The Vancougar: February 9, 2009

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A Trip to Israel Part one of WSU-V student Byron Nalos’ month long back-packing trip through Israel

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Washington State University Vancouver

The Man Behind the Events

From the President Student Elections are coming up; short descriptions of job duties available

Neil Gregory reveals what it’s really like to plan the recreation activities

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February 9, 2009

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Issue 11

Scholarship Assistance Tips on how to make paying tuition less painful; techniques for earning the scholarships you apply for

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www.vancougar.com

Board of Regents meet at WSU Vancouver President Floyd reports on major financial cutbacks

Governor Gregoire proposed that WSU take a 12% budget cut ($31 million). Meanwhile, the Senate has suggested that the budget should receive an 18% By Jake Kleinschmidt bi-annual reduction in the WSU budget. The VanCougar Over 2 years, $94 million would be Imagine a group of tribes during cut. The House has not spoken on the a time of hardship on their lands, the issue of WSU budget cutting. chiefs and leaders of all the tribes Gregoire has been cutting WSU’s conglomerating together in one great budget since October. The Governor meeting to discuss what they are going had WSU return $10.47 million to do to survive the rainy season. That during that month, and President is basically quintessential of what Floyd had 66% of the “10.5” come the main focus was at the board of out of administration. Floyd said that regents meeting of the 29th and 30th his office can now be seen with a of January. bell labeled “Please ring if you need The meeting contained a review assistance.” of the activities and funding that WSU has been conducting was provided from different groups. “exercises” on the possible situations Remarkably our largest amount of funds that could come was given to us with fiscally from Europe “Even during these difficult rout esponsible totalling o u t c o m e s $ 5 0 , 2 2 6 , 0 0 0 . financial times, WSU will not and a careful Though WSU compromise the quality of assessment of has received the potential education you receive.” support and is consequences requesting aid could be of that decision. In the from the stimulus package, it is likely meantime, a hiring freeze has been that WSU will have to make some enacted stopping the hiring of any adjustments for upcoming budget faculty; however it was pressed that cuts. they are committed to maintaining There have been two or three current enrollment and employment. possible budget cuts that WSU will During their study of the budget have to find a way to compensate for. they launched a web page where people

could give their suggestions on potential solutions for the budget cuts. Out of about 500 recommendations they took the top 10 and researched their possible outcomes. The Board of Regents greatly emphasized that all precautions are research and experimentation, that neither the 12% or 18% budget cuts are solid numbers and that any real President Floyd headed the Regents meeting on January 29 and 30. numbers are still during these difficult financial times, up in the air. Later in the meeting, ASWSUV WSU will not compromise the quality President Peter Sterr present the status of education you receive” said Floyd. of WSU-V’s development. Sterr stated There is a commitment made to that the campus is experiencing rapid sustaining regular programs, and to growth and the culture of WSU-V is ensure current plans are fulfilled, expanding. Representation of student according to Floyd. In essence, we don’t know anything interests is a “fundamental duty of for certain. However we can rest elected officials” said Sterr. The focus overall was the empowerment of assured that they have put diligent time and effort into preventing any students. The VanCougar had a chance to impact the students will feel from the speak with President Floyd. “Even budget cuts.

“Undercats” competing in national sales competition Three WSU-V students head to national competition

you can’t even imagine,” and must be overcome in a very specific way. “Three rounds, and it gets more By Michael Hatch intense as you go,” says Castaneda, ManagIng eDITor “and the first round will really just be On February 26, students from an elimination. I have a feeling all three across North America will test their of us will make it past the first round.” Throughout the role play, judges selling skills in one-on-one role play will take note of any faults in the challenges. A three-day event hosted competitors procedure. by The Center for Professional Selling WSU-V won first and second place in Atlanta, the National Collegiate Sales Competition (NCSC) brings at the 2007 NCSC. “We snatched [the together the best college-level sales trophy] out from beneath the noses of and business students to participate all these ivy league schools,” Castaneda in three mock sales call rounds. Each says. “Washington State University competitor acts as a representative for a Vancouver, of all places; not even the real-world company, attempting to sell Pullman campus.” “This year it’s even more against the product to, or at least get a second us, so we’re really going in as the appointment with, the buyer. After two qualifier competitions, undercats,” Castaneda says, noting that Chris Plouffe, Washington State who previously University this “If [the professors at WSU-V] acted as coach year is sending WSU-V three students to ever initially got into teaching for competitors in the the competition, NCSC, has left with the idea of changing all of which are WSU. Plouffe, he from WSU-V: someone’s life, they have says, “knew this Bobby Castaneda thing inside and done so for me.” and Jonathan out, and is very Tharp for the competitive.” undergraduate division and Jason West Chuck Pickett is now acting as their for the graduate division. coach and, according to Castaneda, “is “It’s all role play but it’s an intense quickly making himself familiar with competition.” says Castaneda, who everything.” took first place at the WSU Qualifier This year, competitors must learn on December 5. “You only have 20 about and try to sell a data management minutes to have some sort of success.” software suite from one of the During each round, the competitor competition’s prominent sponsors, Net is given the objective to identify three needs and to overcome three objections Suite. “We have to learn the product; their buyer has. These “road blocks,” not completely, but we have to know according to Castaneda, can be anything enough,” says Castaneda, “so not being “from age to expertise to price to things

NCSC competitors Jonathan Tharp, Jason West, Chuck Pickett (their coach), and Bobby Castaneda

software people, none of us, it’s a little intimidating to sell this product.” A major reason for enthusiasm surrounding the NCSC, Castaneda says, is the number of big-name sponsors it has. Last year’s competition attracted sponsors such as Liberty Mutual, State Farm Insurance, AT&T, Hewlett-Packard, Verizon, and UPS. “They’re volunteering their time just for the opportunity to meet us,” he says. “but more importantly, they are genuinely and really making a difference in their community.” “The big cats are going to be there. They’re going to be judging

very tightly and they’re going to be pulling out all the stops to try and get us to stumble,” says Castaneda. “There are a number of schools that are being turned away because the competition is completely full.” Recalling winning first place at the WSU qualifier, Castaneda expressed his gratitude to his professors at WSU-V. “If they ever initially got into teaching with the idea of changing someone’s life they have done so for me, and I thank them for that. I was completely hopeless. Nobody would hire me. I didn’t have the right degree; and now, I am more hopeful than I have ever been.”

The VanCougar

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EDITORIAL

The VanCougar www.vancougar.com

The VanCougar is a student-run newspaper serving the students, faculty and staff of WSU Vancouver. Copies of The VanCougar are available, free of charge, every other Monday during the school year.

START ReAdy foR chAllengeS.

Editor-in-Chief Katie Wells Managing Editor Michael Hatch Advisor Dean Baker

START TAKing on chAllengeS. START STAnding ApART pART. pART ART.

Assistant Editor Collin Rickman Copy Editor Kati Hughes Arts & Culture Editor Jake Kleinschmidt Sports & Rec Editor Erik Cummings

START ReAdy foR leAdeRShip.

Ad Manager Dan Rauchenstein Staff Writers & Photographers Rosann Bartel, Matt Hunter, Louise Wynn, Hannah Walker, Shane Monroe, Danielle Mosier, Isaac Madsen, Matthew Wright, Greg Zschomler, Lori Fischer, Mark Medina, Christina Frye, Matthew South, Charis Jensen, Perry Miller, Adam Fox, Dale Flamm, Joseph Creager, Erik Jutila, Alexandria Denny, Dillon Stiffler, Erik Beaulieu, René Fragall, Eric Eccleston, Spring Atkinson, and Sheryl Kennon

START climbing higheR.

START ReAdy foR The fuTuRe. START TAking chARge.

START STRong.

The VanCougar, VCLS 212 14024 NE Salmon Creek Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686 Phone: (360) 546-9524 Fax: (360) 546-9072

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There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Enroll in the Army ROTC Leader’s Training Course at WSU and you will be ready for life after college. Because when you attend this 4-week leadership development course, you will take on new challenges and adventures. You will also be on course for a career as an Army Officer.

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PAID LEADER TRAINING SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR WSU STUDENTS! COMPLETE THE LEADER'S TRAINING COURSE! EARN A FULL TUITION AND FEES SCHOLARSHIP! CALL 503-943-8059 OR TEXT PILOTS1 TO 76821

We are hiring! We are always hiring. No experience is necessary; we will provide all the training you need in journalistic style, photography, and digital printmaking. E-mail us at [email protected]. edu or visit our office in VCLS 212 for more information. Letters to the Editor We encourage letters to the editor. Please include your full name as part of the letter, and a phone number or email address for confirmation follow-up. Letters must be by a student, faculty, or staff member. Guest Columns & Comics The VanCougar accepts guest columns and comics from current students of WSU Vancouver. Interested students should e-mail us at vancouged@ vancouver.wsu.edu. Corrections policy It is our policy to correct errors. Please contact the editors by e-mail at [email protected]. Advertise with us The VanCougar directly reaches 3,000 students, faculty, and staff at WSU-V. There is no better way to advertise to the Vancouver area university crowd than with us. For more information, advertising rates and policies, please visit vancougar.com or contact our advertising manager.

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“There are two types of speakers” Lewisville Regional Park: it may be old, but it’s still active The other day I woke up after a good seven hours of sleep and noticed that it was extremely sunny outside. I couldn’t stop thinking about the summer and the many hours I’d spend outside swimming and laying in the sun. As the day went on, I started to remember the times when I was younger that I would spend the day down at Lewisville Park with my aunt. Lewisville Regional Park was absolutely amazing when I was little. There was a semi-quick river to swim in, a forest to hike through and acres of bright green grass to play on. There was no place I’d rather be spending

my summer days than Lewisville. Still today, the 79 year old regional park holds many attractions to locals. Located off of Lewisville Highway in Battle Ground, this park features hiking trail, 13 picnic areas, a large swimming hole, a boat launch, tennis courts and a sports field. Lewisville park sits on 154 acres of land which is more than enough to entertain a large group of friends or family. Since the park is open to the public, there are a few rules there. Unleashed pets, horses, fires, camping and alcohol are not allowed. If you’ve never been there before, I highly suggest checking out this site. Activities here could easily fill up an entire hot, summer day; maybe even a warm day in February.

“..those that are nervous and those that are liars.” claimed Mark Twain, and he wasn’t too far off. Public speaking is the number one fear in America, beating fear of death which is ranked number seven. Public speaking is a huge part of the business and academic worlds, and it becomes more and more necessary with every step towards a successful career. Speaking in front of a group of strangers, or confronting any situation that is unfamiliar to us, our animilistic instinct of fight or flight kicks in. It is that feeling of nervousness, however, that can make the difference between keeping your audience engaged and creating the dreaded sea of stares. Nerves are, after all, a

body’s physical response to something that should be cared about. Nervousness can be alleviated by taking the attention off yourself, and focusing on your audience. Unless you are the topic of the presentation, you are just a conduit for information. While this is the most obvious tip, it is also the most commonly unheeded: practice, practice, practice. After understanding that nervousness is caused primarily by being confronted by an unfamiliar situation, the next logical step is to make it a familiar one. Have your presentation ready ahead of time and practice it as you would in front of your audience. Even having a one-person audience will mimic the effects of stage fright enough to desensitize your tendency to want to run off stage.

February 9, 2009

OPINION

The Sluice Box Witness: An Immortal Book for a Mortal Time By Matt Hunter The VanCougar

There are always certain books that gain immortality. Long after the authors have past away, these books survive, as relevant today as the day they were written. Witness by Whittaker Chambers fits this description. First published in 1952, it is a detailed autobiography of a most extraordinary and controversial man. But who was Chambers? Americans came to know him suddenly in 1948 when he was summoned to testify before the House Committee on un-American Activities. His accusation was incredible: Alger Hiss-respected lawyer, bureaucrat, and one of the founders of the United Nations-had been a communist spy during the 30s. Thus began one of the most important and controversial trials in American history-the Hiss Case.

But who really was Chambers? troubled time. It was as part of the Who was this fat, sweaty little man underground that Chambers met who the world in 1948 knew only as Alger Hiss. the senior editor of Time Magazine? However, Chambers came to Born in 1901 to a seemingly normal realize that communism inevitably middle class family, Chambers grew led to totalitarianism. As a member acutely aware that the world was of the underground, he could feel crumbling. As a child, he was aware the earth shake under the foot of of the extremely unhappy marriage Stalin as he stomped all opposition. of his parents, who eventually The book describes how unfaithful separated. He saw the old mores members of the party would of society crumbling as modernity disappear, never to be seen again. overcame them. When he was a young man, “Thus began one of the most his brother committed important and controversial trials suicide, overcome by the in American historymeaninglessness of life. the Hiss Case. “ Chambers joined the American Communist Party in 1925, believing that Chambers determined he would communism might be able to bring break with the underground. some sanity to the world. He married Knowing that he would be killed a member of the Party and became if caught, Chambers and his family a high ranking writer for the Daily disappeared into hiding for some Worker: an American Communist years. He believed that he had paper. He would later be selected left the winning side for the losing to enter the underground in the side, but he felt a duty to fight 30s to collect information about against communism despite the the United States government for consequences. the Soviet Union. Witness reveals Chambers’ reason for writing the sheer number of bureaucrats in Witness was to reveal communism the Federal government that were as he had experienced it. Having involved in espionage during that believed it so fervently for more

weren’t around for the 1980 Mt. Helens eruption, you’ve probably heard about 83 year old Harry Truman, who got his 15 minutes of fame by refusWhat’s your issue? ing to leave his home. He apparently thought the eruption would be a slow By Louise Wynn oozing of lava that would give the NaThe VanCougar tional Guard time to rescue him in a Did you know there’s a volcano (Re- helicopter at the last minute. His body doubt) in Alaska that’s getting ready ended up 150 feet under the current to blow its top? Do you spend much Spirit Lake, along with his pink Cadiltime worrying about this? Maybe you lac and 16 cats. Sometimes I worry that our whole should. In 1990, the last time Redoubt erupted, a passenger jet 150 miles away country is acting like Harry Truman. lost all four engines. The pilots of KLM “No,” we say, “I’ve lived this way for Flight 867 eventually restarted the en- umpteen years, and I haven’t died yet. gines and landed safely. This time, the And anyway there’s plenty of time, and Federal Aviation Administration has somebody’s going to figure out how to issued a temporary flight restriction, save us.” This attitude ranks right up from ground level to 60,000 feet, for a there with “luck” for lameness. But we all do it. Don’t we? Have 10-mile radius around the volcano. But maybe you already worry you ever driven too fast on I-205, late about these kinds of things every time for school or whatever, reasoning that the speed limit is you get on a plane. way lower than Does the “miracu“The whole idea necessary and lous” landing of US of ‘luck’ isn’t very anyway you’ve Air Flight 1549 on the Hudson River reassuring to me.” never had an accident on the way last month make to school before? you feel any less worried about your chances in an in-flight emergency? No? Or decided not to make an appointment Me, neither. An analysis of the landing for a medical checkup because it’s so by another experienced pilot points out expensive and anyway you’re not feelthat the pilots of Flight 1549 were just ing any pain and you’re young and in doing what they had been trained to good enough health? Or reasoned that you would bedo, implying that it was all business as lieve in global warming if someone normal. But then that writer added that would jut present a little more convinc“luck” played a big part. The whole idea of “luck” isn’t very ing evidence? This is what the U.S. has reassuring to me. Good or bad, luck been doing for the past eight years, seems to me the lamest possible expla- in spite of plenty of evidence. And if there’s one way to earn a little bad nation for how anything turns out. So, for instance, in the case of two “luck,” this is surely it. The longer we other volcanic eruptions in fairly re- take to stop the anthropogenic warmcent history, it wasn’t “luck” at all that ing of Earth, the more chance we have saved thousands of lives. (I’m referring of getting crushed in the eruption, of to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Hel- crashing into a Jersey barrier, of findens and the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pi- ing out we have an illness we could natubo in the Philippines.) It was solid have prevented. I’m not saying we should go scientific research and responsive government agencies who warned people around worrying about things we can’t control. There’s plenty we can control, to get out in time. As we know, though, not everyone and plenty we can do. Next time: Some got out who could have. Even if you things we can do.

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than ten years, Chambers saw the real dangers of the ideology. As he points out in the introduction to the book, the ex-communist is very rare-“an index to the power of the vision and the power of the crises.” Ironically, this brave man did not live to see the respect he deserved for his actions. Despite very convincing evidence, the media and the American elite largely sided with Hiss during the trials, branding Chambers as a homosexual and a fraud. It was not until 1995 that coded Russian transcripts from the Cold War revealed that Hiss was passing information to the Kremlin. Witness is more than an autobiography. It is more than an account of a famous trial. It is a moving story of a tragic and wonderful soul. I can assure you that you will not come away from this beautiful book unmoved. In a time when socialism is again on the rise, the memory of the dangers of such systems is even more important. It is vital that we understand why some of the strongest believers in communism rejected it and turned against it so vehemently.

Man on the Street Why did you watch the Super Bowl? By Jake Kleinschmidt The VanCougar

Katie

Spring Atkinson

“Yes part of it, because my boyfriend is interested in it and it’s a good thing to waste time after work.”

“Yes. This year I watched because of the commercials, and Bruce Springsteen. For the most part they were really good; they were really creative this year. I like the one with the potato heads where her mouth flies off in the convertible, that one was really good.”

Biology

DTC

Tanner Smetana Biology

“I did not. If I could watch it I wouldn’t I’m not that big of a sports fan, but I do like pool if that counts.”

Samuel Simpson Computer Science

“No, because I don’t care about football. I don’t really find sports interesting I guess. It’s not something I really want to watch.”

Mealeatey Pel Biology

“Yes, I think that the super bowl is once a year, and it’s a national game and a really big deal so I should participate in it and watch. And also family, its where everybody joins together to enjoy one game. There are really good commercials and the game itself is really enjoyable. At first I didn’t like the game but when I watch, it’s really good, and the thrill of watching people fight each other, they are the best of the best to play, and that’s one of the most important reasons to watch.”

John Staff

“Parts of it, I was in and out because I was doing computer work. Mostly I was watching to see what good advertising was on, and advertising this year wasn’t that great. The game turned out to be pretty good in the second half; I’m not really that big of a fan so I only watch once a year at the super bowl.”

The VanCougar

4

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

ASWSUV elections just around the corner With the national election cycle behind us, it is once again time to think about our campus elections! Each spring, students vote to elect the entire ASWSUV Senate (eleven seats) and the ASWSUV President and Vice President. They also vote on any ASWSUV Constitutional Amendments that may be presented. Voting will take place from 9:00 a.m. on March 10 to 7:30 p.m. on March 12. Please mark this time on your calendar and be sure to turn out to participate in the vote! This is an excellent way to voice your opinion in the student governing of our campus! During the voting period, polling sites will be set up on campus from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voting will also be available 24 hours per day through your MyWSU account. If you have any interest in participating in ASWSUV, I strongly encourage you to run for office. This is an incredible opportunity for you

to initiate the change that you would like to see on our campus, participate in the governance of our student organizations, and truly give back to your school. Lead the way for your fellow students by contributing to ASWSUV! As an ASWSUV Senator, you will be able to represent the wants and needs of the students by crafting legislation, allocating student funds to various projects and organizations, and representing the campus to the community and visiting dignitaries— all while gaining valuable leadership skills. As ASWSUV President or Vice President, you will be a liaison between students and WSU administrators. You will also be responsible for developing the mission and themes of ASWSUV, managing ASWSUV staff, appointing students to various boards and committees within the university, and acting in the best interests of

Having a ball at bowling

Upcoming Events Feb. 10: Valentine’s Day Craft Night 5 - 7 p.m. in the FSC

Feb. 19: Free Bowling

9: 30 p.m. at Crosley Lanes 2400 E. Evergreen Blvd.

Ticket Sales February 10: Ralphie May

Runner-up in Last Comic Standing Show: February 20 at 7 PM (21+)

Feb. 11: Harlem Globetrotters Show: February 21 at 7:30 PM

Announcements ASWSUV Election packets

Due to OSI by 2/13/09 at 3 PM Senate & President/ Vice president

By Greg Zschomler The VanCougar

Eric Davidson, ASWSUV’s activities director, is working hard to make every student activity a complete success. Sometimes it’s hard to get all the details just perfect. Take the ever popular bowling nights as an example. “It’s growing as usual,” said Davidson noting new bowlers continue to come as word spreads. The event’s popularity is a testament to Davidson’s efforts, but he’s still making changes, too. The January 29 bowling night drew over 200 attendees, filling 26 lanes. Davidson didn’t expect such a crowd; he’d contracted for only 150 pairs of shoes. Many lanes had six players and all of them had four or more. Several popular men’s shoe sizes were

unavailable and some players had to bowl in their socks. Davidson said he added five additional lanes for this month’s bowling over the last regular bowling night. In between the two regular bowling events he tried “cosmic bowling”— renting the entire alley. Cosmic Bowling is played under dance club lighting conditions (blacklights, haze, spinning disco lights, etc.) and a blaring music mix. That event was full but much more costly and did not include pizza. Some students, expecting pizza as usual, were disappointed. Others didn’t mind. “I’d rather have the whole place and no pizza,” said Mallory Knutson referring to her experience at Cosmic Bowling. “It was the best,” said Kaylee

the students. This is an incredible opportunity to expand your leadership skills in a professional environment. Candidate packets are available from Pachia Thao in the Office of Student Involvement, located in the Firstenburg Student Commons. They must be submitted to the Elections Board mailbox, also located in the Office of Student Involvement, by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13th. I am happy to answer any questions that you may have concerning the various positions that are available, but please direct any questions about elections to the ASWSUV Elections Board (Melissa Boles, Tiffany Moore, and Shelly Vincent), at [email protected]. GO COUGS! Peter Sterr ASWSUV President

Brown, “and it was cool because it was cosmic.” Brown has been coming to the bowling nights for a while and she said the pizza at this one went fast. “They were gone as soon as they were out,” said Brown. Josh Jonston got one slice of pizza and no soda. “Before someone could walk over they were gone,” said Jonston. “Its going to happen no matter what with free food.” Davidson said he contracted the same sweet deal with the alley as before—20 pizzas and the same amount of soda. “I was surprised at how many more guys there were than girls,” said Davidson. Unlike past bowling events, guys outnumbered gals two to one. There were markedly more freshman participants as well. Davidson said he’d assumed that people had already eaten dinner since the event didn’t begin until 9:30 p.m. and that the food was designed “to be a snack.”

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

February 9, 2009

Newly passed Senate bills Poetry Place Submitted by members of the Salmon Creek Journal

BILL 18.019 ASWSUV

Eighteenth Senate

2008-09 Session

By Senators Chu and Myers 27 January 2009 AN ACT Relating to: The allocation of $2,337.44 (two thousand three hundred thirty-seven dollars and forty-four cents) from the Student Events Pool (6272-0200-03) for Cougars Got Culture to be held on 1-2 April 2009 at 5:00 p.m. BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASWSUV SENATE: Section 1: Catered Food Section 2: Staging and Lighting Section 3: Supplies and Decorations Section 4: Advertising Section 5: Thank You Gift Bags

$1,000.00 $ 734.96 $ 363.48 $ 50.00 $ 225.00

STATEMENT OF FACT: Advertisements will read “Co-sponsored by ASWSUV” in 14-point font or font equal to the average size lettering on the advertisement, for all advertising for the event(s) as required by ASWSUV By-Laws (260.12). All advertisements shall be approved prior to distribution by the ASWSUV Public Relations Director. The Multicultural Event Committee and the International Student Association will bring a night of culture to campus while teaming together to provide leadership opportunities to plan, organize, and execute this event. Performers/ Presenters with diverse backgrounds will share experiences with students, which will provide a chance to experience performing arts on campus.

Fire and Ice by Robert Frost Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favour fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.

5 There is another sky by Emily Dickinson There is another sky, Ever serene and fair, And there is another sunshine, Though it be darkness there; Never mind faded forests, Austin, Never mind silent fields Here is a little forest, Whose leaf is ever green; Here is a brighter garden, Where not a frost has been; In its unfading flowers I hear the bright bee hum: Prithee, my brother, Into my garden come!

Run For Student Government President, Vice President and 11 Senate Positions available for 2009-2010

BILL 18.020 ASWSUV

Eighteenth Senate

2008-09 Session

By Senators Atkinson and Chu 27 January 2009 AN ACT Relating to: The allocation of $900.00 (nine hundred dollars) from the Student Events Pool (6272-0200-03) for Student Leadership Recognition Program to be held on 16 April 2009. BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASWSUV SENATE: Section 1: 125 Student Leader Pins

$900.00

STATEMENT OF FACT: Advertisements will read “Co-sponsored by ASWSUV” in 14-point font or font equal to the average size lettering on the advertisement, for all advertising for the event(s) as required by ASWSUV By-Laws (260.12). All advertisements shall be approved prior to distribution by the ASWSUV Public Relations Director. The 2nd annual Student Leadership Recognition Program will give a small token of thanks to our campus’ student leaders. This event will feature a keynote speaker, recognize involved students, and the disbursement of the new Student Leadership Award.

BILL 18.021 ASWSUV

Eighteenth Senate

2008-09 Session

By Senators Atkinson and Harman 28 January 2009 AN ACT Relating to: The allocation of $725.00 (seven hundred twenty-five dollars) from the Student Events Pool (6272-0200-03) for Oregon Students of Color Conference to be held on 6-8 February 2009. BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASWSUV SENATE: Section 1: 5 Registrations Section 2: 2 Hotel Rooms (2 nights)

$275.00 $450.00

STATEMENT OF FACT: Advertisements will read “Co-sponsored by ASWSUV” in 14-point font or font equal to the average size lettering on the advertisement, for all advertising for the event(s) as required by ASWSUV By-Laws (260.12). All advertisements shall be approved prior to distribution by the ASWSUV Public Relations Director. This is the first time WSU Vancouver students have shown interest in attending OSCC. This event will allow students to further access to education at all levels, build social networks for themselves and the University, and participate in a diversity event held once a year. The students attending the conference will hold a seminar on what they have learned. It should be noted that other funds have been sought through the Diversity Council, and transportation funds have not been requested from ASWSUV.

Turn in your packets in the OSI by February 13th at 3 p.m. Questions contact ASWSUV Elections Board at [email protected]

The VanCougar

Assistance on where to find scholarships and how they will help you with tuition By Kayla Page the VanCougar

Many students are still reeling from the huge hits their bank accounts took after paying tuition. It is likely that the last thing we want to do is decide how to pay tuition next fall. What if it was possible to look ahead to next fall knowing that you won’t have to spend a dime on tuition? April Brimelow, student affairs counselor at WSU-V, has advice for students seeking scholarships to help ease the tuition paying pains. A scholarship is money awarded to students directly through a particular school or by an outside donor. Brimelow says that students need to be disciplined during scholarship season, “the donor sets up their criteria and scholarships application process, including deadlines,” she said, so it is “important to read the application instructions carefully.” WSU-V compiles a list of community scholarships where donors have specifically asked that students be notified. There are many free scholarship searches on the Internet, although, if the site is requesting a fee for the search, it is likely a scam. If the scholarship is genuine there will not be a fee associated with it. The first part of the scholarship search process is finding them. The second step is weeding through the ones that the student does not qualify for. The best time to search is December through

UPCOMING EVENTS The Arts @ WSU Vancouver Who: All WSU Vancouver students who would like to showcase their art or craft When: Event held April 10, 2009 3:30 p.m. What: Local arts and crafts vendors, including community, students, staff and faculty. This event hopes to bring awareness to the community of the campus’ rotating galleries and permanent art pieces. We plan to use this event to raise funds to support the WSU Vancouver Art galleries, DTC Program and Fine Arts department. Contact: Lea Pfau in the office of Development and Alumni relations 360-546-9600 or e-mail [email protected]

CAMPUS NEWS

Earning money the easy way

CAMPUS NEWS

6

April for scholarships that will be awarded out the following fall semester. However, Brimelow urges, students need to be proactive. “Students need to be continually looking for scholarships during this time frame. Don’t just look once.” It is important to understand the qualifications and specifications of the scholarship in order to avoid wasting time applying for a scholarship which the student does not qualify for. There are many different qualifications a donor might consider before awarding a scholarship. Typically scholarships are divided into the following categories: special talents or qualifications (academic, leadership, athletic, or artistic), group affiliation (students and/or parents belonging to clubs, groups, organizations, employers, military, or religious affiliations), fields of study (undergraduate or graduate), members of underrepresented groups, geographic areas, or financial need. One way to increase the likelihood of success is by applying for Vancouver or Washington based scholarships. Students are usually more successful applying with local community scholarships. Brimelow says that fewer restrictions make a scholarship more competitive. Applying for as many scholarships as you are eligible for can also increase your odds. Apply for even the smallest awards, which other searches may overlook. Several small awards can add up to a sizeable amount. Many scholarships ask similar questions, so be sure to save copies of your work. They may be helpful to refer back to. Getting a scholarship doesn’t mean you will be able to go on a shopping

EVENT

DATE

TIME

The Scottish Rite Foundation

February 11, 2009

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in VSSC 101

The Rotary Scholarship

Application due February 11, 2009

Postmarked by date listed

A-Z Financial Aid & Scholarship Workshop WSU-V Scholarship Application

February 12, 2009 5:30 p.m. in VSSC 101 Application due March 31, 2009

Received by date listed

spree, however. “Most scholarships are paid directly to the school and used first for tuition,” said Brimelow. If the donor states that the scholarship can also be used for living expenses, [and] if there is extra money, a refund check can be issued to the student for the leftover amount.” Two WSU-V students largely successful in their search, and were featured at the WSU-V scholarship night. Steve Erickson, a junior in Biology, was awarded $5,500 from three scholarships. Carol LopezGustin, a senior, received two awards totaling $8,720. “If I was to give advice on applying for scholarships, my first comment would be never give up hope,” said Lopez-Gustin. “Don’t think that you lack the resources or that you make too much money. You can receive scholarships in many ways. I obtained my scholarships through community service, leadership and grades.” She also wants students to know that despite the scholarship search allowed her to learn about herself and her community. “Some of the essay questions are hard, but it helped me see what I really wanted, or how I wanted to be represented.” Lopez-Gustin feels the reward in every sense of the word. “I put many hours into applying for scholarships, and it is very rewarding to know that people, establishments, and my community create scholarships for us students. Knowing, as a single first generation college student and mother of one daughter, I would not be attending WSU Vancouver if it weren’t for my scholarships.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Scholarship information and initial interviews www.wascottishrite.org/under_g.htm

Four $5,000 scholarships; two for undergraduates and two for graduates

www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/finaid/dnloads/scholapp09.pdf

Important scholarship information www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/finaid/az.html

Automatically enters students into 80 different scholarship possibilities www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/finaid/outsdsch.htm

Governor Gregoire speaks at the Port Originally scheduled to present on campus, Gov. makes final remarks downtown By Matt South the VanCougar

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire held a community discussion at the Port of Vancouver Tuesday Jan. 27. Gregoire spoke about our economy, including tax-increment financing and possible revisions to questionable storm water regulations, as well as Washington’s portion of the federal stimulus package and the minimum wage increase freeze. Local business owners voiced their concerns, and Gregoire told them how the state would be able to help with either changes to legislation or upcoming economic stimulus relief. Washington’s economy is partly a reflection of the national economy. Gregoire’s statements are a lot like President Obama’s regarding jobs and the worsening economic climate. Local business owners are troubled by rising fuel costs, health care benefits for their employees and a decrease in demand. For many businesses an increase in the minimum wage is not possible right now. What does this mean for WSU-V

students? Jobs are harder to come by in this competitive market, and many young people were likely counting on the minimum wage increase. Also technology in the Northwest seems to be lagging, Hewlett-Packard is currently laying off 150 employees. With many WSU-V students studying science and technology, a thriving market is what is desired by upcoming graduates, and for the time being that desire may not materialize. Gregoire also used this opportunity to discuss how the Federal stimulus package will benefit Washington. 1.9 billion will likely go to Medicaid, which will help reduce the $6 billion deficit that program faces. There is also a large amount of money set aside in the stimulus package for K-12 education. Focusing on lower education is something Gregoire has been a part of recently, with the recent budget cut of $31 million for WSU. There is just not enough money to appease everyone in these tough times. Developers told Gov. Christine Gregoire that she should use taxincrement financing to get the economy moving again. This system would allow loans to local government to jump start the construction of roads and other projects for developers who are building communities. Then the

developed community’s tax revenue pays off the loan. Tax-increment financing is utilized by 48 states including Oregon, and developers are aware of the benefits it can bring. Gregoire said that the Washington Constitution currently makes taxincrement financing difficult. However pilot projects of this sort have proved successful, so this tool may be more readily available in the near future. Another troubling aspect of Washington’s economy, is that development has recently halted in Clark County. Many developers say this is because of new stormwater runoff rules, which require more land devoted to retention ponds at developments. One builder advised Gregoire to have her department of ecology perform a cost-benefit analysis of the stormwater rules to disprove their validity. County Attorney Mike Cox says, however, that Clark County is working as an example for other counties in the state that do not have strict rules for stormwater runoff in developments. Cox and the County Stormwater committee are glad to see Clark County’s property owners protected from floods. Gregoire’s message also holds with President Obama’s, in that they both stress that our situation will indeed get better.

February 9, 2009

CAMPUS NEWS

Gut Feelings Israel: moving toward autonomy

Obesity causes explored in WSU-V student’s month long Chancellor’s Seminar event backpacking trip to Tel Aviv, Israel Feb. 13 By Sheryl Kennon The VanCougar

America’s battle of the bulge has been waging for decades. Even worse, it seems other nations have started their own love affairs with fast food and stressful lifestyles. WSU-Pullman Professor of Physiology and Neuroscience Robert Ritter believes that obesity is the world’s next great health crisis. It is estimated that one third of the United States’ adult population is obese. Obesity has been blamed as a contributing factor in 20 percent of cancer cases and fifty percent of diabetes diagnoses. Ritter says that understanding caloric intake will soon be as critical as infectious disease problems are in the developing world. Ritter became interested in how sensory neurons and hormones in the gastrointestinal tract communicate with the brain while he was a veterinary student. Ritter says he was fascinated with how physiological processes and behavior interact. “At the time, my interest was purely intellectual,” he said. “Only 5 percent of the population was obese.” The main objective in Ritter’s field is discovering why obese people continue to eat beyond their needs. His research has shown that sensory nerve fibers inside the gut communicate to the brain while a person eats. Normally, the gut tells the brain that it is full after receiving enough food. Hormones specifically secreted from fat enhance these signals. Studies seem to show that obese people can lose sensitivity to these hormonal processes. Ritter hopes that by understanding these processes medicines can be developed that will help obese people sense they are full. Ritter will present some of his findings on Friday, February 13 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Firstenburg Student Commons. The event costs $25 and includes a temporary parking pass and catered lunch. All attendees must register in advance by contacting the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce at 360-694-2588. For more information about this event and the other Chancellor’s Seminars, visit www.vancouver.wsu.edu/css/

By Byron Nalos Contributing Writer

I couldn’t help feeling I’d chosen the wrong destination as the 767 climbed over the turquoise Grecian Isles and away from the grandeur of Rome- even her grimy airport. In four hours we will be landing in Tel Aviv, Israel. On the jet, I dreamed of this essay. I dreamed it would sound visceral, brawny, and erudite all at once. In fact, it was my main motive for spending a month backpacking through the Middle East, and all her turbulent beauty. Four weeks later I returned to Portland speechless. It’s taken more than a year for me to figure out what it is, exactly, I should say. This last month, newsflashes of the missile strikes in Gaza keep rousing the landscape in my memory- and I can’t stop the feelings they resurrect. To prepare for my jaunt in 2007, I bought three books. Being knowledgeable about Mideast politics is fashionable. It’s even more hip if you’re pro-Palestine. I’d been reading for twenty hours strait, cherishing each moment on the plane to grapple at the Jewish roots of my family tree. We came into Tel Aviv close to midnight. I spent twenty-five minutes with a police interrogation officer. She was convinced I did not look anything like the sixteen year old on my passport photo. I could only shrug at my belongings strewn out on the investigation table; personal belonging are hard to explain when the police are trying to accuse you. My travel buddy Ryan, a clumping Alaskan, already lost his luggage. If that wasn’t enough, we arrived on the morning of Shabbat, the day of rest, and not a train, bus, or shuttle was in sight. I was already proPalestine. We found an infidel sly enough to work on the holy day, and he took us to our hostel for the Shabbat Price. This was my first cultural lesson, getting jewed. His English was poor, so Ryan spoke to him in French as we circled our hostel. When we got there I collected my blankets, laid on the bed cradling my backpack, and slept with delusions of insurgents and car bombs. I woke 18 hours later to the hot afternoon sunshine and honking German cars outside the bunk-bed window. Tel Aviv, my guide book says, is a flashy beach town built by the European Jews coming “home” after WWII. But the city is haunted by an old hunch on her back: Joppa. The British boats, full of immigrants, were not received

at the Arab port of Joppa. Instead of fighting their way through the port, the immigrants simply got some sand and built their own port a mile northnow the nation’s capital. That was in the 1940s and the city is still under construction- half polished glass, half dirt roads. Staring at the city map, I realized how deep the gap is between those European immigrants and the Arabs. The roads between Tel Aviv and old town Joppa hardly connect, as if a river

ran between the city- and only a few highways bridged across. The tension between the two towns was so thick that, in the end, we slunk away from Joppa and remained three days in Tel Aviv. Modern Israelis dress like Latin Americans. Gender roles are celebrated; the men are groomed for the discoteca and the women are sexy! After a few days gawking on the Mediterranean beach, (in December), we were eager to move inland away from the dance clubs and ice creams shops toward the dusty spine of the Middle East. Our first stop was southern Israel, along the Red Sea. The bay of Eilat is a commercial port. Giant oil tankers coming in and out of Saudi Arabia float on the crystal blue horizon, my guidebook says. The town was full of Vegas style hotels with long beachfront property. Ryan and I bought an unrented apartment for fifteen bucks a night in the bowels of the city. The room was bleached white and smelled chemically sterilized. We spent the days snorkeling in the neon sea, and the nights shivering in the air-conditioned apartment. My camera was loaded, but I hadn’t seen a single temple, donkey, or rabbi. I couldn’t help but think that just a hundred miles over the mountain ridge, Palestinians in Gaza had breached the western border, and were being shot down by the Egyptian patrol. Nobody wants the Palestinians; not even Egypt. Because of Hajj, our trip into Egypt was short. The boiling freeway down the dessert shoreline of Sinai was crammed bumper to bumper with parked cars. Muslims from all over Africa waited in line to board the ferry from Dahab into Saudi Arabia. The entire continent faced Mecca, and we were stuck in the traffic jam. Beggars laid beside the road as the bus crept along. I noticed a man grilling meat on a makeshift metal net over a burning pile of trash. There’s an extraordinary difference in wealth between Israel and the rest of the Mideast. BBC’s website put Israel’s average annual income at 18,000 USD a year- Egypt, Jordan, and Palestine hover around 1,500 USD. The difference is obvious. There’s shit on the floor in the bus station bathroom.

7

A swarm of flies and malaria hover over the toilet. I could see in people’s eyes a jealousy of the American Dream, or the next best thing: Israel. Egypt’s border towns were a lulled predator that could strike like a Tijuana snake any moment. After a day in chaos and filth we cut our losses and made east for Jordan. Jordan is all stone, without exception. Petra was our first introduction to an ancient city with living zest. We hiked through towering ruins until we reached pure wilderness- and hiked back. That evening, smoking on the roof, I was startled by a synchronized chorus of electric Muslim prayers blasting through mosque speakers around the city. Bread was cheap. I was drunk with Arab pastries my entire stay in Jordan. I met a Jordanian who spent several years in Washington D.C. managing a Pizza Hut. His English was good enough to debate bread, and even politics. He pointed north towards Iraq. “What the US is doing there,” he said, “is creating a mess.” Three hours north was the town of Beer-sheva, and what a different world inland Israel was. When I got off the bus the station looked like a military base. Thousands of teenagers leaning on fences, waiting for their connecting bus, or walking home for dinner; boys and girls alike- eighteen years old- carrying AK-47 machine guns with ten inch clips. They wore sunglasses, ipods, untucked uniforms; they ate McDonald’s and flirted like American high-schoolers. In Beer-sheva, a missionary put us up in the back of an evangelical church. That night I washed my clothes in the shower and listened to ambulance sirens echo through the stone throat of the city. I read The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan, which tells a forty year history of an Arab family displaced by the Diaspora. I recognized all the names of the towns in the book; even the soil beneath my feet was blood stained. The dry air inland was much cooler than by the ocean, and my clothes were stiff in the morning. The history of Beer-sheva is spoiled. The city has amnesia. I paid five dollars to see Abraham’s Well full of plastic coke bottles. It was discouraging until I slithered through the crowd under the fabric awnings of the street market. The food was cheap. I sat on a brick ledge with my jeans rolled up and licked the humus off my wrist as it dripped out of the pita sandwich. Stray cats gathered around me. There are enough stray cats in the Middle East to defeat China in a land war. The Dead Sea was only forty-five minutes away by bus. Luckily, Ryan brought enough camping gear for two, and we slept on the lowest point of planet earth under a canopy of stars. I watched Orion rise off his back like a zombie from the east. The wind was strong and loud, and it was difficult sleeping. Sunrise was a crisp line that swept along the dessert floor. That morning, I climbed carefully down the barnacle shoreline in my undies and bobbed in the dense water. Deep beneath me pillars of salt sparkled in the green- Lot’s wife winking. The stench of sulfur, which clung to our wet heads, filled the whole bus on the way up to Jerusalem. There are no words for Jerusalem....

To read about Byron’s remaining time in Israel, read page 6 of our next issue...

The VanCougar

8

ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE

Vancouver symphony plays at Skyview Classical music earning attention in Vancouver Review by Lance Smith Contributing Writer

Classical music often times gets the short end of the baton when compared to other musical offerings. I have heard people on campus passionately discuss their Rock band impromptus, but I have yet to hear much about our award-winning, local orchestra. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is, perhaps, the brightest cultural offering in all of Southwest Washington. Lead by Maestro Salvador Brotons, the 75 member ensemble performs an impressive repertoire of challenging compositions every concert season, and they are in their 30th. For those who have not been to a VSO performance, the concerts themselves take place on Saturdays and Sundays, usually scheduled once a month. A typical concert lasts approximately two hours, with a brief intermission in between two halves of the concert itself. A real treat awaits the attendee who shows up to the Saturday concert about an hour early, as a member of the orchestra talks at length about the history and musical nuances of the pieces before the audience hears them. Be assured, this is History Channel material, not a stale lecture on scales and half-notes! Students interested in classical music are encouraged to attend by an almost unbelievable ticket price of only $7. This ticket will grant you a seat anywhere in

the Skyview Concert Hall (home of the VSO), save for the VIP sections roped off near the front. General admission for non-students is $28, which attests to the incredible value for students. All seats are first-come, first-serve, and the auditorium fills up rather quickly. Speaking from recent experience, I attended the January 17th performance at the Skyview Concert Hall. Out of respect for the event, I dressed in casual attire (a sweater and dockers). This is the symphony after all, not a Guitar Hero marathon. I never once felt intimidated, as the ushers and staff were very friendly. Upon entering the auditorium, I was presented with a handsome program detailing the musical history of the pieces among other interesting VSO facts. The concert itself began with pomp, as a lively Austrian march by Johann Strauss, Sr. livened the spirits of the crowd. From Austria, the concert proceeded to Denmark, playing a flute concerto by 20th century composer Carl Nielsen. This brief thirty minutes of music was followed by an intermission, where light refreshments were available. Once the upbeat first half of the concert was over, the focus of the rest of the performance centered around the difficult and evocative 10th Symphony by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich. The events surrounding the making of this nearly one hour symphony are as fascinating as the symphony is complex. Shostakovich wrote music in Soviet Russia, both before and during the Cold War. The Soviet leadership loved him

and hated him equally as often, and a story contends that Shostakovich and dictator Joseph Stalin did not get along. The composer secretly stated (in the mid1940s) that he would only write another symphony after Stalin’s death. Stalin died in early 1953, and this piece debuted in December of that year. The symphony itself opened with the slow, somber tones of deep bass accompanied by violins, creating a desperate canvas with anxious emotions. A clarinet solo bridged the rest of the orchestra into a dark dialogue-perhaps a political statement against musical censorship that Shostakovich constantly battled in the USSR. The darkness becomes increasingly powerful and rhythmic, and made for a truly thrilling experience. Particularly impressive was the 2nd movement, where Shostakovich portrays his personal disgust of Stalin with bombastic brevity. The rest of the symphony rises and falls in contemplative fashion, until the rapid crescendo brings resolution at the end of the 4th movement. The symphony was a treat, and at $7 per ticket, students can hardly go wrong with two hours of deeply enjoyable music. To note, there are only three concerts left this season. For romantic types, it is serendipitous that their next concerts occur on February 14th and 15th respectively. Make sure to get your tickets early! To learn more about upcoming concerts and ticket information, check out the VSO web site at: http://www. vancouversymphony.org/.

Growing campus brings culture to Cougs UPCOMING EVENTS Who: All WSU Vancouver students who would like to showcase their art or craft When: Event held April 10, 2009 3:30 p.m. What: Local arts and crafts vendors, including community, students, staff and faculty. This event hopes to bring awareness to the community of the campus’ rotating galleries and permanent art pieces. We plan to use this event to raise funds to support the WSU Vancouver Art galleries, DTC Program and Fine Arts department. Contact: Lea Pfau in the office of Development and Alumni relations 360-546-9600 or e-mail lea_pfau@ vancouver.wsu.edu

Coug Got Culture to take place April 2 in the FSC By Gregory E. Zschomler The VanCougar

Cougars Got Culture, an international, multi-cultural entertainment event will take place April 2 at 6 p.m. in the FSC. Four performers have been lined up so far, but the event organizer, Ramandeep Brar, Student Affairs Diversity Intern said, “there’s room for more.” “We are looking for performers that can share and celebrate their heritage and culture with the [WSU-V] students, staff, faculty and community members,” said Brar. “This can be through the form of singing, dancing, and story telling.” Her desire is to showcase cultural background through a performance by international students living in the United States. Brar, a WSU-V biology major, was herself born in a small village in Punjab, India and came to the United States at the age of 8, in the April of 1997. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and is involved in the International Student Association and Circle K International (a campus community service club). “The idea behind this show actually came from my own experience in high school. We had multicultural assemblies in which students from diverse backgrounds performed their country

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WSU Vancouver Library www.vancouver.wsu.edu/library

dance, or told their stories of what it different take on the International meant for them to be in the USA,” said Night that took place last year, which Brar. She said the assemblies were “all was an event that ISA brought forward. about diversity present among us.” I was thinking of doing a cultural show Participating for my semester in the project and assembles approached ISA helped her about combining realize that the two ideas to this was a make it one grand great way to idea.” She said the gain insight to difference between other cultures the International that were Night and Cougars different from Got Culture is her own. that instead of “Not only hired performers, was it fun, students, staff but also or faculty will entertaining perform. for the “I decided to do attendees,” a show such as said Brar. this, because… “So, when there were no I took my performance position [at] art shows on the beginning campus…[and] of fall 2008, I hope this event and realized will open avenues I had to do for students that a semester are interested in project, the performance arts.” first thought “This [will] be that came to a great way for Brar is the Student Diversity Intern on my mind was Ramandeep students to gain campus. to do a cultural insight into other show.” students’ cultural Brar hopes 100 people will attend. backgrounds. Also, this will be a nonShe said that the event will include traditional way of learning [about] the catered food with an international diversity present on campus and will twist and that the FSC will be serve as outlet for students to take a decorated in various international break from academics.” She said the themes (similar to International vision for the event was “not to only Night). Admission will be by bring the vast variety of cultures on ticket. Tickets will be free and campus together, but also to promote only 100 will be available. open-mindedness through a fun, According to Brar this event entertaining night which will also be a involves a partnership between the cross-cultural learning experience.” Multicultural Committee and the For more information or to get International Student Association onboard with your performance (ISA) and is being funded by contact Ramandeep Brar at the Office the ASWSUV. The underwritten of Student Diversity, by dialing 6-9568 budget is around $2,400 she said. from a campus phone or e-mail to van. “This show,” said Brar, “is a [email protected].

ARTS & CULTURE

February 9, 2009

MOSAIC to touch students

want to attend college. This event will be comprised of forty students from Fort Vancouver High School, and Hudson’s Bay High School. Students attending this event By Joe Creager will be treated to an experience different the VanCougar to the one they may had before. “This MOSAIC, which once stood for Meet year we decided to change things Our Students and Investigate College, up,” Majekobaje said. To do this, is a college outreach program targeted Majekobaje and Reyes partnered up at low income and first generation with the local Gear Up grant program, and unlike previous students in high sessions, in school. Now, the name which the visiting MOSAIC had taken on students received a new meaning, and a rigidly scheduled has come to represent day that included small pieces coming guest speakers together to make the and a lunch break, bigger picture. That students at this picture is access to session will have a higher education. college buddy. Coordinated by the This won’t be Assistant Director the only MOSAIC for Student Diversity this year though. Bola Majekobaje and In may, an all city Admissions Counselor MOSAIC will Mike Reyes, MOSAIC be held, which will take place this will include three month on February 13. additional local high “MOSAIC schools; Evergreen, brings in a very diverse Heritage, and group of students,” Mountain View. said Majekobaje. The There is an ulterior participating high motive however, schools were selected to inviting these Bola Majebokaje is the Assistant Director for based on student body students to our demographics, and the Student Diversity. campus, “we hope percentage of students that all of our efforts turn into students on free and reduced lunch. While attending our campus in a couple of diverse, the students selected from these schools do share some common years,” Majekobaje said. However, ground. Those selected are either low prior to confiding this information, income or first generation students, she also said “going to any college is although most importantly, they all awesome…”

MOSAIC taking place this Friday, February 13

9

CougAr t

Jodi Tripp: “Felida Bridge” Former staff member at WSU-V Loves taking photographs of the Northwest.

The Golden Mean at WSU-V The golden rule is illustrated through student art at WSU-V By Jake Kleinschmidt aCe eDitor

Another strange piece of art is on display in the center of the campus. It’s a monolith with a maze in the bottom. Called the “golden section,” it is a piece of campus art made by Michael Davis.

It’s theme is the golden mean, a figure often found in nature, much like a nautilus shell, arms of a galaxy, or the heads of sunflowers. It is also often used in renaissance art as a symbol of balance. Something almost hidden in the design is the cracks in the stones around the artists “golden section,” indicating the “golden mean” As it can be found on the WSU-V web site “Davis states that the plaza ‘symbolizes the cross referencing of disciplines integral to the foundation of liberal arts institution’ and ’reiterates the function of the campus where the convergence of people and ideas representing d i f f e r e n t disciplines create a dialog of intellectual discovery.’” The golden section as Gallery Director Erin Dengerink Madarang says, “I like it because you can walk through the labyrinth, the art piece is very constructed and smooth. There is a clear understanding of the artist’s intent.” Thus, WSU-V hosts art which is themed to nature and dates back centuries.

This statue is located across from the Firstenburg Student Commons and was created Michael Davis.

Joe Creager:“Robin” Student: History Major Loves to take candid photographs of human behavior.

Tim Batchelor Student: Biology Major Held a photography business for 2 years, been shooting since age 11.

Want your art here? Tell us! Email the ACE Editor at [email protected]

The VanCougar

10

SPORTS & RECREATION

SPORTS & RECREATION

Spring intramural flag football unfurls Returning players battle the mud; play in the fog Photos and Story by Erik Cummings SPorTS anD reCreaTIon eDITor

“It’s freaking cold!” Jonathan McCool said with a laugh as he strode toward the sports field Thursday afternoon. And with good reason. Despite the fog and chill, over 10 students and one faculty member turned out to open the semester’s flag football season. The majority of them wore shorts and sweatshirts. Recreation intern Denise Eyerly said that the fields were holding up well. While the surface was level, the mud did not fail to make an appearance. This did not deter the players as one after another rose from the muck after spectacular scrambles for the ball. Time outs were called as the ball was dried. Laughter and joking followed the tumbles, fumbles and missed throws due to the slippery ball. By the

end of the first hour, more than half while the rest were returning players of the players boasted swaths of mud from last semester. However, Eyerly across their torsos and backs. and Gregory say they hope to build up Recreation Coordinator Neil Gregory the Flag Football team and challenge headed up the Clark College in blue team for the Vancouver the first game Bowl. while Eyerly The team will took command be playing Flag of the yellow. Football at The teams 3:30 p.m. every fluctuated as Thursday in the one or two sports fields. people arrived Ending times are late or left. liable to extend They played as the days grow for two hours longer. Participants and ended at are required to 5:30 p.m. as sign a waiver the evening before playing Daniel Barrette tries to escape his flag being pulled. grew dark. and the location is Eyerly says that soccer is generally subject to weather changes. For further more popular and drew about ten times information, call Neil Gregory at 360the number of flag football participants 546-9532 or visit the Recreation Office last semester. McCool was the only in VFSC 136 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. new player who attended the first meet

UPCOMING EVENTS Snowboard/Ski

Rent equipment from the OSI Recreation Office for your personal trip

Ping Pong Tournament

Feb. 26: Visit the OSI for more information

Denise Eyerly runs for the end zone as fog and players close in around her. The yellow team scored the first touchdown of the game early on.

Boot Camp commences Basketball

Kick yourself into shape at the fitness center By Ariel Richer The VanCougar

Hold-Em Tournament

March 6: Held in Firstenburg Student Center from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Blazers vs Knicks

March 8: Tickets available in the OSI

Winterhawks vs. Everett March 8: Tickets available from Student Affairs Cashier February 23 starting 9 a.m.

Visit www.vancouver. wsu.edu for further listings of events to come

The New Year is here. Resolutions have been made. Are you ready to accomplish them? If you aren’t the highly self-motivated type who wakes up at the crack of dawn to run, rain or shine, then participating in a group exercise class may be the right option for you. The Recreation Office offers three different classes that provide different types of exercises for various levels of fitness. Yoga and Pilates are geared towards beginners, but certainly offer health, strength and flexibility benefits to those at any level. For a greaterintensity cardio workout, boot camp is a great fit. Boot camp kicked off the second week of classes in room 20 of the Clark Center. It meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12 p.m., officially starting five minutes after the hour and ending ten minutes before 1 p.m. It is open to all WSU-V students, staff and faculty. Instructors Mari-Jo Qualey and Chon Neville, who alternate teaching the classes, do all they can to keep your

heart rate elevated for the majority of the 45 minute class. Despite the condensed class time, they manage to include a full range of exercises. Each class begins with a short warm up and some stretching then jumps into various cardio exercises. The exercises change with each class period, to prevent each participant from falling into a routine. Neville brings in exercises from his experience as a professional basketball and soccer player. Relying on sports conditioning exercises like jogging, push-ups, and wall sits. Meanwhile, Qualey draws on her knowledge of pilates and yoga while teaching and frequently using free weights and stability balls in her workouts. Both instructors provide a selection of upbeat music for the duration of the class. As the weather improves, some classes may be held outside, making use of more than 300 acres that the WSU-V campus has to offer. The class has four regular attendees, three of which are female. New participants are more than welcome to join at anytime. No enrollment is required, only a membership at the fitness center. A free membership can be obtained by bringing your WSU-V ID to the fitness center below the Library.

Pullman men’s basketball on a two game losing streak Photo and Story by Katie Wells eDITor In ChIeF

After back to back losses to Arizona and Stanford and a game last Saturday, the Cougars prepare to take on Oregon Thursday, Feb. 12. Into the second half of the Pac10 season, WSU is 4-6 overall. RS senior Guard, Taylor Rochestie, is leading the team in points scored with 151 points, an average of 15 WSU lost to USC with a score a game. Aron of 44-46 on January 24, 2009. Baynes, a senior center, is heading off the team with 95 rebounds as of last week. Freshman power forward, DeAngelo Casto, has blocked 13 shots as well as sinking 12 of 16 free throw shots. The Ducks have lost all ten conference games as of Feb. 6, scoring an average of 68.5 points a game. WSU will take them on at home at 7 p.m.

SPORTS & RECREATION

February 9, 2009

11

Neil Gregory re-creates recreation on WSU-V campus In a single year, Neil Gregory has improved recreation for students Photos and Story by Gregory Zschomler The VanCougar

Additionally the flag football season recently kicked off. WSU-V now has two sports related clubs: the Outdoor Club and the Cycling Club which will compete in this year’s Ride Across Oregon against other schools. There’s talk of other

says there are still “certain things we can’t [yet] take on, but we’re getting there.” Gregory says that he and his staff have now shifted to phase two. The recreation department, as part of the Office of Student Involvement

so well, it’s amazing…” He says they take their jobs and student safety very seriously. “This is the amazing thing,” says Gregory, “coming into the fitness center, we went through an entire year without [ever] a late staffer.” He says

Neil Gregory. The name is nearly synonymous with WSU-V Recreation. After all Gregory has been an integral part—if not the very impetus—for the growth and development of the campus’ recreation programs over the past year. Gregory, however, is quick to acknowledge the impassioned work of his staff. “My staff is awesome,” says Gregory, “they’re very passionate… doing what they love. These guys are—to the last one—enthusiastic…” Gregory built a team which he says, “all do their job well.” Having begun part time, September marked Gregory’s one year anniversary at WSU-V. In March he will have been on staff full-time for a year—a year in which he has made a huge difference. Gregory also says that the program’s success is due to, “Listening, talking and inferring to find out what students are wanting.” That process has led to a variety of fitness classes like pilates, yoga, and the new fitness boot camp in the Clark Center; an expanded, remodeled and refurnished fitness center; development of the recreation playing fields; and acquiring the use of two full courts at Gold’s Gym for open gym basketball. Not to mention the numerous recreational field trips like Mt. Bachelor ski weekends, rock climbing, kayaking, intramural sports and a whole room full of sports gear Recreation Coordinator Neil Gregory (center) with Recreation Intern Denise Eyerly (left) and Recreation Specialist Shawn Romine (right) you can rent. That’s a lot accomplished in a year cycling trips, a ping pong tournament, (OSI), relies upon students to guide they all perform “way beyond my and it has led to extensive growth. more rock climbing adventures, and a and initiate the programs. Student expectations.” Upcoming events include: a Mt. “Program numbers have gone through lot more. So much is happening that interests drive the process. Gregory said he and his staff have had “If we’re going to meet the needs,” Bachelor ski trip—which is full at the roof,” says Gregory. Rentals have to deal with “lots of growing pains.” says Gregory, “I’m not going to do it 60 students and another 20 on the tripled and field trips are often full and “Yeah, there’s been growing pains,” on my own. That’s why I get students waiting list; a class 5 white water trip have waiting lists. “As soon as we post said Gregory, “but I’ve enjoyed it.” involved in their area of passion— on Wind River; a paintball excursion something it’s full,” he said, noting Over the past year there was a lot of there’s that passion behind [student to a new Woodland venue; and a zip that subsidy funds limit the number gearing up to do and Gregory says recreation] that drives it.” line adventure in the Columbia River of students that can get in on the great it involved “depth and fine tuning, The recreation staff has a lot to do Gorge. According to Gregory the deals they offer. According to Gregory, because we started so many new with that passion. Shawn Remine Canyon Creek Ranch Zip the Gorge it is difficult to expand these trips things.” He says the “controlled heads outdoor recreation, Denise adventure takes 4 hours and involves because it costs a lot more money and chaos” involves some cyclical stress, Eyerly is a full-time intern who 9 scenic one mile-long zip lines, some manpower. Outdoor about 900 feet off the ground. recreation has seen a There are three fitness classes five fold increase in going on three days a week. The participation over the fitness center has added two hours past year. to each day’s hours of operation Additionally, the and is now open from 7 a.m. to fitness center has seen 9 p.m. Personal trainers are still more visits (2,800) available for free consultation. since it’s reopening And Gregory says this is all just in September, four the beginning. months ago, than in While Gregory has been here the entire previous a year and has accomplished so year. Gregory said much, he is just getting started. there have been more WSU-V students are fortunate to than 1,000 visits in have him here. The 44 year-old January alone. Gregory has a degree in Business Intramural sports Administration from Warner have been busy, too. Pacific College in Portland, Ore. Ten times as many He is a certified advanced personal people now participate trainer and a USA cycling coach. than in previous years. Gregory says, “My background Last year the program is really diverse.” It’s this diversity rented a single court which gives him the many varied gym and could not skills required to organize this accommodate all the vast realm. He’s played sports and students interested in skied his whole life, has worked playing basketball. at 24-Hour Fitness, been a gym This year Gregory and Young Life director, coached Since he started this job last Spring, Neil Gregory has done everything in his power to improve the fitness activities on campus. was able to contract track and field for the Evergreen with nearby Gold’s but that “you never get bored; there’s oversees intramurals, and Mari-Jo School District and has done a lot of Gym for two full courts. so much to do.” Qualey teaches fitness classes. The other useful/helpful things. He’s even WSU-V participates with teams on Gregory had to “create a model student staff of ten (three work in ridden across the United States on a city leagues in women’s volleyball, for our school…we had to get up to the recreation office, 7 in the fitness bike in 24 days (averaging 125 miles a men’s basketball, coed soccer and speed on all the latest safety gear and center) “are a mix of 18 to 30 yearday)! How does he do it? He said, “It’s softball, the WSU-V team took second [create] emergency action plans.” He olds,” said Gregory, “[that] get along all in the details.” place in the softball league for 2008.

The VanCougar

12 February

2009

Feb. 10: Ski Bowl Night Skiing Trip Carpool/Caravan leaving campus at 3:00 p.m. $15.00 for students, $20.00 for non-students Feb. 10: Entrepreneurship Club Meeting Administration Building, Room 130 / 4:30 p.m. All students welcome and encouraged to attend Feb. 10: Get To Know Ya Tuesdays: Love Fest Firstenburg Student Commons / 3:00 p.m. Free and open to the public Feb. 10: Improve Your Memory and Concentration Fistenburg Student Commons, 104 / 1:30 p.m. Free and open to current students Feb. 12: Cougar Motorcycle Club Meeting Administration Building, Room 130 / 2:00 p.m. Contact Eric Davidson, [email protected] Feb. 12: Queer Cougars & Allies Meeting Administration Building, Room 129 / 5:35 p.m. Club meeting, free and open to the public Feb. 13: Gut Feelings - Dr. Bob Ritter Firstenburg Student Commons / 11:45 a.m. Open to the public, $25 registration, includes lunch Feb. 17: Making The Most of The Career Fair Firstenburg Student Commons, 104 / 4:15 p.m. Free and open to all current students and alumni Feb. 18: Test Taking Strategies Workshop Firstenburg Student Commons, 104 / 3:00 p.m. Free and open to current students Feb. 18: Corporate Social Responsibility Forum CLS 208J, CLS 308J, MMC 204 / 3:30 p.m. Videoconference, free and open to the public Feb. 19: Social & Environmental Justice Club Firstenburg Student Commons / 3:00 p.m. Club meeting, free and open to the public Feb. 19: The Afghan Women: A Readers Theater Administration Building, Room 110 / 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public

TAIL END

A Valentine from Greg Zschomler She’s my favorite news hack, wordster and snoop, I’m proud of her Oregonian articles and scoops. With more then a pen, she inscribes love on my heart, Marks kisses on my lips when we meet and/or part. She cares for my children, my self and our home, Yes, I am hers and she is my own

To Kevin Malone; my lover I’ll get right to the point in my letter to you, With your deep set brown eyes and sly smile too, Your business suits and dark combed-over hair. You’re super hot Kevin and its just not fair. I love when you speak, so slow and deep. Always so insightful, it makes me want to weep. The fact that I can’t have you tears at my heart, Being without you makes me want to fall apart. Even after Stacey’s gone, you won’t give me a shot, Its probably since I’m not your type or because you are so hot. Pessimistic Stanley thinks we really could work out, I could see us getting married without a shadow of a doubt. So now I’ll close this letter off and let you get back to work, I can picture you now reading this with such a little smirk. If you would play a song for me at a wedding with your band, I might pass out, but when I woke, I’d be at your command. Love, Katie Wells

An Anonymous Love Letter To my hunny bunny, so fluffy and so cute, I love to cuddle-bunny you, even though you’re mute. And when you look at me and smile with your hunny bunny eyes and call me your hun bun baby I always sinks and sighs.

KOUG Radio, Will you be my Valentine? You are the music my soul dances to, you are always there for me (except when my internet goes down), and you are just as random as I am. KOUG, you complete me. With love always, Spring

A Note from Collin To: You Why don’t we just… …leave school …quit our jobs …lose our cell phones …abandon our cars …give our money away …go barefoot …let our hair down …stowaway to Fiji …walk on sand …swim in water …start a life I’m ready if you are. Love, Me