Thursday 5/16/13

weekend

Baseball head coach Jake Boss Jr. encourages players from third base against Illinois May 5 at McLane Baseball Stadium at Old College Field.

DANYELLE MORROW/ THE STATE NEWS

Michigan State University’s independent voice | statenews.com | East Lansing, Mich. | Thursday, May 16, 2013

Application record broken for third consecutive year

Homecoming court announced

Baseball heads off to pivotal series with Penn State

CAMPUS+CITY, PAGE 3

CAMPUS+CITY, PAGE 3

SPORTS+FEATURES, PAGE 6

FLAMES AT MORRILL HALL One of MSU’s oldest buildings in process of being demolished before smoke, fire seen

WESTON BROOKS/THE STATE NEWS

Firefighters prepare to put out the fire on Wednesday at Morrill Hall. No explosions were reported, according to observers.

“Nobody panicked. They seemed to be fascinated by the fire, but then things escalated quickly. Flames turned into flying ashes, then thick black smoke.”

Angel Whitaker, Perry, Mich., resident

By Katie Abdilla

kabdilla@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

A

round 7 p.m. Wednesday, the East Lansing Police Department received a call indicating that Morrill Hall was on fi re, Sgt. James Phelps said.

Smoke was seen coming from the roof of the building, attracting a large crowd before authorities announced asbestos was leaking from the windows. Police

scanner traffic indicated that the fi re most likely started near the roof, resulting in a collapse with no reported injuries.

Firefighters began entering the building around 7:45 p.m., breaking open the windows of the top floor. Officials were unable to be reached for comment regarding the cause of the fire or any potential injuries as of press time.

Demolition of Morrill Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus, began early last week after the MSU Board of Trustees decided to tear it down in June 2010.

See FIRE on page 2 X PHOTO COURTESY OF MSU ARCHIVES

To see a video of the fire at Morrill Hall and observer reactions, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

Examining religious differences

An archived photo of a student walking past Morrill Hall. The building was used as a women’s-only facility until 1937.

ART

Upcoming weekend brings 50th year of East Lansing Art Festival

By Derek Kim

dkim@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

East Lansing resident Alan Fox helps his daughter, Shoshie Fox-Long, 13, read from the Torah during her and her sister’s bat mitzvah rehearsal May 5 at Kehillat Israel, 2014 Forest Road.

—Julia Nagy, SN See A DAY OF WORSHIP on page 5 X

Downtown construction will be transformed briefly into colorful exhibits this weekend for the 50th annual East Lansing Art Festival.

The family friendly nonprofit event will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Abbot Road, Albert Avenue and M.A.C. Avenue.

Spectators can enjoy handcrafted art from artists from across the country, live music, workshops for kids and diverse fl avors from an internationalstyle food court.

An information booth located on the corner of M.A.C. Avenue and Albert Avenue will feature the 50-year history of the

“The parking lot that runs along Albert between Beggar’s (Banquet) and Pinball Pete’s is all festival programming, which is hands-on activities, teen activities and our food court.”

Corinn VanWyck, East Lansing Art Festival coordinator

event. Patrons will be able to purchase memorabilia, vintage shirts and posters from vendors at the festival.

“My goals are to continue to make sure we are producing the festival effi ciently, using dollars effectively, creating quality programming and continuing to fund everything so we can keep it free,” East Lansing Art Festival Coordinator Corinn VanWyck said.

VanWyck said the biggest

difference this year will be the relocation of artists from the Albert Avenue parking lot to the streets. She said the adjustment came at the requests of artists who preferred the patron traffic of the streets compared to the parking lot.

“The parking lot that runs along Albert between Beggar’s (Banquet) and Pinball Pete’s is all festival programming,

See FESTIVAL on page 2 X

2 | TH E STAT E N E WS | T HURS DAY, M AY 1 6, 2 01 3 | STATE N E WS.COM

Police brief Nude woman taken to mental facility Yesterday afternoon, at approximately 3:45 p.m., police received reports that there was a naked female sitting under a tree on the side of M.A.C. Avenue. The woman is a local resident of East Lansing.

When police arrived, they found her to have apparent mental problems. She was given a ride to Community Mental Heath Authority, 812 E. Jolly Road, in Lansing.

Community Mental Health Authority services patients in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.

HOLLY BARANOWSKI

Friday Cloudy High: 73° Low: 52°

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Index Campus+city Opinion Sports+features ClassiďŹ ed Crossword

FIRE

Smoke and flames were seen emerging from Morrill Hall on Wednesday evening FROM PAGE ONE

Three-day forecast

Thursday Sunny High: 79° Low: 48°

Continued

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A firefighter climbs a ladder to the roof of Morrill Hall on Wednesday. A partial roof collapse was reported.

too costly, and that the demolition and restoration of the site will cost about $1 million. “The building exceeded its ability to be occupied beyond repair,� Kranz said. “(The) cost to do that was significant.�

Bailey said Morrill Hall was considered unsafe before demolition began. He said pieces of the building itself, which essentially was held together by paint and plaster, often broke off from time to time.

The building mostly housed faculty from the Department of History, which was relocated to Old Horticulture in 2012. “No one wanted to be inside on the day a big wind came,� he said. “They told me there was the possibility that my office would collapse down a floor, so I’m not entirely convinced the move was a bad thing.�

Portia Vescio, the assistant director of University Archives and Historical Collections, said although it has become outdated, the building was once one of the largest on campus. “They used the best materials they had at the time,�

Vescio said. “They didn’t realize some of the long-term sus-

tainability of the materials they were using.�

Kranz said the restoration plan for the site will include a terrace with benches and landscaping, as well as plaques made out of sandstone taken from the building.

Prior to the fi re, bricks from Morrill Hall were to be sold at the MSU Surplus Store for $35 when they were removed.

Despite his acceptance of the demolition, Bailey said it will take him some time to get used to the soon-to-be empty space in Morrill Hall’s place. “It’s a damn shame,� Bailey said of the demolition. “There’s an awful lot of history and an awful lot of wonderful people who have come through that building.�

Staff reporters Holly Baranowski and Tyler Beck contributed to this story.

junor-Etchie said.

Communication junior Kailey Kraushaar said she has been going to the Art Festival for as long as she can remember. “I am not really into art, but it’s always fun to look at the

stuff there,â€? Kraushaar said. “It’s different from anything I would usually do. There are so many different vendors, so it is not like looking at paintings in a museum ‌ It’s really interesting.â€?

Before it was converted for office and classroom use in 1937, Morrill Hall was referred to as the Women’s Building and was used as a womensonly dormitory and learning center.

Opened in 1900, demolition of Morrill Hall began last week and was set to be completed next summer

SPORTS+FEATURES EDITOR Omari Sankofa II

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The process was slated to be completed in June 2014.

The decision to tear down the building came as a result of rotting wood beams at its core, which were causing it to collapse in on itself. The building has been vacant since the end of 2012.

Despite the danger of breathing in t he asbestos-f illed smoke, Perry, Mich., resident Angel Whitaker said other spectators did not seem to be alarmed. “Nobody panicked,� Whitaker said. “They seemed to be fascinated by the fi re, but then things escalated quickly.

Flames turned into flying ashes, then thick black smoke.�

Graduate st udent A n na Feuerstein, who used to work in the building, said she saw the fire while walking on West Circle Drive. “We just saw black smoke billowing over the top of Morrill Hall,� Feuerstein said.

Although he worked in the building for more than 30 years and never received confi rmation of the presence of asbestos, history professor David Bailey said in a prior interview that he had his own suspicions. “In the basement, there (was) wrapping-around pillars, so I kind (of) wondered what this material is used for,� Bailey said. “But there are some things you just don’t (want to) know.�

Barb Kranz, the director of Facilities Planning and Space Management, said refurbishing the building would have been

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FESTIVAL

Artists and vendors take to the streets of East Lansing this weekend FROM PAGE ONE

which is hands-on activities, teen activities and our food court,� VanWyck said.

VanWyck said the Emerging Artist Program will be a high-

light of the event, with seven booths with various displays, such as mixed media, paintings, drawings and folk instruments. The program began in 2003 as a pedestal to assist artists who are either getting into or back into the art industry. “I have shown my work on a smaller scale, but never at an art festival before, so (this) was a new opportunity that I am excited to try out,� Emerging Artist participant Holly Ekwe-

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Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

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CAMPUS+CITY EDITOR Robert Bondy, campus@statenews.com PHONE (517) 432-3070 FAX (517) 432-3075

MSU SEES RECORD NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR 3RD YEAR

By Katie Abdilla kabdilla@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

Despite a record-high number of applicants, MSU has managed to crack down on admission levels for the 2013-14 academic year.

Jim Cotter, the director of MSU’s Office of Admissions, said about 31,500 high school students submitted applications last fall, making it the third year in a row for a record-high num-

ber of applications.

“Students apply to more than one institution, and a significant amount of people apply to five or more,” Cotter said. “MSU is making a massive decision to focus on the quality of the applications and what number of students we should admit, knowing not everyone we offer will take us up on our offer.”

Despite the number of applicants, Cotter said the Office of Admissions has become more strategic, admitting about 68

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

percent of applicants, as opposed to 70 percent last year.

“We admitted aggressively last year, and a great percentage of those admitted accepted,” he said. “We’ve kept admissions purposely low (this year) and waited until May 1 … determining how much space we have to work with.”

Cotter said factors outside of incoming freshmen applications must be considered to maintain a constant number of about 7,800 students admitted

each academic year based on budget availability.

“We’ve been very intentionally strategic,” he said. “That target has been established based on many factors, not just the size of the freshman class but also what size the transfer class should be.”

With the number of international students admitted to MSU growing exponentially since 2006, Peter Briggs, the director of the Office for International Students and Schol-

ars, said the growth most likely plays a factor in application rates, as well.

“If you look at numbers, the growth of Chinese undergraduates is the area of growth, and that really sends a message,” Briggs said.

Briggs said the increase in international student presence will encourage global diversity on campus.

“We owe it all to students here to not just have everybody be the same,” he said. “The world

is changing, and we want to prepare people for a globalized world, and interaction with people from other countries can be transformational.”

Although actions such as transitional housing have come as a result of high admission rates, theatre senior Lydia Hiller said she has not encountered any issues with the growing student population.

“It’s worked out fine for me so far,” Hiller said. “It hasn’t seemed to be a problem.”

HISTORY Alumna Katie Scharra sifts through dirt on Wednesday outside the MSU Museum during an archeology dig. Scharra and other students were testing the area to see if there were any historical items located in the ground.

10 students honored with Homecoming Court positions

By Tyler Beck tbeck@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

Spartans are known around the world for their excellence in achievement, and the Homecoming Court members are great examples of Spartan ambassadors — this year’s court is no different.

The 2013 MSU Homecoming Court was announced last week, with 10 seniors chosen out of 68 applicants and given the task of representing their fellow students.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed of since freshman year,” Janisse Patino-Martinez said, a communication senior who was selected to the court.

Diversity, a wealth of life and MSU experiences and different community service backgrounds, both at home and abroad, are some of the key traits that make up the 2013 court, co-adviser to the MSU Homecoming Court Jodi Hancock said.

“We want them to be role models for prospective and current students,” Hancock said.

Hancock is one of three advisers for the Homecoming Court who are involved in the entire process, working closely with the MSU Alumni Association to recruit members of the community for the selection process and working to support and promote the members of the court.

“It was a difficult selection process; there were defi nitely more than 10 (applicants) who could have been on (the) court,” she said.

Last year, there were 12 members as an experiment, but this year it was decided that 10 members would be easier to manage, although more difficult to select, Hancock said.

“We want them to be role models for prospective and current students.”

Jodi Hancock, co-adviser to MSU Homecoming Court

“Such a diverse group of students was selected, and we represent the students at MSU well,” genetics senior Zachary DeRade said.

The members of the court have many duties in their yearlong commitment, such as appearing at community events and alumni reunions and, of course, standing on the football fi eld at halftime of the Homecoming football game in the fall.

One such event is the Kedzie Reunion, where members of the court will meet Spartan alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago and participate in activities such as tours and an award ceremony.

“We are working to connect alumni back to the university,” Hancock said.

However, the court members still are students first, and have internships and other prior engagements, Hancock said.

For international relations senior Kara Brewer and other court members, the opportunity to meet fellow Spartans is one of the many rewards of the experience.

“There are some incredible people on court, and it’s been great to meet all of them,” Brewer said.

As diverse as this group is, the uniting factor among all of them is their love for MSU. “The best part is we are all Spartans,” Patino-Martinez said. “We all connect on that level.”

JULIA NAGY/ THE STATE NEWS

Campus Archaeology Program uncovers history

By Soundarya Lakshmi slakshmi@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

Lynne Goldstein and her team of archaeologists are on a mission to unearth the blueprint to MSU’s past.

After uncovering a 1900s boiler room on campus nearly a year ago, the MSU Campus Archaeology Program currently is working on West Circle Drive, where sidewalk construction has been ongoing for nearly a month.

Campus archaeologist Katy Meyers said the team recently found burnt building material in this excavation, leading to questions of what else could be found on the 158-year-old campus.

“As they replace sidewalks, we try to see if anything significant is buried,” Meyers said.

“It is definitely historic, but we are yet to figure out what the

burnt building material signifies.

Earlier we have found glass and ceramic during excavations.”

Since the program started in 2007, the MSU Campus Archeology Program students have excavated three campus buildings.

Meyers said the first dormitory on MSU’s campus and the first academic building have been excavated by campus archaeologists.

Archaeological technician Katie Scharra said she takes pride in being part of the team that preserves cultural heritage on campus.

“We do archeological investigation of construction sites,” Schar-

ra said. “When there is construction on campus, we make sure the cultural heritage of MSU is not lost. We pay attention to where the construction is going on, (and) we document the process of demolitions.”

Scharra said past excavations have helped get a realistic look at the life of former students on campus.

Goldstein, who is the director of the Campus Archaeology Program, said they continue to make a lot of findings through their excavations.

“I always like the personal items like toothbrushes and pipes,

Crossword

but I was also impressed that we found a largely undisturbed Native American site that dates to about 1500-3000 B.C. It was across the street from the library.”

She said when archaeology and historic written records are combined, one can get a more complete picture of the past.

“We know the work was done, but have few details,” Goldstein said. “We are hoping we can better understand how the early people at the college changed the landscape of MSU to make it better for them, but also to examine how those decisions might affect us today.”

L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

POLICE

Picnic celebrates local public safety

By Omar Thabet othabet@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

In honor of Police Week, hundreds of Lansing residents gathered together on Wednesday at Hawk Island Park, 1601 E Cavanaugh Road, in Lansing, to say thank you to the local safety patrols in the annual Police and Fire Field Day and Safety Patrol Picnic.

There were hot dogs, snacks and drinks served to the students and parents who were in attendance. Some other attractions were the displays made by some of the public officials who were at the event. Some of the safety officials included members of Michigan State Police, East Lansing Police, Lansing firefighters, Domestic Emergency Support Team, MSU Police Aviation Unit, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and the Red Cross.

Executive director at Lansing Area Safety Council Suzy Carter organized the event.

“The community support and the kids (are) what makes this picnic really special,” says Carter.

“This is a great way for the kids to interact with our public safety officials (on) a positive basis.”

Lt. Patrick Lawrence from the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit said he enjoys coming back to this event because of the amazing time he has with the kids.

“All you have to do is take a

ACROSS

DANYELLE MORROW/THE STATE NEWS

Sgt. Ryan Wilcox of the Lansing Police Department places a kevlar helmet on Webberville, Mich., resident Christopher Kemler, 10, Wednesday.

look around and see how excited the kids are about engaging with all the equipment and all the people out here,” Lawrence said. “It gives them a greater understanding of what we do, and it also gives them a more comfortable feeling with law enforcement.”

Community Service Trooper Marco Jones, from the state police post in Lansing, says the interaction with the local residents can improve public safety.

“The most important thing residents can take from this event is to trust your law enforcement,” Jones said. “If you see something, say something. We don’t want our residents afraid (of) us, we are here to help.”

Carter also mentions that the event is a recruiting tool for potential future public safety employees.

“The younger kids in the school see the leaders of the school becoming safeties,” Carter said.

“So there is some incentive there because to be a safety you have to behave and maintain certain grades.”

Lansing Fire Department Capt.

Wade Elton believes the attendance from all the different public officials is key to recruiting upcoming officials.

“Hopefully this event might give the students some direction for their future profession,” Elton said.

1 Big head 4 Fancy dance 8 Bad hair day feature 13 Hauler’s unit 14 Beatnik’s dough 16 French name meaning “born again” 17 Day off from sch.

18 Where Cal Ripken’s consecutive game record was set 20 Brief mea culpa 22 Candidate list 23 Repair quote: Abbr.

24 Color named for a bird 27 Showy lily 28 “Godmother of Punk” Smith 32 Back in time 33 Bitter 39 Ray or Flay 40 “Calm down!”

43 Ristorante menu word 44 Pitch add-on 45 __ Khan: Rita Hayworth’s husband 46 Peaceful scene 48 Newspaper section 50 Taxing period, usually 57 Scary snake 60 Copy room supplies 61 Plucked strings, in Padua 62 Immature 20-something, say 65 Vampire’s alter ego

66 Sap 67 Actress Dickinson 68 Profitable rock 69 Sweet, or, read another way, a hint to five long puzzle answers 70 Hyphenated IDs 71 Cadillac luxury sedan

DOWN 1 Personal creed 2 Reliable 3 Like many magazines, nowadays 4 “EastEnders” airer 5 Sheikdom in a jazz standard 6 WWII Air Force general Curtis __ 7 Minestrone server 8 Grill on a stove 9 Blues-rocker Chris 10 Brief words?

11 Heart of a London puzzle?

12 Joie de vivre 15 Wooded valley 19 Lon of Cambodia 21 NYC’s __ Hammarskjöld Plaza 25 Guffaw 26 “My best soldiers”: MacArthur 29 Loge 30 Knows the difference between 31 Not reliable 32 Beneficial berry

34 Picnic discard 35 Peaked 36 Turn blue, perhaps 37 Physicist’s particle 38 Chewed-over material 41 Soapstone, mostly 42 Place for stragglers 47 Rte. for many a red-eye 49 Handwoven rug 51 Vile 52 Former member of the Irish band Clannad 53 Old Dodge compacts 54 What dispensaries dispense 55 Sean who played a hobbit 56 Has status 57 ELO relative?

58 Paretsky who writes V.I. Warshawski detective novels 59 Think ahead 63 Trunk cover 64 Blokes

Get the solutions at

statenews.com/puzzles

4 | THE STAT E N E WS | T HURS DAY, M AY 1 6, 2 01 3 | STATE N E WS.COM

Featured blog

Opinion

A rewarding profession

OPINION COLUMN

10 reasons why I love vinyl records

I

know what you’re thinking. “Oh no, another music elitist who thinks MP3 sound quality is inferior to vinyl when, in all actuality, they sound the exact same.”

2. Looks Cooler Sound quality aside, we can agree that vinyl looks much cooler than nothing, right?

Although the majority of vinyl records come in black, there are several pressings that have a wide range of colors and even some that are clear. Also, there are several different sizes of records such as 12 inches, 10 inches and 7 inches. Different sizes and colors of vinyl make the collecting experience much more obsessive.

Blasphemy! Seriously though, it does sound better.

The recent resurgence in the world of vinyl collecting amongst younger adults has contributed to local record shops succeeding in the “digital age,” and it doesn’t seem like they’re going away any- 3. Brings People Together Similar to barbershop talk, record store dialogue time soon. allows for people with common interest While digital formats such as MP3s to interact. have positives, the average vinyl colGUEST COLUMNIST However, instead of talking about why lector gets much more out of their frisin the hell Joe Dumars gave Charlie Vilbee-esque device than “music lovers” lanueva the worst contract of all time, or get from their 2013 jukebox known as which name Kim Kardashian and Kanye a computer.

West are going to give their already famous baby, you talk about music.

1. Sounds Better When you begin going to the same If you are one of the people menrecord store on a constant basis, you get tioned above who doesn’t believe that the difference in sound quality JAMES EDWARDS III to see familiar faces, and people learn what kind of music you like. Often they between the two formats is noticeedwar443@msu.edu recommend stuff for you. Sorry, digital able, then it’s time I kick some lovers, but the iTunes store is in the virknowledge.

Vinyl records are analog recordings while CDs tual world, and unless you’re homies with Tron, I are digital recordings. Digital recordings capture don’t see much social interacting going on. pieces of analog recordings at certain rates and try to measure each piece that it captures with cer- 4. Comes With Digital Downloads A lot of today’s newer vinyl releases not only are tain accuracy.

Therefore, digital recordings don’t capture the pressed on wax — a slang term for vinyl — but they complete sound wave that it copies, which causes also come with digital downloads. This is something that record companies have started to do more of certain sounds to get changed or distorted. lately, and honestly, it’s one of the best parts of col-

“There aren’t many things that bother me in life, but one thing that does is when people say journalism is dying.

That’s something I can neither accept nor believe.”

lecting vinyl records.

If you think that I don’t like MP3s, that’s certainly not the case. I have an iPod and an iTunes library, but vinyl does more for me as a music fan.

5. Comes With Extra Goodies Along the same lines as readily available digital downloads, vinyl packaging often comes with cool extras such as posters and lyric sheets.

While it might not seem like much to the casual music fan, the music die-hard definitely appreciates when record companies give more than just the music because it enhances the experience.

6. More Value For Your Money The other day I purchased GZA’s classic album, “Liquid Swords,” for $15. Not only did I get the album on vinyl, but I received a huge poster that now adds to the ambience of my musically driven bachelor pad and some inserts in the packaging as well. The same album is priced at $10 on iTunes and comes with nothing that adds to the experience.

7. Hard To Lose As long as you don’t let your friends borrow your vinyl, then you shouldn’t have any problem losing them. It’s not like a CD, where it can get stolen out of your car or easily misplaced, and it’s not like an MP3, where all it takes is a hard drive crash to demolish your whole library.

8. Durability If you use plastic sleeves and plastic inserts, keep your vinyl collection off the ground and wash your

Michael Koury, State News opinion editor Read the rest online at statenews.com/blog.

hands before handling the records, then there is no reason that your collection shouldn’t last you for several generations.

Digital has to be passed down and transferred multiple times to make it through generations. It will be interesting to see how that works in the future.

9. Rare Re-Releases Often in the vinyl world, record companies will rerelease classic albums with extra songs and remastering that helps enhance the experience. Some of these pressings are numbered and only have a certain number made. Being the owner of a classic reissuing of your favorite album can really put your record collection over the top.

10. Memories I can remember the first vinyl I purchased (Blu’s “Below The Heavens.”) I can remember my first friend that I made at the record store (Mark), and I can remember each album I played when I bought my record player.

I couldn’t tell you for the life of me the first album I ever downloaded off of the computer.

OU R VOICE | E DITORIAL

EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT INFRINGING UPON RIGHTS IN AP SCANDAL

MICHAEL HOLLOWAY mholloway@statenews.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Dillon Davis EDITOR IN CHIEF Michael Koury OPINION EDITOR Michael Kransz STAFF REPRESENTATIVE Ariel Ellis MINORITY REPRESENTATIVE

I

n a report by the Associated Press earlier this week, it revealed the Department of Justice had wiretapped and obtained recordings of up to two months of conversations and records of reporters and editors.

The records covered the months of April and May in 2012. While the tappings covered various stories, one cited in the report was about an AP story from May 7, 2012 about a foiled terror plot.

The story contains details about how the U.S. government stopped an improThis exploaction by vised sive device, the govor IED, from being planternment ed in an airsets dan- liner around the time of the gerous anniprecedent one-year versary of the for future killing of Osacases like ma bin Laden.

The abilithis.” ty to wiretap and keep an eye, not just on journalists, but on everyone, is more possible than it ever has been before, thanks to the Patriot Act of 2001 passed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The increase of technology also has made it easier for the government to spy on individuals and listen in to their conversations.

For journalists, this is a scary situation. Their job is to delve into situations and tell how they happened.

In this case, the AP received its information from an anonymous source within the government and it’s

“

trying to figure out how that classified information leaked.

While it’s understandable the government wants to know how this information came out, it took this situation too far and violated many privacy and journalistic rights.

This isn’t new to the Obama administration, as it has in the past gone after those who leaked classified information to the media, bringing six cases against people, more than all other presidential administrations combined.

Even with a good explanation, which the government hasn’t offered as of yet, it crossed a line by obtaining their phone records, putting it on par with those involved in the News of the World phone hacking scandal in 2011.

Although the government might not be targeting the journalists themselves but investigating to learn who divulged the information to them, it still doesn’t give the government this right to infringe up their journalistic rights to not reveal who their sources were.

This action by the government sets dangerous precedent for future cases like this. If this continues and it’s allowed to obtain information from journalists in this manner, then the protection of the Constitution for journalists ceases to exist.

There would be no stopping the government from obtaining any information in any matter, taking its level of power to unprecedented levels. There shouldn’t be this type of fear about the government, and yet, there is.

There should come a time when the government takes a step back and realizes how far it has overstepped its boundaries.

That time is now.

Just so you know

Letter to the editor

■■

■■

MONDAY’S POLL RESULTS

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Yes 65%

No 35% PERCENT

Total votes: 46 as of 5 p.m. Wednesday

TODAY’S STATE NEWS POLL Would you consider taking classes through the “Semester Online” program?

To vote, visit statenews.com.

We want to hear your thoughts.

The State News welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must include your year and major, email address and telephone number. Phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and are subject to editing.

How to reach us Questions? Contact Opinion Editor Michael Koury at (517) 432-3070.

By email opinion@statenews.com; By fax (517) 432-3075; By mail Letters to the Editor, The State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823

Dangers of study abroad misinterpreted The April 24 front page story (“Trouble in Paradise” SN) misleads readers to believe a tremendous amount of crime occurs during MSU-sponsored study abroad programs.

The fact is that during the past five years, less than 1 percent of all participants reported incidents related to security/ crime. Nowhere does the story mention the average number of participants (2,745) or the total number of average reported crimes (17.6) — information we provided to The State News.

This lack of context misleads readers and leaves the misimpression studying abroad is dangerous.

Safety is a prime concern at Michigan State University, and the Office of Study Abroad is nationally respected for our policies and procedures to protect participants while acknowledging that no single plan can address all contingencies and that students are ultimately responsible for their own actions.

MSU procedures are designed to keep study abroad as safe as possible. These include a regular review of safety issues in each program location, a full-time international health and safety analyst and mandatory orientation sessions for students and mandatory emergency preparedness and response seminars for program leaders.

Additionally, students are advised about safety, including personal document security, emergency preparedness, alcohol use and misuse, illegal drugs and emergency assistance.

Students face similar issues living and traveling here in the United States, and we encourage participants to exercise the same precautions as at home.

MSU is engaged in many regions of this big world of ours.

Through more than 300 programs on all continents, we offer carefully structured opportunities for students to join our dedicated faculty and staff in this engagement. We encourage The State News to put danger in context, thus offering its readership a more realistic view of education abroad activities through MSU.

“

MSU procedures are designed to keep study abroad as safe as possible.”

Brett Berquist Executive Director, MSU Office of Study Abroad

Campus+city

STAT E NE WS.CO M | T HE STAT E N EWS | T HU RSDAY, MAY 16 , 2013 |

ACADE M ICS

SN

Semester Online course offers new opportunities to students

By Michael Kransz

A Day of Worship

Courses offered by Semester Online:

mkransz@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS â– â–

Ever dream of ruling the world, but too busy or lazy to attend more classes? Now you can, and clad in pajama bottoms if you choose.

Beginning this fall, classes such as “How to Rule the World� will be available from universities across America through the new multi dimensional online platform, Semester Online.

Semester Online differs from other online offerings with its selective, smaller class sizes, renowned professors and weekly video lectures, Amanda Makoujy, account executive at Coyne Public Relations said, which represents Semester Online.

The video lectures take place at scheduled times one to three times a week, dependent on the class, and consist of a “Brady Bunch visual,� Makoujy said.

The “Brady Bunch visual� is a compilation of squares displaying the face of each student and the professor, she added. Students interact in real-time by posting on the message board.

It’s an opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and take another course with a professor they normally wouldn’t have the option to, Makoujy said.

All courses Semester Online offers are three credits with a $1,400 cost-per-credit hour, according to semesteronline. org.

The pricing is standard compared to other offerings Makoujy said. It is the convenience of working a job during the day and the ability to take a course at night that justifies the price, she added.

MSU offers online and hybrid classes, running at around $400 a credit hour for residents and around $1,000 for nonresidents.

Lindsey Hollinger, a social work junior, is taking online classes through MSU this summer, rather than the in-class offerings. “I have to work 40 hours,� Hollinger said. “I don’t have time for that.�

She disliked the idea of having an interactive video lecture with her online class, adding that students might as well go to class.

Tyler Soule, an English senior,

Boston College: How to Rule the World; Vietnam: America’s War at Home and Abroad Emory University: Baseball and American Culture; Drugs and Behavior; History of Religions in America Northwestern University: Integrated Marketing Communications University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Financial Accounting and Reporting; Leading and Managing: An Introduction to Organizational Behavior University of Notre Dame: Shakespeare and Film; The Rise of Christianity Washington University in St. Louis: Environmental and Energy Policies SOURCE: HTTP://SEMESTERONLINE .

ORG/COURSES/

PHOTOS BY JULIA NAGY/THE STATE NEWS

Panditji Srihari Kadambi, a priest at Bharatiya Temple of Lansing, 955 Haslett Road, in Haslett, Mich., far left, prepares string for a religious ceremony May 10. The red and green string, wrapped around Hindu devotees’ wrists, is a symbol of good luck.

I

also is taking online classes through MSU this summer because it allows more time to work.

He cited dictating his schedule as the enjoyable element of online classes during the brief summer period, and said that a scheduled video lecture would take that element away.

To apply you must at least be a sophomore and enrolled at an accredited four-year institution, according to semesteronline.org.

The application deadline for the 15-week, 2013 fall semester is Aug. 5, making these classes concurrent with MSU’s fall semester.

Makoujy said a handful of MSU students already have started applying or requesting more information about the program.

MSU’s acceptance of the courses and credits are determined by faculty in the department, school or college that the transfer class’ subject falls under, Associate Provost Linda Stanford said in an email. “It is a student’s choice to pursue Semester Online or any other course at another institution,�

Stanford said. “We want students to enjoy their college years and grow as a whole person.�

TO PLACE AN AD ‌

Acharya Surendra Bhardwaj Shastriti, a priest at the Bharatiya Temple of Lansing, pulled out a small book and began a saying in Sanskrit. “May all realize what is good, may none be subject to misery,� he said.

It is a prayer for all, not just for those of Hindu faith.

Father Mark Inglot, a pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 955 Alton St., said many religions share a common thread. “All religions have an element of the truth,�

Inglot said. “What some don’t have is the truth of Jesus Christ. All religions

LINE ADDITIONS Changes resulting in additional lines will be treated as a new ad and return to the firstday rate.

of the world have this in their holy writing and that’s the golden rule, to treat other people the way you would want them to treat you.�

Mohamed Mabrouk , an imam at the Islamic Society of Greater Lansing, said the main difference between the Islamic and Christian faith is Christians believe Jesus is the son of God, whereas Muslims believe he is a prophet.

“Both religions, they invite toward good and forbid from evil, do things only for the sake of God,� Mabrouk said.

For Shoshie and Jacquelin Fox-Long, 13, their Judaic faith acts as a guide in their life and teaches them how to treat other people. The two said they were excited to have their bat mitzvah, a religious coming-of-age ceremony, and to be able to read

More online To view a video about residents’ faith, visit statenews. com.

pleasant surprise.

10 IS THE EASIEST DAY — 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING

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East Lansing resident Hanaa Elwakil listens to a sermon at the Islamic Society of Greater Lansing, 940 S. Harrison Road, on May 10. Elwakil said the Quran, the central religious text of Islam, acts as a guide in her daily life.

Horoscope By Linda C. Black

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from the Torah for the fi rst time in front of their congregation at Kehillat Israel.

Ajahn Khemasanto, a monk at Dhammasala Forest Monastery, said Buddhism is less of a religion and more of a science.

Khemasanto said the basis of Buddhism is science and not faith and that Buddha was more concerned about the functions of the mind, rather than the questions about the meaning of life. “So the path that he taught was the purification of mind from craving and clinging, but especially to wrong ideas,� Khemasanto said. “Once you get rid of craving and clinging, stress stops and then you just are in harmony with things around you.� — Julia Nagy, The State News

t often starts the same. Islam. Hinduism. Catholicism. Buddhism. Judaism. A hymn, a chant, a moment of silence — meditation or prayer. Then comes a sermon, a discussion or chanting to a deity.

Classified Class AD ACCEPTANCE All ads are subject to editing, alterations, approval, or rejection

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PAYMENT All ads must be prepaid unless credit has been established with The State News.

NOTE TO READERS The State News screens ads for misleading or false claims but cannot guarantee any ad or claim.

Please use caution when answering ads, especially when sending money.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8 — You get a money-making idea or gift. Get serious about reading. Contact someone cheerfully who owes you a favor.

The action is incognito behind the scenes. Keep quiet, and take notes.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7 — ConďŹ dently construct a solid structure. Friends open new possibilities. Be willing to modify your rules when necessary. Ask for help and get it. You advance through the kindness of others.

Say “thank you.�

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 9 — New opportunities open up.

Pay back a debt. Make your home more comfortable. Take care of a regular chore before you go study in seclusion. Listen to the stillness.

Give thanks.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 7 — Team projects go well.

Follow a creative leader. An expert solves a technical problem. A skeptic sees blind spots. Heed a friend’s warning. Inject excitement into the mix. It’s beginning to get fun. Play.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is an 8 — A bonus is possible. Get a feel for the balance of new tools.

Your work reects you well. Elder generations have a lot to oer. It’s a good time to travel.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is an 8 — Share time with a loved one who thinks dierently than you. Practice being in service to yourself as well as others. Science helps with the heavy lifting. Pass a test by having compassion.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 9 — Keep an eye on the practical side, as you draw a dream image.

Insights lead to productivity. Challenge assumptions. Explore new possibilities. But don’t overdo the partying.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is an 8 — It’s not a good time to travel or launch yet. Keep collecting what you need. Speedy results astonish you. Circumstances demand responsible ďŹ nances.

Stand up for yourself. There’s a

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is an 8 — Dress for the role.

A female has a creative solution.

It’s a beautiful moment for intellectual intercourse. You don’t know everything yet. Changes upset the balance at home. Surprises are in your favor.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is an 8 — Let someone else clear up your confusion. Rest and eat well. Follow through on a promise, and don’t keep them waiting. Share the load for an interesting development. Love grows.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 9 — Proceed with caution.

You’re learning through experience. Friends help you make the right connections. Work faster and earn more. Prepare to share your eorts. Don’t rely on promises.

Check for errors.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is an 8 — Resistance causes persistence. Don’t get impetuous. It’s going to be all right. Your reputation and past work speak well for you. Do the practical thing ďŹ rst. A familiar face is a welcome surprise.

Employment

Employment

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Houses/Rent

Services

Business Opp.

A C C E P T I N G APPLICATIONS for 3 part time positions. Visit www.bgclansing.org for more details.

O F F I C E ADMINISTRATIVE asst.

Permanent f/t position avail in local corporate office. 40 hrs per wk (M-F, 9am-5pm). Candidate must be proficient w/ Microsoft Office, able to work w/ numbers & possess excellent communication skills. $10/ hr to start. Please call 374-7670.

2 AND 3 bedroom apt and townhomes avail for June, July and August.

Some styles already sold out. Huge living areas.

Private entrances. 24 hr fitness center and business center. Tanning, covered parking, pool, hot tub and more. Call today 888-653-5449.

8 STORY BRAND NEW Aug 2013, downtown, The Residences, corner Albert/Grove, 2 & 3 bdrm, luxury living, washer/dryer, parking incl. Live in the heart of campus-no bus pass required! www.cronmgt. com or 351-1177

BURCHAM DRIVE- Great 1 bdrm apts, pool, v-ball, balconies, new kitchen + bath avail. Great location/value. Avail fall ‘13.

Call for info. 517-2331158.

ST ANNE Lofts Downtown EL. Luxury studios, 2 bdrm & 4 bdrm avail now & Fall ‘13. Partially furnished, dog friendly, in-home washer/dryer.

517-224-1080.

1816.5 MICHIGAN. Near Macs bar. No app fees, free washer/dryer & $400 off first month’s rent. Save $960! CRMC 517-337-7577, www. crmc1.com

ONE 12x15 stall avail.

Private horse farm.

Williamston.

Indoor arena. Trails. Heated packroom. Private bathroom.

S T U D E N T PAY O U T S .

COM Paid survey takers needed in E.L. 100% Free. Click Surveys.

Houses/Rent

HOUSE FOR Rent. 4 bdrm, 2 bath. $1500/mo.

517-482-3624

1220 LILAC, new listing, 4 occupants, 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. west side of campus. Avail August. $400 per occupant. 517-349-8662

HOUSEMATE NEEDED. Room open on Durand St. Rent is $625 + utilities. Great location, big backyard. Parking available. Call 586-260-8749

BIG BIRD needs you!

Sesame St. & Curious George are in danger.

Cuts to funding for PBS means we have lots of work to do. Save Public TV & spice up your resume while earning $8-$13/hr. Flexible scheduling. Across from MSU campus. Call 3321501 today!

CLARA’S RESTAURANT is now hiring. Apply in person M-Th btwn 2-4. 637 E. Michigan Avenue.

DIRECT CARE work w/ 40 yr old male involving OT, PT + speech. Perfect for those interested in medicine. Please call 517-374-7670 DIRECT CARE worker.

Assist individuals w/ autism. all shifts avail.

High school diploma/ GED, reliable trans. & valid driver’s lic. req. Call 517-374-7670.

PHONE SURVEYS, flex hrs, up to $9.00/hr, East Mich Ave location. 4828884.

SUMMER WORK $14.50 base-appt. Customer sales & service. No experience necessary, we train. Apply now. Call 517-333-1700 or apply at www.summerbreakwork.com VALUE WORLD East Lansing.

Immediate openings. All Positions for retail dept store. f/t and p/t, day and evening shifts avail. Apply in person. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

4790 South Hagadorn Rd. EL

+3

3 bdrms, 2 full bath, lic for 3. On Grand River, next to campus. Washer + dryer available. Parking included! Private backyard! 517-233-1121.

4 BEDROOM for Fall!

Starting at $325 per person. 517-507-0127.

Find today’s paper and more on statenews.com

A+ TREEHOUSE NORTH new opening fall 2013!

2 bdrm apt, Evergreen/ Oakhill, great deal, top floor, balcony, cathedral ceiling! www.cronmgt. com or 351-1177 AVAIL NOW! ACROSS from the Broad Museum, top floor on Gr River, Stonehouse Village, 2 bdrm, very spacious, upscale, downtown living! Leather furn, w/d, a/c & pkg. http://www. cronmgt.com/ or 3511177 AVAILABLE NOW - pet friendly apartments going fast! On Grand River just east of campus. Spacious 2 bdrms.

Split floor plan. Free heat + water, plenty of parking. 2 left! Call 517-2688562.

LEASE NOW for Fall 2013. Get more of what you want! 1, 2, 3 + 4 bedroom apts and townhomes. New kitchens + baths. The CATA bus takes you right to LCC + MSU. Plenty of parking.

517-507-4172. College Towne Apartments.

STORAGE BOGO. Buy 1 full mo., get 1 full mo. free. Premier Storage Haslett. Call 517-3399856 for details.

LIVE ABOVE Potbelly 1 bdrm apts. Free heat. w w w. m s u p o t b e l l y apartments.com (248) 324-4922

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Contact CRMC at 517337-7577. www.crmc1. com

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6 | THE STAT E N E WS | T HURS DAY, M AY 1 6, 201 2 | STATE N E WS.COM

Sports+features

RECRUITING

LINEBACKER FREY JOINS 2013-14 MSU FOOTBALL CLASS Outside linebacker Chris Frey of Upper Arlington, Ohio, committed to MSU yesterday afternoon.

Frey, along with Deon Drake and Byron Bullough, make up the 2013-2014 linebacker class for the Spartans.

Frey, at 6-foot and 208 pounds, is undersized at linebacker; however, he has shown the ability to effectively rush the passer.

MSU’s defense has been the

strength of the program for the past several years.

The Spartans ranked ninth overall in points-against for the 2012 season.

The Spartans are stacked at the linebacker position this year. However, with graduating senior linebackers Max Bullough, Denicos Allen and Kyler Elsworth, there is a void to be filled at linebacker for the 2014 season.

Working with graduating seniors and linebacker coach Mike Tressel, Frey and fellow recruited linebackers will train this summer to possibly crack the 2013-14 lineup.

SPORTS+FEATURES EDITOR Omari Sankofa II, features@statenews.com PHONE (517) 432-3070 FAX (517) 432-3075

BASEBALL

MATTHEW PIZZO

statenews.com SPORTS BLOG

Recruit Jay Harris makes decision to spurn MSU to pursue rap career Maybe MSU should avoid signing wide receivers with the last name Harris.

Months after five-star wide receiver Drake Harris de-committed from MSU to sign with Michigan, three-star recruit Jay Harris decided to take his talents elsewhere.

Not to another school, but to the studio. Jay Harris is an aspiring rapper named Jay DatBull, and his debut video currently has more than 50,000 views on YouTube.

Harris, from Pennsylvania’s Downington East High, signed to MSU in February and was set to arrive this summer as one of 18 players in the 2013 recruiting class.

OMARI SANKOFA II

JUSTIN WAN/THE STATE NEWS

Sophomore shortstop Ryan Richardson puts his bag on the bus parked outside Jenison Field House on Wednesday before the team travels to play Penn State University.

Do-or-die for baseball Big Ten tournament berth

By Matthew Pizzo mpizzo@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS

E N T E R TA I N M E N T B L O G

Financial Issues for Super-Franchise?

Here’s the thing about 2012’s summer blockbuster “The Avengers”: aside from making over $600 million dollars at the box office and nearly clearing its 220 million dollar budget on opening weekend alone, it made history. All of the character buildup and introductory movies beginning with 2008’s “Iron Man” were stellar, but having all of these beloved characters come together on screen and have it be successful is astonishing.

Alas, with great success come great strife, and looking forward to the next series of solo ventures for the Marvel heroes leading to the inevitable sequel, there appear to be mounting financial issues.

Robert Downey Jr., in his role as Iron Man, made an estimated $50-80 million dollars from “The Avengers,” far exceeding his celebrity cast mates including Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans.

RJ WOLCOTT

■■

Coming into the Big Ten series fi nale, the MSU baseball team is trying to remain poised in the face of elimination.

Currently seventh in the Big Ten standings, the Spartans (3116, 10-8 Big Ten) will travel to Penn State University today for a must-win Big Ten series fi nale. The top six teams advance to the Big Ten Tournament.

If MSU sweeps the last-place Nittany Lions, it will receive a bid to the tournament in Minneapolis, set for May 22-26.

“You can almost say it’s tournament time right now for us; if we don’t win, we’re not going to keep playing,” head coach Jake Boss Jr. said.

“You can almost say it’s tournament time right now for us; if we don’t win, we’re not going to keep playing.”

Jake Boss Jr., Head Coach

However, if the Spartans take two out of three from Penn State, they are going to need help from either Michigan or Illinois, currently are tied for sixth in the standings.

MSU has momentum coming off a doubleheader sweep of Central Michigan University.

As a team, the Spartans had 24 hits in the two wins.

“It was great for us to break out into a hitting streak for a little bit,” sophomore designated hitter Blaise Salter said. “We came out swinging real well, and we pitched real-

ly well; hopefully we can carry that momentum into this weekend.”

Salter leads MSU with a .347 batting average.

Senior Andrew Waszak has the ball for the Spartans in the fi rst game, and according to Boss, there’s no other guy you want out there.

“He’s our guy — no question he’s been really good all year long — in that role especially,” Boss said. “He competes and battles; he’s going to get deep in the game to give us our best chance.”

Waszak is 5-3 on the season with a 2.44 ERA. “I don’t want to put that much pressure on myself, but I’m pretty pumped up,” Waszak said.

Junior catcher Joel Fisher has been catching Waszak for six years. “He’s moved his way up through the ranks, he’s going to go out there and battle for you,” Fisher said.

Hot-hitting sophomore right fielder Jimmy Pickens is excited for the series. Pickens had five RBIs in the doubleheader against Central.

“If you can’t get excited for these next three games, you shouldn’t be playing,” Pickens said.

MSU starts the first game of its fi nal series at 6:05 p.m.

Thursday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

CHARITY Graduate student Jackie Saunders poses for a portrait at Beal Botanical Gardens Wednesday.

Saunders will ride from East Lansing to St. Clair Shores, Mich., raising money for the Michigan Lupus Foundation.

WESTON BROOKS/THE STATE NEWS

Graduate student to bike 100 miles for lupus

By Ariel Ellis

aellis@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

After being diagnosed with lupus in 2010, graduate student Jackie Saunders said the disease took a toll on her appearance.

“I did not recognize the person looking back at me in the mirror, because the disease had morphed every inch of my outward appearance,” Saunders said.

To raise money for the disease, Saunders and her roommates are gearing up for a roughly 100-mile bike ride from the Sparty statue in East Lansing to the Michigan Lupus Foundation office in St. Clair Shores, Mich.

Following her diagnosis, Saunders suffered from harrowing joint pain, daily fevers and a rash that blistered and scarred her entire body.

No longer head-shaven and frail, Saunders said she has come a long a way and wants others to understand the rarely mentioned disease.

“Through this bike ride, we wanted to bring attention and

awareness to help others recognize lupus,” said Saunders.

Executive director of The Michigan Lupus Foundation and MSU alumnus, Frank Mortl III, explained that lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself.

Saunders will travel from the Sparty Statue in East Lansing to the Michigan Lupus Foundation office “Lupus affects 1.5 million Americans and there are 6,500 diagnosed patients in Michigan,” Mortl said.

The symptoms of lupus range from fever and rashes to organ failure and mortality. At this point, not many lupus-specific treatments exist.

“There is only one lupus-specifi c medication approved by the (Food and Drug Administration) and what we’re looking to help create are more lupusspecific therapies,” said Mortl.

Saunders said this bike ride was the brainchild of her two roommates, MSU alumnus Greg

Ondrus and graduate student Pat Aderhold.

Aderhold said the idea for the bike ride was born in the winter.

“We wanted to do it at first as a way to get out of the house but we later decided that it would be great to do it for a cause.”

Saunders said they are riding in honor of her roommate Greg’s mother, Maggie Ondrus, who passed away from the disease in 2001. The bike ride also will serve as a celebration for the time it’s been since Saunders was last in the hospital for lupus.

“We started our initial goal at $1,160; it represented the number of days since I had last been in the hospital for lupus … We ended up surpassing that amount in one day,” said Saunders.

The goal Saunders and her roommates set was surpassed several times. They have raised a total $7,500 so far.

To donate money to the cause, visit: www.crowdrise. com/TheGearlyBelovedsRideforLupus/fundraiser/ jsaunders