tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48464440626225911312024-03-19T15:53:17.694-07:00The Knight TimesThe Knight Times is a student newspaper dedicated to serving the Marian University student community. Our goal is to inform the Marian community on campus, local, and global issues. We strive to report the stories that matter and take student opinions and comments into consideration. We want you to read, comment, and enjoy!The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-17064173478564538902012-04-26T15:56:00.001-07:002012-04-26T15:56:00.972-07:00Student government elects new officersby Bradley Levi<br />
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The Knight Times congratulates the students elected into office for the Student Government of Marian University of Fall 2012. <br />
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Several positions still remain open for the elections. <a name='more'></a> These include: Student Affairs Representative, Non-Traditional Student Representative, Multicultural Representative, Student Representative At-Large, Senior Class Secretary, Sophomore Class Treasurer, Resident Student Representative, Commuter Student Representative, and Sophomore Class Secretary. <br />
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Next year’s positions have been changed. In the past, three Student Representatives At-Large sat on the board. Now, the board combined these three positions into one.<br />
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“SGMU recently changed its Governing Board structure to adapt to changing student demographics here at Marian,” said current SGMU President Kevin Kolb. <br />
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The Academic School Representatives are new as well. The Schools of Business, Nursing, Education, Liberal Arts, and Mathematics and Sciences each get one Academic School representative. <br />
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“These positions will act as a means of communication with each academic area. The net gain to the SGMU board due to the restructuring is [plus three] to bring the overall board count total to 25,” said Kolb. <br />
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The Academic School Representatives would communicate with the dean of their school on a regular basis, so that the board knows about how each school is doing.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-76531632003384316222012-04-26T15:49:00.003-07:002012-04-26T16:01:37.025-07:00Marian goes globalby Hadeiyah Ameen<br />
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Marian University is going global.<br />
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At the State of the University address on Feb 14 2012, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Jack Powell stated that Marian expects 20 of 350 incoming freshman will be international students.<br />
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Currently eight international students are enrolled at Marian University. Their origins include Kenya, Uganda, France, UK, Venezuela, and Bolivia. According to Director of International Admission and International student advisor Mia Morrison, Marian hopes to recruit at least 40 international students a year with a long term goal of 200 international students.<br />
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According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), Indiana has the tenth largest foreign student enrollment with just over 20,000 international students. They also reported five countries make up 53% of the total international student population in 2010-2011; some of the countries include China, India, and South Korea.<br />
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Some researchers note the importance of international students colleges and universities across America. Higher education aims to prepare culturally competent<br />
individuals with the ability to work effectively with people from different <br />
backgrounds (Smith & Schonfeld, 2000).<br />
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Annabelle Ondari, from Kenya, will travel to Argentina next semester as part of her Global Studies Minor. Ondari shared her excitement about the incoming international students as she believes they will bring much needed diversity to<br />
Marian. She also looks forward to becoming an international student mentor, so she can help other international students by sharing some of the lessons she has learned.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-79858404636519013082012-04-26T15:47:00.002-07:002012-04-26T15:50:50.385-07:00Cycling: a global sportby Hadeiyah Ameen<br />
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On March 29, the Global Studies Speaker Series continued with guest Daniel Lee, who informed the community about the global sport of Cycling.<br />
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Lee introduced his book The Belgian Hammer: Forging Young Americans into Professional Cyclists, which tells the story of the next generation of US cyclists transitioning from the domestic US racing to the culture of the European cycling scene.<br />
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According to Lee, cycling is profoundly a European sport and Belgium may love cycling the most. During a race, people sit outside their houses, grill sausages, and enjoy the race. Races in Belgium differ from those in the US, as Belgium has smaller roads, bigger crowds of contestants and shorter distances. <br />
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In Europe, cycling can be very competitive as people bet on the riders. In the US, race bets are not allowed. Lee developed a love for writing and cycling during the 1980’s when he was a teenager. <br />
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Lee spent 17 years in journalism at various jobs such as The Indianapolis Star. Now he is a communication specialist for the bicycle wheel and component maker. Lee still loves to ride his bike and “faithfully” keeps up with Marian University’s National Cycling team. <br />
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He recalled one day, he had to pull over to the side of the road to get the results of a race, once satisfied, he returned to driving.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-16860505336555533102012-04-26T15:45:00.001-07:002012-04-26T15:51:03.192-07:00German students meet Eva Kor, Holocaust survivorby Brendan Dugan<br />
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Eva Kor survived the Holocaust and endured the horrifying genetic twin experiments of Dr. Josef Mengele. Despite this, she forgave the Nazis for the crimes they committed and has dedicated herself to promoting forgiveness.<br />
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Ten German students visited Eva Mozes Kor’s CANDLES Holocaust Museum in Terre Haute April 4. Kor is a Auschwitz Holocaust survivor who speaks on the issues of prejudice, forgiveness, and genocide, weaving her experiences into<br />
her presentations.<br />
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“These kind of historical events [the Holocaust] really force us to face the Kore questions of our humanity,” said Dr. Wendy Graham Westphal, Lecturer in German, who directed the trip. “We’re quite fortunate to have a survivor – it’s 2012, the war ended 1945 – who is willing to share these things with us, while many want to forget.” <br />
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“It’s amazing what horrible things this woman went through as a child, and yet how wonderful of a person she is,” said freshman Jael Sailor, a sociology major and German minor. “I think that how she talked about forgiveness was one of the most important things.”<br />
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“The eyewitnesses are getting older and passing away,” said Westphal, stressing the historic importance of meeting and listening to the generation that survived the Holocaust and WWII. Westphal intends to visit the museum<br />
for a second time next year and, pending funding and transportation, bring more students from the German and other programs. <br />
<br />
Indiana University Bloomington, where Westphal achieved her PhD, has the second-best German program in the United states. However,<br />
“To my knowledge, they’ve never been to the Holocaust Museum,” said Westphal. <br />
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The Romanian-American septuagenarian founded CANDLES, the Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors, in 1984 to “shed some light” on this “dark chapter of the Holocaust,” according to the website candlesholocaustmuseum.org. <br />
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She founded the museum in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1995. “The interesting thing with the Nazis is that a lot of those people were ‘ordinary’ people,” said Westphal, which raises questions of human nature and morality.<br />
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Kor and her twin, Miriam Mozes, were two of many subjects of Dr. Mengele’s genetic experiments during WWII. The movement for ‘proper’ genes, or eugenics, played a significant role in Nazi fascism, but has a history that spans the US and much of Western Europe and dates from the early 1900’s.<br />
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Indiana has a unique connection to eugenics, Westphal pointed out. In 1907, Indiana became the first government to pass eugenics legislation, mandating sterilization of criminals, rapists, the poor, and mentally handicapped in state<br />
custody. Approximately 2,500 were forcibly sterilized as a result of this and similar legislation, until they were finally excised in 1974. <br />
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More information on Eva Kor and the CANDLES Museum can be found online at candlesholocaustmuseum.org. Resources on<br />
Indiana’s history of eugenics are compiled at iupui.edu/~eugenics/The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-71552814316421718592012-04-26T15:36:00.004-07:002012-04-26T15:51:51.284-07:00Anatomy of the crucifixionby Bradley Levi<br />
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The exhibition on the anatomy of the Crucifixion took place on March 29 in the Hackelmeier Library Auditorium. Dr. Joseph Bergerson and Dr. Charles Dietzen came to campus to present information about the Crucifixion from a medical perspective.<br />
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Bergerson and Dietzen explained in their presentation the most obvious fact that Jesus died from crucifixion. However, they argued that the specific mechanism of how he died has been controversial among many physicians. The presenters<br />
discussed how Jesus died, in light of current medical knowledge and historical importance of his crucifixion and controversial ideas about his death.<br />
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Bergerson and Dietzen have also indicated that many medical writers have suggested many possible reasons for Jesus’ death, including: fatal pulmonary embolism, rupture of the heart, suspension trauma, fatal stab wound, and shock. <br />
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Shock, according to Drs. Bergeron and Dietzen, is the most logical reason for the death of Jesus. They also explained<br />
that there was a belief that Jesus’ early followers assumed that he returned again to the physical being after death by crucifixion on the third day.<br />
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The presentation included a scientific analysis and controversies of the Shroud of Turin, a medical examination of the Shroud of Turin, a full–sized model of the Cross, and a life-sized copy of the Shroud of Turin.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-12441749843558586422012-04-26T15:34:00.003-07:002012-04-26T15:52:37.751-07:00Biology students study in Puerto Ricoby Hadeiyah Ameen<br />
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Eight Marian biology students accompanied by three staff members went on their second “on location” lab trip to Puerto Rico. Their first lab trip was in the spring of 2010 when they traveled to Pensacola, Florida. <br />
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According to Dr. Ron Weiss, Assistant Professor of Biology, “the students were encouraged to observe the various marine habitats, conservation issues, and management of marine resources such as coral reefs.” <br />
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They visited the University of Puerto Rico, where they received a lecture about marine life of Puerto Rico and the importance the coral reef ecosystem. Graduate students from the University of Puerto Rico took the Marian students to a sand bar to observe different specimen. <br />
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They were able to hold and interact with an octopus, starfish, and sea cucumbers. At Mangrove Island, established<br />
by the growth of mangrove trees, the university students discussed the succession of the island’s ecosystem<br />
and physiology of plant life. They also traveled to a bioluminescent bay, an area containing glowing phytoplankton species.<br />
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“Students discussed different aspects that must be present in order for the ecosystem to come into, and remain in existence,” said Weiss The students visited many more places, including the Karst Cave system and the tropical rainforest habitat that covers the central mountains of the island. They witnessed the temperate and dry scrub<br />
forest habitats and learned how the mountain topography interacts with the ocean ecosystem to create various land forms and habitats, as Weiss explains.<br />
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“Everything about the island is so laid back and slower moving than back here. It was really nice to get out of the fast paced atmosphere of the city and school and just relax with the locals and take everything in,” said Sarah Grimes, a sophomore biology major.<br />
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Grimes detailed snorkeling in one of the coral reefs, boating in the Caribbean for exploration of animals, and the tours of the historic sites.<br />
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Marian University is considering partnering with other countries to expand locations of possible Marine Biology lab trips. Some of the countries being looked into are South Africa, Australia, Bahamas, and Panama. <br />
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According to Weiss, they plan to develop a separate course possibly titled “The Biology of Distant Areas.” For students like Grimes who are majoring in Biology but are unsure of their focus, this field of study presents many options. <br />
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The study of marine biology can lead to careers with local and state governments and Federal Agencies. During the trip to Puerto Rico, Grimes learned a lot about the animals and their environments “in a way that you just can’t do in class.” <br />
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She also learned that she loves Puerto Rico and is “going back as soon as I can."The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-55134835035021065882012-04-26T15:31:00.001-07:002012-04-26T15:52:50.877-07:00Nursing students serve in Hondurasby Brendan Dugan<br />
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This past Spring Break, eleven Marian nursing students traveled to Honduras to provide “medical brigades” as a key part of the Healthcare Missions (NUR 316) course. <br />
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Throughout the week, the students provided much-needed medical care, taught preventative healthcare practices, such how to adequately clean water for consumption, and distributed clothing and shoes. The students also taught in Bible school and participated in Mass on the Sunday they arrived. <br />
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“We’d see anywhere from 75-150 patients a day,” said Barbara Blackford, Associate Professor of Nursing. “Every patient that we saw, we prayed with. As nurses, spirituality is a strong component [of our work]. The Franciscan values are very much grounded in this course.” <br />
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The course includes preparation for the stark, impoverished conditions of Honduras. The students nonetheless seemed struck by incredible lack of basic necessities and healthcare, and were touched by the resilience and faith of the<br />
individuals they served. <br />
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“These people have nothing, while we have so many clothes and things we can just toss aside,” said Sarah Hoess. Others shared similar sentiments:<br />
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“I think it’s important to remember how much we have,” said Sarah Clark. During their presentation in early April, the eleven students indicated the humbling and transformative power of witnessing impoverishment and serving those affected by it.<br />
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“They have an appreciation for life more than we do,” said Nikki Lawson.<br />
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“We all love, we all suffer, we all want improvement in our lives. We’re all human,” said Mariana Velasquez.<br />
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The course is not restricted to nursing students; a student of any major may apply to the course, but must be accepted through an application process. Pre-med Biology majors and Theology students enrolled in years past. The course has taken students to Haiti for the three years prior to 2012, and the Dominican Republic approximately ten years ago.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-13641982111787132752012-04-26T15:18:00.003-07:002012-04-26T15:53:06.668-07:00Shoeless students stir debateby Katie McConnell<br />
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On April 10, Marian student took off their shoes to take a stand.<br />
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Know as the Day without Shoes, TOMS, a one for one shoe company, challenged people from across the nation to go barefoot in an effort to raise awareness about children living in poverty who can’t afford shoes. By going barefoot,<br />
participants hoped that it would strike conversations among their classmates about poverty in other nations. <br />
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Participants also got to experience what it would be like if they didn’t own shoes.<br />
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“I can’t believe what some kids have to go through because they don’t have shoes. My feet were cold and sore for one day and I was on nice paved roads and sidewalks. I can’t imagine what they go though. It makes me very aware of how blessed I am and renews my desire to help.” Said Sophomore Katie Groves.<br />
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TOMS is a one for one organization that has been gaining popularity since it’s beginning in 2006. According to Toms.com, for every shoe purchased, Toms will donate a pair to a child in need. As of September 2010, Toms has given over 1,000,000 pairs of shoes. <br />
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Toms has done more than just popularize their shoes; They’ve also popularized their business model. Although Tom’s are a popular trend, freshman and Marian speech team member, Jael Sailor speaks out about the flaws she’s found in the one for one business model.<br />
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“One for one organizations market themselves as charities as a marketing ploy. These companies are not really helping people, they are damaging economies and further aiding in third world poverty.” Sailor won the Indiana Novice<br />
State Championship with her speech about the negative effects of one for one business models <br />
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“As the November 10th, 2011 issue of The Diamondback Newspaper argues, companies like TOMS Shoes tend to ‘crush small<br />
businesses and create monopolies in poorer countries.’ Shipment after shipment of shoes and t-shirts may sound like a blessing, but in reality, it is a curse.” <br />
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Sailor’s speech goes on to propose a solution that could help consumers be more aware of the organizations they are buying from. <br />
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“Congress should pass a Benefit Corporation legislation. A Benefit Corporation, or B Corp, is a forprofit business whose mission explicitly including serving the public good. Congress should follow the lead of the state of Maryland. The Las Vegas Review Journal explains in their December 4th, 2011 issue that Maryland’s law specifically requires that B Corps satisfy certain tests of transparency and accountability.” <br />
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Groves disagrees with the criticism given to Toms.<br />
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“In most countries where TOMS are delivered, the children can’t go to school without shoes. These shoes are providing kids an opportunity to go to school. This might hurt the economy because higher education leads to more jobs, but is that really something to criticize? Shoes are also a status symbol in countries like Ethiopia. Children dream of owning shoes.” Said Groves. <br />
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The date for the 2013 Day Without Shoes has not been set.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-38442588990497578182012-04-26T15:12:00.000-07:002012-04-26T15:53:21.912-07:00Marian: Building Bridges, Med schoolby Michael Schrader<br />
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With accreditation expected over the summer and the prospected<br />
opening of the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences in July<br />
of 2013, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine has already<br />
started building connections with the Indianapolis community and other universities.<br />
<br />
President Dan Elsener expressed the idea for MUCOM came from a three-step plan: there is a need, there is a passion around that need,<br />
and finding the economic engine that can drive that need into a reality.<br />
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Currently, the need is not only in the Indianapolis community, but<br />
across the state. <br />
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“The Average person 65 years or older goes to the doctor eight times<br />
a year,” said Elsener, who went on to address that currently there is a larger population in this age group that will need physicians.<br />
<br />
Elsener also stated that Indiana is both ranked 42nd in the nation in<br />
the number of physicians per hundred residents and is the only state<br />
that has just one medical school. This is where MUCOM began building connections. Health Care corporations around the state,<br />
such as St. Vincent, Lily Corp, and Hill-Rom, have expressed interest<br />
in funding the construction of the new Center for Health Sciences.<br />
<br />
From the planning stages, Elsener said that MUCOM has been in cooperation with IU Medical School Dean Craig Brater. <br />
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“We’ll even share some faculty and we’ll probably share some labs,”<br />
said Brater. <br />
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Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine dean Paul Evans, D.O., also stressed that MUCOM is making larger connections on the academic sphere. <br />
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In the March issue of DO Magazine, a national osteopathic medicine magazine, an article was published on MUCOM, said Evans. The article notes how MUCOM is looking to fill the gap in the ratio of physicians to residents in Indiana and provide another in-state option for local pre-med students. <br />
<br />
Evans further stated, MUCOM will be working in partnership with Michigan State University for clerkship and medical education aspects<br />
of their training network. However, MUCOM is not only going to strengthen ties on the outside, it will also strengthen connections<br />
between the schools at Marian.<br />
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<br />
“We are going to hire 17 full time PhD biomedical faculty scientists.<br />
They will teach, but they will also do research,” said Evans.<br />
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“By doing research here, we are going to renovate some of the labs<br />
in Marian Hall but we are going to add a new wing onto Marian Hall for a new science facility,” said Evans. <br />
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Also, there will be an opening of a graduate masters program for<br />
Biomedicine associated with the medical school.With its completion, the nursing program will move into the Center for Health Sciences and<br />
nursing students will be engaged with classes with medical students<br />
called Inter Professional Education courses, said Evans.<br />
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President Elsener and Dean Evans mentioned that there has been interest in making international connections through students, but<br />
so far, MUCOM directly has not made those connections.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-76204833391725171902012-04-03T19:53:00.005-07:002012-04-03T19:56:41.531-07:00First Show Choir initiated at Marianby Bradley Levi<br /><br />Fall 2012 will be the inaugural semester for Marian University’s Show Choir. Professor Libby Hearn will direct this ensemble.<br /><br />"The Show Choir’s main goal for its first year is to establish an expectation and tradition of musical excellence,” said Hearn. “A secondary goal is for the choir to make a name for itself in not only the music community at Marian but throughout the city and state.”<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Professor Hearn says they will perform a concert tour in the spring, hoping to recruit students to join the show choir at Marian University. The choir will also perform for various events throughout the community.<br /><br />“Show Choir has been called the, ‘marching band of the choir world.’ This means that it requires quite a bit of commitment but the rewards are worth the time,” said Hearn.<br /><br />The show choir will meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00 to 12:30p.m. in the Steffen Music Center. The 2013 spring show will consist of rock, Broadway, pop, and soul music.<br /><br />The Marian University Show Choir is one of four choral organizations in the Music Department, including Chamber Singers, Chorale, and Sacred Choir. The show choir will consist of approximately twenty-four singers.<br /><br />“The ensemble operates in a spirit of sharing the gift of music, and believes in the never ending pursuit of musical excellence,” said Hearn.<br /><br />The Show Choir prepares future performers for a career in music, provides instruction as well as inspiration to those who want teach music. It also creates an encouraging environment for those who wish to express themselves through quality vocal music and choreography.<br /><br />“The ensemble will consider itself the musical ambassadors of Marian University. In addition, the choir will produce two major shows each year in the fall and spring, and will travel on an annual spring recruiting tour,” said Hearn.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-32695393984216105012012-04-03T19:52:00.004-07:002012-04-03T19:58:58.758-07:00Bird watching tours in the EcoLabby Hadeiyah Ameen<br /><br />When EcoLab Director and Professor David Benson was young, he was unaware of the variety of species of birds. A college field trip in Colorado introduced Benson to a “world of interesting diversity amongst critters” as he described it.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Currently, Benson immerses himself in the world of animals, as he hosts the bird walk on Wednesdays at 8a.m. and the night prowl on Fridays at 5:30p.m. in the EcoLab. <br /><br />A few weeks ago Benson enjoyed a bird walk through the Ecolab with his colleague and astrologist Randy Patrick, who also attends the night prowl and gives students intriguing facts about the stars. Benson and Patrick took the ‘Spring path’ to search for different bird species, and they found many of them, including: Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herrons, White Faced Ibis, Cardinals, Red winged-Blue Birds and many other species. Altogether, they sighted about 15 species of birds during a two-hour period. <br /><br />Benson and Patrick discussed other species of birds they have seen in the Ecolab including the Asian Crain, a bird originally from Japan. They also saw the Warbler bird, which has more than 32 different species; Benson said they are considered “jewelry for the trees”. They saw the Baltimore Oriole, the rare Yellow bellied-Sap Sucker often seen in Indianapolis, and the Phoebes, a mid-air insect-eating bird. Benson, intrigued, watched a Phoebe bird fly from a tree branch, eat a flying insect and then return to its branch. <br /><br />These avid bird watchers experienced a moment of slight frustration when they heard the “Nemesis bird,” a bird they could hear but could not find. <br /><br />Although bird watching can be fun, it can be competitive when bird watchers race to discover the most birds. Benson and a group of his students participated in what is called a “Birdathon,” a competition where contestants have two hours to find as many species of birds as they can. The competition raises funds for bird-related studies, such as the effects of noise pollution on birdcalls. Benson’s team has won two years in a row, finding about 141 different species of birds. <br /><br />During the winter, about 30 species of birds inhabit the EcoLab, while in the summer about 60 are flying about, according to Benson. With summer fast approaching, the EcoLab will be filled with a variety of birds, and Benson invites students to join him at the St. Francis Colonnade Wednesdays at 8a.m. and Fridays at 5:30p.m.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-12019833907624077982012-04-03T19:49:00.003-07:002012-04-03T19:57:29.672-07:00Speaking Center opens doorsby Michael Baumann, guest submission<br /><br />“I read somewhere that giving a speech in public is more terrifying than accidentally appearing in public naked or dying,” said Professor Cliff Oldham. <br /><br />He informs the student body they can learn to fear public speaking no more, thanks to the addition of the Speaking Center to Clare Hall’s English & Communication Department this past August.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />“It’s offering people an opportunity to study a key component of academic success—that is the ability to speak well ranging from formal speeches to informal research,” he said.<br /><br />Tutors trained in both the Writing Center and the speech team can help prepare students for COM 101 (Introduction to Public Speaking) and other public speaking courses, communication papers, and even job interviews, according to a promotional flier produced by the Center.<br /><br />The tutors can help with any step in the creative process: brainstorming topic ideas, research, outlining, and polishing the delivery, said Dr. George LaMaster, a director of the Center. “The Speaking Center and the Writing Center are really both centers for rhetorical practice—making strategic choices to communicate effectively,” he said.<br /><br />Co-founder junior David Martin added that, based on the type of performance, the tutors will employ methods like the “Toulmin Model” for making arguments, “Bloom’s Taxonomy of Cognitive Skills” for analysis, and Aristotle’s “ethos, pathos, logos” triangle of persuasion.<br /><br />“The most important function of the Speaking Center is that it allows for students to work collaboratively to achieve success in academics and success in education. One concern on employers is a student’s ability to communicate effectively,” said Martin. <br /><br />“In response to this, we designed a program, a writing component as well as an actual interaction,” he said. <br /><br />The students underwent a training session with LaMaster in August. “I’ve enjoyed working with the speaking center staff. They’re some of the brightest students on campus,” said LaMaster.<br />The Center has provided a little over 100 tutorials since its inception in August, mostly thanks to students' visits required by COM 101 instructors. This year, according to Martin, is like a pilot episode of what’s to come, and the required visits help to train the tutors. He expects more and more business as the Center ages.<br /><br />“We’ve received positive feedback from faculty,” said Oldham. “The Speaking Center addresses a longtime need.”<br /><br />For example, Assistant Director of Forensics and communication professor Dr. Michelle Kelsey Kearl said after a required visit to the Center last semester, her COM 101 students’ grades significantly improved. <br /><br />“I believe it was something like 23%. <br /><br />“What is remarkable about the [Speaking Center] is that it helps a first year public speaking student who may have a great deal of anxiety about speaking in public, as well as a senior Business or Nursing major who also substantially rely on clear and concise presentations of information in a public setting,” said Kelsey Kearl.<br /><br />“The [Speaking Center] is an essential and enriching program in the department of English and Communication,” she said.<br /><br />The Center is a new academic institution professors encourage students to use to become more marketable in the working world and to feel and be more confident and effective as public speakers.<br /><br />“I’m thrilled that we’ve added a speaking center. That corner of the lower level of Clare Hall provides a whole lot of students with a whole lot of opportunities to help them succeed,” said LaMaster.<br /><br />“Plus the people who work there are rad and quite talented,” added Kelsey Kearl.<br /><br />And it may help students to conquer their fears of public speaking—if not also those fears of mortality and public nudity. <br />POE:<br />To contact the Speaking Center for more information, to meet the staff, or set up an appointment:<br />Call (317) 955-6244<br />Email writingcenter@marian.edu<br />Visit Clare Hall 023, M-F 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-90828101127942172462012-04-03T19:47:00.002-07:002012-04-03T19:57:45.308-07:00Simon Bruté Lecture 1st Annual Lectureby Brendan Dugan<br /><br />The Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary hosted the first lecture of its annual series Thursday Mar 22 at Marian University. Dr. William Portier, Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Dayton, presented the lecture on Catholicism in the United States.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a> <br />Father Bob Robeson initiated the lecture with a brief historic sketch about Bishop Simon Bruté, who lived in France and practiced medicine before coming to the US. Bruté taught at Mount St. Mary’s College in Maryland, where he became known as a distinguished theologian. Bruté later became the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Vincennes in 1834, what is now the Diocese of Indianapolis, and established the college seminary, according to Robeson.<br /><br />The lecture focused on historic phases of Catholicism in the US from the colonial era to the present. Portier began with the emigration of Catholics from a Europe rife with political and religious tensions during the 17th and 18th centuries, then progressed to the growth of the Church and its involvement in the labor movement in the US in the 19th and early 20th centuries.<br /><br />The following periods Portier referred to as the “building and disillusionment” of the American Catholic subculture, from the advent of the Golden Age to the tumultuous late 60’s. By this time, Catholics had become “statistically indistinguishable from the rest of American culture,” Portier said.<br /><br />Within the context of a pluralist society and the “disillusionment” of the ethnic Catholic cultural roots, Catholics began asking questions about identity, how their faith and traditions could remain distinct from those of other Christians.<br /><br />“Some people got the idea that the Catholic Church was one Christian denomination among many…what it meant to be a Catholic was not as clear as it used to be,” said Portier.<br /><br />“I never heard that term [Catholic identity] in the 1950’s,” said Portier. “No one ever had to worry about it.”<br /><br />Since the late 60’s, the social process of “disaffiliation,” the non-association or leaving of faith traditions has grown – especially among Catholics. <br /><br />Pointing to the dynamics of pluralist, consumerist American society, Portier emphasized this alarming “rise of the ‘Nones,’” a term derived from the religious affiliation option “none” on sociological surveys.<br /><br />“One in ten Americans is a former Catholic,” said Portier. The top reason individuals cited for leaving the Church, according to a survey Portier referenced, is “I’m just not a religious person.”<br /><br />In light of these troubling societal dynamics, Portier ended on a challenging, but hopeful note.<br /><br />“The young and disaffiliated have to see that the fullness of life is found in the sacraments and the way of life in the church,” said Portier. “All these challenges and hopes are important...but in the end...they are ephemeral. Only one thing lasts, and that is Jesus Christ, the center of the universe and history.”<br /><br />The Sophia Club, Theology, and History department sponsored the lecture.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-3042552842098981082012-03-19T14:51:00.004-07:002012-03-19T15:23:48.540-07:00Growth of the University<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWgl2bzErbiDLduM29ynGtJ1nOde-Mkx-Od2oD1-nEO9dI1tX5p_Rl1gRXY41X0g7fNaInn7J1vHuQ6ZHZPhHrx5ajTzmG_9e6d1-HQh3edE6Pk__Y0FSCC2I2eBN1SuiFhi3FaWTtBU/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721737419526008898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWgl2bzErbiDLduM29ynGtJ1nOde-Mkx-Od2oD1-nEO9dI1tX5p_Rl1gRXY41X0g7fNaInn7J1vHuQ6ZHZPhHrx5ajTzmG_9e6d1-HQh3edE6Pk__Y0FSCC2I2eBN1SuiFhi3FaWTtBU/s320/DSC_0177.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Assistant Vice President of Enrollment, Dr. Jack Powell, records that for the year 2012-2013 the University expects around 350 incoming freshman, a significant increase over last year’s 300.<br /><br />“We are growing our enrollment of international students,” added Powell. “We expect that 20 of our incoming freshman will be [international students].”<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Of the 350, 60 are expected to join the School of Business, 43 the School of Education, 65 the School of Mathematics and Sciences, 65 the School of Nursing, 11 unclassified, and the biggest number, 106, will join the School of Liberal Arts, according to Powell.<br /><br />The School of Mathematics and Sciences (SOMAS) has also seen great increase over several years, from only 84 students in 2007 to currently 160, with an expected 180 in the fall of 2012.<br /><br />“I do not know if there is any one thing that has generated such a growth product,” said Dean of Mathematics and Sciences, Dr. Loren Bertocci. “I have tried to be as active…as possible, so that I can do whatever I can to put a positive and public face on Marian University and the [SOMAS].”<br /><br />When he first arrived, Dr. Bertocci said SOMAS made up only 7% of the total traditional student body. Now, SOMAS represents more than 11% and by the fall of 2012 are expected to represent 13%.<br /><br />Dr. Paul Evans, Dean of Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MUCOM), said the medical school might be a cause of future growth in the SOMAS.<br /><br />“Once the medical school gets up and running, there will be a lot of high school students that have an interest in medicine [who] will say ‘I’ll go be a biology or chemistry major at Marian because they have a medical school.’”<br /><br />MUCOM also seeks to increase the university’s population. Dr. Evans expects the College to bring in many students.<br /><br />Currently MUCOM awaits accreditation and expects to begin the application for students in the fall of 2012.<br /><br />“Part of the process to has to due with the types of students we are going to get,” said Evans. “This is the only Catholic osteopathic school in the country, so there will be a group of students who are very interested in the continuation of their Catholic Education or are looking for a continuation in faith based learning.”<br /><br />Evans also expects Marian to attract more international students with MUCOM.<br /><br />Powell further said that reasons for the expansion come from a greater appreciation of Marian University. “A greater number of prospective students are aware of the university of the University.”<br /><br />Also, like Bertocci, Powell noted the importance of creating Marian’s public appearance.<br /><br />“I have made recent visits to several local high schools, and the Guidance Councelors all tell me the same thing: There is a greater interest in Marian University and the reputation…is at an all time high.”</div>The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-65060344617331438432012-03-19T14:49:00.003-07:002012-03-19T15:00:05.509-07:00World Quest at MarianThe Annual Academic World Quest Competition of 2012, sponsored by the World Affairs Council was hosted by Marian University on Feb 25. This year marks the 10th annual competition for the World Affairs Council, and Marian University has hosted this event for the past several years. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Excitement and nervousness flared as the teams prepared to display their genius on world issues. Teams from Arsenal Tech High School, East Chicago Central High School, MTI School of Knowledge, and Warren Central High School took their places with determined faces. The teams were tested on ten different topics with ten questions per topic. <br /><br />The topics included focused on the top six national security issues facing the USA in the run off to the 2012 presidential election. High school students debated on US Education, US Energy Policy, US Economic Competitiveness, Middle East Affairs, Afghanistan/Pakistan, China, NATO, and Millennium Goal topics: Child Health, Azerbaijan, and Current Events. <br /><br />The room remained silent as the audience watched the contestants answer tough and specific questions. With questions ranging from names of Presidents of specific countries to the percentage and ratio of certain developments in other countries, it was anybody’s game. As the judges convened to declare a winner, participants and the audience anxiously chatted as they awaited the ruling. <br /><br />MTI School of Knowledge came out on top of the 2012 Academic World Quest competition. They will represent Indiana in the National Competition in Washington D.C. in April. MTI School of Knowledge, Marian’s neighboring school located at 2850 Cold Spring Rd, is a private Islamic school for students K-12th grade. MTI enjoyed its second year as regional World Quest champions as well as Indiana representatives in the national competition. They represented Indiana at Nationals in 2010 where they ranked as one of the top ten teams in the nation.<br /><br />The relief, astonishment, and joy on the Muslim student’s faces were obvious for everyone to see. Sana, an 11th -grader said, “It’s a great experience because it teaches you a lot about global issues.” Other MTI contestants said they were nervous but had a great time and look forward to participating again.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-68631258666329135442012-03-19T14:48:00.001-07:002012-03-19T14:59:54.258-07:00Kony 2012: Humanitarian Work or Narcissistic Consumer ActivismWith over 78 million views and counting, Invisible Children's (IC) KONY 2012 awareness campaign captured international attention in the span of a few days.<br /><br />Uploaded March 5, the 30-minute video "aims to make Joseph Kony famous...to raise support for his arrest and set a precedent for international justice," according to IC. Kony leads the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), which terrorized the Acholi region in Northern Uganda until 2006 through rape, sex slavery, murder, and kidnapped children-made-soldiers, or kadogo.<br /><br />Initially, this sounds like a humanitarian organization rallying well-intentioned people towards a good cause. A bit of scrutiny, however, reveals a number of problems with the methods of IC.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />IC co-founder, board member, and director/narrator of the video Jason Russell holds a degree in Cinematic Production from the University of Southern California, and points to numerous celebrities as his role models, according to an 2011 interview with PMC Magazine.<br /><br />Oprah, Bono, Steven Spielberg, Walt Disney, and Steve Jobs are among his heroes and heroines, i.e., he models after a media celebrity, a musical celebrity, a videomaker celebrity, an artist celebrity, and a corporate celebrity, all of whom are textbook examples of, well, celebrities.To be sure, Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Malcom X, or Dorothy Day acquired something of celebrity status, but that was secondary to their activism, not vice versa.<br /><br />Nothing of course is wrong with his heroes and heroines, or that he might lack the formal understanding of activism and social change. Rather, how they shape IC's approach is a problem. Take for example how the video focuses more on IC's work than on the complex issue itself, which the video simplifies and dramatizes. These are not the things that make social change, let alone an activist.<br /><br />"I am a rebel soul, a dream evangelist," who wants to "redefine international justice" and "the concept of humanitarian work," Russel said in the same interview with PMC Magazine. As prone to idealistic visions as I can be, even this seems clearly unrealistic.<br /><br />"There's something inherently misleading, naive, maybe even dangerous, about the idea of rescuing children or saving Africa...It hints uncomfortably of the White Man's Burden," said Yale political scientist Chris Blattman. Ugandans and other Africans who watched the video were quick to pick up on this, and many criticized or outright disapproved of the video, as a number of YouTube posts may attest.<br /><br />“The White Savior Industrial Complex is not about justice. It is about having a big emotional experience that validates privilege,” said Nigerian writer Teju Cole via Twitter Mar 8. “Close to 1.5 million Iraqis died from an American war of choice. Worry about that.”<br /><br />"It's not simply a matter of flicking a switch and saying, yep, we voted. Let's stop Kony now," said freelance journalist Michael Wilkerson, who's lived and reported in Uganda. when featured on NPR to speak about the issue Mar 8.<br /><br />As the video explains, the International Criminal Court called for the arrest of Kony in 2005 for crimes against humanity and war crimes. In 2006, the Ugandan army forced the LRA out of Uganda to parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, and Sudan, after the LRA continually refused to sign peace agreements.<br /><br /> Since then, the Ugandan government has launched programs to initiate interior recovery. Last year 100 Special Forces advisors, by order of U.S. President Barack Obama, aided the Ugandan army as it sought the LRA across these three countries.<br /><br />Yet in spite of U.S. and Ugandan government efforts, only once during the video does Russell admit that Uganda is "relatively safe," instead focusing attention on the fact that Kony is "still out there," glossing over the fact that he has lost much of his power.<br /><br />While Kony is indubitably a criminal of horrendous magnitude and ought to be found and tried, a number of issues have been raised regarding the campaign.<br /><br />The campaign specifically targets youth. A quick check of the publically available YouTube statistics reveals that, of registered users, the majority of females who watched the video are between the ages of 13 and 17 (18 to 24 for males). IC acknowledges in its 2011 annual report that youth account for the majority of its support, and are predominantly responsible for its 60% growth last year.<br /><br />It would be difficult for IC to argue that teenagers can make politically informed decisions regarding such a complex issue by means of this video alone or with the scarce resources on their website. The majority of females who watched the video are not even eligible to vote, yet are solicited for money and political support.<br /><br />IC admits that within the viral video "many nuances of the 26-year conflict are admittedly lost or overlooked," and that the it is only an "entry point to the conflict," according to the Critique page of their website invisiblechildren.com. This may be so.<br /><br />However, "nuances" being "overlooked" softens the reality that approximately 23 minutes of the video focus on sentimental clips of Russel's son, vague hints of social transformation, cinematic highlights of the campaign, and an advertisement for their "activist kit" product, while a mere 6 minutes describe the conflict or Kony’s activities.<br /><br />If one purchased one of these before they sold out, "people will think you're an advocate of awesome" with your activist ("swagtivist" or "slacktivist," as some observers have labeled it) shirt, bracelets, stickers, and buttons.<br /><br />The problem is not that IC targets youth or funds its campaigns in Central Africa by providing commodities to consumers per se. After all, TOMS and Ethos water, among other nominally philanthropic companies, do much of the same. Rather, the problem lies in the fundamental message this type of activism conveys.<br /><br />Can we as human beings genuinely practice benevolence, activism, or civic duty by simply buying things – by sharing a video or tweet from our iPhones or personal computers, without leaving the security of our routines?<br /><br />Yes, social media facilitated in part the Arab Spring and Occupy movements, but that does not mean social media will inevitably transform the social order of the world or invariably bring about justice, as the video suggests and Russel believes.<br /><br />And yes, some funds raised by donation and selling products go to direct services for the Central African campaigns. All of 32.4% of IC’s expenditures went to direct services in 2011, according to its financial report.<br /><br />Regardless, we need caution regarding such consumer activism and humanitarian injunctions to act (vicariously) against social ills, particularly when some of the same sort of troubles happen here, such as sex trafficking, and while other, less apparent forms of violence occur within the day-to-day functions of Western life.<br /><br />IC works to increase the accessibility and infrastructure of education in Northern Uganda, lobbies the US Government, established radio warnings, search and rescue teams, and similar operations to address issues stemming from the LRA, according to its website.<br /><br />So IC does its share of work in raising awareness, however inaccurately, searching for the dwindled LRA, and implementing recovery efforts in Central Africa.<br /><br />But before buying in to the latest humanitarian cause, we should do the research and get informed of the efficacy and methods of the group asking for our support. Do the means justify the ends?<br /><br />Moreover, the next time we feel compelled to "do something," we ought to look at what we can do, right here.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-35175299399663101612012-03-19T14:45:00.003-07:002012-03-19T14:59:01.671-07:00Recounting Alternative Spring BreakTwenty-two students participated in the Alternative Spring Break program to serve others through community service projects and activities.<br /><br />This year, the participants could choose one of four locations to serve: Chicago, Indianapolis, Tohatchi, New Mexico, and rural Owen County, near Bloomington.<br /> <br /><a name='more'></a><br />“[I enjoyed the] cultural interactions that we’ve had with the Navajo [in New Mexico],” said Jessica Williams, one of the site leaders for the Alternative Spring Break trip in Tohatchi.<br /><br />Many of the students and faculty members who participated said they had a life-changing experience.<br /><br />“Alternative Spring Break was a beautiful experience for me as it assured my notions that I would like to teach kids in inner-city areas,” said Sylvia Denice, a participant in the Alternative Spring Break trip in Chicago. “It is one of the most rewarding, gratifying, and fulfilling experiences offered and available to students over Spring Break.”<br /><br />The program for many students and faculty members is a life-changing program that is highly recommended by Campus Ministries.<br /><br />“It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain friendships, do service, and discover who you are in different types of situations,” said Megan Gehrich, one of the site leaders for the Alternative Spring Break trips in Owen County.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-33723915064315819872012-03-19T14:42:00.001-07:002012-03-19T14:53:43.965-07:00Academically Honest UniversityAcademic honesty pervades the student body of Marian University.<br /><br />On an annual basis, only 20 cases of academic dishonesty arise. <br /><br />“It seems fairly clear that violations are rare,” said Dean of Academic Affairs William Harting.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a> <br />Seven broad violations of academic honesty are enumerated in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities contained in every Marian University planner: cheating, plagiarism, multiple submissions, fabrication, misuse of materials, misrepresentation, and facilitation of academic honesty. One can find the repercussions and proceedings for violations of academic honesty there as well. <br /><br />Essentially, first-time offenders risk losing credit for whatever material they cheated on, or course failure. After that, students who cheat may be suspended or expelled from Marian. In the first case, students may appeal to have the case reviewed, while a panel is set up for the sole purpose of hearing cases with a history of offenses. <br /><br />Much of academic dishonesty occurs in 100- and 200-level courses, which are mostly taken by lowerclassmen. Harting explains that this “certainly make sense” because such courses,<br /><br />“are the ones during which a student is learning certain rules of academic writing which may be unfamiliar to them from their previous studies at the secondary level.”<br /><br />Most of the violations tend to happen in courses from the School of Liberal Arts, which also makes sense as approximately 60% of registrations are at the 100- and 200-level courses fall within that discipline, as do much of the required general education courses. No information is kept regarding the major program, sex, class level, or other characteristics of individuals who have had cases brought against them.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-34003405298982841592012-02-27T17:52:00.003-08:002012-02-27T17:58:28.353-08:00Students Celebrate Black History MonthBy Hadeiya Ameen<br /><br />Black History month is more than just the networks such as BET (Black Entertainment Television) providing updates on African Americans who contributed to American history. Marian University students expressed what Black History month means to them. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />In celebration of Black History Month, Marian University’s UBI (Union of Black Identity) committee hosted its 43 annual ‘Soul Food’ luncheon on Thursday, Feb. <br />23, from 12 to 2p.m. in Clare Hall’s lobby. <br /><br />Organizer Kyle Radliff, President of UBI, and other committee members hoped the students attending would walk away with a better understanding of African American <br />history. Guest speakers who lived during segregation shared their thoughts and experiences. <br /><br />Randa Peterson, guest speaker, baked some of the food and spoke about where ‘soul food’ comes from and what it means to African Americans.<br /><br />African American history wasn’t properly noted until the 20th century. While studying at Harvard, Dr. Woodson, a scholar and son of a former slave, noticed the <br />missing and misrepresentation of African Americans in American history. Woodson led the movement to bring African American history into the public consciousness. <br /><br />Determined to encourage the study of Black history and tell the story of his people, he founded the ‘Association for the Study of Negro Life’ in 1915. A year later, he began publishing what known as the Journal of African American History. Page by page, African Americans wrote themselves into the history books. <br /><br />With a swell of support, he organized the first annual Negro history week, during the second week of February, to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. <br /><br />Twenty-six years after Dr. Woodsons death, Negro History week became ‘Black History’ month. Radliff stated that Black history month is a time to, “celebrate those before us who paved a way for us to achieve our goals, whether it is in entertainment or <br />politics. It’s a time to show appreciation and respect for what the slaves went through.”<br />Clay Kendrick, Public <br />Relations and Recruit-<br />ment for UBI indicated <br />that Black history month <br />means, “we still have a long way <br />to go, and as we move forward, we <br />need to keep those who have made <br />a difference in mind. There are so <br />many influential African Ameri-<br />cans who contributed to American <br />history, that to just mention one, <br />wouldn’t do it justice.”The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-54508530449042339972012-02-27T17:44:00.005-08:002012-02-27T17:58:37.158-08:00Students and Faculty react to the new tobacco policyBy Michael Schrader<br /><br />On May 8, 2011, Marian University transitioned into a new era in campus life, Tobacco Free.<br />The Tobacco Free Policy has been with the University for over nine months.<br />Dean of Students Ruth Rodgers suggested that the ban has been reasonably successful thus far.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />“There are people who push that limit still, but generally there is very little public smoking in areas where lots of students are walking by.” <br /><br />Rodgers went on to say there are problems with campus visitors who aren’t aware of <br />Marian’s Tobacco Free Policy. Chief Scott Ralph also said, “The Marian Community has shown respect and dignity of others regarding this policy. It seems to be working very well.”<br /><br />Even some of the students agree with Rodgers and Ralph. Freshman Donovan Jones and <br />Sophomore Allie Foley said they believe the Tobacco Free Policy is effective. <br /><br />“I don’t see anyone smoking on campus,” said Foley.<br /><br />Jones believes the Tobacco Free Policy is working, “I haven’t encountered anyone smoking on campus or having smelled smoke on anyone in any of my classes so far.”<br /><br />Yet, not all students see the policy as being effective. Transfer Sophomore Karli Williamson noticed students and faculty smoking in their cars. <br /><br />“I’m a transfer student, so I don’t know how it was last year, but I don’t see it being very effective now.”<br /><br />Rodgers mentioned that they have been lenient towards students and faculty using tobacco products in their cars; it’s when users throw cigarette butts on the ground that it becomes a problem.<br /><br />The push for a tobacco free campus started in 2008 when the University moved to a Tobacco Free Policy with designated smoking areas. Conversations about a completely <br />Tobacco Free Policy began in the Fall semester of 2010, Rodgers said. <br /><br />The policy was passed in October of that same year but didn’t come into effect until May 8, 2011. Currently, there are no monetary sanctions for smoking on campus. The act is a conduct issue, and persistent violators will be reported to Human Resources or the Dean of Students. <br /><br />However, the discussion of the Tobacco Free Policy is still ongoing. A Marian University Admissions member explained how forcing students to smoke on the other side of Cold Springs Road looks unappealing to prospective students and <br />families.<br /><br />“We have had potential students and their families making negative comments about the students lining the area across the street from campus in order to smoke.”<br /><br />The staff member suggested that bringing back the designated smoking area, “will allow people the space to smoke outside, will be far enough from any doors… and <br />will produce a more professional and inviting campus for potential students and their families.” <br /><br />Rodgers also mentioned some faculty and staff members have suggested that they do not like the policy, but there are no current efforts to reverse the policy as it <br />stands.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-41069318103186479712012-02-27T17:40:00.004-08:002012-02-27T17:58:46.513-08:00A day in the life of an RABy Bradley Levi<br /><br />Having a free room to oneself, gaining leadership skills, and receiving a $300 stipend at the end of each semester can be a great way to gain personal experience while in college. However, becoming a Resident Assistant can be burdened with responsibilities.<br />Periodically, RAs have to be on call throughout the night, sacrificing sleep. Their duties involve cleaning up, going on rounds, enforcing campus policies, and organizing hall events. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Junior Danielle Mumma has spent two years as a Resident Assistant in Doyle Hall. <br />“You are expected to be in your room or office, and your door has to be open in case someone has an emergency,” said Mumma.<br /><br />All though Mumma enjoys the experience of bonding with her hall mates, she still has many co-curricular responsibilities outside of her RA job. <br /><br />She majors in Art, minors in Psychology and Art History and holds a concentration in Art Therapy. Mumma participates in the Green Life Club and the College Mentors for Kids organization. <br /><br />“On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, it was a 4 last year. Now, it’s a 3. It’s difficult, but not super stressful,” said Mumma. <br /><br />“What I like about being an RA depends on what’s going on that day. I enjoy one-on-one chats with people,” said Mumma.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-37903940958631663262012-02-27T17:33:00.008-08:002012-02-27T18:01:03.708-08:00Show Some Skin and InkBy Brendan Dugan<br /><br />Tattoo art from The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction's collection will be displayed alongside student-submitted photos of their tattoos in the Ephemeral Ink exhibit. The display will remain open from 9am to 5pm weekdays in Fisher Hall gallery from February 20 to March 23.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />As the title of the exhibit suggests, tattoos are not as permanent as we may think. Though the ink may remain for a lifetime with only a few touch-ups, tattoos often represent a sentiment, belief, or a brief moment in one's life, which may change in the flux of time. This among other things sets tattoo art apart from traditional art.<br /><br />"It was a pretty exciting experience for me to initiate the exhibit," said Jenny Pauckner, Assistant Professor of Art and Art History at Marian University. Pauckner contacted the Kinsey Institute for its extensive photo collection of tattoos, which has not been publicly exhibited, until now.<br /><br />Over the summer of 2011, Pauckner visited the Kinsey Institute, located at Indiana University in Bloomington, to explore their archives.<br /><br />Amy Tims, a graduate student interning at Kinsey, has dedicated her time and expertise to curating the exhibit, researching the culture and motives behind this thriving art.<br /><br />Pauckner explained how tattoos act as cultural signifiers, group symbols of shared identity and culture, in the same way that piercings – and even breast implants – bear cultural significance and denote belonging or exclusion.<br /><br />"Tattoos are reflections of personal identity," said Pauckner.<br /><br />The prevalence and acceptance of tattoos has increased due to popular culture and the media. Outlets like Skin and Ink magazine and shows like L.A. Ink highlight the cultural and individual motivation, artistic technique and complexity of tattoo art.<br /><br />According to a 2006 Pew Research Center survey of 1,500 adults, over one-third of Generation Next (individuals born between 1981 and 1988) have a tattoo. The report, "A Portrait of 'Generation Next,'" states that approximately one-half of this age group, who are now between 24 and 31 years old, either have a tattoo, have dyed hair, or have a body piercing (excluding ear lobe piercings).<br /><br />Tattoo art still provokes complaints, however. Pauckner received complaints from students after sending an email notification for the exhibit to campus. Dr. Jamie Higgs, Assistant Professor of Art and Art History and Chair of Marian's Visual Art Department, had approved the email before it was sent.<br /><br />Several students exchanged emails with Prof. Pauckner and Dr. Higgs specifically regarding the nature of Flash, the tattoo image used in the email, which was a sample for clients of the tattoo artist's work. Flash depicts a nude woman combatting a colorful, oversized cobra, and another woman emerging from a flower, cupping her bare breasts. It also depicts a battleship and an eagle bearing an American flag, appealing to sailors and navy servicemen.<br /><br />"I was surprised by the amount of controversy it initially created," Pauckner shared.<br /><br />One student, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed concern over the content of Flash.<br /><br />"I believe the history of tattoos is indeed important, but I also believe it is not appropriate to exhibit something that contradicts the values of this Catholic university. Lewd tattoos are the worst example of this, and a lewd tattoo was chosen to promote this exhibit." said the student in email correspondence with this writer.<br /><br />"For that and other reasons, I believe this exhibit is imprudent for this university." concluded the student.<br /><br />Pauckner defended the exhibit, saying,<br /><br />"The whole purpose of the exhibit is to give people insight...a different perspective. I think it's important to challenge our preconceptions of life, art, ideas. That's where learning takes place."<br /><br />"We are in the business of generating young adults prepared for the future because they have been encouraged to think critically...All considerations related to art, be they acceptance or rejection of certain images due to faith, political, or social values, represent one path to realizing that goal," said Higgs in her clarifying email to campus.<br /><br />Student submitted tattoos were displayed on a flatscreen during the reception February 24, from 3 to 6pm. Exhibit curator Amy Tims and Kinsey Institute Curator of Art, Artifacts, and Photographs Catherine Johnson-Roehr delivered presentations.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-7841574254869661292012-02-13T16:14:00.000-08:002012-02-13T16:18:16.027-08:00Open Letter to the UniversityThis paper belongs to you. This physical copy, of course; this is yours, do with it what you will (we would prefer that you read it). But the activities and issues covered within, the vocalization of concerns and accomplishments from within the community, are yours. <br /><a name='more'></a> <br />Fifteen years ago, before most of us remember talk of newspapers’ imminent disappearance, the Committee of Concerned Journalists, then under the Project for Excellence in Journalism, expressed what they believe to be the purpose of journalism in our modern age. “Helping define community, creating common language and common knowledge, identifying a community’s goals, heros and villains, and pushing people beyond complacency... being entertaining, serving as a watchdog and offering a voice to the voiceless.”<br /> <br />We could not agree more. <br /><br />A publication is dependent upon its constituents – Marian – and bound to inform and reflect the character of that community, so we encourage you to reply via email or on our Facebook page if you want to voice your thoughts, suggest something for us to report, offer critiques – or write in something yourself. <br />We’ll be doing the bulk of writing, editing, and putting the paper together, of course. All in all, consider this an invitation to contribute to the public discourse and to shape the dialogue springing from the wealth of activity and engagement on this campus. <br /><br />So whatever you do with this copy – skim it, delve into it, or laminate and frame it in your dorm – know that we write because we are a community, and a community needs a forum for its diverse members to share.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-84480675804499748062012-02-13T15:47:00.001-08:002012-02-13T16:23:53.433-08:00Jenn Grinels hosts Open Mic NightBy Brendan Dugan<br /><br />Singer/songwriter Jenn Grinels, described by the San Diego Reader as “the real, talented epitome of today’s best indie music,” brought her raw, honest style, spirited and engaging performance, and – interestingly – a selection of aromatic soaps and teas to Marian University. She performed Friday February 10, at the Knights after Dark Coffee House at 9pm in the Library.<br /><br />Grinels combines the raw drive of blues with soulful elements and twists of folk into her repetoire of songs laden with emotion.<br /><a name='more'></a> <br />A winner of the 2007 Honoring Acoustic Talent Awards for Best Performer as well as Best Vocalist, and voted best artist in the college circuit for the past two years she’s been performing, Grinels’ musical forte has taken her across the country and won her spots on bills with acts such as Christopher Cross, Berlin, and the Abbott Brothers.<br /><br />“brokenHEARTbreaker,” her sophomore album released in 2011, features ten tracks that carry the listener through the emotional ups and downs of a breakup. Grinels particularly enjoys the resolute final track, “Love Again,” the conceptual denouement of the album.<br /><br />“The reason why I like ‘Love Again’ is that there’s this optimistic feeling that leaves you with the idea that no matter how hard breakups are, you will come out of it and find someone new.”<br /><br />Grinels shared how fans would approach her after performances to tell her how much they related to her music.<br /><br />“Writing is always a cathartic experience,” Grinels said, and her listeners would agree. “That’s the best thing in the whole world – when you write about something specific you’ve gone through, and then somebody says ‘I feel like you’re writing about my life.’”<br /><br />Since age six, Grinels developed her vocal prowess, participating in musicals, church and school choirs. While enrolled at University of Cal¬ifornia – Irvine, she studied musical theater and began a career in acting after achieving her degree. All the while, however, her growing passion for music urged her to take up the guitar and tour.<br /><br />“When I was in college, I definitely wanted to be Broadway-bound...but I found that I was more passionate about my music.” said Grinels.<br /><br />What began as a six-month tour to parallel her boyfriend’s tour with the Marines exploded into a four-year, three-month, nationwide trek that continues today.<br /><br />“I didn’t want to just sit around [with him gone], so I thought I’ll plan a tour of my own music, and things just evloved in a way that led me to stay on the road,” said Grinels. “The last time I had an apart¬ment was four years ago.”<br /><br />“I never rule out the Debrah Gibson plan,” she explained, saying that she will continue to pursue her musical career until its end, then resort to theater or musicals, as Debrah Gibson did.<br /><br />Jason Mraz, whom Grinels has met, is a significant inspiration on her music.<br /><br />“He just really, really inspired me. I thought, that person is doing ex¬actly what they’re meant to be doing, and it inspires you to find what you’re meant to be doing,” she said.<br /><br />While most bands or singer/songwriters carry an inventory of shirts, hoodies, stickers or posters to shows, Grinels brings with her soap and tea.<br /><br />“Before ever having posters or tee shirts, I had soap and tea,” Grinels laughed. Turtle River Soap Company and Mad Pots of Tea, approached Grinels as fans and business people willing to support her musical career. When Madam Pots saw Grinels perform live for the first time, she developed an idea for a second line of tea based on the live show:<br /><br />“She named her second tea ‘Red, Hot, and Sassy,’” said Grinels. Madam Pots has since purveyed a new tea, “Black and Blue,” which is named for the Broken Heart Breaker album. The teas possess natural properties that help maintain throat health Recently, Grinels has decided to get an apartment in New York, while continuing to tour and perform.<br />“I’ll be paying rent, but I’ll only be in the apartment four days in March,” she said. “I just wanted a place to have my own bedsheets.”<br /><br />Both of Grinels’ albums, “Little Words” and “Broken Heart Breaker,” as well as shirts and Mad Pots of Tea and Turtle River Soap Company products can be purchased online at jenngrinels.com/blog/store. Check her out Facebook or Myspace as well.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846444062622591131.post-77297266266038591022012-02-13T15:44:00.000-08:002012-02-13T16:24:26.312-08:00Super Bowl Champ Inspires StudentsBy Michael Schrader<br /><br />“I had no desire, no discipline, and no direction.” <br /><br />Steve Wallace, a 49ers offensive linemen and a three time Super Bowl Champ, started his speech on Saturday, February 4, 2012 with this quote. Wallace was brought to inspire Marian University students at the Second Annual Aspiring Leaders Conference. <br /><a name='more'></a><br />Students had the opportunity to learn from some of the top local and national leaders in their fields, including keynote speakers Steve Wallace, Colleen Rickenbacher, and Jerry Jones. <br /><br />Wallace, who headed the conference, told about how his life shaped him into a leader. <br /><br />After setting fire to a man’s home, he said the man had him over for a talk. In that conversation, the man told Wallace, “In everything you do, give it your all.” And when taking this life lesson to his school¬work, he told the audience he went from C’s and D’s to A’s and B’s. <br /><br />Moving on in life, Wallace said that he was pushed into playing football by his father, who gave him the same advice as the other man, “In everything you do, give it your all.” <br /><br />With sports now in the picture, Wallace decided it was time to set goals for himself. Wallace said goal setting “creates a level of motivation in order to get things done.” Not to overload, he only set three, one of which was going to college. <br /><br />That was achieved when he accepted to play football at Auburn University. <br /><br />Wallace also put importance on having focus, even going as far as having the audience shot out the word several times. <br /><br />Then, Wallace asked everyone if they were blessed, skillful and talented. When the audience answered yes, he yelled out, “What are you waiting for then?” <br /><br />To wrap up his speech, Wallace concluded with an example of one of his Super Bowl experiences. The night before the Super Bowl, the Sports analysts all said Wallace was going to be dominated by the defensive linemen he was facing. While at first nervous, Wallace explained that he stayed focus and stuck to his assignment, and at the end of the day, the opposing linemen had zero tackles and zero assists. <br /><br />Wallace’s concluding words to all of Marian’s aspiring leaders were, “There is no substitute for hard work.” <br />Students attending the confer¬ence also learned proper etiquette for the business world, how to share your vision with others, what it means to be a servant leader, and how to network in the 21st Century.The Knight Timeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05006945402706801936noreply@blogger.com