January 2019 Issue

TheCampusCurrent.com

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Campus Life

Arts

Sports

Campus Current’s staff

“Sweeney Todd” musical

AACC is bringing back

knows what’s in and out

starts on Feb. 16 in

Men’s Cross Country

for 2019

Kauffman Theatre

next fall

Page 12

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Page 18

February 2019

Re-route of Ring Road changes flow of traffic Chance Iheoma Co-Editor AACC’s construction project has redirected the flow of traffic for the new year. The ongoing construction of AACC’s new Health and Life Sciences Building, which

Students can apply for the Maryland Promise Scholarship starting in March. Photo by Bethany Probst

began last summer, has led to multiple detours and rerouting along Ring Road. “This place gets pretty packed and all the parking lots filled,” said Sam Ryan, a recent graduate who took a course here during the winter session. “I think when that comes around it’s going

to slow up a lot of traffic.” Melissa Beardmore, vice president for learning resources management, said the building, which will open in August 2021, will be “the biggest by-far building on campus.

Bethany Probst Co-Editor

The Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship, which means the state will not award money to students until they have exhausted any federal financial aid they qualify for. Shanna Kibler, assistant director of financial aid, said students must fill out the FAFSA—Free Application for Federal Student Aid—form before they can apply for the Promise Scholarship.

Continued on Page 4

State funds available for tuition AACC students can apply for the Maryland Promise Scholarship later this semester. The Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship program will allow some in-state students to receive tuition assistance of up to $5,000 a year starting in the 2019-2020 academic year.

$1 m donors name new skilled trades building Sarah Noble Alexandra Radovic Co-Editors Long-time donors to the college donated $1 million toward AACC’s new trade building and named it the Clauson Center for Innova-

Construction around Ring Road will affect parking and driving for a year. Photo by Daniel Salomon

tion and Skilled Trades. The donors, Janet and James Clauson, are community advocates who run the nonprofit Clauson Family Foundation in Hanover. According to Kip Kunsman, interim dean for continuing education, the first,

12,000-square foot phase of the building will open in 2021 if the college raises enough money. It will house classes in electrical work; forklift driving; HVAC; plumbing; welding; and general carpentry.

Continued on Page 3

“We’re encouraging students to do that by March 1,” Kibler said. Students who are not U.S citizens or permanent residents might have to fill out an alternative form, Kibler said. After students use any federal aid they qualify for— like a scholarship or a Pell Grant—the Promise Scholarship will go toward their tuition, Kibler said. Students

have to earn a high school GPA of at least 2.3 to qualify for the Promise Scholarship. Students who have been out of high school for more than two years are not eligible for the scholarship. Only community college students who complete 12 credits per semester can recieve the scholarship. Household income makes

Continued on Page 3

Bethany Probst, a second-year journalism student, displays her wire art. Photo by Daniel Salomon

SPRING 2019 WELCOME WEEK: FREE EVENTS Wed 1/23 CAB Hot Cocoa Bar 10 a.m.-Noon, CALT Lobby

Wed 1/23 Student Engagement Brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., CALT Cafeteria

Thurs 1/24 CAB Letter Art 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Careers Lobby

Fri 1/25 CAB Free Chick-fil-A Noon, SUN Dining Hall

2 | Campus Current | 2019 | February

Editorial

Meet the Staff Co-Editors

Kenzie Airey Alex Fregger Chance Iheoma Reese Levin Sarah Noble Bethany Probst Alexandra Radovic Noah Reem Daniel Salomon Faculty Adviser

Sharon O’Malley

Photographers on page 1, top

From left to right Kenzie Airey Chance Iheoma Bethany Probst

Apply for FAFSA no matter what Editorial Board Students can apply for the Maryland Promise Scholarship in March, so it’s time to fill out the FAFSA—Free Application for Federal Student Aid—to assure you get all of the state money you deserve. The Promise Scholarship is a state program that could pay up to $5,000 toward your tuition if you qualify. Although it’s a state program, it requires you to apply for federal aid first—just to see if you qualify for some. The Promise Scholarship is called a “last-dollar” scholarship, so if you qualify for a federal grant, the state can deduct that amount from the award it approves for you. To get in on this, you have to fill out the FAFSA by March 1. The Promise Scholarship application will be available on March 1, too. So don’t put it off. Some people have called the Promise Scholarship “free tuition.” But that’s misleading. Only about a quarter of AACC students will qualify for any Promise money. Only community college

Students hang out in the lobby of the Student Services Building on the Arnold campus, located next to the financial aid office. Photo by Daniel Salomon students who have graduated from high school—or gotten their GED—within the past two years are eligible. Only students whose parents earn less than a combined $150,000 a year are eligible; that ceiling is lower if you live on your own or with a single parent. Only students with a 2.3 high school GPA will qualify. And the list goes on. You can see the full list at MHEC. Maryland.gov. Even if you qualify, you’re not guaranteed approval. The pool of scholarship money isn’t unlimited. The state allocated only $15

million for the scholarship, which is available to students at all 16 of Maryland’s community colleges. The scholarships go to the students who need them the most, regardless of how many come from which schools. But please don’t let this be a deterrent. If you qualify for this money, go for it. And even if you don’t win a scholarship, you might find out that you qualify for a federal grant or for work-study, which pays you to work at a job on campus. About 30 percent of AACC students received a

grant or scholarship from federal, state or private funding sources in the last school year, according to AACC’s financial aid office. Of the 18,734 credit students enrolled during the 2017-2018 school year, 13,047 signed up for FAFSA. Maybe you’re worried you might not get any money because you’re in a better financial situation than those around you, but you’ll never know until you apply. No matter who you are, what you do or where you’re from, you could get something. Everybody deserves some kind of help.

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Student seeks comfort in rap Alexandra Radovic Co-Editor Four summers ago, instead of lying on the beach, Dalton Fielder had to lie still for hours in a sterile, white hospital room at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, to receive chemo and radiation therapy. In May 2014, Fielder was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, an uncommon type of cancer that forms on muscle tissue. The avid basketball player, now a second-year transfer studies student at AACC, mistook the swollen lump on his thigh for a tight muscle. It wasn’t until his sister tried to knead it out that he felt pain and went to the doctor. But Fielder said he never expected the news he got that day. “It shattered me inside the moment the doctors told me,” he said. Although he described watching his father cradle his sobbing mother after he received the diagnosis as “the most surreal thing,”

Fielder said the doctors, who were “top notch,” developed a five-month plan to destroy his tumor. “I think I may have just been in shock the entire time,” Fielder said. However, he said the treatment, “in two words, it sucked. Every three weeks I had to go to Johns Hopkins and stay there for four days of nausea and weight gain.” Fielder, whose cancer has been in remission for four years, said he credits rap music for helping him through chemotherapy. “That’s almost all I did in the hospital,” Fielder said. “It was rare when you could catch me there without my iPad and headphones, listening to rap music.” “It just took my mind off things,” Fielder added. To this day, Fielder still uses rap music as an escape. He said he aspires to be a music producer one day. “Ever since sixth grade I’ve loved rap music,” he said. “I think its such an awe-

We’re Hiring! Writers Student Dalton Fielder records music. Photo courtesy of Dalton Fielder some genre ... and [it’s a] way to escape.” Part of the reason Fielder chose to attend AACC, he said, is because it’s less stressful than a four-year school and he strives to live a simpler life since his treatment. Although he never got back to competitive basketball, Fielder said he still enjoys playing for fun on his backyard court, which The Make-A-Wish Foundation built for him during his cancer treatment. Fielder said even though he struggles with post-treatment anxiety, “I don’t take pity on myself. It taught me things about myself that I wouldn’t have known otherwise … [that] it’s OK to be scared, but being scared can’t stop you from accomplishing what you need to.”

Editors Photographers Videographers Audio Producers Social Media Staff

Contact CampusCurrent @gmail.com 410-777-2296 Campus Current Anne Arundel Community College 101 College Pkwy. Arnold, MD 21012

February | 2019 | Campus Current | 3

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Students apply for Promise aid Continued from Page 1 a difference for students when they apply for the state funds. Students who are married or live in a two-parent household with an annual income of less than $150,000 a year may qualify, while those in single-parent homes have a lower threshold: $100,000 a year. Unmarried students who are independent can qualify if they earn less than $100,000. Dan Baum, executive director of strategic communications, said the Promise

Scholarship is not a firstcome, first-serve deal. The state calculates a student’s need partly on how much it expects the family can pay. Those with expected family contributions of $5,000, for example, will qualify before those whose parents can pay $10,000, Baum said. “If someone else’s [expected family contribution] is $2,000, then they are ahead of you in the queue.” The state has not divided the $15 million Promise Scholarship evenly among Maryland’s 16 public com-

Students who attend one of Maryland’s 16 community colleges can apply for a new state scholarship by meeting specific academic and income requirements. Photo by Bethany Probst munity colleges. The money will go to the neediest students, regardless of how many attend each school. Lance Partridge, a second-year nursing student, said he likes what the Promise Scholarship has to offer. “I think it will be good for lower-income families,”

Medical cannabis cert. in evaluation by school Daniel Salomon Co-Editor A proposal for a 16-credit medical cannabis specialist certificate stalled in the fall as college officials waited to learn which candidates would win the Anne Arundel County executive and council seats. According to campus sources, some members of last year’s County Council opposed a medical cannabis-related course already at the college for students hoping to work in businesses that grow, distribute or sell medical marijuana, which is legal in Maryland. The county funds more

than one-third of AACC’s budget each year. Post-election, the proposal is back in the approval process, which involves faculty and administration review. Business professor Shad Ewart, who teaches the existing medical marijuana class and proposed the certificate, said he hopes the program wins approval. “We have a confirmation from industry members that said, ‘If you had students that take these classes and graduate with this program, it doesn’t guarantee them a job—nothing does—but we would definitely interview those people first because we consider them to be valu-

Campus to add trades building Continued from Page 1 Kunsman said the building could expand to 36,000 square feet if enrollment in the classes is high. The $5 million building will stand behind Careers. Kunsman said the building will be a multifunctional lab space. “The labs will be used to actually perform the skills they need,” he said. “Carpentry students might build a two-level framing for a house. Those electrical stu-

dents might come in and run the wiring in that same structure … It provides a handson, real-world experience.” Kunsman said having a skilled trades building on campus will mean students won’t have to travel elsewhere to take classes. “This major will have a bigger presence on campus now,” Kunsman said. Taylor Pullins, a second-year welding student, said learning the trade helped him land a job. “When I took my class I

able,’” Ewart said. As he prepared his proposal for the certificate, Ewart said, he approached owners of dispensaries and processing plants to ask what they wanted in an entry-level worker. Some students said they hope the college will approve the certificate. “I think any opportunity is a good opportunity,” Blake Rebstock, a second-year criminal justice student, said. “If it provides people the opportunity to have a job or stay busy, I think it’s a good thing.” Rosalina Toolan, a firstyear undecided student, agreed. “I feel like it’s a real-

Partridge said. “It goes along with financial aid, too, so it’s going to cover a lot of potential debt. It gives people an extra incentive to go to college.” Madison Likens, a second-year psychology student, said the Promise Scholarship benefits students who

rely on scholarships and government aid to get through college. “Speaking as an independent student, it can feel really rough sometimes when you feel like you have exhausted all your options. ... This scholarship is one of the best ones that I’ve heard of so far.”

AACC business professor Shad Ewart has proposed a medical cannabis certificate. Photo by Bethany Probst ly good opportunity for students that really want to get in this business … especially with the industry just becoming a thing.” Vice President for Learning Mike Gavin said some on campus questioned whether offering the certificate would jeopardize students who rely

on federal financial aid. The federal government has not legalized medical cannabis. “I feel that I have developed a good program,” Ewart said. “I feel I’ve done the due diligence on the classes we have chosen. … I’ve done everything [that] a community college should do.”

Trades students can learn hands-on in a new building to open in 2021. MaxPixel photo had to go all the way to Towson,” Pullins said. “In the trade industry, certifications are key. It’ll be nice to be right there on AACC’s campus.” Janet Clauson, who has taken classes here for 15 years, said she noticed an increasing popularity of trade skills among students.

“Skilled trades are valuable and they’re the backbone of our community,” she said. “A four-year degree is not for everybody and not for every job. I hate to see kids settle with a lot of debt they don’t need because there is this mistaken message that everybody has to

go to a four-year university.” According to AACC Foundation Director Vollie Melson, all funding for the Clauson building is coming from private donors—not tax dollars. This is the foundation’s first private capital campaign for a campus building.

4 | Campus Current | 2019 | February

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Construction reroutes roads, causes detours Continued from Page 1 In the meantime, it is not going to be without pain. It is not going to be without inconvenience.” The most noticeable detour includes a large blockade in Parking Lot C. The construction has altered the route from campus to College Parkway significantly, forcing drivers to cut through Lot C to get to College Drive. “Our hope is that people don’t use … C-Lot as their primary means of egress

and access to the campus,” Beardmore said. The Lot C overflow lot, a roughly paved site behind Lot C, serves as an auxiliary parking spot. The changes affected bus routes as well. The LocalLink 70 Northbound bus route has diverted into Lot C and exits from College Drive onto College Parkway. The LocalLink 70 Southbound now enters campus from College Parkway at the Ring Road entrance. The altered directory

maps around campus show students the accessible routes. An updated map online shows detours and parking changes. Beardmore also said most of Lot D will be off-limits. In addition, a number of ADA parking spaces have shifted from the construction area to Lot B, moving several reserved faculty spots closer to the solar panels and displacing some non-reserved spaces. When construction finishes, a new parking lot will

Construction on the Health and Life Sciences Building reroutes Ring Road through Lot C. Photo by Daniel Salomon have replaced the old tennis courts. Until then, students and faculty can expect to sometimes park in overflow lots and walk farther to class. Some students said they expect the construction to inconvenience them. “I usually enter where they’re doing the construction at,” Ashton Johnson, a

Photo by Daniel Salomon

Construction Continues Construction on East Campus for the Health and Life Sciences Building causes detours on Ring Road and affects the surrounding sidewalks.

Photo by Chance Iheoma

Photos by Alex Fregger

Photo by Reese Levin

second-year business administration student, said. “So it might be a little bit of an inconvenience to me.” Karin Simms, a second-year business student, agreed. “Parking has always been like a big struggle for me, so with there being less spaces I’m sure that it will be a bigger inconvenience.”

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111 new 8-week sections arrive Bethany Probst Co-Editor AACC will offer 111 more eight-week classes this semester than it did last spring. The college is running 408 eight-week sections of 177 courses this semester. The traditional semester is 15 weeks. Eight-week sections compress the same information into a course that lasts half a semester. Liz Clary, academic course scheduler, said AACC has offered eight-week versions of its classes at least since the mid-1990s, when she started working here. Dave Meng, chair of the English and Communications Department, said eight-week courses can accommodate more students’ schedules. “The main rationale is to offer as many formats for taking courses as we can,” Meng said. “Students have all different kinds of sched-

ule needs, especially at community college.” Meng added although eight-week courses are condensed, the same amount of material is taught when compared with 15-week courses. When it comes to learning, some students need “incubation time,” Meng said. “It’s especially important for writing. … When you write, you have ideas and you need time … in an eight-week course, you don’t have that,” Meng said. “If you are OK with that, as a student, and you devote your time into it, then it’s doable.” Some students said they prefer eight-week courses over 15-week courses. Phil Garvin, a second-year engineering transfer student, said he enjoyed the time he spent in his eight-week general chemistry course. “It’s really just more convenient for most peoples’ lifestyle,” Garvin said. “The

Students signing up for eight-week classes can finish their degrees at a faster pace than students who strictly take 15-week classes. Photo by Bethany Probst course was very helpful for my work schedule and the longevity of how I’m staying at AACC.” Dr. Mike Gavin, vice president for learning, said student success rates are higher in eight-week classes than 15-week classes. “It depends on the semester,” he said. “Sometimes 5 percent, sometimes 10 percent [more].” He added some students work better in an eight-week class. “Time is the enemy of completion,” Gavin said.

School launches 3 new fall semester classes Noah Reem Co-Editor AACC will introduce two one-credit fitness classes and a new technology class in the fall 2019 semester. The Health, Fitness and Exercise Studies Department will add a basketball course and a high-intensity interval training class. “I would rather take a high-intensity workout class or a basketball class than just a normal physical education class where little is covered,” Nick Moutsos, a second-year film studies student, said. These two classes will replace the aquatic and tennis courses the college lost when

it closed its pool and tennis courts in 2017. Tiffin Bumpass, AACC’s Health, Fitness and Exercise Studies Department chair, said the 15-week classes will cover team play, skills and fitness. “It’s not unusual for students to ask to play basketball in the gymnasium,” Bumpass said. “As for the high-intensity interval training class, studies show that because it is higher intensity you can get the positive outcomes in a shorter time.” The Science and Technology Department will also offer a one-credit class this fall.

Jacoby Rojas, power forward on Men’s Basketball, warms up. AACC is adding a basketball course. Photo by Daniel Salomon

The 15-week class, Introduction to Ground School, will teach students how to fly drones. “We have the drones,” Dean of Science and Technology Lance Bowen said. “We also have the faculty who are willing to teach the course.” The class will prepare students to take the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Knowledge Test, which determines if someone knows the rules and regulations for piloting drones. AACC has 11 non-credit, independent-study courses in drone piloting. Bowen said AACC is one of two community colleges in Maryland that offers a drone piloting certification course. The other is the Community College of Baltimore County. “When you take a look at the use of drones across the country,” Bowen said, “it’s exploding.” The FAA registered more than 1 million drones in the past year. “If a student goes through our … certified program, then they can fly on campus and have access to our equipment,” Bowen said.

“The longer it takes to complete your degree, the more likely it is that you will not complete your degree.” Gavin noted students who want to take fewer classes can benefit from taking an eight-week course because the shorter schedule allows them to enroll in another eight-week class in the same semester. “If you can take the equivalent of a full-time semester but only take two or three classes at a time by utilizing

the eight weeks, that seems to be a good strategy for many students,” Gavin said. Alyssa Rose, a second-year American sign language student, said she was glad she took an eight-week course last fall, rather than a traditional course. “I figured an eight-week course would be a little harder,” Rose said. “But then it would end quicker and [I’d] have some more time to just relax without worrying about taking that many classes.”

The Child Development Center at AACC

NEW!

Starting Jan. 2, 2019, for Pell Grant-eligible students: Evening child care at the Child Development Center (A free program for Pell Grant-eligible students) The Child Development Center at AACC in Arnold is providing evening child care for children ages 2 through 10 years. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education – CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents In School) Grant. Child care will be available from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. An application and preregistration are required. For information contact the center at 410-777-2450 or email LaVette Curtis, lvcurtis@aacc.edu.

We offer: Homework help Snacks Arts and crafts Indoor/outdoor play Toys and games Experienced staff

410-777-2450 | www.aacc.edu/cdc

6 | Campus Current | 2019 | February

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Government shutdown could affect students Alex Fregger Co-Editor Because AACC gets its funding from the state, county and tuition, even a prolonged federal government shutdown will have minimal effect on students. But those who work for the government—or those with parents who do—could feel pressure when it comes time to pay for classes. Students who couldn’t pay for classes because the government shutdown affected their family income were able to ask for an extension until Jan. 18. The shutdown is “going to impact the ability for [federal workers and their children] to meet all their financial requirements,� said Dean of Enrollment Services John Grabowski. “It may be harder for them to get milk to put in the refrigerator or make their house payment or put

gas in the car. ‌ We would encourage students who are experiencing that kind of difficulty to contact the Student Engagement Office.â€? That office administers an emergency fund for students in need. “I think it’s nice that they make their students feel welcome and that they do whatever they need to do to get their students to come to school and pursue what they want to do,â€? Destyni Fermaint, a third-year business administration student, said. As of Campus Current’s press deadline on Jan. 17, the federal government had been closed for 27 days. President Donald Trump had threatened to prolong the shutdown until Congress approved $5.7 billion to build a security wall across the southern U.S. border. Assistant Director of Financial Aid Shanna Kibler said students who already

r

Student Mathmatics Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament

11th Annual Mathematics Competition

have received their federal financial aid awards “will see no impact.� She also said the shutdown will not affect students who rely on the GI Bill for tuition. While one of his cousins and his mom’s boyfriend got furloughed and aren’t working, fourth-year music student Will Kuethe said the shutdown wouldn’t affect his ability to pay for classes this semester. Although the Department of Education is still open, the shutdown closed multiple government agencies, including the IRS. Students who have not filled out the FAFSA—Free Application for Federal Student Aid—form and want to could have trouble getting the required paperwork from the IRS. Students unable to get required government documents during the shutdown should speak with the financial aid office on campus.

The government shutdown could affect students whose family members work for the government. Photo by Alex Fregger

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Prizes - Breakfast - Lunch Contact: Professor Monica Leid mmleid@aacc.edu 240-675-0445 .3(!#Ť.$Ť .-"(2!1(,(- 3(.-𫠫(2Ť -Ť#04 +Ť.//.134-(38Ä?Ť Ç­1, 3(5#Ť !3(.-Ä?Ť (3+#Ť Ä?Ť Ť (3+#ŤĉĂćŤ!.,/+( -3Ť(-23(343(.-ĎŤ ++Ť (2 (+(38Ť 4//.13Ť #15(!#2Ä?Ĺ¤Ä‡ÄƒÄ‚ÄŹÄ‹Ä‹Ä‹ÄŹÄ„Ä…Ä‚ÄŠĹ¤.1Ť 18+ -"Ť #+ 8Ĺ¤Ä‹ÄƒÄƒÄ?ŤċĄŤ'.412Ť(-Ť "5 -!#Ť3.Ť1#04#23Ť,.23Ť !!.,,." 3(.-2ĎŤ #04#232Ť$.1Ť 2(%-Ť+ -%4 %#Ť(-3#1/1#3#12Ä?Ť +3#1- 3(5#Ť$.1, 3Ť ..*2Ť.1Ť 22(23(5#Ť3#!'-.+.%8Ť1#04(1#ŤąĂŤ" 82ĥŤ-.3(!#ĎŤ .1Ť(-$.1, 3(.-Ť.-Ť ÄĄ2Ť !.,/+( -!#Ť -"Ť!.,/+ (-32Ť!.-!#1-(-%Ť2#74 +Ť 22 4+3Ä?Ť2#74 +Ť,(2!.-"4!3Ä?Ť"(2!1(,(- 3(.-Ť.1Ť' 1 22,#-3Ä?Ť!.-3 !3Ť3'#Ť$#"#1 +Ť!.,/+( -!#Ť .Ç­!#1Ť -"Ť (3+#Ť Ť!..1"(- 3.1Ť 3Ĺ¤Ä‡ÄƒÄ‚ÄŹÄ‹Ä‹Ä‹ÄŹÄƒÄ„Ä…Ä?Ä?Ť!.,/+( -!#.Ç­!#1Äš !!ÄŽ#"4Ť.1Ť 18+ -"Ť #+ 8Ĺ¤Ä‹ÄƒÄƒÄŽ

February | 2019 | Campus Current | 7

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300-level courses face unsure future at AACC Bethany Probst Co-Editor The Maryland Higher Education Commission has stalled AACC’s plan to offer 300-level courses for students hoping to become interior designers or physician assistants. After AACC proposed offering an applied bachelor’s degree in interior design last year, the commission encouraged the college to create 300-level classes, but not any four-year degrees, according to AACC Vice President for Learning Mike Gavin. That way, an interior design student could take three years of college here, and just one year at a fouryear university, where tuition is higher. Four-year universities in the state had opposed the creation of applied bachelor’s degree programs at community colleges. After AACC pro-

posed adding 300-level courses to its interior design and physician assistant programs, however, MHEC officials said the state Legislature must change the law before community colleges may label their advanced courses as 300-level classes. Gavin said he does not believe the law prohibits community colleges from offering 300-level courses. Still, AACC has put those upper-level courses on hold. The school continues to offer a professional certificate for physician assistants and certificates in interior design. “We’re still offering 300-level classes in terms of content,” Gavin said. “[However], we’re not allowed to number them 300-level, which seems, to all of us, a little backward.” No four-year college in Maryland offered a bachelor’s degree in interior design until last year, when Morgan State University created one.

Morgan State’s four-year program “was put up at the same time that we asked for a four-year degree,” Gavin said. “Their students, when they hit their junior level, are now coming to take our classes because they can’t staff [them].” Elizabeth Appel, dean of the School of Health Sciences, said she is hopeful the state will eventually approve 300-level courses at AACC that could become part of a three-year interprofessional healthcare certificate program for students interested in becoming physician assistants. Those students could go on to the University of Maryland, Baltimore, to work toward a master’s degree in health sciences. Those students would be “very eager” to take 300-level courses at AACC, she said. “You can’t lose,” Appel said. “It’s a wonderful starting point. ... It’s not limiting

AACC’s plan to offer 300-level courses in interior design is on hold for now. Photo by Alexandra Radovic you in any way, and that’s the beauty of this.” Some AACC students said they would like AACC to offer upper-level courses. “[There’s] more flexibility in community college classes,” Morgan Stueckler, a

second-year paramedic student, said. “The resources that we have at AACC, along with pricing and financial [assistance] for the schooling, is definitely something that people are going to be interested in.”

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8 | Campus Current | 2019 | February

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Search begins for new AACC assistant deans Alex Fregger Co-Editor AACC posted job listings for eight new assistant dean positions on Dec. 14. The college will hire assistant deans for literacy and communications; health and wellness; mathematics; science; social sciences and philosophy; technology; visual performing arts and world languages; and for business programs and transportation, logistics and cargo security. The last day to apply for the jobs is Jan. 30. The salary for the incoming assistant deans will vary from $97,774 to $122,218,

AACC and four other colleges will work together to assure classes like genetics will prepare transfer students for UMBC. Photo by Alex Fregger

according to the published job descriptions. Assistant deans will be responsible for enrollment management, internal and external collaboration, supporting academic pathways, assuring compliance with campus policies, supervision of school employees, curriculum assessment, budgeting, project management and fielding student complaints. Vice President for Learning Mike Gavin said faculty on search committees will interview the candidates. Finalists will make presentations to faculty in their respective departments, but administrators make the fi-

nal hiring decisions. The college created the assistant dean positions during a restructuring of college administration over the summer. Gavin announced the restructuring, including the creation of the assistant dean positions and the elimination of department chairs, on Aug. 17. After some faculty objected to the loss of department chairs, however, he said the college would keep them, but with pared-down job descriptions. Some department chairs have said they might apply to become assistant deans. Gavin acknowledged “a lot of talent already on cam-

Alex Fregger Co-Editor

UMBC to help transfer students keep up with those who started at the four-year university. Community College of Baltimore County, Howard Community College and

pus,” but said the best applicants—internal or external— would get the jobs. Dr. Marjorie Rawhouser, who became assistant dean of liberal arts in January 2018 before the restructuring, noted “some reluctance by some people to embrace this new idea and I under-

stand some of the reasons for that reluctance.” However, Rawhouser added, “I think now that it’s here ... we should all do the best we can to work together and think about what we can do to give the students a good experience, in whatever role we’re in.”

Montgomery College also will use the grant to help their students. The main goal of the grant is to help students with quantitative reasoning—ap-

plying math skills to the real world—to better prepare them for when they transfer to UMBC. Representatives from UMBC and each of the community colleges will meet to compare and align their biology curricula. “We’re not looking to be mirror images of each other or carbon copies … but it’s to have some commonality in learning outcomes,” AACC genetics professor Tammy Domanski said. “At UMBC, 40 percent of their biology majors come from community colleges,” Domanski said. “They’re trying to track success of students that not only start off ... in the four-year college,”

but transfer students as well. The second goal of the grant is to introduce lessons that professors can use in their classes to help relate the math they are teaching back to the real world. These lessons should help build a common set of problem-solving skills the students can fall back on throughout their college education. The final goal of the grant is to train professors to apply these lessons in their classrooms. “How do we help faculty to use [these] practices in their teaching that we know promote student success?” said Laura Ott, director of UMBC’s Science Education Research Unit.

sure collaborating,” student leader Julianna Fernandez, a second-year nursing student, said. Second-year nursing student Natasha Seeger, another student leader, added, “I think [the expansion] is amazing. I think we’re going to be able to help a lot of students in a lot of areas.” “BIO 101 was a really hard class for me, and I really get a lot of enjoyment in helping others see that they can do it also, when it was so difficult for me, and I came out successful,” Seeger said.

Coordinator of STEM Initiatives Jose Barata, second-year nursing student Julianna Fernandez, intern Peter Chordash and second-year nursing student Natasha Seeger are working together to plan for spring semester as new classes become supported by supplemental instruction. Photo by Daniel Salomon

Bio grant helps students pass A grant worth more than $2 million from the National Science Foundation will help prepare AACC students who plan to major in biology when they transfer to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. According to the proposal that created the grant, 29.8 percent of community college transfer students who took a genetics class at UMBC earned a D or F or withdrew from the class. That compares with 9.7 percent of students who started at UMBC as freshmen. This grant will pay for programs at AACC and

“At UMBC, 40 percent of their biology majors come from community colleges.” —Genetics professor Tammy Domanski

Additional instruction program doubles size Daniel Salomon Co-Editor A program to help science and math students who need extra instruction is expanding from seven to 12 courses and doubling the number of its instructors this semester. The Supplemental Instruction program increased the number of student instructors who run group work sessions for their peers from 11 to 22. According to Jose Barata, coordinator of STEM initiatives at AACC’s School of Sci-

Assistant Dean Marjorie Rawhouser is one of three assistant deans on campus. AACC will have 13 assistant deans total starting in July. Photo by Alex Fregger

ence and Technology, the five new courses in the program include BIO 101: Fundamentals of Biology Lab, BIO 231: Human Biology 1, MAT 137: College Algebra, MAT 192: Calculus and Analytical Geometry 2 and PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology. “It’s a really non-pressured, non-stress way to relax around other students who are struggling with the same course,” Barata said. “I think this program is outstanding.” “I’m excited to meet all the new [student leaders] because it’s always a plea-

February | 2019 | Campus Current | 9

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10 | Campus Current | 2019 | February

Campus Life

It’s not too late to make New Year’s resolutions Alexandra Radovic Co-Editor

we don’t have the patience to wait. But don’t let slipups disJanuary is a time to re- courage you for the rest of flect on the past year, and 2019. If your New Year’s resFebruary is all about re-ener- olutions are already history, gizing and reigniting change how about starting over in and personal growth. February? The year is still Students at AACC and pretty new, after all. all across the globe scramOn Jan. 31, sit down with bled to make their 2019 New a pen and paper and write Year’s resoludown the postions, in hopes itive and negs ’ ra of transformaative changes d n a Alex tion and new you have made beginnings. in your life so However, far this year, in study after on two separate study, those sheets of paper. who make New If you didn’t Year’s resomake any resolutions admit lutions on Jan. they give up on them by Feb- 1, write down a list of small ruary. and big changes you’d like to This could be because make this year. we set our expectations so Then, crumple up the high that we give up when list of negative changes and we don’t see results as quick- shred it. It doesn’t have powly as we hope. Maybe we’ve er over you anymore. become so accustomed to Reread the list of posimmediate gratification that itive changes you’ve made

Fun and Games

Advice

and congratulate yourself for them by posting them in an easy-to-read place, like on your mirror, so you can remind yourself of the progress you’re making each day. As far as new changes go, decide what didn’t work for you during January. Maybe you gave yourself strict deadlines that were unrealistic, or maybe you cheated because you didn’t give yourself any at all. Rework your goals and write them out in detail. Don’t just say you want to work out more often. Hold yourself to it by setting up a daily exercise plan. For example, maybe you want to run a mile every day for a week. Once you meet that short-term goal, make a new one. Only make goals that will be fun to achieve, because every feat will seem to come more quickly if you aren’t dreading the journey to success.

Campus Current’s Alexandra Radovic recommends making short-term goals and focusing yourself on them this year. Photo by Daniel Salomon Decide what success means to you. When you get tired of trying to meet a goal that seems far fetched, don’t let it get you down. Sometimes it’s easier and more valuable to change your goals every day, and divide your broad vision into a series of mini ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Maybe you want to eat healthier. Take it week by week. The first week, try to eat more fruit. If you are go-

Did you know?

ing out with friends, let yourself indulge that day, but eat an apple for breakfast instead of giving up your resolution and giving in to the old “I’ll start next week” mentality. Whether you want to run a marathon by May or save $1,000 by June, you can do it if you resolve now to start working toward it. Resolutions aren’t reserved for New Year’s Day. You can make and meet them every day of this new year.

Sudoku

AACC has electronics vending machines Students can buy headphones, chargers and over-the-counter medicine from Vengo touch-screen vending machines on campus. The prices of the items range from $4.49 to $24.95. Students can find Vengo vending machines in the Truxal Library, SUN Dining Hall, CALT Building, Florestano and Careers.

Reporting by Kenzie Airey Photo by Kenzie Airey

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Looking for answers? Check TheCampusCurrent.com on Feb 28.

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February | 2019 | Campus Current |11

Campus Life

E-Club plans Valentine event about self-care Kenzie Airey Co-Editor The Entrepreneurship Club, or E-Club, has started planning a self care-centered Valentine event for the upcoming holiday. E-Club members said they plan to get students involved with health and wellness during the event to show the importance of practicing self-care and taking time for yourself, especially when you are busy running your own business. “Entrepreneurship is a lonely business to be inside of,” E-Club President Dalton Leonard said. “As an entrepreneur, you’re by yourself. It’s you and your initiative, putting in 70 hours a week focusing on your dreams and your passion.” He added: “Even through all of this love and effort we put in our businesses, we’ve got to be able to step back and focus on ourselves from time

to time. And there’s no better as well as in their personal time to celebrate this than lives. Valentine’s Day, [during] the E-Club has planned othmonth of love.” er school holiday events beThe “Love Yourself” fore. Last December for the event will cover topics such holiday season, the club oras how to silence your inner ganized a sold-out New York critic and techniques on how City bus trip. to live a more balanced seThe organizers said mester and life. events like these bring more Club members also said holiday spirit to the comthey plan to munity and help support “Entrepreneurship is help stueach other’s dents a lonely business to more get New Year’s inbe inside of. As an volved with resolutions by sharing entrepreneur, you’re the school by yourself. It’s you and with health tips and servand your initiative, their classing healthy putting in 70 hours mates. snacks and “Having a week focusing on green juice festivities your dreams and your also helps to students passion.” who attend out with … —Dalton Leonard the Feb. 12 the mood event. with finals, Students who have start- too, because it’s around that ed self-care businesses will time for the fall semester,” participate in the event to second-year Early College share what helps keep them Access Program student Emmotivated in their businesses ily Shipley said. “It kind of

SELF CARE E-Club members plan to have a self-care-themed Valentine event on Feb. 12 complete with healthy snacks, green juice and life advice. Graphic by Kenzie Airey improves everyone’s mood.” E-Club members said they hope to bring the loving spirit of Valentine’s Day to campus with this event and help students find time for themselves in their busy schedules to practice selfcare. “I hope at this event, we take our time to recognize that while we are our business’s brand identity, that we need to take care of our-

selves as well as building our business,” Leonard said. “We need to build ourselves up for success … because if something happens to us, and we fall ill, we need to be able to bounce back. And the best way to bounce back is to know your body and take care of yourself.” The Valentine event is open to all students and faculty on Feb. 12 at 3:30 p.m. in Careers 340.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Taking some time out of your usually busy social life could be just what you need to help you focus on putting those finishing touches on your plans for a possible career change.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might feel obligated to help work out a dispute between family members. But this is one of those times when you should step aside and let them work out their problems on their own.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A misunderstanding about a colleague's suggestions could create a delay in moving on with your proposal. But by week's end, all the confusing points should finally be cleared up.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your ability to resolve an on-the-job problem without leaving too many ruffled feathers earns you kudos from co-workers. You also impress major decision-makers at your workplace.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might feel overwhelmed by all the tasks you suddenly have to take care of. But just say the magic word—help!—and you'll soon find others rushing to offer much-needed assistance.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Newly made and long-held friendships merge well, with possibly one exception. Take time to listen to the dissenter's explanations. You could learn something important.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Finishing a current project ahead of schedule leaves you free to deal with other upcoming situations, including a possible workplace change, as well as a demanding personal matter.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Be prepared to be flexible about your current travel plans. Although you don't have to take them, at least consider suggestions from the experts in the travel business.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Turn that fine-tuned feline sensitivity radar up to high to help uncover any facts that could influence a decision you might be preparing to make. Devote the weekend to family activities.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A problem with a recent financial transaction could lead to more problems later on unless you resolve it immediately. Get all the proof you need to support your position.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A state of confusion is soon cleared up with explanations from the responsible parties. Don't waste time chastising anyone. Instead, move forward with your plans.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Daydreaming makes it difficult to stay focused on what you need to do. But reality sets in by midweek, and you manage to get everything done in time for a relaxing weekend.

Fun and Games

HOROSCOPES

12 | Campus Current | 2019 | February

Campus Life

2018-2019 Trends By Sarah Noble Co-Editor 2018 was a rollercoaster ride, but hey, we survived. We witnessed our generation eating Tide PODs and curiously watching Logan Paul film a dead body—and wonder when his career would tank. We painfully watched Kanye explode on Twitter and hang with President Donald Trump. We bitterly suffered as we saw our favorite childhood store, Toys “R” Us, close forever. Wildfires burned in California. And the list of people who left the Trump administration was longer than any college essay you’ve ever had the pleasure of writing. Still, 2018 brought plenty of good. The world hopped out of cars and danced to Drake. We discovered Bradley Cooper can sing like an angel. The Yanny/Laurel debate may have divided us, but we all gathered by our TVs to watch a biracial American actress make history by joining the British royal family. We cheered for Team USA in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Who knows what will happen in 2019? More memes, more presidential tweets and more music from Rihanna? Here is Campus Current’s second annual list of what’s in and what’s out for 2019.

# :)

$ !

IN_

OUT_

Accurate Journalism Thrift Stores Old TV Shows Vine Comps Drone Cameras Fanny Packs High-Waisted Jeans Juuls Postmates Post Malone Travis Scott 2000s Style Gen Z Emojis Face Scanners Shane Dawson Vans Kim Athleisure Dip Powder Nails Coral Orange Jeffree Star Reusable Lids CBD Drinks Interactive Shows Confrontation

Fake News Department Stores Remakes of Shows TikTok GoPros Purses Biker Shorts Vapes/E-Cigs Carry-Out Drake Kylie Jenner 1980s Style Millennials Bitmojis Thumb Scanners Emma Chamberlain Birks Kanye Mom Jeans Gel Nails Millennial Pink James Charles Plastic Straws LaCroix Stranger Things Twitter Feuds

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Art by Kenzie Airey and Bethany Probst

February | 2019 | Campus Current |13

Campus Life

Campus Activities Bd. to host karaoke events Daniel Salomon Co-Editor The Campus Activities Board will host a monthly karaoke event in the SUN Dining Hall starting March 4. CAB is a club that hosts events on campus for students. “We’re just looking for something different than our normal club cafes … where we would bring someone in to play music,” Neena Rob-

ertson, faculty adviser for CAB, said. Zach Hall, a student who took a winter class on mechanical engineering, said he likes to sing and called the idea “cool.” Robertson said the “CAB members and CAB exec board did get a lot of requests for karaoke. So, we’re going to try it out and see how it goes this semester.” Sam Ryan, a student who took a winter Spanish course,

said the idea is “fun, but not for me. I’m too scared to get in front of people and sing.” According to Robertson, CAB also will host events on the first few days of the spring semester starting on Jan. 23. These events include a hot cocoa bar in the CALT Building lobby from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 23; a letter art exercise for students to make words from photos of objects that resemble letters of the alphabet on Jan. 24 and free

Former Campus Current photo editor Raquel Hamner belts out a song while practicing with friends for an upcoming karaoke outing. AACC will host karaoke events this semester. Photo by Daniel Salomon

es, skirts and shoes will go to students who need clothes for job interviews. Cook said the clothes are for an event later in March in which students can freely take the donated clothing. “The office just felt like there was a need for this, for students,” Cook said. “We know clothes can get expen-

sive, especially when you’re just starting out in a position where you are interviewing. … So, we just thought it would be a great way, before finals [and] commencement, just to get students the option of this.” Max Pine, a first-year computer science student, called it “a good idea. I know

that dress clothes are really expensive to buy outright. I myself have rented stuff for prom and stuff like that.” Aaron Sanders, a second-year architecture student, agreed that it was a good idea, but doesn’t see it working. “How many people are actually going to give clothes

Chick-fil-A on Jan. 25 at noon in the SUN Dining Hall. CAB’s other upcoming events throughout the semes-

Need clothes for job interview? Daniel Salomon Co-Editor Students, faculty and staff can donate gently used professional clothes to the Office of Student Engagement until March 1. According to Program Coordinator Leslie Cook, donations of pants, shirts, dress-

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ter are a board gaming event called “Game On,” a performance from band Nelly’s Echo and an Easter egg hunt.

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14 | Campus Current | 2019 | February

Arts

AACC opera company shows ‘Sweeney Todd’ Chance Iheoma Co-Editor Opera AACC will present the musical thriller “Sweeney Todd” this February. The performance honors the 40th anniversary of the debut of the musical on Broadway.

ders victims in his London barber shop and gives the meat to Mrs. Lovett, who bakes it into the pies she sells. Doug Byerly, chair of the performing arts department and lead actor, said he wanted to choose something that appealed to both students and faculty.

“Sweeney Todd” performers look over sheet music. Photo by Chance Iheoma The production, based on the 1979 book by Hugh Wheeler, tells the story of a barber, the eponymous “Sweeney Todd,” who mur-

“It’s a dark story, but in that dark story we find our humanity,” Byerly said. The company will use the Stephen Sondheim ver-

sion of the music and lyrics in its adaptation. The opera will differ from the 2007 Tim Burton movie starring Johnny Depp. “‘Sweeney Todd’ is one of the most difficult musicals to sing or produce,” Byerly said. “The music is challenging, more operatic than it is musical theater at times.” Byerly said one of the complications in adapting “Sweeney Todd” includes learning the musical harmonic language that Sondheim uses. The performers started learning the production months in advance after August auditions. The production also has professional musicians and actors working alongside students and faculty. “Opera and musical theater are two of the most expensive art forms to produce,” Byerly said. Part of the production costs involves visuals, set

Professor Doug Byerly, who plays the lead role in “Sweeney Todd,” directs a rehearsal. Photo by Chance Iheoma design, costumes, musicians and rehearsal time. “For this production, the faculty [and] the professionals are doing this for free because they love this,” Byerly said. “There are projects that we choose to do, not because of money, but because we believe in [them] and we love that. This is one of those projects.” Byerly said he most looks forward to the performance. “It’s an artist birthing moment,” Byerly said, “but then it’s gone [and] there’s a depression that performers have when a show closes.” Byerly said he assigns

roles based on an actor’s voice type or how well the actor captures the character. The musical director, faculty adviser, accompanist and the director cast the show. The director had final say, as the production ultimately relies on his vision to see it through. Byerly said he was “scared sh--less” about performing “Sweeney Todd,” but said he has faith in the company. The performances will be from Feb. 16-23 in the Kauffman Theatre. “I hope people come to ‘Sweeney Todd’ and are challenged by it,” Byerly said.

February | 2019 | Campus Current |15

16 | Campus Current | 2019 | February

Diversity

College runs survey on cultural spirit at AACC Daniel Salomon Co-Editor AACC will conduct a survey in February to learn if students, faculty and staff feel the cultural inclusion on campus is respectful. Chief Diversity Officer Deidra Dennie said the survey will focus on questions relating to equity and inclusion. Dennie defined equity as closing the gap between minority and non-minority students so they can have an equal chance of getting an education. “Do we have

opportunities for you, [the] student, whoever you are and however you represent yourself, to be your full self here at AACC?” she said. Dennie said the survey will include questions about how students interact with one another and with faculty. “I’d like to know from the students what they think is missing,” Dennie said. Second-year media production student Derek Kingsland called the survey a “good idea. ... They want to get better, obviously, since they’re asking other people how

they’re doing with their education and what they offer. … You can always get better at what you do.” The survey will also include questions asking students what they think about the resources on campus, such as English and math tutoring and the Health & Wellness Center. Rosie Herd, a fourth-year nursing student, added, “The student voice is important to be heard at AACC.” Dennie said students know when they treat others well and when they don’t. She

Chief Diversity Officer Deidra Dennie will be in charge of a cultural equity survey in February. Photo by Daniel Salomon added, “I think we have a really good thing going on here.” Dennie said she hopes at least a few thousand students will take the survey, so college officials can know what they’re doing well and what

needs addressing. “My desire is to find out what’s going on with what students want and find out what students don’t want,” Dennie said. “We can’t fix what we don’t know is broken.”

was an opportunity for students to get hands-on experience to see what it’s like to The redesign of AACC’s work with a client and take Martin Luther King Jr. Me- actual measurements. morial will begin this spring. “The students got to inLast year, the school’s terview what the committee Martin Luther King Break- thought the space needed,” fast Committee held a com- Lowe said. “I encouraged petition for landscape archi- them to be a little ambitious tecture students to redesign to show what the space could the area surrounding Mary- be and not worry about the land’s only statue of the civil budget.” rights leader. The winning Ellerbrock’s design will student, second-year ar- incorporate Japanese Dogchitecture student Kath- wood trees and Radiance ryn Ellerbrock, earned Abelia shrubs on either a $1,000 scholarship. side of the statue, as well as Ellerbrock beat nine oth- benches for observers. er architecture students to The committee initially win the competition. asked for a design that made Robert Lowe, an archi- the space more inviting for tecture and landscape pro- students and passersby. fessor, said the competition Ellerbrock’s original di-

agram extended the renovations down the steps of the memorial, but wasn’t used because of budget constraints. “There’s physical elements that need to be purchased like seating and benches and plant material,” Lowe said. Dr. Deidra Dennie, AACC’s chief diversity officer and a member of the Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee, approved the final design. The committee had asked for a design that features low-maintenance landscaping and the addition of more color to the memorial. The college will begin planting trees and shrubbery in April.

Redesign of memorial to begin later in spring Chance Iheoma Co-Editor

A redesign of the Martin Luther King Memorial on West Campus will begin in the spring. Photo by Chance Iheoma

Breakfast speaker honors MLK Chance Iheoma Co-Editor AACC’s annual Martin Luther King Breakfast offers an important moment to reflect on the civil rights leader’s accomplishments, the president of the Institute of Higher Education Policy told attendees on Jan. 21. Dr. Michelle Asha Cooper spoke about the importance of looking at issues through a racial lens. In a pre-speech interview with Campus Current, Cooper said, “It’s an important time to honor [King’s] legacy and [reflect on] how we

see that legacy coming to life in our community, and how people are working to sustain that vision.” Cooper said government-sanctioned racial discrimination has ended, but vestiges of segregation are still visible in wage gaps, social services and criminal justice. In the school system, she said, she sees a lack of faculty diversity as well as offensive mascots and images. “We still have work to do,” she said. The theme of this year’s breakfast, Realizing the Dream: The Time is Now,

served as the backdrop for the event. To realize King’s dream, Cooper said, the audience can follow the examples of the community members the event honored who work to improve juvenile justice and foster care, among other things. Cooper said she works to improve college access to students of color and working-class students. “We are really trying to look at policies with a lens that is equity minded,” Cooper said of the Washington, D.C.-based Institute for Higher Education Policy, where she is president.

“Thinking about how we … use our platform to really overturn … long-standing inequities that we see in the higher education system.” Where race relations tie in with education, Cooper said she focuses on issues of access to quality colleges and shining a light on invisible minorities, such as students who are incarcerated or undocumented, who also deserve a fair and proper education. Cooper said students shouldn’t have to struggle in order to benefit themselves as well as society. Cooper also said she urg-

Dr. Michelle Asha Cooper speaks about the importance of looking at issues through a racial lens. Photo courtesy of IHEP es colleges to be transparent and reveal if and how they help their students when it comes to those issues.

February | 2019 | Campus Current |17

Sports

Lax star player will not return Alexandra Radovic Co-Editor AACC’s only first-team All-American athlete will not return to Men’s Lacrosse this spring. Face-off player Nick Karnes, who earned All-American honors from the National Junior College Athletic Association last year, said he is unable to redeem his position this spring because he didn’t meet the academic requirements to play. “I didn’t manage my time wisely,” Karnes, who was a full-time business student, said. “I didn’t balance it good. … I focused more on lacrosse.” But Karnes said he enjoyed his time at AACC. “I made great friends and liked all the coaches,” Karnes said. He said winning the All-American honor was “an awesome feeling and was one

of my greatest achievements. I achieved this award with the constant help and guidance from my coaches.” Karnes, who lives in Warrenton, Virginia, said his best memory at the college was his first game against Onondaga Community College, when he faced off against a player who went on to play lacrosse at a Division I university. His teammates said they admired his dedication to the game. “He was a great guy as well as teammate,” defenseman Zack Payne, who played with Karnes last season, said. “He was a great help to the team and he will be missed.” Charlie Ellis, who also played with Karnes before transferring to Guilford College in North Carolina to play lacrosse, agreed. “He was a great lacrosse player but a better person,” the former backup goalie and defensive midfielder said.

All-American lacrosse player Nick Karnes wins a face-off against Onondaga Community College last season. Karnes will not return to AACC in 2019. Photo courtesy of Anthony Bellotte “He was happy to help every way he could while he was on and off the field. I know for a fact the team will miss him this year.” Others agreed Karnes was a star on and off the field. “Nick was definitely an extremely important player to have on the team and a huge part of our success last year,” former teammate and

Second-year communications student Noah Reem, midfielder, prepares for the lacrosse season by working out on the turf. The team opens the season at home on Feb. 23.

Men’s Lacrosse strives to improve this season Reese Levin Co-Editor After going 8-4 last spring, AACC Men’s Lacrosse is looking to improve this year despite losing 16 players from last year’s roster. Among the departures are face-off starter Nick Karnes, who won first-team All-American honors for his performance last season but lost eligibility because of low grades, and goalie William Harrison, a second-team All-American goalie, who graduated. The others left because they transferred to four-year colleges or graduated; had played for two years and were no longer eligible for the team; or earned grades too

low to keep them on the team. The team added 25 players for the coming season, including 10 first-year students. Third-year head coach Joe Stanilaus said having fresh faces every season has pros and cons. “We only get the guys for two years max anyway, so we know going in that we have to recruit very heavily to compete in our region and nationally,” Stanilaus said. Stanilaus added the team is looking for solid lacrosse players who are also good students. Sophomore attackman Rahsaan Johnson listed ways players can be fully committed this season. “Being coachable and

[having] discipline by listening to the coach, not arguing back, cooperating well, taking orders well and doing everything by the book,” Johnson said. “Being a team player helps the team develop, not just you.” Stanilaus named second-year midfielders Jordan Kopf and James Dipietro Jr. as team captains. “A lot of people around lacrosse in general are viewing AACC … off of last year,” Dipietro said. “We have a completely new team, so based on how people are viewing us they don’t think we are going to do that much [better than last year].” The team opens the season against Onondaga Community College at home.

defenseman Justin Walsh said. “When you have a player who can dominate faceoffs like he did, you can really control a game from the start. He was also a good guy to be around overall and a good teammate. He wasn’t selfish or cocky and was all for the better of the team.” Walsh and Payne left AACC to play lacrosse at

Newberry College in South Carolina. The Athletics Department created a position late last year for an academic adviser who will work exclusively with athletes (see related story, Page 19). “I think that’s awesome and will help players tremendously with their school work,” Karnes said.

Reese Levin Co-Editor

one more season. “At the junior college level when you fold a program, especially a women’s sport, the odds of it taking off again are not very good,” Griffiths said. According to Athletics Director Duane Herr, fewer than 12 people applied for the job. He offered it to one coach after two rounds of interviews, but the candidate declined the position. “The people that we had interviewed were good coaches,” Herr said. “The challenge with hiring a parttime coach is that the reality is that these people have fulltime jobs and full-time commitments.”

College brings back old coach After a 13-5 record last season, AACC Women’s Lacrosse will have to replace a majority of last season’s roster. In his 19th and final season, head coach Jim Griffiths said he hopes to have a full roster by the first practice on Jan. 24. Griffiths, who also coaches cross country at the college, retired from coaching lacrosse at the end of last season. Griffiths said he wants to focus on his job as the chair of the physical education department at Wiley H. Bates Middle School in Annapolis. “It got to the point where between school and the demands of coaching two sports here, it got to be too much,” Griffiths said. “I wasn’t able to put the energy that I had in the past into the [lacrosse] program. I felt that it was time for somebody else to step in and do it.” AACC Athletics was unable to hire a replacement in time for the spring season, so Griffiths agreed to return for

AACC Women’s Lacrosse opens the season at home on March 20. Photo by Reese Levin

18 | Campus Current | 2019 | February

Sports

Athletics brings back Men’s X Country team Reese Levin Co-Editor AACC will bring back Men’s Cross Country starting in fall 2019 after a decades-long hiatus. Keith Bigelow, the coordinator of athletics, will coach the team. “It’s been something that we have kicked around as a department for a long time,” Bigelow said. Bigelow said he hopes to recruit at least five runners so the Riverhawks will qualify to

participate in the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference meet and be eligible for the National Junior College Athletic Association national meet. He also said he will contact the cross country coaches at county high schools to see if any graduating seniors would like to join the team. Chris Brunk, a first-year engineering student, said he might consider trying out for the new team. “I have had friends who have done cross country in

Players aim for state playoffs Noah Reem Co-Editor AACC Men’s and Women’s Basketball players are preparing for the second half of their 2018-2019 season. As of Campus Current’s press deadline on Jan. 17, Men’s Basketball sat at seven wins and eight losses so far in the season, while the women’s team had four wins and nine losses. “We feel pretty good,” second-year power forward and transfer studies student Jacoby Rojas said. “Our goal for the rest of the season is to go undefeated.” Second-year center De-

ondre McNeill said the men’s team is “getting better each day.” “Everything’s just clicking together,” said McNeill, who has not chosen a major. “We’re winning, so the season is going as planned.” Joe Snowden, who is in his fourth year as head coach, leads the team. “It’s coming along exactly how we hoped it would,” Snowden said. “I’m pleased but I know we can do better.” Rojas said the team can win the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference championship and advance on to Rochester, Minnesota, for the National Junior Col-

the past and I have thought about it,” Brunk said. Brunk played lacrosse at St. John’s College High School and club lacrosse at the University of Maryland during his freshman year before transferring to AACC in the fall. He planned to play lacrosse at AACC this semester, but he tore his ACL during a fall lacrosse scrimmage. “With lacrosse being a spring sport, [cross country is] something I could do in the off-season [to] stay in shape,” Brunk said.

AACC Athletics racked up the awards in the 20172018 school year, placing in double digits on both the All-Region and All-Conference teams. Former Women’s Lacrosse midfielder Sofia Michael received the Betty Jo

OOPS!

Graber Award honoring her as the 2017-2018 NJCAA Female Student Athlete of the Year. Michael was the first athlete to win the award from Maryland and AACC. Michael said she owes a lot of her success to Women’s Lacrosse coach Jim Griffiths. “He made me love the sport again,” Michael said.

In our May issue, Campus Current reported that Women’s Cross Country placed fourth in nationals. The team placed 10th. Campus Current apologizes for the error.

Jonathon Amao, a University of Maryland, Baltimore County student who took a winter psychology course at AACC in January, said he would join the team if he were a full-time AACC student. He said if the team had

been around two years ago when he was shopping for colleges, he would have heavily considered becoming a Riverhawk. “I would’ve taken the opportunity to keep on running,” Amao said. “I love running.”

Riverhawks’ Men’s Basketball prepares to play Chesapeake Community College. Photo by Noah Reem lege Athletic Association national championship. Snowden said his players are getting looks from fouryear schools such as Salisbury University, Stevenson University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Bowie State University and Southern Vermont College. Women’s Basketball, despite having only seven players, has shown “persistence”

AACC student athletes take 2018 JUCO honors Reese Levin Co-Editor

Coordinator of Athletics Keith Bigelow will be the new Men’s Cross Country coach. Photo by Alex Fregger

“Coming out of high school, I had decided that I wasn’t playing, and he just renewed that joy. Because of him and the Athletic Department at AACC, I am now able to play two more years at Ashland University. I am very grateful for that.” Through the fall semester, five out of the six athletes who received All-Region honors also earned All-Conference honors. Seven other athletes received just All-Conference. Men’s Soccer forward Noah Beall was one of the six athletes who received All-Region and All-Conference

and “improvement,” coach Lionel Makell said. Makell, who is in his sixth year as head coach, said, “We’ve had seven girls and haven’t lost anyone to eligibility.” The women have an overall team grade-point average of 3.0. “So far I feel like it’s an uphill battle but we’re improving every day,” said sec-

ond-year transfer studies student Marcelaine Augustin. “This is the only team that I’ve been on that is such a family,” said second-year transfer studies student Karley Haensler, who transferred to AACC from Baltimore City Community College. Makell said the women’s team has games almost every other day and is prepared for their busy schedule.

AACC Athletics won multiple awards last school year. Photo by Gerald Maravanyika honors last year. “Coming into the year, it was definitely a goal of mine to get [honored] again,” Beall, a second-year business administration student, said. Also earning All-Conference was second-year education student Gabbie Keogh. “I didn’t even know I made it,” Keogh said. “My brother actually told me.”

Keogh advises athletes to come into the season in shape and get to know their teammates outside of practice. Keogh plans to transfer to Hood College in the fall. “When I go to Hood, I want to be an extra hand that they can rely on in any way that they need,” Keogh said.

February | 2019 | Campus Current |19

Sports

Baseball prepares for opening day on Feb. 16 Noah Reem Co-Editor

John Iaquinta, a second-year business administration student and baseball pitcher, prepares for the 2019 spring season. Photo by Noah Reem

AACC Men’s Baseball players and head coach expressed their high hopes for the upcoming season. The Riverhawks’ first two games are at home against Suffolk Community College on Feb. 16. “I’m really looking forward to the season,” said business administration student and second-year pitcher John Iaquinta. “We have a lot of great guys.” The team’s season ended

Softball team looks for additional teammates Noah Reem Co-Editor AACC Women’s Softball players and coaches are preparing for the start of the 2019 season with just nine players and what the coach calls “a really young team.” Head coach Guy Klingensmith said the team includes “a good group of freshmen.” Assistant coach Brittany Nunez added, “We could use more girls than we have right now.”

Despite the small roster, pitcher Katherine Rosati, the only player returning from last year, said she has faith in her teammates. Nunez, who played softball at AACC and graduated in 2014, said the team and coaches “definitely have faith in [Rosati’s] leadership.” “I’m always there for my teammates,” said Rosati, a second-year nursing student. “I can’t wait to see how the season goes.” Klingensmith said the

Riverhawks added freshman pitcher Gracie Culley from Glen Burnie High School to their roster. “She’ll be our main pitcher,” Klingensmith said. The Riverhawks will play their first game at home against Paul D. Camp Community College on March 6. The Riverhawks’ 2018 season ended in a 6-1 loss to Suffolk Community College. “We won regionals and came in second place in districts,” Klingensmith said. The team finished its

letes,” said coach Chris Jenkins, who is going into his third year as Men’s Baseball coach. “We are a lot deeper at our infield and outfield positions,” Jenkins said. “We have the same goal every year, and that’s to win our region,” Jenkins said. “Our weakest part is our pitching,” said second-year center fielder and criminal justice student Blake Rebstock. “We’re not as deep.” Other players agreed that their biggest issue is not having enough pitching depth.

Softball head coach Guy Klingensmith talks to his team before starting drills in the gym. Photo by Noah Reem 2018 season with 12 wins and 22 losses. “The season started out kind of slow,” Klingensmith

said, “but once the girls started to know one another, we started to play really well.”

After playing college football at Norwich University in Vermont, Anderson attended Coppin State College in Baltimore, where he received his bachelor’s degree. He earned his master’s from Delaware State. He also served in the National Guard. “Seeing how many issues would arise with junior college transfers while at the Division I level,” Anderson said, “I saw an opportunity to reach out to one institution and help it grow and expand.” Anderson plans to require student athletes to attend daily study halls. “Without a doubt, the addition of Trey Anderson to the Athletic Department

will benefit student athletes and their families,” Men’s Lacrosse coach Joe Stanilaus said. “The addition will also assist head coaches and their staffs to all be on the same page in regard to acquiring, as well as keeping and graduating, student athletes.” Anderson said he will start a Student Athlete Advisory Council. One student athlete from each team will act as a link between administration and student athletes and help organize community events. “The Student Athlete Advisory Council is a great idea and connects the players and the school,” second-year Men’s Lacrosse player James Dipietro Jr. said.

New academic adviser adds daily study halls Noah Reem Co-Editor

Trey Anderson works from his office in the gym. He is the new student athlete success coordinator. Photo by Daniel Salomon

last year after a 7-6 loss to Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville. The team finished 2018 with 18 wins and 23 losses. The team “had a great relationship last season,” Iaquinta said. The team added some new players, including firstyear pitcher Caleb Musco, first-year infielder and transfer studies student Cameron Urlock, and criminal justice student and Catonsville transfer Brendan Diluca. “We have quite a few guys who are really good ath-

AACC has created a position for an adviser who will work solely with student athletes. The adviser, Trey Anderson, a former Delaware State University and Coppin State student athletic adviser, became AACC’s first-ever student athlete success coordinator in October. “Personally, I wanted to make the jump from [the National Collegiate Athletic Association] to junior college,” Anderson said. “I felt it would be a little more challenging. Someone with my ... experience would be beneficial to that level of athlete.”

20 | Campus Current | 2019 | February

STEMINTERN

MAKE CONNECTIONS GET EXPERIENCE EARN MONEY GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR

STEM INTERNSHIP FAIR MEET WITH EMPLOYERS SEEKING INTERNS

Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | SUN Hawk’s Nest | Arnold COME PREPARED! Bring approved résumés and dress in professional attire. DETAILS: Tricia Acton | STEM internships | 410-777-7128 Gwen Johnson | General internships | 410-777-2475

PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS TO DATE (MORE BEING ADDED WEEKLY!): Anne Arundel County Government, Office of Information Technology Anne Arundel Health Systems Anne Arundel County Dept. of Public Works Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park Barks Road Landscape Architecture Bello Machre Berry Global

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Daly Computers ECS Mid-Atlantic Geo-Technology Associates General Dynamics Information Technology GHD Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary K2M Design Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services Inc.

Lenhart Traffic Consulting The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center Maryland Zoo Maryland Science Center Naval Research Lab NSA PowerTrain Rockwell Collins Specialized Engineering TriTech

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION: AACC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, Title IX, ADA Title 504 compliant institution. Call Disability Support Services, 410-777-2306 or Maryland Relay 711, 72 hours in advance to request most accommodations. Requests for sign language interpreters, alternative format books or assistive technology require 30 days’ notice. For information on AACC’s compliance and complaints concerning sexual assault, sexual misconduct, discrimination or harassment, contact the federal compliance officer and Title IX coordinator at 410-777-1239, complianceofficer@aacc.edu or Maryland Relay 711. 12/18