The Independent Student Newspaper of Anne Arundel Community College
www.thecampuscurrent.com
April 2017 Preview
Preview
A world-famous organist will play with AACC will host the NJCAA Women’s Lacrosse national tournament the AACC Symphony Orchestra on in May, page 15. April 21 and 23, page 11.
At 17, AACC student has gig as church preacher Brad Dress Associate Editor
Wearing a white button-down shirt, jeans and grey Polo shoes, 14-year-old Mason Owens takes his chair at the front of the church, shaking. He’s nervous, terrified. He has butterflies in his stomach. He doesn’t know it yet, but this is going to be a day that, to him, is as important as his birthday. Owens watches, still terrified, as the gospel choir commences singing. He knows his part is coming soon. He hears the master of ceremonies introduce him,
and his hands stiffen, the sweat drenching his palms. He’s about to do something he has never done before. He stands up, walking toward the outstretched hand holding the microphone. Owens grabs the mic and looks out onto an audience of 150 people. He knows he can do this. He’s prepared his message for months. As soon as the words fly out of his mouth, the whole game changes. He’s yelling. His words shoot out rapidly as he interprets the previous song into his own meaning, using it to fuel his coming message. He
can only see half of the audience. He’s getting louder now, picking up his pace— and then he’s done, he stops. And that was just his warm up. “The reaction was insane,” he says later. The audience shouts, claps, roars its approval. Owens begins his message now, teaching the audience that when we knock each other down, God can bring us back up. Owens has just become a preacher. Three years later, Owens is still preaching. Now 17 years old, Owens attends AACC as a JumpStart
ing members of the SGA told Campus Current that SGA President Nick Nadeau does not hold weekly executive board meetings, which are required by the SGA Constitution. In addition, the officials said, he does not keep regular office hours or regularly attend Board of Trust-
ees meetings, which are requirements of the job. “Not much gets done in SGA but the passing of contracts and [student club] budget reports,” one SGA member said. The student added, “Most members of the SGA are not even familiar with what the SGA is sup-
SGA pres. not fulfilling duties, members say Jesse Johnson Editor-in-Chief
Some members of the Student Government Association are complaining that the SGA president is not doing his job. With the promise of anonymity, several high-rank-
student, working his way through college and his senior year of high school simultaneously, while nev-
er forgetting that he is a preacher.
Continued on Page 13
Some SGA officials say the student body president is not meeting the requirements of the job. posed to do. It is the responsibility of our SGA president to guide them.” But “Nick’s not the only one with drama in the SGA,”
another student member said. And one faculty adviser
students to navigate, according to Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing Dan Baum. The new version also will be easier to use on mobile devices, Baum said.
Baum’s department began the redesign process when the Board of Trustees approved an overhaul of the website in January 2015.
Continued on Page 3
AACC updates website with input from users Jesse Johnson Editor-in-Chief
AACC’s relaunched website allows users improved access on mobile devices. Photo by Jesse Johnson
17-year-old Mason Owens is a senior in high school who takes a class at AACC and is also a preacher. Photo courtesy of Joshua Medley
AACC will relaunch its website on April 3. The redesigned site is less cluttered and easier for
Continued on Page 3
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Editorial
Meet the Campus Current Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Jesse Johnson
Associate Editor
Brad Dress
Graphic Designer/ Print Photo Editor
Britney Pieraldi Digital Editor
Piper Lewis
Web photo editor
Zach Tennant
Campus Life Editors
Elizabeth Spearman Tre Mooring Club News Editor
Courtland Brown-Tabscott Sports Editor
James Whitley Web Designer
Kathryn Robbins Reporters
Jymyaka Braden Andrew Cabacar Mark Davis David Foster Trevor Gardner Jami Gotay James Haggerty Khalid Merene Roxanne Ready Cole Reiter Photographers
Nyia Curtis Brandon Hamilton Zach Tennant Adviser
Sharon O’Malley
Campus Current encourages everyone to limit phone use Picture this scene. You’re walking outside underneath a beautiful, evening glow. The sun shines its incandescent rays, now a fading, dim orange, onto the sidewalk in front of you. The sky above seems like it is melting from a creamy, light blue to a darker hue of red. Small oak trees lined in a row like towering sentinels cast stretching shadows that dart across the sidewalk. The chorus of children laughing somewhere far away mingles with the soft breeze tickling your skin. A group of college students, with backpacks slung on their shoulders, passes you on your right. You turn, expecting them to be basking in the beautiful evening. They’re not. You watch as the five students dive their noses into their small iPhone screens, completely absent from the vibrant world around them. Fast forward. Now you’re in a dimly lit restaurant, with booths sprawled in front of you and a litter of tables to your right. You watch as the parents of a family stare like zombies at the TV placed in their booth. The little boy laughs as he shov-
els macaroni into his mouth and races his finger across an iPad, playing a game. The teenage girl next to him flicks through her Instagram posts.
missing it. We’re missing the beautiful world and people around us. We instead choose to share our lives with cellphones. In reality, there
people in our lives, yet we’re choosing an inanimate, electronic device over that. Technology is amazing and has brought us wonders; it has helped change people’s lives and innovated our future. But there comes a point when we abuse that privilege, when we encase ourselves inside of a shell and bar out the rest of humanity, focusing only on the next text or the next tweet. We can change that. We can live with this technology—we just have to be smart. Place your phone in the middle of the table during dinner. Turn your phone off before every class. Don’t use it at work unless it is important. Sparingly use your phone with friends and loved ones. The little things matter, and what we do now can change the future. Now, picture this; You’re back in the restaurant, and you see the college students from earlier in a booth. Technology and social media have made conversation Their phones are stacked in and human interaction decrease. the middle, completing almost a tower. They’re laughPhoto by Zach Tennant ing, giggling, slapping each You aren’t sure they is no fast forward, no rewind. other on the back. They’re even know each other. We have one chance to see winding down their day with We have one, wonderful what this world has to offer the joy of human company. life on this planet, and we’re us, to make connections with This time, you smile.
Current Perspective
Failure feeds passion Nyia Curtis Guest Columnist Oprah Winfrey once said, “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” For me, passion equals greatness. I learned that after I dropped out of college. I’m the first person in my family to go to college. After I graduated from Annapolis High School in 2009, I went straight to Howard University to study broadcast journalism. But after three years, I simply lost my passion for it. I’ve always been passionate about photography, so I decided to open a photography business. I decided to teach myself everything about having a business. Quickly, though, I learned that this would take forever.
Nyia Curtis is involved with six different clubs. Photo by Britney Pieraldi So I enrolled in non-credit photography classes at AACC. In my Photography as a Business class, I realized that I should go back to school for a business degree. After meeting with faculty in the Entrepreneurial Studies Institute, I was sold on AACC and pursuing my associate’s degree in something related to entrepreneurship. That was the best decision that I could have ever made. Since I’ve been here, my passions have stretched be-
yond photography and business. I’ve become passionate about being a student and getting involved on campus. In high school, I wasn’t in any clubs or organizations. Here, I am a photographer for Campus Current, the president of the Entrepreneurs Club, a member of the S.O.D.A Club and Phi Theta Kappa, a Student Government Association senator, and a member of AACC’s Service Learning Board. I don’t count dropping out of college the first time around as a failure. Failure can shape the way you look at passion because to find out what you love and want, you have to try different things in different settings. When you take risks, you usually run into at least one failure, if not more. Curtis is a sophomore entrepreneurship major.
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APRIL | 2017 | campus current | 3
News
Proposal could affect colleges President Donald Trump’s plan to cut funding to federal agencies such as the Department of Education could be “problematic” for community colleges. AACC Vice President Melissa Beardmore said that although Trump’s proposed budget outline is lacking the specifics for a full analysis, many students rely on U.S. grants or work study programs to pay tuition, and the funding for those comes from federal departments. In a proposed budget outline for 2018, Trump suggested he would cut funding to the Department of Education by more than $9 billion, its lowest level in 17 years.
Additionally, the proposal would cut funding from other departments and programs that help disadvantaged students or give grants to community colleges. But nearly 44 percent of community college students use some kind of federal aid, according to a 2014 document from the American Association of Community Colleges. “I know it affects me, personally, because I’m about to transfer to a fouryear university,” said Riley Williams, a political science major in his last semester at AACC. “I’m kind of relying on [federal aid] to make up for what myself and my family cannot [afford].” The new budget will eliminate the Federal Sup-
leadership of the SGA to a “dictatorship,” and another reported that he heard Nadeau threaten to punch a student official. Several members said Nadeau’s behavior was similar when he was the group’s secretary during the 2015-16 school year. Some of those members unsuccessfully tried to have him removed from his position, they said. Nadeau denied all of the accusations. “Everybody just sees what I do day-to-day, but nobody really sees all the behind-the-scenes stuff,” he said. He pointed to his
involvement with the GayStraight Alliance’s Draga-Palooza event. “It’s hard for one person to do everything by themselves if they don’t have the help they need to do certain things,” he said. He added: “I do this for the students. It’s not just, ‘Oh, it looks good on a resume for me.’ … The reason why I ran was to help students and to make the college a better place for everybody and to make everybody feel included.” But the SGA members told Campus Current Nadeau is not representing students and did not fulfill his
Roxanne Ready Reporter
President Donald Trump’s budget proposal for education reforms could affect community colleges like AACC.. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
SGA members say pres. not good fit for position Continued from Page 1
who has dealt with Nadeau and the SGA said if the organization is having problems, they have never spilled over into its business dealings. “Our dealings with Nick [and the SGA] have been positive,” said Richard Hardesty, a faculty adviser with the History Club. The SGA is in charge of allocating student fees to student clubs on campus. Nadeau, who was elected SGA president last spring, said he plans to run for a second term. Still, one student official compared Nadeau’s
its mechatronics program. Community colleges often partner with the DOL to keep the national workforce trained, said Dr. Martha Parham, the senior vice president of public relations at the American Association of Community Colleges. Parham said she worries community college students will be especially affected by cuts to federal aid programs because two-year schools serve many minority and underrepresented student groups. Dr. Dan Nataf, an AACC political science professor and the director of the Center for the Study of Local Issues, said reducing the budget for education may have long-term, unintended consequences.
SGA President Nick Nadeau denies accusations that he not fulfilling his duties. Photo by Brad Dress campaign promise to bring events to AACC’s satellite campuses. One of the student leaders defended Nadeau, however, saying one year is too short a time to accomplish
his many goals. Still, another said, “All of the SGA positions exist for the benefit of the students. They deserve to be informed of anything going on in the SGA, good or bad.”
first website was more like a placeholder waiting for the day when more contributors would take their positions as stakeholders in the ongoing college website project.” Over the years, visitors complained they could not find what they were looking for on the site, according to Baum. And as the popularity of cell phones grew, mobile users found viewing and navigating the site a challenge. The website also re-
ceived an upgraded content management system, which allows administrators to do simple tasks like add or remove information. That means the site will have fewer out-of-date pages. In fact, designers have whittled the site from 10,000-plus pages to 600. The website also includes a new tab for Campus Life, a section where visitors can find club news and activities.
AACC updates website to brand-new version Continued from Page 1
AACC’s updated website will decrease the site’s pages from 10,000 plus to nearly 600. Screenshot by Kathryn Robbins
plemental Educational Opportunity Grant program, which gives money to students with the most financial need. The proposal would continue funding the federal Pell Grant, which gives funding to students without bachelor’s degrees. But it would take away extra money that advocates were hoping to redirect back into the program for improvements—like summer grants, which would not be available. The Department of Labor is also facing cuts of 21 percent, bringing it to its lowest level in decades. In 2011, AACC benefited from a Department of Labor grant that eventually resulted in the formation of
AACC published its original website in 1997. The college used this original website, which Charles West, AACC’s senior graphic designer, made. The website was updated every few years, with the previous version of the website going live in 2012. “I had a feeling [the internet] would turn into something big,” West said. “This
4 | Campus current | 2017 | APRIL
Stem beat
Program helps high schoolers Roxanne Ready Reporter
AACC engineering students are building a low-cost training device to help high schoolers enter the modern manufacturing field. The prototype “trainer” will help high schools and colleges teach technical skills used in mechatronics, a program at AACC that combines mechanics, electronics and software. Most trainers cost around $90,000, according to mechatronics professor Tim Callinan. AACC has one training device in its engineering lab. “A lot of high schools, a lot of colleges, want to teach mechatronics,” said Callinan. “The problem is, how is a high school supposed to afford $90,000?” The trainer in development at AACC uses a
number of off-the-shelf and 3-D-printed parts. Callinan expects it to cost about $1,500 per device. AACC students have been working on the trainer since fall, putting in around six hours of lab time most Fridays, as well as hours at home and on the weekends. “It’s worth that much to us,” said Stuart Thomas, a mechatronics major who works on electronics and drafting for the trainer. Students will complete the trainer by July, when they will unveil it at the Summer Working Connections training workshop at Florida State College at Jacksonville. High school teachers will have the opportunity to attend SWC each year to learn how to use the device. AACC won nearly a quarter million dollars in federal grant money in October to build the trainer and
AACC engineering students build a training device to help high school students entering the manufacturing field. Photo by Roxanne Ready teach people how to use it. AACC will receive the money over three years. The CollaborATE grant, funded by the National Science Foundation, includes three other schools, each with a different amount of funding and a different role
in promoting mechatronics education. CollaborATE builds on a previous grant—the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant—which led to the creation of the AACC
mechatronics program. The National STEM Consortium, a group of 10 colleges led by AACC, won $19.7 million in 2011 to study new science and technology certificate programs. The mechatronics program has associate’s degrees.
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APRIL | 2017 | campus current | 5
CampuS LIFE
AACC mixes its noncred offers Tre Mooring Campus Life Editor Students can enroll in noncredit courses that range from hip-hop dancing to fantasy writing to scuba diving classes through AACC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development Center. Anyone can take non-credit continuing education courses, even students who do not enroll in academic courses. The selection of courses includes personal enrichment and professional development topics. One class, MUC-312, assembles a community choir from the mixture of younger and older students who enroll to practice vocal techniques. This year, members of the choir are joining with the AACC Symphony Orchestra & Concert Choir & Chamber Singers for a group production that will be held on April 21 and 23.
“I enjoy the mix [of students],” Pat Latham, a retired math teacher in the choir, said. “Sometimes it’s challenging. … Sometimes it’s just relaxing and fun.” Another course, MUC328, teaches students how to become disc jockeys. Students learn the marketing skills necessary to sell themselves. Students can also learn the history of DJs and ways to improve their overall presentation. DJ Face, the instructor for the class, teaches the benefits of word-of-mouth, having a clean setup and how new DJs can separate themselves from others. “You [have] to know where you are and what’s appropriate,” he said at a recent session of the evening class. “Figure out what your message is and keep it consistent.” Additionally, in Yoga AHL-337, students learn
Anyone, even students not enrolled in credit classes, can take noncredit courses, such as screenprinting, at AACC. Photo by Nyia Curtis relaxation techniques and practice meditation. “I decided to take it with a friend,” Tiazuhmira Drakeford, a third-year business administration major, said. “We do meditation that relaxes you completely … like literally you’ll forget you’re in the yoga room.” Students interested in screen printing can take ARA-313 to learn techniques. In Screen Printing, students take images to copy them in different colors and lights.
A melting pot of classes AACC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development Center has noncredit classes for students to learn how to become DJs, sing in a choir, dance to hip-hop and screenprint, among many others. Photos by Nyia Curtis
Jennie Woolums, a second-year entrepreneurship major, said the class taught her to “think about color … [and] composition; it’s all planned out before you print.” Students may also opt to take classes to earn certificates. First, they register for courses in a sequence or in a block of classes. The classes teach the knowledge and skills the students need in a particular area, and the certificate is proof the student
learned them well. Once the students meet the requirement, they can submit a completion form to receive certifications. Students can use the classes to develop more efficient occupational skills for entering the workforce or changing careers. The Kids in College Program allows anyone younger than 16 to take a noncredit course at AACC. They can learn how to sew or be a more efficient Minecraft player.
5:30-8 P.M. THURSDAY, MAY 4 Do you want to start a career in business, law, homeland security or criminal justice, or even start your own business? Come to the School of Business and Law’s open house and discover what program is right for you! Refreshments will be available. For information contact Julie Haber at 410-777-1324 or jahaber@aacc.edu.
101 College Parkway, Careers Building, Third Floor
JOIN US AND: • Explore our classrooms, labs, law library, command center, and business incubator. • Speak with faculty. • Learn about clubs, financial aid and scholarships. • Receive instant admissions and register for summer and fall classes.
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. 3/17
APRIL | 2017 | campus current | 7
CampuS LIFE
Home-schooled stick together Elizabeth Spearman Campus Life Editor
Second-year transfer student Tori Childs did not have many friends in high school, so when she came to AACC two years ago she was nervous she would not make friends here, either. It was not until her professor assigned group work that she found people she could relate to. Like her, they had been home-schooled. “For me the main stereotype is not being able to socialize, which happened to me when I started college,” Childs said. “I was not around a lot of people, so making friends was a little hard.” In the spring semester, 244 one-time home-schoolers are enrolled at AACC. Many of them said they like to stick together on campus. Home-schooling is an alternative form of education
to public and private school. The student is taught by a tutor or a parent. According to a 2012 National Household Education Survey by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, the main reason parents decide to home-school their children is because they are concerned about the environment of public schools. “My wife and I decided to home-school our children because we felt they were not getting enough attention,” said instructional specialist Stephen Berry, who teaches business management. Second-year undecided major Stephen Foster’s parents took him out of public school because he “was bullied throughout middle school.” Other parents may home-school for religious reasons or their child has
At AACC, 244 students with a home-school education are enrolled in the spring semester, including sophomore Adam Hertz. Photo by Brad Dress mental or physical problems. Some traditional students think of their homeschooled classmates as socially awkward, isolated and not prepared for the real world, but that may not always be the case. “Until I came to AACC, I didn’t know any home-schoolers and I thought that kids who are home-schooled were socially awkward,” said Amanda
Haney, a second-year business major. “Now I know that is not necessarily true because I am best friends with five people who were home-schooled.” Home-schooling in Maryland went from 27,254 students in the 2015-2016 school year to 27,975 in 2016-2017, according to the Maryland Homeschool Association. In Anne Arundel County, 2,450 students were
home-schooled in the 20152016 school year. According to Anne Zeise, a home-schooler consultant, fewer parents homeschool their children when the economy is failing. “One parent is usually doing all of the teaching, so the family is on one income,” Zeise said. “So if the economy is doing not so great, it is most likely both parents will end up working.”
ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENTREPRENEURS:
Inviting students and the campus to attend: AACC's $100,000 Business Pitch Competition event
Take a Road Trip to the University of Baltimore’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Thursday, April 27 2:30 p.m. Careers 200 See the Business Pitch Competition finalists compete in a Shark Tank-style competition with a 2-minute business pitch and Q&A with judges Questions: Contact Stephanie Goldenberg at slgoldenberg@aacc.edu
Thursday, April 6, 3- 5:30 p.m. Meet in Parking Lot D, near Siegert Field, by 1:45 p.m. The bus departs at 2 p.m. sharp and returns to the AACC campus at approximately 6:30 p.m.
• Tour: UB’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation • Workshop: perfecting your pitch • Overview: Ratcliffe Entrepreneurship Fellows Program and Merrick School of Business • Process: next steps for admission • Q&A: entrepreneurship students, faculty, Business Advisory Council members and mentors UB will waive your $35 application fee if you apply during this visit. Contact: Heather Harrington, hcharrington@aacc.edu or 410.777.2676 Sign up: Register on the NEST by April 3
8 | Campus current | 2017 | APRIL
Campus Life
AACC faculty say path to getting Ph.D. is hard Jymyaka Braden Reporter
For AACC associate professor of psychology Dr. Lori Stello-Perez, the road to getting her Ph.D. was a traumatic experience. “I had always wanted to graduate by the time I was 30,” Stello-Perez said. ”I entered the program unmarried with no children. By the time I walked across the stage, I was married with two children.” Stello-Perez earned a doctor of education degree in school psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology. She attended Indi-
ana University of Pennsylvania. She shared that having to struggle to balance school and family as she pursued her Ph.D. made her angry and resentful. Stello-Perez said when her middle son was born, she was working part-time and on her dissertation. She said he would cry and throw himself on the floor. “He was classically conditioned that whenever he saw me go into the office, he knew that mommy would not be accessible to him and he would cry,” Stello-Perez said. “So immediately after that, the sacrifice wasn’t worth it.
But now, 10 years later, I can see the big picture.” Dr. Colleen Eisenbeiser, interim dean of the virtual campus and learning advancement, completed her doctorate while she was a full-time employee at AACC. Eisenbeiser said students seek their doctorates because they are required for their fields, or to achieve a professional goal, or for the love of learning. For Eisenbeiser, she said it was all of those things that encouraged her to continue her education. “It was the combination of wanting to learn more and realizing the importance of
ing coupons on apps when shopping at grocery stores. “For example, when you shop at Whole Foods and use their app, you can generally save $5 on $20 worth of produce,” Jarvis said, “which is healthy but also less expensive.” Jarvis also said the value of cooking at home is important.
“I generally find that I eat healthier when I prepare my meals at home,” he said. “I can cook a little extra for myself and then save some for the next day. It also tends to be about half the price.” Samantha White, a first-year transfer student, said she noticed fast food is the most expensive option. Cheyenne Jones, a first-
HCAT professor offers advice to budget food David Foster Reporter
A Hotel Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute professor said students should cook at home to balance a food budget best. Ken Jarvis has been with the Hotel Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute for 26 years, and he suggested us-
Dr. Lori Stello-Perez says the path to getting a Ph.D. can be tough. Photo by Jymyaka Braden education,” Eisenbeiser said. “If I’m going to promote other people going to college, I need to be a model of that.” While working at the college, she earned a graduate certificate from Johns Hopkins University in educational administration and a doctorate from Northcentral University in educa-
HCAT professor Ken Jarvis says the best way to balance a food budget is to cook at home. Photo by Jesse Johnson year theater major, said she prefers the healthier route over fast food when eating at the college.
9 police officers on HOOPS campus are armed FOR HOPE Brad Dress Tony Petro Associate Editor Reporter
Until 2014, police officers at AACC did not carry guns. In October of that year, the campus Public Safety Department added officers trained to carry weapons. The new hybrid station—a police department with both unarmed security officers and armed police officers—changed its name to the Department of Public Safety & Police that year. “The college administration and Board of Trustees felt that in today’s atmosphere with all the [campus] shootings, the best way to help mitigate any incident at the college was to create its own police department,” said former AACC Police Chief Gary Lyle, who noted AACC has not had shootings before. “These officers know the college much better than the average county officer.”
Police Chief Sean Kapfhammer, who has led the department since June, agreed it is “necessary to have a way to protect the campus.” AACC was the third of the 16 Maryland community colleges to create its own police department. Kapfhammer said AACC’s crime rate is low compared with other colleges in the state, and this could be because of the officers’ presence on campus. Since the Police Department became a hybrid, the number of crimes on campus has declined each year, according to the Annual Security Report. In 2013, the station handled 55 calls about larceny. In 2014, when AACC’s Police Department started, larceny reports fell to 41. “The crime rate is very low, so I think my days of kicking down doors and chasing criminals down alleys slinging my guns are in my past,” Kapfhammer said.
tional leadership. Between 2006 and 2010, Eisenbeiser completed the required coursework, and in 2011 she finished her comprehensive exams. That summer, she won approval for her dissertation proposal, a lengthy research project required to achieve a Ph.D. She completed it in February 2012.
Jarvis said students can also make containers of soup, freeze them and then defrost them to bring to school.
FEATURING … THE GAME CHANGERS AND RETURNING CHAMPIONS, SHOTS FOR HOPE
NOT YOUR AVERAGE BASKETBALL GAME
Sponsored by Recovery Anne Arundel, AACC Collegiate Recovery Center, Serenity Sistas, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Annapolis Samaritan House, and the New Life Addiction Counseling and Mental Health Services.
1-3 P.M. APRIL 30 Doors open at noon AACC’s Jenkins Gymnasium Arnold Tickets at the door are $7 and benefit the AACC Collegiate Recovery Center and Circuit Court – Drug Court alumni.
All ages welcome!
For information contact AACC’s Substance Abuse Education office at 410-777-2527. 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. 3/17
APRIL | 2017 | campus current | 9
CampuS LIFE
AACC removing pool unpopular Trevor Gardner Reporter
AACC students said in March they are conflicted over the college’s master plan to remove the Olson Swimming Pool to make room for a new Health Science and Biology Building. In an informal poll of 25 people on campus, 11 said they want the pool to stay, six would like to see it go and eight said it doesn’t matter to them. “I had six children, and every one of them started their academic career here,” Clare Lebling, a previous student and professor at AACC, and an active user of the pool, said. “And now, I’m 85 years old. … After all the years my family’s given to this school, and they’re kicking us out [of the pool].” The cost of demolishing the pool and construction of
the new building will total more than $100 million, according to the college’s master plan. According to the plan, the swimming pool will close to the public in August and will be demolished in July 2018. AACC officials wrote in the 2016 master plan that the pool and the Schwartz Building, which will also be demolished to make room for the new structure, “are two buildings that represent under-utilized structures that are deteriorating.” AACC offers 17 classes at the pool, which opened in 1988. Among these are credit classes like SCUBA diving, lifeguard instructor training and swimming. Non-credit classes are also available at the pool, such as Functional Aquatic Conditioning, Swimming for Fitness and Arthritis Aquat-
AACC will close the Olson Swimming Pool in August and demolish it in July 2018. Photo by Brad Dress ic Therapy, a favorite among senior citizens. But pool employee Raymond Mawanda said few students use the facility. “Whether there are few students or not, the teachers have to get paid, the people who work at the pool have to get paid [and] the maintaining of the pool has to be reasonable,” said Mawanda, a radiology student. The majority of AACC students in the informal poll said they would rather keep the pool open.
Vangjel Thomaj, a sophomore business major, called the pool a “nice addition to the college,” and said it is convenient. “It gives more than just the regular gym stuff for people to do,” said Jerithe Takard, a previous graphic design student. Other students either want to see the pool go or don’t care about it. “If I used it more,” Alex Garcia, a second-semester interactive web design major, said, “I would be con-
cerned about it closing.” And sophomore Steve Foster, echoing a few others, asked: “AACC has a pool?” “It’s a good idea, you know, to have a pool,” Mawanda said. “But on the other hand, in terms of business perspective … it’s a good idea to close it down. A few people never knew we had a pool ... so, what they did, they always went to the Y.” The Y in Arnold is a gym with an indoor swimming pool near the entrance to West Campus.
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10 | Campus current | 2017 | APRIL
CAMPUS LIFE
Dogs at school help students Brad Dress Associate Editor
After he left the Marines in 2013, Michael Garvey, a 29-year-old student at AACC and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. He got into heavy pills when he came back home, popping almost 17 of them at a time to ease the pain of PTSD. The one thing Garvey said brought him out of the pills was Liberty, the black Labrador service dog he has had for two and a half years. Garvey said Liberty helps him with balance and stability, as his legs could give out because of a wound to his hip, which he got during service. Primarily, though, Garvey said his dog helps him with comfort because of his
anxiety and depression. Garvey got his service dog for free from Puppies Behind Bars, a New York City business that trains dogs in prisons and then gives them to wounded war veterans. “He’s my best friend,” Garvey said. “He makes me feel comfortable out and about [so I am] not having to worry about ‘bombs’ on the side of the road.” Garvey said with PTSD he can sometimes worry about his experiences in the war haunting him in his daily life. Garvey explained he brings Liberty to most places without difficulty. In the future, he said, he hopes he will not need Liberty. Denise Portis, an adjunct psychology professor at AACC, said her service dog, Milo, helps her with
29-year-old AACC student Michael Garvey says his service dog helps him with balance, stability and emotional comfort. Photo by Brad Dress Meniere’s disease, a disorder that affects the inner ear and causes hearing and balance loss. Milo helps Portis by picking things up for her, opening and closing doors and dishwashers and helping to keep her balance. “Before I had a service
Program aims to revive rivers close to campus Brad Dress Associate Editor
AACC students help to revive the dying Magothy River every spring and summer. Dr. Tammy Domanski, an associate professor of biology, heads a program called Operation Clearwater, which she took over five years ago from Sally Hornor, who is president of the Magothy River Association. Through Operation Clearwater, Domanski hires
three to four students a year to work in the summer, testing the vegetation levels of seven rivers, including the Magothy, which flows through the Severna Park, Arnold and Broadneck areas. The communities near the river, and associations like the MRA that are involved with the restoration of it, hire the students and publish their test results on Operation Clearwater’s website. The organizations can use the results to determine the water quality.
The MRA, founded in 1946, fights to preserve and save the Magothy River, which has suffered losses of underwater grasses that provide oxygen and habitats for life. The MRA has assigned a grade of D to the river for its dwindling level of submerged aquatic vegetation, water clarity and dissolved oxygen, which is lower than what most fish and crabs need to survive. Domanski said in the process of collecting, students obtain 200 milliliters
who willingly participate in class and seek help—and passive students, who avoid teachers and participation. Biology major Aisha Adeparusi said she has an ongoing streak of procrastination and puts off studying for exams until the last minute. Adeparusi described her priorities as “out of whack.” Patton said the key difference between those who procrastinate and students
who don’t is their ability to prioritize goals and manage time well. He explained most students who procrastinate can only hurt themselves with cramming information at the last minute. “In high school, there was a decently graded project where we had to make flash cards for 250 terms,” first-year student Eric Goins said. “And I waited for liter-
Procastinating causes harm, professor says Courtland Brown-Tabscott Club News Editor
Approximately 80 to 95 percent of students procrastinate when it comes to college work, an AACC psychology professor said. Dr. Matthew Patton said procrastination—putting off an obligation, often until the last minute—affects both active students—those
dog, when I dropped something I had to ask someone, ‘Do you mind picking that up for me?’” Portis said. ”Or risk getting it myself and passing out. … It provides a level of independence.” Portis explained she got Milo from Fidos for Freedom, a non-profit organi-
zation in Laurel. Fidos for Freedom aims to increase the independence of people with hearing and mobility problems through service dogs. Portis said she has seen eight service dogs on campus. Service animals are allowed anywhere on campus.
Operation Clearwater hires students to test rivers along the Chesapeake Bay for contamination. Photo by Brandon Hamilton of water at the site, store it in a cooler to bring to the lab at AACC’s Environmental Center, and then filter the water and collect the materials on it. They incubate it overnight at the lab and analyze it the next day to check for bacteria
and fecal contamination. Jason Burkholder, a sophomore biology major, has worked on the project this semester. Burkholder said he wants to do “what he can do to help” the rivers.
The human brain isn’t built for planning and prioritizing, according to Dr. Matthew Patton. Photo by Brandon Hamilton ally the night before to even start.” Counseling, Advising and Retention Services hosts workshops to help students
with study, time and organization skills to beat procrastination. These are offered every semester at the college’s various campuses.
APRIL | 2017 | campus current | 11
CampuS LIFE
Low enrollment affects classes Brad Dress Reporter Christina Dove completed her Web 1 class for her web design major in Fall 2015. She expected to move on to Web 2 the following semester, but low enrollment caused the class to get canceled. For more than a year, Dove hoped to get into the Web 2 class, but low enrollment kept canceling the class. The college “wouldn’t push to get the class through unless there were 10 to 12 people,” Dove said. By the time she got into
the class in Spring 2017, she said, she and some of her classmates had forgotten much of what they learned in the prerequisite, Web 1. All five academic departments at the school— Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, Business and Law, Science and Technology, and Continuing Education and Workforce Development— have to cancel classes on a regular basis. College officials have acknowledged that class cancelations are a continuing problem. Dean of Enrollment Services Dr. John Grabowski said low enrollment and late registration are the causes of
Students alter habits for Lent Elizabeth Spearman Campus Life Editor
AACC students who observe Lent gave up a wide array of indulgences for the 40-day season. In an informal poll of 20 students, four said they gave up meat, three said they quit watching TV and four said they went caffeine-free. And three students said they made a pact to give up social media. “I usually just do the standard; giving up meat for the 40 days, but I wanted to try something different this year,” Alex Fogt, a second-year transfer student, said. “So I convinced my best friend and another friend of ours to give up social media.”
Additionally, one student gave up sweets, and another put away video games. Finally, one student is trying to give up being sarcastic, and another stopped sleeping on a bed for the Lenten season. Lent is a Christian season of repentance, fasting and preparation leading up to Easter Sunday. Commonly observed by Roman Catholics, Methodists and other Christians, it starts on Ash Wednesday—March 1 this year—and ends on Holy Thursday, three days before Easter. Lent reminds believers of the time when Jesus went into the wilderness and fasted for 40 days, so in turn, they abstain from eat-
most canceled classes. The number of AACC students has dropped by more than 5,305 since 2012. Enrollment is 4 percent lower this semester, according to Planning, Research and Institutional Assessment. Vice President of Learning Dr. Michael Gavin agreed low enrollment is the major cause behind the cancellation of classes. “I wouldn’t necessarily say [canceled classes are] getting worse or better,” Gavin said. “It’s just how things are. … We really try to make sure … that class cancellations do not create too much of an obstacle for a student.”
Date rape is not a casual “hook-up”; it’s sexual assault, a speaker told AACC students in March. The harmful words young people use to describe sex creates a barrier of numbness that has made it easier to commit rape, the speaker said. Rape victim advocate Phillip Sheridan said using words like “seductive” or “slut” to refer to sexually ac-
tive women creates a stigma that women are just objects only useful for sex. Likewise, calling a man a “stud” “takes the word ‘no’ out of his vocabulary” and leaves him unable to refuse the invitation of sex, said Sheridan, an educator at Catharsis Productions, which hosted the discussion. “This language is used to dehumanize,” Sheridan said. “Nobody is going to want to help this person [with that label].” Sheridan advised
Low enrollment continues to cause classes to get canceled. Photo by Britney Pieraldi something similar. A second option is for the student to take the class as an independent study. In that case, the professor might work with one student or a small group.
Students on campus give up meat, television, caffeine, sweets, video games and sarcasm in honor of Lent. Photo by Brad Dress ing meat on Fridays and give up other indulgences for the same number of days. “To me, Lent is not just about giving something up; it is about becoming closer to Jesus, changing my ways and being a better person,” Sydnie White, a graphic design student, said. While most people fast
Speaker says ‘hook-up’ verbiage dehumanizes Khalid Merene Reporter
Karen Cook, the dean of Business and Law, said her department works with two or three students each semester on alternative arrangements so they can graduate even though a required class won’t be offered in time. For more specalized, single-section classes, the impact can be greater, said Michael Ryan, chair of architecture and interior design. If a required class for graduation gets canceled, a student has two choices. Most of the time, the student can request a course substitution, which allows a swap of the canceled class for
audience members they can prevent sexual violence by traveling in groups and by refusing to hook up with partners who are intoxicated. Danielle Brookhart, coordinator of new student engagement, said she had a challenge getting students to become engaged in the event. “Obviously, we don’t have dorms here,” Brookhart said. “So, we necessarily don’t have some of the problems that four-year colleges face with sexual assaults on campus.”
or give up material things, another option is to add a spiritual practice. “I decided that I am going to start having quiet time with God,” Cody Harper, a second-year political science major, said. “I decided to take 10 or 15 minutes out of my day just to sit and talk to God or maybe just read
something out of the Bible.” Cheyenne Sibell, a third-year transfer student, decided to give up being sarcastic. “I wanted a challenge and I know my sarcasm can come off as mean,” Sibell said. Observation of Lent ends on April 13.
A speaker in March taught students that hook-up language is dehumanizing. Photo courtesy of Catharsis Productions Austin Gannon, a second-year student, said he has never experienced a hook up, and avoids using judgmental language when speaking to people. “I think it has become such a social norm,” Gannon said. “We’re almost all guilty
of using [harmful language].” A similar event, called Sex Signals, is coming to campus April 13. The event will include more role-playing than engaging in discussion and will “get in the audience’s face,” according to Brookhart.
12 | Campus current | 2017 | APRIL
Entertainment
Jazz ensemble ready for show
Prized organist to play at AACC
The preparation for a an AACC Jazz Ensemble performance includes more than just practice. To put on a performance, the band reserves space in the Humanities Building theater, hires light and sound technicians, tunes the piano in the theater and gets flyers and posters from the AACC Public Relations and Marketing Department. Department Chair and Music Director for the AACC Jazz Ensemble Small Combo Dr. Ian Wardenski said he will incorporate a wide array of music into the next show. “I start off with listening to a host of recordings just to get some ideas, some inspiration about what I want to perform this semester,” Wardenski said. “I’m looking for an eclectic mix of music. So I
One of the most celebrated organists in the world will play with the AACC Symphony Orchestra & Concert Choir & Chamber Singers on April 21 and 23. Concert organist Felix Hell, a native of Germany, tours the world with his digital touring organ instrument—a unique, transportable organ. Organs are typically built into churches and other establishments, and are not removed. Hell plays approximately 40 performances a year at churches, universities and concert halls in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. His most recent tour began March 25. Orchestra Conductor Anna Binneweg invited him to play with AACC. Hell told Campus Current he is “more
Jymyaka Braden Reporter
might do something that is a collection of Duke Ellington’s music. I might do something that’s a collection of Antônio Carlos Jobim’s music. … All of that is fairly different.” Wardenski said the variety is good for students and the audience as well. Ronald Rex-Williams, a music major with a concentration in piano, performs with the Small Combo band and the Big Band, another jazz ensemble. The concert the group put on before Christmas was Rex-Williams’ first live performance as a student. “One of the first things our director does is match us up according to the tune, the difficulty level [of the musical piece], and the expertise of the instrumentalist,” Rex-Williams said. “We meet … every Tuesday to practice. The first thing we do is sight read everything and run through it
Brad Dress Associate Editor
The AACC Jazz Ensemble practices for three hours every Tuesday. Photo By Brandon Hamilton and see what happens.” As the weeks progress toward the show, the sessions get more focused on the problem areas and perfecting the sound and feel of the music, according to Rex-Williams. “Last semester our songs were a little easier, but now they’re getting harder to do,” Williams said. “We listen to the recordings and try to match it. There is always sort of a blueprint. Then we can get the feel of it and interpret it.”
than thrilled to join the orchestra.” The group will play “Concerto for Organ, Timpani and Strings” by Francis Poulenc, a popular French pianist in the 20th century. The piece calls for a solo organ, played by Hell. The AACC Symphony Orchestra will play along with percussion instruments and a string orchestra. The choir will also perform. “This is a really rare occasion,” Hell said about the concert. “The instrument that I am bringing is capable of filling a 2,000-seat auditorium with a breathtaking sound. … That is a sound that you cannot reproduce with any other instrument.” Hell said the concert will be “almost a once-in-alifetime opportunity.” Hell, 31, has played the organ professionally since he was 9.
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APRIL | 2017 | campus current | 13
Profile
Young preacher shows dedication to speaking Continued from page 1 Owens was born in Annapolis in 1999 into a religious family with two brothers. His mother, Brinette, brought her family to services every Sunday at the First Christian Community Church. His father used to be in the military, so Owens lived in five homes before he turned 17. His parents had him when they were young, at 17 and 20; as the first-born child of busy parents, Owens was left to the task of teach-
like that,” his brother said. “How [Mason] is just not afraid to do something in front of anybody.” A boisterous character, Owens played basketball and football when he was younger, and was on varsity for football and wrestling in high school. But the hard part of his high school life, Owens claimed, was the haunting moment of moving to another high school in the middle of his sophomore year. He had been comfortable at Glen Burnie High School,
pretended to be the preacher from the comedy movie “Don’t be a Menace.” Everyone laughed, but for Owens, something clicked. The joke clung on and everyone called him “Pastor Mason,” after that. Owens, however, started to take it seriously. Six months later, at an award speech at school, Owens had to answer the ever-roving question, “Who do you want to be?” Owens said he started by saying he was a leader and everyone roared “amen.” After
about Owens. “It’s his calling. … Wherever he speaks, he affects the whole congregation [because] he really has the spoken word.” Owens said he has preached at more than seven churches or events since the dawn of his career. He said church leaders dig him up
Preacher on campus 17-year-old preacher Mason Owens attends AACC as a JumpStart student. Photos by Britney Pieraldi and Joshua Medley
ing things to himself, like riding a bike and swimming. His mother said it wasn’t surprising he had become a preacher, given how he grew up. “He always had the gift,” his mother said. “He could preach before he even knew what he was doing.” His brothers, now 15 and 14, harvested guidance from their older brother. Owens said he always tried to help them learn how to be independent. “[My brother] had to go around selling [basketballs],” Owens said. “He’s not comfortable talking to people [but] I am … [so] I tried to teach him a few times.” His brother, Devon, said he respects how unafraid Owens is of speaking in public because he struggles with the skill himself. “One day, I need to be
but when he was plucked away from it, he had to resettle himself into a brand-new school. He said it was “hard to find people to connect to,” but he overcame the obstacle. His peers at school call him “Rev” now, and often ask him for advice. At his school, Owens’ nickname is almost as real as his actual name. As a senior, Owens said his greatest delight in school is his job as the morning announcer. “I’ve come up behind people that were really good; everyone looked up to them,” Owens said about his morning announcer predecessors in high school. “Now that I’m in that position, being looked up to as the guy … [my] personality gets a shine.” Owens first expressed interest in preaching when he was 13—in a Marley Middle School math class. The students were joking around, and somebody said something about a preacher. Foolishly, Owens stood up and
he saw the crowd’s reaction, Owens knew he had “preacher written all over” him. “When I said, ‘Who do I want to be?’ I sort of incorporated the [Pastor Mason joke] into it,” Owens said. “And people just loved it, and I was like, ‘Yeah, this is it.’” Owens had come into the speech not fully knowing what he wanted to do. But by the end of the speech, he knew that answer. He had found himself. “With the power of what I was saying and what I felt,” Owens said, “[I thought], this is amazing, this is where I have to be.” After that, Owens began to crack the books. He said he studied the Bible and speaking skills, and he watched numerous preachers online. His family was somewhat surprised by his new calling. His grandmother, Troy Wallace, said Owens is a blessing to the family. “Oh my goodness, that is like the biggest blessing of the family,” Wallace said
on either social media or by phone number. Usually a couple of months before he preaches, Owens starts to think about what he wants to say, drawing inspiration from life and the Bible, which he then transforms into his sermon. “Once you have a relationship [with God] you can hear God more,” Owens explained. “You can decipher what he is saying.” Owens added that when taking stories from the Bible, he must interpret them in a positive way so people can benefit. Owens has two mentors at his church, Pastor Richard Johnson and another minister. They both examine his sermons and messages before he preaches. “One thing about [Owens] is he is at his heart an encourager; always encouraging people to do better,” Johnson said. “He is a real person that you are talking to.” Owens is young, not even an adult, but he knows
he wants to help people. “I like the feeling I get, knowing I have the power … to speak life into someone,” Owens said. “I know I can change people’s lives with something I say or something I do.” In the future, Owens is going to become a minister. He is going to attend Morgan State University for broadcast journalism, and with that degree he hopes to become an anchor on the news. He also plans to evangelize around the world. On March 11, 2017, three years after the first time he spoke the word of God in front of an audience, Owens is getting ready to preach again. He’s quiet most of the time leading up to the event. An hour before his presentation, he’s prancing back and forth on the stage, listening to a recording of his practice sermon. He’s muttering the words under his breath, making sure he has it right. When he sits back down, he looks at his notes scribbled on a piece of paper, rehearsing the message in his head one final time. It’s a youth event this time, hosted by The Mid-Atlantic Hunger Games Youth Movement, an organization dedicated to helping “youth develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.” Owens is humble, quiet, as the event starts. He sings with the chorus of gospel music, claps enthusiastically when the dancer finishes and joins in with the laughter from the host. Now, it’s his turn. Owens ascends the stage. He wishes he had more time for his sermon—he’s had to cut a lot out. But he knows what to say. Like before, he’s been preparing for months. He starts with a joke, a subtle one, but it makes the audience laugh. As he transitions to preaching, he becomes a new man. He’s loud, he’s metaphorical, he walks back and forth rapidly and he gesticulates wildly. When he’s finished, he’s almost breathless. The reaction is insane.
14 | Campus current | 2017 | APRIL
APRIL | 2017 | campus current | 15
Sports
Prep underway for big lax tourney on campus James Whitley Sports Editor
The national women’s lacrosse tournament will begin on campus in less than a month and a half. AACC will host the National Junior College Athletic Association Women’s Lacrosse national tournament May 13-14 at Siegert Stadium. Leading up to the tournament, the athletic department is tending to details and deadlines. Athletic Director Duane Herr said setting up the tournament started with the bidding process. “We had to fill out this online survey that asks about what’s around the area, what are the nearby restaurants and hotels,” Herr said. “We were selling our campus to the national office so they would want us to be the host.” Herr explained before he could bid on the tournament, he had to get approval from Felicia Patterson, vice president for learner support services. The first due date the athletic department had to meet was a 90-day deadline to secure referees for the
tournament, according to more of a rivalry, there is Herr. more of a chance something Herr also got enough li- might happen.” ability insurance to meet the Kapfhammer said he NJCAA standard. would staff the tournament “It’s mainly for the play- with public safety and police ers on the field in the case officers. of catastrophic injury that Jim Griffiths, head would occur and the liability coach of Women’s Lacrosse involved in that,” Herr said. and Cross Country, said if The athletic depart- the Riverhawks are among ment had a 60-day deadline the four teams that make it to design T-shirts for the to nationals, they will have tournament. some advantages. After that deadline, “[The team] stays in Herr reached out to the Pub- a routine; they’re not in a lic Safety Department to in- hotel,” Griffiths said. “You sure security at the tourna- get more crowd support at ment. home.” Sean Griffiths Kapfhamalso said if the mer, direcIf you go … team did or tor of public didn’t make it safety, said Day 1 to nationals, the campus Saturday, May 13 he and his staff police would Game 1, 11:30 a.m. would help the be at the Game 2, 2 p.m. athletic departtournament ment do little to maintain Day 2 things such as peace. set up tents, Sunday, May 14 “Those Championship game tables and talk type of 12 noon to coaches who events don’t Siegert Stadium need any help. come with Griffiths high risk,” said it would Admission: $5 Kapfhambe great for the mer said. team and the “If we’re talking a Loyola or athletic department to be in Johns Hopkins event with the tournament they’re hostmuch more people there, ing.
“One of the biggest disappointments would be if [the team] didn’t make it because [AACC] is hosting it,” Griffiths said. Emily Rowe, who plays midfielder, said it’s “awesome” having the tournament at AACC because the team doesn’t have to go anywhere. Rowe said it would mean a lot for the team to play in nationals. “[The team] worked so hard … and this year being my last, it would be awesome especially for the whole team,” Rowe said. Victoria Mattoon, the
goalie, said she is looking forward to playing in the tournament if the team gets there. “It’s what I’m here for,” Mattoon said about how she feels about playing in nationals. The last time AACC hosted the national tournament was in 2014. The Women’s Lacrosse team did make the tournament but lost to Monroe Community College in the first round. Monroe Community College went on to win the national tournament that year. The national tournament starts on May 13 and general admission is $5.
Each of the teams played all of the other teams. The teams played to 21 points. The club awarded prizes such as gold medals and a gift bag containing a $10 Amazon card, a club T-shirt, free bowling vouchers, a water bottle and a Bible to members of the first-place team. The winning team consisted of four students who
“We’re coming back next year for another championship,” said Maleek Davis, a member of 13 who hit the winning shot in the final game. The club asked two volunteers from local churches to referee the games. The club meets every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in the cafeteria for weekly religious services involving reading and discussing scriptures. “One of the main goals for Experience is to bring all types of people together,” club President Dillon Nielson said. “And be a light to the community.” “It’s an experience, not a religion” is the club’s slogan. The club plans to continue the tournament next year.
Club raises money for former member’s child James Haggerty Reporter
A basketball team called “13” is the winner of the Experience Apostolic Campus Ministries 3 vs. 3 tourney. Photo by James Haggerty
Women’s Lacrosse players say they hope to play in the tournament AACC is hosting in May. Photo by Brad Dress
The Experience Apostolic Campus Ministries club held a memorial basketball tournament at AACC in March in honor of one of its former members who passed away. Former club member Paul Trader died from heart failure in 2007 at age 23. He was a former Student Government Association president for two years and graduated with an associate’s degree in 2005. The money raised from the tournament, which was in the AACC gymnasium, went to Trader’s wife, daughter and family. The club charged each team of three to five members $25 to enter. Four teams played.
“We’re coming back next year for another championship.”
—Athlete Maleek Davis
named themselves “13.” The Ankle Snatchers, a team consisting of players from the AACC basketball team, took second place.