African student shares her story of survival in her homeland

November 27, 2012
Inside
Students:
Here’s your chance to
have your say!
Student evaluation of classes is live through
Moodle. Student feedback is necessary for
SMC to assess our teaching and learning
environments. For the first time, every class
will have the capability to be evaluated.
Responses are anonymous and the results
are filtered to department leadership, not
directly to instructors. All students: please
take advantage of this opportunity to provide
feedback on the learning environment in your
classes. The evaluation surveys will be open
in each of your classes through Dec. 14.
Taking Care of Business
Saturday, Dec. 8
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Our Dowagiac campus will be open for
business. This includes the Testing Center,
Registration, Advising, Admissions, Financial
Aid, Business Office, and the Bookstore.
Bookstore’s
Student
Appreciation
Sale!
Dec. 3 – 21
$7 off all sweatshirts
$3 off all T-shirts
Bring your
student ID
Laptop Requirements
for Spring Semester
For the spring 2013 semester (beginning
in January), students enrolled in various
courses will be required to have a laptop.
Stop by the Bookstore for more information.
Fall Semester
Student Art Exhibit
Nov. 29 – Dec. 10
Reception: Dec. 6 @ 12:30 p.m.
USS Enterprise
Deactivation Dec. 1
Tannis Watson, an adjunct instructor in
SMC’s School of Business, served aboard
the USS Enterprise twice, which is scheduled
for deactivation Dec. 1.
See story on Page 5
Bookstore staff
says thanks for
your support
The Bookstore staff would
like to thank everyone who
purchased Breast Cancer
Awareness merchandise from
the Bookstore during the
month of October. We were able to donate
$50 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. It
is the goal of the Bookstore to double the
donation amount next year.
Kavita Patel
African student
shares her story of survival
in her homeland
Editor’s note: Kavita Patel’s story is a beautiful and amazing account of her inner strength as a young Kenyan woman
terrorized during the Kenyan ethnic dispute. As a former student of Barbara Karwacinski, she shared this story with ESL
students last year. Kavita is a nursing student at SMC. Her sister also graduated with a nursing degree from SMC. Read
more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1762477.stm.
By KAVITA PATEL
SMC International Student
M
y name is Kavita Patel and I am originally from Africa (Tanzania). I was born and
brought up in Tanzania, but my ethnicity is
100 percent Indian. I have three older siblings with
me being the baby of the family; all siblings are happily married.
I enjoy being an Indian and at the same time, I
enjoyed too having experienced a lot of my childhood
and young life in Africa. I grew up with the Maasai
culture as well.
I am very proud to mention that I am a survivor
from a very tragic accident that happened to me when
I was 17 years old on January 8, 2002 at our farm
house in Tanzania, which involved my whole family.
We were attacked by no less than 500 villagers at our
farm residence. They burned down our properties
and broke into our residence with the help of spades,
knives, clubs, spears, spear heads, and fire.
My grandma and grandpa were killed. My grandma was shot by a poisonous spear head in the back of
her arm. I was one of the eye witnesses of her death
by seeing her go through pain all those hours and sadly I could do nothing to help her. My granddad was
pierced with the spear right through his heart and it
happened in front of my eyes too.
My mom was severely injured along with my
third sibling, but my second sibling had bruises and
scratches from glass windows as she managed to escape. While we were all running from room to room,
my third sibling was beaten with knobkerries (African
clubs) and she had nowhere to escape. She decided to
rub her face with my grandma’s blood and pretend to
be dead. They tried to beat her on her back with the
knobkerries and threw a blanket on her and lite it on
see
survival page 2
Class exposes students
to evolving genre of
gothic literature
British Literature II class offered
for spring semester
Z
ombies, vampires, Frankenstein…not the typical subject matter you associate with a college
English course. But students who’ve taken
Hailey Sheet’s British Literature II (ENGL 282) class
found the course offered much more than the common 18th century readings.
“We study literature from the romantic period
of the late 1700s to the modern period of the 1950s
Hailey Sheet
onward,” said Sheets, whose specialty is Victorian literature. “I have a passion for Brit Lit 2 and I wanted
to find a way to introduce students to it.”
The class, which requires a lot of reading, covers such texts as “The Castle of Otranto” (1764),
“Frankenstein” (1823), “Goblin Market” (1862),
“The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” (1886),
“Dracula” (1897), “Rebecca” (1940), and “Psycho”
see
class page 2
Page 2
the southwester
November 27, 2012
Hey, Mrs. P! What’s My Plan B?
T
his month’s letter comes from a student who
is having a hard time being present in her
Math 100P class. While she is physically
there, her head is not in the game. Read on...
HEY, Mrs. P!
My ex-boyfriend (who is slime) is in the same
MATH 100P class as me. Without giving you all
the nasty details, I’ll just say that things didn’t end
well. Anyway, it is really hard for me to sit in the
same room with him. It’s too late to switch sections
so my only option is to withdraw. I don’t want to
do this because I am pulling a B. Do you have any
ideas on how I can get through this?
Sick of Staring At The Back Of His Stupid Head
Eau Claire, Michigan
Dear Sick of Staring:
My condolences on your break-up. I could fill this
paragraph with a lot of clichés: “there are plenty
of other fish in the sea;” “everything happens for a
reason;” and “it is what it is;” but I am not going to
add to your pain. Instead, I am going to give it to
you straight:
Plan A: Keep doing what you are doing. Keep
on living in the past. Give your blood pressure a
spike every time you look at him. Allow yourself to
from page
Plan B: Go to class. Sit in the front row. Give your
instructor and those math problems your undivided attention. Whenever you feel the urge to
think about the past say to yourself: “I will live in
the present.” Write “Be Present” on the top of your
notebook. Look at it every time you feel yourself
drift. Shoot for an A! Be proud if you get the B!
Sick of Staring, I know you can do it. You are not
alone in your inability to be present. Here’s a test
for all my readers: the holidays are just around the
corner. Think about where you will be. If you will be
a guest at someone’s table or the host of your own
dinner, will you truly allow yourself to be present?
Where will your cell phone be? Being present
includes not “liking” photos of other peoples’ dinners while you are in the middle of your own. Will
you be able to keep your phone in your purse or in
your coat without looking at it, giving your friends
and family your undivided attention? Let me know
how it goes!
Happy Holidays!
Angie C. Palsak
Dean of Student
Have a problem? Don’t know your
options? Tell me about it:
[email protected].
All selected contributors will receive
a small gift for sharing their story!
1 survival
fire. This slightly burnt her arm and she needed 45
stitches to her head.
My second and third siblings played the same
smart game of rubbing the blood all over their face
and that was how my second sibling got off with
no severe injuries. My mom was hurt very badly on
her face and they broke her right hand into three
pieces.
I was dragged on the floor full of broken glass;
they dragged me through the outside door and all
the Maasai people stood in a circle by kicking me
from one person to the other and that caused my
eye lid to tear and bleed. One of the people stepped
on my chest and asked me where the money was
and my reply was ‘I don’t know.’ This angered
him and he slid his knife across my neck, picked
me up and threw me in the bushes thinking that I
from page
be distracted. Pass one more test successfully and
then march yourself to the Advising Office, fill out
the paperwork, and get that W!
was dead. But my dearest mom did find me in the
bushes and did not give up on me.
We all finally got help after five hours when
all the Maasai people left thinking that we all are
dead.
It did took a very long time for all of us to recover and especially me, since I was the eye witness for
everyone dying and severely injured. I was the most
seriously injured one in my blood-related family. It
was very painful and hurtful to think about those
times and moments. It was a lot harder for my dad
to get over it, as he was out of the town when all
this happened with our family. He felt very guilty
for a very long time.
My experience makes me feel stronger today
and I am proud to have survived it and got over it.
Life is full of experiences and that was a life lesson
for me. As the doctors had even given up on my
survival, but I had NOT and that is why today I am
here alive and in an excellent health.
They always say “Hard times don’t last forever
but hard people last forever.” I am a perfect example for this saying, and I do recommend everyone
to get through strongly with all life situations. We
can do wonders in this world if one wishes too. Life
is short and we never know what is to come so,
cherish the moments we have. I learned that in my
life and the lesson learned has made me a proud
and successful human. I know people who read
this may drop their jaw as it sounds like an action
movie but, it is a true story of my survival. And I
highly suggest each one of us not give up in life.
1 class
(1960).
“In this class, students will explore the creepy
castles, mountainous terrains, and secret underground laboratories in some of the most influential
gothic texts of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries in
Britain,” said Sheets. “We will study the form and
evolution of gothic literary elements and pay special attention to the connections between Gothicism and gender, sexuality, nationality, class, race,
and religion. Other discussion topics include the
supernatural, representations of violence, and the
frequently uneasy relationships between science
and faith.”
Students who’ve taken the class have been able
to make a lot of connections, both with contemporary gothic genre as well as readings from the
Victorian period.
“My perception was nowhere near how awesome the class really was,” stated Stephanie Null, a
student who took the class last semester. “I thought
maybe we would read the books and write reports,
but it was so much better. We got to discuss openly
with the class what we thought about the book and
what certain parts meant. The best part is we got
to read the classic gothic novels; the books that
started it all.”
The gothic or ‘goth’ subculture as part of today’s
pop culture began in the late 1970s and early 1980s
as offshoot of the punk rock era. Though earlier
than that, pop literature delved into the supernatural with stories of vampires, zombies, and werewolves.
“The class also gave me a much better understanding as to why people love the gothic genre
so much,” Null said. “We love to be scared. That’s
what makes the gothic genre so great it can both
intrigue us and terrorize us by mixing reality with
the unknown.”
However, the fascination with the dark side of
humanity that involves horror and romance began
in the 18th century, according to Sheets.
“There are many similarities that exist between
gothic literature (of the 18th century) and the
gothic culture (of today),” Sheets said. “I think the
students will see that they are able to make a lot
of connection with the gothic literature and what
they will learn is how the genre has evolved over
time.”
Students should be prepared to do a lot of reading for the class. Many of the books are 400 and
500 pages and, stylistically, Sheets said some of the
novels are quite involved. She has added two movies – “Rebecca” and “Psycho” to the course. Both
movies are based on British novels.
“They can’t skim the books,” Sheets added. “As
an English instructor, it is very satisfying to have
your students be inspired to read.”
Students who have taken the course said they
were heavy readers before enrolling in the class.
And most said they had wanted to read some of the
gothic classics on the class list of required reading,
but haven’t had the chance.
“I enrolled in this class because I love to read
and when I heard it was about gothic literature, I
knew I had to do it,” said Candace Shouse. “It was
honestly one of the best classes I have taken. It
taught me about Edmund Burke’s (theory) of the
sublime and honestly, it made me a better reader
and writer.”
The class counts as a humanities elective and
students do not have to be English majors to take
the course, Sheets said. Students should have taken
English 103 and received a ‘C’ or above in the class
before enrolling in the British Literature II class.
Need a Humanities class?
Are you thinking of adding a Humanities
course because you need an elective or
Humanities is part of your program? Or
maybe you just LOVE the topic and want
to take a Humanities class.
Consider enrolling in Introduction to
Shakespeare (ENGL 241). Discover why
Shakespeare is recognized worldwide
as the greatest author who ever lived by
discussing “Richard II,” “Henry IV, Part I,”
“Twelfth Night,” “A Midsummer Night’s
Dream,” “Othello,” “Hamlet,” “King Lear,”
“The Tempest,” and “The Sonnets.”
The benefits of reading Shakespeare:
Impress your friends with mastery of
arcane stuff; exciting, intriguing forays into
self-discovery; expand your knowledge of
your own ideas of history; learn to evaluate
a text from multiple perspectives; watch
the bard come to life in selected video
versions of plays; investigate plagues,
marriage customs, money-lending, and
magical islands; rub up against some
really good people, while learning to
recognize incarnate evil; win prizes when
playing trivia games; and finally, learn how
to value your own values.
November 27, 2012
Page 3
the southwester
“
I was tired of traveling as an
electrician. I decided it was time to change
careers and make a difference in the lives
of others. I chose the Ferris classes offered
locally because I can take classes
close to home.
– Israel
”
Technical & Professional Communication, B.S.
The Technical and Professional Communication
degree prepares you for a career involving
a combination of writing, organizing and
communicating information. Nearly every
industry needs employees who can communicate
technical and professional information effectively
to its customers and clients.
Programs offered at SMC:
With this degree, you discover writing’s history
and you help shape its future. You learn to edit
technical manuals, understand the elements of
writing technical documents and develop project
planning skills. In addition, you analyze technical
journals, books, magazines and speeches. While
the world becomes more technical you will
become a more valuable asset.
Accountancy/Public Accounting BS
Business Administration BS
Business Administration BS Professional Track
Computer Information Systems BS
Computer Information Technology BS Systems Administration and Security
Human Resource Management BS
Human Resource Management Certificate
International Business Certificate
Leadership and Supervision Certificate
Technical and Professional
Communication BS
Apply online at www.ferris.edu/statewide.
Find out more about this program
at ferris.edu/statewide. Call
our office at (269) 782-1214
to make an appointment
with an academic advisor.
FERRIS STATE
UNIVERSITY
DOWAGIAC
Choose now. Your tomorrow starts today.
Page 4
November 27, 2012
the southwester
Zombie
Apocalypse
Run
Photo by: Paige Linback
Photo by: Faith Styx
Photo by: Paige Linback
Photo by: Paige Linback
Photo by: Faith Styx
Photo by: Paige Linback
Photo by: Paige Linback
Photo by: Faith Styx
November 27, 2012
Page 5
the southwester
USS Enterprise
Deactivation
I’m the
Type of Girl
By STEPHANIE L. NULL
Student Writer
I’m the type of girl
You never notice that first time
I hide in the back and keep to myself
I won’t get hurt if I don’t try
I love to laugh, I hate to cry
I hide my feelings down deep inside
I’m the one who gets judged at
first glance
I could prove them wrong
If they’d just give me the chance
I have crushes like any normal girl
But most men wouldn’t give me
a chance in the world
I’m the type of girl
Who hates being girly
I get cuts, scratches, bruises
and burns
And I hate to be woke up to early
I don’t do makeup and flashy cloths
I don’t show flesh right down to
my toes
I have short hair and act all tough
But I promise that I am sensitive
enough
I’m the type of girl
Who will stick by you
Even if we’re far apart
And will believe in you
Right from the very start
I like hugs for no reason
And the holding of hands
How to
Kisses on the forehead are great too
Even if it’s in front of friends
I also don’t mind a cuddle or two
while I sleep
Just please don’t make promises
you don’t intend to keep
I’m the type of girl
That thinks playing video games
is awesome
Watching Horror films is great
Even if it tends to keep me up
too late
I’ll take a challenge if I see fit
I’ll try my best not to quit
I don’t need to run and I don’t
need to talk
I’m fine with a nice silent walk
I like writing stories, poems and
I love reading a book
And I can’t really say that I am
much of a cook
I don’t want diamonds or a
huge house
I wouldn’t mind if we’re as poor
as a mouse
All I want is a second glance
To be given that much needed
chance
To love you the way you should be
And hope and pray that somehow
you love me
fit a bachelor’s degree
into your busy schedule
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B
In this photo that was taken May 20, 1975, Tannis Watson with his sons,
Tannis II and Perris, stand on the bridge of the Enterprise during the Tiger
Cruise. The boys are holding the “Shiphandler of the Year” award that Watson
received from the commanding officer.
A
merica’s first nuclear
powered aircraft carrier,
U.S.S. Enterprise (CVN65) is scheduled for deactivation
on Dec. 1 at the U.S Naval Station, Norfolk, Virginia after a record breaking 51 years of service
to the country. Enterprise is one
of the most illustrious names in
Navy ships, CVN-65 being the
eighth ship to bear the name. Her
immediate predecessor, CV-6
was the most decorated carrier in
World War II and saw action in
most of the major engagements
of that war.
Tannis Watson, an adjunct
instructor in SMC’s School of
Business, served aboard Enterprise twice. He was assigned to
Attack Squadron 146 embarked
in Enterprise in 1968 and 1969,
making a combat deployment
to Vietnam in 1969. That cruise
was marred by a serious fire and
series of explosions on the flight
deck while the ship was conducting live ammunition exercises off
the coast of Hawaii.
Then, Ensign Watson was on
deck when the first explosion occurred and remained on deck,
off-loading bombs and ammunition from aircraft and later manning fire-hose teams until all fires
were extinguished. The toll was
terrible; 27 crewmen were killed,
several hundred injured, and 14
planes totally destroyed. The ship
proceeded to Pearl Harbor and
over the next two months was
repaired. Enterprise continued
on to the waters off Vietnam and
completed the cruise.
Watson, who has taught at
SMC for 11 years, returned to the
Enterprise in 1973 assigned to
the weapons department as the
ordnance handling officer. He
also stood bridge watches and
qualified as an officer of the deck
and surface warfare officer. During that tour Enterprise returned
to the Gulf of Tonkin and it was
during that cruise in 1974-75 that
the F-14 Tomcat made its first
fleet deployment.
Enterprise also participated
in the evacuation of U.S. personnel and some Vietnamese nationals, who had worked for us during the war, from the embassy
in Saigon. Returning from that
cruise Watson was able to fly his
two sons, Tannis II and Perris to
Hawaii and they rode the ship
back to San Francisco in one of
the Navy’s first “Tiger Cruise” operations.
Watson, of Niles, retired from
the Navy as a lieutenant commander in 1978 after 20 years
of service. He was recently privileged to receive an invitation to
attend the deactivation ceremonies to be held onboard Enterprise in Norfolk on Dec. 1. He is
currently planning on attending
with his son, Tannis II.
h
Page 6
the southwester
Spooksville
The Creatures of the SAC
Photos by: Paige Linback, SMC Student
November 27, 2012
November 27, 2012
the southwester
Page 7
Page 8
November 27, 2012
the southwester
Southwestern Michigan College
receives $10,000 scholarship donation
from Cass County Sheriff ’s Dept.
T
he Southwestern Michigan College Board
of Trustees recognized Cass County Sheriff
Joseph Underwood Jr. during its regular
meeting Oct. 15 held on the college’s Dowagiac
campus. Sheriff Underwood was present at the
meeting and announced that the Sheriff ’s department will be donating another $10,000 towards
the Community Policing Scholarship at the college. Funds to support this scholarship were raised
through the community policing golf outing that
Underwood organizes.
“Community Policing is not just limited to the
sheriff ’s office, but is also supported by the Cass
County Commissioners, businesses from all of Cass
County, as well as individuals,” Sheriff Underwood
said. “That’s what makes the golf outing such a success.”
Since establishing the Community Policing Endowed Scholarship in 1997, two to three scholarships of $500 each are given to SMC students each
semester.
“The endowed scholarship opportunity is a real
plus for the community because the college matches our donation,” Sheriff Underwood said to the
board. “Thank you for allowing us to be partners.”
In addition through the golf outing, the Sheriff ’s department gives eight, $500 scholarships
annually – six are awarded to SMC-bound high
school students, while two are given to Cass County students who are planning to attend a Michigan
college or university. More than 148 scholarships
have been awarded over the past 15 years, Sheriff
Underwood said.
According to Southwestern Michigan College
Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustee Vice Chairman Keith McKenzie (right) accepts a $10,000 check
from Cass County Sheriff Joseph Underwood Jr. during the college’s Oct. 15 board meeting. The donation is from the
annual Cass County Community Policing golf outing and is applied to the Community Policing Endowed Scholarship
fund at the college. The donation will be matched by the SMC Foundation.
President Dr. David Mathews, “With the $10,000
donation to this endowment fund tonight, and the
matching funds provided by the SMC Foundation,
the Cass County Community Policing Endowed
Scholarship fund has reached a total of $105,930.
Each year, the college allocates 80 percent of the interest income on this endowment fund to scholar-
St. Deny’s Foundation
recognized as
Donor of the Year
T
he St. Deny’s Foundation was named Donor of the Year by
the Southwestern Michigan College Foundation during “An
Evening of Mayhem,” a special fund raising event at the college held Oct. 27. President Dr. David Mathews presented James
McWilliams, a member of the Board of Directors at the St. Deny’s
Foundation, with a plaque and a lead crystal Medallion set.
The St. Deny’s Foundation, of Dowagiac, has donated almost
$422,000 over the last 15 years to fund student scholarships and the
annual Steve’s Run race, as well as other college services, including
a $1,000 to the Mayhem event. Also during the event, Dr. Mathews
accepted a $15,000 donation from McWilliams Saturday evening,
which will be used to fund student scholarships.
In addition to the St. Deny’s Foundation donation, the event
raised $11,000 for scholarships. Master of Ceremony for the event
was entertainer Craig Tornquist.
ships. The other 20 percent of interest income goes
back to the endowment, so the fund will continue
to grow indefinitely. Everyone here at SMC truly
appreciates what Sheriff Underwood has done for
the youth of Cass County through awarding these
scholarships and establishing this endowment
fund that will provide scholarships forever.”
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CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity within its community (see cmich.edu/aaeo).
cmich.edu/globalcampus [email protected] 35321k 11/12
November 27, 2012
the southwester
Photo by Julia Speicher
The Vital
Importance
behind Being
Earnest
Page 9
By MICHELLE BROWN
Student Writer
“E
njoy the beauty of the text more.”
The SMC theatre Director Paul Mow
stated one rehearsal night for the comedy play “The Importance of Being Earnest.” What
a beauteous and classical commandment. But you
see the best part of putting on a theatre production
is all of the preparation.
The funniest moments and the most treasured
memories are made behind the scene at rehearsals
and gatherings for all who are involved in the play.
A lot of hard work and preparation is put into pulling a thing like this off.
Being a huge theatre nerd fresh out of high
school, I thought it might be beneficial to point out
these things so that the public may gain a better
understanding and a higher level of respect for the
theatre. So naturally, I jumped on the chance to be
the first peer review/behind the scenes reporter for
the production.
Because of this little project, I was fortunate
enough to be able to sit in on the rehearsals and
cast member gatherings that took place. During these times, I noticed just how hard everyone
worked to come together. At times it got intense.
I noted that the young actors and actresses were
always there whenever they were scheduled to be,
a concept that never seemed to take ground at my
high school. I have gotten the opportunity to ride
in the director’s seat, so I am aware of just how vital character attendance is to the outcome of the
production.
This cast was obviously quite rock solid in this
category. I applaud them in this fashion. You can
always tell when a group of cast members are serious about what they do, and it was evident that this
cast indeed was. They also worked on an insane
time crunch. Most plays/musicals typically require
about three to five months of readying. This team
pulled it off in just one month alone. Have you any
clue how on-the-ball everyone has to be in order to
do that?
As an actor, one must have incredible energy
and be over the top expressive. You can never show
enough emotion. That way you have enough rolling
off of your character. So if the director has to pull
you back, you know you’ve got that in the bag.
I must point out that John Raab, who exploded
the character out of our dearest Algernon, did quite
splendidly with this particular skill. I give my utmost admiration to Mr. Raab due this fact. If anyone had seen the (promotional) pictures that were
posted, you know quite well how expressive this
young man was with his character. I would also like
to include Carlee Sharma, who played Gwendolyn,
in this praising of character energy and expression
portrayal.
But keeping that in mind, the entire cast had
amazing talent and each of them held a strong
point in different aspects of the theatre. For instance, Shannon Burkett is the scariest actor I’ve
ever met. I say this with the utmost love, but her
abuse of scholastic bindings can be quite terrifying. She does quite well with pacing and yet again,
emotion expression. Joshua-Blair Boger is another
individual that does well with pacing and stage direction.
However, never trust the old boy with a teacup. Once while at a rehearsal, Josh proceeded to
spill imaginary tea on the surface of the stage, and
somehow ended up throwing it with great force on
the ground. Suffice to say, the antique teacup exploded into shards. At least he knows how to clean
up his messes. Good job, Josh!
I do also admire Allen Zimmerman (Dr.
Chasuible), Julie Pletcher Hoven (Ms. Prism), and
Cory Schutter (Lane or the Buttler) for their incredible patience and endurance. These cast members gave it their all as well. I remember several
times where Allen, Julie, and Cory were forced to
repeat bits over and over again, only for the director to decide that he like it the first way they performed it, or to make up his mind on the matter 20
minutes later. The rest of the time, they were quite
patient and respectful while director Mow would
work with the other characters and scenes.
If you took the time out of your busy schedule to
come see this play, which is much appreciated on a
side note, you would know that this entire production was performed using British accents. Personally, I am terrible at accents of the British variety.
But judging from rehearsals through opening night, I discovered the actor/actress who had
phenomenally improved their British accent the
most. That actress would be none other than Kacie
Mercer, or Lady Bracknelll. I honestly remember
the director and other cast members giving her a
hard time because she could not pronounce the
correct British accented words out of the script, in
the most fun-loving way of course.
All in all, the making of “The Importance of
Being Earnest” was an amazing experience. I loved
the fun-loving silliness of the director, cast, and
crew. I give an A+ to the performance deliverance
of the entire production.
My favorite bit from this play had to have been
in Act Two when the lovely Miss Fairfax and the
notorious Cecily Cardew meet for the first time
and discover they are both supposedly engaged to
Tying Yellow Ribbons
“Earnest Worthing.” They act friendly to one another, but when Gwendolen communicates that
she prefers bread and butter over cake and no sugar in her tea, Cecily proceeds to load her cup of tea
with sugar and give her a big honking piece of cake.
Gwendolen spits out her tea on the ground and her
cake on her plate. Standing up, she states these obvious facts and informs her she is known for the
gentleness of her nature but Cecily may go too far.
Miss Cardew retorts with a statement claiming that in order to save her man from the arms
of another such as herself, there are no lengths to
which she would not go. Gwendolen replies with
“From the moment I saw you I distrusted you. I felt
you were false and deceitful. I am never deceived
in such matters. My first impressions of people are
invariably right.”
I found this line hilarious and ironic, seeing as
Miss Fairfax basically told Miss Cardew the exact
opposite in the beginning of their encounter. This
entire scene sparked the most entertainment for
me, and I am sure that it sparked the same level of
delight for many in the audiences all three production nights as well.
But I believe that most important thing about
“The Importance of Being Earnest” was the way
that the entire cast and crew grew together and became one big happy family. The memories shared
will never be forgotten.
Lastly, I wanted to thank Paul Mow and the
Earnest cast and crew for allowing me to enter
into this amazing family. Job well done, that’s a rap
everyone. You all are the true importance of being
Earnest.
Joanna Lach (left) and Brittany Tanke were among several students who helped tie yellow ribbons around the lamp
posts on the Dowagiac campus in honor of Veteran’s Day.
Page 10
V
November 27, 2012
the southwester
New at the Fred L. Mathews Library!
iew all of these and many others in the New
Materials Collection.
Fall Semester Learning Center and Library Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
New Books
“Silent no more: Victim 1’s Fight for Justice
Against Jerry Sandusky”/Aaron Fisher
“The Middlesteins”/Jami Attenberg
“Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore”/Robin Sloan
“How We Do Harm: A Doctor Breaks Ranks About
Being Sick in America”/Otis Webb Brawley
“The Bone Bed”/Patricia Cornwell
“The Racketeer”/John Grisham
“Obamacare Survival Guide”/Nick J. Tate
“Pink”/Lili Wilkinson
“Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength,
and Spirit”/J.R. Martinez
“The Skinny Rules: The Simple, Nonnegotiable
Principles for Getting to Thin”/Bob Harper
“Pavement Chalk Artist: The Three-Dimensional
Drawings of Julian Beever”/Julian Beever
“The Time Keeper: A Novel”/Mitch Albom
“Reflected in You”/Sylvia Day
“Back to Blood”/Tom Wolfe
“Hidden”/P.C. Cast
“Mugged: Racial Demagoguery from the Seventies
to Obama”/Ann Coulter
“Rapture: A Novel of the Fallen Angels”/J.R. Ward
New DVDs
“Happy”
“Monumental: In search of America’s
National Treasure”
“2016, Obama’s America”
“Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter”
“Madea’s Witness Protection”
“Occupy Unmasked”
“Half the Sky”
“Magic Mike”
“Moonrise Kingdom”
New CDs
Taylor Swift/“Red”
Kendrick Lamar/“Good Kid, M.A.A.D City:
A short Film”
Jason Aldean/“Night Train”
Ellie Goulding/“Halcyon”
Coheed and Cambria/“The Afterman: Ascension”
Matt and Kim/“Lightning”
Miguel/“Kaleidoscope Dream”
Lupe Fiasco/“Food & Liquor II: The Great
American Rap Album pt. 1
Blake Shelton/“Cheers, It’s Christmas”
Diana Krall/“Glad Rag Doll”
Muse/The 2nd Law”
Veterans Honored
Simple steps to safety
during the holidays
SMC President Dr. David
Mathews talks to a group
of students and staff who
served in the military
during the annual Veteran’s
Breakfast Nov. 12. Dr.
Mathews thanked all the
veterans for their support,
both to our country and
the college. The support
from veterans culminated
in the college being named
a Military Friendly School.
Other on-campus activities
recognizing veterans
included housing students
honoring family and friends
who are currently serving in
the military by posting their
photos around campus
and tying yellow ribbons on
lamp posts.
By DENIS M. BURNS
Campus Security Coordinator
• If you drink, don’t drive, no matter how little you think
you have had
• Designate a driver before you arrive at an event or party
• If hosting a party, make sure to set rules on drinking
and driving. Offer to provide a ride home or a place for guests
who drink to sleep
• Wear a red ribbon during the holidays to increase awareness
of the drinking and driving problem
• Educate family, friends and co-workers about the risks
of drinking and driving. Provide them with pamphlets or
give MADD information and statistics to help bring
awareness to the drinking and driving problem
• If possible, avoid driving during the early and late evening
hours on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and
New Year’s. Protect yourself and passengers by wearing
a safety belt at all times, in case of a crash
Holiday crime
prevention tips
By DENIS M. BURNS
Campus Security Coordinator
D
uring the holidays, the potential for thefts and robberies increase. More people are out and about, and they
are carrying more gifts and money than during other
times of the year. While there’s no need to be afraid, you should
keep in mind the following holiday safety reminders:
• Carry your valuables wisely. Do not keep cash in your wallet.
Instead, keep it in an inside pocket and only carry the credit
cards you’ll need.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave
packages in your car, put them in the trunk. Keep receipts
with you.
• Carry a cell phone with you. If someone makes you suspicious
or uncomfortable, notify security or call the police.
• Whenever possible, park and walk in well-lit areas. Be aware
of your surroundings, especially the people around you.
• Carry your purse close to you, with the opening or flap
towards your body. Never leave a purse unattended in a
shopping cart.
• Do not keep a wallet, credit cards or cash in a backpack.
If you are in a crowd, consider carrying the backpack in front
of you. Pickpockets can quickly and easily remove items from
a backpack without being noticed by the owner.
• Protect your credit card numbers and other personal
information. Carefully dispose of receipts that have a credit
card number on them. Never provide credit card information
in response to unsolicited calls or emails.
• Don’t announce your new high-dollar purchases after the
holidays. Break down the boxes of TVs, stereos, computers,
etc. and turn them inside out before putting them in
the trash.
• If you are traveling for the holidays, make your home look
“lived in.” Have a friend or neighbor collect your mail and
newspapers or have your service suspended while you
are away. Use timers to turn lights off and on.
We occasionally have a snow day, YEAH!
But if SMC doesn’t have your correct contact information, then you
may be the only one in the parking lot that day!
To see if we have the correct contact information for you, go to ‘My
SMC Space’ in Wired. Find ‘SMC Self Service’ on the left side of the page
and click it. Then, click ‘Personal Information.’ You can then check to see
what phone number we have for you.
To update your information, click on ‘Update Addresses and Phones’
under ‘SMC Self Service.’ Once you’re on the page, select the information
you would like to change from the drop down menu.
Five easy ways to learn about campus
closings:
1. Phone or cell number
2. Text Messaging
3. SMC email
4. www.swmich.edu (home page)
5. Local TV & radio stations
November 27, 2012
The
Southwester
Read the Southwester online at
www.swmich.edu/southwester
Volume 49, No. 3, November 27, 2012
SMC Marketing Department
Published for students,
faculty, staff and friends of
Southwestern Michigan College
Dowagiac campus
58900 Cherry Grove Road
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Niles Area Campus
3380 U.S. Highway 12
Niles, MI 49120
Submissions
Students, faculty, and staff of
Southwestern Michigan College
are encouraged to submit
electronically story ideas, articles,
reviews, photos, and/or graphic
images to [email protected].
Comments, suggestions, and
Letters to the Editor are always
welcome. Opinions expressed
are strictly those of the authors,
and do not reflect those of the
management of The Southwester
or Southwestern Michigan
College. Letters to the Editor
should be no more than 300
words in length and should
include the writer’s name,
SMC email address, and a
phone number.
Submissions may be edited
at the editor’s discretion.
The Southwester uses Associated
Press style, so readers may notice
differences from ‘regular’ English
usage pertaining to abbreviations,
punctuation, and capitalization.
Send editorial submissions to
[email protected].
The Southwester
office is located in Suite 2105
Page 11
the southwester
S
SMC Foundation accepts
donation to Brenda Mast
Memorial Scholarship
outhwestern Michigan College
Foundation accepted a $2,500 donation from the Inspiration Scholarship Foundation during a special fund
raising event at the college Oct. 27. The
money will be used to endow the Brenda
Mast Memorial Scholarship.
Sarah Mathews, president of the Inspiration Scholarship Foundation, presented the donation during “An Evening
of Mayhem” event. The money will be
matched by the SMC Foundation, “thereby doubling the number of students the
scholarship will be able to help,” said
Mathews.
The Brenda Mast Memorial Scholarship was established in 2008 by the
Inspiration Scholarship Foundation to
honor former North Wayne Mennonite
Church Sunday school teacher, Brenda
Mast. Mast taught Sunday school at
North Wayne for many years until she
lost her long battle with cancer in 1995.
Despite battling cancer and experiencing long stays in the hospital for
treatment, Mast stayed in contact with
her students by writing letters to them.
She encouraged them to do their best in
school and shared with them her faith
through her letters as well. She was an
inspiration to many of her students.
“The Inspiration Scholarship Foundation decided to carry on her inspiration
by dedicating a scholarship in her honor
that would be awarded each spring to
a graduating high school student who
demonstrated the same principles that
Brenda inspired her students to have in
their life - academic success, community
involvement, and church involvement,”
Mathews said.
Earlier this year, the Board of Directors for the Inspiration Scholarship
Foundation decided that due to fact that
many of their scholarship recipients were
deciding to attend Southwestern Michigan College that endowing the Mast
scholarship with the SMC Foundation
would allow supporters of the scholarship to help more.
‘Parasite’
sculpture on
loan to the
college
“P
arasite,” a welded steel and
blown glass sculpture can be
seen in the lower lobby of the
Fred L. Mathews Library. The piece was
created by former SMC art major Eli
Zilke and Dan Cristy and is on loan from
the artists and the Water Street Glassworks in Benton Harbor. “Parasite” has
glass-blown flowers, reminiscent of the
Redbud blossoms, but in actuality are really invasive parasite killing the tree.
of the College Services Building
Calvin Hill places
3rd in competition
on the Dowagiac campus.
The Southwester
Editorial Staff
S
MC student Calvin Hill placed third in a climbing competition held Oct. 27 at Grand Valley State University.
Hill climbed the intermediate difficulty routes with
ranges from V4 to V6. In the first round, he placed second in
the open climb division, advancing him to the finals where
he placed third.
Editor
Ann Burch
Phone: 269.782.1457
Email: [email protected]
Southwestern
Michigan College
Board of Trustees
Dr. Fred L. Mathews, Chairman
Keith McKenzie, Vice Chairman
William White, Secretary
Thomas F. Jerdon, Treasurer
Beth J. Cripe, Trustee
Paul D. File, Trustee
Becky L. Moore, Trustee
College President
Dr. David M. Mathews
Southwestern Michigan College
is accredited by the Higher
Learning Commission of the
North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools.
The Southwester reserves the right
to refuse any content, photograph,
or advertisement for any reason.
© Copyright 2012 by
Southwestern Michigan College
Sen. John Proos
speaks to SMC class
M
ichigan Sen. John Proos-R 21st District spoke to Sarah
Mathews’ speech class on Election Day. Sen. Proos
fielded questions from students about the election
process, current events, and issues concerning the economy,
jobs, and world affairs.
Photo by
Faith Styx
Page 12
November 27, 2012
the southwester
Intramural Sports Schedule
S
outhwestern Michigan College’s Intramural Sports activities are co-ed
and open to all students. All events, unless otherwise stated, are held in
the Student Activity Center (SAC) or on the Dowagiac campus sports
fields. All sign-ups take place in the SAC. For more information, contact Justin
Bennett at [email protected].
Nov. 28
Dec. 3
Dec. 5
Dec. 5
Jan. 14 & 16
Jan. 10-23
Jan. 10-30
Jan. 21
Jan. 23
Jan. 25
Jan. 28
Jan. 31
Jan. 28-Feb. 15
Jan. 30
3 on 3 Basketball Games
3 on 3 Basketball Games
Men/Women-Pt Shooting Contest
3 on 3 Basketball Playoffs
5 on 5 Basketball Meeting/Sign-ups
Black Ops 2 Tournament Sign-ups
Volleyball Tournament Sign-ups
5 on 5 Basketball Games
5 on 5 Basketball Games
Black Ops 2 Tournament
5 on 5 Basketball Games
Snow Bowl
Ping Pong Tournament Sign-ups
5 on 5 Basketball Games
4 p.m.
4 p.m.
5 p.m.
4 p.m.
3-5 p.m.
6 a.m.-11 p.m.
6 a.m.-11 p.m.
4 p.m.
4 p.m.
1 p.m.
4 p.m.
4 p.m.
6 a.m.-11 p.m.
4 p.m.
Special Smithsonian
exhibit through Dec. 14
Student Activities
Calendar
The following student activities are scheduled for December. All activities are free to SMC students who have a college ID. For details, stop by
the Student Activity Center.
Dec. 4
Dec. 5
Cookie Decorating/Decorate the SAC
Holiday Formal Dance
Finish your 4-year degree
Fi
from Bethel College
on the campus of SMC
in Dowagiac
Succes
s
269.782.1267 1.800.422.4251
www.bethelcollege.edu/adult
“The Way We Work” Lecture Programs
All programs begin at 6:30 p.m. in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building
on the Dowagiac campus and are free to the public.
Nov. 29: “The Way We Worked”
John Beck/MSU & state
historian for the touring exhibit
Dec. 12: “Beyond a Promise:
Working at Studebaker”
Andrew Beckman/Studebaker
National Museum
Exhibit Hours
Through Dec. 14
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday
Dale A. Lyons Building
Rm. 141 on the
Dowagiac campus
Fine and Performing Arts
Schedule
IF YOU HAVE 62 OR MORE CREDITS, YOU
CAN START NOW!
Call to meet with a
Bethel College Academic Advisor
“T
he Way We Worked” the Smithsonian Institute’s traveling exhibit, adapted from an original exhibition developed by the National
Archives, explores how work became such a central element in
American culture by tracing the many changes that affected the workforce
and work environments over the past 150 years.
The exhibit draws from the Archives’ rich collections to tell this compelling story, as well as items from the Dowagiac museum’s local history collection. SMC will host this free special exhibit, in cooperation with Michigan
Humanities Council, through Dec. 14 in Room 141 of the Dale A. Lyons
Building on the Dowagiac campus.
Dec. 5: “Dowagiac:
The Furnace City”
Steve Arseneau/Museum
Director/City of Dowagiac
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
¾ Accelerated program designed
especially for the adult students
23+ years
¾ Transfer up to 88 college credits
¾ Complete the program in just 17
months
¾ Once-a-week evening classes located
close to home
¾ Receive credit for prior learning
experiences
¾ Lower tuition rates for adult students
¾ Smaller class size and personal
attention
Break those winter blues
Co-ed volleyball tournament sign-up is Jan. 10 through Jan. 30. Sign-up at the SAC.
Next Group
Start Date
March 12,
2013
Student Exhibition opens Nov. 29-Dec. 10
Free artist reception at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 6
A survey of new works created by currently enrolled students fills the gallery spaces. Works from painting, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, motion graphics & photography courses are all represented.
Type Sampler – an exhibit of graphic designers
Jan. 9-Feb. 1
Free artist reception at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 16
Organized in conjunction with Bill Rothwell, this exhibition assembles
graphic designers engaged with logo and type development, showcasing
their studio works as projects in progress. How is type developed? How
does it change course through a project?
Free Holiday Concert Dec. 8
Come join us for SMC’s annual holiday gift to the community, featuring the
Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, SMC Select Voices, and selected small
ensembles. The concert will be at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 in the theatre
of the Dale A. Lyons Building.