Serving Indigenous Peoples and Our Friends Since 1981 Volume XXIX Number 3 Friday, March 2, 2012
Spring Break Strikes FLC -
‘Party or Not to?’ That is the Question By Lloyd Padilla Spring break is just around the corner! We asked FLC students what their plans were and how they were going to be spending their free time. Spring break starts Friday March 2nd, and students return Monday March 12th. Chelsea Begay -Junior, Sociology Major “I plan to go home to Arizona and spend as much time as I can with my family and relax as much as possible.” Marcus Martinez -Sophomore, Athletic Training Major “My plans are to spend time with my family back in New Mexico and meet up with some of my old friends and have a good time!” Justin Miller -Senior, Exercise Science Physiology “Well, first I am traveling to Snowflake Arizona to see my family and then off to New Mexico to see more family. It’ll be a pretty relaxed break for me.” Jaimie Townsend -Freshman, Business Management Major “I am going home to Wisconsin to see my family finally! I haven’t seen them in over 4 months, so excited!” Alex Mariano -Junior, Sociology Major “I am finally taking a road trip to Las Vegas with some of my best friends in the whole world! Spring break here I come!”
Elders attending the First Annual Elders Day were welcomed by Dr. Dene Thomas, FLC president, and faculty and students at the February 21st event.
All Peoples’ Lodge Event -
Elders Honored at Native American Center By Sunshine Perry. Tuesday, February 21st was the First Annual Elders’ Day event hosted by All People’s Lodge, held in the Native American Center at Fort Lewis College. This event was put on to “honor our elders and show them the appreciation that they deserve,” says founder and President of All People’s Lodge, Clarence Smith. The elders in attendance were community members from Ignacio and the surrounding areas. This group of elders included Annabelle Eagle, Sage
A local student participates in one of the Leadership Assessment and Personal Vision activities during the NAILF Conference February 17th. For more on this inspirational conference, see Page Three. this
inside issue Student Parents......................2
NAILF Conference................3
Lady ‘Hawks Chase Title......5
Tarahumara Runners SL Center Workouts!.............4
NAIS Seeks Faculty Math Luncheon Announced...6
Remington, Alice Neash, Vida Peabody, Pearl Casias, Vicki Coe, Gail Harris, and Tony Boxer. All of the students from Fort Lewis College had a personal invitation to visit the elders in the NAC any time during the day to visit or give thanks. It was an experience for all students to gain new knowledge. The event started off with an introduction of everyone followed by a lunch buffet. After an opening honor song,, the opening prayer was given by Alice Neash. Throughout the day there were various activities from honor songs sung by students to a poetry exercise called “I am from...” where anyone who wanted to shared their personal poems about their lives could do so, this was a more emotional activity. Later in the day there was a giveaway for each elder, they received gifts to give them acknowledgement and thanks for being there to share such sacred stories with everyone. The Ballet Fold Lorica dance group performed an amazing dance for the visitors also. Local high school students were invited and there were a few that attended. Brittney Smith, daughter of Clarence Smith, said “I thought it was an amazing opportunity, especially for me because not only did I sit down and learn from them, but I was able to laugh and smile with them.” There was nothing but positive feedback about the entire event. “It was good, you got to listen to all the people talk about themselves and their family, I had fun, it was really nice,” was the response given with a big smile by Alice Neash, one of the elders at the event, and one of the oldest Southern Ute Tribal members. The purpose of this event was to honor and show respect to a few of the elders who deserve such recognition and the purpose was met completely.
MARC Grant Winners GRE Preparation...................7 Act of Valor Reviewed..........8
March 2, 2012
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Intertribal News
IN Student Feature Article
Student-parent Amber Hillis and her daughter Amya are enjoying the challenges this term at FLC.
Part Two of a Two-Part Series -
Being a Strong Student and a Super Mom By Noel Altaha The best part of writing an article about being a student and a parent is interviewing amazing fellow student-parents! As the second part of my two-part articles, I communicated with busy parent-student, Amber Hillis to share more about both her roles. Hillis was raised in Fort Defiance, AZ by a college educated family. Her father got his Associates degree and her second oldest sister earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico. Hillis chose Fort Lewis for her undergraduate degree because of its business school. Hillis also shared that she is the first to be a single parent attaining her Bachelor’s degree. “My father raised me and my siblings and I saw his dedication to my family by what he did for us. I saw my dad work hard every day, rain or shine and if I can show my daughter all that I can do, then when she grows up, she can take herself further than what I have achieved,” says Hillis. Hillis is the proud mother to her five-year old, Amya Hillis, a first grader at Park Elementary. Both are involved in the Durango community, attending the Pine Valley Church in Bayfield and her daughter is involved with ballet and soccer. As a parent, Hillis was asked what message her child gets from seeing her parent in school. She responded, “I feel that this is one of the most positive and empowering messages that I can give to my daughter, siblings, peers, nephews and nieces. I want
my daughter to see me in school, working and performing my leadership roles. I know that when she sees me in these roles she sees me at my best. I want my daughter to know that being focused, setting goals and working hard towards a goal then you can accomplish anything.” Hillis is a resident at the Centennial B FamilyHousing apartments on campus, “I just moved on campus Fall 2011, and I love it because I am closer to school. Before I lived in Ignacio which is 30 minutes away and traveling was stressful, especially in the winter. This academic school year I knew I was going to be taking on more leadership positions, so I needed to be closer to school.” According to the FLC National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) website, Hillis is the current president of the registered student organization (RSO). Hillis states that the best thing about being a student and a parent is that she gets to set an example that “instills the values of doing homework on time, planning, working hard and being involved on campus. If my daughter sees me enjoying homework, she also wants to do homework. If my daughter sees me serving others, she wants to help others. It’s the best way to lead by example.” Hillis acknowledges and addresses the most challenging part of this dual role. “The hardest thing is to balance, school, work, leadership roles and being a mother. There are times that I have a lot of homework, but I know that I need to spend that extra time playing with my daughter so
that she knows that she is most important to me and that just means sacrifice of staying up a little longer,” says Hillis. The difference between being a typical college student verses being a student-parent is, “as parents we don’t have time to waste. My time is precious” says Hillis. “I also see a difference in dedication. I have half the time an average student has for their studies and I make great grades and if I can get great grades, then I would to encourage students to spend their time wisely, be as productive as you can be.” According to (NSLS), the Social Networking Team (SNT) Coordinator and two-year active member Dawn Murphy, a senior (Cell and Molecular Major) says, “Amber is the current president of NSLS and she has provided our organization with great guidance. She has appointed people with limited experience into powerful positions and they have grown into their respective roles.” Murphy, of the Navajo Nation, shares that Hillis reached out to her and offered the SNT coordinator position last semester. “I’m one example of how Amber has helped me grow and it has built confidence in me,” says Murphy. According to the Communications & Networking Coordinator of NSLS, Alysha Guthrie confidently adds, “She’s a go getter!” Guthrie is also a student-parent, Tlingket from Alaska and a sophomore majoring in business management and tourism management. “I would also like to encourage students to enjoy this time in college. Do all you can do! Get involved with clubs! Meet new people, expand your world, get out of your comfort zone, and explore life! But do this all in a positive matter. Drinking and parties will always be there, but this time you won’t have again. Invest this time in yourself and volunteer for a leadership position because they are going to be the ones that will pay off the most once you leave college” says Hillis. Hillis will be walking in the graduation ceremony on April 28th. For more information on the National Society of Leadership and Success organization at FLC: http://www.fortlewis.edu/leadership/NationalSociety ofLeadershipandSuccess.aspx
INTERTRIBAL NEWS
A FORT LEWIS COLLEGE STUDENT PUBLICATION
Editors Noel Altaha Zach Hooper
Ryan Desautel DJ Seeds Taryn Yuzos
Reporters Kyle Arnold Tina Billie Sharilyn Browning Lloyd Padilla Sunshine Perry
Now on the Webat: http://blogs.fortlewis.edu/intertribalnews/
Spring Break may be upon us, but winter ain’t over yet! A series of storms has dumped feet of snow in the mountains, but only a few inches on campus this week.
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Rick Wheelock wheelock_r@fortlewis.edu The FLC Intertribal News is a publication of Fort Lewis College students. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Native American Center or of the College. The Intertribal News extends its special thanks to the John and Sophie Ottens Foundation, FLC Student Services, the Native American Center and the Department of SW Studies and American Indian Studies for their generous support. Any donation which would help us with our production costs is greatly appreciated!
March 2, 2012
Intertribal News
Dr. Henrietta Mann, well known across Indian country for her leadership in education, was among the honored guests who spoke and participated in panel discussions at the NAILF Conference Feb. 17th.
NAILF Conference Emphasizes Leadership By Tina Billie The daylong Native American and Indigenous Leadership Conference occurred February 17th and garnered a diverse gathering of people. The event was successfully organized by The Steering Committee of the Native American & Indigenous Leadership Forum (NAILF). NAILF’s mission is posted on Facebook reads “NAILF aspires to foster an environment for individuals to challenge and enrich themselves by utilizing Indigenous leadership models and worldviews to become agents of positive change in the global community. NAILF further holds the vision of developing generations of leaders who advance the guidance provided by Indigenous communities worldwide, past, and present.” Core NAILF Steering Committee Members include: Deanna M. Diaz, NAILF Coordinator, Delegate for the All Nations Stickball Club; Dawn Murphy, Delegate for the Wellness Peer Advisory Council; Dominique F. Tso, Delegate for the Native Campus Ministries; Anne Pesata, Delegate for the Native American Honor Society; Chrisitine S. Meyers, Delegate for the Native Honor Society. Chad Yen, a recent FLC graduateand former NAILF Coordinator, was present at the conference, assisting fellow NAILF affiliates. Dawn Murphy conveyed that obtaining funding for sponsoring the event was challenging for the
Dr. Timothy Begaye made a stirring, audienceparticipatory presentation on leadership.
NAILF Steering Committee because it is considered an unrecognized student organization. This status partly influenced the FLC Student Senate and ASFLC decision in denying the Steering Committee’s request for funding. Fortunately, several donations were contributed from the NAIS and Sociology departments, from fellow registered student organizations, from NAILF Coordinator Deanna Diaz, and from the FLC Foundation, and many others. Earlier in the conference the segment on “Leadership Assessment Activity &Personal Visions of One’s Leadership Legacy” pertained to past traditional leadership and influence. Vernon Morris facilitated the group exercise that involved conference participants, specifically youth attendees, who in small groups created a list of significant attributes and skills of the past still relevant in the current time to positions of leadership. There was a high turnout and a wide diversity of people represented in the audience. The NAILF committee expected perhaps 50 people would attend the conference but the count amounted to over 200. The main NAILF conference representatives comprised of FLC faculty, honorary guest speakers, and the NAILF Steering Committee officers and volunteers occupied different roles during the event as a facilitator, as a presenter, or as an organizer. Conference participants who made up the general audience included a mix of students from FLC and from other higher education institutions, local H.S. and Junior High students, parents and elders. FLC student and Southern Ute tribal member, Marge Barry, shared her view of the conference. She was especially impressed with luminaries and speakers, Henrietta Mann, Ph.D, Dr. Elvira Bitsoi Largie, and Alyce Spotted Bear. She commented that Dr. Largie’s traditional approach in her presentation was outstanding, and described the Dine speaker’s overall demeanor as “empowering and respectful.” Barry further commented that “the conference was inspirational. Especially hearing the speaker’s share their personal stories and what they went through put things into perspective. It makes you recognize that it is all worth it. Because continuing higher education can be a difficult undertaking, when you’re a parent, trying to manage your time and personal/family commitments, which at times, can be overwhelming.”
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The Durango Herald’s article “FLC hosts student-organized event” was featured in the February 17, 2012 paper, highlighted two aspects of the forum that epitomized the conference theme that was “Inspiring Indigenous Leadership and Advancing Indigenous Leadership.” One observation “was the fact that the event was entirely organized by students.” The second highlight was of speaker Dr.Timothy Begaye (Dine), an assistant professor at AZ State University and a member of the National Indian Education Association’s board of directors, who presented a leadership seminar. “Begaye urged all students to fulfill their leadership potential. Everyone is a leader, it’s up to you if you want to exercise it.” He added, “If you’re not, you are not exercising your purpose of being a human being.” h t t p : / / w w w. d u r a n g o h e r a l d . c o m / a r t i cle/20120217/NEWS01/702179928/1/news01&source=RSS In general the conference was successful. Although, Dr. Greg Cajete was ubable to speak at the conference “due to unforseen circumstance” according to the NAILF Facebook posting. Activities included youth group presentations, a leadership group initiative, panel discussions, audience participation, lectures, keynote speaker address, and pilot presentations. Registration was free, the afternoon and evening meals were provided. The conference opened with a prayer, and concluded with an honor ceremony and closing prayer. Both, the experience and the atmosphere of the event were altogether inspiring.
Former coordinator of NAIS, Dr. Rick Wheelock, delivered the keynote address at the conference. Dr. Wheelock is retiring this May after nearly 30 years at FLC.
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Intertribal News
March 2, 2012
Taramuhara of Mexico -
Traditions Meet in Ultra Marathon By Kyle Arnold The Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s rugged Copper Canyon are considered the finest long distance runners in the entire world. For thousands of years the Tarahumara have practiced techniques that allows them to run for hundreds of miles with-out rest, they traditionally used running as main form of hunting deer in the Copper Canyon region. The Tarahumara Indians have inspired runners from around the world to come learn the Tarahumara running techniques. A American runner named Micah True came to the Tarahumara people to learn the running art form that they have developed over thousands of years, he now lives among the Tarahumara and has help jump start the Ultra Marathon of Copper Canyon. This marathon has different prizes then most marathon races for instance the prizes are corn and beans. The Tarahumara have been hit with severe drought in the region and many people worry about starvation, this Marathon doesn’t only keep old traditions going but it helps out the entire Tarahumara community. For example, any Tarahumara who finishes the marathon get 500 pounds of corn and beans, the top ten Tarahumara finishers get $10,000 cash prize. Any state side runner that finishes will have the opportunity to represent their prize as Korima[a gift/sharing] to the surrounding Tarahumara villages. The Marathon has been going strong since 2009 and has attracted many international athletes and competitors from around the world. This year’s race kicks off on March 4 in the Urique Mexico, the race is done entirely off donations and does not want any commercial interest unless they give back to Tarahumara people and community, also there is no photography or filming aloud unless they get permission from the Tarahumara. For more information about the race please look at the links below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv4Se5ka9Pk ; http://caballoblanco.com/
Tarahumara runners push the envelope in the famed Copper Canyon of Mexico, noted as larger than the US Grande Canyon. Tribal runners have kept their traditions of running alive for millenia.
Working up a sweat is no problem for FLC students making use of their Student Life Center. Student fees help to make the SLC one of the finest such facilities anywhere.
Student Life Center Offers Great Workouts By Taryn Yuzos Want to get that great looking; “haven’t-had-frybread-in-a-while” body for Spring Break? The Student Life Center, SLC, can help with that! The SLC is a great gym for students of Fort Lewis College as well as for guests. The location is perfect for students and conveniently located on campus. It is complete with three basketball courts, indoor track, weight room, workout area, rock climbing, intramural sports and classrooms for athletic classes, i.e. yoga, Zumba. The staff of this wonderful facility is friendly and willing to help in anything you may need. With a variety of ways to help get your body into shape, they offer competitions and intramural sports to keep you active and healthy. Deadlines for Intramural signups are late March to early April, so get that active body over to the SLC where the awesome staff will give you further information on which sports are offered and the signup fees that accompany entries. To help keep students engaged in their physical health, Intramural sports for the entire year are set up. These sports encourage students to be athletes and show the fun, teamwork, and determination aspects of playing in a league team. “The leagues are fun to be a part of, it helps me be involved in my campus community and gives me something to do,” said Randy. He found these leagues are a fun way of staying in shape and spending time with friends in a healthy environment, which just so happens to keep him
physically fit. The SLC sees plenty of people every day, student and non-student alike, who come and interact with others to maintain their physical fitness. People who go to the gym are given the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, create buddy systems, and be challenged. Currently, the SLC is having a Spring Break competition with plenty of prizes. Cardio and weights are the main areas in which the competition is focused on. The weight room sees many different workout plans varying by the array of people. No matter the difference, people always ‘feel the burn’ in the muscles and yet it’s a satisfactory feeling, “I can feel my muscles really getting their workout and it’s a great feeling knowing I’ve pushed myself,” said Antoinette. Having sore muscles the next day was proof of her workout success and that beach body is not far away! The SLC offers many different ways for their visitors to maintain their active, healthy lifestyle it is just a matter of walking to the building, students are free and visitors pay a small fee of $4 for the use of the facilities. So whether you’re a weights lifter, runner, bicyclist, team player, walker, dancer, yoga participant, come to the SLC and shed some of those mutton, Indian taco, fry bead pounds and spread the word that the SLC sure works…ennit!
The SLC’s gym is second to none! You can join teams or just play “pick up” and get a great workout!
March 2, 2012
Intertribal News
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FLC Women’s Basketball -
Lady Skyhawks’ RMAC Title Quest Gets Dramatic as Season Ends
The sign on the wall of the Whalen Fieldhouse is updated as the games go on - more three pointers! By Taryn Yuzos A weekend filled with seniors and family may have been just what the women’s Skyhawk basketball team needed to win both home games! Both opponents the Lady Skyhawks faced February 24-25th went home with another ‘L’, for loss, on their record. The first opponent of the weekend for our currently ranked 14th Lady Skyhawks was Western State on Friday the 24th. The game had a slow start with the Lady Skyhawks trailing to the Lady Mountaineers 03 for the first 2:42 of the game. Skyhawk’s Coach Kellogg addressed the situation, “it took us awhile to get our first run, which was kind of awkward. I didn’t like our demeanor early on.” He surely was active himself on Friday, constantly pacing his bench area yelling plays. The coach did all he could to amp up his players leading up to placing No. 23 Jamie
Simmons into the game. This senior was very involved in pushing the Skyhawks over their slump. Simmons came into the game and as Kellogg stated, “[she] came in and settled us down in the post when we got into foul trouble.” With this teammate’s help, the Lady Skyhawks jumped to a quick lead, ending the first half with a score of 43-29. To end the game, the Lady Skyhawks shut down the Lady Mountaineers with their tough defense and held their shooting percentage to a measly 24.2 percent. The Skyhawks defense has been their key to success all season, something they are well known for. Meanwhile on the offensive side of things they had a limited number of turnovers in the game; it is no wonder the Lady Skyhawks were able to get their offense up and running. What began as a slow start for the team quickly led to an amazing 87-52 victory! Perhaps it is just the boost they need to face their next opponent… After the win at home Friday night, the Lady Skyhawks played against Colorado Mesa’s Lady Mavericks Saturday evening at 5:30 pm. The ladies had no trouble starting this game and never looked back! With only seconds on the game clock before halftime, No. 20, Katerina Garcia launches a deep three…and it’s GOOD! Last shot of the half and it was definitely a crowd pleaser that added to their already untouchable at home three-point record. The end of that regular season three point tract is 131 made three point shots! The score going into the halftime break was 5229, and the Lady Skyhawks never lost their lead with the help of Mary Paiz, a senior, scored 23 points and shot 100 percent from 3-point land making 6 of 6. What a game all the seniors had! Saturday’s game was the last regular season game for No. 23 Simmons, No. 11 Santistevan, No. 10 Beeman, No. 32 Schreibvogel, and No. 15 Paiz, “It was a good effort on senior night,” said Coach Kellogg. Defense, for the Lady Skyhawks was again the
Winter’s hold on our area is yet to fully relax as Spring Break approaches. This familiar scene on the north end of campus is of the entryway between the Center of SW Studies and the FLC Concert Hall, site of performances by famous celebs and many others.
main contributor to their monstrous win 92-57 over the Lady Mavericks. This past weekend’s pair of ‘W’s places the Lady Skyhawks at no. 2 in the RMAC, behind Metro State. On Tuesday night at 6 pm, Fort Lewis College hosted the first round, quarterfinals, of the RMAC Shootout. The Lady Skyhawks played Colorado Christian and came away with another epic defensive show which led to a ‘W’ for the record books! They strolled carefree and easy through the game and the result was a 96-64 victory. According to, Chris Aaland, assistant Director of Athletics for External Operations & Communications, Fort Lewis’ four four-year seniors: Beeman, Paiz, Santistevan, and Schreibvogel, finished their home careers with a 57-1 record! “You talk about protecting your home court,” said 7th year Coach Kellogg. With the win on Tuesday, the Lady Skyhawks advance to the semifinals. The game is held tonight, Friday March 2nd at the Colorado State Fair Events Center in Pueblo, CO. Tipoff is 7 pm. The ladies are certainly something to see on that court. Playing their hearts out for the love of the game!
It’s another dramatic moment in Whalen Fieldhouse, as the Lady Skyhawks prepare to perform their magic. It has been an entertaining season! Go ‘Hawks!
“Suicide Attempt.” Former Intertribal News staff member and FLC alumnus, Richardo Cate’s cartoons have been a hit wherever they have appeared!
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Dr. Rick Wheelock, right, enjoys a moment of pagination with Intertribal News staff members Tina Billie, left, and Sunshine Perry. Wheelock is retiring after nearly 30 years at FLC.
NAIS Department Seeks New Faculty Member By DJ Seeds The Native American & Indigenous Studies program is currently on the lookout for a new professor to join their already prestigious teaching staff. For those unfamiliar with the NAIS program here at Fort Lewis the program offers an “interdisciplinary, comparative, and ultimately transformative approach to the study of the historical, political, social, and ongoing experiences of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Indigenous people within the United States and in the global community.” Currently the faculty includes: Dr. Rick Wheelock (Oneida) and Dr. Majel Boxer (SissetonWahpeton Dakota) and affiliated members are Dr. Delilah Orr (Dine), Dr. Kathleen Fine-Dare, and Professor Vicenti (Jicarilla Apache). Dr. Boxer serves as head of the search committee that is en route to locating the mystery professor that will become part of the NAIS program. According to Dr. Boxer, the committee has worked diligently this semester and is very close to narrowing the search down to a handful of candidates. “What we’re hoping to bring to the program is someone that can teach the courses left vacant by Dr. Wheelock such as media (i.e. Intertribal News). Ultimately, we are open to several options in professors such as one with an environmental focus,” says Dr. Boxer. The committee will bring the candidates to our campus and have them sit in on Dr. Boxer’s Introduction to Native American & Indigenous Studies class for a teacher demonstration. Once the committee agrees on a candidate, he or she will receive the position as visiting professor. Of course the whole reason the program is in need of an additional professor is due to the retirement of Dr. Wheelock. Dr. Boxer will replace Dr. Wheelock as the head of the NAIS department. Dr. Wheelock’s hard work has built the NAIS program to one of the most distinguished in the nation and his successor Dr. Boxer, couldn’t be a better replacement. We are excited to see not only who the new professor will be for the program, but also how high the program’s success continues to climb.
Intertribal News
March 2, 2012
March 2, 2012
Intertribal News
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FLC’s MARC U*Star Program Announces Student Grant Winners By Noel Altaha Four FLC Native American students are conducting research supported through a new grant program. The MARC U *STAR grant program is a federal grant program with its emphasis on assisting and supporting minority student researchers in the undergraduate sciences programs. Two researchers and the director were interviewed. This reporter is also one of the grant awardees. According to the FLC website for the MARC U*STAR, the students include myself, Noel Altaha, psychology, research in Native American Historical Trauma with Dr. Kraus; Tracey Williams biochemistry, research on the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery at Spine Colorado and Durango Orthopedics. Altaha is from the White Mountain Apache reservation and Williams is from the Navajo Nation. The two interviewed are Nellie McLean, (Biology) and Phillida Charley (Cell & Molecular Biology). The first MARC awardee is Nellie McLean, majoring in Biology and Business Management. McLean is from the Chignik Bay tribe in Alaska. McLean became involved because of her interest in training underrepresented minority students decades ago. “The MARC program was announced in winter 2009 and it provided a tremendous opportunity for all underrepresented minority STEM and psychology students to receive high quality training and preparation for graduate school in biomedical and behavioral research. So, I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to benefit a significant number of students at FLC,” says McLean. McLean began the MARC Program August 2010 and will complete the two-year program this year. Her research involves disease ecology, “We study deer mice in SW Colorado for such deseases as Hanta Virus and study patterns of infection.” Her mentor and faculty co-researcher is Dr. Erin Lehmer. “Erin expects a lot out of me; she’s good at knowing my strengths and makes sure that I am challenging myself. Because of that, I think I am prepared… and have a better understanding of the workload expected out of a graduate student.” McLean states that being a part of MARC has helped her to build confidence as a scientist. “MARC is a special program that has offered me access to science, without which, I probably would not have had a chance to experience,” says McLean. She hopes to go to graduate school, “I enjoy research, and I am working on what exactly I want to do now. I am thinking either working in a lab in California or applying to graduate programs. It’s still up in the air.” Addressing the challenges, McLean admits, “The program is demanding, and anyone who conducts research knows it takes a lot of time and patience, and being a student adds to that. I have mostly been challenged with balancing applications, school, and research.” McLean has completed one of MARC requirements, one summer research “abroad” which is conducting research at an R1 institute other than the host institute. “I have done research with Dr. Botten in Burlington, Vermont. The most valuable thing about going to work outside of your comfort zone and realizing what it takes to be a graduate student.” The second MARC awardee in the program is Phillida A Charley, majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Charley is from the Navajo Nation.
Charley began in January 2011 and her research focuses on looking at an antioxidant pathway(NRF2) to find out whether it has any effect on protecting people against cigarette smoke. Charley works with Dr. Blake in the Biology department. Charley states that the impact of receiving the MARC award has been positive, “because it allows me to have a more stable income and allows me to gain more research experience. The income really helped because I am a single mother going to school to provide a better life for my son.” When asked what the MARC means to her, she says, “MARC means a great deal to me because without it I would not be where I am.” Charley has plans to attend graduate school and includes the fact that for her the grant has geared her towards pursuing a graduate degree. The challenges Charley faces include, “keeping up my GPA because some of my class are just crazy. I know everybody in that class is having a hard time but I never withdrawal from a class, so I am not going to start now.” Charley recommends that her fellow Native American research students pursue opportunities such as MARC, “I really would like to recommend MARC to other Native American because everybody needs money, but it also gives you the research experience and that helps you out a lot. I would have never thought about graduate school if it weren’t for MARC.” Professor and Chair of Chemistry, Dr. Sommerville is also the Director of the MARC U*STAR Program at Fort Lewis College. According to Dr. Sommerville, it prepares Native American, African American, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander students that are majoring in scientific disciplines to pursue their Ph.D.s as well as long-term careers in biomedical or behavioral science research. Dr. Sommerville is FLC alum and says that during his time as a student, (1975-1980) he doesn’t recall a program like MARC. He also adds, “But, the MARC program in a variety of forms, has been on this campus since before I returned as a faculty member in
1991. Dr. Sommerville shares the positive as well as challenging parts as a director of MARC. “The best part of my job is interacting with the MARC and preMARC students. I love watching the students’ progress [as they] mature in their scientific training and preparation for graduate school.” The most challenging part “is ensuring that the faculty mentors to the MARC and pre-MARC students have the resources they need to properly train their students.” When asked why he believes in the program Dr. Sommerville states, “There are many students who come to college not realizing this whole other world of research and intellectual challenge that is out there [as career options] other going into the medical profession. I believe that by providing underrepresented minority students the opportunity to explore and be trained in biomedical and behavioral research it opens a set of doors that most of these students were never aware of prior to coming to FLC.” Dr. Sommerville shared his thoughts on the cur-
Please See “MARC U*Star,” Page 8
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Intertribal News
March 2, 2012
MARC U* Star, Continued from Page Seven -
A story of Navy SEALS is the subject of Act of Valor, which portrays the horrors of war and the heroism of soldiers who defend America. The hard-bitten, emotional film draws audiences into the non-stop action.
Movie Review -
Act of Valor Celebrates MilitaryViolently By Zach Hooper It was a jubilant evening at the Allen 8 Theaters in Farmington, NM, with everyone ready to see the highly anticipated Act of Valor, just released on the big screen, February 24th. The movie started out intensely with Navy Sea Air and Land’s (SEAL) jumping out then freefalling through the skies. As they were falling, one of the most important phrases, read out loud by Navy SEAL Dave, echoed out to the audience: “Being dangerous was sacred.” The Navy SEALs were certainly a force to be reckoned with in Act of Valor. And they had to be in order to rescue CIA agent Lisa Vaughn (Roselyn Sanchez), a hostage in Costa Rica, who had important information of a drug smuggler and a terrorist who are working together to transferring suicide bombers to blow up major cities across the United States. Images of heavy artillery, graphic headshots, explosions, and commitment are just some of the intense elements that attracted the audience, specifically the older and more mature viewers. According to Film Journal International News, what separates this movie from others of the military genre is using “real-life ‘active-duty’ soldiers” as the
main cast instead of high-end actors. But the Film Journal’s review for Act of Valor graded the movie rather harshly because of the “cardboard roles,” or the same old clichés of featuring people in the service like the pain of leaving love ones and sacrifice for comrades and country. However, it is these elements that distinguish people in the service; it is something that we take for granted and sometimes find it hard to relate, so this reviewer found such scenes more than appreciated. Rotten Tomatoes gave a similar review, a 30% rating for “clichéd script, stilted acting, and a jingoistic attitude that ignores the complexities of war.” But the audience gave an 86% “like-it-rating” which might explain Act of Valor reaching top film honors with $24.5 million in sales, according to the Bloomberg Businessweek. If you want action or miss the sound of a minigun blasting away, then go see Act of Valor, still fresh in theaters. A word from the wise: It is not recommended to bring children or the faint-hearted to Act of Valor, as it has gory torture and an early scene of a suicide bomber at a children’s school. Have a safe and relaxing Spring Break and support our troops!
The Center of Southwest Studies is graced by the recent snowfall. Its puebloan-style architecture is the theme for FLC’s buildings across campus.
rent Native American research students and awardees in MARC. “I think we have a very strong group of Native American students in the program and they all have interest and ambitions to go on to graduate school in biomedical and behavioral research. I look forward to watching each student develop as they graduate from FLC, move into graduate school and eventually into a satisfying career.” Dr. Sommerville’s hopes for MARC include the longevity of the program for the next 10-15 years. Their goal is to increase the awardees from four to five and sustain six each year following. “I think this is a very do-able goal for underrepresented minority students in STEM disciplines at FLC. It is a tremendous benefit and opportunity to our talented and high achieving Native American students who think they are interested in biomedical and behavioral research.” The next set of MARC Awardees will be announced on March 2. MARC U Star link: http://www.fortlewis.edu/marc/home.aspx Student Profiles link: http://www.fortlewis.edu/marc/StudentProfiles.aspx Intertribal News link: http://www.fortlewis.edu/directories/AtoZDirectory. aspx
The staff of the Intertribal News wishes everyone a great SPRING BREAK, March 5-9th! Be careful and have a good visit with friends and family.