M T H E M O N TA G E
Bowing out Head baseball coach, Tony Dattoli, resigns SPENCER GLEASON EDITOR IN CHIEF STLCC Archers’ baseball head coach Tony Dattoli resigned from his position with the baseball team on Nov. 11, after spending 11 seasons under the STLCC baseball programs. Dattoli will still keep his position as the STLCC Physical Education chair and a P.E. instructor at Meramec. “At some point, things happen. You make decisions and you’ve got to look at it and go, ‘Which direction do you want to go,’” Dattoli said. “I’m 43 years old. At some point, I’m probably not going to coach again. I’ve got to put myself on a line where I can develop my career [as a teacher]. At the end of the day, I was fortunate enough to do what I loved. Things change. That’s the bottom line.” Archers’ assistant coach Scott Goodrich will move into the head coach position and Zach Graefser will continue his duties as assistant coach. Goodrich
$$$
NEWS
played for Dattoli during his time at Harris-Stowe in the 90s and Graefser played for both Goodrich and Dattoli at Meramec from 2004 to 2005. “Scott’s coached with me the whole time I’ve been at Meramec,” Dattoli said. “Both of them are former players of mine. They’re also former coaches underneath me. I think the progress of the program is going to go on without skipping a beat because of the fact that they’ve already been in the program.” Dattoli, who joined the then Meramec Magic athletic coaching staff in the fall 2002, was 338-287-2 during his time with STLCC baseball. After the consolidation of STLCC athletics in July 2011, Dattoli kept the baseball headcoaching job. He was 278-231-2 with the Meramec Magic and 60-56 in his two ...
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
PHOTO BY: CASSIE KIBENS Tony Dattoli, STLCC-Meramec’s head baseball coach, looks on as his team plays at Busch Stadium Sept. 8. Dattoli announced his resignation Nov. 11.
How to get the most bang for your buck
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Some websites offer cheaper solutions compared to the bookstore. Story and graphic on page 3
Emerging Scholars Winners presented at STLCC-Meramec and honored at banquet.
ART & LIFE
page 3
New exhibit open at STLCC-Meramec Art Gallery
Thanksgiving Travel
Ernst Haas’ work will be on display through December 6.
Women’s Basketball
From staying in town, to getting away, a look into traveling for the upcoming holiday.
page 6
Lady Archers start season with four wins in five games.
Story on page 9 Volume 49 Issue 6
page 12
www.meramecmontage.com
November 21, 2013
2NEWS November 21, 2013
Finding
Scholarships Online Have you ever wondered about the scholarships available to you at Meramec? There are numerous scholarships for students to consider when thinking about which one is right for them.
4. Download Applications & Fill Out
1. Visit stlcc.edu 3. Click STLCC Scholarships 2. Click Financial Aid under Enroll Now
5. Go to the Financial Aid Office in Clark Hall
GRAPHIC BY: REBECCA BIUNDO
PHOTO BY: SPENCER GLEASON The Meramec Student Veterans Club hosted a flag ceremony at noon Monday, Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day at the flagpole located at the front of campus. Student, staff and faculty speakers will make brief remarks after the ceremony. All are invited to a reception in honor of the day in SC200/201. All campus veterans were encouraged to wear clothing or other items that indicate their status as former or current members of America’s Armed Forces.
COLLEGE WRITING CENTER AT MERAMEC
10th Annual Writing Contest First Prize: $100 gift card & Publication in Currents Magazine! Second Prize: $50 gift card
Write an essay, short story, or play using the following prompt as your inspiration:
MERAMECMONTAGE.COM online stories & more
50-Minute Workshop This is an event where participants will be encouraged to meet with the staff of Career & Employment Services!
“Connection lost”
Fridays, November 8, 15, 22, 2013 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Winners notified by email on December 11. For more information, visit the College Writing Center, CN122.
Length: No restriction Deadline: By midnight, Sunday, December 1 (Thanksgiving weekend)
Submit by email only: to fhooker@stlcc.edu
Student Center 125 (located in cafeteria) For more information contact:
Career and Employment Services Tel: 314.984.7611 Fax: 314.984.7447 Email: CES@stlcc.edu
NEWS 3 November 21, 2013
Students rise to new standard of success
Theatre presents “The Two Sisters”
Emerging scholars honored during Nov. 19 Banquet at Meramec JAKE HUNN GRAPHICS EDITOR STLCC-Meramec students were recognized as emerging scholars in the Meramec cafeteria on Nov. 19. The scene was set by white tablecloths and dim lighting, transforming the cafeteria into an elegant dining hall to celebrate the academic success of the emerging scholars. Six students were honored at the banquet for completing coursework in two or more developmental areas including English, math and reading; successfully completed 24 or more credit hours; achieved a 3.5 or higher grade-point average; and participated in campus and community activities. The Emerging Scholars program is in its second year at Meramec and the students involved are finding it to be very
Bradley, Emerging Scholar
Genevieve Hall, Emerging Scholar
beneficial. The program has been successful at STLCC-Florissant Valley for the last 18 years. “It makes me see things in a broader and clearer way than I ever have before,” Emerging scholar Genevieve Hall said. Hall was introduced to the program through her reading class. Hall plans to study abroad in England after finishing up at Meramec this spring. Another emerging scholar, Bradley, attributes his success to programs like TRiO that are designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Other resources on campus that students can utilize include the Writing Lab, the Math Lab and the TRiO Lab.
Finding a bookstore alternative Meramec bookstore thrives despite online textbook sources JAKE HEIDBRINK STAFF WRITER As students are beginning to register for spring classes, the dreaded thought of buying textbooks have likely entered their minds. Textbooks can set back one’s finances a couple hundred dollars and the task for students then becomes how one can find the cheapest way of buying textbooks. The internet has become a popular alternative to the bookstore for buying textbooks. STLCC-Meramec student Andrew Missroon said he buys his books online. “I buy my books off Amazon and Chegg because it’s a fraction of the price as it is to buy them at the book store,” Missroon said. According to Missroon, Amazon and Chegg can offer significantly lower prices for new textbooks compared to the bookstore, with some books priced at 99 cents. However, online sites make money from shipping. Amazon, for example, charges a flat $3.99 shipping fee on all books. Amazon profits from bulk discounts when shipping large quantities, thus enabling the online book seller to price textbooks at lower rates. It can be difficult for campus bookstores to compete with online textbook retailers. When purchasing a book in the campus bookstore, funds are disbursed to the publisher, textbook wholesaler and administrative costs, such as building expenses, utilities, insurance and personal expenses. Despite this price competition
with online retailers, the bookstore does not seem to be facing any significant decline in sales, said Beth Reitz, book buyer for the Meramec Bookstore. There are still many benefits for buying your books at the bookstore, one of them being the security of knowing that you are getting the correct materials for class, said Reitz. “We usually see the majority of students buying from the bookstore just because they are getting the correct material, because you always need to make sure that you have the correct edition, the correct book and all of the components that you need for class,” said Reitz Like Amazon and Chegg, the Meramec bookstore offers rentals as well as used books, which can carry a significant discount compared to new pricing. Students can also take advantage of the buy back process, which happens the week of finals, in order to get money back on the books purchased for the semester. Reitz suggests students plan ahead when purchasing textbooks. “Books go on sale two weeks prior to the start of classes, so make sure and come in early because used books obviously sell first,” Reitz said. “Buy used books and always try the buy back process because you’re going to get money at the end of the year. Those are the two best tips.” The Meramec book store is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.
THE
TEXTBOOK GAME
When it comes to buying textbooks, there are different options on where to buy them.
Pros Cost Effective
Amazon:
Amazon Shipping Costs Takes Time to Ship
Extensive Search E-Books
Pros
Cons
Wrong Editions
Chegg:
Book Rental 21 Day Book Return Policy Many Books
Cons
Can be Expensive Limited Rental Time Wrong Editions
The Meramec Bookstore: Pros Cons Expensive Right Editions Limited Return Can buy Used Long Lines Many are specialized to Meramec
GRAPHIC BY REBECCA BIUNDO
The St. Louis Community CollegeMeramec Theatre presents “The Two Sisters” by Dennis M. Corcoran on Nov. 20 through Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The play will also run on Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. The event will take place in the Theatre at the Meramec campus located in Humanities East. The play, for mature audiences only, is directed by Michelle Rebollo and designed by Darren Thompson. “The Two Sisters” takes place at Her Majesty’s Prison in Armagh, Northern Ireland, during the height of “The Troubles” in the 1970s and 80s. Two communities are at war, with one another housed within its centuriesold walls. Can these two sisters bridge generations of bigotry and hate, find humanity in each other and clear a new path to peace? The work continues today, but its roots were planted here within the heart of the two sisters. Admission is free and seating is open on a first come basis. For more information call 314-9847562.
Students create brochure for the City of Kirkwood Graphic Design II and Photo Imaging II students in Professor Michael Swoboda’s classes recently completed a design project for the City of Kirkwood and the Kirkwood Landmarks Commission. The brochure detailed historic landmarks on a walking tour of the city. While his graphic design students produced prototypes over the course of the month-long project, photography students sought out 30 historic properties to capture. According to Swoboda, the finalized brochure was well received by the City of Kirkwood, Downtown Kirkwood and the Kirkwood - Des Peres Chamber of Commerce sponsored printing 5,000 full-color brochures, now available at City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce office and various locations around Kirkwood.
4 OPINIONS November 21, 2013
WACKY SCIENCE
CORY MUEHLEBACH OPINION EDITOR
The Reality of Video Games Realism in video games has been one of the many milestones that game creators have been striving for, ever since the conception of video games in 1958. With the advent of “Tennis for Two,” a plethora of games have been created, packaged and sold internationally. Technology is doubling every year; more and more people are becoming acquainted with video games. Many of the feats of gaming are small in comparison to the realism within the games. At present day, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One can play games so close to realism that certain features are indistinguishable from reality. The recent release of Grand Theft Auto 4 had
GETTING SCHOOLED
MALAIKA TOLFORD STAFF WRITER
International education As International Education week draws to a close on STLCC campuses, our student body has had time to reflect on the meanings of “International Education.” The theme of the college’s activities this year was “International Education: Learning Matters around the World.” The phrasing is somewhat ambiguous. Does it
amazing water textures and it came out for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The splashing of waves against the beach or wooden columns beneath the dock was absolutely astonishing. It is eerie to imagine what next generation video game consoles will be able to muscle. Video games are used for more than pleasure; they are used for physical skills such as singing, dancing or exercise. They can be used for training in the military or even education among children. With the increase of uses for video games and the increase in technology, how soon will video games take over reality? In the poorly crafted movie, Gamer, Gerald Butler plays Kable, a video game character controlled by a real person. In this sick society, digital media along with video games are everything. There seems to be little interaction between humans; it is as if life itself does not even exist. This movie plot, while laughably dumb, has prophetic value. The idea that technology in video games can become so great that it takes over reality is not so absurd as it is certain. Masking oneself behind a computer is already a reality, hiding behind fake Internet Protocol addresses pretending to be Bob Newhart is a reality, if technology can bend what is real or not real, how long before it becomes part of humanity, not just a part of society? Video games being intertwined with
human life seem like a child’s dream, but it certainly comes with grave danger. Will humans be able to decipher what is wrong or right in reality? Will they be able to distinguish between the two realms or will they become the video games themselves. One way to combat the end to human companionship is to set guidelines and rules for the creation of games or any of the like. Games should be realistic looking, that is a modest goal, but creating artificial intelligence as smart as human beings is not only dangerous, but also pettish. Do people wish to make friends with robots and if intelligent enough, are those robots people? The strong advance of technology is bringing civilization such bliss, but if humans are to keep climbing the ladder without safety precautions, surely humanity will meet its death at the crippling hand of negligence.
mean that learning is important around the world, or that Meramec is showcasing international issues in education? Either way, both versions capture the critical importance of promoting global thinking in education. International Education can mean a learning that transcends borders in the exchange of students internationally. It can also mean teaching students about global intricacies in order to prepare them for a future in an increasingly connected planet. Education in the U.S. would be smart to emphasize these types of studies in the curricula, in both primary and secondary education. Even if a person chooses never to leave the country, they would have to be in serious denial to think they would never interact with people from different cultures, or even foreigners living and working in the U.S. and they would have to be crazy to deny their part in a globalized society. Unfortunately, the U.S. is full of people that deny this cultural plurality. It can be seen in politicians who run on antiimmigration platforms making their fears
of non-white America embarrassingly obvious. It can be seen in Arizona, where a ban on ethnic studies from curricula in Tuscon was upheld by a judge this spring. What do politicians and educators seek to gain from attempting to further alienate large swaths of the fabric of a very diverse nation? Othering people and denying the vibrant ethnic makeup of our society does nothing to better it. If the U.S. denies racial issues and ignores the need to study history from more than one vantage point, where does that leave the U.S. on the international playing field? How the U.S. responds to an increasingly interconnected global society largely depends on how it handles its own cultural pluralism. True global thinking through international education is hard to achieve when our society is caught up in its own multicultural debate. In 2005, conservative pundit Rush Limbaugh criticized Evanston Township High School’s global perspective requirement where students chose two semester long history courses that focused
EDITORS Spencer Gleason Cory Montero Cassie Kibens Jake Hunn David Kloeckener Cory Muehlebach Rebecca Biundo Justin Villmer Shannon Philpott
Editor in Chief Managing Editor Production Manager Graphics Editor Photo/Asst. Sports Editor Opinions Editor In-Depth Editor Sr. Copy Editor Faculty Adviser
ILUSTRATION BY: CORY MUEHLEBACH
on regional history such as Latin American, Middle Eastern or Russian. His argument was that such a multicultural approach undermines American culture and values. That can only be true if America’s values are to deny cultural pluralism and ensure that young citizens have no cultural context for the complex issues facing our international communities. Many universities have a global studies requirement, or some sort of cultural understanding equivalent, but not enough. Many just have some sort of social sciences requirement, some going further to require an anthropology or cultural geography course. The worry is that if little is understood about cultural history, how can effective global consciousness be taught? In order for events like International Education week to be successful, they need to be supplementary to an already vibrant cultural studies curriculum. Hopefully the students, faculty and community members who attended the week’s events were able to take in the importance of learning, thinking and hopefully acting globally.
MONTAGE STAFF THE MONTAGE Tiara Bams Michelle Barry Billy Gardner Jake Heidbrink Robert Knight Aaron McCall Dennis Parks Kenndra Roberts Malaika Tolford Darla Minor Dalila Kahvedzic
Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer Staff Designer
To place an advertisement, contact the advertising manager for rates, sample issues, etc., 314-984-7955. Editorial views expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessaritly the views of St. Louis Community College, the board of trustees or the administration. The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semeWster at St. Louis Community College Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122. 314-984-7655. One copy of The Montage is free of charge. Up to 10 additional copies available, $1 each, at the office of The Montage, SC 220. Bulk purchases may be arranged with circulation manager. Editorial policy: All letters should be no longer than 500 words and must include identification as a student or faculty member, phone number and address for verification purposes. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for content and length. All letters submitted will be published in print and online.
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OPINIONS 5
November 21, 2013
ILLUSTRATION BY: CORY MONTERO
Minimum wage vs. union wage Can fast food afford the cost? DENNIS PARKS STAFF WRITER Ray Kroc convinced the McDonald brothers that franchising their restaurant would be a good idea and teenagers have been working in the fast food industry, ever since. Serving customers and flipping burgers can be a good way to make a few bucks and acquiring a little bit of disposable income one would not have otherwise and learning a bit of responsibility. But nobody said that same job would support an adult, much less a family, even though many Americans are trying to do just that.The worker should learn to live on their wage, rather than attempt to force an industry to pay for their mistakes and limited abilities? In addition to various factions insisting on an increase in the minimum wage, multiple organizations are working toward unionizing the fast food industry in an attempt to raise wages for fast food workers. At minimum wage (currently at $7.35 per hour in Missouri) according to Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, the annual salary of a fast food worker before taxes is $15,288, based upon a work week for 52 weeks. Most of those
employees will rarely, if ever realize that full-time status. Some good news is that “The Department has announced that the state minimum wage for 2014 will be $7.50/ hr and will go into effect January 1, 2014.” Jobs are tough to find and supporting a family is a noble cause, but if current skills limit a person’s potential to part-time work or minimum wage, continuing with higher education to gain marketable skills should be a priority. Help wanted signs for fast food workers never offer great pay and excellent benefits when compared to full-time jobs. For these very reasons, few workers outside of management consider working in a fast food restaurant as a long-term career. During this current economic downturn, fast food restaurants are sometimes the only opportunities for employment, especially for those without a college degree. At least most restaurant managers are willing to help their employees work around class schedules, while many employers simply cannot provide that flexibility. Flipping burgers or bending taco shells most likely will not allow anyone to retire, but it can go a long way toward paying for tuition
and books if managed correctly. It is much better to struggle through the college years while acquiring a degree, than to give up and try to live without one. Organizers of the Service Employees International Union are pushing for unionization of employees of McDonald’s, Hardees, and other fast food restaurants in order to provide better compensation. But, where will the additional payroll come from? As most fast food restaurants are owned by franchisees that are already facing slim profit margins, any additional overhead such as higher wages will force an increase in menu prices. Higher consumer prices typically result in a loss in sales which translates to someone losing their job. Several fast food restaurant locations, including McDonald and Sonic DriveIn in the St. Louis area have completely gone out of business within the last few years. Additionally, belonging to a union has requirements of its own: Initiation fees, union dues or union meetings. Initiation fees, merely a one time charge, are often roughly a month’s pay. Union dues are usually deducted from paychecks monthly
by the employer, so that money is not seen by the employee anyway. Missing monthly union meetings usually carries a financial penalty of some sort. In the grand scheme of the fast food industry, workers usually do two things; work the counter or the grill. Counter workers take orders from customers, collect payment and make change for that order, and present that order to the customer within a reasonable amount of time. Grill workers prepare the food according to customer requests. Is the customer’s order always correct? While it may be hectic at times, fast food work does not require advanced skills, yet, union organizers and workers are hoping for pay of $15.00 per hour. Fast food workers may be trying to keep up with auto workers, and we know where most of them are now. unemployed. Some may believe that fast food restaurants will always be in business, and perhaps they will. But, there was a time when Detroit never thought their automotive plants and unskilled labor would sit idle.
6 INDEPTH November 21, 2013
Going Places For the Holidays Tis the season to be global
REBECCA BIUNDO INDEPTH EDITOR
Interesting Fact: The United States does not have an official language.
Did You Know?: 90 percent of lobsters in the U.S. come from Maine
Interesting Fact: Pink dolphins are exclusive to the Amazon River in South America Currency Conversion: One Mexican peso is .077 of an American dollar
Did You Know?: Sao Paulo. Brazil is South America’s largest city. GRAPHICS BY: REBECCA BIUNDO
How to Take a “Stay-cation” in St. Louis:
Vacation is that perfect chance to break away from reality but sometimes going somewhere is not possible. Howvever, St. Louis can be the perfect place for a stay-cation. Follow these simple steps for the perfect in-town adventure.
1
Make the best of the holidays without leaving town
Book a Hotel Room & Order Room Service
2
3
See a movie at the Moolah Theatre in Midtown St. Louis
Be a Tourist & Visit St. Louis’ own: the Arch & the zoo
4
5
Go on a carriage ride on Laclede’s Landing by the Riverfront
Enjoy a classic malt milkshake at Crown Candy
INDEPTH 7
November 21, 2013
ROAD TRIP EATS
Ways to Go
Picking the best method of transportation
NEXT EXIT DALILA KAHVEDZIC STAFF WRITER
Airplane COST: TIME: PROS: Convenience, Fast CONS: Cost, Layovers, Long Lines
Long car rides across the country can be exhausting, but passing through does not mean passing up good food. Take some time to relax and partake some of the best U.S. foods.
Car COST: TIME: PROS: Unlimited Packing, Control CONS: Gas, Time, Maintenance
Chicago, Illinois Deep Dish Pizza Lou Malnati’s 1120 N. State St. Chicago, Ill.
Train
Fort Valley, Georgia
MegaBus
COST: TIME: PROS: Direct, Easy to Book Tickets CONS: Train Schedules, Long, Delays
Peach Pie Lane Southern Orchards 50 Lane Rd. Fort Valley, Ga.
COST: TIME: PROS: Cost Effective, Free WiFi CONS: Loud, Makes Frequent Stops
Ankeny, Iowa Grilled Sweet Corn
Up in the Air
Bandana’s Bar-B-Q 301 E 1st St Ankeny, Iowa
Avoid airport hassles and fly worry-free KENNDRA ROBERTS STAFF WRITER
With the holidays peeking around the corner, plenty of people choose to venture away from home for their dose of holiday cheer. These tips will hopefully reduce the chaos for a more tolerable adventure. Avoid Traveling on Peak Dates Most people who plan to travel for Thanksgiving usually head out before the actual holiday; Tuesday or Wednesday, prior to Thanksgiving. These two days are usually known to be the “cheaper” days to book flights on, but this is completely opposite during Thanksgiving. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year in airports. Traveling on that Thursday, or Thanksgiving Day will prove to be
much more ideal. There is a smaller crowd and most airlines offer lower rates! Also, for those who plan to drive, there is less traffic late at night or early in the morning. Book Early Do not wait until the last minute to book your flight. Travel fare increases by the day as the holiday approaches. Planes tend to seat fewer and fewer passengers these days and travel during the holidays has a high volume. Do not run the risk of not being able to find a flight. Pack Light Avoid checking bags altogether if possible. Airlines typically allow a carry-on bag free of charge, contrary to the rising fees of checking luggage. Skipping baggage claim can make for a
more speedy arrival. Smaller Airports During the holidays, a busy airport is one of the most hectic places travelers can find themselves. Flying out of a smaller airport versus the main airport can greatly benefit the traveler. They tend to have less crowds and better rates. Check Weather Whether you are more prone to the friendly skies, the great road, or train tracks; weather is always a key factor in travel. Be aware of the weather in the departure city as well as the destination. Travel times, delays and traffic are all affected by changing weather so being aware will ensure schedules will stay on track.
Indianapolis, Indiana Hoosier Pork Sandwich Mug ‘N’ Bun 5151 W 10th St Indianapolis, Ind.
Little Rock. Arkansas Southern Fried Catfish Dave and Ray’s Downtown Diner 824 W Capitol Ave Little Rock, Ark.
Students’ Trips + Tips “Every year, I always go home to Kansas City for the holidays. I always drive though; about 4 hours. I am definitely not getting on the highway during rush hour on Wednesday though. That would be like traveler suicide.” - Devin Harris
“Make sure you don’t pack anything but sample-sized lotions and what not in your carry-on if you plan to fly anywhere. I learned the hard way and it sucks to watch your six buck body wash get trashed.” - Jacob Croskey
“I plan to travel to Chicago for Thanksgiving to visit my boyfriend’s family. We are going to fly there late Wednesday night. I am not flying into O’Hare though. Midway will be less of a headache.”- Jasmine Richie
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ART&LIFE 9
November 21, 2013
‘Seeing in Color’ exhibit now on display STLCC-Meramec opens new art gallery featuring Ernst Haas, photographer ROBERT KNIGHT STAFF WRITER A few dozen people were on hand for a reception to celebrate the opening of the “Seeing in Color: The Photographs of Ernst Haas” exhibit in the STLCCMeramec Contemporary Art Gallery. The exhibit of 42 prints is from the collections of the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum and it will run through Dec. 6. The art gallery is in room HE-133 in the northeastern corner of the Humanities East portion of the Humanities Building. According to David Hanlon, photography professor at Meramec, Haas used color photography as another mode of creative expression. From the brief biography Hanlon provides viewers as a handout at the gallery Haas (19211986) is “acclaimed as one of the
most celebrated and influential photographers of his generation.” When Haas began exploring his creative impulses with the camera and color photography in the 1940s, and especially when he “began experimenting with color film” in 1949, color photography was rarely used as a medium for expressing “creative artistic interpretations.” In other words, Haas began to take color photographs for something other than to accurately capture in color the scene of a specific moment in time. Haas had Life magazine devote portions of two issues to a photographic essay of New York and other similarly prestigious and widely accessible publications published more of his picture stories.
Photos by Ernst Haas in the Meramec Art Gallery. Photos were taken in the mid-1950’s.
PHOTOS BY: DAVID KLOECKENER Photo by Ernst Haas that is on display in the Meramec Art Gallery.
Sky is the limit for Meramec’s weather club Meramec’s Sky Club hosts Tim Marshall, meteorologist and civil engineer DAVID KLOECKENER PHOTO EDITOR The Sky Club will be hosting Tim Marshall to give a lecture on Nov. 26, 2013. Tim Marshall is a meteorologist and civil engineer. Marshall will be discussing a variety of things that include: the storms that went through Illinois in mid-November, programs that he has been a part of, how to determine the weather forecast, storm safety and details to determine the strength of storms. Marshall has appeared on a various television stations such as Discovery Channel, Learning Channel, National Geographic, PBS and has appeared twice on the television program “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Sky Club president Arielle Byington and faculty adviser Joe Schneider, who is also a meteorology professor, are not setting expectations but are hoping to have a good turnout for this lecture. Byington and Schneider explained how the targeted audience is anyone who might not have as much knowledge about what to do when severe storms occur but wants to
FILE PHOTO The Sky Club poses with Reid Timmer (first person in the back row) when he came to STLCC-Meramec in March. Tim Marshall, meteorologist and civil engineer, will be at Meramec Nov. 26 to give a presentation.
know more. It would also include anyone from kids and adults who find storms fascinating. “I don’t want to set expectations for [Tim Marshall’s
lecture]. We’ve done the best we can by advertised as much as possible, reach target audiences that could be coming to this event,” Byington said. “We’ve
tried to talk about it and make people aware of it.” Byington and Schneider have sent advertisements to other schools such as St. Louis University
(SLU) and Washington University so the other schools in attendance can not only see a lecture but also see how good of a school St. Louis Community College is when it comes to excelling in academics. “It’s more than just having [Marshall] lecture to us. It’s about showing the public the good things we can do here at Meramec. It shows what kind of people we bring to Meramec, what kind of education is going on here,” Schneider said. “It shows we aren’t some community college. We’re actually doing a lot of things that are really good and help students prepare to go onto four-year universities.” The lecture is free and open to everyone to attend. The lecture will be held in the STLCC-Meramec campus theatre. Seating is limited and will be on a first come, first serve basis. Along with the lecture, there is a toy drive for children 16 and under. Donations will be given to the Salvation Army Toy Town and donations must be new and unwrapped.
2013-14
CAMPUS
VISIT DAYS
Park University is located in historic Parkville, Mo., only minutes from downtown Kansas City.
VISIT PARK
D I S C O V E R A N D E X P L O R E A L L W E O F F E R AT A N E X C I T I N G PA R K UNIVERSITY EVENT OR A PERSONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE FALL PIRATE PREVIEWS
Get the whole story at this event where we feature every academic program, visit with current students and show you why Park is such a great value. • September 28, 2013 • October 12, 2013 • November 16, 2013
PERSONAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
Make any day your visit day. Tour the Parkville Campus, meet faculty, talk with current students and discover historic Parkville. Schedule your experience at park.edu/montage or (816) 746-2533 Park University seeks comments from the public about the University in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Center Association of Colleges and Schools. Comments addressing substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs should be submit in writing to: Third-Party Comment on Park University, The Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411, or at www.ncahlc.org, no later than Oct. 21, 2013.
ART&LIFE 11 November 21, 2013
Above the mark Meramec surpasses expectations BILLY GARDNER STAFF WRITER Community colleges are sometimes viewed as sub-par institutions of learning. Many students at STLCC-Meramec may not realize the opportunities that are available to them upon leaving if they work hard. Around campus, there are countless students aspiring to greatness. Chemistry professor Reni Joseph said, “There are students here who have scored 99 percent on the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test). Many students have done all their math and science here and have gone on the be doctors.” Stepping into an Organic Chemistry II lab, people are pursuing careers such as anesthesiologists, veterinarians, pharmacists, physician’s assistants and doctors. One student had a unique perspective on the community college experience, having already received a bachelor’s from a university. Lee Miesner grew up in Perryville, Mo., roughly 100 miles south of Meramec. He graduated in 2006 from Perryville High School. Like many students, Miesner was not sure what he wanted to do at 18. He went to Southeast Missouri State and attained a degree in mathematics education in 2010. He moved to Madisonville, Ky. to teach high school math. After two years of teaching, Miesner decided that it was not what he wanted to do. After visits to his wife’s endocrinologist and his first son’s 30 day stay in NICU (Neonatal intensive care unit), Miesner
decided that he would like to be a doctor. He came back to Missouri to begin working toward becoming an endocrinologist. Lee was faced with a choice between UMSL and Meramec. Miesner offered some insight into what he had heard leading up to his decision. “I was told by one of the chemistry professors from the University of MissouriSt. Louis that I needed to make sure to take organic chemistry from them so it wouldn’t look like I avoided a university to get easy A’s,” Miesner said. Ultimately, Miesner decided on STLCC to avoid accruing extra debt. He began taking classes at Meramec in the fall of 2012. Now that he is almost done at STLCC, Miesner said, “I’ll take any organic test from UMSL … All my professors here have doctorate degrees in their respective fields and they are not here to pass out easy A’s.” Miesner has recently been accepted to medical school. He will begin attending the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. His story demonstrates that students at Meramec should not limit our aspirations because we are at a community college. STLCC can prove to be a fantastic stepping stone in pursuing our dreams. PHOTO BY: BILLY GARDNER
Bringing conflict overseas closer to home Florissant valley professor shares personal insights into the conflict in Syria MALAIKA TOLFORD STAFF WRITER Last week, St. Louis Community College observed International Education Week with a collection of events on multiple campuses. Initially developed as a collaboration between the U.S. Departments of State and Education, colleges and universities participate across the county. STLCC events included a fair trade emporium, a variety of cultural activities and poignant discussion panels; talks and lectures, all with the intent of promoting global understanding. On Thursday Nov. 14, Florissant Valley Professors Rihab Sawah and Anthony Clark came to Meramec to deliver a presentation called Syria: An Intimate Portrait. They have presented this topic a few other times this fall, but this was probably going to be the last time they presented this talk, Clark said, as it is a highly personal topic for them both. Sawah is physics professor and Clark, her husband, is economics chair. Sawah’s family is Syrian, and though she was born in the U.S. her family moved to Damascus when she was three years old, where she stayed until college. Sawah and Clark were married in Syria, and Sawah returns regularly during the summers, although she has not visited since 2011. Though her immediate family all reside in the U.S. now, her extended family remains in Syria. Family is most important in Syrian culture, and it is common for extended networks of relatives to remain very close, Sawah said,
who speaks to her family in Syria at least once a week. Clark began the presentation by mentioning his style as being “off the cuff and from the heart,” mentioning that Sawah really hates discussing politics. Painting a picture of Syrian life and culture before the current atrocities of the civil war, Sawah prefaced by saying that she is not in allegiance with President Bashar alAssad and the current government. When Sawah was a child, her father was imprisoned for twelve years without trial because he was a part of several professional organizations that drafted a letter to the government asking for better treatment of its citizens with fewer violations of human rights. It is clear that Sawah has reason to dislike the current regime, but the uprising against Assad and the continuing chaos is complex, atrocious and devoid of leadership. The recent events in Syria that have gained international attention have raised more questions than given answers, Sawah said. Sawah had described her native Syria as a lively, vibrant and tolerant place. As a cultural crossroads for millennia, modern day Syria is diverse in ethnic groups and religions. Sawah, who is a Muslim, had a Christian best friend while growing up. It was not a big deal, Sawah said, noting that though they were minorities, Jewish and Christian communities thrived in Syria’s cities, as well as in smaller
enclaves. She described one particular small Coptic Christian community that still spoke Aramaic. During the uprising, their particular village was ransacked and members of the community were tortured. This event, as well as the pillaging of an ancient synagogue in Damascus illustrates the point, as Sawah said, “with every unrest, the minorities are always the ones who suffer.” Muslim Syrians were not faring much better, it seemed. Sawah recounted multiple stories of neutral Syrians killed for refusing to cooperate with the opposition because it would have harmed their families or businesses. Sawah questioned whether the opposition could really be standing for democracy and freedom when they are acting just as badly as the government they oppose. In 2011, Sawah met several young men fleeing to Lebanon after participating in anti-government protests. When Sawah asked why they had risked so much to demonstrate, they responded that they were paid very well. Paid by whom? Sawah asked if it is even a revolution when vulnerable citizens are paid to participate. It is still unclear exactly which groups are funding certain parts of the opposition. No news media reports anything truly, Sawah said. When the International Investigative Committee was brought to Syria this fall by the opposition to collect evidence of the usage of chemical weapons, the little
evidence they found seemed planted. “I can’t tell you what the agenda is, because I don’t know,” Sawah said. There may have been a chemical weapons attack that happened six months prior that did not reach international media. It was allegedly covered up because the majority of casualties were in the Syrian Army. Piecing this chaos together from U.S. media, Syrian media, and from the stories of individuals Syrians and her family, Sawah still finds more questions than answers. Her family in Syria has remained safe. “When people are in danger, there is a sense of aliveness,” Sawah said. “When the sounds of gunfire and explosions subside, families are back out eating together and having fun,” Sawah said. Despite this, Sawah’s family in the states is split in opinions. While her father harbors a lot of resentment and anger, she is full of forgiveness, even without picking sides. “Love is the only way that helps me heal and be able to see with clarity rather than through the lens of anger, which is cloudy,” Sawah said. She also reminded us to forgive people who have committed atrocities, because they are human too. Tolerance seems to be the only way forward. Tolerance and understanding are also key factors in learning to think globally, and as Sawah and Clark illustrated, seemingly far away international events can often hit much closer to home than one would expect.
12 SPORTS November 21, 2013
For the love of the game
Lady Archers jump start season STLCC women’s basketball begin season 4-1, look to be 7-1 by Thanksgiving SPENCER GLEASON EDITOR IN CHIEF
SPENCER GLEASON EDITOR IN CHIEF
The end of an era It hurts to watch Tony Dattoli walk. Just one week removed from knee surgery, with meniscus repair in his right knee, only the light-hearted jokes can hide the grimace. His knee has grown nearly two sizes. Still, he continues to climb the steps in the Physical Education Building. Today he did it without leaning on the assistance of a railing. Dattoli, who recently resigned from the baseball head coaching position on Nov. 11 — a position he has held since fall 2002, has made his mark on STLCC baseball history. Aside from his career numbers of 338-287-2 and a career 0.539 winning percentage with STLCC, Dattoli was a presence on the STLCC coaching staff. In the 51 years of athletics at Meramec, Dattoli was the first African-American head coach. Although men’s basketball coach Randy Reed and women’s basketball assistant coach Melanie Marcy have followed, Dattoli was the first. He was the coach who helped, St. Louis Cardinal postseason hero David Freese. This is the field where Dattoli moved Freese, a shortstop, to be a third baseman. In 11 seasons as the head coach, Dattoli touched the lives of nearly 1,000 athletes. His name had become synonymous with St. Louis college baseball. Now Dattoli hobbles through the P.E. Building. Not only is he down a leg, but the baseball aspect of his time at Meramec and STLCC is a thing of the past. The days of Dattoli on the baseball diamond, representing the navy blue and silver are gone. Those days have sailed and Dattoli now turns the page away from the field. Although all the right things are being said and the pain that Dattoli shows is because of his knee, hopefully there is no heart break. Hopefully this decision is not an order from the STLCC athletic heads. One can only hope that this decision was his and his alone. That’s the way it should be.
After a second National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Tournament appearance last season, in as many years, the Lady Archers have jump started the 2013-14 basketball campaign with a 4-1 record. The 12-girl roster, which is made up of eight freshman and four sophomores, is still new to the basketball program. Although Lady Archers Head Coach Shelly Ethridge has high hopes for her team, she maintains a realistic outlook on the season ahead. “The season’s been going fairly well,” Ethridge said. “With all the new players that we have and only one returner from last year, I realize that it’s going to take a while for us to be successful and to play the type of ball that I think we’re capable of playing.” Although still early, the Lady Archers’ season has already seen them face back-to-back Division I basketball programs, in Jefferson College and Rend Lake College. The Lady Archers, a NJCAA Division II program, defeated both, 70-59 and 75-66, respectively. “We schedule tough games. We schedule teams that we know are going to make us better. We play opponents that are good competition,” Ethridge said. “I’ve never seen a team that gets better by playing teams that don’t elevate their play. In saying that, beating Jefferson County and beating Rend Lake was huge. We’ve won, but I consider it winning ugly because we became sloppy at times.” Sophomore guard Kalah Martin, who is the only returnee, has been voted a team captain by her teammates. Ethridge’s expectations of Martin have risen since the vote of confidence in Martin by her team. According to Ethridge, Martin holds all the leadership qualities she looks for in captain, but there is
Continued from page 1 seasons with the STLCC Archers. “I think it caught everybody by surprise, but it’s not that I don’t love my guys. It’s not that I didn’t love my job. Things come to a crossroads and you’ve got to make decisions. At this point, I’m in great position,” Dattoli said. “I’m still doing what I love. I’m still teaching. I’m still working with the students. I’m still seeing my guys every single day. I’m just not on the ball field.” In the 47 years that junior college baseball has been associated with Meramec, Dattoli’s 11 seasons gives him the second longest tenure, only to Ric Lessmann who started the program in 1967. Lessmann, a 1997 Meramec Magic Hall of
PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER Lady Archers basketball head coach Shelly Ethridge coaches her team during practice at STLCC-Forest Park on Monday, Nov. 18. with sophomore guard Kalah Martin looking on. Martin, a Lady Archer team captain, is the only returning player from the 2012-13 team.
room for improvement. “Kalah doesn’t always lead by being vocal. She’s the silent leader. She does great in school. She does all the right things off of campus. She does all the work. When school’s out she’s up here practicing,” Ethridge said. “She does all of those leadership-type of things, but I don’t believe she’s ever been in the leadership captain role where she needs to communicate and earn the respect of her players by voicing direction and voicing opinion.” After an inner-squad scrimmage during practice on Monday, Nov. 18, Martin took the initiative to run with the losing team. According to Ethridge, that is Martin’s style. “That’s Kalah. I wish the other
players would catch on. That’s only going to make her better. She’s going to get in shape faster than the rest of them,” Ethridge said. “Kalah looks at it as a challenge and says, ‘I want to get better.’ That’s exactly her type of leadership. If we had other players do that, their level of play would certainly be a lot better at this point.” Although they are on a threegame winning-streak, the Lady Archers have three more games to play before they can eat turkey for Thanksgiving. The upcoming push of games, according to Ethridge, gives her team a legitimate shot at reaching an in-season goal. “Our goal at Thanksgiving Break is to be 7-1,” Ethridge said. “It’s going to be difficult to
reach that. It is something that’s attainable, but we’re definitely going to have play some really good basketball in these next three games.” With the season still in its infancy, the Lady Archers still have time reach their full stride. According to Ethridge, once the team camaraderie clicks, her Lady Archers will be a force to reckon with. “With this team, it’s just a matter of us developing chemistry and getting to know one another,” Ethridge said. “I’m looking at about the three-quarter-season range where we’re actually going to pull it all together and become the team that I think is capable of doing some damage.”
Fame inductee, coached the now defunct Meramec Warriors from 1967-93. Todd Whaley took over the program in 1994, followed by Joe Swiderski in 1999. In 2003, Dattoli became the fourth head coach in Meramec baseball history. In Dattloi’s first season, the Meramec Magic finished second in the Regions XVI Tournament. The following season, Dattoli had his first AllAmerican — now St. Louis Cardinal third baseman, David Freese. The 2006 season marked a personal best for Dattoli and his STLCC ball clubs. With a 4617 record, the Magic finished first in their conference and won the Regions XVI Title. It was Meramec’s first regional title since 1996. Dattoli was named Region
XVI Coach of the Year, as well as the American Baseball Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year for NJCAA Division I. Dattoli had eight seasons where his teams finished above 0.500. His 0.539 winning percentage ranks him third behind Lessmann (0.752) and Whaley (0.659). According to Dattoli, there is not one singular moment on the baseball field that stands above the rest. “In coaching baseball, I’ve had so many good experiences with relationships, establishing relationships and working with guys that I can’t honestly sit here and say that I can pick out one,” Dattoli said. “I would be cheating all of those kids, if I said one situation, I would honestly be cheating every one of those kids
that gave every ounce of energy and sweat for me.” Although Dattoli will no longer be the skipper of the STLCC Archers, he will still be a presence in the Meramec Athletic Department. “To be honest, I get more sense of gratification when I’m working with some of the general student population and they achieve some of their personal fitness goals,” Dattoli said. “We’ve got some people that come in, in not so good shape and they leave after a year of taking our courses and leave with a different mindset— better mindset. They feel better about themselves. That’s much more important than turning a double play. That’s a life-changing event. So, I’m in a pretty good place.”