Category: News

By Sadie Slager
Transcript Reporter

Bamboo dragonflies and non la were among the most popular authentic items sold Sept. 24 through 28 as a part of Vietnamese Culture Week.
The Vietnamese Student Association sponsored a sale of items they brought back from Vietnam to raise money for their organization and for Agent Orange victims.

Freshman Hoang Tran, vice president of the Vietnamese Student Association, said the group sold traditional Vietnamese dresses, artwork, bracelet, bamboo dragonflies, traditional straw hats called non la and figurines of Vietnamese transportation called xich lo.

Tran, an international student from Vietnam, described a xich lo as a bicycle with a seat attached to the front.

He said xich los used to be a very popular form of transportation in Vietnamese cities.

“Most people use cars now, but they still have xich los,” he said. “They are mostly used for tourists.”

Tran said he and other students from Vietnam acquired the items over the summer from traditional Vietnamese villages and brought them back to OWU.

It was the Association’s first sale of this kind, but Tran said they hope to do it again next year.

“We want to see the results from this year’s sale to decide if we will do the same thing again next year,” he said.

After the sale members of the Association modeled traditional Vietnamese dresses at OWU’s International Fashion Show on Sept. 29.
The Association also plans to hold a Vietnamese food festival in October, which will have traditional Vietnamese dishes for other OWU students to purchase and taste for themselves.

Tran said the Association consists of about 30 students, five of whom are not Vietnamese. One of these students is freshman Natalie Wood.

Wood said she is friends with Vietnamese students and this inspired her to join the student group.

“I love Asian culture anyways, so I wanted to get involved with the club,” she said.

Wood said she helped with Smith’s pizza delivery service to raise money for the Association.

Tran said the Vietnamese Student Association has trouble getting enough funding from WCSA, so they must earn money for their endeavors in different ways, such as pizza delivery.

“Most of the money we raise is for Agent Orange victims,” he said. “We hold Agent Orange Awareness Week in the spring as well.”
Tran said the Association raised over $300 last year for Agent Orange victims.

Freshman Khanh Le said he got involved with the Vietnamese Student Association through other Vietnamese students he met when he came to OWU in the fall.

He said he has noticed there are a lot of Vietnamese students at OWU and attributes this to OWU’s good reputation in Vietnam.
He said his sister attended OWU about seven years ago, but he knows many other people who learned about OWU at university fairs in Vietnam.

Tran said some Vietnamese students study abroad in the United States with a program called “VietAbroader” and learn about OWU through that experience.

He also said that OWU always has a representative at college fairs.

“Many high school students went to fairs and heard about OWU that way,” he said.

“Then they called OWU contacts for more information about the school and realized it had a good reputation.”

By Spenser Hickey
Transcript Correspondent

With the elections five weeks away, the OWU election task force’s voter registration efforts are in full swing.

After the success of last week’s Channel 10 visit, the Task Force and the Wesleyan Council on Student Affairs hope to keep registering students until the Oct. 9 deadline.

At their weekly meeting Sept. 24, senior Anthony McGuire, president of WCSA, announced plans to cooperate with TurboVote, an online system designed to facilitate out-of-state voting. According to their website, TurboVote “makes voting from home as easy as renting a DVD from Netflix.”

McGuire said that TurboVote was the easiest system for the task. According to ‘Student Profile’ statistics from the OWU website, approximately 37 percent of students are from out-of-state and stand to benefit the most from the TurboVote access.

Junior Ariel Koiman, co-chair of WCSA’s Campus Relations Committee, said that until now they had only been able to register Ohio residents. Thru TurboVote, anyone can register and fill out a ballot as long as they eligible to vote in the US.

The decision to use TurboVote was made after significant consideration by the election task force, an informal group of WCSA members (McGuire, junior Carly Hallal, vice president, Koiman and sophomore Maria Urbina) and university staff (Joan McLean, professor of politics and government, Nancy Rutkowski, assistant director of Student Involvement, Cole Hatcher, associate director of media and community relations and Sally Leber, director of the Columbus Initiative).

While the Channel 10 visit was planned primarily by the Student Involvement Office, Koiman and WCSA worked behind the scenes to get the word out.

According to Koiman, Channel 10’s visit led to around 70 students registering to vote, which given the student body size is “fairly massive.”

According to Rochelle Young, Channel 10’s executive producer of special projects, 54 registration forms and 36 absentee ballot requests were filled out on campus, the most of their tour.

Koiman stressed increased awareness of the need to vote.

“As the long as we have the opportunity for people to register, that’s what’s important,” he said. “We don’t want anyone saying ‘I wanted to register to vote but I couldn’t’. That’s what we’re doing this for, so if somebody wants to they can.”

Currently, the tabling will be done by WCSA members, though Koiman has reached out to the Greek organizations on campus.

While Koiman said he welcomed the help of Channel 10 and campus organizations, he was less enthusiastic about a recent visit by the Ohio Student Association, which tried to register voters on campus without notifying the task force or the SIO.

If they had notified SIO, Koiman said, they could’ve cooperated with the election task force.

According to organization representatives Ben Jacobs and James Hayes, the Ohio Student Association was founded last January by students “wanting to tackle campus issues across the state.”

While the College Republicans were not involved in the voter registration efforts, junior Tim Alford, president of College Republicans, said the club is excited to see OWU students taking an interest in the elections.

The College Democrats were approached for comment but according to Chaplain Jon Powers, adviser for College Democrats, the organization is on a hiatus as their leaders are studying abroad this semester.

WCSA will be tabling to register students until Oct. 9, the Ohio deadline for voter registration, and will continue to raise voting awareness with other events until Election Day.

By Emily Hostetler
Transcript Reporter

“Harry Potter” is more than a children’s book to the Ohio Wesleyan Classics Club, it’s an interesting way of introducing students to the Latin language and the ancient world.

Harrius Potter is a weekly event held by the Classics Club on Fridays from 1-2 p.m. in Sturges room 105. During meetings, students join faculty members to read and decipher a Latin translation of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

Junior Liz Simmons, co-consul (co-president) of Classics Club, said that people have more interest in reading Latin when the book is current.

During the meetings, students receive photocopied pages of “Harrius Potter,” as well as a list of vocabulary in order to figure out some words that may be unknown to even the people well-versed in Latin.

“We are not just reading the ‘Sorcerer’s Stone’ Latin, we are looking up verb tenses so it can be academic as well as fun,” she said.

Caroline Stark, visiting assistant professor of classics, began writing “Harry Potter”-themed sentences in her beginning Latin classes to keep people engaged in the language.

“It’s a great way to practice translation without being afraid,” she said. “You can focus more on the grammar without worrying.”

Junior Marissa Popeck, co-consul of Classics Club, said this is her first time reading “Harry Potter” in Latin, but she can better understand what the text is referring to and why because she has read the English version previously.

“Students can think ‘I’ve seen this construction before’ when they see it in a paragraph that they are already familiar with,” she said.
“Harrius Potter” allows people who share a love of Harry Potter and a curiosity of Latin to come together.

“We have different people coming together from different grades and departments,” Popeck said.

“Some people are not sure what we (Classics Department) do and this is a good way to reach out to the campus.”

Freshman Selena Ross took a few years of Latin in high school and wanted to continue her Latin studies at OWU.

“I have always loved ‘Harry Potter,’ and while Latin is a more recent interest, it is fascinating for me to see the two combined,” she said.

“Some people have backgrounds in Latin, some people do not, but everyone seemed excited about the idea of ‘Harrius Potter.’”

Lee Fratantuono, associate professor of classics, William Francis Whitlock professor of Latin and co-moderator of Classics Club, said the Classics Club usually does various activities throughout the semester connected to the ancient world.

“It is a tradition for great works of modern literature to be translated into Latin,” he said. “Many great works of fantasy are indebted to the classics. J.K. Rowling’s study of classics informs her books.”

While the main focus of the Harrius Potter events is to read and translate, it is also a time for “Harry Potter” fans to talk about their love of the series and franchise.“All levels of Latin are welcome as well as people who love ‘Harry Potter’ and have an interest in classics,” Stark said. “Come enjoy classical language and just see what it looks like.”

By Emily Hostetler
Transcript Reporter

Caroline Stark joined the OWU faculty this semester as the new Assistant Professor of classics in the humanities-classics department.

Stark said she decided to teach at OWU after her campus visit, during which she was able to meet with faculty and students.

“I enjoyed my campus visit and loved the faculty and students,” Stark said.

“They all have really great and broad interests and can draw from all different skills to face today’s problems to make the world a better place,” she said.

Stark received her Ph.D in Classics and Renaissance Studies from Yale University and then went on to teach classics at Temple University.

“One of the best things about (OWU) is how everyone is intellectually curious about so many things,” Stark said.

She said she appreciates how students have the opportunity to do so many different things in Delaware and on campus and how service-based OWU students tend to be.

“The students are really enthusiastic, curious and really want to learn and work hard,” Stark said.

“There is the same energy in the faculty, so it is nice to be around people who love what they do.”

In her first few weeks of teaching, Stark said she has had a good experience at OWU.

“(My students and I) love the material we are covering and we meet with enthusiasm each time even if the skill levels are different,” Stark said.

She said she enjoys how all of the nice, little things that happen on campus have added up and made her feel welcome and at home in a new place.

“We need real leaders, and they are made in places like OWU,” Stark said.

By Heather Kuch
Sports Editor

With the 2012 elections drawing near, both political parties are making their final efforts to gather support for their respective candidates.
On Ohio Wesleyan’s campus, the College Republicans are holding events and raising awareness for the Republican party.

The College Republicans are a national organization described on their website as “the nation’s oldest, largest, and most active youth political organization.”

They have upwards of 250,000 college republicans in the United States represented on over 1,800 college campuses in every state.

OWU’s College Republicans are involved in everything from raising awareness, hosting debates, campaigning and interning for candidates.

According to junior Tim Alford, president of OWU’s College Republicans, members have diverse beliefs, but come together to raise awareness on the issues for themselves and for other students.

“College Republicans is not about telling members what to believe, it is about meeting together and being aware of the current events and issues so that members can draw their own conclusions,” Alford said.

Alford said his goal for the College Republicans on OWU’s campus is to generate a group of educated members.

He said he wants some of his members to get involved with campaigning for the Republican candidates.

“For my organization, I am hoping to have a solid group of informed members and have at least some of those members be active in campaign efforts,” Alford said. “While I don’t expect everyone to campaign, it is a critical election and it is important for us to help the Republican Party as much as we can.”

Alford said he and some other members of the College Republicans have been active in the campaigns of Republican congressmen and for Mitt Romney.

“Over the summer, I was a campaign intern for Congressman Steve Stivers and junior Sarah JanTausch works for Young Americans for Romney,” Alford said.
According to JanTausch, the College Republicans and the Young Americans for Romney are working together to increase the span of their campaigning efforts.

“Ohio Wesleyan University’s College Republican club and Young Americans for Romney are teaming up to make sure OWU College Republicans are part of youth-led national phone banking nights and participate in statewide door knocking efforts on Saturdays, known as Buckeye Blitz,” she said.

Alford said in the coming months the College Republicans will be working to make the campus community of their organization as well as the election by tabling on campus.

He also said they will host debate viewing parties as the candidates begin debating.

JanTausch said the College Republicans have been involved in making phone calls to further their efforts.

“This past Thursday our club made 714 calls in just a few short hours,” JanTausch said.

“In the coming weeks, we plan to increase our numbers and continue our efforts. Next month, we will be having various debate watch parties and discussions concerning the main issues surrounding the election. We also plan to work with various local candidates.”

Alford said his personal goals for this election are for all Republican candidates to be elected to office and to see changes in policy which he believes will benefit the country.

“I hope the November election gets Romney and Ryan to the White House, Mandel to the Senate, and Tiberi and Stivers back to the House of Representatives,” Alford said.

“Obama had four years with two of those having control of Congress, and couldn’t get the job done. I believe Romney and Ryan can balance the budget, turn the economy around, and get the job done that Obama was unable to accomplish.”

JanTausch said she too hopes to see Romney-Ryan elected to office in order to facilitate an improvement in the economy and to bring new leadership to the White House.

“President Obama has failed to deliver the hope and change he promised America’s youth,” JanTausch said. “As young people, we are the ones that will be working with the economy for decades to come.Because of concern for our futures, we have seen an influx in membership and grassroots participation from young Americans. We are facing a difficult job market and high tuition costs so our main goal is to elect Romney-Ryan in order to have the right leadership in the White House that will truly turn around this economy.”

JanTausch said students who are interested in the College Republicans may attend meetings on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Crider Lounge on the second floor of Hamilton Williams Campus Center. Those interested in more information may contact srjantau@owu.edu.

CORRECTIONS
In the Sept. 13 issue of The Transcript, on page one there was an article titled “Ohio’s no texting and driving ban officially in effect.” The law states those under 18 are unable to make or take phone calls nor use handsfree devices. Drivers over 18 are allowed to do so. Under the law, no one is allow to send, type or read texts, even when the car is not in motion.

In the Sept. 13 issue of The Transcript, on page three there was an article titled, “Alumni’s donation funds Ham-Will makeover.” There was a grammatical error in the headline; it should have read “Alumnus’ donation funds Ham-Will makeover.” The Alumnus identified was Ashel G. Bryan, not Bryant, and was a man from the class of ‘43, not ‘47.

Sept.10-16

Sept. 11 9:03 a.m. – A Welch Hall resident was transported to Grady ER by Delaware Fire Department EMS.

Sept. 11 1:41 p.m. – A Bashford Hall resident was cited for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Sept. 11 11:47 p.m. – A Smith Hall resident was transported to Grady ER by Delaware Fire Department EMS.

Sept. 13 2:05 a.m. – Public Safety dispatched to 10 Williams Drive after a resident reported being bitten while removing a bat from the house. The student refused medical treatment.

Sept. 13 2:45 a.m. – Public Safety responded to Thomson Hall on a report of criminal mischief after the RA found several tables and chairs overturned. Investigation is ongoing.

Sept. 13 7:50 a.m. – Public Safety dispatched to 10 Williams Drive after the housekeeping staff found a paint can and paint on the floor, walls and mirror.

Sept. 13 8:30 a.m. – a report was filed by an OWU employee on damage to their vehicle while parked in the Edwards lot. Investigation is ongoing.

Sept. 14 10:55 p.m. – Public Safety dispatched to 9 Williams Drive on a report of two disorderly OWU students. The individuals had left the scene at the time of the officer’s arrival.

By Jacob Beach
Transcript Correspondent

The last time this much construction took place in and around the halls of Stuyvesant was nearly 85 years ago when the building first underwent construction.

A 2009 report published by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools said that Stuyvesant needed to be renovated due to a lack of repairs to the residence hall. It also mentioned that there have been a lot of complaints from the student body which have been documented in the meeting minutes of the Facilities and Student Affairs Committees of the Board of Trustees. The report said that the number one student issue is the poor condition of the residence halls and is in need for immediate action.

With construction of the hall nearly complete and occupants moved-in the reception of the renovation is mixed.

“First impressions were good,” said junior Olivia Gillison, a resident of Stuyvesant. “It looked like they had done a lot and put the effort into making it a nicer building.”

In a statement released earlier this year by the Residential Life Office, much of the new features were designed with students and community in mind. These include the new entrance on the east side of the building which was designed for easy access by students who walk to the Stuyvesant hall from the academic side of campus.

The interior of the rooms have been changed as well. The biggest change in the rooms can be found in the bathroom layout, where the sinks are now found in the rooms, one in each side of the suite. According to a report from the Residential Life Office, the closets were redesigned so that students can customize and personalize their space with a hanging curtain.

Sophomore Thomas Dehaas said the rooms are very nice. They have nice walk-in showers, comfortable beds and the desks and dressers are new and very accommodating.

“I think some of the features they did well,” Gillison said. “But the inside is really where they skipped out on the best improvements. By removing the closets there is now less storage in this dorm than there is any other dorms on campus. I know being female I tend to have more things than most, but the lack of storage has cost me more money to try and store what I already had here at school.”

The Ground floor has a new main lounge, a community kitchen, vending rooms, meeting rooms, the Stuyvesant smoker, new public restrooms and an interior entrance to the student health center. At this point and time students are not allowed to access the ground floors, except to use the laundry room and the vending room.

Stuyvesant also includes a new air conditioning unit which supplies central air to the entire building.

A new public elevator was also installed to accommodate more students and make it easier to move large, bulky items.