THE Circus swings ’BIRD into Broadway THE VIDETTE PRESENTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 Vol. 129 / No. 53
videtteonline
Gamma Phi flips, soars for Sibling Weekend ALI RASPER News Reporter | @AliRasper4
I
llinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus will present its spring show in Redbird Arena as the main event of Sibling Weekend. Performances will be held 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. Saturday. There will be a pre-show carnival for children beginning at noon Saturday on the Redbird Arena Concourse. Admission to the carnival is the matinee ticket. This year’s theme, “Gamma Phi Circus on Broadway,” will mark the collegiate circus’ 88th anniversary. The action-packed, high-energy performance will focus on popular Broadway musicals. Debra Wylie, program director for the Gamma Phi Circus, is looking forward to the spring shows. “Gamma Phi Circus is looking forward to bringing the best of Broadway to Redbird Arena. Over 90 members will be involved in this year’s productions, blending the amazing feats of circus arts with favorite Broadway musicals,” Wylie said. “From ‘Annie’ to ‘Wicked,’ along with many other recognizable musicals, our aerialists, balancing acts, Russian Swing, German Wheel artists and more all have their talents in the spotlight. Over a dozen acts of amazing feats will be featured in our two-hour show.” This year, for the first time ever, the Gamma Phi Circus will be attempting a world record Teeterboard act. “The all-female members of this act will be attempting a six-high tower, and we are excited for our audiences to cheer them on,” Wylie said. “In addition to the world record attempt, we do have some new acts that will delight and amaze our audiences. But, for now, we’re going to keep some secrets on all the fun we’re planning for our audience to enjoy,” Wylie said. Tickets can purchased through the Redbird Arena Box Office, online or at the door. The Gamma Phi Circus is the oldest collegiate circus in the nation. From its start in 1929, the Gamma Phi Circus has established itself as a unique performance troupe and is continuing the legacy of circus history in the state of Illinois. “We look forward to bringing the best talents of our longstanding collegiate [circus] to our community and visitors from near and far,” Wylie said.”We want our audiences to have a great time with us. We hope our loyal audiences and alums come to the Redbird Arena and enjoy what we have in store for them.”
Check out the related photo gallery this weekend at videtteonline.com Sophomore exercise science major Rebecca Angles performs as Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz in Wednesday’s Gamma Phi Circus practice. Photograph by KELLY MCNAMARA Vidette Photo Editor
Full list of Sibling Weekend events, page 3
KRISTEN GILLESPIE NAMED EIGHTH HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH SPORTS 8
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: STUDENT MAPS POST-GRAD PLANS FEATURES 6
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
STAFF LIST Editor in Chief
Ave Rio
News Editors
Ema Sasic Mary Cullen Features Editor
Deb Bethel
Sports Editors
Josh Tolentino Beth Geistlinger
Photo Editors
Jenna Kadziulis Kelly McNamara Night Editors
Anya Malley Brigid Ackerman Social Media Manager
Bret Farrell
Art Director
Nicholas Buegel
Ad Sales Manager
Kevin Rizzo Ad Production Manager
Evan Morris Business Manager
Zach Oldenburg Photo submitted by Madeline Smith
Office Manager
Maddillon Kenney
(From left) Advertising Sales Manager Kevin Rizzo, Business Adviser Madeline Smith, Advertising Sales Executive Jonathan Higgs and Advertising Production Manager Evan Morris hold two first place awards for Best Digital Sales Increase and Best Self-Promotion Color Advertisement at the College Media Business and Advertising Managers’ convention this past weekend in Fort Worth, Texas.
Marketing Team Manager
Charlie Goodyear
VIDETTE NEWS STAFF
EDITOR 309.438.8745 ADVERTISING 309.438.8742 BUSINESS 309.438.5929 CLASSIFIEDS 309.438.7685 NEWS 309.438.2882 FEATURES 309.438.8746 SPORTS 309.438.3723 FACSIMILE 309.438.5211
Members of The Vidette advertising staff won two first place awards at the College Media Business and Advertising Managers’ (CMBAM) 44th annual convention March 29 to April 1. Traveling to Fort Worth, Texas, with around 50 schools from across the nation, Business Adviser Madeline Smith, Advertising Sales Manager Kevin Rizzo, Advertising Sales Executive Jonathan Higgs and Advertising Production Manager Evan Morris won first place in Best Digital Sales Increase and Best Self-Promotion Color Advertisement. For Best Digital Sales Increase, The Vidette submitted a comparison of online sales from 2015 to 2016 and what strategy was put in place. “The online one hit home because the price change that won us the award was something that I implemented right away when I became manager. It’s not so much winning, it’s more of you know you’re doing your job,” Rizzo said. “A lot of people say newspaper doesn’t work, but it’s proof in the pudding that what we’re doing works and we’re constantly making changes that actually work.” The Best Self-Promotion Color Advertisement awarded a map advertisement promoting The
Vidette app in the summer Survival Guide mailed to incoming freshmen. According to its website, CMBAM’s annual convention features dozens of sessions led by national industry experts, newspaper and advertising industry professionals in the host city, and students and advisers from CMBAM member media groups. The Vidette members said they took away many lessons from the seminars and are already seeing ways they can implement these ideas into their work. “It’s more of a learning experience. There are seminars that teach you about the sales process, what you could be doing with media with advertising and steering it in the direction of social media,” Rizzo said. “They also talk about websites and what you do if you throw events for businesses.” “It was a great experience. I met a lot of new people, designers and business majors from other
schools. It was a great opportunity to go out and learn a lot,” Morris said. “The conference was set up to be the business side of things, but there were design-related things, and it was really helpful for me to learn both, as well as see what other schools around the country are doing in media.”
COUPON
The Vidette The Vidette is published Monday and Thursday every week, except for final examinations, holidays, and semester breaks. The Summer Vidette is published every other week. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration, faculty, and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2017 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
$
8.99
HAIRCUT CAMPUS: Main St Between Mcdonalds & Buff. Wild Wings NORMAL EAST: Veterans Parkway in front of Walmart NORMAL NORTH: Main & Raab By Moe's and new Schnucks
WALK RIGHT IN! Expires 5/20/2017
COUPON
VID899
Best Value. Great Locations.
Rent SAMI. ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIALS!*
½ OFF SERVICE FEE Bring this coupon at signing, and we will take ½ off your service fee.
37
$
VA L U E 01 7
DIRECTORY
/2
John Plevka
The Vidette wins first place at CMBAM
15
General Manager
5/
Business Adviser
Madeline Smith
EXP .
Web Editor
Caleb Boma
This coupon must be present at signing.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
Feel like a kid again at Sibling Weekend
With events for people of all ages, check out the full schedule before the festivities end compiled by ALI RASPER | News Reporter | @AliRasper4
S
amantha Spellman, who works on the Student Alumni Council, explains what it takes to plan a successful Sibling Weekend.
“Collaboration is the key to our success with Sibling Weekend. With so many events packed into one weekend, Student Alumni Council wouldn’t be able to make it all happen without our amazing campus partners,” Spellman said. “We have been working for months with Gamma Phi Circus for the Sibling Carnival before the afternoon matinee show on Saturday. We have also expanded our collaboration with University Program Board from one to two events.”
Gamma Phi Circus
Redbird softball games Starting at noon Saturday, the Redbird softball team will be taking on the Loyola Ramblers in a two games. Game two will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Revealing Light’s Secrets: The Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and Flight Adventures The ISU Planetarium will have two shows for Sibling Weekend, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and a matinee 3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost between $2 and $4 and are available at the door.
Children’s Discovery Museum The Children’s Discovery Museum will be offering discounted tickets to ISU students for the weekend. Younger children will be able to roam all the museum has to offer, such as the Luckey Climber and Energy Challenge.
The weekend kicks off with the 88th anniversary of ISU’s Gamma Phi Circus show. Performances are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. Saturday. Regular-priced tickets can be purchased through the Redbird Arena Box Office, online or at the door. Special discounts are available for Illinois State Alumni.
Sibling’s Carnival
University Program Board
Fear the Bird celebration
The University Program Board will host a variety of events starting with a game of Ball Blasters from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday in the Brown Ballroom. Students and their siblings are invited to bring a blanket and head to the Quad for pizza and popcorn to enjoy the movie showing of “The Secret Life of Pets” starting at 8 p.m. Saturday. If it rains, the movie will play in The Old Main Building.
Saturday the Student Alumni Council invites students and their siblings to attend the sixth annual Sibling’s Carnival. The carnival includes a variety of games, balloon animals, face painters, prizes and fun for kids of all ages. The popular tradition is kid approved and open to everyone. From 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, stop by the Bone Student Center to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Fear the Bird Shirt with games and treats for everyone.
Epsilon Sigma Alpha Springfest To close out the weekend, Epsilon Sigma Alpha will be hosting the fourth annual Springfest event from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Horton Field House. Bring family members and friends for food,
Vidette Archive Photo
From events on the Quad to the Children’s Discovery Museum, there is something for everyone this weekend.
raffle prizes, a dunk tank, face painting and more. All proceeds from the event will go toward supporting Easterseals, a nonprofit organization that provides services to children with disabilities.
ABOVE: A little girl gets her face painted at the carnival before the matinee Gamma Phi Circus show last year. Photo by Emma Horath | Vidette Senior Photographer RIGHT: Gamma Phi Circus members perform a four-person bicycle act. Vidette Archive Photo
FRI. THURS. WED. TUES. MON.
Clowning around at the fair $5 Domestic Pitchers $3 Fireball Lunch Special: Ribeye Steak Sandwich $2 Domestic Longnecks $3 Rail Calls $3 Imports and Micro Brews Lunch Special: Reuben $1 Tacos (3pm-9pm) $5 Bud Family Pitchers $4 Vodka & Redbull $4 Bombs Lunch Special: Pork Tenderloin $2 Domestic Bottles $3 J.P. Wisers Rye Whiskey $3 Sailor Jerry Lunch Special: Ham & Cheese $3 Jack Daniels $2.50 Keeper Cup $2.75 Corona and Corona Lite Lunch Special: Cod Sandwich
Patio Open & Margarita Specials Everyday! 102 N. Linden St. | 309.452.0699
Sprinn Intt Actioo... Sigg Witt UU Todaa!
classactrealty.com 309-454-2960
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
From shameful to sexist: the stigma of dress codes
L
ast week, the controversy surrounding United Airlines and its legging ban left the nation begging the question, “Does my butt really look that good in these yogas?” For those who missed it, news broke bringing United’s employee and guest dress codes to light after two girls were barred from flight due to their leg apparel: leggings. The emphasis was on this apparent legging ban, leaving many customers worried about their wardrobe, rather than the fact that it applied to only a select number of passengers. Through it all, opinions on dress codes nationwide resurfaced. Though female travelers should not fret about their wardrobe for flight, sexist dress codes can be found almost everywhere — most abundantly in our school system. Young girls from birth to 18 are held to the following dress code standards: do not show shoulders, straps over shoulders must exceed at least two finger widths, midriff tops are forbidden, shorts, skirts and dresses must stretch past the student’s fingertips, cleavage should not be visible. The list goes on and on. Some schools are
even as strict to say that young women cannot wear tight fitting pants — leggings or tights — or have hair ties on their wrists. All of these restrictions are typically reasoned by insisting they “distract” peers. At face value, it is easy to see the issue lies much deeper than through the simple distraction of their male peers. For sake of argument, let’s look at some dress codes that apply to young men in the
school system: no vulgar or inappropriate language can be displayed, no displays of gang affiliation, no images of weapons. Clearly, the sexism that appears in the toy aisles of our department stores is also present when considering dress code violations. Not only are these young men not held to the same standards of distracting their female peers,
but their restrictions are often not as heavily enforced. It is not uncommon for girls to be asked to change into their physical education uniforms or be sent home to swap outfits if they do not comply to the rules. Though these rules only apply up until graduation from high school, the stigma remains in the college environment. A woman on campus wearing short shorts is judged for
Editorial Cartoon by Ashley Brown | Vidette Editorial Cartoonist
“letting her ass hang out” and another who enjoys wearing crop tops is labeled as an attention seeker. These judgements have been drilled into our heads since birth, even after we have outgrown their need. If a man is too distracted by his female peer’s outfit to pay attention in class, the problem does not lie with the woman. It lies in society’s ability to point the finger at the victim instead of taking responsibility for an archaic principle. There are appropriate environments for dress codes, the school system being one that does need some level of restraint. But, it is the way we go about shaming young women for their wardrobes that then bleeds into other environments. A college-aged woman should not second guess her yoga pants before walking into her lecture hall. Whatever that student feels comfortable wearing, however they want to express themselves, should be up to them. We cannot let these ideals that were constructed for young children frame our entire outlook on wardrobe choices. Maybe then, we can begin to tackle the sexist guidelines present in our school systems.
Editorial written by MARY CULLEN, 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.
GO TO VIDETTEONLINE.COM TO VOTE!
ONLINE POLL
?
Women: Have you ever felt self-conscious about your outfit because of old dress codes?
‘13 Reasons Why’ is hard to watch and rightfully so MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist
T
he Netflix original show “13 Reasons Why,” based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Jay Asher, debuted on the streaming platform Friday, and … wow. The series, like the book, follows the aftermath of the suicide of a local high school student, Hannah Baker. Her classmate Clay Jensen receives a set of tapes recorded by Hannah a few days after. The tapes depict the 13 reasons why she decided to take her life. Each reason pertained to a specific person and event, which eventually contributed to an overall domino effect. As Clay progresses through the tapes, he not only discovers why he is on a tape, but he also learns
the secrets about why some of his classmates are on the tapes as well. The show doesn’t sugarcoat the dark themes it explores, including suicide, sexual assault, mental illness and physical abuse. Attached to beginning of each episode that contains these graphic scenes are trigger warnings. These trigger warnings are crucial because, boy, do we see it all. It’s important to note that if you know you can’t handle watching these scenes, you should avoid them at all costs. It is more than possible to skip ahead and still understand what is going on. Some argue that these scenes are too graphic. I have to disagree. As I write this, I cannot stop picturing the suicide scene. In terms of entertainment, the show did its job effectively. However, on a deeper level, it knocked it out of the park. The scene in no way romanticizes suicide. And it shouldn’t, either.
Up until now, I have not actually seen sexual assault or suicide so accurately depicted in the media. The show brought up these hard topics and made sure we would finish with a full understanding of just how tragic they are. Rape happens. Suicide happens. We need to address these issues and sometimes people don’t fully understand things until they see visuals. They are hard topics, and therefore they should be portrayed as such in film and television. There are too many instances in the media when a male character takes advantage of a female character and it isn’t portrayed as assault — with no repercussions either. Those who work behind the scenes on these movies and television shows may not have meant for the scenes to be portrayed in that kind of light, but a lot of the time they are. “13 Reasons Why” does the exact opposite. These scenes are treated carefully and depicted respectfully (while still retaining
REDBIRD RUMBLE or FUMBLE Redbird Rumble: To Democrats in Normal for taking
four historically Republican seats in the local election Tuesday. Democrats now hold the township supervisor position and three out of four trustee positions.
the reality and raw horror of the subject material). More often than not, victims of bullying will tell you that it’s not one single incident that hurts them or causes a downward spiral. It’s the way those incidents add up over time. It’s the way friends stand by and let it happen, making you doubt whether any of them ever cared at all. It’s the lack of action from teachers and authority figures that reinforces the idea that you deserve the treatment you’re getting. These horrific scenes are incredibly difficult to watch, and you want nothing more than to reach through the screen and knock the razor blade out of Hannah’s hand. Suicide and sexual assault are devastating, and should be depicted as such — I certainly don’t think something as dark and impactful as “13 Reasons Why” should have sugarcoated or glossed over its subject matter. I understand the importance of avoiding triggers and I also
understand the importance of trigger warnings. The show features both, the latter being excruciatingly important, especially in the context of the show. Executive Producer Selena Gomez also provides a useful website at the very end of the finale, www.13reasonswhy.info, for those who need help in any way battling a mental illness. This contributes to the importance of “13 Reasons Why” and why it is absolutely fantastic. It’s a perfect adaption of the novel and tackles difficult subjects in the best way it possibly could. But please consider your mental health when watching it as well. If these things trigger you in any way, avoid the show. If not, I highly encourage you to indulge. It’s one of the most important shows out there. Kevin Schwaller is a news reporter and columnist for The Vidette. He can be reached at vidette_kschwal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @kevschwa.
Compiled by The Vidette Editorial Board
?
Redbird Rumble or Fumble?: To ISU students for vot-
ing Tuesday, but still having a low voter turnout. More than 120 ISU students voted, which does not seem like a lot, but only 13 students voted four years ago.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
Normal close to call, Renner wins re-election EMA SASIC News Editor | @ema_sasic
Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner won re-election Tuesday, while Normal’s race was too close to call. It will take two weeks until a victor is officially declared. Chris Koos had just seven votes more than opponent Marc Tiritilli, Bloomington High School science teacher. Koos secured 3,113 votes, or 50.06 percent, while Tiritilli secured
3,106 votes, or 49.94 percent of the total. There are still 35 outstanding absentee ballots that need to be counted. Voters also chose three Normal City Council members: Chemberly Cummings, Kevin McCarthy and Scott Preston. Renner defeated Alderman Kevin Lower in Bloomington. Renner had 6,038 votes, and Lower had 4,644.
SUMMER SESSIONS START MAY 22 AND JUNE 5. Start planning your summer now at harpercollege.edu/summer Anna Gallagher | Vidette Photographer
Slim Chickens offers a variety of chicken platters that are served fresh with a friendly smile.
7
Slim Chickens comes to Blo-No The Arkansas-based restaurant chain Slim Chickens officially opened its doors Monday in Bloomington and is located at 1515 N. Veterans Parkway, across from Steak n’ Shake and next to Walgreens. “We love the fact that there’s so many people here in Bloomington and it’s a real foodie town, so we wanted to bring our goodness to Bloomington,” franchise owner Dave Harris said. The restaurant is well known for its hand-breaded chicken tenders, fresh buffalo wings and handmade dipping sauces. The southern style menu also includes salads, chicken sandw iches, wraps, chicken and waff les and 15 different sauces customers can use on their wings or as their dipping sauce. “Everyone typically goes to the Slim Plate to start off with which is five tenders, side of fries and two sauces,” Harris said. “If you walk around the restaurant you see Slim Plates everywhere. It’s the easiest choice to go with, it’s filling and you get the f lavors from the two different dipping sauces.” More favorite items on the menu are the cayenne ranch chicken sandwich, chicken and waff les and the smokey cheddar wrap plate. Harris also adds that it has its world famous jar desserts on the menu. Customers can choose either the brownie or the
cheesecake and mix it with Oreo. It even has pumpkin pie and pecan pie jar desserts depending on the day. Menu prices range from $3.99 to $7.99. Customers dining in can order at the register and take a seat while employees bring their order to their table or they can get it to-go as well. “We have people walking through the dining room making
sure the guests are taken care of,” Harris said. “It’s almost like having a dinner with your neighbor and that’s our goal.” The store hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. “We just want people to come in and taste our food, let them know what we’re all about. We are not our neighbors, our motto is different and we’ve got our southern hospitality,” Harris said.
D N A L T R A E H M A I
“
.
I am getting involved and making a difference in my school and in the community.
“
KATELYN PROVOW News Reporter | @katelynprovow
Kati, Honors Program Participant
What you learn in the classroom is only part of the story. Join clubs and organizations, volunteer in your community, or even see the world. Find out why so many people
are choosing HCC.
Register now! www.heartland.edu | (309) 268-8000
Burger Baskets:
14
21
The Vidette
CROSSWORD
Across 1 Highlands hat 4 Serenade, as the moon 9 Pearl seeker 14 Botanist Gray 15 Naproxen brand 16 “__ Mio” 17 *Judy Blume genre 19 Bags with handles 20 Calendario start 21 Sierra __ 23 Former Radiohead label 24 __ Valley: Reagan Library site 25 *Got from the cloud? 27 Not having the know-how 29 Locomotive, e.g. 30 Compose, in a way 31 Single-celled creature 35 Sinusitis docs 36 *Like much Chinese cooking 39 Reebok rival 42 Dapper 43 Cal. pages 46 Like 49 Unite securely 51 *Three-year school, commonly 55 Julie’s “Doctor Zhivago” co-star 56 Subj. with unknowns 57 “Cool!” 58 Concert venue 59 Softens 61 Some football linemen ... and what the answers to starred clues have? 63 1999-2004 Olds 64 Vast, in verse 65 How-__: do-ityourselfers’ buys 66 Printing flourish 67 Freelancer’s supply: Abbr. 68 Fused
By Kurt Krauss Down 1 Occupies oneself with, as a hobby 2 Just plain silly 3 Mob inductee 4 Scott of “Arrested Development” 5 Tavern favorite 6 Mello __ 7 “__ From the Bridge”: Miller 8 Wyoming county 9 Act grandmotherly toward 10 Metric lead-in 11 Elected 12 Gold or silver 13 Lives 18 Trifle 22 N.Y. Mets division 25 __-glace: rich sauce 26 Got on in years 28 Long. counterpart 32 Coastal eagle 33 Museum curator’s deg. 34 Oils, e.g. 36 __-Flush:
PLEASE VISIT VIDETTEONLINE. COM TO SEE THE ANSWERS TO THIS PUZZLE household cleaner 37 Bite symptom 38 Network logo 39 Overnight bag item, maybe 40 Elvis played one in “Blue Hawaii” 41 One working the crowd 43 Souvenir 44 With no end in sight 45 Berlin boulevard
47 Myriad 48 Pay dirt 50 “Encore!” 52 Can’t take 53 Turner autobiography 54 “We Got the Beat” band 58 Casino fixtures 60 Part of TNT 62 Charlemagne’s domain: Abbr.
21 & Over After 6 pm
$2.00 Single Basket $3.50 Double Basket Mon-Fri 5 pm - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm
102 S. Linden St. Normal, IL 61761 (309) 452-7393
THURSDAY
SATURDAY
$1.25 Well & UV Flavors $1.50 Coors Lt & Miller Family Bottles $2.50 Red Bull & Vodka
$2.00 20oz Rolling Rock $2.50 Stoli Saturday $2.50 20oz Bud Family Draft
FRIDAY
SUNDAY
$1.75 20oz Bud Family Draft $2.50 Fireball Friday $3.00 Top Shelf Rum
$2.00 Bloody Mary $2.00 Well & UV Flavors $2.00 20oz Bud Family Draft $2.50 Seagram’s 7 Sunday
BAR & GRILL
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
International Outreach offers students global perspective MARIDSA CHOUTE Features Reporter | @Maridsa_
Senior Kathryn Montenegro poses while on a mission trip in Kenya. The trip inspired her to work hard at ISU to be able to travel after graduation. Submitted by Kathryn Montenegro
Montenegro’s endless opportunities EMILY GRIFFITH Features Reporter | @emilygriffy
T
he world is a student’s oyster once they’ve graduated; opportunities are limitless and there is so much that has yet to be explored. This is the mentality of senior public relations major and psychology minor SENIOR Kathryn MonSPOTLIGHT tenegro. After holding numerous internships during her time at Illinois State University, Montenegro is ready to take the real world by storm. “I just have so many plans that I don’t know where to begin,” Montenegro said. “I try to do everything; I’m one of those people who always needs to be doing something. I feel like if I’m not doing something, then I’m not progressing.” Montenegro has applied to numerous internships and jobs around her hometown of Gurnee in hopes of gaining experience in the
public relations field after graduation. Although Montenegro is thankful for the internships she’s had while in Normal, she feels like they have not been enough to get her where she would like to be. “In Normal, everything is so small … it’s hard to find good networking here that could end me up in Chicago,” Montenegro said. While Montenegro would like to attend graduate school in the future, she decided to take a year off in order to work to pay off bills and loans, complete internships and be with family. However, she does plan to apply to DePaul University’s public relations and advertising master’s program. Montenegro’s dream job is to be in a city, more specifically Chicago, and to work at a public relations agency. In addition to graduate school, internships and working, Montenegro’s post-graduation life hopes to include lots of travel. With a passion for traveling internationally, Montenegro hopes to backpack
in Europe. Although she has no solid plans for Europe, she is positive she will be traveling to Guatemala at the end of the summer to visit family that she has not seen since she graduated high school. Immediately following graduation, Montenegro plans to return to Six Flags to work over the summer. “I’m excited to be working with guest relations again,” she said. In the guest relations office, Montenegro handles the daily complaints that come from park guests and tries to keep patrons happy. Although Montenegro enjoys working with guest relations, she hopes to get the opportunity to intern with Six Flag’s public relations department in the future. Since her time here at ISU, Montenegro has become heavily involved in her co-ed fraternity chapter, Alpha Psi Lambda. Not only has the chapter allowed her to get involved in community service on campus, but it has also given her lifelong friendships.
“I’m going to miss my friends because a lot of them are younger, especially in the fraternity,” Montenegro said. “Whenever I’m at the library, I know exactly where they’ll be sitting, and there’s always people there.” Montenegro elaborated that although she does have friends back at home, it is just not the same as her college friends. “It’s so hard to meet up with old friends, because they have jobs and their own lives. But, over here, we’re all focused on school — we’re all just so close.” Overall, Montenegro is very thankful for her time here at ISU. “Illinois State has provided me with endless opportunities for leadership, professors that care about my academics and lifelong friends,” Montenegro said. Want to be highlighted or know a senior that deserves to get recognition for their time here at Illinois State? Email emgrif1@ilstu.edu for more information.
Enduring Redbirds fly down memory lane The road to teaching can detour into many directions. Those who enjoy the ride yield a lifetime of prosperity. Faculty with more than 200 combined years of Illinois State University teaching experience shared the vast joys of their journeys.
Compiled by Stuart Stalter Features Reporter @VidetteStuS
Mark Swerdlik
Continuous joys
“The first is teaching a class in which all students are actively engaged reflected in a high level of class participation. I enjoy observing their expressions of interest. The second is to observe the increased maturity and excitement when our interns return to campus after working as full-time interns for our fall intern workshop three months into their internship.” Mark Swerdlik, Ph.D., professor of psychology for 39 years “I love when students exceed expectations — with projects especially, I try to set a standard and assume most students will do the minimum amount of work to get the grade they want. Once in a while, however, a student or project group will really challenge themselves and it’s always amazing to see them accomplish more than they thought they could.” Megan Koch, director of Forensics Union and professor since 2005
Megan Koch
Wilbert Leonard
“I come from a long line of teachers. In fact the Leonard family — father, aunts and uncles — has been in education for over 230 years. I remember the principal of my elementary school having a sign on his door that read ‘Knowledge is power,’ by Francis Bacon. There has always been something about learning, reading and critical thinking that captured my interests and passions.” Wilbert Leonard, Ph.D., professor of sociology for 47 years
Memorable moments “I started a rain forest ecology class that culminates in a field trip to Costa Rica. [We were] standing there under umbrellas in an impossibly heavy downpour for the third-straight day, and a student asks, ‘Is this why they call it a rain forest?’”
Joe Armstrong, Ph.D., professor of botany for 39 years
Joe Armstrong
“A couple of years ago a former student who lives out of state was visiting his family in Decatur. He stopped by the office, out of the blue, saying he had driven to campus on the chance he might find two of his old instructors in their offices so he could tell us both how grateful he was for what we had done for him.” Joe Trefzger, professor of finance for 30 years “I was at a national convention where one of my former doctoral students was speaking at a session. I asked the first question at the end of the speakers’ talks. He called on me but said that he wanted to say something about me before I asked my question. He said that if a student wanted to write an amazing ground-breaking dissertation that would make him or her famous, I am the adviser to choose. I was charmed and amused.” Janice Neuleib, Ph.D., professor of English for 47 years
Joe Trefzger
Janice Neuleib
International Outreach is an RSO on campus that welcomes students from all over the world to grow accustomed to an American lifestyle. Husband and wife Ken and Julie Poirier and have opened up their home to international students. They have welcomed students from Japan, China, Brazil, Germany and so many more to Know countries in hopes to build a family connection. “We feel very blessed to live in a campus town but meet students from all over the world,” Julie Poirier said. Ken and Julie have been hosting students for ten years, but International Outreach became an official RSO three years ago. “Our goal is more personal and to form family oriented relationships and build a connectedness for students who want it,” Ken Poirier said. “A lot of times when students come to live with us and we get to know them, we realize what they want out of the experience is a family,” Julie Poirier said. For Bin Fay, an ISU alumna, living with the Poiriers helped her adapt to an American lifestyle and learn English quickly by having people to practice with every day. “Sometimes we get scared of making friends because of the language barrier, but with a family we are more at ease and let our guards down more,” Fay said. Fay served as the president of International Outreach for the past two and a half years, and credits it for making her adjustment to campus easier. “When you’re with someone you’re comfortable with, you’re not afraid to look stupid,” Fay said. During each meeting, the group of students meet up at the Poiriers’ home in Bloomington, have dinner together and get to know each other. They also participate in discussions about American and Christian values. “We want people to feel the love of God, but also find a common ground. There are a lot of religious differences so talk about similar things and differences,” Ken Poirier said. Students in the RSO also occasionally attend universitysponsored events to speak on their experiences here at ISU. The Poiriers want the students to enjoy the time that they spend in Bloomington-Normal, so they like to have movie nights and holiday celebrations like going Christmas caroling in the winter and carving pumpkins for Halloween. According to Ken Poirier, the organization also plans trips around the area and in Chicago like spending a day at Starved Rock, visiting museums in Peoria or visiting Navy Pier in Chicago. As the RSO continues to grow, the Poiriers hope that it continues to expand and build stronger connections with students from all over the world.
RSO
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
RAVE
BASEBALL
Continued from page 8
The Rave family is no stranger to the Redbird campus or college athletics. Rave’s father, Mike, played basketball at Illinois Wesleyan and his mother, Sue, attended Illinois State. Rave has seemed to live up to his potential in his first year as a Redbird. He currently sits second on the team in batting average (.313), hits (31) and on-base percentage (.393) while bouncing around in various spots in the lineup. Rave ranks fifth for RBIs with 11 and for runs with 17. Rave started 23 of 26 games this season, the most of any freshman and fifth overall. For Rave the early success has been a product of the opportunities he has been given. “Coming here gave me a great opportunity to get some playing time right off the bat,” Rave said. “Whether I am in the game or on the bench, I know I have to fill my role on this team.” Rave’s individual success has yet to translate into the team’s win column, as the Redbirds
Continued from page 8
have limped to a 7-19 start to the year. However, the rough start has not curtailed the conf idence t he f r e sh m a n has in his team’s abilities. “Nobody in our locker room has given up on this year because we John know how good Rave we can be,” Rave said. “We all have the confidence that this team can make a run in the conference.” Still just a freshman, the confidence Rave shows in his team and on the field seem to represent the qualities of an upperclassmen. With possibly three more years of growth and development coming his way, Rave should continue to fulfill his potential and rise up draft boards. See Rave and his teammates in action at 4:30 p.m. Friday as the Redbirds take on Dayton to start off an eight-game home stay.
streak behind them as Riley Dent dropped a single into left field. After a sac bunt, Lindgren would a llow another base hit before hit ting James Stea to load the bases. A f ter work ing the count f u l l L indg ren would issue the go-ahead walk to Chase Dawson. The Crusaders’ bullpen finished off an impressive night of their Jaelen Davis | Staff Photographer ow n in t he Rebird Baseball dropped Tuesday’s game to Vlaparaiso 4-3, its fourth straight loss bottom half of The Redbirds received strong outings from the the inning, setting the Redbirds down in order to bullpen trio of Jeff Barton, Trevor Cross and Mitch avoid their own fourth straight loss. Vogrin. The three combined for five scoreless The Redbirds will be back in action at 4:30 p.m. innings, while holding the Crusaders hitless for Friday when they begin a weekend set against six-straight innings. Dayton at Duffy Bass Field. Jeff Lindgren took over for Vogrin in the twelfth and the Crusaders quickly put the hitless
SUMMER SESSION STARTS MAY 22 AND JUNE 5. Start planning your summer now at harpercollege.edu/summer
HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (04/06/17). Exciting possibilities arise in unexpected places this year. Keep on your toes! A team project shifts focus after August, and before new love carries you away. Launch a profitable year in October. December brings a two-year cycle favoring coordinated group efforts. Accomplish dreams together. 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 — Balance health and work today and tomorrow. Plan educational exploration over the next three months, with Saturn retrograde. Create itineraries, file
applications and reserve tickets. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Fun and romance take priority through tomorrow. For the next few months, with Saturn retrograde, financial discipline pays extra dividends. Strengthen foundations and structures. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — For three months, with Saturn retrograde, strengthen bonds between partners. Collaborative projects undergo revision. Resolve old misunderstandings. Focus on home and family today and tomorrow. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Write, research and network through tomorrow. Revise health and work practices over the
CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED- FOOD & DRINK OZARK HOUSE RESTAURANT Now hiring part time servers and hosthostess. Hours Tues. - Sat. evenings. Apply at theozarkhouse.com/apply. Part-time bartender needed. Contact Terry at 3096631432. If no answer, leave a message. Must be over 21. Hours and pay to be discussed. Must have open availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Previous experience is a plus but not a requirement. Offer competitive pay starting at $12/hour plus additional tip. Duties include but are not limited to taking food/drink orders, clearing tables, and additional prep work. Contact Lauren English, 309-829-8092. lauren@crestwicke.com
HELP WANTED- OFFICE/ CLERICAL It is easy making phone calls for local community service projects, part time evenings. Call 309-454-7692
HELP WANTED- OUTDOOR/ ATHLETIC PLAY SPORTS! HAVE FUN! MAKE MONEY! Top-rated sports camp needs fun loving counselors to teach all land, water & adventure sports. Great summer in Maine! Call (888) 844-8080; apply at www.campcedar.com
FOR RENT: FALL/SPR 17-18 1611 Fell. 3 Bdrm. Available Aug. 1.
next three months, with Saturn retrograde. Go back to what worked before.
months, with Saturn retrograde. Indulge nostalgic retrospection. Adapt to new circumstances.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Today and tomorrow could get lucrative. Follow rules closely to win over three months with Saturn retrograde. Remember a fun, old game. Enjoy romantic nostalgia.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Enjoy a two-day party phase. Exert budgetary discipline, with Saturn retrograde for three months. Return to basic financial priorities. Review and reconcile accounts.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) —Today is a 9 — Boldly pursue personal dreams today and tomorrow. Finish up old domestic projects over the next three months, with Saturn retrograde. Strengthen infrastructures. Refine and polish. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 6 — Lay low and rest today and tomorrow. Edit and revise your communications over three
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Focus on career matters through tomorrow. Learn from the past without repeating it. Personal self-discipline produces results over three months, with Saturn retrograde. Take charge behind the scenes.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Get away from your routine today and tomorrow. Travel and learn. Consider old dreams and visions, with Saturn retrograde. Complete something from the past. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate on finances through tomorrow. Schedule gatherings and collaborations with friends during Saturn’s threemonth retrograde. Lay the groundwork for community enthusiasm. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Discover romance with your partner today and tomorrow. Review career goals, with Saturn retrograde. Disciplined efforts behind the scenes earn eventual reward. Prepare for a challenge.
Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
All appliances. Look at photos at FisherRentals ForRent on Facebook. 309-660-1089. Walk to Wesleyan. Close to ISU. 2 Bedroom basement apartment, $425/ per person. Utilities not included, W/D provided. 418 N Main St. Call Alan at 309-212-2136.
FOR RENT: SPRING 17 & SU/ FALL/SPRING 17-18 1-6 BR houses for rent. Furnished, low rent, 1 mile from ISU. Call or text 309-830-1121 Subleases available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600
FOR RENT: SU/FALL/SPRING 17-18 NEW CONSTRUCTION!!! 403 E. VERNON, 4 bed/4.5 bath townhomes Two laundry rooms/unit Flat screen TV, swimming pool/fitness room access www.sami.com (309) 888-4600 Large 2 BR. Townhouse. $535/person, $390 for 3, Prime Location, 2 blocks south of Watterson, central air, laundry in kitchen, 2 parking spaces, furniture, very nice. 610 S. Fell. 287-1870 Linden Trails: Brand new construction. 4 bdrm, 4.5 bath with washer and dryer. Next to the trail. Utilities included. Start at $620/person. Class Act Realty 309-454-2960
301 S. WALNUT: Furnished 2 Bedrooms. Balcony, Covered parking, Laundry. Quiet Building. Start at ONLY $290 Class Act Realty. 454-2960 4 bdrms available ranging from $275$450/person/month various locations. Redbird Property Management. 309-454-4888. Townhome-3 bedroom/3 bath, including washer/dryer and all appliances. Avail June. Call Ed 309-826-2012 4 Bedroom House - 506 E. College. 1 block from Pub, W/D, DSL, Parking, Screened in porch. $495 per person. Call 309-275-2078. 808 S Linden: Large 1, 2, 3 and 4 person units. All Utilities Included. Next to the trail. Start at $350. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Two bedroom units available. Water paid. Tenant responsible for gas and electric. $275-325 per bedroom. Security deposit required. No pets. Call or text 309-242-8328 5 BR House near ISU golf course. Partially furnished w/ attached garage. $500/mo/person. 309-696-9326 Large 2 BR. Apt. for 2. $365/person., $265 for 3, A/C, dishwasher, deck/ patio, laundry. Heat & water paid, 6 blocks north on School St. from ISU (309)287-1870 Crossing Dr. Large 3 Br/2 & 3 Ba townhome. W/D. $367-382 per person. 309-830-5073. See www.RLapartments.com Linden Trails. Brand new construction. 4 bdrm, 4.5 bath with washer and dryer.
Next to the trail. Utilities included. Start at $620/person. Class Act Realty 309-454-2960 3 bdrm 2 bath. All appliances. Look at photos at FisherRentals ForRent on Facebook. $1200 + utilities. Available in May/June. Fenced in yard. Close to parkside, Heartland, ISU. 309-660-1089. 401 N. Fell Ave. Remodeled 4 bedroom/2 bath. New flooring and kitchen counter top. Breakfast bar with stools, dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer & dryer in unit. Central air, secured building, off street parking, high speed internet provided. $495/per person. Call Excel Real Estate at 309-829-5885. Furnished one bedroom apartment for rent. Summer ‘17- Spring ‘18. 210 East Vernon. Owner managed. Call 309-825-7920. 406 Dewey Ave: 4 bdrm 1 bath unit. Includes parking, onsite laundry & utilities alw. Close to ISU. Starting $370/bdrm. Will roommate match. 309-454-4100 Fell: Spacious 2 & 4 Bedrooms. 1 block from campus. Laundry. Start at $375. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 TOWNHOMES: 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms. Include Washer-dryer, central air, dishwasher, parking, patio and/or balcony, yard. ONLY $255-360 per bedroom. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Houses: 3 to 5 Bedrooms. Start at $325 per person. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Apartment For Rent. Walk to ISU, furnished, utilities paid including cable and
WiFi, quiet neighborhood, single occupancy, no smoking, no pets. $400 per month - laundry privileges if requested. 809 Normal Ave. Call 309-532-3234. Flora Way: Large Furnished 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms. Start at ONLY $325. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 2017-2018 School Year! 1,2,3 & 4 bedrooms www.sami.com (309) 888-4600
ROOMMATES WANTED Looking for fourth roommate at 1010 S University St. Contact 309-265-2885. Roommates needed 2017/18 school years 2-3-4 bdrm apartments. Contact office for a listing. Redbird Property Management. 309-454-4888.
FOR RENT: SPRING 2017 Various 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms and some single rooms available. $235-$555. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Need an apartment for immediate move-in? 2 bedrooms and roommate matching available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600
HELP WANTED- GENERAL Wanted: Life drawing models for group of serious, professional artists. Every Tues. 6:30-9pm. $40 per session. All body types welcome. Contact Brian at info@ brianksimpson.com Calling all CHEMISTRY Majors. Akorn Pharmaceutical is now hiring Chemist
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017
Gillespie hired as new ISU women’s basketball coach MICHAEL MARRA Senior Reporter | @MikeMarraILSTU
Tuesday inside the Hancock Stadium Club, Kristen Gillespie was named the eighth head coach of the Illinois State women's basketball program. “I am beyond excited a nd extremely humbled to be named Kristen the next head Gillespie coach at Illinois State,” Gillespie said. “I have a full understanding of the rich tradition that surrounds Redbird basketball and the Missouri Valley Conference. From day one, it will be our focus to surround every action with championship-level effort.” The challenge for Gillespie lies in bringing a once-glorious program back into the limelight and making it relevant again. “I am excited to lead this program back to the top of the Missouri Valley Conference, and we will compete for championships.
We will make runs in the postseason. That is my promise to Redbird nation,” Gillespie said. Gillespie is coming from DII Lewis University where she compiled a 51-12 record through two seasons at the helm. “To me, hiring is timing and fit — the right person at the right time. In the end, there was no doubt in my mind she was the right person at the right time,” Director of Athletics Larry Lyons said. That timing happened to take place during the same time as the Women's Final Four, which Gillespie was in attendance for. “It gave me a couple extra days. I had another final conversation with President Dietz and she was emerging as the leader,” Lyons said. When Gillespie got the call from Lyons, she “said a little prayer” and answered the phone. “I haven't come down from cloud nine since he offered me the job. I don't even know if he even got it all the way out before I said ‘yes,’” Gillespie said. Illinois State's new coach knows
two things are key to success here and that they need to happen ASAP. “Our first priority is to make the 12 young women in our program comfortable and get to know me and start building that relationship. Relationships are really important to me and building that trust,” Gillespie said. “Then we're gonna hit the recruiting trail hard. I think that we're a little bit behind with the 2018 class and I guess, maybe, that will be a challenge, but an opportunity for this staff we put together to show their fire and get to work and find some great, young talent.” Gillespie credits her childhood for getting her to this point in her career. “I had the greatest childhood. I grew up around the sport I loved, and with my grandfather, Gordy, and my father, Mike, I had two of the greatest coaching role models before I even knew what a role model was,” Gillespie said. Gillespie acknowledged the foundation that Jill Hutchison laid here and what an honor being
named coach at ISU means. She also said that when asked “why Illinois State” she thought it was the easiest question throughout the interview. “I really believe this will be the best job in the state of Illinois,” Gillespie said. “Great players, great coaches, have worn the red and black.” Lyons said the search for a new coach drew national attention that included a “very good and diverse” pool of candidates. “Our goal was to find the best person to lead our women's basketball program back to the top of the Missouri Valley Conference and to compete for postseason opportunities,” Lyons said. Gillespie is taking over a program that is in its worst stretch in program history, following four straight-losing seasons, totaling a record of 28-93 during that time. Gillespie said that one-on-one meetings with players will take place Wednesday so she can get to know them, and the search for a coaching staff will begin immediately.
Raving about Rave Local freshman makes impact on struggling team NICK DAMIANI Sports Reporter | @nGdamiani
Freshman John Rave finds himself in a predicament many 19-year-old college students find themselves in. He says he has no idea what he wants to do once his time in college is up if “plan A” does not work out. The Bloomington native hopes after his four years at ISU he can land a job that he loves to do. Luckily for Rave his “plan A” may be well within his reach. Last June while hanging out at a friend’s house shooting some pool, Rave received a phone call the average teenager could only dream of. It was the Boston Red Sox, saying they would be selecting him with its 35th round pick. At just 18 years old, Rave was given a chance to achieve a dream. “It was very exciting and I was extremely grateful that Boston would take that opportunity to draft me,” Rave said. Being the 1,048th pick in the draft is a long way from guaranteeing a spot in the majors. However, this was still a testament to the potential in Rave’s abilities. Rave was a standout athlete at nearby Central Catholic where he starred as a four-year member of
Emma Horath | Vidette Senior Photographer
Bloomington native John Rave hits a single in Tuesday’s game against Valparaiso, where ISU fell 4-3. both the baseball and basketball teams. In his final two seasons he lead the team with a .429 average and 10 home runs, while he was also a three-time all-conference selection. After taking some time to weigh his options of either going pro or heading to college, he ultimately decided to honor his commitment to the Redbirds. The decision for
him was one driven by his family. “Being able to play close to home was a big part of the decision for me, because it allowed my parents and grandparents the opportunity to come watch me play,” Rave said. Baseball has always been a family affair for Rave, whose older brother Matt is a second baseman at Carthage in Kenosha, Wis. However, the brothers’ longstanding
competitive relationship branches out wider than just baseball. “We were always competing with each other, whether it was basketball, baseball or video games, it was always a competition,” said Rave. “I credit him a lot for pushing me to the best that I can be and realizing my potential.” See RAVE page 7
Redbirds lose 8th of last 10 games, fall to Valpo in extras NICK DAMIANI Sports Reporter | @nGdamiani
Illinois State (7-19) continued its struggles Tuesday, losing 4-3 in 12 innings against Valparaiso. The loss is ISU’s fourth straight and it is now just 2-8 in its last 10 games. Pitching has been the Redbirds’ Achilles heel to start the season, but lately it has been found in the offense as they average just over three runs in their last 10 games. “We’re in a funk right now offensively,” ISU coach Bo Durkac said. “We just need to do a better job of bunching our hits together
and scoring runs.” The Redbirds bunched up three of their seven hits in the fifth inning. After trailing 3-0, Noah Sadler broke up Valpo’s no-hit bid with a lead-off single. Nick Zouras was then hit by a pitch, Bryce Grimm followed with a double to right center field to score Sadler and Collin Braithwaite added a double of his own to knock in Zouras and Grimm to tie the game at three. The Redbirds would blow two more chances to take the lead. In the sixth Owen Miller ripped a leadoff double into the gap in right center, after making it to third with
two outs, Zouras would strike out to end the threat. Another opportunity came when Jordan Libman lead off the eighth with a pinch hit single and the top of the order set to follow. Unfortunately for the Redbirds, their pinch runner Zach Barnhart was picked off first base, killing any momentum they had. “Whenever we had chances to move guys or score guys, they just seemed to make a good pitch and we just couldn’t have a good at-bat when we needed one,” Durkac said. See BASEBALL page 7
An outside reflection on ‘Redbird Seven’
MY VIEW MIKE MARRA | Sports Reporter | @MikeMarraILSTU
T
w o years ago Friday, a plane crashed, taking seven lives. It’s crazy where two years can take you. Two years ago, Illinois State and the Bloomington-Normal community were mourning, while at the same time, I was prepping to make my move to Illinois State as a transfer student. Little did I know what would happen before I would start at ISU, and I had no clue what an impact that event would have in my first two years a student here. On the morning of April 7, 2015, I headed down I-55 from Chicago, excited to see what was in store for me at Illinois State University for my Transfer Day program in just a few hours. As I got closer to campus, a dense fog set in and it was a bit rainy outside. I remember wishing the weather had been better just to get a better view of what the campus had to offer. When I arrived, there was an empty, eerie feeling on campus and I didn’t know why. I asked myself, “did I make the right choice coming here?” as I realized about how quiet and weird it felt on campus that day. I knew it couldn’t be like this all the time, so I just went on with my day, having no clue what had transpired just hours prior. As I was walking to my car to head home, I got a text with a link to an article about the plane crash and deaths that took place. I couldn’t believe what I read and I didn’t know any of the people who had died, but knew I was joining this community in just a few short months and I couldn’t shake the news I had received from my head. Now, being in my second year and fourth semester at ISU, I know exactly what “Redbird 7” means to people. I didn’t know what it meant at first, not until I covered this men’s basketball team. Seeing the patches on the uniform and all the shirts and bracelets in remembrance of the fallen didn’t hit me until this past March. Sitting at a table in St. Louis and watching Illinois State coach Dan Muller go up and receive his Coach of the Year award, that’s when I got it. As he sat up there and talked about how life was unfair and how those men should be here and Ward should be sitting at Sweetie Pie’s in St. Louis. He talked about how wives lost their husbands and children lost their fathers. “Life’s not fair, and that’s okay,” Muller said. You could see his eyes start to well up. “Those seven guys upstairs, put on their favorite red outfit, support a dream and hope to have a great weekend because we’re trying to win this thing,” Muller said when accepting the award and talking about Arch Madness. Then it came full circle for me. Those guys upstairs have never left the minds of the Redbirds still here and never will. I may not have the same memories and experiences from that tragic day two years ago as the families involved or students who were on campus at the time, but I know what it means now. It means everything.