Luke Anthony Gabbert, an OWU freshman from Lewis Center, Ohio, was found dead Saturday morning in the Delaware Run, a small stream flowing near the campus off Spring Street.
Photo courtesy of battlingbishops.com
Gabbert was a soccer player and a new pledge of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Just after 10:30 a.m., Delaware police sectioned off part of downtown on South Franklin Street, not far from the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center.
Robert Wood, director of OWU’s Public Safety, said, “We are currently working on an investigation with the city and should be able to release additional details soon.”
The cause of death is undetermined and still being investigated by Delaware police who are awaiting autopsy results. No evidence of foul play has been found so far.
President Rock Jones sent an email to the campus community about Gabbert’s death. Members of the chaplain’s office and counseling services staff were available for students and faculty members to go to shortly after receiving the news.
“Words can not express the sorrow and hurt that comes with the loss of Luke Gabbert. I hold his family, friends and our OWU family in my prayers and thoughts as we all try to make sense of this horrible tragedy, ” said Roger Ingles, director of athletics.
Ingles said he is hopeful the Delaware Police Department will conclude their investigation and be able to give answers to unanswered questions regarding Gabbert’s death.
The Transcript will update this story as more information becomes available
Evan Walsh and Olivia Lease, Transcript Reporter and Online Editor
Ohio Wesleyan men’s soccer announced last week that two of its seniors, Brian Schaefer and Lonnie Barnes, were named (as) d3soccer.com All-Americans.
Photos courtesy of battlingbishops.com
Barnes plays midfield and Schaefer plays forward for the team. Neither anticipated they’d receive recognition for one of college soccer’s most prestigious individual awards. Schaefer said it would not have been possible without the support of their teammates and coach, Jay Martin.
To be nominated for the award, Coach Martin said each school’s team nominates its players according to their team’s record. The names go into a pool and all the coaches in the division told to pick their top three (but they are not allowed to vote on their own players).
Since the men’s team had a strong record this past season, the coaches were eligible to nominate five guys, instead they only sent three.
Photo courtesy of Sara Blake
“I try to stay true to process, I know a lot of coaches who take advantage and do the full amount but to be honest with you, we didn’t have five All-Americans on the team,” said Martin.
Martin praised both having great technical skills and for being competitive but most importantly, for being good leaders.
“We had some of the best leadership we’ve ever had, at least in my 39 years, this past season and those two guys were apart of that leadership group,” he said.
Barnes said he remembered looking at the plaques of previous winners on the the wall when he was a freshman. “It’s cool to have that recognition,” he said.
“I was mostly playing to win games and help the team out as much as possible,” Schaefer said.
Photo courtesy of Sara Blake.
While neither sees themselves playing competitively in the future, their passion for the game has only grown during their time at OWU. “I love soccer … I think my career is done at this point but I may keep playing in some men’s leagues,” Schaefer said.
When asked if he had any advice for fellow college athletes, Schaeffer said, ““Just try your best honestly, and put in the work.”
In regard to post- grad plans, Martin said, “I hope they can carry over the high level of motivation they had on the soccer field to what they choose to do in their professional life.”
Barnes is from Illinois and majoring in geography. Schaefer is from New Jersey, and majoring in accounting and minoring in management economics. Off the field, both are brothers of Phi Gamma Delta.
This past season the men’s soccer team ended the 2015 with a record of 16-5-2.
Restaurants, ice cream shops and antique shops line Delaware’s street, but it is important to take note of a new establishment which has become a part of town just this past month.
Gallery 22, a local art gallery, is centrally located on East Winter Street across from Mi Cerritos, Veritas and 1808. It is now holding exhibits and adding character to what many residents of Delaware refer to as “the cultural block” of the town.
An exhibit called “Confederate Currency: The Color of Money” features the works of artist John W. Jones and depicts intricately painted people and currency based on the Civil War period. This exhibit is on loan from the Ross Art Museum and was coordinated by Tammy Wallace.
Every six weeks the exhibits are changed and feature a variety of different artists, including some professors from the OWU community. The gallery is open Fridays and Saturdays from 6-8:30 p.m. but is hoping to expand its hours over time.
The Gallery is a place for artists to work at affordable studios and for the public to see new exhibits and buy art. Currently, this gallery is also giving away free art books. The gallery also actively calls in artists and guest speakers and has wine and cheese nights on the first Friday of each month to meet and greet new artists.
Gallery 22 is run by the Delaware Arts Castle, which holds art classes for local residents and the wider Columbus area. This organization now holds ownership of the property and is run by its own board after it was given up by Ohio Wesleyan University.
The gallery runs solely on its volunteers and is one that gives back to the community by supporting OWU’s artists and providing studio space to artists for a reasonable price.
“We are looking for the help we can for spreading awareness and getting more volunteers,” said Mindy Hedger, a board member of the gallery.
Currently, the Gallery is getting limited audiences, but members of the board are hoping that people will gain awareness with time.
“What surprises me mostly is that so many people don’t know about the Arts Castle since we have been in town for so long. We try to get the word out, but maybe there’s more we can do,” Hedger said.
Although attendance is still small, there were some excited visitors.
Of these visitors were two high school students.
“I’ve always loved art exhibits and run into this along the road, the ones with the pretty skylines were my favorite,” said Abby O’Donald, a student at Olentagy High School.
Another Olentangy student was also drawn in by the art.
“I was just at the Arts Castle last weekend because we won an award there and we were in the area and saw that this gallery was linked with that, so we were interested and came in,” said Lauren Douglas, a senior at Olentangy High School.
Overall, Gallery 22 is a cultural element in town and its board members are hoping to see it grow into the Delaware community
If students have not already noticed, Smith Dining now offers meals that are “almost like” menu items offered by popular restaurants in the area. Since students have responded positively to this new meal plan, this trend will continue.
At the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, restaurant styles from places such as Chipotle, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Olive Garden and a variety of other restaurants.
It is currently labeled as “Restaurant Week,” but this title will change due to legal complications.
The concept was introduced because Smith Hall was not receiving enough business during their lunch hours.
The Marketplace in the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center is the most popular during lunch hours. This is largely due to its location and convenience to students, according to Resident District Manager Gene Castelli.
There will most likely not be any other major changes by the end of this school year, but this summer, Castelli said they will brainstorm and hopefully generate changes for the beginning of the next school year.
Several students were asked whether they liked this idea. Most students were in favor of “Restaurant Week” and hope the trend will continue.
Sophomore Isaiah Retti said, “I like the idea of trying to replicate restaurants menus. My favorite is when they serve Cane’s because the sauce they make is really accurate.”
Sophomore Hallie Sinko said, “I like the idea of having restaurant quality food without having to leave campus, but I would still probably eat at Ham-Will for lunch. It is inconvenient to go back to Smith to eat between classes. I think it would be a better idea for them to offer this at Ham-Will.”
Castelli said, “This has been absolutely successful.”
Students have provided positive feedback to these new changes. Some of the unpopular options were stopped, but others that were big hits such as “Almost Like Cane’s” will be repeated.
Junior Evan Payne supports the change, but it was not the change he was looking for.
Payne said, “I think the idea to replicate local food establishments for the students is a good idea, but if the school really wants to make students happy, Trattoria should be brought back.” Payne was referring to the food service that was discontinued this year but used to be open for students from 8 p.m. till midnight.
Here is a list of the restaurant styles Smith has offered so far: Cane’s, Chipotle, Five Guys, Melt, Olive Garden, BW3’s, IHOP, Noodle’s & Company, City Barbecue and Pei Wei. Chartwells will continue researching other restaurants to add them to this list.
As many eagerly watched the new music video for Beyonce and Coldplay’s “Hymn for the Weekend,” it seemed that not everyone was thrilled with the video, which, according to many people, appropriates Indian culture and is blatantly disrespectful.
As an Indian woman, issues of cultural appropriation are incredibly important to me and hit close to home.
Although I live in the U.S., Indian culture is a part of me and a part of how I have grown up, so when someone tells me that my culture is being appropriated, I take a very critical stance on that issue.
However, in this case, I do not see this video as a form of cultural appropriation, but rather one of appreciation. Yes, it may be somewhat ignorant and is problematic in the grand scheme of things, but it also captures all that makes India and its culture colorful and beautiful.
This is not to say that video is completely flawless, but simply that it does not seem to be intentionally disrespectful. I found that Beyonce could have obviously researched traditional Indian clothing, and that there were some visual elements which were heavily exaggerated, but again that’s what music videos are all about.
As someone who has been to Mumbai, I see this video as a glimpse into India with its poverty, happiness and people who smile regardless of their harsh circumstances.
I do understand why some people could be offended, but I also have seen a number of comments on BuzzFeed, most of which don’t seem to understand the meaning of appropriation.
I am not saying that my voice is the voice of all Indians or that it should be, and if people are offended, they have a right to those feelings.
I’m just saying that sometimes those who have been oppressed tend to expect oppression and don’t believe that there is a chance that people in the media (and in general) are just curious and excited about our culture and choose to explore it in different ways.
I do not believe that this video gives a holistic view of India, but it does highlight some of my favorite things about India. The video especially showcases elements which I believe are inoffensive.
I think that the song and the representation of India are positive. I could be the only one thinking this, but that might because I am hopeful that there are people out there who find new cultures to be exciting and go into understanding them differently and with respect.
I believe if they make mistakes along the way, that’s OK. At least they made an attempt and learned something along the way.
*Disclaimer: this article isn’t really about love, it’s about the various ways we, as college students, commit ourselves to someone we “caught the feels” for.
“Uncle Moe, are you going to keep Olivia forever?”
This was the question my boyfriend’s 6-year-old niece asked him when we visited last weekend. I almost choked on my gum.
But this is the question many college relationships are faced with, how serious should things get and how do we label that? Never mind the fact of wondering whether someone is “the one” (if you even believe in the idea).
Don’t worry, I’m not going to go all Carrie Bradshaw on you and pretend like I’m an expert on relationships.
I’m only 20 and I tend to think of serious relationships as a later emergence in adulthood. There are other things I need to accomplish first; that sort of thing.
Apparently I’m not alone in this thinking. Sociologists have even coined a new term for what our generation is doing. It’s called “emerging adulthood.” Members of our generation typically continue their education, get a place, travel, try a few relationships out and lastly get married.
A slow easing into adulthood.
It’s interesting to talk with my grandparents because then I hear about how marriage was the first step for them into adulthood. My grandpa Norm has mentioned to me a few times that he was first married when he was just 19 years old.
Things are different for our generation. I’m happy I go to a school where I am not expected to get an M.R.S. degree.
According to BusinessInsider.com, there are 50 colleges where you’re most likely to meet your future spouse. This list was published in 2015 and included a few of our neighbors, Oberlin College and University of Dayton (being numbers 42 and 29, respectively). OWU is nowhere to be seen, but maybe that’s a good thing.
I’m guessing the majority of us aren’t here to find a spouse.
What I have noticed, though, is a polarizing distinction for most relationships. Most couples are either refusing to label things or they’re all in.
Hook-up culture is prevalent here, but so is commitment culture. Promise rings, lavalier necklaces and even engagement rings are proudly worn by several of my friends.
In a world of Tinder, OKCupid and Grindr, companionship even seems to come in pixelated form. There are issues with that as well since you’re reducing a three-dimensional person to a two-dimensional profile.
What happened to just dating?
As college students, we are forced to constantly be forward thinking. Maybe this stems from being asked, “What do you want to do after graduation?” on a regular basis.
We are privileged to get to decide what to do with our lives, but the multitude of options can cause anxiety for some, me being one of them. This future-related anxiety may even transfer to relationships when pressured by outside forces.
My advice? Don’t let a fear of the future affect your relationship. Being with someone means enjoying the moment, not planning out your future.
Faculty met in Merrick Hall. Photo courtesy of owu.edu
Matt Cohen, Editor-in-Chief
On the evening of Jan. 25, the sun dove beneath Elliot Hall’s horizon and the remaining rays raced past the cold, naked trees and through Merrick Hall’s third floor windows, throwing their duplicates on the opposite wall.
The scene provided the backdrop for Ohio Wesleyan’s President Rock Jones to open the first official faculty meeting of 2016 by thanking faculty for “rolling up (their) sleeves and working together.”
After mentioning the struggles the university has faced with declining enrollment and number of applicants received, Jones posed a question.
“What is the appropriate size of OWU?”
He rhetorically asked if they were willing to take the time and put the appropriate money into the school to grow it back to where it once was. If not, OWU will become a smaller school.
Jones wants OWU to explore different programs and improve upon everything from parking to the process of applying for classes in order to reach potential students the school normally doesn’t reach.
Chris Wolverton, professor of botany-microbiology, addressed the room as a member of the university’s Governance Committee.
He echoed Jones’ push to put the OWU back in the right direction. He suggested leading marketing strategies based on the school’s academics.
When Mark Allison, an associate professor of English, confronted the faculty’s recent frustrations regarding new marketing techniques, he simply said, “What we dislike, the kids love.”
“They think Taylor Swift’s music is terrific.”
He also pointed out that faculty had input about the new marketing campaign at every level.
Additionally, a new computational neuroscience major was approved by a unanimous vote.
Republican frontrunner Donald Trump decided not to participate in the upcoming debate. The debate will be hosted on Jan. 28 by Fox News and Google, just a few days before Monday’s Iowa Caucus. Trump demanded Fox News anchor, Megyn Kelly to step down from moderating. When the network didn’t adhere to Trump’s request, he chose not to participate. CNN said Trump decided to boycott the debate, especially at Kelly’s helm, because “he didn’t believe he would be treated fairly.” According to The New York Times, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, after being booted off the previous debate stage, will be taking Trump’s podium.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, currently Trump’s most intense rival, offered to debate Trump “mano a mano,” according to CNN. Trump said instead of participating in the debate, he will host a fundraiser for “Veterans and Wounded Warriors,” Reuters reported.
Democrats:
Speaking of debates, there might be another chance for the three Democrats to come together. MSNBC and the New Hampshire Union Leader newspaper proposed the seventh Democratic debate just a few days before New Hampshire’s Feb. 9 primary. However, the Democratic National Committee has no plans to sanction the debate, according to Reuters.
That means if any of the candidates participate, it could impact any future participation in the debates. So far, former Governor Martin O’Malley has been the first one to accept the invitation. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she would participate in the debate if it’s sanctioned and other candidates participate while Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said he wouldn’t participate in an unsanctioned debate, reported The New York Times.
Reporter’s Note: The 2016 Presidential election is barreling toward us with increasing speed. Since this election is shaping to be a contentious one, I thought it would be helpful for Ohio Wesleyan students to have a brief, weekly rundown of the race.
The Republicans:
The sixth Republican debate took place on Jan 14 in South Carolina. Senator Rand Paul and Carly Fiorina were both kicked off the main stage due to their low poll numbers. Paul chose not to participate in the undercard debate, instead answering questions via Twitter and the video app Periscope.
However, the big news from the debate was the rancor between frontrunner Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz. After a few weeks of agreeing with each other, the candidates became combative over certain issues. Trump has questioned whether Cruz, who was born in Canada, is actually eligible to run for president. According to CNN, the change in the relationship was due to Cruz catching up to Trump in recent poll numbers. Cruz said Trump “embodies New York values,” which refers to the city’s “famous liberalism,” said Reuters. Trump responded with how New York recovered after the September 11 attacks, according to CNN.
According to Reuters, viewers believed Trump won the debate with 37.3 percent. Cruz came in second with 26.6 percent and Senator Marco Rubio came in a distant third with 12.1 percent.
The Iowa caucuses are Feb. 1 and it’s the first time voters will be at the polls.
The Democrats:
The fourth Democratic debate was Sunday, Jan. 17, also took place in South Carolina. With only three candidates: Senator Bernie Sanders, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Governor Martin O’Malley, there was more opportunity for the candidates to have the floor.
Surprisingly, the Democratic candidates stayed away from attacking their Republican rivals, rather, they focused on each other, said CNN.
Clinton heavily aligned herself with President Barack Obama and his record, especially on gun control, health care and financial regulation, according to CNN. A contentious issue was health care, because just two hours before the debate, Sanders released details of his health care plan, according to The Washington Post. Clinton challenged the plan, and again threw her support behind Obama’s Affordable Care Act.
However, Sanders challenged Clinton’s strong ties to firms on Wall Street. O’Malley also questioned Clinton’s ties, according to The New York Times. Clinton shot back with Sanders’ weak record on gun control, saying he voted with the National Rifle Association. Sanders had no response.
If you’ve heard rumors about Ohio Wesleyan students being seen driving OWU Public Safety (PS) vehicles and giving out parking tickets, your sources aren’t wrong.
At the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, PS opened a few positions to students, mainly for enforcement.
PS offered three positions in the fall semester and offered two positions during the spring semester, which have already been filled.
The students who are currently employed remain anonymous. Rumors that these students are working undercover arose, but these were found to be false.
“It is like any other job on campus. We obviously don’t put them in a public safety uniform, but they will have identification and a security vest,” said Robert Wood, the director of PS.
Students in duty can be seen driving a PS marked vehicle or an Acura, which is currently unmarked.
This position offers students around six hours of work each week. The responsibilities of this job primarily includes ticketing, but they could receive other tasks such as counting the number of cars parked in each lot or assisting with building lock up on the academic side of campus.
The information regarding wage was not disclosed, but “the pay is fairly decent because students are out in the cold and it probably pays better than some other jobs around campus,” Wood said.
Prior to this year, John Ciochetty, a PS officer, mainly handled ticketing. A few PS officers who worked full time were let go this year due to pay cuts.
But the new system works really well as it supplies students with employment and the students are less expensive to pay than full time employees, Wood said.
A different rumor also arose that the PS department is having students track down Yik Yak and other social media posts.
Junior Isabella Flibotte said, “The school needs to loosen the leash on the students and let them enjoy their college experience without feeling as if they’re constantly watched like high school students.”
Freshman Victoria Chavez said, “If a serious issue arose and became harmful then they should step in, but other than that, they should not be involved.”
The reactions from most students indicated they were not in favor of PS monitoring their social media.
Wood disproved the rumors and said they don’t track down student’s social media. “Jay does a Facebook thing, but we don’t do anything other than that and don’t plan to do that,” Wood said.
If students are interested in learning more about this job, they can speak to a representative at the PS office.
