The Valley Vanguard (Vol. 44 No. 18)

VALLEYTHEVANGUARD Saginaw Valley State University’s student newspaper since 1967Monday, January 30, 2012 Vol. 44 No. 18

news tips/press releases [email protected] newsroom (989) 964-4482 advertising (989) 964-4248 visit us online at valleyvanguardonline.com

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It’s the time of year where students must complete their Free Application for Student Federal Aid (FAFSA), but they don’t have to do it alone.

The Bay Area Community Foundation serves individuals in the Great Lakes Bay Region who are applying or returning to a college or university.

It opened the College Access Network a year and a half ago.

Eileen Curtis, president and CEO of the foundation, said that it works with students in high school, current college students and adults returning to college.

“The goal of the College Access Network is to assist students to break down the barrier of applying and filing for FAFSA,” she said.

Through the College Access Network, the Resource Center was created. Curtis said that it allows students to receive help to “get through the maze of applying for college.”

Students already in college can receive financial guiding assistance.

Resource workshops have been offered to families in the past, but in the meantime, the center provides resource materials such as brochures, applications, catalogs and access to computers.

Curtis said the Access Network is a great tool.

“Access Network is

a valuable resource for students and their families to help go on to college and to work towards completing a certificate or their degree,” she said.

Curtis said she wants students to understand the resources available to them on campus and to be engaged so they don’t leave after their first year.

“Our goal is to help increase the percentage of residents in our area that have post-secondary education, whether it’s a certificate or bachelor’s degree,” she said.

Also available to students through the College Access Network is the Tuition Funding element of Bay Commitment. It assists students in getting financial resources to succeed in college.

According to its website at baycommitment.org, advisers help students find and apply for scholarships, work through the financial aid process and find alternatives to help make college affordable.

Curtis said the Resource Center can answer questions about the ACT and the FAFSA form.

She said if the center isn’t able to answer the question, it has contacts with people at SVSU, where resources are also available on campus.

Carolyn Wierda, interim

Like the economy, the state of the University is improving through cautious growth.

The annual State of the University presentation took place Thursday, Jan. 26, in the Malcolm Field Auditorium. President Eric Gilbertson said that the number of students enrolled in 2011-2012 is approximately 10,360 students, a .16 percent increase from 2010-2011.

Also increasing were credit hours that were taught in the school year. The increase was nearly 2.35 percent, amounting to 118,800.

“I can report to you that the ‘state’ of our University is healthy, but fragile,” Gilbertson said. “These precious institutions, universities, are forever fragile.”

Gilbertson said graduate level enrollments have decreased in the college of

education by nearly 13 percent from last winter.

Gilbertson said the weak job market for new K-12 teachers and changes in state teacher certification and re-certification have had a significant impact.

“What had been a legally-mandated requirement that teachers earn graduate credits in order to maintain their professional licensure has now been all but eliminated,” he said.

Gilbertson said the University is re-thinking its role in graduate professional education to consider teacher preparation and class size.

“Our colleagues in the college of education are at work on these important matters, as this University’s role in the preparation of professionals for K-12 schools remains a vital part of our overall institutional mission,” he said.

See Foundation, a2

Foundation eases college financial burden By Katelyn davisvanguard staff Writer

By Katelyn davisvanguard staff Writer

See university, a2

SVSU President Eric Gilbertson addresses state funding cuts and where funds will be invested ARING

Gilbertson: university making progress

Vanguard Photo | Jess Ellison

Last thursday, President eric Gilbertson gave his annual state of the university address. Gilbertson reported that although the state of Michigan reduced funding, the university remains healthy and active.

Many students use internships and summer jobs to gain experience prior to graduation.

Last week, students attended the Summer Job and Internship Fair in the Rotunda next to the Student Life to find that edge.

A large turnout of local businesses attended the job fair. Many businesses were looking for particular characteristics in students,

such as having a positive attitude or being a hard worker.

Angela Faulkner, a store manager at The Home Depot, said students who could manage themselves well were ideal.

“We’re looking for students with good management of time and skills,” she said.

At the fair were larger employers such as Target and smaller employers such as Cinderella Inc.

Leah Harlan, accounting freshman, said that she had

a positive outlook in being hired by one of the fair’s employers.

“I am trying to get a job and expecting to be successful in my search for a job,” she said.

Brooke Vollmer, chemistry sophomore said she was looking for something to stand out on her resume.

“I’m looking for a job

See Fair, a2

Area employers seek student talent

Vanguard Photo | Tyler Bradley

Lonnie orr, communications sophomore, talks with representatives from 100.9 FM, a local esPn station and the Great Lakes Loons, Midland’s minor league baseball team.

Can one test determine if a student will sink or swim at college?

In his recent state of the state address, Gov. Rick Snyder highlighted a study that said 17 percent of high school students fall into the category of being “college ready,” as based upon ACT scores.

College readiness is determined by comparing ACT scores in each subject to students’ grades in freshmen level college courses.

For example, if a student meets or exceeds the benchmark score on the math portion of the ACT, he or she has a 50 percent chance of receiving a “B” in the college course.

As scores dwindle, so does the individual’s rate of success.

But without ACT scores, universities have few benchmarks they can judge student academic success against.

“The scores are statistically relevant to how they will do once they get here,” said Rachel Florence-Spaetzel, director of orientation programs.

Students need a minimum ACT score of 18 and at least a 2.5 high school GPA for admittance to SVSU.

However, Nic Taylor, associate director of admissions, said that success isn’t all about academic performance.

He said the University looks to admit well-rounded individuals who will take advantage of what the University has to offer. Extracurricular activities in high school are a strong indicator that students will get involved at college.

Taylor also said there is a possibility that the ACT could inadequately represent how students will perform during college.

“ACT measures what you know, but not what you’re willing to do with it,” Taylor said.

He explained that some individuals who get high scores are not willing to apply themselves.

On the other hand, those with poor scores may work hard and succeed.

Taylor said that he believes in all students who are admitted, whether they fall into Snyder’s “college ready” category or not.

“I wouldn’t admit someone here that I didn’t think would be successful,” he said.

Last year’s freshmen had an average ACT score of 22 and GPA of 3.2.

Taylor said the University provides students with all the tools needed to thrive, such as the writing center, math and physics resource center, and counseling.

Basic skills courses are another way to steer students toward success.

The university uses ACT sub scores to determine if students must take basic skills classes prior to beginning general education requirements.

For example, scores below 21 on the math section of the ACT place students in a 080 or 082 level math class.

About 51 percent of freshmen in Fall 2011 were placed in Math 081 or 082.

Florence-Spaetzel said that she urges students to be

By andrea McBridevanguard staff Writer

Unprepared students catch Snyder’s eye

By Blake allenvanguard staff Writer

See unPrePared, a2

The Valley Vanguard 125 Curtiss Hall campuseditorsBrandy aBraham and joshua j. roesner e-mails [email protected] and [email protected] office (989) 964-4482

News coverage continued from page 1

Page A2| Monday, January 30, 2012 | valleyvanguardonline.com | The Valley Vanguard

svsu.edu/vanguard valleyvanguardonline.com

optimistic about basic skills classes and know they aren’t alone.

She said students are placed in these courses to get them up to par academically, not so the University can have more of their money.

“We try to make sure nobody’s

there that doesn’t really need to be,” Florence-Spaetzel said.

The question that remains is whether high schools could do more to better prepare students for college.

Taylor said he doesn’t think so.“I think schools are doing as much

as they can with what they have,” he said.

Florence-Spaetzel said she had a similar opinion.

“There’s always more that can be

done, but it’s whether the resources are there, that’s the problem,” she said.

Taylor said once students have taken the ACT, they have a new opportunity with their education.

“Your ACT score is behind you now,” Taylor said. “Now the playing field is level.”

valleyvanguardonline.com

aboutussince 1967, The valley vanguard has provided coverage of campus and communiTy happenings To sTudenTs, faculTy, sTaff and communiTy residenTs free of charge. an online ediTion of The paper is availaBle aT valleyvanguardonline.com and is updaTed weekly during The fall and winTer.

publishingThe vanguard is puBlished By The sTudenTs of saginaw valley sTaTe universiTy weekly in The fall and winTer semesTers, wiTh one issue puBlished in The summer. our office is locaTed in curTiss 125 on The campus of svsu, aT 7400 Bay road, universiTy cenTer, mi 48710.

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toniboger, ediTor-in-chief

Joshhartley,design ediTor

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Justinbrouckaert,sporTs ediTor

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policebriefs

newsbriefs

UnPreParedcontinued from a1

Coffee House Series• From 10 p.m.-12 a.m. Monday, Jan 30, Program Board will be hosting a Coffee House Series Event in the Student Center Rotunda. This open forum event is for students wishing to showcase their talents, such as acoustics, choir, comedy and poetry. For questions or to sign up contact Tony Cianciolo at [email protected].

Study abroad Fair

• From 1 until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, the winter study abroad fair will take place in the Student Center Thompson Room. There are programs available for nearly every major. Trips can be for a full semester or for a short-term program during the Spring/Summer semesters. One Stop resume Shop• From 10 a.m. until noon Wednesday, Feb. 1, Career Services will have a resume workshop at

a table in the Brown Concourse on the second floor. Students looking to get an employer’s opinion of their resume can in just a few minutes. No prior registration required. For questions, contact the Career Services office at [email protected]. Cardinal Filmmakers• New student group forming for students interested in any aspect of filmmaking,

including screenwriting, directing, acting, editing, cinematography, lighting and sound and production design. For more information contact Tim Kenyon at [email protected].

correctionsandadditions

if you see an error, please leT us know as soon as possiBle By con-TacTing ediTor-in-chief Toni Boger aT (989) 964-4482 or [email protected]. in addiTion To prinTing a correcTion in our prinT ediTion, The online version of The sTory will reflecT The correcTion.

He noted that graduate programs in health sciences are still in high demand, so the University has approved a doctor of nursing Practice program for nurse practitioners to achieve professional certification when requirements are changed in 2015. Gilbertson said he fears this may change the main focus of the program’s mission.

“We are concerned that too many universities in Michigan are already attempting to offer doctorates, and that doing so would necessitate an unwise move away from our primary mission of

providing outstanding teaching at the baccalaureate and masters levels,” Gilbertson said.

As for campus construction, Gilbertson said that there wasn’t much to announce.

“Our physical campus is, by most standards, fairly new,” he said. “Our priority is to maintain and improve what we have.”

The boiler in Science East is set to be replaced at a cost of $600,000.

The Ryder Center roof, which is more than 20 years old, will eventually be replaced. The freshman suites will also be updated.

He said Wickes Hall is in need of fixing to accommodate what he called “energy-saving improvements.”

“Our highest priority for capital support from the state Legislature is a major renovation of Wickes Hall,” he said.

Gilbertson also discussed the price of a higher education, which was brought to his attention and discussed by the media.

“Most of the economic analyses that have been publicized seem to come to the conclusion – albeit reluctantly – that the ‘value’ of an academic degree does exceed its cost to the recipient,” he said.

He added that individuals with a graduate degree earn nearly 84 percent more than high school graduates.

Gilbertson said that although individuals are skeptical of the costs, the

University’s funding by the state of Michigan has dropped radically and annual appropriations have continued to be cut.

“We need answers, but all of us need to understand that we are under a new level of unsentimental scrutiny and our performance is, however clumsily and imperfectly, going to be measured,” he said.

He said he was confident in the value of the University to the people in the state and in the region, but there was still work that needed to be done.

“But all the answers to all the questions won’t all be easy, and in many ways we will need to work harder and do better,” he said.

UniverSitycontinued from a1

Police briefs are written according to reports from University Police. These indicate preliminary descriptions of events and not necessarily actual incidents.

Minor in Possession• At 11:20 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, resident assistants from Living Center North called police for an underage party. Officers found several liquor bottles. Five students were given cita-tions and notices to appear.• At 9:12 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Resident Life staff were called to Living Center North because of a noise complaint. When they arrived they saw empty alcohol containers and called campus police. When officers arrived the male students had very low blood alcohol content levels so the case was turned to Housing.• At 12:10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, a female student attending a dance in the Ryder Center began puking on the dance floor. She was drunk and received a minor in possession and was taken back to her dorm.• At 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, Resident Life was conducting property checks in Living Center North. They heard loud noises coming from a room and someone told them that the students in the room were drinking. When officers arrived they gave all of the students breathalyzers. Six students received minors in possession.

roommate dispute• At 1:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, a female student from Living Center Southwest posted a general comment on Twit-ter. Some females down the hallway believed that it was about them, so they banged on her door and yelled at her. She called the police and the case was turned over to Housing.

Fraud• At 2:22 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, a female student used her credit card to purchase items online. Later on there was a $1,000 charge on her credit card and the items were being shipped to Oklahoma and Georgia.•At 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, a male student reported that he received an e-mail saying that if he sent them a copy of his passport he would receive an expensive gift. He never received the gift and believes it was fraud.

Property damage• At 2:51 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, a resident director reported that a male student who just received a minor in possession punched a hole into the wall. The case is being handled internally.• At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, a female student was getting into her car in D-lot. As she was letting her car warm up another vehicle pulled up behind her and waited for her to move. The driver then drove by and yelled inappropriate things to her. As the female student is backing out a dif-ferent car takes the spot. The previous driver got mad and ran into the back of her car. No damage was done to her vehicle.

Parking issues• At 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23, a male student was standing in a parking spot to save it for a friend. A female wanted the spot but he refused to move. She tried to push him out of the spot and he yelled at her. She then parked somewhere else and the case is being handled internally.

opportunity that gives me experience,” she said.

Representatives from Target said that they were looking to hire graduates for possible full-time positions.

“Interning at Target helped me get real-world experience right away, all while having more fun than I thought work could be,” said Chunee Yan, a merchandise planning intern.

Many businesses at the fair gave students the opportunity to network and build mentoring relationships.

Dean Yurgens, computer

information systems senior, said that networking was his main reason for going to the fair.

“I am just looking to talk to perspective employers and network,” he said.

Companies such as University Directory pay students for their sales and summer internship.

Amber Furgunson, regional manager for the company, said there were specific majors that the company would be interested in hiring.

“Typically, we search for all types of majors in marketing or sales,” she said.

Natili Maturen, a representative for Young Professional Network, said the company was looking to hire people who wanted to stay in the

Saginaw area. “We’re looking for students who

want to stay and work here, to make a difference in the Saginaw community,” she said.

Summer camps made a fair showing at the fair.

One such camp, Camp Timbers, is a resident camp for boys and girls ages 7 to 16 that aims to offer a fun experience away from parents.

Megan Weitzmann, camp director, said that working at Camp Timbers would give students the chance to meet new people.

“Spending a summer at the camps you will end up working with the most diverse group of people,” she said.

Faircontinued from a1

associate dean and executive in residence at the college of education, said the place to go for assistance on campus is available in the Financial Aid

office.Curtis said the University

has steps in place to help students transition to college life and to look for additional resources.

“SVSU helps the students plan for college and also making the transition to the University or letting them know that the

resources are available to the students once they get there,” she said.

The Resource Center, located at the Pere Marquette Depot on Adams St. in Bay City, is available to students from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

FOUndatiOncontinued from a1

Vanguard Photo | Tyler Bradley

Last Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Summer Job and Internship Fair was held in the Student Life Center Rotunda.

During the campus-wide fair, students had the opportunity to network with businesses and employers from the Great Lakes Bay Area.

The full story on the Summer Job and Internship Fair can be found on A1.

News and events from on and around campus

The Valley Vanguard | valleyvanguardonline.com | Monday, January 30, 2012 | Page A3

courTyardThe

The Valley Vanguard 125 Curtiss Hall campuseditorsBrandy aBraham and joshua j. roesner e-mails [email protected] and [email protected] office (989) 964-4482

svsu.edu/vanguard valleyvanguardonline.com

ASSERTIVE AND AGGRES-SIVE COMMUNICATION

Internet, advising concerns handled at President’s Forum

At the end of the day, Eddie Jones said people should wear confidence like a badge, especially in the professional world.

Last Thursday, Jones, assistant director of the student counseling center, gave a presentation on the major differences between passive, aggressive and assertive speech and what people can do to improve communicating with each other.

“A lack of assertiveness can cause certain tasks not to be completed,” Jones said. “In a way, assertiveness is essential to your mental health.”

According to the presentation, many people tend to suffer because of a lack of assertiveness in their communication.

“Communication is so essential to getting your needs met, both in the social and professional spheres,” Jones said. “Being passive hinders you just as much as being aggressive. You have to be able to distinguish between the two.”

Katie Maus, social work senior, gave tips on how people can be more assertive in their speech.

“Think of assertiveness as a balance between aggressive communication and passive communication,” she said. “You have to find the perfect balance between your needs and the needs of others.”

Jones said there is a fine line between being assertive and being aggressive and that we should be careful to not let aggressiveness dominate the way we communicate with others.

“Assertiveness can be threatening to people because when it is used correctly it is a dominant personality trait,” Jones said.

He said that if you are dealing with someone who is naturally aggressive in their speech, you should respond assertively and not with a passive voice.

Maus said that when others have been legitimately wronged, it does not hurt to occasionally use passive speech.

Jones said one of the main reasons why people shy away from being assertive is because there is something holding them back. Jones and Maus addressed these questions.

“Most people will recognize that this is an irrational feeling to have, but they still fall back on aggressive or passive speech,” Jones said.

He said that some people need to practice to be assertive. Passive people should practice maintaining eye contact

and stay away from presenting overly apologetic tones. They could also try to appear less rigid and resist being defensive whenever a problem occurs.

“You have to train yourself to be assertive,” Jones said. “Confidence comes through repetition.”

Jones said that people must hold on to their confidence, which could help improve their communication.

“Say: ‘I am a professional and my point is valid.’”

By Adam Haenlein vanguard sTaff wriTer

Netflix may lead to extra campus fees for users

President Eric Gilbertson provided answers and infor-mation for Internet connection, Academic Advising and cam-pus shortcuts last week at the monthly President’s Forum.

After connection prob-lems to the Internet last semes-ter, Gilbertson said the Univer-sity worked to fix the network.

Many said the connection had improved, but some said the connection became worse after the first week of classes this semester.

Ken Schindler, executive director of information tech-nology services, said little can be done without reports of when and where the issues are occurring.

He said reporting prob-lems on an individual case basis can help aid in correcting errors and that the more infor-mation given about the errors, the more ITS can do to fix the issue.

Gilbertson said many of the connection issues stem from bandwidth consumption.

Over the last few years, the University purchased more than a 20 percent increase in bandwidth.

But after a study, it was shown 37 percent of the Uni-

versity’s bandwidth was con-sumed by Netflix.

Gilbertson said the Uni-versity’s purpose of high band-widths is to cater to classroom and academic usage.

The University may begin charging individual residents wishing to have an additional fixed set of bandwidth for rec-reational usage such as Netflix for a premium price.

The service would be ac-cessed through an ethernet connection.

In previous years, the Uni-versity had the service for on-line gaming.

Another issue raised by students was about Academic Advising, who some said was unhelpful.

Some students were told some courses would count to-ward their degree, and another adviser would tell them other-wise another day.

Gilbertson said there are mistakes as a result of having a wide and diverse curriculum.

“You won’t hear about people who are mistake-free,” Gilbertson said.

Mistakes should be direct-ed to the President’s Office so others won’t experience simi-lar issues.

“We can’t prevent errors,” Gilbertson said. “But we can prevent it from happening

By Tyler Bradleyvanguard sTaff wriTer

The Valley Vanguard is looking for

STAFF WRITERS

If you are interested this position, please email [email protected]

Growing an eco-friendly campus

While spring may be a few months away, some student groups already are seeing green.

The Green Cardinal is one organization that looks to improve awareness of sustainability alternatives and recycling both on and off campus.

The Green Cardinal, which was once a registered student organization, is run through the support of faculty and staff members, and student volunteers.

Beth Jorgensen, associate professor of rhetoric and professional writing and a Green Cardinal member, said the organiztion is meant to bring sustainability issues to light.

“We’re not doing enough and that’s why the Green Cardinal exists,” she said.

Jorgensen said that Green Cardinal, with the help of campus facilities, is placing recycling bins in ideal spots for increased usage. They are also creating compost from cafeteria waste. Edward Meisel, greenhouse director and chemistry professor, said the greenhouse sells the soil to outside consumers and the soil is pre-consumer food waste from the University.

Meisel said that the greenhouse keeps bees and sells the honey at the C-Store.

The greenhouse also sells worm tea, a natural fertilizer that comes from a byproduct of a verma-composting process. It is used for garden and lawn planting.

With increased activity at the greenhouse, Meisel said he looks forward to the new greenhouse, which may be up in the spring.

He said the ideas are still in the planning process.“The new greenhouse will replace the Science West one and

expand upon the existing greenhouse,” he said. The existing greenhouse is on North Michigan Road and is one

mile from campus.

By Brandy Abrahamvanguard campus ediTor

On Friday afternoons, the Curtiss 100 lecture hall in Groening Commons doubles as a movie theater where the Valley Film Society screens films from around the world.

This independent nonprofit has shown classic and contemporary films each season since the early 1970s. Today, the society has grown to more than 100 members.

The society most recently featured “Iris” (2001), the true story of a husband and wife told from their first meeting as Oxford students to their struggle in later years as the man’s wife suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The film stars renowned British actresses Judi Dench and Kate Winslet.

Attending the 7:30 p.m. show were Bill and Barb Tite of Bay City. They’ve been society members for four seasons, ever since they learned of it through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

The lineup includes international films that are “in-formative and different,” said Bill Tite.

February screenings include “I Served the King of England” (2006) from the Czech Republic and “The Long Good Friday” (1980) from the United Kingdom. March screenings open with “Smiles of a Summer Night” (1955) from Sweden.

“It’s movies that don’t get around here as a rule,” says box office manager Judy Johnson. “People can come here and see the ones they want to see.”

Members nominate and vote on films for the

By Noah Essenmachervanguard sTaff wriTer

Foreign films gain following

See FILmS, A10

See GREEN, A10

See FoRum, A10

Vanguard graphic | Evan Poirier

Courtesy | at300movies.com

Vanguard photo | Sean DudleyGilbertson said that while Internet connection issues may be frustrating, they are hard to solve without knowing exactly when and where students are having the problems.

To see the more facts about recycling,

head to the “green” opinion on A5

The Valley Vanguard 125 Curtiss Hall [email protected] editor-in-chiefToni Boger office (989) 964-4482 e-mail [email protected]


opinion


This week, we covered the major issues students brought up at this month’s President’s Forum. We

couldn’t help but notice that some of these issues, in particular the issues about bandwidth and offices on the first floor of Wickes, were issues we’ve heard before.

Just last semester, we did a story on the difficulties students face in terms of sharing bandwidth. We also had a Vision about how we hoped that the renovations of Wickes Hall would involve changes in service, too.

So why are we seeing these issues pop again?

We feel that we’re seeing these things continue to show up as concerns because students aren’t speaking up when there’s a problem. This theme applies to everything from the President’s Forum this week: bandwidth problems, problems with certain offices on campus and the actual forums.

In terms of the bandwidth problems, Netflix is a shockingly high contributor as to why the Internet on campus can be slow. Thirty-seven percent, more than one-third of the total bandwidth at SVSU, is consumed by Netflix. This breeds a competition for use of the Internet by residents and commuters alike.

Should we be shocked that the University is considering implementing a premium price for students wanting more bandwidth to use services such as Netflix? No. In fact, we’re surprised that the University hasn’t brought up this

suggestion before now. It’s the only way to combat a

losing battle. The Internet is supposed to handle academic purposes, but sometimes it can’t even be used for that. (We’re just glad that the University hasn’t imposed an all out ban on Netflix, even though that would be a quick way to get residents’ attention.)

Ken Schindler, director of ITS, said his office can’t do much when it doesn’t know about problems that are occurring. No one can be a mind reader. If you are having problems with bandwidth, speak up.

However, if you are one of those people who watch Netflix for hours, we have some advice for you. Put down the computer. Step away from the computer. Study. Join a club. To be around a computer that much is not healthy and definitely not helpful for your studies.

As for dealings with certain offices on campus, this is not a new complaint. We’ve heard countless complaints, some of which came from our own staff members recounting unpleasant

experiences. But again, if you don’t speak up and let them or a higher up office know about your complaint, how will it ever be addressed? Friends are wonderful to vent frustrations to, but they can do little to help be a part of the change you want.

Finally, we’d like to address the lack of attendance at President’s Forums. President Eric Gilbertson is not like other university presidents. He’s approachable, and he’s willing to help students, but he can only get things done if he knows there’s a problem. Few university presidents are as approachable as him and fewer hold monthly meetings where students can get answers for their questions and concerns.

In short, if there is a problem, speak up. But speaking up isn’t enough. Offer some suggestions that will lead to a good solution. You are in college now. Be the intellectual that you are and put your mind and voice to good use.

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The Vanguard Vision | [email protected]

Ever since I was a child, the idea of space exploration has captivated me.

Perhaps it has something to do with growing up in the 1980s and seeing flights of the space shuttles Columbia and Challenger.

I was too young to take in all the details of Ronald Reagan’s 1984 State of the Union speech, but I remember being excited at his announcement of plans for an orbiting station in space. A whole generation born before the moon landing felt a spark of the imagination and wonder at the possibilities of the future.

It was this inspiration that led many in my generation to pursue studies in science and engineering. Many of us had dreams of taking a ride to space on a shuttle, and if we could not become astronauts like some of our heroes, then maybe we could play a role in the innovations and achievements that drove space exploration.

Today, space exploration is not as prominent in the imaginations of America’s youth as it once was. Whatever NASA or private research endeavors are accomplishing these days hardly ever makes the front page of our consciousness. Space exploration has lost much of its widespread interest and for many Americans

has become a special

interest for

astronomers and physicists. This is ironic considering

all the “Space Age” technology people enjoy (and largely take for granted) today because of spin-off technology from space exploration. These advances have touched almost every area of our lives.

We’re healthier because of improvements in food storage and safety developed for space travel. We’re living longer thanks to medical spin-off technologies such as heart assisting devices and sturdy, lightweight prosthetics.

We’re able to work more efficiently thanks to communication and computer systems advanced through the space missions. It’s difficult to imagine cell phones, for example, as they are today without a space program.

The green energy movement in particular owes much thanks to technologies derived from space programs: energy efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs), infrared thermometers, chemical detection systems, water purification systems, solar cells, and products that clean petroleum-based products from water.

When we encounter space exploration as a topic of discussion, it’s too often in the context of political pandering to win elections. With the Florida primary looming, Republican candidates demonstrated this practice well in the last debate, but we’ll see both parties make this predicable move for Florida votes in the general election.

When space exploration becomes political, it limits the discussion to the expense to taxpayers and national security. Private sector growth, advancement of practical science and technological innovation take a back seat.

In general, I’m opposed to subsidizing space programs. If space exploration is worthwhile,

entrepreneurs and other enterprising capitalists will pursue it without the need for government incentives. (But perhaps there is also something to be said for the arguments from many of my fellow science enthusiasts: It’s better than what they spend a lot of our money on.)

This is not to say that the government has no role to play. It has a mandate to protect the security of American citizens. Other nations—with interests directly opposed to our own—are determined to establish a presence in space, and having enemies with the strategic advantage directly over our heads should cause concern.

When it comes to taxpayer dollars, space exploration is a hard sell for Americans who look around the country and see hard economic times. They argue that the money should be spent at home. However, if Americans wait for perfect conditions on the ground before they are willing to spend money in space, then it could be a long time before NASA gets around to another groundbreaking mission.

While these political discussions are important, they’re hardly inspirational.

If the private sector gets the attention it deserves when it comes to space exploration and technological developments for that purpose, many of these political discussions, however relevant, would not seem like the only conversations we’d have.

If America neglects space exploration, it does so at its own peril. National security and economic issues aside, I’d like to see America excited about space again, the way it was when I was young. These difficult times require a new generation inspired and motivated to reach for distant stars simply because they can.

The issue - Concerns at the latest President’s Forum, especially concerns about bandwidth and workng with particular offices on campus, have been heard before.

Our position - The reason that these concerns are still being brought up is because students aren’t doing enough.

Making the case for the Space Race

Adopt “Speak up!” as your mantra if youwant to see a different at SVSU

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tylerBradley, sTaff wriTer

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opinion


Congratulations, it’s a — a newborn child.

Attempts to raise genderless children are gaining popularity across the world.

Genderless children are either male or female in sex, but are not discouraged from making decisions that have gender roles associated with male or female.

It breaks down the idea of gender roles so children do not fall in gender stereotypes.

A school in Sweden is refraining from using “him” or “her” in class to discourage gender bias. Faculty at the school are mindful of colors, toys and books to cut out gender differentiation.

Often included in this form of child development includes secrecy of a person’s sex.

Two parents chose to reveal the sex of their five-year-old child. Their child, Sasha, is a boy.

Another couple in Toronto are choosing to keep their youngest child’s sex a secret.

I’d like to know why we need male or female to identify.

What happened to courage, intelligence and leadership? Aren’t those qualities we want to identify with?

A British journalist, Melanie Phillips, argued, “Full potential lies in what he will achieve as a boy, not in turning into a girl.”

Why does gender make a difference in potential?

Although there are physiological differences between men and women, each are capable of reaching their potential.

If Sasha appears ambiguous and that it is apparent his sex is nonconforming his gender, then I can imagine society is not going to take that lightly.

There will be some forms of discrimination and ridicule.

In Kansas City, Mo., a child wanted to dress up as Daphne from the cartoon “Scooby-Doo” for Halloween.

So why are people making a fuss? The child is a boy.

The mother told her son he could dress up as whatever he wanted. That’s what he chose.

After a lot of ridicule for not discouraging her son, she said: “If my daughter had dressed as Batman, no one would have thought twice about it. No one.”

Many are calling this raising of a genderless child a social experiment. Once others hear that experimenting on children is happening, uproars are created.

Technically, it can be considered an experiment due to the few cases we have. But no one ever knows what will become of a child as it develops.

Every life development is an experiment. Maybe this is an experiment we need.

But sexism is still relevant today. Many still associate sex and gender as the same thing. Many recognize male and female as the only viable sexes and genders.

Men and women do not always receive equal wages. Men still are expected to like sports and cars. Women are expected to like shopping and cooking.

Raising children without gender bias can allow them to develop into who they want to be.

Parents make many decisions for their kids. But this decision in parenthood allows the children to make decisions on identity on their own.

Did you know that more than 70 percent of SVSU waste material is cardboard? Well, I didn’t.

I find it interesting that the University, although is “going green,” is finding itself at a loss at keeping up with other universities in Michigan when it comes to sustainability.

Did you know that the University of Michigan has had and utilized its recycling program for 20 years? Do you know that it won the fourth annual Recycling Champions competition in conjunction with RecycleMania? I didn’t either.

I understand that SVSU can’t afford to create a recycling program that large.

For one thing, it doesn’t have the manpower.

I do know a few things, though. I know that SVSU has a Green

Cardinal program, has participated in “Garbology” with Brian Thomas and has taken steps with campus facilities to help students utilize the recycle bins on campus.

Yet, I don’t think that is enough. I really don’t want to start sounding

like a tree-hugger. Yet, I want the SVSU body to realize that as a whole it is throwing away a lot of recyclable goods.

I know that every day I see students throw away Papa Johns to-go cardboard boxes.

I have also seen students throw away water bottles.

I can’t say that I didn’t do that, too. This is my fourth year at SVSU,

and for three of those years, I lived on campus. I have lived in Living Center North, Pine Grove and University Village, and I remember how much I threw away on move-in and move-out days.

Do you throw away food cans? Do you throw away old plastic or cloth shower curtains? I did.

The point is that students need to realize that recycling is as easy as throwing trash away.

I remember that in University Village the recycling bin was only 2 feet away from the larger trash bin. The SVSU dorms provide students with a

blue recycle bin to collect the milk bottles and the yogurt containers.

I believe that students are only two steps away from keeping SVSU clean and eco-friendly.

We are, and I say “we” because although I am a senior, I still contribute to the waste at SVSU.

I think a lot of students don’t recycle as much as they used to because it is too convenient to throw recyclables in that big trash bin in the kitchen.

I also think that if more volunteers work with organizations like the Green Cardinal, SVSU would be winning awards like the University of Michigan.

I can guess what students are thinking right now, reading this opinion, that SVSU is definitely not the University of Michigan.

Well, students are right; we are not that kind of university. But shouldn’t we try to be? Why should a university like SVSU not have motivated students?

I used to think that SVSU was a small, commuter college and that students can’t make a difference at a small school.

But attitudes like that elected Rick Snyder. I think students need to realize that they can make a difference.

I am a senior, and I realized as a junior that recycling is important and I wanted to be involved. I still can, but most of the help is going to come from freshmen.

Recycling and most eco-friendly programs require volunteering. Yes, I have no doubt the truth in that. But students should be involved in their University.

Also, it isn’t just that students need to be involved but they need to realize that volunteering is a part of any kind

of job. As a biology or pre-med major, they

need to volunteer at hospitals for their degree.

Creative writing majors need to volunteer at workshops. I don’t believe there should be an incentive to sustainability.

I am sure you can find ways to be sustainable and eco-friendly without leaving your dorm.

After all, you can save four cents a day by shutting down your computer rather than putting it to sleep.

My advice for English or creative writing majors is to take up ecocriticism and take a look at Orion Magazine.

Ecocriticism is the critique of nature in works of literature. Creative writers could write a story about nature.

I know this is corny, but it would work.

My advice for biology majors is just to keep doing what you’re doing. I remember my biology classes, and I trust in all of you.

I think math majors are also statistic-makers.

Did you know that more than 60 percent of people use paper seat covers in Michigan?

I didn’t either, so I think it is up to you to make the numbers matter when it comes to making an impact on recycling.

My point is that everyone, and anyone, can contribute to making a change.

Vanguard Staff Writer | Opinion

A call to action to make SVSU a “green” campus Changing ideas about gender

Tyler Bradley is a graphic design sophomore and a Vanguard Staff Writer. Reach him at [email protected]

Brandy Abraham is an English and PTW senior and a Vanguard Campus Editor. Reach her at [email protected]

Vanguard Campus Editor | Opinion

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Courtesy | impawards.com Courtesy | the urban.com Courtesy | imdb.com

“Music before everything else!” is the tagline of this year’s French film series.

Julie Foss, professor of French, has been leading the French film series since she came to SVSU in 2009.

“Every semester, I show three French films that all have some kind of central theme,” Foss said. “It can be comedic, his-torical, or even based on one director’s work or a specific period in French history. This semester, I wanted to focus on music be-cause who doesn’t love music?”

According to Foss, the films she chooses are always subtitled in English and are free to anyone who wants to watch.

Last Wednesday, Jan. 25, Foss premiered the first film in the music series. “Faubourg 36,” translated to Paris 36 in English, is

a song and dance drama with elements of comedy, tragedy and historical significance.

The story is set in the 1930s and follows the life of Pigoil, a stage manager and a single, struggling father. With a ragtag group of unemployed performers, Pigoil and his friends strive to reopen a music hall in Paris amidst economic depression and mob violence.

“I really liked the movie. I thought it was a wonder-ful interpretation of Paris life in the 1930s,” said Haley Daignault,international business and French senior.

Foss said that she chose the films for this series not only because they are all musicals, but also because they all center around different historical contexts.

“I’m really looking forward to our next films in the series,” Foss said. “The next one tells the story of one of the most famous French actresses, Édith Piaf. And the third movie is a love story told entirely in song.”

Foss said that the reason she puts on the French film series

is because it helps support the acquisition of language learning.“Research has shown that when you’re first learning a lan-

guage, hearing it spoken aloud is the best way to help promote efficiency,” Foss said. “I think it’s very important to give students all variety of opportunities to connect with language outside of the classroom.”

Foss said that in the past, students have always seemed to express interest in the French film series. Some students have even commented that, while watching the films in French, it was easy to forget that they were reading subtitles.

“Film is one of many great ways to expose yourself to other languages,” Foss said.

The next film that the French film series will show is “La Vie en Rose” (Life in Pink) on Wednesday, Feb 22. And the last film of the semester will be “Les Parapluies de Cherbourg” (The Um-brellas of Cherbourg) on Wednesday, March 28.

French musicals compose this year’s film series

‘Sims Freeplay’ app diluted, but still impressive

By Adam Haenleinvanguard staff writer

Coman Schnala, ‘Sims’ers!For those unfamiliar, “Co-

man Schnala” translates from Simlish (Simoleon language) to English as “Hello!” in the popu-lar virtual reality video game, The Sims.

In the game, you create peo-ple. You have the ability to pick and choose any trait you want them to have, including (but de-pending on the version of the game that you play) cleanliness, shyness, niceness, weirdness, etc... You get to choose their outfit, hair, skin, eyes, makeup, shoes, etc...

And then you build them a home, sometimes from scratch.

You choose the size, the shape, the siding, the wallpaper and flooring.

And then you add furniture; flat-screen TVs, piles of pizza boxes, computers, showers, bath-tubs, sinks, counters, beds, pretty much whatever you want.

Finally, you’re ready to play. You meet people, have parties, pay bills, choose a job, go to work, clean the house, etc...

It’s more fun than it sounds, since it’s way easier to get rich and own a mansion in a video game. But beware; once your Sims life is finally better than your real life, the addiction spawns.

In fact, as I was writing this article, I couldn’t help but ques-tion my life choices, as I am a 20-something who spends her Sundays playing and writing about Sims, and as a young teen struggled desperately with a Sims2 addiction, and has now re-lapsed since the download of the free Sims app to her iPad.

Although the free app ver-sion doesn’t quite compare to the full versions of Sims (which, un-fortunately are not even available for purchase as an iPad app) it’s still pretty decent for a free game.

But many responsibilities* and events** that made the game so addicting and lifelike, such as having to pay bills, clean the house, deal with kitchen fires, burglars, deaths and births, etc...are lost in the app.

On the other hand, some fea-tures have been added.

For instance, in the app ver-

sion, you can buy dogs that dig up money, it takes about five min-utes (opposed to 15 or 20) to get a Sim’s mood out of the gutter, and you can garden in exchange for Simoleons, or Sim money (which is more cost effective than getting an actual job).

If I had to pay for this app, I would be moderately disappoint-ed in the sheer easiness and lack of depth to this version of Sims, and would rate it 2.5 out of 5 stars. But because it was a free app, com-pared to the regular game price around $30, I find it surprisingly thorough and a cheaper, smaller version of the real game. I’ll give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Molly Young is a PTW senior and the Vanguard A&E editor. Reach her at [email protected].

SimS Freeplay

price: FreeCategory: entertainment

‘Sim’ptoms of addiction

If you have one or more of these traits (some are courtesy of fellow Simsers via about.com), you might consider cutting back on your simulated life and begin focusing more on real life events.

• You wish you could hit the three-speed button while at work (I don’t know for sure that this means you’re addicted to Sims. I think everyone wishes they could do this at work; they just don’t refer to it specifically as the three-speed button.)

• You wonder what moodlets you would have in your current, real-life situation• You wish ctrl+shift+c”motherlode” or “crl+shift+c”rosebud;” worked for real life.• When you start wishing your Sims home is your home in real life• You start speaking Simlish (Coman Schnala!)• You say you will stop playing at two, but then at 1:59 you say you meant three.

Sims 2

Car

Responsibilities*DogCheats

Pools/hot tubs

Ease in increasing moods

Gardening for ($)Bus

Woohoo

Lifelike events**Pizza

Time manipulation

Freeplay App

Vanguard Graphic| Jo h Hartley

The Valley Vanguard valleyvanguardonline.com125 Curtiss Hall [email protected]


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A&EEditor Molly young officE(989) 964-4482 E-mAil [email protected]

artbriefs

The Valley Vanguard would like to congratulate this semester’s ‘Cardinal Sins’ poetry slam winners

• Ray Deeren, creative writing and history senior, took first place and a prize of $50.

• Kirsten McIllvenna, alumnus, took second and $30.

• Seth Patrick, creative writing senior, took third and $20.

Theater Production• Starting at 7:30 p.m. Wednes-day, Feb. 22, members of the theater department will perform their rendition of “Agamemnon,” a violent ancient Greek tragedy, in the Malcolm Field Theatre. The production will repeat each night at 7:30 p.m. through Saturday, Feb. 25, and again at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. Tickets are $7 for students and seniors, $10 general admis-sion. For more information, contact the box office at (989) 964-4261.

Arts from the Heart• At 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum, the fifth annual Arts from the Heart will take place. There will be music by the Robert Lee Review, a silent auction, food, drinks and interactive games for adults. Visit midmicm.org for more information and tickets. Ages 21 and up. $45 per ticket or two for $80.

Music Majors in Recital•At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, there will be a music majors recital in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. For more information, call the music depart-ment at (989) 964-4159. Free.

Nationally acclaimed quartet pleases crowd

The Minneapolis Guitar Quartet (MGQ) didn’t disap-point in putting on an inter-esting and enjoyable show as it showcased some of its favorite pieces in Saturday night’s concert.

The concert was the third in this school year’s Rhea Miller Concert Series, an an-nual series that brings highly-acclaimed musicians to the University at no cost to audi-ences.

The quartet played piec-es by well-known compos-ers such as Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky, as well

as lesser-known composers such as Maria Kalaniemi and Astor Piazzolla, in an enjoy-able two hour concert.

The MGQ, whose mem-bers include Ben Getaño, Joe Hagedon, Steve Newbrough and Wade Oden, has received recognition for its sound and

has been featured on NPR’s “Performance Today.”

From Saturday’s con-cert, it was easy to hear why they’ve received so much recognition. Not only is the quartet an excellent group of musicians, but it is an excel-lent group of performers.

The MGQ opened with Piazzolla’s “Windy,” a quick staccato piece that set the mood for the evening with its rich sound and expressive melody.

Members of the quar-tet were eager to speak with the audience between pieces, which made for a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Hagedon and Getaño of-fered quick history lessons behind most of the pieces

on the program. They also pointed out parts of pieces the audience should listen for, including what they called “texture,” unique sounds that came from key changes, tem-po and rhythm.

My favorite pieces of the evening were Debussy’s “Pe-tite Suite” and Joaquin Rodri-go’s “Cuatro Piezas.”

Originally a piano piece, the guitar arrangement of “Petite Suite” stayed true to Debussy but still managed to breathe new life into his mu-sic.

Hints of Debussy’s signa-ture style, including his love of parallel chords and his ex-perimentation with tonality, weren’t lost in this arrange-ment. The quartet embodied each movement with such ex-pression that it was easy to get lost in the beauty of Debussy’s music.

The first movement, “En Bateau,” was a slower, legato piece reminiscent of one of Debussy’s most well-known compositions, “Clair de

Lune.” The second and third movements, “Cortege” and “Menuet,” were lively, light and airy.

The fourth movement, “Ballet,” had a quick melody, beautiful harmonies and rich sound. The sound reminded me of a piano with its range and fullness that took over the room, which is no easy task for four musicians.

My other favorite piece of the evening was “Cuatro Pie-zas,” which Getaño said was composed in the late 1920s during Rodrigo’s stranding in Paris and was meant to capture vignettes of Spanish scenery.

The movements, depict-ing horse-drawn carriages, dances and a prayer of a prin-cess, offered rolling rhythms, changing tempos and keys and expressive passages that portrayed the emotions of a man longing for his home country.

The only downside of at-tending the concert was the interruption of cell phones,

which happened twice. Thankfully the interruptions occurred after a piece and af-ter a movement was complete. But, it was still maddening and embarrassing to have the quartet look toward the au-dience and wait to speak or play until the phones were silenced.

If anything, these inci-dents are an indication of the growing carelessness of audi-ences when it comes to man-ners during live music. Not only does this interrupt the music, but it interrupts an au-dience’s concentration and its connection to the music.

Despite these interrup-tions, having such an accom-plished quartet come to the University was a pleasure.

The MGQ showcased its musicianship and its love of music in an enjoyable pro-gram. Its creativity in its ar-rangements and a diverse pro-gram proved just why it is one of the most highly regarded guitar quartets in the country.

Vanguard photo | Jess EllisonThe Minneapolis Guitar Quartet performs at the Rhea Miller Saturday night. This concert marked the third time members have performed on campus.

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Toni Boger is a communication and English senior and the Vanguard editor-in-chief. Reach her at [email protected].

The Valley Vanguard valleyvanguardonline.com125 Curtiss Hall [email protected] editor Justin Brouckaert office (989) 964-2629 e-mail [email protected]


sports

men’s basketball

sportsbriefs

Hockey

Thursday night, SVSU fell to a team at the bottom of the GLIAC, a loss that potentially dealt a blow to its hopes for a division title.

The Cardinals didn’t repeat the same mistake Saturday.

After falling to a 4-10 Tiffin team, SVSU rebounded with a 102-64 rout of Ohio Dominican at home.

“We did everything we were supposed to, offensively and defensively,” head coach Frankie Smith said.

With the win, the Cardinals improve to 10-9 overall and 6-6 in the GLIAC. Ohio Dominican falls to 3-16 overall and remains winless in the

GLIAC at 0-13.The Cardinals were led by senior

forward Eli Redman, who came off the bench and had a career night with 35 points on 14 of 16 shooting. Redman added four rebounds and was a perfect seven for seven from the free throw stripe.

“Eli was hitting on all cylinders,” Smith said. “He was able to spot up and hit some eight- to ten-foot midrange jumpers, which is one of the things he does well.”

Also scoring in double digits for SVSU were junior guards Chris Webb, who had 15 points, and Brett Beland, who had 11 points.

After attempting 29 3-pointers in the loss to Tiffin, the Cardinals shot only ten against Ohio Dominican. They finished with an overall field

goal percentage of 65.1 percent, a season high for a team that averages 42.5 percent shooting from the floor.

“It was a point of emphasis to not always take that first shot,” Smith said. “Fortunately, they played us man to man, so we didn’t have to rely on outside shooting against their zone.”

SVSU forced two turnovers in the first minute of the game and jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead after a pair of free throws by sophomore forward Mike Schaaf.

“We really came out of the gates playing great defense and great offense,” Smith said.

The hot start continued as the Cardinals went on a 10-4 run en route to a 20-point halftime lead.

Redman continued to dominate

in the second half, and the Cardinals continued to extend their lead.

SVSU stretched its lead to 40 points, the largest of the game, after freshman center Matt Burgess’s free throw put the team up 100-60 with a minute remaining.

The 38-point win is the Cardinals’ largest margin of victory since a 102-62 blowout of Marygrove on Dec. 3. It is the second time since 2009 that SVSU has scored more than 100 points in a game.

Several young players were able to contribute for the Cardinals in the win, including Burgess, who scored three points, and freshman guard Josh Pickell, who added five points in six minutes. Freshman guard George Goodman followed up on his career-high 23 points against Tiffin with

seven points and a steal.SVSU now sits at fifth place in the

GLIAC North and will travel to face the No. 4 team in the division, Grand Valley, on Thursday and the division-leading Ferris State Bulldogs on Saturday.

The Cardinals lost a low-scoring game to Grand Valley Jan. 5 and beat Ferris State by 20 points on Jan. 7.

Ferris State has only two more conference wins than SVSU, something that gives Smith and the Cardinals confidence that they can still contend in their division.

“The north division is pretty much wide open,” Smith said. “There’s not much at all separating first place from sixth. It’s a tight race.”

The Cardinals are in action again Thursday for an 8 p.m. tip-off in Allendale.

In a matchup of the top two teams in the country, the Cardinals soared over the Flying Dutchmen on Saturday night.

After losing to Hope College in Holland on Friday, SVSU scored a major victory by beating the top-ranked team at home by a score of 4-3.

Forward Scott Walter scored the final goal of the evening with less than seven minutes remaining in the third period, ending the stalemate that had persisted throughout most of the game.

With the victory, the No. 2 Cardinals improve to 23-4-1. After splitting first place votes with Hope in the last national rankings, the Cardinals may have made a case to move into the top slot in Division 3 with the win.

The team now has four regular-season games left before the American Collegiate Hockey Association regionals begin. Then all that remains is the national tournament in Atlantic City.

“I think the game went great,” Walter said. “Now we

have nationals coming up, and we’re definitely excited about that. I think we have a strong chance of being national champions.”

The Cardinals started off the night with an intense offense, but the Flying Dutchmen answered back just as fiercely.

Goaltender Jake Chaillier successfully blocked a shot at 10:43 in the first period, but the Dutchmen scored the first goal of the game at 8:32.

Before the first period ended, the Cardinals made sure to even the match at 1-1 with a slap shot at 4:16 by freshman forward Dylan Welch.

The Cardinals came back from the break ready to play, but the Dutchmen scored a power play goal at 13:54 in the second period. Less than two minutes later, the Dutchmen scored again, going up by a score of 3-1 with 11:57 remaining in the second period.

Things did not look good for the Cardinals, but they played well defensively and tactically to fight back into the game.

Defenseman Ryan Satko started the comeback, cutting the deficit to one with 8:56 remaining in the second period off an assist from freshman

forward Zach Soulliere.At 2:57, the Cardinals hit

their third goal and evened the score against the Dutchmen when forward Ryan Tempich scored off an assist from senior forward Jon Tibaudo.

The Dutchmen almost scored a fourth goal with 37 seconds remaining in the period, but Chaillier blocked the shot, and the game was tied 3-3 at the beginning of the third period.

“They’re always a tough match, these guys,” Tempich said. “Whenever we play them we always seem to split the score right down the middle, but thankfully we came out on top tonight.”

The third period belonged to the Cardinals. The Flying Dutchmen played a strong game, but at 6:54 it was Walter who scored the last goal, with the help of an assist from forward Ben Welch.

“I’m glad that we played such a good game, but our ultimate goal is to win Nationals,” Tempich said. “We’re going to kick up the intensity, go to Atlantic City, and win it all. That’s the plan.”

The Cardinals’ next home game is Saturday, Feb 4, against Calvin College. Face-off is 9 p.m. at the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena.

Redman’s career day leads rout

Cardinals knock off top-ranked Dutchmen

Men’s Basketball•Thursday @ Grand Valley,8 p.m., Allendale•Saturday@ Ferris State,3 p.m., Big Rapids

Women’s Basketball•Thursday @ Grand Valley,6 p.m., Allendale•Saturday@ Ferris State,1 p.m., Big Rapids

Track & Field•Friday vs. Grand ValleyTBA, University Center

Bowling•Saturday @ AHIBC Match #4,,

TBA, Cincinnati, OH

Hockey•Friday @ Calvin College,8 p.m., Grand Rapids•Saturday vs. Calvin College,9 p.m., Saginaw Bay Ice Arena


Senior forward Eli Redman scored a career-high 35 points Saturday, making 14 of 16 shots from the field.

Vanguard Photo | Sean Dudley

Senior forward Jon Tibaudo grabs at the puck in Saturday night’s win over Hope College, the No. 1 team in Division 3 hockey. Tibaudo had one assist in the 4-3 win over the Dutchmen.

By Justin Brouckaertvanguard sports editor

By Adam Haenleinvanguard staff Writer


6-foot-2 guard Greg Foster dunks in Saturday’s win over Ohio Domincan. Foster averages 13.5 points per game and leads the team in playing time with an average of 33 minutes per game.

The Valley Vanguard valleyvanguardonline.com125 Curtiss Hall [email protected]

sports editor Justin Brouckaert office (989) 964-2629 e-mail [email protected]


sports

Young but driven, one player hopes to show leadership in bringing a team into a new habit of winning.

Kristen Greene, a nursing major from Brown City, has played a pivotal role on the SVSU women’s basketball team for nearly two seasons. Despite being only a sophomore, Greene’s contribution to the struggling Lady Cardinals’ team can be seen both on and off the court.

“I try to be really supportive of the other girls, helping them whenever I can,” Greene said. “You have to lead by example like putting extra time in at the gym and getting in early.”

The sophomore guard has started all 19 games this season and leads the team in minutes played with an average of 33.2 minutes per game. As a freshman, Greene started 17 games and played in all 26 while averaging 9.6 points per game, leading the team. She is second on the team this year, averaging 9.2 point per game.

Despite the team only having four wins this season, young talent and solid coaching are building a solid foundation, according to Greene.

“Our record really doesn’t show how much better we’ve gotten,” Greene said. “Our new coach is getting us where we need to be and we’re that close to getting over the hump and start winning games.”

Head coach Jamie Pewinski was hired in April 2011 after spending five years as Lake Superior State’s head coach and seven years as an assistant coach for the Lakers. Pewinski also played basketball for Oakland University and SVSU.

“I like her a lot,” Greene said. “She really knows what she’s doing and expects a lot out of us and she played here so she knows what it’s like to

be a student athlete.”Along with the coaching, Greene credits the

upperclassmen for their contributions to the team’s growth.

“The seniors are really the leaders on the team,” Greene said. “But at the same time, everyone has their own say and their own voice on the team.”

Game to game, Greene stressed that preparation is essential and with a schedule that doesn’t allow much time between games, focus must be maintained. Bouncing back from a loss as well as not dwelling on a win are both critical for Greene.

“You have to mentally prepare, and I think in some ways being prepared mentally is more important than being physically prepared,” Greene said. “You have to get rest and make sure you’re getting into the gym.

“We play almost back to back so we have to learn from the previous game and at the same time not dwell on it,” Greene said. “We have to learn from the games and learn how to win.”

Greene credits her mother with helping her get into basketball from an early age.

“I’ve been playing since I can remember,” Greene said. “My mom was a coach in high school so I have always been around it.”

When summer begins, Greene’s mother helps her daughter keep up her skills and constantly improve.

“My mom can get me into the school gym and weight room back home,” Greene said. “You just have to stay in shape and keep working on your shots.”

Greene said that balancing a full class load with basketball can be tough, with never enough hours in the day.

“You don’t get a lot of sleep,” Greene said. “Time management is important, and you have to delegate time for everything.”

The student body is growing, and it wants to play sports.

Since the original fitness center was built in 2003, SVSU’s enrollment has increased by nearly 2,000 students. While other areas of campus adapted to this change, it wasn’t until this year that the Ryder Center was able follow suit.

“(The new fitness center) just needed to be built,” said Aaron Mowen, director of campus recreation.

Although the additions have benefited a wide range of recreational groups and activities, the participation numbers have shown that one program in particular has taken off – intramural sports.

“We’ve been climbing every year, and right now we’re at about 600 students (for the current session),” Mowen said.

With four intramural sessions in a school year, participation has doubled since 2007, with 2,160 students participating last year.

The two sports with the most consistently high numbers are basketball and volleyball.

In 2008, there were 32 teams competing in intramural basketball. This number continued to increase to 34 in 2009, 51 in 2010 and 63 last year. There are 57 teams registered for 2012.

Volleyball has held consistent to around 40 teams each intramural session.

“Every year we always expect volleyball and basketball to be our two biggest hands down,” Mowen said. “A lot of our other sports we can expect eight to 12 or maybe 15 teams.”

Wallyball is up from five teams last year to 16 teams this year, and racquetball has seven teams.

With the increase in participation, campus recreation has made changes to facilities, rules, times and officials in order to create the best intramural environment to accommodate students.

“One other change, aside from increasing the quantity of intramural sports, is that we’ve also increased the quality of them,” Mowen said. “We have better-trained refs, and we’ve also changed the game formats.”

Among the additions that campus recreation has made is the free agency pool. If students don’t

have a team to play on, they can sign up to be a free agent and get picked up by a team that needs an extra player.

“In the fall semester, there were a couple of sports that there were so many people that signed up as individuals that we were able to take those students and create whole teams or two teams of all individuals,” Mowen said.

These changes have proven to be positive for one sport in particular – basketball.

Previous to this season, games were only given a half hour slot. Now, game slots are forty-five minutes. This extra time allows for two fifteen-minute halves with stops, versus the eight-minute running clock halves previously in place.

There are also stricter rules about checking in, and officials were carefully selected from more than 150 applicants.

Even with all these changes, the prices for participating in intramural sports are still low. Mowen said that this is a benefit of being a smaller university and having campus recreation fully funded by the university.

“We just want to encourage participation,” he said. “The money is just a way to keep students honest and to keep them committed to following through with it.

“The fee also offsets the costs for the referees, and then all that money that (they) pay for cardinal fitness or intramurals goes into an account that in turn goes back to buying new basketballs, new rec equipment, new fitness center equipment and things of that nature.”

To keep up with the changing nature of intramural sports, campus recreation realizes the importance of making additional changes in the near future, especially on the administrative side.

“We’re looking to put together a student advisory board where students can put in their input,” Mowen said. “The longer I’m here and the older I get, the more distance there will be between what I think is cool and what a new student is going to want to do.”

The second winter season of intramural sports will begin March 19 and end April 20.

Due to the time limitations of shorter season, this season provides students with a chance to compete in tournament play.

Sophomore shows leadershipin pivotal rebuilding period

Intramural athletes flock to the Ryder

By Chris Olivervanguard staff Writer

By Lisa Coffellvanguard staff Writer

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Vanguard Photo I Jess Ellison

Intramural basketball players compete at the Ryder Center last week. There are 57 teams registered to play basketball this session, nearly twice as many as there were two years ago.

Vanguard Photo I Sean Dudley

Only a sophomore, Kristen Greene leads the team in minutes played with an average of 33.2 per game. She is second on the team in scoring this season with 9.2 point per game.

Player Profile

Record BreakersLeft: Junior center Grace Herzog recorded the first triple double in SVSU history last Thursday in a loss to Tiffin. Herzog had 11 points, 11 rebounds and a school-record 10 blocks in the 57-35 loss.

Below: The women’s distance medley relay team set a new school record Friday with a time of 11:56.85, breaking the old school record by nearly 20 seconds. The team consisted of the following (from left to right): Junior middle distance runner Dana Stolicker, senior miler Ashley Meyer, senior middle distance runner Alycia Wright and sophomore sprinter Diamond Taylor.

Vanguard File Photo Courtesy I Athletic Media Relations

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Jorgensen said that she hopes the new greenhouse can be used for educational purposes because it is closer to campus.

The Green Cardinal hopes to hold interpretive walks around campus as well as continue with “garbology,” a project directed by Brian Thomas, assistant professor of sociology.

“The challenge is how to engage students and then they may be able to open their eyes to their ecological opportunities,” Thomas said.

The classes that participated in the dumpster dive were two classes that Thomas taught in 2010, which included 40 to 60 students.

Students analyzed garbage bins around the school. Thomas said that the classes wanted to measure the amount of trash getting into recycle bins and how many recyclable materials were ending up in the trash.

Thomas said that the Green Cardinal would host more events if they could inspire student volunteers.

“We want the idea of recycling to become real to them,” Thomas said.

Jorgensen said that recycling is only one of the issues but that sustainability is a necessity.

Josh Webb, Green Cardinal member and purchasing manager in the office of business services said that the types of plastic that cannot be recycled in Saginaw are taken to Flint.

“Recycling is not the be all, end all of sustainability,” Webb said. “It’s the first step.”

Last year, the Green Cardinal did “Green Check-out’s” and supported the LCS-hydroponic system in Living Center South.

Jorgensen said that she’d like to see that system extended to all of the dorms and, on a larger scale, see the Green Cardinal become a center for bioeconomic research.

“The hardest thing we need to overcome is student motivation because it was hard to get organized without enough volunteers,” she said.

The Agricultural Club is another organization that promotes environmental awareness and looks to utilize cultivation at SVSU.

The group is looking to emphasize a need for a Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at the University.

“The main goal of the agriculture

club at SVSU is to get the FFA started,” said Preston Weber, club president and crop and soil science freshman.

Weber said that if the FFA was a chapter at SVSU, students wouldn’t have to go to MSU to do what they can do here.

“The FFA is the largest student organization in the U.S.,” said Meisel, the group’s adviser.

Daniel Bublitz, chemistry freshman and FFA member, said that a chapter on campus would be ideal because of its location in the region.

“This is the perfect spot for a FFA (chapter) because of all the farms in the Thumb,” he said.

The group hopes that SVSU will bring more agricultural classes to the curriculum.

Greencontinued from A3

twice.”Other students at the forum

brought suggestions to the forum, some of which were about shortcuts students take that have been creat-ing muddy paths.

One student suggested plac-ing shrubbery in these shortcuts to guide students onto the sidewalks.

Gilbertson said the University may reroute the pathways.

“Charting out where walk paths go is a science,” Gilbertson said.

The University is working with a national consulting firm to refine issues involving safety and traffic.

The firm’s last visit to the Uni-versity was 15 years ago.

Gilbertson said that students don’t have to wait a month if they have a good idea.

He said to contact the appropri-ate offices instead of waiting for the next forum.

“This isn’t the only day I come to work,” he said. “I’m here every day.”

Forumcontinued from A3

upcoming season at an an-nual May meeting.

“All year long, I’m look-ing for movies and writing them down,” said Saginaw resident Jane Peters, a mem-ber of the VFS for more than 20 years.

She said that she prefers the VFS selections (especially the French comedies) to the

popular movies shown at most local theaters.

Retired SVSU math-ematics faculty member Tyler Haynes serves as VFS trea-surer and has been a member since 1983. At that time, he says, 16 millimeter foreign film rentals cost between $150 and $200 for one night.

“We had Chinese din-ners to raise money,” he said. “We went cap-in-hand to the Saginaw Community Foun-dation, student government, the Campus Activities office

and the dean of the college of liberal arts (and behavioral sciences).”

Today, Haynes said that the lower cost and greater availability of DVDs has changed the society.

“Now our problems are ended,” he said. “We’ve, in fact, become benefactors. We’ve given a substantial amount of DVDs as a gift to the University.”

As the society grows, Haynes said that he would like to have discussions after

the showings.“I would like to find

someone who teaches cinema who could come to a coffee shop or somewhere afterward and talk about the films.”

Eight screenings remain in the 2011-12 season, two of which are double features. The VFS prorates the regu-lar $25 membership for the remaining shows, and SVSU students pay $5.

“If you want a cheap date, that’s the best bargain in town,” Haynes said.

Filmscontinued from A3

Vanguard Photo | Jess EllisonJunior distance runner Eric Spitz races at “The Cardinal,” an indoor track meet hosted by SVSU on Friday. Spitz finished in seventh place in the 5,000 meter run with a time of 15:54.

Vanguard Photo | Jess EllisonSenior distance runner Jonathon Wetters from Essexville won the 5,000 meter run at friday’s home meet in a time of 15:33.16.

The Valley Vanguard (Vol. 44 No. 18)

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