August-September 2014 - Fox Valley Technical College

Transcription

F x Times
A student–run publication
August/September 2014
2
From the Editor
Student Success Center
6
Tony Duff Interview
8
Author Chat – Sarah
Cradit
15
Cheers and Jeers
16
Dr. May Interview
20
Marissa Hunnel
Interview
25
Wednesdays with
Wolfgang
26
People Every
Student Should Meet
& Know
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A DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS PUBLICATION CAN ALSO BE DOWNLOADED AT: WWW.FVTC.EDU/FOXTIMES
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can transfer up to
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to start as a junior
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n
Lakeland College, fox Cities Center
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CONTENTS
Fox Times | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
2 From the Editor
19 Student Government Elections
3 Letters to the Editor
20 Fox Times Interview – Marissa Hunnel
4 My FVTC Story
21 Take Advantage of Our Services!
5 Ask Foxy
22 Fox Times Interview – Vicky
(Barke) Weiland
6 Interview Questions – Tony Duff
25 Wednesdays with Wolfgang
26 People Every Student Should
Meet and Know
28 Security Spotlight – Jayme Bowman
29Respect
8 Author Chat – Sarah Cradit
11 Flash Fiction Challenge
Poetry Challenge
12 Hater PSA...
13 Book Review – St. Charles at Dusk
14 Student Activities Committee
30 Summertime at FVTC
15 Cheers and Jeers
32 Welcome New International Students
From the Archives
16 Fox Times Interview – Dr. May
33COMICS
18 Book Review – Unicorn Western
Advisor
Shannon Gerke Corrigan
[email protected]
Fox Times Staff Members
Rich Weber – Editor In Chief
William Miller – Layout & Design
Editor
Contributors
Lynne Pruetz
Nicole Minten
FACEBOOK.COM/FVTCFOXTIMES | 1
It begins once again. The end of summer dreams and those oh, so, sweet, summer nights.
The start of the 2014-2015 school year marks a phase change for new FVTC students and a
continuation for those of us returning.
High school students making the transition to college life, returning adults discovering
that college isn’t so bad after all.
Within this issue there are a number of excellent interviews along with highlights of
different departments and people within the college for students to meet and know.
You might be wondering about the chicken picture. I do dream of a world where
their motives are not questioned, I believe I would enjoy living in that world.
A couple of new and old features are returning, Ask Foxy makes his triumphant
return from a “voluntary” sabbatical, Letters to the Editor, Cheers & Jeers,
and From the Archives, among others. [email protected] if you wish to
submit for one of these features.
In the month of September, we have the Student Government Association
elections. (SGA) If I am not mistaken, the date for you to declare your candidacy
is September 15th. The elections will be held on September 27th, online I
believe.
At the end of the 2013-2014 academic year we said goodbye to a good chunk of the Fox Times staff as graduation and the lure
of real jobs took its toll. We need photographers and writers, it doesn’t matter what your program is.
We like a wide variety of programs on staff, it provides a good look at the school. The Fox Times staff meets Friday afternoons
in the Student Life conference room at 2:30pm. If you wish to participate, either show up to a meeting, or email me at
[email protected], and we can talk.
I am looking forward to a great 2014-2015 school year, and hope it is a fantastic one for each of you as well.
Have a great month!
Rich
F x Times
Wants You!
With the start of a new school year we need fresh blood! Opportunities abound
for people that love to write, take photos, and help brainstorm future issues.
Beginning September 5th, the Fox Times meets every Friday afternoon in Student
Life (E137) at 2:30 PM!
See you there!
2 | FVTC STUDENT PUBLICATION | AUGUST 2014
Letters to the Editor appeared to be a popular section a few
years back, and your intrepid Fox Times staff has brought it
back. If you would like to submit a letter to the Editor, there
are three ways to do so.
Number one, email it to [email protected],
Second, message it to the Fox Times Facebook page, https://
www.facebook.com/fvtcfoxtimes
Third, write or type it, place in a sealed envelope addressed
to Editor-Fox Times, and give to the Student Life staff. They
will ensure we receive it.
That is all there is to it! We look forward to hearing from you.
Since this is the first issue that we have brought this back,
here are a couple of Letters from the archives. Enjoy!
September 24, 1979
Dear Editor
I would like to comment on the fly situation in the cafeteria.
It is pretty bad when you have to roll up the Connection
(Fox Times in 1979) and kill flies while you are eating lunch
or studying. I am about ready to collect them in a dish and
turn them in for a bounty of $.50 per fly. Maybe if the school
is too poor to provide a bounty for flies, maybe the school
would accept a donation of 1 ton of fly paper. Am I the only
one being BUGGED?
J. Bell
To the Editor
As a student of FVTI (Fox Valley Technical Institute) and
a concerned citizen, I am writing in regards to the barriers
to the handicapped. Specifically, the new doors installed
at Student Services. These doors present a hindrance to
the wheelchair-bound students and others with physical
handicaps. The failure to install an automatic door of some
type is unconscionable. Under federal mandate public
buildings are to be barrier-free. Unfortunately, FVTI appears
to be installing more barriers than it eliminates.
I urge all students, faculty, and staff to support the
elimination of all barriers that impede the movements of our
fellow students and citizens.
Debra J. Procknow
My FVTC Story
By Lynne Pruetz
I am a student, mother, wife, and business owner. In all
honesty I was extremely hesitant to register for school. After
graduating from high school 15 years ago, going back to school
wasn’t something I felt confident doing. I was worried, scared,
and nervous, all at the same time. However, there was this
little voice in the back of my mind that said DO IT and don’t
turn back.
I consider myself a faithful person with strong beliefs.
Therefore I needed to listen to those voices. I knew this
wasn’t going to be easy, especially with all of the hats I wear
on a daily basis. I decided to register for the Early Childhood
accelerated program. I didn’t realize the workload since this
meant 12 credits in one semester plus my business, being a
wife, and mom duties.
Thankfully this program was designed for individuals like
myself. School was something I chose to do; this wasn’t
something I had to pursue. I did this of my own free will, all
because of this voice that would say in my mind do it and it
will be just fine.
I am a person who doesn’t sugar coat anything, I will tell the
truth and the reality side of things. I will admit there were
several times I wanted to quit. I would say this is too much,
how can I complete all of this and maintain a high grade
point? That little voice would say... keep going, God will only
give you what you can handle. Even though I had struggles
and yes I tend to be more dramatized than the average person.
By Nicole Minten
My experience in the Medical Office Assistant Technical
Degree program here at Fox Valley Technical College has
been wonderful. It was a rocky road figuring out and getting
into this program but I am happy with my final decision. The
advisers have been helpful and welcoming. The program is
30 credits which fits with my work schedule perfectly.
In the medical field I felt like there will always be jobs
available. I chose this program because I liked the wide
variety of places where I could work. It includes career
opportunities from dental offices to clinics to even
hospitals. I have learned things like medical terminology,
I’m so very thankful I will soon be completing my Associates
Degree.
One of my Early Childhood Instructors said to one of my
former classmates “Soon you will see the light at the end of the
tunnel.” I thought to myself “yeah right, this seems endless.”
Now I’m beginning to see that light. This program taught me
to take one step at a time and not to get ahead of myself.
I speak to friends who have their Masters degree and think
to myself, “WOW how wonderful they have that degree.”
However I’m more than satisfied to say proudly that I will
soon graduate with an Associates degree. Maybe its not a
masters or doctorate degree, however this was the path I
was guided to take and I took it. This isn’t just an Associates
degree to me, it is a huge accomplishment for myself.
I would recommend FVTC to anyone. I encourage my son who
is only 8 years old to pursue his future of becoming a Police
officer and attending FVTC, however I do realize his goals may
change as he gets into his adolescent years and older.
I’m going to continue to operate my state licensed childcare
business once I graduate this May. The education I gained is
for additional knowledge in the field I’m currently pursuing.
Not only will I obtain an Associates degree, I’m gaining the
knowledge, time management skills and self-satisfaction of
my accomplishments and the journey of how to handle certain
situations for now and in the future.
medical law and ethics, and Microsoft office suite. I love
helping people therefore it was a no brainer to go for a
degree in the medical field.
In order to graduate from this program I needed to find
an internship that has HIPAA standards. I was fortunate
enough to find a dental office to do my 144 hours. The
experience there so far has been very rewarding and I have
been able to use some of the knowledge I have been taught
from my classes. I have come to find out that working in any
medical/dental field is challenging but rewarding in the end.
Ask Foxy!
Returning from a long sabbatical, Foxy is back to answer
your questions! Foxy appears to be a tad bit risqué and
maybe a little inappropriate. That is why Foxy is so
universally loved! Here is how Foxy works.
If you have any problems, praise, or pet peeves you would
like Foxy to comment on...
• Submissions for Foxy can be dropped off in a sealed
envelope addressed to Foxy in Student Life.
• Email [email protected] with the subject line “Ask
Foxy”
• Facebook message to the Fox Times Facebook Page.
Please specify “Ask Foxy” in your message
• Please also specify if you would like your name used in
conjunction with the question or comment, or if you
prefer to be anonymous. Foxy can also assign you a
suitable name at his discretion.
From the November 11, 1981 edition of The Connection
(Fox Times),
Dear Foxy,
I am lost! I don’t know how to get involved in school
activities. How do I go about doing this? What activities are
there in school? Who can I contact for these things?
— Confused & Spaced Out
Dear Confused & Spaced Out,
In order to get involved in school activities, you have to
want it badly enough. The Student Activities Center in room
G-200 is the place to go. They have foosball games, pool
tables, electronic games, ping-pong tables, or you can just sit
and watch TV.
Just watch for posters on bulletin boards and you will find
other activities in which you can participate . Bob Burdick is
the student activities coordinator. He starts a scuba diving
class every so often, needs people to play volleyball, and gets
groups to go roller skating. He always has something going
on. I hope this will help you out in finding some activities.
Have fun!
— Foxy
Fox Times Interview with Tony Duff
By Rich Weber
Fox Times — Let’s begin
with an introduction for those
students that do not know. Who
are you, and what is your role
here at FVTC?
Tony Duff — My name is Tony
Duff and I am the new Student
Conduct Manager. I have
been with FVTC for five years,
previously the Safety & Security
Manager. Prior to that I was
a Patrol Supervisor with the
Oshkosh Police Department.
I am also an Adjunct Instructor in the General Sciences
department, Psychology of Human Relations being an
example of a class I would teach.
Student and staff training in emergency responses to
situations as well as working with the Behavior Intervention
Team.
Fox Times — What brought you into the world of
academia?
Tony Duff — I have a strong belief in higher education, I
am a lifetime learner that is continuously improving and
educating myself. When the opportunity presented itself
to be a part of FVTC I jumped at it. Education is incredibly
important to achieving goals, and to be here and be able to
assist students and staff in that pursuit is amazing to me. I
enjoy my job a great deal.
The Gift of Fear by
Gavin de Becker
Last Man Standing
Jamie Dimon & Duff
McDonald
Golden Retriever
Amateur Training
Books
Wild Game Recipe Books, for when I have time to hunt.
And any book about Vince Lombardi.
Fox Times — Where is your office located?
Tony — Great question! It just moved, I am now located in
the Counseling & Advising Center, room E121A. If anyone
wants to meet with me I have an open door policy, they can
call me at 920-225-5913, or make an appointment with the
front desk.
Fox Times — What are the main types of conduct issues
that are typically dealt with?
Tony — Inappropriate communications. In the classroom,
during the enrollment process and the advising process.
Disrespect towards Instructors, Staff and fellow classmates.
People need to remember to respect the school, faculty, and
their fellow students.
While it has decreased a great deal, violations of the no
smoking rule do still occur and we do pursue those.
Fox Times — Student Conduct is a broad term. Can you
give a more in depth explanation?
Fox Times — What are you most looking forward to with
the upcoming school year?
Tony — It sure is, and I can try. Student Conduct sounds
punitive and negative, I view it more as educating students
on the differing aspects of the FVTC Code of Conduct and
where a student could possibly run afoul of one of the rules.
Sometimes people view me as the Campus Cop, and that
isn’t my role. I am here to help students understand what is
expected of them, and reach those expectations, not punish
them.
Tony — Working directly with the new and returning
students, the excitement of the new buildings being
operational. The Student Success Center, Health Simulation
Building, having the full parking lot back again. All areas of
the school being accessible again. Been awhile for that.
Oftentimes it is something as simple as lighting a cigarette
on the way to the car. Most people don’t realize that
since July of 2013, the only permissible place to smoke
on campus is IN your car, not in the parking lot. If I see
someone doing that I’ll mention that it isn’t allowed,
and 95% of the time that takes care of it. Most people
are not malicious intentionally, many times we haven’t
communicated effectively what is expected.
Fox Times — On a lighter note, you are stranded on a
deserted isle, amazingly, your 5 favorite books are there.
What are they, and why?
Tony — Wow, tough question. Everything I have been
reading has been for work lately.
Continuing to learn my new role, working with the Behavior
Intervention Team, and really the new relationships I can
build with staff and students.
Fox Times — We’ll end on an easy one. If you had the
opportunity to address the entire student body, what would
your message be?
Tony — I thought you said we were ending on an easy one?
There are so many things I would like to say. Take full
advantage of every opportunity and resource that is
offered here at FVTC. Enjoy it. Enjoy your time here, in my
opinion, there really isn’t a better place to be right now.
This is a phenomenal place to achieve your education goals
and make new connections. Be involved. I think being
involved is a great way to ensure your goals will be met and
you will meet some fantastic people.
Author Chat: With Sarah Cradit
By Rich Weber
This month I interviewed Sarah Cradit, North American
Vendor Manager with Nike, Inc. and a successful
independent author. You can find her online at
SarahMCradit.com, along with various social media sites.
Her series, The House of Crimson & Clover is fantastic
and the latest book, Midnight Dynasty Act III: Omega
just released.
A little bit about Sarah from her Amazon Page:
“Sarah is the author of the Paranormal Southern Gothic
series, The House of Crimson & Clover, born of her
combined passion for New Orleans, and the mysterious
complexity of human nature. Her work has been described
as rich, emotive, and highly dimensional.
An unabashed geek, Sarah enjoys studying obscure
subjects like the Plantagenet and Ptolemaic dynasties,
and settling debates on provocative Tolkien topics such
as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf’s personal taxi
service. Passionate about travel, Sarah has visited over
twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration (though
New Orleans is where her heart rests). She’s a selfprofessed expert at crafting original songs to sing to her
very patient pets, and a seasoned professional at finding
ways to humiliate herself (bonus points if it happens in
public). When at home in Oregon, her husband and best
friend, James, is very kind about indulging her love of fast
German cars and expensive lattes.
Connect with Sarah:
Official Website: http://www.sarahmcradit.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
houseofcrimsonandclover
Google +: google.com/+SarahMCradit
Twitter: @thewritersarah”
Fox Times — Thank you for taking the time out of your
schedule Sarah!
Sarah — You are welcome, thank you for having me!
Fox Times — Has there been a character you wrote that
you intended to elicit a specific reaction, and received the
exact opposite reaction?
Sarah — This is a great question! And it just so happens,
the answer is yes. The character of Aidrik, in The Illusions
of Eventide, was meant to be a little mysterious, and
perhaps, heaven forbid, a little sexy. Instead, most readers
found him insufferable and manipulative. I realized, they’re
seeing the Aidrik of Eventide, where I know where he’s at
2-3 books from now. Usually I can overcome that and paint
the right picture at the right time, but it appears it was not
so with this one. Was an interesting learning experience.
Fox Times — What do you enjoy most about the
writing process?
Sarah — This is going to sound insane to most people,
but I really enjoy the rewrite process. I always know my
first drafts are going to be rough, but it’s wonderful to
watch something unformed turn into something I can be
proud of. It’s a bit like chipping away at stone. I also love
brainstorming with a few close-knit friends who know my
world almost as well as I do. World-building brings me
endless joy.
Fox Times — Do you have any projects you are excited/
passionate about, yet are unable to finish them?
Sarah — Sort of. Many years ago, I wrote a very long
serialized novel with a good friend of mine, which ended up
being over 500k words. Huge. But it’s ugly, and would need
a ton of work. I always hoped we would come back to it, and
push it out. Maybe one day.
Fox Times — What have you found to be your biggest
struggle as an Author?
Sarah — TIME! Without doubt. I struggle from all
the usual suspects, too, like writer’s block, but those I
can overcome. I can do nothing about my day job, or
the demands of my household, or the fact that writing,
marketing, editing, design, etc all take ludicrous amounts of
time. If I could clone myself, I’d be a very happy girl.
Fox Times — As an Author of many books, how many of
your preconceived notions about writing have come true?
How many have fizzled into thin air?
Author Chat: With Sarah Cradit continued...
Sarah — I didn’t have a lot of preconceived notions,
necessarily, but I have learned a lot about what I am
personally capable of. My writing style, for example,
has evolved quite a bit over the years. I’ve always been
notoriously long-winded and descriptive, but I’ve learned
to find quicker, more efficient (yet equally colorful) ways to
make my point. I’ve also discovered I am pretty good
at novellas!
Fox Times — Which fictional character(of any time/genre)
would you most like to meet? What would you ask them?
Sarah — Jamie Frasier from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander
series. And I don’t think we’d be doing a lot of talking ;) Alternately (if we really insist on a discussion) probably
Julien Mayfair from Anne Rice’s Mayfair Trilogy. I would
love to ask him about all of his amazing life experiences.
Fox Times — Which of your published works are you most
proud of? Why? Sarah — If I was forced to pick one, it would be The
Illusions of Eventide. While I’m proud of all my books,
for different reasons, Eventide really represents to me
the culmination of all the hard work I’ve put into being a
writer with a legitimate claim on the title. It came together
beautifully, and it opened up a wide door for an exciting
direction with the series. I also proved to myself I could write
in a world that straddles both the contemporary and fantasy.
Fox Times — Of all of the characters you have written,
which one is your favorite and why?
Sarah — This is like asking a parent who their favorite
child is! If there’s a gun to my head, it would have to be
Nicolas Deschanel. He’s probably the most fun, most
dimensional character I’ve written. Flawed, funny, tender.
He just oozes with personality, any time he is on the page.
When I write for Nicolas, it feels more so an escape than it
does with any other character.
Fox Time — When did you decide to be a Writer? And why?
Sarah — I don’t think I ever really decided. I’ve been
writing since I was 7, and never really stopped. But I
decided in 2011 to self-publish because I was far too
terrified to test the waters with a publishing house. I’d read
a few articles about indies doing well, and realized it was
the right time to dip my feet in. And I’m so happy I did.
Being independent opened so many doors for me, and has
allowed me to keep my own schedule. As for why? That’s
like asking why we need air to breathe :) It’s a part of me...
an extension of who I am.
Fox Times — Do you have any daily writing rituals? For
example, all of your pens must face a certain way, or you
wear a funny hat for inspiration?
Sarah — Nothing that quirky, but my workspace has to
be clean and free of any garbage or junk. If I try to write
and the area isn’t pristine, my writing ends up being
uninspired crap. I also can’t write with the people around
me. I can sometimes have background noise, but as soon
as someone comes in the room, all bets are off! Oh, and
pajamas are mandatory!
Continued on page 12
Author Chat: With Sarah Cradit continued...
Fox Times — As an Author in the Romance category, do
you experience much hate mail?
Sarah — My books aren’t traditional romance, in the sense
that the love stories are often presented as a secondary
or tertiary element to a deeper story. My stories tend to
focus more on complex, nebulous, and morally ambivalent
issues which may be a turn-off to some. Thankfully, I’ve
never had hate mail, but I do have those readers who go
into my books expecting a
contemporary romance (read:
lots of mushiness, lots of sex),
and find it might be heavier
than what they were looking
for. The handful of negative
reviews I’ve received seem to indicate that, at least.
The Dark Tower: Wizard and Glass (Book 4) by Stephen
King — If I could cheat, and bring the entire series, I would.
But King completely dominates the “its the journey, not
the destination” message with this series, and it remains,
always, a favorite. I chose book 4 specifically, because its
the story of Roland’s loss of innocence. And if you’ve read
the series, you also know it’s the point at which his journey
really begins to matter.
The Silmarillion by J.R.R.
Tolkien — It was a toss-up
between this and Lord of
the Rings. But, really, The
Silmarillion is a book you
could read a hundred times
and still get something new out of it. It’s a story of origins,
and themes, and of finding the right message. Perfect for an
extended island stay.
“If I could clone myself,
I’d be a very happy girl.”
Fox Times — In your opinion, what is the biggest obstacle
facing Indie Authors in 2014?
Sarah — Despite the indie industry having come leaps and
bounds in the last two years, I still think there’s one big
obstacle left to overcome, and that’s reputation. Most of
the broader world still sees being an indie as a stigma. As
in, “they’re not good enough for a real contract.” That may
be true, in some cases, but many authors are intentionally
choosing indie over traditional, despite having had deals
presented...and doing quite well. For example, I know an
indie author who sold 4 million (yes, million) of her books
last year, all on her own. All that to say, it will take more
success stories like hers to get the world to see independent
authors as a good investment.
Fox Times — If you could have a Literary career in the
mold of a current Author, living or dead, who would it be,
and why?
Sarah — Probably Anne Rice. Her body of work account
for most of my favorites, and she’s been able to enjoy
immense success from it.
Fox Times — You are lost at sea and find an island refuge.
Miraculously, your five favorite books are there. What are
they and why those?
Sarah — Another tough one!
War and Peace by Tolstoy — I’ve never met another author
who can develop characters (especially in this one, because
he has over 500!) with so much depth and dimension. Also,
it’s incredibly long, so it would keep me occupied on the
extra long days!
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice — Rice combines all my
preferred elements — family drama, historical fiction, and
New Orleans — into one book. I can read this over and over
again, and never tire of it.
The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George — It
was hard for me to pick just one Tudor history book, but
if I had to, this would be it. I’m a shameless anglophile,
especially as it relates to 14th—16th century England.
Fox Times — Are you a pantser or plotter, or a mixture of
both?
Sarah — Both. I would have considered myself a pantser
until about a year go. I’m very much an evolutionary
writer... meaning, my stories sort of evolve over time,
and often in a far different direction than I ever originally
intended. I can rarely ever see the end game, when I start.
This means its often hard for me to do concrete outlines.
But I’ve also found that full-on pantsing (hehe) often leads
to a plethora of continuity issues for me later, so I try to do
rough outlines, keep good notes (I love Evernote), and then
let those act as a complement to the creative process, rather
than completely guiding it.
Fox Times — If you could change one thing about the
Publishing/Self-Publishing world, what would it be and why?
Sarah — As much as I love how accessible it is (which
would be my favorite thing about it), it also means there
are those who put out things that aren’t ready for public
consumption. It’s taught too many people to rely on
instant gratification, rather than investing all of themselves
into a book before it goes out. I think this is where some
of the negative stigma on indies can come from. I can’t
stress enough how important (and how worth it) it is
to wait until the piece is ready. And yes, I’ve made this
mistake personally.
Fox Times is looking for photographers
willing to take random pictures, attend
sport events, and attend school events –
email [email protected] if interested!
August/September
Flash Fiction Challenge
By Rich Weber
Welcome to the Flash Fiction Challenge!
Quick example…
There has been some question as to who can enter the
challenge. The answer is simple. Anyone, Staff, Students,
Faculty, Family members of Staff, Students, Faculty, etc.
Do you have a pulse and breathe? Then you can enter! You
might win a prize!
Hulk reached down, hugging Thor’s lifeless body to his
chest. With an animalistic roar of pain, grief, and sadness,
he raged at the heavens…
Flash Fiction is typically 500-1,000 words in length,
for these challenges, we are looking for 500-600 word
maximum. We are looking for as many of you, the student
body, to submit your stories. The challenge is that I will give
you a sentence, and you will need to create a story with that
sentence as inspiration.
The sentence (or prompt) this month is,
Write a story that is based in or uses elements of
mythology.
Submit your Flash Fiction stories to fvtcfoxtimes@gmail.
com with Flash Fiction in the subject line.
The Fox Times team will select the three best stories among
the submissions for publication in the next edition of Fox
Times! All submissions must be the submitter’s original,
unpublished work and sent in for inclusion in the October
issue no later than September 15th, 2014. Anything
received after that date will be included in following issues.
*Stories will be judged based on grammar, spelling, typos
and adherence to the challenge parameters. Any questions,
let us know!
Yes, this gives you a very broad idea. Use your imaginations
and have fun with it!
August/September
Poetry Challenge
Welcome to the Poetry Challenge! Poetry is a fun, creative,
and exciting endeavor for millions of people across the
globe. For our first prompt of the school year, we will keep
it simple and do the Senryu.
A Senryu is a traditional Japanese poem using the 5/7/5
syllable and three line rule that does not rhyme and is
somewhat snarky. The difference between Senryu and
Haiku is Senryu are about human nature, and are permitted
to be sarcastic.
The prompt this month? I will leave it up to you. Write a
Senryu. Topic of your choosing.
© Rich Weber
Banks are the devil
They steal, pilfer, and pillage
Then claim poverty
That is your challenge this month.
Please submit your original, unpublished work to
[email protected] with Poetry Challenge in the
subject line by September 15th, 2014 for inclusion in the
October issue. Any submissions after that date will appear
in following issues. Thank you for participating!
As an example, here is one I wrote one day after I spoke
with my friendly neighborhood bank.
By Rich Weber
Haters. You have them, I have them, and even dogs have them. When I think about haters, I always remember Katt
Williams’ quote from one of his specials, “… A haters job is to hate. If you got 15 haters in spring, you need to figure out
how to have 20 haters by the end of summer…” It means you are doing something worth another person being jealous of.
Personally I embrace haters. I take them as a sign of being on the right track. For those of you who do not know, I am an
independent author. I currently have one short novella out, a fictionalized telling of some of my retail adventures.
Being a proud member of the indie author community, some things get under my skin while others do not. Haters,
negative reviews, and the like are some of these things I have learned to not be bothered with.
I wrote a popular article about haters on my website, in speaking with members of the student body, I realized that there
are haters everywhere, and this would be a good idea to share with everyone.
The old adage that you can never please everyone is about as true as it gets. Someone won’t like you
for silly reasons. Someone won’t like you for reasons known only to themselves. Someone won’t like
you without needing a reason. Why? That is far above my pay grade to figure out.
What can we do to deal with these people? It is so simple it is actually the hardest thing to do. I am
sure you heard this advice repeatedly as a child. Are you ready? Really ready? Enough stalling you
say? Alright then. 
Ignore them.
Yes, you read that correctly. Ignore them. Responding to them, permitting them into your headspace lets them win.
Realize that they see you succeeding and all they can do is hate. In fact, you should feel sorry for them.
What you must not do, never, ever, ever, do, is to engage
the hater/troll. You can think it, you can say it to yourself, your
mom, your teddy bear, or even your dog. Do not engage them. That
is what they want, to bring you down to their level. Be better than
that.
*Full disclosure...My first, second, and thirty-third instinct is to
engage the hater/troll. I enjoy lovely banter back and forth with
the mentally unarmed (trolls), and can amuse myself for hours at
their expense, then smite them from on high with the hammer of
the gods… err… I mean banish them by walking away giggling.
I have learned from my mentors though, to not engage. If I can
exercise enough willpower and ignore them, you can too.
If the behavior continues, report it. As simple as that. Don’t make it
any harder than it needs to be. FVTC offers many avenues to limit
and eliminate the power haters/trolls can have over you, me, or
anyone else.
In closing my friends, we need to remember to act courteously both
in the online realm and in person. When others are not as courteous, we ignore them. Eventually they will go away, and if
they don’t they get reported to the recess supervisor (Security Services or Tony Duff) then they can’t play outside with the
rest of us. It really is just like Kindergarten out there, and if you can remember that, you will be just fine.
Book Review:
St. Charles at Dusk
By Rich Weber
I have heard some good feedback
regarding book reviews, so I figured
we can feature one per issue. In this
edition I chose Sarah Cradit’s opening
book in The House of Crimson &
Clover series, St. Charles at Dusk. You
can find the interview with Sarah on
page 10.
Many of you are unfamiliar with my
review style. I do not do spoilers. In my
humble opinion, spoilers are the tools
of Satan and should be banished from
our realm. I react to a book, if I enjoyed
it, how it made me feel, and whether I
would recommend it. This is my review
style.
There are several books in the series,
and I know now which characters I like
and which I dislike. To tell you which
ones would be a spoiler as I want you
to experience it yourself. Anyone with a
love of books will thoroughly enjoy this
series.
St. Charles at Dusk comes in at a hefty 474 pages and is
currently free on Amazon and other E-book retailers.
From St. Charles Amazon Page:
“...A father’s threats. A tragic accident. Unanswered
questions. Oz Sullivan has finally moved past the tangled
web surrounding his brief, but intense, relationship with
the young, impetuous Adrienne Deschanel. Through his
family, and successful career as an attorney, he has forged
a tranquil predictability. Then Adrienne unexpectedly emerges, with no memory
of the life she once led. Her desperate attempt to flee the
confusing and dark influences in the bayou instinctively
propels her to the one face for which she has a name. Oz’s
world is once again turned upside down, as he must decide
how to help her without losing himself entirely. Set amidst the lush and vibrant backdrop
of New Orleans, St. Charles at Dusk
tells the story of Oz and Adrienne;
of forbidden love, and startling
heartbreak...”
Rich: The beginning to the Crimson and
Clover series, please do start with this
book. I have read them out of order, and
my life is decidedly less for not doing
them as they were intended.
Finely crafted clean copy, I have come
to expect nothing but excellence from
Sarah, and this book did not disappoint.
No typos or errors of any kind that I could
find, once I am immersed in a story it
would have to be a grievous error for me
to notice.
Setting is beautifully laid out, drawing
me in and making me want to go to New
Orleans and experience it for myself. A
must have for me is the ability to slip on
the characters shoes and stroll about the
streets and see the sights. Feel the breeze upon my cheek,
the rain drops in my hair, that type of thing. Thoroughly
enjoyed the experience.
Characters are deeply developed, carefully crafted and
executed flawlessly. In a previous review I stated I will
reserve judgment until the series is complete on whether or
not I like some of them, so I shall. Dialogue is well placed
and appropriate, not too much or too little.
The story line is driven along at a nice pace, I did not find
any lulls within it, nor was I bored at any point. A book
where it is difficult to not give spoilers, so I better stop here.
What is the final score on the Fox Times Book-O-Meter?
5 out of 5 stars. With Sarah’s ability and way with prose,
I foresee 5 star reviews coming from me for a long time. I
enjoyed it quite a bit, you will too. Buy it, love it, and share
widely my friends.
Students! Here are the planned activities from your SAC members. If you wish to
be a member of SAC, contact John Rank, SAC Adviser, room E137.
SAC Kick-Off Meetings
DRIVE-IN MOVIE
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Thursday, Sept. 4
11:30AM
Room 137G (Student Life area)
Packer Party
Saturday, Sept 20
Gates Open at 6
Dusk Showing
Appleton Campus West Lot
FREE w/Student ID or $5/Car
The Lego Movie followed by Godzilla
Henry Golde “Holocaust Survivor”
Thursday, Sept. 4
5-7PM
Appleton Commons
FREE
Mentalist Craig Karges
Wednesday, Sept 10
11:30AM
Appleton Commons FREE
Fall Picnic
Tuesday, Sept 16
11AM-1PM
Entrance 6 Parking Lot
Appleton Campus
w/student ID $4
Staff $5
Tuesday, Sept 23, 11:30AM
Room E130
FREE
Soft Skills Social
Tuesday, September 30, 11:30AM
Room E130
FREE
Cheers For the construction finally being done!
Amazing how much easier it is to get around the
school without all of the detours.
Cheers To the start of the 2014-2015 school year!
We can’t be the only ones that were counting the
days…
Cheers To all of the new faculty and support staff.
Big shoes to fill and we are positive you will fill them
nicely.
Jeers To the end of summer, and the fact that there
are only 121 shopping days until Christmas.
Jeers That we have to wait until summer 2015 for
the updated and improved Wellness Center.
Jeers To all of the political commercials on the
radio, internet, and television already in August!
Rule should be the last two weeks of October the
candidates can have fact checked commercials and
debates. Not for six months prior to the election.
If you wish to submit a cheer or jeer, send an email to fvtcfoxtimes@gmail.
com with cheers and jeers in the subject line.
The Fox Times Interview with FVTC President Dr. Susan May
By Rich Weber
At the end of July I was fortunate that Dr. May was able
to squeeze an hour out of her incredibly busy schedule to
sit down and answer a few questions. It was an enjoyable
interview and I look forward to chatting with her again.
Fox Times — Many changes have taken place with the
college this summer. The retirement of many experienced
staff and instructors’ chief among them. How are you
planning to replace all of that experience and knowledge?
Dr. May — That is a great question. Fortunately, we
have operated for a few years knowing this was coming
and did not sit idly by. Resources aplenty were prepared
for incoming Instructors, staffing positions and duties
were reviewed and reallocated as necessity demanded.
Restructuring of departments/streamlining other processes
were part of the review and allocation as well.
Yes, we did lose a vast amount of knowledge and experience,
it is a tremendous loss to the college family as a whole. I
am happy to say that there are numerous new staff and
Instructors with impressive credentials that have come on
board to help fill the gap. A great infusion of new blood and
talent that may take a bit to gel and hit the ground running,
but the college will be better for it in the long term.
Fox Times — FVTC offers a diverse selection of programs
and certificates. Is there a particular program you would
like to see added in the future?
Dr. May — FVTC is a community based college that
provides as you stated, a diverse variety of programs and
certificates. Ultimately, it isn’t up to me to decide which
programs are needed, it is up to our business partners,
what the community needs. The goal of FVTC is to provide
programs that will lead students to great opportunities for
quality jobs.
Throughout the Fox Valley area, companies large and small
come to us with their training needs and positions that
are both phased out and created. We do our best to match
the programs with exactly what the companies currently
need. In turn providing our students with the skillsets and
knowledge that these companies are specifically looking for.
We are in a unique position as a community college that is
agile and flexible enough to change programs and classes as
new technologies and careers emerge.
Fox Times — There are many resources available to
the students to assist with their success. Student Life,
Financial Counseling, Wolfgang, the Wellness Center,
among others. Is there another benefit or service you
anticipate implementing or you wish you could provide to
the students?
Dr. May — Our students are our customers. The resources
and services we assist with and provide are based solely
upon the needs of our student body. For example, with the
influx of returning veterans, Veterans clubs were formed,
Veterans Services was beefed up to meet the needs of the
incoming Veteran students. It was a service and resource
that was necessary and we filled the need.
Another example, is the O.W.L.S. group that was formed
following the financial collapse of 2007-2008. Older Wiser
Learners assisted those students returning to college after
20 years or more of being in the workplace and finding
themselves suddenly unemployed and needing retraining.
This group gave them somewhere to gather with other
students in the same predicament as they were. A support
group if you will. It was quite successful.
If another need arises, I am certain we will find a way to
meet it at that time.
Fox Times — What are you looking forward to most in the
2014—2015 school year?
Dr. May — The influx of new and returning students at the
start of the school year. This building gets so quiet during
the summer, it is always nice to see the excitement on the
faces of the students as they head off to the first day of
classes.
The opening of the new Student Success Center, the Public
Safety Training Center in December or January, and
finishing all of the referendum projects.
Being able to navigate the school without detours, I am
really looking forward to that.
Fox Times — You are stranded on a desert isle. Amazingly
your three favorite movies are there. What are they, and
why those?
Dr. May — Lincoln, Daniel Day-Lewis was fantastic in
the movie.
Interview with FVTC President Dr. Susan May continued...
Les Miserable, I really enjoyed this latest adaptation.
We Bought A Zoo, It was an enjoyable movie. It did not
need all of the vulgarity or violence to be good you see so
often in movies now.
Fox Times — When did you decide to enter education
administration? Why this field?
Dr. May – I began as a high school teacher for five years. I
also taught continuing adult education at that time, and the
urgency, openness, and sheer desire to learn was so much
greater in the adults than the teenagers that I felt drawn
to adult education. In 1983 the opportunity presented
itself and I started here at FVTC managing & coordinating
continuing education. I haven’t looked back since.
Fox Times — In your opinion, what do students need to
do to ensure they succeed in their educational goals?
Dr. May — Be open and willing to learn. Ask for assistance
when needed. We provide the resources necessary to
succeed, yet our staff won’t know a student needs help
unless that student asks. Show initiative, be proactive in the
learning experience. As a college, the staff has obligations
to the students, the students must meet us half way.
Time, practice, study hard, ask for help, be involved in
the college, these are all things that will help a student be
successful. Have a willingness to continuing the learning
process, employers want lifelong learners, people that are
ready and capable to change and adapt as times do. The
same things that make a successful student will make a
successful employee or business owner.
as the cause of all societal ills. How do you as an educator
respond to those critics?
Dr. May — Education and educators are about growing
and developing people to be productive members of society
and the workplace. Every occupation has societal and
economical value, no one person or vocation is responsible
for every ill that befalls the economy or society as a whole.
The mentality to blame education and educators is
misplaced, it isn’t deserved. Being respectful to everyone,
regardless of their vocation, whether Teacher, Journalist,
Engineer, Zookeeper, or Politician is important, and people
need to remember that.
Fox Times — As a member of the 2014 Joint Legislative
Council Special Committee on the Review of Wisconsin
Technical College System Funding and Governance, what is
your role on the committee, and how could that affect FVTC
in the short/long term?
Dr. May — Excellent question. It has the potential
to have enormous implications for the future of Fox
Valley Technical College. I am fortunate enough to be a
Citizen Member along with other community leaders and
legislators throughout the state.
Our role is to examine the Wisconsin Technical College
System and make recommendations to improve it. It is
a charge I and the other members take very seriously,
and will do the best we can to ensure the success of the
Technical College System.
Fox Times — Could you name your favorite achievement
or rather, achieved goal that you have had in your time
at FVTC?
Dr. May — That is tough, I am proud of so many things
we have accomplished as a college. The passage of the
2012 referendum to keep Fox Valley Technical College on
the leading edge of education and ensure we can serve the
needs of the valley for the coming years.
It was great fun to engage the staff and community leaders
and see them really get behind the college and support the
efforts to keep us as a leader in the community. To see this
project finished is an exciting time for me and the college.
Fox Times — I have been researching past issues of
Technically Speaking/The Connection/Fox Times, and
noticed the idea of a multi-purpose room/auditorium has
been brought up many times since 1970. Are there plans to
add one? If not, why not?
Dr. May — Right now, there are no plans for one. Our focus
is on equipment intensive programs/classes and smaller
class sizes. I do appreciate the interest in such a facility, and
that may be something we look into at a later date.
Fox Times — Education and educators have been
demonized by many in the political sphere in recent years
By Rich Weber
Quality books deserve quality reviews. This book is of the
highest quality, I trust my review is its equal. If you enjoy a
fun, trope filled romp through a western setting, do read on.
anything. You must, I
repeat, MUST experience
the epic firsthand.
Unicorn Western: Full Saga comes in at a hefty 712
pages and is currently available on Amazon for $9.99.
Characters. The characters
are fleshed out amazingly
well, all from an idea
birthed from a joke on what
color the smoke from a gun
was back in the day.
Many of you are unfamiliar with my review style. I do not
do spoilers. In my humble opinion, spoilers are the tools
of Satan and should be banished from our realm. I react to
a book, if I enjoyed it, how it made me feel, and whether I
would recommend it. This is my review style.
From Unicorn Western’s Amazon Page:
“Cast out from the Magical Kingdom of The Realm and
into the dying desert of the Sands beyond, Marshall Clint
Gulliver and his unicorn Edward have finally found peace
in the small and dusty town of Solace. But when both
the fracturing worlds and Clint’s bride-to-be are thrust
into peril by an old foe, the gunslinger must come out of
retirement and aim his seven-shooters at the dark magic
and those who bring it. An epic quest hurls marshal and
unicorn across the endless desert in pursuit of the dark
rider Dharma Kold and his unicorn of a different color,
where they must battle their way back toward The Realm to
uncover the truth...and mayhap save the worlds that hang
in the balance.
From the creators of Yesterday’s Gone (Platt) and Fat
Vampire (Truant) comes this reinvention of both the
western genre and unicorn lore. Appropriate for
adults, teens, and children, Unicorn Western is “Harry
Potter without wizards but with gunslingers, talking
unicorns, epic fights, and more turkey pie.”
>>> “Wildly insane...Tons of fun...You’ll fall in
love.”
Kathy Austin
>>> “I have no vested interest in your stupid
unicorn story.”
David W. Wright
>>>“Four and a half stars. Out of four and a half
stars.”
The Story Telling Podcast...”
Rich: Oh my. I am not a big fan of western related
books, but this one, well, this was just filled with so much
awesomeness that I couldn’t resist. I have had to rewrite this
review three times, it is so difficult to do so without spoiling
Edward the Unicorn is a jerk. The humor in his
jerkiness is amazing though. He isn’t mean, just an overall
grumpy Unicorn with a chip on his horn. Edward bleeds
rainbow colored blood. Yes, rainbow colored blood. After
completing this book, I have decided that every story that has
or will ever be written needs a Unicorn in it.
Marshall Clint Gulliver. A cross between Roland of
Gilead (Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series) and I
assume his namesake, Clint Eastwood. A gunslinger in
every way, shape, and form. His seven shot Gunslinger
revolvers shoot using pink smoke. Clint isn’t a cookie cutter
Marshall in any way. The character development and
relationship between Edward and Clint really makes the
story. Kind of like a twisted odd couple, with rainbows and
pink smoke.
Setting. Two main areas, The Realm, and The Sands.
Most of the time is spent within the sands, with Edward and
Clint tracking their man. Each one is shown in full detail.
I was able to fully immerse myself within the world and
setting, throw on Clint’s dusty boots, ride atop Edward at a
gallop, and stroll about.
The storytelling was fantastic, melding countless Easter
eggs and famous people from history and literature within
the world Platt and Truant created. While poking fun at the
western genre, they write a high quality western with heart,
feeling, and intelligence.
Technically sound and clean copy. If there were typos and
errors, I did not find them, way too involved within the
story. A long epic that has a full prequel titled Unicorn
Genesis, and they are working on a sequel titled,
Unicorn Apocalypse.
What is the final score on the Fox Times Book-O-Meter?
5 out of 5 stars. Buy it, read it, love it and share widely my
friends. I guarantee if you enjoy a good tome, you will enjoy
Unicorn Western. It is not possible for me to recommend
this book enough. Pick it up today, and let me know what
you think.
Student Government Elections
By Rich Weber
Voting is an incredibly important civic duty. It
is essentially the only “requirement” we have as
Americans. Having said that, only about 25% of the
eligible voters actually vote. That is a problem.
I vote, participate, and I ensure that my voice is
heard. You should too. At the end of September, a
very important election will be held here at Fox Valley
Technical College that effects all students.
The election for Student Government will take place. Any enrolled student can and should vote/participate. All seven seats
are up for election, and the more people that run for them the better.
The date of the election is September 22nd, 2014. Each student will receive a link via email to vote with. It could not be
easier. The date you can declare your candidacy is September 2nd, 2014.
SGA meetings take place every Wednesday in September, the 10th, 17th, at 3:30 pm in room in E130. The 24th in room
C140. They happen every other Wednesday the rest of the academic year. Check your FVTC planner/handbook for the
dates and locations.
If you wish to run for one of the open SGA seats, or have any questions, contact SGA Adviser, Shannon Gerke Corrigan,
room E137 by phone (920) 735-4796 or by email, [email protected].
Let’s see if we can get better than an 80% turnout rate for voting. We can do it. You can do it. I look forward to meeting all
of the candidates.
Fox Times Interview – Marissa Hunnel
By Rich Weber
This summer I had the pleasure of
interviewing Marissa Hunnel, the new
Wellness Coordinator for Fox Valley
Technical College. She is excited to be
here, and we are lucky to have her. Let’s
get to our chat.
Fox Times – Hi Marissa, for those
students that do not know, who are you
and what is your role here at FVTC?
Marissa – My name is Marissa
Hunnel, and I am the Wellness
Coordinator for FVTC. You can find me
in the Wellness (Fitness) Center during
the academic school year.
Fox Times – Do you have any new
and exciting plans for the fitness center?
If so, what are they, or are they secret?
Marissa – Some of the plans for the
Wellness Center are secret, others are well known. The
Wellness Center expansion has been approved and is in the
planning stages, with possible renovation happening in the
summer of 2015.
The planning and proposal phase is happening for outdoor
fitness equipment on the nature trails.
I am instituting new wellness programs, including a
semester long well rounded program. There are many
things to be excited about and involved in with the Wellness
Center in 2014-2015.
Fox Times – What are the hours for the fitness center?
Marissa – 7:00am-9:00pm Monday thru Friday, 8:00am12:15pm on Saturdays. I am typically on campus and in the
facility between 10:00am and 3:00pm.
Fox Times – Are there any classes or groups that students
and staff can join to advance their chase of better fitness?
Marissa – Yes there is and I am very excited about
it. There will be group fitness classes, yoga tentatively
scheduled on Tuesdays 4-5pm, cardio kickboxing
Thursdays 4:15-5:15pm. Broken up into two 7 week
sessions. Students and staff can sign up in Student Life or
stop into the Wellness Center and sign up.
Fox Times – Some people may be hesitant to come to the
fitness center because they are scared of being made fun
of or laughed at. What would you say to them to help them
overcome that fear?
Marissa – There is nothing to fear in coming to the FVTC
Wellness Center. This is a judgment free zone, where I
cultivate an atmosphere and attitude of group activities and
of belonging. This center is for the students and staff to feel
comfortable in and pursue their fitness goals.
Fox Times – What are you most looking forward to with
Marissa – I am looking forward to beginning the
relationships with students and staff and seeing them
progress in their wellness journey. Learning and growing in
the position and helping our students achieve their wellness
goals.
Fox Times – Thank you for sitting down with me Marissa,
I appreciate it!
Marissa – It was a pleasure, thank you for having me!
I am including the flyer from the Wellness Center for those
of you who haven’t seen it. Take advantage of the services,
they are here to help.
Every Monday thru Friday at noon there will be a 10-15
minute targeted workout. Core galore, stress relief, calorie
cutter, and other such workouts.
10 minute total body sessions will be held in the Wellness
Center as well. Check with me or stop in for the scheduling.
Fox Times – For those that have not been to the fitness
center yet, where are you located?
Marissa – Room E170, closest entrance is entrance 6 on
the south side of the building. Take the first hallway to the
left and here we are!
Fox Times is looking for photographers
willing to take random pictures, attend
sport events, and attend school events –
email [email protected] if interested!
What can the Wellness Coordinator help students with?
“Good question! My ultimate goal is to help you reach your personal wellness goals in mind, body and spirit.
There is no cookie cutter mold that works for everyone so I will work with you to find what best fits you
personally. Maybe your goal is a physical change or stress management or maybe you just feel unfulfilled and
don’t know what is missing in your life. I am here to be your health coach, encourager and friend as you go
through your own amazing transformation to become your ideal self whatever that may look like.” ~Marissa
Hunnel CWWS, CWP-Wellness Coordinator
In the Wellness Center we offer a variety of FREE services to you as students:
1. Wellness Incentive Programs – Participate in a variety of year round wellness programs to help you
stay on track and upon completion your name will be entered for a chance to win all types of prizes including
FVTC Wellness Center branded merchandise, Free Smoothies and up to $50 gift cards!
2.Group Exercise Classes – Check out our current group fitness schedule in the Wellness Center to find a
time that works for you. Classes range from 10 minutes to 1 hour and are for ALL fitness levels!
3.15 Minute Individual Consultations – Come to the Wellness Center desk to schedule your consultation
when it works for you. We offer a variety of consultation topics:
• Fitness Assessment – You will undergo a test which includes 1 minute of pushups, 1 minute of sit up, 3
minute step test and a flexibility test to give you a starting point. Each month come back and retake this
assessment to track your progress!
• Body Measurement Assessment – During this appointment we will record all your current body stats
including: height, weight, inches, body fat and blood pressure. Knowing your numbers is a powerful tool
and a GREAT way to start any program.
• Nutrition Assessment – Come to this appointment with a food log with at least a 3 day food record log
and together we will create a realistic eating plan.
• Equipment Orientation – During this meeting we will show you around the Wellness Center and teach
you how to use the equipment, show you proper form while using the machines and set you up for success
during your workouts.
If you have any questions about services offered please see Marissa Hunnel, our Wellness Coordinator.
Fox Times Interview with Vicky (Barke) Weiland
By Rich Weber
Vicky Weiland was with Fox Valley Technical College
for nearly 40 years and retired in June. As the Director
of Student Life, Adviser to the Student Government
Association, and the “hammer” at the end of the FVTC Code
of Conduct, she forged a path and legacy that will live on
well into the future.
I was fortunate enough to sit down with Vicky for about an
hour a few weeks before she retired and get her thoughts on
a few issues. Here is our chat.
Fox Times – Thank you for
sitting down with me Vicky, I
appreciate it a great deal.
Vicky – My pleasure, I’m excited
about it!
Fox Times – If you were to give
the welcome speech for the 20142015 incoming students, which
point would you try to drive home
the most, and why?
Vicky – The main point I would
drive home is that participation is
key. The college wants students to
be successful, but students must
meet us halfway. By being involved
in the college community, whether
a club, activity, or a cause of some
kind it may not guarantee success,
but the odds are well in your favor.
There are plenty of resources and
networking opportunities that can help students now and
in the future. A great place to make connections is in fact,
Connections Coffee Café!
Fox Times – You are stranded on a deserted isle,
amazingly your five favorite books are there. Which ones
are they, and why?
Vicky – Five favorites? That is a hard one to choose just five.
Robin Roberts – Everybody’s Got Something, My
favorite quote from the book is “Make your mess your
message.”
John Grisham – A Time to Kill, An excellent book that
makes a person really think.
Rob Lowe – Autobiography, he has lead a very
interesting life.
Jodi Picoult – 19 Minutes, Probably my favorite book of
Jodi’s, a powerful, amazing book.
My Bible. Have to have some faith on the deserted island.
Fox Times – In your years here at FVTC, is there one
project or expansion of something you wish you could have
gotten to, or accomplished, and didn’t?
Vicky – Yes, it has been my goal for many years to have
a multi-purpose center and gymnasium here at FVTC. A
full fitness center, separate areas for the student clubs and
organizations, something the students can utilize to have fun
and additional pride in the school. I regret that I wasn’t able
to see that goal to fruition. However, if I happen to win the
lottery, I will build a multi-purpose center here at FVTC.
Fox Times – When do you think it will hit you that you are
retired? The morning of, when you don’t have to get up? Or
will it take a few weeks?
Vicky – I don’t think right
away, I believe that once August
and September, especially the
two weeks prior to the start of
school. When everything really
ramps up and the school is
abuzz with activity and Student
Life is exceptionally busy.
I heard that athletes don’t really
miss the “game” until the actual
season starts. After 40 years,
I think I will be the same way.
Come September 2nd, I think
it will hit me that I am not
here among the students and
so many staff members I enjoy
anymore.
Fox Times – You are given the
choice of visiting anywhere in
the world all expenses paid, but
there is a catch. You can only pick one place and that will be
your final trip, you can never travel again. Where do you go?
Vicky – Oh, this is an easy one. Catch a Falling Star in
Negril, Jamaica. The views, the people, atmosphere, it is a
stunning place that I could stay forever.
Fox Times – You are given a magic wand and told you can
do or change one thing here at FVTC, what would it be,
and why?
Vicky – To increase student involvement. I would also
like to see more recognition given to student development
and the role it plays in the retention of students. Yes,
involvement and development.
Fox Times – What will be the thing you miss the most
about being here at FVTC?
Vicky – Oh so many things and people. The students most
of all, the connections and relationships that I have been
fortunate enough to develop over the years. I have been
blessed, truly, to be surrounded by students that care and
want to learn. Staff that care and want to teach. FVTC is a
very special place to me.
Fox Times – Plans for the rest of the year? Rest and
relaxation, or an ambitious schedule of world domination?
Fox Times Interview with Vicky (Barke) Weiland
By Rich Weber
Vicky – World domination, definitely. Speaking
engagements, leadership training, and I suppose some
relaxing thrown in here and there. I do plan on establishing
a non-profit organization to develop learning opportunities
in third world countries. The hunger for knowledge and
learning in these countries is beyond compare.
Fox Times – If you could choose to have one super power,
what would it be? Invisibility, flight, super speed, etc.?
Vicky – Oh gosh, so many to choose from. Imagine the
mischief I could get up to being invisible…
I do love to travel, flight would be a great way for me to go
anywhere I wanted to and meet new people. Experience
new cultures and places, plus I would save on airfare!
I think I will have to go with flight, and be able to fly
anywhere I was needed at any time.
That I made a difference with the students, made them
feel valued and that they mattered. That I cared about
their lives and successes, and helped as much as I could to
ensure that success.
I built a student development program at a technical college
that is the envy of two year technical schools and some four
year colleges. That is my legacy.
Fox Times – You are given the opportunity to speak one
last time to a room full of all of the staff and students you
have had an impact on. Everyone from your entire career.
What would you say to them?
Vicky – What an amazing opportunity that would be. To
be real, be true to yourself and live. Live by your values, live
positively and with a smile. Give people a chance, they will
surprise you.
Fox Times – If a movie were made of your life, who would
you like to play your character, and why?
For staff, show the students that you care. Don’t be
standoffish, be involved yourself.
Vicky – Sally Field. She is a well-rounded, good person,
and I would like her to play me. Sally has played a variety of
roles in her career, and has a great acting range.
The last thing that I would say to everyone I touched in
some way during my career would be simply Thank You.
The benefit and value that I received from knowing each
and everyone one of you is far greater than the benefit and
value I gave. I am a better leader and person for having
known all of you.
Fox Times – What would you like your legacy here at
FVTC to be?
Vicky – Legacy? Wow, I suppose it is time to start thinking
of that, isn’t it? *Laughing* that I pushed really hard for a
multi-purpose room! No, seriously, this is a tough one.
Thank you.
By Rich Weber
Everyone knows Wolfgang. The tall guy in a pink or purple
dress shirt with a bowtie and the pony tail walking through
the halls saying hello to everyone he meets. Even if he
doesn’t know you, he makes you feel as though you have
been best friends since Kindergarten. In short, Wolfgang is
awesome. If you haven’t met him yet, make it your mission in
life to do so.
I thought it would be fun to sit down with Wolfgang on
Wednesdays each month, and chat about what is going on. I
asked Wolfgang if he was game for it, and he said he would
be happy to do so. This first one is a simple introduction to
who Wolfgang is and what he does here at FVTC. Here we go.
Fox Times – Thank you for seeing me Wolfgang.
Wolfgang – My pleasure.
Fox Times – Let’s begin with an introduction for those
students that do not know. Who are you, and what is your
role here at FVTC?
Wolfgang – My name is Wolfgang Wallschlaeger, and I am
the head of the Lifeline program. I provide a free counseling
resource to the students, mental health assistance, smoking
cessation, among other roles.
I am on the Oshkosh campus six times per year.
I perform Lunch & Learns in the commons on a variety of
topics, from addiction to stress and mental health.
Wolfgang – Yes, most of the topics and issues that I address
and help with are sensitive in nature. Yes, visiting with me
whether informally or formally is confidential and private.
No, nothing that I speak with a student about, informally or
formally will appear on their record.
Fox Times – Stress and exam anxiety are largely ignored by
many people. Coming to you for a discussion is a possibility
for people experiencing this. What kind of help do you
provide for these issues?
Wolfgang – I help people identify their stressors and listen.
If the opportunity presents itself I may suggest ways to assist
in management of the stress. Most times I just listen and
people tend to simply need a friendly ear to hear what they
have to say.
Fox Times – What are you most looking forward to with
Wolfgang – Continuing the work with the smoking
cessation program. It has been quite successful and I am
happy with the progress we have made with the program.
Nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges are free to students that
speak with me regarding the program.
Fox Times – Dependency is an ongoing issue for many
people. Can you describe some of the services or assistance
for this issue that you and/or FVTC provides students?
Fox Times – You are an advisor to several student clubs.
Which ones are they, and what is the main takeaway or
benefit you get from them?
Wolfgang – I sure can, I am able to provide individual
counseling to the students. AODA assessments, AODA
stands for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. Referrals to other
services that I may not be able to provide.
Wolfgang – Phi Theta Kappa, for me is an enjoyable and
fun experience. They have several advisers including me, and
it is a joy for me to work with these students.
Again, anyone can come speak with me regarding any issue
and it is completely confidential and private.
I also advise the Impact club, which is the on campus
LGBT student organization. Some years we have a robust
membership, other years are quite lean. I feel it is a
valuable club on campus and helps those students feel more
comfortable.
Fox Times – Your cardboard cutout appears periodically
throughout the school, with dates of various programs and
sessions you provide. Will you be continuing these programs
during the school year, and are there any new ones starting?
Wolfgang – I will be continuing these programs and adding
new ones depending upon need. If a problem arises or
something that needs to be addressed or discussed I will add
a new lunch & learn or something like that.
Fox Times – Confidentiality and privacy are a concern with
many people, regarding the topics you address. Is visiting
with you a private and confidential thing? It doesn’t appear
on a student’s record does it?
Fox Times – Where would a student go, or who would they
contact if they wished to speak with you about dependency?
Wolfgang – Contact the front desk in Counseling &
Advising, and request an appointment with Wolfgang. You
can email me directly at [email protected]. Contact me via
phone at (920) 735-4888.
Fox Times – If you had the opportunity to address the
entire student body, what would your message be?
Wolfgang – That a belief in change is key, the journey of
change starts with small steps. It may sound cliché, but it
is true. Give it a chance, to be honest, what is there really
to lose?
Fox Times – Thank you Wolfgang, this has been fun.
Wolfgang – It was fun, I look forward to our next
Wednesday.
By Rich Weber
I was scared my first week or two back after a twenty year
break from school. I was lucky, recently retired Director
of Student Life Vicky (Barke) Weiland, Manager of
Student Life Shannon Gerke Corrigan, and recently retired
Counselor Sandi Moore were there and available for me to
express my fears about school, and help me be comfortable
and involved at FVTC. Without their assistance I might not
still be a student. Luckily, I asked for help and they were
more than happy to.
There are many services and benefits provided by Fox
Valley Technical College through the use of student fees,
and paid for by the college. I have heard a number of
students mentioning that they don’t know where to go
or who to speak with about a variety of issues. Fear not
my friends, I am providing a beginning list of some great
people to speak with and some of the services they provide.
I have said this repeatedly, and I will say it again. The
college wants you to succeed, and have provided students
with these go to people to help in any way they can.
Unfortunately, they cannot read minds, and you, the
student, need to raise your hand and ask for help. If I, a
super manly tough guy…  can ask for help, you can too.
There are more people to meet and know, but to me, these
are the people every student should start with.
Here is the list.
Wolfgang Wollschlaege – Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other
Drug Abuse Counselor
He is available in the
Counseling and Advising
Center, down the hall from
Entrance 10.
Private and confidential
meetings with Wolfgang are
helpful to many people. Test
anxiety, stress management,
addiction, and smoking
cessation along with other
issues Wolfgang can assist
with. All free of charge to current FVTC students.
Room E121 Phone (920) 735-5696
Diane Drew – Certified Consumer Credit Counselor
Empowering students with
their personal finances to
achieve their educational goals.
Were you aware that finances
are the leading cause of
students not completing their
education? Diane is available
to assist you in finding a way
to make things better, free of
charge.
She is here to educate people
on their financial options so
they can make good, sound decisions. Knowledge is power,
and that is where empowerment comes from. Diane is here
at the college through FISC.
Diane is available in the Counseling and Advising Center,
down the hall from Entrance 10. Room E121, Phone (920)
735-5696
Rayon Brown – Manager, Multicultural Student Services
Multicultural Student Services
is committed to planning,
developing and implementing
services, and interventions
that foster the learning and
personal development of the
various students served.
Rayon and his team promote
a strong campus sense of
community and assist students
in building essential skills
for independent critical thinking and self-determination
through in and out of classroom experiences. Through
collaborative efforts with college and community partners,
they provide educational efforts to promote multicultural
sensitivity, awareness, competency, and understanding.
Students from all backgrounds are welcome, stop by and let
them know the Fox Times sent you!
Room E120, Phone (920) 735-4706
People Every Student Should Meet and Know Continued...
John Rank – Athletic Director/Student Activities
Committee (SAC) Advisor
John is available in the Student
Life Center, and is in charge of
all FVTC athletics. Men’s and
Women’s Basketball. Always
looking for the next basketball
all-star, give John a call and
he will help you out. Anyone
interested in SAC should also
contact John, SAC meets
Tuesdays at 11:30am in the
Student Life Center.
Room E137, Phone (920) 735-2500
Jayme Bowman – Manager of Security Services
You know, those guys and gals
patrolling the parking lots
and hallways wearing the red
shirts. Better known as Security
Interns, your safety is their
number one priority. Manager
of Security Services, Jayme
Bowman and her staff have
many ways to assist you. If
you have questions, concerns,
or simply don’t feel safe, do
contact them.
Room E162, near Entrance 6. Non-Emergency Phone (920)
735-5691
Shannon Gerke Corrigan – Manager of Student
Life/Advisor for the Fox Times, Student Government
Association (SGA), and Volunteer Council
Shannon, Penny, Lori, John,
Kim, and Luke along with the
front desk staff highlight the
involvement parts of college
life. If you wish to participate
in Student Government, start
here. Same with any clubs and
organizations. Student Life is a
place to relax and wind down.
Student Life engages students
through opportunities
for development, which
supplement the academic mission of Fox Valley Technical
College, to create a complete college experience and
maintain a diverse student community.
Organizing many kinds of trips, from Brewers, Packers,
PAC Center, Badgers Bus Trips, to selling discounted tickets
to students, Student Life is the central hub for students on
campus. Pool tables, ping pong, foosball, Wii Tournaments,
and oh so much more. Stop in and say hi, make sure to let
the staff know the Fox Times sent you.
Luke Leitner – Oshkosh
At the Oshkosh Riverside
Campus Luke serves as
the Student Life Assistant
for Riverside, AMTC, and
Spanbauer. He is the advisor
to the Oshkosh Student Board
(OSB). He co-advises the FVTC
delegation to the Wisconsin
Student Government (WSG)
sessions throughout the
year, as well as co-advise the
FVTC delegation to the regional NACA conference. Luke
coordinates the Wisconsin Technical College System
Ambassador Program for the college. He also acts as a
liaison for Student Employment Services as well (referring
students to service available to them).
Room 135C, Phone (920) 236-6171
Tony Duff – Manager of Student Conduct
Tony is the new Manager of
Student Conduct, and is the
person a student will meet
with if they happen to run
afoul of the FVTC Code of
Conduct. Tony has been with
the college for five years, and
you will see him walking the
halls periodically during the
day. His office is now located in
Counseling & Advising. Tell him
howdy and let him know the
Fox Times sent you!
Room E121, Phone (920) 225-5913
Marissa Hunnel – Wellness Coordinator
Marissa is our new Wellness Coordinator and has big plans
for the Wellness (Fitness) Center. From group exercise
classes, yoga, cardio-kickboxing, 10 minute targeted
workouts, Marissa is there to “pump you up”! Stop in and
say hi, she is in the Center approximately 10:00am-3:00pm
Monday through Friday.
Room E170, Phone (920) 996-2884
Each one of these people is here to help you succeed in
your education travels. The responsibility to ask for help
is up to you. They won’t know you need assistance or have
questions if you don’t ask. I know from experience that
asking is sometimes hard, if I can do it… and now you know
who to ask.
Room E137, Phone (920) 735-2545
By Rich Weber
I thought it would be neat to sit down each month with
a member of our security team and have a chat. I asked
Jayme if that would be okay, and she agreed to be my first
victim… err, interview.
Some people may not understand how seriously the
security team takes the safety of everyone on campus. I hear
people griping about the campus “cops”, and my opinion on
that is simple. Don’t break the rules. Like Jim Carrey said
to his client on the phone in “Liar, Liar”, “Quit breaking the
law…!”
All of the members of the security team that I have met are
great people and are there to ensure you have a safe and
happy experience here at FVTC. My hope is to give these
guys and gals a little recognition for all that they do.
Let’s get to the chat with Jayme.
Fox Times – I know your schedule is crazy, thank you for
taking some time for me.
Jayme – No problem Rich, glad to do it.
Fox Times – First question, for those
students that haven’t met you yet, can
you tell us a little bit about yourself
and what you do?
Jayme – My name is Jayme Bowman,
I am the Manager of Security Services
and I have been with the college for
three years. Prior to that I was a Police
Investigator with a drug unit for a
number of years. That is what I do.
A little bit about me? I have an 11 year
old golden retriever, a parrot, and I
love the outdoors. If I am not here
working or in class myself, you can
catch me on my bike, fishing, or just walking trails.
Fox Times – Where is the security office located?
Jayme – Room E160, past the commons and next to the
bakery. Every morning when they are baking I can smell it
right through my office wall. So good. Which also explains
why I bike and spend so much time outdoors. *laughs*
Entrance 6 is the closest entrance to our office, the lost and
found is also located in the Security Services office.
Fox Times – What type of services does Security offer?
Jayme – A wide variety of services. A lot of times we are
giving directions to lost students and visitors or escorting
them to their destination. These are our main duties.
• Patrol the campus-foot, bike, and vehicle
• Respond to service calls, jump starts, and door lock/
unlock
• Parking education and enforcement
• Special event set up and support
• Security Escorts
• Lost and found property
• Medical Response
• Conduct Response
• Building evacuations for weather, fire alarm, etc.
Fox Times – Campus safety has become a serious issue
over the past few years. What steps have been taken to
address this?
Jayme – Yes it has, and we have been working hard to
ensure we have addressed as much as we can. I can’t say
everything that we have done or are currently doing, but
here is a brief over view.
Installation of the black security
phones in every room and periodically
throughout the school. Help cards that
are next to the phones. Room numbers
that are now on the outside and inside
of the classrooms and offices.
CPI Training, (Crisis Prevention)
BIT Training, (Behavior Intervention
Team) with staff members.
Fox Times – With the severe weather
season upon us, where could students
find information on where to go in the
event of a weather event?
Jayme – Brochures next to the security phones in each
room. Green is the designated shelter area signs. There
are also red signs that designate the AED equipment.
Automated external defibrillators.
Fox Times – Are the Security “red shirts” all law
enforcement students, or can they be from any program?
Jayme – My security interns can be from any program,
so long as the student is taking a minimum of part-time
credits. I have law enforcement students, natural resource
students, among others.
Security Spolight! Jayme Bowman
Fox Times – You see the red shirts walking and patrolling
the campus periodically, what are their responsibilities?
Jayme – Above all else is the safety and security of the
students/staff of the college. Their other tasks we listed
in a previous question. My Interns take their positions
seriously, and are here to help.
For example, a student is studying in the library, for some
reason they do not feel safe, maybe someone is harassing
them, leering at them, you know, whatever. Text us a
patrol request and an Intern will come by and be present,
thereby eliminating the perceived threat, or escort you to
somewhere you will feel safe.
Online there is a form
that can be filled out,
the Incident Report
Form, or Maxient, at
fvtc.edu/irf.
Fox Times – If you
had the opportunity to
address the students as
a whole, what is the one
point you would stress
the most?
I guess the point I
would stress the most,
is call, email or text us
if you do not feel safe.
Male, female, it doesn’t
matter. We are here to
help, and safety of the
students/staff is our
utmost concern.
Jayme – That would
be a great opportunity.
I would stress multiple
points, mind if I list
them off?
Emergency procedures.
How to keep yourself
and others safe.
Being aware of your
surroundings. Who
to talk to if you notice
suspicious behavior.
Heather and Lindsey
That students and staff can email or text security at
[email protected], for tips, hints, comments, parking
issues, or simply an extra patrol request.
Fox Times – Thank
you for the time Jayme,
I think this will be very
helpful for the students
to know.
Jayme – My pleasure, and if anyone has any questions,
send us an email or stop into E160 and we can answer.
By Rich Weber
I know all of you have experienced this, you walk into the
restroom here at FVTC, guys or gals, and find the toilet
intentionally plugged up. I have my theories as to why
someone would do this, but the language may be a bit too
salty for this student publication…
An amazing concept, isn’t it? Essentially boiling down to
“do unto others as you would like done unto you”. If you
wouldn’t enjoy having to walk into three separate restrooms
to find one stall that is usable, why would you think
someone else would want to?
Would it be possible for all of us to ensure that upon
finishing our restroom business, we leave the restroom
better than we found it? Flushing is a good start. Hitting the
garbage can with the paper towel basketball throws would
be another great step. Not stuffing the toilets with so much
paper towel and toilet paper that another student or staff
member cannot use it would be an excellent step.
In my opinion, it is simple respect for each other and really,
ourselves. The facilities personnel are not there to pick up
after you. They bust their tails to ensure this school is clean,
neat, and orderly for all of us to enjoy. They deserve your
respect, as does every other person that walks into this
school.
Respect, according to our friends at Merriam-Webster, is
“…a feeling or understanding that someone or something
is important, serious, etc., and should be treated in an
appropriate way…”
Respect should not be this difficult of a concept. Picking
up after yourself, whether in the restroom or the commons
should be a common sense/common courtesy action. No
one should have to remind you of this. No one here is feral
and we are all fully capable of cleaning up after ourselves.
The Global Education and Services department
at Fox Valley Technical College welcomes 12 new
international students this month as part of the U.S.
Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs Community College Initiative (CCI)
program.
The students are visiting FVTC from Bangladesh,
Brazil, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and South Africa
and will be studying business and entrepreneurship.
During their visit, the students will be involved in an
intensive orientation program which includes English
Language Learning and community-based and oncampus service learning opportunities.
The CCI program prepares participants from under
served populations to be global citizens by equipping
them with technical proficiency in respective fields of
study, employability skills, and leadership expertise to
advance their country’s development.
After a LONG first day of intensive English classes, the FVTC CCI
scholarship students are heading off campus.
September 24, 1979
Growing Pains Are (Almost) Over
Fox Valley Tech is finally seeing its growing pains slowly disappearing. If you’re wondering what is happening
to the school – we are growing, and growing, and growing.
This is something that this school has needed for a long time. Phase 1 of these additions contain Pulp and
Paper, Millwright, Pipe-plumbing, Steam fitting, Electro-mechanical, Air-conditioning, Mail Service, Video,
and the supply room.
Phase 2 will be the Auto Body and cafeteria. Auto Body is being expanded for more work room, a paint booth,
and storage room. The cafeteria area will contain laundry, bakery kitchen, conference, and additional room
for students to eat. Part of the additions are either completed or will be finished around November or so.
Then we have the addition to the G-building which will be two stories. The first floor will be an adult center,
homemaking kitchen for the handicapped, upholstery, and other crafts. The second floor of G-building will be
classrooms and in the center there will be provided 5000 sq. ft. devoted to student activities and student work
room. There has been some talk but no decision has been made yet whether the Trades and Industry building
will have their own study area in their building. There also has been talk about moving the CAI terminals from
the library so there would be more room for studying. So as you can see, we are slowly climbing in size.
The growth of the school and enrollment means that we are going to need more room for study areas and
activity areas. Students in the past few years have been trying to get another addition built onto the school
for a multi-purpose building. This multi-purpose building would more or less be an empty shell that could
be developed into a physical activity center. There would be added a study area, a portable stage, room for
activities through L.T.D. Once the building would be up a few students could get together and put in an indoor
track or whatever was wanted in there.
If you have any opinions or ideas and are interested in working for this activities center, come in and talk to Lee
Stang or Bob Burdick. This is something that is not going to happen without your support.
Where quality and flexibility meet.
UW Oshkosh Online Degree Programs
Transfer your FVTC degree
to a UW Oshkosh bachelor’s
degree program!
• Leadership and
Organizational Studies
• Fire and Emergency
Response Management
• Aviation Management
• Public Safety
Transfer up to 60 credits and
complete your bachelor’s
degree in as few as two years.
Ready to learn more?
Contact the UW Oshkosh
pre-advisor on the
FVTC campus.
Visit us online at uwosh.edu/llce
Debbie Harris
[email protected]
(920) 424-0234
LIFELONG LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Online Degree & Certificate Programs
uwosh.edu/llce

August-September 2014 - Fox Valley Technical College

Transcription

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