MC3
GORA A
Outstanding student of the year
THE
Monroe County Community College
May 5, 2009
Vol. 52, Issue 6
pg. 6
Goodbye Tyner pg. 3
Sports clubs at MCCC get support
Congratulations Graduates!
Board of Trustees donate from their own pockets
Asia Rapai Copy Editor
MCCC’s sports clubs could become stronger thanks to some concerned students and the Board of Trustees. At the board meeting on April 27, MCCC students Elizabeth Terrasi, Amy Terrasi, Brett Newcomer, MacJohn Thom, and Fitness Activities Director Vladimir Vjatschslav brought up the issue of college sports clubs. Just by speaking up, the students earned $4,000 for sports clubs from the pockets of the MCCC board members and the Alumnus of the Year William Terrasi. “I don’t like sports, I don’t play sports, I don’t watch sports, but I will pledge $500 to The Foundation for whatever they can come up with,” Board Chair William Bacarella said. So what’s the catch? Bacarella asked the students to take a legitimate survey of all the
students at MCCC. This survey would determine whether or not the student population has an interest in sports clubs. The four students proposed that all MCCC students could be charged a student activity fee along with the tuition and other normal fees. Their survey would determine whether or not the student population would approve of this extra fee. “Nobody wants us to raise tuition.” Bacarella said. With the poor economy and the uncertainties surrounding tuition, the Board of Trustees wants to be sure that the students decide whether or not this is a good idea. They do not want students to be concerned about paying more to attend MCCC. “If I can deflect that and say the students agreed to it, I’m on board,” Bacarella said. “I want the ammunition to say ‘you asked for this.’”
Sports Continued on page 9
MCCC tuition: Officials get personal with the college’s finances Asia Rapai Copy Editor
Agora photo by Michael Crossman
MCCC graduate Ben Schreiber celebrates by holding his degree high. Story and photos continued on page 4-5.
Monroe gets National Battlefield Casey Cheap
Copy Editor-in-Chief
The shuttered old paper mill on Monroe’s east side, near the River Raisin, has been long gone. In its place is the historic battlefield site from the War of 1812. Members of the Monroe community have worked for years for a National Historic Park in Monroe. Their wishes have been granted. On March 30, 2009, Congress approved a bill that elevates the battlefield—site of the “River Raisin Massacre”—to a National Park status. The site will now be named the River Raisin National Battlefield Park. But before the National Park Service (NPS) can take control of the land, the old Battlefield’s boundaries must first be established. The land is owned partly by Monroe County, the city of Monroe, The Monroe Historical Society and The Port of Monroe. The current visitor’s center on East Elm Street was established in July 1990. It is a cooperative effort between
the Monroe County Historical Commission and Monroe County Historical Society. The center includes dioramas and life-size British and American Soldiers. There also is a fiber-optic wall-size map presentation. Every January, there are re-enactments of the battle that took place on January 22, 1813. The River Raisin Massacre, or “Battle of Frenchtown,” was an embarrassing defeat for the Americans at the hands of the British in the War of 1812. General William Henry Harrison had tried to recapture Fort Detroit after the British had taken it. U.S. Regulars, as well as militia were camped out in Frenchtown (now know as Monroe) waiting to seize Fort Detroit. They were taken by surprise when the British arrived behind the American lines with over 500 Shawnee and Tecumseh Indians. As soon as battle positions had been taken up, the right flank gave way, although several troops still held strong a fortified left. The end result was an American retreat and only 33 survivors of the 400 who went into battle. Since
INSIDE: Editorial...................2 CampusNews.........3 Graduation..........4-5
British General Henry Proctor did not have enough sleighs to carry wounded U.S. soldiers, they were left along the banks of the River Raisin. Once the British guards withdrew, the Indians slaughtered 68 wounded soldiers, most of whom were Kentucky militia. The inci-
dent became known as the River Raisin Massacre. “Remember the Raisin” became a popular battle cry later in the war. U.S. Senator Carl Levin, D-Michigan and U.S. Rep. John D. Dingell, D-Dearborn are to thank for ushering the bills through Congress to get Monroe a national park.
The River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center was established in July 1990.
Campus News.........6 Feature....................7 A&E..........................8 Sports......................9 Spotlight...............10
Enriching the students across Southeast Michigan
Officials at MCCC are compromising with their finances so you don’t have to. There has not been much information to help with the decision on next year’s tuition. According to Vice President of Business Affairs and Treasurer, Timothy Bennett, there is still no word on what the state funding will provide for the college. Because the factors that contribute to tuition and next year’s budget are so unclear, college officials are trying to find ways to save money within MCCC. “Tim has been collecting a number of suggestions,” MCCC President Dr. David Nixon said. One of these suggestions involves freezing the salaries of Nixon and the college administrators for next year. Nixon volunteered to forgo his normal pay increase of $2,848.52, which would start on August 1, 2009, according to the Board of Trustees. Board Chair William Bacarella spoke for the board members on Nixon’s decision. “We appreciate your leadership,” he said. Nixon’s leadership inspired other administrators to accept a pay cut to their salaries next year as well. “Without the 3 percent pay increase for the administrators, the college will save $169,000,” Bennett said. The specifics about other factors that affect budget and tuition are still uncertain. According to Bennett, property taxes are still estimated at a 2 per-
cent decrease for next year. Bennett is also expecting a 3 percent increase in the number of enrolled students, based on the trend that has developed over past years. However more students does not automatically mean more money. “Record enrollment doesn’t translate into record funding,” Vice Chair William Braunlich said. The board members pointed out that the State of Michigan’s system of college funding is different from most states. Tuition in other states is directly related to the number of students enrolled in the college. However, MCCC’s tuition is based on several different factors. “It is a mystery, but it certainly is not compatible with other states,” Nixon said. According to Nixon, funding for community colleges is based on completion rates, not the number of students who are just enrolled. This contributes to the difference in the amount of funding compared to the amount of enrolled students. MCCC employees continue to look for ways to save money for next year. Bennett is looking for suggestions from MCCC staff. Nixon pointed out that some of the decisions that will help the college financially might create some inconveniences. “There are things we’re going to have to do that will make people unhappy,” he said. A Special Study Meeting will be held with MCCC’s Board of Trustees, on May 13 at 6 p.m., to discuss next year’s budget and tuition. There is no guarantee that a decision will be made on the cost of tuition at this meeting,however.
Fitness Center Hours:
Library Hours:
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Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 9:30 Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Mon & Tues: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wed - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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