Identity and imagination come to KCC
Walk for the Cause
Rock the Vote
Political activists day
Campus read
Service Learning
Tensions rise as Board members and President square off
Miller Building gym
Banned books welcomed with open arms?
Books for Africa
The American smoker: a dying breed
Phi Theta Kappa
Lifelong Learning
Identity and imagination come to KCC
Alan Hester
Assistant Editor
Let’s Talk About It, a book-discussion program designed by the ALA (the American Library Association) has swept through KCC’s library with an extremely positive turnout; the theme was Jewish literature.
The bi-weekly book discussions were individually focused on a different piece of literature, each of which covered a vast array of diversity in the Jewish community’s history. Beginning on August 27 with Exodus (the second book of the Torah) and ending on October 22 with Out of Egypt, the book readings consisted of classic texts as well as contemporary memoirs.
Marty Stilwell, director of library services at KCC, met with several KCC instructors in order to decide a specific theme. What resulted was “Between Two Worlds: Jewish Stories of Estrangement and Homecoming.”
“The purpose [of the book discussions] is to share culture and literature of the Jewish people,” explained Ms. Stilwell. “It met several goals at KCC—diversity, international education, and [it] aligned with several literature and history courses.”
After applying for and receiving the grant for KCC to hold these discussions, Ms. Stilwell invited Dr. Barry Gross to lead the discussions.
“Our students gain access to a world-class scholar who brings insights from well-beyond Battle Creek,” said Ms. Stilwell of Dr. Gross.
Former English professor and director of Jewish Studies at Michigan State University, Dr. Gross was glad to be back at teaching.
“I’ve really enjoyed leading these discussions because I like to teach,” said Dr. Gross, “and [I] haven’t had much opportunity to do so since I retired from Michigan State.”
And teaching it was. Set in the Learning Center’s Spring Lake Room, the book discussions have attracted many members of KCC, Battle Creek, and Battle Creek’s surrounding communities. Dr. Gross began each discussion with a warm welcome before delivering an open-minded analysis of the specific piece of literature. With topics ranging from diverse Jewish lifestyles to the artistry of the text, discussion and engagement was not in short supply. Following Dr. Gross’s lecture of the specific book, many attendees would break off into individual groups in order to discuss a certain topic.
Dr. Gross commented on his satisfaction to see KCC students there: “I think a student who attends who doesn’t have much of a background in Jewish literature or Jewish civilization will come away with some insight into the range of Jewish
experiences,” he explained. He went on to note “that there are many different kinds of Jews…that there are religious Jews and secular Jews; conservative Jews and radical Jews; political Jews and apolitical Jews; Jews who are poor and Jews who are not; Jews who are light-skinned and Jews who are dark-skinned.”
The turnout of attendees has surpassed the expectations of many who have set up the bi-weekly meetings.
“This has just been phenomenal!” says Ms. Stilwell, “When I attended the national training last April about this type of programming, I was told to not be surprised if attendance was around 20 or less. At our first program (held August 27 before Fall semester began), we had 31. On october 7, there were 44.”
Walk for the Cause
Christina Edwards
Staff Writer
Dr. Washington, men, women, and children walked to support domestic and sexual assault against women. The event was taken place at the Sojourner Truth Monument Corner of Division. Many people gathered together to walk a mile to support the cause. But walking that mile wasn’t going to be that easy for many. They had a choice to wear women’s high heel shoes to represent how it is to walk in their shoes. Most of the men there had on the shoes. The remarkable turnout was greater than people were hoping for. KCC athletes—the men’s basketball, soccer, and baseball teams—even participated in the cause.
“It was an inspiring event…and it was very painful,” said basketball player David King.
“We invited all the K.C.C students, the athletes, and other organizations around the area,” said Dr. Washington.
A majority of citizens believe that it is only women that are domestic and sexually assaulted, but so are men and children. Domestic violence doesn’t involve one individual; it involves the whole family.
“Domestic violence doesn’t just impact one person,” said Dr. Washington. “The way the situation ends is tragic for the family.”
This is a nationwide event, but this is the first year that Kellogg Community College has participated. Special thanks go to the S.A.F.E Place in Battle Creek. The S.A.F.E place is a shelter that provides support, information, and a shelter to survivors of domestic violence. Dr. Washington is a proud and dedicated volunteer for the S.A.F.E place. He also is on the board of the S.AF.E place. Dr. Washington is making sure that this awareness is getting recognized by many. This also means a lot to him.
“It’s about recognizing that there are women that are going through domestic violence every day. But bringing this situation to the community will help,” said Dr. Washington.
Walk a mile in her shoes has inspired many people to recognize the situation all around them and the community. KCC has planned to do this next year and many years to come. Students who missed this occasion and want to support the cause can visit the website www.walkamileinhershoes.org.
Rock the Vote
Michael Travers
Editor-in-Chief
Unless people have been living under a rock, the presidential candidates are well known. There’s only one question everyone’s debating. That question will get answered on November 4 when voters take their places in their respective voting stations and actually vote. Young people are seldom the focus of presidential campaigns and they are not being informed of the issues and the importance of voting. This year, the candidates have gone to the extreme to get young voters registered. Not only getting them registered, but also giving them more information about their views and what they plan to do if elected. Kellogg Community College has had many coffeehouses that helped give voters more information on the candidates.
Coffeehouses have had a profound effect on the students at KCC. The coffeehouses included information about candidates, registration tables, and even 6 foot cardboard cutouts of the candidates. Students are encouraged to go vote on November 4th, 2008 and make their vote count. Voters are reminded to come back to KCC after they vote. Eric Boff, an acoustic artist from Kalamazoo, will play a show at 9:45 am, 11 am, and 12:45 pm. Not only will KCC get treated to good music, but when voters show up with their “I Voted” sticker, they are automatically thrown into the drawing to win an 80 gig Zune player.
Political activists day
Aaron Heuer
Staff Writer
On October 17, 2008, the Michigan Citizens Education Fund as well as KCC students, staff, and faculty set out to spread voter awareness. This event was just one of the many events happening in the program called Bruins Give Back. At ten o’clock, they met in the KCC student center, then at eleven, they split into small groups and received local areas to pass out information. The small groups went and talked to the Michigan Citizen Action members, the public, and members of the legislature about issues that strengthen the social, economic, and health security for all Michigan Citizens. Interested students can learn more about Bruin Gives Back or participate in these important events by going to College Life for more information.
Campus read
Stephanie D. Davis
Librarian
The test is done; the paper written and submitted. You’ve got a few free moments….What to do? Why not read a good book? Reading to learn is certainly the norm in college. There are texts to devour, papers to peruse and, in general, lots of material to master. Finding time to read books for enjoyment may seem like a luxury, but it is worth the effort and can yield great rewards. Right now, for example, Kampus Activities Board, KAB, is offering a monetary motivation for reading through the Campus Read program. Read one of the selected titles, complete a Trivia Sheet, submit the correctly answered sheet to College Life and you are entered in a drawing for a $75.00 Gas Card as well as other prizes.
Campus Read is the brainchild of KAB President Maria Fales. As an avid reader, Maria saw the need to offer reading on campus beyond the classroom: “I knew there were students on campus who liked to read and I thought this would allow them to meet each other,” she said. This is the second year for Campus Read. This fall, the four titles fit in with the overall College Life theme of “Rock the Vote” and focus on subjects related to personal and national freedom. The titles include “Freedom Writers,” by Erin Gruwell; “The Greatest Generation,” by Tom Brokaw; “Nickel & Dimed,” by Barbara Ehrenreich ; and “Kindred,” by Octavia Butler. Each one offers a look into lives of Americans and their pursuit of freedom for their country and for themselves.
Each title is well worth the few hours needed to read. To help students complete the Trivia Sheets, available through College Life and at the Library Information Desk, discussion sessions will be offered in the Library Spring Lake Room. Here students will have a chance to discuss the books with other readers and, with the help of KCC faculty, answer the Trivia Sheets. Sessions are scheduled as follows:
-Tuesday, November 18, 11 am-Noon
-Monday, November 24, 1-2 pm
-Wednesday November 19, 3-4 pm
-Tuesday, November 25, 3-4 pm
Service Learning
Aaron Heuer
Staff Writer
On October 9, KCC held an event co-sponsored by Michigan Campus Compact bringing awarness to Service Learning. The goal of Service Learning is to give back to the community using the skills students are learning through school. For example, some of the students in the nursing program dedicate some of their time to making house visits, or giving free health evaluations at the local YMCA.
Service Learning is trying to get as many people as possible involved as well as raise awareness not only on a local level, but even a state and international level. They hold committee meetings at least once a month. The committee is made up of a diverse group ranging from volunteer members, students, faculty, staff, and deans. They hope to spread Service Learning awareness to one hundred percent within the next five years. Local nonprofit organizations, such as The Boys & Girls Club, Hands On Battle Creek and also S.A.F.E. Place, were there to give students information about volunteer opportunities. “The goal of Service Learning,” says Jacquez Warren, representative from Hands On Battle Creek, “is to connect people to volunteer opportunities.” Interested students can email service@kellogg.edu for more information
Tensions rise as Board members and President square off
Elysha Dukeman
Staff Writer
Tensions are rising as each month’s Board of Trustees meeting comes and goes. The reason: increasing dissention between certain Board members and the President of Kellogg Community College, Dr. Haring.
Moves by the President concerning KCC have caught some members off guard and have led them to believe that Dr. Haring’s idea of what is best for the school might not be the same as what they believe to be what is in best interest for the school.
The Board approved the formation of a committee in order to hire a search firm in mid-September for the means of replacing the President, whose contract ends in 2010. Board Member Jonathan Byrd has made comments regarding the possible replacement of Dr. Haring with soon-to-be-retired Battle Creek Unlimited President Jim Hettinger but Hettinger has made no comment on such a move on his part.
The committee charged with the task of finding a firm for the search was headed by Trustees Byrd, Davis and Harrington. During October’s meeting of the board, the committee was disbanded due to what Chairman Hice referred to as a deviation of the task they were appointed.
Furthermore, President Haring has made known publicly that his contract with Kellogg Community College has not been altered and he intends to finish out his obligation to the college. Pointing out that the President works for the Board and not just a few of the trustees, Haring says that he is doing what is best for the college and is doing the job for which he was hired.
The current climate of political maneuvering at KCC has many wondering what is to come in the months ahead and as Dr. Haring counts down towards the end of his time as President of the College it is certain that the future will be rife with tension.
Miller Building gym
Jeremy Erskine
Staff Writer
As the winter months are approaching, some KCC students might become worrisome of jeopardizing their physique. Thanks to the sometimes brutal Michigan winters, many summer activities that students did outside (such as running outdoors and playing basketball or tennis) can become an impossible task. That’s where the Miller Building comes in handy. It offers
· two basketball courts
· one racquetball/handball court
· one wellness center (weights, stationary bikes, Stairmaster, treadmills, and exercise equipment)
· two volleyball courts
· one aerobic training area (Auxiliary Gym)
Don’t have a racket for racquetball or a basketball to work on your free throws with? No problem. All equipment can be checked out from the Issue room on the first floor of Miller gym. The only thing needed is a valid KCC ID.
All of the recreational rooms are available to all students, faculty, and staff whenever it is not in use by a class, and can be reserved under the same terms. But they aren’t able to be reserved by phone. If you want to reserve a court, it must be in person with an ID in hand. Also, a court can’t be scheduled for two time slots by the same person and there is no switching of courts.
But if you need to pump some iron or run off the new Taco Bell triple steak burrito, the fitness room hours are
· Monday 9:30 am - 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm - 6:45 pm
· Tuesday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm and 2:15 am - 5:30 pm
· Wednesday 9:30 am - 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm - 6:45 pm
· Thursday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm and 2:15 am - 5:30 pm
· Friday 8:00 am. - 3:45 pm
· Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Or check http://www.kellogg.edu/athletics/millerbldg.html for more information.
Banned Books welcomed with open arms?
Jeremy Erskine
Staff Writer
On September 30, KCC’s Dr. Elizabeth Kerlikowske participated in a banned books reading at First Baptist Church in Kalamazoo. Yes, that’s right – banned books at church. The event was sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and was aimed at reminding Americans of our first amendment right to free speech. Books like Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse 5,” Twain’s “Huck Finn,” Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” were amongst a few of the controversial books being read.
The event was explained to me as a “small but nice” affair. Dr. Kerlikowske really enjoyed the event—she said, “It was great! It lasted two and a half hours (which is long). I learned a lot. The readers were all really professional – nobody was stumbling through [their book choices]. That alone was well worth it.”
She was joined by Channel 3 news weatherman Keith Thompson, a few radio personalities, a writer, and some lawyers. “All the people there are pretty literate,” said Kerlikowske. Everyone there believed that banning a book is a ridiculous idea. As one speaker put it, “If you can’t find something to offend you in a library, we are not doing our job!”
It’s always the parents who seem to have a problem with a book. “They think it’s more powerful when it’s written down,” explained Elizabeth. But what about the television shows or movies or music children are exposed to today?
“Listening to abusive songs on their iPod is far worse than reading a book,” Kerlikowske added.
The organizer of the event, attorney James Rodbard, gave her the choice of reading Allen Ginsberg or Walt Whitman. But Ginsberg had been done a few years ago, and she wanted to read something else. So, upon doing a little thinking on what constituted Whitman’s most controversial work, she chose “I Sing the Body Electric,” which is the most banned poem of his writings and is from the book “Leaves of Grass.”
Being an English instructor, Dr. Kerlikowske is no stranger to some controversy of her own. An anthology she uses for her literature class was a “challenged” book last year in a school district outside of Grand Rapids. There was a Pulitzer Prize winning play called “Top Dog/Under Dog” about life in the inner city in the textbook. So naturally, there is some inner city language on display throughout the play (thus, the reason for such uproar) “But once you tell kids that a book is banned, they immediately want to see [the play].” Although they didn’t read the play in its entirety, “…we did have to do a short
Books for Africa
Gordo Murphy
Staff Writer
Phi Theta Kappa, KCC’s honor society, is organizing a book collection to send to African libraries. Used books of any kind will be welcome, from textbooks to romance novels. Phi Theta Kappa is a non-profit society, but they need to raise money for their activities around the school and trips they are planning, so just seventy-five cents from every book brought in goes to the society. Phi Theta Kappa will use at least a portion of this money to help improve the school through various on-campus activities.
The Books for Africa program was originally thought of by Phi Theta Kappa officer Michael Ghere, who recently told me about a handful of “elementary schools in Battle Creek that will be competing to see which class from each school can gather the most books.” These schools may include Urbandale, Fremont, Coburn, Dudley, Franklin, Verona, Calhoun Christian, Prairieview, and Bedford Bible. This contest will run through the entire month of November, and the winning class from each school will receive a free pizza party sponsored by Pizza Hut, Little Caesar’s, Papa John’s, and Hungry Howie’s.
All the winning classes will receive a certificate of appreciation from Phi Theta Kappa, as will the restaurants supporting the pizza party. These certificates will then be framed and hung in the restaurants. Students who wish to contribute can e-mail Michael Ghere at ghere93@aol.com.
The American smoker: a dying breed
Frank Russell
Staff Writer
With more and more places becoming smoke free, men and women that choose to light up are being rounded up and dealt with. Whether it is at college, work, at a diner or walking down the street, smokers are being limited more and more in their habit.
In the past, smoking has been just as socially acceptable as chewing gum. But as time passed, so has the tolerance for cigarettes--and now with rising health concerns, people have decided to take a stand against smoking and smokers.
Here in Calhoun County--and specifically at KCC--smokers are constrained by newly implemented rules and regulation. Calhoun County has recently passed a clean air act that is pushing more rules, regulations and fines on smokers. Smokers already feel as though they have been discriminated against and feel that there are enough rules. These rules have begun to be enforced along with the new set of fines that will be used to deter smokers from taking a smoke break while away from the house.
At KCC there have been questions about whether or not smoking should be allowed on campus at all. Smokers already have to head to designated smoking areas set across the campus in order to light up. But not all have followed these rules.
As the fall begins to turn cold and winter approaches, the temperatures obviously have dropped. And apparently some of the smokers have begun to drop the rules. In an effort to get a smoke in as fast as possible, smokers have begun to crowd the entrances of KCC during their breaks. They endure the cold just long enough to get their cigarette smoked then head straight back for the building.
The problem with this is that they are taking their smoke breaks right outside the door. This has forced non-smokers to squeeze past them uncomfortably as they breathe in second hand smoke.
One student said, “It [ticks] me off when I have to walk past them and they are crowding the door. I…smell like smoke after I walk by them and I hate it!”
His feelings are shared by a number of students that feel that the rules in place now aren’t being followed, therefore something should be done. And maybe a smoke free campus will result from this feud.
KCC will join the Great American smokeout with a smoke-free Campus on November 20.
Phi Theta Kappa
Maria Fales
Special to the College Life
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honors society for 2-year colleges. Once a student has achieved a 3.5 or higher GPA, he or she will receive an invitation to join, and then pay the $60 fee to become a member. Once in the honors society, students must maintain a 3.2 GPA. This does not sound as interesting as what Phi Theta Kappa has to offer once a student becomes a member and that is exactly what I would like to share with you.
This honors society offers experience in leadership, scholarship, and service. Daniel Farmer, President of Phi Theta Kappa, feels that “Phi Theta Kappa gives students a chance to serve their community and college, along with interacting with like-minded individuals and accomplishing great goals. It is the best way to set yourself apart from other students scholastically. When a member graduates and receives their stole, it is one way of showing everyone that you have achieved excellence in your college career.”
PTK officers plan and implement things relating to these topics for members to experience. Since the beginning of the semester, Phi Theta Kappa has implemented an Adopt-A-Highway program which we have put into action once already in September and will be doing again in April of 2009. In October, Phi Theta Kappa planned a Field Trip to Chicago to visit the Shedd Aquarium, sponsored the Blood Drive, and provided an Honors Seminar by showing an “An Inconvenient Truth” and “Sicko” with a discussion forum for students to voice their views and opinions following the showing.
The PTS hopes that you have noticed the recycling containers on campus because those are also a service done by Phi Theta Kappa. In fact, for the spring semester we will be looking for volunteers to empty the recycling containers on campus, once a week or as needed. As for what Phi Theta Kappa has coming up, in November, there will be a Leadership Challenge lunch which will be by invite only. It is for members and officers of our student organizations. This will include two keynote speakers: Dr. G. Edward Haring, KCC President; and Vice President for Student Services, Dr. Marshall Washington; along with a case study challenge. Members should also look for student-led workshops relating to leadership, scholarship, and service in the spring semester. The Adopt-A-Highway program will be in April and the recycling bins will still be on campus. Our Vice President for Scholarship, Alicia Fry, will also be expanding our recycling program at the KCC regional centers.
Last but not least, for the entire year we will be collecting books for the Better Worlds Books for Africa which is a program to promote literacy. We will be accepting any type of book if you would like to donate. Just bring your books to the College Life office and they will take care of it from there. If you would like more information about Phi Theta Kappa or any of our programs and workshops mentioned, please e-mail alphanueta@kellogg.edu.
Lifelong Learning
Press Release
Kellogg Community College’s Lifelong Learning classes are gearing up for the fall with a strong line-up of classes for personal enrichment and professional development. Classes began on September 23, 2008 and will run through December 4, 2008.
Lifelong Learning class topics focus on fitness, health & wellness, foreign languages, cooking & wine, personal finances, home & garden, and computers and technology. New classes for this fall include Ashtanga Yoga, College Essay Writing Tips, Instant Piano (for Hopelessly Busy People), Exploring Prayer, and Hail to the Chief, an exploration of the election process, just in time for Nov. 4.
Lifelong Learning now offers Saturday classes as well. Unless noted, each takes place at KCC’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center, located at 405 Hill-Brady Road in Battle Creek.
Registration with a major credit card can be completed by calling (269) 965-4134 or visit www.kellogg.edu/lifelong for more information on other registration opens and class offerings.