meet
kansas
Sustainability at K-State
Embracing Twitter
a magazine created by k-state students
At bat with KSU Baseball
spring 10
contributors:
alex evans
Elise podhajsky
elizabeth sims
maggie burlbaw For more information about statements magazine or to advertise: 609 New Hampshire St. • Lawrence, KS 66044 Tel (785) 832-6382 • Fax (785) 331-0633
faryle Scott
To advertise, call: (785) 537-5151 statements magazine is distributed FREE by Sunflower Publishing, www.sunflowerpub.com, a division of The World Company. http://statementsmag.wordpress.com/ Follow us on Twitter: @StatementsMag
Philip LeBlanc
Kaley cornett
publisher/art director Darby Oppold
editor Katy Ibsen
copy editor Susie Fagan
designer Shelly Bryant
advertising design Shelly Bryant
manager Bert Hull
coordinator Faryle Scott
marketing/sales Mike Mores
statements Magazine spring10.staff
contributing writers Maggie Burlbaw Alex Evans Philip LeBlanc Faryle Scott Elise Podhajsky
photographers Kaley Cornett Elizabeth Sims
M
iss Kansas 2009 Becki Ronen might not seem like your average college student. To start, she is a natural beauty trained in classical trumpet, has traveled the state making a number of appearances, continues to pursue philanthropic work and recently competed in the 2010 Miss America pageant in Las Vegas. Regardless of all that, she is Wildcat through and through, and for us here at STATEMENTS Magazine, that’s all we need to be wowed by her. Ronen is just one of many Wildcats making an impression this spring. A large contingent of students is working on sustainable efforts, both locally and internationally, that will help shape the future. A handful of students are making their mark on high fashion here at Kansas State University, a somewhat unexpected place to find runway success. Offstage, theater students are preparing for the Big Apple and character-defining roles. Our K-State baseball team is ready to send shock waves in the conference, while other undergraduates are managing many endeavors while also paying for school. From crowning achievements like Ronen’s to everyday success in the classroom and on campus, K-State students, faculty and staff continue to build Purple Pride. – Statements Magazine
departments On Campus 5 Planning for
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A Well-Oiled Machine K-State’s facilities department continues to work hard to keep campus clean and beautiful
ambiance 10 Aggie Art:
K-State Photo Services Picturing the university’s history, one photograph at a time
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Behind the Scenes K-State Theatre helps students experience the art of performance—on stage or in the audience
features
the Future How sustainability research is taking off at K-State
Tech Spot 24 Calling All Tweets
Twitter takes campus by storm; what’s happening?
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Websites we love 5.0
Sports 28 Wildcat
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Collegiate pets
Baseball A young K-State team hopes to build on momentum during the 2010 season In the Club Sport club teams are on the rise along with student involvement
Living 36 Get
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Ready for the runway
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Fitness First Recreational Services makes it easy to stay in shape on campus
Q&A 46 Miss
on the cover:
Music festivals abound
Paid While Going to School Work-study programs are in demand, and students are taking advantage of the financial help
Kansas, Becki Ronen Crowned Miss Kansas 2009 after the three-day annual pageant
Miss Kansas, Becki Ronen Cover photographed by Kaley Cornett
P
Planningfor thefuture on campus
How sustainability research is taking off at K-State
story by Alex Evans Wind farm in Lincoln County.
photography by Elizabeth Sims
C
oncerns about climate change have inspired a considerable amount of modification and innovative ideas on the way we live. One of the most prominent efforts is sustainability, which promotes the best use of environmental resources while reducing the amount of waste. At Kansas State University, researchers are pursuing long-term sustainability goals to help the environment. The Kansas State University Center for Sustainable Energy, launched in 2007, is showing that considerable results can be made in the state of Kansas, starting with students, staff and faculty. Current outreach at K-State includes the Cinderella Project under the Apparel Marketing and Design Alliance, Apparel and Textile Graduate Student Organization and Chi Omega sorority. These groups collect gently used clothing and accessories that are then sold to lessfortunate local high school women during a “shopping day.” In a similar effort of lessening the carbon footprint, in 2008 the City of Manhattan created a Bicycle Advisory Committee. While raising awareness of using bikes as transportation, the group also has helped develop bicycle friendly areas and paths. Kansas is a central agricultural hub for the nation, with resources that are an essential element of sustainable practice. Biofuels—those derived from plant materials—wind energy and solar energy are all current areas of study—and ample in the Sunflower State. The K-State center strives to find environmentally sound methods of obtaining sustainable energy. Its researchers also are working to translate Kansas’ abundant agriculture into a sustainable food supply through research and educational outreach. Mary Rezac, professor of chemical engineering and the center’s co-director, explains that the sustainable energy center has three basic missions: to “use fundamental
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on campus
and applied research to find solutions, to expand educational opportunities and to support technology transfer,” which means taking ideas and making them into products. Current research by students and professors focuses on things like energy-efficient lighting and bioremediation, a process that uses microorganisms or their enzymes to return the environment altered by contaminants to its original condition. A portion of the funding comes from grants, which help to continue research on projects like producing ammonia through solar energy, one of the recent attempts at the center. Students in a variety of fields—chemistry, biology, agriculture and engineering, among others—are trying to make a reality out of environmentally friendly and sustainable energy.
The K-State center strives to find environmentally sound methods of obtaining sustainable energy. Part of what has helped the center excel are the notable people working at K-State. Charles Rice, a distinguished professor of soil microbiology, is a Nobel Prize winner. His work with an intergovernmental panel on climate change sponsored by the United Nations earned his group the prize in 2007. At K-State, Rice is working on a National Science Foundation project examining climate change and renewable energy. He says a second generation of biofuels is emerging through the harvesting of plant cellulose. The new method could be much more efficient than the original production of more familiar fuels, like ethanol. “It’s clear from this report that our [Midwest culture] has many opportunities to mitigate climate change and enhance sustainability,” says Rice. In line with Rice’s research, the Center for Sustainable Energy is showing what changes can be made in the region. Given the resources in Kansas, the state has a great potential to affect the nation and the rest of the world in providing sustainable energy for a better future.
sustainable-energy.ksu.edu
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Interested in what kind of mark you are making on the earth? While research abounds and efforts are moving forward to preserve what we have, see how and where you can trim energy. Visit The Nature Conservatory where its Carbon Footprint Calculator can give you some exact numbers. Results can be broken down and compared to the national average; then find out how you can reduce your footprint. www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/ OPPOSITE TOP Nolan Rothe, Bison graduate student in genetics, investigates the role of lignin genes in wheat. This knowledge can be used to engineer plants that will have higher quality biomass, amenable to cellulosic ethanol production, so they can be used to make ethanol. OPPOSITE MIDDLE Steve Sykes, Prairie Village sophomore, left, and Zack Pistora, Lawrence senior, sort through recycling as part of the Students for Environmental Action. OPPOSITE BOTTOM A group involved in the Fair Trade movement sells popcorn at K-State.
well-oiledmachine on campus
A
K-State’s facilities department
continues to work hard to keep campus clean and beautiful story by Elise Podhajsky photography by Kaley Cornett
W
arren Berg sits slightly slouched in a folding chair in front of his desk. His walkietalkie, securely fastened to the belt of his jeans, buzzes away. With a thin smile and affable eyes, Berg flips its switch and laces his calloused fingers. “I do not like to sit behind my desk when I talk to people,” he says. “It creates a barricade between us, and I do not want that.” Berg is the physical plant supervisor for custodial services at Kansas State University. Inside his office there are no nameplates, no plaques and no business cards; only a computer, telephone and piles of paperwork adorn his workspace. “I don’t spend much time in here,” says Berg. “Normally I’m out on campus anywhere and everywhere. You never know from day to day what we’re going to be doing around here, but that’s my favorite part about the job.” Berg, like the 134 other facilities employees, is most often found across campus mending pipes, collecting trash or tending flowers, quietly and selflessly serving as the forgotten cornerstone of the university to make sure it stays safe, clean and beautiful. “The facilities workers at K-State are essential partners with our central mission of teaching, research and service,” says K-State President Kirk Schulz. However, because their typical day begins at 5 a.m., the custodians, groundskeepers and recycle/refuse employees are frequently unnoticed and unappreciated by many students and faculty members.
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Eric Danielson Equipment OperatorCustodial Recycling
“It’s a thankless job,” says John Woods, director of facilities services. “A lot of times, people just don’t realize what they’re doing. If people don’t see them, they don’t think they’re working, which couldn’t be farther from the truth.” In fact, due to state and university budget cuts, facilities employees have more work to do. Within the last year, the custodial department alone has cut 10 positions, leaving Custodial Supervisor Beverly Price and her team to cover their losses. “Right now I’m running with nine people and that’s it,” Price says. “We’re double loaded, and that puts an extra strain on everybody.” Unfortunately, that stress often is amplified when custodial employees are made to not only deal with physical strain but emotional strain as well. “We get tongue-lashings by building users,” Price says. “About once a week, I’ll get a phone call from people who are upset about something not being done, like their trash not being pulled.” But when only two custodians are available to clean 93 offices in a building like Waters Hall—not including bathrooms, classrooms or labs— it’s no wonder trash is removed only once a week. “It’s frustrating, but we’re used to it,” Price says. “We know what we’re doing is right, so there’s nothing more we can do about it. Plus, our top priority right now is classrooms and bathrooms.” With the recent influx of H1N1 influenza, custodians have been working to disinfect all classrooms, bathrooms, railings and door handles twice a day to keep students and faculty members healthy. Although the job can get a little “nasty” at times, Price says she and her employees take pride in what they do. “We’re like a family,” she says. “I just enjoy coming to work every day,
on campus Warren Berg Physical Plant Supervisor Beverly price Custodial Supervisor brian prockish Senior General Maintenance and Repair Technician John Woods Director of Facilities Jackie Toburen Assistant Director of Facilities andy eidenmueller Custodian
even knowing what I could be looking forward to, because my co-workers make me smile. As long as we’re all happy, everything is fine.” This optimism seems to be contagious among facilities employees. The facilities grounds crew must tend to all 600 acres of campus daily—rain, snow, severe weather or shine. For Brian Prockish, senior general maintenance and repair technician for grounds, it too is his co-workers who keep him looking forward to every workday. “We’re a pretty tight-knit group,” he says. “Everybody is more than willing to help one another, and we have terrific bosses who look out for us.” One of those supervisors is Jackie Toburen, assistant director of facilities services/ grounds. She says even though her department has endured significant budget and employee cuts as well, seeing co-workers strive to keep campus comely is “the greatest thing” about her job. “It’s really important to have a nicelooking campus that attracts lots of students,” Woods says. “There’s been several studies done that show if students are deciding [among] several universities, they almost always go with the one that’s the prettiest.” According to the original 1986 study conducted by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, 62 percent of prospective students find the appearance of campus grounds and buildings to be the most influential factor when choosing a university. “If we’re going to continue to draw students to come to our school, it’s critical that it look nice and that they have a great first impression,” Toburen says. This means planting annuals, perennials and grasses year-round, fixing pipe breaks and leaks at least twice a day, and even working 36 hours straight to remove snow or debris caused by severe weather, such as the June 2008 tornado. “Without the facilities department, we would be at least ankle deep in refuse,” says Eric Danielson, equipment operator-custodial recycling. “It’s not always a pleasant job, but you just roll up your sleeves, try to stay clean and get it done to keep the environment habitable. “I’m proud of the university, I’m proud of what I do and I’m proud of what our entire department does. As a whole, we’re always working hard and looking to improve. You can’t beat that.”
ambiance
photos courtesy of K-State Photo Services
copy by David Mayes edited by Katy Ibsen
k-state
photo
Picturing the university’s history, one photograph at a time 10
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ambiance
A
mid evolving technology, Photographic
Services has been serving Kansas State University for nearly 100 years. In the 1920s the office was known as the Illustrations Department, but around 1960 the name was changed to the Office of Photographic Services. Photo Services, as it is now known, has served a variety of roles throughout its existence: shooting portraits, commercial-type photographs and copy images; capturing sports and daily life activities on campus; and providing printing and processing services for the university. A 1934 report titled “Tentative Twenty Year Program: Illustrations Department,” outlined its purpose: “The Illustrations Department is maintained to take care of the photographic needs of the institution and to keep a permanent file of all photographic negatives for the various college departments.” Times and equipment have changed, but the mission has not. Photo Services now has one employee, David Mayes, who produces images using state-of-the-art digital cameras and computer equipment for website and other digital media purposes as well as prints that decorate the walls of campus offices.
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ambiance
Behind the K-State Theatre helps students experience the art of performance — on stage or in the audience
story by Elise Podhajsky photography by Elizabeth Sims
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ambiance
Y
ou wait in the wings. Butterflies swirl in your stomach for a brief instant.
You hear the orchestra strike up its first note. The crowd of hundreds erupts into applause. You’ve been putting in long hours five, seven days a week for the past three months for this moment. Your adrenaline takes over. The velvet curtain rises. You burst out of the wings into a flood of brilliant lights. This is it—this is what you have been waiting for. Sound exciting? To the more than 100 theater majors at Kansas State University, it is just another day at school. K-State Theatre puts on at least Britney McLeod three plays and musicals each seTopeka senior mester, providing students with several performance opportunities to help develop experience and hone their acting and dancing skills. However, unlike some other university theater programs, the vibe in McCain Auditorium is enriching, not competitive. “We’re kind of like a family,” says Britney McLeod, Topeka senior in theater. “A lot of other departments are really big and competitive, but we’re just like one big, happy family. Everyone in the department treats you like it’s their mission to help you get to your certain goal. Everyone’s friends, we all hang out and it’s just a really good community.” John Uthoff, K-State director of theater, says that atmosphere helps students receive the best performance education possible. When students are relaxed and comfortable, he says, they progress faster. This is why theater classes are small and students and teachers are on a first-name basis. “We’re all very much in it together,” says Uthoff, who has worked at K-State for 33 years. “Students aren’t required to do things; they don’t have to be. They’re encouraged by faculty members, and that’s really all it takes.” This attitude continues to draw students to the program. Heather Haberberger, St. Louis sophomore in vocal performance with an emphasis on musical theater, says she looked at several other universities’ programs before finding
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the right fit at K-State. “I just didn’t find anywhere that I was like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s where I want to go!’ until I came here,” she says. “I liked the professors and the campus. I saw a couple of KSU Theatre shows, and I really liked all the people here too. … Everybody is friendly and wants to help each other out, and we all do well together.”
Spring 2010
performance lineup The Hotel Casablanca March 3
Our Town April 22
That camaraderie comes in handy when trying to balance the enormous workload theater students take on each semester. Not only do they spend almost every day rehearsing for various performances, students spend countless hours outside McCain preparing for their roles. Each performer has a special way of getting into character. For
Luke Johnson, Chanute second-year graduate student in theater, it is “research, research, research.” Johnson says before rehearsals begin, he reads his script several times and watches performances of his assigned role on film or YouTube.com. This way, Johnson can get an idea of what other actors have done with his character and what new quirks he can bring to the stage. McLeod says she creates detailed back stories for her characters: where they came from, who their parents were, how well they did in school, what they believed in and what things were important to them. “Most of those details, the playwright hasn’t given you,” she says. “So you need to make up your story. … You just write all that stuff down and then kind of let it go from there.” Though these opportunities give K-State Theatre students the hands-on experience necessary to pursue their performance dreams, it’s not just the actors who benefit from the department. Uthoff says theater is a vital part of all students’ educational experience. “Art is a very important part of life no matter what your area of study,” he says. “Teachers are trying to teach artistic concepts, be that in problemsolving or new ways of thinking. The arts play a really central role in improving the quality of every student’s learning experience.” So whether you’re taking a seat to watch the latest production or taking the stage yourself, K-State Theatre will continue to provide students with the exciting educational experience that is uniquely K-State.
Heather Haberberger St.Louis sophomore
Luke Johnson Chanute graduate student
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“Having a pet around is almost like a comfort in a way.” – Krista Langely 16
spring10
story by Maggie Burlbaw
photography by Kaley Cornett
Collegiate
pets Some students discover they are ready for the responsibilities—and perks—of owning a cat, dog or hamster
T
he sun has just set when Brad Sutherland receives the call. He’s been looking for his friend Marley for the past few hours and is starting to get worried.
It isn’t like Marley to run off, and a lot can happen to a girl out alone at night. Not to mention that Marley is good at getting into trouble. She means well but has a way of finding herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sutherland is hoping for the best but expecting the worst when he gets the call: Marley is safe—but also in the pound. Marley is not your average girl—she’s a big, friendly black dog. Sutherland, Liberal senior studying kinesiology and gerontology, isn’t sure what breed she is. He found her online and says, “If you saw the picture they had of her as a puppy, you’d understand why I had to get her.”
Sutherland is one of the many students who decide to take on the responsibilities of a pet during college. And as these students learn, pet ownership has ups and downs. Whitney Doebele, Hanover senior in family studies and human services, also decided college was a good time to get a pet of her own. Her pup, Molly, is a half bichon frise and half Maltese with a big personality. “She fights off bigger dogs and holds her own but is scared to death of puppies,” says Doebele. For such a little dog, Molly is a big financial responsibility. Doebele didn’t expect the costly magnitude of the dog food, veterinarian bills and toys, along with Molly’s growing wardrobe. “I would be a lot richer without her,” Doebele says. Balancing work and school can be hard enough for most students without the added responsibility of caring for a pet. Doebele works 24 hours a week on top of being a full-time
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bradsutherland&marley
student. Luckily, Doebele has roommates to help care for her dog when she’s busy with other responsibilities. “My roommates love Molly. I can put her in one of their rooms when I leave in the morning, and they will help take her out and feed her when I’m gone,” says Doebele. Even with great roommates, students find it can be hard to schedule things around pets. “The hardest part is when I want to go somewhere for the weekend, I can’t just pack up and leave,” says Krista Langely, Salina senior in hospitality management. Langely grew up with pets and always wanted one of her own. She decided to get a cat once she moved into an apartment. Even though it’s sometimes hard work, Langely is glad she decided to adopt her cat, Lola. “She really brings a whole different atmosphere to the place,” says Langely. “Having a pet around is almost like a comfort in a way.” Langely and Doebele agree that one of the best parts of owning a pet, whether it’s a cat or a dog, is having someone who is always excited to see you. Both Lola and Molly are able to recognize the beep of their owners’ car locks and run to the door to greet them. “It’s nice when I have a bad day and I come home. She’s so excited to see me,” says Doebele. Finding a home for you and your pet, however, can be hard. Few apartments or rental houses allow pets, and those that do typically require a security deposit to help cover any damages the pet may cause. Some students who cannot find a pet-friendly home simply keep the pet a secret from their landlords, which is risky. But even for those living in places that don’t allow larger pets like cats or dogs, there are ways to enjoy having a pet. Maryann Bennett, Emporia freshman in pre-pharmacy, lives in the dorms and bought a hamster first semester of her first year. “It was an impulse buy,” she says. “He was cheap and cute.” Bennett’s hamster, Dale, requires much less work than a larger animal, but she did have some initial problems. “I didn’t register him in the dorms properly, so I got in trouble,” Bennett says. Dale doesn’t require much time or money; she feeds him every day and cleans his cage when it gets dirty. She also makes sure he gets plenty of exercise. “I play with him almost every day and let him run around in his ball,” she says. All four students agree that owning a pet in college isn’t for everyone. The task can be daunting, but it’s also very rewarding. “I would only recommend getting a pet in college if you are ready for the responsibilities and time it takes to properly raise an animal. It’s not fair to the animal if you aren’t,” Langely says before picking up Lola. “It can be the best decision ever if you are.”
Think you are up to the challenge? Here are a few places to start your search for a new best friend:
T. Russell Reitz Regional Animal Shelter 605 Levee Drive www.manhattan.petfinder.com (785) 587-2783
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Riley County Humane Society 821 Wildcat Ridge humane.manhattanks.org (785) 776-8433
kristalangely&lola
whitneydoebele&molly
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ready
for the
runway Apparel design majors
take on a rigorous and creative endeavor
story by maggieburlbaw
photography by kaleycornett
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For apparel design majors at Kansas State University, all-nighters are all too common. Students are found working around the clock on their various creations in the studio. While many people at K-State aren’t aware of the program, its challenges are well-known among apparel design students—and lack of sleep is only the beginning.
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maggiecampbell design student leawood senior
teaganhamblin design student andover sophomore
“To finally see the completed project on an actual person makes all the hard work and everything worthwhile.” – Maggie Campbell
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Eligible students must take a test in the spring to be admitted into the apparel design program. The in-house test requires students to demonstrate their skills in design, aesthetics, construction, creativity, time management and problem-solving plus their ability to perform under pressure. Teagan Hamblin, Andover freshman, started at K-State as a bakery science major but changed to apparel design. “Ever since I was a little kid, I liked sewing things and drawing. I’ve always been artsy,” she says. She hopes to one day design costumes for film, because she likes the idea of being able to design for a variety of characters and time periods. Hamblin’s interest in history helps her enjoy the research needed to make authentic pieces of clothing or reproduce past trends.
They must enroll in classes to learn how to make flat patterns as well as construct designs by draping fabrics on models.
Hamblin is aware of the extensive workload her major requires. “I know it will be a lot of work. People tell stories. It will be a lot of studio hours, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ll ask for an espresso machine as a gift,” she says. Maggie Campbell, Leawood senior double majoring in apparel marketing and design, knows well the strenuous studio hours. “It’s a lot of hands-on projects. Every design class I’ve been in is a lot of projects, plus tests and quizzes, so it’s a lot of work outside the classroom,” she says. Some people are surprised to learn K-State has such a competitive fashion program. “The faculty challenge their students to enter into national and international competitions and often win. Over and over again, K-State places in these competitions. The professors really raise the bar high and students continue to reach it,” says Jana Hawley, department head of apparel textiles. Several K-State apparel design alumni have gone on to work for big companies like Nike and Betsey Johnson. Thus far Campbell is impressed. “I like that we learn computer design rather than just learning art design by hand like at some other institutions. I really feel like it gives us a foot up on other people,” she says. Design students gain the tools to size and fit garments prior to constructing them. They must enroll in classes to learn how to make flat patterns as well as construct designs by draping fabrics on models. The first apparel production course requires students to make garments such as a kimono, pants and a shirt. In the more advanced classes, however, students have the creative freedom to choose what they will make; the only stipulation is that they apply the techniques they have learned. To gain real-world experience in the apparel industry, students must complete an internship before graduation. Students typically do these during the summer between their junior and senior years. The student organization, Apparel Marketing and Design Alliance, puts on an annual fashion show that showcases the work of design students.
janahawley department head
While Hamblin enjoys the program, she says the fabric options in town can be limiting. “I wish there was more of a choice of fabrics in Manhattan. I sometimes have to change my idea around a lot because the stores here don’t have what I want,” Hamblin says. While neither Hamblin or Campbell is sure of what’s ahead after graduation, there is no question that they will be wellprepared. These design students may have to trade late nights with their friends for late nights in the studio, but they say it will all be worth it when they see their designs come to life. “To see someone wearing something I’ve designed and made and to finally see the completed project on an actual person makes all the hard work and everything worthwhile,” Campbell says. “That’s what it’s really all about for me.”
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tech spot
calling all Twitter takes campus by storm; what’s happening? story by Faryle Scott
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“I
have a K-State hat & golf shirt—along with purple Nike shoes—I look like a human NASCAR!” tweeted Kansas State University President Kirk Schulz during a November vacation to Disney World. Aside from wardrobe choice, Schulz is on to something big—Twitter. The social network asks the simple question, “What’s happening?” and allows users up to 140 characters to say something witty, smart or interesting (or not). As straightforward as the concept seems, Twitter has become much more than that since it emerged in March of 2006 and exploded onto the social media scene in 2009. Equal parts networking and connecting, with a tiny dose of oversharing (TMI) by some, Twitter makes it easier for individuals to stay connected with up-to-the-minute messages. It doesn’t matter how they started, but most people using Twitter are addicted. For @ksuguy20, Gardner junior Drew Rhodes, reading about Twitter piqued his interest. “I heard about Twitter through other sites, so I thought I would give it a shot,” he says via a direct message with @StatementsMag. “It turned out to be a great information resource.” Twitter users can follow well-known news outlets or TV stations, enjoy celebrity antics or track those in their desired profession as a way to get their foot in the door. “I definitely use Twitter for school,” tweets @cami_rib, Wamego senior Cami Riblett. “The best part of Twitter is connecting with friends & networking with others who have similar interests as me.” It’s not too late to jump on the Twitter bandwagon; you may be surprised by what you learn. Use our quick guide to network, find deals and stay up-todate with K-State happenings.
tech spot
basics
@
Placing an @ symbol in front of someone’s user name gives you and your Twitter account the ability to have a public conversation with that person on Twitter.
Tweet
Tweet is the term used to indicate a status update.
RT
Short for retweet. RT is placed in front of someone else’s user name when reposting information.
DM
Short for direct message. DM is a private way to send short messages to people you follow.
#
The hashtag is a way for multiple people to track a specific topic. Place it before your topic with no spaces.
Trending Topic
List of topics that are the most talked about at the time based on hashtags and keywords.
Fail Whale
He’s cute, but when you see the Fail Whale it means there is something fishy going on with the Twitter.
Just Tweet It - justtweetit.com Organized by category, this online directory makes it easy to find other users with the same interests. Twitter Search - http://search.twitter.com The official Twitter search engine. Type in any keyword or username to see what is being said. Celebrity Tweet - celebritytweet.com Search by name to learn what your favorite celebrity is doing.
Twellowhood - twellow.com/twellowhood/ Search almost any city to find people in your area.
No Twitter left behind:
K-State notables are sharing and socializing with their own tweets. @kstate_pres – K-State’s new president, Kirk Schulz, tweets about his daily activities and getting acquainted with Manhattan. @kstate_1stlady – Follow the first lady of K-State, Kirk Schulz’s wife Noel, for family insights. @k_state_news – Stay up-to-date with K-State Media Relations by getting information about campus, professors, events and alumni. @mccainksu – The home for performing arts on campus, McCain Auditorium makes it easy to know what exciting performance is making its way to Manhattan. @KStateAlumni – For those getting ready to graduate, follow the K-State Alumni Association to stay connected to the Wildcats. @k_state – Easiest way to know what not-tomiss events are currently on campus. @ksu_CES – Follow the Career and Employment Services Twitter for updates on job fairs, resume help and internship possibilities. Honorable mention: @kstatesports, @kstatelibraries, @KSUCollegian, @KSUPhoto, @KStateHE, @kstatefinaid, @kstateag, @KSUVolCenter
to use spring10
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tech spot
websites we love 5.0
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thisissand.com
mint.com
I want to keep this secret. I don’t want to reveal how awesome it actually is. If you liked the Etch A Sketch, you won’t like this—not one bit. Don’t even look at this online muse! Thisissand.com is only as fun as you make it. And trust us: You can make it fun for hours.
For those seeking a little insight into their financials, we’d like to suggest mint.com. This free tracking and planning website helps keep you in check with your dollars and cents—or lack thereof. Reviewed and recommended by many major money magazines and financial institutions, the site is user-friendly. The three tiers of safety assure your information is secure, as the host will filter you updates and reports via e-mail. Those on a budget will love mint.com.
tech spot
Need a place to waste some time? We don’t have to tell you that the internet is at your disposal (but it is). Check out these sites—especially the one that is actually beneficial (mint).
passiveaggressivenotes.com
apartmenttherapy.com
statementsmag.wordpress.com
Guilty. We are all guilty of leaving notes that are passive aggressive. It’s only when we take ourselves out of a situation (requiring such communication) that we can laugh at the spite of such behavior. This is the case with passiveagressivenotes.com. These real, live notes have been found and posted for our entertainment. Be sure to visit often because there may never be enough notes to make this site complete—just ask your roommates.
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sports
T
he Kansas State University baseball team enters the 2010 season coming off a year in which the Wildcats made their first NCAA tournament and
recorded the most wins in school history.
“We expect to go compete, our players to go play
hard and do things that are going to give us opportunities to win,” says Brad Hill, the Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year. He has improved the Wildcats’ record in each of the past six seasons and helped transform K-State into an emerging baseball powerhouse.
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baseball story by Philip LeBlanc photography courtesy of K-State Athletics
A young K-State team hopes to build on momentum during the 2010 season
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Despite being a young team this year, the Wildcats do have players with big-game experience.
“I want our student-athletes to experience going to Omaha. Coach Hill wants to go to Omaha,” says John Currie, K-State athletic director. By Omaha he means the site of the College World Series, which features eight teams that advance from the Super Regionals in the NCAA tournament. “I want that to be our program’s goal—get to Omaha—and that’s hard.” Last year the baseball team rode the arm of first-team AllAmerican pitcher A.J. Morris for much of the season. This year the team will work with a relatively inexperienced pitching staff that’s looking for two or three new starting pitchers. “You don’t replace a guy like A.J. Morris. What you do is you hope that guys can go out and not try to replace A.J. Morris,” Hill says. “One positive about this year is we should have more depth with the pitching staff. I think we can go 11-12 guys deep. Last year we tapped out after six or seven guys.” Thomas Rooke—Spring, Texas, junior and the team’s most experienced pitcher—has taken on the task of helping the younger K-State pitchers mature. “When I’m throwing with the freshmen, if they have questions I try to help them. I try to reflect back on
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certain situations I’ve been in and help the guys by telling them what to expect going to a Big 12 ballpark,” he says. “In an away game, it’s unreal. It’s pretty tough to play there, and I just try to prepare them for what’s ahead.” Despite being a young team this year, the Wildcats do have players with big-game experience. They were the 2008 Big 12 Conference runner-ups and only a game from advancing to the NCAA Super Regional last year. “It’s going to be a little bit younger baseball team. You just need guys to step up,” says Matt Walters, KMAN radio’s playby-play voice for Wildcat baseball since 1995. “The team has progressively become more focused on what they need to do and how they need to do it to have the type of team to get you into the NCAA tournament.” Hill shares Walters’ sentiments and is calling on Rooke, among others, to guide the team in 2010. “We have a few guys that have experience, and hopefully they’re sharing that experience. Carter Jurica and Adam Muenster will be the two main guys we lean upon,” Hill says. “If you’re
looking at guys that had experience more than anyone else, there is Thomas Rooke, who has probably pitched more innings than anybody else. Those will probably be the three guys you look at from an experience factor.” Hill instilled a winning atmosphere at Central Missouri State, where his team won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2003. Now he sees his players at K-State buying into that winning attitude as well. “Expectations are high because of what we accomplished last year. Right now I do think our kids have an understanding of what it takes to win. I think the expectations have changed the perception of our kids and their ability to go out and compete,” Hill says. Like last year’s squad, which did what few believed to be possible, this year’s team will look to qualify for the NCAA tournament for the second time in school history. “The expectation every year is to compete for the Big 12 title and then to get a NCAA regional bid. K-State finally got over that hump last year,” Walters says. “Now that they’ve reached their first NCAA tournament, they don’t want it to be a flash in the pan. They want to get there as much as they can.”
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sports
club story by Alex Evans photography courtesy of Recreational Services
Sport club teams are on the rise along with student involvement
I
ntercollegiate sports are an integral piece of Kansas State University’s culture for most students and alumni, and school rivalries
deepen the loyalty of university fans.
But there is another side to campus sports.
K-State hosts 26 sport clubs such as baseball, water skiing, men’s and women’s soccer and trapshooting. Organized and led by students, clubs are paid for by student fees, donations, fundraisers and assistance from the university.
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K-State’s sport clubs are organized into competitive regional and national athletic programs with the help of Recreational Services. Students may add to the list by registering to form a new sport club as long as other schools field teams and a national governing body oversees the sport. Travis Redeker, K-State graduate, has worked for Recreational Services since 2007 as assistant director of sport clubs in addition to overseeing the challenge course and outdoor rentals. “It is important to note that there are opportunities to start new sport clubs, in which students can stay active and be social,” Redeker says. He adds that sport clubs have become a recruiting tool for the university. The variety of sports can help to determine a student’s decision to attend K-State. Kansas State Club Baseball is led by President Denton Bailey, Norcatur senior in agronomy, and Vice President Weston Arbogast, Dodge City senior in architectural engineering. “It’s been fun seeing the team grow over the last three and a half years,” says Bailey, who has been with the club since its start in 2006. Last year, the club ranked second in its conference, playing against teams from other universities such as Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Missouri State. The sport club program at K-State is not limited to traditional sports like baseball. Dodgeball, the popular
“As a team, we strive to have not only the best competing team, but also to be the best in academics.” – Julia Kaufman gym class game, is a thriving sport club at K-State. Like the other sport clubs, the dodgeball club welcomes all students. Last May, the club hosted its first dodgeball tournament at the campus recreation center. The Kansas State Rodeo Club is another popular club on campus. As part of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, the club is in the Central Plains division and competes mainly against teams from the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Fort Hays State University and regional community colleges. Like other sport clubs, the Rodeo Club raises much of its own money through jackpot team roping prizes and helping with parking at K-State football games. The men’s team competes in events such as bareback bronco riding, bull riding and roping. The women compete in events like goat tying, breakaway barrels and roping. K-State will host its rodeo February 19-21 at Weber Arena on campus.
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“As a team, we strive to have not only the best competing team, but also to be the best in academics,” says club President Julia Kaufman, Fairway sophomore in elementary education. The club is open to anyone interested, even students with little rodeo experience. “As the rodeo club, we really want to educate the Kansas State campus and the town of Manhattan about the sport of rodeo and its importance,” says Kaufman.
Learn more about sport clubs schedules, club objectives and requirements through Recreational Services, recservices.k-state.edu.
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paidwhile going toschool
living
Work-study programs are in demand, and students are taking advantage of the financial help
Get
story by Philip LeBlanc
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he Federal Work-Study Program is helping college students cope with increasing tuition rates at a time when many bank accounts are hurting. “Earnings from a college work-study position do not show up as earnings on the next year’s financial aid application,” says Larry Moeder, director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance at Kansas State University. “We don’t have to turn it around and count it as income the next year, unlike students working part time within the community or on our campus payroll program.” The work-study program offers many students an income opportunity that they may not have had otherwise, but not everyone qualifies for it. “To be eligible, the student applies for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Then, based on the family’s ability to pay for school, that determines whether or not there is a financial need,” Moeder says. “If there is a financial need, we have available work-study funds that we can help with.” Last year more than 850 K-State students received a job through the work-study program, and that number is thought to be higher this year because the university spent its work-study money at a faster rate than in the previous year. Employees at the Office of Student Financial Assistance also are seeing more students come through the doors seeking tuition help.
“There are studies that show students who work part time on campus tend to have a higher success rate.” – Larry Moeder “This has been an unbelievable year for the processing of student financial aid applications. We started the year, as students began applying for financial aid, with a 25 percent increase with the financial aid applications over the previous year,” Moeder says. “Throughout the year we’ve made so many adjustments to students’ eligibility because of loss of jobs and loss of assets.” Students aren’t the only ones on campus feeling the strain of the economic downturn. Departments on campus seek students who qualify for work-study because they are only required to pay a fraction of the salary. The government pays for 75 percent of a student worker’s wages through work-study funding; the employer pays the remaining 25 percent. As a result, approximately $1 million of the $15 million university student payroll is paid by the federal government through the work-study program. “Employers on campus communicate with me. They want to know which students have work-study so they can hire those students, because they’re going to save money in the long run as a result,” says Ben Kohl, assistant director of Student Financial Assistance. “When it comes down to it, it’s better for the university
living
as a whole to take advantage of the federal funding that the government gives us.” The Student Financial Office has financial aid advisers who help students find the financial assistance they need. Natasha Kelly, New York sophomore studying retail and marketing, was in a job eligible for work-study funding but wasn’t using it. After she started working in the financial aid services building, she began to take advantage of the work-study program. “Over the summer when I’m back home in New York, I work at Old Navy—that’s basically my source of income. But when I’m here at school, I try to find an on-campus job with work-study that doesn’t apply to my tax information,” she says. “My financial aid adviser basically made me aware of my options toward me finding a work-study job, grants, and for me to take advantage of them.” The federal government requires that 7 percent of work-study funding be used to help serve the community. “One of the primary positions at K-State is the America Reads program,” Moeder says. “There are students working within the public school system helping students read, and so we place quite a few students in that program.” Droves of students may swarm to the Office of Student Financial Assistance as the need for tuition help increases, but workstudy offers more to students than just a tax break. “There are studies that show students who work part time on campus tend to have a higher success rate,” Moeder says. “The student feels a little more connected to the campus, and for that reason they seem to be able to better budget their time between studying, going to class, working and other things.”
k-state.edu/sfa/
living
fitnessfirst
Recreational Services makes it easy to stay in shape on campus story by Maggie Burlbaw
photography by Elizabeth Sims
Hannah Hoisington Leawood junior
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he definition of exercise is different from person to person. For some, it’s taking a five-mile run around City Park; for others it’s lifting weights. And for many students, it’s speed walking across campus to make it to class on time. Some students have difficulty finding time in their busy schedules to exercise while others have a hard time finding a form of exercise they enjoy. But thanks to the fitness options on campus, the only trouble is finding which activity works best for you. When most students think of fitness and exercise on campus, their first thought is of the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex, better known as “the Rec.” The Rec has a lot to offer students with their Wildcat ID (fees are paid with tuition), including treadmills and elliptical trainers, weights and strength-training machines, basketball and volleyball courts, outside facilities for soccer and tennis, and many group classes. Chelsi Thissen, Herington senior in public health nutrition and dietetics, knows the benefits of group classes after teaching them for four years. She got started in the fall of her sophomore year and teaches everything from basic yoga to body boot camp to aqua aerobics. “I absolutely love teaching group classes,” Thissen says. “I really enjoy working with people and educating them about their bodies and how to take care of themselves.” Group classes are a good option for people who may be intimidated by the gym or need more workout instruction. Some students benefit from group classes because they enjoy interacting with other people and friends during their workout. Group classes also come with the ultimate perk—they are free. “A lot of people don’t realize the classes are free and that a lot of other schools charge their students for group classes. Many students don’t realize how available they are and what a great opportunity it is to try something new,” says Thissen.
“I really enjoy working with people and educating them about their bodies and how to take care of themselves.” – Chelsi Thissen The Rec also offers intramural sports for students. Jason Swartz, Olathe senior in business management and marketing, likes intramurals because it gives him the competition he had when he played sports in high school. Swartz has played intramurals since his freshman year and currently plays intramural football, basketball, volleyball and softball. There are a range of intramural options including table tennis, bowling, tailgating games, miniature golf and inner tube water polo plus the more traditional activities like tennis, wrestling, cross country, swimming and soccer. “My favorite part of intramurals is getting together with friends I might not get to see a whole lot otherwise,” says Swartz.
living
Samuel Wilcox DeSoto junior
Chelsi Thissen Herington senior
living
While some students enjoy exercising in groups, others prefer to work out by themselves. Nick Meyer, Shawnee junior in milling science, tries to go to the Rec two to three times a week. His favorite part of the complex is the indoor track. “You can actually run, even when it’s cold out, rather than on a stationary machine,” he says. Meyer also likes to take advantage of the free weights and the assortment of exercise machines at the Rec to keep in shape. Hannah Hoisington, Leawood junior in marketing and management, also prefers to work out alone. Hoisington, however, only goes to the Rec
when she needs to study while working out. Otherwise she prefers to go to the Natatorium, located between Old Stadium and Ahearn Field House, to swim. “I love swimming,” says Hoisington. “It is one of the only times I can be truly by myself in my thoughts. Underwater, no one can talk to me or bother me; I’m kind of in my own world.” Whether it is grooving in hip-hop class or enjoying laps at the pool, students have plenty of free recreational options and resources on campus.
recservices.k-state.edu
Our guide to your summer getaway and good tunes
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festivals usic a n sa M Waka ru
Story by Katy Ibsen
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photo s
by Ja m
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abound
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Scott J o p li n R agtime Festiva l
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photo by Nan cy Nor ris
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ou’re done with school. It’s time to relax, and for many of you that means waking up late and partying all night. But once the luster of summer freedom begins to dissipate, consider hitting the road for a music-filled getaway. Whether you want to see the hottest bands, dance to popular country tunes or just revel in the guitar-picking sounds of folk music, we’ve found a festival for you. Get your friends together, gas up the car and hit the road. Kicking off June is the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, Missouri, celebrating its 30th year of wild ragtime. Hearing the vintage feel of a vintage jive is worth the trek. Once the home of Scott Joplin, Sedalia opens the town to visitors for three days of piano playing, a turn-of-the century fashion contest, a parade and plenty of dancing. Various stages feature moods of ragtime, and amateurs can even try their hand at the piano. More than 6,000 visitors, young and old, come for the education, celebration and music. Head south to Arkansas for the famed Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival. Recently moved from Lawrence, the festival is nestled in the Ozark Mountains. And don’t worry—plenty of hippies still move to the sounds of some of today’s laid-back bands. Bring a tent and plan to camp under the stars. Well-known artists who have performed at past festivals include Buckethead, The Flaming Lips, The Black Crowes, Yonder Mountain String Band and Lucero. Known to be a mellow weekend, Wakarusa typically sees thousands of attendees. If you want a real experience, get involved with the Work Exchange Team and help with the festival while enjoying it (www.workexchangeteam.com).
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sdale
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tampede
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If you are more of a homebody, consider Country Stampede. This festival has made quite the mark on students and residents of Manhattan. Located at Tuttle Creek Lake, the festival takes on a life of its own. Camping and parading in the area are a must—and don’t forget your cowboy hat. If you are a country girl or boy, you already know who will be there. With acts like Little Big Town, Keith Urban and Darryl Worley, Country Stampede turns into one big party. Be sure to visit the Capitol Federal Family Stage and the Last Chance Saloon for a varied experience. Once summer’s record-breaking temperatures arrive, it’s time to head west for the mountains. Cool your spirit with a weekend of bluegrass at RockyGrass at Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado. Surprising new acts get in on the action, such as the young and talented mandolin player Sierra Hull. If picking is enticing, RockyGrass is where you want to be. Beyond the music is the lush atmosphere, which helps make it seem like a relaxing vacation. Camping accommodations pepper the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. And for those eager to make the festival more sustainable, enter the third annual “How Green is Your Grass?” creative campsite challenge put on by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. If camping is right out for you, hitch the next plane, bus, train or carpool to Chicago for the famous Lollapalooza. Pulsating from the heart of Chicago, Grant Park becomes an urban playground for rock enthusiasts. The 2009 lineup included the likes of Kings of Leon, Vampire Weekend, Band of Horses and Ben Folds Five. Visit the Lederhosen’s Biergarten between acts and make time for the art exhibits featuring local creations. Make your reservations along Miracle Mile and experience the welcoming spirit of this Midwest metropolis. Finally, for those who have graduated the collegian ranks and find their summers extending into September because they can’t find jobs, rejuvenate with the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield. The popular festival attracts all kinds of bluegrass, folk and whimsical singer-songwriters to Kansas. Painted against a prairie scene, the four-day festival is the perfect break to open the fall season. If you are a musician, be sure to enter one of the eight instrumental contests. And if you don’t play an instrument, consider the campground contest, competitive songwriter showcase or arts and crafts contests. Move to the beat and plan your summer now with a music festival away from home.
Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival
June 2-6 • Sedalia, Missouri www.scottjoplin.org
Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival
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aru Wak
June 3-6 • Ozark, Arkansas www.wakarusa.com
Country Stampede
June 24-27 • Manhattan
Wakarusa
www.countrystampede.com
RockyGrass
July 23-25 • Lyons, Colorado www.bluegrass.com/rockygrass
Lollapalooza
August 6-8 • Chicago www.lollapalooza.com
Wakarusa
Walnut Valley Festival
September 15-19 • Winfield www.wvfest.com
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Miss Kansas,
Becki Ronen interview conducted, condensed and edited by Faryle Scott
photography by Kaley Cornett
For Kansas State University senior Becki Ronen, life since June of 2009 has been a whirlwind of photos, appearances and speaking engagements from one side of the state to the other. The Hutchinson native, who now calls Wichita home, was crowned Miss Kansas 2009 after the three-day annual pageant. What started as a means to earn some scholarship money became a lifechanging experience for the trumpet performance major and an opportunity for Ronen to discuss her passion—the importance of art education in public schools—across Kansas. Ronen not only radiates confidence with her girl-next-door charm but also has the brains to discuss world issues. She took time out of her busy schedule to talk with STATEMENTS Magazine about life as Kansas royalty. What, in your opinion, is the best part about being a K-State student? Oh gosh, how do you choose? I think there is no other campus in our entire state where you can literally walk on campus and people will acknowledge you, say hello. They will wave. At the very least they will give you a warm smile, and that’s quite a bit. What was going through your head as you were crowned Miss Kansas? A lot of things [laughter]. When the finals night came and they announced me in the top 10, I was thrilled. I really thought that the top 10 would be the best that I did that year because I wasn’t acknowledged in any area [during preliminaries]. I was standing up there after the competition was all finished and they were announcing fourth runner-up, third runner-up, second runner-up, first runner-up, and my name still hadn’t been called. And I really thought, ‘Great job, Becki. You just made top 10.’ And the second I thought that, they called my name as the new Miss Kansas. It was quite the whirlwind, to be honest. I don’t really remember what I was thinking. I remember just a big rush of joy and pride and excitement to be given the opportunity, and of course [feeling] a little scared too. It’s a big position. It’s a lot of work. What are some of your duties as Miss Kansas? I tease people as I go across the state that I’m kind of like a walking billboard in the sense that I, for the year, am the face of the organization. Every day is different. I’m always speaking just at different kinds of events. I do a lot of school presentations, lot of nonprofit work. I do a lot of volunteering, fundraisers, business meetings. Really you name it, I’m there. People often bring me in for grand openings, radio interviews, TV interviews, TV commercials, radio commercials. My main job is to really just represent the Miss Kansas organization, spread the message about
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the opportunities we provide for young women, including the scholarship money, but also the personal growth, self-esteem, self-confidence building these girls gain as they prepare and compete in the Miss Kansas pageant. What are some of the perks of the crown? A perk in my mind is that I get to go compete in the Miss America pageant, which is just unbelievable. But there are small perks as well. The Miss Kansas pageant has many sponsors. I get my hair cut and colored for free. I am provided a car through a car sponsor and my gas is paid all year. I get to work with a personal trainer four times a week so I can look and feel the best I’ve ever felt in my entire life. Just the little things. People really come out and support our organization. How are you preparing for the Miss America pageant? I started preparing for the Miss America pageant the day after I won Miss Kansas. That’s truly how I prepared for the job as Miss Kansas as well. I did a little thing every single day. They say that the Miss America interview is probably one of the toughest interviews of your entire life. And if you can get through a Miss America interview, then any job interview will be a breeze [laughter]. It’s a lot of preparation that will carry over and benefit me in the long run. What would people be surprised to find on your iPod? I like a little bit of everything. But something that might surprise people, especially people who know me well, is that I have some jazz music. I have classical, jazz and some easy listening. Do you have any hidden talents? Oh, I don’t know about hidden talents. But an interesting fact is that I am the fifth woman in my family to compete in the Miss Kansas pageant and the first to win.