News Archive; September 27, 2001

ICC News Notes

President’s Speech to the Nation Gets A+ from ICC Community
Remembrance Rally Attracts 100 at ICC
A Big Tragedy for Everyone - From Rodion Pryntsevsky, a Ukraine resident who in 2000-2001 was a journalism student at ICC.
PTK Sponsoring Denim Day, For Funds in Cancer Fight
Want to be Challenged? Join the Academic Team
Frankie Harriss, Biology Instructor,
Illinois Native Who Loves Oceans
ICC Theater Department Opens Season Oct. 4 with Judith Viorst Children’s Play
Montgomery County Wants
Adopt-A-Road Program Volunteers
John Eubanks, ICC Alum, Is Accounting Instructor
Troy Lucas is New Resident Life Director
ICC International Students Face Adjustment Problems
Interim Physics/Math Man
David Aikins Back in Kansas
You Can Get Involved in ICC’s Phi Theta Kappa
SPORTS
All Buccaneer Sports Stories about Pirate Athletics can be found on the Athletic Website

ICC News Notes

PAINTED -- ICC’s Phi Theta Kappa members have given the old Pirate at Emmot field a face lift. The PTK also passed out red, white and blue ribbons at the football game Sept. 14. The group is also organizing fund raisers for the Red Cross.

TRACK COACH -- Cory Brack, working with the ICC football and track teams on a temporary contract, will be recommended to the Board of Trustees in October to become the new head track coach.

COUNCIL OF CHAIRS will meet in President Judith Hansen’s office at 2 p.m. Friday. Academic Council will meet at noon Friday in Fireside Room of the Student Union.

SCHEDULES -- Spring 2002 class schedules will be published next month.

PRAISE -- Maintenance man James Neeley received praise last week from several sources, including Kathy Newkirk, facilitator of the Mercy Hospital event in the Inge Theatre, for the "professionalism and assistance" he offered the group in helping put on the event.

KAB 50th -- The Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) will celebrate its 50th Anniversary this year with a convention Oct. 9-11 at the Maner Conference Center in Topeka.

ON-AIR -- ICC’s Coach’s Corner on Radio Station KIND (FM 102.9) at 7 tonight will feature Shawn Hines, coach of the cheer/dance squads; Antonio Rael, football offensive coordinator; Kent Keith, director of athletics and head football coach; Wade Ernest, offensive center; Eric Smith, wide receive/cornerback, and Lynel Seawood, defensive tackle. The show is hosted by Brent Julian and ICC baseball coach Paul Marquez.


President’s Speech to the Nation Gets A+ from ICC Community

By Trish JuAire - Mandy Smith - Jutaporn "Gib" Chaipornkaew, Buccaneer Staff

In a speech seen and heard, literally, around the world, President George W. Bush last Thursday asked for patience and warned of more casualties. He stated that there are "struggles ahead and dangers to face" as America and its allies combat global terrorism.

"Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done," he said.

President Bush alluded to the degree of war to come several times. "Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. It may include dramatic strikes, visible on television, and covert operations, secret even in success. It will not look like the air war above Kosovo two years ago, where no ground troops were used and not a single American was lost in combat," he said.

In a statement directed at U.S. military forces, the president added, "The hour is coming when America will act, and you will make us proud."

President Bush also gave the nation leave to return to life as normal as possible. "We’ll go back to our lives and routines, and that is good. Even grief recedes with time and grace. But our resolve must not pass."

The president wrapped up his speech with this statement. "I will not forget this wound to our country, or those who inflicted it. I will not yield. I will not rest. I will not relent in waging this struggle for the freedom and security of the American people." President Bush also asked "…may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America."

Here are some reactions from ICC to President Bush’s speech and to the attacks.

Sophomore Marcus Walker, ICC basketball player from Kansas City, feels that this is a temporary solution. He thinks that we will go fight, but no one will win. "In 10 years, someone’s little brother will do it all again."

Brooke Mills, freshman from Independence and trainer for the football team, felt that the President was very motivational. She said he sounded professional, powerful, and confident. Brooke doesn’t think we should sit back and take the terrorism. After President Bush’s speech, she said if she were in the military, she would go.

Regarding the possibility of war, freshman Chad Day said "I think

we (Americans) could get in a lot of trouble if he (President Bush) isn’t careful."

Freshman Mandy Shobe said, "I think we should squash them (the terrorists) like a bug." Sophomore Josh Calderon had a similar attitude when he said, "We need to bomb somebody."

"It’s horrible," said Leah Lawrence. "We should hunt down those who did these crimes and punish them." Brian Hight also thinks what is happening is horrible; however, he added that "we (Americans) have to stand up for ourselves and set an example for everyone else."

"I think there should be stricter regulations on how people get into our country," said Susanne Elliot, a high school student taking classes at ICC. "They (the airlines) should investigate backgrounds and shouldn’t allow knives on planes. Anything to get rid of terrorism."

Sophomore, and ICC baseball player Steve Disbrow of Manhattan feels that "President Bush is handling it right - no other way except to go after them. We need to set a precedent to let the world know we wont tolerate terrorism."

Freshman Jessi Goad, Caney, said, "He did a good job. I was impressed with his direct attitude towards the Muslims and that he said stated this was not a Holy War. I was glad to hear him say that."

"Great speech, but what’s he going do about it?" was James Ellis’ response. A freshman from Neodesha, James brought up the attack on the WTC in 1993 and the attack on the U.S.S. Cole, as well as the many attacks on U.S. embassies in Africa and around the world. Military personnel and civilians died in those attacks, but nothing was done. 163 deaths happened in Oklahoma City. We went out and found the people responsible and put the leader to death. Why aren’t we reacting as fast and as strongly now?"

Sophomore and ICC football player, Jack Langford, Kansas City, said, "I think the U.S. is a lot of talk right now." He is concerned though if we go to war, because he is registered with the selective service.

U.S. Army Reservist, and nontraditional student Rebeka Hale, feels that this will be a long, drawn-out war if we go, unlike Desert Storm. "This won’t be six months type stuff. It will be a lot more." For herself, Rebeka isn’t worried yet. Her reserve unit’s status is C-2, which means that there are a lot more units that will be called up first. The C-2 status means a 50/50 shot at being deployed. Her unit is in good spirits, according to Rebeka.

Lisa Meek, another nontraditional student from Independence, was "extremely pleased with his handling of things. As long as he follows through."

Vickie Hoover, Fredonia, feels that President Bush should remove all of bin Laden’s underlings, as well as Osama bin Laden.

Sheryl Gorman, an Independence nontraditional student, said, "The first thing I think of is our children. We need to watch how we handle this for the sake of our kids."

Sabuhi Sardarli from Azerbaijan said, "I think this disaster is awful. This group of people made Americans hate Muslims. They are not real Muslims. They just say that they are, because in Islam you have to love each other, not kill as they did on Sept. 11." He added, "I want to say that Americans will find them and punish them and several Muslim countries will help America do it."

Russian student Sergey Chernokov had this to say. "Undoubtedly, it was the most cruel thing I’ve ever seen. I think it was not the last act of war. A new war will begin soon. I guess the thing that I am afraid of is one nation hates another nation. One more thing, Russia will regain its prestige due to what will happen. I hope that consequence of the acts will not interfere with my education in the U.S."

From North Korea, Jongyong Lee said, "In my opinion, the violence just makes a great disaster. I hope it will not start a new war. I hope that this world stay in peace."

Narumon Julnitphitwong from Thailand said, "I think that someone revenged someone by killing the innocent people. The terrorist group should stop and think about how the relative’s of who they revenged feel about it. Everything here is affected by just a group of people."

Maya Tuylieva from Turkmanistan, which borders Afghanistan, said she is very concerned. "If war starts, I hope it will not mean too much trouble for my country. The terrorists say they are Muslims, but I think they are barbarians using religion for their own purposes." She also said that the countries in that area of the world are always fighting, so this isn’t anything new for those people."

Susan Main, ICC English instructor, said she was "very impressed with the levelheadedness of the decisions being made and the support of those around the President."

Bill Juby, Director of Student Financial Aid, feels that there are still a lot of questions to be answered, but that a base has been established from which to proceed. He said he "definitely feels apprehension, but some confidence, that action will take place with success. Military action will be taken - there is no other choice." Mr. Juby was in agreement with Rebeka Hale about the time frame. He also felt that this war will be more than Desert Storm, which was a military action.

Glenn Williams, math/science specialist for the ACE program, said, "It was a powerful speech. I can now say President Bush, instead of Mr. Bush." He is concerned as to where we go from here. "How long will we take attacks from terrorists before we do something?"


Remembrance Rally Attracts 100 at ICC
By Jamie McManus, Buccaneer Staff Writer

Some 100 students and faculty showed their patriotism and support for the victims of the recent terrorist attack by attending a "Remembrance Rally" at noon Sept. 14 at the Campus Fountain.

The ceremony was opened with a speech by Dr. Judith Hansen, ICC president. She encouraged everyone to embrace each other and create a feeling of safeness, especially for our international students. Dr. Hansen then read this anonymous, untitled poem:

"Today our hearts are heavy,

We’re angry and we’ve cried.

We’ve sat and pondered hours

Asking over and over, "Why?"

Why that day was chosen and

Also why that site?

Our hearts ache for the victims,

Their families and their blight.

Our nation pulls together

All across the land,

Americans we’re proud to be

Standing hand and hand.

But together we must forge ahead

And somehow find the way

To deal with the all the sorrow

And brush the tears away.

Let us keep each other strong

In dealing with the past

And fight to make this world a place

Where all men find peace at last.

Willie Anderson, director of student support services, spoke and assured students and faculty that trouble never lasts, and that we are not alone in our trials and tribulations. He encouraged all to cast their burdens on their creator as he led everyone in a prayer.

Ruth Hanke, vocal music instructor, played the keyboard while everyone stood and faced the flag to sing, The Star Spangled Banner, and God


"A Big Tragedy for Everybody"

Editor’s Note: This letter was sent last week via e-mail to Ron McIntosh, Buccaneer adviser, from Rodion Pryntsevsky, a Ukraine resident who in 2000-2001 was a journalism student at ICC.

Hello Mr. McIntosh,

I wanted to write you immediately after the terrorist attacks on the US. I was shocked . I couldn’t believe that happened.

What happened is a big tragedy for everybody in the world.

In Ukraine EVERYBODY is talking about what happened in the USA. All our media is talking about that. Our TV channels showed CNN news every hour on the day when it happened.

The American dollar went down for a couple of days. A lot of people wanted to get rid of dollars. Gasoline went up here too. Not much, but it got more expensive.

Life here is as usual, but everybody wants to know what is going on in the US.

What happened in the US did not change our lives here. People live like they used to, but everybody is talking about USA. Everybody wants to know who did that. People discuss that everyday and everywhere. Some say that USA will start World War III. Some say that nothing will happen. Many people take flowers to the US embassy to express their sympathy to the victims of the attack.

Too, there are a lot of volunteers who would like to go to the USA in order to help in saving people’s lives. We express our sorrows.

Our economy is like it was before. Everything is normal. Prices don’t go up. People are not afraid of anything. They think that even if the war will start it won’t be on our territory, because we don’t have any enemies.

So, in general, that’s how it is here.

Let me know what people say and do in the US. What is your media talking about? We watch CNN and the BBC here, but I would like to know what your papers say, what ordinary people think. Tell me, please, what you think will happen?

Keep in touch.

Rod


PTK Sponsoring Denim Day, For Funds in Cancer Fight

ICC’s Beta Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is joining the fight against breast cancer.

The local chapter is sponsoring a jeans day here Oct. 5, Lee National Denim Day. Lee Apparel and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation cosponsor the event.

Phi Theta Kappa members will sign up faculty and staff members to participate. In order to participate, a donation of $5 is required in exchange for the freedom to wear jeans next Friday. Participants also will receive a receipt for the tax-deductible donation, a certificate, and a pink ribbon pendant to wear that symbolizes their effort to end breast cancer.

Denim Day is an annual event where 100 percent of the accepted donations go to finding a cure for breast cancer.


Want to be Challenged? Join the Academic Team

Are you a math whiz? What about science? Or English?

If you are strong in any subject, come to the informational meeting for the Academic Excellence Challenge Team (Quiz Bowl).

The meeting is being held at noon Friday in the Student Union Conference Room. The conference room is located in the lower level of the student union, next to the Dean’s office.

For more information, contact Dixie Schierlman, Dean of Student Services, at ext. 4276.

ICC annually sponsors an Academic Excellence Challenge Team that participates in academic events against other community college teams across the state.


Frankie Harriss, Biology Instructor,
Illinois Native Who Loves Oceans

By Trish JuAire Buccaneer Assistant Editor

The state of Illinois and marine botany may seem to have about as much in common as cats and dogs, short and tall, thin and fat, or almost any other opposite you can think of.

But Frankie Harris, ICC’s new biological science instructor, finds those opposites to be just right for her. She was born and raised in Illinois, where the nearest ocean is about 1,500 miles away, and went to San Diego State University to get her bachelor’s degree. She earned her master’s degree in marine botany from the University of South Florida-Tampa.

Ms. Harriss came to ICC from John A. Logan College in Carterville, Ill., where she was teaching biology and anatomy and physiology part-time. The position at ICC gave her the opportunity to fulfill her goal of teaching full-time at the community college level. She teaches a variety of classes. This fall those classes are general biology and botany. In the spring she is hoping to teach microbiology and zoology. This flexibility and the straightforward attitude of the college are what helped her choose ICC over some of the other colleges that offered her jobs.

Ms. Harriss and her son, Alec, a sixth grader, are settling in. She enjoys scuba-diving and running, although she will be limited to only one of these after hour pursuits in Independence. Her hopes are to be able to get to a marathon.

She said the reception by staff and students at ICC has been wonderful. She feels welcome and would like to include a special thank you to Don Schnurbusch, ICC biology instructor, and Mike Cosgrove, ICC chemistry instructor, for helping her move furniture.


ICC Theater Department Opens Season Oct. 4 with Judith Viorst Children’s Play

The Independence Community College Theater Department will present "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day," Oct. 4 and 5 at 9 a.m., 1 and 7:30 p.m. There also will be a performance Oct. 6 at 1:30 p.m.

All performances will be in the William Inge Theatre on campus.

The play, written by Judith Viorst with music by Shelly Markham, is about a little boy named Alexander, who has a terrible day and believes that his problems will be solved if he goes to Australia.

The part of Alexander is played by Ryan Logan, a senior at Independence High School and advanced student at ICC. Logan has been in several other ICC productions.

The other cast members include Brandon Porritt, Ensemble #1; Tyler Newland, Ensemble #2; Jaynann Dumler, Ensemble #3; Dilyara Suleymanova, Ensemble #4; Carrie Sandborn as the Mother, and David Fink as the Shoe Salesman.

Tickets are available at the ICC box office in the Fine Arts Building. Students providing college I.D. get in free. Adult tickets are $4, and children’s tickets are $2.


Montgomery County Wants
Adopt-A-Road Program Volunteers

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners is sponsoring an Adopt-A-Road program to help clean up county roads.

Groups can volunteer to adopt a particular two mile stretch of road and be responsible for its upkeep for a period of two years or more. Clean up activities are required three times a year. Montgomery County will conduct a safety meeting for all involved and will provide all supplies necessary to complete the task. Participating groups will receive recognition with a sign posted by their adopted road.

Interested groups should contact Director of Public Works, Ron Bonjour, at 620-330-1170 with questions or to receive an information packet.


ZACH SKINNER, ICC student and football player, gets in the first hit in the "demolish-the-car" event at the ICC Tailgate Party sponsored by the Student Senate. The car was donated by Manual Martinez, owner of Martinez Auto Salvage and the Independence Body Shop.

ICC QUARTERBACK Caleb King (left), Pirates assistant football coach Josh Darnell (center), and Ray Rothgeb, ICC dean of instruction, grab the soup at the ICC tailgate party Sept. 13 in the parking lot. (Buccaneer photos)


John Eubanks, ICC Alum, Is Accounting Instructor

By Trish JuAire, Buccaneer Staff

ICC alum John Eubanks is the new accounting instructor on campus.

Mr. Eubanks was born in Coffeyville, and spent his younger years in New Port Richy , Fla. He moved back to Coffeyville with his family at age 14. He graduated from Field Kinley High School in Coffeyville. Mr. Eubanks received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Pittsburg State University. He has lived in Independence the past eight years.

Obtaining those degrees has been the biggest obstacle to date for Mr. Eubanks. After 15 years as a machinist, he chose to go to college as a nontraditional student in his 30’s. He said that getting his degree was worth all of the hard times.

Prior to accepting the position at ICC, Mr. Eubanks was a night auditor for Apple Tree Inn in Independence. "I have been a trainer in most of my jobs, so teaching at ICC is sort of a natural progression." He says that his time so far at ICC has been challenging and fun.

Mr. Eubanks and his wife, Lisa, office manager for Montgomery County Farm Bureau, will have been married for 20 years in December. They have one son, Justin, who is 12. Justin is a student at Independence Middle School and is in Troop 4 of the Boy Scouts.


Troy Lucas is New Resident Life Director

By Mandy Smith, Buccaneer Editor

ICC welcomes a new resident life director and student conduct committee chairman, Troy Lucas. One of many new faces on campus, he replaces Janice English, who is resident life director at Butler County Community College in El Dorado.

As resident life director, Mr. Lucas listens to concerns and problems of students living on campus and makes sure living policies are followed. His job involves a great deal of interaction with students and student activities.

Mr. Lucas said that campus residents can look forward to activities, such as free movie nights and bowling in the near future.

Mr. Lucas is a native of Parsons and graduated from Labette County High School in Altamont in 1997. He then pursued a degree in Business Administration from Southwestern College in Winfield, graduating in May. While at Southwestern, he participated on the golf team and was president of his fraternity.

"I never saw myself becoming a resident life director," Mr. Lucas said. He admitted that there is more to the job than a person would think, especially in a transition year. "The new residence hall construction is added stress," he said.

He says his experience at ICC has been excellent and he likes working with faculty members and students.

Mr. Lucas says he is always available and aims to be one of the most approachable persons on campus for all students to come to with problems.


ICC International Students Face Adjustment Problems

By Jutaporn "Gib" Chaipornkaew, Buccaneer Staff Writer

There are 37 international students attending ICC this semester. They are from many different countries, but they have one thing in common, they all face adjustment problems.

What kind of problems do they face?

When they first arrive in the United States, a number have a difficulty communicating because English is not their native language. This problem is also linked to some difficulty in classes. It’s hard to listen and understand the lectures when the language used not native, the professors sometimes talk fast, and the information offered is usually new, and not always familiar. Therefore, international students generally have to study harder than the others.

The international students also bring with them a variety of cultures. Sometimes, they don’t understand American cultures. They do know, however, that it’s good to learn new things.

The main problem most students have is the same problem young men and women who leave home have everywhere, they get homesick. Kansas is a long way from Japan, Ukraine, Russia, Turkmenistan, North Africa, Thailand, Azerbaijain, Korea and Switzerland, a few of the homelands of this year’s international students.

Certainly, they are homesick because they miss their families, friends, and the food they are used to. American food, for most international students, is something new.

Another adjustment problem occurs when they want to go to somewhere. It’s hard to go, because they don’t have cars, and sometimes they simply don’t have an idea about where to go.

Another problem is has to do with socializing with US students. Masayo Ueta, Japanese student, said " I think I don’t have enough chance to communicate with Americans. It’s so hard to find an American friend. I mean, I can just only say hi to them, but we don’t talk about lots of things, " she said

"Actually," said Chorong Park, student from Korea, " I have no American friends. It’s really hard to make friends with Americans. We separate into two groups and they separate into groups. Most of the international students want to get to know the Americans."

NOTE: For me, as I am an international student at ICC, I think my problem is sometime I can’t say the right word that I have in mind. It’s annoying me so much, but I will try to improve my English skills.

For all international students who are facing with these problems, here are some tips for you:

1. Try to speak English as much as you can. Forget about grammatical rules.

2. Practice your reading skills by reading magazines, because they are full of examples of American culture.

3. Watching TV programs, and listen to the radio. The TV and radio will not only make you feel relaxed, but also help you practice your English skills.


Interim Physics/Math Man
David Aikins Back in Kansas

By Trish JuAire, Buccaneer Assistant Editor

A native of Oxford, David Aikins, is the interim physics and math instructor. He replaces Mark Winslow, the full-time physics instructor. Mr. Winslow is on sabbatical - an absence to study for his doctorate degree.

Mr. Aikins attended Cowley County Community College and Pittsburg State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree and his master’s in physics, after spending four years in the Navy.

Prior to joining the ICC staff, Mr. Aikins worked in an analytical chemistry lab in Miami, Okla. and most recently in the production department at O’Sullivan Industries in Lamar, Mo.

He took some classes this summer at Missouri Southern to update his teaching. Mr. Aikins says that he is right where he wants to be…. teaching in a community college. He was looking into teaching at the middle or high school level when he learned of the position here. He applied, even though he wasn’t sure he would have a chance.

Mr. Aikins’ goal is to build up the off-campus science and math program for ICC. He would like to see the night classes offered at high schools in the area include some science. He would also like to help with the on-campus classes when needed. Although he feels that his current position is "the greatest", he finds that his biggest obstacle to date is grading. This job is the hardest work he has ever done, but also the most fun, according to Mr. Aikins.

Mr. Aikins is staying with a brother in Parsons, although he is a resident of Lamar, Mo. His oldest daughter, Andrea, graduated from Drury University in Springfield, Mo. His son, Benjamin, is attending Southwest Missouri State, also in Springfield. His youngest daughter, Laurie, is a senior in high school in Lamar, Mo. His wife, Marilyn, teaches science to at-risk kids in Nevada, Mo.

Mr. Aikins is offering refreshments in his office at AC205. He has several varieties of tea, hot chocolate, and coffee. He also has different kinds of candy. These are available to any student or staff member at ICC. The only requirement is that you bring your own cup.


You Can Get Involved in ICC’s Phi Theta Kappa

By Steve Disbrow, Buccaneer Staff

If you’re interested in scholarships, helping the community, meeting new people and having fun, then Phi Theta Kappa might be the answer for you. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is a national honor society for junior college students.

PTK focuses on a wide range of areas and activities, with special emphasis on community based projects and scholarship opportunities. Joining PTK is easy. Simply see advisor Karen Roush and fill out an application. There are a few minimal requirements to join.

"In order to join PTK you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and have passed 12 credit hours." Mrs. Karen Roush said. "For current freshmen, you may become a provisional member as long as your high school GPA was above 3.5. This is a great option if you want to check out the organization and our activities."

By becoming a provisional member you get to participate in all the activities and service projects, but you can’t become an official member until you reach the required number of credit hours.

There are many benefits available to members of ICC Beta Omega Chapter. One of the major benefits is the number of transferable scholarships to universities. Along with the scholarships, you can build your resume, meet new people, travel all over Kansas and visit a number of other states.

"We go to conventions all over Kansas, as well as to national conventions in Atlanta, Denver and Nashville," Mrs. Roush said. "The opportunities to meet new people, travel, get national recognition and self-satisfaction are endless."

Conventions for the upcoming year will be Kansas’s regional conventions in Hutchinson and Dodge City, and a national convention to be held in either Washington D.C. or New York.

The Beta Omega chapter is looking for more members.

"If you are not from around here and don’t know many people, PTK is a great way to meet people and it gives you something to do," says Emily Hamlin, chapter president "Plus there are endless scholarship opportunities for members that are not available to non members."

For athletes or anyone else who might want to join, but are not sure if they will have the time, Mrs. Roush said that joining is still an option.

"You don’t have to be an active member to participate in Phi Theta Kappa events, you can work at your own pace. If you’re busy with other activities you can participate in the projects we do whenever you have time. We’re willing to work with you." she said.

According to Ms. Hamlin, a few of the events planned for the fall semester include a Halloween dance, volleyball and basketball tournaments, and a drive to collect teddy bears to give to needy children.

Also sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa is a free movie night every other Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the lecture hall of the academic building. The next one will be Oct. 9.

There are PTK meetings every other Monday in room 113 of the Academic building. The next meeting will be Oct. 8. According to Mrs. Roush, all interested students are encouraged to come and see what Phi Theta Kappa is all about.

 

  Copyright 2002 / Independence Community College