Kira Sabin offers life and dating advice 3
Davis not to return as quarterback 10
NorthernIowan
the university of northern iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892
April 29, 2011
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Volume 107, Issue 54
FRIDAY
Cedar Falls, Iowa
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northern-iowan.org
UNI student named Iowa Student Employee of the Year JOHN ANDERSON
Executive Editor
In addition to being named the University of Northern Iowa Student Employee of the Year, Darion Watson became the first UNI student to be recognized as the State of Iowa Student Employee of the Year by the Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators. Watson, a senior communications major and resident assistant in Dancer Hall, was very humbled to receive the awards. “It’s been an honor to represent the university, especially because it’s the first time someone from UNI has received the award,” Watson said. Dancer Hall Residence Life Coordinator Amy Mesirow, who nominated Watson for the award, finds it difficult to find one thing
to say about Watson “because he’s just so amazing.”
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His personal integrity and drive (are) unparalleled. He’s a very humble individual, and I know that he does what he does because it’s the right thing to do, so it’s wonderful to have that recognized and amazing to have that recognized across the state as well. Amy Mesirow Dancer Hall RLC
“He’s built really strong communities, really good relationships with the men in his house, has really set a standard for our RA
staff – kind of set the bar high and helped other RAs reach that standard as well,” Mesirow said. Mesirow described the strong personal character Watson demonstrated as not only an RA but as a member of the Student Admissions Ambassadors and as the co-founder of the Black Male Leaders Union. “His personal integrity and drive (are) unparalleled,” she said. “He’s a very humble individual, and I know that he does what he does because it’s the right thing to do, so it’s wonderful to have that recognized and amazing to have that recognized across the state as well,” Mesirow said. Watson, who was also awarded the prestigious Lux Award this spring, described his “great” experience on campus as a See WATSON, page 2
COURTESY PHOTO Darion Watson, a senior communications major, was named the Iowa Student Employee of the Year.
Keeping your credit in check
I Spy at UNI
KARI BRAUMANN Editorial Staff
ANNA SCHRECK/Northern Iowan
Do you know where this picture was taken? If so, email us at northerniowan@uni.edu with your answer. The winner’s name and the picture’s location will be featured on the Northern Iowan’s Facebook page. The winner from the April 26 issue was Lyndsie Armstrong, a UNI sophomore, who correctly identified that the picture was taken on the north side of the tunnel that goes under University Avenue.
The school year is drawing to a close, and so is Financial Literacy Month at the University of Northern Iowa. As summer approaches, some students who are graduating may be anticipating the repayment of their student loans. Others may be preparing to enter a new lease for an apartment. Still others may face underemployment and try to fill in the gaps in their expenses by charging necessary items. All these things can affect credit, and Tim Bakula says it’s important to stay in the know. “All of the stuff that you’re doing now, financially, will follow you. It’s something a lot of students don’t think about, but it is important to keep in mind,” said Bakula, associate director of customer service and outreach in the UNI Financial Aid office.
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All of the stuff that you’re doing now, financially, will follow you. It’s something a lot of students don’t think about, but it is important to keep in mind. Tim Bakula associate director of customer service and outreach in the UNI Financial Aid Office
The Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970 guarantees all consumers access to a free credit report from each of the three consumer reporting agencies – TransUnion, Experian and Equifax – once every 12 months. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s website about credit reports, www.annualcreditreport. com is the only authorized source for one’s free annual credit report. This website is sponsored by the three
aforementioned agencies. You don’t have to get a report from all three agencies at once, however. Bakula says some people get a report from one agency at a time every four months or so. “You (can) get one from each of those three on a revolving basis, so you’re not just getting one snapshot in time at (that time of) year,” he said. Your credit score is not available at the Annual Credit Report website for free. However, you are able to purchase it at a discounted price from each of the three bureaus when you get your free report. Websites like www.freecreditscore.com can be misleading, as there are strings attached. You can get your credit score without your debit or credit card being charged, but you must call a phone number and (after some attempts at persuasion on See CREDIT, page 2