MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY VOLUME 126 ENROLLMENT:50,085 AST LANSING, Ml 48825 COMMON UN- a prefix freely used in English to form verbs expressing a reversal of some action or to intensify the force of a verb already having such a meaning. UN- two letters that alone hold no power unless partnered with another action or word. It is these letters that separate the believable from the unbelievable, the afraid from the unafraid. For the writers, the creators,!and the innovators, these two letters stand between the likelihood of their failure and the unlikely accomplishments they eventually find. UN- is the victory won when the rivaled becomes unrivaled by the achievers and survivors. the divider between those who are forgotten and those who are unforgettable. UN- recognizing the potential for greatness in the mundane, the everyday, the conventional. It’s AND IN THE SPARTAN NATION WHERE THE COMMON IS MADE UNCOMMON BY THE ORDINARY TURNED EXTRAORDINARY THESE.TWO LETTERS DEFINE US. A P 1\ M O T T ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF MICHGAN STATE UNIVERSITY /VolVlO U KNOW YOUR STUDENT GOVERNMENT 1965 ASMSU founded 1980 Student organizations begin being funded through ASMSU 2014 Student Allocations Board Formed 1976 ASMSU Programming Board founded I99I ASMSU increases minority involvement through CORES/COPS 2014 - 2015 CURRENT INITIATIVES MEDICAL AMNESTY VOTER OUTREACH Allows intoxicated minors to call medical services without receiving any disciplinary action. Educate and register students throughout campus in order to increase political efficacy amongst the student body. "ITS ON US" CAMPAIGN GRIEF ABSENCE POLICY Provides education and awareness on sexual assault throughout Michigan State University Prevents students from becoming academically disadvantaged during their grieving process of a lost . loved one. MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS INTERNSHIP RIGHTS Improves mental health awareness in East Lansing and provides mental health support systems within the community. Pushed to give unpaid interns same workplace rights that regular employees have with regards to nondiscrimination. THEY DO THAT? YES. THEY DO. 1,176 ¡Clickers rented Over 5,000 free blue books provided Funded 58 student organizations Provided LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, GRE and TOEFL Prep 227 student loans given Mh Bike share proqram used V 314 times fgk Funded 11 CORE/ COPS groups © Assisted in highest student voter turnout for mid-term election O BUT HOW? STUDENT TAX DOLLARS. $1,513,716 total spent $171,580 $12' $388,930 $190,773 $n,ooo $86,360 I mmm Q l BB mm Han 4q 20 $0.10 ^SBh SSiSI $0.95 $0.45 $145 HS® $1.95 $440 $2.90 $18 received per student, per semester O a n d w h o ? BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS. GENERAL ASSEMBLY STAFF DEPARTMENTS 2-4 Elected officials from each degree-granting college Greek council seats 4 II CORES / COPS group representatives 37/55 total seats filled Office of the President Controllers Student Allocations Board Liason for University Multicultural Affairs Marketing Public Relations Human Resources Information Technology Student Defenders Governmental Affairs Red Cedar Log Business Office Internship Program . Wmm PHILINA CHEN / 030 THE FIGHT AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT Q Oko science on a sphere Q OOO BATTLING THE UNDEAD 090 UNDETERRED: #GREATERTHAN56 1 14 FALL CLOSING CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT tm )ERGOES RENOVATIONS I 'PROVE CAMPUS LIFESTYL O I M l J L Michigan State University has endured plenty of changes throughout its 160 years. Beginning as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan in 1855, five faculty members taught 63 students in three bygone buildings — College Hall, Saint’s Rest and a brick horse bam. Accumulating a number of name changes and facelifts over the course of its existence, the university’s transformation remains perpetual* constantly changing to reflect the needs of each generation that calls it home. One of Cyclotron the most revolutionary renovations to take place on campus since its inception was the creation of the National Superconducting Laboratory (NSCL). Started in 1958, the NSCL now houses two superconducting cyclotrons. It is the leading rare isotope facility in the United States, according to Adam Bmns from Site the Selection Magazine. Researchers use cyclotrons to study the properties of rare isotopes and nuclear reactions that naturally occur in outer space. in 2014, In 2008, it was decided that the NSCL would become the future site of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) project. Breaking the FRIB will contain ground intense beams of rare isotopes, and will take approximately 10 years to build. Scientists working in the laboratory will use these isotope to make further discoveries about beams nuclear astrophysics and the physics of nuclei. “The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, once completed, will be the world-leading facility in this particular field,” laboratory director Konrad Gelbke said. “It is one of the biggest rewards in recent years for a facility like this to be going to a university, so we are all extremely pleased with this future addition.” the From cyclotron building, a short stroll west on Shaw Lane leads to the iconic Spartan Stadium. After 15 months of constmction, the north end zone addition was completed in August of 2014. CONTINUED ON PAGE 015 ¡pim IB 1 1 ..jjlB 1 1 : ' i ijfc'vM1,1 1 ....... f^SÊÊÊÊÊÊÊËk '^ÊÊÊÊÊSÊÈ WfrsfPí-“,- J J j |j|g WRITER: GINA JUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI W$$jk .. M 1, p€t |Sfi g ■Hi 1 ¡¡¡1 WÈSSSÊÈ MWmm■ ■ ■ 1 -v*: •A'--;:m .. A crane reflects on the face of the Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building at sunrise. The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams was the most expensive renovation. “THE STADIUM HAS HAD PLENTY OF CHANGES SINCE MY FRESHMAN YEAR, BUT THIS ONE IS DEFINITELY THE MOST NOTICEABLE AND USEFUL.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 012 The multi-million dollar, 50,000- square-foot addition includes luxuries such as a campus-wide media center, a spacious locker room and an all-sports recruitment facility. Fans at the stadium can enjoy additional restrooms and concessions on the concourse level, along with new entrance gates to improve safety and security. “The changes in the stadium really bring a different feel to fans at the game. It’s a lot more updated, making the stadium even more welcoming than before,” said senior Doug Martini. “The stadium has had plenty of changes since my freshman year, but this one is definitely the most noticeable and useful.” After exiting the updated gates of Spartan Stadium, a walk over the Red Cedar River and a right turn at Sparty Statue will introduce the red-bricked exterior of Landon Hall. The West Circle residence hall was under construction all throughout the 2013-14 school year to install a new dining hall for its residents. According to Eat At State, the new dining hall, called Heritage Commons, was the first major renovation that took place in Landon Hall since its opening in 1947. Heritage Commons an assortment of dining marvels, such as Sizzle, an old-fashioned sandwich diner; Landon Bistro, a rôtisserie oven serving chicken, beef, pork and salmon; Global Flavors, featuring international casserole-style dishes and a salad bar called Grains and Greens. features “I’ve lived in West Circle for all four years, and it’s so refreshing to finally have an updated dining hall,” said senior Amanda Surace. “I love the range of options for food choices and the atmosphere makes for a great study space while I’m eating, too.ppl Since its opening in 1855, Michigan State University has gone from three buildings to over 500, zero varsity athletic teams to 25, acquiring five name changes in the process. Whether for 63 students or 49,000, campus — with its incessant metamorphosis — has proved a cherished home for every generation of Spartans. Construction sites block off areas across campus. The Spartan Stadium, West Circle, and North Campus have all experienced substantial changes this year. NATE REVARD HOW MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPENDS MONEY CORE MISSIONS ($1,123,581,000) RESEARCH, INSTRUCTION, SOCIAL SERVICES 33-6% CONSTRUCTION ($673,581,000) COLLEGES ($450,000,000) i.c ml 0i H f 1 mm ¡500,000 „ $8,900,000 "ISwIRS ~ MWm Ein» ■ $16,500,000! . J L 0 $10,000,0000 1 $10,000,000 VET MED FIRE ALARMS $1,750,000 SMB FIELD $1,000,000 016 $2,000,000,000 SPENT LAST YEAR $2,200,000,000 EARNED LAST YEAR INFORMATION BASED ON MSU ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT - 2013 2012 mm $40,000,000 «1,000,000 $35,000,0 I ,000,000 l l i l l i i l i I 3 )oo,ooo $48,000,000 $69,000,000 $50,000,000 ; ;-j,ooo 017 SURFING THE STREETS STUDENTS COLLABORATE TO DESIGN, CREATE AND SELL CUSTOMIZED LONGBOARDS Strapping a pair of roller blade wheels to a plain wooden board, the inventors of the skateboard were determined to traverse the slopes of California in the 1960s. This group of young adults, inspired by riding the waves of the Pacific, didn’t want to be bound by the water. A few years later, trying harder to emulate the size and shape of a surfboard, the deck of the skateboard was doubled in length, forming a device ideal for surfing any street — whether in Cali or East Lansing. This invention? The longboard. Gliding through the tennis courts of South Neighborhood, sophomore David McGuffie and juniors Brendan Callaghan and Richard Forzano preferred the sleek and agile longboard to the two-wheeled bicycle. Noticing the increase in the longboard’s use as a method of transportation around campus, McGuffie, Callaghan and Forzano fused their foresight and talents to establish their own local business: Kunu Longboards. Kunu Longboards is a student-run venture that builds custom cruising apparatus WRITER: GINA JUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ “Putting the graphics on is my favorite part,!’- said Callaghan. “It’s the finishing touch on the boards, and it allows the most room for variety and creativity between each longboard made.” Like business venture, there is hardship and pressure that may present itself along the way. Even after enduring the difficulties of the job, McGuffie is grateful for the experience he’s gained while working for Kunu. successful every “When I was only making a handful of boards, it was definitely a stress relief. However, once the orders started stacking ups it really turned into a lot of stressful work, especially when making custom graphics for said McGuffie. “Nevertheless, I will always think that job was better than any desk job.” individual people,” After long days of cutting and sanding, McGuffie, Callaghan and Forzano often find relaxation by skating the sidewalks of campus. Longboarding has evolved into more than a hobby;-it is a lifestyle. Hrl’ve definitely met some friends longboarding,” said Forzano. “I through guess I would say a majority of them are kids looking to have a good time and ride down a hill to forget about the real world for a while.” McGuffie, Callaghan and Forzano take the evolution of the longboard one step further by tailoring designs to mirror an individual’s personality. As the longboard community in East Lansing continues to grow, Kunu Longboards is prepared to ride the wave. for clients. Students submit any graphic they want on their board, and the men of Kunu design a board fit perfectly for its owner. Some examples of completed designs include an outline of the state with “Made in East Lansing” etched along the southern border, a graphic of a Woodward Avenue street sign and the Detroit skyline with the Red Wings logo hovering above. “We thought that creating custom longboards was a niche, so we decided to capitalize on that,” McGuffie said. “Being able to use the board as a mode of transportation while simultaneously being able to express yourself was a business we thought would be cool to introduce to campus.” Long before Kunu Longboards was created, Lorzano realized his fondness for the sport during his junior year of high school, finding a way to fill his spare time after quitting the lacrosse team. “I started out just making longboards as a hobby, but once we got to college we all started skating the opportunity for us to make and sell boards consistently,” said Forzano. “We’re the only people that create a one-of-a-kind board from a custom graphic, so we take pride in that.” together and saw The production is a tedious process but one that McGuffie, Callaghan and Forzano, after creating over 30 custom boards, have grown accustomed to. They start by gluing together seven pieces of Canadian maple wood in a hydraulic press. These are then cut and sanded, and finally a graphic is applied with epoxy and fiberglass cloth to strengthen the deck. McGuffie, Callaghan and Forzano shape and design every aspect of the longboards they create. Longboarding has become one of the biggest recreational sports on campus, and theft's no doubt that their business will be in high demand come the warmer seasons. HOPS AND PEDALS WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE PIOTROWSKI DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER COMMUI' BICYCL VMMBERS POWERED BEER DLLECTIVELY BREW Massive storm clouds threatened a heavy torrential downpour on students still meandering through West Circle. As it rolled toward Beaumont Tower, only two things were on the minds of students nearby: shelter and beer. On Sept. 5, drenched professors, students and East Lansing locals ventured inside the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum to check out a pedal-powered beer exhibit cooperatively sponsored by the Windmill Pointe Brewing Company and MSU Bikes. Appropriately named Bike N’ Brew, visitors had the opportunity to pedal their pints. Shawn and Aaron Grose — the two brothers, owners and masterminds behind the company — stood at the front of the room with eyes wide and smiles beaming, ready to show visitors just how simple it is to create a sustainable beer. “We wanted to bring a communal to our brewing process, and component adding bikes seemed like a natural fit for us,” explained Shawn Grose. “We feel by adding bikesb we will capture cyclists, craft beer lovers and sustainably-minded people under one roof. This is our trifecta in the brewing world.” Set up next to the Groses were seven stationary bikes hooked up to one giant silver brew pot. Fast-tempo beats emerged through Hops sit in abundant; display. Different types of the plant that are used to flavor beer were showcased at the event. the speakers, creating a contagious energy to inspire bystanders’ thighs to start pumping. Anyone willing to try it out was encouraged to sign up and hop on a bike. But how exactly does the process work? Explained in simple terms by Shawn, the energy produced by the bikes is moved into a combiner box. From there, all of the wattage moves into batteries, which collect and store the energy. An inverter then takes the direct current and turns it into alternating current, which is picked up by the hot water heating element for brewing the hops. Although an intricate design, some gung-ho visitors like Jessica Johnson, a faculty member for the history department, were less interested in learning the thermodynamics and more intent on just giving it a try. Joking with her friend as she turned down the bike setting to make pedaling easier, Johnson laughed, “I’m about to break a sweat!” She and her friend heard about this Detroit-based business through the grapevine, and were interested in coming to see what it was all about. Tim Potter, manager of the MSU Bikes Service Center, was also intrigued by the Grose brothers’ work after meeting them at an event in Detroit. Potter jumped at the opportunity to bring them and their pedal- powered invention to campus. Potter is a self- proclaimed advocate for bicycling. CONTINUED ON PAGE 022 021 In addition to testing their tastebuds with beer, students explore the nooks and crannies of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. TAYLOR BROWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 021 “I want to show that bikes can be used for more than transportation,” said Potter. Shawn Grose revealed that pedal- powered beer is something that hasn’t been done anywhere else in the country. Located in Detroit, the importance of working together with the community. Citizens generate the energy, and in turn the company provides the technology to convert their sweat into frothy ales. the company emphasizes “We are passionate about sustainability and the beer,” said Grose, “and a lot of people like our beer.” Francisco Garcesvega, a third-year doctoral student, expressed how he found the concept of using bikes to brew beer “something different and somehow interesting.” Holding a glass of beer in his hand, Garcesvega rose his arm high and stated simply, “Now this is really why I came.” The Groses’ seven-year dream of fostering beer made by clean energy had an unexpected consequence: bringing together curious beer-drinkers while engineering education and promoting innovation. As they continue to traverse city lines, Shawn and Aaron hope to expand their impact beyond the mitten state. “If we control the energy used to make our product,” said Shawn, “we can lift up the people in our community and make a difference in the world.” THEY SEE ME ROLLING BROTHERS OF ZETA BETA TAU HOST FIRST ANNUAL GET ON THE BALL FUNDRAISER Spinning down the crowded sidewalks of Shaw Lane, past The Rock and along Grand River Avenue, students jumped out of a swirling rainbow’s path. Coming to a swift stop, three giant Greek letters popped out against a bright yellow background. As students moved closer to investigate, they found hundreds of names squiggled across 113.1 square feet of vinyl. From behind this massive inflated ball emerged the brothers of Zeta Beta Tau, rolling up with an innovative fundraiser fit for the newest fraternity on campus. first time,” said Sean Kavanagh, Philanthropy Senior Chair of Zeta Beta Tau. “We don’t know what to expect, but we know we’ll enjoy it and have lots of fun.” Get On the Ball is the national Zeta Beta Tau philanthropy event, explained Zeta Beta Tau Recruitment Chair Kurt Hamel. Hosting their first annual Get On the Ball fundraiser, the new fraternity chapter directly raised proceeds for the Sparrow Foundation, East Lansing’s local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. “We’re really excited to do this for the “We chose the Sparrow Foundation Biiim 024 because we wanted to raise funds locally, within the community,” explained Kavanagh. Noting that schools have raised as much as $9,000 in the past, the Zeta Beta Tau brothers set a goal of $ 1,000 for their first year in Spartan territory. Since this will become an annual event, the brothers hope that its popularity will transpire and become more successful each year. To start off this two-week long event of rolling the ball around campus, the brothers hosted a kick-off party outside their chapter house on Sept. 6. All 20 brothers gathered outside with cheerful spirits, welcoming passersby to come and sign their massive ball, as well as enjoy complimentary hotdogs, chips, coffee and soda donated by MSU Food Stores and Espresso Royale. Ready to move the streets of campus, the brothers then took the party to WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: PHILINA CHEN DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ turns showcasing the ball outside dorms, classrooms and other heavy traffic areas, encouraging fellow Spartans to inscribe their names in sharpie and take part in their philanthropic efforts. Some students were even lucky enough to play a quick game of volleyball with the oversized, not so easy to serve ball. Raising most of their money while on campus, the ball kept rolling along until Sept. 22|, where it totaled $1,450 in proceeds. After weeks of adventure and sightseeing, the giant signature-filled ball made its way back up the hills to the fraternity house on Sunset Lane. Accomplished and exhausted, it was ready to be deflated and hung as a shrine of remembrance of what a massive impact one colorful ball can make in a community. HOTTER UNDER THE WATER DIVING BENEATH THE SURFACE TO EXAMINE THE UNDERWATER HOCKEY TEAM Ki#i I WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: CHESTNUT ZHANG I DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI Neon flippers? Check. Snorkel? Check. Specialized hockey stick? Check. Form-fitted black Speedo? Check. Hot pink “Team Sexy” decal across the buttocks? Definitely a check. Strutting out of the locker rooms with utmost confidence, the men and women of the underwater hockey team were ready to prove they had nothing to hide. chilly pool, the scantily-clad swimmers were ready to give the quirky sport a go. Underwater hockey at Michigan State has been around since the late 1980s when the Scuba Club spent their free time playing for recreational amusement during their winter and spring off season. In 1998, the two sports broke off from one another, and underwater Quickly flopping one by one into the CONTINUED ON PAGE 029 B jë* WÊmm »FW ¿¡ta*. i H éâtt^ ' a m¡ÉBg¡^ ,00P^ÿ0'' ■b m ■H •«a*«" ' - V ;. ™ **¿r ~13Nmhu3i • I ..... ME I B ^llifTu. J’"'"' iP Ü -.381 gUs». % ■ &g H v H taking place down below than can actually be seen from the surface. “Everyone is crashing into people. You don’t try to, but when you’re going up for air, you can’t tell if someone is above you or not. It gets pretty cluster fucked down there,” explained Thelen. With a long season ahead of them, the team planned to travel across all sorts of borders, stopping first in Cincinnati for an all­ girls tournament, then venturing onward to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida and Canada. For each tournament that takes place throughout the year, team members can decide whether they wish to travel, making the balance between school and sport stress-free. This also helps them focus more on making it a pleasurable experience! rather than a competitive one. “We definitely want to win, but it’s not going to be a fun win if people are mad. We want everyone to be happy and have a good time, that’s the big goal,” explained Vice President Jason Bull. Nationals, the big kahuna of their tournament season, was set to take place in Los Angeles in June 2015. In an effort to make a statement both in and out of the water, the players like to place an extra emphasis on their competitive apparel. Last year’s shirt that read, “Twerking is Hotter Under the Water” was the perfect depiction of the team’s spirit. “We like to decorate our Speedos and look good in the pool,” explained Bull. “Our apparel shows that we like to have fun.” A pool full of incredible swimmers with an astounding fashion sense and a sense of humor, the underwater hockey team spends their time working hard and playing harder. Whether stirring up intensity beneath the surface or cooking up mischief with friends above, the underwater hockey team characterizes this quirky yet heated sport. hockey became an official club sport in 2004. Growing each year since, the 2014 team welcomed over 30 players to its first practice at IM Circle on Sept. 9. “Just being here you feel really welcomed,” said first year team member Rochelle Thelen. “It’s a lot of fun too actually, but you feel like you’re going to die at first.” The fiery orange rim on the tip of the snorkel pokes out of the water to help ensure oxygen reaches the swimmers below, but according to Thelen, the use of this equipment is difficult to adapt to. “When you go under water,I you pretty much have to hold your breath with water in your mouth. Then when you come up you try to breathe over water, and the fins make your feet kinda hurt after a while,” explained Thelen. the lyrics Belting out to Taylor Swift’s newest single, “Shake It Off,” senior, President, Captain and Coach Colleen Anthony revealed she not only has major vocal cords but also no problem with multitasking in the pool. Treading water like a professional in the middle of the pool, Anthony shouted out the team’s warm-up of breaststroke and butterfly laps. “Everyone is welcome to play. We teach everyone, it’s just for fun,” explained Anthony. The game has six players on each team who are fully submerged under nine feet of water. As the forwards work together to slide the puck into the opponent’s goal, the backs act as the defense and protect the goal when the opposing team is approaching. “Forwards are usually fast, have good puck handling skills and work as a team,” Anthony described. “Backs are usually very solid people in order to stop the fast forwards, and can also hold their breath for a long time.” With only two playing positions, the game appears deceptively simple at first. According to Thelen, there is more smashing and bashing Two players take a break from the action to catch their breath. The team is very helpful in guiding new members to correctly play Spartan twirlers, flashy baton football halftime shows typically consist of high-stepping marching bands, aerobatic fist-pumping Sparty cheerleaders and a mascot. However, one must not forget the soft, fimy creature whose agility and wagging tail create a wave of smiles through the bleachers filled with fans. The legacy of Zeke the Wonder Dog began in 1977, when the first Zeke showed off his high jumps and flying disc-catching prowess between the second and third quarter. Although he retired in 1984, the longing for his spirited halftime shows remained in the hearts of Spartans. Thus, Zeke II was adopted by Jim Foley and Terri Carlson-Foley and continued to dazzle audiences. Dawning the green bandana today is Zeke II’s successor, the beloved yellow labrador that bounds about the lush football fields, leaping in the sky like a streak of golden sunshine. “Over the years, Zeke has become more entrenched as an MSU icon. Everybody knows who he is,” said Carlson-Foley, Zeke’s owner. Even if Zeke misses a frisbee catch, forgiving fans cheer from the sidelines with tailored posters and t-shirts. Zeke responds with passionate licks, his wagging tail and his contagious, doggy grin. “Zeke has taught me unconditional love and loyalty, more than anything else. And as crazy as it sounds, I swear he has that love and loyalty for all of his Spartan fansitoo,” Carlson-Foley said. However, all that loving from his fans sometimes distracts him from what he’s primarily out on the field for. When he gets excited by his fans and the crowd, he tends to focus more on them and less on the frisbee. According to his owners, Zeke’s eyes light up and he swiftly wags his tail before he gets out on the field. Even students like sophomore Lama Aboubakr have admired the dog’s zeal from the stadium bleachers a number of times. “I haven’t met him up-close, but when I see him meeting fellow Spartans and doing those crazy tricks in halftime shows, I know he has a passion for what he does,” said Aboubakr. In 2014, Zeke wowed fans with a new combination of flips, spins, zigzagspa variety of tricks and more jumping. According to Foley, Zeke’s training consists of a dedicated 15-20 minute session daily, because of the short span of time he’s given to perform. The owner traditional methods when training applies reinforcement delivering positive Zeke, through treats and verbal encouragement. “Although it takes practice and time, Zeke is a quick learner and never quits,” smiled Foley. According to Carlson-Foley, her husband plays the role of the alpha male as Zeke’s trainer. She said that Zeke knows this, and he performs the way he’s expected to by Jim. “I play more of a motherly role than Jim does,” chuckled Carlson-Foley. “I’m the one whose lap he will always come to sit on. He likes to have his head petted and ears rubbed by me all the time. And I’m usually the one to defend him, even when he’s wrong.” Few students and staff are aware of the active role Zeke plays outside of football halftime shows. Carlson-Foley and her husband are constantly seeking new opportunities for their charismatic canine to make an appearance. He has participated in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Vet-a- Visit program, East Lansing’s Play in the Park, MSU’s Grandparents University and Meet the Spartans. The two-foot-tall dog stands out in a throng of humans at these events, greeting attendees and familiarizing himself with new faces to prepare for halftime shows. Zeke the Wonder Dog has not only been vital to Michigan State’s halftime entertainment since 1977, but he’s squeezed into the hearts of Spartan fans on and off campus. While his multifaceted role is often condensed into an agile performer with a rightful place among Big Ten athletes, his wagging tail and panting tongue make him a goodwill ambassador who brings exuberance and joy into the lives of many. *ITER: ¡RUM IBRAHIM iOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE SIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI GOODWILL AMBASSADOR E WONDER DOG BECOMES SPARTAN ICON Senior Sanjay Bisht holds his hands in a resting position as he breathes deeply, fully participating in the meditation. Participants were encouraged to clear their minds as they followed: Brother Fulfillment's meditational flows. “BREATHING IN, BREATHING OUT BREATHING IN, BREATHING OUT I AM BLOOMING AS A FLOWER. I AM FRESH AS THE DEW. I AM SOLEMN AS A MOUNTAIN. I AM FIRM AS THE EARTH. I AM FREE.” °32 WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER LIBERATION THROUGH MEDITATION BLUE CLIFF MONASTERY INSTRUCTS STUDENTS IN A WEEKEND OF MINDFULNESS breathing “Breathing out. in, Breathing in|breathing out. I am blooming as a flower. I am fresh as the dew. I am solemn as a mountain. I am firm as the earth. I am free.” Students and East Lansing residents joined together in a soft chours to start their morning on Sept. 13 for the MSU Retreat: Taking Care of Ourselves. Through guided mediation, deep relaxation and Dharma talk, monks and nuns from Blue Cliff Monastery in Pine Bush, New York led everyone in a calming and concious manner. “People come together, of all different divisions, in a healthy way,” explained event organizer Carolyn White. “The purpose of mediation is to live fully and freely.” Junior Louie Zedan, a computer science major, uses the phrase, “live life on life’s terms,” to emphasize focusing on the larger picture in life. Meditation prevents him from straying from the important pieces of life that are overshadowed by unnecessary thoughts and technologies. “I realized I had too many personal belongings that I didn’t really use or need anymore,” said Zedan. “I spent too much time in front of multiple screens. I became exhausted from literally just thinking all the time.” After reading the book “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, Zedan discovered the importance in meditation and now practices the ritual twice daily. “Meditation is just a small part of a practice in mindfulness, which really at the end of the day just means being aware in the present moment. That’s all there is to it,” said Zedan. For others, meditation slows anxieties, which some view as wasted thoughts and moments in life. Fear and anger may arrive disguised in the everyday, and White believes that both emotions are a choice. “When you wash the dishes, enjoy the soapy water, your hands in the water. Look at whatever you are doing, and find peace in it,” encouraged White. Joining in these exercises was Faezeh Flajiaghajanimemar. The third-year Ph.D. student in computer science engineering uses meditation for the same purpose — managing her own thoughts and emotions. “Mainly, meditation is a practice for me to be mindful and to observe me as third person point-of-view and keep track of what is going on with me,” said Hajiaghajanimemar. “It also gives me tools to monitor thoughts, these feelings! and act if required instead of being under full control of them and letting them take me to places that I really do not want to go.” When their everyone morning stretches, a monk broke the silence as he joined his palms, bowed to his small crowd of meditators and said, “Thank you.” finished Stretching fingers to the sky and releasing an exhale so deep it reached the tips of toes, the guests to the Blue Cliff Monastery let go of carbon dioxide perforated with heavy thoughts — their minds and hearts at last clear. WRITER: GINA JUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER FEMALE PLAYERS CHALLENGE STATUS QUO OF TH AGGRESSIVE SPORT OF RUGBY mmmmmmsmmmmmmmmssmmmffimmimmmmmmimmmimmmmsmmmmmmmmmmmmffimmmmgamM Each match of rugby is 80 minutes long, played by 15 players on each team. The objective of the game is to get a try by grounding the ball in the other team’s in-goal area, earning the team five points. Players can also drop-kick the ball through the goal during play to earn another three points for their team. palpable throughout the 80-minute duration isn’t bound to the Spartan team. According to senior and club President Molly Magen, opposing teams will often grab a bite to eat together after a game. kindness The that is “One of my favorite memories throughout my four years of playing was the Nash Bash Tournament in Nashville, Tenn. After the first day of games, all of the teams went out downtown together,” said Magen. “It was like one big party, and even though we were all competing against each other earlier in the day, we all put that aside and had a great time.” Beneath the rough exterior of attacks and dives for the ball is a kind, warm-hearted spirit within the women on the rugby team. When they’re not busy tackling others to the ground or wiping the dirt off of their jerseys, the Women’s Rugby Football Club can be found laughing, joking and lending a helping hand, sustaining a harmony among the team that will resonate for years to come. In the American sport of football, athletes are constantly tackled to the ground, with padding and helmets to break the fall. Hockey players repeatedly take pucks and sticks to the face, blocked by a face mask or headgear. Those running down soccer fields prevent knee scrapes and bruises with shin and knee guards. While every sport has its share of possible injuries, perhaps none compare to the combative sport of rugby, where players — save for a thin jersey and pair of cleats — remain vulnerable to the dangers of the game. However, the forcible rules and tactics of the game didn’t scare away members of the MSU Women’s Rugby Football Club. to have seems “Everyone this preconceived mentality that rugby is a super masculine sport, meant to only be played by tough men. I take pride in proving them wrong,” said junior Courtney Tononi. “It’s definitely a rough sport, but people shouldn’t judge the players by the sport they play.” Fortitude is possessed not just by individuals but the team overall, their bond remaining strong through any tackle or punch to the gut. “Us girls always joke that our only friends are other rugby players, but it’s true. I wouldn’t change a thing about the team, we’re like family,”! said senior and Team Captain Whitley Henry. TeammatesTift up sophomore Bridget Pyman in a line-out against Central Michigan University. A line- out is performed when the ball goes back into touch. THE FIGHT AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT MSU UPDATES POLICIES BASED ON THE WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE AGAINST SEXUAL ASSUALT In April 2014, President Obama made history by throwing one unexpected right hook into the chin of sexual assault. The hit did not knock out the problem, but the blow was hard enough to severely weaken it. The U.S. Department of Education then released a list of 55 colleges that mishandled sexual assault cases — MSU was one of them. Fast-forward to Sept. 18 and 21 when MSU’s Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives held two open forums welcoming the opinions from students and staff on updates to the relationship violence and sexual misconduct policy. Sapna Naik, a second year Ph.D. student in higher adult and lifelong education, sat quietly throughout the forum, scribbling notes as fast as she could. Naik, especially excited about research opportunities in the topic, believes the updates to the policy and new ways of viewing sexual assault will signal change on campus. “I’m glad this is happening, and that they’re asking for public input,” said Naik. “It’s important to know what is consent, and bringing awareness to it.” and definitions sexual violence The revised policy included expanded for domestic coverage violence» stalking, and consent. The forum also discussed aspects of confidentiality, including reporting options and which employees are required to report the problems. Additionally, it confirms students’ ability to report sexual assault with amnesty toward drugs or alcohol. Although Samantha Martin did not attend the forum, she still values the urgency to discuss the issue. Martin considers sexual assault a serious issue, and she was troubled to learn the university mishandled cases in the past. sophomore “I know people personally who have been harassed on campus, nothing serious, but the fact that even serious cases aren’t handled well makes less serious cases feel like they that shouldn’t be anything,” said Martin. Martin believes of sexual assault and domestic violence need to be acknowledged campus-wide, but more importantly the university needs to provide resources for victims. issues “There needs to be more places to go where you can tell people, even if there was a special office, and even if there is, we don’t know about it,” Martin proposed. “If there was a special office where you could go to talk to people directly, and if it became more common to report little cases, then more people would do it.”jS to reform, MSU plans As part of the initiative towards campus­ wide introduce the Sexual Assault First Year Education (SAFE) program in January 2015. SAFE is an E-leaming, interactive program that all incoming freshman must participate in before they arrive on campus. But even after the recent changes and panel discussions, some students, like senior Casey Pelton-Hull, still have issues with the policy. Pelton-Hull believes sexual assault goes deeper than simply adding prevention programs and changing definitions. According to Pelton-Hull, sexual assault has become the “other” that people find difficulty talking about. One way he believes sexual assault can become a smoother topic is by strengthening the role of the bystander. “You’re not going to see your best friend as a sexual predator,” explained Pelton- Hull. Although it is difficult to discover this truth, Pelton-Hull thinks it is necessary to see both sides of the problem and talk about them. The president’s “It’s on Us” campaign is founded upon this concept, planning to train bystanders to intervene in sensitive situations. The battle against sexual assault and domestic violence enters the twelfth round, and the opponent can barely hold its gloves up. Green emergency light stations installed throughout campus ensure students have the I ability to get help should they need it . | junior Kathleen Crowley embroiders a letter using the sewing machine. She started her embroidery business in the summer of 2014. Crowley's works are simple and stylish. Clients are able to customize and place their orders through her website. WRITER: GINA JUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHER: PHILINA CHEN DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER JUST THE RIGHT STITCH SIGMA KAPPA SISTER EMBROIDERS FOR GREEK COMMUNITY a of The sisterhood sorority constitutes drive, ambition and loyalty — but also responsibility. Schedules of those involved in sororities are packed with food and clothing drives, socializing with their brother fraternities and hosting events to raise awareness about a number of causes. Instead of spending spare time catching up on the latest TV shows or aimlessly scrolling through the world of social media, junior Kathleen Crowley finds self-fulfillment in creating custom embroidery for Greek members. As an apparel and textile design major, Crowley, sister of Sigma Kappa sorority, created her own business called Kat C. Embroidery. Catering to mainly Greek sisters, Crowley creates custom embroidery patterns on almost any garment. Clients choose what piece of apparel they want stitched, decide what they want on it, and Crowley takes care of the rest. “Sorority girls are always sending their clothing out to random companies to get stuff embroidered, which usually costs a lot, so I figured ‘Why not send them to me?’,” said Crowley. “Every fraternity and sorority takes pride in showing off what house we’re in, and I wanted to be a part of that.” Past pieces of custom embroidery done by Crowley include sorority letters on backpacks, Converse shoes, baseball caps and sun hats — finding just the right stitch for every sister. “I’m a sister of Delta Gamma and our symbol is an anchor,” said junior Julia Hamilton. “I asked Kathleen to embroider an anchor onto my laptop case, and she did it perfectly. Now, my whole sorority is obsessed with getting an anchor stitched by Kathleen on everything they own.” After customers choose a design from her website and drop off their garment, Crowley takes it into her office in the basement of the Sigma Kappa house, a space gifted by her house mother, and puts her foot to the pedal. Crowley first creates a sketch of the desired design, making sure that it is to scale and will fit on the apparel. After perfecting the monogram, she then takes to her 15-year-old sewing machine to stitch it into the fabric. The process typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, an amount of time normally spent watching the latest episode of Scandal, but worth the sacrifice for Crowley. “She does it all on her own, which really shows her character and how much this business means to her,” said junior and Sigma Kappa sister Courtney Susterich. “Her business is just one more way to connect each house to each other to build stronger relationships within the Greek community.ip Stitches are used to mend injuries, bring together pieces of cloth, and, as Crowley discovered, bind sororities and fraternities on campus. ASPIRING TO INSPIRE EN'S SOCCER TEAM SPAWI il Every day starts the same: practices at the break of dawn, hours of weight-lifting, stretching and cardio-based sessions, a couple of laps around the field and some pizza for post-practice energy. Although intense, this rigorous training schedule is the norm for the men’s soccer team. However, this routine seems quite foreign to those freshman players digging their cleats into the turf of DeMartin Stadium for the first time. It takes experienced, driven leaders to coordinate recruits, new and old, into a powerful force. Senior Asa Miller is one such player. Increasing the confidence of younger players, he claimed, is one way to reap lasting results. “It really is tough coming out of high school and being thrown into the speed of the college game, as well as the demand on the student-athlete with tougher practices and rigorous classes,” said Miller. “It would be easy for an upperclassman to not worry about a younger guy, but we’ve made MSU an elite program over the past couple years because of the leadership of the older guys.” According to Assistant Coach Kylie Stannard, Miller can relate the older guys on the team while maintaining a good relationship with the younger ones — serving as a ‘glue guy’ for the team. to Stannard also highlighted another senior player, Ryan Keener, as an incredible leader by example. “He is an absolute warrior and lays his body on the line in any way possible to help the team win,” said Stannard. “Since Ryan has been here since 2010, he has been one of the toughest and hardest working players when he trains and plays. He epitomizes selflessness in the fact that he does everything with the intention of helping the team be the most successful it can be and never seeks personal attention or accolades.” Keener’s “go-getter’ ’personality pushes him to perpetually set new goals, keeping his eye to the 2014 Big Ten Championship. The team took home victories against Stevens Institute and Western Michigan, scoring 4-0 during both home games. A 10-4 win-loss record marked the end of the regular season. illiiii mm $§***:* 1 1 i i ip 1 i SS* i ¡111111* p p » 1111 \ fipi v I Hig spisi ,vmi |S a I ' v i ■ i ’ , I i 11 ¡ills s -, H §BhkiPf ; rfli; IlftS 1 J" A- I WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE I DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI “It’s all about moving forward, though. Now, doing well in the Big Ten Tournament will increase our chances for winning the NCAA Tournament bid,” Keener said. On Nov. 9, the Spartans took down No. 23 Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, keeping them right on track. Both Keener and Miller agreed that impress while physical accomplishments people in the moment, most people will remember how a gesture or trait made them feel — whether it is through direct advice, or bits of inspiration poured into the hearts of younger MSU soccer players. “Simple compliments on the field can go a long way with everyone, especially the younger guys. You hope that when they get to their junior and senior years they do the same for their freshmen,” Miller said. “If the leadership carries over every year, our class will have left a lasting impact on the program that transcends our time at MSU, and that’s all the incentive we need. With that culture, the Big Ten titles will come.” RESULTS WASHINGTON L: 1 - 0 STEVENS INSTITUTE W: 4-0 SMU W: 1-0 AKRON W: 1-0 WISCONSIN W:2 ~ 1 WESTERN MICHIGAN W:4 - 0 OAKLAND W: 1-0 WASHINGTON T: 2-2 PROVIDENCE L: 3-2 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL PENN STATE W: 3-0 UIC T: 0 - 0 VALPARAISO L: 1-0 LOYOLA-CHICAGO W: 1 - 0 MARYLAND W: 1-0 BOWLING GREEN W: 1-0 RUTGERS T: 0-0 o|lO STATE L: 3-2 W: 2 - 0 OAKLAND L: 2 - 0 NORTHWESTERN T: 1 -1 NOTRE DAME T: 1 -1 MICHIGAN L: 3 - 2 INDIANA W: 3-2 PENN STATE W: 1-0 MARYLAND OO SÉ BHhh — ygsg 'V 1 ■ la^ɧfi É J. O— : ' : ' 1jf «m U 1 ( ' ®Éll y ’v \ 5. ", Y t ¡U & ‘ t \ jf V¥ AM;' jjjjjll jjjpjjjljIgÉ|J j| 'S ¡Éjpgj J PRIMARY MATHEMATIC WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI THE THINGS WE CARRY They say never judge a book by its cover, but can you judge a backpack by its contents? With over 49,000 students from more than 130 countries, studying a range of 200 majors, there is no saying what kinds of knick-knacks and daily essentials are stashed away in the deepest nooks and crannies. Unzipping compartments one by one, students reveal more than the fundamentals they lug over their shoulders day in and day out. They share insightful glimpses into their personal identities — and a few peculiarities. Here’s a sneak peek of what a few Spartans deem necessary to survive their everyday study regime. MADISON STINEBAUGH Special Education, Senior T THE.Y D< SCHOOL TEAGAN CHATTERLEY Studio Art, Senior 046 JEMMA FLOOD Pre-Medicine, Senior IIIPI MARY CONNOLLY Nutritional Sciences, Senior 048 ISlVDiHDIhl MCAT ORGANIC CHEMISTRY TOMMY LEE BATCHA Physiology, Junior °49 COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION ARTS & SCIENCES PROFESSOR KARL GUDE INSPIRES STUDENT INNOV THROUGH CREATIVE PROCESSES CLASS at in r\ I I A group of blindfolded students participate In a variation of a relay race for CAS 110. Students in the class were required to design field day activities and then compete against other groups of students in the class. WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE PIOTROWSKI DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ Journalism and advertising are like fingerprints; each story or advertisement marks an identity, each with its own whorls, ripples and waves. And yet, the campaigns are always fluid, ebbing and flowing to meet new audience trends. Through classes like CAS 110 Creative Processes, professor Karl Gude and the College of Communication Arts and Sciences inspire their students to be more than complacent and mundane, in all aspects of life. “A creative class is a class where students are doing things that they are not accustomed to doing,” said GudeJfThey are pushing their comfort zones, taking risks, feeling awkward and uncomfortable. They are laughing, trying new things they’ve never done before, and they are excited to come to class because they have no idea what’s going to happen next.” Gude divided his class of nearly 500 students into groups of 10, assigning each the task of designing a game that was handicap accessible using at least one bathroom and one kitchen item. A field day event on Sept. 23 at the field on the comer of Harrison Avenue and Shaw Lane allowed students to test them in real life. Whatever their major, past experiences or doubts had lead them to believe, participating in field day was the first step in helping students realize that creativity is not just for a select few. “It’s less of a class where you go to lecture and take notes and kinda have homework. It is more about broadening the way you think, thinking outside of the box, looking at things from a different perspective - kind of broadening horizons and expanding our scopes on the way we leam and the way we think about life,” said freshman Zachary Bames. The games ranged from modified versions of curling — with eggs, soap and saran wrap — to an egg-toss style game using soap-lubed apples. Although some of the games didn’t work at first, Gude claimed that the redesign was just as cmcial to the creative process as coming up with the original idea. “The class makes them realize that the only thing that is going to make them really successful is for them to take risks and try to be different,” said Gude. The draw of the class extended beyond a major requirement;: students jumped at the opportunity to sign-up for Gude’s class based on its positive reputation. For decades, “I heard that he [Gude] is a very good professor, that he is interactive and fun and can keep you entertained. He is much more of a hands- on kind of teacher,” said senior Aaron Mucciante. the world has been divided into two kinds of people along the hemispheres of the brain: those who identify with the analytical and logical left side and those that hone the creativity and artistry of the right. CAS 110 aims to abandon this narrow­ mindedness, teaching students that ingenuity is not innate but a skill to be fostered. 5°° students 50 original games 10 groups 1 day Alumna jemele Hill started her career with the Detroit Free Press, mainly covering Michigan State football and basektbail. . MSU alumna Jemele Hill shares a laugh with men's basketball coach, Torn Izzo. Izzo was one of the special guests on Hill's show "Numbers Never Lie." 052 WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: PHILINA CHEN DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ FEMINIZING THE FIELD ALUMNA AND CO-HOST OF RETURNS TO CAMPUS ESPN'S "NUMBERS VERLIE' Hundreds of ESPN fans lined up outside the MSU Union on the Friday of homecoming weekend on Sept. 26, many waiting on tiptoes looking for a familiar face, and one devoted fan holding a blown-up head of a famous alumna. As ESPN’s “Numbers Never Lie” co-host Jemele Hill entered the building, she was welcomed with an influx of enlivened cheers, thundering claps and a heartfelt hug from Sparty. “Her visit to campus was well received by everyone and gave MSU students the inspiration to realize they too can accomplish great achievement in the professional world,” said Director of Special Events Regina Cross. Fourteen years after following the typical student routine of coffee-guzzling and crunching for exams, Hill returned to the MSU Union as a professional journalist for ESPN. Hardened by years of on-screen poise and confidence, Hill joined her fellow Spartans for a live broadcast of her show. “It was fantastic having Jemele Hill on campus,” said junior Omari Sankofa, sports editor for the State News. “She’s a former State News-er and a graduate of Detroit Public Schools, such as myself. She’s definitely someone I look up to and regard as my role model.” Hill explained in an interview with WKAR that she “grew up” at Michigan State, but was raised in Detroit and graduated from Mumford High School where she was acclimated to the local fandom for University of Michigan sports. During high school, Hill desired to become a Wolverine, but had a change of heart after learning that the university had closed its journalism school. Much like her choice in alma mater, Hill’s career path also took an unexpected turn. “I never wanted to do television, period,” Hill stated. “When I graduated from Michigan State, my entire focus was on being a print reporter for newspapers. I wanted to be a sports writer. My ultimate goal was to write for Sports Illustrated.” The broadcast medium has allowed it While Hill’s face to become a recognizable brand, and a symbol for aspiring sports journalists across the country — especially women. is the climate for women in sports is better than past years, Hill explained that female journalists will typically be doubted by their male counterparts. To combat this, she recommended female sports journalists develop a thick skin. true “There’s going to be a different standard for you. I know that if me and my co-host Michael Smith were doing a show, and I misquote a stat, flub something, or forget a name, people are going to come much harder at me because I’m a woman, and there’s this expectation that I don’t know as much,” said Hill. However, Hill advised that potential gender discrimination should never steer someone away from pursuing a passion. Like many journalists before her and those aspiring in her wake, Hill was only a name on paper, a personal identity, a face in the mirror. From this, she created a national presence from her own tenacity, fostered talent and willingness to follow her ambitions down any avenue. - WE BUILT THIS CITY DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOL STUD DETROIT WITH MINECRAFT EXHIBI' An enormous Minecraft version of the Motor City radiated on the shining white marble of the Detroit Institute of the Arts. While inside the walls lay works by Picasso and Monet, projected outside were abstract 3-D masterpieces by lesser known artists: the youth of Detroit Public Schools. MineD intervention: 2014 Detroit, unveiled on Sept. 26-27 as one of numerous exhibitions in DTE’s DLECTRICITY event, stood out not just in its visual intrigue but also its mission. The project recruited students to rebuild and reimagine popular Detroit locations with few limitations and endless cube-shaped building materials. “We’d like to highlight children as visionary architects, and we’ve talked to them about how they could reenvision the city,” said Rebekah Blesing during an interview with WXYZ Detroit. Blesing, an MFA candidate in sculpture and a graduate assistant in electronic arts and media, worked with various MSU departments that contributed everything from funding to server space and topographical maps of Detroit. The project aimed to take a medium familiar to today’s youth and use it to help them explore the possibilities for Detroit’s future. Alumna Augusta Morrison, a recent art mm DA CHAVEZ 5: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONI >E FOSTER mm u . ■ill! *' m i. I * "" I H B - - -v- - - *- oB>i i u s-M I —-i 1| 1 1 Ifer*. It % R 1 l - •■*■•■ ■■■•; .r % U S ri n K % 'Ait 1 BlMmlr IP H ■ . : * -j s «gMfc 1 w «*% * 3 o i - ■■ Si mm *Pi(r education graduate, embraced this opportunity in the classroom, teaching students critical, creative thinking and problem solving, all while playing a game. “I did an assembly, and I brought in all these computers, and when I asked who played this game everyone’s hand shot up, and there was just a roar of applause and laughter,” said Morrison. “So I knew immediately at that moment that this game was going to make an impact at the school and in the community.” Blesing used the city. Showcasing the to engage festival exhibit the community as a chance the in reimagining children’s work and ideas on such a large scale makes the virtual future they created seem like a real world possibility. The festival consisted of many exhibits stretching across Midtown, but the interactive nature of the MineD project was drawing crowds of all ages. “I was shocked at how many people began to gather in the grass to watch the projected version of the game,” said Kathryn Fillinger, a recent MSU economics graduate. “They weren’t just passing by as they made their way through the festival. People actually stood there and just watched the users build and add to the virtual city.” It is simple to write off a videogame like Minecraft as a childhood pastime. It is easy to stick to traditional methods of solving problems when rebuilding a city. Those involved in MineD intervention chose to be trailblazers. They provided an opportunity for future innovators to begin to make changes to the world, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. Graduate Student Rebekah Blesing and otllr contributors redesigned Detroit in the virtual game, Minecraft. Participants had the. opporttflity to display their world on the side' of the Detroit institute of Arts for DLECTRICITY. °55 COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOURTEEN STUDENTS SKYDIVE TO SUPPORT LEAP FOR LUPUS FOUNDATION Heartbeat begins to race, palms start to sweat, and over the engine’s roar someone calls, “Ready?” Then, in a single moment of courage, the jump into a daring free-fall begins. The air is pushed into the lungs. Spit is flying uncontrollably in every direction. The ground speeds closer. And closer. The people who seemed like mere ants seconds ago are coming into view. A slight wave of panic floods over. The chute springs open, and the harness tugs upwards, uncomfortably binding the body. Deep breath in. Savour the feeling of all the senses being ablaze from the adrenaline coursing through every vein. Deep breath out. Relax and gently waft back down to safety. Fourteen students from the College lived a of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) similar experience when they decided to take a leap for lupus and skydive over southeastern Michigan. The students donned scrubs and white lab coats under the skydiving harnesses, touting their medical savvy to the spectators below. The billowing lab coats and bright green scrubs made the students easy to spot as they careened down from above. “I assumed that I was going to be screaming or yelling or something, but I don’t even know if I made a sound,” said Taylor White, a second-year student. The Leap for Lupus Foundation is an organization that pairs with skydiving companies across the country to raise money for research on lupus, an autoimmune disorder. that COM 2014 marked students have skydived to benefit the Leap for Lupus Foundation. Skydive Tecumseh takes $20 from each jumper’s registration fee and matches it for a total donation of $40 per fourth-year the jumper. On Sept. 26, the jumpers raised more than $500 for the foundation. Skydiving and medical school don’t exactly go hand in hand, but for this group, the experience of skydiving with fellow medical students for a cause made perfect sense. “I think we spend so much time studying, and in the classroom and involved in our books that every once in awhile you have to do something else. For some people that is skydiving,” said first-year Adrian Aceves. If these students are as daring in their professional lives as they are in their personal ones, the sky’s the limit for the future doctors. It takes a courageous person to dedicate their lives to saving others or to battle a debilitating disease like lupus. Jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet only proves further how brave these Spartans truly are. “A lot of times you just gotta go for it. Whatever it is,” said Mike Raymond, a second year student. “We didn’t have time to think about a lot of things up there, we were just kinda thrown into the jump. That is what you gotta do with med school.” On top of memorizing anatomy, studying for board exams and spending countless hours interning at hospitals, earning a D.O. requires a healthy dose of confidence, fearlessness fourteen medical students who took a leap for lupus demonstrated they can handle an adrenaline surge — no matter what the situation. gusto. The and SCIENCE ON A SPHERE: ABRAMS PLANETARIUM CELEBRATES "C CAT 1 jU I CONTINUED EDU(VT I KJ I NOR THE COMMUl\IITY I ) i\| BIRTHDAY WITH A collective gasp broke the silence of the pitch-black room. Necks craned upward to the replica of the sky, and mouths hung open at the sight of the infinite number of stars in front of their enlarged eyes. Astrophysics senior David Saunders rotated trillions of stars with ease, orienting the guests to face a different cardinal direction in the Abrams Planetarium. “It opens people’s minds to different philosophies and different ways of thinking about really things, because once you comprehend, or start to comprehend, how small we are and how there is so much possibility for other things to be out there and true, it tends to make people more interested in life in general,” said Saunders. A segment in Saunder’s show started with an aerial view of East Lansing, where he pointed out the planetarium in which all the show goers were sitting. Then, he flew farther away, to view the Earth, the solar system, the galaxy — flying out billions of miles in a few seconds until he reached the edge of the observable universe. Saunders enjoys the mind-blowing effects of this portion of the show. “It puts people into realization that we’re all on one rock,” said Saunders. “And it’s a lot on global awareness, environmental awareness, knowing that we do not have infinite resources. We only have this Earth.” The Abrams Planetarium has provided kids, families and students in East Lansing 058 in technology with this realization for 50 years. The original projector, the Spitz ISTP, is still displayed to show guests the drastic and important changes the planetarium received since its opening in 1964. Director Shannon Schmoll spoke about the university’s gift the planetarium’s birthday. In August 2014, the planetarium updated from a Digistar II projector to a Digistar 5 projector, which provides a more immersive experience with color. to commemorate “It allows us to expand our offerings in the sense that now that we have things like science on a sphere, and we have full dome projection, we can work with other disciplines beyond astronomy,” said Schmoll. Science on a sphere refers to the ability to project Earth’s data onto the screen overlaying the giant blue sphere itself. Schmoll particularly enjoys a map of Earth made up solely of Facebook connections, turning the usual night sky into a visualization of the social network world. She views proposals to project art onto the planetarium dome as a starting point in extending the planetarium’s offerings to classes and majors other than astronomy. However, the planetarium’s outreach goals move beyond students and ISB classes. Second year graduate student in astrophysics Kelsey Funkhouser said there are shows made specifically for families and school field trips, from finding constellations or planets CONTINUED ON PAGE 062 I WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHER: PHILINA CHEN I DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI Despite light pollution from the surrounding city, the Abrams Planetarium depicts the brilliance of the night sky. fy I 11 i 1 iilllSiBI — WM »■ 1■ 1»: HM rH ! mm Is MB ,"-r. ' j 1 ■1 ' •MWbEt ' ' « H « I — HMi fSSSlB Iff m i»» ajusfe- «Mm MOI IM wm •<-. JS S* BS • i I Jsg ^■H 1 ■ « H » . te H PH PPH ^y 1¡1 H .'A a » mu ■■gSJ&J I <}, ItÆ S i* ~ . .- fÉÉÉÉg * -«, M A, ' |É É@||ÉËÊÈ . |B 'illfM iISIMHMW. '■, 119 ■-. -,, ,.; OO-HSpil ■’ *|A v 1|1 icSiil!® . .„yrfaaBN: , -»4LOTflPTSS100■ ' : i - ' WÈÊÊËÈÈÊ i , _ g| 1». m -■i V;t I. ' : :; ' :; *%feÂSÂÿ©V'V D-C'C ÇWASïK-v :-d É^feÉMjjM li^ O : S MË gasaBaagsBBgsaBaiBfl3»«3 ■ ■ ■-■•■ ""' '. ’ ?- -I §1É ^ s ^ . LÂô OVER 160 STUDENTS SPENT 4 HOURS IN THE RED CEDAR RIVER. THIS IS WHAT THEY FOUND: 220 POUNDS 68o POUNDS OF NON-METAL 3,000 r~, /~~\ ! i k i r~\ tT' /~\ i— C' /'""' r~s POUNDS Or SLR/ i Al * : 1 M* • L- ■: :y WT-jo::;;- •:■ , * • ilSTss.;: COTiWO'. O V YOGWO AOVOO: - ■ ... ' '-.mï i W.m i -, ■;• - .. .,' > -, ;; ä . ■■■rr^f!m Ætk THE CREW FISHED OVER 30 bicycles OUT OF THE RIVER. A TOTAL OF 3,900 UNDS OF RUBBISH WAS REMOVED. OF THE MATERIAL WAS RECYCLED WITH THE HELP OF THE MSU RECYCLING CENTER. 099 RUNNING DOWN THE COMPETITION MEN'S AND WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY FINISH TRONG A’BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS The men's cross, country team leads the pack at the Bigilfen SpartaS nvitationaI.' The cross country team went on to place three, men and seven women in the top ten ' at the event. Countless miles had been logged by both the men’s and women’s cross country teams by the time they entered the Big Ten Championships on Nov. 2. Their shoes accumulated innumerable dirt stains as the soles impacted grassy earth with each stride. In one season, multifarious racing bibs were donned as runners continued to cross successive finish lines — but this race was different. As senior Leah O’Connor broke the tape, she also broke the ceiling of her team’s success as the number one ranked Division I team in the country brought home a second consecutive Spartan championship win. “Every year that we get older and better as a team, our expectations kind of bump up a little bit and I love that that is the case,” said senior Leah O’Connor in an interview with The State News. in first O’Connor placed Iowa, logging a career-best and course-record time of 19:26.30 for the 6K. On her heels were sophomore Rachele Schulist and junior Lindsay Clark, with third and fourth place finishes. Though they finished as individuals, the season’s accomplishments on this day and prior belonged to the team as a whole. “I can’t say enough about our women and the leadership of our fifth-years and the culture they have helped develop here by demanding the best out of everyone,” stated Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Walt Drenth in an interview with Spartan Athletics. “This has been such an awesome group. What they’ve accomplished to this point is truly a reflection of their work ethic and who they are as people.” In the men’s 8K race, team leaders such as junior Caleb Rhynard — who earned his career best time of 23:47 and finished fifth at the tournament, as well as sophomore Sherod Hardt and seniors Alex Wilson and Ben Miller all contributed to MSU finishing fifth out of 12 total teams. Despite the lack of a team captain, the upperclassmen came together to provide leadership and guidance for younger runners throughout 2014. pfTWe usually meet up on non­ mandatory practice days to run as a full team along with constantly trying to remind each other of team goals,” said senior Drake Veitenheimer.i“It’s a great self-esteem boost IOO WRITER: GINA JUAREZ & HOLLY DRANKHAN PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI and definitely contributes success overall.” to the team’s RESULTS The efforts of the team to improve both physically and mentally projected the men to number 22 in the coaches’ poll, the team’s highest ranking since 2010. Another round of lacing up shoes and pinning on racing numbers. Another sweaty finish, the saltiness turned sweet by victory. For junior Garret Zuk, no matter how many strides he has raced forward, he still ventures a look back. “It’s big tournaments like this one that make you think about some of the greatest accomplishments in your life,” said Zuk. “Everytime I put the jersey on, I think about the first time I ever got dressed for the race as a Spartan. It was just an awesome feeling being able to put on the green and whitei knowing that I am officially a collegiate athlete representing my school. You think about it all the time in high school that maybe one day you could make it, and it’s kind of that moment of realization that you finally BUB JEFF DRENTH MEMORIAL___________________ No Team Score BjL DELLINGER INVITATIONAL_____________ M: 1st - 20pts W: 2nd - 46pts AUTO OWNERS SPARTAN INVITATIONAL No Team Score ROYGRIAK INVITATIONAL__________________ M: 4th - 53pts W: 1st - 66pts JAYHAWK INVITATIONAL____________________ No Team Score WISCONSIN ADIDAS INVITATIONaB U M: 15th - 366ptsW: 1st - 87pts EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY CLASSIC No Team Score BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP___________________ M: 5th - 117pts W: 1st 126pts GREAT LAKES REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP M: 2nd - 82pts W: 1st - 2.8pts NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP_____________________ M: 24th - 583ptsW: 1st - 85pts IOI LEFT: A young batman in training reveals his power pose as he roams around MAC., keeping the people safe and collecting as much candy as he can. RIGHT: Unlikely brothers Rafael and Harry Potter show off their moves as they exit the Wizard of Oz scene at the Wildgoose Inn. The Wizard of Oz setup was one of the most successful attractions of the night, with students from East Lansing High as the cast creating scenes from the movie throughout the building. A mummy, a robot, and a zombie haunt the streets of East Lansing. SAFE Halloween provided a safe environment for the children of East Lansing and surrounding areas to trick or treat without any safety concerns.^; 102 NIGHTMARE ON M.A.C. I WRITER: MAGGIE NYE PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD I DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER GREEK LIFE INVITES ( HALLOWEEN CELEBRA % 1^ \ ifv J I M OM MVw/ IVI IVIJNITY YOUTH TO SAFE On the night of Oct. 23, all down the sidewalk of Grand River Avenue and M.A.C., the parents of tiny witches, pirates, blindly running ghosts and princesses in strollers were bustling in and out of business doors, struggling to keep up with their little ones. Nearby, college students formed a line outside of The Riv, beginning a typical Thursday night for Spartans above the legal age. Walking further down the street, kids lined up for candy, dragging a parent in tow, meeting the Greek students on their turf. One father of a princess could let go of her hand, knowing they had reached a safer Halloween celebration. Safe Halloween is an annual event hosted by MSU Greek Life, welcoming the help of all campus organizations. Its goal is to provide a secure and stimulating space for the local community during the trick-or-treat season. For children, Halloween is a much- anticipated holiday. However, underneath the costumes and makeup, there is still some danger in the tradition of visiting neighbors door-to-door. A night walking the sparsely-lit sidewalks of East Lansing can be unsafe for a college student, let alone an 8-year-old cowboy hoping to fill a pillowcase full of sweets. Heading north up the sidewalk, Greek students collaborated with local businesses such as Curious Bookshop, the Student Bookstore and Cosi to set up booths, passing out Tootsie Rolls, Dum Dum’s and Three Muskateers to young trick or treaters. “The Monster Mash” played on a sound system in the distance, acting as a beacon of excitement for the mob of mini-monsters to head toward. “This event does great things and has been going on since I was here in 2003,” said former Sigma Kappa member, Rana Hardaloupas, and mother of Lily, who roared in her lion costume from the stroller next to her. “Not everyone in the Greek system can rise to the top and care about the local community.” Greek members lined M.A.C., situating themselves behind tables covered with chocolates and sweets, inviting dinosaurs and Batmans to trick-or-treat at their table. Bounce castles sat in the yards of some Greek houses, while others had games like com hole. Sorority and fraternity members embraced the antics, playing alongside the children of the East Lansing community. The Safe Halloween “street carnival” was busy with hundreds of costumed characters, all riding out their sugar rushes. “The fun we have at Safe Halloween together lasts longer than the two hours we spend playing games together,” mentioned Chloe Westley, vice president of community relations of the Greek Panhellenic Council. “We create care packages for kids who are sick or unable to attend, and we help raise money for local philanthropies like Ele’s Place and also UNICEF, bringing joy to the community far after the event is over.” Sophomore Courtney Sullivan, a recently-initiated Kappa Alpha Theta sorority member, stood in a driveway on M.A.C., talking with parents while smiling little jedis and costumed cmsaders stirred around them. H‘The great thing about this event is that it gives families a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween together, and it lets the Greek Life here at MSU interact directly with the people we live around,” said Sullivan. “I hope it was as cool for all of the families that came as it was for us. The fact that some of the cutest little kids I have ever seen showed up didn’t hurt the experience either.” Halloween in a college town can be anything but safe. Students in “big kid” costumes, mnning around on liquor rushes! wreaking havoc over the streets of East Lansing, are the predominant trick-or-treaters on the infamous night. Safe Halloween bridges the age gap, bringing the community together in an event that invites ghosts and fairies to shake hands and share a bag of skittles. UNITED AS RIVALS ROTC MEMBERS RUN FROM ANN ARBOR TO EAST LANSING TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES HPm V I t H Jma * ■ «Jag ■mm m m I ai i - i® i issfc M ■ ■ i i JP m ■ / B ;0 a Iffii« * fHF is I . 1§ 1 Three members of the Spartan Battalion, MSU's ROTC group, stand at attention at the finish line for Alex's Great State Race. The runners from both U of M and MSU finished at the steps of Demonstration Half WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE PIOTROWSKI DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI On Oct. 24, the day before the U of M vs. MSU football game, the state of Michigan was divided. Both Spartans and Wolverines prepared to claim the Paul Bunyan trophy as their own, and animosity towards the other team coursed through bloodstreams. Thus, the troop of maize and green running side-by-side in solidarity toward Spartan Stadium, footballs in hand, was unexpected to say the least. After about five and a half hours of jogging and 32 miles into their journey, the runners tried to take in as much oxygen as they could through sharp inhales. ROTC members and a few ultramarathoners were halfway between their starting point, Ann Arbor, and their destination, East Lansing. To each runner’s left was a blue block letter “M.” To his right, a white Spartan helmet. Only a cause powerful enough could unite the two universities on rivalry day — and Alex’s Great State Race didn’t disappoint. Alex Powell dreamed of being a Spartan but passed away from cancer in 2011 when he was only partly into his freshman year. Named in his honor, Alex’s Great State Race was created to provide funds for students with disabilities. Since MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) helped Powell during his life, contributing both to this group as well as the U of M ’s Services for Students with Disabilities was a way to credit his memory. More than $60,000 was raised from the event. MSU freshman and ROTC member Paul Rankin ran a total of 20 miles in honor of Powell. He said each ROTC member ran five-mile legs, resting on four buses between legs of the race. The last five miles were run together by all members from both schools as well as the ultramarathoners. “I was in the Army Ten-Miler, so we were training to run ten miles and this was a Michael Richmond displays the game ball that was carried the entire 64-mile distance. The game ball was presented to Sparty upon crossing the finish fine. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 105 part of our training, so that we could help the disabled students on campus,” said Rankin. Rankin said the experience was both rewarding and exciting, not only because he managed to survive running 20 miles, but also because he knew this challenge would pay off for the students that he was running to support. While Rankin did not run the entire journey, Michael Richmond, a committee member of Alex’s Great State Race, friend of the Powells’ and an avid runner, decided to run the entire 64-mile distance. Richmond was proud to run alongside the “amazing men and women” of the ROTC, no matter if they ran 20 miles, 30 miles or the entire distance with him. “Once the ROTC caught up to us, which was just south of campus, the energy was just incredible — there’s nothing like those guys,” said Richmond. “Usually in a race you’re pushing yourself to get beyond people and pass people and whatnot; this was just an effort for us all to run collectively and run together and inspire each other.” Students and families, dressed in green and maize, lined Chestnut Road next to Demonstration Hall in anticipation. Signs, flags and cowbells were dispersed among the crowd. The final announcement came over the speaker, saying runners were just two minutes away. They appeared around the bend, holding Spartan and Wolverine game footballs and proudly hoisting an American flag. Some runners slipped a smile as they passed friends and family members, while others looked straight ahead to the white finish banner. As the runners triumphantly crossed the finish line and moved beyond the rigid color guard waiting for their arrival, all sense of rivalry was quieted. Bradley Disbrow, a member of Spartans Fighting Cancer, attended the event in support of the RCPD and for his friend that knew Powell. “We want to help the Great State Race and the RCPD in anyway we can,” said Disbrow. “We’re all working together, whether it’s through learning about cancer awareness or getting funding for cancer research or funding for cancer care, it’s all part of the same goal to create a world without cancer.” There was calmness in the commotion as runners caught their breath after the lengthy journey. After 64 miles, they reached the finish line. However, this was only the beginning in helping to bring aid and awareness to resources for disabled students. THE ROAD AFTER PASADENA TUMULTUOUS FOOTBALL SEASON FOLLOWS ROSE BOWL VICTORY On Oct. 23, at 5:45 p.m., quarterback Connor Cook launched a 21-yard pass down the field. It was caught by the wide receiver Tony Lippett, who ran more than 70 yards with heavy strides, a small defensive army of University of Michigan players lunging after him. As he crossed the end zone, screams of “Yes! Touchdown MSU!” erupted from the sound system. The student section yelled their approval, turning left and right to double high-fives with friends and green-and-white- clad strangers as the hopes of a victory spread contagiously through the crowd. Ranked eighth in November 2014, the Spartan football team worked to uphold their spot in athletic history after their Rose Bowl victory in Pasadena, Calif., the previous season. Before the 2014 season, the NCAA implemented a playoff system in which the top four teams in college the nation in CONTINUED ON PAGE Î louse to tailgate before the aters can be found both on d off campus on game day. the A century-old tradition, an annual showdown, a perpetual rivalry. Like a sun-kissed sea overflowing with algae, idyllic colors surged through East Lansing sidewalks. As they converge on the stadium., seats overflow with game-day spirit. Players line up helmet- to-helmet, ready for the snap. Some defend home turf, others their Big Ten standing. All fiercely uphold their honor. Where were you when U of M and MSU once again faced off at Spartan Stadium? 108 8:00 Students wake to the dilemma of no cell phone reception. Prepare to tailgate. WRITER: THE CONTENT DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER 10:20 A thudding bass from Sigma Chi fills the surrounding Grand River Avenue area. Lawn littered with 8 o destroyed red Solo M CUpS. # 9:00 Football players feast on ■ • eggs, greasy bacon, ri fluffy pancakes, Ontasty hash browns and fruit. 11:37 Spartan Marching Band delivers Band-O- Grams to donors around campus. 8 109 12:00 Cheerleaders take photos at tailgates with 8-year-old boys who are crushing hard. 12:43 Two East Lansing cop cars arrive at the 100 block of Collingwood Dr. (it was bound to happen eventually). no • f-i • 1:30 Eager students swarm the stadium after a two-hour Oh wait. hH TOP: Students raise their fists in solidarity as MSU maintains a commanding lead. MATTHEW MITCHELL LEFT: Tony Lippett holds up the Paul Bunyan Trophy. MSU has won six games in the last seven years. MATTHEW MITCHELL RIGHT: Sparty runs onto the field at the beginning of the game, thrusting a spear into the grass. MATTHEW MITCHELL 2:30 U of M junior linebacker Joe Bolden stabs stake into turf. Not cool. 1I 8 • a 1:40 Foursome in row 17 play euchre in the student section. • • B a CO 3:24 Spartan Alma Mater plays. Student section links arms and sways in MSU tradition. 3:44 MSU scores first touchdown. Student section erupts. 5:02 Zeke the Wonder Dog entertains the crowd for halftime. Home advantage 14:3. fs l c TT^ AA^ . 4:11 After Connor B Cook is sacked by the U of M defense, a Oh distraught MSU fan in row 17 asked, "Where "T- did we get these refs, Ann Arbor?" CONTINUED FROM PAGE 108 RESULTS football face-off at the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. The winners of the two games would then challenge one another at the NCAA National Championship — but the competition was savage. “Our ultimate goal is to play in the national championship,” said Nick Hill, a fifth year senior and running back. “The fact [is] that we have to play with a chip on our shoulder, and we’re constantly being doubted for an elite team.” In the final three minutes on the clock, the Spartans scored their last touchdown against U of M, securing the lead against their archrivals in the mitten state showdown, 35-11. Lurking two weeks later was a more competitive match against the Ohio State Buckeyes. For the crowd, it was an intense loss was game, but for the players, devastating. The Buckeyes defeated the Spartans 49-37. the “Up until the loss [against OSU] I felt great about the season” said offensive guard Connor Kruse. “This loss was tough on all of us, and as a senior it hurt even more. But all we can do now is move on. We are still a great football team and will continue to play as one.” And the team did just that. Despite a 20 point defecit with four minutes remaining in the third quarter of the Cotton Bowl, the Spartans fought back to beat the Baylor Bears 42-41 for their fourth consecutive bowl win. MAGGIE NYE fa dl \c 6:25 Smelling victory Sparty takes the field sporting his Paul Bunyan outfit: a flannel shirt a full-facial beard and an axe. 6:52 Cheerleader Hannah Wojcik's enormous emerald earrings sparkle from the "nosebleed- section" as she shakes her pompoms. 7:08 Students chant the fight song for the 24th time. 7:10 #51 Connor Kruse posts an instagram picture with Paul Bunyan trophy. Final score Spartans 35:11. 113 ill ABANDONED POOL Campus is filled with iconic and historic attractions: Sparty Statue, the Red Cedar River, Beaumont Tower. Plastered on posters, promoted in brochures, printed on T-shirts. They serve as rites of passage, inexorable stops on a student’s first tour of East Lansing, to their final hurrah as seniors, donned in graduation gear. the 1983, But among these renowned locales less-traveled crannies of campus. lie Though not as frequently visited, presumably abandoned, these locations enclose a serene solitude — a mysterious history — left for every Spartan to uncover. Before skateboarder’s sanctuary was filled with splashing students, but as years progressed and buildings evolved, the pool in room 107 of IM Circle eventually was drained. Other than occasional visits by the Department of Kinesiology to conduct experiments, remains desolate, waiting to welcome the ever-changing classes of Spartans to rediscover its former glory. the pool this WRITER: NATALIE KOZMA PHOTOGRAPHER: NATE REVARD DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS HO WHERE ARE SPARTANS FROM FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Q Iko Q IyO UNCONFINED: LOGAN STARK QQloo an upward battle 212 WINTER CLOSING LESSONS OF YESTERDAY STUDENTS AND LANSING RESIDENTS GATHER TO SHARE POEMS OF DECEASED WRITERS “Sometimes I growl, shake myself and spatter a few drops for history to remember. Then — I forget.” The words of Carl Sandburg’s poem “I am the People, the Mob,” filled the intimate comer of Dublin Square. Junior Rebekah Small delivered them with power, hands animatedly moving with the flow of each stanza. Small’s words cast vitality on the three-time Pulitzer Prize winning poet whom she embodied, now almost 50 years deceased. The Dead Poets Contest, hosted by the RCAH Center for Poetry and the Old Town Poets in Lansing on Oct. 28, welcomed poets from every decade to share stories of love, empathy, world suffering, neurosis and nature. A panel of judges selected winners who best embodied their chosen poet; this included costume, the expressed persona of the poet and the reading of the poetry itself. Though history does not it does repeat itself, rhyme. Poetry-enthusiasts impersonated writers like Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Bums, Robert Frost and Sylvia Plath, passing on lessons from past decades to a modem audience. “I think [the poem] kind of relates to today, because Carl Sandburg was a big part of The Civil Rights Movement, and I think there’s a lot of stuff happening today with that same sort of feel and that same message,” said Small. “The poem that Em going to read kind of reflects that, because it’s very serious, but in the same way, it’s self-reflective because he realized that he is part of the society — he is part of the whole picture.” Junior Hannah Schulte, member of the MSU Slam Poetry Team, used the event as an opportunity to perform someone else’s work rather than her own. Schulte believes poetry holds the answers for when people cannot explain their own feelings; poets are gifted enough to put feelings to words and make every poem personal for its reader. For this reason, Schulte believes poetry “can resonate with a lot of people in a lot of different ways.” “It’s something that anyone can say, but not everyone can say it in that way,” said Schulte. Reading the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay, Schulte said she identified with Millay’s “bleak sassiness.” Schulte explained this attitude was best reflected in Millay’s poem “Spring,” which takes an otherwise beautiful and enjoyable freedom from winter and turns it into a grim affair, saying spring is not all it is cracked up to be. Some attendees like junior James Jensen chose not to take a spot on the stage but rather sit back and listen to the famous poets brought back to life. “Everyone kind of has this idea of poetry where the poetry you leam in elementary school and middle school, it’s kind of forced down your throat,” said Jensen. “But, there’s so many different kinds of poetry, like spoken word, which is almost rap, and then there’s haiku. I think there’s a different level of detail and a different level of beauty in every poem.” Transcribing the human condition, poets live on in their words that showcase history and art. Expelling the final lines of Sandburg’s poem, Small darted back to her seat and sat down. As she forced out the last of her nerves with an exhale, she was transformed from an accoladed poet back to a young student surrounded by congratulatory smiles from friends. unior Isabel Marer dresses up as the American rapper 3C Shakur and reads his poems 'The Power of a Smile' ind 'Life Through My Eyes' at the Dead Poets Contest, ntestants dressed up in the spirit of dead poets the WRITER: CHELSEA MONGEAU PHOTOGRAPHER: CASEY HULL DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS MARGINALIZED SPACES STUDENT ACTIVISTS RALLY ON CAMPUS IN WAKE OF SOCIAL INJUSTICES They marched. Against the cloudy gray sky, they were an incandescent spectacle of flags, black sharpie on fabric displayed for passersby. Autonomy, solidarity, the black paint silently screamed. The moving cloud of fervent protesters was almost irresistible. from in front of the Auditorium to the Hannah Administration Building — students literally brought personal stories of on-campus rapes and run-ins with alleged rapists to President Simon’s front door. But what spurs students to rally in The crowd of about 70 students marched down West Circle Drive, leaving no room for cars in either direction. “If they’re not going to listen, shut it down,” the crowd chanted. Many sprawled onto the sidewalks, as the Black Lives Matter protesters and their banners were too wide to be confined to the road. Shots fired in Ferguson, Missouri and unrest in New York City lit a fire in students hundreds of miles away. On Oct. 29, time carrying mattresses marked with ‘End Rape Culture’, student activists crossed Farm Lane, this time fighting what they believed to be a repetition of rape culture at MSU in a campaign titled Carry That Weight. In wake of Michigan State’s Title IX investigation, where universities across the United States were investigated for improperly conducting investigations into rape cases, MSU Students United organized a protest. Marching this protest of national issues? “I’m a senior this year, and I didn’t start doing anything or paying attention to injustices until recently,” said Jennay Opie, one of the organizers of the Carry That Weight protest. “One big change for me in becoming an activist was just spreading awareness to incoming MSU students and freshmen and getting more people involved.” Opie cited going to a high school and college predominated by a mostly homogenous student population as why she hadn’t been as aware of social injustices as she was during her senior year of college. Her travels during her study abroad changed that. CONTINUED ON PAGE 124' Many students were unable to attend the event due to classes. Therfore, many created their own messages of support to carry and display throughout the day. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 121 Opie was abroad in the Netherlands during the MH17 Malaysia light that took off in Amsterdam on July 14, 2014 and was hit by Russian missiles. 283 people perished from the crash. Opie said she saw people congregate in Amsterdam, all coming to mourn, to cry and to ultimately heal together. After returning to school for the fall semester, Opie was inspired to rally for the causes that she was passionate about. Opie advised freshman activists to never doubt the weight of their own voices. incoming . “One thing would to be to know that your voice can make a difference,” Opie said. “Know that you can make a difference and open your eyes.” For other students, activism became an outlet, a way to spark discussion and hold onto pride in the midst of personal catastrophe. With a professor and friends standing by for encouragement during a rally on Oct. 29, sophomore Mara Abramson passed on a tearful testimony of her own struggle in the aftermath of a sexual assault. “Stay pissed, stay angry. It’s not your fault,” Abramson said to her audience of 50 students that had carried mattresses with her to the Hannah Administration Building. Senior and Black Lives Matter protester Salem Joseph struggled with whether or not she was doing enough to consider herself an activist. Joseph then realized that activism can take many forms. “The moment where I decided I can consider myself an activist was when I decided I was going to be myself unapologetically, and that meant really owning and accepting and loving my blackness, my being a woman and my being queer and that was something that was a really, really strong moment,” Joseph explained. “I decided this is who I am and this is what I’m going to fight for and move to help others understand.” Though spaces within activist groups are typically considered to be ‘safe’ places where everyone in the group has a similar mindset and goals, Joseph said that activists must be sure that voices of minorities are heard in what she described as ‘marginalized groups’. there’s still Joseph explained. “Know “One of the most difficult things of activism is even with so many of these movements, this erasure of marginalized people even within marginalized that groups,” sometimes you have to fight some of these same battles within the places you should feel safe in, and that’s okay because you have every right to be heard just like some of these men or other racial counterparts and there’s a reason that you’re there.” Whether students prefer marching for their cause down West Circle Drive, or sharing their opinion as a stream of 140 careiully- chosen characters on twitter, their voices have proven to be just as loud, as quiet echoes of change filter to each end of campus. TOP: Students march along West Circle in protest of the current status of police relations in the United States, BOTTOM: A student speaks to a crowd of community members during the Michael Brown candlelight vigil. I The Business College Complex off of Bogue I Street is relatively quiet on a Friday afternoon. WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: CHESTNUT ZHANG DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS BILLIONAIRE ALUMNI ELI AND EDYTHE BROAD DONATE $25 MILLION FOR EXPANSION From humble beginnings, the College of Business began in 1861 with just two areas of study offered: commercial law and bookkeeping. Today, the school has expanded to 5,816 students, constantly building and renovating to give its students the best business education possible. On Oct. 26, billionaire philanthropists and MSU alumni Eli and Edythe Broad gave a $25 million donation to the College of Business. Known as the challenge grant, this sum was intended to physically and financially expand the college to match the growing needs of students. Professor and Dean of the College of Business Sanjay Gupta said that the “right kind of space” is needed to develop future leaders who spark positive changes in existing businesses and create new ventures. learned through “We have focus groups and feedback from students who chose to attend other business schools that state-of- the-art facilities are essential to continue to attract top students,” said Gupta. University officials intend to build on the donation to raise another $80 million. The total investment of $105 million will support the development of a new graduate pavillion as well as new labs and digital classrooms for student learning. The number of scholarships and faculty endowment funds offered will also increase. “When an important figure is donating money to your progress, it shows that they’re investing into your future, and that’s what makes you want to keep pushing to get better,” said accounting senior Elbe Collier. Another way that the grant helps to encourage student success is through the establishment of a leadership talent fund that recruits experienced business speakers to mentor students. Finance junior Nolen the Masserman said professional world will help students network and hear new perspectives. such and experienced figures will not only improve the pedigree of the school, but it will serve as an additional motivation for the students,” explained Masserman. that speakers renowned from have “To to be Although plans have yet finalized, coordinators remain hopeful that the changes will foster a new generation of doers who make business happen. “I am so for Eli and Edythe Broad’s commitment to offering an exceptional, accessible education to so many,” said Gupta. thankful HANDSPRINGS FOR HOPE WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS OPEN WITH JAN HOWARD MEMORIAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MEET Under the bright fluorescent lights and through a haze of chalk and dust, a sea of green, white and pink filled the Jenison Fieldhouse stands. Fans eagerly awaited the start of the eighth annual Jan Howard Breast Cancer Memorial Meet on Jan. 24. The crowds were springing with anticipation at the home opener of what promised to be an exciting season for Spartan gymnastics. Jan Howard, mother of former MSU gymnast Angela Montieilost her battle with breast cancer and inspired the team to hold their annual meet to honor breast cancer patients, survivors and those who have lost their battle with the disease. “It was exciting to see two teams come together and wear our pink leotards and have some great competition for an even better cause,” said sophomore Holly Ryan. Montie, the director of student-athlete development, said that the first Jan Howard Breast Cancer Memorial. Meet held in 2001 came about because of the close connection she had with gymnastics Head Coach Kathie Klages. Klages coached Montie at MSU and was her club coach when she was younger. “I always say this when I speak, that my mom would be horrified for all the attention,” said Montie. “She was very much a behind-the-scenes person but would do anything and everything for somebody else. She just didn’t want the recognition for it. Hopefully this event honors the way she lived her life trying to help people.” The Spartan gymnasts, ranked 15 in the NCAA, hosted the Minnesota Gophers in their first home meet of the season. The Spartans fought for their 500th program win. Three of the gymnasts earned scores of 9.9: junior Nicola Deans on vault, junior Lisa Burt on the uneven bars and sophomore Elena Lagoski on floor. MSU finished with a team all-around score of 195.750, just 1.125 behind the Gophers. Despite the defeat, the team showed signs of growth from the previous week against Iowa and Ball State. team “The stayed focused and improved upon their team score from last week,” said Klages, in an interview with Spartan Athletics. “We had an outstanding all- around performance from Lisa Burt again this week|including a first place on bars.” Burt was proud of her personal performance and the impact of her team’s annual tradition. For her, the day was more than just a typical meet. “It’s so great seeing both teams putting all the competition aside and coming together to raise awareness about a cancer that affects a lot of people,” Burt said. Montie stays involved with the meet every year. In 2015, she was accompanied by her two daughters as she handed out flowers to the top-ranking gymnasts. She said that since having two daughters of her own, the way she looks at the meet and raising awareness has changed. “I now get how my mom felt and my grandmother felt,” said Montie. “I’m always like ‘I’ll fight it.’” After the birth of her two daughters, Montie realized that the fight against breast cancer was a battle that not only she faced, but could some day affect her daughters. “So it became even more important to me from the sense of, like, we really do need to raise awareness, and I want my daughters to be aware,” she said. and gymnastics may While the pairing of breast cancer seem awareness fighting breast cancer and unexpected, becoming a gymnast are not so different. They both require patience, determination, strength, a little bit of hope and the support of family and friends. RESULTS BOWLING GREEN L: 194.075 pts. IOWA W: 195.625 pts. BALL STATE_____________ W: 195.625 pts. MINNESOTA_____________ L: 195.750 pts. RUTGERS________________ W: 194.950 pts. BROWN_________________ W: 194.950 pts. WISCONSIN-QSHKOSH W: 194.950 pts. PENN STATE____________ L: 193.425 pts. MICHIGAN______________ L: 194.850 pts. PITTSBURGH____________ W: 195.150 pts. ILLINOIS________________ L: 194.850 UIC ____________ W: 194.850 pts. TOWSON_______________ W: 196.275 pts. RUTGERS W: 196.275 pts. YALE____________________ W: 196.275 pts. ARIZONA______________ L: 194.350 pts. EASTERN MICHIGAN L: 194.350 pts. BOWLING,GREEN L: 194.350 pts. NEBRASKA QUALIFIER 3rd:195.250 pts. LEFT: Sophomore Elena Lagoski poses on the balance beam during the Jan Howard Breast Cancer Memorial Meet. RIGHT: Sophomore. Holly Ryan performs an arabesque while on the balance beam. STUDENTS GAIN VALUABLE INSIGHT FROM INTRIGUING UNIVERSITY COURSES STORY ON PAGE 132 7:59 a.m. - it's time. Computer is booted up, coffee is in hand. Hundreds of students await the opening of the schedule builder website, knowing they must somehow get the jump on the mob of Spartans about to storm through the URL's gates. It is every student for his or her self in this fight to coordinate classes for the coming semesters. At 8:00 a.m., the race is on. There are, of course, the standard classes: WRA, ISB, CEM 141, MTH 103. However, with over 150 undergraduate majors, what unconventional classes could students find themselves clicking "enroll" to, among that extensive web listing? m '■¡¡m m - m 3 I Sophomore Denise Jones drives the horses back to the I stables with ANS 141 teaching assistant senior Geran Shaw in preparation for the upcoming final. In ANS 141, students | learn the basics of hitching, harnessing and then driving the I . draft horses. I WRITER: GINA JUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER may one day be my clients,” said Anderson. “Also! working with large draft horses and further understanding their behavior has been beneficial too.” Students work with the horses closely to train them to pull equipment. They begin by walking alongside the animal, teaching them basic commands like “gee” to turn right and “haw” to turn left. Students then guide the horse to a cart or wagon, hook them up and drive them around the horse farm. Senior and animal science major Kristina Anderson traveled beyond Mount Hope Road to meet at the MSU Pavilion for her required animal husbandry course. The class is a combination of lab and lecture to better enhance students’ education about draft horse breeds and the physics of draft horse pulling, as well as hoof care and how to braid a horse’s mane for showing. “I’ve been accepted into the veterinary school for next year, so it’s been really helpful getting industry more since a lot of the farm owners and managers to understand the SW 290 - SURVIVING THE COMING ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE; DISASTERS, CATASTROPHES AND HUMAN BEHAVIORS event. Each week, Professor Glenn Stutzky randomly assigns his students to small survival groups in which they will face an online catastrophe simulation students encounter new scenarios to which they must react as a group. These may include stumbling across a bloody body sprawled across a cement floor or finding blood-soaked clothing that their comrade was wearing only moments before. “I have always been interested in how humans behave during times of disasters, and the School of Social Work has a summer elective program in which I was able to develop and offer this course,” said Stutzky. “While I could have chosen a natural disaster like a hurricane or volcano for the catastrophic event, I wanted to find something more interesting He and zombies make everything more interesting.” Stutzky was the first professor at MSU to produce a movie-like trailer to promote his class. One year, students in the class even dressed up as zombies and scared passing students to advertise for the class. Adding on to more than 100 students that enroll for the course every summer, there has been demand from the military, police force and emergency managers to take the course as well. Sophomore Kevin Hodge plays the role of Zed the Canadian zombie to promote a class studying the effect of disasters and catastrophes on human behavior. CASEY HULL RCAH 202 SECTION 4 - THE PRESENCE OF THE PAST: AFRICAN MUSIC Throughout the semester, students learn about the history of Sub-Saharan Africa and the integral role of music in shaping cultures and events. Along with listening, writing, talking and reading about different genres of African music, students in the class form ¡groups and are required to create a performance that emulates the original type of music that was performed. Taught by professor Joanna Bosse, the students are encouraged to play any instruments and sing any songs they desire, moving to the rhythm that has come to influence several different genres of music heard today, such as rap, R&B and hip hop. “I was always so used to taking social studies classes and learning about the basics of different cultures - the food, way of life and standard of living,” said sophomore David Grisa, who took the class in fall 2014. “But being able to learn about the musical preferences of different groups within Africa was so interesting and different than any class I’ve ever taken.” Freshman Audrey Flood plays the mibra, an African instrument that produces sound through pressing and releasing lamellas, at the rehearsal for the African music class. This course introduces several African musical genres, techniques of performing African instruments and African history. PHILINA CHEN ONSTRUCTING NEW ROLES MADISON HOXSIE CHALLENGES WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IN A SORORITY After a sweaty day vacuuming water from a flooded basement, the intern in ratty green pants, a youth-sized boy’s polo and bulky construction boots walked back to the site. A car honked at the worker as it drove by. Trading her dusty construction clothes for an Alpha Omicron Pi shirt after a long day of work, senior Madison Hoxsie was still baffled and amused as to why the only time she received catcalls on site all summer was the day she felt most like one of the boys. Prior to transferring to MSU, Hoxsie firmly believed she would never join a sorority. Her opinion changed when she was introduced to Alpha Omicron Pi, however, and the sister now serves as the sorority’s vice president of standards. There was no such waivering when it came to choosing a major in construction management. Hoxsie had known for some time that she wanted to pursue a career in construction after joining mission trips in high school, building wheelchair ramps for the elderly, re-roofing homes and painting drywall. It wasn’t long before Hoxsie fell in love with the process of building. It was not until after she partook in both sorority life and construction management that Hoxsie noticed the two did not often correlate. “I’ve had the realization that these are very contradictory,” said Hoxsie. “But, I’ve never thought, ‘This is going to be weird’ or, ‘This isn’t going to work because I’m doing construction or I’m a sorority girl.’” Hoxsie is one of six women in her graduating class for construction management, which includes about 40 men. While she rarely feels intimidated surrounded by men, Hoxsie explained she only has flashes of “being out of place” when she is the only female at a construction site or in a lecture. “Girls don’t necessarily know there are these opportunities,” said Hoxsie. “I think we’re definitely making progress, but I’d love to see more women on the construction site. I think a lot of media and toys train girls to go Madison Hoxsie works on a blueprint for her class. She not only focuses on the construction aspect but also the design. WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHER: CHESTNUT ZHANG DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI against the technological route.” these stereotypes and A supportive environment is important against statistics. Hoxsie’s sister, Alpha Omicron Pi member and fifth year student Morgan Hoxsie, attributed both her and her sister’s independence and confidence to their relationship with family and sorority members. “Since my siblings, specifically my sisters, and I are close in age, we were great bench marks of achievements and competed for success,” said Morgan. “We are confident in our abilities because our parents and community were very supportive and taught us that both failure and success teach us about ourselves and the world around us.” The resilience Hoxsie displays is not only apparent to her immediate family, but also her Greek family. Alpha Omicron Pi President and senior Olivia Manning claimed Madison embodies every quality their sorority stood for — her need to succeed outshining any fear of overstepping boundaries. “She’s very driven, she’s very passionate, and she’s just fun to be around,” said Manning. “She owns herself every day, and she is one of those people that’s like, ‘This is who I am, take it or leave it. You can have your own opinions.’” Hoxsie views her leadership roles, both on-site and in the sorority house, as mortared bricks composing the same wall. Her core skills and values serve as a foundation upon which to build an identity — all her own from endless materials and imagination. "I think we're definitely making progress, but I'd love to see more women on the construction site." M— i— B7 TOTAL STUDENTS ATTENDING MSU BY REGION ROM OTHER CO1 II-5O 5MOO IOI-25O 25I-5OO 5OI-IOOO IOOI + BALL FOR BERLIN A FRATERNITY'S METHOD OF BATTLING CANCER IN THEIR OWN, PHYSICAL WAY The fraternities began the game by uniting under the same cause and the American flag! linking arms and swaying together, as a student from a sorority sang the National Anthem. After the final note was sung, each player grabbed either a yellow or a red flag belt and separated into two rivaling teams, beginning the two hour flag football battle on the field. The time clock started counting down, and girls from the Spartan Dance team started to lead a cheer for the crowd. Throughout the game, the brothers supported each other from opposite ends of the field by helping an injured player off the field and slapping the backs of players from the other team with brotherly love. The score went back and forth with each possession; Beta Zeta was down in the first half but had a huge comeback in the second, keeping the tension high and the air fizzling with energy. The game ended with a final score of 14-13, with Beta Zeta claiming the win. Stephanie Chace, sophomore and member of Zeta Tau Alpha, was a part of the crowd at Ball for Berlin. “As a friend of Alex’s, being at the game was powerful. It was an experience that you could feel,” said Chace. “Even his family came. I was proud to be there.” for Berlin did what Though it wasn’t a formal football game, evident with faulty flags and illegal tackles, Ball the fraternities wanted it to: support Alex Berlin and other survivors with Ewing’s Sarcoma by coming together for a game full of friendly their philanthropic competition. Through efforts, they raised over $1,000, established a new tradition and gained bragging rights until next year’s showdown. a At Munn Field, showdown commenced as Beta Zeta and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternities fought for bragging rights and a gold, shining trophy in a high-energy flag football game. The crowd was zipped up in boots, mittens and Northface coats, but even the cold could not keep audience members in their seats. The brothers shuffled around the field, flags trailing behind their bodies like tails, teasing the eye as if begging to be pulled by the inner mischievous child in each player. The energy and electricity radiated from the players as both teams approached each other, ready to dominate for the cause. On Nov. 15, Ball for Berlin was an event arranged to raise money for the Miles2Give Foundation, an organization that specializes in Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer research. The event was inspired by fraternity brother and alumnus, Alex Berlin, who shortly after graduation in May 2014 was diagnosed with the disease. Alex Loji, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon alumnus and friend of Berlin,! expressed his gratitude for the support that Berlin has received from these fraternities. “It was great to see this kind of turnout and support not only during Ball for Berlin but throughout his entire treatment,” said Loji. Upon learning of his diagnosis, Berlin’s fraternity brothers started a trend “Lift for Berlin” to lend support to those carrying the heavy burden of cancer by staying active and posting proof of their fitness online. Nick Godfrey, Beta Zeta’s philanthropy chair, said that throughout 2014, the fraternity posted pictures of them doing exercise activities, such as lifting weights or playing sports, with the tagline “Lift for Berlin” to show their support for their brother. Theta Chi senior Reilly Quigley sprints down the sideline during charity event Ball for Berlin. The event was created to raise funds for cancer research. - COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE BRINGS POSITIVE TWIS TO TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM Out with the scratch of chalk against a blackboard and the temperamental switches of overhead projectors, in with hand-held iPads and interactive SMART boards. Gatherings the 31st Annual MSU College of like Education Technology (EdTech) conference are leading expeditions to the top of the ever- rising technological mountain teachers face in the classroom. Approximately 300 educators and community members attended the conference, held on Nov. 15 at Erickson Hall. Event highlights included a presentation delivered speaker and co-founder of by keynote CoderDojo NYC, Rebecca Garcia. This non­ profit organization not only teaches young students how to code, but also how to merge creativity with technologic advancements. Garcia was named a U.S. White House Champion of Change for Tech Inclusion for bringing STEM education to underrepresented groups of students. “See technology differently,” advised Garcia. “Not as a distraction, but as a tool of empowerment. Learn to fail and learn to collaborate.” Presenters ranged from elementary in teachers to MSU’s Masters school leading Educational Technology students, workshops about how to apply new technology to classrooms. Topics included building a professional learning network with Twitter and incorporating iPad apps. Some Spartans are utilizing the power of electronics and applications in their teaching ventures abroad. While instructing English in Turkey, sophomore Zaina Mahmoud realized that although laptops and cell phones can be a distraction in college classrooms, technology can be helpful for young students. foreign language “Teaching a to kindergarten students was almost impossible,” said Mahmoud. “I was teaching in a privileged area though! so they had access to SMART boards. It made my life so much easier. The only thing that would captivate the students’ WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: PHILINA CHEN DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER attention after playing with toys were ABC cartoon videos on YouTube. Eventually, through these, they memorized the alphabet.” Despite these benefits, Laurie Mack, an attendee and technology teacher at St. Hugo Elementary, emphasized the importance of balancing modem advancements with more traditional teaching tools. “It’s important for teachers to pay attention to books, too. Students need to remember how to open books while technology keeps advancing,” said Mack. Whether using their fingers to flip through the pages of a book or touch an aluminosilicate screen, students and educators continue to explore the hands-on learning potential of today’s teaching tools. ;)a%ervice teachers ¡earn to use different apps on iPads " for effective use in the classroom. The EdTech conference; focused on integrating technology into the classroom. RESULTS TOLEDO_________________ W: 7-0 DETROIT_________________ W: 7-0 BALL STATE______________ W: 7 - 0 EASTERN ILLINOIS W: 7-0 LOUISVILLE______________ L: 4 - 0 IUPUI_____________________ W: 6-0 MEMPHIS_______________ L: 5-2 WESTERN MICHIGAN L: 4 - 3 DARTMOUTH L: 4-2 YOUNGSTOWN STATE W: 6-0 I TEXAS____________________ I L: 7-0 PENN STATE_____________ W: 4-3 OHIO STATE_____________ L: 7-0 DETROIT W: 4 - 0 NEBRASKA______________ L: 4-3 IOWA W: 4-3 NORTHWESTERN L: 6-1 ILLINOIS_________________ L: 6 -1 MICHIGAN L: 4-3 WISCONSIN_____________ L: 4-3 MINNESOTA_____________ L: 7-0 I PURDUE_________________ I W: 6-1 INDIANA W: 5-2 NEBRASKA______________ L: 4-3 144 Tennis can be a lonely sport. In singles settings, it’s one player against another, sharing nothing but the ball that they bounce between opposite ends of the court. A match is full of intense stare downs and high-energy swings and sprints. The stress of being in one’s head and having every move depict the game’s outcome can be a daunting responsibility. But what if there was a second pair of eyes, a second racket and a second set of feet to sprint across the court? Midway through the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Kickoff play, freshman Jasper Koenen and senior Doug Zade were undefeated doubles partners on the MSU tennis team with a record of 9-0. “We learn from all of our matches, whether we win or lose,” explained Koenen. “Our coaches push us to achieve excellence and become better tennis players and better people. Our [captains] hold each person on the team accountable for all of our actions.” The team’s season unfolded positively with a few minor hiccups along the way. They had four matches in a row against University of Detroit Mercy, Toledo, Eastern Illinois and Ball State that reflected their highest potential in which they won every match with a score of 7-0. Better seeded teams such as Louisville and Duke proved to be a challenge. “We have come up short as a team against higher ranked teams so far, but we are right on their heels looking to step on their throats if we get a chance,” said Zade. Head coach Gene Orlando is proud of the team’s work ethic and their commitment to the program. , “This season, we have played a very challenging schedule that I believe will prepare us for the Big Ten season,” said Orlando. Before joining MSU, Koenen played as an individual tennis player in his junior tennis career. Traveling to different tournaments proved to be lonely for him. ii WRITER: MAGGIE NYE PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE PIOTROWSK DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI DOUBLE THE SUCCESS MEN'S TENNIS DUO SERVES UP 9-0 RECORD Freshman Jasper Koenen and senior Doug Zade I I prepare to return against their rivaling doubles. partnered with someone who’s brand new to the collegiate sport experience. senior “Being a involves more leadership and||s bittersweet, because I feel] like I have to give it my all before I’m done,” said Zade. “Being paired up with a freshman is a great experience, because I can help him a lot with things I’ve picked up along the way, and he teaches me a lot from what he has learned from being on the team.” Though the team had some downfalls this season, they came through with highlights that outweigh those downfalls. One of those highlights was this unlikely doubles pair, who did more than drive the statistics up; they were a good fit for each other and the team. H5 Sii®® However, Koenen found being a part of a Big Ten team to be a new and rewarding learning experience. As a freshman paired with a senior, he learned as much as possible from his more experienced teammate. “Being a freshmen on the team gives me the chance to soak in every experience as this is all new to me,” said Koenen. “Playing with Doug has been rewarding because he is able to pick me up when I might not be playing my best and he gives me a lot of great advice on and off the court.” The advice that Zade gave to Koenen was helpful and could be applied to many situations in Koenen’s tennis future. “I try to keep it simple as possible and tell him to stay loose in the moment, be confident that you’re good enough to win and most of all have fim going after your opportunities,” explained Zade. From a senior’s perspective, Zade described how beneficial it can be to be THE NEW RECRUITS Looking up, a fierce glimmer sparked in her eyes as she set up for the serve. All seemed silent but the pop of the ball bouncing off the racquet and the skidding of tennis shoes making sharp cuts across the court. The audience held its breath — the rally seemed to go on for longer and longer — until finally a yell of excitement alerted the crowd that sophomore Athena Trouillot won the point against her Cleveland State Viking opponent. “Yeah, baby, yeah!” A well-known motto of Austin Powers, it is also the latest pump-up phrase for members of the women’s tennis team. With early-season victories against Eastern Michigan, Oakland University,' Western Michigan and Purdue University, the Spartans had reason to chant their way on and off the courts. “Last year we got into the rankings, and it was a pretty big deal because we haven’t done that in a really long time,” said Trouillot. “But everybody kind of freaked out and didn’t know how to deal with it. So this year the coaches told us that even though we’re in the rankings, we need to stay focused. You can be happy for a little bit, but don’t let that satisfy you.” Striving to build upon each individual match, the team emphasized the support for one another — mentally, emotionally and physically. This was especially true of the mentorship between upper classmen and the four newly-recruited freshmen. Freshmen Allie Baer, Lexi Baylis, Aslina Chua and Colleen O’Brien stepped right into the season ready to make a positive impact and demonstrate their passion. At the Purdue match on Feb. 15, Baer defeated her opponent 6-0, 6-0, and Baylis improved her singles record to 20-3. “It’s exciting as a freshman,” explained Aslina Chua, who came to East Lansing from Malaysia. “I like challenges and the nature of sports makes me competitive, thus pushing me to excel. There’s a little bit of pressure for me to maintain my standing, but I need to take into consideration that the ending is not something I can control. For now I’ll do what I can.” The new players have much to offer the team, said senior Julianne Gruber. “It’s really nice to have a strong freshman class, because they will be able to carry the team when the older people leave,” said Gruber. “Having a young team is always a good thing, because they will continue to develop and get better throughout their four years. I think they are making a big impact and will continue to help us pull out some big wins in the future.” With matches nearly every weekend, including a five match series against Big Ten teams in March, team rankings continued to fluctuate throughout the season. The key, said Head Coach Simone Jardim, was to concentrate on improving each week and simply let the rankings follow as a reward for the team’s hard work. “We had a great season last year and want to do better,” explained Jardim. “We had five wins in the Big Ten season, were ranked several times and qualified for the ITA kick off. The team wants to do better, win more Big Ten matches and qualify for the NCAA tournament. They have high expectations for themselves, and I believe they can achieve these goals.” Lined up shoulder to shoulder down the edge of home court, the finished players scream out their final chants, helping to give their last teammate that extra boost to win the match point against the Vikings on Feb. 7. “There are a lot of distractions out there,” explained Jardim, “But at the end of the day we all want the same thing, and they are all here for the same reason.” Various teammates practice at the MSU Indoor Tennis Facility. This 69,000 square-foot facility includes eight courts and seating for 1,200 spectators. WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: CHESTNUT ZHANG DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER RESULTS EASTERN MICHIGAN W: 5-2 OAKLAND W: 7-0 CALIFORNIA L: 4-0 FRESNO STATE W: 4 -1 CLEVELAND STATE W: 5-2 DETROIT W: 7-0 WESTERN MICHIGAN W: 5-2 IPFW W: 7-0 BOWLING GREEN W: 7-0 TOLEDO W: 6-1 DEPAUL L: 4 - 3..... uic 1 W: 7-0 CONNECTICUT W: 5-2 RUTGERS W: 5-2 NEBRASKA W: 4-3 WISCONSIN W: 4-3 MINNESOTA W: 4-3 ILLINOIS W: 4-3 NORTHWESTERN L: 5 -2 INDIANA L: 5-2 PURDUE L: 6-1 MICHIGAN L: 7 - 0 PENN STATE L: 4-3 OHIO STATE 6-1 L: MINNESOTA L: 4-1 " w ? SPARTAN hBHH if - : WÊÊ JAMES MADISON COLLEGE JAMES MADISON STUDENTS ATTEND FIRST NUCLEAR POLK WORKING GROUP MEETING 148 WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE PIOTROWSKI DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI “I’m interested in nuclear security because once I graduate, I hope to work in the line in international or national security, perhaps with energy policy or the nuclear policy fostering that occurs,” said Crabtree. the the After success of first meeting, the group planned to continue their discussions, aiming to educate future nuclear policy makers about technologies they are attempting to regulate, and prevent scientists from feeling trapped by unrealistic rules. T see a lot of really cool things coming out of this if people are committed to it,” said Sherman Garnett, dean of the James Madison College. “I think we should have these little groups of scientists and non-scientists that force us to talk to one another. I think it is really important.”* MSU’s policy working nuclear group signifies a cease-fire between policy scientists. Bigger problems makers and exist in the world of nuclear security than misunderstandings between those who make the rules and those who follow them. Instead of expending energy battling one another, the group is looking to build a strong collaboration between the technical and political, to create more effective nuclear policy in the future, The two sides of nuclear policy can seem like distinct factions on either side of a war. On one front are the policy makers, who are separated from scientists working under current government regulations by a chasm-like knowledge gap. However, budding minds in James Madison college and the nuclear science program are working to end this disconnect. is to “One of our goals foster interdisciplinary collaboration on nuclear security issues, study current nuclear security problems security and publish nuclear policy,” said Kalee Hammerton, a graduate student in nuclear chemistry at the National Superconducting Laboratory (NSCL). Cyclotron The Nuclear Policy Working Group’s first meeting was held at the NSCL on Nov. 18. The forum discussed topics from each side’s perspective, including issues like public fear, alternative nuclear energy sources and nuclear waste storage. While the scientists asked questions about how to make nuclear energy research less worrisome to the public after events like Fukushima, James Madison students like senior Matthew Crabtree asked questions about “dirty bombs” and ways to produce less nuclear waste. "I think we should have these little groups of scientists and non-scientists that force us to talk to one another. It think it is really important." MBBHBHHnmnm TOP: Powerflex ropes hang in an organized fashion at the back of the cyclotron building. Contrary to popular belief the cyclotron building is home to three cyclotrons, rather than only one. BOTTOM: An employee in the cyclotron building drills through metal on a project The cyclotron employs both undergraduate and graduate students, along with professionals in the industry. WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ 81-YEAR-OLD TOWER GUARD BRINGS IN OUTSTANDING STUDENTS TO SERVE OTHERS WITH DISABILITIES in Standing proudly the heart of campus is Beaumont Tower. The majestic brick monument that pierces the heavy tree cover of north campus is a familiar sight for most students. However, there are some who, because of disabilities, are unable to recognize the brick and mortar of the beloved landmark or hear its hourly chime. For these students, the tower and its inhabitants serve as a promise that they are not invisible to the Spartan community. “Beaumont Tower is a symbol of an equal education for all students, and Tower Guard is the group that guards and believes in that idea,” said current member and sophomore Hannah Hull. The MSU Tower Guard was founded in 1934 as a women’s honor society dedicated to volunteer service on campus. It has since branched into an organization that works closely with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) to assist students in taking written exams, transcribe textbooks into versions that can be read aloud electronically to those with vision impairments and raise money to benefit RCPD programs. “I really like interacting with the students, and since I have recently changed my major to special education, it is kind of cool to see a linkage between special ed. and what I’m doing,” said Hull, a special education and elementary science major. The Tower Guard is comprised of sophomores who ranked in the top five percent of the freshman class. Members are chosen for their demonstration of the group’s four fundamental pillars: leadership, service, scholarship and character. This year’s group consists of 65 members, each one spending an average of four hours per week volunteering for RCPD in order to complete their required 120 service hours for the year. After their tour is up, members are eligible to continue working for RCPD for the rest of their time at MSU. “Tower Guard helped me grow as an individual but also as a professional,” said alumna Kaitlyn Hlywa, a former Tower Guard historian. “At RCPD, 1 created alternative texts, read books, and read and scribed tests for students. As a result, both of these organizations gave me the opportunity to reach out into the MSU community and to build relationships with both students and faculty.” According to Hull, the process of transcribing a textbook into an electronic version that can be read aloud is an intensive one. It first begins with scanning each page into an image format. The next step is to use a recognition software that identifies the text from the image file and transfers it to a new document. Tower Guard members then tediously review the recognition to make sure the program copied the text correctly, looking for small errors in spelling or punctuation and for general readability. to the executive board biographies on the Tower Guard website, Vice President Anarida Delaj joined the group knowing she would make a difference in students’ lives on campus. According to join it my goal “When I first heard about Tower this Guard, I made organization, because its mission is what truly captivated my heart,” said Delaj. “Working with the RCPD and helping other students in their journey to achieving an education is very meaningful.” The students of the guard dedicate their year to reading materials and taking tests for classes that they were never enrolled in and credits they will never earn. Without them, MSU could not keep its promise to provide all students with the tools they need to make the most of their education. Sophomore Andrea Hess unlocks the door to Beaumont Tower. Hess, who is president 'of Tower Guard, joined the group because of her desire to help people, Hi WRITER: MAGGIE NYE PHOTOGRAPHER: PHILINA CHEN DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI STUDENTS REVIVE THE CLASSIC ART OF OPERA curtain, Gamer explained how elaborate the rehearsal and planning process is before the performance is brought to life on stage. “Working backstage is a different kind of valuable experience in this program,” said Garner. “We start rehearsals two weeks before school starts in August because the opera is in Italian and we have to learn the pronunciation and memorize the lyrics ahead of time.” One such singer was first year graduate student, Andrew Breuinger, a bassist studying vocal performance who played the lover of Fiordiligi. “As a singer, there’s nothing like putting everything together with the costumes and lights,” said Breuninger. Junior vocal student Alina Tamborini interjected, adding, “And the orchestra! Singing with the orchestra is an amazing feeling, having the music be so full it carries you while you’re singing.” Conducted by Marcello Cormio, a professional conductor from West Virginia University, the MSU Symphony Orchestra provided the instmmental structure to the performance. though, “The best part is seeing all the work we have all put in to this production in one fantastic end result,” said Breuninger. truly, Off in the wings of the stage, someone yelled “Places!” and the performers shuffled to their positions onstage. The familiar curtain rose, the performers and audience inhaled a collective breath, ready to begin Act Two. As the classic maroon velvet curtain in the Fairchild Auditorium fell to the stage, in excited whispers the audience spoke about how wonderful the performance was so far. An older gentleman unwrapped a mint from his pocket, his wife shooting him a disapproving glare as he loudly removed the crinkly wrapper. Behind the curtain, however, a chaotic cacophony ensued. Mary Gamer, the productions stage manager and junior in the College of Music, flew around backstage, helping zip up the dress of a soprano while getting the sound technician to turn down the male vocalist’s microphone. She whizzed across the set, from one end of the stage to the other and called, “15 minutes ‘til top of Act Two!” to the dressing room. This was a glimpse behind the scenes of the show. “Cosi fan tutte” is Mozart’s 1790 comic opera that is currently one of the most performed operas worldwide. The opera centers around six different characters, all in complicated intertwined relationships. They struggle with fidelity and understanding their affections for one another. The College of Music produces one mainstage opera each semester. Students who are in the music program audition for and receive roles according to their vocal part, such as soprano or alto. Due to the fact that the college’s vocal program is classically- focused, the Students are required to audition with classical style pieces. “We work with five different vocal professors who want to see their students succeed,” said Garner. Music students who aren’t selected often take roles in production, like Garner’s position as stage manager. Half listening to the voice on her headset calling “ten more minutes” until SILENCE AMID THE NOISE MSU CENTERFIRE MEMBERS EXPLORE THEIR PASSIONS BEHIND THE SCOPE “Range is hot,” yelled a student, warning other shooters as guns loaded and pointed down the range. A red flag climbed the flagpole, safety glasses were secured and earplugs were squashed into ears. Senior Michael Niezgoda delivered an improvised monologue on the increase in popularity of the Smith & Wesson revolver with the creation of “Dirty Harry” as he raised his .44-caliber Magnum revolver. Silence. He pulled the trigger and the gun emitted a wave of energy similar to the deep bass of a stereo, punching through chests before the mini-explosion was even audible. The bullet left a puff of smoke and the smell of burning sparklers as it traveled down the range. The bullet casing dropped gently into Niezgoda’s hand. Serving as president and founder of MSU Centerfire, Niezgoda brings his club out to Looking Glass River Sportsman Club about once per month, shooting from noon to sundown, to fuel veterans’ passions behind the scope, and help newcomers take a steady aim. Originally a member of the MSU Rifle and Pistol Team, Niezgoda believed the group did not offer an appropriate facility or variety of guns for riflemen aspiring to expand their knowledge. “My sophomore year, when we were still at the old facility, I had so many kids come up to me saying, ‘Hey, do guys shoot shotguns?’ or ‘Do you shoot centerfire rifles?”’ said Niezgoda. “I had to tell them, ‘No’ and, from that, I just saw opportunity. There’s all these people out there who are interested in such a broad range of shooting sports that no one offered.” The club also offers opportunities for those who are both eager to learn how to shoot, or hesitant to come to a range. “We’re out here, basically, to try to educate as much of the general public as we can. And, if they don’t like it after they’ve I WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHER: CASEY HULL I DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ tried it with us, and they’ve seen who we are, that’s fine. It’s not for everyone. Not everyone should own a gun,” said Niezgoda. For junior Sean Albert, the club helps him understand the past. As a history education major analyzing documents from battlefields, Albert can begin to understand the confusing mix of epinephrine and tranquility that pumps through soldiers’ veins when he, too, grips a weapon. “People looking in on it would see firearms as being this more violent venture, because you get intense percussive this boom,” said Albert. “It seems really intense and all this adrenaline and rough manliness and everything, but...when you actually shoot, you can’t think like that. You have to be calm, relaxed and you have to control that adrenaline.” Freshman Kyle Nevins, a former Marine, grew up on a farm and has been shooting his entire life. MSU Centerfire offers Nevins a therapeutic way to unwind. “It’s soothing. I’ve done it so much, it’s just one of those things that’s natural for me, so I just go shoot and just get into the swing of it,” said Nevins. “I don’t need to concentrate as hard as when I first started. For me, it’s just a flow. You just don’t think about the little stuff when you’re out there. To an outsider, the intimidating burst of a gun and the proceeding elimination of a target seems unnerving. But, as the members of MSU Centerfire step up to the line, point their powerful device and quiet everything in the outside world, they feel anything but intimidated. For them, it is a rhythm, an education and an escape. Kyle Nevins takes aim through the scope on his AR-15 rifle. Nevins was a former Marine and is the secretary of MSU Centerfire. STREET ARTISTS CREATE PIECES THAT INSPIRE RATHER THAN OFFEND It’s 2 a.m. Graffiti artists across East Lansing quickly grab their belongings as they prepare to walk through campus. Aluminum cans of spray paint, a water bottle and a cell phone — these are the essentials. Just as an artist reaches his destination, he hears faint sounds of sirens in the distance. Sweat starts to form in his hands and on his forehead. Now he’s asking himself what he should do and where he should go. It’s 4 a.m. The artist forces himself to declare his work complete. There’s still so much he wants to go back and fix, but he’ll leave it. Some work will forever remain unfinished. East Lansing street artist “Kebt” says that he grew up with a pencil in his hand at all times. Lines and strokes that were once just doodles on scrap paper have become the biggest inspiration in his life — the kind that he hopes transcends to his audience. CONTINUED ON PAGE 160 Pops of color are added to Kebt's surreal depiction of Mark Dantonio underneath the Farm Lane bridge. Kebt likes to use splashes of bright colors rather than purely representational colors to help communicate his creative purpose. ÉÈÊâBÈÈËÈÊm "GRAFFITI IS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND A FORM OF ART. 1 THINK IT IS AN IMPORTANT WAY TO EXPRESS AND BE REFLECTED IN THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND YOU." CONTINUED FROM PAGE 158 “It’s definitely an outlet and it teaches me a lot,” said Kebt. “I feel good when I see my work, and even though I try to spend the least amount of time on one project so I can go to the next one, it’s hard not to just stare at it and want to fix small things.” Kebt has created portraits of Mark Dantonio and Albert Einstein to remind others of hard work, determination and perseverance. The artist said that the power of their character alone conveys messages to viewers that words cannot always give. In his painting of Einstein, Kebt made sure to draw attention toward like the wrinkles around specific details, Einstein’s eyes and the way his hair lay right above his earlobes. Through simple mediums, artistsgjike Kebt are breaking conventional viewpoints and using art to reestablish their right to freedom of expression. Kebt says that as long as the content of his and other graffiti artists’ work is not offensive to any group of people, the MSU police are generally okay with it. “Graffiti is freedom of expression and a form of art,” said graduate student Samar Harfi. “I think it’s an important way to express and be reflected in the environment around you. It fosters a sense of belonging to the environment and is therapeutic to some people.” However, the MSU police have differing thoughts. According to Sgt. Florene is considered McGlothian-Taylor, graffiti vandalism. Students have permission to draw and write in chalk, but paint is unacceptable. The MSU ordinance law 28.00 Signs and Structures states that no one has the permission to “efface, alter, tamper with, destroy or remove any sign or inscription on any property governed by the Board.” “With The Rock, there are specific rules,” said Sgt. Taylor. “Students must first go through the MSU Public Affairs and Services, and then get approval from the grounds as well as the MSU Police Department.” Still, Kebt and other grafitti artists continue to decorate East Lansing structures under the cover of darkness, fighting to escape legal and expressive restrictions. Armed with aluminum cans, creative prowess and a watchful eye, everday concrete becomes these artists’ canvas for all passersby. WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER WMBBsSsm HH LEFT: York affiliates stood at The Rock through the rain and snow to share the warmth by passing out stickers to spread the word on their company's ideals. RIGHT: One of York's bestselling items stands proudly on display. The company currently designs and sells hats and tee shirts, but has. plans to extend their catalog of items in the future. As become temperatures frigid, snowfall once again finds its way into East forecasts. Students arm Lansing weather themselves with warm mittens, beanies and scarves for their treks across campus; bundling up in extra layers simply becomes part of the morning routine. However, some local residents are not able to afford the necessary protective gear that a Michigan winter undoubtedly requires. For this reason, students collected bags of woolen socks, thermals, gloves, hats and scarves as part of the Share the Warmth clothing drive. This drive, catered specifically the toward collecting winter apparel for homeless of Greater Lansing, was organized as part of the York Project. In 2012, junior Joshua York created his own clothing company, York Apparel, which matches sales of hats and T-shirts with the donation of a similar clothing item to the homeless. “The purpose of Josh starting the York Project wasn’t to drive sales — it was to pay it forward,” said junior Ava Karaitis, member of Marketing Mix. “That ideal is what has attracted so many volunteers to help, including myself. [York] wants to make it more of a movement than a company.” Throughout the month of November, student groups such as the Ski Club, Marketing WRITER: GINA JUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER Mi •. A - gjpp" Mix, Spartans Rebuilding Michigan and Phi Delta Theta fraternity volunteered at the Share the Warmth clothing drive to collect donations. On Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, volunteers gathered at The Rock to collect donations and spread the word both verbally and through social media. Students donated a variety of winter clothing items which were then delivered to Volunteers for America for distribution. “While donating money and food is just as helpful, no one ever thinks about how the homeless of Michigan don’t have the clothing necessary to withstand our gruesome winters,” said junior Monique Thakur, organizer of Share the Warmth. “It’s just something we take for granted.” The goal was to raise 2,000 winter clothing garments and $2,000 to match the estimated 2,000 homeless in the Greater Lansing area. The clothing drive only fell short by 800 garments. “It’s important for students to help out, because they will be our leaders of tomorrow,” said York. “By getting involved with the community now, it will hopefully carry over after graduation to make a better place to live — for all of us.” ■ \ a": DISMANTLE AND REPAIR DESIGN FOR AMERICA CREATES SOLUTIONS FOR GREATER LANSING RESIDENTS A wooden table at the Hive in Wilson Hall was littered with construction paper, pipe cleaners, Play-Doh, yam, and Lego pieces — building blocks for the imagination. With this myriad of supplies at their fingertips, Design for America’s members began an icebreaker for their first meeting. The challenge? Design a hypothetical tool that would allow a liger — a hybrid cross between a male lion and female tiger — to put its food into a grocery cart. With 60 seconds on the clock, the groups hurriedly assembled, dismantled and reassembled their contraptions. MSU’s Design for America campus chapter is one of 21 at universities across thè nation. The group identifies problems in the Lansing community, such as post-traumatic stress disorder in residents as well as English language employment opportunities among refugee families. Once the team identifies a problem, they begin to acquisition and brainstorm solutions. Each semester, Design for America’s 20 members choose three to four issues and divide their studio into small interdisciplinary teams to tackle each one. Sophomore Libby Hoffman said that each team’s aim is to answer one “how-to” question for the project they undertake. For their year-long refugee project, the members worked to answer, “How can we help refugees acclimate to their Lansing communities?!”^ to According Refugee Development Center, between 400 and 700 refugees are resettled in the Lansing area each year. the “Some are English speakers, but it is not their native language,” Hoffman explained. ‘‘The main issue is language and the second is getting a job.” With language programs already existing in the Lansing area, the team several WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: CHESTNUT ZHANG DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI 20 TOTAL MEMBERS DIVIDE INTO TEAMS TO TACKLE ISSUES, ONE SUCH ISSUE BEING REFUGEE ACCLIMATION I Of 21 DESIGN FOR AMERICA CHAPTERS FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES 4OO “ 7OO REFUGEES ARE ESTIMATED TO LIVE FN THE LANSING AREA BY THE REFUGEE DEVELOPMENT CENTER decided to help refugees find jobs, particularly by helping young adults move out of their parent’s home. Since Design for America has only been at MSU for a year, members such as Hoffman feel that the group has not yet had the opportunity to make long-term changes to greater Lansing. “What we see every time we start a project is how it brings hope to people and places,” said Hoffman. “We’re just trying to nurture the society we live in.” In addition to the refugee project, Design for America has addressed local food security and worker’s safety concerns in past projects. For their year-long amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) project, members interacted with and interviewed four patients afflicted by the neurodegenerative disease. According to studio director and Design for America’s campus chapter founder Evan Fried, spending one-on-one time with ALS patients as well as attending numerous team support group meetings helped understand the struggles individuals with ALS face on a first-hand basis. the the opportunity “I think it’s fun to meet interesting to do people and have something for these people,” said Fried. “It’s cool to come up with ways to change people’s lives. It’s changed the way I view my life and how I view problems, by thinking more strategically.” Ehan Gnanendran, a club member and senior, said that the projects give him confidence tackle personal problems revolving around school and relationships. to “A lot of people think they can easily do something with a great idea they get, but it doesn’t usually work out that way,” said Gnanendran. “It takes a long time and requires a lot of refining to make it successful. But overall, these projects help me think about my own problems more clearly.” As the seconds ticked by, club members looked around the room at the colorful tools surrounding them. Some stuck pipe cleaners into blobs of Play-Doh, while others chose to scissor pieces of construction paper. Whether creating a Lego brick masterpiece for a liger or finding a way to help refugees acclimate to the Lansing community, members continued to flex their cerebral muscles — assisting others along the way. Associate Dean Barbara Smith and Yenupini Tonlaar, doctoral student from Ghana, educate people on campus about the Ebola outbreak. The duo was part of a panel created to help people to establish proportional and realistic concerns for the disease and to help calm down some of the unnecessary hysteria it has caused. WRITER: GINA JUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI COLLEGE OF NURSING HEALTH CARE RESEARCHERS AND NURSING STUDENTS DISCUSS REALITIES OF THE EBOLA VIRUS alone, evening broadcast and cable news stations collectively aired 975 segments about Ebola. quarters, Close insulated study sessions and cramped desks allow viruses to pass between students with ease. Although inconvenient, minor illnesses do not typically engender serious panic. However, in September 2014, the world was exposed to a virus no dose of Airborne could cure. The outbreak of the lethal Ebola virus triggered trepidation across the nation. Many Americans questioned healthcare professionals’ in treating the deadly virus after the disease, originating in West Africa, was detected in one U.S. patient traveling from Liberia to Dallas. competency in Dallas, health care “The good news is, we are much more equipped than countries in the developing world to handle those who become ill and should be able to prevent an infectious disease catastrophe,” said Barbara Smith, associate dean for research in the College of Nursing. “Although there may have been some mistakes made institutions and professionals have learned from those instances and from the successful treatment of most of the cases treated in the U.S. thus far.” the first patient was remained immediately quarantined, many skeptical of the virus’ containment, especially due to extensive media coverage. According to MediaMatters.org, in the month of October Although “While I do believe it is an issue that should be taken seriously, I think the media has blown it way out of proportion and started a lot of unnecessary panic,” said nursing junior Kaitlin Aldea. “I think the bigger concern should be finding ways to help people in Africa find a cure, or at least aid them in containing the disease and preventing it from spreading;” in Other students the College of Nursing, such as junior Alex Ryder, viewed the Ebola hysteria as a critical lesson in following proper protocol during a crisis. “As a future health care worker, the recent Ebola outbreak has really hit home,” said Ryder. “It has shown me how important it is that I am informed about current issues so that I am able to provide those that I help with the most accurate information possible.” Rather than join the panic-brigade, both Ryder and Aldea chose to recognize facts: U.S. citizens have a staggering low risk of contracting the virus compared to individuals in African countries. As future health care professionals, they hope to pass on such knowledge and assurances during times of crisis. WITH A VIM VIM MAGAZINE LAUNCHES 2014 FALL ISSUE fall The Editors, photographers, this all semester, which was creative directors and fashionistas strutted through the glass doors of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. They sported luxurious dresses, suits and catchy ties fit for the red carpet- styled gala. Four months of caffeine-fueled meetings, drafts, re-writes and edits were spread out on tables and topped off with Hershey kisses. On Dec. 3, VIM Magazine Fall 2014 was finally released, and its creators held the finished product for the first time. “It feels really good. We worked on really tedious and a lot of work, but it was well worth it when I saw it tonight and got to see my name in print,” said senior Simone Carter, a women’s fashion writer for VIM. the biyearly magazine reflected the diverse and stylish population of students, showcasing major trends spotted around campus as well as on the runway. With 63 pages of content, a record breaker for the publication, the magazine was able to incorporate a wide array of topics for every student interest: tips for lips, men’s holiday style, DIY crafts and notable Spartan spotlights. All of the material — including photos, copy, graphics and even clothing — were created by VIM staff. “One of my favorite spreads focused on international students and where they draw inspiration from,” explained their fashion Co-Editor-in-Chief junior Amanda and Kadykowski. “Students from Uganda, China, Malaysia and Guatemala all discussed their favorite incorporate their wardrobes.” their looks and how issue of cultures they into 15 lies first their takes Since success releasing 150 fresh student-run The magazine’s issue in November 2010, VIM has grown students. Collectively to employ incorporating college- and aged spins on an assortment of topics, the publication earned a spot in StyleCaste’s college magazines. top in keeping readers entertained and wanting more, explained Kadykowski. Many of the articles are written with a hint of humor and include distinctive references to East Lansing. This year’s members focused on showcasing what they refer to as the “VIM voice.” . “If you look up the definition of ‘vim,’ it says it’s a lively and energetic spirit, and that’s what we want our magazine to senior Megan explained Cecil, the public relations director of VIM. Cecil and other members projected their VIM voice from The Rock, Wells Hall and the Business College Complex during the campus-wide launch on Dec. 4. After an evening of elegant celebration, it was time to roll out the red carpet along to Hagadom. sidewalks from Harrison represent,” Sophomore and hospitality business major, Yiren Wang poses for a photoshoot with VIM magazine. VIM brings a variety of styles and trends to campus for viewers to pick up on and create new, and creative looks. I IR: GILLIAN CARR A ilLICD. K1 ATC fl\iK O f\ jKyf&g 'fMn fe A Mb l^K*l||i#:i'yflMr^wl T. flak«**. *'“-'• Jlr-m , / :i ' ., [ % 1 % '«* *fj :W| ■ "%4k m pH hjhF * Jr Mpf^ Jlf pas i ■ . P W •pCL J A .II ' im » - ’-V. Ail # "Xf ? li \ ni MPKHhHMS SSfev B »' • % ;n «■p Et % I * ft '1 » -w i ''-ram § 1 L 4»> ;: 7. i i! jNir af* # ;-v #: iyfl V X» ; - ■■■ iPI ISIllBiu-,.- I ¡ttlll"*, 4;-‘--' MV HI feaif SIS * iiV-, -■i'--.. ----, ,.r- • _-*- .. • K V‘-i S ¡¡M - -' ' squ ■.. _^y teMrtte ..: sS»# STUDENTS OF FLIGHT It’s like climbing the hill of a massive rollercoaster, soon to be just a speck in the air, feeling every jaggedy bump as the ground becomes farther and farther away. Surmounting the peak, a shortness of breath occurs while waiting for the negative g-force to come. However, the anticipated drop never comes, but instead is replaced by the surprising motion of leveling out. Becoming one with the wind at 110 mph, the thrill of a plane ride is unmatched. “Sometimes when I’m flying I’m just like, ‘What the hell am I doing? Why am I 3,000 feet in the air right now?f it just happens so quick,” explained Spartan Aviators President Elizabeth Brandon. childhood Stemming senior Elizabeth flight, fascination with Brandon and her brother, junior Jake Brandon, recalled their grandfather telling pilot stories from his experiences in World War II, including low-pass flybys with his wingmen to tip over sailboats. from a “It’s something as a kid you never forget,” explained Elizabeth. “It’s like I want to be that person.” Carrying on the family flying tradition, the two siblings began to pursue their private pilots license around the same time, starting with Jake in 2011 and Elizabeth in 2013. “The most fun part about flying is just flying in general,” explained Elizabeth. “Just being in the air, especially when you’re soloing, is just this empowering feeling, like ‘Dude, I can fly anywhere.’” In an effort to bring aviation enthusiasts together in a positive setting, Jake and Elizabeth formed Spartan Aviators in Spring 2014, acquiring 130 members by the winter. Turning the club into a full-out family bonding experience, Elizabeth’s twin sister, Jenna, also joined as secretary. the Brandon family As much as support one another in pursuing similar passions, minor quarrels of competitiveness still occur. Elizabeth said there are occasions WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: LAUREN GABOURY DESIGNER: T1A ROGERS mentioned discounted rates on the 70 hours of required flying time. According to Jake, although this seems a substantial amount of time, especially for a college student, it’s crucial for students to get a feel for different planes, rehearse protocols for various emergency situations and learn the general rules and procedures of flying. While people have a natural tendency of wanting to be in control, successful students of flight will eventually learn that it is sometimes best to simply let go. “The phrase, ‘The plane flies itself’ is really hard to get used to,” explained Jake. “When you’re landing or taking off, the plane has a natural tendency to fly. When you’re learning, you always want to be doing something. You always want to play with the yoke, but the flight instructor always has to remind you just to let the plane take off, let the plane land because it will literally do it by itself.” Mastering the art of aviation is undoubtedly difficult, but the scanning of the horizon paired with a rewarding release from gravity makes it worth it in the end for the young pilots. Taking their grandfather’s passion and turning it into a family tradition wasn’t enough for the Brandon siblings. Instead, they extended the tradition to their Spartan family, allowing students to discover their individual passion for aviation, together. when she will arrive for her scheduled flight time only to find her brother has taken the plane out for a spin, claiming to be “just warming it up.” “When it comes down to it, we both want to be the first one certified, but I think it’s more of a supportive relationship,” explained Elizabeth. “We’re both excited to be doing it together, and hopefully the first one to get it can take the other one flying. So I wouldn’t say we’re super competitive, but you know, I’d like to be the first one in the family to get it.” While the club is full of aviation enthusiasts, not all students are interested in pursuing a private pilots license. According to Jake, a majority of members simply enjoy the scheduled fly-ins, where a attending number of pilots fly to a single airport to socialize and eat. Members also carpool to air shows together and enjoy exploring planes together. “Spartan Aviators is a great club to network with motivated aviation enthusiasts,” explained club publicity coordinator freshman Emelie Fox. “For being a brand new club I have been really impressed with the opportunities it brings. Whether it be a discounted connection to a flight school or planning future events with other members such as skydiving, it is a group I’m definitely glad I joined.” For all the brave souls who do wish to acquire their pilots license being a member of Spartan Aviators has perks, such as the M B A small, four-person plane awaits its pilot at the Abrams Airport in Grand Ledge, Michigan. 172 ISmm iSllIPIlWtfl ■ MBmmmSum II The control panel in the plane is intricate and requires hours of training to operate properly. r73 THE HANDS BEHIND THE HERO WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: NATE REVARD DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ STUDENTS PRODUCE ORIGINAL STORIES IN COMICS AND THE VISUAL NARRATIVE CLASS For centuries, literature has given to dreams and fantasies, allowing wings readers to explore worlds only reachable through their imaginations. Comics are a medium that combines detailed art work, captivating stories and engaging characters that anyone can connect with and aspire to be. It is therefore expected that students who adore the comic genre would want to try their hand at crafting their own. Comics and the Visual Narrative — a topic section of STA 491 taught by assistant professor Ryan Claytor — provides students with the opportunity to create heroes they admire, villains they despise and worlds they yearn to live in. “When I was in high school, I loved manga to the point I wanted to be a manga artist, but through bullying it got stomped out,” said Rebecca Wilson, a sophomore art major who chose to write her comics about cats. “It got dragged back up again when I started getting back into comics in college.” The process of comic book design, artistry the main attraction to Claytor’s class for other students. “I took this class mostly because I really love reading comics, and I’ve always appreciated the art that goes into them,” said Claire Babala, a senior majoring in both arts and humanities and professional writing. “I really wanted to try that myself, because I really thought that it would give me a greater appreciation for what I’m spending so much money on and reading.” The students created one comic book in the class that included three separate stories: one personal statement about the creator and two stories of the student’s choosing. Although fulfilling requirements, same basic each work of art represented the identity of its author. Babala chose to represent her involvement with the ROIAL Improv Team in her personal statement comic, while senior Jared Kelley used his experience as an English major with a focus on creative writing to craft a horror-thriller comic for one of his stories. and production was the the process includes narrative, instruction compelling Throughout course, for each “I want a career in some way that has storyboarding with those creative writing elements added to it,” said Kelley. “The comic book was a really good way for me to do that, because there was the drawing element with the art, but there was also really heavy focus to make sure your story was appealing to people. I tried to utilize my artistic stuff that was just for fun with my serious writing background to make an interesting story.” students step of received a complete comic. The constructing writing intensive a drawing individual panels and editing all the pieces into a cohesive work of art. together “I didn’t think there was going to be so much photoshop and technical skills that I would learn,” said Babala. “I also didn’t realize how much effort and work it was. You do pencil, and then pen, then you do photoshop and then you edit it.” After reading a Superman comic or a Sailor Moon manga, readers form secret that maybe, just maybe, a secret hopes super-human destiny that one can someday possess the outstanding bravery of their favorite character. STA 49M provides students with the opportunity to create their own heroes and craft stories that will inspire others’ secret ambitions, just as existing comics have inspired their own. Comic narratives demonstrate how hope can be found in grim scenarios, how it’s never too late to make the right decision, and that the strength of a superhero is measured by his or her sacrifices. Real life heroes may not be as exotic as Batgirl, Ironman or the Flash. However, as the students of STA 491: Comics and the Visual Narratives class invent their own incredible cast of characters, they look to inspire readers to find the extraordinary hero within themselves. is possible or Senior Mike Holloway's comic, "Damn! That Comic Was Good," rests on a table. Holloway was the editorial cartoonist for The State News and was part of STA 491: Comics and the Visual Narrative. IN WITH THE NEW GREEK GODDESS PAGEANT CELEBRATES INDIVIDUALITY OF SORORITY WOMEN How a woman carries herself and the roles she allows herself to play are pivotal in the way she is seen by the world. For women in sororities, stereotypes correlated with heavy partying, cookie-cutter clothing and a low GPA follow them around campus. Sororities are now trying to change these stigmas by putting their arts, smarts and hearts out for all to see. On Jan. 17, Sigma Pi fraternity hosted a new and improved version of the event that was formerly titled Miss Greek. Now retitled as the Greek Goddess Pageant, eight MSU sorority chapters participated in the reformed event to celebrate each woman’s individuality. In years past, some considered the Miss Greek pageant to encourage negative female stereotypes and crude behavior. One year, a contestant recited the poem, “Roses are red, lemons are sour, open your legs and give me an hour,” to a panel of judges composed entirely of fraternity members. In 2015, the event was changed to encourage sorority members to display their talents. “We decided to recreate the event because it is known as one of our signature events and is always a lot of fun,” said senior Tyler Jelonek, Sigma Pi’s philanthropy chair. “To get away from people’s assumptions and how it used to be run, my colleagues and I decided it needed a name change from Miss Greek to Greek Goddess.” The day began for the contestants with a ‘get to know you’ party above HopCat, in which the contestants became acquainted with one another. Afterwards, contestants were transported by limo to the Hannah Community Center where the pageant took place. The night proceeded with three rounds of competition: introductions, a talent portion and a question and answer session. Some showcased talents included singing, DJing, painting and teaching a foreign language. The women also had to answer the question, “Why do you think you should be the Greek Goddess?” As an added incentive, more points were awarded to those competitors with the most representatives from their sorority house in attendance. The winner that evening was Stephanie Garrisi, a senior from Pi Beta Phi women’s fraternity. Her victory package was complete with a Greek Goddess sash, a bouquet of flowers and a gift card to Nordstrom. to Due the unfavorable pageant characteristics of years past, this was Garrisi’s first year participating. “It was not something you could take your grandma to,”1 said Garrisi of previous Miss Greek pageants. “But to be able to do this event in a new year and a new light and to represent sorority women in a more positive, classy and more appropriate way was definitely something I was really excited to be a part of.” The main changes this year included having the chapter directors of each sorority be the judges rather than fraternity brothers, along with more established rules and criteria. These changes implemented a more self-respecting mentality, glorifying the empowerment of the women involved instead of their degradation. “They completely changed the event,” Garrisi stated proudly. “It definitely shows how we, as sorority women, value leadership! we’re scholars, we build lasting friendships and are very well-rounded people. This puts a new perspective of who we actually are out there instead of what the media typically shows of us.” In addition, the pageant also raised over $2,700 for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “We chose this organization in light of all the NFL controversy with women,” explained Jelonek. “In addition, with our new campaign of women empowerment and changing the event, we felt it to be the right cause.” Anita Kamath, the runner-up in the pageant and member of Kappa Delta sorority, was proud to be a part of this event and prove herself worthy of the title. “I am very passionate about confidence and bettering myself as a person,” said Kamath. “I believe that the Greek Goddess Pageant and being on stage in front of people in general is a great way to enhance your speaking abilities and the way you present yourself. For me personally, it takes a lot of courage to perform in front of my peers, but I am definitely glad that I did it.” No matter the setting, women are putting something out there for the world to see, whether it’s their talents as musicians or artists, their intelligence as linguists or trivia connoisseurs or their beauty and kindness. During the Greek Goddess Pageant, eight women displayed their own hidden talents for the Greek community, with fellow sisters and fraternity brothers cheering them on from the moment each woman crossed the stage to the second she took her bow. Senior Stephanie Garrisi speaks about women empowerment and Greek reputation making a positive comeback. She was the winner of Sigma Pi's First Annual Greek Goddess Pageant. HBH i I WsSm i ililt ■ mm I I i — ■ ■1a ■ 1 ! mm ■ . sa m I ■ mUNCONFINED ■ LOGAN STARK SHARES HIS JOURNEY AS A VETERAN AND STUDENT STORY ON PAGE 180 1 Hi ■ '-fe' ■ I ■ I I Ig liti© |S | . | f mm u mìm |©0© ■ I JH ■ fife a 11 f/ Wmr JHI 4skt I MB I Senior Logan Stark reveals a "Stark Industnes^shiri'will . statement “changing the world for a better future," Stari professional writing major with an irepressive backgrou hopes to travel the country upon graduation. m m » ■■ ©uo©f! WÊKË 1 r the Imagine spending seven months in tour, many Afghanistan. Throughout friends, affectionately called “brothers,” did not survive for the return home. Now, imagine having to switch off the Marine survival instincts, settle into college and start over — but how? Senior Logan Stark joined the Marines at age 20 in 2007. Deciding he wanted to see combat, Stark was deployed to Afghanistan. When he returned home seven months later, Stark searched for a major at MSU, and a way to readjust to life after war; he knew he had a cloudy problem — one he was unfamiliar with, nervous to face and uncertain how to rectify. Stark was battling Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “This PTSD thing, is it something like a mental illness, where you’ll have it your whole life, and there’s not much you can do about it?” questioned Stark. “Or, is it like an injury, where you can heal it, and you’ll get better, but you’re going to have scars?” Stark feared accepting the possibility of PTSD, not wanting to confine himself to a crippling label or a different identity in the eyes of others. Even in his advanced multimedia class, WRA425, Stark seemed a shy participant to Professor Bump Halbritter - who eventually became Stark’s mentor and close friend. This demeanor began to change when the veteran was assigned a project to create a 20-minute documentary. When Stark’s group first brainstormed, he sheepishly mentioned an idea to cover his friend Kevin Frame, who Stark served with in Afghanistan. While on active duty, Frame was shot in the head and survived. Stark’s project partners, a second-year master’s student Rebecca Zantjer and alumna Lexi Dankin, knew his idea would give their project a striking personal story. In their previous group productions, Halbritter viewed Stark as “a supporting cast” member. However, as their project shifted its focus from PTSD to former soldiers and friends holding each other together in post­ war life, Stark not only took the lead on the project, but decided he was ready to be the subject of it as well. “That’s when [Stark] came to the office and said, ‘I’ve reached a conclusion about this,”’ said Halbritter. ‘“I know what I want to do. I need to make this movie with me in it’. Because, as he’s said many times since, publicly, ‘I couldn’t ask my buddies to go through this if I didn’t go through it, too. I couldn’t ask them to tell their stories if I wasn’t going to tell mine.’” The group knew the project was not WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE PIOTROWSKI DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ that inspired other people to do extraordinary things, too.” every Stark believes opportunity he takes is a chance to prove progression beyond PTSD and to inspire others in similar situations. “It’s tough. I don’t want to be known as the PTSD guy, that’s not something I want to be associated with. If I can, sort of, shave myself of [it] by being outgoing and taking on some of these things, I can,” explained Stark. “By sharing my experience and being reflective about that, I can get back to where I can help people that were where I was.” It has been seven years since Stark left for the Marines. Since then, through all of the struggles, he has not focused on himself. Instead, he widened the lens, opening civilians’ eyes to life after war. He did not put any one individual above the rest, but saluted the courage of all. Although the twists and turns on the road to recovery are not all apparent, Stark continues to blaze a trail. One day at a time — that’s how. As students pass and leaves fall, Stark sits on a campus bench to scribble his thoughts. Already published by the New York Times, an important aspect of Stark's life and academics has been writing. simply for class anymore; in fact, it exceeded the time limit by nearly 30 minutes. The documentary, “For the 25,” dedicated to Stark’s 25 fallen comrades, acquired more than a half million views on YouTube as of November, 2014. As the documentary gained popularity, articles on Stark emerged in the Detroit Free Press and USA Today. PTSD veteran facilities screened “For the 25,” and The New York Times invited Stark to write a blog post. Stark, Halbritter and Zantjer attributed the positive reception of the documentary to its empathetic values. The documentary portrayed soldiers as everyday people, making their struggle and hopes for recovery relatable. While Zantjer believes each soldier deserved respect, she claims that pushing the label of “hero” on soldiers automatically transforms approachability and empathy into a pedestal of sympathy. “What I think makes Logan a hero is that he’s pretty ordinary. He’s a phenomenal writer. He’s a phenomenal storyteller. He’s an extremely nice human being,” said Zantjer. “But! at the end of the day, he’s flesh and blood like the rest of us, and I think ‘For the 25’ shows that about him. He’s an ordinary person that’s done extraordinary things,land THE VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER UNDERGOES RENOVATIONS For some, a loyal cat or dog is more than just an ordinary furry companion. It becomes a member of the family, always ready to give a warm welcome home, receive a much needed belly scratch or play a quick game of fetch. Making sure that these beloved animals have the best care possible, the Veterinary Medical Center began renovations in June 2014 to their Critical Care Unit (CCU). Open 24/7, 365 days a year, the Veterinary Medical Center is staffed by three board-certified small animal emergency and critical care specialists who, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) website, help care for more than 5,000 patients a year. in “Advancements veterinary medicine have been vast, and the expertise and abilities of our specialized clinicians and technicians are quite advanced,” explained and Communications CVM Marketing Director Kristen Flory. “We needed a space that matches the equipment and abilities of our Emergency and Critical Care Service.” The $1.2 million project — the building’s first major renovation since it originated in 1963 — included the construction of a centralized observation center with a 360-degree view for 24-hour specialized care. Features of the new CCU include a specially- ventilated area for pets with infectious diseases as well as room for clients to visit. There will also be natural light from the installation of skylights, plus mechanical upgrades to ventilation and temperature control. “For the MSU community who bring their pets to our hospital, this new space offers the best environment for healing and well-being and also gives owners a place to visit with their animals while they are in the hospital,” explained Flory. The changes will benefit not only furry patients, but also the 100-plus veterinary students to graduate from the college each year. “The hospital is a teaching hospital; it exists for the students first,” explained Roya Oliai, a fall 2015 matriculate of the DVM program. “Vet students will definitely be in the new CCU during their clinical rotations. There is an entire rotation just for emergency and critical care, so during that time they will solely be in that space. This will be a great addition for their learning, having a newer facility to use and learn in.” Sitting in the hospital’s business office on a daily basis, Jessica Leadbetter, a Clerical Tech level one, says she loves the heart­ warming feeling of watching healthy pets being reunited with their human “parents.” “Seeing animals come in sick is always depressing,” explained Leadbetter, ¡¡‘but knowing they will get the best care possible is a definite sigh of relief.” Prancing down the hall, tongues out and tails wagging, the excitement of being back up and running again is a joyful sight to all of those involved in the mending process. Renovations to the Veterinary Medical Center hope to send patients home healthy and eager to stir-up their undeniable pet mischief. I m r a E »> RESULTS | NOTRE DAME (WOMEN) I OAKLAND______________ ML 118-182 „ I M / 2nd W/ 1st j DEN ISDN / GVSU I .ILLINOIS (WOMEN) i iX ,1^0^10 [ IOWA MICHIGAN (WOMEN) I M/md W/ 2nd L 190-110 I BUFFALO / ARMY No team score MICHIGAN (MEN) L: 178 -106 BUFFALO /ARMY_________ BIG 10 (WOMEN) : W/31XI 13th fS||OLEDO (WOMEN) W: 187-110 BIG 10 (WOMEN) 13th: 34 pts NOTRE DAME (MEN) 1 BIG 10 (WOMEN) L: 171 -127 '! 13th: 57 pts NORTHWESTERN INVITE I BIG 10 (WOMEN) ~M/ ist W / 2nd ~~ j I 13th: 65 pts AT&T CHAMPIONSHIPS [ BIG 10 (MEN)____________ No team score C l 9th: 32 pts PURDUE ____________ j BIG 10 (MEN)____________ No team score I IOth: 46 pts purdue No team score' r I BIG-10 (MEN)___________ I iodi:65 pts PURDUE' _________ M / 2nd W 7 2nd 1EN)___________ toth-82 jjpts BOWLING GREEN (WOMEN) LAST’ CHANCE MEET 2nd No team score , OHIO STATE_______________ NCAA M/ind W / 2nd No team >' re WRITER: GINA JUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHER: CASEY HULL DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI SURFACE TENSION SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAMS MAKE STRONG STARTS AT NORTHWESTERN INVITATIONAL Everything is blocked out underwater: the cheering crowd, the bellowing coach, the splashes of surrounding competitors. The only thing to be heard is a thudding heart, pumping endlessly to get from one side of the pool to the other. For a second, all is silent — until the swimmers break above the water, and the reality of the Northwestern Invitational crashes over them. On Nov. 21-23 in Evanston, 111., the swimmers and divers of the mens’ and womens’ teams fought with every stroke to take home the first place title. The Spartans faced the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern, University of Northern Iowa, Saint Louis, Truman State University and the U.S. Air Force Academy. In the men’s one meter diving event at the preliminary round on Friday, junior Charles Maurer took third and sophomore Brennan LaBar took second place. Seniors Alison Menzies and Cristee Cordes as well as sophomore Madeline Sewell took first, second and third place respectively at the women’s three meter diving event. The weekend was starting strong. “The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams came ready to fight, which is exactly what they did,” said head coach of the swimming and diving team Matt Gianiodis. “Everyone on both teams wanted to make an impression on the other schools, and they accomplished that on the first day of the tournament.” On their second day in the Prairie State, the teams decided to step it up a notch. While swimming the 100 meter breaststroke, senior Shelby Lacy broke her personal record with a time of l:02.14lsurpassing the school record by 0.11 seconds. “It was completely unintentional. All of my focus had been on doing well at nationals, so the fact that I broke my record at this tournament was quite a pleasant surprise,” said Lacy. “It’s nice to know that I didn’t peak at my last record time back in 2011.” The final day of the tournament consisted of more record-breaking times and first place finishes, as sophomore Alec Kandt took first in the 200 meter breaststroke, junior Nate Weeks took first in the 200 butterfly finals and sophomore Jon Burke earned a NCAA provisional cut in the 1,650 meter freestyle. “We really just wanted to make a statement at this invitational,” said senior the men’s David Zoltowski, captain of swimming team. “Having the opportunity to compete and win against such great schools is an incredible feeling, one I hope to feel again at the Big Ten Tournament.” While racing down the lanes, swimmers are incognizant of their progress compared to other swimmers. The lanes are like blinders on a horse — all the swimmers can see is the long stretch of blue before them. Crawling out of the chilled pool, the silence immersed with chlorine relented to the commotion of victory as the women’s team was awarded silver, and the men’s team took home gold. WRITER: GINA JUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHER: CHESTNUT ZHANG DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER -CULTURAL IMMERSION STUDENTS OF THE JAPANESE CLUB ENGAGE EAST LANSING LOCALS IN CULTURAL TRADITION international Whether Spartans decide to study abroad or students embark across the ocean to study at MSU, a vast pool of diversity awaits for students to dive into. However, some aspects of cultures may be difficult to grasp without first-hand exposure. One cannot fathom the slimy texture of sashimi without taking a bite of the raw, sliced fish. The four main Japanese theaters — noh, kyogen, kabuki and bunraku — can only truly be appreciated by audience members. Students of the Japanese Club are aiming to assist with promoting their culture first hand. in On Jan. 24, students of the Japanese Club gathered the Spartan Village Community Center to engage in a Japanese New Years tradition — making mochi. The dessert is made of mochigome, or glutinous rice, and is usually accompanied by a glass of tea. The mochi-making station was equipped with a medium-sized barrel-like object, a giant wooden hammer and a bucket of water. The pudding-like paste rested at the bottom of the barrel, waiting to be molded into shape. Students then grasped the heavy hammer and pounded away at the mochi until the tiny rice bits were completely blended with the paste. Once blended, the mochi was separated into the size of golf balls and served with various sauces, such as azuki (red bean), kinako (soy powder) and shoyu (soy sauce and seaweed). Some sprinkled sugar over the top of the sauce for extra sweetness. Among those enjoying the dessert was freshman Koshiro Iwasaki, who moved to Michigan from Japan when he was 13 years old. “At first, I joined the Japanese Club simply because I didn’t want to forget how to speak the language,” said Iwasaki, “but now I know that I’ll never have to worry about forgetting the traditions, either.” | I Junior Sean Shannon uses a kine, a wooden mallet, to pound mochi in the traditional mortar, or usu. The mochi-making event encouraged everyone to join in, including families who were eager to show their children how the dish was made. Representatives of different student groups were present as well, including freshman sophomore Danning Fang and Shuaiqi Hu, members of the Chinese Club. Enrolled in the same Japanese class, Fang and Hu immediately became interested in the culture. “It is very interesting to see the Japanese way of doing things and comparing it to Chinese ways,” said Fang. “The differences among the cultures intrigued me, and I simply wanted to learn more. Doing events like these are so important for promoting and showing your culture to those who otherwise would have no idea what goes on.” With a similar mindset, junior Hiroya Miyoshi joined the club freshman year. As president, Miyoshi is in charge of planning events such as the club’s weekly conversation hour, in which students converse in Japanese to one another. He also coordinated the club’s recent rock band performance that blended traditional Japanese music with rock and roll. Bonding activities include Japanese dodgeball, in which competitors face off in a square as opposed to two parallel lines. ¡¡¡¡T know first hand how hard it can be for international students to make a transition over to a foreign place, so we try to bring in elements of home and blend it with cultural norms of America,” said Miyoshi. “It’s nice to engage in practices and activities that are near and dear to our hearts, but extremely satisfying teaching these familiarities to others wanting to learn.” Enrolling in cultural classes can provide textual information, but to be fully immersed in the culture of a specific region, one must dive directly into the peoples’ rituals and everyday occurrences — an opportunity that students of the Japanese Club strive to make available to everyone. WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN 'PHOTOGRAPHER:..LUKE PIGTROWSKI., DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPAMSKI m AN UPWARD BATTLE CLIMBING CLUB REVELS IN SUCCESS OF RECENT ESTABLISHMENT The ice wall offered many angles and routes towards the top. Here, an advanced climber ascends the spine of the wall, maneuvering past areas of chain linked fence and support, beams. STORY ON PAGE 190 I Muddy tracks and puddles weaved around a plain of pure white snow. The neon colors and wild patterns of winter jackets sporadically splotched the scene. And smack in the middle of the field was what appeared to be a 70-foot iceberg ripped out of Titanic. The MSU Climbing Club stood on the perimeter Jan. 24 at the Peabody Ice Climbing KTce Fest.” The festival consisted of climbing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with concerts to follow, and the young Climbing Club was eager to tackle the ice, equipped with ice axes and spiked crampon climbing boots. For junior and co-founder of the club Zack Dutcher, joining other climbers in this adventure helped relieve the stress of their club’s initiation — since he recently formed the club only a few months prior with his friend, sophomore Hunter Gvozdich. The idea came to the two when they were driving back from a climbing trip in Wyoming. After their adventure, they wished they could constantly climb surrounded by friends at school. Then they realized they could. They just needed to create the place themselves — a club for fellow climbers. Dutcher said, logistically, creating a new club is a tiresome task with lots of paperwork and university regulations. However, finding the members themselves proved to be less challenging. “We had a ton of friends who climbed and there were a couple small groups of people who would go to Planet Rock, which is a climbing gym,” said Dutcher. “So, we just combined all of those groups into one. So I guess you would say the interest was already there, we just needed the group to collaborate together.” Now that the club is established and growing, the members can focus on climbing itself. While some may consider it to be a stressful sport, Gvozdich believes it is a peaceful and mindful activity. K‘There’s whole moving- the meditation thing of it, where you get in the zone and really focus and everything else, all your other worries, go away,” said Gvozdich. “A lot of it’s the process and getting to the top, which is the exciting part. Sometimes the finish is bittersweet, because you had a whole long process to get there and working through LEFT: A climber sinks her ice axes into the man-made ice wall. Apart from the actual climbing, gear vendors set up tents on the premises to allow all sorts of college students and eager climbers to test out new gear. RIGHT: Visitors test out the Peabody Ice Climbing Wall in nearby Fenton? Ml. Among those who attended the demo day was the MSU Climbing Club. everything and practicing and training, and then you finally finish.” Graduate student Hasib Yousufzai believes that climbing allows people to act with the intensity and fervor of any sports player in their natural environment. “I know so many people that are really shy in person; they’re soft-spoken, they’re not braggadocios — but when they climb, they climb intensely. Not like yelling or anything, but they’re so into it, that’s like their passion. It totally brings a lot out,” said Yousufzai. Although scaling a man-made ice mountain may seem like a purely physical venture, Yousufzai believes the sport is a mental one. The slightest movement during a climb must be meticulous and carried upward with the same caution and strategy as playing chess. “With rock climbing, rocks are called ‘problems’ so the whole point is to solve the problem. And everybody sometimes goes their own way, so when you look at a problem, you’ve got to figure out how to solve it, so that takes the mental aspect of it,” said Yousufzai. “When you’re thinking about that problem, you’re not thinking about school, you’re not thinking about work, you’re not thinking about your girlfriend, whatever. So, in that way, it’s a great stress relief.” Among the chatter and mellow music, the instructional yells from teammates and belayers, the crunch of the sharp tools hitting the ice carried the tune. As climbers made their way upward, much like the MSU Climbing Club, they focused solely on the journey and the moves that would advance them toward their desired destination. TEACHING TRICKS OF THE TRADE SENIOR HOCKEY PLAYERS GIVE PARTING ADVICE TO FRESHMEN MEMBERS Whether it is an affinity to deke out the opposition during a game or perhaps a history of scoring hat-tricks under intense pressure, hockey players possess differing skill sets that each contribute to an elite college team. However, starting out as a new player carries great pressure and enormous responsibility to prove a spot on the team is well-deserved. After playing for four years on the MSU hockey team, players learned how to graciously celebrate victories and how to stand tall in times of defeat. The beginning weeks of a season are the most vital for new players on the team. One must assert their skills in order to be placed in Senior and defenseman Ron * Boyd shuffles the puck during the Ohio State game on Jan. 24. The Spartans managed to beat the Buckeyes, 2-0. the correct line of play. Coach Tom Anastos said that the 2014-2015 season was a struggle in terms of the freshmen gaining experience and growing into their roles. “Early in the season, we were trying to find some chemistry within the team,” said Anastos. “We started to win with more consistency after our second game though against Minnesota in December.” With four new the 2014-2015 season, it became important for lend advice from past upperclassmen mistakes tackle challenges currently at hand. freshmen in to to One example was the team’s loss in the first game of a weekend series against Princeton on Nov. 28, with a score of 3-1. According to senior Zack Cisek, this loss was one of the few that helped him learn patience during games. Cisek added that the team coped with this loss by paying more attention to details during practice and working as a team to build focus before games. “We had poor effort the first night and learned how tough it is to win on any given night in college hockey,” said Cisek. “I think it was a turning point in our season.” WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER different teams, culminating records of both victorious wins, staying calm during defeat and earning Academic All-Big Ten honors last season, the MSU forward believes these experiences have helped him both on and off the ice. “It’s important to know how to utilize the difficult times and stick together as a team,” Sorenson explained. If loss and defeat are inevitable aspects of a hockey game, then growth and progress are the outputs. Every team needs players who are willing to work together and use their differences to help each other out. When a younger player is struggling, it’s the older, more experienced player’s job to step up and pass on their wisdom to the future leaders of the team. Cisek added that as an older player, he likes to give a positive attitude to the younger teammates experiencing these highs and lows of collegiate sports for the first time. This became especially valuable when handling a difficult double loss to the University of Michigan, first on Dec. 29 at the Joe Louis Arena and again on Chicago’s Soldier Field on Feb. 7. “It’s all about how you take your punches,” said senior Tanner Sorenson. “If you get knocked downldon’t get depressed and sad. It can be difficult. If you get depressed and down, it changes your output on the whole day. Take the punches. They help you along the way.” Sorenson has experience rolling with such punches. He started playing hockey in Alaska when he was just four years old, joining the Alaska All-Star team in 2000. In 2010, Sorenson scored four goals for the United States in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, held internationally for hockey players under 18, and helped his team earn a silver medal. After playing on so many RESULTS GREEN & WHITE GAME BOSTON COLLEGE W: 1-0 L: 3-2 U.S. DEV. PROGRAM W: 4-1 UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR OHIO STATE T: 2-2 MASSACHUSETTS W: 5-3 MASSACHUSETTS L: 4-3 BOSTON UNIVERSITY L: 1-0 UMASS-LOWELL L: 2-1 FERRIS STATE L: 1-0 FERRIS STATE W: 4-1 NEW HAMPSHIRE W: 4-3 NEWylAMPSHIRE L: 5-2 W: 3-1 OHIO STATE L: 3-0 PRINCETON L: 3-1 PRINCETON W: 4-2 MINNESOTA L: 5-0 MINNESOTA T: 3-3 CLARKSON W: 6-4 FERRIS STATE W: 2-0 MICHIGAN L: 2-1 PENN STATE T: 2-2 PENN STATE L: 5-2 OHIO STATE W: 4-1 OHIO STATE W: 2-0 MICHIGAN W: 2-1 MICHIGAN L: 4-1 PENN STATE W: 3-0 PENN STATE W: 3-2 WISCONSIN L: 2-1 WISCONSIN W: 3-0 MINNESOTA L: 5-3 MINNESOTA W: 4-2 WISCONSIN W: 3-0 WISCONSIN W: 3-0 MICHIGAN L: 5-3 MICHIGAN W: 2-1 MICHIGAN L: 4 B1 193 The cattle at Alpha Gamma Rho's Beef Preview display their gentle temperaments for the judges. The ideal steer is calm and well-groomed. A HELPING HOOF ALPHA GAMMA RHO HOLDS ANNUAL BEEF PREVIEW FOR CHARITY Big brown eyes stared straight into the souls of passersby. The hay and manure mixture wafting from the stalls contrasted the adorable, fluffy beasts inside. A man’s voice boomed over the speakers in the show ring, introducing contestants who dressed up as nicely as their steers. On Jan. 23-25, the brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho once again welcomed community members to their annual beef preview event at the freshly-mulched Ingham County Fairgrounds. Funds from entrance fees and sponsors benefited Michigan AgrAbility, a nonprofit organization that assists injured or ill farmers in continuing to work on their farms independently. Senior Chad Geoit, a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and fundraiser chair, described a beef preview as similar to a dog show. Well-groomed cattle compete, and owners keep an eye on their future competition for summer contests. Geoit explained that on the first day of competition, the steers are weighed and checked in. Like wrestlers, they are separated into weight divisions as well as by breed. Once the initial winners of each group are selected, these finalists compete in the final drive for the number one spot, which includes a cash prize of $550. calm, The winner’s steer must be well groomed, poised exhibiting and characteristics of the latest trends — in this case, a fluffy exterior. Typically the cattle do not have fluffy hair, so their owners must repeatedly wash, cut and groom them, sometimes for months, in a manner that will coax the hair into a soft, downy blanket of fur. While outsiders may not know what a beef preview is, many brothers of the fraternity grew up with similar competitions. “We’ve heard of other charity shows too, and a lot of us grew up showing,” said Geoit. “And we figured, why not? We had 194 WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER experience in it and we had enough guys and connections from alumni to get it started.” Senior Spencer Short noted that most of the brothers in his fraternity take the entire weekend off so they can spend every day at one of their most important philanthropy events of the year. “It’s the best thing we do, hands down,” said Short. “I think what we’re doing here this weekend is the biggest thing we do all year, and I think most the guys in the house would agree. We’ve gotten a lot more recognition for AgrAbility; they’re getting their name out there. And with the money we raise, we’re helping our neighbors out back home, farmers that have disabilities.” Now in the third year of the beef preview fundraiser, Ned Stoller, the director of Michigan AgrAbility, has put in plenty of positive hours with the fraternity. “The Alpha Gamma Rho guys, they work their tails off. I don’t know how they do college and plan a huge event like this with 300 beef cattle coming in for two days and all the planning and organization. It’s really amazing,” said Stoller. “And, they’re really committed to the AgrAbility program. They come out and they help us on the farms once in a while to assist a farmer that’s been injured. So they’re really a faithful, hardworking group of guys.” raised This year’s beef preview more than $3,000 dollars for the Michigan AgrAbility program. From lending a cup of sugar to constructing a wheelchair lift on a tractor, Alpha Gamma Rho’s efforts extend the gestures of neighborly compassion, not to those who share the same backyard but rather a similar life-long passion. FUN AND GAMES THE SPARTAN BOARD GAMERS PLACE VALUE ON GAMING EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN COMPETITION WRITER: MAGGIE NYE PHOTOGRAPHER: CHESTNUT ZHANG DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI “I joined to reach out to students and build relationships with them,” Dicesare said. “The fact that they play board games is a huge plus for me. I love them!” The club was founded eight years ago, but wasn’t considered a ‘registered’ organization until 2013. The current president and senior Corey Weisinger is happy that the club is getting more recognition so others can join. He explained how each meeting is a low-stress place to just hang out and enjoy the company of friends. Each week, most of the gamers are playing something new, which is why the club is so welcoming for beginners. “None of us are experts and we take the time learning new games,” explained Weisinger. “The club’s mentality is ‘Don’t worry, we don’t know how to play the game either’.” When The group also gets together on Friday nights to play Mafia, a ‘whodunnit’ game that relies on clues and teamwork to discover each player’s role in the story. The game has over 300 originally created cards of scenarios and circumstances that the Mafia characters must play out. Made by past Board Gamers, their own version makes a Friday night with Mafia a new experience for everyone involved. it comes to board games, everyone has a story that goes along with each game played. Whether the conversation surrounding the game goes into too much detail about an uncle having too much to drink or a sister getting so competitive she tips the board over “accidentally”, the memories created by board games are timeless. The members of Spartan Board Gamers create these memories weekly, building their arsenal of ‘booty’, winning streaks and friendships. Three tables host three different groups of students, each exploring three different worlds. Two are facing off playing intergalactic deck building games, stacking cards with characters and powers galore. Another has students fighting for treasure and liberty as pirates sailing the seas. Their chairs creak under their shifting weight like the sound of floorboards on an old ship, the camaraderie at every table growing more palpable after each player takes their turn. Every Thursday evening from 'Mil p.m., the Spartan Board Gamers gather in Holden Hall to celebrate the closing of a busy school week with the selection of assorted games. The board games are housed in two cavernous suitcases that are brought to each meeting. Although they take up but a small comer of the room, the entertainment they hold rivals that of Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. The board games that the club elects to play are far less notorious than familiar games like Scrabble or Monopoly; these gamers are looking to immerse themselves in far-away lands and fanciful situations. Games like Libertalia, Stratego and Settlers of Catan are just a few of the uncommon boards that are waiting to be taken out of their boxes each week. “We don’t play any normal games,” said sophomore Chase Curtin. “The fun part about board games is they’re not serious. We get to talk over the game, unlike serious card games where no one can speak.” The group is not just for students, although they constitute the majority of the club’s members. Members such as MSU alumnus Derek Dicesare possess a love for board games. While Dicesare enjoys the frivolity and social aspect of the club, he also plays every week to interact with the next class of students. A Spartan Board Gamer member spreads out a deck of cards before playing "Call of Cthulhu," a horror fiction role-playing game. The game is one of many played by the Spartan Board Gamers. Jake, played by senior Andrew Buck, awakens on a hospital stretcher with no memory of how he got there during a performance of the Theater 2 Film Project: Three Hundred and Thirteen possibilities. The project was an original experiment of the relationship between the mediums of stage performance and film. Surrounded by hundreds of friends, professors, family members and strangers each day, it seems counterintuitive that students could feel isolated in such a connected campus. But some do, and the perception that feeling alone is shameful compels them to keep the truth hidden. Through a collaboration within the theatre department, students and professors came together to produce a screenplay and film project showcasing stories of isolation affecting students’ daily lives. Called “Three Hundred and Thirteen Possibilities,” the play’s plot was invented by senior and theatre major CJ Valle in 2014 with the help of professor Mark Colson. “Mark and I talked before summer to discuss themes of isolation, a topic that can really sound off in a person,” said Valle. “Isolation by disconnection is recurrent in everyone’s life, as can be seen both obviously and discreetly in the production.” The concept for this production was different in that it was completely student- written and produced and incorporated both as a theatre and film project. The theatre portion ran in early February, and the film portion began immediately after. Valle hopes the film will make it to the Traverse City Film Festival. “CJ came to me personally and I could tell her ideas on real student issues were amazing,” said Colson, who has been involved with theatre for more than 30 years. “She motivated me because of how individual everything was in that it was completely student- led, student-based and student-written.” Students from various theatre classes, primarily THR 404 Topics in Acting, were the actors, stagehands, writers and producers for t m ■? y 1 j f WRITER: GARRISON RASMUSSEN PHOTOGRAPHER: CASEY HULL DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ COMMUNICATION TO END ISOLATION THEATRE STUDENTS BRING AWARENESS TO ISOLATION THROUGH PLAY AND FILM PROJECT the production. It consisted of four intersecting vignettes, all dealing with different forms of isolation and disconnect in communication. Each character’s life was introduced in, and often revolved around, a popular coffee shop, the main setting of the story. In one vignette, a man was detached from his brother who never put down his cellphone. The man experienced the emotional strife of loving a brother who only focuses on financial and technological matters. In another vignette, a philanthropist named Janie found herself on the business side of reaching out to help developing nations while emotionally preparing herself for her partner’s departure to frontline philanthropy in the warring Gaza Strip. Janie’s strife forced her to sit at home, hoping and praying that her partner would make it back safely. “It’s educationally driven,” said senior Dan Inglese, who played one of the brothers in the brother dilemma vignette. “It really gives a way students can relate to the characters as well as the actors relating to who they portray. We all have these issues in one form or another, even if not in the direct way projected in the play.” A theatre production is only as good as its actors — those who transform the stage into a storyline. Their performance aimed to reconnect people, urging viewers to find at least three hundred and thirteen reasons why it is good to reach out and communicate to end isolation. TAKING THE SHOT COLLEGIATE ARCHERY TEAM AIMS FOR MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER WIN Precision in archery is critical, though the process of shooting is inherently simple. Pull back the arrow to create tension in the thin fiber string. Cock the elbow, bring fingers next to the mouth and feel the heat of a relaxed breath. Release. Though going through the motions of archery seems straightforward enough, closing the 20 meters between the arrow and the target can be mentally daunting. 1988, Founded “A big thing with archery is getting the shot center consistently,” said freshman Sarah Strickland. “You hit it once, you hit it every time. Anything interfering with that, whether it’s mental or the bow itself, you have to fix.” in the MSU Competitive Archers is a team that has typically gone unnoticed. However, the team’s highly decorated status in recent years is too hard to ignore. With 23 members, including archers ranked second and third in the world and six all-American shooters, the team has set its aim for what would be their 21st consecutive win in the U.S. Collegiate Archery Competition. “We’re a very diverse group of people, from people who’ve never picked up a bow, to world champions,” said club president and junior Katie Glover. The team competes with three kinds of bows. The three classes of competition are compound, bow hunter and recurve. Compound bows are the easiest to shoot and have multiple strings to release the arrow. Compound bows also have the most gadgets, such as sights, attached. Bow hunter bows are the second hardest to shoot and are typically used for outdoor hunting. Recurve bows use the most physical strength to shoot because they have one string on the bow, much like the one Katniss or Legolas uses. During the winter, the team shoots indoors at targets that are 20 meters away. In the spring, the team shoots outside with targets that are 50 meters away and in the fall they shoot fake stuffed animal targets. The MSU Competitive Archers are not a university-sponsored sport. The team raises money by hosting the main indoor competitions at the Demmer Center and selling archery merchandise. Archery can be very expensive, with equipment costing more than $2,000 and a seemingly endless cycle of repairs adding on to the existing cost. Competitive Archers member and senior Eric Raifsnider works at Demmer and is able to do in-house repairs for free. “I’m pretty much the handyman on the team,” said Raifsnider. “I work here as a coach as well for the JOAD program.” to expand Coached by Glen Bennett, the Junior (JOAD) Olympic Archery Development program works the skills of young archers into what collegiate teams are searching for. The program teaches middle and high schoolers the process of shooting an arrow and how to maintain focus and work as a team. Strickland began her competitive career in this program and is now applying the skills she gained to the team. The team handed out over 500 flyers during Sparticipation, resulting in doubled membership for the 2014-2015 school year. With this increase in archers, traveling to out- of-state competitions and bonding outside of practices has led to an influx in friendships. “The people I’ve met along the way make the sport,” said Raifsnider. “We’ve got a lot of good people who happen to be good shooters.” The archery team may not have the same spotlight as other collegiate sports, but its members continue to push for recognition. The archers’ mastery of focus and determination necessary to their sport make them fearsome competitors in this fight. Senior Andrew Flegler sets his sights on a bullseye during a friendly competition with other members of the club. Each archer put 1 dollar in, and the winner got to keep the cash. CLEARINGTHF ATR CAMPUS-WIDE SMOKING BAN SPARKS DEBATE IN MSU COMMUNITY 20% of diagnosed cancer is LUNG CANCER Tobacco smoke contains 7,000 CHEMICALS 70 of those can cause cancer 2, £00,000 d M in only 50 years are related to ¿health issues caused by secondhand smoke th s - 4^ Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults currently smoke cigarettes WRITER: NATALIE KOZMA PHOTOGRAPHER: NATE REVARD DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS and Worthington senior Clare O’Kane, ACS Public Relations Chair, expressed their desire for students to treat campus to a higher standard, as Spartans represent future leaders of the world. Several rival schools, including all of the University of Michigan campuses, Central Michigan University and more than 50 percent of Big Ten universities are smoke-free. “The seriousness of secondhand smoke is very often underplayed, and it needs to be understood more, especially because we are all in a concentrated area for so much of the day,” said O’Kane. The online petition garnished 750 signatures within 24 hours. By the end of spring semester, more than 1,500 individuals supported the online petition. Although no organized movement of students opposed the ban, many individual students were outraged by the ACS’s efforts, including non-smokers like junior Joseph Erdman. “I hate the smell of cigarettes, but as far as the health risks of secondhand smoke in a large, open area, I don’t think it is necessary to ban them from campus,” said Erdman. “You’re outside. You’re going to come across people smoking sometimes when you go outside. That is how it is.” cancer In honor awareness of month, on Nov. 12 student members of the Anti-Cancer Society created a petition via Change.org to ban smoking on campus. The online petition was one aspect of the club’s multifaceted approach to persuade the MSU Board of Trustees to mandate a smoking ban campus-wide. With smoking currently prohibited in restaurants, public buildings, as well as inside and within 25 feet of campus buildings, the necessity to have a full-fledge ban throughout the MSU community sparked discussion about what students should prioritize: a legal right to smoke, or public health. President of the Anti-Cancer Society (ACS), senior Tristan Worthington, claims the ban is a vital step in creating a healthy atmosphere for students. “Our mission is to try and stop cancer within the next generation. One thing we felt we really could change on campus is to ban smoking because lung cancer is about 30 percent of all cancers, and most lung cancer is directly caused by smoking,” said Worthington. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is the cause of death of approximately 480.000 Americans each year, with more than 41.000 of these deaths due to exposure to secondhand smoke. Information provided by the Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC. Similar to Erdman, junior Sam Codo, a political science major and a smoker of five years, admitted secondhand smoke is harmful in tight corridors, but still opposed the proposed ban. “When I walk around campus, I don’t really see that many other smokers,” said Codo. “It is a big campus, I try to avoid blowing smoke on people. I just feel like the effects of getting exposure to maybe half a second of secondhand smoke here or there is not cummulative enough to even have an adverse health risk on anyone.” In contrast, O’Kane believes a campus that contains approximately 50,085 students produces enough harmful toxins from cigarette smoke to be damaging to the health of students and staff. “You are free to do what you want in your personal home or personal car, but in a concentrated area of students where we are all on the same campus eight or 10 hours a day, it is not OK to be exposing so many students to secondhand smoke,” said O’Kane. “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” In fact, with 5,100 faculty and staff as well as 6,500 support staff that inhabit campus for more than four or five years, arguably, the proposed smoking ban might impact employees more than the students pushing for it. Though the goal for a healthy environment is noble, one cannot ignore the reality that cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2011 68.9 percent of adult smokers wanted to quit, and 42.7 percent admitted to attempting to quit in the past year. Consequently, this makes a campus-wide smoking ban an enormous obstacle for those with a nicotine addiction and concurrently without resources, or the desire, to quit. MSU is a 5,200-acre campus, compared to U of M’s 781 acres and CMU’s 480 acres. This poses issues both in how far an individual must travel to technically be “off-campus” and how enforceable the ban would be. PERCENTAGE OF ADULT SMOKERS IN THE U.S. 1965 m I 424% 1970 mm37-4% 1980 mum33-2°/° 1990 ■ 25.5% 2000 g|| 23-3% 2002 ■ .22.5% 2003 ■ 21.6% 2004 2007 ■ m ■ m 20.9% 20.8% 2010 1 19.3% 2012 ■ m 18.1% Information provided by the Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC. 204 “Decreasing the risk of other people’s health defects or chance of disease is worth making someone walk a bit to smoke,” said Worthington. “We are not asking people to stop smoking. We are encouraging them to stop smoking, obviously, but we’re not mandating it. We’re asking them to smoke responsibly.” For smokers attempting to knock the habit, MSU offers faculty, staff, graduate student their eligible adult family members free tobacco and nicotine cessation programs, such as Breathe Easy. employees, retirees and The programs feature behavioral support and medical evaluations, but O’Kane and Worthington admit they are too small and recommended an increase in resources to help smokers adjust to a campus without cigarettes. in quitting, a complete ban might feel like MSU is ostracizing individuals who have a legal right to smoke. those not interested But for "We don't want to punish people. We really want to emphasize this ban is not targeting smokers. It is trying to encourage a positive health culture on campus," defended O'Kane. Though the specifics of the ban would be determined by the Board of Trustees, members of ACS recommended using Parking and Code Enforcement (PACE) and the MSU Police to administer fines. O’Kane and Worthington also noted that a complete ban would make issuing a ticket less arbitrary than the current 25 feet mle, which they feel many abuse. WRITER: NATALIE KOZMA PHOTOGRAPHER: NATE REVARD DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS “The enforceability aspect is definitely something we want to hit hard on if we can’t have a complete ban,” suggested Worthington. “Either extending the 25 feet rule, maybe making it so that it is significantly further away from buildings and doors, or perhaps even away from sidewalks and other busy areas.” On Feb. 3, students received an email from Provost June Youatt titled ¡“Tobacco Free Campus.” The email stated that |a task force has been formed to guide the process of transitioning Michigan State University to a tobacco-free environment. Led by the Office of the University Physician, the task force will guide campus and community leadership in the development, adoption and implementation of a tobacco-free policy at MSU.” While the petition is still adding signatures everyday, it has become clear that the efforts of those involved with ACS are being recognized by university officials. On Feb. 6, Worthington joined forces with MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon in order to begin working on the official proposal to present to the Board of Trustees, a meeting which will take place in early 2016. Although some may see the ban as unjust, students and faculty are passionate about having a clear, refreshing walk to class and will continue to push for the termination of smoking on campus. 205 Sophomore Aerial Powers crosses Maryland defender and sophomore Brionna Jones along the baseline. Unfortunatley, the Spartans lost the game, 69-75. Sophomore Tori Jankoska drives the ball past Maryland defender and sophomore Lexie Brown. RESULTS GRAND VALLEY STATE W: 70 - 51 GEORGIA L: 69160 EASTERN MICHIGAN LOYOLA-CHICAGO W: 69-61 NOTRE DAME L: 71 - 63 IUPUI W: 64-45 OAKLAND W: 79-64 MIAMI (OHIO) W: 85-39 GEORGIA TEChM W: 79-73 W: 90-38 ALCORN STATE W: 77-41 BAYLOR L: 84 - 65 SYRACUSE W: 89-76 NORTHWESTERN L: 61 - 57 INDIANA L: 70 - 51 A fan celebrates as the Spartans score a basket. MICHIGAN L: 74 - 65 NEBRASKA L: 71 - 67 NORTHWESTERN L: 77 - 70 ILLINOIS W: 63-56 IOWA L: 52 - 50 MARYLAND L: 85 - 56 WISCONSIN W: 77-71 INDIANA W: 72-57 OHIO STATE L: 76 - 62 MICHIGAN L: 72 - 59 MINNESOTA • L: 86-79 PENN STATE W: 74-67 MARYLAND L: 75-69 RUTGERS W: 60-50 ||LINOIS W: 67-65 PURDUE W: 61 - 56 MICHIGAN W: 69-49 MARYLAND L: 70 - 60 WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: CASEY HULL DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER STANDING BEHIND THE TEAM WOMEN'S BASKETBALL GAMiv 1 1 x»*/ 1A FAMILY-FRIENDLY FAN BASE by attending games and eagerly cheering on the players. While “You win some and you lose some, but we will be here no matter what,” said freshman and fan Maddie McIntosh. the special perks of a women’s basketball game are a treat for all in attendance,Jthe real prize is watching the Spartan basketball players compete against other teams on their home turf. The fans take the time to come to the games rain or shine, win or lose and rally behind the players. For the fans, the final score flashing across the board is not as important as the experience of being a part of the game. While they may not have a fancy name, special T-shirts or a designated section, the dedicated fans of the women’s basketball team will always have their Spartans in green and white. Matching shirts with catchy phrases, cue cards and special chants are the familiar marks of the IZZONE — but babies gurgling, kids watching the game as they devour snow cones and excited shouts from passionate pre- teens are typical sights and sounds of an MSU women’s basketball game. The fans of the Spartan women’s basketball team represent a more diverse demographic; families can be seen spread out amongst the stands, with faces young and old lighting up each time a ball sinks through the hoop. Knowing that the truest way to boost a child’s excitement level goes beyond watching basketball, the team offers family-friendly activities throughout the game. “I like how they make everything really involved like giving away stuff [to the crowd],” said freshman Kourtney Marks. “They always have things like that for all the kids.” Most games feature a few perks like the Spartan Bookstore T-shirt toss, dance cameras during timeouts, pompoms on every seat and performances by groups like the Zooper Stars during half-time. These extras help keep the atmosphere inside the Breslin charged and motivated as the women play. With only three games left in the regular season after a loss to Maryland 69-75 on Feb. 16, the team’s record stood at 12-14. Despite these discouraging statistics, head coach Suzy Merchant knew that the Spartans would not let a single loss define them as she prepared her players to battle the odds. that has a some team limitations, but from a standpoint of what can we do, we just have to keep fighting and keep telling those kids that they can do it and give them confidence,” said Merchant in an interview with Spartan Athletics. “We’re While the season was full of ups and downs, fans continued to support the team rp T y 1 -v I I H I T AFTER 20 YEARS, THE IZZONE REMAINS LOYAL TO ITS BASKETBALL TEAM A sea of Travis Trice jerseys hopped up and down as the Breslin Center boomed with the echo of the Izzone’s chants. During the rival showdown on Feb. 1, the senior point- guard ripped the ball out of the Wolverines’ paws and sped down the court on a breakaway. But the defenders sprinted ahead. Too small to challenge the brick wall of opposing players, Trice lobbed the ball over their heads, while thousands of eyeballs traced its descending arch. Cheers fell silent for a moment. Senior guard Branden Dawson swooped in with a vertical leap as the hearts of Izzone members stopped in their chests. With one swift motion, Dawson yanked the ball from the air and jammed it down the hoop, soaking in the glorious moment on the rim for less than a second. The alley-oop stirred an uproar in the student section, the number 20’s on their backs commemorating not only one of their beloved players but also the 20th anniversary of the Izzone. CONTINUED ON PAGE 210 Sparty huddles up with the Men's Basketball starting lineup . before the Saint Cloud State game on Nov. 7. The Spartans won by a landslide with a 101-46 victory. :ONTINUED FROM PAGE 208 With 3,000-plus faithful members, the Izzone never tires of rallying for their team. In fact, they have not tired for all of Tom Izzo’s 20 years as head coach at MSU. To solidify this bond even further, on Feb. 12, after 20 seasons as head coach, Izzo was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. and Sophomore Izzone member Kennedy Piwowarczyk played basketball for more than six years and savors the ability to follow the game closely. She involves herself directly in the action, enjoying the ironic intimacy that the rambunctious Izzone offers. “My favorite part of coming to the games is just running into everyone. Because it’s a smaller student section than football games, I see people from all over the place. I could see people from class, I’ll see people from Izzone last year...so it’s fun to get together and sit with different people each game and cheer on the team,” said Piwowarczyk. “I love how rowdy we can get and how absolutely crazy we are. We can all come together to rally people.” Senior and co-director of the Izzone Greg Jackson believes that having passionate student supporters on the sidelines impacts both the comfort and performance of the players, especially during an uncertain season, such as 2014-15. However, Jackson observed the difficult Spartan season with a note of peculiar optimism. He said while some people considered it a “rough season,” he looked at it as a typically exciting and unpredictable year of Big Ten basketball. MSU was in the middle of the pack, fighting in intense close-combat to escape on top. “I think that’s a really cool position to be in and that’s something unique to what we are right now, because it’s just fun to watch,” ■ H unfai H * After feet-pounding and heart-thumping action, the Izzone clears out leaving newspapers and trash behind. However, memories carry with the Izzorte to the game against Navy on Nov,. 14. 210 said Jackson. “You never really know what’s going to happen and you don’t know who’s going to make the tournament or not. But it’s just kind of cool to see the resilience of these Big Ten teams.” As of February, the Spartans were the worst free throw team in the Big Ten, but they led in both rebounds and assists, giving them a curious double-take as a team with a nearly even record in the Big Ten. Five years prior to the 2014-15 season, Izzo brought Izzone alumni together for a reunion and talked to them before the Spartans’ game. During a speech, one alum shouted for Izzo “to never leave” MSU to which the coach replied, “Promise you’ll always want me.” Six months later, Izzo would reject an offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers to coach in the NBA. “I am on this never-ending grind to put this place in a position that will last forever. My job will not be done until we have a base here that nobody can compete with — that nobody can break,” said Izzo at the 2010 reunion. “And usually to do that, it takes your fans, your alums, your former players, all those kinds of people. It’s not the coach or the athletic director, it’s really all of you.” As Jackson entered the empty Izzone, with Spartan banners and cheer cards in hand to set up for the Feb. 1 showdown against U of M, he looked out over the ocean of empty grey bleachers and green seats. The echo of a few bouncing basketballs and squeaking sneakers resounded through the Breslin Center. Soon after, the stands would be filled with fans determined to follow their team until the end, serving as backup while the Spartans fought their way out of the middle of the pack. » Hi lillaj 3HM ; • 1 ' m WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHER: CASEY HULL DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI OAKLAND W: 87-61 EASTERN MICHIGAN W: 66 - 46 TEXAS SOUTHERN L: 71 - 64 (OT) THE CITADEL W: 82-56 MARYLAND L: 68 - 66 (20T) INDIANA W: 70-50 IOWA W: 75-61 NORTHWESTERN W: 84 - 77 (OT) MARYLAND L: 75 - 59 PENN STATE I W: 66 - 60 NEBRASKA L: 79 - 77 RUTGERS W: 71-51 MICHIGAN W: 76 -66 (OT) ILLINOIS L: 59 - 54 NORTHWESTERN W: 68-44 OHIO STATE W: 59 - 56 MICHIGAN W: 80-67 ILLINOIS W: 60 - 5: MINNESOTA L: 96 - 90 (OT) WISCONSIN W: 72-66 Indiana W: 74-72 OHIO STATE W: 76-67 MARYLAND W: 62 - 58 WISCONSIN L: 80 - 69 (OT) RESULTS NAVY W: 64 - 59 BUI L: 81 - 71 LOYOLA (CHICAGO) ' . ' | W: 87-52 SANTA CLARA W: 79-52 RIDER W: 77-45 MARQUETTE O C h C O L KANSAS L: 61 - 56 NOTRE DAME L: 79 - 78 (OT) ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF W: 85-52 H--------j---------‘----------i--------1.......I ------ ~ ¡i 1ÉÉ¡ ■9m am ............................T-.............................- mmmmmssRiÊÊÊÊÊÊiÊm ÊÊÈSÊÊmiÊÈÊm mä îïk'&è*'ilfl WS ■ 1 mm 11 At the intersection of Wilson Road and Farm Lane, an exotic array of the Earth’s biodiversity entices research, exploration and admiration. Walls coated in condensed water droplets compartmentalize the Plant Biology Conservatory into rooms showcasing a variety of plant life. In one room, vines creep down from hanging baskets to greet fuzzy cacti, some squat and plump and others spiraling vertically in prickly peaks. Another contains a winding stone path lined with pale birch trees and broad, teardrop-shaped leaves. the This freezing lush, warm paradise starkly contrasts temperatures and snowfall that annually embeds Spartans in a long series of winter days. Some days trickle by like water lapping the glistening surface of smooth stones. Others come rushing upon us as quickly as cascading falls obeying gravity’s pull. But like this small brook flowing through the greenhouse, students stay true to their course, knowing warmer times lie ahead. DECODING HISTORY z m THE STRONGEST BINDING O 2oO UNFOLDING: CLASSROOM FOR BENSON 292 MARCH MAGIC 210 SPRING CLOSING COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE ‘Romantic’, ‘erotic’ and ‘sensual’ are just a few of the words commonly used by readers to describe the top-selling guilty- pleasure novel written by British author E.L. James. For critics, however, the terms ‘obsessive’ and ‘abusive’ seem to be more fitting. When “Fifty Shades of Grey” hit the big screen on the eve of Valentine’s Day, it instantly became a box office success. Portraying themes of bondage, domination and sadomasochism, viewers found themselves hooked on the so-called love story between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele that started as Twilight fanfiction. said topic,” sophomore “I was first kind of embarrassed to admit that I read it, because it’s such a crazy intimate Jessica Shostak. “But it started to become so popular and everyone was reading it, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon, and I was surprised how much I liked it. The trilogy created this unique romance story that brought me back to those middle school days when I read the Twilight series, except obviously a more adult­ rated version.” While this idea appears to be the consensus among the young adult population who delved deep into its pages, chairperson and professor of MSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies Amy Bonomi had a completely different take on the novel. “I was teaching a graduate seminar in romantic relationships and violence, and as we were going through and reading articles about what domestic violence is and what causes domestic violence,la lot of my grad students kept saying, ‘Oh my gosh, this is a lot of what we’re seeing in Fifty Shades of Grey,”’ explained Bonomi. Recognizing this, Bonomi and her class decided to abandon their original course schedule and instead analyzed the book systematically for the remainder of the semester. Their research efforts continued for about nine months after the class ended. Bonomi and her class applied the definition of intimate partner violence as given by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to every scene throughout the novel. This includes “physical violence, sexual violence, threats of physical or sexual violence, and emotional abuse by a current or former spouse or nonmarital partner.”.; Analyzing the interactions between Grey and Steele, Bonomi — a nationally recognized expert on domestic abuse — found that their relationship mimicked what is seen in real-world violent relationships. From sexual violence and intimidation to alcohol use, the signs are all present. “Christian stalks Anastasia,” stated Bonomi. “He shows up in unusual places when she doesn’t want him to. He’s constantly following up with her by text and computer to track her whereabouts, and he’s intimidating and constantly threatening to punish her. He also socially isolates her, meaning he gets angry at her for socializing with family and friends, and that’s a typical strategy that abusers use every time to make their victim disconnected with family and friends.” However, not everyone agrees with mm;:, ^ /" mmif JUiky WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: CASEY HULL DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER iPuibN I lil U Cofefe c>! Human Ecology JK Je ll! -t j - j ¡1 - ] 1 « wsmm m msM jMfe: iffn(M SH Bill »1» ■I ISfl■ i Professor Amy Bonomi reads through her copy of Fifty Shades of Grey. Bonomi has published multiple research articles on the negative messages pertaining to relationship abuse contained within the trilogy. of exploring lovejj sexuality and sexual expressions — Bonomi suggests the eroticism of the novel could have been achieved without the depiction of abuse. With more than 100 million copies of the book sold worldwide and the movie’s box office profits topping $85 million in just three days, the series’ popularity cannot be doubted. However, Bonomi hopes that the many eyes scouring juicy pages and sex scenes on the big screens will be critical ones. this interpretation. “I don’t said think Christian displays domestic violence in his relationship with senior Ellie Gosselin. Anastasia,” “Christian has a contract that explained the exact rules and regulations and also asked for her consent. She could have ended the relationship at any time.” While it’s easy to understand the novel’s appeal — especially for those young in the prime period individuals who are 1 Wi LIVING A LIFE UNWRITTEN DATE YOURSELF BRINGS A NIGHT OF SELF-LOVE AND REFLECTION FOR STUDENTS the small Addressing crowd surrounding her in the RCAH theater, junior Hannah Schroeder opened her diary, laughed and put the microphone to her mouth. She began to read an entry from her middle school self. After reading “Twilight,” Schroeder confessed to her diary how lonely she was, wondering why no boy would love her and how she could possibly be happy without a boy like Edward Cullen in her life. Now, Schroeder asked the people gathered to hear her speak to reflect on their own experiences about love with unrealistic expectations. She set out to prove that the most important person to love is one’s self and all else will fall into place. During the summer of 2014, Schroeder spent several months alone in Traverse City for an internship. While she originally felt depressed after being alone in the city, she eventually started to appreciate having the time to explore her own thoughts. While spending time by herself, she noticed the self-deprecating attitudes that teenagers and young adults have towards their body images. Schroeder finally asked, “Why aren’t people dating themselves?” After eight months of planning, she unveiled the event Date Yourself on Feb. 13, a project promoting self-love and appreciation. “As I was alone, I just started loving life more and started enjoying my alone time and really just learning a lot about myself and about life, ” said Schroeder. Junior Lindsey Beaver, another speaker, asked everyone to imagine sitting in class, where a fellow classmate gives a deadpan stare and then looks away. Most of the time, the people who stare do not mean any harm, maybe they are harmlessly looking at the clock behind them. But Beaver admits that when she is the subject of the stare, she frantically analyzes the interaction. “Is there something on my face? Are they angry at me? What did I do? Is there a problem?” Beaver questioned. One remedy, Beaver said, is to keep this natural inner dialogue in check, otherwise it undermines people’s own attempt at becoming more confident. “People that were into meditation, they talked about the fact that a lot of times your brain is like this little chatterbox; it doesn’t know what it’s talking about,” said Beaver. “Well, if I look into that and start analyzing what I’m thinking, I can turn that around. And I started keeping track of my dialogues.” Senior Emily Maurer attended the event with her friends because she believes that in order to be in a healthy, dependent relationship, people need to be confident of their independence — they have to make themselves the priority. She hoped to delve "I JUST HOPE PEOPLE WERE INSPIRED TO LOOK BEYOND ALL THE THINGS THEY WORRY ABOUT, LIKE THEIR LOOKS AND WHETHER OR NOT PEOPLE LIKE THEM." deeper into this concept at the celebration of self. “It’s really important to put yourself first. I think that is what this event is really trying to say. Like they said, it’s not selfish, it’s not narcissistic, because your life is about you. Everything you do is going to impact you,” said Maurer. the When Schroeder put event together, she created five steps to having a relationship with yourself: loving yourself with positive thinking, learning how to be alone and find peace in it, using alone time for self-improvement and reflection, living life without expectations and letting go. “I just hope people were inspired to look beyond all the things that they worry about, like their looks and whether or not people like them,” said Schroeder. “I know that that’s a very difficult thing for people to get over. So I hope that people found this love within themselves.” The event included an upbeat song written by Schroeder with her ukelele. Additionally, “Streetcomer Symphony” was performed by some friends and an alternative, bluesy final performance by the band Sons of Shade produced two encores. With the new mentality of not caring so much what the world thinks, students started to dance around the stage, laughing and hugging. Schroeder said the end of the event was how she dreamed it would be, except in her head they were dancing to her special theme song, “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. one day Schroeder she hopes can establish the program in middle and high schools where people feel especially vulnerable and think relationships are crucial for happiness. However, like her personal anthem, the page is blank and Schroeder holds the pen, deciding what step she wants to take next with her inspirational movement. Junior Hannah Schroeder, creator of the Date Yourself event, inspired others to be true to themselves. ra THE CHINESE STUDENT AND SCHOLAR ASSOCIATION HOSTS INAUGURAL TEMPLE FAIR When students walked through the doors of McDonel Hall on the evening of Feb. 13, they were transported to a world of vibrant lanterns music, bustling crowds, glowing and red and gold decorations adorning every surface. The more than 80 members of the Chinese Student and Scholars Association (CSSA) worked for three months to bring MSU its first-ever Temple Fair to celebrate the year of the goat. Zihan Lin, a senior financial analyst, was the first sight as she greeted guests wearing traditional Chinese garb. She was responsible for guiding patrons through the fair, providing them with maps and information regarding the locations of the events, passed out bottled water and small red envelopes for good luck that contained a voucher to redeem $10. The organization partnered with LiveOn and the dining and residential staff at McDonel to offer students a glimpse of the traditional food, games and entertainment in a Chinese New Year celebration. The smell of almond cookies and sweet citrus sauces wafted from the dining hall accompanied by the relaxing tonal music of a Chinese tea show being performed inside. through spanned The games the maze of hallways in McDonel and ranged from traditional paper cutting and calligraphy challenges to brain teasers and puzzles. One game, Jianzi, was similar to hacky sack and required the player to keep an oddly shaped object with feathers in the air by kicking it. China is a big country, and we have lots of different people with different traditions.” Members of CSS A said the event was a chance for the MSU community to learn more about Chinese culture and a chance for Chinese students to reconnect with traditions from home. “Most of the games are games that we played when we were young,” said Jiadi Wang, a programmer analyst at MSU and Chinese native. “A lot of the students who have been here for two or three years really miss that part of their childhood, so we brought those games here tonight.” Wang said that they were expecting over 500 students, employees and community members to attend the inaugural event. Freshman Ingrid Pang said that after she saw a Facebook event for the Temple Fair, she was interested to see if there were any parallels between Chinese New Year traditions and those native to her Taiwanese heritage. “The writing on red paper envelopes, we did that back in Taiwan, and we would hang them on our doors as a sign of good luck,” said Pang. the Although fireworks didn’t burst overhead into dazzling fiery creations and the busy hallways of a residence hall aren’t the streets of Shanghai, MSU’s CSSA members found a way to combine the traditions of their two worlds to create a new type of new year celebration. m . “Usually for Chinese New Year, we set off fireworks and play games, like many of the ones you will see tonight,” said Lin. “Many of the games I was unfamiliar with, because TraditHIl Chines#flf|Pl^ thë McDorïfeffêiva, encinffing numerous crafts, and ac%^ties|pr everyone to experience. 22C WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER THIS IS OUR STORY VAGINA MONOLOGUES SPREAD AWARENESS THROUGH FLASH MOB DANCE Members of the Vagina Monologues dance in a flash mob in front of Brody Hall. The group aimed to increase awareness of women's rights through dancing. When a woman shares a story about how her boss ignores her ideas at work and chooses her male co-worker’s ideas instead, she is told to toughen up and learn to play with the boys. When a woman is catcalled on the street, it is her fault for not wearing a skirt with a hemline that belongs in Victorian England. When a college freshman tries to report a sexual assault, she may fear that others won’t believe her or think she was asking for it. spent Feb. 14 The women of the MSU Vagina Monologues spreading awareness about these issues, inciting pride in women and promoting their annual show by performing flash mob dances around campus. Their show is an adaptation of Eve Ensler’s book through various monologues, including ones that chronicle Bosnian women in rape camps and a girl experiencing her first period. told campus. V-Day, a non-profit created by Eve Ensler, has raised more than $100 million to help end world-wide violence against women. The One Billion Rising movement is a mass call to action for ending violence against women and is often associated with V-Day. Laura Swanson, a co-director of this year’s show, wanted to find an innovative way to promote the show and empower women along the way. She decided that learning and performing the dance choreographed by the One Billion Rising movement in a flash mob setting would be a great way to get the word out. taken really “We’ve never into consideration dance, and I happen to be a dance instructor,” said Swanson. “I just thought that this would be another perfect way for us to empower each other, because dance is a very powerful tool.” Traditionally, the Vagina Monologues members join the annual V-Day march on The February 2015 show at the Wharton Center benefited the Firecracker 222 I WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: PHILINA CHEN I DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI ■ k* “I saw the Vagina Monologues last year in its 16th season,” said sophomore Miranda Madro, a cast member of the 2015 show. “It was just so inspiring — all of the different parts and monologues. There was happy, there was sad, there was funny, and it really just got me thinking about how it affects me and everyone I know and everyone in our society.” Senior Laura Swanson spreads her arms in syne with her fellow Vagina Monologues members during the flashmob at Brody Hal-1. The cast uses their personal experiences to help them convey the situations presented in the monologues that women face everyday. They give women a way to relate and heal through common memoirs. “I think that in general everyone has a story to tell, and everyone’s story should be respected and heard,” said Swanson. “So this is our story. It is the story of women and how they feel.” 223 Foundation, a Lansing-based group that seeks to assist children who have been subjected to sexual assault. Members of the Vagina Monologues said that the biggest misconception people have about the show is that it is just a collection of women complaining. Tashmica Torok, the executive director of the Firecracker Foundation and a cast member, thinks that the empowerment of women and the fight for equal rights and safety is a complaint that should be made and heard. “If this were a show about complaining, I would say one in three women facing some type of sexual assault or violence before the age of 18 is worth the complaint,” said Torok. “I think it’s worth having our community hear that complaint and respond to that complaint.” For the cast and crew, the Vagina Monologues represent a safe dialogue for women to express their joys and fears about being a female in the 21st century. KINESIOLOGY SENIOR DANNY TRAh OPENS HIS OWN TRAINING FACILIT' | WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD I DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSK! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 224 Danny Tran has always been addicted to motion. Whether running down freshly-cut soccer fields or football turf, Tran preferred being outdoors to having an Xbox controller in his hands. Now a senior majoring in kinesiology, Danny Tran is turning his love of exercise into a career. “To this day, I rarely watch television for hours on end,” said Tran. “Relaxing is very good for overall health, but I find that leisure activities are most enjoyable for me. As I grew older, it turned into figuring out how I could turn that into a career.” After completing a kinesiology and exercise science associate’s degree at Lansing Community College, as well as an internship with Snap Fitness and a personal trainer certification course, Tran started his fitness training company in June 2013 called Workout Buddies. However, it wasn’t until March 2014 that he decided to open up his own small studio facility in Lansing to provide personal training services. Although at times he struggles to balance his time with school, work and relationships on a daily basis, those challenges haven’t hampered Tran’s path towards success. “Any challenges that I’ve had, my positive attitude has gotten me through,” said Tran. “That helps turn everything into a challenge rather than an obstacle. It becomes less frustrating and more motivating.” Tran attempts to pass this way of living onto his clients, whether in pep talks or teaching by example. With a hectic schedule throughout the week, Tran’s busiest day begins at 3 a.m. He wakes up and prepares his meals, like protein shakes and grilled chicken. Tran won’t be home until late in the evening because of classes and clients, who he begins meeting at 5 a.m. After fitting in his own one-hour workout, two long classes and a training session with MSU’s womens rugby team, Tran gets home around 10 p.m., only to repeat the same thing just a few days later. “He’s honestly one of the best people I know,” said Megan Roberts, an MSU alumna who trained with Tran for rugby from 2013 to 2014. “He’s so young, but he’s done so much. He has so many passions, but he does all of them. It makes me wonder if he ever sleeps.” Tran said that he would love to begin providing rehabilitation services along with his personal training. He added enthusiastically that he’s interested in following individuals from injury, to rehabilitation and back to redevelopment. Not only is Tran dedicated to providing clients with adequate knowledge about what their bodies need for optimal performance, but he also makes sure they apply that knowledge through making lifestyle changes. For clients who struggle with weight loss, Tran makes incorporate more that simple meal plans protein and fewer carbohydrates and sugars. He also creates workout circuits that mix strength with cardio, incorporating exercises such as squats, abdominal crunches, running and jumping jacks. Kinesiology freshman Caleigh Hunt has worked with Tran over the past year, noticing almost immediately an improvement in her endurance and fitness level. “Getting in good shape allows you to live longer and better, but the mental aspect is just incredible,” said Hunt. “Exercising makes me feel so much better. The endorphins really just change your whole day.” Tran makes sure his clients know that the most important part isn’t the number on the scale but rather the comfort one feels in his or her own skin. “The reward of client success is indescribable,” said Tran. “The challenges are real and the experiences are amazing. Being able to help individuals from all walks of life overcome challenges is more rewarding than working an hourly job. It gave me purpose, and I wouldn’t change a thing now.” SEVEN MINUTES A few minutes — that’s all it takes for human muscles to exhaust as they exert maximum strength. For wrestlers, seven short minutes are made long with numerous drops on their heads, pins to the mats and twists into pretzel-shaped configurations. Yet, they continue to push themselves back up off the mat, powered not by a weakening muscle strength but a growing willpower. A wrestling match consists of three periods. The first is three minutes long, and the next are each two minutes. With one player in each of the 10 weight classes of a given match, wrestlers attempt to perform takedowns and escapes to earn points. In turn, their opponent judges and attempts to counteract their moves. But just seven minutes of exerting their maximum level of strength can feel like an eternity to the human body. “Going into the third period, you’re exhausted,” explained junior Nick Trimble. “It’s the most physically draining conditioning sport you can do, because you’re so tired. I can’t even explain it. Even though we work out all the time and we practice all this hard conditioning, you’re still going to get tired eventually. So in the third period, it’s all about your willpower.” Redshirt junior Brandon Fifield recalled a favorite quote preached at practices by Head Coach Tom Minkel, “Fatigue will diminish your opponent’s skills.” Fifield explained how he often uses this principle against his competitors. It proved especially effective against Indiana University on Feb. 13, when the Spartans pulled out a close win of 26-16. “Not giving up is something the sport teaches you from a young age,” said Fifield. “No matter how bad your body is beat up, how much weight you have had to cut or how exhausted you are, you have to push through it.” Following a close loss to Central Michigan University at the final home duel inside Jenison Fieldhouse, Assistant Coach Sam Wendland said his team needed to focus on not holding back and going after their attacks as they headed into the post-season. “We need to go into the Big Ten Tournament and make things happen because if you don’t there, you’ll get beat,” explained Wendland. Trimble, who has been on the team for three years, knew firsthand that mental fortitude is one of the most important assets for a wrestler. “I used to worry all about winning, but now it’s more about executing small things. We call it being stingy,” explained Trimble. “For instance, my first thought when stepping on the mat is, ‘I’ve gotta get the first take­ down, then I’ll think what to do next.’” Despite a regular season overall record of 5-19, the team continued to work through the odds stacked against them by practicing relentlessly and vigorously for post-season tournaments. “The that our thing about us schedule is so hard,” said Trimble. “We wrestle probably eight of the top 15 teams in the nation. It’s mentally draining, but at the end of the season, your confidence is up because you know you’ve been wrestling the best kids.” is Stepping off the mat after a match, the wrestlers take a mental and physical break to begin fostering their willpower, exhausted yet eager for the start of the next round. WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE PIOTROWSKI DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ H f P i PENN STATE L: 35-0 NEBRASKA L: 33-6 INDIANA W: 26-16 PURDUE L: 22 -13 DUKE I : 19 M | RESULTS MICHIGAN STATE OPEN No Team Score IOWA L: 3f|0 KENT STATE W: 32-7 CHATTANOOGA iM 24-13 OLIVET COLLEGE W: 44 - 0 MINNESOTA T L: 36-3 IOWA STATE L: 22-9 NORTHERN IOWA OPEN No Team Score BUCKNELL L: 25 -¿12 MICHIGAN L: 28 - 9 OHIO STATE L: 25 -13 EASTERN MICHIGAN W: 18 -16 CENTRAL MICHIGAN L: 21-12 NORTHERN ILLINOIS fW: 27-6 WISCONSIN L: 34-6 BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS 13th A FROSTY FREEFALL GREEK ORGANIZATIONS TAKE A PLUNGE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS MICHIGAN Jumping into a pond wearing nothing but a speedo sounds refreshing. Plunging into the water with a group of friends dressed like jellyfish would be comical and fun. However, embracing waves of mid-winter’s freezing water on bare skin seems borderline neurotic. On Feb. 22, members of Greek life found themselves teetering on the edge of a block of ice at the Eagle Eye Golf Course pond, primed for taking a brisk bob. Sixty-two teams from all over the greater Lansing area gathered at the course to take a chilly dip. With a combined effort, the teams helped raise more than $50,000 for Special Olympics Michigan in what would be the 11th anniversary of the Polar Plunge. “It was one of our events for Greek week,” explained sophomore Alyssa Brozek, an Alpha Omicron Pi sorority member and plunge participant.,',“I decided to participate because I love Special Olympics, and I was an athlete myself so it was something close to my heart.” team The Kick-Axe Lumberjacks from Mason High School donned knit caps, plaid shirts, jeans, boots and rubbed coffee I WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: PHILINA CHEN DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER Two participants of t'he Polar Plunge immediately feel the shock of the chilling waters. Nonetheless, their chills helped raise more than $50,000 for Special Olympics Michigan. grinds on their faces to create beards. Their team leader thought that lumberjack costumes would be interesting to look at and might help to keep them warm. The brothers of the Lambda Theta Phi fraternity were participants in the event for the last four years and said it is a tradition they look forward to. “We love helping the community,” said senior Julio Hernandez, a Lambda Theta Phi brother. “A mom of a Special Olympics kid came up to us and said, ‘Thank you so much for helping.’ It feels good putting a smile on peoples’ faces.” After a moment’s hesitation, the team of grizzly Kick-Axe Lumberjacks gathered on the frosted platform and jumped in to the barely above freezing pond water. Once completely submerged, the team members broke the surface to take gulps of oxygen, their caps and plaid shirts already beginning to freeze after being exposed to the air. “I didn’t know where my legs or my hands were,” Caitlin Bergeon, a student at Mason High School, recalled. “I was just frozen, paralyzed.” Brief paralysis and a chance of typical outcomes the hypothermia aren’t of participating in a charitable event. The members of MSU Greek community risk life and limb to raise money and support Special Olympics participants and their athletic dreams. Surprisingly, some of the participants would still take the plunge even if it didn’t benefit a charitable cause. RECONSTRUCTING TRANQUILITY THE STUDENT GREENHOUSE PROJECT AIMS TO CREATE NATURE SANCTUARY Imagine a large room with a 60-foot- long stream flowing from a waterfall into a small pond, surrounded by colorful, exotic plants. Now, visualize a glass-walled butterfly house within this large room, filled with numerous orange, yellow and dazzling blue butterflies flitting about in the air. This dream-like greenhouse in north campus was a place where all of East Lansing could boost its energy and rejuvenate its senses. In October 1997, MSU’s administrators decided to demolish the Botany Greenhouse. What once served as a place to take a breath of fresh air and feel connected to nature had become just a memory. The Student Greenhouse Project (SGP) aims to bring back a sanctuary that houses plants, free and open to the public year- round for student activities such as community events, studying or simply relaxing. With meetings every week, members discuss ways to involve the rest of the MSU community in the project through social media and interactive events on campus. intends The group implement MSU alumni Barry Stiefel’s exterior design of a 120-foot-diameter and 60-foot-tall dome. Expected to be included in the 2020 Vision to WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI In fact, according to Rachel Kaplan, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, experimental investigations of restorative environments that contain green plants,itrees, flowers and waterscapes show two main effects: an apparent decrease in stress levels and a recovery from mental fatigue. The benefits of a greenhouse are what prompted an outcry against the destruction of the original greenhouse. Well aware of these positive impacts, SGP members and supporters plan to reconstruct the previous greenhouse into a more advanced and established place for community members. There, they can follow paths lined with lush green vegetation to the intersection of education and mental restoration. Campus Master Plan, the biodome is to be constructed west of Shaw Hall and Farm Lane. Along with the waterfalls and lush plants, the biodome will have a study room and performance area for concerts, plays and poetry readings. Junior Steven Kokotovich, member of the SGP, said that his primary motivation behind the project is to give back to the community he will soon be leaving. “It’s just about being able to be a part of something that changes campus,” said Kokotovich. In addition to providing a place for student activity, members of the club also hope to cater to community members who are not affiliated with MSU. The greenhouse space would also be utilized for weddings, health walks for Sparrow Hospital patients, school tours for elementary students and informal drop-in visits throughout the day. “People get overwhelmed with their classes,” said SGP’s community liaison Jeff Herzog. “They don’t have a moment for respite. When you get back to your dorm, you still have work to do or people to call. At the greenhouse, you can sit for a minute and breathe in the warmth of nature.” Biomedical science junior Marissa Musk said she feels that the mental health benefits from stopping to gaze at pitcher plant tendrils will be reaped in many different ways. “Along with being beneficial for the the environment, the project will definitely have a positive mental effect on students’ health,” said Musk. Students gather around a model of the proposed Student Greenhouse at the 2013-14 Sparticipation. JOHN PLUCK ■ I®,- -*w4M8H m Mh Hudson MfCHIGAN STATE -.«nL ■ V t lS l w mmmrn, mSm b .........' - *» HIBr M Determination can be defined in numerous ways: rising before the sun six days a week to squeeze in a morning practice, harnessing the strength for a second 40 minute run and weight room session or skipping out on some nights out in order to rest up the mind and body before the routine continues. The women’s rowing team stays determined daily, whether rowing wide rivers or circuit training in Jenison Fieldhouse in hopes of winning the Big Ten title and earning a trip to nationals. also rigorous daily promotes a solidarity that is vital to their coordinated strokes. routine The “When you train every day, you build an on-campus family, a home away from home,” said junior Alyssa Jurcak. 234 m^mm plllili mmmM ?-■ V-.•■ - IMBm BMB - -*; I ii^^s Women’s Rowing has two seasons: the fall season from September until November and the spring season from March until the end of May. What falls between is no leisurely break but rigorous indoor conditioning while the snow falls. It is made more difficult by the fact that the team’s course is buried under layers of ice and snow. “It gets tough on some days,” said assistant head coach Helen Tilghman. “Training is hard, because I have to train the girls to stay motivated during the winter season. It is tough to actively enjoy your sport when it virtually does not exist outside for months at a time.” Mental obstacles happen not only when training but also on physical and SHin I i I H ■ I W illi *v ' f f W t l ” i fl mm . 1 i SI Wmm1 .A----- \J.s H ■ « -;" B 'Sfi illlil k *,£■ ' i I i'f-'-.i. * 1 -».V* 111 as« ■ I111 1 ■ IR t£$mm 5*. * . 51 gmm .. §& Sli -y^n ppilllii J,’? . g i - i &»»« »M l«■■ * B I 1 E mi ■■ >5.1 s I ■ mb! *v - WS■Srai:H m :v. MMWIi < ■■ V. uSwftl ¡11 ■H iMl ■■fv** Kj& r*\w? .„■ 1. . * ■' ■;>vr'. I 11111 1 :' ■ -'.’ .: • 8®® • V•■ ' ¡¡SSI mmSKSmSaar- W *............. ! S| IS ^,“:.:r..:i IhH ■ ' ,t . - - -1-,___k-”‘ . ..:,:L: ::^Baaate^T' ‘Vair i| •ateaawMSi *---V iniiii ■- i MhHbHMRHN ,r, -':—" ■; - -' -.- jm3 i- < npiPM Hhh race day. In the spring races, with only two kilometers to cover, the team travels at intense speeds. Regardless of what physical pain they encounter, they must power through to maintain their inertia. “It’s hard, because there’s no doubt toward the end of the race or a piece in practice your lungs and legs will be burning,” said freshman Kasidy Higgins. “You have to ignore the pain and know the girls in the boat are rowing for you and you are rowing for them. Giving up is not an option.” As they coordinate forceful strokes against still waters, the women’s opponent is not the clock but rather the pumping legs powering competing boats. During their spring season opener at the Oak Ridge Cardinal The coxswain encourages the rowers as they speed down the river. The coxswain has many roles including directing, steering and motivating the crew. Invitational in Tennessee on March 14, MSU novice times that bested Oklahoma, Alabama and UCF by several seconds were repeated in the afternoon only to be swiftly overtaken by No. 2 Virginia and No. 9 Yale. What keeps the team going as they wait for winter’s spell to break is the same force that propels them through thawed waters, despite such loses. “It is easy to stay motivated,” said Higgins, “when you remember that the Big Ten title, a trip to nationals, and the national recognition is always looking right back at you.” Jars of snakes rest on display in the Herpetology Research Collection. The museum holds more than 18,000 preserved vertebrate specimens that are used for research, teaching and outreach. A tiger skull shows incisor and canine teeth and the delicate, nasal turbinate bones. Nasal turbinates in a tiger's nostrils increase its sense of smell. WRITER: HOLLY DRANKHAN PHOTOGRAPHER: LAUREN GABOURY DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS Like an author presented with the nearly half million words documented in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, so too must the Michigan State University Museum staff sort through their collections of inanimate artifacts to select those ideal for telling a particular story. The archives have more stories to tell than the 838 miles of bookshelves at the Library of Congress could ever support — and certainly more information than could ever be showcased within the quaint museum. To realize the vast knowledge these collections hold, one must go behind the scenes, crank the handle of numerous mobile shelving units, pull open drawers, rifle in cabinets, file through card catalogs and navigate a maze of littered rooms overflowing from floor to ceiling. It is no surprise that even the museum staff rediscovers small pieces of history every time they unlock the archive’s doors. Founded in 1857, the MSU museum is located in the shadow of Beaumont Tower in the north campus island encompassed by West Circle Drive. It acts as a platform for outreach to the public, showcasing university research and fragments of Michigan history as well as promoting conversation about changing cultures and environments. “I like to say that ideally a university museum gets to be the conduit between the scholarship and the public,” said Exhibitions Manager Teresa Goforth. “Our audience is broad; we have a lot of professors and staff and students, but I also think our largest audience is probably the general public. Being able to take that scholarly research and make it accessible to people is a great service that we can do.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 238 Three robins collected by former MSU professor George Wallace rest in a tray. The presence of DDT in their tissues was used as evidence by Rachel Carson in her environmentally ground-breaking book, "Silent Spring." Cheetah, tiger, leopard and other big cat pelts hang in a closet. The leopard pelt was confiscated by customs at ar international airport and donated to the MSU Museum. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 237 However, the storytelling only just begins in the main building’s three floors and 15 exhibition spaces. Walking the museum’s through cultural collections in the Central Services Building is like cherishing a timeline as delightfully warped and convoluted as Salvador Dali’s clocks. The university has expanded upon a foundation of items acquired in 1957 from the Three Oaks Museum in lower west Michigan, capturing what museum staff affectionately deems the 99 percent: the culture and everyday lives of working-class Americans. Juxtaposed beside porcelain cow­ shaped cream dispensers are early 20th century jeweled mardi gras crowns fit for the royally jubilant. Down the hall from massive wooden African headdresses adorned in grasses — the weight of which one could hardly fathom supporting on human shoulders — the four glass eyes of a taxidermied two-headed calf peered out from behind the edge of a shelf. is able History Curator Shirley Wajda manages this seemingly random collection artifacts. A virtual human of cultural encyclopediai she to ascribe an anthropological significance for every item, from a collection of 200 women’s shopping bags to Christmas ornaments. In doing so, she utilizes what museum professionals deem essentially understanding how archived items relate to one another under broader themes and identifying what areas to expand on. “intellectual control,” Putting her prowess to work, Wajda analyzed a piece in the museum’s Antiques- Roadshow-worthy furniture collection which she considers “Teddy Roosevelt run amok.” It is an upholstered throne popular in the late 19th century and suited for western royalty, with arms, legs and a headrest made of bull horns jutting out at such severe angles that one dare not look too close for fear of losing an eye. Wajda explained that chairs, because of their association with seats of power, can tell historians a lot about social class. Sometimes an item tells its own story without such elaborate interpretation. Take, for example! a navy-colored uniform from the American Civil War worn by Michigan- native William Featherstone. The fabric, frayed at the elbows and bearing tarnished gold buttons, was given to the museum by the soldier’s grandson along with some personal wartime correspondence on stationary. In it,I Featherstone describes the rainy weather that not only wore out his clothing but that he also professed, “Washed the patriotism out of me.” “Everyone goes to museums thinking everything is treated up to look like it came off the rack, but part of the new trends in museum work is to show its age a little bit,” said Wajda, who admired even the home-spun aesthetic of a small clothespin on the coat’s cuff. “Architectural historians talk about stabilized ruins when it comes to buildings, that maybe a stabilized ruin tells the story better than rebuilding it. In some ways, I think that is the case here.” ruins stabilizing In the case of the museum’s natural history collections — located on the museum’s third floor — a delicate balance must be struck between and gleaning important information for research. In storage and on display, the museum has 111,000 vertebrate specimen including 36,000 fish floating in jars of preservatives; 13,000 taxidermied birds; antlers of every size, shape and curvature; tanned hides from big cats; powerful mastodon jaws and the elegant, slender neck of a giraffe mounted in a side stairwell. With so many items donated by the Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, zoos and local residents, it is no wonder that scientists and scholars from all over the country consult the collections. They have examined a black bear skeleton for signs of osteoporosis in zoo animals, collected DNA from tissue remnants on hyena vertebrae CONTINUED ON PAGE 241 Various horns and antlers of ungulate species, or hooved mammals, are displayed on the wall. Antlers are shed and regrown annually while.horns are permanent. Several mandibles from various mammals showcase their differences in diet. Herbivores have ridged teeth meant for chewing plant matter. This black bear skeleton was used by a researcher to study osteoporosis. The research was then applied to treating osteoporosis in zoo animals. This skeleton of a llama showcases its seven vertabrae. Llamas are able to live in high altitudes due to a significant amount of hemoglobin, providing higher levels of oxygen. m The Cultural Collections are especially strong in textiles and cultural materials from many regions of Africa. These wax printed cotton fabrics, used to make clothing, are from Nigeria and date to the second half of the 20th century. Weavers from Ethiopa make colorful baskets which are used for serving food and as storage. Many young women turn to professional weavers for the baskets they need to complete dowries. and-white photographs. The ultimate goal of exhibit design is to create a learning space that is structured yet flexible, explained Goforth. “People learn better when they own their learning. If we can create ways for them, not just by writing lectures on the wal, but rather creating opportunities for them to find the answers themselves, then we are successful,” said Goforth. When Wajda looks at a hand-stitched quilt, she sees not stitches in fabric but subjects and predicates woven into a story. For Abraczinskas';- drawers with bird eggs of every size and shape are secrets waiting to be cracked. Goforth’s job becomes one of fitting together pieces of an historic puzzle, a tantalizing challenge with so many answers. If artifacts could talk! they would sound something like the soft, thoughtful footsteps of visitors on the MSU Museums’ stone floors as they turn to discover the hidden gems that lie around yet another comer. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 238 and even inspected armadillo plates for clues about the history of human war armor. The museum also saves specimen from previous studies for others in the scientific community to review. This includes robins from the famous study by George Wallace that confirmed the birds were poisoned by the insecticide DDT used on Michigan State’s campus and around Michigan. The research inspired Rachel Carson’s revolutionary book “Silent Spring,” published in 1962. “Museums always try to balance use with preservation,” said Laura Abraczinskas, vertebrate collections manager. “You want something to be used but you also don’t want it to be wrecked or unavailable for future uses.” Many of the specimen are also loaned to classes offered by the zoology department. These include the skulls of lions and tigers with delicate scrolls of nasal turbinates that showcase the animal’s incredible sense of smell. “The specimens are the real thing,” said Abraczinskas. “Some of them are casts and models, but it is something that they can learn from. I think it is not the same as looking at a picture, you can explore it in a different way.” With so many gems continuously entering its possession, the museum works to design temporary exhibits in which they can shine. As Goforth explained, this requires one or two years of planning. Museum curators, many of whom have to university departments, are the original visionaries for an exhibit that serves the museum’s mission of “understanding, interpreting and respecting natural and cultural diversity.” ties staff To help accomplish this task, curators consult other museum including Goforth, who assist in obtaining the desired feel and flow for visitors as they explore objects by using lighting, color and space. In the instance of the museum’s exhibit, “Seeing China: Photographic Views and Viewpoints,” this required constructing a 10-foot-by- 10-foot wall in order to showcase the desired artwork. The gallery was also painted red, a color that is not only significant to Chinese culture but also emboldens the still lifes captured in black- THE WILL TEDXMSU 2015 EVENT WAS ORGANIZED AND PRESENTED BY SPARTANS. FOR SPARTANS So many speakers, so many ideas. An incredible amount of passion radiated from the stage as individuals began their extraordinary monologues and anecdotes, telling stories that have since lived in the hearts and minds of others. And the cherry on top for this event: they all came from Michigan State University. On March 4, MSU hosted the event ‘TEDxMSU 2015: The Will’ in the Cobb Great Hall inside the Wharton Center. This was the university’s second TEDx event, and attendance increased 20 fold. Nearly 2,000 students, faculty and community members turned attentive ears as 12 speakers told their story about their past experiences, current projects and future visions. The ‘TED’ part of the event is a non­ profit organization that is a part of ‘Ideas Worth Spreading.’ The first conference was held in California 26 years ago and has grown into a worldwide initiative. The ‘x’ part of the event means it’s a local, self-organized event that brings people together to share a “TED-like” experience. These experiences are conferences that all have the same dynamic: the inspired format, the breadth of content, the commitment to seek out the most interesting people on Earth and let them communicate their passion. ‘The Will’ follows the ‘Spartans Will’ slogan which the university uses to encourage Spartans to pursue whatever they put their minds to and see it to fruition. The event itself was three hours long, but the high energy in the auditorium and the brevity of each speech guided the audience through each idea and thought process that was presented to them. People could watch the live-streamed event online, sharing ideas from East Lansing to Spartans all around the world. “The project was completely student- led,” said Irene Li, the student curator of TEDxMSU. “It started from conversations over coffee and bubble tea, grew through myriad meetings and phone calls, failed late nights and successful ventures alike, and early mornings and culminated into a successful conference.” The line-up was diverse. It included senior Rebecca Brunk, who spoke of overcoming her mother’s death through novel writing. In ‘Hot or Not, Just Try,’ graduate student Emily Weigel shared her experiments on fish that taught her about social and sexual attraction. Junior Can Wang explained his research on the stereotype of international students owning expensive cars. Nuclear astrophysicist Dr. Hendrik Schatz spoke about a particle accelerator being built on campus. Alumnus Young Yi spoke about his fight and victory over Leukemia, and neuro- opthalmologist Dr. David Kaufman discussed his pursuit in pioneering treatment for optic neuritis. Senior John Nowak is an arts and humanities student at MSU and the drummer of Desmond Jones. Nowak discussed how music influenced his life and the lives of others. WRITER: MAGGIE NYE PHOTOGRAPHER: CHESTNUT ZHANG DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER Junior Austin Martin spoke about the ironic injustice of the criminal justice system. He advocated for compassion as well as justice, hoping to fix the system and find a way for people who come out of prisons to rebuild their lives and stay out of prison in the future. “The architecture of our lives in this society is made up of realities that were once just radical ideas,” said Martin. Senior John Nowak spoke about ‘The Power of Music’ and the influence music therapy can have on children with special needs. “I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to share my ideas and story with so many people, and to have shared the stage with other inspiring and awesome speakers,” said Nowak. “I think TEDxMSU is something that will continue to grow and inspire the East Lansing community.” 2015 critical thinking, TEDxMSU and encouraged curiosity turning inspiration into action. For just a few hours, the stage in the Wharton Center was changed from a plank of wood flooring to a platform on which to share ideas. The take aways from this “TEDx” talk had the power to keep the wheels of the attendees’ minds spinning, while spreading infectious ideas, curiosity and creativity throughout the community. M3 COLLEGE OF ARTS ! AND LETTERS WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: CASEY HULL DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ anywhere,” said Widger. “I can just be walking down the street and I will see something and think, ‘Oh, that could be added to my next project.”’ Fashion sketches are blueprints that have a sense of style and pizazz and will lead to clothing with similar characteristics. While culminating a string of ideas about fabric! textures and silhouettes and turning them into cohesive pieces is important, the drafting and and sketching portion of clothing design is just the first step down a very long runway. Senior Emily Fletcher pins up her range of artistic sketches of the beginnings of her dress. Apparel and Textile Design students spent an entire semester planning, designing and creating.their masterpieces. Step i: Dreaming and Designing A pencil hits paper and lead flows out into an A-line gown enveloped in organza ruffles. Colored pencils fill in the intricate swirling patterns and textures of garments that are more like walking pieces of art. The creation and sketching process of clothing design is where imaginary items become concrete plans for show-stopping, eye­ catching fashion masterpieces. tactile The students in the College of Arts and Letters apparel and textile design program leam to take the multitude of stylish ideas bubbling around in their heads and turn them into physical garments that can be used for art, costume or high fashion purposes. Senior Alexis Widger said that many of her design ideas are governed by the guidelines given by professors in project assignments, but also gets ideas from abstract objects as well. “I can honestly get inspiration from Step 2: Stitching it Together Taking a design from a piece of paper and turning it into a wearable item is no easy task. Decisions about size, fabric and time spent on a project have to be made before a single stitch is sewn; the first decision being what fabrics will best translate a designer’s vision. Senior Emily Pletcher said that the fabric chosen depends on the garment the designer is creating. While picking out fabric is one of her favorite parts of the process, Pletcher said it is also one of the most difficult. When choosing a fabric, designers not only have to take into consideration the look and function, but also the cost. While a silk fabric may look the best for a design at $25 per yard, it isn’t always a feasible option, so a satin fabric at $5.99 per yard is chosen instead. “The thing I find most challenging, because we are in East Lansing and we are not in New York or L.A., is our options for fabric options are very limited,” said Pletcher. “It’s just about using your resources, and I think that has made me a better designer and a better student because I don’t have these extravagant options.” After tireless hours of painstakingly sewing on buttons to the back of a gown or stitching a leather jacket suited for the toughest greaser to wear, designers face the task of readying their designs for the runway. Pletcher stitches together her dress, "De La Mer/' meaning "of the sea." The design was inspired by a painting of an octopus Pletcher stumbled upon. CONTINUED ON PAGE 249 WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: CASEY HULL DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ Step 3: Walking Art CONTINUED FROM PAGE 247 In the Pasant Theater, standing starkly in the center, was a sleek black runway surrounded by rows of seats filled with viewers. The annual student fashion show is an opportunity for designers to showcase their work and experience the tumultuous schedule of a show. The show is put together throughout the semester by a team of about 20 students, lead by faculty and senior directors. “I think the best part was seeing it all come together,” said Emma Witte, a senior director for the show. “Each new day had a new challenge that we had to embrace, but it was definitely never boring.” The most striking designs of the night were made from objects not normally associated with fashion. A popular medium was paper, while paint chips, coffee filters and pages from anti-feminist books were some other choices for materials. Other designers chose obscure objects, such as senior Jenna Gambor’s piece which used 6,000 golf tees or sophomore Mitch Fehrle’s piece made out of gourd cross sections. Students had the opportunity to impress a panel of judges for the chance to earn one of the several awards. While receiving an award at the end of the night is a tantalizing possibility, it is not the only reward the designers have in mind. “Sometimes you work tirelessly and you don’t get the result that you want,” said Pletcher. “But it’s worth it when your teacher or your peers tell you that they love your design. Knowing that the thing you created and spent so much time on, physically bleed on is going to do well — that is the reward.” "Nature in Season," designed by Mimi Claire is modeled here by junior Rachel Davis. Dresses were made with a range of materials, including kitchen utensils. Four minutes and 27.18 seconds. That’s all the time senior Leah O’Connor needed to make track history. On March 14, O’Connor broke record the NCAA Championship’s for fastest women’s mile by a little over two seconds to become the NCAA and Big Ten Mile Champion. But for O’Connor, the times and the titles do not compare to her pure love of running. O’Connor started off as a kid whose fantasies and leisure activities often included segments of other kids’ worst nightmares — like the annual timed mile in middle school. “I lived for that,” said O’Connor. “Some people hated it. I couldn’t sleep the night before, because I just loved it so much.” O’Connor started competing in track and field in the seventh grade. She ran hurdles and the 400 meter race, then made her way to the mile and cross country when she ran in high school. When she entered the MSU track and field program with fellow team leader and current senior Sarah Birkmeijer, they worked together to inspire a team that was once at the bottom of the Big Ten to become one with a chance to win the Big Ten Conference Title in May 2015. As a pole-vaulter, Birkmeijer did not get to see O’Connor often. But as team leaders, Birkmeijer said they both wanted to end their Spartan careers strong. Birkmeijer said O’Connor was the best advocate for their team because she fully invests herself in it. “You look at her and you know she deserves every accolade she’s received,” said Birkmeijer. “She Is so confident, tough and selfless. Never once do you hear her talk about herself. Everything she does is to better her team and put her team on the map. She knows what she wants and she isn’t afraid to go for it wholeheartedly.” Although Birkmeijer and O’Connor go to every event with a plan in their heads, they later have difficulty remembering what happened during the actual event — they are flying so high and so fast, their thoughts cannot keep up. “My best races, I can’t remember clear thoughts,” said O’Connor. “You’re just in this flow. If you start to over think what you’re doing Senior Leah O'Connor and sophomore Rachele Shulist run side-by-side during interval training. O'Connor and Shulist both have set several records. while you’re racing, you have a tendency to slow down a little bit. When you start thinking outside of yourself about what’s going on around you, it’s weird, but it’s almost like you start running through quicksand.” With her final season as a Spartan nearing an end, O’Connor said she will not be leaving East Lansing any time soon. In March 2015, O’Connor was in the process of talking to agents. She was also excited to announce that she would sign a contract to run professionally after she graduated. O’Connor’s agent will help her sign with a shoe company that will endorse her professional career. After graduating, she will continue to train with the MSU director of track and field, Walt Drenth, to compete for a spot in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. From a training standpoint, Drenth said it makes sense for O’Connor to stay in East Lansing so she will not uproot five years worth of training habits and tradition. On top of that, Drenth was excited to keep O’Connor’s positive mindset around the MSU Track and Field team. “She’s a great role model for our younger athletes,” said Drenth. “Especially being at the top of her profession, having her around speaks volumes for our program and the sports program.” Although the Olympic gold is the ultimate goal for many athletes, O’Connor’s ability to continue to train and push herself harder each day is the result of an unwavering love of running possessed since childhood. “It’s almost this spiritual experience where you’re working every single day towards this abstract goal of, T want to be the best that I can be,”’ said O’Connor. “You do all that hard work and build this character and this perseverance and this strength and, when it comes time to hit the track for a race and to show all the hard work you put in, it’s addicting.” Whether a pole-vaulter or a distance runner, months of training could mean the gain of a few centimeters or the cut of a few milliseconds. Since her days as a middle-school hurdler, it has never been about the number or the record for O’Connor but the hard work and the love of the run. RESULTS GVSU MIKE LINTS OPEN W: 2nd M: 3rd NOTRE DAME INVITE W: 3rd M: 2nd DUAL MEET VS. MICHIGAN W: W M: L MEYO INVITE_________________ No Team Score SPIRE INVITE__________________ No Team Score BIG TEN INDOOR CHAMPS W: 5th M: 9th NCAA INDOOR CHAMPS No Team Score RALEIGH RELAYS_____________ No Team Score BIG 10/ACC CHALLENGE W: 89pts M: 96pts W: 76ptS M: 64ptS VIRGINIA CHALLENGE No Team Score GVSU AL OWENS OPEN W: 7th M: 3rd HILLSDALE GINA RELAYS No Team Score JESSE OWENS INVITATE No Team Score BIG TEN OUTDOOR CHAMPS W: 1st M: 7th 2CO «■«•anali Mgsm has goals Every Spartan they aspire to accomplish during their four years attending MSU. For the honors student, it may be to graduate summa cum laude. For the athlete, it might be the hope to win an NCAA championship. For fraternity brother, it might be to create an unforgettable brotherhood bond. But senior chemistry major Claire Baniel had an entirely different goal in mind. the “I have always been extremely inquisitive. My parents joke that my favorite word as a kid was ‘why,’” explained Baniel. “Chemistry really appeals to that side of me; once you understand the basics, you can apply the knowledge you learn to solve so many problems.” For the last four years, Baniel was a professional assistant in professor Xuefei Huang’s research group, where her primary work involved the development of effective anti-cancer vaccines. According to her mentor, Baniel has investigated multiple vaccine constructs, with the latest eliciting “very good immune responses,” which are effective in killing cancer cells. “I have had many loved ones who have been affected by cancer and to feel like I am making a difference and contributing my knowledge to the cancer fight is the greatest feeling,” explained Baniel. organic immunology, Spending up to 20 hours per week in the lab, Baniel has performed a variety of research, including background information about chemistry, vaccines and research techniques. She has also helped conduct numerous experiments such as breeding a colony of genetically modified mice, collecting blood from mice, harvesting bone marrow, collecting ascites and even performing a splenectomy. Once her preliminary research was complete, she analyzed the mouse samples for various immune responses to determine the effectiveness of the vaccine. “Immunotherapies show so much promise in treating diseases non-invasively. To apply this concept to help learn more about cancer is fascinating,” stated Baniel. “I have always had an interest in immunology, and my research has allowed me to learn more than I would have otherwise in my undergraduate courses.” After a surprise nomination by the Chemistry Department Chair Robert E. Maleckza, her academic advisor Steve Poulios and Huang, Baniel was thrilled to learn she was the recipient of the American Chemical Society Division of Organic Chemistry (DOC) Undergraduate Award. “When for nominations came, I surveyed my colleagues on who they thought would be good for the nomination,” explained Maleckza. “Looking at her versus requests "I HAVE HAD MANY LOVED ONES WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY CANCER AND TO FEEL LIKE I AM MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND CONTRIBUTING MY KNOWLEDGE TO THE CANCER FIGHT IS THE GREATEST FEELING." other nominees, she seemed to have the right stuff for the nomination.” According to Maleckza, the chemistry for department believes their excellence is built upon many things, but certainly the quality of their students and the awards they win go into that equation. reputation “As an educator, one of the biggest rewards is to witness the professional growth of the students and help them achieve their goals,” explained Huang. “Over the past four years, I have had more than 20 undergraduate WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: NATE REVARD DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ oonil Syringes, beakers and petri dishes are just a few-of Baniel's tools when working in the lab. A great deal of Baniel's work must be handled in a hood due to safety precautions. students working in my research laboratory in some capacities. What sets Claire apart is her dedication and perseverance.” Regionally, Baniel has presented her work at the Midwest Carbohydrate Research in both Toledo and Ann Arbor, where she was one of the few undergraduates to present at the regional conference. Her work has also been presented at MSU at the Honors Chemistry poster session for Honors Chemistry II, as well as at the annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF). According to Huang, Baniel’s results are in the process of being submitted to international journals for publication. With plans of attending medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health following graduation, Baniel hopes to continue her research to help better the lives of others. “Research has easily been one of the most challenging, rewarding experiences I have done at Michigan State,” stated Baniel. “My work has helped shaped my career aspirations. I would not be the same person had I not worked in the Huang group these last four years.” Hidden under the microscope lies unexplored answers that Baniel continues to seek out. Utilizing her sense of persistence, determination and an ultimate drive to succeed, Baniel has accomplished all she had imagined and more during her time as a Spartan. utterfiy PfMii Buttatici Family: Pâpôîsiiii Butterfly HaBdaa Ü ' Ceerooid Moth F if'-fïiiy. SsturrÉjM Luna Moth | Fmr&y Smumrnm WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI BUG HOUSE TEACHES COMMUNITY MEMBERS ABOUT ARTHROPODS Although several of East Lansing’s community members may have an everlasting fear of insects and spiders, initiatives on campus such as the monthly Bug House open house help dissipate those fears. On March 9, the Department of Entomology addressed a small crowd of curious onlookers during their open house with the goal of teaching the life histories of these exceptional arthropods. Through the exchange of fast-facts, attendees learned how the speed of the metallic crab spider allows it to escape predators at an alarming rate and how the plume moth has the appearance of a bird’s feathers, but rolls its wings into a rod shape when resting. As a part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Bug House aims to educate visitors about the impact of insects on the environment. “Insects are such a big part of our world,” said coordinator Amanda Lorenz. “It is extremely important for people to be aware of all the good they do in order to promote facilitate beneficial social practices insects by preserving the delicate ecology that surrounds us.” that After a 20 minute information session about insects, attendees were led towards the back room that houses the multi-legged creatures. There, they had the opportunity to interact with walking sticks, tarantulas, cockroaches, scorpions, crickets and a host of other insects. learning This hands-on in a safe environment is especially helpful in getting children to overcome their fears, said Lorenz. “At the Bug House, children are encouraged to view, touch, and handle live insects and spiders while learning about their biology from enthusiastic entomologists,” said Lorenz. “Visitors to the Bug House get a unique opportunity to gain knowledge about insects while simultaneously interacting with insects.” like Even students junior Laura Bizzari found holding beetles and crickets at the open houses valuable in transforming fear into interest early in her college career. Now, Bizzari handles insects nearly every day as part of her job in a Department of Entomology laboratory. “When people go on tours to the Bug House, they learn a lot about the benefits as well as the damages that some insects can cause, which I think is really important to know when you are living in a world where insects are everywhere, in our houses and food,” said Bizzari. including Coordinator Gary Parsons recalled another woman who was terrified of spiders that came to the open house two years ago. As soon as she saw spiders, she immediately fled the room in terror. “She was curious enough to keep peeking in through the window from time to time though,” said Parsons. “Two hours later, she was holding a tarantula.” Whether it’s a child holding a hairy, orange-and-black tarantula for the first time or an adult reconciling old fears of irisects, the Bug House acts as the bridge for building positive relationships between humans and fuzzy, winged and exoskeleton-clad the invertebrates that they interact with every day. A multitude of different species of butterflies and moths are tacked up on the wall in the Bug House. Visitors can observe, touch or hold different bugs, including tarantulas. THE STRONGEST BINDING FORMER RED CEDAR LOG EDITOR-IN-CHIEFS CHRONICLE THEIR TIMES AT THE YEARBOOK The Red Cedar Log has long been a history keeper of life at MSU. Though the name of the yearbook has been changed more than six times since its birth in 1887, and the production of the yearbook has drastically shifted with developing technology, its purpose as a campus record- keeper has remained constant. These are the stories of three former editor-in-chiefs. Jennings Bird:. Class of i960 Jennings Bird started working at the MSU Yearbook during his freshman year in the fall of 1956. Bird started off working as a photographer and eventually moved up in the ranks to become the assistant business manager in 1958, and the editor-in-chief of the formerly-titled Wolverine in the fall of 1959. Unlike today’s yearbook, where stories are hand-selected by staff members, Bird explained that an organization’s editor used to be responsible for contacting every fraternity, honorary and campus club to be featured in the book. The Wolverine had a total staff of 47 students, including editorial and business staff. Most of the timel Bird sacrificed vacations or breaks to ensure the book was published on time. Bird and his business manager Bob De Bruyn needed to manually place each of the names alongside senior photos as they wrapped up the production of the book, Bird recalled. “He and I spent most of spring break in that office physically doing the paste stub, on I guess what would be several thousand photos. But we put in some some late nights. We got it done, put the book to bed and had a great time,’« With 20 and sometimes 30-hour work weeks on top of a full academic course load, Bird explained that errors still squeaked through. “My copy editor was always frustrated that I found things that she hadn’t,” Bird chuckled. “The disappointing thing is after the book came out, I took an extra copy home, and that summer, I went through the book page by page, and my recollection is I found 128 errors. After all the work we had done, whether it was a punctuation error or a typo, there were 128 things we should have caught, and didn’t.” Despite the errors, the 1960 yearbook won an All-American rating by the National Scholastic Press Association. Three of the four yearbooks won All-American ratings during the four years that Bird spent at the Wolverine. Though the total population of MSU students in 1960 was roughly half the size of the total student population in 2015, the methodology of constructing a yearbook for the university remained largely the same. “We took the approach of what we put in would be representative of the year. There was no way we could put in everything to our production,” Bird explained. CONTINUED ON PAGE 260 m CONTINUED FROM PAGE 259 Suzanne Bias: Class of 1980 Suzanne Bias described her year at the MSU Yearbook as a case of “right time and right place.” Bias, a journalism major, had no prior experience at the MSU Yearbook before joining the staff. Four years after the book had been renamed from the Wolverine to the Red Cedar Log, Bias had discovered the student publication when her beloved advertising professor Keith Adler the position to her. Bias was offered, what could be the considered the most esteemed mantle at the publication — editor-in-chief. With no prior experience at the yearbook, being hired as the head of a publication is highly unusual even by today’s standards. However, Bias took on the position. recommended “Everything was done manually, so we would have a group of us that had steady hands and good eyes,” Bias explained. “Everyone’s input was necessary, from the designer using a key square and a triangle so that every line is laid out perfect. Bias explained that layout designers would then use proportion wheels to determine that the lines were laid out. After gluing everything to the page and laying it out to make sure it was aligned correctly, they would send to the production house. The production house would shoot blue lines on the layout pages to show whether photos, captions and type were all aligned, and then they would send it back. If there was a typo, Bias said, the staff had to redo it. to had rely Photographers on darkrooms tucked in a small nook of the Student Services building, while writers, armed with Smith Corona typewriters and a stockpile of ribbon, painstakingly watched for a slip of the finger on a wrong key. “The process would take us hours,” Bias explained. “We would be there all night and we would drink and laugh and have food all over. It was always done as a team.” On top of that, they were all students with full loads of classes. “I would stay out every night and I remember leaving the building, and there would be the sun coming up,” Bias laughed. “We had so many all-nighters.” Vicari Vollmar: Class of 2011 Vicari Vollmar knows the anatomy of page design. Kicking off her career at the Red Cedar Log in 2007 as a freshman designer, she became a design editor during her sophomore year, and editor-in-chief as a junior and senior. that everything we did to be a group team decision,” Vollmar said. “Just because I was responsible for running the book, I never used my power as a way of forcing people to conform to my vision. I wanted it to be our vision.” it a point always “I made The 2011 the guidance of Vollmar, won a Pacemaker award from the Associated Collegiate Press. yearbook, under “Hands down, one of the most important things I learned at the yearbook was how to communicate with others,” Vollmar explained. “You get to the top of the food chain, if you will, and you’re leading 26 people on the staff, all of them in different levels, different majors, different personalities and different ages. Somehow you have to communicate with them that suits the greater needs of the staff, and sometimes that’s very difficult to do.” During her time at the Red Cedar Log, Vollmar explained that some of the most difficult experiences she’s had in leadership were when she had to let staff members go due to performance issues, or times when she had to aid in resolution talks between staff members with conflicting personalities. Those experiences were almost more valuable than the classes she took for her degree, Vollmar said. “It’s more than just working for the yearbook; you spend all this time with these people in the office working together and making this...thing,” Vollmar said. “Your relationship becomes more than just editor- in-chief and staff members. It was more like a family. After having that for four years and graduating and knowing that I was leaving that behind, it was really difficult to do. Our last staff meeting before I was going to graduate, we all sat down around the table like we have before for our meetings, and I read the letter from the editor to that staff. I was able to get through it until the very end of the letter, and I was so upset and sad that this was the last time that I would have this feeling of family. I looked up from that letter, and nearly everyone was looking back at me with tears in their eyes.” Of all four years working at the Red Cedar Log, this moment was the most vivid for Vollmar. “Knowing that people care about you that much, I came away knowing that I made a difference in these people’s lives.” In the middle of August, nearly three-and-a-half months after the final meeting, 8,000 yearbooks arrive at MSU. A culmination of nine months of labor-intensive work from a staff of 26 people, the book represents so much more than the work of the Red Cedar Log staff. It reflects the lives of 40,000 students, with snippets of moments — some hours long, others no longer than a breath of air from a passing quote — bound in 300 pages of Spartan blood, sweat and vellum binding. For many of the Red Cedar Log staff graduating in 2015, there is a stagnant dread of that final meeting where everyone will go their separate ways. As the staff of 2015, we hope that incoming staff filling those vacant positions will find the same solace and pride within the walls of 31 IB as we all go our separate ways — held together by the strongest binding. WRITER: GARRISON RASMUSSEN PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ condoms cast off on the ground and exorbitant amounts of money. “I changed the way I photographed from documentary to this more abstractlnon- representational style because I really felt it was important not to show the people because that’s a form of re-exploitation,’’«explained Chemush. “However, it is noted that people are not ashamed to buy sex slaves. The people taking advantage of the slaves do not seem to mind me walking up to them or taking pictures.” The College of Law has been displaying art in it’s hallways since 2002 as a way to bring important, current questions about society to the forefront of students’ minds. Nick Mercuro, curator of art exhibitions displayed at the college, has since brought 22 artists to campus. “Kay really has done a great job spreading awareness on human trafficking,” said Mercuro. “She brings to the table an important issue facing society as a whole.” Capturing a mixture of emotions and instilling them in viewers is no easy task. “I cannot fathom how awful it must feel to be trapped in the system,” said senior Molly Burford. “The artwork is captivating, but heartbreaking as well.” Although Chemush’s photographs of distant people and places remained on walls, their glaring image was ingrained into one’s memory even after exiting the atrium. Walking into the College of Law atrium on the fourth floor in February and March, Spartans viewed artwork lining the walls; their colorful, abstract display peaking interest. A closer look, however, revealed the true enormity of their content — Kay Chemush’s depiction of human trafficking and its effects on today’s society. “Modem slavery, or as it’s more commonly referred to as human trafficking, has profoundly altered my life and my work,” said Chemush. “I say this because, next to genocide, I believe this monstrous crime is the biggest human rights issue of our time.” Chemush witnessed human trafficking for the first time in 2005 while on assignment in India. After more than 30 years in artwork and photography, she chose to make the issue the center of her efforts. Traveling into different countries year-round, she has become an expert at detecting the crime throughout various cities, where people searching for a better quality of life become trapped in a never-ending cycle. “You see females standing outside, looking at people, walking up to them at random, scantily-clad,” said Chemush. “It is heartbreaking to see it, to see the desperation in the sex slaves’ eyes as they only hope to make enough money to help their family — to earn a living wage.” The depictions of human trafficking on display included pictures of bodies, clothing items worn by the sex slaves, scattered Photographer Kay Chemush stands in front of a few of her pieces. Chernush has been a freelance photographer for over 30 years and has been documenting human trafficking throughout the world for the past 10 years. PLAYING MIND GAMES MEN'S GOLF TEAM DISCUSSES THE MENTALLY EXHAUSTIVE ASPECT OF THE SPORT With knees bent, hands wrapped around the club and eyes rapidly traveling from ball to hole, the mind of a golf player is chaotic on the course, although their calm personas and confident movements suggest otherwise. The golfer is not only calculating the distance to the hole but also simultaneously mapping out the intricate course, avoiding potential hazards, and planning ahead. According to freshman A.J. Varekois, playing golf is like a mind game. The player is constantly thinking about what move to make next in order to get the ball in the hole. “It’s mentally the toughest [sport],” said Varekois. “It’s really hard to have alfl things on point, like your putting and longhand drives. You can’t be weak in any of those categories.” Collectively, the team had to put all of these skills to practice during the Big Ten Match Play Championship on Feb. 15-16 in Palm Coast, Florida. One week before the match, players traveled to San Diego, California for their week-long training trip and stay at the Torrey Pines Golf Lodges — a lodge that well- known players like Tiger Woods are members of. On the day of the match, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m., the team golfed 36 holes. Unfortunately, the MSU golf team lost against Purdue, their first opponent, with a score of 2-1. Although they were unable to win the Big Ten Match, they made a rebound with a 4-1 win against Wisconsin. While the players agree that the sport is not necessarily a simple one, they know they must keep pushing through the tiresome days to improve their overall performance. “The hardest part about this season has been finding the consistency we need to break through,” said senior Jon Finley. “Our good rounds are as good as any team, but we need to narrow the gap between our good rounds and our bad rounds.” Finley said that these long tournament days can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. “A round of golf takes its toll on your body after carrying your bag the whole round and having to execute numerous shots,” said Finley. “But with the amount of planning and number crunching that go into each shot, it can be hard to mentally finish rounds, especially on 36 hole tournament days.” A few of MSU’s golfers, like sophomore Sean Friel, say that non-golfers don’t give the sport the credit it deserves. “A lot of people believe it isn’t that tough, because a lot of old people play it and they think it is an old person sport,” said Friel. “But they really don’t understand the different skill levels of people who just play for recreation and those who compete at the Division 1 level. In my opinion, it is one of the toughest sports along with hockey.” While the mentally challenging aspect of golf is often overlooked, MSU golfers say that this is the most rewarding part of the game. Sophomore Sam Weatherhead tees .off. The team finished ninth at the Big Ten Championship. MATTHEW MITCHELL RESULTS GOPHER INVITATIONAL 8th INVERNESS COLLEGIATE 8th FIGHTING IRISH GRIDIRON ist ROD MEYERS INVITATIONAL yth QUAIL VALLEY COLLEGIATE 3rd MOBILE BAY INTERCOLLEGIATE 4th COLLETON RIVER COLLEGIATE 3rd TALLS PARK CHALLENGE__________ 7th ROBERT KEPLER INTERCOLLEGIATE nth YALE SPRING INVITATIONAL 7th BIG 10 CHAMPIONSHIP____________ 9th E— WRITER: MAGGIE NYE DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ WITH HONORS WOMEN GOLFERS PLAY ALONE ON THE GREEN, BUT GROW TOGETHER AS A TEAM Golf is a game that requires individual focus and integrity. Each player keeps her own score on the course, the silence of nature and a hushed crowd surrounding them. The golfer carries her own bag, chooses her own club, judges the distance with her own eyes and makes her own shot. But these individuals still make up a strong team. The women’s golf team has two seasons — one in the fall, in which they play four tournaments, and a spring season consisting of six to eight tournaments. Each tournament is comprised of two or three 18- hole rounds. The athletes workout and practice daily, even in the off season, using cardio to harness their stamina for the 36-hole days and following with long rounds of golf and lifting. The team’s success came early in the fall season. In its first tournament, the Mary Fossum Invitational, the women placed second out of 15 competitors. A series of 11th-17th place rankings preceded and followed the team’s spring training trip to Sarasota, Florida. When the spring season was set to start, there was room for improvement. “This season, honestly we haven’t shot our best scores or broken any school records or anything,” explained senior Lindsey McPherson. “But the team talent and team chemistry that we have this year are unlike anything I have ever been a part of.” stuck the together, team taking breaks from strenuous practices and tournaments their bond of friendship and support. to strengthen Still, “Once a month we all try and get together to do something not golf related,” Senior Lindsey McPherson follows through with a stroke.. McPherson was named to the Big Ten Women's Golfer to Watch list for the 2014-2015 season. MATTHEW MITCHELL RESULTS I MARY FOSSUM INVITE I 2nd: 917 MASON RUDOLPH T - nth: 910 TAR HEEL INVITE__________ ióth:914 , LANDFALL TRADITION 17th: 914 REGIONAL CHALLENG^ 16th: 925 ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL 13th: 936 BRIAR'S CREEK INVITE T-6th:+32 BRYAN NATIONAL COLLEGIATE 10th:912 LADY BUCKEYE INVITE 3rd: 890 BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP 4th: 878 NCAA REGIONALS ■ T - 56th: 230 explained junior Mariah Massa. “We go to a restaurant and we went to a pumpkin patch in the fall.” Though the sport is an individual endeavor, the women maintain an emphasis on teamwork, especially when it comes to preparing for the rigors of Big Ten athletics. »‘Being a freshman on the team is great,” said freshman Greer Clausen. “The older girls are very supportive. Playing in tournaments can be a lot of pressure, but the upperclassmen have all been there, so they get it.” The collaboration extends beyond peer-to-peer mentoring to the daily interactions with Head Coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, an 18-year veteran of the position, and Assistant Coach Aimee Neff, a 2011 MSU alumna ranked fifth in Spartan history for her women’s golf scoring average. “Our coaches work well together,” said Massa. “Both of them played for the MSU women’s golf team as well so it’s nice to have people helping you who have also been through the same things.” Having set goals, routines and the encouragement and support is what motivates them to be successful on and off the green — earning the highest GPA of any varsity team at the university. These players put equal emphasis on academics, athletics and friendship. The importance of that balance has been passed on from veteran coaches to players on the team, who all work together to perfect their game. The generations of MSU golfers are integral to the team and continue to be imperative to how the team functions and strives year after year. SHOWING UP & SHOWING OFF STUDENTS ATTEND ANNUAL SHUTO CON CONVENTION IN LANSING Laming Community College freshman Robert Eicher dresses as the Mad Hatter from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" during Shuto Con. Every year, thousands of cosplayers gather at the Lansing center to celebrate the three-day anime convention. Has dressing up as Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter always been a dream? Do the frazzled red curls, chalk-white facepaint and oversized mossy green felt top hat inspire envy? Does the thought of people following on the Hatter’s tattered coattails shouting “That’s my favorite character, can I get a picture?” elicit the same feelings of joy as playing croquet with the Queen of Hearts? Then Shuto Con is where the white rabbit is leading. Shuto Con is Lansing’s collection of anime enthusiasts, cosplay experts and curious first-time attendees. The event is held each spring at the Lansing Center, giving people plenty of time to perfect their gear and practice their poses. This year’s event took place March 20-22 and hosted 6,236 participants over the course of the three-day convention. Sophomore Joshua Krupp has attended larger conventions in Illinois and Iowa, but enjoys the low-key atmosphere of Lansing’s Shuto Con. “I attended Shuto Con last year and I had a blast,” said Krupp. “Shuto Con is nice because unlike large conventions, you can interact with other visitors and the celebrity guests.” The weekend had a detailed schedule packed full of events for all anime enthusiasts to enjoy. Panels discussed topics such as new and old animes, how to make a career out of voice acting and tips on making various types of armour for cosplay. Event halls hosted a merchandise section and a battle arena for hand-to-hand combat and was filled with a variety of cosplay weapons. With thousands of people bustling around the confined space, having a game plan is key. “They usually put out a schedule a few days to a week before the convention and that’s kinda like crunch time,” said senior Robin Coan. “This is so nerdy, but I’ll print out the schedule because it shows all the events and what time they are happening at what overlaps, and I will highlight the ones I really want to go to.” One of the largest aspects of the event was cosplay. Attendees came dressed as their favorite characters from movies, comics, TV shows and books, and a best-dressed king and queen were even crowned. Some convention- goers decide to buy a costume fully completed, while others enjoy the labor-intensive task of building one from scratch. Others choose not to dress up at all. Coan said that setting a budget and being aware of your own crafting limitations are important steps to remember when making your own cosplay. Things can get out of hand quickly when purchasing materials for capes, weapons, utility belts and garments. No matter how much money and time one invests, these conventions are intended to be an inclusive platform for people to meet and share their common passions. experiences, “From my there’s usually a warm and welcoming atmosphere at conventions,” said senior June Tang. “People are usually more open to talking to others and sharing about their favorite media and series despite being strangers. They tend to be more approachable and bond over having similar interests and having invested so much in said interests in emotional or tangible ways.” For most students, the occasional theme party and week of Halloween are the only appropriate times of the year to dress as their favorite movie or comic book character. For the avid convention goer, putting on a purple wig, slipping on some battle armor and strapping a samurai sword to one’s back is just a typical weekend. Research Assodate Nicholas Hobbs explains the anatomy behind the brains of different species at the "Brain Zoo" station. “CHILDREN ARE USED TO SEEING HUMAN BRAINS, BUT SEEING ANIMAL BRAINS REALTY STIMULATES CURIOSITY AND PROVOKES THOUGHT.”_________ 270 I WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: CHESTNUT ZHANG I DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCE NEUROSCIENCE FAIR ALLOWS CHILDREN TO EXPLORE THE HUMAN BRAIN The large, geometrical Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building was filled with tables of interactive games and gadgets on March 21. After months of preparation by students and faculty of the Neuroscience Program, attendees were able to learn about neurons and their role in everyday life. The annual Neuroscience fair featured 30 informative stations providing participants with an opportunity to hear and see real neurons fire, learn how to trick the five senses using sandpaper on one’s forearm and thumb and even touch a real human brain. “Neuroscience and the workings of our brain truly underlie everything that we do,” said neuroscience senior and fair volunteer Rebecca Bubenheimer. “All of our actions and behaviors depend on how our brain is working. For example, every time you eat, certain things are going on in your brain.” Along with learning about the human brain, children were able to view models of different animal brains at the “Brain Zoo” table. Eager minds learned how animals such as trout have larger optic lobes in the brain when compared to other animals. They also observed how some animal brains appear to be more similar to the human brain than others, such as the brain of a dog. “With animal brains, it’s so cool to see the diversity of brain structure,” said zoology graduate student Lily Johnson-Ulrich. “Children are used to seeing human brains, but seeing animal brains really stimulates curiosity and provokes thought.” Other interactive stations explored topics including the adolescent brain, touch, perception and how the brain reacts to drugs. Attendees also had the opportunity to get involved with several hands-on activities such using small plaster brains to scrutinize and color code the regions of the brain according to their function. Senior and fair volunteer Sho Michael Nakashima, who was head of the touch and perception station, emphasized how interesting learning about the brain can be when taught in a creative and interactive way. “I really don’t think we have enough neuroscience in the [grade-school] curriculum,” said Nakashima. “Learning about the science is a good way for kids to explore the area, and I’m sure that it could potentially be something that they’re interested to pursue as a career. They’ll never know until they’re exposed to it.” Volunteers agreed that if children are not exposed to important yet heavy sciences in an approachable manner, they will inherently develop an avoidance for the subject. The Neuroscience Fair attempted to break down these psychological barriers with neuron-firing explorations of the brain. sensation-stimulating, Four vocally and mentally ready men gathered on stage close to one another. One vocalist blew a light bit of air into a pitch pipe that emitted a single note — the signal to begin. “1, 2, 3, and...” off they went, singing classic barbershop harmonies that resonated in the air like a crisp, melodic wind, both pleasing to the ear and the mind. The rich and smooth sound of the ensemble, though complex in melody, took no effort on the part of the listener to blend the ariose sound together. Named the G-Fours, the barbershop quartet consisted of four MSU seniors who shared vocal talent and a love of music. The bass singer was Cody Harrell, the baritone was Brandon Smith, the tenor was Keegan Connolly and the lead singer was Zachary Lindquist. Harrell and Smith co-founded of the quartet in 2011. Connolly joined his freshman year, and Lindquist became the newest member when he joined in January 2013. The group was built on a serious appreciation of barbershop singing and has competed nationally and performed throughout their college careers. “We can’t not sing it,I said Smith, referring to barbershop-style singing. “It’s a part of us now.’/¿ft Because there are only four parts in a barbershop quartet, each is imperative. The bass singer is the lowest part of the four and creates the fullness of the sound. The baritone adds the middle harmony that gives the sound more depth and a 3-D effect. The tenor is the highest part and usually carries the melody, which is the most recognizable tune in the song. The lead singer adds words over the other three parts, using their support to add the cherry on top of the sound. “Think of ragtime, swing, jazz and a kind of vaudeville style of music,” explained Lindquist. “These forgotten gems of music and the classic feel of the way we sing them is why I keep doing it.” In their college careers, the G-Fours considered to their greatest achievement be representing the district of Pontiac at the Barbershop Quartet International Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada in the summer of 2014. “For me, Brandon and Keegan, we had never seen or crossed the stage of internationals, so it was nerve wracking and amazing for us,” said Harrell. All members of the quartet were both nervous and excited when singing in front of the audience. The crowd gathered to watch the performances at the international competition was the G-Fours’ largest audience ever. “Oh,lit was no big deal,” Connolly chuckled sarcastically. “There were only about 6,000 people in the audience.” Although group members the graduated in 2015, they plan to continue their membership in the barbershop community for years to come. The four vocalists found a strong friendship in each other and a bond connected by their experiences and love of this classic singing style. According to Smith, they’ve had a great run and couldn’t be more proud of the legacy they are leaving behind: a successful barbershop quartet created by students to explore and enjoy the melodious sound they created together. Harrell took the last words, saying, “G-Fours started here and ends here.” The G-Fours Quartet is a barbershop quartet founded in 2011 at Michigan State University. The current members are Keegan Connolly, Zack Lindquist, Cody Harrell and Brandon Smith (left to right). A HARMONIOUS CHORD MSU SENIORS GIVE THEIR LAST HURRAH AS A MELODIOUS BARBERSHOP QUARTET RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE IN ARTS & HUMANITIES began In 2010, MSU students from the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities (RCAH) their partnership with Peckham, Inc., a local rehabilitation center, to form a mural that combined 200 individual stories. Titled “Art@Work,” the completed piece spanning three walls at the organization’s Lansing Factory was revealed on March 26. “The best part about this project for me the past three years has definitely been making relationships with the clients at Peckham,” said Lauren Gilbert, an arts and humanities senior. “Throughout my time here, I have been able to talk to people of a different culture and language, and that has brought us closer together.” The center rehabilitation helps people who need assistance in getting into the workforce, whether they are disabled, socially challenged or refugees from a different country trying to adapt to American culture. residing the rehabilitation center contributed a piece of art that reflected their personal lives. RCAH students conversations, them discovering their stories and deciding how best to articulate them through artistry. joined client Each in in “It’s been a lot of work,” said RCAH senior Jillian Coy. “It has changed my life in so many ways. I love the people I’ve been able to meet and work with, constructing not only art, but the community here at Peckham in general. Working here with people, seeing how they struggle yet persevere, really motivated me to work as hard as I could with the mural.” Collections of all the pieces were hung together on a framework crafted by the College of Engineering, yet each individual story stood out on its own — a magnificent and rare item hanging in a collaboration of memories. One portrait was a memorial to a son lost too early to a mother. In another, colors of red, black thing and blue combined to portray the emotion of a hurt, yet colorful, artist. “The that’s really powerful about this project is that while it is a huge a installation of physical collection of conversations, relationships and experiences that both the people and students needed. It really helped the community have a sense of normalcy,” said Katie Wittenauer, RCAH Communications Manager. “That’s the part that stands out to me the most.” culture, it’s interaction Reedis Thomas, a client at Peckham, shared his emotions as a member who needed the social to grow. Thomas’ story consisted of his emotional struggle as he worked hard to get back into the world, finding solace in his family at Peckham, Inc. “I never thought it would get this big,” said Thomas, tears forming in his eyes. “It’s so incredible that MSU helped us get here. I loved sharing my story with so many people tonight.” RCAH students not only formed a beautiful mural but also helped people find a place within their community. Though the artwork will only stand for the next three to five years, the bonds and social interactions created will live on as the clients continue to pursue their goals. TOP: The RCAH and College of Engineering collaborated with Peckham, Inc., one of the largest and most ethni­ cally diverse vocational rehabilitation communities in the United States, on Art@Worg a 40' x 200' mosaic of individual paintings. IAN SIPORIN BOTTOM: Senior Jillian Coy and senior Nicole DiMichele gaze at the mural that was unveiled on March 26. Coy worked with the program for four years. IAN SIPORIN BOLLYWOOD MEETS BASS COALITION Sggga BNDIAN UhKuKAUUAI h S lUDE TC1 b ORGANIZESOCTC-J IH ANNUAL SATRANG UiMncnrn a ni iatt cti inr On March 28, the Wharton Center was filled with excited chattering from friends and families as they waited for the biggest Indian cultural event of the year. The divergent style of the performances appeased both the appetites of the traditional attendees and admirers of modem music by fusing dubstep beats and popular Indian songs. The theme of the Coalition of Indian Undergraduate Students’ (CIUS) event was “Swara,” a reference to the seven primary musical notes of classical Indian music. This nod to their cultural identity was apparent traditional, brightly-colored as and ornate Bollywood outfits. They also epitomized the Bollywood style of dance, which is a mixture of classical Indian folk and Western pop moves. they wore Every year, the CIUS e-board works on this performance for several months in order to provide a new perspective on Indian culture to their audience. Junior Emily Baker attended the performance with a couple of friends. For Baker, the style of dance, fashion and mix of modem and traditional music was completely foreign. “I think their outfits are gorgeous, and it’s pretty sweet that they can dance like that,” said Baker. “I really like the music that they’re playing. I think it’s cool how they mix the two [kinds of music]. I wasn’t expecting it to be contemporary at all.” Baker was not alone in her admiration of the dancers’ skill level. The crowd was never silent; it cheered and yelled when dancers soared through the air and pounded down on the ground in unison. The dancers were light on their feet as they hopped up and down and punched their arms out with delicate fingers, never missing a beat drop. However, the dancers’ cumulative talent was no coincidence. Sophomore and dancer Madhu Iyengar said that it all comes down to culture. From a very young age, Indian parents enroll their children in dance classes and take them to dancing events in middle school and high school. But Iyengar said this is jusJ one cultural phenomena the Satrang event sheds light on. “Ultimately it just spreads awareness about what we are as a culture,” said Iyengar of the event. “I’m not saying we dance all WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE PIOTROWSKI DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER the time, but it’s just things that we’re really passionate about, and one of them is dancing.” Senior Dan Cooke attended the event to support one of his friends who participated in the show. Prior to attending Swara, Cooke had no idea what to anticipate. “The amount of talent and energy on the stage for each of the dancers was incredible, and being able to experience a small, but truly impressive, part of a different culture was a unique privilege,” said Cooke. Cooke also said the ability to bring together two different cultures — the old and new India — to represent the diversity of Indians themselves was a really interesting part of the show. r . “It was awesome because it really exemplified how, even though the MSU Indian community is clearly proud of their heritage, they are also Spartan undergrads that like a good bass drop and club remix,” said Cooke. “Those remix dances were my favorite part of the show; the dancers absolutely killed it.” The vibrantly-colored clothes wiggled and flowed with the dancers as they moved with lively emotion to celebrate 25 years of Bollywood in their finale. Like a needle tracing the grooves of a new hit song etched in classic vinyl, the antiquated and the modem combined to make a cultural display all its own. Sophomore sop ia uq three other dancers perfor during the spring Satrang 277 ADAPTIVE SPORTS AND RECREATION CLUB LEARN NEW WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS Disability doesn’t discriminate — whether being bom with cerebral palsy, suffering a spinal cord injury or being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, illness can happen to anybody, at any time. But even those Individuals who are confined to wheelchairs don’t let it stop them from aspiring to be the athlete of their dreams. that Recognizing people with disabilities are often underrepresented, Piotr Pasik started the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Club in September 2014 to promote physical activity and an active lifestyle for individuals with physical disabilities. As the club’s student coordinator, he also encouraged them to reap the health, social and psychological benefits of participating in friendly competition with peers. Gathering three to four times a week at Jenison Fieldhouse and Demonstration Hall for close to two hours each practice, MSU students and community members had the opportunity to participate in nine different sports including rowing, handcycling, track events, table tennis and wheelchair hockey. In order to facilitate participation, certain mle changes were put into place, such as permitting two bounces in wheelchair tennis as opposed to one. Simple adaptations were also made to pieces of equipment, like a bar through a hockey stick to make puck control easier for fast-paced power chair users. After attending his fourth wheelchair hockey practice, community member Brent Severance explained that Friday night hockey practices became the best part of his week. “When this opportunity came about I was like, ‘I’ve gotta take advantage of it,”’ explained Severance. “I mean, I was really apprehensive about adaptive sports, because it just felt weird to me. I wanted to play regular sports, but I found out it’s actually pretty difficult to play in a wheelchair. I’ve learned the ropes and how to do it and I still have trouble with the puck sometimes, so it’s ■ WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: CHESTNUT ZHANG DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI I itiÉ Members of the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Club play a game of hockey. a good challenge for me.” With a total of 22 athletes of varying physical handicaps participating in activities, Pasik sought volunteers to help out with the practices. By pairing up with the Department of Kinesiology, Pasik created a “win-win” situation for both athletes and those who lend a helping hand. “These are students who want to become physical therapists or occupational therapists and they get through this experience with a much more accurate perception of disability,” explained Pasik. “So when working with individuals with disabilities, they’re not going to feel sorry for them. They are going to understand that they’re human beings just like everybody else, they just happen to have a certain disability involved.” Realizing everyone has different abilities as well as different levels of familiarity with sports, Pasik encouraged his athletes to define their own experiences while at practice, but also preached high expectations. “I want it to be a time where people set goals for themselves that they want to reach and no one tells them, ‘Hey, you know you can’t do this,”’ explained Pasik. Despite some of the initial difficulties that were the faced, such as handling equipment with precision, Pasik supported his participants to stay motivated and keep working hard. “There are some things you get used to and yeah it got easier,” explained wheelchair hockey participant Paul Miller. “I learned sportsmanship, and it’s fun getting together with my friends.” Although some may feel held back by having a disability, members of the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Club have turned a new leaf and embraced this challenge in their life in the best possible way — working with others to play sports enjoyable for all. DOZING UNDER THE DOME STUDENTS TAKE AN AFTERNOON NAP IN LIGHT OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK the dome Under of Abrams Planetarium, a handful of students laid on the floor, gazed at the stars and succumbed to sleep. In the midst of the pitch-black room, soft, calming music was playing, it afforded students the opportunity to rest their brains and bodies. Although they entered wearing the tired expressions associated with a case of the Monday’s, they walked out with refreshed and revitalized faces. On March 30, students participated in a napping event as part of the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) second annual Mental Health Awareness Week. Along with the naptime initiative, the week-long event offered yoga at the Breslin on Monday, Zumba on Tuesday, meditation on Wednesday, and an alcohol screening in all the residential neighborhoods on Thursday. The week concluded with a theatrical play about paranoia at the Auditorium that was followed by a panel discussion on mental health. from everyday academia,” “These kinds of initiatives are a nice reprieve said freshman Nicole Hamilton, who participated in naptime. “It’s a nice getaway, and it’s definitely not something you can do everyday.” Pre-nursing sophomore Katie Warwick said that events like naptime at the planetarium help teach the importance of mental health. Warwick said that she personally struggles with anxiety and panic disorders, so she found it exciting to see that ASMSU cares about battling and raising awareness of mental disorders. “There’s such a huge stigma that’s associated with mental health,” said Warwick. “It’s really great to see MSU releasing those stigmas and breaking barriers between people with mental disorders and without.” Ryan Smith, Vice President of Special Projects for ASMSU, said that the events were a collaborative effort between various student organizations, such as the Student Health Advisory Center, University Activities Board and Resident Health Association. two or “There were three weeks where we would have meetings with these different groups,” said Smith. “Ideas were just thrown out by everyone. It was great, and very productive.” After an informational week learning about how to care for the delicate three- pound bundle of gray and white matter in their heads, students felt enlightened and mentally refreshed — whether it be from a few downward dog poses, a few minutes to concentrate on one’s breathing or catching a glimpse of the back of their eyelids. WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI 281 AM GIBSON, SON OF MSU BASEBALL ALL-AMERICAN PLAYER KIRK IN HIS FATHER'S FOOTSTEPS WRITER: MIRANDA CHAVEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE PIOTROWSKI DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ and an abundance of talent, it is no wonder that the outfielder was a key component of the team’s 2015 success. The Spartans had a great season start, with a season record of 23- 16 and a Big Ten record of 7-5 near the end of April. Cam’s batting average of .329, four home runs and 22 runs batted in contributed to this success. “I don’t know that his pedigree has really impacted anything, but I know he has grown up around the game,” said Head Coach, Jake Boss Jr. “The way he plays the game rubs off on other people. He plays hard and he has a great time playing the game. He has a lot of fun out here playing and that type of attitude I think rubs off on guys in a positive way. He plays just as hard as or harder than any player I’ve ever coached.” Cam is seen as a team leader not only by the coaching staff, but by many of the other players on the team. “He kind of plays like his dad,” said senior catcher Blaise Salter. “He is a hard- nose player, and he comes off the trade of playing hard. He is a blue collar player and he shows it out there. He is really fast, a really good athlete and you know he is one of the leaders of this team.” Cam has shown that it takes more than a good family name to be a player for MSU. As he steps up to the plate, his father’s name and number 30 hangs on the fence of McLane Baseball Stadium with those of other greats in MSU baseball history. As Cam turns to take a swing, the number 30 covers the back of his jersey, unfolding a new chapter for an old legacy. RESULTS NORTHWESTERN L: 7-6 NORTHWESTERN W: 7-6 NORTHWESTERN W: 14-3 MICHIGAN___________ W: 4-2 CENTRAL MICHIGAN L: 8-7 RUTGERS_____________ W: 10-4 RUTGERS_____________ W: 15-7 RUTGERS W: 6-2 TOLEDO W: 9-2 INDIANA_____________ L: 6-1 INDIANA_____________ W: 7-0 INDIANA_____________ W: 3-2 NOTRE DAME W: 9-6 EASTERN MICHIGAN W: 13-4 PURDUE______________ W: 12-2 PURDUE W: 6-2 Parents serve as guides throughout childhood, occasionally even playing the role of superheroes. Kids study their parents closely as they get ready for work, cook, mow the lawn and fix appliances around the house, hoping to mimic these impressive maneuvers one day as an illustrious grown-up. Junior Cam Gibson is one of the rare few that was able to follow his father’s footsteps in the form of baseball. Playing collegiate baseball is tough, but the added pressure of being a legacy to one of MSU’s great players makes it even tougher. Cam Gibson’s father, Kirk Gibson, was an All- American for MSU baseball and football in 1978 who played for 17 years in the MLB and won World Series titles with both the Detroit Tigers in 1984 and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988. Kirk Gibson was named the 1988 National League Most Valuable Player and managed the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2010-2014. As Cam watched his dad play baseball all his life, he knew that he would one day do the same. The four year high school letterwinner was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 38th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. However, he turned down the spot for a green and white Spartan jersey. “I came to the baseball field for the first time when I was 5-years-old, and I remember leaving and looking at my mom and I told her I was going to play baseball here like my dad did,” said Cam, referring to when his father played at MSU prior to entering professional baseball. With an impressive baseball lineage Freshman Brandon Hughes at bat during the second game of a three-game series against Illinois. The Spartans won the second game 13-9, but lost the two other games. Redshirt freshman Kristina Zalewski delivers a pitch against Penn State during a spring match up. Zalewski was a 2013 All-State selection out of Saline High School. “If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost, for out in the world we find success being with a fellow’s will; it’s all in the state of mind.” locker room, Printed above a photo of the U of M softball team and hung in the MSU women’s softball team’s these words served as a reminder of the mental obstacles the team members must overcome every game. With a 16-17 win-loss record during the regular season, the team’s coaches recognized that the women have had “toughness issues” over the past few years. According to Assistant Coach Jessica Bograkos,. four-person coaching staff made it their goal to develop a mindset where the women felt prepared, confident and tough enough to handle the high- pressure situations that come with Big Ten and Division I softball. the H‘I mean, they’re tested every game,” explained Bograkos. ‘‘Whether it’s being at bat, or having to make a play on defense when the game’s on the line, or having to make a pitch when you’re facing one of the best hitters in the country.”;,, The coaches wanted their team to feel confident during high-intensity games, trusting in themselves to execute. Putting their plan into action, the coaches had the girls gather at 6:30 a.m. every Monday and Friday during the preseason to participate in what was referred to as “the circus.” The circus was designed to represent weekends of the upcoming season, ranging from the team’s opening weekend to the Big Ten Championship. Hanging on a wall in the team’s locker room were white pieces of paper, each with a logo of the Big Ten teams they would soon be facing. However, it was not the face of competition alone that pushed the team to better themselves — it was the exercises scribbled in black sharpie across the logos that would push them above and beyond their mental and physical boundaries, ultimately preparing them for whatever this season would throw their way. I WRITER: GILLIAN CARR PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE PIOTROWSKI I DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI RESULTS “We have this motto called stretch, which is just us wanting to be comfortable being uncomfortable and pushing the limits even if we don’t feel comfortable doing it,” explained red-shirt sophomore Dani Goranson. A morning training in preparation to take on Nebraska brought them 50 yard hops, 50 kettlebell swings, 50 jump ropes, 50 burpees, a 100-yard sandbag carry and a 50- yard prowler push. For Ohio State, the team faced 10 runs at 400 yards each. And before facing off against Rutgers, they battled an 800- yard prowler push. But all of these workouts culminated in preparation for the team’s most prized accolade — the Big Ten Championship. The women’s softball team finished strong with their toughest challenge yet: a full-on triathlon of swimming, running and biking. “We felt accomplished and invincible,” explained red-shirt senior Stephanie Sanders. “I mean, it really was something challenging and tough, so if we can get through that, then we can definitely get through seven innings of a softball game.” Feeling stronger and tougher as they progressed further into the season, they also felt more connected as a team unit, ready to push each other and believe in each other when out on the field. “If we’re struggling, we always try to resolve back to the circus and what it felt like in the heat of the moment,” explained Sanders. “We remember what we felt like in those tough moments, and how people felt like they couldn’t go on anymore and how there would be teammates there picking you up and saying, ‘Come on, come on, you got this, you got this!”’ Standing tall in the heart of Secchia Stadium with pride and confidence, the Spartans took a moment to revert back to the locker room quote that fueled their drive. “Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster woman, but sooner or later the woman who wins is the one who thinks she can.” SPARTANS TRAVEL TO UGANDA FOR THE CLASSROOM FOR BENSON PROJECT STORY ON PAGE 288 MSP i ¡IB A Ugandan proverb states: a good harvest does not grow with ease; the more diligent the farmer, the more bountiful the crop. Recognizing this, alumni Sarah Scott and Kirk Mason travelled to the village of Bigodi in Uganda to do just that. an Scott, environmental activist, initially traveled to Uganda in 2013 where her guide, Benson Bamatura, a native of Bigodi, helped increase her understanding of the environment around her. After researching Ugandan ecology, culture and language, Scott understood the untapped abundance present in Uganda. “Teeming with hundreds of diverse mammal species, birds and more insect species than you can list off in a year, Uganda revealed its complexity and beauty to me,” said Scott. about Bamatura was passionate conserving this complex environment around him. In fact, Bamatura could recognize over 500 bird calls by ear, identified 752 bird species in 12 years of birding and would contribute to scientific and scholarly articles on species not well known to African citizens. A year after her trip, Scott heard of Bamatura’s tragic passing in which he left behind years of environmental conservation efforts as well as his five children. In his honor, Scott and fellow alumnus and documentary filmmaker Mason, made plans to construct a classroom at Bigodi Secondary School, where Bamatura’s children and other youth in their community attended class. Local workers contribute to the construction of the classroom for the Bigodi Secondary School in Uganda. KIRK MASON WRITER: GARRISON RASMUSSEN DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER grew as they worked alongside the locals of Bigodi, a complex village, home to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development and a host of conservation-based schools that have been created and consistently funded by ecotourism revenue. living While in Uganda, Mason utilized his documentary work to spread awareness of local issues, such as the negative impacts of sugarcane distillation on honeybee populations and how bee decline is impacting various regions within Africa. “By building this classroom, we are not only providing better education opportunities from $10,600 “Our mutual appreciation of education and understanding of what it can do for developing nations brought us to Uganda a year later,” said Mason. With fundraising efforts, the duo created the project entitled “Classroom for Benson.” The initiative aimed to commemorate Bamatura’s legacy by promoting wildlife conservation and food sustainability, connecting cultures across the world, and supporting the education of generations of Ugandan children. Through the construction of a classroom addition to Bigodi Secondary School, the superintendent agreed that Bamatura’s children school fees would be waived, ensuring the completion of their education. The alumni’s passion and eagerness CONTINUED ON PAGE 291 Sarah Scott oversees the progress of the roofs construction. KIRK MASON Benson Bamatura's children attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new classroom dedicated to their father COLIN MARSHALL LEFT: Sarah Scott, and Kirk Mason stand outside the finished classroom. The whole project took three months to complete. COLIN MARSHALS RIGHT: Sarah Scott and Kirk Mason take a final look at the completed classroom before saying their goodbyes. COLIN MARSHALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 289 for Bigodi schoolchildren; we are indirectly protecting thousands of kilometers of national park land, home to thousands of diverse species,”lsaid Mason. “We have been using our skills to contribute to communities and help spread environmental awareness and bolster conservation of this stunning land.” Through providing an educational space, Scott and Mason hoped to increase literacy rates, environmental knowledge, and critical analysis of the surrounding conditions. This turn would provide exponential benefits for the future. in “Education is one of the greatest tools for conservation, provides increased opportunities for success and prepares today’s children to lead the world of tomorrow,” said Scott. a ribbon On April 9, cutting ceremony commemorated the completion of the classroom, celebrating the bright future for the children in Bigodi, environmental conservation, and the legacy of Bamatura. Indeed, sowing fields is backbreaking work. Successful growth requires patience, persistence and an unfolding passion. Yet, despite its labor, it results in a prosperous their efforts, Scott and harvest. Through Mason created the conditions to allow that to happen. MARCH MAGIC i vJIVI \jLjL\J LlAU j IVI 2)U D A2>l\L I DALL I CJ an March Madness — annual tradition of brackets and high-stake bets with family and friends. But for dfehard MSU fans, this spring took the typical riots and couch burnings to a whole new level: bagel throwing. Students at Cedar Village tossed day-old doughy delectables into the sky, celebrating the Spartans’ spot in the Final Four. After losing to Wisconsin for the Big Ten Championship title, the men’s basketball players headed the 2015 NCAA Tournament with redemption in mind. Earning a seventh seed spot following a rocky regular into season, Tom Izzo and his players were ready to show the nation what a team of underdogs could truly accomplish. Working his usual March magic to turn their season around, Izzo led his team to outplay the University of Georgia, the University of Virginia and the University of Oklahoma in the first three rounds of the tournament. The intense Elite Eight matchup against the University of Louisville, however, left Spartan nation holding their breath up until the final second. CONTINUED ON PAGE 294 WRITER: GILLIAN CARR DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS M 4 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 292 With constant back and forth scoring, the game could have been in favor of either team. Despite Louisville’s lead near the end of the 40 minute battle, a missed second free throw by a Cardinal pushed the game into overtime. Both teams were running on fumes. A two-point tip shot by Branden Dawson put the Spartans ahead 74-70 with 28 seconds to go. Sealing a victory, Travis Trice sunk two free throw shots for a final score of 76-70, leading Izzo to his seventh Final Four appearance. Indiana, the Spartans On April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, faced off against the Duke Blue Devils during the Final Four matchup. Back at the Breslin, the Izzone was cluttered with students who joined together to cheer on the men’s basketball team from home court, unable to travel 260 miles away for the game. The Spartans took an early lead after hitting four three-pointers in the first four minutes of the game, earning the team a 14-6 lead. The success was short-lived, however, as Duke’s impeccable defense took over, challenging the Spartans to fight their way to the basket. With a final score of 81-61 in favor of the Devils, the Spartans left in defeat. Win or lose, basketball has become so much more than just a sport to the MSU population. Whether out on the streets and ready to rage or packed inside the Breslin watching in anticipation, Spartans remain loyal to their team until the final buzzer, their passion ignited by hope for a future National Championship title. Top: The Izzone supports their basketball* team in Indianapolis. MATTHEW MITCHELL Bottom: Head Coach Tom Izzo walks the sidelines before the Final Four challenge against Duke. MATTHEW MITCHELL PADDLING TOWARD THE PINT GLASS The MSU Outdoors Club gathered at Crunchy’s after their weekly Monday meeting, laughing and chatting — only this time, those in attendance were still recovering from sleep deprivation and sharing war stories about their 163-mile test of both physical and mental endurance. Fighting currents and riding waves, their adventure was filled with capsizing canoes and a volatile climate. A few days earlier, the members of the Outdoors Club gathered at Wonch Park in Okemos at 6 a.m. for the Campus to Coast paddle sport adventure race, which has been a public race for the last three years. The racers traveled down the Grand River from April 10 to 12, giving racers 57 hours to finish their trek, ending in Grand Haven. The racers either spent their time fighting upstream or riding it down through the day and night. Teams could fly by check-ins and campsites or set up around fires to get in a few hours of sleep. They stocked their canoes and kayaks with enough gear and food to last the trip. Traveling the Red Cedar and Grand River, they paddled through the drizzling rain, morning mist and afternoon sunshine until dusk fog fell. Senior and Campus to Coast organizer Luke Rookus said he spent the entire school year organizing the event, which he chaperoned by driving up and down the course, making sure volunteers were organized and checking in racers. Rookus said he was happy that he had the opportunity to participate in the race before he became the organizer; he raced in Campus to Coast the year before. Not only did being a racer help give him the perspective he needed to organize a great race, but he also understood the kind of experience he was giving the racers. “I play a small part in creating this experience for everybody else,” said Rookus. “That’s a really satisfying feeling in a different way — to know that I loved it so much and I can play a small part in giving that back to everybody.” Rookus said that the tradition of the trek will continue for the Outdoors Club as the members continue to modify and participate in the program. “You can this around the find country. But to find it put on by a bunch of college students — that you will never find anywhere else,” said Rookus. “To have it be this atmosphere of fun and amateur, but we still grow in professionalism every year in the quality, I think that’s what really makes it unique.” Team Eat My Bubbles laughed WRITER: STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHER: PHILINA CHEN DESIGNER: ERIC SCHWARTZ together around the table as they recalled the moment they realized they would have to shout their team name in order to check-in at different points along the coast while they paddled among other teams. Sophomore Alyssa Wysocki, one of three team members in the Eat My Bubbles canoe, returned to Campus to Coast with a vengeance after her canoe capsized the previous year. She had to drop out of the race after 125 miles because the chances of hypothermia were too high. Wysocki said this year, she and her team devised a plan to fit their three-person team into a two-person canoe so they could move faster. “We actually got a milk crate, so we used our third seat in the middle as a milk crate. And we kept it solid by putting a sleeping bag underneath it,” said Wysocki. “We slept one person in the boat at all times, and we slept in three hour intervals so we could keep paddling through the night and through the day.” Wysocki said the team stopped at two campsites to sleep for a little bit around a fire. Other than that, she said they never stopped paddling throughout the entire course. Fellow team members senior Zach Blank and sophomore Dan Bomzer recalled the surprisingly light packing they managed to do that safely accommodated all three team members with the necessities from the gear list. Recommended gear included wool clothing]¡¡rain gear, sleeping bags, tents and enough food to last the trip and keep teams energized. Blank said after 51 hours of racing and little sleep, his favorite parts of the race were the breaks. “The best part of the trip was actually stopping,” said Blank. “I don’t mean it as rest, I really enjoyed paddling. I feel like it was kind of unique, because we knew absolutely everyone who was at each campsite. So being able to see them and get the morale boost from them was awesome.” One of the winnings for completing the adventure was the satisfaction of pushing the racers’ bodies and minds to the limits and living to tell the tales. But more importantly, racers were eager to receive a “Campus to Coast Finisher’? pint glass only given to those who finished the entire journey in under 57 hours. After being curled up in sleeping bags and bracing the spray of frigid water during their 163-mile adventures, the Outdoors Club members sat back and relaxed in the warm atmosphere of Crunchy’s, sharing memories and eagerly waiting for the next chance of a canoeing adventure. wm- tismszsmi KkSSI .a- -y r... BpiSI riMWir ME I* ' J : W agmsuaiMm IS&M - ¡jbeI *•*■*•: BUBBLE BASH SIGMA PI RAISES FUNDS FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION WITH BUBBLE SOCCER EVENT The sun shone on the brand new turf grass of Munn Field on April 11. The bright day reflected the jubilant attitudes of the Greek members who were ready to begin the bubble soccer tournament. Participants wore a giant plastic orb around them — a force field allowing students to crash into each other as they please. Before the tournament began, frantic players chased after the lightweight bubbles and scrambled to slip into each one before the whistle blew and the tournament began. The field was split down the middle, with men playing games on one side of the field and women on the other. Male players began by barreling toward each others comically bouncing around as a group like gleeful kids at recess. The women began a little more hesitantly, running around with caution as they attempted to accustom themselves to their elastic exterior. “We’re stated sophomore Natalie Chen and member of Alpha Omega Pi sorority. “Well, not really, but we’re going to have fun anyway.” to win,” going to the Despite lighthearted exhibition of the event, the main purpose of Sigma Pi’s philanthropy project was increase awareness of suicide rates among college students. Suicide is the second largest cause of death for college-age students in the US, according to the University of California, Berkeley. All proceeds benefited the Amazing Day Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing suicide rates in higher education institutions across the country. As chaos and hilarity ensued on the field, passersby couldn’t help but stop and smile at the players bouncing around in their see-through bubbles. “While bubble soccer was set up in a tournament style, the whole event is something that someone has most likely never seen or done before,” explained Sigma Pi philanthropy chair Tyler Jelonek. Damon Grace, owner of the bubbles used for the tournament, is also a student and member of Sigma Pi fraternity. Grace opened his business Bubble Soccer Detroit in early 2015. “I thought of the tournament idea early on in the development of my business, and brought it up to my (fraternity) brother Tyler (Jelonek),” explained Grace. “He thought it was also a great idea and would create a lot of money for the Amazing Day Foundation, in which we raised over $700.” After a long day of bouncing and playing, Sigma Chi took home the trophy for the men’s bracket and Sigma Kappa for the women’s bracket. Though the energy from the highly- competitive spirits was fierce throughout the tournament, the smiles and positive energy radiating from the field was one that matched the attitude the foundation strives to instill in college students across the country. Two Sigma Pi members collide at Munn Field on April 11 for the Sigma Pi Bubble Bash. The fraternity hosted the event to raise money for the Amazing Day Foundation. I WRITER: GARRISON RASMUSSEN PHOTOGRAPHER: PHILINA CHEN I DESIGNER: PATTY SZCZEPANSKI HONORS COLLEGE DEBATE TEAM ESTABLISHES A WINNING LEGACY Tucked away in Linton Hall, past a case of engraved trophies from the National Debate Tournament in 2004, 2006 and 2010, is the headquarters of the MSU debate team. The Latin phrase audi partem alteram or “hear the other side,” proves to be both a literal and figurative motto for the 60-year-old MSU debate team as they prepared for yet another National Debate Tournament — an honor reserved for the top 16 teams in the country. “The interesting part of debate is at the beginning of the school year, we get a single resolution, and throughout the year, we debate on it,” said junior Tyler Thur, a third year debate team member. the In debate competition, team is given a series of topics in August and researches them throughout the academic year. The 2014-15 topic was whether controversial types of crime should be legalized, such as prostitution, online gambling and physician- assisted suicide. Members looked at every route the conversation could take and studied possible arguments opposing teams might make. “While the resolution seems narrow, into the conversation normally dovetails multiple avenues of discussion,” said Thur. Despite months of preparation and research, sometimes an opposing team will make an argument that the team did not account for. The MSU Debate team member Sophomore Jonass Placitis questions the opposing team during a rebuttal. The students argued whether or not Congress should pass the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act in the debate. “The teams rarely hit walls, but sometimes we do encounter unexpected arguments,” said Casey Harrigan, director of the debate team. “In those cases, we teach them to identify the logical structure of the argument in order to refute a premise that we may be more prepared to debate.” In January, at The Texas Open held at the University of Texas, the team competed against the University of Texas, Harvard University, University of Califomia-Berkeley and University of Florida. With no titles for second or third place, only one champion is crowned out of the 130 competing teams, making national titles even more challenging to obtain. After eight preliminary rounds and five elimination rounds, each lasting upwards of three hours, the MSU debate team came out with a first- place win. “We recruit talented students from around the country and work extremely hard to prepare for every debate we have,” said assistant coach Carly Watson. With three national titles in the past 11 years, the coaches’ formula for success seems to be paying off. “Walls happen that increase difficulty during competition, but our experienced teams become quite good at handling them,” said Harrigan. “And that goal of continuity of a strong team is what we strive for here.” TUGGING FOR HOPE I WRITER: IRUM IBRAHIM PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPH PICKARD I DESIGNER: CHLOE FOSTER DELTA SIGMA PHI HOSTS PHILANTHROPY EVENT FOR THE JENNA KAST BELIEVE IN MIRACLES FOUNDATION Rain, mud, sweat and a whole lot of love. Students pushed and pulled, sporting their colorful team shirts while trying not to get dragged into the mud. Intensity filled the air as they tried to stay calm and collected, yet determined to win tug-of-war. Delta Sigma Phi’s volleyball pit was filled to the brim with students on April 19 for the fraternity’s third annual Dirty Tug, tug-of-war competition where a space a between the opposing teams was a gruesome combination of water and dirt, creating an unfavorable terrain. The goal was simple — don’t get stuck in the mud. “This year’s Delta Sig’s Dirty Tug was special in comparison to past years because of the preparation that took place beforehand,” said senior Geoff Sabourin. “Our philanthropy chairs have really been working hard to raise as much as they can for the Believe in Miracles foundation.” The Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation was created by junior Brett Kast, one of the Dirty Tug event coordinators. The Michigan charity grants children with life-threatening illnesses their wishes. Jenna Kast, Brett’s sister and the inspiration behind the foundation, was diagnosed with cancer when she was only three years old. She began battling against the disease in the fourth grade and eventually passed away when she was 11. Two teams face off behind the Delta Sigma Phi house on a beautiful day. The objective was to win the tug-of-war contest and not be pulled into the mud pit. According to Kast, seeing everyone working together for a greater cause was the extremely satisfactory, and knowing proceeds will go to the Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation was the cherry on top of a muddy cake. “When you work together, you get to know your brothers and sisters better,” said Kast. “It creates a tighter bond and makes you better friends, just by working together.” The cost for a team of 10 was $200. With 25 teams participating in the event this year, Delta Sigma Phi was able to raise approximately $5,000. “The mission is to help other kids like Jenna,” said Paula Kast, executive director of the foundation and Brett and Jenna’s mother. “It’s to give them an escape from their world. As a mom, to see Jenna given things that we couldn’t provide inspired me to help other parents. The fundraising is just a necessity to achieve the goal.” Brett serves as a role model for other students as the founder of the Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation. The support that he has given his family has been returned in kind. “It’s such a blessing to see what he’s doing,” said Paula, referring to her son. “He’s bringing so much good out of what has happened. He’s using her and her memory, and what happened to her, in a positive way. It’s inspiring and heartwarming. It’s great to be able to keep her memory alive.” 303 A CHANCE AT RELAXATION CHANCE THE RAPPER PERFORMS BEFORE FINALS Students started flowing in, hypnotized by the rhythmic beat, hands slowly rising in the air; a need for release and self-expression is felt, and the invitation is well-received by those that chose to relax their exhausted minds for the night. On April 28, the MSU Auditorium stood up and danced the night away for Chance the Rapper, complete with flashing lights, pounding bass and an amped trumpet. Students slowly filled in the auditorium as warmup acts performed to get the crowd on their feet, trying to make students forget the looming deadlines that lie ahead the next day. Free time is a necessity, yet also a rare commodity not often found toward the end of the semester. “I really like Chance because he doesn’t try to mimic other rappers,” said junior Drew Howard. “Chance does his own thing, like the trumpet, which really gets people going.” To many, Chance’s songs had the flow of soulful blues perfect easygoing music, and the students were able to move to their leisure, ignoring the walls of seats that separated them. “I was initially worried about how energetic the concert would be since the venue only had sitting room, but in the end it didn’t really make a difference,” said junior Karlo Zadro. Chance the Rapper gazes out into the audience at the MSU Auditorium. His performance was preceeded by “Get on your feet!” shouted Chance the Rapper outward into the crowd. The audience, happy to oblige, stood up, danced to the lyrics flowing in the microphone, out to the newly-formed, impromptu dancefloor. As students moved to the lyrics and the bass, the energy in the auditorium grew, dissolving thoughts of incoming deadlines. the show. Chance’s The energy in the MSU Auditorium was not the only reason students flocked toward lyrics speak volumes for students in everyday life of how all people can go through a struggle without necessarily showing it. talk a “Chance’s lot about lyrics feeling isolated,” said freshman Clare Slack. “On the surface, he talks about drugs, but I feel the deeper meaning is that some kids use drugs as a means of escape. We all feel isolated, and people handle it differently than others.” The Auditorium was lit up for an evening of no stress as students and fans of Chance the Rapper danced the night away. Students took in the lyrics as a way to escape momentarily into pure entertainment. Exams can be stressful, time-consuming and draining; luckily Chance the Rapper transformed an evening into one filled with mental release. 3 o6 WRITER: COOPER FRANKS DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST It begins with the gentle sound of the Red Cedar thawing, flowing once again over the rapids near Wells Hall. Distant trysts of song birds begin to scatter throughout campus as the sun trickles through trees. Campus seems more alive, coming out of hibernation. Sidewalks become more crowded and the atmosphere transforms. Gloves are shed and hands are free, ready to capture campus reborn. as serve Photographs frozen memories, grasping the unique spirit present during spring. The Red Cedar Log aimed to incorporate this feeling of spring by accepting submissions from the student body from March 16 - April 16. The following are the three photographs selected to represent spring through the eyes of a Spartan. FIRST PLACE CRAIG HEDGES Arts and Humanities, Sophomore SECOND PLACE SCOTT SWANSON Advertising, Senior 3°8 FAIRCHILD THEATER The facades of campus buildings are silent. Even in the midst of spring, when flowers erupt with color, ivy coils between cracks in stone walls and students emerge from a winter hibernation, the old brick and mortar the waking seemingly remain passive change of season. But on the inside, these buildings have heard the whispers and shouts of alumni through the ages — and they have stories to tell. in Inside the Fairchild Theater on Farm Fane, young theatre majors wrap up the school year with a final performance of “Hair”. Where alumni stood in 1910 for productions like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The School for Scandal”, current students’ faces are painted with vibrant reds, oranges and blue makeup as they grace the stage in bohemian braids and frayed ponchos, tiptoeing on a wooden stage smoothed by hundreds of dancing feet. than Though a smaller stage the Wharton Center, the Fairchild Theater holds a special place in the heart of campus, backdropped against the gleaming Red Cedar River and students lounging on the grassy hillside, basking in the warm spring afternoon sun between classes. Whether students leave just for the summer or to start a new life chapter, the silence of the oldest buildings on campus provide a quiet, comforting thought: the walls will be standing upon their return, brimming with more secrets to tell for those who stop to listen. WRITER: CHELSEA MONGEAU PHOTOGRAPHER: CASEY HULL DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS Ato A Abalo Amir ABGDE V Alexandra Abalo Kenya Abbott Jr. Rebecca Abel Raymond Acker Leigha Acton Kevin Adams Matthew Adams Karla Aguinaga Nur Ahmad Sodikin Aliza Ainis Ethan Akerly Aishat Akinwale Reema AI Dhaneem Mohammed AI Hemeiri Mohammed Al-Rebh Courtney Albers Kara Albrecht Mahmood Aldhamen Chelsea Aldrich Montazar Alessa Dimitrios Alexander Theodore Alexander Camila Alfonso Khaled Algha Dana Alhasson Jassmyne Ali Keyarra Ali ■ Jazzmin Ali Tucker Aleena Alisa Dunya Alisa Jessica Allen Andrew Allison Erik Allore Hussain Almasoud Muslim Almuslim Ojie Alofoje Sumer Alsatarwah Faisal Alshammary Allison Alvarado Ahmed Aman Angela Amaniampong Ali Amir S T U V W X Y Z A to B Anderson Ballard Ashley Anderson Christopher Anderson Domonique Anderson Kristina Anderson Laura Anderson Shelby Anderson Andrew Andraous Christopher Andrews Jennifer Andrews Kip Andrews Priscila Angeles Rojas Elizabeth Antes Shennelle Anthony Paul Appel Lauren Armbruster Shelby Armstrong Ankita Arora Taruni Arora Caleb Arthur Christina Artioli Tesiley Ash Jaana Ashtiani-Zarandi Alana Assenmacher Philip Atem LaDrea' Austin Ruth Awor Morgan Ayres Nicholas Ayres Leena Babiker Matthew Baggett Nicholas Bahlau Brittney Bailey Allan Baker Amanda Baker Andrew Baker Brianna Baker jasmine Baker Nicholas Baldus Kristen Baldwin Tabitha Ball LaRisa Ballard Reginald Ballard mmsa B to BBalsamo Benschoter AB C D E FG H IJ KLiM N< Vito Balsamo Eric Bambach Kyu Ban France Banda Claire Baniel Brittany Banks Andrea Bannick Han Bao Kyle Barden Kelsey Bare Sarah Barker Tiffany Barksdale Alexander Barone Alyssa Barone Darius Barrett Matthew Barringer Jonathan Barry Bianca Bartley Ralang Barus Abigail Barwig Sara Batchelor Clayton Batko Ruth Bauer Zachary Bauer Laura Bauermeister Tori Bauman Rachel Baumgardner Michael Bawol Nicole Beard Joanna Beaton Evan Beatty Nicole Beaudry Audrey Beaumarchais Michael Beci Kathryn Beck Katlynn Beerbower Caitlyn Behnke Jalen Bell Jewell Bell Robert Bell Paul Benkert Derek Benschoter BtoB Berezecky Bourns Olena Berezecky Tyler Berg Julia Bergen Megan Bergeron Taylor Berry James Berta Angela Bertolini Amanda Berzins Alisa Betts Bradley Beutler Ran Bi Shenghao Bi Lauren Bice Stephan Bierenga Hayley Bierhalter Emily Biernat Ryan Bilkovic Lucia Biondo Megan Birdwell Brittany Bittenbender Andre Blair Jacob Blake Kelsey Blake Kelsie Blâmer Sarah Blanzy Aaron Blaske Samantha Bloom James Bodanis April Bogdanski Lauren Bogosian Marina Bohrer Danielle Boileau Tatiana Boinais Alec Bonifer Carla Bono Suazo Marissa Borden Andrea Bordewyk Marco Botros Danielle Bott Michael Boulus Blake Bourdeau Taylor Bourns BtoB Bove Buglione ABCDEFGHIJKLMNi Jonathon Bove Justin Bowdish Michael Bowe Garrett Bowker Christina Bowman Taylor Box-Dowdell Charli Bradley Christopher Brady Sara Brady Joshua Braude Blake Brauer Kyle Braun Allison Brazeau Lauren Bretz Brian Brewer Elaine Brewster Renee Brewster Steven Brickel II " Joy Brickerson Sarah Brill Rachel Brock Patrick Brodesser Alecia Bronikowski Jolisa Brooks Kelsey Brower Amber Brown Britani Brown Gentraia Brown Joshua Brown Kaleb Brown La Toya Brown Emily Brozanski Robert Bruhn Kimberly Bryan Evan Bryant Tiffany Bryant Annie Bryers Fanchao Bu Austin Bubin Evan Buchanan Robert Buckhannon Christina Buglione BtoC| Bunch Cen Matthew Bunch Kaitlyn Bunyak Adelin Burgos Jacqlyn Burnett James Burnett Justin Burns Jessica Buschman Megan Butler Ashli Bynum Dairria Bynum Crystal Caddell Marianne Caddy Chelsea Cage Binrui Cai Junyi Cai Juren Cai Kailun Cai Kexin Cai Wendy Caldwell Nikole Calmeyn Katrina-Camaiore Nicholas Campbell Siobhan Canty Dan Cao Kai Cao Victor Capoccia Bridget Carr Catherine Carr Jennifer Carr Matthew Carr Brianna Carroll - Khyreed Carter Simone Carter Whitney Carter Kier Carter-Wafer Breanna Carver Michael Casali Chelsea Cash Lynn Castillo Rachel Cavanaugh Brianne Celusnak Yuqing Cen MN ( CtoC Cervantes Chika Troy Cervantes Suphitchaya Chaiyaratana Andrew Chambers Anami Chan Garrett Chandler Brook Chant Keshabi Chapagai Jason Chapman Bryant Charters Teagan Chatterley Melissa Chavez Miranda Chavez Liang Che Jasmine Cheatham Stephanie Check Alexander Chemey Chao Chen Fan Chen Jiajing Chen Kaiyu Chen Kong Chen Lucy Chen Mason Chen Ruoqing Chen Shuang Chen Xi Chen Xingcan Chen Ying Chen Yitong Chen Yonggang Chen Yue Chen Yuhao Chen Yunan Chen Yuting Chen Changbin Cheng Guanying Cheng Xi Cheng Christopher Chess Nicky Cheung Emily Chheng Meng-ting Chiang Stephanie Chika Brittany Childs Kiana Childs Adam Chludzinski Ahleum Cho Jaeyong Cho Jungeun Cho Casey Chodzko Hwiyeon Choi Suk Ho Choi Sungmin Choi Carissa Choong Deanna Christy Chunyang Chu Cassondra Church Steven Chybowski Megan Cibulas Rachel Claire Daniel Clare Ephraim Clark Kayla Clarke Tyler Clifford Kyle Clifton Keyon Clinton Patrick Cluskey Alyssa Cody Christine Coffey Kaitlyn Coffey Aylin Cokdegerli Peter Colasanti Miles Colbert Ryan Cole Briana Coleman Hannah Coleman Steven Coleman Travis Codings Alexandria Collins Kathryn Collins Samantha Collins Christine Comben Vernon Condie Austin Condra Leeann Connelly D| Connolly I Dallas Michael Connolly James Conwell Alison Cook Danielle Cook Kyla Cools Bethany Coon Megan Cooper Laura Corbin Chloe Corley Christine Cornellier Joshua Cornett Matthew Cornillie Stacy Cornwell Meagan Cosand Meagan Cotter Jordan Cowen Jacqueline Cox Kailey Cox "Matthew Cox Sandra Cox Mara Craig Jenny Crakes Kalynn Crary Lauren Crockett Lisa Crompton Allison Crowder Jamie Crudo Shantanique Crumby Ming Cui Stephen Cullen Micayla Cummings Jennifer Cunningham Kevin Cunningham Andrew Curtis Adam Cusick Gregory Dachko Xuhao Dai Yi Dai Zhushan Dai Monique Daignault Nourhan Dakroury Michael Dallas M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Dt«D Dalrymple Dina Elaine Dalrymple Peter Daly Kurtis Damerow Brenna Danielson Thu Dao Daniel Daoud Lindsey Darling Brent Darnell Alexandra David Karen Davidge Dylan Davids Isaac Davila Ashley Davis Bradley Davis Cedrena Davis Bryan Davis Jr. Deandre Dawson Elizabeth Decesare Chrystaline Decker Margaret Dedic Tyler Detrain Gabriela Del Cueto Luna John Delaney Michael Delaney Patience Dendy Jiaxin Deng Shuyun Deng Suxin Deng Sarah Denick Katherine Derosha Emily DeRubeis Jessica Detering Nicholas Devine Jamie Devlin Lachelle Devoe Kara Devuono Rebecca DeYoung Chelsea Didio Andrew Dike Kwame Dildy Joseph Dilorenzo Haozhong Ding D IL | Ding tO XL I Ebbing Mengjiao Ding Yajuan Ding Zhong Ding Brittany Dixon Nicole Dixon Linh Doan Mackenzie Doane Cassondra Dobie Erin Dobson Zachary Doerr Kyle Dollarhite Michael Domek Daniel Domino Tengfei Dong Xiaoqi Dong Darren Donnelly Jordan Donnelly Heather Donohue Noah Doran Diamond Dortch Paige Doubler Daniel Douches Nicole Dowell Amanda Downs Colleen Drabek Amanda Drakos Holly Drankhan Emma Drenth Nicole Drew Wilson Driesens Benjamin Drullinger Jia Du Jiajie Du Yifan Du Ziying Duan Hailey Dubreuil Bonnie Dunkel Caitlin Dunlap Siltricia Durham Kevin Dyer Samantha East Taylor Ebbing EtoF ■berle eng Joseph Eberle Rina Edelson Cody Edgerton Dominique Edwards Daniel Egner Kent Eikey Tasnia Elahi Abbey Elkert llaria Elli Ali Elseddik Jasmine Emanuel Kamille England Hannah Engwall Marcie Ennesser Alejandro Enriquez Danni Ensign Danielle Epps Elizabeth Erickson Michelle Erickson Tanner Erndt Sarah irwin Garett Eschels Austin Essenburg Alejandra Estrada Kyera Evans Laniesha Evans Adelene Exceus James Fabijancic Alexis Falcon Donghai Fan Tianya Fan Xiaodong Fan Yue Fan Jing Fang Lue Fang Samantha Farthing Kaitlyn Fay Easton Fayolle Allison Fedewa Michelle Feghali Paris Feiler Fan Feng FtoF Feng Fronczek Jiaji Feng Hayden Fennoy Brooke Feraco Crystal Ferels Anthony Ferranteili Clara Ferreyra Jordyn Ferris Daniel Finegan Kristyn Finley Erika First Scott Fisher Nicholas Fisk James Fite Kara Flaherty Mackenzie Fleischer Adriana Flores Austin Flowers Luke Floyd Brianna Flynn Taylor Folkertsma Joshua Folks Theresa Ford Hunter Forester Stacey Forton Catherine Foster Derek Foster Giovanni Foster Joshua Foster Shaquetta Foutner Jessica Foxen Justin Frank Eddie Franklin Cooper Franks Sydney Frazer Daniel Fredericks Kelsey Freed William Freed Dontae Freeman Katharina Freiberger Joseph Friedli Mark Pritschen Klaudia Fronczek F to G | Gersonde Mandi Fu Shiwen Fu Shuang Fu Tianyi Fu Xuanyu Fu Patrick Furlo Lauren Gaboury Melina Gabriella Ryan Gaffney Janelle Gaines Jamie Galbraith Nichole Gallante Cyndi Gallegos Kelsey Gallett Andrea Galoforo Bei Gan Lu Gan Mary Ganich Lauren Gann Shenyu Gao Xiange Gao Rachel Garant Jennifer Garda Miriel Garcia Taylor Garcia Jessica Gardner August Garrett Breanna Garvin Latreya Gary Patrycia Gasior Terra Gassaway Jazmine Gaymon i I ^Jiabo Ge Liang Ge Jonathon Geer Michael Geeter Luke Gehringer Megan Geierman Brittany George Mariah Gerald Keith Germany Jay Gersonde | Parianna Ghebleh Anthony Giannetti Sophia Gilardone Lance Gilbert Jesse Giles Kiana Gilmore Ryan Gilson Alice Gimm Alex Gingery Terence Gipson Dennis Gistinger Kristen Giuffrida Elaine Glover Kayla Godbee Chelsea Godette Ashley Goeb Brittany Golston Takiyah Golston Danping Gong Kaixi Gong Rui Gong Wenbo Gong Yelei Gong Alan Good DAntae Gooden Ashley Goodwillie Eric Goodwin Jazmine Gordon Shavelle Gordon Jarrett Gorman Courtney Gough Laura Grabowski Emily Gracik Ashley Graham Brianna Graves Emily Gray Indasha Gray Melissa Greco Emma Greene Elizabeth Gregory Bevneet Grewal Derell Griffin iiill GtoH Grimmer Hank Alexander Grimmer Andris Grinvalds ChiTiila Grisham Ari Grode William Grombala Roman Gronkowski Kayla Gross Glen Gruber Chenjia Gu Jiahao Gu Zhenming Gu Rebecca Guajardo Jill Gulick Pengyue Guo Wan Guo Yue Guo Allison Gurney-McMaster Brandon Guthrie Mario Gutierrez Eli Guttman Agustin Guzman Kathryn Gwizdala My Tran Ha Saad Habib Olivia Hacker Daniel Hagen Hilary Hager Dana Hahn Sierra Hale Adrianne Hall Deanna Hall Kalaundra Hall Kayla Hamby Kristin Hamelrath Alexxis Hamilton Laureal Hamilton-Jackson Courtney Hammer Allanah Hammond Keli Hammond Luyi Han Shaughn Handley John Hank H to H Hannah Herlevi Leslie Hannah Chen Hao Sijia Hao Megan Haraf Bonnie Hardin John Hardy Paige Harness Alisa Harris D'Mya Harris Ian Harrison Jonathan Harrison Ashley Hartsuff Brian Harvey . Samantha Harwell Ryan Hasselbach Dorian Hatchett Christopher Hauler Susannah Haupt Shawn Haverdink Megan Havern Megan Hawes Mariah Hawkins Timothy Hayes Cong He Li He Lifang He Shaoyu He Yuxin He Zexi He Zhiran He Joshua Headley Dnae Hearn Mallory Hebert Nicole Heinz Matthew Helfenbein Sumar Henderson Blake Hendricks Marissa Hendricks Tracy Hennekam Emily Henry Alexa Henslee Morgan Herlevi Ht„H Herman Holts Bronson Herman Marcus Herndon Nichole Hersch Kelley Hester Tara Hester Thomas Heuser Austin Hibner Kevona Hicks Trenton Hicks Reonna Hicks-Porter Akilah Hill Charletta Hill Kiairra Hill Mindy Hill Taylor Hill David Hill-Gray Amy Hilliker Jenna Hines Eric Hinkle Bradford Hinkson Matthew Hinshaw Mei-Jung Ho Ho Ashley Hoag Van Hoang Alex Hock Daniel Hockey Luke Hodge Amanda Hoerauf Erin Hoffman Rachel Hoffmann Sarah Holden Paige Holeton Brian Holland Joshua Holliday Shelby Holliday Lindsey Hollinger Shapree Holloway Cheyna Holmes Sheldon Holmes Carlee Holt Benjamin Holtquist Courtney Holts HtoH Homa Hughbanks Cwen Homa Seung Hong Alexander Hoover Kayla Hoppe Christopher Hopper Jamonica Horn Alexis Horton Peter Host Xiaohan Hou Yan Hou Khadija Houston Ashley Howard Juwan Howard Alicia Howell Heather Howie Morgan Hoxsie Jian Hu Junhao Hu 'Shunxi Hu Xingchen Hu Yingyi Hua Annie Huang Bingzhang Huang Chao Huang Chuan~Pang Huang Jialin Huang Jie Huang Kedi Huang Mengying Huang Po-Heng Huang Qi Huang Simin Huang Xianghui Huang Xiaoyan Huang Xinhui Huang Yabing Huang Yiran Huang Yunyi Huang Robyn Hubbard Amelia Hudson Torianna Hudson LaMicah Hughbanks H ».I Hughes Jiang Kara Hughes Emily Hummel Breanna Hunter Lauren Hunter Qing Huo Jennifer Hurand Stephen Hushak Amanda Hussein Salicia Ibrahim Ashley Immel Samuel Irrer Kirsten Irwin Brooke Isaacs Danielle Isaacs Jamie Izen Justin Jabara Mary Jachim Ernesto Jackson Eron Jackson Gregory Jackson Ja Tayvia Jackson Resheid Jackson RoNeesha Jackson Shenai Jackson Timothy Jacque Taylor Jahnke Melanie Jamel Yejonte James Lisa Jankowski Troy Jefferson Tyler Jelonek Hunter Jelsch Bandamlak Jemberie Hannah Jenuwine Shuang Ji Dai Jia Zonglin Jia Chengyu Jiang Xianglong Jiang Xingyuan Jiang Xue Jiang Zhishu Jiang J T I Jiao tO «J I Jones Huijie Jiao Zihao Jiao Ziwei Jiao Lingzi Jin Wanjing Jin Xin Jin Yirong Jin Yuan Jin Yuxi Jin Zuzhang Jin Alyson Johnson Antionette Johnson Ariel Johnson. Asha Johnson Ashura Johnson Danielle Johnson Deara Johnson Dominique Johnson Dominique Johnson Jamie Johnson Joshua Johnson Julia Johnson Julie Johnson Kourtsean Johnson Lashay Johnson LaTrisha Johnson Lauren Johnson Lindsey Johnson Mary Johnson Stephanie Johnson Trent Johnson Zachary Johnson Kattie Johnson-Southers Amanda Jones Andre Jones Ashia Jones Ashley Jones Brandon Jones Christina Jones Mark Jones Raven Jones Stephanie Jones 1STWVWXYZ J to K Jordan Kendall Bianca Jordan Ta'Niyan Jordan Jeffrey Jorgensen Charles Joseph Vanessa Joseph Jameson Joyce Kevin Joyce Bradley Joynt Lan Ju Mary-Jo Julin Brittany Juodikis Stephen Jurewicz Noeile Kahunzuba Panagiotis Kailis Srividya Kakulavarapu Andrew Kalinsky Lia Kamana Shawn Kamm Dong Hyuk Kang Seo-Yun Kang Xue Kang Catherine Kanka Phillip Kantola Ronald Kapp Amelia Karaba Caitlin Karram Kiley Kastl Laura Kastner Patrick Kato Nicole Kaufman Meghan Kautman Mackenzie Kay Mary Kearney Desmond Kearsley Sonya Kedzior Kelly Keelon Marchelle Kelley Jacqueline Kelly Kaylin Kelly Tiaira Kelly Kelsey Kenaan Kathryn Kendall K| Kennedy I Kohley Devante Kennedy Emily Kennedy Katelyn Kerb rat Mark Kere Nana-Gyasi Kessie Sarah Kettelhut Javeria Khan Sarah Kief II Kim Jiwoong Kim jiyeun Kim Joo Kim Joon-Sup Kim Mingyo Kim Nali Kim Seong Kim Simon Kim Soo Kim Sue Kim Sung Kim Susanna Kim Tae Kim Young Kim Jasmine King Samantha Kirby Joshua Kirkland Alyssa Kirsch Benjamin Klaasen Alexis Klatt Alyssa Klein Conor Klerekoper Scott Kliman Kristina Kline Trevor Kline Jessica Kloosterman Frank Kmet Jonathon Knedgen Samantha Kobb James Kobbins Alex Kohler John Kohler Alex Kohley M NOI’ORSTl'VV K X I Konen tO X J I Lapthorne Ryan Konen Xianghao Kong Carmen Koning Stephanie Korn Kirstin Kosak Emma Kowai Chelsea Kozlowski Sara Krebs Alexander Krohn Cathrine Kronlein Jinglin Kuang Kenchiro Kue Christopher Kuechle Ally Kundinger Patrick Kurtz Thomas Kurtz Rachel Kurzeja Christy Ky Nakhyun Kyung Margeaux La Cavera Maryann Laboe Amy Lafferty Ashley Krystal LaGrande Daniel Lahnala Lauren Lahrman Candace Lai’ - Sufang Lai Jack Lake Kiyerra Lake Alvin Lam Michelle Lam Danielle Lambert Jack Lambert William Lamilza Fei Lan Karl Langhans Eric Langton Marquita Lanier Lauren Laparl Alayna LaPine ' Dakota Laporte Maxwell Lapthorne Larson Li Jessica Larson Erin Lasenby Bently Laser Richard Lastomirsky Alec Latin Jessica Laube Mark Lauerman Samuel Lautzenheiser Erika Lawnicki Brody Lawrence Nicole Leclair Daniel Leclerc Philip Lecznar Alyssa Lee Brandon Lee Hanbyul Lee Jeahyung Lee Ji Lee Olivia Lee Richard Lee Sang a Lee Virginia Lee Yen Kai; Lee Brady Lehman Kathryn Lehmann Kaiming Lei Dontrell Lemon Dena Letot Amber Lewis Joanne Lewis Monique Lewis Chao Li Ge Li Haoyi Li Hongshi Li Huijun Li Juntong Li Key an Li Liu run Li Muyuan Li Nan lm Qiao Li X J tO X J | Liu Ruidong Li Sha Li Siyi Li Yang Li Yanxuan Li Yaxing Li Yingmin Li Ziwei Li Shan Lian Chaoyi Liang Tianlun Liang Yujie Liang Kevin Licata Andrew Ligda Lauren Lillich Melissa Limon-Flegier Chen Lin Donghong Lin Jingwei Lin Sasha Lin Yuan Lin Yun-Ho Lin Logan Lindsay Lauren Link Joshua Linkowski Samantha Linson Alex Liou Catherine Little Chang Liu Eric Liu Guanguan Liu Hengyu Liu Jiabin Liu Kejian Liu Lan Liu Liwa Liu Meicen Liu Min Liu Ming Liu Peiyao Liu Pingting Liu Ruiqing Liu Leo mi:, Sicong Liu Suihan Liu Wei-Yu Liu Xiao Liu Xinwen Liu Xinyi Liu Ying Liu Yuanyuan Liu Adam Loch Tamika Lofcon Ryan Logan Shannon Lomasney Jiandong Long Xuan Long Richard Longer Jennifer Longo Jenna Lopatin Brittany Lopez Yun Lou Ian Lovdahl Rachel Love Hsin-Jou Lu Jiaming Lu Juntong Lu Qike Lu Sijie Lu Yuanyuan Lu Yulin Lu Zhen Lu Zhengkai Lu Zongyan Lu Jennie Lubbers Taylor Lubienski Megan Luchenbill Megan Luck Benjamin Luedeman Stephanie Lundblad Susannah Lyddon Montinique Lynch Tyler Lynch Alexander Lyons Ding Ma r~w~A VWXYZ MtoM Ma Martin Ruini Ma Xinhan Ma Christopher MacArthur Ariel MacDonald Ari Mack Raymund Macksoud Brittney Maddalena Autumn Madison Mariana Madrigal-Martinez Jacqueline Maeroff Jaclyn Magness Sahar Mahmood Mussa Maingu Joseph Maiorana Jessica Makkonen Alex Malaspina Cory Malburg Alexis Malhado Jane Malina Megan Mallgren Morgan Malloy Samantha Malloy Ryan Maloney Rachel Mandeville Philip Mangum Annmarie Maniaci Christina Mankowski Jeremiah Manning Katherine Manning Marian Manning Makenzi Mantey Anna Marchese Lauren Marcon Lauren Marino Nicole Marion Elizabeth Marjamaa Akeyia Marshall Jackie Martin Kim Martin Markavia Martin Thrishanna Martin Victoria Martin i MtoM Martinez Mei Betty Martinez Jonatan Martinez Miguel Martinez Rafael Martinez Douglas Martini Marisa Martini Hanin Masboob Cortland Mason Kiara Massey Sarah Masson Tori Masters Veronica Mata Curtis Mattison Brittany Maynard Alyssa McBride Michael McCallum Rebecca McCatty Rachel Mccloskey Kate McClure Willie McClure Jasmine McCoy Deven McCullers Lisa McCune Arneisha McDermott Taylor McEvilly Caitlin McGee Tamya McGee Angel Mcghee Collin McKenzie Katherine McKiernan Connor McKinney Delorean McKinney Emily McLaughlin Keneesha McLaughlin Mario McLean Alexandra McLenan Alexis McNabb Caitlin McNichols Shaniqua McShan Molly McTaggart Brittany Mearim Yixin Mei MtoM Meinecke Moore Laura Meinecke Nicole Meiner Jenna Mellerowicz Ashley Melnick Juan Mena Lapaix Jiao Meng ■ Jake Merana David Mercado Hersh Merenstein Celina Merhi Brian Merk Allison Merlos Genna Merrick Connor Metevier Mariam Metti Ashley Metzgar Michelle Meyer Chunyu Miao Melissa Michalski Elena Michel Elena Mikelonis Monica Mikhael Elizabeth Mikhail Dylan Miller Megan Miller Sabrina Miller Cydney Millhisler Christopher Mills Matthew Mills Seyeon Min S# Jenna Mitchell Maryssa Mitchell Whitney Mitchell Piper Mlsna Burhanuddin Mohamedi Sara Mokoski.. Chelsea Mongeau Jenna Montalbano Arika Montgomery Kelly Montgomery Jin Moon Ashley Moore MtoN vloore slobie ABCDEFGH IJKI M N Joshua Moore Ashley Moorehead Chelsea Morehead Valerie Morel Guillermo Moreno Emily Morris Lauren Morrison William Morse Amber Morson Kaitlyn Motloch David Moul Edward Moussa Sona Movsisyan Martin Mukasa Patrick Mutter Zachary Munger Cristhofer Munoz Kelly Munzenberger Virginia Murphy Deirdre Musser Amelia Mutch Beth Myers Brianna Mykkanen Sabreen Nafsu Jamie Nagel Nicole Napiorkowski Annalisa Napolitano Rehnuma Newaz Sheena Newell Alexander Ng Khanh Nguyen Khoa Anna Nham Courtney Nichols Faydra Nichols Casey Nicholson Taylor Nienhuis Michael Niezgoda Xiao Niu Yahan Niu Markisha Nixon Onyinye Nnamdi-Nwosu Rebecca Noble ■ OPQRSTUVWXYZ NtoP Noffze Page Sarah Noffze Dabin Noh Shelby Nolen Justin Nowland Kristyna Nunzio Randi Nuorala Alexandria Nutaitis Zachary Nuttall Christina O'meara Hilary O'neill Nkerryika Obioha Dominique Oden Sarah Oderkirk Lucas Odom Ekenamolisa Ofili Brandon Ogbonnaya Joshua Ogundu Kristen Okuniewski Adebosoye Olateru-Olagbegi Kaitlyn Olcese Krista Oldham Meaghan Olger Matthew Oliver Kassidy Olson Michael Oltersdorf Fahim Omari Nghia On Allison Onopa Lauren Opeka-Byford Christopher Orlando Dominique Ormanian Leonel Ornelas-Martinez Laura Osaer Nneka Osiah Kelsey Osman Rachel Ostergren Julia Otwell Chelsea Ouendag Endea Owens Sya Owens-Manica Travis Packer Jalen Page PtoP Pahl Petrie ABCDEFGH Taylor Pahl Nakea Paige John Pajot Brandon Palmer Cheyenne Palmer Adam Palomba Yunqi Pan Cheng-Ning Pao Spiridon Papoulis Ashley Paquette Bhut Park Daehee Park George Park Heesang Park Andrea Parker Doneisha Parker Steven Parkinson Amber Parsed Alexandra Paschal Christopher Pascoe Samantha Pastoria Jay Patel Chelsea Pates Zachary Paul Joseph Paxson Alexis Payne Sarah Payne Ashley Pearson Linzy Pedersen Jenna Pedrin Ava Peera Sarah Pel key Yuru Peng Jarrett Peplinski Brandon Pereira Elisa Perez Michael Perini Angie Perkins Anna Perrin Katie Peston Laura Peterson Maxwell Petrie NOPQRSTUVWXYZ PtoP Petro Pun Rachel Retro Brianna Pfeil Blaire Phillips Rachel Phillips Samuel Philp Hannah Pibbles Stephanie Pickard Jennifer Pilallis Sarah Pink Daniel Pittsley Kenneth Plackowski Jessie Plamp Julie Plummer Michael Pokryfki Jordan Poll Reneeta Poison Ashley Pomaville Lauren Poole Sara Popp Devyn Porath Lucas Porter Daryn Portman Hanna Potter Spencer Potter Jacob Potterpin Adrienne Powell Kassie Powell Ronida Powell Alanna Powers Jordan Prather John Prentice Passionique Presberry Geoffrey Preston Brandon Prince Allen Printiss Franklin Privette Samantha Proud Ariel Pryor Jaelynn Pryor Zongheng Pu Elizabeth Pulter Ryan Yue Hin Pun Pro R m ABC gUl 'I J I J ¥ 7" 14 IV Chelsea Punian Sydney Putrich Kayla Putz Junyi Qian Kexiang Qian Min Qin Mingyang Qin Rui Qin Ruipeng Qin Jiamin Qiu Lijie Qiu Xinhao Qu Yidi Qu Ziran Qu Delisa Quayson Loren Racicot Christina Radak Adonnia Raddatz Akshaya Raghu Sabina Ramadhani Alma Ramirez Michelle Ramirez Pablo Ramirez Caitlin Ramsey Ashley Rankin Rachel Rapp Garrison Rasmussen Anya Rath Bridget Rathsack James Rauschendorfer Katie Raynard Casey Reagan Eric Reardon Tianna Redieck Marissa Reece Christopher Reed Christa Reich David Reimers Travis Reinhart Lei Ren Wei Ren Yixi Ren EUR Reusch Ross Nicholas Reusch Rebecca Reynolds Edgar Reynoso Juneki Rhee Christen Richardson Malcolm Richardson Rachel Richter Joseph Riedy Marina Rine Murielle Rine Samantha Rinke Kelly Rinnas Matthew Ripley Benjamin Rittinger Seung Ro Molly Robbins Tyson Robbins Malinda Robedeau Hannah Roberts Jordyn Roberts Antonio Robinson Courtney Robinson Garrett Robinson Michael Robinson Whitney Robinson William Rochte Alexandria Roden Cirea Rodgers David Rodgers Andrea Rodriguez Erick Rodriguez Matthew Rodriguez Oriana Rodriguez Marcel Rogers lia Rogers Joshua Roltsch Joseph Romain Diego Roman Alexander Roney Carly Rosen Stacy Rosner Madeline Ross totach Schubert Jennifer Rotach Maia Rowles Mitchell Rozman Tyler Ruchala Toni Ruggiano Derek Rush Sarah Rydel Dayna Rykse Nicholas Rykulski Gabriela Saldivia Chelsea Saleeby Alyse Samoray Marisa Samosiuk Kirandeep Samra Alexandra Sanchez Alyssa Sandell Breonna Sanders DAndra Sanders Kacie Sanderson Thomas Sandiha Allison Santori Aakash Sapre Hande Sarapli Luke Sasek Christina Sauchak David Saunders Erin Sauve Kristina Savage Kyle Sawyer Sam ScalzittTT Nicholas Scarlatelli Samantha Schaeffer Zachary Schindler Alex Schmelzer Christina Schmidt Erika Schmidt Amy Schneider Joseph Schoenherr Meredith Schramski Abbigail Schreck Gordon Schroeder Andrew Schubert Schulte Shu Sarah Schulte Taylor Schultz Paul Schultz Jr. Kaley Scibilia Carly Scott Carmen Scruggs Jontrice Sears Mariaina Seelinger Christoffer Sehling Nathan Seifert Camaryn Self Gabrielle Seitz Sierra Semenchuk John Seno Kelsey Serra Maria Serrato Ashley Servis Shannen Serylo Seneca Shaffer Alexsandra Shalayko Jingxuan Shang Yifei Shao Tia Sharp Jade Sharrer Kellie Shattuck Tess Shavalier Justin Shaver Isabella Shaya Sarah Sheehan Kyler Sheerin Nathan Sheldon Yuqing Shen Zhichen Shen Marlee Sherrod Jennifer Shesko Yujie Shi Zhenshuo Shi Chung-Chien Shih Marissa Shilling Taylor Shinaberry Jacques Short II Chen Shu S O tO I Shu I Sourges Cheng Shu Yuqing Si Paige Sidner Nicholas Siedenstrang Alfred Simmons Jacob Simon Nickolaus Simon Steven Simon Taylor Simon Martin Simonson Megan Simpson Megan Simsa Joshua Singh Manmit Singh Mohkam Singh Rajvinder Singh Mary Sinnamon Jonathon Skurya Jennifer Sliva Laura Small Carlie Smith Deshawn Smith J'Donovan Smith Lauren Smith Lucy Smith Melissa Smith Natalie Smith Savannah Smith Valencia Smith Antoine Smith II Alexis Snyder Rachelle Snyder Jake Solomon Ronnie Solomon Ryan Solon Gagandeep Somal Jai Song Zhijing Song Shelby Sopocy Nicholas Sorensen Kelsey Sorenson Marisa Sourges StoS Sparks Su Jacob Sparks Bryttany Spears Jasmine Spears Alicia Spees Lindsay Spencer Drexton Sportel Tory Spring Paveenuch Sritragul Anna St Andrew John Stables Rachel Stachura Kelly Stacy Nicholas Stanek Kalieha Stapleton Lauren Starr Danielle Stawkey Lucas Steele Mitchell Steffens Allison Stettler Danielle Stewart Sean Stewart Moore Bradley Stiles Rebecca Stiles Kellie Stilson Ellen Stimson Ryan Sting Brian Stitely Brandi Stone Michael Storay II Sean Storey Robert Stoutenburg Morgan Stowe Abigail Straszheim Lydia Stratton Heather Strickland Madison Strong Sarah Strong Chelsea Stuart Jessica Stuart Saige Stump Broderick Sturms Mengjie Su Ruiwen Su Youxian Su Hamed Suffety Mingxiu Sui Noor Sulais Michael Sullivan Hao Sun Pengkai Sun Qianshu Sun Xiangyi Sun Yizhou Sun Yuewen Sun Nathan Supani.ch Amanda Surace Brian Sutton Mitchell Swan Scott Swanson Zachary Swierad Daniel Swink Daniel Swodzinski Patricia Szczepanski Patryk Szrek Kelsey Taber Carson ¡Tabiolo Hope Tackbary Taylor Tagsold Omar Taher Kyrstin Tal I man Patrick Tallman Andrew Tam Xiuwen Tan Zhenqi Tan Muli Tang Kuan-Ying Tao Qi Tao Allison Taormina Amanda Tapp Emily Tassoni Kyona Tate Kyronda Tate Allison Tayloe Auguste Taylor T to T Taylor Turner Chelsie Taylor Jessica Taylor Katlyn Taylor Mark Taylor Austin Teerman Travis Tehlirian Manuel Tejada-Mercado Alexandra Tekip Traney Thames Kyan Thelen San Thi Miranda Thiele Christopher Thomas K'Lynn Thomas Kevin Thomas Clayton Thompson Connor Thompson John Thompson Jessica Tietz Jacqueline Tihanyi Antoine Tillman Mariya Titova Spencer Tobias Geoffrey Todd Nicholas Tomski Stefannie Toney Jaqueline Tong Aaron Torres Shane Torrey Emily Toupin Alyssa Trakul Nam Tran Ngoc-Anh Tran Moussa Traore Bryce Traverse Krysten Trottier Adam Trowbridge Qiang Tu Jennifer Tubergen Nicholas Turinsky Andrew Turnbull Lashaun Turner Tiwisa FGHIJKL Douglas Tyran Kufreabasi Udoeyop Genelle Uhrig Cory Urbats Steven Utz Ciera Uyeunten Andrew Valade Christopher Valade Danielle Valade Melisa Valdes Brittni Vallette Merinda Valley Andrew Van Alst Samantha Van Atta Chad Van Koot Valerie Van Ryn Katie Van Schoick Erin Vanbuskirk faylor Vance Taylor Vandecar Pheng Vang Juan Vasquez Laudys Vasquez Jerahmeel Vedua Matthew Veksler John Venn Connor Verbruggen- Hannah Vertin Kevin Viguilla Katharine Visci Tori Vives Arielle Viviano Jessica Vocke Christopher Vogler Diondra Voishich Jennifer Volz ■ Stephen Vorenberg Cameron Vredeveld Amber Vrooman Tyler Vuillemot Jason Wagnitz Aaron Walden M NOPQRSTUVWXYZ W|W Waldon Washington Darrell Waldon Elizabeth Walker Katherine Walker Reed Walker Samuel Walker Patrick Walsh Eric Walton Casimir Wanczyk Angela Wang Binyu Wang Chen Wang Chunchao Wang Chuyi Wang Didi Wang Jinxiao Wang Lanqi Wang Lirong Wang Mengkun Wang Na Wang Ruichao Wang Shulin Wang Xiaochen Wang Xuanyin Wang Xueying Wang Yanjun Wang Yanyi Wang Ye Wang Yijie Wang Yilin Wang Yiqin Wang Yixin Wang Zengyu Wang Zhaoxing Wang Zhi Wang Zhiyun Wang Zihao Wang Ziming Wang Jacob Ward Matthew Warnicke Chantelle Washington Jaalyn Washington Tre Washington WtoW Watts Wolfson A B C D E F G H IJ K L M N Cora Watts Grace Weatherbee Kiyana Weatherspoon Samantha Weaver Whitney Webb Alexander Webber Oshan Weerasinghe Megan Weessies Brian Wegner Yuhan Wei Autumn Weidenhamer William Weiland Aliza Weiss Symone Welborn Maria Wellman Bingxin Weng Matthew Wesolowski Laura West Anita Western Morgan White Tori Whiting Hollie Whitmire Elise Wideman Alexis Widger Jessica Wilhelm Aerika Williams David Williams Jonathan Williams Laura Williams Shannon Williams Sierra Williams Tara Williams Te'Juanna Williams Elonda Willis Taylor Willming Darius Wilson Matthew Wilson Neco Wilson Raquelle Wilson Frank Wisniewski Emma Witte Abigail Wolfson M NOPQRSTUVWXYZ W„,Xir Christopher Wolin Brianne Wolipert Hin Wong Anais Woo Aubrey Wood Shariah Woods Kristen Wouters Alyssa Wozniak Adam Woznicki Jordan Wray Bianca Wright Chelsey Wright Denzell Wright Jonathan Wright Mark Wright Matthew Wright Patrice Wright Gabriella Wright-Nagel Di Wu Fan Wu Jiaxi Wu Jingwen Wu Ketao Wu Qin Wu Ruohan Wu Sharon Wu Sihui Wu Tong Wu Yudi Wu Yuqian Wu Tanea Wyatt Bianka Wynn Xun Xiang Yujin Xiang Mingyan Xiao Shujing Xie Shuang Xing Zaiyu Xiong Hua Xu Jiacheng Xu Jinghan Xu Jiusi Xu X V Xu tO X I Young Lingling Xu Mansuo Xu Mengjie Xu Olivia Xu Xiao Xu Yongqing Xue Ann Yaccarino Jordan Yagiela Kevin Yam Delacey Yancey Delaney Yancey Daewoong Yang Fan Yang Han Yang Kun Yang Qing Yang Yang Yang Yicheng Yang Yihao Yang Yiming Yang Youyou Yang Zhaojun Yang Junbing Yao Yao Yao Erika Yaremych Ching Yau Ching Yau Huayu Ye Jingjing Ye Libin Ye Zining Ye Connor Yeck Kelsey Yee Katie Ye kin Chastity Yenshaw Tat Yeung Huang Yi Sijia Yin Ju Yoon Soo Yoon Barbara Young Jessica Young Khella Young Lana Young Luke Young Dayang Yu Jiachen Yu Jianming Yu Kaili Yu Qixiu Yu Shengyao Yu Taoran Yu Wenxi Yu Xiaofan Yu Yabin Yu Yaou Yu Shunli Yuan Yizhou Yuan Kathryn Zadorozny Matthew Zakerski Arik Zaleski Bichen Zhang Chuang Zhang Chunzi Zhang Fanmingqi Zhang Ji Zhang Jia Zhang Jie Zhang Jimin Zhang Manmiao Zhang Manzi Zhang Peng Zhang Rui Zhang Shen Zhang Shuowen Zhang Siyao Zhang Tianyuan Zhang Weixuan Zhang Xi Zhang Xiaoran Zhang Xinwen Zhang Xun Zhang Xuyu Zhang Yahang Zhang Yang Zhang Yanyi Zhang Yichen Zhang Yihe Zhang YuQi Zhang Zhenyun Zhang Ziyou Zhang Chunlei Zhao Hang Zhao He Zhao Huiyi Zhao Jingyi Zhao Qi Zhao Ruina Zhao Xiangyu Zhao Xu Zhao Yixuan Zhao Yuechao Zhao Zixi Zhao Bei Zheng Kangzhuang Zheng Mengqi Zheng Peicen Zheng Te Zheng Xiaoluan Zheng Yaoqi Zheng Zhihao Zhong Binghong Zhou Bu Zhou Jing Zhou Kan Zhou Lingyan Zhou Shiqi Zhou Xinyu Zhou Yiling Zhou Yunpeng Zhou Guangzhe Zhu Jie Zhu Menglu Zhu Shibo Zhu Xueling Zhu Yifan Zhu NOPQRSTU VWXYZ Z| Zhu I Zysk Yunuo Zhu Pengjie Zhuang Yilin Zhuang Leslie Zimmerman Sally Zimmerman Sarah Zimmerman Rachel Zinkosky Anthony Zito Ao Zou Rongli Zou Anthony Zuccaro Michael Zuke Nicholas Zuzow Brittany Zwierzchowski Alexandria Zysk IgM After countless days trudging across a 2,000 acre campus — in sun, snow and everything in between —just a few more steps separate seniors from alums. Innumerable are the seconds that have passed, the footsteps taken, the acquaintances made and the lessons learned. Emerald gowns hug another generation of Spartans with a love and passion that will forever bind them. In the uniform crowd, each student’s individuality is portrayed by his or her carefully-crafted cap. Some are bejeweled with auspicious or heartfelt quotes,! while others choose the comedic route. Some share snippets of future careers, while others give a shout out in bold Greek letters to the adopted brothers and sisters that lent their support through the years. As the caps are tossed into the air with overflowing jubilation, the aspirations and memories of Spartan nation mingle playfully amid floating tassels. They linger at the peak of their trajectory only for a moment, relishing the release from gravity’s constraints. Even after they gently float back to Earth, the hopes of their wearers continue to soar, uplifted by the rapturous applause of friends and family. WRITER: HOLLY DRANKHAN PHOTOGRAPHER: LAUREN GABOURY DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS CEDAR LOG-------- For more information, please visit I PHOTOGRAPHER: NATE REVARD I DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS CONTENT DEPARTMENT CONTENT EDITORS: HOLLY DRANKHAN, CHELSEA MONGEAU COPY EDITOR: GINA JUAREZ STAFF JOURNALISTS: GILLIAN CARR, IRUM IBRAHIM, STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MCGAVIN JOURNALIST INTERNS: MIRANDA CHAVEZ, MAGGIE NYE, GARRISON RASMUSSEN 367 DESIGN DEPARTMENT DESIGN EDITOR: TIA ROGERS STAFF DESIGNERS: CHLOE FOSTER, ERIC SCHWARTZ, PATTY SCZCEPANSKI PHOTOGRAPHER: LAUREN GABOURY DESIGNER: TIA ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS: LAUREN GABOURY, NATE REVARD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: TAYLOR FEATHERSTONE, STEPH PICKARD, LUKE PIOTROWSKI PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNS: PHILINA CHEN, CASEY HULL, CHESTNUT ZHANG TO MY RCL STAFF it. Instead of the enthusiasm trickling down from above, I wanted it to burst up from every direction, flooding the pages between the covers. And to be honest, if you did not approve, I would have done it all over again. Yet you took it on. You jumped on board, and we set sail, to create the book you now hold in your hands. And that brings me to now. And simply put, it went by too fast. At first, I saw you all as my students! in hopes that I could teach you what I had learned in years past. But instead, you all became my teachers. And if I taught you as much as you’ve taught me, then I’ve done my job and more. You’ve taught me to find a balance between creativity and order, compassion and correctness, and professionalism and friendship. And at the same time you produced exquisite work. Your work was captivating, transporting me away from my office, and into the nooks and crannies of campus. Through your thoughtful words, I met hundreds of students as their voices projected from the pages. In your photographs, I experienced synesthesia. Who knew you could taste an apple through a crisp succulent photo? And in your designs, I recognized how simplicity could be so breathtaking. I cannot thank you enough for teaching me what I now know. You’ve allowed me to grow as an artist and an individual. I strongly believe that we leave a part of ourselves behind once we leave a place, but at the same time, we take something else with us. The reason being is that you find home within people. Understand that you’ve created a sense of home within my heart, and I’ll take it with me as I go. You are all truly uncommon, in the best possible sense of the word, and I was honored to call myself your editor-in-chief. In the summer of 2011, I clicked Red Cedar Log Journalist Internship on MySpartanCareer, not knowing what that title meant. I had zero journalistic experience, no knowledge of MSU, and little direction. But somehow, there I was at the first Red Cedar Log meeting on Monday at 9 p.m. Soon I discovered what it meant to be a journalist, and I realized that the Red Cedar Log was just another word for home. Unknowingly, I had found a strength within myself and at the same time the support of a newfound family. Forward to summer of 2014. I remember the amount of time I spent pacing around the office, preparing to be a father to the family — the editor-in-chief. I never imagined I’d be in that position, but I thought back to the three previous years, and thought of all the editor-in-chiefs prior, and what I wanted to pull from. Yet, I wanted something new. So I found myself moving around furniture to open up space to think. I hung up our past awards, so I could perhaps, one day hang up one more of our own. With care, I travelled back to 1905 to find inspiration in the pages of our past, and when I ran out of room to store it all, I painted a chalkboard on the wall to etch ideas in white. When the chalk ran out, I found solitude on the sofa, still searching for the answer. And then I looked around the room and realized what I had created. It was as if my subconscious was speaking to me. “This is what the book should be.” Open space to provide room to breathe. Inspiration imprinted in chalk — always changing, always growing. And of course, lessons learned from our past while paving a way to the future. So I decided to write you all letters, explaining this epiphany. In these letters, I hoped to explain why we were rebuilding the ship. I wanted to share the vision with you but at the same time didn’t want to impose COOPER FRANKS Editor-in-Chief CREATION TYPOGRAPHY COVER PHOTOGRAPHY COLOPHON The Red Cedar Log was produced entirely by Macintosh computers for page layouts, photo editing and word processing. All computers were networked with a LaCie server. Software used included Adobe Creative Suite 5.5, Microsoft Office 2007 and Google Drive. All headlines and page numbers were set in Big Caslon Medium. Subheadlines and captions were set in WeblySleek UI Semilight. The folio was set in WeblySleek UI Semibold. Body copy was justified and set in Times New Roman Regular at 11-point and with a 14-point leading. Infographics utilized a combination of all of these fonts and their families at the discretion of the design team. The cover design and photograph was created by Managing Design Editor, Tia Rogers. With Jostens support, the front cover was produced with a matte finish. The theme “Uncommon” is blind debossed with a black satin overlay in the letters emphasizing the “UN.” The back cover was created with a 1176 Linear Grain. The entire cover is printed in grayscale with the exception of the Red Cedar Log logo on the spine. The endsheets were printed on 280 Snow White material. The photography in the Red Cedar Log, with the exception of the senior portraits or unless credited otherwise! is wholly the original work of the photographers who produced this volume. The cameras and flash units used were from the Canon and Nikon product line with a combination of Canon, Nikon and Sigma lenses. FINANCE AND OPE RAT IONS The Red Cedar Log is an entirely student-run publication. Each semester, ASMSU provided funds generated through student tax dollars, which equals about $3 per undergraduate student, for publishing the book. The previous year’s book was available throughout campus and by request through the Red Cedar Log website. For a small fee, alumni can have books shipped to them anywhere in the United States. Content in the book was determined by the editor-in-chief and editorial core with a consideration of requests from student organizations to be featured free of charge. No funds were received from the university. A total of 7,000 copies of this 392-page, full color publication were printed by Jostens, Inc., costing approximately $107,292. The 2015 Red Cedar Log is copyrighted by — — ” the Associated Students of Michigan State University. No part of this book may be reproduced without prior written consent. ~ COPYRIGHT --------------- RECOGNITION Thank you all for your hard work, communication, support and creativity. This book wouldn’t be the same without you: Natalie Kozma, Brian Fessler, Tim Ross, everyone from the Jostens plant, Rick Brooks, Bonnie Blackman, Erik Maillard, Greg Jackson, James Conwell, Kiran Simra, Calvin Manitowabi, Mallory Mazuchowski, Brian Jeffries, Paul Bilgore and Lauren Studios, Matthew Mitchell, Spencer Ruman, Dan Bowers, David Heit, and Armaan Dhillon. TO THE CLASS OF 2015 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT ------------------------- the On behalf of entire Spartan community, congratulations on your graduation from om Michigan State University! Over the past several years you have traversed a path of personal discovery and intellectual development, and these efforts have paid off with one of the most transformative accomplishments of your life. In reflecting upon the student who first matriculated at this university, you will find that a professional has now emerged, who with an investment in learning has built the foundation for a terrific life ahead. During your time here on the banks of the Red Cedar, you have seen our campus increasingly reflect an evolving, interconnected world. You have been an integral part of this evolution, as the values of our land grant roots continue to meld with a future of world grant ideals, and as our international campus grows stronger in addressing the many diverse problems we face as a collaborative society. As globally engaged Spartans, you will be as ready to thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing international marketplace as any graduate in the world. Because of your intellectual curiosity, leading the way in global our university is engagement. We are a top 10 educational destination for international students, a top 10 producer of participants in undergraduate study abroad programs, and a top 10 producer of Fulbright scholars who will engage in international scholarship and research worldwide. Many of you have been among those studying in more than 60 countries all over the world - researching the behavior of hyenas in Kenya, mapping the floor of the Pacific Ocean while sailing to Guam, or learning sustainable agriculture practices in the fields of Vietnam, among many other profound experiences. Others among you have been honored as leading global scholars and will continue your education at some of the world’s other top universities. We have students in this cohort who have come from all over the world, who will share the core values of MSU in communities across all continents, striving for progress in areas with the greatest need for enlightened intellects, bold leaders and the Spartan spirit. Great universities are driven by the curious and innovative minds of their students, whose entrepreneurship and drive for discovery will be crucial to the future health of our economy. Many of you have already begun to see around the curves on this road of progress. In this class we have young entrepreneurs who have not waited for their diploma to start their first companies, who have used their time here to cultivate ideas and grow them into promising business ventures. We have other students who devote their free time to advancing the causes of social justice LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES It is a golden age to be a Spartan. outstanding From scholarship to triumphant displays of athleticism, it has been a year of unprecedented success at MSU. The class of 2015 typifies what the world has come to expect from Michigan State University graduates: innovative thinkers, bold leaders! entrepreneurial learners, creative intellects, exemplary citizens and global scholars. This class of Spartans is a representation of the interdisciplinary skills and diverse experiences needed to address society’s rapidly changing needs. Your talents span every reach of the sciences and humanities. Among you are musicians and writers, engineers and teachers, accountants, athletes and researchers. Some of you will go on to attend medical school or law school, or pursue graduate degrees on prestigious fellowships. Each of you will find innovative and creative ways to advance your generation into a new economy of sustainable success, and lead our society into a brighter future. This year, we honored 36 students with the Board of Trustees Award, a recognition for those with the highest scholastic average at the close of their last semester at Michigan State University. Each of these students graduated with a 4.0 GPA, more than ever before in the history of the university. Each year, we are amazed by not only accomplishments such as these, but also by the unbounded ambition of our students as they and inclusivity. This year we celebrated the one year anniversary of Project 60/50, an initiative that featured more than 200 events, thousands of participants and more than 22 corporate sponsors and community partners, all focused on broadening the conversations on civil rights. Other students have chosen to give up their spring break vacations and devote this time to civic engagement, serving communities all over the country - fighting hunger, conserving the environment and helping veterans in need. These students have shown that it’s not just what we do, it’s why and how we do it that distinguishes us as leaders among all institutions in our dedication to advancing the common good. In this class we have athletes who have shown that they are just as strong in the lab as they are on the athletic fields. Among our Spartan student athletes we have a Churchill Scholar and the football team’s first ever 4-time academic all American. Our women’s cross country team highlighted our exceptional athletic year by winning the NCAA Championship - the 29th overall athletic national championship in MSU history. With a dramatic comeback victory in the Cotton Bowl, the football team reminded us of the resolute spirit and strength that is characteristic of a Spartan. And with a captivating drive to the Final Four, the men’s basketball team reminded us that excellence is often a tenacious belief that anything prepare to embark on new journeys. Emboldened by education and empowered by experience, you are prepared to make a positive impact as community involved citizens at home and globally engaged citizens around the world. As you take many diverse paths across every continent, know that you belong to a strong and vibrant community wherever you go. Welcome to the growing family of Spartan Alumni. This accomplished group shares with you the values and traditions that have defined the generations of Spartans before you. From East Lansing to East Asia to East Africa, from the north pole to the south, there are Spartans who will return a shout of Go Green! with Go White! - who share your belief is possible. This year we have asked ourselves, who will challenge conventional thinking? Who will explore the leading edges of science and discovery? Who will think ahead of the curve and lead us into a brighter future? I have no doubt that you, our newest graduates, are among the Spartans who will accomplish these things and more. Be bold and passionate. this generation who will lead us toward a future of global sustainable development and prosperity. It is Never give up. Your education has prepared you to face challenges with the resilience of a Spartan. You will adapt to meet the demands of a constantly changing world. Work hard and dream big. You are the Spartans who will make a difference, and I look forward to seeing what you will become. Spartans Will! Lc^ Lou Anna K. Simon, Ph.D. President, Michigan State University in dreaming big and your determination for making a difference. No matter where you came from or where you’re going, you are Spartans all, now and forever. As you contemplate graduation, reflect upon the hard work that brought you to this achievement, and look forward with bold confidence. The future belongs to you. Joel I. Ferguson Chairperson, Michigan State University Board of Trustees INDEX A 25th Annual Satrang.......................276 42nd Annual Black Power Rally..........90 Aboubakr, Lama.................................30 Abraczinskas, Laura.................238, 241 Abrams Airport................................172 Abrams Planetarium......58, 60, 62, 280 Abramson, Mara..............................124 Aceves, Adrian...................................56 Adaptive Sports and Recreation Club.... 278, 279 Affleck, Ben.........................................87 Aguirre, Aaron...................................96 Albert, Sean......................................155 Aldea, Kaitlin....................................167 Alex's Great State Race...104, 105, 107 Aljajawi, Joe........................................64 Alpha Gamma Rho..................194, 195 Alpha Omega Pi...............................298 Alpha Omicron Pi....................137, 230 Amazing Day Foundation................298 American Chemical Society Division of Organic Chemistry.................252, 254 Anastos, Tom....................................192 Anderson, Kristina...................133, 315 Anti-Cancer Society.........................203 Apparel and Textile Desigin Fashion Show...............................................245 Art Cameron......................................73 Art Work...........................................175 Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU)........................280 B Babala, Claire.....................................175 Baer, Allie............................................146 Baker, Emily.......................................276 Ball for Berlin......................................140 Bamatura, Benson....................288, 290 Baniel, Claire.....................252, 254, 316 Barnes, Zachary....................................51 Batcha, Tommy Lee.............................49 Baylis, Lexi..........................................146 Baylor Bears........................................113 Beaumont Tower......115, 151, 213, 237 Beaver, Lindsey..................................218 Bejko, Nejvi........................................245 Bennett, Glen.....................................200 Bergeon, Caitlin.................................231 Berlin, Alex.........................................140 Beta Zeta............................................140 Better Health..................................64, 74 Bielecki, Joseph.............................68, 70 Bigodi Secondary School..........288, 289 Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary................289 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building....................................271, 393 Birkmeijer, Sarah................................250 Bisht, Sanjay.........................................32 Bizzari, Laura......................................257 Black Lives Matter......................121, 124 Black Student Alliance...................90, 92 Blank, Zach........................................297 Blaskowski, Nicholas...........................87 Blesing, Rebekah............................54, 55 Blue Cliff Monastery............................33 Blundell, Becca....................................96 Bograkos, Jessica...............................284 Bolden, Joe.........................................111 Bomzer, Dan.......................................297 Bonomi, Amy.............................216, 217 Boss Jr., Jake.......................................283 Bosse, Joanna....................................135 Boyd, Ron...........................................192 Brandon, Elizabeth............................170 Brandon, Jake....................................170 Breslin Center......................92, 208, 210 Breuinger, Andrew.............................153 Brown, Elisabeth.................................157 Brozek, Alyssa....................................230 Brunk, Rebecca..................................243 Bubble Soccer Detroit.......................298 Bubenheimer, Rebecca.....................271 Buck, Andrew.....................................198 Bug House.........................................257 Burford, Molly....................................263 Burke, Jon...........................................185 Burt, Lisa............................................128 Business College Complex......126, 168 Campus to Coast..............................296, 297 Capoeira Club......................................68 Carry That Weight............................121 Carson, Rachel.................237, 238, 241 Carter, Simone..................................168, 319 Caucus, Black.......................................92 Cavill, Henry.........................................86 Cecil, Megan......................................168 Center for Disease Control and Prevention.......................................203, 204 Chace, Stephanie...............................140 Chance the Rapper...........................304 Chatterley, Teagan..............................46, 320 Chen, Natalie.....................................298 Chernush, Kay....................................263 Chinese Club......................................187 Chua, Aslina........................................146 Ciofu, Madeline...................................74 Cisek, Zack.........................................192 Claire, Mimi.......................................249 Clark, Alex............................................80 Clark, Lindsay.....................................100 Classroom for Benson.....214, 286, 289 Clausen, Greer...................................267 Claytor, Ryan......................................175 Clem, Courtney...................................84 Climbing Club.................189, 190, 191 Coan, Robin.......................................269 Codo, Sam.........................................204 College of Arts and Letters..............247 College of Business...........................127 College of Communication Arts and Sciences..............................................51 College of Education.........................142 College of Engineering.....................274 College of Law..................................262, 263 College of Music.................................94, 153 College of Natural Science...............271 College of Nursing............................167 College of Osteopathic Medicine......56 College of Social Science..................216 College of Veterinary Medicine. 30, 183 Collier, Ellie..........................................127 Colson, Mark......................................198 Community Music School...................94 Connolly, Keegan...............................272 Connolly, Mary....................................48 Cook, Connor...........................108, 112 Cooke, Dan........................................277 Cordes, Cristee..................................185 Costello, Matt....................................292 Cotton Bowl..................... 113, 375, 393 Coy, Jillian...........................................274 Crabtree, Hayden................................97 Crabtree, Matthew............................149 Cross Country..................100, 250, 375 Cross, Regina.......................................53 Crowley, Kathleen........................40, 41 Curl, Josh..............................................77 Curtin, Chase.....................................197 Czerwinski, Jacek.................................75 D Dankin, Lexi........................................180 Dantonio, Mark..........................158, 160 Date Yourself..............................218, 219 Davis, Rachel......................................249 Dawson, Branden......................208, 294 Dead Poets Contest...........................118 Deans, Nicola.....................................128 Delaj, Anarida....................................151 Delta Gamma.......................................41 Delta Sigma Phi.................................303 DeMartin Stadium...............................42 Demonstration Hall..........104, 107, 278 Department of Entomology.............257 Department of Kinesiology.....115, 279 Department of Natural Resources ...238 DeRoo, Rosie......................................245 Design for America..................164, 165 Desmond Jones........................73, 243 Dicesare, Derek..................................197 DiMichele, Nicole...............................274 Dirty Tug.............................................303 Disbrow, Bradley Drenth, Walt...... E .......107 100, 250 G Eat At State..........................................74 EdTech.......................................142, 143 Eicher, Robert.....................................268 Einstein, Albert..................................160 Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum...87, 168 Ellis III, Alvin...................... Ensler, Eve........................ Erdman, Joseph................ ...............292 ...............222 ...............203 F Fairchild Auditorium........................153 Fairchild Theater..............................311 Fang, Danning.................................187 Featherstone, William.....................238 Fehrle, Mitch....................................249 Fiebernitz, Mary.................................84 Field Hockey................................78, 79 Fifield, Brandon................................228 Fifty Shades of Grey.................216, 217 Fillinger, Kathryn................................55 Final Four.................292,294, 375, 393 Finley, Jon.........................................264 Firecracker Foundation...........222, 223 Flegler, Andrew.................................200 Flood, Audrey..................................135 Flood, Jemma....................................47 Flory, Kristen.....................................183 Foley, Jim.....................................30, 31 Fork in the Road.................................74 Fox, Emelie........................................171 Fried, Evan........................................165 ................264 Friel, Sean........................ ..................58 Funkhouser, Kelsey....... G-Fours..............................................272 Galloway, Taylor...................................66 Gambor, Jenna..................................249 Gannon, Tom......................................76, 77 Garcia, Rebecca..................................142 Garner, Mary......................................153 Garnett, Sherman..............................149 Garrisi, Stephanie..............................176, 177 Genghis Keoon....................................73 Geoit, Chad.........................................194 George, Cathy......................................66 Gianiodis, Matt..................................185 Gibson, Cam......................................282, 283 Gilbert, Lauren...................................274 Glover, Katie.......................................200 Gnanendran, Ehan............................165 Godfrey, Nick.....................................140 Goforth, Teresa..................................237 Gohi, Erica............................................70 Goranson, Dani.................................285 Gosselin, Ellie.....................................217 Grace, Damon....................................298 Graham, Michelle................................79 Greater Than 56 Challenge..........92, 93 Greek Goddess Pageant...........176, 177 Greek Panhellenic Council................103 Grisa, David........................................135 Gruber, Julianne.................................146 Gude, Karl...........................................50, 51 Gupta, Sanjay.....................................127 Gvozdich, Hunter...............................190 H Hajiaghajanimemar, Faezeh...............33 Halbritter, Bump.................................180 Hamilton, Julia.....................................41 Hamilton, Nicole................................280 Hammerton, Kalee............................149 Hardaloupas, Rana............................103 Hardt, Sherod....................................100 Harfi, Samar........................................160 Harrell, Cody......................................272 Harrigan, Casey.................................301 Harvest Festival................72, 73, 74, 75 Hedberg, Mitch...................................77 Hedges, Craig....................................307 Hendrickson, Kevin.............................68 Henry, Whitley.....................................35 Hernandez, Julio................................231 Herzog, Jeff.......................................233 Hess, Andrea......................................151 Higgins, Kasidy.................................235 Hill, Jemele...................................52, 53 Hill, Nick............................................113 Hiller, Sam........................................184 Hlywa, Kaitlyn...................................151 Hobbs, Nicholas...............................270 Hockey 35, 192, 193, 264,278, 279, 331 Hodge, Kevin...................................134 Hoffman, Libby................................164 Holloway, Mike................................175 Holmes Hall.........................................89 Honors College...............................301 Horn, Kelsi...........................................93 Howard, Drew..................................304 Howie, Heather.........................79, 332 Hoxsie, Madison......................136, 137 Hoxsie, Morgan........................137, 332 Hu, Shuaiqi.......................................187 Huang, Xuefei..........................252, 254 Hughes, Brandon.............................283 Hull, Casey121, 129, 134, 141, 155, 185, 199, 207, 211, 217, 219,247, 249, 251, 299, 311, 369 Hull, Hannah....................................151 Hunt, Caleigh...................................227 Huq, Sophia......................................277 T I IM Circle..............................68, 115, 213 Inglese, Dan......................................199 Intergovernmental Panelon Climate Change.............................................89 It's On Us............................................36 Iwasaki, Koshiro................................187 Iyengar, Madhu................................276 Izzo, Tom..................52, 210, 292, 294 Izzone.......................207, 208, 210, 294 J Jackson, Greg............................210, 373 Jahshua Smith and the Race Card ...304 148, 149 James Madison College.... Jan Howard Breast Cancer Memorial 128, 129 Meet............................... .......206 Jankoska, Tori................... .......187 Japanese Club.................. .......146 Jardim, Simone................. Jelonek, Tyler...................176, 298, 333 ...66, 229 Jenison Field House......... Jenison Fieldhouse....128,228,234, 278 Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation..................... Jensen, James.................. Jezowski, Tyler................. Johnson-Ulrich, Lily.......... Jones, Denise................... Joseph, Salem.................. Jurcak, Alyssa................... ........303 ........118 ...64, 65 ........271 ........132 ...92, 124 ........234 If IV ........168 Kadykowski, Amanda...... ........177 Kamath, Anita.................. ........185 Kandt, Alec....................... ........233 Kaplan, Rachel................. ........103 Kappa Alpha Theta......... ........177 Kappa Delta...................... ........162 Karaitis, Ava...................... ........303 Kast, Brett......................... ........303 Kast, Paula........................ ..........41 Kat C. Embroidery.......... ........243 Kaufman, David............... Kebt...................................158,160, 161 ..........42 Keener, Ryan.................... ........175 Kelley, Jared..................... Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development.........289 Klages, Kathie.....................................128 Klosterman, Steven.............................89 Kluz, Adam...........................................64 Knull, Helen..........................................79 Koenen, Jasper.........................144, 145 Kokotovich, Steven............................233 Krupp, Joshua....................................269 Kruse, Connor....................................113 L Lacy, Shelby......................................185 LaDuca, Robert...................................89 lagoski, Elena............................128, 129 Lambda Theta Phi...........................231 Lansing Center..........................268, 269 Leadbetter, Jessica...........................183 Leap for Lupus Foundation................56 Li, Irene............................................243 Lin, Zihan.........................................220 Lindquist, Zachary...........................272 Lippett, Tony..............................108, 111 Loji, Alex..........................................140 Lorenz, Amanda..............................257 Lyman Briggs.....................................89 Lyman, Adam.....................................64 M Mack, Laurie.......................................143 Madro, Miranda................................223 Magen, Molly.......................................35 Mahmoud, Zaina...............................143 Malott, Zak..........................................80 Manning, Olivia..................................137 March Madness.................................292 Marer, Isabel.......................................118 Marines......................................180, 181 Marketing Mix....................................162 Marks, Kourtney................................207 243 Martin, Austin............................ Martin, Evan.........................................70 Martin, Samantha................................36 Mason, Kirk......................288, 289, 290 Massa, Mariah...................................267 Masserman, Nolen............................127 Maurer, Charles.................................185 Maurer, Emily.....................................218 Mcgee, Maura.....................................68 McGlothian-Taylor, Florene..............160 McIntosh, Maddie.............................207 McPherson, Lindsey..........................267 Men's Basketball .52, 208, 292, 294, 375 Men's Golf..........................................264 Men's Tennis.......................................145 Mental Health Awareness Week.....280 Menzies, Alison..................................185 Merchant, Suzy..................................207 Mercuro, Nick....................................263 Michigan AgrAbility.................194, 195 Miles, Lena...........................................94 Miller, Asa.............................................42 Miller, Ben..........................................100 Miller, Paul..........................................279 Minkel, Tom.......................................228 Miyoshi, Hiroya..................................187 Montie, Angela..................................128 Morrison, Augusta...............................54 Moster, Kori..........................................66 MSU Auditorium................................304 MSU Board of Trustees.....................203 MSU Centerfire...............154, 155, 157 MSU Competitive Archers................200 MSU Debate Team............................301 MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club........96 MSU Greek Life..................................103 MSU Horticulture Farm.......................73 MSU Indoor Tennis Facility...............146 MSU Jazz Band....................................73 MSU Museum..........................236, 237 MSU Outdoors Club.........................296 MSU Pavilion......................................133 MSU Police Department...................160 MSU Public Affairs and Services.....160 MSU Recycling Center.................96, 99 MSU Rifle and Pistol Team................154 MSU Slam Poetry Team....................118 MSU Student Organic Farm...............72 MSU Students United........................121 MSU Symphony Orchestra...............153 Mucciante, Aaron................................51 Musk, Marissa....................................233 N Naik, Sapna..........................................36 Nakashima, Sho Michael....................271 Nash, Chris.........................................229 National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory........................................149 Neff, Aimee........................................267 Neuroscience Fair.............................271 Nevins, Kyle........................................155 Niezgoda, Michael...................154, 344 Noble, Kayle.........................................57 Nowak, John......................................243 Nuclear Policy Working Group.148, 149 o O'Brien, Colleen.................................146 O'Connor, Leah................100, 250, 251 O'Kane, Clare.....................................203 Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives............................................36 Ogden, Danielle..................................94 Oliai, Roya..........................................183 One Billion Rising..............................222 Opie, Jennay.......................................121 Organic Farmer Training Program....73 Orlando, Gene...................................144 Pang, Ingrid.......................................220 Parkinq and Code Enforcement (PACE). 204 Parsons, Gary.....................................257 Pasik, Piotr.........................................278 Paul Bunyan Trophy.........105, 111, 113 Peabody Ice Climbing.......................190 PhenoCam Network............................89 Phi Delta Theta...................................163 Pi Beta Phi..........................................176 Pinheiro, Breno....................................86 Piwowarczyk, Kennedy.....................210 Pletcher, Emily....................................247 Polar Plunge..............................230, 231 Poulios, Steve.....................................254 Powell, Alex.........................................105 Powers, Aerial....................................206 PTSD..........................................180, 181 Pyman, Bridget....................................35 Q_________ Quigley, Reilly...................................140 R Raifsnider, Eric....................................200 Rankin, Paul........................................105 Raymond, Mike....................................56 RCAH Center for Poetry...................118 Red Cedar River...96, 97, 99, 115, 213, 311 Red Cedar River Cleanup............96, 97 Refugee Development Center.. 164, 165 Resident Health Association............280 Residential College in the Arts and Humanities.......................................274 Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)..................105, 151 Rhynard, Caleb..................................100 Richmond, Michael..................106, 107 Roberts, Megan.................................227 Rock, Stephanie...................................73 Rodriguez, Georgina...........................77 Roedding, Olivia...................................75 ROIAL Improv Team...........................175 Rookus, Luke......................................296 ROTC.................................104, 105, 107 Rozin, Aaron.........................................82 Ryan, Holly................................128, 129 Ryder, Alex.........................................167 s Sabourin, Geoff.................................303 Safe Halloween...........................102, 103 Salter, Blaise.......................................283 Sanders, Stephanie............................285 Sanford Natural Area..........................89 Sankofa, Omari....................................53 Saunders, David...........................58, 350 Saxton, Tom..........................................84 Schatz, Hendrik.................................243 Schmoll, Shannon................................58 Schroeder, Hannah.....................218, 219 Schulist, Rachele................................100 Schulte, Hannah.................................118 Scott, Sarah........................288, 289, 290 Scuba Club....................................96, 97 Severance, Brent................................278 Sewell, Madeline................................185 Sexual Assault First Year Education (SAFE).................................................36 Shannon, Sean...................................187 Share The Warmth.....................162, 163 Shaw, Geran.......................................132 Short, Spencer...................................195 Shostak, Jessica.................................216 Shuto Con...................................268, 269 Sigma Alpha Epsilon..........................140 Sigma Chi....................................109, 298 Sigma Kappa........................41, 103, 298 Sigma Pi..............................176, 177, 298 Sigma Pi Bubble Bash.......................298 Siporin, Ian.........................................274 Ski Club...............................................162 Slack, Clare........................................304 Slobodnik-Stoll, Stacy........................267 Small, Rebekah..................................118 Smith, Barbara..................................166, 167 Smith, Brandon.................................272 Smith, Champagne.............................90 Smith, Ryan........................................280 Softball..............................................284, 285 Sons of Shade....................................219 Sorenson, Tanner...............................193 Spartan Aviators..............................170, 171 Spartan Battalion...............................104 Spartan Board Gamers.............196, 197 Spartan Dance Team.........................140 Spartan Marching Band....................109 Spartan Stadium..............105, 108, 112 Spartans Fighting Cancer..................107 Spartans Rebuilding Michigan........163 Spartans vs. Zombies..................80, 82 Sparty Statue.....................................115, 213 Special Olympics Michigan.....230, 231 Stannard, Kylie.....................................42 Stark, Logan.....................116, 178, 180 Stiefel, Barry.......................................232 Stinebaugh, Madison..........................45 195 Stoller, Ned.............. Stoyanova, Zhulieta............................75 Strickland, Sarah................................200 Student Greenhouse Project............232 Student Health Advisory Center.....280 Stutzky, Glenn....................................134 Sugar Bowl.........................................113, 267 Sullivan, Courtney.............................103 Surace, Amanda.................................354 Susterich, Courtney.............................41 Swanson, Laura................................222, 223 Swanson, Scott..................................308, 354 Swimming and Diving.......................185 Sylvester, Jane......................................95 T Taggart, Cynthia...................................94 Tamborini, Alina.................................153 TEDxMSU..................................242, 243 Temple Fair........................................220 Thakur, Monique..............................163 The Hive............................................164 The Rock....74, 122, 160, 162,163, 168 The State News..................53,100, 175 Theater 2 Film..................................198 Theta Chi..........................................140 Thomas, Reedis................................274 Thompson, Brian...............................64 Thur, Tyler.........................................301 Tilghman, Helen...............................234 Timmons, Rashad..............................92 Tonlaar, Yenupini..............................166 Tononi, Courtney...............................35 Torok, Tashmica................................223 Tower Guard.....................................151 Track and Field................................250 Tran, Danny...............................224, 227 Trice, Travis................................208, 294 Trouillot, Athena...............................146 Tucker, Corinne..................................83 Turek, Nicole......................................74 Turk, Elif............................................309 V V-Day...............................................222 Vagina Monologues.................222, 223 Valentine, Denzel.............................292 Valle, Cj.............................................198 Varekois, A.J......................................264 Veitenheimer, Drake.........................100 VIM....................................................168 Veterinary Medical Center.......182, 183z w ... ■ « B.MI||||U[i. Wajda, Shirley..................................238 Wallace, George...............237, 238, 241 Wang, Can.......................................243 Wang, Jiadi.......................................220 Wang, Yiren......................................168 Warwick, Katie..................................280 Watson, Carly....................................301 Weatherhead, Sam...........................264 Weeks, Nate.....................................185 Weigel, Emily....................................243 Weisinger, Corey..............................197 Wendland, Sam................................228 Westley, Chloe.................................103 White, Taylor......................................56 Widger, Alexis..........................247, 358 Wilkins, Evan...............................81, 83 Wilson, Alex......................................100 Wilson, Rebecca...............................175 Witte, Emma.............................249, 358 Wittenauer, Katie.............................274 Women's Basketball........................207 Women's Golf............................87, 267 Women's Rowing.............................234 Women's Rugby..................................35 Women's Soccer.................................84 Women's Tennis..............................146 Women's Volleyball............................66 Workout Buddies..............................227 Worthington, Tristan........................203 Wrestling...........................................228 Wysocki, Alyssa................................297 Y Yang, Choua.......................................86 Yi, Young..........................................243 York Apparel.....................................162 York, Joshua.....................................162 Youatt, June......................................205 Yousufzai, Hasib...............................191 Zaback, Ian.........................................96 144 145 Zparlp Dm in Zadro, Karlo......................................304 Zalewski, Kristina..............................284 Zantjer, Rebecca...............................180 Zedan, Louie......................................33 Zeke The Wonder Dog......30, 31, 112 Zeta Tau Alpha.................................140 Zoltowski, David...............................185 Zuk, Garret........................................101 ¡¡¡¡Ill , ■ J; V &****■ n#rh A «ittiV for familiar The sidewalks of East Lansing are revitalized every fall with returning Spartans searching faces, established routines and standard classes. As students question what the future holds, each coming day brings novelty and excitement, testing the limits of expectations. While looking for new experiences in old places, they instead find something much greater. Whether chanting from the student section in the Cotton Bowl or blocking the streets of Grand River Avenue in protest, students found their voices. They listened to Ideas Worth Spreading as stories shared by students, alumni and professors echoed throughout the Wharton. In other comers of campus, students discovered their own research laboratories whether in Kresge, experimenting with molten bronze or in the Biomedical and Physical Sciences building developing a cancer-fighting dmg. Beyond campus, Spartans could be found climbing massive ice towers or building a classroom in Uganda. After two semesters, three seasons, 24 credits, and 1,152 hours of combined coursework and classes, the academic year came to a close as bagels flew in the air like the celebratory caps at graduation as the Spartans earned their slot at the Final Four. Whether Spartans unravel scientific conundmms or unearth solutions to complex global issues, the conclusion of the year’s there is journey leaves only one answer: nothing common about being a Spartan.