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THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES, ISU
SPORTS 8
REDBIRDS EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO 3 GAMES
Forever Redbirds
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 Vol. 130 / No. 61
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THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL
Walk with confidence during commencement
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CINDY HERNANDEZ | News Reporter | @Cindylu_7
s the semester is wrapping up students are preparing themselves to walk the stage and become official graduates of Illinois State University. The ceremonies will be held May 11 and May 12 at Redbird Arena and Braden Auditorium.
Know where to go Mennonite College of Nursing will walk 4 p.m. May 11 at Braden Auditorium, and the College of Arts and Sciences will walk 7 p.m. at Redbird Arena. Saturday’s ceremonies will begin with the College of Education and Interdisciplinary University Studies at 8:30 a.m. at Redbird Arena. College of Applied Science and Technology will take place at noon and College of Business at 4 p.m. at Redbird Arena. The College of Fine Arts will end all ceremonies at 7 p.m. at Braden Auditorium.
Show up on time To ensure walking across the stage, students need to arrive early to have plenty of time to spare. Senior business administration major Courtney Kroos and senior nursing major Mia Cece kiss the Reggie Redbird statue outside Fell Hall for good luck.
“Show up on time,” commencement coordinator Terri Haerr said. “Students should plan to arrive one hour prior to the start of their ceremony.” Students must check in at least one hour prior to the ceremony start time. If the ceremony is at Braden Auditorium, students must check in at the Circus Room in the Bone Student Center. For ceremonies held at Redbird Arena, students should check in at Horton Field House, located north of Redbird Arena. Students should enter Horton Field House from the south side, facing the Turner Hall/ Redbird Arena parking lot.
Bring only what is needed Students should make sure to bring only what is needed. This includes cap and gown and making sure to dress comfortably. All students will be standing in the line-up room prior to the ceremony and wearing comfortable shoes will help the experience. Personal belongings should be left at home as there will be no storage provided. see COMMENCEMENT page 3 Photograph by MONICA MENDOZA Vidette Photo Editor
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
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Graduation ceremonies recognize marginalized ISU students ANDREW DOUGHERTY Senior News Reporter | @addough
cultures might celebrate. “The entire campus community is invited to all of these s Illinois State Univerceremonies. For example, the sity students prepare for Lavender Graduation is not just graduation, the campus meant for people who recognize community can join together to as LGBTQA but also for the whole celebrate the successes of minorcampus to honor and celebrate ity students with graduation these individuals who have made recognition ceremonies. great achievements and made it The four ceremonies, Middleto this wonderful milestone,” Eastern, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hatch said. “The ceremonies and Southeast Asian (MAPS); incorporate a little bit of everyNuestros Logros; Lavender Graduthing. It really depends on the ation and Umoja: Black Graduation group putting it together.” Celebration; will honor unrep“Umoja has a wonderful activresented students who are going ity called the Harambe Circle through commencement. The cerewhich is a celebration where monies are sponsored by Diversity Courtesy of Umoja’s Facebook page mentors and people who have Advocacy at ISU. been involved in the success of Umoja is one of many graduation ceremonies that honors minority students. MAPS’ ceremony will take these students,” she continued. place at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Old “Depending on the ceremony Honoring African American and other stuMain Room of the Bone Student Center. itself, these are great ways for highlighting what dents of color with the theme “Transgress, Nuestros Logros which takes place at 4 p.m. Transcend, TRANSFORM!”, Umoja: Black Grad- these students have achieved so far. To get a true in the Prairie Room of the BSC, celebrates the uation Celebration will be held at 7p.m. Thursday understanding of these ceremonies, you would accomplishments of Latinx students. have to go to each celebration.” in the Center for Performing Arts. Lavender Graduation, a celebration of the Assistant director of media relations Rachel queer community, will begin at 6 p.m. Wednes- Hatch said the ceremonies are meant to help see CEREMONIES page 5 day in the Prairie Room. different groups celebrate in a way different
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THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018
Alumnus gives back to ISU with $100,000 gift Matt Johanson, ’89, wife donate to Redbirds Rising campaign TIFFANY MORRISON News Reporter | @MorrisonTiffany
Illinois State University gives each individual a different experience and for one ISU alum, it gave him both a better sense of the world and what he wanted to do, as well as a family. Matt Johanson and his wife Sue met during his time at the university. Sue went to Bowling Green State University in Ohio and majored in computer science and management information systems, like her older sister. “I was the youngest of three and I looked up to my sister, so when she decided to pursue computer science I decided to as well,” Sue Johanson said. “Computers were up and coming at that time, it was like on the edge of everything and it was exciting because it was totally new and different.” Matt, who originally came to ISU as a math education teacher, shortly realized that his skill set was better suited to be an applied computer science major. Matt and Sue met at an internship for Kodak in Rochester, New York. They hit it off right away and after working professionally together, decided to try and make a long-distance relationship work. “One of the things that struck me the most about meeting Matt was that he definitely took the time to get to know his professors and the individuals he was learning from, always asking questions and was always driven and pushed himself to do better with each task he was given,” Sue said. Matt and Sue decided to get married in October of 89’, shortly before Matt graduated in December. During this time, they lived in an apartment in Bloomington, where the start of their family bloomed. They now have four kids, three boys and a girl and have been married for 29 years. “We’re both constantly learning and growing with each other and love to be involved in the community and help to be able to provide for others to set them up for success,” Sue said. Now, they are giving back to where it all started, establishing the Matt and Sue Johanson Diversity in Technology Fund to help support the next generation of technology professionals.
Tiffany Morrison | Vidette Photographer
Sue and Matt Johanson have been married for 29 years and have decided to give money to Matt’s alma mater ISU because it is where the foundation of their family began. “The Dean of Applied Science and Technology at the time was creating an advisory board and they called me one day to grab lunch, told me about it and I got involved with that,” Matt said. “I realized how well the school had evolved and how well it had done but also heard it was in need, so I decided to help out because we could.” The $100,000 gift goes toward scholarship, which is one of the three pillars of Redbirds Rising. “My foundation of my family has started here, I totally want to be apart of giving other students what Matt was given during his times here,” Sue said. Matt first started working at AON Hewitt Associates benefits consulting firm for five years. In working there, he realized he was not doing the best at balancing his work and home life, working almost 24/7 with two kids. “My college roommate kept writing me letters telling me not to throw my life away into one job,” Matt said. “He told me that I needed to get some balance in my life and reached out and continuously encouraged me to be a better person.”
Johanson left after his fifth year due to that and then started working at Caterpillar for a year, where he realized it was too laid back, not giving him enough to fill his constant drive. “There’s some people who just want to get into their groove and do their thing, but I need that action and excitement,” Matt said. “I encourage people all the time to apply themselves to the best of their abilities, to stick out. Are you going to be excellent or are you going to be something less than you can be?” He finally found his perfect fit at Discover Financial Services, where he’s been for 22 years with a range of jobs, including operations, marketing, product sales, business sales, managing relationships and risks and more. “What attracted me was it was the right balance of the two worlds I had already been in, one which was billing literally 92 hours a week and the other was going home and taking a nap after work,” Matt said. “I also had the opportunity for a lot of growth with the variety of positions I had involved myself in.”
Today Matt is the senior vice president of lean management at Discover Financial Services and Sue runs their family candy store in Downtown Glen Ellyn called the Glen Ellyn Sweet Shoppe on 550 Crescent Blvd., both out of their original IT fields. However, IT is still implemented into their everyday lives in one way or another. For Sue, her IT skills come out in regards to problem solving within her shop. “Of course there’s a lot of accounting and inventory involved, but what I use the most is problem solving, meaning in looking at a problem, how are you going to break it down and solve it,” Sue said. “For example, I wanted to keep the old, nostalgic look that the candy store had because that’s what people loved about it so I used things I found around the store to protect that iconic look while fixing it up for the culture of the community.” On the other hand, Matt believes that studying IT at ISU opened him up to the many possibilities one could accomplish if they strive to be great every day. “I knew nothing about the world going into school, I was in my own bubble, but once I got my feet under me I started exploring and began to see a ton of more possibilities as I was exposed to more situations, getting experience and knowledge from those situations,” Matt said. They want students at the university to know that what they major in college is just a stepping stone. “The world needs thinkers and people who can work well and combine their thoughts to create something that doesn’t exist,” Matt said. “The real world is all about trial and error and adjusting until you figure out what works and what doesn’t, what gives you the best balance.” “You’re not going to be the best at everything, there’s going to be things that you struggle with, but if you give it your best then you can be proud of that,” Sue said.
Tiffany Morrison is a news reporter and photographer for The Vidette. She can be reached at tmorris@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @MorrisonTiffany.
Annual Actor Showcase to highlight senior performers MIKE SMITH News Reporter | @Agora_180
Illinois State University will promote its seniors and soonto-be graduates in its 2018 Actor Showcase from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Monday at Theater Wit located at 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. The event will demonstrate the talent and dedication that students in the acting major put towards their performances. Seniors will open the event with an opening act, skit or song they’ve prepared. Guests will see several performances. Director of the School of Theatre and Dance Janet Wilson said the event will be the culmination of years of hard work that the
seniors have put into their craft. “This will be an opportunity to showcase the senior acting majors in front of family and friends,” Wilson said. However, the seniors w ill have more to look forward to than seeing their loved ones in attendance. W i l s on s a id t h at s c out i n g agents will attend Janet Wilson the event, which will give seniors t he cha nc e to make new connections and find work outside of college. “We invite scouting agents to see the talent during their big
COMMENCEMENT continued from page 1
Communicate with family and guests Family and guests can also arrive one hour prior to the ceremony for seating. Guests should also refrain from bringing items such as balloons, bouquets, signs and
showcase,” she said. “The agents will help students branch out and find projects that can open up a student’s acting career, so it’s a major event for the seniors involved.” The event is also sponsored by Alumni Relations. Registration is required for attendance. To register, go to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Actors. For additional information on the 2018 Actor Showcase, visit Events.IllinoisState.edu/event/ actor-showcase-2018/. Mike Smith is a news reporter for The Vidette. He can be reached at msmit13@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @Agora_180.
any other visual obstructions. Bags, backpacks or boxes will not be permitted in. Only purses or medical kits are allowed. Be sure to make prior arrangements with family and friends of a meeting location outside the Arena. Students will exit from the northeast ramp of Redbird Arena after the ceremony and will not be allowed back in.
Tiffany Morrison | Vidette Photographer
The School of Theatre and Dance put on a production of “She Kills Monsters” last October at the Center for Performing Arts.
For families unable to attend, the ceremonies will be streamed live through the Graduation Services website.
Be alert and aware Illinois State University is an alcoholfree campus, and it is strictly prohibited. Graduates that are found in possession of or
have consumed alcohol will not be able to participate. CINDY HERNANDEZ is a news reporter for The Vidette. Any questions or comments concerning her article can be sent to cheran9@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter @Cindylu_7.
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018
Facebook dating service not really in it for love
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veryday social media websites are rolling out new features that people ask for and some no one wanted. Facebook has two new features in the works, currently. An option to clear browsing history on the site (why wasn’t there one already?) and the announcement of a Facebook-sanctioned dating service. Yes, Facebook is joining the ranks of Tinder, Bumble and OkCupid. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and founder of Facebook, revealed the plans for the dating service on Tuesday at Facebook’s annual F8 conference. “There are 200 million people on Facebook that list themselves as single, so clearly there’s something to do here,” Zuckerberg said. But is this a good idea? Facebook is fresh off the heels of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, and this almost feels like another way for Steve Bannon types to mine metadata about U.S. citizens. Zuckerberg claimed Facebook was building the
service with an emphasis on privacy. Privacy is important for people who use dating websites, and also a sensitive subject for Facebook as the company tries to rebuild after its last privacy scandal. But is it really worth it? Is a Facebook-based dating service what the world truly needs right now? Facebook once led the pack in social media sites; now it has trickled to the back of the forefront. Reports from the
site in January stated that at the end of 2017, time spent by users had fallen by about 50 million hours a day. And that was before the scandal! This all just seems like a ploy to get more users on the platform and build back up to peak network traffic. Facebook said in a statement that potential matches on this ingrained service will be recommended based on dating preferences, things in common and mutual friends.
But what do they mean by things in common? Are they referring to the thousands of “liked” pages every user has? If so, Facebook needs to reevaluate how people have been using their site. Most people who have been using the same Facebook account for multiple years know that at one point, they sat down and just liked hundreds, if not thousands, of pages. Some had funny titles that were “relatable” or were once vaguely related to any interest. Facebook edging into this market also seems suspicious as the site has made deals with Tinder and Bumble where users must have a Facebook account to use those apps. Where will Facebook stand with these competitors? While Facebook promises that privacy is its utmost concern, it still seems untrustworthy. This new service just feels like a ploy to up its user count and not a stride forward in helping users find love. Until Facebook can prove it’s serious about our privacy, this in-app service is going to have to be a hard pass.
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.
Nothing but gratitude MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist
W
ell, this is it. Back in August, I wrote the first column of my senior year on what I wanted to accomplish. Here we are, roughly nine months later, and I suppose I can say I accomplished a lot. I honestly didn’t even realize this would be my last column for The Vidette until last minute, and now I’m 100 percent overwhelmed. But it’s fine, I’m fine. Anyway, last year, I promised to separate my life as a news editor and as a columnist. I full-heartedly believe in the importance of separating opinion pieces and news stories. A lot of people were throwing us under the bus because they thought the Editorial Board’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton for the Oval Office was unprofessional. Myself and other columnists had been emailed or tweeted at regarding our columns, with most those people believing we were writing these as news stories. That was entirely untrue.
So, this year, we worked hard to make sure people knew the difference between fact and opinion. And I’d say we kicked ass doing so. I also wrote about how we should reclaim our time this school year. I’d like to think I did. I kept my grades up and focused on the relationships I had with those around me. I was extremely lucky to find an awesome roommate that I lived with throughout my entire college career. I made friends in Watterson (Smith 5, to be exact) that I continued to hang out with four years later as well. Without those friends, I would be lost. My parents continued unconditionally supporting me throughout college as well. They have encouraged me and supported me time and time again and I’m full of love and gratitude. Also, I couldn’t have been happier to turn 21 because we got to actually do things when they came to visit. Working with my fellow editors twice a week (and seeing several on the weekends) was one of the best experiences of my entire existence. We all clicked very easily and very early on, making my job a once-in-a-lifetime one because I actually enjoyed going to work. I haven’t really thought about what it’s going to be like not seeing my co-workers every day. The thought of it while writing this is making me sick to my stomach, because in less than a
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
year, I made some friends that I need to continue relationships with for the rest of my life. Whether it would be nights out at Fat Jacks or Maggie Miley’s (and who knows elsewhere, especially after a few margaritas), or days in watching anything from “Scary Movie 3” to “Beauty and the Beast” (despite seeing them 500 times each and quoting them so much they become part of our everyday dialogue and central parts of our friendship), or blasting the “Frozen” soundtrack and Selena Gomez’s discography in the office (you all know who you are and I love you), my colleagues helped me end my time as an Illinois State University student on the best note I could’ve asked for. Some of them might not even read this (rude) but I’m still incredibly thankful for them. I love you guys. I also want to thank those of you that either enjoyed or dreaded reading my opinions. Hey, I’ll take what I can get. It still doesn’t feel real that my last few days as a student, as a news editor and as a Redbird are here. But they are, and I can’t thank the School of Communication, TV-10 and of course The Vidette enough for the opportunities I was given. When I first stepped foot on ISU’s campus four years ago, you couldn’t pay me enough to convince me that I would interview and/or meet celebri-
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.
ties like Richard Jenkins (an Oscar nominee!!!), Tyler Posey, Lucy Hale, Jane Lynch and more. I would have never believed I would talk with politicians and state officials, or film a Jesse McCartney and T-Pain concert. Four years ago, I wasn’t even sure if journalism was right for me. I was having a hard time adjusting to everything and there were times when I felt uncertain about my future. It wasn’t until I started working at The Vidette when I truly realized what I could accomplish. With time and determination, I worked my way up from being an intern to becoming a news editor. Thank you all (a “Scary Movie 3” reference, by the way). The future is a little intimidating — as it should be. I have interviews lined up in a couple cities, and I’m ready for whatever life throws at me. And I just have so many people to thank for that. To end my last column as a senior, as I ended my first column as a senior, I offer final words of wisdom from the one and only Beyoncé Giselle KnowlesCarter: “Be healthy and take care of yourself, but be happy with the beautiful things that make you, you.”
ONLINE POLL
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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.
MORE OPINIONS ONLINE
EDITORIAL BOARD
Letter to the Editor: Running for Congress
EMA SASIC Editor-in-Chief | @ema_sasic
Jeffers: Disney’s Pride ears don’t hit the mark completely Visit The Vidette’s website or mobile app for complete details on these web-only opinion pieces by Vidette Editorial Board
KEVIN SCHWALLER News Editor | @kevschwa KAYLA JANE JEFFERS Columnist | @KJJeffers KAMARA TURNER Columnist | @kvmara
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018
NEWS IN BRIEF
Crime advisory: Two armed robberies At approximately 11 p.m. Tuesday, Normal Police responded to the 100 block of W. Phoenix Ave. (Constitution Trail behind the Normal Police Department) for a report of two strong armed robberies. One male victim was struck in the face before the suspect took his wallet and cellphone.
The other victim had no injuries and a hat stolen. A suspect was immediately located and placed under arrest. An additional report of subjects asking for money on the trail was found to be unrelated and non-criminal. Students and others are reminded Constitution Trail closes at dusk and to be aware of their surroundings at all times. EMA SASIC | EDITOR IN CHIEF
Milner Library extends hours for finals With spring 2018 finals right around the corner, Milner Library’s hours of operation have been adjusted. Since Sunday, Milner has remained open 24 hours. This will
last through May 11, when it closes at 5 p.m. The library will open again May 12 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and will close May 13. Milner will also have study breaks Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 6:30 - 9 p.m. The library will have donuts, fruit and coffee. For more information on hours, visit Library.IllinoisState.edu. KEVIN SCHWALLER | NEWS EDITOR
LESS is more
$402 per TOP: Students wear their multi-cultural stoles for Nuestro Logros | Courtesy of the Nuestros Logros Facebook page ABOVE LEFT: Those who participated in the 2017 Lavender Graduation ceremony | Courtesy of Lavender Graduation Facebook page ABOVE RIGHT: Students show off their stoles at the 2017 MAPS ceremony | Courtesy of MAPS Facebook page
CEREMONIES continued from page 2
Association of Latin American Students member Arielle Steward said she saw graduates attend ceremony last year and thought it was a great way to celebrate Latinx students’ accomplishments. “This ceremony is for students graduating in May, August and December and is organized by Diversity Advocacy. I’ve been a member of ALAS since my sophomore year and I think this ceremony is a great way to celebrate culture and be recognized in a more intimate setting, as well as honoring the hard work that seniors have gone through,” Steward said. “Within different cultures, groups and especially underrepresented groups, they’re feeling that they can’t quite celebrate in a way they normally would, in a very stayed, very calm traditional commencement,” Hatch explained. “In Umoja, there’s a lot of people who do shout-outs, celebratory dancing, things that they might not feel comfortable doing at a standard, traditional commencement but it is definitely a way to celebrate,” she added.
Steward said she felt encouraged to participate in the Nuestros Logros ceremony this year. “I wanted to participate in it this year because I’ve always felt welcome by Diversity Advocacy and I think it’s important to recognize someone’s culture and how it influences their academics and their journey through academics at ISU,” she explained. President of the National Association of Colored Women’s Club at ISU Kendra Randall said attending the Umoja ceremony is not only important for her but for her family as well. “The Umoja ceremony is very directed at the AfricanAmerican community at ISU because in my case, I’m a first-generation college student so this celebration is not just my own but also my family’s,” Randall said. “This is a feat that no one in my lineage has completed, so me standing here in this moment means I have to celebrate this.”
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PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
Features
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018
Redbird finale
Maddie Culbertson leaps ISU passions into professional dreams STUART STALTER Senior Features Reporter | @VidetteStuS
S
enior nutrition and dietetics major Maddie Culbertson, of St. Charles, Illinois, has immersed herself in Redbird life since arriving at Illinois State University in 2014. As graduation quickly approaches, she reflects on how her major and dancing has allowed her to find a unique rhythm in life. Culbertson would not be where she is today had she decided to go into nursing. “I chose my major, because I thought nursing was too competitive,” Culbertson said. “It turns out dietetics is more competitive so that was a bad judgement call there, but, it [Culbertson’s major] turned out to be where I belong.” Culbertson also found her footing on ISU’s Unlimited Dance Team. Dance stabilizes her workout routine, emotions and provides a mental boost. “After I graduated high school [St. Charles SENIOR East High School, class of 2014], I stopped SPOTLIGHT dancing for the first time in my whole life,” Culbertson said. “After taking two years off, I joined Unlimited Dance Team at ISU with an ‘eh, what the heck’ attitude and I’m so glad I did.” She continued, “Dancing again helped me drop 15 pounds back to my high school weight, but more importantly I remembered why I love it so much.” Senior psychology major Alyse Pechtold, Culberston's friend and dance teammate, admires Culbertson’s leadership and upbeat positive personality. “Maddie is an amazing dancer and I admire how she always makes sure her health and fitness is a priority,” Pechtold said. “She helped lead Unlimited Dance Team, as vice president, with such ease. [She] definitely was born to be a leader.” Culbertson loves her major. One may be surprised to learn that one does not have to be a health fanatic to love dietetics. Though Culbertson’s major deals with healthy living, she notes that one does not have to cut unhealthy food entirely. “I incorporate all food macros into my diet and I don’t cut out any totally 'unhealthy' food,” Culbertson explained. “I don’t get the urge to ‘cheat’ on my diet, but my favorite ‘bad food’ is mini-tacos and salsa and sour cream.” Outside of the classroom, Culbertson works as a program assistant for ISU Health Promotion and Wellness. Additionally, she supports Redbird sports and is a faithful Christian. Though ISU has meant the world to Culbertson, she plans to continue her education elsewhere after graduation. “After I graduate I am spending my summer in my hometown of St. Charles, working and spending time with my family before I move to Asheville, North Carolina to complete my dietetic internship and Masters in Public Health for two years,” Culbertson said. That said, home is where the heart is. For Culbertson, she may leave ISU, but ISU will never leave her. “I knew right away that ISU was where I was supposed to be,” Culbertson said. “I loved the school colors and the school spirit that can be seen all over campus. Now, four years later, I know that it was the right choice for my personal growth and moving forward with my future career.”
Lauren Lenart-Proctor Photography
Senior nutrition and dietetics major Maddie Culberston established her unique rhythm in life at ISU. Culberston found her passion of dancing through ISU’s Unlimited Dance Team and her life calling in dietetics.
Post-graduation job search proves to be challenging, but pays off BECKY FLETCHER Features Reporter | @becky_fletcher
With graduation days away, the pressures of finding a job begin to weigh down on graduates. Finding a job right after graduation may seem like a lucky break, but all it takes is a little elbow grease. Résumés Since the start of college, professors stress the need for clean resumés showcasing work and experience in one’s major. A writer for Monster.com Daniel Bortz said to fix your resumé for each application. “Many employers today use applicant tracking systems to scan resumés for keywords. Meaning, if your resumé doesn’t contain the right keywords, your application could get tossed out automatically,” Bortz said. If an application is looking for certain skills, it is important to include associated words within a resumé to stay in the running. Applying Tyler Krivich, Illinois State public relations graduate, said he started applying in winter. “Around winter break I buttoned all my work up. I asked some friends who were working to grab coffee with me and look at my resumé. I started applying in January and got serious around spring break with applying to one almost every day,” Krivich said.
Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor
Getting involved in career fairs helps get students’ names out there for potential future careers.
Bortz suggests checking job posts frequently, saying applying within the first 48 hours is best. Another suggestion is monitoring possible employers’ social media feeds for whether they plan on adding positions. Alumni Relations Krivich suggests keeping in touch with professors and alumni for opportunities.
“Use the ISU alumni search on LinkedIn. You can reach out to them and make some connection for potential opportunities,” Krivich said. “Talk to your professors,” continued Krivich. “Most of them worked in the field you want to work in so they probably have a few connections or can connect you to a recent young alum as well. I met a ton of alums that way.” Bortz said to not contact Alumni Relations for jobs right away. Start politely and ask to meet for coffee or a quick chat on the phone. Doing so will allow both parties to learn more about each other and what job opportunities may work best. Interviews Once the callback is received for the interview process, keep up with company news and prep for the interview itself. Internships and clubs associated with particular majors can count toward the two to five years of experience. As a solid reminder for future graduates, Krivich said not to stress too much. “It always works out. I didn’t think I would have to intern twice after graduation but I did. I’m so grateful that I was able to learn from those more real-life roles that prepared me for taking on an entry-level [communication] role,” Krivich said. “It’s okay to be picky. If you’re interviewing and you get a weird vibe from the place or something seems off, follow your gut. At the end of the day, it’s more interview experience,” Krivich added.
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018
Women’s tennis season concludes MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @mikemarra32
Natalie Stuckslager | Photo Editor
Illinois State senior infielder Riley Strandgard swings at a pitch last week in a matchup with Bradley at Marian Kneer Field in Normal.
Softball seeks end of drought TYLER JACHNICKI Sports Reporter | @TJachnicki10
the red-hot pitcher.
For the Redbirds:
T
he season is starting to wind down. The Illinois State softball team (19-30, 10-12) will play its final series of the season against the Valparaiso Crusaders (24-21,10-12). The Redbirds have lost seven of their last eight games, and hope to right the ship and enter the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament with a little momentum.
For Valparaiso: Just last week the Crusaders were sitting in last place of the Missouri Valley Conference, but they have now leaped to fourth after winning six straight games. Valpo comes off a weekend where it swept the Bradley Braves thanks to the dominance of the MVC pitcher of the week Kelsie Packard. The junior pitcher threw multiple complete games while surrendering only a single run all weekend. Expect Packard to be a prominent factor this weekend as the Redbirds try to solve
The Redbirds are coming off a weekend where they dropped two-of-three against the Northern Iowa Panthers. The key to this weekend will be finding a way to bring base runners home. While ISU was able to generate offense against UNI, it stranded more runners than it would have liked to. It won’t be any easier this weekend as the Redbirds will surely go up against one of the Riley hottest pitchers in softball in Hale Kelsie Packard. “As we move forward to our last weekend of conference play we definitely want to be in a position to emphasize that in practice in terms of being able to take advantage of every opportunity we have,” Coach Melinda Fischer said. Riley Hale has been phenomenal at the plate
BARLAS continued from page 8
I can confide that I am happier writing about the game than I am actually playing it. Life is like baseball in so many ways and through this sport, I have inadvertently learned some of life’s greatest lessons. Heartbreak, loss, pride, achievement; all of those things are no stranger to me. Through the adversity I have experienced on the field and in my life, I have learned one thing: consistency creates success. From all the talented editors who have held this title
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in recent weeks and has raised her batting average to .259. It is important that she continues to set the tone at the lead-off spot so that ISU continues to have opportunities to put runs on the board. After the recent slump, the Redbirds have fallen to sixth place in conference standings, making it essential to end the season on a high note. ISU will have to string together some wins if it wants to avoid playing Drake or Missouri State, the two powerhouses of the conference, in the opening round. Coach Fischer addressed what the message to the team will be as they compete in this weekends crucial series. “We just like to compete like we know how to play. It’s easier said than done but we just need to really relax and enjoy it and see what happens”. The series will begin at Marian Kneer Stadium with a doubleheader on Saturday starting at noon and will conclude with Sunday’s game starting at 11 a.m.
before me, I see this position as a role of honor and responsibility. I will strive to exemplify those values set by my predecessors in my time as sports editor. Not only am I humbled by the work and success I have achieved at the Vidette, I am overjoyed by the opportunity to be able to accomplish more. To be proud of what you can and will accomplish begins with how you start it and I plan to start this new chapter as a sports editor continuing to show I have something to be proud of. After all, time is the most valuable thing anyone can
As finals week quickly approaches, the Illinois State women’s tennis season has come to a close. The Redbirds finished with an overall record of 13-10 and a 4-1 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play. In doubles play, the Redbirds were led by Veronika Golanova and Jelena Karla Vujicic. The duo went 16-5 overall record, finished 9-3 in dual play, 7-2 in tournament play and 4-1 in MVC play. The two won the MVC Individual Championships title this fall and qualified for the ITA Midwest Regionals. The tandem was also named the MVC Doubles Team of the Week throughout the 2018 season. Jana Kustkova also spent some time on the No. 1 doubles team with Golanova throughout the 2018 season, as that pair went 6-3 and won MVC Doubles Team of the Week twice. Golanova was also the No. 1 singles player for Illinois State. The junior was named the Missouri Valley Conference women’s tennis Player of the Year and was named to the MVC No. 1 Singles AllConference team. She finished the season, 20-12 overall, 13-9 in dual play, 7-3 in tournament play and 5-0 in MVC play, while being named to the MVC Singles Player of the Week three times. Illinois State’s second duo of Kustkova and Ivon Mihaleva finished the campaign with marks of 11-7 overall record, 6-3 in dual play, 5-3 in tournament play and 1-1 in MVC play. The final duo for Illinois State was Valerija Gercar and Laura Fitzgerald. Garcar and Fitzgerald rounded out the season with a 9-3 overall record, 4-1 in dual play, 4-2 in tournament play and 1-1 in MVC play.
Full story online. videtteonline.com
spend, so I’ll spend it proving myself as a writer and as a leader. Thank you to all who have had a part in giving me this opportunity and have allowed me to f lourish into the writer I am today. From my features editor Emily for taking a chance on me to Mike and Nate who have molded me into the reporter I am, there are no words to describe how thankful I am for all of you. Pride is an achievement worth giving to those who work and I could not be more excited to get back to the grind.
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018
Life’s a ballgame; I’m up to bat
MY VIEW JON BARLAS | Sports Editor
Samantha Brinkman | Senior Photographer
Owen Miller went 3-for-4 on Tuesday versus UW-Milwaukee. The junior extended his hitting streak to 16 games heading to DeKalb.
Baseball sweeps mid-week bouts ISU strings together three-game win streak after dropping seven in a row JON BARLAS Sports Reporter | @janveselybarlas
Illinois-Wesleyan’s Nick Figus roped a three-run home run to leftcenter field that narrowly missed the scoreboard to give IWU a 6-1 lead.
Tuesday: ISU 5, UW-M 3 Illinois State seemed to bring the intensity from Saturday’s walk-off win on Tuesday to Wisconsin as they defeat the Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers 5-3. The Redbirds collected a total of 13 hits with Owen Miller outwardly shining above the rest. Going 3-for-4 with a season-high-tying three RBI’s, Miller extended his hit streak to 16 games and has now had four multi-hit games in a row. ISU head coach Bo Durkac praised Miller for his recent success as well as his dedication to his craft and the team. “He’s done a really good job of taking what the pitchers have been giving him,” Durkac said. “He has the ability to be a top-two round draft pick and he’s got some hits these last [few] games. He’s done a good job.” Jacob Gilmore got the start for the Redbirds and picked up the nodecision, pitching four innings with five strikeouts and no earned runs. Pitchers Dalton Harvey, Michael Sebby and Trevor Cross finished the remainder of the game with Sebby picking up the win and Cross shutting the door in the final inning. Sebby now improves to 3-1 on the season and Cross earns his first save of the year. Illinois State tied a season-high of 14 strikeouts, matching games against Arkansas State and Southern Illinois earlier this year. Durkac alluded to the recent turmoil of the Redbirds, focusing on the short-term on how they are trying to overcome the hardships of a less than lifeless season. “We’ve been playing in a very tough division,” Durkac said. “We have to figure out a way to take advantage of their mistakes so we can take that into tomorrow and into the weekend series coming back home.”
Natalie Stuckslager | Photo Editor
Joe Aeilts recorded two hits and scored a run in Tuesday’s win. A hit parade ensued for the ‘Birds as Jack Butler, John Rave, Derek Parola, Joe Aeilts and Jake McCaw each had two hits in the contest. Rave scored twice on account of Miller’s remarkable performance. ISU jumped out early against the Panthers, putting up one run as lead-off hitter John Rave was eventually batted in by Miller, driving in an RBI-double. With a lead of 1-0, the ‘Birds struck again in the second inning by a Rave RBI-triple scoring Joe Aeilts. Milwaukee punched back with two runs of its own in the bottom half of the third, threatening a lead and tying ISU 2-2. In the fifth, Parola led off the inning with a single which eventually turned into a run on account of a Rave sac-bunt and a Miller RBI single. Playing damage control, Milwaukee scraped back a run leveling the game once more, 3-3. Miller then drove in his third RBI of the game in the seventh, scoring Rave for the second pushing the ‘Birds past the Panthers, 4-3. With added insurance in the ninth from a Collin Braithwaite run on a wild pitch, Cross came in to relieve Sebby gunning for the save. ISU ahead 5-3, Milwaukee
threatened quickly by loading the bases with two outs. Cross eventually put out the fire he started, striking out the final batter of the game and closing the door on the Panther’s hopes for triumph. Traveling to Dekalb on Wednesday completed the Redbird’s two-game road trip. Defeating MilwaukeeWisconsin 5-3 in Tuesday’s contest, Redbird fans alike will be hoping for the birth of a win-streak as ISU then took on Northern Illinois.
Wednesday: ISU 7, NIU 6 Regardless of the rain, game two poured in the same energy from the night before as Illinois State topped the Northern Illinois Huskies 7-6 to finish a two-set pair of games. Owen Miller posted another phenomenal final line, extending his hitting streak to 17 games and going 3-for-4 hitting a home run in the process. Putting the team on his back, Miller also collected his fifth multi-hit game in a row while driving in a season-high four RBI’s Jack Anderson got the nod to the hill as he tossed two innings with three hits and one earned run. Colton Johnson came in to relieve Anderson in the third while Jeff Lindgren picked up the win and
Braden Niksich earned the save finishing the game from the fifth inning. With the first inning under way, mother nature asserted her presence delaying the game for about 30 minutes. As the clouds split the rain, the ‘Birds split the game wide open. Quickly scratching two runs in the second inning on a Miller twoRBI single, John Rave and Jordan Libman both scored after reaching on back-to-back singles. Leading 2-0 in the bottom half of the third, the Redbirds soon faced trouble as the Huskies barked back. NIU scored three times in the third making the score 3-2, but their lead would not last for long. John Rave reached first base to start the fourth inning as Tyson Hays doubled him home tying the game at three apiece. The red-hot Miller laced a single to drive in Hays, putting ISU up 4-3. Another lead change resulted in bottom of the fourth as Northern Illinois chipped away with three of its own, taking the lead 6-4. Chasing two runs in the seventh the ‘Birds successfully rallied from behind when Miller happened — again. Dropping his second home run of the year, Miller put the Redbirds in threatening range once more, chasing one run with no outs. The Redbirds reclaimed the lead as three more runners scored in the seventh, painting the score column 7-6 ISU. NIU threatened with the runners on in the bottom of the seventh, drawing two walks. Nevertheless, a mixture of a double-play, a fly-out and a looming thunderstorm forced an early ending to the game as Illinois State routed Northern Illinois, 7-6. While the ‘Birds flaunt a threegame win streak, head coach Bo Durkac rings in the team’s mindset heading into their first of three remaining Missouri Valley Conference contests.
Full story online. videtteonline.com
It seems like icebreakers always find a way to make people feel uncomfortable about introducing themselves, so here’s my best shot. I first want to thank my editors, Mike Marra and Nate Head for instilling the tools and experience that I need to become successful in this position. I am sincerely grateful to have been chosen to bring Vidette Sports to new heights in my future tenure as a sports editor. Fellow reporter Kade Heather will join me as we continue to uphold the distinguished standard of Vidette Sports for the upcoming year. As I tiptoe my way around finals week, fitting in the sense that I am writing instead of studying, there are two things I have always held closest to my heart: the storyline of sports and beauty of writing. Like the sports editors before me, the common ground we find in those two things defines the kind of people we are. Tackling the beast that is the media, we thrive off of our mutual love of sports and bask in the power of our writing, all in efforts to tell our story. So I guess my story begins here. I grew up in Tinley Park, Illinois with aspirations of becoming a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. While my childhood dreams were met with demanding practices of travel and high school baseball, I ultimately discovered that I had found a fond solace in my writing. I enrolled at Illinois State with visions of succeeding in the School of Communication, all while working towards my new dream of working for NBC Sports Chicago. Growing up as a Cubs fan in the south suburbs of Chicago, thick skins are seemingly born among those who root against the norm. I think about sharing the Cubs’ World Series victory with my grandfather, when our lovable losers did the improbable. In those final pitches of the game, the only thing on my mind was, “how would I write this story?” I knew early on that this would be something I saw myself doing. I had joined the Vidette in the fall of my sophomore year and initially started doing music reviews and profiles on ISU students. I had always wanted to get into the sports department and although it took a little longer than expected, I was recognized for my work and was brought on as a sports reporter. Managing the work of both features and sports, I found my way to do something meaningful that I have grown to love and now cannot live without. I started out in the sports department writing features on ISU athletes, cover stories and sometimes the occasional football or basketball coverage. Bleeding into my passion for baseball, I found myself covering as much baseball as I could towards the end of my reporting role. Through it all, I loved every second of it. see BARLAS on page 7