a spring arbor university publication
the PULSE March 2013
Issue 31
staff
the PULSE March 2013
Issue 31
COVER PHOTO BY
SYDNEY WILLIAMS
THE PULSE is a professional team of journalists providing the community of Spring Arbor with immediate, accurate and relevant information that concerns the university and surrounding community. All editorial pieces published in “The Pulse” reflect the opinion of the writers and not “The Pulse” or Spring Arbor University. Editor-in-chief Managing Editor Lead Designer Business Manager Social Media Manager “Counterpoint” Correspondent Lead Writers
Staff Writers Guest Writers
Copy Editors Staff Adviser
PAGE 2 | SAUPULSE.COM
Megan Filipowski Laura Guikema Tyler Thorne Matt DeMeritt Kristen Larson Kerry Wade Sarah Beardslee Brittany Bellamy Bekka Bossenberger Alexandra Harper Jesse Gentry Daniel Peake Cam Davis Megan Donahue Erik Lyman Lyndsay Murray Bethany Hart Sydney Williams Terri Reynolds
contents calendar
School/sports events
pg. 4
news
President Webb announces retirement Dear President Webb... The only time people enjoy lip syncing Sharing stories Students published in “Crossing Over” ESL opportunities Two takes on graphic design Walking for a cure Leading ladies Concert forecast: “sunny with a ‘High of 75’” Housing 101 Hlatky-Bogues wins SGA election Blessings from sabbatical New director of White Library Growing together Blue G’Noo
pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg.
a&e
“The Next Day” has come, and it’s a great one Tune in to “Counterpoint” Mistaken identity
pg. 16 pg. 16 pg. 17
feature
Office space Walden accepted into MSP trooper academy
pg. 18 pg. 19
opinion
The not so time-honored truth Paper or plastic? The price
pg. 20 pg. 20 pg. 21
sports
Bracketology Spring Arbor athletic updates
pg. 22 pg. 23
5 5 6 6 8 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 15
saupulse.com | page 3
calendar March — April Friday, March 29 • Baseball home, 2 p.m. • Easter break begins Monday, April 1 • Easter break ends • Night classes meet Tuesday, April 2 • Baseball home, 2 p.m. • Student recital (Deb Sanders/Lydia Wyse/Sarah Lehman), 7:30 p.m. in White Auditorium • Train insane with Ashley, 9 p.m. in the Poling Center lobby Wednesday, April 3 • Chapel, Rick Morgan, 10:05 a.m. at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church (SAFMC) • Water work out with Matt, 8:30 p.m. in the pool Friday, April 5 • Gainey Clue, 8 p.m. in Gainey Hall Saturday, April 6 • Men’s tennis home, 10 a.m. • Women’s tennis home, 11 a.m. • Softball home, 1 p.m. • Baseball home, 1 p.m. • Prayer walk, 2 p.m. • Lip sync, 8 p.m., Western High School auditorium Sunday, April 7 • “Forget Me Never” premiere, 2 p.m. at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson Monday, April 8 • Chapel, Jason Archer, 10:05 a.m. at SAFMC • Senior recital (Haley Taylor), 7:30 p.m. in White Auditorium • I Am Second meeting, 9:30 p.m. in the Ralph Carey Forum (RCF) Tuesday, April 9 • Softball home, 3:30 p.m. • SLA worship night, 7 p.m. in the Cougar Den • Student recital (Matt Voiles), 7:30 p.m. in White Auditorium • Train insane with Ashley, 9 p.m. in the Poling Center lobby
page 4 | saupulse.com
Wednesday, April 10 • Chapel, Jeff Shinabarger, 10:05 a.m at SAFMC • Last minute job search workshop, 12:25 p.m. in the Willow Room • WAVE worship service, 9:30 p.m. in the SAFMC chapel • Water work out with Matt, 8:30 p.m. in the pool Thursday, April 11 • Baseball home, 2 p.m. • Senior recital (Callie Cothern), 7:30 p.m. in White Auditorium Friday, April 12 • Battle of the Sexes, 8 p.m. in the Cougar Den • “Twelfth Night,” 8 p.m. at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson Saturday, April 13 • Women in Leadership conference, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Poling Center • Sermon on Mt. Beebe, 10 a.m. • Plaza Palooza, 2 p.m. in the plaza • “Twelfth Night,” 8 p.m. at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson Sunday, April 14 • “Twelfth Night,” 3 p.m. at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson Monday, April 15 • Resume reviews, 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. outside of the Dining Commons (DC) • Worship night, 7 p.m. in the SAFMC chapel • I Am Second meeting, 9:30 p.m. in the RCF Tuesday, April 16 • Cross cultural immunizations, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Baseball home, 2 p.m. • Women’s tennis home, 4 p.m. • String orchestra concert, 7:30 p.m. in White Auditorium • Train insane with Ashley, 9 p.m. in the Poling Center lobby
Wednesday, April 17 • Chapel, Jackson Christian Players, 10:05 a.m. at SAFMC • Just for Juniors workshop, 12:20 p.m. in the RCF • Water work out with Matt, 8:30 p.m. in the pool Thursday, April 18 • Student recital (Huey Kan/Paige Leimenstoll), 7:30 p.m. in White Auditorium Friday, April 19 • Chapel, Jason Raitz, 10:05 a.m. at SAFMC • “Relient K” concert, 8 p.m. in the fieldhouse • Relay for Life, 3 p.m. in Dunckel Gymnasium Saturday, April 20 • Relay for Life ends, 9 a.m. • Men’s tennis home • Softball home, 1 p.m. • Baseball home, 1 p.m. Sunday, April 21 • Arabian night, 6 to 9 p.m. in the RCF Monday, April 22 • Chapel, Mattie Montgomery, 10:05 a.m. at SAFMC • I Am Second meeting, 9:30 p.m. in the RCF Tuesday, April 23 • Homeschool band concert, 7 p.m. in White Auditorium • Train insane with Ashley, 9 p.m. in the Poling Center lobby Wednesday, April 24 • Chapel, Tom Kuntzleman, 10:05 a.m. at SAFMC • Porchfest, 7 p.m. outside of Ormston
news President Webb announces retirement
O
n Tuesday, March 26, Dr. Charles Webb, president of Spring Arbor University (SAU), announced his upcoming retirement, effective August of this year. Webb said three factors contributed to his decision. He felt that important tasks he had been working on over his five year presidency had been completed, that the university was in a strong place to transition to a predecessor and that it was now an appropriate time to focus on his wife’s health and his health. Webb said he does not currently have any plans for his retirement but that he and wife Philippa were looking forward to moving to the house they built in East Lansing. Regarding retirement, Webb said he is “looking forward to having control of my own schedule to choose what we want to do and what our priorities will be.” During his time at SAU, Webb said he got to work with many wonderful people. His favorite part of serving as president was interacting with the
students. “The students are why we exist,” said Webb. “They have been very warm and welcoming and kind.”
ALEXANDRA HARPER POSTER COURTESY UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS WRITTEN BY
enjoyable,” said Webb, “and I’d like to also say that we’re leaving a great university and we look forward to having them soon join the alum ranks with both Philippa and myself.”
In his resignation letter, Webb said, “serving as President of Spring Arbor University has been the most rewarding experience in my four plus decades of working in higher education.” Webb said he is confident in the current stability of SAU and is sure his stepping down will go well. “Both Philippa and I are committed to doing whatever is necessary in making this transition smooth,” said Webb. “I would like to tell [the students] thank you for making our years here so
Dear President Webb, On behalf of the staff at “The Pulse” and the rest of the student body, I would like to thank you for your dedication to Spring Arbor University over the past five years. We appreciate everything you have done and the love that you and Philippa have shown the student body. I remember on my freshman move-in day in 2009 how you and Philippa stood in the rain and greeted not only my family, but every family personally. Some of the changes that you have made to campus such as the new Student Life Center and Andrews Hall have provided a place where we can build on old relationships and create new ones. We wish you the best in your endeavors in the years ahead. We also pray for a healthy and enjoyable retirement. Sincerely,
Megan Filipowski Editor-in-chief
SAUPULSE.COM | PAGE 5
news The only time people enjoy lip syncing
W
hether you remember “Telephone” performed by Trevor Tracy and David Blackburn or you’re a freshman who thinks Lip Sync is part of Porchfest and have no idea what either of those titles really mean, you’re in for a treat. Lip Sync is an all-school event hosted at Western High School, just a few minutes away from campus in Parma, Mich. It’s not about how the lips match the music. It’s about the show. Choreography, competition and creativity abound every year when student acts are performed to the tunes of their favorite songs. Hosted by Catalyst, this event promises to be organized and enjoyable. Tickets are available for $2 before and at the door. Capacity in the auditorium is limited, however, so students may want to get a ticket before they go. Students unfamiliar with the area can find directions to Western High School on the SGA Facebook page.
MATT DEMERITT POSTER COURTESY BEAU ULREY WRITTEN BY
performances include “Lady Gaga,” a “Grease” mashup, “*NSYNC” and of course, the “Biebs” – who will make another appearance this year. Many past performances can be found on YouTube by searching for SAU Lip Sync. Some videos may include glimpses of last year’s hosts Bruno Mars and Adele, also known as Trevor Tracy and Emma Shafer. This year the event will be hosted by Evan Bronkema and Simone Amalio. Lip Sync will take place on April 6 at 8 p.m. Shuttles will be available to and from the school for those unable to drive. There is also a $100 cash prize for the winner. Yet it’s not all fun and games - it’s an actual competition. It’s too late to join now, but it’s never too early to craft an idea for next year.
Here are some acts students can look forward to: expect to see some Michael Jackson, a Disney tune or two and an “Arbor Manor Medley.” Other
Sharing stories
WRITTEN BY
ERIK LYMAN
SAU students host red carpet event
T
he fourth annual “Forget Me Never” event will take place at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson, Mich. on Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. The event is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. “Forget Me Never” is coordinated by Spring Arbor University (SAU) students in the Department of Communication and Media. The event is a red carpet premiere of a video and oral history project. Throughout the academic year, SAU video/film students film the narratives of selected residents at the Arbor North Living Center in Jackson, Mich. These histories are edited into a documentary screened at the gala event. Participating residents, their families, the staff of the retirement home and the community are invited to the screening. The project was designed to create a legacy of memories for participants, their families and the
PAGE 6 | SAUPULSE.COM
community at large. Preserving these stories today ensures a deeper appreciation and understanding of the lives of those who told them. Dorie Shelby, associate professor of communication, said, “It’s been exciting for me to watch ‘Forget Me Never’ grow and evolve as more students get involved in it.” Shelby continued, ”As we approach the event each year, the magnitude and scope of it feels a bit overwhelming. I sometimes ask myself why we would choose to get involved in a project so demanding and complex. I get my answer when we roll out the red carpet in the spring and I see the bonds our students have forged with the residents and their sense of accomplishment in creating something incredibly meaningful for the residents and their families.”
The event involves students from the Agency Experience course and two video production courses. They partner with the staff and selected residents of Arbor North Living Center. SAU senior Katie Wheeler, a member of the Agency Experience course, is the editor of the documentary. “Editing the ‘Forget Me Never’ piece has been a great experience for me. I know the faces of the residents will light up on the day of the event. “The premiere is not only an experience for the residents to be the star of the show, but it is also an opportunity to take an hour and a half to learn what the residents have gone through and hear their stories,” said Wheeler. For more information about “Forget Me Never” or to RSVP to the event, email sau.forgetmenever@gmail.com.
SAUPULSE.COM | PAGE 7
news Students published in “Crossing Over”
D
r. Dan Runyon and Spring Arbor University (SAU)’s Fall 2012 Advanced Composition class recently published a collection of student essays entitled “Crossing Over: A Book of Student Essays.” The class wrote about 60 argumentative, narrative and expository essays throughout the semester. Out of these essays 12 were chosen to be published in the anthology. The writers include: Jordan Crockett, Danae Dracht, Laura Guikema, Taylor Kline, Joseph Mullen, Heather Rohly, Ethan Ross, Christopher Rutenber, Sarah Seewald and Brandy Werner. “Selections for publication were made by a student vote based on how interesting, profound, or memorable the essays proved to be,” said Laura Guikema, editor of the anthology. The students chose Rutenber’s essay “Crossing Over” to be one of the most profound, and it became the namesake of the book. The project enabled students to not only get practice in editing and publishing, but also to get pieces published in a professional form. The students can use the publication in their resumes
WRITTEN BY PHOTO COURTESY
KERRY WADE DAN RUNYON
and show it to potential employers. Runyon was an author and publisher for more than 20 years before he became a professor. He believes it is important to give students practice in real projects that give them professional experience. When he began teaching the Copy Editing class, Runyon chose real newspapers, magazines and books for the students to work on. Over the next few years the class helped edit a book collaboration by Runyon and co-author Howard Snyder and a book about Runyon’s trip with his father to Antarctica. “But that [the book about Antarctica] still had me on the cover so that was no good,” said Runyon. While searching for a project that his Advanced Composition students could become involved in, Runyon decided to publish the stories written by the class themselves. He wanted the students to be excited about the publication and to inspire them to write their very best. Runyon said when students write for a publication, it becomes less about a grade and more about their own reputations.
ESL opportunities
In order to keep the publication completely a student-created project, Guikema was chosen to be the editor and SAU senior Kwade Joslin created the cover design. The book will be available to incoming English majors as a sample of SAU’s English major. The book is also available for purchase from Dr. Runyon or any of the included authors for $15. Guikema said the works are “clever, witty, heartbreaking, and thought provoking.” WRITTEN BY
MEGAN DONAHUE
Lansing church assists international refugees
E
very Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. a team of volunteers provides English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for international refugees at the Central Free Methodist Church (CFMC) in Lansing. According to Mindi Cromwell, who coordinates incoming volunteers each week, the majority of refugees who attend regularly are from Burma, Nepal and Africa. As of Fall 2012, approximately 40 adults and 20 or 30 children participated weekly, but those numbers have decreased due to recent changes in government regulations forcing many refugees to work more hours each week in addition to taking classes, Cromwell said. The weekly ESL classes at the CFMC are designed to facilitate the specific needs of refugees of every age. Cromwell said there is a range of English classes for adults of varying educational
PAGE 8 | SAUPULSE.COM
backgrounds as well as a nursery, a group to “just give [young children] space to play,” a junior high class and a class that offers homework help. In addition to essential English grammar, life skills are a major focus of the curriculum, said Cromwell. She said incoming refugees often need help understanding how basic activities are performed in the Western world, including grocery shopping and receiving or handling air mail. The group’s team of leaders often assist the refugees in various ways outside of class as well by helping them find safe housing, offering them transportation to important meetings, assisting frightened mothers during childbirth and guiding families through unforeseen emergencies. “We try to do a lot of things that help them acclimate to American culture—things that they’re
not getting from the group that brought them in,” said Cromwell. The ESL group originated three years ago when neighborhood Christians began welcoming newlyarrived refugees into their CFMC community, said Cromwell. Even without training, those individuals began researching, creating and leading informal classes to address the needs of the growing refugee community in Lansing. Cromwell said her long-term goal is to not only assist refugees in Lansing but to also “get college students excited about multi-ethnic ministry.” She said she is very appreciative because students from both Spring Arbor University and Michigan State University often volunteer to help with the church’s ESL classes.
Two takes on graphic design
S
news
WRITTEN BY
pring Arbor University (SAU) seniors Mark Adkins and Carissa Hudson currently have art shows on display at the Ganton Art Gallery as part of a graduation requirement for all students in the art department.
discourage you,” Adkins said. He encourages aspiring artists to be dedicated and critique their work. He warns not to be afraid to look to peers for help or problem solving and not to compare to others.
The opening reception was Sunday, March 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. The show will be up until April 6.
Accepting help from peers has been very humbling to Adkins. “Art should be more than shocking. Its biggest role in today’s modern society is a role of redemption,” said Adkins.
The seniors’ work spans different types of media. The Ganton Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the gallery is free. Artworks in the show are available for purchase. Mark Adkins Mark Adkins is an art major with concentration in graphic design but was set on being a police officer since he was young. Adkins said ending up at SAU was a godsend. He listened to the people closest to him and kept hearing to be creative and “anything but a police officer.” In January of his senior year of high school, Adkins decided on SAU, although he had never visited the campus. He had only heard good things from his older brother Chad who attended SAU. Adkins describes his “mid college career crisis” when he wrestled with his decision to pursue advertising. “I want to create something that allows people to think and create a voice for Christianity,” said Adkins. He admits the idea of going into advertising is a scary thing, and says it is almost enough to make you not want to. “As Christians we have a responsibility to be a light in a dark place,” said Adkins. He believes that the advertising world could use more of a Christian influence. Adkins says he likes studio photography, but doesn’t like being in the studio. He prefers to combine images taken in the studio with those shot on location. His style combines graphic design and photo manipulation but Adkins says his work is more photography than graphic design. He uses a lot of symbolism in his work and said his personal work can be a ministry to others. “No matter what I create, a part of me will always be in that,” said Adkins. “You’re not going to be a master of your art in two years or even three years, so don’t let that
Adkins says his most influential teacher at SAU was Professor Bill (William) Bippes, although he only had him for two classes. “He always went beyond the border of the classroom and was really engaged with his students,” said Adkins. Bippes’ advice that “talent is the willingness to spend the time” is something that Adkins hopes to never forget.
BEKKA BOSSENBERGER AND KERRY WADE PHOTO BY KERRY WADE
LEFT TO RIGHT: MARK ADKINS AND CARISSA HUDSON
lives. This is not the definition of the word that I used for my show,” said Hudson.
Carissa Hudson Carissa Hudson is an art major with a concentration in graphic design. Her show, entitled Senescence, is a mix of posters, event announcements and branding projects. The pieces are bright and colorful. Hudson’s show brings a new style and perspective that is different from graphic design seen at SAU’s previous shows.
Instead, the title of her show refers to the cycle of life, birth and death.
Hudson transferred from community college into SAU not only because of the art department but also to run track and cross-country. She heard about the SAU art department and wanted to find a place where she could continue running as well as pursue a rigorous art program.
The inspiration for many of her pieces comes from different things she enjoys. Many of the pieces also incorporate the idea of growth both in the literal sense and of her own growth as a person. Another source of inspiration is the genre of minimalism. Hudson often modified her own pieces down to the simplest they could be. She not only applies this idea to her artwork but into her life as well, pursuing a simple life of quality and community.
“Having any major and being an athlete is hard because you are tied to non-negotiable time off campus. With art it is even harder because it requires the resources of the art department which is a challenge for the required fine arts classes,” said Hudson. As a graphic designer, most of Hudson’s work is done on a computer, which helps her balance her time and compile work off campus. Hudson chose the title of the show Senescence to describe a time in in her own life. “If you were to Google the definition of the senescence it would talk about the root of the word, senile and old people at the end of their
“At the end of each cycle or season of one’s life, one experiences senescence. This show represents the senescence of this season, seeing the death of my college career as a beautiful thing that is going to bloom into something new,” said Hudson.
“It’s a funny thing to put your graphic design in frames. It is more a practical medium. It is really fun to see it all together as an expression of my heart. This is something I don’t show very often to the general public,” said Hudson. Hudson uses this practical medium to create pieces that are effective and full of personality within their minimalism. Her art brings a fresh perspective in graphic design to SAU.
SAUPULSE.COM | PAGE 9
news
Walking for a cure
O
n April 19 and 20, Spring Arbor University (SAU) will take part in Relay for Life to raise money towards finding a cure for cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control website, each year 12.7 million people learn they have cancer and 7.6 million people die from the disease globally. “Most of us know someone who has or had cancer, and this is a really great way to contribute to the cause,” said Zac Creekmore, leader of the SAU Relay for Life committee. Relay for Life features teams walking or running around a track for up to 24 hours as a fundraiser to raise awareness and support for those struggling with cancer. “Every piece of money earned by the event goes to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and finding a cure,” said Creekmore. The SAU Relay for Life will take place in Dunckel Gymnasium beginning at 3 p.m. on April 19 and ending at 9 a.m. on April 20. Relay for Life
written by
Brittany Bellamy
Creekmore said students who want to go to the concert and Relay for Life could attend both, provided that at least one person from the team was still participating in the relay.
This is the sixth year a Relay for Life has taken place at SAU. It was formerly hosted by Student Development but was dropped due to an overcrowded schedule two years ago. Last year, former SAU student Emilee Barnes (nee Anna) brought back the event through her internship with the ACS, and the Relay will continue this year under the leadership of Creekmore.
There will be movies, games and music from SAU bands at the event, as well as products made by teams for fundraising available for purchase. Breakfast will also be provided on Saturday morning for participants.
Creekmore hopes to raise $20,000 at this year’s event and to have 15 teams participating. Money raised goes to the ACS general fund, with most of the money going towards research and the rest to services provided by the ACS for cancer patients.
One event is a silent auction including items from local businesses. Students involved in a service project for their CORE 300 class talked to the businesses and procured the items to sell in the auction. There will also be a Luminaria service, which contains memorial paper bags available for $10 decorated with glowsticks around the gym to represent someone who is struggling or has struggled with cancer.
For more information about the SAU Relay for Life, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook. com/pages/SAU-Relay-for-Life.
volunteers will be inside the “Relient K” concert selling concessions. All proceeds from concessions will go towards the ACS.
Leading ladies
To register or donate to the SAU Relay for Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/springarborumi. It costs $10 per team to register. After registering, teams participate in further fundraising.
written by
Lyndsay Murray
SAU hosts sixth annual Women in Leadership Conference
S
pring Arbor University (SAU) presents the sixth annual Women in Leadership Conference held on Saturday, April 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Poling Center lobby. The community is invited to hear guest speakers, attend workshops, eat food and learn how to become assertive, professional and educated members of the workplace. This year’s theme is “Earn. Ask. Thrive. Success comes to those who ask.” This year’s keynote speaker is Sara Laschever, author, editor and cultural critic. Laschever coauthored two books: “Ask for It! How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want” and “Women Don’t Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding Negotiation—and Positive Strategies for Change.”
page 10 | saupulse.com
The schedule includes two keynote addresses along with a choice of seven workshops to leave attendees empowered and ready to take on the professional field with confidence. Attendees will also receive an opportunity to network and talk to businesses for advice and diverse viewpoints. The conference helps women fulfill their potential as leaders in business and as rounded professionals. If you’re looking for a reason to attend, consider the following items included in the conference. There will be free food. Breakfast, lunch, dessert and snacks are provided throughout the day.
There will be free stuff. There will be vendors selling and promoting their own products, a spa session and gifts given out to attendees. There will be free opportunities. Senior committee member Ashley Morris has been involved with Women in Leadership for three years. “Every year I learn something new and meet new people,” said Morris. “You never know what kind of opportunities could arise from an event like this.” The registration fee is $45 for the community, $25 for SAU staff and faculty, and $10 for students. Students have the opportunity to apply for a student scholarship to attend the conference for free. To receive more information or register, visit www. arbor.edu/womeninleadership, or call 517-7506394.
Concert forecast: “sunny with a ‘High of 75’”
I
f you enjoy the musical stylings of “Sanctus Real,” “Hawk Nelson,” or “Switchfoot,” then be sure to get your ticket for the upcoming spring concert featuring “Relient K.” “Relient K” will perform in the fieldhouse on April 19. With less than a month to go students and faculty alike have expressed their excitement for the concert. “My favorite ‘Relient K’ song is off their album ‘Two Lefts Don’t Make a Right.’ It’s called ‘Getting Into You.’” said Bobby Pratt, assistant dean of students at Spring Arbor University (SAU). Pratt, who has been booking bands for 12 years, is the man to thank for the upcoming “Relient K” performance on SAU’s campus. Pratt knew the next concert SAU students wanted was “Relient K” due to student surveys.
news SARAH BEARDSLEE POSTER COURTESY BOBBY PRATT WRITTEN BY
Josiah Weber, SAU sophomore, said, “Most Christians our age that grew up going to youth group will love them…they’re a great fit for SAU.”
• •
Pratt tries to book the bands students list as their top choices. The high turnout for previous concerts like “David Crowder Band,” “NEEDTOBREATHE” and “Switchfoot” proves that student requests are heard.
As the concert date gets closer, be on the lookout for a table selling tickets in the Student Life Center.
Here’s what you need to know: • The “Relient K” concert will be in the Fieldhouse at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 19 • Doors open at 7 p.m. • Opening band is “A Lion Named Roar” • Tickets are on sale in the bookstore now • Students, faculty and staff get a discounted ticket cost of $10 when they show their SAU ID at the bookstore (Limit: 1 per person) • General admission is $20 and available until April 18 • Admission is $25 the day of the show
Tickets for groups of 10 or more are $15 each. For information, call 517-750-6330, go to the SAU bookstore or visit go.arbor.edu/relientk
Pratt heard that “Relient K” will release a new record sometime in 2013. He is excited about the possibility of the band playing new songs during the concert at SAU. “‘Relient K’ hasn’t released a record in four years, so this is highly anticipated,” said Pratt. Pratt said his goal in hosting concerts is “to bring quality music to campus for the local Jackson community and churches.” The date of this concert also falls on a visit day for admissions and this year’s Relay for Life. Students can expect April 19 to be an eventful day.
SAUPULSE.COM | PAGE 11
news Housing 101
C
written by
Brittany Bellamy
ommunal living. Suites. Kitchens. Exercise rooms. Laundry facilities. Roommates. The options to consider when choosing a place of residence next year can certainly be daunting. The task of finding roommates and picking out dorms can be overwhelming, especially when spring fever is in the air. Here is a breakdown of housing factors to consider as you look for your home away from home for the 2013 to 2014 school year.
Koinonia Houses (K-Houses)
Ormston Hall (men) Housing Type: Community
Muffitt Hall (women) Type of Housing: Community
Features: main floor lobby with television, Features: upstairs lounge, downstairs kitchen on the first floor, laundry room lounge with kitchen and television, laundry room Room Size: 16’4” by 10’6” on the first three floors, 14’ by 11’6” on the fourth Room Size: 16’ by 12’ on the first three floor floors, 14’ by 11’6” on the fourth floor
Lowell Hall (women) Type of Housing: Community, suitestyle in Delta wing
*available to current sophomores, juniors and seniors only
Features: theatre room, computer lab, kitchen, exercise room, prayer chapel, two lounges and two laundry facilities
Type of Housing: community living
Room Size: 16’4” by 10’6”
Room Size: varies by house Resident Director: Carrie Williams (women’s), Jeff Tabone (men’s)
Sister Dorm: Muffitt
Brother Dorm: Ormston
Resident Director: Kelly McGraw
Resident Director: Jeff Tabone
Resident Director: Jeff Tabone
Special Events: Lowell Luau
Special Events: Harum Scarum, Muffitt/ Ormston Hayride, Muffitt/Ormston Cookout, Porchfest
Special Events: Harum Scarum, Muffitt/ Ormston Hayride, Muffitt/Ormston Cookout
“Ormston is definitely smaller than the other dorms, and it does smell. But it probably has the greatest community on campus that I’ve experienced, and you get really close with the guys you live with.” - Greg Palmateer, sophomore
Apartments (men and women) *available to current sophomores, juniors and seniors only
Gainey Hall (women)
(men and women)
Features: varies by house
“There are so many people living in Lowell that there is always something going on. Because it’s a little bit older, however, the bathrooms aren’t quite as nice, and the walls are kind of thin.” - Amy Drohan, sophomore
Andrews Hall (men)
Type of Housing: Community
Type of Housing: Community
Features: two lounges, television, laundry facilities, kitchen, conference room, computer lab, elevator
Villages (men and women) Type of Housing: Suite style
Features: laundry facilities and lounge with television. Each apartment has a kitchen and bathroom
Room Size: 16’ by 12’
Features: two lounges, television, Features: theatre room, conference kitchen, laundry facility room, exercise room, laundry facilities, kitchen, two lounges, study room, chapel Room Size: two rooms, 14’ by 12’6” each, connected by bathroom Room Size: 16’ by 12’
Resident Director: Liz Stimson
Resident Director: Joel Thomas
Room Size: varies by apartment
Special Events: Gainey Clue
Special Events: Pushup Challenge, Mystery Date Night
Type of Housing: 2, 4 or 5 person apartments
Resident Director: Stephen Castle
Resident Director: Carrie Williams (women’s), Stephen Castle (men’s) Special Events: Choptoberfest, Post Village Night of Awesome
Applications for housing opened online on March 20. To access an application, go through your portal page under the students tab for the form entitled “Housing Application.” Applications for K-Houses, five and two person apartments and single rooms are due March 29 with notification by email on April 5. Applications for four person apartments, villages and residence halls are due on April 12, with notification by email on April 19. Housing is placed based on credit status. The total credit hours earned by each roommate will be added and then divided by the number of roommates. Residents choosing to stay in the same residence area receive squatter’s rights of 12 extra credit hours. For more information on housing options, visit www.arbor.edu/student-life/residence-life/housing
page 12 | saupulse.com
cover story Hlatky-Bogues wins SGA election
F
or the past two weeks, three pairs of students campaigned to become the 2013-2014 president and vice president of the Spring Arbor University (SAU) Student Government Association (SGA). The candidate pairs were Ty Davis and Tiara Bennett, Steven Hlatky and Rachel Bogues and Alex Mace and Ali James. Students cast votes on Monday and Tuesday, March 25 and 26 outside of the Dining Commons during lunch and dinner. Hlatky and Bogues won the election, as president and vice president respectively. Lydia Wyse, the current SGA vice president, called Hlatky around 11 p.m. and after a few superficial questions said something along the lines of congratulations, now go out and celebrate. “After I said, ‘Say that again’ [and she verified], I went to Wal-Mart with a few buddies and just walked around to celebrate,” Hlatky said. Wyse made the official announcement to the entire student body during chapel on Wednesday, March 27. Hlatky could only describe the support from the student body along with their belief in the duo and and ideas from their campaign as “humbling and honorable.” Hlatky and Bogues’ mission boils down to two words: communication and commitment. “We weren’t sure which word to put first,” said Hlatky. “We came to the conclusion that since communication is already happening on campus, it should go first. We felt that commitment was a drive-home word and should come second. Whatever we decide to do, we’re going to go full force at it.”
WRITTEN BY
CAM DAVIS AND MEGAN FILIPOWSKI PHOTOS BY SYDNEY WILLIAMS
provides them with an opportunity to have a gig and to be encouraged by the rest of the student body. An open-door policy is currently enacted for SGA but is something that Hlatky believes can be improved. The SGA office door will have an “open” sign with someone from the cabinet present to discuss ideas and concerns about what’s going on around campus. If a student doesn’t want to meet face-to-face, Hlatky would like to have a suggestion box of some sort (like an email account or even a niche Twitter account). “We want to encourage people to step up. We’ll try to implement as many ideas as possible and help students in the process of things like starting a small group, etc.,” said Hlatky. The weekly rest time would be an hour in a designated building or room where student leaders can come to rest. Hlatky and Bogues would like to extend this time to other student workers as well.
STEVEN HLATKY
“It can be a place where they get a snack, relax, listen to music or do homework without extra interruptions. We’d like to keep pouring into them so they can keep pouring out,” said Hlatky. Hlatky and Bogues have big ideas for next year. With the help of volunteers like campaign manager Tyler Prough, designer David Markham, photographer Dakota Mork, videographer Michael Gearhart and their floormates and friends they were able to spread the word about their campaign. Now they will rely on people like this and their cabinet members (look for applications beginning April 3) to accomplish these goals. “We’re very thankful for their help,” said Hlatky. “We couldn’t have done anything without them.”
A few of the things Hlatky and Bogues are looking to implement or improve on include a concert every two weeks by a SAU band, an open door policy and a weekly rest time for student leaders and workers. The concerts are open to any band, like the SAU jazz band or a group made up of students. This
RACHEL BOGUES
SAUPULSE.COM | PAGE 13
news Blessings from sabbatical
WRITTEN BY
D
help of Dorie Shelby and others at SAU. The documentary will focus on Benjamin T. Roberts, who Patton said was “a wild and holy man.”
Stand-in department chair, Dr. Wally Metts, says he has enjoyed spending more time with undergraduates in Patton’s absence but is not a fan of the extra meetings. “I think our entire department faculty is happy for him and eager for his return,” said Metts.
Patton also plans to spend some time writing a book tentatively titled, “Understanding Your Dance with Pop Culture.” The book will be based on much of the curriculum for Popular Culture (COM 356), a class Patton has taught for more than seven years.
r. Paul Patton, chair of the Department of Communication and Media at Spring Arbor University (SAU), is on sabbatical for the spring semester. Although he is not teaching classes, Patton is keeping busy.
Howard Snyder, SAU trustee and author of “The Community of the King,” commissioned Patton to adapt a biography of B.T. Roberts for the stage. Patton comes from a Baptist background, but he said he was eager to learn more about the founder of Free Methodism. Even though Patton finished the plays in the early summer of 2011 and performed them in New York, he has taken on the task of turning them into a documentary script. Patton’s first major project is rewriting several mini plays into the script for a documentary with the
“Can Jesus Christ be Lord of the bored moment?” -Dr. Paul Patton
“What dominates the tensions, conflicts and hopefully refining results is attention to how one can redeem the time,” said Patton. “Can Jesus Christ be Lord of the bored moment?”
I
“Roy Meador’s departure was a sudden announcement. Personally, it was sad to have a mentor and a friend move on to a new institution,” said Bolton. For the past two decades the White Library was under the supervision of Meador, who announced his resignation in early 2013 after accepting a library director position at a small medical college in Iowa. Despite this loss, the future of White Library seems bright under the new direction of Bolton. “Professionally, I’m very excited about the opportunity to lead the library at SAU,” said Bolton. Having worked at White Library as a librarian and more recently as Assistant Director, Bolton certainly has a considerable amount of experience.
PAGE 14 | SAUPULSE.COM
Patton asks how we can coexist with the profoundly humanizing as well as the vastly dehumanizing aspects of modern culture. He describes popular culture as a dance. “A dance partner that is always wanting to dance. We must ask ourselves who is leading whom,” said Patton.
Jen Letherer, assistant professor of communication is teaching Patton’s course on popular culture in Patton said the crisis lies within the bored moment, his absence. what he refers to as the slice of time where journeys to redemption and cultivation of wisdom “I miss his mentorship and his collegiately, but are forgotten. “We’ll sit down and watch just about we’re glad that he gets a well-deserved break,” said Letherer. “His daily insights are better than anything that tickles the eye,” said Patton. a devotional, he is a wise man. Each interaction is full of edification and admonishment.”
New director of White Library n February 2013, Assistant Library Director Robbie Bolton was promoted to Director for the Hugh and Edna White Library from previous Library Director Roy Meador.
BEKKA BOSSENBERGER
“I’ve known Robbie for a number of years and he is very qualified,” said librarian Jackie Skene. “He knows a lot about the way the library system works on an electronic level, and I think that’s very beneficial for the library and the way that it operates.” Bolton’s job will now consist of what he describes as, “overseeing all things White Library, aside from printers and printing policies.” Moreover, Bolton looks toward the future of White Library with confidence and optimism. Hoping to sustain a helpful hand within the SAU community, Bolton said, “We work hard to provide quality service to all our students (online, off-campus, and face to face), faculty/staff and the Spring Arbor community. We will continue to look for ways to improve our service and access to materials for the SAU community.”
DANIEL PEAKE SARAH BEARDSLEE
WRITTEN BY PHOTO BY
news Growing together
WRITTEN BY
SYDNEY WILLIAMS
Community garden project begins in Spring Arbor
S
tarting this summer Spring Arbor University (SAU) will offer a new kind of fellowship— a community garden. The project will be tended by any members of the SAU community who wish to participate. The purpose of the garden is to “create a sense of place, connect the community with its food, foster environmental stewardship and complement the classroom with hands-on experience,” according to the community garden microsite. Planning team members Jack Baker and Jeff Bilbro, assistant professors of English, chose to establish the garden in the space behind Walker
House and adjacent to the Triplex parking lot. Baker and Bilbro are also designing raised garden beds and an irrigation strategy. Peter Shackelford, web designer for University Communications, and Joel Thomas, resident director of Andrews Hall, are leading the planting team. They will plan the garden layout, choose crops, gather seeds and plants and schedule planting dates. The harvest team is comprised of Robbie Bolton, library director, and Sarah Crane, coordinator of special events. They will schedule garden care,
Blue G’Noo
H
Blue G’Noo is an annual freshmen event that provides another second-semester opportunity for COR100 groups to continue to bond. It also provides an excuse for PAs, their friends and other student leaders to dress up in disguises, because the goal of the game is for students to identify PAs by name. In the past, Blue G’Noo was held at a mall in Jackson or Lansing. Due to repeated issues, Robin Smith, director of student success and freshman
On March 1, the community garden was featured at a Community of Learners event in a presentation titled “Gardening and the Cultivation of our Affections: The SAU Community Garden.” Volunteers are welcome to help plant, weed and harvest seasonally. To find out more information, interested students, staff and faculty are encouraged to contact Crane at scrane@arbor.edu or to explore the community garden microsite: sites.arbor.edu/green
SYDNEY WILLIAMS PHOTOS COURTESY A MELIA K ASPER WRITTEN BY
A college version of hide and seek ordes of freshmen set out on the evening of March 22 to identify Peer Advisors (PAs), dodge decoys and instructors and capture the elusive Blue G’Noo.
harvest dates and events and an ordering system for the harvested crops.
programming, changed the event to take place on campus. As PAs and decoys plant themselves at locations around campus, Core groups spread out to spot the PAs and ask anyone on campus if they have the “Blue G’Noo,” which is an object that is undisclosed to the participants except that it is blue, someone has it and they have to find it. Some upperclassmen use the event as an opportunity to trick freshmen by intentionally sending them on a wild goose chase for the Blue G’Noo.
Junior Justin Skytta posted about his experience as a decoy on Facebook: “I was sitting in the Ormston Lobby wearing a horse head to throw people off for [Blue G’Noo], and frankly I am aghast at the audacity of all the people who tore off my head without even asking.” The event closed in Dunckel Gymnasium, where the PAs gathered in full costume. The winning Core group was revealed and all participants were treated to pizza.
SAUPULSE.COM | PAGE 15
a&e “The Next Day” has come, and it’s a great one
Jesse Gentry photo courtesy iTunes
written by
David Bowie releases his first album in more than 10 years
N
ot many legendary artists can disappear for over a decade and return with a charttopping album. Even fewer artists can record their first album in 10 years without anyone knowing about it. On Jan. 8, David Bowie’s 66th birthday, an announcement was made at 5 a.m. that Bowie would be releasing his 24th studio album. Bowie recorded the album in complete secrecy. The album contains 14 tracks. A deluxe edition was also released with three bonus songs. “The Next Day” has surprised many with its dark, dense and dire tone. For old Bowie fans the album art may seem familiar. The new work defaces his previous release “Heroes” by placing a plain white square over the old album cover with the words “The Next Day” written inside of it. The cover makes it clear: Bowie is back to make a statement. Avid Bowie fans might notice a re-visiting to his older albums both in lyrical and musical content. Perhaps the most noticeable reference to his past works is the ending of “You Feel So Lonely You Could Die.” The song ends with the unmistakable
sound of the opening drums from “Five Years” off his earlier album “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars.” Bowie worked on the album with producer Tony Visconti, who has been with him since the 1970s. This may be part of the reason the album seems to have a strong connection to his earlier work.
F
Spring Arbor University (SAU) senior Haley Taylor, editor-in-chief of “Counterpoint,” said, “As a verb, counterpoint means to show differences when compared. We are different voices, different personalities who work together to create a harmonic relationship in audio. We hope to inform you with news, inspire you with art and challenge you with our different perspectives.” SAU was recently in the news for the new Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP). The LRAP has been set in place to help students pay
page 16 | saupulse.com
With an album like this, Bowie fans will sit back and hope that the legend doesn’t decide to disappear again. Although, if albums this good are the result of a 10 year hiatus, maybe more artists should take the hint and take a break.
The first track, which is also the title track, relays somewhat of a funk-rock feel using the sound of guitars and marching strings. The tone of the final tracks, however, becomes more melancholy with the use of acoustic guitar and other stringed instruments. Other songs on the album have everything from a jazzy shuffle sound to the engaging and catchy pop variety of “Valentine’s Day.” Bowie may have disappeared for a decade, triggering rumors that he was on his deathbed, but this album is far from a dying wish. Bowie is back and clearly not stopping soon. “The Next Day” has already topped charts across the world since its March 11 release. The album is available on iTunes for $11.99 or $13.99
Tune in to “Counterpoint” or those of you who may not know, “Counterpoint” is the audio branch of “The Pulse.” Located at arborcounterpoint. com, “Counterpoint” is a place to share stories, opinions and art in the format of an audio piece.
(Deluxe), as well as in many stores and online retailers.
back their student loans. However, this program is only available to incoming freshmen. Do the benefits outweigh the cost? Listen to the article titled “What the LRAP” on “Counterpoint.” You may have watched one of the several versions of the animated film “The Thief and the Cobbler” while growing up, but did you know that this film took more than 30 years to create? More about the haunting and fascinating story of “The Thief and the Cobbler” is available on “Counterpoint.” All of us have played games on our computers or phones to pass time. What if playing a game could help starving people? The website Freerice.com uses the money made from advertisements to buy grains of rice for those without food around the world. The more you play games on the website,
written by
Kerry Wade
the more rice is purchased. Is this too good to be true? A recent article on “Counterpoint” covers this topic. Do you have any stories or ideas you want to share with the “Counterpoint” staff ? Contact Haley Taylor by emailing haley.taylor@arbor.edu.
a&e Mistaken identity
WRITTEN BY
ALEXANDRA HARPER JEN LETHERER
POSTER COURTESY
SAU drama presents “Twelfth Night”
O
n April 12 to 14 at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson, Mich., Spring Arbor University’s (SAU) drama program will present Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night.” SAU’s version of “Twelfth Night” is different because the setting is not the traditional historic shoreline but instead is an “under the sea” themed 1980s prom. Jen Letherer, drama professor at SAU and director of “Twelfth Night,” said the plot of the play has always struck her as very similar to a high school dance. According to Letherer, the original “thee” and “thou” language is still intact. The only amendments revolve around the removal of the shipwreck occurrence. Letherer said she chose the play because it has some really fantastic characters and as a comedy is a great way for newcomers to access Shakespeare. “The first time in [SAU Drama’s] recollection that we did Shakespeare was a ‘Midsummer’s Night Dream’ two years ago,” said Letherer. Letherer said “Twelfth Night’s” cast is unique. “We have some very strong upperclassmen actors, and we have several freshmen in prominent roles. Every cast is a lot of fun and this is the one where I keep telling our stage manager to have the first aid kit ready,” she said. Letherer said the 1980s twist was important because it illustrated a point she was pondering about popular art. “Shakespeare in his day was popular art… popular art at that time, popular art at this time, they’re really about the same things.” “People should come see the show because it’s an opportunity we’ve never had before. It’s really enjoyable and has fantastically funny moments. It’s also a love story…about a girl who loves someone so much that she dresses like a guy in order to be close to him.” “Twelfth Night” will be presented at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson on April 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. and April 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at 517-750-6500.
SAUPULSE.COM | PAGE 17
feature Office space
WRITTEN BY
ALEXANDRA HARPER SARAH BEARDSLEE
PHOTO BY
Dr. Chris Newhouse’s monument to entropy
F
rom quilt patches and his adorable dog Ollie to a Haitian machete, Dr. Chris Newhouse’s office hosts a wide range of items. Upon hearing it is the loving home to a collection of peanut M&M wrappers and the famous plaza-watching eyeball, we at “The Pulse” knew we needed the inside scoop on his selfproclaimed “monument to entropy.” “The Pulse” (T.P.): “Wow, you have a lot of M&M bags on your walls. Did you eat them all yourself ?” Dr. Chris Newhouse (C.N.): “No, they’re mostly from students. I think I’ll have enough by the end of the year to pretty much get all the ceiling tiles [covered]. They’re peanut M&Ms because it’s God’s perfect food: it has protein, chocolate and doesn’t get your hands messy.” T.P.: “What do you believe makes the ideal office?” C.N.: “I’m not sure there is an ideal office, but if it reflects the personality of the person in it, that gives it some character.” T.P.: “Oh, there’s the infamous eyeball in your window. Is there a story behind it?” C.N.: “I can’t remember how that came about, but someone once said, ‘It looks like you’re watching us,’ and I said, ‘No, that’s God.’” T.P.: “What is your favorite part of your office?” C.N.: “Well, behind you are stuffed germs!” T.P.: “What?” (Newhouse motioned to little stuffed animals with a smiling Beanie Baby-like quality, except instead of the token two lumpy legs these had thousands of sewn appendages and strange antennas).
C.N.: “They each have little labels. Here’s a dust mite… here’s malaria and stomach flu. I teach parasites and it puts a little bit of levity in the classroom. I can show students the plush, stuffed version of what they’re looking at in a microscope.” T.P.: “What about your rack of ties in the corner? Is that in case you don’t like the tie you have on?” C.N.: “Those are a gift from my mother-in-law who thought they were the ugliest ties she’d ever seen. It’s her twisted sense of humor, but I would wear them and on some occasions [I do].”
the wall that my wife made and probably the secretary.” T.P.: “Is there anything you’d specifically like to tell students about your office?” C.N.: “Well, I tell people that my office is a monument to entropy, which is a term in physics that means the tendency toward disorder in the universe. Without the infusion of energy, everything turns to less order. That’s definitely the case [in my office].”
T.P.: “How long have you been working at SAU?” C.N.: “32 years, and I still love it. I have a job that each morning I look forward to going to, even after that long.” T.P.: “Do you have a favorite story about any of the artifacts in here?” C.N.: “Well, just to keep me humble, I have my kindergarten diploma hung on that wall and I have my second grade reading book on my shelf.” T.P.: “If there was a fire in the science building, what three things would you grab on your way out of the burning building?” C.N.: “Oh, probably the microscopes that Mr. Whiteman (who built Whiteman-Gibbs) gave me, the quilt squares on
Do you know a professor on campus who would be great for April’s Office Space article? Maybe they have a quirky collection or a strange invention in their office. E-mail megan@saupulse.com with your suggestions and input.
PAGE 18 | SAUPULSE.COM
feature Walden accepted into MSP trooper academy
O
nline career assessments have a knack for being rather inaccurate, but for Spring Arbor University (SAU) senior Jonathan Walden, an assessment’s suggestion was just the push he needed to change his career’s direction. When Walden took the assessment, his top two projections were “elevator attendant” and “police officer.” And Walden, who at the time was an English education major who was not much of a fan of elevators, began exploring the duties of a police officer. In the fall of 2010, SAU first offered its criminal justice program, one year after Walden decided to change lives as a police officer. He switched majors as quickly as he could and a future as a police officer became more of a possibility. Walden got a little closer to his dream after attending a recruiting orientation for the Michigan State Police (MSP). He has developed a passion for the department’s professionalism and unique traditions. To meet physical standards for police service, Walden had to overcome ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. “For years, doctors tried a number of different medications, none of which worked to keep the disease under control,” Walden said. “In June of 2011 the doctors decided it would be in my best interest to remove my entire colon.” From September 2012 to February 2013, Walden faced the extremely thorough MSP hiring process, which includes rigorous fitness, medical and psychological assessments. Despite Walden’s medical history, the MSP has no issue with his lack of a colon. “When they took out my colon, they took all the disease with it,” he said. MSP trooper Mike Lee from the Jackson State Police Post also conducted in-depth background checks with Walden’s family, friends, co-workers and teachers.
“He basically knew everything about my life,” Walden said. “I was then given a hiring interview in front of three very important people in the MSP department.” Walden is one of the youngest recruits the MSP has, because all recruits must be at least 21 to join the MSP.
SYDNEY WILLIAMS PHOTO BY SYDNEY WILLIAMS
WRITTEN BY
Walden is one of the first graduates of the SAU criminal justice program and plans to attend the 125th Trooper Recruit School in Lansing, Mich., which begins the day after spring 2013 commencement. “I can accomplish anything when I have Christ on my side,” Walden said. “That is a truth that I plan on carrying with me into the Trooper academy.”
“Trooper Lee even asked me while I was sitting in an interview with him, ‘You have never had a full time job, why should your first one be where I give you a gun?’ Some people could look at my age to be a negative thing, but I believe it is a positive one,” Walden said. “I am at this point in my life where I [am] going into the Michigan State Police Recruit School with no preconceived ideas of what police life is like... I believe that the 20 weeks of the academy will really shape me into what the perfect Michigan State Police Trooper looks like.” Walden is very appreciative of God, his family and friends for their help and support. “They’re all the main reasons I stuck with the new [criminal justice] program as well as this whole MSP process,” Walden said. Walden received his official acceptance into the 125th Trooper Recruit School on March 5.
SAUPULSE.COM | PAGE 19
opinion The not so time-honored truth
H
onesty is changing, giving way to an emerging trend in society called the butler lie. A butler lie is when we text that we are on our way when we have yet to leave the house or if we tell a person we were busy instead of the dreadful truth—we didn’t feel like talking to them. In a TED Talk from November 2012, Jeff Hancock, associate professor of cognitive science and communications at Cornell University, discussed his belief that the future of lying is propelled by the butler lie. “These lies are being used by people to create a buffer, like the butler used to do, between us and the connections to everybody else,” said Hancock. These petty lies are geared towards “protecting” others. We don’t want to hurt any feelings, so we are partially honest or truthfully omitting. White lies are harmless, so butler lies must be harmless, too, right? Wrong. As Christians, we acknowledge that we are fallen creatures. Hancock believes lying is a fundamental part of our lives. “It’s this pervasiveness, combined with the centrality to what it means to be a human, the fact that we can tell the truth or make something up, that has fascinated people throughout history,” said Hancock.
By incorporating these little fibs into everyday life, we become desensitized to dishonesty. I would even argue that we are manipulating those around us by distorting the truth (or lack of truth) in our favor. This falsification can range from the simple alteration (claiming to have left the house at 4:30 instead of the true 4:40) to the blatant misrepresentation (divulging only a particular side of a story, a biased perspective). Another common form of deception is the sock puppet lie, where a person puts on a mask (or a tube sock with eyes) and pretends to be another person. This act is often used in digital forums including user review boards. One person creates different personas and then creates several opinions about a product. While the initial review may be truth, the deception lies in the fact that the puppeteer is making others (most likely potential buyers) believe that the stated opinion is shared.
BEKKA BOSSENBERGER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES
WRITTEN BY
Army refers to thousands of people in China who are paid small amounts of money to produce content,” said Hancock. Essentially, sock puppet and Chinese Water Army lies are forms of corporate corruption. The truth is being sacrificed in the agenda to sell to the consumer. I believe the system is severely broken when the number of items sold is put before integrity. The bottom line is that fibs give way to fabrication, which give way to falsifications, and so on until you are drowning in your own untruths. The common denominator is that all of the above are deceptive, and this is becoming accepted in our society.
If the butler lie is about comforting, the sock puppet lie is about fraud. Sock puppeteering on a large scale becomes what Hancock calls the Chinese Water Army. Astroturfing, as this lie is better known, is used to create a specific image or give source credibility. The only problem is that it is fake. “Chinese Water
Paper or plastic?
WRITTEN BY
CAM DAVIS
Start carrying cash to Sacred Grounds
T
here have been changes for students, faculty and staff at Spring Arbor University, the most recent being the addition and renovation of the Student Life Center. As of September 2012, a $5 minimum purchase price was required to use a credit or debit card was introduced at Sacred Grounds, located on the main floor of White Library. Signs around campus told customers that their totals had to be above $5 to use debit or credit cards or to start bringing cash. The reason for the $5 minimum is due to the processing fee Sacred Grounds has to pay in order to run debit cards. The main goal is to “lower cost of fees,” said Jen Houston, manager of Sacred Grounds. “We hope to reduce fees, and promote Coffee Cash.”
PAGE 20 | SAUPULSE.COM
Cougar Cash to pay for coffee. Coffee Cash allows students and faculty to use their ID cards like a debit card. They can place their coffee orders, no matter the minimum price, on that. I don’t think the $5 minimum for debit or credit card purchases is the best idea for Sacred Grounds to enforce on a college campus. It is rare that college students walk around campus with cash. Carrying money is slowly starting to become a thing of the past. However, I’m glad Sacred Grounds is now allowing students to use their ID and load money on it for Coffee Cash. During my freshman year, I can remember countless times where I wished Sacred Grounds would allow students to use
Don’t let the $5 limit stop you from purchasing coffee and use it as a reason to go with your friends. You can always switch off on who picks up the tab. Or you can use your debit card and put money on your ID card. If you do so, you can use Sacred Grounds newest service that allows customers to text in a order. Customers must have Coffee Cash loaded onto their ID card to participate. You must text your name, ID number, pick-up time and order to Sacred Grounds at (217) 9229172.
opinion The price
WRITTEN BY
Is it worth it to work while you’re a full-time student?
T
here’s a time of year when a large percentage of college students get wound tight, and it’s not because of classes. Right about now, students are losing their minds over their resumes, which may cite work experiences from summer camps, unpaid work with a family business and babysitting in high school. You may feel the solution is to get a job during the school year. But is it worth working when you’re a full-time student? Some students feel that they barely have a handle on the stress of classes, studying, athletics and social time without throwing in work on top of it all. Review the following pros and cons for each type of employment to determine which is best for you. Internships Many students stressing out about their sadlooking resumes believe that if they “just got an internship” it would bolster their chronicled experience. Benefits • Internships are good for students who want to broaden their network of professional contacts or want to decide if they have an interest in a particular career without making a full-time commitment. Drawbacks • Internships are often unpaid and sometimes not what students expect. It is not uncommon for an intern at a law firm to do no more than prepare rooms for meetings. When he puts that internship on his resume, it doesn’t sound as good as it did before he started working there. • Sometimes, students are under the assumption that if they work hard for no pay, the experience will lead to a paid job.
are a lot of options in sales and food service in Jackson, and many students already have jobs as part-time staff at banks, restaurants or clothing stores. Benefits • Spring Arbor is a small community, but when you extend yourself into Jackson, Hillsdale, Lansing and the surrounding communities, your network of professional contacts grows (and so do your chances of being recommended for a job later). • You may have the opportunity to work with people and problems that extend beyond the higher education industry. • Working off-campus may yield opportunities to earn more money. For example, sales associates at JC Penney make an average of $8.50 an hour—$1.10 more per hour than oncampus wages. There is also potential to get a raise, while wages on campus are prix fixe. Drawbacks • If you don’t have a car, your off-campus options are extremely limited in the Spring Arbor area. • If you’re working only a couple hours per week, you could be losing money by driving to and from work. Make sure that you weigh the costs and benefits. On-Campus Jobs SAU offers students many work opportunities. Students are paid to prepare meals, organize paperwork, plan events, deliver mail, mentor students and supervise labs.
GRAPHIC BY
SYDNEY WILLIAMS SYDNEY WILLIAMS
Benefits • There are a lot of jobs and minimal competition (compared to off-campus work). • If you already live on campus, you save the time and money you would have spent driving to and from your job. Drawbacks • All student jobs are paid on a stipend basis or Michigan minimum wage, $7.40 per hour. • Not all campus jobs will be relevant to your field of study. How to get a job on campus • Go to the Human Resources (HR) office and sign up for the student work email list. Whenever a job opens up, students on the list are emailed and given an opportunity to apply. • Student leadership applications are available every spring in Student Development. Whether you work on- or off-campus, it is important to: • keep an open mind. Understand that there are professional development benefits from seemingly irrelevant jobs. • remember that everyone starts somewhere. • be a good employee. This is important, because a future job may require a recommendation from your current supervisor. • be honest with yourself about your time. You may want a job for the extra money, but you may need to let it go if you find yourself struggling for time. If you bite off more than you can chew, speak with your employer to adjust your schedule to be more manageable.
Keep in mind that if you choose to take an internship (paid or unpaid) for school credit, you’ll have to pay for the credit hours. If you’re already planning to do an unpaid internship this summer, consider asking your company if they’ll pay for all or part of the credit fees. It’s worth a shot. Off-campus jobs Students will sometimes accept off-campus jobs in the area to earn a little more pocket money. There
SAUPULSE.COM | PAGE 21
sports Bracketology
written by
Megan Filipowski ESPN.com
brackets made on
Joining the March Madness phenomenon President Obama’s bracket
I
t’s the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s National Tournament, the culmination of everything college basketball teams work toward.
on ESPN. According to Jeffrey Burgan, a math professor at DePaul University, there are over 9.2 quintillion (9,223,372,036,854,775,808) ways to fill out a bracket.
It’s March Madness.
My chances of filling out a perfect bracket on my first try were clearly slim to none. But, it motivated me to fill out a second bracket with Michigan State University, a No. 3 seed in the Midwest region, winning.
There’s a reason it’s called March Madness. Sixty eight teams make it to the “postseason”—more than any other sport. It’s chaos, Cinderella stories, massive upsets and dramatic wins. Teams are announced and placed in their seeds on Selection Sunday. This year, Saint Louis University, fourth seed in the Midwest Region, watched their announcement in a Best Buy store. After Selection Sunday comes what March Madness is about for fans: the bracket.
Then my mom asked if I would fill out a bracket for her company’s competition. She told me if she won, I’d get the winnings minus the $25 she paid to enter. I would have done it without being bribed, but a broke college student and a chance to earn money go hand in hand.
This is my first year doing a “fantasy” bracket. In the past, I have visited ESPN.com and checked the scores, filling out only the winners of the games.
Filling out my bracket was a daunting task. Sixty eight teams, one winner. It was a combination of the information that I knew about some of the teams and the “I just need to pick a team” mentality. I follow college basketball very minimally, and my choices reflected that. Although, I was one of 5.6 percent of participants in ESPN’s Tournament Challenge to choose Harvard University (No. 14 seed) to upset New Mexico University (No. 3 seed).
This year, I decided to join in the phenomenon and compete against my friends. At first, I thought I would only fill out one, but I fell into the pressure of having 10 options through my account
When I filled out my mom’s bracket, I thought about all the unusal ways a bracket can be completed: flip a coin, choose by the team’s colors, the best mascot or by the attractiveness of the
While the teams are competing for the title of National Champion, co-workers, friends and families compete to have the most accurate bracket and bragging rights.
page 22 | saupulse.com
“The Pulse’s” bracket
point guard. I ended up doing none of these because I really wanted her to win. On ESPN, fans in the Tournament Challenge can compare their bracket to famous brackets that have been posted. Want to know where you rank against President Obama? Before games on March 28, I am ranked 223,914. Obama is ranked 2,254,697. A total of 8.15 million brackets were created compared to last year’s 6.45 million. “The Pulse” even decided to fill out a bracket together as a staff. Not every member of our staff is a sports fan. We picked some teams because we recognized the names. We tanked on the first weekend when the teams we had in the finals, Gonzaga University and Butler University, lost in the Round of 32. We’re ranked 4,748,322 before the March 28 games. Brackets are exciting. They provide something for this postseason that other sports don’t have, two weeks of intense predictions that lead to ultimate bragging rights (and in a few situations, monetary compensation). If you filled out a bracket and it bombed, don’t fret.The games are still going to be amazing. Florida Gulf Coast University, the No. 15 seed, taking on the University of Florida, the No. 3 seed, is a game you shouldn’t miss.
sports COMPILED BY
MEGAN FILIPOWSKI BEAU ULREY
POSTER COURTESY
Softball Team Game 1 Game 2 Aquinas College 17 4 Spring Arbor University 6 6 Game 1: WP: C. Giarmo (Aquinas) LP: E. Lehr (SAU) Game 2: WP: A. Patnaude (SAU) LP: R. Shineldecker (Aquinas)
Men’s Track & Field
Women’s Track & Field
Next meet: April 6 Huntington Invite
Next meet: April 6 Huntington Invitational
Early Bird Relays Placed: 2 of 17
Next game: March 29 @ Grace College Tournament
For detailed game summaries, visit saucougars.com.
Baseball Team Score Spring Arbor Universtiy 5 Ave Maria University 3 WP: J. Ferris (SAU) LP: E. Striz (Ave Maria)
Coastal Carolina - Shamrock Invitational No Team Score
Podcasts about SAU athletics are available on Facebook by searching for “The SAU Breakdown”
Next game: March 29 vs. Marian University, 2 p.m.
Men’s Golf
Shawnee State University Spring Invitational Placed: 4 of 6 Day One Score Day Two Score Overall Score 316 307 623 Next match: March 29 IWU Invitational
Women’s Tennis Team Spring Arbor University Missouri Valley College
Score 9 0
Spring Arbor Singles Winners Name Score Kristin DeBruyn 6-0, 6-0 Hope Roelofs 6-0, 6-0 Jenna Bart 6-0, 7-5 Quincy Banini 6-2, 7-5 Kelli Cross 6-4, 6-1 Katie Storrer 6-4, 7-6 (9-7) Spring Arbor Doubles Winner Name Score Kristin DeBruyn 8-2 Hope Roelofs Quincy Banini 8-3 Paige Fallu Jenna Bart 8-3 Katie Storrer Next match: April 2 @ Trine University, 3:30 p.m.
Men’s Tennis Team Spring Arbor University Missouri Valley College
Score 7 2
Spring Arbor Singles Winners Name Score David Darling 6-1, 6-2 Aaron Mayes 6-3, 6-1 Nathan Scholten 6-2, 6-0 John Hall 6-4, 6-3 Spring Arbor Doubles Winner Name Score David Darling 8-6 Nathan Scholten Aaron Mayes 8-5 Matt Wojtkowski Jesse DeBoer 8-3 John Hall
Intramural calendar March 25 to 27 - Basketball tournament
April 1 to 3 - Basketball tournament 4 - Basketball championship game 8 to 11 - Ultimate Frisbee season 15 to 18 - Ultimate Frisbee tournament 20 - Softball tournament 22 to 25 - Ultimate Frisbee tournament
Next match: March 28 @ Calvin College
SAUPULSE.COM | PAGE 23
the PULSE Official newspaper of Ron Kopicko
website: saupulse.com twitter: @saupulse facebook.com/saupulse