Ben Miller – The Transcript

Sophomore goes pro

Schurer moments after throwing a flying disc at an Ultimate game. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Whether he is leading the Ohio Wesleyan Ultimate Frisbee club to victory or playing with his professional team, there is not much time to relax.

Sophomore Sam Schurer has signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds to play professional Ultimate Frisbee.

According to Schurer, this is a great honor.

“Last summer I played for the top-level club team in Pittsburgh; we went to nationals, did fairly well and it’s a lot of the same guys back on this team too,” Schurer said.

Schurer is also the captain of the OWU club team, the Firedogs.

“As a captain Sam is one of the most aware people I have ever met, both on the field and off the field,” said freshman Beau Forester. “On the field Sam is aware of everything that is going on, and I know that I can always count on him to give me advice about how to play better. Off the field, Sam is someone that I know is always paying attention to how everybody is both emotionally and physically, and I know that if I ever have something going on, I can count on Sam to check in with me and see how I am doing.”

Schurer (front, far right) with the OWU Firedogs. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

According to Schurer it is different playing for two different teams at one time.

“There is a lot of adjustments, the pace is just different although the fundamentals of the game are all the same,” Schurer said.

Schurer has not been attending practices for the professional team because he is still in school but plans to start his season with the Thunderbirds after the school year.

His teammates at OWU agree that he is a very skilled player for this experience.

“Sam is a great motivator and leader for the team because of his skill and experience, and he can really do everything on the field,” said sophomore Gabe Kaufman.

Student artists join forces

Two friends came together to showcase their figure drawing work from previous years.

Seniors Ben Danielson and Leah Budde collaborated to put on a senior art show called “One and the Same.” The friends decided to put on an exhibit because they have grown with each other throughout their art careers at Ohio Wesleyan.

Senior Leah Budde. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

According to Danielson, he did not like Budde in the beginning of their sophomore year because her drawings were so good.

“We had figure one together and I walked by her and her work and I did not like her because it was just so good,” said Danielson. “But in the end we love each other so much and it shows in the work. It’s been a transformation for the both of us.”

There were 16 pieces in total at the art show exhibit; each artist had eight works featured.

According to Budde, the competition between the two has been helpful throughout the years.

Senior Ben Danielson. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

“Ben and I took a drawing class last semester and it was just the two of us and our model Michelle,” said Budde. “We’ve always been good friends and also in competition with each other as artists since our sophomore year. We knew in the beginning of the semester we wanted to do a show together because our work is complementary of each other and we have the same aesthetic.”

The art exhibit had a good turn out and was a success according to junior Kelly Johnson.

“In my opinion the show was a success. I wasn’t surprised by the outcome considering Ben and Leah are such talented artists.”

The exhibit is open at the Werner Gallery on the first floor of Edgar Hall now.

It’s hip and so are you

The newest G-Eazy album cover. Photo courtesy of uproxx.com.

An album was brought to my attention a couple weeks ago, and I haven’t been able to stop listening to it since.

The album is called These Things Happen by G-Eazy. The hip-hop artist has become a well-known name around many college campuses and his hits have gone viral.

G-Eazy was born in Oakland, California and knew he wanted to become a musician in 9th grade geometry class. Upon realizing he couldn’t focus during class he turned to music. He wrote music to express himself, which soon lead him to become a rapper, songwriter and producer.

The musician has released many albums and mix tapes. Of all of his music, These Things Happen easily is the one album that people should be listening to.

Many singles were released from the album before it dropped in July 2014. The songs that I would suggest off the album are: I Mean It, an anthem to a carefree lifestyle of unabashed luxury and Almost Famous, a jaded song about enjoying the perks of fame before the limelight inevitably fades. Although I enjoy every song on the album, these two are definitely the jams that I listen to the most.

The album will appeal to any person who chooses to listen, which is why it has made its way high on various charts including number three on the Billboard 200 list. In July 2014 MTV placed the young rapper on the Artists To Watch list. Go and listen to it for yourself, it won’t disappoint.

Seriously, go.

Senior elected to the Board

The election results are in and Ohio Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees will soon welcome its newest member.

After a long campaign, Ibrahim “Ibs” Saeed was added to the list of board members.

Every year the graduating class elects one member of their ranks to serve as a voice on the board. Saeed was elected by the class of 2015 and will stay on the board for a three-year term.

The election started out with seven candidates on the ballot. If none of the seven pulled in more than 50 percent of the votes then the top two candidates would face off in a runoff election.

“When I saw all the people running I didn’t know how I would win,” said Saeed. “But I was also at ease because I knew that even if I didn’t win our class would be in good hands.”

The election evolved into a runoff. The opposing candidates were Saeed and Lauren Rump. Both Rump and Saeed were very passionate about winning and used many platforms for advertising.

“I enjoyed running a campaign,” Rump said. “It was very fun. It was probably even more fun running against Ibs (Saeed). Our friendship definitely made the election competitive in a playful and exciting way.”

Saeed said he wants to hear what students in the senior class wish to see changed on campus so he can bring that knowledge to the board.

“The issue I’ve heard most is transparency,” Saeed said. “I think that is what some students feel is not done well by the board, so that is definitely one perspective I am going to bring in.”

According to senior Saige Bell, Saeed will make a good addition to the board because of the education he received from OWU.

“I’m glad Ibs won because as an economics major he will be more fiscally aware and less likely to waste school funds,” Bell said.

Sugar may be sweet, but Maroon 5’s newest album is sweeter

Maroon 5’s latest album, V, was released on Aug. 29, 2014. It sold 164,000 copies in just the first week; the album has a mix of fun dance songs to some emotional, calm songs.

A couple notable songs on this album include “Maps,” “Animals” and my personal favorite, “Sugar.”

“Sugar” is a catchy song that is good for any occasion, and the music video that goes along with it makes me like the song so much more.

Adam Levine and his band drive around Los Angeles and go to different weddings. Without the happy couples knowing, the band gets on stage that is covered by a sheet. When the sheet drops Maroon 5 is singing their newest hit “Sugar.”

The couple’s faces are the best part of this video; it is sure to give any viewer chills. Who wouldn’t freak out if Maroon 5 appeared at your wedding?

The video was released on Jan. 14, 2015 and David Dobkin directed it. Dobkin might not sound like a well-known name, but if you’ve seen the movie Wedding Crashers, this is the man who directed it.

The video has been trending on Facebook and YouTube throughout this past month. It has received more than 146 million hits in February alone. If you haven’t had a chance to see this video I would highly recommend checking it out.

The album you should be listening to, yesterday

We can all pick out Bruno Mars. But can you name his backup dancers?

For a girl once relegated to the background status, Nicki Minaj has come a long way. And now the queen of Young Money Entertainment has released her third album.

Dropped on Dec. 12, 2014, The Pinkprint sold 244,000 copies in the first week alone, and I personally think that isn’t enough. The graphic and revealing work has songs on it for everyone, whether you are looking for Lil Wayne’s subversive raps or a new pop song to nod your head to.

A list of celebrities made their way onto the album as featured artists. Some notable examples are Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Chris Brown and Jeremih. Each of their tracks offer a different sound, but Nicki Minaj’s rapping remains a constant; she solos in every song.

Some tracks are distinctly autobiographical. In the album’s opening song “All Things Go,” she talks about her cousin who was murdered and how she had an abortion at a young age.

“‘All Things Go’ is a sober account of a wide range of personal challenges the rapper has faced in her life, from strained relationships with her family,” said Times reporter Eliza Berman.

I would recommend “Only,” which features the unstoppable crew of Drake, Chris Brown and Lil Wayne, if you are trying to disappoint your grandma. The trio came together to produce one of the more provocative and explicit songs on the album.

Give The Pinkprint a listen (hint, hint OWU radio DJs). It won’t disappoint.

Moot Court robbed in Miami

The Ohio Wesleyan Moot Court teams did not expect great success at nationals, and they certainly did not expect to get robbed on their last day of travel.

OWU sent two teams to the national Moot Court competition in Miami, Fla. The first team consisted of seniors Jordan Bernstein and Lidia Mowad. Juniors Rhiannon Herbert and Katherine Berger made up the second team. Each pair went far in the competition, and according to Mowad and Berger, they were surprised at their success.

“No, I did not expect it,” said Mowad. “But the best part was that the founder of the Moot Court Association of America judged us and gave us the winning ballot. So really, how much better can we do?”

On the last day of their trip, both teams went on an airboat tour.

The boat went through “the Florida Everglades looking at alligators,” said Herbert.
“We left everything in the car because we did not want to bring any valuables on the boat.”

When the group arrived back at the car, two purses, a backpack and a briefcase were missing. All of the luggage for their flight was still in the car.

“When I noticed what was taken from the car it was just a moment of sheer panic,” said Berger. “I just thought ‘there is no way,’ I’ve heard about this happening to people, but I never expected it would ever happen to me.”

In many of the stolen bags were wallets with credit cards and IDs. This made boarding the return flight difficult. But after going through a Transportation Security Administration background check, they were able to fly home.

“I kissed the ground in Ohio when I got off the plane,” said Berger.

Everyone that lost property in the robbery had cancelled credit cards. Some even wiped their cell phones remotely with software. As for the rest of their personal property, they are responsible for its replacement.

Returning to campus after a life away

After a semester off campus, some of our fellow Bishops are back at Ohio Wesleyan University with a taste of what is soon to come: adult life.

Students from OWU traveled domestically and internationally last semester and agreed that it is “weird” to be back in Delaware. While some of these travelers went to different universities in search of cultural experiences and to take new classes, other students gained work experience through internships.

According to junior Mackenzie Sommers, who was in the District of Columbia interning at the National Archives, the life she was living last semester felt like an adult life, and she enjoyed every second of it.

“Every single day was a joy, I always liked getting out of bed in the morning to go to work, it felt like a full-time, adult job,” said Sommers. “I was an adult in D.C. and now I’m back here being a college student and that means different things, I don’t have to do my own grocery shopping, and I have to be at class but I don’t have to be at class.”

Junior Nicole Nitti went to The Philadelphia Center where she had much different responsibilities than she has at OWU.

“I was working a 9 to 5 job, and after coming back from work I had to think about what I was going to cook for dinner. Here I have to think about my homework and my sorority,” said Nitti.

Besides readjusting to the demands of college, reconnecting with friends has been an important part of some students’ return to campus.

“It feels like I’ve been gone for a lot longer than I actually have, but it’s great to see everyone that I’ve been missing,” said junior Brittany Spicer, who traveled to Florence, Italy.

Campus underwent many changes while the students were away, but among the returners there is a consensus: traveling was a great experience and was worth the time away from OWU.

Fraternity undertakes DIY demolition project

The sounds of walls being smashed echoed from the Phi Kappa Psi house last week.

The brothers of Phi Psi demolished part of their basement last Wednesday, and continued the Do-it-themselves-renovation project through Sunday. They took down old paneling in the basement common room; in addition they took down plaster and a dividing wall in another common room on the second floor.

“It only took us about five days to complete demolition and all the brothers participated in helping,” said junior Nate Goodhart, the vice president of the fraternity. “We felt that if brothers of our house were the ones to tear down and do the demolition, there would be a renewed sense of pride in our house because we are the ones putting the hard work in, no one else”

The university was aware of all construction going on and was monitoring the demolition closely.

“The university knew that the walls were coming down and provided a 20 foot dumpster for us to get rid of the ruble,” said junior Zane Kieffer a member of Phi Psi.

According to Dana Behum, the assistant director of Student Involvement for Fraternity and Sorority Life, the men of Phi Psi are attempting to improve their living atmosphere and take pride in their house.

“These men believe in ‘sweat equity,’” she said. “They wanted to show that they were willing to make the effort to improve their space, it also has served as a positive brotherhood event.”

Buildings and Grounds and Aramark aided with the clean up of the rubble. They turned off the power in the house to make for a safer atmosphere and so the fraternity men could work at maximum productivity.

OWU Greeks speak to over-involvement

Image: Ohio Wesleyan University Greek Life Recruitment on Facebook

Some might call junior Dara Markus and seniors Jennifer Lloyd and Zach Paull over-involved. Markus is on the varsity women’s soccer team while also being philanthropy chair of Delta Delta Delta. Lloyd is on the education department student board, a member of Presidents Club, Orchesis, Terpsicorps and also holds the position of membership chair for Kappa Kappa Gamma. Paull serves on the Wesleyan Council of Student Affairs, works as a tour guide, is a member of the Owtsiders and is the secretary for Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.

These impressive campus leaders have learned to juggle their classes, clubs and Greek organizations. Time management has been an asset and a skill throughout their OWU careers and they were willing to share their knowledge with the rest of the campus community.

The Transcript: How do you balance all the events in your life?

Dara Markus: I balance all the events in my life through careful planning and time management. The fall is always particularly hectic because I am in season so often times I find myself prioritizing events to complete them in an efficient and timely manner.

Zach Paull: I try to stay organized and keep a pretty detailed schedule with all of my responsibilities and have learned to regularly reflect on where my limits are at and where to find a balance.

Jennifer Lloyd: I definitely could not live without my planner and Google calendar. I try to update both as frequently as possible. Also, I often make to-do lists to track my daily assignments and responsibilities.

T: Do you ever feel like you’re overwhelmed?

DM: In college it is easy to feel overwhelmed, but am blessed to say I have such a strong support system within my house that always keeps me going.

If I ever feel overwhelmed with planning a philanthropy event, I know there are girls who would be more than willing to assist me in any way possible. It’s truly touching how strong the bonds of sisterhood are in Greek life. No matter what you are going through, you are never alone.

ZP: It’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed when papers and projects are due or when it is a busy time in the semester, but I have learned to create a balance in my organizational involvement, schoolwork, and fraternity responsibilities.

JL: I try to keep everything in perspective and just take it one day at a time. If I do have too much on my plate, I will reach out to my sisters, especially those on my committee, for their assistance. They are always willing to help.

T: Do you prioritize Greek events over other clubs or organizations?

DM: I prioritize all events in my life because it is so important to live up to commitments. To get the most out of something you have to give it your all. Greek life has always and will always have a special place in my heart. Going Greek and joining Tri Delta and meeting my best friends has been the greatest experience and joy of my life.

ZP: My fraternity is a family to me, so if there is a scheduling conflict with another organization and a specifically important fraternal event like initiation, my fraternity would generally take precedent.

However, my fraternity does a very good job at trying not to have our events overlap with other large-scale campus events, especially those that are put on by student groups that our members that are involved in.

JL: It’s all about finding balance. I am involved with other organizations on campus because I want a broad experience at Ohio Wesleyan and it’s important to me to honor the commitments that I have made to all the groups that I’m a part of. With that said, I always enjoy going to the Greek events on campus, so I make time for as many as I can.

T: What advice do you have to freshmen going into Greek life and other organizations?

DM: The greatest advice I can give to freshman is to keep an open mind. You’ll never know what you’ll miss out on if you don’t branch out and try something new. The best part of getting is involved is meeting new people. Through my involvement on campus, I have met life long friends who I couldn’t imagine my life without

ZP: Joining a Greek organization is a definite commitment. However, the commitment that you make is worth the amazing experience and the close family like structure that you can make out of it. The level of involvement that you have can also vary depending on whether you hold a position or not. Generally, becoming a part of any organization requires a level of commitment that both benefits the group you are a part of. It is up to you to decide if it is something that you can donate your time and energy to and be happy at the end of the day.

JL: I would encourage freshmen to explore all that Ohio Wesleyan has to offer. For me, joining Kappa was the best decision I have made in college. The sorority experience has only enhanced my opportunities to be involved in other organizations on campus.

It requires time management and planning, but it is doable to achieve balance with a variety of commitments. Sororities are seeking well-rounded women who have a variety of interests and want to make it possible for their members to be involved in a variety of ways.