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DES MOINES, IOWA • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • VOL. 128, NO. 18 • www.timesdelphic.com

DATE RAPE

STAFF EDITORIAL

DANCE TEAM

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Campus security warns students on the dangers of sexual assault.

The victim of a sexual assault should never be blamed for the crime.

This student-run team performs during the halftime shows of games.

Drake lost its second-straight game at home, losing to Iowa State.

PAGE 8 FEATURES

PAGE 3 OPINIONS

PAGE 4 FEATURES

PAGE 7 SPORTS

Two students report sexual assault Dean of students acts swiftly to help victims, responds to alcohol abuse

by MATT VASILOGAMBROS Editor-in-Chief times.delphic@drake.edu

Two female Drake students were reportedly sexually assaulted in two separate incident last Saturday night, according to Des Moines police reports.

A first-year student was reportedly assaulted shortly after leaving the

Dublin bar at 2307 University Ave. After a Des Moines police officer made contact with the 18-year-old victim at Mercy West Medical Center, she said another Drake student was the one who sexually assaulted her.

The case report states the victim and two friends went to a party at the Sigma Chi house at 3212 Forest Ave. “She stated that while she was there, her and her friends had 3-4

hard mixed drinks,” the report states.

“She says she noticed the alcohol affected her more than usual, and her friends stated they noticed the same effects.”

The students then walked to the Dublin, where the victim started dancing with the unknown, white male suspect. She left the bar with the suspect to go to his apartment on the 3000 block of Cottage Grove Ave. “(She) stated that when they arrived at the suspect’s apartment, he became physical with her by touching

SEE ASSAULT, PAGE 2

photos by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

TWO DRAKE STUDENTS were sexually assaulted – one at the 3000 block of Cottage Grove Ave. and the other on the 1200 block of 15th St.

Few take Fraternity suspended from Drake advantage for four years, plans to return of H1N1 vaccinations

by ANN SCHNOEBELEN

Staff Writer ann.schnoebelen@drake.edu

Over 50 Drake students received free H1N1 vaccinations Monday at the American Republic Student Health Center.

There were approximately 45 doses left as of Tuesday afternoon. The university decided to hold a second walk-in clinic on Wednesday.

Health Center Office Staff Coordinator Jackie Robinson said she wasn’t sure why more students didn’t come to receive the vaccination the first time around.

“We really thought there’d be a lot more people than what there was,” she said. “We’d like more people to get it.”

Only students with chronic health conditions are eligible to receive the vaccine at this point.

Chronic health conditions include: asthma, diabetes and cancer. If a person with a chronic health condition gets H1N1, they are put at risk for further health complications.

Drake originally received 100 doses of the vaccine, and Robinson said she thinks the university could get more if students take advantage of the clinics.

“If we get rid of them, then the state will give us more so that we can keep vaccinating people,” she said. n

Sigma Chi house under investigation

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

DRAKE’S PHI DELTA THETA HOUSE was suspended from the university, Drake officials announced Monday night.

Punishment comes after the Nov. 7 fraternity hazing incident

by MATT VASILOGAMBROS Editor-in-Chief times.delphic@drake.edu

Phi Delta Theta fraternity has been removed from Drake’s campus as a student organization.

Drake officials announced Monday night. The suspension will last four years.

“I’m just trying to absorb this all,” said Nate Pastorik, former president of Drake’s Phi Delta Theta chapter.

He said all 11 members who live in the fraternity’s house must move out by Nov. 30.

Drake administration’s actions

come after last week’s pledge event that left first-year student Nate Erickson hospitalized for alcohol poisoning. His blood alcohol content was measured at nearly .50 – above the fatal level for most.

Des Moines police cited two Drake students on hazing charges — a serious crime in the state of Iowa. Junior Skylar Otto and sophomore Joseph Hatchett, both members of the former Phi Delta Theta fraternity, were charged with the crime and will appear in court on Nov. 30.

Drake officials released a statement Monday night, explaining how the university handled the

suspensions. It stated that the national Phi Delta Theta fraternity worked closely with Drake in investigating the chapter’s risk management policy violations.

For the last week, Dean of Students Sentwali Bakari led a university investigation of the incident.

According to the press release, the investigation included meetings with students, fraternity officials, alumni advisers and information obtained from police reports and Des Moines police officers.

“We commend the national fraternity for its cooperation and swift action,” Bakari said in the press release. “The action the uni-

versity is taking reflects the Drake community’s values and commitment to students. We are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of our students.”

Pastorik said all current members have been given alumni status from the fraternity. Pastorik said he will not receive alumni status as president of a suspended chapter, following a formality of the national organization.

On Nov. 13, the General Council of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity voted to suspend the

SEE PHI DELTS, PAGE 2

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

DRAKE’S SIGMA CHI HOUSE is currently under investigation by Greek Life, the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council for Saturday night’s events.

by ERIN HOGAN News Editor tdnews@drake.edu

Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Leigh Thiedeman confirmed that administration has had a meeting to talk about reports that underage students were served alcohol at the Sigma Chi house Saturday night.

“There’s been no formal decision on what we’re doing yet,” Thiedeman said.

She estimated they would begin proceedings by the end of the week to investigate the allegations against the fraternity.

However, she emphasized that every case of alleged misconduct is different.

“I’m not exactly sure what the timeline’s going to look like,” Theidman said. n

SFAC explains student fees at town hall meeting JACKIE WALLENTIN

Staff Writer jaclyn.wallentin@drake.edu

At Tuesday’s Student Activity Fee town hall meeting, the Student Senate Fees Allocation Committee (SFAC) addressed the fiscal future of the 2010-2011 academic year.

Student Body Treasurer Kyle Lewandowski and Student Body Auditor Cory Vancura led the meeting. It was held at 9 p.m. in Bulldog Theater, allowing for an open student forum.

“This is something many students may not know much information about,” Lewandowski said.

“We are trying to fix that.”

The presentation was designed to explain how the annual SFAC baseline budget is allocated, and how funds are distributed to the 22 annually funded campus organizations.

The baseline budget for Senate is set each fiscal year on the estimated total student enrollment, which is calculated by the Office of Business and Finance.

This year’s budget was approximately $450,000. Of this money, 62 percent went toward annually budgeted organizations, 11 percent to the Student Development fund

SEE SFAC, PAGE 2

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

STUDENT BODY TREASURER KYLE LEWANDOWSKI led a town hall meeting Tuesday night to discuss student fees.

NEWS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

PAGETWO

QUOTE of the

DAY

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

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The movie channel hasn’t been showing any movies in the past month except some lame and cheesy documentaries. If I didn’t have anything planned and movies weren’t on, I’d totally do something else.

– posted online by drake student

SFAC plans to keep student activity fee $66 FROM SFAC, PAGE 1

photo by MARY BESS BOLLING | Sports Editor

ASHLEY BRAND and STEPHEN RONEY worked with Brand’s parents to open the new tanning spa in Drake West Village with innovative tanning beds and flexible hours.

Students brighten West Village with tanning salon venture

by ERIKA SEVIGNY

Staff Writer erika.sevigny@drake.edu

Two Drake students helped launch the new Sunsation Spa in Drake West Village last weekend. It’s the first tanning salon within walking distance for Drake students, located next to the West Village Starbucks.

Junior Ashley Brand and Senior Stephen Roney, both students in the College of Business and Public Administration, first thought of bringing a tanning salon to the West Village commercial suites last year. They began researching the idea last April.

“We started out conducting research on whether there was an interest in tanning at Drake, and after finding there was, we began researching tanning in general,” Brand said.

“We wanted to make sure that we could stand behind our decision to bring a tanning salon to campus, and were able to find a lot of redeeming research on tanning in general.”

After exploring the idea of bringing tanning to Drake, Brand and Roney formulated a business plan to make their vision a reality. They convinced Brand’s parents, Curt and Renita Brand of Urbandale, to invest in the project and they began a business partnership.

“Working together on the salon has gone smoothly,” Renita Brand said. “We tend to divide and conquer: Curt is a CPA and takes care of the finance, I have experience in construction, and Ashley and Stephen became experts on tanning – they picked out the beds, worked

with the suppliers and oversaw all of the installation of the beds.”

Brand and Roney have balanced their schoolwork with their entrepreneurial project throughout the process. Both said that the business experience of building the tanning spa has been a hands-on application of many concepts they have learned in their CPBA classes.

“Our professors were very helpful, and we spoke to a number of them throughout the building and launch process,” Brand said.

Mary Edrington, assistant professor of practice in marketing, helped the students plan for fluctuations in sales throughout the year.

“We talked about how having a seasonal target market will affect their business, being that many of their customers will be students who are gone for two months per year, and they incorporated this into their business plan,” Edrington said. “Also, being Ashley’s academic advisor, I was concerned that they planned to have enough employees to support the business and manage their own studies.”

The construction and interior for the salon was commissioned to Hubbell Construction of West Des Moines. The students said the design fits the West Village apartments’ aesthetic.

The 11 tanning beds are all high-quality ETS beds, including four Sunstar beds and three Solaris beds. There are also two SolarForce beds, a stand-up bed and the Rejuvasun bed with Omnilux.

“We went with ETS beds because they are the Goliath of beds in the tanning industry and are of very high quality,” Brand said. “We decided that if we’re going to go into business,

Drake administration prepared to continue making students safer FROM ASSAULT, PAGE 1 her and trying to remove her clothing,” the report states. “He stated several times to her, ‘You should take off your pants,’ and made numerous comments about wanting to have sex with her.”

The report said she remembers telling the suspect, “No” multiple times, but the suspect eventually removed her clothing. She said she remembered the suspect putting on a condom, but that she was intoxicated enough that she couldn’t remember all of the details.

When she awoke at 6:30 a.m. Sunday morning, she didn’t have any clothing on. The victim then walked back to her residence hall between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. According to the report, she was accompanied partway by the suspect.

No suspects have been charged yet in this case. The Des Moines Police Department said it is still investigating.

This was one of two sexual assault cases in the Drake community this weekend.

Police arrived at the 1200 block of 15th Street Sunday morning after a Drake student reported she had been sexually assaulted, according to a Des Moines police report.

There, police arrested 39-year-old Des Moines resident Luis Lopez on charges of third-degree sex abuse.

The report stated that the 20-year-old junior was at the Dublin bar and became intoxicated.

“Victim does not remember anything until (Sunday) morning when she awoke inside of the suspect’s vehicle with suspect on top of her,” the report stated.

Lopez was reportedly having sexual intercourse with the victim, who then started screaming, when she awoke. She was able to get out of Lopez’s van and summon people who were driving by for assistance.

Lopez left the scene, but returned after police arrived. He was taken into police custody and the victim was taken to the hospital.

Lopez is being held on $10,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 24.

Hans Hanson, director of campus security, said that although he cannot comment on these cases, as they happened off campus, he is working with the dean of students’ office.

Dean of Students Sentwali Bakari’s office distributed a pamphlet on campus in mid-October entitled “Understanding Sexual Assault.” It was placed in residence halls and academic building information stands. Inside, it says, “Sexual assault, perpetrated by a student, is punishable by sanctions up to and including expulsion from the university.”

Bakari said Drake started a committee earlier this year called the Campus Care Advisement Committee that looks into the alcohol problem at the university. This consists of students, faculty and administrators who will come up with solutions to high-risk and binge drinking.

SEND YOUR STORY IDEAS TO TDNEWS@DRAKE.EDU

we’re going to do it right. Also, ETS was very helpful with answering our questions throughout the process.”

The Rejuvasun with Omnilux tanning bed is a defining feature for Sunsation Spa. The FDA-approved bed incorporates near-infared and red light waves to provide light therapy, which has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne and skin problems.

“The Rejuvasun really sets our store apart—there are very few of these beds in Des Moines—and though it is more expensive to tan in this bed, the cost is low comparative to other skin treatments such as botox,” Brand said.

The marketing and pricing strategies for the project focused on Drake students as the target market for Sunsation Spa. They offer packages that maximize flexibility and affordability for students, taking the financial constraints of college life into consideration.

“We’re waiving the traditional $25 membership start-up fee that most salons require because we want people to become a part of our business,” Brand said. “Additionally, students can freeze their account in the summertime and have their membership fees automatically withdrawn from their checking account on the second day of the month.”

Sunsation Spa offers a variety of membership levels and minutes packages, which can be found online (www.sunsationspa.com) or by inquiring at the store during regular business hours. The spa is open seven days a week, and open until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday n

The committee met Tuesday night.

“It’s going to be a good, comprehensive group of students from across the campus involved in it,” he said. “Our plan is to have something to President Maxwell and the cabinet by spring break.”

For the victims of sexual assault, Bakari said the university makes several resources on and off campus available to the students. The university also allows students to visit the hospital to meet with an advocate and medical professionals, while also offering services at the counseling center.

“We try to offer as much support as possible,” Bakari said. “We try to let the students know that they should not be concerned about getting in trouble with the university.”

He cited the medical amnesty program the university offers to students who are involved in situations where their health or well-being is at risk.

In terms of the amount of sexual assault cases the university sees on a semester basis, Bakari said there are, on average, one or two cases reported to his office.

“It’s not that often you get two allegations reported in one weekend,” he said. “So, that is rare for Drake. This normally does not happen.”

He said the university is in the process of organizing meetings with local bar owners. Dolph Pulliam, director of community outreach, will lead the discussions.

With the amount of alcohol violations reported this year, Bakari said the university has to enact the proper changes necessary for the times – including new programming and curriculum.

“It’s a very challenging issue, and even though the university can do all that it possibly can, at some point students have to be on page with them,” Bakari said. “It’s a comprehensive issue that has no easy end.”

He said there are a lot of issues that they must deal with moving on.

“There have always been incidents involving student consumption, but our alcohol incidents are going up,” he said.

In response to the alcohol use in both incidents, President David Maxwell released the following statement Monday afternoon: “The abuse and misuse of alcohol is the single biggest issue for student affairs in higher education across the country. It is a national epidemic, fueled by the fact that a sizable proportion of high school students selfreport that they engage in binge drinking on a regular basis. The biggest concern, of course, is not simply the use of alcohol itself – it is the range of terrible consequences, the damage to people’s lives and to the community that result from excessive and inappropriate consumption.

“At Drake, we make a considerable effort with extensive programming to educate our students about responsible and legal drinking. It is important to recognize that we expect our students to be responsible for their own behavior, and we will not be successful in our efforts unless they agree to collaborate with us to address the problems of underage drinking and misuse of alcohol.

“In addition, it is extremely frustrating that the efforts that we make are undermined by lack of cooperation from local bars that do not enforce the laws regarding underage drinking. The solutions to this national epidemic can only be found in a partnership among parents, institutions, the students themselves and the community.

“The incidence of alcohol misuse and related problems is, I believe, lower at Drake than at many institutions, thanks to our efforts and the commitment of our students, but it will continue to be a problem for us as well until all of the stakeholders take responsibility for the issue.” n

and 27 percent to finance the Board of Student Communications, which funds all campus publications.

“We have seen a huge amount of growth in our baseline,” Vancura said. “Based on the enrollment projection for the next upcoming year, we may see a baseline of up to $460,000.”

Added into each student’s tuition is a student activity fee, which contributes to the baseline budget. Prior to 2001, the fee was $45 per semester. For this academic year, the fee was raised to $66 per semester. Included in this fee is a $12 charge for the Campus Readership Program that supplies free access to local and national newspapers around campus.

Lewandowski feels Drake’s student activity fee is relatively low when compared to the $452 fee charged by Iowa State University and the $320 fee at Coe College.

Drake expects to see a decrease in enrollment beginning in the 2011-2012 academic year, which would decrease the pool of funds that Senate has to distribute, Vancura said.

However, SFAC does not see a justification for raising the student activity fee for the 20102011 academic year.

“SFAC will need to thoroughly evaluate the past spending on organizations, including unspent funds to enhance our decision making,” Vancura said. “Honestly, I think this is a good year to look at the funds we dish out and start asking some tough questions.”

At the Senate meeting Thursday, SFAC will propose that the student activity fee remain the same.

SFAC will also propose that Senate earmark $15,000 from the Senate Reserve Fund to exclusively offset any shortages in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

“Our proposal ensures that organizations will maintain their overall current level of financial support and that the Senate Reserve Funds are used for student activities,” Lewandowski said.

If Senate rejects the proposal and decides to increase the student activity fee, the Board of Trustees will look over the decision at their annual meeting in January. The board can only raise the fee if the Senate requests it.

“That would indicate that the Senate would like an increase in tuition,” Lewandowski said.

“If this happens, we will go back and see what increase the Senate finds desirable.”

Although first-year Nate Bleadorn is not entirely sure if he supports SFAC’s proposal, he said he appreciated the effort put into the meeting.

“Their proposal is definitely well-thoughtout,” Bleadorn said. “The meeting was beneficial in answering a number of student questions.” n

Senate will hold its weekly meeting tonight in the Drake Room in Olmsted at 9 p.m.

Fraternity must vacate house no later than Nov. 30 FROM PHI DELTS, PAGE 1 charter of Drake’s Iowa Delta Chapter.

“The charter suspension includes the loss of any rights to use the fraternity name in association with any event or activity and the loss of any rights to display the name or symbols of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity,” said Jacob Kingdon, director of chapter services, in a Nov. 15 letter to Pastorik.

Tim Coonan, local alumni representative, said his main concern is with the students who have to move out of the house by Nov. 30.

“Our No. 1 concern is that the 11 men, who are in the fraternity house living here, don’t have their academic lives further disrupted, and we can get them in a permanent housing situation as soon as possible,” Coonan said.

Drake spokeswoman Lisa Lacher said the university has offered to secure housing on campus for any students who need it. According to the press release, the chapter facility is to remain alcohol-free, and any damages to the facility may result in individual discipline or fines.

Kingdon concluded his letter, saying he regretted the fact that the Drake chapter had to be suspended.

“However, it is felt the best way to ensure a bright future on the Drake University campus is to suspend the charter until a time when Phi Delta Theta can return to campus,” he said.

Coonan said the fraternity plans to return in four years, preserving all chapter memorabilia.

“We have nearly 50 years of tradition on this campus, and the alumni are dedicated to not allowing our legacy to be dictated by the recent incident – the actions of just a few men in the chapter right now,” he said. “We’ll be working with Drake and our nations to see when we can recolonize here.” n

FOR BREAKING DRAKE NEWS, CHECK OUT WWW.TWITTER.COM/TDBREAKINGNEWS

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OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

OUTSPOKEN

OPINIONS&EDITORIALS

“

BUZZ the BUZZ

THE TIMES-DELPHIC Please be careful.

STAFF EDITORIAL

This can happen to anyone

What do you think …

Don’t blame sexual assault victims for last weekend’s incidents

T

he events of last weekend are troubling and disheartening to any reader, and The Times-Delphic has reported these incidents as accurately as possible.

Any mention of a fraternity house or local bar was purely to paint a narrative of what happened Saturday night – the night when two Drake students were sexually assaulted.

Our goal is not to defame Greek charters or local bars, but merely to inform the student body of what actually happened.

Unfortunately, reactions blaming the victims of last weekend’s crimes have come out of our coverage which we must address. We must stress that it is never the victim’s fault in a sexual assault. If someone says, “No,” at any point, any

… are good ways to protect yourself when you go out?

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First-year

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Sophomore

sexual actions are considered assault.

We hope the victims find the support they need from their family, friends and the Drake community, and that no one blames them for these events. It is hard enough for them to move on from such a harsh invasion of their person; blaming themselves will only hinder the healing.

Drake students, please be mindful of your safety and that of your friends. We understand that drinking will always be a part of college life, but drink safely. As we have all witnessed, it can seriously affect your reputation, mind and health. Drink with caution. People can, and do, get hurt. Don’t let yourself become a victim.

JENNIFER VELEZ

I don’t get my drinks from people I don’t know and I never set them down.

”

SEEJO VALACHERIL

It’s pretty much just being aware of your surroundings and know the people you are around.

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First-year

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Senior

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear all, Awhile ago, I thought “To Write Love on Her Arms” was just another event that I really didn’t need to attend because I was fine. I thought I was fine because I am a healthy, upbeat student who always talked to someone whenever I had something wrong in my mind. “That is proactive,” I told myself.

What happened the following weekend changed my mind. After the “To Write Love on Her Arms” week at Drake, I received devastating news on Nov. 15.

The night before, at Marquette University, my high school classmate and friend, Andrew Siebenaler, was found dead in his residence hall. I checked his Facebook, read his last status (“well, i’d never want

”

LOGAN WEEKS

I just make sure that I always have my drink in my hand.

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KRISTEN SMITH First-year

I never go in a group less than four.

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Share your views on columns and editorials online.

www.timesdelphic.com

I

MATT VASILOGAMBROS, Editor-in-Chief times.delphic@drake.edu

ERIN HOGAN, News Editor tdnews@drake.edu MATT NELSON, Features Editor tdfeatures@drake.edu

Des Moines is home to more than just students

think I saw a woman shoplift from our but what’s a short walk or bus ride? friendly Drake Walgreens this morning.

Have you ever gone to any of those places She was small and old, with a long green and seen people you don’t recognize? People coat on. She followed me out of the store that, heaven forbid, don’t look like Bulldogs? with nothing in her hands and as I got in my That’s because, as Drake students, we have a car, she was struggling with something between unique opportunity: Just as Des Moines has her legs. She hobbled into the passenger seat of opened its arms to us for four or six years, a car and sped off. so too, has Drake opened its arms to Des HOLLY WORTHY It was funny for a minute, seeing this old Moines. woman – someone’s grandmother, maybe – The walls of what we see as “our” WalCOLUMNIST stealing. greens, “our” coffee shops, “our” bars? They’re But as I drove off, I wondered how often not invincible. They’re not theft-proof or bulthings like that happen in Manhattan, Kan., in letproof. They’re not stranger-proof. We can’t Greencastle, Ind., in Oxford, Ohio. expect them to be. We don’t live in the bubble of a college town.

I’m writing this from Smokey Row, a spankin’ new coffee shop We don’t live in Manhattan, Greencastle or Oxford. We live in and soda fountain at 19th and Cottage Grove. It opened at the the diverse and versatile city of Des Moines. It’s a real city with beginning of October. It’s adorable: booths and high-top tables, real people – people who aren’t students. Have you ever been to wood floors, exposed duct work above, 8-foot windows (with The Library on a Thursday night? Des Moines residents love that brand-new awnings!) around the façade. Around me sit families bar as much as students do. with small children, business associates lunching, groups of womWe are sharing a city and a neighborhood. We’re sharing it en having midday meetings and students on their Macs. with good people and we’re sharing it with bad people. We are In the 8-foot living in a city with window closest to people who want to me, there’s already a coexist with us, and crack in the glass. It we’re living in a city splinters and is almost with people who want eight inches long. to exploit us.

Though employees I Our haunts aren’t asked didn’t know the invincible, and neiorigin, I can tell you ther are we. I hope, what didn’t cause it: as a student body, It wasn’t the elbow of we recognize that as a customer. It wasn’t a result of the events a laptop doing some of the past weekend. unintentional damScary things happen, age. they can hit close As students, we to home, and they have a unique opporhappen every year, tunity when we attend Drake. It’s the reason many of us are drawn whether or not they’re reported. All we can do is be accountto this school in the first place: a mid-sized university nestled in able for our friends and ourselves. Watch out for your peers and, neighborhoods; a hop, skip and a jump from both the culture of please, and don’t assume the security and protection we feel in downtown and the comfort of West Des Moines suburbia. our dorms and in the heart of campus follow us around on the As added perks, we now have a Starbucks conveniently located weekends. The don’t and they can’t. right below West Village (worst and best idea ever?) and McDonald’s is strategically located across from the freshmen dorms.

So is Peggy’s.

Worthy is a junior news/Internet and politics major and a copy editor for The Library is just a stumble away from 34th Street. Dublin The Times-Delphic. She can be contacted at holly.worthy@drake.edu. and West End are a little farther – they have to be sought out –

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

JILL VAN WYKE, Faculty Advisor jill.vanwyke@drake.edu

– Jacqueline Ye Sophomore

Campus bubble: easy to break

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

LIZZIE PINE, Managing Editor tdeditorials@drake.edu

talked to him was at his job right before I left for Drake. I didn’t know it would be the last time I would ever see him again.

So please, reach out. Even though I – and perhaps a handful of others – never participated in a “To Write Love on Her Arms” event before now, help our conflicted peers out of these tough times. Just like Drake, Marquette University held a “To Write Love on Her Arms Day” on the same week, but in memory of Andrew, they decided to hold it again. I definitely clicked the “Will be Attending” status on their Facebook event.

SAFETY

ANDREA CRAHAN

I make sure to always have guys in the groups I go out with, it’s better than just having a group of girls on campus.

to see you unhappy - i hoped you’d want the same for me”), and guessed it was suicide. The Marquette Tribune reported on Tuesday that the coroners confirmed his cause of death: suicide.

In retrospect, most of us may believe that we have a healthy mind. That’s not enough. There are still some people who have long-term depression and suicidal thoughts. There are two things I think we should all do as good individuals. The first is to reach a hand to them and give your undivided attention. The second is to keep contact with people you haven’t talked to in a while. Andrew and I weren’t the closest friends, but we hung out occasionally. Looking back, I really wish I had talked to him regularly; the last time I had

SARAH ANDREWS, Photo Editor tdphotos@drake.edu KENSIE SMITH, Copy Editor mackensie.smith@drake.edu HOLLY WORTHY, Copy Editor holly.worthy@drake.edu KYLE GLASER, Web Editor tdweb@drake.edu

MARY BESS BOLLING, Sports Editor tdsports@drake.edu

TYLER O’NEIL, Relays Editor tyler.oneil@drake.edu

PHIL KREZNOR, Business Manager tdbusiness@drake.edu

CALEB BAILEY, Ads Manager tdads@drake.edu

The walls of what we see as “our” Walgreens, “our” coffee shops, “our” bars? They’re not invincible. They’re not theft-proof or bulletproof. They’re not stranger-proof.

The Times-Delphic is a student newspaper published semi-weekly during the regular academic year and is produced by undergraduate students at Drake University. The opinions of staff editorials reflect the institutional opinion of the newspaper based on current staff opinions and the newspaper’s traditions. These opinions do not necessarily reflect those of individual employees of the paper, Drake University or members of the student body. All other opinions appearing throughout the paper are those of the author or artist named within the column or cartoon. The newsroom and business office of The Times-Delphic are located in Meredith Hall, Room 124. The Times-Delphic is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The editor-in-chief sits on the Board of Student Communications.

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FEATURES

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

FEATURES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

DON’T. MISS. THIS.

PAGE 4

Hungry for some pre-Thanksgiving grub? Stop by Parents Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Thanksgiving Grand Buffet.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHT | DRAKE DANCE TEAM

May I have this dance?

Dance Team develops strong bonds of friendship while stepping toward success

by EMILY BOYD

Staff Writer emily.boyd@drake.edu

As the music starts, the team waits for the exact beat to hit that first move with pointed toes and bright smiles. These are the moments that make the practice, sore feet and stress all worth it. It’s not the cheering crowd or applause, but the synergy that keeps the enthusiasm going.

Performing and sharing the beauty of dance unites the Drake University dancers as not just a group, but a team.

The president of the Drake dance team, Becca Neely, still finds her job to be extremely rewarding, despite the challenge of a lack of recognition and funding.

Neely, a senior, is finishing up her last year strong. In addition to a double major in creative advertising and graphic design and long hours at work, Neely still finds time to dedicate for the team. Even though she has been dancing since she was in second grade, the passion is still intense.

“Dancing makes you take on a character, it’s almost like an out-of-body experience,” said Neely. “You are larger, more beautiful, and that’s pretty powerful.”

The dance team is led and funded by the members. The group meets three times a week for a focused two hours of practice. Traditionally, the team performs at one football game and a handful of basketball games.

Beth Branding, a sophomore co-captain of the team, auditioned as a first-year. Since sixth grade, Branding has shared her energy for dance with others.

“It’s a way to express yourself without having to talk,” Branding said. “I want people to enjoy it, and appreciate how hard we work to have good performances for Drake fans.”

Branding cited last year’s Iowa Dance and

Drill Team Championships as one of the most rewarding points of her involvement with the team. The team placed third in the college division, tying with the University of Northern Iowa.

Morgan Meier, a sophomore, is seeing both the benefits and challenges of being a co-captain on the team this year.

“It’s a whole new role for me,” said Meier.

“I am one of the girls’ peers, yet I am also an authority figure. It’s an exciting thing to be a part of, especially as the team establishes itself in the college dance world.”

As president, Neely is responsible for choreography, costumes, fundraising, scheduling, running practices and, most importantly, motivation.

Branding said the hardest part of being a cocaptain is working with the athletic department.

“We don’t have an advisor or anything, so it’s just three captains organizing and running practice, and trying to organize dancing at games,” Branding said.

Neely sees a considerable amount of potential in the growing group. Nearly 40 girls tried out for this year’s team. As the team continues to improve and expand, leaders and members see a bright future ahead for the dance team program.

“I would love to see the team have a coach,” Neely said. “It’s a lot of work for a student to run the team. But for now, as long as we improve as a team each year, and the girls are all having fun, I couldn’t be happier.”

Branding said the girls keep each other energized in spite of their busy schedules.

“Sometimes we come in tired, stressed out with school,” Branding said. “We push each other through problems. It’s a stress reliever. I don’t ever think about my schoolwork when I’m at dance. I just dance.” n

photos by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

ABOVE: THE DRAKE DANCE TEAM, dances at halftime during a Bulldogs Basketball game Tuesday. RIGHT: LAST YEAR’S DANCE TEAM accepts their third-place trophy at the Iowa Dance and Drill Team Championships.

>>What’s going on?

campus calendar TODAY

FRIDAY

STUDENT LIFE

KARAOKE NIGHT

WEEKEND FARMERS’ MARKET

“Living with a Tranny.”

Transgender day sponsored by Rainbow Union.

WHERE Olmsted Pomerantz Stage

Free food from El Rodeo sponsored by La Fuerza Latina.

Come buy some fresh, organic winter food to stock up the fridge.

WHERE La Casa Cultural

WHEN 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHEN 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WHERE Nollen Plaza 300 Locust St. WHEN: Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HOLIDAY Decorations, caroling and free horse and carriage rides.

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital fundraiser.

Free food and t-shirts will be given.

See “The Farnsworth Invention” a play about the race to invent the television set.

WHERE Historic Valley Junction

WHERE Bell Center

WHEN 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHEN 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

WHERE Des Moines Playhouse 831 42nd St. WHEN: Sun. 2 p.m.

UP ‘TILL DAWN

THEATER

photo courtesy of DRAKE DANCE TEAM

PAGE 5

FEATURES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

CAMPUS BANDS

Campus band E.G.G. cracks onto the Drake music scene

by ERIKA SEVIGNY

Staff Writer erika.sevigny@drake.edu

For many students, bonding with friends takes place in the residence halls over an intense round of video games or at the Bell Center squaring off in a pick-up game of basketball. For the Drake students in the band E.G.G., friendship and family develop over a shared passion: music.

For first-year Ben Mogerman on bass, sophomore guitarist Ben Chappel, junior drummer Sam Mogerman and junior Luke Dawson on vocals, rhythm guitar and piano blend close friendship with family ties and shared passions.

“In my experience growing up, playing music was a thing to do to get people together,” Sam said. ”For me, whether its going to shows together, or just jamming in somebody’s basement, it has always been music that brings people together.”

E.G.G.’s next performance is at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the House of Bricks, along with Des Moines band the Atudes.

The show is appropriate for all ages, and charges a $5 admission fee.

“There’s really no one you can be closer to than your bandmates,” Dawson said. “It’s been that way every band I’ve been in.”

E.G.G.’s music is influenced by a number of groups and music genres, including Motion City Soundtrack, Muse, The Fray, Relient K, The Rocket Summer, The Mars Volta, Maroon 5 and Jamiroquai. The band members classify their sound as “electric, progressive, indie-rock.”

ARTS. LIVING. BOOKS. MUSIC. WEEKEND.

REVIEW

SAILING DOWN THE MOONBEAM

Dawson wrote the lyrics for the band’s eight original songs.

“I like to drive around in the car, listen to great music and get inspired,” Dawson said. “I find inspiration in a number of places.”

Dawson used the book of Genesis as a reference for E.G.G.’s song, “Fall of Man.” “Though the song isn’t religiously affiliated, it was a powerful place to gain inspiration,” Dawson said.

E.G.G. formed just over three months ago. The acronym “E.G.G.” currently stands for nothing, as members continue to define who they are as musicians. They began performing for audiences this fall, with their first performance at the U.G.A.N.D.A. Youth Concert on Oct. 7. Since then, the group has played gigs at the Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines, and The Industry in Iowa City.

“I love performing, especially when the audience is into it,” said Sam. He acknowledged the band is still getting used to playing in front of a crowd. “It has been a little awkward at times, but I think we’re constantly improving.”

Sam said the band records every show and listens to it afterward, to see where they need improvement.

E.G.G.’s songs are available for your listening pleasure on their Myspace page.

“At the end of the day, we’re just volunteering our time to something we love,” Dawson said. “We certainly don’t make any money doing this, so it’s all about the passion, expression and friendship for me.” n

ABOVE LEFT: E.G.G. BAND MEMBERS perform at the U.G.A.N.D.A. Youth Concert in October. ABOVE: THE E.G.G. GUITARIST BEN MOGERMAN performs.

IF YOU’RE GOING: When: 5 p.m. Sat., Nov. 21 Where: House of Bricks, 525 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines Cost: Adults – $5

Local author pens dramatic tale Des Moines native Mary Gottschalk quit job to travel the world from New York to Australia

by LAUREN SMITH

Staff Writer lauren.smith@drake.edu

photo courtesy of MARY GOTTSCHALK

SAILING DOWN THE MOONBEAM, published in 2008 by Rising Sun Press, describes the three-year journey of Mary Gottschalk and her husband, Tom, as they travel from New York to Auckland, Australia. Gottschalk gave up a successful career as a chief financial officer to sail around the world in their boat, the Salieri.

WANT GOOD FOOD TODAY?

photos courtesy of E.G.G.

Very few stories of past chief financial officers are worth putting into ink. However, Des Moines author Mary Gottschalk’s memoir of self-discovery on the high seas, entitled “Sailing Down the Moonbeam,” is one that might make any college student late for class.

In 1985, Gottschalk and her husband, Tom, left their family, friends and thriving New York careers to sail around the world.

A quarter-century later, Gottschalk wrote a book based on the journals she kept during the expedition and how the trip affected her life.

“I could tell you in 1990 what I’d learned in a verbal way or an intellectual way,” Gottschalk said, “but… it took 15 years before I really knew how it changed my life. That I’d live the next 20 years of my life much differently than I’d lived the last 20, because of some of the things that I’d learned.”

Some aspects of lessons she learned on her trip are evident in the first chapter. Gottschalk relives sitting on the deck watching the stars become enveloped by the approaching Pacific dawn.

With no desire for anything better in life, she describes a place of absolute contentment that took her 40 years to reach.

Gottschalk also describes the juxtaposition of abruptly going from a New York – to cruising – style of living, where time isn’t measured in seconds, minutes or hours, but rather by the rising and setting of the sun.

In writing her memoir, Gottschalk knew she needed to be a credible witness in writing about events that happened over 20 years ago. She wrote three versions of the book, one from her point of view, one from Tom’s, and then a hybrid of the two.

She worked from detailed journals of the events that transpired.

When stacked, her diaries were 3 ½ feet high. By using this method, she avoided easy formulations and clichés, and was able to convey moods and feelings with precision.

Gottschalk’s trip concluded unexpectedly three years later in Auckland, Australia, but almost 25 years later, she still carries some of the peace she found on the Pacific Ocean.

“It’s not the same, obviously, but I’ve been much more content since I came back, even with all the pressures of the world,”

Visit the Thanksgiving Grand Buffet in Parents Hall today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A LOOK INSIDE: “SAILING DOWN THE MOONBEAM” “As I watch the dawn creep into the sky, it strikes me that many things have changed besides my sleeping patterns have changed.

As our cruise has taken us father and farther from the world I grew up in..... I have no desire for something better to come along.

It has taken me 40 years to reach this place of contentment. Will it last another 40 years?”

Gottschalk said.

Gottschalk doubts she would have come to these realizations had she not sailed around the world. She used the advice given by inspirational speakers as an example, explaining that the motivational drive generated by good counseling vanishes after a couple of days.

“The reason (your drive is) gone is that on Monday morning, you step back into the middle of the same old world,” she said.

“You’re not going to change (your habits) that have developed over years and years because some guy inspired you on a Sunday afternoon.”

Being thousands of miles away from her lifestyle and habits, with her life out of her own control, Gottschalk had to readjust her style of living.

“When I came back that first Monday morning, I reacted differently than I would have had I stayed in New York.”

Since leaving The Big Apple in 1985, Mary has lived and worked in many places, including Panama, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Mexico.

Now retired, Gottschalk makes her home in Des Moines and continues her passion for exploring new things by freelance writing for “The Iowan” and taking philosophy classes through Drake. Gottschalk also plans on teaching a short course on managing career risk at the Drake business school this December.

And for those who are wondering – yes. She does miss the ocean. n

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

SPORTS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009 PAGE 6

FOR BREAKING SPORTS NEWS WWW.TWITTER.COM/TDSPORTSNEWS

11

STELLAR STATS Number of 3-0 wins the Drake volleyball team has earned so far this season.

Star sophomore sets up successful season

by MATT MORAN

Staff Writer matt.moran@drake.edu

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

PROPS

SOPHOMORE MICHELLE REIDY has shone bright this season. With only two regular-season games left to play, the Bulldogs will compete in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament in Omaha over Thanksgiving.

The Drake volleyball team has enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in school history, and sophomore Michelle Reidy is one reason why the Bulldogs are a force in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Drake currently holds an 18-8 record, and the 18 single-season wins are the most in team history. Reidy leads the team with 90 blocks, is third on the team with 184 kills and fourth with 13 service aces. “I try to bring positive energy and focus,� Reidy said. “My goal for the rest of the season is to leave no doubt.�

Reidy brings a passion and drive to succeed with her game that is unmatched, Head Coach Phil McDaniel said. “She has a desire to be at her best at all times, and expects to be better than our opponents every night,�

McDaniel said. “She has a great work ethic and a will to win.�

Reidy, a 6-foot-1-inch middle hitter from Dubuque, Iowa, attended Wahlert Catholic High School where she ranked seventh in the Iowa Class 3A state tournament in hitting percentage. She was named second team all-state and first team all-district and all-conference as a senior.

At Drake, she has picked up right where she left off. “I just want to play each game with 110 percent energy and focus, and give it all I got,� Reidy said. “I want to give all I can to my team in order to attain victory.�

Last season, Reidy proved she would be a force to reckon with as the team’s top true freshman. She finished with 190 kills, 57 digs and a team high 99 blocks. She had five or more blocks in eight matches last year, and collected double-digit totals in kills in six matches.

This season, Reidy has taken on more of a leadership role and has thrived in that position. “Michelle had developed into a leader on this team, and she will continue to grow this season,�

McDaniel said. “I expect her to develop into one of the best middle hitters that has played here at Drake.�

This season, Reidy has had a block in 25 of the 27 matches. She has seven or more in seven matches, and the Bulldogs are 6-1 when that happens. In her young career, Reidy has recorded a block in 52 of 56 matches. “Michelle brings a great deal of energy and electricity when she steps onto the court,� McDaniel said. “She brings her passion for volleyball every day at practice and at game time.�

Reidy said that the best thing about Drake volleyball is her teammates.

The Bulldogs have team chemistry that is unparalleled, she said and it has led to the team competing for a conference championship. “The thing I like most about volleyball is the drive of the team to succeed. Everyone brings a different skill or characteristic to the team,�

Reidy said. “We all work very hard at bringing our best to the gym every day in order to get better. We strive to push each other in order to reach our maximum potential.� n

KATIE MARTIN and CHELSEA SMITH Women’s Crew Senior captains Katie Martin and Chelsea Smith led the varsity crew team this fall season and helped to identify the team’s strengths and weaknesses in order to leave the youthful team with work ethic in preparation for spring competition.

Martin sustained an injury to her ACL before the season started this fall.

Assistant Coach Jaclyn Aldworth said she expected Martin to be unable to compete all season due to the injury.

Martin chose to put off surgery and deal with the injury everyday so that she could finish out her senior season.

Smith, featured earlier this season for her Olympic aspirations, has also led the team in its three regattas this season.

Aldworth said that, though two athletes don’t single-handedly make the squad, these seniors bring positive attitudes work ethics to the team during practices.

photo by LANIE FEIGENBUTZ | Staff Photographer

THE DRAKE CREW TEAM cruises through the finish line Saturday at the Drake vs. Creighton Duel. Drake won the Varsity 4B race with a time of 7:57.

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PAGE 7

SPORTS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

>>

Drake vs.

Western Illinois NCAA Tournament

Tonight at 7 p.m.

Cownie Soccer Complex

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Defense dooms Drake in second straight loss Iowa State’s aggressive play trumps Bulldogs’ defensive strategies

by MATT MORAN

Staff Writer matt.moran@drake.edu

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

SOPHOMORE GUARD FRANK WISELER dribbles down the Knapp Center court as Iowa State’s junior guard Diante Garrett plays physical defense. The Bulldogs were unable to penetrate the Cyclones’ defense Tuesday.

Iowa State shot 60.9 percent from 3-point range as Drake had no answer for the Cyclone offense in a 90-70 rout at the Knapp Center Tuesday. Iowa State junior Lucca Staiger knocked down a school record of 10 3-point shots and had 32 points to lead the Cyclones.

Junior center Craig Brackins had 22 points and 10 rebounds.

“We learned that we are not a physical team right now,” Drake Head Coach Mark Phelps said.

“They had a lot of weapons working tonight.”

Drake senior Josh Young played in his first game of the season, and started the game on fire. He carried the Bulldogs in the first half with 11 points, but was shut out for the rest of the game.

“We made the decision this morning that Josh would play,” Phelps said. “As much as we need his scoring ability and talent, we need him as a leader.”

Freshman Ben Simons paced the Bulldogs with 24 points. Simons was eight out of 11 from the field, and hit four shots from behind the arc.

Drake defeated Iowa State 66-64 in Ames last season, and Staiger had 24 points on eight 3-pointers in the game.

The junior guard performed even better in Des Moines for an encore. When Drake cut the Cyclone lead to 54-41 with 16:51 left, it was back-to-back Staiger 3s to kill the rally.

“He hit some amazing shots,” Phelps said. “He is a very good player, but he played like a great player tonight. I felt like we were there challenging shots.”

Junior guard Ryan Wedel, who finished with 13 points, was visibly disappointed with Drake’s defensive effort.

“We wanted to come out with more defensive intensity,” Wedel said. “We should have done a better job challenging shots. He got a lot of good looks and made us pay.”

Iowa State outscored the Bulldogs 34-18 in the paint, which was mostly the product of the 6-foot10-inch Brackins. According to NBAdraft.net, Brackins is projected as a top 10 pick for the 2010 NBA Draft.

It was the second consecutive loss for Drake, as they moved to 0-2 on the season. It was another long night for the defense, giving up 90 points after surrendering 88 in a loss to Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis last Saturday.

“We need to develop a defensive mentality,” Phelps said. “We’ll get there; we’ll develop into a good defensive team.”

Cyclone junior point guard Diante Garrett had 11 assists and only three turnovers. Scott Christopherson had 15 points off the bench for Iowa State, which outscored that of Drake 23-12. Iowa State now moved to 3-0 on the season.

Senior forward Adam Templeton had eight points and five rebounds for the Bulldogs. Sophomore guard Frank Wiseler added six points and two assists off the bench.

Drake will travel to Daytona Beach, Florida to compete in the Glenn Wilkes Classic next week.

The Bulldogs will take on Georgia State on Friday and Akron on Saturday.

Akron made the NCAA tournament last season after winning the Mid-American Conference Tournament. They received a 13-seed in the South Regional, but were ousted in the first round by Gonzaga.

“We will be facing some good competition once again,” Wedel said. “We need to come out a lot better. We have to improve our defense and stop giving up so many points.” n

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Bulldogs find calm before Cyclone storm Drake overhauls defense to prepare for Iowa State’s young offensive talent

by TIM WEIDEMAN

Staff Writer tim.weideman@drake.edu

It won’t take long for the women’s basketball team to gauge where it stands in the season’s early stages as it faces off against nationally ranked in-state rival Iowa State.

Head Coach Amy Stephens said her team will be ready for the rivalry game against the No. 24 Cyclones Saturday at 2:05 p.m. in the Knapp Center.

“Anytime we play ISU, UNI or Iowa it’s always more special because it’s the Big Four,” Stephens said.

“There’s just something a little extra anytime you play in a big game.”

Drake senior point guard Jordann Plummer said it will be tough to take down the Cyclones.

“They have talent and deep postseason experience,” Plummer said. “They’re expected to beat us.”

The Cyclones bring a powerful team to Des Moines for Saturday’s big game, but Stephens is confident in her team’s ability to come out on top even if Iowa State is the favorite.

“We go into every game expecting to win,” Stephens said.

Iowa State lost five seniors from last year’s NCAA tournament-qualifying squad, but brings a tall and talented freshman class led by Anna Prins. The 6-foot7-inch center was named last week’s Big 12 Conference freshman of the week for putting up 20 points and grabbing five rebounds against Florida Atlantic University.

Even though the Bulldogs lack a player equal in size to Prins, Stephens said one of the team’s keys to victory will be limiting Prins’s impact.

“We’ll work on a number of techniques to disrupt her game on Sunday,” Stephens said. “In the end, it’ll take a complete team effort.”

Stephens said the Bulldogs and Cyclones are similar

teams with similar strengths. Both return key members of last year’s squads that offer plenty of experience, but both teams are young in the posts.

The Cyclones’ experience will come from guards Kelsey Bolte and Alison Lacey. Last season, the two combined for 21.6 points per game for an Iowa State team that finished fourth in a tough Big 12 conference.

The Bulldogs will look to senior leaders, like Plummer and forward Monique’ Jones to step up to defeat the Cyclones.

Jones scored a career-high 20 points and eight rebounds in the Bulldogs’ tough season opening-loss last week against University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Plummer added a 22-point, nine-rebound effort.

More of the same will be needed from Jones and Plummer if the Bulldogs are to take down the Cyclones.

“It would be a great, great win for us,” Plummer said. “Anytime you beat a powerhouse conference team, it’s a great win and a confidence boost.”

Stephens said Iowa State won’t make it easy for Drake’s leaders to give the team that needed confidence boost.

“They take on the philosophy to shut down your top two players,” Stephens said.

But the Bulldogs have a game plan of their own.

“Everything stops and starts with how we defend, making things uncomfortable for Iowa State,” Stephens said.

Both Plummer and Stephens said they agree that playing the game at home helps the Bulldogs.

“Playing at home doesn’t ensure wins, but it’s definitely a slight advantage,” Stephens said.

Stephens also placed emphasis on small details and improvements that are important in a game like Saturday’s.

“It’s not so much getting a big win against ISU,” Stephens said. “It’s about the process of getting to the win. Winning becomes a byproduct of how you do things.” n

file photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

SENIOR GUARD JORDANN PLUMMER charges toward the basket as Head Coach Amy Stephens looks on from the sideline during a game last season.

Drake played its first conference home game last night in the Knapp Center.

FEATURES

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

STRANGERS in the

PAGE 8

NIGHT

photo illustration by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

Campus security, Coalition Against Sexual Assault warn students of campus dangers

by PETER ZEMANSKY

Staff Writer peter.zemansky@drake.edu

D

on’t walk alone at night. Always tell people where you are going to be, and when you will get there. Travel in groups. Carry your keys like a weapon.

We’ve all heard the classic advice for keeping ourselves safe.

Yet, 18-24 years old remains the age range most at risk for sexual violence, according to University of Massachusetts-Boston psychologist David Lisak.

Although Drake’s compact campus allows for easy mobility and limited interaction with the surrounding neighborhoods, sexual assault is still an issue that Drake, like college campuses across the country, must address.

Chief of Drake Security Hans Hanson said he thinks that many people still believe false myths about ‘stranger rape.’

“They clearly miss the point as it relates to most assault cases at Drake University and other campuses throughout the nation,” Hanson said. “In general, we do not see victims walking around campus being physically assaulted, dragged into the bushes, a dark area or a car by a stranger who then perpetrates an unwanted sexual act.”

The reality is that sexual assault is often much more conspicuous.

Several recent studies, including one from the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, estimate that in over 80 percent of sexual

assault cases, the victim was somehow acquainted with the perpetrator.

Through his 18 years at Drake Security, and 20 years at the Des Moines Police Department, Hanson said he has noticed that connection with the consumption of alcohol is another common trend in cases of sexual assault on campus.

“In every case we have reported to us on campus, there have been some common elements – that the victim knew the perpetrator and that alcohol consumption by both the victim and perpetrator occurred prior to the incident,” Hanson said.

“Therefore, my primary preventative advice regarding sexual assault leans heavily on limiting alcohol consumption and the ‘true trust’ involving people you know – or think you know.”

Iowa CASA Executive Director Beth Barnhill said that, among college students, people not as familiar with campus culture, freshmen and international students are the primary targets of sexual assault.

Barnhill said that her approach to the issue of sexual assault deals not with the victims of sexual assault, but with bystanders who could help prevent sexual assault.

“

... the victim knew the perpetrator and that alcohol consumption by both the victim and perpetrator occurred prior to the incident.

”

– HANS HANSON, chief of Drake Security

“If you see someone in a situation where you think they may be vulnerable to sexual assault, intervening and inserting yourself in the discussion is the best way to help,” Barnhill said.

‘Date rape’ has been added to the lexicon of sexual assault terminology. The phrase is generally used to show acquaintance between the victim and the perpetrator. Barnhill said that this term has created unfair consequences in how rape is treated in society.

“In the culture, [date rape] tends to be used to minimize the experience, but it is absolutely just as traumatic, if not more traumatic to be raped by someone you know rather than someone you don’t know,” Barnhill said. “In fact, some studies show that date rape may be more traumatic because of the trust issues that are broken.”

Hanson said that it is hard to gain accurate information about sexual assault on campus because most cases go unreported. One of the most pervasive problems in reported cases on campus is that Drake security cameras have not captured footage of the incidents because of their location.

“Virtually every case we’ve investigated in the last 18 years occurred in a location of trust,” Hanson said. “By this, I mean a location where the victim and perpetrator have been before together – a residence hall room of either person, a friend’s room or an off-campus apartment or building.”

Hanson and Barnhill agree that addressing the problem of sexual assault requires a shift in the way the crime is perceived in a wider social context.

“Sort of like drunk driving, addressing the issue of date rape has to do with the bystander effect,” Barnhill said. “We haven’t eliminated drunk driving, but people help prevent it by taking away people’s car keys and having designated drivers and other social measures.

“Changing the culture around sexual assault is more effective than changing your individual behavior to prevent it.”

ON CAUTION N O I CAUTION C IF YOU ARE A VICTIM:UT A A U T C I O N CAUT CAUTIONIONCA ION C UTION C T U A AUTindividuals C ION Cregistered with the ION Sex Offender as UT AUTRegistry, 4,944 Iowa of Nov. 18, 2009 ION CA C N A UTION O I T U C A A C UTION WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CONSENT: N O I C T AUTIO U A C ION CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION UTIONONCAUT I T U A C • Find a safe environment and ask a trusted friend to stay with you for moral support.

• Focus on taking care of yourself and your best interests.

• Report the assault to police by calling 911 and/or Campus Security.

• Preserve evidence of the assault – don’t bathe, brush your teeth or wash your clothes.

• Consent is present when someone, by word or by clear, unambiguous action, agrees to sexual activity with someone else.

• Consent to one form of sexual activity does not automatically imply consent to other forms of sexual activity.

• Consent means the participants are both deciding to do something with one another.

• Consent is invalid when forced, threatened, intimidated, coerced when given by a mentally or physically incapacitated person or when given by a person under age 16.

• Write down all the details you can remember about the assault.

• Go to the emergency room and ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam.

• If you suspect you were drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected.

• If you do not wish to report, consider calling the following hotlines for free, confidential counseling, available 24-7.

N O I T U A C N O I T U A C N O I T U A C N O I T U A C N O I T U A C UTION • National Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, 1-800-656HOPE

• “No” means no, and in some circumstances, silence and passivity do not equal permission.

• Iowa Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by Iowa CASA, 1-800284-7821

• Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

• Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services, 515-286-3600