Thursday 3/26/15

State News Staying on track The

Cross country senior Leah O’Connor has accomplished a lot in her last five years at MSU. She’s a national champion who began fostering her love for running as a child

Senior Leah O’Connor reaches the finish line the Spartan Invitational on Sept. 12, 2014, at Forest Akers East Golf Course, 2280 South Harrison Road, in East Lansing, Mich. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO

“If individually, people look at what I’ve done on the track ... and that makes them want to chase after what they want to do, that’s awesome. But I hope that it’s not about me, but it’s about what’s been accomplished as a whole these last five years.”

Leah O’Connor, cross country senior

The list goes on.

And as one of the most decorated athletes in MSU history heads into the last season of her college career, There are a lot of “lasts” coming for MSU senior track it’s hard to imagine how, in the span of five years, she’s star Leah O’Connor. gone from small town farm girl to a woman with a proWhether it be last practices, last races or last classes, fessional running career in the future. But amidst the her days at MSU are numbered. trophies and medals and national championships, what Her accomplishments are remarkable — 2014 outdoor many of her friends, family and coaches will tell you, is 3,000 meter steeplechase champion, 2014 cross counthere’s also Leah O’Connor, the person. try national champion, 2015 indoor national mile title.

Continued on pages 6-7

BY RYAN SQUANDA RSQUANDA@STATENEWS.COM

F E AT U R E S

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Bryn Forbes comes into his own

The junior guard is on the championship hunt with his old friend, junior guard Denzel Valentine — PAGE 10 STAT ENEWS .COM

HandsUpMSU looks to continue discussion on black rights

The new student organization wants people to consider basic human rights on every level — PAGE 4

Opinion

Greg Monahan Opinion editor opinion@statenews.com @thesnewsopinion

Take a step back from our Internet-dominated world

BY HENRY PAN OPINION@STATENEWS.COM

From a ‘90s generation perspective, I’ve found the change in lifestyle with advent of the Internet to be fascinating.

I remember those elementary school weekends, when I was helplessly sitting at home instead of playing outside due to rain. These memories hold a special place in my heart, because those were the only times when I was absolutely bored out of my mind.

Back then, there was practically no Internet.

Dial-up was incredibly unreliable and slow. With

the numerous phone calls made on the house line, the most popular song of the day would often be the AOL loading screen white noise.

Even when I was able to get online, there wasn’t that much content running. I could have read new books, but I only could get so much out of those until my next trip to the library. How about playing with friends indoors? Nothing like another game of Monopoly to cheer us up.

Life was slower back then, and when the Internet finally blew up, it was evident.

Suddenly, social media was sprouting everywhere. Facebook, YouTube, movies, games.

Everything is now only a few clicks away. Information is much more accessible.

Now we have platforms like Tumblr, Twitter and Reddit, where you could spend your entire lifetime going down the rabbit-hole without ever reaching the end. With the power of the Internet, we’ve solved boredom, which has plagued people for countless generations. However, this new paradigm in technology has led to a new

kind of problem.

There is simply too much to do online. As a society, we’ve entered the point where the Internet might even have too much content to keep us occupied. If you aren’t careful, that one click on an online post can rob you of the rest of your day.

It’s also so easy to become distracted by the cascades of notifications on our computers and phones. Multi-tasking has become more necessary than ever.

Except multi-tasking isn’t even a real thing.

A study conducted by Stanford University compared the performance between heavy and light multitaskers, and how they handled assignments. They found heavy multitaskers had a very difficult time ignoring any irrelevant information presented, and were bad at switching between tasks.

The overall conclusion was the heavy multitaskers were unable to filter what wasn’t relevant to their current goal, so their performance

suffered as a result.

After reading the study, I realized that I was a lot like these “heavy multitaskers” when near a computer. I’ve become so used to flipping through information like I can online, that focusing on one task has become hard.

Back then, the boredom I had from those rainy days motivated me to do something productive with my time. Once the Internet became relevant, it became an easy way for me to divert my spare time, and sometimes my not-so-spare time.

After spending less time on the computer and more time reading books again, I’ve become more accustomed to concentrating on a single subject. Without any hyperlinks to lead me off into a tangent, I feel a lot more settled in the task at hand and less tempted to get distracted.

When it comes to the Internet, I think it’s an incredible tool and is something we shouldn’t take for granted.

But it might not be bad to take some time away from it and get what we need to get done.

OPINION P O LL W E D N E S DAY ’ S R E S U LT S

Should a first offense for academic dishonesty be able to be removed from a student’s record upon graduation?

60%—Yes, it should. One mistake is not worth ruining an academic career.

40%—No, it should not. If you cheat, you have to pay the consequences.

TOTAL VOTES: 42 AS OF 5 P.M.

MIKE HOLLOWAY

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THE STATE N E WS

LETTER: Students too often miss out on opportunity to enjoy downtown Lansing I am a junior at MSU. I am majoring in communication with a concentration in business and minor in public relations.

Last semester, I was the communications and marketing intern for Downtown Lansing Inc., an agency of the City of Lansing. We work to enhance downtown Lansing through supporting business development, planning special events and urban beautification.

I believe MSU students are not involved enough with our neighboring city. Students do not take advantage of the vibrancy and opportunities in Lansing. Students do not spend enough time giving back to another community.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2 6 , 2 01 5

Lansing is Michigan’s fifth largest city and has so much to offer, both professionally and culturally.

I love East Lansing with all my heart, but there is only so much a college town can offer. More MSU students should get involved in the Lansing community. It is silly for students to confine themselves to our small East Lansing community when we can branch out and experience all that Lansing has to offer.

I encourage all of my MSU peers to spend time getting acquainted with the Lansing community before graduation. Job shadowing or interning at a governmental organization, volunteering at one of the city’s

various nonprofit organizations or spending a night out in downtown Lansing or Old Town would all be valuable, enjoyable experiences.

Exploring communities and cultures outside of our immediate comfort zone will set us up for future success after we graduate from MSU and have to move on from our little college town.

The City of Lansing supports East Lansing and Michigan State University in many ways. We should be giving back to the Lansing community.

Sincerely, Jordan Marie Sweat Michigan State University junior

Contents 28-year-old student found dead Tuesday night A 28-year-old MSU student was found dead Tuesday night, according to East Lansing police.

The individual was identified as Grand Rapids native Kelly Smith. The 28-year-old is listed in MSU’s directory as a fourth-year veterinary medicine student.

East Lansing Police Department Lt. Steve Gonzalez said Smith’s body was found by family members who went to her apartment located in Arbor Glen apartment complex after not hearing from their loved one for a couple of days.

In a statement, police said they believe Smith died of natural causes,but an autopsy has been scheduled.

Gonzalez said that based on the initial investigation there is nothing outstanding from her medical record that could have lead to a death.

A family member who answered Smith’s Grand Rapids home phone declined to comment.

An employee of the College of Veterinary Medicine, who preferred not to be identified, said Smith worked for one semester in the Vetward Bound Program.

Police are still investigating.

— SERGIO MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN

“I am all about creating an open space where everyone is welcome ... Whether they are visiting faculty, an international student or someone who identifies as LGBT.” Sophomore forward Mackenzie MacEachern celebrates a goal on Minnesota goaltender Adam Wilcox on Dec. 6, 2014, at Munn Ice Arena. The Spartans tied the Golden Gophers, 3-3, but won the extra point in a shootout. Read more about the season on page 11. PHOTO: DANYELLE MORROW

East Lansing Mayor Nathan Triplett, on making the city welcoming. Read more about Triplett’s City Council run on page 4.

INSIDE

Students balance studies with internships at the state Legislature

Graduate Employees Union negotiating new contract with MSU

MSU is trying out system of paying for parking by license plate registration

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News Nathan Triplett looks back on first term as East Lansing’s youngest mayor

BY AJ MOSER AMOSER@STATENEWS.COM

Nathan Triplett is sworn in as East Lansing mayor on Nov. 20, 2013, at East Lansing City Hall. Triplett previously served as East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO

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After recently announcing his re-election campaign for East Lansing City Council, MSU alumnus Nathan Triplett reflected on his experiences at MSU and in East Lansing and the major accomplishments of his first term as mayor in an interview with The State News.

Nathan Triplett first graduated from MSU in 2006, majoring in political theory and constitutional democracy and social relations and policy.

In 2007, Triplett was elected to the East Lansing City Council.

He was also pursuing a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan.

He then graduated from the MSU College of Law in 2012 with a degree of Juris Doctor and was serving as mayor of East Lansing just one year later.

When he was elected in 2013, Triplett became the youngest mayor in the city’s history at 30 years old.

Though Triplett hopes to land his re-election, the question of being mayor for another term is not on his mind, he said.

“Right now I am entirely focused on the city council race,” Triplett said. “I have enjoyed my

time serving as mayor, but my priority is earning the voters’ support for another four years on City Council.”

Building a welcoming community for people of all backgrounds and lifestyles is one of Triplett’s priorities. He said he has been a lifelong champion for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.

While in office, East Lansing achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, the only community in Michigan to do so and one of only 38 in the United States.

“I am all about creating an open space where everyone is welcome and appreciated,” Triplett said. “Whether they are visiting faculty, an international student or someone who identifies as LGBT, they should feel safe and at home.”

Triplett also lauded a policy he crafted to ensure the partners of East Lansing city employees had access to equal benefits.

“I see these core values as a reflection of who we are as a community,” Triplett said regarding the efforts to end discrimination. “The city isn’t driving that, it’s our residents who believe in this environment of welcome and value inclusion.”

During his time as mayor, Triplett said he and the rest of the city council have benefited from the support of East Lansing residents and worked to improve their daily lives.

“Looking back at my almost eight years on city council, a lot of the challenges we have faced have been pretty bread-and-butter,” Triplett said.

Triplett said East Lansing’s debt is down, the fund balance is up and the city earned a AAA credit rating.

Throughout the seven years he has served on East Lansing’s City Council, Triplett said he believes the city has benefited and is in a strong position moving forward. Maintaining that position will require the same amount of discipline on financial issues, he said.

The city council will vote to elect a mayor and mayor pro tem after the new city council members are appointed in the fall. Triplett’s campaign for re-election kicks off Thursday evening with an event at Beggars Banquet.

READ THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF TRIPLETT’S INTERVIEW NEXT WEEK

HandsUpMSU looks to move beyond hashtag

BY MARIA BRAGANINI MBRAGANINI@STATENEWS.COM

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THE STATE N E WS

THURSDAY, MARCH 2 6 , 2 01 5

Students at MSU utilized the Black Lives Matter activism campaign to start a new organization on campus, HandsUpMSU, drawing attention to human rights issues locally, nationally and internationally.

But as the protests regarding the shooting death of Michael Brown — a young black man from Ferguson, Missouri, who was shot by a white police officer — begin to wane, the group is working to keep the message alive.

HandsUpMSU initially began protesting in December in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.

“It was people who were just as passionate about the movement as we are, and they stuck with us from start to finish,” interior design junior Tierra Nelson said.

Nelson described HandsUpMSU as a reflection of what goes on in the community and country. “(It’s) like the Black Lives Matter campaign,” Nelson said. “Many African-American men and women were being killed, and that sparked something here on campus that we thought needed to be addressed at that exact moment.”

HandsUpMSU has also held die-ins, similar to a sit-in demonstration and representative of those who have died on the streets, where protesters simulate being dead.

Interdisciplinary studies in social science junior

Alexandria Vaughn is still troubled by memories of a die-in HandsUpMSU she participated in at Breslin Center.

“People were very hostile, and I had a man walk up to me and tell me to ‘get a f------ job and move out the way,’” Vaughn said. “You hear about people saying racist things, and you know that it happens, but it’s a really, really different thing when they’re saying it to you. You’re just looking at them like ‘Wow, they had the nerve to say that thing to my face.’”

Comparative cultures and politics senior France-Elvie Banda said while most of the onlookers were going to watch black athletes in a basketball game, they didn’t stop to think consider the larger issues addressed at the protest.

“That’s a real reflection of the relationship, the racial relationships we have on the campus,” Banda said.

Banda said racial tensions between students at MSU go unrecognized because it’s not as prominent as a shooting, a hanging or a choke hold.

Banda added students should be aware of their privilege and the way it affects minorities.

“Be cognizant, be aware of the jokes that you say, however you want to qualify what a joke is,” Banda said. “Be cognizant of the opinions that you have and the things that you share and, most importantly, the things that you ignore because ultimately the things that you choose to ignore are the things that you support.”

Olivia Dimmer and Simon Schuster Trends and issues editor Breaking news editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews

Students use internships to get their feet in the door of Capitol Honing in on their interests in politics, students often supplement class time by working closely with legislators at the state Capitol

BY SERGIO MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN SMARTINEZ@STATENEWS.COM

Every Tuesday and Thursday Ron Owens III wakes up at 8:30 a.m. to go to class. But once class is done, his day actually starts.

Owens, a freshman in James Madison college, takes Route 1 of the CATA bus toward the Capitol, where he interns at the office of state Rep. Adam Zemke, D-Ann Arbor. “(Zemke) is awesome. He is ... (a) really chill boss. He gives me a lot of freedom, trusts me with sending out constituent emails and talking to constituents and planning my own things,” Owens said.

Owens is also in charge of a call-toaction made by President Obama called My Brother’s Keeper.

Owens, who has interned with representatives since his freshman year of high school, said he has been interested in politics for a long time.

“I’m very passionate on things such as education and (the) Affordable Healthcare (sic) Act and budgeting as well,” Owens said.

MSU students intern both in the state

House of Representatives and in the state Senate.

According to the Michigan House of Representatives Business Office, there are 106 unpaid interns this semester working in the House. At least 50 of them have ties to MSU. In the Senate, interns are also working hard.

Interdisciplinary studies senior Chris Pascoe has been interested in politics for four years.

His aunt has known state Sen. Marty Knollenberg, R-Troy, for many years and she was able to connect Pascoe with the senator.

“Networking is very huge, especially when you work in politics,” Pascoe said.

Pascoe, who also interns two days a week, said his job consists of communicating with constituents and conducting research on bills.

But working in the state Senate can be intimidating sometimes, Pascoe said.

“I did find it intimidating, because you never know if someone is the head of a major corporation or a state representative or some sort of a legislative aid,” Pascoe said. “You never real-

James Madison freshman Ron Owens III reads constituent mail Tuesday in the office of state Rep. Adam Zemke, D-Ann Arbor, at 124 N. Capitol Ave. in Lansing.

Interns like Owens often read and respond to constituent mail and help with research on legislation.

PHOTO: SIMON SCHUSTER

ly know, so you always have to be professional.”

Although the suit and ties and the dresses might be intimidating to some, looks are deceiving, Owens said.

“Everyone there is very humble and nice and just working as hard as them ... (is what gets) them to like you,” Owens said. “So being able to

work hard and dedicate myself to the work made it easier for me to be in that atmosphere.”

Owens and Pascoe both agreed that interning in the Capitol has made them grow professionally.

“I would say interning with the Capitol has opened a lot of doors because you meet a lot of people from different committees,” Pas-

coe said.

Owens said working as an intern has helped him decipher political myths.

“Everything that TV shows or news shows is not the same thing,” Owens said. “Democrats and Republicans don’t always hate each other. They actually work together well on some things.”

Graduate Employees Union in the grips of contract negotiation While other graduate employees are unable to unionize and barter for workplace protections, the GEU is working to change that

BY RAY WILBUR RWILBUR@STATENEWS.COM

MSU and the Graduate Employees Union are currently negotiating a new contract that outlines graduate employees’ protections, salaries and benefits.

The negotiations are related to a 2012 bill signed

by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder which rendered any graduate employee, besides teaching assistants, unable to unionize and bargain for workplace protections.

Even though the law states only graduate teaching assistants may unionize, the contract and all it provides will be extended to all graduate employees, as it has been for previous contracts, president of the GEU Sylvia Marques said.

“Most of the benefits that we negotiate get extended to all graduate employees – the university doesn’t want to deal with some multi-tier employment structure,” Marques said.

Graduate employees can switch positions from semester to semester, from teaching assistants to research assistants. Extending the contract to all employees allows those graduate employ-

ees to change their position without fear of losing benefits.

The GEU was formed in 2001, and is one of 11 labor unions on campus. It was meant to represent teaching assistants and other graduate employees.

It has negotiated a series of four contracts since it’s creation. The current contract ends May 15.

The contract outlines employees’ rights such as health insurance benefits, protection from overwork, salary and protection from discrimination, GEU treasurer and voting member of executive board Charlie Loelius said.

Loelius sees the contract as a way to provide serious protections and necessary benefits for graduate employees.

“Our greatest tool for protecting teaching assistants and advancing justice is our collective bargaining agreement,” Loelius said.

The GEU is currently focused on four main issues while negotiating, including an increase in yearly salary, an increase in tuition that is covered by MSU for graduate students, maintaining affordable healthcare and improving the anti-discrimination language that already exists in the contract, Marques said.

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TH E STATE N E WS

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Spotlight CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Cross country senior Leah O’Connor has become one of the most decorated athletes in MSU history. But the runner, who most recently snagged the national NCAA indoor mile title, has come a long way in five years ALWAYS A RUNNER O’Connor was born into a family of runners in the small farm town of Croswell, Michigan. Population: 2,447.

“It was just something that you did,” Leah O’Connor’s father, George O’Connor, said of running. “It was never a chore. ... It was just a fun thing to do.”

Given the circumstances, even though Leah O’Connor’s parents are quick to point out their children were never forced to run, it wasn’t long before all six of the O’Connor children fell in love with the sport anyway, participating in 5K races from ages as young as 8-10 years old.

“I thought they were so fun,” Leah O’Connor said. “It was just kind of my passion from the time I was a little kid.”

But it wasn’t until her junior year at Croswell-Lexington High School, when she won the Division II state titles in the 1,600 and 800

meter races, that George and Janet O’Connor looked at each other.

She might have a future in this sport, they thought.

It was also around this time that Leah O’Connor — who aimed to get a scholarship for running — realized if she committed herself, she could make her dreams a reality.

Not long after, MSU track and cross country head coach Walt Drenth came to her home for a recruiting visit. The only school, Leah’s parents said, who made such a trip.

As the O’Connors sat with Drenth for dinner, they found they could trust him and appreciated that he was straightforward and answered all their questions.

For George O’Connor, who served as an assistant coach for his daughter in high school, if there was one thing he was especially concerned about, it was the fear of her being injured from

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Senior Leah O’Connor crosses the finish line to win the women’s mile at the 2015 Big Ten indoor track and field championships. PHOTO: BRETT DUNBAR / COURTESY OF MSU ATHLETICS

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THURSDAY, MARC H 2 6 , 2 01 5

barriers per lap, one of which includes a water a drastic leap in mileage.

“I said, ‘You have to promise me that you will pit.

The first time O’Connor tried the event, not work her too much too soon,’” George O’Connor said. “And I remember (Drenth) promised it took her close to 12 minutes to complete.

But after four years of hard me. He said, ‘We’ll do whatwork, she blazed her way to ever’s best for Leah.’”

“My seasons, the 2014 national championThat sold them. Leah O’Conthe way that ship in a school record time nor became a Spartan. of 9:36.43. it’s worked At the time, many who saw PATH TO STARDOM out, is every the race thought she had O’Connor came to MSU in the season of every come out of nowhere. But fall of 2010, an athlete as raw year. I’ve made to O’Connor, it’s an example as they come. of what four years of hard The talent was undoubtimprovements and great coaching can edly there. But it would take and built upon the work get you. some time before the 17-yearstrength from the “My seasons, the way that old could make the transition it’s worked out, is every seafrom the 20-mile weeks she’d season before.” son of every year. I’ve made been running in high school improvements and built upon to the 70-mile weeks at the Leah O’Connor, the strength from the season collegiate level. To prepare cross country senior before,” she said. for this, O’Connor would Later in the fall of 2014, the train as a redshirt her freshgood times continued to roll, man year.

At some early point at MSU, O’Connor was as she was a part of MSU’s undefeated womintroduced to what’s become her signature en’s cross country team, which cruised through event — the 3,000 meter steeplechase, a sev- the season to the program’s first ever nationen-lap race whose participants jump over five al championship.

Anya Rath Managing editor arath@statenews.com @thesnews

“That has been the sweetest thing,” “I do hope to be a leader for the team she said. “To be able to win a national and be the type of role model that championship with the girls I came in Leah was to me — someone who is with as a 17-year-old ... It’s irreplace- kind-hearted, driven, compassionable and it’s better than any individ- ate and relentless in their quest for success.” ual title.”

But for fellow senior teammate It hasn’t always been this way Sara Kroll — who’s during her b e e n r o om m at e s c a r e e r. Howwith O’Connor for ever, if there’s four of the last five a person who’s years — recognizalways been es their collegiate there when careers are coming she’s needed it, to a close, but she it’s Drenth. knows their friend“I’ve gone ship will live on. through times “W hen it comes of my ca reer Miles a week runners time for us to gradwhen I’ve been are required to run at the collegiate level uate and be done ... at a low and it’s going to be really not feeling like sad,” Kroll said. “But a champion necessarily, and I’ve gone to (Drenth’s) I know for a fact that we’ll stay really office, utilized his Kleenexes and just close ... (O’Connor is) not only my best friend, but one of my closest friends. cried my eyes out,” O’Connor said.

But the hard work and tough times My sister, essentially.”

If there’s one more thing that’s would once again pay off, as she would take the 2015 NCAA indoor mile title in important to bring up when assessing O’Connor’s career, it would be her a meet record time of 4:27.18.

“That’s exactly how I pictured it in unwavering Christian faith, which my head,” O’Connor said of the race. has kept her grounded all her life — “I had this plan coming into the race whether it be through good times or but you never guarantee that it’s going bad. “(My faith) reminds me that I’m to come together ... but it did ... just to have it all happen, it’s just this extreme more than just a runner,” she said.

“No matter what I do, I want to make feeling of gratitude.”

And for Drenth, it’s amazing to see sure that I make it clear that God has all that she’s become through the control over this ... and I hope that my running and my life is a testament to years.

“She continues to get better every my faith ... and if I can’t run anothtime she takes the track it seems,” er day in my life, I’m still going to Drenth told msuspartans.com. “Not be fine.” only has she been an exceptional leader, but she’s been an equally END TIMES It’s the last first week of outdoor track great person.” of O’Connor’s college career. And it’s on this sunny afternoon in East LanLEGACY It’s a term tossed around so often in sing she enters the confines of Jenison sports. But for O’Connor, she doesn’t Field House — the building where she’s logge d cou nt le s s necessarily care workouts throughabout her legacy, but “(O’Connor) out the years. rather the legacy of Ju s t f ou r d ay s her team. is such a good have passed since “If indiv idua lly, example of a she became the secpeople look at what woman who ond fastest womI’ve done on t he an in the history of track and they ’re is not only an the NCA A. As she i n s pi r e d by t h at accomplished maneuvers her way and that makes them runner, but strong through a swarm of want to chase after high schoolers occuwhat they want to in her values and pying Jenison Field do, that’s awesome,” pure of heart.”

House for a track she said. “But I hope meet that afternoon, that it’s not about it’s almost poetic. me, but it ’s about Rachele Schulist, She was one of them what’s been accomredshirt sophomore five years ago. plished as a whole “Hey, celebrit y!” these last five years.”

Of the long list of people she likes a friend says as they pass in a hallto thank, one of the first she brings way. This is another one of those poetup is teammate and training partner ic moments.

“I knew I wanted to go to college Rachele Schulist — a talented redshirt sophomore who placed fourth at the for (running),” she said. “But I didn’t expect college to go as well as it has. I 2014 NCAA cross country nationals.

Schulist, who says her relationship just wanted to see how good I could be with O’Connor began simply as them and that was just an abstract thought.”

So yes, her days at MSU are windbeing teammates, has since blossomed into an amazing friendship. And after ing down. But as Leah O’Connor works MSU’s group of seniors graduate this toward one last run at a national title in spring, Schulist said she only hopes the spring, or takes her last runs with to lead as gracefully as her predeces- teammates along MSU’s Red Cedar River, she’s savoring every last second. sors have.

“I try to remind myself, soon enough “(O’Connor) is such a good example of a woman who is not only an accom- you’re not going to have this,” she said. plished runner, but strong in her val- “I just want to soak up all the time I can ues and pure of heart,” Schulist said. with my teammates and my friends.”

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Senior Leah O’Connor stretches during practice on Oct. 27, 2014, behind Jenison Field House.

PHOTO: STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO

T H U RS DAY, MARC H 2 6 , 2 01 5

TH E STATE N E WS

7

Crossword

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

News

MSU tests out pay-perplate parking system Types and rates of MSU parking lots

LOTS 100, 79 62W, Wharton Ramp 3:

$0.40 per-half-hour for alumni and visitors with MSU Alumni Association membership cards $0.80 per half hour for visitors

LOT 63W

LOT 39

$0.80 per-half-hour

$0.25 per-half-hour

ACROSS

49 Org. that produces the magazines Highroads and Journey 50 The past, in the past 51 Risk being caught off base 54 Grisham hero, often: Abbr.

55 Fixer-upper, perhaps, and a hint to the answers to starred clues 57 Only reigning pope to write an autobiography 59 Tiny bit 60 Gun, as an engine 61 Most irritated 62 Emptiness 63 T size 64 Baby’s outfit 65 Luncheon ender 66 Patriotic gp. since 1890

DOWN 1 Turtle in a 2014 film 2 Soccer shoe feature 3 *In the low 70s, usually 4 Bit of sibling rivalry 5 Hypothetical primate 6 Titicaca, por ejemplo 7 *Feature of most cars nowadays 8 Honor 9 Charge for a ride 10 Wall St. news 11 *On one’s own 12 Varied mixture

13 To be, to Ovid 21 Cork’s location 22 Opposite of attract 26 Chi follows it 30 “Just a few __” 31 Dwyane of the Miami Heat 32 Mathematical process 37 Good thing to have before a meal 38 Dinero 39 Winning football coach’s surprise 42 Airport screening org.

45 Persian for “king” 48 “Of course!”

52 Greek finale 53 Piano keyboard component 54 Lhasa __ 55 Spanish ayes 56 Warning sound 58 His, to Henri47 Lisa of “Enemy of the State” 48 They can be hard to fight 49 Atlanta-based health agcy.

51 Sherbet flavor 54 Repent 55 Photo __ 56 Throw too low, say 57 Merkel’s “never” 58 Captured

R6 62W 63W

2

3

4

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk SOLUTION TO WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE

3/26/15

8

© 2015 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

THE STATE N E WS

THURSDAY, MARCH 2 6 , 2 01 5

39

R3

100 MAP: RYAN LOGAN | SOURCE: MSU PARKING OFFICE

with the device and be sent text messages alerting them when their time is running out.

And whether a person be in class or work or wherMSU is instituting the use of “Pay by Plate” parking ever they are, they can add some time and money kiosks in Ramp 6, located off Grand River Avenue through an SMS text messaging system. "(That’s) definitely helpful because I’m always in between Olin Health Center and the Human Ecoloa rush to get to my car,” said Hamgy Building. moud, adding that cops are always During the 90-day trial, patrons “I like the parking coming around to give parking can register their license plates with meters where tickets. the kiosk, pay for how much time In the end, all these changes are a they need, and retrieve a receipt. you can use an step in a process of making parking The kiosk allows for the use of sevactual card. But on campus technologically friendly eral different kinds of payment too, otherwise, if and easy on those who drive, Forincluding coins, cash and credit card. they’re just the man said.

“I like the parking meters where However, the kiosks aren’t for you can use an actual card,” supcoin ones, I like everyone, like in the case of conply chain management sophomore (the kiosks) a lot struction management sophomore Rochana Hammoud said. “But othbetter ... I never Jack Aliotta. erwise, if they’re just the coin ones, I “It’s kind of inconvenient,” Aliotta like (the kiosks) a lot better ... I nevhave quarters said. “I like when you can take a ticker have quarters on me.” on me.” et right up (at the front) and when In turn, MSU parking enforcement you leave, just pay.” can verify the car’s license plate with Rochana Hammoud, supply Forman said these kiosks allow their online system to determine how chain management sophomore MSU to get around the fact that techmuch time is left and whether they nology on MSU’s campus currently warrant a ticket. does not allow for the option of parkAnother feature of the “Pay by Plate” kiosk, MSU Parking Operations Office Super- ing meters with credit cards to be placed in the parkvisor Lynnette Forman said, is it will also allow for ing ramps. This is because the ones MSU currently those using it to register their mobile phone number has are powered by solar energy.

BY RYAN SQUANDA

1

79 Shaw Lane

Get the solutions at statenews.com/puzzles Level:

Pay-per Plate

Farm Lane

1 Big name in ATMs 4 Ten to twenty?

8 On fire 14 Worldwide workers’ agcy.

15 On __ with 16 Brooklyn Bridge features 17 “The Matrix” hero 18 Utah lily 19 Delivers an old standard, perhaps 20 *Last president who was a Founding Father 23 Not from a Scot 24 Fifth-century leader succeeded by his son Ellac 25 __ Aviv 26 Tent holder 27 Sportscaster Andrews 28 New Deal org.

29 Hustles 31 Smith students 33 “If only __ listened!”

34 Memo words 35 Smartphone buy 36 *Limp cause 40 Hold ‘em tell, maybe 41 Ingredient in Off! 43 Top-row poet on the “Sgt. Pepper” album cover 44 Remains at the campsite 46 Misses the mark 47 Party person 48 Spillane’s “__ Jury”

RAMP 6

RSQUANDA@STATENEWS.COM

Features

Casey Holland Features editor features@statenews.com @sn_features

QUIZ

What upcoming Wharton Center show fits your personality?

BY ZOE SCHUBOT ZSCHUBOT@STATENEWS.COM

With a variety of shows coming to the Wharton Center this season and limited amounts of cash in your bank account, it can be difficult to decide which shows are worth breaking the bank for. Check out this quiz to find the show you’ll enjoy most if you choose to spend a classy evening at the theatre.

BY LAUREN OWINGS LOWINGS@STATENEWS.COM

What type of performance generally interests you?

A. Anything that is quick-witted and can keep me laughing B. Dramatic, artistic pieces that really make me think C. A show with a great soundtrack that will be stuck in my head for weeks D. A haunting musical with a lot of romance Do you want to laugh or feel moved?

A. I want to laugh until I cry B. I want to be moved and feel as though I have truly experienced art C. A little of both! Funny moments are great, but I also want to walk away having felt something D. I want to feel emotionally drawn to the performance Do you want a performance on a grand scale or something more intimate?

A. I prefer a smaller experience where the audience really feels connected to the actors B. The bigger the better!

C. A large performance is fine, but I like when it feels personal as well D. I want it to be somewhere in the middle What kind of a story are you looking for?

A. Something funny and upbeat, but still intelligent and witty B. A classic tale of love and drama C. A powerful story that also contains some fun moments D. An on-the-edge-of-your-seat, chilling plot Who are you going with?

A. My significant other and I are looking for an evening of laughs B. My younger sibling who is visiting for the weekend C. A group of my friends who want a fun and entertaining show D. My significant other and I are looking for a dramatic show Do you prefer shows with dialogue, or would you prefer more music and dancing?

A. I love keeping up with fast-paced dialogue B. I don’t really want much talking.

I prefer to appreciate the visual elements of a performance C. Talking is fine, but I’m really interested in some catchy tunes D. I hope it has both!

What kind of ensemble do you want to see?

A. Small is fine, as long as they’re professional and know how to work a crowd B. A serious professional group who will give a remarkable performance C. A student ensemble. I want to support my fellow students and it would be awesome to see a familiar face on the stage!

D. A professional Broadway group

Phi Delta Theta fraternity raises funds in honor of Lou Gehrig

Theatre and interdisciplinary social science senior Jenise Cook rehearses a song Mar. 17, 2015, at the Auditorium, 542 Auditorium Road. “Hair” will be performed in the Wharton Center April 17-26. PHOTO: ALICE KOLE

MOSTLY A’S You Got: “America’s Got Downton” Where: Pasant Theatre When: 7:30 p.m. April 30 In this one-man show, Luke Kempner portrays more than 30 characters in a comedy that incorporates well-known celebrities into the TV show “Downton Abbey.”

Those who aren’t as familiar with the show will still be able to watch Kempner take on the stage as a one man army.

MOSTLY B’S You Got: Moscow City Ballet: “Swan Lake” Where: Cobb Great Hall When: 8 p.m. March 21 From one of Russia’s most successful and popular ballet companies, the Moscow City Ballet, comes this classic tale of love and intrigue. Audiences will experience the style and choreography of the Moscow City Ballet.

MOSTLY C’S You Got: “Hair” Where: Pasant Theatre When: (times vary) April 17-26 This rock musical chronicles the age of the hippies when love was abundant and unrest was brewing. The powerful story paired with a rock soundtrack will provide an evening of quality entertainment.

MOSTLY D’S You Got: “Phantom of the Opera” Where: Cobb Great Hall When: April 1-12 Complete with new special effects to accompany its classic, haunting musical numbers, the newest production of “Phantom of the Opera” will give you the romance you’re looking for and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Tickets can be purchased on the Wharton Center website.

T H U RS DAY, MARC H 2 6 , 2 01 5

For the brothers of Phi Delta Theta, a ticket sold means more than just another seat filled for an upcoming Red Wings game.

On Thursday night the Detroit Red Wings will be playing against the San Jose Sharks in their fight for a spot in the playoffs.

As a new chapter initiated this past October, the Jabs at the Joe fundraiser will be Phi Delta Theta’s first big philanthropy event.

They have been selling Red Wings tickets for $30, and $10 out of every ticket sold goes directly toward the ALS Association.

The ALS Association is the only national nonprofit organization for ALS. The non-profit fights the disease by assisting those diagnosed with ALS while researching for a cure.

Electrical engineering junior and Phi Delta Theta member Stephen Winders said Jabs at the Joe will help make them known on campus and in the community.

Winders said they aimed to get as many different people from as many different areas of the community involved in going to the game and just seeing what Phi Delta Theta stands for.

“I take pride in Phi Delta Theta as my fraternity, and it’s just amazing and such a cool opportunity that we can raise money for (ALS),” Winders said.

The cause is particularly important to the brothers because Lou Gehrig, the famous baseball player who was diagnosed with the disease in 1939, is a Phi Delta Theta alumnus.

Winders said they hope to get as many philanthropy events in as possible, and that he truly enjoys being able to help people.

“Our philanthropy is one of the things that we’re the most proud of,” Winders said.

Physiology senior and Phi Delta Theta member Allan Baker said being a science major gives him further insight into why the fight against ALS is so important.

Baker said because ALS affects only a small percentage of the population, pharmaceutical companies aren’t going to provide much support.

He said it takes millions of dollars to fuel the search for a cure, and while more prevalent diseases such as diabetes receive a lot of funding, the money used to fight against ALS comes mostly from donations.

“It’s nice knowing about health and medicine and being able to help a cause that needs money,” Baker said.

He said Jabs at the Joe will help put Phi Delta Theta on the map philanthropy-wise. The event will give them something to build on, as well as experience for future philanthropy events.

So far, the fundraiser has been a huge success. With a goal of 185 tickets, the brothers have sold 202.

“It’s been an even bigger success than we first imagined when we were planning it,” Winders said.

Winders said in years to come, they hope to keep expanding their philanthropy to other Phi Delta Theta chapters and other fraternities.

For future events, Baker said Phi Delta Theta is working on planning a volleyball tournament and possibly a 5K. TH E STATE N E WS

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Sports Bryn Forbes comes home, recounts his progress

BY OMARI SANKOFA II OSANKOFA@STATENEWS.COM

Denzel Valentine’s favorite memory with Bryn Forbes didn’t take place on the hardwood. It took place on grass.

“We played football together, little league football,” Valentine said. “I was the quarterback, and he was my receiver.

That was pretty cool. We played like seven, eight years of football, and we won a lot of championships playing football.”

It’s been almost a decade and a half since Forbes met Valentine at the age of 7, a span that includes numerous little league football titles and two basketball championships at J.W. Sexton High School in Lansing in 2011 and 2012.

Valentine and Forbes are on the championship hunt once again. Forbes, who transferred to MSU last summer after two seasons at Cleveland State, submitted one of the most noteworthy games of his career Sunday against Virginia.

His stat line — seven points, three rebounds, 2-of-3 shooting from the field — wasn’t eye-popping. But his effort on the defensive end, an aspect of Forbes’ game head coach Tom Izzo has expressed displeasure with this season, was a huge factor in MSU’s 60-54 victory to advance to the Sweet 16 round.

“The other night, I didn’t think he took a step. I don’t think he even took a leap. I think he rocket‑shipped off the ground compared to where he was, because he had to guard,” Izzo said. “As I told Dantonio — linebackers, he was guarding linebackers.

“You watch the film, and sometimes he’d even get lost because his body just isn’t where maybe it would be if we were able to keep him out a year and work with him. He has improved enormously.”

It’s been a season of transition for Forbes, who was granted a

10

hardship waiver last summer to be with his sister, who has Lyme disease, and 18-monthold son, Carter.

Forbes made an impact at Cleveland State, earning the Horizon League Newcomer of the Year award in 2013. But graduate assistant Drew Valentine, Denzel Valentine’s older brother, said he believes Forbes always intended on returning home.

“I think this is where he’s always wanted to be his whole life,” Drew Valentine said. “And just the fact that he worked hard enough and was fortunate to be in a situation to have a major role on this team is really cool and something he’s always wanted to do.”

BY JESSICA SATTLER JSATTLER@STATENEWS.COM

“The other night, I didn’t think he took a step. I don’t think he even took a leap. I think he rocket-shipped off the ground compared to where he was.”

Tom Izzo, Men’s basketball head coach

Forbes’ abilit y to shoot 3-pointers earned him a spot in Izzo’s rotation at the beginning of the season. But his effort on the defensive end since the start of the Big Ten Tournament has noticeably improved.

“He’s always had it in him,” Denzel Valentine said. “He had to get adjusted to this style of playing for coach and playing in the Big Ten and playing against players like this. Everything like that. It’s coming full circle, and I’m happy it’s coming. It’s at the right time.”

Forbes said playing a big role on the team was his goal when he transferred. Similar to his childhood days as a wide receiver, he’s still on the receiving

THE STATE N E WS

Women’s water polo club looks to improve on national ranking

Junior guard Bryn Forbes shoots the ball Sunday during the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament in a game against Virginia at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Spartans defeated the Cavaliers, 60-54. PHOTO: ALICE KOLE

end of passes from Denzel Valentine, except this time he’s in the corner of the arc instead of streaking up the field.

Forbes calls playing at MSU with Valentine the chance of a lifetime.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2 6 , 2 01 5

"(It’s) one of the most exciting times of my whole life, especially to be with one of my best friends,” he said. “I’ve known him since I was 7 years old, not a lot of people can say stuff like that.”

In the fast-paced world of college sports, some teams are more recognized than others.

But Spartans don’t just dominate the fields and basketball courts — they’re taking over pools, as well.

The MSU Women’s Club Water Polo team is currently ranked No. 5 in the nation as of the March 12 Collegiate Water Polo Association poll.

“We’re being ranked way higher than we ever have in the past,” packaging junior and President Hailey Sheats said. “We have a huge chance of doing really well this season.”

And the team is closer than close.

“Morale is really high, and we all do a good job of encouraging each other to be better,” interdisciplinary studies in social science senior Kimberly Bryan said. “We hang out all the time and that, with our coaching, we are unstoppable.”

This year’s shift in coaches has helped the team’s dynamic overall, education junior Andrea Gabrion said.

Current head coach and physiology junior Josh Jackson has been playing water polo for over 10 years, and was the assistant coach for the team last year.

In 2014 he was a part of the men’s water polo team and helped to bring home the Big Ten Championship title. They then competed in the national tournament and placed No. 10.

Joining Jackson this year as assistant coach is food industry management junior Eric Chisholm, who has also brought new life to the team.

“He played for the MSU swimming and diving team (last year) and now this is his first year coaching us and he’s done awesome,” Bryan said. “He has a lot of great advice and is really good about giving all players a lot of playing time.”

Last month, the Spartans went to Purdue to compete in their second CWPA meet of the season, where they won three out of four games.

That loss was the only one out of eight CWPA matches so far this season.

In April, the team will head to Ohio State to compete in the Big Ten division championship.

The No. 2 seed Spartans will kick off the weekend with their first match against No. 7 seed Purdue.

Last year, the Spartans did well in the championship and made it to the final match, where they lost 6-2 against the Michigan Wolverines.

But this year, they intend to win.

“We practice four days a week and we’ve been working on new plays to help us beat U of M,” Sheats said. “We have a lot of strong players and a really strong bench to cheer them on.”

Geoff Preston Sports editor sports@statenews.com @thesnews_sports

Two weekends that defined MSU ice hockey

BY JONATHON CHUN JCHUN@STATENEWS.COM

Junior forward Michael Ferrantino slides between Minnesota forward Travis Boyd, 22, and defenseman Jake Bischoff after falling Dec. 6, 2014, at Munn Ice Arena. The Spartans tied the Golden Gophers, 3-3, but won the extra point in a shootout. PHOTO: DANYELLE MORROW

Classified TO PLACE AN AD …

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Your campus marketplace! statenews.com/classifieds DEADLINES LINER ADS 2 p.m., 1 business day prior to publication (includes cancellations) CLASSIFIED DISPLAY 3 p.m., 3 class days prior to publication

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.

Employment BLOOMFIELD HILLS Rental Co. needs summer help!

Up to $12/hr, May-Aug. Outdoor work, lifting req.

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It was almost the story of two seasons for MSU hockey, or even the story of two years. The Spartans struggled with offense and consistency through the 18 games in 2014, going 7-10-1 in mostly non-conference schedule.

In 2015, however, the Spartans pulled a remarkable transformation that saw them go 10-5-1 and surge to a second-place finish in the Big Ten. While it’s hard to pinpoint the moment that helped MSU turn the corner, there are a few moments that do stick out. The weekend split against Minnesota at Munn Ice Arena in early December was a weekend that saw MSU at its worst and best, luckily in that order.

Heading into the weekend with a record of 8-5, the Gophers trounced the Spartans 5-0 in MSU’s Big Ten home opener. MSU had mostly suffered one-goal losses up until that point.

“We have to put it behind us and regroup and come back with a much better effort tomorrow night,” head coach Tom Anastos said following the game.

The Spartans responded the next night, which would become a useful and recurring

trait throughout the rest of the season.

MSU played the Gophers to a 3-3 tie, and went on to win the shootout to gain an extra point in the Big Ten standings. The Spartans recorded their largest shot differential of the season over the Gophers, outshooting them 45-24.

“I thought from the start of the game to the end that it was our best game of the season,” Anastos said following that Saturday night game.

Anastos pointed to that game throughout the season as the Spartans’ most complete effort.

It served as the moment that the players truly began to buy into Anastos’ system and build as a cohesive unit.

Nearly two months later, MSU returned to Munn to face off against Ohio State. Both teams entered with identical 7-11-2 records and fighting to stay relevant in the Big Ten race.

MSU swept the Buckeyes that weekend with a 4-1 win Friday and a 2-0 shutout Saturday.

While it was the first series sweep that the Spartans had up to that point of the season, it was the crowd at Munn that made this series a turning point.

To read the rest of the story, visit statenews.com

Employment

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Employment

Employment

Apts. For Rent

Houses/Rent

The JNL Child Development Center in Okemos is looking for both full and part time support staff, lead and assistant teachers to work with children from 6 weeks through 5 years old.

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T H U RS DAY, MARC H 2 6 , 2 01 5

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Business Opp. A 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 asked to send money or provide credit card info.

TH E STATE N E WS

11

Sports Baseball’s offense wakes up from winter slump in win

BY MATTHEW ARGILLANDER MARGILLANDER@STATENEWS.COM

The men’s baseball team (10-11 overall, 1-2 Big Ten) has struggled to find offensive consistency in their young season, but if the game against Central Michigan on Tuesday was any indication of what is to come, the team may have found a home remedy.

In the Spartans’ first home game of the year, the offense got off to a hot start, scoring three runs in the first.

They never looked back en route to an 8-3 win over the Chippewas.

Senior first baseman Blaise Salter had two RBI in the game and said the team needed this performance after struggling to get the offense going as of late.

“We came out to a hot start with the first inning hitting. We needed that. We kind of struggled a bit,” Salter said. “It was good to get back to winning, especially getting some key

hits in the first.”

The team spent their first 20 games on the road, going 9-11 in that stretch. The Spartans are happy to be getting things going at McLane Baseball Stadium, even though it may still be cold in the Great Lake State.

“You come home, and you get used to your field, and you get used to the weather. And it’s actually starting to warm up now,” junior outfielder Cam Gibson said. “But we’re used to the cold. Nothing like playing in a 40 degree-weather game. That’s what we like.”

Salter believes that the offensive performance against CMU will give the team some momentum heading into their second Big Ten series of the year—a three game set against No. 26 Illinois (17-5-1 overall).

“It’s always good to gain some momentum (on offense),” Salter said. “Hitting is really contagious, and when a couple of guys string a few hits together it’s contagious to

the team.”

Gibson added that the team has gained some confidence heading into a big series with a tough Illinois team.

“It’s good to get 13 hits and eight runs. Our pitching staff has been doing their job, we just need to figure out the offense,” Gibson said. “You’re coming into more Big Ten play, and you get a team in Illinois, and you’re going to want the confidence that we had today to just transfer throughout the rest of the season, because that’s what we’re going to need to do on offense is be confident.”

Salter, much like the rest of the team, is looking forward to spending more time at home after spending the first weeks of the season in the south.

“It’s great to be home,” Salter said.

“Sleeping in your own bed and just doing stuff on your own time is great, so it’s good to be back playing in front of the home crowd.”

Freshman pitcher Alex Troop throws some practice pitches while senior infielders Mark Weist and Ryan Richardson stand on the field behind Tuesday, during the game against Central at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field. It was the Spartans first home game of the season and they defeated the Chippewas, 8-3.

PHOTO: ALLYSON TELGENHOF

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2 6 , 2 01 5