILD CARE ISU Spring Break Week –Staff Needed Before/After School Program is looking for staff over ISU’s Spring Break Week (March 12-16). More info can be found at www.normalparks.org, or by e-mailing Kristal @ ktetter@normal.org

tions, connection and intellectual discovery dawns with this Full Moon. Shift the direction of your research. Start a new chapter. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 7. A turning point arises around income and finances. Seek profitable opportunities under the Full Moon. Gain strength from the past. Collect debts. Provide leadership. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is an 8. This Full Moon in your sign illuminates a new personal direction. Push your own boundaries and limitations. Open your heart and mind. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 5. You could get grumpy without

some downtime. This Full Moon shines on a spiritual fork in the road. Ritual, symbolism and beauty soothe. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 7. Keep things respectful and practical. This Full Moon illuminates a new social phase, with changes between friends and group projects. Share appreciations. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 7. This Full Moon sparks a turning point in your career. Shift focus toward current passions. Expect a test. Begin a new professional phase. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is an 8. Begin an exploratory

phase. This Full Moon illuminates a new educational direction. Experiment with new concepts and philosophies. To really learn, visit the source. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 6. Take a new direction with your shared finances under this Full Moon. Balance old and new responsibilities. Work out the next phase together. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 7. Love is your foundational support structure. A turning point arises in a partnership with this Full Moon. Compromise and collaborate for shared commitments.

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5 Bedroom 2 Bathroom house, off street parking, w/d hookup, garbage and yard paid, other utilities renter responsibility. Recently had back out on lease for ‘18’19 Year. $400/person. 8152780533 Flora Way: Large Furnished 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms. Start at ONLY $315. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 TOWNHOMES: 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms. Include Washer-dryer, central air, dishwasher, parking, patio and/or balcony, yard. ONLY $265 - $455 per bedroom. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Large 2 BR Apt for 2. $395/person, $265 for 3. A/C, dishwasher, deck/ patio, laundry. Heat & water paid,6 blocks north on School St. from ISU. 309-287-1870 North Linden 4 bdrm house. Off street parking. Great location. Call Days: 309275-1281 Evenings: 309-365-8604. 210 E Vernon. Fully furnished 1 bedroom apartments. Water and gas paid. $500 per month with a $200 deposit. No pets. Call 309-825-7920. 104 E. Cherry St. 2 bedroom/1 bath. Upper duplex. Eat-in kitchen. Furnished. Hardwood floors, except bedrooms. Off street parking. $470/per person. Call

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Sports

PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Remember the feeling, Redbirds

MY VIEW MICHAEL MARRA Sports Editor

Vidette Archive Photo

Phil Fayne goes for a lay-up during last year’s Arch Madness semifinal game versus Southern Illinois. The Redbirds were victorious, 63-50.

Let the Madness ensue ISU’s hope for an automatic bid to NCAA Tournament starts with Indiana State at 8:30 p.m. Friday

NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51

The bracket is complete, bags are packed and the 2018 installment of Arch Madness has arrived. Loyola claimed the Missouri Valley Conference regular season title and will be the tournament’s top seed, followed by Southern Illinois, Drake and Illinois State, respectively. MVC league play has been wildly unpredictable in the first year without Wichita State, as the notion that any team can win on a given night has become eerily accurate with the conference’s newfound parity consistently on full display. Missouri State, Evansville, Northern Iowa and Valparaiso round out the bottom-four and will each compete in the dreaded Thursday night play-in round. Missouri State was predicted to win the conference in the league’s preseason poll while Northern Iowa was pegged to finish second. That’s why they play the games, so to speak. Heading into the weekend, there are more question marks than perhaps ever before in the days leading up to the postseason. Here are five items to keep an eye on before heading to St. Louis.

Which Milik Yarbrough will show up for ISU? Illinois State forward Milik Yarbrough has been the motor for the Redbirds this season, as the junior transfer from St. Louis has been everything (and more) the program expected from him in his first year in Normal. Yarbrough leads ISU with 16.7 points a game (fourth in MVC), trails teammate Phil Fayne for the teamlead in rebounds (6.6) and leads the conference in assists with 4.8 per contest. Essentially, the triple-threat wing option does it all. But Yarbrough has faced his share of adversity this season. Ball care has been an issue, as the MVC Newcomer of the Year has committed at least five turnovers in four of ISU’s last six games, including nine in an overtime win against Southern Illinois Feb. 8. He also failed to reach his scoring

average in four straight games from Jan. 30 to Feb. 11 but the team won three of those contests anyway. In St. Louis, the Redbirds will need every ounce they can get out of Yarbrough. He must protect the ball and use his elusive 6-foot-6 frame to create interior opportunities for himself and teammates rather than settling for 3-pointers, where he is shooting just 29 percent this season. Yarbrough says he believes ISU

In such a tight-knit contest with the conference’s best team, it is nothing short of a miracle that ISU kept the margin so narrow with 20 turnovers, which, surprisingly is not a season-high for the Redbirds. ISU head coach Dan Muller says the turnover rate this season has been frustrating. “We’ve got to have much better ball care,” Muller said. “But there is a balance because you want your play-

Vidette Archive Photo

can go all the way this weekend and secure the coveted automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. “We are going to come in with a swag knowing that we have a chance to win the tournament because we have shown what we can do at a high level at times this season,” Yarbrough said.

Can ISU limit its turnovers? Illinois State will not commit 20 turnovers in an Arch Madness game. Illinois State will not commit 20 turnovers in an Arch Madness game. Illinois State will not commit 20 turnovers in an Arch Madness game. If said enough times, it may just be spoken into existence. In their MVC regular-season finale, the Redbirds had first-place Loyola on its heels at the Gentile Arena in Chicago. ISU held a six-point advantage with under 10 minutes remaining in regulation before a flurry of late Rambler 3-pointers eventually put the game out of reach.

ers to be aggressive ... if we turn the ball over 20 times again, it is probably the end of our season.”

Can the Redbirds rely on William Tinsley? With seven victories in its final 10 games of the regular season slate, ISU has finished the season strong, as it very well could have collected eight or nine wins if Keyshawn Evans and Fayne were not sidelined with leg injuries. During their absence, an unlikely figure stepped in and emerged as one of the team’s most prolific scoring options. William Tinsley has shook a season-long shooting slump with a red-hot display from long-distance lately, including a 21-point performance Saturday afternoon against Loyola. Since Feb. 8 — when he was shooting just 23.5 percent from 3-point range — Tinsley has caught fire, connecting on 21 of 48 long-range attempts at a 43 percent clip. With such a late emergence back

into the fold for the Redbirds, it is fair to wonder how long Tinsley can sustain this success. He says he expects his newfound confidence to carry over into St. Louis. “My mindset at the beginning of the season wasn’t up to par,” Tinsley said. “When my confidence is there, I can shoot the ball and play defense at a high level.”

Who is the dark horse candidate for the MVC crown? Assuming the top-4 seeds each have a valid chance to clinch the conference’s automatic bid Sunday, there must be a team that has the potential to turn heads and play above its seeding. That team could be Missouri State. Picked as the preseason favorite, Missouri State has grossly underperformed its expectations. Aside from MVC Player of the Year candidate Alize Johnson, the Bears have suffered scoring struggles and defensive consistency. To make matters worse, there have been grumblings of coach Paul Lusk being on his way out at the conclusion of the season. But Missouri State could have one last run left. Obviously, this depends almost exclusively on the play of Johnson, who must string together a few NBAready performances to give the Bears a chance. It’s a shot in the dark, sure, but it’s the Valley, where anything goes.

Is Loyola for real? The short answer: Yes. Loyola ran away with the conference title, finishing 15-3 in league play and 25-5 overall, complete with a victory over NCAA tournament lock Florida. Now, the Ramblers find themselves in a territory familiar to last season’s Illinois State team. Like the 2016-17 Redbirds, Loyola will likely need to win Arch Madness to secure its spot in the NCAA tournament. And the Ramblers have the tools to do so. Their efforts start with Clayton Custer, who averages 14.2 points, but it certainly doesn’t end with the MVC Player of the Year candidate, as Loyola boasts a league-high five players in double-digit scoring.

hrough the last full calendar year, dating back to last year’s Arch Madness championship game, many feelings can describe the Illinois State men’s basketball team. Frustration, agony, defeat, yet there was happiness, joy and celebration. A trip to this year’s Arch Madness title game would mark the third time in four seasons the Redbirds extend their weekend in St. Louis to Sunday. But as you dive deeper into Redbird Arch Madness history, an 18-point first half lead over then-No. 11 Northern Iowa in the 2015 championship game was not enough to book ISU’s ticket to the Big Dance. “Three years ago, we kind of ran out of gas and we had had two really tough, physical games before that,” coach Dan Muller said. “Last year we were a little tight and had some guys who played free and loose throughout the year and throughout the first two games face a better opponent, but also put a little too much pressure on themselves.” Remember the feeling. The disappointment, the let-down. Which leads us to this year’s team. Returning faces like Keyshawn Evans and Phil Fayne and adding Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year Milik Yarbrough was more than enough reason for optimism heading into this season. Despite having to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, Yarbrough was with the team when it lost to Wichita State in last year’s championship game. “It was a sad feeling, just a bad feeling,” Yarbrough recalled. “Especially when you don’t know if you’re getting into the Tournament and we didn’t so it just snowballed. It was a bad feeling; that’s something none of us forgot.” He remembers the feeling. The road to a third title game in four years and an automatic bid to the Big Dance starts with a Friday night match-up with Indiana State. Remember back to Jan. 20 in Terra Haute, Indiana. A 30-point beatdown the Sycamores put on the Redbirds. At one point, the scoreboard read 84-44. A 40-point deficit. Last week when Illinois State avenged a 25-point loss to Drake, Yarbrough said the Bulldogs disrepected the Redbirds in their first meeting. It got personal. Even though Yarbrough says the team is not dwelling on the past, he did say they didn’t forget what the Sycamores did. “We’re not really focused on the past. We never forget it, but we’re not focused on that,” Yarbrough said. “They did the same thing Drake did, they embarassed us.” Muller says the last meeting of the two teams can be used one of two ways. “You can look at it as motivation or you can look at it as you can question yourself as a competitor,” Muller said. “You’ve got to learn from your mistakes in that game and understand every game is different.” No matter the mindset entering Arch Madness, remember those feelings and don’t let them happen again.