6-13-2011

New faculty members - Page 7

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Aug. 26,2011 2010Vol.Vol. June 13, 56, 55, IssueIssue 1 1

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Student speakers, alumnus of the year praise MCCC at graduation pages 4, 5

Enrollment declines as work plan concludes Taylor Pinson Agora Reporter

Digging for the past MCCC students take part in archaeological dig Morgan Hofbauer Agora Reporter

There’s one class at MCCC that isn’t afraid to get dirty.

An archeheological field study course offered at MCCC over the spring semester has brought students out of the classroom and into the dirt of two archeological dig sites, where students have discovered hundreds of artifacts as well as the possible footprint of a prehistoric animal.

The students investigated two sites located in Maybee, containing artifacts from as far as 12,000 years ago.

Two possible footprints of a mastodon, a prehistoric creature similar to the wooly mam-

moth, got the students excited.

Dr. Scott Beld of the University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology has visited the site to review the footprint.

Students also have discovered a possible dig site dating to the last ice age, buried beneath the surface and sealed from disturbance. If they can confirm the site, it will be the first of its kind in Michigan said the instructor of the course Ken Mohney.

In addition, students have found fragments of ancient pottery and tools, as well as possible ancient house posts and fire or storage pits – some from thousands of years ago, from the first occupants of

Michigan.

“Not all the material looks that exciting, but it’s the fact that they’re finding something that’s relevant,” Mohney said.

“With this class it’s an experiment that’s never been done before. I have no way of knowing what they’re going to find.”

The first occupants of Michigan came roughly 11,000 years ago after the ice age, Mohney said. They most likely were hunting caribou and extinct game like mammoths and mastodons. Mohney called the location ideal for ancient peoples.

“They were hunter-gatherers during the archaic period and

Mastodons, weighing 4-6 tons, once roamed across Michigan until the last ice age. The field class students have found two possible footprints from these animals that are now extinct.

they would’ve been here basically going through a grocery store, because there’s so much material here in terms of

food,” he said. “It really drew folks here.

See FIELD CLASS, Page 3

The end of Michigan’s No Worker Left Behind program apparently is causing enrollment in spring and summer classes to drop to 2007 levels.

“Our spring/summer enrollment has declined, predominately due to the ending of No Worker Left Behind,” said Mark Hall, the director of admissions and guidance services at MCCC. The program, sponsored by the State of Michigan, required students to enroll full-time during the spring and summer semesters, Hall said.

“We are continuing to get the same number of students who enroll from fouryear schools coming home for the summer,” he said.

“Next year’s level should be comparable to this current year.”

“JoblessThe No Worker Left Behind pro- ness is still gram was signed into law by Michi- driving engan’s former Gov. rollment.”

Jennifer Granholm in 2007.

Dr. David Nixon The program MCCC provided unemPresident ployed and displaced workers with two free years of training or community college. The program launched in August 2007.

Spring enrollment for 2007 was 1,429 students. It reached its peak in 2009 with 1,624 and began to decline in 2010 when only 1,592 signed up. This year had 1,494 students.

MCCC’s President Dr. David Nixon was not concerned with the decline from last year’s numbers, calling it “statistically insignificant.”

“Joblessness is still driving enrollment,” Nixon said.

“Where will students go to seek skill sets for becoming lawyers, teachers, nurses, welders, nuclear technicians, and electric car manufacturers? And at a price they can afford? Monroe County Community College and other postsecondary institutions provide those answers.”

Business manager Dan Schwab to retire Jeff Papworth Agora Reporter

Daniel Schwab described his role at MCCC as a puzzle solver with a dedicated mindset.

“Putting things together and figuring out issues as they come up,” is how Schwab explained it.

Suzanne Wetzel agrees with Schwab’s assessment.

“It’s a tremendous skill to have those analytical skills and to be able to look at something and kind of dissect it, and put it back together, so you can then explain it to someone,” Wetzel said.

After working at MCCC for 27 years, Schwab decided to retire July 1 from his position as the college’s top financial officer..

College President Dr. David Nixon said Schwab’s retirement leaves a vacancy in a position that is crucial to the college’s administration; the search for a replacement will begin immediately.

“The role of Controller and Business Manager is critical to any large organization with a multi-million dollar budget,” Nixon said.

“Fortunately, Dan has agreed to help train his replacement,” he said.

Last year, Schwab was promoted to Business Manager and Treasurer, after spending 26 years as College Controller.

“I enjoyed the challenge. I worked with the board more closely than I did before,” Schwab said.

Wetzel and Schwab split the duties of retired Vice President of Business Affairs, Tim Bennett.

Wetzel was okay with sharing the role.

She has worked with Schwab for 24 years.

In fact, he was one of the first people she came in contact with at MCCC. “He’s a tremendous colleague and I think we’ve had a very productive and successful working relationship,” Wetzel said.

Schwab’s 26 years as college controller entailed payroll reporting, student ac-

Inside:

counting, auditing, and budgeting.

Ten years ago, developing the college’s Datatel system and teaching colleagues how to use it was another role that Schwab accepted.

Datatel is MCCC’s financial software package. There are a number of different modules in Data Tel that apply to the general ledger, finances, payroll, billing students and class information.

MCCC payroll clerk Tammy Foster said she though he took on all the roles well.

“I can’t say enough about his patience, his kindness, his leadership, I mean he’s a great supervisor,” Foster said.

Schwab’s has a bachelors degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from the University of Toledo. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Right out of school, he accepted a job at a Monroe CPA Firm. While at the firm, he did audits for MCCC, so it was

See SCHWAB, Page 2

photo by Mandi Davis

Dan Schwab is retiring from his position as controller and business manager. He has been a part of MCCC for 27 years.

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2 THE AGORA

Editorial

June 13, 2011

U.S. should maintain support of Israel Despite what her Arab neighbors claim, Israel’s existence in the Middle East has been the focus of their scorn since she was conceived as the world’s only Jewish-majority state.

Israel’s 8,522 square miles make it smaller than the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It has a population just under eight million, making it smaller than New York City.

But this tiny strip of land is some of the most hotly-contested real estate in the world.

Israel is one of the few countries on Earth where Casey Cheap vast portions of For the Agora the country are considered “disputed territory.” Israel is also completely surrounded by enemies.

Some of the countries that claim her land are Egypt, Syria and Jordan.

Many people believe the U.S. should stop playing games (especially Israelis) and do what we have to do to strengthen ties with one of our greatest allies.

Saying the situation in the Middle East

is perilous is not groundbreaking; with all of the turmoil and governments on the brink of collapse recently, there are several nations that could be under new leadership in the coming year that might try to provoke Israel into war or outright attack her.

Many also believe the U.S.-Israel relationship is mutually beneficial, and if the two nations lift each other up, they will not only survive—but thrive in the coming years and well into the 21st century.

This means that despite how the U.S. media and the Arab nations spin the issue, Israel should have support from the U.S. and the undeniable right to defend herself.

Although Middle Eastern nations are not of one simple mindset and the situation is a very delicate balance of rivalries and special interests between countries, many of them are more than willing to put aside their differences to defeat the “Little Satan” (Israel) and the “Great Satan” (the U.S.).

This does not mean that all Middle East countries are out to get us or our long-time ally.

But there has been an alarming doublestandard from the international commu-

nity when it comes to Israel’s right to defend herself. It seems that it is perfectly okay for the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) (which for all sakes and purposes, is a terrorist organization) to hurl rockets at innocent Israelis.

But when Israel defends herself, such as the case with Arab nations trying to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza with their “freedom flotilla,” the international community brings on their predictable, manufactured condemnation.

President Barack Obama has done nothing more than cozy up to some of the countries that despise the U.S., while neglecting to maintain traditional good relations with Israel.

President Obama recently endorsed the pre-1967 borders as a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But after a stern lecture about security concerns and how unrealistic this notion would be from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Obama appeared to back away from his comments.

In order for Israel to return to the pre1967 borders, she would be required to cede the West Bank, Golan Heights and Gaza.

But many also believe the fate of both

Stop LGBT bullying

Photo courtsey of Mandi Davis

Gay-Straight Alliance members outside the Admissions Office observing the Day of Silence on April 15.

(Top) Brandon VanBelle, Kimberly Ruttenberg, Mandi L. Davis; (Bottom) Tim Prayther and Mariah Bruce.

Alliance formed to help fight prejudice Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people have been around for centuries, and they’ve been followed around by bullying, hate crimes and discrimination.

Much of the bullying is done at the high school and college levels. Many bullies pick their prey simply because they are different and seem to Mandi Davis come off as Agora reporter “gay,” but really there is no need for the bullying.

Bullying those who are in the

LGBT community may not always end with something small, like a bruise. It could end up deadly, land people in jail, and seriously hurt the victim.

Many in the LGBT community are disgusted by all the bullying.

Most have gone the way of making their stories heard, to make it known that bullying is not welcomed. They are not always alone. They have their family and allies to help them.

Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) have been starting at high schools and universities since 1988. The first was at the Concord Academy in Concord, Mass.

The goal of most Gay-Straight Alliances is to help make it easier for students in the LGBT community to be in school and to be safe. By 2008, over 4,000 Gay-

Straight Alliances have been registered with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Many work with the local chapters of GLSEN, or a state-based organization, GSA Network.

Gay-Straight Alliances are open to those in the LGBT community and their allies. Those who partparticipate in a GSA help other students to deal with sexual orientation, bullying, and finding ways to make schools better.

MCCC’s Gay-Straight Alliance was formed during the 2010-2011 school year. To find out more, contact one of the advisers: Penny Bodell, pbodell@ monroeccc.edu; Amanda Bennett, albennett@monroeccc.edu; or Chris Bulin, cbulin@monroeccc.edu.

the U.S. and Israel are tied together.

The world’s political boundaries were dramatically re-drawn when the Axis Powers were defeated by the Allies after World War II. The United Kingdom promised the Jewish people a state of their own after Nazi Germany was defeated and the atrocities of the Holocaust were beginning to become well-known throughout the world.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was sympathetic toward a Jewish state in the Middle East. When he died during his fourth term in office, he was succeeded

by President Harry Truman, who decided to pressure the U.K. into keeping their commitment to the Jewish people.

If not for the determination of President Truman, the U.K. might have simply backed out of this deal, and it is doubtful the Jewish people would have gotten their promised land at all.

On May 14, 1948, the land of Israel was declared a sovereign and independent state.

The next day, she was invaded by neighboring Arab states. That alone should show the audacity and seriousness of Israel’s enemies.

Organic gardening is simple, easy, affordable With all the hype over labeling of Genetically Modified Food (GMO) in the United States, and Monsanto “playing God” with our food supply — many people have started their own organic gardens in their yard.

I am no exception.

It is very easy to do, and you can start reaping rewards from your hard work in as little as two weeks.

Last week I was in Krogers and needed a green pepper for a recipe I was making, and was taken back at the cost for that one pepper — $1 each (not per pound).

I simply walked away and found a substitute for the pepper. Tomatoes, bananas, potatoes are on the high end now too, and this was NOT in the “organic” section of the produce department.

It’s sad that so many people are sticker-shocked when they go in the grocery store anymore. I often hear how organic food is more expensive than other foods, and it seems as if they are almost a level playing field now. Without a doubt, everyone is paying more for food than they used to — yet wages are not going up.

To combat this, you should start by collecting “heirloom” seeds (seeds that were gathered preMonsanto). You do not want to go through all this work and then end up using seeds you got on sale at Wal-Mart (those are probably GMO seeds).

Depending on the size of your chosen organic bed, you can estimate you will spend approximately $300 to get it up and rolling, but that investment will last for years to come.

First of all, measure the size of area you want to use. (Example: you want a bed that is 8 feet long

and 4 feet wide and 18 inches d e e p ) measure the type of block you will be using.

I used scalloped blocks Lorrie made for Mayzlin retaining walls, that Agora reporter were 12 inches long, 4 inches wide and 6 inches tall.

For this example, I would need to have eight blocks for my length, four blocks for my width and three rows for my height for a total of 72 blocks. These blocks at Lowe’s in Monroe were 47 cents each plus tax, so it cost me $35.87.

Next, with your lawn mower, shave the grass down to the lowest you can get it. Since you will not be digging up the landscape, you will need to cut the grass as close to the dirt as possible.

Your next step is to place down heavy duty plastic. I used a recycled product made from shredded plastic pop bottles. This is the base of your organic bed. It separates the landscape from virgin soil.

Once your plastic is laid out, covering all of the shaved grassy area, lay the first 4 sides of your retaining wall. This will hold the plastic down for you; eventually, it will kill the grass underneath it.

Carefully continue stacking your blocks until you reach three high on all sides. Your organic bed is ready for layering.

On top of the plastic, lay newspapers that you have opened up

Schwab described as tireless problem-solver CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

an easy transition to controller.

“I definitely had an understanding of the college’s finances when I first started working here,” Schwab said.

At 55 years old, Schwab has witnessed many changes at MCCC. “The look of the campus has changed quite a bit,” Schwab said.

Schwab takes pleasure in working for an organization that provides something beneficial to the area.

“I enjoy working in a college environment, providing that service for the community,” Schwab said.

Wetzel described Schwab as “low-key,” and that is as good a word as any.

He is a man of few words, who has a quick wit and humbleness about him.

In May, Schwab decided to retire in July and open a new chapter in his life.

“I enjoyed working here, but looking forward to the options retirement provides,” Schwab said.

Wetzel pointed out that Schwab is smiling more, but his effort has not subsided.

“You couldn’t work any harder than Dan does,” Wetzel said. “Dan is a 24/7 employee of the college, always has been and will be till the last day.”

Nixon agreed with Wetzel’s thoughts on Schwab.

Foster also leaving Business Office After 22 years, Tammy Foster will be leaving her position as MCCC's payroll clerk.

She'll be moving to Illinois with her husband.

“I would have stayed if possible,” Foster said.

“I'll try to find another job, but it won't be in payroll. I'm ready for some new endeavors.”

Foster is the third major de-

parture from the school's Business Office in the past two years.

Tim Bennett, vice-president of business affairs, retired last year.

Daniel Schwab, the school's business manager and treasurer, is leaving July 1.

“Many of my friends have already retired,” Foster said. “I'll miss the friendships and camaraderie.”

“Dan has a reputation for being a hard worker. He’s never missed a deadline and always performs at the highest level,” Nixon said via e-mail.

Schwab’s first plan after he retires is going on a nature tour in northern California.

Every year he makes it a point to take at least one trip.

He first grew fond of it in college, when he went backpacking with friends.

“I love seeing different parts of the country and I like learning about the natural world,” Schwab said.

He also enjoys seeing animals at their finest, such as witnessing a hawk and falcon fight over a mouse in Churchill, which is located on Hudson Bay in Canada.

With his retirement looming, he has mixed

This is why it is important the U.S. stand by Israel, and not bow to international pressure to force Israel to the bargaining table. Land-for-peace deals have never worked. Why should Israel constantly give concessions when it is unlikely the other side will do the same?

When Yasser Arafat, former PLO Executive Committee Chairman, had a chance to form a Palestinian state during the final month of President Bill Clinton’s second term, he turned the deal down. If he or the PLO really just wanted land for the Palestinian people, they would have taken the deal.

The PLO and neighboring Arab states might guarantee peace in the Middle East for a while. But in the end, the goal of the PLO is to not only create a Palestinian state, but also destroy the very concept of “Israel” from existence and drive the Jewish people into the Mediterranean Sea. As Israel’s greatest ally, the U.S. should be conscious of this during any upcoming negotiations.

(Casey Cheap is a 2009 MCCC graduate now attending the University of Toledo).

Tammy Foster

emotions.

“Looking forward to the options that retirement brings,” Schwab said. “Sadness with leaving the colleagues here, (after) working with them on a daily basis.”

Correction

MCCC’s Nursing program was visited by a team representing the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commision.

The team’s preliminary oral report recommended continued accreditation with conditions for a period of two years. A final decision is expected in July.

The information was incorrectly reported in The Agora’s April 28 edition.

and wet thoroughly — use as many as possible. You can collect newspapers from recycling centers, churches, family and friends. Once your first layer of wet newspapers is in place, you will need to start adding your soil and stone.

For every 2 feet of garden, you will need to use one bag of peat stone, and two bags of play sand.

In this example, I would need four bags of peat stone and eight bags of sand. Both of these are relatively affordable at Lowe’s for $1.78 and $2.25 respectively.

On top of your wet newspaper, layer in your stone first leveling it out as you go along, and then add 1 bag of sand for every 2 feet of garden. (saving back 4 bags for later layering) At this point, you have 4 layers — the base plastic, the wet newspaper, the peat stone and the sand.

It is now time to add dirt/soil.

Soil should be a mix of Miracle Gro Potting Soil, bagged top soil, and any food scraps like used coffee grounds, egg shells, etc.

For every 2 feet of garden (x3 for height), you will need four bags of soil mixture — eight bags of Miracle Gro, eight bags of top soil (both the largest bags you can find). Start by putting your top soil on top of the sand, leveling as you go. Then put Miracle Gro on top of that, also leveling it.

After you do the first two layers of soil, add in your coffee grounds and crushed egg shells and then add on the rest of the sand. You will continue layering until your raised organic bed is level (or slightly higher) than your retaining wall.

You are then all set to start planting and enjoy a fruitful harvest for years to come.

The Agora Editorial Policy The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (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 and is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center.

Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what you’d like to see in The Agora - it’s your newspaper.

Submissions of stories or photos also are welcome. E-mail them to agora@monroeccc.edu or bring them to our office.

Staff Members Editor Tyler Eagle News Editor Morgan Hofbauer Adviser Dan Shaw

Staff Mandi Davis Nicki Kostrewza Lorrie Mayzlin Jeff Papworth Whitney Patterson Taylor Pinson Kimberly Ruttenberg Dave Topolewski

Campus News

June 13, 2011

THE AGORA

Students react to tuition increase Mandi Davis

Agora Reporter

Student reactions were mixed as discussions started to whirl around the campus about how MCCC increased the tuition for the 2011-2012 year.

Most students were surprised by the tuition increase, which was approved near the end of the winter semesters.

Tim Prayther is a student at MCCC who is transferring to Central Michigan University in the fall.

“So what? It only increased by like $5.

At least it is not bad as Central Michigan University’s tuition,” he said.

University tuition is usually much higher than a community college. Central Michigan University charges students $346 a credit hour; Eastern Michigan University has tuition starting at $238.25; and the University of Toledo tuition starts at $304.21 per credit hour.

For students who cannot afford tuition at a university, community college is their only option. The MCCC tuition increase angered student Adrianna MacAllister.

“I feel that it is a bit outrageous, I get just enough financial aid to be able to cover about $300 short of tuition and books,” she said.

Britt Norris, a student whose tuition is covered by scholarships and the Pell grant, had a different view.

“I don’t mind the tuition increase since I am on a scholarship that pays for all my fees except for books, which is covered by my Pell grant,” she said.

“Of course the initial reaction for paying more for the same thing is always to be annoyed, so I will admit to that,” student Deanna Boberg said.

She also expressed her opinion about the compensation of teachers.

“The budget increase has come after the teacher’s contract negotiations, so if the increase of tuition is the cost of keeping the teachers who are doing an outstanding job, I am ok with it. However, if the teachers are not making more money, I am not sure what the point of the increase is, and that bothers me,” Boberg said.

There was not only a student reaction, but an alumni reaction to the tuition increase. In a letter to the editor of The Monroe Evening News, written by former Monroe Mayor Mark Worrell, he expresses his reaction.

“I’m disappointed to find that our community college has again raised tuition.

The increase is about 7 percent,” Worrell said.

Mr. Worrell attended the college in the mid-1960s when a credit hour was $8.

Now tuition will be $77 a contact hour.

Board of Trustees Chair William Ba-

carella Jr. responded to Mark Worrell’s comments with his own piece.

“MCCC remains one of the most affordable institutions of higher learning in the state at $77 a contact hour,” Bacarella said.

Even with the tuition increase Mr. Bacarella confirms that the college is still maintaining its outstanding student services.

“MCCC employees are looking for every way to save money and conserve college resources while still accomplishing the college’s mission,” said Bararella.

Boberg had a reaction to both letters publishied in the Monroe Evening News.

“I once had a teacher refer to MCCC as ‘the Harvard of community colleges.’

I believed at the time he was referring to the quality of the education now I worry that it might soon also apply to the cost,” she said.

“So what? It only in-

“I once had a teacher refer to MCCC as ‘the Harvard of community colleges.’ I believed at the time he was referring to the quality of the education. Now I worry that it might soon also apply to the cost.”

creased by like $5. At least it is not bad as Central Michigan University’s tuition.”

Deanna Boberg

Tim Prayther

MCCC student

MCCC student

3

Prep course to be offered Mandi Davis

Agora Reporter

MCCC students may come across a course in the Fall 2011 catalog that looks fairly new.

That course, College Success Skills 145 (COLL 145), is designed to help students understand how to succeed in college.

“The course has been offered in the past and was reactivated for the Fall 2011 semester,” said Vinnie Maltese, dean of Math/sSiences and acting dean of Humanities/Social Science.

“The intent is to offer the class during the fall and winter semesters and possibly during the spring if there is student need,” he said.

The course is intended to help students gain the skills needed for a successful college career, Maltese said.

“Not understanding the requirements for success in college contributes to low success rates in many areas and to a reduction in the value of college courses to students,” he said.

Students can take the course their first semester or can wait until they feel the need or are struggling in some way.

College Success Skills 145 will meet once a week. Sessions will be offered in the morning, afternoon and evening to meet the availability of students no matter what their schedules.

To sign up for the class, see a counselor or sign up via WebPal.

Field class discovers two possible mastodon footprints CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The sites were originally discovered

by Tom LaDuke, president of the River Raisin Chapter of the Michigan Archaeology Society.

“There was a collector that gathered a lot of artifacts but wouldn’t tell anyone where he found them,” LaDuke said.

“I had a fair idea that it was at this site so I decided to do a little digging myself and [the work with MCCC] was a continuation of that.”

LaDuke said the site is extremely significant for Michigan because it contains artifacts that have laid beneath the surface undisturbed for as many as 12,000

years.

Rawan Awad, a student in the course, said it’s been much easier learning the course material when she can back it up with actual findings.

“You get to know the basic information first,” she said. “You know what you’re looking for and you know how to dig. It’s not like you’re a fish out of water.”

Some students have worked on the site outside of class time and others have agreed to continue their work after the class ends in June. Mohney said he admires the students’ dedication.

“The only thing that stinks is that it’s a community college so in two years I’m

going to lose these people,” he said.

Mohney is an assistant professor of anthropology and sociology. He has investigated several archaeological field sites in the U.S. He created the course idea and made the connection with LaDuke to offer the dig site to students.

This is the second year MCCC has offered the class. During the first year, students were able to dig in a creek in Munson Park, as well as on the property of Dr. Gerald Howe, a director of The Foundation at MCCC. Mohney said last year’s digs weren’t very productive. He finished the report on any discoveries this year.

Mohney first envisioned a field class

five or six years ago, and finally received approval during the first year Vinnie Maltese served as dean of Math and Science.

The class may not continue next year since it is being run as a “special topic” course, which can only run for two years.

“With a new course, you don’t know if there will be student interest,” Maltese said. “The idea behind a special topic class is to run the course for two years without fully approving it.”

Maltese said he was pretty confident that the course would be fully approved in the Fall semester due to the high success and student interest.

“So far I haven’t had anybody complain,” Mohney said about the course.

“Some people like it better than others obviously, but it’s a class where you go out and it’s 100 percent hands on. You don’t do anything other than hands-on work besides the first day.”

Jen Shadle, another student in the course, certainly isn’t complaining. She said she plans to major in archaeology.

“We have so much fun out here,” she said. “It’s more like playing than work.

It’s so enjoyable.”

As for the dirt, the students get covered, but when they’re stumbling across a possible mastodon footprint, no one seems to mind.

photos by Whitney Patterson

Students involved in the field class have found a number of artifacts, including fragments of ancient pottery and tools. A possible dig site can possibly be linked back to the last ice age.

Briefly: MCCC, EMU renew transfer agreement The transfer articulation agreement with Eastern Michigan University’s College of Business thats allows MCCC students who earn an associate of applied science degree in computer programming or Web development to transfer up to 88 MCCC credits toward a bachelor of business administration in computer information systems at EMU has been renewed. The agreement will be in place through 2014.

Registration for fall classes Registration for fall classes is still under way. Tuition is not due until August 8. If you need assistance, please call 384-4104 to schedule an advising appointment.

Advising hours are Monday- 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday- 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Winter 2011 Dean’s List Students who were enrolled in 12 credits hours in 2011 winter semester and achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher have made the Dean’s List. Students should check their student emails for confirmation.

Requests for printed certificates showcasing this accomplishment can be emailed to pbodell@monroeccc.edu. Please include the fol-

lowing information: your name, MCCC ID, and MCCC email address. Please use the subject line: Winter 2011 Dean’s List Request.

Requests made by June 20 will have certificates available for pickup approximately July 8. Any requests made after June 20 may have to wait to have a certificate processed as they will be printed in batches.

MCCC alumnus receives award MCCC alumnus Matthew Smudz was awarded the Chancellor’s Medallion by University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Engineering and Computer Science. This award is given every term to the highest ranking senior and is based on scholarship, leadership and service.

Agora courtyard competition ongoing The Agora has an ongoing competition to unofficially name the courtyard at the center of campus. Students wishing to enter a submission should send suggestions to agora@monroeccc.edu or stop by the Agora office in L202.

Dean of Humanities/Social Sciences The dean of Humanities/Social Sciences Division position will remain vacant.Vinnie Maltese, who is the dean of Mathematics/Science Division, will continie to act as the dean of the division during the Fall 2011 semester.

For more information, contact Grace Yackee, vice president of Instruction, at (734) 384-4221.

DTE named MCCC Supporter of the Year During May, DTE was named the college supporter of the year for its contributions to the development of the new nuclear engineering technology program, which will begin in the 2011 fall semester.

Additionally, DTE offers internships to MCCC students through the Fermi 2 plant, training, tours and hands-on professional development for faculty.

Budget submitted to Board of Trustees Dan Schwab, controller and business manager, and Sue Wetzel, vice-president of administration and executive director of The Foundation, submitted a proposed MCCC budget to the Trustees at a special meeting held May 25.

According to Wetzel, the proposed budget would eliminate three vacant positions and would cause no faculty members to be laid off.

The budget will be voted on by the Trustees on July 1.

Spring/Summer semesters The last day of classes for the.spring semester will be June 18.

Grades will be made available June 22 via Webpal.

The first day of class for the summer semester is June 20.

4 THE AGORA Graduation Special

June 13, 2011

June 13, 2011

Graduation Special

THE AGORA

5

Student speakers, alumnus of the year praise MCCC Tyler Eagle

Agora Reporter

Speakers at the 2011 MCCC Commencement Ceremony praised the opportunities and education that the college has offered.

Derrick Whittaker, the recipient of the 2011 Alumnus of the Year Award, attributed his success to MCCC. “The excellent levels in quality of instruction and the reasonable cost has allowed me and all of those graduating tonight the possibility to succeed,” Whittaker said.

Whittaker was also very honored to receive the

award from his alma mater.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the college for my educational training and the alumni association for this honor,” he said.

Board of Trustees Chair William Bacarella Jr. introduced Whittaker and highlighted his character.

“Derrick is a man of great character and integrity who truly exemplifies the best of Monroe County Community College,” he said.

Commencement also had two student speakers, both graduates of occupational programs.

Kelly Harness, a student graduating from the nursing program, was one of the speakers. She felt that her

graduation from MCCC is just the beginning.

“We’ve finally made it to the next destination of our lives,” Harness said.

Harness was introduced by Kathleen Masters, a former nursing professor who retired at the end of the 2011 Winter semester. She spoke very highly of Harness.

“A shining star at Monroe County Community College,” Masters said.

“Not only is she academically outstanding, she has a heart for the learning needs of other students.”

Constance Huff, a student graduating from the construction management program, was the other speak-

er. Huff came to MCCC after she was laid off from her job at an oil company.

Mark Hall, director of admissions and guidance, pointed out that Huff, who graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA, excelled in the classroom.

“She embraced it with great rigor and hard work,” Hall said.

Huff said MCCC has had a big impact on her life.

“My experience here has been positive and been a real turning point in my life,” Huff said.

A total of 191 students participated in the ceremony, while 616 degrees and certificates were granted in total.

Dr. David Nixon

Constance Huff

Kelly Harness

Derrick Whittaker

“Cherish the good memories about the friends you made.”

“My experience here has been positive and been a real turning point in my life.”

“We’ve finally made it to the next destination of our lives.”

“The excellent levels in quality of instruction ... allowed me and all of those graduating tonight the possibility to succeed.”

photos by Ashley Locke and Whitney Patterson

The 2011 MCCC Commencement Ceremony had 191 students participate. More than 600 degrees and certifications were awarded to MCCC’s Class of 2011.

MCCC Class of 2011

6

THE AGORA

Campus News

June 13, 2011

Two Financial Aid employees win award

By Morgan Hofbauer Agora Reporter

A spotlight of acknowledgment shined on the MCCC Financial Aid Office last month as two employees were selected for the March/April Enriching Lives Performance Award.

Renee Drouillard, Financial Aid assistant, and Kelly Scheer, administrative assistant to the director of Financial Aid, were the recipients of MCCC’s monthly employee award.

The Enriching Lives Performance

Award is a performance-based recognition program to acknowledge faculty and staff for exceptional work. Recipients are selected based on one or several of the five values which support MCCC’s Mission and Vision: investment, community, accessibility, responsiveness, and enrichment.

Scheer began working at the college in 2000 as a student assistant. In 2002 she was promoted to full-time.

Drouillard started as a part-time cashier in 2003 and began working with

Financial Aid later in the year.

Both employees have earned an associate’s degree from MCCC. Their jobs’ main concern, the two agreed, is to get financial aid to the students and to answer all questions.

In addition to their regular job duties, each employee of the Financial Aid Office carries out a different process.

Scheer is the loan officer in addition to her administrative assistant work, and Drouillard handles scholarships and sponsor billing.

All employees of the office additionally help with student questions and assistance.

Scheer and Drouillard were all smiles in describing their reaction to the award.

“What a very nice surprise,” Drouillard said. “It was nice to be recognized for the work we’ve done in here.”

“It was a surprise,” Scheer agreed. “I had no idea. Very, very nice.”

Ryan Rafko, another Financial Aid assistant, described Scheer and Drouillard as dedicated and hard-working individu-

als.

“In the short time that I have worked with Kelly and Renee they have demonstrated a strong knowledge of Financial Aid and have been very helpful with my transition into the office,” said Rafko, whose office is located between Scheer’s and Drouillard’s.

“They both go the extra mile in regards to customer service of our students,” he added. “I would not choose anyone else to be my fellow Financial Aid Office colleagues.”

Robotics club overcomes obstacles

By Jeff Papworth Agora Reporter

In a season filled with frustration for the Robotics Club, every member shared Tim Rodenbeck’s thoughts: “In the end, it was worth it.”

Tim Rodenbeck and Bob McCoy were key contributors in building the robot while Jackie Saunders led the group as club president.

This year’s SUMO competition entailed knocking the opposing robot out of a square.

Instead of going with a robot that could flip its opponent and push it out, the club decided to go with a bigger one that would use brute force to push its opponent out of the square.

“Our students wanted something that was big and bad,” Robotics Club advisor Bob Leonard said.

The 125-pound robot consisted of a car battery, steel frame and four motors going into two gear boxes.

“It was pretty utilitarian. There was nothing really exotic about it,” McCoy said. “It was a pretty nuts and bolts set up we had.”

Because the robot was in the heavyweight division, it was not remote-controlled. Once it was on the stage floor, they simply watched it go to work.

There is an electronic device, which Leonard calls the “brick,” that acts as the brain of the robot.

The members programmed the brick to go in a circle. Once its sensors locate its opponent, it moves towards it.

In the fall, MCCC student Tim Rodenbeck chose to help build the robot to fulfill a requirement for his automation.

He chose to stay with the project in the spring semester despite having no obligation to do so. His unwavering devotion to the club meant spending many Saturdays at MCCC, a 30 minute drive from his home in Temperance.

“I wanted to see it through to the end,” Rodenbeck said. “I didn’t want to give up and say I did my part.”

The Robotics Club had problems going into April’s competition.

Rodenbeck said the team had many setbacks. They lacked funding and participation, and the design had trouble with electrical failures, design issues, and crossed wires.

The club struggled to escape their bad fortune as the season ended.

They discovered their robot was too heavy a week before the competition, forcing them to hastily reduce its weight. “[It felt] like overall devastation. With all the setbacks, it was just one more thing we had to deal with.” Rodenbeck said. “But, we were too far to throw up our hands and give up.”

Nothing went wrong except for one sensor malfunction during their last competition.

“There weren’t any missing pieces, setbacks or anything on that day” Rodenbeck said.

The Robotics Club finished third out of five teams. They were satisfied with the result after all of the turmoil they had endured.

Rodenback is set to transfer to the University of Toledo in the fall and hopes to build robots for the military.

He was drawn to robotics by a YouTube video that showed a robot named “Big

Nixon enjoys Monroe ad experience

By Lorrie Mayzlin Agora reporter

Photo courtesy of Bob Leonard

Left to right: Chelsea Skorupa, Tim Rodenbeck, Bob McCoy, Steve Kodysh, instructor Marty Dubois and instructor Bob Leonard pose with their robot, which placed third at a competition.

Dog” made by Boston Dynamics. The robot could react to its environment without outside help.

Leonard said Rodenback has a wide array of skills that will make him viable for the occupation.

Student Bob McCoy enjoyed working with Rodenbeck.

“We respected each other strengths,” McCoy said. “I had no problem taking his ideas and running with them and he didn’t have any problem doing the same with mine.”

McCoy enrolled at MCCC as part of a retraining program funded by his former employer, a lab that tested vehicles durability. The degree he is pursuing is product and process technology.

McCoy enjoyed the experience and said he would join the club next year, if he decides to enroll.

“It was very interesting, it lets you put the skills and concepts you learn in your classes to work,” McCoy said.

MCCC instructor Bob Leonard gave students the chance to use their newly attained abilities outside the classroom by launching the Robotics Club eight years ago.

Leonard, who took the role of club advisor, described it as a “team oriented, hands-on design project, that the students work on for competition.”

Leonard pointed out MCCC is one of the

few community colleges around the area with a robotics club.

“It takes a lot of time,” Leonard said.

“It’s not very easy to keep a group together.”

MCCC’s Robotics Club has had its struggles through the years. Low membership has caused them to miss three of the annual competitions.

Funding is another issue the club faces.

This year’s robot cost $600.

One member’s job is to write letters to local stores asking for parts for their projects. They also ask for grants from various foundations.

The Society of Manufacturing and Engineering hosts the robotics competitions.

SME provides members with educational material on t e c h n o l o g y, manufacturing and engineering, along with plant tours, and a place for schools to showcase their robots.

This is all at a cost of $20 per year for students.

SME has given the Robotics Clubs different tasks through the years.

For two years running MCCC taken second in a challenge that required their robot to find a magnet six inches under ground.

Students are initially overwhelmed at the thought of making a robot do such complex tasks.

Leonard said he gave club President

Jackie Saunders an hour to use the LEGO Mindstorm to program the mini-robot to do a certain task and she accomplished that feat in a half hour.

Leonard spoke highly of Saunders.

“She was a very, very good student, very nice person, works well with others. She was an integral part of this group,” Leonard said.

Leonard states in the SME Robotics Club syllabus that he wants women to participate as much as men.

“Some women feel they can’t do that, but they can,” Leonard said. “There’s not enough women in engineering and it should be rich with men and women.”

Leonard’s emphasis on women joining the club seemed to have persuaded Saunders to join.

“I joined the club because at first there was an initiative for women to join the robotics because there is so much in the industry for women to be involved in now,” Sanders said.

Saunders plans on being a part of the club next year and use this year’s experience to go in a different direction.

“Putting the most weight on isn’t always the best technique, we learned that sometimes speed and putting more motors in it is the best technique,” Saunders said.

As president of the club, she hopes to raise more funding and give awareness to a club that she thinks could benefit engineering students at MCCC. “It’s a really good program and it’s not as recognized as it should be” Saunders said.

“It’s all about exposing them to what’s to come. Robots are the future.”

The voice on the new Pure Monroe advertising campaign is Dr. David Nixon, president of MCCC. “The Pure Monroe idea came out of a discussion, a brainstorming committee at the Monroe Evening News, about all the things in Monroe that some people may have missed unless they are reminded,” Dr. Nixon said.

The committee consisted of Nixon; H. Douglas Chaffin, president and chief executive officer of Monroe Bank & Trust; Annette Phillips, president of Mercy Memorial Hospital System; and Lonnie Peppler-Moyer, publisher of The Monroe Evening News.

“The four of us are not originally from Monroe, and we saw that we held a different perspective,” Dr. Nixon said.

He said it was fun doing the 30-second voiceover for the Pure Monroe ads.

“Yes, it was great. It was a great reminder of the things that I learned how to do when I was going to school to learn how to be a radio broadcaster.”

“It’s fun to do that, and I enjoy doing that, and it only took me 30 seconds.”

The primary target of the ads – women in the regional area – was determined by the company that also does the marketing campaigns for Tim Allen’s Pure Michigan commercials.

The company found that women make most of the vacation decisions.

Pure Monroe radio and television spots were geared toward families in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Flint, Michigan.

They are intended to remind folks that a day trip to see Monroe County and take advantage of its historical background, hometown feel, restaurants, parks, and the only Michigan port on Lake Erie ,is not even a gas tank away, and that there is something for their whole family.

The advertising, which piggybacks the Pure Michigan campaigns, will run from May until August 2011, and already Monroe is seeing an uptick in tourism, as local businesses are reporting slightly higher profits since the campaign started.

You can listen to the commercial on Dream 97.5 FM. Or to hear the 30-second commercial, follow this link: http://wjrpodcasts.com/ podcasts/paulwsmith/NixonChaffin-050211.mp3.

In addition, Pure Monroe has a facebook page: http:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / p a g e s / Pure-Monroe-Michigan-Campaign/141786872560931

Students lead Accounting Club re-birth

By Jeff Papworth Agora Reporter

The Accounting Club at MCCC appears to have wheels now that students are in the driver’s seat.

Faculty members said their previous attempts to start a club had been misguided.

Club adviser Scott Wang credits club President Holly Self for pushing the new club.

“Holly was the one who approached me initially about starting the accounting club, then the whole idea got started,” Wang said.

Self is pleased that the club is gaining momentum. She hopes to get more stu-

dents participating in the club and make sure they get the most out of the experience.

“It’ll be a great source for students at Monroe,” Self said. “Accounting is a really big program at the college.”

Wang spoke highly of the students who are currently in the club.

“All four are very good students.

They’re all accounting majors and they’re very dedicated to accounting,” Wang said.

To increase the club’s chances of success, Wang is leaving open the possibility of Siena Heights students joining the club.

Siena Heights is an avenue many

“It’s the enthusiasm of the students. That’s what it takes to run these clubs.”

Scott Wang Accounting Insrcutor

MCCC accounting students pursue, and its on-campus accounting program lets

students finish their last 30 credits in Monroe County, after they accumulate 90 credits at MCCC. “What it does is create some flexibility, in terms of the membership and the officers,” Wang said.

At the club’s first meeting in April, three of the four members said they planned on going to Siena Heights.

Wang said the future plans for the club were tentative, although they intend to find speakers, plan field trips, and organize events.

Wang had also considered getting some club members to participate in VITA - a program that would allow qualified members to assist community residents

with their tax returns - if they pass a test administrated by the IRS. Wang hopes doing programs like VITA will give students, “exposure to real-life practice in accounting.”

Self and Mark Owen, the club’s treasurer, used the word “enthusiastic” to describe Wang as an advisor.

Wang realizes only the students can keep the new club from dissolving.

“It’s the enthusiasm of the students.

That’s what it takes to run these clubs,” Wang said. “Hopefully that is what will propel the club moving forward.”

For more information, contact Scott Wang at swang@monroeccc.edu

Campus News THE AGORA 7 Three professors to join MCCC June 13, 2011

New teachers, new classes, new approaches, new club

Morgan Hofbauer Agora Reporter

MCCC will welcome three new professors to its full-time faculty this fall semester, in the subjects of history, biology and psychology.

Edmund Laclair, a professor of history, has taught as an adjunct

Professor of History Along with Edmund Laclair’s arrival to the faculty comes the hope of new history classes available at MCCC. Laclair hopes to add several courses, as well as a new approach to teaching.

“We suffer a lack of a women’s study in history. There are no courses on women’s history,” he said, now planning on incorporating such a class.

He’s also interested in a history course for the non-historian, covering 1945 to present and helping students understand the origins of current world events.

He wants to get students out of the classroom and into the community, and bring to the college

Professor of Biology Dr. Maris Fonseca once changed her major as an undergraduate from medicine to biology because of a biology professor. She’s now excited to be the one offering career options and opportunities to the students of MCCC. “I’m truly excited about joining MCCC and meeting the students and contributing not only to their learning but to help them in their career path,” said Fonseca, an expert in bacteriology.

She said she would like to develop new activities for students and get them working in the community as well as spice up the biology classes.

“I’m very interested in bringing new aspects to the biology courses and including some aspects of biotechnology or industrial microbiology perhaps in a new course sometime in the future,” she said.

Fonseca doesn’t plan to teach in the MCCC class rooms alone.

She said she would like to teach a Lifelong Learning class about

professor at MCCC on and off for two years and is now hoping to add courses to the history program.

Dr. Maris Fonseca, a professor of biology, has taught at University of Michigan – Dearborn as an adjunct and now plans to bring career opportunities and her knowl-

edge of germs to MCCC students.

Dr. Melissa Grey, a professor of psychology, taught adjunct at University of Michigan – Flint and is now hoping to boost interest in psychology at MCCC with the possible addition of a club.

All three professors will begin teaching in the Fall semester.

a sort of deep learning approach in history.

Laclair also wishes to mimic a project conducted by the previous MCCC history professor Jim Devries, which would allow students’ work to be published in a national archive.

Laclair earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Art at Central Michigan University. He is now in the dissertation-writing stage at Wayne State University for a Ph.D with certification in archival administration, allowing him to run a historical archive.

Laclair taught as an MCCC adjunct professor during the summer semesters for the last two years and every semester since January 2010. He served

as a graduate assistant at Central Michigan University in 2004 and 2005.

The things he said he enjoys most about receiving this fulltime position is the stability of a job in the rough academia field and knowing he can now begin making a contribution to the MCCC history program.

Laclair said he chose history because he wanted to understand people and because he was told there was no money in philosophy, archaeology or paleontology.

“My goal is to really understand people. What is it people are here for in sort of an existential manner?” he asked rhetorically. “That’s history I guess.”

germs and their prevention, available to anyone without enrolling at MCCC. Fonseca earned a Ph.D in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Her undergraduate studies were conducted at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, where she studied abroad/which is near where she was raised.

After earning her Ph.D, Fonseca began a postdoctoral research project regarding the bacteria that causes Legionaire’s disease.

She later worked as a process development scientist at Amgen.

She has taught microbiology at the University of Michigan as an adjunct professor.

Fonseca said she thinks biology is useful knowledge for students in many majors of study, not just science.

“The learning of biology can enrich their knowledge for whatever it is they’re going to do with their careers,” she said.

She said she chose biology, more specifically bacteriology, because of its ability to aid and understand human health.

Photo by Morgan Hofbauer

Edmund Laclair has taught as an adjunct on and off for two years. Now that he is full-time faculty, he plans to add to the MCCC history program with new classes.

Professor of Psychology

Dr. Maris Fonseca Fonseca originally planned to major in medicine, but was invited as an undergraduate by one of her biology professors to assist with a research project.

She discovered she enjoyed the experiments and research, and changing her major to microbiology, later honing her Ph.D to bacteriology.

“I’ve always been interested in things that would improve human health and bacteriology is just a different perspective,” she said.

Besides knowledge and a love for psychology, Dr. Melissa Grey may also bring a psychology club to MCCC. When Grey discovered how many students were taking psychology courses she got the idea of a “psychology interest group,” she said.

“What I would like to do is form some sort of either peer group or faculty-led group to help students formally organize and get to know what the options are in psychology and how they might start working towards that success early on,” she said.

Grey said she may offer support to another club on campus as well – the Gay-Straight Alliance Club.

Grey currently co-chairs the Public Policy Committee Division 44, which is a part of the American Psychological Association that studies lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues.

Former aid to U.S. Rep. starts new job at MCCC

For her dissertation she interviewed LGBT people and analyzed the stigmas and prejudice they face.

“There’s a kind of pressure to conform to the norm,” Grey said.

“I’m not sure what kind of faculty support [GSA Club] might like but I’m definitely interested in that.”

Grey earned a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Community Psychology at University of Michigan – Flint, and a Masters and Ph.D in Clinical Psychology at Eastern Michigan University.

She currently works as a Clinical Health Psychology Fellow at Genesys Regional Medical Center. She has taught adjunct at University of Michigan – Flint for one year.

She has held various positions at Eastern Michigan University and interned at Michigan State University’s Counseling Center.

Through her various positions, Grey said she always knew that she wanted to teach, especially at MCCC. “I’m glad to be at a place where teaching is really valu-

Dr. Melissa Grey able to your fellow faculty and to students,” she said. “They’re very supportive of student learning and student success, and that would be a great place for me to be.”

Grey said she chose psychology because she was interested in what most are interested in: helping people and making a better world.

“I really liked the method that psychology uses to do that,” she said. “I like that psychology uses a scientific method for our social and personal problems.”

Professor retires

Myers accepts new “external affairs” position David Topolewski Agora Reporter

His job is new, his office is new, he hasn’t even had time to hang his diploma from Michigan State University on the wall, but MCCC is not new to Josh Myers.

“I have a long history with the college,” Myers said.

Myers has been hired as the coordinator of development and external affairs.

In short, he will assist in the coordination of all fundraising activities as well as provide support for the college’s legislative relations program on the local, state and federal levels.

“There’s a lot for me to get up to speed on but I had a foundation here,” he said.

Myers has been coming to the college since he was a kid. His father, Bill Myers (security supervisor) has worked for the college for many years.

“I can remember as a kid coming here with my dad and sitting in The Cellar,” Myers said.

Raised in Ida, he attended courses at MCCC as a high school student and then again after high school.

Myers was first interested in business, until the real world experience persuaded him out of it . He then found an interest in politics, for which he credits MCCC Professors Joanna Sabo and Margaret Bacarella.

“They piqued my interest,” he said.

After MCCC, Myers moved on to Michi-

Photo by Morgan Hofbauer

Respiratory therapy professor Jack Woltmann retires this July.

Taylor Pinson Agora Reporter

Photo by Whittney Patterson

Josh Myers, former aid to U.S. Rep. John Dingell, is getting comfortable in his new office, located in Institutional Advancement.

gan State University, where he majored in International relations, and received a bachelors degree. He also attended James Madison University and George Washington University, where he received his master’s in strategic public relations.

Right out of school, Myers started working with Michigan state Sen. Carl Levin as an intern. Several weeks later he was offered a job to work for the senator.

“I was in the right place at the right time,” he said.

After his time with Sen. Levin, he began working as a field representative for U.S. Rep. John Dingell. He spent six years with the congressman before being hired by MCCC. Before he received his position at the col-

lege, Myers had been involved at MCCC. He had a big role in setting up the debates held at MCCC last year between Dingell and Republican candidate Rob Steele.

“Dr. Nixon called me up and said if you’re planning a debate, we’d love to have you,” he said.

However, as a member of the staff, he doesn’t plan to play politics.

“We belong to the community college party,” he said.

Myers thinks being a part of the staff at MCCC is just the place for him and has what he looks for in a job.

“This place has amazing, intelligent and hardworking people,” he said.

Jack Woltmann, associate professor of respiratory therapy, is retiring this July.

“I’m tired,” he said.

Woltmann is the last professor at MCCC to take advantage of a 2010 state law encouraging college professors to retire as a way to help schools cut costs.

The law took effect last year, but due to difficulties in finding replacement respiratory therapy faculty, Woltmann was granted a one year extension.

“I started in the fall of ‘81 and I finish in July,” Woltmann said.

He and Bonnie Boggs are the first and only people at MCCC to teach respiratory therapy full time.

“It’s been my life,” he added. “It’s been really nice to be part of a successful program.”

Woltmann has seen many changes to MCCC over the years.

“The college has gotten physically larger. The area was flat.

It’s much prettier now,” he said. “Students have remained the same,” he added with a chuckle.

“I’m looking forward to exhaling and reconnecting with my family,” Woltmann said. “I’ll be glad to not grade papers any more,” he said with a laugh.

Woltmann is moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, but says he could “possibly come back down to Monroe.”

8

A&E

THE AGORA

Blu-ray vs. DVD

Taylor Pinson Agora Reporter

Since its debut in 2006, Blu-ray discs have slowly grown in popularity. It has finally grown enough for the average person to warrant upgrading from DVD. Blu-ray discs can hold six times more data than DVDs. The extra storage space means better audio and video quality, and the potential to hold more special features.

Blu-ray discs are made from scratch-resistant materials that make them much more durable than DVDs. Blu-ray players can also play DVDs. Most Blu-ray players will even enhance the picture quality of a DVD close to Blu-ray quality.

The rising popularity of Blu-ray has resulted in decreasing prices, with players available for less than $100.

Even top-of-the-line players such as Sony’s Playstation 3 cost as little as $300.

Blu-ray discs have also dropped in price, and many movies can be bought for $10 or less.

June 13, 2011

Franchise reinvented

The following reviews are for Blu-ray movies available for $6 at Wal-Mart.

Universal Soldier

“Disappointing” sums up this Jean Claude Van Damme action movie.

Van Damme stars as an American soldier killed in Vietnam who is brought back to life 20 years later as an experimental super-soldier.

He starts having flashbacks to his past life after encountering an annoyingly plucky reporter poorly played by Ally Walker. Dolph Lundgren plays a fellow super-soldier who goes crazy.

Lundgren and Walker both do a poor job, bringing down the total quality of the movie.

The plot is forgettable and riddled with cliches. The action scenes are visually boring and fail to generate any tension. There is nothing to keep the film from sliding into mediocre predictability.

This is definitely one to skip next time you see it in the bargain bin.

Although DVDs have continued as the majority movie-watching method, Blu-ray discs are becoming more popular and more affordable, leading some people to make the switch.

Total Recall

This is one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best movies.

Schwarzenegger stars as a construction worker turned secret agent from Mars in this futuristic sci-fi action thriller directed by Paul Verhoeven.

Total Recall contains an impressive supporting cast with Sharon Stone as Schwarzenegger’s wife, Michael Ironside as a vicious hit-man, and Ronny Cox as the cruel dictator of Mars.

All of the actors give good performances, but Schwarzenegger is at his best, delivering cheesy one-liners and exciting action scenes.

The action is entertaining and the special effects have held up for a movie made 20 years ago.

This is a must-buy for any fan of Schwarzenegger, Verhoeven, sci-fi, or action movies.

Rambo 3

Sylvester Stallone delivers in this action-packed sequel.

Stallone returns as John Rambo, a deadly one-man army that kills commies dead.

This time he must travel into war-torn Afghanistan during the Soviet Invasion to rescue his friend and mentor Colonel Trautman, played by Richard Crenna.

Stallone and Crenna play their parts well. Both actors get some memorable lines in-between all explosions and gun fights, and the acting overall is acceptable for an action movie.

The plot does little more than set up the next action scene, but Rambo 3 handles the action so well you won’t care.

The action scenes are the reason to watch this movie, and and they are excellent and varied, including a massive battle between Soviet forces and Afghani rebels.

If you like Stallone, Rambo, or cheesy action movies, you’ll love Rambo 3.

Bush’s memoir good read for Lefts or Rights David Topolewski Agora Reporter

The autobiography of George W. Bush explains the presidential decisions he made, and why.

Love him or hate him, Republican or Democrat, voted for him or wanted him impeached, George W. Bush’s memoir “Decision Points” is a political and historical must-read.

The former president uses a unique format to describe and explain the most important decisions of his presidency. The most major decisions of his eight years in office are explained in their own chapter titled with the decision.

He describes the day of Sept. 11, 2001 in what he calls “Day of fire” - from the moment Chief of Staff Andy Card whispered in his ear “America is under attack,” to the end of the night when he and first lady Laura were rushed out of bed to the bunker below the White House in fear of another attack.

He explains the process in appointing key personnel, as well as his two lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sam Alito.

He tells of the emotions he felt when Afghanistan and Iraq became liberated. He describes the moment Saddam Hussein was captured and the remark

from the solider that pulled him from the hole.

“My name is Saddam Hussein, I am the President of Iraq and I want to negotiate,” Saddam said.

“Regards from President Bush,” the solider replied.

He said his lowest point in office came when some people claimed that race played a role in the government’s response to Hurricane Katrina. His proudest achievement was keeping America safe for the final seven and a half years of his presidency.

He also goes into detail about his efforts to reform Social Security, Medicare and immigration, as well as his handling of the financial crisis. He also adds chapters about his Freedom Agenda, Quitting, Stem cells, the Lazarus Effect, and the troop surge.

The book is a great read for supporters of both political parties.

Republicans will be inspired by the man who rallied the nation after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Democrats will learn facts that their politicians don’t want them to know.

History fanatics will also find value in Decision Points, as a former president wrote the history of his eight years in office from his eyes.

“Fast Five” attracts wider audience, adds “The Rock” Mandi L. Davis Agora Reporter

“Fast Five” sped into theaters April 29 where it took the audience on a ride of thrill and action. It out-sold the first movie in the franchise by $16 million, bringing in $86 million total.

“Fast Five” follows Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Jordana Brewster as they plan a heist to steal $100 million from a corrupt businessman in Rio. Before the big heist they must first steal a Ford GT40 that contains the locations of the money, bringing in actor Matt Schulze.

The group is being chased by Dwayne Johnson, playing U.S. D.S.S. agent Luke Hobbs, as well as a Rio police officer played by Elsa Pataky.

The cast makes the movie action-packed. In order to pull off a heist so big, the group must assemble a team of people they trust, bringing in actors Sung Kang, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Gal Gadot, Tego Calderόn, and Don Omar.

We all enjoy having Walker, Diesel, and Brewster back as the main characters, but the movie also added Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The role was originally going to be played

by Tommy Lee Jones.

After Diesel saw a fan comment on facebook about wanting to see him and Johnson in a movie together, he contacted The Rock and had him written into the role.

Universal Studios had successfully shifted away from the original theme of street racing, which was the theme the franchise.

Emphasis was placed on transforming the franchise into a heist-action series that utilized cars in the attempt to attract a wider audience.

“Fast Five” is now considered the transitional film in the series, and only featured one car race, used to divert attention to gun fights, brawls and a heist of $100 million.

It was confirmed in the release month of “Fast Five” that writer Chris Morgan has begun working on a script for a potential sixth film, which would also include The Rock.

With how well the movie turned out most fans are hoping for it. This movie is a great transition that is great for anyone to watch.

Album reviews: big or small, new or old

Nicki Kostrewza Agora Reporter

“You’re awful, I love you” would usually be viewed as a hypocritical statement, but this saying has received a complete alteration thanks to the band Ludo.

Started in Ladue, Missouri, Ludo released their first album in February 2008. The only reason anyone would think back that far would be for the song “Love Me Dead.”

Their latest hit is “Whipped Cream,” which was released on the album “Prepare the Preparations,” made available in September 2010.

What attracts most people to this band? All I can tell you is that Andrew Volpe’s (lead vocals/guitar) voice is remarkable and electrifying! Not only is he completely capable of hitting

those high notes, but he keeps your attention, like some mystical beast. It’s astounding!

Then there’s the moog synthesizer (an electric versatile instrument) played by Tim Convy.

Not only is the moog an amazing instrument, but the man behind the controls is brilliant. I have to give Convy some credit, this machine doesn’t seem easy to play.

If it wasn’t for the other band members also, Tim Ferrell, Matt Palermo, and Tom Cantillon, this band wouldn’t be as marvelous as it is! No one can resist the complete sound of it all.

Another thing I love about this band is their music videos. They are completely comical, and terribly funny. The main point is that this band is irresistible and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for some good music; definitely an A.

Kim Ruttenberg Agora Reporter

Thundering bass, heart pounding drums, and a Smokey voice.

This is Flogging Molly.

For those not familiar with the Irish punk band, allow me to take you on a strange journey. In Los Angeles, California the first Flogging Molly album was born. The live album “Live behind the green door” was a smashing success.

The band, still jubilant from that album’s success, released “Swagger” with songs such as “devil’s dance floor.” It’s a toe-tapping good time.

The band went on to release four other studio albums. “Float,” “Drunken Lullabies,” “Within a Mile of Home” and their latest release “Speed of Darkness.”

Not only does Flogging Molly do excellent in studio albums but

their live shows are definitely something to be seen. Concerts include Live behind the green door, Live at the Greek theater, and whiskey on a Sunday.

The band’s instruments include guitars, bass, drums, as well as a fiddle, tin whistle, uillean pipes, an accordian, concertia, mandolin and banjo.

Who is Flogging Molly you might be wondering? The band includes Dave King, Bridget Regan, Dennis Casey, Matt Hensley, Nathen Maxwell, Bob Schmidt, and George Schwindt.

Flogging Molly’s musical influences include The Dubliner’s, The Pogues, Horslips, Johnny Cash, and the The Clash. Most of the theme’s found in their music are Ireland, its history, drinking, politics, love, death, and the Roman Catholic Church.

Mandi L. Davis Agora Reporter

Lady Gaga has become the latest icon for more than just unity and individualism, but also as “Mother Monster,” after the successful release of her latest album “Born This Way.” Upon its May 23 release it has seen a whopping one million plus copies sold. Billboard has projected that “Born This Way” will push past Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now,” which sold 1.15 million copies total.

“Born This Way” is Lady Gaga’s second full-length album, excluding her EP, and has to be her most dance-riveting album made yet - from the techno-pop jam “Marry The Night,” to the funk techno in “SchiBe,” then to the dance music in “The Edge of Glory.”

The entire album shows Ga-

ga’s experimental mix that is making music history.

“Marry The Night” gives Gaga’s signature electro-pop sound a screaming intro and the message to be true to oneself.

The song really opens up more meaning to the album.

“Judas” gives the album the right amount of dance, helping make the album a success. “The Edge of Glory” ends the album in an anthem style.

Of course there’s “Born This Way.” It didn’t take long for this song to be a chart topper, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The message behind the song mixed with the beat makes it more than just a hit but a peak in the album.

Those who have enjoyed “The Fame” as well as “The Fame Monster” will be highly amazed with “Born This Way.”