Rangeview - Fall 2008 First Issue E-version

A Publication by the Students of the FRCC-Larimer Campus V OLUME 8, I SSUE 1

A UGUST — O CTOBER 2008

H IGHER G ROUND BY K ELLI R ANGEVIEW

SGA F INDS

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W AY

BY E MILY S EVERANCE , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

C OLSON , R EPORTER

Want to be involved? Have ideas of how to make Front Range a Poverty is a growing problem better learning environment? here in Larimer County. Make your voice heard and visit Since 2000, the number of the Student Government people living below the Association. poverty line has gone up just over half of what it used to The SGA is the representative be, and now that number is voice for students, faculty, and just over 34,000. More than the surrounding community on 7,000 kids are currently campus at Front Range. It living in poverty, an increase of 75 percent since the year Anatomy and physiology instructor Molly Fiechtl captured one of advocates important issues with the goal of making the quality of 2000. These numbers are the campus’ resident owls with her two owlets last spring. life and education better. Weekly only of people living in duties of elected members include planning events and Larimer County, and they continue to grow. community service, and holding open forums with administraThe Interfaith Council of Fort Collins is an organization trying to tion. Each elected member is required to have available office help people rise above poverty. They recently co-sponsored a hours and attend various regional leadership conferences and candidates forum titled “Pathways Past Poverty,” which was held workshops. The SGA is funded 100 percent by student fees. in the Longs Peak Student Center on Sept. 23 and 30. Colorado politicians running for public office came together to discuss how Just like any academic year, the SGA‟s schedule is jam-packed they would help end poverty if they got elected and, in some cases, with activities and re-elected. projects. Their hectic semester was kicked off One of the public officials who attended the Sept. 23 forum was with student government state Democratic Sen. Bob Bacon. He helped make over $26 elections. President Hana million in bioscience grants available to Colorado universities and Shatila was voted into start-up companies. He also sponsored a bill to renew Fort Collins‟ office last spring; however, Downtown Development Authority. Bacon hopes sponsoring both the vice president and of those bills will help build more jobs. secretary positions needed The majority of the candidates agreed with Bacon‟s idea of how to to be decided. Candidates get people out of poverty, which is to gain more primary jobs were seen campaigning rather than service jobs. A primary job is a salary job for a large throughout campus and in company, such as Microsoft, whereas a service job is a waitress or their classrooms, and in hostess at a restaurant. However, when asked how he plans to the Longs Peak Student close the gap between families‟ annual wages decreasing, and the Center. Votes were cast cost of living increasing, he simply responded, “We will never and for the first time in close the gap.” SGA history, there was a tie between vice The best way to end poverty, according to all the candidates, is to presidential candidates strengthen early child-care education. “Education is the building Benjamin Rencher and block for a successful student,” Bacon said. Zachary Williamson. All of the candidates agreed that figuring out a way to provide noRencher won on Oct. 2 SGA President Hana Shatila cost or reasonable childcare will help better educate the child, and with 36 votes. help with the finances of the family. (Continued on page 4)

Photo by Michelle Motherway

(Continued on page 4)

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M EET

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Faculty Advisor & Managing Editor………...… Kate Tarasenko Editorial Team…….…...……..Josh Brickner ….....……………………………Evan Brown ………………………………….Kelli Colson …………………………………….Matt Etter ………………………………...Alex Golubski ……………………………...…Alex Hummel ………………………………Chance Johnson ………………………………...Brad Menefee ………………………………..Jeremie Schatz ……………………………...Emily Severance …………………………………Vashti Torrez ……………………………Danielle Zimmerer Photo Team…….. .……….…Miranda Baker ………………………….Michelle Motherway ……………………………….Whitney Weber Layout…….. ..….……...……Kate Tarasenko

(L to R) back row: Jeremie Schatz, Alex Hummel, Chance Johnson, Matt Etter, Kelli Colson, Brad Menefee; middle row: Evan Brown, Joshua Brickner, Vashti Torrez; front row: Danielle Zimmerer, Alex Golubski and Emily Severance Photo by Karl Dukstein MISSION STATEMENT: The Rangeview provides a voice for FRCC’s Larimer campus. We strive to give our readers accurate and balanced coverage on a variety of news and events in an effort to keep our campus well-informed about its college community. We approach our responsibilities with the goal of maintaining the highest journalistic standards to the best of our abilities.

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Publications Board….... .…….Karl Dukstein ………………………………..….Blair Oliver ………………………………...…..Erin Smith ……………………………….Kate Tarasenko

FREELANCE SUBMISSIONS POLICY: We welcome feedback, letters to the editor, original articles and op-ed pieces (as well as story ideas and tips) from all members of the FRCC Larimer Campus community. Please do not exceed 600 words. The Rangeview also accepts photos and artwork in j-peg format. All submissions must be emailed directly from your FRCC account as a Word.doc or j-peg attachment, and must be accompanied by full name and local phone number, to:

[email protected] All submissions are subject to final approval by the Editorial Team and/or Publications Board, and may be edited for length, clarity, and potentially libelous content.

Please submit your calendar items and events to [email protected]. (L to R): Michelle Motherway, Karl-Heinz Dukstein, Whitney Weber and Miranda Baker Photo by Kathryn Dokter

ALL CONTENT © 2008 RANGEVIEW

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F ROM O UR R EADERS

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Serving the Students IT Services.……….…..….5 Ann Healy, WC.…………6 Math Help…….………….7 PR Dept………………….8 Online Learning………...10

Scholars’ Square Barb Patterson, NRP...…11 Wm. Foster, Eng...……...12

Club Hub PTK…..………..………..13 SOFA…………………...14

Campus Wellness Facilities Services………15 Denise Proulx, HHP…….16

Medium Cool John Hill, Theater……….17 DNC Photo Exhibit..........18

I have only recently become acquainted with FRCC’s Rangeview, and I am impressed with its professionalism. The expository writing is clear and correct, conveying even complex data so that it is accessible to the reader. The interviews and features are lively and wellconceived, and each writer possesses a “voice” that adds human interest. The Rangeview gives enough information on a wide variety of campus activities to be useful to its readers. Grammatical and spelling errors, the bugbear of student writing, are rare. All in all, the writing in The Rangeview compares well with that in the Fort Collins Coloradoan and similar publications. Those involved in its production should be complimented. David Healy Professor Emeritus of History University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Fort Collins)

Ballot Measures W/D...…18

“Barack-ing the Vote”….19

“Independent Lens”…….16 Peru………………...…..20

SPRING 2009

CRN 63586; 3 transfer credit hours Also offered as an Honors Institute class.

Single Parent Program Information Session Find out about free support services for single-parent students: Monday, Oct. 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Longs Peak Student Center‟s East Conference Room

Four-Year Transfer Fair Four-year college and university representatives from around Colorado will be on campus Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Longs Peak Student Center.

Be Our Guest

The Rangeview!

Cover Letter & Resume Writing Workshop Learn about the purpose of a resume, the various sections within a resume, different styles and strategies for formatting your resume, and how to avoid common mistakes, as well as how to write effective cover letters and develop a lists of references on Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 10 to 11 a.m. in MA 131.

Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Sign up at www.frontrange.edu/lcsingleparent (under Workshops). Questions? Contact [email protected]

Student Special

Register for JOU-106, the Fundamentals of Reporting, and write for

Q UICK H ITS & I TTY B ITS

The Rangeview is funded by Student Life using student fees, and by the Department of Arts & Letters. Reporting for The Rangeview is provided by the journalism students of JOU-106, the Fundamentals of Reporting. Photography is provided by the students of FRCC-LC.

Career Doctor Stop by and get a variety of career assistance with informal career counseling, cover letter and resume writing, career assessments, and job search assistance on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., LPSC Foyer El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Altars will be displayed in the Harmony Library Community Room on Thursday, Oct. 30 from noon till 4 p.m. Overcoming Test Anxiety Learn a simple technique for managing stress and staying calm before and during tests: Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Longs Peak Student Center‟s East Conference Room

4 (SGA continued from page 1) Williamson will act as secretary, treasurer and any other position that the council needs filled. David Murphy will act as a legislative representative. Filling only five out of 16 available slots, the SGA encourages every student to think about joining. “We‟re small but mighty!” Shatila exclaimed. She is 18 years old and has attended Front Range for the past two years. Born and raised in Fort Collins, Shatila graduated early from high school and is studying political science and pre-law. She hopes to graduate from Colorado State University and become a lawyer. Outside of Front Range, Shatila loves reading, shopping, traveling and spending time with her friends and family. “I am extremely proud of Hana,” said Erin Smith, Student Life director and SGA advisor. “She can do anything she sets her mind to.” As president, Shatila is responsible for facilitating meeting discussions, sticking to council goals, and spreading the word about SGA on campus. Smith has been the SGA advisor for the past five years. “My duties as council advisor include developing good rapport with students, suggesting ideas, acting as a liaison between students and administration, and creating a sense of team spirit.” Smith said. “I hope the SGA will set some challenging yet attainable goals that I will work to help them accomplish,” she said. After training and an induction ceremony, the real work begins. New officers are required to pass an official background check and are considered employees of the State of Colorado. Members of student government receive a small monetary stipend for the work they do.

This year‟s agenda includes many annual events, special projects, and a trip to Colorado Springs for the State Student Advisory Council Leadership Conference. At the conference, members will get to meet the legislative teams from the other 13 colleges in the Colorado Community College System. They will talk about issues affecting all campuses, and how to become great leaders and impact the world around us. This is a unique opportunity for members to network with other student government members and advisors. The conference is designed to inspire leadership and action for student representatives to bring back to their college campuses. Upcoming events for the Larimer campus include Halloween festivities and providing Thanksgiving dinners to those in need. Last year, the SGA provided 50 Thanksgiving turkey dinners for the Fort Collins community. The SGA assisted with CSU‟s Homecoming parade, as well. Possible projects for the Larimer campus include a healthcare insurance system for students, and creating private accommodations for nursing mothers. Located in the Longs Peak Student Center, the Student Government Association accepts applications all year for those who want to help make a difference. Interested in Executive Council? You must be a registered student enrolled in at least nine credit hours, have attended FRCC-LC for a complete semester, with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Interested in being a legislative representative? You must be a registered student with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and enrolled in at least one credit hour. SGA meetings are held every Monday from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. in the LPSC‟s East Conference Room. Students and faculty are welcome to sit in on meetings and participate in the open discussions. “Come see us!” Shatila exclaimed. “We want more students involved!” ® (POVERTY FORUM continued from page 1) Bacon hopes to help all educational institutes do the job they were meant to do. He wants to make sure public schools earn enough money for special education and programs where non-English speaking students can learn English. He wants to get more people to be hands-on with public schools and help kids succeed. “[The] drop-out rate starts as early as eighth and ninth grade,” he said. Bacon, like all the other candidates, said that if we educate children at an early age and get them started on the right track, then they might have an easier time continuing through college and getting a good job in the end.

Incumbents and candidates for the Colorado House and Senate gather for “Pathways Past Poverty,” the first of two public forums held at FRCC on Sept. 23 and 30. Photo by Dr. Martin Carcasson, director of CSU’s Center for Public Deliberation, which co-sponsored the event

Some people might think that a roomful of politicians talking about one topic for three hours may be uninteresting, but the audience stayed entertained the entire time. The candidates held their attention by cracking jokes with each other. The room was quiet throughout the entire forum and many of the audience members were taking notes and asking questions. A young woman who was focused on the forum and rarely took her eyes off the candidates was sitting in the front row (Continued on next page)

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S ERVING THE S TUDENTS

and taking lots of notes. Nikki Schillaci is 18 years old and a student at Front Range. She was attending the forum for a class. “I thought all the candidates had really interesting things to say,” she said. “And they pretty much all agreed on many of the key issues.” Schillaci is a member of the Democratic Party but thought both Republican and Democratic candidates made valid points. “More people should understand the poverty problem we have here in Fort Collins,” Schillaci explained. She had had no idea how many people here in Larimer county live below the poverty line. Schillaci went on to say, “It‟s important that people know so they can help.” After the forum, the majority of the audience stayed to talk to some of the candidates one on one. Schillaci still isn‟t sure who she will vote for. “Many of the candidates had very good ideas. It will be hard to choose just one,” she said. There are many ways to help and get involved. One can donate to charities, volunteer at daycare centers, etc. “All of us are weak at some point and are in need of the community‟s help,” Bacon said. ®

ITS Coordinator Susie Peppers, posed in front of an arsenal of computer towers, joined FRCC this past summer. (See related story below.) Photo by Michelle Motherway

IN BY

TOUCH WITH

ITS

J OSHUA B RICKNER , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

It takes a lot of effort to keep the multitude of computers on campus running smoothly. Susie Peppers, the Information Technology Services (ITS) coordinator of the Larimer campus, is in charge of making sure they do. Peppers manages the IT Support Desk on campus which is a support resource to faculty. They deal with the various problems that crop up with the software and hardware that are installed on campus. Peppers moved to Colorado 13 years ago from southern California. She attended FRCC, receiving an Associate of Arts degree in 2003, after which she attended Regis University in Fort Collins where she received a bachelor‟s degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) in May of this year. In that month she also got married. In July, two months after graduating and tying the knot, Peppers began her career at FRCC. In her free time, Peppers enjoys hiking, skiing and reading. When asked what especially interests her in technology, Peppers responded, “Technology is always changing and evolving. I like that nothing stands still. Change keeps us moving forward in life.” Peppers says she enjoys using all the gadgets that these advances in technology provides. Peppers‟ tidy corner office consists of a large desk with a computer, and a few piles of computers stacked about. Peppers says that the best part of her job is “helping users, and working with so many different departments and people.”

She decided to go back to school for her CIS degree after holding a position as an administrative assistant, where she learned the basics about how computer hardware and software work. Peppers says she “always been interested in learning about technology.” Peppers says the most common issue that her department deals with is forgotten passwords. With all the things students and faculty have to keep track of, it is quite common for them to forget their computer login information. If you forget your password, Peppers recommends you visit the Computer Commons (BP101) in Blanca Peak. After presenting a photo ID, the lab monitor will reset your password for you. “For student e-mail and Blackboard Vista support, students can call 1-888-800-9198 or log onto http://help.cccs.edu,” says Peppers. It is important to protect your digital identity on and off campus. “Never share passwords,” says Peppers. It is important that you keep your passwords secret and change them often. Peppers also warns that you should “be very careful of the personal information you post to Internet sites.” Once something is posted to the Internet, almost anyone can see it and it is very difficult to remove something once it has been posted online. Finally it is important that you always logout when finished using the computer, to ensure that One common issue that Peppers says ITS cannot help students with is corrupted or broken USB flash drives. Although flash drives are cheap and useful tools, they are not fail-safe, they can break, lose data, or become lost. She noted that it is imperative that students do frequent backups of the data (Continued on next page)

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S ERVING THE S TUDENTS (PEPPERS continued from previous page)

history].”

stored on their flash drives. By simply copying the files from the flash drive to your computer‟s hard drive, you can save yourself the pain of losing that paper or homework assignment that you spent hours creating. It can also be useful to place a text file with your contact information on your flash drive. If it is found on campus whoever discovers it will have a good method to return it you. If you happen to find a flash drive left behind by another student, you can take it to Police Services in Mount Antero.

At this point, Healy decided to go back to school and explore the history of Europe with a concentration in Russian history. She received her master‟s degree in history and continued until she earned her doctorate in European history, with a concentration in Russian history.

Looking into the near future, Peppers said that a new Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system will be installed across campus “to enhance security.” The new IP telephony system means a phone will be installed in every classroom. These phones will be able to dial 911 and Public Safety in the case of an emergency. This system should be rolled out this semester. When asked what the worst part of her job is, Peppers said “It‟s all good!” ®

H EALY ’ S H ELPFUL H INTS BY

V ASHTI T ORREZ , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Instructors from various departments of Front Range are increasingly referring their student to the Writing Center on campus. The Writing Center is an offshoot of the English Department and is open each weekday on a walk-in basis. The Writing Center is staffed by Front Range instructors and, for the last three years, 77-year-old volunteer Ann Healy. Healy originally moved to Colorado from Wisconsin 10 years ago to retire from 25 years of teaching English composition and history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Yet, when she got here, she realized that she wasn‟t ready to put teaching aside. “One side of me says that I wish I were still full-time teaching, but the flexibility of volunteering has its advantages,” she states. Healy has dedicated much of her life to the institution of education. Her post-secondary education began at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned her undergraduate degree in natural science. Healy states, “I was actually doing that to be a vet-tech or a doctor.” After five years exploring different opportunities in the Red Cross, YWCA and eventually working as a grade school teacher, Healy went on a trip. The trip was guided by a Russian history professor and the destination was the former Yugoslavia. She reminisced on this pivotal point in her life and comments, “I just got interested. I went to Yugoslavia, [and] I just got interested in the history of Eastern Europe. It was the trip that was largely responsible for my interest [in European

Throughout her schooling and teaching career, Healy has published various pieces of work. Her first published work was her dissertation for her doctorate titled “Russian Autocracy in Crisis: 1905-1907.” She also translated a memoir from Russian originally written by Gennady Khomiakov-Andreev and published it under the title “Bitter Waters: Life and Work in Stalin‟s Russia.” While teaching English composition, she also co-wrote and published a textbook for her class titled, “Strategies for Writing: A Basic Approach.” She explained that she fought for the book to be titled “So, You Don‟t Like to Write,” with a funny picture on the cover, but the publisher urged them against that approach. Healy has a rich past of teaching various students on different levels in their writing careers. Some include English as a Second Language (ESL) students, some are (Continued on next page)

The Writing Center is located inside the Learning Opportunity Center in Blanca Peak, room 102G. Staff is available to assist all FRCC students with any writing project or assignment on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. This semester, you’ll also find staff posted in the foyer of the Longs Peak Student Center from noon till 2 p.m. For help online, go to http://frontrange.edu/writing

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S ERVING THE S TUDENTS (HEALY continued from previous page) considered “at-risk” students, and others are students who took her upper-level history courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With all of these students, her underlying goal is the same: to clarify, strengthen their work, teach them how to become critics of their own writing, and develop confidence by helping them realize that they do have a lot to say and can bring a lot to their writing. She explains that the diverse student population and student age at Front Range is part of the attraction of volunteering at the Writing Center. She explains that the best writing comes from students relating to their own life experiences. But she also sees a lot of different writing, ranging from veterinary sciences to scholarship essays. Healy states that “writing is a presentation of yourself,” and she encourages students of every level to come into the Writing Center. Most professionals, including Healy, don‟t publish a piece of work without first getting it reviewed. ®

Y OUR D AYS BY

ARE

Semi-retired educator, author and Writing Center volunteer Ann Healy assists student Kathy Berry (right) with an assignment. On most days, the avid skier and hiker rides her bike to FRCC from her home in Old Town. Photo by Whitney Weber

N UMBERED !

C HANCE J OHNSON , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

For those who struggle with math, a free tutoring service is available here at Front Range. The Math Help Center is available in Blanca Peak, room 102 D. Getting help in math may be costly and difficult to find, but by getting help from the tutors on campus, this is no longer an issue. Ceyra Sexton, a student at Front Range enrolled in Math 121, sometimes struggles with math courses, homework, and the many frustrations that the combination that the two present. Sexton revealed that she takes advantage of the Help Center frequently, at least twice a week, even if it is to make sure that she is clear on the directions. She said that she will usually study there for an hour to an hour and a half. To ensure that she is confident and understands her math course, Sexton will visit a tutor even if she is not struggling with anything in particular. She then admitted to using the Help Center for three hours per session when in preparation for a test. Sexton steadfastly stated that the center is “very helpful” and that the tutors “explain all steps and directions well.” She visits most often with tutors Ivan Loy and Margaret Counts, who are math instructors as well as tutors. Janis Hess, another tutor and Front Range math instructor, gave more insight and information of the usefulness of this facility. Hess, an upbeat and thorough instructor, is participating in her first

semester working in the Help Center. She has also done group tutoring for certain courses during the previous three years in the Harmony Library. Hess currently tutors on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She said that she starts her diagnoses by first “discovering how much a student already knows,” then goes from there. This saves time by not re-teaching a student what he or she may already know how to do. What Hess has noticed that has helped students is that the tutor‟s guidance builds confidence. Some students sometimes already know how to do the work, but require reinforcement, which makes them more confident in doing the work. As an instructor, Hess always makes sure from the first day of the semester that her class is aware of the facility. From there, if Hess notices that one of her students may require extra attention throughout the course, she will direct that individual to the Help Center. Hess acknowledged that it is a challenge when a student is so far behind in the material that she is required to go back several sections to find the root of the problem. She has also noticed that when a student misses class, he or she will show up expecting to be taught an entire section instead of seeking specific help. Hess believes that the best part of using the Help Center is that the one-on-one assistance allows her and other tutors to assist at the student‟s pace, as opposed to group teaching where several students may learn at varying paces. (Continued on next page)

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S ERVING THE S TUDENTS (MATH HELP CENTER continued from previous page) Hess has already noticed that her students that use this service are “more apt to improve than not.” Carla Berley oversees the Math Help Center, is in charge of scheduling the shifts of the tutors, and is a math instructor at Front Range. Berley has been challenged to improve it with a limited budget. As an instructor, Berley, like Hess, makes certain that all of her students are aware of the Help Center, and even walks them over so that there is no question of its location. Berley said, “I inform my students of the free tutoring on the first day of class so that they will use it before problems arise and begin to snowball into larger problems.” Math builds upon itself and if one detail is not understood, it is very likely to affect future sections.

Math instructor Janis Hess tutors student Alastair Johnson in the

Berley even advocates the use of the lesser known, Math Help Center in Blanca Peak 102D. Photo by Whitney Weber smaller, Math Help Center in the Harmony Library for 030 and 060 students. She also tries to make all students aware that Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. are great opportunities to use the tutoring services because it is much easier to find an available tutor than during the week. Berley is currently Q: What do you get when you divide challenged with having the center decorated on a limited budget the circumference of a to be more aesthetically pleasing, thus more appealing to use. jack-o-lantern by its diameter? Primarily, her constant challenge is making students aware of the free service available to them.

A: Pumpkin Pi!

The Math Help Center is an essential tool for students‟ success.

®

F RIENDLY R ELATIONS : PR BY

AT

FRCC

J EREMIE S CHATZ , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Have you ever thought about what lures students to Front Range Community College? Maybe they saw the college‟s Web site chock full of information, or read a press release in the newspaper about enrollment opening up, or simply heard a rumor about the well-kept campus and quality instructors. In one way or another, whatever influenced their decision could in some way be attributed to FRCC‟s Public Relations Department. An often misunderstood or overlooked link in FRCC‟s success lies within the Public Relations Department. When John Feeley, 55, left the associate editor position at the Coloradoan in 1996, he filled the role as the director of college communications in charge of media relations here at FRCC. Since then, the department has evolved into the Department of Marketing and Advancement where a lot of the marketing responsibilities fall under Feeley‟s public relations position. “The advancement part of the department is our FRCC Foundation, which raises money for programs and, particularly for readers of The Rangeview, scholarships,” he says. The FRCC Foundation, established in 1994, focuses mainly on securing funding to allocate to students in the form of scholarships. Feeley helps the Foundation by creating press releases for various fundraising events that the Foundation organizes. It‟s hard to miss the many flyers plastered on bulletin boards around campus alerting students to the different scholarships that are available, who can qualify for them, and when the window of opportunity exists to apply for them. “There are scholarships that are for certain groups: single parents, ethnic minorities…A lot of these depend on what the donor wants and the donor directs those,” says Feeley. (Continued on next page)

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S ERVING THE S TUDENTS (PR continued from previous page) One of the responsibilities of the PR Department is to “tell the story of the college…There are stories of successful students, there are stories of important programs, there are stories of partnerships, there are stories of outstanding faculty, and we try and tell those stories to different audiences,” says Feeley. Feeley also emphasizes the ties of the college to important pertinent community organizations throughout the area. For instance, FRCC is a sponsor of Larimer County‟s Small Business Development Center which advises new and existing businesses. “Here is an organization about creating jobs…and saving jobs in Larimer County, for the formation of businesses. It‟s part of driving and supporting the local economy,” says Feeley. Sometimes it‟s an internal audience that is being addressed, such as the students who are getting the story about a new scholarship that‟s available, or a faculty member hearing the story about an instructor‟s recently acquired master‟s degree. There is a much greater audience, though: the external audience, such as potential financial donors, “the general public, legislators, community groups, all kinds of different groups that we want to target at different times,” says Feeley. While one of the PR Department‟s goals is to keep the press up to date on the college‟s happenings, it‟s important that there is a gatekeeper of information. “I try to be successful by sending them things that you really think are news,” says Feeley. In the end, he says, “it‟s up to the infinite and autonomous wisdom of the media itself to decide.” For Feeley, public relations is much more than filtering out press releases. There are a number of online duties that he is responsible for as well. The college‟s internal audience is the target for a biweekly electronic newsletter called the FrontLine. The content “is contributed, of course, and I do the editing for it and assemble it,” Feeley says. Another more visible online responsibility is the

college‟s Web site. “I‟ve been the content director of the Web site for probably about eight or nine years, and the Web site is a big contact point for the general public, and for students and staff,” says Feeley. In his eight years as the coordinator of student recruitment, Marko Mohlenhoff, 38, specializes in reaching out to the college‟s external audience. When representing FRCC at a recruiting booth, Mohlenhoff may be the first to help create an image of what FRCC is all about. He sums up his ideal of the FRCC image in four concepts: “accessibility, quality, professional, and supportive.” Mohlenhoff isn‟t just on the giving end of PR; he‟s also on the receiving end. “When we need promotional materials for an event…[the PR Department] are the ones who basically get us the final product,” he says. He and Feeley collaborated with other FRCC staff to develop a full-color information packet as a major-league marketing tool that is answers many preliminary questions that a potential student of any age or background may have, but mostly Coloradans. “Ninety to 95 percent of our students are Colorado residents,” says Feeley, ”so we‟re not like CSU, which knows they have fertile grounds for recruiting in Texas and Hawaii…Our students aren‟t there. Our students are here.” Although many of the public relations responsibilities fall largely within the marketing and advancement department, Mohlenhoff and Feeley both agree that everyone involved with FRCC is inherently contributing to the college‟s public relations. “When Jim Butzek, the vice president [of FRCC] is out at a community event representing Front Range, he‟s telling our story. That‟s public relations, too,” says Feeley. Mohlenhoff reflects that “A main benefit of having a public relations or marketing department is that top-of-mind awareness…Community colleges don‟t just happen; they need the support of the community.” ®

(ONLINE continued from page 10) students access to an online writing lab in which tutors would return an essay within 24 hours. Vercauteren and Salahub believe that online classes and learning aren‟t for every student. “They have to possess a different dynamic and personality style,” states Vercauteren. In Fall 2007, a survey was given to online faculty. Of the 115 instructors, 45 responded to the survey from 23 different disciplines. The survey, according to Vercauteren, found that the top reasons faculty taught online course was, “they like the flexibility of teaching online, they enjoy using technology, and they enjoy interacting with students online.” The survey also concluded that almost 38 percent “already started using audio and video in their classes.” Technology in FRCC‟s classrooms has significantly advanced, with faculty making a determined effort to incorporate new software and find better means to relay information for students who take online classes, with on-campus students benefiting. ®

“Street Preacher” by Kathryn Dokter Read her editorial on page 16 about her experience photographing the sights around Denver during the DNC.

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S ERVING THE S TUDENTS O N B OARD BY

WITH

O NLINE L EARNING

V ASHTI T ORREZ , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Online classes at Front Range Community College began with one class in 1991 that was done by e-mail between the instructor and the students. Classes over the last 17 years have expanded from that one to 250 courses, four online degrees, and 10 online certificates that can be completed exclusively online. Technology has expanded beyond the scope of e-mail to include the use of Blackboard, a course management system provider. Online instructors, in an effort to both customize their courses and provide more content to students, are beginning to use various software to provide audio, visual or a combination to get content to students. Eric Salahub is the lead philosophy faculty and Online Learning lead for the Arts and Letters Department. He is one instructor who incorporated new technology in his online course. As Salahub sits in his office, he opens the Blackboard website that shows his Philosophy 112 Ethics class and explains that he started this semester with a video of himself, introducing the class for his students. He also uses software called Screencast -o-Matic, which allows you to create a video recording of your screen and include audio, to create a customized tutorial of Blackboard which shows students the applications used in his course. “Students are getting more [technology] savvy and asking for it,” Salahub states. Compared to on-campus classes, online classes are almost double the tuition. As of Spring 2008, an oncampus class cost $173 per credit hour, compared to $235 for an online class. Tammy Vercauteren, dean of Online Learning, explains that the tuition for online classes is set up by Colorado Community College System. The cost is the same for all students in Colorado who attend community colleges. She hopes that in the future, since even on-campus classes take advantage of systems that are paid for with the online learning budget, that could be spread across the board. As Salahub reviews his online course, he leans back in his office chair and proficiently navigates between two monitors connected to his PC, each open to show various applications. “It‟s a third of the way through the semester and I have a total 2,170 posts,” he says as he reviews the online discussion component on Blackboard. Students have to expect that they will spend just as much time in an online class, if not more, as an on-campus class, Salahub explains. “There is no „back of the classroom‟ in online classes. You have to participate,” he states. In addition to video and Screencast-o-Matic used in his classes, Salahub records his lectures for student to open as an MP3 file. He

scripts and records each lecture completely separate from his same on-campus course and makes the script and MP3 file available for students. Salahub explains that the textbook as a sole piece of information for the course “is not enough.” One thing that Salahub stresses in reviewing his online course is that content is added semester after semester. He has been building off past experience of 14 years. Salahub started teaching online courses in 1994 at Oregon State University. “We had no idea what we were doing [back then],” he states. He set up his class on a website that his 12 students would refer to throughout the semester, in addition to corresponding through e-mail. In the last eight years alone, enrollment for FRCC‟s online courses has increased from 430 students to 1,160 students, according to Vercauteren. Enrollment numbers include online classes for the Westminister, Brighton, Boulder County and Larimer campuses. Students from any of the four campuses can enroll in either Front Range Community College online classes or Colorado Community College Online classes, or CCCOnline. In the 2007 and 2008 school years, online classes made up almost 18 percent of student enrollment, according to Vercauteren. This percentage includes Front Range Community Colleges and CCCOnline classes. However, from that number, 65 percent of students enrolled in Front Range online classes, and the remaining 35 percent were enrolled in CCCOnline classes. Vercauteren explains that the difference between students taking a course through the FRCC online and CCCOnline is that the courses are taught by current or former Front Range faculty, and that they possess a “personal touch” which allows the students easier accessibility to faculty throughout the semester. CCCOnline also doesn‟t proctor any exams through the on-campus Testing Center. Vercauteren is instituting technology on a college-wide scale that would assist students taking online classes through FRCC. One recent application is the Blackboard Vista Help Desk that is available to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students can receive technical assistance by phone, submit an e-mail, chat with a support team member or view self-help articles. Vercauteren is also piloting a new service with an English and biology class called SMARTHINKING. The service would allow students to access to online tutors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service also gives (Continued on page 9)

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S CHOLARS ’ S QUARE T IED TO THE L AND : B ARB P AT TERSON BY

J EREMIE S CHATZ , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

It can be quite the task tracking down the program director and lead faculty of the Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resource Program at Front Range‟s Larimer campus. Barb Patterson is a busy woman with a gaggle of students, work-study employees, and fellow instructors trying to track her down for a moment of her time.

Association for Environmental Education, and I‟m presenting at a conference in Reno, Nevada in November for the Society of American Foresters.” SAF is an organization founded in 1900 that, according to their Web site, “has provided access to information and networking opportunities to prepare members for the challenges and the changes that face natural resource professionals.”

Not one to limit herself to only teaching others, Patterson has been furthering her own education and academic involvement with the near completion of a Ph.D. from Colorado State University. She received a grant from the National Science Foundation for achievement-gap research which “minimizes the achievement gap in science for…low socio-economic class Patterson‟s small office, complete with plaque-mounted fish Mexican-Americans.” Achievement gap research deals with the and various preserved animals, was buzzing with activity and comparison in the rates of learning between different groups of students overflowing into the hallway. The students, especially groups of differing small crowd had dissipated and only a lone status, ethnic background, work-study student remained as she re“We abuse land because we socio-economic and gender. The program is a collaboration turned from a meeting. As she settled on regard it as a commodity between Oregon, Montana and Colorado, the grass in the shade of a tree outside of belonging to us. When we and Patterson‟s research stems from Red Cloud Peak, she plucked a leaf and, similar work she did on Native American rubbing it between her fingers, proclaimed, see land as a community to reservations. “I‟m transferring my research which we belong, we may “Fraxinus Pennsylvanica, green ash.” from Indian reservations to Mexicanbegin to use it with love and Americans because it is the largest Patterson, born in Wisconsin in 1957, is passionate about conservation. “I grew respect." achievement gap in the nation,” says ~Aldo Leopold up near a wildlife reserve where my dad Patterson. would take me hunting, fishing and campPatterson‟s favorite aspect of her work at ing, and I fell in love with the outdoors,” FRCC is hands-on experiential learning. This teaching methodshe says. “I have a very strong land ethic,” a philosophy ology is also emphasized in her Ph.D. research, and forms the conceptualized by environmentalist and ecologist AldoLeopold. basis of the entire Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resource Leopold was a prominent ecologist during the early 1900s who Program that she created. “People have to learn hands-on out wrote: “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and in the field. My dissertation is about how science needs to be land,” and was a strong proponent of conservation education. taught out in the field so [the students] can make connections This passion for the outdoors and the science that fills it is what with the environment,” says Patterson. Patterson has been instilling in students at Front Range for the last 25 years. Patterson‟s At the beginning of her term here at Front Range, Patterson was vigor far outweighs her involved with the Vo-Tech Program, the Horticulture Program, and went on to develop the Fisheries and Forestry Program. “It‟s small stature. After she the best job for me because I created it,” says Patterson. Earlier disclosed that in her career, she taught at a college in Minnesota, and at a high she was born school in Wisconsin. in 1957, she After receiving her bachelor‟s degree in agriculture with an went on to say, emphasis in forestry and horticulture, it wasn‟t a straight shot “I just climbed from school to teaching for Patterson. Showing her dedication to three 14-ers the field of science, she spent six years with the National Forest and bicycled Service working with timber and soils at a research station and over three working with wolves in Minnesota, and with birds at the mountain Minnesota Department of Wildlife. passes…So who cares how There is no such thing as down time for Patterson, who has an old I am?” ® other-worldly amount of energy and a million things going on (See related around her at any given moment. “I volunteer for the Colorado story on Division of Wildlife, I‟m teaching a workshop in two weeks on page 20.) bird education, I‟m involved with the North American

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S CHOLARS ’ S QUARE F OSTER F OLLOWS H IS H EART BY

C HANCE J OHNSON , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Take a closer look at folks at Front Range Community College and you may be surprised at the stories you find. English instructor William Foster is one such individual with a story to tell. This 36-year-old could be profiled on campus as a friendly guy, easy to talk to and always smiling. His laid-back demeanor is immediately evident as he kicked back in his chair and propped up his feet on his office‟s trash can. Foster was born in Denver but lived there only for six months when his family relocated to Maine. Foster‟s father, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, was a criminal defense attorney whose job required the family to move frequently. Foster and his family lived on the East Coast until he was 12. Soon after, he and his family found themselves living in Saudi Arabia. While in this foreign land, he worked with his dad, a master diver, and taught diving. This planted the seed for his future career in teaching. Foster fondly recalls this time in his life as very memorable for having the privilege of being able to immerse himself in other cultures otherwise unfamiliar to him. Not only did the young Foster have the opportunity to better appreciate the Middle Eastern way of life, but by the time he was in high school, he was attending boarding school in Switzerland. In hindsight, Foster finds himself fortunate that he got to experience boarding school, as many children don‟t. At this early stage in his life, Foster had already lived in three different countries, shaping his character all the while.

As Foster claims, he is “so blessed to live in a place where you can do whatever you want.” Since everyone learns differently and at a different pace, Foster says he learns from his students as much as they learn from him. Learning about the constant changes in his field is one challenging aspect of his job that he enjoys. Although Foster enjoys his work a great deal, he also takes it seriously and expresses that it comes first before any other commitments. Foster recalls the beginning of his career and how it was difficult at first to manage his time and get into a routine, balancing his home life and work. He explains that in teaching, much of his work gets taken home with him, but he has since overcome this obstacle. The only other thing that Foster finds frustrating is when he comes across a student that he can not get through to, especially when he is doing all he can to help that individual, such as one-on-one help. Although he is a very busy person because of his dedication to his career, in his free time Foster enjoys several hobbies. He loves his two dogs and cat, which he considers to be his family. He likes to take them along with him on outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and snowshoeing. Reading is something he does for fun, as well as fly-fishing and traveling. Foster also contributes his time volunteering on behalf of Front Range as well as at the Larimer County Humane Society, and values being a good and ethical member of the community. ®

Traveling Man...

After high school, Foster returned to the United States to study at American University in Washington, D.C. With his already extensive background in various cultures, he chose to major in international relations. All this time, he still held closest to his heart his passion for literature and writing. Being one who strongly advocates doing what one loves, Foster decided to couple his love of reading and writing with his love of teaching, and pursue a degree in English Education, and made the move to Colorado State University. After he earned his bachelor‟s degree, he then returned to CSU to earn his master‟s degree in 2004. Shortly thereafter, he began teaching at Front Range where he has happily remained since 2005. Until recently, Foster also worked as an adjunct instructor at CSU teaching English as a Second Language. This was until he began teaching full-time at Front Range. “Follow your heart,” says Foster, who firmly believes that people must do what makes them happiest. He feels that it is his responsibility to share with others what means so much to him. This is what he also considers one of the best parts of his job; having the privilege to be able to share his passion with his English faculty member William Foster grew up in different parts students through classroom interaction. Foster considers himof the United States, as well as in the Middle East and Switzerland. self very fortunate that he is able to have a career doing what Photo by Michelle Motherway he loves.

13

C LUB H UB PTK S ERVES H ONOR BY

WITH

A LEX G OLUBSKI , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Of the many clubs at Front Range Community College, Phi Theta Kappa is the leading honorary society for two-year colleges and includes 50 states of active PTK chapters across the country. The club promotes scholarship opportunities to students and residents of Colorado for colleges all over the world, leadership skills, fellowship, and community services. Phi Theta Kappa originated at Stephens College in Columbia, Miss. in 1918 by the presidents of the Missouri junior colleges for women. The new honorary society was based on an already existing organization, Phi Beta Kappa. With the idea of promoting leadership and educational programs and community service projects, Phi Theta Kappa was built on the same concepts. In 1926, Phi Theta Kappa expanded beyond Missouri, and was recognized in 1929 by the American Association of Community Colleges as the official honor society for two-year colleges. Bonnie Lindsey, the president of Phi Theta Kappa, was elected last April at one of the conventions hosting PTK Honorary Societies from all over the country. This year they plan to have it in Dallas, Texas, where two potential officers will go to represent their club. Last year, Front Range Community College‟s Phi Theta Kappa organization won for Outstanding Officer of the year and the Hallmark Essay Award. Lindsey says that the outstanding officer of last year‟s Phi Theta Kappa club is now a Peace Corps representative in the Republic of Ghana, in West Africa. Lindsey is planning on raising money this year to have some of representatives go to Ghana to help build a library for the young students. Victoria Eisle, faculty advisor of Phi Theta Kappa at FRCC, explains that many children in Ghana haven‟t even seen a book before. (McKELVEY continued from page 15) Front Range also operates with green-approved cleaning products and 96 percent post-consumer recycled toilet paper and paper towels. Front Range Community College is a leading source of green initiative and energy conservation. McKelvey encourages all students to become a little more conscious everyday. “In order to save our planet, we must become better at sacrificing a little comfort for conservation; even just one thing a day can really make a difference!” ®

Peace Corps Representative Katrina Rueschhoff hopes to raise enough money for the children going to school in Ghana. Lindsey has been in contact with Rueschoff and is trying to organize fundraisers for representatives from Phi Theta Kappa to visit Ghana next year to help build the library. “The biggest project we are organizing this year is Ghana,” Lindsey says. She hopes to be able to go over there next year to help former PTK member Rueschhoff to teach English at the local school. Along with other projects this year, Lindsey says that it is possible to still save money for the Ghana project by some time next year. PTK is also planning their monthly food drive for this November, along with other activities in Colorado such as hosting a campus debate on Front Range issues, making a Homecoming float, and putting on a Math Department craft fair. Phi Theta Kappa also has over $35 million worth of scholarships each year for students in need. Students at FRCC and other schools can participate in Phi Theta Kappa projects and fundraisers. “It is important to get involved,” Lindsey says. Eisle helps Lindsey and other members incorporate more students in the club‟s promoting of projects and activities. Eisle started as the advisor for Phi Theta Kappa in the spring of 2007, and helps coordinate activities and fundraisers. Lindsey and Eisle are both working on budgeting and finding fundraiser projects to help get money for the Ghana project next year. Later on this semester, they are planning to sell pastries to raise money. Phi Theta Kappa volunteer members also sell goods at the CSU football games to go towards the fund. PTK is looking for more people to join to help their causes, and there is no limitation to how many students can join. To meet their requirements, students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and maintain a 3.2 throughout the year, with 12 credits. Members must pay the joining fee, depending on the level of membership. The student must meet all of the requirements, have an outstanding achievement at their school, and pay the joining fee. Students can join at any time during the school year. Members meet every other Monday at 3:30 p.m. in Longs Peak Student Center. ® G ET Y OUR G REEN O N : www.resourceyard.org www.hagemanearthcycle.com www.goodwill.org www.arcthrift.com www.savers.com http://fortcollins.craigslist.org

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14

C LUB H UB G ET BY

OFF THE

C OUCH

AND

J OIN SOFA

B RAD M ENEFEE , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

One of the most common flyers seen around campus that seems to be in every hall is for the Students of Fine Arts Club (SOFA). According to the outgoing president and one of SOFA‟s founding members, Wade Rawley, 21, the biggest tasks of the club are advertising and getting people to join. As he put it, “It‟s so hard to get people involved.” Although SOFA helps members hone their skills as artists, it offers them a lot more. Alysha Carmien, 20, an FRCC student and the club‟s newly elected president, said, “[SOFA] helps art students become artists.” A lot of art students learn the skills needed in class and in practice to be artists, but don‟t have the knowledge of the art business to put their skills to use professionally. According to Rawley, the primary objective of SOFA is to provide members with skills that will help them in pursuing careers in art. As president, he wanted the club to be fun but also serve a purpose for the members and not be a waste of time. “I wanted the club to be active,” he said, “because if it‟s not active, people don‟t care.” This is why the club holds activities like artist resume workshops and photography workshops. Karl Dukstein started the club in the spring of 2008 and now co-advises SOFA with Jennie Kiessling Michler, who teaches Art Appreciation and Museum Studies at FRCC. As advisors, they help members learn about portfolio preparation, art resume preparation, and taking images of one‟s artwork. SOFA is an important institution for art students because, before it was started last semester, SOFA’s new president, the art community at FRCC didn‟t Alysha Carmien have a club. It offered members a Photo by Whitney Weber much-needed extracurricular outlet to not just learn about art, but also enjoy art. The efforts made by Rawley could have paid off because “a lot of the founding members stayed involved,” said Carmien. Last May, SOFA held an art show at FRCC called “ARTSlam!” It was a showing in which anyone could just drop their art off with the club and give their information, and it would be displayed in a conference room in the Longs Peak Student Center. When it closed at the end of the day, participants could just pick up their art, so it

was easy for people to be involved and show their artwork. It was well attended and SOFA got a lot of positive feedback from students. People commented that they wanted to see more student art shows like that around campus. Kiessling Michler thinks that they will hold another ARTSlam! in May this year. She said, “It‟s a great end-of-the-year event.” “ARTSlam! was the defining project of the club,” said Rawley. One of Rawley‟s plans for this year is to do an art show in which artists could donate their art and it would then be sold as a fundraiser for SOFA. Raising funds is one of the problems the club sometimes faces because some of the art supplies for workshops can be expensive. Although SOFA can be useful and educational, it isn‟t just about work. There is an event in Fort Collins called the First Friday Art Walk in which galleries stay open until 9:00 p.m. and are free to visit. A lot of communities around the country do events like this on the first Friday of the month. One of the mainstays of the club has been visiting galleries in the area on some of these occasions. Some of the galleries they have visited here in Fort Collins are the Colorado Coalition of Artists (CoCOA) and the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art (FCMOCA). Kiessling Michler said, “It‟s good for students to experience gallery culture.” Last year, SOFA met almost every Friday. Kiessling Michler doubts they will be meeting that frequently this year. According to her, it was too overwhelming for some of the club members trying to meet that often, plus it‟s nearly impossible to get everyone to meet every Friday afternoon. Because it‟s so early in the school year, there isn‟t a set meeting time this semester, but after the Oct. 3 elections, that should change. SOFA hasn‟t been around for two full semesters yet, so expansion is not only welcome but necessary. Rawley explained that even though they try and plan it so that meetings work with members‟ schedules, only a fraction of the people can show up for most meetings, so overcrowding isn‟t a problem. Although most of what the club has done so far has been oriented around the visual arts, Kiessling Michler wanted to make it clear that it isn‟t just for visual art students. The “fine arts” include any art form developed for aesthetics, so the club is open to students interested in music and other art forms. Anyone interested in the arts can join SOFA at any time. Students interested in joining or just checking out a meeting can contact Kiessling Michler at 226-2500, extension 2446.

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15

C AMPUS W ELLNESS T HE G REEN M AN BY

E MILY S EVERANCE , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Do you consider yourself environmentally friendly? Do you make a conscious effort every week to recycle your pop cans or turn off lights before leaving the house? Being environmentally aware is becoming more and more important every day. Scott McKelvey, director of Facility Services at FRCC, makes sure that does happen everyday, helping our college campus become greener. McKelvey, 40, is from Orange County, Calif., and has lived in Colorado for seven years. He graduated from BOMI with a certificate as a Facilities Management Administrator. BOMI, which stands for Building Owners and Managers Institute International, is an online school much like the University of Phoenix. Located in Annapolis, Md., this program teaches and trains property and facilities management. After completing his training, McKelvey was the facilities director at the Marriott Hotel in Fort Collins. When asked to re-locate, McKelvey turned down the offer and found an open position at Front Range. The McKelvey family felt very much at home in Colorado and did not want to move. “I was very lucky to find something in this area,” McKelvey commented. This is his second year on staff at Front Range. He also assists the Serve on Safety Committee through the Dean of Students. Outside of Front Range, McKelvey loves spending time with his family, wife Ara and two sons, Travis and Kieran. The family‟s favorite activity is going snowboarding or skiing together. McKelvey is actively involved on the Climate Wise Committee of Fort Collins, as well. Climate Wise, a city-run program, helps local businesses tackle everyday challenges that affect quality of life. Their main goals include promoting waste reduction, energy savings, alternative transportation, and water conservation with the goal to lower greenhouse gas emissions that threaten our future. When asked to elaborate on his job title, McKelvey stifled a chuckle and explained what he does here at FRCC. His duties are mostly administrative, but McKelvey and his team are in charge of repair and maintenance, painting, electricity, power, landscaping…essentially everything needed to make a campus run smoothly. Among his team are Julie Wilson, Steve Zialpando and Jim Walsh. Have you noticed the addition to the campus bookstore or the new asphalt in the parking lots? These are just a few of the many projects this department has accomplished. Upcoming plans include a new addition to the science wing in Challenger Point, and installation of a computerized energy managements system. EMS is a control system allowing access to each building‟s heating, air-conditioning and ventilation. This program will allow localized control over the entire campus. Other

Scott McKelvey, director of Facilities Services, works at FRCC and with the Fort Collins community to advance green initiatives. Photo by Miranda Baker developments include a high-tech camera security system and exterior lock system. Though these things seem to be daily operations, McKelvey says, “The most rewarding part of my job is when someone says „thank you.‟ Compliments from students, staff and the community really make it worthwhile.” So, how exactly does FRCC stack up with the rest of the world in green initiatives and energy conservation? Our recycling system is through a third-party company called Waste-Not Recycling. You may have noticed the white recycle bins placed throughout campus. Waste-Not collects once a week and fits needs based on what is being recycled. For example, if one week there is an abundance of plastic bottles, they will send more boxes for that. As for cardboard waste, McKelvey says that operation has been a big success. Each department is utilizing these Dumpsters, resulting in less garbage. Another big success is the garbage system. The company in charge has provided FRCC with bigger containers, thus resulting in 40 percent fewer trips for the garbage trucks to make. Instead of coming once a day, the trucks are coming three times a week. As for lighting and electricity, McKelvey was proud to announce that every building at Front Range is equipped with T8 energy-efficient light bulbs. These bulbs only use a third of the energy compared to regular fluorescent lighting. As for heating and air-conditioning, FRCC abides by a program called Cool Biz. Adopted in Japan, Cool Biz encourages companies to raise the air-conditioning thermostat, resulting in carbon emission reduction. As for water consumption, FRCC uses automatic, low-flow toilets and waterless urinals. The irrigation system is advanced in that it adjusts to moisture in the ground to signal when to irrigate the grass and flowers. That way, sprinklers aren‟t left on for hours wasting water. (Continued on page 13)

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C AMPUS W ELLNESS Reiki uses both hands-on and hands-off techniques to offer or to enhance energy that already exists in you and the universe. In a typical Reiki session, the client will lie down on a massage BY A LEX H UMMEL , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER table and the practitioner will use his or her hands above the person to channel energy into and around the client‟s body. The energy is used as willed by the client‟s body, and most clients Here at Front Range, class selections are getting broader every say that they feel some sort of sensation, ranging from hot to day, and alternative healing methods are getting more popular and cold, electrical buzz, to calm and tranquility. even getting their own major, such as the Holistic Health Program. Denise Proulx, age 50, is a part-time holistic health program inProulx explained why energy is important and said, “Energy is structor here at FRCC. Proulx teaches three classes available to what the universe is made of…It‟s what animates the body and students at Front Range Community College: Reiki Massage, what leaves you when you die, also known as the spirit.” Crystal and Mineral Usage, and Stress Management. Proulx continued, “Everyone has the potential to heal [balance] themselves.” Proulx illuminated what Reiki means to her as With a registered nursing- bachelor‟s degree (RN) from Michigan simply, “To know Reiki is to be free of victimization of one‟s State University, she stumbled upon holistic health. As a nurse, own body.” Stress and bad energy is like a dam of one‟s own Proulx had terrible headaches after work, and a colleague asked energy and Reiki is the release of that dam. Proulx illustrated her to take off her shoes. Stunned at this request, she did and that a key lesson from Reiki is that, “Feeling is believing… proceeded to receive an acupuncture massage, which, conseOnce you feel it, then you know.” quently, relieved her headache. She exclaimed, “It couldn‟t be magic.” Shortly after that, she took some classes on energy work, As far as a scientific explanation for the power of Reiki goes, they sparked her interest, especially after having worked on her there are some still being developed; however, nothing is a infant children and seeing drastic and positive results. Since her proven fact. In Proulx‟s Reiki class, she shows a video children were too young to know what Reiki is, she could see them demonstrating an energy and frequency correlation. This video reacting and had to research more in depth. “It took two and a half can be found under the YouTube query “Vibration Creates years to unlearn what I had just learned in nursing school.” she Form.” As far as scientific explanations go, the research done said. She got her first holistic degree in 1987 and now, over 20 by scientists is still going on today. Research includes years later, is a teacher of holistic health. cymatics, and kirlan photography [biomagnetic fields] which are sciences in themselves but can relate wholly to holistic A popular holistic class Proulx teaches is Reiki Massage. Reiki health and energy work. dates back as far as 630 B.C. in Tibet and is energy work based on a Japanese technique learned by Mikao Usui, a Chi Gong master. Proulx stated, “Everyone should know something. They should He developed these healing exercises after a 21-day fast in a know something to heal themselves…Give a man a fish, he Tibetan monastery. Usui taught many students and eventually, in eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he feeds his village.” 1936, Reiki spread to America by means of Hawayo Takata, a Holistic health is spreading fast in today‟s society and Proulx student of Usui‟s teachings. said holistic healing can be beneficial to “everyone: cat, dog, “Rieki can be defined as spiritually guided life energy,” Proulx and plants, anything with life force.” Proulx also owns her own continued. The word Reiki comes from “God consciousness business that she runs out of her home called Wholistic Health called „rei‟ that guided the life energy called „ki,‟ in the practice Options, specializing in Reiki, Jin Shin, Therapeutic Touch, we call Reiki.” Proulx described Reiki as “fine-tuning your radio and Nutritional Supplements, all dealing with energy work and [body] to a different frequency” and increasing your power to heal healing the body. ® yourself.

H EALING T HYSELF

B E O UR G UEST I NDEPENDENT L ENS

BY

K ATHRYN D OKTER , G UEST C OLUMNIST

As a photographer, I desire to capture on film what others might not see. As one of the contributing photographers for the DNC photo exhibit currently on display in the LPSC‟s Study Art Lounge, I want to share my experience at the DNC at Invesco Field. Leading up to the convention, I was intrigued by what I perceived to be an overly extravagant event about to take place for the first time in 100 years in Denver. The manpower, the security, closing I-25, Greek columns…What was this all about? I took this historic opportunity to observe what made up the Democratic supporters and others attending the convention. I was careful not to distort or promote any particular view. Rather, I strove to understand the people who are so excited about a man we know very little about, a virtual unknown coming up through the ranks. What does he really stand for? Where is the massive amount of financial support coming from? What I saw was hope and excitement about a charismatic personality, an “idea” – an idea that this man will “save” America. At the same time, I felt frustrated about the limitations that were placed on me as a photographer. Why was I stopped from photographing past certain barriers? Why were photographers allowed to use only 70 mm lenses and shorter? Why was no one other (next page)

17

M EDIUM C OOL S ET TING BY

THE

S TAGE

M ATT E TTER , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER

Along with every instructor who walks through the campus here at FRCC comes an interesting story. Among the packs of students and faculty here on campus stands John Hill, a theatre instructor. Hill, with his beard and glasses, and wearing jeans and a collared shirt, looks casual, approachable and friendly. His office is simple and organized, with a couple of posters on the wall.

has used McCabe's work in the past, and is planning on using it again in the future. Along with being the director of the Front Range Family Theatre Program, Hill is an officer for a National Theatre Program sponsored by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. The KCACTF is a program designed to support, encourage and develop theatre. This program also

Now teaching in his first full time semester, John Hill has been trying to bring excitement and fun to the campus of FRCC for over ten years now with the variety of plays over the years. Since the spring of 1998, Hill had been an adjunct instructor at FRCC, and is looking forward to teaching full-time. After growing up in a theatre family in which both parents were involved in theatre, Hill always knew has was going to be in theatre. He has his B.A. in theatre performance and a minor in vocal performance. After going to graduate school, Hill earned his Master of Fine Arts, with a concentration in theatre and costume design. “Like 99 percent of the people in theatre, I wanted to become an actor,” Hill said, smiling. Before coming to FRCC, Hill said he loved his job as the costume shop manager at CSU. Now that Hill is a full-time member of the faculty at FRCC, he has big plans for the future of the FRCC theatre program. One of the things that Hill is most excited about is a production that he has been working on that is called “Paint Box,” a children‟s production that will focus on literacy, and reading and writing skills. “Paint Box” will be feature a small group of actors who will go around to public elementary schools in the Fort Collins area and put on the shows for kids. Hill described it as a “props-in-a-trunk” type of play. He plans to use three actors in these performances, and hand puppets, if more characters are needed. PowerPoint presentations are also used during the plays so it is easier for kids to follow along. Over the past five years, FRCC has been putting on a theatre program during the summer on the FRCC campus called the Front Range Family Theatre Project. This theatre program is put on by the students and faculty of FRCC and is open to the public. Over the past five years in the FRCC plaza, over 12,000 people have come to watch these summer performances. The performances during this summer program are mainly for kids but are open to everyone. This Halloween, Hill and the FRCC theatre program will be performing the classic play “Dracula” at the Bas Bleu Theatre. Hill is looking forward to the play but says that it is hard to deliver these types of performances because of the lack of space to perform on campus. FRCC does not have a theatre on campus, so Hill usually rents theatre space for all of the plays that he is involved in at FRCC. Last semester, Hill and the students performed their rendition of “The Wizard of Oz.” A friend of Hill‟s named Tom McCabe wrote this particular version of “The Wizard of Oz.” Hill likes to use McCabe‟s work because it is a chance to share his friend‟s work with a new audience. Hill

John Hill’s students apply stage makeup during one of his theater classes. Photo by Michelle Motherway gives scholarships to students from colleges across to country and sponsors theatre festivals every January and February. After every festival, one student is selected from each of the eight national regions. Last year, a student from FRCC was selected to go to the National Critics Institute in Washington, D.C. The next time that you see a flyer for a play being put on by the FRCC students, think of John Hill and the theatre program. ® (INDEPENDENT LENS continued from previous page) than registered Democrats able to get passes to the event? And why did the DNC set up the “Freedom Cage” to keep protesters away from the delegates? The DNC painted a pretty picture, giving the homeless haircuts and bus passes to remove them from the stage they desired to portray. To me, this was not free speech, but controlled propaganda. All these things limited me as a photographer, so I was content to photograph “From the Edge” – of the “Pink Ladies” who travel from event to event, of the police officers there to protect, of the homeless man with a nice haircut, and of the street preacher who wanted to show that no one man will “save” America. ® Kathryn Dokter describes herself as a“non-traditional, secondyear photography student pursuing my passion to make great pictures.” See her photo on page 9.

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M EDIUM C OOL how to move on. A man with a guitar passed her and she asked him if he knew what was going on. He explained that he wasn‟t allowed in due to his instrument and its carrying case and the BY E VAN B ROWN , R ANGEVIEW R EPORTER fact that he only had a vendor‟s pass, which he gave her. Weber had to retrace her steps to another second level security checkThe Democratic National Convention was held in Denver from point. She was able to make it through the second and third Aug. 25 through 28. History was being made as Sen. Barack checkpoints by flashing the pass while never stopping. Obama accepted the Democratic Party‟s nomination for president Eventually, she made it to the fourth and final checkpoint and, of the United States. One Front Range instructor and three before she knew it, she was in. intrepid photography students were on the scene to capture the Inside, she had to keep moving to stay away from the younger day with their hungry eyes and cameras. One in particular was volunteers who were “hassling everyone” within arm‟s reach bold enough to sneak inside the convention and capture images and to get that perfect shot. At the heart of the convention, and events that she will hold dear for the rest of her life. Weber was greeted by a surreal scene. As the speakers for the Whitney Weber is a sophomore at FRCC, working towards her party talked, they were greeted by a huge and enthusiastic Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis on photography. The crowd, many of whom were yelling, screaming and stomping. day of the convention, she was equipped with two cameras – a As she moved around the stadium, she caught all of this in her digital SLR that would plague her all day with faulty batteries, photos. and a 35 mm SLR with a 70 mm lens. She spent the day outside Then Obama came to the podium. Whitney grabbed two shots and around the city shooting nearly 300 photographs of the of the presidential nominee, one from the front and to the left of supporters and protesters who had gathered for the occasion. the senator as he spoke, and the other from behind. Both picHowever, shooting the crowd outside was not enough. Weber wanted inside; she wanted her finger on the pulse of the historic tures “invoke the feeling of the crowd.” Weber‟s photo of the day.

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After taking the light rail that runs through Denver, Weber and the other two photographers from FRCC, Michelle Motherway and Kathryn Dokter, camped out near the first security checkpoint around Invesco Field. There, Weber joined a group of ladies passing through the checkpoint and moved onto the next checkpoint. She hung around for a few moments, trying to figure out

B ALLOT M EASURES W ITHDRAWN DENVER (Oct. 2) – Secretary of State Mike Coffman confirmed that Amendments 53, 55, 56 and 57 will be withdrawn from the General Election ballot as requested by the initiatives‟ proponents. The amendments withdrawn are: Amendment 53: Liabilities of business entities and their executive officials – criminal liability; Amendment 55: Just cause for employee discharge or suspension; Amendment 56: Employer responsibility for health insurance; and Amendment 57: Safe workplace. Although the ballots have already been printed, the results of the measures will not be tallied, pursuant to C.R.S. 1-40-134.

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“People for Change” by Whitney Weber crowd, “People for Change,” was an attempt to “capture the essence of the Democratic National Convention, the energy, the atmosphere.” The other, “Behind Obama,” captured “this serious historical event that is occurring and the position of the crowd at the DNC.” As the speech reached its midpoint, Weber left the heart of the event and made her way to greater Denver once again. She hopped on the light rail as the speech ended. As the fireworks exploded at the end of Obama‟s words, she could only watch the city from the station. The photograph she took of the crowds and the presidential nominee at the Democratic National Convention hang inside the LPSC‟s Study Art Lounge. Weber‟s photographs, as well as work by Dukstein, Motherway and Dokter, will hang there until Oct 20. ®

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political activists.

I have had countless encounters with voters who are familiar and knowledgeable about the candidates‟ policies and issues. Some have settled on a vote, and others are still undecided and waiting until the final speeches. But then I have overheard classmates here In 12 days, I will be voting in my first presidential election! I am at Front Range who admit they don‟t even know who is running or stoked to walk into CSU‟s Lory Student Center and cast my ballot what the issues are. My own roommate is not planning to vote because she can‟t decide how to vote. Spending five minutes on for the eloquent gentleman who I think will guide each candidates‟ Web sites and reading our country into a promising future. about issues that will affect you, and then Early voting starts Oct. 20 until the end of the deciding who has the better outlook, is month. Students for Obama are encouraging everysimple. Why would any American dismiss one to vote early, to avoid calling and pestering such a responsibility and privilege to be an procrastinating voters on Election Day. educated voter by Nov. 4? The build-up and hype alone of this election can be I pride myself on being laid back and tameheard and seen daily. Canvassers are out registering tempered when approaching people about people, and the phone calls and emails about their party affiliations. It is a borderline candidates, and the yard signs and paid-for inappropriate question, like asking your campaign commercials are all aspects of the teacher how old she is. But in these election. The message streaming to the people is circumstances, it‟s best to identify those to cast an educated vote. who plan to support Sen. Obama‟s policies and those who don‟t. I am a 20 years old and volunteering for Students for Obama at the CSU campus. Due to the When people ask me why I support magnitude of this election, I felt that helping where Obama, I mention that he seems more in ever seems fitting may help my main man Obama touch with 95 percent of Americans, the become the next president. struggling middle class. I think that his proposed changes and execution style are On the CSU campus and surrounding neighborRangeview reporter and needed, such as his plans to cut taxes for hoods, I have been able to register Republicans, Obama campaign volunteer these 95 percent, addressing discrepancies Democrats and Independents for the election. I Danielle Zimmerer in wages between men and women, and his have gone door to door, passing out mail-in ballots stance on education. According to his Web Photo by Miranda Baker to McCain and Obama supporters. Setting out on site, Obama plans to “make college affordSunday afternoons, I am greeted with slammed able for all Americans by creating a new American Opportunity doors, friendly faces, and undecided voters who answer the Tax Credit. This universal and fully refundable credit will ensure door during commercial breaks of a Broncos game. Feeling that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for unappreciated, praised, welcomed and unwelcomed is what the most Americans, and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at door-to-door is all about. the average public college or university. Recipients of this credit My aim is to register people to vote, seek Obama supporters, ask will be required to conduct 100 hours of public service a year.” for volunteers, and provide undecided voters with information This may seem like a bold initiative, but who can lose by this? and a valuable resource, and we encourage all to watch the Why would any American dismiss such Opportunities to volunteer for the Obama campaign are still available up until the week of televised speeches. a responsibility and privilege to be an Nov. 4. The campaign office is located on Mason educated voter by Nov. 4? A month ago I began to Street behind the Sports Authority on College engage fully in this election Avenue. They open at 8 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. and researched both parties‟ views on various issues. Personally, On Election Day, they want 2,000 volunteers in the office to I am an advocate for social issues, and Obama‟s community partake in festivities, call pending voters, and be moral support outreach experience instills faith in me that he will work hard for for the campaign. the citizens. “Enough is enough. I don‟t care what they say about me, but I Students for Obama assemble on debate nights for viewing love this country too much to let them take over another election parties. During the vice presidential debates, we made posters for with lies and phony outrage and swift vote politics. Enough is upcoming events and corrected flyer information. We filled a enough!” Barack Obama delivered these words in response to living room with 13 politically aware college students who were Sen. McCain‟s desire to postpone the first presidential debate. all critically watching the vice presidential hopefuls, and listening I would say don‟t vote if you‟re not interested in global warming, for truthfulness and words of wisdom while the candidates gun control, the war on terror, the economy, education, poverty, discussed and defended their policies and plans. global genocides, health care, gas prices, Social Security, the war Volunteering with this campaign has been such an awesome on drugs, affirmative action, genetic engineering, welfare or experience. Students for Obama hosted Eva Longoria Parker, abortion rights. The future is in your vote, Oct. 20 through Kal Penn and Adam Rodriguez to come talk for free at the CSU Oct. 31, or on Nov. 4. With such a historic election upon us, you campus to stress the importance of the minority vote and the must exercise the most crucial civic duty: voting. ® youth vote. It was inspiring to get to hear from Hollywood‟s BY D ANIELLE S PECIAL TO T HE

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Waking up to howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) calling in the distance, taking stunningly beautiful boat rides down the Tambopata River, and exploring ancient Incan cities are some of the amazing thing I got to experience in my trip to Peru this past June. The trip was part of a Tropical Ecology class offered at Front Range Community College. Two teachers, Barbara Patterson, the natural resources instructor, and Chris Romero, a biology instructor, planed the trip for 16 students, including myself. The trip was arranged through the Holbrook Science Foundation, Rainforest Expeditions, and Inca Nature Travel.

The ancient Incan city of Macchu Picchu sits high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Photo by Chris Romero

The trip was a perfect mix of biology, botany and anthropology, as well as a great opportunity to participate in a service-learning project in the remote village of Inferno.

After a few flights within the country, we arrived in Porto Maldonado where we boarded a boat that took us up river to the Posada Amazonas Lodge. Along the way we saw white Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) basking on the shore, and hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) calling from the trees. We were all expecting rugged accommodations, but were pleasantly surprised to find a giant wooden lodge with just about everything you would expect from a high quality hotel, but deep within the jungle. Our first day included a hike through the jungle to a canopy tower where one of our guides, Augusto, taught us about the many different adaptations that the plants and animals of the jungle use. The next day we visited the local village of Inferno. There we had a rare chance to talk with the, elected, president of the community and learn about inner workings of the village. After that we were invited to play a friendly game of soccer with the local team. Of course, they won. I blame the heat, but it was more than likely their superior skill. This was only beginning of our adventure. In the following days, we also toured a medicinal plant farm, observed a clay lick used by macaws (Ara spp.), and even got the unique opportunity to watch giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) fish. And each day after our dinner, our guides would present different lectures about topics ranging from macaw conservation to the history of the lodges. A trip to Peru wouldn't be complete with out visiting a few Incan ruins. The two we visited were the famous city of Machu Picchu and the ruins of Ollaytambo. We traveled by train through the Sacred Valley, which is at the center of the ancient Incan empire, to the city of Aquis Calientes. From there we took a bus up a mountain trail to the Machu Picchu site. As we rounded a corner, we caught sight of the breath-taking city sitting atop a mountain. Elga, our tour guide, lead us through ruins and taught us about the history of the world-famous site. Some of the other students chose to hike up Wayna Picchu, the mountain peak that rises out of the city. It was a beautiful and life- changing experience. ®

Scot Sharp is studying natural resources at FRCC. The 26-year-old hopes to transfer to a four-year school to pursue a degree in wildlife biology. L OOK FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE BEFORE T HANKSGIVING B REAK , AND WATCH FOR FLYERS ANNOUNCING FREELANCE DEADLINES .

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