Volume 5 Issue 8
May 2018
the
vessel in memoriam of
Courtney Beane
A print publication of USF student media.
Contents
a fresh beginning.” - T.S. Elliot
Bittersweet Endings & New Beginnings
9
The New Vessel Editors
6
Pursuing Their Dreams
9 10
HomeMade Ice Cream
Always be Prepared to Play
12
School’s Out Bingo
10
Keep Cool with this Sweet Treat
Can you get 5 in a row?
Decades of Dedication to Education USF Professors Retiring
Track Off and Running 18 USF Despite a Prolonged Winter
Full laundry Basket
Pallet of Cooper’s Cafe purchases
Roommates taking a picture with their door
Parents loading a car
Coffee
Futon in the dumpster
Carpet remnant
Stray sock on the ground
Goodbye hugs
Someone wearing summer clothes
e or th summ
Broom
Trash bags sitting in the hallway
16
Garments hanging in a car
Free
f
17 Science Fiction or Reality? Self-Driving Cars
Abandoned microwave
er
Political Arena 16 InU.Sthe- Mexico Border Wall
13 12 School’s Out B I NGO f
Remembering Courtney Beane
er
13
Artwork courtesy of Tenley Schwartz.
Emelia, Tenley, & Joe
or the summ
4
4 “Every moment is 6
Elevator Open doors Backseat Textbook loaded with crammed up and down rental return furniture the hall full of boxes
Vacuum
17
Car illegally parked in a handicapped spot
Stacks of old notes
Mini fridge left open
18
Empty parking lot
Recyclables thrown into the dumpster
Photo courtesy of Edwin Iraheta.
Note From The Editors The May issue of The Vessel is a little longer than the usual magazine released each month. Four extra pages were included in this issue in order to celebrate some of the amazing people here at USF. If there is a student, faculty, or staff member you would like to nominate for their outstanding actions or contributions to USF, please
2 | The Vessel
email us. If you do not have a recommendation, but wish to contribute your writing or photography skills to the magazine, email the editors: vessel.usiouxfalls@gmail.com. Best of luck to all the professors departing USF and congratulations to all the graduating seniors. The featured cover photo was taken by photographer
and The Vessel Design Editor, Yuharelly Comparan. The story accompanying the photo can be found on page ten. Stay-up-to-date on the latest campus news by going to usfvessel.com. Unless stated, photos are taken by Editor Yuharelly Comparan or are copyright free. Opinions presented in
the magazine are not a reflection of The Vessel magazine, the Media Department, or the University; they belong to only the writer. For all those involved in the tragic accident car accident on April 1st, we hope for the best. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of Courtney Beane and Jared Brito.
Jessica Justin
What was your favorite class? When I did my semester abroad in LA I took a class called Faith and Artistic Development. It was one of the most challenging, but fun classes I have gotten to take. A USF learning experience... Don’t procrastinate because it creates unnecessary stress. Advice for incoming freshman? Do the things that scare you, and take chances.
Hometown: Isanti, MN Major: Media Studies (Mutli-Media Production)
What are your plans after graduation? Probably going to be living in a van down by the river. But actually, I’m going back to Minnesota to live and work in the Twin Cities.
Adria Botella
What was your favorite class? #Skipping101 At USF, I will miss... Late night study and cram seccsions with all of my friends in the Art and Media Departments. Advice for incoming freshman? Get out of your comfort zone! Try new things and take chances; do not hold back because your afraid of failing. What are your plans after graduation? Getting a green card to stay in the United States.
Joee Taylor
Hometown: Barcelona, Spain Major: Media Studies & Graphic Design, with a minor in marketing
Favoitire USF memorary? Spending my nights with my friends in up studying and video editing. There is nothing better than being able to joke around with others that have your same interests and have your back when it comes to school work! At USF, I will miss... The community; the people within your major become family. Advice for incoming freshman? Prioritize! When things don’t get done, negative repercussions can happen. Knowing what you need to do and realizing the time you have can keep you on track, in both class and life.
Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Major: Theology (Youth Ministry) & Media Studies (Journalism)
What are your plans after graduation? Work full-time at a local TV station and volunteer at a church in their youth program.
Senior Spotlights Congratulations to the Media Studies students graduating in May!
May 2018 | 3
Bittersweet Endings & New Beginnings For those of us who are journalists or have worked in the world of news, our jobs are often marked by stress, last minuting editing, and striving to make deadlines. After sending off each issue of The Vessel, we breath for a second and thank God we are finally done, all while preparing for the next issue. As we know, news never sleeps.
Yuharelly is graduating with a double major Multi-Media Production and Graphic Design.
Whitney is graduating with a double major in Political Science and Media Studies (Journalism).
4 | The Vessel
However, this issue you are holding, for us, is our last issue. For us, there are no more late night editing and writing sessions. No more fussing over layouts to create the perfect aesthetic. No more crammed deadlines. It is now time for use to hand over the reins. Crafting our last and final issue for you to read was very bittersweet. During our time as editors, we transitioned the magazine from College Monthly to The Vessel Magazine. The magazine is titled such because, much like a ship, it is the our job to report and deliver campus news to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University. We also released the new website, usfvessel.com. The magazine has changed immensely during our four years at USF, and we know in our hearts that we are leaving it in the best of hands. Today, we are excited to announce our new editors who will be joining The Vessel next semester in the fall, seniors Marissa Lute and Jessica Perez. We wish them both the best of luck of their endeavors. To the those we are leaving behind, as well as the incoming freshman,
make the most of the time you have. College is stressful; you are more than likely going to lose a lot of sleep, and you might even cry a little bit. But you will gain so much. Just remember to not get so caught up in studying and worrying about grades that you forget to live. Yes, grades are important, but they are not everything. “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things� (Robert Breault). Participate in USF activities, take a trip, go to that concert, and most importantly, make friends. Once your college career is over, what you will remember the most is the people who got you through it. These last four years have been filled with sleepless nights, hours of studying, and great memories. We are both going to miss everyone we have meet while at USF. Although our plans are currently unknown, we are both beyond excited to walk across the stage at the Washington Pavilion on May 20th. Those diplomas were hard earned.
. C y l l e Yuhar F. y e n t i & Wh
Whitney Fryer Print & Website Editor
Yuharelly Comparan Design Editor & Photographer
Introducing... Marissa Lute 1. Why USF? I really wanted to further my education in journalism after I graduated from Northeast Community College, but I was having a hard time deciding where to do that. My advisor had suggested USF because she was well acquainted with the Media Studies professor, Nick, and she talked so highly of him and the media department.
2. Why did you want to be editor? My family has been in the journalism industry since the early 1900’s, so that makes me a 5th generation journalist. And I think that is why I have always had a passion for news and writing. I was the Editor-in-Chief of Northeast’s online newspaper, The Viewpoint. Being an editor isn’t just a responsibility or a leadership role, you’re basically in charge of what students are picking up to read each month and that’s just really exciting to me!
3. What do you hope to bring to The Vessel? I’ve been thinking about all of the possibilities to make the magazine more accessible online while integrating multimedia. While only being here for a short amount of time, I’ve noticed that a lot of students are not familiar with the media department on campus, let alone The Vessel. It would be nice to see more from The Vessel, and I hope to find a way to do that.
4. What are you most looking forward to about being editor? I’m looking forward to taking on another editorship, because I love to write and fix grammar. Also I love to be able to devote all of my time and energy into something, and I’m happy I get to do that with something that is well established. I’ve seen Jessy’s creativity through video and graphic design, and I’m really excited to see her stuff published!
&
Hometown: Laurel, N.E Major: Media Studies (Journalism)
Jessica Perez
1. Why USF? I came to USF after I received a music scholarship and to study business. However, after getting involved with the radio station on campus, I changed my major to media studies. After getting involved with other activities, I dropped my music scholarship to focus on media.
Hometown: Sioux Center, I.A Major: Media Studies (Multi-Media production) & minor in Marketing
2. Why did you want to be editor of The Vessel? I was approached by one of the editors [Yuharelly], who told me about her position with the magazine. I thought her role in the magazine was interesting so I applied because why not? I enjoy doing layouts and could use the opportunity to work on my graphic design skills.
3. What do you hope to bring to The Vessel? I hope to get more students involved in the magazine. I also want to incorporate more stories that involve students outside who are not a part of the media department. 4. What are you most looking forward to about being editor? Working with my co-editor, Marissa. She is not only a classmate, but she is also a friend and I am looking forward to working with such a talented writer and editor. I am excited about designing layouts and hope to continue the tradition of making the magazine look visually pleasing.
May 2018 | 5
Student Spotlight Story by Jessica Justin
Emelia O’Toole: Creative Writing at the State Penitentiary
Teaching is a tall order for even the most prepared individuals. Emelia O’Toole has taken on the challenge, and is sharing her love for literature one story at a time. The USF Junior is an English and Social Science double major who has been teaching inmates creative writing at the Sioux Falls Penitentiary. Her passions were clearly articulated as she answered question after question revealing where her love for writing and teaching came from. As a child, O’Toole says her family jump-started her love for reading by giving her books. As she entered high school, her interest in English only grew. “When I got to high school, I had a couple of really influential teachers in my life for my English classes that saw the potential in me as a writer and as a reader,” O’Toole says. O’Toole has also developed an interest in teaching throughout the years. She now has the opportunity to get hands on experience through a program she and her mother, Beth O’Toole, set up in the State Penitentiary. The pair teach creative
writing as a way to get inmates into a classroom and help them transition as they get close to being paroled. “We’re trying to find patterns in their writing and learn about their worries going back into society, so that we can work with the Department of Corrections,” O’Toole says. “It’s all about making sure that they get back into their regular lives and don’t relapse.” This opportunity has not only influenced the inmates in the writing class. O’Toole says she enjoys being able to offer guidance and develop relationships with her students. “On the first day, we introduced ourselves and then I passed out the first poems, and from that moment they are and they have been just my students,” O’Toole says. One of her standout students recently completed the 10 to 12-week program with plans to go back to college to become a drug and alcohol counselor. For O’Toole, this only motivated her further to continue to push her students to their full potential. “We’re not supposed to get emotional with them, but it’s so hard not to love them,” O’Toole says. O’Toole will continue with this program through the remainder of her career at USF. After graduation, she hopes to get her PhD and continue teaching, perhaps as a professor.
Photos courtesy of Joe Hiatt
Student Spotlight Story by Jessica Justin
With his foot in the door at Julliard, there’s not much slowing sophomore Joe Hiatt from pursuing his dream of one day attending the prestigious school. From his first tour at age 15, to his most recent visit last summer, Hiatt says he knew that the New York school was somewhere he wanted to be. “I felt this crazy energy in that building. You could feel the hard work that had been done there,” Hiatt says.
Joe Hiatt: Dreaming of Julliard
In his most recent visit, Hiatt attended the Artist as Citizen Conference. It is a six-day-long conference in which creative minds gather to strengthen the role of arts in our society. “The conference is founded on the three pillars of artistry, activism, and entrepreneurship,” Hiatt says. “They teach you how to be an artist specifically in this day and age.” In the conference, participants were encouraged to create work rather than wait for the work to come to you. Hiatt took that to heart when he, Ian Doyle, and Alicia Martinez put on the production of Red. With no budget, the crew had to build everything from the ground up.
“It wasn’t a senior project or anything, it was just a play that we really wanted to do,” Hiatt says. Not only is Hiatt familiar with performing on a stage, but he has also experienced being on movie sets. Being on set with professional actors was a change from school plays or short films. “I was very intimidated at first, but then in the process of making the movie I really felt like I was holding my own,” Hiatt says. “I was right up there with them in terms of professionalism and even talent.” As far as which acting form is his favorite, Hiatt says it’s hard to compare the very different art forms. The movements are more dramatic and over done in theater, whereas film is subtler and reserved. “In film, you get new takes every once in a while, but the final product is there forever,” Hiatt says. “With theater, it can be a different performance every night, so there’s a lot of fun in both mediums.” Hiatt hopes to attend Julliard after graduation, but until then, keep an eye out for him in USF’s upcoming productions.
May 2018 | 7
Student Spotlight
Story by Jessica Justin Drawings courtesy of Tenley Schwartz
Tenley Schwartz: An Artist and An Internship The bold and unapologetically real works of art that Tenley Schwartz produces may come as a surprise to those who only know her quiet exterior. The USF senior, who recently had her senior art show displayed in the Mear’s Library, combines words and images to tell stories about her life. “It was centralized on the theme of belonging and having a home – the juxtaposition of how I’m always longing for something, and the idea that I’m called to be right where I am,” Schwartz says. As an art major with concentrations in graphic design, printmaking, and painting, Schwartz has a wide range of mediums with which to create. On top of that, a minor in English allows her to incorporate words into her works as well. Schwartz explained that her brain thinks in words rather than in pictures, so a lot of her pieces start with the text. “I always knew I wanted to be an artist I think ever since I was a little girl. I knew that’s what I wanted to be and called myself an artist from really young age,” Schwartz says. This summer Schwartz will be working as intern for Fresh Produce in Sioux Falls. This coveted internship opportunity is only given to three people, and Schwartz is excited to be surrounded by so many creative minds.
8 | The Vessel
“We actually have our own independent agency within the agency. We will get to have our own clients and work on projects together, and then just get help from the Fresh Produce team,” Schwartz says. When asked what set her apart from other applicants, Schwartz said she’s spent the last year practicing her skills and familiarizing herself with the layout software. However, the confidence she brought to the table was just as important as her skill. “I wasn’t afraid to be myself and have a lot of fun with it. I built a resume and portfolio I enjoyed and at some point, it didn’t matter so much if they liked it, because it was a true representation of who I was,” Schwartz says. Outside of school, Schwartz has been challenging herself to create small imperfect sketches in what she calls “Bedtime Stories” on Instagram. It works as a journaling exercise to unwind and reflect on the day. “I kind of always have those things that I’m thinking about and draw in my Sketchbook, and this is kind of like giving me permission to share it,” Schwartz says. Schwartz says she plans on staying in an artistic field in the future, and hopes she can help others find their creativity as well. If you’re an Instagram user, take a minute to check out Schwartz’s work @ tenley.s.
Homemade Ice Cream Recipe fromTaste of Home
Ingredients
•
2 cups heavy whipping cream •
•
2 cups half-and-half cream
3/4 cup sugar
•
3 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prep Pan: freeze an empty 13X9 pan. 2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until sugar is dissolved. 3. Pour mixture into pan, freeze for 30 minutes. 4. After 30 minutes, remove pan and using a whisk, beat the mixture. By breaking up the ice cream, it will make it smooth and creamy. 5. Return the pan to the freezer. Repeat every 30 minutes until the ice cream is firmly frozen. 6. Serve ice cream with your favorite toppings or store in a covered freezer container.
Remembering Courtney Beane 10 | The Vessel
Story by Joee Taylor
April 1st, 2018 the unthinkable tested the faith of the University of Sioux Falls football team and shook the entire community. Courtney Beane, a junior wide receiver, and Jared Brito, a junior defensive end, were involved in a tragic car accident. Beane, 24, was driving a vehicle carrying fellow teammate Jared Brito, 22. Early on that Sunday morning, the vehicle crashed into a pedestrian guard rail on the northwest end of the bridge near 49th and Kiwanis. Beane died at the scene and Brito sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Police reports say that speed was a factor in this crash; no other information has been released to the public. Following reports of the accident, the University began to make plans and set up ways to support students, specifically the football team. Although Still on Easter break, the football players in town had gathered that evening to mourn the loss of one of their brothers. Clint Sigg, junior tight end, says the team cherishes the time they are able to spend together. “The accident brought the football team together,” Sigg says. Sigg says being able to grieve and go through everything together really helped the team come together and not take one another for granted. Aj Garrow, senior wide receiver, says he believes it is tough to go through losing a brother who cared so much about the team. “In the short amount of time, it was incredible how quick of an impact [Beane] made,” Garrow says. Fellow teammates, Garrow and Sigg, want to add that Beane had an incredible talent for making friends and bonding with people instantly. Beane could get everyone in the room laughing about a joke. In general, he was an amazing person to be around. Looking back, a fond memory Sigg has, was when he totorted Beane in academics. The two men would work one-on-one through the study guides. “He was really smart and good at picking up on stuff,” Sigg says.
Britio has been released from the hospital and is doing well,. However he is still removing from the injuries he sustained, both the mental and physical injuries. “Going through an injury like that it can do a lot of damage to a person,” Garrow says. “[Brito’s] positivity just helps him get through things so much.” Both Garrow and Sigg, are extremely appreciative of all the support the team as received from the University staff, faculty, and fellow students during their time of grieving. During Chapel on the Tuesday following the accident, John Anderson, thanked everyone for their support in remembering Beane and offering consolidances to Birto. “To our students, im overwhelmed and blessed. Thank you for coming and supporting us in this time,” Anderson says. The memorial service a;sp included time to pray for the two men and their families. Campus leaders say they decided early on that this was the best way to go for the community. Corey Ross, dean of students, helped coordinate a majority of the support. “We offer many different levels of support to the students because we recognize students have all sorts of different experiences with grief,” Ross says. “These are really critical times to connect with students.”
“It isn’t that God will give you more than you can handle, it’s that God will give you the grace to handle what life gives you,” Thum says. University of Sioux Falls Athletics is also trying to help Brito’s and Beane families with hospital expenses. Sigg says all the support means the world the Beane’s and Brito’s families. Head Football Coach Jon Anderson created two GoFundMe accounts online to try and help support the families of the two young men. Donation to Brito’s GoFundMe goes toward his medical expenses, and Beane’s GoFundMe account goes toward funeral arrangements. Scan the QR code on the bottom of the page or go to: gofundme.com/ courtneybeanerelieffund or gofundme. com/jaredbritorecoveryfund to access the GoFundMe accounts for Beane and Brito. Anderson says of Beane, that once he saw USF and meet the football, he immediately knew this was the place for him. Beane would want us all to live our lives to the fullest and enjoy every moment. Ultimentaly you never know when the lord will call you home. “You never know when your number will be called so be prepared to play,” Anderson says
Courtney Beane
There are those who knew Beane well and are grieving his loss on a personal and deep level. However, it can also be a difficult time for those who may not have known him personally, but may be re-experiencing their own losses as well “I think it brings awareness to the community that this stuff does happen in Sioux Falls,” Garrow says. Thum says he hopes that this remains a teachable moment – that in 40 years people will remember this and not blow it off. Thum says he also wants students and faculty to not be quick to move on. Give yourself time to grieve, think about it, and remember what else matters that way you can apply it to your life.
Jared Brito
May 2018 | 11
’ l s o Out o h c S
B I NGO Coffee
Futon in the dumpster
Carpet remnant
Garments hanging in a car
Someone wearing summer clothes
e or th summ
f
Full laundry Basket
Roommates taking a picture with their door
Parents loading a car
Stray sock on the ground
Goodbye hugs
Broom
Trash bags sitting in the hallway
er
Abandoned microwave
Pallet of Cooper’s Cafe purchases
Free
er
or the summ
f
Elevator Open doors Backseat Textbook loaded with crammed up and down rental return furniture the hall full of boxes
Vacuum
12 | The Vessel
Car illegally parked in a handicapped spot
Stacks of old notes
Mini fridge left open
Empty parking lot
Recyclables thrown into the dumpster
Decades of Dedication
to Education and Art
Story by Marissa Lute Photos courtesy of Abriana Scholl
The University of Sioux Falls has a mission of providing education that is based on the liberal arts and helping them grow as a Christian adult. In order for this to be held true, the university appoints a world-class lineup of professors to keep accreditations relevant and success rates high. However, three of its finest are influencing their last bunch of students and moving on to the next chapter of their lives at the end of this academic year. Dr. Beth Jernberg, Nancy Olive, and Dr. Carol DenOtter have announced their retirements. Dr. Beth Jernberg has been on the University of Sioux Falls campus for thirty-nine years. When Jernberg first joined the faculty in September of 1979, she taught in the physical exercise area and coached softball and basketball. She eventually transitioned to teaching in the Fredrikson School of Education, where she will be finishing her career as an Education Area Chair. Jernberg has taught an assortment of undergraduate and graduate courses, but she says her favorite subject has
14 | The Vessel
always been whatever she is presently doing. “The opportunities here have varied; I really enjoy working with other faculty as well as the students. We have a really high class bunch of students, and that just makes everything a lot more enjoyable and pleasant,” Jernberg says. Just like her positions as an educator have varied through the years, her accomplishments and achievements have followed in the same suit. She assisted in the national accreditation for The Fredrikson School of Education, served as an Academic Dean, Dean of Students, and Vice President for enrollment. “I have had the opportunity for administrative appointments as well as faculty, and I have enjoyed them both. I think the biggest accomplishment has been the assessment across campus and accreditation efforts I’ve been involved with in the last thirty years at USF,” Jernberg says. The Associate Professor of Art, Nancy Olive, has been an educator of the arts for twenty-four years. When she first began her career at the University of
Sioux Falls, she held the responsibility of being the only professor in the Art Department. During her time on campus, Olive has developed and broadened numerous courses including printmaking, art history, and the tours to Europe of the Art Department. The trips started off as a combined trip with art students from USF and Mount Marty. As the years went on, it grew into what are now the trips that are taken over interim for the intercultural awareness core. She says her favorite part of being an art professor is “being able to spend your life in the arts with other people who are also involved in the arts. It’s a dream come true, and it is hard to find that kind of opportunity as a secure job.” If you are familiar with the graduation ceremonies at USF, you may know about the order in which the faculty lines up. The procession begins with the professors who have been employed the longest. Dr. Jernberg and Professor Olive are some of the first people in the line. Another sign of recognition is the status
Upon Retirement:
of emeritus. Upon teaching for fifteen years or more, the Faculty Association can nominate any qualified professors to the Board of Trustees. Both women have been nominated for this accreditation, and the titles will be announced prior to their official retirement.
Something that these three women have in common: their dedication to their jobs and their plans upon retirement. Each of them already have plans to spend a lot of time traveling and volunteering.
Dr. Carol DenOtter first began her career of teaching education at the university level in 2004. As her time on campus has progressed, her position has transformed to teaching less classes and being named the Director of Field Placement for practicum and residency experiences. w She has taught graduate and undergraduate courses for ten years, and she currently teaches Foundations of Middle School; K-8 Math Methods; Practicum: Critical Issues Research Seminar; and Literacy across the Curriculum for Middle Level and ELL students.
Many of you might know
Dr. Jernberg for her two, four-
legged friends Kasey and Kayle, who are often seen around campus. These three have plans to travel to Alaska this summer in the small RV she purchased after recently selling her house. She says she would like to travel to all of the states while stopping to volunteer with her therapy dogs along the way.
Professor Olive and her
husband, who works as a nurse at Sanford, plan to travel to see her children, grandchildren, and more of the United States. She is excited to become a full time artist, as she already has made arrangements to do projects with local artists.
Prior to USF, Dr. DenOtter taught at the junior high and high school levels for nineteen years. She, then, became the Middle School Curriculum Coordinator. When a position opened at USF, she hesitated to take it but she says she is glad she did.
Dr. DenOtter says retirement will be a big change for her, but she said she’s excited (and cautiously nervous). On top of being an adjunct, she plans to travel to see her three children and grandchild who located throughout the United States.
“This has been an amazing place to work. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to be a professor here because I have enjoyed working with the student and faculty. And when you work in a faith-based institution, I have found the people to be so caring.”
Although their time at the University of Sioux Falls is coming to an end, their inspiration and accomplishments will forever be praised.
Since the beginning of her career, she has always wanted to see the way that math is taught change. Being a professor of education and math has been her way of making sure that happens. Which is why she will be returning in the fall as an adjunct to teach K-8 Math Methods. Photo courtesy of Nancy Olive
Congratulations on retirement Dr. Jernberg, Professor Olive, and Dr. DenOtter! You will be missed greatly.
May 2018 | 15
EDITORIAL
In the Political Arena: United States - Mexico Border Wall
Written by Whitney Fryer
A “big, beautiful wall” along the MexicoUnited States border was a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s campaign. The supposed wall would be 30-foot solid, concrete, cost roughly $22 billion, and take more than three years to construct, according to a report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The predominant reason for the southern wall would be an attempt to curb illegal immigration. However, to a certain extent, the border already exists. Although not a consecutive wall, like the one Trump is proposing, it does include a series of fences, walls, sensors, and surveillance cameras. It was constructed under the Secure Fence Act (2006), signed by President George W. Bush and is 650 miles, which is about a third of the border. The length of the border between the United States and Mexico, spanning
California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas is 1,900 miles. On January 25, Trump signed an executive order calling for the “immediate construction of a physical wall on the southern border” and the addition of 5,000 border patrol agents. Congress has yet to authorize funds. Recently, Trump suggested that the wall should be funded by the U.S. military. At the beginning of April, Trump signed a proclamation directing National Guard troops to the border. The U.S. government views the border as an important part of its overall homeland security initiative. Historically speaking, policing borders has been essential to preserving nations for centuries. Utilizing physical barriers and hightech surveillance equipment has shown success. The number of people caught crossing San Diego’s border illegally has
Source: Al Jazeera, P2016, US Customs and Border Protection.
16 | The Vessel
dropped dramatically since the addition of a fence and increased border patrol. In the early 1990s, about 600,000 people attempted to cross the border illegally; that number dropped to 39,000 in 2015 (DHS). While most people are in favor of increasing border security, others are concerned that the negative impacts do not outweigh the benefits. According to David Shirk, a border expert at the Washington D.C. Woodrow Wilson Center, a nonpartisan policy research organization, says the proposal is “likely to lead down a very bad road” (almatters.org). Some Critics insist it will create more dangerous conditions for migrants who cross the border for work. In generally, it may not eliminate illegal immigration as promised A major concern among scientists and conservationist is that the wall could be devastating for hundreds of species, including jaguars, ocelots, and the Mexican gray wolf. Construction of a wall could damage natural habitats and cut off animal populations who depend on the ability to roam. More than 100 animals that are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act could potentially be impacted by Trump’s proposal, according to a 2016 analysis of data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some Americans feel that the U.S should send a message of freedom to those seeking a better life, rather than sending a “keep out” message. They sugesst that the answer does not lie in a border wall; rather it entails more comprehensive immigration reform.
No Longer Science Fiction, but the New Reality
EDITORIAL
Self-Driving Cars Written by Caelan Markstrom
Self-driving car, or an autonomous car, is a vehicle that can sense its surrounding environment and respond to it without human input. These cars detect their surroundings using radars, GPS, laser lights, odometer – which is the use of data form motion sensors – and computer vision. The main use of selfdriving cars is to avoid accidents more often. Self-driving cars will also include higher speeds, smoother rides, and increased roadway capacity. However, are these autonomous cars completely accident-free? Well, as we know, technology brings us three steps forward and four steps backwards. Not all the kinks have been ironed out, and problems will occur. For example, the motion sensors might fail to read another car coming in the opposite direction, and that is when fatalities will occur. On March 18, 2018, Elaine Herzberg became the first pedestrian to be killed by an autonomous car that was owned by Uber. In response to this, Uber has taken all autonomous cars out of their business. There are 6 levels of self-driving cars. The first is Level 0, which is no auto control. Level 0 is your most basic car; humans control it 100% of the time. Level 1 is the “hands on” level. This level is basically Parking Assistance and Lane Keeping Assistance, otherwise the driver takes full control. Level 2 is the “hands off” level. This
level is the long name for cruise control and a few extra services. It takes care of accelerating, braking, and steering. However, the “hands off” tag is not to be taken literally. Hands on the steering wheel is mandatory to confirm the driver is ready to intervene in case of system failure. Level 3 is the “eyes off” level. You can safely take your eyes off the road and respond to a text or watch a movie (the latter being a little bit on the extreme side of things). The driver must still be ready to take over if need be. Level 4 is called the “mind off” level. Now we are getting into the more automation. This level will allow the driver to take a nap or leave the driver’s seat. Self-driving is limited to special circumstances, such as traffic jams, or they are used in limited areas and will need to safely abort the trip if the driver does not retake control of the car. And finally, Level 5 – absolutely no human intervention is needed. It is not limited to any conditions, but this level also has the most risk involved. Believe it or not, people have moral issues with these autonomous cars. These include the moral, financial,and criminal responsibilities for crashes, the decisions a car is to make before a (fatal) car crash, privacy issues,and potential job loss. The last two issues are what we will look at more in depth. Privacy issues: I am reminded of a scene in Batman Returns where Batman’s
Batmobile is taken over by the Penguin. He is driving the Batmobile via a device that sends a wireless signal to a computer that allows him to drive the car. And while that was awesome and comical back in 1992, this can be a real issue as technology has advanced and it would be harder track that signal. A self-driving car can create a horrific car accident and someone else could’ve been controlling your car. Potential job loss: Self-driving cars can save companies like Uber and taxis money. They will not have to pay people to drive others around, and that can cost men and women their jobs., Also, there would not be a need for people to earn their driver’s license. The DMV will no longer be needed and eventually shut down, leaving those government employees without a job. Now here is the big question that needs to be answered – are they safe? It all depends on what level we are on. I believe Levels 1 and 2 are safe, they require little automation and the driver is in control. The rest of the levels still need to be perfected and all the issues need to be ironed out. Once they are, it will be immensely helpful to society. The elderly and the disabled will have a home vehicle to use in case they need to go out and no driving will be required. Traveling will take less time since speed limits will be increased and less time, means saving money in the end; that is what it all comes down to.
May 2018 | 17
USF Track Off and Running
Story by Grant Sweeter Photos courtesy of Edwin Iraheta
Every year there are two seasons when it comes to track and field. Most people probably do not know that there is the indoor and outdoor seasons, and one is during the winter. This season, it seems like both seasons are during the winter as the April snow showers we continue to have has put a hold on the outdoor season in Sioux Falls. The indoor season began on December 1st for this year and wrapped up with the NCAA National Championships on March 10th. USF had a very successful 2017-2018 indoor track season as they had multiple people place in the national championships. The USF men’s distance medley relay squad of Billy Beseman, Logan Hansen, Zach Lundberg, and Mason Phillips continued the success of past distance medley teams. They ran a school record and finished top 10 at nationals as well. USF Junior Kimberly Peterson competed in the women’s pole vault
18 | The Vessel
and earned the runner-up award with a height of 13.5 feet, which was her indoor personal best. A Missouri Southern pole vaulter lunged to an amazing height of 13.8 feet to win the national championship. More locally, in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), the USF men’s team tied for third and the women’s team finished 6th. Those results were a little different from last year’s, as the USF women’s team finished 10th in 2017, making a nice 2018 improvement. The men’s team finished 2nd in 2017. Since the beginning of the 2018 outdoor track and field season, there have been no outdoor meets around Sioux Falls due to the weather. “Despite the cold and snow, we’ve been practicing every day whether inside of out. We have been outside quite a few days since the middle of March,” head coach Doug Petersen says.
The NSIC preseason rankings placed USF in a very good spot. The NSIC completes a power ranking, which ranks all of the team for both men’s and women’s teams based mostly on their indoor season. “[For] preseason polls, they picked USF to finish fourth on the men’s side and the women are projected to finish sixth,” Petersen says. “Based on indoor season, I think. Mankato State and University of Mary were the indoor champions.” The 2018 outdoor season opener was supposed to be the SMSU Mustang Open on March 30th in Marshall, Minnesota hosted by Southwest Minnesota State University. However, with the cold and storm that struck on the 30th and 31st of March, the season opener was cancelled. Then, USF and the rest of the NSIC traveled south to the MIAA vs NSIC Showdown located in Maryville, Missouri on April 5th. While it snowed here, USF was able to compete in a more southern and warmer area.
Despite a Prolonged Winter
USF’s Billy Beseman and Zach Lundberg finished first and second in the Men’s 1500 meter run in Missouri, while in the women’s 1500 meter run, USF’s Taryn Ceglowski earned a first place finish. USF’s Steven Brown won the 5000 Meter run with a brilliant time of 14:44:87. USF also had several other top ten finishes making it a great way to start the 2018 outdoor track season. “Our men and our women both placed second, so it was an exciting start to the outdoor season, especially after having our original schedule losing two meets because of weather,” Petersen says. USF was supposed to host Augustana out at the USF Sports Complex on April 6th, but the snow shot we received around that time cancelled yet another meet for the Cougars. “Because of the cancelled meets, we added a track meet on April 11th in Vermillion at the University of South
Dakota Invitational. This was a good opportunity to get some live event experience in for our athletes,” Petersen says. Despite the participation of several Division 1 schools such as North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and the University of South Dakota, USF still had some success at this large venue. USF’s Kimberly Peterson earned first place honors as she vaulted her way to a height of 13.5 feet in the women’s pole vault. This was yet another good showing for the Cougar men and women as they competed well against some of the toughest NCAA schools in the Midwest region. USF finally got outdoors at the Sioux City Relays on April 12th and 13th. The first day was quite successful but due to the cold and rain, but day two was cancelled. USF’s outdoor track schedule really took off as they had seven meets between the dates of April 19th and
May 12th. They also traveled to the NSIC Championships in Mankato, MN on May 1st and 2nd. They will participate in the Howard Wood Relays here in Sioux Falls on May 4th and 5th. Like the indoor season, the Cougars will look to make it to the NCAA national championships in the outdoor events as well. “Kimberly Peterson, Connor DeJong, Mason Phillips, and Taryn Ceglowski are some individuals to keep an eye on during the outdoor track season. They will be good leaders for our team this year,” Coach Petersen says. With the snow issues, USF will look to finally have some closer track meets, but they’ll travel if they must. “The weather hasn’t been ideal, but we have dealt with it before and we’ll keep working through it to get the work we need done,” Petersen says.
May 2018 | 19
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