THE LEADER
VOL. 48 51 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER10, 9, 2015 THE AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT ELMHURST COLLEGE. VOL. 2013
Presidential elections: who’s polling ahead
Chicago: ruler of the music scene
See page 5
See page 8-9
Niebuhr Center hires interm director the United Church of Christ in November. She will be working alongside adjunct faculty member Inamul Haq, the only remaining Niebuhr Center employee following last year’s changes, to continue the mission of the center while implementing new programs along the way.
“It was secretly a dream of mine to work here, ever since I was a part of the Niebuhr Center as a student.“ Emily Labrecque, Interim director of the Niebuhr Center Photo by Kelli McQuaid Emily Labrecque begins her work as interm director.
Chrissy Croft opinions editor Following a year of change and controversy, the Niebuhr Center for Faith and Action will
remain open for the 2015-2016 school year. The new Interim Director is Emily Labrecque, 2010 EC alum, who will be ordained by
In an interview with The Leader, Labrecque expressed hope that the Center will be more interfaith focused than it has been in the past. In this sense, it will reach more students and align with “the movement of the college,” claimed
Labrecque. She went on to explain a program that is intended to help achieve this goal, called WAYFINDERS. This program will group together students by year, allowing them to answer questions relevant to their current experiences. Although it will be similar to a small group, Labrecque distinguished WAYFINDERS as being more contemplative and reflective than social. 2015 EC alum Meredithe Mimlitz, and prominent member of spiritual life at EC, met Labrecque this past summer. In an email interview, Mimlitz applauded Labrecque’s vision stating, “It is really great that Emily is working to create a space where students of various faiths, backgrounds, and different walks of life feel welcome.” The Niebuhr Center will also be collaborating with other groups and organizations on campus. Labrecque is working
on projects with the Center for Professional Excellence, The Patterson Center for the Health Professions, the Chaplain’s office, and the Queer Straight Alliance. The overall focus, according to Labrecque, is to “maintain its essence as a place where faith and social justice can connect.” During her time at EC, Labrecque was heavily involved in the Niebuhr Center, giving her insight into the overall goals of the Center. She admits that “it was secretly a dream of mine to work here, ever since I was a part of the Niebuhr Center as a student.” Labrecque earned a double major in history and theological studies/Christian ministry and a minor in Intercultural Studies with a social justice focus from EC in 2010.
to select the president of EC. Their goal, according to Kloet, is to narrow down the list of candidates. The actual picking is up to the EC. So while that question
keeps rolling around in the EC community’s collective mind, the PSC stated that they are projecting that a president will be in place by summer of next year.
See INTERM DIRECTOR HIRE on page 4
Where’s our president? SARAH ASTRA editor-in-chief
Where’s our President? “When are we going to find a new president?” This is a question that might be floating around the heads of many students and faculty. Even when a former president was scheduled to retire or was fired, they normally stuck around until the new president was found so the fact that EC does not have a president is uncommon. With former President Alan Ray in Boston, having resigned from EC, and Larry Braskamp taking over as Interim President, EC has been without an official president for months. EC and the Presidential Search Committee (PSC) have tried to keep the student body and faculty updated about their progress on the search for the new head honcho. While their last update was in May, it mentioned that the summer would be a “less visible but very important phase [in our search] as consultants begin
sourcing candidates according to the specifications we have laid out.” Tom Kloet, PSC chair, wrote the update on May 19 explaining the current status of the search. “I am optimistic that, based on the quality of input we have received to date, we will have a strong group of candidates from which to choose,” Kloet wrote. This input he is referring to were the forums that were held at different times The Search Committee held separate forums for faculty and students on April 27, though the student forum had little attendance so another was held on May 12, according to Kloet. These forums, and other ways of information gathering, were conducted in order to learn what the EC community wanted out of their new president, according to the May 19 update. In a brief phone interview with Kloet, he mentioned that the PSC hopes to have a president in place by July 1 of 2016. “While we face a number of challenges [during this
search], we want the student degrees to be as valuable as possible so we are looking for a president that will help that,” said Kloet. The PSC is not in place
Photo by Sarah Astra The empty chair in the Office of the President waits as the PSC finds candidates for EC’s head hancho.
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NEWS
September 9, 2015
ecleader.org
Sarah Astra editor-in-chief
ISIS suicide attack near Ramadi kills two Two Iraqi generals were killed Aug. 27 in an ISIS suicide attack outside Ramadi, the current provincial capital. This attack occurred when two American-made vehicles, rigged with explosives, detonated near the general’s convoy, according to The New York Times article written on the
same day. These American-made vehicles, which were most likely acquired by ISIS on the battlefield, gave the suicide attackers the opportunity to get close to these generals. The generals that were killed were high-level officials in the Iraqi military.
Pictures of the funeral processions of Maj. Gen. Abdulrahman Abu Ragheef, deputy head of the Anbar Operations Command, and Brig. Gen. Safeen Abdulmajid, head of the Iraqi Army’s 10th Division, were shown on Iraqi state television later that day. Internet photo
A flee to safety More than 6,000 refugees have fled from Syria and other war-torn countries around the world to the shores and stations of European countries. Many of these migrant refugees have had to make the trip without any vehicles, braving the unforgiving terrain and hostile countries on foot in the hopes of better days in Europe, according to The Daily News. Pope Francis had urged Catholics in Europe to aid these refugees by addressing the
ones in Vatican City. “May every parish, every religious community, every monastery, every sanctuary in Europe host a family, starting with my Diocese of Rome,” Pope Francis said on Aug. 30. Almost 40 buses worth of migrants were brought into Austria earlier this week with open arms, and many signs from the Austrian citizens that bore “Welcome! Willkommen!” on them, according to the Chicago Tribune. Internet photo Refugees pile on boats to get to European countries.
Putin wars with archrival... cheese Vladimir Putin decided on Aug. 6 that any food smuggled into Russia from other countries is to be destroyed in a feverish hunt that ended with Russian officials bulldozing a mound of French cheeses. The food massacre was a Russian attempt to wage economic war with countries, such as France and Poland, who had sanctioned Russia after Crimea became the Republic of Crimea. Many of the countries from Europe, North America, and in the Baltics are included on this embargo list and Russia will destroy any food
The awardwinning student newspaper at Elmhurst College
that officials find coming from those nations. An approximated 600 tons of goods were destroyed in the first week of the sanction being passed. Russian officials state that they have further “busts” coming daily and they akin it to a “war-on-drugs” campaign, according to The Telegraph. It is estimated by the New York Times that 40 percent of Russian respondents approve of this war on food while 48 percent seemed to disapprove. Photo created by Fabian Vasquez Putin watches as his worries, and the cheese, get bulldozed away.
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NEWS
ecleader.org
September 9, 2015
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Gianfranco Ocampo news editor
EC hosts one of its biggest cultural events fairs yet Elmhurst College hosted the “Taste of Elmhurst” event on Sept. 3, showcasing various opportunities for students. Many student clubs and vendors from local companies educated students about their organization on the campus Mall and this year’s fair was noted to be one of its biggest events in years. “The final week was the most hectic... We put flyers around the Frick Center to spread more awareness of the event to students of other years.“ Paola Carrera, administrative assistant to the Office of Student Activities This year, 65 student clubs and 16 vendors were given tables to set up shop and provide any information for students looking to join a student organization. EC hosts the biannual “Taste of Elmhurst” at the start of the fall and spring semesters.
The ‘Taste of Elmhurst’ is meant to create a setting where new and returning students are exposed to all the opportunities provided in Elmhurst” said Ian Crone, the associate dean of students and director of the Frick Center at EC. “New vendors were added; a European waxing center, free giveaways from Pie Five Pizza co., Brewpoint Coffee were given a table, and we introduced a petting zoo to the event” said Paola Carrera, administrative assistant to the office of student activities The OSL’s (Orientation Student Leaders) during freshman orientation were also credited with the turnout of students, who the event to the freshman students of the event. “The final week was the most hectic,” said Carrera “We put flyers around the Frick Center to spread more awareness of the event to students of other years. It’s hard to do in the first week back from school.” The Office of Student Activi-
The “Taste of Elmhurst,” where EC set tables up for clubs and vendors on the Mall on Sept. 3, 2015. Photo by Hannah Jasinski
ties hope to improve coverage for the next “Taste of Elmhurst.” Despite some general hitches
to organizing the event this year both Carrera and Crone seemed satisfied with the event .
“This years ‘Taste of Elmhurst’ was bigger than most years,” said Crone.
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EC yoga instructor publishes first textbook for students Barb Kahovec, a yoga instructor at Elmhurst College, published her first textbook “Yoga for the Student Body” on Sept. 1. Kahovec has been teaching yoga at Elmhurst College since 2010 and said she was driven to write a textbook after trying unsuccessfully to find an appropriate book to guide her students. The textbook is an introduction to yoga and the essentials for beginning students and the advanced practitioner. “I couldn’t find a yoga book that met the needs of today’s college students,” she said. “Since the Great Recession of 2008, our students are experiencing a great deal of stress. I hope this book can become a tool for students who turn toward yoga in an effort to manage their stress.” The book offers detail of yoga breathing techniques, introductory meditation, stress reduc-
tion exercises, instruction in yoga poses, and more. She also shares personal stories from many of her students that found comfort and peace from their own mental and emotional stress. In celebration of the publication of her new textbook she will be hosting a book signing at Elmhurst’s Café Amano on Sept. 16 that is open to the public. “After teaching at the college for five years, I can honestly say prevention works,” Kahovec says. “I wanted to bring the material to my students in a way that would address their needs directly and, hopefully, encourage them to share the joy of yoga with friends and family members.”
Internet photo Barb Kahovec published her first textbook on Sept. 1, 2015.
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NEWS
September 9, 2015
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Elmhurst college alumni give back Evely Ortiz staff writer
The Anti-Cruelty Society hosted by the Chicago Club, had a service event on the Aug 22 that was attended by Elmhurst College alumni. The service project was aimed at connecting Elmhurst College Alumni while giving back to the community. Alumni were able to interact with each other and gain more connections. By the end of the event, the alumni were able to make 40 to 50 dog tug toys for the Anti-Cruelty Society. “A lot of the alumni that attended the event were familiar with the Anti-Cruelty Society because they had adopted their personal pets from there,” says Effie Zoubouridis, associate director of alumni engagement. The Anti-Cruelty Society is an organization that seeks to educate the public on animal safety in hopes of providing for animals in need. “We want to build a community of caring by helping pets and educating people,” says Elliot Serrano, the Humane Education Manager at the Anti-Cruelty Society. “As an animal welfare organization, what we want to do is address the issues that surround our companion animals. We have services where we can help pets in need.” The event started with an introduction and orientation from one of the orga-
nization’s staff members, informing the group of the society’s mission, as well as answering frequently asked questions. “The staff did a great job. We learned a lot about what goes on behind the scenes. We did an arts and crafts project, creating some extra toys for the animals to play with. We felt that we made an impact on the animals that were there and we helped them out,” says Scott Keiler, an Elmhurst College alumn who attended Saturday’s event.
“It was great hearing feedback from alumni that were there about what events they’d like to see happen as a part of the Chicago Club....“ Scott Keiler, member of EC’s Chicago Club The Anti-Cruelty Society service project allowed Zoubouridis to gain further insight as to what events would be successful in the future through feedback. “We received some really great feedback from the alumni who said they really enjoyed these value add events, where there’s some kind of additional component as opposed to just networking. There’s something that they’re gaining in another way. For the service project, it’s the opportunity to give back. It was great to see them appreciate the effort put into
Internet photo
creating these events,” says Zoubouridis. Events like these are created by the Chicago Club Committee, a group of volunteer alumni who plan out events through quarterly meetings. The volunteers discuss their interests and the types of events they would like to see come to life. “It was great hearing feedback from alumni that were there about what events they’d like to see happen as part of the Chicago Club and find types of activities that alumni
like to do, so that we’ll increase our turnout and grant more opportunities for alumni to come out and connect,” says Keiler, who is also part of E.C.’s Chicago Club. As for the Anti-Cruelty Society, they hope the participating alumni gained a better understanding of the organization and a better education of animals in need. “I hope they walked away with an appreciation. I know we had a lot of fun.. I think the greatest accomplishment was that
people enjoyed their time here and will now make a positive association with the Anti-Cruelty Society,” says Serrano The next organization the group plans to work with is Phil’s Friends, a non-profit organization that creates care packages for cancer patients. Zoubouridis invites alumni to continue participating in these events. “It was really successful. Everyone had a great time and is looking forward to what we have coming up.”
Interim director from page 1
She then joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and worked at a drop-in center for homeless youth in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her masters of divinity degree at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA and took a unit of clinical pastoral education, a certification needed to become a hospital chaplain. She also has experience serving as a sabbatical pastor for a UCC church in Champaign-Urbana, IL. Labrecque applied to the EC position after hearing
about what she describes as “a shift in staff” at the Center. She was hired July 1, 2015 and immediately began working as the Director.
Director of the Niebuhr Center was Rev. Ronald Beauchamp, who was dismissed Dec. 4, 2014 from EC. He has since pled guilty to two charges of forgery on Aug. 17, and “The Niebuhr Cen- was sentenced to two ter isn’t something years probation. Beauyou join or become champ was accused of a member of, it’s a forging an invoice for resource for every- $4,200 to Elmhurst Colone on campus.“ lege because he allegedly attended a Chicago TheoEmily Labrecque, logical Seminary event, Interim director of though he did not actually the Niebuhr Center go to the event. Prior to Labrecque, the It was later found out
Photo by Kelli McQuaid
that he did not attend the event. Labrecque acknowledges rumors of the center closing, but defends that it is an integral part of the EC experience, “The fabric of Elmhurst would change if the Niebuhr Center ceased to exist. We are a college of the UCC with strong connections to Reinhold and Richard H. Niebuhr. “The intersection of faith and justice is at the core of the institution,” she stated. The most important part of the Niebuhr Center,
according to Labrecque, is the community. “I encourage students to stop by. The Niebuhr Center isn’t something you join or become a member of, it’s a resource for everyone on campus.” The welcome session for the Niebuhr Center for Faith and Action will be held Sept. 17th from 2p.m4p.m in the Niebuhr Center lounge.
NEWS
ecleader.org
September 9, 2015
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Who and what to know about EC’s CPE Evely ortiz staff writer
The Elmhurst College Center for Professional Excellence (CPE) offers students a variety of opportunities to enhance their college experience and prepare them for life after graduation. “The CPE is here to help students reach their potential,” says Julie Nosal, assistant to the executive director of the CPE. The center offers students several opportunities, including assisting students in resume writing, interviewing skills, job shadowing, service learning, network and business etiquette, career exploration, and professional mentoring. “It’s about building connections,” says Nosal. “We help students build connections with others to help them move forward in their lives.” The CPE houses several programs, including the Honors Program directed by Dr. Mary Kay Mulvaney; the Internship Program directed by Holly Coffin; the Study Away Program directed by Alice Niziolek; and the Career Education Program directed by Peggy Killian. “We also offer students a more concentrated job shadowing opportunity after their first year in something called First Leap.
It’s an opportunity for students to spend two or three days doing some intense job shadowing with professionals.,” says Nosal. Because the CPE houses several programs that help students move forward in their college career, it’s important to understand whom to speak to regarding one’s area of interest. Coffin explained that she is the one who gives the students the tools and resources they need to jumpstart their careers. “I’m training them [students] how to search for a job when they look for an internship,” says Coffin. “By the time they’re ready to look for their first job, they’ve got those skills and they’ve got that training,” says Coffin. Among the tools taught are mock interviews held twice a year, career fairs, and resume writing. These tools are meant to strengthen a student’s ability to find a job after college and give them a competitive edge. “We’re here and we can educate them [students] ... so they are able to have multiple internship experiences [to] have a competitive edge when they graduate,” says Coffin. While internships are an essential part of developing life after college, the CPE also offers opportunities that can enhance
students’ cultural engagement through study away opportunities. Alice Niziolek, director of international education and off campus programs, offers more on her role on the subject. “I direct students to the program off campus that’s going to best fit their academic and personal goals,” says Niziolek. “[And] if I don’t have an answer, I know where to send students.” Niziolek urges students to pursue studying away. The CPE will host a study away fair, Sept. 15 from 11a.m to 1 p.m. in the Founders Lounge. Niziolek addresses the financial aspect of the study away program. “I know students are so worried about adding on to their student loan debt. This is one of those items that is worth the investment. If you pay for room and board already, especially for a residential student, the cost for study away is going to be almost identical to studying here at Elmhurst. If you’re a commuter student, your financial aid is going to be adjusted to reflect the fact that you have additional expenses,” says Niziolek. The study away program is only one of the several opportunities housed in the CPE. While these programs are available to
Holly Coffin (Left) and Alice Niziolek (Right) are just two essential people to know at EC’s Center for Professional Excellence. Photo by Kelli McQuaid
students, it’s up to the students to take advantage and act upon them before graduation and seek out those are able to provide these services. Nosal emphasizes that the CPE provides students with a group of individuals who want to help.
“It’s never too late. Still come see us. We’ll do what we can. Everyone here does their part. It’s really a team effort. We just encourage students to actually walk in the door and let us help.,” says Nosal.
Presidential election: who’s polling ahead Gianfranco Ocampo news editor
Despite the many victories and losses that the presidential candidates have had in the polls this past month, various political commentators suggest that the election will not be as straight-forward. For instance, since Donald Trump made his presidential announcement, he has won numerous polls; two on Sept. 1 in the Iowa Republican Presidential Caucus (an event in Iowa where its residents elected their delegates) and the Public Policy Polling (PPP). He won the Caucus poll at 25 percent approval with a 7 percent lead over Ben Carson, and 29 percent in the PPP with a 14 percent lead over Carson. Hillary Clinton, in the same polls, won 48 percent (Caucus) and 55 percent (PPP) of the vote for the Democratic nomination. These early poll numbers indicate some favor to both Clinton and Trump yet the winner of each party might not be a predictable win. “The people answering the polls, both left and right, are at the extremes,” said Constance Mixon, the director of the urban studies program and associate professor in the political science department at Elmhurst College. “The polls you see with him [Trump] are going to shrink when the presidential election
begins.” What not only Trump, but the GOP (Republicans) as a whole have to deal with is the decreasing influence they have over numerous demographics. Editor of the Cook Political Report House David Waserman broke down the demographics of the electorate into 5 groups 1) whites with college degrees, 2) whites without college degrees, 3) African Americans, 4) Latinos, and 5) Asians/others. Based on current census poll data, the only increase the GOP base has with these groups are whites without college degrees, at a 1 percent increase. The increase, since 2012, of the other four groups, would’ve given Obama a 1.6 percent margin increase had he run with the current numbers. The minority votes, mainly from Latinos, has also decreased from the GOP due to many of Trumps comments about Mexicans over the past few months. However, despite poll numbers (the most recent from ABC) that show that Trump has an 82 percent disapproval rating, this is not an indicator that the GOP could be in trouble. The largest concentration of Latino voters come from states often uncontested between both parties like California, New York, and Texas. Another factor that would support GOP and stir trouble for the Democrats is the turnout
Internet photo Donald Trump (Left) and Hillary Clinton (Right) are top contenders from their respective political parties.
of most of the groups that the Democrats appeal to. The lack of turnout for the Democratic Party base could affect Clinton’s or Bernie Sanders’ chances. “Obama had a large coalition with the youth and the minority vote. I’m not sure if Hillary will be able to have the same influence as Obama did to have an effective turnout,” Mixon said. “Hillary will definitely bring in the women’s vote.” The white collar women, one of the fastest growing demographics in the white electorate, could be an influential factor in the presidential race. The Quinnipiac surveys (surveys re-
leased from Quinnipiac University) done in February, shows promise that Clinton should be able to attract their vote compared to Obama’s poor numbers in that electorate. As for her closest opposition in the democratic field, Bernie Sanders’ numbers are close behind Clinton’s. In an Iowa poll on Aug. 31, Sanders was only 7 percent behind Clinton at 30 percent compared to months earlier in May where he had scored 30 percent behind her. Sanders’ current surge in the polls has yet to reach a point where a definite victory is assured and according to Mixon it
could worsen over time. “People right now are at the extremes which goes to Bernie who appeals to far left progressive, as we get closer to the mainstream audience however, people will be looking more at Bush or Christie” Mixon said. “Obama had to pull all the stops to beat Clinton back in 2008 and I don’t think Sanders is like Obama.” Indications for who has the lead in both parties should continue over the next few months, . The next big event for the Democrats is their party debate Oct. 13.
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September 9, 2015
opinions
•Editorial•
}
ecleader.org
Start prioritizing transgender and gender nonconforming students For an institution to be considered progressive and inclusive, it needs to keep up with the times. As it currently stands, EC is not serving their gender nonconforming and transgender students as well as other institutions. Although “the question” regarding LGBTQ identities was placed on the admissions application in 2011, very little change has happened since then to ensure these diverse students are cared for. Do you know what was happening in 2011? Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” was at the top of the charts, Charlie Sheen was having a meltdown, and the “It Gets Better Project” was still trendy. It is not enough for EC to wade in mediocrity, particularly when our Chicago city school competitors are setting the pace for LGBTQ inclusion. So here’s our free how-to guide that, if followed, will help EC propel itself into present times. And as an added bonus, might increase the number of LGBTQ students that enroll at EC – and stay until graduation. 1. Create gender inclusive housing options Offering more inclusive housing will allow students to feel safe and welcome in the residence halls. If a system is created to help students with varying gender identity or expression, it will garner publicity and match other institutions. Plus, Residence Life won’t need to put in the extra work of helping transgender/gender nonconforming students on a case by case basis. Why not call up Roosevelt University and speak with a member of their Gender & Diversity Inclusion Community Task Force? They were responsible for creating the Gender and Diversity Inclusion Community in 2013, one of the leading models in the country. 2. Make restrooms inclusive Our campus did not start marking “all-gender restrooms” until last spring, when the Queer Straight Alliance passed a resolution through SGA. Only a few of these bathrooms are accessible to all students because most are in secured residence halls, and many buildings still remain exclusive in their bathroom options. The current allgender restrooms are located in the cafe level of the Frick Center, the second floor
of Old Main, and the main level of each residence hall. If more bathrooms can’t be added, the institution at least has a responsibility to train administration, faculty, staff, and student leaders to know when they need and do not need to utilize an allgender space. Hint: Having to poop is not a valid reason. 3. Normalize gender pronouns Instead of assuming gender, everyone should be given the chance to share their pronouns. This could be as simple as requiring for all students to write their pronouns on their name tag during orientation, or for professors to ask gender pronouns during first day introductions. By encouraging all students to share their gender pronouns, it keeps transgender and gender nonconforming students from feeling singled out – while still honoring their identity. 4. Improve the “Out at Elmhurst” webpage The Leader has encouraged EC to increase their online presence before, and this is the same issue. The website has a page dedicated to LGBTQ information, but it’s somewhat difficult to find. Also, it does not list gender neutral bathroom locations. It does not give information about policies or procedures for gender nonconformity in Residence Life. And it doesn’t even have the proper information regarding the on campus organizations or events meant to support LGBTQ students. Don’t get us started on the videos of students who graduated years ago. If the college wants to bring in diverse students, they need them to be well informed and comfortable before they even step foot on our campus. Students and faculty who want to make change can start by becoming educated on LGBTQ issues, and share their knowledge with friends and colleagues. Getting involved with the Queer Straight Alliance is a simple way to learn more and become an activist. If you’re all fired up and ready to make waves, try starting a petition or writing letters to administration. At the end of the day, we are all responsible for creating a progressive and inclusive environment that feels less like 2011, and more like the future.
•Op-art•
ecleader.org
•Resistance•
opinions
•Modern Renaissance•
Chrissy croft Opinions Editor
Every time I sit in Founder’s, I feel like I’m watching the Discovery Channel. There I am, sipping my coffee, while I observe the microecosystem of EC. There is so much that can be seen through simple Maybe, unlike observation, especially animals in the wild, in an environment we should trade where no one is being our primal instincts told how to act. for interpersonal Unfortunately, these prowess. Founder’s Lounge safaris usually leave me Since EC has feeling disheartened essentially no venues about the climate of EC to host events, many as a whole. student organizations have to use the As soon as a Founder’s stage for catering table is set their open mic nights, up by Chartwells, keynote speakers, or the Founder’s sharks other programs. As strikes. soon as a catering table is set up by Chartwells, The issue is that we the Founder’s sharks are divided. Regardless strike. They don’t even of what the admissions take time to circle their brochures say, or how prey before they dig in. many people shout Sometimes, they’ll eat “community!” when the food before the host asked what they love organization’s executive most about EC, we members can get a bite. are not a diverse and Then, without fail, they connected family. either leave before the During any busy event starts or return protected hour, you will to using their outside see students clustered voices. together for studying This behavior shows or hanging out. If you that there is a lack come back the next day, of respect for fellow or any other day, you student leaders, and might notice the same maybe a hunger problem students sitting at the since no one can seem exact same tables. It’s to wait 15 seconds like they’re nesting, and before delving into ensuring that outsiders mysteriously appearing can’t get in. catering trays. As a freshman, I So, what can we do to was oblivious to this make Founder’s a better unspoken rule and sat place to be? Maybe, down at the first empty unlike animals in the table I saw. I began wild, we should trade opening my folders, our primal instincts for preparing to delve into interpersonal prowess. my first study session More simply, we can of college, when an just follow every rule we upperclassman in Greek learned in kindergarten: letters approached me. invite others to play, use He told me that this was your inside voices, and “his fraternity’s” table, don’t be an exclusionary and told me I needed to asshole. move. Flustered, I got up and moved to another
7
Generation Y
Observing Founder’s location. Ultimately, I decided to sit in the library, where no one would tell me that I didn’t belong. After all, the library isn’t cool enough to foster social stratification Another issue with Founder’s is that many students, particularly students who really like to use the words “gay” and “retarded” as adjectives, feel that it is their space to shout in. Whether they are loudly venting about their professor who is “a feminist bitch” or catcalling the coffee shop employees, there’s always someone reminding EC what ignorance is all about. This creates an unsafe environment for many students, including myself, to spend time in.
September 9, 2015
Sarah Astra Editor in Chief
The world is changing and if you don’t catch up, you will be left behind. This is one of the truest statements I have heard in a long time, uttered by a wise but young friend of mine. It was a perfect comment, at least to me, about the problems with the Millennials (or Generation Y) and the previous generations. Some are moving along, others are stuck. Take the LGBTQ community. While many people have been receptive and helpful to them, others have been opposed to them
gaining any rights at all, even though the federal legislation for same-sex marriage was passed a little over three months ago. This is exhibited in the recent case of Kim Davis, the clerk in Rowan County, KY. This government worker denied a gay couple a marriage license because of her own personal religious belief that gays could not marry. Ever heard of separation of church and state? Why are we still fighting the inevitable idea that gays are going to get married? True, many oppose general progress for the LGBTQ community because of religious beliefs, but many religions also said a person should be stoned to death for cheating on a spouse. Either that isn’t a thing anymore or I missed the last public stoning. Certain religions and individuals, such as Kim Davis, are living in a perpetual Stone Age when it comes to ideas like this. To deny anyone, no matter his or her sexual preference, is just wrong; the Supreme Court ruled that already. In no way am I saying that religion is bad, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. It simply
goes back to Kant’s idea about enlightenment and immaturity; one is able to speak out against their government or institution but they must still perform their civic duty. So the fact that Davis refused to perform her job just means that she was acting out of this idea of enlightenment However, I do think the overall lack of support for the LGBTQ community is slowly beginning to diminish with the emergence of the newest generation. I named this column Modern Renaissance because it was a play on words for my program name when I was in Oxford, but it is also a comment on our generation. We are the modern renaissance, and not in the whole crazy cool paintings and pretty dresses way (though those dresses would be cool). This generation, that is slowly coming out of college and going into the workforce, is the one of acceptance. So when people like Kim Davis try to fight against progress, especially after so much has progressed forward, it just shows how much different the newest generation is as opposed to the previous ones.
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Just the Tip
Zakiyah Toor staff writer
I was a server at Olive Garden for two years. It was my first job, and my first experience with customers. Every day I would go in and do my best. And every day, I would encounter a difficult customer – bad attitude, no patience, and no tip. I know we’ve all had bad service at a restaurant at some point. Maybe the server repeatedly forgot that ketchup you asked for, or brought out tilapia instead of salmon and, as a result, you had to wait an extra ten minutes. Maybe you asked for a refill of Coke
but they forgot, and when they finally remembered, they brought you a Diet instead. Customers don’t deny that this happens and, believe it or not, neither do servers. At Olive Garden, I went in every day eager to get the timing of it all just right, to please the people I waited on, and to hear that they were happy with the service they received. When people think of serving they don’t imagine that it is, in a lot of ways, an art form. There is a certain skill involved in perfecting time management so that everything comes out right on time – not too soon, not too late. There is the craft of reading a guest once they take a seat in your section. It takes experience to know that, yes, she definitely fits the mold of a Merlot fanatic, while he’ll go with a bottle of Sam Adams. No one is a good server when they start out, or rather, few are. It takes time, sweat, strength, and patience. That is what makes the work so rewarding at the end of the day when you count your tips. Which brings me to my next point: Please. Tip.
Twenty. Percent. Maybe you didn’t get the service you wanted. Maybe your server seriously sucked. I get it, I really do. Like I said, we have all been less than pleased with restaurant service at one time or another. But you must remember that you are not the only person your server is tending to. You are not the only one asking for a million things at once. And you are not the one running around drenched in your own sweat because people see you as their servant instead of their server. Because servers receive tips, they earn $4.95 an hour in Illinois, and even less in other states. Tips are how servers make a living, support their families, and put food on the table. When you stiff them or tip less than 20 percent, it is not only a slap in the face, but a hit to how they live their daily lives. It is as simple as this: If you cannot afford to properly tip, do not eat at sit down restaurants. And if you do decide to go out to eat, do the right thing - tip your server 20 percent.
CHICAGO
Ruler of the music Scene Daniel Wiggin
The Foo Fighters
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One of the recent highlights of the Chicago music scene was The Foo Fighter’s performance at Wrigley Field on Aug. 29. They played to a sold out crowd as a part of their summer tour. Because Dave Grohl fractured his leg during a show in Sweden, he had to play the show with his leg in a cast. However, Grohl made the most of this unique opportunity by performing on an epic movable throne. Between dancing on his healthy leg and thrashing his luscious hair, he kept the audience entertained. Axel Muñoz, Elmhurst alum, stated in an interview that the concert was “one of the most memorable moments of [his] life.” He enjoyed the fact that Grohl moved around the stage on his motorized chair and had “the same energy that he had at Lollapalooza in 2011.” The Foo Fighters started their set off on the right note with three fan favorites: “Everlong”, “Monkey Wrench”, and “Learn to Fly”. They sprinkled in covers by Van Halen and Alice Cooper in their stacked set list. Instead of inhibiting Grohl’s performance, the broken leg served as a symbol of beating the odds and making sure that the show goes on. Although this concert sold out in minutes there are plenty of other upcoming shows in Chicago worth seeing. Above photo courtesy of Axel Muñoz
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Safe in Sound This festival will feature dubstep artists such as Datsik, Bro Safari, and Zomboy. You can experience this bass heavy lineup first-hand at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. The tour ends in October, and this is the only time the lineup will be playing in Illinois in 2015. Get your tickets soon as they are performing on Thursday, Sept. 17. Just be prepared to have sore legs from dancing and ears ready to burst from auditory ecstasy.
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Riot Fest
Tickets may be hard to come by, but from Friday, Sept. 11 to Sunday, Sept. 13, Chicago will be rocking with some great bands like No Doubt, Modest Mouse, and System of a Down. This fest has been around since 2005 and it will be in Douglas Park this year. The lineup has typically included punk and alternative rock bands, but it has expanded in recent years. Artists such as Ice Cube, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Snoop Dogg will be performing other genres of music, and there will be 50+ food venues to satisfy your hunger. Come for one day or stay for three. Either way, the memories will be lasting.
Years and Years This electonica band formed in 2010 and quickly rose to popularity after its single “King” reached number one on the UK singles list. They will be performing live at Park West with R&B artist Tei Shi. Frontman Olly Alexander of Years and Years has been lauded for his unique voice and lyrical style. Be sure to check out “Communion” their recently released debut album. They will most likely be playing many of their new originals such as “Shine” and “Take Shelter” at Park West on Tuesday Sept. 22. Graphics and Layout by Fabian Vasquez
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September
EC C u l tu r al E v e n t s Senior Voice and Saxophone Recital Josh Kukec Saturday, September 12, 2015 | Free
Hispanic Heritage Exhibition: Urban Flashback
Alfonso 'Piloto' Nieves Ruiz and Ricardo Santos Hernandez Monday, September 14, 2015 through Saturday, October 17, 2015 | FREE
Fall 2015 Study Away Fair
Study Abroad Faculty, Program Providers Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Elmhurst Choral Union Auditions Elmhurst Choral Union Monday, September 21, 2015 | Free
Alumni Professional Development Seminar Ron Luken, Elmhurst College Trustee Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Cesar Chavez: the Man, the Myth and the Legacy Miriam Pawel Wednesday, September 30, 2015 | $10
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• Nick’s Picks •
2015 NFC Predictions the East. The New York Giants, on the other hand, are such an unpredictable team. Eli Manning will occasionally be great and he has weapons in Victor Cruz and the Madden 15 cover winner, Odell Becham Jr. But besides that they aren’t too impressive on either side of the ball. Last and probably, well last, will be the Washington Redskins. Besides Nick Cegielski their controversial name sports editor and the drama of Robert Griffin III not panning out, In the opposing confer- there isn’t much to talk ence to the AFC, the NFC about in Washington footshuffled many players as ball. well. Last year, the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay PackNFC North ers, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks led What is there to say their divisions. What will about the NFC North? Are the case be in 2015? there any Bears fans left who think they have any NFC East chance this year? Once again, I think the The NFC East would win quarterback test is a good the award for the flashiest way to judge the North. moves, but that doesn’t Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutnecessarily mean there ler, Matthew Stafford, and will be a different outcome Teddy Bridgewater. Honthis year. estly, who do you think The battle between the will lead their team to bePhiladelphia Eagles and come the division leader? the Dallas Cowboys for I think I would have to go first place is similar to the with the bad man in Green Ravens and Steelers pre- Bay, Mr. Aaron Rodgers. dicament in the AFC. Ei- Is he not the most talentther team can realistically ed overall quarterback in win, and in this case, I’m the league, strictly on skill going with Dallas. alone? The Dallas Cowboys However, I don’t think he have one of the best of- will get to the top as easily fensive lines in the league. as he could this year. The This may be the reason for Packers are riddled with DeMarco Murray’s insane injuries on offense and productivity last year. Los- defense. Even facing these ing Murray is obviously a injuries, they still have the big loss for the Cowboys, best shot due to the inconthough they could po- sistencies of every other tentially come out on top team in the division. if Darren McFadden can The Chicago Bears have stay healthy and show a weak defense, injured even a glimpse of what receivers, and just about he was in Oakland before a whole city against their his injuries. The Cowboys starting quarterback. Well, should potentially be in it sure sounds that way first again, especially with if you listen to any local Tony Romo still slinging sports talk radio. the ball to Dez Bryant. I would like to take this Philadelphia made a lot time to try and defend of changes. Sam Bradford ‘Midway’ Jay. I still think will now be the starting he has enough talent to be quarterback while DeMar- a solid quarterback in the co Murray will be taking NFL. Though he doesn’t the starting role as run- seem to be a leader, and ning back. These two new he won’t lead the league players will certainly have in stats, I still think we to prove themselves to the need to accept that he is rough crowd in Philly, but our best option at this moare more than capable at ment. This being the case the same time. we should play him to his Bradford is a big gamble, strengths and maximize seeing as he has been inju- the talent he does have. ry plagued since he joined He is still better than Andy the NFL. The McCoy-Mur- Dalton or Ryan Fitzpatrick. ray shuffle is an interest- Things could be worse. ing swap as well. It seems Between the Bears, Vithe Eagles are buying high kings, and Lions, it deon Murray who has also pends on which team faced many injuries in his beats themselves the least, career. These are the main meaning which team reasons Dallas seems like won’t necessarily choke. the number one team in The Lions have a gigan-
tic hole to fill on defense, and Calvin Johnson isn’t getting any younger. Not too mention Matthew Stafford will throw for 40 touchdowns one year, and then 20 the next. Minnesota seems to have a lot of hype for some reason. Adrian Peterson will determine what type of year the Vikings have. Even if he goes off for another monster year, I find it hard to see them at the top of the NFC North division this year. NFC South The NFC South may have been the most disappointing division in the league last year. For a division with so much individual talent, every team practically stumbled to the finish line. Because the South completely choked in 2014, I am going to reverse pick the order, thus leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in last place. With a miserable showing last season, the Bucs truly have an uphill battle. Placing rookie Jameis Winston under center will make this team exciting to watch at least. Will he be like Cam Newton was in his first year, or more like Johnny Manziel? Either way, the Bucs have decent receivers, young running backs, and a rookie quarterback. A real formula for success, don’t you think? Carolina miraculously made the playoffs in 2014, but I think they take a step back this year. Missing Kelvin Benjamin is really going to make things hard-
er for Newton on offense, and like the Bucs, they really aren’t too threatening in the running back position. And now the question that seems to have no answer, why did the New Orleans Saints trade Jimmy Graham?! He is possibly the best red zone weapon in the entire league, a perfect option for Drew Brees who is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. The loss of Graham is why I think the Falcons are going to turn things around in Atlanta this year. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones are deadly together, and this could be the time for them to really make their mark.
a physical defense and prove to be tough to beat. St. Louis has also been on the up and up over the past few seasons as well. Nick Foles was brought in as quarterback, but that doesn’t impress me too much. The Rams have a stout defense like the rest of the division, which makes them a nuisance for any team that plays them, but overall the Rams don’t seem to have enough man-power to get to the playoffs. Placing the 49ers in last doesn’t seem right, but that team went through a lot of changes throughout their entire organization. With some key losses in Frank Gore, Patrick Willis, and Jim Harbaugh, I NFC West find it tough for this team to make the playoffs in The Seattle Seahawks the competitive NFC have been the toughest West. team in the NFL over the past few seasons, and I see Rounding out my 2015 that trend continuing in NFC division predictions 2015. are the Dallas Cowboys, Their defense is known Green Bay Packers, Atlanas the “Legion of Boom.” ta Falcons, and Seattle SeThe Seahawks have had ahawks. one of the best defenses Last issue, I had the New assembled in the NFL. England Patriots, PittsNot to mention Russell burgh Steelers, IndianapWilson is more than capa- olis Colts, and Denver ble of leading that team. Broncos at the top of their Marshawn Lynch has been divisions. a force to reckon with, and Overall, I see six of the then they go and add Jim- same teams that made the my Graham as well. How playoffs last year repeating is anyone supposed to in 2015. stop this team in the red As of now, the Seattle Sezone? ahawks look like the team The rest of the divi- to beat. Let’s see if they sion will most likely be a make it to three consecufree for all. Arizona has a tive super bowls. tough defense, and if Carson Palmer finally stays healthy, they could make some noise. Like the Seahawks, the Cardinals have
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Bluejays soar to a 31-17 victory Nick Cegielski
sports editor During the offseason, head coach Ron Planz expressed in a press release that he wanted to refine their offense, and make the system easier to execute. “We have simplified the system and our players have shown a great grasp in what we want to run,” said Planz. “As their comfort and confidence grows, I expect we’ll start seeing more success.” Confidence should be pretty high in the EC locker room after grinding out their first win of the season. A stalemate in the first half proved that both teams were fighting hard to keep their loss column empty. The EC defense certainly made their mark early in the game, scoring the first
touchdown of the season for the team. EC senior linebacker Trent Howard forced his way into the backfield and sacked Loras quarterback Bob Kelly, which led to a scoop and score for junior safety Andy Warsen. Loras quickly answered before the end of the half, leaving the score tied at 10 each. The first half tally sheet indicated that Loras would march their way to a victory, after doubling EC’s total yards on offense. However, EC rose to the occasion and made almost every big play necessary to fight their way back into the game. It appears EC bought into coach Planz’s simpler system, as the second half belonged to the Bluejays. Senior running back Josh Williams started off the season
on the right foot, and showed what type of leader he can be
“Last year we struggled out of the gate before showing some improvement at the start of the conference season” - Head coach Ron Planz for this team. When it came to crunch time, he was someone EC relied on. Within the last 30 minutes of the game, Williams rushed for 132 yards and 3 touchdowns. The bulk of his yards came from three dominating plays. In just three handoffs, Williams rushed for two touchdowns from 47 yards out, and another from 10 yards out.
But there was much to note on the defensive side of the ball in the second half as well. EC junior linebacker Jacob Mazzenga showed some fourth quarter heroics with a blocked punt, which led to one of Williams’ scores. Mazzenga’s name appeared on the stat sheet again in the fourth quarter after he recovered a fumble that was forced by junior defensive tackle Eddie Beyer’s sack. “Last year we struggled out of the gate before showing some improvement at the start of the conference season,” said Planz in his press release. “We had some big wins and I really thought we played some of our best football at the end of the season despite losing the season finale.” With this being coach Planz’s second year, it looks like his sys-
Elmhurst’s Myles Carroll (left) and Trent Howard (right) take down Loras College player.
tem is beginning to pan out well so far. Starting out the season 1-0 with positives on both sides of the ball and late game heroics is generally a great sign for a potentially big year. However, it wasn’t all positives for the Bluejays. Junior quarterback Logan Stelzriede left the game with an injury, something he is used to from last season. Stelzriede went 12of-23 passes with 71 yards while he played. Junior Zach Cambell finished the game behind center and threw 2-of-5 for 22 yards. The Bluejays will face Hope College (0-1) at home on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1p.m.
Continued on page 16.
Photo by Amy Smith
EC sports round-up Nick Cegielski sports editor
Cross Country The men and women cross country teams opened up their seasons with the Early Bird Invitational on Friday, Sept. 4. The women took third place while the men finished in fifth out of 14 squads participating.
Women’s Golf Due to illness, the EC women’s golf team was unable to finish with a team score. Rather, the three EC golfers who did compete did so as individuals. EC will get their next chance to compete as a team on Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Benedictine University Invitational.
Men’s Soccer The men opened up their
season in tournament play with three straight losses over the weekend. In their last match, the Bluejays could not hold on to their 2-1 lead, and ended up giving up two goals in the final ten minutes. The men will continue to search for their first win against Dominican University on Sept. 9.
Women’s Soccer The lady Bluejays started their season opposite to the men. In their first game of the year, EC shut out Dominican University on the road with a big 1-0 win. The freshman-to-freshman connection from Sidney O’Keeffe to Brittany Reinhart gave EC the go ahead goal in the 74th minute. Some late game heroics led the lady Jay’s to their second victory against Bethel University on Sept. 5.
Bethel went up 2-0 at the beginning of the game, but three unanswered second half goals by EC gave them the victory. The women’s soccer team will look for their third win of the season against Monmouth College on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Volleyball The EC volleyball team started their season with a perfect record in the Elmhurst Invitational. In their final game of tournament play, EC swept Edgewood College in all three sets. Edgewood put up a tough
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fight, but they couldn’t get the job done and fell short by a few points in every set they played. Starting with a 4-0 record, the 19th ranked Bluejays will look to continue their undefeated streak in the Washington University Tournament over the upcoming weekend.
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EC fall sports conference and overall record.
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Bluejays soar to a 31-17 victory Nick Cegielski
sports editor The Bluejays started out their 2015 season with a big win against Loras College in a 31-17 victory on Sat., Sept. 5. In their hard fought home opener EC outmanned Loras, proving that the game of football is a marathon rather than a sprint.
See EC football on page 14
Photo by Amy Smith
Quarterback Logan Stelzriede throws the ball past Loras College.