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Sophomore forward Gavin Schilling standing out for MSU Schilling’s ability to dunk and rebound has helped the Spartans pull out tough wins, and though he still has room for improvement, Izzo has praised his efforts. See page 10
Humans of east lansing
Sophomore forward Gavin Schilling attempts a point over Indiana forward Emmitt Holt Jan. 5, during the game against Indiana at Breslin Center. photo: erin hampton
Get a glimpse into the lives of four people in this city with the debut of our new feature inspired by the popular series. See pages 6-7 f riday, JA N UARY 2 3, 2 015
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Contents inside
22 da i ly N u m b e r
Scholarship set up for deceased sophomore Morgan McGregor
ASMSU postpones country concert until next academic year
Get to know alumnus Curtis Hertel Jr., newly elected state senator
Page 4
Page 5
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Ranking of MSU recruit Felton Davis among all pass catchers in the 2015 class. Read more on page 12.
“I’m excited to see how I have to take my big, theatrical style of acting and tone it down for the film while still keeping the same intensity and intentions that I have.” Read more about the department of theatre’s theatre2film project on page 9
Marley Boone, theatre senior
One MSU student started Michigan’s first bubble soccer league. Read more on page 9. photo courtesy: Kevin Synowic
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Editor-in-chief Celeste Bott managing editor Anya Rath BREAKING NEWS EDITOR Simon Schuster TRENDS AND ISSUES EDITOR Olivia Dimmer SPORTS EDITOR Geoff Preston FEATURES EDITOR Casey Holland PHOTO EDITOR Erin Hampton COPY CHIEF Elena Cronick OPINION EDITOR Greg Monahan Copyright © 2014 State News Inc., East Lansing, Mich.
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Police brief: Lansing resident facing charges of armed robbery and more Lansing resident Brandon Deval McLittle is facing charges of armed robbery causing serious injury, unlawful imprisonment, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery dating back to Dec. 9, according to a statement from MSU Police. The charges stem from an incident last December in which two men entered the cab he was driving and robbed the passenger. McLittle was previously interviewed by police saying that two men entered his cab while he was stopped in a parking lot after having been given wrong directions. The first man put a gun to his head and told him to drive while a second
suspect assaulted and robbed his backseat passenger. MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said that the case was still under investigation and could not give more information at this time. She did not say how police connected McLittle to the robbery of his own cab. McLittle was arrested Wednesday and is being held at the Ingham County Jail without bond. His pre-trial appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 30 and his preliminary examination is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 5. The two suspects originally sought after by police are still at large. — Cameron macko
Opinion Sloppy salting, shoveling of sidewalks a liability for MSU
Greg Monahan Opinion editor opinion@statenews.com @thesnewsopinion
How to handle seasonal affective disorder With winter weather in full swing, coping with seasonal depression can be a day-to-day struggle. Find out more about counseling and sun lamp resources to help ease discomfort
By Joseph Friess-Peters jpeters@statenews.com
Any returning student will tell you that this year’s weather is starting out much tamer than last year. After all, it is nice knowing that we can go outside longer than 10 minutes and not get frostbite. However, there are still perils we face now, namely black ice. Black ice is not as obvious as freezing temperatures, but that is exactly why it is such a problem. With warmer weather, the snow banks begin to melt and flow onto the sidewalks and trails around campus. Once the sun sets, these small pools of water freeze. The result is an extremely slick ice that is virtually invisible. I had the joy of experiencing this Sunday on the River Trail by Farm Lane. Originally I brushed it off as dumb luck and went on my way, but the more I walked around the more I started to think otherwise. Kalamazoo and Bogue streets, Harrison Road and Shaw Lane had sidewalks that were just as bad. I had to wonder why there wasn’t a better effort to keep the sidewalks safer for students. When I got up Tuesday morning to head to class I was relieved to see that the sidewalks were freshly plowed. Clearly there is some effort to keep the sidewalks and trails safe, but the issue was the same. There was still ice everywhere. This is such an easy problem to solve; all it would take is some extra salt to melt the ice. Additionally, the salt would make it much harder for any water on the ground from freezing into new ice. With such an easy fix I can’t help but wonder why laying down salt isn’t as big of a concern as plowing snow. Let’s be honest, the university isn’t plowing sidewalks as a favor to anyone. MSU has no problem making students brave the elements. If MSU will risk students losing appendages rather than issue a snow day, then it has no problem with students’ feet getting wet and cold. The only logical explanation is that MSU doesn’t want injuries to occur that could lead to lawsuits. However, if that is the case, why not lay down the salt and make everything that much safer? This seems like cutting corners, and while I assume it saves a good amount of money I do not think it is worth it. After all, is public safety really going to be the part of the budget that doesn’t make the cut? Even though my slip only caused a bruise to my pride, I don’t doubt others have encountered worse. I care about my university; I just wish it did a better job of showing it cared about me and other students.
By Jessica Sattler jsattler@statenews.com
If you ever feel like you have the “winter blues,” you’re not alone. Seasonal affective disorder, otherwise known ironically by its acronym SAD, can be a real problem during Michigan winters. As the days shorten and the sun hides behind an overcast sky, it’s easy to feel tired and, yes, even sad as the winter drags on. Symptoms of SAD, as outlined by Mayo Clinic, include feelings of heaviness, low mood, oversleeping, and irritability. For many, these symptoms feel like an inevitable part of winter. But it doesn’t have to be. A number of remedies for SAD have been suggested by medical professionals, including vitamin D supplements and even antidepressants. While these methods can be helpful, there is another option that is less invasive and easier to use: sun lamps.
Sun lamps, or light therapy lamps, are used to treat SAD and other mood disorders. They work by mimicking natural daylight via production of full-spectrum light, while still blocking harmful UV rays. The lamps can be used for as little as 15 minutes to attain the benefits they offer, depending on how intense the light is. Though many stores offer light therapy lamps, the cheapest models on the market range average about $35, which can make it difficult for some shoestring-budgeted college students to get one of their own. Additionally, the majority of these cheap lamps are of lower intensity light than $100 models, which means it takes much longer exposure for any benefit to be gained from them or they may not be useful at all. Many universities are now offering light therapy resources for their students. Several Big Ten schools, including the University of Michigan and Ohio State, fall into this category. Even the smaller universities are making the effort to keep their students happy. Last fall, Northern Michigan University installed sun lamps in their library after offering them in their counseling office, allowing for greater student access. MSU, too, offers sun lamps for stu-
dents to use. However, this is not a widely known fact. While information has recently been posted in residence halls about seasonal affective disorder and the aid light therapy offers, there is not a single mention of the resource on the MSU Counseling Center’s website. It seems the only way to get information about it is to call the center and ask specifically for it, which is difficult for students to do when they don’t even know that the resource exists. In the midst of yet another Michigan winter, it’s worth wondering why MSU hasn’t stepped up to the plate and brought this resource to the attention of the greater student body. We are an incredibly diverse campus, full of students who may have never even seen a snowflake before. It’s only natural for those students to feel a bit run down as they struggle to acclimate to the new climate, and native Michigan students only fare better because we know what to expect. After all, approximately 5 percent of the US population suffers from SAD, and even more experience lesser depressive symptoms during the winter months, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Light therapy offers a brighter future for many students, so why not make it common knowledge?
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News
Despite relatively low potency, flu shot still best way to curb sickness While many students opt out of getting the flu vaccine, MSU experts still maintain the shot is the best way to prevent sick days Forehead: If you're
Head: Watch for any
running a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you could have the flu
severe headache symptoms
Nose: A runny or
stuffy nose might just be a cold, but could also indicate something more serious
Throat/neck: A sore throat could indicate a flu
Stomach/Intestines:
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea are common flu symptoms
Infographic: danyelle morrow
Crossroad Food Court
By Meagan Beck mbeck@statenews.com
Many strains of the flu virus going around this season are not the same as those covered by the influenza vaccine, but receiving the shot is still important as flu season comes to its peak, MSU health officials said. Kathi Braunlich, marketing and communications manager for Student Health Services, said flu season usually peaks around this time and can last into April – making now as good a time as any to be vaccinated. This year, Braunlich said one of the strains mutated, which has caused the vaccine to be less effective. Marketing freshman Chelsea Hayse said she chose to not get the shot because of the chance of contracting a strain of the flu not covered by the vaccine. “My parents didn’t want the same thing to happen, where everyone got the shot and it was the wrong kind of shot injected in you,” Hayse said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated receiving the flu vaccine this season will reduce a person’s chance of having to see a doctor because of the flu by 23 percent. Despite reduced effectiveness, still receiving the shot can prevent infection of a different flu strain. “Even though the vaccine has a reduced impact against that (mutated) virus, it can provide protection against other strains of flu that may circulate this spring,” Braunlich said. No preference freshman Hayley Roukin received the flu shot this year but said she normally does not. “My mom is against putting more chemicals in your body,” Roukin said. While some international students might come from a place where only high-risk populations receive the shot, Braunlich said being vacci-
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RITE AID PHARMACY Free flu vaccination covered by most insurance. $31.99 with no insurance. No appointed needed. CVS PHARMACY No-cost flu vaccination with most insurance. $31.99 with no insurance. No appointment needed. OLIN HEALTH CENTER Olin bills for the vaccine and administration of the vaccine. Students will be billed for any amount that is not covered by their insurance. Students without insurance can get a free vaccine at Olin through a grant from the Alana’s Foundation. “(Students) just have to let the nurse know they don’t have insurance,” Braunlich said.
Parents of late Morgan McGregor start scholarship fund for greek community By Andrew Moser
IN EAT AT STATE BUCKS! TWO CHANCES TO WIN!
nated is recommended for anyone older than 6 months of age in the U.S. and Canada. “The important thing for students to know is that colds and flu are very common and spread quickly on the MSU campus,” Braunlich said. “While a cold is a nuisance, the flu will likely keep a student out of school for a few days and can even result in hospitalization for young, usually healthy people.” The CDC reported there are no shortages of the vaccine at this time. If a student has the flu, Braunlich said he or she is likely to recover more quickly by resting in bed and avoiding other people. “Neither colds or flu will benefit from antibiotics, so the best bet is to treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications for fever, cough, congestion or headache,” Braunlich said. While the flu vaccine can be administered to students in Olin Health Center, other area health stores offer vaccinations at a relatively low cost.
Renee and Michael McGregor are still dedicated to helping the MSU community after their daughter passed away last fall. Accounting senior Morgan McGregor passed away suddenly on Sept. 27, while she was celebrating at a homecoming tailgate with her friends. Around 4 p.m., McGregor went upstairs and experienced a sudden cardiac event. No harsh environmental changes were involved in her death, nor were alcohol or drugs. Morgan McGregor had a pacemaker and previous heart problems, but her sudden death was inexplicable. “We believe she passed quickly, without pain, suffering or fear. She is missed by so many and always will be,” the McGregors said in an email. Her parents did not receive the exact information regarding McGregor’s death from medical officials until after Thanksgiving, two months after she passed away.
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Renee and Michael McGregor helped organize many memorial services with Morgan’s sorority, Pi Beta Phi and have set up two scholarship funds in her name. The “Morgan McGregor Endowed Memorial Scholarship” was established by the McGregors and the Pi Beta Phi sorority. It is an annual scholarship geared toward helping members of the greek community. Students will be able to apply for the scholarship beginning in the spring of 2016 for award and use during the 2016 fall term. A supplemental scholarship has also been set up by McGregor’s parents, as a one-time award for the fall 2015 term. It was designed to bridge the time before the memorial scholarship took effect and geared toward the Pi Beta Phi community. “We wanted to make sure someone who knew Morgan will get that scholarship,” Michael McGregor, Morgan McGregor’s father, said. Morgan will be granted a posthumous bachelor’s degree from the Eli Broad College of Business at MSU commencement in May, which her parents will accept.
Olivia Dimmer and Simon Schuster Trends and issues editor Breaking news editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews
ASMSU scraps plans to organize concert for spring semester Although talks of bringing a notable artist to campus — particularly a country performer — had been circulating for some time, ASMSU officials called off plans to organize the event, citing too little time left in the school year and leaving the allotted $100,000 unused. By Ray Wilbur rwilbur@statenews.com
ASMSU, MSU’s undergraduate student government, has postponed the planned February country concert until next academic year. The announcement came at ASMSU’s first meeting last Thursday and alternative concert plans for this academic year are not viable because of the time it takes to plan and execute such a concert. “The process of planning and hosting a concert from start to finish typically takes about five months,” ASMSU Director of Public Relations Ava Jacobs said. “If ASMSU were to open a new discussion, explore new options and pass a new bill today, we would not realistically be able to bring the concert to campus until at least June.” Reasons for postponing the concert until next year include “limited talent availability … and time constraints,” Jacobs said. Aside from limited availability of talent and performers, new ASMSU elections in April and the subsequent leadership change in May poses time constraints for ASMSU to plan and host a new concert this year. “Given the leadership transitions occurring in May, and the fact that many of our constituents would not be in town, hold-
ing a concert would not be a wise option for this academic year,” ASMSU President James Conwell said. The concert was originally created to enhance relations with students and reinforce ASMSU’s name on campus, but the unfortunate postponement has left anxious students displeased and confused as to why the concert can’t happen. “It sucks, they planned so long for it and now it’s canceled,” professional writing sophomore Taylor Downs said. It was not the first concert at MSU to be canceled this academic year, either. Wiz Khalifa was planned to be at the Breslin Center on Sept. 13, but because of safety concerns stemming from a shooting at one of the artist’s previous concerts, officials decided to cancel the event. The $100,000 allocated to special projects for hosting the concert will remain in the special project’s account where it will be available for general assembly representatives to invest in other student events or projects. Although the concert will not occur this academic year, ASMSU plans to resume discussion on the topic when representatives return in September next year. “ASMSU’s future leadership will be provided with all of the feedback and information we have in order to discuss the possibility of having a concert next
Rapper Macklemore points to DJ Ryan Lewis during a set on March 19, 2013. The Macklemore and Ryan Lewis concert was presented to students by ASMSU. State news file photo
year,” Conwell said. The postponement of the concert isn’t taken lightly by members of ASMSU who emphasize the importance of having a strong relationship with their
constituent students. ASMSU’s No. 1 priority is still representing students and ensuring they are serving them as best they can, Conwell said. “Our goal at ASMSU for the
concert is to ensure that our actions accurately reflect the will of the student body,” he said. “We do not believe, at this time, that a concert is the best way for ASMSU to serve students.”
There is now currently $100,000 waiting to be used at ASMSU, which means if students have a better idea on how to spend that money, ASMSU is listening.
Study abroad: many participate, but not most While the number of students participating in study abroad programs at MSU is comparatively high, the percentage of students choosing to go abroad is not, leading to inconsistent performance on various rankings By Katie Winkler kwinkler@statenews.com
While MSU’s ranking in the Institute for International Education’s Open Doors report has slipped in the last two years from second to fifth, the number of students engaged in study abroad programs has remained high, with more than 2,500 involved. But in a new ranking by BestCollegeReviews.org, MSU programs did not make the cut for the top 50 programs in America. Best College Reviews chose colleges and universities based on “limited program enrollment, ensuring an intimate experience while abroad, length of at least one semester, faculty involvement during program and dedicated universi-
ty specific international location, not simply an enrollment at an international university.” Communications manager for MSU’s Office of Study Abroad at MSU Cheryl Benner, said the criteria does not fit the type of programs MSU offers. Most of MSU’s semester-long programs are direct enrollment or exchange programs where students enroll at an international institution to take classes with local students, she said. Programs like the Emerson College’s studying in the Netherlands made Best College Review’s list for hosting their students in a 14th century medieval castle. Emerson makes the program an intimate experience by sending only 85 randomly selected students each semester.
While MSU ranks fifth for IIE Open Doors for the more than 2,500 students they send abroad each year, that only amounts to about 25% of the 2013 graduating class that participated before they left MSU. MSU appears high on some study abroad lists and low on others, depending on the way the numbers are shown. U.S. News and World Report Education ranked 102 college and universities by the highest percentage of students studying abroad in America, ranging from 10030 percent. MSU did not make the list. Yet in another list, also by the U.S. News and World Report, MSU appears in an unordered list of universities with “stellar examples of study abroad programs,” because the list was F ri day, JA NUARY 2 3, 2 01 5
composed by inviting “college presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students and deans of admissions from more than 1,500 schools to nominate up to 10 institutions.” Kinesiology senior Shaina Lewinski enjoyed her experiences abroad during her freshman seminar in Ireland and a separate trip studying World War II in Scotland and England. “In my opinion we have a really great structure here. It’s an experience that you won’t get anywhere else,” Lewinski said. “It really opens your eyes to being able to see how we are different than other people — we are kind of sheltered where we live. We don’t really understand how other people live. (Studying abroad) really humbles you and makes you a better person.” Th e Stat e N e ws
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Humans of Inspired by the popular series Humans of New York, The State News is launching a weekly feature looking into the lives of the people living and working in the East Lansing area. Today, Humans of East Lansing debuts, featuring four individuals with their own unique stories on how — and why — they find themselves on the banks of the Red Cedar.
CHIEH WEI CHEN Graduate student Fact: Because she’s from Taiwan, Chieh Wei Chen has never before seen more than an inch of snow
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By Greg Monahan Photos: Kelsey Feldpausch and allyson telgenhof
“This is my boyfriend, he just accompanied me here and he goes back to Taiwan tomorrow to work. The snow is very new to us, because we are from (a) tropical country. It only snows in high mountains, and only a little bit of snow. And the whole news would broadcast about that little piece of snow. I had seen snow in Korea, but not like this. It’s cold, I feel like I lost my nose! He was really excited when he saw so much snow. Now, when we see the flat snow, I think it’s just instinct — we want to step on it and ruin it. I don’t know why, it looks beautiful right now but we just want to step on it!”
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East Lansing
Marissa Mott Studio Art junior Fact: Wants to be an illustrator, but MSU does not offer the right program, so for now specializes in painting and graphic design
“I used to be in the James Madison College, but I left that after a year. It’s ... uncertain being an art major, but I’ll figure it out. Really I want to move to ... Northern Michigan or the U.P. area and be an in-house illustrator somewhere. And I could live up there and do my gardening and grow vegetables and make art, then that would be amazing.”
BART DIJKMAN Working in East Lansing | Fact: Sold a $10 million company in Amsterdam to move to the United States
JEREMY PLESCO MSU Alumnus Fact: Earned a degree in microbiology and molecular genetics
“I attended MSU as a freshman in 1999. I got a degree in microbiology and molecular genetics, and then another degree in human biology. But it ended up being that I just decided that I wanted to make my hobby my job — so I bought a game store.”
“When I was twenty, I went to the university at Rotterdam and studied economics. But I kind of got lonely and started gambling. After I gambled all my money away, I got three jobs, made too much money and I made a ten-week round-trip in the United States in 1987. I went everywhere. Made a whole circle with a little Dodge Ram with camping equipment on the roof. We went to a lot of state parks, but in the cities we stayed in raggedy hotels. I did it when I was the perfect age for the American drinking age — I was 21 years old when I made that trip. That’s how I fell in love with the United States. The hardest decision — so far — that I’ve had to make was what made me move here. My wife told me that she wanted to move here without me, but with the kids. At that time, I had a $10 million company in Amsterdam. I had to make the decision to sell the company, or get rid of my wife. I decided to sell the company, obviously.”
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Crossword
L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
News
Hertel looks toward first Senate term MSU alumnus Curtis Hertel Jr. has ambitious priorities for his first term in the state Senate, placing an emphasis on college funding and equal rights By Sergio Martínez-Beltrán smartinez@statenews.com
Across
1 “Mad Men” productions 4 Bark elicitor 9 Lax 13 Force (open) 14 Close-fitting dress 15 Powerful dept.? 16 Striking painting of paddles, net and ball? 19 Uber 20 Facebook button 21 Truncation abbr. 22 Austin of “Knot’s Landing” 23 Extraordinary northern bird? 26 Statistician’s challenge 28 Plot component 29 “__ thoughts?” 30 Reasonable 32 Purim heroine 34 Mythological figure who touched 16-, 23-, 46- and 55-Across? 36 Available 39 Anthony Hopkins’ “Thor” role 40 Channel for old films 43 Noodle 44 “I’m not kidding!” 46 Alaskan insects? 51 Chief Justice Warren 52 Subjects of some conspiracy theories 53 Specks on cartes
54 Enthralled 55 Overdevelop a high plain? 60 It may be cautionary 61 “I shall be late!” speaker of fiction 62 Letter director 63 Narrow opening 64 Indo-__ languages 65 Nixon has two
Down
1 Angry Birds, e.g. 2 “Happy Days” setting 3 Cooperative action 4 “Dexter” airer, for short 5 Write 6 Scout rank 7 Top story 8 Uniform material 9 Sprinkling on French fries? 10 Free sample limitation 11 Top story 12 Cab driver? 14 One of a pair of Mad adversaries 17 Off the __ 18 Arthur of “The Golden Girls” 22 Sched. uncertainty 23 Witness __ 24 Sharp feeling 25 Rowing beneficiaries, for short
27 Z-zebra link 31 Dashboard Confessional’s genre 32 Changes, in a way 33 Without 34 Rosebud’s owner 35 “Cool, man!” 36 Things 37 __ color 38 Fictional pilot with the iconic line, “Laugh it up, fuzzball” 40 Circus staple 41 Sun block 42 “The Producers” screenwriter Brooks 45 Milk dispenser 47 Help 48 Uber 49 “The View” alum Joy 50 Milk carton words 54 Snitch 56 18th Amendment opposer 57 Cops’ org. 58 Harvard grad Jeremy who’s now a Laker 59 Rises
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The office of state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr., D-East Lansing, has a panoramic photo of Breslin Center and a front page of the men’s basketball NCAA Championship in 2000 — the year Hertel graduated from MSU. Hertel, a James Madison College alumnus, now has a big responsibility as he represents the MSU community in the state Senate. The senator is a member of the Senate’s Higher Education subcommittee for appropriations, the panel that helps determine the funding MSU receives from the state. One of his priorities, he said, is to work for an affordable higher education and minimize student debt. “The (student) debt affects our entire economy,” Hertel said. “We are not growing like we should.” Hertel said having students with such debt is creating an exodus from the state. “Michigan is losing graduates at an alarming rate,” Hertel said. According to an article published in Forbes Magazine, Michigan has the third largest exodus of people in the nation, just behind Illinois and New York. Hertel also recognized he would face difficulties as a member of the minority party in the Senate’s Higher Education subcommittee. “We are committed to fight for higher education,” Hertel said. “We need to fund our universities better.” However, funding for higher education this year might
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State Senator for the 23rd District in Michigan Curtis Hertel Jr. poses for a photo Tuesday at the State of the State Address at the Capitol in Lansing, Michigan. PHOTO: Emily Nagle
be in jeopardy with $532 million less revenue estimated for the 2016 fiscal budget, because of $224 million worth of tax credits cashed by an unidentified business in December. Hertel also said he would work to achieve equality for women in the workplace and to eradicate discrimination in the state. “Michigan is still a place where women make 72 cents (for every dollar that) a man does for the same job, and that’s not right,” Hertel said. “I look at these issues not as women’s issues but as family issues.” T he e x pa nded ver sion of t he Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act will be reintroduced in this session, Her-
tel said. The act failed to pass in the last lame duck session. “It will be reintroduced,” Hertel said. “I know that because I’ve had discussions.” Hertel comes from a political family. His father, Curtis Hertel Sr., was a state representative. One of his uncles, Dennis Hertel, served in Congress while another uncle, John Hertel, served as a state senator. Hertel said he was inspired by the way his relatives served the state. “People have a lot of mistrust in the government,” Hertel said. “I truly believe Michigan can change.”
Features
Casey Holland Features editor features@statenews.com @sn_features
Theatre2Film Project to bring student work from stage to screen By Lauren Owings lowings@statenews.com
This semester, the MSU Department of Theatre is working on a production called the Theatre2Film Project. This project involves a script written and acted out entirely by students, and it will be produced first as a play and then as a film. On Wednesday at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, the actors performed a stage reading of the upcoming production. Project director and media acting professor Mark Colson said the project actually began during the spring semester of 2014. Colson said he saw a sample of students’ writing that he found strong and creative, so he began looking for a student to write a number of vignettes, stories or snapshots. At the end of the summer, selected writer and theatre senior CJ Valle presented Colson with four vignettes. Colson said those storylines were
the springboard for the Theatre2Film Project. From there, the department began preparing for production with help from the Department of Media and Information, Media Sandbox, the College of Music and the Department of Art, Art History and Design. “It’s really this great, collaborative effort on so many people’s parts,” Colson said. Colson said the script is based on the struggle and comeback of Detroit. “What interests us there is that the city has obviously fallen on hard times and is trying to reinvent itself,” Colson said. He said it remained crucial that the script was written and will be performed by college students. Colson said the production is aimed at youth, addressing questions many college students might have concerning their future. It also addresses the potentially isolating relationship that young people can share with their technology.
Theatre senior Marley Boone portrays “Max” in Three Hundred and Thirteen Possibilities Wednesday at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.
MSU’s student starts bubble soccer company in Detroit Sigma Pi member Damon Grace started Bubble Detroit, which will host philantropy events for Sigma Pi and Alpha Tau Omega this semester.
“Do you become a more isolated human being because of these devices you have?” Colson questioned. “Do you lose connections with other human beings?” Colson said these relevant topics are what make the actors so excited about the production. He said the students are memorizing their lines fairly easily because they feel like they wrote the script themselves. During the stage reading, viewers got to see this isolation acted out, as two characters had a conversation with one another while facing the audience. This was to represent the way we communicate via Skype. Colson said he is interested in seeing what students have to say, and how they identify and solve problems on their own. Colson said it will also be fascinating to watch the students adapt their performances from theatre to film. Theatre senior Marley Boone said her character, a photojournalist who communicates with her girlfriend via Skype throughout the production, begins to realize that with technology there is always going to be some sort of disconnect. “It’s all about technology and different forms we use to communicate with each other, and how they hurt or help a relationship,” Boone said. Boone said the play is incredibly personable because the script was written by her peers. “She nailed it on the head how we communicate to one
By Erin Gray egray@statenews.com
Marketing sophomore Damon Grace has more on his plate than just passing classes and attending chapter meetings for his fraternity, Sigma Pi. At 19, Grace is responsible for running the company Bubble Detroit,, believed to be Michigan’s first and only bubble soccer league and rental company based in Pontiac, Michigan. Bubble Detroit uses balls made of high-quality plastic, which the player puts over his shoulders in order to make hard contact with other players. Soccer becomes a contact sport where players can collide with each other as they race around the field in the protective balls. Tom Dulmage, a Western Michigan University sophomore, rented the service before its official launch this past December. “It’s a new way to make (soccer) a lot more physical and it doesn’t hurt,” Dulmage said.
Theatre seniors Katherine Schooler, right, and Laura Chall perform in Three Hundred and Thirteen Possibilities Wednesday at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. The production is part of The MSU Theatre Department’s Theatre2Film Project. PHOTOS: kennedy thatch
another and what we say in certain situations,” Boone said. As for future productions, Boone is looking forward to taking her character from the stage to the screen. “I’m excited to see how I have to take my big, theatrical style of acting and tone it down for the film while still keeping the same intensity and intentions that I have,” Boone said. “It’s just going to be really cool to see how I can manipulate my acting for different forms of media.”
Grace thought about starting the company when he saw a Youtube video of people playing the game. “I just thought it was awesome and looked into it and just did it,” Grace said. Before the bubble soccer company, Grace had a business of selling phone chargers, which he said was not successful. Ensuring success with this second company, Grace contacted Spartan Innovations for help and support in launching Bubble Detroit. Spartan Innovations is an MSU foundation that financially assists student entrepreneurs and researchers. “(Spartan Innovations) was all for it and funded all the money,” Grace said. So far, he said the company has had a successful first month. “We get 100 plus emails a week, and we’re booked for the next three months,” Grace said. The company caters to events like birthday parties, youth groups, work events, graduation f ri day, JA NUARY 2 3, 2 01 5
Colson said the Theatre2Film Project already has a slot in the Traverse City Film Festival in July. He said right now they are focusing on the process rather than the outcome. Those in the audience for the stage reading even got to give the actors feedback, telling them what worked and what didn’t. “I’m really confident with the work that I’ve seen by my actors … that this is going to be a very solid project,” Colson said.
parties and more. Western Michigan University sophomore Luke Andrews was one of Grace’s first clients. “Everyone just had a great time,” Andrews said. “From the adults to the little kids, everyone had a lot of fun and I think this might even become a family tradition.” Andrews said Damon takes pride in his company and its service. “When Damon comes, it’s not just renting the bubbles,” Andrews said. “It’s having him referee and having him teach you how to play.” Bubble Detroit is booked to host philanthropy events for Sigma Pi and Alpha Tau Omega fraternities at MSU this semester, and the company hopes to start a league in Lansing. Grace said starting the company gave him an interest in studying business and has recently changed his major. “He’s an innovator,” Dalmage said. “Honestly, going to school and having his own business — I’m impressed.” Th e Stat e N e ws
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Sports
Geoff Preston Sports editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews_sports
After another tough win, Spartans look ahead to Nebraska Senior guard Travis Trice attempts a free-throw Wednesday during a game against Penn State at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Nittany Lions, 60-66.
MSU will need senior guard Travis Trice and junior guard Denzel Valentine to step it up, as both have struggled in consecutive games since Maryland By Omari Sankofa II osankofa@statenews.com
For the second time in two weeks, the men’s basketball team closed out a tough win at home Wednesday. On Saturday, they will try to do the same on the road. The Spartans (13-6 overall, 4-2 Big Ten) will take on Nebraska (11-7 overall, 3-3 Big Ten) in Lincoln. MSU’s spirits are high after pulling off a competitive 66-60 victory against Penn State. In a season full of close losses, the Spartans have now closed out games against Penn State and Northwestern. “Did we make any progress in mental toughness?” head coach Tom Izzo asked after the win. “I’m sure we did by the way we won in the end.” Nebraska, led by 6-foot-6 junior guard Terran Petteway, will present a challenge for MSU. The Cornhuskers have a host of long guards and forwards that can dis-
rupt MSU offensively, similar to No. 13 Maryland last Saturday in College Park. “What’s starting to happen in the league is the league has really changed,” Izzo said. “A lot of big teams. Big teams, and we probably have our smallest guards. Pettaway can play the two at 6’6,6’7. And then the Maryland thing. A lot of big teams right now. So we’re gonna have to play better.” MSU will certainly need more from the guard duo of senior guard Travis Trice and junior guard Denzel Valentine, who have struggled in consecutive games since Maryland shut them down last weekend. Izzo said the Spartans will have to get more out of their key guys. But several players stepped up to help MSU defeat Penn State Wednesday. Sophomore forward Gavin Schilling was a bundle of energy all night, finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Senior guard Branden Dawson also was solid, finishing 12 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and using his defense to force late turnovers that led to breakaway Trice layups. “I think this is another shot in the arm where we’re finding ways to win games,” Izzo said. “Earlier in the year, we found ways to lose games. We’re going to build on this, we’re going to get a little better. And the guys that I need to play better have played better.” According to Schilling, the late game struggles are all mental. To pull off a win against Nebraska, the Spartans will need the same killer mentality they showed against the Nittany Lions. “We just gotta change our mentality, come out with full energy and come out aggressive,” Schilling said. “As long as we all come out like that we’re going to win.”
PHOTO: Alice Kole
Forward Gavin Schilling brings much-needed energy The sophomore forward’s effort during Wednesday’s matchup against the Nittany Lions helped the struggling Spartans pull out a win By Omari Sankofa II osankofa@statenews.com
Sophomore for ward Gavin Schilling was a monster for t he Spa r ta n s Wednesday night, dunking with authority and cleaning up the boards to help propel the Spartans to a 66-60 win against Penn State.
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Sophomore forward Gavin Schilling’s rebounds Wednesday against Penn State
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Despite his eye-popping stat line — 11 points and 10 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end — he
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and head coach Tom Izzo discussed his tendency to go up for the ball with one hand after the game. For all of Schilling’s effort, he still left something on the table. “He goes up with everything with one hand,” Izzo said, mentioning that Schilling blamed his tendency to go for balls with one hand as a bad habit. “He has a little bit of a shoulder problem, and maybe that’s a little bit too. But he’s going up one hand all the time and he should be going up two hands. And if he goes up two hands, he too, he misses at least three dunks. That’s six more points for us, six more for him.” It wasn’t a flawless performance by Schilling, but his energy was one of the main reasons why MSU was able to grind out a tough win against the Nittany Lions. MSU’s offense was sloppy, as it has been throughout the season, but Schilling’s effort was a primary consistency.
“He’s been very active and he’s battling in there, he’s tipping balls loose. Like I said, I have no complaints with Schilling and Costello. I think those guys are playing, not at the highest level, but they’re playing pretty well right now.” Tom Izzo Men’s basketball head coach
The sophomore forward is still realizing his potential, but Izzo is satisfied with the production from Schilling and junior forward Matt Costello, who had 10 points. “He’s been very active and
he’s battling in there, he’s tipping balls loose,” Izzo said of Schilling. “Like I said, I have no complaints with Schilling and Costello. I think those guys are playing, not at the highest level, but I think they’re playing pretty well right now.” Schilling was responsible for several highlight reel plays, catching lobs from senior guard Travis Trice and faking out a Penn State defender for another dunk in the second half. “The game has slowed down for me and I’m feeling more comfortable when I get the ball, doing my moves, my teammates are looking for me,” Schilling said. Trice described Schilling’s ability to finish at the rim as dream-like. “It’s a point guard’s dream, especially when you go down there and get in trouble,” Trice said. “You kinda got someone who can bail you out.”
Quick reads
University accepting applications for next Sparty mascot Think you’ve got what it takes to be Sparty? The MSU Association of Future Alumni has launched a search for the next energetic embodiment of this spirited symbol By Andy Merkle amerkle@statenews.com
Spirited students looking to take on the role of Sparty will soon have their chance to do so, as the MSU Association of Future Alumni is searching for students who have what it takes to represent the university on the sidelines and in the community for the 2015-16 academic year. All applications are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 28 in room 333 of the Student Union. The program coordinator for the Sparty tryouts, Associate Director Janel Rutzen, could not divulge specific details of the auditions,
Classified To place an ad … By telephone (517) 432-3010 In person 435 E. Grand River Ave. By e-maIl advertising@statenews.com onlIne www.statenews.com/classifieds offIce hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
as they are secret. “Tryouts are held as needed, so it varies to when the position needs to be filled,” Rutzen said. “We don’t discuss how many people try out, and we don’t give out names because we try to keep the Sparty process secretive.” Rutzen said each candidate is required to prepare a two-minute bit that shows Sparty’s abilities and is usually put to music. Each participant is allowed and encouraged to use props, signs and cheer. Rutzen went into detail about the qualifications and responsibilities of Sparty. “For a new Sparty we look for candidates who best embody Sparty and his abilities,”
HEAVY DIESEL Mechanic School bus experience preferred but not required. Wages based on qualifications. Competitive benefit package. Must be either ASE or State Certified. We look forward to meeting you in person Mon-Fri at Dean Transportation, 4812 Aurelius Rd, Lansing, MI 48910 or apply online at www.deantransportation. com/jobs HIRING DIRECT Care Workers. Prior exp. w/ autism highly preferred. Apply at turningleafrehab. com HIRING SERVERS and cooks at Reno’s East Sports Bar. Apply in person, 1310 Abbot Road. LOCAL FIRM seeks snow plow operators. Mostly overnight hours. Wage based on experience. 517663-2040 NOW HIRING line cooks. Studio C! in Okemos. Apply at 517-381-8100 and celebrationcinema.com/ employment
Rutzen said. “We look for someone who is very strong academically, passionate about MSU and MSU athletics and works in the community. Sparty does many events outside the arena, even in the summer, including birthdays, graduation parties and even weddings.” Besides spirit events, Rutzen said Sparty is expected to do his part in community service also. “Every spring Sparty does a literacy tour.,” Rutzen said. “He will visit local elementary schools and encourage young kids to read and attend MSU. Because he can’t speak, Sparty will act out the book while someone else reads.”
Janel Rutzen, Association of Future Alumni coordinator for Sparty tryouts
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Employment
“We don’t discuss how many people try out, and we don’t give out names because we try to keep the Sparty process secretive.”
Employment NURSING STUDENT wanted for home care for infant child. Part time, position 2-3 days a week. Please call 517.614.1819 P/T LEARNING center supervisor. $8.15/hr. Email resume to: bgcl@ bgclansing.org or call 517.394.0455 PAY OFF your student loans!!!! StudySoup will pay you $300-500 per course to be an Elite Notetaker and post your class notes. 2 hours per week max. *Limited Positions Available. To learn more and apply check-out studysoup.com/apply/msu PERFECT P/T job. Office cleaners needed, Lansing area. M-F 5:30-8:30pm. Good pay. Call 517-6681111 for interview. Leave name & number. REHAB PROGRAM aid Excellent opportunity for PT, OT, or speech therapy qualified individual as part of in home team implementing behavioral and rehab treatment plans. Full or p/t avail, competitive wages. Contact cyndipotter@royalcarelink. com or 517-203-5807.
Employment SCHOOL BUS Driver We’ll train you to be the best School Bus Driver for Regular Education and Special Needs Students. $13.00/hr, split shift required, benefits partially paid with seniority, CDL required or will train. Must have excellent driving history, must pass background check and remain drug free. We look forward to meeting you in person Mon-Fri at Dean Transportation, 4812 Aurelius Rd, Lansing, MI 48910 or apply online at www.deantransportation. com/jobs
Apts. For Rent 500 MICH Ave - Available now! New opening, 2 bdrm apt, all granite, washer/ dryer, brand new, negotiable. www.cronmgt.com or 517.351.1177 ABBOT/GRAND RIVER. New 4 & 5 Bdrm Apt. $750/ per. Granite, Stainless Appliances, W/D in unit, 351-0765. hrirentals.com
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ACROSS FROM Campus, huge 2 bdrms. For 2, 3 or 4 people and three bdrm. for 3 people available August 2015. Fitness center, pool, and more! 517-507-5570.
WINTER LEASE. Males seeking roommate. 1 bdrm in duplex. Near Hagadorn + GR area. Call Rick 586.306.3198
C O L L E G E V I L L E TEXTBOOK Co. is your source for used textbooks! 321 E. Grand River 517922-0013
ACROSS FROM MSU Great Studio,1, 2 & 4 bdrm apts, prime locations - The Avenue, Evergreen Point, 500 Michigan, Plymouth, Maplewood, Treehouse West & more! www.cronmgt.com or 517.351.1177
SHOP SHABBY Shack Vintage Denim in Courtyard Antiques in the Mason Antiques District. Denim for Women & children. Open 7 days 10-6 p.m. 208 Mason Street. Mason, MI 48854. (517) 676-6388
2015-16 HOUSE. Licensed for 6. Awesome Location! + Outstanding Condition! 517-490-3082.
AVAIL MAY or August! 1, 2 & 4 bdrm apts, behind Dublin, great location, very spacious, laundry, a/c & more! www.cronmgt.com or 517.351.1177 BERRYTREE APTS- Huge 1 & 2 Bdrms for August 2015. Perfect location for Vet & Med Students. 517-5073841 or dtnmgt.com/brt. GORGEOUS 3 bedroom, 2 bath, available Aug. 2015. Full size washer/dryer, parking for three. The Hamptons, 517-480-3160. GREAT 1 bed avail. Now! Heat and water included and cat friendly. Spacious and quiet. Just $575 a month. Call today 517-4891150.
Houses/Rent
3BR HOUSES for rent in Frandor Area. Aug ‘15-Aug ‘16. Both recently remodeled w/ w/d + dishwasher. $325-$400/person. Call/text Bob @ 989-798-3907. $440 PER mo. per person. Lrg 3 bdrm duplex, 2 flrs. Lic for 3, lots of privacy, w/d, no app fee. Avail Aug. 621 Stoddard, EL. Call (517) 655-1420
Automotive CARS AT Auction Direct Pricing Exotic Supercars– Hybrids. Fill out our Vehicle Search Page @ SpartanCars.com. Let us search Wholesale “Dealer Only Auctions” across U.S. saving you $$. Find today’s paper and more on statenews.com
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AUG 2015. 5 bdrm and 4 bdrm, very large 2 bathrms, reduced rent. 645 and 627 Evergreen E.L. 517-3321623 ONE BDRM Linden/Grove Area until 5/11/15. Rent 500/mo. For more info con-
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Sports
Football recruit Felton Davis says why he left Virginia for MSU The four-star wide receiver decided to leave his home state of Virginia and decline offers from Virginia Tech, Old Dominion and Virginia to play in East Lansing for MSU 10th grade year against the Hanover Hawks. We were down by 3 with 14 seconds left on the clock at Hanover 17-yard line. I ran a skinny post, caught it and got tackled at the 4-yard line. We spiked the ball with eight seconds left and we ran it in for the score and beat them with no time to spare. That will forever be my favorite memory. Accomplishments … I have a lot, but I set my goals very high and I have yet to reach them. But one I’m very proud of was 1st team All-Academic.
DAVIS
By Zach Libby zlibby@statenews.com
with the state news To submit your valentine, visit: statenews.com/spreadthelove going on now until Feb. 11
A plethora of offers from schools in his home state and getting the opportunity to play in front of his friends and family every weekend wasn’t enough for Felton Davis to remain in Virginia. Old Dominion, Virginia and Virginia Tech were a universities Davis got to choose from before committing to MSU football back in July. Davis, the then-ninth verbal commit for the Spartans at the time, is a four-star wide receiver by 24/7 Sports and currently ranked 22nd among all pass catchers in the 2015 class. A scouting report by ESPN.com says that Davis is at his best in one-on-one coverage, due to his ability to create separation based on his size. The report also describes him as very productive and can catch the ball really well, even while being covered. The 6-foot-4-inch, 175-pounder also held offers from Florida’s University of Miami, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Missouri and others.
16 Davis’ rank in the state of Virginia According to Yahoo Sports
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MSU Safe Place
SN: HOW DID PLAYING AT HIGHLAND SPRINGS PREPARE YOU FOR A CAREER AT MSU? FD: Playing at HSHS laid the foundation for what’s to come, coaches pushed me to my limits every day, trying to get me to tap into my potential.
“The whole university is built around family. That’s how I grew up, so that’s what I know. As a 17-yearold, you want to go somewhere you feel wanted.” Felton Davis, MSU recruit from Virginia
SN: WHAT ARE YOUR INITIAL IMPRESSSIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND THE UNIVERSITY IN GENERAL? FD: Family. The whole university is built around family. That’s how I grew up, so that’s what I know. As a 17-year-old, you want to go somewhere that you feel wanted. And I feel wanted in E.L. SN: WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS ON YOUR OFFER LIST? FD: I never paid any mind to the amount of schools. But the offer list in general, when I look back it was a lot of good schools on there with great programs, but they ultimately don’t stack up to MSU. SN: YOU RECEIVED A LOT OF INTEREST BACK IN YOUR HOME STATE. WAS IT FAIRLY DIFFICULT TO CHOOSE TO PLAY BALL OUTSIDE OF VIRGINIA? FD: Well my dad is from Tennessee and my mom from Virginia, so it was hard not choosing a school in either state. I have a lot of family both places, and I can say I call both places home. So yes, it was really hard. SN: What type of role are you hoping to acquire next season on offense? FD: I just plan to come in and help the team fill the shoes that Tony Lippett just left.
SN: CAN YOU BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CAREER WITH HSHS? FD: High school was fun, a lot of hard work, but that’s with anything. I’ve made a lot of memories, but my favorite was the catch my
SN: What should MSU fans know about you before you take the field next season? FD: Just to remember the name “Beast Mode.”
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