The Columbia Chronicle 2014 Orientation Issue

Summer 2014

The official news source of Columbia College Chicago The No. 1 college paper

Orientation guide

Orientation g u i d e 2 014 ‘Hell yeah!’

Convocation 2014 will rock your world!

pg. 3 COLUMBIA’S #1 & #2 Meet your President and Provost

pg. 5 MOMENTS IN TIME The Chronicle’s best photojournalism

pg. 10 COLLEGE LIFE Tips for adjusting to Columbia’s campus

pg. 20

The Columbia Chronicle

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Orientation Guide

Editor's NotE

a

by Tyler Eagle Editor-in-Chief

s a student at a small community college in a small Michigan town, I was desperate to leave the quiet hum of suburbia for the lively streets of a large city.

My search led me to consider colleges in New York City, Seattle and Boston, but the atmosphere and structure of Columbia College lured me to Chicago’s urban sprawl.

While I was enamored of the lights and life of the Windy City I quickly became infatuated with Columbia during my first campus visit. As I heard the slogan “Live What You Love” and saw the thousands of examples of student work displayed throughout campus buildings—and some even on the actual buildings—I knew that I had found the institution from which I would hopefully one day graduate.

Columbia is an intimidating college— whereas more traditional campuses boast manicured walkways and ivy-covered brick buildings, Columbia’s eclectic buildings scrape the sky and are connected by grungy streets. It’s urban campus is inhabited by thousands of artists, each with a unique approach to his or her medium. Many of these artists will become your friends, and will be by your side long after you walk the

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Orientation Guide

halls of this college.

I could deliver platitudes about how all of you are going to be overwhelmed during orientation and Weeks of Welcome and how you must study hard and broaden your horizons. I could tell you to branch out and make friends, that these are the best years of your life—but I don’t work for the administration, and I’m not obligated to do so. You are going to hear and read those words dozens of times. Instead, I would like to offer a piece of advice that I hope all of you heed.

Dream, and dream big. Remove whatever restraints you think may keep you from doing what you want and go after it.

I know the pessimists reading this are arching their eyebrows or scoffing, but do not be afraid to chase after what you want while you are here because impossible things become probable at Columbia.

When I first started my journalism career at this college, I enrolled in the Journalism Department’s Newspaper Workshop Course—a class that gives beginning journalism students the chance to contribute to the paper. I would never have thought that I would become Editor-in-Chief of one of the best college newspapers in the country a deceptively short two years later.

At Columbia, you have access to some of the most successful professionals in your industries and you get to learn from them in one of the best cities in the world. Do not be afraid to wholeheartedly take advantage of that opportunity and begin building your career. You are at a college that strives to foster and support the arts and media, and it is one of the best colleges in the country in which to develop your creative pursuits.

I am constantly amazed by the breathtaking and astounding work that my fellow students produce, and now all of you have the chance to be a part of that living legacy.

So, welcome to the college, my new classmates, and I truly hope you are ready for the ride of your life.

There are going to be times that it will be tough and that you will want nothing more than to crawl back home, but you are going to leave this place a more enlightened person and a more gifted and talented creative professional—so long as you’re not afraid to dream.

ORIENTATION ISSUE 2014 STAFF Editor-in-Chief Tyler Eagle Managing Editors Kyra Senese Natalie Craig Ad & Business Manager Jesse Hinchcliffe Ad Account Executive Myles Adams Staff Writers Megan Bennett Justin Moran Katherine Davis Rose Smith-Woollams Emily Ornberg Tatiana Walk-Morris Mikella Marley Aiden Weber Matthew McCall Jacob Wittich Staff Photographers Angela Conners Carolina Sanchez Anthony Soave Samantha Tadelman Staff Graphic Designer Logan Stahley Donald Wu Production Manager Erik Rodriguez General Manager Christopher Richert Faculty Adviser Jeff Lyon The Chronicle is a student–produced publication of Columbia College Chicago and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of college administrators, faculty or students.

All text, photos and graphics are the property of The Chronicle and may not be reproduced or published without written permission.

Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of The Chronicle.

Columns are the opinions of the author(s).

Views expressed in this publication are those of the writer and are not the opinions of The Chronicle, Columbia’s Journalism Department or Columbia College Chicago.

Letters to the editor must include full name, year, major and phone number. All letters are edited for grammar and may be cut due to limited space. The Chronicle reserves the right to limit any one person’s submissions to three per semester. Letters can be faxed to (312) 369-8430, emailed to Chronicle@colum.edu or mailed to The Chronicle, 33 E. Congress Parkway, Suite 224 Chicago, IL. 60605-1996.

The Chronicle 33 E. Congress Parkway, Suite 224 Chicago, IL. 60605-1996 Main line: (312) 369-8999

Orientation Guide

convocation 2014

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The Columbia Chronicle

Carolina Sanchez THE CHRONICLE

by Katherine Davis Staff Writer AMONG THE MANY traditions at Columbia, none is more powerful than the “Hell Yeah” chant that echoes throughout Grant Park every August during the annual New Student Convocation.

New Columbia students will get a glimpse of the college’s spirit and atmosphere Aug. 29 as they scream the “Hell Yeah Liturgy” led by Mark Kelly, vice president of Student Affairs. This year’s Convocation will be one of the first events in which Columbia’s new provost Stanley Wearden will address the student body.

“It’s a very powerful moment for our community and in particular for our new students,” Kelly said. “Students

will feel the weight of who they are and what they represent.”

With the incoming class having approximately 2,800 students, Kelly said this year’s event will be one that new students should make sure to attend.

Shannon Bourne, coordinator of Student Engagement, said she is excited for this year’s Convocation because Business & Entrepreneurship students will assist her with planning the mainstage, where student artists will perform and administrators will address the college. She said there will be a section of Grant Park dedicated to student services and organizations that will inform new students about campus opportunities.

“New Student Convocation is a really good representation of what

Columbia College is all about and how to get involved in school,” Bourne said.

Convocation is the largest event that takes place on campus before the semester begins. It occurs during Weeks of Welcome, a two-week series of events designed to introduce new students to the college and the city. Kari Sommers, assistant dean of Student Life for the office of the Dean of Students, has been planning 55 events, which take place from Aug. 25–Sept. 5. From tours of the campus library to explorations of Chicago neighborhoods such as Pilsen and Little Italy, Sommers said the events will be fun and informative as students learn their way around campus and how to safely use public transportation.

“It’s really important to meet people

and to become comfortable with where you’re going to be living,” Sommers said. “Getting comfortable with the city, making friends and beginning to form your creative network is the most important thing.”

Convocation and Weeks of Welcome are both important parts of integrating new students into the college, Kelly said.

“It’s one of the few times where this very large, complex, urban, high-rise campus where [this campus] feels the weight of our community,” Kelly said.

“It’s not often that there’s a moment where we see the sheer number of students, faculty, staff and administrators [and see] who they are, what they look like and what they represent.” kdavis@chroniclemail.com Orientation Guide

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The Columbia Chronicle

4 • Orientation Guide

4 • Orientation Guide

Orientation Guide • 5 The Columbia Chronicle

Meet your president and Provost Kim, Wearden talk about Columbia

by Tyler Eagle Editor-in-Chief ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

As new Columbia students descend upon Chicago and get acclimated with their surroundings they will learn just as much about the people on campus as they will learn in the classroom.

There are two individuals on campus that will strongly impact how things run at the college—even if they seem to operate more behind the scenes. They are Columbia’s President, Kwang-Wu Kim, who is entering his second year on the job, and the newly–appointed provost, Stan Wearden, who will assume his duties July 1.

As president, Kim acts as the chief executive officer of the college and guides Columbia in raising its profile, attracting donations and outlining the college’s mission. As provost, Wearden will oversee curriculum and guide the college in what it offers academically.

The Chronicle recently spoke with Kim and Wearden separately about their views on Columbia, what they think of arts education and employment after college.

THE CHRONICLE: What kind of impression would you hope that students have of you?

KWANG-WU KIM: I would hope that new students [know] that their president is very open and accessible to them and very much focused on what their experience is and how we can constantly improve it. I hope that new students [know] that the president is very committed to them.

What should students do when they first get to Columbia?

KK: Students should get out there right away, and explore and reach out to other students and throw themselves into the

college experience, because that’s the way that students will quickly understand the opportunities here. Be bold right from the beginning.

What is the importance of getting involved with student organizations and other opportunities on campus?

KK: Young people in college are figuring out who they are and what they want to be in the world. Those are things you don’t just learn by going to class. You learn that by meeting new people and interacting with larger communities.

What advice would you give first-time college students?

KK: My main advice is speak up. If you have a question, ask it. If you need help, say something. There are a lot of people here—whether it’s teachers or staff—who want to help.

You’ve got to get really comfortable speaking up.

What sets Columbia’s campus apart from other college campuses?

KK: The thing about being in Chicago is that most of what we teach is actually going on in the city. If we were a school in small town … we really wouldn’t have that experience.

How do you feel about beginning your job as Columbia’s provost?

STAN WEARDEN: I am very excited to start [at Columbia]. I am very impressed with the students and the quality of work they do. It’s a superb institution and I am thrilled to become a part of it.

After having visited Columbia several times, what was your impression of the college and its students?

SW: The student work is as good as or better than anything I have seen anywhere else. The students strike me as very talented and extremely bright. The thing that struck me the most, though, is the level of engagement that students have with the institution. I’ve had experience with college students for 40 years now, but I have never seen students with the passion or commitment that I’ve seen at Columbia.

What do you hope students take away from their time at Columbia?

SW: I hope that students take away a sense of empowerment and curiosity and being life-long learners so that they don’t think their degree is the end of their education. I hope they leave with a real optimism about their employment.

teagle@chroniclemail.com Orientation Guide • 5

The Columbia Chronicle

6 • Orientation Guide

THE FAMILY ROOM INITIATIVE

makes college comfy

by Katherine Davis Staff Writer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

THE COLLEGE’S FAMILY Room Initiative, which scattered hammocks, beanbags and couches throughout campus buildings, will expand this summer in response to warm reception that students gave it throughout the last academic year.

The initiative is a partnership between the offices of Student Affairs and Campus Environment to create comfortable spaces for students to spend free time between classes, according to Mark Kelly, vice president of Student Affairs.

Kelly said the Conaway Center, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., will be renovated next because it needs improvements.

Previously renovated spaces include the fifth floor of the 33 E. Congress Parkway Building; the lobby of the Wabash Campus Building, 623 S. Wabash Ave.; the second floor of the 916 S. Wabash Ave. Building; the 11th

6 • Orientation Guide

floor of the South Campus Building, 624 S. Michigan Ave.; and The Court of the Residence Center, 731 S. Plymouth Court. Each of the spaces was modeled after the Loft in the 916 S. Wabash Ave. Building, which was the first Family Room space, Kelly said.

“The Loft is a very homey, popular, engaging place for students,” Kelly said.

“We’re trying to create that sort of vibe throughout the campus.”

Jacob Chartoff, architect in the office of Campus Environment, chose the furniture, which includes sustainable pieces such as products made by Fatboy Furniture, which specializes in hammocks and beanbags, and Knoll Furniture, which manufactures modern designer pieces. Chartoff said he chose high quality furniture to ensure it would last.

Chartoff said the initiative is obviously successful because students are now populating once-vacant areas. He added that the spaces have created a greater

Samantha Tadelman THE CHRONICLE sense of community on campus, which has complemented the atmosphere.

“You can’t walk by the 623 S. Wabash Ave. Building without seeing a crowd in the windows, which ultimately is exactly what we are looking for,” Chartoff said.

Before more remodeling takes place this summer, Chartoff said he wants to gather feedback about existing community spaces so new ones can be tailored to students’ interests.

Timothy King, a junior music major, said he enjoys the Family Room spaces because he commutes from the Irving Park community and uses the spaces to

rest between classes. He often relaxes on the hammocks on the fifth floor of the 33 E. Congress Parkway Building and said he hopes to see them in other campus buildings.

King, a transfer student, said other colleges he previously attended did not have such successful student areas.

“Not everybody can just go back to their dorm to relax,” King said. “[Some] of us have a 45-minute ride to get [home] and it’s nice to have somewhere that’s comforting like home.”

kdavis@chroniclemail.com

Orientation Guide • 7 The Columbia Chronicle

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKED TO

by Megan Bennett Staff Writer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

ANXIETY DISORDERS ARE on the rise among young adults, and recent studies suggest the spike may be related to excessive social media use.

Forty million adults in the U.S. suffer from an anxiety disorder, one of the most common mental health problems on college campuses, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Lori A. Andrews, a Downers Grove psychologist who has worked with college students for 30 years, said she has seen an increase in anxiety in teens and young adults. Today, young adults face more competition and stress related to school and the workplace than previous generations did, Andrews said, adding that social media may intensify anxiety.

“It keeps them thinking that they’re left out, their life isn’t the same,” Andrews said. “Facebook is an image like watching

a romantic fantasy: People only put the very best thing that happens at the moment. It just sets up the pressure of anxiety more than it does benefit.”

A 2012 study conducted by the Psychology Department at Michigan State University found a correlation between social media use and symptoms of social anxiety and depression in college students.

The study monitored more than 300 undergraduate students’ social media use, including platforms such as instant messaging, email and the Internet. The students who multitasked showed higher rates of depression and feelings of anxiety.

Christopher Hopwood, an associate professor at MSU who worked on the study, said it proves a correlation between using multiple sources of media and anxiety, but media may not be the cause of the increased anxiety levels.

“One possibility is that the more people multitask, the more anxious they get,” he said. “Another is that the more

Donald Wu THE CHRONICLE

student anxiety

anxious and depressed people are, the more they multitask.”

Hopwood said there is no substantial evidence to prove the current generation of students is more anxious than previous generations may have been.

In addition to the possibility that social media may cause anxiety symptoms, people who overuse social media sites may already be suffering from anxiety, according to Andra Hersey, a clinical

social worker at Heritage Professional Associates, LTD. She said social media use could cause increased anxiety and prevent students from peaking both socially and academically.

“I think [students are] hesitant to do the things they really want to do socially because they’re too busy being self-conscious.”

chronicle@colum.edu

Where creativity becomes solid reality

Art, Drafting, Engineering,

Architecture, Design and School Supplies

Orientation Guide • 3

The Columbia Chronicle

8 • Orientation Guide

Under 21 No I.D., No problem

by Natalie Craig Managing Editor ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

who says you have to be over 21 to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer. Aside from its numerous tourist attractions, the city hosts a vast array of venues and museums that don’t require you to be born before 1993 to enter.

Also visit:

Lucky Strike Bowling 22 E. Illinois St.

Subterranean 2011 W. North Ave.

Congress Theater 2135 N Milwaukee Ave.

Day Off

Being younger than 21 can hold you back from hitting the bar after a long week of classes and work. To de-stress, have some fun by exploring some of the Windy City’s unique cultural gems like Navy Pier, Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute of Chicago. Whether you are relaxing by Lake Michigan or admiring your favorite artist’s work during a free museum day, the only thing you will be missing out on is a hangover. Check out:

Navy Pier

Sinbad’s Hookah 1129 W. Taylor St.

600 E. Grand Ave. Enjoy a warm day at the pier shopping, dining and incredible skyline views.

Wrigley Field

Water Tower Place

1060 W. Addison St.

1011 S. Delano Ct.

835 N. Michigan Ave. Shop for the latest trends in America’s first vertical mall. The first seven floors boast an array of shops and restaurants.

Jazz Showcase

The Art Institute of Chicago

ShowPlace ICON 806 S. Plymouth Ct.

8 • Orientation Guide

111 S. Michigan Ave. Check out your favorite artist or to gain inspiration for a class project.

Night Life

For juniors and seniors, Thursday through Saturday nights are often designated for parties and finding the city’s best drink specials, but just because you won’t make it past the I.D. check at the door does not mean you can’t enjoy a night out with your legal-lite friends. Visit one of Chicago’s comedy clubs for a late-night laugh or catch an 18-and-older show at one of the city’s numerous music venues. Check out:

The Metro

3730 N. Clark St. The cutting edge venue hosts local, regional and national emerging bands.

The Second City

Be Active

No I.D. is required to hit the ground running. Chicago may be a concrete jungle, but setting up your yoga mat alongside the edge of the Adler Planetarium’s walkway or running along the path by the lake is the perfect way to stay healthy.

When the temperature drops in the winter, bring your workout inside and have fun with fitness whether you’re playing whirly ball or bouncing on trampolines.

Check out:

Yoga Now

742 N. LaSalle St. Classes are offered at the yoga studio or on Oak Street Beach.

Whirly Ball

1616 N. Wells St. Improv artists and comedians have been amusing audiences for 50 years. Spend your weekends laughing at this theater.

188 W. Fullerton Ave. Players ride in electric bumper cars while playing a unique form of basketball.

Scarlet Bar

Xtreme Trampolines

3320 N. Halsted St. The historic 18 + gay bar is home to themed dance parties and a great time.

485 Mission St. Shine or snow, enjoy jumping on indoor trampolines for your next workout.

Orientation Guide • 9 Monday, NOVEMBER 19, 2012

The Columbia Chronicle

Mental health closings displace patients

by Kaley Fowler Metro Editor

AN ESTIMATED 484 mental health patients have gone missing since the city consolidated 12 publicly funded mental health clinics into six facilities in April, according to a recent report.

The report, published Oct. 24

by AFSCME Council 31, the union representing the city’s mental health employees, shows that 5,337 patients were being treated by the city-operated clinics before the closings. By July, the Chicago Department of Public Health reported 3,282 active mental health cases but could only account for the whereabouts of 2,798 of those patients, despite its promise to monitor everyone impacted by the closings, according to the report.

The 2,055 patients who left CDPH-operated clinics between the time of the closings and July were transferred to private clinics.

However, the 484 who remain unaccounted for have raised concerns.

“We were hearing anecdotally that a lot of people were not getting information about what was happening to the clinics and what was

Client retention figures by closed site

300

214

250

266

250

209

Total number of former clients Clients who moved to remaining Chicago Department of Public Health clinics

200

161 230 212

202 150

Percentage of clients of closed sites who have stayed in the system

185

172 102 142

100 50

Northtown Rogers Park MH Center

86%

Northwest MH Center

72%

AuburnGresham MH Center

85%

Back of the Yards MH Center

79%

Woodlawn MH Center

0

Northtown Rogers Park Center

Northwest Center

going on with their specific therapist,” said Jo Patton, director of special projects at AFSCME Council 31 and author of the report.

Patton said the CDPH did not give its patients enough notice of the closings nor did it effectively notify them of service changes.

City C y Council Counc approves app oves 2013 budget budge

AuburnGresham Center

Back of the Yards Center

The department sent clients letters to communicate changes, which wasn’t the most effective mode of notifying them, she said.

“These are folks who probably have to move around quite a bit, don’t necessarily keep people up to date on their new address and don’t

Woodlawn Center

The Columbia Chronicle

BeverlyMorgan Park MH Center

BeverlyMorgan Park Center

Monday, April 8, 2013

The Columbia Chronicle EDITORIAL CARTOONS

CITY EDITORIAL

Term T m limits m could ou d balance b n city politics po

76% 80%

Information courtesy Chicago Department of Public Health

Heidi Unkefer THE CHRONICLE

necessarily even track their own mail,” Patton said. “So to have that be the main way you try to reach people about an important issue in their life seems to be a problem.”

Although AFSCME Council 31 claims the CDPH has not adequately communicated with its

former patients, CDPH officials say otherwise.

Patients were notified of the clinic closings in February, about three months before the closings began, according to the September CDPH

THE VILLAGE OF Tinley Park has established a commission to explore imposing term limits on elected officials. Perhaps Chicago, where mayors seem to serve for life, should consider implementing such a commission.

Term limits may not benefit all offices or solve electoral problems, but based on Chicago’s history of entrenched power, specific term limits could improve city politics.

Chicago is the only one of the country’s five largest cities—the others are New York City, Los Angeles, Houston and Philadelphia—to not have mayoral term limits, according to CityMayors. com. Chicago is set up to give the mayor less influence than the City Council, but in recent history mayors have been able to build enough political power during lengthy terms to usurp the City Council’s authority. Setting mayoral term limits like in other cities, but not aldermanic limits, could balance

x SEE HEALTH, PG. 36

President makes second public address, speaks with faculty, staff members

the two branches by keeping mayors from garnering too much clout over the council.

The consequences of not having term limits is very apparent in the city’s mayoral history. The Daley family held the office for a combined 43 years. It was during those years that the Daleys gathered enough political standing to exert a large amount of influence over the council because the mayor’s power has more to do with connections and money than elected authority.

Term limits could return Chicago to its intended form of a strong legislative government.

On the other hand, term limits for aldermen, who also have no restrictions on how long they may serve, would be detrimental to their responsibility. Aldermen are involved in administrative duties in their wards, such as zoning, permits and 311 calls, alongside their political duties in the City Council.

It is beneficial for residents to es-

tablish a close relationship with aldermen through continued service because the alderman runs much of the ward’s day-to-day business.

Term limits are only one piece of election reform, though. Elected officials are still involved in the redrawing of their own district boundaries, which, as Chicago saw in 2012, can become very political.

Campaign finance reform could eliminate some of the problematic political donations made by people hoping to buy favors or city jobs from aldermen. Term limits are not a panacea for problems with city government and should be considered as part of a broad discussion concerning elections.

It might sound nice to impose term limits to get rid of career politicians, but some positions are suited for long tenures, such as those of aldermen. Limitation on other offices, such as the mayor’s, could help restore the balance of legislative and executive power.

##1 1 non-daily non-daily

named named

CAMPUS EDITORIAL

22 THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2012

Day Day Dead Dead SEPTEMBER 10, 2012

Carolina Sanchez THE CHRONICLE

Mayor Rahm Emanuel addresses the City Council at its Nov. 15 meeting to vote on the 2013 budget. With a vote of 46–3, the council passed the budget, which does not include any new taxes and will add 275 police recruits to the Chicago Police force.

by Austin Montgomery Assistant Metro Editor

MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL’S 2013

budget proposal was passed overwhelmingly during a City Council meeting on Nov. 15 by a vote of 46-3.

The $6.5 billion budget, which comes to $8 billion when grant funding is added, is the second Emanuel has drafted since he took office and focuses on expanding schools and on structural reform among the city’s departments.

“We need to ensure that we are

not only righting our fiscal ship, but [that] we are making the tough choices,” Emanuel said. “We must be investing in our children, improving the quality of our neighborhoods, providing our small businesses with a leg up and promoting safety in Chicago.”

Proponents of the budget were supportive of the lack of a tax increase. Alderman Carrie Austin (34) guided the discussion among council members leading up to the meeting. She said this budget will help people in Chicago who

are struggling.

“We need to ensure low [tax] rates for Chicago residents,” Austin said. “Our financial team successfully tackled a $369 million financial shortfall. We did this through sound management and financial techniques that focused on health care, savings, improved debt collection and revenue growth reforms.”

The three aldermen who voted against the budget were Bob Fioretti (2), Scott Waguespack (32) and John Arena (45).

The dissenting members orga-

nized a “progressive caucus” to give the public an opportunity to provide input on the budget. The opposing aldermen disagreed with parts of the budget that support privatizing public services such as oversight of water reclamation.

“This budget is a statement of who we are, and the closing of the $369 million budget gap comes at the expense of good, middle-class jobs,” Fioretti said.

Emanuel said improving early childhood education and after-school programs, along with

providing students with eye examinations, are key issues the budget addresses.

Unlike last year’s budget, which increased taxes and implemented several new fees and fines, the 2013 budget does not include any new taxes or tax increases, Emanuel said. However, water and sewer fees and fines are set to increase because of the long-term lease of the city’s meter system, which was approved by former Mayor

A&C

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE 23

MCT Newswire

ofofthethe

EDITORIAL BOARD

Board Members:

Tyler Davis Commentary Editor Tyler Eagle Assistant Campus Editor Will Hager Metro Editor Marcus Nuccio Graphic Deisnger Emily Ornberg Arts & Culture Editor Doug Pitorak Sports & Health Editor

x SEE BUDGET, PG. 36 THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE 33

Kyle Rich Social Media Editor Carolina Sanchez Photo Editor Heather Schröering Editor-in-Chief Corey Stolzenbach Copy Editor Dennis Valera Multimedia Editor

Hip-Hop artist Cazwell has described his characterDid andyou style as a mistake, think we could have covered a story better or catch strongly about an issue that faces all of us here at Columbia? “if Biggiebelieve Smalls ate Why notfor write a letter to the editor? At the bottom of page 2, you’ll Donna Summer breakfast.” find a set of guidelines on how to do this. Let us hear from you.

—The Columbia Chronicle Editorial Board

Student S uden groups g oup allowed a owed too discriminate d c m na e A&C

NOVEMBER 5, 2012

ALL OFFICIAL STUDENT organiza-

tions at Columbia must include a non-discrimination statement in their constitutions, but not all colleges have this policy. A recent law in Virginia allows student groups at public institutions to discriminate in membership policies and still receive funds from the college, and other states are considering implementing this policy as well.

The Student Group Protection Act, signed into law March 22

by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R), gives political and religious student groups the right to deny membership to students who aren’t “committed to that mission,” wording that narrowly avoids mentioning groups protected by federal law from discrimination.

The law is worded so it can allow a religious student group to ban gay and lesbian members because their sexuality isn’t in line with the group’s mission. Although colleges are allowed to reject an application

for a student group, a group cannot be punished for discriminatory practices under this law.

State Sen. Mark Obenshain (R–Va), who proposed the law, defended it by saying that a Democratic student group shouldn’t have to accept Republican members, but he fails to address why a Republican would ever want to join a liberal student group. The likely assumption is that such a person would be attempting to work against the goals of that group, but there are actually a lot of students who could learn by participating in campus organizations outside their belief systems.

The idea that such a bill is for the protection of student groups is based on the implausible idea that people would join student groups just to ruin them. The consequences of the law—actual discrimination against people based on religious or political affiliation and sexual orientation—are too great

student

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE 29

to justify the supposed goal. Public college funding shouldn’t be used for organizations that disallow people on the basis of their identity.

There’s nothing wrong with a student organization that is meant for a certain group of people, such as Columbia’s Campus Crusade for Christ or Students for Justice in Palestine, and at many colleges, these groups are still all-inclusive.

Including students from different backgrounds and affiliations could even benefit all involved by encouraging well-rounded discourse.

Legislators in Iowa are attempting to pass a similar law, according to a March 27 press release from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. It is troubling that state lawmakers are allowing students to entrench themselves in their own ideas when college is supposed to widen one’s horizons.

Laws like Virginia’s Student Group Protection Act squander this facet of college education.

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrating the memories of deceased friends and family. The Chronicle covered the Nov. 2 Day of the Dead parade in Pilsen hosted by Pros Art Studio.

32 • April 8, 2013

tually became fed up with his personal dishonesty regarding his sexuality, which drove him to move to San Francisco in 2000 where he formed the homo-hop group Deep Dickollective, or DDC, with Tim’m West and Phillip Atiba Goff.

“I got to a point, I was kind of on the edge of coming out; I was married, had a kid,” Kalamka said. “I really didn’t feel like I had a space to talk about the stuff that was going on with me.”

Kalamka explained that DDC did not set out to change popular opinion about homo-hop, but to poke fun at the lack of recognition of the genre.

“We’re really doing some parodic black theater combined with hip-hop and poetry,” Kalamka said. “Even when I was doing DDC, there was no point at which I harbored any notion of that particular project becoming some kind of mainstream phenomenon. That wasn’t my intent.”

Eventually, DDC became a serious, sociallyconscious rap collective that helped pave the way for future queer hip-hop artists by directly addressing homophobia, racism and sexism.

Kalamka helped produce PeaceOut WORLD, the first public homo-hop festival, which ran from 2001-2007 and gathered known and unknown LGBT rappers and disc jockeys from around the world.

Kalamka said the queer hip-hop genre has since become more mainstream, primarily because some LGBT emcees aren’t trying to make a statement. They strive for fame and success just like anyone pursuing a career, he said.

“I think I was a little naive and disappointed,” he said. “I had this idea that

there were people who were participating in [homo-hop] for more than just, ‘I happen to be queer, and I’m experiencing this homophobia.’”

As an openly gay artist, Kalamka said he is aware of many record labels’ practice of tricking artists into believing they will be able to be true to themselves and then forcing them to conform to mainstream expectations once they’re signed.

“This is about money,” Kalamka said. “If you’ve got $50 and the person who signed you has $50 million, who has the power in that setup?”

Tessa Hall, assistant program director of music for Clear Channel Communications and a radio host at Washington D.C. station, HOT 99.5, said introducing anything unconventional to Top 40 radio is difficult, if not impossible.

Hall said much of the music considered for radio is provided by major record labels that have groomed their stable of artists to appeal to the mass market.

“The mainstream audience has already been fit into a nice little mold,” she said.

“You pretty much know if [a song] is going to be a hit if it talks about this, that, or the other, because that’s what everybody’s used to.”

New York-based artist Luke Caswell, who performs under the name Cazwell and is considered a leading figure in homo-hop, said he disaffiliated himself from mainstream hip-hop at the start of his career when the industry rejected him because of his sexuality.

“There are unspoken rules to hip-hop as a culture, one [being] you can’t be a fag,”

newspaper newspaper

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Photo courtesy Drew Farrar

emcee often posseses a lengthy criminal background.

Some were gangbangers while others sold drugs. Some were reputedly wife beaters, killers, robbers and thieves. But the last thing one would expect from such a ruthless genre is homosexuality.

Hip-hop is among the last forms of artistic expression where homophobia is not only accepted, but brazenly encouraged.

The phrase “no homo” is a common slang term sprinkled throughout hip-hop culture meant to clear any doubt that a man is gay.

But the red-blooded world of hip-hop was awakened in early July when the high-profile, double-platinum hip-hop/R&B artist Frank Ocean, who has penned songs for Kanye West, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, revealed that his first love was a man.

This was especially shocking for some, as Ocean is a member of the rap collective Odd Future, which is notorious for its misogynist, violent and homophobic lyrics. Group frontman Tyler, the Creator even uses gay slurs 213 times in his solo album, “Goblin.”

While Ocean is the most prominent emcee to admit same-sex orientation, he is hardly the first. Many LGBT hip-hop artists, such as the ’90s group Rainbow Flava, have been making music since the genre’s inception under the umbrella term “homo-hop,” or queer hip-hop, a style of music often containing aggressively pro-gay lyrics that directly confront the perceived homophobia of mainstream rap.

Juba Kalamka has been rapping since 1988 and worked with multiple music groups in Chicago in the early ’90s. Kalamka even-

Cazwell said. “When I first started my career, I was in a rap group, and all I desperately wanted was to be accepted. But I came to the conclusion that no matter how good I was, I was still gay, so it didn’t really matter.

Straight people in hip-hop really don’t want to have anything to do with gay people for the most part. Until recently, there’s been major association issues.”

Cazwell said he paradoxically began to create a name for himself once he bowed to the industry’s unwritten rules against homosexuality and left the hip-hop scene altogether.

After performing as an opening act for Lady Gaga, Cazwell was featured on her no. 1 hit, “Just Dance” in 2009. In August 2010, Cazwell released the song “Ice Cream Truck,” and its homoerotic music video went viral with more than 1 million views on YouTube in one week. Cazwell now holds a prominent place in the dance/club scene and performs in clubs worldwide.

“Rather than getting a culture to accept me, I just created my own scene and my own sound and had people come to me,” he said.

“I actually wasn’t expecting [the widespread success], which is unusual because I’m always expecting to be a huge hit. But sometimes you come up with really great things if you’re in the mindset that you don’t care what anyone thinks.”

Other LGBT artists say they’ve seen a shift in the industry. Lashunda Nicole Flowers, frontwoman of the lesbian hip-hop group Yo! Majesty, said most mainstream hip-hop is simply stolen from underground musicians.

“Mark my words, this Frank Ocean guy came out, and we’re gonna start seeing a lot more of these artists come out

of the closet,” said Flowers, who is better known as Shunda K. “Being gay is popular now. It just shows how fake all these motherf-----s were.”

Yo! Majesty gained a following after playing at the South by Southwest Music Festival in 2007, collaborating with producers such as Basement Jaxx and touring with Peaches, Gossip and the Brazilian new wave group CSS. Combining eyebrowraising lyrics with hip-hop, hard rock, gospel and electronic elements, Yo! Majesty harnessed a sound that was brand new to the genre.

Shunda K said she struggled with her own sexuality throughout her career. She describes herself as a devout Christian and was briefly married to a man. She said she also understands the industry’s power in pressuring artists to pretend they are something they aren’t in order to increase their level of fame, even if that means faking heterosexuality.

“The fans have no idea these artists are faking it to make it,” Shunda K said. “They just take their word and run with it. They’re just faking themselves for the purpose of selling records or for entertainment, but behind closed doors they’re boo’d up with the same sex.”

Shunda K said Yo! Majesty’s fanbase exploded once she was true to herself and that her proudest achievement—aside from having 30,000 fans screaming her lyrics at a concert—has been making an impact on her fans and encouraging them to be themselves.

“After Yo! Majesty shows, some people come up to us in tears,” she said, “Like, ‘Oh my God!

You don’t know how much you’ve impacted my life. Just because I’m gay or just because I’m a minority or a nobody, according to society, seeing you onstage tonight just made all that s--- go out the door.’ Being able to show them that you don’t have to sacrifice your integrity just to be successful is what it’s all about.”

Yo! Majesty recently regrouped after a long hiatus and hopes to release a single within the next year. Shunda K said she has different values in mind this time around after witnessing record labels’ control of the industry.

“Now my career is not about how much money I make, and having the fanciest cars and the best looking girls,” she said. “Now I’m going to really give you the whole truth and nothing but the truth. My eyes are wide open. I’m not being programmed to be controlled by the masters that be—the puppet masters.”

Kalamka said he thinks it may be a while until there is a level playing field throughout the industry. “[We’re] waiting for an old machine that’s falling apart, that’s still trying to maintain a space in a hypercapitalistc paradigm that’s ultimately a racist paradigm, ultimately misogynistic and sexist and homophobic and transphobic,” Kalamka said. “Waiting for your opportunity to be a part of that context on the basis of whatever parts of yourself you can cover that will normalize you so they will accept you is blaringly and incredibly dishonest, if not ridiculous. I would also say that it’s not something I’m waiting for.”

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1. Children get their faces before the parade.

February 11, 2013 • ?

2. A Day of the Dead skull decorates the steps of Dvorak Park’s public pool.

SEX ISSUE

3. The Jones College Prep marching band headsWEEKS toward anREMAINING event at 618 S. Michigan Ave.

« Stay updated to find out the winners of the iPad competition by following our Facebook and Twitter pages Commentary » Sexual harassment in video games See pg. 29

AEMM students perform charity concert

Online exclusive video

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F A LofLthe community weeks watch the 4. Members left 12 Calavara2 0 Circus.

5. Participants show off handmade art celebrating the holiday.

PROUDLY PRESENTS

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7. A young girl kneels before the altar before a ceremony at St. Procopius Parish.

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8. Marchers wearing traditional costumes.

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THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE 29

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2012

VOLUME 48, ISSUE 11

O’Hare soars to top of green movement m m

What’s

Assistant Metro Editor

THE SEX

I S S U E 2 0 1 3 The Columbia Chronicle

22 • May 6, 2013

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36 THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

President Barack Obama and the first family greet supporters at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr., after winning the election Nov. 6. The atmosphere was electric as the president took the stage and delivered his acceptance speech, in which he encouraged the nation to put aside partisan disputes to move the country forward.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2012

Marching M h n teachers h fill downtown

by Kaley Fowler Metro Editor

FOLLOWING SEVERAL MONTHS of

unsuccessful contract negotiations between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools, the teachers commenced striking Sept. 10.

Teachers spent the duration of the week picketing against the school board’s contract proposal, which offered a 16 percent pay increase over the course of four years.

As a result of the strike, approximately 350,000 CPS students were not in the classroom. In an effort to accommodate the large number of displaced children, CPS implemented a “Children First” contingency plan. The plan kept 144 CPS buildings open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

by The Columbia Chronicle Staff “OUR ECONOMY IS recovering,” said President Barack Obama during his election night victory speech. “A decade of war is ending. A long campaign is now over. Whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you. I have

AS CITY OFFICIALS seek to improve energy and emissions policies downtown, O’Hare International Airport is setting its own national and international benchmarks for environmental consciousness.

At the fifth annual Airports Going Green Conference, held Nov. 5–7 at the Westin River North Hotel, 320 N. Dearborn St., O’Hare was recognized for its promotion of clean energy use and its plan to implement energy-efficient cargo lines.

During the conference, Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised the city and the airport, which he said is currently the second busiest in the country and leads the way in sustainability for airports both nationally and internationally.

“Going green used to simply be an afterthought,” Emanuel said. “It has become integrated into everything we do here in Chicago and at O’Hare. We have an opportunity to lead by example, not only for the going-green movement but also for the world.”

At the conference, Emanuel outlined plans to install solar panels on the roof of the airport, build an alternate fuel station for ground vehicles and switch all airport vehicles to hybrids.

The airport has already established an aeroponic urban garden that recycles the water it uses and grows vegetables for use in O’Hare’s restaurants. The airport is also the location of the FedEx World Service Center and Administration Building, home of the largest green roof of any airport in the country, which has reduced energy costs by 14 percent, Emanuel said. In addition, he said the airport is using 25 goats to graze on overgrown grass areas.

Emanuel emphasized the importance of energy sustainability and job creation as driving factors behind the green agenda, adding that job growth and environmental consciousness go hand in hand.

Energy sustainability programs in the air

learned from you, and you’ve made me a With Obama re-elected, the nation’s focus better president.” shifts from politics to policy as he begins to Obama won the 2012 presidential elec- outline his second term. tion by a comfortable margin, receiving Obama has very little time to celebrate, 303 Electoral College votes—33 more than by considering the country is Sanchez approachPhotos Ahmed Hamad & Carolina needed—despite predictions the election what by is Marcus being called the “fiscal cliff.”

Design &ing Layout Nuccio would be close enough that a recount would be necessary. x SEE ELECTION, PG. 22

CAMPUS PILSEN N

SPORTS & HEALTH

ARTS & CULTURE

METRO

Continued from page 19

However, Pilsen also has a lot of re- tion loom over Pilsen’s Mexican community, sistance to gentrification because it had although some accept the economic boost as become the home of displaced Latinos making the city a safer and more vibrant place from different parts of the city following to live.

Creative nonfiction gets political • page 3 The emotional brain • page 13 Alzheimer’s documented • page 17 urban renewal, Becantur said.

“From a raw sense of political power, it in“The displacement of Pilsen itself created creases property tax, so with that you can imits own form of [Latino] leadership in a sense prove the local schools and the parks here,” that ‘We won’t get displaced again,’” Becantur Pero said. “And you get a more colorful city. Evsaid. “They opposed any opportunity to gen- eryone wants that—a good, rich place to visit.” trify the community.”

Today, the beginning stages of gentrifica-

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1951

1871

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Generations of culture G

where parents could take their children for free childcare. Lessons were not taught during the days because the law requires a certified teacher to be present for instruction to take place.

As of press time, the strike was slated to be resolved Sept. 16 following a meeting between CTU and CPS officials, during which it was expected the two parties would reach an agreement regarding the teachers’ contract.

Journalists.

Journalists.

by Austin Montgomery

next?

Great Chicago Fire

University of Illinois at Chicago is set to be built in Near West Side

From October 8-10, more than three miles of Chicago burned in one of the largest disasters of the 19th century.

During the redevelopment process, many were forced to move to the outskirts of the city. Czech Republic immigrants moved to Pilsen, naming it after “Plzen,” the second largest city in Bohemia.

As part of his urban renewal plan, the then-senator Richard J. Daley succeeded in getting the State Senate to pass a bill calling for a Chicago campus of the University of Illinois at Halsted and Taylor streets. This partially Mexican neighborhood became decimated, forcing its residents out. Many of them relocated to Pilsen.

STOCK PHOTO

Campus ..................................................3 Sports & Health .......................................11 Arts & Culture .........................................17 Commentary .........................................32

by the the nation nation by the

Society of Professional Professional

6. A man dresses as an Aztec shaman.

1920

Immigrants’ Impact on Pilsen

1990s - Today

Gentrification looms in the neighborhood Since the Chicago Arts District was founded in Pilse

1960s - 80s

Pilsen’s Mexicanidad

Metro ....................................................35 Prentice set for demolition • page 35

kfowler@chroniclemail.com

Photos by AJ Abelman, Rena Naltsas Musicians in support of Chicago teachers play in Grant Park Sept. 13. Rallies and marches were staged downtown throughout the week.

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Carlos Lourenco, 35, opened Knee Deep Vintage, 1425 W. 18th St., in 2008. The shop continues to be one of the South Side’s most fashion-forward vintage stores, stocking clothing from the 1920s–1950s.

Husband and wife Gloria and Ofilio Torres have lived in Pilsen for 36 years since emigrating from Axochiapan, their hometown in the Mexican state of Morelos, where they owned a restaurant. Gloria, 63, met Ofilio, 73, when she was 15. They moved to Chicago, bought a house and opened Gloras Tacos, 1755 W. 18th St., in 1987.

AJ Abelman THE CHRONICLE

Though he believes Pilsen has become safer, he said taxes are higher, businesses are failing and some The Columbia Chronicle people are losing their houses.

22 • April 8, 2013

22 • May 6, 2013

Monday, FEBRUARY 18, 2013

The Columbia Chronicle

NYFW AJ Abelman THE CHRONICLE

nn ng ngCo Coumb umbaaChron Chronccee ocated ocated nnthe the P ck up the award-w award w nn obby oof every everyCo Coumb umbaabu bu ddng ng nnnewstands newstandsand andbus busnesses nesses obby across acrossthe theCh Ch cago cago and and area area

(Top Right) Daniel Gutierrez Sr. (left), 67, and his son Daniel Gutierrez Jr. (right), 42, recently celebrated the 51st anniversary of their restaurant Nuevo Leon’s 1962 opening. Located at 1515 W. 18th St., the restaurant opened after a friend offered to sell his small taco stand to Gutierrez Sr. and started out with just one dining room. Now, Nuevo Leon, which has since expanded to three rooms, is constantly filled with customers, Gutierrez Jr. said.

Angel Salgado, 46, has lived for 27 years in his Pilsen home, where he and his family settled four years after moving from Iguala, Mexico. He has owned Angel’s Tire Shop, 2159 W. 18th St., for 22 years.

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Tiffany Paige, 42, will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of the opening of her furniture store Modern Cooperative’s, 818 W. 18th St., during the Pilsen Art Walk May 10. Paige and her husband have lived in Pilsen for eight years and collect modern and vintage designer furniture.

St. Adalbert Church, 1650 W. 17th St., took 40 years to build when it was first established in 1874. At the time, it served mostly Polish immigrants but has since diversified its audience, offering two masses—one in English, and one in Spanish—in addition to its Polish service. At top, Richard Olszewska, 46, who is of Polish decent, has attended the church all of his life and currently does maintenance for it.

Hundreds of striking Chicago Public Schools teachers and supporters of the Chicago Teachers Union are escorted by police officers as they march across Columbus Drive near Buckingham Fountain, 301 E. Columbus Drive, during a protest on Sept. 11.

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www.columbiachronicle.com

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17th St.

Ramiro Ochoa, 53, owns Ochoa Sports, 1749 W. 18th St., which he says is the first Hispanic soccer store in the Midwest. His father opened the store in 1967 when Ramiro was still a child. Now, he runs the store with his mother and is in the process of starting a children’s soccer league in the community.

&

Victor Krol, 59, has lived in Pilsen nearly all of his life. His grandparents emigrated from the former Czechoslovakia and settled in Pilsen in the 1890s. He is the co-founder of the day care City Garden Early Childhood Center located at 920 W. 19th St.

18th St.

17th St. April 8, 2013 • 23

Arts & Culture

BUTCH QUEENS ROUTINES VOGUE ROUTINES: An inside look at Chicago’s ballroom scene

May 6, 2013 • 23

Check out Co umb aChron c e com for updated or updated coverage on your your campus and c ty

Written by Justin Moran Designed by Heidi Unkefer

Chicago police officers look on as protesters supporting the Chicago Teachers Union cross Columbus Drive on Sept. 11. CPS educators walked out Sept. President of the Chicago Board of Education David Vitale updates reporters at the Hilton Hotel, 720 10, following a weekend of unsuccessful contract negotiations.

S. Michigan Ave., on Sept.14.

fashion face-off

36 THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE • SEPTEMBER 17, 2012

by Justin Moran Assistant Arts & Culture Editor

& &

by Sophia Coleman Managing Editor

A WAVE OF A-list celebrities, fashion bloggers, photogra-

phers and editors fled to New York City Feb. 7–14 for the biggest bi-annual American event in fashion. An almost religious assembly, the Fall 2013 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was the center for a selection of the world’s most talked about fashion designers to present their latest collections. Of course, The Chronicle’s two trendsetters had to put on their spiked shoes and battle in the paper’s first ever fashion face-off.

Managing Editor Sophia Coleman and Assistant Arts & Culture Editor Justin Moran argued their personal picks for the week’s best and worst shows. As both have an undying lust for fashion and a critical eye, the selections are shamelessly heated and honest.

The two could easily fill the entire paper with catty quips of why their picks were the hottest, so help was enlisted. With the prestigious perspective of top local fashion stylist Eric Himel, only one could be crowned The Chronicle’s ultimate face-off winner.

Justin’s picks THE GOOD

photos courtesy Todd Diederich

“Realness—realness with a twist. These are the boys that twist their wrist. A little bit of that, a little bit of this,”

Sophia’s picks THE BAD

AFTER ENDURING NINE days of lack- THOUGH A MEETING with the Federal luster collections, it has become clear that Witness Protection Program may be in orNew York is suffering from a grave kick of der after negatively reviewing who is percreative deprivation. haps a Columbia favorite, Jeremy Scott’s While it had its definite climactic mo- graphic Fall/Winter 2013 collection was ments with Alexander Wang’s army of more than deserving of a ruthless critique.

“Rocky” inspired models in mohair and Scott has been credited as the voice of our Proenza Schouler’s minimalist, grayscale generation, attracting a dissident cultexploration, NYFW unfortunately presented like following with his references to pop itself in a safe and marketable light. Thank- culture and bold depictions of the underfully, Rodarte combated the week’s monoto- ground. In 2012, Scott defined the year’s nous timbre with a collection that challenged biggest trends with a collection stemfashion enthusiasts, just as art should. ming from the rise of cyber subcultures.

Designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy drew It’s safe to say that Chicago is now brimming inspiration from Santa Cruz imagery, which with Scott-inspired club kids who would sparked an unusually innovative balance be- die to wear his Technicolor keyboard-print tween the city’s lively seaside and subversive trousers for a night. But fast-forward a year, cultures. What do its oceanfront amusement and the king of punk’s active rebirth seems to park and community of Hell’s Angels bikers have exhausted his own niche. The collection have in common? Nothing. was reflective of a suburban pre-teen who Rodarte bravely connected the dots, creat- religiously wreaked havoc on the local Hot ing a visually refreshing collection for Fall/ Topic with her mom’s credit card. Models, ......................................................................................................................................see FASHION, pg. 27

THE GOOD

THE BAD

SLEEK, SEXY MINI dresses and the ele- ONE OF MY biggest fashion pet peeves is when ment of espionage are just a few of my fa- people spend large sums of money—think vorite components of KAUFMANFRAN- $1,000 for a cardigan or $395 for a knit beanCO’s ready-to-wear 2013 collection. Being ie—to look poor and disheveled. I achieve that one of the few shows that highlighted the look everyday with ripped nylons (it’s accisensuality of a women’s body, Los Ange- dental every time, I promise) and holes in my les-based designers Ken Kaufman and Isaac baggy, cheaply made sweaters. But Canadian Franco won me over with their dark and designer Raif Adelberg went for the “Derdangerous clothing. elicte” look backed by what I assume was a Kaufman and Franco, who launched their large budget. label in 2004, experienced their very first Even though it’s his first time at NYFW, runway show at NYFW on Feb. 11 and kept it there’s no excuse. Adelberg has been desharp and edgy with body-con mini dresses signing for almost 25 years, so it’s time for and luxurious fur coats. The cut and tailoring him to come out of the wilderness and step of each outfit was exquisite, and the variety of into civilization. pieces—ranging from calf-length trenches to His first mistake was starting the show plenty of leather separates—were perfect for with an almost 2-minute long film composed the varying degrees of fall weather. of grainy, black and white mirrored images of One of my favorite pieces was a beautiful wolves. It was loosely related to Adelberg’s “martini olive” fish-scale dress that slinked inspiration of what he said was “an eclectic down the runway like a flashy mermaid. The mix of Russian, Jewish, Tibetan nomads, a tough-girl look continued with glazed-wool group of indigenous survivalists who have ......................................................................................................................................see FASHION, pg. 27

chant the Chicago ballroom spectators as competitor Magneto Ebony confidently walks on stage backed by pounding house music.

He first appears in a sloppy, mannish outfit—sweatpants, sneakers, a baggy T-shirt and a baseball cap—meant to fully disguise his sexuality. He disappears offstage and re-emerges in a dainty figure skating costume as he starts to vogue, hands framing his face and his body contorting into geometric shapes. He moves sharply to the beat of the music, a performance described as “full-out femme,” showcasing his trained ability to appear both hyper-masculine and feminine. He goes on to win the ballroom category Realness with a Twist.

Magneto Ebony is part of the ballroom scene, a black underground subculture in which LGBT and straight competitors perform or “walk” in several themed categories—including Realness with a Twist and Executive Realness—with the goal of winning a trophy and cash prize, according to Marlon M. Bailey, assistant professor of gender and American studies at Indiana University Bloomington and author of “Butch Queens Up in Pumps,” a comprehensive examination of Detroit’s ballroom culture in which he once competed. “[At the ball], people can perform as whatever gender they want, suggesting that gender is not something inherent or biological,” Bailey said. “[Gender] is something we do, as opposed to who we are. It’s a performance.”

The contemporary ballroom scene began in New York during the late ’60s as a way for the black LGBT community to congregate and celebrate its sexuality in an attempt to transgress harsh societal criticism, he said.

Magneto Ebony said the ballroom scene is divided into the East Coast, West Coast, Gulf-Coast, South and Midwest regions, and the largest communities are in New York City, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Detroit and Chicago.

Chicago’s local ballroom community, which initially began as a celebration of sexuality similar to the scene in New York City, has grown into one of the nation’s largest, after East Coast ballroom members moved the tradition to the Midwest years ago, said Adonis Escada, a professional ballroom commentator.

22 • April 8, 2013

Escada said the Chicago ballroom scene is uniquely built around family values, while New York competitors take no prisoners and favor a strict, business-like approach to their competitions. “[The Chicago] community is a bit more close-knit than others,” Magneto Ebony said. “We really consider each other to be our family.”

With a panel of six to nine judges, a DJ and a carefully-selected commentator to guide the competition, each ball, Bailey said, is divided into an organized gender system of six general categories that have no meaning in the outside world—Butch Queens, Butch Queens Dressed in Drag, Femme Queens, Butches, Men and Women. These ballroom identities categorize performers, and each contains more specific subcategories in which participants compete, such as Realness and Runway, Bailey said.

He said most competitors perform in the Butch Queen category, which is a ballroom label for gay men. Butch Queen Dressed in Drag, however, is a gay man who wears women’s clothing solely for the purpose of competing at the ball. Costumes for this category range from everyday street wear to dramatic, runway-inspired looks. A Femme Queen is a transgendered woman, and a Butch is a transgendered man.

The Men category involves participants who don’t identify as gay but often engage in homosexual relationships, and the Women category involves female competitors who classify under a range of sexual identities including straight and lesbian, Bailey said.

Escada said a ballroom competition doesn’t operate on a set of formally written rules but on traditions that have been verbally passed down through generations as the scene evolves.

“The only solid rule for a ballroom [competition] is that when you participate, you have to bring it to the best of your ability,” Escada said.

“Once you bring it, it’s up to the judges whether they believe you have it or not.”

Magneto Ebony said flyers are distributed approximately three months prior to a ball outlining what’s expected in each of the categories, giving participants an idea of how to prepare costumes, choreography and so on.

Although each ballroom category has specific guidelines, Magneto Ebony said judges are open to competitors’ creative twists on a category’s requirements.

Tone Balenciaga, a Chicago-based competitor who has been involved with ballroom since 2003, said he mainly walks in the Schoolboy Realness category, which may include using props like school supplies, and Executive Realness, for which he dons business suits and professional mannerisms.

Bailey said the Realness categories are designed to portray “normal masculinity” to reflect how ballroom competitors’ homosexuality can be

disguised in the outside world.

“It’s a survival strategy to reduce being subject to homophobic violence, which a lot of ballroom scene members experience,” Bailey said.

Since joining the scene in 2003, Balenciaga said he has become “legendary” in his category of Schoolboy Realness, meaning he is a trendsetter within the ballroom scene.

Magneto Ebony said being “legendary” is a part of the hierarchy system. He said the titles range from “star” to “statement,” “legendary” to “iconic” and, finally, the “pioneers,” or high-status, early ballroom scene game-changers.

The icons ultimately determine which ballroom participants are awarded the coveted “legendary” title, he said.

However, Escada said gaining ballroom status has become less about the craft than it has been in years past. He said the community is now 90 percent politics and 10 percent talent, and it seems to rely less on perfecting a performance and more on social connections within the scene. While it used to take nearly a decade to rise to legendary status, he said people are now gaining the title within only two years simply because of favoritism.

While category winners originally received a simple trophy, ballroom competitions have recently introduced a cash prize, which Escada said distracts from the artistry and increases politics and tension among members.

“The nature of the ballroom has changed from being about creativity and a love of the art to being more about controlling [who wins] through personal relationships,” said Dutchess Bulgari, a Detroit-based ballroom competitor.

Bailey said tension often turns violent because the ballroom is one of the few places where the black LGBT community can realize its full potential in what he calls a profoundly homophobic and racist world.

Violence can ensue during competitions because for many ballroom members, losing a competition means losing their only source of pride, Bulgari said, adding that these fragile egos have sparked arguments and even stabbings.

“When this is the only affirmation you [receive], it becomes personal,” Bulgari said. “It becomes the only way of life you know.”

Bailey said receiving affirmation from the ballroom scene is vital because many members have been ostracized or marginalized at home because of their sexual orientation. They don’t feel their families and communities of origin accept or understand their gender, sexual identities and experiences, Bailey said.

Bulgari said one of his ballroom peers was kicked out of his parents’ house when he made the decision to transition into a woman. He said the parents gave their son the ultimatum to live at home as a man or

permanently leave if he decided to continue expressing his sexuality so profoundly.

“The ballroom allowed him to transition in a space where people affirmed [his decision] and celebrated his sexuality,” Bulgari said.

One of the main ways the ballroom scene addresses this societal exclusion is through an organized system of figurative “houses,” said Tyana Ebony, a Chicago-based ballroom host and competitor. “[A house] is really a safe haven for ballroom members,” Tyana Ebony said. “It’s a family where people who aren’t accepted at home can come to.”

House titles determine participants’ last names at the ball, she said.

So, as a member of the House of Ebony, her full ballroom name is Tyana Ebony.

Bulgari said Vogueing, a dance form originally created within the ballroom culture, is judged on a competitor’s intricate ability to showcase five elements: hand performance, dips, duck-walk, cat-walk and spins. He said he has personally competed and won in the category Vogue Femme, at which he impressed the judges with his showcase of the five elements.

Vogueing was made famous by Madonna in the ’90s, Bailey said.

But, despite using real Harlem ballroom members in her music video for “Vogue,” Bailey said the public didn’t make the connection that there was an entire underground community behind the choreography that has now expanded worldwide.

Bailey said the American public has been blind to the ballroom scene for years because of poor literary and media documentation.

“The nature of the ballroom has changed from being about creativity and a love of the art to being more about controlling [who wins] through personal relationships.”

- Dutchess Bulgari Bailey explained ballroom houses aren’t physical buildings but rather social configurations. They are guided by a house mother and father who not only provide emotional comfort but also help the house prepare for ballroom competitions against other houses, he said.

“We bond together, eat together, travel together and shop together—we do pretty much everything together,” Magneto Ebony said. “[It fills] the parts of a family many [ballroom] members feel are lacking.”

This close, family-like kinship is a facilitator for lowering the prevalence of HIV in the black LGBT community, Bailey said. He said house mothers can speak candidly about risk-reducing sex in a way biological mothers cannot because ballroom members have a collective understanding of gay living.

“There are [HIV] prevention balls that have HIV prevention messaging in their performance categories,” Bailey said. “There are even prevention houses like the House of Latex.”

Aisha Iman, a former mother of the House of Latex, said the organization advocates safe sex and ensures that the entire ballroom community has continuous access to both testing and care.

This positive environment is what Magneto Ebony said drew him to the scene. He first became involved in the ballroom community through the competitive dance form Vogue, which has evolved from New York’s ’80s Harlem ballroom scene.

With such little coverage, he said outsiders have developed serious misconceptions about what happens at a ball, especially with the release of “Paris is Burning,” a 1990 documentary on New York’s ballroom culture in the ’80s.

“Many people think the ballroom scene is full of a bunch of misfits with no lives, standards or values,” Balenciaga said. “But it’s so different.

[Our community] has people with Ph.Ds, people with careers, people that when the ball is over, they’re going to a Fortune 500 company and running it.”

Escada said a triumphant moment in ballroom history was when East Coast dance group “Vogue Evolution” competed on America’s Best Dance Crew in 2009, which he said showed the public what ballroom participants are physically and creatively capable of.

Through mainstream exposure, Escada said people are becoming more accepting of the LGBT community. However, he said there is still progress to be made, and the ballroom scene is a powerful force in the fight for equality.

“I believe it’s important to strive to be who you are,” Escada said. “[The ballroom community] is a place to have differences be embraced and welcomed.”

We’ve got you covered.

Vogue-cabulary Cat-Walk - Upright sashaying.

Dip- A ground-level stunt.

DUck-walk - A squatting and bouncing movement on the balls of the feet.

Hand performance - The precise coordination of one’s arm and wrist movements.

Spin - A rapid, turning motion.

@ccchron c e

@ccchron c e

/theco umb achron c e

jmoran@chroniclemail.com

April 8, 2013 • 23

Orientation Guide • 9

The Columbia Chronicle

10 • Orientation Guide

A Year in Review The best of Chronicle photojournalism

W

hether it is photographing Kwang-Wu Kim, president of Columbia, during his inauguration or snapping a photo of President Barack Obama as he steps off Air Force One, The Chronicle’s photographers have had the opportunity to capture some profound moments of history at the college and citywide.

The 2013–2014 academic year saw the legalization of gay marriage in Illinois, Jimmy Fallon’s sprint into a frozen Lake Michigan during Chicago’s annual Polar Plunge and a surprise campus visit from hip-hop artist Nelly.

In this spread are some of the best examples of the stunning photojournalism turned out by Chronicle photographers who have helped render collections of words and facts into compelling visual packages.

Anthony Soave THE CHRONICLE Bryan White of Wicker Park attended a Nov. 8 rally at 3407 N. Halsted St. following the passage of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Equality Act. The legislation legalized gay marriage in Illinois, allowing same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses in June.

Samantha Tadelman THE CHRONICLE Hip-hop artist Nelly watches his daughter perform in the “I Love the 90’s Tribute Show,” a Nov. 22 fundraiser that was hosted by Columbia’s Urban Music Association and the Humanities, History & Social Sciences Department. The performance, which took place in the 618 S. Michigan Ave. Building, paid tribute to legendary ’90s artists and raised money for the Kamoinge-Ferman Scholarship, which is awarded to full-time students conducting research within the HHSS Department.

10 • Orientation Guide

Angela Conners THE CHRONICLE Comedian Jimmy Fallon took a dip in Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach on March 2 as he participates part in the 14th Annual Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Chicago. Mayor Rahm Emanuel tweeted to Fallon that he would only appear on “The Tonight Show” if Fallon took the plunge.

Orientation Guide • 11 The Columbia Chronicle

Angela Conners THE CHRONICLE

Carolina Sanchez THE CHRONICLE Rapper M.I.A. reaches out to a crowd of excited fans during her May 1 show at The Riviera Theatre, 4776 N. Racine Ave. She performed her newest hits “Bad Girls” and “Bring the Noize”off her November 2013 album Matangi.

President Barack Obama steps off Air Force One as he arrives in Chicago April 2 to attend a Democratic National Convention fundraiser at Chicago Cut Steakhouse, 300 N. LaSalle St. Tickets for the 26 attendees sold for $34,200 each.

Carolina Sanzhez THE CHRONICLE Demonstrators from the Oromo Community Association and the Oromo Youth Association gathered on the corner of Randolph and Clark Streets May 6 to protest the murder of students in Oromo, Ethiopia. Ethiopian security forces shot students in Oromo for protesting the government’s plans to expand the country’s capital, Addis Abala, which some believe will displace native Oromo people.

Anthony Soave THE CHRONICLE Anthony Soave THE CHRONICLE

Anthony Soave THE CHRONICLE

President Kwang-Wu Kim was presented with a presidential medal Nov. 1 that bears the college’s seal. He is to wear the medal at official functions such as graduation. Kim is the college’s 10th president and succeeded Warrick Carter, who held the office for 13 years.

The Oct. 11, 2013 Bank of America Chicago Marathon turnout was at an all-time high with a record 39,115 runners passing the finish line. The marathon drew runners of all fitness levels, and saw the participation of several handicapped people.

Orientation Guide • 11

The Columbia Chronicle

12 • Orientation Guide

declaring a minor

by Jacob Wittich Staff Writer

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Declaring a minor by pursuing one of Columbia’s 34 minor programs can enhance a student’s resume and help diversify his or her portfolio. “[Minors are important] because they give a student further exploration of a topic that complements their major,” said Lauren Targ, assistant director of the College Advising Center. “They enhance and compliment your education.”

A minor requires 18–24 structured credit hours outside of a student’s declared major, according to Mary Rachel Fanning, coordinator of online communications for

the College Advising Center. However, the additional credit requirements can cause a delayed graduation date, she said.

According to Targ, the credit hours needed to receive a minor can overlap with a student’s liberal arts & sciences courses if students pay attention to what course requirements can be met at the same time, therefore making it easier to declare a minor and graduate within four years.

If students are interested in pursuing a minor, they should address it early in their college career to avoid graduation delays, Targ said. By the time students are upperclassmen, it becomes difficult to complete a minor program and still graduate in four years, she said.

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Some students are unaware that their minors do not appear on their diploma, according to John Green, dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts, but according to Targ and Rachel Fanning, a student’s minor is shown on college transcripts, which are far more important in the job market.

“Who looks at your diploma?” Targ said. “Your parents and your grandparents look at your diploma. An employer asks to look at your transcript.”

Rachel Fanning added that having a minor could help students secure jobs by showing an array of qualities that make them stand out.

“People in the marketplace now want to see people with...various skill-

sets,” Fanning said. “I do think having a minor can be important on a resumé just to show how diverse you are and experienced.”

Minors can provide training in an array of different career fields, which may benefit students after they graduate, said Julie Harris, internship coordinator for the marketing communications department.

“You need a minor in order to gain a well-rounded portfolio as a student entering the professional arena in today’s competitive global market,” Harris said.

“You automatically have more skills and a broader knowledge base.”

chronicle@colum.edu

Orientation Guide • 13 The Columbia Chronicle

Orientation Guide • 13

The Columbia Chronicle

14 • Orientation Guide

FORMULATING

your financial plan

by Katherine Davis Staff Writer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PUTTING TOGETHER THE money to attend college is serious business. Unless you were born with the proverbial silver spoon in your mouth, you may have to get creative in paying for tuition, housing, books and ... oh, yes, food. Columbia is here to help.

Students can find the guidance they need at the Student Financial Services office, said Jennifer Waters, associate vice president of Student Financial Services and Business Affairs. Waters said her office specializes in helping students understand their financial options, making such resources available to address concerns, as how to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or calculate their total cost of attendance.

The Chronicle spoke with Waters about questions that incoming students frequently have to make it simpler to construct a financial plan and secure funding before the semester begins.

THE CHRONICLE: What are the most common methods students use to pay for college?

JENNIFER WATERS: Parents and their students use multiple funding sources.

The major ones are scholarships and

grants. Those are [resources] that you generally do not pay back. The second funding service would be loan programs and there are many different facets.

What is a Federal Stafford Loan and what is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loan?

JW: Federal Stafford Loans are always going to be in the student’s name and there are different levels of repayment and interest rates. The biggest difference is between subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized means that interest is paid by the government while you’re in school. Unsubsidized means the interest starts occurring from the moment the loan is disbursed.

What is a Federal Direct Parent-Plus loan and how may it be useful?

JW: Parents can borrow on behalf of a student and these programs are subject to credit approval, which is the single biggest difference between the Stafford program and the parent program. You may borrow up to the cost of attendance, whereas Federal Stafford Loans have limits based on where you are in your program.

What is a cash payer plan and when can students pursue a plan?

Grace Wiley THE CHRONICLE Jennifer Waters, associate vice president of Student Financial Services and Business Affairs, said students have several resources available to secure financial aid.

14 • Orientation Guide

JW: After your scholarships and loans are disbursed, you may have a $3,000 balance with us. [Students] can divide it into equal payments and pay as they go instead of going to alternative funding sources.

Can students get their tuition refunded if they decide not to continue the semester?

JW: Yes, with complete drops within the first two weeks of school. However, make sure the decision is made well within a time period so that you don’t have yourself in a situation where there are financial responsibilities that can’t be met.

How can students ensure they receive government funding in time for the semester?

JW: The first step is to always complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid after January 1 of every year. By not completing that or doing it late, students will eliminate eligibility right way. The number one reason I hear people don’t do it is because they haven’t done their taxes. But you don’t need to do your taxes to do the FAFSA. You can estimate based on your information from the previous year and you can go back and make final adjustments later.

kdavis@chroniclemail.com

Finding AFFORDABLE TEXTBOOKs

by Kyra Senese Managing Editor ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Aside from the tens of thousands of dollars students and parents invest in a college education, it seems that textbook costs are continuing to rise, making purchasing class materials almost as stressful as securing financial aid and loans. However, many resources exist to help mitigate this problem and make preparing for the semester a less stressful venture.

While campus bookstores are considered the traditional source for textbooks, they are often not the most affordable source. We have compiled some handy—and cost effective— tools for finding books at bargain prices. Especially when working with a budget.

1. Chegg: This academic company specializes in offering online textbook and e-book rentals, highlighting available scholarships and internships.

The website is geared toward helping college students organize their class materials and professional resources, as well as saving up to 90 percent on used textbook rentals. The best part of the deal is that you can use the same box your books arrived in to mail the textbooks back to Chegg for free.

2. Campusbooks.com: This site functions as a price comparison engine.

Once your professors have uploaded the required textbooks on OASIS, simply search those titles or their ISBN numbers to find the cheapest available options for rentals or buying new, used or digital versions.

3. Textbooks.com: Textbooks.com allows students to search for their books by ISBN number or title to find the most affordable new or used version. The site also offers free shipping on orders over $25, which can cut down on the overall cost of textbooks per semester.

The site claims that all textbooks are hand-inspected for quality to ensure that students won’t run into missing pages or unrecognizably marked up chapters midway through the semester.

4. Amazon: Although the quality of the textbooks can be questionable at times, especially because there is no guarantee of hand-inspections, Amazon is a great resource for finding affordable textbooks when your wallet is hurting. The site claims that students can save up to 90 percent on used textbooks and 40 percent on new books.

Orientation Guide • 15 The Columbia Chronicle

AUDIOFILE

– BETTY WHO –

by Juston Moran Staff Writer

THE CHRONICLE: What was it like adapting to life in America?

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

SPENCER STOUT UPLOADED a life-changing video on YouTube of his marriage proposal to his fiancé Dustin. The clip features a flash mob dancing in-sync at a Salt Lake City Home Depot as family members made surprise appearances as part of a display of Stout’s affection. The entire proposal is elaborately choreographed to the song “Somebody Loves You” by Australian-born pop singer Jessica Newham, who performs under the moniker Betty Who. After Stout’s proposal went viral with more than 10 million views, Betty Who went from being independent to signing with RCA Records—home to pop stars Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake—in only days.

The Chronicle spoke with Newham about adjusting to America from Australia, ’90s pop stars and signing to RCA Records.

BETTY WHO: The culture shock for me wasn’t so much about going from Australia to America—it was more about my lifestyle.

I was overwhelmed by this new ability to be in a place where there wasn’t a lot of judgment and you got to be who you were.

You’re only 22 years old. What is it like being that young in the music industry?

BW: I joke with my manager all the time about how I think there are pop years like there are dog years. Currently, I’m like 30 in pop years, but I think that I’m in a prime age right now to be doing what I’m doing because I have so much growth to undergo.

Which musicians inspired your nostalgic pop sound?

BW: I grew up [listening to] Britney Spears, ’N Sync, Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera and Usher. I wasn’t edgy, I was listening to the radio. All of my influences from the ’70s and ’80s took me a while to [discover]. I was listening to nothing but Max Martin’s pop hits.

How do you approach songwriting?

BW: When I [write songs], my lyrics are emotional, honest and very connected to who I am in the moment. So much of what I do is based off emotions; that’s what I’m driven by. I’m always falling in and out of love so fast, so when I sit down to write, I have a lot of material to work with. Basically, I’m a mess [laughs].

How did you develop your sound?

BW: There was a long process of adding a synth here and more drums there, which

built up to writing “Somebody Loves You.” [We] played the synths in the beginning when we were messing around and I was like, “Yes, keep playing that.” The song took its [current] shape and we were like, “This is it, we have [our sound]!”

What has been different about being a signed artist?

BW: I have more people to rely on now.

Before there was a direct correlation between how hard I worked and how well I did. If I worked really hard on one thing and put a lot of time and effort into it, it’d flourish. I liked that amount of responsibility, but there is only so much of me to go around. Yes, I’m an indie-pop artist, but I want to hear myself on the radio. That’s always been the dream.

chronicle@colum.edu

Orientation Guide • 15

The Columbia Chronicle

16 • Orientation Guide

Have you heard?

ShopColumbia artists have earned over $250,000!

Wow, that’s awesome! Who can sell there?

ANY

Columbia student or alumni can sell their work at ShopColumbia.

Email shop@colum.edu to schedule an appointment.

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I need to finish my new pieces and make an appointment soon!

ShopColumbia

Columbia College Chicago’s Student and Alumni Art Boutique 623 S Wabash Ave., 1st floor, Chicago, IL 60605 Store Hours: M, T, W and F 11am - 5pm , TH 11am - 7pm

Online shopping at http://shop.colum.edu

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Mark your calendars: Thursday, September 4th, 4-7pm. ShopColumbia will be hosting an Open House. Talk to Shop staff to learn how YOU can sell your work at ShopColumbia. Meet current Shop artists to learn from their successes.

16 • Orientation Guide

Orientation Guide • 17 The Columbia Chronicle

Meditation cure may be FOUND within The Columbia Chronicle

by Aiden Weber Staff Writer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

WHILE ACCESS TO affordable healthcare remains problematic, some are turning to alternative remedies for problems with stress and anxiety.

Meditation is a method of accessing the deeper wells of the mind and promoting brain connectivity, according to Bob Roth, executive director at the David Lynch Foundation, a group devoted to raising awareness of meditation.

Roth said stress exacerbates almost all diseases and illnesses, including cancer and high blood pressure.

“Modern medicine has no way to prevent [stress], nor does medicine have any magic pill to cure it,” Roth said.

“There is actually an enormous body of research—more than 340 studies in scientific reviews and journals—studying

the effects of [transcendental meditation] on a wide array of physical, mental and emotional disorders. A new time is dawning.”

A 2012 study by the American Heart Association found transcendental meditation reduced risk of fatality and stroke in coronary heart disease patients.

A 1999 study by the Woodruff Sciences Center at Emory University found that meditation reduced prostate cancer patients’ stress levels, which slowed the growth of tumors and eased chronic pain.

Roth said meditation is not just a cure for those suffering from physical, mental or emotional ailments. Roth, who has worked on transcendental meditation with NBA star Steve Nash, tennis champion Rafael Nadal and media mogul

Oprah Winfrey, said it enhances practitioners’ lifestyles and increases productivity.

Meditation makes you more yourself said Roth, who noted: “It doesn’t change you; stress changes you.”

While Roth said all someone needs to meditate is the self, some prefer a little environmental help. That’s where sensory deprivation tanks come in, according to Spacetime Tanks co-owner Sarah Polcyn.

The venue, which opened in 1982 and is now located at 2526 N. Lincoln Ave., houses four sensory deprivation tanks, which Polcyn said are often occupied by disciplined meditators.

The tanks, which cost $40 and $50 an hour for students and adults, are soundproof, lightproof and filled 10 inches deep with water that contains 800 pounds of diluted Epsom salt, allowing meditators to float effortlessly, Polcyn said.

Athletes, people suffering from painful

illnesses, students and creative professionals all use the tanks, Polcyn said.

Writers suffering from writer’s block or students cramming for finals often come and “float” to liberate their creative minds. People suffering from late-stage cancer, arthritis and fibromyalgia also frequent the tanks, according to Polcyn.

She said patients are essentially meditating in all cases although some do so more deliberately than others. The result of floating, like transcendental meditation, is freedom from stress.

“It’s just like training in athletics—while you’re working out you might get that sort of runner’s high, but then also you’re in better shape the whole rest of the day,” Asma said. “Meditation is supposed to do the same thing for you. It keeps your mind in better, stronger shape.”

chronicle@colum.edu

Orientation Guide • 17

The Columbia Chronicle

18 • Orientation Guide

What's good in Chicago's Hoods A LT H O U G H CHICAGO H A S 77 neighborhoods, each of them has its own distinct personality. From the sports-enthused area of Wrigleyville to the grungy, thrift-store hub of Wicker Park, the city has a vast number of unique places to experience. Whether you’re new to the city or a longtime local, follow this guide to discover the history behind some of Chicago’s most recognizable neighborhoods.

Chinatown

by Emily Ornberg Staff Writer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

FULL OF ORNATE statues, quaint restaurants and trinket boutiques, Chicago’s Chinatown is the third largest in the United States. Chinatown has grown rapidly during the past two decades, according to Jamie Rutter, director of marketing at the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute.

Rutter said Chinatown has grown to 10,000 people and is expanding its boundaries past Chicago’s Armour Square into Bridgeport.

“Most of the writing you see in the area is actually traditional Chinese writing, but in the past decade or so, a lot of these immigrants come from mainland China, so you see a bit of a change in the type of people you see here,” Rutter said.

The neighborhood’s main street, Wentworth Avenue, hosts dozens of authentic restaurants, gift shops and salons that form a cultural hub in what used to be the Little Italy neighborhood, 18 • Orientation Guide

Rutter said. Some Italian buildings still remain, such as the Saint Therese Catholic Church, 218 W. Alexander St., though Rutter said “the original Chinatown was at Clark and Van Buren streets.

Rutter said because there was a history of racism and discrimination against Chinese residents in that neighborhood, they began to move toward the South Side.

Today, Rutter said the neighborhood hosts a welcoming, but tight-knit community that serves as an introduction to Chinese culture and cuisine.

Little Italy

by Mikella Marley Staff Writer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

WHILE MUCH OF Little Italy’s Italian population has disappeared, some institutions still work to keep the namesake culture alive. The

neighborhood was the largest port of entry for Italian immigrants in the late 1800s, according to Kathy Catrambone, executive director of the University Village Association.

But when the University of Illinois at Chicago was built in 1965, many houses and businesses were demolished to make way for campus buildings. The destruction prompted much of the Italian population to move west to the Elmwood Park and Melrose Park suburbs, and later to Addison and Bloomingdale.

Catrambone said authentic restaurants, street festivals and organizations, such as the century-old church and shrine Our Lady of Pompeii, continue to maintain the neighborhood’s status and preserve the culture of many Italian-Americans who have since vacated the area, and attract tourists who hope to experience Old World traditions.

“I think a strong part of the ItalianAmerican culture is family and connection,” said Susan Pudelek, director of pilgrimage ministry at Our Lady of Pompeii. “The shrine is an Italian-American community that hosts everyone from the surrounding community and the entire archdiocese of Chicago.”

Some tours of the area, like the Untouchables tour, represent Little Italy as it was in the ‘20s and ‘30s, reinforcing the organized crime stereotype associated with Italians, Catrambone said. She said many community members oppose these tours, not because they would prefer to pretend the gangster era never happened, but because the visits perpetuate a dated cliché and fail to acknowledge that the culture and area have progressed.

The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame brings together prominent Italian community members not only involved in sports, but also in business, education and politics to celebrate the culture and help to eliminate some of the stereotypes associated with Italian-

Americans through philanthropic dedication to the community, according to Brandt Bernat, senior intern of public relations and marketing.

Orientation Guide • 19 The Columbia Chronicle

Logan Square

segregation by drawing visitors from outside the neighborhood. Famous musicians would play experimental jazz nightly and sign their names on the nightclub walls, said Gabriel Piemonte, editor of the Hyde Park Herald.

“Nightclubs were a part of the whole picture, but there were also tenements being torn down,” Piemonte said.

Jazz is celebrated throughout the area with the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, which began in 2007. The festival commemorates and continues to strengthen the legacy of jazz in Hyde Park and throughout South Side neighborhoods, Piemonte said.

by Emily Ornberg Staff Writer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

ON CHICAGO’S NORTHWEST Side, the popularity of the Logan Square neighborhood has been on the rise, reflecting a growing artist community that features numerous art spaces and galleries for local artists to showcase their work.

Before the early 2000s when Logan Square became such an artistic hub, the neighborhood’s artists were considered in disfavor because many people blamed the low-income artist population for over-inhabiting and sparking gentrification in neighborhoods according to Dawn Marie Galtieri, executive artistic director of Logan Square art group Voice of the City, “I think there were many pioneer residents here who had bought housing when it was really inexpensive, and it was a little shakier in the community,” Galtieri said. “Some of [these pioneers] were artists, and I think the fear was always that gentrification would be on the backs of artists.”

However, Galtieri said Logan Square has avoided such gentrification, due in part to the election of Alderman Rey Colon (35th Ward). She said after the implementation of the neighborhood’s

new communities program, which was part of a redevelopment initiative for 16 of Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods, the alderman made it a priority to heavily integrate the arts throughout the neighborhood.

“When [Colon] came in in 2004, he was very committed to arts and culture,” Galtieri said. “His office was very much helping arts organizations land in Logan Square. It became clear that we needed a stronger [influence] to really be responsible for how arts were being implemented.”

Colon said growing up in Logan Square inspired him to encourage arts in the neighborhood. He said integrating the arts in the 35th Ward was part of his plan prior to becoming alderman.

Colon said he worked with the city of Chicago to help redevelop vacant storefronts along Milwaukee Avenue, with a goal of providing workspace for the creative community and making an exhibit and accompanying center available to the neighborhood.

“Once I became alderman, one of the things that I really wanted to do to get our neighborhood on the map was to start having art events in the community,” Colon said.

Hyde Park

by Rose Smith-Woollams Staff Writer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

FOUNDED IN THE 1850s, Hyde Park has produced notable public figures such as Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali and Enrico Fermi. The neighborhood lies seven miles south of the Loop and is home to the University of Chicago.

Hyde Park is well known for its prominence in the jazz scene during the 1950s–1960s, which balanced racial

This year the festival is set to take place Sept. 27–28, and will feature performances celebrating both modern and traditional jazz music including that of Sun Ra: “Reality Has Touched Against Myth,” which will consist of a panel of jazz musicians and Sun Ra Arkestra members playing the departed musician’s cosmic jazz pieces.

One of the curators of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Kate Dumbleton, said the festival challenges the idea of a traditional musical performance. With such unconventional performance spaces, the festival aims to challenge the standards for traditional venues and acoustic auditoriums, Dumbleton said.

“The diversity of music you are going to hear in a neighborhood that is an undiscovered treasure is quite a wide variety of jazz,” said James Falzone, a fulltime faculty member at Columbia. “[The shows] have classic historic jazz from the ‘40s, some ‘60s Avant-Garde jazz, and also present-day, where people are performing hip-hop and jazz [together].”

chronicle@colum.edu Orientation Guide • 19

The Columbia Chronicle

20 • Orientation Guide

HOW TO SURVIVE START

your first the week game

TIP!

Create a weekly budget for your city life.

Walk home alone at night.

As part of your tuition, Columbia provides students with a U-Pass that covers the cost of transit on CTA trains and buses. UPasses are distributed during Weeks of Welcome and the first week of school.

Get mugged, lose a turn.

STOP HERE Pick up your U-Pass!

The Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., is a great first spot to go if you are new to the city. Learn about upcoming events near you.

Check out the Chicago Cultural Center!

Be prepared.

Find out where all of your classes are early!

Participate in dorm activities and make new friends.

Go again!

Mooch $200 from parents!

Follow Mooching Fast Track!

RULES • Cut out the tokens on the next page.

• Find dice or download a dice rolling app on your smart phone.

• Move your token as many spaces as your virtual or non-virtual die says to.

KEY: Purple boxes: safety Orange boxes: riding the CTA Teal boxes: money Blue boxes: social life Red boxes: Chicago events Green boxes: academics

Millennium Park often hosts concerts and shows for free during the summer.

Check their schedule at MilleniumPark.org.

TIP!

Save Yellow Cab’s number in your phone.

312-TAXI-CAB.

Play loud music on train.

Go back 3 spaces!

Get headphones! No one wants to hear that!

TIP! Look for free concerts around the city.

Just tell them you had some bad oysters and shake it off.

Pull an all- nighter to finish project.

Puke at your first party!

• Read each square and follow the instructions.

• Don’t cheat. Or do. We’re not watching.

• First person to the “END” space wins. The rest of you should learn from him/her.

20 • Orientation Guide

Each square is a different color and represents a different tip category.

Some squares will have an expanded explanation in a box that looks like this:

Pass out and skip a turn.

Lose turn.

And pride.

Orientation Guide • 21 The Columbia Chronicle

TOKENS Don’t worry. They are paid for you to annoy them. To set up a meeting with your advisor log onto OASIS. colum.edu and click “Make Appointments” at the top of the page.

Your U-Pass is your life-source.

Lost your U-Pass.

A replacement is $50.

Go back 4 spaces.

While it’s fine to go out and have a good time, always be aware of your surroundings.

Go back 1 space

Go back to start.

Go back 3 spaces.

You may not think it will happen, but it will. Contact your parents. They may be mad, but you may need $20 for a cab and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Go again!

TIP! Download the CTA Tracker on your phone!

Go again!

Fell asleep on the Brown Line. Lose your backpack and a turn.

Check your student email often, and pay attention to Columbia events. You never know when you’ll have a chance to shmooze.

Don’t start off your time at Columbia in slacker mode. Get a feel for the environment. Your education is what you make of it.

Stumble upon Green City Market!

Eat green on the cheap.

Plan your night out on Google maps.

Score a $30 dinner for only $12 with Groupon.

TIP! Always look both ways before crossing the street.

TIP! Always have an escape plan at a party.

Ditch first day of classes.

They look great!

Enjoy your allRamenNoodle diet.

Make no friends.

Go back 3 spaces.

Call bank,

Buy $300 Shoes!

Rock on.

Keep in constant contact with your advisor.

Sit alone at dining hall.

Leave drink unattended at a party.

Bank account at $ -36.00

“What’s that? Oh, I’d love to see your stolen mannequin collection but I have a quilting circle to get to. Sorry!”

Concert at The Metro for $15

No one is going to make friends for you. Put yourself out there. Everyone is new so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and make friends.

A walk signal is not automatic safety.

Chicago drivers can be ruthless and reckless. Check yourself before you wreck yourself!

Went to Columbia event.

Networked in your field.

LAND INTERNSHIP.

TIP! Wait a week to buy text books for classes.

Making friends in your major will help with future projects.

These people will be by your side for the next four years.

You’re seriously poor now. Hit up the online resources at your disposal. Groupon.com is a way to get great deals on good food!

Each professor runs class differently.

Sometimes you’ll end up buying 20 books and only use 3 of them.

Speak up in class.

Become SUPER

popular.

This handy app is available for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry.

Orientation Guide • 21

The Columbia Chronicle

22 • Orientation Guide

COLUMBIA, ROOSEVELT INK DEAL TO SHARE GYM SPACE

10%

Off Students & for

Carolina Sanchez THE CHRONICLE

by Aiden Weber Staff Writer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

AFTER A FOUR-YEAR struggle to find a permanent home for the Renegades and other recreational athletes, the college has struck a deal with long-time athletic partner Roosevelt University.

The deal will give Columbia students and club teams part-time access to Roosevelt’s new gymnasium at the Lillian and Larry Goodman Center, 50 E. Congress Parkway.

The agreement allows Renegades teams six hours of practice time per week in addition to open-court hours for all Columbia and Roosevelt students, according to Mark Brticevich, coordinator of Fitness & Recreation.

The deal will be beneficial to both institutions since Columbia now offers fitness and health programming to Roosevelt students as part of the agreement, Brticevich said.

“Columbia continues to offer some great fitness, health and wellness elements through some of their classes like Zumba and yoga,” said Michael Cassidy, Roosevelt Athletic Director.

Columbia has been without a permanent gym since the Herman Crown Center was closed in 2009, according to Brticevich.

He said Columbia rented gym space from 22 • Orientation Guide

Roosevelt at the Herman Crown Center, which had a basketball court. In return, Roosevelt students were allowed access to Columbia’s fitness facilities in the 731 S. Plymouth Court Residence Center.

Because of the long relationship between the two athletic programs, the student bodies are familiar with each other, and encouraging more interaction through shared facilities promotes a strong college atmosphere in downtown Chicago, Cassidy said.

“We live in close proximity together, we interact on a daily basis out on the streets as we walk to and from classes [and] as we have meals,” Cassidy said. “I think this is only going to continue to make this whole downtown Loop area a collegiate environment.”

The Renegades will have to arrange practice sessions around the Roosevelt varsity Lakers teams’ schedules and will not have access to the weight rooms.

Although the deal is not allencompassing, John Bowman, president of the Renegades, said the Renegades are happy about what they have been given compared to previous facilities they have occupied.

“It was kind of demoralizing to use a grade-school gymnasium,” he said.

chronicle@colum.edu

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Orientation Guide • 23 The Columbia Chronicle

Face the MUSIC

N

by Kyra Senese Managing Editor

ow that I’m entering my junior year at Columbia, it seems appropriate to reflect on the path that brought me to the South Loop.

Growing up in the nearby suburbs, I would often visit Chicago for the holidays

or a special night out, but I never got a chance to explore what the city has to offer until I began living on campus.

Throughout high school, I was partial to reading, writing and English in general.

But it wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I found a way to use my love for English in a way that truly satisfied me.

I signed up for my first journalism course at Oswego East High School, and spent the entire academic year working for our student news magazine, The Edge.

The school newspaper offered the perfect combination of individual working with different forms of media and a sense of community. After just a few months at The Edge, I decided that journalism was what I wanted to pursue.

The city had always intrigued me, and after researching the journalism programs at various Chicago colleges, I decided on Columbia. Aside from its having the best non-daily college newspaper in the country, I was excited to experience the creative atmosphere that Columbia offers.

Coming to Columbia has proven to be the right choice. There is a strong staff of experienced professionals at Columbia who will inspire and push you to reach your full potential. The college also offers a wide variety of courses that will challenge your creativity, beliefs and sense of self— everything that a good college is supposed to do.

Soon after I started my college career at Columbia, I enrolled in the College Newspaper Workshop course, which introduced me to The Chronicle and gave me my first chance to be a contributing writer. I became a full-time staff member my sophomore year and can honestly say that working at The Chronicle has taught me more about journalism and about myself than any class had previously taught me.

On-campus employment and student organizations are abundant at Columbia, but be sure to remember that your peers will often be your greatest resource. If you seek out your creative community at this college, you will surely find it, regardless of

whether you are a journalism major, an art + design major or a theatre major. And not only will you find it, but I encourage you to dive into that community and become empowered by it.

In my time working at The Chronicle I have found that my classmates and coworkers have often been the ones to inspire me most when I have writer’s block or need to figure out a new angle for a story, and that collaboration should extend beyond fellow students within your major. It’s true what you will hear in Mark Kelly’s “Hell Yeah!” speech about the importance of finding your creative posse, and networking both within and beyond your own department will prove invaluable as you progress toward your degree. Getting involved both socially and academically is the best thing you can do to ensure that you get the most you can out of your four years on campus. That is the great thing about Columbia: there is something for everyone.

ksenese@chroniclemail.com

Orientation Guide • 23

The Columbia Chronicle

24 • Orientation Guide

PAC-MAN ANd PINTS

Alcohol becomes the lifeblood of arcades

by Matthew McCall Staff Writer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

ARCADES, ONCE THOUGHT to be an extinct form of entertainment, are returning to Chicago in the form of “barcades.”

College students are venturing to a handful of arcade bars—including Emporium Arcade Bar, 1366 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Headquarters Beercade, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave.; and Logan Arcade, 2410 W. Fullerton Ave. The barcade trend has been growing in popularity across the U.S. during the last decade. Typical barcades provide pinball machines and arcade games, and sell locally crafted beers—meshing

people, when they hit their 30s, start to bring back a lot of the things they were into when they were younger,” Marks said.

Gaming writer and journalist Tristan Donovan, author of “Replay: The History of Videogames,” said the draw of arcades is a new experience for millennials. “[Until the ‘90s, arcades] basically had the best technology—you couldn’t get the visuals [or] the sound effects [at home] that you could get in an arcade game,” Donovan said. “We’re [also] talking about a time before the Internet was big, a time before mobile phones. Arcades were a social place to go.”

Donovan said the initial decline of arcades was largely a result of games

Based in Melrose Park, Illinois, Stern is the oldest and largest manufacturer of pinball machines worldwide. Before video games, pinball was king, Dankberg said.

He added that it occupies a vital space in arcades and said the new trend has quadrupled Stern’s revenue since 2009.

“Four or five years ago, there was no place to play pinball in Chicago,” Dankberg said. “Now there’s five or six places in the city and another handful of places right outside the city to play.”

chronicle@colum.edu

We’ve seen a renaissance taking place within our industry, pinball in particular.”

– Jody Dankberg the nostalgia of gaming with America’s favorite pastime: drinking.

The arcade industry became a national craze in the early 1980s. Arcades are intrinsically linked to that era of pop culture, setting the backdrops for movies such as “WarGames” and “Back to the Future Part II.” In 1983, after TimeWarner acquired Atari, the maker of “Space Invaders,” video games brought in 70 percent of Warner’s revenue.

After working as a manager for Barcade’s Brooklyn, New York, location— one of the first arcade bars to emerge in the early 2000s—Chicago native Danny Marks opened Emporium Arcade Bar in 2012. The venue features 65 pinball machines and vintage arcade games such as Galaga and Pac-Man. “I think you start to see trends where 24 • Orientation Guide

falling behind on graphic and thematic trends and also the advent of home gaming systems, such as the first Nintendo.

Because gamers did not have to leave the comfort of their couches to play the best games, arcades lost their status as a social hub, Donovan said.

Despite these changes, Marks said the success of barcades has less to do with nostalgia and more to do with a successful business model. Entrepreneurs are simply following suit, he said.

It is not just video games that are in resurgence. Stern Pinball Director of Marketing Jody Dankberg said the pinball industry is growing alongside barcades.

“We’ve seen a renaissance taking place within our industry, pinball in particular,” Dankberg said. “We’re seeing that worldwide.”

Carolina Sanchez THE CHRONICLE

Orientation Guide • 25 The Columbia Chronicle

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Orientation Guide • 25

The Columbia Chronicle

26 • Orientation Guide

seize THE OPPORTUNITIES Get the most out of Columbia’s resources

by Tatiana Walk-Morris Staff Writer

New students can cash in on campus jobs Students seeking a job that fits their class schedule, keeps them on campus and puts money in their pockets only have to look to one place—The Office of Student Employment.

After registering for fall classes, new students can log onto ColumbiaWorks, an online portal through the Office of Student Employment that connects students and alumni with on and off-campus jobs, internships and other employment opportunities. Students can also visit the Office of Student Employment in the Wabash Campus Building, 623 S. Wabash Ave., for help, said Vickie Reaves-Hayes, student employment coordinator.

Available positions for the Fall 2014 semester will be posted in August, and students are encouraged to apply for as many positions as they qualify for, ReavesHayes said. “[During the] month of September is when supervisors are interviewing [and] trying to match up all the [work] schedules,” Reaves-Hayes said. “It’s best to start [searching] as early as possible.”

To apply for on-campus positions, students must be enrolled for at least six credit hours and submit a resume to ColumbiaWorks, Reaves-Hayes said. If students need help creating a resume, they can use the resume creator tool on the ColumbiaWorks website, said Katherine Lelek, employment coordinator in The Portfolio Center.

If hired, student workers will be trained by supervisors, Reaves-Hayes said. Jobs available on campus range from receptionist or office aide in department offices to posts requiring more technical skills, such as managing equipment in the cinema 26 • Orientation Guide

Art + Science or Television departments, Lelek said.

In Fall 2013, the college employed approximately 1,150 students—11.5 percent of the student body—but the number of student employment positions fluctuates depending on each department’s budget, Reaves-Hayes said. Students should be proactive when searching for jobs because networking with faculty and staff can help them find employment oncampus and also off-campus, said Valerie Robbins, ColumbiaWorks administrator.

“Even if [students] don’t necessarily have job experience, they have life experience,” Robbins said. “We always tell them, ‘Don’t get discouraged. It may not happen now, but it will eventually.”

Portfolio Center aims to launch student careers Whether you’re a student just starting out or a graduate looking for your first post-Columbia job, the college’s Portfolio Center can help uncomplicate the process of finding employment.

The Portfolio Center, located at 623

S. Wabash Ave., aids students in finding internships and jobs, according to Dirk Matthews, interim director of the Portfolio Center. “[The Portfolio Center] can talk to students about their career and what they should be doing,” Matthews said. “We can start talking about how to prepare for the career that they came to Columbia to pursue.”

The Portfolio Center has several creative industry specialists who advise students on constructing resumes, cover letters and portfolios as well as preparing for interviews, said Julie Ford Alevizos, creative industry liaison in the Portfolio Center.

New students who have not had the chance to build their portfolios can come to the Portfolio Center for help with their online presence, Matthews said. The center hosts several events geared towards professional development and also educating students about the center’s services, he said.

“Nobody comes here and has a perfect portfolio,” Alevizos said. “It’s all about evolving and growing as an artist.”

The Portfolio Center also offers services that help students build an online presence, such as Talent Pool, a student networking tool for employ-

Orientation Guide • 27 The Columbia Chronicle

Even if [students] don’t necessarily have job experience, they have life experience.”

— Valerie Robbins ment, and Virb, a service that allows students to create a website to display their portfolios and contact information, Matthews said.

Alevizos said a common mistake students make when seeking employment is underselling their skills on their resumes. If students have not had a lot of professional experience within their field, they can still highlight work on their resume to demonstrate that they have prior experience.

To connect students with the arts and media industries, the center brings in professionals for portfolio reviews and industry nights, Matthews said.

For students who do not have an advanced portfolio or are unsure of how to approach higher-ups in their industry, Matthews said they can meet with people in their field for informational interviews and can practice for job interviews using the Portfolio Center’s new online interviewing tool, Interview Stream. “[Going] to events that are related to your industry is a very important piece,” Matthews said. “You have to remember that the professional you’re reaching out to was once exactly where you are right now.”

Student organizations foster campus community Are you looking for a place on campus to connect with other like-minded students?

You can do so by joining one of the college’s student organizations.

With more than 60 recognized student organizations focusing on an array of topics such as culture, politics, media, art and faith, there are ample opportunities for students to get involved in campus life.

“Day one can be scary for new students,” said Aldo Guzman, director of Student Activities and Leadership.

“At the beginning, focus on exploring.

Get to meet the organizations and find out who they are [and] what they do.”

The college encourages students to build friendships with fellow students so they can easily locate campus resources and find individuals who share similar goals and interests, Guzman said. If students cannot find an organization that piques their interest, they can receive funding from the college to start a new club as long as they are able to find 10 members, he added.

“The students who tell us that they had a difficult time adapting to campus life are the ones who were not able to create a community for [themselves],” Guzman said. “When someone feels integrated and part of the community, it’s much easier for them.”

Guzman said students can use collegeprovided funding for fundraising efforts, events and projects, and request additional money if necessary.

Tyler McDermott, former chair of the Student Organization Council and a 2014 television alumna, said to start an organization, students must complete paperwork regarding information such as an organization’s proposed constitution, a proposed event calendar and a mission statement.

The process of establishing a student organization is meant to ensure students will be seriously committed to forming the entity, McDermott said. Joining or starting an organization can help students become more involved on campus and interact with students across various departments, she said.

“It gives you an opportunity to get involved outside of the classroom and to make the most out of your experience at Columbia,” McDermott said. “[Students] form that family bond with people that have like-minded interests ... and [make] connections.”

Student health center improves, promotes wellness Tatiana Walk-Morris From severe colds to minor injuries, Columbia’s Student

Health Center is a resource for students to receive basic health care while in school.

Students can make an appointment with a physician at the center, which is located in the basement of the Residence Center, 731 S. Plymouth Court, and offers a variety of services to students. Funding for the center is generated by a $50 health center fee that all students are required to pay.

Students can also receive a walk-in appointment, said Greg Musil, administrator for the Health Center.

“If [you’re] sick, don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment or come in and see us,” Musil said. “We’re here to help you.”

The center will guide students to other clinics in Chicago for services not offered through the health center, Musil said. If referred to a clinic outside of the college, students must have insurance or pay for their medical care out-of-pocket, he said.

The center is usually busier during the academic year, so students should be sure to cancel appointments they cannot make to allow another student to receive care, Musil said.

Students who would like their parents to know about their health care at the center can fill out a form giving the physician or nurse the ability to share medical information, he said.

In addition to physical health care, the Student Health Center also offers psychiatric health services and the program was recently upgraded.

The college previously had a waitlist of approximately 50 students during the Fall 2012 semester, and the Student Government Association voted to increase the health center fee to hire more counselors, as reported by The Chronicle March 4, 2013.

The health center fee was recently increased in order to provide more counseling services for students, according to Mark Kelly, vice president of Student Affairs. The fee also allows students to visit the office of Counseling Services at no additional charge for individual, couple and group therapy sessions to address concerns about their academic, personal or social well-being.

A list of all the services provided by the health center can be found on Columbia’s website.

Orientation Guide • 27

The Columbia Chronicle

28 • Orientation Guide

blue line

by Natalie Craig Managing Editor ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

To make commuting more efficient and to improve train stations, several stops along the O’Hare branch of the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line are being periodically shut down for weekend construction.

As a part of the $492 million Your New Blue program, stations from Grand Avenue to O’Hare are closed for construction on designated weekends. The first closure took place on March 21.

The first leg of the project will focus on repairing elevated tracks along Milwaukee Avenue from Damen Avenue to Logan Square. Through August, there will be seven weekend closures between

28 • Orientation Guide

Undergoes four-year renovation plan

the Western and Logan Square stations and three weekend closures between the Damen and Western stations. During the four-year project, the CTA will rehabilitate 13 stations and replace old train tracks, according to a Feb. 24 CTA press release.

Ridership on the O’Hare branch has grown 25 percent in the last five years and 33 percent in the last 10 years, according to the press release.

Brenna Conway, transit campaign coordinator for the Active Transportation Alliance, said it is necessary to invest in the Blue Line because it is one of the most heavily traveled CTA lines; however, updating the infrastructure will not fix all the problems riders face. Overcrowded

trains cause commuters to endure long waits and watch trains pass during busy hours, she said.

“We are still facing a problem on the Blue Line with capacity,” Conway said.

“We need to be able to carry more people faster and more comfortably. We need to make sure we do more projects that specifically focus on getting people where they need to be.”

Brian Nadig, secretary of the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce, said he hopes the CTA rehabilitation will increase ridership, and he thinks nearby businesses will also benefit from the upgrades. “ When you increase ridership, you get more people coming through the neighborhood,” Nadig said.

George Karzas, owner of the Gayle Street Inn Chicago, 4914 N. Milwaukee Ave., a restaurant next to the Jefferson Park Blue Line stop, said despite possible inconveniences, the Jefferson Park station desperately needs renovations.

“You have to go through the pain and the unpleasantness of restructuring to make it better,” Karzas said. “You have to look at the end result. This is going to make Jefferson Park better.”

The CTA will offer free shuttle buses and rail transfers to curtail delays caused by rail construction, according to the press release.

ncraig@chroniclemail.com

Orientation Guide • 29 The Columbia Chronicle

How to behave

on the cta

by Natalie Craig Managing Editor ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

COLUMBIA’S CAMPUS IS located in the heart of the Chicago Transit Authority’s train and bus matrix, and it’s inevitable that you will develop a love-hate relationship with the CTA. It’s easier to navigate the city and get to class on time by hopping on the train or a bus, but it’s also an annoyance when you are being panhandled or forced to listen to the death metal the person next to you is playing.

While the CTA can make daily life a little easier, there are plenty of Chicagoans who use the trains who will not hesistate to make your trip uncomfortable. You will likely hear an array of CTA stories, whether it’s of a robbery or a run-ofthe-mill crazy-person sighting. Most of the nuisances you will experience are unavoidable; however, you can contribute to a smooth ride by following some simple steps and employing proper CTA etiquette.

1. LEAVE THE STEREO AT HOME

Just because you love Justin Bieber doesn’t mean everyone on the train or bus does. Always use your headphones and keep the volume at a respectable level. The guy in the corner dancing to salsa music coming from his iPhone is hated by everyone on that train or bus—don’t be that guy.

2. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Whether you are waiting for the bus or riding the train, make sure you are always aware of your surroundings, including fellow passengers. Phones, purses, groceries and everything else people carry onto the CTA are frequently stolen. Keep valuables out of sight and always hold on to purses or backpacks. If someone is harassing you or makes you feel uncomfortable, notify the CTA operator. The operators are in constraint radio contact with security officers.

3. BE POLITE, BUT IGNORE PANHANDLERS

Panhandlers will sit next to you and recite their whole life story for a dollar, and when you don’t give them money, things may turn hostile. The worst thing to do is to acknowledge them and engage in conversation. Keep a pair of headphones or sunglasses handy so you can tune out aggressive riders. If you ever find yourself in too deep with a panhandler, move to another train car or alert the bus driver or train conductor.

4. TURN DOWN FOR WHAT?

The CTA is an excellent choice for a ride home after a crazy drunken night in Wrigleyville, but taking your party from the bar to the train is not. Just because you’re having fun at 2 a.m. does not mean other passengers want to join in on your shenanigans. Drunk CTA riders are subject to becoming victims of theft, so hold your liquor and act like the gentleman or lady you were raised to be.

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Orientation Guide • 29

The Columbia Chronicle

30 • Orientation Guide

DormA overview look at Residence Life

by Natalie Craig Managing Editor • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chicago’s bustling South Loop is home to Columbia’s urban campus and unique residence halls. Living on campus provides students with the opportunity to experience city life and gain a sense of community on campus.

The college has five dorm buildings, including its original dorm, Plymouth Court, and its most recent addition, The Flats. Each dorm has its own signature style, which is created and emulated by the students who reside there.

Plymouth, 731 S. Plymouth Court Columbia’s first residence center houses the Residence Life office, a student lounge and the college’s official Fitness and Health centers. More than 300 students live in double occupancy two- or three-bedroom apartments. Plymouth is located across from Bar Louie, a popular destination for college kids that offers a $1 burger day, a $5 martini night and appetizer specials throughout the week. Many freshman and first-time students live in this dorm.

Pros: Fitness Center in building; Health Center is also there Cons: Rooms are small; most likely dorm where you have to share a room

The University Center, 525 S. State St. The University Center—more commonly known as The UC— is home to many Columbia students, but also houses students from Roosevelt, Robert Morris and DePaul universities. The building boasts the only on campus dining hall and has lounges and study rooms on each floor. It hosts the largest concentration of Columbia students, creating a distinct social environment.

30 • Orientation Guide

Residents live above various restaurants apartments with floor to ceiling windows, an and have access to a 7-Eleven that has an indoor pool and views of the city and Lake entrance in The UC’s lobby.

Michigan. The residence building is popular among upper classmen and is within walkPros: Cafeteria on 2nd floor; short wait- ing distance of the Harrison Red Line Stops, time for elevators XSport Fitness and highly popular Lou MalCons: Shared with three other schools; hard nati’s Pizzeria. to check guests into building Pros: Building has a pool; amazing views of city and Lake Michigan The Dwight, 642 S. Clark St. Originally built in 1911 as the headquar- Cons: Only has three elevators; internet and ters of the Dwight Brothers Paper Company, cable can be unreliable The Dwight has been wholly renovated. The lively aesthetics continue to draw interest The Flats, 819 S. Wabash Ave. from students and the building facilitates The Flats opened its doors to Columbia creative expression with a graffiti room and students in 2013 after its construction was sky lounge. No semi-suites can be found in completed. Unlike other residence buildthe building since all of the dorms are con- ings, the Flats has free laundry facilities, verted loft apartments that feature large bike storage on every other floor, and mulwindows and high ceilings. tiple fitness centers. While the building is shared with East-West University, the Pros: Large spaces with high ceilings; most majority of residents are Columbia students. artistic amenities Cons: Furthest away from campus; some Pros: Everything in dorm is new; centrally bedrooms have no windows located on campus Cons: Most expensive dorm building; shared 2 East 8th St. with East-West University 2 East 8th St. offers students large ncraig@chroniclemail.com

Orientation Guide • 31 The Columbia Chronicle

TIPS ON

How To Handle New Roommates

by Kyra Senese FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE:

GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER:

Treat your roommates as you would like to be treated. Most roommate squabbles can be avoided by simply showing one another common courtesy.

Cleaning up after yourself, refraining from making excess noise on school nights and warning your roomies before you invite a bunch of people over are just a few simple ways to facilitate a happy and healthy roommate relationship.

BE OPEN-MINDED: Not everyone is looking to be best friends with their roommate. It’s great to establish a friendly relationship with fellow dorm-dwellers, but be sure to make friends outside of your dorm to ensure that if tensions arise you can go elsewhere to blow off some steam if tensions are high. Columbia is home to approximately 10,000 talented and creative students from across the globe, so get out there and find new friends. Don’t limit yourself to the other kids who live on your floor.

SOUTH LOOP CLUB BaR & GRILL

Managing Editor

While it isn’t required that you become attached at the hip with your roommates, becoming acquainted certainly won’t hurt anyone. Even if you live with a randomly assigned roommate or just don’t have much in common, getting to know each other early on can be beneficial in the long-run. Try to develop an approachable relationship so that communicating both of your expectations remains easy and clear throughout the school year.

MAKE EXPECTATIONS CLEAR: Be upfront from day one. Being completely honest about your likes and dislikes from the beginning will help avoid conflict later in the semester. If chores seem like they could become overwhelming, decide on a routine or schedule to make sure your room doesn’t become the smelliest in the hallway. If you have morning classes, politely ask your roommate not to make a lot of noise on school nights when you’re sleeping or cramming for a test.

These simple conversations can save you stress and help maintain a positive relationship throughout the school year.

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Orientation Guide • 31

The Columbia Chronicle

32 • Orientation Guide

32 • Orientation Guide

Orientation Guide • 33 The Columbia Chronicle

HEAD OVER HEELS

by Natalie Craig Managing Editor

veryone has his or her own reasons for choosing to go to Columbia.

No matter what drew you to the college, you will spend countless hours finishing homework and projects at the last minute because you likely have more than classwork on the brain. Living in Chicago will also give you new territory to cover.

College is not the way it seems in movies, but it’s definitely a world of its own. Columbia is not the average school with jocks and students sporting their school spirit swag every day. Instead, it is more like a New York Fashion Week runway show. You will break your neck catching glimpses of your peers’ takes on fashion, and also at the beautiful people, architecture and opportunities the city has to offer.

One year ago, I moved from a Podunk town in Idaho where I attended Boise State University. Aside from the football-crazy small town feeling of Boise, college and high school seemed underwhelming and uninspiring. I would shudder at the idea of taking a risk or being spontaneous. When I transferred to Columbia that all changed, and my college life became a completely different ball game.

There is no pressure to be something you are not at Columbia. A group of

like-minded peers will support your creative endeavors and will inspire you to accomplish the unimaginable. Cliquey crowds that discuss your every move don’t exist here, and at the end of the day the only person you have to answer to is yourself—and maybe a professor or two.

As being a 22-year-old college student, I crave the thrill of knowing that every decision I make in class, on the streets or at H&M are stepping stones on the path to my future.

College is about taking risks. Whether you take a risk in your first project, your outfit of the day or flirting with that classmate who caught your attention, it’s all worth it. There will be times when things may not go the way you planned, but there is a reason behind why you didn’t get into that class or why that cute guy in class never spoke to you again. The beauty in the unplanned is living out the unexpected adventures that come along with it.

If you live by one motto this year let it be to take your work and education seriously, but have fun and reward yourself. It is easy to get caught up in class projects and workloads while trying to have the time of your life. It’s hard being a college student, but if you work hard and play harder, I guarantee you’ll have some great stories to tell and a diploma behind it all.

Envision what you can accomplish and put your best foot forward the second you walk through Columbia’s door. Here you will have every tool you need to create and enhance your talents and skills.

Adults always say they wish they could go back to their college years and make the most of them. You’re here now, so make this experience one you’ll never look back on and ponder, “What if?”

Indulge in the city and take advantage of Columbia’s urban campus, which serves as a promise land of opportunity for students.

These are truly the best years of your life and hopefully you will fall head-over-heels in love with your new college life and this beautiful city of Chicago.

Do you want an engaging college experience…

Of course you do!

Student organizations, intramural sports, athletic teams, and leadership and professional opportunities can all be found at Student Engagement!

We have over 85 student organizations and club sports that you can choose from, and if we don’t have the one that you are looking for, we’ll help you create it!

Visit us on the web at www.colum.edu/engagement or stop by the Loft, a student lounge with bean bags and comfy couches, at 916 S Wabash, 4th Floor.

Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm and Fridays 9am-5pm.

312-369-6924 engagement@colum.edu

ncraig@chroniclemail.com Orientation Guide • 33

The Columbia Chronicle

34 • Orientation Guide

5 TOP

video

Kyra Senese | Managing Editor

Tyler Eagle | Editor-in-Chief

Natalie Craig | Managing Editor

Places to eat on Campus

Pieces of advice for incoming students

Fashion faux pauxs to avoid at Columbia

Embrace the weird: If you have selected Columbia as your institution of higher education, chances are you tend to march to the beat of your own drum. It’s okay—so do the other 10,000 students at this college. You’re going to see a lot of talent, crazy fashion and even crazier performances.

The easiest thing to do is drink the Kool–Aid and join in.

The tail: You will come across people who are more reminiscent of animals rather than humans.

These people bear a furry tail hanging down their backside. As much as you may love lions, tigers and bears, please don’t make me say, “Oh my!” when I pass you on my way to class.

Flaco’s Tacos: Located at 725 S. Dearborn St., Flaco’s is close to all of the dorms and offers a tasty alternative to the Taco Bell combos that college students often settle for in an effort to be kinder to their wallets than their stomachs. Students who are 21 and older can also indulge in $4 margaritas on Monday nights.

Cafecito: Across the street from the 33 E. Congress Parkway Building, Cafecito, AKA home of the “Best Cuban Sandwich in Chicago,” provides an option that differs from bland chain restaurants such as Subway and Panda Express. It also has some of the best—and strongest—coffee in the area.

Panera Bread: While less unique than the other food options, this national cafe simply could not be overlooked. I’m all for trying new things and exploring the countless culinary options that Chicago has to offer, but when I am in high-stress situations I need comfort food. Conveniently located at 505 S. State St., Panera (and its mac ‘n’ cheese) has never failed me.

“All by Myself” from Richard Dunn A man stuck in a Las Vegas airport overnight chose not to let his flight layover get him down. He spent three hours filming a music video of himself lip-synching alone to Celine Dion’s version of “All By Myself.” Check it out!

34 • Orientation Guide

Check Moodle: Moodle, an online supplementary tool for the classroom, will be the bane of your existence. It can be hard to navigate and you will most likely have a teacher who is more confused on how to use it than you are. When your teachers say they will post assignments and concrete due dates on Moodle, they aren’t kidding!

Plan: It’s simple and may seem obvious, but knowing your degree requirements is paramount to graduating on time and will prevent an existential pre-midlife crisis. The OASIS Advising Guide is your friend. Don’t be afraid to grab a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and cry with it as you power through the next four years.

Tamarind: Located at 614 S. Wabash Ave., Tamarind serves an amazing array of Pan-Asian dishes.

The staff is super friendly and the service quick, making ordering takeout an appealing idea if you’re on your lunch break.

Ask questions: Teachers are not evil and they will not explode if you have a question—and if they act that way, let your anger go during teacher evaluations. You paid a ridiculous amount of money to go here. Milk it for every penny it is worth.

Pauly’s Pizzeria: This casual pizzeria lies in the center of campus at 719 S. State St. With a versatile menu and college-friendly hours, I must admit many of my foggy freshman memories involved stops with best friends and roommates at Pauly’s before they closed at 3 a.m. on Saturday night.

Step outside your comfort zone: Half of the student body is from out of state and few people bring their friends to college—except those who can’t let high school go. Don’t be afraid to talk to new people; they are just as desperate to make friends as you are.

Chains: I’m all for rocking a gold chain, but when chains connect your pants to your two inch ear gauges and then swoop across your face to your septum piercing, it’s excessive. Plus, it’s hard to sneak into class late when your accessories create a symphony of metal on metal as you shamefully skulk to your seat.

Holey Jeans: Destroyed denim is going out of style like Abercrombie & Fitch’s reputation, even though a little rip and tear is commendable.

What I can’t get with are jeans that are missing the whole front side, except for the crotch area, thank God. If you want to wear semi-nothing with a hint of denim, I’d rather see you wear nothing at all.

Glasses: Imagine a world where only visuallyimpaired people wear glasses. Now, welcome to Columbia where no one needs prescriptions because wearing glasses is a fashion statement and not an answer to poor eyesight. I get it—it’s an accessory—but do you know how many people would kill to have 20/20 vision?

Sweatpants: I know morning classes and winters are a drag to get ready for, but no one wears sweatpants here. Even on the lazydays, when it’s raining and you have nothing to wear, sweatpants are never an option.

Orientation Guide • 35 The Columbia Chronicle

College Edition THIS IS GOLD. Uhmmm, wut?

SCreen

Tolerable.

Nicccccceeee.

No—just no.

“Accepted”

“The Roommate”

“Pitch Perfect”

Most movies and TV shows relating to college have nothing to do with the way your college social life and education will play out. However, attending Columbia is a lot like attending the South Harmon Institute of Technology. You’ll run into a lot of “free spirits,” studying things like witchcraft. Just like this movie an eclectic group of students will create quite the community. — N. Craig

There are few movies that should be avoided right before college and this is one of them. As you move into dorm—where you will probably be sharing space for the first time—you probably don’t want to think your roommate is insane. While it may not be the most groundbreaking of films, it is definitely one of the creepiest and it will haunt you until the day you move into your Columbia dorm. — T. Eagle

While Columbia may not have a dozen a cappella groups running around its campus, there are definitely people who will break out into song. Advice: distance yourself from those people—they’re not always students. This is a great movie to watch if you want a glimpse of college life with a nice musical spin, and something you can laugh about with your new friends.

— T. Eagle

“Scholarship” by Juicy J ft. A$AP Rocky

“Shades of Cool” by Lana Del Rey

“School Spirit” by Kanye West

I can guarantee that no one at Columbia will award you with a scholarship for your twerking skills, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need them here.

This song is gold. A$AP Rocky graces the bass heavy track and Juicy J gets any party started. Even if you have promised to never twerk a day in your life, this song will change your mind. Not every scholarship is within reach, but this one is. Now get to twerk. — N. Craig

On her May 25 release, sultry songstress Lana Del Rey brings forth yet another track about the elusive man who occupies her heart. Although the song starts out with somewhat of a surf rock vibe, it continues on in a drawn-out manner before simply sounding full of melancholy and plain noise, failing to impress in comparison to her previously released “West Coast” off her upcoming album, “Ultraviolence.” — K. Senese

Even though Columbia students can’t relate to “Alpha, step” and every other Greek fraternity name Mr. West throws out there, who doesn’t appreciate a little school spirit you can rock your head too? Don’t let the first day of school blues phase you. Walk through the halls to this throwback track like you’re untouchable, because you are. “School spirit Mothaf***a.” — N. Craig

Chegg

Moving

Registering for classes with an iPhone 4...

Skip the Columbia bookstore and head straight to Chegg. I have saved hundreds of dollars every semester, and their staff is nice and accommodating. After you place your order, books are delivered within a couple of days. Put them back in the box they came in and ship them back at the end of the semester. — N. Craig

In the midst of the excitement for the start of another semester, there comes the, sad moment when you remember that you have to move all of your most precious belongings into a new dorm room. As fun as it may be to decorate your new apartment, the heavy lifting can really be a buzzkill. — K. Senese

With the advent of widget smartphones, registering for classes is an electronic version of The Hunger Games. The second registration opens, OASIS gets flooded with people desperately trying to get their desired classes. Sadly, I’m never fast enough. Thank you Siri-less iPhone 4, you continue to suck. — T. Eagle

Music

RANDOM

Orientation Guide • 35

The Columbia Chronicle

36 • Orientation Guide

36 • Orientation Guide

Orientation Guide • 37 The Columbia Chronicle

Orientation Guide • 37

The Columbia Chronicle

38 • Orientation Guide

Bacon & Mac 'n' cheese

by Natalie Craig Managing Editor ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

One night i decided to get adventurous with macaroni and cheese and create a sauce using the ingredients I had in my refrigerator.

Along with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, I also threw in Mexican cheese with jalapeño slices and decided to fry up some bacon, too.

The cooking process is simple but requires precise timing. I start by cooking the bacon and boiling the pasta because these steps take the longest. While the bacon is cooking, dice half an onion. Once the bacon is cooked, chop it into small pieces. Combine the bacon and onions in a bowl so they can be easily added to the cheese sauce later.

Before making the cheese sauce, preheat

38 • Orientation Guide

the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the milk, cream cheese, butter and sour cream in a pot and let it simmer over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the chunks of cream cheese are melted. Once smooth, add the onions and bacon.

Add the shredded cheese, stirring until it is completely melted. The sauce should be thick, but if it looks too thick, add more milk. Do not add extra butter because it will make the sauce too greasy and hard to reheat.

Once the sauce is prepared, place the pasta in a 9–by–13-inch baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over the noodles.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Let the macaroni and cheese cool for five minutes before serving. To reheat, bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or microwave for one minute and 30 seconds.

Carolina Sanchez THE CHRONICLE

Instructions:

Ingredients: 1 16–ounce package fusilli or elbow pasta 1/2 cup milk 2 tablespoons butter 1 8–ounce package cream cheese 3 tablespoons sour cream 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese 8 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese 1/2 onion, diced 1 16–ounce package maple-flavored bacon

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Boil the pasta, drain and let sit.

2. Fry bacon until crispy. Chop into small pieces.

3. Combine milk, butter and cream cheese in a pot over medium heat. Stir as it melts.

4. Stir in bacon and onion.

5. Stir in both packages of shredded cheese.

6. Place pasta in 9-by-13-inch pan and pour sauce on top, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.

7. Bake for 10 minutes.

ncraig@chroniclemail.com

Orientation Guide • 39 The Columbia Chronicle

I NTRo D U C I N g C h i cag o

The Columbia Chronicle

by Natalie Craig Managing Editor

Population:

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Moving to a new city can be daunting.

With more out-of-state students entering Columbia this fall than in previous years, many will find themselves trying to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings The Chronicle has gathered a few basic facts about Chicago to help educate students about their new home. Ranging from information about the city’s cultural institutions to how many wards are in Chicago, there is always something to learn about the Windy City.

2.72 million Nicknames:

The Windy City, City of Big Shoulders, The Second City, The City That Works

Mayor: Rahm Emanuel

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There are 552 parks, and the most well-known are Grant Park and Millenium Park.

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The first Ferris wheel made its debut in Chicago in

The Chicago Transit Authority serves as the nation’s largest public transportation system, offering an average of 1.7 million rides per weekday.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of three major zoos in the country and is the country’s oldest public zoo.

galleries, more than 200 theaters

-SINCE 1961-

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There are 50 wards with an alderman representing each ward in the City Council, but there are 77 community areas.

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CALL (312) 498-8636 Orientation Guide • 39

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