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Monthly Archives: October 2013

JCCC Gives: Student Senate hosts third annual charity drive

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By David Hurtado

With the tricks and treats of Halloween coming to a close and the festive atmosphere of the holiday season fast approaching, Student Senate is preparing their annual drive for those experiencing financial hardships.

JCCC Gives, which runs until Dec. 5, is a drive that works towards ensuring less fortunate members of the college community are able to celebrate the holidays with joy. Common items sought each year include heaters, children’s toys, food and clothing.

Elliot Rogers, Student Senate president, said the drive is not just restricted to students, faculty and staff of the college. Anyone who is in need of help during the holidays can be nominated to receive donations.

“We kind of bill it as a community charity event and drive,” Rogers said. “It’s an event hosted by Senate and held in the CSI Lounge, where we invite the entire campus community to nominate anyone. It’s completely confidential; you can even nominate yourself.”

The drive can be both for individuals as well as family units, according to Rogers.

Nomination forms can be printed off from the college’s website or picked up from the CSI in COM 309. Once filled out, they are asked to be turned in to Mindy Kinnaman, advisor for Senate in the CSI. The information is then compiled onto confidential forms and put up on a tree in the room for individuals to ‘adopt.’

“One of the cool things about Gives is there’s really no limit on it,” Rogers said.

However, Student Senate does assess the requests to make sure they are needs and not simply wants.

“We only put onto the tree things that someone would actually need,” Rogers said. “That’s kind of our moderation of this; we look at these requests and make sure that they’re necessary and are fulfilling the purpose of Gives.”

Nominations are open until Nov. 8 and adoptions begin Nov. 11, running through Dec. 5. Gifts will be given to recipients during the week of Dec. 9 – 13.

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Cavalier star watch: Courtney Hughes

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star watch Q&AjpgFreshman Midfielder Courtney Hughes was named NJCAA Women’s Soccer player of the Week for Sept. 30- Oct. 6. Hughes scored five goals over the course of two victories. One of the games, a 7-2 win over Garden City, Hughes scored four goals, her third hat trick of the season. She leads the team with 25 goals on the season. The team is currently 14-2-1.

Team Goals:

Nationals. We’ll definitely be disappointed if we don’t make it to Florida.

Personal Goals:

I have to continue to be in better shape for next year. Other than that, I really just focus on doing whatever it takes to make my team better.

Team strengths and weaknesses:

We’re fast. Our weakness is we need to just get stronger.

Favorite Movie:

I love Toy Story, I’ve always loved it. I enjoy the whole series.

Favorite Artist:

Bruno Mars, I just enjoy everything he does.

Dream Job:

I want to be a doctor, like a surgeon but I don’t want to go to school for all those years.

Compiled by Mac Moore, sports editor, mmoore82@jccc.edu.

Changing the Redskin’s team name is absurd

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By David Hurtado

Life is hard. It’s even harder when your sense of self-worth is easily offended by every little thing that there ever was.

In recent weeks, calls to change team name of the Washington Redskins have grown increasingly louder, on the grounds that it’s derogatory to Native Americans. These complaints have mostly come from the Oneida Indian Nation, saying the name “has negative consequences for the Native American community when it comes to issues of self-identity and imagery.” The Redskins impressive 2-4 record probably isn’t helping things either.

Given how American Indians have been portrayed for much of American history, I understand where the Oneida are coming from. Really, I do. But this is the kind of political correctness that’s been responsible for the deaths of millions of brain cells in this country. The Washington Red skins are not the only team out there who have named themselves after a group of native peoples.

Team names, particularly in foot ball, are meant to denote pride, strength, courage and fearlessness. People choose these names out of reverence for what they represent, not because they despise them. Did the Dallas Cowboys choose their name because they hate cowboys? Did the Steelers choose their name because they hate their local steel industry? Humans don’t revere what they don’t like.

Moreover, these calls reveal a complete ignorance of history by the Oneida. “Redskins” refers not to pigmentation or the practice of selling scalps, but from the fact Indian warriors would use red paint to cover their bodies in an attempt to intimidate their enemies. Has it been used in a derogatory manner towards American Indians? Of course. But this isn’t one of those instances.

Seeing as the country is going to hell in a hand basket and American Indians are marred by low standards of living, you would think the Oneida would have nobler causes to champion. The poverty rate for Native Americans living on reservations is 31.2 percent, nearly three times the national rate, according to Walking Shield, an aid organization for American Indian families. And that’s not all.

On some reservations, unemployment rates have reached as high as 85 percent. American Indians are 770 percent more likely to die from alcoholism and have a college graduation rate of just 38.3 percent. You know what’s really frightening though? These statistics are mostly from2003, before the economy dived off the deep end. Now, after two costly wars and the recession, how much do you think these conditions have improved?

Changing the Redskins team name is the same as ‘liking’ a status on Facebook saying you support starving African children. It’s a meaningless, feel-good gesture that serves no purpose whatsoever. If we changed the team name to “The Washington Indigenous Peoples of the East coast,” is that going to make all the  actual issues I mentioned above disappear? No.

The past is the past; we don’t have time to worry about the simple name of a sports team. It’s true American Indians suffered greatly at the hands of the U.S. government, facing eradication for refusing to surrender their  homes to invaders. But these people are long dead and there isn’t anything we can do for them now; I honestly wish there was, but there isn’t. Attention needs to be brought to the plight of their descendants on the reservations, instead of a non-issue like this.

Covering up the past does not change that it happened.

Contact David Hurtado, features editor,

at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Sports Briefs

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Men’s Soccer 11-5 Record 

The Cavaliers picked up two wins after Barton Community College broke their eight game winning streak on Oct. 12. The team’s win over MCC-Blue River on Oct.21 was decided in OT. The score was 3-2 after freshman Jorge Rivero scored 57 seconds into extra time.

Volleyball 24-5 

The Lady Cavs have won their last four matches. The squad has now won 16 of their last 17 and remain undefeated in conference at 7-0. The team faced Allen County Community College on Oct. 23, scores were not available at press time.

Women’s Soccer 15-2-1 

The Lady Cavs have knocked off the best in the land. The team faced No. 1 ranked Iowa Western Community College on Oct. 19 and came out with a 2-1 OT victory. The loss was only the second of the year for Iowa Western. The team only has one more game before postseason play begins.

Success becomes standard for Lady Cavs basketball

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By Mac Moore 

It’s fall. The leaves have changed color and started falling from the trees, the weather has gotten a bit colder, and the Lady Cavs basketball team is preparing to duplicate the 30 win campaign from the previous season.

The team finished 30-2 during the 2012-2013 campaign, the fourth straight season they have done so. If the team completes that feat this season coach Ben Conrad will own the longest consecutive streak for 30 win seasons in conference history. Conrad is less focused on that streak and more focused on improving the team on a daily basis.

“Like every year, I just want our kids to max out their potential,” said Conrad. “Gain an understanding of the value of doing things the right way and working hard each and every day. Stay process oriented and worry about the product when it’s all done. We do those things and this team will have success.”

With junior college athletics, the team constantly faces change as the athletes only spend two years here. Conrad has handled those challenges remarkably well, earning a 143-28 record during his five seasons with the Cavaliers.

“Recruiting talent is key, but then getting kids that will buy into our culture, really buy into our approach,” Conrad said. “I call it the ‘Johnson Way’, and that refers to a set of standards we have for our team on and off the court.”

The “Johnson way” has continued to produce regular season success for the Lady Cavs, but hasn’t earned the team the coveted national championship since 2001. Last year’s remarkable season was cut short of the ultimate goal in a heartbreaking loss to Highland in the regional VI tournament. The game ended after a last second bank shot by Highland that gave them a 76-75 win.

“It’s always good to have experience,” sophomore guard said Sameia Kendall. “We know what to expect this year. We know what it’s like to lose so we don’t want to do it again.”

Kendall believes that experience will give this team added determination for this season.

“It puts a chip on our shoulder,” Kendall said. “That hurt us a lot so we want to get back there and fix it. We want to make it to nationals.”

While the national tournament is a goal for the team every season, this squad understands that the post-season is aptly named, it only comes in “post” of the regular season. The team knows that the squad practicing today is not the squad that is ready for that time of the year, yet.

“Concentration is definitely one of our obstacles,” sophomore forward Kariel Hutt said. “We have to improve that first.”

Hutt said that the team has the physicality and if the returning players come through, this squad will be able to build off of last year’s successes. Conrad believes this team just needs to understand how critical each day is when it comes to improving. If they do so, this team has the roster needed to make a deep postseason run.

“We’ve got some depth at all spots,” Conrad said. “It’s the deepest team I’ve had here at JCCC.”

Contact Mac Moore, sports editor, at mmoore82@jccc.edu.

STAFF EDITORIAL: The requirement no one was ready for

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Efficiency is found in procedure. Not to mention, it keeps society operating smoothly.

Within the college, several faculty-driven governing bodies exist to aid in maintaining a smooth functioning campus.

But when procedure is ignored, significant concern and chaos is inevitable.

At the beginning of the semester, faculty became aware of a huge, blanketed change that would be taking place come spring 2014. The addition of a prerequisite known as “Reading Readiness.”

Initiated under former President Dr. Terry Calaway as a part of “Achieving the Dream” and “Dream Johnson County,” the developmental prerequisite attempts to assist non-degree students in their reading capabilities.

However, the course change did not go through and get approval from Educational Affairs.

And just as an onion, there are several layers to this issue.

While nearly no faculty members find fault in the merits of the prerequisite, there are many who do have a problem with the lack of proper process, as well as the overwhelmingly vague information surrounding the change.

For example, no one knows who gave the go-ahead with the initiative. With the administration turnover, there are no clear answers as to who all was involved in developing the prerequisite. And those who were involved, were so distant and unaware that it would become a reality for students this spring.

Additionally, only a select few have seen or have been part of gathering the research and data to support the initiative. Not to mention that no-one knows how much this will ultimately cost the school.

The important questions are the questions that no one on this campus has been able to answer confidently. And frankly, that most likely would not have been the case had it gone through normal channels.

Proper utilization of the college’s existing governing bodies would have prevented the frustration felt by all levels involved. It would’ve had a well-thought out plan of action, as opposed to the scrambled mess it has become. It would’ve had thorough analysis and discussion of the change.

Although the college ultimately was able to change the prerequisite to a corequisite through various meetings and collaborations, in principle, it is still incredibly frustrating that a course change that blankets the entirety of courses offered by the college, never received approval or recommendations from Educational Affairs.

Going forward, Educational Affairs as well as other campus committees should not only work to revise and improve the reading corequisite, but also define their responsibilities as a group in an effort to prevent future mishandled course changes.

COLUMN: Let’s put it to a vote

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By Aaron Fitzgerald

The recent situation involving the shutdown of our federal government was certainly a fiasco. Citizens around the U.S. balked at the idea that our very own government could simply close its doors.

The shutdown resulted from a longstanding debate between the Republican-led House and the Democrat-controlled Senate over an act passed in 2010, called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Most people know it by a different name: Obamacare. Because of the division over the controversial act, the government was unable to come up with a budget that satisfied both the Democratic and Republican Parties. The House of Representatives was unwilling to pass any spending bill that would appropriate funding for the act, and the Senate was firmly against passing any bill that did not. Since no bill was passed that appropriated government funding past the date of Sept. 30, the government was forced to shut down almost all of its operations, leaving the rest of America confused and frustrated.

Then, after two and a half weeks of intense debate and exclusive meetings, the government came back online. In a few short weeks, they had come to a decision that they were unable to agree upon for three years

The government, in a way, reminds me of a lazy college student. They put off that one important assignment until the last second, only to then pull an all-nighter and miraculously turn in the project. It’s not a great way to solve problems, and frankly it’s pretty nerve-wracking to observe.

I don’t like the idea of having a lazy college student running my country. I doubt you do either. Actually, most people are fed up with the way the government is handling things. According to a poll by ABC News and the Washington Post, about 80 percent of Americans are dissatisfied, or even angry with the government. But just like any other problem, you can’t solve it by simply complaining and hoping that it will right itself. Luckily for us, we have ways to fix the problem. In case you didn’t know already, the United States is what is known as a democracy. We can tell that lazy college kid how we feel, whether he wants to hear it or not. Even if our opinions are mean or racist, we are entitled to have our fair say. Now this doesn’t mean that you need to go make a sign and start shouting your opinions to anyone who happens to be in earshot of you. There’s more to being politically active than that. Really, being politically active is as simple as just voting in an election.

Strangely, for all the complaining that Americans do about our government, only 60 percent of us actually vote. According to a study by the Institute for Democracy, the U.S. is ranked 120 out of 169 nations in the category of voter turnout, less than even the Dominican Republic. Why so little? Well, some Americans say it’s inconvenient. Others say they feel like their vote doesn’t matter. This is understandable, but if you don’t want to be involved in the government, then why complain about it? If we think that the government is doing things wrong, we should tell them. We have been given the opportunity and the tools that we need, and if all else fails, there’s still revolution!

Contact Aaron Fitzgerald, circulation manager, at afitzg10@jccc.edu.

Halloween obsession isn’t “Psycho”

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By Lindsay Sax 

I have a beautiful baby girl, she has dark as night b l a c k hair, red, a l m o n d s h a p e d eyes and wrinkly skin the color of a cloudy grey day. When you walk by she cries the cries of a tortured demon. Her name is Demonica, and she’s a zombie.

Demonica and I go back three years when my mom bought her for me for Halloween. My roommates were freaked and all our friends thought I was psychotic. People have covered her up when they were sleeping on the couch afraid to wake up to her.

I have a shower curtain with bloody handprints all over it. So, wanting to share my awesome decorating skills, I took a picture and put it on Instagram. When I showed up at work the next day the talk was “Hey Sax, show them your bathroom picture.” “Ew that’s gross” they’d say.

But it’s really not. It’s Halloween. Halloween is full of decorations, creepy and bloody. It doesn’t make me weird. My obsession with scary decorations and movies doesn’t make me any different from someone who watches the same Christmas movie every year when putting up a Christmas tree. I don’t call them weird.

I can pretty much compare judging me and my awesome Halloween spirit to judging someone by the way they dress, the way they look or the way the talk. We were taught as kids to be accepting of all people, and that includes people who might be a little obsessive with Halloween and having crazy, gory, bloody decorations.

But apparently I’m different. The last few Halloween’s you could find me dressed as a dead Ninja Turtle, bloody Little Red Riding Hood, who got attacked by the wolf, and my favorite costume of all time, Melanie Daniels from Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” Most people didn’t understand what I was. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, it’s obvious, I have fake birds glued to my clothes and on my head and I’m covered in blood. While everyone else in my group was a boring 80’s girl, a pirate or a school girl. If you look for me this year, I’ll be the one wrapped in a bloody shower curtain with a knife sticking out of my chest. That’s weird I’ve heard, it’s the movie “Psycho” I tell them, it’s awesome.

I don’t have thoughts of going around and actually making my own bloody decorations with real blood. Here’s the crazy thing. I’m actually terrified of blood. If I saw a pool of it on the sidewalk I would probably pass out right there. The thought of carrying a giant knife around is scary; I don’t even own a knife sharp enough to cut anything. And if people think I’m going to go all “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” don’t worry, I don’t use lawn tools.

So, my obsession with Halloween isn’t weird. I’m not crazy or a witch. Although my birthday is on Halloween, just like a Disney Channel movie, maybe this is the year that I get some supernatural powers, that would be pretty sweet. Till then, me and Demonica are going to go watch “Psycho” to get my screaming face perfected for my costume.

Contact Lindsay Sax, copy editor, at lsax@jccc.edu. 

COLUMN: Reflecting on my day with the college president

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By Stephen Cook

When I pulled into his driveway a little before 6 a.m. President Sopcich acted surprised.

“I didn’t think you were going to show up,” he said.

So my day with the college president began.

I met President Sopcich at his house, dark and early, for his morning run. After our 3.2 mile run, we made our way to campus, arriving at around 7:45 a.m. This is how Sopcich starts his days: running Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then heading to campus or to various functions before most students are even awake.

On Thursday, Oct. 10, the day I spent shadowing him, we didn’t leave campus until around 8:45 p.m. Sopcich said he will usually stay late for various functions five to six days a week.

Our president is dedicated to this college in more ways than most people can think of.

After our day spent together I can say that I was genuinely tired. When you’re meeting influential members of the community all day, you always have to be “on” and alert. Keep in mind I was just shadowing Sopcich, I didn’t have the mental load of thinking about and discussing issues all day.

During our day together, I had the opportunity to meet many influential individuals who play a significant part in leading the community. I was able to meet business owners, political leaders and even donors who have contributed substantial amounts to help shape programs at the college.

As editor-in-chief, I feel that I can relate to Sopcich’s position, although obviously on a much smaller scale.

The fact that I get to work with fantastic people and do great things together is very similar in a way to what Sopcich does with the college as a whole. Also, one of the major reasons I love my job as a journalist is that I get to meet, talk to and learn the stories of so many individuals. As president, Sopcich is constantly meeting new people, and likewise for him, that makes the job enjoyable.

I can say although it can be demanding and time-consuming, my time at the Ledger is one of the most worthwhile things that I have ever been a part of. Sopcich feels the same way about being president of the college. At the end of the day, although tired, he is encouraged and inspired by those that he had spent time around.

I believe Sopcich and I share very similar feelings about our jobs. We both appreciate the things we get to do, the people we get to meet and the lessons we get to learn.

I also believe we both agree that we are proud to be a part of this college.

Getting to spend the day with Sopcich was a fantastic experience and I am thankful he gave me the opportunity to do so. I can say at the end of the day I was genuinely encouraged and inspired by the people that I had met: individuals who care so much about the college, its programs and the students that they go above and beyond in their support.

If anything, our day together made me want to want to push myself even harder as a student and as an editor. I want to help maintain the great reputation of this college and you should want to do your best to do the same.

Contact Stephen Cook, editor-

Behind the lens with Philip Heying

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By David Hurtado

Photography professor shares his lifetime of experience

The office is small by most standards, but by no means lacks the personal touches of an occupant. A curious glance around ATB 143 reveals bits-and-bobs of photography equipment and other personal effects, each tucked into its own spot.

This is the office of Philip Heying, one of the adjunct professors in the photography department at the college. Heying, a well known figure in the art community, has taught at the college since the fall 2010 semester. His interest in photography first sparked at an early age, when he would sneak off with the family camera to take pictures, using up all of the Polaroid.

“There was something really magical that a machine could reproduce what looked like reality,” Heying said. “The machine itself was beautiful and the little pieces of reality that came out of it were fascinating. That happened when I was 5-years-old.”

Prior to coming to the college, Heying worked as a freelance photographer after graduating from the University of Kansas in 1985 with a BFA in Painting. While studying art at KU, Heying received the Sterling Scholarship, an undergraduate research award. Not long after graduation, he moved to Paris and worked there for 12 years. In 1997, Heying packed his bags and returned to the states, taking up residence in Brooklyn until 2008.

“Moving to Paris was really something because I had to learn a whole new language and a whole new culture,” he said. “Not just the French language and the French culture, but I went from the suburban rural environment of Kansas City and Northeast Kansas to one of the cultural capitals of the world in a densely urban environment. I had to get used to being really close to a lot of people and just a different kind of culture and cultural awareness of the arts. It was a little bit of a baptism by fire, if you will. I loved it.”

Before Heying departed for the City of Light, he became close friends with acclaimed novelist and painter, William Burroughs. Heying met Burroughs during his time as a student at KU, and through Burroughs’s circle of friends, including Albert Hoffman and Allen Ginsburg, gained artistic guidance and insight. Gradually, Heying began to shift his focus from painting to photography exclusively. They remained friends until Burroughs’s death in 1997.

“He was like no one else,” he said. “[Burroughs] was old enough he could have been my grandfather and yet he was a visionary and boldly inhibited person in terms of his own beliefs and personal practices. It was always a bit of an adventure to hang around with him because he was actually in fact, a dangerous person in a certain way. Not that he was malicious in any sense, but he liked to explore a part of reality that is truly dangerous and was curious about what was there.”

Bruce Hartman, curator of photography, Nerman Museum, said what sets Heying apart from other photographers are his life experiences and upbringing in Kansas. He said Heying’s work reflects someone who has familiarity with the Kansas landscape in the sense that he isn’t someone who’s just passing through the rolling hills and flat plains.

“Certainly, some of his history and life experiences; the fact that he grew up in Kansas and has familiarity with the region,” Hartman said. “When he’s taking photographs, he’s actually experienced the landscape; he came home essentially and began several bodies of work. That’s a different stance than someone who happens to come to an area for a limited period of time and doesn’t fully understand it, in perhaps the way someone who grew up here might. His roots are here, and I think you can see that reflected in the work that he’s executing.”

Adam Long, adjunct professor, Photography, said it’s a “positive experience” working with Heying. He said since the two are both photographers, they often bounce ideas off one another and have a great camaraderie.

“I would say that he’s direct, but at the same time very approachable,” Long said. “It comes off in a way that, his comments are pointed, but they’re done in such a way that there’s a lot of love in them. His personality, when I think about it, springs from his directness. He’s got a nice sense of dry humor, too.”

Hartman said Heying’s greatest strength as a photographer lies in his ability to take the most mundane subjects and make them into something beautiful and compelling.

“I think his ability to take subjects that many people might consider banal and make them really engaging and quite beautiful is his greatest strength,” he said. “It’s always a gift when someone can take subject matter many consider to be mundane and make it something that’s captivating and compelling too. And, that’s apart from the William Burroughs photographs, as those have a life of their own, so to speak. Burroughs was such a legendary and colorful figure that it’s almost impossible to disassociate his personality/legend from those images. That’s a body of work that I think is unto itself – specific to Lawrence, Kansas and a particular time.”

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Knights of the chess table

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By Mike Abell

Student Frank Williams details his passion for chess; plays 24-60 games a day

While most students are slouched over texting in the Student Center, there is one student who is slouched over plotting his next move.

From the time Frank Williams started attending the college he has the turned the chess club upside down. Williams originally enrolled in a statistics class in order to assist his daughter with the course and befriended his mathematics professor, Ron Palcic. Palcic not only encouraged Williams to start a chess club but he also sponsored it. After taking time off from running the chess club, Williams has returned.

Williams said when they originally got Student Senate’s approval they were assigned a room and only had about an average of four people showing up, so he quickly made the decision to start hosting games in the Student Center in order to gain participation amongst students.

Williams can be seen playing with the rest of the club Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Student Center from noon to 5 p.m. Williams said he can play anywhere from 24 to 60 games of chess a day, depending on the skill level of his opponents. Anyone can sit down and play Williams or join the chess club. He said anyone who follows the rules of chess makes a worthy opponent.

“All sports have rules,” Williams said. “Now, we have moves that are allowed, some moves are not allowed but that is simply the chess rules.”

Williams has played chess for over 60 years and has been in multiple clubs throughout that time frame. He first started playing the game in first grade. Growing up, he had a brother who was more of an outdoors type of kid while Williams preferred to sit inside and play a game of chess.

He considers himself to be most like the knight because the knight can do stuff other pieces can’t do, like jump over any of the other pieces.

“I like the knights, I like to play them because they’re tricky and I like to collect them if it’s the other guys’ knights,” Williams said.

Out of all the games that he plays, he enjoys chess the most due to the fact that it is based on skill and the only luck involved is who makes the first move. Players who often play white often play offensively while black will play defensively. Williams typically enjoys playing white more often than not.

“White has the advantage and I think I play white better than black,” Williams said.

Contact Mike Abell, photo editor, at mabell@jccc.edu.

Science fiction film, “Gravity”, skyrockets to success

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By Josh Bull

Alfonso Cuaron’s new science fiction film “Gravity” is a suspenseful and unique survival story that, outside of a few liberties taken for narrative convenience, sticks very strongly to realistic science.

During a routine service mission for the Hubble Space Telescope, a Russian missile destroys a defunct satellite, unintentionally causing a chain reaction and sending debris destroying several other satellites and the space shuttle Explorer, leaving only two of the Explorer’s crew members, mission specialist Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and veteran astronaut on his final mission Matt Kowalski (George Clooney), alive, but stranded in space. Cut off from mission control with the shuttle all but destroyed, the two astronauts must work together to find a way to survive.

Although the film’s trailers suggest a grim atmosphere with a focus on the terror of being hopelessly isolated in space, the film itself only touches on that aspect lightly, instead being more akin to a shipwreck survival story. It is, however, still a very suspenseful film that makes you question if the characters will be able to make it back to Earth.

There are very few characters in the film. Beyond Stone and Kowalski, the only notable character is an unnamed mission control operator played by Ed Harris, which may be an allusion to his role as Gene Kranz in “Apollo 13.”

Stone and Kowalski lose contact with mission control very quickly, which works in the film’s favor. Without the radio silence, the conversations between the characters would have most likely distracted from the story.

There are only a few flaws with the film to point at. There are a few homages to other films about space, including “Apollo 13” and “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The homages to “2001” are out of place and only waste time. Stone’s character development is weak and her motivation is little more than instinctual survival. Cuaron’s signature long takes are used generously and are well shot, as per his usual, but a few shots linger for a little too long.

There are also quite a number of liberties taken with scientific accuracy, despite being otherwise very realistic. These inaccuracies are, however, unavoidable as the story could not be told without them.

Gravity is a solid way to satisfy a craving for a film that takes a realistic look at the dangers of outer space. It is a suspenseful and atmospheric film that, despite being a simple survival story, is a solid film and worth checking out.

Contact Josh Bull, reporting correspondent, at jbull3@jccc.edu.

Archery class bridges past and present

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By Jessica Skaggs

While music serenades from a student’s phone and the wind howls, students take aim each Tuesday and Thursday morning on the soccer field near the baseball fields. The college has offered its students a one hour physical education credit that meets the general education requirement, through archery for the last 26 years.

This is the first year the college has offered two sessions, as interest has grown in the last few years and students were struggling to get in. Student Nicki Joy Karstens is just one of the 49 students who has taken archery this semester alone.

“Archery was really fun when I was a kid and I wanted to get better at it,” Karstens said. “I used to do it with my dad, and then I did it in Girls Scouts too.”

Adjunct professor Charles Carter has been teaching students the fundamentals of archery at the college since the course was first introduced.

“It’s geared to instruct the basics of archery, and attempt to develop a possible lifetime leisure interest,” Carter said. “It’s my hope that a number of students will continue in archery. Archery is a sport that you can do for your whole life, the main thing is to keep learning and have fun.”

Carter not only teaches students how to hit their targets, he also demonstrates the applicability of archery to everyday life, as well as incorporating an understanding of its history and influence on the world.

“I think there’s many lessons in archery that apply to other areas of life,” he said. “One of the things I do that I think is very enjoyable and is pretty cool is to try to look back at history and bring items in archery forward that affect our culture today.”

For example, Carter said archery has influenced certain terms that people still use today.

“The term to play ‘fast and loose’ is from the middle ages and it refers to an unreliable or deceptive person in archery. Our word for ‘sin’ comes from the Greeks originally in archery in terms of them and it refers to failure to hit your mark, missing your mark. So we talk about those kind of things.”

Students in the class appear to enjoy themselves while they gather their equipment and line up to take aim.

“It’s pretty self-explanatory and pretty fun,” said Karstens.

Zach Luchies, student, agrees with Karstens and finds the class not only enjoyable, but also a way to relax while being outside.

“A big part of the class is learning how to focus and block out all the distractions so that you can hit your target,” he said.

Contact Jessica Skaggs, managing editor, at jskaggs4@jccc.edu.

Unpaid internships hot topic at colleges

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By Lindsay Sax

College students are applying for internships to gain work experience, but deciding on the right internship can be a tough decision.

More than half of all college student internships are unpaid. With the many unpaid internships available, students may need to weigh the benefits of working without being paid.

“This is a hot topic in the legal realm,” said LeAnn Cunningham, employment relations/ internship coordinator, Career Development. “People are watching closely, at colleges, what has happened.”

In June, a New York judge ruled against Fox Searchlight Pictures in a case brought by unpaid interns. The judge agreed that the interns on the film “Black Swan” were regular employees and the studio benefited from the free labor.

“But those benefits were incidental to working in the office like any other employees and were not the result of internships intentionally structured to benefit them,” said ruling Judge William H. Pauley III. “Searchlight received the benefits of their unpaid work, which otherwise would have required paid employees.”

Cunningham said when students take an unpaid internship and then try and sue for wages that the company will say that the intern knew they were not going to be paid when they agreed to intern.

“[The] Fair Labor Standards Act was changed in 2010. There are six criteria for unpaid internships, and most don’t meet that,” Cunningham said. “Students need to realize they pay for college credit and not being paid for the work they are performing.”

Cunningham said prospective interns need to weigh the benefits of an unpaid internship and that some students cannot afford to work for free.

“Unpaid internships aren’t fair to students who don’t have a choice,” said Cunningham, about some fields that almost require internships to get jobs.

Not all students are interested in internships. Kelsey Loftiss, student, put it simply.

“No, I don’t plan on it. I have no interest,” Loftiss said.

Ryan Palmer, student, agrees with Loftiss in that he does not plan on interning, unless someone found an internship for him. While he thinks they are helpful, there are other things students can be doing.

“I think they’re good, but it’s kind of a tough decision because at the same time you could be doing a job that would pay,” Palmer said. “I don’t know if there are some internships that pay, but from what I’ve heard of there aren’t any.”

If a student does decide to take an unpaid internship there are guidelines for the work performed. First an unpaid internship should be like the training they would acquire in an educational setting. Also interns should be working close with existing staff for the educational benefits. The employer should have the understanding that the duties of the intern should have no immediate benefit to the employer.

If an internship is in a student’s best interest, it is best to start the search early. According to the college’s career development department, students should start looking at least a semester in advance.

Cunningham says that one thing she hears from employers is that applicants need to have a good resume and know about the company they are applying to. She says that the Career Center has the “Business Journal” that students can use to research companies throughout Kansas City.

“You can’t beat a first impression,” Cunningham said. “Dressing appropriately is important in today’s business world.”

Visit the college’s Career Development page for more information: http://www.jccc.edu/career-development/experience-internships. html

Contact Lindsay Sax, copy editor, at lsax@jccc.edu.

Reading initiative sparks campus-wide response

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By Jessica Skaggs

A presidential initiative under former President Dr. Terry Calaway, became policy for the 2014 spring semester. However normal procedure was not followed, sparking campus-wide response. All students are expected to demonstrate their ability to read with either the achievement of a reading co-requisite or the completion of other options that satisfy the requirement, as listed on the college website.

NEED TO KNOW

In an effort to help students be adequately prepared for college level work, JCCC requires students to demonstrate “college reading readiness.” Starting in the spring of 2014, students will begin to see “college reading readiness” listed as a pre- or co-requisite for many courses. Students may satisfy this requirement with one or more of the following:

• Successful completion of Reading Skills Improvement (RDG 126). Current enrollment in RDG 126 will also meet the requirement.

• Successful completion of Composition I (ENGL 121)

• COMPASS test score of 80 or higher in reading

• ACT sub score of 19 or higher in reading

• COMPASS-ESL (English as a Second Language) test score of 95 or higher

Information courtesy of the college website.

Dave Davis-Faculty Senator

As of Oct. 16, “It’s not about debating the merits of whether or not it’s a good idea that students can read, that’s ridiculous. We all think it’s a good idea students should read. The question is, was this done in a way that people directly involved can contribute? Did it follow the processes established for the entire existence of this college? And the answer to both of those questions is no.

In all fairness there were a few faculty [members] that were a part of this process, mostly reading teachers, understandably, but […] when you’re affecting every single class on campus, it’s not enough just to have one or two faculty members.

Next semester Ed Affairs, Faculty Senate, other faculty driven organizations will get their hands on this, and I imagine at the very least, individual departments will be given the option to opt out, that this will be like a default. If you don’t say anything, it’s a prerequisite, but if you don’t want it to be you can opt out. Anything less than that would be simply insulting.”

Faculty Senate

As of Oct. 15, “The Faculty Senate supports the Educational Affairs Committee in its statement that any course prerequisites added without the procedural practices in place, including the formal review and approval by division curriculum committees and the Educational Affairs Committee, be immediately removed from the course catalogue and the spring 2014 course schedule.”

Reading Department

As of Oct. 22, “The real question here is ‘what is best for helping students achieve success?’ We wholeheartedly agree that the reading pre-req initiative was not properly rolled out. We do have issues with policy making within the college. However, we would ask everyone to take a step back, take a deep breath, and consider the ramifications of rescinding the policy. It is true that it did not go through Ed Affairs, but that does not invalidate the professionalism and research of the many faculty across campus who worked diligently on this initiative from the beginning discussions in the Underprepared Student Committee to the work on the AQIP action plans to Achieving the Dream to the Dev Ed Symposium to the Dev Ed General Committee.”

Steve Hansen- Chair, Educational Affairs

As of Oct. 21, “My personal opinion is that, [if] you’re going to be admitted to college, you need to bring some documentation to show that you’re ready to take the courses and to be involved in assessment. [Reading Readiness] is not like a regular pre-requisite. Andy [Anderson] has charged Ed Affairs to come up with a plan regarding reading readiness […] to be ready by Feb. 14th. It would have been nice if the whole thing could have been redone, but I don’t think that there was any intent, I think everybody all the faculty and administration have done a very professional job of evaluating it, and if they could’ve rescinded it for the spring, I think they would’ve done it.”

Computer Services

As of Oct. 22 “This has been a major undertaking from both a policy perspective and systems perspective. We appreciate all the efforts from each of the areas to prepare for start of spring enrollment.”

Judy Korb-EVP, Instruction & Operations

As of Oct. 18, “I think it [productive communication among faculty] has been very good, there has been a lot of discussion. I think there’s been other communication that is really good, which it gets to the issue of process, whether or not process was followed, and it wasn’t, we should have taken it through Ed Affairs, but I think the discussion […] will lead us to a more productive place. To me, the productive place is collaborative decision making. Obviously, I think Ed Affairs needs to play a big part in how the communication moves forward. We’re at a place now where we had to make a decision, and so the decision was to make this a co-requisite instead of a pre-requisite, but we need to finalize the decision now. I think Ed Affairs needs to help us define where we go now with the discussion to make sure that we take this back through what would be an appropriate channel.”

Educational Affairs

Committee As of Oct. 9, Educational Affairs moved, “that any course prerequisites added without the procedural practices in place, including the formal review and approval by Division Curriculum Committees and the Educational Affairs Committee, be immediately removed from the course catalogue and the spring 2014 course schedule.”

Contact Jessica Skaggs, managing editor, at jskaggs4@jccc.edu.

 

College seeks to save money through energy efficiency

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By Farhin Lilywala

Each month, every establishment, without fail, receives one bill above all others: the electricity bill. The college is no exception.

It is expected the college spends a good chunk of money on energy, as when you walk into any room on campus, the lights are bright and shining. In 2008, Michael Rae, project manager for sustainability, says the college had a study done to make sure that everything energy related was up to standard, and it highlighted many areas of improvement for the college.

“The college asked the board for a certain amount of money and they allotted us $700,000 to go towards energy efficiency measures,” Rae said.

It took the college and the energy efficiency team about two years to implement most of the changes suggested by the study, such as new and better motors for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC), which is the biggest energy user on campus. The second major change implemented was with lighting upgrades, the second biggest energy user on campus, switching from a bigger V12 to a smaller V8 light bulb. The other major change was reducing plug load, which is anything plugged into an outlet.

Due to the changes made, the college is now saving several thousands of dollars, according to Ryan Wing, senior sustainability analyst.

“Out of the $700,000 the board appropriated for energy efficiency, $565,000 went to energy measures,” Wing said. “These measures now save the college over $100,000 per year. In about five years, with rising energy rates, the college will be paid back. The other $135,000 went to water efficiency, which has a 12- year payback, just because water is so cheap around here.”

The energy efficiency team is currently working on an energy dashboard, whose infrastructure and user interface, according to Wing, was built by a team of three students from the capstone course, that requires them to learn independently about a technology they know nothing about. In order for this dashboard to have a full effect, a meter will be placed on each building on campus which will then monitor how much energy is being used.

“That still needs some tweaking,” Wing said. “So we are working with campus information services to get the data points all properly connected so the data can be viewed live. Energy will then be viewed in real time.”

Questions remain: did these measures work? And will they be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars?

“Last fiscal year,so that is last July to this past June, the college spent more than $2.5 million on electricity,” Wing said. “The college has actually done a pretty good job of increasing energy efficiency, but because of the rising rates, the bill continues to increase. In 2008, we paid $2 million, so it has gone up about $550,000, and in 2005, the bill was $1.4 million.”

The amount that the college pays for each kilowatt has increased as well, according to Rae.   “We were paying five cents per kilowatt, and now we are paying about 8.4 [cents per] kilowatts,” Rae said.

Although Julia Lamartina, student and worker at Encore! Espresso, believes the system could be improved, she hasn’t seen the situation as a problem.

“It gets pretty cold behind the counter, and higher floors seem to be cooler, but I’ve been pretty comfortable this year,” Lamartina said.

The energy efficiency team is now working on recalibrating HVAC units to get them working the way they are supposed to be working.

The team is also working on a new project that will severely help the cause of energy efficiency.

“The program that will attack energy efficiency is still being developed,” Rae said. “So we can’t exactly divulge anything about that because it is still under development and we are currently waiting for approval.”

Contact Farhin Lilywala, news editor, flilywal@jccc.edu. 

 

Runners raise money for scholarships

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By Stephen Cook

Raising nearly $6,000 for student scholarships, 143 people participated in the Lace Up For Learning 5k on Oct 13. President Joe Sopcich was amongst the participants.

“[The course] was manageable but challenging,” Sopcich said. “Personally, I did fine so it was a good race and you push yourself and you set the benchmark for next year.”

Although he would have finished toward the top, Sopcich stopped and waited to “officially” finish, waving others by. His final place was 55th. Sopcich had pledged to donate $1 for each person who finished ahead of him.

The inaugural event featured a 3.2 mile route looping around the campus drive.

For more photos of the event, visit: http ://blogs.jccc.edu/campusledger/2013/10/13/photos-lace-up-for-learning-5k/

Supporting students on the spectrum

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By Katelyn Larson

Supporting students in the spectrum

In the fall of 2004, less than 10 students on the spectrum attended the college. Now, nine years later, over 60 students on the spectrum do; and those are just the ones who have requested accommodations.

This year, the college hosted a conference about autism, titled “Beyond the Diagnosis: Autism Across the Lifespan,” on Oct. 18 and 19. The sixth annual conference aimed to help answer questions that parents, teachers and health professionals might have about working with students and children with autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is any of various disorders, such as autism and Asperger’s syndrome, commonly manifested in early childhood and characterized by impaired social or communication skills, repetitive behaviors or a restricted range of interests.

With the extensive services for spectrum students the college has, it is no wonder the population of spectrum students requesting accommodations has increased.

Some of the strategies for success the college implements are educational information for staff and faculty, in-service training, new faculty orientations and department specific information sessions.

The college also has what is known as the TIPS program. TIPS is a transition program, currently in its ninth year, for learning disabled high school seniors during their spring semesters.

“It was the easiest transition I’ve ever experienced,” said Josh Edwards, a student with Asperger’s.

According to Holly Dressler, chair/ Access advisor, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reach out to students with the support of high schools. It prepares the students for change and teaches them to focus on their strengths and how to battle problems using them.

“So many of the time these students are told what their weaknesses are, since day one,” Dressler said.

A few of the many accommodations and services the college provides for the students include note takers, tutoring, preferential seating, mid-semester progress reports and weekly meetings with an advisor.

In addition to the support they receive at school, according to Dressler, it’s important to not stop that support from home.

Some of the benefits of community college for students on the spectrum are its proximity to home, small class sizes and usually less busy work

load.

“With JCCC I get to experience college the same as everyone else,” said Edwards. “In high school, you know what’s expected of you. In college, no matter who you are, your success is completely up to you.”

The college also has an Autism Spectrum Support Club, a cooperative program with the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training. The club welcomes students and mentors from both the college and KU.

“I feel more accepted than I did in high school,” said Edwards of the club. “I’ve finally found more than one or two people who understand me.”

In addition to the TIPS program and the Autism Spectrum Support Club, the college shows its support for students on the spectrum by hosting the annual Kansas Autism Conference, which this year, according to Mary Jean Billingsley, program director, had a turnout of more than 200 people with some coming all the way from places such as Canada and Florida.

For more information on Access Services or the Autism Spectrum Support Club contact Holly Dressler at dressler@jccc.edu or Karen Miller at kjmiller@jccc.edu.

Contact Katelyn Larson, reporting correspondent at klarso27@jccc.edu. 

 

NEWS BRIEFS

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Academic Excellence Challenge team wins first tournament of the season 

The college’s undefeated Academic Excellence Challenge team added another win to its record at the fall preliminary tournament. Participating members include Kurt Partridge, Trevor Crookston, Jared Mullis, Rhiannon Pearson and Elliot Rodgers.

At the end of the day, the team finished with a 5-0 record, tying for first place with Cowley Community College, scoring approximately 428 points per round.

Partridge, team captain, was the overall leader in points with 400 total points, about 80 points per round.

Student Senate presents Trick-or- Treat for Kids Oct. 25 

Student Senate presents the fourth annual Trick-or-Treat for Kids. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 in COM 319 and 322. This year’s event will feature food and plenty of activities, including a costume contest, mask making and storytelling.

For more information, contact Mindy Kinnaman at mkinnam1@jccc. edu, ext. 3534 or visit COM 309.

Wildlife expert shares experiences Nov. 10 

Wild Kingdom ambassador from Mutual of Omaha, Peter Gros will share his love for wildlife and wilderness in Yardley Hall at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10.

As a wildlife expert, Gros will share his experiences and allow the audience to come with him to a few of his wild travel experiences with video clips and bloopers.

Tickets are $30 or $20 for adults and $15 or $10 for youth. They can be purchased through the college box office at 913-469-4445 or online at jccc.edu/ TheSeries.

Compiled by Farhin Lilywala, news editor, flilywal@jccc.edu 

InFocus: A day in the life of Joe Sopcich

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by Stephen Cook

President Joe Sopcich let editor-in-chief, Stephen Cook, shadow him on Oct. 10. Beginning at 6 a.m. and finishing around 9 p.m., Cook learned what it is like to lead the college in the role of president for a day. For Cook’s personal insights, read his column here.

As a professor: 

In addition to his role as college president, Sopcich also teaches a section of BUS 121, Introduction to Business, on Monday evenings. He currently has 14 students in the class.

“It’s just a lot of fun and they’re great students,” Sopcich said. “For me it’s kind of a break because they’re not going to ask me questions like I [get asked by faculty and staff].”

Although the students in his class now know he is the college president, not all knew when they first signed up for the course.

“It’s a lot of fun to see former students in the hall, because they think it’s pretty funny,” Sopcich said.

Getting to interact with students also allows Sopcich to see the college from another perspective.

“I also ask them about their experience,” Sopcich said. “How was your experience with enrolling, how was your experience with counseling how was your experience paying your bill – because I want to hear what things do you like about campus, what’s your most favorite thing, what are some issues you have.”

On and off campus events: 

Sopcich spends time on campus working to lead the college, but also works off-campus in the community to promote and maintain the image of the college on a wider level.

“A part of this job is representing the college,” Sopcich said. “You’re kind of an ambassador to the college.”

For example, on Oct. 10, Sopcich had several functions, including an in-service, luncheon, a reception and a dinner that had him interacting with both individuals from the college and across the county and state.

“You’re developing relationships,” Sopcich said. “Hopefully you can convert those relationships to things that will help benefit the students here at the college.”

Sopcich said he is not alone in representing the college. Due to the widespread influence of the institution, he relies on the help of individuals such as Judy Korb, EVP, Instruction and Operations, and Dick Carter, the college’s government liaison to help with this.

“That’s why you need this infrastructure of people to really focus on, to get this stuff done,” Sopcich said. “Not everybody understands that, but as far as what the job entails, they just think that’s all we do is deal with everything that’s here.”

Managing stress and time: 

With the daily responsibility of being college president, Sopcich has several ways that he makes sure he gets everything done without going crazy.

“The most important thing that you have to have are the people who work around you,” Sopcich said. “You really have to have a good team that’s basically carrying so much of the load which is very important.”

With all that goes on at the college, Sopcich said he simply can’t personally take on every issue. The need to delegate tasks and responsibilities is crucial.

Additionally, Sopcich believes it is important to take everything with a certain degree of moderation.

“You have to be careful not to overreact or underreact,” Sopcich said. “But if you tended to overreact to everything you heard during the course of the day, it would be chaos.”

Throughout each day, Sopcich faces many different issues and situations that he must consider and make a decision about.

“You have to be real sensitive and try to be patient about dealing with things,” Sopcich said. “That’s why running in the morning is great because you kind of get it out of your system, you have time to think about it or you can talk about it, but it’s a cleansing deal.”

In order to make sure he has enough time to do everything, Sopcich will come in on the mornings on weekends if he is in town. On average, he receives around 300 emails a day.

Sopcich has also been coming to grips with the realization of the responsibility that the position brings.

“I reported to this position for over 20 years and once you get behind that desk it’s totally different,” Sopcich said. “You’re often kind of struck by the responsibility that you have.”

At the end of the day: 

At the end of a day, Sopcich said he is often inspired by the previous events in the day.

“You feel very, very fortunate and happy that you work at a great place where this type of stuff’s happening,” Sopcich said. “Clearly you can see the quality is remarkable.”

Throughout the course of a day, Sopcich interacts with a variety of community leaders, many of whom are contributors or supporters of the college. Always being “on” and needing to be alert and ready to communicate can be “a little exhausting,” Sopcich said. However, it is fun because of the range of people he gets to meet and be around.

After a long day, Sopcich said once he gets home there isn’t much time to do anything else.

“You literally just get ready for bed and go to bed,” Sopcich said. “[Then you] get ready for the next day and you go at it again. That’s what it’s all about, that’s what you sign up for.”

Contact Stephen Cook, editor-in-chief, at scook35@jccc.edu.

Jay Antle completes the Chicago Marathon

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By Stephen Cook

Participating in his first-ever marathon, Jay Antle, executive director for the Center for Sustainability, finished last weekend’s Chicago Marathon (26.2 miles) in 5:01:25. Antle, age 45, said “it went really well.”

“If you follow a training plan, and that training goes reasonably well then on race day you are really trusting your training to get you through the race,” Antle said. “You also ideally have a plan as to how you want to run the race.”

As part of sticking to his training, Antle had a temporary tattoo with his plan put on his wrist. Aiming for a time of five hours, Antle came in just a little bit over his goal at 5:01:25.

Close to 40,000 people competed in the event on Oct. 13, with Antle finishing around 28,000. This year, a new course record was set of two hours and three minutes.

“Really what surprised me the most was how much I enjoyed it and how much it was relatively, mentally, at least, easy.” Antle said. “I think that was all about the training and all about the energy and all about the people of Chicago just pulling all the runners through.”

One of his main challenges came at mile 24.5. In order to prevent injury and ensure that he would cross the finish line, he had to do some fast walking and slow jogging.

“My calf muscles decided they were just done,” Antle said. “If you want to really see the walking dead, go to a marathon at about mile 25 and watch folks who are really trying to push through.”

As he approached the end, Antle wasn’t sure what he would feel when he reached the finish line.

“When I crossed the finish line, this primal scream just erupted and I don’t know where it came from but it freaked people out,” Antle said. “There was something that got released when I crossed that finish line.”

Before the race day, Antle had watched a number of films and YouTube clips about the marathon so that he would know what to expect from the event.

“I really wasn’t nervous – I trained for this,” Antle said. “Obviously, I didn’t know exactly how my body would react but […] I knew I was going to be able to finish.”

Antle ran for Team Fox, which is an organization that raises funds for Parkinson’s Disease research. His father died of Parkinson’s and his mother passed away shortly after. During the race, Antle had his mom’s driver’s license and father’s graduation ring with him. About 70 participants ran for the cause, raising a total of about $125,000 through donations.

After the race, Antle flew back that night and was back in the office on Monday, “feeling reasonably well.” He did have a close call during the race, though.

“I did nearly sprain my ankle once,” Antle said. “It was just me being an idiot – there was somebody playing “Gangnam Style” as I was coming by, so I, of course, had to do the [dance]. Probably wasn’t the best thing to do when my legs were shot.”

Over the past two years Antle has run 15 half-marathons. Before last weekend’s race, the most he had previously ever run at once was 20 miles. He got into running as a way to deal with stress, then started running races because of the energy at the events.

“That kind of energy becomes addictive,” Antle said.

He also watched the film, “Spirit of a Marathon”, which follows the stories of individuals with varying fitness levels training for the Chicago Marathon. He decided that if they could run the race, he could do the same.

He chose to run the Chicago Marathon because of the energy of a big city. Since Antle is also a historian, he said there is enjoyment in “getting to know a place through a marathon.”

When it comes to the possibility of him running another marathon, he is currently undecided.

“Someone said to me the fact that I haven’t said no suggests that maybe I probably will one of these days, and I’m feeling remarkable good actually,” Antle said. “Never say never, I guess is my answer to that question.”

Contact Stephen Cook, editor-in-chief, at scook35@jccc.edu.

PHOTOS: Lace Up For Learning 5K

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More than 100 people ran in the Lace Up For Learning 5k on Oct 13. President Joe Sopcich was amongst the participants. Although he would have finished towards the top, he stopped and waited to “officially” finish, letting others pass. His final place was 55th.

For more information about the race, click here: http://blogs.jccc.edu/campusledger/2013/09/11/running-to-raise-scholarship-revenue/

Photos by Stephen Cook

 

Jay Antle ready for Chicago Marathon

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By Stephen Cook

Jay Antle, executive director, Center for Sustainability, is set to compete in the Chicago Marathon this Sunday, Oct. 13.

Although Antle has run 15 half-marathons during the past two years, this is his first full marathon (26.2 miles).

In an effort to deal with work-related stress, Antle began running distance. To prepare for this marathon, Antle has been running multiple days a week, but spreading the distance out between days. As of now, the most he has ever run at once is 20 miles.

“I don’t tend to dabble – I just dive in,” Antle said.

Antle is leaving for Chicago Friday morning and will be back on campus the following Monday.

Read about Antle’s experience at the race here: http://blogs.jccc.edu/campusledger/2013/10/16/jay-antle-completes-the-chicago-marathon/

Contact Stephen Cook, editor-in-chief, at scook35@jccc.edu.

Cavalier star watch: Zoe Price

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Photo by Mike Abell
Photo by Mike Abell

By Mac Moore

Returning sophomore pitcher Zoe Price hopes to lead the Lady Cavs softball team to a productive Spring 2014 campaign. Right now the team is finishing up a fall scrimmage schedule with a game against Wichita State University on Oct. 12 in Wichita, Kan. Price finished the Spring 2013 campaign with a 20-7 record and a 2.98 ERA. The team finished the season 35-13.

Team Goals:

We want to win conference and make nationals at the end of season. We use the spring to improve team chemistry. We just want to get everyone to gel so that we can play as one in the spring.

Personal Goals:

I guess I just want to top last season. Sometimes I feel pressured to do that, but I try to stay chill and not think about it too much. I would like to shutout every team I play this season.

Team strengths and weaknesses:

The defense is definitely one of our strengths. We have a tight defense that likes to get dirty and work together. I would say we need to work on confidence at the plate. The team just has to be more aggressive when hitting.

Favorite Movie:

The Fifth Element. I really like Bruce Willis and it’s just a really funny and ridiculous film.

Favorite Artist:

The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I really liked them growing up because my dad was really into them. The rest of the girls really get worked up listening to rap in warm-ups, but the Chili Peppers pump me up more.

Dream Job:

I guess my dream job would just be something in the corporate world, just any job in the big city. If I worked in a small cubicle in New York, it would be great. I don’t really care what the job is specifically.

Compiled by Mac Moore, sports editor, mmoore82@jccc.edu.

NFL settlement doesn’t settle concussion problems

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By Mac Moore

The first class action lawsuit for concussions has been settled by the NFL. According to NFL.com, the magic number is $765 million. The number is miniscule compared to the leagues $9 billion revenue. It also came at the price of knowing what the NFL knew about concussions and when it knew it. The league’s less than forthcoming nature about the risk of concussions was a huge component of the case.

The lawsuit patched up a problem that threatens the most profitable sports organization in the world. For now they seem fine. But just like our knowledge of brain trauma, the subject is too complex for us to know all the complications from a glance.

On Oct. 4, 17-year-old Shawnee Mission West High School football player Andre Maloney suffered a stroke during their Thursday night game against Leavenworth High School. Local Fox 4 News reported that he was taken to the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. He died the next day. Maloney was committed to play for the University of Kansas football team next fall.

None of the reports indicate that a hit had anything to do with Maloney’s stroke. The incident has not been connected to concussions in early reports, but it has created an initial concern for what role football had in this brain related death. It’s the natural connection that we make when tragedy strikes on the field.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a concussion can occur when a brain is forced to slide back and forth forcefully against the inner wall of your skull. It is the acceleration or deceleration of the head that shifts the brain, which doesn’t necessarily require a blow to the head.

A 2011 study from the Taipei Medical University showed a connection between patients with a traumatic brain injury and future strokes. They indicate the need of more intensive medical monitoring to corroborate the link.

That is the point though. The brain is such a complex organ; there are still so many unknowns. Football players need the most up to date information on the effects this game will have on them. Any football organization, from the NFL all the way down to pee-wee, will be held accountable if they don’t inform the players of all available information and protect the players in every way possible.

The NFL has the lawyers and the money to afford lawsuits. High schools and colleges don’t have that luxury. USA Today reported in March 2012 that a San Diego-area school district paid a $4.4 million settlement to former high school player whose head injury requires him to communicate through a keyboard. This is one of many football related brain trauma cases that have been filed around the country.

High schools won’t put up with million dollar lawsuits for very long. Football is too high of a liability for poor districts to continue to field teams. Fear of ligation is not the only problem. As parents continue to see multiple instances of brain injuries and the long term effects of football, fewer kids will get their parents’ permission to play. The depth charts will diminish.

Colleges won’t know what to do as the talent pools dry up. Smaller colleges that face the same financial limitations will also ask themselves if football is worth the risk. The NCAA will wonder what in the world to do, as they attempt to carry the financial burden.

The NCAA is currently facing a similar case to the NFL’s concussion lawsuit, and its outcome may set the true precedent for concussion cases that the NFL avoided in their settlement. The NFL must feel like they dodged a bullet with the concussion case. The problem is they might want to look at who was standing behind them.

Contact Mac Moore, sports editor, mmoore82@jccc.edu.

 

Championship aspirations become par for golf team

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By Mac Moore

The grass is greener on the Cavalier side of the course. The men’s golf team finished in the top three at the first three tournaments of the fall. The team’s high standard is not surprising based on last year’s output, although the roster has no resemblance to that team.

The Cavaliers finished last season with the best finish in team history with a fourth place outing at the NJCAA Division I Golf Championship at The Rawls Golf Course in Lubbock, Texas. Cavaliers finished seven strokes back from national champion Central Alabama.

This squad retained none of the five competitors in that tournament. This year’s team has a freshman laden group that still aims to compete at the NJCAA championship this spring. Early tournaments have proved that reloading the team for another run is not a farfetched goal.

“We want to have the fall be a good start for us,” freshman Charlie Rhinehart said. “Our goal is to win conference and place top three at nationals. I believe we should be able to contend for top three as a team.”

Rhinehart has led the team in two of the first three tournaments. He tied for first place during the second tournament at Turkey Creek Golf Course in McPherson, Kan. Coach Lafeyette Norwood was pleasantly surprised by Rhinehart’s top finishes early in the season.

“He’s been showing a real strong consistency which delights me,” Norwood said. “I didn’t look for him as the top golfer going into the season, but I saw him as easily one of our top five.”

The work of Rhinehart and sophomore transfer Parker Miller has helped the team compete in every tournament so far. Miller finished first at the first tournament on the season, edging out Dodge City’s Ryan Hand by one stroke. The multiple second place finishes for the team against strong competition pleases the group, but also leaves them with the goal of improving.

“We didn’t achieve some of the things we wanted to achieve but we look at the possibility,” Norwood said. “With second place, I think we have something to look forward to, something to strive toward. Last year at this time we were finishing first place, but when we came back in the spring we lost at early tournaments because we were a little bit complacent.”

Rhinehart feels that the pressure of placing first also affects the individual players as much as it does a highly touted team.

“Personally I am a good grinder,” Rhinehart said. “Sometimes I might have a bad round early, but I’m able to work my way back in it. I would rather play in the top three or five than hold first in a tournament. The top guy always get nervous, those guys behind him get to focus on chasing him.”

The team will get a real look at how much they need to improve and where they stand after the National Division 1 preview that starts on Oct. 15 at Spirit Hollow Golf Course in Burlington, Iowa. The team will get their first look at both the competition and the course they will play on in the championship tournaments this spring.

“Everything is in a reasonable grasp,” Norwood said. “It is my responsibility to reinsure to them that every tournament they can go out and win. That isn’t unreasonable for their skill level. If they go out and play like we practice, with the scores they’ve been getting, we are going to have a lot of success.”

Contact Mac Moore, sports editor, at mmoore82@jccc.edu

Community college students: never underestimate us

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By Farhin Lilywala

Okay. You caught me. I did not come to the college out of my own will. My financial situation kind of forced me in to it. I thought I was destined to do “bigger and better things,” attend a four-year university, get an internship right away, get an even better job after that. But here’s the thing: once I got here, I realized these things can still happen. My life is not over just because I attend a community college, and neither is yours.

As I walk around campus, I see many people that do not respect the college, their time here and, frankly, do not want to be here. Why?

Granted the college is not the most conventional method of schooling, but we are getting an education, knowledge that can never be taken away from us. Not only that, but by attending a community college, we pay less for the same prerequisites those attending bigger universities take. Therefore, after receiving our associates degrees, we will have gained the same knowledge and saved at least a few grand in tuition and fees alone. Sounds like a good deal to me.

We have no control over what already happened; the past is gone, and we cannot bring it back. The present is a gift, so why not be thankful and enjoy it? The future is yet to come and ours to have. We can still be the best doctors, engineers, lawyers, or even authors the world has ever seen, but only if we believe in ourselves. It is our job to prove those who underestimate us wrong, but only if we believe we can. The college is not our destiny; it is a rung in our ladder to success, a rung that we cannot skip, a rung that will be the foundation of every future endeavor, a rung that we need.

As Harvey Mackay said, “Nobody said it would be easy; they just promised it would be worth it.”

Contact Farhin Lilywala, news editor, flilywal@jccc.edu. 

 

Parking is a gift — embrace it

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By Lindsay Sax

I’ve spent $582 on parking permits over four years, then another $480 my boss spent for two years when I worked on campus. In those years I like to say I earned a minor in aggressive parking at KU. You know what that money got me? A walk up a giant mountain, in the middle of the night to my dorm room; a race up another mountain like hill, just to hike some stairs to be just in time to be all sweaty to give a weather briefing. In short, nothing good.

I’m not ashamed to say I have followed people around the lot and cut in front of cars when I saw a spot open up. I have used these skills parking at events, the mall, and black Friday. They have come in handy, but I have never used them here at the college.

From my perspective, parking is not a problem. I have never had to hunt for a parking spot, stalk a stranger, or cut off other cars. I actually park in pretty much the same spot every Tuesday and Thursday. You know that giant parking lot by the parking garage at Galileo’s Garden, yeah, it’s there. I usually see spaces when coming and going at various hours. Oh, but you don’t want to park there because it’s a far walk to your class?

The walk from this lot to the student center isn’t far. I do it in not even 10 minutes. The walk from the closest spot at KU to my class buildings was at least 15 minutes, and that’s up a small mountain. The college is flat, and I am grateful for that.

What if it’s raining and cold? There is a nifty thing about the college; the bridges from one main building to another are all pretty amazing. Grab your umbrella or coat, run into the parking garage and stroll onto class.

KU oversells parking permits, and they admit it. It’s probably just a way to get more money out of you. I have learned firsthand the consequences of coming back to the dorm late at night and all the parking spots are taken. The overflow lot was located down another small mountain at the football stadium. According to MapQuest that’s .17 miles and should take four minutes. But it’s up a hill, and doesn’t take four minutes any day of the week, whatever time of day. Walking in the dark alone in a new city, when you thought you had a permit and therefore a parking spot — now that’s a parking problem, and probably why my mom bought me pepper spray.

We as students need to embrace what we have here; awesome skywalks to keep us warm and dry, free and available parking. It’s not always greener on the other side. Because, on the other side, KU parking is a lion and treats you like a gazelle, waiting to make a kill, to tell you, nope it’s a game day, you can’t park here where your permit says you can, take your cash, and give you a million tickets. One million is their quota for a day, has to be.

Contact Lindsay Sax, copy editor, at lsax@jccc.edu. 

 

Letter to the editor: Brown and Gold now Grey and Pray

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Well isn’t this a fine kettle of fish? The once thriving, volunteer run, secular Brown and Gold Club has been has been folded into the Shepherd’s Center, an “interfaith, multicultural organization providing services to 1,200 people in Wyandotte County” according to their website.

Isn’t that just swell for we Johnson County seniors? B&G, once 4,500 strong, vibrant and growing, was destroyed by the lies and deceit of that ego-maniac Calaway who has taken his golden parachute and hopefully left town.

What this most illustrates is the quality of decision making by the Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees. Worth remembering next time you vote.

In his state of the college speech, the new president stated he wanted JCCC to serve the “entire community.” Nice start Joe.

Ron Platt, Overland Park

Running to relax, refocus

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By Stephen Cook

I love running.

S o m e p e o p l e might think runners are crazy, possibly much like I used to think. A couple of years ago I never thought I would enjoy running distance, let alone be capable of doing so. I was always the track and field kid that enjoyed sprinting and jumps and joked about how bad I would be at distance running, when in reality it was the truth.

But to me now, it’s much more than just moving from point A to point B while trying to survive.

For one, it’s a way of freedom. In busy day-to-day life, you often run out of chances to slow down and take a breath. Although it may seem ironic, running is my opportunity to do just that. I can’t answer my phone, I can’t respond to email and assignments and projects are out of the picture. When I’m running it’s just me and my music; I’m able to focus and put all of my energy into going faster and doing better than the day before.

It’s also an example of perseverance. I’ll admit there have been days when it’s hot or I’m tired and I think about quitting. Even if I’m drowning in humidity, I remember that in the end it would feel much worse to stop than to bear the temporary pain and finish. Knowing I quit and gave up would be mentally worse than the momentary physical hurt.

I believe there are life lessons that can be learned from just about everything you experience. Even if it is a small event in your life, you should be able to take something away that you can apply to your life down the road. This not only helps you to make better choices, but it also helps you to become a stronger individual.

For me, running is a learning process that prepares me for my day as well as the weeks, months and years ahead. As I said, it’s a sort of stress reliever; I can escape the world and just think about doing my personal best.

At some point in my life I’d like to run a marathon. I have a huge respect for those who can endure and finish with remarkable times in such circumstances. However, I know that extreme results are the product of extreme preparation. It is ultimately a matter of commitment: deciding to make the right choices in order to accomplish the goal in mind.

The thing is, you’ll never know until you try. I don’t want to live my life knowing I didn’t give everything in any area. What is worse than failure is the regret of knowing that you didn’t even try.

Then again, maybe I am crazy. Maybe my increased insanity is marked by my growing enjoyment of distance running.

All I know is at least it feels good to be crazy.

Contact Stephen Cook, editor-in-chief, at scook35@jccc.edu.

Partisanship: the political poison

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Jobs. Whether we like it or not, we all have them. For some, it’s being a full-time student. For others, it’s making lattes or washing windows.

However, the people who work for you — yes, you — are not doing their jobs.

It is the responsibility of Congress to agree and pass 12 appropriation bills that fund various federal agencies as well as prioritize spending. And as political party commitment has become more and more intense on both sides of the fence, Congress has become increasingly awful at doing this job.

Because they have been unable to accomplish this task throughout the years, resorting to a budget known as a stopgap has become procedure. A stopgap keeps the government funded as a continuing resolution.

As partisanship would have it, Congress failed to agree on a budget that would have prevented the government from shutting down a little over a week ago. It is the first shutdown in 17 years, with the last one under President Clinton, which remained for 21 days.

Similarly enough, the shutdown under the Clinton administration involved a Democratic president defending his program, while a Republican majority in Congress sought to defund it.

The primary reason for these squabbles and shutdowns? An unwillingness to compromise.

In this more recent case, specifically with regard to the Affordable Healthcare Act (AHA).

The House of Representatives passed a bill that included the defunding of the AHA, while the Senate passed a bill that kept it funded.

Being arguably the most controversial pieces of legislation under President Obama’s administration, it really comes as no surprise that no compromise was reached, given the current political culture on the hill. But it is rather unfortunate that the act of compromise has become a lost art.

Although the military and law enforcement will continue to operate, social security checks will be mailed, and veterans hospitals will stay open, other government functions and their websites will be closed. The short list includes, The National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and national parks and museums.

Government employees deemed “non-essential” will be furloughed, while “essential” employees as well as active-service military members will continue to be paid.

Perhaps you’ve felt the nuisance of the shutdown when attempting to access government run-websites. Or maybe you know someone who traveled across the country, or even across the ocean to visit a national site only to find it closed.

Or maybe you’ve heard of Bo Macan, a local three-year old who doctors believe to have a rare immune system disorder. According to an article on Fox 4 News, the doctors at the University of Kansas Hospital need blood-tests conducted by a government-lab at the National Institutes of Health to confirm and begin treatment.

Bo will have to wait more than the general two-weeks to receive life-saving results.

Well no worries. Congress is working tirelessly to get these government services and facilities back up and running just as soon as possible… right?

Wrong.

Both sides have continued the bickering and finger-pointing that got us in this mess in the first place. Republicans blame Democrats. Democrats blame Republicans. And on and on it continues.

Remember, since they’re “essential” they will still be getting paid.

Regardless of political affiliation, it’s safe to say that enough is enough.

Partisanship never works. Ever. Government is only able to function efficiently if there is compromise, a word that seemingly is only thrown around when one party is bashing the other, as opposed to being acted upon.

Just as your boss expects you to do your job, the same should be said about your elected official. And like it or not, it is the responsibility of Congress to seek out middle ground through negotiations.

The entire reason Congress exists is to operate for the people who gave them their job in the first place. Their failure to serve the American people is not only irresponsible, but selfish.

It’s time for both parties to stop the political games and get to work.

InFocus: Perplexing parking lots

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With the average cost of a parking space nearing several thousand dollars, students may find it hard to believe the pavement below them costs as much as their car parked on top of it.

Currently the college has around 5,000 parking spaces, according to Ryan Wing, senior sustainability data and research analyst. To build new infrastructures, it would cost around $4,000 for each surface parking space and around $15,000 for each parking space in a garage.

The college’s sustainability department, along with an engineering firm, conducted studies in 2011 to learn more about the parking situation, Wing said.

Elements of this project included tracking how many cars drive to campus each day, when most students arrive for classes as well as the capacity of the parking lots at various times throughout the day.

“The conclusions that we drew from this was we really need to reduce daily vehicles and break that relationship between adding a student and adding a car because that’s kind of an unsustainable relationship and ratio to try to maintain,” Wing said.

With an average enrollment increase of two percent a year, Wing said the college can’t afford to keep building new lots. This would only provide a temporary fix, whereas he said the college needs to look at a more long-term solution.

One of the proposed ideas is for a park-and-ride bus system using the JO. Students would be able to park at a variety of stops around Johnson County and ride to campus for free with their student I.D., with buses arriving and departing from campus every 30 minutes.

“We think this system […] has the potential to open up the college to a lot more people that might not otherwise be able to attend school here,” Wing said.

The program would cost around $1.5 million a year to operate, but Wing said the JO indicated they would cover a portion of the cost. This would possibly leave the college with a cost of around $1 million a year for the system.

Another option that has been discussed is the possibility of parking permits. However, Wing said they have recommended that the college not charge for parking until there is an alternative in place, such as the bus system.

“Right now, really the only feasible way for students to get to and from JCCC is a car,” Wing said. “So, what we have said is don’t do that unless there’s some other option for students because otherwise you are just adding cost and discouraging students from coming here.”

A carpooling program through the college’s recently-approved policy is another possibility, according to Wing. There would be reserved, close-up parking for students who come to class together. Currently, there are no carpool parking spaces on the main campus, but the Olathe Health Education Center, which is run by the college, already has a system in place.

Dwight Rhodes, campus police officer, helped to develop the college’s carpooling policy.

“I think a few would [use the carpool spaces],” Rhodes said. “The policy was written with the future in mind because when we build another building or we may designate some other spots that way later on, on campus.”

The parking spots also help buildings earn points from the U.S. Building Council to become LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified.

Wing said the college can also consider non-transportation based solutions. For example, readjusting class schedules in order to avoid peaks and more evenly distribute cars throughout the day. Also, Wing described the possibility of using the college’s satellite locations for classes and hybrid-online courses where students may come to campus once a week while completing the other work via the Internet.

“None of those are going to solve the problem by themselves,” Wing said. “It just kind of has to be an all of the above; the bus system has the potential to be the biggest impact as far as providing a solution to the most people.”

Until then, Ed Vesey, campus parking enforcement officer, said he believes students should become familiar with existing parking areas, utilize the outer lots and “get used to walking.”

Vesey said he has also seen an increase in the number of bicyclists at the college this year.

“You see more bikes on campus, which is another option, provided that they’re careful, because there’s a lot of car traffic,” Vesey said. “You’ll see when classes are starting and ending that people tend to be in a hurry so the bicyclists need to be aware of that.”

Also, Wing said he could see a campus bike share program happening “very quickly” if students got behind the idea. This would allow students to ride and park bikes all over campus, instead of walking.

The carpooling program could also be “quickly” implemented. However, the bus system would require more of a push.

“I just think it kind of needs that pressure and or students to say, ‘Hey this makes a lot of sense, I wish I could take a bus to campus rather than driving a car,’” Wing said. “But until there is pressure put on to make that decision, it’s a little bit of a wait-and-see game and wait for the timing to be right.”

Contact Stephen Cook, editor-in-chief, at scook35@ jccc.edu.

College workshops seek to build community

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By Josh Bull

With posters hanging in nearly every hallway, the college’s JCCC 2 the Max program strives to get students involved.

JCCC 2 the Max, which began in 2009, is a series of panels and workshops that range anywhere from learning about Math and English to how to eat cheaply. The program started with ten workshops, but now features over 100 each semester.

“It was in response to a kind of an initiative with the college to engage our students and learning early on,” said Mary Jean Billingsley, Program Director of Learner Engagement.

At the same time, the program was meant to use the underused space in the commons building, which lead to the creation of the Student Lounge and Campus Center, where the JCCC 2 the Max workshops are held.

A big part of why JCCC 2 the Max was started was for students to make connections with other students and faculty. This was so they could become more involved during their time at the college.

“If they would meet at least one other person, whether it was a faculty member or another student or someone, we knew it would make a difference for them,” Billingsley said.

Using JCCC 2 the Max to meet social needs has worked out very well for some students.

“In fact, they’ve told me before, ‘I met my best friend at one of the programs,’” said Ann Fielders, Coordinator of Leaner Engagement and Student Services.

“All the way from meeting the social needs to investigating different majors, exploring talents a student might have. Hobbies, because that’s an important part of life. Life skills,” said Fielders, “A student told me last spring that he didn’t know how to take care of himself in terms of feeding himself cheaply. It was too expensive to go to the drive-thru, he didn’t have enough money, didn’t know how to sew on a button, didn’t have the money to pay someone to do that for him.”

Student Clinton Mulligan feels that the information gathered from the workshops is valuable and would recommend that students attend.

“If you ever feel like you want to find out information,” Mulligan said, “and they have an event like that on something you need or peaks your interest, go to one.”

At the same time, however, he is disappointed by the program’s schedule centering most workshops around noon and feels that many student’s class schedules interfere with their ability to attend.

“I saw an event today,” Mulligan said, “Not many were there, but I also know not many could show up because they’re usually in class around noon to oneish.”

There is also a financial incentive for students to attend. For every four sessions attended, students can earn a $10 Dining Services card, up to four times per semester. At the end of the semester, there is a drawing for the prize of a $50 gasoline card.

“We thought,” Billingsley said, “‘Ok, what do the students really want? What would help our students besides this information.’ Well, they need to eat and they need gas for their cars.”

The size of the workshops can vary between them. Some have had over 70 students attending, others have had as few as six.

“I feel like it’s providing a community sort of atmosphere, which is really important,” Fielders said, “After all, we’re a community college.”

Contact Josh Bull, reporting correspondent, at jbull3@jccc.edu.

New clubs on campus

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Cordell Hooley does tricks with his yo-yo on the hill. Photos by Laura Cobb
Cordell Hooley does tricks with his yo-yo on the hill. Photos by Laura Cobb
Cordell Hooley does tricks with his yo-yo on the hill. Photo by Laura Cobb

By Katelyn Larson

Yo-Yo Club

Yo-Yos aren’t just for kids — Cordell Hooley, yo-yo enthusiast and creator of one of the college’s newest clubs, believes they are to be enjoyed by all.

“I think that anybody can yo-yo,”Hooley said. “And rather than hold my talent in, I like to help other people learn as well.”

The Yo-Yo Club is another new club recently approved by the Student Senate. The group has been created and led by Hooley, who is currently ranked 19th in the state of Kansas as a professional yo-yoer.

Hooley started a yo-yo club at his high school his freshman year and wanted to do the same in college.

The sport is also therapeutic and very relaxing, according to Hooley. Club activities will include the basics of yo-yoing, learning new tricks, and more.

Anyone who wants to be a part of the club can join, no matter their skill level or previous yo-yoing experience.

If you’re interested in joining Yo-Yo Club or want more information on the club, contact Cordell Hooley at mew3594@gmail.com.

St. Paul’s Outreach 

Over the years, the college has had many religiously affiliated clubs. Now, the college has a Catholic club called St. Paul’s Outreach.

St. Paul’s Outreach is one of the largest religious organizations internationally. It currently has four missionaries, two of which are part-time students: John Prost, Anna DeMarais, Joe D’Amato and Kimy Garvey. All four are new to campus and work together to lead the club.

According to DeMarais, the reason they brought St. Paul’s Outreach to the college is because when students come to college, there are not always groups or programs to help them grow in their faith.

“It’s for anyone who wants to grow in their faith, live out their faith, understand their faith, or meet people that believe what they believe,” DeMarais said.

Although the activities are derived from Catholic teachings and a Catholic background, you don’t need to be Catholic to join.

“Having a desire to build a relationship with God is all you really need,” said Prost. “If people are looking for something, or searching for something or have questions about the Catholic faith we invite them to check us out.”

Activities the club will be holding include men and women’s small groups, weekly prayer meetings, and weekly Catholic masses held on campus.

“The idea is not to just have events but to build a community where people have intentional relationships with each other, who are there to support each other and not just necessarily showing up once a week to something,” said DeMarais. “That’s what sets our club apart from others.”

Students interested in being a part of the St. Paul’s Outreach at the college or want more information on the club, can email the leaders at: john. prost@spoweb.org, anna.demarais@spoweb.org, joe.damato@spoweb.org, or kimy.garvey@spoweb.org.

Contact Katelyn Larson, reporting correspondent, at klarso27@jccc.edu.

Options available to avoid student loan defaults

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By Lindsay Sax

Americans have racked up almost one trillion dollars in student loan debt. The rate at which students are defaulting on loans continues to grow every year, but there are options available to keep students out of trouble.

Options exist at the college to avoid taking out loans, or if financial aid does not cover the entire cost of tuition. There is a three installment payment plan offered through the bursar’s office. There are consequences to not paying tuition on time.

“You can’t add classes, you would have to come in person or call to drop classes and you can’t get transcripts,” said Gayle Callahan, director, Bursar’s Operations. “It keeps you from adding classes for this semester or future semesters until that’s paid in full.”

If payment plans are not an option, students may take out loans, but payment problems happen. In 2011, 10 percent of all borrowers defaulted on their student loans. The national average for a two to three year public college was 15 percent, according to the Department of Education. The college’s rate was 10.3 percent.

Loans are considered in default when payments are 270 days late. The consequences for defaulting on loans can range from bad credit scores to having to immediately pay the loan. American Student Assistance (ASA) says that in the first five years after making payments, 41 percent of borrowers will be delinquent on payments, and that more than half of the students at two year colleges are delinquent on payments or already defaulted on their loans.

There are income based repayment plans available to borrowers struggling to make payments. These plans include income-contingent repayment, income-based repayment, public service loan forgiveness and pay as you earn. Currently 1.6 million borrowers are enrolled in these plans.

“No one knows how many people are eligible, since we don’t have data on borrowers’ income,” said Lauren Asher, president of the Institute for College Access and Success, in an article in the New York Times. “But we do think there are many more people who could benefit.”

Starting this month, the Department of Education will be contacting borrowers who are struggling to repay their loans via e-mail about options available to them, according to the New York Times. The department says about 600,000 borrowers defaulted on loans last year, and many of them could have avoided that if they knew about the options available to them.

“We think there are lots of people who could benefit from our income-based repayment programs but haven’t signed up, and we want to get to them before they default,” said Arne Duncan, education secretary, in the New York Times. “The challenge is getting the word out.”

The department is trying to make enrolling in programs easier for borrowers by putting the application online and by easily being able to import tax return information.

For students enrolled in the payment plan, the last payment is due Oct. 15.

For information about changing payments go to http://www.direct.ed.gov/ or http://www.jccc.edu/bursar/index.html for information about credit class payment plans.

Contact Lindsay Sax, copy editor, at lsax@jccc.edu

Changes announced for Brown & Gold

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By Lindsay Sax

The college’s Brown & Gold club was forced to make changes due to budget issues this past semester.

Brown & Gold previously offered free credit classes to members, but on Sept. 26 the Board of Trustees approved a cost of $16 per credit hour and a merger with an outside organization, Coming of Age/Shepherd’s Center Central (SCC).

“[There’s] lots of energy, people calling the office about the partnership, people seemed pleased, Brown & Gold members are satisfied the club will stay intact,” said Cheryl Brown Henderson, SCC program director. “They like being part of college history. People feel kinship, a loyalty.”

Brown & Gold was formed in the late 1980s for Johnson County residents 55 and older. The $10 membership got members education and cultural benefits at the college, discounted noncredit classes, and tickets to cultural events.

The merge with SCC will continue to offer opportunities for travel and day trips to area attractions for members. Brown Henderson says SCC has been in business for 41 years empowering midlife and older adults, and that SCC can benefit Johnson County adults, who have the largest growth of people 55 and older in the greater Kansas City area.

“The trips planned and run by members of Brown & Gold were the main attraction for membership,” former Brown & Gold board of directors member Ron Platt said. “They also seemed to annoy the college officials but no one knew why. You would think the college would want as many friends as it could get. Johnson County seniors are, after all, the main financial supporters of the college.”

The new Brown & Gold, beginning spring semester 2014, will be open to all Johnson County residents 60 years and older. Members will continue to sign up on the specified date each semester, but the cost will now be $16 per credit hour. The $16 is to cover the cost of student fees which are built into tuition.

The Board of Trustees was given the problem of creating a way to keep the Brown & Gold club afloat. Trustee David Lindstrom, treasurer, said they needed to find a way to balance the budget without impacting the quality of programs. The process is an adjustment for members, according to Lindstrom.

“Benefits that people get used to, and then something is taken away; it’s an adjustment.” Lindstrom said. “Frankly, we could have done a better job communicating.”

Platt, who has used the club to take 45 hours of classes, says he was essentially fired from the position due to the changes, and they were given no reason.

“That would be similar to disbanding the Student Senate or the officers of any campus club, that are officials elected by their members,” Platt said. “No rational reason was ever given.”

New perks according to a letter mailed to Brown & Gold members include “direct access to SCC’s personnel and programs, including free “Explore Your Future” and “Capturing the Energy and Expertise of People 50+” workshops; free Medicare/Social Security/supplemental insurance consulting; a free caregiver support line, informational classes and training; free home-sharing program access; and free guidance about volunteer and community service opportunities. You’ll also fi nd special opportunities through Johnson County Parks and Recreation 50 Plus programs and activities.”

“I would argue the presence of Brown & Gold students is positive for the college,” Platt said. “We are generally serious about learning, and not much bother, and bring a lifetime of experience to each class. It sets the example that learning is a lifelong activity.”

Enrollment for the Brown & Gold club for spring 2014 semester begins Jan. 10.

Contact Lindsay Sax, copy editor, at lsax@jccc.edu.

 

Galileo’s Pavilion: the cost of being sustainable

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Galileo’s Pavilion, completed in 2012, won the LEED platinum certificate earlier this year. Photo by Julia Larberg

By Farhin Lilywala

Galileo’s Pavilion is the college’s first environmentally sustainable building. Studio 804, a program consisting of KU graduate architecture students completed the construction for the building in 2012. The building was dedicated in June of last year.

“The building was meant to be a conversation starter about what a high performance building should be,” said Jay Antle, executive director, Center for Sustainability.

The Student Senate voted unanimously in favor of the project, said a case study done on Galileo’s Pavilion by The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). “The Student Sustainability Committee appropriated $150,000 from the student green fee toward construction, with an extra $50,000 allocated to cover contingencies. The remainder of the funds for the $700,000 building came from the college’s campus development and capital outlay funds.”

Features of Galileo’s Pavilion include solar panels, three floor-to-ceiling living green walls, LED lighting, rainwater irrigation, green roof trays to help keep the building ventilated, reclaimed glass windows, repurposed slate chalkboards, and a rain garden. Currently, Galileo’s Pavilion acts as a classroom and a lounge.

After its construction, Galileo’s Pavilion has received awards such as its most recent: a LEED platinum certificate, making it only the tenth LEED platinum building in the state of Kansas.

“Being named LEED platinum is kind of a big deal, but that building is not designed to win awards,” Antle said. “That building is really about starting conversations about opportunities for students to learn about high performance building technology, solar panels, wind turbines, water reclamation, green walls, use of daylighting…It makes things real.”

In December 2012, Dan Rockhill, executive director, Studio 804, addressed the board of trustees and former President Terry Calaway about some lingering payment issues.

After the building construction was completed, Rockhill said the project was over budget $163,000.

The question then was who will pay for the additional sum. This matter has been in discussion with the college’s attorneys and Studio 804’s counsel.

“There was no lawsuit; there was a dispute for an invoice that was submitted for an additional amount, said Tanya Wilson, college attorney, “We’ve reached an agreement on a fair payment, going forward; we’ve agreed to pay $50,000. Both the college and Studio 804 agreed that the matter is resolved.”

Contact Farhin Lilywala, news editor, flilywal@jccc.edu.

Drummond elected as new trustee

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Robert Drummond was elected by the board of trustees from a pool of 13 candidates. The final vote was five to one, with Trustee Cross casting the lone dissenting vote. Photo courtesy of the college
Robert Drummond was elected by the board of trustees from a pool of 13 candidates. The final vote was five to one, with Trustee Cross casting the lone dissenting vote. Photo courtesy of the college
Robert Drummond was elected by the board of trustees from a pool of 13 candidates. The final vote was five to one, with Trustee Cross casting the lone dissenting vote. Photo courtesy of the college

By Jessica Skaggs

Former trustee Robert Drummond was elected on Oct. 1 at a special board meeting, to fill the seat of Melody Rayl who resigned at the end of July.

The board narrowed a list of 13 candidates to four on Sept. 26. The other candidates were: Karin Brownlee, independent contractor, Michael Lally, vice president of Olsson Associates, and Stephen Wolf, CEO of Wolf Properties, LLC.

Drummond is eager to work with the board to begin to tackle the college’s biggest issues; from slipping enrollment to budget cuts.

“I hope to be able to work with a very committed board, [and] to compliment the skills already present in the board,” Drummond said. “[To] help guide the college through challenging times.”

Drummond, who has served previously on the board from 2009-2013, is currently President and CEO of KidsTLC, a local nonprofit organization that provides services and resources to families and children struggling with the difficulties of mental health and other wellness issues.

During the election process, the four candidates were allotted five minutes each to address the board and then expected to answer 15 minutes of questioning. All candidates were present for the meeting, except Drummond, who phoned in.

In his interview, Drummond said if elected, he would guarantee to be a responsible, accountable member, who would work to move the college forward.

After the interview portion, the trustees cast secret ballots. No one on the first ballot received four votes, prompting a second ballot to be cast. In the second ballot, the results were tied between Drummond and Lally.

In the final ballot, the board voted for Drummond five to one, with trustee Gerald Lee Cross Jr. as the lone dissenting vote. At the time of press, Cross was not available for comment.

According to Deborah Williams, president, Faculty Administration, the staff reaction to Drummond’s election has been mixed, although generally positive.

“All in all I think that faculty are not opposed to having Bob back, they were just surprised after the election, and given the number of applicants that in the end it turned out that he ultimately was back on the board,” Williams said. “They also see that he is experienced, and he works very well with the current board.”

Based on the past Williams agrees with the decision.

“I’m happy to have him back […] his voting experience has always been faculty friendly and he is very sensitive to the student issues and academic need,” Williams said. “He comes from a background where he has a lot of experience with education and so all in all I think he is a very solid person to have on the board, because he is very familiar with academic, student and faculty issues.”

As the budget continues to be an ongoing issue facing the college, Williams is confident in Drummond’s ability to lead the college in the most humane way possible.

“There are many challenges ahead of us and as many of said of him and as I have observed, he is a man of integrity and has a wealth of experience in academe and so I think he’ll be just fine, perhaps serendipitously having a person with his background and experience will serve us well,” Williams said. “In times of great struggle with issues it’s good to have familiarity and to openly discuss challenging issues, so I think he will serve us well and serve the Johnson County community well, given his integrity and his experience.”

Drummond says his vision for the college includes not only striving to improve the financial situation, but also maintaining a standard of excellence.

“My vision to continue to move the college forward in reputation,” Drummond said. “The classroom is what it’s all about; it’s where the students’ lives are positively impacted.”

Drummond will be in attendance for the next board meeting Monday, Oct. 17.

Contact Jessica Skaggs, managing editor, jskaggs4@jccc.edu.

POLICE BRIEFS

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AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND BATTERY 

Campus Police were dispatched to the Carlsen Center on Sept. 30 when a student reported an assault. The victim stated that while walking to his car, the suspect started screaming and pushing him. The suspect claimed the victim was the cause for his eviction. The victim stated the suspect used to be his friend but started to harass him over the last year. The suspect threw a water bottle at the victim and missed. With another accomplice, the suspect punched the victim in the head; after which, they got into a vehicle and left. The victim did not sustain any visible harm and did not seek medical treatment. The investigation continues.

IPAD THEFT 

On Oct. 4, a college-owned iPad was reported stolen from OCB 157D to Campus Police. The device, valued at about $600, was in a packaged box and was left on a desk with the office door open at about 2:15 p.m. Upon returning at about 4:00 p.m., the iPad was missing. The victim attempted to ask others with adjoining offices to discover the location of the device, with no avail. The investigation continues.

INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL CONDUCT 

Campus Police arrived in the Carlsen Center to receive information about a lewd behavior incident that occurred in the Billington Library Building. The reporting college faculty member stated he was about to step on to an elevator when he discovered a male and female engaged in sexual intercourse. The faculty member then instructed them to follow him. Upon nearing the second floor of the Carlsen Center, the couple ran down the stairs. Their names are not known, but they are assumed to be students at the college.

Compiled by Farhin Lilywala, news editor, flilywal@jccc.edu.

NEWS BRIEFS

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PARTNERSHIP WITH STOP HUNGER NOW RESULTS IN SHIPPING OVER 14,000 PACKAGED MEALS OVERSEAS 

The college’s first food packaging event in partnership with Stop Hunger Now shipped over 14,000 meals with the help of over 65 volunteers. This event was held to raise awareness about the international and local problem of hunger. A total of $3,500 was collected, with an additional $700 going to the college food pantry.

Volunteers came from various areas within the college, including nursing, nutrition, PTK, Intervarsity, International Club, Model UN, Student Sustainability Committee, academic support, counseling, Science Division, grants office, computer services, and ESL/EAP as well as several other members from both the campus and community.

ANNUAL BOOK SALE RAISES MORE THAN $2,000 FOR SCHOLARSHIPS 

The annual book sale held in COM raised $2,246.35 for scholarships. This is the largest amount raised by the college in the history of the book sale. It’s also the first time that approximately $1,000 will be donated to each of the two scholarships.

After taxes, $2,070.36 is being donated to the JCCC Foundation in the name of the Gene Jack Scholarship, which pays homage to an original faculty member, and the Jana Pinker Scholarship, honoring the daughter of a two long-time faculty members.

MENON IS PRESENTER AT NOON AT THE NERMAN DISCUSSION SERIES OCT. 11 

Noon at the Nerman’s speaker this week is Jennifer Menon, associate science professor. Presenting Friday, Oct. 11 at 12 p.m. The topic will be “Skipping Skeletons” painted by Allison Schulnik. This discussion will take place in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.

Noon at the Nerman is a weekly program that discusses works of art that are on display at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art and on campus. The program is free and open to anyone.

Compiled by Farhin Lilywala, news editor, flilywal@jccc.edu.

New Board of Trustees member announced

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Robert Drummond was selected to fill the opening on the Board of Trustees at a special meeting on Oct. 1. The vacancy was created when Melody Rayl resigned from the board at the end of July.

Drummond is currently the President/CEO of KidsTLC, a local organization that provides shelter and services for neglected or abused children. He previously served on the college’s Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2013.

For more information about Trustee Drummond, be sure to pick up issue 4 on Oct. 10 or visit CampusLedger.com.

Contact Stephen Cook, editor-in-chief, at scook35@jccc.edu.