Feb 20, 2014

Black history month event photos page 3

February 20, 2014 Vol. 59, Issue 2

Local musical talent strives for success

By Shelby Spencer Agora Staff

Monroe’s nearly dead music scene hasn’t stopped locals from getting out there.

Monroe was shocked when local Julian Miller, graduate of Monroe High School, made the decision to leave American Idol.

“I worked hard and it meant a lot to me, but in the middle of it all, a better opportunity came into my life. An opportunity for artists,” Miller said.

Miller can be seen as a glimmer of hope for other local talents who are trying to make it big.

“Do what you want to do,” he said. “That’s how I live my life.”

That is exactly how MCCC student Mariana Chaves lives her life as well.

She plays the synthesizer and sings lead vocals in a band with her brother, Nino Chaves.

They call themselves, The Old Adage.

Mariana says the band was created by accident.

She had always loved singing and when her brother learned to play the guitar, they began to write music

“The way we look at it is if you want anything bad enough and are willing to work for it, there’s no way you won’t get there.”

Mariana Chaves The Old Adage

together.

They started out as opening acts for Jack & the Bear and The Unknown Legends at what use to be Cafe Classics downtown.

Then they started to book their own shows, and have built a recording studio in Mariana’s basement, where they will soon be recording their first EP. Their studio is also going to be available for other local musicians.

The Old Adage’s “electronic rock” was not easy to get publicity for in Monroe.

“We do what we can in Monroe, but we are more into the Toledo scene,” Mariana said.

Mariana has big dreams for the band and is excited to announce its first tour after the EP is complete.

“The way we look at it is if you want anything bad enough and are willing to work for it, there’s no way you won’t get there. We’re giving it all we can and we are slowly but surely getting where we want to be,” she said.

Someone who is also getting there is classic rock and blues enthusiast Daniel Wilson.

He is a student at MCCC and plans to transfer to Eastern Michigan University to pursue a career in music therapy.

“When people think of music as a career, usually it’s band teacher or professional musician, but there are so many other professional opportunities and job opportunities out there,” he said.

Daniel plays many instruments, but specializes on guitar, which he has played for eight years.

Mariana Chaves,middle, of The Old Adag performed in the Grade A cafeteria on campus, last semester.

Continued on page 5

MCCC observes Black History

Panel planned to handle millage

By Melanie Jacobs-Davis Agora Staff

A committee will be formed in the next two-three weeks to work on details of a tax millage proposal for MCCC, college President Kojo Quartey said last week.

The college Board of Trustees told Quartey to begin forming a committee at its Jan. 27 board meeting.

Quartey said MCCC has plans to improve enrollment and retention numbers, but that more money is needed.

Board members discussed whether a tax millage request should be put on the August or November ballot.

They decided to form a committee to work out the details, and some board members indicated a preference for hiring a consultant to help.

“At this point, there is no committee,” Quartey said. “Within two to three weeks we should have one.”

He said there has been a lot of behind-the-scenes work going on to begin planning for a tax millage request.

“We met as a group of VPs, directors and deans. All councils, including faculty, were invited to the meeting,” he said.

“Subsequent to that, we had a meeting of VPs and directors to talk with a consultant by phone; next is to meet with the board and determine the next steps.”

Quartey said he anticipates they will have made a decision on who will be on the committee within two to three weeks.

He said it’s likely a proposed tax millage increase will be on either the August or November ballots.

The college has been cutting budgets for several years, as property values have dipped and state revenue has been mostly flat.

The last local property tax increase was 32 years ago.

To balance the budget, the college has raised tuition several times in the last few years.

Quartey began talking about the need for more local tax revenue to maintain the college’s programs shortly after he arrived last summer. The Agora first reported the tax discussions in December.

Inside:

Photo by Lauren Robinson

Left to right are role models Angela Blunt, followed by Stephanie Blunt, Spencer Blunt ,Brenda Mattice, Selma Renkins and Manuel Hoskins.

Role models discuss value of mentoring

“You cannot teach respect, you have to learn that from others, from your family community, your church community.”

By Mariah Tevepaugh Agora Staff

Eight black role models from Monroe spoke about the importance of mentors, education, respect and how to eliminate racism for the younger generations.

On Feb. 17 Monroe Community Diversity Committee hosted a local black role model discussion panel in honor of Black History month.

“Were trying to celebrate history and heritage month each month, whatever month that is designated to a group,” Human Resource Director Molly McCutchan said. “February is black history month, November is Native American month and March is women’s history month.”

The role models consisted of educators, a pastor, Fire chief, banker, a mechanical trader and more, all of which were hand -picked by Kojo Quartey.

Each role model had different point of view on the various topics discussed but most agreed on a couple of things like the importance of education and having a

Campus News......................2,3 Features.................................4 A&E......................................5,6 Editorial...................................7 Sports......................................8

Angela Blunt Pastor, Christ Love Fellowship Church

mentor.

“Education doesn’t just come from a book,” Said Vuncia Council. “It’s about exposing yourself to people and knowledge.”

Assistant Vice President for human resources at MB&T, Spencer Blunt, goes as far to say that it’s just as important to have connections as it is to have an education.

“It has less to do with skin color and more to do with networks,” he said.

However, educator Selma Renkins thinks that it’s important for a mentor to be the same color.

“I still believe we haven’t come to it yet that anyone can advise my grandkids,” he said. “We still got a long ways to go.”

Fire Chief Manuel Hoskins agreed that depending on the situation, sometimes a

mentor of the same color is essential.

“There has been many times I’ve left out of meetings and I’ve been furious and it takes for me to call another African American chief to tell me to calm down,” Hoskins said. “That’s important because they’re going to understand how I feel.”

It was agreed that racism is still an issue today and there are a few different ways to deal with it.

Many stated that one should confront the person who is acting racist and, in a nonconfrontational way, demand respect.

“Make sure you don’t ignore the fact that racism is there,” Said Stephanie Blunt, a third-grade teacher at Custer.

They also agreed that community members need to take their time with each child and try to instill respect.

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“You cannot teach respect, you have to learn that from others, from your family community, your church community,” said Pastor Angela Blunt.

There will be a couple more events to finish the celebration of Black history month. Another panel discussion on “Black History and the American Dream” and a presentation on “Black History from Africa to the Americas” will be held at MCCC’s main campus.

“This event, and not only this event, but this is one that certainly gives some credence to blacks in this nation and in this community who are making it and doing well,” Quartey said.

“And that can help others to do even better as we try to rise as a community and as a nation.”

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Exchange students embrace culture Foreign students get used to life in America

By Shelby Spencer Agora Staff

MCCC is hosting foreign exchange students from Belgium and South Korea this semester.

Sun Ah Roh and Simon Natowitz both arrived in Monroe in early January.

Sun was inspired by her sister, who studied abroad before her.

Though she misses her family in Korea, she says that she really appreciates her host family and has fun shopping with them on the weekends.

Sun is taking computers, mass media, theater, English and painting, and said that this college is very big compared to hers back home.

She is looking forward to becoming better at speaking and understanding English.

Her most exciting experience here so far has been going to the Detroit Auto Show, where she said she has never seen so many cars.

“I was excited to see Korean companies like Kia and Hyundai,” Sun said.

Sun thinks that people in the U.S. are very nice.

“I was surprised when someone held the door open,” she said.

Though Sun likes the people in Monroe, she is displeased with the weather.

She said that it is too cold and snowy

Agora photo

Exchange students Simon Natowitz and Sun Ah Roh were shown Mpact cable studios as part of a class.

for her to go outside.

“I liked the snow before I came here.

Now I do not like the snow,” she said.

It is not Natowitz’s first time in the

U.S.; he traveled through America and Europe in the summer of 2012.

He spent his last semester of college in Germany.

“I am used to being around new people, places, and languages,” Natowitz said.

His native language is French, but he is also fluent in English, German, and Span-

ish.

Natowitz’s favorite thing about being in America is speaking English.

He recalls being in English class in Belgium, where his peers were frustrated with the rules and exceptions of the English language. But Natowitz fell in love with it.

“With English, you cannot just learn it, you have to speak it, and you have to feel it,” he said.

Though most Americans may look at MCCC as being a fairly small campus, Natowitz says that college here is much larger than back home.

The campus is bigger and there are more people, but the degrees of study are the same.

Natowitz also is not enjoying the extreme winter; in Belgium the coldest temperatures are around 10 degrees.

He says that he has to wear more layers than most people on campus, and he is getting blisters on the backs of his hands because he isn’t used to the cold.

Natowitz likes the small town because it is easier to meet people.

“To really get to know America, I think you have to travel everywhere,” he said.

When Natowitz returns home, he will miss the Mexican-style food he has been enjoying in the U.S. He says that people here are more concerned about the little things in life, and that in Belgium people are much more laid back.

Natowitz has traveled to a lot of places and has met a lot of people.

“When we are together we are the same,” he said.

Campus literary magazine to publish in spring Julia Wells Agora Staff

Images, MCCC’s literary arts magazine, is preparing for this year’s issue.

The magazine features art work and creative writing samples from both staff and students.

Professor John Holladay first started the magazine for the English department to submit prose, poetry, songs, short stories and other creative writing.

“Over the years, much of the written work has come from MCCC’s 261 Creative Writing course, but we have also published the efforts of many other students, staff, and faculty members,” Holladay said.

Holladay also said publishing depends on the number and quality of submissions they receive.

Student Jarrod Saum, who is majoring in Creative Writing, took the opportunity to submit an original poem.

“Even a low-level publication in a campus journal is something to be proud of. It will be a stepping stone to getting to larger projects,” he said.

Early editions of the literary magazine began in the 1970s under the name, “The River Raisin Review.”

The project did not come to full fruition until 1982, when Dean Robert Kollin requested that the magazine become an annual publication.

Since 1983, Images has been consistently published, skipping a few years between 2008 and 2013.

Over the years, other faculty members including Terry Telfer and Penny Dorcey-Naber have been involved.

Art professor Ted Vassar became involved when the magazine began to include art work, such as drawings, works of

photography and illustrations.

Since Vassar joined in the 1970s, he has seen the publishing process change due to advancements in technology.

“Back then, you had to take 33 millimeter slides and then you had to develop those into prints and it was just a long, drawnout process,” Vassar said.

Due to funding, the magazine can only be physically published in black and white. But on the MCCC website, PDFs of the full magazine can be viewed in color.

“Now that we have e-magazine, we can get more examples of work — we’re starting to add more artwork,” Vassar said.

The magazine has featured pieces from four students who received significant scholarships to art institutions.

As far as determining which submissions make it into the magazine, Vassar said that it all comes down to technique.

Many submissions come from student projects in the Art Fundamentals class.

“How well they did the assignment and the presentation; how it looks,” Vassar said. “We don’t have art majors and such, maybe two or three. We get people from graphic arts and CIS programs.”

Editors hope to have this issue out by April and plan on continuing the magazine, as long as there is interest.

“When I leave, hopefully, the next person who comes in will carry it on,” Vassar said.

“I think it’s a good publication; it kind of shows off the art department.”

When the issue is published, it will be available for students to purchase in the bookstore for 50 cents.

Photo by Julia Wells Readers can also view the entire issue of Images, in color at http://www.monroeccc.edu/humaniti/humsocprog.htm MCCC’s first literary magazine, left, was published in 1970 and has evolved into Images.

MCCC president’s talk show takes off

By Stephen Pipis Agora Staff

College President Kojo Quartey created the television show Education Matters to help serve the community.

“We are a community college.

The difference between a community college and any other kind of institution is that a community college first and foremost is concerned about serving its community,” he said.

Quartey hopes that bringing educational programming to the public will bring more knowledge and spread the word of education throughout the community.

He also hopes that this will be a chance to help improve student life on campus, and ensure student success.

According to Quartey, student success and serving the community are the two most important things that the college does.

Since Quartey was hired, about six months ago, he has tried to think of innovative ways to help the college and be involved in the community.

About a year ago, he came up with the idea for his education box. Inside of the box is a key, a road map, and a medicine bottle.

Each are symbolic of the importance of education.

The key represents success, the road map represents how to get to prosperity, and the medicine bottle represents the cure for poverty.

Quartey wanted to spread this

Agora photo

Kojo Quartey interviews student government members on Education Matters.

message throughout the community. He approached Journalism professor Dan Shaw and Joe Verkennes, the director of marketing at the college, with the idea of a television show.

According to Verkennes, he thought it was a great idea, but was a little nervous at such a big undertaking.

Verkennes set up a meeting with Monroe Public Access Cable Television and brought along the college’s design staff.

The idea was approved and the staff of the show underwent four to five weeks of equipment and production training.

Verkennes hired a local produc-

“We are a community college. The difference between a community college and any other kind of institution is that a community college first and foremost is concerned about serving its community.”

Kojo Quartey MCCC president and host of Education Matters tion company, TK Production, to handle the show’s post-production.

“Our goal is to make it look visually, and content wise, to be the best show on MPACT,” he said.

Quartey also came up with the title of the show to serve as a double entrendre about how education is important, and to be able to discuss issues regarding the quality of the institution.

He starts every show with a ​ monologue that helps explain MCCC’s role in the community.

According to Quartey, the reaction to the show has been positive on campus as well as in the community.

Quartey said the first episode was the most streamed public access show in November from MPACT’s website..

Joanna Sabo, a political science professor at MCCC, is one of the most recent guests on the show.

“I think it’s amazing,” she said.

She hopes more faculty members will go on the show.

“It’s a great chance for faculty to highlight their area,” she said.

Verkennes said the show will focus on programs unique to MCCC, as well as feature interviews with students, faculty and staff members.

You’re getting an in-depth look at our college, he said.

Quartey also hopes to get more student interviews on the show.

He sees this as an opportunity to improve student life on campus, as well as increase student success.

He also wants to feature middle college and dual-enrolled students on the program.

Quartey said that he has not received any negative comments about the show, and that the last taping of the show was in the top three MPACT shows in the overall audience.

“Ellen, here I come,” he said.

The Agora Editorial Policy The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 384-4186, agora@ monroeccc.edu.

Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer.

All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length and libel.

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

Story suggestions are welcome.

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

E-mail submissions: agora@monroeccc.edu .

Editor: Adviser: Julia Wells Dan Shaw Staff Jacob Adams Reggie Allen Jeffrey Brown Melanie Jacobs-Davis Katie Mullins Stephen Pipis Lauren Robinson Shelby Spencer Mariah Tevepaugh Darryl White Jacob Woods

Campus News

February 20, 2014

mcccagora.com • The Agora

Honoring black History

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Quartey debunks myths about Africa Jeffrey Brown Agora staff

At the “Demystifying Africa” event on campus, President Kojo Quartey spoke about misconceptions of Africa. The event was a part of The Black History Month event series at MCCC. “When you think of Africa, how many people think of this?”

Quartey asked. The picture in question featured a cityscape of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Only one person raised their hand.

Quartey was born in Ghana and lived there until he was ten years old, when he and his family moved to Washington D.C. In the presentation he listed ten common misconceptions about Africa.

Bullet points from the presentation included the myths about Africa’s economic status, cannibalism, hungry children, and Muslim religion in Africa.

“I was born in Ghana and 90 percent of people are Christians,” Quartey said.

Contrary to popular belief, Africa has many modernized cities and wild animals are not roaming the streets.

Other Black History Month Events include: February 20 at 5:30“Black History from Africa to the Americas” A building Room 173.

February 24 from 11 a.m.

- 1 p.m. Lawanda Lee Oseler will be performing in the MCCC dining room for students and faculty.

Quartey attributed problems of poverty and hunger in some countries to poor leadership and lack of education and not due to lack of wealth or food, as is commonly believed.

“How do you kill poverty? With education.” Quartey said.

Quartey explained that we only see the bad things about Africa in the media and that they leave out a lot of truths.

“Not everything that we read in the media is necessarily true.

There are lot of misconceptions and untruths about Africa; I wanted to make sure we understand the truth.”

Photo taken by Mariah Tevepaugh

Pointing to Somalia, MCCC President Kojo Quartey gave a brief description and then proceeded on to another country.

Photo taken by Lauren Robinson

Role models weigh in with their thoughts at the discussion panel Monday night on topics ranging from education to mentors and racism.

Photo taken by Lauren Robinson

Quartey held the son of a panel member for the event.

Detroit artist charms students and faculty Mariah Tevepaugh Agora staff

Photo taken by Mariah Tevepaugh

Singer/songwriter Britney Stoney entertains at a noon concert in the cafeteria.

Photo taken by Mariah Tevepaugh

Students listen to Stoney’s original and popular songs during their lunch.

In honor of Black History Month, a local Detroit singer, songwriter, and guitarist entertained students during their lunch hour.

Britney Stoney played for a couple of hours on Thursday, Feb. 13 for students and faculty in the MCCC cafeteria. She sang several of her own originals along with some popular tunes as well.

According to Stoney, her favorite song to perform is her original, ‘Rebels’. She was given an opportunity to record this song for the Acoustic Guitar Project of Detroit. The project gave her a hand-made guitar and a recorder and told her that once she recorded her song,she was supposed to sign the guitar and pass it along to the next artist that was a part of the project.

Stoney is also getting her voice heard by singing at festivals in downtown Detroit.

She started playing the guitar and singing three years ago and has continued on by making appearances at festivals in downtown Detroit.

“It went kind of fast, I was living in a loft downtown with some other artists,” Stoney said. “We weren’t a group, more of a situation.”

According to Stoney, she sings not only because

“I just want to heal through music.”

Britney Stoney Detroit singer/songwriter/guitarist she loves it, but also because she wants others to feel inspired by her music.

“I just want to heal through music,” She said.

Ambassador club president Chris Holmes, picked Britney Stoney out of various other artists to play for MCCC during lunch hour for Black History Month.

“One of the goals for Student Government is to provide different events for the students and noon time concerts are a great way to introduce students to different types of music,” Student Government Advisor, Tom Ryder, said in an email.

Due to the turn out and the applause after each song, it seems like most students are enjoying the afternoon entertainment.

“As a guitar player, it takes a lot of talent to sing and play at the same time,” Freshman Nolan Gonyea said. “It was a more entertaining lunch than normal.”

Photo taken by Lauren Robinson

Fire Chief Manuel Hoskins explains the importance of having a mentor.

Features

Feburary 20 2014

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|4

Students shouldn’t stress over taxes Ray Bell

Agora staff

Students are starting to prepare for looming Tax Day. Many MCCC students are now receiving their own W-2 forms to start filing for the 2013 tax year.

Some students using financial aid are getting the 1098-T forms, which they need to file.

Whatever forms they are getting, the Internal Revenue Service is advising that they file like everyone else, as soon as possible.

Students who are not used to the whole income tax process sometimes feel overwhelmed by it all, but tax experts say the key is to not panic.

Carlotta Congioloso, a local office manager and tax expert for H&R Block, says filing your taxes is nothing to stress over.

“If you file with a tax expert, it will give you the peace of mind knowing you have filed your taxes properly,“ Congioloso said, “while making sure you get the best return possible on your refund.”

Allan Perchard, an MCCC student, says the hardest part about filing his tax return this year was just knowing what to file.

“It was hard for me, especially when I was trying to decide what to claim and what not to,” he said.

Starting to file your tax return early is the best thing for anyone, students included, according to an interview done

by Bankrate.com with Mark Oleson, director of the Financial Counseling Clinic at Iowa State University.

“The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be,” Oleson advises. “ If you have a tight spring schedule and can’t talk to someone for three weeks, saying that on Feb. 1 is a lot different than saying that in April.”

Congioloso agrees with Oleson.

“I would say the earlier you file your taxes, the more you will get in your refund,” she said.

Students who are getting financial aid from MCCC will need to file a Form 1098-T. This form is used for students who want to claim their grants and scholarships on their tax return.

Illustration by Darryl White

According to the tax site TurboTax, the IRS treats a Pell grant as a scholarship, which means it is possible that you’ll have to report the grant money on your tax return and maybe even pay income tax on the money.

One qualification is that you must be enrolled in a program as a degree candidate, or you must be pursuing a training program that prepares you for specific types of employment.

The other qualification is that you must use the Pell grant only to pay for “qualified education expenses.” These expenses include tuition and fee payments, along with required books, supplies and equipment for your courses.

Students can sometimes get a bit more cash on their tax refund by qualifying for an educational tax credit. There are three major ones to choose from, but students get to select only one per student.

The Hope Scholarship Credit gives students a tax credit up to 100 percent of their first $1,000 in tuition and fees, according to Bankrate.com, and up to 50 percent for the second $1,000. The maximum credit is $1,500 and it applies to the first two years of college only.

The Lifetime Learning Credit gives students credit equal to 20 percent of their tuition and certain related expenses up to $10,000. The credit maximum is $2,000.

The higher education expenses deduction could be as much as $4,000 for families that meet the IRS earning guidelines.

If students make too much, they’ll get a reduced deduction.

The downside to this is that these deductions usually give you less bang for your buck than credits. Students will get to subtract a credit amount from the actual tax they owe, whereas a deduction reduces the income they have to pay taxes on.

For those who are living with their family, your parents can claim you as a dependent and are eligible to claim these credits, if they are paying your tuition.

Students who are paying out of their own pockets for their college education can file individually and receive the credits.

Another thing to consider for students when filing for taxes is your location.

Students with a part-time job while at school in a different state, in addition to a job in their home state, are responsible for filing taxes separately in both states.

If you are a student who is a resident of Ohio or Indiana and you live in Monroe to attend MCCC, you will have to claim your income on your state income tax return.

But you are going to get a tax credit on that state’s return for taxes you pay in Michigan. It is essential for students to research and thoroughly understand the tax rules where they live, as state rules can vary drastically, according to Lindsey Buchholz, lead analyst at the Tax Institute at H&R Block.

Once prepared for the taxing work ahead, many wonder where should I file.

Many tax experts say to go to a professional tax advisor/expert to make sure everything is done right. But with the rise of technology today, some experts

“The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be. If you have a tight spring schedule and can’t talk to someone for three weeks, saying that on Feb. 1 is a lot different than saying that in April.”

Mark Oleson Tax expert

and websites offer to file your taxes electronically. H&R Block and TurboTax are among the top tax websites people have used to file their federal and state taxes.

“Using TurboTax was easy for me,” Perchard said, “because they were able to assist me plugging in the amounts I needed for my return.”

Once you are finished, many experts say to see about having a second tax expert take a look at your returns, for they may find something the original tax preparer may have missed.

H&R Block has a free second-look program going on through April 15 for this year’s tax return, as well as your previous returns from 2009 to last year.

Congioloso said the H&R Block Premium office in Monroe will help anyone with filing or giving people a second look.

For anyone wanting these services, the Monroe office is located at 820 South Monroe Street.

If you wish to call and make an appointment with one of their experts, their number is 734-242-6422.

The important thing for students to remember is that taxes are not meant to be stressful.

They are quite easy to do when you prepare for your returns properly and stay calm throughout the tax-filing process.

When you take your time, prepare properly, file early and be calm through the whole process, you will have less stress on your life.

Rutgers University offers class on Beyonce, feminism, politics Jake Woods Agora Staff

Kevin Allred, a gender studies professor at Rutgers University, will be teaching a new course titled, “Politicizing Beyoncé.”

At the end of last year, superstar singer Beyoncé released her fifth self-titled studio album, without any promotion, and began discussions nationwide with her music involving issues ranging from politics to feminism.

There are many opinions on her impact on these issues, and it would not be a better time to analyze everything Beyonce is doing and what she stands for currently.

Students at Rutgers University in New Jersey get the privilege of diving into this steaming topic. Kevin Allred, a professor of women and gender studies, will be teaching the course, “Politicizing Beyoncé,” which will cover everything from race to politics to feminism.

“Basically, the class is centered on a history of black feminist writers and thinkers in the United States, as well as an interrogation of the politics of race, gender, class, and sexuality in the U.S.,” Allred said.

Allred will be using Beyoncé as a gateway to approach students in a different way to engage them in the topics of the class and connect to them in ways they are more familiar and comfortable with.

“I’m a big Beyoncé fan myself, and have always been interested in analyzing pop culture for what it can tell us about the society we live in,” Allred said as he discussed his reasoning for starting the course.

“I also came across an article by Daphne Brooks arguing that Beyoncé’s “B’Day” album should be seen as a political statement in response to Hurricane Katrina. I wanted to broaden that to include all her music and the possible ways it was all political,” he said.

Beyoncé is a powerful figure, not just in music or pop culture but in every other way possible. She has close ties with the president and is respected by the majority of people across the globe.

She currently has seventeen Grammy’s, with over forty nominations, and will probably be accepting more awards next winter for her latest release.

When asked what material of Beyoncé’s Allred will be using in the course, he said the main focus will be everything from her second release on.

“I focus on everything Beyoncé has done after “B’Day”” Allred said, “as well as other performances, documentaries. I use a lot of writing and readings by black feminists that I pair with the music.”

Feminism has been a prominent subject in Beyonce’s music and never more prominent than her surprise “Beyonce” release.

Some people, even some feminists, argue that Beyoncé’s music does not support the feminist movement or does not portray the ideas of feminism correctly.

“Whether or not students think Beyoncé is a feminist does come up and we discuss both sides of the argument,” Allred said.

“It’s not the main part of the course. The real discussions are over what messages we can pick out of her music about race, gender, class, sexuality and what those messages say about us as a society.”

Allred said he does believe Beyonce` is a feminist and portrays it through her lyrics, her all-woman band and mainly her new album.

Beyoncé’s impact on current issues in the United States could be immense, based on how young poeple react to the things she says and does. Everything from gender, race and all types of political debates seem to be brought up around her new release.

Kevin Allred thinks she has the ability to change the way people look at these issues.

“I think the new album has a lot of things to say about political debates, especially around race and gender,” Allred said.

“I think she’s currently redefining feminism and changing people’s opinions through her ability to self-define exactly what is empowering for her.”

All of these topics should be of concern to college students as many of these debates may shape the future of this country.

“I want to introduce them to a whole history of black feminist writing and thinking in the U.S. as well as get them to be mindful of the pop culture they are consuming on a daily basis,” Allred said.

When asked if they would be interested in the “Politcizing Beyonce’” class, students at MCCC seemed to be all for it.

“It would be interesting to take a class on Beyonce’ because it is a topic that is out of ordinary and appeals to some of my interests,” said Nick Headon.

Having pop-culture related classes could be a better way to connect to students, he said..

“Monroe should offer a class similar to “Politcizing Beyonce`,” said Alyssa Marvaso. “It’s important to reconigze popular culture with the current issues in our society.”

Students can take “Politicizing Beyonce” at Rutgers University starting this summer. Hopefully, with this class being the first, many more classes involving the effects of popular culture on everyday issues will begin to appear at colleges across the country.

Agora Photo

Blood drives on campus have become popular among students hoping to do a good deed.

Feel good, give blood Stephen Pipis Agora Staff

This is the first year that MCCC has hosted three blood drives by the Red Cross, a departure from the usual two per year.

The college usually gives two blood drives a year.

The third blood drive will be held on March 18th.

The blood that the Red Cross collects from blood drives goes to supply the 25 thousand pints a year demand from Mercy Memorial Hospital. Remaing pints are then sent out to 10 other counties and several cities including Ann Arbor, Detroit and Toledo.

Monroe Charter Red Cross CEO Laura SchultzPipis says that one pint of donated blood can save up to three lives.

“In our county we have over 200 blood drives a year,” Shultz-Pipis said.

The Monroe Red Cross chapter is the only Michigan chapter in the Western Lake Erie blood region.

Its headquaters is located in Toledo.

Since blood is considered a pharmaceutical, it is heavily regulated by the FDA. People hoping to donate blood must meet specific eligibility requirements, Schultz-Pipis said.

The greatest demand for blood usually comes around the holidays and summer, she said. There has also been a need for blood because of the severe weather.

The blood drive at MCCC in March is also a double red cell drive. This allows people to donate two pints of blood instead of just one, according to Schultz-Pipis.

Michelle McDevitt, vice president of student government, has donated blood three times at the college. She plans to donate again in March. McDevitt has also volunteered to help set up all of the blood drives.

According to McDevitt, the first blood drive of the year usually goes over really well. The second blood

“In our county, we have over 200 blood drives a year.”

Laura Schultz-Pipis Red Cross Monroe CEO drive did not go over as well as the first one.

“We really hope the one in March goes better than the last one,” said McDevitt.

Student Tim Hattis has donated blood multiple times at the college, and plans to donate again in March. He said he is usually one of the first people that go to give blood.

There are four types of transfusable products from blood; they are red cells, platelest, plasma, and cryoprecipitate, according to a handout provided by the Red Cross.

The handout also explained that the red cells collected are used within 42 days of collection, platelets are used within five days, and plasma and cryoprecipitate are stored frozen and can last up to a year.

The handout explained that Type O-negative blood can be used as a universal donor.This means that anyone can receive Type O-negative blood in an emergency. Type-AB blood donors can be universal plasma donors.

Important things for blood donors to remember are to get a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast on the monring of donating, and to drink plenty of fluids.

The Red Cross is always in need of volunteers, Schultz-Pipis said.

“We rely on volunteers to do what we do,” she said.

For more information on the Red Cross blood drives, and to sign up to volunteer and donate, please go to www.redcrossblood.org.

Campus News

February 20, 2014

mcccagora.com • The Agora

Roads covered; why is campus open?

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Jacob Adams Agora Staff

Photo By: Reggie Allen

Mountains of snow can make getting to class seem like an obstacle course.

A record-breaking winter is shedding a spotlight on MCCC’s snow-day policy.

This winter has seen exceptionally harsh weather, with wind-chill temperatures dipping as low as -30 degrees and countless inches of snow.

With record low temperatures and snowfalls, and already three days of school cancelled, many students have been wondering exactly how MCCC decides to cancel school.

Randy Daniels, Vice President of Student Services, is in charge of making these decisions. He described the process of deciding when to close the campus.

“I’ve been in this office for nine years, and this has been the most challenging in regards to weather,” he said. “We even closed a couple of days before the students were back for the winter semester.”

“I don’t recall that happening in years,” he said.

The decision making process starts for Daniels at 3:30 a.m.

After waking up, he goes for a drive around town to evaluate the road conditions.

After his drive, Daniels turns to the Internet.

“There are a variety of websites to check,” he said.

Some of these sites include Michigan transportation websites, state police sites, and news sites such as channels 11, 7, 4, and 2.

Daniels is also in close contact with the MCCC maintenance staff about the weather.

“Things like what is the condition of the campus,” he said. “I use all of these resources to make my decision.”

A question many students ask is why MCCC stays open on days that most public schools are closed.

“They’re apples and oranges in comparison,” said Daniels. “We don’t have a busing situation to deal with. We’re primarly a park and walk campus.”

Students and faculty have their own thoughts on campus closing and the weather.

Aaron Kipfmiller, a supplemental instructor, said he couldn’t make it one occasion even when the college was open.

“I missed two days due to weather, but I understand, since I don’t actually live in Monroe,” he said.

Although out-of-county students are more prone to these concerns, Daniels says they aren’t left out of the decision.

“We take travelling students into account, but most of our students live in Monroe,” he said.

Celina Defqueirdo-Dusseau, a student who travels from Toledo, enjoys the weather but has trouble making it at times.

“I love the cold and the snow, but I drive from To-

Agora photo by Reggie Allen

Snow is piling up in the campus parking lots.

“I’ve been in this office for nine years, and this has been the most challenging in regards to weather.”

Randy Daniels Vice President of Student Services ledo. There have been times when we were under a level 3 advisory and I couldn’t make it in,” she said.

“It can be tough.”

Rhiannon Heckel, studying to become a nurse, said weather can be problematic.

“I’m in the nursing program,” she said. “We’re penalized if we miss any clinical or lab days. When the school is open and people can’t get here, they’re out of luck.”

Without having any control of the weather, Daniels makes the best decision he can. While some students disagree, Timothy Yoakum, a Writing Fellow, says he supports the college’s decisions.

“I embrace every season as it is. When the school is open, I think it should be. Whoever is in charge of closing decisions is fair,” he said.

Musicians get themselves out there Continued from page 1

He plays in two bands, one called Tall Cool One, which is a Led Zeppelin/Robert Plant tribute band.

The band is having its first gig soon at the All Around Bar in Taylor.

Wilson says that playing with this band has been an awesome experience.

The other band is so far unnamed, but pulling itself together.

Wilson was really turned on to music when he went to his first live show at the DTE Music Theater in 2007 to see Deep Purple.

“The only thing cooler than experiencing a live show is to be the one on stage performing,” Wilson said.

Music for him is more than a hobby, it’s a passion.

He remembers his first audition for a band being in sixth grade. He sang “We Are The Champions”

by Queen, because it was the only karaoke CD his mom had.

It was his first time performing in front of people he didn’t know, and he remembers being terrified.

Now, Wilson performs almost weekly at Thirsty’s Bar and Grille in Dundee at its Sunday night blues jams. He says he has completely lost his sense of stage freight.

Music has taught Wilson to be more outgoing and meet new people.

His favorite live experience was playing for a Dundee class reunion his sophomore year.

He and two other Dundee students played an eight-song set; it was Wilson’s first paid gig.

He said he loved the way it felt for people to be enthralled with his music.

Wilson thinks that growing as a musician in Monroe is difficult because of the lack of venues.

He said there are few opportunities for starting musicians to get themselves out there, and there are few successful efforts.

Wilson is concerned with cuts to high school music programs because it is making it harder for students to learn music and be connected with other musicians.

“I wouldn’t be a musician if it wasn’t for my band teacher,” he said.

Wilson says he has become successful thanks to Thirsty’s in Dundee and the support from individuals.

Nothing can come close to the feeling of music for him.

“When you are passionate about music, people feel what you say instead of hear it,” Wilson said.

MCCC student Evin Daniels was a drummer and singer for an alternative rock/ punk band called Arrows, which recently broke up.

Also in the band was Lucas Vasbinder, another MCCC student.

They have played at the former Hookah Bar in Monroe and also shows in Toledo, Bowling Green, Ashtabula, Marietta Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Penn.

“Meeting new people and seeing new places will always be the main incentive. If I make a buck or two that’ll be the icing on the cake,” Daniels said.

Though he admits that it is extremely difficult to get publicity in Monroe because the music scene is non-existent, he thinks people should always go for their dreams.

Daniels has this advice for Monroe musicians.

“Do whatever you can to get yourself out there. If you have an

idea, don’t be scared to share it.

Run with it,” he said.

“Pursue shows you would never think you could play and just do it. If no one wants to give you a chance, put on your own shows and have a bunch of friends come out. Having a do-it-yourself attitude is key and will always pay off.”

Former MCCC student Vincent Sperling fell in love with music at a very young age and has been climbing the totem pole ever since.

Vinnie spent most of his growing years making music. He played the clarinet and tuba in high school and received his first guitar for Christmas in 2007.

“I remember first hearing bands like Guns and Roses and Green Day on the radio when I was hardly more than a toddler and just connected immediately,” he said.

“Music has always had a big part in my life, from movie soundtracks to rock bands, and when the opportunity came to learn about it, I couldn’t hesitate.”

He is the lead vocalist for Northern Shores, formerly known as Crowns Aside.

Like many other local bands, Northern Shores plays shows mostly in Toledo, where the music scene is bigger.

“Playing a show with Attilla offered me the greatest musical experience of my life. The show was packed, the crowd loved our set, everyone had a phenomenal time,” said Vinnie. “I’ve never felt so good about my music before.”

Northern Shores is raising the funds to record its first EP, but until then the band does have a single out called, “The Exalted,” which was released Aug. 5, 2013.

Former MCCC student Vinnie Sperling is pictured at front right in this photo of Northern Shores.

MCCC student Daniel Wilson plays at Thirsty’s Sunday night blues jam.

MCCC student Mariana Chaves, right, plays the synthesizer and sings lead vocals for The Old Adage.

February 20, 2014

A&E

mcccagora.com • The Agora

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Nintendo brings back the past classics Jacob Adams Agora staff

Nintendo is reviving a classic storyline with a sequel 21 years later.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a brand new Zelda title for the Nintendo 3DS. Everyone seems to love Zelda, but what is special about this title is its connection to the 1992 Super Nintendo classic, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

A Link to the Past is widely regarded as not only one of the best Zelda titles ever released, but also as one of the greatest video games ever made. Luckily, the new sequel, A Link Between Worlds, does not disappoint.

The game is straightforward, as most Zelda titles are: There is some threat to Hyrule, and the player, as young Link, must save the kingdom and rescue Princess Zelda. In A Link Between Worlds players

must do just that. The game, while keeping with old formulas, pulls you in with its classic gameplay, as well as a certain level of nostalgia.

The gameplay is largely similar to past games as well; however, the gameplay is considered classic for a reason: It’s simply a lot of fun. There are endless hours of slashing foes, shooting arrows at enemies, and throwing boomerangs.

Nintendo has introduced a new weapons system where, instead of finding new weapons and items

at the end of dungeons, you have access to almost all of them at the beginning of the game. They are rented from a character I won’t name, and return to him upon any player deaths.

Link has a new ability as well, and the game revolves heavily around its use. The new mechanic entails merging onto walls as a flat, two-dimensional painting. This feature allows Link to slide along walls, travel through tiny cracks and openings, and reach new areas.

As in its predecessor, the player will travel between worlds as well. Some may remember this feature from A Link to the Past. Travelling to the “dark world” is just as frightening as before, with your fellow Hylians being turned into monsters.

Nintendo takes a stab at adding a little replay value to the game with inclusion of some in-world mini games, as well as the collecting of items which will

“Nintendo, while taking a chance by creating a sequel to one of its most beloved games of all time, does not disappoint.” take most players longer than the actual storyline to complete.

Nintendo, while taking a chance by creating a sequel to one of its most beloved games of all time, does not disappoint.

A Link Between Worlds has the perfect balance of old and new. Nostalgia reigns supreme in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, out now for the Nintendo 3DS.

Hearts break over Lone Survivor Mariah Tevepaugh Agora Staff

Monroe’s Big Band returns with a bang The Monroe Big Band, a communitybased group, entertained the Meyer Theater with classics and newer sounds on Feb. 8.

Although the Monroe Big Band is composed of local Monroe community members, for their first appearance since 2011, the string section from the Adrian Symphony played as well.

Lone Survivor.

Take a good look at that title.

Please do not go into this movie thinking good will triumph over bad easily with a title like that.

Do not go into this movie if you don’t like to see bullets punching through bodies of men. This is a movie of war and truth.

This is a movie of heartbreak.

The movie opened with reallife clips of Navy SEALS in training so watchers get to experience the bonding of men through hard times and how any day in the life of a soldier could be a day in Hell.

From that, watchers feel like they personally know each soldier and begin to get attached to each one as they are taken along on a mission that ends up taking a turn for the worse.

What seemed like a minor decision in the grand scheme of things, turned into a battle for their lives.

Scene after scene, they faced situations where it seemed like they couldn’t catch a break and you start to think, jeez, can it get any worse? Yet it does, time after time again.

The men experience loss both physically and emotionally and

still, the suffering continues.

It is not until near the end of the movie where compassion shines a light and hope is brought into the picture by the kindness of a man and his son and by a code respected by their village.

This is one of the most realistic, heartrending movies I have ever seen.

Mark Wahlberg and other cast-mates did an amazing job of making this Mark Wahlberg stars as Marcus Luttrell in The theatrical production seem like real Lone Survivor life happening in front of your eyes. ated with this movie should get a round of applause for providing The stunt doubles defianswers to some of our question nitely earned their pay s and for exposing the nitty-gritty to shoot this movie.

Overall, the cast, directors, job of what each soldier has deproducers, and anyone affili- cided to take on.

The time is

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Editorial

February 20, 2014

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|7

One Book projects examine immigration There’s nothing in my life experience that helps me relate to Reyna Grande’s stories of her childhood in Mexico and her frightening crossing of the border into the U.S. Ms. Grande’s memoir, “The Distance Between Us,” is heart-wrenching in its simple, honest description of life for a little girl separated from her parents by “The American Dream.”

First her father, then her mother, left their small town in southern Mexico for the long journey to “El Otro Lado” (The Other Side), looking for a better life for their family.

When Reyna Dan Shaw eventually reunited Agora Adviser with her father for the trip to America, it meant stumbling across the desert at night, dodging searchlights from helicopters hovering overhead.

She was 12, scared out of her wits, curled in a ball under a bush.

My great-grandparents, who traveled the Oregon Trail to settle in the Pacific Northwest, could probably relate better.

They undoubtedly faced hardships, too, crossing the Rockies in a wagon in the 1880s.

Like Reyna’s parents, they also were chasing the American Dream.

Because of my great-grandparents’

Participate in two immigration projects The novel featured in Monroe County’s One Book, One Community project this year is “The Distance Between Us,” by Reyna Grande.

It’s the story of Grande’s life as a little girl in Mexico and her immigration to the United States.

Two of the projects this spring focus on the immigration experience.

•“Coming to Monroe” gives area residents a chance to tell their immigration stories – either their own, if they’re first-generation immigrants, or their ancestors. Anyone can contribute their story by going to: http://monroepublishing.com/ contribute/one-book-2014/. You can also tell your story with a “selfie,” a video you create yourself with your smart phone.

• “Immigration Reform: A Family issue” is a panel discussion at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, in the La-Z-Boy Center. Experts on immigration reform will join with immigrants from Mexico to discuss how U.S. immigration policy affects families and some of the options for reform. The panel discussion is sponsored by The Agora.

courageous trip, I grew up in a small town in Oregon, within sight of the Cascade Mountains and a short drive to the Pacific Ocean. The only similarity with Reyna Grande’s childhood was the focus on family. My brother was my best friend, just as her childhood revolved around her sister.

My “Coming to Monroe” story also has little drama in it, and again family is the only thing that connects it with Reyna’s story.

While she followed her father to El Otro Lado, I followed my grandchildren to Southeast Michigan. When we had a chance to re-locate, my wife and I chose Monroe because it was close to our daughter’s family in Saline. She came to

the area to attend the University of Michigan, and fell in love with the state.

Family is a connection that is understood well by most Michiganders. You hear stories constantly of people who left Michigan looking for jobs, but returned because of family.

For Reyna Grande’s father and millions of other immigrants to the U.S., the desire to create a better life for your family is a driving force. There are jobs waiting in the U.S., but no legal way to get them.

So they put their lives in danger – hundreds die each year crossing the border from Mexico – and then live shadow lives in the U.S. They contribute to the U.S. economy, filling jobs many Ameri-

Respect is a basic right ­- and it's in our college Constitution Respect!

I have written about what to do for Valentine’s Day, tips about how you could study better, and what Christmas was truly about.

I have seen positive things coming from my column over the past few months.

B u t when a fellow student walks up to me Ray Bell and asks Agora staf me to write about how some students are harassing her based on her age, it makes me sick.

How can we act so snobbish to one another when we are all here for the purpose of gaining a more extensive education than the one we received in high school? It is truly baffling.

It also is against school policy.

According to the Student Code of Conduct in our college’s Constitution, “students at MCCC are ex-

pected to show respect for order, law, the rights of others and the mission of the college, as well as to maintain standards of personal integrity.” If you are harassing someone, you are in direct violation of this code.

Should we reprimand those in violation of this code of conduct?

Absolutely, but using the proper channels in order to see that justice has been served.

If you are being harassed or have seen anything that the college finds in violation of its code of conduct policy, you should report it to security or to Randy Daniels, who is the Vice President of Student and Information Services here at MCCC. He will then notify the student that a complaint was filed against them, meet and discuss what the complaint was about, and decide disciplinary action. That could include a warning, cutting certain student privileges, paying the college, or dismissing them from the college.

Daniels lets the student know what the discipline is via a letter.

But should we attend a college

that allows this harassing behavior to go on without consequences? No, we should not.

There is no elitism here on campus. We are all here to gain the education we need or want to further ourselves.

If we cannot because of bullies or anyone trying to harass others, then a zero-tolerance program must be installed in the college.

Why should we be scared to come to a college that allows bullies or any type of persecution to walk freely in the halls?

I have no advice to give for those who are being harassed, other than report it as soon as possible. If the problem is left alone with no action being taken, then nothing will be solved in the end.

Take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and friendly environment, which this college wants for all of its students, teachers, and faculty.

I want to give the student who approached me the voice needed to get the problem fixed. Because the voice of one can make the voice of the many rise to get the problem solved.

Briefly

Writing Center offers workshops for students MCCC’s Writing Center is sponsoring two Writing Workshops on Feb. 20.

The workshops will be from 12:30-1:30 pm in 173A. The two workshops will be during the same time.

The workshops will address questions regarding essay writing and research writing. Admission will be free. Seating is limited.

MCCC offers $1,000 Nursing scholarship Donald and Linda Petree, along with The Foundation at Monroe County Community College, have started the Sarah Augie (Petree) Tendrick Nursing Scholarship at MCCC. The annual scholarship was created in memory of Sarah Augie (Petree) Tendrick. She passed away unexpectedly from cardiomyopathy.

The $1,000 nursing scholarship will be awarded for the 2014-2015 academic year. In order to qualify, the applicant must be a second-year nursing student enrolled in the registered nursing program .

Preference will be given to a young, single parent.

A 500-word essay detailing why they deserve the scholarship, as well as discussing cardiomyopathy.

cans wouldn’t take – while living in fear they’ll be caught and their families split apart again.

Monroe plays a significant role in this process. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility for this area is located at the Monroe County Jail off Dunbar Road near I-75.

Thousands of people like Reyna’s father are detained there every year, often waiting to be sent back to Mexico or other countries.

Congress has been debating immigration reform for years – many thought 2013 would finally be the year when the logjam would break. But it didn’t happen, and it now looks unlikely for 2014.

2015 Study Abroad trip filled up; waiting list added MCCC's Study Abroad trip to Western Europe in May 2015 is already filled up, and a wait list has been created.

“The places are classic, beautiful European cities — they’re places everyone dreams of visiting,” said Dr. Joanna Sabo, the MCCC professor who is leading the trip.

She said reasons the trip filled up so fast may include professors being more involved than ever; the addition of a business class; and starting earlier, so students had enough time to save and find financial aid for the trip.

The trip is scheduled to leave Detroit on May 11, 2015, returning May 27. The 18-day trip will visit Holland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, England and Ireland.

Classes that can be taken are Comparative Politics, Art Appreciation, and Business Management.

Students can take three to nine credits but have to take at least one class while on the trip.

The trip will cost approximately $4,100. Students can use fund raising, low interest student loans and federal aid to help pay the cost.

A waitlist is still available; all you have to do is contact Sabo via email and include a phone number.

There are two more informational hearings for students who are interested: Monday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 pm in L-Z-Boy center Room 258, and Thursday, March 20 at 8:30 pm in the same room.

Reyna Grande’s story puts a face – a shy little girl’s face – on the immigration reform debate. It serves as a startling reminder of the unintended consequences for families of U.S. immigration policies.

As I said, there’s nothing in my life that allows me to relate to Reyna’s childhood.

But her story does inspire me to think hard about U.S. immigration policies.

I invite you to participate in the One Book, One Community events, particularly to tell your own immigration story, or to attend the panel discussion on "Immigration Reform: A Family Issue."

Both are chances to get involved: filling in a piece of Monroe County’s history, or joining the discussion about immigration reform.

A letter of thanks...

Dear Chairman Bill and trustees of Monroe County Community College, directors of The Foundation at MCCC, President Kojo, Vice Presidents Grace, Randy and Sue, administrators, faculty and staff of MCCC: On behalf of myself and the entire extended family of my mother, Shirley Adele Meyer, please accept our deepest gratitude for the many, beautiful and touching expressions of support and sympathy.

The exquisite eulogy by Vice President Sue Wetzel, the wonderful resolution of tribute adopted and presented by the Board of Trustees and the lovely blog post by President Quartey were profoundly meaningful. Each superbly captured my mother’s spirit, dynamic presence in our personal and community life, and her very proud relationship with MCCC. The video tribute at the Jeff Daniels performance ---what can I possibly say?---it was simply breathtaking! Special thanks to the exceptional team of talented folks who are responsible--Josh Myers, Sue Wetzel, Joe Verkennes, Tom Ryder, Casey Waterworth, and narrator Paul W. Smith. And thank you to the entire audience for the enthusiastic standing ovation. I am quite confident that my mother heard it!

The thoughtful comments by family, friends and members of the community affirm that my mother’s hopes have truly been realized. First, MCCC has clearly become the cultural arts center of the community of Monroe. Second, MCCC is front and center as the premier philanthropic choice for anyone wishing to expand and enrich educational opportunities and improve the quality of life in this special community we all love so dearly.

In the video clip my mother reminisced about the opening of the La-Z-Boy Center and Meyer Theater in October 2004. She said that when saw all the smiling faces she got chills up and down her spine and that it was one of the happiest days of her life. Thank you for generously sharing that happiness with my mother and my family over and over during the last ten years.

You filled her life with joy, laughter, love and meaning, and she felt those “chills of excitement” over and over. My mother was confident that those “chills of excitement” would prove highly contagious and inspire many others to support the mission of MCCC…and so it has!

With deep and enduring gratitude, Mike Michael Richard Meyer Chair, The Foundation at Monroe County Community College MCCC Trustee (1994-2012)

Whitmen Center plans women, transfer events

Nominations due for Outstanding Faculty award The deadline for nominations for the Outstanding Faculty award is March 3. There are awards for both full-time and adjunct professors.

The nominees and recipients will be announced at Honors Night in April. To nominate a faculty members, students can go to https://www.monroeccc. edu/forms/nomination_form_faculty-rev.aspx.

Journalism professor Dan Shaw's ancestors took the Oregon Trail to Wallowa County in the Northeast corner of Oregon, where they homesteaded. This is his grandmother, aunt and uncle in their cabin in about 1915.

The Whitman Center is hosting two upcoming events – “The History of Women Writers” and a Transfer Fair.

“The History of Women Writers” will be at 6 p.m. March 6 in Room 9. MCCC professor Dr. Carrie Nartker will discuss women writers in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The reception of the women’s work, as well as subject they wrote about, will be discussed.

The Transfer Fair will be held on March 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the atrium.

Students will have the chance to speak with a college representative about available majors, prerequisites, financial aid, scholarships, distance learning and more.

The universities that will be present include Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Franklin University, Lourdes University, Madonna University, Siena Heights University, Spring Arbor University, Tiffin University, and University of Toledo.

Both events are free and open to the public.

New Alumni Association board members named Julie Edwards is the new chairwoman of the MCCC Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The board named Richard Greer vice chair, and announced six new members to the board.

Edwards graduated from MCCC in 2005 and is employed by Sienna Heights as the assistant director of graduate and undergraduate studies on the MCCC campus. Greer graduated from MCCC in 2010 and worked for Monroe Public Schools for 33 years before retiring in August 2008.

The six new members are: Wendy Abbott, who graduated from MCCC’s licensed practical nursing program in 2011; Amber Barron, an environmental scientist/geologist who graduated in 2003; Leon Bartley, a quality/materials manager for

National Galvanizing L.P. who graduated in 1999; Christopher Holmes, who graduated from MCCC in 2013 and remains active in student government, student ambassador, and other clubs at MCCC; Liesel Riggs, a 1995 graduate who is employed

by Sienna Heights University as a senior communications specialist; James Thomas, who graduated from MCCC in 2010 and is employed by Penstone Inc. as a financial and planning manager.

Each of their terms begins on March 17. They replace Sara Bacarella-Accardo, Alan Barron, John Kuriwchak, Jacob McLaughlin, Jennifer Miller and Josh Myers.

MCCC offers six courses on family life for parents Six free family-life education courses designed to provide “bite-sized” information for parents are being offered by MCCC. Topics of the courses include stress management, the role of parental authority, emotional and physical health of parents, strengthening family communication, bullying and building self-esteem.

The courses, offered by MCCC’s Office of Lifelong Learning, are: Feb 19: “Feeling Frazzled,” 6-8 p.m., La-Z-Boy Center, Main Campus Room 260.

Feb 27: “Parenting on Purpose,” 6-8 p.m., Whitman Center, Temperance, Room 9.

March 19: “The Healthy Parent,” 6-8 p.m., LaZ-Boy Center, Room 260.

March 27: “Can You Hear Me Now…” 6-8 p.m., Whitman Center, Temperance, Room 9.

April 16: “Bullying,” 6-8 p.m., La-Z-Boy Center, Room 260.

March 27: “Do You Know You are Beautiful?

Building Self-esteem Within the Family,” 6-8 p.m., Whitman Center, Temperance, Room 9.

The sessions are free and open to the public; call the Office of Lifelong Learning at (734) 384-4127 to register.

A&E

February 20, 2014

mcccagora.com • The Agora

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Oscar anticipation builds

By Ray Bell Agora Staff

Jennifer Lawrence is nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting role

Hollywood’s biggest night is growing to be a really good night.

The 86th Academy Awards are rapidly approaching and the race for the Big Six, the six major categories, are closer than ever before.

On March 2nd, the world will find out who will win that precious golden statue.

The nominations were announced in January and have been a major buzz around the world.

Fans are wondering if their favorite movie, actors, and directors are going to win it all.

Various news and social media sites are releasing their picks for the Big Six. Here is a rundown of popular picks.

For Best Actress in a Leading Role, the race is tight.

The odds-on favorite according to Yahoo, Los Angeles Times, and IndieWire.com is Cate Blanchett for her role in “Blue Jasmine.”

Hollywood loves her performance in Woody Allen’s 43rd directorial work.

The upset pick would be Sandra Bullock in “Gravity,” but so would Amy Adams (“American Hustle”), Judi Dench (“Philomena”), and Meryl Streep (“August: Osage County”).

Most feel that this is Blanchett’s year for the Oscar.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role is another tightly contested race, and there are plenty of picks for the win in March.

Yahoo has Jennifer Lawrence winning for “American Hustle.”

LA Times and IndieWire.com have Lupita Nyong’o for “12 Years a Slave” claiming the Oscar.

It is a toss-up at this point, especially when you have other actresses like Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), Julia Roberts (“August: Osage County”), and June Squibb (“Nebraska”) in the mix.

For Best Actor in a Leading Role, there is no contest. Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyer’s Club” is the hands down favorite from everyone to win this category.

Nothing against Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave”), Bruce Dern (“Nebraska”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“The Wolf of Wall Street”), and Christian Bale (“American Hustle”), but the transformation he went through for this role was one of the biggest an actor can go through.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role is a very close race, showcasing the veterans and the newcomers of the big screen.

The favorite to win is Jared Leto in “Dallas Buyer’s Club,” according to media outlets.

But there are plenty of good actors on the list, including Barkhad Abdi (“Captain Phillips”), Bradley Cooper (“American Hustle”), Michael Fassbender (“12 Years a Slave”), and Jonah Hill (“The Wolf of Wall Street”).

Best Director has been called before in years past, but anything can happen when Oscar Night comes around. Alfonso Cuaron and “Gravity” are the clear choice after the win at this year’s Golden Globes.

The only director able to steal the win would be Steve McQueen and “12 Years a Slave.”

Other great directors on this list who are in the running are Alexander Payne (“Nebraska”), David O. Russell (“American Hustle”), and Martin Scorsese (“The Wolf of Wall Street”).

And finally, Best Picture. With nine films

Mathew McConaughey is nominated for Best Actor in a Lead Role

up for this prestigious award, it is hard to say who will win.

“American Hustle” seems to be the Vegas frontrunner, but “Gravity” might pull of the steal.

“Her” could also be a dark horse in this race.

Others in the mix include “12 Years a Slave,” “Captain Phillips,” “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Nebraska,” “Philomena,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

Whatever movie, actor, and director you are rooting for, make sure you tune in March 2 to ABC. Alfonso Cuaron is nominated for Best Director for the Movie “Gravity”.

“Gravity” also won at this year’s Golden Globes

Cate Blanchett is nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role

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