April 30, 2013

Chronicle Richland

Vol. XXXVII, Issue 13 April 30, 2013

A College of the Dallas County Community College District

Thunderducks honored at awards banquet

Also inside: Emergency response Pg. 2 Fashion tips for men Pg. 6

Pg. 3

25th Annual Student Success Awards

Richlandchronicle.com Official Chronicle Outlets #Chronicle DCCCD

CamPUS

In case of emergency Dedication excites SMU KISTEN S. CHETTY Managing Editor

In light of the incidents of violence on other campuses, Sgt. Barry Orton of the Richland College campus police has some words of advice.

Orton, who is in charge of emergency management, stressed the importance of signing up for the alert system, which is districtwide. Signing up is easy and can be accomplished in a few minutes.

First, students need to access their eConnect account.

Next, click on current credit student.

Click on “My Personal Alerts information.”

From there, students can choose if they wish to receive an email or text or both when alerts are issued. Drton said there are three types of alerts that can be issued. The first is Lockdown, which will happen if there’s a shooter on campus. An Evacuation will be issued if there is a fire or if a bomb threat has been called in. The last alert is called Shelter in Place. These are usually connected with severe

weather warnings, like tornadoes. Students will then have to go to designated tornado safer zones.

By signing up for the alert system, students will be informed of emergency situations and procedures.

Richland has an emergency response team (ERT) made up of volunteers from the faculty. There are 40 members in total. Each of these ERT personal undergo monthly emergency training exercises. In case of an alert, these are the students’ go-to people. They will know where to go, what to do and how to behave. Each ERT member is equipped with an ERT bag containing a safety vest, bull horn and a flashlight among other essential items.

Orton stations at least two to three ERT members per building depending on the size of the building. If a student would like to find out who is the ERT member is in their building or any other emergency related question email Orton at borton@dcccd.edu.

When it comes to emergency incidents on campus, Orton said “It’s not a matter of if but when.”

REBECCA BANKS Editor-in-Chief

Some Southern Methodist University SMU students had classes in the midst of the excitement of the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on Thursday. But not all.

“Luckily all my classes were canceled,” said Bora Laci, a corporate communications major.

President Barack Obama and former presidents George Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and George H. W. Bush attended the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center at SMU. Individuals from the United States Congress and world dignitaries were also in attendance.

“I think it’s not right to make students attend because most live off campus and there will be no parking and the security is so tight that students are restricted to carry items.”

According to www.smu.edu/BushCenter, backpacks, bicycles or bags larger than 6-by-4-by-8 inches in size were some of the prohibited items for students, faculty or visitors to carry.

“The atmosphere is crazy. There are cops, snipers on top of buildings, FBI agents all around campus and roads blocked coming into SMU,” Laci said.

Bush joked about the critical responses about his presidency. “One of the benefits of freedom is that people can disagree. It’s fair to say I created plenty of opportunities to exercise that right.”

“No matter how much you may think you are ready to assume the office of the presidency, it’s impossible to truly understand the nature of the job until it’s yours,” Obama said. Obama further stated that every president has admiration for the ones before him.

Each former president set aside their political views in their statements and recognized Bush for his two-term presidency as well as their friendly relationships.

“This dedication means so much for SMU. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that we can have five of our living presidents come and honor our school and the library opening,” Laci said. “I’m proud to be a Pony and this dedication means everything to us.”

Image courtesy announcerfm.com

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Upcoming Events Each week, the Division of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts at Richland College

presents its Recital Series. All performances are on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. in the Fannin Performance Hall and are free to the general public. For more information about this series, contact Dr. Michael Crawford, associate dean of performing arts.

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Te l: 972-238-7233 We are located across Richland college

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Image courtesy blogs.archives.gov

The George W. Bush Presidential Center at SMU

Offer expires 07/31/2013

Take home tooth whitening Special $105.00

Some restrictions may apply Offer Expires 07/31/2013

Special payment plans

only available for Richland College students and employees Some restrictions may apply Offer Expires 07/31/2013

Today (April 30): 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Fannin Performance Hall, Room F-102 The Richland String Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles will perform.

Today: 7:30 p.m.

Spring Symphonic Instrumental Concert 2 Fannin Performance Hall

Friday, May 3: Noon to 2 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration East Breezeway Free food for the first 500 people. The event is sponsored by the Office of Student Life. For information call 972-238-6130.

May 13-16: Final Exams Free massage May 13-14 from 9 a.m. to noon Student Lounge

Campus/Opinion

Student Success Awards a ‘red carpet’ affair Copy Editor

More than 200 students, guests and faculty attended Richland’s 25th annual Student Success Awards April 23 at the Granville Arts Center. The theme, “An Evening of Elegance,” inspired everyone to dress up and that they did, making the evening truly one to remember.

Jason Barr, student program development specialist in the Office of Student Life (OSL), gave the opening remarks. Tony Summers, vice president, gave a delightful welcome to the huge crowd as they enjoyed a scrumptious meal complete with apple and peach cobbler with ice cream for dessert.

Barr said he thought the event was great and so was the turnout.

“The event is held to recognize students that have gone above and beyond the school year, whether it’s academic, through volunteer services or athletic achievements,” Barr said.

“We just want to recognize those students who have excelled during the school year.”

Barr said that the crowd this year was pushing one of the largest crowds the OSL has seen.

“The response from staff and faculty was high, which lead to the higher turnout,” Barr said.

Deng said. “It was part of the lyrics. It’s [the song] about if you want to make a change, you have to start with yourself.”

Presenters included John Stanson, Sean Worley, William Foy, Craig Ramsey, Briaina Webster, Lindsay DeMoss, Keysha McCloud, Noeli Biggs, Christopher Curra, Deborah Hill, Erica Edwards, Mike Wright, Dwayne Carter, Dr. Jude Ayozie, Melinda Andrews, M. T. Hickman, Kim Montes, Cedric Merritt and Jason Barr.

The program ended with the announcement that Bobbie Harrison, director of the OSL, will be retiring this year, although no date has yet been set.

The Student Success Awards is an acknowledgement of accomplishment, a celebration of achievement and a recognition of the value placed on lifelong learning.

Bobbie Harrison is the director of the Office of Student Life.

Photos courtesy Office of Student Life

Richland students are recognized for their continuous leadershipw on campus.

End the term stress-free Oghenetega Okparavero

Contributing Writer

As we all know, the semester is gradually coming to an end, and this is the time students get pretty tense with studies and at the same time happy to see them wind down.

They tend to get apprehensive on how their grades might turn out, how they will complete their projects, and finally, how they will do on their final exams.

Most times, due to their high intensity, students end up becoming afraid and in turn earn less than an A. I was once an example of this mess until two semesters ago, when I overcame my fears, tension, and became a victor. I had to devise a method on how I could overcome my fears and face the challenges of finals and all that come with it. Below are the steps I took on becoming a success: • Try to be calm every step of the way. This is because being calm with yourself brings out the best in you.

• Each day, take a deep breath and say to yourself, “I can do all things. I am not backing out now.”

• Try as much as possible not to be controlled by your anxiety because that will lead to total failure.

• Depending on your religion, always say your prayers and commit your day into your Maker’s hands.

• Most importantly, eat a healthy diet to keep your brain in good working condition because the brain needs to be active and vibrant to do well.

• Overall, revise your notes and try as much as possible to complete your entire project before the last minute.

In addition to tips for relieving stress, the Office of Student Life (OSL) on campus offers two days of free massage before and after exams to help relief one’s nerves due to anxiety.

Jason Barr, student program development specialist at the OSL, also advises students to seek help from the counseling center if they are not satisfied with the help at the student life center. There is also a relaxation group that offers yoga exercises on campus. They meet every Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in El Paso Hall, Room E-081. I encourage every student or every one of you to grab this opportunity. Participation is free.

By doing all these routines and visiting all the facilities put in place, you will realize how easy-going and accomplished you will feel at the end of the semester.

Stay focused, be yourselves, and the sky is going to be your starting point, not your limit.

Richlandchronicle.com April 30, 2013

Joyce Jackson

One of the outfits that caught Barr’s eye at the “evening of elegance” was a guy who was wearing fighter pilot goggles.

“He probably got the award for most unique outfit,” Barr said.

Jay Wooldridge, part-time multimedia graphic designer in the OSL, said the event was “pretty good and stayed on time.”

One of the speakers who impressed Wooldridge was John Stanson, sports director of intramural sports.

“It was admirable that he [Stanson] brought up on stage a guy who was autistic,” Wooldridge said. “It was good that he gives everyone a chance. The guy finally got some recognition.”

Wooldridge said the most outstanding outfit he saw at the event was a young woman in gold lamé from the Richland Collegiate High School.

Kim Deng, multimedia graphic designer in the OSL, said the event is so important because students work so hard all year and it’s just a way to get recognized for their hard work.

“It will encourage other students to work just as hard,” she said.

What impressed Deng was Tony Summers, vice president, who made a specific point as he quoted from Michael Jackson’s song, “Man in the Mirror.”

“It starts with the person in the mirror,”

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GamEs/MOVIEs

Preview: MARY CHANNELL Gaming Editor

In “Remember Me,” the price of personal memories is like gold. They can now be digitized to be bought, sold and traded.

Set in the year 2084 in Neo-Paris, privacy is unknown to them and intimacy is faded and replaced with the progression of the social networks.

Society has come to terms with this constant surveillance of their lives to have safety by their side that is provided with smart technology. The economy being based mostly on memory causes the higher power too much control since only a few of them are able to obtain it.

“Remember Me” is a third-person action adventure that gives players an exceptionally visionary experience of the society that

has drastically changed from what we know now. Players will take on the role of Nilin, former elite memory hunter who can invade the minds of people, can steal and even manipulate their memories.

This has shaken the authorities, and they are afraid of what she knows. Nilin is arrested, and they’ve cleared her memories.

Nilin escapes prison to find and recover her lost memories. Nilin now is being hunted down by the people who created this digitized controlled society while trying to gather her memories.

Do you think she’ll find her memories or will she forever know of the unknown and stay lost in the matrix?

“Remember Me” will be released June 4 and will be available on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC platforms.

Images courtesy In.playstation.org, Evilgamr.net

Richlandchronicle.com April 30, 2013

RICKY MILLER

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Legacy,” takes the reins in “Oblivion,” which is set in a future with bubble ships, and Staff Writer drones occupy the earth’s atmosphere aplenty.

Cruise’s Jack spends his time fixing drones Tom Cruise is an actor you either love or that fly above the planet. It’s a daily grind, hate. I am part of the former. but that monotonous rug is soon pulled from Sure, he’s participated in some duds. beneath his feet. Jack finds out from Morgan “Rock of Ages” was a big-time miss from Freeman’s Beech that he’s been spoon fed last year. a lie, one that goes against his beliefs and But the majority of his career has thoughts about what’s happened to planet produced some awesome bits of popcorn Earth. entertainment, including the one-two Cruise works well with a colleague named punch of “Minority Report” (2002) and Victoria (Andrea Risborough, “W.E.,” the slightly overrated “War of the Worlds” “Happy-Go-Lucky”), who agrees they are an (2005), both for director Steven Spielberg. effective team.

For all intents and purposes, If there ever was an absolute must see, they are a couple.

“Oblivion” would rank near the top. It That soon changes with the arrival of Julia is a must to be experienced in both THX (Olga Kurylenko, “The Hitman,” “Quantum surround sound with the big-screen experiof Solace”), a woman from Jack’s past. ence.

Even at 50, Cruise stands out as a diamond The story is set in the future, wherein in the rough among action heroes who get the earth’s moon is just barely dangling better with age à la former James Bond Sean in the sky. Invaders from another world Connery.

Connery even had the gusto at the damaged its placement by throwing the age of 69 to take on Jon Amiel’s “Entrapmoon off its orbit. ment” opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones.

John Kosinski, director of 2010’s “Tron: Grade: BImages courtesy hdwallapapers.in, blogspot.com

EARTH DAY

Photo by Katie Corzo

Staff photo by Isai Diaz

Music, sandwiches and crocs ...wait, what?

Top left: Students wrestle gators at Richland’s Earth Day event on April 22.

Top right: Students enjoy free food on a nice day.

Bottom left: The victorious student captures the gator inside the box.

Bottom right: The band Evenmark plays for the Earth Day event.

Staff photo by Isai Diaz

Richlandchronicle.com April 30, 2013

Photo by Katie Corzo

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OPINION

‘The Dining Room’ centers on family traditions JOYCE JACKSON

STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Radio News Director Copy Editor Gaming Editor

Rebecca Banks Kisten S. Chetty Carla Davis Joyce Jackson Mary Channell

Copy Editor

The intimate Arena Theatre will be transformed into living history Wednesday through Saturday. That’s when a number of family members will convene in “The Dining Room,” the drama department’s final production this semester. These family members, however, won’t all be there at the same time.

Confused? You won’t be when you see the production, which consists of six actors, three men and three women, in 18 overlapping scenes – totaling 54 roles. The actors change roles, personalities and ages as they portray a variety of characters – from little boys to aging grandfathers.

Written by A. R. Gurney Jr., “Dining Room” was first produced at the Studio Theater of Playwrights Horizon in New York City on Jan. 31, 1982 with a cast of six. All the action takes place in one room.

Director Andy Long said he chose “Dining Room” for two reasons.

“It’s an amazing actor tour de force. It’s a great challenge for our students,” Long said.

“Also, America is changing, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad. The traditional value of family communicating in a

ON THE COVER The 25th Annual Student Success Awards.

COVER AND FONTS Cover Illustration

STUDENT MEDIA STAFF Each actor takes on multiple roles throughout the play.

place reserved for them without interruption is going away.”

“Dining Room” concerns the idea that sometimes these traditions that are going away are good and sometimes they are not, Long said. The play gives you both sides.

“We’re doing it as a museum piece. What I mean by that is we’re going to set up an exhibit in the lobby of traditional American things that have gone away – the typewriter, the rotary phone, a lady’s compact. The ushers will be dressed as docents [museum guides] who will

(AImage courtesy Andy Long

take the audience before the show through the exhibit. The final part of the exhibit is a dining room.”

Those in the cast are: Bridget Condra, Jimmy Jensen, Cody Samples, Giselle Saucedo, Laura Vandepas and Uy Nguyen, a Richland Collegiate High School student.

“The Dining Room” will be performed at 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public and will include an intermission between the two acts. No reservations are necessary, but for more information call 972-238-6256.

Men: How to dress for success BEN SIEBEL

Richlandchronicle.com April 30, 2013

Staff Writer

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Honestly, I’ve noticed a lot of guys around campus who think they know how to dress.

Being the nice guy that I am, I thought I would create an easy, head-to-toe guide on how the guys and gents should present themselves for the lovely ladies of this campus.

If you must wear a hat, make it a brightly colored snapback. Wear it with the bill facing to the front or angled to the back.

In spring, Texas gentlemen must have a

Isai Diaz

Certain fonts are provided by the following: http://www.nymfont.com - http://www.bvfonts.com

short trimmed haircut that compliments their facial features. When you do get your monthly trim, make sure that you leave the barber shop with a look that separates you from everyone else.

Lightly layer! V-necks are still in and short sleeve button-ups are the perfect compliment.

If a cool breeze rolls in, put on a light windbreaker.

Vests make you look 10 pounds lighter when adjusted properly. Also, a vibrant bow tie will distinguish you from other students.

Shorts that stop right above the knee show off your muscular legs. Try to stay away from

cargo shorts because, let’s be honest, nobody needs that many pockets.

For all you sneakerheads out there, spring is the perfect time to get turn up with color.

Look for subtle kicks that have turquoise, magenta or electric yellow instead of the typical boring blue, red and yellow.

For business attire, nobody cares what shoes you are wearing, just as long as they are shiny and don’t distract from the overall ensemble. However, the socks you wear can totally change the way people see you. Try socks that are as loud as your personality.

The Richland Chronicle wants you!

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Fred Allen Terry Blend Isai Diaz Sayako Metoki Ricky Miller Ben Siebel

Raymond Thomas Pronk Lora Advincula Blanca Reyes Alice Robinson J.D. Stockman Christian Tanner

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS Erica Edwards Jack Fletcher David Goodloe Tim Jones

Steve Noviello Larry Ratliff Marshall Siegel

Spring 2013 ISSUES January 15 January 22 January 29 February 5 February 12 February 19 February 26 March 5

March 12 April 2 April 16 April 23 April 30 May 7 May 14

AWARDS ACP Pacemaker Winner, 2000, 2001, 2007 ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 ACP Online Pacemaker Finalist, 2007, 2008 1st Place - TIPA Sweepstakes, 2005 3rd Place - TIPA Online, 2005 & 2006 Over 160 Texas college journalism awards since 2000

CONTACT INFORMATION El Paso Hall, Room E-020, 12800 Abrams Rd. Dallas, 75243 Newsroom: 972-238-6079 E-mail: chronicle@dcccd.edu Advertising: 972-238-6068 E-mail: advertise@dcccd.edu Fax: 972-238-6037

MEETINGS & POLICIES Staff meetings: Monday and Wednesday 3:15 p.m. in E-020 ------Letter Policy Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements. Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. For identification and verification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s classification (grade level), full name, address and telephone number, although address and telephone number will not be published.

Editorial Policy The Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration. © Richland Chronicle 2013

CAMPUS

Making healthy choices for a better life Staff Writer

“This year the Healthy Fair will be bigger and better,” said Ellicia Money, one of Richland’s counselors, about the second edition of the Healthy Living Fair.

The event was held Wednesday. It was the second consecutive year that Richland took advantage of the event sponsored by Richland College’s Counseling Department.

“Basically, it promotes healthy choices for college students,” said Katie Neff, a fair hostess and counselor. She added that there are many organizations and sources for these students. However, if they do not go to the counseling office, they cannot have access to the help.

Rae DeShong tells students about library services offered at Richland.

helping them in the future.”

“I see everyone having fun and helping each other because all of us are promoting health no matter the organization,” said Elizabeth Kennickell, another fair volunteer and a member of Richland’s Honor Association.

Grimaldi also explained that being a volunteer is important because that’s how one can give back the things that they have received.

“Also, when you volunteer, you have no idea how much you touch people,” she added.

Even though the Counseling Center’s team thinks some students avoid searching for help due to unfounded fears, the fair will continue next year and beyond.

For more information, contact the Counseling Office by calling 972-238-3771, stopping

by El Paso Hall Room E82, or visiting its webpage www.richlandcollege.edu.

Students explore tables at the fair.

One of the many tables offering support at the fair last Wednesday.

(AStaff photos Blanca Reyes

Volunteer Carol Grimaldi gives advice at the counseling table.

Richlandchronicle.com April 30, 2013

BLANCA REYES

This year’s fair included the participation of 28 organizations. “Anything from fitness like YMCA, gardening, Parkland services, counseling services outside of Richland and financial aid can be found here,” Neff said.

Although this was not publicized as a public event, everyone was welcome. If the students wanted to bring or invite someone, they were welcomed.

Money also emphasized that through the fair students could find volunteer opportunities. Thunderducks learned how to be an active member of the community.

Many Richland volunteers attended. One was Carol Grimaldi, who is planning to get a nursing degree.

She said so far the public’s response has been very good. “It is a big success because information that people are receiving today is

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S

Class of 2015

MEET SAMUEL

amuel, a sophomore originally from Queretaro, Mexico, chose to attend A&M-Commerce because it was close to home and provided the financial support he needed.

As a Regents Scholar, Sam has enjoyed opportunities to develop his leadership skills and global awareness, skills that will be helpful in his future career. Faculty members like Connie Kercher have significantly impacted Sam’s experience in the classroom by encouraging him to think critically about the world around him.

“A&M-Commerce has offered me a home away from my home,” he said. “I have met so many new people, and through the Regent Scholars Program, I have gained a new world perspective, and developed my leadership skills.”

Looking ahead to his sophomore year on campus, Sam looks forward to further developing his leadership skills, and building his network.

SCAN THIS QR CODE to learn more about Samuel, see his video profile and learn how Texas A&M University-Commerce can change your future.

WWW.TAMUC.EDU • 903.886.5000 or 888.868.2682 A Member of The Texas A&M University System

Richlandchronicle.com April 30, 2013

“I have survived the first year as a college student, but there are another 3 years to go,” he said. “My plan for these next years is to influence the lives of the people that surround me by setting an example of what a good student is all about, of what it means to be a Regent Scholar, and what it means to be part of A&M-Commerce.”

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