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WE MUST CONTINUE TO FIX THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 Vol. 130 / No. 49

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Spring has sprung

THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL

Smell the roses, but finish work first

CINDY HERNANDEZ | News Reporter | @Cindylu_7

pring is officially here and students can almost smell the roses. With spring break as a teaser, jumping back into routine can be difficult, but there are some things students can do to help keep motivated and finish the semester off strong. The weather is changing and those extra hours of light can help get people’s days started early and get more things checked off lists. “The weather is a nice way to wake me up in the morning, walk across campus and do my homework outside,” senior pre-med major Connor Steele said. “The sun wakes me up as opposed to the cloudy days that would make me Senior horticulture and landscape major Cemantha Brown celebrates the start of spring Monday in front of the Ewing Manor.

want to sleep more.” Going out and finding the perfect place to study is something that can be helpful when trying to get assignments out of the way. During the winter, going out is not as easy. A change in scenery is helpful. Whether that is outside on the Quad, sitting at a coffee shop or finding a quiet place in the library can make all the difference. During spring, the weather is getting nicer and it is difficult finding a balance between having fun and getting through responsibilities. see SPRING page 3 Photograph by MONICA MENDOZA Vidette Photo Editor

SPORTS 8

MULLER PLEAS FOR CHANGE IN NCAA

PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

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Star of ‘Precious’ to speak on campus

Gabourey Sidibe will talk on social issues during Women’s History Cultural Dinner STAR JOHNSON News Reporter | @Star2flyy_

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industry. She is very outside of what I think people like to say is the ‘cookie cutter actress’ who is on all of the covers of the magazines Actor and author Gabourey Sidibe will be and I think she’s going to touch on what that the featured speaker at the spring 2018 Womfelt like to her to be the minority,” Robertson en’s History Cultural Dinner at 5 p.m. April 5 said. in the Brown Ball Room of the Bone Student The spring 2018 Women’s History Cultural Center. Dinner celebrates influential women of the The purpose of the event is to focus on a past, present and future. The evening will be social issue which students and faculty can highlighted with a speech from Sidibe. relate to and bring knowledge and profesThis event is sponsored by University sional development to campus, Assistant Housing Services in cooperation with the Director of University Housing Services Association of Residence Halls, Tri-TowStephanie Robertson said. ers Area Government, Tri-Towers Diversity Sidibe is known for her first film in which Coalition and Event Management, Dining and she played the titular character in Lee Daniels’ Hospitality. Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune/MCT Academy Award-nominated film, “Precious,” “I think the biggest thing is women will Gabourey Sidibe is best known for her role as “Claireece ‘Prebased on the novel “Push” by Sapphire. walk away [from the event] saying I’m not cious’ Jones” in the 2009 film “Precious.” Her role as Precious got Sidibe Academy alone in feeling what I’ve felt. I think she will Award and Golden Globe Award nominastand up there and say these are the things on “Empire” and played the role of Denise in “Diftions for Best Actress as well as Screen Actors Guild, ficult People.” I’ve felt, I know you’re feeling them too, this is how Broadcast Film Critics and British Academy Film Before choosing Sidibe to come to ISU, University women can come together. We are all feeling these Award nominations. Housing did research on her past experiences, but as individuals, let’s start looking at how we can feel Sidibe’s accomplishments have inspired and focused more on what she is currently doing in her these things together and build a community to empowered many people, especially women. She life that correlates to their mission. move forward with,” Robertson said. won an Independent Spirit Award and an NAACP Tickets for the event are currently on sale through During the event, she will talk about her book that Image Award for Best Actress, the Breakthrough was released in May of 2017 titled “This is Just My March 29 and can be purchased online at Housing. Performance Award from The National Board of Face, Try Not to Stare” in which she described what IllinoisState.edu. Students with a meal plan can Review and the Vanguard Award at the Santa Bar- her life has been like before, during and after the exchange one meal swipe for a ticket to this event. bara International Film Festival. Doors for the dinner will open at 4:30 p.m. film “Precious.” Sidibe has played a role on the hit television For more information about the event, contact “I think she’s going to be talking about her body show American Horror Story, is the character Becky image and her experience as a woman in the acting Leslie Green at (309) 438-5967.

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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

Bloomington Parks and Recreation, Cultural Arts hosting job fair GARRETT KARSTEN News Reporter | @GKarstenISU

Grant supports journal, #ObsidianArtReach program RACHEL MCKINLEY News Reporter | @Kinle17Mc

A summer job fair for the Bloomington Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts will be held at its main office Thursday from 5 – 7 p.m. The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts is seeking to fill several positions which can be found on its website. Positions include mini golf attendant, day camp counselor, lifeguards and swim instructors, Pepsi Ice Center facility operations and many more. The main office is located at 115 East Washington St. in Bloomington. Attendance for the fair is free and the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts encourages anyone to apply for summer fun. For those unable to attend the job fair, applications are available online at cityblm.org, along with more information on specific jobs and about the parks.

Garrett Karsten is a news reporter reporter for The Vidette. He can be reached at gtkarst@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @GKarstenISU

Courtesy of news.illinoisstate.edu

The grant is intended support public engangement with art.

Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora recently received a $10,000 grant through the National Endowment for the Art’s (NEA) art works program. The journal is a peerreviewed periodical that is printed at Illinois Sate University biannually and is also available online. According to the NEA’s website, the grant is intended to “support public engagement with, and access to, various forms of excellent art … the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence … and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life.” The grant will support the public’s engagement with Obsidian by providing funds for printing, distribution, travel expenses for conferences and book fairs, online promotion and promotional materials. Associate professor of creative writing Duriel Harris first became involved with the journal in the late 90s as an advisory editor. At that time, Obsidian was located at North Carolina State University, but due to funding issues, Harris initiated the transfer of the journal to ISU in 2014 and is now the editor of Obsidian. Harris believes that receiving the grant is an

indicator that Obsidian provides an important platform for various forms of art. “Since NEA art works grants are competitive national awards, Obsidian’s reputation for providing high quality, innovative literary content is also affirmed,” she said. According to the art works website, the project should ideally “invite a dialogue that fosters a mutual respect for the diverse beliefs and values of all persons and groups.” Obsidian may be an international journal, but it also has impact on ISU’s campus by providing a diverse platform for students and faculty. “Obsidian’s publishing platform brings diversity of artistry, aesthetics, and thought to ISU and demonstrates ISU’s concrete commitment to diversity to the whole of our campus, associated academic and artistic communities and beyond,” Harris said. Senior English publishing major Kirsten Bridgemen, who previously interned at Obsidian, said the journal highlights campus diversity. “Because it celebrates the African Diaspora, it’s in my opinion an essential part of the diversity that this school values so much,” she said. “It’s so important to provide platforms for diverse groups, and Obsidian is a perfect example of the type of platform we should strive to have more of.”

PRIMARIES 2018

Pritzker, Rauner secure nominations Londrigan to square off against Davis for 13th Congressional seat in November KEVIN SCHWALLER AND STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ News Editors

usinessman and philanthropist J.B. Pritzker won the Democratic nomination for Illinois governor in the state primaries Tuesday, while Gov. Bruce Rauner took the lead in a tight race against Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) for the Republican nomination. Pritzker defeated five other candidates, including businessman Chris Kennedy and Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) to win the Democratic nomination. While Pritzker came out on top in the state, Biss won the majorit y of McL ean County with over 45 percent of the Democratic votes. Meanwhile, J.B. Pritzker Rauner lead the county with over 53 percent of the Republican votes. “We did it,” Pritzker said in a social media post. “This victory belongs to all of you. Together, we’re going to win big up and Bruce down the ballot Rauner t his November and move Illinois forward. Let’s do this”

R a u n e r thanked his team and suppor ters in his acceptance speech. “Thank you to the people of Illinois for giv ing Kwame us this opporRaoul tunit y,” Rauner said. “To those around the state of Illinois who wanted to send me a message, let me be clear,” Rauner said. “I am honored and humbled by this victory.” “I have heard you. I have traveled the state and I have listened to you,” he said. S en. Kw a me R aou l (D - Chicago) won the Erika Harold Democratic primary for Illinois Attorney General while attorney and former Miss America Erika Harold won the Republican spot. In his acceptance speech, Raoul said he will do what is best for the state, no matter who contributed to his campaign. “I’ve a lw ay s operated in a bipar tisan manner,” Raoul said. “I’ve got Betsy good friends on Londrigan the other side of the aisle. To my colleagues in the legislature, I appreciate your

SPRING continued from page 1

This is where prioritizing is important. Setting a schedule and sticking to it can help students stay organized and prevent procrastinating. Finishing schoolwork is important, but so is self-care. “Practicing self-care is important. We should never overwhelm ourselves with assignments,” senior sociology major Alondra Gonzalez said.

support.” I n a t we e t Harold thanked her supporters. “#TeamHarold: I’m truly humbled by your support and excited to be voted the Repub- Rodney Davis lican nominee for Illinois’ Attorney General. Thank you for everyt h i ng so fa r; our work is just beginning!” Former staffer for Sen. Dick D u rbi n (D -IL) Be t s y D i rk sen L ondr igan won Darin in the five-way LaHood Democratic primary for the 13th Congressional District and will cha llenge Rep. Ro d ne y Dav i s (R-Taylorville) in November. Londrigan r e c e i ve d o ve r 2 4 ,0 0 0 vote s, Junius w ith former Rodriguez assistant attorney general Erik Jones coming in behind her with just under 12,000 votes. Davis was uncontested. This is the first time Londrigan has run for public office. In the 18th Congressional District, Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) and professor Junius

Natalie Stuckslager | Vidette Photo Editor

After voting in the primary, student voters were encouraged to get a sticker. Rodriguez won the respective Republican and Democratic primary votes Tuesday. Rodriguez came out on top in a close race between Democrats, with fellow candidate Brian Deters receiving just under 10,000 less votes than Rodriguez. LaHood took home over 60,000 votes, defeating his opponent Donald R ients, who received approximately 16,150 votes. L a Ho o d w a s first elected in 2015. Meanwhile, Dan Brady Rep. Dan Brady

Making room in schedules to relax can prevent and control stress. Students can use this time to get their minds off schoolwork and just focus on themselves. Getting enough sleep is also important. Lack of sleep can cause stress and can impair mental efficiency. “Taking care of yourself is important because if you’re not okay how will you be productive and efficient?” Gonzalez continued. Apart from it being baseball season, sophomore journalism major Nathan Keeney thinks having something to look

(R-Bloomington) won the Republ ic a n pr i m a r y challenge against opponent David Pau l Blu me n shine in the 105th Representat ive Benjamin District. Webb Brady won with 74.8 percent of the vote. Democratic candidate and University High School teacher Benjamin Webb ran uncontested and will go head-to-head with Brady in November. The general election will be held Nov. 6.

forward to is what keeps him going. “What keeps me going is looking forward to summer and having time off from school,” he said. “Getting my work done makes me realize how close I am to finishing.” Staying focused and motivated during the semester can be difficult, especially having to pick up where things left off during break. The end of the semester is certainly something to look forward to, but students giving themselves a good reason to finish academic work will also help stay motivated.

Viewpoint

PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

VIDETTE EDITORIAL

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

Enough.

ver the last weeks, citizens of Austin, Texas, have been plagued by bombings. Five, to be exact, which killed two and injured five more. A sixth bomb was found before it was detonated. The bomber was using false packages to target and attack members of the Austin community. But it goes a little deeper than that. The two killed — Anthony House and Draylen Mason — were African American men who were part of families that have long and deep roots in black, religious and civil rights groups in Austin. It may seem like just a coincidence, but for House and Mason, the bombs that killed them were hand delivered in packages to their home, most presumably by the bomber himself. Another hand delivered packaged seriously injured a 75-year-old woman who is still in critical condition after the attack. After these first three bombings, tactics were changed to utilizing trip wires and trying to send packages through FedEx.

Police were able to connect the later bombings with the earlier package bombings. On Wednesday morning, police located who they suspect was the bomber, but he detonated a bomb in his car before capture. This writer is not using the suspect’s name because they believe that criminals who do this are trying to go down in infamy. And so far there has been radio silence from the nation’s capital. A terrorist was on the loose in Austin, but

statements weren’t made, and there was no call to arms. Upon writing this editorial, the Trump administration had still not spoken about this tragedy in Texas. But the Austin bombings feel like more and more piling on to how unsafe it feels currently. Every day in this country, it feels a little less safe. School shootings and others jockey back and forth in the news, pushing each other out of the limelight. And now this.

When will enough be enough? Maybe this level of violence has always occurred in this country but we’re just becoming aware of it. But we’re tired. There needs to be an end to this senseless violence. There must be a way to combat this. In response to the walkouts of last week, some decided to start #WalkUpNotOut. In theory that seems fine, but once you start discussing it, it falls apart. Imagine you’re a high school student who is bullied and doesn’t have many friends. And all of sudden everyone is being nice to you and sitting with you at lunch. All because they don’t want you to become a school shooter, because they’re afraid of what you could do. There’s this idea that others are responsible for the actions of individuals. Forcing vulnerable people to have to confront those who could be dangerous is not the right step. And so far there hasn’t been one that doesn’t do that or challenge the mentally ill — which, by the way, covers more than those deemed “crazy.”

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.

No surprises with Tuesday’s primary results MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist

n an unsurprising, yet somewhat eventful race, businessman and philanthropist J.B. Pritzker and incumbent Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner took home their respective Democratic and Republican primary wins Tuesday night. I say “unsurprising” because I figured that history would, frankly, repeat itself; the super progressive liberal lost to the wealthy front-runner (Bernie and Hillary, anyone?). I write this with a grain of salt; I truly did hope for Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) to come out triumphant. Biss ran an incredibly impactful campaign; he won both McLean County and Champaign County, which I’m assuming is because of the number of Illinois State University and University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

students that worked quite hard to campaign for Biss. Biss has also been overwhelmingly friendly to us at The Vidette: the amount of times he has visited campus and done interviews with our staff really did show his passion for helping college students. Alas, Pritzker came out on top. He has been outspoken about his disapproval of President Donald Trump and has also been an activist for LGBT and women’s rights, as well as gun control. However, we absolutely should not (and probably will never) forget the remarks he made regarding AfricanAmerican politicians. You know, the ones where he encouraged former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to hire Secretary of State Jesse White because it will “cover” him on the “African-American thing.” While Pritzker apologized, his words are still inexcusable. Unfortunately, our only other option is Rauner, who has been a main cause of the state’s lack of budget. With a heavy heart, I do have to say that it is time for Democrats and moderates alike to focus on electing Pritzker as the next governor. We cannot and should not have to deal

VIDETTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Vidette welcomes letters to the editor, provided they are no longer than 250 words and are typed and double-spaced. Letters that exceed the 250-word limit can be published at the editor’s discretion,but shorter letters take precedence. Letters containing name calling and insults will not be published. Letters must be signed and contain the major or official title of the writer, the year in school if presently enrolled, address and a daytime telephone number for verification. Letters without phone numbers will not be considered for publication. Names may be withheld upon request, but only after approval by the editor. Letters are subject to editing for style and space at the editor’s discretion. Letters sent via e-mail to: vidette@ilstu.edu are accepted, provided they include a telephone number for verification.

with another term of more emotional and economic divisiveness. Speaking of Rauner, I really do have to give a round of applause to the conservatives that voted for him over Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton). Her over-the-top offensive campaign ad that mocked several minority groups was just as exhausting and eye-roll worthy as Trump’s anti-trans ban or “Mexicans are rapists” remark. When Rauner approved of socially liberal views, Ives decided she could try to make Illinois great again. And failed. So, yes, the primary was unsurprising. After all, according to the Chicago Tribune, both candidates spent $50 million on ads, making this one of the most expensive gubernatorial and inevitable governor races in United States history. When I went home up north, I saw ads for both. When I went down south with my roommate, I saw ads for both. I even saw nonstop ads for both in St. Louis. It was kind of a nightmare. It is very much evident that money spoke louder than words. And they’re only getting started. In a previous editorial, I encouraged young people to vote. According to

U.S. News, young people represent a major political force. Forty nine million young people between the ages of 18 and 29 are eligible to vote in the country — this is more than 45 million eligible seniors. If 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney had secured a simple 50 percent of the youth vote in just four states, he would have been the next POTUS instead of Barack Obama. I wanted to reiterate that because it’s true: both your voice and your vote matter. The midterms are the absolute most effective way to put a dent in the current White House’s agenda. Without the midterms, we’re screwed until 2020. While the primary didn’t deliver the best results, in my opinion, we are still on track to fix the state’s economic and social problems. While on that track, just expect a crap ton of more ads from both Rauner and Pritzker.

MORE OPINIONS ONLINE

This victory belongs to all of you. Together, we’re going to win big up and down the ballot this November and move Illinois forward.”

Editorial: How could Snapchat approve an ad promoting domestic violence?

Gubernatorial Democratic nominee J.B. Pritzker said in a tweet.

Were you satisfied with the primary results?

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

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.

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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

NIU professor to speak on African athletes in Roman art ANDREW DOUGHERTY Senior News Reporter | @addough

Classical archaeologist and associate professor of art history at Northern Illinois University, Sinclair Bell, will present “Race and Representation in the Roman Empire: African Athletes as Case Study” at noon Thursday, March 29 at University Galleries located at 11 Uptown Circle, Suite 103. The talk is part of the Illinois State University Speaker Series and is sponsored by the Harold K. Sage Fund, the ISU Foundation and ISU’s School of Art. The event is free and open to the public. Sinclair Lea Cline, assistant professor of art history at Bell ISU, said that Bell has a significant amount of research that shows many Roman athletes were not white and that historians must come clean about the fact that Romans were not uniformly one race. “The Romans were a mix of many different races and I think the impetus from the cultural side of this is a really hot button issue. Plus, Bell’s contribution from the world of sport really got into and started processing this information,” Cline said. Bell’s research focuses on the art and archaeology of the

Etruscans, spectacles in the Roman imperial period and the visual representation of slaves and foreigners in Roman imperial art. “One part of his talk will be essentially, show me the evidence that there were non-white people in Roman sport. He’ll be speaking about the images and what the material culture tells us,” Cline said. “The second part is going to be an admission that we’ve done this very wrong and very badly for a lot of years as art historians. So essentially it will be about what can we learn and do better, how can we acknowledge race and antiquity in a better way without making it a contemporary argument. This is not about modern European history, but rather about what was going on in the Roman world.” Cline explained that medieval historians became anxious during the Charlottesville protests because many of the white nationalists were carrying medieval-looking shields and claiming the tradition that medieval European past was white, which is not true. “This became the impetus for Bell to start to do this research. He has a lot of research that many of these athletes were not white, and so he started to deal with this information that we have to come clean about the fact there were many different races and there is plenty of evidence to explain this,” she said.

Photo Courtesty of News.Illinoisstate.edu

The bust of an athlete in the Roman era at the Pio Clementino Museum in Italy.

ISU graduate programs increase rankings in U.S. News & World Report EMA SASIC Editor-in-Chief | @ema_sasic

Various Illinois State University graduate programs moved up in their nation-wide rankings in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 edition of the Best Graduate Schools. Areas that earned the university higher rankings include its graduate programs in the College of Education, part-time MBA program in the College of Business and master’s degree programs in the Mennonite College of Nursing. The College of Education ranked 108th in the U.S. News & World Report 2019 Best Graduate Schools rankings compared to 120th in the 2018 rankings. The College of Business

part-time MBA program ranked 92nd in the 2019 rankings compared to 143rd in 2018. Mennonite College of Nursing ranked 98th in the Master’s rankings in nursing, compared to 115th in 2018. Additionally, the Mennonite College of Nursing was included in the Doctor of Nursing Practice category, for the first time, with a ranking of 105. “These rankings are a testament to the excellent education being provided by our dedicated faculty,” Vice President and Provost Jan Murphy said in a press release. “They are also a validation that Illinois State University continues to be a higher education leader in the United States.” The 2019 edition of the rankings rates programs in business,

law, medicine, nursing, engineering and education. Ranking methodology varies by discipline, taking into account factors such as test scores of entering students, the job placement rates and starting salaries of recent graduates, academic quality ratings by officials at peer institutions and opinions of hiring managers, according to U.S. News and World Report. The data comes from statistical surveys sent to administrators at more than 1,970 graduate programs and from reputation surveys sent to more than 16,500 academics and professionals in the disciplines. For full rankings of various graduate programs, visit U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools.

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

harpercollege.edu/summerISU

HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (03/22/18). Your collaboration gets lucrative this year. Focus on your career for long-term gain. Household growth this summer leads naturally to family fun and romance. Team changes or challenges come together for a winter victory. Love is the bottom line. Share and give thanks. 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 a 7 -- Communication glitches could arise. Note what gets said and keep written records. Stick to simple plans rather than elaborate schemes.

Fantasy and reality clash. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -Today is a 9 -- Track income and expenses. Don’t get sidetracked; distractions could get expensive. Figure out the numbers before compromising. Save up for something you’ve been wanting. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Expect energy surges. You may fluctuate between feeling confident and sensitive. Keep your feet on the ground. Pamper yourself with hot water and bubbles. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Pull into your shell to sort out your feelings. Peace and privacy soothe and comfort.

Consider what your spirit and heart want. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Teamwork lightens everyone’s load. Strengthen your friendship networks and connections. Contribute your talents and invite participation and collaboration. Thrive in a healthy hive. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Travel and studies offer new opportunities. Expand your boundaries and understanding of another’s views. Take a step toward an educational goal. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -Today is an 8 -- Plan and budget for the future. Steady savings

adds up over time. Don’t waste money on stuff you don’t need. Prioritize your family’s health. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -Today is an 8 -- Invest in your family’s future. Don’t lose what you’ve got to get more. Wait for nebulous opportunities to solidify. Scrutinize options and plans. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Compromise with your partner for practical objectives. Keep your patience and your sense of humor. Don’t spend until you’re certain what you want. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- The workload

increases. Practice your moves for increased speed and performance. Learn a valuable trick. Nurture your health and wellbeing with good food. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Have fun with friends, family and your sweetheart. Avoid expense or hassle and stick to simple pursuits. Play with someone whose talents you respect. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -Today is a 7 -- Domestic matters have your attention. Simplify renovation plans down to basic elements. Strip away elaborate options that you don’t need. Less is more.

Features

PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

Returning to roots

Alumnus Roy Magnuson teaches at ISU with great passion DANIA DE LA HOYA ROJAS Features Reporter | @daniadelahoya

hile Illinois State University is known for its focus on undergraduate teaching, one professor in the School of Music has embraced this emphasis inside and outside of the classroom. Roy Magnuson, music composition associate professor, grew up on a farm outside of Geneseo, Illinois, about 30 minutes from the Quad Cities. Now, he teaches core-curriculum music classes such as theory, aural skills and composition at ISU and composes in his free time, but his world was not always so music-centered. “I actually did more thePROFESSOR ater and speech stuff in high school,” Magnuson said. PROFILE “But I was always passionate about [music], and I started dabbling in writing it in high school. I don't think I am innately or intrinsically more musical than anyone else. I am just continually very curious about it.” Magnuson has stuck with composing ever since and was able to combine it with his desire to teach after high school. “I knew that I didn't want to be a performer, and found myself writing quite a bit, so that seemed like a good fit,” Magnuson said. “My philosophy is that I write in order to teach, so I truly view my composition time as a way to learn more about myself and music in order to more effectively help students in the classroom.” Although Magnuson knew he wanted to teach music early on in his life, it was not until later that he decided to teach at a higher level. “I knew in high school that I wanted to be a teacher, but I figured that I would be a high school music teacher since that is the general path,” Magnuson said. “It wasn’t until around my junior year in college that I realized it was a possibility to teach at the collegiate level.” Magnuson received his bachelor’s in theory and composition from ISU, his masters in composition from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York, and his doctorate from the University of Illinois. For him, bringing his passion for teaching back to ISU was a no-brainer. “I went to ISU for my undergraduate degree, so it was a natural choice,” Magnuson said. “My wife came back to do a teaching certificate while I was going to school at U of I, so when ISU was in need of some adjunct help, I was around to help. They haven't been able to get rid of me since.” Of the 20 different classes Magnuson has taught, theory stands out to him. “I definitely love to teach theory. It’s a blast to show students the how and why of what they

Samantha Brinkman | Vidette Photographer

Alumnus and now professor Roy Magnuson knew he wanted to teach music early on in his life. Now, he teaches core-curriculum music classes such as theory, aural skills and composition at ISU and composes in his free time. are already feeling in a given piece,” Magnuson said. But it is ISU’s School of Music as a whole that stands out to him the most. “The same things that make ISU stand out [make the School of Music do the same] — a focus on undergraduate students, while still having tremendous, first-rate opportunities,” Magnuson said. Magnuson cites the Red Note New Music Festival as one of the “first-rate” opportunities the School of Music provides. “Each spring and each year we bring in a great group to perform and do reading sessions for our students. At a larger school, you would only be able to participate in this if you were, say, a doctoral student, because there would just be too many people. Here, it’s an opportunity that most of our undergrads will get,” Magnuson said.

For Anna Howell, junior special education major and music minor, it is personalized teaching methods such as Magnuson’s that give music students the confidence to take advantage of such opportunities. “He’s an amazing educator. He takes time to listen and not shut down ideas, he provides tools for success, not just instruction and he cares about students individually,” Howell said. “[For example,] the class MUS 107 involved sight-singing with just him in his office, and he took the time to walk me through any mistakes and help me fix them.” Magnuson said it is this level of comfort and an increased level of curiosity that he wants students to walk out with after taking one of his classes. “Relax, approach life like a little kid as much as possible, be curious and ask questions,” Magnuson said.

Howell attests Magnuson provides his students a level of comfort. “In a class that has a large performance aspect, he does a great job of not singling people out and making them feel comfortable.” Although his focus is music students, Magnuson also stressed that his work and that of his students is for everyone to experience and enjoy. “What we are doing in the School of Music and College of Fine Arts is not just for us,” Magnuson said. “Please, come hear stuff, go to plays and see the art. It is a tremendous artist colony, and I fear that sometimes we all get focused on what we are doing that we forget to open up and just look around a bit.” Magnuson’s own works have been performed throughout the United States. He has composed music for orchestra, wind ensemble, concert band, chamber ensembles, vocalists, electroacoustic ensembles and films.

Word weapon: ISU students, staff debate ‘N-word’ STUART STALTER Senior Features Reporter @VidetteStuS

When words are weapons, the “N-word” is considered the atomic bomb of the English language. The slur’s devastation has been so severe, that an entire community has spent generations combating connotations. Consequently, the “N-word” creates hard conversations. Regardless, Illinois State University students and professors tackle the topic. Senior graphic de sig n major Tamara Smith is angered whenever she encounters the Touré word. Reed “I feel like the ‘N-Word’ is a degrading term that should not be used to refer to anyone,” Smith said. “It makes

me think of slaves, the time Some wonder why a term with a Love explained. around the civil rights movement hateful history is accepted by many For those who do not understand and how African-Americans were African-Americans when said inside Love’s viewpoint or perceive double oppressed.” the black community. In particular, standards, context is the key to History professor Touré the “N-word” frequently acceptable usage. Reed notes that, prior to appears in modern pop and “People who know the sting of the civil rights movement, rap music. prejudice frequently ‘approprielected officials — such as Freshman political sci- ate’ slurs to their own ends,” Reed Mississippi’s infamous Senence major Mar Davis raps explained. ator Theodore Bilbo [author for record label Midwest Reed believes it is an individual of “Take Your Choice: Muzik. He notes that usage choice for black people to accept Separation or Mongrelizais only acceptable under the word’s usage among blacks tion”] — uttered it without specific circumstances. or reject it entirely. Personally, Mar compunction in political “I think that, the ‘N-word,’ Reed accepts black people saying Davis speeches. if appropriately used as a it; however, he abhors other races That said, the word was created term of endearment, is cool,” Davis using the term. with malicious intentions. said. “I would end a friendship with “The word dates back to the 17th Senior food, nutrition a white person who used century when Dutch slave traders and dietetics major Kriston or indicated he wanted to mangled the Spanish word for black Love is relieved that many use the ‘N-Word,’” Reed [negro], jotting it down in a ledger as black people have risen explained. “In fact, I would ‘negar’ and presumably pronouncing above hatred. take their use or desired it as such,” Reed said. “We evolved something use of the word as evidence “The word has a clear and direct that was demeaning into a that we were never actually association with slavery and has, term of endearment, which I friends.” essentially, always been a slur,“ he believe should be respected In addition to relationKirston continued. by those who are not black,” ships, the “N-word” affects Love

literature. Debate continues over whether it should remain in original literary prints or be eliminated to avoid offense. Department of English ChairperChristopher De Santis son and professor Christopher De Santis encounters the “N-Word” hundreds of times in the foundations of African-American literature and culture class textbook. Additionally, the slur appears in classroom novels, songs and poetry. “To eliminate this word from all of the literature would be a disservice to the writers who used the word for specific rhetorical purposes,” De Santis said. Additionally, open ears should accompany open eyes.

Full story online.

videtteonline.com/article

THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

Redbirds rolling into MVC play ISU baseball taking tough schedule in stride NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51

lthough the calendar pegged Tuesday as the first day of spring, the temperature didn’t cooperate, as blustery winds and cold conditions forced a cancellation of the Illinois State baseball team’s home-opener. However, the 2018 Redbirds are steadily collecting steam, as ISU has already played 17 games ahead of its Missouri Valley Conference slate that begins at the end of the month. ISU is sporting a modest 8-9 record but has won three of its five series. Coach Bo Durkac says he is pleased with the way his team has handled a nonconference schedule that ranks No. 26 in the nation. “8-9 could very easily be 12-5 if we played a lesser schedule,” Durkac said. “We are under .500 but we have beaten good teams on the road so I am happy with how we have played against good competition.” ISU is coming off a confusing season last year, as a unit featuring freshmen in eight starting positions showed their youth during the regular season (16-40, MVC 2-18) but embarked on a miraculous conference tournament run that fell just short in the final round. The Redbirds were expected to be better this season, projected fifth in the MVC’s preseason polls, and are showing signs of optimism — especially at the plate. ISU boasts a team batting average of .295 (40 points higher than it finished last season) and has tallied double-digit runs in seven games. Durkac says he is encouraged by the improvement from 2017. “If you take the sample size of 17 games this season and compare it where we were last year, we are significantly better offensively,” Durkac said. “We have to hold those numbers heading into this weekend and Valley play but I am very happy with our offense.” Sophomore John Rave has led the way for the Redbirds with a .403 batting average while junior Collin Braithwaite has contributed a

Photo courtesy Washington Athletics

Illinois State junior shortstop Owen Miller slides in for a run March 10 in Seattle, Washington. .373/.627/.476 slash line to pace the ISU scoring production. ISU is throwing the ball well, too. Durkac expects the weekend pitching rotation to be led by Brady Huffman on Friday with Matt Walker taking the ball the next day while the No. 3 spot in the rotation has been shared by Brent Headrick and Colton Johnson. Huffman, a sophomore with a 2.96 ERA in five starts this year, has benefitted from a heavy workload in his first season as a collegiate pitcher last season, Durkac says. “Brady is more advanced and polished than a typical sophomore,” Durkac said. “He has

done a good job controlling the run game, spotting his fastball and throwing his curve ball in hitter’s counts. “He is as competitive of a guy between the ears and in his chest than any pitcher I have ever been around so all of those factors make him a legitimate Friday night guy for us.” While the Redbirds have generally received quality starting pitching, the bullpen has been a cause of concern, as ISU relievers recently surrendered a pair of late leads in the fourgame sweep at the hands of Hawaii. “It has been frustrating because opening weekend we pitched very well out of the

bullpen,” Durkac said. “We have to do a better job of closing out games, that is what the bullpen’s job is… we’ve done a decent job at it but our record in one-run and two-run games isn’t what it should be.” As the Redbirds have four games remaining before conference play opens March 30 against Southern Illinois, Durkac says he doesn’t feel like there isn’t anything specific the team needs to tune up before hosting the Salukis at Duffy Bass Field. “We just need to keep doing what we are doing, stay healthy and make sure guys are getting their work in and staying strong,” Durkac said.

“8-9 could very easily be 12-5 if we played a lesser schedule... we are under .500 but we have beaten good teams on the road so I am happy with how we have played against good competition.” Bo Durkac, Illinois State baseball coach

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PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE

Sports

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

March Madness not disappointing

MY VIEW MICHAEL MARRA Sports Editor

Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor

Illinois State head coach Dan Muller during the 2018 Arch Madness tournament in St. Louis. The Redbirds lost to Loyola in Sunday’s championship.

Mid-major frustration With recent success of mid-majors in the NCAA Tournament, it’s time the selection committee stops overlooking the ‘little guys’ MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU

iven the recent success of the Missouri Valley Conferences and midmajor Loyola-Chicago’s Sweet 16 run, one is only left to wonder why the NCAA selection committee continues to leave mid-majors out of the NCAA Tournament. Illinois State head coach Dan Muller knows the feeling. After being left out of the NCAA Tournament last season with a 28-7 record, a 17-1 conference record – resulting in a regular season conference crown and an RPI in the 30s – Muller knows the odds are stacked against the “little guy.” But what should the committee do to let more mid-majors dance? “The only thing they [the committee] can do to fix it is change the tie-breakers when they come down to the last teams in and seeding,” Muller said. “The bottom line is the number of opportunities we have for “quality games”, whether you win or lose them, is not going to change magically. You can talk about the eye test, you can talk about the ability to win games, you can look at whatever numbers you want to skew it the way that you want it to, but until they change quality/quadrant one, now, wins or even games played … I don’t know how you change that, but that has to be the part that changes. Yet, those “little guys” coming out of the MVC have strung together 10 straight victories in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with no team losing a first round game since 2012. “The proof is in the pudding. The last 10 teams that got in have won their first game,” Muller said. “That’s not easy to do, that’s an incredible stat. Almost every one of those years, obviously, it’s a higher seed beating a lower seed.” Now, to those who don’t follow MVC basketball, indeed it is an incredible stat. Until recently the Valley was a two-bid league, meaning two teams from the MVC were advancing in the same year. In the last 25 years, the MVC has received 45 total NCAA Tournament bids. Of those 45 bids, 11 have turned into Sweet

16 appearances. Believe it or not, Wichita State and Northern Iowa are not accountable for all of those trips. Although, Wichita State does have the Valley’s lone Final Four appearance. Of the 11 Sweet 16 appearances, seven different teams are responsible for advancing to the second weekend of the tournament. “Whether it shows that our league’s undervalued or whether it just shows there’s quality basketball in this league, which we all know, it doesn’t represent our league very well,” Muller said. With the lone bid this season, Loyola and former ISU head coach Porter Moser are making the most of their first trip to the Big Dance since 1985, as two last-second victories have propelled the Ramblers into the Sweet 16. The victories are doing more than just giving Loyola the title of a Cinderella, but also showing that the league can survive without Wichita State, as well as bring in money for each win Loyola records. “There’s a lot of ramifications. It helps recruiting for the league, financially it’s very important for our league,” Muller explained. “There’s a lot of things that go into the success and how it benefits the Missouri Valley going forward. One of which, of course, is the first year we lose Wichita State it shows our league, RPI wise, is the highest it’s been in five to 10 years and then you still have your team have success that gets in.” While Loyola keeps dancing, Gregg Marshall’s Wichita State squad fell in the first round at the hands of Conference USA’s Marshall. As for the RPI that Muller mentioned, despite having the eighth best RPI among all Division I conferences, the two conferences in the seventh spot and ninth spot each received two bids to the NCAA Tournament. Once again leaving Muller to believe bright days are ahead for the MVC. “I think the Valley’s in good shape, which is exciting,” Muller said. “I want our league to be

the best it can possibly be. I just want to be the best of the group.” As the Valley strives to become a two-bid league again, for now coaches must recruit players to play within a conference many labels as a one-bid league. Every kid grows up hoping to hit the game winning shots Loyola’s Donte Ingram and Clayton Custer have, but when your conference only receives one bid to the Big Dance each season, it may pose a tough sell recruiting wise. Muller doesn’t see it that way, though. “You worry about that because every kid wants to play in the tournament, yet it’s not going to be an excuse for me,” he said. “We’re going to recruit at a high level. If you have to adjust a little bit, you have to adjust. But, our job is to get the best players we can. It has no impact on our ability to get quality, talented studentathletes. You can use it as a disadvantage, but we certainly won’t.” Muller has plenty of doubts with the selection committee. Many know this through his Twitter account, where he has voiced his opinion on multiple occasions. When asked about the hopes of Loyola’s success this March putting the MVC back on the NCAA selection committee’s radar, the ISU coach admitted it’s something he hopes for every year. “I hope that every year, I do. Every year, I think they’ve got to change this year because you see these teams have success or whatever and it doesn’t change,” he said. “I would love to be optimistic about that … if we’re in the position where we have one or two teams that are right there for an at-large bid and don’t win our tournament, I’m hopeful that it’ll change, and yet I’m not optimistic … change is always possible, you just hope it happens.” Nevertheless, MVC foes can rally around Loyola as the Ramblers continue their run in the NCAA Tournament and hope they continue to show what Valley basketball is all about. “I won’t be surprised if they keep dancing,” Muller said. “[I’m] excited about their success and happy for them. If nothing else, it gives our team a lot of motivation and understanding that this could be us next year.” Mike Marra is a sports editor at The Vidette.

March. The time of year when America falls in love with a Cinderella story, where the underdog is constantly being cheered for and when David defeats Goliath. When family, friends and colleagues fill out countless brackets, claiming theirs to be perfection. Eyes are glued to televisions, laptops and computers across the country for 63 games, hoping for madness. This year, we’ve been spoiled and we’re only 32 games in. The nation has fallen in love with the Cinderella story of LoyolaChicago. The underdogs from the Missouri Valley Conference. Two victories over power-five conference opponents on last-second shots. The type of madness basketball crazies want to see. But, that’s not all Loyola has to offer. Sweeping the nation – or nations depending who you ask – is the adorable 98-year old Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt. The Ramblers team chaplain since 1994. Cameras cannot get enough of her during the 40 minutes Loyola is playing and certainly do not stop panning her way after the Ramblers have miraculously pulled out two victories. Just for good measure, Sister Jean penciled the Ramblers advancing to the Sweet 16 in her brackets, but has her beloved Ramblers falling just short of their first Elite Eight appearance since 1963. It was also hard not to be rooting for the UMBC Golden Retrievers. In case you didn’t know what UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County) stood for before they upset Virginia, you were not alone. The first-ever sixteen seed to defeat a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Just like puppies, suddenly everyone wanted a glimpse of the Golden Retrievers. Top-seeded Virginia was making history all-season long. The most ACC wins in program history, the ACC regular season and tournament crowns. But the Cavaliers found themselves on the other side of history when UMBC drubbed them by 20 points in what is the greatest upset in the NCAA Tournament. But wait, that’s not all. None of the top-four seeds from the South region advanced to the Sweet 16 – which is a first in the history of the 40-years of the tournament. Defending champion North Carolina was ousted by 20 points to Texas A&M and Michigan State was stunned by Syracuse of the “first four in” teams, former MVC member Wichita State fell victim to Marshall and Florida State used a late second half run to down oneseeded Xavier. The first weekend was all fans could have asked for and more. As the second weekend is upon us, the real madness is about to begin.