Volume 55, No. 12 April 10, 2014

Student Page 9

matctimes360.comTHE MILWAUKEE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENT BI-WEEKLY PUBLICATION

FeaturesA Grand night of greatnessPAGE 10

SceneJerica’s Movie CornerPAGE 7

Final FocusInternational Ethnic Week PAGE 14

by Michelle Ferrell Times Staff Reporter

One of a few fortunate students selected for assistance by the PACE program, Regina Allen, exemplifies everything MATC seeks to encourage: determination, drive, and effort to pursue one’s goals for a better future. The PACE program – Partners Advancing Careers and Education – provides assistance to students who are currently receiving food stamps. A number of support services, such as child care, transportation, counseling, heating and housing assistance, and more, are available to help program students like Regina Allen reach their potential.

A jack-of-all-trades, Allen’s interests are wide and varied; among them are history, reading poetry by Maya Angelou, singing in her church choir, and working with her hands. She is employed in the Women in Technology department and is also enrolled in the Preparatory Plumbing program from which she is set to graduate in May this year, but that’s not all; Regina is also working toward a certificate in welding and expresses interest in pursuing further degrees related to machining and technology at MATC in the future. Having grown up in a large household with eight brothers, Allen says they all enjoyed similar hobbies so it comes as no surprise that she’s comfortable entering into what is traditionally a male-dominated field.

When asked about her interest in subjects related to construction, Allen explained, “I like building things … working with my hands. If I could have built this school brick by brick, I would have loved that.” Candice Zielinski of the Office of Workforce and Economic Development says it’s exactly that passion and drive that makes Allen a phenomenal young woman. After meeting with Allen for the first time about a month ago, Zielinski said she was immediately impressed. “She deserves this. She’s working hard; she advocated for herself to come back here and change her life around.” Originally Allen enrolled in 2012 but didn’t even make it through one semester. “There were many hurdles I had to overcome; I got introduced into the wrong crowd, started doing all the wrong things,” said Allen.

Allen cited MATC’s dedicated and supportive staff as a reason she came back; “(they) have been very supportive, MATC has really changed my life. I’m going in a completely different direction with what I was doing in the past. I used to be a very negative person but being here has been a very positive experience.”

Duane Shultz, associate dean and Pathways to Construction Trades (PaCT) project director, says when meeting Allen he was immediately reminded of last year’s Tech Scholar of the Year. “He was simply amazing … I see Regina sort of in that same mold.” Zielinski introduced Allen and

PACE shines spotlight onTechnology student Regina Allen

Wendi Coon/Times

Regina Allen, Preparatory Plumbing program student, not only knows how to weld but her other interests include history, reading poetry by Maya Angelou and singing in her church choir.

Calendar of eventsContact for tickets:leenathans_9@outlook.comj.swag18@gmail.comsuaon2@gmail.com

Thursday, May 85 p.m.Lamp of Knowledge CeremonyMarcus Center for the Performing Arts

Thursday, May 15 5 p.m.Portfolio NightRoom M605 (MK) Tuesday, May 207 p.m.Nursing Pinning CeremonyCooley Auditorium (MK) Wednesday, May 216 p.m.U.S. Cellular Arena 400 W. Kilbourn Ave.

Tuesday, April 2Hottest Kitchen Entrepreneur ChallengeFill out a short application at www.hotwater247.com

Friday, April 11- Sunday, April 20No ClassesSpring Break!

Friday April 1810 a.m. - 6 p.m.Dean Sydlewski Memorial Chess Club TournamentCherry Court1525 N. 24th St.Milwaukee

Sunday, April 276 p.m.RAP, HIP-HOP, R&B+MOREWherehouse, 818 S.Water St. MilwaukeeTickets $9, $13 at the door

(MK) = Downtown Milwaukee Campus, (MQ) = Mequon Campus, (OC) = Oak Creek Campus, (WA) = West Allis Campus

Horticulture students dig their roots in PLANET competitionby Veronika GrecoMequon Campus Editorvgreco@matctimes360.com

Horticulture students from the Mequon campus program did very well in this year’s PLANET competition – not the solar system one – but rather the Professional Landcare Network.

It is a well respected national trade organization that seeks “to advance opportunity and professionalism for the green industry” as stated on its website.

For 38 years MATC students have been participating in unique categories such as Turf and Weed Identification and Irrigation Assembly; just a few among 25 total categories.

Seventeen students attended the competition in Fort Collins, Colo., from March 21-23 which includes both two-year and four-

year institutions.According to Carol Bangs,

instructor in the program, MATC placed 29th out of 65 schools overall; not an easy task with competition from such schools as Kansas State, Virginia Tech, and Brigham Young University.

Nick Weber placed fourth in the compact excavator operation event out of 48 other contenders from different schools; and Dave Witt took the 10th place spot out of 99 for woody ornamental plant identification. Congratulations to all 17 students who represented MATC!

The Landscape Horticulture program has three tracks including: design, construction, and maintenance/arboriculture; it leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree.

For information on the program contact Mequon Student Services at 262-238-2300.

Textbooks costs are way too much, plain and simpleby Kourtney StevensTimes Staff Reporter

“College textbooks cost too much and something needs to be done about it,” according to a report from the Advocacy Group U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). The College Board estimates that the average student in this country spends roughly $1,200 per semester on textbooks and supplies, and a single book can cost almost $200. It seems that expensive textbooks are nothing new; it’s a college student’s “reality.” Writing a hefty check to the bookstore or exhausting a large majority of student loans and financial aid before the semester starts is a part of the collective college experience. Between 2002 and 2013, the price of college textbooks has rose an astonishing 82 percent, nearly three times the rate of inflation, according to a recent study by the Government Accountability Office. PIRG conducted a survey last fall of more than 2,000 students from over 150 college campuses across the country. The study concluded that 65 percent of current students have decided against buying a traditional textbook because it is too expensive. Nearly half (48 percent) of the students

interviewed said that they refrained from taking particular courses, and the cost of books had a direct impact on how many or which classes they took. An overwhelming 94 percent of students that didn’t purchase required textbooks expressed that they were concerned their decision would negatively affect their grade in that course. Unbelievably many students report that they are knowingly accepting a lower course grade to avoid paying for the textbook costs.

The publishing industry argues that PIRG has it all wrong. “We feel like this report is highly distorted and biased,” said David Anderson, director of higher education at the Association of American Publishers. They explain that there are options to purchasing traditional pricey textbooks and even provide students with an example to validate their argument. The association states that www.consumersmart.com is a great resource for students, and provides a less expensive option at an average cost of $200 for books for the entire semester.

Monique White, a current MATC student, expressed her concern for students and the future of enrollment at traditional four-year and community

colleges. “It just costs way too much plain and simple, where is the help for the struggling students trying to pave the way to a better future?” said White.

There are some options out there for less or inexpensive textbooks that have not been fully adopted by all college facilities. There are many students that take advantage of sites like Chegg.com, Amazon.com, or e-textbook options that are available for some courses. Currently more then 3,000 schools offer rental programs, up from 300 since 2009. Many colleges have adopted the use of open textbooks as a long-term alternative. Open source textbooks are another feasible option. Open textbooks are free online and affordable in print. They are often written by professors, cover the same academic content, and are more flexible in copyright. More than 2,500 professors have agreed to adopt open source textbooks in their classrooms.

Even the publishers of e-textbooks incorporate pay walls, expiration dates, and pricing restrictions as practices they’ve used to control the traditional market. It seems like right now despite recent steps forward in the market place; high-priced textbooks will continue to be a problem unless the cost comes down. Students must act as smart consumers and research their options.

There are some things that campus administrators, students and staff can do collectively to bring change. Students should directly advocate for open textbook use in classrooms. Campus administrators should consider creation of open

textbooks. State and federal legislatures

should invest in creation and development of more open textbooks. Publishers should develop new models that can produce high quality books without imposing excessive prices on students. These

recommendations could drastically change the way we view the “price tag” on education.

As a collaborative, powerful voice for advocacy promoting to lift the heavy financial burden off of students, we could make all the difference for a cost effective change in the near future.

Alex LaGroone Times

Texbook prices have risen 82 percent in 11 years.

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April 10, 2014Volume 55, Issue 12 Milwaukee Area Technical College

Times Online:www.matctimes360.com

by Robyn WiggillOpinions Editorrwiggill@matctimes360.com

The magic of spring

I got excited after watching the news the other day. They reported that it was finally … spring! After having a winter that was below 65F for 132 consecutive days, I am so ready to begin the thawing process.

Imagine my disappointment when the following days included rain, fog and even some more snow! I had been silly enough to actually believe warmer weather was on its way. I even took my car to the car wash to wash the last salt sprays of winter off.

Now my car is covered in the first salt sprays of spring, which may sound rhythmic but is quite frankly depressing. The only way to bridge the gap between the joys of spring and the coldness of winter is to dream about what could, should and may hopefully

happen in the next few months. Here goes my attempt.

Spring means that the ice banks that have built up over the past five frigid months will finally begin to melt. It means that the daffodils will soon start to push up from beneath the ground and flower, with their glorious yellow hues.

It means that I will be able to exchange my scarf, hat, gloves, fleece, winter coat, leg warmers and boots for a more relaxed (but still warm) dress code. I might even decide to brave a no-gloves approach on my walk to college, if the sun allows it.

Spring means that college courses are nearing completion and that spring break is close by. It means that the allure of summer is not too far away. It means that soon we will be able to hear the birds chirping, see the squirrels scampering around and maybe even spot a chipmunk or two.

For those that love all that is Brewers (because why would you support any other team if you live in Wisconsin) it means opening day has arrived! It means the smell of wonderful meats grilling will soon fill the air. Beer, brats and baseball will soon become a hot topic. People will start to dream about the possibility of a World Series win.

Dreams are made in spring; it’s the season that allows us to realize a new year is upon us, and that our resolutions can be kept. It motivates me to start planning and accomplishing, because after spring comes summer and then fall … and then winter. And the cycle begins again.

Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/MCT

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Francisco Rodriguez reacts after throwing the final out in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves. The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Atlanta Braves, 2-0, on Opening Day, Monday, March 31.

The Times would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable spring break. Watch for our special edition coverage on the

Sustainability Summit coming out April 24.

Horticulture program

Paralegal program

Computer Science program

R. N. program

by Veronika GrecoMequon Campus Editorvgreco@matctimes360.com

After a miserable winter with frigid wind chills and lots of snow, it has finally happened – spring. It is poetic in its emergence with robins plucking worms out of the ground, early morning chirping, cool breezes that dry laundry on clotheslines, and the beauty of longer days pushing back early darkness.

It is a welcome medicine of sorts that gives sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) the sunshine that their brains so crave, and the homeless finally get a reprieve from the elements.

Spring is my time to clean the house from top to bottom; deep cleaning the winter’s effects on the windows, siding and floors. I feel fresh, renewed and invigorated.

But despite the blossoming tulips and tempting temperatures, there is a darker side to spring that we don’t care to acknowledge; tornadoes, flooding, allergies, thunderstorms, and the awakening of the insect world – bees and mosquitoes. For some, the emergence of bees is a cause to stay indoors.

Probably the best reason for a college student to welcome spring is the realization that the school year is winding down, and summer vacation is in the planning. Spring is our reward for living through another Wisconsin winter.

Whatever your feeling toward spring is, you can’t argue the fact that it creates quite a stir; Mequon campus students all have their own ideas to the question, “What does spring mean to you?”

Spring has sprung! What does that mean to you?

“Bright colors and Easter, candy, and getting out of school – that’s spring to me.”

“It means playing outside with my daughter, going to parks, and new beginnings; tons of cleaning, and maybe I’ll do some volleyball.”

“Spring means better weather and I like disc golfing. It’s like a Frisbee sport but also like golf. It’s got a cage and then you throw a Frisbee and it works the same way as golf does. I also like playing basketball outside.”

“It means spring break – getting out of the state and going somewhere fun!”

Julien Phifer

Alexis Schaefer

“Spring means that winter’s gone and the sun finally comes out. You can go outside and start doing activities again. I’m not really a winter person so I don’t go outside much in the winter. I’m not a big fan of ice and snow so I love when spring comes. I can walk my dogs again, go swimming, go up north; I just like it.”

Shavonda JamesUrban Teaching program

Sabrina Beck

Spencer Quinnies

Mike Sippel

R. N. program

“Warmth, relaxation, vacation, fun and outside.”

Photo Tristate TunesSleeper Agent will appear at the RAVE on April 11.

Sleeper Agent heats up with latest albumby Kirsten SchmittTimes Staff ReporterTimes Photographer

As the days get warmer here, so do things heat up for Sleeper Agent, an alternative rock band. The band released their sophomore album on March 25. They begin touring April 7 to promote the record, “About Last Night.” The current single off the album is “Waves,” which was written by singer-guitarist Tony Smith.

The band is made up of six members including Tony, female singer Alex Kandel, drummer Justin Wilson, bassist Lee Williams, keyboardist Scott Gardner, and guitarist Josh Martin.

“Tony and Scott have been playing together for, actually this is their 10-year anniversary of playing together so it’s been a long time,” said Kandel in a phone interview on March 28.

“I kind of bumbled my way in when I was way too young to be trying to do that and we all kind of met through different forms but all through the way we play music and being in Kentucky,” Kandel said, explaining how the band formed.

After touring for their break out album, “Celabrasion,” Kandel says she likes touring because “I get to be in a different city every night.” The tour kicks off in Bowling Green, Ky.

“I’m looking forward to doing an all-ages show there, which is not common. It’s hard to do. There are not a lot of venues that will do that. I’m excited to play for some younger kids in Bowling Green, which we don’t get to do

very often,” said Kandel.The tour comes to Milwaukee

April 11 at the RAVE. Kandel said

the band has previously been to Milwaukee. “I’ve had some really good food in Milwaukee. I do

remember that.” As for Kandel’s advice for

budding musicians, “keep doing

what you’re doing as you do it and as it makes sense. Don’t quit your day job.”

111 minutesPG-13Director: Tyler Perry

Five single mothers, leading drastically different lifestyles, are forced to come together and unexpectedly end up forming a strong bond in Tyler Perry’s latest motion picture, “The Single Moms Club.”

While this is far from being Tyler Perry’s best work, “The Single Moms Club” is a heartfelt, entertaining dramedy (a comedy as a film or television show having dramatic moments) that people from all walks of life can relate to.

The movie focuses on the lives of five single moms; May (Nia

Long), Hillary (Amy Smart), Lytia (Cocoa Brown), Jan Malkovitch (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and Esperanza (Zulay Henao).

While each of these women could easily live on separate planets, they are brought together by the one thing that each of them share, being single parents. By learning from one another’s different viewpoints, they help each other to overcome their personal struggles.

Although this movie stars several powerful female actresses, the chemistry on screen is lacking, which makes it all seem very fake and over-exaggerated.

Tyler Perry’s “The Single Moms Club” is an entertaining movie, however due to its lack of creativity and cohesion, it would be better to wait on the DVD release.

Jerica’s movie corner

139 minutesPG-13Director: Darren Aronofsky

For anyone who thinks they know the story of Noah, think again. Director Darren Aronofsky brings his own interpretation of the biblical story to the big screen in this graphically stunning film.

The perfect word to describe Darren Aronofosky’s “Noah” is bizarre. Deviating wildly from being biblically accurate, viewers are shown a story that includes stone giants, an ark stowaway, and magical glowing rocks called “zohar” that can produce light and even confirm pregnancy.

Yes, there are some strange scenes in this movie that may leave viewers wondering what exactly they just watched. “Noah” isn’t lacking on talent; the film stars well-known actors and actresses such as Russell Crowe, Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Hopkins.

From the film’s odd prophetic dreams, and terrifying kindly stone giants, this telling of Noah is definitely not the one taught in Sunday school.

Noahby Jerica FehrTimes Staff Reporter

Tyler Perry’s Single Moms Club

by Veronika GrecoMequon Campus Editorvgreco@matctimes360.com

Billions of people don’t have the most basic element of life – clean, drinkable water. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, 2.2 million people die annually from waterborne diseases and illness. This is such a crisis that in 1993 the United Nations declared March 22 to be World Water Day.

To help draw attention to protecting the purity of our water supply, Kathy Bates, instructor for the Environmental Health and Water Quality Technology program, had her students do a presentation or poster highlighting the importance of the Great Lakes. On March 24, several posters were displayed on the lower level of the Mequon campus, as well as in a three-panel display case on the second floor. This was a service learning event from a GLISTEN grant (Great Lakes Innovative Stewardship through Education Network) that MATC received, which is used to increase the awareness of the value and importance of the Great Lakes.

Bates stated the EHWQT program, which leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree, has about 45 students with an average age of 32-34 years old. The Mequon campus has been home to this program since 1975; its ideal location has access to rivers, ponds, creeks, and of course, Lake Michigan.

Students Benjamin Nemec and Chris Matz created a very informative poster on “Microbead

Invasion of the Great Lakes.” Matz said that “plastics put into personal care products and how they end up in the lakes” was the focus of their project. The fish eat the plastics and we eat the fish, and the cycle continues. Nemec added that toxins are attracted to the beads, which ultimately make their way up the food chain and have numerous adverse health effects.

Another student, Wilneisha

Smith, did her project on “Road Salt and the Effects on the Great Lakes.” She said that the greatest danger is “the contamination of our drinking water.” Many people have wells in Wisconsin and they are the hardest hit when the salt gets absorbed into their wells, said Smith.

According to National Geographic “The Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie Ontario – along with the

rivers, channels, and lesser lakes feeding or draining them, constitute the largest surface freshwater system on Earth.” In fact, the EPA tells us that the Great Lakes provide 21 percent of the world’s freshwater, and an astounding 83 percent of North America’s freshwater.

As the EHWQT students study our water issues, they will be well prepared with a broad based education to be hired

as plant managers and other decision-making positions which previous graduates can attest to. Bates stressed that employers welcome these students and appreciate how equipped they are for the job; some even go on for a bachelor’s or master’s in their fields. The wave of the future is technology to conserve what we have; especially life’s most precious resource – clean, crisp, drinkable water.

No water – no life: Mequon campus celebrates World Water Day

Darin Dubinsky/TimesEnvironmental Health and Water Quality Technology students highlighted the importance of the Great Lakes and clean drinking water.

Mike Hiller/Times

April is sexual awareness month

Team Teal is an outreach organization to help those affected by sexual assaults. Samantha Collier said, “I started the organization in 2010 in Racine and Milwaukee to help those affected by sexual assaults.” Team Teal will have a booth outside of the Office of Student Life (S303) on April 23 from 10 a.m. -1:30 p.m. They will also be a part of Hope Shining Blue, an event to honor the survivors of sexual assault, also on April 23 at the Harley-Davidson museum. Team Teal can be contacted through Facebook under Team Teal. Or email teamteal365@gmail.com. You can share your story by visiting ShareYourStoryWI.com.

by Mike HillerTimes Staff Photographer

The sixth annual Chili Cookoff took place on March 19 at the Oak Creek Community Center. With approximately $5,000 being raised, all proceeds benefit Police Officer Support Team (POST).

POST provides “peer counselors,” who listen and work with a variety of resources for those who need professional help. If department members are seriously injured, POST becomes involved at the scene of the incident, either at the

hospital or the member’s work location. Confidentiality is one of the key benchmarks of POST. No notes or records are kept of any assistance.

POST members attend at least two training sessions per year and receive specialized training in suicide awareness and prevention. They also have begun to reach out to retired MPD officers to learn how they can help them. POST’s motto is “Dare to Care” and has been caring for MPD members and families for over 20 years. POST is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Visit www.milwpost.org.

Mike Hiller/TimesCriminal Justice program student, Devin Dettmann, proudly holds his trophy from the 2014 Chili Cookoff.

PACE program benefits studentsaid, “Duane, meet the student we’re going to spotlight.”

Schultz expresses that he typically works with students who are struggling, so it was refreshing to meet someone like Allen who’s doing well for herself. He and Zielinski agree that Allen is an exemplary young woman and they wish to see her succeed. “I want to be there to help promote her … everything was going against her, now everything is going for her; I want to give her

confidence that she can do this, she can make it. MATC is behind her,” stated Zielinski.

If you are currently receiving FoodShare benefits and would like to learn more about your eligibility for academic assistance through PACE or FSET, you can inquire in room T140. Thanks to the PACE program, Allen and students like her can receive assistance in achieving their goals, but according to Schultz and Zielinski, students don’t always know when

they’re eligible. Additionally, students who may be eligible can sometimes be hard to reach so they recommend keeping a consistent mailing address and phone number on file.

Regina’s story is a prime example that stepping outside of your comfort zone, taking risks, and being determined in the face of personal challenges, can pay off in big ways. In her own words Allen says, “we live and we learn … we fall to get back up, take the bad and create good.”

Student From 1

A grand night of greatnessby Alfonso BrooksTimes Staff Reporter

On March 28, students and faculty members attended the Grand Ball that was held at the Harley-Davidson Museum to honor kings and queens of each MATC campus.

What type of night was it? It was a night of excitement and passion, a night of beauty and glory with many wonderful men and women. It was a night of exceptional taste, from the atmosphere, to the set-up to the mouthwatering food.

It was a night for kings and queens, a night of the Great Fire and Ice, where even if you didn’t get crowned king or queen, you felt like royalty just being there.

The evening started with

people greeting and eating; the delicious food was presented in a buffet setting that had you coming back for seconds or thirds. Once the music came on, the young and the mature joined in dancing to the “Shuffle.”

D.J. Platinum had the ears of every soul in the building with his selection of music.

It was all dancing and food for a while, then the moment that the candidates were waiting for slowly intervenes and makes them the eye candy of the show, all waiting to see if they would have their moment of royalty.

US Bank associate branch manager Audrey Morrow first announced the winners of a gift card for a speech that was given by the candidates. Jim Nance and Brittany Lewis won first place

and Joseph Sanchez Plaza and Lindsey Becker won second place. Afterwards the reigning kings and queens crowned new royalty, this was the time of shining.

The new royalty kings are Brian Galecke (Downtown campus), Nikolai Monson (Oak Creek campus), Wilhelm Fehlhaber (Mequon campus) and Jarvis Harmon (West Allis campus). The new royalty queens are Brittany Lewis (Downtown campus), Ericka Puzia (Oak Creek campus), Lindsey Becker (Mequon campus) and Antoinette Jackson (West Allis campus).

“Believe in yourself to do the right thing at the right time, because you’ll just know what to do. I had no idea I was going to get involved in student government and push along this way, and next

thing you know I’m traveling all these places. I’ve realized it was something I’ve really wanted to do deep inside anyways so I kind of roll with that,” said Fehlhaber when asked what steps he took to get where he is today.

“Never give up, definitely no matter what curve balls life throws you, never give up, always strive for what you’re dreaming for and just don’t lose sight of that because then you lose yourself at the same time,” said Puzia, who had some great words to offer. MATC gives these opportunities to help grow students and the students who indulge come to encourage their peers. “The three D’s to success are dedication, determination, and discipline and none of this would be possible if I neglected

to do those three things,” said Harmon. This is what people feel when given the chance to be a part of something great.

“I encourage everyone to join student government or clubs or pretty much anything else on campus because it really opens a lot of doors for you in the future, it’s a good résumé builder, and there are a lot of fun activities to partake in,” said Becker.

Being a part of an organization is a great thing because it brings students together.

It’s a lovely feeling to be a part of something, especially when that something can help a person succeed. Everyone deserves to be a king and a queen, so let’s open ourselves up to opportunity and participate in our community and become royalty.

Mike Hiller/Times

Ladies and gentlemen…your kings and queens of the Grand Ball. From left, Jarvis Harmon (West Allis), Antoinette Jackson (West Allis), Ericka Puzia (Oak Creek), Nikolai Monson (Oak Creek), Brian Galecke (Downtown), Brittany Lewis (Downtown), Lindsey Becker (Mequon) and Wilhelm Fehlhaber (Mequon).

by Greg HornakTimes Staff Photographer

On March 21 at Downtown Milwaukee Campus in Room M605, MATC’s Phi Theta Kappa and National Technical Honor Society students were honored.

It was an inspiring night as approximately 64 students of all ages were individually recognized and rewarded for their academic excellences. MATC President Michael L. Burke, Ph.D., along with Director of Student Life Archie Graham, gave speeches to not only congratulate the students but to thank them for being role model students. Following was a candlelit ritual led by Burke, the students recited the honor societies oath and were officially accepted as members.

After the ceremony there was

a dinner for the students and families and time for photos. The room felt like a red carpet event, the students were the movie stars and the family was the paparazzi. Students were dressed for the occasion while posing with their flowers and awards. These students are leaders in their school, family and community.

In order to be a member of the PTK a student must have completed at least 24 associate degree credits taken at MATC with a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade-point average.

A student must have completed at least 24 (eight of which may be transfer) associate degree or 12 technical diploma (one- or two-year diploma) credits with a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade-point average to be a member of the NTHS. Many students qualify for both organizations.

Students honored

Greg Hornak/TimesEvette A. Cruz with her children after the induction into both Phi Theta Kappa and National Technical Honor Society. Going on 50 years of age, Cruz says she feels like a role model to her children.

by Kirsten SchmittTimes Staff ReporterTimes Staff Photographer

International Ethnic Week started March 17 and ran through March 21. On a day traditionally thought of for the Irish, the Native Americans danced. To kick off the International Ethnic Week, two Native Americans from the Apache tribe performed traditional dances and explained the traditions they exemplified.

Daniel Preston, Human Services program, and his brother, Ronnie Preston, danced on stage in the cafeteria at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus. Coincidentally, it was also their mother’s birthday, and they honored her with their dancing.

Decked out in a geometrically patterned outfit, Daniel Preston danced a grass dance. His moves were slow and calculated. The back of his costume was made from eagle’s feathers. Eagles are protected, so Native Americans ask the government for the feathers, and the government provides them. This year the brothers received a full eagle, and Daniel assembled his own design.

Ronnie Preston explained that his outfit was made one bead at a time. He had to sit and thread one million beads to complete it, which was three years in the making.

He said further that the outfits are personalized and they would never sell them. He estimated the value at close to $10,000 each. His headdress was also very intricate and costly.

The brothers danced differently. Ronnie Preston is part of the bear clan and wore a ring on his hand with a claw. When dancing outdoors, Ronnie Preston wears eye protection to keep grass out of his face.

They ended the performance with singing, performing some traditional songs. Many times the audience does not understand their words so sometimes they incorporate English words. They invited the audience to join them in some of the singing.

Candice Zielinski, PACE program and a member of the Oneida tribe, helped the brothers provide English words for the songs. “It’s wonderful to see our history and our traditions displayed at school,” said Zielinski.

Kirsten Schmitt/Times

Ronnie Preston dances a traditional Apache dance with rings as part of International Ethnic Week.

Brothers perform traditional dance

by Kourtney StevensTimes Staff Reporter

On Wednesday March 26, MATC welcomed Ms. Bernadette Greenwood as a guest speaker to highlight International Women’s Month. OMG, WTF (Oh My Goodness, Where are the Females?) is a presentation provided to help us gain an understanding of the current statistics on women in leadership and academia. The focus was on trends, potential barriers, and identifying domestic violence and mitigation measures.

Engaging the audience she shared her personal life story as a working military mom, and divorced woman diligently pursuing her education and career path. “It took me 28 years to get my bachelor’s degree,” says Greenwood. “Through children, marriage, military, divorce, and the many obstacles that life handed me.” As she shared some of her life experiences being abused as a child, and a parent to a gay daughter, it was more than evident that Greenwood is a true prodigy of an inspiring woman in our society.

In one hour Greenwood was able to cover a wide array of subjects providing examples of some eye-opening statistics that place women in our financial demographic. Women earning a bachelors degree are only worth $1.9 million opposed to men with a bachelor’s degree are worth over $2.5 million during the course of their career. A woman would have to have a Ph.D. to meet or surpass a man’s income

potential. “Women are so under represented,” says Greenwood, “I’ll be 127 years old at the rate society is going before women are represented equal to men.” It’s a harsh reality that women many times work just as hard as their male counterparts, and are not equally rewarded. Our focus as a society needs to be on closing the gender gap, and countering the difference between stereotypes and barriers. As women in leadership we have to ask for what we deserve, being careful but not afraid, with patience and tenacity.

What are some of the current issues women face? Why are women treated differently and in some instances considered the “outsiders”? Greenwood pinpointed domestic violence as an influence and a “scary” topic. As she shared her own personal story and clearly defined the many types of abuse such as physiological, emotional and economic, it is clear that these types of abuse have played and still are playing a role in how women are viewed and how they view themselves in the workforce, socially and emotionally.

The presentation ended on a refreshing note as women from the audience shared some of their own inspiring stories of accomplishment and other women in their lives that have influenced them to reach gratifying heights of fulfillment and pursuit. Greenwood closed with a thank you and a positive take away, “Take full ownership of your destiny; independence permits dreams.”

OMG, WTF?(Oh My Goodness, Where are the Females?)

Check out our pictures from the Ethnic Week Parade on page 14!

Lorenz awarded Coach of the Yearby Monte DriscollTimes Staff Reporter

The North Central Community College Conference has named Jeff Lorenz its 2013-14 Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year. Lorenz, head coach of the MATC Lady Stormers, led the team to an overall record of 24-6 and had two players, Ashley McHenry and Benetta Jones, named to the N4C All-Conference and NJCAA All-Region teams.

The Stormers finished in second place in their conference with 10 wins and three losses during conference play. The team spent much of the season ranked nationally, appearing as high as fifth at one point.

Lorenz also spearheaded the team’s fundraising efforts when they participated in the Play 4Kay cause for two games in February.

Photo MATC AthleticsWomen’s basketball coach Jeff Lorenz (L) was named Coach of the Year by the N4C. The team ended the season with an impressive 24-6 record.

Baseball stuck in dugout due to bad weatherby Monte DriscollTimes Staff Reporter

Due to adverse weather condition, the Stormers baseball squad hasn’t played a game since mid-March. Contests against Lake Michigan College, College of Lake County, and Rock Valley College have been either postponed or canceled.The Stormers’ first home games were scheduled to be played on Saturday, March 29 but were called off because of wet, sloppy field conditions. Through seven games, MATC has recorded two wins and five losses. First baseman Tyler Dorsey, outfielder/infielder Marty Pitts, and outfielder Zach Taylor lead the team with five hits apiece. Catcher Brad Jacob and infielder Kyle Spott have each demonstrated a patient eye at the plate by both drawing four walks.Dorsey’s glove has shined a golden hue so far as well, having notched exactly zero errors while manning the bag at first.Pitcher Paul Murphy has dazzled in 9.1 innings of work, only allowing two earned runs while striking out five hitters and walking just one. Pitcher Lucas Keller has matched Murphy’s innings and strikeout totals but has walked five and given up seven hits, still impressive totals that demonstrate strong command from the mound.The Stormers hope for a dryer Oak Creek in the coming weeks, as they have a huge weekend of home games beginning with a double-header against Olive-Harvey College on Friday, April 11.

Lauren Wylie/Times

One of the players from the Stormers practices hitting home runs in preparation for the start of the season.

Oh say can you see the many countriesStory by Kirsten Schmitt / Times Staff ReporterPhotos by Kirsten Schmitt and Evgeniya Troitskaya

¿Cómo estás? Wie geht’s? Comment allez-vous? How are you? How many languages do you know? How many countries have you been to? Did you know about International Ethnic Week at MATC?

It was one week long from March 17 through March 21. The members of the International Student Organization planned and organized the events. Some events included Native American dancers, Irish dancers and an International Parade. “There were over 60-some ethnic groups represented this year in the

International Ethnic Fest,” said Cynthia Jill Cherny, advisor of the International Student Organization. “Many student groups have worked together with ISO and the English as a Second Language students to arrange the ethnic dress and flag parade.”

The ethnic parade was at the downtown campus between buildings C and S. Many students participated in the parade and gathered together in the atrium for a wonderful photo opportunity. “It is an enjoyable tradition here at the downtown campus,” said Cherny.