The Northern Light 25th Anniversary Issue, September 17, 2013

COVER BY ROZ KIRKELIE

Seawolves make health impact abroad

By Nita Mauigoa

features@thenorthernlight.org

PHOTO BY TIM BROWN

Esteemed guests and faculty ceremonially shovel soil at the Engineering and Industry Building groundbreaking event Friday morning.

11 ceremonial shovels

The groundbreaking of UAA’s new engineering building

By Evan Erickson

eerickson@thenorthernlight.org On Friday morning roughly 200 people ambled around the muddy construction site just south of the Wells Fargo Sports Complex, where the partial steel skeleton of UAA’s new Engineering and Industry Building can be found.

There was a tent full of scones and a barrel of umbrellas, but the rain never came. Eleven gold shovels were propped in a mound of dirt for the groundbreaking ceremony that was to take place.

The 81,500-square-foot facility, projected to begin operations fall 2015, aims to meet the needs of growing School of Engineering enrollment, which has quadrupled since 2000. The Engineering and Industry Building will house a wide array of labs, including electrical engineering, heat and mass transfer and land surveying.

Special features include a service yard on the north side of the building to accommodate larger projects and a penthouse that will allow mechanical engineering students access to the inner workings of the building’s mechanical systems.

Former lieutenant governor and member of the UAA Engineering Advisory Board Loren Leman acted as emcee, passing the microphone between the various legislators, UAA faculty, students and other participants in the ceremony.

Early in the proceedings Eklutna Chief Lee

Stephan stepped up to perform a Dena’ina ground blessing. He spoke briefly on the future of Alaska Natives.

“There are 127,000 natives in Alaska. A bunch of them are down on the avenue,” Stephan said as he pointed in the direction of downtown Anchorage. “Fill that building with Alaska Natives.”

Following Stephan, two civil engineering seniors were invited to speak. Forest Rose Walker of Buckland and Michael Ulroan of Chevak both received scholarships through the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, better known as ANSEP, which made it possible for them to study at UAA. According to the Alaska Journal of Commerce, ANSEP has been responsible for 250 Native graduates of engineering and science since 2002.

Walker and Ulroan received rounds of applause when they told the audience that they would be the first civil engineers from their villages, both of which have populations smaller than 800 people.

State senator and Senate Finance Committee co-chair Kevin Meyer also spoke. He addressed that over $45 million still needs to be raised to complete the project — which, in addition to the new engineering building, includes a 500car parking garage, the straightening of Mallard Lane and renovations to the current engineering building.

SEE ENGINEERING

PAGE 2

facebook.com/northernlightuaa

twitter.com/tnl_updates

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As summer fever filled the air, students were itching to leave town and play. Among the mix was a group of students anxious to travel abroad and dive straight into volunteer work.

Joseph Lurtsema, who is a double major in Natural Sciences and Business, founded the UAA Volunteers Around the World chapter last year. VAW’s mission is to provide medical treatment and health education to less fortunate communities around the world. The organization was proactive and took their first international trip to Guatemala this summer to aid those in need with medical care.

“I was like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to save all these lives!’ I was this big dreamer. But once you actually do it, it’s such a humbling awe inspiring experience,” VAW President Lurtsema said.

Many members of the organization bring to the table knowledge from their medical backgrounds.

Gary Lose, one of the vice presidents of VAW, recalled zooming down the streets of Guatemala to warn a patient about a near fatal prescription overdose. He said he saved the patient’s life.

Lose is a triple major in psychology, natural sciences and nursing.

Kelsey West, another vice president of VAW, said some of the patients with common ailments like a cold suffered for months due to lack of medication. Students were able to aid those patients quickly with the proper medicines and treatments.

“Just 15 minutes of your time to improve the quality of life for someone — I found that really amazing,” West said.

Many of the members of VAW said they wanted to travel around the world to help the less fortunate medically since they were children.

Lurtsema said his passion for helping others started in the eighth grade when he was bullied. His father taught him how to defend himself, and he has since defended anyone who is bullied.

He said he doesn’t want any person to feel like the world is giving up on him or her.

Lose said he was impacted as a child by nurses who cared for his mother. His mother had cancer, and the nurses showed her compassion and care in her final days.

VAW is an international organization with chapters around the United States, New Zealand and Australia. To keep the UAA chapter thriving, Lurtsema said they will host a “Jogathon” event at the Alaska Dome to raise funds. There will also be a soccer camp for children too. The organization scored the reservation at the Dome free of charge for their events. VAW has several internal committees to keep an organized flow.

West said they plan to travel to the Dominican Republic this year and they will continue to travel the world to countries such as the Philippines and Botswana.

VAW has already outreached to high school students in hopes to keep VAW operating on UAA campus in the future.

“One day I want to be able to help every country in the world,” Lurtsema said. “It’s not something I think I’m going to do. It’s something I know I’m going to do.”

Check out VAW’s Guatemala photos on The Northern Light’s website. thenorthernlight.org

youtube.com/tnlnews

02 NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

Sky bridge is higher ground

By Evan Erickson

eerickson@thenorthernlight.org “No ice, no weather, no waiting!” University Police Department officer Paul Honeman shouts while directing traffic on UAA Drive on an overcast September afternoon.

Honeman stands on the pedestrian crosswalk between the Engineering and Natural Sciences buildings, helping students to cross in groups rather than one at a time.

While doing this, he also keeps an eye out for People Mover and Seawolf shuttle busses that need to keep on schedule. Honeman reminds students of the benefits of using the sky bridge just overhead.

During the 2:15-2:30 p.m. break between classes Sept. 10, 198 people were observed using the crosswalk while 97 used the sky bridge.

The sky bridge over UAA Drive is just one piece of a large network of enclosed, elevated walkways called the Spine. It extends a half-mile from Rasmuson Hall to the Consortium Library. UAA is currently in the planning process for multiple Spine extensions, including a sky bridge across Providence Drive to the new Health Sciences building.

“It’s there to get students safely across the street in a nice, warm, dry environment,” said Chris Turletes, associate vice chancellor of Facilities.

UAA is part of the bustling University-Medical District that accounts for 9.6 percent of jobs in Anchorage,

according to 2011 U.S. Census data.

“Nearly all of the U-Med institutions have experienced rapid growth in recent years, and that growth is forecast to continue,” the Alaska Department of Transportation website states.

UAA Drive is currently one of two roads that provide northern access to the U-Med District, and its well-used pedestrian crosswalk just north of Providence Drive is obstructing the flow of traffic. Flashing yellow lights give pedestrians and cyclists the right-of-way. When students in transit between classes trickle through irregularly, traffic north and south of the crosswalk backs up significantly.

Traffic congestion in and around the U-Med District is a serious problem. At peak times vehicles can line up south all the way to the Providence Drive intersection.

The DOT is currently reviewing plans for a possible Elmore Road extension or additional roads that connect UAA’s east campus to E. Northern Lights Blvd.

Large signs on either side of UAA Drive direct students to “Be Safe Use Skybridge,” but many decline.

One reason may be the multitude of stairs on either side.

Elevators access the sky bridge also, but students rushing across campus may not be vertically inclined. Students leaving the Consortium Library or Social Sciences buildings at the street level see the crosswalk as an obvious choice.

“I thought you had to walk up a set of stairs, and I got lost and came back down to the crosswalk,” freshman

Students crossing UAA Drive halt traffic at peak hours.

Jordan Lewis said.

UAA Facilities has considered a number of remedies, including simply blocking crosswalk access. This is complicated by the number of exits required from the Engineering building. People Mover riders also transfer from bus stops on either side of the crosswalk.

Another idea is a tunnel under UAA Drive, what is called a “grade-separated” pedestrian crossing.

The UAA Drive crossing is addressed in multiple sections of the 2013 UAA Campus Mater Plan final draft submitted earlier this month. Many improvements to campus circulation are proposed with the intention that “over time, pedestrians and bicyclists will dominate the campus, with vehicular movement and parking elegantly accommodated on the periphery.”

The UAA Master Plan proposes both a grade-separated pedestrian crossing at UAA Drive and modification to the existing Spine connection “to allow a more direct and intuitive interior crossing above UAA Drive.”

Some, like senior John Mathot, are conscious of the goal of the sky bridge and readily brave the stairwells.

Mathot says he takes the sky bridge because “it doesn’t slow down (vehicular) traffic. I’ve had to wait many times in traffic (at UAA Drive).”

UPD only puts officers on the UAA Drive crosswalk during the beginning of fall semester to make students aware there is an overhead walkway. Maybe colder weather won’t be the only reason more students decide to use the sky bridge in the coming months.

PHOTO BY EVAN ERICKSON

ENGINEERING: A groundbreaking new chapter c ontinu ed from cov e r

In his speech, Meyer also advocated for SB21, a bill giving tax breaks to oil and gas producers. Some like Gov. Sean Parnell see the bill as the key to increased oil development in Alaska, and others see it as a blatant giveaway. More than 50,000 signatures were gathered just three months after SB21 was passed.

Alaska voters will decide whether to repeal SB21 next August.

“I look forward to working with you to get the other half of the funding,” Meyer concluded.

UAA’s new School of Engineering dean, Tien-Chien Jen, who holds a Ph.D. in

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from UCLA, also spoke.

“We want this to be an accessible engineering school for industry to work with,” Jen said.

Finally, the associate vice chancellor of Facilities Chris Turletes stepped in to preside over the groundbreaking portion of the ceremony. Chancellor Tom Case, along with a handful of legislators, plopped the first shovelfuls down at the feet of the attendees to applause. UAA Engineering Advisory Board members, faculty, project architects, engineers and others followed suit.

School of Engineering Dean Tien-Chien Jen comments on the importance of engineering programs to the future of UAA.

PHOTO BY TIM BROWN

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

03

Cheers to campus politics

By Megan Marquis

mmarquis@thenorthernlight.org More often than not, there’s friction between the Democrats and the Republicans. Yet, when the season ends, these two adversaries must make amends and bury the hatchet in order to accomplish a similar goal of maintaining political interest among UAA students.

College Democrats and Republicans come together to face similar objectives on campus

republican representative

democrat representative

Jonathon Taylor

Joe Samaniego

Chair of the Alaskan College Republicans

President of the Alaska Young Democrats

GRAPHIC BY ROZ KIRKELIE

Do you think UAA College Republicans/Democrats is popular on campus?

Taylor: I think there was a point in time when we were, right before I joined the organization.

Samaniego: There was a pretty active group that’s been quiet lately, but this new group is looking good with about six core members. And hopefully we can ensure that UAA has a good Democratic group to compete with the College Republicans as well.

Are you willing to collaborate with the College Democrats/Republicans?

Absolutely. I’ve spoken with several of their chairs as well as a couple of their members, and we’re very excited to work with them ... to really help promote political involvement and importance of the political process.

We’d love to have joint events, like debates, with the Political Science Association, College Republicans and the College Democrats.

That way all sides are public. Even though we’re opposing parties, the two of us (College Republicans and College Democrats) being active on campus is a good thing.

What do you want to see happen regarding campus and national politics?

I would really like to see more involvement. ... It doesn’t matter how old you are. It doesn’t matter really who you are. All that matter is what you do with that, and knowing that you can affect some change as a young person is important.

Campus-wide, I would definitely like to see the College Democrats have an active role and also be involved in the university community.

Why do you think Alaska has been a red state in previous elections?

It’s kind of funny. Go back to statehood, and Hawaii was supposed to be the red state, while Alaska was the blue state.

But we found oil and typically when doing the balance of environmental harms versus economic benefit, Republicans tend to lean more towards those economic benefits that we get, ‘cause we think that we can develop and still protect the environment at the same time. And Democrats seem to learn more about the conservation of the environment, which we think is important as well.

Just about everyone here owns a gun. It’s no big secret. So nationally, when you hear Democrats talk about gun control and the NRA starts blasting them, that does have some effect.

The Democratic Party itself, I think they sort of missed the mark in some of the targeting. I know there’s union workers and blue collar workers that will vote Republican because they feel they have more in common with the Republican conservative values of small government.

What events are you hoping to bring to campus?

Hopefully, we’re trying to bring a state or national office holder to talk to students, reach out to young people. From personal experience, some people in state office or national office, they don’t know what to do with young people ... or people under the age of 35. We’re sort of an enigma, but they want to know more about us.

One of the Alaska Young Democrats’ events was the equal rights hike. We had a great turnout, and we even won a national award from the Young Democrats of America. Alaska’s the first state that passed the constitutional amendment to make marriage between one man and one woman. And one of the things we want to do is be the first state to reverse that and allow equal marriage.

Camp Hard III: Camp hard with a vengeance

Orange rhymes with

By Evan Dodd Contributor

On TNL’s website last week, I promised you all a heroic action column. Now, assuming you’ve all significantly lowered your standards for the words “action” and “heroic,” I’m ready to deliver.

First off, note the title of this little adventure. It’s right up there, hovering at the top of the page. Just keep looking up without glancing over the top of the paper. Did you see it? Could you even begin to imagine a more epic — and lightheartedly borrowed — way to start an action-adventure/thriller column?

That’s what I thought.

Our adventure begins in a battered plastic Kia, cruising at Mach 2 on the Seward Highway in what seemed to be an attempt to strip all non-essential materials from the shaking frame.

This story would have started back on campus, had I decided to spend even a small amount of time packing and preparing for the trip. I did not, which may have played a role in the fact that I packed only half the supplies I needed along with what appeared to be a gym bag filled solely with socks.

The plan was to cruise down to the peninsula and roam from camp to camp, and great plans don’t waste space dealing with trivial matters such as packing lists.

I figured I would take advantage of our five-day weekend by embarking on a solo road trip to compensate for all the weekends I spent working over the summer. What I failed to account for was the monsoon that the Alaskan skyline decided to unleash a few short minutes into the trip.

Because of this, the first three or four places I had planned to camp would have undoubtedly been turned to swampland.

Though my hangar-sized tarp could have certainly kept the floor of my new tent dry, I luckily remembered the influence of gravity and reevaluated my plan to sleep at the bottom of a steep, soggy incline.

After trying four different sites I finally managed to find a place near Seward that seemed remarkably quiet, moderately dry and bandit-free.

I quickly threw up my tent, started a fire that would have made Billy Joel proud and began setting up camp for the night.

The campout was going beautifully until a freeloading stray ember from the fire decided to hitch a ride on the back of my jacket while I was climbing into the tent. The smell of burning nylon and subsequent howl of pain might have been funny had it not been incredibly early in the morning — and had my tent not been close to another group of campers who had been asleep until then.

In my hurry to gently persuade the ember to stop burning a sizable hole in my back, I managed to somehow disassemble my tent from the inside, kick my last remaining Slurpee into the fire and scatter a thousand Maui Onion kettle chips across the interior of my tent and sleeping bag.

To the untrained eye, this situation could have appeared like a bumbling idiot had burned his ass on the fire and then decided to engage his tent in an epic wrestling match to the death.

This was not the case.

I attacked my problem head-on with the all intensity and fury of an ‘80s action hero and conquered my enemy while spouting one-liners into the night.

“How’s that for a burn,” I angrily muttered as I ninja-kicked what was left of my fire, fully aware of the awesomeness of my quick action and witty dialogue.

The forest, quite possibly aware of my expertise in the ancient survival art of flailing angrily, left me to camp in peace for the remainder of the trip. My gear — tattered, scorched and slightly greasy from the chips — had nonetheless kept me warm with all 10 fingers intact by the end of the trip.

So I returned to the urban jungle of Anchorage in all its construction-filled splendor. My room is exactly as I left it, with the television balanced precariously on the ironing board and the broken desk I acquired (stole) still standing upside-down where I’d left it. Everything seemed to be the same as before, but something was drastically different.

My time in the woods had changed me, had given me direction and purpose — and more importantly a new excuse to spend all of my money on new gear at REI. So I’ll wait patiently until the next adventure comes my way, all while preparing myself to face it head-on, kicking and screaming, with a poorly executed pun. If that’s not action, then I can’t tell you what is.

04 FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

Are you prepared for the next earthquake?

By Nita Mauigoa

features@thenorthernlight.org As the anniversary for the 1964 “Good Friday” Alaska earthquake looms, Alaskans are reminded it could happen again.

Sourdough Caleb Albeman recalled how the 1964 earthquake — the second-largest in world history — ripped through his Wasilla neighborhood, slamming trees sideways and tearing homes in half. It was on his tenth birthday.

“Sometimes we get too comfortable today.

How forgetful we can be,” Albeman said.

Throughout September, UAA will have earthquake preparedness events such as evacuation drills and a “Quake Cottage.” University Police Department Lieutenant Ron Swartz, who is also the campus emergency manager, dished out information on earthquake preparedness and safety for those who cannot make the events.

“There’s a theory that in this area of the globe we can expect a significant earthquake every 50 years,” Swartz said.

Swartz said people need to prepare both physically and mentally should another major earthquake occur. City officials will be too busy assisting the vulnerable citizens, so people need to be self-sufficient. Be aware that Providence hospital will also be overflowing with patients.

THREE

SEVEN

of the largest earthquakes

of the largest earthquakes

OUT OF SIX

OUT OF TEN in the U.S. were in

in the world were in

ALASKA

has an average of

12,000 earthquakes a year

records

11%

records more

earthquakes than

THE REST

of the U.S. combined

of the world’s

earthquakes

GRAPHIC BY JENNA! ROOSDETT

Minimal preparedness: • Visit http://www.alaska.edu/uaaalerts to update your information so UPD can update you consistently.

• Know at least two exits per building on campus.

• Have an emergency kit in your car or office with a flashlight, whistle, small first aid kit and enough food and water to sustain you for three days.

• Consider taking a CPR/First Aid Class offered by UPD. • Keep a list of phone numbers should your cell phone stop working.

• Think about ways to communicate with family and friends. Think of an out-of-town contact too.

• Create a seven-day emergency kit to store at home. A comprehensive plan can be found at http://www. ready.alaska.gov

EARTHQUAKE MAGNITUDE 4

5

6

7

8

9

shown in equivalence to the energy of the Hiroshima atomic bomb.

1/100x 1/1,000x

All graphic information is from the publication “Are you prepared for the next big earthquake in Alaska?” provided by Lt. Ron Swartz.

GRAPHIC BY JENNA! ROOSDETT

Campus safety during a major earthquake: • Do not run outside if you are indoors. If you are outside, step away from trees, buildings and electric poles.

• Drop, duck and hold on to anything like a table. As it moves, you move.

• Designated volunteers will be very busy assisting several people, so self-deploy to help others in need to prevent death.

• Be aware that each building has specific evacuation sites both indoors and outdoors. Building managers or safety officers will direct you.

• There will be designated shelters for those stuck on campus overnight, such as Rasmuson Hall and the residence halls.

• Nursing stations will be set up around campus.

• Be aware that the ice rink in the Wells Fargo Sports Complex will be used to store victims of fatalities. There are not enough properly refrigerated facilties in Anchorage.

A E Jean Kilbourne’s &

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

media literacy talk, ‘Deadly Persuasion’

By Jacob Holley-Kline

05

GAME REVIEW

‘Kingdom Hearts,’ as magical as it was back then

By George Hyde

arts2@thenorthernlight.org

It’s on our phones, our computers and the Internet. It adorns the walls of department stores, restaurants and malls. It’s advertising.

According to WPP plc, nearly $500 billion was spent on the already gargantuan industry in 2010 alone.

“We don’t critically turn our eyes to advertising very often,” said Claudia Lampman, professor and chair of the psychology department, “(but) it does send very strong messages to us about what is and isn’t acceptable for women and men.”

Helping turn the public’s eye to advertising as a manipulative force is feminist media critic, author and filmmaker Jean Kilbourne.

Kilbourne will give a lecture entitled “Deadly Persuasion: The Advertising of Alcohol and Tobacco” Sep. 17 at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium.

In the 1960s she began researching the connection between largescale advertising with violence against women, eating disorders and depression.

“She has alerted us to pay attention to advertising’s images of women,” said Lampman.

Pointing to media literacy as a tool to keep the public critical, Kilbourne has spoken at numerous colleges around the United States.

Her work has garnered her numerous awards, including the Woman of the Year award in 1982 from the National Organization for Women.

She first came to prominence with her 1979 documentary “Killing Us Softly: Advertising’s Image of Women.” She has remade the film three times since.

“Her work is instrumental in looking at the effect of media images on not only women ... but men as well,” said Kimberly Pace, who is the Women’s Studies department director and an interdisciplinary term assistant professor.

Kilbourne’s more recent work, including her upcoming lecture, focuses on alcohol and tobacco advertising, which she posits is just as, if not more, harmful than other forms of advertising.

“We have all these young, healthy people alive with pleasure,” Kilbourne said in a promotional video for her “Deadly Persuasion” lecture, “which I’m sure beats ‘dead with cancer’ as a slogan.”

Kilbourne’s razor-sharp wit and insight has influenced entire fields of researchers and professors.

“She has shaped my career — not just as a professor, but as a researcher a well,” said Lampman. “She’s definitely one of my heroes.”

Pace also shares Lampman’s point of view.

“The research she has done is critically important to any young person, particularly in the college arena,” Pace said. “She’s a hero ...

I’m so deeply grateful that we can get her at UAA.” Jean Kilbourne will present “Deadly Persuasion: The Advertising of Alcohol and Tobacco” at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium. There will be a book signing afterward. This event is free for UAA students and the public.

gchyde@thenorthernlight.org Over 10 years ago, the video game scene was graced with what seemed like one of the strangest crossovers in existence: Disney with Final Fantasy. Players were skeptical, but soon after its release it became a darling of the industry with its surprisingly deep narrative and excellent actionRPG mechanics. The only problem the series has recently had was a lack of explanation for newcomers, making it more difficult for new players to join the action.

Now, Square Enix has graced us with “Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix,” a release finally as accessible to new fans as it is to existing fans of the series.

For those few new to the series, the games focus on the journeys of Sora, the wielder of a mystical weapon called a Keyblade. He journeys from universe to universe in search of both a way to save these worlds and the answers to the many questions about himself and his friends.

These worlds, of course, are based on the many properties of Disney and Square Enix, ranging from popular worlds based on “Aladdin” or “Little Mermaid” to more niche locations based on games like “The World Ends With You.” The story may seem like a basic “light vs. dark” conflict at first glance, but it delves surprisingly deep into complex themes like temptation and memories. It uses the nostalgia of old worlds that players discovered at a young age and uses them to tell a fantastically cerebral story.

Unfortunately, that story spans several games and spin-offs on a number of different platforms, but Square Enix aims to fix that with this re-release, which contains the first game in the series, the spin-off “Chain of Memories” and remastered cutscenes from the DS spin-off “358/2 Days.”

start leading others.

START ABOVE THE REST.

START BEING EMPOWERED.

start deFining YoUrselF.

start MaKing a diFFerenCe.

START ACCOMPLISHING MORE.

START FEELING INSPIRED.

start strong. sM

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Enroll in Army ROTC at University of Alaska Anchorage to get the training, experience and skills needed to make you a leader. Army ROTC also offers fulltuition, merit-based scholarships. And when you graduate, you’ll be an Army Officer. Start by enrolling in MSL101.

To get started, visit www.goarmy.com/rotc/p623.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ARMY ROTC OR HOW TO ENROLL, CONTACT (907) 474-6852 OR BY EMAIL AT uaguest_smajor1@alaska.edu ©2008. Paid for by the United states army. all rights reserved.

Since the original development assets for these games were lost, the games were remade completely from scratch, and they look absolutely gorgeous on PS3. Canonically, these are the first three games in the “Kingdom Hearts” timeline, making them a great jumping-in point.

However, some of the minor issues from the games are still present, none more noticeable than a rather wonky camera and some relatively stiff controls. They aren’t huge problems, though, and new players will easily get used to them.

Overall, the games are just as incredible as they were over a decade ago. It’s disappointing to see the old issues still present, but it’s very nice to see Square Enix for once produce a “Kingdom Hearts” title that appeals to newcomers just as much as it does old fans. It’s a great experience for both audiences.

Game: “Kingdom Hearts HD Remix” Developer: Square Enix Platform: PS3 Genre: RPG

06 A&E

SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

Don Decker: 50 percent art, 50 percent education

By Kelly Ireland

arts@thenorthernlight.org Despite past struggles to get people to art shows, hundreds have now viewed UAA art professor Don Decker’s “50/50” art exhibit. The show opened Sept. 6 at the International Gallery of Contemporary Art and is a look into Decker’s 50 years of teaching and artistry.

The Saturday following the opening, Decker held a reception and theater performance at the Anchorage Museum. The performance was a witty and engaging look at Decker’s past that portrayed his personality. It opened with Decker’s daughter, Julie Decker, talking about her “oh shit” reactions to all her father’s ideas. The performance then ended with Decker’s beer toast to all the people he has taught over the years.

“As a person and as an artist he has put himself out there, open to risk in search of the experience. I grew up with an artist who taught me to think, to laugh and to keep going. The lessons are a gift,” Julie Decker said of her father.

In an interview, Don Decker told more about his experience as both an artist and teacher.

Once graduated from high school, Decker began working at an auto factory. He told himself in 10 years he could save so much money and go do something. But after a couple weeks he said 10 years seemed like forever.

While looking in the newspaper he had found an ad for an inexpensive teacher’s school near his home. He described it as “the perfect storm.” Thus began Decker’s career in education.

Decker has now taught at elementary, middle school, high school and university levels. He was hired as a professor to UAA in the ‘90s and has since then taught over 90 courses in art.

“I’m lucky to be able to do it,” he said.

Decker’s art interest began in sixth grade when he drew a picture for a book review assignment that the teacher liked and hung up — despite it being drawn on lined paper.

“I think that it seemed insignificant at the time, but I think it’s things like that, where people say they like it or it’s good, it makes you pursue something,” Decker said. “Sometimes it’s not anything earth shaking. It just kind of sets the tone for what you want to do.”

His next experiences came in his high school art classes. Decker said he now can’t even look at his art from this time.

“I thought they were all good at the time,” he said, “but looking back — how did anybody think I had anything going for me in art?”

Decker’s art interest set off in college. In his freshmen year, Decker’s professors assigned students to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. This visit had lasting impact on Decker.

“It was really cutting-edge stuff. I just couldn’t believe it.”

Decker said. “It knocked my socks off. Like, ‘Oh, God, people do this?’ It had a huge influence on me. It was an immediate gut reaction at that moment that it was something I wanted to do. I credit those instructors for making me look at it. Otherwise I don’t know if I ever would have gone there.”

Decker accumulated many degrees going to multiple colleges over the years. He said getting those degrees was very memorable.

“The degrees I got, I was proud of that because I had to pay for them and work hard. ... I had to do a lot of stuff nights and summers and tough it out, so when I got them they were a big deal,” Decker said.

In addition to his degrees, Decker has owned an art gallery, been exhibited in many art shows and hosted his own shows.

Although Decker has been successful, there have been hard times for him in the art industry.

“It’s hard to get people to go to art if they aren’t really interested in art. It’s like saying we’re having a plumber’s convention, and they just can’t relate to it. ... It’s way out of their element, but that’s all changed in the years after,” Decker said.

He describes “50/50” as one of his best experiences as an artist.

“This weekend, being at the gallery and having hundreds of people come through, they’re all so positive and nice,” Decker said. “That thing last night (“50/50” reception and theater performance) I thought was pretty special for me. Those are some highlights for me.”

Don Decker’s “50/50” art exhibit is open at the International Gallery of Contemporary Art until Sept. 28.

WE ARE STILL HERE. THIS IS OUR HoMELAND. THIS IS oUR STORY.

ON VIEW THROUGH JAN 12

www.anchoragemuseum.org Atwood Foundation ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. CIRI The CIRI Foundation

William Randolph Hearst Foundation KTUU Channel 2 National Endowment for the Arts Tyonek Native Corporation

07 A&E ALBUM REVIEW

‘Repave’ by Volcano Choir

By Oliver Petraitis KRUA Music Manager

What has a bushy beard, a heartbreaking falsetto, collaborates with Kanye West and has yet to release a third Bon Iver album? It is, of course, Justin Vernon. The Bon Iver frontman has just been having too much fun working with ‘Ye on “Yeezus” and playing bluesy garage-rock with his duo The Shouting Matches to return to the studio to release a third Bon Iver album.

But that’s not all.

There’s his other, perhaps most impressive, side project, Volcano Choir. Unlike the simple warmth of The Shouting Matches or the backwoodsy cabin-music feel of Bon Iver, Volcano Choir is something of an electro-orchestra wunderkind.

Imagine Vernon’s characteristic falsetto in Bon Iver blended intriguingly with heavy drums and slightly glitchy synths and guitar riffs. The result is a beautiful torrent of varying influences that nonetheless retains Vernon’s ability to write poignantly about the trials of holding together as a band and within oneself.

However, the element of Volcano Choir that really brings its sound into its own is prominent electronic production tactics. Vernon’s vocals are tactfully Auto-Tuned in sections to add flare — much unlike T-Pain’s signature robo-squeal. Guitars are phased and glitched across the stereo plane, and percussion moves between marching-band snare drums and extremely low pounding rhythms in the style of Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Opening the album with an organ so full of drawbars that the first thirty seconds feel like gospel in space, “Tiderays” quickly evolves into a steady march full of lush vocal harmonies that reminisce of “Holocene” on Bon Iver’s self-titled album.

By the time the second track “Acetate” cues up, if the melodies and harmonies haven’t been convincing enough, the word play steps in to steal the show. Not only is the music tonally beautiful and impressive, but the lyrics are also subtly and understatedly brilliant. Rather than a song about being busted in the aftermath of a love gone wrong, listeners get a little oratory in chemical medicine and things not fitting where they fall.

Following all this, the album’s single “Comrade” is the ballsy track that will cause those who doubted Vernon’s manly power (falsettos holding a certain softer connotation) to recant in full.

The drums come crashing and the guitars incandescing as the chorus really rocks in a way that is both unexpected and delightful.

Not only is this a wholly good album worthy of buying on vinyl, but Volcano Choir has made a relevant statement with their music: They can coexist. Not just with themselves, as has been made evident by a successful album, but also in blending several deeply rifted styles of music.

Folk rock does not often blend with electronic music, probably due in part to stigmas that exist between folk and electronic purists — one is not “natural,” the other is not “exciting.” But Volcano Choir has made one of those artistic somethings that sounds both natural and exciting, which is indicative of a hopeful future of music.

While dubstep will likely continue for a while, and while folk singers will stick to their four chords and wordplay, there’s a beautiful middle ground in there, a beautiful middle ground that’s not exactly no-man’s-land. Rather, it’s more like “allhumans’-land,” since this is territory for all musicians and audiophiles to explore together. And this land might be in the bubbling center of a Volcano.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

08 A&E

Boom Booms ignite Student Union concert

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

Tom Van Deursen, who does electric guitar and vocals for the Boom Booms, takes center stage while playing his guitar.

To view more TNL coverage on The Boom Booms snap the QR code or visit TNL’s Facebook page.

The crowd raises their hands along with the Boom Booms at their show in the Student Union on Sept. 12.

Sean Ross sings the Boom Booms’ new song “Foolish” to the crowd at UAA.

PHOTOS BY SAMUEL GONZALEZ

Aaron Ross, frontman of the Boom Booms, offers his microphone to the crowd as they sing along.

MOVIE REVIEW

‘The Family’: Black comedy with heart

H OW I ROLL, I T ’S NO SECRE T.

By George Hyde

gchyde@thenorthernlight.org There are few movies that can successfully capture the heart of family drama. The characters in these movies are almost always cliched, the plots are usually pretty predictable, and the humor (if any) often has to resort to potty humor and fart jokes, going for the lowest common denominator.

But “The Family” takes the genre a step into the right direction. It understands that family life can be more dramatic or funny than what the movies let on. It proves the “dysfunctional family” trope doesn’t always have to be a tired cliche, and, like life itself, has lots of those little moments that make the whole experience that much more fulfilling.

Oh, and the mafia’s involved, too. What’s not to like?

Mob boss Giovanni Manzoni (Robert DeNiro, “Silver Linings Playbook”) is on the run from a dangerous gangster who he snitched on prior to the events of the film. He and his family, with the help of Witness Relocation agent Stansfield (Tommy Lee Jones, “Lincoln”), retreat to the village of Normandy, France, and assume new identities.

The film mostly follows Giovanni’s family as they try to adjust to life in the new neighborhood. Needless to say, the family’s mafia lifestyle isn’t exactly helping them blend in.

The cast delivers on all fronts, with performances that span an incredible range of tone. Every character, from the mobsters to the family themselves, meshes with each other perfectly. Robert DeNiro’s performance is particularly likable, as he tries to get used to his new life while his past won’t let him.

To be clear, though, this film is primarily a comedy, and a deliciously black one at that.

No member of the family has qualms with using violence or mafia tactics to get their way.

Even the kids have grown some teeth and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Scenes like these help establish the characters and flesh them out incredibly well.

Unfortunately, the tone isn’t quite as solid as the characters are. It fluctuates rapidly between drama and comedy without realizing that the two can work together. It’s as unstable as some of the characters are, and a lot of important scenes lose their luster when juxtaposed with something radically different in tone.

While that issue is pressing, it doesn’t stop this film from being an incredibly good time.

It’s good to see a film that can simultaneously have a wildly dark sense of humor and a likable heart. It does have some issues with tone and pacing, but it’s still worthy of a recommendation.

With a current WolfCard students, staff and faculty ride People Mover buses FREE with u-­pass.

Film: “The Family” Release Date: Sept. 13, 2013 Director: Luc Besson Starring: Robert DeNiro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Tommy Lee Jones

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P E O PL E M O V E R. O R G

SPORTS SPORTS BRIEFS

All-State forward Afoa joins UAA ANCHORAGE — Alaska Anchorage women’s basketball coach Ryan McCarthy has completed his team’s 2013-14 roster with the addition of local standout Sierra Afoa.

Afoa, a 5-9 forward, comes to UAA after helping Dimond High School to top-4 finishes at the ASAA Class 4A State Tournament for four straight years, including a runner-up finish last March. The 201213 Cook Inlet Conference MVP also helped the Lynx to four consecutive CIC titles, captaining the squads her junior and senior years.

“We are excited Sierra chose to be a Seawolf,” said McCarthy, who led the Seawolves to a 17-10 record and a third-place GNAC finish in his first season.

“She had an outstanding prep career and has been an excellent example of a studentathlete. From the beginning of the recruiting process it was clear that UAA was her dream school. That kind of passion really sets a positive tone and will help her as she adjusts to the college level.”

Afoa was an All-State Tournament Team honoree the past three years and a First Team All-State selection by the Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches the past two seasons.

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

Rafael Nadal is the unstoppable force

By Thomas McIntyre

sports@thenorthernlight.org Rafael Nadal’s magic number is four.

Four more grand slam titles and he’ll stand beside the cat to his mouse, Roger Federer.

We like to observe the chase for championships in sports.

Will LeBron ever match Jordan? Can Brady reach Montana? Is Tiger going to supplant Nicklaus?

With his steamrolling of Novak Djokovic at the U.S. Open, Nadal confirmed it’s time to add his hunt to the list.

So, will Rafa hoist a 17th grand slam trophy? No, it’s more like when will he hoist his 17th grand slam trophy?

And how many more will he raise after that?

Nadal and Federer represent the thunder and lightning of tennis.

Nadal is a brute. He attacks the ball violently and keeps a crippling pace. His overwhelming style is akin to Jim Brown running with the football.

Federer was an artist — but sadly, past tense is necessary here. He floated across the court and threaded the needle in unimaginable ways. His brand of play was comparable to “Pistol” Pete Maravich with a basketball.

Their two careers overlapped to create a monster of a rivalry. They met at eight grand

slams over the course of five years. The Nadal-Federer title duel at Wimbledon ‘08 is the match we’ll leave behind for the next species to define tennis.

Federer is widely considered the best player ever. His 17 grand slam wins is a record. He also made the semifinal of 25 consecutive grand slams, which is absurd.

As of today, it’s hard to argue against that resume.

Have I appropriately built up Federer?

Good. Now you should know that, of those eight slams the two met up for, Nadal won six. Nadal is 21-10 all-time versus Federer.

This isn’t a two-man sport, though.

Novak Djokovic is carving out a special place in history with his six titles, and Andy Murray is slowly becoming the savior of British tennis.

The path to greatness isn’t easy in this climate — it’s filled with potential roadblocks.

The competition makes Nadal and Federer’s accomplishments extra impressive.

Nadal’s separation from Federer could come through the French Open alone. He is, as they say, the “King of Clay.” He’s won the last eight of nine French Opens, and his sole loss was more shocking than a John Cena heel turn.

Winning the next four tournaments on clay is a realistic proposition for the King.

At 27, he’s still operating in his prime years.

09

Sprinkle in a couple hard court titles and one on grass, and you’ve got Rafa at 20 grand slams.

That projection is more of a likely case than a best case. I won’t put all my chips on it, but I’m not risking everything to bet against it either.

I strongly believe Nadal will get to 17.

And I’m pretty confident he’ll go at least one grand slam beyond that.

This is where the “if” comes in. Nadal’s future has no ceilings ... if he stays healthy.

He can secure a spot for one at the top ... if he doesn’t hit a physical wall.

Maintaining such a powerful and reckless style could be impossible. Nadal detractors will keep their fingers crossed that his body shuts down — if it doesn’t, there will be no stopping the bull.

I can’t make you like or watch tennis. But I hope to make you understand and appreciate the tenacious excellence of Nadal. His chase is meaningful, and he’s approaching it like a freight train.

Jeter done for year with injury BALTIMORE (AP) — Derek Jeter began the season on the disabled list, and that’s how it will end.

Stealing signs endures test of time in baseball BALTIMORE (AP) — Stealing signs probably became an integral part of baseball culture hours after an inventive catcher first decided to use his index finger to call for a fastball.

Briefs compiled by Thomas McIntyre from GoSeawolves.com and the Associated Press.

PHOTO BY YANN CARADEC/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Keith Hackett named UAA athletic director

By Mark Hoffman Contributor

Last week, UAA announced the hiring of Keith Hackett as the university’s new athletic director.

Hackett joins the Seawolves with 36 years of higher education experience and was most recently the senior associate athletic director for internal affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Hackett replaces longtime UAA Athletic Director Steve Cobb, who was fired in May amidst controversy surrounding the handling of a 2011 incident in which former hockey coach Dave Shyiak struck a player with his stick during a practice.

UAA Vice Chancellor Bill Spindle announced the hiring of Hackett Sept. 11 and said he will be in Anchorage for an introductory press conference at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20.

Following the press conference, Seawolf Athletics will host a meet-and-greet from 3:30-5 p.m.

Both events will be at UAA’s Consortium Library, Room 307.

Hackett comes equipped with extensive experience as a university and administrative management executive and has dealt with the responsibilities an athletic director would face.

Besides overseeing the football, track and field, cross-country and baseball programs, his duties included donor relations and budget, human and physical resource management, and alumni and community relations.

UAA released some quotes from people who have worked alongside Hackett. One of the most notable ones comes from former Nevada football head coach and inventor of the Pistol offense, Chris Ault.

“He’s really a quality person. That’s the thing that I really enjoyed about Keith. The last 5 or 6 years he was really the day-to-day AD on our campus. I think (UAA has) hired somebody who is certainly well-trained, has been in the trenches, and is a very good people person,” Ault said.

“He was in charge of football at Nevada, but the most important thing is that he’s got a diverse skill set. He’s the guy that will get take initiative, get answers and solve problems.”

However, concerns about his fit at UAA have arisen.

For one, Hackett doesn’t have a background in hockey. Bringing in an athletic director with no hockey experience creates a risk. Since that’s the university’s flagship sport, many people would expect a new hire with familiarity in the department.

Secondly, the prolonged search could be worrisome. While the university can sell it as being patient and waiting for the right candidate, it might also be viewed as settling after a pursuit that didn’t go smoothly.

There are plenty reasons to like the hiring, but there also some reasons to question it. Time will tell if he can continue his success as a Seawolf.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOSEAWOLVES.COM

It’s Safety Awareness Month!

Join us for an Automobile Winterization & Safety session SU North Cafe Sept 25, 3-5 pm

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Watch for pedestrians and other vehicles, buckle your seatbelt, and drive at a speed that is appropriate for the conditions Use the Call Team Need a jumpstart, safety escort, or car unlock call 786-1103

(907) 786-1119 www.uaa.alaska.edu/parking Lower level of the Bookstore

10 SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

Digging into the volleyball team’s weekend opponents

By Thomas McIntyre

sports@thenorthernlight.org The Seawolf volleyball team is diving right into conference play this weekend with games versus the Seattle Pacific Falcons and Montana State Billings Yellowjackets. The first match pits the Seawolves against a Falcons team they split wins with in 2012.

Because it’s so early in the season, drawing conclusions from this year’s collection of stats is hard. The sample sizes are much too small. But there’s a lot to be learned from the ‘12 performances.

The Falcons’ main priority is making up for the loss of Cailin Fellows. Fellows finished her final season at Seattle Pacific by amassing 389 kills and having the second best average kills per set number in the GNAC (3.97).

Middle blocker’s Madi Cavell and Nikki Lowell should fill most of the void left by Fellows. Both reached 230 kills last season.

A chunk of the leftover production will be put on Ellie Britt’s plate. The sophomore outside hitter has posted solid totals throughout the first stretch of play.

If that trio plays well, the loss of Fellows won’t be too much of an advantage for the home team.

Junior libero Brianna Leenders is also going to be a huge factor Thursday night. Leenders has a knack for keeping the ball in play — her 445 digs proved that last season. She’s the type of player who can drag the ‘Wolves into long, tiring points.

The Yellowjackets are in a similar boat as the Falcons. They’re relying on lowerclassmen to rise up and produce after losing their second place leader in kills.

The good news for them — and bad news for UAA — is that junior outside hitter Monica Grimsrud hasn’t gone anywhere. Grimsrud led the team with 349 kills last year, and showed she can play both sides by adding in 159 digs.

Fellow junior outside hitter Chelsey Walter looks to be the other one to watch at the net. She’s off to a hot

start after having a promising sophomore campaign.

Returning setter Kyndal Williams could be the team’s MVP going forward. Williams was 39 shy of 1,000 assists last season. She can get the most out of the players on the floor.

On top of losing offensive firepower, the Yellowjackets also waived goodbye to the 796 digs Erin Compton and Morgan Moss combined for. That loss might just sink the boat.

Lastly, it should be noted that middle blocker Taylor Adams is a product of A.J. Dimond High School. She’s had a slow start to the season but held down a prominent role on the Yellowjackets last year.

The Seawolves are in a great position to win the weekend. While the Falcons will be a stiff test, the Yellowjackets are a favorable matchup on paper.

To snatch both victories, the Green and Gold must do more of the same: protect the net, put Katelynn Zanders and Julia Mackey in spots to kill and stay active on defense.

PEOPLE

HOT TOPIC:

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

11

Is a smoke-free campus right for UAA?

Ryan Buchholdt

UAA Facilities, Business Manager I think it would have a positive impact. In our Facilities Department, we have looked at different ways to keep people from smoking from the doors. I’m happy to see that a group of students and faculty are spearheading this.

John Milohnick

Northern Event Security A smoking ban should be voted on by all the students. If it is the will of the people, then it should be in place. However, if they plan on keeping people from smoking in their cars, it becomes a Fourth Amendment issue.

HOT TOPIC QUESTION, PHOTOS AND COMMENTS COMPILED BY TIM BROWN

Donte Powell Justice Major

Personally, I don’t smoke. It is a public campus. We have to give leeway to those people who do want to smoke. To ban smoking completely might be a little extreme.

Carol Koford

Art History Librarian, UAA Arts Department It would be a hard thing to enforce. I don’t smoke, but know smokers can’t help that they are addicted.

OPINION

THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

12

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Celebrating 25 years of publication at UAA Just like local newspapers, the goal of a campus newspaper is to keep a finger on the pulse of the community it serves. And as the UAA campus has continued to grow, so has the student newspaper.

Before there was The Northern Light, there was the UAA Voice and the Anchorage Community College (ACC) Accent. The budget for the UAA Voice the first year it was published was $1,889.70. Today, that amount would not even cover the cost of printing one issue of the newspaper.

When the merger between UAA and ACC took place, the two newspapers combined to form one: The Northern Light. The first issue came out Sept. 19, 1988. Its mission was “to provide truthful and non-biased reports of newsworthy items and incidents.”

As the UAA campus continues to grow, so does The Northern Light. Today, The Northern Light has a circulation of 4,000 issues each week during the school year, making it the fifth-largest newspaper in Alaska.

Join us in celebrating our 25 years with events, like “sport your shirt, show your spirit,” where if you wear your TNL shirt during the week of our anniversary, you will be entered to win prizes. TNL will also host an open mic night on Sept. 20 from 6-8:30 p.m. to celebrate freedom of speech during constitution week. Or, attend our murder mystery costume theme party during Homecoming week.

We are here to give back to the students of UAA and we hope to continue doing so for the next 25 years to come.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Why UAA? Why now? Thoughts on

I was in the homestretch of completing high school. I was filled with a mix of excitement for the future and stress over having to make big life decisions — decisions like what to do next.

My more grounded parents wanted me to plan for college, evaluate options and discuss choices. During those talks I never — not even once — considered the University of Alaska Anchorage as a destination. My head was telling me, “I need to get out.”

My entire life had been centered in Anchorage, Alaska. My best friend and I were united in our mission to leave. Our senior year included a tour of public and private universities throughout the Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Colorado areas. Both of us had applied and been accepted elsewhere.

During that tour I was schooled on varying state university tuition rates, fees, scholarships and loans that were available to me and the general financial picture of how my future educational choices now were going to affect me and my family. I clearly remember being okay with the knowledge that my parents and I would be assuming debt of approximately $30,000 per year to attend one of these schools.

All of this information about financing and loans vs. scholarships vs. grants was all mixed up, and the realities of those choices took awhile to solidify in my head.

By the time high school graduation came, I began to take notice of others’ choices and the repercussions those choices had on their future and families. After more thoughtful discussions with my parents, I decided on a whole new direction and enlisted in the Army Reserve. My dad is in the Alaska Army National Guard, and I had thoughts about serving in the military too. At this time, the reserve’s had a significant enlistment bonus and a tuition assistance program available after the initial training. This took huge pressure off. I returned from a winter of training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., in the spring of 2010, financially and personally prepared to attend college.

UAA was the obvious best choice. I was shocked that I’d completely dismissed it earlier. After a year outside, my feelings about life in Anchorage had changed — I knew this is where I wanted to be, and I could get a bachelor’s degree at home in Alaska.

I had also missed the things I took for granted: immediate access to the fishing, hunting, hiking, snowboarding and skate skiing.

Even more importantly, I discovered that UAA was affordable. I could imagine, because of my situation, getting through college debt-free. With the military tuition assistance and a CIRI Foundation scholarship, I was in good shape. These two funding sources almost completely covered the cost of my full-time tuition for these last three years.

There is a very strong culture at UAA of students who work while attending college. Along with fulfilling my obligations to the Army Reserve, I was also employed. I started working at a car rental counter, moved to working at the CIRI Foundation and finally got an internship with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. The experience gained by working has been just as beneficial for my future as going to school itself. I would encourage every student to pursue internships early and often to obtain the invaluable work experience employers are looking for.

Although it wasn’t clear in the beginning, UAA was the perfect choice for me. I’m a career-focused individual that values an affordable, quality and no-nonsense education. Choosing UAA has allowed me to live in the state I love, earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate debt-free.

financial aid The following are my opinions on financial aid. First-year college students should not be eligible for financial aid, only those with a sophomore standing or higher and a B average or higher.

The ease of financial aid availability and forgiveness promotes unrealistic views of money, the time and effort associated with higher education and the real world (how many banks offer forgiveness on their loans?).

Too many students see only “free money,” then learn the hard way of what happens when they don’t maintain decent grades.

If college freshmen pay their own way, they will take their studies much more seriously.

Sports scholarships are also ridiculous and are no different than the idea of poetry scholarships at vocational or tech schools. Monetary assistance

at universities should be based on academic, not athletic, ability. Scholarships are meant for scholars. Athletic scholarships encourage athletes and pro sports to view college as a meaningless stepping stone to a professional team — look at the football scandal at Oklahoma State.

I also feel that the ease of financial aid is responsible for the increase in disruptive behavior in college classrooms. It allows people into college who do not have the necessary maturity and academic background. Too many students see college as an extension of high school and act accordingly.

The motto of financial aid should be, “If you want it, earn it.”

Thomas H. Morse, Mathematics and chemistry professor

Eric Francisco, Economics Senior

By TNL Staff

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The Northern Light is a proud member of the ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS. The Northern Light is a weekly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are solely responsible for its contents. Circulation is 5,000.

The University of Alaska Anchorage provides equal education and employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, Vietnam-era or disabled-veteran status, physical or mental disability, changes in marital status, pregnancy, or parenthood.

The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or The Northern Light.足足足

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THE NORTHERN LIGHT CONTACTS 3211 Providence Drive Student Union 113 Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone: 907-786-1513 Fax: 907-786-1331 info@thenorthernlight.org EXECUTIVE EDITOR 786-1434 editor@thenorthernlight.org Ashley Snyder MANAGING EDITOR content@thenorthernlight.org Vacant COPY EDITOR copy1@thenorthernlight.org Kierra Hammons NEWS EDITOR 786-1576 news@thenorthernlight.org Vacant FEATURES EDITOR 786-1576 features@thenorthernlight.org Nita Mauigoa A&E EDITOR 786-1512 arts@thenorthernlight.org Kelly Ireland SPORTS EDITOR 786-1512 sports@thenorthernlight.org Thomas McIntyre PHOTO EDITOR photo@thenorthernlight.org Tim Brown

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