The Bruin September, 2014 | Kellogg Community College |
i ss u u . c o m / kcc b r u i n
KCC Celebrates community college week
THE BRUIN HAS COMICS! HAND-DRAWN BY A KCC STUDENT
Take a look at the hand drawn adventures of Casey C. and her friend Meg while they do their best to survive community college. They are hilariously relatable so keep your eye out for the story continued in the next editions. - Pg 4
What used to be only a day of merriment has been promoted to a five-day long festivity. Every year the MCCA has organized a day where all of the 28 community colleges in Michigan send faculty/staff and a few students to represent the college up to Lansing. - Pg 4
Students print 3D objects at KCC Using technology in Computer Aided Drafting and Design ANORAH SEITA staff writer
Kellogg Community College is the proud owner of an innovative type of printer, which allows the user to design and print his or her own 3-Dimensional solid object. Although there are several different types of 3D printers, KCC has an FDM, or Fused Deposition Manufacturing, which means that the printer uses high quality thermoplastic materials in order to produce the designs. The printer is located in the Ohm building, with Randy Kopf leading multiple classes that work with this transformative technology. The printer operates in a very complex and precise manner. First, the user makes a 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) file, which is where they design their product, using a program called Solidworks. Then, once the order is sent to the printer, a small tray, or “platen,” slides up to the top of the printer, where the bottom layer of the object will begin forming. The printer makes passes, like an inkjet printer, and deposits layer upon layer of melted plastic to form the design. Each layer is formed by the platen dropping .01 inches (or about the width of a few human hairs), and continuing this until completion. The printer has earned the tongue-in-cheek nickname of “The Easy Bake Oven,” by Kopf and his
International Trip to Cuba JONATHAN HOGAN editor-in-chief
Kellogg Community College professor Michelle Wright will be taking 24 students on an international trip to Cuba to study the history and culture of the island nation off the coast of Florida. The trip will take place from February 13 to February 20. Students will be required to pay a $600 deposit for the trip, followed by a $3050 lab fee that will cover plane tickets, accommodations, transportation fees for travel within Cuba, meals, and other fees for the various locations students will be visiting. These costs do not cover tuition for the class, course materials, or the cost of a passport. There are a 24 seats available for students who are interested in the trip. Since the Cuban Missile Crisis of the 1960s, regular American tourists have been forbidden from visiting
photo by kristen pierce
An image of Mr. Kopf showing off the new 3-D printer along with some examples of some student work.
Cuba by the U.S. government. Educational tours, however, are allowed, giving students a rare opportunity to visit a country that has otherwise been forbidden to American travelers. The trip requires that the visitors use a travel plan that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury, though according to Wright this was not a serious limitation. “[W]e did not have a lot of leeway to customize the tour, but that’s okay because the itinerary is really nicely done.” Because Cuba has remained fairly isolated from the rest of the world it has not been influenced by many of the technological and economic changes of the last half century. Wright listed this as one of the main reasons the country was chosen as a destination, allowing students to see a country that is “locked in time.” As diplomatic tensions cool between the United States and Cuba, there is an increasing chance that the
students, due to the intense level of heat needed to make sure the plastic is soft and can fuse together with the other layers. Making a student’s designs come to life in 3D takes a lot of time and effort, however. It takes many hours to create simple designs, and according to Kopf, the longest build for this particular printer was 52 hours. Additionally, building materials cost $5 per cubic inch, which is why many objects are told to print hollow instead of solid. The printer at KCC is currently used for making mainly novelty items, as students are exploring the range of possibilities that this amazing technology can accomplish. Students are encouraged to stretch the creativity of their minds for the several products they design on their own, including a cellphone holder. However, these printers have the capability to do much more. For instance, recently at Peking University in China, doctors have successfully replaced a section of vertebra in a 12 year old boy with a 3D printed implant. Although 3D printing is a relatively new discovery, KCC has had their printer for about five years, and many people don’t know this technology even exists. To work with the printer first hand, be sure to contact Professor Randy Kopf (kopfr@kellogg.edu) for class opportunities.
U.S. will reopen travel and trade with Cuba, allowing large corporations such as McDonald’s and Wal-Mart to set up and influence the culture. For this reason, Wright is concerned that the unique culture caused by Cuba’s isolation may be lost, making the students traveling this February among
the last to see it uninfluenced. Information meetings will be arranged later this month to provide students the chance to learn more about the trip. To learn more, contact Michelle Wright at wrightm@kellogg.edu or Chris Jakway at jakwayc@kellogg. edu.
An ad for the Cuba Educaitonal Exchange. Come February, students will experience Cuban culture 1st hand.
printed with permission by Explorica
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Campus News
Hitting the Hardwood MARY EMINGTON sports writer
Bump, set, spike it; that’s the way we like it this fall at Kellogg Community College. As summer slowly fades away and turns into fall, volleyball moves from the beach to the gymnasium. Coach Julien and her lady Bruins are ready to start their fall season. Returning to this year’s squad are Tristen Ehredt (Outside Hitter) from Pennfield, MI, Tori Rybinski (Setter) from Pelston, MI, Rebecca Browning (Middle Hitter) from Rockwood, MI, Carmen O’Dell (Defensive Specialist) from Marshall, MI. They bring a year of experience and confidence to the floor. With a young team, the sophomores will need their seasoned skills to push their team forward to victory. Co-Captain Tristen Ehredt stated, “I’ll help motivate my team by being positive, using past experiences from last year, and drawing on their strengths providing guidance throughout the year.”
The Bruins will have eight freshmen join their squad this year: Jessica Martinovich (Defensive Specialist) from Marshall, MI, Hannah Day (Middle) from Pennfield, MI, Hannah Lenz-(Right Side) from Pennfield, MI, Kenya (House-Setter/Defensive Specialist) from St. Louis, MI, Ally Owen (Defensive Specialist) from Hastings, MI, Grace Crawford (Outside Hitter) from Marshall, MI, Kelsey Snowball (Middle) from Battle Creek, MI, Megan Milbrandt (Setter/Defensive Specialist) from Pelston, MI. Coach Amy Julien said, “Our goals are team based. Winning is high on the list, but the development of each and every player on and off the court is what I look for. If you can’t be successful in the classroom then the success on the court can’t happen.” One of those team goals will be to beat Kalamazoo Valley Community College. A longtime rival, the Bruins hope to take down the Cougars. The rivalry match will take place on September 11 at the Miller Building located on
KCC
KELLOGG
celebrates
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Community College Week September 15-19
Monday — CONNECT Cider and donuts, Reflecting Pools, 9:30 - 11 am Tuesday — ENGAGE Volunteer and Civic Engagement Fair Kellogg Room, 11:30 am - 2 pm Wednesday — REMEMBER Constitution Day activities, Kellogg Room and Student Center, 11 am – 1 pm Thursday — MOVE Yoga on the lawn, 9:30 – 10:25 am Fitness challenge, 12 – 1 pm Zumba, 3 - 4 pm All MOVE events at the Reflecting Pools Friday — SERVE Bruins Give Back, Kellogg Room, 11 am - 2 pm
KCC’s campus. All students, staff, and community members are welcome and encouraged to come to the game. All volleyball games are free of charge. Conference play this year will be somewhat different. Numerous coaching changes have been made throughout the league. With new coaches come new styles and different levels of play. In a preseason voting Grand Rapids Community College was favored to
win the conference. The Lady Bruins are working to change the prediction by raising their level of play. Co-Captain Victoria Rybinski is excited for the season, stating, “I am looking forward most to seeing each of my teammates improve as well as the team as a whole. I’m also looking forward to the level competition that we will be facing this season.”
photos by simon thalman
The 2014 KCC volleyball team.
Introducing the Veteran Project HEATHER TRAMEL guest writer
In the past, Veterans’ recognition and functions on campus were planned and carried out by the Healthy Choices Leadership Organization (HCLO). HCLO has been responsible for the planning of the Human Trafficking workshops, substance abuse awareness and Veterans recognition of service. Veterans Day includes a month long celebration and Art Show (November), Veterans Writing Project, and the Memorial Day ceremony (May). Last spring, Ed De’Felio, nursing student and Navy Veteran, wanted to do more. In his words, “The men and women who serve, answer a call that many others chose not to. They often leave their homes and innocence behind them to protect a nation and a way of life in which they believe.” De’Felio is certainly doing more and inspiring others to join this mission, with the support of HCLO and the faculty, the Veterans Project will take over the planning of those events that have been so well received by those of us on campus as well as visitors from the community. The purpose of the new Veteran Project is to serve as a forum for veterans, connect them with educational resources, and promote veteran aware-
ness on campus, foster interest in veteran issues, planning ceremonies and events. They are a diverse group that is committed to working with staff, students, faculty, and administrators to support the development and implementation of policies that promote and maintain a “veteran friendly” environment. And if that wasn’t enough, they began fundraising last spring, in order to establish a scholarship fund that is intended to help overcome some of the financial challenges some veterans face while attending classes. Less than 1% of the US population serves in the military, but over 200 veterans are currently enrolled at KCC. Monthly Meet and Greets are hosted on campus; all veterans are welcome to stop by to visit; refreshments are served. The members of the Veterans Project feel it is important to meet in casual settings and develop new friendships, network and in general support one another. Upcoming events and opportunities to be involved are described in a monthly newsletter sent via KCC email to students who have identified as prior service or currently serving in the military. This is a great way to serve our community and support each other, all veterans are welcome to join. TJ Mohl is the faculty adviser for both student groups.
Do you still like to play with Legos All events are FREE and open to students, KCC employees and the public.
?
Maybe CADD is for you! Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology
Need info? Contact Doug Mann 269-565-7920 mannd@kellogg.edu
KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Feature
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Reaching Out: Lessons From Tecate, Mexico HANNAH WILSON guest writer
When we hear the word “community,” we often think of a group of buildings in a city or a suburb. What we do not think of is the true and untold definition. The true definition of community, in my opinion, is “a group of people working together for a common goal.” As a student at Kellogg Community College in Albion and member of Westwinds Community Church, I had already learned that the living situation for many people in the world is not as privileged as it is for most people in Michigan. I believed that by taking part in a recent construction project in Mexico, I would be serving others who were less fortunate, but I discovered that our view of community changes when we understand how other communities work and what they value. In July, I was one of four people from Westwinds, along with about 90 people from across the United States, who traveled down to Tecate, Mexico. Our Mission Trip was sponsored by Club Rust, which constructs houses for families living in Northern Mexico. While Club Rust describes itself as “a Christ-centered group of men and women,” anyone who “has a good attitude” is welcome to participate in their work. Our group was divided into teams to build four houses and latrines, in keeping with Club Rust’s philosophy that “A decent home for a family is one part of the process of alleviating long term poverty.” I discovered that our view of community changes when we understand how other communities work and what they value.
The Michigan group I worked with built a house for a family only made $85 a week. To put this into perspective, even as a college student, I can make $85 a day where I work. This household also has 3 kids to support. There were 17 people building this particular house, with the parents and the kids even helping out too. Where we live in Michigan, most children feel entitled to many things, such as smartphones and iPads. The children helping us were so happy to be painting wooden boards that they were just as amused as kids here would be with phones. In our area, we are blessed with indoor plumbing in our homes, which we take for granted, but the people we served have to walk outside, in the blistering heat sometimes, to use outhouses. It is quite obvious that the quality of life is different there, and for the most part, even the highest standard of living in Tecate is about equal to lowest standard in our part of Michigan. Although the status of living is lower there than it is here, I learned that the happiness level of the people we met is higher than that of ours. They appreciate the important things that here in Michigan we undervalue. While we went down there to help them, they also helped us; they helped us realize to have joy in everyday life and relationships, and they taught us that life is too short to base our satisfaction on how many material objects we acquire. Also, while we were down there, the people showed us that family is the greatest gift of all. The 95 people who traveled down to Tecate had a sense of community that meant we came together for a short-term purpose, built
Grahl turns 20
a house, and then went home. While we were in Tecate, we learned about the true meaning of community -- we learned that communities stick together and help one another over a long period of time. I personally went down there believing that we were going to build some houses, work ourselves to exhaustion, eat bad food, and then return to our normal lives in Michigan. I have never been more wrong in my life. We went down there, worked for an amazing cause, ate great food, made unforgettable bonds, and cried when we had to say goodbye. We did not just build houses, we helped develop a community, but the families we served helped us too. I would not change the way that I live now, and I cannot be happier to know that I helped rebuild their lives in Tecate. I could not be more proud to say that I was a part of a community that helped rebuild another community in need. At the same time, I am grateful to my new friends for giving me a deeper appreciation for what is really important in life and a greater vision of what makes a community strong. To have an experience like this mission trip has taught me an unforgettable lesson. To go down to Tecate with minor expectations and to come back with a whole new outlook on life has been truly amazing for me. I understand what a great life we live compared to the people we served in terms of material possessions, but how happy they are with less than we have has made me see beyond my own materialism. The trip was a lesson for every person that was involved. Regardless, I also recognize the importance of ma-
terial goods in raising the quality of life for struggling families. I can only hope that the impact we made by providing houses will be just the stepping stone for other improvements in the future. For me, the true value of this mission project is that all of us were able to give as well as receive as we came together in community. For more information about the work of Club Rust, visit http://www. clubrust.com/index.htm
Volunteers work to build homes in Tecate
Ferguson and the ‘do-whatever I want’ badge JONATHAN HOGAN
It concerns me that I am seeing more police officers who act as if the public they protect are the enemies. It concerns me that these same officers are stockpiling military weapons and equipment for use in small towns across America. It concerns me that over the last month I have seen images on the news that previously I had only seen in history books about the Civil Rights Movement. It concerns me that a couple of journalists were arrested in a McDonald’s for doing their jobs and that we’re supposed to believe it was anything but retaliation for unfavorable press coverage. It concerns me that instead of being remorseful for Brown’s murder the Ferguson police have tried to smear him. It concerns me that other St. Louis officers have gone on twitter calling the protesters ‘rabid dogs’ and joked about killing them. It concerns me that so many law enforcement officers across this country, from local patrol cops to FBI and CIA agents, seem to think that their badge gives them the right to do whatever they want and get away with it. Most of all, it concerns me that there are many good officers in this country who are now saddled with the reputation these other officers have created. The tension in Ferguson may be declining, but it’s important that the discussion continue.
JESSIE SCHNEIDER
editor-in-chief
assistant editor
As I have watched the events in Ferguson unfold, my mind keeps going back to the otherwise irrelevant Transformers movie. Specifically, I’m reminded of a scene where one of the characters, attempting to establish his authority, pulls out his badge and says, “You see this? This is my ‘do-whatever-I-want-andget-away-with-it’ badge.” It is unfortunate that so many officers feel the same way about their badge. I can understand that accidents sometimes happen and sometimes even people given a lot of responsibility can make mistakes. I have nothing against police officers as a whole. And yet, as I find it harder and harder to fathom how anyone could sympathize with the Ferguson police. Once again, an unarmed black man has been shot by a white officer who is justifying it by saying Mike Brown was a suspect in a recent shoplifting, a crime that apparently carries the death penalty without a fair trial. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the initial response to the protests was about as overblown as it could be. Granted, many of these protesters have been more interested in using the chaos as an excuse to loot, or worse attacking police with bottles and Molotov cocktails, but before Ron Johnson took over, the police seemed more concerned with peaceful protesters and journalists. I’m not sure how Ferguson 572 Limewood Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49017 police thought their crackdown would look to the rest of the country, but from the outside it looks like they were less 5 minutes from KCC worried about maintaining order and Pet Friendly protecting the people than about sendShort Term Lease Available ing a message reminding the protesters Studio and 1 bedroom apts starting who’s in charge, as if they thought a at $390.00 limited response would be an admission of wrongdoing on their part.
At 125 Seeley St. in Coldwater education is currently blossoming and has been for the past 20 years. In the fall of 1994 the doors to a building that now contains nine standard classrooms, two computer labs, one science lab prep room, one Allied Health classroom and a student lounge opened. This building is an extension of Kellogg Community College, called the Grahl Center. It was named in honor of Dr. Freidrich Grahl, who originally donated all of the furnishings for the building. This gentleman was an accomplished Coldwater industrialist and retired German educator. Mark O’Connell served as the first director but it is now run by Roberta Gagnon, who oversees the nearly 700 students that enroll in courses each semester at the campus. An anniversary celebration to recognize how far they have come is taking place on Sept. 18 from 4:30-7pm at the Grahl Center. There will be plenty going on to see and much to learn about their history.
photos by hannah wilson
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Campus News
Service-Learning Opportunities in KCC’s Backyard
KERRY KORPELA guest writer
The service-learning department has been busy this summer with a myriad of plans and activities. For KCC’s campus, perhaps the most notable is the YES-KCC Community Garden. The garden took shape this April with Joseph Marah spearheading the project after attending an international conference. Several other service-learning students became involved in the garden, and completed projects. One helped educate elementary kids on the benefits and importance of community gardens; another dedicated time to maintaining the garden and providing for its sustainability. Lunch and Learns hosted by the service-learning office were held for the first time this summer. Faculty, staff, students, and the public were invited to bring their lunches and sit in on presentations about important topics. The topics at the July and August Lunch and Learns were Gardening and International Gardening. At the first, the service-learning students who under-
took projects related to the community garden presented the findings and results of their projects. Joseph Marah, Jenny Gillespie, and Kerry Korpela all presented important information about the importance of communities and gardening in them. The second Lunch and Learn in August featured Mr. Jordan Blekking, KCC alumnus and Peace Corp member, and Kelly Frost, LRC Librarian. Blekking shared his fascinating and important experiences gardening in Zambia during his time with the Peace Corp. Frost detailed the resources and information available to KCC members and the public to start a garden of their own. Both Lunch and Learns ended with a tour of the actual garden and time to answer questions. The garden has been incredibly successful, bringing together students, faculty, and staff from many different departments of KCC to build and maintain it. The garden is located behind the library. It has also produced over 70 pounds of green beans, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and peppers, all of which have been donated to the
Volunteers check to see how the garden is doing.
Haven of Rest’s kitchen. Support from members of KCC is welcome and needed in the coming months. After the final harvest in October, the garden will be winterized and a greenhouse will be erected to continue growing all year round. Visit us in the service-learning office in Severin to learn more or email servicelearning@kellogg.edu.
Are You Serious?!
photos by simon thalman
Students and staff pose after a hard day’s work.
A Week of Involvement What used to be only a day of merriment has been promoted to a five-day long festival. Every year the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) has organized a day where all of the 28 community colleges in Michigan send faculty/staff and a few students to represent the college up to Lansing for the celebration. But this year, Community College Day is trying out something new: Community College Week! Now community colleges all over Michigan will be locally throwing shindigs on their own campuses to recognize the critical part that they play in the lives of the students who attend but also in the communities that are served across the state. Some are only doing a couple days during the week but luckily for KCC students, this campus has multiple ways to connect, engage, remember, move, and serve all week long. It is taking place September 15-19. All students, alumni and KCC community partners are welcome to partake. Monday, Sept. 15, starts out with connecting. People are encouraged to stop in from 9:30-11am to have cider and doughnuts with Dr. Dennis Bona, President of KCC, in hopes to put faces and personalities to all the names. A luncheon with KCC’s community partners is also available for another fun networking opportunity. On the next day, Tuesday, Sept. 16, students and public alike are encouraged to become engaged in the community. From 11:30-2pm, the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Fair will have
tables set up where nonprofit organizations from across the region are looking to recruit people. This is a great opportunity to get service-learning in, which is required with most degrees at KCC. Also in the Bookstore, there will be giveaways to celebrate “National Student Day.” For Wednesday Sept. 17, everyone is called to remember. Between 11 and 1pm Judge John Hallacy will be giving a Constitution Day speech with pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution handed out to anyone who attends. It will be a great time to remember how far we have come as American citizens and realize how thankful we can be about the opportunities and freedoms we have. This event will be located in the Student Center commons. Students and staff might want to start stretching now because on Thursday, Sept. 18, KCC will be up and moving. There will be yoga classes, a variety of fitness competitions and Zumba to get your heart racing. People can stop on by for five minutes or stay the whole time. These events will be held by the reflecting pools at the North Avenue Campus. Also going on the 18th is the Grahl Center’s 20th anniversary celebration which can be read about on page 3. For Friday, Sept. 19, KCC students are given a huge chance to serve the community they live in through the Bruins Give Back program. For those who missed the many opportunities to volunteer throughout the summer, right now is a great occasion to get back into the habit of serving while celebrating the effectiveness of community colleges across Michigan.
KCC CENTER WELCOME EVENTS
Grahl Center Thursday September 18, 4:30-6 pm Fehsenfeld Center Tuesday September 23, 4:30-6 pm Eastern Academic Center Wednesday September 24, 4:30-6 pm RMTC Thursday September 25, 11:30-1 pm
JESSIE SCHNEIDER assistant editor
Welcome Back, Students!
BRUIN Staff Editor-in-Chief
Johnathan Hogan Assistant Editor
Jessie Schneider Editorial Policy
Graphics Editors
Alayna Nail Kristen Pierce Sports Editor
Mary Emington
Staff Writers
Anarah Seita Bobby Psalmonds Dorothy Mason
Advisors
Thomas Webster Penny Rose Terah Zaremba
The KCC Bruin is a free student publication produced monthly by Kellogg Community College students during the fall and spring semesters. The KCC Bruin welcomes letters to the editor from members of the College and the community. Letters must be signed and submitted with a current telephone number or email address. All letters become property of the Bruin and may be edited for clarity and length. By-lined opinion columns represent the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bruin staff or the College. Letters may be submitted by mail to: KCC Bruin student newspaper, c/o Kellogg Community College, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017. Letters may also be submitted at all three KCC sites. At the Battle Creek site, letters may be dropped off in the English Department on the 4th floor of the C Building; the College Life Office in the Student Center; or the student newspaper office. At the Grahl and Fehsenfeld Centers, letters may be submitted at the information desks. The Bruin office is located in room 302 of the Roll Building. The staff can be reached at (269) 965-3931, Ext. 2630 or e-mail the Bruin editor at bruin@kellogg.edu