The
Technician bulldogs.kettering.edu/technician
September 12, 2013
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Volume 111
Issue 3
EPA Grants Go to Chevy in the Hole From Kettering Communications Representatives from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (epa) presented Genesee County with funding to assist in testing, cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield properties, including the ‘Chevy in the Hole’ property adjacent to the Kettering University campus. Kettering University owns a portion of the Chevy in the Hole property, located at the corner of Bluff Street and Chevrolet Avenue, which is included in the $350,000 in funding received by the county. The funding is part of $15 million nationwide given to 41 communities to assist with cleanup and redevelopment projects on properties designated brownfields—former industrial sites where future development is hindered because of past contamination Continued on page 4
What’s Inside
Photo courtesy of Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio
The Crim
Flint's Festival of Races in its 38th year
2
Automotive
Rebuilding America after a recession
Robot Society 5
Welcoming the newest initiates
Intrapreneurship Lost Languages Grant at Kettering
8
Art & Lifestyle Flint Institute of Arts exhibit review
10
Kettering's Early Winter
By Erin Boyse Online Editor
By Matthew White Editor-in-chief
By Matthew White Editor-in-chief
Professors Art DeMonte and Larry Navarre recently received an Intrapreneurship grant from keen, the Kern Entrepreneurship Education Network. Intrapreneurship involves creating value within the existing enterprise. Their goal with this project is to create online intrapreneurship video modules. Navarre explained, “The idea is to have something brief that any instructor can use to complement their course.” The videos will be completed in September and will be available on the keen website and also on YouTube. Kettering has a partnership with keen which includes nineteen universities throughout the us. One of their goals is to promote an entrepreneurial mindset in engineering students. These intrapreneurship videos will be used not only by other professors at Kettering, but also all the universities that are part of keen. DeMonte and Navarre formed a series of eleven topics centered around the process of creating products or services and introducing them to the marketplace, typically within an existing organization. These topics are taken from the busn 373 course “Intrapreneurship and Innovation Development.” The first video topic is about Catalyzing Innovation, which describes the need for creation and selection of ideas that meet the strategy of a business. The videos are filmed both in a classroom environment and also on location in labs around Kettering. For example, the Design Concepts and Extreme Testing module was filmed in the Crash Safety Center. This allows the Kettering name to be seen outside the university by other colleges that use these videos.
In a move that is likely to disappoint students, the Liberal Studies department has announced that it will not be offering any language courses next semester. A German course will be taught in B-section over the fall, however. The change comes as part of budgetary cuts issued by the provost's office. Dr. Karen Wilkinson, the head of the department of Liberal Studies, said that the cuts are meant to be a least-impact situation, still providing students with all of their required courses. Since no member of the faculty can teach German, Chinese, or Japanese—all courses offered quite recently—lecturers have to be hired in for the position. Although Kettering has been lucky to find a professor each term, there is not enough demand to hire one professor full-time. While Dr. Wilkinson would like to see language programs return, she is cautious to say when, or if, they will return in the near future. Related to the programs offered by the department, Dr. Wilkinson elaborated on the department's recent review of guest credits brought into the institution. Upon reviewing a summary of those credits, she recognized one online course held an overwhelming majority of the requests. After reviewing the course, the department found it to be of unsatisfactory rigor for Kettering's high standards. While the department will still accept guest credit—as well as offering an online Masterpieces of Literature course itself—those requests must be officially reviewed by the registrar and department, rather than relying on the course equivalency documentation.
Sixth week of summer term is not a time that students typically associate with snow-covered grounds. Due to the efforts of Kettering Student Government, however, the campus celebrated a little bit of winter in the midst of the heat. Because of the A-section schedule, A-section students are working during the major holidays that Bsection students celebrate at the school. To build a new A-section tradition, Operations Council decided to bring in a winter holiday during the summer. Starting Monday, August 19, ksg representatives spread an artificial, polymer-based snow. That night, representatives of the Greeks houses gathered to pick other houses for a Secret Santa gift exchange while the pine tree in the pool—always dressed with lights—was lit. Activities continued throughout the week, including a gingerbread house construction activity Friday during lunch. Although “Winter in August” had nearly a month’s worth of planning, Mr. Alan Xia, the councilmember in charge of the event, admits that there were hiccups in the execution. Marketing was limited, resulting in a low turnout. He also blamed scheduling conflicts and failure to read instructions for issues surrounding the snow, which became too liquid and had to be removed. Addressing concerns about cost, Mr. Xia identified that, on top of coming in under budget by $250, the funds were reallocated from a mandatory leadership development activity that Student Senate budgeted for, but was not attending. For photos of Winter in August, please turn to the center spread.
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September 12, 2013
The Technician
News The Crim
48 Hours of Volleyball
Festival of Races new sub-competitions. One focused on the Bradley hills as the centerpiece; the fastest time from the bottom of the hills to the top gets recognition, King & Queen of the Hill, and a small prize. The second was a friendly bike ride along the well known blue line of the Crim race. All of this information and more can be found on Crim. org. Kettering University graciously endorsed student runners and rented out 501 Bar & Grill so that they could have a place to meet before and after. Fraternity members volunteered at the Expo and on the sidelines giving out water. Plenty of students who decided not to run the race still showed up to cheer on racers. The people are what make the event so remarkable, and that cannot be emphasized enough.
By Nickolas Jennings Technician Staff
The Crim, Flint's athletes shining jewel, is a tenmile race that showcases the surrounding neighborhoods. August 24th's 37th annual race drew 7,948 participants to the ten mile with Julius Kogo, age 28, taking the prestigious gold. This four-time winner recorded his personal best at 45:55, which translates to 4:36 minutes per mile. Bobby Crim, the former Speaker of the House, founded the race in 1977 to fund charities that support athletes with disabilities. He’s been running the race since, one year actually running the race blindfolded and tethered to another runner. At 81 years old, Mr. Crim completed his ten mile in 1:58, which places him second of six in his age group of 80-84. The race passes by some of Flint’s most well-known landmarks, such as the University of Michigan Flint Campus, Kettering, the Flint Farmers Market, the bricks on Saginaw Street, the new Top: General Determination cheers on runners as Powers Catholic High School, and the Woodcroft they run down University Avenue on Chevrolet AvEstates. The twisting and turning path of the race is enue. lined with music and festivities around every corner. Bottom: wkuf provided music for the run The experience this race provides is one of a cohesion and support for and from the community. Photos courtesy of Kettering Communications This year the Crim Foundation implemented two
The
Technician Matthew White
Editor-in-chief
Kaitlin Solovey
Assistant Editor
Chloe Hauxwell
L ayout Editor
Erin Boyse
Online Editor
Tyler Van Eck
Staff writers Devin Aryan Ari Budiono Colleen Chavis Nickolas Jennings Robert Hayes Rebeccah MacKinnon Charles Mancino
Copy Editor
Photographer Joseph Stevenson
Bryan Boyse
Cartoonist Libbi Staples
Distribution Editor
By Doug Kelley Lambda Chi Alpha Over second weekend, Lambda Chi Alpha and the um-Flint sorority Phi Sigma Sigma hosted the annual 48 Hours of Volleyball. This year the money benefited the Carriage Town Historic Association. The event started on Friday at 6pm with pick-up games of volleyball. The rules of the event are that the ball must keep moving and there must be at least four people on the court at a time. Friday night there was a dj and volleyball went late into the night. On Saturday around noon the tournament began. This year there was eighteen teams that signed up. The tournament was played on both the Lambda Chi and Theta Xi courts. When the dust settled it was the returning champs, fiji, that once again took the trophy. After the tournament more pick-up games were played. Some of the guys from Carriage Town came out and played during the night. On Sunday volleyball continued once again, but we also held a car wash for donations. Once the event was over and the money was totaled, Lambda Chi Alpha and Phi Sigma Sigma raised $890 for Carriage Town. The event was a lot of fun this year and we thank everyone that came out to help support it.
Submissions Policy The Technician encourages any interested students to attend staff meetings. Meetings for Winter 2014 will be each Monday and Thursday over the lunch hour in The Technician office, located on the 3rd floor of the Campus Center above the Sunrise Café. Student submissions are encouraged and will be published if their material is in the public interest. Submissions or letters to the editor from faculty and administrative entities will be published if space is available. The Technician reserves the right to edit any and all submissions for brevity and clarity. Anonymous submissions are rarely published and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Individuals wishing to publish anonymously should consult the Editor-in-chief. The deadline for the upcoming issue of The Technician Magazine is 10th Tuesday at 6pm. Expected distribution is 11th Wednesday. Send submissions to atechnician@kettering.edu.
Correction Faculty Advisor Christine Levecq Special Thanks To Betsy Homsher
In the second edition of The Technician, an article describing the efforts realservice was making for Relay for Life was incorrectly titled, instead referring to the Make-a-Wish foundation. The Technician apologizes for any confusion it may have caused.
September 12, 2013
Organization Updates Formula Focus
By Chaz Mancino Formula sae Team Designing, building, researching, developing, testing, and competing are words that might be used to describe a work term. However, there is a group of people who may also use all of those words to describe their school terms here on campus. With oil and grease caking their hands, these people have worked double time during school term in order to get all of their work done. Yet, their longest, and possibly hardest, project lies in the garage. These people call themselves sae team members, whether Formula, Baja, Clean Snowmobile, or Aero. The Formula sae team has the biggest competition out of all four teams that Kettering University offers. There are teams worldwide competing in competitions in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia, among other nations. Yet, Formula sae is not all about fun and games. Hundreds of hours are spent designing, building, and testing a car that has to compete with hundreds of other schools around the world. From teams with just a few thousand dollars and a few members to teams with hundreds of thousands of dollars and fifty members, all teams big and small compete in these competitions. After gaining experience with machines such as the plasma cutter, tube notcher, band saw, lathe, and mill, members of Formula sae teams walk away from the season not only with better ideas for the next season but also with more knowledge when using the machines that they spent hours working with. The biggest impacts that Formula sae has on team members, however, are the ability to think on their feet, work with a budget, and design a car that can compete with others whose design is not known until the last part of the season. These skills can be adapted for a real life job, especially a job with competition all over the globe working on the same product.
Formula sae helps create a mock competitive market such as the real world as well. With different teams showing off the best car that they could make with their budget, Formula sae is similar to an auto show with each company broadcasting why its vehicles are better than their competitors. Whether it is a faster, lighter, cheaper, or more fuel efficient car, each team must design a car with goals in mind. This also comes into play within the budget. Just like an actual company in the real world, all Formula sae teams must decide where the money should be spent. Questions like how much horsepower can be cranked out of the engine without a huge impact to fuel economy, how lightweight can a chassis be while still being stiff, and are the trade-offs for using materials like carbon fiber worth it, must also be answered every year. Then there are the competitions. Just like real world testing, Formula sae cars go through acceleration, skidpad, and endurance runs. It is one thing to complete the acceleration and skidpad events, but completing the endurance run is the hardest part. If one part of the car fails, it fails endurance. This means that the car must be put together well. This is true in the real world because if a car has poor reliability, dependability, or quality, then the company that built the car will lose customers. Similarly, a poorly built Formula sae car will cause its team to lose points. Formula sae brings the real world closer to college students. This means that words like designing, building, researching, developing, testing, and competing are used all year to describe the lives of students in Formula sae. They are ready for the challenges that the real world will bring due to the experiences that they have had. Although the real world and worldwide competition may seem scary, Formula sae helps alleviate the nervousness that they may bring.
Relay for Life By Cody Grant Guest Contributor Relay for life was a fun event this year, it took up some of the rec center parking lot and initially there was a decent turn out of people. Each team had to choose a board game and we had everything from a game as short as Don't Break the Ice to a game as long as Monopoly. Alpha Phi had one the costume contest with six team members dressing up like the main characters of their board game: Clue. We had four survivors show up this year, and if you came one or two of them may have looked familiar to you. There was plenty of things happening: people walking, playing games, or some just dozing off accidentally or on purpose for a few hours. We had even alumni Shawn Rood walk over 32 miles. I happened to walk eight miles barefoot, which I wouldn't suggest. By the end of the event we had raised over $13,000 that went towards fighting cancer. I will definitely be going again next year.
ΔTΔ Family Day
that the money goes to the charity that our fraternity has partnered with called the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or jdrf. They give support At four o’clock in the morning there is already the to those with Type 1 Diabetes and fund research to smell of coal, woodchips, and roasting hog. Carryfind a cure. ing on the tradition, the seniors of Delta Tau Delta have risen from their slumber for the benefit of their brothers and their families to start the pig roast for dinner. There’s almost a Christmas sense of excitement that can be seen from the exchange of hellos and good mornings as the other members start to wake. The day has finally arrived—one of the most anticipated events for both the brothers of the Delts and their parents—Famiy Day. Family Day is a day for reunion, friendship, great food, and philanthropy. Two of the main events of The auction is incredibly fun and exciting and if the evening are the delicious roast pig and the aucit weren’t for the auctioneers’ constant reminder tion. In the auction, we ask the parents to bring that the money goes to a good cause, you almost items to be donated and auctioned off to other wouldn’t know that it is a fundraiser. All in all, we parents and students. The items up for auction are raised $2,260 to help cure Type 1 Diabetes—an anything from a homemade cutting board, to a hand incredible amount for one fraternity to raise for a sewn Delta Tau Delta blanket, to a college survival charity in a single event. kit. In the very beginning, we explain to the parents By Charlie Swett Delta Tau Delta
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The Technician
After the two main events were officially over, nearly all of the parents stayed to play volleyball and other games or just sit around and talk. I especially enjoyed hearing the hilarious stories about all of my friends when they were younger because it reminded us of why we chose to become fraternal brothers. The whole day, all I could think of was the amazing impact it would have on the jdrf community. I wondered what it would be like to have ten fraternities or organizations participate; we would raise ten times the money, which is an incredible amount to donate to a deserving cause. We could donate to local Flint charities and turn around this city, making it more into a college town than the impoverished city it is today. It wouldn’t take much more than good people to help change the course of a town, and I would encourage others to hold an event like this. The benefits of it outweigh any hard work and planning that is needed to put it on. I urge anyone interested to reach out to me if any assistance is needed, and together let’s help change Flint. Photo courtesy of Mr. Swett
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September 12, 2013
The Technician
News
EPA Grants Go to Chevy in the Hole
Continued from the front page that must be cleaned up before redevelopment can occur. “Now with the epa Brownfield Grants and the plan that has been developed for the site - the city, the county, Kettering University, and epa are working together to make Chevy in the Hole an asset once again rather than an impediment to development of surrounding neighborhoods.” Epa Region 5 Administrator Dr. Susan Hedman said. Kettering is currently in the process of securing funding to build an automotive proving ground and research facility on its portion of the Chevy in the Hole property. It would serve as an educational facility for students as well as a venue for industry partners to conduct product research and testing. “This proving ground would not only offer immense benefits to our students and to companies, it would also serve as an innovative model for brownfield redevelopment nationwide,” said Kettering University President Robert K. McMahan. “This project makes productive use of land in Chevy in the Hole, and it does so while also making that land economically viable.” The Chevy in the Hole property is significant historically in Flint as the site of the famous Flint sitdown strike in 1936, but its redevelopment is also of
vital importance to Flint’s future. “We have a vision for this area to become clean and green and healthy and productive again,” Flint Mayor Dayne Walling said. “And with all of us working together, especially our immediate neighbor, Kettering University, who pulled some of the properties on the north side of the river, I’m confident that we can make this vision a reality.” Much of Chevy in the Hole falls in the University Corridor, the area along the Flint River stretching from McLaren Regional Medical Center and Kettering University, past Hurley Medical Center, to downtown Flint and the University of MichiganFlint. The University Corridor Alliance includes Kettering, McLaren, um-Flint and Hurley, institutions within the community who are partnering to create a walkable region that connects the area’s higher education, healthcare and community residents with the growing, vibrant downtown. Kettering and the city of Flint are in the process of finalizing a transfer agreement for Atwood Stadium, which will enable the preservation and continuing operation of the historic facility located in the heart of the University Corridor. Kettering University projects within the University Corridor include the renovation of a former convenience store at the corner of University and Chevrolet avenues into an
Einstein Bros. Bagels and Flint Police Service Station, which was completed with the help of an investment from the C.S. Mott Foundation in March 2013. Other projects within the corridor that Kettering University has contributed to include construction of an outdoor learning facility adjacent to the Flint Children’s Museum, construction of the Innovation Center building on Bluff Street and construction of a new fraternity house for Sigma Alpha Epsilon on University Avenue. Members of the Kettering Community regularly participate in community cleanups in the area and have also helped with painting and cleanup of structures within the area. “The epa's continued investment in Genesee County to ensure sites like Chevy in the Hole are prepared for redevelopment is extremely encouraging,” McMahan said. “Our campus and surrounding area within the University Corridor and the city of Flint are growing and developing, signifying a bright future for this city and this region.”
Gaming The Console War Rages On
GamePad. The new price for the Deluxe Set will be Speaking of the Xbox One, Microsoft was not $299.99, $50 less than the launch price. It is suspected that the price drop is meant to make the console This holiday season, the battle officially begins bemore appealing in comparison to the hefty price tags tween Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo for the title on the ps4 and Xbox One, though Nintendo has of Eighth Console Generation Champion. With not confirmed this reasoning. With the strong list the Wii U already on shelves, the ps4 being released of titles coming this fall, the price drop could prove on November 15, and the Xbox One being released about to let these two stories hog the video game to be a smart move by Nintendo. in November as well, the battle of leaks and confirnews spotlight, and released another feature for the mations is almost over, and the battle of selling will Xbox One. The Xbox One will allow up to 8 consoon begin. To further aid this battle, all three comtrollers to be active at once, a move which is consispanies have made more strategic moves. tent with the push to make the console more appealing to multiplayer games. This is not a new concept, though, as the ps3 allows up to 8 controllers as well, a feature so under-utilized that most gamers do not even know it exists. It is unclear as to whether developers will take advantage of this functionality on the Xbox One, or if there will even be any applications Sony then upped the stakes by announcing a new that utilize this functionality either. November is closing in fast, and it brings two new feature for the ps4; voice recognition. Using the PlayStation “Eye” Camera, The ps4 will recognize consoles and a stampede of games with it. Only time voice commands given by the user. The Camera also will tell how the three companies fare once all three To begin, Nintendo recently announced a planned contains facial recognition software, making it func- consoles are on the market. By Devin Aryan Technician Staff
price drop for the Wii U Deluxe Set on September 20. The Deluxe Set, originally $349.99, contains a Wii U system with 32 gb of on-storage, a Wii U GamePad, a sensor bar, the Nintendo Land game, stands for both the console and the Wii U GamePad, and a Nintendo Network Premium subscription. To contrast, the Basic Set contains only a Wii U system with 8 gb of on-storage and the Wii U
tion similarly to Microsoft’s Kinect add-on for the Xbox 360 and the Kinect 2 for the Xbox One. This is in addition to the PlayStation Move capabilities that the camera already comes with. The camera will Photos, from left to right, are the Wii U, PlayStacost $60, and is sold separately from the console, which costs $399.99. This is still cheaper than the tion 4, and Xbox One, courtesy of Sony, Nintendo, Xbox One, which comes with Kinect 2, and costs and Microsoft, respectively. $449.99.
September 12, 2013
By Robert Hayes Automotive Editor
The Technician
Automotive Rebuilding America
Four years ago, all automotive news seemed to sound the same—one plant was closing, then another, then another. Automakers were bracing themselves for their least profitable years in memory, and for some automakers, their very survival was in constant doubt. During the recession which claimed the lives of such storied brands as Pontiac, Saturn, and Saab, as well as witnessing General Motors and Chrysler dragged through federal bankruptcy court, American automakers closed 27 vehicle assembly, engine, and transmission, and component plants in the United States. Today, however, the future looks bright. New car sales are increasing at a pace that is starting to outstrip the automakers’ ability to produce the cars consumers want. Clearly, something has to be done to reverse this disinvestment and make sure buyers get the cars they need. Last month, Ford celebrated a milestone in increasing American production with the launch of
The first 2014 Ford Fusion produced at Flat Rock rolls off the line on August 24, 2013. Photo courtesy of Ford.
the 2014 Ford Fusion midsize sedan at their Flat Rock Assembly Plant. Formerly known as AutoAlliance International, the factory started life in 1987 as a Mazda assembly plant before transitioning to a 50/50 joint venture between Ford and Mazda, producing one vehicle from each manufacturer: the Ford Mustang and the Mazda6. Following Ford’s divestiture of a controlling stake in Mazda and the creation of an all-new Mazda6 sedan, Mazda made the decision to withdraw from us manufacturing last year, with the last Mazda6 rolling off the Flat Rock assembly line in August of 2012, with the new Mazda6 sourced from Hofu, Japan. Faced with the prospect of building just the Ford Mustang at Flat Rock, a plant designed for volume much higher than a single model could provide, Ford seized the opportunity to capitalize on the popularity of the hot-selling Ford Fusion by retooling Flat Rock to build both vehicles. Demand for the new Fusion had outstripped the capacity of Ford’s Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. After a $555 million investment which saw renovations to the plant’s body shop, stamping lines, and the addition of Ford’s “3wet” paint process, as well as 1,400 new employees added for the plant’s new second shift, the first-ever Ford Fusion manufactured in the United States rolled off the line on August 29. This investment will
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allow Ford to grow Fusion capacity by 30%, or up to 350,000 vehicles per year for the United States alone. General Motors is no stranger to finding new sources of production in old facilities either. In 2011, the long awaited replacement for the South Korean-assembled Chevrolet Aveo subcompact, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, entered production at gm’s Orion Assembly Center in Lake Orion, Michigan, a plant that had formerly produced the Workers assemble a Chevrolet Sonic subcompact at the Orion Assembly Center. Pontiac G6 midsize sedan un- Photo courtesy of Gerneral Motors. til the brand’s closure in 2009. the Chevrolet Impala full-size sedan. At first, it looked like the Orion plant would remain With perhaps the most dramatic turnaround of empty, as conventional wisdom dictated that the fortune of the Big 3, Chrysler has also found itself economics of American labor costs combined with struggling to meet demand for key products, and has the notoriously slim profit margins that small cars responded through investment in their American provide would en- factories. Idled in 2010, Chrysler’s Conner Avenue sure that produc- Assembly Plant on Detroit’s east side reopened in ing one in the us late 2012 to produce the srt Viper sports car, with would be a mon- the first example rolling off the line on January 10 of ey-losing propo- this year. This investment led to the addition of 150 sition. To over- jobs, and comes on the back of Chrysler’s addition come this hurdle, of a third shift to their other Detroit assembly facilgm worked with ity, Jefferson North Assembly. Buoyed by rising dethe United Auto mand for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge DuWorkers union to rango full-size sport utility vehicles, the automaker create an agree- recently hired 1,100 new workers to boost supply. ment that allows While these innovative moves to reopen shuttered 40% of the work- facilities, increase line speed, and make work rules force at Orion to more flexible are increasing capacity, the industry be employed at a is rapidly approaching a major problem. With sales starting wage of just trending to an annualized rate of over 15 million $14 per hour, half of the average salary for uaw-rep- units this year compared to the lows of just 10.4 resented assembly labor. million units sold in 2009, production has become Further reinvestment has come at the former home a bottleneck, especially for the Big 3. Investing in of Saturn, General Motors’ Spring Hill Assembly new vehicle assembly plants is a costly proposition, plant in Tennessee. Shuttered in 2009 among Gen- though by not investing in new facilities, American eral Motors’ bankruptcy, the plant was mothballed automakers will soon be faced with a choice: import until future use could be found. Rising demand for vehicles produced elsewhere (not an easy task for gm’s midsize crossovers, the Chevrolet Equinox and us-specific models) or watch as empty dealer lots gmc Terrain, proved to be the savior of the plant, drive potential buyers elsewhere as after a $61 million investment to relieve capacity constraints at the vehicles’ first home, the cami Automotive assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. Vehicle production resumed in Spring Hill in the 3rd quarter of 2012, with the addition of 685 jobs. Spring Hill is not the only example of a creative solution to resolve Equinox production constraints, as previously gm had invested in their Oshawa, Ontario assembly complex to add overflow Equinox production to the Srt Viper production begins at Conner Avenue Assembly. Photo courtesy of Chrysler Group llc assembly line that produces
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The Technician
In Pictures
September 12, 2013
As the term winds down to an end, there are still plenty of things to do (from top, clockwise) • Cru hosted a game night in bj's lounge • Innovation Quest challenged students to build a suspension bridge out of posterboard • Allies tie-dyed in the Pool—even Dr. McMahan joined in the fun! • Delta Tau Delta held an auction during their Family Day (see article on page 3)
Photos are courtesy of Kettering Communications, except for #1 (Mr. Bryan Boyse) and #4 (Mr. Charlie Swett).
September 12, 2013
Top, clockwise: • Ksg Operations Council hosted Wings Night, a favorite campus tradition, at Buffalo Wild Wings • Dr. McMahan introduces the campus to "Bandel," one of the two new ZipCars parked behind Thompson Hall • Liz McLean shows off her gingerbread house made on Friday of Snow Fest • Staff lecturer Kent Eddy made these Mechanical Engineering department-themed apples in his orchard, using only stickers applied to still-green apples
Photos are courtesy of Kettering Communication
The Technician
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The Technician
The Robot Society
From the Robot Society Five students were selected into the prestigious Kettering University Robot Society for A-Section. They are: Maria Goodpaster, Victoria Sprague, Elizabeth Facemire, Locksley Wallace, and Hayley Schuller. Shari Luck, First Year Experience Coordinator, was named an honorary Robot. The Kettering Robot Society recognizes and honors students and other individuals who have provided direction and leadership in extracurricular activities. When the society was founded in 1927 it was called MADHATTERS. On initiation day, new members still wear Derby hats and carry canes to preserve the "Madhatter" tradition. Members are selected through an evaluation system where each Robot nominee is evaluated against the three ideals of the Robot Society: leadership which is creative; service that transcends itself; and citizenship that demonstrates responsibility. In addition, a Robot candidate must be in the top 75 percent of their class.
Beth Facemire
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering From Warsaw, Indiana Beth co-ops for Autoliv Inc., located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. While on her co-op, Beth assists with the development and testing of automotive safety systems including airbags, seatbelts, and steering wheels. On campus, she is highly involved in the Greek community serving as a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. Within the sorority, Beth has served as the chapter’s philanthropic chairman, chapter president, and now the chapter’s standards chairman. In addition to her involvement within the Greek community, Beth has participated in several other organizations on campus including comapss, realservice, and most recently Scientista. She is currently in the process of co-founding a new organization on campus called Scientista. The intent of this organization is to provide aspiring females with ideal role models and strong professional networking systems. Beth is also a member of four Greek honor societies including Rho Lambda, Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, and Gamma Sigma Alpha. Postgraduation, Beth hopes to obtain a full time engineering position while pursuing a master’s degree in bioengineering.
Hayley Schuller
September 12, 2013
Maria Goodpaster
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering From Sterling Heights, Michigan On campus, Hayley is actively involved in many organizations. She has been actively involved in her fraternity, Alpha Phi, where she has held the positions of Recording Secretary, Vice President of Program Development, and currently the President. Due to her prime leadership skills, Hayley was given the honor to represent her chapter at the Alpha Phi Emerging Leaders Institute in 2012. Hayley also serves as President for the Kettering Society of Women Engineers. Over her career at Kettering University, Hayley has worked as a mentor for Kettering’s lite program. She desires to inspire these young women to pursue their dreams in stem programs. She also continues to serve her college working in the Admissions Office. Hayley has helped with various admissions projects such as dog days, mailing, working as a student ambassador, and many other tasks. Hayley served as both Secretary and Vice President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers on campus, and continues to help the group by sharing new ideas to draw attention to the Kettering community. As a member of realserv ice over the past year, Hayley has helped to not only raise money for Relay for Life, but plan the event as Sponsorship chair. Also while on campus, Hayley works as a Resident Assistant at the Campus Village Apartments. While Hayley is very involved on campus, academics have always been first priority. She has been on Dean’s List multiple times throughout her Kettering career. Hayley also was inducted into various Greek honor societies for her involvement and academic successes on campus. During both her school and work terms, Hayley is involved in first Robotics as a mentor and a student ambassador. She helps out a local team back home to continue her impact on young students to pursue careers. Hayley also serves her local community at her church as a catechism assistant. Hayley is currently employed at General Motors Powertrain in Warren, Michigan. She works in the Advanced Powertrain Integration group on pre and post product launch. Hayley will graduate after Summer 2014 with a Mechanical Engineering degree and Business minor with future plans to pursue a mba.
Majoring in Industrial Engineering From Hershey, Pennsylvania Maria co-ops with The Hershey Company, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. While on her coop, she provides corporate Industrial Engineering support at different plants throughout the country. On campus Maria is Vice President of the Student Senate, a student ambassador, student representative for Faculty Senate, student representative on the enrollment subcommittee for the Board of Trustees, President Student Advisory Council, Executive Thesis Advisory Board, compass orientation team, and new student female mentor. Off campus, Maria is working on a project for the St. Luke n.e.w. Life Organization which will create 100 jobs for disadvantaged women in the Flint area. Academically Maria is a member of Alpha Pi Mu and has been on the Dean’s List every semester. On work term and school term Maria volunteers at local soup kitchens and church youth groups. Her future plans include working for a Fortune 500 company and pursuing her mba from a top institution.
September 12, 2013
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The Technician
Victoria Sprague Locksley Wallace
Shari Luck
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering From Cypress, Texas
Majoring in Chemical Engineering From Central Village, Jamaica
First Year Experience Coordinator From Fenton, Michigan
Victoria co-ops with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. During both school and work terms, Victoria is involved in many activities. During school terms, she is a leader and participant in clubs and organizations including Dance Club, Cru, Engineers Without Borders, Paintball Club, Pi Tau Sigma, Kappa Mu Epsilon, and Tau Beta Pi. She is also highly active in Kettering University tour guiding, and with the Kettering first District event hosted at Kettering every winter term. Off campus, Victoria is highly active in community first robotics teams at a boys and girls club in Orlando, Florida, and in community service events through Walt Disney World. Victoria plans to be married and start a full-time mechanical engineering job in January.
Locksley is a graduating Chemical Engineering senior originally from Central Village, Jamaica who was introduced to Kettering University through the Academically Interested Mines (aim) program. Throughout his time here at Kettering University he has been on the executive board of the National Society of Black Engineers (nsbe), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineer (shpe) and was the president of International club. Also, Locksley has been a part of the Kagle Leadership Initiative program for over three years, where he does one on one mentoring with Flint High school students. Locksley has mentored three students thus far, two of which are now in college and the third is a junior in high school who became class president last year and is now the captain of his First Robotics team. Locksley has a passion for mentoring because he believes the most rewarding work one can do is to help others realize their potential. His future aspirations include owning his own engineering company and to one day return and help his country with the skills and experience he has garnered.
Shari Luck is Kettering University's First Year Experience (fye) Coordinator and works in the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (cetl). Amongst other fye initiatives, Luck has been focusing on improving the freshman transitions class fye 101 (formerly ortn 101). We are just finishing up the pilot term for the new class, where classes of around 15 students, with one faculty/staff instructor and one upper class peer mentor, focus on a common discussion each week. The primary learning objectives for the course are to set the foundations for successful self-governance, community and critical thinking. We aim to assist students academically, professionally and socially, in a personal successful transition to Kettering University.
What is the Robot Society? This honor society was organized in 1928 for the purpose of giving recognition to those students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, citizenship, and service to the Kettering community. Scholastic standing is an added criterion for election. — from the Registrar's website
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The Technician
Arts & Lifestyle
September 12, 2013
Modern Dialect American Paintings
fering of America during the Great Depression. In his painting, there is a window covered in job openings with many people gathered around it trying to When recently visiting the fia, or the Flint Inread the list. The lack of emotion in people's faces stitute of Arts, I checked out an exhibition called represents the time and feeling of most Americans at Modern Dialect: American Paintings from the John that time. The assortment of whites, African Ameriand Susan Horseman Collection. This collection cans, children, and Europeans in the painting shows takes scenes and paintings from the 1920s through the diversity and mash up of demographics affected the 1940s, and captures the concerns and social injustices many Americans faced during that time. Many of the paintings relate to the Great Depression, and its hardships and inequalities. What is most striking about this exhibition is that it uses visual clues to depict people’s personal experiences as they related to immigration, social class, and certain laws and regulations. The Future Belongs to the Workers by Walter Wellington Quirt shows the hardships undergone during the Great Depression. The painting is very detailed, showing anything from the chaos in people's faces when one of their fellow line workers is shot, to the Soviet flag being risen, by the Depression. When he painted this picture, which represents the battle against capitalism in in 1937, the Depression was at its worst, and many America. The images of the Ku Klux Klan mask and Americans were in the same boat. noose on the tree represent the ongoing battle for On the Waterfront by James Guy is the last piece equality within America, and even the Bible serves that had a significant impact on my interpretation as an image of battles around religion. All of these of the Depression. This painting was significant to images portray the mixed identity America had, and him because it took place in Connecticut, where although we were a nation of one, we were all from he grew up and described the feeling most Ameridifferent places with different upbringings. cans had at the time, particularly about fair working 6th Avenue Unemployment Agency by Abraham rights. The painting is split in half, one side being Harriton is another painting that illustrates the suf- stormy and sad, where the other is sunny and happy. By Thomas Ulseth Guest Contributor
There is man on strike who is significantly bigger than the others, representing the nobility to stand up for what is right—fair working rights. In the background, we get a picture of the Depression and gloominess: there is a storm in the background causing shipwrecks and people drowning. This could be considered the Depression, but also the economy and how in many ways it destroyed lives. On the other side, we see the sunny side of America, representing the rich and greedy side of America. We see rich Americans boarding a cruise, and an exchange of money between unions and Uncle Sam to keep the same working laws in place. There are money bags and skulls on the ground, which represent the mob mentality at the time and how many organizations and individuals paid off city officials and police men. The main argument the artist conveys is that if we don't change soon, nothing will happen, and they will be in the same gloomy and unfair state shown on the left side of the painting. Overall, the fia serves as a great place to learn as well as look back on history. Modern Dialect: American Paintings from the John and Susan Horseman Collection is a great exhibit and offers a look back on American history. The fia offers many other exhibitions, covering anything from ancient Africa to the Renaissance era to modern day art, widening not only your history but also the cultures that relate to those times. The fia is open every day of the week and even free on Saturdays. Photo of On the Waterfront couresy of Brock & Co.
Lee Daniels' The Butler By Tylor Schlink Guest Contributor Recently released, Lee Daniels' The Butler is an American historical-drama film inspired by the life of Eugene Allen, whose story was made famous by Wil Haygood's Washington Post article, “A Butler Well Served by This Election.” If you can get past the constant celebrity cameos and stifle your inevitable reminiscing of Forrest Gump, the motion picture offers a never-before-seen outlook on the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. The timeline of the film covers the better half of the 20th century and settles in present times, giving the viewer an in-depth recollection of the trials and tribulations of African Americans from three distinct viewpoints: Cecil Gaines, an obedient African American servant; his eldest son, Louis, a young radical civil rights protester; and the seven presidential administrations under which the butler serves. It beautifully depicts not only the clashes of American racism, but also the clashes of separate generations—the mindset of fathers and sons. The movie begins in the Southern United States during Cecil’s childhood, which was spent with his sharecropping family on a cotton farm. Similar to
Cecil, the audience is promptly introduced to the horrors of American racism which shape the rest of the film. By his early teens, he becomes accustomed to the fine manners of domestic servanthood. These skills eventually lead him to the most prestigious servant location of all, the White House. This job allows Cecil to adequately support his family, and he begins his life-long devotion to serving the President of the United States. Surprisingly, Cecil’s true struggles begin at this point in the movie when his priorities clash between his family and his job. From youth, Cecil is required to wake up every morning and put on his “public” face, which is obedient and subservient. He learns that this attitude ensures the survival of his family, and it quickly becomes the only face he knows how to wear. As his eldest son grows up and forms his own sentiments, though, father and son begin to clash. Cecil is content with slowly waiting for the social transformations that are occurring through Presidential announcements and Supreme Court verdicts, while his son is fixated on being the forefront of these social changes through participation in historical events, such as sit-ins, freedom rides, and the Black Panther party. His son’s zealotry causes a rift in their family. They both fail to recognize that they are both
doing necessary work to advance the social status of their fellow African Americans. Cecil wakes up every day and diligently works. He is a constant reminder to the white populations that the African Americans are trustworthy and hard-working. On the other hand, Louis is fighting the discriminations of his country via peaceful protests and non-violent dissent. They both are fighting for the same cause; however, they are using different weapons. As previously mentioned, this film does have a “Forrest Gump” quality to it, which can make the story seem more fictional than literal, but taking a step back, it is not too far-fetched to believe that one man could be immersed in all of this history. Cecil remains a butler at the White House through seven presidencies, and he is one of the few common features that remained unchanged during that time period. While presidential administrations moved on, the butlers, like Cecil, lingered behind. Cecil’s life takes on the “if these walls could talk” persona. The film delivers an inspirational story and an indepth history lesson all in one package. It also provides the audience with a satisfactory finale which places the current presidency in its appropriate place within the history books. I highly recommend viewing this film.
September 12, 2013
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The Technician
The Redwood Steakhouse By Matthew White Editor-in-chief Located in Gateway Center, just minutes from campus, is a restaurant that is sure to impress. The Redwood Steakhouse and Brewery (variously referred to in its materials as the Redwood Steakhouse or Redwood Lodge, as well) offers what it calls "upscale dining in a casual atmosphere." The atmosphere is certainly casual, with the architecture and decor presenting a woodland lodge theme that makes the meal more relaxing. Located in the back of the restaurant are large brewing vats, part of the restaurant's bar, that produce custom beers. The Redwood Steakhouse has two menus— "Pub" and "Signature"— that offer different meal options. The Pub Menu, offered every day except Sunday, offers typical sandwiches and burgers along with pizza, salads, and pasta. Some of the options, however, are much more than meets the eye. The Redwood Pulled Pork sandwich ($9.99) is a homestyle favorite, but the Ahi Tuna Sandwich ($15.99), served with sriracha mayonnaise, seaweed salad, and a grilled ciabatta bun is a far less conventional, although delicious, choice. Made-toorder burgers (including The Vegetarian) and pizzas show similar dedication on a wide spectrum. Whether it be conventional or a chef 's dream, the
Pub Menu offers a wide variety of options at quite reasonable prices. On Sunday, or after 4pm, guests can enjoy the signature menu. Rather than offer a menu built around a theme, the Signature Menu offers a wide variety
of options at different price points. The appetizer selection alone is startling, including Redwood Nachos ($10.99)—with ground beef or barbecued pork—that easily serve a family, delicious Boursin Cheese ($10.99) to tempt tastebuds, and Calamari Fritti ($11.59) for those who enjoy the fruit of the sea. Fresh bread is offered for free, and it behooves a guest to take advantage of the opportunity. If you enjoy sushi, The Redwood Steakhouse has that covered as well. The Signature Menu offers various kinds of Sashimi or Nigiri Choices ($13.99) including octopus, salmon, scallops, and barbecued
tilapia. Roll platters are also available, such as the Chef 's Signature Roll Platter of the Day ($17.99). The back of the menu contains a section known simply as "The Signatures," served with a Redwood salad—not an ordinary salad, but very worthwhile—a side dish. The choices here run the gamut of complexity and presentation again, with offerings like Redwood Special Porter Fish & Chips ($14.99) being fairly pedestrian and Salmon Oscar ($23.99) with two 4 oz salmon medallions each with a supporting crab cake and surimi crab topping being far more detailed. There are also a range of steaks to chose from, including custom cuts served at the daily cost, which is posted on a large chalkboard in the entrance of the restaurant. For the non-insignificant cost of a meal, the quality of service should weigh heavily on the decision to dine here. This reviewer has never had any experience less than exceptional, including in large group settings. Although this restaurant is not an everyday place, it makes a wonderful destination for those special meals in life. The Redwood Steakhouse can be found online at thredwoodlodge.com. Photo courtesy of the same. The opinions, thoughts, and remarks of Mr. White are his and his alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of this paper.
Puzzles & Comics
Three Days By Libbi Staples Technician Cartoonist
Bunchy Just Desserts Answer By Rebeccah MacKinnon Technician Staff Bunchy suspected foul play because Chloe Coscarelli, of Cupcake Wars fame, is a vegan baker. Her butter cream is 100% vegan—no dairy products are used in it. Thus, Sondja could not have gone into anaphylactic shock from the frosting.
Crossword Answers
Answers for the previous crossword puzzles will be posted on The Technician's website. Be sure to look there for the news you need, entertainment, and more!
Page 12
Crossword
September 12, 2013
The Technician
By Colleen Chavis
On the topic of colors: Across 1. Character in A Series of Unfortunate Events 5. Red, green, and blue for light; cyan, magenta, and yellow for pigments (2 words) 6. Painted on prison walls to reduce aggressive behavior, also known as Drunk Tank _______ 8. Perceiving letters or numbers as inherently colored is a common form of ______ 9. Indicates you should slow down 11. Refraction and reflection of light in raindrops or mist 12. A soft or muted color 13. A very bright or florescent color 14. Red's complementary color Down 2. Story about a sentient balloon (3 words) 3. Marine invertebrates that make reefs 4. Character on Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends 6. Color matching company 7. Charcoal/dove/heather/slate ______ 10. New York Avenue, St. James Place, and Tennessee Avenue
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