ALVERNO ALPHAVolume 27 • Issue 2 November 2007The Student Produced Newspaper of Alverno College

On Sept.26, 2007, AlvernoCollege held a fundraiser atNetwork Mortgage in WalkersPoint, Wi. for the school’s newonline radio station, AlvernoInferno Free Radio (AIFR),scheduled for launch in August2008.

A highlight of the event wasthe announcement of TimeWarner Cable’s $7,000contribution towards thefundraiser’s goal of $10,000;the amount needed to fundtwo years of operating costs.The fundraiser exceeded itsgoal, raising more than

$13,000, with $3,000 from ananonymous donor.

Cecilia Gilbert, AIFR eventchairperson and manager,Permits & Communications ofthe Department of Public

Works, stated in a press releasethat, “The station is aphenomenal opportunity forwomen to learn digitaltechnology and to expressthemselves. A professionalcommunicator is a blend ofpractitioner and strategist. Shemust be technologically savvy.Alverno’s online radio stationwill nurture theseinterdependent skill sets.”

Mary Meehan, Alvernopresident, also joined in thecelebration as she unveiled theidentity and name of the RadioAlverno Inferno Free Radio(AIFR), along with a newpromotional campaign,developed by recent Alverno

graduate, LoriSzarzynski, andstudents April Jonesand Tricia Kurszewski.

Meehan describedthe image of anAlverno woman as,“she knows it, and sheshows it,” Confessinglater that it was anAlverno student whoshared the concept.

Dan Pomeroy,manager, Real Estateand Public Affairs for

Clear Channel’s MilwaukeeOutdoor Division thenannounced Clear Channel’scommitment to contribute theuse of outdoor billboards to

promote AIFR.Then Meehan finished by

joking with the crowd, inreference to the already verypopular billboard advertisingcampaign, that at Alverno,“We are not just advertising,we are bringing art to thecommunity.” Soon Alverno willbe bringing a new form ofaudio art through to thecommunity, with studentformatted radio shows.

Alverno’s Tracy Stockwell,faculty advisor, and assistantprofessor, Professional

Communication, came to thepodium and offered a warmthank you to the crowd. Shesaid that the IAFR start upcould not have been possiblewithout the support of thecommunity, the students, andthe help from the people onher committee. She creditedher committee along with theirexcitement and enthusiasm forAlverno Collage and theunwavering support theyoffered towards the newonline radio station for itssuccess.

Stockwell announced thatAIFR is “for the students by thestudents!” Andthat the radiostation wille m p o w e rwomen by “notjust discussingissues, but byinciting thed i s c u s s i o nabout theissues,”

With as u g g e s t e ddonation of$ 2 5 . 0 0 ,f u n d r a i s e rp a r t i c i p a n t senjoyed anevening insideN e t w o r kM o r t g a g e ,w h e r eeveryone’s hips

quickly picked up the movingbeat of salsa music delivered bythe Latin Jazz of Caché.

A tent canopying theoutdoor space between theNetwork Mortgage buildingand the Don Quijoterestaurant next door, allowedroom for band, dance floor,outdoor bar and the vinyl-scratching rig of DJ Rock Dee.Don Quijote provided delicioustapas and relaxed friendlyservice as well.

For donations, contact TracyStockwell at 414-382-6239 ortracy.stockwell@alverno.edu.

Alverno College announceda record enrollment for the2007 fall semester. The officialheadcount number is 2,654,which exceeded the goal of2,500.

According to the Registrar’sOffice, the record enrollmentreflects the reputation for thegood education Alverno holdsas a community of supportivestudents, faculty, and staff. Thenew advertising campaign

helped record enrollment, butit is by word of mouth fromother students about Alverno’slearning style, and small classsize that is most effective inbringing new students to thecollege and keepingenrollment rising.

Will having such a largestudent body affect Alverno’sclass size? Alverno’s AssociateRegistrar Jane Baranowskiconfidently stated, “The waywe teach will never change. …We will never move away from

our commitment to class size.” Baranowski added that

collaborative efforts from allAlverno departments will bemade to make better use ofthe college facility. Alverno willcontinue to developrelationships with two-yearschools by recognizing thestrengths they offer and theknowledge transfer studentsbring. In the future, Alvernoplans to add additional majorsto Weekend College andadditional class times to

Weekday College.It was the early 90s when

Alverno last reached the 2,500mark, missing it in 2006 by only20 students.

Alverno’s 125 anniversarymilestone is in 2012. In astatement from President MaryMeehan she said that with theefforts and commitments tospreading the word aboutAlverno from Alverno’scommunity, the college willcontinue succeeding inbreaking enrollment records inyears to come.

“Homecoming is such anexciting time. It’s great to haveold friends come back tocelebrate our school,” saysKelly Pieters, Alverno student.On Oct. 5 and 6, 2007, Alvernocelebrated homecoming, andthe campus was packed withalumnae showing theirdevotion to Alverno.

Maybe there’s no football orno guys, but that’s not whatAlverno girls need to have agood time. Homecomingstarted out with an exciting

volleyball game against MSOE,and even though Alverno lostthat didn’t dampen the schoolspirit. Happy hour immediatelyfollowed the game withmargaritas and Mexican food.

Seminars, luncheons, awardceremonies, tours, softball,fireworks, a quintet and anoutdoor movie were just someof the events that made uphomecoming this year.

Sister Mariel, Alvernoalumnae with a Ph.D. inEducation Administration fromUWM says, “My education atAlverno was the finest. I cansay that having gone todifferent schools and finally

earned a Ph.D.” Coming fromsomeone who started hercollege career in 1953 atAlverno, the fact that she stillcomes to Alverno’shomecoming really sayssomething.

A current Alverno studentTara Smits compareshomecoming at Alverno toother colleges; “There are verymany differences, there’s noparade, no football and noguys. I’m a transfer student,and homecoming here feelslike it geared for the alumnae,not the students. … However, Ido think the fireworks and theoutdoor movie are a unique

attraction that a lot of studentswill go to.”

Although Alverno’shomecoming may be tamerthan most colleges, it stilloffers sports and even happyhour; which a lot of collegesdon’t have. “Lying under thestars with my friends watchingfireworks followed by a moviecould not be a more wonderfulway to end a perfect weekend.You really feel the bond thatAlverno students share withthe alumnae and the totaldedication they all have forAlverno,” says Kelly Pieters.

Alverno Inferno Free Radio(AIFR) is a clear example ofhow, when working together,by utilizing individual skills, asmall group can successfullyforce an idea into fruition.

Tracy Stockwell, facultyadvisor, assistant professorPCM, credits the committeemembers who developed theonline radio station: CeciliaGilbert, event chair, permits &communications manager,Department of Public Works;Eloiza Altoro-Acevedo, alumnacoordinator, Alverno Collegepart-time faculty member;Joaquin Altoro, site &hospitality chair, owner ofNetwork Mortgage; Joe Buck,publicity chair & graphicdesigner; DJ Rock Dee,entertainment chair; RobertSanchez, transportation chairand DJ Syquest.

see FREE RADIO Page 4

SSttuuddeennttss,, ccoommmmuunniittyy rraaiissee mmoonneeyy ffoorrAAllvveerrnnoo IInnffeerrnnoo RRaaddiioo

BY SHERIE L. KINGALPHA STAFF WRITER

Small groupwork offers biggroup rewardwith AlvernoInferno Free

RadioBY SHERIE L. KINGALPHA STAFF WRITER

Alverno enrollment breaks recordBY JENNIFER C. GOMEZALPHA STAFF WRITER

Homecoming 2007 ignites school spiritBY SHERYL HOYTALPHA STAFF WRITER

Joe Buck, Publicity Chair Visual Edge GraphicDesign (left) and Tracey Stockwell (right) unveilfinal collateral pieces, designed by designed byrecent Alverno graduate Lori Szarzynski andstudents April Jones and Tricia, related to theevent. Joe also worked with Alumna LoriSzarzynski to refine and prepare the stationidentity and logo that she developed as a memberof a student group in an Advanced Writing Classat Alverno College.

All photos by Jenny Marie Farris.

Alverno President Mary Meehan talks to areporter from 88.9 Radio Milwaukee.

Tracy Stockwell extends hergratitude during the AlvernoInferno Free Radio (AIFR)fundraiser held on September26, 2007 at Network Mortgage inWalkers Point, Wisconsin.

ALVERNO ALPHA November 2007Page 2

Editor-in-ChiefChristine N. Conde

Managing EditorJulie Gilboy

Production EditorBrenda Manry

Faculty AdvisorChristy Steele

Technical Advisor/LayoutSusan C. Quantrell

StaffJennifer GomezJudith GunkelSheryl HoytSherie King

Michelle MayneArielle ReedDragana Savic

Caroline ThomasKristin Walker

Sophia Wattleton

The Student Newspaper of Alverno CollegeMilwaukee, Wisconsin

ALVERNO ALPHA

Editorials

The editorials published in Alpha are the opinion of thewriters and not necessarily those of the Alpha staff or AlvernoCollege. All editorial submissions should be sent toAlpha@alverno.edu and must include the writer’s name andtelephone number. All submissions will be considered. Theeditorial staff reserves the right to determine what is publishedand to edit all submissions.

Alpha Editorial Policy

The Alverno College Alpha student newspaper is publishedby the PCM 421 News Writing class. Submissions are welcomefrom any current student. Our mission is to provide a creativeoutlet for free expression under the Code of Ethics of theSociety of Professional Journalism:

~ Seek Truth and Report It ~ Minimize Harm~ Act Independently ~ Be Accountable

adapted from www.spi.org

Alverno’s AssociateProfessor of Nursing, CatherineKnuteson is a proud recipientof the 2007 YWCA Woman ofDistinction award.

Knuteson was recognized atthe YWCA of Racine’s awarddinner in August for her“outstanding leadership in herprofessional career and for hercommunity involvement whichincludes numerous volunteeractivities” as voiced by hernominees.

Knuteson’s communityvolunteer work is focused intwo areas — homelessness andeducation.

For the past 15 years she hasbeen involved with theHomeless AssistanceLeadership Organization(HALO), and currently sheserves as president of theboard. She also commits to twohours a week answeringphones to assist staff, andworks one night shift a week ather church with the RacineEmergency Shelter Taskforce(REST) homeless for the pastten years. Eight of those yearsshe served as secretary.

Her other volunteer work is

tutoring at-risk elementary-school aged children in Racine.Each week she meets with thesame child for an hour to workon reading, math or otherschool work.

Knuteson also voluntarilyserves on the InstitutionalBoard at All Saints in Racine.She helped lead the smoke-free environment initiativethere, which providedfeedback to Alverno’s WellnessCouncil’s smoke-free initiative.

In addition to all hervolunteering in thecommunity, she teaches bothundergraduate and graduateNursing programs, chairs theSocial Interaction Abilitydepartment at AlvernoCollege, coordinates clinicalassessments in nursing, makesclinical arrangements forundergraduate clinical coursesand graduate preceptors, andcurrently represents AlvernoSchool of Nursing to improvethe processes between nursingeducation and healthcaresystems.

Her motivation is the peopleshe interacts with. “I see what Ido makes a difference. I see itin their eyes, their voices,”Knuteson says. “I’m proud tobe a part of this project and to

use my leadership skills to helpothers succeed.”

In the past eight years,Knuteson has been on threemedical service trips toNicaragua, DominicanRepublic, and Venezuela.

Knuteson states, “I’ve reallyenjoyed my medical servicetrips. I’ve learned a lot aboutmyself. It’s hard work…but it’sso gratifying to do such smallthings that make a bigdifference to people who haveso much less than I do.”

Knuteson encourages othersto volunteer, too. “Picksomething you have a passionfor,” she suggests. “Once youdo it, you find that you get somuch more from volunteeringthan you thought you would.

Walking the halls andbuildings of Alverno, what isseen? Mothers, daughters,sisters, nieces; family, there arelegacies at Alverno that extendyears in the making. Researchdone by the Alverno AlumniOffice, suggests that spreadingthe word to family membersand friends helps most ofAlverno’s recruitment efforts.

That is just what KathleenBerry did, inspiring herdaughter, Kanika Burks, toreceive an Alverno Collegeeducation -- not justundergraduate but graduateas well. Berry began herjourney at Alverno during thefall of 1988, majoring inBusiness Management.

Berry is now a DevelopmentCoordinator in the InformationTechnology Organization forAT&T. She attributes herorganizational skills obtainedat Alverno to her being able tosuccessfully coordinate hercareer responsibilities.

When asked how Alverno’sability-based learning hasaffected her relationships and /or conflicts that arise, she said,“Alverno has taught me toaccept people for who they are

and accept their differences. Ialso learned to look at people,relationships, problems, andsituations the way they are andnot the way I would like themto be.”

Berry encouraged herdaughter Burks to transfer toAlverno in 1993. Burks said hermother “seemed stronger,more confident, moreunderstanding, and patient.”She stated that her mother’s“actions and her words were adriving force in my decision tomake the change.”

Burks began her study atAlverno in ElementaryEducation with a support inLanguage Arts. And she speaksvery highly of her Alvernoexperience, saying, “Mysuccesses were oh so sweetbecause I was guided to placesthat, before attendingAlverno, I never thought Iwould go.”

She is currently the Co-Director of the School ofAccreditation Support Centerat the Institute for theTransformation of Learning atMarquette University. She alsoworks with several otherschools and programs thathave a mission for academic,social, and self-development of

young people. Burks said that the Alverno

experience has influenced hercareer by giving her the skillsto speak on her feet andconsider various perspectives.And the ability-based learninghas aided her in her lifeexperiences with people andsituations by making her aneffective listener,communicator and self-assessor. She said, “I know mystrengths and my weaknesses. Iam not afraid to say I needhelp.”

Burks was so influenced byAlverno in her undergraduatecareer that she returned in2003 to begin the master’sprogram in reading. Shereceived her master’s degree inMay 2007.

Both ladies said they wouldstrongly recommend Alvernoto women, because it“strengthens them as womenand individuals.”

I asked them both whatcomes to mind when theythink of Alverno, Berry said,“Alverno is the beginning of alifelong learning process,” andBurks said, “Strength, courageand wisdom.”

Catherine Knuteson winsWoman of Distinction awardBY JENNIFER C. GOMEZALPHA STAFF WRITER

It just takes one to spread the word:Mother and daughter, an Alverno legacy

BY KRISTIN M. WALKERALPHA STAFF WRITER

Alpha Readers:

We know that our readerswant news that speaks to thempersonally, news that affectstheir lives. The Alverno Alphacommunicates this through thewritten word.

We can only do this withyour help. I would like to takethis opportunity tocongratulate and commendeveryone on our first issue ofthe Alverno Alpha Newspaper. All of your hard work and effortsas reporters, editors and the overall campus community has madeour first issue a success. I would like to thank you all for beinggracious and taking the time to give interviews to reporters, forposing or supplying pictures of events and for sending story ideasour way. We could have never done it without using the team-based technique. Good job everyone!

As a Communication, Management and Technology Majorgraduating in December, I know the importance of portrayingAlverno's image in the most positive way possible. And as theManaging Editor, I believe that it is important to inform ourreaders about information, events and happenings that surroundthe Alverno Community. So, please stay tuned for our graduation-themed issue in December, our last issue of the semester.

Now, I would like to give a special thanks to our FacultyAdvisor Christy Steele, Editor-in-Chief Christine Conde,Production Editor Brenda Manry and Technical Advisor SusanQuantrell. They all have done an exceptional job at making surethat everyone's voices were heard.

Again, we would like to welcome anyone that would beinterested in getting involved in the Alpha. We are open forcontributors in ideas for stories, designing graphics, or simplytaking and/or working with photos. If interested, you can e-mailme at julie_glby@yahoo.com or Christy Steele atchristy.steele@alverno.edu.

Alpha can also be viewed online at:http://intranet.alverno.edu/news/alpha.

Thanks everyone and happy reading!

Managing EditorJulie A. Gilboy

“Play it again, Sam” is aquote students might hear thisyear when people talk aboutthe 9th Annual Rotunda Ball.The theme for this year’s ball is“Casablanca,” and theplanning committee will beincorporating as manyelements from the classic 1942movie into the decorations andpublicity as possible.

This semi-formal dance willtake place on Saturday, Dec. 1from 8 p.m. to midnight and is

planned and sponsored by theProgramming Activities &

Great Events (PAGE) Board,which is part of the StudentLife Department. Created in1999, the Rotunda Ball is anevening designed for students,faculty and staff to enjoy fancyhors d'oeuvres, great music,and a fun atmosphere.

Tickets will go on sale mid-November and will be soldthrough Student Services or inthe Commons Lobby duringlunch. Tickets are $10 inadvance, $12 at the door.

For more information,please contactstudent life @alverno.edu

Rotunda ball travels to CasablancaBY BROOKE WEGNERDIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE

ALVERNO ALPHA Page 3November 2007

opinion • OPINION • opinion • OPINION • opinion • OPINION • opinion

Walking the halls of Alvernoone sees images of snakes,birds, ladybugs, dragons,flowers and bows. Theseimages are not seen on teeshirts or pins, but on womenthat carry them permanentlyinked on their skin, by womenwho are not afraid to make astatement with their art,tattoo art.

Joe, a tattoo artist fromStarship body works, hasdefinitely seen an increase intattooing, especially amongwomen, in recent years. Joecredits the recent popularity tomovies and television.“Everyone wants to be like amovie star.”

Documenting specialmoments and people in one’slife are common themes fortattoo art.

Sarah King, freshman andMug employee, has alwaysliked tattoos. She has fourtattoos, one of which shedesigned herself. She sees herbody art as documentingimportant moments in her life,except for the one on herfanny, a big pink bow, she didthat one because she thoughtis was cute. Her commentabout it is, “It may have beendumb, but it sure is fun!”

The crown on King’s anklereminds her of her father whopassed away when she was achild; the ballerina with herpink tutu and point shoes on

her arm, documenting 12 yearsof ballet, is of herself. Red andpink roses that encompassKings wrist are the beginningsof King’s plan to have herentire arm filled with tattoos,like a sleeve.

Tracy Stockwell, facultyadvisor and assistant professorPCM, teaches students aboutvisual ascetics andcommunication in her PCMclasses. She loves body art andlikes hearing the stories behind

people’s tattoos, “I see it as aform of adornment,” saysStockwell. She has a tattoo,honoring a family member,which she keeps discreetlycovered.

Victoria Billerbeck, juniorand mug employee, has threetattoos. She enjoys telling thestories about them. Shereceived one on the back ofher neck at a tattoo party thatis not exactly what she wanted;she intended it to representher boyfriend’s name, oneflower for each letter, but theartist added an extra flower.Victoria says she’ll get itredesigned someday.

Marina Pavlopulos, seniorand computer lab aid hasseveral tattoos and shares atattoo symbol of the musicianPrince with her brother. Withboth of them having the sameartwork, she feels closer to herbrother.

King says that the trend isthat once you get one tattooyou get more, but not to worrybecause “nothing is forever,not even tattoos.”

A study in the Sept. 2006edition of the Journal ofthe American Academyof Dermatology reportsthat nearly one in fourAmericans report havingat least one tattoo. Thesame study reports that17 percent of those withtattoos would like tohave them removed.

Removing tattoos andcovering up unwantedtattoos is a growingbusiness. Joshua Fox, M.D.,founder of AdvancedDermatology and a spokesmanfor the American Academy ofDermatology states, “The goodnews is that laser treatmentsand equipment have kept pacewith the rising interest intattoo removal.” The bad newsis that the cost is very high andthe process is painful and cantake up to five months.

Another option if you don’tlike a tattoo is to cover it upwith another tattoo, typicallylarger and darker. Cautionshould be taken when coveringan existing tattoo with anothertattoo. Cover-ups are aspecialty in the tattoo artistworld. Finding and selectingthe right artist for the job willtake some time.

Gail Vukodinavich, surveyorfor the Department ofTransportation, recommendsresearching different artisttechniques and gettingdifferent ideas before you

make the final cover-updecision. It took her two yearsto find an artist she liked, and$800 to cover up what shedescribed as an impulsive act

compounded by alcohol.Tattooing is not for

everyone. Some students oncampus said they would neverget one because of the stigmathey carry. One student, whoasked not use her name, saidthat because of her religionshe would never considergetting a tattoo.

Joe from Starship is heavilytattooed; he said that because

of the tattoos on his hands hecould never get a job in thecorporate world. “I couldalways wear a long sleeve shirt,but my hands would stillshow.”

Joan Steinhoff an alumniwith a nursing degree whowent on to become a licensedacupuncturist, told the samestory, she described howsomeone she knew was nothired in an office positionbecause of their visible tattoos.She went on to tell how in heracupuncture practice she willnot place needles in a tattooedlocation for fear ofincorporating ink residue intothe chi pathway.

The facts are that tattooinghas been around for centuries.Some people like tattoos andsome people don’t. Sometimesthe same thing that holds youback from getting a job can bethe same thing that remindsyou of how far you have come.

Alverno students makestatement with tattoo art

BY SHERIE L. KINGALPHA STAFF WRITER

Food for thought…or notSchools should get rid of vending machines

What you feed yourself notonly affects your weight, buthow your brain and body reactto the way you eat. Vendingmachines, found in hallwaysand near cafeterias, lurestudents to make improperfood selections, which providetheir mind and body minimalnutritional value.

The buzz heard aroundAlverno’s campus is that we

should remove the vendingmachines because all they offeris a “sugar high” and weightgain.

As I shoveled in my candybar from the vending machine,I listened to a group of womencontinue to talk about howimportant it is to stimulateyour mind with power foodsinstead of junk foods.

A few students evenmentioned that if the vendingmachines weren’t there, theywouldn’t be used. Students

would be forced to makehealthy choices by eating inthe cafeteria or bringingsomething from home. Theycontinued to add they wouldnever send their children off toschool with a candy bar, so whywould they feed it tothemselves?

According to two dieticiansat St. Joseph’s hospital inMilwaukee, obesity anddiabetes have been on the risedue to poor nutritional choiceslike the ones found in vending

machines. Processed foods suchas chips, candy, snack cakes,juices and soda make you thinkat a slower pace.

Students are in classanywhere from two to eighthours a day. It would be best toprepare snacks and meals inadvance for the days they arein class. Packing a sandwich onwhole grain bread with freshfruits and vegetables, anddrinking water can energizethe brain. These selections helpstudents sustain their thinking

power.It is up to the individual to

make the best dietary choice.Because students need healthyfood for thought, you wouldthink an educationalinstitution would only offernutritional food.

Why not remove thevending machines alltogether?

BY JENNIFER C. GOMEZALPHA STAFF WRITER

A frustratingcycle

Meeting with much ofAlverno’s office staff can seemfruitless. Often I leave theoffice feeling angry becausenothing was accomplished,which, according to many ofmy contemporaries, is notuncommon.

Anonymously, a fellowstudent mentioned in passing,“They (the office staff) look atme like I’m stupid, and thentalk in circles so by the time Ileave I am worse off then whenI first went in. Don’t peopleinterview before hiringanymore?”

Advisors by trade advise,no? I have only met oneadvisor who is any help, andshe only became helpful whenshe heard of my constantletdowns. As for my academicadvisors, as an IMD major Ihave two, one of which has notime and the other has no clueI exist.

I asked the office what theduties of the professionaladvisors are versus the dutiesof the academic advisors, and Ifinally found the downfall. Theprofessional advisors in theoffices are there for advising,the academic advisors arethere for teaching, and areonly required to give somevocational advice and tellcampfire stories of what theywent through.

I once thought I would beclever and avoid the advisorsall together by going to theregistrar with my schedulingconcerns. I marched straightinto registrar Pat Hartman’soffice, guns blazing, ready tocreate my fall semester. Shewas willing to help and wepowered through myproblems. I left feelingconfident. As it turns out, Iregistered myself for a 300level marketing class that I wasunprepared for, and waspromptly excused.

Many students I have metagree that Financial Aid is acrack up. One such studentsaid, “The people, (in financialaid), usually know what theirtalking about, but nine timesout of ten they are rude ashell.” I called the office whiledoing my student loanpaperwork, inquiring as to thecost of tuition. The nice girl onthe phone actually said to me,“I don’t have thatinformation.”

You work in Financial Aid.Look. It. Up.

I was then transferred to thebusiness office three times,where no one answered thephone, even just to put me onhold. I would have preferredthat much. And why is thebusiness office the only placethat can tell me the answer?Shouldn’t an office with a titlelike “financial” aid be just asknowledgeable? It seems thatthe money I put into the schooldoesn’t exactly pass throughreliable hands.

All members of the officestaff have access to computers,and they are all in possessionof the dozens of cataloguesand manuals. The tuitioninformation, I later found, is onthe Business Office link on theAlverno website. It is not thathard to click the “internetexplorer” button.

In the business office I wastold that there should not bethis transfer of students fromone office to the other andthat they are constantly tryingto improve their system, alsothat there is no reason thefinancial aid office couldn’thave given me thatinformation.

I inquired as to the customerservice policy of the offices, tofind that there is not a policy,but a mission statement. Thisstatement includes, “Weapproach each situation withflexibility and creativity toaddress the needs of eachindividual student, whilemaintaining an environment ofmutual trust and respect.”

Supplying me with noanswers and directing me to adead end wasn’t exactly trust-inspiring, nor do I feel it wasflexible or creative. Thestatement also includes thisgem, “We promote thecollege’s mission byconsistently serving students ina courteous and respectfulmanner, resulting in a positiveeffect on recruitment andretention.” If this were true,then there would be far less tocomplain about.

One business officecorrespondent stated thatoften students are stressedabout the fact that they arespending thousands of dollars,so they get frustrated at theoffice staff easily, after whichthe staff gets frustrated withthem, which is not a healthycycle, but thus far seemsunavoidable.

BY ARIELLE REEDALPHA STAFF WRITER

ALVERNO ALPHA November 2007Page 4

“For someone who’s neverbeen away from home, goingto our nation’s capitol is a risk.I wanted the chance to trysomething different that wasnot available in Milwaukee,Wisconsin.”

That’s one of the reasonsStephanie Pfeifer, a senior,majoring in professionalcommunications chose to doan internship at Double RProductions in Washington,D.C.

Double R Productions is afull service firm that deals withfilm, television and mediaproductions in Washington,D.C. The productions firmworks on projects such asoriginal televisionprogramming, public serviceannouncements, commercialsand much more.

Pfeifer’s passion for graphicdesign and marketing led toher interest in Double RProductions. She hopes thather internship will give hermore experience working with

music and film so she can begina career in the music or filmindustry after college.

Currently Pfeifer is workingon two different protests thatare going on in theWashington, D.C. area,including the large anti-warprotest that was held onSeptember 15th because of theUnited States involvement inIraq. She has also written pressreleases about the projects shecompleted. Pfeifer is alsoworking on getting variousimages and recording video fora “year-in-review project.”

Pfeifer stated that theprotest on September 15th wasvery interesting and intense.“When we started marchingtoward Capitol Hill I gotannoyed when we crossedpaths with those that wereopposing our protest. At theCapitol building we gotfootage of police in riot gearand some with large guns andthat was when I started gettingscared despite the reason whywe were there. I actuallywatched as they arrested a

man for burningsage.”

Working atDouble RProductions hastaught her a lot.She has a newperception ofwhat working ina small office islike. She hasrealized thateveryone in theoffice doessomething tohelp the projectget completed.Pfeifer said thatthere aredifferent typesof clients thatshe has to work with. Fromthat she is learning how totailor to each client’s individualneeds. Each client states whatthey want done and the firmneeds to fulfill those needs ifthey want business from themin the future. At first this washard for her, but now she haslearned that in order to satisfythe customer, businessguidelines need to be set and

followed.She has also learned a lot

about herself. She is interestedin graphic design. She islearning how principles ofdesign apply from the pressrelease to the video piece, butshe is not able to do actualdesign. Because of this she hasbecome intrigued withprinciples of design and howand what makes a good video

piece and a good shot. In thefuture she would like to pursuethis strength more.

Pfeifer learned about thisgreat opportunity through TheWashington Center, anonprofit organization thatselects students that are willingto challenge themselves, tolearn and gain experience byworking in Washington, D.C.

“Your resume tells a story initself but your portfolio trulyillustrates your resume.”

So says Joanna Patterson,Assistant Director of Alverno’sCareer Lab when describingthe importance of the careerportfolio to Alverno students’future professional success.This binder is not required ofstudents but students shouldrealize how much of an impactthis will have in professionalinterviews.

How and why? A goodcareer portfolio is a tool to usein professional interviews. It’san actual binder that studentsfill with their accomplishmentsfrom academic and workingexperiences to demonstratetheir life skills, interests andachievements to futureemployers.

The career portfolio isintroduced to all beginningstudents yet, many forgetabout this importantopportunity as they journeythrough their years at Alverno.But it is never too late to getstarted on building a portfolio.

Patterson shares tips todevelop a portfolio.

First, students create twoportfolios. The “ProgressPortfolio” is built throughoutone’s time as a student.

The “PresentationPortfolio” is a polishedportfolio that draws togetherthe best pieces of the ProgressPortfolio. The PresentationPortfolio is tailored to theaudience the interviewee ispresenting it to so, it is createdusing the items in the ProgressPortfolio that bestdemonstrate the key skills forthat particular position.

Why is it so important to getstarted now? It is simplybecause one can always decidenot to use things that theyhave gathered in their ProgressPortfolio in the PresentationPortfolio. Having a small

portfolio is fine. Quality isbetter than quantity.

Patterson suggests materialthat students should gather intheir Progress Portfolio. Sheincludes academic andemployment samples thatdemonstrate concrete skills,any articles that have beencreated or published thatmight demonstrate a sample offormatting or creativeexpression, even if it was donein a group setting and anyexamples of contribution tothe community including work,school and volunteer activities.She adds that any statementsof recognition that a studenthas received such ascongratulatory letters,recruitment letters and “thankyou” letters are veryimportant.

Patterson reminds studentsthat the portfolio reflects theindividual as a professional sokeep it well organized, using atable of contents and tabs onpages. She mentions gettingthe best portfolio forpresentation that one canafford. To quote Joanne, itshould be “comfortable andsuccinct” or, brief and clear toread. Needless to say, stay awayfrom any cutesy stuff likeglitter, stickers and yes, anyendearing love letters.

Remember, the Career Lablocated on the first floor of LAis available and has a trainedstudent worker on site to assist.The Career Lab will guidestudents in their career searchand development as aprofessional. It is very userfriendly with many books andbrochures on display as well astwo highly useful internet sites,Career Links and InternetDiscover.

For more assistance on theProgress Portfolio or careersearching, visit the Career Labor consider making anappointment with JoannaPatterson or Amy Fritz,manager of the Career Lab.

While embarking on a newclassroom experience, studentsmay have asked themselves,why do I have to take this classor, when am I ever going to usethis? A new experience in aclass outside of Alvernostudents’ core program or areaof major may make themwonder, are general educationcourses necessary?

The answer is yes! Generaleducation courses are arequirement in the liberal artsprogram. The AnnapolisGroup, a nonprofit alliance ofthe nation’s leadingindependent liberal artscolleges explains the reasonswhy these courses arenecessary.

“These colleges foster abroad based knowledge andunderstanding of thehumanities, sciences, and thearts and the cultivation ofcritical thinking andexamination.” Requiringgeneral education coursesensures that each student getsa well-rounded education thatincludes both her core classesand additional courses that willbroaden her perspective andcreativity.

At Alverno, this wellrounded education is outlined

with the eight abilities:communication, analysis,problem-solving, valuing indecision-making, socialinteraction, developing aglobal perspective, effectivecitizenship, and aestheticengagement. Each coursedraws upon at least one ofthese abilities, but usuallyprovides a combination ofthem.

“The nation’s top liberal artscolleges uniquely preparestudents for lives of service,achievement, leadership andpersonal fulfillment,” morereasons indicated by theAnnapolis group that are topmeasures of a graduate.

Such outcomes of generaleducation and elective courseswill hold value even as onegoes through different lifechanges, including educationaland career adjustments, saysMarie Ebling, an Alvernoacademic advisor.

She comments why studentsshould look at their educationin a broad scope. “The liberalarts program will exposestudents to new ideas and willultimately connect to theirdegree in some way. They willbe able to draw on theirexperiences and see how theyconnect to future goals.”

Ebling clarifies that somegeneral education courses are

required, such as socialinteraction, humanities andfine arts. She notes that thesecourses are especially critical.

In selecting a variety ofcourses one can find engagingand useful, Ebling advisesstudents to read into coursedescriptions.

However be advised to lookbeyond these descriptions.Rebecca Richardson, afreshman at Alverno, found aparticular Humanities and FineArts course titled Perspectiveson Freedom to be quitedifferent than what sheexpected based on reading thecourse description. Althoughshe found the course to be veryinteresting, “the title was notappealing so it did not seemuseful.”

Fortunately she soon founda huge connection with theactual content of the course,making note that this coursehelped her “develop the skill tostate an opinion along withproviding a supportiverational.”

In addition to readingcourse descriptions, to makesure the course will fit wellwith personal educationalgoals, students should takefurther initiative by speakingwith the course instructor toget more information on thecourse.

Alverno student interns atDouble R Productions in D.C.

BY DRAGANA SAVICALPHA STAFF WRITER

BY CAROLINE THOMASALPHA STAFF WRITER BY CAROLINE THOMAS

ALPHA STAFF WRITER

Facts aboutinternship

• Everybody has to do atleast one internship;

• 150 students per year doan internship — thisexcludes nursing,education, art therapy andmusic therapy majors;

• 15-18 percent of studentsgot job offers in the pastfive years.

Start your careerportfolio NOW

Stephanie Pfeifer working at Double RProductions.

Are general educationcourses necessary?

FREE RADIO from page 1

Alverno students alsoparticipated in thedevelopment of the radio’spublic relations campaign, thefinal design being developedby recent Alverno graduateLori Szarzynski and studentsApril Jones and TriciaKurszewski.

As stated in thepromotional release for TheAlverno Inferno Free Radio,the goals of the station are to:

provide instruction in digitalaudio design and production;provide instruction in mediamanagement; provide aforum for Alverno Collegestudents, staff and faculty;and provide a democratic,community-based project forstudents to fully experiencethe fulfillment ofcollaboratively developing,producing and managing amedium.

In the future, studentsworking together in small

groups will develop AIFRbroadcast content and run thestation with guidance fromtheir faculty advisor, assistantprofessor, Tracy Stockwell, anda campus advisory committee.

AIFR Radio will provide anopportunity for students todevelop their skills in the smallgroup forum that often goesunappreciated by Alvernostudents.

“… We reach out to ourstudent members to give usfeedback on what they expectto receive out of theirmembership and are willing tocreate opportunities for thembased on the experience theyare seeking to incorporate intotheir career and life goals,”says Anita Guerrero, President

of AWC. The Association for Women

in Communications, AlvernoCollege Chapter (ACAWC), is astudent run, professionallydiverse organization that isdedicated to women who wantto grow personally andprofessionally at work and intheir lives.

The group providesopportunities to connect,volunteer, learn new skills,become a leader and supportthe community as well as eachother. Its programs provide

opportunities for bothmembers and future membersto network, enhanceprofessional experience andskills, and increase technicalcommunication knowledge.

Student membership is agreat way to begin expandinghorizons into the professionalrealm, but even further,becoming a board member canbe more rewarding withoutmuch additional effort.

"As ACAWC’s publicity chairand Web sitemanager, Icreated anumber ofg r e a tp r o f e s s i o n a lcommunicationand graphicdesign piecesfor myp o r t f o l i o ,w o r k e dtogether withgreat womento raise fundsand sharedideas in acol laborative

environment,” said BrendaManry, Communication,Management and Technologyprogram senior.

“I highly recommend AWCas a student chapter becauseevery profession usescommunication, and no matterhow many years it takes toearn your degree, your time atAlverno is short-lived. Being amember of a studentorganization is very well worthwhatever time and effort youcan contribute."

There are several boardmembers who are graduating

this semester. AWC is scoutingfor potential successors toenter into mentor/menteerelationships in preparation forthe elections later thissemester. The open boardmember positions include:Communications Chair,Publicity Chair, Fundraising Co-Chair and Secretary/HistorianChair. There is also a need tomaintain the ACAWC Web site.So, as a Computer ScienceMajor, this may be a wonderfuland fulfilling experience.

“As Vice President Co-Chair,ACAWC has given menetworking opportunities,experience on my resume andpresence in the community,”said Bevin Christy.

To find out moreinformation, visit the ACAWCWeb site athttp://studentorgs.alverno.edu/studentorgs/awc/index.html orcontact Co-Vice President andMembership ChairpersonChanté Shultz atchante_may@yahoo.com.

ALVERNO ALPHA Page 5November 2007

BY JULIE GILBOYALPHA STAFF WRITER

The fall general educationconference, Distilling Essence,was held at Alverno College onSept. 25, 2007. This was a daydevoted to students, staff,faculty of Alverno College andmembers of the community tolearn, explore and connect inan interdisciplinary liberal artsenvironment.

The joint efforts of facultyfrom various academic

disciplines and the AestheticEngagement AbilityDepartment created 13different seminars centered onthis year’s theme. The DistillingEssence Program encouraged“expression of identitythrough narrative, wellness,image, sound, movement,environment, heritage,community…”

Lauralee Guilbault’schromatography seminar

provided a smalltaste of the day.Attendees witnessedand experienced thec o n n e c t i o n sbetween art andscience in theprocess of distillingthe color essence ofink on paper, thusd e m o n s t r a t i n gGuilbault’s beliefthat “science can be beautiful,expressive and creative.”

Dara Larson noted “furtherconnections betweenscientific study ofpaper and the creativeprocess,” as shetaught the spiritual,economic, aestheticand technical aspectsof western and non-western paper.Participants processedpulp and producedsheets of banana andcotton paper and kozo

fiber bark cloth. A small group displayed an

intense effort in the MediaHub’s double session onClaymation. This visual artcame alive through creativeuse of clay, photography, videoand music. The six-memberproduction team headed byJoyce Lange and assisted byLynn McDonough and BarbJakopac, left with their IMovie

burned to a personal DVD.Diane Knight’s group was

extremely receptive to hersession on guided musicrelaxation. The concept andconnections of music’s affecton them captivated theaudience as they learned itsimpact physically,physiologically, psychologicallyand socially. Diane said thatshe “loved the opportunity toshare these useful tools tocombat stress.”

The theme and message ofthe day seemed to filterthrough no matter whichseminar was attended. It was aday to experience, explore andcelebrate all the disciplines:Art, Communication, English,Music, Nursing, Psychology,and Science.

Distilling Essence was a daymany looked beneath thesurface to extract the essentialelements to better understandeducation, self and life.

Alverno opened its doors:Many stepped into a

liberal arts adventureBY JUDITH GUNKELALPHA STAFF WRITER

Association forWomen in Communicationsscouting for new members

AWCBakeSale.t L to R: Juliet Starks, Bevin Christieand Chanté Shultz prepare for AWC's bake sale.

Photo by Brenda Manry.

To learn more aboutACAWC, stop in at anupcoming meeting on campusin “Team Room" AF 105, nearthe gym closer to AlphonsaHall; area 6 on the map.Meetings are held are onweekend college (WEC)Saturdays from12:10-12:50 p.m., next is11/17.

For weekday students,meetings are on Mondaysfrom 6-7 p.m., next are on11/5 and 12/3.

“Using social media in theworkplace is much like drivinga car; there are rules in place tokeep everyone manageableand safe,” said Tom Keefe ofVolkswagen Credit, Inc. atRagan Communication’s first-ever “unConference” at theMillennium Knickerbockerhotel in Chicago, Ill. on Sept.26.

The free all-day"unConference" on socialmedia tools and strategiesattracted more than 80professional communicatorsfrom companies across theUnited States and Canada,serving as an innovative andstimulating workshop prior toa two-day “Social MediaSummit” also sponsored byRagan Communications. Thiswas the first time the companysponsored an entire daydevoted to learning from

attendees.There were two social

media experts on hand toguide the discussions but theycame without presentations orspeeches. The always livelyand controversial, SteveCrescenzo, host of Ragan’spodcast, “CorporatePunishment,” and the“Corporate Hallucinations”blog started the day off. Whilethe afternoon was led by socialmedia “guru” Shel Holtz, ABC(Accredited BusinessCommunicator), who authorsthe blog “A Shel of My FormerSelf” and co-hosts acommunications technologypodcast “For ImmediateRelease.” Although these twobig names were on site, thefocus was really on attendees.Their comments were to thepoint and objective.

Four key topics drove thesocial media discussions

throughout the day – first witha focus on internalcommunications, then thevalue of social media toorganizations. Following wasobtaining managementsupport for social mediainitiatives and finally; coveringpolicies that work for socialmedia programming.

Social media in theworkplace

Social media is a trendyterm that means a variety ofthings, but in the workplaceit's about working online usingcollaborative business tools likeblogs, Wikis, communities,instant messaging, audiorecording (also known aspodcasting) and videostreaming much like what canbe found on the ever-popularsite, You Tube(http://www.youtube.com/).

Social media tools can aidsignificantly in the mobilework environments that aremoving forward. Instantmessaging, blogs and Wikis canhelp employees share moreinformation and cut down onemails.

Social communities (similarto MySpace or Facebook) offera combination of most socialmedia tools in a sharedlocation - and can replace atraditional web site, typicallymaintained by at least oneperson. These tools arechanging the roles and rulesfor traditional web design andemployee communications.Just about anyone can hostand manage space online withmore interactive features thanever before.

"As an attendee at the‘unConference,’ I found theinformation on social media tobe energizing and exciting. Iwas empowered to find outhow social media in theworkplace could be the 'newcompetitive edge' inprofessional communications,”stated Julie Gilboy of CooperPower Systems, in Pewaukee,Wis., also a Communications,Management and Technologysenior at Alverno College.

A conference like none otherRagan Communications

Chicago hosts its first-ever“unConference”on social media

BY BRENDA MANRYALPHA STAFF WRITER

An unConference is aconference where thecontent of the sessions isdriven and created by theparticipants, generally day-by-day during the course ofthe event, rather than by asingle organizer, or smallgroup of organizers, inadvance.

– Wikipedia

Steve Crescenzo shares casesamples with attendees at theMillennium Knickerbocker hotelat Ragan Communicationsfirst-ever unConference on social media.

ALVERNO ALPHAWatch for it on Campus:

http://intranet.alverno.edu/news/alphaLook for it on the Alverno intranet*

*Viewable on campus only

December 1“Graduation edition”

Pick up a copy in the Commons, Clare Hall lobby, Austin Hall lobby, the Library, Student Services and the Admissions office.

Alpha is a student created/produced newspaper dedicated to informing and entertaining the Alverno community.

If i t t d i t ib ti t Al h l t t Al h St ff Ad i

ALVERNO ALPHA November 2007Page 6

On Sept. 29, 2007, a tallstriking man catches severalonlookers’ eyes as heapproaches the door to theCharles Allis Art Museum. Hiscitrus green embroideredcotton suit seems to glowagainst his ebony skin.

The President of Pan-African Community Association(PACA), Peter Akubeze, isabout to enter Elegance forAfrica, a black tie or traditionalAfrican attired gala fundraiser.Ninety-two people, includingAlderman Joe Davis, attended.

The evening was full ofauthentic African music, danceand food. This dream worldwas the result of one year ofwork by Alverno student LaceyGreen, a 22-year-oldsophomore in the CommunityLeadership program.

Monies raised came fromadvance ticket sales, doorreceipts, and a silent auction.David Barnett showcasedAfrican artwork from hisgallery and donated 10 percentof his sales. The evening’s

proceeds will benefit WestAfrican Mercy Ministries(WAMM) along with PACA andHope in Tanzania.

The event’s key presenterwas Audiofax Choma, theTanzanian Embassy’s Economicand Trade Minister. Heunderscored the necessity forheightened awareness in theUS to the issues faced by Africaalong with increased supportto induce change.

The representative forWAMM, Brian McIntyre,flashed pictures of poverty-stricken children on the screenas he stated the soberingprediction that there will be 50million Sub-Sahara orphans by2010. This, he said, equals 10times Wisconsin’s population.

Fessahaye Mebrahtu (PACA)explained his agency’scommitment to raiseMilwaukee’s awareness to theAfrican community along withaiding African immigrants andrefugees.

Hope in Tanzania’s RyanSkaife touched on their focusto help eliminate hunger inTanzania through agriculturalreform. He highlighted their

growing initiative andconnection with aMarquette Collegechapter to enlist areacollege students.

Green presented theFriends of Africa Awardto Alverno CollegeFaculty member, JimHenderson, on behalf ofthe three organizationsand herself for hisexemplary help andsupport.

Then it was Green’sturn to be surprised asPACA awarded her aplaque, “For outstandingachievement above andbeyond the call of servicein coordinating Elegancefor Africa.” In addition, shewas presented with atraditional African outfit thatincluded: a Bulauzi (top), Sketiya kuzungushia (wrapperskirt), and a Kitambaa(headband).

Green closed with apowerful message that, “It iswonderful to hold a gala, helpan orphan, or a farmer. But justas important to live your lifewith consistency and passion

because that is what is going toinspire the next generation todo the same.”

The fundraiser was inspiredby a defining moment inGreen’s life. On a mission tripin South Africa, amalnourished toddler’s motherin Qwa Qwa responded toGreen’s gift of food saying,“Thank-you for this bread:today my baby will eat. Todaywe will live and not die.”

Green credits hergrandmother, Victoria Zeitz,for her passion. Hergrandmother’s dreams to goon mission trips have beenrealized through Green, whosays, “If you were to literallycut open my heart, you wouldfind that it would bleed tearsof compassion for Africa.”

Death is inevitable, but itcreeps up on some morequickly than others. MargaretEdson’s play “Wit” wasperformed at Alverno Collegein October. Wit is an eye-opening look at the life of awoman named Vivian, astrong-willed English professorthat finds out she has terminalcancer.

In the Alverno production ofWit, Kallyn Vandenack playedJessica Posner, who administersthe chemotherapy to Vivian.Vandenack, a junior at AlvernoCollege, has been involved in13 plays already, this one beingthe most challenging role she’sever undertaken. She speakspassionately about theproduction of Wit.

Q: How long have you beenan actor? How’d you getinterested, and where’d youget your start?

My parents would say I’vebeen actor since I was 1 or 2…I really thought I was Peter Panuntil I jumped off the back ofmy couch and almost broke myarm. And how did I getinterested in it? I don’t know, Iguess I just love entertainingpeople, and I love makingstories come to life, escapingmy reality for a couple of hoursand going into someone else’sand exploring the differentlives of the characters that are

written.

Q: Why did you choose toparticipate in this play?

I chose to participate in thisplay because basically it goeswith the story of Wit; I think ithas an amazing message thatgoes along with it. Basically,the story line is a women whohas stage 4 ovarian cancer, andit takes place from thebeginning when she finds outshe has it, and she’s talkingabout it and the process fromthat point until the end. It’sjust such a beautiful story.

Q: Any funny stories aboutany of your fellow playmembers or yourself?

One of the first rehearsals Ipracticed a scene with Terri,who plays Vivian, and in it mycharacter gives her a pelvicexam. It was pretty much like ahi nice to meet you Terri, oklet’s just go up on stage and I’llgive you a pelvic exam; youdon’t know me, but mycharacter is about to do that,so it was pretty funny… Thatwill always stick in my mind;we seem to have a lot ofawkward scenes together, butit brought us closer together,and I think that chemistry youcan see on the stage.

Q: Since you’ve been inseveral plays, can you give usa few tips/pointers on howto make it into a play?Where should one start?And how do you “pass” anaudition?

…When I started doingtheater I was just looking forsomething to join to meetpeople, and I was nervous toaudition because I didn’t thinkI was good enough. I didn’teven know how good I was. Iknew I loved theater, so I justwanted to be a part of it, so Idid stage crew. Then finally Iauditioned my junior year.

…If you want to pass youraudition, then you show upthere with a positive attitudeand show them that passion. Agood director can see it. If youdon’t have the technical skillsof body position, how you facethe audience, things like that;a director can teach you that —you pick that up along the way.A true passion for theater isapparent; you step in thereand the director sees it. Whenauditions roll around youvolunteer to be the first one upthere to read … You’re feelingnervous, but everyone else isfeeling nervous too, you haveto remember that. Just go upthere and be confident andthey’ll see it.

Passion in action: Alverno student creates fundraiserBY JUDITH GUNKELALPHA STAFF WRITER

BY SHERYL HOYTALPHA STAFF WRITER

Face to face withAlverno actress

Kallyn Vandenack

Lacey Green receives Pan-AfricanCommunity Association (PACA) awardfor outstanding achievement andservice.

Photo by Jenny Marie Farris.

Kallyn Vandenack.Photo by Sheryl Hoyt

Volunteer opportunitiesplentiful for Thanksgiving

There used to be a daywhen people took the time toactually sit down and listen toone another. There were nodistractions like textmessaging, e-mails or iPods.

Alverno’s InteractiveListening course is bringingback the lost art of listening by

teaching listening skills to busystudents.

“The most challengingthing about listening is time,”says Alverno student MichelleMayne. Like many, Maynestruggles to make time tolisten because she has so muchstuff to get done. It seems as ifwhen one thing gets done,something else is waiting.

Some people claim that they

are excellent listeners becausethey know how to multitask.However, as Wisconsin PublicRadio host Bill Merensexplained to students inInteractive Listening, evenwhile multitasking, a personcan do only one thing or theother well.

If multitasking can distractgood listening, so can manyother things. These include:

being in a conversation whereone person dominates thetalking or thinking about howto respond while the otherperson is still talking.

Merens offered some tips tobe an effective listener. Setaside time to practice listening. Spend at least 10minutes a day listening tosomeone, whether it is ahusband, children or a co-

worker. Practice listeningtechniques like making eyecontact or paraphrasing.

Remember, every momentcounts. As Bill Merens said,“The best gift we can givesomeone is our time.”

Alverno students learn to listenBY SOPHIA WATTLETONALPHA STAFF WRITER

Thanksgiving is a time totake a step back from thehectic pace of daily life andconsider the many freedomsand blessings of society.

One way to show thanks isthrough Effective Citizenship— giving back a little by takingadvantage of one of the manyvolunteer opportunitiesMilwaukee has to offer.

For those interested inencouraging multiculturalunderstanding, the HolidayFolk Fair International islooking for 500 volunteers forNov. 16 between 8 a.m. and 10p.m. at the State Fair ExpoCenter in West Allis. Thevolunteer opportunities arediverse, from working atthe information booths toselling food/beverages orsouvenirs. Families arewelcome, but volunteersmust be over 16 if notsupervised by an adult. Tovolunteer, contact ProgramCoordinator Eric Neitzke at(414) 225-6220.

On Nov. 17 and Dec. 15from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.,SHARE needs at least 10volunteers to help count foodand load trucks at the SHAREwarehouse in Butler. Somelifting will be required.Volunteers should be 14 yearsof age or older; teens andfamilies are welcome. For moreinformation or to volunteer,contact Volunteer CoordinatorScott Schmoller at (262) 783-2500.

The Council for the SpanishSpeaking has providedThanksgiving meals to low-income families for 37 years.This year, the Council is lookingfor 50 volunteers to sort andpack 800 boxes in Milwaukeeon Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. to 1p.m. and on Nov. 18 from 9:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults over18 and families are welcome.

Those interested involunteering one or both daysshould contact Aldira Aldape,Administrative Assistant, at(414) 384-3700.

Those 18 years of age orolder who are looking to helpthe many seniors who are shut-in or have limited availabletransportation might beinterested in volunteering forthe Thanksgiving Baskets forSeniors project at the Bay ViewCenter. The Center needs 15volunteers on Nov. 20 from9:30 a.m. to noon to puttogether the baskets, and 15more volunteers are neededlater that afternoon from12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. to deliverthem. To volunteer, contactPresident/CEO Linda Nieft at(414) 482-1000.

The Hebron House needs 20volunteers age 16 and above tohelp prepare and serve dinnerfor their guests onThanksgiving from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. Located in Waukesha andoperating since August 1983,the Hebron House is dedicatedto providing the basic needs offood, shelter and support toanyone in need, according tohebronhouse.org. ContactVolunteer Manager AnitaFabos at (262) 549-8720 formore information or tovolunteer.

For more information onvolunteer opportunities, visitvolunteermilwaukee.org orcontact the local United Wayoffice.

BY MICHELLE MAYNEALPHA STAFF WRITER

ALVERNO ALPHA Page 7November 2007

During the third week ofclasses she is closing up the barafter a night of bartending,only to be surprised by a manwho sneaks in and attacks her.She, well prepared to protectherself, punches him in theface and breaks his jaw.

As he is down, she breaks hisankle so he cannot move whileshe calls the police. This man isa known sexual predator.

This woman is an Alvernostudent, who wishes to stayanonymous, currently enrolledin a new kickboxing coursetaught by Christina Garza-Nelson.

During the kickboxingcourse she obtained the skillsto ward off her attacker, whichinclude basic kicking, blockingand punching techniques usedin a combo routine.

Garza-Nelson says, “It isessential to build up themental capacity to think aboutwhat to and how to use thetechniques in a self defensesituation.”

That mental capacity is whatthe Alverno student used whenfighting off her attacker; justas she broke his jaw she said toherself “Now what didChristina say to do?”

Considering women’s risk ofsexual assault, these skillswould empower women andhelp Alverno students protectthemselves against beingattacked.

When asked how she’d like

the kickboxing course toevolve on Alverno’s campus,Garza-Nelson said, “I wouldlike to see a self defense coursethat addresses psychologicalissues, empowering women

with the knowledge and skillsto avoid (dangerous)situations.”

She would also like an opendialogue about how to avoidthese uncomfortable situationsby discussing personal safetyand warning signs of when arelationship has becomedangerous.

Kickboxing (WEC – 115 or116) is a one-credit course that

meets for only half thesemester. Participants shouldbe prepared to break a sweat.As Christina says, “There is anemphasis on building staminain order to use these moves.”

C h r i s t i n aGarza-Nelson,the instructorand newf a c u l t ymember, iswell trainedin the art ofKarate andkickbox ing.She has beens t u d y i n gkarate sincethe age offive, andb e g a nk i c k b o x i n gsince 2003.She says,“Self-defensehas been herlife,” havingtoo beenfaced withhaving top h y s i c a l l yp r o t e c therself.

Garza-Nelson is also thenew Director of CommunityLeadership and AssistantProfessor in Social Science. Inall her endeavors, shepromotes women’sempowerment and doingwhat’s right for hercommunity.

Not sure what who to call inan emergency, theft or otherincidents while on campus?For bothemergencies andnon-emergencies,Alverno Safetyand Security is theanswer.

Sergeant JasonJ. Pilarski says,"the Departmentof Safety andSecurity is here tohelp, whetheryour have been injured, hadproperty damage, theft orneed to talk about a problemon campus. We are a resourcefor the entire collegecommunity."

Alverno Safety and Securityshould be contacted beforedialing 9-1-1 in an emergencyby calling 414-382-6341. Thisnumber should be used fortrue emergencies since callshave a 30-second limit and areheard by every officer on staff;and anyone standing near atwo-way radio will hear theconversation which couldpotentially scare off possibleperpetrators.

Only the most import detailsshould be given when callingthis number so that the closeststaff member can respond tothe location fastest.

Why not call 9-1-1 first? Theloss of valuable time is theanswer. The department is acertified first responder, allstaff members are certified bythe American HeartAssociation in first aid,cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) and Automated ExternalDefibrillators (AED) — six AEDsare distributed across thecampus. The team also worksclosely with the MilwaukeePolice Department in ensuringa safe learning and workingenvironment on campus.

For non-emergencies, suchas requesting an escort, theft,lost and found or reportingsuspicious activity, studentsshould call the InformationDesk at 414-382-6002. Ifneeded, callers can request tospeak with a Security Officerimmediately (during or)following an incident as soonas it’s safe to do so, to takefurther action.

According to Pilarski, themost common crime thathappens on campus is theft.Take precaution to preventcrimes (see sidebar for more),know the numbers to call andreport them as soon aspossible.

Alverno Safety and Securityprovides foot and motorpatrols and service 24 hours aday, 365 day a year both oncampus and the surroundingneighborhood. They offerescorts to cars or otherbuildings, deliver emergencymessages, run the “OperationI.D.” program to help protectand recover property, directand assist visitors, students,faculty ad staff, reserve lockers,operate the Lost and Found(located in the LA basement inB6) and provide security forspecial events.

The staff also managesparking permits, oversees FirstAid equipment, provideCommunity Crime Alerts and

manage a Crime Log, enforceparking, smoking andalcohol/drug policies, maintainkey card access and serve as amember of the Alverno CrisisIntervention Team.

"Our mission isto further themission of AlvernoCollege byproviding a safeplace to learn andgrow as studentsand citizens. Wework with theentire collegec o m m u n i t y ,whether you are a

student, staff or facultymember or a visitor tocampus," says Pilarski.

For more information, referto the Alverno Safety &Security Web page.

On the Alverno path to theirdegrees, students learn theimportance of diversity andaccepting of one another’sdifferences. Equally importantcan be the similarities, thesmall uniting factors, likegetting brain freeze orsuddenly hearing YMCA inyour head over and over.

Brain freeze, for example, isone agonizing minute thatmany people have experiencedat least once. It comes in theform of a short-lived poundingheadache earned by enjoying acold beverage or treat.According to the Kids HealthOrganization, this occurs whenthe roof of the mouth gets toocold, causing swelling incertain blood vessels within thebrain. This is easily solved bywarming the roof of themouth with the tongue, or byslower consumption.

In grade school it waspopular to say that ifsomeone’s ears start ringing,someone else was talkingabout them. As cute as thatsounds, it could actually be asymptom of hearing loss, orworse, a head or neck tumor.

The name of the disorder that“ear ringing” goes by istinnitus, which sounds morelike a Greek God than aproblem, but is very serious. Itis caused by age, over exposureto loud noise, injury, or longterm use of certainmedications. If one experiencesthis symptom, medicalinspection should be sought.

Speaking of hearingproblems, the music industry isactually manipulating the ear-mind coordination of itscustomers. When one has asong stuck in their head, it isthanks to the catchy, repetitivetunes the ear and mind aresubject to every day. Accordingto Professor James Kellaris,PhD, Professor of marketing atthe University of Cincinnati, asong stuck in your head,referred to by Germanscientific studies as an“earworm,” is strategicallycreated and often the goal ofmost music-reliant companies.This is how the most annoyingsongs and jingles are made.The repetition of sounds andwords appeals to certain partsof the brain, and can berecalled repeatedly and easily.

BBC News reports thatMozart apparently had this

same problem. Kellaris statedthat musicians are moresusceptible to earworms thannon-musicians. Mozart wasconstantly harassed by his kids,who would play one part ofthe same song repeatedly untilhe came in and finished it,claiming it was the only thingthat would get the tune out ofhis head. This is now said to bea solution to the problem:listen to the whole song onceand it will go away.

Now, women the world overare convinced that theirmenstrual cycles will start tosync with other women if theylive in the same household. Thefacts are not quite solidified,but as Jacquelyn Rudis of theHealth Library states,“statistically overlap canoccur.”

Much evidence suggeststhat they do synchronize, butthere are too many variables todraw a conclusion. Alverno’s adcampaign states that the worldneeds strong women, and a2006 Human Nature articlestates that 80% of womenbelieve in the phenomenon, sothe validity of this myth hasbeen officially reached.

Alverno College introduces acourse that may save lives

BY KRISTIN M. WALKERALPHA STAFF WRITER

Christina Garza-Nelson (left) and her sparringpartner during kickboxing class.

BY ARIELLE REEDALPHA STAFF WRITER

Truth or urban myth? Body mysteries debunked

BY BRENDA MANRYALPHA STAFF WRITER

Contact Safety &Security – before

dialing 9-1-1 and more

• Plan ahead and makesafety a priority when alone.• Practice memorizinglicense tags or identifyingcharacteristics of strangers.If something does happen,you can provide security abetter description of theperpetrator.• If you run/walk at night,take different routes, varyyour times or find a friendor running/walking partner.If that’s not possible, tellsomeone where you aregoing and when you expectto return.• Avoid unpopulated areas,deserted streets andovergrown trails. Especiallyavoid unlit areas or walkingin between parked cars orbushes. Also, stay alert and aware ofyour surroundings. • Don’t wear headphones;they could interfere withhearing potential predators.• If someone does approachyou, ignore verbalharassment. Use discretionin acknowledging strangers.Keep your distance andkeep moving. Do not allowthe person to get you in asecluded area or into orclose to their vehicle.

Prevent campus theft

• Take personal items ofvalue with you or ensurethat the classroom or officedoor is locked beforeleaving, even for a shorttime. • Use the day lockers in theTeaching, Learning andTechnology Center (TLTC).These lockers are free,requiring a refundablequarter to use. • Don’t leave valuables inyour vehicle — they aretempting to thieves, whocan easily break thewindow.• Leave unnecessaryvaluables at home,including social securitycards, credit or debit cards,large amounts of cash,checks or other valuablesthat can be easily slippedout of an unsuspectingpurse or wallet.

SAFETY TIPS

THE ELIE

WIESEL PRIZE

IN ETHICS

The Prize in Ethics Essay Contest is an annual competition for college students.Full-time juniors and seniors at accredited four-year colleges and universities inthe U.S. are invited to enter the Essay Contest and compete for $10,000 in prizesand the opportunity to meet Elie Wiesel in NYC.

Guidelines and entry form available online at: www.eliewieselfoundation.orgDeadline: December 7, 2007

ALVERNO ALPHA November 2007Page 8

Writer, director and Emmyaward winning actor Alan Aldaspoke to the Alvernocommunity in Pitman Theatreon Sept. 26.

The Pitman auditorium wasfilled with laughter as Aldatold about his new memoir,Things I Overheard While

Talking to Myself, the followup to his widely acclaimedmemoir, Never Have Your DogStuffed. As the attendees filedinto the theater, they weregiven a copy of Alda’s new

memoir with his signature onthe title page.

The attendance at the eventwas phenomenal; the frontrows filled quickly and only afew more seats were left in theback of the theater. TheM*A*S*H actor was introducedto a crowd full of fans and loudapplause.

“When you’re dying, orthink you’re dying, you can’t

think ofanything moreimportant tosay than ‘I loveyou,’” Alda saysof his neard e a t hexperience inChile. Hestarted hisspeech with theretelling of thisexperience. Hehad a dyingintestine andhad to undergoan emergencysurgery torepair the

damage in a small Chileanhospital.

The event changed his lifeand, in his words, he beganliving “in the now.”

“So for me, it started to be a

long-lasting feeling ofsatisfaction. Satisfaction rightnow and it goes all the way tothe end.”

Alda uses his celebrity, hispublic speaking experiencesand life experiences to bothentertain and gather someinsight into his life. What do Ihave to offer this world ,andwhy am I here are thequestions he is still askinghimself.

But the event was not just aserious discussion of his searchfor meaning. “Before I was 2, Iwas waiting in the wingswatching burlesque showsbecause my father was inburlesque. I would watch thecomics, half-naked chorus girls,totally naked strippers…it gaveme a life-long interest,” he saidin reaction to the question“how old were you when youdecided you were funny?”

His appearance ended withAlda offering personalizationof his signature in the memoir.A line of more than 50 fansstretched as far as the Alvernogym hallway and took just overa half-hour for Alda to finish.

This is the second time Aldahas come to Alverno Collegefor the Harry W. Schwartz Liveevent.

Garrison Keillor, the authorof “Pontoon: A Novel of LakeWobegon” introduced himselfand his book to an audience inPitman Theatre on Oct. 2,2007.

Keillor stepped on the stagewearing a suit, red tie, redsocks and red tennis shoes, andthe audience stared at hisunique appearance inamazement. The tall, brownhaired man stood straight,with hands in his coat pockets,looking at the audience withdelight.

He began by talking abouthis childhood and how at theage of 65, he wanted people toremember the good things inthe past. After he talked abouthis childhood, Keillor startedtalking about his novel.

“Pontoon: A Novel of LakeWobegon” is a comic novelthat “makes people laugh outloud, despite their sorrows,”said Keillor. He said he wantedto write a book that would befunny to people his age.

The novel is set in LakeWobegon in 1956. The bookbegins with the maincharacter, Evelyn, dying. As thebook progresses, Keillorexamines Evelyn’s life and allthe triumphs and downfallsshe goes through, includingLutheran religion, struggleswith money and identity, aswell as other betrayals andgrief.

As I read parts of the book, Ifound it very engaging, with acomic style. The characterskept my interest because everycharacter was different andtook different paths in life. Iparticularly liked that Evelynfalls in love with Raul who livesin Las Vegas. He takes herdancing and shows her a lifeoutside of Lake Wobegon.

I also liked Keillor’sdescription of traditions andhow people lived in the 1950’s.The vivid pictures I imagined asI was reading made me thinkof how this world has changed.

Keillor said that the bookoffers an appreciation of thepast to people who want toremember and to members of

the young generation who areinterested in knowing. Being65 has made Keillor look at hislife when he was young, andnow he appreciates everythingthat he went through. He said,“If you don’t have something,you’ll truly appreciate it.”

He said as he turned 65, hestarted being terrified of beinga senior citizen. When heturned 65, he realized that hedoes not need to retire. So hedecided, “Somebody needs tobe on the radio to tell all aboutthe past and the good times.”He does this on his long-running show “A Prairie HomeCompanion,” which airs onMinnesota’s Public radio.

When he stopped talkingabout his novel, he startedsinging. The entire audienceseemed to hold its breath, thengave him a standing ovation.

He delivered such a genuinepresentation, that even I, whodid not know much about himor his writing, listened deeplyto his words. His emotion andhis way with words gave megoose bumps. I believe that“Pontoon: A Novel of LakeWobegon” should be read bypeople in every generation inorder to embrace the past andto realize how things arechanging.

Alan Alda stops talking to himself andtalks to the Alverno community

BY CHRISTINE N. CONDEALPHA STAFF WRITER

BY DRAGANA SAVICALPHA STAFF WRITER

Alda signing his memoir.Photo by Christine N. Conde.

Garrison Keillorwows audience

On Sept. 25, the Arts &Cultures Gallery hosted itsopening reception to themulti-media exhibit that runsthrough Nov. 3. This providedparticipants of the GeneralEducation Conference:Distilling Essence anotherinterdisciplinary experience.

Alverno College’s LyndaSommers explained that itsgallery is unique, as it is one offew learning galleries. Thisgives visual media that is onthe edge of art theopportunity to be shown. TheDistilling Essence exhibithighlighted more than 150Alverno students’ essenceexpressions.

A prominently displayedglass quilt greets visitors.Twenty-five individuallycreated glass fused piecesdepicting the essence of theartist are interwoven to showthat these lives are connected.On a table below, studentnarratives explain each artist’sintention.

A slide show featuringreader’s self-portraits of EN-

330 students runs continuously.A placard explains that identityand imagination are used toproduce metaphoricaldepictions of the role thatliterature plays in our lives.Students are shown intraditional poses while oneimage depicts a studentbalancing on a book filledfuton scale. Yet another statesin elegant print, “As a reader, Iam a bridge between cultures,genders, historical periods,cities…” as the student stands

literally andf igurat ive lyon a bridge.

A r t i s tTrading Cardsby FA-110s t u d e n t sgraced anentire gallerywall whilev i v i d l ycolored boxesadorned withartifacts byanother classcreated ac e n t r a ld i s p l a y .N e a r b y ,f a n z i n e s

completed by A-135 studentsinvited visitors to stop and takea look.

Faculty member, DaraLarson, summarized the valueof this exhibit. “Students fromall majors had a wonderfultime discussing their creativeapproaches to the theme. Formany of them it was their firstopportunity to be in anexhibition, and I saw manystudents bring in friends andfamily.”

Arts & Cultures Gallery review:

Distilling EssenceBY JUDITH GUNKELALPHA STAFF WRITER

The Alverno College Art andCultures Gallery recentlyhosted “City2: Intuitive

Geometry of Community,” anart exhibition by AssociateProfessor of Art andChairperson of the AestheticEngagement AbilityDepartment at Alverno

College, DaraLarson. Theshow offeredthe public au n i q u evariety oflectures andevents aboutc r e a t i v ep r o b l e msolving andintegratingthe creation

of art with career buildingskills.

City2 is the collective workand experience by Larsonduring a year-long sabbaticaljoined by professionals JesseyJansen from the Peninsula ArtSchool-Emerging Artistprogram and Caitlin Carrolland Nirmal Raja from theMilwaukee Artist ResourceNetwork Mentoring Program.

Larson hosted two“Intuition and Geometry:Evolutions in Creative ProblemSolving” lunch and discussionsessions in September. Duringthe sessions, Larson explainedthat “the most difficult aspects

of creativity are the need forextensive time in solitude andthe need for intensiveinteraction with dynamiccreative communities.”

Finally, “Influences andcreative paths” were exploredin greater detail with Jansen,Carroll and Raja during twodifferent sessions inSeptember. They shared awide range of influences thatbrought meaning to theirpersonal visual languageswhile describing thechallenges, accomplishmentsand diverse routes they tookon artistic career paths.

Larson, instructor of anassortment of art classes atAlverno and has workexhibited and collectedinternationally, seems to touchthose around her with her

insightful work and uniqueinstruction techniques. Alvernoart student, Bobbi Hernandezstated that, “A few semestersago I was fortunate enough tobe apart of one of Dara’s manyart classes. I focused on art andculture and I remember Daraprovided so much insight onwhat exactly culture is. She hasthe ability to see things thatare simple and also verycomplex. Through her vision Iwas able to become a bettermember of art itself.”

For more information onthis interesting exhibit, freebrochures and a compilation ofworks from the exhibit areavailable for review justoutside of the Alverno’s Artand Cultures Gallery.

Photos by Dara Larson.

A closer look at City2:Intuitive Geometry of Community

BY BRENDA MANRYALPHA STAFF WRITER