Volume 50 Issue 1 August 28, 2014www.meramecmontage.com

MT H E M O N T A G E

It has been two-and-a-half weeks since the Aug. 9 shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. Since then, raw emotion controlled some, while reflection was others’ approach. In the days that followed, Ferguson saw riots, looters and a worldwide coverage spotlight that hovered over St. Louis.

“Our St. Louis Community College family, the St. Louis area and the entire nation have been gripped by the events,” STLCC Vice Chancellor Donna Dare said in an email sent to students and staff on Aug. 22. “Throughout this ordeal, St. Louis Community College — collectively the largest college in the St. Louis region and one that serves the largest number of African-American students — has demonstrated its leadership and its steadfast commitment to continue to be a part of the solution to the problems that plague our region.”

The STLCC-Florissant Valley campus sits less than a five minute drive from the shooting and STLCC has sent out multiple emails to students and faculty, all across

STLCC, letting them know there are many avenues of allowing their voices to be heard.

On Aug 21, STLCC-Florissant Valley hosted listening circles where student and staff could go to discuss the events. With the unrest still in progress, especially as more details come to light, students may need an outlet to express their concerns and fears. The listening circles and counseling offices on each campus are willing to provide this outlet, according to Dare.

“For many of them, their houses aren’t too far away from where this is going on,” STLCC-Meramec President Pam McIntyre said. “So [we’re trying to help with] what may be happening emotionally and thought-wise. It’s just a place where people can come and talk about things.”

Administration has encouraged the campus counselors to be available and to try to keep abreast of what’s going on, as well as supportive to anyone who has questions or concerns, said Harold Salmon, Meramec counselor.

“I would try to get them to describe their

experiences and try to be supportive,” he said. “That person may have experienced blatant racism.”

The responses to the Ferguson events have prompted discussion and critical thinking about racism on college campuses and communities across the world, said Salmon.

“I don’t think the general population believes it is just a Ferguson issue because I think that the good thing about what’s going on is that it makes people stop and think, ‘how pervasive is racism,’” Salmon said. “I think a lot of people would answer that it’s very pervasive. We live in a culture where a lot of minorities are not given a break.”

Meramec student Zachary Conley said he has experienced blatant racism. Conley lives in South St. Louis. “When I was younger, my dad used to tell me, ‘If you’re outside at night, just try to keep your hoodie down.’ It’s happened to me before, where a cop would pull up and I’m wearing my hoodie and he would just ask me questions like, ‘What I’m doing? Where I’m going?’

But I’ve never been in any altercations or been hurt or in a cop car before. I’ve just been asked questions,” Conley said.

Many communities have the same issues – not just Ferguson, Salmon said.

wwww “I think what people can do, primarily, is start with oneself. Ask oneself if you’re aware of the racism, not only toward the African Americans, but toward various racial ethnic groups. ‘Do I really believe in fair play?’ And I think that’s the starting point.”

Although Salmon said he thinks headway has been made with racism, “we are far from resolving it.” It takes incidents like the Michael Brown shooting for people to talk about it, he said.

“Hopefully we’re chipping away [at racism],” Salmon said. “Maybe some people feel more comfortable at taking bigger steps than others and more power to those people. But most of us are hopefully chipping away.”

Students can contact the Meramec Counseling Department at 314-984- or stop by the office in Clark Hall.

FERGUSONHow STLCC is responding to racism, community unrest

ILLUSTRATION BY DALILA KAHVEDZIC

SPENCER GLEASON EDITOR IN CHIEF

See pages 2, 6 and 7 for related stories

Halfway Across the World, Looking Through a Lens

Page 9

Rollin’ with the Changes

Page 12

Opinion: Financial NO Aid

Page 4

Honors Program prepares for new changes

Page 3

NEWS2August 28, 2014

Criminal Justice program reacts to Ferguson eventsFerguson changes Meramec class syllabi, criminal justice students ask questions

SPENCER GLEASON EDITOR IN CHIEF

The events that have transpired in Ferguson, Mo., since the shooting of Michael Brown on Aug. 9, have put the relationship between police officers and the communities they serve in the spotlight.

For future police officers within the criminal justice program at STLCC-Meramec, the action and reaction of the past week and a half have been a topic of discussion.

Criminal Justice professor, Michael Hepner, has moved his syllabus around to accommodate student’s questions. Within his policing course, Hepner reviews the use of force typically after Thanksgiving. He has moved that to the second week of class.

“The students want to talk about it. It’s on their minds,” Hepner said. “Given the circumstances, this is a great learning opportunity and a rare chance to incorporate into the classroom a local current event that is making history.”

Hepner, who still works in law enforcement part time, said that there are false impressions that can lead to negative reactions toward police. He said the national media can take the misconceptions and report them as truths.

“[It can] inflame relations between the community and police,” Hepner said. “I have been watching the national news and they often speak about the

peaceful protesters in Ferguson while showing video of police using tear gas on not-so-peaceful protesters, which may leave people with the impression that the police are using force against peaceful protesters.”

Hepner said that it is best to be educated on the whole situation and there can be unedited video on YouTube that is not one sided.

“I tell my students that if they want to get into this career, they need to have measured reactions to everything,” Hepner said. “In terms of the events in Ferguson, while they may be under attack by some in the crowd, they are still responsible for protecting the health and safety and constitutional rights of others in the crowd. It can be a delicate balance.”

Hepner said that those going into the criminal justice field need to be even tempered, problem solvers, inquisitive and analytical.

“No two days are the same,” Hepner said. “Officers often need to put their own thoughts and feelings aside and prioritize during moments of chaos in order to do their jobs effectively.”

Criminal justice student, Janey Milligan, will graduate in December with a degree in criminal justice and join the police academy in summer 2015. After changing her degree from education to criminal justice, Milligan said she knows this is the

field she wants to pursue. “You have to know what you

signed up for. I know what I’m getting myself into, especially from these recent events. There are good people and there are bad people. There are good cops and there are bad cops. It’s like teachers. I’ve had good teachers and I’ve had bad teachers,” Milligan said. “But I know who I am and I know the type of person that I am. I know that this is what I want to do. So it hasn’t really changed anything.”

Hepner said that some students have shared concerns about the possibility of working in Ferguson.

“I have had a number of criminal justice students, many of whom will be great police officers, tell me that they don’t want to work in the Ferguson area because of recent events,” Hepner said.

Aware of the influence those wearing the badge can have, Hepner said that he advices his students to take pride in caring for all people — in all communities.

“It’s my job to point out that the citizens of Ferguson, no matter what has happened there in the past, are guaranteed certain inalienable rights that can only be protected by good, just and ethical officers,” Hepner said. “I encourage them to be good, just and ethical officers in troubled areas because that is where they can have the most impact.”

Criminal Justice professor Ruth Eilerman teaches her Introduction to Criminal Justice class on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Eilerman’s class is the only introductory class that is offered during the Fall 2014 semester. She has 34 students in the class.

PHOTO BY: SPENCER GLEASON

Open Forum with David Smith at Forest Park Friday, Aug. 29 On Friday, Aug. 29, all faculty and staff are invited to the Forest Park Campus for an Open Forum with David Smith. The event will be held in the FP theatre from 12:30-2 p.m. Smith is an expert in global education, peace, and conflict resolution who spoke at the Meramec campus several years ago. He will be helping the college determine how we can best engage students, faculty and staff in working toward peaceful solutions within our community.

Southern Graphics Council International Printmaking Exhibit Opens Aug. 28 The St. Louis Community College-Meramec Art department presents the Southern Graphics Council International Printmaking Exhibition Aug. 28-Sept. 19 in the Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery. The exhibition features original prints,

drawings and other graphic materials, including sculpture and installation. The exhibit is juried by Frances Myers and is sponsored by the Southern Graphics Council.

There will be an opening reception 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The gallery is closed Sundays and holidays.

For more information, contact the Meramec Art department at 314-984-7632.

Students gain access to Microsoft OneDrive and Office 365 Pro Plus

Through their my.stlcc.edu email, students can use Microsoft OneDrive and Office 365 Pro Plus for free. These services can be installed on up to five personal devices. The version of Office allows students to work without internet and is a way for them to send assignments to their professors.

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NEWS 3August 28, 2014

Honors Program prepares for new changesNew honors courses made available in Fall and SpringLIVIE HALL MANAGING EDITOR

Aaron Champene took the reigns of St. Louis Community College - Meramec’s Honors Program at the beginning of the summer, with the hopes of recruiting students for the program and increasing course offerings, he said. As he works to revive the program, Champene recognizes the challenges.

He said in recent years, the program changed with the school system when administration “took a hard line” on a minimum of 15 students required for a class.

After what sociology professor Darlaine Gardetto called a “rocky time” with prior administration, she said she believes honors courses are good for students and provide many benefits. Gardetto said departments used to be able to have an honors class with eight students. Another hit the honors program took was an overall campus drop in enrollment.

“It also may be that there were young people that were signing up for classes because they had become unemployed, and perhaps now they’ve gotten jobs, which has reduced their course load,” Gardetto said. “It’s not that they’ve disappeared, but maybe they’re taking fewer classes. I don’t think we know all the reasons that we’ve had a drop.”

Gardetto also theorized the drop to a growing economy. She said families who were choosing

community college for a better buy were now able to afford four year universities. With enrollment dropping, there were less and less students to place in honors classes. Champene said there was a decrease in the amount of course offerings that were provided for students.

“The ideal program is one which we have many more course offerings, and students anxious to take those courses. And, faculty anxious to teach them, of course,” Champene said.

Champene said there are two honors classes for the Fall 2014 semester and a spring honors schedule is in the works. Once the spring classes have been approved by administration; it’s up to students to fill those classes in order to keep them. In addition, honors students can also earn honors credit in most standard courses by completing an honors contract with an instructor. The contract adds a major assignment to the course.

Gardetto said she believes the honors program is a great opportunity for students. Having taught honors classes off and on for about six years, she has seen it benefit the students who take advantage of it, she said.

“In a regular class, you’ll have a group of students who are very serious - they’re on time, they’re really focused,” Gardetto said. “But there’s usually a couple

How to Graduate as an Honors Program Scholar:Honors students who are graduating from the college may also graduate from the Honors Program.

To graduate as an Honors Program Scholar, students must complete at least 15 honors credits and graduate with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Six of the 15 honors credits must be earned through honors courses (as opposed to honors contracts). Additionally, a 1 credit Honors Colloquium (Honors version of GEN 201: Capstone) must be completed. The remaining honors credit (8 hours) may be earned through honors courses OR honors contracts.

Honors Program Scholar designation appears on the diploma and on the transcript. Honors Scholars are also recognized at the student awards banquet and at graduation. Some scholarship opportunities and transfer agreements are tied to the Honors Program Scholar designation.

How to Enroll in Honors Courses:Honors courses are restricted to honors students only,

so you’ll need permission to register for each course.

Current Honors StudentsTo enroll in an honors course if you are a current

honors student, simply contact Aaron Champene (achampene@stlcc.edu) with the course numbers so he can lift the hold under your name. This allows you to then register over the web or through an academic advisor. (Please include your student number in the message.)

New Honors StudentsIf you are not currently an honors student, you

should make an appointment with Aaron Champene to discuss the qualifications and benefits of becoming an honors student. Send him an email for an appointment at achampene@stlcc.edu or mchonors@stlcc.edu.

How to Set Up an Honors Contract:Honors students may earn honors credit in

most standard transfer courses by completing an honors contract, which adds a major assignment to the course. If the student completes the assignment and earns an A or B in the course, she receives honors credit for that course.

To set up an honors contract in a standard course, first speak with the instructor during the first few weeks of the semester to be sure he or she is willing to work on a contract project. After that, come to BA 123J to fill out the blue Honors Contract Worksheet. The signed contract should then be returned to BA 123J no later than the week before midterm. Students then have until the end of the semester (or other date written into the contract) to complete the work.

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of students who are really not serious, and sometimes that can pull down the level of the class.”

Champene said his long term plans are to work with other STLCC campuses to have a consistent honors program. Right now, Phi Theta Kappa is offered for all STLCC students, but the honors programs work independently of each other.

“Students are more likely to

succeed in a smaller class size and honors courses of their very nature are to be within a smaller classroom environment,” he said. “It gives students the opportunity to work closely with the instructor, some of our best instructors teach honors courses, and it gives them the opportunity to interact with other well prepared students.”

Gardetto said she used to teach classes with six students and

said it was a great experience for those six students.

“It may have been small, and it may have cost the college a little more,” Gardetto said. “But to think about the benefits for the students – immeasurable.”

For more information about the Honors Program, contact Honors Program Coordinator Aaron Champene at 314-984-7147 or achampene@stlcc.edu.

Students graduating from the Honors Program pose for a photo at the May 2014 Student Award Dinner at the Chase Park Plaza.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY STLCC CAMPUS LIFE

OPINIONS4August 28, 2014

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EDITORS

RYAN OBRADOVICOPINIONS EDITOR

THE WAY IT IS

Addicted to Technology

In this day and age with technology advancing faster than society, people live their life off of their cellphones. Every day as I walk down the halls it is just person after person focused on their phone, not even looking up to see where they are going. It bothers me when you walk into a room and it is silent because people are too busy having a group message or brainlessly scrolling through a Twitter feed. What would they do 15 years ago when phones were nothing to what they are now?

Technology has changed the way society views social interaction in that thinking the online friends, followers, or how many favorites you get actually matter. With everyone so entranced in capturing the moment with a picture, they lose the full affect of that moment on them as a person.

People want other people to see the great things that they have seen or done, so they become so focused on the reward from the online likes that they lose the reward from living and experiencing that moment for themselves or with close people who matter.

Recently there was an incident of a 13 year old girl from Texas whose Galaxy s4 exploded under her pillow. This is disturbing because when I was 13 I loved life and I did it without a phone. Sure, at 13 it is okay to have a cell phone, but an s4? Kids need to be out learning how to socialize and talk to people face to face, not sit behind a screen all day pretending to have a social life.

With technology developing

so fast, there are devices for all ages. Technology has worked its way down to toddlers who are learning to rely on it. Kids use to play with toys, play on the playground, and ride bikes with some neighborhood friends. Now the playgrounds are baron because kids are too busy inside playing videos games or on the IPad.

I work at a sports store and when I was a kid sporting goods stores were the bee’s knees, and I am excited when kids come in and act like they are in Heaven. However, there are a lot more kids coming in who are face down, staring into a phone and do not even look up when being talked too.

These kids are already on track for having awful people skills when they are older, and I am extremely afraid to see how future generations will fare with the technological advances.

So, shut down your phones and take a look around you. Talk to the person sitting next to you in class instead of looking at your

phone. Embrace your surroundings and enjoy them with real friends.

Do not get lost in the web that technology spins, but live your life the way it was supposed to be lived. We only have a short time on this earth; so do not waste it away and die drowning in your phone.

Financial NO Aid LIVIE HALL MANAGING EDITOR

The number I pulled from the ticket machine was C26. The number B88 glared in red as the out of tune buzzer rang

for the next person to enter the Financial Aid office. I sat with around 20 other students in the DMV-like waiting area, each one of us with the same scowl sitting upon tired faces.

“89. B89,” the grumpy Financial Aid lady called to the room.

The lucky student followed her and her bad attitude into the office. I looked down at my number. I let out the first of many heavy sighs and seriously questioned how bad I wanted to go to Meramec.

If you have dealt with Meramec’s Financial Aid office, then you know annoying is an understatement. As a transfer student and a sophomore, all I wish for is a peaceful transition and quick start to this new school. Between the miscommunication and lack of organization, my paperwork and I have made it into classes by the skin of our teeth. Basically, Meramec’s Financial Aid office is where dreams go to die.

This is not coming from a negative place, but rather, a realistic one. The diversity of students at Meramec is a beautiful thing, but it can hurt each of us in the enrollment process. There are freshmen, transfers, older students and part timers - all of whom are lost souls in the financial aid line. We all have different problems and financial woes, and most of the people that work in the office show zero sympathy.

The average college student has close to no money and is trying to afford school with the help of their parents, a part time job and loans. Society has told our generation to graduate high

school so we can graduate college so we can have a career for the rest of our lives. Yet the price of the college experience is such a difficult cost. Not only is the price of college excruciating in itself, the financial aid office makes it so much more complex than it needs to be.

I have gone into the office around ten times, and each time I have sat down with a different person. They all gave me different advice. The advice they gave hardly brought me to the place they said I would be – every new road was a dead end. At one point they took my contact information to get back to me, and I am still waiting on that phone call.

I have waited for a scholarship to go through that should cover the total cost of my classes, and I am still waiting on it because an advisor put me in the wrong program. Shame on the advising program for that crucial mistake, as well as financial aid who should have known I was not where I needed to be.

I have found my solace in my fellow classmates who have encountered their own problems with financial aid. Together, we have helped each other make sense of our situations and tried to come to solid conclusions. At this point, I am riding on a wave of hope and blind faith that my classes will be paid for. I have

fought for two months to be at this school, much like many other students, and it would be nice if the financial aid office showed a little appreciation for our efforts.

Now that I have made the issues very clear, let’s talk about ways to handle it.

The best advice anyone could give is to get your paperwork done as soon as possible. Begin planning for your next semester while you are in your current one.

If you are a first time student, there can be almost ten separate forms of paperwork you need to fill out. Use your Banner Self-Service account to find the paperwork you need. Financial Aid will not call you and ask for anything or let you know what you need. It is all on you.

This is frustrating, but make friends and have them help you. They will be better help than anyone in that office.

Rather than letting it get to you, just take a deep breath and call someone else -–I have learned the hard way with that; trust me, you will never talk to the same person twice.

After the initial ridiculousness, the Meramec experience is an awesome one. Get to know your teachers and show yourself the campus. Your wallet will take a punch, as well as your nerves, but nothing worth fighting for comes easily.

ILLUSTRATION BY: DALILA KAHVEDZIC ILLUSTRATION BY: MARISSA DIERCKS

OPINIONS 5August 28, 2014

I am a non-traditional student. At one point we were the exception, but not any longer. Currently, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, we make up one-quarter of the community college population. We are over 25, single, married, some of us have children. We hold down jobs while going to school. We want to make a better life for ourselves and our families; we have a dream to achieve.

We are mature we chose to come to college and in so doing we have sacrificed a lot, along with our families. Our days are long and weekends filled with fun are virtually nonexistent. Many of us have given up our summers.

Some of us have not been in a classroom for 20+ years. We want to blend in, not stand out, but many of us do stand out, in other ways. Since we work so hard, our GPA’s reflect this. We came here already involved in our communities, knowing how to give back and improve the big picture. We still need your help. Due to our lifestyle, we cannot afford to take classes that are not necessary for our goals and degrees. Please be sure that we are not taking classes that were designed for the young people coming straight from high school. So often we hear the words “this course will make you think”. There are a few fallacies in that statement; all courses should make you think and if you look at where we are in life, thinking got us here, and believe me, it is necessary to just get through the day.

Could you please assign someone in your Advising and Financial Aid areas to assist us with our unique needs? Procrastination is not our style, but neither is waiting in long lines, remember, many of us have to juggle child care, jobs and families. We are not asking for special treatment, just being able to make an appointment would alleviate added stress and having evening and weekend times would be such a blessing.

Those college level math requirements you have for degrees that do not need math credits, have them as electives perhaps, but required, not so much.

Help us understand that all the programs, clubs and organizations that are a part of your campus are open to all the students. We nontraditional students can feel a step behind and consequently make incorrect assumptions, especially those of us who, when walking into class the first day, are assumed to be the instructor.

Encouragement and inclusion go a long way in making us feel a part of your campus. We enhance the classroom discussions because of our life experiences, but some of us are embarrassed about arriving so late to the game. Encourage us to share our thoughts.

Depending on where we are on the age chart for nontraditional students, we do not realize that we can apply for student loans, or when you announce in class

that a scholarship is being offered, that you are talking to us.

If you have a mentoring program, be sure and let us know. Having someone to talk with in an informal setting about our concerns and being able to ask questions without needing to make an appointment or sit in a long line would do a lot for our self-esteem.

We need to be able to look at our two year schedule from start to finish. We do not have the luxury of time to take any classes that are not part of our degree requirement. Simply because we are mature adults does not mean we know all the answers. We are not even sure of the questions. Any information that you can share to make this goal achievable would be greatly appreciated.

There are a variety of reasons that has brought us to your campus at this stage of our life. Please do not make assumptions. Many of you are assuming that the 40+ are here to improve their job skills, which is true for some, but certainly not all. Some of us have a dream, one that had to keep being set on the shelf because of other obligations. We are members of the family first and self-last generation and/or gender. But our time has come. We are thrilled and petrified. It has been 20+ years since some of us have sat in a classroom. Use it or lose it has been the mantra preached to us and we are very afraid we may have already lost it.

This is the world I lived in for 8 years. Yes, I know the community college is a 2 year institution. No, I did not change my major. There were 2 classes I withdrew from as soon as I knew I was going to fail them and failure simply was not an option and retaking the class would be too time consuming. The first class I dropped was the math that I placed in. At that point, I felt my ultimate goal of a Bachelor’s degree evaporating before my eyes. I can still see myself filling out the drop form at the counter and looking at the staff person as I handed my form back and asking, “Is there any degree that I could graduate with that does not require college algebra?” Her response was, “Yes, Art or Management and Supervisory Development.”

I understand that today that choice has changed, it is now only art. That’s really a shame. At the end of my eight years I had earned my A.A.S. in Management and Supervisory Development. Thanks to that degree, eleven years later I was able to go to a four-year University, where all my credits transferred and I entered as a Junior. Two years later I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications. I am currently five classes away from graduating with my M.A. in Communications Management. And I did it all without higher level math. Obviously I did not need those courses in order to think.

Sharon Holt, Secretary for the V.P. of Student Affairs

Letter to the editor

SABREE BLACKMONCOPY EDITOR

EAT. SLEEP. MOVE.

The Conscious ConsumerHave you ever wondered how

much cheaper your car insurance would be if your insurance company did not blitz you with expensive advertisements 24/7? I know I have. I like to ask people to ponder the costs of the foods they buy in a similar way. How much of your dollar is paying for marketing? How much of it is paying to develop the ever-changing packaging? It turns out to be quite a bit. According to a 2012 study by Colorado State University, on average 12 cents

of your dollar go towards marketing and packaging. 39 cents go toward labor and processing.

What does that mean for the financially struggling college student? If you are buying branded and heavily packaged foods you are likely spending more than you have to. We sometimes forget that we need food to sustain life

and health — the fact that your container of yogurt has a built-in spoon does little to advance either of those goals. Does this mean we need to completely abandon convenience? No. It does mean that you can often use your dollar in a more effective way if you know a few principals.

Foods that have little to no packaging, like fresh produce and bulk goods, are more cost effective while they also help cut down on garbage. Opt for foods

packaged in bulk as opposed to individual servings. Eating closer to the ground, or choosing foods that are processed minimally from their natural state, reduces the overall costs of factory labor and energy costs. Those savings are passed on to you and it is better for the environment.

We in St. Louis also have a myriad of opportunities to buy foods directly from the source to stretch our dollar even further. The number of farmer’s markets and Community Shared Agriculture (CMS) programs in and around the city is staggering. Freshen up your haggle skills and do not be afraid of the “ugly” but heavily discounted produce.

Students often get the short end of the stick when it comes to food choices. We all know of the stereotype of the twenty-something year old living off of Top Ramen noodles and energy drinks. However, if we start looking at food in a value based way, we can save a few bucks all while buying healthier and more environmentally sound food.

ILLUSTRATION BY: DALILA KAHVEDZIC

INDEPTH6August 28, 2014

G r o w i n g up less than five miles from Ferguson, I never thought that something like this would happen. I always felt safe growing up, and I loved growing up in North County.

I was shocked when I first heard about the riots. I would always stand up for the county that I grew up in, even though people often claim it’s a bad county, full of crime and unrest.

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard a joke about how “bad” North County is, I’d be a billionaire. It offends me when people make fun of the place that

I grew up. I feel that every county has its stereotypes and little quirks. A lot of people are embarrassed to say that they grew up in the North County area, and I don’t know why. Sure, all the area high schools had Saturday morning games instead of Friday night games because of constant fighting, but fights happen in any school district. All counties have their ups and downs.

Although riots, looting and aggressive force have occurred in areas I love the events are giving negative press to the city of Ferguson, I still feel that it is still a good place to live. I understand that the North County area is not the best area considering crime compared to other counties in Missouri, but I never once witnessed crime as a resident. I could and would walk around at night time without a care in the world. There was not one time where I did not feel safe. I grew up playing T-ball and soccer at Dellwood community

center, off of West Florissant. I watched my friends play baseball at the Florissant Area Athletic Association (FAAA) ballpark in Florissant.

I loved growing up in North County because of its diversity. I often meet people from South County whose high school was predominantly white, and I feel that those people are not as fortunate as I was. Even though they probably had more money, I felt that I had more experience with different cultures and morals living in North County.

This diversity should be helping our community heal versus causing unrest as the details of Michael Brown’s death surface. Unfortunately, I think this situation will get worse before it gets better for the image of North County. We still have to deal with what they’re going to do about Officer Darren Wilson, and I feel that when the protestors for Brown find out, they will

either be elated, or ready to tear down even more. That’s what scares me the most.

The fear, though, doesn’t stem from Ferguson residents. Instead, it is from those who are trying to gain from tragedy – those who are not even from the city of Ferguson.

We should not be scared of the protestors that remain peaceful, but the people from other areas of the country who come to gain free stuff; those are the people we should fear. In fact, on Tuesday, Aug. 19, more than 50 people were arrested at the protests and only 1 person was from Ferguson, according to National Public Radio.

Clearly, it’s the people from around the country who are making this horrible situation worse – not the people of North County. Support my home town with peace and this community will be known for its diversity as it should be, instead of its unrest.

Classes started at all STLCC campuses on Monday, Aug. 18 - including STLCC-Florissant Valley, which is a two minute drive from the QuikTrip that was burned down by looters on Aug. 10 - the night after the Michael Brown shooting.

The Admissions Office at the college confirmed on Aug. 18 that classes were in session and the campus was open.

STLCC-Meramec Police Chief Anthony Russo said there is no reason for students to worry on Meramec’s campus. He said he and STLCC-Forest Park Police Chief Richard Banahan have sent a police officer from each their departments to the STLCC-Florissant Valley campus to make police more visible and help students feel safe.

“Not because the campus isn’t safe - it is,” Meramec President Pam McIntyre said. “But just in case any activity were to develop around the campus, they’d have more police officers up there.”

Russo said his officer was at STLCC-Florissant Valley for ten hours a day, Monday through Thursday. He said they may add an officer on the weekends, but right now they were “playing it by ear.”

As for safety on the Meramec campus,

Russo said there are 67 internal cameras on campus and seven exterior. A police sub-station was also added to the library during the 2013-14 school year.

McIntyre said Russo had already been working on new shifts for his officers prior to the Ferguson incident. Russo said he has been working on making his officers more visible on Meramec’s campus via foot patrol and segways.

“If we’re close, people can contact us faster and we can respond faster,” Russo said.

Russo said his officers are now fully trained to handle any potential situation on campus. There is a new 10-hour work schedule that provides up to five officers a day Monday through Thursday from the morning until the night. There are also full time officers on the weekends.

Russo said he has not heard of any students being fearful or nervous on campus since the Ferguson incident. His priority is the safety of the students.

McIntyre said campus police have a good relationship with the Kirkwood Police Department.

“If you actually had an active shooter up here, it’s not going to only involve the Meramec campus. You would have Kirkwood Police up here, first responders, etc,” McIntyre said.

McIntyre said Russo and his officers held an active shooter drill for campus police and other law enforcement on Aug. 8. The day consisted of in class activities as well as active exercises.

McIntyre said if there were to be a riot on campus, it would be similar to the active shooter drill, as far as who would come out - first responders and other outside agencies.

She said there is no indication to be any more worried on this campus than you would be living or driving in the area.

“I think people are just trying to work through the ever evolving situation that is occurring and trying to figure out what ways and shapes and forms things happen,” McIntyre said. “This is a continually evolving situation up there. So it’s hard to know.”

Ferguson on Fire: How Would Meramec Respond to Riots, Looting and Violence?LIVIE HALL MANAGING EDITOR

The Student Voice: ‘North County is My Home Then and Now’

PHOTOS BY: DAVID KLOECKENER

LEFT AND RIGHT: Members of the Kirkwood community and local churches participate in a candlelight vigil Aug. 14, to show support for the people of Ferguson and local police following the death of Michael Brown and violence in the city.

ASHLEY HIGGINBOTHAM STAFF WRITER

INDEPTH 7August 28, 2014

PHOTOS BY: DAVID KLOECKENER

An abandoned building in Ferguson is now covered with ‘Before I Die’ messages around the exterior of the building. Some messages offer hope for peace and justice for Michael Brown.

Thursday 8/28 Florissant Valley CampusStudent Center, Multi-purpose Room2:30-3:45

David J. Smith, a noted author, lawyer, former instructor, and staff member with the U.S. Institute of Peace, who has strong ties to St. Louis Community College, will assist us during these forums and meetings to advance conflict res-olution, peace initiatives, social justice, community bridge building, and student empowerment.

Friday 8/29 Forest Park CampusCafé East, Off of Cafeteria11:00-12:15

David will also assess the role STLCC must take in our classrooms, across our campuses, and throughout the St. Louis area to help mitigate or solve the problems that plague our community.

How to Get Involved in

the Discussion

Meramec Students Weigh In: What Are Your Thoughts on What’s Going on in Ferguson?

I wish media would stop saying stuff about it just because of what’s going on. People are getting hurt.

- Abby Kalna

Basically, they need to cut down on the amount of enforcement and the protesters need to cut down on the amount of violence. That’s the only reason why it’s escalating the way it is. People are coming to these protests to start violence against the police. And

that causes them to violent against the protesters.

- Zachary Conley

I definitely don’t feel like it’s about the very first situation at hand anymore, where the boy got shot. I think that it’s completely different and it’s turned into a racist kind of thing.

I think that it’s completely different than when it started.

- Rachel Amsden

In the greater aspect of it, nobody is right in the situation. Both parties should respect each other.

- John Struckhoff

ART&LIFE8August 28, 2014

Tips and Tricks for the SemesterMeramec professors prepare students for classMARISSA DIERCKS IN-DEPTH EDITOR

St. Louis Community College – Meramec is a place for students to begin and continue their degree, as well as get their general education courses out of the way. For many students,

college can be challenging. Four of Meramec’s professors have given their tips for students to succeed in class, as well as how they operate their classes.

1. Attend class both physically and mentally.

2. Use a planner to keep track of important dates.

3. Read, keep and refer to the syllabus.

4. Pay attention in class. Research shows no one is as good at

multitasking as they think.5. Buy the textbook/

other class materials immediately

6. Take an active role in learning (read, take notes and ask questions.)

“Have some interest and excitement about the professions – the interest has to come first.”

“I feel like if I’m doing something lively and interesting, that makes them (students) want to come to class.”

“I think it’s important to talk to students like adults, and not talk down to them.”

“I pay a lot of attention to the amount of enthusiasm a student has, too. I don’t believe people are out there and just don’t want to learn. They’re embarrassed or depressed.”

“It’s important that I be

able to say things in several different ways. I try to use a lot of experiences and examples from real life.”

“I want to have as much open communication as possible with my students.”

“Learning never stops. The minute you stop learning, you’re sort of dead, mentally.”

“Enthusiasm is contagious.”

Professor of Psychology Dr. Terry Cooper

Professor of Psychology Dr. Vicki Ritts

“One of the things that makes students successful is love and enthusiasm for what they’re studying.”

“I try to be constantly available for assistance in mentoring.”

Top three most important things a student needs to remember in class:

1. Attendance2. Preparedness3. Attitude

ILLUSTRATION BY: MARISSA DIERCKS

‘Like’ The Montage on FacebookVisit www.meramecmontage.com

Follow @TheMontage on Twitter{MGet Social

Professor of Figure Drawing Rennie Behrend

Professor of Graphic Design Michael Swoboda

PHOTO BY DALILA KAHVEDZICDavid Hanlon poses with some of his favorite cameras, in front of a picture one of his students took. Before teaching photography at Meramec for the past 12 years, Hanlon taught part time at STLCC-Florissant Valley for 12 years. His nearly two-and-a-half decade experience behind the lens allowed Hanlon to be invited by the NPA (Nanjing Photography Association) as one of ten photographers from the St. Louis area to travel to China for a 12 day trip.

Halfway across the world, looking through a lens

ART&LIFE 9August 28,, 2014

Meramec photography instructor, David Hanlon, travels to China as part of a photography group

DALILA KAHVEDZIC ASST. ART AND LIFE EDITOR

Photography is in every sense of the term breathtaking especially for David Hanlon. As a15-year-old, Hanlon chose to be a part of this ever-growing art with the ability to capture emotions with the click of a button and feelings with the shutter of a lens.

“[Photography has] become a greater and greater communication tool for people to share experiences and certainly the old ideas of showing things that are hard to verbalize in other kinds of ways,” Hanlon said.

As a 24-year veteran in the world of photography, Hanlon has been helping students further develop their passion and skills for photography. He spent 12 years as a part-time instructor at STLCC-Florissant Valley and has been fulltime at Meramec for an additional 12 years.

Hanlon was recently chosen as one of 10 photographers from St. Louis invited by the NPA (Nanjing Photographic Association) to participate in a 12-day exchange trip to China.

“I was really excited to be a part of a group of well-known and skilled photographers,” Hanlon said. “I was also happy to be a representative of the college and someone in education that would

be able to talk with teachers and students that were in China who were interested in what we do. It was a great opportunity.”

Hanlon said that meeting people and seeing locations and scenes that he has never experienced before were one of his favorite experiences from the trip. The pace of life and modern growth of China was something that Hanlon said caught his attention.

“The amount of expansion in terms of growth out of the main cities into the rural areas and all the building that’s taking place is really amazing,” Hanlon said. “It’s much like the United States in the 1950’s.”

Hanlon is happy to share his experience and all the new information with students this year and introduce something new into the curriculum.

“Certainly when we talk about global activities, like what people are doing in different parts of the world with photographs and how photography is used differently in different parts of the world, so I’ll be able to introduce some of those ideas.” Hanlon adds.

Hanlon’s prior experiences with photography and some in filming, include super 8 films

while he was younger and quite a bit of commercial work in college and Graduate school. Coming together with other artists to take pictures of their art work and events such as weddings helped continue his love for photography.

Although Hanlon often uses a digital camera, his favorite type would be a 50-year old camera.

“Its flexibility and the way it works, Its been a camera I’ve used for 30 years” Hanlon said.

On the topic of older cameras vs. newer and more continuously advancing ones, Hanlon said that the kind of work he does doesn’t require all the benefits that the digital cameras have, and although rectangular photos can turn out great, he prefers a square-type photo more which would fall into the older camera category. Canon would be his digital camera brand preference.

While Photoshop has always been a staple in the industry it seems to have become an immense phenomenon in today’s society, so of course it was brought up in interview. On that note, Hanlon says.

“I always use Photoshop to refine and finish images.”

Hanlon’s favorite effect would be perspective correction.

Perspective correction assists with making lines look more vertical, for example with a building it would help make it look like its tipping backwards or collapsing.

Since he has been photographing interior spaces and architecture as a main subject for the last 10 years, this nifty tool comes in handy more than often.

On the topic of what

photography brings into the world and society,

“It’s become a greater and greater communication tool for people to share experiences and certainly the old ideas of showing things that are hard to verbalize in other kind of ways” Hanlon said.

When asked what his favorite photo shoot or experience was, there was not one that particularly stood out to him,

“It was always a great experience working with people and a having that social setting” Hanlon said.

Advice he would give to students or anyone interested in photography would be perseverance,

“keep practicing and get feedback from friends” and last but definitely not least, “find

things that you really like and your work will continue to get better and better.”

Agreeing with a famous quote, “A camera is a tool for learning how to see without a camera” Hanlon explains how he’s been producing images for so long that he notices things and easily comes to the realization that they would be very strong in a photo.

“ Find things that you really like and your work will continue to get better and bet-ter.

-David Hanlon

ART&LIFE10August 28, 2014

Protecting your online brandResponsibly using social media to start and progress your career

SABREE BLACKMON COPY EDITOR

Do’s Don’ts• Periodically search your name in quotes on the major search engines – comb

through the search results meticulously.

• Use your real name as your username in online communities and forums so your posts are searchable.

• Periodically check and set privacy settings on social media sites like Facebook as they change regularly.

• Use strong, randomly generated passwords and a secure password manager like LastPass to prevent account hacks.

• Change your default post privacy settings on Facebook and Google+ from “Public” to something more limited.

• Regularly check photos and posts in which you are tagged by friends.

• Keep particularly personal and professional profiles separate – this includes using different emails and usernames.

• Use tools like fashwa.sh to cleanse your onlines profiles of potentially embarrasing material you may have forgotten about.

• Use public privacy on Facebook and Google+ posts and events you wish to highlight.

• Use career oriented sites like LinkedIn to build professional profiles and participate in the online forums relevant to your future career.

• Join professional societies, like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and display your membership on online profiles and your resume.

• Become an online resource and build a following early on - post useful links and content to Twitter or a personal blog.

• Use internet privacy tools like Ghostery, NoScript and AdAway to prevent sites and phone applications from tracking your internet habits.

• Use Facebook or Google+ login for 3rd party sites or applications unless you absolutely trust them. This includes online games and phone applications.

• Assume that having no online presence is better than a bad one - many industries, like tech and the creative arts, depend on social media for finding qualified people.

• “Like” things or join Facebook groups that you don’t want your friends and family knowing about.

• Use the internet as your political soapbox unless you are willing to be judged by people who may not agree with your positions.

• Think anonymous truly means anonymous - almost all things you do on the internet can be tracked back to you without much effort.

• Falsify information in online profiles. Conflicting information about you online can raise flags.

• Use the internet to attack others or to post inflammatory and offensive speech.

• Wait - start utilizing social media to your advantage now. Creating a brand takes time – have the edge before you graduate.

Did you know?With the expanding role of social media in our day to day it has become

increasingly important to manage our online face. Friends and family aren’t the only ones who are able to see that embarrassing photo of you at a party last week – these things are often by default publicly searchable.

Potential employers regularly use social media tools to find potential employees. They also, much to the chagrin of workers rights organizations, have been using online profiles to screen applicants and to monitor current employees outside of work. Even college admissions offices are now looking at your social media presence and some notably have denied admissions because of unsavory tweets according to Natasha Singer of The New York Times in her article, “They Loved Your G.P.A. Then They Saw Your Tweets.”

While your online presence can sometimes be used against you, you can also use it to your advantage. You can use social media profiles to showcase your interests, accomplishments and your future aspirations. You can in effect build a tightly controlled online brand that allows you to put your best foot forward online when someone decides to go searching for you online.

PHOTO BY DAVID KLOECKENER

Information gathered from: Hackcollege.com, Rueters.com, Lastpass.com

SPORTS11August 28, 2014

Kick starting the seasonSTLCC Lady Archers look to start 2014-15 season off on the right footSPENCER GLEASON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The 2014-15 Lady Archers soccer team was suppose to kick off their season on Aug. 26 against the Lewis and Clark Trailblazers. However, the game was cancelled due to excessiv heat.

After back-to-back National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) appearances and Region XVI Titles, the 2014-15 year has the Lady Archers playing for a three-peat.

The 2014 season will also see a fresh face calling the shots.

Erin Hesselbach was named head women’s soccer coach in late May 2014, following Juergen Huettner’s resignation in April 2014 to take the head coaching position at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). The 2014 season will be Hesselbach first year at the collegiate level since 2006.

Hesselbach was the assistant coach at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis through the 2006 season. She was the head coach for the Incarnate Word Red Knights the past four seasons.

“[I’m] really happy with all of their progress,” Hesselbach said of the Lady Archers following practice on Aug. 19. “Looking back at the past two weeks, we’ve made huge strides. They’re learning a lot, which is great. I’m really happy with where we are at

right now.”Although the new season will

only see one returning player from last year’s 15-7-2 team, in Hannah Wisnewski, Hesselbach said the 17-girl squad will depend on their three sophomores to lead the team both on and off the field.

“Unfortunately, we’re still a real young and an inexperienced team, with not many returners coming back,” Hesselbach said. “Our sophomores just give us leadership as far as the ins and outs of being a little bit older and on campus and helping out with decisions.”

STLCC will play six of their first nine games on their home turf, at STLCC-Meramec. Their final eight games will see the Lady Archers travel six times.

In the NJCAA Division I Preseason Poll that was released on Aug. 13, STLCC was ranked No. 11. The first regular season poll will be released on Sept. 10. The Lady Archers will be four games into the season by then.

“We’re all learning together and this is just a new year,” Hesselbach said. “We’re all coming together as one program right now.”

Despite what the polls say, Hasselbach said she is realistic about what the future may hold in her first season. As for now,

Walking with a purpose, one step at a timeSTLCC students take a walk off campus, meet PE credit while learning about a cardiovascular workout

JASON JAMISON SPORTS EDITOR

Two physical education credit hours are required to obtain an associates degree from STLCC Meramec. Beyond swimming,

weight lifting and aerobics PE courses, students can enroll in an alternative - Walking for Fitness.

Brian Carroll, instructor

of the course at Meramec, acknowledged that skepticism toward the class exists, yet the class is a legitimate cardiovascular workout.

“That’s the one thing that surprises people about the class,” Carroll said. “They think that it is literally going to be a walk in the park. It ends up being a real cardio workout without tearing up your body like running or basketball would do.”

Carroll said the class is about more than just walking and the students should expect as much.

“The way the class is set up is more than just about walking period,” Carroll said. “Our expected outcomes include learning about cardiovascular fitness, learning about safety and walking technique. We also cover prevention of injury.”

Carroll said that another unexpected portion of the class is a series of orientation sessions where a portion of the class is made up of lecture.

“The first four to five sessions

are orientation sessions where I talk for about 30 to 40 minutes and cover the walking technique and the best equipment for the actual walking portion of class,” Carroll said. “After that 30 to 40 minutes is when we begin to walk. Finally, after the first four to five sessions, we just walk.”

Carroll said that safety is a big part of his class and that he addresses procedures to keep the class safe and instruct on the best type of shoe to wear.

“During the sessions I let them know about safety because that is an important part of the class, seeing as how our goal is to do walks in the community off campus,” Carroll said. “So walking together as much as possible is what we try to do. Watching for cars and such are the sorts of things to pay attention to in order to be safe.”

Carroll said his goal as instructor is to make sure everyone in class is reaching a good level of fitness that is suited for them personally.

“I push them,” Carroll said. “I want them to be within their target heart rate zone.”

Carroll said what makes his class unique is the individual attention each student receives.

“I think one thing that makes my class stand out is the way I tailor every session to each individual. I never tell them that we are going to walk a certain distance,” Carroll said. “I tell them that we are going to walk for 50 minutes; so it’s my responsibility to reach our goal of 50 minutes and to finish at the same time.”

In order to finish at the same time and make everyone feel included, Carroll has created a certain walking pattern. “Usually we walk in some sort of pattern similar to a square and the groups toward the back, I try to cut them through to the front,” Carroll said. “What that does is make sure that no one is getting left behind and it makes everyone feel like part of the group.”

Hasselbach said that the team chemistry is as good as can be expected.

“I’m sure there will be some bumps along the road, just as far as

players getting used to me and me getting used to them in the game day situations and decisions,” Hesselbach said. “So far I think it’s been pretty smooth. They’re

reacting pretty well to myself and my assistant. They’re working hard and they’re a fun group of girls. Right now, everything is as smooth as can be.”

PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER

Freshman Nicole Postz takes the ball down field during practice on Aug. 19. The Lady Archers’ first home game on Aug. 26 was called due to excessive heat. Their next home game is Sept. 4 against MCC- Maple Woods College. The Lady Archers play at STLCC-Meramec.

Illustration By: Dalila Kahvedzic

SPORTS12August 28, 2014

Rolling With the ChangesSTLCC changes structure of athletics, suspends women’s volleyball for entire seasonSPENCER GLEASON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After three years under the consolidated athletic programs at STLCC, changes have been made to the athletic organizational structure.

Since the consolidation in July 2011, when the independent STLCC campus formed from separate athletic departments into one district wide department, athletics had been ran by two part time athletic directors, Johnna Kinney and Sharon Marquardt, who reported to STLCC-Meramec President and Director of District Wide Athletics, Pam McIntyre.

STLCC has done away with two part time athletic directors and is in the process of hiring a full time athletic director. Once someone is hired for the full time position, STLCC will begin the process looking for the assistant. The search process was made public on July 15.

“I do think we need a fulltime athletic director. It’s rather difficult when we have two athletic directors trying to [do everything],” Marquardt said. “It’s just really hard to oversee everything that’s going on, on three different campuses. This may be a little more conducive to that.”

Following the announcement, Kinney resigned from STLCC athletics on Aug. 1. Since then, Marquardt has assumed all responsibilities as a part time athletic director until the full time position is filled. Marquardt still reports to McIntyre, but the full time athletic director will report

to the District Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs William Woodward.

Woodward was approved for the position during the August Board of Trustees meeting. Marquardt said she has put her candidacy in for the full time position.

“There was a commitment when the program started in its consolidated format three years ago, to spend some time — three years later — looking at ‘Is this working the way we want it to work?’ ‘Are there some things that could be done differently,’ McIntyre said. “[We had conversations] about what was working and what was not working. We provided the chancellor with somewhat of some feedback of some of the things that seemed to be working well. But here are some things that might work differently.”

In addition, the full time athletic director will not be able to coach any teams. Both Marquardt and Kinney coached during the 2013-14 season. Kinney also coached in 2011 and 2012.

“When a meeting of the coaches takes place, it’s a meeting of the coaches with the Director of Athletics and assistant director. Not a meeting of the coaches and then two of them are administrators, too,” McIntyre said. “It is a clearer definition of expectations and roles and equity, in terms of how things are handled. If you can do that, you can separate the coaching role from the administrative role.”

With a full time athletic director, McIntyre said that fundraising for athletic teams could be a possibility in the future. STLCC athletics has not been allowed to do any fundraising since the consolidation. The majority of athletic funds come from student activities fees.

“With two part time people, doing what they were doing, if they ran fundraising programs then they wouldn’t be able to do some of the things that they currently do to be able to make the operation work. Right now, athletics doesn’t need to do fundraising,” McIntyre said.

“Having a full time person allows that person to have a more holistic view of an athletic program and where they want it to go in the future. If the desire was to do fundraising, then you have somebody who has more time to think about what that would look like and how you go about doing that.”

Although McIntyre said fundraising might happen in the future, other changes “remain to be seen.”

“[When] you bring on somebody full time and they begin to look at a more holistic picture of an athletic program,” McIntyre said, “they’re obviously going to have some thought about that and how they might think about how things might lead toward a healthier, more holistic program. It would obviously be discussed.”

Volleyball Season Hits a Net

Kinney gave her resignation on Aug. 1 — the first day of practices for fall sports. Kinney took a job with a running company that sets up 3K and 5K runs, according to Marquardt.

Marquardt said that the date was too close to the season to hire a new coach. Because of that, the 2014-15 volleyball season has been suspended.

“We didn’t feel that it was going to be fair to the girls to just throw somebody in that position that doesn’t have the required experience to fill the team and take the team out for games,” Marquardt said. “For the best interest for the program, we just decided to suspend it for the season. There is a plan in motion to move women’s volleyball to Meramec for the 2015-16 season.”

Volleyball had been played at STLCC-Florissant Valley since the consolidation. Following what proved to be Kinney’s last season coaching women’s volleyball for STLCC, the Lady Archers went 0-30. It was first team in STLCC Archer and Meramec athletic history to go winless.

The suspension of the 2014-15 women’s volleyball team is the first suspension of a STLCC athletic season, since the mid 2000s, when the STLCC-Florissant Valley women’s soccer team was suspended for not fielding a roster.

McIntyre said Kinney had only recruited four girls for

the 2014-15 season. She said recruiting had always been difficult, during the Lady Archers’ time at STLCC-Florissant Valley.

“Most of the time, you’re trying to recruit from the select teams,” McIntyre said. “And if they live down in this area, they’ve been playing down in this area. We’re at least going to try and see whether or not we’ll have a better shot at recruiting women to play in volleyball if we’re playing at Meramec.”

McIntyre said that STLCC would still honor the scholarships for the four girls who had signed letters of intent. McIntyre said to her knowledge, all four girls stayed at STLCC.

“We still honor the scholarship if they were offered a scholarship,” McIntyre said. “If they wanted to be released because they wanted to go somewhere else and play volleyball we would release them, so that they could go.”

Marquardt said the budgeted money already allocated for the women’s volleyball team will be divided equally among the remaining six STLCC Archer teams. The operating budget for each team will raise an additional $2,416 from $14,500. The travel budget will increase from $20,000 to $23,333.

“We have decided that we are going to split it amongst the six teams for a one year increase,” Marquardt said. They have all been told how much of an increase they are going to get and they are going to be able to utilize that for just one year.”

PHOTOS BY: DAVID KLOECKENER