6.29.2016

VIDETTE summer WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016 Vol. 128 / No. 64

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It’s concert season

Concerts on Quad return to ISU AUDREY ANFIELD Senior Reporter | @audreyanfield

Student author determined to write ‘No Matter What’

The Concerts on the Quad series, a family-friendly annual tradition at Illinois State University, is returning this summer.

The concerts are presented by ISU’s School of Music, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and The Pantagraph.

“The performers are different every year,” Graduate Coordinator for the School of Music Angelo Favis said.

The concerts are free and open to the public. They all begin 7 p.m. on the east side of Cook Hall on the Quad.

The 33rd Illinois Regiment Band, an authentic reenactment of the Civil War-era band from Illinois State Normal University in 1861, is performing July 4.

Harpeth Rising, three classically trained musicians playing original music, are performing July 11.

Tom Marko and the Inner Light will be performing music from their upcoming CD release on Summit Records July 18. This is also ISU Alumni Night. The ISU Alumni Association will be onsite with giveaways.

The last concert of the summer, “Singing Under the Stars,” is July 25. This is an evening for ISU faculty and guests to sing favorites from operatic and Broadway stages.

Favis said concertgoers can “look forward to an evening of good music in front of Cook Hall, hopefully in good weather.”

FEATURES page 7

see CONCERTS page 2

Celtic band Roundstone Buskers performed in front of Cook Hall Monday night to kick of the Concerts on the Quad series. Guitarist Bruce Burton, violinast Shannon Sullivan and percussionist Tom Jones are pictured here (left to right).

Photograph by KELLY MCNAMARA Vidette Photo Editor

Check out the related photo gallery and video on at videtteonline.com

Bill bans background checks on college apps NEWS page 3

PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

82 Low 56 Precip 10%

80 Low 58 Precip 0%

High

High

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 THURSDAY, JUNE 30

82 Low 63 Precip 0% High

10 a.m.

CA M P U SEV E N T S

79 Low 58 Precip 0% High

DIRECTORY Wellness Massage, Student Fitness Center

11 a.m.

Rob Swainston woodblock prints, University Galleries

2 p.m.

Cosmic Colors, ISU Planetarium

10 a.m.

Transfer Student Career Conference Alumni Center

1:15 p.m.

Professional Council Meeting, Spotlight Room, Bone Student Center

6:35 p.m.

ISU Night at the Cornbelters Corn Crib Stadium

Source: National Weather Service

Milner Library celebrates 40 years

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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 Press Association Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2016 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890

the Historical Textbook and Children’s Literature collection and the Circus and Allied Arts collection.

Most students at Illinois State University have “The Circus and Allied arts collection is truly almost certainly had a firsthand experience our most unique,” Brunsdale said. “It is the one with the library colloquially referred to as “Club most heavily used by researchers worldwide.”

Milner.”

The aforementioned collection holds more than Students’ most popular finals 8,000 books, some of which week location celebrates its 40th date back to the 1500s. It, as anniversary this year. To celewell as the entire contents brate, Milner Library will host of the department, is availcampus history exhibits 10 a.m. able to all students, faculty to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 during Family and staff during regularly Weekend. scheduled hours throughThe recognizable building did out the school year. not always look the way students The Special Collections see it now. The original Milner department is only one Library opened in 1890, 33 years small part of the entire operafter ISU’s opening. Before its ation of Milner Library. As time, each department held its the library prepares to celown collections. ebrate its 40th year, Dean Over its long-standing history, Dane Ward said the library the library resided in five buildis continually working to ings throughout campus. What is grow and adapt to changing now Williams Hall was once the times. library.

“We must deeply Ron Stephens | Vidette Photographer understand what the ISU Eight years after plans were made to build today’s Milner Milner Libarary celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. community needs us to be,” Library, its doors were opened July Ward said. “As the world 1976. The project cost a total of $8,338,743. It is treasures. changes, Milner Library will continue to expand named in honor of Angeline Vernon Milner, the “When we go to the vault to pull materials for its efforts to facilitate the access, discovery, evalufirst university librarian from 1890 to 1928. researchers we often see things we haven’t seen ation, creation and construction of knowledge in Since moving to its present-day location, Milner before,” Head of Special Collections and Rare many ways.”

Library has served as the go-to spot on campus for Books Maureen Brunsdale said. “Nearly every More information regarding the library as well research, studying and countless group projects. week we find a treasure new to us.” as its Special Collections department, includWhile it may seem like a typical library, all the The department consists of four main com- ing hours of operation, can be found on Milner way up on the sixth floor, unbeknownst to the ponents: the Rare and Fine Book collection, the Library’s website, www.library.illinoisstate.edu/ hundreds of students who pass by it each day, is a Abraham Lincoln Collection of Harold K. Sage, special-collection.

TOM HEAGNEY News Reporter | @TomHeagney

literal vault full of treasure: Milner’s Special Collections department.

With an inventory that includes drafts personally penned by Abraham Lincoln as well as a first edition signed copy of “Gone With the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell, the Special Collections department is constantly adding to its stock of literary

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

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CONCERTS continued from page 1

Concerts will be moved to the Concert Hall in the Center for the Performing Arts on the south end of the Quad if inclement weather occurs.

“We only move the concert indoors for rain,” Favis said.

“We stay outside even if it’s hot. Many people would actually go home rather than listen to the concert indoors if it isn’t raining,” he added.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.

“They can also bring picnic baskets if they like,” Favis said.

“Some like to read or bring their pets and stay more towards the back.”

This year’s Concerts on the Quad is sponsored by the Mirza Fund of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, Fell Trust, Town of Normal Harmon Arts Program and The Pantagraph.

Audrey Anfield is a news reporter at the Vidette and can be reached at vidette_amanfie@ilstu.edu.

Follower her on Twitter at @ audreyanfield.

All STUDENT properties are walking distance from ISU!

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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016

College Admission Inquiries Act spurs debate Removal of ‘criminal history’ questions on college apps sparks controversy among local officials of the criminal behavior.

“An overwhelming majority of those disclosures were for rela“Are you under current indictment tively minor offenses and still for, or have you ever been convicted of, resulted in acceptance.” pleaded guilty to, or been placed on court Woodruff said there is never an supervision for any criminal offense?” automatic denial of admission and That question could soon be removed the committee reviews each case from college applications, to the dismay individually. of campus officials like Illinois State Uni“We consider the severity and versity Police Chief Aaron Woodruff. pattern of behavior, as well as the The College Admission Inquiries Act, timeliness and the context of the first introduced in January, is now awaitbehavior in which it occurred,” he ing approval by the Illinois Senate. said.

State Senator Jason Barickman “Allegations of violent crimes or (R-Bloomington) said the bill is still early sexual misconduct at other instituin the process in the Illinois Senate. tions are reviewed more carefully, “As I represent one of our state’s flagbut an appeal process is in place ship universities and multiple colleges, I should the applicant disagree with will be keeping a close eye on this partica denial decision.” ular piece of legislation,” Barickman said.

Woodruff said one of his main “I’m not sure what form the proposal will concerns is residency, especially be in if or when it ever comes up for a full since ISU requires students to live vote in the Senate, but I will stay in close on campus for two years. contact with all the stakeholders as this “Our floors are more than simply conversation evolves.” coed, they are more gender-diverse The bill would ban Illinois colleges Emma Horath than ever before,” Woodruff said. and universities from inquiring into A bill awaiting approval in the Illinois Senate could prevent criminal history questions on college applications.

“If residents became aware of an applicants’ criminal histories. Many alleged sex offender living within institutions of higher education in Illithe facility, we would have a Associate Professor of Sociology Richard Sul- bootstraps away from them,” he said. “We have nois currently take into consideration criminal livan, Ph.D, said that the proposed bill would be to give them a way to resurrect their lives and number of students and parents in distress.” histories in the application process.

Woodruff said in some cases, they deny oncorrecting a wrong if it is passed. help put themselves on the right track.”

Under the legislation, colleges would still have campus housing to students with a criminal “If we had a perfectly flawless legal system But Woodruff said he feels strongly that safety the ability to inquire about students’ criminal where justice always prevails, I might have a on campus is most important and that students, history but permit them to take coursework if history after admission. different opinion about it. But we have a flawed faculty, staff and parents of students should be they reside off campus.

“A complete ban of these questions, as cur- system,” Sullivan said.

Sexual assaults are also a major concern for able to expect the university will do all that it rently proposed, prohibits universities from Woodruff.

In light of the recent sexual assault “All research has shown that people of color can to provide a safe learning environment. being able to make an informed and reason- are disproportionately affected by the criminal case at Stanford University, Woodruff said “Passing this bill as it is currently written will able decision on admissions,” Woodruff said. there are serious issues with the treatment justice system, so it seems like this would be prevent us from doing so,” he said.

He said he understands the intention of the an opportunity to give them a second chance.”

But Sullivan said it is unlikely that parents of campus sexual assaults and the rhetoric of bill, but he is concerned that there will be uninHowever, Woodruff said they do not have any or students will even notice any changes if the “alcohol induced youthful indiscretions.” tended consequences of “such a broad bill.”

“Failing to require these individuals to data to show who has, or has not, been admitted bill passes.

Currently, the Office of Admissions forwards by a particular gender or race. disclose these disciplinary actions on an appli“I want to point out that I’m speaking as a certain applications to a committee at the “Nor can we prove a disproportionate amount sociologist and someone who teaches a class of cation will result in these serial offenders police station to review the offense and make of particular groups are less likely to apply or be 400 students,” Sullivan said. ‘shopping’ around from school to school conan admissions decision. denied admission,” he said.

He said the probability of encountering a tinuing to perpetrate rapes, similar to what was The Ban the Box campaign that aims to proSullivan was not surprised by the lack of data. dangerous situation is more likely for him than recently disclosed at Baylor University,” Woodtect job, and now perhaps student, applicants “If you don’t collect it you can’t be found guilty,” the average faculty member or student since ruff said. from being questioned about their criminal his- Sullivan said. “We measure what we care about. he encounters so many students in his large But Sullivan said that having officials saying tory has gained traction in the past few years. If the power structure discriminates against classes, but he is not concerned for his safety that we need more surveillance on people in It was recently endorsed by President Barack some groups, then the powerful groups won’t if the bill passes. the legal system feeds into a culture of fear in Obama, who banned the question on job appli- want to keep track of their discrimination.”

Of the 20,000 applications Illinois State today’s society. cations for federal agencies.

“Students and parents won’t know the difSullivan pointed out the hypocrisy in some University received in 2016, 330 of those Opponents of the criminal history question American rhetoric, which relates back to bills applications disclosed criminal or disciplinary ference, the same number of criminals will worry that it is a barrier that could prevent stu- like this one. probably be admitted...and the police chief will behavior, Woodruff said. dents from applying to college or from getting “If we demand that they pull themselves up He said only a “handful” of the 330 applica- have a lot more time to fight crime if he’s not sita second chance. from their bootstraps, you can’t really take their tions were actually denied admission because ting at admissions.”

AVE RIO Editor-in-Chief | @avegrio

College of Ed selects acting dean STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ News Reporter | @stephanieroddd

Illinois State University’s College of Education has named Al Azinger its acting dean for the upcoming 2016-2017 academic school year.

A zinger is a professor emeritus of educational administrat ion who will fill the post while Dean Per r y S c ho on participates in an Al Azinger American Council on Education fellowship.

“During the time Dean Schoon is gone, I hope to maintain a [stabile] environment to what is already a well-managed college with outstanding faculty and leadership,” Azinger said.

He began his term as acting dean in a part-time capacity June 1 and will assume the job on a fulltime basis starting August 15.

Shakespeare Festival returns to center stage DANA CICHON News Reporter

The 2016 Illinois Shakespeare Festival will be held from July 8 to Aug. 13 at the Ewing Cultural Center in Bloomington. This event will feature the popular plays “Hamlet,” “Twelfth Night” and “Peter and the Starcatcher.”

Tickets range from $10 to $47.

However, on July 5, 6 and 7, there will be preview performances at half price.

The festival is a popular annual event that attracts visitors all over Illinois to Bloomington-Normal.

“The festival is really popular with the community,” light crew member Emily Quick said. “Everyone you talk to about the shows has nothing but good things to say.

It’s really great when you can see how happy the plays make people, makes all the hard work worth it.”

The first show to kick off the event will be William Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night” on July 8. The play will be directed by Rick Barbour, a founding member of the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minn. Unlike Shakespeare’s original draft, this rendition of the play will be set in the early 20th century. The

performance will include live music, authentic to the style of the time period being portrayed, and a performance from Jonathan Gillard Daly in the role of Malvolio.

In addition, the production “Rodeo” by Philip Dawkins and improv plays performed by The Improvised Shakespeare Co. will be featured as well.

The festival has a very diverse set of actors who will perform throughout the festival. Noteworthy cast members include Deborah Staples, who will play Hamlet, and artistic director Kevin Rich, who will play Smee from “Peter and the Starcatcher” and the Gravedigger from “Hamlet.”

“What’s exciting about Hamlet this year is that we have [a] returning actor performing with us, Deborah Staples. She is actually going to be playing to role of Hamlet which is another reason why this years performance is so amazing,” production stage manager Jayson Waddell said. “It creates an interesting dynamic when you have a woman playing a male role in theater. It’s actually incredible.”

In 1978, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival began with a total of 21 performances on the tennis courts of Ewing Manor. Originally known

IllinoisShakes.com

The annual Shakespeare festival runs from July 8 to Aug. 13 at the Ewing Cultural Center. as “Shakespeare in the Cornfields,” the festival began its long performing tradition on temporary wooden stages with simple lawn chairs that seated over 250 patrons.

When it was first conceived, the goal of the festival was simply to bring quality and accessible performances of Shakespeare and other writers to the people of central Illinois. The “futuristic” interpretation of “The Twelfth Night,” as described by guest director Dennis Zacek, was a statement of

the festival’s intent to look to the future and prove to its audience that Shakespeare’s work can be enjoyed in the modern era.

Since then, the mission of the festival has changed. Part of its goal now is to educate younger audiences about Shakespeare’s work. In 2008, the production “Shakespeare Alive!” was launched, offering short Shakespearean plays to children of all ages. see SHAKESPEARE page 5

Viewpoint

PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

VIDETTE EDITORIAL

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016

Background checks limit second chances

C

ollege can function as a second start for some people. Whether they faced difficult times in the past or made mistakes, leaving for college is a chance for them to take charge of their lives and do something to improve themselves.

For many people with criminal records, this dream can be much harder to achieve.

Many college applications have a background check portion that asks applicants to disclose whether or not they have committed some sort of misconduct in the past. At times, their honesty can cost them their second chance.

If higher education is about letting attendees learn and grow, colleges and universities should not require a background check on applicants. These checks can be the reason why someone is not allowed to start over.

According to Illinois State University’s application, all freshmen and transfer applicants are “required to disclose information regarding criminal background.” They must report misconduct that resulted in a suspension or expulsion from a previous university. Applicants are asked, “Are you under current indictment for, or have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or been placed on court supervision for any criminal offense? (This does not include routine traffic offenses, juvenile proceedings, or officially expunged records).”

The College Admission Inquiries Act would remove that question from college applications if it is approved by the

Illinois Senate.

Currently, students must disclose this type of information if they want to get closer to starting over in college. However, sometimes this information can be used against them. ISU Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said that the university does reject some students due to their criminal history. If a student has a minor run-in with the law, it should not be one of the reasons they are not admitted.

Along with hindering someone’s second chance at life, criminal background checks have the ability to promote institutional racism. A group of students, faculty, staff and community members at the University of Washington petitioned to remove background checks because research has proved they negatively impact people of color.

“People of color have historically been

and continue to be arrested, detained and charged at significantly higher rates than the rest of the population, due to unjust policies and an inequitable/unfair criminal justice system,” the Change.org petition stated. “This policy would target and further marginalize applicants from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and students of color.”

If universities like ISU want to continue to promote diversity and equality, these background checks have to be eliminated.

Background checks on college applicants serve to systematically suppress the underprivileged, and maintain the established social hierarchy. Universities are meant to serve as institutions of enlightenment and intellectual growth, making individuals stronger through education.

The discriminatory practice of background checks stands in contrast to the ideal that

success comes from working hard. But how can people work hard in college if they are not given the chance to?

Criminal background checks do have a great purpose: they are used to protect a university’s population. They also allow universities to know who is attending their institutions, which again ensures the protection of students, faculty and staff.

The purpose is clear, but college campuses are already safer than the greater community, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Most crimes that occur at universities are committed by people who do not attend the institution.

Those who have a past offense are attending a two- or four-year college because they are trying to build a new life, not commit additional crimes.

When transparency is sacrificed as a security measure, our universities and the greater population suffers. People with criminal histories remain marginalized, and universities lose their potential to make positive change in the lives of the disenfranchised.

Everyone deserves the right to education, but keeping background checks in place does not make this possible for many. If someone wants to better their life, the mistakes they made in the past should not be the reasons that are holding them back from moving forward.

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Editorial written by EMA SASIC, 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.

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How technology could negatively affect us

MY VIEW KAMARA TURNER Columnist

N

ew technology is being created every day, and there are clear benefits of technological advances.

Changing technology increases intelligence and stimulates the brain. However, for these improvements to happen, the new technology has to challenge us.

In a world run by artificial intelligence, we do have the ability to live a much simpler life.

But according to an article called “Can Artificial Intelligence Make Us Stupid?” published

in Psychology Today by Ph.D. Nigel Barber, an evolutionary psychologist and author of “The Science of Romance” and “Why Parents Matter,” there are risks that could make us lazy and less intelligent.

Since most technology now focuses on the individual it consumes, the world will enter the Age of Machines – which began back in the era of the Industrial Revolution when the first machines began to replace manual labor. People are much less physically active, which causes issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and low metabolism.

In today’s age, our brains are forced to work harder while our bodies rest. As a lover of social media, I understand the importance of checking the news and interacting electronically with a number of people using social media such as Twitter and Facebook. The job field has gotten

more complex as modern jobs require a higher level of education and employees have to adapt and quickly process new information.

Modern technology has grown tremendously. The activities people would normally carry out on a day-to-day basis are now accomplished for us via technology. For example, instead of going to grab food ourselves, restaurants are making it easier by offering delivery though third-party apps such as GrubHub. Now you do not have to actually get up and go, but instead have any food from every part of the world delivered right to your doorstep.

Artificial intelligence is even taking over things that we do every day in our household, such as washing dishes. Now there is a new robot that has been developed in Japan, created

by Panasonic and the Univer-

sity of Tokyo. The robot arm is capable of rinsing any dish and placing it into the dash washer before pushing the start button. Google’s robotic company Boston Dynamics has also built a robot that can wash dishes named SpotMini.

Without notice, artificial intelligence surrounds us every day.

Technology and artificial intelligence can already outperform humans and may cause more harm than good in the long run.

As machines get smarter, they make our lives easier; however, humans have to focus on staying active during the uprising of modern technology.

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

VIDETTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Vidette welcomes letters to the editor, provided they are no longer than 250 words and are typed and double-spaced. Letters that exceed the 250-word limit can be published at the editor’s discretion,but shorter letters take precedence. Letters containing name calling and insults will not be published.

Letters must be signed and contain the major or official title of the writer, the year in school if presently enrolled, address and a daytime telephone number for verification. Letters without phone numbers will not be considered for publication.

Names may be withheld upon request, but only after approval by the editor. Letters are subject to editing for style and space at the editor’s discretion.

Letters sent via e-mail to: vidette@ilstu.edu are accepted, provided they include a telephone number for verification.

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016

Cheap Blo-No getaways Last-minute vacations can be found near the twin cities MALLORY LOVINGS News Reporter | @MalloryLovings

The Illinois State women’s soccer team will have many new faces on the field when the 2016 season begins this fall.

This year’s roster will feature 11 incoming players as they all prepare to compete for as much playing time as possible. One of the new players is transfer forward Angel Krell. After playing a season with the Auburn Tigers, Krell joins the Redbirds with three years of eligibility remaining. And coming from a competitive conference like the SEC, she is ready to take on any high expectations that come along with a player from a top-tier conference.

“There definitely is going to be pressure,” Krell said. “But I don’t think it is anything I can’t handle.

the

Ave Rio | Vidette Editor-in-Chief

It is located about an hour away from the Bloomington-Normal area.

The park offers 13 miles of marked trails to hike and views across the Illinois River, which is available for boating and fishing. The trails are pet-friendly and lead toward waterfalls coming from rocks.

An outdoorsy getaway closer to town can be accomplished as well.

Constitution Trail in Normal has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be explored.

Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary is located on the trail between Fell Avenue and Linden Street. This hidden park has a butterfly garden, a creek and a few trails.

Junior fine arts major Eleanor Harvey said there are two sections to the park – one with open grass picnic benches and another with scattered trees. She said her and her friends call the other part “The

Forest” because of the creek and trails found within it.

“Although it’s small, it’s a nice place to go if you want to be in a more natural environment and retreat from a more urban setting,” Harvey said.

Hidden Creek Nature Sanctuary is about a 10-minute walk from Uptown Circle.

There are many more places to travel to throughout the Bloomington-Normal area, like downtown Bloomington and The Shoppes at College Hill for a day full of shopping at unique stores.

A trip to the Illinois State University campus for the day is also another alternative to staying in the house. Take in the view of the campus and walk through Uptown Circle, all within minutes. There are plenty of shops and restaurants available to suit almost any visitor in Uptown Normal.

I usually like those high-pressure situations and I am more excited than nervous.”

Krell only played for a limited time. She made appearances in seven games and was able to register 44 minutes of playing time.

But Illinois State coach Eric Golz is confident that Krell can still adapt to the college level due to his past experiences with scouting her.

“I have no doubt that she has the ability to succeed if she is performing at her peak potential,” Golz said.

“She is coming from the SEC, which is obviously a very good conference.

And I have seen her play enough at both the club level and the collegiate level to know she has the ability to come in and contribute.”

Before joining Auburn, Krell was able to showcase her offensive potential at Shattuck-St. Mary’s

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Unger, who were teammates of hers at Shattuck-St. Mary’s. But it was the coaching staff, who sought after her back in high school, that gave her the confidence to come to Normal.

“Coach [Golz] is a great guy,” Krell said. “He has taken the time to really get to know me as a person and he really believes in my abilities.”

Krell is currently staying at her home in Stacy, Minn. as she conCC_Jobs_Vidette 4.0516x8_FINAL.indd 1 5/23/16 tinues preparing for next season.

While Krell’s collegiate career is still young, there are many elements of her game that both she and Golz believe need improvement.

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Day, evening, and online classes available.

With a festival so large, one may expect for there to be many people working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.

As much as audience members enjoy watching the festival, cast and crew enjoy participating in it as well.

“This is my first year working with the festival and I absolutely love it,” Quick said. “Being able to work with such an awesome cast has been the best. I’ll definitely do this again next year.”

Waddell also said being a part of the festival allows for members to give back to the community.

“We have a purpose in the community. Our unique relationship with Illinois State University allows us to give students an amazing opportunity to get experience in the field,” he said. “Part of our mission is to train the future leaders of the industry. You can learn a lot in the classroom but it’s no where near the same as actually doing it.”

For more information, visit www.illinoisshakes.com.

Starved Rock has been voted a top Illinois attraction.

Transfer excited to take field for Redbirds NICK LANDI Sports Reporter | @Thedon1033

continued from page 3

Heartland.edu/schedule Created by Design Fusion Student, Erik Teutsch

FRI. THURS. WED. TUES. MON.

With school out, summer makes for a good time to go on a getaway.

While most people think these trips cost a fortune, there are some that do not require a lot of money and are also located in BloomingtonNormal’s backyard.

Whether young or old, Grady’s Family Fun Park has activities for guests of all ages. The location is the only amusement park within 45 minutes of Bloomington-Normal with go-karts, mini golfing, bumper boats and more.

“This place is very unique because everyone thinks there isn’t anything fun to do in Normal, but there is,” junior business management major Estella Brown said. “They have the longest go-kart ride I’ve ever experienced, the most delicious funnel cakes and they have fried Oreos!”

Grady’s Family Fun Park general manager Jeff Shoemaker explained the staff takes a lot of pride in welcoming people of all ages and representing that message. Employees also take safety very seriously.

“We do a daily routine on all of our rides to make sure that they are safe and ready to run properly. Our staff is trained specifically to do this,” Shoemaker said.

Visitors will need tickets to ride attractions, but admission into the park is free.

If you are looking for a destination a bit farther from home with a more “getaway” vibe, Starved Rock State Park is one place to go.

SHAKESPEARE

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2:53 PM

PAGE 6 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016

Guide to Midwest summer festivals Compiled by KEVIN SCHWALLER | News Reporter

Summer is better known as “festival season” to music lovers in the Midwest. With Chicago being one of the biggest music festival capitals in the country, there are a handful of nearby festivals to keep music lovers busy this summer.

Grandstand at Illinois State Fair August 11-21, Springfield, Ill.

The 10-day-long festival in central Illinois has music, rides, attractions and competitions. There are also campsite locations for those wishing to camp out.

Pat Benatar, Meghan Trainor and Kiss are just a few of the performers. Pre-show tickets, regular tickets and VIP tickets are still available.

Lollapalooza

July 28-31, Chicago, Ill. The popular festival added a fourth day, as opposed to its traditional three, to celebrate its 25th anniversary at Grant Park. Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey and Ellie Goulding are just a handful Fair Saint Louis of the over 170 bands July 2-4, St. Louis, Mo. and artists in this year’s Fair Saint Louis is an annual lineup. ISU senior Andrew event held during the Fourth Tobin thinks Lollapalooza of July. The festival at Forest remains popular because Park features live music, of its location. specialty performances and “It takes place in the fireworks free of charge. heart of Chicago and Events are scheduled in the it surrounds the whole Aly Rasper| Vidette Photographer early afternoon until late at skyline so at night during Singers Selena Gomez, Red Hot Chili Pepper and Carly Rae Jepsen are some of the main headliners at this year’s summer festivals. night every day. ISU junior the headliners, looking back Christian Raether thinks Fair to see the city all lit up is is special because of its dates. breathtaking,” he said. “I’m most excited to see Radiohead because it’ll be the first time I’ve “It’s during the Fourth of July which makes everything feel festive,” he said. “And a seen them and they’re my favorite band.” festival like that being in the city during that time attracts all different kinds of people.”

While general admission tickets are sold out, there are still some VIP, platinum, hotel Headliners this year include Lee Brice and Flo Rida. package and “aftershow” tickets available.

Pitchfork Music Festival

Summerfest June 29-July 3, July 5-10, Milwaukee, Wis. Summerfest is an 11-day event with over 800 performers from every genre of music. Across 11 stages, artists and bands perform throughout the day all the way until midnight. Nighttime firework shows are scheduled throughout the festival as well. Headliners include Paul McCartney, Selena Gomez, Alabama Shakes and Panic! At The Disco. Single and multiple day passes are still available.

July 15-17, Chicago Ill. The annual three-day festival is held at Union Park and is organized by Pitchfork Media. It focuses on alternative, hip-hop and dance artists. Families attending with younger children can check out the Old Town School of Folk Music Kids Area, a new addition to the 2016 festival. Sufjan Stevens, Carly Rae Jepsen, FKA Twigs and Beach House are just a couple of headliners at this year’s Pitchfork. Tickets are still available.

High-speed railway expected to be complete fall 2017 DEB BETHEL Features Reporter | @thedebbethel

Since 2009 when President Barack Obama announced a plan for developing a highspeed passenger railway in America, the Illinois Department of Transportation has been planning a high-speed rail from St. Louis to Chicago.

Now, seven years later, the railway is under works and is predicted to be complete by fall of 2017.

IDOT’s key purpose of the project is to enhance the passenger transportation network in the 284-mile stretch from Chicago to St. Louis by providing trains that will travel at 110 mph, according to IDOT’s website.

“To achieve this, either a new transportation mode must be introduced, or improvements to an existing, less frequently used intercity passenger rail mode must be made,” the website stated.

The improved railways aim to offer passengers reduced travel time, increased service reliability and enhanced safety. IDOT Passenger Rail Marketing Manager Scott Speegle also claims that there will be an 85 percent on-time rating, further enhancing a passenger’s use and satisfaction of Amtrak’s railways.

has been contracted by the California Department of Transportation to build 130-passenger rail-cars, which will be delivered throughout the Midwest and California. IDOT contracted Siemens USA to design, build and deliver the locomotives on behalf of the Illinois, California, Michigan, Washington and Missouri Departments of Transportation.

American workers with American-sourced steel, iron and manufactured components will contribRon Stephens | Vidette Photographer ute to the final assembly.

There are eight stops High-speed railway construction has been underway since April along the Chicago to 2009 and the end is finally in sight for construction workers.

St. Louis corridor that, based on necessity, will To attain these goals, IDOT, Amtrak, the be getting their own improvements – Alton, United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Association Carlinville, Springfield, Lincoln, Bloominghave been working together for the past ton-Normal, Pontiac, Dwight and Joliet. seven years funding and planning the When the project is completed, the Federal Railroad Administration will have funded improvements.

IDOT’s website says Nippon Sharyo, an Illi- nearly $1.3 billion.

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Currently, IDOT is constructing sidings, improving existing bridges and structures, installing new roadway surfaces and improving at-grade rail surfaces at various stations.

The Bloomington-Normal Train Station plans to install double tracks and sidings and make improvements to bridges in the area, with all construction planning to be completed by mid-November.

While the construction has been going on, there have been temporary road closings and detour routes, which have made driving near the railway a bit of a hassle.

“There’s lots of road work, but in the long run it’s going to make a great difference in a commuter’s travel and really add to our city.

The shorter travel time will make the railway a more convenient and attractive option to more people, [and] it will help us remain and even become more of a vibrant community,” Normal Council Member Cheryl Gaines said.

Questions and comments can be called in to (855) 436-8477. Updates can be found on IDOT’s Facebook page.

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Features

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016

THE VIDETTE | PAGE 7

‘I’ve-Been-Violated’ app helps assault victims

Sexual assault crimes can be reported on the new I’ve-BeenViolated app.

Jenna Kadziulis | Vidette photo editor

S

MICHAEL FARCA Features Reporter | @farcamichael

exual assault harms and scars just as much as other heinous crimes such as murder and kidnapping. Unfortunately, there seems to be no end in sight for this issue, especially with stories like the Brock Turner debacle continuing to appear on a grand platform for all to see.

As a response to the number of Brock Turners out there who go unaccounted for, there are new ways to ensure rapists face consequences for the damage they cause.

Sexual assault can now be reported on the new phone app, I’ve-Been-Violated, recently created by a company called WE-CONSENT. The app is designed to assist victims of sexual assault after the incidents occur.

According to the app’s website, “Once the victim has reached what he or she considers to be a safe place, the I’ve-Been-Violated app can be run. The app asks the victim to identify him- or herself, to state what transpired, and to name the assaulter. Inherently, the video will record the current appearance of the victim (which may be useful evidence at a later date). This informa-

tion is video recorded, and, as with all other apps in the We-Consent App Suite, the geocoded, time-stamped video is encrypted and sent to the cloud for transfer to offline storage. The video is only available to appropriate legal, health and school authorities or upon subpoena.”

It’s a brutal reality that victims usually don’t have the proper resources to turn to after they experience sexual assault. This app is intended for those who don’t have access to proper help for a variety of reasons.

Illinois State University provides resources on campus that can help victims of sexual assault. A victim’s friends can also benefit from the resources if the victim feels they cannot seek help themselves.

One of the programs on campus is Friendly Faces.

ISU senior Brock Zwicke, a resident assistant in Manchester-Hewett, is also part of the Friendly Faces program.

“The goal of the Friendly Faces campaign at Illinois State University is to provide answers to [the question], ‘How can we show survivors of sexual violence that we understand their needs?’ We are prepared to respond to them and to assure that they have the support of our community,” Zwicke said.

When asked about the app, Zwicke said, “This application allows us to show our support for these survivors, and it also provides the community with a better understanding of how to help survivors. As stated on we-consent.org, more than 85 percent of survivors are unwilling to immediately speak to the appropriate third parties about an assault. This application helps to provide survivors with the ability to contemporaneously document any injuries that they sustained along with their account of the assault. These recorded accounts are encrypted for sake of privacy, and they can later be accessed by the authorities once the survivors are fully prepared to share them.”

Zwicke believes the app can benefit third parties like Friendly Faces or other organizations that are trained to help sexual assault victims.

“This application helps provide a private setting in which survivors can document their assault. These survivors are overwhelmed by such tragic experiences, and the hope is that this application can make their process of seeking and receiving help easier,” Zwicke said.

The I’ve-Been-Violated app is available on the Apple store and will be coming to Android devices this August.

Student author tells fictional tale in ‘No Matter What’ STAR JOHNSON Features Reporter | @Star2flyy_

Illinois State University senior Monica Soulsby has recently become an author with the release of her new book titled “No Matter What.”

“I read a lot and I thought it would be really awesome to be one of those authors. I want to teach English, so I thought it would be something to add to literature that my students might be studying,” Soulsby said.

Soulsby is from Grand Ridge, Ill. and is pursuing a career in English education with a minor in music.

She looks forward to teaching high school students in the future.

She started writing “No Matter What” when she was in eighth grade.

“It is really awesome and exciting. It is something that I have never experienced anything like with all the publicity stuff I have been doing, and it is just a totally new experience

and I love it,” Soulsby said.

The book is about an Indian girl named Anabelle DeVeracio who is adopted by a royal Italian family.

DeVeracio goes on a journey to find her family and she encounters many obstacles, including kidnapping and conspiracy.

The title “No Matter What” is significant because it shows how Anabelle has to fight to protect her family despite the challenges she faces along the way.

“It was just a story that I started making up in my head. It is all totally fiction,” Soulsby said.

She submitted her book to four different publishers, three of whom were interested in it. Soulsby said she faced time constraints while writing her book, especially while working as a student.

“I have had some writer’s block in the process. Every now and then I would have to stop and come back to it and figure it out,” said Soulsby.

She said writing the

Photos courtesy of Monica Soulsby

Above: Boxes of Monica Soulsby’s books that have been delivered.

Lower left: Soulsby is a senior English education major at ISU. book taught her to be creative, especially while taking a creative writing class at ISU. “You have to be disciplined to get to the point where it is a full focus.

It was a lot of self-motivation,” Soulsby said.

She said sometimes she spends about 15 hours a week writing and

then other times will take months off.

“My creative writing class this past semester was really fun. I really got a lot out of the creative writing part. I have not gotten that a lot since high school,” she said.

Her teachers and high school librarian have been her inspiration

while writing her book.

“Many of them did not know that I was writing it at first, I was really secretive about it,” Soulsby said.

“Some of my professors here at ISU helped me a lot with the publishing process, but really the biggest support has been my mom.”

“No Matter What” was published

by Tate Publishing and Enterprises.

“It has been a totally new experience. A really great opportunity that it brought was when I was younger, I won The Young Author’s Competition for the grade schools in my area,” Soulsby said. “I got to go back as a published author and talk to those kids and show them that before you graduate college, you can already be published and make it from right where you were at.”

Soulsby will host a book signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday July 16 at Book Mouse, located at 722 LaSalle St., Ottawa, Ill. Her advice for young writers is to “keep at it even though you might have writer’s block, or end up changing your whole story, if it is something that you really want to do.”

Sports

PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016

Mid-distance runner Johnson eager to dash into new season PAUL STEENO Sports Reporter | @KingSteeno

Out of the four incoming freshman that will become part of the Illinois State cross country program next fall, one stands out simply because of his name. Kimathi Johnson hails from Oak Park, Ill. and competed for Oak ParkRiver Forest High School during his prep days.

He ran personal-best times of 15:07 in cross country, 1:53.5 in the 800-meter run, and 49.7 in the 400-meter dash.

The mid-distance specialist was a member of a 4 X 800-meter relay team that finished in the runner-up position at the 2016 IHSA Track and Field State Championships.

Photo courtesy of Oak Park River Forest High School

Johnson finished runner-up at the 2016 IHSA Track and Field State Championship.

Q: What were your best running memories from your high school days?

Kimathi Johnson: “[The] first one that comes to mind was [scoring] for my team as the fifth runner [during] sophomore year cross country. It wasn’t much, but it was the first time I was ever top five out of the runners on

our team.

[I’m] not sure what time I ran, but I know I got 14th place overall and our sophomore team won the meet. I also remember when I first got moved to the 400-meter dash for a meet which would eventually become the race that helped convert me from a distance runner to a dedicated middle distance runner. I had to run it as a relay member junior year because someone got injured. I won my leg and fell in love with the race.”

Q: Why did you pick ISU? KJ: “I felt like it [the cross country and track and field programs at ISU] had the best team feeling of all the schools I looked at. I also really liked how [ISU] intertwined their history [major] with the education one so I could focus on both subjects I wanted to study.”

Q: Why did you choose to continue your athletic career at the Division I level?

KJ: “I liked being able to compete against the best my state had to offer [in high

school], and I wanted to continue that [competing against the best] in college if I were to continue running.”

Q: College cross country gets extended to almost five miles opposed to the three miles it was in high school. How do you approach this drastic change in distance?

KJ: “I approach all races the same to be honest and I just try to win. I feel like always racing to win no matter who you’re against turns out wills. For collegiate cross country, I’ll definitely have to adjust to the pace and the distance.

Hopefully my training will condition me to where I don’t have to worry about that too much and I can just race.”

Q: What are you looking to get out of your athletic experience at ISU? KJ: “To be able to race against the best that the United States has to offer. [Also], to be able to do well in as many races as I can for my school.”

Checking in with Muller, #REDBIRDHoops update JOSH TOLENTINO Sports Editor | @JCTSports

A majority of the Illinois State men’s basketball team arrived at campus on June 13 and have begun summer classes and workouts.

ISU’s roster boasts seven new student-athletes, including three freshmen, two JUCO transfers and two Division I transfers. The Vidette sat down with ISU coach Dan Muller and caught up on Redbird Hoops as the team prepares for the 2016-17 season.

High expectations for senior leaders

Senior guards Paris Lee and Tony Wills are part of Muller’s first recruiting class at ISU. Muller expects Lee and Wills to lead both on and off the court. The two senior backcourt players buried their heads in tears after the Redbirds early exit last year, losing to Indiana State in the MVC Quarterfinals. Both vow to make a return to the MVC Championship, and Muller has full belief in the two seniors to help end ISU’s 18-year NCAA Tournament drought.

Muller on Paris Lee and Tony Wills: “I expect them to be the best leaders that I’ve had as players since I’ve been here. We’ve obviously been together for a long time, and I’d put MiKyle and Deontae in that mix also. Mainly Paris and Tony but Mikyle and Deontae for sure. That was my first class I recruited.

They’ve been through a lot of battles. They must lead our new guys and our younger guys – by example and with their words.

They both have gotten better. I expect them to have really, really good individual seasons and I expect them to lead with toughness in tight games.

They are determined. It is their last chance and you can see it in their work ethic right now. I would be unbelievably disappointed in myself if those guys left without a ring.”

Hawkins recovering from broken bone in foot

Deontae Hawkins suffered a broken fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot while working out last month. It is the same exact injury he went through two years ago, except in the opposite foot. The 6’9’’ forward has joined his teammates in summer activities but cannot participate in all workouts because of his injury. Muller expects Hawkins to be back at 100 percent by the end of summer.

Muller on Deontae Hawkins: “He’s going to miss all summer workouts but he’s at everything. He does most of the stuff in the weight room, obviously he can’t do stuff with the legs but he can still do a lot. He’s done a great job with staying in shape and eating right. He can bike but he can’t swim because of his cast. Hoping and assuming everything goes correctly, by the end of the summer, he should be back in August.”

Not hyping up McIntosh’s All-MVC POY potential

Talking with different beat writers around the Valley, many believe junior MiKyle McIntosh has All-MVC potential. Several think the MVC Most Improved Player can make a leap to MVC Player of the Year. Despite seeing improvement from the 6’9’’ forward, Muller isn’t buying into the hype.

Muller on MiKyle McIntosh: “I’ll wait to see how he does this summer before I determine how good he’ll be. I tell all my play-

MCT Photo

Coach Dan Muller has his hands full this summer with seven new members on ISU’s roster. ers, ‘I’m not a false confidence guy.’ I say, ‘this is what you could be now let me see you work and when I see you work, then I’m going to tell you I believe this is what you are.’ There’s no doubt, MiKyle’s potential and ceiling is unbelievably high. He’s had a great offseason so far. He’s improving, he wants to. MiKyle can be the most dominant player on the court in probably every game, if he decides to be. The hard part is deciding to be that everyday. When he’s locked in, he’s pretty scary. He’s got to stay out of foul trouble. You can’t be a good player when you’re on the bench. He was an assistant coach half the time.”

Non-conference schedule to be released soon

Muller: “We are very close, I promise. We don’t release it until every game is done. We’re working on the last bit of it. At this point, it’s not up to us, we’re waiting on contracts and stuff like that. I’ve said before it should happen in the next week so I’d be disappointed if we didn’t have the non-conference schedule released in the very near future, next week sometime.”

Continue reading this online.

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Coveted volleyball player looking forward to initial season with Redbirds DEB BETHEL Sports Reporter | @deb_vidette

When asked what makes a potential player stand out when looking for new players to add to the Illinois State volleyball roster, coach Melissa Myers noted that a young woman’s excellence in character, work ethic and academic standing will shoot her to the top of the list.

With these requirements, it is no wonder that junior Megan Beutke is one of the three new additions to the 2016 roster.

Beutke’s extensive background as a setter from fifth grade until her senior year in high school, as well as for her club team, Illini Elite, would come as a surprise to most, especially since she will serve as a defensive specialist for ISU.

When Beutke began playing at Illinois Central College, coach Sue Sinclair took her by surprise and switched her to libero.

“It was a little intimidating, but [Sinclair] gave me pointers and advice the whole way,” Beutke said.

Beutke seemed to pick up the new posit ion quite easily, as she made 706 digs as a freshman and 833 as a sophomore.

Trusting Sinclair and working with Megan her has paid off for Beutke Beutke, seeing as she is now the starting libero for the Redbirds.

Beutke’s 11th year of volleyball will be spent playing for the

Redbirds, and she couldn’t be more excited.

“All I knew was that I wanted to keep playing volleyball after ICC, and ISU seemed like the perfect fit for me,” Beutke said. “I sent films out to different schools, and when I came on the visit I had a really good feeling about the school. Everything started coming together.”

Having a hometown (Long Point, Ill.) about an hour away from school gives Beutke a safe feeling, and it also helps that she’s gotten her parents’ approval of the school.

Along with her parents being so close, she’s also not very far from where her volleyball career started.

Throughout her four years at Woodland High School, Beutke started varsity all four years, was team captain for three years, led

her team in assists all four years, earned all-conference honors all four years, led her team in kills her senior year, was named an Illinois State Scholar, and was co-valedictorian, amongst many more titles and records.

“She’s been relied on in the past, from when she was a setter throughout high school to give the assist, and then at ICC where she got the first serve receive,” Myers said admiringly. “She handles pressure like no other.

Her mind-set will be a great new asset to the team, and her experience playing different positions lends her a great deal of versatility.

While Beutke is excited to start competing, she also knows that she has to focus on her school work.

“It’ll be challenging to get my

study hours done, but I grew up with having to do this, so I’m accustomed to balancing my work and play.”

Beutke, an interior design major, isn’t worried about not having free time or any fun, though. Of course, the team becomes close having daily practices and being on the road together. In fact, this past Tuesday the team celebrated Taco Night together.

Additionally, Beutke was teammates with Jacqueline Twing at ICC, so the transition to the new team and school has been easier because of that.

“Overall, I’m excited to start practicing with the coaching staff,” Beutke said. “I hope to make it to the tournament and just generally play well in the conference.”