Sept. 24, 2012

gora A

THE

Whitman Center hosts 9-11 memorial - Pg. 3

Aug. 26, 2010 Vol.Vol. 55, September 24, 2012 56,Issue Issue 1 12

www.mcccagora.com

Library cuts anger some Library now closes at 4:30 on Thursdays Melanie Jacobs Agora staff

A cut in MCCC’s library hours is hurting students in a variety of ways, according to faculty and students.

MCCC imposed a $3,600 cut on the library’s operational budget, as part of campus-wide cuts to balance the college budget.

The library chose to close for four hours on Thursday evenings, beginning at 4:30 p.m., to accomplish the savings.

The change has left some faculty and students with concerns about the impact those four hours are going to have on them.

“As the semester progresses, this could become a big problem,” said Terri Telfer, an English professor. “We’ll survive, but I don’t think that’s the case for some of the other classes.”

The college administration asked de-

partment managers to cut 3-5 percent from their academic budget requests for the 2012/2013 academic year. The cuts partly stem from a decline in local tax money because of our strained economy.

For Barbara McNamee, the director of Learning Resources, this was not an easy decision. She knew that wherever she made the cut, it was going to have an impact on someone, she said.

To assist her in making the decision, McNamee referred to data that the library had collected over a period of about five years.

“Every single day and every hour on the hour, my staff does a head count of students resourcing the library,” McNamee said.

The data showed that the number of students utilizing the library on Thursday evenings was consistently lower than every other day of the week for the last three years.

“Thursday just kind of looked like it would be the best evening,” McNamee said. “We were thinking in terms of where’s the least impact, from the data we had, to meet the needs of our faculty and students.”

McNamee said an email was sent to

“Night students pay the same tuition as everyone else, and we shoould be providing them with the same support.”

Cheryl Johnston

Assistant Progessor of Reading and English

all students, faculty, and support staff to let them know about the change in the library hours. In the email, she said the library will survey faculty and students by mid-semester to determine the impact of the cuts.

The Humanities/Social Science Division often rotates schedules from one semester to the next. This semester, many of these courses meet on Thursday evenings.

McNamee said she was unaware there

were so many Thursday evening classes this semester.

“I do have some concern because these courses have very library rich instruction that depends on the libraries resources,” Barbara said. “I am willing to work with the faculty to find a solution so that class could have that instruction.”

Some faculty members came to McNamee with their concerns, not only for their students, but for all of the student body.

Cheryl Johnston, assistant professor of

Reading and English, went to McNamee representing her colleagues in the Social Science and Humanities Division.

Johnston said she thought that taking such a big block of time away without making the faculty a part of the conversation was unfair.

“Change is only going to be made possible when people are really made aware of how a situation is going to impact them,” Johnston said. “When you make these types of decisions, hopefully you are taking all of these factors into consideration.”

Johnston had particular concern for students who can only attend college in the evening.

“If you’re a night student, that’s because it is the only time that you have available,” she said. “We should have support for our night students,” Most of the students that are enrolled in Johnston’s evening classes are night students.

“Night students pay the same tuition as everyone else, and we should be providing them with the same support.”

See Lost hours, Page 2

College looses air conditioning Nicki Kostrzewa Agora Staff

Photo by Michaela Walker

Students wait eagerly at the Buffalo Wild Wings table as they are handed out fresh wings. For more photos, please see Page 3.

MCCC’s air conditioning has failed and will be unavailable for the rest of the semester.

“The best estimate on the length of time to complete the repair is four to six weeks,” Sue Wetzel, Vice President of Administration said in an email.

The buildings that are affected are the Warrick Administration building, East and West Technology buildings, Campbell Learning Resources Center, and the Life Sciences building.

According to the ten-day forecast, those days without air-conditioning should not cause many issues.

People will be wearing sweaters and jeans, rather than shorts and t-shirts.

The highest forcast in the next 10 days is 73 degrees on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

This is not the first time the air conditioning has broken down this year.

In early June, the system broke down for three days before a gear box could be replaced, according to an e-mail from Maintenance Foreman Jeff VanSlambrouck.

Another email was sent Aug. 13, informing employees of a breakdown affecting the same buildings.

Road around campus not returning soon Craig Evans Agora Staff

Back in the day, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, ancients spoke of a road that circumnavigated the campus.

Legend held that one could travel from the Health Building parking area to the Cafeteria without setting foot on Raisonville Road.

Of course, those days are long gone, with the construction of the new Career Tech Center under way.

Like the legendary Via Appia, part of the college road still exists, but now traveling east you dead-end into the CTC construction area.

Jim Blumberg MCCC Physical Plant director said the road around campus won’t be available for awhile.

“The road will reopen when the CTC building project is complete. That will be one of the final pieces of the construction puzzle,” he said.

Sue Wetzel, MCCC vice president of Administration, reported on construction progress during the Sept. 10 meeting of

Inside:

Agora photo

A worker hauls supplies across the roof of the Career Technology Center.

the Foundation at Monroe County Communiy College.

“The building project is on time, on

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

schedule, and on budget,” she said.

“We can’t wait to get in there and do our walk-through in December when the

building’s entire exterior is complete,” she added.

Joshua Myers, MCCC coordinator

Check out The Agora online at

www.mcccagora.com “Like” us on

Follow us on

Bookstore Hours:

of development and external affairs, reported to the Foundation board on the status of the fund-raising campaign for the building.

“A new donor has pledged a $75,000 grant for the construction of the CTC,” he said.

He added that the formal announcement would be made by the company in December.

In the general discussion portion of the meeting, Foundation board member Herb Smith pointed out that due to the close identification of Bedford and the south county area with Toledo, more would need to be done to reassure the area of college’s commitment to the Whittman Center campus.

“There are no plans to close the Whittman Center campus location,” President David Nixon said.

Wetzel pointed out ”while a direct mail campaign had been discussed, there was little wisdom in spending lots of money to explain we’re just trying to save a little money over the summer.”

Library Hours:

Mon - Tues 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Wed - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Mon - Wed: 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Thurs - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sat: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

LAL/Writing Center:

Fitness Center Hours:

Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Serving Monroe County Community College since 1968

Mon - Thurs: 10 a.m. - 7:30 Fri - Sat: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

campus news

September 24, 2012

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|2

Lost hours set students back CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Johnston incorporates the library into her classes, having class discussions about the art exhibits, using the computers, and accessing the large collection of juvenile books.

Johnston played a significant role in building the collection of books over the years, so her students would have access to these materials.

“I want students to be able to research things here, conveniently,” Johnston said. “That is why we’ve built this collection.”

Some of the books were chosen to correlate with the textbooks in her Children’s Literature class, Tuesday and Thursday evenings this semester.

“If we don’t have access to that collection,” Cheryl said. “It is definitely a big blow.”

Cheryl said she never received

an e-mail regarding the new library hours, but thinks that the survey McNamee plans is a wonderful idea.

“It’s probably a step in the right direction,” Johnston said. “I’m definitely happy to hear that they are going to be interested in input from instructors.”

Telfer teaches on Thursday evenings as well. He said he’s concerned that the library already isn’t accessible enough for students as it is; now, it’s losing an additional four hours.

“It is wrong,” Telfer said.

He said he wondered why the library wouldn’t make the cuts in other ways, rather than a way that could be detrimental to a student’s academic career.

“The library is the basis of education,” Telfer said.

The cuts came as a last minute surprise to him.

“We did not know that this was coming,” he said.

The library also houses a large inventory of books that Telfer has reserved for his classes as well.

He said his student’s haven’t really been affected yet, because it’s so early in the semester, but he isn’t sure about a week or two down the road.

The biggest problem, he said, is that while the cuts are being made, a multimillion dollar building is being built on campus.

“This building is not our greatest need,” Telfer said. “We have a much greater need for classrooms and computers, actually a desperate need for computers.”

Students who might not be able to afford a computer, or may not have access to one, is a concern, Telfer said.

“The library could be providing them that, if it were actually

open,” he said.

Terri struggles with what he is supposed to tell his students.

“Am I supposed to tell them that we have a computer lab, but you can’t use it?” Terri said. “I guess I would just like to know how it came to this.”

One student found out about the library’s new hours the hard way.

As a full-time student at MCCC, 18-year-old Fiona Flynn also works a full-time job. She commutes a 45-minute drive to and from school four days a week and can only attend classes in the evening.

Flynn said that every one of her classes is affected by the library closing at 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

She goes to the library before her first class to work on her homework in all of her classes because it’s the only time she has.

“The one class that has been af-

fected the most is my Math 090 class,” Flynn said. “The homework is so demanding, and you can easily fall behind and never be able to catch up.”

Before she knew that the library was now closing at 4:30, she decided to leave work early on Thursday, Sept. 13th, to utilize that time to go to the library to catch up on her math homework.

She arrived a few minutes after 4:30 and headed toward the library, only to discover that it was closed.

“I had no idea that they were closed,” she said. “I was not able to do any of my homework for my class and will now have to figure out sometime during the weekend to even be able to work on it.”

If Flynn is able to complete her Math 090 class this semester, she would be able to start on the Math 151 course and possibly finish

both classes in one semester.

“By losing that one day a week to do my homework in the library, I feel that my course will now have to be completed in two semesters,” Flynn said. “This is such a huge blow to me…and to my goals.”

Even though the 3-5% cut was mandatory, the input McNamee said she receives from students and faculty can assist in possibly finding a way to make the cuts hurt less. After all, the library is the heart of the campus, she said.

“I really want to emphasize that I am completely aware of how serious this situation is,” McNamee said.

She is intent on getting the survey out to the faculty and students by mid-semester.

If the survey comes back and it points toward a better solution, McNamee said she will work with that.

GSA opens doors to new members Chris Stadtfeld Agora Staff

To heck with the closet; MCCC’s GayStraight Alliance met in the Cellar.

Alliance members joined one another Sept. 18 in a meet-and-greet in the A building’s basement lounge, hoping to gain new members.

“Being a two-year college, it’s difficult to keep students,” said Penny Bodell, GSA advisor.

“Sometimes (students are) only here for a semester, sometimes they’re only here one day a week, sometimes they leave after a year.

“We only had two returning members from last year,” Bodell said.

To combat that, attendees wore nametags and got to know each other during

the meet-and-greet.

Additionally, the several-dozen people present were asked to fill out a brief questionnaire, aimed at helping plan the group’s events for the year.

Founded in 2009, MCCC’s GSA didn’t have the advisory support it needed to flourish the first year.

Since it took off in earnest, it’s become a source of educational and social events, and an awareness group for the Monroe County community – not just the college members, Bodell said.

The GSA will meet several times over the next few weeks to form its executive committee, Bodell said.

Included on the committee are typical student-led positions such as president,

secretary and treasurer.

“We’re meeting on a weekly basis until we have the executive committee formed,” Bodell said.

At least until then, the Gay-Straight Alliance plans to meet every other Tuesday, opposite the Student Government meetings.

MCCC’s Gay-Straight Alliance has an online presence for those interested at http://www.monroeccc.edu/gsa/.

Besides the website, the GSA is on Facebook.

“We’d like anyone and everyone to join,” added Bodell.

Jobs goal of wind, solar programs Nicki Kostrzewa Agora Staff

MCCC has opened its door to renewable energy, providing two new certificate programs – Wind and Solar Energy.

Intro to Renewable Energy is one of the first classes in these programs, according to Clifton Brown, assistant professor of Renewable Energy.

The class will discuss the scientific principles of energy, including what energy really is, how we obtain it, and how we use it for our everyday needs.

Another class that is early in the program is Intro to Wind Power.

This course will go over the basics of wind power. Students will also learn about batteries, electrical grids, zoning, and the politics that go into making turbines and other wind power devices, Brown said.

A Bergey wind turbine/tower is part of the wind course, according to Brown.

“It took longer than expected to get zoning approval and the basic concrete poured, but now it is ready for the students,” he said.

The wind tower will be installed

by students sometime early this semester, Brown said.

Intro to Solar is the third of the introductory courses. It will cover basics like hot water heating and solar photovoltaic electric.

Along with all the hands-on projects within this course, students also will tour the DTE solar farm here on campus.

“We are working to set this up as a Renewable Energy specialization in the existing Electronics two- year Associates Degree,” Brown said.

According to An Open Letter on Clean Energy and Green Jobs from more than 140 Michigan scientists, engineers, economists, and technical and health professionals, Michigan’s has about 250 wind and solar companies.

These companies are currently employing more than 10,000 people across the state.

It also stated that if we were to increase our usage of renewable energy, it would be possible for us to keep $1.4 billion in the state.

That money now is going to import coal, which is not only bad for the environment but for our health as well, according to the letter.

The Agora Editorial 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 Nicki Kostrzewa Asst. Editor Hannah Boulton Adviser Dan Shaw

Staff Members Ray Bell Carla Crockett Craig Evans Autumn Jackson Melanie Jacobs Tyler Rogoff Chris Stadtfeld

Photo by Hannah Boulton

Solar panels located on the east side of campus will be part of the college’s new Renewable Energy programs.

College still not charging students for printing Craig Evans Agora Staff

Do those pesky pop-up boxes strike fear and dread in your soul whenever you execute a print command at the computer lab or the college library?

We’re all bright enough to realize the sorry little boxes are there for a reason. Is the machine going to tally up the number of pages, multiply that number by whatever?

Will you soon be separated from what little cash you have in your pocket?

“If a student properly logs into a computer, printing is still free,” said Brian Lay, Manager of Information Systems for MCCC. The only restriction, Lay added, is for students who are taking Political Science 151, which is using an “E” text.

“They will be prevented from printing the 472-page text on the college’s printers,” he said.

“Students can still print the text from home if they wish, or they have the option of buying the companion bound printed edition of the textbook to supplement the e-text, direct from

Don’t worry about this box, which pops up when you print - yet.

the publisher.”

There are approximately 1,760 students taking the Political Science 151 course, which translates to 830,720 printed pages should all decide they wanted a hard copy, according to Penny Dorcey-Naber, administrative assistant to the dean of Humanities and Social Sciences.

She quickly calculated that if all the students decided to print, that would use 1,661 reams of paper alone and unknown amounts of toner.

As for charging students for other printing, that decision remains in the future.

“The college has explored the possibility of a student cost associated with printing, but the college has held off because it has not settled on a cost model that is fair to everyone,” Lay said.

“The face of education is changing every day; e-texts is the newest innovation. The college is learning how to adapt to the change, and to keep everything fair and as inexpensive to the students as possible,” he said.

A quick internet survey indicates that most other Michigan colleges have put into place some sort of printing charge system.

This ranges from a set number of free pages, followed by a charge on a per-page basis, to a system where the student is charged per page from the beginning.

To put this into perspective, if a student prints at the Monroe County Public Library, the first 10 pages are free, and the rest cost 10 cents per page, or $46.20 for the PoliSci Text.

That’s considerably more than $25 the college worked out with the publisher for a bound version of the text.

September 24, 2012

campus news

Welcome Back Barbeque!

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|3

Students kick off new semester with sunny event The 2012 edition of MCCC’s Welcom Back Barbecue was greeted by sunny skies and a perfect day. Photos, counterclockwise from top: Students wait at the Student Government table to receive free ice cream.

Student government members work quickly to serve students ice cream.

Members of the American Red Cross talk to students about what it means to be a donor.

Students walk table to table, visiting the different clubs that are operating on MCCC’s campus.

Chelsea Bateson hits a volleyball to Tia Keeler — they both represented the volleyball club.

Students also had a chance to enjoy some games that were set up at the barbeque.

Students sit together, as they sample the food that was handed out by local businesses and Kosch Catering.

Photos by Nicki Kostrzewa and Michaela Walker

campus news

September 24, 2012

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|4

Three local people offer stories of 9-11 Whitman Center hosts event and museum exhibit

“Four-

hundred officers had the full-time duty of raking through the debris for body parts. We had smelled death.”

Autumn Jackson Agora Staff

Most people in America can recall exactly what they were doing when America was struck by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001.

What a lot of people do not realize is the number of people from throughout the country who went to New York to help..

The Whitman Center hosted an event on Sept. 11, 2012, that explored the subject.

The event featured three speakers who left their lives in Ohio to help the victims and the country pick up the pieces.

The speakers were Dr. John Lewton, a psychologist and trauma response specialist; Beth Cooley, a police officer; and Elizabeth Cole, a licensed massage therapist.

Elizabeth Cole responded to the call of help immediately.

She joined the MERT (Massage Emergency Response Team).

“We rushed to training in Columbus,” Cole said.

“Before we left we worked with psychologist to prepare us for what we would see. I said everything to my family and friends because I didn’t know if I would be coming back.”

Some may wonder why massage therapists would be needed in a disaster zone.

“The fireman did not want to stop working,” she said. “The metal was so hot it was melting their boots.”

Cole and the MERT team desperately tried to get fireman, policemen, and volunteers to stop working long enough so they could provide some relief on the aching bodies.

There were some parts of Cole’s trip that will never leave her memory.

“At one point, St. Paul’s Church

Elizabeth Cooley

Toledo police officer

Photos by Rachel Eagle

Several dozen people listen to a presentation by Elizabeth Cooley, a Toledo police officer who volunteered at Ground Zero. She was one of three speakers who helped out after the Sept. 11, 2001 bombing of the World Trade Center.

was ringing bells for the names of those who passed,” Cole said.

“It kept ringing and ringing. I thought, ‘My gosh, they’re still ringing the bell!’ ” To this day, members of Cole’s MERT team are plagued with memories and health problems from their volunteer services. Two people have died from cancer and one member is ill with cancer.

Despite the hardships, Cole has never regretted her decision to help.

Beth Cooley has been an officer with the Toledo Police Depart-

ment since 1993. On Sept. 30, 2001, she answered the call to help.

“I had to give up my vacation time to go to New York to help,” Cooley said. “My name was chosen out of a pot-luck because so many officers gave up their vacation time and wanted to help.”

Cooley volunteered in New York from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, 2001.

Cooley was first assigned to 11th Avenue and 34th Street at the 9-11 Command Center.

“Motorists would roll their win-

dows down and ask us where Toledo was.” She said. “They would yell, ‘Thank you Toledo!’ ” On Oct. 2, Cooley was assigned to the 17th Precinct and was told she would go to Ground Zero.

“Ground Zero was so heavily guarded,” she said. “Until that day, I didn’t know 2 percent of the world’s gold was stored underneath the towers.”

She also described the horrifying sights she had witnessed.

“Four-hundred officers had the full-time duty of raking through the debris for body parts. We had

smelled death,” she said.

Not all of Cooley’s time in New York was heart-breaking. She also had some amazing opportunities.

While outside on duty one day, she was approached by a man who asked officers if they wanted to see his boss’s office.

“I went inside this big building, and it turned out the man worked for the famous musician, Paul Simon. I got to use Paul Simon’s bathroom!”

As Elizabeth Cooley read through the journal she kept during her time in New York, she

was haunted but also thankful for experiencing New York after the attacks.

John Lewton is a psychologist for the Toledo Police Department.

He also answered the call for help.

Lewton rotated through New York providing psychological help for the officers and fireman who had witnessed ongoing tragedy.

“That we know of, 3,000 people died; 343 firefighters died. Their radios didn’t work in the towers to call them back out,” he said.

Lewton was just one of many volunteers from around the world.

“I met firemen from Chicago who stole their engine and drove to New York without permission,” he said.

Some images and smells are forever imbedded in Lewton’s memory.

“I’ll never forget when I was trying to get a NYPD detective to speak to me at a shelter. He just stared off into space and said, “Doc, I just found a face.’ ” St. Paul’s Church, the same church Elizabeth Cooley had encountered, was located across the street from the World Trade Center.

Somehow, this tiny church remained unscathed after the collapse of the towers.

“There’s always a little bit of heaven in a disaster,” Lewton said.

The Whitman Center is hosting an exhibit, “September 11: A Timeline,” which was on loan from the New York State Museum. It explores the historical significance of Sept. 11, 2001 and features rare artifacts from the World Trade Center. It can be viewed through Sept.

Beware of Bug Bites West Nile virus blamed for 8 SE Michigan deaths Nicki Kostrzewa Agora Staff

West Nile Virus has been found in Southeastern Michigan recently, with 95 reported cases and 8 deaths.

“It doesn’t really scare me too much,” said MCCC student Hope Lurain. “There are always things like this. One year it’s mad cow disease, the next it’s swine flu, now West Nile; it happens every year. I’m kind of used to it.”

The virus was first identified in 1937 in Uganda in eastern Africa.

It didn’t touch the United States until 1999, when it broke out in New York. Since then, the virus has spread across the nation.

Researchers have come to think that the virus is first carried within an infected bird. The bird is then bitten by a mosquito, who then contracts the virus, which leads to people getting bit by the pesky vermin, who infect us (according to PubMed Health.)

Around 20 percent of the people who get infected experience fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands, or a rash.

The symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

“These mosquitoes thrive in the drought-like conditions that

we have been experiencing this summer. So, although you may not be seeing as many mosquitoes this summer, the ones that are around are more likely to be infected with West Nile virus.” hold water. Also make sure all trash and discarded containers are picked up and thrown away properly as well.

Ironically, the large mosquitos that most Michiganders hate aren’t the ones responsible for

One of every 150 people infected will become severely ill. Those symptoms may include: high fever, headache. neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, and paralysis.

Thankfully, there are some ways to protect oneself from getting bit by mosquitos. To start with, bug spray is a wonderful thing.

One should spray not only their skin but their clothing as well.

Second, weather permitting, its best to wear long sleeve shirts and pants while outdoors.

A good way to protect babies and infants is to place netting over their carriers while out and about.

Speaking of netting, one should also make sure that all the screens in one’s home are hole-free. This prevents mosquitos from getting indoors.

There is also a way to reduce the number of mosquitos in your area.

Everyone should empty all water No West Nile Virus activity from flower pots, pet dishes, birdAny West Nile Virus activity baths, pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.

West Nile Virus human disease West Nile Virus presumptive viremic blood On that note, clean out the rain gutters as well and anything that can

West Nile virus.

The hot, dry summer has reduced the number of large, “nuisance” mosquitos, which like wet summers, according to an e-mail to college employees from Molly McCutchan, MCCC Human Resources director.

“Culex species of mosquitoes are most likely to transmit West Nile to humans,” the memo said.

“These mosquitoes thrive in the drought-like conditions that we have been experiencing this summer.”

“So, although you may not be seeing as many mosquitoes this summer, the ones that are around are more likely to be infected with West Nile virus.”

The memo said August and September are the months of greatest risk to humans for becoming infected with West Nile virus in Michigan.

Map shows West Nile virus activity reported by county as of Sept. 18, 2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

feature

September 24, 2012

mcccagora.com • The Agora

Ex-professor running for MCCC board

Jim Devries says he wants to give back Hannah Boulton Agora staff

Photo by Hannah Boulton

Board of Trustees candidate, Jim DeVries, stands among several thousand books in his home library.

Former MCCC history professor Jim DeVries is running for the college’s Board of Trustees, facing two longtime board members, Michael Meyers and Marjorie Kreps, in the Nov. 6 election.

After 40 years as a professor at MCCC, DeVries said he is looking to give back to the community.

As an educator, DeVries said he hopes to change the dynamic on the board, providing another perspective on issues.

If elected, his agenda includes not only involving the faculty in decision-making, but also taxpayers and students.

“There needs to be input from another source.

This is a community college,” he said, emphasizing the word “community.”

Tension between the board and faculty has been an issue, DeVries said, adding that there has not been an educator on the board to voice the opinions of the faculty since 2001.

He said his perspective as an educator will change the dynamic of the board. Despite the tension between board and college employees, he said he does not want to get personal – just to stick to the issues.

“The Board needs to stop saying ‘No’ and instead figure it out,” he said.

With the new $17 million Career Tech building well under way, the college is tight for money, he said. But that should not keep the college from making decisions that are best for the students and community.

The college is squeezing to save money every way that it can. One way was by changing the way it charged tuition, basing it on billable contact hours.

“Give the students a chance,” DeVries said, adding that he would try to remove the billable contact hours provision if elected.

He said another issue on his agenda is the Whitman Center. Easy access to the community college

|5

will no longer be available to residents of southern Monroe next year during the Spring/Summer semester.

The board decided to close the Whitman Center during spring/summer semester as a cost-cutting move. But it has upset many in the Monroe community, including DeVries.

“It’s absurd,” he said.

DeVries also said his agenda includes bringing the community together by returning sports to MCCC. He said students will be more interested in MCCC if there are sports, while students and the community will have something to be proud of.

He said he would like to see men and woman’s soccer, basketball and volleyball teams at MCCC. “Sports can provide a real glue or identity to the community,” DeVries said.

He also hopes to get the board focused providing more opportunities for students.

Getting local businesses to take on students as apprentices, DeVries said, will provide students with both experience and valuable connections.

He also said he supports giving veterans the opportunity to be involved in the college and the community.

DeVries said he wants to bring an educator’s perspective to the board, but that he does not expect it to go smoothly.

Many tough issues challenge the college, he said, adding that he does not mind conflict.

DeVries said he is confident of his chances of winning one of the two sports on the Board of Truestees, partly because of his 10,000 former students.

DeVries has made campaigning business cards and has been passing them out at local events. He was present at MCCC’s Welcome Back BBQ, socializing and sharing his agenda.

“Jim DeVries knows how this college works after so much time. I think he will fit right in with the college,” said MCCC student Tori Forrester.

To learn more about DeVries and his Board of Trustees agenda, go to his campaign website: www. devriesfortrustee.com.

Long time board members run for re-election Kreps continues community work Agora Staff

Marjorie Kreps has deep roots in the Monroe community.

Kreps is running for MCCC’s Board of Trustees for her third six-year term in the Nov. 6 election.

Kreps graduated from Ida High School, just six miles Marjorie Kreps away from MCCC in 1965.

By 1970, she and her husband, William Knabusch, bought an insurance agency in the village of Ida.

Upward Bound expands to Airport

Meyers leads college foundation

Kreps earned her insurance license in 1983 and today the insurance company is run by Marjorie and one of her five children, Robert.

Marjorie has 16 grandchildren; nine have already completed college, while the other five are not of age. She values education and understands its importance.

“The importance of education is invaluable, and I am very happy to have a part in the education of our Monroe County students,” Kreps said.

Along with the MCCC’s Board of Trustees, she also is involved with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Ida, the Ida Civic Club, Monroe Rotary, Soroptomists of Monroe and the advisory board for the Salvation Army.

By Nicki Kostrzewa Agora staff

MCCC’s Upward Bound program has been awarded two grants totaling $2.5 million to help at-risk students.

“The MCCC Upward Bound program is ecstatic that the United States Department of Education has once again awarded Monroe County Community College the necessary funding to carry on and expand the work of this program,” said Anthony Quinn, the director of MCCC’s Upward Bound program.

The program is designed to help at-risk high school students to go on to college and earn a higher education degree.

Agora Staff

Michael Meyer is a name known throughout MCCC and Monroe County.

After serving three consecutive terms on the MCCC Board of Trustees, Meyers is running for a fourth term in Nov. 6 election.

Born and raised in Mon- Michael Meyers roe, Meyer graduated from Monroe High School and then continued his education at the University of Miami. He earned his

“It is a highly selective program for first generation students who are at risk of not getting a chance to go to college,” said President David Nixon.

Students who qualify for this program usually come from low-income families or from a family where neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree.

The average number of students in the program has been 50, with most of the students coming from Monroe High School.

The new grant allows Upward Bound to expand the program to Airport High School.

“Not only was MCCC renewed for the 5-year grant with Monroe High School; the U.S. Department of Edu-

Bachelor of Arts degree and worked as a speech therapist with the Dade County school system for seven years before returning to Monroe in 1985.

Meyer is well known around campus, not only because his family gave the Meyer Theater its name, but also because he has held high positions at the college and in different organizations throughout the community.

Meyers was instrumental in the creation of The Foundation at Monroe County Community College, the fundraising arm of the college.

“This has truly been my passion and some of my most gratifying work at MCCC,” Meyers said.

cation awarded an additional grant to MCCC to add students from Airport High School,” Nixon said.

“The real winners, however, are the under-privileged students who will be the first person in their family to attend college as a result of completing the program.”

Now around 50 students will come from Monroe, while 60 will come from Airport.

“We plan to begin recruiting and hiring staff,” Quinn said.

In the past three years, this program has seen 90 percent of its students graduate and enroll into colleges or universities, Quinn said. Also, 70 percent have continued on to their second year.

Up to date with technology Carla Crockett Agora Staff

Students find that using multiple forms of technology helps them with more than just social networking. “…To socialize, to do homework, entertainment… to write papers with Microsoft Office,” that’s why MCCC Student Corey Welch says he uses multiple forms of technology.

The iPhone5, which originally was expected to come out Sept. 12th has now officially been released as of Sept. 21st.

“The result is iPhone5: the thinnest, lightest, fastest iPhone ever,” Apple says.

Buying new technology can help in more ways than getting the latest gadget.

“Stay up to date with everything that’s going on, it’s the easiest way to do that,” said Jake Drouillard, a second year student at MCCC. According to news.cnet.com, in Quarter 3 of 2012 Apple sold 26 million iPhones alone and 17 million iPads. That’s just one company, not counting companies such as Google.

Everyone knows Google as a prominent search engine, but now it’s also the inventor of the new tablet, Nexus 7.

Google’s website states the tablet was designed for mostly gaming purposes. The new tablet is now available for $199 and has a 7-inch screen.

Amazon, Apple’s competitor against the iPad, has sold approximately 5 million Kindle Fires since last November. Now it is promoting the Kindle Fire HD, which came out Sept. 14 of this year for $199 for 16 GB. Also new is the Samsung Galaxy Note II, which starts out at $549. The only difference from the Galaxy Note is that the screen is 2 inches bigger.

With new technology coming out every 6 months or so, you may want the newest phone or gadget.

Certain sites like gazelle.com will buy your Apple products and top selling smart phones.

So, even though it seems like technology is eating at your wallet, the benefits are apparent all around you.

With all the new technology, it’s hard to choose which one to get.

Technology is always advancing, but it works to everyone’s advantage.

“It’s a tool that’s available to all students regardless of how rich or poor they are,” said Dr. Nixon, President of MCCC.

Photo by Carla Crocket

Student’s use many forms of technology to write papers and research class projects - among other things.

arts&entertainment

September 24, 2012

mcccagora.com • The Agora |

6

MTV awards funny, but insensitive Hannah Boulton Agora Staff

MTV is the home for mistakes. At least that is what Kevin Hart, host of this year’s MTV Video Music Awards announced as he took stage surrounded by a group of little people dressed as secret service agents. Was that a mistake?

“I told MTV I needed a little security; I think they took me literately,” Hart said.

The comedian stands five feet, two inches in height, which is seven inches shorter than the average man, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

His height is often the center of many jokes for other comedians, and Hart has always been easy to take the jabs. So I get the joke MTV set up for Hart’s entrance. But a part of me wants to say it is a little insensitive.

On the other hand, MTV has never been

known to be the sensitive TV channel like Lifetime or ABC Family.

The channel has a reputation for being a little off color at times and any person who watches the channel should be aware that there is not much censorship.

I would say that the bigger mistake made by the channel would have to be announcing Hart as the future president of the United States.

It isn’t that I see any moral issue with the entrance idea, but rather it is a tacky way of introducing what was supposed to be the best award show so far, according to MTV. The award show had a bumpy start and I believe this had a lot to do with the entrance of the host.

In the beginning of Hart’s monologue, there was a moment of unhappiness with the crowd as they let out “oh”s instead of laughter. Kevin

quickly revived the crowd by getting into some of the biggest mistakes made by celebrities.

Hart made up excuses for the dispute going on between the hip-hop artists Drake and Chris Brown.

I thought Hart’s version of the story was pretty funny, yet once again insensitive.

The infamous Snookie, the alleged cheater Kristen Stewart, and Frank Ocean were also brought up in his monologue before Katy Perry announced the first winner of the night.

Every year I look forward to watching the VMAs. Being a particular loving fan of Kevin Hart, I was thrilled to see him attempt the host position.

After watching the whole award show, I can’t say I think that Kevin Hart was the best host, but anything was better than seeing Russell Brand up on stage again.

Host of MTV’s Video Music Awards, Keving Hart, takes stage after being lead in by “little people” secret service agents.

Bo Burnham doesn’t make it personal Nicki Kostrzewa Agora Staff

Bo Burnham, recently a new face to me, has officially made it to my top list of funniest comedians.

His songs and jokes are definetely made for those 18 years or older. Not to mention, one would have to really enjoy comedy.

During 2006, Burnham posted some of his first made songs online, and received thousands of views.

He took the next step towards his success by playing live shows at colleges, clubs, and theaters.

In August 2008, right after Burnham’s birthday, he became the youngest person on record to record a Comedy Central Special.

In 2009, Burnham released his first CD. Now, Burnham has been touring the US and UK, doing his acts and shows for his fans.

Even though his jokes are not for the weak of heart, I

think he’s hilarious!

“Guys, I’m a realist. Okay?

I try not to romanticize reality, you know, like when life gives you lemons…you probably just found lemons,” said Burnham.

Not to mention that the best part of his jokes is that you have to have some kind of mental understanding to get them.

He’s not just some dumb kid that decided he was funny and said, “Hey, this is what I’m going to do with my life!”

He put the time and effort into being funny. Most of all, he actually made sure his ideas made sence.

During his skit, Bo makes sure one knows the difference between his comedy and every other sort of comedy: HE DOESN’T MAKE IT PERSONAL! It has nothing to do with his parents, wife, or kids. It is taking his views, his songs, and turning them into something that everyone else can enjoy.

8tracks: mix tapes everyone can enjoy Carla Crockett Agora Staff

Music is a big part of life.

From your car radio to elevators, it’s all around us.

The website 8tracks is a music site based on people’s music tastes; “8tracks is internet radio created by people, not algorithms.”

In the 90s, many of my classmates used to make mix tapes, cassettes filled with their favorite music.

8tracks is basically a big mix tape filled with thousands of songs that are sorted for you according to genre, mood or any key phrase you type in.

After creating an account, users can save their liked mixes and even remember their favorite songs by clicking a star

next to the song.

Each mix requires the creator of the mix to include at least 8 songs, but can add as many as their heart desires.

One mix I saw said it had 200+ songs to listen too.

Listeners can even add comments and share their thoughts in a particular mix. They can request the track list be emailed to them or even recommend songs by similar artists.

If you have a smart phone, you can add their App and send mixes to other phones by clicking share. The link is sent via text message.

So next time you’re looking for music to listen to, click on 8tracks.com and discover something new.

Brass Transit is appearing on Oct. 27 performing classic 1970s Chicago hits.

Entertainment coming soon to La-ZBoy Center and Meyer Theater Shey Minkler Agora Staff

Exciting performances are scheduled for this fall and winter semester at The La-Z-Boy center and Meyer Theater. These performers include anything from comedians to rock legends.

Fall Schedule

On Saturday Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Comedian Tim Wilson makes his apperance with a special guest, Monroe’s own, Kevin McPeek. Wilson talks about subjects such as annoying relatives, blind dates, and cell phones.

Singing some of his best known songs such as “The Jeff Gordon Song” and “Trailer Love,” tickets start at $22.

Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Brass Transit: A Tribute to Chicago gives you a blast from the past to 1970’s when Chicago was leading singles charts.

This band includes classic members of rock and soul legends such as Sam and Dave, Aretha Franklin, The Marvelettes, and many more.

Monday Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. is the season opener for the College and Community symphony band.

The Legendary Dick Wagner and the Jim Cummings Band bring the stage to life on Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Dick Wagner’s Lead guitar was featured in more than 200 Albums earing more than 35 gold and platnium records. Wagner

also wrote songs for artists such as Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Kiss, Meat Loaf, and many others .

Winter Schedule

Winter holds just as much excitement for the community. The Agroa Chorale Holiday Concert featuring not only the Agora Choral but also MCCC Children’s Chorus, “Prelude” take the stage on December 11th at 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy The Diamonds newly reconstructed Hoilday show “Silver Bells and Diamonds,” including all holiday favorites on Dec.15 at 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. and the symphony band Concert on Dec.17 at 7:30 p.m.

Performing her most resent material on Jan.18 at 7:30 p.m. Kathy Mattea sings and tells stories of grief, pride, and bravery about life and times in West Virginia. In 2008 “Coal” was nominated for a Grammy.

Winning their first Grammy in 1984 for Best Mexican-American performance Los Lobos is now a worldwide musical influence. Performing their infectious American blues and rock sound since the 1970’s they will do it once again on Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

The 26th Annual Black History Month Blues Series Concert takes place on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.

Partnering with the Monroe County Library System and “Blues Coalition” presenting this concert to close a month long 26th-anniversary blues celebration.

The “Suessical” comes to MCCC Apr. 26 at 7 p.m for only $7 a ticket.

Madden 13 makes huge step in gaming Tyler Rogoff Agora Staff

Many gamers have waited for the Madden franchise to make a serious jump, and this is the year that their patience has been rewarded.

Madden 13’s addition of Connected Careers and the Infinity Engine have put all past editions of Madden, and this year’s version of NCAA Football, to shame.

Connected Careers is the new combining of Franchise, Online Franchise, and Superstar mode.

The barebones Online Franchise of years past is now gone, with Connected Careers being a full-fledged remake of Online Franchise.

Connected Careers can be played as a coach (also general manager) or as a specific player, and either option can be done offline or online.

Whether played online or offline, there is zero advance or menu lag.

Connected Careers may be the most influential game mode of the year when all is said and done.

Progression has also been revamped this year, as players are able to control what attributes go up through an experience system, which is earned through practice and games.

Players also have new attributes that are linked to their production, which has slumping players actually play worse until they break out of the slump, and overachieving players will play above their level until their production goes back down to normal levels.

The new Infinity Engine is nothing to slouch at, either. Players are no longer bound by animations as in years past, and plays almost never look identical to another.

The engine has some glitches still, as is expected by a first year engine in a sports game, but none are game breaking.

There is also some entertainment value to the engine, with players tripping and falling over others after the play, and the occasional body twisting in partly gruesome, partly hilarious ways.

The engine is a vast improvement over the previous years’ engine, as is seen when com-

paring NCAA 13 to Madden 13, as NCAA 13 doesn’t have the engine implemented yet.

Football Ultimate Team has stayed mainly the same this year, although getting the cards of a legendary player now allows the user to be them in a Connected Career.

Users can also use their team in a game against legendary coaches/players in special games. No other changes seem to have been made, and FUT is still a bit behind the counterparts in NHL and FIFA. Madden 13 is a huge step up for EA. Both football franchises had been growing stale in the eyes of many gamers, but the new Infinity Engine and Connected Careers has revived the series for many.

Players could get by the last couple of years by holding on to a year old version of the game, but not any more.

Madden 13 makes all older versions obsolete, and is a huge step in the right direction for the company. Madden 13 gets a 9.5/10.

editorial

September 24, 2012

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|7

Parking causes problems for students Carla Crocket Agora Staff

The initial battle to find a parking spot is what every student must encounter.

Driving in a car with no air conditioning, then being able to find no parking; it’s the same thing every semester.

You see the distressed-looking woman with her blinker on, ready to pounce at a spot, and then you see a freshman come in and steal it.

It’s almost like living in the wild.

Photo by Carla Crocket

When there are no spots left to take, then that’s a different story.

I’m not talking about showing up 5 minutes before class starts — this even happens 30 minutes early.

I witnessed a student taking up two parking spots with a truck to protect it from possible damage — as if we didn’t have parking issues to begin with.

Weather is also no help in the matter. This reporter knows how it feels firsthand to have to park and run through the flood in the parking lot.

I’m not a fan of wet clothes,

matted hair and smelling like a wet dog. Even though that might be what you have going on, I’d rather not be like that.

With the new CTC building opening soon, it will only become more of an issue. Two buildings, Life Sciences and the CTC, will share one parking lot.

What is the colleges strategy on the dilemma that’s likely to occur?

I don’t think they thought things through.

Good luck everyone. Hopefully there are no major parking issues this semester.

A student takes up two parking spots with a truck, making parking that much scarcer for others.

Parents shouldn’t force their opinions on childrens’ clothes Hannah Boulton Agora Staff

With the upcoming presidential election in November, we often see openly opinionated people announcing their candidate of choice by the use of political apparel.

There is a trend that has appeared within the past few elections of young children, even babies, sporting their parent’s views on a t-shirt or onesie.

I saw this offense quite often at the local level during the Monroe County Fair.

As I walked the busy sidewalks of Custer Road during the kickoff parade, I followed a family of five. Each member of the family, including the baby in the stroller, was wearing a campaign t-shirt compelling others to vote for a local candidate.

Upon seeing this I, like many others, began to think this was cute and uniting for the family.

Then I felt like it was some sort of twisted propaganda to have this happy family of five all wearing the same persuasive apparel.

This issue strikes a chord in me because I see it more of an injustice to the child than a cute way to support a presidential choice.

Already just about every decision is made for a child at a young age, so I hate to see them labeled

with the thoughts and opinions of their parents with no say in the matter.

Granted, a person seeing a child in a t-shirt such as this will know, of course, that this is not the personal judgment of the child. Yet it bothers me still.

I believe the trouble I have with this also has to do with the image and propaganda it suggests.

The idea of a child, incapable of making decisions and forming opinions on their own, being used as a political campaign poster is sickening to me.

The judgments of others should not be stamped on children. When someone is old enough to make a decision and form a conclusion, then campaigning for a candidate is completely their choice and I see nothing wrong with it.

It is refreshing to see people caring about the outcome of our nation, and I in fact enjoy seeing political t-shirts on the backs of Americans.

There is nothing wrong with campaigning for your candidate; however, there is something wrong with using a baby as a poster for a parent’s own personal ideas.

I would be happy to see the “Kid’s Apparel” tab removed from both presidential candidates’ websites.

Cartoon by Ray Bell

Briefly:

The presentation was sponsored by the college’s Industrial Technology Division and Baker’s Gas and Welding Supplies, Inc. It was held in the La-Z-Boy Center’s Meyer Theater.

AWS was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying.

Significant work planned this week on Dunbar Road Paving of Dunbar Road, one of the main roads to MCCC, reached a peak last week and is expected to continue causeing delays.

The Monroe County Road Commission announced that mainline paving would be done Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week, with significant delays expected The work has not affected Dunbar traffic approaching Raisinville Road from the west.

Culinary students presented organic food in Saturday event

Test planned for MCCC’s AlertNow emergency system A message testing MCCC’s AlertNow Emergency Contact System will be sent Friday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.

According to an e-mail from Randy Daniels, MCCC Vice President for Student Services, anyone registered in the system should receive a message on each telephone number and email listed during registration.

Anyone with questions before or after the test, should contact Student Services. You can register for the AlertNow system from the college’s website.

Great Pumpkin Pursuit raises money for scholarship

Students can get information about Spain Study Abroad trip There are three more informational meetings for students interested in the May 2013 Study Abroad trip to Spain and Portugal.

Students can take up to three courses on the trip — Comparative Politics, Art Appreciation or Photojournalism.

The trip will include two days in Lisbon and Evora, Portugal, followed by eight days swinging through Cordoba, Granada, Seville, Toledo and Madrid, Spain. The last eight days will be spent in Barcelona.

“We plan a stay-over in one city at the end of

MCCC students and employees are invited to run or walk in the Great Pumpkin Pursuit on Saturday, Oct., beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The Pursuit is a cross country race with no roads, sidewalks, or water crossings, entirely on the MCCC Main Campus.

Cost is $20.00 and participants will receive a t-shirt and refreshments and be entered in door prize drawings. T-shirts are not guaranteed for late registrants.

Proceeds will go toward endowing a scholarship in the memory of Marilyn Schroeder.

According to the event brochure, Schroeder was a a physical therapist for more than 20 years, providing quality, compassionate care to countless residents throughout the Monroe community.

The 2013 Military Friendly Schools list honors colleges that are doing the most to help ensure veterans’ success on campus. It is compiled by Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life.

The Military Friendly Schools Web site, found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, features the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences.

The 1,739 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience.

MCCC listed among nation’s most military friendly colleges

MCCC students invited to attend Job Fair at Siena Heights

MCCC has been listed among the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans and spouses.

Students at MCCC are invited to participate in the Operation Serve job fair held this year on Thursday, Nov. 8, at Siena Heights University in Adrian.

each of our Study Abroad trips, so students can become immersed in the culture,” said Journlaism Professor Dan Shaw, who is leading the trip.

“Barcelona is a great city for the extra time, partly because of the side trips we can take to the beaches of the Mediterranean and the mountains of northern Spain.”

The three remaining informational meetings will be: Thursday, Sept. 27, 12:30 p.m., La-ZBoy Center, Room 271; Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.

La-Z-Boy Center, Room 257; and Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m., Whitman Center, Room 4.

The job fair serves students and alumni of seven colleges and universities in Jackson, Lenawee and Monroe counties, as well as returning armed service members throughout the state.

It is scheduled for10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with registration from 8 - 10 a.m., at the Siena Heights University Fieldhouse.

Besides MCCC, the job fair serves Adrian College, Spring Arbor University, Hillsdale College, Baker College and Jackson Community College.

Last year, more than 300 job seekers participated in the Operation Serve job fair.

Head of Welding Society spoke at MCCC event William A. Rice, president and chairman of the board of the American Welding Society, an organization with more than 60,000 members worldwide, spoke at MCCC on Sept 19.

Rice highlighted the continued need for welders and praised MCCC’s committment to welding education.

MCCC’s sophomore culinary skills and management students presented a bounty of organic food from local farmers and area markets at a sustainable living event Saturday at the college.

“Gathering” – sponsored by the River Raisin Institute – was a social, educational and fundraising opportunity for people interested in sustainability awareness, ecological restoration and sustainable living.

It featured a harvest-tasting of locally produced wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and locally grown food prepared by the culinary students.

There also were several presenters, a silent auction and the opportunity to tour MCCC’s new vineyard.

The MCCC culinary students were tasked with contacting farmers and local markets to gather donated food ingredients and prepare a buffet dinner for the event.

Chef Kevin Thomas, instructor of culinary skills and management, said the sustainability efforts highlighted at the Gathering event are part of a nationwide trend in culinary arts.

Second Annual National Student Day event planned The second annual National Student Day will take place Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria.

The event is sponsored by the Bookstore and Student Government.

A variety of food, games, and different forms of entertainment are planned.

Students will have a chance to win prizes and free giveaways, and to participate in the MCCC t-shirt design contest.

Also, if students bring a new or gently used children’s book to the bookstore to donate, they will receive 10 percent off apparel in the book store during that day.

Student clubs will also be allowed to have tables at this event.

The theme of the celebration is “Study, Serve, Celebrate.”

sports

8

September 24, 2012

mcccagora.com • The Agora

Lockout hits players, fans

Chris Stadtfeld Agora Staff

Gary Bettman’s hat trick is complete. Hockey fans are not amused.

Last Saturday, the collective bargaining agreement between National Hockey League management and the players expired. The League’s commissioner, Gary Bettman, has followed through with his threat of a lockout.

If no deal is reached before October 11, the regular season will not start on time.

This labor dispute is the fourth in twenty years, and this lockout is the third since Bettman came to the NHL in the early 1990s. It is also the second lockout in just eight years.

Last time, the entire 2004-05 season and playoffs were canceled due to a lockout.

Parts of the 1995 and 1992 seasons were lost to labor disputes as well.

Over the summer, the NHL and its players’ union, the NHLPA, have flustered each other in attempts to create a new collective bargaining agreement.

The NHL struck first with a proposal that would cut player salaries, limit the length of player contracts, and extend the waiting period before players could sign with any team. It also called for an end to signing bonuses and salary arbitration.

Such a deal would carry the two parties through the 2017-18 season.

Donald Fehr, executive director of the NHLPA, and George Laraque, his Canadian counterpart, took their time in preparing a counterproposal.

Their offer would extend business through the 2014-15 season, and would potentially include the season after that as well.

So far, the players seem to concede that the million-dollar raise the average NHL salary has seen over the last few seasons warrants a pay cut. They, however, find a 10-year waiting period for unrestricted free agency unfair, and would prefer that cuts to player salaries flow into a revenue-sharing system to help struggling franchises.

Currently, teams share $150 million through a revenue-sharing

Fans may not be making much noise this year in any NHL hockey arenas.

system. The NHL proposed upping that to $190 million, but the players suggested $250.

Talks between League management and the NHLPA have been on and off throughout the ordeal.

Most recently, the two came to-

gether in New York last week.

Both sides have issued counters to displeasing offers from the other, and signs so far show them far apart.

“Employers would always like to pay less,” said Fehr, regarding

the NHL’s initial proposal to cut player salaries from 57 percent of league revenue to as low as 43 percent.

Despite billions of dollars in revenue growth over the last two seasons, Bettman and the NHL

I don't even mind streaming KHL or SEL games on my computer, even though the broadcasts are in different languages due to them not being broadcast in the United States.

I'm a hockey fan, not just an NHL fan.

If the players were holding out due to actual game changes, or over not being allowed to play in the Olympics, I would have no problem whatsoever with the lockout.

If the owners weren't locking out players because the players refuse to give them the majority of the money, but over something like a contract length cap or a lower salary cap, I'd have no problem with it.

But the main reason is they can't figure out how to split more money than I can imagine? Pure greed by both sides.

Didn't the league learn anything from the last lockout? Yes, fans came back, but it took years before many were fully back.

The NHL had a ton of momentum built up from the last couple of seasons, and was experiencing a ton of growth. Now it has all been thrown away, again, due to greed, and many of those fans who started following the league after the last lockout won't bother coming back.

I just want to watch the best sport on earth, and the most talented league for that sport. But greed is winning once again, and the fans of the sport, the ones who are feeding that $3.3 billion into

aren’t surrendering so easily.

Meanwhile, Russia’s top hockey league and the NHL’s primary competitors, the Kontinental Hockey League, have already begun to sign top NHL players.

Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin jumped at the opportunity, since American and Canadian play has been formally jeopardized.

Players from one team in particular are attempting special action against Bettman and the NHL. At least 16 Montréal Canadiens are pursuing legal action, questioning the legality of lockouts in the province of Quebec.

Player showings have been varied. In Detroit, for example, most of the Red Wings have undergone player-organized practices including Henrik Zetterberg, Jimmy Howard, and Darren Helm.

The annual prospects tournament which the Red Wings and other teams participate in, however, has already been canceled.

Whether Bettman learns his lesson from a fan base that is already generally displeased with him is questionable. The clock is ticking, eating at the season like acid.

There appears no end in sight.

NHL loses respect, love of fans

Tyler Rogoff Agora Staff

I'll just flat out say it: The NHL lockout is a complete joke.

Billionaires are arguing with millionaires over how to split $3.3 billion.

I mean, really? These guys can't figure out how to split up that much money fairly? Just split it 50/50 and get on with negotiating the important things, like changes to the actual game on the ice.

I'm a huge hockey fan. I know

that the day the lockout ends, I'll

Opinion

be as happy as can be.

I'll be watching the first televised game after the lockout is lifted. But that doesn't mean the NHL will have the same support from me that it has now.

I have no problem watching CHL games instead of NHL games, or buying an AHL t-shirt instead of one for a NHL team.

the sport, are the real losers.

When the lockout is lifted, I'll be back. But I know others who won't, and the league will be back to being the little sister to the NBA, MLB, and NFL, which is just disappointing.

But the league and players have played their hand, and there is nobody to blame but each side.

The first one to fold will be the fans, and that's the last thing the NHL can endure.

Did you know…

You finishyour you bachelor’s bachelor’s You can can finish degree on degree onthe theMCCC MCCCCampus!

Campus!

Siena Heights University has a degree completion center right here on campus! Undergraduate classes available in:

• Accounting

• Bachelor of Applied Science

• Business Administration

• Multidisciplinary Studies

• Professional Communications

• Psychology

a n e i S Graduate classes available in Leadership. Contact Siena today at (734) 384-4133 or stop by our office in L-221.