Since 1916
Volume 99, Number 27
Thursday, January 15, 2014
www.marquettewire.org
Law School removes fee Amid national declines in applications, MU uses strategies
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Job security scrutinized in debate on STEM field
Editorial
Winter O-Fest can benefit from more visible outreach PAGE 8
2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 SPJ Award-Winning Newspaper
MU gets thrilling victory Men’s basketball gets 1-point win thanks to solid second half performance by guards
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Marine offices move into Ivy
By Benjamin Lockwood
benjamin.lockwood@marquette.edu
Experts have often heralded degrees in science, technology, engineering and math – better known as STEM – as lucrative and secure, since many tech companies seem to be creating positions faster than the graduation rates of qualified individuals. With such gleaming job prospects for STEM-related degree holders, it makes sense that universities like Marquette are trying to train a workforce to fill the vacancies. But lately there’s been a debate about whether STEM degrees are actually as lucrative as believed. Some are asking whether STEM degrees have a “shelflife,” or if technical skills lose their relevance over time after graduation. Others worry that older STEM workers are at risk of being forced out of their jobs by younger workers with more up-to-date skills. Rich Merkel, executive director of STEM Forward who advocates for tech in education, agrees that there is an inherent risk with technology-related degrees when the tech is rapidly changing, but said companies still need people who can solve problems. “The familiarity with the core concepts, and the ability to solve those problems is just as important as the technology used,” Merkel said. Peter Hanson, a junior in the College of Engineering, said he isn’t worried about his skillset becoming obsolete postgraduation because learning the new technology comes with the territory. “Technical degrees – yeah, they change – but hopefully you’ll be a part of that change,” Hanson said. “You should be learning as you’re innovating.” See STEM, Page 3
INDEX
CALENDAR...........................................2 DPS REPORTS.....................................2 CLASSIFIEDS......................................5 MARQUEE............................................6 OPINIONS........................................8 SPORTS...........................................10
Infographic by Amy Elliot-Meisel/amy.elliot-meisel@marquette.edu
The United States Marine Corps joins three resturants in the vacant space below the Ivy on Fourteenth apartments and Pita Brothers prepares to open.
The U.S. Marine Corps will move into the last commercial space in The Ivy on 14th apartment building this semester. The location will function as a recruitment office and will join the ranks of Subway, Burger King, and Tangled Noodles and More in the 1400 block of W. Wells Street. Julie Ledger, vice president and general manager of Opus Development
Company, said opening day for the recruitment office is “imminent.” “They will amazingly open first even though they signed last,” Ledger said. “We were ecstatic for the Marine Corps. They’re a good, strong tenant. We also felt they would be a very reputable tenant and they would be consistent.” As for the Ivy restaurants, Ledger said Subway will open first, followed by Tangled Noodles and More and then Burger King. Although she could not pinpoint an exact opening date for each, she said students should expect all three to open sometime this semester. Ledger said the likelihood of the Marine Corps going out of business is slim, making them
a desirable tenant for Opus. In addition, their moving process is simpler and less time consuming compared to that of a restaurant. Opus decided to welcome the Marine Corps as the fourth tenant instead of another restaurant. “We did not expect to have three restaurants,” Ledger said. “Honestly, our building could not handle another restaurant.” As for the forthcoming Pita Brothers brick-and-mortar location in the 1600 block of W. Wisconsin Ave., Vijay Swearingen, owner of Pita Brothers, said students should expect a mid-February opening for the former campus food truck. The Tribune reported Sept. 9 that Pita Brothers was
anticipated to open last fall alongside Starbucks, Cousins Subs and Walgreens. When asked about reasons for the delay, Swearingen mentioned a few contributing factors. “A lot of times things get pushed back. Plan approval applies to many categories that would go into a store. Plan approval delays and worker delays caused us to push back,” Swearingen said. “Getting those things open exactly on time, you hope for the best. It takes an extra month or two sometimes.” There is no word on who will fill the vacant space neighboring Pita Brothers. According to Swearingen, one company was in talks to occupy the vacancy but opted out.
NEWS
MARQUEE
OPINIONS
SPORTS
Recruitment center to move in with Burger King, noodle joint By Nicki Perry
nicolette.perry@marquette.edu
Fransen: Combating illness
Physical therapy motion lab
Individual health should come before productivity this semester.
Student athletes benefit from high-tech proactive care program.
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Provost candidate visits MU
First of four bidders for the top MU academic position speaks on campus. PAGE 4
Seniors up for MLS draft
Lyon, Sjoberg candidates for selection in today’s MLS SuperDraft.
“How I became a Pirate”
MU Theatre brings children’s book to life in latest mainstage production. PAGE 6
Patel: Religious persecution
Terrorists must be distinguished from peaceful mainstream Islam.
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