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Construction clears way for science quad
Without home, some struggle Elizabeth Spearman Associate Editor
Construction crews removed the Modular Building near Student Services as part of AACC’s Master Plan to renovate the area. After construction of a new Health Sciences buiding nearby, college officials plan to convert the cleared area into a quad for the science buildings.
It’s 9:30 p.m. on a Thursday and the library will close in 15 minutes. The last few students are packing up their books, ready to call it a night and head for home. But not third-year transfer studies major Terri Taylor. When she leaves the library, she will sleep on the couch at her best friend’s apartment, as she has for the past three weeks.
Clubs face new SGA penalties Roxanne Ready Editor-in-Chief The Student Government Association has approved its goals for the 20172018 school year, and will change penalties for student clubs that do not send representatives to attend monthly meetings. SGA President Johnathan O’Dea announced plans to create a series of gradually increasing penalties—like warnings and probationary periods—for student organizations that do not send a representative to monthly Advisory Council meetings. The Student Advisory Council is a group of student organization leaders. At the
In case you
missed it
December 2017
council meetings, club presidents or their representatives hear announcements and vote on club issues such as budgets for student clubs or approvals of new student organizations. Advisory Council meetings are mandatory, but O’Dea said fewer than half of active student organizations attended the Nov. 6 meeting. Club secretary and second-year web design student Daniel Nickerson said the ESports Club has not sent a representative to the meetings recently. “It doesn’t seem like [there’s] much for us to do [at the meetings],” Nickerson said. “A lot of it feels like it’s not really involved with
See last month’s web headlines at TheCampusCurrent.com
Taylor has no home of her own. “I guess I am not technically ‘homeless,’” Taylor said. “I am not living out of my car or staying in a shelter. I have a roof over my head.” Taylor had a stable living situation up until a month ago, when she lost her job and could no longer afford her apartment. “I don’t have any family around here, and the cost of moving out of state is a little bit too much,” she said.
AACC gives textbooks and food to homeless students on a case-by-case basis. Photo by Tre Mooring AACC classifies students like Taylor as “on the verge” of homelessness or “homeless insecure.” Those students “could be kicked out [of a home] at any time, due to an argument
or something going wrong,” Rich Heath, who has been AACC’s financial aid director since 2000, said. According to a 2015 study
Daniel Salomon Reporter
us. … It’s stuff that affects other clubs and just general school things.” O’Dea said the SGA’s constitution allows it to withhold funding from organizations that do not attend Advisory Council meetings. “[But] that’s a big step,” O’Dea said. “That’s not where we want to go first.”
AACC police arrested a former employee on Nov. 14 who had been banned from campus for yelling threats at another employee on Oct 9. Police said they found Andrew Manley on Ring Road in front of the pool after they got a call from someone who reported he was in the gym. Police Chief Sean Kapfhammer said Manley was possibly taking a shower or trying to steal towels from the gym. Manley, a former parttime employee, did not work on campus at the time of the arrest. Kapfhammer said Man-
ley was banned from campus on Oct. 21 after making threats of violence in a parking lot during a traffic dispute about two weeks earlier. Police charged Manley with trespassing on campus. Campus police also banned Jason Gann, 30, from all AACC locations. Police said Gann exhibited disruptive behavior at the Arnold and Glen Burnie Town Center campuses. Students, faculty or staff who see any suspicious behavior or need to report a crime should use a blue emergency phone pole located around campus. They can also call (410) 777-1818 from a cell phone or off-campus phone.
“Neverwhere” takes audience to other world
Men’s BBall falls short in 1st home game
Oxfam banquet teaches about poverty
SGA members say monthly mandatory Advisory Council meeting attendance is low. Photo by Daniel Salomon
Continued on page 4
Officers arrest banned worker
2 | Campus Current | 2017 | December
Editorial
Letter from the editor Meet the Staff Editor-in-Chief
Roxanne Ready
Associate Editor
Elizabeth Spearman Graphic Designer
Morgan Gordon
Brandon Hamilton Sarah Sutherland Sports Editor
Seamus McCarthy Reporters
Emily Bailey Michael Garvey Vincent Moreland Sarah Noble Alexandra Radovic Daniel Salomon Veronica Somers Ryan Sullivan Shelby Vetter Mike Wilhelm Hailey Williams Photographers
Sarah Alonso MaryJane Arausa Raquel Hamner Gerald Maravanyika Jessica Osband Cameron Terrelonge Newsroom Manager
Tre Mooring
Faculty Adviser
Sharon O’Malley Twitter
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campuscurrentaacc Photographers on Page 1, top & box
From left to right:
Sarah Noble Narek Avetisyan Sarah Alonso Roxanne Ready
As editor-in-chief of Campus Current, this semester has been a stressful one for me. But it’s also been an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. Between the steady flow of classwork and the pressure of overseeing an ever-growing newspaper, I’ve almost given up more than once. If you’re thinking it isn’t worthwhile to join in college life at AACC because “it’s just a community college,” think again. This isn’t my first time through the higher education system. My first time through college, I wasn’t interested in experiencing any of so-called “college life” either at community college or my fouryear university. I attended my classes and went home, content to live a social life totally sepa-
rate from my academic one. But this time around, AACC’s extracurricular activities drew me in. Besides reporting and editing for the paper, I’ve also interned for the state legislature. Both experiences taught me more than any classroom ever could. Not only that, but I have become a part of a community here on campus, something I didn’t expect and wasn’t looking for, but that has nevertheless improved my life. When I started this fall as Campus Current’s new editor-in-chief, I never imagined we would be publishing the second 20-page issue in the paper’s history just last month. We didn’t set out with a large paper as a goal, but thanks to an awesome staff and the support of our readers, we found the paper filled up fast. A lot goes into putting out a paper: reporting sto-
ries and getting interviews; In fact, as publication taking photos for each story; day nears each month, a full editing the stories to make night’s sleep becomes a luxusure they are interesting, in- ry for the editors. formative and correct; laying It’s exhausting work, them out nicely and but it’s also by far making sure they the most rewardand their heading experience lines fit the I’ve had in space availcollege. I’m able; and part of a proofreadteam, and ing again we all pull and again together evto weed out ery month to the little mis- y B deliver someran takes and typos thing real and don Hamilton that always try to slip tangible that, hopethrough. fully, helps not just inform It takes a staff of people but also strengthen the who care about what they do AACC community. and are each willing to give I came to AACC to find time and effort so we can give my direction. To be honest, you a paper worth reading. I’m still not sure what direcAll of us end up stressed tion my life will take. and frazzled as the publiBut I know my time here cation deadline approach- at AACC has not only taught es. We can’t push it back, me academic skills, but has because if we do, the paper helped me grow as a person— won’t come out on time and and that means it’s been time that’s not an option for us. well spent.
b
Campus Life Editor
Roxanne Ready Editor-in-Chief
to Pho
Photography Editor
Time at AACC is very well spent
Don’t throw away your future by driving drunk Editorial Board
up 39 percent of people responsible for killing others in drunken driving accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A first-time DUI in Maryland costs up to $1,000 in fines, never mind the legal fees and car insurance rate increases. Aside from the sheer cost of a DUI, imagine living with the weight of another person’s death on your conscience. A drunken driving convic-
tion in Maryland also comes with a possible six-month liIt’s December, and that cense suspension and up to means it’s time for finals and one year of prison time. the holiday season; at least It isn’t necessary to put one of those, if not both, is others at risk to have a good probably pretty stressful for time. Designate a sober drivyou. Fortunately, holiday parer, call a taxi or use a rideties give everyone a chance to share service like Lyft or blow off some of that stress by Uber. having fun with friends. But above all, have a plan But nothing puts a dampbefore you start drinking. The er on the holiday spirit like whole point of alcohol is to being charged with a DUI for mess with your mind, so don’t driving drunk—especially if rely on yourself to make the it comes with a wrecked veright decision when you’re alhicle, an injury ready drunk. or a death. After college, More than you’ll probably 1,000 college get dressed up for students 18 to a job interview in 24 years old your chosen field; die each year picture yourfrom acciself wearing that dents involving same outfit to go drunken drivto your own trial ing, according instead. to a 2009 study You’re in colpublished in lege to improve the Journal yourself and set of Studies on a course for a Alcohol and bright future. Drugs. Don’t throw away Not only College-age drivers cause 39 percent of drunk that future—and that, but 16- driving deaths. Make a plan to get home safely. possibly someone to 24-year-old Photo by Kyle Johnson, courtesy of the U.S. Depart- else’s as well— drivers make ment of Defense with one mistake.
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December | 2017 | Campus Current | 3
Opinion
No ban of transgender troops; support them Emily Bailey Reporter My friend Eli enlisted in the military two years ago, and is doing well in his platoon; he is even outperforming some of his colleagues in physical training and riflery. Eli is transgender, which means he was born with female anatomy, but has transitioned to living as a man. He joined the military because he wishes to fight for this country and preserve its freedoms. But if President Donald Trump has his way, Eli and other transgender servicepeople will no longer be welcome in the military. Trump has announced that transgender individuals
Second-year student Alexandra Radovic believes many prescription pain killers can be dangerous and lead to addiction. Photo by Alexandra Radovic
cannot serve in “any capacity” because of possible harm to military readiness and healthcare costs. He directed the Department of Defense to establish this ban, but it is working its way through the court system. I believe the president’s effort to ban transgender servicepeople is discriminatory. In addition, it seems that allowing transgender people to serve has minimal effects on the economy and military readiness, which are Trump’s concerns. According to the RAND Corporation—a non-profit policy think tank whose research is sponsored primarily by federal, state and local government agencies, includ-
ing the DOD—only 0.0015 percent of the total number of years one person serves is affected by allowing transgender individuals to serve. Furthermore, DOD spending on healthcare costs will only rise 0.14 percent above the current level while transgender individuals serve. In fact, according to the Defense Health Agency, the DOD spent 5.2 times more on Viagra for those serving than on transgender healthcare—$51.6 million compared with $8 million. I believe in civil rights, and I trust the evidence that shows the low impact transgender people have on military readiness. If we are trying to in-
Alexandra Radovic Reporter
with the same morphine that doctors prescribe for pain. Todd Travers was an AACC culinary student. He overdosed on heroin and died in 2013. Travers passed away without a chance to redefine himself. But without opiods, how will you deal with pain after surgery? Good news: You don’t have to risk a serious addiction in order to feel better. Karen Sisko of the state Department of Health said a combination of non-prescription Tylenol and Advil can be even more effective for pain management than opioids. Now that you know how dangerous these pills can be, you have the opportunity Travers never did.
President Donald Trump would like to keep transgender people from enlisting in the military, but other people believe they should be allowed to serve. Photo by Ted Eytan, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons crease readiness, we should expand our military, not whittle it down one transgender volunteer at a time. Allowing openly transgender individuals to enlist has only increased the size of the military, thus better preparing it. This campus has a thriving LGBTQ community, as well as many students who are veterans, who are inter-
ested in joining the military or who have already enlisted. We should stand up for our fellow students and community members. We should stand up for Eli and for the many other transgender people just as willing to fight and die for this country as anyone else. Emily Bailey is a firstyear history student.
So next time you are prescribed a pain killer, ask your doctor about alternatives like Tylenol and Advil, physical therapy or acupuncture. If you go to a party and are offered alcohol or marijuana, avoid abusing them. Once they have altered your senses, you are more likely to accept other drugs like heroin. And if you see someone using heroin, call the authorities. Thanks to a 2015 law, reporting a drug overdose will not result in prosecution of the reporter or the abuser. If you are already facing an addiction, are at risk or know someone who needs help, please visit the Collegiate Recovery Center on campus in SUN Room 208B
from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also visit any police station 24 hours a day. All Anne Arundel County police and fire stations are designated “safe stations,” where anyone with an opioid addiction can ask for help without fear of prosecution. Also, leftover prescription pills are the No. 1 way people become addicted, according to the Department of Health, so use the 24-hour drop boxes at any fire station to dump leftover pills. Let’s grab hold of the wings of our fellow Riverhawks and soar above addiction and into the bright future ahead. Alexandra Radovic is a second-year elementary education student.
Use alternatives to painkillers Here at AACC, our motto is, “redefine yourself.” But because of opioids—pain-relieving medications that alter your mind and dull your senses—some AACC students never reach that goal. If you have ever taken hydrocodone, oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet or morphine, you have taken an opioid. These pain relievers are commonly prescribed by doctors. You may think this makes them safe, but it doesn’t. A person can become dependent on these pills after one dose. Even a prescription medicine can lead to heroin use, because heroin is often laced
Harassment has no place here Sarah Sutherland Campus Life Editor While walking to class, I often steer away from groups of men to eliminate the chances of unwanted comments or cat-calling. The most common form of sexual harassment is commentary, but it can also include honking, whistling, body gestures, stalking and staring. Basically, any unwanted inappropriate attention can be sexual harassment. I have only been catcalled once while at AACC,
although never would have been better. The American Association of University Women, a national organization that promotes equality and education for women, reported that 62 percent of college students have experienced sexual harassment on campus. Clearly, colleges aren’t doing a good enough job of protecting and teaching their students about this issue. Some harassers view it as a compliment, but it’s not. Women do not appreciate your unsolicited comments. Men rarely have to think
about some of the things women do. For example, I usually wear a sweatshirt and leggings to school because I want to, but whenever I wear anything more fashionable or that shows more skin, it is taken as a green light for sexual harassment. Why does the fact that I dressed up a little bit increase my chances of being harassed? Cat-calling, however, is not the victim’s fault; I can still get cat-called in my sweatshirt and leggings, just not as often. How hard is it to under-
stand that sexual comments and actions are not wanted unless they’re asked for? It’s that simple. Maybe if more people understood this, then I wouldn’t have to worry about potential harassment when walking around campus. Harassers: Keep your comments to yourself. I go to college to learn, not to get harassed. Sarah Sutherland is a second-year mass communication student. She hopes to go into the media business and work for a large company in New York City.
If you would like to respond to these opinions or contribute one of your own, please visit our website for submission guidelines or to leave a comment on an article. TheCampusCurrent.com
4 | Campus Current | 2017 | December
News
Campus offers homeless help Continued from page 1 by the Wisconsin HOPE Lab, about half of students qualify as homeless insecure, and up to 14 percent of community college students are homeless. Last year, 30 homeless students attended AACC, according to Heath. “It could be because they were evicted, got kicked out of their homes or have a really unstable living situation,” Heath said. Because some students try to tap into campus resources by claiming they are homeless—when they are not—the college has a process to identify those who truly are, Health said. Three questions on the standard financial aid application ask if a homelessness liaison, shelter director or other official has considered the applicant homeless. If so, AACC will set up an
appointment for the student with a financial aid worker and an AACC counselor and refer the student to the Student Achievement and Success Program. SASP helps students who are staying in shelters or couch surfing. “We provide services to [students] in need, whether it is loaning out textbooks, calculators [or] laptops,” Janice Watley, SASP director, said. Some teachers also help students in need. “I have a supply of food I keep in my car [in case] I see a student in need, and then I connect them to campus resources like HelpLink and SASP,” Forrest Caskey, an assistant professor of reading, said. “SASP and HelpLink do the real work, but … I emphasize throughout the semester that these resources exist so that they don’t forget.” Helplink Grant is an emergency support program
In recognition of student success, a national institution invited AACC to apply for a prestigious award. Photo by Brandon Hamilton
Statue of MLK fixed, returned Alexandra Radovic Reporter
for students in an unexpected financial crisis. Sophomore criminology major Makayla Williams suggested that a support group for students who are homeless or on the verge “could help.” “I didn’t know there were students who [were] homeless,” Shontise Smith, a firstyear accounting major, said. “The school [has] a food pantry and different resources, but yeah, I agree a support group can be useful.” AACC works with local shelters, like Sarah’s House, a housing and support pro-
gram for homeless families in Anne Arundel County. “If a kid is truly homeless, we will help them,” Heath said. “[The rate of homelessness] is unfortunately not getting any better.” Taylor is looking for another place to live while going to school full-time and looking for a job. “Honestly I am lucky to have a supportive group of people and to be at a school with great resources,” Taylor said. “If you find yourself in an icky situation like being homeless, don’t be afraid to speak up or ask for help.”
The bronze statue of Martin Luther King Jr. returned to West Campus near the CADE Building on Nov. 6 after a six-week absence. The statue needed repairs for a structural defect in the granite pedestal. The Central Services Building housed the 400-pound statue during the $6,500 process. The Martin Luther King Jr. Committee sold the bronze statue of King—made by sculptor Ed Dwight—to AACC in 2006 for $400,000. Heidi Salazar, a junior biology major, said “it allows students to remember an important part of history.” “The statue gives our campus a sense of equality,” Raphael Corletta, a sophomore transfer studies major, said.
Alexandra Radovic Reporter A national institution invited AACC to apply for a $1 million award in November. The Aspen Institute awards the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence to recognize high achievement and performance among community colleges. The award measures student success in four areas: learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and high levels of access and success
for minority and low-income students. According to Dr. Mike Gavin, vice president of learning at AACC, the award will go to student scholarships. “The Aspen prize is the biggest honor you can receive as a community college,” Gavin said. “We’re honored by this recognition,” Dr. Dawn Lindsey, the president of AACC, said in a press release. “To be ... invited to apply for this prestigious award is a testament to the student-centered approach and innovative spir-
it of AACC’s staff and faculty.” The Institute will choose the top 10 finalists in spring 2018. “Whether we win or not, we are honored to be nominated and we will continue doing what we are doing,” Gavin said. During the application process, Gavin said he learned “AACC has more to celebrate than to improve upon, because students are the focus of our institution.” AACC is one of two colleges in Maryland invited to apply for the prize. The other is College of Southern Maryland.
Kapfhammer requested that the Office of Emergency Management host the annual exercise on campus to involve AACC officers. “I wanted to get my people involved to get them some experience,” Kapfhammer added. Students in AACC’s police training class, county police cadets, the county medical service and volunteers from the Anne Arundel Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team also participated.
Campus and local police closed a lot on West Campus on Nov. 17 to practice working together. Photo by Daniel Salomon
Reading professor Forrest Caskey helps connect homeless students to college resources. About 14 percent of college students nationwide are homeless. Photo by Tre Mooring
$1M prize open to AACC
Police drill closes lot H Daniel Salomon Reporter Campus and Anne Arundel County police simulated a riot in parking lot H on Nov. 17. The exercise in civil disturbance lasted from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., during which time the lot was closed. The simulation aimed to test the campus police’s response time in arriving to an incident as well as how well AACC worked with the county police.
“It went well,” James Tully, training and exercise coordinator for the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management, said of the one hour and 15-minute exercise. Police and volunteers acted out a dispute between two sets of sports fans and police pretended to arrest them for not breaking up when authorities told them to. “It’s a good thing to actually practice things like that,” Police Chief Sean Kapfhammer said.
December | 2017 | Campus Current | 5
Campus Life
Students show final projects Sarah Alonso Photographer Twelve AACC students gathered on Nov. 16 at the Graduating Student Art Show to showcase their artwork to members of the community and 13 four-year universities. “It is an opportunity for not only students who are graduating, but also people that are really ready to show their work,” Chris Mona, an organizer and an art professor, said. The students participating in the annual showcase said they are pleased with the exposure and opportunities they have had at AACC. “I feel that AACC’s art program is a really great one and offers just as much as other schools do,” said second-year dance student Alexandra Flanagan, one of the participating artists. “[The showcase] is a great opportunity to get some exposure,
and most colleges don’t have such an event.” The students in the showcase set up their work along a section of a hallway devoted to each of them in the CADE Building. They were free to design their displays any way they wanted to show their individuality and personalities. “I didn’t just pick out works that I thought I liked, but [also ones] I thought would be really good, and something I was really comfortable with showing,” Marisa Evangelista, a second-year visual arts major and a participant, said. Other artists used different thought processes when deciding how to set up their displays. “I got all my artwork together that I had, finished working on some pieces and laid out the design before I left my house,” Vincente Hager, a second-year visual design major, said.
Graduating Student Art Show Students showcase their art for four-year schools and members of the community.
Photos by Sarah Noble
“There wasn’t that much preparing,” Alexis Economides, a second-year transfer studies major, said. “Hanging everything and printing everything, that was kind of time consuming.” After the setup ended, visitors could walk around and see the students’ artwork. “I’m impressed by the amount of good art that came
from the school,” Tom Mattingly, a second-year photography major, said. Second-year business and dance student Shawn Cook said he was impressed with the show. “Honestly, I’m really blown away,” he said. “They have so much talent, and I love how they use the different textures and they just take
risks and break barriers.” “I was impressed by the individuality of bringing out their craft,” said Sheila Murchison, the mother of Brandon Hamilton, a fourth-year photography student and an artist in the show. “It shows how they wanted to display themselves. It shows exactly what the school can bring out in each student.”
New York City
Dec 20th bus trip Hosted by the Entrepreneur’s Club AACC Students, Faculty and Staff - $30 Guests - $40 Tickets on sale in the Office of Student Engagement, Student Union, Room 225 Minors need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Departure at 6:00 a.m. Return at ~11:00 p.m There is no planned agenda Shop, go to a museum, ice skate, see a show or visit other places in NY City
To register email esi@aacc.edu or call (410) 777-2066
6 | Campus Current | 2017 | December
Campus Life
AACC honors veterans throughout November Michael Garvey Reporter
American flags lined AACC’s walkways and veterans received discounts and advising sessions throughout November in honor of Veterans Day. Veterans Day ceremony At a ceremony on Nov. 9, Marine veteran and Student Veteran Association President Brandi Mack told the audience the Military/Veteran Resource Center at AACC helped him “transition from soldier to student.” “I have felt welcomed by the other military veteran students here at AACC,” said Mack, a second-year computer science major. “I am grateful that we have a space on campus to connect with each other and receive support.” AACC’s Color Guard performed a flag raising ceremony, then campus faculty and staff read the names of veter-
ans in the AACC community. from Chick-fil-A, a free drink The ceremony concluded with a sandwich purchase with a trumpet performance from Subway and free chips of taps—a tune the U.S. mil- and a drink from the Hawk’s itary plays during flag cere- Nest Grill & Deli. monies at dusk and military “It was nice to be apprefunerals—and a reception ciated and acknowledged,” in the CALT said veteran Car“It was nice to be len Clendenin, a atrium. “Hearing appreciated and first-year public taps after so acknowledged.” health major. long took me The bookback to be- —Carlen Clendenin store also gave ing on-ship,” veterans a 20 perShanelle Jones, a veteran cent discount off of one item and first-year public health during the week of Nov. 6. major, said. Recognition of service Discounts and donations AACC faculty placed HCAT donated half of the American flags around the money raised from its Emp- Quad, clock tower and amty Bowls fundraiser on Nov. phitheater, and along the 2—$2,048—to the veterans’ bridge to West Campus. center food pantry, located The Truxal Library disnear the veterans’ center in played a collection of milithe Truxal Library. The oth- tary memorabilia from Nov. er half went to AACC’s food 1-30. Items inlcuded medals, pantry. photographs, uniforms and a AACC veterans also re- flag flown over the American ceived discounts across cam- embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. pus all week, such as coffee Veteran faculty, staff and
Holiday Event List Children’s Holiday Book Fair Children’s Holiday Book Fair Christmas Extravaganza Breakfast with Santa World Music & Dance Night “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” “Stepping Out” Holiday Craft Fair Encore Chorale Holiday Concert
Dec. 1
9:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m
Dec. 1
2:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m
Dec. 1
6:30 p.m - 9:00 p.m
Student Union Room 102 Child Development Center Kauffman Theater
Dec. 2
Student Union Dining Hall 10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m
Dec. 2
Kauffman Theater
Dec. 3, 10 & 17
3:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m
Humanities Recital Hall
Dec. 8 8:00 p.m Dec. 9 2 p.m, 8 p.m
Kauffman Theater
Dec. 14 & 15
Kauffman Theater
Dec. 17
Kauffman Theater
7:30 p.m - 9:30 p.m
5:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m
7:00 p.m - 9:30 p.m
AACC’s Color Guard raises the U.S. flag during a Veterans Day ceremony, held on Nov. 9. Photo by Brandon Hamilton students donated or lent all of the items for the display. Children in the Child Development Center painted posters thanking student veterans for their service, which library staff displayed outside the veterans’ center in the Student Union and at the Arundel Mills campus.
napkin stood for the emptiness left in the hearts of their families, while a candle represented hope for a reunion.
POW/MIA The veterans’ center honored American prisoners of war and those missing in action with a special table in the SUN Dining Hall. Each piece of the table had meaning, such as an empty chair which represented service members who can’t join the meals, as did an inverted wine glass. A black
Advising and assistance Student veterans gathered in the veterans’ center on Nov. 7 for free Mission BBQ and to meet with AACC Student Veterans of America representatives. Veteran students also met with advisers in the veteran’s center to discuss class registration and help them certify their degree programs through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Employment services at the Arundel Mills campus led a workshop to help create resumes.
battling for a rally point on horseback. “I wanted to make a dynamic [sculpture] instead of a static sculpture,” Alvarez said. A static sculpture is one that appears to be still, while a dynamic one that appears to be frozen in motion. He used various scrap metals, including hoods from cars for the mane and pieces of fans for the eyes. Many students and faculty said they like the sculpture. “It’s a very impressive piece of metal that gives me a small smile every time I pass it,” Dr. Paul Larson, an assistant professor of economics, said.
Students and faculty who have seen the sculpture said it should move to a location on campus with more foot traffic where more people can see it. Wilfredo Valladares, the associate professor of Sculpture and 3-D who oversaw the horse’s creation, said the location of the sculpture is temporary, until the college decides whether to install it permanently. Aside from the horse, two other sculptures stand on campus: Martin Luther King Jr.’s statue is between CADE and CALT, and “Frontier,” a large abstract piece, is outside of Careers in front of the Quad.
Big metal horse loses head; waits for repair Daniel Salomon Reporter
A headless, life-sized horse sculpture made completely out of scrap metal stands outside the AACC Physical Plant. The horse is missing its head, but Dr. Sergio Alvarez, the artist who created the sculpture, said this is only temporary while he improves it. “I saw it when it had a head and I thought it was really cool,” Gabriella Rivera, a freshman architecture major, said. “I like that it’s so abstract, but you still know what it is.” Alvarez is a retired surgeon and self-described permanent student at AACC. He started the sculpture as a two-semester project for a metal working class two years ago and continues to make improvements. He said various drawings and paintings of horses inspired him, especially Peter Paul Rubens’ interpretation of the lost Leonardo da Vinci painting, “The Battle of Anghiari,” showing men
Sergio Alvarez spent two semesters making a lifesized horse out of scrap metal. Photo courtesy of Sergio Alvares
December | 2017 | Campus Current | 7
Campus Life
Students print posters for upcoming protests Alexandra Radovic Reporter
Students from art professor Chris Mona’s class each created posters depicting social justice issues. Photos by Brandon Hamilton
“We are in the thick of social awareness,” and his goal was to “help people with strong When art student Susan emotions make something MacKinnon took a Lyft into positive and get their feelwhat she described as the ings out.” “desolate, run-down” depths “[My students] are here of Baltimore to get art sup- to learn from each other, replies, she saw the words “No spect each other’s opinions, Shoot Zone” painted on the and set an example for othside of a building near the ers to start talking with each store. other about these topics and The scene inspired her to stop shouting at each other,” make a poster of a brick wall Mona said. bearing the same phrase. Like his students, he also She may bring it to a protest made a poster. His reads, one day. “End Gun Violence Now,” in Twelve othfront of a green er screen printing “We are in the background “to students also cre- thick of social represent life,” he ated protest post- awareness.” said. ers for professor Although inChris Mona’s ART —Chris Mona spired by the Ve246 screen printing gas shooting, Moclass, depicting various so- na’s poster features no guns. cial justice issues. Instead, Mona said, the artThe Las Vegas shooting work honors victims of mass was Mona’s inspiration for shootings, rejects violence the poster project. and attempts to avoid “feedMona said he assigned ing our country’s addiction the posters because “in screen to guns.” printing, an idea can be mass Gretchen Amazeen, a produced and changed or print making student, creatput into the world within just ed a poster with a cake with a day or two,” and it is espe- the words “Let Them Eat cially relevant because we are Cake” printed on it to bring living in what he described as awareness to local hunger. It the “golden period of politi- also includes the location of cal satire.” the campus food pantry. Mona said he realized, Sophomore graphic de-
sign major Melissa Cano made a poster of feminist Gloria Steinem with the words “We Shall Overcome,” representing the importance of the women’s movement to the acceptance of women in the home, the workplace and society. Aside from their potential use during protests, MacKinnon said the posters will “resonate with others and continue the screen printing tradition of shared social concerns through contemporary art.” Screen printing student and graphic design major Morgan Gordon pointed to the importance of design and execution throughout the project. She said her favorite part of the project—during which she created a poster bearing the word “manipulated” to represent how the media manipulates society— was the opportunity to “get an idea across using symbolism.” “Some posters define an issue very subtly, while some can be very blatant,” Gordon said. The posters are on display in the SUN Dining Hall and throughout the SUN Building from Nov. 9 to Dec. 8.
because there are features you are not able to see on the app, and I don’t think they are aware of that,” said Dr. Kirsten Casey, a chemistry professor. Although nine of the students said they like Canvas, some also noted that their professors do not seem to know how to use it. “Almost all of my professors are good with Canvas except one,” Lainy Leitch, a freshman psychology major, said. “It’s really annoying when all your professors are doing a good job at posting assignments but one constantly has problems.” Lillian Maenner, a sophomore nursing major, suggested that professors should take a course on how to properly use Canvas. But a few of the profes-
students agreed that the mandatory use of Canvas should continue into the following semesters.
Professors, pupils call for Canvas orientation Veronica Somers Reporter Too many students do not know how to use Canvas well enough to make it a useful classroom tool, professors said in an informal poll on campus in November. Students said the same thing about their teachers. In the informal poll of 10 students and 10 professors, all but one student said they like using Canvas—the campus learning management system—and all professors said they do. However, each group blamed the other for the ineffective use of Canvas in the classroom. “Most of my professors use Canvas but some aren’t good at keeping up with it,” Jennifer Labs, a freshman education major, said. “It’s
frustrating because if I had to miss an assignment or a lecture, [it’s easier to] look at it through Canvas.” On the other hand, said Dr. Jessamy Rango, a biology professor, “Sometimes students ask me questions about Canvas and it takes up a big portion of my class.” Starting this semester, AACC required all professors to start using Canvas for all of their classes. Dr. Mike Gavin, AACC’s vice president of learning, said the mandatory use of Canvas was designed to help students. All 10 professors in the Campus Current poll said the only thing they would change about Canvas is the lack of knowledge students seem to have about it. “Students do need to use [Canvas on] the computer
Students and faculty each say the other needs more training in Canvas. Jump Start student Sarah Noble (left) and second-year mass communication major Sarah Sutherland use Canvas to check assignments. Photo by Roxanne Ready sors in the poll said students are the ones who need the orientation. Still, all professors and
8 | Campus Current | 2017 | December
Campus Life
How to save money on shopping this season Sarah Sutherland Campus Life Editor As the holiday season approaches, college students may find themselves struggling financially and wondering how they will pay for the presents they want to give their family and friends. AACC students around campus have offered these tips and tricks for shopping on a budget and saving money during the holidays. 1. Bake. Power up YouTube and learn how to bake something, suggested Rome Clark, a first-year entrepreneurial studies major. Making some cookies or cupcakes is simple and inexpensive. A festive tin and ribbon for packaging will complete the gift. 2. Get together. “[A] great gift is signing up the family to have time together,” Clark said. Do something to create a memory: See a Christmas light display,
organize a game night or cook dinner together. Those are gifts you can’t buy. 3. Volunteer. Gather the family and volunteer to feed the homeless, visit a nursing home or deliver goodies to elderly neighbors, and you’ll get back as much as you give. Rummage through your closets for long-forgotten coats and donate them to charity. 4. Shop online. LivingSocial and Groupon have “great things like … discount tickets on something that’s fun in the city, especially around the holiday season,” Clark said. These websites and others like Yipit and LocalFlavor let you find personalized deals on activities, travel, services and products at discounted prices. 5. Make a coupon book. It’s a clever gift that you can make for free, Claudia Asihene, a first-year entrepreneurial studies major, said. Vouchers for chores
such as cleaning, running errands and cooking dinner are gifts you can give to family members that last all year. 6. Reuse what you already have. “Get a cool piece of newspaper or brown paper bag and make your own wrapping paper,” Asihene said. Stencil designs onto paper bags and plain boxes. Clean out old jars and present gifts in them instead of spending money on new wrapping paper and gift boxes. 7. Compare prices. Shop around, especially for expensive gifts. Prices can vary from store to store—and between stores and online retailers. Elisabeth Dickman, a second-year transfer studies major, said many items are cheaper online, and stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy and Target sometimes offer to match Amazon prices. 8. Become a rewards member. Frequent buyer cards can
Holiday gift-giving can be stressful for shoppers like bookstore employee and third-year culinary student Myra Umberger. Photo by Roxanne Ready earn you perks like automatic discounts and coupons, Madilyn Barnett, a thirdyear transfer studies major, said. And some stores hand out coupons to holiday shoppers for use after the new year. Hang onto them.
9. Set a budget. “Set a limit for yourself,” Barnett said. Limit spending to $20 per person, or whatever is reasonable for you. That way, you can make sure you are spending wisely on gifts.
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December | 2017 | Campus Current | 9
Campus Life
AACC holds 8th Science Night Alexandra Radovic Reporter AACC’s annual Science Night showcased the wonders of science for a crowd of 600 children, parents and college students on Nov. 7. Dr. Jason Barbour, a physical science professor, hosted the event. He said he enjoys putting on Science Night because of the “wonderful, creative people who work here,” and the “great opportunity to give back to the community.” Other participants of the event included the Physical Science, Biology and Engineering departments, AACC’s Kids in College program, the Anne Arundel County Public Library, Anne Arundel Medical Center and the Anne Arundel Department of Public Works. In the SUN Dining Hall, AACC students and faculty presented interactive, hands-on demonstrations
that taught participants about biology, physics, anatomy, chemistry, earth science and zoology. Brady Ward, a second-year nursing major, hosted an experiment teaching kids what microbes are and how they grow. He said Science Night is important because “it encourages kids to think about their future[s] and have fun.” In the Kauffman Theater, biology professor Greg Schrader hosted “The Big Science Quiz Show” with Barbour. Three teams of six audience members answered questions that tested their knowledge of science. Live demonstrations of science experiments followed. Students who attended the event said it was a success, especially for the kids. “[Science Night] shows kids how exciting science really is and how it can be used in their everyday life,” Shan-
Participants encounter insects and reptiles such as snakes, cockroaches and earthworms up-close and personal during AACC’s annual Science Night. Photo by Jessica Osband non Martin, a second-year elementary education major, said. Caleb Schaeffer, a second-year nursing major, attended the event as a STEM Ambassador representing the Engineering Department. He said he hopes Sci-
Science Night Demostrations and presentations attracted members in and outside the AACC community to learn about different areas of science.
Photos by Jessica Osband
ence Night “allows kids to see AACC as a possible avenue for their future careers in science.” Barbour said he considers this year’s event a success. “[The participants and I] enjoyed ourselves and
learned something about science, which are the two main goals of Science Night,” Barbour said. He said he hopes to inspire young elementary school students to pursue careers in science and technology for their futures.
10 | Campus Current | 2017 | December
Entertainment
Mind, body tips to help alleviate test anxieties Sarah Sutherland Campus Life Editor
Students feeling anxiety over finals this season “can take power over it instead of becoming a victim to it,” an AACC counselor said. In preparation for the upcoming finals season, knowing how to deal with test anxiety can help improve your mindset as well as your scores. “People don’t understand that there are things you can do to decrease [test anxiety],” said Marguerite Falcon, an AACC counselor who presented a test anxiety workshop on campus on Nov. 9. First, Falcon said, drink water before and during a test. “Hydration affects your memory and ability to perform,” Falcon said. “It is very easy to get dehydrated, so make sure to drink a lot of water before the test. [And] stay away from caffeine and
alcohol … [which] can increase dehydration and affect your brain.” “However, final exam week is no time for daily coffee drinkers to try to kick the caffeine habit,” Falcon said. “Taking caffeine out of your diet abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms.” Next, she suggested that students stay away from triggers that can create stress. For example, issues at home or relationship troubles can affect your studying habits and test performance, so try to avoid them. Another step is to take notes as you study. Taking good notes will help you retain information better and not be as nervous, Falcon said. She said her favorite note-taking method is using acronyms to memorize information, a practice called mnemonics. Falcon also suggested that positive thinking and
visualizing success can increase confidence. “Replacing negative words with positive words: That makes all the difference,” agreed Joe Fantana, a first-year culinary major. “Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, music, muscle relaxation and aroma therapy can mentally prepare you for the test,” Falcon said. Another tip is to answer test questions that you know before attempting those you’re not sure about. And, Falcon advised, read directions carefully. Falcon also suggested a “memory dump:” Write down all the information you know as soon as you get the test. It eliminates your chances of forgetting anything. Anita Ghimire, a second-year physician assistant major, said she tries not to look at others while testing. “When I look around, I become so nervous,” she said.
According to the American Test Anxieties Association, about 20 percent of students have “high” test anxiety. Photo by Alberto G. on Flickr Finally, Falcon said to not panic if others finish before you; everyone works at a different pace. How will you know if you have test anxiety? Some signs and symptoms are upset stomach, headache, negative thoughts, forgetting information, difficulty organizing thoughts, “feeling in a fog,” an unsusually fast
heartbeat and sweaty palms. About 20 percent of students have “high” test anxiety, according to the American Test Anxieties Association, while around 16 percent of students have “moderately high” test anxiety. Student Services offers test anxiety and other personal-enrichment workshops throughout the semester.
STUDENTS:
HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN SERVICE-LEARNING AT AACC? Your experiences are now documented on an official transcript to share with employers and colleges! To request your Service-Learning Record, log in to your MyAACC account and select Self Services › Credit Students › Academic Profile › Transcript Request.
QUESTIONS? 410-777-2053
December | 2017 | Campus Current | 11
Club
ESports raises charity money Raquel Hamner
AACC’s ESports Club raised around $1,500 for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at a 24-hour event that started Nov. 11. The fundraiser was the club’s most successful one to date, more than doubling the amount raised at the same event last spring. More than 60 people attended the event and 226 watched the stream online.
Including the spring event, the club has raised more than $2,300 for the organization this year, not quite reaching its year-long goal of $2,500. The benefit was part of a worldwide fundraiser through Extra Life, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals charity program that is partnered with the Twitch game streaming service. On Twitch, gamers can stream video games or videos of themselves gaming or
“We’re just getting together, hanging out and having fun,” Cynthia Murphy, a second-year early childhood education major and CAB president, said. The event in the SUN building included card games such as “Joking Hazard,” a game by the creators of the webcomic “Cyanide and Happiness.” Third Eye Games also
brought “Secret Hitler,” a hidden identity card game. Students also played tabletop board games like “Forbidden Island,” a cooperative hidden-treasure game for two to four players. According to Tom Ryan, an AACC alumnus and Third Eye Games employee, student Caleb Schaeffer of CAB organized the event to “introduce people to new games.”
Photographer
Fourth-year graphic design student Daniel Nickerson participates in the 24-hour gaming event. Photo by Raquel Hamner
Fans play board games Daniel Salomon Reporter
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club’s Twitch account. In other rooms, the club invited students to start their own games. They streamed games on their own accounts, while promoting the main account and encouraging viewers to donate through the Twitch system. The ESports Club plans to continue holding fundraisers each spring and fall. The club is accepting donations through Jan. 1 on its fundraiser page at extra-life. org/team/aacc.
Third Eye Games and the ESports Club promote video games with an event in the SUN Dining Hall. Photo by Raquel Hamner “I’m super excited to be back here … [introducing] people to the games that have become my life since I left AACC,” Ryan said.
The ESports Club brought the video game “Cuphead,” a side scrolling run-and-jump and the popular brawler “Super Smash Bros. 4.”
Looking for answers? Check TheCampusCurrent.com on Dec. 4
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Enjoying the comic? If you have a comic you would like to submit, email us at CampusCurrent@gmail.com. Comic by Kathleen Pfeiffer
Fun and Games
AACC students gathered around tables and TVs to play a variety of tabletop and video games in the SUN Dining Hall on Nov. 13. The Campus Activities Board and the ESports Club partnered with Third Eye Games to host a two-hour gaming event, “Game On!”
engaging in other hobbies. Club founder Conway Johnson, an AACC alumnus who majored in cybersecurity, and club secretary Dan Nickerson coordinated the event. “There’s a strong level of camaraderie in that, and that’s the best part,” Nickerson, a fourth-year web design major, said. The event took up three rooms. In the main room, up to four people played multiplayer games live under the
12 | Campus Current | 2017 | December
Sports
Womens VBall finishes season with single win Vincent Moreland Reporter AACC’s Women’s Volleyball struggled this fall, finishing the season with 18 losses and a single win. “[We struggled with] our communication,” head coach Gregory McDivitt said. “I don’t think it ever got to where I wanted it to be, or where any coach would want it to be.” McDivitt said the team’s communication improved toward the end of the season. “We kind of got the hang of it a little bit, just unfortunately a little bit too late,” he said. McDivitt called communication “the biggest factor” in volleyball, because players need to let their teammates
know whom they plan to pass to and who is expected to set or spike the ball. “Some of the struggles we had were executing the plays from pass to set to spike,” Carly Bohlen, a second-year nursing major and right-side player, said. Despite the hardship of the season, the athletes said they still enjoyed their time on and off the court. “I enjoyed playing for the school; it was a great experience,” Victoria Smith, a firstyear pre-med major and middle position, said. “I’ll miss playing. It was a great way to relieve my stress through the sport I love.” McDivitt said one of the most memorable moments was when he took the team
to an animal park and got to know the athletes on a personal level. “I loved being a part of the team and meeting new people,” Bohlen said. “Of course I will miss playing for AACC when I leave.” This was Bohlen’s last year playing for the team , as she plans to transfer to a fouryear university in the fall. McDivitt said he will return next season as head coach, and he is already looking for new recruits. “We’re going to start [looking] now and hopefully hit up some summer leagues,” McDivitt said. “We’re kind of on the trail right now for [recruiting], since high school volleyball has pretty much [just] ended.”
Sports fans have clubs, course variety to enjoy Ryan Sullivan Reporter
McKenzie Khal, a pre-med major, is taking Cardiovascular Kickboxing, which is one of the 28 courses in the Physical Education Department. Photo by Tre Mooring
First-year criminal justice major Sarah Jackson makes an out-of-bounds save as the Riverhawks libero. Her team only won one game this season. Photo by Sarah Alonso
AACC offers more than 30 courses, clubs and opportunities for students who want to get active and involved in athletics. The Physical Education Department offers 28 courses, including yoga and martial arts. Most of these courses are worth one credit. In addition, AACC has five sports studies courses. “As a sports guy, any time you can revolve a class around sports and sports history, to be honest, these courses are almost teaching
themselves,” Duane Herr, AACC athletics director, said. One course, Sports in America, is taught by adjunct professor Richard Hardesty. “I took this class because of my passion for sports,” Vincent Moreland, a firstyear communications major, said. “Also, I was interested in seeing the evolution of sports and what important events took place.” Students who don’t want to or are not able to play on a Riverhawks athletic team have other outlets—like the co-ed amateur Volleyball Club—that allow them to exercise their love of sports.
“For myself, like I just want to have fun,” Jana Bruno, a second-year nursing major, said. “I have no desire to compete in a serious competitive nature. But, interacting, competing lightly and learning in an energetic, fun atmosphere is cool.” Herr said he wants to see more casual sports clubs such as the “Adult Recess” club, which he said was on campus a couple of years ago. The Volleyball Club is AACC’s only non-competitive sports club. “We want to see people out there, engaged and active,” Herr said.
December Schedule Women’s Basketball
Men’s Basketball
Mon. 4
at Potomac State College of WVU
5:00 p.m.
Sat. 2
Davidson County Community College
Wed. 6
at College of Southern Maryland
Mon. 4
at Potomac State College of WVU
4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
at College of Southern Maryland
7:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
7:00 p.m.
at Frederick Community College
7:00 p.m.
CC of Allegheny County-Allegheny
4:00 p.m.
Mon. 11
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
Wed. 13
at Frederick Community College
5:00 p.m.
Wed. 6 Mon. 11
Fri. 15
Hagerstown Community College
6:00 p.m.
Wed. 13 Fri. 15
Women’s Volleyball W: 1 - T: 0 - L: 18
Fall Scores
Women’s Soccer W: 8 - T: 1 - L: 5
For scores and more information go to aaccathletics.com
Men’s Soccer W: 7 - T: 1 - L: 8