JANUARY 26, 2015
THE WEEK THAT WASN’T After heavy snowfall, subzero temperatures and nearly a week of no classes, students and faculty share how they tried to keep up with course work and how the time off could affect the rest of the Spring 2015 semester
ISSUE 10
ELIZABETH GRITTER p. 8-9 History professor shares her journey researching the civil rights movement.
AWAITING THE FIRST PITCH
LOBBY FOR MY HOBBY: PARANORMAL RESEARCH
p. 14-15 Their seasons delayed due to weather, we p. 16 preview the Grenadier A communications senior softball and baseball explains her spooky pastime. teams.
TABLE OF CONTENTS IUS Center for Mentoring 6-7 Center for Mentoring founder June Huggins and the students she helps talk about what the center means to them.
Elizabeth Gritter 8-9
History Professor and civil rights expert Elizabeth Gritter shares her fascination with history and the Civil Rights movement.
Closed Campus 10
Students and faculty react to the snowfall and cancellation of classes.
Are Snow Days a Thing of the Past? 11-12
Snow days used to mean a free day to do as you please now some professors are using the internet to keep their classes on course.
Baseball Awaits First Pitch 14
Coming off a 32-23 season, the Grenadiers look to improve upon last year’s record with a mix of youth and experience.
2
Softball Team Ready for Spring 15
IUS softball coach Joe Witten discusses his team’s readiness for the upcoming season.
Lobby for my Hobby 16
Communications senior Katie Jo Glesing discusses her hobby researching the paranormal realm.
Atheists and Assholes 17
Features editor Ethan Smith discusses why being an atheist doesn’t mean you have to hate religion.
Eva Kor’s Visit to IUS 20
Auschwitz survivor and founder of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Eva Kor, spoke about the Holocaust and the power of forgiveness.
IN EVERY ISSUE Faces of IUS 4 Events 5 Diversions 18
Men’s Basketball
SCOREBOARD
(Results) 2/3 VS. University of Rio Grande | Win 90-85 2/10 VS. Brescia University | Loss 66-76 2/14 VS. Asbury University | Win 75-55
Women’s Basketball
(Results) 2/3 VS. University of Rio Grande | Loss 59-71 2/7 @ Midway College | Loss 91-88 2/8 VS. Oakland City | Win 77-70 2/10 VS. Brescia University | Loss 72-73 2/14 VS. Asbury University | Loss 51-67
EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION Indiana University Southeast 4201 Grant Line Road New Albany, Indiana 47150 Editor-in-Chief: Joel Stinnett Managing Editor: Zak Kerr News Editor: Haley Warwick Features Editor: Ethan Smith Sports Editor: Eli Lossner General Assignment Editor: Paige Thompson Photography Editor: Marisa Gartland Design Chief: Bekah White Advertising/Marketing Manager: Secoy Richey Faculty Adviser: Adam Maksl
Staff: Lynn Bailey Shelbi Beard Chelsey Carr Duncan Cooper Charlyn Corum Mary Kate Hailer Kaetln Harrison Rain Hopkins Joseph Kauffman Kristin Kennedy Kathyrn Ross Josh Rowe Ryan Siener Blake Stewart Jordan Williams Kaylynn Williams
(812) 941-2253 horizon@ius.edu
edit for brevity, grammar and style, and may limit frequent letter writers.
The Horizon is partially funded by Student Activity Fees. The Horizon is a student-produced newspaper, published weekly during the fall and spring semesters. Editors must be enrolled in at least three credit hours and some are paid.
The Horizon welcomes contributions on all subjects. The Horizon is not an official publication of Indiana University Southeast, and therefore does not necessarily reflect its views.
To report a story idea or obtain information, call or email the Horizon. Letters to the editors must be signed, include student’s major and class standing and be fewer than 300 words. The Horizon reserves the right to
Your first Issue of the Horizon is free. All subsequent copies cost $2 each. The Horizon is a member of the Indiana Collegiate Press Association, Hoosier State Press Association, and the Associated Collegiate Press.
3
POLICE
FACES OF IUS
BLOTTER
Feb. 6 at 7:03 a.m.
An officer was dispatched on a report of a male subject refusing to leave the room of a female resident in Orchard Lodge. A trespass was issued and a report was taken.
Feb. 6 at 1:59 p.m.
Officers were dispatched to check on a vehicle driving on the sidewalk towards IUS Lake. The officer discovered the occupants were an elderly couple who were touring the campus and believed the sidewalk to be a roadway. The officer assisted in directing them back onto the road.
Feb. 6 at 8:33 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Meadow Lodge following a call from the New Albany Police Department that a student was having a mental breakdown. The officer called for an ambulance and the student was taken to Floyd Memorial Hospital for evaluation.
Feb. 7 at 8:21 p.m.
An officer checked on a suspicious vehicle at Save-a-Step on Grant Line because the driver pulled into a driveway and turned off his lights. Once the officer passed, the driver turned his lights back on and continued driving. The officer discovered that the vehicle had expired tags and gave a warning to the driver.
Feb. 8 at 7:47 p.m.
An officer was dispatched to a vehicle with a broken rear window in the Central Parking Lot. The officer completed a vandalism report, and estimated the damage at approximately $500.
Feb. 11 at 10:16 p.m.
An officer was dispatched to assist NAPD to check on a subject claiming someone was banging on her fence. The officer did not find anyone suspicious.
4
Photographs by Marisa Gartland
KAITLYN HUNT
STEPHON CAMP
While classes were canceled and campus was shut down, Kaitlyn was cozied up in a lounge chair by the fireplace in the building of her lodge.
Stephon was using a large plastic storage bin to scoop snow, which he was mashing down around in the form of a circle to build himself an igloo out in front of the lodges.
“My roommate and I dug our cars out of the snow yesterday. Now I’m just trying to get some stuff done.”
“It’s sure better than doing homework.”
Nursing Sophomore
Theatre/Business Freshman
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Meghan Trainor
Jeri Sager: Broadway by Jeri
March 1 7 p.m. Mercury Ballroom
Feb. 24
Study Jam
All day UC 124 Hosted by Sigma Kappa
Secrets to a Hoosier Happier Life Room East 6 - 8 p.m.
Mar. 6
Indiana Latino Leadership
All day Library/Conference Center An all day conference through March 7th as a forum to cultivate the exchange of ideas and more in order to promote cultural awareness and community.
Feb. 26
Lit12at Lunch p.m. - 1 p.m.
University Center Hosted by the English Club, this open mic celebrates Black History Month.
Relationship GPS 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. UC 243
Mar. 6
Common Experience 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Departs at 9 a.m. from McCollough Plaza Common Experience Culture Van trip to the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville. Free admission and transportation. Bring money for lunch. Contact: Dr. Veronica Medina
March 6 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Ogle Center
Mar. 1
Mar. 3
Mar. 5
New Millennium Center for Women Education Job Fair and Families Rep: 3 p.m. - 4: 30 p.m. Stem Concert Hall Come out and see the New Millennium Duo, founded in 2000 consisting of double bassist Robert Docs and pianist Grace Baugh-Bennett
Mar. 7
Spring Daze
2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Children’s Center “Operation Hippity-Hop” with springtime fun and games, face-painting, egg-stuffing, decorating and more for the families of the IUS community. Contact: Kimberly Pelle
Annell Lough
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Across from Bookstore in UC
The Lion King
7 p.m. on various days Robert S. Whitney Hall
Mar. 8
Arcade Expo
March 6 - 8 Triple Crown Pavilion - Ramada Plaza in Louisville Starts at 2 p.m. on Fri., 10 a.m. on Sat. and Sun. Tickets: $15 per day $35 for the weekend. At the door: $20 per day $45 for the weekend.
4 p.m. - 6 p.m. University Center North 127 Professional dress Bring a resume Meet with representatives from various school districts within a 150-mile radius and grow your network.
Mar. 9 Supporting Windows 8.1 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Online URL to be provided
Sarah McLachlan 8 p.m. The Louisville Palace
5
IUS Center For Mentoring A Two Way Street: The good news is that as a Grenadier you are not alone. The IU Southeast Center for Mentoring offers every IU Southeast student access to a diverse network of peers, professors and alumni that are available to partner with you in acclimating and Starting college can be an navigating through your college overwhelming and isolating time. As experience. a freshman or transfer student you The Center for Mentoring was might be without your established founded in 1995 by June J. Huggins, social networks, living in a new state a soft spoken, deeply committed and or on your own for the first time in your humble educator. Huggins has been at life. Perhaps you are a non-traditional the helm of the Center for Mentoring as student, returning to campus later in life director since its inception 20 years ago and now balancing school, career and and has devoted herself to program. family. There are 126 active mentors in
By KATHYRN ROSS Staff Reporter rosskath@ius.edu
6
the mentoring program – which include faculty, staff and alumni. Students who are being mentored are called “mentees” and as of 2013, there were 191 mentees participating in the program. “They are giving them the best of their experience so that the student can avoid possible pitfalls in the future,” Huggins said of the mentors in the program. For Nicholas Moore, a marketing major in his junior year here at IU Southeast, the mentoring program has provided him with affirmation that, even when living with a chronic illness, it is possible to achieve your goals.
Photo by Kathryn Ross
June J. Huggins, the Director of the IU Southeast Center for Mentoring
Due to his personal health challenges, as well as, struggling after high school to figure out what his true north passion was, Moore has spent the better part of a decade traveling and working on his degree. Prior to joining the mentoring program, he had become frustrated and found himself contemplating giving up. But Moore’s mentor, Chris Bjornson, Associate Professor of Accountancy at IU Southeast, helped him to develop a strategic approach. “His advice has been to take it one step at a time. Don’t rush. Cross your t’s.” Moore said. Bjornson has helped Moore develop a working strategy to tackle day to day challenges and demonstrated belief in Moore’s personal capability. “We all live with our struggles and that is a part of college,” Moore said. “You have to learn to balance your life so that you can manage the challenges that life presents.” For Kimberly Pelle, a former mentee and Coordinator of NonTraditional Student Programs & Parent Family Programs, her partnership as a mentor in the program began 19 years ago. “I could only hope that I could do the same for someone else,” Pelle wrote in an email. She said the qualities of a good mentor include a willingness to share one’s knowledge, an overall caring personality and the ability to listen. “Listening is the greatest gift you can give to another person,” Pelle wrote. “Really hearing what a person says, empathizing with them and being available is what mentoring is all about.” Pelle also views mentoring as a two way street. “I get to meet students from different backgrounds and cultures. We all learn a lot from each other when we open our hearts and our minds,” Pelle wrote. “I help the students reach their goals; they help me grow and become a better person.” Pelle pointed out that the connection can spread from the mentor to mentee relationship into friendship with other mentored students. “Right now I am working with three mentees and I love the fact that they have connected with each other,” Pelle wrote. “What may feel awkward at first can be the start of an everlasting friendship.” Huggins said that this
Mentors learn valuable life lessons from the students they help. connectivity is a crucial cornerstone of to students who are considered First the program. And that many students Generation (the first in their family to enrolled in the mentoring program will go to college), minority, adult learners usually keep the same mentor through (25 and over), and 21st century graduation. students (scholars who have received “They have got to feel connected the funds to attend, but have no to either an individual or to a campus support system). organization, to identity with our Through all of these programs, campus and have a sense of belonging,” the ability of the Center for Mentoring said Huggins. “If they have those three to affect academic success, personal things they are less likely to walk growth and encourages a “pay it away.” forward” mentality for all involved, on Huggins said that students who campus or off, is constant and evolving. are mentored have a higher retention Huggins said she knows that the rate for the mentoring program and program is having a lasting impact on with IU Southeast overall – resulting in the community because of the rate of higher graduation rates. mentees returning to be mentors. The Center began tracking “Every year I get a good number attrition and graduation rates in 2003. of students who apply as mentors According to a report prepared by OIRA, and say that they want the mentoring program’s undergraduate to help someone else retention rates in 2012 were 12 percent because they were of all bachelor degrees awarded. And helped,” said Huggins. in 2013, students in the IU Southeast “You see the leadership mentoring programs achieved a 17.9 and development as they percent overall graduation rate, with minorities holding 6.2 percent of that rate. In addition to providing individual student mentoring at college level, the Center for Mentoring has developed several programs that reach out into the local community. Nicholas Moore, marketing junior Which include a Student Outreach College Preparatory Program that targets mature and they see the students in grades 8-12 at New Albany value and the benefits they High School, a College Preparatory reap from it.” Initiative which expands the Student When Huggins was Outreach College Preparatory Program asked about mentors in into elementary and middle schools, her own life, she said and The Upward Bound Grant Program there is one that still has which is a year round intervention an impact today. program that reaches out to at-risk “She was a minister middle and high school students. at church,” Huggins said. “We also have our Access “Truly impacted me to to Success program. We saw the always treat people with need to work with more under dignity and respect. You represented or at-risk students,” said can’t fail with that.” Huggins.“[Because] Minority students Mentoring holds are twice as likely to graduate if different levels of meaning connected to mentoring.” for each person who The Access to Success program is experiences it. For some it designed to offer transition assistance is a process to work through –
such as in the case of high school mentees who are learning new skills. For others it is an active form of engagement that connects you and encourages – perhaps even pushes you - to remain engaged with your academic goals, believe in your potential and learn how to face and overcome challenges. The foundation of mentoring is basic human connectivity. The power of personal engagement. The positive impact of people working together and building a lasting, unforgettable legacy for all involved. “My goal has always been to help students reach their potential,” Huggins said. “I feel honored that I can, in some small way, go on with
the students as they leave here, What greater honor than to invest or give your all to people.”
For more information on the IUS Center for Mentoring, contact June J. Huggins in University Center South, Room 205. Or by phone at (812) 941-2516 or email at mentoring@ius.edu.
We all live with our struggles and that is part of college. You have to learn to balance your life so that you can manage the challenges that life presents
Photo by Kathryn Ross
Nicholas Moore, Marketing Junior at IU Southeast
7
BEYOND THE MOVEMENT Elizabeth Gritter, history professor and civil rights expert shares her story of digging into the historical and social aspects of the civil rights movement By JOSEPH KAUFFMAN Staff Reporter joekauff@ius.edu African-American History Month is an opportunity to turn our attention back to the past. It’s a time to remember the Civil Rights Movement, what it fought for and the people who fought. Much of this historical memory is shaped and amplified by those who investigate, record and teach that history. Elizabeth Gritter has taught history at IU Southeast for the last two years. She’s an expert on the Civil Rights Movement with a focus on the movement’s Memphis chapter. She has conducted over 30 oral histories and turned her senior thesis into a book. While many historians focus on the speeches and accomplishments of the Movement’s major figures, Gritter, a self-described “social historian”, amplifies the movement’s lesser-heard and underappreciated voices. Gritter grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rather than beach trips for summer vacation, her parents took her to historical sites. While some families were at Disney World, Gritter was exploring the boyhood homes of Benjamin Harrison and Abraham Lincoln and taking in the grandeur of Mount Rushmore. These trips fueled the spark within Gritter that bloomed into a fiery love of history. “I was interested in baseball history,” said Gritter. “Of Jackie Robinson and the integration of the major leagues. So I think that was a reason I got into African-American history.” Baseball and historical sites were not to be her only loves. As Gritter grew up, she began to focus herself on history and politics. These fields allowed her to investigate a broad swath of topics under the umbrella of a single academic field. “[Those fields] covered the human experience in a very comprehensive way,” said Gritter. “ I like how the past can break us out of our current frames of reference and understanding.” When she graduated high school, Gritter was accepted at American University. While Washington D.C. was far from Grand Rapids, she decided to make the jump in an attempt to broaden her horizons. In her sophomore year, Gritter took a class on African-American history that would set the course of her future academic endeavors. “It just opened my eyes,” said Gritter. “And I thought this is why things are the way that they are. I could see the direct result of that historical legacy and persisting discrimination in the world today.” The class’s instructor was Julian Bond. In the 1960s, Bond helped create the Student Nonviolent Co-
8
ordinating Committee (SNCC), which would become a major organization over the course of the Civil Rights Movement. He was the first president of the Southern Poverty Law Center and chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1998 to 2010. “She seemed to me to be a fresh-faced, soft-spoken, young woman,” Bond said. “She was a good student, going far beyond the requirements on the syllabus. I wish I had dozens like her.” The class had an immense impact on Gritter. “I had no idea growing up in a white, conservative community all the atrocities that African-Americans had experienced,” said Gritter. “And I didn’t know all the forms of activism and organizations and people that were involved. So I became fascinated by the movement.” Gritter would take more classes with Bond while at American University. “She went to Memphis to interview civil rights leaders [for an oral histories course], something totally not called for in the class,” said Bond. “But it stood her in good stead when the visit and her study allowed her to expand her research.” That expansion took the form of her senior thesis. A few years later, she would turn her interviews and research into a book, River of Hope: Black Politics and
And I thought this is why things are the way that they are. I could see the direct result of that historical legacy and persisting discrimination in the world today. Elizabeth Gritter, history professor and civil rights movement expert
I like how the past can break us out of our current frames of reference and understanding. Elizabeth Gritter, history professor and civil rights movement expert
the Memphis Freedom Movement, 1865–1954. Gritter would remain close with Bond over the years. In 2008, she joined up on a bus tour he led through historic Civil Rights locations such as Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery. To this day, she describes Bond as a “mentor.” “I am tremendously flattered to hear this,” Bond said of the moniker. “And proud to know her.” In 2000, Gritter received the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. The scholarship, awarded by the Harry S. Truman Foundation, is a nationwide grant given to college undergraduates who distinguish themselves as candidates for public service careers after graduation. “[Elizabeth] Gritter met all of the standards and is among the very top of the Trumans selected in my days in terms of intellect, human decency and compassion,” said Louis Blair, executive secretary of the Harry S. Truman Foundation from 1989-2006. “She has focused her research on a tragic period in U.S. history and shown us some of its heroes through inspired research.” After graduating, Gritter was one of four researchers contacted by the Library of Congress to run the Civil Rights Project. The project located and cataloged the location of interviews and oral histories of the Civil Rights Movement throughout the nation. Gritter has conducted over 30 oral histories of her own. Her subjects include Bond, John L. Seigenthaler, H.T. Lockard, Tom Prewitt, Billy Barnes, Russell B. Sugarmon Jr, and Maxine Smith. “I like getting firsthand accounts of history,” said Gritter. “Some historians don’t like that. They like studying dead people. Partially because dead people can’t argue or critique what the historian writes.”
Gritter says that a big part of what interests her about the history she studies are the local people. She loves discovering the stories of these “lesser-known heroes.” “There’s so much emphasis on Dr. King and what gets under-recognized is all of the local people that were involved in the struggle,” Gritter said. “People like H.T. Lockard and Maxine Smith and Russell Sugarman Jr.” Gritter says that Bond once reminded her that the Civil Rights Movement was made up of thousands of local movements and the idea that it was a single movement is a myth. It’s a sentiment she takes with her into the classroom. “When students take my classes. I try to not just let them know about the big names in history, but also how national developments affected local people and how local people affected national developments,” said Gritter. When asked, fellow professors had glowing things to say about their fellow teacher. “She’s prolific in her research,” said Joe Wert, associate professor of political science and current dean of the School of Social Sciences. “And she’s a wonderful colleague.” Another one of Gritter’s colleagues echoed Wert. “She’s pleasant, hard working and very easy to get along with,” said Yu Shen, professor of history. “Very energetic. Very sincere.” When asked if her race has ever come up in her
research, Gritter took the question in stride as though it were one she had heard before. “I can’t speak to what people say behind closed doors. But I always found the people I interviewed to be very supportive of my work,” Gritter said. “And very grateful that someone was taking the time to record their stories. It never seemed to matter to them that I was white.” However, Gritter did recall a few instances in which small things had arisen. One of Gritter’s interview subjects once told Gritter she did not want Gritter writing on the tensions within the movement. “I did feel as though that was someback because as a historian this is the sort of thing I’m supposed to be covering,” Gritter said. Gritter also recalled speaking with a professor who felt uncomfortable with white historians writing about African-American history and making money off it. This professor saw it as another form of exploitation. “I am very sensitive to those kind of concerns,” said Gritter. “But ultimately, I don’t believe in segregating the way we record our history.” Gritter believes more people of non-African-American ethnicities should begin taking a greater interest in the deeper history of the Civil Rights Movement. “Part of forming a more tolerant society is learning about the history of other groups,” Gritter said. “That’s a really important part of teaching history. And one of the reasons why I do it.”
There’s so much emphasis on Dr. King and what gets under-recognized is all of the local people that were involved in the struggle Elizabeth Gritter, history professor and civil rights expert
Study Abroad with Indiana University Southeast
The Art and Culture of Samoa Summer II, July 7 - August 10, 2015
Introduction to Samoan art and culture by providing an intimate in-country experience (much of the time is spent living with Samoan families in villages on the island of Savai’i). There are two curriculum options: 1) A series of handson workshops on the Samoan heritage arts of textile creation and decoration; 2) The opportunity to develop a research or creative project to be carried out under the supervision of the accompanying faculty. Students will also participate in an exhibition of their work after returning home. All students including Metroversity and all IU campuses, IU Southeast staff and alumni may participate.
Gritter with Russell Bertram Sugarmon Jr, the first African American in Memphis to run for a major city office. Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Gritter
For more information: http://www.ius.edu/intprograms/art-and-culture-of-samoa.php Or contact: Anne Allen | Department of Fine Arts 812-941-2396 | aeallen@ius.edu DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 12
SNOW DAYS at IU SOUTHEAST
Students and faculty weigh in
Students, faculty and staff received a break from IU Southeast when a snowstorm caused the campus to close for two days. IU Southeast was closed on Monday, Feb. 16, Tuesday, Feb. 17, Thursday, Feb. 19, and closed early on Wednesday, Feb. 18 due to the storm. The snow days forced on-campus activities to be canceled or postponed. New Albany, Louisville and other towns in Kentuckiana and the surrounding area received several inches of snow. The snow caused dangerous travel conditions. In some places, the snowfall lasted from Sunday, Feb. 15 to early Feb. 17. Some students, staff members and faculty members said they enjoyed the snow days. Others said they will be glad when classes resume. Shelbi Tate, psychology senior, said the snow days have helped her relax. “Going to school and working full time gets stressful and snow days provide a day of relaxing and Netflix,” Tate said. Tate said she would appreciate a longer break from classes. “I would like to have Wednesday off as well so I can get some more relaxing time,” Tate said. “It will also give me time to get ahead in my reading for class.” Additionally, Tate said the snow storm’s impact surprised her. “I heard that it was supposed to get bad but I never expected it to be as much as it was,” Tate said. “I cannot remember the last time there was a mandatory order to stay off of the road.” IUS Police chief Charles Edelen said in an e-mail that the safety of the students, staff and faculty always comes first. He also said that he hopes IU Southeast will be able to return to normal as soon as possible. “I’m hoping the weather cooperates and we are able to return to a regular schedule,” Edelen said. “I know the snow days cause an issue for the students and their education. And that’s the reason we are all at IU Southeast.” Rhonda Wrzenski, political science professor, said in an email that she thinks snow days are important for students’ safety. “I think it is important to have snow days when so many students are commuting into campus,”
10
Wrzenski said. “We do not have as much snow removal equipment in this area and that can mean delays in getting roadways cleared, especially in remote areas. I think it is wise to prioritize the safety of our student body, faculty and staff.” Wrzenski said she was not surprised by the snowstorm due to the forecast. “I had been watching the weather alerts leading up to the snow and reading the winter weather warnings,” Wrzenski said. “I was not surprised when we got so much snow because I knew we would be below freezing this time around and that the chance of precipitation was over 80 percent.” In an email, Ryan Malone, psychology senior, said he has used the snow days to study for a class, but he has still enjoyed the snow days. “I love snow days,” Malone said. “It gives me a chance to enjoy life that would normally be taken up by school.” Ashley Celestine, nursing sophomore, said she dislikes snow days because they cause her and her classmates to get behind in coursework. “I think [snow days] should be properly scheduled into our classes, because we have to fit in the missed days rapidly,” Celestine said. “I would like to go back to school so we do not get behind.” Greg Phipps, sociology professor, said in an e-mail that one part of New Albany received about 10 inches of snow. In an email, history and international studies professor Yu Shen said the students’ well-being is the most important factor, and teaching cannot be done without students. Joshua Bleeker, fine arts senior with a concentration in painting, said in an email that he would be fine if classes would resume on Feb. 18. “I honestly wouldn’t mind going back this Wednesday,” Bleeker said. “Snow days are awesome, but it’s only a matter of time before cabin fever hits.” Becca Dirck, psychology junior, said she appreciated that students, faculty and staff were promptly informed of the snow days. “I’m glad IU Southeast didn’t wait until five in the morning to cancel classes,” Dirck said. Dirck said she has been enjoying the snow days, but she is unsure if she wants more time off.
By KRISTIN KENNEDY Staff krikenne@ius.edu
“On one hand, I miss my friends, but on the other hand, the time off from classes has been really nice so far, even though I’m pretty much stuck in my house,” Dirck said. Dirck and Bleeker said they were not surprised that the snowstorm came. “I was hoping we could get through winter without a huge snowstorm, but considering where we live, I kind of knew it was going to happen eventually,” Dirck said. “As far as Ohio River Valley weather goes, it’s anyone’s guess,” Bleeker said.
Photo courtesy of @yagirl_tooshort on Twitter
Students spending time sledding during the IU Southeast closing.
Snow days no longer off days By KAETLN HARRISON Staff kaetharr@ius.edu
ByELIJAH LOSSNER Sports Editor elijahlossner@yahoo.com
The icy wind whips through your hair as you fly down a snow covered hill; laughing as you plow into a powdery drift at the bottom. Then it happens: you feel a vibration in your back pocket. A notification has been sent that you have school work due and a sense of dread washes over you; your snow day is officially over. With advancements in technology and the trend of online classes, traditional snow days are becoming a thing of the past. Today, students at IU Southeast came to terms with this reality. Josie Garwood, Spanish freshman, realized her snow day was going to be much different than she had planned when she logged on to Canvas Monday morning. “I thought I had a day off at first until I started seeing notifications from canvas informing me otherwise,” Garwood said. Garwood is taking Social Problems with Veronica Medina, assistant professor of sociology. Medina has been prepared for the possibility of a snow day since the beginning of the semester. She had students set up their Canvas accounts so that they would receive notifications through Facebook, Twitter or an alternate email account.
Her students rarely miss an assignment because of this feature and were prepared when Medina assigned them a quiz on Monday morning. “Since I had to move around some readings to reschedule the test, I wanted my students to demonstrate that they’d read the material that was due for today. I use Canvas and it makes conducting online quizzes really easy,” Medina said. She also posted a digital lecture so that her class would not fall behind during the snow day, but recognizes that this is not a substitute for face-to-face lecturing. “I think one major difference is the loss of interactivity. I encourage my students to ask questions or offer their observations during my lectures, which makes the material more clear and relevant,” Medina said. “If I do a recorded lecture or send PowerPoint slides, then students may lose that. Echo360 does allow students to post comments to recorded lectures– but we’re still on a learning curve with the technology.” Jeremy Wells, assistant professor of English, said he agrees with Medina, believing that students lose the opportunity to be collaborative through classroom discussion. Wells also created an assignment for his class to interact with during the snow day. “Online work can help a class to maintain its momentum. I’ve used Canvas to invite my students in my Faulkner course to help me rewrite “Frosty the
Snowman” in Faulkner’s style,” Wells said. “It’s silly, but it’s also a way of mastering Faulkner, making the great writer seem more familiar. This was an impromptu assignment I came up with soon after we learned that our class on Monday would be canceled.” While Wells finds in class discussion important, he has also seen the benefits of online interaction this semester. “I’m teaching my first online course this semester, and I find it remarkable how many students stay engaged and respond to a question I pose again and again. In a traditional classroom I’m generally pleased if I can two-thirds of the class to participate in a single discussion,” Wells said. “In the online classroom, I have might have 18 of 22 participating multiple times over a four-day discussion window. We lose spontaneity, but we do gain depth.” Chancellor Ray Wallace said that winter weather is not an uncommon problem for universities, even in the deep-south. In his last year at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, before becoming IUS’s chancellor, classes were canceled due to snow during finals week. And while snow days may be an issue for many educators, Wallace says that how a professor responds is up to them. “The faculty are professionals and they are the best judge on how to catch up on missed work,” Wallace said
Continued on next page
Photo by Kaetln Harrison
11
SNOW DAYS continued
Some professors did not have to worry much about canceled classes or late assignments. Casey Musgrove, assistant professor of marketing, teaches mostly online classes and says that the winter weather has done little to derail their coursework. She also teaches a hybrid class on consumer behavior that is taught partly in a traditional classroom and partly online. The class was cancelled last Thursday, so Musgrove said she went online and created a modified version of the material that would have been covered in class. “I think we are pretty lucky to have the internet so we can keep up and not get behind,” Musgrove said. But not coursework can be completed over the internet. Beth Rueschhoff, assistant professor of biology, had arranged for a classroom experiment. But due to the campus closure she had to cancel it. “It is a two-day procedure for me. The class participation was on Monday so I had to come in on Saturday and Sunday to set up the experiment for everybody,” said Rueschhoff. And because these experiments involved living plants, there was no way to stall the
growth, which meant Rueschhoff had to carry out the experiment by herself to salvage something from the snow days. Rueschhoff said the winter weather has also dis-
rupted her collaborations with other colleges. “We are collaborating with a sister school in Maryland,” said Rueschhoff. “So now our snow storm has impacted Maryland’s schedule. Because we have to reset the experiment which is all very annoying.” Medina and Wells said they understand that a snow day can be incredibly disruptive to class work, which is why they both decided to participate in online activities as opposed to taking the day off. Medina believes snow days can make or break a class schedule which made the decision to assign online work an easy one; a decision Garwood is appreciative and understanding of. “I really don’t mind having to do the work because I know that if we don’t do anything then we’ll be behind in the class. I’m appreciative because this way we are able to stay on task and I don’t have to drive to campus in the horrible conditions,” she said. No matter how each professor decides to make up for lost time, Wallace says the administration has ruled out at least one solution. “We are not doing classes over spring break,” Wallace said. “This is not high school where we have to make up lost days.”
Photo by Marisa Gartland
IU SOUTHEAST
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Enjoy Live Music, Dance & Sample Food from around the World! $5 for students/seniors and $8 for non-students. Tickets available at the door. This event sponsored by IUS International Programs and the Student Government Association with assistance from student programming funds. If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in this event, please call 812.941.2365
Tuesday March 10, 2015, From 5-8 p.m. Hoosier Room, University Center
FIRST EVER IUS HOMECOMING KING
&
QUEEN
CROWNED By BLAKE STEWART Staff Reporter blastewa@ius.edu
The first ever IU Southeast Homecoming King and Queen were crowned in the Activites Building during halftime of the men’s basketball against Asbury University on Saturday, Feb. 14. Senior criminal justice major Josh Atkins and senior journalism major Shelby Orange had the honor of becoming the first Homecoming King and Queen in IU Southeast’s history. The whole Homecoming process took about two weeks. All the Homecoming nominees had to fill out an application. The Homecoming committee then
looked through the applications and chose four male and female students to be the King and Queen nominees. Students then voted during lunch hours for who they wanted to be named the first ever King and Queen at IU Southeast. The few seconds of silence before Atkins was announced Homecoming King brought some nervousness to him. “My heart was racing and I was excited and nervous,” said Atkins. “It was a bunch of mixed feelings.” Orange’s emotions moments before
hearing her name announced were no different. “It was so nerve-racking,” said Orange. “I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach and I was so nervous.” Orange said it was such a fun experience being named Homecoming Queen. “To actually be named (Queen) it’s amazing, it’s fun,” said Orange. As for having the honor of being the first Homecoming King, Atkins said it’s great to be the first. “It’s good to be the first of something. I’m glad that I could be that one,” said Atkins.
13
Grenadier’s First Pitch By RYAN SIENER Staff rsiener@ius.edu
IU Southeast’s baseball team comes into the season ranked No. 2 in the latest KIAC Coaches Poll, however the Grenadier’s have far higher hopes for this squad. America’s past time is back. It’s baseball season. Coming off a 32-23 season where the Grenadier’s were 11-9 in conference play they look to improve on last year’s record. Senior pitcher and 2013-2014 Reliever of the Year Evan Bickett said he is excited to start this upcoming season. Feeling like this team is the strongest he’s played for since arriving at IU Southeast. “The only set back we have is some inexperience in the infield with only one starter returning and the other spots being filled by underclassmen,” Bickett said. “That should be our only weakness, I think we are under rated coming in conference with the number two spot.” Head coach Ben Reel is in his 7th season as head coach and says that he doesn’t see his team’s youth as a disadvantage. “It is a double edged sword but I think at times it can help because guys are excited,” Reel said. “The unexpected prepares them to work hard every day.” Reel did say that that his team’s inexperience may cause the Grenadiers to play a different style of offense than last season. “Last year we hit .315 as a team and
14
were top ten in the country in doubles because we had an older group who we could give a green light to,” Reel said. “This year you will see more bunting and situational hitting.” Age aside, Senior Center Fielder Marcus Howard, who won a KIAC Gold Glove in 2014, says he doesn’t expect anything less from this team than a deep run in the search for a National Title. “My expectations for the season are just like they always have been. I expect us to be successful in conference, region, and to make a good run in the World Series,” Howard said. “As long as we continue to work the way we are and put it all together, we’ll be successful.” With 16 upperclassmen on the roster Bickett says the team has built a lot of chemistry together. He says he feels like that is what their X factor is for this team and thinks that is what will fuel their run through the postseason. “Everyone on the team is ready and willing to give their all for the guy next to them no matter the circumstance. Players get along on and off the field and it’s always enjoyable to be around, it’s fun pushing one another,” Bicket said. “It doesn’t feel like a job or obligation, players look forward to getting better every chance they have. There’s a want to win and do what it takes to make it happen.” The Grenadiers first four games have been canceled due to weather. Their next game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 24 at St. Catherine College.
Photos by Joel Stinnett
IUS softball preparing to defend KIAC championship By MARY KATE HAILER Staff mhailer@umail.iu.edu
Four bases, three strikes, two teams and one winner, only means one thing for IU Southeast - it’s that time of year again for women’s softball to begin. Returning for the 2015 spring season, the softball team is the defending KIAC regular season champion and conference tournament champion. In the last season for 2014 The Grenadiers finished with a 42-12 record. The Grenadiers team is lead by head coach Joe Witten, who is in his third season. According to iusathletics.com, Witten has led the team to backto-back KIAC regular season and tournament championships within his first two season coaching. “We are hoping to do the same this year,” Witten said. Photo by Mary Kate Hailer The team has their first season #4 Senior captain Summer Sanders game away, March 1st, playing St. working on her hitting to prepare to Catharine College, following their knock one out of the park. first tournament in Elizabethtown, Kentucky on March 6th, 7th, and 8th. A new player Witten said to watch “There are six really nice teams, out for this season is freshmen pitcher one of them which won the national Caroline Cato. championship a year ago and the other “Even though I am an two teams were highly ranked last underclassman, I hope to provide year,” Witten said of the competition. leadership while I am in the circle and Witten also added he likes to try to motivate the team to play well behind play nice squads so early in the season me,” Cato said, reflecting on her to see where the team is, freshman year as an incoming player “It will be great challenge to start off for the Grenadiers. with that, we have to play our best to Cato also added how much she loves beat those teams,” he said. her teammates and how she now To get ready for the preparation considers them all family and her best for the tournaments and the season, friends. Witten said his team has been working Another player Witten mentions is extremely hard and doing a lot of Alyssa Price, who Witten believes is variety things to prepare such as some an exceptional hitter, and Montanah cross training, swimming, and even Rogers, who is an outstanding yoga on some days. outfielder. Both girls are also incoming “The girls are getting all the training freshman. they need to be ready,” Witten said. A returning player to watch out for is He added it’s hard to get outside sophomore pitcher of the year, Jessica with the weather being so cold, but Leanhart, Witten said she is one of the the team practices six days a week, best in the conference and one of the usually in the afternoon either at the best in this part of the country. new facility or the activities building Lastly Witten added, Senior captain on campus. Summer Sanders is the only senior on
the team. extremely important,” Witten said. “Summer is a great leader and “This team is special and I know ball player, she has played every they are going to do great things, they game since her freshmen year and just have to believe in themselves.” she knows all the teams we play,” he “I am really excited about this added. season, we have some doubters “She brings a lot of experience to the because of our low numbers but we table.” have a very talented group of girls this Something this season that’s year.” Sanders said. interesting about summer Witten said “I am looking forward to winning, is that she has been an outfielder for I have put in so much time and effort the last seven years of her life and for and I can’t wait to see how it pays off her final year they are making her a for us.” Cato said. 3rd baseman. Coach Witten said that he is always “It’s a little change but I know she is looking to better the softball program capable of being the girl that can do it, at IU Southeast. He believes that most she’s doing great in practice and I don’t women as they go off to college are expect anything short of being great afraid to try out for a sport because from her,” Witten said. they have a unknown factor about “As a senior, college sports. I hope to bring “If you are a the team closer student athlete together and to or former student keep everyone athlete that motivated and has experience really focused.” in softball and Sanders said especially if your when reflecting fast and can on her hopes run you might for her senior want to contact year. us, because Sanders chances are you also added might have the that she hopes opportunity to she can show be apart of a the incoming great program players what and maybe win it means to a championship be a softball ring,” Witten said. player for IU To contact the Southeast athletics office the way the regarding more seniors had information about showed her. being apart of the “The season women’s softball Photo by Mary Kate Hailer looks very bright team, you may as long as we stay #9 Sophomore Morgan Klosterman hitting email athletics@ healthy,” Witten with #18 Taylor Batliner. ius.edu. added. All of the softball games at IU According to iusatheltics.com, the southeast are free to everyone and roster as a whole has 25 players, but Witten said it’s a great way to have Witten stated that the team is having some type of entertainment, bring some set backs on some players with some food in, and relax. “You can some old nagging injures holding them watch some pretty good softball games, back from playing. just watch your head because our girls “We don’t have as big as a roster hit the ball pretty hard,” he added. as most do, we have a small team so staying healthy is going to be
15
LET ME LOBBY FOR MY HOBBY
Paranormal Research By ZAK KERR Managing Editor zakerr@ius.edu
Let Me Lobby For My Hobby is a new monthly series highlighting a student’s hobbies and interests. Have an interesting hobby? Submit ideas to zakerr@ius.edu
Measuring for electronic voice phenomenon, studying the effects of geomagnetic fields and researching how our ideas can influence what we perceive are all part of the job when you’re a paranormal researcher. This is the hobby that Katie Glesing, communications senior, has spent the last two years doing. “You get a lot of skeptics and a lot of people who are firm believers,” Glesing said. ‘So it’s really hard to weed out the crazy there. When you get a group of people who are students and academics who are dedicated to doing real research on this, from the standpoint of, ‘It’s not real, it’s not fake, but look at what we’ve got.’ That’s what our point is.” Glesing started her paranormal research in 2013 when she signed up for a para-psychology class that was offered at IU Southeast. “We traveled the whole East Coast and actually learned how to collect research data in psychology,” Glesing said. “It’s usually really unbiased material, since we’re doing it according to the scientific method, using everything that we were taught as students in that classroom.” With the class, Glesing was able to travel to some of the biggest haunted locations in the United States. “We went to Bobby Mackey’s (Wilder, Ky.), Waverly (Louisville), East Bay Inn (Savannah, Ga.) and Myrtle’s Plantation (St. Francisville, La.), which is supposedly the most haunted plantation in the United States.” Since the class ended Glesing said that she has continued her paranormal research with the only academic paranormal research group that is actively publishing to research journals, The Institute for the Study of Religious and Anomalous Experiences, or ISRAE for short. “ISRAE was just founded, but they have been
operating as the research branch, The Association for the Study of Anomalous Field Phenomenon,” Glesing said. “That’s the group that goes out and does the research and logs the data and makes sure when something happens, nothing else caused it, to make sure it’s purely anomalous.” In her research with the ISRAE, Glesing has had a few run-ins with anomalous events. A half-way deflated beach ball that moved, seemingly on its own, off of a headboard and towards Glesing and another member during an investigation. “I said, ‘If there’s anything in this room, can you make something move?’ And we had this half-way deflated beach ball, which, it is not the best research tool, but we had it on a headboard at the foot of the bed, and we we’re sitting on the bed,” Glesing said. “We we’re sitting away from the headboard just to make sure we didn’t contaminate it, we’ve got two video cameras on it, and I ask that question and the ball falls. The ball falls towards me. So if I would have kicked it, it would have fallen forward, but it fell backward and then on to the floor.” She called to the head of the group, and they ran a few tests on the ball to make sure it was not human error. “We put the ball back, and we blew on it and did all of these tests on camera, so you can tell that there is no way in heck that we influenced the ball falling.” After they ran the tests and the group leader left, Glesing calmed herself down to resume testing. She asked the question again, and an old doll across the room started making noise. “None of them are motion activated. They’re all push activated and kind of older, so you actually have to put effort into pushing on them,” she said. “One started giggling, and we just didn’t know what to do.” While the institute does research hauntings,
Glesing said that they do not limit themselves to only researching haunted locations. They’ve also done research on the psychology in how people perceive the paranormal. “I did a seance here at IUS with a couple people from the group,” she said. “While you’re doing it, it’s kind of scary because you get a lot of the psychosomatic, ‘Oh, my stomach hurts.’ ‘Oh my stomach hurts too, that’s crazy!’ You get to find out what we’re doing to each other, versus what’s actually happening in the environment.” Unlike the ghost hunting reality shows that you can find on TV, Glesing said the ISRAE adheres to the scientific method and keep its research unbiased. “Everything we do, we can put out there,” she said. “We actually have three different journal publications that have made it into circulation.” Glesing said what drew her to paranormal research was her natural curiosity and that she is drawn to the unknown. “That’s the worst thing, not knowing. People are so set in their minds that science has solved everything, but there’s so much more that we haven’t even touched. People are discovering new stars, new galaxies, new matter all the time.” For anyone interested in getting involved with the Institute for the Study of Religious and Anomalous Experiences, Glesing said that all people, even skeptics, are welcome to join the groups’ Friday night classes. “Come to our talks and ask us questions! We’re open to everyone. It’s only $5, and you can have all the cookies and coffee you want!” $5, Friday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Social hour is from 7-8 p.m. Lecture is from 8-9 p.m., with Q&A afterwards. The Historic Grisamore House. 111 West Chestnut St. Jeffersonville.
16
Atheists and Assholes
Opinions... By Ethan Smith Features Editor @EthanLeeSmith
I am an atheist, which to me simply means I don’t need spirituality to live a fulfilled life. But thanks to a few outspoken atheists, especially in the past few days, the term is beginning to mean I must be an Islamophobic asshole. About two weeks ago three Muslim students were murdered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The man indicted for the crime, Craig Stephen Hicks, claimed his motive for killing the three college students was over a parking dispute. But this claim has come under scrutiny after many reviewed his posts on social media. Posts with quotes like: “People say nothing can solve the Middle East problem. Not meditation, not arms, not financial aid. I say there say is something. Atheism.” And,“Praying is pointless, useless, narcissistic, arrogant, and lazy; just like the imaginary God you pray to.” These quotes echo the sentiments of prominent atheists such as Bill Maher, Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. These three generally fall under the rising sub-culture dubbed New Atheism. New Atheism generally means you not only disbelieve in religion and God, but also you fervently argue with anyone who does believe and actively belittle them for their beliefs.
As turmoil and terror continue to plague the Middle East, many outspoken atheists have been blaming Islam. But other atheists, like myself, are claiming that these people are just assholes.
And their latest target of sacrilegious ire has been Who are we to tell a mother who lost her child to Islam. cancer that she can’t believe that they went to a better place? It’s no secret that many Americans have been harboring negative attitudes towards Muslims since Who are we to tell a man who lost his wife in a car that attacks on 9/11. wreck that he will never speak with And the recent emergence her again? of ISIL, with their fetish for sharing execution videos, America is has only aggravated these supposed to be the negative feelings. melting pot, a land where anyone, no The New Atheism matter who they are movement, unknowingly or or what they believe, not, has seized upon these is welcome. feelings and positioned their cause as the solution to the French-Americans, religious strife that has German-Americans plagued the Middle East for Irish-Americans the last decade. and so many others helped build this They argue that the country into the reason this region is so superpower that it violent is because their is today. Why can’t religion is violent. Arab-Americans and According to Ibrahim Muslim-Americans B. Syed, president of do the same? the Islamic Research Most religious Foundation International, people are not this is a completely asinine out to push their argument. religions on you. “Tell me, what religion Ethan Smith, There are a few was Stalin? Or Hitler? Or annoying apples, but Features Editor for the Horizon Mao? These people are in general they just responsible for more deaths want to get through than any other human the day like everyone else. beings on the planet, and what religion were they?” The best way for us to weed out those who are using Syed said. religion for destructive purposes is not to demonize “And what about the Crusades? And the countless everyone in the religion but to accept those who wars in Europe and Asia?” The point is that religion is not the cause of violence; hold their beliefs and attack those who pervert it for personal gain. humans are the cause of violence. That goes for extremist Muslims, Bible-thumping We are very contradictory and complex beings, televangelists and cult leaders alike. capable of extreme kindness and extreme violence. People who don’t fully understand the complexities Religion is one factor in a million, but it is not the of a different culture should take the time to talk only factor. And if New Atheists continue upon their current course, they could quickly become one of those with and learn about their way of life, as opposed to shooting them. factors. There is nothing wrong with being ignorant, but The western world is terrified of the “lone wolf” there is something evil about staying that way scenario, where someone who is alienated from the willfully. society they live in becomes radicalized and carries We all get through life in different ways, and the out an act of terrorism against it. world still turns even when everyone is on a different Well, what could be more alienating than a society page. that tells you that your beliefs are not only ignorant, I am an atheist, which to me simply means I do not but also they make you a violent animal. fear other religions or cultures. It means I look at the And who are we as atheists, a group who has world with an open mind and an open heart. It means historically been the receiver of persecution, to I never claim to understand everything, but I strive persecute others for their beliefs? to. And most of all, it means I’m not an asshole.
I am an atheist, which to me simply means I don’t need spirituality to live a fulfilled life.
17
Los Angeles Times Crossword
1 Thom __: shoe brand 5 Greek Zs 10 This, in Spain 14 Poi source 15 Motionless 16 Like spider webs 17 __ the Impaler: model for “Dracula” 18 One of a 1492 trio 19 Ritual flammable stack 20 They’re juiced in Jacksonville 23 Anteater’s sound in the comic “B.C.” 24 Mobster’s gal 25 Hawaiian wreath 26 Flood-control project 29 Garbage barge puller 31 Odorless gas 33 They’re baked in
18
Boise 37 Disaster relief org. 38 Put the kibosh on 39 Exec’s “By yesterday!” 42 They’re boiled in Bangor 47 Sets aside for future use 49 __ and improved 50 Barnyard home 51 Suffix with transit 52 “Green __ and Ham” 55 Knock sharply 57 They’re shelled in Savannah 62 One-liner, e.g. 63 Make __: get rich 64 Dining table expansion piece 66 Degree recipient 67 Guts 68 Year-end clearance event 69 Office note
70 Deuce toppers 71 One-named Art Deco artist Down 1 Network that once employed VJs 2 Muscle prone to cramps 3 Devastated Asian sea 4 Caffeinated pill 5 “Be quiet!” 6 Oklahoma city 7 Early brunch hr. 8 “Star Wars” droid, familiarly 9 Hollywood hopeful 10 “College Football Playoff” network 11 Crow’s-nest telescopes 12 Deep serving bowl 13 Infant’s bodysuit
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. Sponsored by:
Crossword Solution
Across
21 __-Rooter 22 Voice above tenor 26 “What’s the __?”: “So what?” 27 Fruity cooler 28 “Li’l Abner” matriarch 30 Departed 32 Furnace output 34 Lukas of “Witness” 35 “Shop __ you drop” 36 Neural impulse conductor 40 Museum collection 41 Would-be social worker’s maj. 43 “__ your pardon” 44 NFLer who plays at the MeadowlandsÑin NJ, ironically 45 Scolds but good 46 Ugly duckling, as it turned out 47 Lumber mill blockage 48 Bump from which cactus spines grow 53 Xbox enthusiast 54 Cathedral topper 56 Throb 58 San __, Italy 59 Jealous feeling 60 Rip 61 Word after sea or before Lake 65 Doctor’s charge
Family and Parent Programs Present:
Family Day Out at the
It is sure to cause a “Reaction” of fun!
Are you tired of winter? Help us usher in Spring with Operation Hippity-Hop! Where: The Children’s Center When: Saturday, March 7 Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
10:30am until you get your fill Meet at the Louisville Science Center entrance
Come and join us for a day of FREE family fun.
Spring Daze
Saturday, February 28th
To secure your FREE tickets, please RSVP by Thursday, February 26th to Kim Pelle at (812) 941-2650. This event is funded by your student activity fee. If you require accommodations or would like more information, please call 812-941-2650.
IU Southeast students and their families are invited to share a special day of FREE fun family activities including: Face painting, crafts, treats, and more! RSVP to kpelle@ius.edu or call (812)941-2650 by Thursday, March 5 – space is limited. This event is funded by your student activity fee. If you require accommodations or would like more information, please call (812) 941-2650.
Holocaust survivor preaches forgiveness By JOEL STINNETT Editor in Chief @muckrakerjoel
Eva Mozes Kor stared at a rack full of thank you cards fit for nearly any occasion, but she could not seem to find one that summed up what she was trying to say. After hours of searching she walked out of the store with her hands empty and her head filled with one thought. “How do you thank a Nazi doctor?” On Feb. 10 Kor, a Holocaust survivor, shared her story of survival and forgiveness with a crowd of 1,050 inside Stem Concert Hall of the Ogle Center and in nearby overflow rooms, the largest crowd for a public event ever at IU Southeast. Kor told the audience that she and her twin sister, Miriam Mozes, were subjected to human experimentation at Auschwitz under the direction of Dr. Josef Mengele. They were the only members of their family to leave the concentration camp alive. Years later, Kor said she was still acting as a victim, refusing to let go of the pain she and her family
endured at the hands of their captors. Until the day she had the opportunity to travel to Germany to meet with Hans Münch, an Auschwitz Nazi doctor who had manned the gas chambers. Kor told those in attendance that she was terrified to meet a Nazi doctor, but that Münch treated her with respect and dignity. Kor said she came with questions for Münch but he had little information to share about Dr. Mengele and his genetic experiments. Münch did, however, admit to his role at the concentration camp and agreed to meet Kor at Auschwitz and sign a first-hand account of his role in the gas chambers. “So that if I ever met a revisionist or denier I could shove this paper in their face,” Kor said. “I came home excited I would have a historic document, and I wanted to thank this Nazi doctor.” That’s when Kor began to try and find an appropriate way to thank Münch. She said she thought for months until one day it came to her: a letter of forgiveness.
RIGHT-A line stretched twice around the lobby of the Ogle Center to get a copy of Kor’s book signed. FAR RIGHT-Kor told her story in front of a nIUS campus record crowd of 1,050.
20
LEFT- Kor signs a book for a young audience member. Kor said that she believes bullying is one of the biggest problems she sees facing today’s youth. RIGHT-Chancellor Ray Wallace introduces Kor. The Stem Concert Hall crowd was so large that additional seating in the Robison Theatre, Hoosier Room and The Commons were opened to allow visitors to watch a simulcast of the speech.
Kor wrote the letter to Münch and found it so empowering she decided to forgive Dr. Mengele as well. She said she knew the letter would be a meaningful gift for Münch and life-changing for her. “I discovered that I have the power to forgive,” Kor said. “No one could give me that power, and no one could take it away.”