2-6-2003

Re-enactment Monroe pays tribute to the River Raisin Massacre

New Copyright Laws Keep Mickey From Hitting Streets

Village Bistro

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Hidden cafe offers relaxing atmosphere

Inside...

AGORA

THE

Editorial.................pg. 2 Campus News........pg. 3 Feature...................pg. 4 Feature.................. pg. 5 A & E......................pg. 6 In the Mix..............pg. 7 Spotlight................pg. 8

MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

February 6, 2003

VOLUME 45

ISSUE 5

Legacies Past; Future Possibilities Guerriero leaves vice presidency seat vacant

By Rachel Ziethlow Chief Editor Although often controversial, William Guerriero, former Vice President of Instruction, broke many barriers during his stay at Monroe County Community College (MCCC).

On Dec. 23, 2002, Guerriero left his position as Vice President of Instruction at MCCC for an equal position at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona.

Taking his place temporarily is Gail Odneal, Dean of Health Sciences, according to Audrey Warrick, President.

Guerriero’s legacy began when he left his President position at his Business, according to Dr. William family owned Great Lakes College McCloskey, Dean of Humanities when it was bought by Davenport and Social Sciences.

University in Midland and came on board at MCCC when he was hired six years ago as the Dean of see Guerriero, page 7

Board chooses presidential qualities

By Joe McIntyre Copy Editor After meeting with faculty, administration, students, and the community in an open forum, Dr. Abel Sykes Jr. of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) presented to the board of Monroe County Community College (MCCC) the information gathered in these forums.

The meeting opened with concerns of staff at MCCC beginning with Joanna Briganti, Professor of Political Science, where she stated to the board that “leadership is paramount”.

Following Briganti, Terry Telfer Professor of English, who suggested raising the salary of the new president so that MCCC can compete with other colleges in regards to pay for this position.

Sykes informed the board that approximately 100 people attended the forums held Jan. 21 and presented his findings to the board

in an attempt to assist the board in the selection process for a new president. Some of the information that Sykes introduced was; preferred qualifications, challenges and opportunities, personal requirements, and a tentative schedule for this selection process.

In the 1978 landmark case Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, the Supreme Court ruled that race can be considered as one of many factors and can influence admissions decisions when the university is trying to achieve overall diversity.

Twenty-five years later, the country is in the middle of a national debate that was instigated in January when the White House filed a brief with the court urging that affirmative action admissions policies at U of M be declared unconstitutional.

The administration charges that the policies in both the undergraduate and law schools amounted to quota systems, and argued that there were “raceneutral” ways to increase minority population. The administration stopped short of asking the court to overturn the 1978 Bakke ruling.

“Bush was very non-specific,” Dr. Joanna Briganti, professor of political science said. “He didn’t take a firm stand against affirmative

action, and he treads very carefully with his words.”

“The fact that the President took a position at all is significant because the administration was not

required to get involved in the case,” New York Times columnist Neil A. Lewis said. “The administration’s presence and the

see Action, page 7

Recruitment Materials Completed

Search Committee Selects Candidates to Search Com- be Forwarded ACCT Com- mittee Trained to Board pletes Evaluations

Deadline for Applications

Recruitment

April 28

Feb. 7

Feb. - April

April 2

April 24

“1. Does the University of Michigan’s use of racial preferences in undergraduate admissions violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964...?

(date pending)

April 29

Board Interviews Finalists

May 8 - 9

Agora photo by Rachel Ziethlow

Chairman of the Monroe County Community College Board ofTrustees Thomas Waldecker swears in re-elected Board member Joseph Bellino Jr. during a Jan. 13 board meeting.At this meeting, the Board also decided on the process to use to find the new President.

New building expands campus

By Bob Oliver Reporter

Questions Presented to the Supreme Court...

see Board, page 7

Presidential Candidate Recruitment Process

Affirmative action causes controversy to U of M

By Kellie Vining Reporter

MCCC staff believe that an earned terminal degree such as a Doctorate of Education (Ed. D., Ph. D) from an accredited university should be required of this new

On Oct. 1, 2002 a groundbreaking ceremony was held to announce the construction of the Instructional Center for Business Training and the Performing Arts at Monroe County Community College (MCCC). Since that time the college has been busy, raising

funds for construction, drawing plans, and beginning other preparations for the new building.

The new building will be approximately 54,000 square feet, and include an auditorium with a seating capacity of about 600. In addition to the theater, there will be another computer lab, rehearsal and storage locations for the band and

see Fine Arts, page 7

2. Did the district court correctly dismiss the plaintiff class’s claim for injunctive relief with respect to the University of Michigan’s use of racial preferences in undergraduate admissions?

3. Did the individual defendants violate the clearly established legal rights of plaintiffs, so that they are not entitled to summary judgement on the ground of qualified immunity?” according to

= Future Sight of the Instructional Center for

Business Training and the Performing Arts

EDITORIAL

The Agora

page 2 Jenna Koch

Monroe County Community College

site of the River Raisin Massacre where, on Jan 18. 1813, over 60 unarmed, wounded American soldiers were killed following a battle.

No college course taught me that Monroe was the site of a cholera epidemic in 1832 that brought Monroe resident of all religions and nationalities together, at least in burial. Graveyards, such as the old burial ground on Monroe Street, that had once been dedicated to Roman Catholics became the final resting place of many Monroe residence.

I never had the pleasure of learning that local doctor, politician, and artist Eduard Dorsch opened his home to runaway slaves as part of the underground railroad, or that he later willed this home to become the library that is now Dorsch Memorial Library in downtown Monroe.

All these amazing facts I learned by taking the time to read the historical markers that are scattered across our town. These markers tell the historic and the amazing events, moments, and people that have helped to make Monroe what it is today.

Monroe truly is a historic town filled with a past that should make all other hometowns jealous. These markers are not to be ignored, but to be read and cherished as a simple way of learning the history of Monroe, Gen George Custer included.

Copyright Extensions Letter to the Editor argued in SupremeCourt

Past is prologue

Gen. George Custer isn’t Monroe’s only claim to history.

While this army general who participated in the civil war and lead the frontier fight is a symbol of America of the past, he is not the only history in Monroe.

There are 79 historical markers located throughout Monroe County. These markers tell various facts about the settlement of Monroe and the historic events that have happened since it was first frequented in the mid 1600’s by French fur traders.

I took a walk through the truly historic downtown Monroe area a few weeks ago and stopped to read every marker that I saw. After reading over 20 of them I realized that I had learned more about my hometown in the afternoon walk that I had learned in all of my educational efforts.

No one taught me in high school that Monroe was the

“The past is prologue” -William Shakespeare

Affirmative Action arouses interest,creates controversy

By Veronica Terry Copy Editor In the “color blind” household I grew up in, it is quite hard for me to outright say that affirmative action is bad. But during conversations with others, followed up by research, I have come to the conclusion that it can sometimes do more harm than good.

The general purpose of affirmative action is to diversify schools and workplaces, which on the surface may seem like an excellent idea. However, there comes a point when racial and ethnic discrimination is turned around, and the majority becomes the minority. Concerning the University of Michigan’s decision to uphold affirmative action in the school system, the qualifications of certain people fall short without an added bonus because their of culture, race, gender, or legacy.

A local attorney, who chose to remain anonymous for professional reasons, explained that he opposes affirmative action. He said it was created to correct the perceived wrongs, “but two wrongs don’t make a right. Discrimination against whites is just as immoral as discrimination against blacks, Latinos, etc.”

Harvey Miller, another local attorney, shared the same views:

“To give preference to anyone based on race, gender, or other reason suggests those individuals are not capable of achievement because of their race, gender, or other reason. I understand why some believe affirmative action is a racial issue. In years past, in may have been necessary to ‘level the field.’ However, our nation has grown beyond this need. Indeed, affirmative action has begun to have a reverse effect.”

When affirmative action was created, it may have been necessary.

But times have changed, and most people are able to look at other races and see them as people. Why should those qualified for something have to be punished for the wrongdoings of people so many years ago?

By Jenna Koch Page Editor In 1998 Congress passed the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extensions Act (CTEA). This act extends copyrights by 20 years for both privately held copyrights and those owned by corporations. The CTEA was challenged in the Supreme Court by a group led by Eric Eldred whose website offers public domain works at no charge.

On Jan. 15 the Supreme Court ruled the act would stand, lengthening copyrights to 70 years after the creator’s death or 95 years if a corporation owns the work.

This act effects movies, music, literature, and cartoon characters whose copyright life would be almost over.

Among those who would have entered the public domain are Mickey Mouse, “Gone with the Wind”, and “Casablanca”.

The companies that own the copyrights will be able to make money off of these creations for a little longer.

So was this decision right?

The answer is yes.

It can be argued that once something has been created it should quickly be available to the public free of charge as a means of education or entertainment. But what happens to those who created or own the work?

It might seem unfair that the Disney Corporation can

make millions of dollars every year for something which originated in 1928, but would it be fair to Walt Disney, who created the character of Mickey Mouse, for everyone to use his vision as they see fit? No. As a creation of D i s n e y ’s i m a g i n a t i o n t h e rights and the monetary gain should be given to those who hold the copyright.

“I do not totally agree with the absurd profits that some forms of the entertainment business (such as the music industry) are gaining due to abuse of the copyright law, but, on the other hand, I feel the 95 year copyright law…does a fair job of protecting the works of original composers,” Monroe County Community College student Jake Wheeler said.

“Public Domain has always baffled me. If one man takes the time, effort, energy, imagination, and creativity to create something that is unique, then that thing whether it is a mechanism, idea, music, literature, or media - should be specifically his, and only his, property,” student Jackie Monroe said.

No matter which side is viewed as right, the CTEA is here to stay. I believe that this law is simply giving credit where credit is due, to the mind that created the work. The courts shouldn’t have had to decide whether creators have a right to hold onto their ideas for as long as they can, but at least they made the right decision.

Winter clothes needed members to consider the local homeless this winter season.

Especially needed are tall men’s Students can help the sizes, socks, and thermal homeless this winter. Instead of underwear, blankets, boots, and throwing old clothing or shoes. Even torn or extremely blankets away, consider those used items are accepted. For who are in need during these more information or to donate cold, winter months. The “Just items, please contact the Agora as I am” Christian Church in office at 384-4186 or Peggy Toledo urges community Faunt at 384-4153.

By Crystal Pierce Page Editor

The Agora Editorial Policy Mark Bergmooser Advisor The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Michigan, 48161. The editorial office is located in 202 of the Life Science Building, (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu.

Editorial Policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. All letters-to-the-editor must include a signature, address, and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length, and libel.

The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press. The Agora is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, and the Student Press Law

Jenn Stelmach

Chew on This

Dear Jenn, I’m 19 and I haven’t picked a major. All my friends know what they want to do.

How long do I really have until I need to choose?

-Confused Dear Confused, Choosing a major is a tough decision that all college students face. While some people may know right out of high school, others need a couple of years to decide.

First of all, don’t let the fact that your friends have already chosen majors pressure you.

Everyone is different, and you do not have to know what you want to do just because they do.

There are several things you can do to help make this important decision. First, think about yourself. What kind of personality do you have? If you are very shy for example, a job in public relations probably isn’t right for you.

Second, make a list of things that you enjoy: writing, reading, sports, art, music, and etcetera. This will begin to give you an idea of what you might want to do. You don’t want to spend your whole life teaching if you don’t like children. Be sure to list things that you absolutely love.

You may also want to ask family and friends to share with you things they think you are good at. Their suggestions could give you even more insight.

Third, make an appointment with a counselor at school. They can help you develop a plan. This will give you a chance to talk about your interests out loud, and the counselor can tell you what kind of careers and majors pertain to what you want.

Fourth, visit the career center in the Administration Building. This is a place where you can research all types of careers and majors to see if they fit your needs and personality.

Remember, there is no law that says you have to choose a major before you’re twenty.

I know it can be stressful, but take your time and figure out what you really want to do. So relax, take your time, and investigate what you really want. Good luck!

Monroe County Community College

CAMPUS NEWS

The Agora

page 3

Dance brings romance to MCCC, raises money for scholarships

Blood Drive Hits MCCC

By Jenn Stelmach Page Editor The Foundation of Monroe County Community College (MCCC) invites anyone and everyone to attend this year’s Romance Dance on Feb. 14, at 8:00 p.m. in the Gerald Welch Health Education Building.

Tickets cost $25 per person and can be purchased at The Foundation’s office in the Administration Building, room 124.

The Johnny Knorr Orchestra will provide entertainment throughout the evening.

For the past two years, the Romance Dance has been offered to students of MCCC and community members of Monroe as a way to support The Foundation, according to Suzanne Wetzel, Director of Institutional Advancement and the Executive Director of The Foundation.

“The purpose of this dance is to raise scholarship funds,” Wetzel said.

This school year, The Foundation will award four scholarships of $1000 each. Some of the money for these scholarships will be raised through the Romance Dance, according to Wetzel.

Last year, attendance for the dance was approximately 160 people. This year, The Foundation is hoping for a larger group of around 250 attendees, according to Wetzel.

One of last year’s attendees, Vincent Maltese, Instructor of Mathematics, hopes to attend again. Last year Maltese won the raffle prize of a gift certificate to a bed and breakfast. He attended to “take [his] wife out for Valentine’s Day and to support The Foundation.”

Although The Foundation is not repeating the same raffle, it is planning on offering a 50/50 raffle.

Agora photo by Phil Koch

Student Government sponsered a blood drive Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the American Red Cross.

Twenty-eight people attempted to donate, and 25 pints of blood was collected.

Lack of Writing Fellow availability at Whitman cause for debate among students and faculty

By Terri McConnaughey Copy Editor

Students who attend the Monroe County Community College (MCCC) Whitman Center for most of their classes might ask why there is no Writing Center services offered at that location. If an instructor at Whitman requests a Writing Fellow, one is assigned to the class, but students without an assigned Fellow must travel to the main campus for tutoring.

“They offer most of the courses at Whitman that they do at main campus, so why not the same privileges? I would use them (Writing Fellows) more often if they were here.” Whitman student, Cindy Newsome said.

According to Newsome, “It would be very convenient for working students, and people returning to college who have children with busy schedules, to be able to have tutoring locally.”

“It is not feasible to have a writing center while Whitman is a satellite center. We would have to run two separate centers in order to give full service to Whitman, and we just can’t do that,” Tim Dillon,

Director of the Writing Across the Curriculum program said.

Whitman Center did try having regular Writing Fellow hours. The program was implemented for two semesters with two students staffing four hours a week, but it was discontinued due to the effort it took to run two programs.

Kelly Bowron, a former Writing Fellow, worked at Whitman Center during that time. When asked if her services were used, she said, “Yes, but students didn’t know about the hours. We were busy, but could have been busier if students knew we were there.” Bowron felt the program should have been given more time to develop a solid base before being cancelled.

Proposed club sparks creative writing outside classroom By

Korinne Milks Page Editor

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) boasts a variety of academic clubs, including the Math & Science Society (MASS), Student Government, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and others. Despite this variety, MCCC cannot boast an academic club that delves into the English realm.

The Writer’s Muse, a soon to be proposed academic club for students and community residents interested in writing, plans to change this academic gap in the student clubs.

Currently in its early planning stages, the proposed Writer’s Muse Club hopes to encourage individuals to explore their creativity in writing.

The organization will hold meetings to discuss, share, and encourage each other in the creative writing process. Each member will gain courage in an audience, learn to push his or her imagination to the edges, and find expression in a small group setting of friends.

“The sole intent and purpose of this group is to encourage, support, and promote all aspects of writing in the students, staff, and residents of Monroe County, by providing the opportunity for fellowship, expression, exposure, and criticism in an atmosphere that will enable writers to develop and prosper,” according to the first drafts of the Writer’s Muse Constitution.

The proposed English focused academic club may be of interest to many individuals at MCCC. To become involved and benefit from this new club, students must show interest in this area. To add another

club to the college’s list of successful clubs, some student effort is needed.

Interest in this club can be shown very simply: students should attend its first meeting. At the meeting, a petition will be signed to demonstrate that an English focused academic club is necessary to our college.

Students will also discuss the direction and format of future meetings.

“I’m excited about the prospect of beginning a new writer’s community…

A writers group can provide members with a non-threatening environment, including peer fellowship, selfexpression, and constructive criticism, thereby enabling them to prosper and develop,” Penny Dorcey-Naber the driving force behind the proposed club said.

Attend the Writer’s Muse first meeting on Feb. 11, 12:00 p.m. in room A-149, and become involved in an MCCC club devoted to any individual who enjoys writing.

F : ast acts

February History Facts...

It is widely believed that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in mid February to honor the anniversary of Saint Valentine’s death.

Actually, Valentine’s Day began in ancient Rome as the beginning of spring. It was considered a time for purification.

In February of 1692, a group of Puritan girls began the Salem Witch hunt. The girls would go into epileptic type fits and blamed a circle of local women, saying they were witches and had cast spells on them.

People who bought a compact disc (CD) between the years 1995 and 2000 could be eligible for an amount of cash between five and twenty dollars. In Sept. 2002 five top CD distibutors and three music retailers settled a case worth $143 million that claims they “fixed disc prices nationwide.”

To register a claim against these companies go to musiccdsettlement.com.

Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. College/Symphony Band and Agora Cho rale Concert Mar. 18, 6:30 p.m. Phi Theta Kappa Initiation April 5-6 Antique Show at MCCC April 8, 6:30 p.m. Honors Reception

Job opportunities at TRAINCO By

Veronica Terry Copy Editor

Monroe County Community College has joined forces with TRAINCO, Inc in hopes of recruiting truck drivers.

The shipping world is always looking for new drivers. A student could complete the 160 hour program and then be placed in a job.

TRAINCO helps place the graduate of their course in a job that suits his or her needs. The company

profiles and matches the student up with a route of interest, and offers the opportunity to discover each aspect of driving, with the hope of finding the right job for the right driver.

A new driver can make anywhere from $32,000-$34,000 a year and those with two to five years experience can make up to, and exceed, $50,000 a year For more information, visit TRAINCO’s website at www.traincoinc.com or http:// w w w. m o n r o e . c c . m i . u s / corpcommserve/corporat.htm.

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Monroe County Community College

FEATURE

The Agora

February celebrates black history, diversity, heroes Notable Moments in Black History

By Joe McIntyre Copy Editor February is Black History Month, a month to celebrate contributions of AfricanAmericans. These contributions have been significant since the birth of this nation. This celebration was first recognized as “Negro History Week” in 1926, which later evolved into Black History Month.

We owe this celebration of Black History Month and the study of black history to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, according to Infoplease.com. Woodson whose parents were former slaves spent his childhood working in Kentucky coal mines.

Woodson enrolled in high school at the age of twenty and eventually earned his Ph. D from Harvard. Woodson realized the lack of black history in American history books and its reflection of blacks inferior position in the fabric of this nation.

Woodson took on the lofty position and the challenge of recording black history, and established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and its History in 1915. One year later, he established the Journal of Negro History. Woodson wanted to bring

Agora Photo Courtesy of ASALH.com

Woodson is the father of Black History Month Agora Photos Courtesy of www.mlkonline.com

attention to the contributions of African Americans throughout American History.

Woodson chose the second week of February because it marked the birth of two men who had contributed significantly to the black American population and the history of this nation, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

Elissa Haney’s article on Black History Month at Infoplease.com mentions, “February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln for its significance in black American history.”

To learn more about Black History Month, log on to Infoplease.com and search Black History Month for a wealth of knowledge and the contributions made by important people that relates to Black History Month.

Teacher of the Month challenges students

By Melanie Goetz Reporter

King waves to a crowd of supporters in 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

By Kellie Vining “Let’s show our youth how to Reporter carry on and not give up.” said About One-hundred people came out to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, in a celebration held at Lincoln Elementary School.

The program featured singing and keynote speaker, Michigan appellate Court Jude Karen FortHood.

Reverend Alford Overstreet opened the program with a prayer. Rev. Overstreet said, “We are here to honor Dr. King, but we are also here because somebody is still left out, somebody is still hungry, and somebody still needs our help.”

In closing Rev. Overstreet said, “I pray that we leave here with a vision to help someone.”

The musical program began with everyone standing to sing the “Black National Anthem”, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. A group of students from Monroe High School took the stage and performed the hip-hop version of the gospel song “Joyful, Joyful.”

Some may be familiar with the song from the movie “Sister Act II.” Another local talent, Antwone Smith, performed

Terrasi, “That is the legacy that Dr. King left. We must carry on.”

Florence Buchanan, Vice President of Marketing at Buckeye cable systems introduced the keynote speaker.

Buchanan had a message for the children. She said, “It is your responsibility to learn your history. Much of what you want to know is not in the history books. Get online, research and ask questions.”

Judge Fort-Hood spoke directly to the many children in attendance. She didn’t talk so much about her own achievements. “Many of the things we have today is because of people like Dr. King,” said Fort-Hood. “You were not born when Dr. King fought and died for justice, but you need to know that you stand on the shoulders of others who came before you.”

“I want you all to know that I made it to where I am today through faith, prayer, discipline, a n d g u i d a n c e f r o m f a m i l y, church, and community,” said Fort-Hood. “I had to face adversity, racism and sexism but I stayed focused on my dream.”

“Children, please remember that without a dream you can get into a lot of trouble,” said the

February 1, 1960: A group of black students in Greensboro, N.C. began a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter; this act became a milestone of the civil rights movement.

February 3, 1870: The 15th amendment was passed; granting blacks the right to vote.

February 12, 1909: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City.

February 23, 1868: W.E. B. Dubois, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born.

February 21, 1965: Malcolm X a Black Nationalist was shot to death by three Black Muslims.

February 25, 1870: The first black senator, Hiram R. Revals (1822-1901), took his oath of office.

Dates Courtesy of www.infoplease.com

Teacher pay rising

By Nick Knezevich Guest Reporter

Agora Photo Courtesy of Melanie Goetz

Dr. Briganti, Professor of Political Science, works in her office between classes.

Dr. Joanna Briganti has been teaching at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) for eleven years. She currently teaches Political Science, International Relations, and just recently began teaching Introduction to Law Enforcement.

Briganti started her own consulting business out of her home in 1991, and later decided to work part time at MCCC in 1992. She earned

her degree in PublicAdministrations from Eastern Michigan University, a Ph.D. in Political Science, and a Bachelor of Public Affairs from Wayne State University. Her minor is in Law and Business Management.

Briganti likes to model the teaching style of one of her most admired professors, Susan Fino, in which she described as “crazy

see Teacher, page 7

three songs and included the audience when he sang “I believe I can fly.” “Dr. King d i d f l y, ” s a i d S m i t h . “ H e believed in us and he believed in God.” John Terrasi, Director of Activities at the Arthur Lesow C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r, i s responsible for bringing this program to the community. “ Wi t h t h e h e l p o f F o r d / Visteon’s Family Services and Learning Center, Girl Scouts, and Kid’s Club we where able to put this together,” said Terrasi.

Judge. “The Bible says, ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish.’ So remember your dream and stay focused.”

“Role models are not those famous people that you see on television,”said Terrasi, “but the people right here in this room, your parents, teachers, and neighbors in the community.

Reach out to them. They are here to help you achieve your dream.”

After the program refreshments were served in the cafeteria. Networking and socializing went for an hour after the show ended.

Detroit Public Schools no longer hold that same allure that they once did.

First year teachers can now look locally to Monroe Public Schools for an almost identical amount of pay.

“Two Years ago Monroe [Public Schools] substantially raised starting pay as a result of difficulty in the recruitment process” said Lynda Castiglione, Personnel Assistant at Monroe Public Schools.

That is indeed evident, first year teachers can expect to earn $34,357 at a Monroe School and $35,239 at a Detroit school. Both school systems offer the same benefits of full family, medical, dental, and optical insurance.

Kathy Motyka has been a teacher for 31 years and currently teaches at Barth Elementary School in the Romulus School District. According to her, Detroit Public schools will take just about

see Pay, page 7

Monroe County Community College

FEATURE

The Agora

page 5

College agreements provide additional study opportunities library cards and borrowing materials from the University of Toledo (UT), Eastern Michigan University (EMU), and Owens Community College.

These libraries, with varying hours and added study materials, provide extended opportunities for the MCCC student’s study and research needs. A student need only show his or her MCCC student identification card at these libraries to be eligible for a library card.

Access to these other libraries can provide students

by Korinne Milks with plenty of options that will Page Editor work with individual schedules and needs. The University of Students at Monroe County Toledo and Eastern Michigan University, both four year Community College (MCCC) often experience a hefty colleges, keep thousands of upper level research materials workload. These students work while going to school, and some on hand for their students. have classes or jobs that do not MCCC students can benefit and should benefit from these allow them to study during the libraries. day. Other students discover The nearby University of that the MCCC library – though comprehensive and a Toledo provides a special benefit to wonderful asset to the college – does not stressed MCCC students: the Carlson provide them with all of the information they need library itself is open to complete a project. until midnight Sunday through Thursday.

For this reason, Even without a MCCC has made library library card, MCCC agreements with three other area colleges. students can visit the Agora photo by Melanie Goetz Students of MCCC have Students Abu Baker Hamdan and Ibrahim UT library for late the option of receiving Hamdan study late at the University of Toledo. night studying.

Other services that the UT library provides include the Microform & Multi-Media Reading Room and the Ward M. Canaday Center. For more information or to stay updated on the UT library, visit http:// www.cl.utoledo.edu/.

Eastern Michigan University offers similar library hours to the University of Toledo, though the college is bit further away from the MCCC Campus.

One differing aspect of EMU is The Computing Commons, on the ground level of the library.

Here, students can study until 2:00a.m. – if they’re in the building by midnight.

For more information on the EMU library, visit http:// www.emich.edu/halle/.

For information on the Owens Community College library and its resources, visit http://www.owens.edu/Library/.

Library Hours

Secondary Education, revealed to the press that the only reason incidents in MHS seemingly doubled was because there has been an increase of reported minor incidents. Is this the case for all of Monroe County?

“I think a lot of violence in Monroe is

covered up and a lot of the important issues are not properly addressed,” said M e l i n d a G e s s n e r, a student at Monroe County Community College.

Monroe County crime statistics of 2001 are shown on monroemi.areaconnect.com.

UT Carlson Mon. - Thur. 7:30 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sun. 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.

EMU Computing Commons Mon. - Thur. 7:30a.m. - 1:45a.m.

Fri. 7:30a.m. - 10:45p.m.

Sat. 8a.m. - 10:45p.m.

Sun. 12p.m. - 1:45a.m.

Owens Community Mon. - Thur. 8a.m. - 9p.m.

Fri. 8a.m. - 6p.m.

Sat. 8a.m. - 4p.m.

Sun. 4p.m.-8p.m.

MCCC Library Mon. - Thur. 7:45a.m. - 9:30p.m.

Fri. 7:45a.m. - 4:30p.m.

Saturday 9a.m. - 2p.m.

Sunday - Closed

Statistics show violence increase in Monroe

by Bethany Slovik Copy Editor The recent news of the Joseph Soule homicide and in-school brutality in Monroe High School (MHS) in past weeks is rapidly a f f e c t i n g M o n r o e ’s seemingly low crime rate.

When comparing Monroe to cities like Detroit and Flint, whose crime levels are worse than the national level, the statistics are m u c h l o w e r.

For example, in 2001,

Agora Photo by Melanie Goetz

Monroe police experience less crime than in surrounding areas, but there is still an increase.

Detroit had 395 murders (41.31 per 100,000 people), while Flint had

41 murders (32.64 per 100,000 people), and Monroe had 0 murders.

An example of Monroe being worse than the national crime level is shown in the statistics of forcible rape.

Detroit had 652 rapes (68.18 per 100,000 people), while Flint had 95 rapes (75.64 per 100,000 people), and Monroe had 14 rapes (63.09 per 100,000 people).

Randy Monday, M H S ’s A s s i s t a n t Superintendent of

-Agora photos by Melanie Goetz

Planning for Spring Break starts early at MCCC

by Phillip Koch Reporter For one week out of the year , students from colleges and universities across the nation will travel south in search of warm weather, beautiful beaches, and the excitement of being around thousands of fellow spring breakers.

This has been a tradition for quite some time, and for many it’s been a much needed vacation.

Escaping from constant homework, quizzes, and tests for a week is the one thing that helps many students finish their winter semester.

“Make sure you bring emergency funds; you never know what can happen,” said

Nichole Hurst, an education major at Monroe County Community College (MCCC).

Many students enjoy meeting new people on their break, among other activities.

“All the beautiful bodies is what I go for,” said Joe Sayles, MCCC student.

Sayles has been to Panama City twice, and is looking forward to going back for a third time this year.

“It is best to plan three to four months in advance,” said Stacy Bateman, a travel agent for Stacy’s Travel.

Some students are left wondering whether they can fit a vacation into their budget: a quick search online will provide multiple options.

Begin the search at sites such as Expedia.com and Travelocity.com.

ak Hot Spo e r B g ts n Spri Florida Miami..................................................................................from $414 Orlando...............................................................................from $257 Ft. Lauderdale...................................................................from $341 Tampa/Clearwater............................................................from $352

Mexico Cancun...............................................................................from $581 Los Cabos.........................................................................from $398 Puerto Vallarta..................................................................from $453 Maya Riviera.....................................................................from $657

Prices are based on Expedia.com’s travel site. Various options are available to students who are looking for a Spring Break location, and website prices vary.

page 6

The Agora

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Monroe County Community CollegeC

Local bistro, hidden treasure S u r r o u n d i n g By

Area Provides Entertainment

Crystal Pierce Page Editor

Rows of café style tables and chairs welcome patrons to be seated. Paintings depicting the art of Monet and Van Gogh grace the walls and captivate the eyes.

Handwritten chalkboard menus suggest an array of sandwiches, sweets, and beverages. Many flavored syrups lining the shelves make choosing a latte a difficult, but wonderful decision.

Nestled in historic downtown Monroe, the Village Bistro resembles a classic French bistro.

One can visit the Village Bistro for breakfast or lunch, or even just for a coffee, cappuccino, or latte.

According to Matthew Scoles, co-owner of the Village Bistro, the restaurant has been located at 15 Washington St. for about seven years. Scoles, along with his mother, Jennifer Fountain, and his aunt, Stephanie Powers, have owned the bistro for just over a year.

By Anna Hess Page Editor

- Agora photos by Crystal Pierce

The Village Bistro offers fast and friendly service, but the focus seems to be freshness. All the sandwiches are made-to-order, and the soups available are always homemade.

The Bistro offers a variety of sweets and snacks, and each day features a special lunch entrée. During the summer months, patrons may enjoy “sidewalk dining,” Scoles said. But plenty is offered during the cold winter months as well, especially in terms of hot beverages.

According to Scoles, the coffee beans used for specialty beverages are fresh as well. All of the beans are custom roasted in Irish Hills, Michigan. The Village Bistro features a wide variety of flavored

syrups to compliment the quality coffee and espresso drinks.

The success of the Village Bistro may be inspiring to college students striving to see their dreams realized. Both Matthew Scoles and another employee, Miguel Sanchez, are graduates of Monroe County Community College’s Culinary Arts Program. Scoles expressed great respect for Chef Kevin Thomas, Instructor of Culinary Skills .

“He kept us really interested; he taught us a ton of stuff in two years,” Scoles said.

Scoles hopes to expand the Village Bistro eventually. He aspires to “expand the menu and hours in the near future,” Scoles said.

Forensics help author solve case

By Jenna Koch Copy Editor

Walter Sickert, a German born artist who studied under James Whistler and Degas, is the London serial killer who brutalized and mutilated prostitutes in 1888. That is the opinion researched and crafted in Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling non-fiction book, Portrait of a Killer: Jack The Ripper – Case Closed.

Cornwell crafts this interesting narrative of murder, art, and the deplorable conditions of Whitechapel, London in the late 1880’s into a compelling and convincing account of who murdered seven prostitutes.

By Anna Hess Page Editor Science Fiction • Lord of the Rings by J.R. R. Tolkien • Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan Fiction • Middle Sex by Jeffery Eugenides • Prey by Michael Crichton

Cornwell uses her knowledge of forensic evidence, along with the help of forensic experts to utilize modern scientific evidence methods such as DNA, fingerprints, and handwriting and paper analysis that were not available to London in the 1880’s. Using modern psychological exploration of the life and childhood of Sickert she is able to present a textbook example of a psychopathic killer.

Sickert’s life and art are evidence themselves that he was Jack the Ripper, and the modern forensic evidence easily leads Cornwell to this conclusion.

The book is well written, although sometimes difficult to follow. Cornwell jumps from studying Sickert to explaining the living conditions of the seven murdered “unfortunates”. She gives great detail of Victorian

London. She explains the life of Sickert, and how his art often presented violence, especially toward women.

Even while jumping from crime-to-crime, date-to-date, and year-to-year, Cornwell displays a well researched and impeccably supported case. She gives the methods, the motives, the opportunities the psychological component to the killings, and the forensic evidence to firmly identify Jack the Ripper. The identity that was never uncovered in the officially unsolved case.

Forensics, psychology, and relevant life details of Walter Richard Sickert led Cornwell to believe that he was the turn of the century serial killer. All who read this decisive and welldocumented book will be sure to agree with her that Sickert truly was Jack the Ripper.

Students often voice concern that there is nothing to do, that Monroe has nothing to offer in way of entertainment. While that may be true of Monroe City, Monroe is in the perfect location, surrounded by cities that have a wide variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, and theatres. These recommended venues that can help ease the boredom and shake up a dull weekend.

Marilyn’s on Monroe This dance club/ bar, located in Greektown, offers a fun, yet relaxed atmosphere. Pictures of Marilyn Monroe decorate the walls. The first floor offers dancing and the second hosts pool tables. Must be 21 years of age.

(313)-963-1980 419 Monroe St. Detroit, Mi Volcano Grill This restaurant is a little pricey (20-30 dollars), however the décor and creative setting makes it worthwhile. The gril also hosts a Lava Room arcade, more for adults than children. Serves a wide variety of food, not strictly Mexican, although that hosts the majority on the menu.

(284)-372-0100 25333 W Twelve Mile Rd. Southfield, MI

Pub 13 A new piano bar, quoted by bar hoppers to be, “The best thing to happen to Ypsilanti!” Friendly atmosphere, with traditional sing-along songs played on two pianos. Upstairs offers pool and darts at The Best Damn Sports Bar, and is next to Club Divine, should one feel the need to head to the dance club. After 9 p.m. must be 21 to enter.

(734)-485-4444 13 N. Washington St. Ypsilanti, MI

Showcase Cinema Located right off US-23 this movie theatre is easy to access. Offers 20 theatres with convenient show times. Usually carries new releases and tends to carry big hits longer than most theatres, so if a student missed a show, or would like to see that hit again check out the show times online at www.showcasecinemas.com!

(734)-973-8380 4100 Carpenter Rd. Ypsilanti MI 48197 Banana Joe’s Island Party This restaurant/bar is a casual gathering place with the look and feel of Key West and the Caribbean Islands. One can go there for a fun, casual dinner or later for some drinks and live music. Late hours are 21 and older only.

(419)-418-2000 505 Jefferson Ave. Toledo, OH

-Agora photo by Anna Hess

Pub 13 offers live music featuring two grand pianos.

Recommended reading list Comedy • Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella • Lamb by Christoper Moore Preforming Arts • Kurt Cobain Journals published by Riverhead Books • Catch Me if You Can by Stan Redding

Children • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling • Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer Non-Fiction • Black like Me by John Howard Griffin • Bush at War by Bob Woodward

True Crime • Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi • Portrait of a Killer by Patricia Cornwell Mystery • One for the Money by Janet Evanivich • Four Blind Mice by James Patterson

Romance • Castles in the Mist

by Josie Litten • Three Fates by Nora Roberts Literature • The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas • Wuthering Heights

by Emily Bronte

Monroe County Community College Action, page 1 Court’s decision could affect admissions policies and minority enrollment at colleges and universities across the nation.”

Professor of History, Dr. Jim Devries said that he is troubled with where the administration seems to be going with this case.

“What the president is doing goes against my value system,” said Devries. “He wouldn’t have gotten involved unless he thought the court could chip away at affirmative action.”

Both Briganti and Devries agree that diversity on college campuses is important. “For me…we need to have some policy in place so that we don’t backslide into pre-civil rights thinking,” said Briganti.

Monroe County Community College Freshman, Lonnie Harris

Board, page 1 president, and it was this issue that was of great debate.

William J Bacarella Jr., Board Trustee, pointed out that the three prior presidents did not have a Ph. D. and the college managed to operate successfully.

The board began to discuss the personal requirements needed for this position, such as successful teaching and/or counseling experience.

The final outcome as regards to the personal requirements left the staff disappointed, some staff even

Guerriero, page 1 “The people in the business area liked him,” Robert Pettit, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences said.

Three years ago, when the position for President was vacant, two people applied for the position: Guerriero and Warrick. After Warrick was given the position and Guerriero was moved to Vice President of Instruction, Guerriero saw his future at MCCC was limited according to McCloskey.

Over the 2002 Thanksgiving break, Guerriero began sending out resumes and attending interviews.

He finally accepted a job in Arizona where he will not only be closer to his family, but “he senses that there may be some opportunities out there,” McCloskey said.

IN THE MIX said: “I think there should be an equal playing field; however I realize that today’s society is not colorblind. There will never be a 100% consensus on the subject.

Something needs to be done, but everyone should start off equally.”

Isaiah Whitlow, a senior at Monroe High School with a dual enrollment at MCCC thinks that U of M’s policies should stay in place. “U of M is a very diverse campus. I think they have pushed the issue a little. They should open up their policies a bit to ensure diversity of all people, not just minorities.”

U of M uses a 150-point index in determining undergraduate admission. A full 110 points is based solely on academic factors.

The remaining 40 points are awarded for non-academic factors.

These factors are geographic

walked out after the motion was passed. Mary Kay Thayer, Board Trustee motioned for the following requirements for applicants: • An earned terminal degree, with a Ph. D. preferred from an accredited University.

• Successful teaching and/or counseling experience.

• Successful administrative experience in a community college, university or comparable institution.

The search for the new president is really heating up, and should be an interesting topic of debate amongst all who are involved in this process.

“My sense is that he wanted to move somewhere where he had a chance of maybe becoming president, and he wasn’t sure if this was going to be the place,” McCloskey said.

Although Guerriero accomplished many things at MCCC, the legacy that he will probably be remembered for the most is his decision to replace every Macintosh computer at MCCC with a personal computer (PC), both Pettit and McCloskey said.

“He was a business person and he sees PC’s as being business only,” Pettit said.

However controversial as this decision may be, it did not sour the taste Guerriero left in the mouth of MCCC. “He brought us further along than some others may have,” Pettit said.

location, alumni legacy, essay, personal achievement, leadership and service. There is also a miscellaneous category, which includes socio-economic disadvantage, underrepresented racial/ethnic minority identification or education, men in nursing, scholarship athlete, and provost’s discretion.

“We do not, and have never had, quotas or numerical targets in either the undergraduate or Law School programs,” said U of M President Mary Sue Coleman “In the end our goal is to choose among a pool of well-qualified applicants to enroll a student body that is diverse in a rich variety of ways,” said Coleman.

The Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments on the case in April. A decision is expected in June or July of this year.

Fine Arts, page 1 choir, and a large conference room that has collapsible walls which can be made into two to four smaller classrooms. The Lifelong Learning offices will also be moved into the new building.

According to Timothy Bennett, Vice President of Business Affairs and Treasurer, the college’s building plans now have to be approved by the state, which should be done in April. After that, the bidding between contractors who will construct the building will take place. With the state’s approval and a contractor chosen the real ground-breaking would then be in June.

With the make-up and design completed, Bennett is excited about what the building could mean for MCCC.

Teacher, page 4 yet brilliant”. Long lectures are very rare in Briganti’s classes; her International Relations class is mostly project-based.

She believes that in having her students do what they are learning, they are taking on their own responsibility helping them understand the material better.

“She has unique methods of teaching, makes class interesting and easy to follow; a phenomenal professor,” student Stephene Drouillard said. Briganti’s students seem to have high regard for her and her teaching methods. In turn,

page 7

The Agora Pay, page 4 everybody and many teachers who are unable to find work end up in Detroit.

One of the reasons for this may be the students, “When children come to my school, I find that kids from Detroit [Public Schools] are more educationally disadvantaged than kids from other schools,” Motyka said.

Margie Baccarella agrees with Motyka on this matter, “If you want to experience what teaching can really be like you should student teach in Detroit, it is tough.”

“Having that type of activity here on campus will allow people to identify us [MCCC] with the performing arts,” said Bennett, “It will give us a sense of culture and will help develop a lot of good relationships within the community.”

Lawrence Leach, Professor of Humanities and Theater, added, “How has the college survived this long without having an adequate central auditorium, a building where we can have better speakers?”

Bennett also said the college expects the new building to be open by the beginning of the Fall 2004 semester; however, he “would not be disappointed if it took a little longer.”

A model of the Instructional Center for Business Training and the Performing Arts is currently on display near the Registrar’s Office in the Administration Building.

R V

eader’s oice

If you could pick anyone to be the next president of Monroe County Community College, who would it be and why?

“Bill McCloskey. He is dedicated and involved.”

Jamie Baumia

“James DeVries. He knows what is going on and what the school needs; he has been here Briganti has high expectations of a long time.” her students and likes to challenge each and every one. Briganti likes meeting new people and tries her best to get to know her students.

She is extremely proud of her students’ attendance in all her classes.

Aside from running her own business and teaching here at MCCC, Briganti enjoys anything having to do with fitness and health. She enjoys jogging with her husband, mountain climbing, traveling, and is involved in boating. She likes to lie in the sun whenever she has the chance.

“Sunning may cause wrinkles, but I don’t care, as long as I’m wrinkled and happy,” Briganti said.

Jessica Rathkey

“Socrates. We need someone who understands teaching.”

Robert Tarrant

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“I would choose Mark Bergmooser. He is people oriented, knows and respects his students, and they respect him back.”

Natalie Gleason

page 8

The Agora

SPOTLIGHT

Monroe County Community College

Massacre at the

River Raisin On Jan. 18, re-enactors of the War of 1812 paid tribute to those lost in the River Raisin Massacre.

In 1813 Monroe was the site for The Battle of Frenchtown. A defiant and overconfident Colonel James Winchester led a section of America’s troops into the territory of Frenchtown, dividing them among the town.

The British leader Colonel Henry Proctor saw this division of the American troops as an opportunity to seize more American land. Proctor gathered 500 British soldiers and around 500 First Nation Indian Warriors under the Wyandot Tribal Chief Roundhead.

The battle that would ensue on Jan. 22, 1813 became one of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812. Only 33 Americans of the 934 who fought escaped. Proctor and his men retreated to their fort at Brownstown, taking their own dead and wounded soldiers, planning on returning the following day to collect the American wounded. When his troops returned they found they were too late. The First Nation Warriors had already slaughtered between 30 and 60 of the Americans left in their care. The event became known as the River Raisin Massacre.

The battlefield still stands in Monroe at 1403 E. Elm Avenue, which is now the River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center.

Information and photos gathered by Jenna Koch, Crystal Pierce, and Rachel Ziethlow