The Journal
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UIS WEEKLY STUDENT NEWSPAPER
May 4, 2016
Volume 43 Issue 12
A LOOK INSIDE SGA Introduces Resolution Against Friday Classes
Chancellor Susan Koch smiles at the UIS Campus Community Garden dedication ceremony.
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Editorial: Improving Residence Hall Diversity
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Holi Celebration Takes Place at UIS
Photo by Leo Davalos
UIS Campus Community Garden officially dedicated By Dalton Homolka News Reporter
A couple dozen spectators recently gathered to celebrate the official dedication of the UIS Campus Community Garden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Chancellor Susan Koch cut the ribbon in front of the students, faculty, community members, and local media who assembled for the occasion – officially reopening the garden that was first established in 2006. The garden revamp was first conceived by a group of UIS students for their ENS 271: Introduction to Sustainability class project during the fall 2015 semester. Although it started as a hypothetical project, several students expressed a keen interest in making the community garden a reality again.
According to the official UIS Campus Community Garden Facebook page, the purpose of the garden is to serve as a model of sustainability and act as a clear demonstration of the university’s commitment to student involvement opportunities. One of the student leaders involved in the project, UIS junior and environmental studies major Rachel Wilham, reminded students that “the most important thing for UIS students to know about the garden is that it is their garden.” “It is here for everyone to enjoy – you don’t have to know a lot about gardening, and we don’t ask that you donate a lot of time or money to the garden,” Wilham said. The official dedication and picnic took place two weeks after student volunteers, with help from Leadership for Life, planted a variety
of vegetables, spices, and herbs in the garden. This time around, volunteers focused on building a new in-ground compost bin and adding signs to the garden, while also educating those in attendance about how to care for the garden. Chancellor Koch, who has voiced her support for the garden initiative, tested out her green thumb by planting a row of snap peas with a golden trowel made specially for the occasion. “We have been very grateful for her support for this project from the start,” said Dr. Megan Styles, an assistant professor in the environmental studies program at UIS whose class spawned the garden revamp initiative in the first place. The next step for the community garden project will be finding enough volunteers to care for the
garden during the swiftly approaching summer months. Finding volunteers to tend the garden was a challenge for organizers the first time around, but Styles said that they’re tackling the issue from a different angle this time around. “Instead of having students sign up to care for individual plots themselves, this will be a truly collaborative, communal garden where everyone tends and harvests the same space,” Styles said. “This will make it easier for us to get lots of people involved and make sure that it is cared for during the summer.” According to Styles, part of that effort will include holding more events to raise awareness about the garden on campus and beyond. “We’ll announce a regular once-aweek work day very soon,” she said. Continued on page 11
Breaking ground and making history Page 7
Student Union groundbreaking ceremony occurs today By Tamarra Newbern
Baseball Splits Series
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News Reporter
After much waiting, anticipation, and speculation, UIS officials are set to break ground on the Student Union today at 10:30 a.m. The historic groundbreaking ceremony comes after the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved a construction contract in March of 2016. The $12.7 million contract was awarded to Williams Brothers
Construction Inc. from Peoria. The Student Union is a $21.7 million project that University President Timothy Killeen, Chancellor Susan Koch, and Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder will present to students, staff, faculty, and community members during the groundbreaking ceremony. The Student Union will be located just south of the campus’s quad and will provide various assets to the university. According to UIS Director of Public Relations Derek
Schnapp, the building will house “dining services, a coffee shop, a ballroom with seating for up to 450 people, and a Student Leadership Center that will house student government, volunteer offices, and workspaces for student organizations.” According to Schnapp, the university lacks a place for students to gather. “The campus originally catered to upperclassmen and graduatelevel students, but is now a traditional four-year school without the central gathering place
for students,” Schnapp said. Some UIS students are excited about the construction of the Student Union, while others are not. Ryan Morgan, junior and computer science major, believes that the university should work on project development as well as the interests of student. Morgan stated, “I am a junior and I’m about to graduate. The university should develop more rapidly. Overall I give them applause for building it. Yet, they Continued on page 6
The Journal
Page 2 Wednesday
Lunch Fellowship 12-1p.m., PAC E Psychology Dept. End of the Year BBQ 4-7p.m., Student Life Plaza OLAS General Body Meeting 9p.m., FRH Classroom
Thursday
LGBTea Weekly Social 4-6p.m., SLB 22 So You Want A Career in Communication? 6p.m., PAC H
Friday Hispanic/ Latin Discussion Group 4:15p.m., LRH Conference Room Legacy Dance Team Practice 6p.m., SLB Gym Friday Bible Study 7:30p.m., LRH Seminar Room
Saturday
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Sunday Monday Legacy Dance Leadership Reception Finals Week & Awards Stress Tips Team Practice 1-3p.m., Sangamon Information 6p.m., Auditorium Lobby Table SLB Gym Catholic Mass 11-2p.m., Fly Sh## Only 3-6p.m., PAC G PAC Concourse 7p.m., Soccer with MSO The Edge Diversity 9p.m., SLB Gym 9p.m., Center SLB MPR Soccer with MSO 8:30p.m., SLB Gym
Tuesday
Tuesdays at Two 2p.m., PAC C/D Dodgeball 9-11p.m., SLB Gym
Have an event you want others to know about? Call our office at 217-206-7061 or email calendar events to journal@uis.edu!
SGA President-elect Austin Mehmet plans to shake things up By John Kurecki Features Writer @KureckiUISJournal
Junior Austin Mehmet has officially been chosen as the next Student Government Association (SGA) president after running unopposed. Mehmet has two prior years of student government experience, both as a senator and treasurer of SGA. Some of the new president’s immediate concerns involve controversy around Friday classes, student employment, campus safety, and student involvement. Mehmet hopes to stop the expansion of Friday classes. “One of the first things that is going to be on our agenda is a petition to the university to stop the adoption of Friday classes. Personally, I would be severely affected by this if it was already in place; I had an internship that I was only allowed to do because I had no Friday classes,” Mehmet said. According to Mehmet, these opportunities are “invaluable.” Mehmet also wants to ensure that UIS students are receiving proper pay for their university jobs.
Austin Mehmet Photo by Tiffany Chin
“You’d be surprised how many students have very technical positions that are being paid [minimum wage]…that I think needs to be reevaluated.” Another concern of Mehmet’s is the visibility of graduate positions on campus, citing complaints from graduate students about a perceived lack of employment opportunities, when in reality most of the positions are not posted on Career Connect, which is where most students go to look for campus employment. This year Mehmet has been behind an SGA initiative to increase lighting available on the east side of campus, which is one of his campus safety initiatives moving forward. Mehmet sponsored
a resolution which requested the implementation of new and improved lighting on East Campus this semester. Another problem that Mehmet hopes to address is the lack of student involvement. “One of my big issues is that SGA has kind of been in the background […] we don’t do a lot of advertising and I think that is a problem. We don’t use a very aggressive social media policy, so a lot of students don’t recognize that we even exist or that we do things on campus.” One of the ways that Mehmet plans to address this is by adopting new social media tactics. “We do have enough funds to create a student worker position […] it would pretty much be a social media manager, I think [that] would be the title,” Mehmet said. The lack of student involvement has had a clear impact on the presidential election this year, as Mehmet ran uncontested. “I really couldn’t tell you [why]. I was expecting a very contested race […] I think the last uncontested race was three years ago […] I think SGA has always kind of dealt with that issue of people just don’t
know we exist and don’t know that we do things on campus, and I’d like to share with the university and UIS students that we do a lot and hopefully that we’re benefiting the students,” Mehmet said. The new president also plans to make aspects of SGA more accessible to students, namely the Student Organization Funding Association (SOFA). Currently, organizations must submit a request form to the committee, and then appear in front of the board to explain why they need the funding. This, Mehmet believes, is prohibitively inconvenient. “I think we have the resources and tools available to us to move all of SOFA’s work online, and I think that’s just going to make it easier for students to request money and have great things on campus. I think that will greatly increase student involvement.” Mehmet believes that he can accomplish all of these goals next year when SGA begins meeting again. Wasting no time, however, SGA’s last meeting on May 1 included resolutions for creating a student employment task force and a petition against Friday classes.
Don Your Newspaper Hat The Journal encourages readers to submit guest commentaries and letters-to-theeditor for consideration for publication. Guest columns should run no longer than 600 words, and letters should be limited to 300 words or less. For more information, e-mail Marc Cox, editor-in-chief, at journal@uis.edu, or call 217-206-6397. The Journal office is located in the SAB 20.
Editor-in-Chief:
Marc Cox Assistant Editor for Sports: Alexander Camp
Assistant Editor for Features: Jess Bayer
Copy Editor:
Sean Flamand Multimedia Editor: Destiney Boyd
Photographers: Leo Davalos Destiney Boyd Tiffany Chin Video Specialist: Josh Omenazu
Columnists:
Alexander Camp Daniel McFarland
Reviews:
Sean Flamand Tiffany Chin
Features Reporters: John Kurecki Cole Moriarty
News Reporters: Dalton Homolka Tamarra Newbern Daniel McFarland
Sports Reporter: Josh Omenazu
Illustrator:
Megan Gillmore
Distributors:
Leo Davalos Nilesh Boddapati Venkatesh Komma
Layout & Design Editor: Megan Gillmore
Business Manager: Feng Gao
Adviser:
Debra Landis
Mission Statement
The Journal is the editorially independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Our mission is to publish news and feature stories, editorials and opinions relevant to the campus community while upholding the highest professional and ethical standards as outlined in The Journal Code of Conduct and Editorial Board By-laws and Procedures.
Letters to the Editor
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Remember that no one is per-
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Impulsive decisions may
Aries (March 21 – April 19) You may be left feeling
Taurus (April 20 – May 20) You will face a tough deci-
Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Superstition may get the
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) A stranger may make a des-
fect this week as a seemingly perfect individual makes an appearance and jealousy begins to rear its ugly head! foolish this week after you fail to make an important connection. Rest assured that this error in judgement won’t cause any serious harm. You may just feel some embarrassment. better of you this week when a series of strange coincidences make the impossible seem possible. Try to approach things rationally and avoid any unwarranted paranoia! Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) You haven’t been getting enough sleep recently. Make sure to catch up on some z’s before your exams lest you’ll hit snooze and sleep through them!
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Stress has you falling apart at the seams this week. Try to keep it together and remember to vent your worries and frustrations to your friends. You’re almost out of the woods! Just hold on for a little bit longer! Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) An important decision will require you to be honest with yourself regarding what you want out of life this week. Try looking to past experience for answers.
not yield the results you would hope for this week. Try to make careful decisions especially in matters concerning favors. sion this week when important plans with two friends conflict. Simply explain your situation. One friend will be more understanding than the other. Be sure to be sincere and everything will be forgiven! perate attempt to elevate their position this week and this may make your situation difficult. Try to keep your composure and you will be able to weather the storm! Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) A clever choice of words may just save you from a seemingly impossible situation this week! Your silver tongue may also yield rewarding results in matters concerning money!
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) An astounding lack of judge-
ment on the part of a colleague will have you fending off angry questions and overall confusion this week. Take control of the situation first and THEN vent your frustration about their actions!
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Try to think out of the
box this week as you may be required to think creatively to solve your problems AND the ones on your exams!
Letters may be sent by e-mail to journal@ uis.edu, postal mailed to The Journal, SAB 20, UIS, Springfield, IL 62703 or faxed to (217) 206-7710. Letters should be 300 words or less. Deadline for submitting letters is noon on Thursday of each week. The Journal reserves the right to reject or edit any submitted letter-to-the-editor. If any revisions take place, the author will be notified.
Editorial/Guest Commentary
Journal editorials are the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Guest columns should be between 300-500 words. The Journal does not necessarily endorse opinions expressed in any column. The Journal recognizes the importance of providing a forum for our readers to express personal views. Questions may be directed to The Journal at (217) 206-NEWS.
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The Journal
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Page 3
CAMPUS/LOCAL NEWS
The director
Kimberly Pate reflects on her time at UIS By Cole Moriarty Features Reporter
Kimberly Pate has transformed UIS Athletics during her five years as director. In her time, Pate has overseen a change in the people, facilities, and the overall function of the department in the all-encompassing endeavor to reach a new level. She came to make UIS competitive, and she leaves convinced that she has. It starts with people. “People are the most important part of winning,” Pate said. The first priority was coaching, and 10 of the 11 coaches in the department were hired by Pate. From there she moved to studentathletes, dramatically increasing the number of scholarships available to bring students into the department and its programs, while populating and allowing the addition of three new sports programs. But, as anyone who knows about SEC football can attest, a good athletic program also needs boosters to help fund the ever-expanding needs of an athletic department if it wants to be successful. To this end, Pate sought to “build their relationships with alumni.” The result? “Over 500 members in four years,” Pate said. Pate described her tenure here as a “building phase,” which is true in both a figurative and literal sense. She has literally built up the department. She cites the
UIS Baseball Field, which she described as a “‘Sandlot’ and ‘Field of Dreams’ experience.” Other improvements include cleaning up the tennis courts, adding a cross country path, and adding a driving range for the golf teams. By all accounts, it has been a notable investment, but Pate considers it one of her most important. “A number of facilities were not up to par,” Pate said. “It wasn’t a collegiate environment.” Thus facilities became a key part of her turnaround agenda to “strengthen the program” by giving the programs “somewhere to practice.” A less visible, but equally important, part of her agenda has been the improvement of the processes of UIS Athletics. For example, she includes near the top of her highlights the fact that she helped grow the average GPA of studentathletes from 3.06 to 3.26, which is the result of changes she helped institute by increasing the academic support available. In the end, Pate leaves under the belief that her changes will blossom long after her departure. It is a rather subjective belief for a woman who demonstrates an affinity for metrics (specifically, the comparison to other schools in terms of team success and resources, like, for example, how the aforementioned increase in scholarships took UIS from “dead last” to being “at the median” by fall of 2017.)
One can draw a line from Pate’s background to her current approach in a way that seems uncommonly straight. She has been a collegiate softball player and coach, and eventually athletic director at her alma mater, Brevard College. Moreover, she said she “comes from a business mindset” which has taught her the importance of “strategic plans” because “everything is strategic.” It is no surprise, then, that Pate is competitive, and focuses her efforts on making the department more competitive, which she cited as the driving motivation for her agenda here at UIS. On March 1, Pate accepted the opportunity to take the position of athletic director at Lenoir-Rhyne University, a school in North Carolina near Brevard (and in the same athletic conference where she played and coached) and closer to her family. “Our mothers live within two hours of this place,” Pate said. The department there has 22 programs, twice as many as UIS currently has, including football. “It’s a more established program,” Pate said. It is a move that satisfies an ambition to “take a successful program to the top.” Yet, Pate said the decision to take the position “wasn’t easy” because “the foundation was coming together and we’re ready to take off” at UIS. Success is doubtlessly a core mo-
tivation for Pate; there seems little question that it has been her goal during her time here at UIS, and ambition is clearly a part of that. Considering the frequency with which she uses the word “strategic,” it seems clear that Pate likes having a plan. There is a coherence in the actions and policies taken by her that she is trying to go from point A to point B, as long as point B is a step up. Should one believe there is fault in the nature of her decisions and policies, one must still admit that Pate operates with a clear and focused purpose: success. It is therefore unsurprising when she said that her favorite memory of her time as UIS was the 2012 women’s softball team, particularly a game in the NCAA Division II semifinals at regionals where they “beat off a top-ranked team.” “To see those ladies do something that had ever been done before,” to accomplish a “monumental feat,” to triumph in spite of the fact that “no one expected them to be there” seemed to illustrate the nature of the director. It’s difficult to determine the full impact Pate has had on the department or its component programs, but there is no doubt that she took the job with a direction in mind, and there is no question that she moved it toward that direction in a way that is both comprehensive and absolutely certain.
New young Lincoln statue: A unique addition to UIS By Tamarra Newbern News Reporter
Next week, a Lincoln statue will be unveiled on the University of Illinois Springfield campus. The statue will be a sculpted version of young Abraham Lincoln. According to UIS Director of Public Relations Derek Schnapp, the university was able to receive the statue due to the John N. Chester Estate Fund. The fund was a gift to all University of Illinois campuses with the full intent of adding attractiveness. The sculptor of the 6’4” “The Young Lawyer” statue is George Lundeen. Lundeen is a renowned artist that has done many other sculptures such as one of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
Lundeen also created a sculpture of Red Grange that resides outside of Memorial Stadium on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. His work can be found across the country in public and private settings. The statue as well as the unveiling event, set for May 10 at 11 a.m., will be located west of the colonnade in the area in between the Public Affairs Building and the University Hall Building. Chancellor Susan J. Koch along with George Lundeen, Michael Burlingame, former Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn, and UIS student Faith Hook will share the stage as well as a few words before the unveiling occurs. Some students are more excited than the others about the arrival of the new addition to the cam-
pus. Ryan Rizner, sophomore and computer science major, feels that it is a great addition to campus. Rizner stated, “It’s nice that it’s coming to campus. It seems like something was missing in that area. The person who chose it made the perfect choice.” However, UIS sophomore Mike Powell expressed his views on the statue. Powell said, “When I found out it was privately funded and not taken out of my tuition I didn’t really care about it anymore. It’s another statue.” Diamond Dixon, psychology major and sophomore, believes that the statue will be “a nice addition to the campus.” Edwin Robles, sophomore and political science major, thinks that the Lincoln statue will be a unique addition to the UIS cam-
pus. Robles said, “I think it’s pretty cool. U of I in Urbana has their own statues, which makes them unique. So by us having a Lincoln statue that people can come and take pictures with makes this campus a bit more unique.” The UIS Office of Advancement is hosting the event. All students, staff, faculty and community members are welcome to join in for the unveiling of the statue. There will be refreshments at the event for all to enjoy. The dress attire for the event is casual/business casual and free for all to attend. For any information regarding the unveiling or the statue contact UIS Vice Chancellor for Advancement Jeff Lorber at jborber@uis.edu.
The Journal
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Wednesday, May 4, 2016
OPINION/CAMPUS NEWS
Why life expectancy in the U.S. is likely decreasing
By Daniel McFarland Columnist/ News Reporter
For the first time in more than a millennium, the life expectancy will likely decrease. Ever since medieval times, the life expectancy has slowly yet steadily risen, but that trend may be coming to an end with the latest generation (birth years ranging from 2000 through the early 2020s). Rapid changes and phenomena in the modern lifestyle have introduced many factors that negatively impact life expectancy. Right now, our society is experiencing a critical health crisis, the epitome of which is obesity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2008 a quarter of children were classified as obese. With current United Nations data and data from the Social Security Administration, life expectancy should rise to 80-85 by the middle of the century, but this is a blindly optimistic outlook, since such research utterly fails to take into consideration the health problems that are plaguing the younger generations. Childhood obesity can lead to development of major health problems, such as type II diabetes and heart disease, at earlier ages. According to Josiah Alamu, associate professor and chair of the UIS Public Health Department, given that the current life expectancy in the U.S. is 78 years (as of 2012), the obesity epidemic in children will ultimately shorten life expectancy. “When somebody is born in the United States, we expect them to live well past 65, but the way things are going
and if the current trend is maintained in the country, many kids of today may not even make it to 65.” Alamu also stated that type II diabetes used to be a disease that exclusively affected adults, but now young kids are getting it, which definitely is not good. The New England Journal of Medicine states obesity can reduce the length of life by anywhere from five to 20 years, even if health problems associated with it are treated. With the overwhelming number of fast-food restaurants and availability of junk food practically everywhere, including in schools, many kids have an inadequate dietary intake. Not only does such food encourage obesity, but it lacks in good nutritional content children need. Obesity is just one major factor with shortening the life expectancy of the younger generation. Young kids now have smartphones in addition to video games, both of which promote physical inactivity and can negatively affect development as well.
Young kids who are dependent upon social media, cell phones, and video games may have huge shortcomings when it comes to communication and interacting socially. This creates a psycho-social problem in that it negatively impacts mental health as well as social interactions, which can affect quality of life. Bullying also falls into this category, and as with technology, it can lead to depression, isolation, and even suicide. Not to mention the prevalence of misusing and abusing both prescription and street drugs at younger ages and the effects such actions can have. The current lifestyle of society is one that has become more and more detrimental to overall health. Health care struggles to cope with the increasing prevalence of both physical and mental disease occurring at younger ages. With regards to being health-conscious, Alamu said that “Younger people do care about their health to an extent, but they do not know the implications their health can have later on
UIS mascot Orion studies at the library.
in life.” Obesity and poor mental health can lead to unintentional injuries, disease, and cause a rise in disability rates earlier in life, which many people may not think about at a young age. A number of factors determine life expectancy with perhaps childhood obesity being the primary culprit for shortening it. In order to ensure that younger generations have long and quality lives, many changes, both system-wide and individual choices, would have to be made. Society and lifestyle needs to structure itself to promote things like healthy eating, meaningful social interactions, and physical activity. Responsible parenting also needs to be encouraging, in that when raising their children parents need to keep a child’s health in mind and encourage healthy habits. For if not, a child may live a shorter life, poorer in quality, than that of his or her parents.
Photo courtesy of UIS
SGA introduces resolution against Friday classes By John Kurecki Features Writer @KureckiUISJournal
The Student Government Association (SGA) met for the last time in the spring 2016 semester on May 1, where they discussed multiple resolutions before the incoming SGA members met. -The outgoing SGA discussed a resolution to use expiring funds to renovate the atrium in the PAC. The resolution calls for the use of $8,000 from the reserve budget and $1,500 from the general SGA budget to purchase
various upgrades to the area, including new furniture and televisions. The allocation is subject to approval by the vice chancellor for Student Affairs. -Another resolution, SP1624, called for the creation of a Committee on Legislative Affairs. The committee will be responsible for creating legislation based on discussion points from SGA members. The resolution states, “the current body of Senators have played a minimal role in the creation and drafting of resolutions.” SP16-24 aims to encourage senators to get involved with drafting legisla-
tion, and consists of senators and an appointed chair of the committee. The chair is appointed by the SGA president and “will serve at the pleasure of the president.” -The incoming SGA members discussed two proposed resolutions: a petition against Friday classes and the creation of a Student Employment Task Force. As discussed in Resolution 1, the SGA stands against Friday classes, due to the belief that it could take away valuable opportunities from students. Per guidelines in the resolution, an email will be sent
out to students to requesting them to sign a petition against the implementation of Friday classes. Resolution also stated that “this SGA take[s] a firm stance against the University and vehemently petitions against the adoption of Friday classes.” Resolution 1 is sponsored by SGA President Austin Mehmet and co-sponsored by Student Trustee Nathan Hoffman. -Resolution 2, entitled “Formation of the Student Employment Task Force” is sponsored by Senator Kaelan Smith and is aimed at addressing the employment of students at the
university. The task force will “address flaws or concerns in the student employment system of the university.” -Incoming SGA President Austin Mehmet filled several appointee positions. Dominic Chippano was appointed external vice president, Grant Gustafson was appointed parliamentarian, Alicia Woodman was appointed Student Organization Funding Association chair, and Raven Wilson was appointed Student Activities Committee chair. The next SGA meeting will occur during the fall semester of 2016.
The Journal
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
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2016 student commencement speaker: Robyn Crutchfield By Jess Bayer Assistant Editor for Features @BayerUISJournal
Each year the UIS commencement ceremony has numerous speakers present. Among them is always a member of the graduating class, and this year, the honor goes to Robyn Crutchfield. Crutchfield came to UIS from Matteson, Illinois in the fall of 2012 after finishing high school. After four years of hard work, she will be graduating with a degree in communication. Throughout her years here at UIS, Crutchfield has been a part of many organizations. She said
that being a part of Alternative Spring Break, the Black Student Union, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has been “monumental for [her] time here.” Crutchfield said she will be working at the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) as a Resident Counselor after graduation. She added that she does plan on going back to school within the next year to continue her education. “My experience at UIS has been amazing. I have had the opportunity to really challenge some social injustices not only on campus, but also in the greater Springfield community,” Crutchfield said. “I think the fact that I have had faculty and
administrators behind me when it came to fighting for things that would help the school climate as a whole has been extremely pivotal.” “My instructors have also pushed me to be a better me both inside and outside of the classroom,” she added. When asked to look back and formulate a piece of advice she would give her freshman self, she replied, “I would tell myself to enjoy myself in college and to not sweat the small stuff.” “I would tell myself that bad grades happen and everybody procrastinates, and it’s okay to eat that last slice of pizza,” she added. “College is a chance to find yourself and have fun and
mistakes will be made, what is important is how we recover from them.” Crutchfield said that she has wanted to be the commencement speaker for her graduating class since she was a freshman at UIS. “Being the student commencement speaker is such an honor, and I hope that my positive words will truly leave a mark on my peers as they go forth and conquer the world,” Crutchfield said. Crutchfield said that the theme of her speech is to LIVE. “Each letter [will represent] something that I believe is important for not only college graduates, but also for the families and friends
that will be there to support,” she said. “Through my speech, I will encourage students to take charge of their lives and always be mindful of how they treat people and their social responsibilities as citizens of the United States.” She added that she also wants people to understand that “no two paths look exactly alike and that that is okay.” The 45th UIS commencement ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 14 at 4 p.m. at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. For more information about the ceremony, please visit https://www.uis.edu/commencement/.
Editorial: University has responsibility to improve residence hall, CAP diversity By The Journal Editorial Board Throughout the previous years, UIS has made great strides in improving diversity on campus by increasing the number of minority students enrolled at the university. However, now is the time to focus on promoting diversity within Lincoln Residence Hall (LRH), Founder’s Residence Hall (FRH), and within the Capital Scholars Honors Program (CAP). As detailed in an article in the April 13 edition of The Journal, LRH is comprised of 175 students, of whom 68.6 percent are Caucasian, 16 percent are African American, and 10.8 percent are Hispanic. Meanwhile, FRH houses 198 students, of whom 50 percent are African American, 29.8 percent are Caucasian, and 12.6 percent are Hispanic. In response to the demographics, a working committee, composed of Director of Residence Life John Ringle, CAP Director
Marc Klingshirn, Mark Dochterman with Leadership for Life, Justin Rose with Necessary Steps, and Tara-Sweeting Trotter with the STARS program, has been established to address the situation. However, despite the statistics, Chancellor Susan Koch expressed a lack of concern over the topic in a March 10 interview. “I’m not as concerned about those numbers as I am the larger issue of diversity and race relations on this campus,” Koch said. However, the 400 students living in the two residence halls make up a significant part of the university, which has approximately 1,100 on-campus residents. Koch further described the possible barrier the unbalanced demographics causes among students as being perceived. “If students think that creates a barrier then that’s a perceived barrier,” Koch said. However, such a divide between residence halls is observable and creates a problematic situation at
UIS, as it damages the sense of community and even imposes racial barriers. While it is highly unlikely that such disproportions are intentional, it does not mean the situation should be simply ignored. In fact, the racial divide between dormitories should be addressed and acted upon immediately. A short-term plan should include switching the LRH Leadership for Life living-learning community with an FRH livinglearning community such as Necessary Steps or the STARS program. Such a switch could enhance the number of individuals with diverse backgrounds in LRH and FRH as soon as the next school year. In as few as two school years, CAP should commit to moving half of its students to FRH while keeping half of the program in LRH. The CAP program could institute CAP-only wings or more beneficially allow fellow CAP students to share dorm rooms, while sharing a bathroom with
traditional students. Such a wholesale change would eliminate racial disparities between residence halls while allowing for a better sense of community at UIS. However, a possibly more important problem should be addressed. Why are there so few minority students in the CAP program? In order to counter the disparaging numbers, minority students should be specifically sought out and recruited to the CAP program. As suggested by Klingshirn in a March 9 interview, such recruitment could occur by utilizing current CAP minority students in college preview days at high schools and preview days held at UIS. Although students cannot apply for the CAP program until they have been accepted at the university, that does not mean the CAP program can’t be utilized to bring students onto our campus. Additionally, it would be highly beneficial to publicize specifics
of the CAP curriculum to all incoming students so that misconceptions about the difficulty of the program are not formed. Furthermore, significant resources should be allocated to scholarships for high-achieving minority students so that such students are given an incentive to enroll in the UIS CAP program. Lastly, such changes should be accompanied by a clear partnership between the CAP program and cultural organizations such as the Diversity Center and the Black Student Union to further advance diversifying efforts. If university officials wish to enhance the student experience at the university, then the racial diversity divide between FRH and LRH and the lack of diversity in the CAP program should be made a top priority. If the university does not show concern over the issue, it will ultimately damage how students, those in the Springfield community, and potential students perceive UIS. After all, perception is reality.
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The Journal
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Student Union Groundbreaking Continued from page 1 should build things that are of our interest too.” Christopher Romero, a sophomore legal studies and political science major, hopes that the university doesn’t have another delay in construction, but still says he is “excited because we waited so long for the Student Union.” Jaclyn Fabing, a sophomore political science major, feels that the money donated could be used for something else than just another building. Fabing said, “I am okay with the Student Union being built, yet it’s just going to be a large SLB, we could build something else than that.” Approximately $5.3 million in donations have already been raised and the remainder will be paid off through further donations, campus funds, and construction fees that students will pay after the building opens. The university anticipates the facility to be finished and open to the public in January of 2018. Until then students, staff, faculty, and community members can watch as the facility is being built on the UIS campus.
Submitting a Work Order 1) Visit http://www.uis.edu/residence life and scroll to the bottom of the page. 2) Select “Technology” for internet and cable TV related issues. Select “Non-Technology” for everything else (maintenance, pest control, etc). Select “University of Illinois Springfield” and log-in with your credentials. 3) Be specific and as concise as possible — include the exact location of your concern, let us know what steps you’ve already taken to resolve it (did you try plunging the toilet? if there are ants/cockroaches, have you cleaned thoroughly?), and when the issue started. The more information we have, the better we’ll be able to serve you.
You epitomized “Leadership lived” with your activism and volunteerism. You helped make this campus a true community of learners and friends. I have been privileged to know many of you and to watch all of you achieve this milestone. Thank you for your important contributions to this university. Congratulations and I wish you a future bright with opportunities!
All the best,
Susan J. Koch, Chancellor
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Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Page 7
Students shower each other in color during the UIS Holi event.
Photo by Marc Cox
Holi celebration tints the colonnade By Tamarra Newbern News Reporter
On April 29, the annual Holi festival took place near the colonnade and on the southern portion of the quad. Each year, the Indian Student Organization (ISO), Indian Student Association for Cultural Activities (ISO-C), and the Indian Dance Organization (IDO), as well as other partnering organizations, collaborate to bring Holi to campus to celebrate spring. Students, staff, faculty, and community members were all welcome to participate and join in on this spring’s Holi festival. The event began at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the south end of the quad and ended at about 4 p.m. The organizers began the celebration by feeding the participants Indian cuisine as well as Papa John’s pizza. There were several dance performances by the IDO for viewers and participants to watch. The performances used popular native Indian
music. Between each performance the emcee of the event, Vishal Patel, allowed students to sing while students, staff, and faculty conversed among themselves. After all announcements and performances, the main event began. Participants were able to throw the organic colors that were located in cardboard boxes at one another. The Holi festival brings in the new spring season by having participants throw organic color at one another. The organizations suggested that whoever participates should wear white in order to see every color that is thrown on them. Holi, also known as the Festival of Color, originates from legends and aims to inspire people to do good. The south end of the quad was filled with colors of red, blue, green, purple, yellow, and many more. Participants’ clothes and hair were covered in many different colors. Participants threw the color while saying “Happy Holi” to each other. The organic color managed to color
one sidewalk pink after the event. Patel, an MIS graduate student and the event’s emcee, said this Holi event was his last one at UIS. “This Holi event was really awesome. This was my last Holi event. There is a spring session in Indian and everyone is very happy about this event. We throw colors on each other to ensure their joy and their happiness and shout ‘Happy Holi,’” Patel said. Meanwhile, UIS sophomore and social work major Shamira Quiñones, participated in her very first Holi festival. Quiñones said, “It was so much fun, I was excited. I was on my way [to] the library, so when I heard about this, I just said, ‘I’m going to do it’ and I don’t regret it at all.” “Holi, is about loving and sharing not just with family and friends but with everyone within the community,” Prerna Khullar, a graduate MBA student said. “The festival has great religious significance, but personally I think it is a celebration of “Us” as people, a simple yearly reminder of the good that still thrives within each of us. “
Sachin Kulkarni is covered in colored powder during the 2016 UIS Holi event.
Photo by Sarah Bond
Two students douse another student in colored powder.
Two students smile as color rains down around them.
Photo by Marc Cox
Photo courtesy of Sarah Bond
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Wednesday, May 4, 2016
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Wednesday, May 4, 2016
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CAMPUS/LOCAL NEWS
A smoking circle UIS students leave campus and light up By Cole Moriarty Features Reporter
The time of ungoverned smoking of cigarettes and cigars in this country has come and gone. Never again is it likely to be socially acceptable for someone to chain smoke in an office or apartment, nor a movie theater or a bar, and most definitely not a plane or bus. Thus, smokers today, especially those who have taken up the habit in the time after its heyday, find themselves in a world increasingly inhospitable to their choices. When a smoker goes to a party, or a bar, or anywhere generally, they find themselves required to step outside and find a patch of ground to support their habit. As of July 1, the absolute ban on smoking or using tobacco products in any form on campus grounds will go into full effect. To commiserate the plight of those who partake in this particular vice, a handful of students gathered for a smoking social sponsored by UIS Residence Life, meeting in the West Campus parking lots before traveling to the lake shore and lighting up their cigars and cigarettes. A few participants brought lawn chairs which they found no need to use, and all brought smokes of one kind or another. Together they engaged in the time-honored ritual of social smoking, puffing as the handful of acquaintances shared their thoughts on politics, literature, and people who weren’t present. To smoke a cigarette now is to engage in a decidedly conscious bout of self-destruction. It is no longer possible to use tobacco and be oblivious to its consequences, but people still do it – possibly for the masochism, possibly out of a need for self-medication, possibly out of rebellion. On this particular Friday afternoon, they did it as an “educational event” – which is to say, a flimsy pretext by which to justify a social gathering that is probably too difficult to explain to those who don’t partake. Which is kind of the point. Smokers today are quite literally outcasts when engaged in
the act, and out of that comes a perverse sense of identity, a sense of connection to strangers or acquaintances, which provides a smoke signal calling out to other smokers who can understand. The event “provided residents an opportunity to do something once in a while that’s against the grain,” Blake Carey, the West Campus resident assistant (RA) who organized the event, said. “I like to give smokers on campus a free opportunity to enjoy a smoke.” Carey and the others approached the event with an irony appropriate for college students, so when he says, “I always abide by policy, you know me,” it is clear that the point of this smokers’ summit is to illustrate the absurdity of the campus policy. The policy is both the call for the event and the topic of some discussion at the event. Mostly it is one of those things that students closer to the end than the beginning lament for the kids coming after them. Carey said he hopes to “educate smokers on changes on smoking policy.” In fact, he “read through the entire policy.” He also says that he only expected two or three people to attend the event, so the nine pres-
ent made him “very pleased.” The truth is that it’s a recreation of a naturally occurring phenomenon: the smoker’s circle. Get enough people gathered at any particular place, add stress and volume, and before long a few smokers will step outside to light up. Billy Osborne, a fellow RA, came to support Carey’s event and participate in what he calls “an education and community event.” He said, “It was nice to talk with fellow smokers.” Nick Nasuta, another West Campus RA, added on the way back to campus, “It sucks we can’t do this on campus.” All in all, the event consisted of a handful of people smoking on and off for an hour and 45 minutes, having conversations punctuated by puffs and drags. It had the feeling of being late to a party, enjoying a pastime which is no longer allowed everywhere the way it once was. There isn’t much hope at this point of reversing the trend or the laws in place to protect the public health from the litany of danger stemming from the dried and rolled-up leaves set afire in white or brown paper tubes. The event, then, is a shrug where the future is pondered under the haze of smoke.
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Page 10
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
REVIEW/LOCAL NEWS
The Illinois Innocence Project celebrates its 15-year anniversary By Daniel McFarland Columnist/ News Reporter
On April 30, the Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) held their ninth annual Defenders of the Innocent Event at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, which 423 people attended. The event is the IIP’s major fundraising event, but since it was the IIP’s 15th anniversary, this event was all the more special. That night, over $100,000 was raised out of the $500,000 that will be needed by the end of 2016 to sustain current operations of IIP for things like DNA testing and other forensic science. The IIP currently has over 25 UIS students serving the project, which is the highest ever. The project serves as a leader and model as an undergraduate
innocence project, since it was the first. Executive and Legal Director John Hanlon said he wants to continue to see IIP achieve new goals. “We want to continue to grow. We are not satisfied since there are more innocent people locked up who need our help,” Hanlon said. The event’s main speaker, Kirk Bloodsworth, the first DNA exoneree, spoke about his experience with the criminal justice system. “The prosecutor said I was a monster, and when the verdict was out, the judge’s gavel came down along with my life. My life at 23 was over,” Bloodsworth. Bloodsworth said, “from the minute I was arrested to the time I was released, I told anybody and everybody that I was an innocent man.” Bloodsworth served nearly nine years
in prison before being released. While the IIP highlights the shortcomings of the criminal justice system and bad lawyering, it’s ultimately about the lives of people whom the IIP saves with good lawyering. Many exonerees attended the event and were recognized. James Kluppelberg was exonerated in 2012 after serving 25 years in prison for arson and murder that he did not commit. Kluppelberg said that after being exonerated he was a totally different person in a very different world. “After spending that much time in prison, you are not prepared for the world. I am still adjusting to the world since it changed so much in 25 years. Basically they say ‘sorry we made a mistake,’ let you out, and that’s it,” Kluppelberg said. The IIP’s most recent exoneree,
Teshome Campbell, exonerated in late January, also attended the event. Campbell served nearly 20 years of his wrongful sentence and said it seemed unbelievable when he was released and that he could not thank the IIP enough. “Without them, I would not be standing here. I would still be locked up for something I did not do, watching my life slowly go by,” Campbell said. The IIP has been awarded three federal grants to continue their good cause. The three states with the highest number of wrongful convictions are Texas, New York, and Illinois. Both New York and Texas established forensic science commissions that investigate the allegations of negligence and misconduct of forensic analysis, since it can result in sending an innocent person to prison. Illinois currently has no such com-
mission, and without the help of innocence projects, many innocent people would never get their lives back. The IIP has 561 open cases awaiting review and 33 ongoing cases. The experiences of exonerees are not just news story headlines. They represent a huge loss of life that no innocent person should go through but become reconciled with freedom. While such experiences are stories of loss, they are also stories of celebration, and they illustrate both how the IIP shows the flaws in the system and how they save lives. Those interested in volunteering for, donating to, or learning about IIP’s cause can go to http://www.uis.edu/ illinoisinnocenceproject/ for more information.
Pulling punches
The year’s second superhero smackdown certainly beats the first, but still lacks weight By Sean Flamand Movie Reviewer/ Copy Editor @MovieMuseSean
As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, the (many) problems with “Dawn of Justice” stemmed from how much work the film had to do in setting up the entire DC cinematic universe. All “Captain America: Civil War” had to do, on the other hand, was offer a fun and entertaining spectacle consistent with the now-established Marvel style. In this, ultimately, it succeeds – although it’s certainly imperfect. While there are certainly elements of “Let’s take all of our superheroes and smash them against each other just because we can,” the film’s plot is original enough to keep things fresh, even if there’s little emotional weight to be found. After a brief scene in which we’re shown how Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier; played by Sebastian Stan) was brainwashed into becoming a Hydra assassin, the film jumps right into the present-day action, with several Avengers preventing the theft of a bio-
Police Beat
University of Illinois Springfield Police Department reported responding to the following incidents for the period of April 25 to May 2.
logical weapon in Lagos, Nigeria. Unfortunately, while attempting to contain the explosion of a bomb vest, Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch; Elizabeth Olsen) accidentally sets the bomb off in the upper floor of a building, killing several civilian relief workers. In response to growing anti-superhuman sentiments, the United Nations introduces the Sokovia Accords, a piece of legislation meant to monitor superpowered individuals. Essentially, the act would render their future activities subject to government approval. The Avengers disagree over whether to accept the limitations, with Tony Stark (Iron Man; Robert Downey, Jr.) in favor of signing and Steve Rogers (Captain America; Chris Evans) opposed. Further complicating things is the fact that Bucky, Steve Rogers’ longtime friend, has upset a couple of Avengers as a result of crimes which he may or may not have committed, both past and present. As one might guess from the title of the movie, (most of) the Avengers eventually choose sides and come to blows over the matter.
There’s plenty to like about “Civil War,” with the welcome break from the irritatingly similar plots of the first two “Avengers” movies chief among them. Instead of a world dominationcraving megavillain throwing around legions of easily defeatable ragdoll enemies for the heroes to smash to pieces, we get a devious, complicated, and decidedly non-superpowered man in Baron Zemo (Daniel Brühl) lurking around. A man-behind-the-curtain type, Zemo is plenty sinister, and although the conclusion of his story feels anti-climactic, he’s an effective force in making sure the film can at least pretend to be a “Captain America” story instead of “Avengers: Civil War.” Tugging hard in the other direction is the fact that almost every Avenger gets some screentime. While dumping this many characters into a single film is always a dangerous prospect, Marvel’s been here before and has learned how to effectively pull off this balancing act. Certain characters – such as Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and Bucky Barnes – are more heavily involved in the story, but the rest still seem like they have
at least some purpose in the movie. The exception here is the new (and young) Spider-Man (Tom Holland). While he’s undeniably entertaining and a character to look forward to, one can’t help but think this really isn’t his fight, and his being brought in felt like inviting your neighbor over to help you argue with your spouse – a course of action I could not recommend any less. Even for the characters that do belong, it’s difficult to feel emotionally invested in what happens to them. Marvel’s only killed a single superhero on-screen up to this point (Quicksilver in “Age of Ultron”), and we’d known him for maybe 10 minutes. While I won’t spoil what all happens to whom in “Civil War,” not much seems to be at stake when the Avengers finally throw down. They’re all friends, after all. Further, while the Avenger-onAvenger fighting action is definitely a thing that happens, it doesn’t happen nearly enough for a film bearing the name “Civil War.” Tony Stark and Steve Rogers punch it out a few times, but the rest of the crew are only involved in one big brawl at an airport, approximately one-third of which we
Mental Subject 04/26/2016 2:48 p.m. at the Public Affairs Center. Officers were dispatched to the above location in regards to a subject acting suspiciously. Officers spoke with the subject and determined they had some mental health issues. The subject departed the area.
04/26/2016 4:34 p.m. at Brookens. Officers were dispatched to the above location in regards to a report of a theft. The case is pending investigation.
be a verbal disagreement only.
Criminal Damage 04/26/2016 4:26 p.m. at SASA. Officers were dispatched to the above location for a report of criminal damage to a building. The case is pending investigation. Theft
Solicitor 04/27/2016 3:43 p.m. at Lincoln Residence Hall. Officers were dispatched to a report of solicitors at the above location. Upon arrival officers located and spoke with the subjects. Disturbance 04/29/2016 11:22 p.m. at Larkspur Court. Officers were dispatched to a disturbance at the above location. Upon arrival officers found the disturbance to
Criminal Damage 04/29/2016 4:40 p.m. at Marigold Court. A subject came to the police department to make a report of criminal damage to their vehicle. A report was completed. Air Rifle Incident 05/01/2016 6:48 p.m. at Larkspur Court. Officers were dispatched to the above location for a report of two subjects in the area with guns. Officers arrived on scene and confiscated the weapons that were determined to be air rifles.
saw in the trailers. And on the nitpicky side, co-directing brothers Anthony and Joe Russo saw fit to use the same method of filming fight scenes as they used in “The Winter Soldier” (2014), with the disorienting shaky-cam. I still cannot fathom why directors think this brand of capturing action makes viewers feel like they’re “a part of the movie,” as the only thing it makes me feel is nauseated – and frustrated at not being able to tell what’s happening in the fight. Despite these flaws, though, “Captain America: Civil War” is enjoyable overall, a welcome step forward from previous Marvel entries like “Age of Ultron” and “The Winter Soldier,” both of which I found to be rather unremarkable, if not necessarily bad. At least for the time being, then, Marvel holds onto its place as the dominating force in terms of cinematic superhero universes. “Captain America: Civil War,” rated PG-13, hits theaters Friday, May 6. Like my reviews? Have a disagreement? Give me a shout on Twitter at @ MovieMuseSean.
Public Intoxication 05/01/2016 6:10 a.m. at Trillium. Officers were dispatched to the above location for a report of a subject who was possibly battered. It was found that the subject had consumed large quantities of alcohol and had possibly fallen down. The subject was taken to the hospital and a report was completed. Traffic Stops: 21 -Citations: 2 -Warnings: 19 Parking Tickets: 17 Employee Lockouts: 8 Student Lockouts: 2
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 UIS Community Garden Continued from page 1 “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the experience and the harvest,” said Wilham. Looking ahead to the near future, Styles hopes that the garden will serve as a source of learning for students and community members alike. “I am developing classes that will use the garden as a space for teaching students about sustainable agricultural practices and the social and health benefits of community gardening,” Styles said. “We’ll also make sure that faculty build the garden into their classes as a service project, on-campus field trip, or a place to further explore topics discussed in lecture,” Styles added.
Further down the road, student leaders hope to expand the garden and add a dedicated greenhouse for gardeners to plant seedlings in. Styles and the project’s student leadership team expressed excitement about the future possibilities and opportunities that the garden initiative will provide for UIS students and Springfield community members. “Students, faculty, and staff could sign up for a share of the produce and get a box of fresh vegetables delivered to them once a week,” Styles said. “The possibilities are endless and much depends on where the student leaders decide to take this.” Although there is not yet an official organization to oversee the garden project, the student leadership team plans on starting an officially reg-
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istered student organization to help run and organize the community garden initiative. If you want to contribute to a greener campus at UIS by getting involved with the community garden, check out the UIS Campus Community Garden’s Facebook page or contact Dr. Styles at mstyl3@uis. edu. Styles added that students can stop by anytime to check their garden out. “Students can also hang out in the garden whenever they like. This is YOUR garden; enjoy it, protect it, tend it, respect it.” The officially dedicated and reopened UIS Campus Community Garden can be found next to the Shepard House on Toronto Road toward LLCC.
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Wednesday, May 4, 2016
SPORTS
Talon Supak
Photo by Tiffany Chin
Supak begins NCAA Regional in fifth place By Alexander Camp Assistant Editor for Sports/ Columnist
Talon Supak, a junior from Washington, Illinois, began the Men’s NCAA Division II Super Regional golf tournament, held at The Meadows in Allendale, Michigan, with a first day one-under-par score of 70. Despite the team failing to qualify for the event, Supak received an individual bid. Supak’s first round placed him in a tie for fifth place out of a field of 103. He trails leader Brent Green of Tiffin University, who scored a five-under-par 66. Tiffin also is in the lead team-wise, as the team posted a five-over-par score of 289. Additionally, Southeastern Oklahoma State is in second with a seven-overpar 291. Supak is one shot off of James Inman, of GLVC-rival Bellarmine, who is in third place after a round of 69. Additionally, Supak is two shots back of Tate Williamson from Northeastern State University, who is in second place after a 68. The top five of the 19 teams and the top two individual golfers not with an advancing team will continue play on May 17-21 at Green Valley Ranch in Denver. As of print time, Supak fired an even par 71, which has him in a tie for third with additional players still on the course for the second of round play. The third round on the par71 course will be held today.
Gabriel Acevedo slides back to first as Indianapolis players race to force him out.
Photo by Leo Davalos
Prairie Stars split final weekend home series By Josh Omenazu Sports Reporter
On April 29 and May 1, UIS hosted the 18thranked University of Indianapolis and split the fourgame series after winning one game on April 29 and one game on May 1. The first game on April 29 resulted in a 6-5 win for the Stars despite the performance of Indianapolis University’s Matthew Kaplanis, who is the top pitcher in the GLVC, leading pitchers in wins with an 8-0 record. Kaplanis was outshined by Jose Marin of UIS, who struck out a career-high 10 batters in the six innings he was on the mound. The game opened with a two-run first inning for UIS, as Gabriel Acevedo hit a single up the middle, which allowed Jake Redlinger to score. A
couple of plays later, Trey Hannam singled to left, scoring Acevedo. After a scoreless inning in the second, UIS picked up right where they left off in the third. With the help of Hannam’s single up the middle, Acevedo and Redlinger were able to cross home plate, once again scoring two more runs for the Prairie Stars. Later in the inning Austin Muench scored due to Jason Galeano’s RBI single to left field. By the end of the third inning, UIS led Indianapolis 5-0. Indianapolis didn’t respond until the seventh, as they scored two runs and three more later, eventually tying the game in the top of the ninth. Once again Acevedo came through, this time with a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth, scoring Adam Warda and win-
ning the game 6-5. Game two was a completely different story as UIS fell to Indianapolis 131. Chance Simpson made his return to the pitcher’s mound after missing a week of action. The game began as a defensive battle until the fifth inning when Indianapolis put five runs on the scoreboard. The Greyhounds didn’t stop there as they one upped their fifth-inning performance in the seventh by scoring six more runs. Simpson suffered his first loss of the season and now has a record of 4-1. After a day break due to rain, UIS once again went up against Indianapolis on May 1, and once again they split the two games. Game one turned out to be a low-scoring game as UIS triumphed against the University of Indianapolis,
4-2. Hannam, Acevedo, and Redlinger were once again responsible for the Stars’ runs. UIS scored all four of its runs in the second inning and did not have a UIS player cross the plate again. Indianapolis only scored two runs in the top of the sixth while only having four hits during the contest. The Prairie Stars’ victory was short-lived as they ended up losing game two by a score of 4-1. Adam Warda was the lone scorer for UIS after Kyle Hansen hit a sacrifice fly ball out to right field in the bottom of the eighth inning. Adam Gregory picked up the loss for the Stars after giving up five hits and two earned runs. The Prairie Stars are now 25-19 and 13-11 in GLVC play.
Women’s golf team in 10th at Super Regional By Alexander Camp Assistant Editor for Sports/ Columnist
The NCAA Division II Women’s Midwest Golf Super Regional began on Monday, May 2. Held at the Panther Creek Country Club here in Springfield, 12 women’s teams from conferences around the Midwest participated in
determining the Super Regional Championship. Through the first round, the Prairie Stars are tied for 10th place with a score of 333, which is 45 strokes over par. The Stars are 37 strokes behind conference rival Indianapolis University, who registered a field-leading score of 296, which is eight strokes over par.
In the top 25 of an individual field of 66 golfers is Prairie Star Rebecca Ramirez, shooting an 80 in her first 18 holes. Ramirez trails leader Kasey Petty of Findlay University, who was one of only four golfers to break under par, with five under 66. Other Prairie Stars in the field include Taryn Pit-
tman and Jocelyn Matsen, who are tied for 47th with identical 12-over-par scores of 84. Maria Espinosa is tied for 54th after posting a 13-over-par 85. A shot behind Espinosa is Prairie Star Kayla Yn, who shot an 86, good enough for a tie for 58th place. The Stars conclude the 54-hole event on May 4.