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NEWS 3
SGA TO CELBRATE 95 YEARS OF SERVICE AND CHANGE
STUDY ABROAD STUDENT REFLECTS ON SAN JOSE SPORTS 8
KURT BEATHARD IS BACK VIEWPOINT 4
FLETCHER: THE MUSIC HAS GOT TO ME
THE VIDETTE
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2018
FEATURES 6
videtteonline.com
Vol. 131 | No. 03
Chords on the cob
Uptown Normal hosts two-day Sweet Corn Blues festival Story by BECKY FLETCHER | News Editor @becky_fletcher and Photographs by ALI RASPER | Photo Editor @alirasper4
TOP LEFT: Waiting Room Records participated in the Sweet Corn Blues festival by offering deals for participants to enjoy marked off vinyls and CDs. TOP RIGHT: ISU student senior exercise science major Jenny Afonina and Daren Williams enjoy their free corn during the Sweet Corn Blues Festival BOTTOM RIGHT: Two women help prepare corn for festivel-goers to enjoy. BOTTOM LEFT: Behind the scenes of how 50,000 ears of corn are processed and prepared during the two day festival.
U
ptown Normal got “corny” Saturday and Sunday for the yearly Sweet Corn Blues Festival. The yearly festival shuts down the streets of Uptown and brings the community together for business tents, food, kid’s activities, a stage and more. All businesses are open during this festival and set up tents outside their store for special deals. Other tents representing Illinois State’s College of Fine Arts, WGLT and other small businesses were there as well. Rep. Dan Brady also had a booth set up and was conversing and enjoying the festival with the locals. Corn on the cob is the Midwestern staple of the festival and people line up just to get their piece. A perk for ISU students is free corn. Jennifer Wadas, senior organizational leadership communication major said, “I like the corn fest because it’s the only time of the year that I get to experience Midwest culture at its finest. Obviously, my favorite part is the free corn.” Not only is free corn a perk, ISU students also leafed through records and comics or sat at Uptown Circle listening to Blues music. There were also performances by Gamma Phi Circus and a Cirquemania Aerial Performance held on the Constitution trail. Kids at the festival had the opportunity to ride in a miniature train, have their faces painted,
struggle to stand in inflatable water balls and strap themselves in bungee cords for flips on a small trampoline. Blues performances by Bloomington-Normal based artists such as Hot Sauce Universe and Shuga Beatz entertained the crowd. Of course, there were exceptions such as Memphis-based artist Brandon Santini, L.A.’s Brian Stear of Berchtold and Stear and Camilo Restrepo from Colombia. On Sunday, festival goers continued to receive the same perks with an additional showpiece: the corn eating contest. Community members, businesses and ISU students can agree that there is always fun to be had at the Sweet Corn Blues festival. Senior communication studies major Brian Kelly said he likes the festival because there is always something “poppin’.” “The only thing sweeter than the corn is the fun environment that’s also family-friendly,” Kelly said. As corny as it is, the festival is great fun and is truly an event people look forward to yearly.
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attributable not only to the good work of the folks that work here every day, but to the generous phiMuch like everything else lanthropy of alums and friends of in life, having a plan is crucial the university. to being successful. Without “Students are hugely important plans and goals, life can become in the whole shared governance aimless. process around here and hopeIllinois State University fully they will be able to relate to recently launched its new stratethis new Educate, Connect and gic plan that outlines its mission, Elevate theme,” said Dietz. vision and goals for the next five The whole planning proyears. cess took well over a year and Most people probably have involved a number of different somewhat of an idea of what that people. means, but there’s a lot more to This includes a committee, the strategic planning than meets academic senate, faculty, staff, Vidette Archive the eye. community members, students, Illinois State University has lauched a new vison and mission for the next five In college, planners become a years. alumni, foundation group and student’s lifeline. Having strucstakeholders. ture, visions and goals set for the The university seeks input from the foundation that the previous Connect plays into the fact that in year helps keep plans on track for strategic plans have given us, but order for the university to work, it all these sources in order to fully success. remains focused on our values, involves the help of a lot of different understand the ISU community Planning for students might mean mission and our vision,” said pres- people, the most important being and how they can better cater to the sitting down with a planner and syl- ident Larry Dietz. “A good plan the faculty and staff. needs of everyone involved. labus and filling out the calendar simply gives a framework in which The benefit of having a good straConnecting with alumni, the with all of the assignments in hopes to operate … people have always community and the stakeholders tegic planning process is that it of keeping organized and setting told me to plan your work and work that support the institution plays a defines the university’s focus. With goals for each week. your plan.” crucial role in the operation of this a good plan, the university is not Strategic planning involves a Expanding off of the previous facility. The connection piece is not wasting a lot of time and resources similar process of defining an orga- plan known as Educating Illinois, only important within the orga- outside of the key areas. This allows nization’s direction and making the university hopes to broaden its nization, but also outside of the them to concentrate within the decisions on allocating its resources audience with their new title Edu- organization. perimeter of the plan. to pursue this strategy. This plan will set the tone of the cate, Connect, Elevate. Elevate plays into ISU’s hope to It includes envisioning a desired Each word of the new name plays strive to do bigger and better things. university for the next five years. future and translating this vision an important role in what ISU hopes It is about elevating the image of the With all of the construction around into broadly defined goals or objec- to achieve with this plan in place. university. This piece of the plan campus, the rebuilding of the unitives and a sequence of steps to Educate is what universities do, also has a cogitation for the Redbird versity’s website and this new plan achieve them. in progress, change is on its way. but this encompasses educating Rising campaign. “The hope is that we have a road- not only within the classroom, but Dietz discussed that this in part map for the future that builds on beyond it. means the university’s “elevation” is
Department of Sociology, Anthropology hosts art auction
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The department of Sociology and Anthropology are holding a sealed bid auction to support student travel scholarships for its majors. The pieces up for auction are from Liv Stone, assistant professor of anthropology. They are on display in the second floor Schroeder Hall gallery. Professor Joan M. Brehm is one curator for this auction. She said travel is important for the students. “Our students often travel for conferences or other professional development as well as a diversity of co-curricular activities. We recognize that this brings additional expenses and we want to do all we can to support those activities and help defray some of the additional cost,” Brehm said. “The experiences and learning that a student has while traveling are extremely valuable to their overall education.”
The bidding period takes place until Friday. Eight of Stone’s pieces are available, minimum bid is $50. “Students are at the center of what we do as a department, and this includes supporting their educational experiences outside of the classroom as best we can,” Brehm said. Like studying abroad or going on a field trip, Brehm said travel is an opportunity to gain professional skills, which can Samantha Brinkman | Photo Editor inspire, broaden perspectives and provides a way for students to network. The bid closes at 4:30 p.m. Friday and winners will be notified Sept. 4.
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CORRECTION
The Vidette would like to apologize for the following corrections: The correct date for Festival ISU is on Thursday, Aug. 30. Also, featured in the Wednesday, Aug. 23 paper, a photo was incorrectly attributed on page 6. The corrections have been made online. The Vidette regrets the errors made.
The Vidette The Vidette is published Monday and Thursday every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in
whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2017
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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2018
SGA to celebrate 95 years ANDREW DOUGHERTY Senior News Reporter | @addough
The Division of Student Affairs at Illinois State University will host a reception to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Student Government Association from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Friday, October 12 in the Old Main room of the Bone Student Center. “Student Government Association occupies a unique place among student leadership because of their role in the shared governance process,” SGA adviser John Davenport said in an interview with ISU News. “The students must not only speak on behalf of their fellow students; they also have to advocate in ways that can sometimes put them in opposition to faculty who they have as class instructors on a daily basis.” The event will feature SGA alumni and current SGA
Illustration by Flynn Geraghty
leadership who will discuss what will occur within the Division of Student Affairs during the reception. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar for those in attendance. Founded in 1923, the Student Council marked the beginning of student governance with the organization experiencing multiple name changes such as the Student Senate, Student Association and the Student Body Board of Directors. In 1993 the organization transitioned its name to what the campus community knows as the Student Government Association. Over 2,200 alumni have been involved in SGA since its foundation. SGA Vice President Jack Whitsitt said the celebration shows how important the organization is for the campus community. “We do things year-round to make life better for students on campus and more enjoyable so for SGA to have been around as long as it has and as known as it is, really exemplifies its importance,” Photo curstesy of Illinois State News Whitsitt said. The new executive board of Student Government Association will be present “In my opinion, we have been advocating very at the 95th anniversary reception. Past and current SGA members will be well for students’ needs, especially last year where present for the event. we had a very proactive association and got a lot of things accomplished as well as making positive “You really appreciate what SGA does for ISU students and changes on campus,” he said. “Reaching out to administrators and faculty and saying hey, you get inside information of things students who aren’t in SGA we need a new parking lot by Turner Hall, well we got that don’t know,” he said. “First and foremost, you learn so much more about ISU, but done,” he added. it also allows you to collaborate and work with different stuOne initiative SGA will be advocating for this school year will be the creation of a multicultural center as part of the reg- dents on different initiatives on what would make our campus istered student organization’s outreach goals. The resolution community better,” he added. “Students here have a voice in all aspects of the University, was passed early last week. and that voice has helped create a place that prioritizes the Another initiative taken by SGA is the collaboration with the School Street Food Pantry which is a local food pantry for student experience along with financial and political considcollege students located at the First United Methodist Church. erations,” advisor John Davenport stated. Whitsitt explained that being a part of SGA gives students a different perspective on the university as a whole.
GARRETT KARSTEN News Reporter | @GKarstenISU
provide them a more comfortable area to wait for the bus,” said Holtke Davis said the city is looking out for those who may U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis joined Connect Transit offi- use the bus as the only means of transportation. cials early Thursday to help kick off the “Better Bus Stops “They deserve a safe, weather-proof environment to for Bloomington-Normal” campaign. be able to use this system to fulfill their family’s needs, The ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the recently so that they can continue to have opportunities that finished Bus Shelter at JC Parkway, in between many of us do every day,” said Davis. Walmart and Fiesta Ranchera in Bloomington. Davis visited Connect Transit to announce a Connect Transit Marketing Manager Jeff $1.5 million Federal grant last September. The Holtke said Connect Transit will be working to grant will be used to purchase electric buses improve 157 total stops with new shelters. Over with zero-emission batteries and to install solar the next three years, new benches and landing panels at the maintenance facility. pads are being delveloped to comply with the This is expected to save about 300,000 galAmericans with Disabilities Act. lons of diesel over the life of the vehicles. The “Connect Transit is excited to kick off the new buses are expected to arrive in 2019. The Rodney Davis campaign today with the help of Congressevent began at 9:15 a.m. with a welcoming by man Davis,” said Holtke. “We will begin Connect Transit General Manager Isaac Thorne pouring new pads in the coming weeks and will be and followed with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by adding benches and shelters to various stops around Davis. Transit Chairman Mike McCurdy finished with town. This will help improve infrastructure for riders closing statements. throughout B-N.” Information about Connect Transit bus services can Holtke said this will not only benefit community mem- be found by calling (309) 828-9833 or visiting www. bers, but also ISU students. connect-transit.com. “We continue to look at locations to add shelters and benches to help get riders out of the elements and
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PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
MONDAY, AUGUST XX, 2018
Fake News is a dangerous phrase
I
n order to sustain a vibrant democracy, the freedom and integrity of the press is one of the most vital aspects. Without an independent news media holding our government and leaders accountable, we begin to slide towards authoritarianism. The infamous term, ‘fake news’ coined by our very own president is now being used by this administration to degrade, defile and manipulate anything our president finds to his dislike. The tactic of attacking any media outlet whose coverage is unfavorable to the administration is a characteristic of any autocratic government. Although it did not originate with Donald Trump, our president has mounted a frightening, unabashed assault on news outlets while facing no repercussions for his actions. He has threatened, insulted and verbally attacked journalists during his campaign rallies. According to Freedomhouse.org, a troubling analysis found what has been obvious to many: “United States President Trump has disparaged the press, rejecting the news media’s role in holding governments to account for their words and
actions.” Not only has Trump rejected the role of the news media, he has openly and consistently declared us the ‘enemy of the people.’ At a rally held in Ohio, he pointed to the reporters present and stated they were ‘fake, fake, disgusting news.’ On a nearly daily basis, the president and his administration spout misleading or outright false claims on economic growth, crime and immigration, just to name a few areas. This is unprecedented in our nation’s history, and the implications are not just within our borders.
New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger met with the president in late July to warn him of the dangers of his antimedia rhetoric; it is contributing to the rise in threats against journalists. Declaring journalists as the enemy of the people by a sitting U.S. President also gives foreign autocrats their own justifications for suppressing speech they dislike. The frightening aspect of this is the spread of actual fake news through social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. The Russian government used this disinformation to undermine American liberal democracy; this is a fact and is not debatable, no matter
what our president believes. It is the job of the news media to hold those in power accountable, regardless of ideology or political party. More importantly, it is the job of the people to decipher fact from fiction, and respectable journalists do their best to do so. Journalists around the world put their lives at risk every day so that people can get the real, hard news about what is happening around them and around the world. There is a journalist code of ethics when they report news; respectable journalists don’t simply make things up out of the blue. It is imperative that news outlets, regardless of ideology or political views, hold this president and his administration accountable for their actions. This country cannot begin to accept the term ‘fake news’ despite enablers such as Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson and Kellyanne Conway who perpetuate it. Give credit to the president when credit is due but do not continue to allow him and his twitter feed to spread lies and threaten fellow journalists. Do not let our democracy die.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by ANDREW DOUGHRETY, 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.
The connection between musical influencers and death MY VIEW BECKY FLETCHER | News Editor
O
n Saturday, Aug. 25, Kyle Pavone, clean vocalist for the Michigan-based metalcore band We Came As Romans, passed away at 28. While the cause of death is not clear, it got me thinking about my musical relationship with Pavone and how much he had influenced me while I was going through the tortures of high school. I was an awkward kid, trying to find my way about who I was and what I was meant to do. My main outlet was music, preferably with deep, passion-
ate lyrics. Now, I was not an avid WCAR listener, but their 2011 album “Understanding What We’ve Grown to Be,” really caught my attention, especially Pavone’s vocals. It was all eye-opening to me in realizing that I must acknowledge the dark in my life to appreciate the light. When the news came of Pavone’s passing, I felt instant sadness. I had fallen off the wagon of listening to WCAR’s albums, but I immediately went home and popped in my favorite. I soaked in Pavone’s vocals and thought about all the musical influencers I have had in my life: Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Panic! At the Disco, Fall Out Boy and more. My friend had posted the news of Pavone on Facebook stating, “When you’re 12-years-old listening to bands, you never think of the day they may be gone.” It was unbelievably true. I take these artists for granted, im-
patiently waiting for the next album, the next tour, whatever I can get my hands on. I think of them as immortal beings despite knowing that is not who they are. These artists are people just like me – they work hard to make a living except it is a living providing happiness and inspiration to millions of kids like me. We expect and we take from all these artists. We leave hate comments on their songs if it does not meet our musical expectations regarding their band or sound. We never give anything back. Granted, we give our money and we invest our time, but I believe it is worthwhile to try and form a relationship with these artists. To become memorable in the eyes of someone you admire is the dream, and it is an achievable one. I have some artists I admire who recognize me from their shows and it
is humbling to talk to them like we’re old friends. But no one truly appreciates someone until they are dead. We wish we could have known them sooner or listened to the band more often or had the chance to meet them. Does it take death to truly admire a person for who they are? I admired Pavone for his carefree lifestyle, always doing what he could to bring his fans some happiness. I admired him for his vocal talent. I admire a lot of people for a lot of things … maybe it is about time we start to show them how much we appreciate them before they day comes when they are no longer with us. Becky Fletcher is a senior journalism major and news editor and columnist for The Vidette. She can be reached at vidette_rlflet1@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter @becky_fletcher.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Men experience sexual assault, too To the Editor, Now that one of the leaders of the “Me-Too” sexual harassment awareness movement has been accused of having sexually harassed a 17 year-old male actor several years ago, I want to make sure that readers realize that sometimes men are sexually harassed. I myself was sexually harassed by a female college professor when I was 25 years old. I went through the same feelings of shame and embarrassment that female victims/survivors typically go through. We all need to realize that it was not your fault and that we need to report the harasser to the authorities immediately so that these predators can be prevented from ever doing this to anyone else.
The other point that I want to make is to alert people to the fact that sexual harassment does not only happen to people who are considered to be “goodlooking.” For example, while I believe that most women in my past would not have said that they believed that I “fell out of the ugly-tree”, most would have said that they did not consider me to be a particularly “handsome” or “gorgeous-looking” or “sexy” or “hot-hunk” of a guy. The only possible exceptions might be my wife, my sexual harasser, women who were desperate, and women who were in serious need of an eye examination. Stewart B. Epstein
MONICA MENDOZA Editor-in-Chief | @coolstorymonica BECKY FLETCHER News Editor | @becky_ fletcher ANDREW DOUGHRETY Senior news reporter and columnist | @addough
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
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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.
TYLER SMITH Columnist | @incognegro
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2018
Redbird receives prestigious scholarships GARRETT KARSTEN News Reporter | @GKarstenISU
Actuarial science student has been awarded two scholarships within the same year, the first to accomplish this in the program’s history. Senior Kristen Marshall was awarded the Casualty Actuarial Society Trust Scholarship, funded by the leading actuarial credentialing organization in the property and casualty industry. The small-town Indiana native also received the Curtis Huntington Memorial Scholarship. With only one applicant allowed per school, it is awarded to the top actuarial students with applicants from around the world. Marshall said she has always been interested in mathematics. This translated into an interest in the field of actuarial science, which is the analyzation and compiling of statistics to calculate insurance risks and premiums. “When I arrived on campus as a freshman, I could barely describe an actuary if someone were to ask about my future career,” Marshall said. “Just three short years later, I now have 16 months of job experience that led to me obtaining a full-time job offer as a junior and stepping up to be Co-President of the Actuarial Club this year.” According to Marshall, her success can be attributed to several outside sources, including Dr. Krzysztof Ostaszewski, Actuarial Program Director at Illinois State University. The Professor of Mathematics encouraged Marshall to apply for the scholarship awards. “He works very hard to ensure Illinois State has all the resources necessary to support students through exam preparation classes, Actuarial Club events to learn industry knowledge, and a strong recruiting process for internships and jobs,” Marshall said. “She’s an outstanding student,” Ostaszewski said, as quoted in ISU’s News. “After winning both the Casualty Actuarial Society Trust Scholarship and the Curtis Huntington Memorial Scholarship, she’s shown herself to be one of the top actuarial students. It feels like we have
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the greatest students in the world.” She also attributes her success to her faith as she has been blessed immensely, and capitalized on the i mp or t a nc e of remaining disciplined to make the most of her time. Marshall attended nearly 50 events after joining the Actuarial Club and Gamma lota Sigma, an insurance organization on campus. Her experiences are important for her future and inspiring Photo courtesy of news.illinoisstate Senior Kristen Marshall was awarded two prestigious scholarships. Marshall is to fellow students within the program. the first student in her major to have ever received more than one scholarship in the same year. “In the Actuarial Club, I was a general officer my sophomore year, Casualty casualty industry.” Marshall co-authored an article of her reActuarial Society Student Central Ambassador search from Pinnacle University this past my junior year and now Co-President my senior year. I am excited to pay it forward and help spring. Marshall’s experience as an intern is what has helped her develop skills to transition younger students grow as future actuaries.” Her experiences at ISU outside of her program to full-time upon graduation. “Pinnacle is very include the Christian Busines Leaders, Alterna- supportive of my involvement at ISU as they recognize its value in my development.” tive Breaks and Toastmasters. “I look forward to giving back to ISU during Involvement with the Honors Program my senior year by spending time mentoring allowed her to experience volunteer work at a younger students and investing in the growth of state park in Arkansas, inspiring her to plan the trip the following year. She coordinated hous- the student organizations that impacted my coling for 43 other volunteers to teach students at lege career,” Marshall said. “I want to encourage all incoming students to low-income schools about finance and running dream big and be disciplined in working towards a business. “I am blessed to have already accepted a full- the small goals that lead to achieving the big time job offer at Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, goals. Jump into college with both feet. Joining where I have been interning since August 2017,” student organizations my first semester helped Marshall added. “I am excited to be part of Pin- to jumpstart my professional development.” nacle’s bright future as the firm innovates to adapt to the new risks facing the property and
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Don Knapp named next state’s attorney ANDREW DOUGHTERTY
The McLean County Board unanimously approved by voice vote to tap Don Knapp as the next state’s attorney. County Board chairman John McIntyre nominated Knapp earlier in the day. Knapp previously served as the first assistant in the state’s attorney’s office civil division before becoming the county’s assistant administrator last year. Knapp will continue to serve the rest of Jason Chambers’ term through 2020, who has recently been appointed as a judge. “I know it is now my job to protect this county and to earn the trust of the people of this county,” Knapp said in an interview with GLT’s Sound Ideas. “Today is the day to celebrate Jason Chambers and his team and all of the great work they have done. It is incredibly humbling that chairman McIntyre and the full board trusted me not to mess up that good work,” Knapp stated. He told Sound Ideas he doesn’t envision substantive changes in the state’s attorney’s office. “I needed somebody that could train and somebody that was acceptable to the state’s attorney staff. We didn’t want everybody going out looking for jobs if somebody wasn’t acceptable,” McIntyre told GLT Sound Ideas. McIntyre stated in the interview that he was looking for a state’s attorney who could help maintain continuity at a time when both Chambers and the first assistant, Adam Ghrist, are leaving.
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2018
Trip of a lifetime
Junior middle-level education major Allie Brennan poses by a volcano while studying abroad in Costa Rica. The trip gave her great memories and a new appreciation for American life. Photo submitted by Allie Brennan
Allie Brennan gains new life appreciation in Costa Rica CAITLYN BARATTI Features Reporter
W
hile many college students spend their summer cycling through the same routine, Allie Brennan, a junior middle-level education major, spent her time in a way she would never forget. This summer, Brennan spent five weeks living and learning in San José, Costa Rica’s tropical capital. Upon arriving, Brennan found a city with multiple fronts. Known for its rainforest expenditures and lavish city hotels, Brennan soon discovered trouble in Costa Rican paradise. Within San José exists another darker world propelled by poverty. “The citizens of San José live quite a different life from their tourist counterparts, in the real, improvised world of San José,” Brennan explained. “Most of the population lives on less than $1 a day and the actual cost of housing and living there is so expensive that the conditions that they are forced to live in are really devastating.” The poverty-stricken underbelly of the city shocked and somewhat scared Brennan when she encountered it. “Where I was living, San José was much more dangerous than I was anticipating.” Brennan said. “There are
some serious crimes that go on around that area and basically you could never be alone even in the day time and when it came to night time it was usually best to keep indoors.” Despite the unexpected dangers of San José, Brennan loved her overall experience studying abroad. Specifically, her favorite day was spent in a rainforest animal sanctuary. Brennan saw numerous species that could not be returned into the wild. In the process, Brennan encountered a sloth. After the sanctuary, the group hiked and saw waterfalls that Brennan describes as incredible. Brennan felt every moment of the Costa Rica experience was beneficial. “My time abroad impacted [me] greatly.” Brennan stated “I feel much more grateful to have the opportunities I have. It also caused me to be more appreciative and not be glued to technology.” Brennan is another testament to the life-changing experiences Illinois State University’s study abroad program provides. Like Brennan, Bayza Senbetta, May 2018 graduate and former study abroad participant gained valuable experience from studying in Costa Rica. In fact, the biggest piece of advice Senbetta offers students is:
“Living in another country and experiencing a new culture is an extremely valuable experience that will open up doors for you in the future and help you discover your passions,” Senbetta said. “Take the chance to get out of Normal for a while and grow outside of your comfort zone.” Brennan has one specific tip for those looking to study abroad. She encourages students to go into direct enrollment when applying to the program. “I enjoyed being a direct enrollment student and having the freedom to travel where I want throughout the country” and not have an adult or teacher guide or order me around. Brennan stated, “This taught me how to travel on my own, such as doing research on how to use public transportation and what hidden places to visit.” Overall, studying abroad in Costa Rica confirmed Brennan’s passion for teaching. “It [studying abroad] made me realize how much I would love to teach English as a second language (ESL) all around the world if possible,” Brennan said. “The Costa Rican culture is amazing, I loved learning about it and I hope to learn more about other cultures one day through my ESL teaching profession.” CAITLYN BARATTI is a features reporter for the Vidette. She can be contacted at cmbarat@ilstu.edu
ISU reacts to study showing students value credit over degree STUART STALTER Vidette Features Editor | @VidetteStuS
C
lass credits are not the only kind of credit that college students worry about nowadays. Acclaimed personal finance website WalletHub recently found that in 2018, one in four college students – nearly five million people – now believe that obtaining a good credit score is worth more than a college degree. Additionally, 40 percent of college students worry more about credit cards than student loan debt. This number comes as a surprise, considering student debt totaled $1.521 trillion in the first quarter of 2018, according to the Federal Reserve. The number is a record high. Finance, insurance and law professor Edgar Norton explains the fundamental importance of obtaining good credit. “It is a good idea to take actions that help to build up an attractive credit score,” Norton said. “The higher someone’s credit score, the lower the interest rate paid on future lending, such as for a car or home purchase.” Blake Whittle, a junior business administration major concurs. He notes that building personal credit is a long process. “Building credit is one of the fundamental things a
Student Credit Fast Facts
45
college student needs to do,” Whittle said. “College lasts 4 years, but your credit score is for a lifetime. “It takes a few years to build credit to a solid score, so I reccomend starting early.” That said, Whittle recognizes the importance of education. Seeing benefits from both sides, he believes that a college degree and good credit work in tandem to create an ideal post-graduation experience. “Credit score can’t earn you money and get you a good paying job,” Whittle said. “A college degree gets you a good job, thus higher income, thus the ability to pay off your house, or car loan and then that builds credit.” Supporting getting a degree, freshman Chris Smith notes the immediate impact obtaining a degree has. “Although I recognize that I am not overly qualified in financial matters, I do know that getting a degree opens doors to students that can be immediately walked through on the path to success,” Smith said. “In my opinion, the more years you wait for a degree, the bigger the opportunity cost, unlike credit, which can be built over time.” STUART STALTER is the Features Editor for the Vidette. He can be contacted at sstalt1@ilstu.edu Follow him on Twitter at @VidetteStuS
Percentage of college students who do not own their own credit card. Only 25 percent of students are authorized users.
630
Average credit score for the 1824 age demographic. Scores typically range from 330 to 830, according to Experian.
Illustration by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
New study reveals that one in four college students believe an excellent credit score is worth more than a college degree
$1.521 33 Number of total student loan debt for 2018’s first quarter, in trillions.
Approximate percentage of students who believe they will be worse off financially than their parents.
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2018
Tournament triumph Redbirds continue road trip on high note, winning two of three at Benson Invitational in Georgia TYLER JACHNICKI Sports Reporter | TJachnicki10
Coming off of an exhibition win against the DePaul Blue Demons last weekend, the Illinois State volleyball team finally got its first taste of the 2018 season. The Redbirds traveled to Athens, Georgia to compete in the Benson Invitational where they took two out of three games.
Match One: ISU 3, Furman 1 After dropping the opening set of the season 25-22, ISU roared back to take the next three sets 25-15, 25-21 and 25-18. It was the first victory of 2018 for the Redbirds, and they hope many more wins will come from their hard work. Sophomore outside Kaylee Martin lead the way for the Redbirds in this game with 18 kills, while Stef Jankiewiecz posted an impressive 44 assists in the four sets. Senior libero Courtney Pence registered 14 digs, continuing replicating her impressive performance last weekend against DePaul.
Match Two: ISU 3, Coastal Carolina 0 The ‘Birds carried their momentum from Friday evening’s performance into Saturday, sweeping the Chanticleers in three sets. The Redbirds dominated the first
two sets 25-14 and 25-16, before a very competitive third set. With the score at 21-18, the Redbirds twisted the dagger, taking the last four points. A kill by freshman middle Marissa Stockman gave the Redbirds the final point and their second victory on the year. Jankiewicz, once again, lead the team with a game-high 32 assists.
“If you look at all four teams in the tournament, we were the team that was the most consistent every match, every set and every point, and I think that is becoming our brand.” Leah Johnson, ISU volleyball coach
Match Three: Georgia 3, ISU 1 After starting the season 2-0, the Redbirds hit their first roadblock when they met with the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday night. After splitting the first two sets, the Redbirds ran out of gas, dropping the last two sets 15-25 and 16-25. Sophomore outside T’ara Ceaser put on an impressive showing for Georgia, posting a game-high 22 kills. Despite the loss, ISU received a strong performance from junior outside Ella Francis, who registered a team-high 13 kills. The Redbirds now head to Indianapolis to compete in the Top Dawg Challenge, facing off against Eastern Illinois at 3 P.M. Friday.
Ali Rasper | Photo Editor
EXPANDED STORY @ videtteonline.com
Photo courtesy GoRedbirds
Sophomore midfielder Ashley Santos winds up against CUSN, Aug. 24.
Redbird volleyball swung a 2-1 record at the Benson Invitational Tournament in Athens, Georgia, Aug. 24-25.
Photo courtesy GoRedbirds
Senior forward Angel Krell slips past defenders as the ‘Birds came up short Sunday night against Tulsa, tying 1-1.
Not okay in OK: soccer drops two-game away slate MATT KALINOWSKI Sports Reporter | @mattkalinowski8
While the Illinois State women’s soccer team battles for the top spot in the Valley, its biggest opponent ultimately seems to be itself. The Redbirds dropped their two-game weekend stint, falling to Oklahoma in Friday night’s forgetful performance and drawing against Tulsa Sunday afternoon.
Senior forward Angel Krell put ISU ahead early with a goal at the 17:02 mark. ISU’s lead was short lived as Tulsa freshman midfielder Alijah Oliver scored the first goal of her career in a Hurricane uniform at 67:20. As the grudge match ensued, ISU goalkeeper Haley Smith marked six saves on the day, bringing the Redbirds’ hopes to overtime where they then failed to convert their efforts.
Game Two: ISU 1, Tulsa 1
Game One: Oklahoma 7, ISU 1
As Tulsa tries to erase last season’s 3-12-4 record from its memory, the Redbirds looked to tack on another loss for the Golden Hurricane this season. Illinois State tied Tulsa 1-1 after a double overtime effort, splicing the Redbirds’ road trip record to 0-1-1. Coming off of Tulsa’s first win of the season defeating Oklahoma Baptist 2-0 Thursday night, it was the Redbirds who struck first this time around.
Oklahoma scored the early goal and did not let its foot off the gas, defeating the Redbirds 7-1 in Friday night’s contest. This was ISU’s first road test and resulted in its first loss, too. The first goal was scored by Oklahoma sophomore, Erika Yost, at 9:36. Oklahoma scored three more goals before the half, including an own goal, a goal from Oklahoma senior Jordan Hobart and freshman
Hailey Davidson. The Sooners led 4-0 at halftime and extended their lead in the latter portion of the game. Redshirt junior Kaylee Dao scored twice off of two headers in the 58th and 61st minute. Senior Emily Parker scored Oklahoma’s seventh goal in the 77 minute. Senior midfielder Kiley Czerwinski notched ISU’s only goal of the day in the 86 minute. Drawing a penalty kick, Czerwinski capitalized on the Sooners’ mishap, steering the Redbirds away from a shutout. Oklahoma kept applying pressure as they out-shot the ‘Birds with a shot ratio of 15-8. Illinois State seemed stifled offensively, as OU stopped it from attempting a single corner kick. With a draw and a loss, the Redbirds now dorn a 1-1-2 record heading into next weekend’s matchup against Miami of Ohio Friday, Aug.31.
MATT KALINOWSKI is a Sports Reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at mjkali1@ilstu.edu
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PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
Sports
MONDAY, August 27, 2018
Heart to Beathard
ISU offensive coordinator Kurt Beathard returns to Normal after two years away from football KADE HEATHER Sports Editor | @kade_heather
K
u r t Beathard helped lead the 44-second drive that resulted in Tre Roberson’s 58-yard touchdown run that brought Illinois State the closest it has ever been to the FCS National Championship trophy. Just over one year later, he is feeding his dogs, cleaning the dishes, fishing or simply spending quality time with his wife, Karen, and three daughters, LaRae, Grace and Eva. He wasn’t fired, he made the decision to depart ISU after just two seasons, spending almost his entire life in football. “It was something that I needed to do for my family; my wife, one of my daughters, family in general. They were all in school, it was tough for them to get back up and see me as much during games,” Beathard said, “I felt like to me, I needed to get home and be the best dad and best husband I could be for a while, and make up time that I thoroughly missed.” Illinois State was heartbroken after NFL draft pick Carson Wentz drove down field after Roberson’s run, sealing NDSU’s dynasty of four FCS Championships in a row. Despite the loss, the 2014 season was the best in ISU football history. Beathard was the offensive coordinator behind the recordbreaking offense in 2014 (15 single-season school records broken). He left ISU after the 2015 season and never imagined getting back into coaching college football, but he knew he could never fully escape the game. While away from coaching, he began training high school and middle school football players. He coached multiple positions in his own private lessons. His favorite thing outside of football is being around his family and friends, relishing every moment. Each human experiences a rollercoaster of emotion throughout their life. Sometimes it can be difficult when life hits hard, but it still must go on. “The best memory [at ISU] was obviously having the run to the Missouri Valley Conference Championship, and having the opportunity to go play in the National Championship was huge,” Beathard said, “The worst memory I had here was right before one of the playoff games. My wife was diagnosed with cancer and it made it really, really tough for me to be away and keep focus on two different things.” In such a difficult time, he pushed on and the Redbirds still broke records and reached their first-ever National Championship game. Beathard described the emotions in his family to be the most challenging obstacles in his life. However, he never saw them as issues, rather bumps in the road that must be dealt with and moved forward from. Through all the ups and downs in life, he described one moment that led him to the person he is today. “The biggest life-changing thing to me is finding and being a believer and a follower of Jesus Christ, and I think that changed my life, changes my family’s life immensely. That was the biggest moment where I felt totally at ease and totally at rest, that was the best thing that happened to me,” Beathard said. Now entering the 2018 season, Beathard has returned to Normal to command the Redbirds offense once again. “I wasn’t looking to get back in football, I was trying to get my business built stronger, but I got an unexpected call from coach Spack; talked to him on and off a couple days and I enjoyed
Kurt Beathard talks to former ISU quarterback Tre Roberson.
Offensive coordinator Kurt Beathard works with former ISU running back Jamal Towns during a practice in 2015. working here, coaching for coach Spack, so it made it kind of an easy decision. One [of my kids] is getting married and the other ones are finishing up college, so my wife and I said it was about time to get back in. But because coach Spack called me in this situation, it made it an easy decision,” Beathard said. He knew he could not escape. Football is in his blood. His dad, Bobby, spent nearly 40 years in the NFL, starting as a scout, then spent 21 years as a General Manager. He helped direct his teams to seven Super Bowls, winning four of them. Two of Kurt’s brothers also worked in the NFL and his nephew, C.J., was a quarterback for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2013-16 and currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers. “Back when I grew up, we didn’t have all these games, electronics and all that. We were outside playing football. We were playing catch, my dad was teaching us to throw and catch,” Beathard said, “We went to training camps with him every year since I was 7-years-old. We went to all the scouting combines or the all-star games. My whole life, I wanted to be involved in football, but there was no pressure at all. He [dad] just said, ‘Do what you want, but whatever you do be the best at it.’” Kurt began playing college football at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, then transferred to Saddleback Junior College his sophomore season. He played his final two seasons at Towson as a quarterback. He passed for 4,768 yards and 38 touchdowns in two seasons at Towson and was inducted into the Towson Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. His top game ranks among one of the best in NCAA Division II history. He finished 40-for-51 passing with 466 yards and four touchdowns in a game against Lafayette. Beathard was drafted by the Baltimore Stars in the USFL in 1986, then went to play for the Washington Commandos in the Arena League in 1987. He has coached 15 years Vidette Archive in the FCS from Western Carolina, Bucknell, Eastern
Vidette Archive
Kentucky, James Madison, Pacific, Towson, Youngstown State, and Illinois State. He also spent time at the University of Illinois and had two seasons in the United Football League with the Florida Tuskers and Sacramento Mountain Lions. From everything and everywhere, he has learned and taken something with him at each stop along his journey, but one has been most valuable. “Experience, being around good coaches everywhere, learning new things. Sometimes you sit there and you go, well I think I know or have all the answers, but there’s other coaches who have other experiences and you learn from them and we learn from each other,” Beathard said, “We learn how to deal with different kids, different kids come from different backgrounds, so learning that has been a big help. In this business, you have to be able to deal with all of those differences when you have 105 players on a team and taking advantage of the coaching staff around you, learning and keep learning.” Even after all of his experiences around the country with different coaches and players, he is still figuring out what kind of coach he is. “I don’t know, I never looked in the mirror or heard a recording, but I’m passionate, I know what I want to be done, I know what I want to see. I’m not a big screamer or yeller I don’t think. I don’t like to cuss the players, but I want to make sure we are detailed. I just want to be detailed in the offense we are running,” Beathard said. As he is now back into doing what he has always done and loved, Beathard is ready to endeavor another championship run at ISU, but understands it is a process. “I expect us to play and finish hard every single game, and every game I hope that we get better and improve on what we’re doing as an offense, so when it gets time to the end, we are playing our best football when it counts,” Beathard said. He is also just as excited this time around to coach for ISU and continue learning and building relationships in his life. “I take the pleasure of knowing the kind of good people that Illinois State has, I know the kind of person and people that coach Spack has recruited and has on the team, and I respect everything about this program, and the university as a whole has been a pleasure, before and now,” Beathard said. KADE HEATHER is Sports Editor for The Vidette. He can be contacted at vidette_kfheat1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @kade_heather