Sisi Huang

It is not often that our university faces a tragedy as terrible as the recent fire that took the lives of two international students. While many may have taken a moment to feel sad and have since moved on, one student in particular, a member of The Bulletin staff, has taken this tragedy and turned it into an opportunity for hope and support.

Sisi Huang, president of the Chinese Student Association and business manager for The Bulletin, has orchestrated the creation of a memorial fund – the Phoenix Charity Foundation. The PCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to supports the families of international students in emergency situations.

Sisi’s response was quick, having organized the foundation and acquired its IRS certification within one week of the accident. Putting aside her own grief over the loss of two friends, she had no hesitation whatsoever in her reaction.

Her work, which was accomplished in such a short time, is an outstanding addition to the many programs and organizations for international students that ESU has taken years to accumulate.

Her actions are amazing, not only in their immediacy and incredible selflessness, but in the context in which they are occurring.

During this time of economic crisis, when people are protesting the legal theft of their income and clinging onto every dollar they earn, it is not common for someone, especially a college student, to be fighting for the financial wellbeing of others. She used every resource she had, including her knowledge of business, to accomplish something that not every student could or would do in a similar situation.

Sisi has set an example for us all. Though this is a difficult time in our lives, we cannot forget the importance of altruism. Though we may be strapped for time, we cannot forget to volunteer. Though we may be swimming in debt, we cannot forget to donate.

The Bulletin is honored to have someone of such a high caliber work at our humble paper. Sisi is the kind of person who will take an emotional trauma and, instead of wallowing in sadness, funnel it into productivity and strength.

Her cheerful personality brightens our lives every week, and her airtight organization has been essential to the smooth running of our publication. Now, people around the world will feel the benefits of her love.

Sisi knew what had to be done, and she did it. We are so proud of her.

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The Sauder Alumni Center held an awards ceremony yesterday to honor 12 Shepherd Junior Scholars for their outstanding academic achievements.

“I think this program is one of the best scholarship programs we have on campus because it gives $1,200 scholarship to a lot of students, which makes it our premiere scholarships. And the Shepherd family is so nice to work with. They keep in touch with these students,” said Angela Fullen, donor relations and special events coordinator for University Advancement.

Emporians R. Hershel and Augusta Shepherd established the ESU Shepherd Scholars program in 1994, aiming to rewards up to 15 juniors each year with a $1,200 scholarship for the students’ senior years and urging students to keep dreams alive, no matter what the obstacles.

“I am very grateful for this award,” saidMaddie Kilmer, junior elementary education major. “I think this kind of award provides an incentive for high achieving students to strive for.”

These 12 juniors were selected from 30 nominations.To be considered for a Shepherd Scholarship, the student must be a junior who has completed at least 60 credit hours of coursework and maintained a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average.

“When students applied, they have to submit a sample of their best college work, a letter of application, summaries of accomplishments, two letters of references and transcript. All of these are ranked to 10 points, so that means these all have the same importance when the committee evaluates it,” Fullen said.

William Clamurro, director of the University Honors Program and professor of modern languages, made the welcome speech at the ceremony.

“I personally think that the Shepherd Scholarship is a wonderful award that recognizes the talents and contributions of the students who receive the award and it also casts light on the diversity of talents and the strong academic contributions of these students; it reminds all of us that ESU values academic excellence,” Clamurro said.

Lindsay Dorsch, junior English secondary education major, said that she felt very honored to have been chosen as a recipient.

“I would like to thank the Shepherd Family for offering this scholarship,” she said.“The scholarship is something I have been striving for since my first year at ESU and has been great motivation to push myself and to work harder. I would also like to thank Dr. Locey, Dr. Riegler, Dr. Kendrick, and Dr. Patton for writing my letters of recommendation and for being willing to revise and correct my submission letter. Their confidence in me, encouragement and support are what drove me to apply for this scholarship.”

Miranda Renfro, junior secondary education English major, who plans to teach high school English, had a humbling feeling to know her efforts were worth being recognized.

“I hope that this award will influence students to try their best not only in their classes but in any other activities they are involved with. Knowing that there are people that appreciate the work you do as a student is a wonderful motivator,” Renfro said. “Thesupport from the Shepherd family has helped make my goals for the future attainable. I would also like to thank the Faculty for all the hard work you do to ensure that I have the opportunity for an exceptional education. I feel that I cannot thank you enough.”

The 2010 Shepherd Scholars are Lindsay Dorsch, April Robbs, Ryan Hahn, Amanda Rose, Alli Jordan, Kevin Roulhac, Madeline Kilmer, Nicole Skala, Lasonya McElroy, Stephanie Ternes, Miranda Renfro and Tianyue Zhao.

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Senior sociology major Harrison George performs at UAC’s Last Comic Standing last Thursday in the Memorial Union Colonial Ballroom. George was judged the winner by Pete Lee who was on NBC’s 6th season of Last Comic Standing. Sisi Huang/The Bulleyin.

Union Activities Council presented a Last Comic Standing competition in which several Emporia State student took the stage. Pete Lee, competitor on season six of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, hosted show.

“We met Pete Lee at the (National Association for Campus Activities) convention in the fall and we thought he would be a really fun act to bring to ESU,” said Lainie Harber, junior communications major and UAC president.

Competition organizers said that Last Comic Standing is a good way to bring a fun and enthusiastic influence to campus and to give students an opportunity to have fun and participate in an interesting event.

“We know we have many funny students at ESU and we thought it would be fun to have a comedy competition as a UAC event,” Harber said.

Each contestant had a 20 minutes to perform. First place went to Harrison George, senior sociology major.

“I have always been a huge fan of stand-up comedy and I’ve tried it a few times in the past, so I really wanted to see what it’d be like to compete,” George said.

George said that laughter is a great stress-reliever and he always tries to find humor in everything he does.

“I have been doing improvisational comedy for seven years and I’m a member of the improv team here at ESU. I’ve done stand up for about a year, in Emporia and the K.C. area,” George said. “Life can be really tough sometimes and if you can’t make yourself laugh then it’s only that much tougher.”

The competition was started by Pete Lee’s performance.

The show was split into four sections for each of the contestants, Chance Henson, Ryan Lickteig, Kevin Dudzinski and Harrison George.

Lickteig, freshman English major, said the competition was amazing and all the contestants should be content.

“I’d have to say my grandfather and my dad were very influential, they are hilarious and very rare people; they take life as it comes and enjoy every minute of it,” Lickteig said. “They always told me I have strong opinionated views and that I use good humor in expressing my views. Hearing them saying that was definitely influential. Also I just enjoying performing and making people laugh.”

Lickteig has a strong desire to write and enjoys entertaining people. He thought the preparation for the competition helped him get reactions to his writing and ideas.

“I write all my material. I like seeing how people react to my jokes/humor; it is interesting and good building blocks for an aspiring comedian,” Lickteig said. “In most of my material I like to address social problems, yet make it comical to show life shouldn’t be taken so seriously. Also I like making characters and becoming them during my performance.”

Lee, who has devoted 14 years on comedy, showed audience members just how excellent they were.

“It was amazing. Everyone who performed was incredibly talented. I was crying I was laughing so hard. And the audience was the most fun-loving, supportive crowd I have ever seen. They were obviously there to have a good time,” George said. “I had a lot of fun, that’s for sure. What I love about stand up is you get a little better every time you do it; you learn what works and what doesn’t and you take that with you the next time around. It keeps me excited to keep performing because I feel I always have room to progress and get better.”

George said he hoped to move out to Chicago or LA and started a career in comedy. Holding his own late night talk show has been his lifelong dream since he was nine.

After the competition, Lee offered advice for each contestant’s own standup.

“I love the students here,” Lee said. “Their comedy is really funny. I think the four of them have potential. It was a tough choice for me to judge them tonight, cause how can you judge variety of people who are really funny. My only advice to them is keep doing this. Stick to your dream, enjoy this and write a lot, and try to be ridiculous successful.”

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Landon Dody, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, plays on the football field while participants walk in Laps 4 Landon Tuesday night in Welch Stadium. The event raised more than $4,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Erica Cassella/The Bulletin

The 4th Annual Laps for Landon took place at Welch Stadium on Tuesday, April 20. This yearly event, named in honor of an Emporia 3-year-old who is fighting Cystic Fibrosis, Landon Dody, is a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

This fundraiser event was organized and conducted by the Emporia State’s Health Promotion majors.

“I have been friends with Landon’s parents for a long time, they are the most caring and wonderful people I know. When their son, Landon, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of three months, I made up my mind that I would use every possible resource I have to help do something for him,” said Jennifer Thomas, associate professor of health promotion and organizer of Laps for Landon. “I consider it a privilege to be able to help them do something positive in regards to a very nasty disease.”

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. and 70,000 people worldwide. It makes kids who have it more vulnerable to repeated lung infections according to kidshealth.org.

“Landon is a very happy and loving little boy, and every time I look at him it renews my determination to raise money and awareness so that new treatments and medications can be developed to help prolong his life and improve his day-to-day wellbeing,” Thomas said.

Four years ago, the benefit began as a simple activity and now it has grown to a large-scale event with a health promotion theme, where students gained a learning experience for implementing cause-related events and it ended up meaning something personal to each of them as they got to know Landon and his family.

“I am so glad to be a volunteer here today. This event commemorates a special moment for our Emporia community and it tells all participants something meaningful,” said Juliet Ford, junior Health and Physical Education major. “Landon is anadorable boy, his parents are such great people and I hope he will have the best life.”

After Landon was diagnosed with a Cystic Fibrosis, Landon’s parents, Blythe Eddy Dody and AronDody, decided to do everything they can to help their son fight against the disease.

“We had a tough time finding out the result, but we maintain a positive attitude towards life itself,” said AronDody. “When he grows up, his situation will become worse. At that time, we will consider lung transplantation for the treatment. Even technology has a lot of rejection about organ transplantation right now, butthere is the possibility to do research on this problem. Events like today to help a foundation to develop the treatment method are helpful. I am sure they will find the cure someday.”

Laps 4 Landon attracted more than 400 people this year and raised more than $4,000. The event got support from dozens of ESU athletes, who came and played with the children that attended the event on the football field. There was also a silent auction where people could bid on goody baskets, gift certificates and homemade baked goods. There were also drawings for prizes donated by local businesses while the participants were walking laps around the track.

AronDodysaid the biggest thing he would like to say to all participants is “Thanks (for) not only your financial contribution that help fundraise money for CF research but also your support to help raise awareness about this disease.”

“I think the project is wonderful, we have just been overwhelmed by the support from the whole community.Their caring and support not only help Landon, and also other children with CF,” said Ginger Dody, Landon’s grandmother.“I am so appreciativeof the warming our family got today. Landon is a pretty special little guy and I think that is why a lot of people are here.”

This year’s themewas “Laps 4 Landon: Taking Steps to Find a Cure for CF.”

“I think it depends on how you choose to look at life, Ihope everyday will be a good day for Landon. And I wish him to always be happy and thankful,”said Blythe Eddy Dody.

With tears in her eyes, Blythe said “We thank everyone in this community for your incredible support. All of this makes me feel hopeful about the future to let Landon live a long life. Today there are also other families like us here, we do have the hope.This event would not be possible and would not be as successful as it has been if it weren’t for the dedication of Jennifer’s health promotion students and the generosity of those who attend.”

Participants weregrateful to have a chance to help.

“I think that’s true of many human beings, but I have found that the Emporia and surrounding community members consistently go above and beyond when it comes to supporting worthwhile causes – especially one’s for a family as great as the Dodys,” Thomas said. “Landon is a constant reminder to me to be thankful for all of my blessings.”

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With the Earth Day celebrations, clubs on campus tried to shed light on the topic of environment with Ian Connacher’s 90 minute feature length, award-winning documentary—“Addicted to Plastic.”

“We decided to put on this event because it is something different and we want people to be educated about the environment, what is harming it and how they can help,” said Karie Nicholson, freshman business administration major and chair of the Talks and Topics Committee of Union Activities Council.“We want to make students realize just how much plastic is used and encourage them to recycle more or use less plastic.”

“Addicted to Plastic” encompasses a specific topic: plastic pollution. Connacher spent more than two years filming and one year editing, and he traveled to 12 countries on five continents. He also took two trips to the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

“I have heard the plastic debris accumulated there, and I wanted to go there and find out the truth,” Connacher said.

After reading an article which reflected the pollution of North Pacific Central Gyer, which is one of five floating garbage patches in the world’s oceans, Connacher was shocked about the plastic flowage.

“The plastic in these water are six times more than plankton there,” Connacher said.

Disposability goes along with the idea of everything being very clean and neat and ordered.

“We are all so familiar with plastic ‘cause it is so relatable to our daily lives. But seldom in time we would look back to see and think about the consequences,” Connacher said.

This gave Connacher an inspiration to do something different. In 2005, he shot a short film named “Alphabet Soup,” which reflected what kind of role plastic plays in the whole food chain.

“I recorded the procedures of how it had gotten out of the ocean and made influence on food. It turned out to be not a happy ending,” Connacher said.

Connacher shared an attitude that as human beings, we do not own the power to clean up the whole ocean, but you can do something within your bounds of experiences and help to find the solutions.

“All the difficulties, getting no paid, living out of bags, coming across bad conditions, are not that hard to overcome,” Connacher said. “That is worthy of devoting two years on the story because truth should be told.”

Students were struck by Connacher’s message.

“I cannot imagine my life without plastic,” said Ray Deng, sophomore biology major. “The film makes me witness the accumulated amount of garbage in the ocean. After this glimpse I am shocked by the persistence of our daily-used synthetic materials.”

This habit-kicking documentary also tells the details about the historical path of plastic over the last 100 years and also records interviews with professional experts discussing the solutions to recycle-using and consistent biodegradability.

Connacher’s Environmental film provided viewers a message: there is always something you can do to combat plastic pollution.

“The film shows me two solutions to reduce plastic waste – recycle and find an alternative way,” Deng said.

Lacee Hanson, junior communication major, said that “there are ways that people can reduce their use of plastic and try to use alternatives or use materials that they know can be recycled. The documentary showed tonight offered alternatives for each of us to consider about that. ”

At the end of the documentary, the search for answers continued.

“I am not an anti-plastic,” Connacher said. “It is a great material and does contribute to the modern era, all up to the aspect we think about it and the way we use it.”

Connacher said he would work on to get his documentary into more schools and campuses.

“I am just a filmmaker and what I want to do mostly is tell truthful stories and hopefully it can make people inspired and motivated by every existing piece of plastic ever made,” Connacher said. “That is what we care (about).”

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More than 200 emporia students witnessedUp ‘til Dawn revealing that they raised$29,091.19during the interval between the softball and baseball games at Trusler Sports Complex last Friday.

All of the money was donated directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Up ’til Dawn is a non-profit organization that raises money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Kalyna Nelson, junior sociology major. “This event not only benefits the Hospital but also benefits the student and participants of our organization. UTD offers a sense of gratification knowing that our time, energy and everything is helping children in need.”

Jaclyn Lane, executive director for the event, said the theme for Up ’til Dawn this year was “Strike out Cancer.”

“Since St. Jude treats patients regardless of their families’ ability to pay, the money will go towards paying for treatments, research as well as housing for the patient and their family while they are going through treatments,” Lane said.

Lane said that St. Jude and Up ’til Dawn program was amazing.

“We raise money so that ‘no child should die in the dawn of life,’” she said.

Up ‘til Dawn members spent months planning how to play out the events. They hope through their efforts more and more students would find out what St. Jude is and what they are doing.

“We hope the reveal shows the campus how their hard work paid off,” Lane said.“We have had so much student support this year with students forming teams and writing letters at our letter sending party in October, helping at ESU sporting events, and collecting change at their Greek houses or RSO meetings. We are also very thankful for the Black Women’s Network for having their proceeds of $130 from their Ball last semester go to Up ‘til Dawn.”

Up ‘til Dawn kept the amount of money ESU had raised a secret until the actual reveal. The only people who know the total before were Jason Bosch, assistant director of student involvement for Greek Life and adviser of Up ‘til Dawn, and Niki Leonard, senior event marketing representative of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Last year we raised $32,300,” Bosch said.“All of the money raised through Up ’til Dawn programs supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The money helps keep the hospital running on a daily basis.”

Jason Bosch also emphasized that the Up ‘til Dawn program not only provided a ton of support for the students, but they also invested in students’ leadership development.

“We have amazing student leaders who plan and coordinate Up ’til Dawn fund raising events. They are a caring and motivated group and I’m so proud to be their adviser,”Bosch said.
Every year, two executive board members get to attend the St. Jude Collegiate Leadership Conference in Memphis. During the conference the Up ‘til Dawn members are able to meet with patients and doctors, tour the Hospital and get great ideas for its program.

Leonard said she appreciated what the members of UTD have done.

“They planned everything so well and organized the event efficiently,” Leonard said. “They did very a good job and they also make the whole university involved in it. Moreover, it helps the students to undertake leadership experience and community service.”

Lauren Reddick, a former St. Jude patient who now lives in Council Grove with her family, came along with Leonard and revealed the total money that ESU’s UTD raised on Friday. She was also invited to throw the first pitch at the baseball game.

“Lauren was diagnosed Retinoblastoma in February 2002 and then she got her left eye removed during a surgery at St. Jude in October 2002. After that, she is cancer free forever,” said Dana Reddick, Lauren’s mother. “We were very scared at first, and then we met Niki. St.Jude helped us cover all the expense for treatment. That relieved my worries about finance. Now Lauren can do everything she likes.She lives really well.”

Dana Reddick said thatUp ‘til Dawn not only changed LaurenReddick’s life but also brought her a new aspect to experience the world.

“She got to know how important life is, and also learn the attitude about helping and sharing,” Dana Reddicksaid.

Traci Schremmer, public relations chair and communication major, was responsible for contacting the Reddickfamily. She said it was an honor for her to do these kinds of activities to help children with cancer.

“You know what you do will make a difference,”Schremmer said, “As a member of the Up ‘til Dawn, it expresses positive power and in the end it turns out to making some changes to children’s lives. ”

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Under the theme of “Let’s get together and feel alright,”ESU’s Greek community organized Greek Week activities with support from students.

Greek Week 2010 started on Monday and ended today. This year’s week of competitionand community service covered all sororities and fraternities in events ranging from all Greek and Faculty Sand Volleyball Tournament to Canoe Races.

Jason Bosch, assistant director of student involvement for Greek Life, defines Greek Life as “ Leave Your Legacy.”

“Greek Week is really about coming together as a Greek community to build friendships and celebrate our accomplishments for the year,” Bosch said.

Greek Weekwas put on by a planning committee that coordinates all of the Greek Week activities, led by the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Association Activities Chairs, Lauren Leif, Greek Week co-chair andjunior communications major, and Ryan Westmoreland.

The week began with Dunk a Greek on Monday in Union Square. The money will be donated to Haiti.

“It was fun, wet, and all for a good cause,” said George Jeng, junior information systems major and recruitment chair for Sigma Pi Epsilon.“I’m glad I can help raise money that will be donated to Haiti.”

Dunk-A-Greek was $1 for three throws.

“I felt nervous because I didn’t want to get cold and wet. Sometimes I was hoping people would miss,” said Kyle Farmer, vice president of finance for Sigma Pi Epsilon and secondary social studies education major. “I thought it was a good idea to raise money to help another country in need, to help out others.”

On Monday afternoon,the All Greek and Faculty Sand Volleyball Tournament took place on the court outside Morse Hall. Kappa Sigma won the No.1 ranking, followed by Alpha Kappa Lambda, Sigma Tau Gamma, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Pi and Phi Delta Theta.

On Tuesday, fraternities and sororities members wore Greek Week T-shirts.

Wednesday was spent with Greeks participating in events outdoors like Canoe Racing, Tug of War and a Greek Relay.

While Greek Week hinges on participation from Greek community, all ESU students as well as the community as a whole are encouraged to participate in competitive events.

“It is a time where the Greek Community can show its unity to ESU as well as the pride we have in being Greek,”Lief said. “Greek Week gives students on our campus a chance to see our Greek values at work. Being Greek is all about promising to hold you to a higher standard and this time allows the Greeks to show that to ESU as well as celebrate together. The great thing about Greek Week is that it is a team effort, no one chapter could ever do it on their own and it’s wonderful to see how much we can accomplish when we come together and use all of our skills to put together all of the events.”

At the last day of events today, the participating sororities and fraternities will be presented with awards and recognitions. After the performances, the winner of Greek Week will be announced.

“I hope the ESU campus and Emporia community will see the positive things the Greek community is doing this week. These projects are just a sample of the many service and philanthropic projects Greeks do every semester,” Bosch said.

Bosch was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Wichita State University and remembers what he gained from it.

“I had a great experience in my chapter and I owe a lot of my personal and professional success to my fraternity,” he said.

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Emporia State’s Faculty Senate discussed topics ranging from furlough policy for unclassified employees to the Faculty Initiated Withdrawal Bill.

President of Faculty Senate Carol L. Russell said that the Information Technology Usage Policy (FSB 09010) and Resolution Requesting Support For Higher Education (FSR 09014) had been delivered to President Lane.

George Durler, head of the academic affairs committee, proposed a bill to revise the policy on Faculty Initiated Withdrawals from courses to update administrative titles and address concerns that have arisen.

“The proposed revisions include requirements that the faculty member attempt to contact the student in writing and document the disruptive behavior, absences or academic dishonesty that caused the withdrawal process to be initiated,” Durler said. “Documentation is not required in the current policy. When the Academic Affairs Office receives a documented request to initiate a withdrawal the proposed policy revisions require that office to follow the Student Conduct Policy to provide due process to the student.”

Durler said there were several reasons to revise the policy.

“One (reason) was to update the policy for changes in the structure of the administration at the University,” he said. “Another purpose for the revision is to provide for faculty initiated withdrawal in cases of academic dishonesty in addition to excessive absences and disruptive behavior. A major change proposed is to include in the policy certain protections for students against possible abuse.”

He also emphasized that documentation of the reasons for withdrawal would help resolved miscommunication among all parties.

“I would think that both students and faculty will benefit from the changes,” Durler said. “Students will benefit from a policy which more clearly outlines due process and requires documentation of the reasons a faculty member is initiating a withdrawal. Faculty will benefit from having the process and reasons for a faculty initiated withdrawal more clearly defined.”

The senate also voted to pass the Resolution Recommending Policy for Equitable Faculty Presence on campus 11 to 5 with 5 abstentions.

“FSR 09018 is a resolution that should work to aid department chairs to create and maintain a fair and equitable faculty presence on campus,” said Kevin Rabas, assistant professor of English. “Essentially, faculty members are expected to spend a reasonable amount of time on campus to work with students and perform teaching duties and also to serve on committees, oversee labs and facilities, and the like. When a faculty peer is gone, for some reason, we meet with that faculty member’s students, as if they are our own, and we share the load.”

Rabas believes that the resolution will help ensure equitable working conditions among faculty members.

“This resolution bridges concerns made by faculty members and by administration about the equity of time spent on campus by ESU faculty. I think it is a fair and reasonable solution,” Rabas said. “Instead of instituting a certain number of days that faculty are expected to serve on campus, it places the responsibility with the Faculty Recognition Committee, in a sense, as the Faculty Recognition Document articulates how the resolution will be applied, and it also reinforces the chair’s duty and call to ensure equity among his or her faculty.”

The Faculty Senate passed two bills: Proposed Amendments to Furlough Policy for Unclassified Employees (FSB 09012) and Modifications to Regular and Interim Policies and Procedures (FSB 09013).

According to the first readings of the bill, “The Furlough policy established the general plan for furloughs of unclassified ESU employees if they must be implemented in times of budgetary constraints and the regular and interim policies provide clarification and elaboration on the ways existing university policies and procedures can be established and modified within the concept of shared governance.”

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Emporia State has wireless networks that cover nearly all buildings on campus. The network provides service for all students, staff and all faculties.

However, the current network is based on an Ethernet data network comprised of copper cabling to desktop computers and fiber optic cabling between buildings and inner segments.  More than one-third of all data cabling that is reliedon is “Type 1,” a standard that hasn’t been used for nearly 20 years.

Because of the aged cables, the network connectivity speeds in all campus buildings including residence halls are significantly limited. To combat the issue, TCS initiated a campus-wide wiring project.

“The internet in the dorms with the wire is OK, but it turned out to be terrible sometimes,”said Wayne Stallard, sophomore international business major who lives in the dorms. “The wireless seems unavailable all day long, but it never works in North East Morse.”

The project will replace out-dated Type 1 wiring with modern Ethernet Cat6 or Cat6e cabling. As a part of the University’s Strategic Plan this year, this institution-wide project would also replace other network infrastructure components, to make wiring infrastructure across campus up to date and improve high-speed network connectivity all through the campus.

“The process of replacing the cabling involves removal of the old Type 1 cabling from the network closet to the wall jack and pulling new network cabling to that location,”said Michael Erickson, associate vice president and CIO of Technology and Computing Services. “All the new cables are then connected to the campus network in the wiring closet, tested to verify that they pass quality-control tests, and documented as to which room they connect. This is repeated for all old connections in all buildings which have such connections.”

The project completion was once delayed by the limited resources, but now receives funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“There has been a need to replace this cabling for some time. Several years ago a proposal was made to undertake the effort, but it is costly and the funding wasn’t available,” Erickson said.“With funding from the ARRA, this project was once again reviewed and was identified as a good use of those funds. We are also saving significant costs by doing the project with our own staff and not utilizing an external vendor.”

Because of hardware limitations in wiring technology on campus, the network is short of competitiveness in terms of reliability and performance.

“Replacing the outdated cabling will make network connections much faster and more reliable,” Erickson said.“It will also increase the overall reliability and speed of campus network connections. The project will also allow us to rectify some issues in the network wiring closets, increasing the reliability and security of those installations.”

Students said that they were glad that the system was being updated.

“It is good to hear that the University recognizes the importance of keeping its information systems up to date. If done properly this should save the university (money) in the long run and improve student’s campus lives,” Stallardsaid. “For the university to operate in the 21st century, it needs 21st century technology. It will save the school money in the long run and provide a better overall education for students. Especially because many classes and Blackboard use online curriculum it is necessary for students to have access to reliable computer systems.”

The project will includeRoosevelt Hall, Nursing, Science Hall, King Hall, Police & Safety, HPER, Cremer Hall, Morse Hall, Plumb Hall and Visser Hall.

“It is our goal to provide fast, reliable network connectivity across the entire campus.  This project will take us much further towards that goal,” Erickson said.

The entire project will take 12 months to complete.

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The 2010 Kansas Master Teachers were honored were honored yesterday in a day full of activites for their contributions to education.

They winners are Eleanor Browning, special education reading coach at Mary Herbert Educational Center, Kathy Doussa, first grade teacher at Northwest Elementary School in Dodge City, Michael Dunlap journalism teacher at Blue Valley West High School in Overland Park,Lou Ann Getz, clinical instructor at Anthony & Eisenhower Middle Schools in Manhattan, Sheila A. Lewis, instructor at Tecumseh North Elementary School in Topeka, Andrea Sayler-Siefkes, science teacher at St. John High School in St. Johns, and Kassie Shook, first grade teacher at Sunflower Elementary in Lawrence.

The winners were selected from more than 90 candidates who were nominated by their schools or colleagues.

“We have a selection committee consisting of professors and faculty from different areas,” said Lori Mann, professor of Elementary teacher education.”We set up standards according to the (Kansas National Education Association)statement and webelieve we select someone who represents his or her professions, meanwhile, those candidates must have more than five years teaching experience to be nominated.”Mann said.

The Kansas Master Teacher award was established in 1953. The award is presented annually to the teachers who best exemplifies thegood qualities of inspirational people working in schools to help change lives for the better and who devote lifelong time making important and worthwhile contributions toeducation.

As part of Kansas Master Teacher Award, a seminar on teaching reading was held at Visser Hall 330, Jones Conference Center. Kansas Master Teachers Award winners gathered together to share good practice and excellent experience.

Browning, graduated from Emporia State University, has been teaching for 46 years.

“For me, the best rewarding thing is to help the kids to be the best they can be.” Browning said.

Doussa has been teaching for over 13 years

“I hope my classroom can become a second family for the students to learn something new,”Doussa said. She earned areading specialist endorsement from ESU in 2002.

Over Dunlap’s 20 years, he appreciates his everyday connections with his students.

“It offers me a chance to connect with them and get to know the individual, and that is really my favorite part of teaching,” he said.

Lou Ann Getz has been teaching for almost 30 years. She believes in recognition, relevance and relationship building with her students.

“When you make connection with individual kids and bring your love to the kids,”Getz said. “You know you are making a difference.”

Sheila Lewis has been teaching at Tecumseh North Elementary School since she graduated.

“I think a lot of kids need us to listen to them with patience and I am always keeping that in mind during my classes,”Lewis said.

Andrea Sayler-Siefkes said there was always one more thing to do as a teacher.

“When you saw a student was growing and getting better understanding and to be more comprehensive, it is time to encourage them to plan to the next step and goal,” Sayler-Siefkes said.“For me, all those little moments has already rewarded me.”

Kassie Shook has been teaching for 15 years. She emphasizes the importance of building the relationship with kids and cherishing the friendship with your peers.

“We want to show teachers how important they are and to be recognized with tremendous honor.” Mann Said.

DarlaMallein, associate professor of social sciences, has been organizing the Kansas Master Teacher Seminar for the past ten years.

“You can hearfrom seven top teachers in Kansas, to share their experiences and give their advice, which is helpful to shape students into the best teachers,”Mallein said. “I think it is a chance for our young students to be inspired because teaching contains a lot of hard work. I hope after today, they could find their motivation and a positive power to make a difference,” It is not just about your success in the classroom, but also you need to get involved in the professional organization, get involved in the community, and impact the students.”

The seminar attracted more than 100 people and family members of the award winners to attend.

“I think it is interesting because these teachers have been teaching for a long time, their experience and information gathering here will be so helpful for the further teachers,” said Bristi Snow, senior elementary education major.“I think it is very rewarding for teachers to be master teachers. Cause they have a lot of good experience to give us, and we can walk away with these ideas of how things go and to be progressive teachers.”

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Alpha Kappa Lambda (ΑΚΛ)

As a diverse group of 35 young men who hold a common goal of developing into mature individuals, Alpha Kappa Lambda is one of the largest fraternities at Emporia State. Meanwhile, it also holds the award of the top scholastic fraternity and the most members running leadership roles in campus.

Alpha Kappa Lambda was established by a group at University of California, Berkeley, in 1914. ΑΚL’s motto is “The truth and the word.”

AKL commits to develop a brotherhood, who, guided by its “Five Ideals,” Judeo-Christian Principles, Leadership, Scholarship, Loyalty and Self-Support, share a lifelong undertaking to it and are dedicated to holding leadership roles and rising to the challenges and assuming responsibilities of life.

“(We’re) basically a group of guys that share the same ideas, stand for what we believe in and get involved in leadership opportunities that makes me met a lot of people and participated in campus activities,” said Russell Medley, active member of AKL, senior Physical and Health education major.

Shedding an overview on campus, AKL provides leadership.

“I would like to say that confidently, we have vice presidents of the Environment Club, the president of Associated Student Government, four RAs in the dorm. So our members are just everywhere on campus,” said Drake Foster, recruitment chair of AKL, junior secondary education social science major. “If you have good character as a model, you are making a difference.”

After being recognized as the Student Organization of the Year and the overall winner of the Greek Week competition of 2008, AKL received the scholarship trophy for achieving the highest GPA in 2009.

“We have maintained our academic potential and achieved the highest GPA of any fraternity again this year,” Foster said.

AKL has a strong commitment to make contributions to community service.

“We put in actual efforts and care about the university. We will not exist without Emporia State University,” Foster said. “We regularly hold activities to raise money and awareness for SOS women’s shelter in Emporia. Moreover, we enter the Adopt-A-School program and devote our time to set an example for young children.”

AKL offers many opportunities to shape you into the one you want to be in the future.

“The networking I did with a lot of people has made me develop myself a lot,” Foster  said.  “The people and friends I met here can become lifelong brothers, whenever I need help I know where to turn to get advice.”

To many students in fraternities, participating and enjoying Greek Life means you can share experiences and know friends whom may sit beside you on graduation day or even become your friends for life.

“You can trust the men here,” said Bo Moddelmog, pledge of the chapter and freshmen political science major. I am glad in getting to know them and learn about great character from them. It practices my political mind and offers leaderships roles that meet a high level in Emporia.”

Sigma Pi(ΣΠ)

Though operating without a fixed location, the Sigma Pi chapter in Emporia embraces the mission of Sigma Pi Fraternity. Internationally, their mission to build and support chapters and alumni organizations for the purpose of maintaining a fellowship of kindred minds united in brotherhood.

Founded in 1897, headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., started as Tau Phi Delta, Sigma Pi challenges members to advance truth and justice, to promote scholarship, to encourage chivalry, to diffuse culture and to develop character in the service of God and man.

George Jeng, junior information systems major and recruitment chair for Sigma Pi, says that Sigma Pi is special in that “our brotherhood is so close and it gathers upon lifelong friends throughout the community. The leadership and community service opportunities are provided every month and our members are very proud of being fraternity men and to be able to make contributions.”

“Joining Sigma Pi is an wonderful experience which offers me training, guidance and innovative opportunities to undertake unique responsibilities,” Jeng said.

The Sigma Pi chapter is led by Chris Bartlett, junior secondary education in social studies major, who emphasized its unique achievement- giving back to the campus

“We make efforts to better the campus. We hold bikeathon activities and donate time and efforts to fundraise money for national organizations on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,” he said. “Now we are working on our philanthropy, the Altruistic Campus Experience project coming in April”

ACE combines thousands of volunteer hours to offer service to campus when and where there is a need.

“Through the ACE project, we are trying to find a way to make the campus better,” Bartlett said.

Sigma Pi promotes men to reach their full potential.

“It help me improve myself a lot here.” Bartlett said, “Sigma Pi tells me a lot about social communication skills. I want to become a coach in the further, the experience I gained here lets me know how to lead a team.”

The ACE project not only improves the campus but also helps Sigma Pi members tailor their experiences to best fit the mission as well as their own developing objectives, and leave a positive legacy for the future.

“The last ACE project we did was renewing some campus areas,” said Matthew Summers, treasurer and scholarship chair of Sigma Pi and senior finance major “Basically ESU has given us so much, our ACE project is designed to give back to show our appreciation.”

Some members think that they gain a different experience than most other fraternities.

“I think the not being able to pinpoint what we are is kind of a real nice thing,” said Jack Sampel, junior secondary education in social sciences major. “I do not like the idea of how you join a fraternity and you automatically become one of those remaining comfortably within the bounds of their own experience. (Here) you can take different approaches to socialize.”

Summers believes that Sigma Pi brothers are kindred minds and kindred spirits.

“Getting involved, that is a quick way to meet a lot of people,” he said. “Make the most of what you can to enjoy your life at the university. If you hold that power, you do not need a (fraternity) house to live up to your values and ideas.”

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