Agora - April 18, 2019

Peter/Wendy Theatre program putting on new play.

Page 6

Complete coverage, Pages 8-9

Students, faculty recognized at 2019 ceremony Todd Salisbury Agora Staff

Aleija Rodriguez and Lydia Sandefur won the Faculty Association Outstanding Student Award at MCCC’s annual Honors Reception.

Lisa Schaller received the Outstanding Faculty Award, and James Smith received the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award.

MCCC hosted the 2019 Honors Reception at the La-Z-Boy Center’s Meyer Theatre on April 17.

The event honored students, faculty, adjunct faculty, clubs and organizations for their achievements during the 20182019 academic year.

Vice President of Student and Information Systems, Dr. Randell Daniels, delivered the opening statement for the event in place of President Kojo Quartey who was unable to attend the opening due to a hearing in Lansing with state legislators.

Daniels also delivered the closing statements for the event.

Guests enjoyed refreshments by Kosch Catering after the reception.

Mark Bergmooser, who stood in for Lori Jo Couch, joked that he looks nothing like Couch before presenting the Outstanding Humanities Student Award to Kayla Hodges.

Jessica Marimpietri was named four times for various awards.

Schaller presented the Outstanding Construction Management Student Award to Michelee Rigdon who also won one of the Honors Conference and Student Showcase Awards.

Continued on Page 8

#SAVEODAAT Fans rally to save beloved sitcom.

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Where do Huskies go after MCCC? Claire Bechard Agora Staff

What comes next after community? For many students, it is just a stepping stone toward their dream career.

Jessica King is a single mother of four who has not just earned her nursing degree, but her stripes.

MCCC has been “enriching lives” for decades and King is one of its success stories.

“I was blessed to have a Phlebotomy instructor at MCCC who encouraged me to apply for the nursing program. Being a single mom, I had no idea how I was going to make this happen financially.

The Financial Aid Department at the college helped me figure out everything,” King said.

The Phlebotomy program was what got King into MCCC’s doors after her children attended the college through the Monroe County Middle College program.

“I learned how to juggle nursing school, work two jobs, and still survive. My children have been amazing and I owe so much of my success to them. My time at MCCC was not only spent getting my degree, it was also spent getting my life in

order as a single mom,” King said.

After four years, King is going to receive her RN certification and she is not stopping there.

“My next step is to begin my career as a nurse, hopefully in an emer-

gency room. I plan on continuing on to get my BSN. My ultimate goal is to get my certification/degree as a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner),” King said.

Paycee Assenmacher, an upcoming graduate of MCCC, has long awaited May 3rd 2019. However, this ending is just the beginning of another education path.

“An associate’s degree cannot get me a career as a mechanical engineer,” he said. “I need a few more years of advanced schooling specific to my career pathway.

A bachelor’s will be sufficient.”

Assenmacher is interested in instate schools with strong engineering programs.

“I have my decision narrowed down to either Michigan Technological University, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, or the University of Michigan – Dearborn,” he said.

He feels MCCC has really taken an active role to further his academic growth, through the Middle College program.

“The MCCC and Middle College partnership is a great opportunity. I

Continued on Page 2

Hedeen closes chapter, begins new one James P. Quick Agora Editor

Photo by James P. Quick

Is Paul Hedeen a writer who teaches, or a teacher who writes?

Fittingly, the answer is an academic one – rather like Hedeen himself.

Hedeen, who is turning 66 in May, has been in higher education for 38 years. The last seven of those were as MCCC’s dean of humanities and social sciences. He is also a published poet and novelist.

Serving Monroe County since 1968

When asked why he decided to become an educator, Hedeen’s answer is indicative of both his careers and a love of communicating with others.

“It started as a way to use my love of literature and writing, I think. Now I like it for its own sake,” he says. “I fell in love with the process.”

Hedeen also finds enjoyment in the students.

“I like being able to sit in a room and talk about things I care about

April 18, 2019

with sort of a captive audience,” he says. “The fact that they all learn together – it’s a nice little community-within-a-community.”

Before he came to MCCC, Hedeen was an English professor for just over three decades across the country.

After graduating from Northwestern University in spring of 1990, Hedeen accepted a position at the University of Maine. Specifically, a branch located in Fort Kent.

“It was great to be in the St. John Valley, to be in far northern Maine,

so it was a bilingual community,” he says, referring to the large French population in the area.

“That was very interesting.”

According to Hedeen, he taught at UMaine for five years before transferring to the University of Iowa. He taught there for the next 17 years before deciding it was time for a change and looking for administration jobs.

“I noticed this job, applied for it

Continued on Page 2 Vol. 66, Issue 8

2 • Campus News

April 18, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

“A hell of a loss”: Colleagues praise Hedeen Continued from Page 1 and got it,” he says. “I had done some administrative work in Iowa – and in Maine, for that matter – so I had some idea what it was like.”

Overall, Hedeen has enjoyed his time as dean.

“It’s been a nice experience, I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve enjoyed being here,” he says.

Hedeen says he wants to take care of his family, get a second Fulbright scholarship, and teach overseas, specifically in Europe.

He also plans to continue writing.

“I’ve got another novel I’ve just begun working on, and I’m also working with my wife on a book for MSU press,” he says.

“One of these Discovering Peoples of Michigan books, of different national and ethnic groups who have immigrated to Michigan.

We’re doing the one on Ukrainians.”

Hedeen’s wife is from the Ukraine and works as an English as a Second Language teacher in Brownstown. Together they have two daughters, one born in the Ukraine, in addition to Hedeen’s two daughters from his previous marriage.

Hedeen himself was born in Wisconsin in 1953 and grew up there until he was 13. The family then moved to Ohio.

“I had a wonderful upbringing; small towns, good education,” he says.

The Agora Editors

Cassidy Maier James P. Quick

Adviser Dan Shaw

Staff Cheyanne Abel Claire Bechard Carla Cohen Maya Gaynier Jordan Jewell

Michael Nixon Vanessa Ray Todd Salisbury Lydia Sandefur Rose Younglove

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 102 of the Life Sciences Building, (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu.

Submissions: The Agora encourages submissions by anyone in the college community, including free-lance articles, opinion columns, or letters to the editor. All submissions must include a name, 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. It is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Association, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center.

Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what you would like to see in The Agora - it’s your newspaper. Email submissions to agora@ monroeccc.edu.

Photo by James P. Quick

Hedeen’s published works on display in his office.

Hedeen attended Kent State University and attained a Bachelor’s degree in English. After a four-year sabbatical, he attended the University of Akron to get a Master’s, then went to Northwestern in Chicago for his Ph.D. Hedeen has taught many classes over the years, but he has a few favorites.

“Probably a realism and naturalism class I taught up in Maine – I liked that a lot. I’ve enjoyed teaching cinema a lot. Also creative writing. Those would be my top three,” he says.

Over the time he’s been teaching cinema, Hedeen notes, he’s developed a fondness for black-and-white films, particularly for their storytelling. That isn’t the only thing that’s made itself known to him through the class, however.

“I also like the way that students who have already seen so many films, by the time they took the class, were very conversive,” he says.

“They were actually better cinema students than they were literature students because they watched far more films than they read books.”

Hedeen has also released two novels, two collections of poetry, and edited a collection

of critical essays by poets.

Hedeen himself has captured the respect of his colleagues, such as adjunct professor of English Clara VanEnkevort.

“Doctor Hedeen has been a truly wonderful boss – considerate, reliable, and witty – and I know that this opinion is shared by my colleagues,” she writes in an e-mail.

Professor of English Jenna Bazzell has nothing but praise for the departing dean.

“Dr. Hedeen has been incredibly supportive of all my endeavors at the college,” she says. “Especially with the Images reveal.”

Kojo Quartey, president of the college, likewise has nothing but nice things to say.

“I find him to be a highly intelligent individual,” he says. “With his demeanor at times, you don’t realize he can be quite humorous.

We hate to see him go; he has been a great asset to this institution and his division.”

Robin West Smith, adjunct professor of sociology, has worked with Hedeen for four years, and also sings his praises.

“I’ve worked in corporate America for 30

years. I can count on one hand the number of bosses that I would count as being worthy of my respect and admiration,” she says. “He was one of those.”

Living in Oak Park, Smith drives 100 miles round-trip to come to MCCC. She says this is entirely because of her respect and admiration for Hedeen.

“I think many of us see Dr. Hedeen as a mentor. He is steadfast and supportive in that role,” Michele Toll, professor of English, writes in an e-mail.

Hedeen will, in turn, miss his colleagues.

“We have a lot of good people in this division who work very hard,” he says.

But he singles out Administrative Assistant Rachel Eagle especially.

“Oh, in particular, I’m going to miss Rachel a lot,” he says. “She’s just wonderful, professional.”

Eagle herself is scarcely able to believe Hedeen is leaving.

“When he told me he was going to retire… he’s kind of alluded he was going to for some time now.

“But it was always ‘someday, when I retire,’ and so, when it became official, I wasn’t quite prepared for it. Losing that colleague, mentor… friend,” Eagle said.

Eagle goes on to speak about their work relationship.

“I value him as a colleague because he puts so much value in others, and I think that’s the key to a great boss,” she says. “He values everyone, and it shows – people will mimic that.”

Additionally, at MCCC’s Honors Night on April 17, Hedeen won the Outstanding Diversity Program of the Year Award for his privilege walk exercise.

As for his successor, all Hedeen has to say is simple.

“Get to know your colleagues, form good relationships with them; everything follows from there,” he says. “A good college is just about getting good people and all pulling together.”

Smith may have phrased his departure from the college best.

“It’s a hell of a loss.”

Students discuss post-graduation plans Continued from Page 1 was able to take college courses and get credits towards a degree while in high school.

Being able to graduate with an associate’s degree at age 19 for no-cost is unbeatable.

“I feel that this has allowed for my education to continue to grow and keep myself a step ahead of peers at different schools,” Assenmacher said.

Marion Martyres is also looking forward to graduation and has valued the amount of academic support she received at MCCC. “At MCCC, I saw how easy it was to ask

someone for help when I needed it. A lot of times at bigger universities, it’s easier to drown in the overwhelming amount of responsibilities that come from college, but MCCC helped with some of it,” she said.

“I was always able to use the resources available, such as the LAL and RCTC, and it really took away some of the stress.”

Martyres is gratefull for the undergrad atmosphere MCCC has provided.

“MCCC showed me how to manage a college class and helped me with a basis of what I need to know for classes, mainly focused on my major. Since I’m going into a science

major, taking introduction classes like Biology and Chemistry gives me an idea of what I will learn and how it will be taught when I go on with my education,” she said.

Martyres is also looking at in-state schools to transfer to.

“I plan to get my bachelor’s degree at a four-year university, either Wayne State University or University of Michigan” she said.

MCCC’s graduation ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, in the Health Building gymnasium.

Agora/mcccagora.com

April 18, 2019

Campus News • 3

Racist images shock students Traveling exhibition loans MCCC controversial art and objects to bring awareness and tolerance.

Rose Younglove Agora Staff

The MCCC library often showcases beautiful art, colorful vases, three dimensional paintings, and statues.

But what about a hateful depiction of a man with big lips, a long, crooked nose, and small eyes discussing the dangers of “racial mixing?”

On March 28, students received an email informing them of the exhibit known as “THEM: Images of Separation.” It is a traveling exhibition on loan from Ferris State University that showcases items from popular culture used to stereotype different groups.

Library staff were alerted that some people expressed concerned about the content of the exhibit. Now, before students walk into the library, they are met with a big white sign in bold letters warning students about the controversial images.

The negative imagery — found on postcards, license plates, games, souvenirs, cos-

A sign from a segregated motel, circa 1950, and “Stay in Your Own Backyard” sheet music from 1899, displayed in the MCCC library.

tumes, etc. — promoted stereotyping against such groups as Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Jews, poor Whites, African-Americans, as well as those who are “other” in terms of body type and/or sexual orientation.

Librarian Jessica Collins says the exhibit is necessary to encourage questions and discussions on prejudice.

“With how everything is, I believe that there needs to be more of an understanding of what intolerance is,” Collins said.

“And I think that one of the only ways to do that is to shock somebody and, you know, obviously this is a shock-ful show and I think these images of intolerance do teach tolerance because we’re seeing one of the worst aspects of humanity, basically, in these images.”

When the exhibit was installed, some of the initial reactions were shock.

“I think the reactions [from students] were caused by the lack of signs in the library,” said librarian Jessica Collins.

“We put the images up first, and so when students entered the library there was a misunderstanding as to why these images were here in the first place. Where now, as you can see, when you walk into the library- even before you walk into the library- there are signs explaining why these images of intolerance are here.”

Brian Shyllander and his friends Brooklyn Rathbone, Lucas Mahn, and Brandon Szparagowski were all viewing a photo of a woman with a cork in her mouth.

This exhibit focused on the idea that women talk too much, one stereotype of gender.

“A persistent gender stereotype in the United States is that women talk too much and that their verbosity is related to their gender,” the sign read. “When a man is talkative it is seen as an individual trait; when a woman talks a lot it is seen as a characteristic of all or most women.”

This mouth stopper (circa 1950s) reflects and shapes stereotypical thinking.

“Words are power. Taking away the ability to talk is a way of subjugating people. Saying they talk too much is a way of saying ‘don’t talk,’” the sign read Indeed, words are power. Many students in the library had difficulty forming them when looking at the images of intolerance.

“I’ve heard about it but I’ve never had the opportunity to attend before now. I’m definitely very interested in this history,” Szparagowsi said.

Rathbone believes the reason these images

This image from the exhibition expresses the fear of interracial marriage, which was one of the major objections to the desegregation of schools, libraries, clubs - even churches. It was found on a white supremicist web site in 2006.

are so powerful is because it displays what most people know or remember learning.

“It’s just staring you in the face, y’know?” she said. “We see racism and sexism in newspapers or in textbooks or we talk about them, but seeing them right in front of you is really different.”

The group of students respectfully moved up and down the aisles. They were silent as they stared at a cartoon of a white baby boy in handcuffs.

“ARREST WHITE BABIES” the image said. “BEFORE THEY BECOME child molesting, serial killing, blue eyed, mother f–ing devils.”

This intense image all began with a radio talk show in 2005 with William Bennett.

Bennett, who held prominent posts in the administration of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, told a caller on his syndicated radio talk show, “If you wanted to

reduce crime, you could - if that were your sole purpose - you could abort every black baby in this country and your crime rate would go down.”

He added, “That would be an impossibly ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down.”

Months before Bennett’s comments, Tshirthell.com sold tees depicting an African American baby wearing handcuffs with the slogan, “ARREST BLACK BABIES BEFORE THEY BECOME CRIMINALS.” After being criticized in the national press, they created the “ARREST WHITE BABIES” tee-shirt to prove they were not racist.

This exhibition shows discrimination and stereotyping as more than just a black/white issue – it’s more pervasive than that.

In the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

4 • Campus News

April 18, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

Theater program making its mark Jordan Jewell

William Shakespeare proclaimed that “all the world’s a stage.”

At MCCC, there are currently two available theater classes to learn more about what the stage has to offer.

Intro to Theater, focuses on the history of theater and the basic fundamentals. The other class is Acting I, which focuses on performance and character.

“I think people who may not necessarily ever want to step foot on a stage would greatly benefit from taking the acting class,” Theater professor Angela Lai said.

Intro to Theater consists of learning theater history, technical aspects of theater, and how theater is still relevant in today’s world.

“All sorts of programs, all sorts of movies borrow something from theater, either conventions, styles, and many movies have actors that started on stage. It is very much a part of our culture and society.”

In class, students read plays and watch clips, and Lai plans to incorporate more group activities for the upcoming fall semester.

Acting I includes students learning one monologue and two scenes.

“You learn how to work with other people, how to think about other types. You have to analyze your characters, scenes, and work with partners in acting those scenes. You also

Theater professor Angela Lai gives direction during a rehearsal.

Trip to Stratford festival proposed

Photos by Jordan Jewell

Ashton Allen (left) rehearses “Peter/Wendy” with co-star Killian Nichilo.

learn about how to present yourself, which is important if you want to go into advertising, teaching, all sorts of professions where you have to present in a certain way.”

To make the class more applicable to other career fields, Lai wants to put more focus on projection and confidence building.

She attended Eastern and earned her master’s degree in theater.

After graduating, Lai taught at Wayne County Community College, until they began to cut the number of classes being offered. She began searching for new opportunities, which led her to Monroe.

“I enjoy it being out more in the country, and I hope to be here a while.”

Currently, Lai and multiple students are working on their spring production, titled “Peter/Wendy.” A low-tech, contemporary version of the classic “Peter Pan” story, it focuses on the coming of age romance between the two titular characters.

Taking place in the Little Theater, the cast and Lai have adapted the show to be character-driven, with minimal set. Crew members may be clearly visible throughout the production, operating fog machines or lights.

“It’s a style of theater that has been done, where they don’t try to hide the fact that it is a play, you do see those things happening.”

Lai hopes that this take on the famous story will fill the Little Theater.

“We had to grab extra chairs for, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ so I’m hoping to draw another big crowd with ‘Peter/Wendy.’”

Lai’s first directing experience at the college was “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play.” At first unsure of what to expect, she was pleasantly surprised with the turnout for auditions. About ten actors showed up.

“The cast was very enthusiastic, very dedicated, with a wide range of experience,” she said.

As Lai continues to teach here, she’s dedicated to continuing growing the program; both in participants and available opportunities.

“I just really appreciate the fact that there is clearly enthusiasm and appreciation for the arts here on campus.”

Students who currently attend Lai’s acting class believe that the theater program has opportunities for all individuals, despite their experience or major.

“Even if acting professionally is not in your goals or desires, it is still advantageous to be able to take the class from a communications perspective, as it will allow you to perform and be more comfortable in front of audiences, and also from a psychological perspective when it comes to analyzing peo-

Theater professor Angela Lai has proposed a field trip to the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario, either in the fall of 2019 or the spring of 2020.

Lai surveyed her own students and sent an email to college faculty, in an effort to determine whether there is enough interest in the trip.

She said the Stratford Festival is North America’s leading classical repertory theater. They stage multiple productions, on a rotating basis, focusing primarily on the works of Shakespeare and other classical writers, along with a few contemporary plays.

Lai said a proposed itinerary would be to depart on a Friday morning, arriving in Stratford in time to see an evening performance. After staying overnight, the group would watch a matinee performance, then return Saturday evening to MCCC. She asked anyone interested in a trip to Stratford to contact her. Her email is alai@monroeccc.edu. ple and characters,” Robert Eadie, student, said.

Student Killian Nichilo hopes to see the theater program grow.

“I’d like to see more available casting.

We’re always really tight casted, not in the traditional sense, but we have a little amount of people in the shows.”

Even if unsure, Nichilo encourages students to come audition for a production.

Support the program by attending “Peter/ Wendy” on Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. or Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m. in the C Building Little Theater.

Todd Salisbury named 2019 Agora editor

Todd Salisbury will be editor of the Agora for the 2019-2020 academic year, adviser Dan Shaw announced.

Salisbury has been on the staff of the Agora for a year and recently won three awards from the Michigan Community College Press Association.

A 22-year-old sophomore, Salisbury plans to transfer to Siena Heights and major in Professional Communications. He attended Jefferson High School.

Jordan Jewell has been named assistant editor. Jewell, 18, started at MCCC in the Fall of 2018 and has been on the Agora staff one semester. She attended Monroe High

School.

The editor of the Agora is responsible for supervising the newspaper staff, publishing eight editions a year, and maintaining the website.

The Agora staff is primarily composed of students who take a 3-credit course, Journal-

ism Workshop, JOURN 162. Shaw said Intro to Journalism, JOURN 161, is a prerequisite, but that he often waives it for students who have some background in writing.

Anyone interested in joining the Agora staff should contact adviser Shaw, at deshaw@monroeccc.edu or 734-384-4296.

Agora/mcccagora.com

Campus News • 5

April 18, 2019

Robotics team ready for championship Cassidy Maier Agora Editor

Robots will descend on Louisville next week.

Members of MCCC’s robotics team will compete in the world championships in Kentucky from April 25-27 for the third year in a row.

Tessa Garlepied, Kaleb Harrison, and Maribeth Mohn will all make the trip.

“I was really hoping that we would get pulled in to the competition for skills,” Garlepied said.

She’s a freshman studying Mechanical Engineering.

The team qualified by getting a high enough skills score after multiple competitions at Purdue University and MCCC. Garlepied is a little nervous for the challenge.

“I don’t know if we’re going to be completely prepared by the time we’re down there, because there’s a possibility that we may not be able to have all the drivers that we need,” she said.

“So that definitely makes me feel a bit unprepared, but other than that it’s not terrible, because we’ve been practicing driving and working on our autonomous.”

Kaleb Harrison is also very excited to be going He explained what went into building the

Photo by Cassidy Maier

MCCC’s robotics team members prepare for the world championships.

robot and talked about his part in it.

“I helped build the robot and then I control the lift for the robot,” he said.

This is his first time going to the championships.

This is Maribeth Mohn’s second time with the college team.

It has been an eventful year for her and the team “Last year, we ended 27th in our division out of about 45 teams; most of which are

teams from a university. Also last year we helped to start a VEX U team at the University of Toledo, and they were also able to qualify for worlds last year, and are qualified this year again as well,” she said in an email.

She hopes MCCC’s team can improve in all areas, she said.

Mohn is the temporary team captain at the moment.

“I am excited to be able to compete at the world championship once again, and I am also excited to see the other VEX U teams’

robots and what their strategy is for playing the game,” she said.

Wanting to build a robot is the only requirement to join the robotics team, Jeff Demaray, the team’s adviser, said.

“Everything else we work out after that,” he said.

“VEX actually has different levels, for lack of a better word. It runs all the way from 3rd grade to the university,” he said.

The team is the only one in the world with at least one team at each level who also run an event at each level, he said.

“I like to say that as a really big brag, but if you’re a high school teacher, what do you got? You have high school kids, right,” he smiled.

The college team is one of seven teams from the Monroe group going to the championships this year.

There are two at the elementary level, three in middle school, and one in highschool.

“I like my kids getting to be successful. When they start drawing in scholarship money and stuff and they start pointing themselves towards stem fields like several of them have, I’m geeked,” Demaray said “That’s my results. Not the hundred trophies that are in there, when the kids grow up to be good students and have a good head on their shoulders and have a defined direction for their life.”

GSA event promotes student inclusivity Rose Younglove Agora Staff

With finals on the way and deadlines approaching, students around the campus have been studying and writing the night away.

But on Saturday, students and professors were able to play games and enjoy some delicious snacks with friends.

The Pride Party was hosted by the GSA – Gender Sexuality Alliance- in the A- building in the Cellar from 7-11 P.M. Attendance was free and there was no dress code, although several students dressed up for the event.

Declan Landis, co-chair of the club, said there was a small problem with the date of the party.

“A lot of people are at prom tonight,” he said. “But we’ve been having a great time here regardless.”

Originally, the event was to be a Pride Prom but the pride party was just as fun and welcoming.

The cellar was decorated with pride flags, including the transgender and gay pride flag to further incorporate an open atmosphere where students could be themselves and have fun.

The party also included a screening of Studio Ghibi films. Studio Ghibi is a popular Japanese animation film studio.

Haley Langmeyer and Codie Martin both enjoyed watching the film and spending time with friends.

Kaitlyn Gullet, the club’s Secretary and Treasurer, was also in attendance.

“My expectations for the party were definitely met,” Gullet said. “It was laid back and fun and I had a great time.”

As secretary and treasurer Gullet said she helped plan the party and bring in food.

Gullet and other students brought lots of soda and food including Mexican food, popcorn, and special deserts.

“My favorite part of the night was playing What Do You Meme,” Gullet said. “It was super fun.”

The event was filled with games such as heads up, pool, and various card games.

The pride party also offered students a chance to learn more about their professors.

Professors Michelle Grey and Jenna Bazzel led a game of B.S. Grey jokingly renamed the game after a bologna sandwich.

“The Pride Party was a casual and fun time for anyone who wanted to hang out and play games or watch movies,” Grey said.

The effort showed as students laughed over games of jenga and posed for photos with friends.

“For some students who are exploring their identity and if they feel they may be a part of the LGBTAQ community, it is a space for them to be able to it and not fear ridicule, harassment and/or repression they may have felt their entire lives,” Bazzel said.

Another corner of the cellar was decorated in bright fairy lights which surrounded a setup of tables and chairs for students.

Isabelle Younglove, who will be attending MCCC in the fall semester, said her favorite part of event were the strobe lights and other decorations of the party.

There was also a sign surrounded by markers for attendees to sign their name on and decorate.

“I liked when I was able to put my name on the sign because it made me feel like part of a larger community,” Younglove said.

The GSA has been advertised throughout campus, and the pride party was another way for current and incoming students to learn about the club.

Younglove said she appreciate the GSA’s presence and is glad she attended to learn more about the club.

“I thought ‘Thank god this exists.’ I’m really grateful it is a part of the campus.”

The aspect of the pride party which mostshowcased the inclusivity was the genderless bathrooms.

Photo by Rose Younglove

Students play pool at the Pride Party in the Cellar.

Students hung colorful papers over the gendered bathroom signs.

“This party was more relaxed than a prom,” Grey said. “And there was no requirement or pressure to dance or engage in any particular activities.”

Grey’s final statement reiterated the overall message of the GSA. “We encourage individuals to come as you are and be welcoming to others, too.”

6 • Campus News

April 18, 2019

HIV awareness promoted Carla Cohen Agora Staff

HIV Education and Prevention discussion on MCCC Campus took place in the A building and was open to all students and faculty.

The discussion was on April 11, with speakers Jamie Eathorne and Stephanie Clark from the Monroe County Health Department.

MCCC has been hosting free and anonymous HIV testing in L-225 every Wednesday this winter semester, but wanted to educate on sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, prevention and stigmas associated.

Clark lightened the mood at the beginning of the discussion by telling a story about her children and what they told her they knew about sex.

It broke the ice for the discussion and made it easier to talk about a topic that may be uncomfortable for some.

Jamie Eathorne was the main speaker for the presentation, speaking to the dozen or so students and few faculty about STIs. “Populations that are twenty-five and younger are more at risk,” Eathorne said.

She discussed what to do if you think you may have a STI. “Stop engaging in sex until you are sure you don’t have an infection, go to your doctor or local clinic, and talk to your partner,” read the slide in the presentation.

“Get in the habit of getting tested, have the conversation with your partner,” Eathorne said.

Although the MCHD doesn’t test for HIV at that location, they can direct you to other facilities that can help.

Discretion is key, they will never inform a parent or guardian, and if you wish it to be kept from your health insurance provider, other payments are an option.

If you are tested for other STIs at the MCHD, be prepared to either do that through either a urine, blood, or swab test.

Results may take up to one week to get back and can be printed off for you, or discussed over the phone with a personal ID number.

“Some infections have little or no symptoms, which make it hard to know if you have something,” stated Eathorne. “That may be a reason people don’t get tested.”

“They didn’t think anything of it or they didn’t want to know,” Eathorne said, regarding why someone doesn’t get tested.

Even if you have an STI and have taken the proper procedures with medicine, that doesn’t mean you cannot get the same STI again.

Many people also don’t tell their partner they have the infection because they feel like they’ve gotten rid of it, or their partner has been tested in the past so they think everything is fine.

Photo by Carla Cohen

Jamie Eathorne spoke at MCCC about HIV awareness.

“So they’re not telling their partner about this or they’re not having their partner get retested,” Eathorne said.

Eathorne and Clark made it clear that it’s very important to have a discussion with your partner as difficult as it may be, for your health and theirs.

The Human Immune Deficiency Virus or HIV as its better known, has a lot of stigmas asso-

ciated with the virus.

You can’t get HIV from kissing, hugging, sharing food, insect bites, toilet seats, bathing, sneezing, coughing, or sweat.

It is mainly contacted through a bodily fluid, such as blood.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Monroe County Health Department at (734) 240-7800 or visit them at 2353 S Custer Rd.

Agora/mcccagora.com

Meetings scheduled for China trip A study abroad trip to China scheduled for May 2020 will be explained at two meetings at MCCC on April 30.

The 13-day China trip is being organized by MCCC Journalism professor Dan Shaw. The trip will include stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi-an, Hong Kong, and the Great Wall.

The meetings will be Tuesday, April 30 at 12:30 p.m. in room C224 and 7 p.m. in Room A173d.

Shaw will explain the itinerary for the trip, the cost, and the process for signing up. The trip details are being handled through Explorica, a nationally known educational travel company.

“I’ve traveled with Explorica before, on an MCCC study abroad trip to Europe, and I’m impressed with their attention to detail and their customer service,” Shaw said.

While Shaw has participated in five MCCC study abroad trips, this trip is not sponsored by the college. Shaw is retiring at the end of the winter semester, and has decided to continue traveling with study abroad groups.

“I fell in love with group travel, in this kind of educational setting,” Shaw said. “It will be packed with tours of museums, shrines, palaces and some of the wonders of the world, like the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta soldiers at Xi-an.”

MCCC considering capital fund drive Carla Cohen Agora Staff

MCCC Foundation is contemplating capital campaign to help financial additions and repairs on campus that include the East and West technology buildings and Welch Health Education Building.

The campaign could include picking a new name for the E and W buildings after completing construction combining the two buildings.

An email was sent out by MCCC stating what was to happen with the construction Josh Myers with the buildings.

“The two buildings will be combined into one to house numerous services geared toward student success, state-of-the-art class-

rooms and computer labs, an abundance of adaptable student lounge areas and work spaces,” it stated.

Josh Myers, executive director of The Foundation, commented on the possibility of doing campaign fundraising to help with funds for various buildings on campus.

“The Foundation Board of Directors, MCCC Board of Trustees, Foundation Chairman Victor Bellestri and Dr. Quartey will help make the determination whether we will proceed with a capital campaign,” Myers said.

MCCC has had success in the past in using a capital campaign drive to raise money for new buildings.

“Our first capital campaign supported the construction of the La-Z-Boy Center,” Myers said.

“Our next capital campaign supported the construction of the Career Technology Center. That capital campaign was directed by

the board of trustees,” he continued.

If decided upon, the capital campaign would support the renovation of the East and West technology buildings, a possible expansion of the Welch Health Education Building, and the Little Theater.

“While our previous two capital campaigns focused on a specific building, we may also incorporate fundraising for student support and cultural enrichment. These details will be addressed if we make the decision to proceed with a capital campaign.”

According to Myers, here has been no official timeline for this project, but the decision will be made in the next few months.

The money donated by outside companies, or individual persons would go towards further improvements towards improving education.

“In some cases, the millage funds are taking substandard spaces and returning them to usability. Donor funds would help us

elevate those spaces to become exceptional places for learning and student engagement – from substandard, to great, to exceptional!” Myers said.

Myers stated that MCCC has policies in place to determine who is chosen to get their name on a certain project and the requirements.

“Working in conjunction with the College’s President, the Board of Directors of The Foundation at MCCC shall establish a chart of facility naming opportunities identifying the various campus facilities and the dollar amount required for their naming. The President will submit the chart to the College’s Board of Trustees for approval. The President shall then serve as the administrator of this policy,” MCCC Policy 1.69.

If Donors wish to give, they may do so by going to: www.monroeccc.edu/foundation. They may also contact Josh Myers if interested in supporting campus projects at: jmyers@monroeccc.edu or 734-3844214.

Agora/mcccagora.com

April 18, 2019

Campus News • 7

Students present art, projects Cassidy Maier Agora Editor

Artists, authors and honors students came together to show off their work.

On April 10, students from both MCCC and the Middle College took part in in an Images reveal party and Honors Program showcase.

Students with work published in the latest edition of MCCC’s literary magazine had the chance to talk about their art or read their poems and stories in the atrium of the Meyer Theater.

Photo by Rose Younglove

Student Brittany Hanner reads her short story, “The Devil’s Consequence.”

“I think it went great,” Art professor Therese O’Halloran said.

“This was the first time they threw a party and the first time many of the students had their work published,” she said.

She said she was happy a community college was able to do this “It’s a fantastic thing for the college to do,” she said. “It’s a two-year college, a lot of colleges, even four-year colleges, don’t do this for their students,” In the conference room on the other side of the wall, honors students discussed the projects they’d been working on.

“I think for our first time it went extremely well. It really is a wonderful way to boost confidence and get an understanding of what it’s going to be like in both the professional and academic fields when you have to start presenting your work,” said Edmund LaClair, a History professor and coordinator of the Honors Program.

For Images, students painted, sculpted and wrote.

Among the students was Emily Gibson, who created a ceramic pot and did a transparency.

For the transparency, she turned the familiar into the unrecognizable.

“I had taken a picture of my fish and I distorted it to the point beyond all recognition

Photo by Cassidy Meyer

A group of students present their art at the honors programs showcase.

and put color filters over it - a lot of color filters - and it was sort of a happy accident that it ended up the way that it did,” she said.

Student Cheyanne Abel used just two brushes to do one of her peices.

“One was a quarter of an inch flat brush and the other was an inch flat brush,” she said.

“I had never touched acrylic paint before when I did that, so that was one of my first paintings, and I said this is either going to go really well or it’s going to go terribly. But what I’m going to do is I’m just going to go at it,” she laughed.

For the Honors Program, students dove into calculus, construction, and controversial topics.

Luke Griesser did a presentation on calculus.

“It was a really good experience for transferring to larger university and public speaking in general,” he said.

Other students presented on a variety of topics, including designing different structures and manning the wind turbine on campus.

English students also played a part, presenting papers on topics that included legalizing marijuana, and pornography and censorship.

Images can be viewed at: http://www. monroeccc.edu/humaniti/MCCC-Images33-2019.pdf.

Genetic engineering divides campus Michael Nixon Agora Staff

As many forms of genetic engineering impact the world, opinions on campus differ.

Three major topics surface when discussing genetic engineering. They are: genetically modified organism products (GMOs); gene therapy; and human genetic modification.

Some people do not believe we should pursue genetic engineering at all.

“I don’t think genetic engineering is too good of an idea. I wouldn’t change my DNA or anything I care about,” said Ryan Malone, a student at MCCC. Others are a little more open to the idea of genetic engineering.

“I don’t have a huge knowledge about genetic engineering, but I feel like if it were used to help someone, I wouldn’t have a huge issue with it,” said Joshua LaRoy, another MCCC student.

Finally, oters agress wit its use wthin set boundaries, like Lisa Scarpelli, professor of Earth Science and Geology at MCCC. “Any work that we can do, whether it’s genetic engineering, or not, that doesn’t cause any harm to people, I think we should do,” Scarpelli said.

The dictionary defines genetic engineering as: “the deliberate modification of the char-

Genetically modified watermelon at a Japanese fruit market.

acteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.”

Anything alive can be genetically altered, even you. Exampls include: lab rats, pigs, fish, bacteria, and crops.

In recent years, many people have grown concerned about GMO food products, in response, many companies advertise with “Non-GMO” packaging.

Many people, like Malone, would like food to be non-GMO. “I think it’s not good. It’s not healthy; it’s weird. If it’s not natural, it’s not natural,” Malone said.

Others do not find GMOs in their diets to be a problem.

“I don’t really see a big issue with it,” LaRoy said.

According to USA Today, “In the United States today a huge proportion of the most commonly grown commodity crops are genetically engineered” Almost every product we buy at the grocery store contains GMO products, from bread, to pastas, to the fruit in the produce aisle.

The second discussion point is gene therapy. What is unique about this point is it gathers agreement from mostly everyone.

Gene therapy is “the transplantation of normal genes in place of missing or defective ones in order to correct genetic disorders.”

“If it cures diseases, it’s not a bad practice; but we should always seek alternatives,” Malone said.

Finally, and most controversially, comes the question of human genetic modification, which often conjures images of “science gone wrong,” like unintended mutations and the dystopian societies with genetic elites.

“No matter what you try to do, there’s always going to be a flaw, no matter how hard or how long you try to improve it,” LaRoy said.

Many people find human genetic modification disconcerting or even unethical when it is used for cosmetic/intellect alterations.

“If it’s something where I want my kid to have blue eyes instead of green eyes, I don’t agree with it,” Scarpelli said.

But Scarpelli doesn’t completely rule out human genetic modification.

“When it’s focused on health, I agree with it,” Scarpelli said.

In the survey from Oxford Academic Journals, 66 percent of people surveyed want genetic modification to prevent passing on neuromuscular diseases and 30 percent for immunity to AIDS. It appears as though many people believe human genetic modification should be applied, but for the right reasons with the utmost caution.

Given the complexity of genetic engineering’s nature, its relatively new existence, and its ever-changing applications, many people do not quite know how to feel about it.

8 • Campus News

April 18, 2019

Campus News • 9

Agora/mcccagora.com

Rodriguez, Sandefur take top awards James P. Quick Agora Editor

Photos by Jordan Jewell

James Smith won the award for adjunct of the year.

Smith named 2019 adjunct of the year Claire Bechard Agora Staff

The long list of credentials Criminal Justice professor James Smith has acquired over his career impressed the audience.

Smith is the winner of the 2018-2019 adjunct faculty award.

“Mr. Smith impresses everyone he meets with his positivity.”

Dr. Grace Yackee said, reading Paul Hedeen words on Smith.

Smith seemed surprised that he won the award, noting that he’s new to MCCC. “I started in August last year, and this is only my second semester here,” Smith said Previously, he was a teacher for seven years at ITT Tech before the doors unexpectedly closed Sept. 11, 2016.

Dr. Yackee said in her presentation that his students describe Dr. Smith as: “knowledgeable, caring and down to earth.”

Smith has a strong connection to his students. Two stu-

dents came up to Smith after the awards and congratulated and hugged him.

After 25 years in the criminal investigation justice field, he finds himself right at home at MCCC. Yackee listed the many fields he was professionally been involved with. These included fire, personal investigation, first responder training, and emergency preparedness.

“I know Kojo because we belong to the same exchange club.

After one of the meetings I went up to him and said ‘I’d like to come teach with you’ and then I pulled my resume out of my coat jacket,” Smith said.

With a passion for emergency preparedness, this comes as no surprise that he would have his resume with him ready and on hand.

“I love teaching, it is my passion and we have a lot of fun” Smith said.

Aleija Rodriguez and Lydia Sandefur were the joint winners of the Outstanding Student Award, a first for two Middle College students.

“I’m not sure, but I think this may be the first time they’ve had two,” Rodriguez said. “I’m pretty certain we’re the youngest ever.”

Rodriguez said he was incredibly excited and went on to extend his thanks to the college and the Middle College.

“This has just been an amazing experience,” he said. “For it to culminate here means a lot to me, and I’m sure it means a lot to Lydia, but I’ll let her speak for herself.”

Sandefur also extended her thanks to the college and the Middle College.

“And of course to the Writing Fellows and the Agora both, as they have opened up a love of writing within me that I did not know existed,” she said.

The ceremony occurred on April 17. The honor is awarded to the most outstanding students by the Faculty Association.

Professor of Speech Mark Bergmooser presented the award as English professor Lori Jo Couch was unable to attend.

Couch, as read by Bergmooser, singled out Rodriguez and Sandefur as being inquisitive, mature, and helpful to their peers.

“I’m truly honored to have even been nominated in the first place,” Sandefur said. “The fact that I actually won it is mind-blowing. It’s just crazy.

“And that I’ve won it with someone who I’ve known for the last five years, gone to school with the entire time… It’s just kind of wild to think of how far we’ve come since we were little tiny ninth graders.”

Rodriguez echoed her sentiments.

“I just couldn’t be happier with how my entire career here has turned out,” he said. “I can’t wait to see where the college goes Aleija Rodriguez and Lydia Sandefur were both named student of the year. from here and where I go. I’m just excited for the future!”

Continued from Page 1 President Quartey arrived in time to deliver the President’s Academic Achievement Awards.

For the third straight year MCCC has had two representatives for the All-USA Academic Team for Phi Theta Kappa, Kessie Drouillard and Maya Gaynier.

Dr. Ronald Campbell once again presented the Dr. Ronald Campbell Student Government Award. The winners were Student Government President Samantha Beaudrie and secretary Allison Warner.

Vice president of Instruction Grace Yackee recognized all the students on the dean’s list. For a complete list of the Fall 2018 recipients, see https://www.monroeccc.edu/studentservices/deanslist.html.

The other awards presented at the reception include: Special Awards and Presentations Outstanding Diversity Program of the Year Award: Paul Hedeen Outstanding Social Science Student Award: Alexa Marchese Outstanding CIS Student: Jessica Marimpietri Outstanding Accounting Students: Marcello Johnson, Elizabeth Lapp, Phong Huu Le, Amy Matthes Outstanding Administrative Professional: Emily Preadmore Outstanding Agriculture Student Award: Corey Knabusch All-USA Academic Team Nominees: Kessie Drouillard, Maya Gaynier Outstanding Nursing Student Awards, Heather Galvan – May 2019 class, Danielle Anderson – December 2018 class Spirit of Nursing Awards: Raven Webster – May 2019 class, Andrya Garcia – December 2018 class Excellence in Practical Nursing Award: Paige Fowler Practical Nursing Student Peer Recognition Award: Amanda Brockie, Michelle Miller Outstanding Respiratory Therapy Student Award: Kathryn Gubbini Honors Conference and Student Showcase Awards: Luke Grieser, Michelee Rigdon, Drew Grassley,

Grace Yackee, right, presented Construction Management professor Lisa Schaller with the Outstanding Faculty Award.

Schaller named outstanding faculty Rose Younglove Agora Staff

Mariah Carroll, Brittany Hanner, Jessica Collins, Cassy Fallon, Melanie Klump Outstanding Construction Management Student Award: Michelee Rigdon Outstanding Welding Student Award: Tony J. Simko Outstanding Electrical Student Award: Brett Ortolano Outstanding Automotive Student Award: Shawna Daniels Outstanding Mechanical Design Technology Student Award: Spencer Stevens Outstanding Product and Process Design Technology Student Award: Jared Roach Excellence in Journalism: Cheyanne Abel, Claire Bechard, Carla Cohen, Maya Gaynier, Jordan Jewell, Michael Nixon, Todd Salisbury, Lydia Sandefur, Rose Younglove Outstanding Journalism Award: James P. Quick, Cassidy Maier Outstanding Freshman Chemistry Award: Maribeth Mohn Outstanding Organic Chemistry Award: Kathleen Conner Outstanding Early Childhood Education Student Awards: Samantha Estill, Sheila Hall Outstanding Mathematics Student Award: Jessica Marimpietri President’s Academic Achievement Awards: Elizabeth Jordan, Brooke Lambrix, Elizabeth Lapp, Alexa Marchese, Jessica Marimpietri, Aleija Rodriguez, Gregory Rutkowski, Matt Vyse Outstanding Humanities Student Award: Kayla Hodges The George Rhodes Writing Fellow Award: Dawn Witmer Faculty Association Outstanding Student Award:Aleija Rodriguez, Lydia Sandefur Dr. Ronald Campbell Student Government Award: Samantha Beaudrie and Allison Warner Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award: James Smith Outstanding Faculty Award: Lisa Schaller Outstanding Student Program of the Year Award: The Student Nurse Association

Professor Lisa Schaller won the outstanding faculty of the year award after just one year at MCCC. Her work has influenced many students and staff of the college, according to Dr. Grace Yackee, Vice President of Instruction, who presented the award. ”She has shown much interest by participating in various committees within the college and takes interest in improving the teaching environment for her students,” Yackee said.

Yackee said Schaller joined the college as an assistant professor of Construction Management in the fall of 2018.

According to Peter Coomar, dean of the Applied Science and Engineering Technology Division, Schaller spends a lot of time with her students and is known to encourage them to work in the industry.

Schaller connects with her students, always giving them her best, Coomar said.

Students have described Schaller as extremely smart, engaging, caring, helpful, and hardworking, Yackee said.

New to the faculty and new to the awards ceremony, Schaller humbly accepted her award, without any remarks of her own.

Professor Mark Bergmooser jokingly thanked her for saving the last 45 minutes of the awards ceremony.

Schaller brings significant experience to the college, having taught full-time at the university level as well as over 20 years of industry experience in construction, estimating, and fire alarm and security systems design and installation.

She holds a master’s degree in Technical Management from Bowling Green State University and a bachelor’s of science in Construction Management from BGSU.

10 • Feature

April 18, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

Autistic people can speak for themselves Rose Younglove Agora Staff

Fearmongering, the action of deliberately arousing public fear or alarm about a particular issue, has always been a powerful tactic.

Fear mongering and hatred are what stirred the images of separation in the MCCC library.

Racist public campaigns depict black children as law breakers. Fat people are often cruelly viewed as stupid and without dignity. The KKK, White Nationalists, and other groups have used fear mongering as a way to demonize minorities.

These examples of extreme hatred reminded me of another eugenic group.

Autism Speaks (AS) plans to “cure” the world of autism.

Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism, founded AS in February 2005.

AS may fool others with its word of concerns for those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but its intent is to remove children with ASD from existing.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ASD is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association used to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD have: difficulty with communication and interaction with other people, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, and symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life.

When I was in high school I created a presentation about ASD. For this presentation I used several providers of information, including Autism Speaks.

I later discovered how unsafe and dishonest AS is, and in the name of Autism Awareness month I thought I would share my findings.

When you google ‘Autism,’ Autism Speaks (AS) is the first thing which pops up and leads internet users to a collection of lies. AS portrays autism as something to eradicate and those who have it as helpless and uncaring.

To include those with autism in the discussion I spoke with my younger sister Isabelle Younglove, 17, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s in elementary school.

Asperger’s is a developmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.

Isabelle discussed her views and thoughts on ASD. “Imagine an ice cream parlor in which the person making the ice cream (a person’s brain) picks out toppings (symptoms of neurodivergency) at random,” Younglove said.

“Some toppings might be more flavorful than others. People might mistake cones with certain other toppings as ‘topping-free.’

“Some people are jerks who deny that an ice cream cone is ice cream at all because of the toppings. Sometimes a topping is detrimental to the overall taste of the cone, or sometimes it makes it taste even better. Sometimes a cone has no toppings at all.”

AS regards those on the spectrum as inflicting suffering, based off of the organization’s commercials and the sites own words.

One example of AS twisting and lying about autism can be seen in their advertising. The commercial “I Am Autism” was removed from AS’ Youtube account but can still be

Illustration by Cheyanne Abel

The puzzle pieces are a symbol of Autism Speaks.

viewed through other postings of the cruel, fear mongering commercial which paints autism as a disease.

The commercial shows videos of children who apparently have autism. Viewers know they have autism because of a deep voice speaking over ominous music.

“I am visible to your children, but I am invisible to you until it’s too late,” the commercial says.

“If you are happily married I will make sure that your marriage fails. Your money will fall into my hands and I will bankrupt you for my own self gain.

“I don’t sleep so I make sure you don’t either. I will make it virtually impossible for your family to easily attend a temple, a birthday party, a public park without a struggle, without embarrassment, without pain.

“You have no cure for me.”

This is just one example of AS portraying autism as something to fear, and those who have it are infected and are not really your children.

“Autism Speaks is not a safe organization,” Younglove said. “It does not care about accepting autistic people, and its messages inspire fear and hatred of them.”

In November 2014, Suzanne Wright spoke at the Vatican and further showed her views on ASD. “Let us all be honest: autism is like nothing we have ever experienced before,” she said. “And there are a tremendous amount of suffering in our autism families.”

Wright even compared those on the spectrum to lepers in the bible, the outcasts of society infected by a chronic, infectious disease.

“Autism is forcing parents and caregivers to slow down the frenetic pace of our modern world and look into the eyes of our loved ones, as Saint Francis did with the leper.”

It is this attitude which deters those with ASD from the organization. Those are the voices we should be listening to, those who have ASD, not those who demonize it.

Autistic Advocacy is an honest organization assisting and representing those on the spectrum– because members of the organization actually have ASD. According to Autism Advocacy only 1.6% of Autism Speaks’ budget goes towards the “Family Service” grants.

This is the organization’s means of funding services.

“Autism Speaks spends 10x as much—16%—on fundraising,” the website says. ”Although Autism Speaks has not prioritized services with a practical impact for families and individuals in its budget, its rates of executive pay are the highest in the autism world: some salaries exceed $500,000 a year.”

One of AS biggest criticisms has been the lack of board of directors or any members of the organization who actually have autism.

In the past there have been members in the organization such as John Elder Robinson. According to Robinson’s personal bog, the author resigned his role at AS after a series of outrageous comments from the company’s founders.

AS views autism as something to cure, something deadly which needs to be eradicated from the gene pool.

Searching for a cure to autism not only hurts the autistic community but it is a personal attack on their very existence.

Agora/mcccagora.com

Feature • 11

April 18, 2019

Students conquer Sputum Bowl Jessica Southerland For the Agora

As a first year Respiratory Therapy (RT) student, I was excited to compete in the Sputum Bowl with my fellow MCCC RT classmates.

On Wednesday, April 3, through Friday, April 5, we had the privilege of attending Michigan Society of Respiratory Care Spring Conference in Kalamazoo, MI. The Sputum Bowl is a competition by various college students and clinicians that answer respiratory based questions in a Jeopardy-like fashion.

I was so nervous and excited! I didn’t know what to expect other than the fact I was hoping to make my instructors proud with hopes that my studies and effort were reflected in my knowledge during the competition.

I arrived early Tuesday night for a practice with some of my classmates where we prepared for the Sputum Bowl competition the next day. This practice was very relaxed, and I was able to get a feel for the rules and regulations. I am so glad I went.

During the practice session I was able to see what the room looked like and where everyone would sit. It consisted of two tables that seated three people and the judges were placed in the middle. Everyone was given a buzzer and was expected to buzz in if they knew the answer. No phones or materials were allowed on the tables, just a piece of paper, pen, calculator and the ball of nerves I was feeling.

Despite all the pressure, I was truly encouraged seeing other students and clinicians participate in such a great spirited way.

I later found out that evening, to my relief, that during the competition the teams could call on an “expert” if we were unsure of an answer. The only catch was, we could only use this resource once. My team gladly chose Helen Stripling, one of our very devoted and educated instructors!

The next day was the big day. Let the games begin, I thought to myself. My team

Briefs E-W ceremony planned

Ground will be broken May 6 for the new East and West Tech renovation.

The project will combine the two 1960s-era buildings into a single, modern facility.

The ceremony to commemorate the beginning of the construction will begin at 9 a.m., directly in front of where the north entrance to the renovated facility’s new main corridor and academic commons will be located.

The cost of the project is $9 million, with

Photos courtesy of Jessica Southerland

Second Year Respiratory Therapy students compete in Sputum Bowl in Kalamazoo.

made a large sign with our name on it! We were announced and introduced as the ‘Wannahockaloogies,” who represented MCCC’s first year RT students.

I could feel my palms sweating I was so nervous. I had never competed academically like this before. So, I channeled my inner athlete and gave it my best.

Next thing you know, my team and I were hot on the buzzer answering questions that challenged us almost to a point of panic, but we knew our stuff! We started dominating and winning round after round. I recall one round we won at the last second because we were quick on that buzzer! The rounds were only ten minutes long, so you had to be quick, complete, and concise verbalizing the correct calculation or answer, including any mathematical units.

The bond and comradery that my team and I experienced was what got us through each

round as a team. The different categories of Respiratory questions each accentuated our strengths as individuals and coming together to agree quickly was an exemplary form of team work.

Unfortunately, we lost against our own second year RT students from MCCC! They were incredible and so smart. Once we were knocked out of the competition, they took over and led the way, winning and making it all the way to the championship round! We were so happy to support and root them on.

The best part was, they broke the eleven-year winning streak held by Macomb Community College! We were so proud of them! They will be competing in the National championship in New Orleans in November this year.

Wish them luck!

The “second years” we call them, have been a beacon of light and foundation of friendship and support. They have always

been willing and available to help us “first years” study, understand complicated material, and reassure us we can do it! As they go on their way to become professionals in the Respiratory field, I can only hope that we follow in their footsteps and set that example of passion and comradery that they have executed so greatly.

Like that of the multidisciplinary health care team, with many different personalities, experiences, and job roles as professionals, we in health care have one objective and that is to help our patients. We come together selflessly to complete that objective and ensure safety for each other and those we provide care for. Our objective that day was to show everyone who Monroe County Community College Respiratory Therapy is; and, we did just that!

Working as a team is a major necessity to provide a collaborative team building, patient centered care environment. I feel this Sputum Bowl has truly bonded my team and other fellow classmates, who rooted us on and supported us with such encouragement and tenacity!

I am so grateful for this opportunity and thankful for the learning experience, as well as the collaborative team building skills I can take away from this event! Thank you to all our instructors and administrators for allowing us to participate in such an amazing event!

The first year students and Professor Helen Stripling celebrate winning the Sputum Bowl.

$5.25 million funded by a 5-year millage approved by Monroe County voters in 2016 and $3.75 million funded by the state of Michigan.

Welding Category SMAW: Thomas Jennings-Boldt – Bronze; Bailey Gillenkirk – Silver.

Overall: Tony Simko – Bronze.

Welders win six medals

Open house, talk planned

MCCC Welders won six awards in the statewide SkillsUSA competition March 29.

The competition was held at Washtenaw Community College. Each student submitted a resume, took a written exam, and then completed their projects within a set time limit, according to an email from Peter Coomar, dean of the ASET division.

Professor Stephen Hasselbach’s team of welding students walked away with at

MCCC is hosting an open house for community members to view the new addition to the Life Sciences Building on Welding students, from left, Dalton Benner, April 30 at 5:30 p.m., followed by a State Thomas Jennings-Boldt, Bailey Gillenkirk, of the College address at 6 p.m.

Tony Simko, Wyatt Liedel, and Kyle Haener.

Both events, which are open to the least one medal in each of the categories public, will be held in the approximately 2,500-square-foot expansion. they competed in.

The addition was part of a $1.25-million Winners were: upgrade to the L Building funded by the Welding Category GMAW: Michael 5-year millage approved in 2016.

Clark – Bronze; Kyle Haener – Silver.

12 • Opinion

April 18, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

The greatest gift; give blood to save a life Claire Bechard Agora Staff

Give back and give blood.

The life-force of all animals is blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients to our organs and keeps us alive. However, there is not enough blood to sustain all life.

Burn victims, cancer patients, and surgeries all require blood from an outside source.

Some of us are fortunate enough to produce blood that is healthy enough to save a life. Every time someone donates blood, they have the ability to save three lives with that one pouch.

However, that number is an underestimate, according to Al Whitney, spokesperson and founder of Platelets Across America.

“When you give blood, you don’t just save three lives, you save four; you save your own, too. When you give blood it is tested for HIV, cancer, and other diseases, because the blood you give must be healthy” Whitney said.

“The American Red Cross will immediately notify you if they find anything potentially harmful in your blood.”

Whitney is about as passionate about blood drives as somebody can get. He has donated blood in every state and donated over 800 units of blood in his lifetime.

According to the American Red Cross, you can give blood about seven times a calendar year. Therefore, people can save up

to 22 lives a year, just by taking the time to give a couple ounces of blood every three months.

MCCC regularly hosts blood drives in the cafeteria. Here are some upcoming local blood drive events.

April 25 at Zion Lutheran Church 186 Cole Rd. 12:30-6:30 April 26 at Monroe Church of the Nazarene 3401 S. Custer (M-50) 12-6 May 7 at Jefferson Middle School (5-8) 5102 N. Stony Creek rd. 2-7 May 13 at Moose Lodge 884 1320 N. Macomb May 15 at Ellis Brach Library 3700 S. Custer Rd. 12-6 May 16 at Divine Grace Catholic Church 9207 Joseph Street 12-6 May 18 at St. Mary’s Church 127 N. Monroe Street 8-1 May 20 at St Paul. United Methodist Church 201 S. Monroe Street 12:30-6 May 21 at Monroe VFW Post #1138 400 Jones Avenue 12-6 “The average age of our donors is 55,” said Jana Gillberg, Manager of the Northern Ohio-Western Lake Erie Region of the American Red Cross.

“We understand that blood banking is not for everyone. Not everyone is eligible, or feels comfortable about it; however, the need is constant,” she said.

American Red Cross signs often are seen on campus promoting upcoming blood drives.

Before you decide to give blood, there are things that you must be aware of. According to the Red Cross, you may not give blood if you: • Have ever used needles to take any drugs not prescribed by your doctor.

• Are a male who has had sexual contact with another male in the past year.

• Have ever had any type of STD virus.

The mission does not stop at just blood donations; hospitals and patients need platelets too.

Platelets are the component of blood that clots; burn victims and cancer patients need them the most. Platelets only have a shelf life of five days, though, making it hard to get donations.

According to the American Red Cross, the donation of platelets can take two to three hours, because it takes time to ensure a full

donation.

Platelets may be donated every seven days, and up to 24 times a year.

Giving blood is also a way to get a free blood test. After donating, I was surprised to know that my iron levels were high. I also did not know my blood type until after the test, which turned out to be AB+. Now I know that I am a universal recipient of blood.

Disclaimer: After a donation, the donated blood component will temporarily decrease.

Plasma is replaced within several hours, platelets within 24-72 hours, and red blood cells replenish within several weeks.

Give life by giving blood. Your body obviously makes more of it when people need it.

Blood expires within three weeks therefore, there is a constant need for blood. Blood cannot be artificially created, so do your duty and save a life.

#SAVEODAAT tweets Netflix audience Rose Younglove Agora Staff

#SAVEODAAT After a long day of classes and work, sometimes all you want to do is Netflix and chill.

No, not that kind of chill. Relaxing at home with your favorite show can be a great way to end the day or take a break from the busy day.

For some viewers, streaming is a source of frustration. “One Day at a Time” (ODAAT), a Netflix original TV show, has been cancelled and fans are outraged.

ODAAT was a remake of the 1975 original with a Latin twist. The show focused on the lives of Penelope Alvarez, a recently divorced Cuban veteran, and her wildly funny mother and two children.

Each episode balanced laughter and language.

The show represented various groups, such as immigrants, Jews, veterans, the LGBTQ community, including non-binary characters, and others.

With topics such as racism, PTSD, homophobia, the #MeToo movement, addiction, anxiety, and depression, it seemed there was nothing the show couldn’t handle.

Netflix show “One Day at a Time” was cancelled after three seasons.

At least, until it was denied a fourth season and canceled.

Netflix announced its plans publicly through Twitter on March 14.

“We’ve made the very difficult decision not to renew One Day at a Time for a fourth season,” the tweet read.

“The choice did not come easily — we spent several weeks trying to find a way to make another season work, but in the end simply not enough people watched to justify

another season.”

Fans have accused Netflix of ignoring their more diverse shows in favor of promoting popular reruns or shows Netflix considers more marketable, such as “13 Reasons Why.” “13 Reasons Why” has received several negative reviews from psychologists. Where ODAAT promotes group therapy and open communication, “13 Reasons Why” portrays suicide as motivated by a desire for revenge. So why is Netflix promoting it?

Many twitter users complained of a complete lack of advertising for ODAAT. Some users have even changed their name on Twitter, such as twitter user noel#SaveODAAT. “Maybe, just maybe, if you guys had promoted this as much as you do with other shows, it would’ve done better,” they said.

Shows representing African Americans, Latino families, and other minorities are not new to Netflix cancellations.

Baz Luhrmann’s “The Get Down”, Marvel’s “Luke Cage,” and “Sense8,” are just a few examples of diverse Netflix shows the streaming service has cancelled.

“It seems like a trend with you,” Noel said.

“You don’t promote a show and then cancel

it, when it (surprise!) doesn’t have enough viewers.”

Netflix’s decision to license the popular sitcom “Friends.”

According to The New York Times, Netflix paid $100 million to license the show until the end of 2019, when it used to pay $30,000 per year to host it.

But the outrage didn’t stop there. #SAVEODAAT began trending on twitter and has attracted several celebrities, such as “Brooklyn 99” stars Melissa Fumero and Stephanie Beatriz. Hamilton playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda has even tried to recruit other networks to continue the show.

“Hey @nbc,” the star tweeted. “I hear you like comedies with built-in fan bases that do even better on YOUR network than at their previous homes...#SAVEODAAT.” According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (going by Pwc), 67% of consumers are payTV subscribers as of 2018. This is a further decrease from 73% in 2017 and 77% in 2016. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are increasingly popular.

But with Netflix raising its subscriptions to $12.99 and not listening to its viewers, will the service lose its consumers? Maybe it’s time Netflix needs to chill.

13 • Opinion

April 18, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

Editor bids farewell to Agora James P. Quick Agora Editor

I honestly cannot think of a way to open this without sounding horribly corny, so I’m not going to embarrass myself.

This is the third-to-last article I’ll be writing for the Agora. The last will be covering Student of the Year for Honors Night.

But this doesn’t feel real. The Agora has been a huge part of my life for three years now. Logically I know I have to leave, but emotionally I’d rather stay. I’ve made such wonderful friends here. I feel like I really became an adult here. Leaving would feel as though, on some level, I’m betraying all that.

Of course, that’s not the point. I have to go out and face the world on my own terms as my own man, armed with good intentions, a diploma, and a bit of blind faith.

Oh, hell, I said I wasn’t going to get corny and here I am, sounding like every schmaltzy, “inspirational” film Hollywood’s made since the ‘90s!

Let’s just get into this before I start getting really emotional.

I was invited to join the Agora by Dan Shaw, the adviser, back in 2016. My friend Joe Abrams and I were in his Intro to Mass Media class (fond memories there; I wrote my final paper on my reason for liv- er, favorite show: Doctor Who) and I guess we showed some promise. It also didn’t help that the entire staff before us was leaving.

We’d be entirely fresh.

I figured, why not? I love helping people in need and I’d been meaning to join a school newspaper since middle school. Now was my chance! I accepted.

The first article I wrote for the Agora was, I think, a good fit. No trial by fire there, just covering Pokémon GO, which had come out that summer. Having never taken journalism, I wrote the article in the style of an essay or prose piece, which is not how things are done. Then I was introduced to

AP Style, and ever since I’ve been wondering what goes through those people’s heads.

Honestly, some of those rules are just utterly cockamamie!

I moved up eventually to personality profiles, and for a while I guess I cut out a niche covering retirements! Dr. McCloskey, Dr. Sabo, Dr. Nedry… It was nice, even if it was saddening to see them go; especially Dr. McCloskey, who’d been my first professor here at the college.

Much as I enjoy the articles I’ve done, I think one of my favorite parts of the Agora has been the great friends I’ve made during my time here. They’re practically family.

I’m just going to single out a few people currently on the staff; Dan can wait for his article elsewhere in this issue.

Vanessa Ray is the sort of person who you don’t think really exists – or, at least, I didn’t.

She’s a friend to all animals, has a ferocious work ethic, possesses an unfailingly upbeat personality, and has overcome hardship and strife to become one of the finest journalists and photographers I know. I’m so proud to call her my friend, and hope to do so for many years to come.

Admittedly, I didn’t know what to make of Cassidy Maier when we first met at the Agora summer barbecue. Beautiful red hair, an inquisitive mind, and a drive to get things done – and done properly! I think we get along mostly because of our inquisitive minds and love of sci-fi, as we really can be different as night and day. I wouldn’t change that for the world, though. She’s been wonderful to have as a fellow staff member, co-editor, and friend.

Watching Cheyanne Abel come into her own on the Agora staff has been something I’m intrigued by, looking back on it. She came in with art skills and good intentions, then learned how to design pages before working up to writing opinion pieces. But there’s more to her than that. She’s got a great sense of humor, is fluent in Japanese,

and is willing to go the extra mile for her friends… time permitting. (Honestly, six classes in one semester, how do you do it?)

Another one who I couldn’t get a read on when I first met him was Todd Salisbury, again at the Agora summer barbecue. Now, two semesters later, has proven himself in spades. His is a mind that writes best when rather annoyed – which isn’t a bad thing!

Plenty of careers have been made on such things. He’s introduced me to awesome music, offered great perspective on stories, and more. I leave the Agora in his capable hands (and Jordan Jewell’s, too).

Now then… what about me?

I’ve grown as a person over the last few years. I think there’d be something very wrong if I hadn’t, as a matter of fact. When I came to the Agora, I had been set on becoming a paleontologist. Then over my time here, I decided to become a journalist.

Now, however… I’m not sure I want to be a journalist. It’s been a blast being on the Agora, but my work ethic can be really appalling, and my turnaround times are (in professional terms) a non-starter. Nevertheless, I want to keep writing.

Honestly, creative writing has been The Thing for me ever since I was a little boy writing a monster-themed version of “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” I’m told by Dr. Joyce Haver, one of our counselors and another friend of mine, that I should go to Wayne State to study in that field.

I’d love to, but what about my boyfriend Andrew down in Pensacola? I don’t like being so far from him, and I’m looking into schools down there. But who knows what the future holds? I’m not a clairvoyant; I cannot make predictions… well, not with any accuracy.

I don’t know what more I can say that isn’t a grand declaration, so hold on just a second while I pull out my soapbox and give it a little dusting.

Photo by Claire Bechard

James P. Quick, co-editor of the Agora.

Right. Let’s do this.

We live in a time where not just journalism is under fire, but the middle class, vaccines, and our climate. Almost everything is in a state of extreme flux. Even I have to admit that it’s frightening out there some days.

It makes me want to just stay in bed and hide… which I have done more than once.

Hey, no one ever said depression was pretty.

But we can’t hide. We can’t hope the problem will go away. We need to stand tall and fight for what’s right: truth, facts, fair play, equality, and love. I’m not asking you all to go out there and become warriors. Just keep your heads on straight and keep your wits about you.

And, above all else, if you need to get something out there and you’re not confident your Facebook post or tweet will go viral… then go find a reporter. Go get in touch with your local news.

Say something!

Hometown band makes its mark Claire Bechard Agora Staff

“The greatest thing you’ll ever see, probably.”

Jack and the Bear is a family band from Monroe, with a genre that can only be described as “theatrical rock” with vaudevillian tendencies.

Producer and drummer Adam Schreiber talked to me via email about their sound and background.

“We are three siblings (and Evan, a longtime family friend) first, and a band second.

What we do on stage/in studio is the same thing we would be doing, even if there was no audience. We are just a weird family being weird,” Schreiber said.

Their sound is often described as “Dark Disney;” as they’re influenced by the Disney movies the band grew up watching together.

“Brandon, Christina and I were heavily raised on classic Disney movies and various musicals. Disney is one of the things we have always gone back to referencing, as far the sound of the band/writing/performance.

That mixed with a bit of an early 20th century Hokum edge provides a darker sound. In the words of Tom Waits, ‘Beautiful melodies saying terrible things,’” Schreiber said.

Throughout their time as a self-managed band, “Jack and the Bear” has performed at large music festivals, such as Bristol Rhythm and Roots, The Frendly Gathering, and Nashville PAW Fest.

They have worked with Grammy award winning artists, engineers and producers, including Oz Fritz, Doug Sax, Mooka Rennick, and Sam Bardfeld. They have even had multiple works placed and aired on MTV’s Catfish & Teen Mom. Their debut album, “Dreams Get You Nowhere,” was released in 2013.

“Gruesome Gruesome” is their most recent work, released last fall.

“We currently have a handful of separate projects in the works for ‘Jack and the Bear.’ First, a 1940s Trinidad Calypso inspired EP to be in collaboration

Photo by Jordan Wilson

Continued on Page 16 “Jack and the Bear” poses with Jack.

14 • Opinion

April 18, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

Agora adviser starts a new story

Dan Shaw

Agora Adviser

My life has been a series of chapters, each involving a new beginning in a new setting.

Each chapter started with hope and anticipation, along with a healthy dose of anxiety and apprehension. I was moving my family to another city, joining another newsroom, learning another community.

One thread connecting the chapters was story-telling.

From my first job as a reporter for the student newspaper at Oregon State University to my last job teaching journalism at MCCC, I’ve been telling stories and helping others tell stories.

That’s pretty close to 50 years of gathering facts, feelings, thoughts, and ideas and weaving them into narratives that inform, amuse, entertain – and hopefully not bore.

My personal narrative includes stops at a dozen newspapers in seven states, spread over 32 years.

I never tired of telling stories, seeing each new community as empty pages in a book.

Agora adviser Dan Shaw.

Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Ohio and finally Michigan – thousands of stories covering communities spread across the nation.

I’ve enjoyed just as much helping students at MCCC learn what it takes to be journalists.

I came into the newspaper world in the early 1970s near the pinnacle of the “objective era,” when telling stories required leaving myself out of the narrative, emphasizing accuracy, balance and fairness.

I watched as first “literary journalism,” then “advocacy journalism,” then “citizen journalism” and “personal brand journalism” laid siege to the concept of objective journalism.

I came to agree that objectivity is impossible. We’re human, and we’re all captives of our subconscious minds, the sum total of our past experiences. We can’t turn that off, no matter how hard we try.

But I still think objectivity is a worthy goal. I think the best journalists still search for it, knowing that in the end they’ll fail, but that readers will be better served by the journey. It’s what makes their work valuable, setting them apart from the noise of the Internet.

At the same time, many of the changes in journalism have been positive, helping writers tell more compelling stories.

A more personal approach helps readers connect with the writer and allows the writer more license to explore paths to truth.

I’m retiring at a time when journalism is more important than ever, and when it’s under attack by people who don’t seem to understand that.

While I’m worried about the future, I’m also hopeful. It’s true, we’re going through a tumultuous restructuring of the business mod-

els that support journalism. And at the same time, the polarization of our country threatens to split the world of journalism down the middle.

But I think more and more people are seeing the need for responsible journalism, and are beginning to understand that it’s worth paying for.

I spend a lot of time with young people, and I’m confident that journalism is in good hands.

There are plenty of smart, curious, thoughtful people willing to tackle the challenge of story-telling in the digital world.

Many of the chapters in my life ended with a column like this.

A farewell to a community I had served for two or three or four years, and a thank you for accepting me into their midst.

This one is a little different, though.

I’m not leaving MCCC to go on to another community, to start another chapter in my career.

I’m not transferring – I’m retiring.

That’s a new job altogether, and it’s a little scary.

This also is the longest I’ve been in a single position – by far. I’ve had more time to develop deeper friendships.

It’s also different because MCCC is a special place, full of talented faculty, staff and administrators.

Just as important as their skill and dedication is their commitment to each other.

This is not only a place you can be proud to work, it’s a place you can genuinely enjoy working.

Most of all, what sets this chapter apart is the students. I’ve been privileged to get to know hundreds of young people. They’ve enriched my life in countless ways.

I’ve watched them explore their potential, struggle with obstacles, reach down for the determination to keep going, and light up with joy when they succeed.

Witnessing them beginning to write their own stories has been amazing.

I owe a deep debt of gratitude to my colleagues at MCCC, but also to the students who have made my time here so special.

Staff, previous editors, bid Shaw farewell I was never quite sure what to make of the short man in blue at the front of my Journalism class. It took me the majority of the semester to decide I liked him. It took me longer to decide we would be friends. But it will take me forever to forget him.

The thing I’ll miss most about Dan Shaw are his stories. He would constantly stop class to tell us a story to teach us about journalism, or being a good reporter, or about life.

I’ve already used so much of what he’s taught me and will continue to carry the things I’ve learned from him with me and use them in so many of the things I’ll do.

Some of my favorite times on the paper have been when he turned to me, stopped what he was doing, and started a story. I was never invisible to him.

He introduced me to the Agora and then gave me a shove towards it when I hesitated.

That was what he did; push me to do things I still can’t believe I was able to do.

I was always the quiet one who never gave spoke in class, and who never ever thought about writing for

a paper. And yet here I am, working as one of the editors of the Agora.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for seeing me and teaching me and believing in me when I needed it most.

won’t be the same without him – at the college, in my life, or any of the others he’s touched over the years.

There’s so much more I could say and stories I could tell. I’ll settle for this: Thank you so much, Dan. James P. Quick – 2018-19 Editor

my future of writing articles and creating illustrations, and I am beyond proud to say that I’ve worked beside him and grown to know him over the three years I have worked on the Agora staff. May God bless you now and forever more Dan!

Rarely have I met a nicer, more optimistic, conscientious, or wise human being than Dan Shaw. Nor one with a more wicked-yet-understated sense of humor. I say all this without hyperbole, as Dan really is that amazing. The phrase “one of a kind” fits like a glove.

I feel safe in knowing that the lessons he has passed down to me will stick with me for decades to come.

Always be objective in your reporting. Never go alone in a major metropolitan area. Don’t try to kill a shark with only a camp hatchet and your bare hands. Never give a mother cassowary reason to distrust you.

Those last two are very long stories; ask him about them!

But more than anything, what I’ll miss most about Dan is just seeing him regularly. I consider him to be family, like all of my Agora colleagues, and leaving family always hurts. Things

I have never met someone so passionate about his career and love for students until I walked into his office. Professor Dan Shaw took me under his wing and taught me everything I needed to know about advertising and illustrating. I would’ve never thought in a million years that I would be working on a newspaper staff, and I couldn’t have been paired with a better group lead by a greater individual. I never knew my grandfathers, but I would definitely consider him a fine substitution. With his kind-hearted nature and unique personality, Dan will always hold a special place in my heart now and forever. I will always remember the times he encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and the time he told me that even though I only do illustrations for the paper, I will end up writing articles sooner or later. He was right. He predicted

Truly encapsulating everything I want to say about Dan Shaw would take far more than the words I’ve been allotted, but I’m sure going to give it the old MCCC try.

When I think of memories of Dan, I always go back to our first meeting.

Shortly after my English professor told me she thought I would make a good fit for the Agora, I set up an interview.

I distinctly remember telling Dan how I was hoping there were some non-writing positions available. When Dan said “I think you can try writing too,” I recoiled.

As usual, Dan knew best.

Dan helped mold me from someone who backed into sentences, buried quotes and didn’t know the difference between a nut graph and a lead, into someone who could

Cassidy Maier – 2018-19 Editor

Cheyanne Abel – 2016-19 Staff

Dan Shaw early in his career write well enough to freelance for a professional news organization.

Anyone who has been on the Agora leaves a better writer – because Dan always listens and is always available to help.

Outside of my parents and brother, there is no one who has had a bigger impact on my life than Dan. So, thank you Dan. For always believing in me, for encouraging me, and for being my mentor and friend.

Vanessa Ray – 2017-18 Editor

Continued on Page 15

Agora/mcccagora.com

Opinion • 15

April 18, 2019

What our adviser means to us Continued from Page 14

What does Dan mean to me?

Well, he was the first person to take me to the place I now call home. The Agora staff goes on an annual trip to NYC for a journalism conference. My year as editor was no exception. We spent our days in the city attending lectures, wandering around museums, and running through the streets trying to keep up with Dan. Three years later, when he took his last group of students, one of their stops was meeting me.

I also traveled abroad with Dan to Italy and Greece. We sat silently in cathedrals. I watched him beat a student in basketball. There was also the time we chose to forgo the lift up to Santorini and climbed 600 steps alongside donkeys instead.

Though those are all good memories, Dan is more than a fearless leader. He was my first friend on campus. Without him, I would have never been the editor of the Agora. And if I wasn’t editor, I wouldn’t be able to say I have interviewed the Student Government president on live television; I have worked for Monroe News; I have given a commencement speech at graduation; and above all, I have lifelong college friends Leah Thomas - 2016-17 Editor

I learned many things from Dan Shaw in my time attending his classes, serving as the editor of the Agora, and traveling with him on school trips. I always saw an example of someone who weighed their options, and made their best attempt to be unbiased.

I sometimes reflect on those memories in my professional life now, and remember them as examples of how to be fair. It made an impression on me that he refused to publicly identify with a political party as well, after such a long career.

Another sentiment I’ve heard from many other students is how kind of a person Dan has always been. There were times over the three years I knew Dan that I probably disappointed him, but he was always nice, even if I pushed his limits.

He also seemed to enjoy elaborating on any topic and sharing his experiences. I tried to take those opportunities to acquire a little bit of knowledge about the given subject, whatever it happened to be.

But I think just maybe the best thing I learned from Dan was actually fashion-related. He always bought blue shirts because, according to him, he knew he couldn’t go

wrong with that color. And well, it’s worked for me ever since.

Jacob Adams - 2015-16 Editor

When I graduated from Monroe County Community College in May 2016, I wasn’t sure what was ahead. Yet as I applied at universities, I knew I’d received a solid foundation on which I could pursue my dreams. My education at MCCC was highly influential in shaping my career trajectory.

These formative experiences were in no small part due to one particularly wise and patient mentor: Dan Shaw.

A multimedia course was the first I took with Dan, where he hooked me on a singular idea: a career in storytelling. To be honest, I don’t remember much else from that class, it serving only now as a memory of the beginning of the rest of my life. I wasn’t sure at the time what it all meant, but knew I was determined to become a storyteller.

It wasn’t long before I was conscripted as a reporter for The Agora – and only a year later that I was working as co-editor of the student newspaper. As Dan taught me the ropes of journalism, he was also instrumental in helping me get accepted into Michigan State University’s journalism school where I followed my growing passion for documentary filmmaking.

E. Evan Kutz - 2015-16 Editor

It is not a stretch to say that Dan Shaw changed my life. I’m positive that any other student who has spent a significant amount of time with him would say the same. Dan assumed a natural mentor role to all of his students, as well as the role of an occasional life coach to those of us trying to navigate their first few years of college/adult life.

I had very little idea of what I wanted to do when I came to MCCC in 2012, fresh out of high school. Dan’s introduction to journalism was my very first college course, in the basement of the C building, and the fact that I have a degree in journalism today has everything to do with him.

I could probably go on about the countless memories I have with Dan that I’ll always be grateful for, but I have a feeling that not everyone subscribes to his philosophy of ‘a story should be exactly as long as it needs to be.’ I’ve got a word count, Dan. I’m sure that you will continue to change lives, even in retirement, like you changed mine.

Julia Wells -- 2013-14 Editor

“You get to do this once in your career,” he told me nearly a decade ago. “Are you sure you want this to be it?”

Stone-faced and without a trace of his ever-present humor, Dan Shaw shifted through one of the first articles I’d ever written for The Agora. Humoring him, I shook my head and said I’d rewrite my lead. He smiled and handed back my story.

My journalistic sin – beginning a story with a quote – had seemed insignificant at the time. Years later, the impact Dan’s guidance and mentorship has had on my career and education is far from insignificant, though.

Dan instilled in me the importance of news and its ability to shape the world. He also showed me that writing is a craft – one that requires thought and skill. Whenever I edit, write or design, I think of what he taught me, and even when I least expect it, his wisdom and advice continues to follow me.

And I know one day, when I find a subject matter worthy enough of being the focus of my one and only story that begins with a quote, I’ll think of him then too.

Tyler Eagle -- 2011-12 Editor

I first met Dan Shaw back in 2008 during my first year on the Agora. That same year was also Dan’s first year as the new advisor. That first year, we worked together and learned a lot for never having produced a college newspaper before. With Dan’s previous experience in journalism and working for different publications, I wouldn’t have been able to get through those first few years as editor. No matter how many times I got frustrated and wanted to give up, I knew I could rely on his guidance. My fondest memories with Dan involve the two journalism conferences in New York City that he made possible for the staff to attend. Dan was able to get a grant for us to experience the Big Apple itself and the hub of where journalism dreams, become a reality. It truly was an experience I will never forget. Dan was a great mentor and with everything he has accomplished in his career, he has a lot to be proud of. I wish him the very best on his retirement! Congratulations Dan! You deserve it.

Jennifer Niswender -- 2009-10 Editor

Dan was not what I expected, but he became much more. I, along with a few staff members, had the

Dan Shaw in a July 1982 edition of "About the Faces" from the Herald.

chance to partake in the interviewing process for a new Agora advisor. After being an editor-in-chief a year I knew what our staff needed.

While Dan had the experience, I was worried since he had not taught previously he would not know how to aid us properly in our ventures to become journalists. However, it was in my second year, with Dan as my advisor, where I officially decided to study Secondary Education with hopes to teach English and journalism. I had learned that being an editor was like being a teacher; a leadership role filled with opportunities to guide, correct, encourage and praise my staff in their writing and design. Since Dan had already worked for years as an editor for a newspaper, he had already lived the life of a teacher, just in the workplace. He took his experience and gave us perspective and insight from every angle. Now as a teacher, incorporating writing, design and journalism into my lessons, I thank Dan for his influence and am honored to have had him as an inspirational teacher.

Emily Chandonnet -- 2008-09 Editor

Dan has made this past year of classes and life much more enjoy-

able and important. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I would be.

Because of Dan, my life has made a lot of changes and I have met many new, important people that enrich my lives each day.

Through Dan, I enjoyed the Agora and my knowledge of writing, media, and culture has increased exponentially. It is with this increase in knowledge and skills that I was able to become an intern at Monroe News, to which I am very thankful for.

Dan is much more than a normal professor, he’s a mentor and friend.

He always has fun witty stories, smart (sometimes sarcastic) responses, and his smile lights up the biggest of rooms.

Even though he is retiring, I know he is not gone from the Agora nor is he gone from my life.

Thank you Dan, for everything.

Todd Salisbury 2019-20 Editor

The remainder of the goodbyes can be read online at mcccagora.com!

16 • Arts & Entertainment

April 18, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

Hamilton "Blows Us All Away"

Maya Gaynier Agora Staff

“Hamilton” is a modern take on an important story in America’s history, celebrating our freedom and the impact that people can still have today in our country and world.

“Hamilton” follows the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton (Tré Frazier) through hip-hop music as he finds his place in the American Revolution and the government that follows the war. The entire show is completely done through song and rap.

I saw the musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda at the Fisher Theater in Detroit.

Going into this show, I did not know anything about what I was seeing. I knew that people had been raving about “Hamilton,” and I did not want to miss my chance to see it. I think it was perfect that I did not know any of the songs or the plot (beyond my limited historical knowledge of Alexander Hamilton).

There are almost 50 songs and over 20,000 words in this musical.

The rapping was at a slow enough tempo that I could understand what characters were saying and follow the storyline.

Additionally, many lines were repeated throughout the songs so when I left the musical, I felt like I could already remember many lines, including Hamilton saying: “I am not throwing away my shot. Hey, yo. I’m just like my country. I’m young, scrappy, and hungry, and I’m not throwing away my shot.”

These repeated lines were important because they embodied

Hamilton has won many awards, including 11 Tony awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

the main themes of the show. This shows the idea of taking action to make change.

After doing some research, it is clear that Miranda worked hard to make “Hamilton” historically accurate.

For example, in the song “The Reynolds Pamphlet,” Miranda used lines directly from the real Reynolds Pamphlet. Additionally, throughout the songs, references are made to actual letters Hamilton wrote to the Schuyler sisters and other historical figures.

However, some changes were made as the show is considered a work of historical fiction. The relationship between Hamilton and his wife Eliza (Hannah Cruz) is very romanticized during the show. This is also enhanced by the changed timeline. Miranda moved around many events to create a more dramatic and romanticized storyline for audiences.

One thing that made this production different than others I have seen, was the set. The background was a Colonial-era building that is under construction.

Throughout the almost threehour musical, the set never changes. Initially, I was worried that no set changes would cause the show to be less exciting. However, the set designer, David Korins, was able to bring the set alive.

Two spinning rings are located on the ground that allow the characters to move while standing-still.

Korins said he intended for this to represent the cyclical relationship between Aaron Burr (Josh Tower) and Hamilton as they spiral around each other in both their careers and lives. The rotating stage created excitement and allowed the story to move without an extreme set change.

Frazer as Hamilton did a fantastic job of making me both love and hate his character. While Hamilton has many flaws that are portrayed throughout the musical, Frazer was able to create a character that was captivating and inspiring.

Hamilton is portrayed as a tragic hero, his main flaw being his obsession with leaving his legacy. In the song “Burn,” he is referred to as Icarus, the Greek mythological

character who, in his hubris, flew too close to the sun and perished.

Similarly, Hamilton was so obsessed with becoming richer and creating a legacy, that he neglects his family and dies to protect his legacy.

At the beginning of the musical, a voice over welcomes us to King George’s show. King George (Peter Matthew Smith) had a starring role with three hilarious solos.

Miranda took his chance to mock King George as the villain in this story.

In the song “You’ll Be Back,” the king is arguing that he will win the war and America will remember they belong to him. This is accompanied by the line, “And when push comes to shove, I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love.”

One of my favorite lines in the musical was near the beginning. In the song “The Schuyler Sisters,” Angelica Schuyler says that she has been reading Common Sense

by Thomas Paine, which stated that all men are created equal.

Angelica replies to this saying, “And when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’m ‘a compel him to include women in the sequel!”

I cannot let this review end without mentioning the role of Thomas Jefferson. Bryson Bruce played an amazing and surprising Jefferson.

In my mind, I have this idea of Jefferson being a serious founding father and president. However, Miranda made him an awesome and hilarious man. Bruce’s voice and dancing created a funny role that I did not expect. His mannerisms had the audience laughing out loud in their seats.

Local band makes musical strides Continued from Page 13

with some of the amazing horn players of the Theater Bizarre Orchestra; second, we will have Gruesome Gruesome PT.2, which will be a follow up to our EP we put out last year of original Halloween music; and finally our third full-length record,” he said.

One might ask, “Who’s Jack and who’s the Bear?”

According to the frontrunner, Brandon Schreiber, Jack is a cocker spaniel owned by the lead trumpet player, Christina, and Bear is an acronym representing the first four original members of the outfit.

I somehow always spot Adam and Brandon walking around town.

On April 3, I decided to take some friends to Ferndale on an otherwise regular Wednesday night to see the band open for the Animal Years at the popular bar, Otus Supply.

They played a variety of old and new during their set, combining bass, guitar, trumpet and drums to make a unique and theatrical sound.

The band recently moved to Monroe from Ann Arbor. Their new studio has inspired their music.

“The space we are currently in on Cass has some very special sounding rooms. As a producer, my favorite way to make a record is to start with a room that inspires/ challenges me and actually use the room itself as an instrument.

"Recording in treated rooms in commercial recording studios with no life left in them never really worked for us. A unique-sounding record starts with a unique sounding room. It is always nice to be doing records in my hometown as well. That’s something I never thought would happen,” Schreiber said.

Initially, I found the band to be unique and fairytale-like. Their sound has a transformative quality that can take the listener somewhere else.

The band has gone through a series of reincarnations. Their current state, however, is Adam’s favorite.

“This is personally the happiest I’ve been, as it feels the most true to who we are as people. It is more like an expressive outlet now, rather than a stressful business when we first started out. There’s no measuring ourselves to other bands, there is no competition; we are who we are.

"We don’t take ourselves too seriously and because of that each live show is completely different and a bit more reactive, I’d say.”

The band’s tagline, "the greatest thing you’ll ever see, probably," has quite the interesting meaning.

“Well, it came from people asking what we sound like. The 'probably' tagged on at the end is there as insurance in case it’s not the greatest thing.”

To check out their sound, updates can be found on both Facebook as Jack and the Bear and Instagram @ jackandthebear.