Monday, December 23, 2024

Yearly Archives: 2015

Sean Hull: College athletes need compensation

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by Sean Hull 

Features Editor

mhudso27@jccc.edu

Features Editor, Sean Hull
Features Editor Sean Hull

Northwestern football players shocked the college athletics establishment last summer when they voted to file for union status with the National Labor Relations Board. Their basic argument: college athletes are treated as employees of the university rather than students and should be compensated for their work.

This move ignited the debate about the employment status of college athletes. For the players at the very top of the college athletics hierarchy, the line between professional athlete and top college athlete would be barely noticeable if it wasn’t for one heavy black mark: college athletes are not paid for their work, and the university reserves the right to capitalize on their athletes’ names and likenesses, bringing in millions in sponsorship deals.

This strikes me as morally flawed. Most people would agree that it is unfair to profit off the work of another individual without compensating them. Students even at the community college level often receive scholarships that cover the cost of their tuition, but this is comparatively negligible to the amount of revenue top universities are pulling in through their athletics programs.

At the highest level of college athletics, in which Northwestern football operates, athletes bring in millions of dollars a year in revenue for their universities. At the community college level and the lower division levels of four-year college athletics, the numbers are far from glamorous. However, this is the level the majority of college athletes play at. The compensation and fame from the very top to the community college level are not comparable, but the time commitment from students remains extremely intensive.

Make no mistake about this: playing sports at the college level requires the commitment of a full-time job. Carl Heinrich, the athletics director for JCCC, estimated student athletes spend “… easily 50-60 hours a week, when you throw in games, and by the time you leave, and it’s a good time commitment.” That estimate also includes study halls most student athletes are required to attend outside of the classes they’re enrolled in. The commitment doesn’t end when the season does, either. Athletes are expected to weight-lift or perform some other activity that applies to athletics eight hours a week during the off-season.

Students undeniably participate in sports because they love the game. They are willing to put in the time and work through the difficulties for the game. We could alleviate many of the difficulties they face if we allocated them a stipend each year to ease their financial stress. Giving athletes a stipend would not only greatly reduce their financial burden, but result in more excited and capable student athletes.

The movement to acquire fair compensation for athletes has made some progress with universities, while at the same time has faced major legal setbacks. In reaction to the massive media response Northwestern football players have received, large universities have begun to pay their athletes what are called “true cost of attendance” stipends. These stipends, roughly around $5,000 per year, are meant to cover extraneous costs of attending college. This is a good direction for universities to be headed, and I think the true cost of attendance stipend finds a middle ground between the push to maintain amateurism in student athletics and fair compensation.

However, the Northwestern players’ petition for unionship was ultimately denied by the National Labor Relations Board. On Sept. 30, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit also ruled that using the likeness and name of popular student athletes in exchange for paying the cost of attendance was fair under antitrust law, giving the NCAA permission to limit compensation to cost of attendance.

Student athletes devote a vast amount of time to their sports, and it’s time we begin to compensate them for it. The true cost of attendance stipend has yet to reach the community college level, and many believe that it never will, but I think it would be beneficial to the athletes, allowing them to spend less time working and more time dedicated to the game. While there has been major legal setbacks to the movement for greater compensation of athletes, students will continue to advocate in the name of fair compensation.

JCCC introduces ‘Strengths Week’

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by J.T. Buchheit

News Editor

jbuchhei@jccc.edu

Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to do as a career and what skills they possess to get there. However, there are many people who have no idea what they want to do or don’t know what sort of job would fit them well. The new Strengths Week, which will take place from Oct. 5 through 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., aims to help those students learn more about the skills they have.

“This is the very first time we’ve ever done Strengths Week,” said Career Information Specialist Crystal Stokes. “We’ve been offering the Strengths Assessment since 2010. The purpose of the week is to bring awareness to the Strengths Assessment, and then also for people to learn about why it’s important to do self-exploration when you’re choosing a major. When you’re trying to choose the right career, it’s really good to know what your strengths are.”

Although many people have already completed the Strengths Assessment and learned more about what they excel in, Stokes encourages everybody to participate in Strengths Week.

“We’ll have fun activities every day,” said Stokes. “… We’re asking for students to participate, even the students that have taken the Strengths Assessment and already know their top five [strengths]. So we want both those who haven’t taken it and those who have to participate in all the activities. It’s going to be a really fun week.”

Each day will have a unique event that everybody is free to partake in. The week kicks off with a scavenger hunt on Monday.

“In the scavenger hunt, you’re supposed to find different things on campus about strengths,” said Stokes. “For example, one can come into the Career Development Center, and we’ve got a Strengths Wall that lists all 34 strengths that are a part of the Strengths Finder assessment.”

On Tuesday, the “High 5 to Your Top 5” event will take place, which ties into the previous day’s scavenger hunt.

“It’s a little card that’s a part of the scavenger hunt,” said Stokes. “On the front of the card is a hand, where students have a chance to list what their top five [strengths] are … That’s why we want students to sign up for assessment workshop next week, on either Wednesday, Oct. 7 or Thursday, Oct. 8. On the back, they check off all the different little scavenger hunt areas that they’ve been to.”

The Strengths Panel discussion is on Wednesday, which will involve students and faculty members, as well as other people in the area.

“That will involve an employer in the community that has used strengths with their employees. It will have students on there that have taken [the Strengths Assessment], as well as instructors who are doing strengths in their classroom. Those people will be talking about how strengths have affected their lives, how they utilize their strengths every day and why it’s really a benefit for students to take the assessment.”

Thursday will have the “Strengths Selfie Day.” Stokes encourages students to use the hashtag “JCCCSTRONG” on Twitter to display their strong traits.

“[The students] are just going to be taking pictures and exemplifying a fun way to say ‘I’m positivity’ or whatever your strengths are,” said Stokes.

The week will wrap up with “Strengths Celebration Day” on Friday, which will serve as a day of fun and celebration of what students have learned about themselves.

“We’re going to have free pizza for all students,” said Stokes. “And then we’ll display those ‘High 5 to Your Top 5’ cards around the room, and they’re going to get a chance to talk about what their strengths are and how they utilize those strengths every day.”

Stokes expects the week to be extremely beneficial to students, and the Strengths Assessment has been a huge success for past students to learn about themselves and take advantage of that new information.

“A lot of our students that have taken the Strengths Assessment have found it very helpful in the job search process,” said Stokes. “So when they go on an interview and the recruiter will ask them about their strengths, they now have a newfound language, a new terminology, where they can say ‘I have positivity, I’m a good communicator.’ … So if they can articulate their strengths well, it helps them get the position. And we have students that come back and say ‘Thank you so much for telling me about strengths, because I got the job!’ And that’s one of our favorite things—to hear students say the Strengths Assessment was very beneficial and it helped them in landing the position they wanted.”

For more information, visit the website or the Career Development Center in SC 252 or call 913-469-3870.

Letter to the Editor: Adjunct faculty and Campus Equity Week

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To the Editor:

Every now and then, an inspired Campus Ledger reporter will share the experience of adjuncts at JCCC, and every time that happens, we need to re-explain to a new set of readers what an adjunct professor is. An adjunct is a part-time (PT) faculty member who holds the same degrees and often has more experience in the field than many full-time (FT) faculty. For students, that means most of your college professors are adjunct, with the college currently having roughly 332 active FT faculty and about 559 PT faculty.

From the archives: All about adjuncts, November 2011

While adjunct experiences are not often understood or celebrated on campus, their innumerable contributions are invaluable. We teach about half of all credit courses, including online. We strive to build meaningful relationships with students, colleagues and administration. Adjuncts often participate in a variety of college endeavors and committees. We usually do so for free while other college employees are salaried or paid hourly. 

 JCCC has many adjuncts also teaching PT at multiple institutions. They teach without being eligible for retirement or health care benefits. On average, the maximum wage for an adjunct at JCCC is $18,000 per year. With that in mind, I would like to share that workforce disparities exist across the nation and internationally. This October, there will be a national campaign called Campus Equity Week that focuses on a key principle: “that quality education depends practically and ethically on professional and just working conditions for all faculty. The crisis of contingent faculty employment at colleges and universities is at the core of the inequities that pervade higher education.”  

We invite students, faculty and staff to visit the Campus Equity Week (CEW) website or check out #CampusEquity on social media. Students, ask your professors if they are adjuncts or used to be adjuncts. You may find that your professors are dealing with similar time constraints as you are to balance work, family and other obligations. We have an amazing, well-educated and diverse adjunct workforce teaching at JCCC with the same qualifications as FT faculty. Let’s treat them equitably.

For more information on Campus Equity Week, visit their website.

 

–Irene Schmidt

 

Irene Schmidt is an adjunct professor of Spanish at the college. 

VIDEO: LifeFlight Eagle helicopter visits college for demonstration

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by Shawn Simpson

Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

EMS students had the opportunity to visit with LifeFlight Eagle pilots and their EMS staff on Wednesday on how to handle a situation in which helicopters may be needed. We also spoke with Todd Tiesenga, EMS helicopter pilot, about the thrills and challenges of the job.

 

Contributions by JCAV-TV: Heather Foley, Executive Producer; Seth Elliott, Camera; Caleb Wayne, Graphics

A slice of Japan comes to JCCC

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By J.T. Buccheit

News Editor

jbuchhei@jccc.edu

For 18 years, Kansas City has been host to the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival. Previously held at UMKC, the festival, which is hosted by the Heart of America – Japan America Society, now takes place at this college and occurs every September or October to showcase and celebrate every facet of Japanese culture.

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The college hosts the annual Greater Kansas City Japan Festival this Saturday, Oct. 3.
This year’s festival is taking place Saturday, Oct. 3.

“[The festival] is a cultural festival for Japan,” said International Education Coordinator Janette Jasperson, who is a member of the festival committee. “So they have food, there’s workshops, musical performances, bonsai for sale and bonsai how-to workshops. There’s a whole floor of anime. Just Japanese culture.”

The festival originated at UMKC in 1997. The idea was proposed by Tatsuo Tanaka, the Consul General of Japan in Kansas City. 

“Kansas City had a consulate for 25 years,” said Fran Lowery, former executive director of the festival. “…In the late 90s, Mr. Tanaka said, ‘We don’t have a Japan festival in Kansas City. I would like to see the local groups start one.’ So he got some of the Japanese people and the Japan America Society people together, and they started a festival at UMKC … Then UMKC came to the group and said, ‘We are not going to be able to have your festival for the next two years because we’re going to redo the buildings where you held it.’ So we went to Johnson County Community College and asked if they’d be interested in hosting the festival, and they said, ‘Oh yes, we’d love to work with you.’ So it got started because of one man: Consul General Tanaka.”

There are a variety of events that take place at the Japan festival. Some activities, such as bonsai, are very hands-on and appeal to those who enjoy arts and crafts.

Mike Halaczkiewicz demonstrates one his sword exercises in Yardley hall during the Japan festival. Halaczkiewicz is a member of the Jinmukan Japanese sword school.
Mike Halaczkiewicz demonstrates one his sword exercises in Yardley hall during the Japan festival. Halaczkiewicz is a member of the Jinmukan Japanese sword school.

“With bonsai, somehow they prune plants and make them really teeny-tiny and very beautiful,” said Jasperson. “People who make their living by bonsai are here. They have their wares and all their bonsai plants set out on a big table. You can buy them, you can look at them, and then they do workshops for people who would like to be able to bonsai themselves.”

If attendees are looking for an alternative to the variety of hands-on activities at the festival, performance events ranging from dancing to martial arts demonstrations to samurai performances will be taking place in Yardley Hall and Polsky Theatre.

“The performances is Polsky are more kind of ‘local talent,’ ” said Jasperson. “And then the performances in Yardley Hall are the more ‘big names.’ … Denver Taiko comes every year. Taiko is drumming, and they are very impressive.”      

In addition to participating in activities and watching performances, there are many exhibits at the festival that reflect Japanese culture and tradition.

“They have a kimono exhibit, they have a doll exhibit, a candy artist actually makes Japanese beautiful, beautiful candy,” said Jasperson. “The Cultural Village is for small children to go and play … there’s a tea ceremony, which is very Japanese-cultured that you can go observe. You can practice Japanese language, your pronunciation, how to read it. Kanji is writing Japanese … so there really is all the different facets of Japanese society. If people come, they’ll get a little flavor of not only what that is, but they’ll also get how-to lessons.”

The festival will take place at the Carlsen Center from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information about the festival, or to purchase tickets, visit kcjapanfestival.org.

Rename the Carlsen Center

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Photo Illustration by Lance Martin, Photo Editor

Staff Editorial

sncjccc@gmail.com

Photo Illustration by Lance Martin, Photo Editor
Photo Illustration by Lance Martin, Photo Editor

The most familiar building on campus carries a name tarnished in scandal.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Cultural Education Center, or, as students know it, the Carlsen Center. The Campus Ledger editorial board feels that the time has come to rename the building that bears the name of the college’s former president, who resigned in shame after accusations of sexual harassment bubbled at the forefront of the college. For nine years, the college has failed to distance itself from the name associated with the scandal by choosing not to rename the building.

From the Archives: “Was it a Complaint?” Read the original story from April 2006 when The Campus Ledger initially broke the story. 

"Was it a Complaint?" - Original story breaking the news of Dr. Carlsen's alleged harassment. Written by Miguel M. Morales.
“Was it a Complaint?” – Original story breaking the news of Dr. Carlsen’s alleged harassment. Written by Miguel M. Morales.

Those most familiar with the events surrounding former president Charles Carlsen’s resignation are more than likely limited to faculty and staff who were employed by the college at the time. With the events surrounding Carlsen’s resignation taking place nearly a decade ago, it is unlikely many students on campus are aware of the baggage that comes along with the building’s namesake. While faculty and staff may have expressed a desire to change the name in hushed conversation behind closed doors, the time has come to make a public stand and call for action.

Carlsen was immensely popular during his time as president, but in 2006, he was involved in a sexual harassment incident that rocked the college. A female employee of the college charged Carlsen with unlawful harassment from May–November 2003. Through numerous board meetings, private investigations and scrutiny from students and faculty, Carlsen stepped down as college president in 2006.

While it’s worthy to acknowledge the fact that Carlsen served as president for over 25 years and did have a positive impact on the college, including helping establish the Cultural Education Center in 1990, his legacy will always be overshadowed by the harm caused to the institution from the sexual harassment allegations. The fact that we have allowed Carlsen’s name to remain a cornerstone of our college is unacceptable.

Our college is inadvertently represented by this scandal. Visitors attend plays, orchestral recitals and comedy stand-ups in this building. Kids from elementary, middle and high schools around the area take campus tours in this building — a building that is named after a man who resigned after this scandal.

Our call to action is to bring back the original name of the building, the Cultural Education Center. At the very least, discussions need to be put in motion about giving the building a namesake that better defines the values of the college. We as a society are far beyond tolerance of sexual harassment incidents. The fact that the most recognizable building on campus bears this namesake screams tolerance. Renaming the Carlsen Center is the final step that the college must take in order to distance itself from this scandal.

From the Archives: “Carlsen’s questionable legacy lives on,” Staff Editorial, The Campus Ledger, Nov. 2008. Read about the last time the Ledger called for renaming the Carlsen Center, nearly seven years ago. 

Staff Editorial from The Campus Ledger Staff. Originally published Nov. 6, 2008.
Staff Editorial from The Campus Ledger Staff. Originally published Nov. 6, 2008.

 

Cavalier Sports Report: Fox Sports KC broadcaster Joel Goldberg

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by Shawn Simpson

Sports Report Host / Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Host Shawn Simpson visits with FOX Sports Kansas City reporter Joel Goldberg about his relationship with the team and his start in journalism. Goldberg also offers his advice to aspiring journalists.

 

Cavaliers Star watch: Maren Mair

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By James Howey

Sports Editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

IMG_1855
Volleyball player Maren Mair

As a freshman volleyball player here at the college, Maren Mair has been a lynchpin in what is a 21–2 season for the third-ranked team in the nation right now. Mair leads the squad in kills, hitting percentage and blocks. She is top in the nation in hitting percentage. Mair was also selected as KJCCC player of the week from September 7–13.

James Howey:  Why did you decide to come to Johnson County to play volleyball?

Maren Mair: I knew Johnson County had a really good program. I came on campus last year to here and lots of other schools, but the girls here just got my attention because they were so nice, welcoming and wanted to get to know me. I wanted to go to somewhere I could play as a freshman, and since there’s only freshmen and sophomores, I had a better chance to play at a junior college.

JH: What’s it been like to have the impact you’ve had as a freshman?

MM: It’s been exciting, and I’m just enjoying it and having fun. I’m definitely not doing it on my own with Stevie and all my defense. That’s how I get to do what I get to do.

JH: With how close you guys are as a team, what do you guys do for team bonding?

MM: Before the games we like to dance around in the locker room, and we have classes together. We’re just together like all the time, so that’s how we bond.

JH: What has made this team so dominant?

MM: I think everyone just puts in all their effort and we’re a really excitable team. Teams that I’ve played on before have always been quiet, and we’ve had effort, but not like Johnson County. Everyone goes all-out for every ball.

JH: What has always motivated you to do your best on the court and get better?

MM: I want to do the best I can do at everything I do because I don’t want to have regrets. I want to give everything my all. Alongside with that, I’m also very competitive, even if it doesn’t show because I’m quiet. I always want the ball.

JH: What is your favorite movie?

MM: Forrest Gump

JH: What is your favorite food?

MM: Peanut butter and apples

JH: Who is your favorite music artist?

MM: It varies, but I like a lot of songs from Maroon 5.

JH: Who is your favorite athlete?

MM: Becca Henderson

JH: What is your dream job?


MM: I want to be a nurse and anesthetist.

 

Laptops and online classes take center stage in the modern age

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With the advancement of technology, the classroom environment adapts. Going from pens and notebooks to Desire2Learn and SmartBoards and laptops, college students have many options for success. Conversely, many professors and educators now have to contend with the extra distractions these advancements bring.

by Sean Hull

Features Editor

mhudso27@jccc.edu

With smartboards hanging from walls in classrooms, various flat-screen TVs adorning the hallways and laptops in almost every student’s bag, it’s sometimes difficult to remember a time when technology wasn’t as pervasive in our society and our learning environment.

These new technologies have now overshadowed the days of the overhead projector, bulletin board and pad of paper. Along with the technologies of old, some people think we may be losing the interpersonal qualities that have historically been an important part of the university experience in our shift to doing much of our classwork online and taking online classes.

With the advancement of technology, the classroom environment adapts. Going from pens and notebooks to Desire2Learn and SmartBoards and laptops, college students have many options for success. Conversely, many professors and educators now have to contend with the extra distractions these advancements bring.
With the advancement of technology, the classroom environment adapts. Going from pens and notebooks to Desire2Learn and SmartBoards and laptops, college students have many options for success. Conversely, many professors and educators now have to contend with the extra distractions these advancements bring.

Alex Beckwith, a non-traditional student who is a graduate from the University of Oklahoma, is returning to the college to update his skills in information technology. He worries that online classes and forums used for discussion in class deprive students of the nuances of human interaction.

“I think coming from being online in the ‘early days,’ when it was just internet relay chat, to today, there is just, not just between student and teacher but I think just in general, there is a loss of interpersonal skills when you’re spending too much time communicating via computer… If [class discussion is] on an online forum, you get the information but I don’t think you necessarily get the emotional context that it’s in or kind of getting more information just from the way that the person, the speaker was kind of intending it to be conveyed as,” said Beckwith.

Enrollment in online classes has been steadily increasing at the college over the recent years, according to Vincent Miller, the director of the Educational Technology Center, which supports faculty with the various forms of technology used on campus. However, he doesn’t necessarily agree that online classes have to lose the interpersonal quality of in-class study.

“It’s just another way of teaching, so you can call it a different delivery method and it has pros and cons. Certainly a lot of people really do like that face-to-face with the faculty member and with the other students, and if that’s done well, then that’s really a valuable way to teach. But an online class can be designed in such a way that there is a lot of engagement with the faculty member and with the other students, so you still do get a lot out of that,” said Miller.

With the advancement of technology, the classroom environment adapts. Going from pens and notebooks to Desire2Learn and SmartBoards and projectors, college students have many options for success. Conversely, many professors and educators now have to contend with the extra distractions these advancements bring.
Desire2Learn is the primary way students get content for classes.

Beyond just online classes, the presence of connected technology in the classroom has greatly increased. It’s not uncommon anymore to see a student with a laptop on the desk in front of them in class, or to see someone rapidly typing a message on their phone hoping they can get it through before the professor notices. Some see the increased connection as a distraction, and others see benefits.

“I know that when I was in school back in the ‘90s, it was kind of frowned upon for people even to bring a calculator to math class,” Beckwith said. “Now it’s kind of like it’s almost just a norm that has been accepted … I believe that it’s another tool, but it can also be another distraction too. If people want to surf the web while the teacher’s in class, that’s their choice.”

First-year student Jasmine Vasey uses her phone and laptop to augment her learning in class.

“I would use my phone to look up information if I needed to … or text somebody real quick [for information],” said Veyes. She went on to say “[Technology] is becoming more of a thing. It’s becoming more available, so people use it.”

With many students swapping their notebooks for laptops, it seems technology will continue to become ever more pervasive in our society and our learning both in the classroom and at home. In a society driven by emails, multitasking and e-commerce, relying on technology isn’t only convenient, but a necessity in today’s age.

College hosts annual Harvest Days event

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Benson Lee (student) blends his own smoothie via leg power. Darrien Savage (student and Student Sustainability club member) holds the blender steady. Phot by lance Martin

by Aksinya Kichigina

Reporting Correspondent

akichigi@jccc.edu

The college’s Center of Sustainability is holding the Harvest Days event that lasts throughout the week, beginning on Sept. 28 and concluding on Oct. 2 in an effort to raise and spread awareness of sustainability and the work that the center does on campus. Kristy Howell, the sustainability education and engagement coordinator, talked about the purpose and importance of the event for the campus.

“Harvest Days helps us celebrate the bounty of our campus farm, and it also helps us out to reach a communication with the campus community since most people do not know that we have a campus farm where we harvest fruits and vegetables,” Howell said.

Benson Lee (student) blends his own smoothie via leg power. Darrien Savage (student and Student Sustainability club member) holds the blender steady. Phot by lance Martin
Benson Lee (student) blends his own smoothie via leg power. Darrien Savage (student and Student Sustainability club member) holds the blender steady. Phot by lance Martin

The event that took place on Sept. 29 was at the COM Plaza from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and had some activities such as bike-blending smoothies, solar-roasting s’mores and more. The Center of Sustainability is now focusing on reaching out and having conversations with students.

“Harvest Days is a way for us to have conversations with students all over campus about what we do in our sustainability, and also about good food we have,” Howell said. “We are just talking to as many students as we can, whether they are making a smoothie or whether they are just asking questions about why and how we recycle on campus, for instance,” Howell said.

The importance of the events held by the Center of Sustainability is two-fold. First of all, outreach is the most effective way to spread awareness about the Center of Sustainability. Also, the work they do on campus, starting from funding the small projects like solar tables to outreach events like this (Harvest Days), and larger projects — developing solar on campus, and so forth.

Besides planting all the vegetables and fruit on the campus farm, there is also an opportunity to see and even taste the harvest during special occasions or find it in the Diner Down Under.

“The farm produces enough for us to put food for special events. For example … we have Campus Farm Lunch. And we try to tie that food in the other events, like last Friday’s lunch with a nationally recognized sustainable agriculture expert, Salvador. We may occasionally serve food from the campus farm for Dining Down Under,” Howell said.

Krystal Anton (Recycling Coordinator) uses the first day of JCCC’s Harvest Days to inform Maverick Feldt (student) about recycling. The Harvest Days display was set up at JCCC’s Commons Plaza. Photo by Lance Martin
Krystal Anton (Recycling Coordinator) uses the first day of JCCC’s Harvest Days to inform Maverick Feldt (student) about recycling. The Harvest Days display was set up at JCCC’s Commons Plaza. Photo by Lance Martin

Howell mentioned that kids in the Child Development Center that’s located on campus are learning about food by making it themselves, eating it and learning where it comes from. In addition, the Center of Sustainability leads many other projects that have a great impact on the community.

“We do tons of other projects from supporting curriculum. We have Sunflower Grants, which are small mini-grants for faculty who are doing curriculum development for sustainability, to the solar-powered charging stations, supporting more efficient and alternative energy transportation on campus with EV charging stations,” Howell said. “Also, these outreach events help us to start the conversation with students. So they can see the opportunity in the Student Sustainability Committee and get involved.”

Other Harvest Days events this week include the campus farm lunch, walking tour with members of the Student Environmental Alliance and Student Sustainability Committee and the enlightening discussion of four brief articles on food, food ways and farmers that is led by Dr. Jay Antle.

NASA confirms liquid water flowing on Mars

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These dark, narrow 100-meter-long streaks called recurring slope lineae flowing downhill on Mars are inferred to have been formed by contemporary flowing water. Recently, planetary scientists detected hydrated salts on these slopes at Hale crater, corroborating their original hypothesis that the streaks are indeed formed by liquid water. The blue color seen upslope of the dark streaks are thought not to be related to their formation, but instead are from the presence of the mineral pyroxene. The image is produced by draping an orthorectified (Infrared-Red-Blue/Green(IRB)) false color image (ESP_030570_1440) on a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the same site produced by High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (University of Arizona). Vertical exaggeration is 1.5. Credits: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

by Shawn Simpson

Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

The age-old question “are we alone in the universe?” was chipped away at a little more with NASA’s announcement today that water still flows on the surface of Mars.

“The existence of liquid water … gives the possibility that if there’s life on Mars, that we have a way to describe how it might survive,” said John Grunsfeld, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA.

This isn’t the first we’ve heard of water on Mars. Scientists have known for some time of frozen water near the Martian poles. The discovery of evidence of liquid water on the surface raises more questions for where it originates and how it travels. For a starry-eyed public, this news is a sign for hope of bigger discoveries in the future.

“Just like the moon landings in the sixties, being able to land on a whole different planet would be amazing,” said student Tyler Fritts. “It would show that we can accomplish anything.”

This evidence of liquid water is a boost to the feasibility of a manned mission, but not in itself a bellwether of the technological limitations. The goal of reaching toward the red planet requires many steps. However, life-sustaining liquid water is progress toward attaining this historic achievement.

“Maybe we could live there! Anytime we make progress, it’s cool,” said Dmiyah Jenkins, student.

The potential advancements of mankind by a life-sustaining Mars can affect society beyond the exploration itself. The experience of living in a world where the will and technological advancement allows for man to leave the Earth can having a lasting impact.

“That would be a huge advance,” said student Annie Overbay. “It would be pretty mind-blowing to witness another human walking on another planet.”

NASA will continue investigating the potential of life in some form on Mars and the goal of manned exploration. We can expect more news from the scientific community as the story develops. For more information, visit http:///www.nasa.gov. 

 

Cavalier Sports Report: women’s soccer midfielder Sydney Alexander

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by Shawn Simpson

Sports Report Host / Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Host Shawn Simpson chats with women’s soccer player Sydney Alexander about her role on the team, how she got her start in the sport and balancing college life with playing soccer.

 

Cavalier Sports Report: women’s soccer coach Jim Schwab

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by Shawn Simpson

Sports Report Host / Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Host Shawn Simpson chats with women’s soccer coach Jim Schwab about how he got into coaching and what lies ahead for the team this year.

 

Cavalier Sports Report: men’s soccer midfielder/forward Andrew McClanahan

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by Shawn Simpson

Sports Report Host/Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Host Shawn Simpson chats with men’s soccer player Andrew McClanahan about his role on the team and how he got his start in the sport.

 

Kansas Studies Institute provides education to locals

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by J.T. Buchheit

News Editor

jbuchhei@jccc.edu

Many Kansans have lived in the state their entire lives and know next to nothing about it. The Kansas Studies Institute, directed by Farrell Hoy Jenab, aims to change that.

“The Kansas Studies Institute was started by Jay Antle and Jim Leiker,” said Jenab. “There were several faculty members who had something to do with Kansas-oriented research. They started it to collect all the faculty that had scholarly interest in anything to do with Kansas, and since then it’s continued to grow.”

The institute holds multiple activities each year to garner interest in the program and educate people about the history and culture of the state.

“We have a campus lecture every year, we have a writer’s symposium every spring [and] cowboy festivals in conjunction with the performing arts department in the spring,” said Jenab. “… I think the lecture we sponsor every year brings a lot of awareness to Kansas history and culture. The writer’s symposium has been really interesting. We’ve brought a lot of outside writers into JCCC, and we’ve had a lot of writing come out of those symposiums.”

The next lecture centers around tornadoes and is scheduled for Nov. 5. According to Jenab, storm chasers Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg and Stephen Locke will be presenting. They have written a book called “Chasing Weather,” which is about tornadoes that have taken place in Kansas. Later in the day, there will be a panel with other storm chasers that will be open to students and staff.

Along with accumulating faculty members who had researched Kansas, Jenab said that the institute also exists to educate local residents about the rest of the state.

“Johnson County has a little bit of a different culture than the rest of the state,” she said. “So it was the idea of educating Johnson County [residents] about the rest of Kansas, and also being an ambassador of Johnson County to the rest of Kansas.”

After Leiker stepped down from his position to become chair of the history department, Jenab immediately applied for the job. One of the reasons she decided to take this position is her knowledge and fascination of the state she lives in.

“I have a scholarly interest in Kansas history,” said Jenab. “I’ve been collecting oral history of Flint Hills women, and my dad is a Kansas scholar and folklorist. … Kansas is right in the center of the country, it’s right in the center of everything, and people make the mistake of thinking that what goes on in Kansas doesn’t really count, or it’s backwards, and sometimes it is, but there’s a lot of really interesting history here and interesting people, and it’s become a more urban state.”

Although she possesses a lot of knowledge about Kansas, Jenab said her passion for the state is a large reason she decided to take the job.

“I love Kansas,” said Jenab. “I love the skies, I love the landscape and I love the people.”

For more information about the Kansas Studies Institute, visit their website or contact Jenab @ fjenab@jccc.edu.

 

Firehouse Subs set to open at college food court

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Students wait in line for free subs during the Firehouse Subs soft opening. Photo by E.J. Wood.

by T.J. Kimbrough-French 

JCAV Reporter

tkimbrou@jccc.edu

Firehouse Subs is set to become the newest addition to the COM food court at the college. Students on campus enjoyed free subs as the restaurant went through its soft opening today, training the associates set to open the restaurant.

JCAV spoke with the two co-owners of the franchise as they attended the soft opening.

The restaurant is set to open Thursday, Sept. 24.

Cavalier Sports Report: men’s soccer midfielder Brandon Milburn

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by Shawn Simpson

Sports Report Host/Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Host Shawn Simpson chats with JCCC men’s Soccer player Brandon Milburn about his role on the team and how he got his start in the sport.

 

Astronomy professor shifts gears for the weekend

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Doug Patterson (JCCC Instructor) spends the day racing rallycross on Sept. 12, 2015 at the Thunder Valley Sand Drags in Grain Valley, Missouri.

by Sean Hull

Features Editor

mhudso27@jccc.edu

Dust is still settling on the track from the last run as Professor Doug Patterson pulls up to the starting line at the Kansas City Sports Car Club of America’s regional rallycross race. A formidable man grips the handle of the green starting flag, awaiting approval. The signal is given, the man waves the flag and Patterson punches on the gas. He disappears behind a cloud of dust, then emerges down the track, careening between bright orange cones.

It’s a stark contrast to a student’s usual view of Professor Patterson. The general tools of the teaching trade, whiteboard and computer, have been replaced with much more exciting elements: a thrashing dirt track and a powerful Ford Fiesta ST. The contrast is not as glaring to Patterson, however. Patience is the key element to good performance in both teaching and rallycross.

“Patience. Patience and reflection. And this is really true for any endeavor, any craft,” Patterson said. “Whether it’s photography, whether it’s racing, whether it’s teaching … the thing you need to do is always reflect on how you’re doing what you’re doing. Are you doing it the best way that it can be?”

According to Patterson, the challenging difference between rallycross and teaching is the time you are allotted to reflect on your performance.

“In racing, this is very abrupt. It’s very fast-paced. You reflect after a run. Did I execute that course well? Where did I make mistakes? … And you try to make those adjustments for your next run, but your next run is in just a few minutes. Of course, in teaching you have the same thing, but it’s a longer cycle … always that introspection and patience.”

From the outsider’s perspective, there is nothing patient about rallycross. Cars, one after another, line up to blast down a dirt track, launching dirt and mud into the air with wildly spinning tires. The outsider’s perspective never tells the true story, though. Behind the wheel, everything is peaceful.

“It’s funny,” said Patterson. “You watch the inboard video of drivers when they’re out on circuit or out on rally stages, and it’s furious. Their hands are all over the place, their heads are all over the place, their feet are just dancing on the pedals. And it looks chaotic … but when you’re in the car, when you’re there at the start line, you’re ready to go, and then you’re off and you’re at speed. It’s a very zen-like moment … everything else in the world just vanishes, fades to black, and the only thing that exists is that course in front of you.”

Patterson does not just race for the thrills. He races with Dare 2 Dream Motorsports, a local collection of racers that attempts to help those with life-changing injuries by engaging in their mutual love for motorsports.

“Dare 2 Dream Motorsports is a group of us within the Kansas City region SCCA that have gotten together to try and raise money for various causes, especially causes central to the mobility-challenged,” said Patterson.

Dare 2 Dream is currently partnered with Go Baby Go KC, a local group that works with students at Rockhurst University to modify electric cars for kids and make them suitable to fit the transportation needs of mobility-challenged kids.

“The last solo event of the year … the Kansas City Region is having our final autocross, final solo event of the year, what we call our Halloweenie event,” said Patterson. “… And we have silent auctions for various charities, and Go Baby Go KC is going to be our charity for this year. So Dare 2 Dream Motorsports is really happy to participate in that, and hopefully we can raise a lot of money for these kids.”

Patterson encourages anyone who is interested in rallycross to come out to an event and get involved with the SCCA.

“Come out to an event. Our events are free and open to spectators. Anyone can come out here and check out what we do. … Find people willing to give you a ride, put on a helmet and ride shotgun with some of our racers. If you want to come out and race, then just bring your car.”

For more information about the Kansas City Sports Car Club of America’s racing events in the area, visit their website.

Cavs continue to conquer

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By James Howey

Sports editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

 

The Cavaliers volleyball squad kept up the domination at the Parkland tournament, rolling over more highly ranked teams. The Cavs went 4-0 on the weekend, beating three ranked opponents. The Cavs swept fourth-ranked Lincoln Land for the second time this season. The Cavs also beat Owens and Illinois Central, two top-15 teams, 3-1. Even with all the success, finding ways to improve is important for the squad and for head coach Jennifer Ei. These tough tournaments are perfect for that.

“Collectively as a group, I thought we played pretty well. It also helped us expose some things that we need to get better at,” Ei said. “I think they are progressing because it exposes different things from teams, so when we get back to practice and we are a little bit more focused on things we have to get better at.”

Following the great weekend for the Cavs, Bizzy Chilcoat, one of their sophomore leaders, was awarded KJCCC player of the week. Ei says Chilcoat has been an important leader for the Cavs this season.

“Bizzy brings a lot of leadership this year, things that I think she wanted to bring last year, but as a freshman she didn’t really know where she stood with it,” Ei said. “This year she’s being her natural self and you can see it on the court.”

Chilcoat had a huge weekend, including a season-high 15 kills against Owens and her highest hitting percentage at .692 against Vincennes.

“Attacking-wise she was our go-to a lot of times this weekend. Teams couldn’t figure it out,” Ei said. “She’s just an all-around player and she’s just enjoying it this year more and you can see it.”

The Cavs face a big week coming up with rival Kansas City Kansas coming to town on Wednesday and the stacked JCCC tournament, where the Cavs will face the only team to beat them this season, the number-one Parkland Cobras.

Cavalier Star Watch: Jordan Morrison

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Jordan Morrison

by James Howey

Sports editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

 

JordanAfter transferring from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Jordan Morrison has become a huge cog in the wheel for Cavaliers volleyball this year. The Cavs are 16-1 and ranked number 3 in the nation. Morrison has 161 kills, a .312 hitting percentage and 26 blocks on the season. Morrison will look to keep up the squad’s tremendous success throughout the season.

1. When did you and the team kind of realize that you guys were going to be this good?

 

I realized how good we were definitely when two-a-day’s [practice] started. Everyone is really competitive and goes all out. We’ve all felt the pressure of earning our playing time, which I believe has pushed us to be even better. When we started scrimmaging each other, we would have awesome all-out, scrappy rallies. We have big goals this season and we still have lots to work on to meet those goals. It’s definitely an exciting season.
2. What about this team has made them so dominant so far through the season?

 

We have so much depth. We have a lot of girls who are talented in many different aspects of the game and each player contributes a lot. I feel like we can always depend on each other. There’s a lot of love and support on this team. We also have a lot of fun when we play, even in early 6 a.m. practices. I think we also have a lot of different types of leaders on the team, which provides a lot of support for everyone.
3. You guys are all really close. What do you enjoy the most about being around the team?

 

I really love this team. Everyone is really goofy and laid back. There is always someone who can help pick you up on a bad day. I also love having so much support from my teammates. I never feel like they look down on me or are mad at me when I make mistakes on the court. We all mesh well, our different personalities all balance out in a weird way and we get along great.

 

4. After transferring from another school, what about this college attracted you and how has it made you feel at home?

 

I could tell how great of a school it was and could tell that they had a competitive and strong volleyball program. When I transferred here, everyone made the transition really easy for me and I never felt like a total outsider or newbie. Coach Ei and Jodi have taught me a lot of new things about the game I never knew. The coaches and girls all make playing so much fun, even through countless hours of practice, games and traveling. I’ve had an amazing experience here.

 

5. What has always motivated you to work hard and be your best on the court?

I always try to work hard for my teammates and coaches. I hate letting my team down.

 

6. Do plan on playing at a four-year next year? If so, which ones have you thought about?

I definitely plan on continuing to play after this. Volleyball has always been a big part of my life and I hope to continue on with my career. I’d even like to continue by coaching competitive teams with my dad. I think volleyball will always be a part of my life.

 

7. Who is your favorite music artist?

Beyoncé

 

8. What is your favorite food?

Ketchup

 

9. Who is your favorite athlete?

Becca Henderson

 

10. What is your favorite movie?

Forrest Gump

 

11. What is your favorite book?

The Host

 

12. What is your dream job?

Something with numbers. Maybe a statistician.

Cavalier Sports Report: Volleyball coach Jennifer Ei

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by Shawn Simpson

Sports Report Host

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Cavalier Sports Report host Shawn Simpson talks with women’s volleyball coach Jennifer Ei about how she got into coaching and what lies ahead for the team.

 

Cavs head to Parkland for tournament

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By James Howey

Sports editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

 

After dispatching of Hesston Wednesday night, the Cavaliers move on to another tournament that will give the squad some good tests. The Cavs will play in the Parkland tournament this weekend against three ranked teams. The Cavs moved up to third in the nation, and seeing if the Cavs can keep up this dominance of sweeping on all their victories will be interesting.

“I think every team is getting better, so the competition in itself is getting harder,” head coach Jennifer Ei said. “I think a lot of other people put more invested in the polls and check things out. I don’t really look at it that way.”

Ei said that the team does need to continue to get better as the season goes on.

“We’re starting to see that we need to get better at the different little things, so for me it’s an everyday thing,” Ei said. “We need to get better, and if we’re not getting better then we’re definitely not staying the same.”

The first team the Cavs will see is Lincoln Land, whom the Cavs already beat at the JCCC tournament, but Lincoln Land went all five sets in a loss against number-one Parkland, so the squad could see more of a test this time.

Freshman Maren Mair has had a tremendous impact on the squad this season. Mair leads the Cavs in hitting percentage, kills and blocks. She was also recently selected as KJCCC player of the week.

“She has such a calm demeanor to her, and she’s not super flashy,” Ei said. “She does so much as a block, defensive threat, and she also does such a good job offensively for us.”

Coach Ei compares Mair to a Cav great from a few years back.

“She does just what Preecy Seever did for us, just in a different way,” Ei said. “She has done such a great job stepping up as a freshman and the team loves her.”

Apple vs. Android

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Students at the college surfing the internet in the COM courtyard. Photo by E.J. Wood.

By Shawn Simpson

Staff Reporter 

ssimps21@jccc.edu

If you’re like most people, it’s your constant companion. The place you turn when you need advice. You feel lost without it and feel like you’re interrupting when you come between someone else and theirs. It’s your smartphone and it’s as much a part of your style as the clothes you wear.

There are many in the field, but the main competitors in the market come down to two distinct operating systems: iPhone and Android.

“I’m Team Android. Price and compatibility is definitely a factor,” said student Ameenah Johnson. “I like Apple products, but for creativity, not for [everyday functioning].”

Students at the college surfing the internet in the COM courtyard. Photo by E.J. Wood.
Students at the college surfing the internet in the COM courtyard. Photo by E.J. Wood.

The social status of smartphones has largely become a thing of the past now that providers are offering affordable options to customers. The ubiquity of handheld devices creates a culture where brand loyalty can be established very early.

“I’ve always had an iPhone. My first phone was an iPhone, and I tried going to an Android later and just couldn’t stand it,” said student Kelsey Stanley.

Eddy Lopez, another student at the college, echoes the same sentiment. “My first phone was an iPhone. I had the 3, then the 3GS, then 4S and now the 5S. I’ve never had the Android, but I’d never go to one.”

Students reported spending as much as 20 hours per day on their devices. With so much time spent interfacing with a gadget, it should come as no surprise that there is such passion among the supporters of either side.

“I think it was more about what was just the newest out. I think when I got my Galaxy it was the S4 and I wanted to try that out,” said student Raul Perez.

Johnson captures the sentiment of many with her final comment: “I’m not ready (to switch to iPhone). I don’t want to convert my other things. Once you have an iPhone it seems like you have to have an iPad and a Mac and I don’t want a Mac. I like my little Asus [computer]!”

The choice of iPhone or Android is very personal and may be based on any number of variables. Price, functionality and just general comfort with a certain brand all come into play. The important thing to remember as both platforms battle for dominance in the marketplace is that regardless of who wins, the customer always comes out on top with newer, faster and cheaper gadgets.

Student achieves starting role on soccer team

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By Aksinya Kichigina

Reporting Correspondent

Jallan Flores is an international student at the college who came straight from Spain to pursue his passion in soccer. Aside from taking general classes, Flores plays for the college’s soccer team and performs his great leadership skills as a player. Flores’ experience of playing soccer did not start exactly the way he wanted. Luckily, his cousin introduced Flores to the soccer coach at college, and that is where his sports path began.

“I started playing soccer at JCCC when I first came here from Spain. It was like three years ago, which was July 2012,” said Flores. “When I came from Spain, I did not expect to play for college, because in Spain we play for clubs, and not for colleges. But I was excited, because it was a whole new experience and I was excited to see how it was to play for a college.”

Flores wanted to begin playing as soon as possible, and fortunately, he received the opportunity to demonstrate his soccer skills at the college.

Flores said that when he came from Spain, his cousin, who used to play for the college, told him that if he studies at this college, he can obtain a scholarship from school for playing soccer. Flores was confident that he would be able to play for the college, because he played soccer in Spain for such long time.

“My cousin brought me to school and showed to the coach. After that, I went to practice with them, and the coach liked me. Also, after the practice, the coach offered me an opportunity to be in the team,” said Flores.

The announcement of being on the team made Flores feel really excited. He knew that no matter what, he would still continue playing soccer, since it was one of his main priorities when he came to the United States.

As soon as Flores started playing as a freshman, he was glad to be in the “family.”

“I am really excited about my team. I like the way they treat me, and in general, they give me confidence. We are really unified, just like family, supporting and taking care of each other,” said Flores.

As a good friend and player of the team, Flores has achieved a few things in his two years of playing for the college. In the first year, he always started the games, which was a unique step for the freshman. The team went to the championship final that year, and even though they lost, it was a good accomplishment for the team, and especially Flores, to be there.

In the current season, the team has already taken trips to Iowa and Texas.

“In Iowa, we won the first game against the team of number 18 in the nation, and then we tied the second game against the second team in the nation,” said Flores. “Also, we went to Texas, and I think it helped us a lot because the other team was really good. As a result, we were able to learn from the experience of being there to help us to work even harder.”

Flores feels blessed to be on the soccer team. He said that there is so much ahead to work on, because it is always important to make more effort to be better on the field.

Even though Flores thinks that he has to work even harder to accomplish better results in soccer, his coach, Fatai Ayoade, has already noticed that Flores has great potential in playing soccer.

“Jallan is a very hard-working, dedicated player. He has passion for the game, and he would do anything for the game,” said Ayoade.

The coach also mentioned that Flores has showed leadership and has done a fantastic job this year.

However, before Ayoade met Flores, he did not look at Flores as a serious player. The reason is because Flores’s height is a bit different for the average.

“Soccer’s height is fatal and looking at Jallan for the first time, I thought that this kid was not going to make it here,” said Ayoade. “Firstly, I did judge him by the way he looked, which was his height, but then when he started playing, I saw a potential in him. He is a short player, but he plays big.”

Despite Flores’ achievements already, the coach still believes in him and expects him to continue to be a leader and be able to go to another university to keep giving that passion that he has for the game.

Flores and the Cavs are 4-2-1 on the season and play Barton Community College on Tuesday at home at 4 p.m.

CLEAR program presents alternative to regular classes

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By J.T. Buchheit 

News Editor

jbuchhei@jccc.edu

Students who have trouble with traditional college classes have another option at their fingertips. The CLEAR program (College Learning Experiences, Activities and Resources), which has classes on both weekdays and weekends, helps students learn things and do activities they wouldn’t do in a normal classroom.

“We offer classes for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities,” said CLEAR manager Kathy Kennedy. “… Most of the students, because of the intellectual disability, are not going to be able to take regular credit classes, but they still have an interest in college. So we’ve modified some classes for them so they can work on academics, they can work on life skills, like personal finance or apartment living or job skills. And some of the classes are just for fun, personal enrichment.”

The program was created in 1977 because of a change in legislation at the time. According to Kennedy, these people were separated from the rest of the population and “warehoused” in state mental facilities. The objective after the change was to treat these people in a more humane manner and offer them more educational opportunities.

“When we started [the program], our mission was very different than it is now,” said Kennedy. “It was for adults who wanted to learn to read and write … Now fast-forward to 1997, when we started the weekday program. That was when more students were being included in high school classes and taking classes with their typical peers. But when they reached the end of high school, their friends went off to college or work, and they didn’t have that opportunity. So what we do now is offer a college learning opportunity.”

Kennedy said that many students’ opinions of the program are extremely positive. One CLEAR student, Nathan Giroux, is in his last year as a student and believes the program has benefited him immensely.

“They helped me learn how to live on my own, to help my family and to be responsible if I want to live on my own,” Giroux said. “Every class has been helping me. Mrs. Kennedy is one of the best teachers and people I’ve ever met in the CLEAR program.”

Although the weekday program is only open to students ages 18 to 24, a similar class is available on the weekends for people of any age over 18.

“On Saturdays, we have a Lifelong Learning Program,” said Kennedy. “The students who attend are ages 18 and older, and we have some students who started attending in 1977, and they haven’t missed a semester since then.”

It’s not just the students who enjoy the program, however. One of the teachers of the CLEAR classes, Ann Hauser, finds it to be a fulfilling experience as well.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Hauser said. “The students are super. I don’t have to worry about discipline — they’re all eager to learn. They challenge me, so I’m always learning along with them. It’s the best job I’ve had.”

Hauser has been a teacher before, but felt she wasn’t satisfied with her level of student interaction until entering the CLEAR program.

“I was working in a public school as a school psychologist, and I didn’t feel like I had enough contact with students,” said Hauser. “… So when I got a chance to work at CLEAR, I jumped at it.”

Faculty members aren’t the only people that are able to work for the CLEAR program. Students at the college are encouraged to become involved.

“We appreciate volunteers,” said Kennedy. “We use students from the college. They get service learning hours or volunteer credit, and some just volunteer because they want to.”

Incoming students who may be joining the CLEAR program could have worries, but Giroux assures them that there is no reason to be nervous.

“Everyone here is a friend,” Giroux said. “If you need any help, if you’re shy and uncomfortable, everyone, not only the teachers, but the students, can help a great deal.”

For more information on CLEAR, visit the website or contact Kathy Kennedy at kathrynk@jccc.edu.

Cavalier Sports Report: volleyball player, Anna Bell

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by Shawn Simpson

Sports Report Host 

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Cavalier Sports Report host Shawn Simpson talks with women’s volleyball sophomore Anna Bell about the road to success for her team.

 

ECAV Radio interview: Criminal Justice Day

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Lenexa police at Criminal Justice Day

by Brandon Parnes

eCav Radio Host

bparnes@jccc.edu

Volunteers from police departments in the area, the U.S. Army, Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA), representatives from nearby colleges and a variety of the college’s programs were on hand in the COM courtyard for Criminal Justice Day.

eCav Radio’s Brandon Parnes interviews participants of the event.

photos by Scout Bales-Woods, special to the Ledger

Students react: JCCC Probs

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Students at the college read and react to tweets from the popular “JCCC Probs” account.

JCAV Reporter Shawn Simpson and JCAV Videographer Brandon Giraldo contributed to this video.

Veterans serving veterans

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Located in COM 309, the Veteran and Military Student Resource Center offers tutoring services to active and retired veterans. The center has been open since November 2014.

By Shawn Simpson

Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

“This office is all about veterans serving veterans. One thing these people understand is teamwork. Camaraderie. Esprit De Corps,” said Kena Zumalt, director of the resource center. “They understand being on a mission. Their mission is to succeed and to help their peers succeed.”

The resource center has counselors specializing in V.A. and G.I. Bill administration who can work with students to maximize benefits. Students will often find help among their fellow veterans with suggestions for grants, scholarships and programs for which they may be entitled. “That’s part of the teamwork that’s so much a part of their service time,” Zumalt added.

Taking advantage of the tutoring the Veteran's and Military Student Resource Center, student and veteran Donny Whitton (right) and Math Resource Center tutor Thomas Parra (left) tackle Whitton's MyMathLab assignment.
Taking advantage of the tutoring the Veteran’s and Military Student Resource Center, student and veteran Donny Whitton (right) and Math Resource Center tutor Thomas Parra (left) tackle Whitton’s MyMathLab assignment.

Sometimes the difficulty isn’t just in the bureaucracy. Finding value in the new “mission” of being a student can present challenges. “At first I was like ‘what am I doing here?’ ” said Donny Whitton, staff member of the center and president of the Veterans Club. “You go from being a staff sergeant with a platoon of 30 people under you to here … suddenly, what you’re doing feels like it amounts to a lot less. What you were doing before felt like it mattered, but it’s hard to feel like that anymore.”

Whitton’s story is one that could be echoed by other veterans, of finding it difficult to engage in a pursuit of self-improvement through education after being entrenched in the selflessly rigid structure of combat deployment. Stephanie Alvarez is another staff member at the center in the work study program after four years in the army and one year in Iraq as a truck driver.

“Part of the challenge was not having so much military bearing … I’ve led soldiers … so I’ve had to remind myself that the civilian students are here … you can’t make them do push-ups!”

The Veteran and Military Student Resource Center is located in COM 305 and is open to students and the community who have served in the military as well as dependents. For more information on the services provided, visit their website or stop by. You’re almost certain to be greeted by a friendly veteran ready to assist you in finding the help you’re looking for.

Cavs volleyball continues to roll

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By James Howey

jhowey@jccc.edu

 

The Cavalier’s volleyball has gone through every opponent this season like a knife through hot butter. This weekend at the Kirkwood tournament featured mostly more of the same. The Cavs played four top 12 teams this weekend and went 3-1 sweeping in all three victories.

“We did a great job of playing together as a team, and at one time our bench was so loud they came up with some crazy cheers,” assistant coach Jodi Rogert said. “It was a great group effort whether you were on or off the court you were pushing for the team.”

The Cavs swept their biggest challenger to the Jayhawk conference title the Cowley Tigers. Cavs Standout Freshman Maren Mair says that sweeping the Tigers was a big and enjoyable win all around for the squad.

“It was really exciting they are a big rival, we were really pumped for that game, to just handle them pretty easily was just like really motivating and exciting for us.”

Rogert says the Cavs practice habits showed during their win over their rival.

“Against Cowley we came out hot,” Rogert said. “It was one of those early in the morning games and we practice early in the morning so we were ready.”

The Cavs did suffer their first loss of the season to the number one ranked Parkland Cobras. Rogert thinks that the Cavs will benefit from playing them and will be ready when they meet again at home in the JCCC tournament.

“The first two games against them we were still figuring some things out and making some changes as far as running a five-one or a six-two and shifting people in and out,” Rogert said. “I think next time we know what to do to beat them it’s just a matter of doing it.”

Mair had a great tournament and has been a stud all season for the Cavs leading the team in hitting percentage, kills, and blocks. She says the success is great, but her teammates are a huge help.

“It’s been exciting but I definitely couldn’t do it without my defense and Stevie (Sherard) setting, and Paige (Cocoran) setting,” Mair said.

Cavs look to improve to 12-1 on the year tomorrow at home against Hesston at 5:30 pm.

Food preferences born of culture, tradition, family

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Students eat lunch in the food court seating area Sept. 2. A variety of factors make up one's food preferences, including geographic location, background and family. Photo by E.J. Wood
Students eat leftovers outside on Sept. 2. Favorite meals can create bonds between those at the table, as well as create feelings of nostalgia. Photo by E.J. Wood
Students eat leftovers outside on Sept. 2. Favorite meals can create bonds between those at the table, as well as create feelings of nostalgia. Photo by E.J. Wood / The Campus Ledger

By Shawn Simpson

Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

The sweet and savory smells of food will transport most people to a memory of friends, family, good times and comfort. Cultures throughout history have been built around the sharing of food. Sharing a favorite meal may create a lasting bond that transcends distance and time.

“For centuries, people have turned to foods they loved as children … Oftentimes, those ‘comfort foods’ are what parents or guardians fed their children,” said Dr. Andrea Broomfield, English professor and food historian. “After all, in a loving family, the feeding of children is interpreted by children and parents alike as a gesture of love. So it makes sense that positive feelings become associated with certain foods.”

Ethnic and geographic boundaries seem as important to what people consider their favorite foods as age and station in life. Raised in Marysville, Don Lee, 70, works in the campus bookstore, and his favorite meal is steak and potatoes.

“I grew up on a farm, and it’s what my grandparents raised, so that’s what we ate and I still love it,” Lee said.

Carrie Ngou is a 26-year-old woman from Shawnee, but her parents were born in Southeast Asia. She enjoys khao piak sen, a noodle/rice/chicken stock dish “because mom’s is the best ever.”

Even within regional dietary trends of the United States, certain foods will become a favorite because of migration. Ashawnte Thompson of Salina enjoys traditionally deep south fare like cornbread and fried chicken with hot sauce. Like Ngou, Thompson’s tastes grew from his mom’s home cooking, originating from her roots in Flora, Mississippi.

Although food tastes may often follow certain trends, Broomfield is careful to caution against generalizations regarding food choices.

“The nation is so large and so diverse, and thousands of families in this nation DO appreciate and maintain their ethnic foodways. Indeed, they might cling to those foodways all the more tightly to remind themselves where they came from,” said Broomfield. “What has had the biggest effect on American cuisine is the rise of franchises (that) make a certain type of food available just about everywhere.”

Cassidy Brandt said her favorite food is tacos because it’s “what mom craved when she was pregnant.”  

Dhikr Muhammed loves tamales with her family because “we always eat them on Christmas. I don’t even care about the gifts — just give me tamales!”

“Most importantly, as a nation made up primarily of immigrants, Americans are by and large fairly liberal when it comes to the way that they approach food,” said Broomfield. “If it tastes good, then let’s eat it.”

Cavalier Star Watch: Joanna Taylor

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by James Howey

Sports editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

IMG_1482

The college’s women’s soccer squad has gotten off to a strong start with a 7-1 record. Freshman Joanna Taylor leads the Jayhawk conference in goals with 13. Taylor was also chosen as KJCCC and NJCAA player of the week. Taylor hopes to help the Cavs build on the team’s success early with conference looming.

  1. How have you been able to have the amount of success you have had early on as a freshman?

I probably attribute it to having a solid team that can serve me balls really well. I attribute it to coaches past and present working with me and giving me the skills I do have.

  1. What have you really liked that the team has done to start the season?

I like that we’ve all come together. There is no drama really and we all get along. We all have a really strong dynamic and we all work pretty hard.

  1. Did the fact that you guys weren’t ranked by the NJCAA to begin the season bother you?

Honestly I didn’t have any idea. I had no clue.

  1. What has always helped motivate you to work hard and do your best?

I think it just comes from within constantly motivating myself to get better. There is always room for growth and improvement. Seeing the work ethic from my other teammates pushes me, and so does my little sister. She plays on the team with me and seeing her work hard and her progress and her incredible ability to play soccer kind of motivates me and the future motivates me.

  1. What goals do you have for yourself personally this season?

I’d love to continue this leading offensive place that I have right now. I want my team to go far and I want to help them get far, whether that be winning regionals or winning nationals.

  1. What are some things the team can improve on through the season?

I think at the beginning we’ve struggled with a lot of different things, but we come together and we really focused on what we needed to get better at. Every team has things they constantly need to be working on, but I think so far we’re an all-around really good team.

  1. Who is your favorite artist?

I listen to all kinds of music. I don’t have a favorite one honestly. It’s just really whatever I’m in the mood for. I like crazy rap music when I’m wanting to get pumped up for a game, or sometimes I like to listen to Indy rock when I’m doing homework.

  1. What is your favorite food?

Pasta. I’m a lasagna lover all the way.

  1. What is your favorite movie?

Trainwreck

  1. Who is your favorite athlete?

Alex Morgan, and my favorite male athlete is the one, the only Lionel Messi.

  1. What is your dream job?

To become a nurse.

College offers students a path to success

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The Strength Wall at the Career Development Center. The department offers strength workshops to help students find a suitable career path.

by Cade Webb

Managing Editor

Cwebb26@jccc.edu

Tucked away on the second floor of the Student Center lies the Career Development Center. Located in SC 252, the center is designed to help students narrow down their potential majors, create résumés, prepare for job interviews and even get in contact with someone about an internship in an individual’s field of study.

“We have two branches. We help students decide on a major and help students with the job search process. We do a résumé critique and give them suggestions for improvements. We also do mock interviews by appointment … We really try to accommodate students as much as we can,” said Laurie Chapkin, coordinator for the Career Development Center.

The center also offers personality tests to narrow down a potential career field and free workshops to current students at the college that are based on finding the strengths that students possess and steering them in the right direction for their careers.

“The workshops are offered in order to help students choose a major. In the workshops, we explain realistically what the process is,” Chapkin said.

The Strength Wall at the Career Development Center. The department offers strength workshops to help students find a suitable career path.
The Strength Wall at the Career Development Center. The department offers strength workshops to help students find a suitable career path.

The job-shadowing program that the center offers is brand-new this semester and is offered to students with at least a 2.0 GPA, are 18 years old and are enrolled in a credit class at the college.

“We give them information on how to research the job market and the available employment opportunities … And now, we have the job-shadowing program to help them with that,” LeeAnn Cunningham, Employment Relations and Internship Coordinator, said.

JobLinks is the college’s online job database. Employers will list job openings both online and in paper, but Chapkin recommends that students check both.

“We also have companies who list internships with us on a regular basis, and they post their internships through the college … These companies are calling us and looking at us as a talent resource. We want to help supply that and supply the need for employment for students. It’s so easy for students to do this because of Job Links,” Cunningham said.

Currently, there are 271 available internships on JobLinks, according to Cunningham.

“Internships at JCCC are tied to career programs … Students are expected to find their own internships and do the job-searching part on their own. However, they come to us for guidance. We help them with resume building,” Cunningham said.

While the center is in a prime location and offers a valuable resource to students, the organization is finding it difficult to market itself to students.

“We have struggled in trying to get the word out for students … It’s talked about in orientation, but we are still trying to get the word out … We have been marketing ourselves through the college’s Facebook and Twitter pages,” Chapkin said.

Despite the struggles the center faces, Cunningham and Chapkin still find that the job is incredibly rewarding.

“That’s why we are here … When students are here, they always say ‘I wish I would’ve known about this earlier,’ and we see transformations in students. That’s why we do what we do,” Cunningham said. “We are very privileged to do what we do.”  

Students can attend a strength workshop on Thursday, September 24 from 3:00-5:30 p.m. in the Career Development Center. For more information, contact Laurie Chapkin at lchapkin@jccc.edu or visit their website.

Career Development Center, located on the second floor of the Student Center
Career Development Center, located on the second floor of the Student Center

JCCC student brings the beat at KC Renaissance Festival

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Chari "Clover" Pierce. Photo courtesy of Chari Pierce.

by Shawn Simpson

Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Fall is nearly upon us, and the annual Kansas City Renaissance Festival is ready to open its gates to a world 500 years in the past. Student Chari Pierce will delight patrons of the festival as a Shakespeare-themed fairy.

“I am a musician fairy within the theme of a Midsummer Night’s Dream. My character is Clover, the Drumming Fairy,” Pierce said. “This is my first year as an entertainer for the [Renaissance Festival], but I have attended as a patron before.”

 

Pierce is a first-year theater student at the college and is looking forward to pursuing more productions here on campus. She is very interested in special effects, makeup and theater design.

“I’ve always been interested in theater … on Halloween last year, I went as a zombie and did my own makeup and I loved that. That’s when I decided I wanted to be a special effects makeup artist. That’s what has pushed me to get into theater design.”

When asked about what she was most excited about for “Clover” and the whole cast of entertainers at the Renaissance Festival, Pierce responded, “We are there to entertain you, inform you or make you feel good about yourself. We are there for you. We just want to make you feel a part of something special.”

The festival runs from Sept. 5 to Oct. 18 in Bonner Springs. Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting www.kcrenfest.com or at the gate. Parking for the event is free.

KDOT’s many road projects continue expansion

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by Aksinya Kichigina

Reporting Correspondent 

akichigi@jccc.edu

The major road construction on K-10, I-35 and I-435 has brought substantial changes to drivers’ lives and the city in general. The massive road construction projects in the Kansas City area carry a purpose that affects the traffic conditions for all drivers.

Kimberly Qualls, Northeast campus Kansas Department of Transportation public affairs manager, helped clarify the overall provision over all the road construction projects in the Kansas City area.    

According to Qualls, “The gate work project, which is covering K-10, I-35 and I-435, started last year of spring 2014.” She mentioned that “the improvements that already have been made and noticed are directed towards people driving through the constructions in order to prevent a risk of accidents and accumulated traffic.”

Each interchange project has a strong list of improvements that have, so far, have been accomplished on time. The project is estimated to take two years, Qualls claimed.

“The project is going to improve the congestion, weave movements, and it’s going to shorten travel times once it’s all completed. The project is not completed until December of 2016, and there have been several things that have already been opened on the project in the last couple of months,” Qualls said.

However, despite the current road construction projects on K-10, I-35 and I-435, KDOT’s projects are still expanding, with additional projects coming to I-70 and K-7.

Despite creating a challenging situation for drivers, the construction projects are progressing, and the outcome of the road enhancements have already been noticed.

“It is a little bit tough right now … but we have heard good feedback already. So right now we feel pain, but when it’s done, the drivers are going to be able to see overall the total improvements made throughout that interchange area,” Qualls said.

Some of the students and workers at the college also face the struggle over road construction almost every day on their way to school and work. That’s how Zaid Khalil, student, explained his personal experience of driving through I-435 on his way to school.

“I take I-435 to school and back home every day, and in the long run, I am sure that this construction are for the betterment of the road, but is it worth it?” said Khalil. “It seems like these workers take months to add a single lane to the highway by causing ridiculous traffic in the meantime … I don’t care how pretty the road is or how wide it is.”

The administrative assistant of student activities at JCCC, John Hanysz, sees the current situation over the road constructions in a positive way.

“I probably go through the construction on I-435 at least two or three times a week, and I think it is frustrating for the drivers… it is for me,” said Hanysz. “But I realize that they are improving roads, so I am happy to see that… I think, because of the expansion, the new construction and the way the road is going to be, there will be less traffic congestion, which should then cause less accidents,” Hanysz said.

For more information, visit http://www.ksdot.org.      

Cavs gear up for challenging tournament

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By James Howey

Sports Editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

 

The Cavaliers volleyball team faces their toughest competition this weekend at the Kirkwood tournament. The squad is 8-0 and ranked number five in the nation, and has yet to even be defeated in a set. The Cavs will face four opponents who are all ranked this year. The first Cavs opponent is the Parkland Cobras, who are the number-one ranked team in Division II and showcase a 15-0 record. Needless to say, they will be a handful for the Cavs.

“Parkland has a great tradition of being a strong ball-control team and big blockers,” head coach Jennifer Ei said. “It should be a fun match between our two teams who stack up well against each other.”

The squad also has their first encounter with rival Cowley County Tigers who are 7-0. Chances are that the KJCCC championship will come down to either the Cavs or Cowley, so this will be a unique match to see these two powerhouses play against each other in a tournament. Coach Ei is excited about this weekend and seeing how the Cavs respond to the challenge.

“We look at this weekend as playing against top competition to compare how we are progressing against nationally ranked teams,” Ei said. “My expectations for our team this weekend is to play our game, make necessary adjustments quickly and do what we do every day in practice.”

JCCC alum opening new restaurant in downtown KC

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Former JCCC student Megan Kendall and husband Jeremy Kendall are currently working on getting their new restaurant, the Homesteader Cafe, ready to open. Located off the corner of Seventh and Walnut in Kansas City, MO, the garden to table American cuisine dive will be opening the last week of September.

by Pete Schulte

Editor-in-Chief

pschult6@jccc.edu

The Homesteader Café is set to open in downtown KC this September with college alum Megan Kendall and her husband, Jeremy Lane, at the helm.

The couple is opening their first restaurant together with nearly 30 years of experience between the two of them. Located at 100 E. Seventh St. near the City Market, the focus on savory homestyle meals while utilizing fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs is one of the key inspirations for the name of the restaurant.

“We have our little house in KCK, and we started growing things. We like growing stuff,” Kendall laughed. “We have this garden … and have lots of stuff we grow. I have fruit trees, grapevines and lots of vegetables and herbs in the back. With that thought process, we came up with ‘The Homesteader’ because it’s like [our] little homestead.”

Kendall graduated from the college in 2006 with much of her emphasis in the pastry program and felt that the program itself and the subsequent placement helped her get to where she is today.

“[The college] prepared me a lot. Going through there and getting placed … at 40 Sardines right out of pastry school prepared me. I worked there for almost a year and I learned a lot through there too. It’s good, hard work, but it’s stuff I enjoy doing,” Kendall said. “Pastry school taught me how to make everything, make it look good, make it look pretty and that type of stuff. How do you make something look pretty? I can make something taste great no matter what, but to make it look pretty and taking that time for the visual appearance also [helped].”

A chocolate rum cake with a unique story is one of the main pastries that Kendall is looking forward to making for her patrons. The couple actually made the cake initially for their wedding last September with rave reviews from friends and families, which led to requests for the cake after the wedding. In addition, the couple will be highlighting a catfish po’boy sandwich, a mustard-crusted pork chop, a full bar and sides that will change seasonally in efforts to give the restaurant variety throughout the year.

“We both can do the savory stuff, but the fact that we have the pastry side on there is going to make a big difference because not everywhere has a pastry chef on hand, so that’s a big thing. I think our style of food is going to be a really nice combination of food and how it all flows together nicely.”

The Homesteader is scheduled to open the last weekend of September and will be open Tuesday through Sunday, with lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. on weeknights and 4 to 10 p.m. on weekends. For more information, visit http://thehomesteadercafe.com/.

The JO offers students alternative transportation to and from campus

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The Jo arrives at the JCCC Carlsen Center. The 710 takes students to and from Lawrence and the KU Edwards campus.

by Shawn Simpson

Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Parking on campus can be a nightmare and the environment is a regular topic of discussion. The JO, Johnson County’s public transportation, offers students a way to avoid the potential headache of parking and cut down on automotive emissions.

One student is clocking some sneaker-miles and dropping some bus fares to do his part.

“It’s really not that far to walk from my house [to KU Edwards Campus to catch The JO],” said Michael Beteet, marketing student. “I love being outdoors … It’s just how I start my day, like going to work … I walk to the bus stop and enjoy the air.”

The JO operates multiple buses that travel to and from the Carlsen Center throughout the day, including frequent connectors to Lawrence. Fares can be paid per ride or discounted with 10-ride and 31-day passes for most services.

JCAV-TV: Students offer their experience of riding The JO:

Making the choice to use public transportation can have further effects than just helping with parking on the campus. “If I can make my [environmental] footprint smaller, it’s good for me and for the environment,” Beteet continued. “If you’re serious about saving the environment, you should ride the bus.”

Beteet added his advice for those considering the bus.

“Have fun. You never know who you’re [going to] meet at the bus stop!”

You can find schedules and information about fares by visiting the JoCoGov website.

Photos by Lance Martin, Photo Editor. Video by JCAV-TV: Heather Foley, Executive Producer, Seth Elliott, Reporter, Anthony Graham, Camera and Caleb Wayne, Graphics. 

Student Senate election ends today

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photos by Scout Bales-Woods 

Staff Photojournalist 

sbaleswo@jccc.edu

Student senate elects senators each fall. Members of student senate are on hand at a ballot box at COM 260 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the Student Senate website.

Cavs impress despite tough opening games

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By James Howey

Sports Editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

“Since I’ve been coaching here, for some reason this year I’ve felt something positive and something good,” head soccer coach Fatai Ayoade said. “I could just feel it.”

The Cavaliers have started the season playing all ranked opponents, including the number-one team in Divisions I and III and the number-two team in Division I. The Cavs defeated the top team in Division III, Richland College, 2-1, tied number-two Iowa Western and lost to number-one Tyler Junior College 3-0. The Cavs are 2-1-1 and ranked number 12 in the NJCAA Division I poll.

“I think that was important that we played those guys early on and we had really good results,” sophomore Trae Hunjak said. “Everyone is really confident on the team about getting conference play started.”

For Coach Ayoade, putting together a tough schedule is critical to the team growing through the season.

“When people look at my schedule and say ‘Oh Fatai, you’re crazy,’ no, I’m not crazy,” Ayoade said. “That kind of competition is what we’re going to meet if we go to nationals, and if we use that experience when we play in conference, it will benefit us.”

The Cavs have many newcomers on the team contributing to the team’s success this season, including freshman goalkeeper Caleb Cothrin, who won goalkeeper of the week for the KJCCC.

“We have a lot of freshmen who are stepping in and helping us a lot,” Hunjak said. “Our goalie, Caleb Cothrin, has done a tremendous job.”

Hunjak hopes that the Cavs will be more aggressive on both sides of the ball as the season progresses.

“We need to probably just be clinical in front of the goal when we get the chance to put them away,” Hunjak said. “Also our aggressiveness on defense when we pressure.”

The Cavs still have some chemistry kinks to work through on the offensive side, but the Cavs look like they have the potential to be scary good as the season continues.

“Offensively we have a lot good players. Making them gel together, work together and be productive together is what we are still working on,” Ayoade said. “If we can get them to understand each other, I think we will be a force to be reckoned with in our conference and at the national level.”

 

Student response: What does speaking a foreign language mean to you?

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by Aksinya Kichigina

Reporting Correspondent 

akichigi@jccc.edu

The college is home to many students from multiple cultures that share their interests, life stories and traditions with American students. Many of the international students come here to learn how to speak the English language fluently and discover interesting aspects of American culture firsthand. With foreign language programs available in 12 languages, students have plenty of opportunities to take up a new language.

Jonas Birkel, student, was raised in a Cuban family and has always had someone in his family that he could communicate with in Spanish.

“Besides English, I speak Spanish fluently. I love to study foreign languages, and I think the language that I would want to learn next is probably French,” Birkel said.

However, Birkel does not want to stop developing himself, and wants to continue to learn new languages. He said that he would want to keep studying foreign languages because there are people in certain counties that can speak five languages.

“It’s really weird that we don’t care about speaking or learning the other cultures and languages as much as other countries do,” Birkel said. “I think knowing a foreign language is one of the important things that a person may know. It helps you to meet other people from different cultures. I wish everybody knew more than one language here.”

In addition to Spanish and French, the college also has programs in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese and Russian. The Language Resource Center, located in LIB 225, is also open for all students currently taking a foreign language class. It provides many services to assist students outside of class. There are also language tutors available in GEB 316.

Another student, Lorena Coleman, a journalism/communications major, also thinks that knowing at least one international language is great for future employment opportunities.

“I am interested in studying international languages. I took two years of Spanish in high school, but I really would love to get back to learn Spanish, or even Italian,” Coleman said.

Coleman also mentioned that it’s great to speak with people who might know different languages. She feels that with any job nowadays, an individual stands out more when they are able to speak more than one language.

“I think in the future, people will be interested in learning foreign languages because there are many people who come here every day, and it will be good to interact with one another no matter what culture you are,” Coleman said.

International student Jorge Castro also shared his opinion on what it means to him to speak multiple languages.

“As a Spanish speaker, I am interested in learning maybe French or German languages because of the history of countries and part of the World War II. It will be amazing to go to the foreign country and talk to people over there,” said Castro.

While Castro enjoys learning new languages, he looks at the experience more as a hobby than something he is seriously pursuing. However, he shares the sentiment of his fellow students in believing a foreign language is helpful for any person because it provides the opportunity to meet a lot of new people and develop relationships.

“But I think in the future, no matter which language will be more important for people, they will definitely learn international languages. In my opinion, people have to manage at least two languages in their lives,” Castro said.

For more information on the Language Resource Center, visit LIB 225 or their website.

 

Contribution by J.T. Buchheit, News Editor. 

VIDEO: Down on the farm

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JCAV takes a look at the sustainable agriculture program at the college. Not a lot of people know about the college’s farm. Farm manager Claire Zimmermann gave us a closer look into what the farm does and how it benefits students.

Contributions by JCAV-TV: Heather Foley, Executive Producer; Seth Elliott, Reporter; Caleb Wayne, Graphics; and eCAV Radio: Brandon Parnes, Voiceover

Volleyball preview

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By James Howey

Sports Editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

Johnson County Community College (7-0) at Neosho County Community College (8-4)

Where: Chanute, Kansas, Panther Gymnasium

When: 6 p.m.

The Cavaliers take their undefeated record to the home of the Panthers tonight. The Panthers will most likely have a rowdy crowd with the Cavs coming to town. The Panthers are a scrappy team that the Cavs will need to start fast against in order to beat them like they should. Jill Starling leads the Panthers in kills with 114 and is second with 171 assists. Riley McGinn leads the squad in hitting percentage of .400. Mackenzie Brown is second on the team with 97 kills. The match should be a nice tune-up for the Cavs, with their biggest challenge coming this weekend at the Kirkwood tournament.

Retrospective: A year after campus lockdown of 2014

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by Sean Hull

Features Edtior

mhudso27@jccc.edu

The campus was locked down on reports of a woman wielding a “long gun” last year on Sept. 4. For five hours, students and faculty were forced to remain hunkered down in their rooms and offices while the Overland Park SWAT team worked with campus police to scour the campus and dispatch the supposed threat.

Read our coverage of the event: Campus police lift lockdown after a suspicious person on campus was reported

One year later many unknowns remain. It is not known who the woman was, and speculation persists that the whole event was a reaction to a false report. Nonetheless, confidence in the JCCC Police Department has not wavered, and students feel as safe as ever.

“Honestly, I don’t feel unsafe at all,” says first-year student Bekah Rogers. “I was a little bit nervous coming in, but now that I’m here it’s a very safe and friendly environment. I’m not worried at all.”

Many first-year students are unaware of what happened last year, but first impressions of the campus police department instilled confidence in many.

“Nobody got hurt, so it looks like campus police are doing their jobs,” said student Monica Fruit.

Chloe Hansen was a little more apprehensive, but trusts in the police.

“It’s kind of scary, but I always see police around campus, so I’m not extremely scared,” Hansen said.

Many people have become used to the presence of firearms, which has made them more comfortable around people with guns.

“I’m not really scared of people with guns,” said student Jace Beleren. “I recognize that it’s dangerous, but I’m not really concerned about it.”

Student Gabe Linabary cites his upbringing in Montana as to why he is comfortable around guns. “I grew up in Montana, so I don’t really care much about a gun since I grew up with them. I use them. A gun is a gun.”

On the anniversary of one the most terrifying moments in the college’s history, students maintain confidence that they are protected by their campus police.

For more information on the college’s procedures in an active shooter/violent person on campus situation, see our story about the A.L.I.C.E procedure by clicking here. 

Are you familiar with the college’s A.L.I.C.E procedure?

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A - Alert, listen for/or receive specific, real-time information and notify Campus Police at ext. 4111 or 913-469-2500 or call 911. Photo by Lance Martin

by Lance Martin

Photo Editor

lmarti95@jccc.edu

With a year passing since the campus was on lockdown due to a potential shooter on campus, we revisit the college’s A.L.I.C.E procedure in the event of an armed and/or violent person on campus.

A – Alert, listen for/or receive specific, real-time information and notify Campus Police at ext. 4111 or 913-469-2500 or call 911.

L – Lockdown or shelter in place by locking down and barricading entry points. Get low to the floor, spread out and turn off lights.

I – Inform, listen for or give real-time updates by any communication means possible.

C – Counter the attacker as a last resort by movement, noise, distraction and SWARM.

E – Evacuate – get out and put distance between you and killer. Do not go to your car, evacuate on foot. Seek assistance at a Rally Point, stay alert to college information.

Cavalier Sports Report: Softball third baseman Hailey Cope

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by Shawn Simpson

Sports Report Host 

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Cavalier Sports Report Host Shawn Simpson sits down with softball third baseman Hailey Cope and talks about the team’s success last spring, her transition into a leader for the team and what lies ahead for the team.

 

Cavalier Sports Report: Softball coach Aubree Brattin

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by Shawn Simpson

Sports Report Host 

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Cavalier Sports Report Host Shawn Simpson sits down with softball coach Aubree Brattin and talks about the team’s success last spring and what the future looks like for the team.

 

Women’s soccer preview

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By James Howey

Sports Editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

Matchup: Johnson County Community College (4-1) at Dakota County Technical College (1-0)

Where: Rosemount, Minnesota, Ames Soccer Complex

When: 8 p.m.

The Cavs look to rebound tonight against the Blue Knights after suffering the first defeat of the season to Iowa Western 3-0. Look for leading scorers Joanna Taylor and Ashlynn Summar to get back on track after neither has scored in the last two games. The Blue Knights were dominant in their first game, shutting out Rochester Community and Technical College 6-0. The Cavs will take on Red River College tomorrow; that game will also be played at Rosemount, Min.

Student shines in art department

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Strohl with her piece, "Conformity." Photo by Pete Schulte

by Cade Webb

Managing Editor

cwebb26@jccc.edu

The art department here at the college is home to a large group of talented individuals, and student Megan Strohl is no exception to the rule. Strohl has been a student at the college for two years and has multiple accolades to her credit. Strohl’s art has been published in a magazine, and she has earned scholarships for her work.

Strohl was awarded the JCCC League for Innovation art scholarship last year through a competition that she ended up winning.

“I submitted five of my pieces and set them out on display, and that’s kind of it,” Strohl said.

Strohl is fairly new to the world of art and sculpture. She began sculpting only two short years ago, when she arrived at the college.

Even though she has only been sculpting for a few years, Strohl shared her story on how she was introduced to sculpture.

“A co-worker of mine was an artist, and he gave me some wax and said ‘make whatever you want to make,’ and it just kind of started there. Pretty much out of nowhere,” Strohl said.

While she is not working toward a major, she is heavily involved in the art department and has only taken art courses during her time at the college. She enjoys the professors in the art department, and said that she is often able to do whatever she wants in her projects, which has helped her creativity.

“Professor Mark Cowardin is really good about helping us decide where we want to take the project as long as you follow the guidelines of the project. You have to incorporate whatever is asked of you in the assignment, but other than that, you get free rein … Mark wants you to be passionate about what you’re doing.”

 

Having only been in art for a short time, Strohl has just started to find her niche, and has discovered what she loves to do.

“Stepping back and looking at all of my past pieces, I didn’t realize I was following a general theme until I looked at it. I find that some of it is whimsical, and usually on the darker, creepy side,” Strohl said.

Strohl has aspirations to have a career in art one day, and hopes that she is able to take the steps necessary in order to get her work out to the public.

“That’s something that I’ve wanted to focus on this year. I want to set up my own website. I’ve had a few conversations where people were interested in my artwork, but I didn’t have a website so I couldn’t show them my work,” Strohl said.

Strohl’s work can be seen in the ATB building near the west entrance.

IN FOCUS: A different eye on the cacti guy

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Mark Raduziner (Professor and Department Chair for Journalism and Media Communications) is the inspiration for an art exhibit. The exhibit is on display at the Nerman Museum.

By Pete Schulte

Editor-in-Chief

pschult6@jccc.edu

For one Los Angeles-based artist, a story about a college professor’s cactus hobby became the inspiration to craft a piece of art that takes up an entire room at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.

Amir H. Fallah, artist, said he initially got the idea for “The Caretaker” from Executive Director of the Nerman Bruce Hartman.

Amir H. Fallah portrait. Photo courtesy of Shayan Asgharnia.
Amir H. Fallah portrait. Photo courtesy of Shayan Asgharnia.

“I had met with museum director Bruce Hartman, who mentioned possibly working together on a project. He had been familiar with my work and just reached out to me out of the blue,” Fallah said. “When we were talking about my [past] installations, Bruce casually mentioned, ‘You know, there’s this guy who teaches at the school named Mark Raduziner that I’m friends with. Mark is a teacher here and he also has this crazy cactus and succulent collection.”

Raduziner, who advised the Ledger in the 80s and 90s, is a professor and the chair of Journalism and Media Communications at the college, and is beginning his 34th year of teaching here. He’s also the chairman of the Parks and Rec commission in Mission, Kansas and enjoys horticulture.

After reviewing an article printed in the quarterly Your Hometown Mission Magazine highlighting Raduziner’s estimated 300 cacti and succulents, Fallah became more and more interested in the idea.

“It’s not that I was interested in the plants per se, but I was more interested [that] the whole thing was a metaphor for something much larger. It was about nurturing something that was not meant to thrive in an environment. It was about caregiving and taking care of something that was going to die.”

Mark Raduziner (Professor and Department Chair for Journalism and Media Communications) is the inspiration for an art exhibit. The exhibit is on display at the Nerman Museum.
Mark Raduziner (Professor and Department Chair for Journalism and Media Communications) is the inspiration for an art exhibit. The exhibit is on display at the Nerman Museum.

Now determined to begin his work on the piece, Fallah faced one potentially major issue: Raduziner had no idea about it.

“We started talking about Mark for months and doing this show without ever actually talking to Mark,” said Fallah.

Raduziner’s initial reaction to hearing about the idea nearly prevented the whole piece from happening.

“I kind of didn’t want to do it at first because I work here and I thought it would be kind of strange,” said Raduziner. “[But] I kind of realized that it’s kind of an opportunity of a lifetime, so I agreed to do it.”

Once given the green light, Fallah flew to Raduziner’s home to do his version of investigative reporting. Fallah said he likes to meet potential subjects, visit their home and get a feel for how they live by talking about items they keep in their home.

“I’m interested in the history and the emotional attachments that people have with things that they live with … I think all these objects are charged with memories, history and emotional connection.”

After viewing the cacti throughout Raduziner’s home, Fallah spotted beautiful needlepoint pillows throughout the house, which Raduziner stated were all made by his mother. Old coogi sweaters from Raduziner’s late father also drew Fallah’s eye. These two items and their emotional meaning became two key pieces of Fallah’s installation.

“A pillow is something that we all rest our head on, something that gives us comfort. We usually use a pillow when we’re in bed sleeping, at our most vulnerable. What goes with a pillow? A blanket. It’s a set. So I started thinking about parents, who are a set usually … they’re there to serve, protect and comfort us. I decided to make a blanket out of the coogi sweaters,” Fallah said. “For me, I’m trying to describe the person through the objects they live with and surround themselves with because I think that paints a much more interesting and truer picture of what that person is about and what they’re like … Every single painting is a portrait of Mark.”

Raduziner feels the piece does show aspects of his life, but only a small picture of his life as a whole.

“I was an inspiration for what he was trying to do. He used aspects of my life and aspects of my home and my parents … as inspiration for this project. It’s a slice of life. It’s little bits and pieces of my life and of my mom and my dad in it. It’s about me as inspiration, but it isn’t directly about me. It’s really about me in the abstract.”

For more information on Amir H. Fallah and “The Caretaker,” visit http://www.amirhfallah.com/. Art will be on display at the Nerman until Sept. 27.

Hungary for success

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Photo courtesy of Susan McSpadden, JCCC.edu

 

Photo courtesy of Susan McSpadden, JCCC.edu
Photo courtesy of Susan McSpadden, JCCC.edu

 

by J.T. Buchheit 

News Editor

jbuchhei@jccc.edu

Matt Phillips, a student at the college, will embark on a trip to Budapest, Hungary to take part in an international cooking competition. He will be leaving on Sept. 6, and the event will take place on Sept. 11. Phillips will be the first student in the history of the college to participate in this competition.

“[The competition] is going to be a good experience,” said Phillips. “I’ll have a chance to do a lot of networking … I think everybody’s going to work hard. There’s going to be a lot of quality, so I’m excited.”

Phillips works as a sous chef at the Blue Hills Country Club under Todd Walline, who is also a culinary professor at the college. Walline thinks Phillips has the skills to win the competition.

“His organization is off the charts. It’s some of the best I’ve ever seen,” said Walline. “His knife skills are world-class. The other big thing for him is he’s very calm. He doesn’t get rattled.”

What makes Walline’s praise of Phillips even more remarkable is the fact that Phillips has not been in the culinary industry for a long period of time.

“Just out of high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” said Phillips. “At the time, I was working at a college, and the manager said I had a gift for [cooking], so I should look into the program here.”

In addition to being in the culinary program, Phillips also competed on the college’s culinary team, which is led by Professor Felix Sturmer.

“He was a member of the team until last year, then he graduated and became an apprentice,” said Sturmer. “It’s an unusual route he’s taken because we’ve never had anybody take part in that competition or have gone that far.”

Walline and Sturmer both think Phillips has the skills to prosper in the competition. Walline also finds Phillips to be a great benefit to his restaurant both in and out of the kitchen.

“He is very much a lead-by-example type person,” said Walline. “He won’t ask anything of anybody that he hasn’t done himself. He is very accepting of anyone who walks in the door. There’s no stranger to him. Everybody is a friend. He’s very welcoming and a natural-born teacher.”

Although Walline has glowing opinions on Phillips in multiple facets of work, he acknowledged that Phillips and others in the industry can always strive to improve.

“The beautiful part about our business is that there’s always more to learn,” said Walline. “What I’m working with him right now on is the financial aspect. That’s the area we’re concentrating on right now.”

Phillips is eager to begin his journey to Hungary and take part in the cooking competition, as well as enjoy all the other amenities the country has to offer.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the different culture and being in a different place,” said Phillips. “This is my first time in Europe. I love to travel, so the highlight is being in a new place and meeting new people.”

Phillips will try to raise the bar even further and bring a victory to the culinary institute and the college as a whole.

Photo gallery: August volleyball games

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Check out our shots from the first five home volleyball games of the season.

Photos by James Howey, jhowey@jccc.edu

Sports: The seasons so far for volleyball, women’s soccer, and men’s soccer

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by James Howey

Sports Editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

Volleyball

The Cavs have gotten off to a dominating start to the season. The squad is 7-0 and has yet to lose a set this season. The Cavaliers are tied with are tied with Cowley for the lead in the KJCCC. The Cavs are looking to show they are better than their 13th ranking that the NJCAA put them at. Maren Mair leads the team in hitting percentage at .408 and is second with 51 kills. Jordan Morrison is third in hitting percentage with .321 and leads the squad with 60 kills. Bizzy Chilcoat is second in hitting percentage at .357 and has 44 kills. The next big test for the Cavs is the Kirkwood Invitational, where they will play a lot of tough teams, including Cowley and Parkland.

Related: Photo gallery: August volleyball games

Women’s soccer

The Cavaliers have begun the season with a sold 4-1 record. The squad had a thrilling overtime victory over 15th-ranked Otero Junior College 2-1. The Cavs did suffer a 3-0 defeat by the top-ranked team in the nation, Iowa Western. The Cavs have more non-conference challenges this weekend. The Cavaliers start conference play on September 16 at home against Garden City. Joanna Taylor leads the Cavs in goals with six, Ashlynn Summar is second with four and Sydney Alexander is third with three.

Men’s soccer

Men’s soccer is only two games into the season, but they have not lacked in impressiveness. The Cavs first beat Dakota County Technical College 8-1 and then tied at second-ranked Iowa Western 2-2. The Cavs head to Texas this weekend for a couple of non-conference matchups.

Student Senate president encourages involvement and leadership

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by Shawn Simpson

Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Student Senate president John Rives encourages involvement and leadership among student body.

“This year we are looking to do more activities … It could be something as simple as getting the Frisbee or the football out in fountain square,” said Rives. “We’re looking [to] make sure the experience for the students is the best it can be.”

Student Senate president John Rives gives information to an interested student.
Student Senate president John Rives gives information to an interested student.

The Student Senate currently has a number of at-large seats available. Rives would like to see a full senate this year and encourages all students to get involved on campus.

“I believe that with 30 senators, we can achieve a lot on the campus and be doing the most good for the greatest number of students,” Rives said.

The Student Senate is the liaison between the administration and student body. Changes in policy that affect the student experience will have the input of the Senate. Mindy Kinnaman, manager of Student Life and Leadership Development, encourages all students to consider running for election to the Student Senate.

“We want all types of students, so that they can know and grow and represent those people in these meetings,” said Kinnaman.

Any student wanting to run for Student Senate must complete the election packet and return it to COM 309 by Sept. 2. Elections will be held on Sept. 8-10. For more information, students are invited to stop by the Center for Student Involvement in COM 309 or call (913) 469-3534.

Column: Non-traditional student adjusts to life back on campus

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By Shawn Simpson

Staff Reporter

ssimps21@jccc.edu

Mingled within the population of very recently graduated high school seniors and those returning for their second year of college is a less common type of student: the non-traditional student. This ambiguous term generally refers to students who are older and attending college on a part-time basis. I am a non-traditional student.

Staff Reporter, Shawn Simpson
Staff Reporter, Shawn Simpson

Like many, I am returning to school to study a subject which I am passionate about. In my case, that subject is journalism. I have a wife and three young children at home. When I graduated high school, I attended college at Full Sail, and obtained a degree in Recording Arts. After graduating in 1996, I followed my passion of working in the music industry and have no regrets. However, coming to JCCC to pursue an education in journalism and broadcasting is a manifestation of my changing interests as I’ve grown older.

The experience of coming back to school has been very interesting for my family and me. Where August has long brought us the back-to-school period where we’re shopping for clothes and supplies for our children, I now find myself shopping for the supplies for my own benefit. Even the first-day-of-school jitters have returned, as I’m left empathizing with my second grader about sitting in a classroom again.

In preparation for my first days at JCCC, I’ve been on campus a few times to get a feel for where things are located and to find where my classes will be. There was no shortage of other students doing the same thing in the last several days leading up the start of the semester and I had many opportunities to interact with my fellow students. I love to meet new people and share experiences. The most amusing part was that while I understood that I was meeting fellow students, my fellow students often thought they were meeting a faculty or staff member. It was clear that the college has a very friendly and respectful student body, as I was repeatedly called “sir” and profusely thanked if I happened to know directions to anywhere.

As this semester progresses and I am able to pursue my interests in journalism and broadcasting, I hope to have the opportunity to meet and interact with many of the other students, both traditional and non-traditional, here at the college. The shared experience of attending college together can be a foundation to share a lifetime of experiences, of which some of us have more to share by virtue of years on Earth, but make no mistake — those of us with a few more miles are here to study alongside the younger students for a reason.
Whether this semester is your first time in college, a continuation of what you just started, or a return from an extended break of years or decades, let’s make this the start of a great one. Maybe all of us older folks can share some life experience with our younger fellow students that will be helpful to them later in life, and maybe the younger students can help out the older folks with some of the more confusing modern social media trends.

 

 

VIDEO: Culinary department hosts weekly bake sale

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Video by JCAV Executive Producer, Heather Foley; Reporter Anthony Graham, and Editor Brandon Giraldo. Voice over by Campus Ledger Managing Editor, Cade Webb.

Man sentenced for taking pictures of women in bathroom

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A Johnson County Court judge sentenced 39-year-old Saysavat Noy Bounyadeth of Lenexa to 34 months in prison, stemming from an invasion of privacy charge last April. Bounyadeth was found photographing unsuspecting women on a second-floor OCB bathroom at the college on April 27. A woman had noticed Bounyadeth filming her in the bathroom, and chased him down until police could apprehend the individual.

Details from April’s incident: Man arrested for recording women in college bathroom

Bounyadeth is a registered sex offender, and was found guilty of three felony counts of invasion of privacy. Bounyadeth recived sentences for all three charges: 17 months on one count, 9 and 8 on the other two counts. Bounyadeth was not a student or member of faculty at the time of the offense.

This is not Bounyadeth’s first sexually motivated crime. Last March, Bounyadeth was released from prison after a few months in prison. Bounyadeth’s time in prison came from a violation of a probation agreement in which he was supposed to attend sex offender treatment. In the incident, Bounyadeth broke into an Olathe woman’s home and stole personal items, including underwear and lingerie.

 

Sporting KC star makes appearance at the college

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Seth Sinovic answers questions for students.

by Cade Webb

Managing Editor

cwebb26@jccc.edu

The college put together a fun-filled afternoon for students and Sporting KC fans on Wednesday. Seth Sinovic, defender for Sporting KC

Seth Sinovic poses for pictures with young fans. Photo by E.J. Wood
Seth Sinovic poses for pictures with young fans.

and 2014 SKC Defensive Player of the year, was available for photos and autographs with students.

The event was born from a recent partnership between Sporting KC and the college, and took place on the Regnier Center south lawn, and featured Bubble Soccer and music for the students.

 

About the partnership between the college and Sporting KC: What you missed over the summer

“I thought it was pretty cool. Bubble soccer is something I’ve never done for myself, but it looked fun. There was some pretty physical play out there,” Sinovic said.

Bubble Soccer involves two teams with four players each, and players are put into a large plastic “bubble” that protects them, but also makes for some pretty devastating hits on opposing players.

Bubble Soccer. Photo by E.J. Wood.
Bubble Soccer.

“Coach probably wouldn’t approve of me playing bubble soccer, but it was definitely entertaining to watch,” Sinovic said.

The college announced the event yesterday on their Facebook page, and despite this short notice, a large number of students, faculty and fans attended the event, with appearances from the men’s soccer team and the Golden Girls.

“It was really fun. I didn’t know that this was happening but I saw the signs on the ground and I ended up here. I’m glad I found it,” student Daniel Thomas said.

This was not Sinovic’s first time at the college, however. Sinovic is a Kansas City native, growing up in Leawood. Sinovic was very complimentary of the college, and was impressed with the turnout.

“It’s a great campus. It’s a great community college, and obviously putting on great activities like this gets everybody interacting together, and that’s pretty cool,” Sinovic said.

ECAV Radio’s Sam Kombrink’s interview with Seth Sinovic

 

Contributions by: E.J. Wood, Photo Correspondent; Heather Foley, Executive Producer; Seth Elliot, Reporter and Camera; Caleb Wayne, Camera; T.J. Kimbrough-French, Editor; Caleb Wayne, Graphics; JCAV-TV; Brandon Parnes, ECAV Radio

Adjusting to American education

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By J.T. Buchheit

News Editor

jbuchhei@jccc.edu

The beginning of a school year is difficult for everyone to adapt to, but for most, the adjustment is likely nothing compared to the challenge students from other countries face when coming to school in the U.S.

“The ‘culture shock’ is always the number-one issue that we see for students’ first terms in college,” said coordinator of International and Immigrant Student Services Iping Lee. “Also, the U.S. classroom [can cause struggles]. In the U.S. classrooms, the professor likes to ask questions, and the professor is also expecting that the student can be more active and answer the questions. But some international students, because of their cultural backgrounds, may not fit in the U.S. classroom culture because they are shy, and maybe because of the language barrier problem. So sometimes, misunderstanding and miscommunication can cause them problems in adjusting to campus life.”

Even though international students can struggle when they arrive, the college has many ways of helping them grow more comfortable on campus.

“We do have a new-student orientation for students from overseas,” said Lee. “This orientation will help them to adjust to campus life for the first semester. During the orientation, they will read the campus resource information provided by the JCCC staff, like the student information desk, the counseling service, the writing center, and student clubs … During the orientation, we also have a student from International Club in order to make a presentation and invite new students to join the International Club.”

Related: Department Geared towards Student Success

Lee also stressed that students from overseas need to look into multiple colleges before deciding on one, and that they should also consider why they want to seek an education in the U.S.

“Before they apply, they really need to know about the campus and the JCCC campus resources,” said Lee. “They need to realize why they choose JCCC as their school, and what their purpose is to go the United States to study, and what degree and program they would like to pursue from the college. They have a very useful online resource provided by the government called ‘Study in the U.S.’ It is a website that contains all the U.S. colleges’ campus resource information and admission requirement information. So before students come to the U.S., they can go online to look up U.S. college information that is going to help them make the right decision.”  

internationalstudents
International student Rubens Davanso is from Brazil and has enjoyed his first semester at the college.

 One new student, Rubens Davanso from Brazil, has enjoyed his brief stay at the college and is grateful for his opportunity.

“It’s a really good college. For people that don’t come from here, we just think that it’s a dream,” said Davanso. “You know, to come to America and study at a big college like this. I’m really glad that I’m here.”

Davanso is aware of the challenges that he will face as a new international student, but he feels fully up to the task and hopes students and teachers will understand any difficulties he might have.

“People should understand that sometimes the language is difficult, and some things that you study are just hard. But I think if you just focus, you can do it.”

For more information regarding international and immigrant students, visit COM 306 or their website.

Cavs flex muscles in opening tournament

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Michelle Tennant going for a point during a sweep over Kansas City Kansas Community College during the JCCC tournament

by James Howey

Sports Editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

Michelle Tennant going for a point during a sweep over Kansas City Kansas Community College during the JCCC tournament
Michelle Tennant going for a point during a sweep over Kansas City Kansas Community College during the JCCC tournament

The college’s volleyball squad began the season with a showcase of dominance on offense and defense. The Cavs went 4-0 on the weekend in the JCCC Tournament and swept all their matches 3-0, not losing a set all weekend. Head Coach Jennifer Ei was not surprised by the team’s success, having seen what this team is capable of during the preseason.

“It’s a very talented group. They’ve been working very hard in two-a-days,” Ei said. “I think they were ready to prove and show all the hard work they have been doing.”

Ei was happy with the team’s aggressiveness over the weekend, and said the team’s scrappy defense made a difference.

“I liked the way we really scrambled and played defense,” Ei said. “We just played with a nice confidence.”

Sophomore Michelle Tennant was also expecting this type of effort out of the Cavs.

“I’ve seen it in preseason. We just flow really well together,” Tennant said. “We have great servers, defense, setters, hitters, and it all comes together.”

Next up, the Cavs open Conference play at home against Coffeyville tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.

Ei said that Coffeyville is always a very scrappy team.

“We are going to have to play disciplined and very aggressive to win,” Ei said.

College art professor has gallery displayed at East Crossroads district

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Fight or Flight (Photo courtesy of Sam Davis)

by Cade Webb

Managing Editor

cwebb26@jccc.edu

Professor Sam Davis has only been teaching ceramics at the college for two years, but students now have an opportunity to get to know Davis outside of the classroom and learn a little bit about his work and the different stories behind it. Davis currently has his work displayed at the Plenum Space gallery in the East Crossroads District in Kansas City.

Sam Davis (Photo courtesy of Sam Davis)
Sam Davis (Photo courtesy of Sam Davis)

From the first Friday of August until the 29th of the month, Davis’ artwork will be on display, and students are invited to come learn about his work. Davis has only been living in Kansas City for about three years, and the way his art was put on display in this current gallery is quite interesting.

“When I moved here, I met the curator of the gallery when she overheard me talking in the Nelson-Atkins museum. We struck up a conversation from there and she gave me the opportunity to show my work,” Davis said.

Davis certainly isn’t new to having his work displayed for the public to see, but hopes that viewers come into his work with an open mind, and that they will also observe the art objectively.

“Anytime you show a new body of work, there’s always an element of nervousness when you wonder how the work will be perceived, if people like the work and if they understand the work… It’s always exciting and always a rush,” Davis said.

Davis has a way of helping the viewer become open-minded, and it comes through heavily in some of his work. Some of his pieces may be abstract and need to be thought out by the viewer, while other pieces are simply stunning to look at.

“I make work about beauty and mystery, about collection and humor. What I try to do is use humor in the work to disarm the viewer so that they will put their guard down and understand the sincere intentions of my work,” Davis said.

Davis received his bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Tennessee, and then went to Clemson University to receive his master’s degree. The type of work that Davis was accustomed to doing changed, however, in a residency.

“I was trained as a functional potter, working mainly on the pottery wheel. I was doing this at the University of Tennessee for my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and then at Clemson for my master’s degree. I also had the opportunity to do a residency in Taiwan during my last year at Clemson, and [living there] really started to affect my work. When I came back, my work had shifted from pottery to sculpture,” Davis said.

Davis isn’t just a talented artist, though. He is also a very popular teacher at the college, and loves his job. Davis has some advice and words of wisdom to students who might be hesitant on taking classes in the art department.

“Here at JCCC, we have a great art department with great teachers. All of the teachers are working artists who have their work being displayed. That way, you’re not only being taught by our teachers, but also active artists in the community,” Davis said.

Davis’ gallery at the Plenum Space lasts until the 29th of August, but students have a variety of opportunities to view his work.

“I have a gallery coming up at the Epsten Gallery at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park. I also have a website with all of my upcoming shows and new pieces of mine.”

You can check out pieces of Professor Sam Davis’ work and learn about upcoming shows of his at www.samueldavisart.com. To view Davis’ work at the Plenum Space, contact Ami Ayars and Jessie Kelley at plenumspacekc@gmail.com.  

The college hosts police academy graduation

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The 115th class stands proud before their graduation ceremony. The Police Academy has been at JCCC officially since 1972. Photo by Lance Martin

by Andrew Reichmeier

Staff Reporter

areichme@jccc.edu

The Johnson County Regional Police Academy graduated its 115th class Thursday. The ceremony, held in the college’s Yardley Hall, was the culmination of a 16-week process for 11 recruits.

Ken Sissom, director of the Johnson County Regional Police Academy, was the M.C. for the event.

“I thought it went really well,” Sissom said. “Yardley Hall is such a wonderful venue.”

The first speaker Sissom introduced was Paul Bender, one of the 11 members of Class 115, who delivered a speech to his classmates.

“It was great. I’m so happy and so honored to have so many people here to support us. That’s a really good feeling in this line of work,” Bender said of the ceremony.

In addition to being class speaker, Bender also won the Rick Staples Marksmanship Award.

“It’s important for me to bring the award back to my department. I’m pretty proud about that,” Bender said.

The 11 graduates from Class 115 are now officers at their respective departments, including Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village and Johnson County Park Police.

The guest speaker at the ceremony was U.S. Marshal Ronald Miller. Throughout the presentation, Miller highlighted recent riots that have taken place throughout the United States.

“It’s not a great time to be in law enforcement,” Miller said. “What are you going to do with the time you have to make this profession better?”

Photography by Lance Martin, Photo Editor

VIDEO: Students share what they wish they knew as freshmen

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by T.J. Kimbrough-French

Reporter/Editor, JCAV-TV

tkimbrou@jccc.edu

Is hindsight always 20/20? We caught up with returning students to ask them, “What advice would you give yourself as an incoming freshman?”

Contributions by Heather Foley, Executive Producer, Brandon Giraldo, Camera, Caleb Wayne, Graphics, JCAV-TV and Josh Morrow, Station Manager, ECAV Radio. 

Ledger’s first print issue of the semester coming Sept. 3

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Staff Reports

The first print issue of The Campus Ledger for fall 2015 will hit newsstands on Thursday, Sept. 3.

The print edition, which will take a heavier focus on feature and human-interest stories, will be released on the first Thursday of every month. Campusledger.com will continue to offer new content daily.

Issue #1 will include a profile of newly elected Board of Trustees member Nancy Ingram; a precede to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival; a glimpse at a day in the life of a culinary student; and a photo gallery detailing campus life in the first two weeks of the semester.

New to the print edition will be a regular feature in which members of the campus community will be asked to submit their own photos of life around campus, and The Ledger‘s readers may submit captions for the image via the publication’s social media sites. Readers will vote on their favorite caption, and both the photographer and the caption writer will receive a prize, such as movie passes or Cav gift cards.

Beginning this semester, The Ledger will no longer run its regular crossword puzzle in the print edition.

Follow The Ledger on Facebook and Twitter for more information about issue #1 before its release.

Cav Kickoff a Success for Students and Faculty

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Jon Pedroza (Student & Glee Club Member), Vincent Duncan ( Student & Member of LGBT & Glee), Ivan Beltran (Student) socializing and enjoying free food. Photo by E.J. Wood.

By Cade Webb

Managing Editor

cwebb26@jccc.edu

Wednesday marked an annual event for students at the college. Cav Kickoff is the college’s way of welcoming students back into the new school year. Booths with representatives from clubs and organizations were in attendance, inflatable obstacle courses were set up, and free food was offered at nearly every turn.

Admissions representatives from various colleges were also at Cav Kickoff to answer any questions that students may have about transferring. Cav Kickoff benefits both parties, as it gives students a quick, face-to-face interaction with an admissions representative, and it allows universities to get their name out there, and even introduce the idea of attending their university, which may not have been thought of before.

“We want to welcome anyone to our university…and we welcome their other college credits and want to make sure there’s always someone they can talk to and meet with to help them through that process,” said Kate Migliazzo, Admissions Representative for the University of Missouri.

In addition to universities being represented today, over 40 clubs and organizations at the college were on site, according to Mindy Kinnaman in an interview yesterday.

“I think it’s really cool to see a lot of people here – your friends, people in classes, seeing all the schools that came out here to set up booths and all the clubs” student Abby Goulding said.

Cav Kickoff is something that students look forward to at the beginning of each fall semester. The event is a way for students to ease their way into the first week of classes, and also enjoy a fun afternoon with friends. 

“I’m excited. It’s pretty busy. There’s a lot of people, a good buzz, good atmosphere, and a lot of energy,” student Josiah Klas said.

Overall, it seems that Cav Kickoff was a great success for both students and employees of the college.

“We had a lot of activities for everyone, and it was great to see the new students getting involved. I saw many new students joining clubs and having fun and enjoying time with their friends,” said Jose Pineda Lugo, Student Activities Ambassador.

Staff Reporters Andrew Reichmeier and Shawn Simpson contributed to this report.

Cavs Pursuing Greatness for 2015

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The women's volleyball shows off some stout defense during its' scrimmage against Ottawa on Monday. The Cavs won 3-2. Photo by James Howey. Photo by James Howey

By James Howey 

The women's volleyball team opens their season this Friday, August 21st at home against MCC-Longview at 4 P.M. Photo by James Howey.
The women’s volleyball team opens their season this Friday, August 21st at home against MCC-Longview at 4 P.M.
Photo by James Howey.

The college’s volleyball team comes into this season with a lot of new faces, but the squad’s expectations are as high as ever. The team is filled with talent across the board. The Cavs return four players from last year in Abby Goulding, Becca Henderson, Bizzy Chhilcoat and Michelle Tennant.

“So far they have done a great job,” head coach Jennifer Ei said. “They tend to lead in different ways, but they cover all types of the leadership so we really think it’s a solid leadership.”

The Cavaliers bring in three transfers from other schools to boost their firepower. Jordan Morrison played at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Talented freshman Tori Kerr transferred from Fort Hays State University, and Anna Bell was on the 2013 squad and helped lead the Cavs to a District title and a third-place finish at nationals.

“They bring experience, maturity, and they are just more knowledgeable of the flow of the game,” Coach Ei said.

As usual, the Cavaliers’ schedule is filled with plenty of tough teams, including six tournaments.

“It’s nice to get that tough competition because it is a true test of what we need to do and what we need to improve on,” coach Ei said. “A lot of the teams we’ve scheduled this year had to do with seeing them at nationals or potentially seeing them at nationals this year.”

The Cavs have developed great chemistry during the preseason and it is showing on the court.

“They are good teammates to each other and like each other,” coach Ei said. “You don’t always get that with 14 girls.”

Coming from another school, Morrison is having a great time as a Cavalier and is aiming to embrace her leadership position on the team.

“It’s been a really positive experience, and this is probably one of the best teams I’ve ever played on,” Morrison said. “I hope to provide my experience and the things I’ve learned from seeing bad leadership and good leadership.”

The Cavs held a scrimmage against Ottawa University on Monday, in which the team won 3-2.

The Cavaliers officially open the season on Friday the 21st in the JCCC tournament against MCC-Longview at 4 p.m. As in past seasons, look for the Cavs to be in national contention.

“Collectively as a team, they are going to be really fun to watch.” Ei said.

Contact James Howey jhowey@jccc.edu

 

 

 

Cav Kickoff set for Wednesday

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By Cade Webb

As the new semester gets started, the college is offering a fun-filled afternoon for students to help ease into the new school year. Cav Kickoff, which is hosted every year at the beginning of the fall semester, is an afternoon featuring fun events, free food, a meet-and-greet with various clubs and organizations on campus and the potential for students to win prizes.

A representative for UPS laughs as she plays one of the many games at last year's Cav Kickoff. This year's event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in Fountain Square Plaza. Ledger file photo
A representative for UPS laughs as she plays one of the many games at last year’s Cav Kickoff. This year’s event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in Fountain Square Plaza. Ledger file photo

“Cav Kickoff is the college’s way of welcoming students back … Cav Kickoff offers exposure to clubs and organizations and the myriad of activities that make up this campus,” said Pam Vassar, Assistant Dean of Student Life.

Vassar also said it’s a way for students to learn about clubs that might not have existed.

“We see an increase in student activity and also student awareness. We have offices like the police department out there mingling with students. It is great exposure for students on this campus,” Vassar said.

Cav Kickoff not only benefits students, but also the clubs and organizations offered on campus. Mindy Kinnaman, Manager of Student Life and Development, says that students can expect to see about 40-45 clubs represented at Cav Kickoff.

“Any opportunity for clubs and organizations to put their names out there to students is going to see an increase, whether it’s putting a table in the commons or participating in Cav Kickoff, or participating in clubs and organizations day. The more visibility you have, the more recognition you get between students saying ‘Oh, that sounds like something I’d like to do,’ ” Kinnaman said.

In addition to the clubs and organizations being represented, giveaways of all sorts will be available, and there will be inflatables for students to challenge their friends.

Cav Kickoff will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow in the fountain square plaza. Follow our Twitter page for updates throughout the event.

Students return to campus for fall 2015 semester

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Students get their photos taken for their students ID’s and recieve their class schedules at the Student Welcome Desk. The Student Welcome Desk is located on the first floor of the Commoms building.

by Pete Schulte

Editor-in-Chief

pschult6@jccc.edu

JCAV video content filmed and edited by: Seth Elliott, Anthony Graham, and Brandon Giraldo

Students filled classrooms, caught up with old friends and spent time hunting down elusive parking spots as the fall 2015 semester officially got underway.

Festivities began with free coffee, snacks and the opportunity to meet President Joe Sopcich and other staff members at the “Cup of Joe with Joe” event located at the COM Plaza. This event, and an additional welcome desk set up inside the Carlsen Center, will remain in place until Aug. 18 to introduce students to the campus and help answer questions.

 

Chrissy Swafford and Sam Christiensen, students, are attending the college for the first semester shared that their first day experiences have been positive.

“It’s pretty good … I got lost this morning, couldn’t find my car. So a police officer helped me!,” Swafford laughed.

“Staff have been very helpful. Classes [are] fairly easy to find, simple layout. Nice campus,” Christiensen said.

Another student, Michael Jolly, offered a reminder to students searching for parking.

“I kind of just overlook people and you know, [you] can’t really do a little demolition derby in the parking lot, so you try to find those spots way before everyone else,” Jolly said.

2015 Fall Enrollment Tracking
2015 Fall Enrollment Tracking

Fall enrollment numbers were also released by the college yesterday. Enrollment dipped 4.4%, with 14,848 students currently enrolled. While overall numbers are down, online enrollment did rise by approximately 4.6%.  

Cav Kickoff, another piece of the college’s welcome week, takes place on Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and gives students the opportunity to get to know the college they recently enrolled in. With free food, music and information booths spanning a variety of clubs and organizations, the event allows students to explore the possibilities that the college has to offer.

Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and keep an eye on our website for additional Cav Kickoff coverage on Wednesday.

Returning students offer advice to entering Cavaliers:

Simon Tekeste: “Take advantage of the JCCC experience. It’s very affordable, but you can have the college classes. You might not feel like there’s that much campus life, but you can save a lot of money and it’s a great way to start out.”

Emily Smith: “Just be yourself and be a little more determined on doing your schoolwork. Be yourself and you’ll meet a lot of cool people that way. Stay chill and don’t be too scared!”

Nigel Baselle: “Have fun more and enjoy meeting people. Meet more people and be social.”

Additional contribution by Shawn Simpson, Staff Reporter

Ballroom Blitz: Student shines in dance competition

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The duet shows off their stunning maneuvers in their performance of The Tengo.

by Andrew Reichmeier

Staff Reporter

areichme@jccc.edu

Whether it was the Waltz or Foxtrot, student Kendra Michaels stayed alert and on her toes at the Heart of America DanceSport Championship on Aug. 12 — and her placement gave her plenty of reason to leap for joy.

Related: Student finds passion in ballroom

 

The competition took place at the Westin Crown Center hotel downtown, concluding Saturday, Aug. 15. Michaels and her dance partner, Johnny Francoviglia, participated in all pro-am closed bronze American smooth events. They had a banner day, earning three second-place finishes, six third-place finishes, and second place in the scholarship round, which came with a cash prize. The accomplishment, Michaels noted, is even more notable considering she was the second youngest dancer in her division.

Michaels stayed loose in the early rounds with an open-minded approach.

“My number-one goal here is to have fun and enjoy my dances and dance my best,” she said. “If I win, that’s wonderful. If I don’t, [I will take pride in knowing] I did my best.”

Francoviglia and Michaels worked hard leading up to event, and their long hours of preparation paid off.

“We would normally have two hours a week of practice, choreographing sequences [for dances such as the] tango and foxtrot,” Francoviglia said.

Mark Walters, an organizer for the Heart of America DanceSport Championship, referred to this event as the “grand finale” of a group of 10 competitions called the Dancer’s Cup tour.

The competition has been in Kansas City for 42 years now, and this won’t be the last.

“[The Heart of America DanceSport Championship] has turned out to be the perfect event for a student like Michaels who is new to the ballroom dance scene,” Francoviglia said. “It’s welcoming. It’s friendly.”

For more information on the competition, including this year’s scores, visit http://www.hoadancesport.com.

Photography by Lance Martin, Photo Editor. 

Last week’s Heart of America DanceSport Championships featured an abundance of dance styles:

 

Samba

  • Developed in Brazil
  • Gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1920s thanks to the Broadway play “Street Carnival.”
  • Lively dance that progresses counterclockwise across the ballroom floor

West Coast Swing

  • Born a decade after the Samba
  • Beat patterns can vary. Often possesses the qualities of other dances, giving a large amount of versatility.

Hustle

  • One of the most popular dances of the 1970s.
  • Designed to show glamor and power. Music consists of funk and disco tunes, which also trended in the 1970s.

Merengue

  • Spread across the Dominican Republic during Raul Trujillo’s regime.
  • Slow, relaxed dance.
  • Nightclub styles and Ballroom styles can cause variation in the dance.

Salsa

  • Originated in Cuba and Puerto Rico.
  • Is currently one of the most popular dances in the U.S. Is also gaining popularity in Europe.
  • Can be danced with anyone due to the lack of choreographed steps.

Nightclub Two-Step

  • Created in 1965
  • Simple, romantic dance. Usually played with a soft rock rhythm.

Argentine Tango

  • Developed in Buenos Aires throughout the 20th century.
  • Very improvisational dance that establishes a deep connection between performers.
  • Uses a variety of musical genres and has many variations.

The following websites were utilized as resources in this article:

Contribution by J.T. Buchheit, News Editor. 

 

Student finds passion in ballroom

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by James Howey

Sports Editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

After moving from Warrensburg, Mo., last semester to attend the college, Kendra Michaels, student, felt that something was missing.

“I was a music major, so I had a lot of opportunity for expression and when I moved home, I lost that,” Michaels said. “The only time I was able to express anything artistic was in the shower when I was singing.”

Michaels then started taking ballroom dance lessons at the Overland Park Ballroom and Social Club in June, and things took off from there.

“It was more entertainment at first, but then it became something that I wanted to be good at,” Michaels said. “I want to dance as long as my legs will work.”

For Michaels, dancing is a newfound passion that gives her freedom to express herself and get away from the stresses of the day.

Johny Froncoviglia and Kendra Micheals display their competition attire.
Johny Froncoviglia and Kendra Micheals display their competition attire.

“When I put on my dance shoes and I’m in a lesson, dancing is the only thing on my mind,” Michaels said. “I don’t have to worry about when my bills are due, studying for that test I have, or work.”

When the lessons first began, Michaels was doing great. When the time came for the next challenge, she found herself with some nerves.

“When I first started I was doing very well, but when it really started getting more involved in timing I still grasp it quickly,” Michaels said. “The first time I danced with someone that wasn’t my teacher, I was terrified.”

Related: Ballroom Blitz: Student shines in dance competition

Of course, Michaels has received a lot of help from her dance partner, Johnny Francoviglia, with learning and perfecting the steps. Francoviglia’s professional partner, Kayla Sloan, helps her with what to wear, her hair, makeup and her overall look. Michaels has a clinic Sunday with Mazen Hamza and Izabella Jundzill, who are one of the top-ranked couple in the world in the style in which she competes.

“I would definitely say that I look up to them, and I can’t wait to see them dance in person,” Michaels said.

Michaels said much of her love and passion for dance comes from her parents, Karen and Francis Michaels.

“My parents are older and I was raised believing in an older time, when going out dancing and having a legitimate dance card was a thing,” Michaels said.

Michaels plans on staying with ballroom dancing and not making the jump to classical dance.

“I’m going to stick to ballroom dancing,” Michaels said. “I love watching classical dance where you can have solo numbers, but they are not for me.”

Despite many opinions of the demise of ballroom dancing, Michaels said she believes ballroom dancing still has a bright future.

“There are so many things about it that people don’t think of that are just reasons why it shouldn’t be dying,” Michaels said. ““Ballroom is not dead. It’s a respectable thing to do.”

What you missed over the summer

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College Chef headed to Budapest

Student Matt Phillips achieved something nobody in the 46-year history of the college has ever done. Phillips, a culinary student, won the National Chaine Des Rôtisseurs young chef competition in Las Vegas, and is now headed to Hungary to participate in the international competition held in Budapest.

Photo courtesy of Susan McSpadden, JCCC.edu
Photo courtesy of Susan McSpadden, JCCC.edu

Phillips was given the task of preparing a three-course meal from ingredients in a mystery basket that was given to each contestant. Phillips emerged as the victor in this competition in early September of 2014.

“He worked cleaner and more organized [than the others],” said his coach, Felix Sturmer. “That’s why he won the last one and the same reason he can win this one.”

In addition to winning the young chef competition, Phillips was also on the JCCC culinary team last summer, which won the American Culinary Federation Student Team National Championship.

“He’s a very unique person,” said Sturmer. “He’s very talented. He has great cooking skills, so the doors are open for him to do whatever he wants to do.”

Keep an eye on our September 3rd print issue for an upcoming article on Phillips and his cooking exploits.

Cavalier First Baseman drafted by Cleveland Indians

NJCAA All-American and former Johnson County Community College slugger Anthony Miller was drafted by the Cleveland Indians. Miller was selected in the 18th round, with the 544th pick. The 2015 Major League Baseball draft was held June 8th-10th, and Miller had his name called on the final day of the draft.anthmiller

Miller was a six time Jayhawk Conference Player of the Week and received the NJCAA National Player of the Week twice over his career at the college.

Miller’s season was one for the history books. Hitting a team-best .443, 26 home runs and 79 RBI’s, Miller found himself ranked 12th in batting average across junior colleges nationally. Miller is the all-time record holder for home runs over his career with 39 home runs and also holds the school record for runs scored with 132.

From the archives: Cavalier Star Watch: Anthony Miller

Miller had originally signed on with New Mexico State University to play baseball, but when drafted, elected to give his shot at the big leagues. Miller is currently with the Indians rookie squad in the Arizona league, and is batting .227 with three home runs, all within the last 10 games.

College Introduces Carillon Bell System 

When you’re walking around campus this fall, you might notice that something a little different. New to the college is a carillon system. The bell-like sound will play every hour and half-hour, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Every hour, the bells will ring out in numbers, based on what time it is. At the half-hour mark, a series of eight tones will ring out across campus.

If you’ve been to JCCC before, you might recognize the bells. It’s been three years since the college has had a carillon system, and when the previous system broke down, other projects were of more importance in the budget.

A real carillon system utilizes a series of bronze bells which are attached to a keyboard-like set of hammers. The carillon system at the college, however, is electronic. The new system is located in a closet on the top floor of the Commons building.

College Partners with Sporting KC in Marketing Campaign

In an effort to build on community engagement, the college has teamed up with Sporting Kansas City in a marketing campaign.

 A marketing tent decorated with college logos will be highlighting a variety of student programs over the coming months. The campaign, located in the Sprint plaza at Sporting Park, kicked off in June with Cosmetology students coloring hair and giving temporary SKC and JCCC tattoos to fans.

Judi Reilly,Sporting Kansas City logo Advertising Coordinator, says that the marketing initiative is designed to take college programs to the community and demonstrate what the college has to offer.

“It’s all about the engagement and the experience that really resonated with us,” Reilly said. “Taking the JCCC experience to SKC was a great opportunity.”

The college will showcase four additional programs over the coming month, starting with the Animation Department during the Aug. 15 match against Vancouver’s Whitecaps FC, with following events on Sept. 27, Oct. 21 and Oct. 25.

Look for coverage of the event in our Oct. 1 issue.

Contributions to this article from Cade Webb, Pete Schulte, and J.T. Buchheit

 

 

 

Engaging students in success

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by J.T. Buchheit

News Editor

jbuchhei@jccc.edu

The Student Success and Engagement Center is devoted to helping students in whatever ways they can. Dr. Randy Weber, the vice president of the department, is an integral part in accomplishing this goal.

Dr.Weber (Vice President of Student Success and Engagement) says he likes the oportunites the position provides for him to help students. Dr. Weber accepted the position 6 months ago.
Dr.Weber (Vice President of Student Success and Engagement) says he likes the oportunites the position provides for him to help students. Dr. Weber accepted the position 6 months ago.

Weber has been in his current position at the college for six months, but he has a history in education and was aware of the college’s reputation.

“I worked in Kansas at another institution for 10 years, left, and went to Colorado and worked there for about three years, so I was very aware of Johnson County Community College and the goals it had for its students and their success,” Weber said. “So when this position opened up, I knew it had a lot of opportunities to support students and their goals, so I wanted to pursue it to meet my personal goals,” Weber continued.

The Student Success and Engagement Center has multiple programs to aid students, such as the Veteran Services, International Immigrant Student Services and the Hiersteiner Child Development Center. Every program is designed to aid students in any troubles they might have.

Related story: Department geared towards student success

“A lot of what we do deals with the support for students that occur outside the classroom,” Weber said. “We range from students who have interest in their application, and we have a recruitment and admissions team that works on getting students to apply. Our branch, primarily from the service side, has what we call Student Success and Learner Engagement. The Success side has admissions and recruitment, records, financial aid, testing services for students… the Learner Engagement side is where our faculty counselors are, who handle academic advising and other academic issues. Access services, for students who have an identified disability, are in there as well. Intercollegiate athletics, as well as the child development center also report through the branch.

The Learner Engagement section of the department also helps students participate in activities around campus, like Student Senate, E-Cav Radio and the Golden Girls Dance Team.

“Our performance aptitude shows that students who are engaged in their campus experience are going to be more successful in college… We have a lot of clubs and activities that students can participate in, and I strongly encourage students to visit our Clubs & Organizations department on the third floor in the Commons to find out more about ways to get involved in specific clubs,” Weber said.

“Students who are engaged in the campus experience are more successful in college”.
“Students who are engaged in the campus experience are more successful in college”.

Although the Student Success and Education department has worked very well in helping students with any problems they might face, as well as getting them more involved with clubs and organizations around campus, Weber believes the department can always strive to improve.

“What we’re spending a lot of time on right now is working to make a clear pathway for students to succeed. Over time, we’ve accumulated a lot of great opportunities for students to succeed, but now we’re looking at students who are having a difficult time determining which opportunity or support is best for them and their situation,” Weber said. “So what we’re working on right now is aligning effective strategies for intended students and making sure that clear and concise communication is in place for them.”

Ledger to live-tweet meetings of Board of Trustees

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Staff reports

Editors from The Campus Ledger will live-tweet this evening’s Board of Trustees meeting, which will take place at 5 p.m. in the Hugh Speer Board Room, GEB 137. The Ledger covers each month’s BOT meeting on social media.

The August board packet is available here. Board members are expected to approve the college’s $134 million operating budget for 2015-16.

Follow The Ledger on Twitter for tonight’s meeting and for exclusive content throughout the semester. The Ledger will profile new BOT member Nancy Ingram this week as well.

 

Movie review: “The Gift” that, surprisingly, keeps on giving

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by Pete Schulte

Editor-in-Chief

pschult6@jccc.edu

“The Gift” may very well be Joel Edgerton’s (“The Great Gatsby,” “Exodus: Gods and Kings”) feature film directorial debut, but once the credits roll, you’ll wonder how he hasn’t been at it for years. “The Gift” proves to be an astonishing psychological thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end… and then some.

Our story begins as many thrillers do: a young, successful couple moves across the country due to initially untold reasons into a beautiful house with a phenomenal view. Our couple Simon (Jason Bateman of “Horrible Bosses,” “Hancock”) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall of “Transcendence,” “The Prestige”) display slight on-screen tension, implying that everything in the life they left behind may not be completely rosy, but a fresh start moving from Chicago and returning near Simon’s hometown in California may be just what the couple needs.

While on a shopping trip to fill their new home, our couple runs into someone from Simon’s past: enter Gordo (Edgerton). From the uneasy look on Gordo’s face when Simon touches his shoulder, it’s evident that the two aren’t really friends, but are they enemies? What unfolds following this chance meeting has a faint, but modern day echo of “Fatal Attraction.”

Edgerton does a fantastic job of never making Gordo’s intentions quite clear. Unsure of motive, and unsure of what he’s trying to accomplish is the key strength to his role and character. He manages to gives you chills, yet make you feel empathetic towards him at the same time.

Hall gives a convincing performance as well, playing the kind, caring and welcoming Robyn to Bateman’s charismatic, aggressive and success-at-any-cost character. Her body language on screen tells a much bigger story as the film unfolds.

This performance from Bateman, however, who often finds himself in comical roles, is edgy, serious, brilliant and the highlight of the film. The road Bateman travels throughout the film is winding and while slow, is an incredibly interesting journey to watch. His actions and motives throughout the film keep viewers on their toes from start to finish.

While not perfect in every way, “The Gift” remains one of the most engrossing films I’ve seen of 2015. It poses numerous moral questions and paints a real picture on how life events can truly shape a person, regardless of how many years have passed. While a bit of a slow burn, the film never felt like it was failing to progress or dragging its feet. The crescendo to the final moments eventually builds rapidly and the puzzle never truly comes to completion until after you’ve walked out of the theater to draw your own conclusion.

 

 

 

Photo Gallery: Art Sculptures on Campus

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"Hare and Bell," Barry Flanagan, 1988, NE end of Central Courtyard

A selection of artwork sculptures on display spanning 32 years in various locations on the campus.

Photos by Scout Bales-Woods, Staff Photographer

Movie Review: “Fantastic Four” is a fantastic fail

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fantastic_four-2560x1440

by James Howey

Sports Editor

jhowey@jccc.edu

2/5 Stars

The long anticipated reboot of the “Fantastic Four” franchise hit theaters last week. The film hopes to revive the Marvel foursome that had been riding the bench since Tim Story’s 2007 “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.”  With other Marvel films thriving in recent years, “Chronicle” director Josh Trank helms the directing seat for the film aiming to bring the franchise back from the dead and build on Marvel’s smashing superhero success.  

Unfortunately, this film is a major downgrade compared to many masterworks that Marvel has put forth in recent years. Miles Teller of the “Divergent” series plays the role of Reed Richards, but unfortunately doesn’t keep much of his wit and charm that has worked for him in past roles. One of the best actors in the business, Michael B. Jordan, does a decent job at times as Johnny Storm, but he is ultimately wasted in a role that could have been his breakout role into mainstream films. Kate Mara is rather dull as Susan Storm. Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm suffers from poor character development, a common theme throughout the film. Reg E. Cathey stands out the most in his role as Dr. Franklin Storm.

The one critical component to any superhero movie, however, is a good villain, and this is where “Fantastic Four” fails the most. Toby Kebbell never comes across as believable as Victor von Doom, causing the transition to Dr. Doom to leave the foul taste of undercooked villain in moviegoer’s mouths.

The back story in the beginning of the film is bland, and the climax proves itself to be uneventful. The film might not have deserved the meager 9 percent review it received on Rotten Tomatoes, but overall is a huge misstep compared to other superhero films in recent memory. Flame off.

 

 

 

 

Department geared toward student success

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By J.T. Buchheit

News Editor

jbuchhei@jccc.edu

The Student Success and Engagement department oversees many departments here at the college. Listed are some important departments that the college offers to students. These departments are helpful to students, and may be helpful to you as the semester begins next week.

Hiersteiner Child Development Center

        The Hiersteiner Child Development Center, or HCDC, is a building on campus for children aged one through six of students, employees or anyone in the community. It provides childcare services for the children of parents at work or school, offering early education and preschool services in the morning and afternoon. The classes are small, with a teacher/child ratio of 1:10.

International and Immigrant Services

        The International and Immigrant Services program is located in COM 306. It helps these students, staff and community members with issues relating to visas, passports and other things relating to one’s immigration status, as well as adjusting to culture within the U.S. and the community. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the rest of the school week.

Office Coordinator Rebeh Ghadiri (from left)) and Nirmal Samuel, student assistant, help international student Nirmal Samuel with his documentation needs. Photo by Lance Martin
Office Coordinator Rebeh Ghadiri helps international student Nirmal Samuel with his documentation needs. Photo by Lance Martin

Veteran and Military Services

        Military veterans on campus can use this service, located in COM 305, in order to ask questions and access community resources, services and educational benefits. This area possesses its own student lounge with amenities such as a refrigerator, microwaves and a 55-inch television.

“This office serves a student population that needs additional assistance making the transition from military service to the college environment,” said Veteran Services Coordinator Kena Zumalt. “Probably one of the biggest things [to help students adapt to college] is the peer-to-peer relationship that we’re able to offer, especially with the lounge as a part of our services office. Whenever you’re a military member, the camaraderie is a big component, so when you get plunked down at a school, you can feel isolated.”

Student assistants Matt Roach (left) and Brett Davis help students with their veteran or military-related needs at the college. Photo by Lance Martin
Student assistants Matt Roach (left) and Brett Davis help students with their veteran or military-related needs at the college. Photo by Lance Martin

Student Lounge

        The Student Lounge is an area located in COM 322 where students can relax and unwind playing video games, table tennis, foosball and an assortment of board games and card games. It also hosts tournaments to win prizes, as well as parties such as the Cosplay Halloween Contest and the Spring Luau.

“The lounge is a place students can hang out and make friends and play video games,” said Student Life Coordinator Leila Jacobs. “It’s basically a place where students can stay on campus instead of going home. [The lounge] usually has 40 or 50 people every day, but when we have parties, we get a lot more.”

For more information regarding the Student Success and Engagement Department, contact Randy Weber, Vice President of Student Success and Engagement at RandyWeber@jccc.edu

Managing Editor Cade Webb contributed to this report. 

Campus Ledger to emphasize on social media

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By Cade Webb

Managing Editor

cwebb26@jccc.edu

Social media is a large part of people’s lives, especially in this generation. In a study by the Pew Research Center, 92 percent of teens with a smartphone classify as going online “almost daily.” In a world where we spend our days liking, tweeting, following, sharing, and discovering what’s trending, the time has come for The Campus Ledger to make social media a priority for the upcoming fall and spring semesters.

Social media in journalism is a great way for a publication to reach an audience in a personal, less formal way. It also allows readers to pose questions, share articles and communicate with a publication in a way that would have been nearly impossible before its emergence in journalism. Social media creates a virtual two-way street between the author and the reader, which allows The Ledger to become a more personal publication.

Cade Webb, managing editor, communicates with Student News Center colleagues via Slack, a communication app that utilizes aspects of social media to help teammates keep in contact.
Cade Webb, managing editor, communicates with Student News Center colleagues via Slack, a communication app that utilizes aspects of social media to help teammates keep in contact. Photo by Scout Bales-Woods

The Ledger has already begun its transition into a primarily online news outlet, and with that, our social media pages will become more active and more reader-friendly.Following The Ledger on Twitter and liking us on Facebook not only keeps our readers engaged in campus news, but also gives readers a chance to win prizes in photo contests and caption contests. The Ledger also puts a spotlight on students and programs readers may have never known about previously, all of which will be shared on Twitter and Facebook.

See something on campus that strikes you as funny, cool, interesting, or just plain weird? Snap a photo and tag @CampusLedger on Twitter with #JCCCLIFE, follow our Twitter page and be entered for your chance to win various prizes. The best post of the week will be selected.

The fall semester is just days away, and our staff at The Ledger is thrilled to be giving students a new way to get their #JCCC news. The Ledger’s Facebook and Twitter pages can be found at http://www.facebook.com/campusledger and https://twitter.com/campusledger.

Volleyball team works around new gym roof

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By Andrew Reichmeier

Staff Reporter

areichme@jccc.edu

The JCCC Gymnasium is getting a face lift, but the new roof puts a spike in the Lady Cavs’ practice schedule. Women’s head volleyball coach, Jennifer Ei, and student athlete, Michelle Tennant, shared their thoughts on how the new roof is affecting the team.

Roofers worked Thursday to get the new roof ready for the JCCC Gymnasium in the coming weeks. Photo by James Howey
Roofers worked Thursday to get the new roof ready for the JCCC Gymnasium in the coming weeks. Photo by James Howey

The Lady Cavs are forced to practice in the auxiliary gymnasium as the new roof goes on the main gym.

“We would love to be on the hardwood [in the main gym],” Ei explained. “But they’re a very adjustable team, so they’ve done a really good job.”

The floor in the main gym is hardwood, while the auxiliary floor is a tile surface. The change of playing surfaces could be an issue, but Tennant downplayed the adjustment.

“It’s not really that big [of an adjustment],” Tennant said. “[The tile surface] gets slippery more often, but it’s not too much of a difference.”

The timetable as to when the new roof will be completed is unclear. The Lady Cavs host a tournament starting Friday, August 21st; Coach Ei hopes the main gymnasium will be ready.

Volleyball player Michelle Tennant works on a drill during practice. The Cavaliers open the season at home on Friday, Aug. 21, in the JCCC Tournament. Photo by James Howey
Volleyball player Michelle Tennant works on a drill during practice. The Cavaliers open the season at home on Friday, Aug. 21, in the JCCC Tournament. Photo by James Howey

“We were going to have it where we had one court [in the main gym] and three courts [in the auxiliary gym] but with the roof we’re not quite sure whether it will be finished or not. If that’s the case, they will move the whole tournament [to the auxiliary gym].”

 

 

Photo gallery: The art of the equine

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The reoccuring theme of horses is present in her work.

A selection of works from Spring Hill artist and JCCC student Katie Dallam are currently on display on the third floor of the Commons Building. Stay tuned to Campusledger.com for more on Dallam and campus artwork throughout this semester. Photos by Lance Martin / Photo Editor

Passersby offer their response to the theme of horses in Dallam’s art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bookstore offers free iPod with tech purchase

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By Zachary Verstraete

Features Editor

zverstrae@jccc.edu

The JCCC Bookstore is now stuck with an excess of iPods left over from the previous semester — and that surplus means savings for the shopper. An exclusive deal at the bookstore gives customers the opportunity for a free iPod with an electronic purchase.

“We’re running a promotion right now where anyone who spends $599 or more on technology products gets an iPod,” bookstore employee Ashawnte Thompson, said of the Apple promotion. “We are almost out of them, so the promotion won’t last long,” Thompson went on to explain.

JCAV Video — Bookstore offers special deal on electronics: 


The JCCC Bookstore is no longer carrying Apple products in the electronics section.  In the past, the school has been an authorized Apple dealer.

“JCCC did not to renew their contract with Apple this semester and has decided to go with alternative technology products,” Thompson said.

It may come as a shock to some students who are expecting to buy an Apple product in the school’s bookstore. Students who want Apple products will have to turn to alternative brands like Windows or Samsung if they want to buy from the bookstore.

“I came in looking for an Apple laptop, but I am here to buy a new Beats laptop today,” Victoria Rattanavong, student, said about not finding Apple products. “It doesn’t affect me much.”

Employees at the bookstore are listening to students’ demands and feel like going in an alternative direction is the correct decision.

“Whatever it is that the student demands, we will try to get it for them.” Thompson explained.

The bookstore is located on the first floor of the Student Center. The bookstore is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, and closed on the weekends for the summer. You can reach a sales representative for by calling (913)469-3822 or by visiting the bookstore’s website.

Workshop sharpens media skills for special-needs students

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Students with Tech Connect learn how to edit video at the second annual Skills to Succeed workshop July 21 on the college's campus. Pete Schulte / The Campus Ledger

 

Students with Tech Connect learn how to edit video at the second annual Skills to Succeed workshop July 21 on the college's campus. Pete Schulte / The Campus Ledger
Student members of Skills to Succeed learn how to edit video at the second annual Tech Connect workshop July 21 on the college’s campus. Student employees of  JCAV Video Productions led the workshop and mentored the students in shooting and editing video packages. Pete Schulte / The Campus Ledger

By Pete Schulte

pschult6@jccc.edu

For the second consecutive year, the college is partnering with a local organization to help students with developmental disabilities view life through a different lens.

The course, TechConnect, is a two-week summer course facilitated by Olathe-based company Skills to Succeed, and is geared toward providing transition-age individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related needs to learn more about video production.

Students attending the workshop are mentored by the college’s JCAV Video Production employees and work in pairs to shoot and edit video, build social skills and present the finished product at a public event. For Tim, student, it was not the first time attending TechConnect, and the excitement of returning was evident.

Tim, a Skills to Succeed participant, talks about TechConnect:

“I thought it was a great experience to be able to learn more about technology and the advances [that have] become available through the years… being able to learn from the mentors, they’re great, great people.”

According to Cassie Weber, Employment Services Coordinator for Skills to Succeed, finding employment and helping individuals with developmental disabilities and helping them be successful parts of the community is one of key aspects of the organization.

“This has been wonderful for [the students] to build their social skills. A lot of these guys, they have a common interest with technology. Everyone wants to become a video game designer,” Weber smiled. “This is kind of the first step to them realizing what it takes and all the work that goes into it. It’s really great for them to have a project that they do from start to finish… A lot of [students] from last year couldn’t come this year because they have jobs now.”

Cassie Weber discusses TechConnect’s benefits for students:

Finding employment isn’t the only goal, however. The workshop is also geared toward helping students work on problem solving, building social skills and providing students opportunities that may not have previously been available. Working with students who attended TechConnect both years, Weber said the organization has seen great progress with the students’ ability to solve problems and be more open to asking questions without feeling anxiety.

Stephanie Breaker, Executive Director of Skills to Succeed, stressed that the TechConnect event and partnership with the college is a great way to create opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to gain skills in areas they may have not had the opportunity for in high school.

“A lot of studies have shown that individuals with autism are particularly drawn to, and successful in technology related fields. We want people to have exposure to do something they may not have an opportunity to do otherwise,” Breaker said. “The more that we have partnerships in the community where we assist individuals with disabilities and accessing education, programs, services, whatever it may be, I think that our community becomes a more inclusive and accepting place… I think we have to constantly be looking at ways that we can create opportunities for people to succeed outside of the traditional pathway.”

JCAV Video — Skills to Succeed Executive Director Stephanie Breaker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5-0sTzGnu0&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1

TechConnect’s Video Presentation and Award Ceremony will take place in the Craig Auditorium, GEB 233, at 7 p.m. July 30. For more information about TechConnect and Skills to Succeed, visit www.theskillstosucceed.org.

Download the award ceremony poster here: tc_awards_ceremony_2015__1_

Cav Craze offers break from rigors of finals

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Cav Craze will be tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the commons.

There will be free food from multiple vendors. Over 100 booths will be set up for student organizations, clubs and other colleges.

Additionally, there will be a bungee run, hamster ball race and mini-golf.

The Golden Girls and International Dance Club will both perform.

Come back to campusledger.com tomorrow for video of this event.

College Hosts Star Wars Day

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By Cade Webb, reporting correspondent, cwebb26@jccc.edu

Video package by Andrew Tady and Mike Abell

Friday was an exciting day for Star Wars fans here at the college. In honor of “May the Fourth be with you,” the Division of Student Life hosted Star Wars Day. Hosted in the Student Lounge, students of the college gathered for a late-morning festival to celebrate the legendary saga. People of all ages were in attendance, and ready to get their pictures taken with their favorite Star Wars characters.

Student Clinton Mulligan was pleased with his experience at the festival.

“I was surprised. I think they [Division of Student Life] did a much better job than I expected,” Mulligan said.

Star Wars finger foods were also readily available. From Princess Lea Cinnamon Buns and Yoda Soda to Vaderade and Hans Rollos, attendees of the festival had Star Wars themed food and drink to go along with the fun-filled atmosphere of the event.

Also present was the 501st Alliance, a group of Star Wars fans who dress up as characters from various episodes of the saga. Characters who were present in the Student Lounge were Jango Fett, and one of Emperor Palpatine’s Royal Guards.

“I thought the costumes were awesome. They looked very real,” Mulligan said.

The turnout for the event was a very big success, according to Mo Chung, an Ambassador of Student Engagement at the college.

“I was astounded that there were tons of people that came out… The alliance and guard of the empire were here, and that was awesome. A lot of pictures were taken,” Chung Said.

The success of the first Star Wars day begs the question, can students expect to see this event every year?

“I would love to see this be a yearly thing, and I would love to see it be on May 4th, instead of May 1st,” Chung said.

 

Study abroad widens student’s perspective

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By Pete Schulte
Alan Fowler visits the Great Wall of China. He made the most of his trip to China, touring various landmarks. Photo courtesy of Alan Fowler

Alan Fowler visits the Great Wall
of China. He made the most of his trip
to China, touring various landmarks.

Photo courtesy of Alan Fowler

Special to The Ledger


The college’s Study Abroad program provides opportunities to study in any one of more than 30 countries across the globe. One JCCC student, Alan Fowler, spent two years in China in the program.

Fowler began as a student at the college in fall of 2011. In spring of 2013, he made the trip to China to study abroad and just recently returned to the United States in March 2015. Working as a Best Buy em¬ployee, Fowler decided to return to school to study business administration. Living in Lawrence at the time, he began learning Chinese as he interacted with foreign exchange students attending the University of Kansas on a regular basis, spawning his idea of potentially studying abroad in China.

Barbara Williams, international education adviser, says that China is a popular choice among students.

“China has long been one of the most popular countries … I don’t know what it is, but every student I have sent to China comes back bewitched, and they want to find a way to get back,” Williams said.

“I met Barbara … and she’s a great gal … I was kind of dipping my toes in the water as far as interest in studying abroad, and she just took me right in and got me set up and really put me on the fast track of doing it,” Fowler said. “She helped me get a scholarship and everything. Next thing I knew, I was on a plane. I was 26 at the time, and nothing in my life led me to believe or think that I would be going to Asia … I wanted a challenge and there it was, so I just went for it.”

Fowler spent his time studying in Nan¬jing, capital of the Jiangsu province in Eastern China. The city is roughly a two-hour train ride away from Shanghai. When not studying, Fowler was able to see the Great Wall in Beijing, visit Shanghai and tour a variety of temples throughout China. His journey was not without difficulty, however. He experienced racism on several occasions. Cabs slowed down, saw him and sped off again. Locals made negative comments about him in Chinese, not expecting him to understand. The classes were also more difficult that anything he had taken stateside.

“[It is] something I’m actually thankful for. As a white American, I got to experience racism,” Fowler said.

“The classes were intense … it was like a dad just throwing his kid in the deep end to learn how to swim. There were times I was so frustrated and angry, I just wanted to freaking cry, man. They were brutal. The classes were good though … It’s no joke. You have to study a lot. The teachers they paired us up with were amazing. They really took care of us. They didn’t just teach us the language. They made sure we were doing okay in a foreign country.”

Williams, who has been advising international students for eight years, says study¬ing abroad is a unique way for students to grow and gain a world view. According to her, most students come back stronger than when they left, with a massive increase in confidence. Fowler’s experience was a prime example of this confidence.

“It’s not for everybody, [as] some people have responsibilities here. But I would also say that our generation has a big responsibility for our country to be the best, to be as competitive as we can be, and know the most about our culture. Without a doubt, go¬ing over there made me more competitive, gave me a thicker skin, made me understand our country better and really made me, most importantly, want America to succeed,” Fowler said. “If people are on the fence about it, just do it. They owe it to themselves and they owe it to their country.”

For more information regarding the Study Abroad program, visit http://www.jccc.edu/academics/study-abroad/, contact Barbara Williams at bwilliam@jccc.edu or Tom Patterson at tpatte12@jccc.edu.
 

Jon Stewart not to return to Board of Trustees

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By Mike Abell
Photo courtesy of the college

Photo courtesy of the college

mabell@jccc.edu


The monthly Board of Trustee meetings will take place next fall as scheduled, same time, same place. However, not all current board members will return. Only one current board member will not be present.

Trustee Jon Stewart decided not to run for reelection earlier this year after serving 11 years on the Board of Trustees. As of now, Stewart has been on the board the longest out of the current members. He said the decision was made because it was time to step down and there is a lot of talent on the current board. Addition¬ally, he noted the economy is also doing much better.

One of the things he said he’ll miss the most about being a part of the board is the people, not only his fellow board members, but everyone on campus.

“Certainly I will miss the interaction with the administration, staff, faculty and students,” he said. “For me it is all about the great people you meet and work with. That is what I will miss the most.”

In addition, Stewart noted that a lot of his accomplishments were only achieved because of a team effort between the board and administration.

The board typically decides and votes on financial decisions for the college, although it’s not limited to that. What he considers to be one of his biggest accomplishments has nothing to do with the college’s finances. It had to do with trust between faculty and administration.

“You really cannot accomplish much as an individual,” he said. “Great things are accomplished through collective efforts. One of the proudest accomplishments that I participated in was rebuild¬ing trust at the college following the controversial departure of our longtime president ten years ago. We worked with faculty and administration to navigate through a very difficult time.”

Being a board member, Stewart, like others before him, has had to make difficult decisions in regards to cutting certain positions over the years. The state of the economy tends to dictate the amount of positions needed on campus.

He said there wasn’t just one difficult decision he had to make that stood out to him, because they were all difficult in their own way.

“I cannot think of one most difficult decision that was made during my tenure on the Board of Trustees. There were many difficult decisions that were required as we navigated through the economic downturn. Whether it has been in my business career or as a Trustee, the most difficult decisions for me are those that may impact employees adversely. Eliminating programs and staff is not done lightly, because your actions are affecting individuals and their families.“

Stewart also mentioned that moving forward, one issue that the college must focus on is helping students prepare for the future by providing the right classes and programs.

“The college must constantly assess how it can improve serving students and the community in an evolving world of education.

Are we offering the right classes and programs that give our students the best opportunity to compete and succeed after they leave JCCC?”

He said the college has always helped community members change their lives through opportunities and programs offered by the college even before he started.

One way the college has changed was by navigating through the economic downturn in 2008. It wasn’t an easy time, but he said it made the college that much stronger.

“We had to make difficult decisions on where to focus our efforts and where to eliminate expenses. Navigating through that difficult period of time has made JCCC a more efficient institution and has established a decision process of assessing and measuring outcomes to help direct resources to areas that are supporting our mission.”

These next couple of months don’t entirely mark the end of Stewart’s time at the college. While he is stepping down from the board, he will be joining the foundation board in order to help raise money for scholarships and programs. He is also looking forward to traveling and playing some golf with his wife.

Stewart has held his spot on the board the longest out of the current seven members. His time serving has been met with plenty of accomplishments and challenges. However, through it all, he has enjoyed his experience.

Ultimately, he summarized his time serving as a “tremendous experience.”

“… I would encourage anyone interested in the future of JCCC to consider serving as a Trustee. We have an amazing asset that is serving many needs in this community. JCCC is transforming lives each and every day. Seeing this firsthand is very reward-ng.”
 

News Briefs

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Graduation week

Two graduation ceremonies will occur on Friday, May 22 in the gymnasium. Students with an associate of applied science degree will graduate at 4 p.m., while students with an associate of arts, science or general studies will graduate at 7:30 p.m. Trustee Jon Stewart and student senate president Jeffery Redmond will speak at the ceremonies.
 

Summer tuition payments

The payment deadline for summer classes is 6 p.m. on May 26, 2015. The first day for classes will be June 1. The deadline for fall classes is 6 p.m. on August 10, 2015, and the first day will be August 17.
 

Man caught recording woman in restroom

A 39-year-old man from the Johnson County Detention Center was caught spying on a woman in a restroom in the OCB on Monday, April 27. The woman chased the man out of the restroom toward police, who had received word of the incident. The man was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., but he never appeared.
 

Compiled By J.T. Buchheit, copy editor, jbuchhei@jccc.edu
 

Police Briefs

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Stolen headphones

A victim who left his headphones on a reception desk returned to find them gone on Monday, March 30. The victim said he may know a suspect and gave the details to the police. The campus detective is looking into the incident.
 

Monetary theft

A theft was reported on Thursday, March 26. A student athlete said he had clipped $50 to the front of his wallet in the men’s locker room before attending a sporting event. When he got back, he found the wallet with the money missing. Police are investigating.
 

Staircase graffiti

The police were dispatched to the CLB on Wednesday, March 25 after a report of property damage. The fourth-floor stairwell had been found vandalized with graffiti, which the cleaning crew was unable to remove. There are no suspects, but the investigation is ongoing.
 

Compiled By J.T. Buchheit, copy editor, jbuchhei@jccc.edu
 

JCCC Student Senate

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By Forest Lassman

flassman@jccc.edu


Photos by Anya Ivantseva

PRESIDENT

John Rives

jrives
Forest Lassman: What made you run for student senate?

John Rives: I was already in the student senate [and] I have been for the last semester. I really enjoyed doing it. As student president I’m going to enjoy expand¬ing the role and being more involved on campus.

FL: What is your vision for student sen¬ate?

JR: I would like to see the student senate get more involved in the campus than it already is. We do some great programs already, [and] I would like to see increased involvement. I would like to see the sena¬tors interacting more with the students and let the students know there is a student senate.

FL: If you could have lunch with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

JR: Probably George Washington. He was one of the greatest statesmen in history, and he really understood the principles of capitalism and democracy.

FL: What are your future plans for education?

JR: I plan to finish here with a general science degree and an automotive technologies degree and transfer to Wichita to get an aerospace engineering degree.

FL: Do you have any hobbies?

JR: I enjoy playing guitar. I like to listen to music a lot. I really love history and reading books.
 

VICE PRESIDENT

Samantha Ricci-Weller

srweller
Forest Lassman: What made you run for student senate?

Samantha Ricci-Weller: I decided to run for student senate because I really, really love Johnson County Community College, and I wanted to be a part of the team that was making it better for the students and the faculty.

FL: What is your vision for student sen¬ate?

SRW: My vision for the student senate is to become more face-to-face with the student body with more events and more activities sponsored by student senate.

FL: If you could have lunch with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

SRW: I would probably have lunch with Emma Stone because I really look up to her. She’s always herself, she’s super funny and cool and I just really want to be her friend.

FL: What are your future plans for education?

SRW: I am a pre-nursing major. I’ll be applying to nursing schools for the fall of 2016.

FL: Do you have any hobbies?

SRW: I really enjoy laughing, so anything that makes me laugh. I like hanging out with friends and watching shows on Netflix. Right now I’m really into “Criminal Minds,” so right now my hobby is getting through that without getting a heart attack.
 

TREASURER

Vivian Law

v-law
Forest Lassman: What made you run for student senate?

Vivian Law: I was in student senate spring 2014, and as I was in student senate, I wanted to have more position, so that’s why I chose this position.

FL: What is your vision for student senate?

VL: My first vision is that I want more people to be involved in the student senate. [Having] more members and reaching out to more students and doing more events.

FL: If you could have lunch with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

VL: I think Barack Obama. I really value him and think he’s a really cool person.

FL: What are your future plans for education?

VL: I am going to be an actuary. I am majoring in mathematics.

FL: Do you have any hobbies?

VL: I love to play soccer and do yoga.
 

SECRETARY

Carissa Stefani

cstefani
Forest Lassman: What made you run for student senate?

Carissa Stefani: Three semesters ago I was a part of the student senate, just not in the executive board position, and I really liked it since they are in charge of the whole well-being of the clubs. I’m also really involved in International Club and a lot of other clubs, so student senate is really important.

FL: What is your vision for student senate?

CS: I want student senate to be well known so all the students want to join. That’s one of our main goals to make student senate grow.

FL: If you could have lunch with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

CS: Someone like Audrey Hepburn. She’s been such an inspiration to me because of her acting career and because she’s such a good humanitarian, and she’s so involved in a lot of volunteering stuff. She’s just a really incredible person.

FL: What are your future plans for education?

CS: I’m studying chemical engineering right now. I’m probably going to go to KU.

FL: Do you have any hobbies?

CS: I mostly like to just watch movies and read comic books.
 

Unified in unicycling

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Student joins family in unicycling tradition

By J.T. Buchheit

Miles Johnson takes his unicycle for a spin. He’s been riding since sixth grade. Photo by Anya Ivantseva

Miles Johnson takes his unicycle for a spin. He’s been riding since sixth grade.

Photo by Anya Ivantseva

jbuchhei@jccc.edu


Many people enjoy riding bi¬cycles in their spare time. But student Miles Johnson chooses to have twice the fun with half the vehicle. Instead of walk¬ing or biking, Miles avidly rides his uni¬cycle around campus whenever possible.

“My mom originally rode unicycles with my uncle a long time ago,” said Miles. “So I was like, ‘I’ll try.’ That was back in sixth grade.”

Indeed, Miles is not the first person in his family to feel the lure of the unicycle. His mother was very happy upon hearing that Miles wanted to give it a shot.

“I was excited that he wanted to learn, because my brother and I used to ride all the time,” said his mother, Brenda John¬son. “In fact, we used to enter competitions and actually won a few awards for the tricks we would do.”

Some may think that learning to ride a unicycle would be much more difficult that a bicycle and require a large amount of help from others in order for someone to succeed, but that wasn’t the case with Miles.

“[Learning was] trial and error, most¬ly. Nobody really gave me any info on how to. I mostly had to figure it out on my own.”

Learning by himself wasn’t against his wishes, however. His mother was ex¬cited that he wanted to acquire the skill and continue the family’s tradition with unicycles, and she knew he would rather figure it out himself.

“Miles is a fast learner and is highly self-motivated when he wants to learn a new skill,” said Brenda. “So I essentially just supported him and his decision to ride by funding his hobby.”

A unicycle is not something people often see in their everyday life, so many do a double take when they witness a person riding one.

“A lot of times, people are just kind of in awe. It’s weird,” said Miles. “Sometimes people will ask me stuff like ‘Do a wheelie.’ “

Miles doesn’t just ride his unicycle at school. He has frequently used it at his parents’ house and other locations as well.

“Our parents’ house has a fair amount of open floor space, so it wasn’t uncommon to see him riding or messing around with his unicycle,” said his sister, Aja Meyer. “And since he picked up unicy¬cling as a hobby, that unicycle has been a staple item at every family event.”

Miles isn’t selfish about being unique with his unicycle. He encourages anyone who feels the urge to give it a shot.

“Do it. There’s plenty of information out there on the internet, so my best ad¬vice is to just go for it.”
 

To the stars with David Davis

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Professor talks about state’s influence in science-fiction

By Forest Lassman

flassman@jccc.edu


The state of Kansas has played an important role in many famous science-fiction projects, from the television show “Jericho” to the short sto¬ries and film “A Boy and His Dog.”

A mixture of love of science fiction and love of the state inspired English profes¬sor David Davis to give the presentation “Ad Astra and Beyond: Science Fiction in Kansas” on March 22.

Davis has always been a big fan of the genre and was happy to present about it. Part of his love comes from that fact that science fiction is based in truth.

“I like the speculative aspect. The idea that this could actually come to pass. I like fantasy too, but you’re pretty sure that at no point in your life is a wizard or a hobbit going to come by,” Davis said. “The beauty of science fiction is ev¬ery day I will log onto the internet and something that used to be science fiction is now science-fact. Back in the 1940s, sci¬ence fiction had people talking into their watches … well, the iWatch is here.”

Science fiction can also be used to in¬directly talk about a controversial subject.

“In my science-fiction class, we talk about estrangement: how issues that might be very touchy [if] moved to an-other time or another planet can put them at arm’s length,” Davis said. “For instance, the very first interracial kiss on television in America was “Star Trek” … Other shows’ censors had said no, [but] nobody even floated down on “Star Trek” because it was on another planet and there were aliens involved. You were able to push it away far enough that it seemed safe. And so because of that, sci¬ence fiction is able to take on issues.”

By looking at science fiction set in our state, Davis argues we can see how the state is viewed. Davis uses the made-for-TV film “The Day After,” which takes place after a nuclear bomb hits Kansas City, as an example of this.

“The idea is that if nuclear war would reach Kansas, there’s nowhere to hide. Kansas over and over again is used as that kind of ultimate hometown America. If you really want to threaten the reader, threaten Kansas,” Davis said

The state can also be used as an ex¬ample of hope. In shows like “Jericho” and movies like “Mars Attacks,” Kansas is shown in a positive light with hard-working and moral characters.

“There is also a real depiction of ide¬alism. Kansans are self-reliant [and] Kan¬sans fight for themselves, which is all part of the American mythos: how we like to see ourselves.”

Davis also credits the film “The Wiz¬ard of Oz” as a defining part of the state’s portrayal, which sets us apart from other midwestern states.

“We have a defining narrative. There is no defining Nebraska narrative, for instance. There’s no story that the rest of America thinks of if you say ‘Nebraska,’ ” Davis said. “Kansas has a story, so rather than being set up with ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ I think Kansas is smart to embrace it. At least it gives us a starting point.”

Students who want to learn more about science fiction can take Davis’ class, and his presentation IS/WILL will be put up on YouTube for those that missed it.
 

Seeking the unseen

0

Paranormal club explores more than just ghosts

By Tucker Swiastyn

Paranormal Club treasurer Grace Howerton and members Brandon Nonprasit and Emily Clark held a meeting on April 20 at the Carlsen Center. Photo by Anya Ivantseva

Paranormal Club treasurer Grace Howerton and members Brandon Nonprasit and Emily Clark held a meeting on April 20 at the Carlsen Center.

Photo by Anya Ivantseva

cswiasty@jccc.edu


The house is empty, the noise of life has left and the sun’s presence is lost. Darkness and a disturbing peace fill the walls. This is a perfect scene for a paranormal investigation to take place. However, the Paranormal Club here at the college deals with more than ghosts.

One might think that a paranormal group specifically deals with ghosts and spirits, but this view is wrong. The club here at the college discusses topics ranging from sasquatches and werewolves to aliens and UFOs.

“You get to meet all these people from different walks of life and who have had different experiences,” said Grace Howerton, Paranormal Club treasurer. “You can hear people’s stories, whether they’ve experienced [paranormal activity] or not. I’ve met some really incredible people who are really close to me now, like family. I think that’s the best experience.”

The club has meetings every two weeks where discussions are held on various topics including cross-cultural paranormal beliefs. This is the discussion of other cultures’ speculations involving the paranormal. Some of the content in these discussions has involved the realization that the werewolf is a creature people speculate about across the globe. Nothing in the demonic realm is ever discussed.

“We have fun debates on what people believe and don’t believe, why it exists,” said Howerton. “We look up cool evidence and talk about different theories. We think it’s fun if we all have different theories and are able to discuss and de¬bate the theories.”

One of the big events that the club holds are the investigations. These investigations often take place in museums, where the club will set up special equipment to listen and find signs of paranormal life. These investigations are dealt with in a professional manner and can last up to several hours. Club members can participate for $20.

“Students should especially come join the group if they have an interest in the unknown,” said club member Sabrina Berry. “If things happen to them that are out of the normal on an everyday basis and can’t explain it, we’re a group that doesn’t judge, we’re a group that is warm and friendly. If you have a need and want to be accepted, definitely come in to our group and we’ll make you feel like part of the family.”

The group meets every other Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Carlsen Cen¬ter, Room 224.
 

Starstruck by Star Wars

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star-wars-story

Photos by Julia Larberg

My story coming to a close

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By Mike Abell

mabell@jccc.edu


It’s crazy to think I’m sitting down to write my last column as editor-in-chief of this publication.

I didn’t exactly know what I was getting myself into a year ago when I took the job.

I thought I knew what it all entailed, but I didn’t. Truth is the job was quite a bit harder than I expected, but I gained a lot more than I could have imagined, too. I have learned so much about myself as a leader and as a person this year. It’s been a wild ride.

I’ve had plenty of challenges this year, but I’ve gained so much from all of it be­cause of my team. A good leader is nothing without a great team and support system behind them.

I want to thank everyone that has helped get me here to this point. Andrea, Courtney, Cody, Valerie, Christina, James, Hannah, Julia and the rest of the editorial board, I couldn’t have done this without you all.

I also want to thank all of the staff mem­bers for their hard work and dedication. Working together with other students can be frustrating at times, but so rewarding when you create content like what’s been done here.

We couldn’t have achieved All-Kansas without an amazing team. That award hasn’t been granted to the Ledger in at least six years. It’s a testament to us and our advisers.

Valerie: Thank you for everything you have contributed to this publication. Our convergence and online efforts wouldn’t be what they are without you. Our work relationship has taught me about compro­mising and how to bring talented people who have differences together. While our relationship wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, we found a way to make great content. I wish you the best on your future endeavors.

Corbin: I won’t forget anything you taught me moving forward. You have helped me develop and harvest my lead­ership skills. I might not have ever applied for the editor-in-chief position without you seeing my potential. My dad has always said that sometimes it takes other people to recognize someone’s potential. That person has always been you since day one. It’s so clear you love your job. The college and this publication are both so lucky to have you.

I would also like to thank the student media board for granting me this oppor­tunity. I gained so much more than I bar­gained for.

Thanks to our faithful readers. We have had a couple folks write in and express their opinions about our online focus next year. I would just like to say thank you for your concern, but I know the Ledger will succeed in its new platform. I know it.

Additionally, I want to thank the Ledger staff members from last year too. Being a freshman in college can be intimidating. Everyone on staff last year made me feel right at home and gave me something to look forward to every day.

This chapter of my life has been amaz­ing, and I wouldn’t have traded it for any­thing else. I questioned myself when I first walked through the doors of the college and wondered if I made the right decision.

It has never been more clear to me than it is now. I know I made the right decision. I’m right where I’m supposed to be and wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you all for everything.
 

Cavs gear up for regional title defense

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By James Howey

jhowey@jccc.edu


The baseball team is set to defend their regional title and make a consecutive trip to the Junior College World Series. First up in the sub-regional round for the Cavaliers is Pratt Community Col­lege. The Cavs are the four seed and will be a big favorite in most of their games. Head coach Kent Shelley knows that even with all the success the team had this season, that gets thrown out of the window postseason time.

“At this stage of the game, records and sta­tistics don’t mean a thing,” Shelley said. “I know we’ll have to play extremely well to have an op­portunity to advance.”

The Cavs bring in a critical amount of depth pitching-wise, with seven guys who have at least four wins on the season.

“Our starting pitching is getting us late into games, and when we do have to go to the bull­pen, our setup guys and closer have done a great job,” Shelley said.

The Cavs also boast a tremendous offensive attack that has a school-record 101 home runs this season. Ben Calvano is one of those players in that offensive attack and says their success is crucial to the team with 18 home runs on the season.
“Our power numbers are really important to us, because they take a lot of pressure off our pitching, and we can go up by four or five runs,” Calvano said.

For Shelley, the Cavs just need to continue to play at the same level and intensity they have all season.

“Talent-wise we’re as good as anyone in the state,” Shelley said. “We need to just be our­selves, go into it relaxed, play hard, play aggres­sive and play smart.”

For Calvano, the success he has experienced at the college has been a long time coming.

“I haven’t been a part of a winning program before I got here,” Calvano said. “It would be awesome to have my name on the roster that says we won back-to-back championships and made it two straight Junior College World Series.”
 

Softball looks to break through in playoffs

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By James Howey

jhowey@jccc.edu


This is the weekend the Cavalier softball squad has been working toward all season.

Last year the Cavs were the number-one overall seed in the tournament and lost their games, putting an end to a dream season.

“Last year I think there was a little shell-shock,” head coach Aubree Brattin said. “I have really had conversations with the sophomores, preparing the freshmen for what this weekend will look like.”

The Cavs will face Cowley at noon Saturday in Topeka, a team they split with earlier in the season. This regular season was a little bit of a disappointment to the team. The Cavs split some series that they probably should have swept.
“We weren’t used to losing games in the con­ference, especially to teams that we should be winning against,” Brattin said. “We didn’t per­form as we expected in the regular season, and now this is our moment.”

For Brattin, she expects the losses this season and the major disappointment of last year to help the Cavs in this tournament.

“I definitely think that our losses have helped us along the way as far as learning from our mis­takes and having to learn to overcome a little ad­versity,” Brattin said. “Every loss in my mind is a learning opportunity if we treat it that way.”

Due to the region adding two teams who are not in the Jayhawk conference, the Cavs are list­ed as the three seed, but are pretty much the four seed. This puts the squad on the same side of the bracket with Highland and Cowley

“It sucks that we’re the first team kind of put into this position, and we’re definitely going to have to beat the best to be the best,” Brattin said. “I do think my girls are prepared. I think they are ready. They are fighters and they don’t want their season to end.”

Sydney Koch is the Cavs’ number-one start­ing pitcher, and with regionals being pretty much do-or-die every game, the team may rely on Koch more than they did during the regular season.

“I would expect us to ride Sydney a little more than we have all year long,” Brattin said. “If I feel necessary, Sydney will likely see multiple games in the weekend.”

Shortstop Taylor Brunson has been a huge part of the Cavs’ success the last two seasons and says the failure of last year still stings the team.

“It was very disappointing last year not mak­ing it to nationals,” Brunson said. “That just makes us want to go more because we are the underdog now and we just want to prove every­one wrong.”

For Brunson, going to nationals would be a dream come true.

“It would mean the world to me,” Brunson said. “It would be such a fun experience just getting to play some more games with my best friends, because this is our last year, so I just want to play with them as long as possible.”

Brattin knows the team is aiming for great­ness that they were unable to obtain last season.

“They want to go somewhere last year’s team didn’t get to go, and I think their eyes are set on the prize,” Brattin said. “It’s unfortunate for whoever stands in our way, I guess.”
 

NFL draft breakdown

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By James Howey

jhowey@jccc.edu


As the summer approaches and warm weather returns, the biggest part of the NFL off­season comes as well. Chicago will host the NFL draft this year in the event’s first time away from New York. As usual, the first pick seems like a lock with Florida State’s Jameis Winston likely headed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For me this a slam dunk, and the Buccaneers would be absolute buffoons not to draft Winston.

Winston is clutch, big and athletic, has great leadership skills on the field and can make all the throws necessary to be an NFL quarterback. Ob­viously many people have issues with the con­stant immaturity of Winston in college, which is understandable, but to me Winston will be an All-Pro quarterback in two or three years.

The true intrigue starts with the next pick with the Tennessee Titans. The question of who will draft Oregon’s Marcus Mariota is pretty up for grabs, with no favorite. Rumors are every­where, from him being drafted by the Redskins, the Browns or Jets trading up to draft him and the possibility of the blockbuster trade where the Chargers trade Philip Rivers to the Titans for Mariota.

Of course, some still think that Eagles head coach Chip Kelly could make one more daring move this offseason by using multiple picks and maybe players to trade up and grab his former Oregon quarterback. I personally believe Mari­ota will land with the Browns.

The Browns do not have an answer at quar­terback right now and reportedly many in the organization have given up on Johnny Man­ziel. This would just add to the circus that is the Cleveland Browns. The selection would bring even more offseason headlines with Mariota and Manziel competing for the starting quarterback job.

For the Titans, I don’t see them passing on USC’s defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who many believe is the best overall player in the draft. As many scouts and coaches would tell you, Williams can play the piano, which means he can play every position on the line. That makes Williams similar to All-Pro J.J. Watt and has a chance to be an All-Pro in his own right.

Williams would be a critical addition to a Titans team who was bottom-five in most de­fensive categories. The wide receiver position is headlined by two potential stars in West Virgin­ia’s Kevin White and Alabama’s Amari Cooper.
White has climbed up the draft board pro­jections with his amazing speed and athleticism, and many people think he may end up being a better player than Cooper.

Cooper may not have the upside of White, but he is arguably the most polished and pro-ready receiver in years. In my opinion, the poten­tial steal of the draft is undoubtedly Missouri’s Dorial Green-Beckham.

Green-Beckham had numerous off-the-field issues in college, but when playing, the upside was clearly seen. If he is drafted by the right team and stays out of trouble, Green-Beckham will be a Calvin Johnson-like stud in the league.

Pass rushers are a premium in this draft, with players like Dante Fowler, Randy Gregory, Vic Beasley and Alvin “Bud” Dupree, who will likely all go high in the draft and make an impact on a team. Another talented pass rusher is Missouri’s Shane Ray, who has done a remarkable slide down the draft board with surgery on his foot and now being sighted for marijuana possession on Monday.

Early on, Ray was thought to perhaps be in the top ten in the draft, and now may go as late as third or fourth round. This class of running backs features one of my favorite players to watch in recent memory out of college in Georgia’s Todd Gurley.

Literally the biggest knocks on Gurley are that he tore his ACL last year and got suspended for signing autographs for money. Gurley is a monster on the field. He can run around people and he can run over them. I can easily see Gurley by his second season being an All-Pro running back.

Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon III had one of the greatest college careers of any running back and would be a perfect fit for the Dallas Cowboys, who no longer have DeMarco Murray. The odds of Dallas trading for Adrian Peterson are close to none right now, and Gordon would prove a much cheaper alternative for them.

Along with the draft this weekend, sports fans also get one of the most anticipated boxing matches ever. Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao finally meet in the ring Saturday in what will hopefully be a classic to remember. Also, for movie fans, the long-anticipated sequel to Marvel’s The Avengers hits theatres this week­end. Long story short, this weekend is going to be jam-packed.
 

Man arrested for recording a woman in campus bathroom

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A man who was suspected of recording a woman in the restroom on the second floor of the OCB yesterday was quickly apprehended by campus police. The man wasn’t a student or emloyee.

Christy McWard, director of marketing and event management, sent this out via email at 3:45 p.m. today.

“Yesterday afternoon, JCCC police officers apprehended a male suspect after the individual allegedly used an electronic device to take photos of a female in the women’s restroom on the second floor of OCB. The suspect is neither a student nor an employee of Johnson County Community College. He was transported to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department for booking and released to the custody of the Johnson County Adult Detention facility. The criminal case will be sent to the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office for review and filing of criminal charges against the suspect. The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff is of utmost importance. We can all be proud of the quick work done by our police department to bring this situation to an end.

“JCCC has a number of systems and practices in place to help keep our students and employees safe. We also have established close relationships with local law enforcement. Our KOPS (Keeping Our People Safe) program is an excellent resource. Remember our motto: ‘If you see something, say something.’ ”

Saving the planet one day at a time

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Students get the opportunity to hear their professors speak on art pieces at the Museum

By Forest Lassman

Photo illustration by Anya Ivantseva
Photo illustration by Anya Ivantseva

flassman@jccc.edu

To celebrate Earth Day, the college will be holding environmentally friendly events all week long.

Events kick off Friday, April 17 with a crop mop, where students can come and help harvest various crops. The food will then be used at the Epicenter conference on Monday, April 20.

Student sustainability committee (SSC) secretary Megan Gladbach is look­ing forward to the harvest.
“I really like being on the farm har­vesting stuff … hopefully it will be really nice,” Gladbach said.

Epicenter is a student-funded and student-focused conference based on im­proving our food system. From restaurant owners to students, presentations will be given all day long. Epicenter is free, but it is asked that those interested RSVP before the conference starts.

The official Earth Day is Tuesday, April 21, and to celebrate, TED talks will be held in the Craig Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A clothing swap and a recycling Jeop­ardy will be held in the Fountain Square the following day. Walking tours and a book club will conclude the activity on Wednesday, April 23.

SSC member Kali Hiatt is excited to take part in the events.

“There’s one person at the Epicenter conference … from Marketplace Restau­rant.” Hiatt said. “I’m also looking for­ward to the variety of TED talks. I don’t know what is going to be shown, so I’m just looking forward to seeing what’s being picked out. Last year the clothing swap was a lot of fun.”

These events highlight the college’s commitment to being environmentally conscious, and Sustainablity Education and Engagement coordinator Kristy Howell feels the college does a good job.

“We do a very good job of being re­sponsible stewards of our resources. We have to,” Howell said. “As an educational institution, we have an obligation to do a really good job being good stewards, and I feel like we do a phenomenal job of pro­tecting resources and using them respon­sibly.”

Howell feels that the steps taken by the college make the community stronger.

“There are ways for us to be much bet­ter neighbors. Stormwater runoff is an ex­ample. Because we have so much paved and flat space on campus, if we didn’t have that stormwater runoff abatement system installed, we would continue to cause flooding in our neighbors’ yards,” Howell said. “That’s just one small ex­ample, but one very powerful and useful example of what good neighbors we are by protecting our resources here on cam­pus.”

Even with these measures in place, Howell still sees ways the college can im­prove.

“I would love for us to increase our curriculum offerings. That’s one thing that’s really, really special to me.”

Discounts will be given at various stores around campus for using reusable cups and bags. A contest will also be held to come up with new ideas on how to im­prove the college, which will go until the end of the month with a grand prize of $500 to the winning idea.
 

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