VidetteExtra vol1

VidetteExtra

A NEWSLETTER FOR AND ABOUT ALUMNI OF THE ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY NEWSPAPER M A RC H 2 013 E D I T I O N

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VOL. 1

Time travel with your Vidette Family PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY JAMES MUNZ

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riendships with a warm, lasting luster are often born during one’s college years. That is especially true for those who shared work and social experiences at places like The Vidette. For the generations of Illinois State University students who passed through the campus newspaper operation, it’s fondly called being part of the “Vidette Family.”

In an effort to enhance those special relationships, we are proud to introduce VidetteExtra, a newsletter companion to our interactive web page of the same name. The annual newsletter and the website are places for friends to gather and to share old and new stories. There will also be a place for current Vidette personnel to keep everyone apprised about what’s happening in the red brick building at the corner of Locust and University.

With your help, we will strive to keep the newsletter and the website fresh and informative. “Your help” entails updating your ever-evolving stations in life. The lifeblood of any successful alumni newsletter is the constant infusion of information about individual lives after graduation.

There are two ways to update us. First, we encourage you to participate in the Vidette Alumni Survey, the link for which is easily found in the upper right corner of the VidetteExtra home page. Please share information about yourself and your family in the designated area. You may also email updates from your household to General Manager John Plevka at jpplevk@ilstu.edu

or Business Adviser Erika Wilkerson at emwilke@ilstu.edu. We encourage you to include photographs. Current pictures are of great value.

We will post all submitted material on this website. We will also cull the submissions and include highlights in the annual newsletter. Obviously, having current and accurate contact information about all Vidette alums will be vital to the successful distribution of the newsletter. Please help make that happen by updating your contact info in the survey or in an email.

Also, if you happen to have snapshots from your days at The Vidette, we would urge you to share them. Everyone enjoys a bit of scrapbook time travel and those images can instantly conjure up delightful memories. With your help, we will create photo galleries specific to eras in Vidette history.

Finally, please note that 2013 will mark the Vidette’s 125th year of publication. We are planning to mark the occasion with an open house at The Vidette to coincide with next year’s ISU homecoming. It will occur on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013. Please mark the date on your long-term calendar and stay tuned for more details.

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy VidetteExtra. We also hope you will update us about what you are up to in life. Your evercurious “Vidette Family” members want to know.

John Plevka General Manager, The Vidette

SAVE THE DATE: Help us celebrate the 125th year of The Vidette during ISU Homecoming 2013 on Oct. 5. See Page 18 for details 

2 VidetteExtra FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER JOHN PLEVKA

First months have been a blur of activity at Vidette

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ine months into the job and I am still getting my bearings as the general manager of The Vidette. Succeeding an institution like Rick Jones is not an easy task, but I am making an earnest effort to build upon the strong foundation he created during his 16year run in the GM’s chair.

Fortunately, Rick, who continues to teach on a part-time basis at Illinois State University, has generously availed himself to me as I feel my way through certain areas of the job. I am grateful for his support and for his friendship.

I am likewise grateful to Erika Wilkerson and Eli Wrightam, my two full-time colleagues at The Vidette. They are resourceful and totally dedicated to the mission and to the students who bring that mission to life.

Speaking of the students, as alums, you can be proud of the current roster of Vidette employees in both the advertising and editorial departments. They bring energy, enthusiasm, and humor to the job every day and, likewise, they are growing as dedicated professionals.

While the last nine months have been a blur, much has been accomplished at The Vidette.

For starters, you’ll notice that we are now referring to your beloved newspaper as The Vidette, as opposed to Daily Vidette.

Several thoughts went into this decision, which took effect with the Jan. 14 edition.

First, it was the conclusion of the newspaper’s Management Council (composed of student and professional staffers) that the newspaper is already most commonly referred to as The Vidette by most of its readership. It felt like the right time to adapt to that vernacular.

Second, and perhaps of greater import, is the fact that many campus newspapers across the country (along with at least one major metropolitan newspaper) are reducing their publication cycles from daily to one, two or three days per week.

We are not at that point at The Vidette. We still proudly publish newspapers Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters, and, of course, weekly during the summer months. The name change is merely designed to give us flexibility if and when we contemplate a different printing cycle.

Along with the Jan. 14 name change came a

redesign of the newspaper. We believe the new “look” is cleaner and brighter overall. (Kudos to outgoing art Director Michael Ater for leading that project last fall and kudos to the spring staff for bringing it to life.) If you have not seen it, you can view a digital version of the newspaper at videtteonline.com.

Also during the fall we conducted a comprehensive readership survey. We were pleased with the volume of response (2,249). The results are of great value to us both from editorial and advertising standpoints. We are aggressively trying to build on our strengths and to address our weaknesses. As has long been the tradition at The Vidette, complacency is never an option.

Finally, on Jan. 28 we launched our new smartphone application. We are excited about this product both in terms of content-delivery and revenue-generation potential. Having the app better positions The Vidette to widen its reach.

The reality is that The Vidette is not immune from the well-publicized challenges facing the national newspaper industry.

But this is not the time to despair; instead, it is time to redouble our efforts to meet these challenges.

In February, The Vidette marked its 125th anniversary. Many businesses have come and gone in the last 125 years, but The Vidette has persevered. It has persevered because it has remained committed to delivery of valuable news and advertising content. It has persevered because of people like you, who poured yourselves into this place and its core mission. It will persevere through this latest wave of challenge because we are steadfast in our dedication to the foundation built by people like you, Rick Jones, Harry Thiel and countless others who knew then – as we know now – that The Vidette has value, both as an education tool and as a communications tool.

To mark the 125th anniversary, The Vidette will host an open house at our building in conjunction with the ISU Homecoming on Oct. 5.

We are still working on the particulars, but we urge you to please save the date. If the coming months go as fast as the last nine, October will be here in the blink of an eye.

John Plevka is a veteran Illinois journalist who was named general manager of The Vidette in May, 2012. He can be reached at 309-438-7688 or jpplevk@ilstu.edu

MARCH 2013

Complete family circle by supporting your paper Being part of the Vidette family may be one of your most memorable experiences from Illinois State University. Your involvement at the Vidette gave you the opportunity to apply what you were learning in the classroom to real-life experience.

Beth Snyder, 2007 Vidette Sales alumnus, wants to make sure that tradition carries on. She is working to form the Vidette Giving Circle that will include a Beth Snyder group of advertising 2007 sales alumni who are passionate about their experience at the Vidette and want to carry on that same tradition to current and future generations of Vidette students. Alumni who have already Snyder’s goal made their is to recruit 50 commitment.

Vidette sales alumni to make a Jeff Eisinger gift of $8.34 per Anna Frazier month for the Zach Frazier next three years. Christy Harrison The funds given Mike Kinane by these circle Nikki Kuniej donors will allow James Munz the Vidette to continue sending Michael Re advertising sales Beth Snyder Melissa Sullivan representatives to the College Erika Wilkerson Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers (CNBAM) convention each year.

If we reach this goal, five students each year will have the opportunity to attend the CNBAM convention, gaining professional development and discovering new ideas to implement at the Vidette. If you wish to help, visit Advancement.IllinoisState.edu/Vidette. For only $8.34 a month you can continue the Vidette tradition.

MARCH 2013

Editor in Chief Grace Johnson

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Advertising Sales Manager Christina Bender

Meet your Vidette leaders EDITOR’S NOTE: During the summer of 2012, Grace Johnson and Christina Bender began their respective terms in leadership positions at The Vidette.

Johnson is The Vidette editor in chief and Bender is the advertising sales manager. Johnson, 20, is an English publishing major from Rockford and Bender, 21, is a marketing major from Peoria. Prior to assuming the top positions, Johnson was a copy editor and later a night editor while Bender was a marketing consultant and later a team leader.

They were selected to their respective jobs in April, 2012, by The Vidette Publications Board.

As the two prepared to kick off the fall semester publication of the newspaper, we posed several random questions.

Q: What are the greatest challenges facing the Daily Vidette in 2012-2013?

Johnson: One of the greatest challenges will be the amount of new staff during this upcoming year. Not only am I new to my position, but so many sub-editors and reporters are new to theirs, so that will be a hurdle that we all overcome together.

Bender: Many clients are cutting their advertising budgets with the Vidette because they think newspaper is dying. In my opinion, newspaper is not dying, it is changing. There will be many positive and innovative changes being put in place this year at the Vidette.

Q: What has been your favorite experience during your Vidette career so far and why?

Bender: I have several favorite experiences during my time as Ad Sales Manager. One of the experiences occurred when our staff exceeded our quota for Survival Guide. I had the biggest smile on my face. I have also particularly loved being able to get to know the staff on a professional and personal level. I truly feel like The Vidette is my second home.

Johnson: My favorite experience isn’t really a tangible experience, but it’s my favorite part of working here at the Vidette. I have made a substantial number of friends here since I began my freshman year. Everyone is willing to help at work and outside The Vidette, and I cannot put that sort of appreciation into words. Everyone goes above and beyond, and the level of friendship that some of them have offered puts them on par with my sister as my older siblings.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that few people are likely to know?

Johnson: My biggest fear is birds. It’s funny because people who know me well have had first-hand experiences with my fear, but other people have no idea. I’m mostly afraid because I don’t like that birds fly and I can’t, so I feel as though they have dominance over me. That being said, the ISU Quad is not my favorite place on campus by any means since there are so many murders of crows.

Bender: My dream place to live is London, England. Ever since I studied abroad with College of Business Bristol Program, I have always wanted to live in London.

Q: Where do you see yourself in three to five years?

Bender: In three to five years, I hope to become a sales manager. I have officially accepted a job in New York City with News America Marketing as an Account Coordinator. As a Peoria native, I am really nervous to move to NYC, but I am ready for the adventure. If you live in NYC, I’d love to connect with you!

Johnson: I’m really hoping that in three to five years, I’m working at Seventeen magazine. That has been one of my goals since my sophomore year of high school, and I’m hoping that with all my experience here, I will be able to become a writer there.

THE COMPLETE Q&A WITH JOHNSON AND BENDER CAN BE FOUND AT THE ALUMNI SITE OF VIDETTEONLINE.COM

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MARCH 2013

Outgoing Vidette General Manager Rick Jones addresses those who came to pay tribute to him at an April 25, 2012, retirement reception.

Below: Jones proudly gathers with members of the “Vidette Family” a few years ago.

End of an Era

Vidette turns new page with retirement of Rick Jones

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n the afternoon of Thursday, May 31, 2012, Rick Jones exited The Vidette building for the last time as the newspaper’s general manager.

It was a difficult final few days for Jones.

Although he did not wear it on his sleeve, his emotional linkage to The Vidette, its employees and its mission ran deep. It was not easy to walk away.

On June 1, John Plevka formally replaced Jones in the corner office. As one era drew to a close, another one quietly began.

Prior to his final day on the job, Jones told The Vidette reporter Jacob Lambert that the ISU newspaper position offered him “the best of both worlds” as both a journalist and professor.

“All I ever wanted to be once I reached high school was a journalist … I liked being the one who got to tell the stories; I also enjoyed teaching and still do,” Jones told

the newspaper. “This (position was) being part of a newspaper staff, and there are also some teaching moments that are involved.”

Prior to joining the ISU teaching staff in 1987, Jones was a professional journalist, having worked for the Cornbelt Press Publications, owned by legendary central Illinois newspaper man Jim Roberts. Jones spent three years at the Pontiac Daily Leader as a reporter and 13 at The Blade in Fairbury, where he was managing editor. He won numerous awards for outstanding reporting.

In 1996 Jones succeeded Harry Thiel as The Vidette general manager. Thiel had held the position for about 20 years.

Replacing an “institution” often has its challenges and Jones conceded that the early transitional period was not without a few bumps. However, in short order, Jones began to win the loyal allegiance of a new

MARCH 2013 generation of ISU journalists. That devotional trend would continue for the next 16 years.

The tremendous turnout and warm tributes showered upon Jones at his April 25 retirement reception served as a testament to his years of good work, in the classroom, in the Vidette building and in the overall ISU community.

Throughout his Vidette tenure, Jones was committed to the sanctity of the newspaper truly being a student-run enterprise.

“I am very much a purist in the idea that student-run means student-run,” he told Lambert. “I am here to give advice and to perhaps explain the consequences of different courses of action, but the students make the important decisions.

“I hope that I’ve helped students learn to believe in themselves because the world is full of people who will tell us that we’re not capable of doing this job or that job,” Jones said. “The world is full of naysayers, so you must learn to believe in yourself, and I think I’ve given students that mindset.”

Plevka stepped down from his position as managing editor of the Journal Star in Peoria to accept the ISU job.

Plevka joined the Vidette staff a few days before Jones formally retired.

“Those over-lapping days were fantastic,” Plevka said. “While I know it was an emotionally difficult time for Rick, he was gracious and generous in handing over the keys.”

Plevka said he continues to occasionally “pester” Jones for information or advice and Jones willingly obliges.

“As Harry was for Rick, Rick is a tough act for me to follow,” Plevka said. “But, as I’ve gotten to know and respect him, I genuinely sense that we are cut from the same cloth. At his retirement reception, I publically pledged to ‘make Rick proud,’ and I am intent on honoring that pledge.”

Several months into his new lifestyle, Jones says he enjoys the new pace. But, he is also enjoys maintaining a strong link to his past. At 11 a.m. on Aug. 21 in Fell Hall Room 108, Jones held court with a room of eager students as he launched into another semester on teaching Communication 165: Reporting I.

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A large crowd of supporters gathered April 25, 2012, at the Bone Student Center to honor their friend and mentor Rick Jones as he prepared to conclude his 16-year career as the general manager of The Vidette.

Above left, retired Vidette General Manager Rick Jones enjoys a light moment with his fellow Vidette staff members Eli Wrightam (2007) and Erika Wilkerson (2008). Above right, Jones chats with outgoing Vidette Editor in Chief Alyssa Siegele (2012). On May 31. 2012, Jones officially stepped down from his position at The Vidette and was succeeded by John Plevka

6 VidetteExtra

The Long view

MARCH 2013

School of Communication chief discusses new relationship with Vidette EDITOR’S NOTE: In July, 2011, The Vidette officially became part of the School of Communication.

The Vidette Publication Board remains in place under the new structure, but Vidette-related matters that once came before the Vice President of Student Affairs office now are directed to the Director of the School of Communication Dr. Larry Long.

A memo of understanding between the Vidette and the School of Communication declared that the new relationship “will facilitate actions in support of the Vidette’s robust and important print journalism function for the campus and Vidette stakeholders.”

The same memo said the new relationship will “promulgate the advantages inherent in the synergy and resources created through the Vidette’s interaction with broadcast journalism operations and academic programs” within the School of Communication.

Lofty as the objectives sound, the merger has not necessarily been universally embraced by all Vidette alums. To that, we asked Long, the director of the School of Communication, to share his thoughts on the relatively new relationship.   

Q: After nearly 125 years in the newspaper business, Vidette alums are rightfully proud of their newspaper. What do you tell those who may continue to express concern about the newspaper merging with your school?

A: The merger was so seamless, as Rick Jones and I predicted and planned for it to be, that no one has expressed any concern. We have and will continue to maintain and promote the Vidette’s prominent role on campus and in the community. The only change is that instead of someone in the VP of Student Affairs approving expenditures and personnel actions, that now happens in the School’s office. Plus, I can now be an advocate for The Vidette. Before, my ability to support was limited.

Q: Do you see The Vidette helping drive academic direction or do you see Fell Hall helping drive the direction of The Vidette?

A: What I see is synergy with the interactions benefiting both the school and Vidette – The Vidette and its pub board will determine the direction of The Vidette which will inform our academic programs of improvements we can make in curriculum; at the same time, our faculty possesses a lot of professional journalism experience that includes lessons learned, familiarity with journalistic processes and trends that can contribute

greatly to the growth and professionalism of The Vidette staff.

Finally, I have already seen a lot of new interaction among everyone in the school interested in journalism and The Vidette – this discussion is very healthy and will contribute to all of us moving to a higher plane of excellence.

Q: With radio, television and the newspaper under the school’s purview, what is the likelihood of convergence between the three entities and what form might it take?

A: That’s the way of the industry and that’s the direction we must move in order to produce the best journalists we can and to insure all of our news operations have the resources they need. For example, we have 2 radio, 1 television, and print news operations that, when combined, should be able to produce a significant body of high quality stories in audio, print, video, and combined formats. We need to take advantage of this opportunity and create a best-practice operation that will inform our students, facilitate faculty development, and provide an outstanding resource for our audiences. What form will it take? I’m not sure, but we will start building it this fall. It will be a collaborative effort among the school, faculty, staff, The Vidette, TV-10, WGLT and WZND. Q: What is your feeling about the future of daily print publications in general? Do you, for example, believe that the Vidette can indefinitely continue to publish five days a week in the fall, winter and spring?

A: There will always be a demand for print – the issue is the ratio between digital and paper news delivery which is likely to fluctuate in the direction of more digital. However, the fivedays-a-week schedule for The Vidette is not necessarily a function of how that ratio changes. In some cases, the digital form of The Vidette might stimulate more demand for paper. In all cases, the paper version should stimulate more traffic to the Vidette’s website. Ad revenues and the nature of promotions by clients will influence the frequency of print publications – this is something I know we will be studying – not just here on campus, but also the trends across the country.

Q: Have you developed any short- and/or long-term goals for

the Vidette?

A: Not specifically beyond insuring that its high level quality and reputation are maintained, and that it retains its strong affiliation with its alumni. We are very proud of The Vidette and glad that it is in our corner.

MARCH 2013

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Revisiting your Vidette Hall of Fame O n Nov. 10, 2007, The Vidette Hall of Fame was born.

Marking the newspaper’s 120th year of publication, four individuals were named to the inaugural class of hall of fame inductees.

The 2007 inductees were: Carl Hulse, Jeff Kraft, Kristen McQueary and Janelle Pettit.

Carl Hulse

At the time of induction Hulse was the chief congressional correspondent for Capitol Hill for the New York Times. Hulse is known for his sense of humor. As the ISU alumni magazine once reported, this sign hangs above The New York Times computer in the corner of the Capitol pressroom: “Know-Nothing Reporter Writes Another Meaningless Story on Short Notice.”

Jeff Kraft

At the time of his induction, Kraft was the chief marketing officer of Dominican University in west suburban Chicago. After graduating from ISU, Kraft moved to France and taught English at a top Paris preparatory school as a Fulbright teaching assistant.

In 1999, “Literary Paris,” a collection of his photography and travel essays about the French capital, was published and distributed worldwide.

Kristen McQueary

At the time of her induction, McQueary was a political columnist for the Daily Southtown. Prior to her position at the Southtown, she worked at the Pantagraph and the Peoria Journal Star. McQueary is the recipient of several journalism awards, including a first place award for column writing from the Associated Press. She is currently a member of the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board.

advertising, the best in Vidette history.

The 2009 inductees were: Jay Blunk, Bill Gaspard, Todd Heisler and Heidi Voorhees, former assignment editor. Another two former Videtters, Harry Thiel and Mike Shelly, were honored as well. Thiel served as general manager for 20 years.

Jay Blunk

Blunk, a former Vidette sports editor, now works with the Chicago Blackhawks as senior vice president of business operations.

He also worked with the Chicago Cubs for 22 years, helping both teams regain their strong fan base.

Bill Gaspard

Gaspard, a former editor in chief of the Vidette who set the record for the longest time served and worked at the Los Angeles Sun at the time of his induction. During his time at The Vidette, he redesigned the paper and picked up design skills to later use as design editor and art director.

Todd Heisler

Heisler, a former Vidette photo editor and was a photographer for the New York Times at the time of his induction, had plenty to say during the induction ceremony about how the Vidette served his career. “The Vidette was my education. Harry Thiel deserves so much recognition. His red pen was our moral compass.” Heisler has won two Pulitzer Prizes, one for his work on wildfires and another for his work with Marines and their families, both during his time in Denver with the Rocky Mountain News.

Heidi Voorhees

Voorhees was a former assignment editor and at the time of induction worked with

Janelle Pettit

Pettit has been called the measuring stick against which Daily Vidette sales managers and sales representatives have been compared since she walked into the Vidette. Her skills as a sales rep led to her being named as a team leader, and she was eventually promoted to ad sales manager her senior year. Janelle’s staff sold an amazing 189,000 inches of local

Nominations for the Vidette Hall of Fame are now being accepted by General Manager John Plevka. Essays of about 250 words can be emailed to Plevka at jpplevk@ilstu.edu.

Voorhees Associates LLC, a consultant firm handling executive recruitment and management consulting. “I’m truly honored to be inducted into The Vidette Hall of Fame.

The Vidette is and was a great organization.

It was a great starting off point and a great family. We worked long hours and hard hours and it was fun and challenging.”

The 2011 of inductees were: Ben Cordani, Tina Haisman, Marc Lebovitz, and Bill Mulvihill.

Ben Cordani

At the time of his induction, Cordani worked in Washington, D.C., for Caterpillar Inc. Prior to taking this government affairs position, Ben spent two years in Beijing, China, overseeing construction of facilities for the 2008 Olympic Games. Ben met his wife, Vicki (Cunz), when both worked on the night staff at The Vidette.

Tina Haisman

Haisman is now a successful life coach in Illinois after a start as a public relations practitioner in Florida. Tina was the first Vidette business manager to deposit more than $100,000 in a calendar month.

Marc Lebovitz

Lebovitz is retired from the media relations office at ISU. He has served on The Vidette Publication Board, chaired The Vidette alumni scholarship committee and been a part of the Hall of Fame selection committees. He was the 1970 Vidette editor.

Bill Mulvihill

At the time of his induction, Mulvihill was sales manager for Vanity Fair magazine, part of the CondeNast empire. A former advertising sales manager at the Vidette, Bill joined the Chicago Tribune following graduation and helped to launch the successful Red Eye publication for the Tribune Company.

Members of the initial class of Vidette Hall of Fame inductees are, from left Jeff Kraft, Janelle Pettit and Kristen McQueary.

They are joined by former Vidette General Manager Rick Jones. This photo was taken at the initial HOF banquet on Nov. 10, 2007.

The nominees will be forwarded to the nomination committee. Once the individuals are selected, they will be honored at a date to be announced later.

8 VidetteExtra

Catching up with your pals

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hrough our recent online alumni survey we heard from some of you, but we’d like to hear from more of you.

You may still take the survey by visiting our website videtteonline.com under the Alumni section. Or, you can email your life updates directly to Vidette General Manager John Plevka at jpplevk@ilstu.edu or Business Adviser Erika Wilkerson at emwilke@ilstu.edu.

Please include photographs.

1976

Laura (Young) Samuels works at Steven Chudik Shoulder and Knee Injury Clinic and OTRF Orthopaedic Foundation and resides in Glen Ellyn.

1977

Matt Scherer is the CEO of Scherer Communications in San Antonio, Texas.

1981

Mark Butzow is a copy editor for the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette, where he has been since August 2010. Mark obtained a master’s degree in Communication from ISU in 1990 and taught journalism at Bradley University and Western Illinois University. He was worked at the Peoria Journal Star, from 1991 to 2004.

He and his wife reside in Anderson, Ind. Katy (O’Grady) Pyne and her husband Steve reside in Bloomington. Katy is affiliated with News Media Corporation and she is publisher of The Clinton Journal.

1983

Debbie (Martindale) Behrends is the editor of the Valley Free Press in Sandwich.

The weekly paper is being redesigned and will be known as the Valley Life. Debbie also does free-lance work for Farm World, a weekly, Midwest ag publication. Debbie is married and has three children: Katie, 25; Andrew, 23, and Jessica, 18. and has two granddaughters, Emily and Trinity. Andrew

is in the Army, serving in Afghanistan as an EOD tech. Jessica is a senior in high school. Debbie resides in Genoa.

Kimberly Link-Wills lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she is the managing editor for XPO Logistics, a Fortune 500 company. Kim and her husband, Kevin, have a two children in college.

1987

Winnie (Burdzilauskas) Finger met her husband, Bill, at ISU and they have been married for 22 years. They have two sons, Evan, 17, and Ryan, 15. They reside in Bloomingdale. Winnie works in sales at Envision3, a marketing services provider.

Phil Borchmann is the editor of Gulfshore Business magazine in Naples, Fla. He lives in Estero, Fla., and has a daughter, 21, and a son, 17.

1989

Michelle Mertins works at the Chicago Tribune in Regional Advertising.

Mark Sauer is chief photographer for The Mesabi Daily News in Virginia, Minn. He is also the owner/photographer of Mark Sauer Photography & Fine Art. He and his wife Becca have three daughters, Darby 16; Hailey 13, and Ryanne 11. They reside in Hibbing, Minn.

1990

Mark Hollis is currently the communications director for the Florida House Democratic Caucus in the Florida Legislature. He resides in Tallahassee, Fla. Lisa Zeigler is a grant writer who resides in Hickory Hills.

1991

Rebecca (Presson) Sharenow and her husband, Evan, have one child, Quinn Sharenow, 2. Rebecca spent 17 years in the trade show exhibit industry as a graphic designer, and has been in the retail display and packaging design industry as a senior art director for the past three years.

They reside in Roselle.

MARCH 2013

Mark Sergot and his wife Cynthia reside in Oakville, Ontario, Canada . Mark is vice-president for global sales with Fairmont Raffles Hotels International.

1993

Licia Johnson of Chicago has 10 years of banking experience, and she is a published author. Here is her link: www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/ book.php?w=978-1-61739-187-3

1994

Robert Clinite works for Microsoft as an Atlas Client Partner.

1996

Chris Grimm is in his 13th year at the Journal Star in Peoria where he is the lead features designer. He and his wife Julie reside in Washington, Ill., and they have a son, Zach, 7.

Janet Hosey works as a reporter for The Herald-News in Joliet, where she has been on staff since 2004. She and her husband, Joseph Hosey, live in New Lenox. They have a daughter, Elyse, 2, and a step-daughter, Grace, 10.

Joel Fellers is the online editor/webmaster for Pantagraph.com. He resides in Bloomington.

Amy Denney lives in Athens, Ill., with her husband and two children, Abby and Ryker. Amy owns Denney Photography, a boutique portrait studio, and founded Mighty Strong Girls, an alternative, faithbased e-magazine for preteen/teen girls.

1997

Rob Kass resides in New York City where he works at Nielsen as the Director of Digital Account Management.

On March 4 Mitch Pugh began working as the editor of The Post and Courier in Charleston, S.C. Prior to that, Mitch served as the editor of the Sioux City Journal in Sioux City, Iowa.

Lee Gordon is the director of Corporate Communications at 180 Communications in Tallahassee, Fla., where he operates a PR, media training, video and web design company. Lee joined 180 after 15 years as a television anchor at CBS and a sideline reporter at the NFL on FOX. He still does radio for ESPN and writes for websites and magazines. He and his wife Karen have two children, Aubrey, 4, and Cole, 1.

MARCH 2013

1999

After nine years as a newspaper reporter and editor, Dan Campana has spent the last three as a free-lance writer and communications consultant. His consulting clients include Comcast and Panini America. He has contributed stories to a variety of daily news publications/websites and a couple of magazines. Last year, he co-wrote a book titled “Getting Better at Getting Better.” He recently started another book project called “Wrigley Field: 100 Stories for 100 Years” which will be out later this year. Dan and his wife live in Streamwood with their son.

Amie (Szymanski) Zander has been executive director of the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce in Chicago since 2005.

Amie has been married for almost eight years and the couple has a 1-year-old daughter.

They reside in Chicago.

2002

Dan Schrementi is vice president of Gaming Marketing and New Media at Incredible Technologies in Vernon Hills, where he has been for nine years. The company is a manufacturer and developer of video games for the casino and tavern markets. Its flagship product is Golden Tee Golf. Dan oversees the strategic marketing initiatives for the company’s game operations as well as the strategic development of products, features and brands for our casino games.

Dan also worked in marketing for the Chicago White Sox, his first job after The Vidette. Dan and his wife married in 2005 and they have two children, Sam, 3, and Charlotte, 5 months. They reside in Lombard. In May he will complete his

2000

Ryan Gray is currently working at ISU as an academic adviser in the English Department. Ryan and his wife, Heather, an ISU Communication graduate, have two kids, Elizabeth and Jack. They reside in Normal.

Kris Van Horn lives in Pingree Grove. He met with his wife Jaime at ISU. The couple married in 2004 and they have three children, Chloe, 6; Sadie, 3, and Landon, 6 months. Since 2002, Kris has been with Apollo Group, a Fortune 500 company.

Kris has been based in Chicago his entire career. He develops new business partnerships with colleges and universities on a national scale. He has also done some free-lance work for newspapers, taught college courses, and earned a MBA from Olivet Nazarene University in 2005.

2001

Michelle (Jessen) Lysy just got married last year to Paul and the couple is expecting their first baby in August. They reside in Palatine. Michelle currently works at CVS Caremark as a Senior Analyst/Art Director. She is also attending Roosevelt University part time and expects to receive a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications.

MBA at Northern Illinois University.

Simon Patry and his wife Maureen welcomed twins Ethan and Elaina Patry into the world. Simon is empoloyed with Dysinger & Associates, LLC, Attorney.

Simon and his family reside in Dayton, Ohio.

2003

Jade Lewandowski is a territory manager at Encyclopaedia Britannica in downtown Chicago and resides in Chicago with her husband of three years.

2004

Melissa Soria currently holds the position of marketing director at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. in Chicago. She resides in Chicago.

Mike Riopell is the State Government Writer for the (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald, now covering his eighth legislative session at the Capitol. He lives in Springfield with his wife, Sarah Riopell, ‘04, and their 1-year-old daughter, Colbie.

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Danielle Harry is currently living in New Orleans, but she is “very excited to say that I am moving back to Illinois next month for the first time since graduation back in 2004.” She works at Macy’s and will be transferring to the Woodfield store as the operations manager in the furniture gallery. Danielle has a 3-year-old son and she has obtained her MBA.

2005

Jay Burla is a training specialist who resides in Lockport.

Jessica Rau is currently communications manager for McDonald’s Greater Chicago Region. In this role, Rau provides communication guidance and support for the Chicago Region through the development of strategic management communications and key regional initiatives and events. In addition, Rau manages the regional planning process, media relations, crisis management, and consults on PR activations and stakeholder events. She serves as a liaison to McDonald’s Owner/ Operators on the Regional Leadership Council and throughout all five co-ops within the region. Rau resides in Wheaton with her husband, Ryan, and son, Carter.

Mike Krizman Jr. is assistant commissioner/sports information director at the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin.

He also free-lances sports for the Daily Herald. Mike and his wife Gina will celebrate their sixth anniversary in June. They reside in Yorkville.

Nick Stober is currently a senior project manager in the construction industry with ROI (Rieke Office Interiors). He also has a side business, NHS Guitars, which builds, rehabs, customizes and re-sells guitars and guitar equipment. He resides in Algonquin with his wife Jenna, dog Mae and they have a baby boy on the way.

Keith Cichlar is a sales rep at Die Cut Group, Inc., a manufacturer of tools that mass produce packaging and point-ofpurchase displays. Keith also coordinates the marketing and advertising department. Keith was put in charge of designing the company’s updated logo.

He resides in Lombard.

Derek Martin is sales manager at the Chicago Tribune. His team is responsible for all cars.com advertising in the Chicago area. Derek is graduating from law school at Chicago-Kent in May. MORE ALUMNI UPDATES, PAGE 10-11 

10 VidetteExtra

2005

After working as a reporter for five years, Brandon Coutre “jumped” to a career in legal marketing. He first worked at Winston & Strawn LLP, an international firm with more than 1,000 attorneys. Now, Brandon is at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, a one-office law firm in Chicago with about 175 attorneys, where he serves as the marketing communications manager. He resides in Chicago.

2006

Dan Frazier has recently been promoted to a heavy construction manufacturing sales rep, consulting with Caterpillar distributors in Ontario, Manitoba, and Newfoundland/Labrador. He lives in Toronto.

2007

Lauren Berry has worked at COTG, a Xerox Company since graduating. She is a corporate recruiter. Lauren and her husband were married in 2011 and live in Hoffman Estates. Last year they vacationed in Greece and Italy.

Beth Snyder and her son Caden reside in Normal. Beth is employed in the Development Office at Illinois State University and is pursuing her MBA. She also serves on The Vidette Publications Board.

Upon graduation Drew Bolen took a job in Champaign as an art director at Adams Outdoor Advertising. Four years later he moved to Peoria where he currently works as a designer at SimanteI Group. He says he is not married and does not have kids, but “you can say that I live alone with my 12 cats and enjoy squatchin’ on the weekends.”

Kristy Torbik is currently working at CFM Consulting in Orland Park as a marketing supervisor where she oversees all campaigns and initiatives for the company’s two biggest clients, Cardinal Fitness and Charter Fitness. She works with fellow Vidette alum, Jim O’Neill. Kristy has taken up traveling and has been to New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Ireland, France, Alaska, and Hawaii. Kristy resides in Willowbrook.

Autumn McReynolds is employed by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern where she serves as a social media manager.

Anthony Sherman is a logistic project analyst at Caterpillar. He is married to an ISU alum who also works at Caterpillar.

The couple has a son, Sawyer, 2. They reside in Washington, Ill.

Matt Kurnick is a digital marketing specialist for Supply Equipment Foodservice Alliance, Inc. He resides in Palatine.

Mary Sojka first worked as OSF St Joseph Medical Center in Marketing for one year. In 2008 she started at Hyatt Hotels Corporate in Chicago and is in an internal communications role. Mary and her “ISU sweetheart” were married in August 2012. They reside in Chicago.

She earned an MBA with a marketing concentration from Benedictine University in 2010.

Kathryn Sparks works at the American Academy of Pediatrics as an editorial assistant for the flagship journal, Pediatrics. She has been there since October 2010. She reports that “it’s an excellent and amazing company to work for.” She is writing and trying to publish children’s books. Kathryn resides in Naperville.

Kathleen Fitzgerald-Ellis works for Black Hills State University as a student support specialist. She received her master’s degree in college counseling from South Dakota State University in 2012. Kathleen and her husband, Trenton Ellis, from Canton, Ill., were married in 2010 in the Brown Ballroom at ISU. They reside in Rapid City, S.D.

2008

Michael Re works for a division of Johnson & Johnson called Ethicon as a medical device sales representative. He says he’s “living the bachelor life in downtown Chicago.”

Mick Swasko is working as a general assignment reporter at RedEye, the daily commuter publication that’s a sibling of the Chicago Tribune. He has been married to Vidette alum Kristen Kligis for a little over two years. They reside in Chicago.

Giuliano Formilan is a marketing project manager for the sporting goods, fitness, and toys divisions of Sears and Kmart.

He resides in Chicago.

Scott Sasser lives in Santa Monica, Calif., and is a law student at Pepperdine University. In May 2012, Scott left activeduty as a captain with the Marine Corps, after four years of service. He serves in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

Michelle Johnson worls for Armstrong, within the Architectural Building Products Division as a sales manager for northern California and northern Nevada. She is currently engaged to Christian Moretti and the couple plans to wed

MARCH 2013

Sept. 1. They recently purchased their first home in Danville, Calif.

After graduating, Erika Wilkerson worked in outside sales until 2011 when she accepted the position at The Vidette as Business Adviser. She married Matt Wilkerson, an ISU alum, in October 2010 and expects to finish her master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration in May 2014.

2009

Melissa Sullivan works for the “boutique executive search firm” Slayton Search Partners. She says her firm is retained “exclusively to seek out and place top talent into major organizations.” Melissa currently lives in the West Loop with her dog Nala, who she adopted last April.

Kelli (Pribel) Jagmin married an ISU alum and they reside in Arlington Heights, although she reports that their home is currently on the market in an attempt to re-locate closer to her husband’s job. Kelli started her own photo booth business for weddings and other special events in the Chicagoland area, Must Have Photo Booth www.musthavephotobooth.com. The couple has “two adopted doggies ... just living the suburban dream.”

Megan Dunn currently works at Modern Luxury Media in Chicago, Illinois. She is an account executive for the Chicago magazines (CS magazine, CS Interiors, NS, CS Brides, Men’s Book Chicago, Charity and Social Datebook and Front Desk Chicago). She is “on the advertising and marketing side.” Megan resides in Chicago.

Gina (Akers) Meeks is an assistant editor at Charisma Media in Lake Mary, Fla., where she primarily works with Charisma magazine and charismanews.com. She and her husband, Erik Meeks, got married in April 2010, and moved to Florida in August 2010. They reside in Casselberry, in the Orlando area.

Lisa Collinsworth is the sales and marketing director at AdaptiGroup LLC, which provides bar exam tools and services.

Lisa has been with the company since July 2009, immediately after graduating from ISU. Lisa, who plans to visit Costa Rica in October, lives in Schaumburg.

Stephanie Lyons was recently promoted to marketing coordinator at the Chicago law firm of Clausen Miller. She resides in Tinley Park.

MARCH 2013

2010

Ryan Lajiness works for a new company called Instant Technology in the Loop. Ryan is a business development manager (outside sales rep) that sells IT services to clients which include Walgreens, Hospira and a handful of others. He resides in Lakeview.

Andrew Cross is an account director with Walker Sands Communications in Chicago, a marketing and PR firm for technology companies. In November 2012, Andrew married Christy Yessin, whom he met at ISU. They reside in La Grange Park.

Amy McIntosh works as an assistant editor at Scranton Gillette Communications, a publisher of business-to-business magazines in Arlington Heights.

She resides in Joliet.

Tony Andracki is currently working at Comcast SportsNet Chicago as a web producer and Cubs blogger. Tony resides in St. Charles, but plans to move to the city this spring.

2011

Johnnie Lovett continues to work in Chicago with Commonground Marketing as a Strategic Planner. Over the past year, Johnnie reports that he has “been doing a ton with my agency and company Fresh Connection Brand as well.” His personal blog can be found at www.stayfreshonline.com Nick Griffin is currently the graphic designer for Golf Gifts & Gallery in Powers Lake, Wisc., where he creates sports packaging for accessories. He reports that “most of the packaging I work on is for Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, Golf Galaxy, Walmart and other stores around the U.S and Canada.” He is also a free-lance designer through nickgriffindesign.com. He resides in Libertyville.

Adam Jun is free-lancing at 22nd Century Media and the Daily Herald covering high school sports in the Chicagoland area. Adam resides in Geneva.

Lindy Paczak is a a copy editor at the American Veterinary Medical Association in Schaumburg, where she works on two scientific journals, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) and the American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR). Lindy lives in Hoffman Estates with her roommate,

another former Videtter, Amy Schobinger.

Cassie Monroe says she uses the experience gained as a reporter for The Vidette as the communications associate for One Hope United, a non-profit organization serving low-income families in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and Florida. She is responsible for collecting information, updating marketing materials, working with local press and writing for the website and employee portal among many other duties. She resides in Oak Park.

Kristen Wegrzyn has recently accepted a position as an assistant editor for Skin Inc. magazine, which is a part of Allured Business Media in Carol Stream. It’s a publication for day and medial spa and wellness industry professionals and provides information about spa business solutions, skin science, spa treatment trends, etc. Kristen resides in Plainfield.

After graduation, Amanda DiSilvestro moved to the San Diego area and began working as a full time writer for Business.com. She later accepted a position at Higher Visibility, a SEO consulting firm, where she manages a team of free-lance writers. She reports that she now has “a much more content-focused position than I did at Business.com.”

Because she telecommutes, Amanda is able to travel extensively.

She spent about five months abroad in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, and eventually took a one-week trip to Asia where she got to see South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. She hopes to go to South America for a few months this summer.

Scott Gleeson is the colleges digital editor with USA TODAY Sports, where he covers NCAA basketball. He is looking forward to covering his first Final Four this spring after covering the Olympics this past summer. He occasionally works out of the USA TODAY Sports’ Los Angeles office and he also writes feature stories for Sports Weekly and SLAM

VidetteExtra 11

Magazine. Scott has also run eight marathons and has plans to run more. He is writing his first book on fighting cancer/ life’s adversity in memory of his late father. He resides in Centreville, Va., with his dog, Tebow.

Eli McVey is in the last semester at the University of Wisconsin, finishing up a master’s degree in consumer behavior.

Shortly after graduating, Jordan Cullen moved to San Francisco for an internship at Chen Design Associates, a graphic design studio specializing in print branding/identity, packaging, editorial design and illustration. Jordan was hired on as a designer after the internship and has been there for nearly two years.

In May Chad Cope will finish his master’s degree in spiritual formation from Lincoln Christian University. He plans to move to San Diego to launch a new church, where he will serve as the creative arts director.

Adam Carver works at Travelers Insurance in Naperville. He lives in Lisle and will get married on Sept. 1.

2012

After graduation, Alyssa Siegele found an “exciting corporate communications internship” at Discover, headquartered in Riverwoods. Despite having no previous experience in public relations, Alyssa said she gained plenty of writing, editing, and communication skills during her four years at The Vidette and, thus, “felt comfortable going into the new experience.” At the conclusion of the internship, Alyssa was hired in a full-time position. She reports that she spends most of her time writing press releases, working with media outlets all over the country, planning and executing events, and learning all that she can about PR. She resides in Palatine and is “enjoying a little slice of suburbia.”

MORE ALUMNI UPDATES, PAGE 15 

12 VidetteExtra

Family faces

A big thanks to former Vidette Business Adviser James Munz for sharing his scrapbook of random images from yesteryear.

More photos will be posted on the new Vidette alumni website at videtteonline.com/alumni

MARCH 2013

MARCH 2013

VidetteExtra 13

More faces

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FORMER VIDETTE BUSINESS ADVISER JAMES MUNZ

14 VidetteExtra

2007 in Portland: Mike Kinane, Beth Snyder, Christy Harrison, Michelle Johnson, Scott Sasser and Ryan Wilkinson.

MARCH 2013

2008 in San Antonio: Erin Yepsen, Melissa Sullivan, Jillian Veenhuis, Michelle Flanigan and Christy Harrison

National

recognition Vidette continues to rack up awards at CNBAM convention

2011 in Nashville: Kelly Cravens, Nick Kloster, Johnnie Lovett, Nelson Haka, Erika Wilkerson, Lauren Hickok and Matthew Denton.

2010 in Los Angeles:

Back, Kelly Cravens, Liz Hanley, Matthew Denton, Ryan Lajiness and Dave Dziadosz.

Front, Amanda Maxedon and Christy Harrison.

2012 in Miami: Michael Denton, Emily Carpenter, Christina Bender and Erika Wilkerson

THE

TOP 25 Here are the top members of The Vidette Advertising Sales Representative Hall of Fame

1. Anna Trefil 2. Cheri Lane 3. J.R. Werner 4. Jessica Kos 5. Rob Rodriquez 6. Katie Fahrner 7. Jenny McCabe 8. Julee Haab 9. Jesse Otzen

10. Phil Skrzekut 11. Beth Snyder 12. Patrick Condron 13. Scott Timmerman 14. Adam Martin 15. Jeff Eisinger 16. Janelle Loftus 17. Lara Hines 18. Ryan Allen

19. Brenda Miller 20. Tammy Kline 21. Scott Butts 22. Maren Mennella 23. Shaina Lindon 24. Cathy Muno 25. Adam Carver

MARCH 2013

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The Vidette captures 13 in ’13 at ICPA

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he Vidette recently hauled in 13 awards at the 2013 Illinois College Press Association conference in Chicago.

The Vidette competes with other college daily newspapers in Illinois in the annual contest.

Among the winners were two first place awards. Logan Zimmerman, ISU graduate and former Vidette news editor, received first place for headline writing and Derek Brown, former Vidette ad production artist, won first place for his full-page advertisement submission.

Second place awards received include feature photo for Vidette photographer Andrew S. Avitt, photo essay for Vidette photo editor Brian Jarocki, full-page advertisement for former Vidette ad production artist and current Vidette editorial art director Dan Ferrell, and in-house promotional ad for ISU graduate and former Vidette ad production manager Dan McCall. The staff also received second place in the classified section.

Former Vidette columnist and sports editor Emily Warner received third place for her column on being vegan for a week last semester.

Honorable mentions went to Melissa Mamroth, sports photo; Warner, sports

Catching up with your pals FROM PAGE 11

2012

Ashley Schrader currently resides in Normal and is still attending ISU as a graduate student, studying sports management. She will graduate with a master’s degree in May, 2014. Ashley is also working as a graduate assistant at Illinois Wesleyan as a sports information assistant. This summer she reports that she will be an intern with the Western & Southern Open, a professional tennis tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ryan Delcourt moved to Madison, Wisc., to follow his “at the time” fiancé Mariana as she attended archeology graduate school at the University of Wisconsin. On Jan. 5 the couple was married. He currently works full time for Ace Hardware and assists with some marketing and design work. He says the

From left, News Editor Megan Maginity, Sports Editor Tawni Ricketts, Editor in Chief Grace Johnson, General Manager John Plevka and Photo Editor Melanie Kaplan at the 2013 ICPA Conference.

news story; Ashley Schrader, sports news story; Erin Hogg, feature page design, and Staff, online news site.

In a separate competition, Vidette photo editor Melanie Kaplan captured second place in the annual Shoot Chicago photo event. During the visit to Chicago, photographers from all attending schools are

given a theme (this year it was “fun”) and a few hours to make a photo that reflects the theme. Kaplan’s photo of a Tin Man street performer posing with two children was honored by professional judges.

During the conference, The Vidette General Manager John Plevka was elected to the ICPA Board of Directors.

couple hopes to move to Chicago this summer, after Mariana finishes school.

Alex Von Lugossy is working for Aerotek as a commercial recruiter in Rockford and has been with the company for nine months. She resides in Rockford.

Andy Steckling is currently work for GateHouse Media in Rockford as a copy editor and page designer for the company’s Design House, a consolidated design/copy desk that works on hundreds of papers across the company, including the Rockford Register Star, the Lincoln Courier, The (Springfield) State Journal-Register and the Freeport JournalStandard. Design House also works on products across the country, as far west as Colorado and as far east as Connecticut. He resides in Prospect Heights.

Since graduating in December, Erin Hogg moved to Jacksonville, Fla., and is a copy editor at MECLABS, which she says is the world’s largest independent marketing research lab.

Eric Barbour works at Progressive Impressions International in Bloom-

ington as a junior account executive and project manager. He says “It has been going well and it’s provided great exposure/day-to-day experience to many functions within the company.”

He resides in Morton.

Michael Stetzer works for Total Attorneys in Chicago as a junior SEO specialist. The firm provides legal marketing solutions for law firms. Michael is responsible for generating content for their websites, such as LawQA and Total Bankruptcy. He resides in Chicago.

Bryan Fekety works at CH Robinson Worldwide as a sales representative and living in Chicago in the Wrigleyville area.

Aida Giurgianu resides in Peoria, Ariz., and is pursuing an acting career and medical transcription editor certification so she can work from home and attend auditions. She booked her first official role as an actress in a student film called “Dash.”

Lauren Hickok is a technical recruiter at Medix Staffing Solutions and resides in Prospect Heights.

16 VidetteExtra

MARCH 2013

ONE MORE LOOK

The day ‘The Cup’ filled The Vidette S taffers at The Vidette had a chance to literally touch history when the Stanley Cup arrived at Locust and University on Oct. 15, 2010.

The visit was courtesy Chicago Blackhawks Executive Vice President Jay Blunk. Blunk is a 1986 Illinois State University graduate and a former Vidette sports editor. He was an active part of the 2009-2010 NHL championship run buy the Blackhawks. Blunk, a member of The Vidette Hall of Fame, first joined the Blackhawks organization as senior vice president of business operations in January, 2008.

More than two years after the memorable visit to ISU, newspaper personnel – past and present -- are still talking about the day the Cup came to the Vidette.

Here is what retired Vidette General Manager Rick Jones had to say about that red-letter day: “For my students, nothing ever compared to

the day former Vidette sports editor Jay Blunk brought Lord Stanley’s Cup into our building.

Jay, of course, is now a key official with the Chicago Blackhawks. I am so pleased we were smart enough to induct him into The Vidette Hall of Fame PRIOR to the Blackhawks winning the Cup. “On this day, we had dozens of students who came to pose beside it, to kiss it, to see for themselves that sport’s most identifiable team trophy had come to The Vidette. It seemed like a dream.

It still is hard to believe that the Vidette hosted the Cup. All of us had an opportunity to try on Jay’s Stanley Cup championship ring. An amazing shared experience.”

“Jay is so proud of his Vidette roots and never passes on an opportunity to show kindness toward the paper and our staff, including me. A classy guy.”

VidetteExtra 17

MARCH 2013

The 2012-2013 Vidette Family The annual Vidette Family portrait was shot during training in August 2012, outside of The Vidette Building at Locust and University streets in Normal. The 2012-2013 Editor in Chief Grace Johnson is front row, center (in the green dress), and the Advertising Sales Manager Christina Bender is front row, second from right (in the pink blouse). More than 80 student workers are currently employed by The Vidette. ’Birds flying high on three-game winning streak sPORTs 12

04 VIEWPOINT

02.20.2013

SportS

08

Vidette editorial Board

Overprescribing a problem

videtteonline.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013

T

here seems to be a medication for every ailment or issue a person might come in contact with. At first, one might feel secure because if there is an issue with him/her, there is a large possibility that some sort of accessible remedy is available.

A lot of these prescription drugs have side effects, and combined with the pill-popping mentality that is shared amongst society today, this has led to a massive spike in deaths due to prescription drug abuse.

The patients are not the only ones that should be blamed for this recent trend. The doctors should take some responsibility too.

According to an article in TIME Magazine, “Since 1990, deaths in the U.S. from unintentional [prescription] drug overdoses have increased by over 500 percent.”

It later states, “Most of this rise can be attributed to prescription painkillers, which now kill more people than heroin and cocaine combined.”

So why is prescription drug abuse becoming such a problem?

Many doctors are too ready to prePhoto / Graphic by Brian Jarocki & Dan Ferrell scribe medication, while ignoring the effects that medication might have on their patients in the future.

This trend does not only apply

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSIT Y’S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1888

to painkillers. It seems that if a teenager were to visit a general practitioner, which is a doctor that treats all ages in need of immediate care, complaining about the inability to concentrate, the first thing the doctor would reach for would be a prescription medication to treat Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD).

One of the medications used to treat ADD is Vitamin R, also known as Ritalin.

According to a study conducted

by Dr. Scott, who studied the use of Ritalin among our generation, it was discovered that Ritalin use has increased by 300 percent over the last seven years.

Are we really a generation that cannot concentrate, or is the over-prescribing of Ritalin just a cop-out?

The Editorial Board believes that doctors should take more responsibility for the rise in prescription drug abuse.

The main reason why doctors should take more responsibility is because of “drug kickbacks.” The term “drug kickback” refers to the payment doctors receive from giant pharmaceutical companies to prescribe a specific product.

These companies (just like the other corporate giants) are competing with each other to sell the

02.15.2013

ISU DIVES INTO VALLEY MEET

Vol. 125 / No. 84

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most products.

These products just happen to be prescription drugs which can affect the health and overall well-being of people. The more money a pharmaceutical company pays a doctor, the more willing that doctor will be to prescribe a patient medication produced by the company that paid him/her off.

Companies, such as Eli Lilly, have been estimated to have distributed around $144 million to doctors all over the country since 2009.

Drug kickbacks are leading to unnecessary prescriptions being given to citizens, which has led to the astounding growth of prescription drug use and abuse.

People should recognize this dangerous trend and be cautious when doctors are giving them prescriptions.

General practitioners can easily fall into this trap because most people will never see the same general practitioner twice. Make sure you trust your doctor, and always ask about the contents of the prescription he/she is giving you.

People should not have to worry about the validity of the prescriptions they receive from their doctors. People go to the doctor’s office to get better, not worse.

he Saluki Miler in Carbondale marked the first competition of the 2012-13 season for Illinois State’s swimming and diving team. Seven dual meet

• Feb. 14-16 • Dr. Edward Shea Natatorium • Southern Illinois University • Carbondale

wins, 13 MVC Swimmer and Diver of the Week titles and two new school

records later, the Redbirds are headed back to Carbondale for their final run of the season in the 2013 Missouri Valley Conference Swimming and Diving Championship. The ’Birds began competition yesterday and will conclude Saturday.

“

This is the culmination of what this squad has been training for collectively as one group to try to compete and to give every ounce of effort they can to try and capture the Missouri Valley Conference title.

Steve Paska

Head Swimming Coach

The eight-time MVC Diver of the Week for the 2012-13 season Wenting Zhang (pictured diving) was ranked first in the 1-meter board and second in the 3-meter board heading into the championships.

Zhang has broken the Illinois State school record for the 1-meter board three times and the 3-meter board six times this season. The 2011-12 MVC champ will be defending her titles this weekend, but she will not be the only Zhang diving for the win.

Southern Illinois’ Cheri Zhang, who is also a China native, is ranked second to Wenting in the 1-meter board by over forty points, but she stands over Wendy in the 3-meter board by over twenty points. The Zhangs have competed before, but the Saluki’s brought in another Chinese diver, Esther Chen, at semester. This weekend will be the first time the Redbird divers will compete against Chen, who is currently ranked third in the 1-meter and 3-meter boards.

fresh look

With those top three divers and previous finalists like Evansville’s Sadie Wells, Northern Iowa’s Bethany Hovland and Southern’s Anna Beeck and Brittany Weigel in the running, the fight for the title is going to be tight.

”

and nameplate

Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of the Vidette’s Opinions Council.

Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Vidette or the university.

i’m sorry to see you grow so much, Normal

A NEW ERA

The Vidette launches newspaper app GRAce JOhNsON Editor in Chief

Everything is always changing. That is the only constant in life. Fads come and go, and technology is more prevalent than ever before.

Two weeks ago, The Vidette launched its redesign. This was the result of months of hard work.

But that is not where the dedication ends. The Vidette is a constant — always here but adapting as needed for you, the readers. And the latest change begins now.

The Vidette’s app has officially launched.

This is the next step of dedication.

Through the app, The Vidette now offers custom tiles to allow for better, quicker access to information. As ISU’s student newspaper, it is easy to understand that the demand for information is becoming faster.

Just imagine sitting in your apartment or dorm room, eating a bowl of cereal and drinking a cup of coffee. The only thing missing from this scene is a newspaper.

The Vidette’s app fills this void. The daily news is at your fingertips, and you have access to a whole other world. Not only is it easier to pick out which sections you want to read, but you can also browse for deals around campus and use the events tile to plan your weekend.

If you haven’t already “liked” The Vidette on Facebook or you don’t already follow us on Twitter, not a problem! Get directly linked to those pages through our tiles.

And for those of you who prefer more opinionated pieces that often revolve around entertainment, you now have easier access to our blogs. The Vidette Voice will be creating more blogs this semester, so these will be added soon.

MY VIEW Caitlin Perry Columnist

Reading reviews of various movies or video Construction and develgames can be beneficial when figuring out if it would opment is definitely not be worth your while. a bad thing. Who knows The entertainment tile on the app clearly sepwhere we would be today arates reviews and certain preview events from other if somewhere along the sections. line someone decided that The video tile features the videos that The Vienough was enough and dette has already created and will be updated as more our towns and cities didn’t become available throughout the semester. to grow anymore.

Breaking news? Find out immediately vianeed a reliable source and not through the social networkingBut at what point do we stop grapevine.

Program The Vidette app to receive notifications when there are urgent stories for you to know.

This app is available for free through the App Store and Google Play for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. Just search “The Vidette,” download and enjoy! If you have any feedback, please send an email to dvgvjohns@exchange.ilstu.edu.

constructing big buildings in order to preserve the small-town feel that is becoming increasingly rare these days?

Normal is a pretty cool place, and I’m sure many agree. There’s a nice balance of a modern college town and a homey small town. Uptown includes a wonderful stretch of local shops and the Normal Theater, which gives us a taste of what towns were like when life was simpler. But why are we trying to change that?

In case you haven’t noticed — and I don’t see how you wouldn’t — this area has been under construction for quite some time, and that’s not exactly unique. Places are constantly growing and changing, but what gets me is how different Normal is becoming.

Every day when I go to park my car in the parking garage off of College Avenue, I’m greeted by the construction that will eventually

become Uptown North, also known as more fancy student apartments.

Let’s set aside the fact that a year or two of rent for most off-campus housing at ISU now costs more than tuition.

Besides these new apartments and the recent construction of Uptown Station, which was definitely needed, the town of Normal has approved the new construction for a seven-story Hyatt Place hotel, which according to Normal’s Newsline newsletter includes “113 guest rooms, a six-story residential tower with luxury apartment units and a ground floor fine dining restaurant.”

Wait … what? Are we still in the land of cornfields?

When did Normal become a city that needs two expensive high-rise hotels within a block of each other?

Why do we need a fine dining restaurant when there are wonderful local restaurants right there?

This upcoming restaurant isn’t the only one that will be bringing competition to our one-of-a-kind local stores. Our Chill Out frozen yogurt shop is now in competition with franchises CherryBerry and, later this month, Cocomero. College students love their froyo, but having three frozen yogurt shops is a bit excessive.

Normal isn’t the same as it was when I first came to ISU, and it would be naïve to think it will be the same if I visit after I graduate.

I’m all for this area booming and being successful, but it makes me sad to think that all the small-town character and unique shops may be overpowered by big buildings and corporations. It will also be unfortunate if students are unable to have the ISU experience because they are unable to afford our luxurious and impractical housing.

While I can’t predict how

TUESDAY

Caitlin is a senior publishing major and night editor. Questions or comments regarding her column can be sent to: dv_cjperry@ilstu.

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THE VIDETTE

Professor Byrns works to save lives Kelley Bowles Staff Writer

Whether students know him from sitting in one of the four courses he teaches, seeing him bike around campus or cheering at an ISU basketball game, environmental health professor George Byrns’ story is anything but ordinary.

This will be the toughest Missouri Valley Conference meet this conference has ever had. Nothing in this sport is guaranteed. There are those seven and the rest of the 21 girls battling to make it into eight spots for the finals … It’s going to be a dog fight.

Phil Hoffmann

Head Diving Coach

JANUARY 14, 2013

Beyoncé’s new film reveals truth about personal life

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY’S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1888

ALLIE MAHER Senior Staff

Knowles.

This past Saturday, HBO aired “Life Is But a Dream,” a documentary showcasing an intimate look into Beyoncé’s personal life.

The hour-and-a-half special revealed Beyoncé’s take on her career, her public image, her relationship with husband Jay-Z and her role as a new mother.

But what makes this docuZack Applehans/Photgrapher watching is that worth “Ifmentary time spent on social networking sites interferes with daily functioning, sleep, work performance or relationships, it certainly could contribute to mental health problems … for people who are of her a numberrelying filmed Beyoncé socially anxious, for example, on social networking sites as an alternative to face-to-face interaction may lead them to withdrawal even further,” Sara Harris, professor of psychology, said. interviews using a personal video camera.

That means that the audience of is able to experience some her most personal thoughts and reflections in the privacy of her

Students susceptible to social network addiction

superstar feels “It is absolutely possible to become Andrew S. Avitt / Photographerdent sitting through a lecture she speaks

anxiety,” Harris said. “For people who are socially anxious, for example, relying on social networking sites as an alternative to face-to-face interaction may lead them to withdrawal even further.”

Many students are guilty of scrolling through their phones or computers while waiting for class to begin, instead of interacting with each other. Since Wi-Fi is present in almost every business and building, it is common to see everyone’s eyes glued to their screens.

“I think a major reason everyone has such a constant urge to check their Facebook or Twitter is simply the accessibility,” Harris said.

“Nearly all of our modern gadgets

have instant access. With a click of a button on your phone, you are instantly connected.”

“It is absolutely possible to become addicted to Facebook and other sites just like becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol.”

Sara Harris Professor of psychology

Phillip Chidester, a mass communication professor at ISU, said that the urge to check these sites are driven by a need to belong and to be

seen as important by others. That makes it easy to become addicted.

“It is interesting that forums like Facebook and Twitter give us a chance to measure exactly how important we are to the group by counting how many friends we have, or how many people follow our tweets,” Chidester said.

Facebook and Twitter are quick, easy ways to stay in touch with each other. With just the click of a mouse or the tap of a screen, people of all ages are finding that social media is the simplest way to communicate.

“We communicate more often through Facebook and Twitter than sEE aDDIcTIon pagE 8

Preventing vehicle damage during winter

copy, and there are that label all of the buildings on campus and their location, which can also be found throughout campus. There is also a direct link on the ISU website that shows a campus map.

ET Hancock Stadium’s construction begins to take shape with the metal Mild winter weather has favored the renovation, which is still on schedule, Lyons said. Should inclement weather appear, there is plenty of work that will continue, he added. If construction is stopped, the crew can continue electrical work and begin

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connect the two South towers and hover over the new ticket office and main entrance to the stadium.

Those interested in keeping up to date with the stadium renovations can visit the renovation website at www.goredbirds. com/hancockrenovation, where

Nursing professor awarded with $10,000 grant OLIVIA GILBERTSEN

Staff Writer teaching experiences and a sustainable program of research, but also to Mennonite College of Nursing someone who actively participates in assistant professor Stephen Sta- professional service activities. pleton was awarded the Illinois “The Illinois Board of EducaBoard of Education Nurse Educator tion Nurse Fellowship is an honor Fellowship. to receive. For the past three years The award includes a nearly a faculty member from Mennonite $10,000 grant that is to be used College of Nursing has received this toward continuing research. honor,” Stapleton said.

The Nurse Educator Fellowship “It’s great to be in the company Program insures nursing professors of such distinguished colleagues within higher learning institutions from both the Mennonite College of by supplementing their salaries.

Nursing and from around the state The award is given to those who of Illinois,” he added. have made large contributions to Stapleton said he was not expecttheir specific nursing education pro- ing to win this award, but he has grams. The goal of the program is to large plans for the grant.

His give incentive to outstanding nurs- research focuses on improving the ing faculty within higher learning Emergency Department pain expeinstitutions. rience for patients.

The fellowship is awarded to nursSubmitted photo ing educators with not only solid SEEÊFELLOWSHIPÊPAGEÊ6 Assistant professor Stephen Stapleton was awarded an educator fellowship.

DAN FOX Reporter

Home improvement scams have started early in the twin-cities, with one area resident being taken for an estimated $4,000 from men posing as a roofing company.

Last Tuesday, Bloomington Police were called to an address between Lakeside Country Club and Oakland

Avenue to investigate a reported scam, Dave White, spokesperson for Bloomington Police, said. A woman was approached by a Hispanic male who said he had roofed her house back in 2002, and he was there to do work for her.

“He said that if she would like, he could seal the roof and fi x the shingles and such with a substance that he had for $49 a gallon,” White

explained. “She wasn’t exactly sure what she signed. She thought maybe she was signing some kind of a contract or something.”

The perpetrators did some work, the victim was not sure what they did, and after about an hour they came back asking to be paid a total of $3,700.

When the woman attempted to pay with a check, the perpetrators

Amanda Carlson/Senior Staff

Sean McQuillan, accounting grad student, maintains his car during the cold central Illinois winter. Sammy Teagarden, part sales manager at autozone in Bloomington, suggests that drivers check their car battery in the winter.

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Brian Jarocki / Photo Editor

structures for the stands in place as well as the north stair tower and

plumbing work.

In the upcoming months, work on the steel structures, as well as the elevator shaft, will continue.

Two south towers that will mirror the current-standing north towers will also be built. Work will also begin on an archway that will

elevator shaft.

a webcam live feed of the site is available. A photo gallery and information on tickets and seating are also available on the site.

The renovation is still on schedule for a completion date of Aug. 1, enabling the 2013 season to kickoff in the new stadium.

Vidette undergoes redesign Hello, Redbirds!

At first glance, you can tell that the paper looks different.

This new look is the result of Michael Ater’s hard work.

Without him, this would not be nearly as fresh — even the nameplate has shifted.

But our staff is still dedicated to getting you the news that impacts you. Our mission has not changed, only our appearance.

If you have any thoughts about the redesign, please send an email to vidette@ilstu.edu.

I hope you all have had a wonderful beginning to 2013 and enjoy the new semester!

-Grace Johnson, Editor in Chief

Bloomington Police investigate recent home scams

...

Things freshmen need but never use

think the scheduling transition from high school to college can be overwhelming,” Molly Mazur, sophomore family consumer science major, said. of Planners can carry on into the rest your college career.

A

s students begin their first week of the semester, Hancock Stadium begins week 20 of its renovation.

Passersby on the east side of the stadium facing Main Street might notice the cranes that have moved in and begun work on two large brick towers.

“Right now, what you see going up are the metal structures for the stands, as well as the north stair tower and north elevator shaft,” Matt Lyons, assistant athletics director, said. “[The developments] really start to give a sense of the size and shape of the building.”

The north stair tower is complete and work on the north elevator shaft is expected to continue through the week. Additionally, part of the stadium turf has been removed to enable underground work for east side stand footings.

“There is also some electrical work going on that can’t be seen, but it is a big part of the project,” Lyons said.

In January, The Vidette launched a redesign and it dropped the word “Daily” from its nameplate. Former editorial Art Director ” Michael Ater was responsible for the project, which was crafted during the Fall 2012 semester. New Art Director Dan Ferrell is now shepherding the project.

Here are some sample pages during the first few weeks of the colorful new look. Full editions of The Vidette are viewable at our website videtteonline.com.

Designed and compiled by Kristi Demonbreun and Tawni Ricketts, Vidette Sports Editors Photo Illustration by Andrew S. Avitt, Vidette Photographer Vol. 126 / No. 01

videtteonline.com

HANCOCK STADIUM’S RENOVATION SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS

Melanie lowe Staff Writer

not only help freshmen save but lets them explore the different places campus has to offer. Before they get put away in the back of a of desk drawer, take a look at some the awesome stuff they offer.

“

STEP INTO THE NEW SEMESTER THE RIGHT WAY

After the powerful performance at this year’s Super Bowl that left the entire stadium in the dark, there’s only one performer on everyone’s mind.

And that performer is none other than musical artist Beyoncé

tickets before game day. “I got a red alert pass because I thought I was going to go to a bunch of sporting events, but I actually just wanted the free shirt that came with it,” Christine Malone, sophomore nursing major, said.

DIVING

Wenting Zhang finished in first place in the 1-me ter board with a score of 324.75, followed by Ester Chen from SIU with a score of 308.85. Seniors Maureen Doyle and Madicyn Prouty finished in 10th and 11th place, respectively.

ReView

own bedroom. does a great documentary TheJulIa EvElSIzEr like a normal moment throughout Beyoncé as job of portraying the day, but to Sara Harris, a psyStaff Writer a relatable and strong woman,chology professor at ISU, it sounds the international than rather It’s a familiar sight in class: A stu- like the beginning of a problem. that she is. time, For the first in their pocket Tuesday morning. Byrns has trav- that familiar buzzunfortunate miscar-addicted to Facebook and other sites her about health, lectures during one of his classes he said. andout pulls out their phone. just like becoming addicted to drugs own,” George Byrns, director of environmental to work with a culture other than our riage, admitting that it made heror alcohol,” Harris said.

The screen is full of notifications. eled across the globe. “it was interesting paranoid during her Twosomewhat messages on Facebook along There is a difference between community.

Michael Byrns, his son who started second pregnancy. commentsBeyonon checking these sites every now and equipment when I’m playing,” Aside from the town itself, Byrnswith a party invite, note, said. teaching at ISU in 2011. Michael But on a happier at tweets and a then, and checking them at every Byrns said. loves working with students here Instagram, five new Blue makes Ivy, environmental the in also is In 1997, Byrns retired and daughter, Byrns newcé’s Tumblr follower. All of these opportunity. This can lead to bigger Other than video games, Byrns he ISU. decided he wanted a change. health program, and together an appearance in the film, andissues. and his wife enjoy biking on Con“What keeps me here is the stu-icons blink and flash, begging to be team. share a loving moment “I always sort of thought I wanted the two is and his father make a good checked.

Soon the lecture notes are “If time spent on social networking stitution Trail, which he thinks dents and the opportunity to work “It’s good to have a separate to teach,” Byrns said. together. year,” pushed aside and the student is only sites interferes with daily functionone of the perks of the neighborbetter with a new group every Is But a Dream” is not He was encouraged by his previnot a set of eyes, and he’s a much focused“Life on the social networking ing, sleep, work performance or Byrns said. go hood. Although Byrns is of interviews. ous co-workers and decided to researcher than I am,” Byrns said. solely composed opportunities in the palm of their personal relationships, it certainly major sports fan, he does follow That feeling is mutual with the features also his son to weave has Byrns back to school full-time to receive documentary The as could contribute to mental health the ISU basketball team. students, who enjoy having him hand. concert footage, as his Ph.D. In the fall of 1999, Byrns through his material and tell him To entertaining many people, this may sound problems, including depression and a teacher. at started his teaching career here when his PowerPoint slides are well as a look behind the scenes.

“I enjoyed his teaching style. five out He also has a date. of documentary here out this me ISU. little give a I keeps he “What Byrns has a passion for what Aside from teaching four courses daughter who is currently living of five stars, simply because I was teaches and makes sure that stuis is the students and the on environmental health, Byrns with her family in Las Vegas. able to listen to Beyoncé’s music dents understand what he tells her better. know to getting also the adviser for the American opportunity to work with a Since coming here in 1999, the while them,” Maggie Ziemann, sophoIndustrial Hygiene Association, professor says he enjoys the Normal Overall, this film is something more public relations major, said. to new group every year.” an RSO on campus that works community and the change of pace that you cannot miss. Beyoncé’s Ziemann took his general educato be yourself and do maintain industrial hygiene. The from his previous career out west. of message BrITTany TEppEr Several things can be done to George Byrns tion course, HSC 156, in the fall you happy is someprogram aims to make places like Environmental health director “I love the fact that there is a what makes Reporter help take care of your car in the 2012. Byrns has gained popularity hear. hospitals a safer environment. local farming movement here,” by thing that everyone should winter, as well as taking some preover the years and is well-liked When Byrns is not busy workByrns said. cautionary measures to ensure He recently enjoyed watching students and faculty. ing at ISU, he has a few favorite It is much cheaper for Byrns to to RaTinG Who couldViDeTTe forget the rain that you will not be as frozen as ISU beat Bradley, and tries to go “I love the courses I’m teaching, pastimes. buy organic products in the local else your car if something happens. games throughout the season. he and I can’t think of anything that left many cars frozen “I spend entirely too much time area rather than a city, and Hopefully few people have run If students don’t know Professor I’d rather teach,” Byrns said. playing video games and comof likes the environmentally friendly solid during the first week out of gas while driving. What George Byrns, they might know puter games, but I use exercise could be more frustrating than of classes?Compiled Car byowners Kelley Bowles/ Staff Writer a car-related issue that could S. Avitt /Photographer Andrew Photo by at angrily picking their have been so easily prevented? frozen vehicles could be Students may be saying to themheard throughout campus. selves, ‘I have a college education, I know when to fill up my gas tank.’

News feeds exploded with But, the winter weather complistatuses about how much cates this situation for drivers on time it took for students to campus.

Heather Van Buskirk, senior thaw out their cars. public relations student, is a car enthusiast. She knows the havoc 5 The weather outside may not be that freezing weather can bring to 4 3 Campus maps as frightful as past winters, but her car.

2 Daily planner 1 Campus coupon books Red alert Pass students have already seen mul“In the winter, the car’s gas lines shower shoes As a freshman, many students rely Planners are usually given away fortiple spurts of extreme weather. to navigate can freeze, so the best way to precampus map on the Between college tuition, textbooks free at the beginning of each semesincoming freshmen are year, Every weeks, few always Students may think they are the vent that is to keep the gas tank are first necessithrough those and supplies, students One of the most important ter at the campus book stores if stuencouraged to buy the Red Alert entire year. at least half full and, or, pour some theweather, even through victims ofor this extreme of looking for a way to save. One of ties for personal hygiene freshman dents do not want to purchase one Pass. This is a $50 pass that allows desk thea front can ask Students can the best ways to do that is through but their vehicles take pretty year is shower shoes. If there is their own. “I think it’s important for students to get into sporting events Student Center for a I the Bone the campus coupon books. They anything scarier than the transition heavy hit of from the winter as well. sEE VEHIclE pagE 9 freshmen to have planners because and is an efficient way to pick up money tri-fold copies from high school to college, it is communal bathrooms. Students should always bring a pair of flipflops or water resistant shoes to prevent athlete’s foot and other bacteria that gathers from numerous students using the same shower daily.

SWIMMING

ISU placed second to SIU in the 200-yard freestyle relay with a time of 1:33.80.

Senior Jeanette Nolte took second place in the 200-yard IM with a time of 2:03.53. The ISU 400-yard medley relay came in second (3:48.63) behind MSU.

BACK TO SPRING SUPPLEMENT INSIDE

FEaTurEs 07

the top five

• THURSDAY RESULTS •

letters sent via electronic mail to vidette@ilstu.edu are accepted, provided they include a telephone number for verification. letters sent as an attachment cannot be accepted.

MONDAY,

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Professor Byrns has been all over the map. He grew up in New York he and when applying for colleges, planned to get far away from his home state. Byrns was enrolled at the University of Colorado and entered the environmental health at program, which was fairly new the time.

For 25 years, Byrns then worked he for U.S. public health, where worked under Indian health services with Indians and Alaskans. worked Byrns time, During this with the Navajo Tribe. The agency’s main purpose was to provide places with work and care health where clean water or proper sewer systems were not available. Byrns would also work with serious diseases such as the bubonic plague, which is still around today. He spent six years living in Alaska, and seven more years working in D.C. in environmental health services.

“It was interesting to work with a culture other than our own,” Byrns

“I believe we are in for the fastest MVC Championship meet,” Paska said. “It leads to what I believe will be a very entertaining weekend of swimming and diving in Carbondale.”

L E T T ERS P O LI CY

THE VIDETTE

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The Redbirds will be competing against the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Evansville, Southern Illinois University and Missouri State University. The 2012 MVC Championship marked Missouri’s fourth-consecutive conference title and their eighth win in the past nine years. MSU held the title from 2003 to 2006 until they lost to Southern in the 2007 championships. Since then, they have remained conference champions from 2008-12.

Illinois State has come in second to MSU for the last four MVC championships (2009-12).

Vidette

HAVE YOU SEEN PAGE 5?

TODAY

beneficial this construction will be to the area, I will be really surprised if I’m the only one who is sad watching Normal lose its charm and grow into a city that it’s not.

Maybe I’m just old fashioned and hung up on the memories of sitting in The Cage II in the Bone Student Center or waiting for the train in the awfully small Amtrak station.

But to me, Normal is a cup of coffee from The Coffee Hound, a book from Babbitt’s Books, a record from North Street Records and a quiet patch of grass in Uptown Circle — not a fourcourse fine dining experience.

The Vidette welcomes letters to the editor, provided they are no longer than 250 words and are typed and double-spaced.

Letters that exceed the 250 word limit can be published at the editor’s discretion but shorter letters take precedence. Letters containing name calling and insults will not be published.

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

Names may be withheld upon request, but only after approval by the editor.

Letters are subject to editing for style and space at the editor’s discretion.

Vidette starts new year with

said they could not accept a check, only cash. She went and withdrew cash and paid the men, White said.

“Sometime during this she feels that one of the males entered her house,” White said. They might have stolen an additional $300 in cash from her home. The woman might have let one of the males into the home to use the bathroom, at which time they stole the cash.

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White said he received a call from a woman who thinks a similar scam was unsuccessfully attempted on her sometime late last summer or early last fall.

“She had some information to pass along,” White said. “Now an officer can follow-up on the information,” White said.

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Stay connected with us There are several ways to stay connected with your fellow members of the Vidette Family.  Like the Vidette Alumni user group on Facebook. on.fb.me/Wl1KEt  Follow our Vidette Alumni Twitter account @Vidette_Alumni.  Bookmark the VidetteExtra alumni page at videtteonline.com.

This newsletter (PDF files) will be emailed once a year, but the website will be updated throughout the year.  Check out our LinkedIn page at linkd.in/151vLsi

18 VidetteExtra

A S PEC I AL VIDETT E HOMEC OMING To mark its 125th anniversary, The Vidette will host an open house from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 5 — Homecoming at Illinois State University.

Vidette alums and their families are encouraged to stop by the Vidette Building, share stories from yesteryear and catch up on the current year.

Following the open house, guests can keep the ISU spirit alive by joining a tailgate prior to the Redbird football game at the newly refurbished Hancock Stadium.

We invite you to save the date: Oct. 5, 2013

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MARCH 2013