VIDETTE summer WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2017 Vol. 129/ No. 63
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Construction underway for ‘Lodge 2’ PAGE 3 Dan Muller serves at Team USA camp PAGE 8
Get lost in adventure Explore Constitution Trail’s hidden gems LA’NITA BROOKS Features Reporter | @LaNita107
M
ore than just a place to jog or bike, Constitution Trail has plenty to offer. Many Blo-No residents are familiar with the name of the historic site but not with what all it entails.
Bike fix-it spots The trail is commonly used for biking especially during the summer months. Luckily for bikers, there are two bike fix it stations located along the trail—one near the Uptown circle and the other near the Connie Link Amphitheater. The station includes a bike holder that props bikes securely off the ground so riders can conveniently work on their bike. It has an air pump for tires, as well as numerous wrenches and other tools attached by cables.
Book swap library Also featured along the trail is a free library. Located on Raab Road and Shelbourne Drive in a small red wooden box, the library can be easily missed if travelers are not on the lookout. The message for whoever visits the library is “take a book, leave a book,” so engage in this swap on a future trip down the trail.
Sister Cities Japanese garden Located near Angela Drive is the Sister Cities Japanese garden, which was created in 2002 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of friendship between Normal and the City of Asahikawa. The garden includes a torii gate, a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine. The gate represents the transition from the profane to the sacred. The garden also has a traditional Japanese tea house and a cherry tree.
Recreational activites Constitution Trail has a number of other secret sites such as a soccer field, small parks and ponds, a bike shop and more. The trail also includes more popular stops such as Route 66, historic Franklin Park, Camelback Bridge and the McLean County Museum of History.
Bloomington resident Brennin Kelley and ISU alumnus Juan Trevino spend a Tuesday afternoon on Constitution Trail.
Photograph by Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017
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Study abroad offers something for everyone
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Illinois State University offers a wide variety of study abroad options for students looking to spend time outside of the country during their college career. Study abroad adviser Alex Ratcliff said the list of programs and countries available is continuously changing, but roughly 47 countries are available through 90 different programs. “We have something called First Steps and they are just an information session that are held twice a week, every week, and students are able to just show up and they’re about 25 minutes long and we go over the basics,” Ratcliff said. “So, how to look at our website and utilize all the tools on there,” he added. “How to look at classes, read a budget and how to apply. So, First Steps is a really nice, excuse the pun, first step, because they kind of just let you know what your options are.” Ratcliff encourages students to attend First Steps to then have time for more specialized questions when meeting with an adviser. Academic advisers should also be contacted, because of their familiarity with the student’s school plans. ISU junior Shannon Stevens is currently studying abroad in Spain at La Universidad de Salamanca, which is roughly an hour away from Madrid. Stevens is living with a host family and said that the area is beautiful and feels exceptionally safe. She is part of a program where students can earn their minor in Spanish. “You definitely improve a lot within a week, Stevens said. “I was so nervous when I first started. In the U.S. you speak English all the time. My host family specifically does not speak any English at all. So, I’m forced to speak Spanish and within one week it improved so much.” Stevens said a lot of the students go traveling on the weekends. It took three jobs for her to be
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able to afford the month long program, but it was worth it to her. “If I did not come here, it would have been more difficult to catch on to Spanish. Here, I’m forced to speak Spanish. At home, I’m not forced to speak Spanish,” Stevens said. “At home, we don’t learn about culture like you do here. Here, you’re living culture.” Ratcliff acknowledges that cost is a big concern for students. “We’ve tried to keep cost in mind when we look at study abroad programs and when we create partner relationships because we really believe that this shouldn’t be something that breaks the bank,” Ratcliff said. “Students shouldn’t go into debt in order to have this experience.”
For the ’18 and ’19 school year, there will be $20,000 in a specific scholarship that is for students accomplishing general education abroad. “That being said, we have about 24 programs that are the same cost as ISU for a semester or less, so we really try to keep cost in mind,” Ratcliff said. Ratcliff has read many program evaluations from students who studied abroad. “A lot of the students are saying ‘Just do it— don’t be scared, don’t overthink it, just do it’,” Ratcliff said. “So just do it, you will not regret it. Your biggest regret is going to be that you didn’t go.” “When I say it’s life changing, it actually is, it really is true,” Stevens said.
Annual Desert Redbirds trip to float to Phoenix MASON MCCOY News Reporter | Real_McCoy18
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Redbirds are given the opportunity to travel the world, including destinations like Fiesole, Italy.
The Phoenix Alumni Network will soon be holding its annual Desert Redbird’s float trip with Salt River Tubing. The trip is an event designed to bring Redbirds living in the Phoenix, Arizona area together for a day of fun and outdoor adventure Photo courtesy IllinoisState.edu while being treated to scenic views The trip is designed to bring Redof Tonto National Forest. birds today for a day of adventure. The trip is set to take place on July 15 with a shuttle bus ferrying attendees are encouraged to arrive people to the beginning of the river at 10 a.m. to gather together and to float will depart at 10:30 a.m., but ensure that they make it through
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
the line and onto the bus on time. The Desert Redbirds f loat trip is an example of the many other alumni sponsored events that happen regularly across the country. Associate Director of Alumni Relations Colleen Rice said there are similar opportunities for other alumni. “We have alumni networks that exist throughout the country,” Rice said. “These networks of postgraduate Redbirds are a great way to stay connected with the university.” Tube rentals, along with the
shuttle bus ride, will cost $17 a person. However, if attendees provide their own tubes, the shuttle bus service will only cost them $14. Payments will be collected upon arrival to Salt River Tubing. Food and drink will not be provided during the trip. Attendees should prepare for the hot temperatures that are to be expected . Sunscreen and protective headwear like visors and sunhats should be packed and worn. Contact network volunteer Morgan Stenson for more information or questions.
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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017
Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor
ABOVE: Construction on the new Lodge building is in its beginning phase. LEFT: A pool, club house and fitness center all are set to be integrated into the new building which is expected to open for leasing in fall 2017, with students moving in fall 2018. Rendering courtesty of Young America Realty
Young America begins Lodge expansion Leasing agency will add an additonal 67 units to its popular complex SARAH ATEN | News Reporter | @sarahmaten
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he Lodge will expand into a larger complex, giving students additional off-campus housing options. The Lodge at 214 W. Willow St., first opened in 2012. Upscale three and four bedroom apartments are offered in close proximity to campus. Young America Realty Student Property Manager Randy Paulissen said the new expansion is meant to be seen as part of The Lodge, not something separate. “We’re just trying to brand it as The Lodge, and The Lodge is just getting bigger,” Paulissen said. “People have said, like, ‘Lodge 2’, or certain things like that. It’s not the case, it’s just
The Lodge on Willow is just happening to get bigger and have a larger expansion done to it. An additional clubhouse will house a fitness center and another pool will be built. Residents of the whole complex will be able to take advantage of the new expansion’s amenities and residents of the expansion can use facilities of the original area. The expansion will feature three and four bedroom apartments. “Pricing for the whole complex will be similar,” Asset Manager George Gramm said. “But we’re not publishing any pricing yet on that. We’ll roll that out probably first part of September. The units themselves are very
similar floor plans.” The expected completion date is August 2018, while leasing for the new apartments will begin in fall 2017. Space for the expansion came from demolishing an apartment complex and several houses including a fraternity house. “As real estate developers, we work with the town all the time and then work with what’s the best use for property,” Gramm said. “So in this section, that is the best use for the property, is to put up an apartment complex that’s pretty dense like The Lodge is.” “Then all of the older houses that were
ISU brings biomathematics center to campus Students will see firsthand how math, science connect in the real world
Music, food to spice up annual picnic PORCHIA WHITE News Reporter | @porchia_white
CLAIRE WEINZIERL News Reporter | @ClaireWeinzierl
The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) announced the creation of a new center for the merging of biology, mathematics and computer science at Illinois State University. The Center for Collaborat ive Studies in Mathematical Biology: I nter c ol le g i ate Biom at hem at ic s Alliance (IBA) is a new center to provide resources and activities to students focused on courses and projects in biological sciences, mathematics and computer science. ISU’s Biomathematics program is a member of the IBA and serves as its headquarters. Other IBA members include Arizona State University, Truman State University, University of Portland and several other universities throughout the United States. There is a high-per for mance computer shared bet ween IBA members and students and faculty at ISU. “Letters in Biomathematics” and “Spora” are two journals produced at the headquarters here at ISU. Biomathematics is the science of the application of mathematics to biology and includes studies that have predicted the spread of disease, helped farmers use pesticides efficiently and helped understand how pathogens travel. “Biomathematics is one of the most cutting-edge fields that are developing during the last decade or
there are past their useful life and so then the town really encouraged us to be able to, and to work with us, to be able to put up this type of a complex that gives us a lot more denseness in this area, which is really the kind of walk zone to campus,” Gramm added. Paulissen said The Lodge is considered an Illinois State University landmark and is looking forward to upcoming expansion. He is proud that the area has a lot of quality housing and new developments, which can benefit ISU, as housing options can influence students’ decisions on picking a university. There are 79 existing units and 67 units will be built, with 146 units total after the
Adali E. Steveson Hall will be the home of ISU’s biomathematics center. so. Most prominent universities have biomathematics programs. Thanks to our progressive efforts that foresaw the future 10 years ago, ISU has the only established biomathematics program in Illinois,” IBA Executive Director and a professor of biomathematics at ISU Olcay Akman said. A kman said only a handful of institutions have centers that specialize in biomathematics and the mission to collaborate between universities among those centers is uncommon. “We are definitely ahead of the curve when it comes to this new program,” Akman said. According to the ISU Department of Mathematics website, the purpose of the Biomathematics program is to help students understand how biology and mathematics are intertwined and how knowledge of each area is critical for their future graduate study and career opportunities. “The new center will open a whole
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new world to our students in terms of the classes that they can take that are not offered at ISU, provide faculty expertise that is not available at ISU, especially to direct undergraduate research projects, and provide a platform to interact with a diverse group of students from a larger community of colleges,” Akman said. The center will provide a broader curriculum in biology and mathematics and more research opportunities focusing on projects involving biology, ecology, mathematics, and computer science. ISU is hosting the International Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research’s 10th anniversary from October 6 through 8. Claire Weinzierl is a news reporter for The Vidette. She can be reached at caweinz@ilstu.edu Follow her on Twitter @ClaireWeinzierl.
The Black Colleagues Association (BCA) will hold their annual summer picnic Sunday, July 9, at Jackson Park. There will be food prepared for the event and music to entertain all guests as they catch up and share their memories of Illinois State University. BCA encourages guests to bring food items or make online donations to support the picnic. Any guest that contributes food to the picnic will receive gift credit from the university. Guests can sign up for any contributions made to the picnic. BCA advises contributors to keep their receipts in order to redeem credit. Chairman of the picnic Mike Willis said the event is a great way for past and present members of the Redbird family to meet and have a good time. “The picnic is a chance for all classes, past and current to fellowship with each other. The people have a good time mixing and mingling with each other and just getting acquainted,” Willis said. Picnic guests will enjoy barbecue along with other side dishes and have the opportunity to dance and talk with each other. DJ Antwon George, a 2010 graduate, will bring beats to the picnic all day. Antwon will play a mix of old and new school jams. All alumni organizations are encouraged to join the event. Organizations that wish to have a canopy tent can also register online. Any questions about the picnic or donations can be directed to Mike Willis at michael.willis@alumni.ilstu.edu. PORCHIA WHITE is a news reporter for The Vidette and can be reached at pmwhite@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter @porchia_white.
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017
More life skills should be taught in school
A
n education is so important in today’s world. We go to school our whole lives and learn biology and English, but schools fail to teach us life skills that we will need to carry with us after college. A lot of the life skills we fail to learn in college are necessary to successfully navigate through relationships, hardship and careers. College teaches very valuable skills, but the academic curriculum fail to teach us things we need to effectively thrive in the “real world,” such as handing financial responsibilities, investments, taxes and other aspects we find out about in our college years. One of the important topics college fails to pay attention to is the importance of handling money responsibly. It’s obvious that money is valuable in this world. Many college courses teach students how to handle money in the career world. While college classes such as accounting, finance and business teach accounting procedures, that’s not the end of the equation when it comes to all things money-related. These classes, while useful in the academic and business sense, fail to teach how to handle personal finances, saving or investing. Schools should also teach students how to build their own brand from the ground up.
Self-employment is a great idea, but many people fail to know how to begin their own business. As a result, schools should teach students how to pay taxes, manage finances and focus on the company’s structure for it to thrive. Credit and debit cards are big nowadays. Everyone is swiping their cards instead of carrying cash. Learning how to establish
and maintain a good credit card is crucial for when it’s time to get a loan or buy house. We all start with no credit, which is perfectly normal, but when it’s time to start establishing a credit score, school’s do not give much information on how to do so. Courses that focus on credit should be taught in school because it is such a big part of adult life. Many students get to
college and don’t understand the importance of paying off credit cards on time, and that can cause a lot of issues in the future when it’s time to make big purchases such as homes and cars. With all the news about health care, it is important for students to know the importance of having health insurance. The health care system is always changing, but it is something people
Editorial Graphic by Lee Walls | Vidette Editorial Cartoonist
should have basic knowledge on how to get it and how to maintain it. Although everyone’s situation is different, the general facts about the various kinds of healthcare, health care providers, individual and group plans are all important aspects of adulthood that should be taught in schools so students can be prepared for that time in their life. Finally, one of the most important lessons schools should bring back is cooking. As humans, we need food. More importantly, our bodies need food that is healthy and nutritious, and while it’s easy to go out to a restaurant and stop by a drive-thru for dinner, knowing how to cook is very beneficial. Cooking at home saves money and your pockets will thank you later. Many of our parents or grandparents remember when Home Economics was a required course in their high school, and it’s a course that should return, even if it’s just to teach the basics of cooking, safety and hygiene. It’s no doubt that what we learn in school is very important, but there’s a lot that can be added to the curriculum that will teach students to survive every day. Geometry and biology are great, but learning about paying bills and cooking healthy meals are aspects in life that will always be needed.
Editorial written by Kamara Turner, 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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Gain a global perspective through international travel MY VIEW TAMIA LITTLE | Columnist
I
t’s no secret that anti-globalism has been seamlessly weaved into the initiatives and fear mongering rhetoric that our president constantly spews out. However, the truth remains that regions all around the world which contain different people who have different needs and values are more interconnected than ever, creating a cohesive global society wherein we all depend on one another politically, economically and socially. The rate and scale at which we exchange goods, information and
aspects of culture are at an all time high, and we must not let speech and policies that seek to divide us hinder our connectedness. Cultivating a global perspective, which helps us to adopt a broader scope of concern, is essential to thriving in the 21st century. We must not be fearful of what is different from us. Instead, we should expand our minds, learn from each other and embrace the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the world around us. The perfect way to do that is through international travel. Stepping outside of our comfort zone by traveling to foreign lands will significantly aid in understanding the social, economic and political forces that shape our lives, bringing about change for common good, and essentially learning what it means to be a global citizen. Going on an adventure and exploring an area of the world for the first time can significantly alter the
way we view ourselves and how we relate to others. Traveling to new places and meeting new people may reveal to us that our point of view has some major blind spots due to a lack of knowledge and an inflated sense of self. Let’s face it, 80 percent of the world struggles to survive on less than $10 per day, which is an issue that the majority of us as students at Illinois State University are not familiar with, so we must leave the comfort of our community to acquire a better understanding of such. Having a first hand experience of the hardships and challenges that other people around the world face can shift and broaden our perspectives, allowing us to step outside of ourselves and gain a greater sense of reality. In order to adopt a global perspective, we have to develop the ability to discern how external forces around us, such as poverty,
shape our existence. Empathizing with the feelings, thoughts and circumstances of others is a building block for positive change, tolerance and international interdependence. There is no greater catalyst to caring and being concerned about the well-being of others than experiencing their reality firsthand. When we strive to create a united world community that is fair and sustainable, we are acting as global citizens. The equal sharing of power and resources is vital to human survival. Respecting and valuing diversity, working to end social injustice and taking responsibility for our actions and how they impact others are all aspects of adopting this international mindset. If we want to be effective global citizens, we have to be proactive, think critically and communicate effectively with people all around the world. These characteristics and
REDBIRD RUMBLE or FUMBLE Redbird Rumble: To new volleyball head coach Leah Johnson who joined the Redbird family June 21. She was the former coach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
abilities can be cultivated by stepping out of the bubble that is the United States, gaining awareness of global issues and searching for rational solutions. Traveling abroad is an amazing avenue to develop the principles, sense of duty, and skills needed to keep up with our increasingly globalized world. Plan your first or next adventure to a different country, learn a new language and educate yourself outside of the classroom. Utilize study abroad opportunities or start a travel savings account. We must work together to build an inclusive world community that our generation and those to come can thrive in. Booking your flight is the first step. Tamia Little is a columnist for The Vidette. Any questions or comments concerning her column can be sent to tslittl1@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter @sungoddessmiaa.
Compiled by The Vidette Editorial Board
Redbird Fumble: To the Illinois General Assembly for still not passing a budget for fiscal year 2018, which begins July 1. Elected officials have been in a special session called by Gov. Bruce Rauner since last Wednesday.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017
Bloomington hits 80 percent recycling rate TIFFANY MORRISON News Reporter | @MorrisonTiffany
The Bloomington Recycling Program has hit 80 percent participation rate at of the end of 2016. The recycling program, which started in 2012, has achieved a growing rate in which many would consider a milestone for the community. Although waste recycled and generated decreased in 2016, the numbers of the materials actually being recycled had shown great progress within the program.Before this was established, these items were being dumped in the landfill, where garbage is at an all-time high. One of the reasons the recycling program has been pushed onto community members more the past few years is due to the landfill being close to capacity in 2015. According to Ecology Action Center, nearly 42 percent of municipal solid waste generated was recycled and it had also met state mandated goals of both 15 percent and 25 percent. Since April of 2016, thanks to the City of Bloomington and Town of Normal teaming with Henson C & D Recycling, large items, such as furniture or materials from remodeling projects, were recycled through Henson Disposal’s recycling facility. This change within the recycling program is one of the noticeable differences for the area to
Art exhibitions on display at McLean County Arts Center KEVIN SCHWALLER News Editor | @kevschwa
The McLean County Arts Center’s summer exhibitions are now being showcased. Painter and installation artist Heather Brammeier’s “Lose the Feeling” will be on exhibit from June 16 through July 29 in the Brandt Gallery. The title “Lose the Feeling” refers to how people suppress emotional experiences to suit others. Brammeier built a wood floor that hovers at an angle over the wood floor of the arts center gallery for her solo exhibition. Former Art Institute of Chicago student Cynthia Kukla’s exhibition “To the Sacred Grove” will also run through July 29 in the Armstrong Gallery. Kukla’s exhibit will explore past artists that have inspired her. “My work is a tender rather than an ironic enterprise and the paintings I do bring together the painterly authority of our times, where a full arsenal of contemporary strategies are available for use, with the meditations on the past that this sober moment in history invites,” Kukla said. The center will also present Krystal Lyon’s exhibition Figura Autem A Femina until July 29 in the Sales Gallery. Lyon is a fiber artist from South Carolina currently living in the twin cities. “Four years ago I was introduced to the fiber sculptures of Judith Scott and instantly connected with how she used fiber and string to speak truths hidden away in her mind,” Lyon said. “As soon as I started making my own sculptures I recognized them as female.” The center is opened 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday.
Tiffany Morrison | Vidette Photographer
Bloomington residents are recycling more than ever as participation has hit a record breaking 80 percent. hit that 40% in the community-wide recycling rate. “I think people are making a stronger effort now to recycle anything and everything they can,” Bloomington resident Adam Brockman said. “In my subdivision, trash is picked up every Tuesday and in addition to picking up the trash, they
either pick up recycle or bulk trash.” “I’ve noticed just in the past year, that there are a lot more blue cans outside on Monday nights now than there have been previously and it’s great to see the community really come together for a worthy cause like this one,” Brockman added. More recently, due to the recycling
increase and the landfill being near the end of its available space, the county decided to do away with the landfill in 2018. Instead, the garbage will be transferred up the interstate. “It’s important to participate in helping any club or organization that is trying to make a difference within not only our community, but our environment. To create something beautiful and really bring Blo-No to life,” former Secretary of the Student Sustainability Committee Dana Cichon said. “And it all starts with sustainability, recycling, growing and coming together.” Community members have also shown interest in creating an appealing environment for the future of both the city of Bloomington and Normal, creating more opportunities for others to not only recycle, but to garden and plant. “It’s easy to forget that all our old stuff, like college stuff and just stuff laying around the house, can actually be recycled,” Brockman said. “Maybe that’s something students and community members can do to be more environmentally friendly.” Ecology Action Center is in the process of creating a new waste management plan for McLean County, city of Bloomington and the Town of Normal, with the goal to further increase recycling and waste reduction moving forward.
Mennonite College of Nursing receives grant Added funding will help increase nursing education opportunities STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ News Editor | @StephanieRoddd
Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) has received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support developing diversity in the nursing workforce. The four-year Nursing Workforce Diversity grant is distributed through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and will allow $500,000 each year toward recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups to the nursing profession. The money will also focus on leadership development throughout the educational experience of tomorrow’s nurses.
“In these challenging economic times, this grant will help MCN continue its mission of developing exceptionally well prepared nurses,” Neubrander said. “This was a highly competitive grant where only 25 were awarded in the nation. This recognizes MCN’s ongoing excellence.” The purpose of the HRSA’s Nursing Workforce Diversity grants is to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals who Vidette Archive are from disadvantaged backgrounds, includThe Mennonite College of Nursing is the recipient ing racial and ethnic minorities that are of a $2 million grant. underrepresented among registered nurses. “I also want to thank our hard working fac“This grant will support students with the ulty who not only wrote the grant, but will training and development needed to become also implement the program,” Neubrander outstanding nursing leaders,” Dean of the said. college Judy Neubrander said.
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017
Autonomy without borders Independence soars for study abroad students
EDITOR’S NOTE: Emily Long is a features reporter for the Vidette. She is currently studying abroad in Florence, Italy. EMILY LONG Features Reporter | @emi2432
People spend their lives dreaming about it and then suddenly they find themselves engulfed in it. The experience never seems real but it continues every moment. Studying abroad or traveling is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity holds a newer, more refined version of whom someone wants to become. America’s history is a little under 250 years old. American existence is minuscule in comparison to the thousands of years which encapsulate European history. Imagine walking the very same cobblestone streets as Emily Michaelangelo in Florence or Long riding a gondola past the very same home of Marco Polo during his time in Venice. Try touching the Roman ruins and experiencing the awe that comes deep inside while attempting to relate to individuals of another lifetime, centuries ago. Then continue this thought, all while celebrating the innovation and efficiency of people who would have never fathomed the world today as their own. America spends most of its historical education teaching students of people and Emily Long | Vidette Photographer historical events through a noted timeline. Beautiful scenery not seen in the states awaits students looking to study abroad. Pictured are Italian homes surrounded by luscious greens in Places such as Rome, Venice, and Barcelona the quaint town of Fiesole outside of Florence, Italy. are simply names to geographic locations, acknowledging little of the human experience. carbonated if one doesn’t make sure it says “naturale” on someone enters the unspoken cultural cues of a society. No Stories of cultures are read about, but little is their label. one can run from them, but stand strong while becoming experienced and rarely truly understood. In addition, washrooms are not available for public use. enlightened because if it. “One of the most importance things I’ve gained in my People must have had purchased an item in order to use it, No longer does Italy stay a geographic location or a experience while being here is my newfound independence,” unless at a public institution. Lastly, Italian homes tradition- pinpoint on the map of the world. To the person traveling study abroad junior Emily Miller said. ally have no air conditioning. The weather is hot during the abroad, it becomes home. There becomes a connection, a This is the beauty of studying abroad. Not until someone sense of belonging, a part of who he or she is. visits a culture will he or she become fully immersed or under- day, but cools at night. During the day, all blinds and windows are shut to escape the heat, whereas at night the winds Everyday new words and phrases are learned little by little stand what the feeling is like. The beauty of traveling is chalwill blow a nice breeze, allowing for air to circulate. as someone becomes more familiar with the town and its lenging oneself to another way of life that is not of their own. “Coming abroad has allowed me to become more aware people. At neighboring panini shops, people find themselves Experiencing life through a new lens will develop a new of how much I appreciate my life at home in the states” becoming a regular saying “Ciao” to the humbled owner with sense of self. Trying to communicate with those of another Sydney Hand said, “I’m more appreciative of getting to go to an illuminating smile. One wonders how a language could language, background, values, and beliefs is eye opening and the bathroom while not having to buy something or having have hello and goodbye come together as a shared meaning; what happens inside one is never to be expected. water at my disposal all the time. I will never complain of air maybe it is because when someone says “Ciao” they know For example, in Italy, people have to pay for their waters conditioning being too cold ever again.” the person is not leaving for long and will be back shortly to at restaurants. In this culture, Italians are accustomed to Few mistakes are made and a couple bumps are hit as say hello again. purchasing water bottles for their drinks and they may come
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Local hiking destinations
For those interested in soaking up some sun and exploring the outdoors, there is no better time to go than during the summer. However, the hard part is doing so without breaking the bank. Luckily, the central Illinois area boasts a nice selection of parks and trails to explore:
1
Sugar Grove Nature Center, McLean, Illinois
Offering three different places to hike (Funks Grove Nature Preserve, Stubblefield Woodlots and Thaddeus Stubblefield Grove), Sugar Grove Nature Center is less than 30 minutes away from Illinois State and boasts more than seven miles of trails. The nature center is about 1,000 acres long and features not only hiking trails, but also a picnic shelter, an astronomy observatory, a variety of gardens and even maple syrup making. Senior Carris Fischer spoke highly of this lesser known feature of the center after a recent visit. “There are [actually] large sugar maples surrounding the outside of the preserve, and you can go there to make maple syrup throughout the year.”
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, Illinois
2
Being only an hour away from campus and the Bloomington-Normal area, Starved Rock is the largest of these parks and features 13 miles of trails. It was voted the number one attraction in the state of Illinois thanks to its winding trails, towering trees/rock formations and stunning waterfalls that flow in the spring and after heavy rains. While Starved Rock’s Natalie Stuckslager | Vidette hiking trails are its most Photo Editor popular feature, it also has Sophomore computer systems places to camp or picnic, techonolgy major Jensen park programs and activities Juul poses by one of Starved for children, wineries and Rock’s scenic waterfalls. breweries and trolley tours. In addition, it features activities such as canoeing, kayaking, rafting, horseback riding, hunting and skiing. It even offers accommodations for those who want to stay overnight. Starved Rock is one of those places that people never get tired of. “I’ve been to Starved Rock every season and it never disappoints,” Senior Scott Cleary said. “[It’s] always a great way to bond with friends.”
3
Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby, Illinois Just a few miles south of the more widely known Starved Rock State Park is Matthiessen State Park. It offers some of the same scenery and features of Starved Rock without the
crowds. The park has a variety of views for hikers to enjoy as they explore five miles worth of trails, including canyons, streams, prairies and forests. It also offers some of the same amenities as its larger counterparts, including picnicking areas,
horseback riding, skiing, archery and hunting. “If you’re looking for a relaxing hike, serene surroundings and solitude from the throngs of people visiting Starved Rock, Matthiessen State Park is the place for you.” Senior Kristina Anderson said. “[And it’s] conveniently located down the road from Starved Rock.”
Comlara Park, Hudson, Illinois
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A short drive of about 30 minutes from campus, Comlara Park is best known for its campgrounds, but also offers many trails to explore. The park is surrounded by trees and Lake Evergreen and has 21 trails in total. If families are wanting to make a day out of it, there are also boats to rent in the summer and plenty of Vidette Archive fishing spots, as well as Comlara Park has a wide range of activities for kids. hiking and swimming spots.
5
Moraine View State Recreation Area, Le Roy, Illinois
Last but not least, the Moraine View State Park is one of the largest places on the list, with over 1,600 acres of nature to explore, a 158-acre lake and three hiking trails. These trails include the Tanglewood SelfGuiding Nature Trail, the Tall Timber Trail and the Timber Point Handicapped Trail for visitors with disabilities who want to enjoy the scenery as well. The park is only a 30-minute drive from the ISU area. All of these parks and centers are free for all visitors and require nothing but your time— and gas money. Compiled by DANIA DE LA HOYA | Features Reporter
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 7
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017
Jason Marrs tees off against Bradley at Weibring Golf Club on March 26. The Redbirds finished second in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament in 2017, marking the program’s second top-3 finish in the past three years. Tiffany Morrison Vidette Photographer
Wallace and the ’Birds look ahead NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51
Illinois State men’s golfer Trent Wallace had a brilliant freshman season in 2016. He was even better in his second year, leading the Redbirds down the stretch of the 2017 season, securing a Missouri Valley Conference title and a NCAA Championship berth as an individual. What’s that they say about a “sophomore slump” again? Wallace says he felt the pressure heading into last season after posting such strong marks in his opening campaign. “Oh, yeah, I remember the pressure I felt in the first tournament of the year, thinking if I could back [my freshman year] up,” Wallace said. “I thought about all the other people wondering what would happen if I didn’t.”
The Joliet, Illinois, native can take a sigh of relief. Wallace struggled out of the gate, dropping to the team’s No. 3 slot after the first handful of tournaments. But, as they say, it isn’t about how you start. Especially over the course of a golf season. When the calendar turned to the more favorable conditions of spring, Wallace turned it up a notch, turning in 10 consecutive par (or under) rounds to regain his top spot on the team. “I got my confidence back,” Wallace said. “I got hot at conference and regionals and played my best at the right time, which is what you have to do in golf.” Wallace first picked up the sport at the age of three when a neighbor gifted him a set of plastic clubs for his birthday. He was hooked. “I started whacking that thing
around and I guess I never really put it down,” Wallace said. “I got my first set of real clubs at age five and ever since then, I never stopped playing.” Wallace rode a blazing hot stretch into the conference tournament to capture his second consecutive MVC title. Then, he outdid his freshman season by advancing past regionals with a collective 217 (+1), the lowest score from a non-advancing team in West Lafayette, Indiana. Wallace became the first Redbird since 1975 to compete in the NCAA Championship, earning the opportunity to play alongside the top names in collegiate golf at the prestigious Rich Harvest Farms course in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Despite missing the cut by just one stroke, Wallace enjoyed the experience competing on college golf’s highest stage. “There’s no other way to describe it other than the coolest experience
Redbird baseball alums get ‘the call’ MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU
Redbird baseball alums Brock Stewart (Dodgers) and Paul DeJong (Cardinals) have both had their dreams become reality. The pair of Redbirds are the only current ISU alums playing at the top level. DeJong was initially called up May 30, but was optioned back to AAA Springfield on June 12. Just two games later, the infielder was recalled to the Cardinals on June 15. DeJong is currently hitting .286 with five long balls and 13 runs driven in, tallying 24 hits. Through 48 games with Springfield, DeJong has belted 13 homers and driven in 34 runs, totaling 53 hits. Stewart was called up by the Dodgers on Father’s Day and recorded a save on June 20 in his first appearance, tossing three shutout innings and striking out four hitters. The righty was optioned back to AAA before being
called up on June 26, when the Dodgers placed Brandon McCarthy on the 10-day DL. Stewart originally made his MLB debut on June 29, 2016 at Miller Park versus the Milwaukee Brewers a season ago. The Normal native compiled a 2-2 record last season, accumulating 28 innings in seven appearances. Stewart made five starts, striking out 25 batters. Redbird baseball currently has 10 alums playing in the affiliated ranks, with Stewart and DeJong the only two in the majors at the
moment. Other ISU alums at the affiliated ranks are Neal Cotts (NationalsAAA), Ryan Court (Red Sox-AAA), Chad Hinshaw (Marlins-A A A), Eric Aguilera (Rangers-A A), Jeremy Rhoades (Angels-AA), Will Headean (Padres-A), Ryan Koziol (Giants-A) and Jean Ramirez (Rays-A). Mike Marra is a sports editor for The Vidette and can be reached at mmarra@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @MikeMarraILSTU.
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of my life,” Wallace said. “Just being able to warm up and hit range balls with the guys I see on TV was awesome.” Even after a historical season, Wallace’s eyes are focused on the future. He plans on shoring up his long-distance iron game this summer while playing in 10 tournaments scattered throughout the state. Heading into the fall, Wallace expects the most out of himself and his teammates. “I have all the confidence in the world to get back to regionals,” Wallace said. “This time with the whole team.” ISU men’s golf coach Ray Kralis was encouraged with his team’s second-place finish in the MVC tournament in April, falling just five strokes behind Wichita State. “We were right in the hunt the whole way…went back and forth
the last day,” Kralis said. “If you would’ve told me at the start of the week we’d have the scores we got, I’d say I’ll take it, that wins it. Credit to the Shockers, they played a little bit better but we gave them a run.” Illinois State has finished behind Wichita State for the conference title three times in the past five seasons. Kralis is optimistic for the upcoming 2017 season and shoulders the blame for the team’s recent postseason shortcomings. “Collectively we’ll be better as a team…it starts with me,” Kralis said. “I need to be more demanding of these guys in practice and preparation. The level of play is so high at that point (NCAA Championship)… it takes a lot of skill and preparation and this experience gave us a taste of what its like and it’ll help us as a team.”
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2017
A farewell salute to ISU’s ‘Big 3’
MY VIEW NATE HEAD Sports Editor
A Photo courtesy of USA Basketball
Illinois State men’s basketball coach Dan Muller works with the USA U19 Team USA during workouts at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado.
Muller earns stripes
Redbird hoops coach mentors nation’s top talent
I
llinois State men’s basketball coach Dan Muller prioritizes the idea of teaching his players various lessons on and off the court. Then came an opportunity for him to be the student. Muller served as a court coach for the 2017 USA Basketball Men’s U19 World Cup Team training camp from June 18-20 at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “All I know is I got the phone call and I said yes right away,” Muller said. The Redbirds’ leading man was one of four coaches at the camp. Muller joined three other college head coaches, Jeremy Shulman (Eastern Florida State), King Rice (Monmouth) and Sean Hanrahan (Warner). The responsibility of the court coaches was to work with one of three groups of nine players out of the 27 total camp invites and provide feedback to Team USA coaches John Calipari (Kentucky), Tad Boyle (Colorado) and Danny Manning (Wake Forest). This critical information helped the Team USA staff decide who would make the next
NICK LANDI Sports Reporter | @TheDon1033
round of cuts before choosing 12 players for the final roster. Muller learned how to deal with different leadership situations while being around some of the nation’s top coaches. “You learn something from everybody,” Muller said. “Obviously [the staff] were all high-level guys…so it was neat.” Another opportunity that came along for Muller was reconnecting with one of his longtime friends, King Rice. The former ISU assistant coach served all four years of Muller’s Redbird playing career, which was from 1993-98. The two also got to work together as assistant coaches at Vanderbilt from 2006-11. “King is a guy who’s been in my life for 23 years now, and I consider [him] a close friend,” Muller said. Muller was able to see his former coach in good spirits once again. Throughout the 90’s, Rice battled alcoholism, culminating with a DUI arrest on Oct. 27, 1996, during Muller’s junior year. After the arrest, Rice became sober and has remained that way since. “He’s doing great,” Muller said. “He’s got a
couple of kids and a beautiful wife, of course, and [he’s] obviously a heck of a coach.” When the experience at camp ended, Muller was anxious to return to Normal to once again work with his ISU roster. However, the possibility to one day coach Team USA in competition remains an aspiration of his. “I would love to be an assistant coach on one of those teams someday and go try to win a gold medal of some sort,” Muller said. “That would be a great, great honor. So hopefully that will happen. Not completely up to me, but I will tell you this, if they call, I will say yes.” Team USA will attempt to win its fourth straight gold medal at the 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup, which takes place from July 1-9 in Cairo, Egypt. Muller led the Redbirds to a share of the regular season Missouri Valley Conference title. The 2016-17 Illinois State squad also won a program record 28 games, while also appearing in the National Invitation Tournament for the second time in three seasons.
Johnson set to soar with ’Birds MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU
he sees the winner the volley program was looking for and more. “We conducted an efficient search There’s a new face at the head of to find the best person to lead our Redbird volleyball, that name is volleyball program to compete for Leah Johnson. Missouri Valley championships and “This is an amazing position at postseason opportunities,” Lyons an amazing university and said. “At the same time, what a privilege it is to call we focused on finding myself a Redbird,” the new the best person to conface of Illinois State volleytinue our strong record ball said. of academic success and Johnson was introduced personal development of as the seventh head coach in the young women in our Illinois State volleyball proprogram. Leah Johnson gram history on June 21 in brings these qualities, plus Leah the Hancock Stadium Club. the experience of playing Johnson The Missouri State and coaching in the Valley, alumna knows the battle and we are very pleased ahead of her after playing her col- Leah is joining the Redbird family.” legiate years in the Missouri Valley The former SIUE coach knows Conference. the responsibility and challenges “I know how hard you have to being at the helm of the ISU volleywork to win in this league. I know ball program brings. how deep this league is—this is a “As a coach, I clearly have a big major conference for volleyball,” charge because this tradition is rich Johnson said. and it’s exciting. I will tell you one of When Illinois State athletic direc- the things I am so excited about is a tor Larry Lyons looks at Johnson, vision for the future…as your coach
I want to give you my word that I will work tirelessly to uphold those values and uphold those traditions and grow the future for Illinois State and Redbird volleyball,” Johnson said, who compiled a 102-106 record for the Cougars in six years. As a coach, Johnson tries to replicate her mentor, Melissa Stokes, from her days as a student athlete at Missouri State. “I was a student athlete for her for four years and she coaches with such a passion that I hope that I can show my student athletes. Her passion is contagious, her energy is motivating and every day I was inspired and every day I came to practice ready to work because I wanted to work hard for her,” Johnson said. The 2016 Ohio Valley Coach of Year is coming off the SIUE program with a record 22 wins, taking over a 17-15 Redbird squad from a season ago. “We want to make sure every single day we are a better version of ourselves. We will not back from
challenges, we will thrive in that moment and we will be persistent,” Johnson said. Johnson is married and is a mother to two children, something she says gives her perspective as a coach. “Being a mother is my greatest joy and my first priority and I think it’s given me perspective as a coach. It’s reminded me that every moment you’re in, be present, to be all there and in the moment,” Johnson said. Johnson and the Redbirds begin their season on August 25 at the Hampton Inn & Suites Waco North Baylor Invitational, hosted by Baylor. The newest face of the Redbirds will have the chance to bring Illinois State a Missouri Valley Conference title on their home floor at Redbird Arena, as ISU hosts the MVC tournament on Nov. 23-25. Illinois State will also play host for a tournament on Sept. 8-9 at Redbird Arena. “It’s time to get to work. Go Redbirds,” Johnson said.
t this point, the Illinois State men’s basketball team has shifted its focus from basking in the memories of last season’s historical success to turning the page and preparing for the 2017-18 campaign. But, it will be different this time. Forward Phil Fayne is the only starter set to return. Sure, it is difficult for a program to have to adapt and turn the corner so sharply, but such is the ecosystem of college athletics. Athletes graduate. They transfer. They enter the dreaded “real world.” They move on. It happens, and it certainly did this offseason in Normal. MiKyle McIntosh (transfer), Deontae Hawkins (transfer) and Paris Lee (graduate) are no longer on the ISU campus. However, I can’t personally turn the page without one last tip of the cap to a trio that generated the most excitement around ISU hoops in over two decades. Redbird Arena was electric. The student section was at capacity nearly every game—it didn’t matter the opponent or night. I remember times where I had to sit away from my friends because it was so crowded. Illinois State’s “Big 3” took the program to exciting heights, tallying more victories in a season that any Redbird team in over a decade. The ’Birds turned in a 28-7 record (17-1 MVC) and a spotless regular season home schedule. Midway through the season, it was to the point where one just expected ISU to win on a given night. When was the last time that was the case in Normal? 2006? Illinois State’s leading men had a knack for finding the net, as they each occupied a spot in the top-3 on the team’s scoring sheet. While it was convenient that Lee could beat guys off the dribble with ease or that Hawkins had unlimited three-point range, scoring isn’t what set those guys apart from past Redbird greats. They bought into the system. They learned to play defense at an elite level, even if it didn’t show up in box scores or highlight tapes on YouTube. They just wanted to win. Lee graduated in the spring and is currently pursuing a professional basketball career. McIntosh and Hawkins are both graduate transfers, and will play their last years of eligibility at the University of Oregon and Boston College, respectively. Now, of course, there are the grumblings. The skeptics ask: after last season, why wouldn’t they want to lace them up and give it another shot at ISU? I can’t answer that. Only those two guys can. But the least we can do is wholeheartedly respect their decisions and wish them the best in their new ventures. I’ll start. Thank you guys, for making last season such a fun and entertaining experience and congratulations on all that you accomplished in Normal. Good luck.