Fingers crossed for successful job fair

By Laura Chene
News Editor

Career Services hopes that the attendance at the Ferris Fall Job Fair 2001 on Oct. 23 and 24 at the Holiday Inn is up more than a notch from last year.

The 32nd annual job fair will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday's event is for students from every college except Technology, and Wednesday is for College of Technology students.

Over the past few years, Career Services has experienced a continuous attendance increase by both students and employers. Last winter's disappointing turnout caused concern and has resulted in fewer employers attending this year. As of last week, 132 employers have confirmed their attendance at next week's event.

"We had 500 less students attend the winter job fair than before," Barb Renne, assistant director of Career Services and job fair coordinator, said. Last winter a little over 800 students attended. "It's scary," said Renne. About five years ago the job fair was a one-day event that hosted about 97 employers.

The vast majority of the employers aren't attending because of the drop in the economy. Some are not attending due to last year's low interest. "They have chosen to take Ferris off their list," Renne said. Internships, as well as summer and after-graduation employment opportunities, are two reasons to attend next week's event. James Manko, a fifth-year senior in accounting, has attended about four or five of them and has also helped out with the planning for about two years. Manko encouraged all students to attend. Manko is also a member of Delta Sigma Pi, one of the event's six sponsors.

"I think the networking is the greatest thing I've gotten from it," Manko said. "You become more acclimated, I think, with networking."

Networking also leads to relationships. Manko stated that students who attend in the fall can build relationships with recruiters, which will be beneficial not only at the winter job fair but also in the long run. A recruiter may remember a student and then refer that student to his or her company, according to Manko.

Renne said that employers attend the job fair because "they want what Ferris produces. The job fair can benefit students from the time they're freshmen all the way up. They're always accepting resumes, so if anyone is prepared to hand in their resumes, they're always ready to take them."

The event, which will run from noon to 4 p.m., will host companies looking for certain degrees, as well as those looking for students in all majors.

"(Last year) we think students heard that it wasn't worth attending because there wasn't going to be as many employers," Renne said.

Manko gave three possibilities for last year's low attendance, with class conflict as the first. He continued, "I don't think students honestly are quite prepared yet, and they don't really think about (attending) until they graduate or are near graduation.

"I don't think students tend to see companies they like to work for," Manko said as the third reason.

Manko said that even those unsure or without a major should attend. "If I was unsure, I might be more intrigued by what the recruiter is telling me." Recruiters answer questions and give advice to students without being intimidating. "It does give them a leg up on job fairs if they attend earlier, though," Manko said. "Again, yes, I think they should attend."

Shuttle service will begin at 11:45 a.m. Buses will pick up students every five minutes at four locations: Rankin Student Center, Student Service Center (which is the old Timme Library), West Campus Community Center and the Pharmacy Building.

The Career Services website at www.ferris.edu/careerservices offers a wide range of information, including a list of all of the companies that are attending the event. Students can prepare for the event by finding companies interesting to them, identify the majors employers are specifically interested in and research the companies ahead of time. "They really need to check the list because some employers are only coming one day," Renne said.

Week half done, homecoming just begun

By Oshotayo Adedeji
Ferris State Torch

Different organizations have planned a wide variety of events geared to pump up the Ferris community for Saturday's homecoming game versus Michigan Tech. The 5K Run/Walk, the Bonfire and Alumni/Dance Reception are three events that have yet to take place.

The 13th Annual Homecoming 5K Run/Walk begins this Saturday in front of the Student Recreation Center at 10 a.m. Racers will travel up through the city and parade route and finish at Hemlock Park.

There will be a special award for the top male and female finishers, and also to the top three finishers in each age division. There will be refreshments for participants at Hemlock Park. Showers and restrooms will be available at the Student Recreation Center.

Besides seeing who will be awarded the fastest runner in the Big Rapids community between the male and the female runners, the homecoming 5K run/walk is a way to involve everyone in an event during homecoming.

Denise Morris, a junior in business administration, said, "The 5K is fun, and it's nice because everyone can do it."

"Contestants should pre-register for the race, and they should come to the Student Recreation Center to register," Robert E. Sinclair, student recreation center director at University Recreation, said.

Individuals can register for $12 prior to the race or $15 on the actual day. Students are free with their identification cards. Contestants are advised to register between 8:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. at the FSU Student Recreation Center, where they will receive their purchased T-shirt ($10) and course map.

Sigma Pi helped organize a bonfire that takes place tomorrow in front of the practice football field near Brophy/McNerney Hall.

It recognizes on-campus sports, such as basketball, cheerleading and football. The King and Queen will be at the event, but they will not be announced until the homecoming football game on Saturday. The bonfire allows students and community members to have fun during homecoming week, as well as see a fire containing 455 pallets.

"Our purpose is just to have an event that people can go to and be proud of," John Lutes, a junior in business administration, said.

The alumni/dance reception is this Saturday at the Holiday Inn from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. There is a King and Queen Coronation Ceremony at 9 p.m. A shuttle bus will pick up students from Bond Hall Circle, Rankin Center Circle and Merrill Hall.

WFSU's Randy Groves, a humanities professor, as well as local radio stations will be playing a wide variety of music at the event. The dance is a semi-formal event, but students are also encouraged to wear decade clothing to complement this year's Paws to Reflect theme.

The dance is not just for alumni students but for all FSU students and the community in general. "Students are strongly encouraged to come party with Bulldogs," Candice Fortman, a junior in public relations and the chairperson of the alumni/reception dance, said.

"We are excited to welcome the community and alumni to the dance reception. We are looking to reflect 12 decades of Ferris. We think that there will be food from the different decades to offer to everyone, and we appreciate the homecoming committee and organization for the dance," Jeremy Mishler, director of Alumni Relations, said.

"These events are very beneficial to the student community for many reasons," Jason Johnson, president of Entertainment Unlimited, said. "First of all, homecoming is the longest running tradition that Ferris has. Second, it provides many opportunities for students to interact, not only with each other, but with the alumni and Big Rapids community as well. I feel strongly that there is at least one event for everyone; therefore, if people choose not to get involved, they are missing out on one of the greatest annual events on this campus."

For more information about the 5K race, contact Bob Miller at 591-2678 or visit the Student Recreation Center. Kari Sederburg or Sara Johnson can provide further information about the bonfire at 591-2606.

Diversity forum brings students together

By Brandi Gregory
Ferris State Torch

Kappa Alpha Psi sponsored a diversity forum on Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rankin Center's Centennial Dining Room. Many different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds shared in discussion about the Sept. 11 tragedy, as well as racial profiling.

"The purpose of the diversity forum was to bridge the gap of diversity amongst students, staff and faculty," Darrell Singleton, the president of the Greek Council, said.

Megan Hawes, one of the panelists, felt that the purpose of the diversity forum was to "bring people together and let them know that a diverse campus can be beneficial."

"I felt it was good and helpful, but there could have been more of a mixed crowd," Hawes said. Other panelist members had similar feelings.

Overall, Student Government President and Panelist Member Rocky Byington was pleased with the student turnout. "I wish more students would have come and heard the wonderful discussion that we had," Byington said.

"Faculty support at the event was not as strong as I would have liked for it to have been," Director of Minority Student Affairs Raymond Gant said. "Although, I am aware that many faculty have included discussion in their classes on topics such as racial profiling and other issues surrounding the Sept. 11 tragedy. Faculty add a dimension to the discussions that is highly appreciated when present and sorely missed when absent."

Gant did say that he "was quite pleased with the outcome of the diversity forum."

"Again, I wish more students would have given it a chance and actually attended," Byington said. Byington also wished that more faculty members were present

"They should have come to see and hear what the students had to say. What we think and feel directly impacts our actions in class and society."

Michelle Burke, director of Student Leadership and Activities said, "I think Darrell Singleton and Kappa Alpha Psi did a great job in organizing the event. The panelists came from a variety of backgrounds and had different viewpoints. The audience turnout was much more diverse than their first forum, held last year."

"College is the time for people to keep an open mind and expose themselves to new ideas. Intelligent discussion is an important element of university life that we don't always make time to experience," Burke said. "We should spend more time during meals and just hanging out to discuss the issues of the world, rather than talking about our favorite TV show or Playstation game."

Both Burke and Gant appreciated the perspectives gained from the international students present. "My eyes are not wide open about how countries view Americans and the arrogance we have built," Gant said.

"I learned more about the many students we have of Islamic faith and some of their views on the world events," Burke said.

"I think we discussed much more than racial profiling, but that topic is an important issue. It is important for people to address issues that don't seem right to them, and to make their feelings known to the people who can make a difference," Burke said.

"I am particularly pleased with the willingness of the campus to discuss issues often deemed 'taboo to discuss.' Students' knowledge of national and international issues, current and historic, was impressive," Gant said.

"I feel it is important for students to get involved with diversity panels and other discussions like this because of the wide array of views shared. As the discussion mentioned, this tragedy was an educational wake-up for us. I feel that if students had the opportunity to hear so many different views, like those that attended, we would have a much more vocal and educated group of students with a very open mind," Byington said.

"Again, I was quite satisfied," Byington said. "They are challenging the communication process and addressing issues that most students do not want to."

 

Reality fights perception

By Amy McElmurray
Assistant News Editor

"Most Ferris students choose to consume zero to five drinks per week."

Is this statement believable? To most students, the first thought is that there is no way that it can be true.

Whether students believe it or not, it is a fact coming from a survey here on campus. The social perception is that college students drink all the time and are always partying. The reality, though, is that students aren't drinking that much.

A study from the Harvard School of Public Health in 1997 stated that the average college student drinks only one day a week, with an average of four drinks in a four and a half hour period.

The fact that students aren't admitting to drinking as much as people think they are drinking has led to a social norming campaign lead by Michael Haines at Northern Illinois University. Haines is now helping Ferris State University with a campaign to inform students about drinking habits among fellow students in Big Rapids.

There are currently posters all over campus as the first effort to create new social norms at Ferris.

"We've gotten a lot of good feedback on the look of the posters," Kristen Salomonson, assistant dean of enrollment services, said. "The Ferris community enjoys the campaign. Students have been asking for posters to hang up in their rooms."

The social norming committee put together a proposal for a grant from the Ferris Foundation for the money to support the campaign. Over $4,000 was granted to promote the reality of drinking among Ferris students, according to Salomonson.

Part of the proposal stated, "At Ferris State University, we want to prepare students to enter the working world with the skills that employers want. Dependence on alcohol inhibits the educational process and makes it more difficult for students to attend class regularly."

The mission of the social norming committee is being reinforced by Haines at a national level. Haines spoke to a small crowd last Friday in the Rankin Dome Room about "Social Norms: Increases Protection and Reduces Risk." Various administrators and students attended the presentation to learn just what social norming is.

According to Dan Burcham, the vice president for student affairs, the social norming campaign brought about by Haines was not believable by many when Haines presented it at a conference two years ago. The idea of social norming has now proven that it is the only alcohol awareness program that works to change the opinions of students.

Haines is the director of the National Social Norms Resource Center at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Ill. His research has helped many schools, such as Western Washington University, help deter drinking by using various social norming campaigns.

"Every functioning social system has protective social norms," Haines said. "But the protective norms are perceived wrong .... Wellness is the norm in society today, but illness is the perceived norm."

Haines showed statistic after statistic on what students perceive others are drinking and what others really are drinking. One of the astonishing facts was that 69 percent of the surveyed believed others are drinking five or more drinks at a party, but actually only 34 percent of those surveyed have more than five drinks at a party.

The thinking behind the social norming campaign is that if college students can be told that others aren't really drinking that much, then the students won't try to fit in by drinking a lot. There is strong research at Northern Illinois University that shows that after social norming campaigns, the average number of students drinking more than five drinks decreased.

To compare reality with perception, Haines also used figures showing numbers of annual sex partners. Students surveyed thought that 82 percent of students had two or more sex partners a year. In reality, only 26 percent of the students did have two or more sex partners in a year.

This large contrast in what students think and what is actually happening is what Haines sees as a problem that needs to be fixed. His solution is this formula:

IDENTIFY + MODEL + PROMOTE = HEALTH ENHANCEMENT AND RISK REDUCTION

Haines believed that behavior needs to be identified so that the problem is known. He also believed that the negative is emphasized a lot more than the positive, which helps create the problem.

"We never ask of students who drink what keeps them from getting in trouble," Haines noted.

He thinks researchers should study why some people who do drink are staying healthy and not causing harm to themselves or others. "We need someone to say that they do drink and explain how they handle themselves," Haines said.

The concept of social marketing is used to promote to students the statistics found on drinking. Social marketing is people-driven -- the bottom line is improving society, not profits. This type of marketing uses the four P's that every student taking a marketing class learns about: product, price, place and promotion. The product here is the message being delivered (Most Ferris students choose to consume zero to five drinks per week). Price is what it costs students to get the message, and place is where the person gets the message. The promotion is the various incentives and rewards received.

A 1998 survey across the United States showed that 19 percent of schools use the social norm model. Haines guessed that at least 25 percent of schools are using it this year.

More information on social norming can be found at socialnorm.org.

Students more alike than different

By Afzal Memon
Ferris State Torch.

International Neighbors is an event involving Ferris State University's international students and the Big Rapids community.

A potluck dinner designed to introduce the Big Rapids community and FSU's international students will take place on Oct. 23.
Residents of the Big Rapids area and FSU's faculty and staff are also invited to the International Neighbors for the potluck dinner.

"We have organized this event during the last two semesters, and the idea behind this is to provide a venue to the international students to meet more people outside of class," Manager of International Affairs Jackie Perrin said. "It is not often they can interact with the people who are in the vicinity outside of the university campus."

"We hold many beliefs about the different cultures, and the main resources of these ideas would be television, which may not be accurate all the time. Here our effort is to offer a place where the citizens of Big Rapids can get to know different lifestyles of people around the world," Perrin said.

Ferris has a total of 320 international students this fall. According to the President of International Student Organization, Mazen Al-Sadat, the number has continuously increased over the past couple of years. FSU's international students represent 57 countries.

Most of the students are from Canada. India is the second greatest country represented, and Botswana is the third.

"There are not many events we can get to gather at one place to share our experiences with different systems. This sharing plays a critical role for many who would face the same thing in the future. I think every international student should take part in this event," Al-Sadat said.

"This fall many India students have enrolled at FSU, so we were encouraged to form a Ferris Indian Student Association (FISA). Our primary goal is to introduce insight of Indian culture to the citizens of Big Rapids," President of FISA Siva Rama Mateti said.

"For us there will be no better venue than this program to introduce our culture to the participants, and of course we will learn more facts about the American culture," Mateti said.

"We share a lot of things during this event; we make friends and find out truths about the life of American homes. The most interesting part of the whole event is that it is quite informal, and we feel very comfortable being there," Riddhida Joshi, an Indian student who attended this program last year, said.

"This is the second time we are going to attend this dinner," Komal Patel, a student from Canada, said. "Last time it was really fun. I made many friends during the couple of hours, and most of them are still in touch with me." Komal also felt that it is a really good event where people can meet individuals from various backgrounds and places.

"I am really looking forward to it," Komal said.

"It was really nice to meet people from around the world at one place. During orientation we met many international students, but we never meet people from the surrounding community," Yuko Kono, a student from Japan, said. Some students bring their instruments with them and demonstrate their music, and some students share their dances.

Pointing out one of the objectives of the program, Perrin said that the international students who cannot fly back home face accommodation problems, as the dormitories are closed during long breaks. This program allows Ferris to introduce the international students to the people of Big Rapids, who often give accommodation to the international students.

"International students love this event. I was taking feedback from a participant, and he said we should organize this kind of program every week," Perrin said.

The potluck dinner will be at Ferris Cafe in the West Commons between 6 and 8:30 p.m. There is no charge for this event, and those who decide to attend can bring a dish to pass. For more information, contact Jackie Perrin at 591-5376.

Photo By Chris Miller, Editor in Chief

"Don't Look At Me" by Chick Powers, has been one of the more popular sculptures done by the former art teacher from Alma, Mich.

Natural art displayed at Rankin Center Gallery

By Matt Cherry
Assistant A&E Editor

At one time, Chick Powers was just an art teacher for Alma High School. Now his artwork is being displayed in the Rankin Center Gallery through Oct. 26.

Powers incorporates brass, copper and wood into his interesting and creative works. He uses each of these in nearly every piece that is being presented.

His use of the natural flow of the wood adds immensely to each piece. In his piece entitled "Don't Look At Me," the dark wood has a flowing design of lighter wood that adds a sense of wondering. Why does this piece cast its eyes downward, with only one shoe precariously dangling from its foot?

Also, what of the piece "Dueling Spiders?" In this one, two wooden spiders are locked in combat. The lighter wood used for the piece suggests an almost playful tone. However, the intense detail that is also used, every leg joint, and every fang meticulously carved into the figures shows that they mean business.

There are also 13 pieces that appear to be skulls of creatures from around the world, and around time. The incredible use of copper and brass in these pieces to show what could be strong spots in the "bone" is nothing if not awe-inspiring. This is a man who knows what he is doing.

Almost out of place, on a small table in a corner of the gallery, Powers included two pieces of pottery-items out of place in this world of wooden figures.

Another almost-out-of-place duo are "It's My Dad's" and "It's A Tie." The latter, as it's title states, is a tie slung over a small hook. The predecessor, at first glance, looks to be just a wave of wood with a couple of metal plates and buttons attached. Upon further review, one finds out that it is, in fact, a suitcoat.

What could be one of Powers' most interesting piece, to this writer at least, is "Dali's Table." This is simply a table with a tablecloth on it. However, the tablecloth is made of wood. One almost needs to touch it to make sure it is wood.

The look of pure horror on the face of the person in "Somebody Help Me" is quite chilling. Here's a figure of a person climbing a wall, apparently trying to escape something, and may, or may not, be succeeding. Like in "Dueling Spiders," Powers uses a lighter wood, as if he's trying to lighten the mood of this timorous personage.

All in all, Powers' work is magnificent. His combination of wood and metal, in addition to his use of the natural wood grain is extraordinary. As well it should be, since Powers has been doing this for about eight years.

Again, if you want to see Powers' artwork, get to the Rankin Center Gallery sometime before Oct. 26.

After Powers' run, the featured exhibit will be the Ferris/Kendall Faculty Show from Nov. 6-30. This will, as the name implies, be artwork from the faculty of Ferris and Kendall. It should include about 20 pieces of art sculptures among other pieces.

For more information about any show, go to the Rankin Center Gallery next to Huntington Bank's location in Rankin Center, or call them at 591-2536.

Courtesy Photo

Poison members (from left to right) Brett Michaels, Bobby Dall, C.C. Deville and Rikki Rockett rocked during the 80s.

Fear the mullet

By Mike Domerese
Ferris State Torch

You are probably wondering what the title of this column means. In short, it means, all business on top and a party in the back. For those still confused, a mullet consists of short hair on top of the head with an abundance of long hair that runs down the back.

Now what does this all have to do with the rock scene? It's still as alive and well today as it was 15 years ago, even though it is not as prevalent as it is today. Let's take a trip back 15 years.

The year was 1986. A little known band called Poison just released its debut album. At the time, the Los Angeles rock scene was buzzing. Also in the mix were other small-time bands like Guns n' Roses, Ratt and Motley Crue. These bands would invade the local rock clubs like the Whiskey, Whiskey a Go Go and several other smaller clubs.

In New York, several clubs including the well-known C.B.G.B.'s, the Cat Club and many others like them were still feeling this new buzz. Bands who were quickly on the rise there included the New Jersey-based band Bon Jovi and the FasterPussycat. It was the birth of the hair bands.

This was a great time in music. The music itself had no meaning; it was all about the original rock theme: sex, drugs and rock n' roll. Keep in mind at this time, even the indie label sub-pop wasn't thought of yet. Another great theme from this era was, "the time when you were prettier then your girlfriend." The more hair bands that used a ton of make-up, the better. This was also the birth of the "almighty power ballad."

Having a hard time recognizing some of these bands? To me, this was the greatest music ever invented. There were no hidden messages or anything. It was all about the sex, drugs, alcohol and of course, women! Towards the end of the 80's and into the early 90's, the industry was filled with wannabes.

In 1989, there was a yearning for something new, something fresh. Out of rainy Seattle, Wash., a new sound was developing. Again, several small bands were beginning to make a huge impact on the local club circuit.

The long hair was still there, but the attitude changed. Gone were the make-up and lace, and in its place came flannel, work boots, shorts, the attitude against the whole hair-scene and a strong love for surfing. Grunge was born.

Local bands, including a three-man act known as Nirvana, Mother Love Bone and Mudhoney were gaining a massive following. Word of mouth was starting to spread down the coastline into California, where interest for something new was catching on.

In the meantime, the Seattle music scene hits a huge snag. The untimely and unexpected death of Andy Wood, the lead singer from Mother Love Bone, Seattle's biggest up-and-coming band at the time, put a hold on grunge. Other bands continued to plug away, while the members of M.L.B. were lost for a short time.

Down the road in San Francisco, a guy with a strong love of surfing and a brilliant songwriter was in search of a band, his name was none other than the great Eddie Vedder. Pearl Jam was born.

By 1991, Nirvana became the greatest thing since sliced bread. The last of the hair bands-Slaughter, Warrant and the ever-loathed Winger were hitting their end of the road. At the time, Alice in Chains was also gaining notoriety with the song "Man in the Box," as they headed out on their first big tour. Alice in Chains opened on an interesting bill for Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth.

Grunge was king, and as of April 5, 1994, grunge was at its peak. The biggest hit against grunge was the death of Nirvana lead singer, Kurt Cobain. This basically marked the death of grunge music.

Rock was struggling to find an identity in 1994. Woodstock celebrated it's 25th Anniversary by attempting to recreate the 1969 festival. This featured a wide variety of acts, and a group of people known as "mud people." Rock was at an interesting stage. Primus was making a lot of noise.

The almighty Metallica released the "Black Album," their last great album before Metallica seemed to self-implode. Those who used to watch MTV's Headbanger's Ball, hosted by Ricki Rachman, realized the channel seemed to be filling up with crap!

Also in 1994, the re-emergence of punk was back. The three-man band Green Day was tearing it up and leading the way, along with bands like the Offspring, Foo Fighters, Blink 182, the Get Up Kids and many others.

In 1998 rock took on another drastic change. Metallica, who seemed to have chosen to play more pop-style music, was gone. Thank God for Korn! This new, young band burst into the mainstream, creating utter chaos and giving us metal-heads one last glimpse of hope that rock was taking another heavy turn.

Filled with pain, angst and personal trauma, Korn paved the way for what was known as the new era in rock. Korn helped pave the way for bands like Limp Bizkit, System of a Down, Disturbed, Godsmack, amongst others as well as the new crowd favorite, Staind.

Today's music is more original than ever. Speaking from the heart in their lyrics, these bands address issues that kids today can relate to. Lyrics fill the air and have a personal effect on listeners. The song topics range from talking about parents getting a divorce, young adults that are considered outcasts, pain and emotion with the biggest one of all, heartache.

The amazing thing is, it's just not the outcasts or so-called freaks who are listening to this stuff, it's everyone. This could possibly be one the greatest times in history where kids of all origins, backgrounds, etc. can relate to one another. The old saying that music is a universal language has never been more apparent than right now.

To the readers, I know I may have forgotten to mention some your favorite bands, but at least I offered a shortened version that gives the history of rock since the 80s. I only have so much room and could have probably filled the entire paper with just this article.

Bands like Metallica, Ozzy Osborne, Dave Matthews Band, Lenny Kravitz, Slayer (a personal favorite of our Editor in Chief), Pantera and so many others continue to put out great music through all the changes. Rock on!

Photo by Matt Cherry, Assistant A&E Editor

Krishnakali Majumdar teaches a wide variety of courses at Ferris State University including classes dealing with anthropology and human sexuality.

FSU teacher provides a taste of India

By Shannon Vesper
Ferris State Torch

Coming from a very diverse culture, Krishnakali Majumdar, an assistant professor of anthropology here at Ferris State University, brings out the most she can with her students.

Originally from Delhi, India, she brings her education from the University of Delhi.

"College in India is different. I only had to pay 50 cents each month to attend, and because I was a college student, I only paid 25 cents to take the bus. The less your family makes, the cheaper it is for you attend school," Majumdar said.

The culture is so diverse that there are 18 official languages, which makes India much more decentralized. Every state has its own language and culture.

After graduating from the University of Delhi, and receiving her bachelor's and master's degrees in anthropology, Majumdar successfully started her teaching career when she then moved to Michigan in 1994 to attend Michigan State University on a scholarship, and she received her Ph.D. in teaching in 1996.

"I came to Michigan because I love the four seasons. It's beautiful," Majumdar said.
Beginning her career, working as a graduate honor student, Majumdar was a teacher's assistant and aide at MSU. After graduation, she moved to Kalamazoo and taught one year at Western Michigan University and another year at Kalamazoo College.

Majumdar came to the Big Rapids area in 1998 to teach as a temporary teacher and is now full time. Majumdar is trained as a medical anthropologist with special interests in women's health and South Asian societies.

Comparing her experience at Delhi University, where each class had only 30 students and two professors, "College was an amazing experience, especially the cap on student numbers. That is what I really like about Ferris. I think it's a wonderful thing, and I feel students can accomplish more," Majumdar said.

Having teaching goals is a big part of Majumdar's curriculum, but teaching students to learn and remember is most important.

"I'll admit my teaching methods are different and out of the ordinary," Majumdar said.
Majumdar's teaching style involves having the students do their homework at home so that students can spend time on critical thinking and discussion in the classroom.

"I feel that what you do with the information is what really counts. I'm not naive as a teacher. I want students to think for themselves. Critical thinking is to be able to think for yourself. It is one of the most important skills in being alive. You use it in everyday things and in your career," Majumdar said.

Teaching and guiding classes in cultural and physical anthropology, North American Indians, and reproductive health and sexuality classes, teaching all of her 120 students to learn is very important in the learning process.

"I feel that by making teaching more enjoyable I can mentor the students and that it'll make them more comfortable talking to me inside and outside of the classroom. By mentoring, I want to help students stay focused and keep them organized, which will teach them discipline," Majumdar said.

When teaching about polygamy, which is the condition of having more than one spouse, it is better if students are open-minded, which allows them to apply and understand their own opinions, morals and values. It allows them to understand that each culture has their own morals.

"I have never been bored a day in my life, there is so much to learn," Majumdar, the coordinator of the multicultural relations and international students, said. Majumdar keeps herself quite busy on campus.

Traveling to India at least once a year to visit her parents and older sister, Majumdar's family is successful. Her father is in the first generation of advertising agencies there. Her sister also partakes in the business.

Besides traveling home, Majumdar enjoys visiting Hong Kong, Turkey and places throughout the U.S., where she has gained new experiences and knowledge of different cultures. Her love for traveling has inspired to her want to begin a study abroad program for the faculty members.

"I feel that if Ferris is focusing on students to become multi-cultural then the faculty should have the same chance to travel," Majumdar said.

Not only should the students have the chance to study abroad, but also hopefully she'll be able to take her students to India and Nepal, where they could better learn to understand the environment. She suggests that if any student is interested that they may contact her by e-mail at kali@ferris.edu.

Homecoming has competition and entertainment

By Shannon Vesper
Ferris State Torch

The events for the 2001 Homecoming, "Paws To Reflect," began this weekend.

The events began on Sunday with a Bedsheet Banner contest and a Midnight Madness game, where all the basketball players were introduced, in the Sports Complex.

Monday a powerful Kickball Tournament took place at the West Intramural Fields, which led to Tuesday's hilarious Lip Sync Contest in Williams Auditorium. The contest involved students singing to their favorite bands. During this time, the King and Queen Question and Answer took place.

During the night three lucky audience members had the chance to take a spin at the "Karaoke Ferris Wheel." The King and Queen candidates got the judge as each member sang for two minutes. Prizes were donated by local businesses.

Today is a very exciting and busy day. Voting for the King and Queen runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in all academic colleges. At 6:30 p.m. the Pep games will convene at Top Taggart Field.

Following the Pep Games at 8 p.m., the Harlem Ambassadors Basketball team, a spinoff of the Harlem Globetrotters, will perform in the Sports Complex. King and Queen voting will also be available then.

Voting opens up Thursday at 9 a.m. and lasts until 4 a.m. in the academic colleges. Warming up Thursday evening, tradition continues with the Bonfire Pep Rally at the fields by Brophy/McNerney Halls, which is planned to begin at 9 p.m.

Friday at 4 p.m. a round of 9-Hole Homecoming Golf Scramble will be played at the Katke Golf Course for the price of $30 per player. At 7 p.m. trophies will be given out at the dinner reception in the PGM Learning Lab.

Friday night is a night of comedy when Entertainment Unlimited brings you D.L. Hughley in Williams Auditorium at 8 p.m. Hughley has been featured in HBO's "The Kings of Comedy." Admission is only $8 for FSU Students, limit one with valid ID, $15 for Alumni, available only at the Alumni Offices, and $20 for all others.

This Saturday is when all the best things happen for Homecoming. Tailgating will begin at 10 a.m. at Top Taggart Field. At 11 a.m. the 13th Annual 5K Homecoming Run will begin at the Student Recreation Center and end at Hemlock Park.

Parading through downtown Big Rapids, the parade begins at noon, and will end at Top Taggart Field. Kickoff will happen at 2 p.m. when the Bulldogs take on Michigan Tech. During half time, the King and Queen will be announced.

Putting an end to the week, the student/alumni dance reception will take place at the Holiday Inn. Last year's dance had an attendence of over 900 people. This year, they're expecting double that amount.

The theme this year is "Through the Decades," music from the 20's, 50's, 60's, 70's and today will be played. All students are welcome to attend and encouraged to dress for the decades.

"We want students to realize that this dance is for everyone, not just alumni. It's a true party," Candice Fortman, dance coordinator, said.

This week should be a great week for everyone at Ferris. All students should try and attend the events. It's a great opportunity to meet new people.

Photo by James Bednarick, Photo Editor

Freshman midfielder Danielle McAllister advances the ball in action earlier this year. McAllister Scored her first career goal in the victory over SVSU that opened up the GLIAC season for the Bulldogs.

Coming up Big(ott)

By Jason Nelson
Assistant Sports Editor

Sshhhh. Don't tell anybody, but the Ferris State women's soccer team is in first place. The Bulldogs opened their conference play Oct. 6 with a victory over Saginaw Valley State University. The victory loomed large as it was the first ever by the Bulldogs over SVSU, the Bulldogs also defeated Hillsdale and tied Northwood.

In the Bulldogs most recent action against Northwood last Tuesday, the Bulldogs had their two game conference win streak snapped. However, the result was not a loss, as the Bulldogs tied Northwood.

After an impressive opening week, in which starting goalie Connie Bigott won GLIAC player of the week honors for her play, the Bulldogs came out a bit flat against Northwood.

At the 17:23 mark of the first half, Northwood forward Sarah Depape took a pass from Julie Surma and beat Bigott with a shot to give Northwood a 1-0 lead. Bulldog fans did not have to wait long for the Bulldogs to get the equalizer, as super freshman forward Jen Gaylor took a pass from sophomore mid-fielder Mandy Cafmeyer and scored her 7nth goal of the season to tie the score for the Bulldogs 1-1.

The game was more of a shootout than anything else in the first half, as Northwood again took the lead eight minutes later as Julie Surma scored on a penalty kick to give Northwood a 2-1 advantage halfway through the first half.

As the ferocious pace continued, the Bulldogs again battled back to tie the score before the half as sophomore forward Gayle Lukes tied the score 2-2 at the 33:23 mark. Lukes, who is coming off of an injury, was an immediate lift for the Bulldogs in the game.

GLIAC Player of the Week Connie Bigott had a game to forget however, as she was lifted at the end of the half in favor of backup goalie Alana Dombrowski. The second half was more defensive as both teams clamped down a bit to keep the score deadlocked 2-2 at the end of regulation.

The game finished tied as neither team was able to notch the game winner in overtime.

For the game the Bulldogs were outshot 16-15. Dombrowski played a strong second half as she made seven saves to keep the game tied. The tie moved the Bulldogs record to an impressive 6-4-3 overall, and 2-0-1 in the GLIAC conference. The Bulldogs are in a tie for first place.

Prior to the Oct. 6 game against Saginaw Valley State University, Bulldog coach Pete Watkins said that he wanted to get an early goal to set the tone vs. SVSU. Though the Bulldogs did not strike early, they did get a goal late to win the game 1-0 on the shoulders of goaltender Connie Bigott.

In a clean game, the Bulldogs played with tenacity from the start as the teams played to a 0-0 halftime score. Each team had three corner kicks in the first half, with none of them helping to produce a goal. The Bulldogs had 10 shots in the first half, compared to 11 for SVSU. Bigott came up huge in the first half stopping all seven shots that were fired her way.

In the second half, the teams continued their hard play as the game remained scoreless for much of the half. Then at 71:30 of the second half, freshman Danielle McAllister moved up from her midfield postion to take a beautiful pass from sophomore Mandy Cafmeyer to give the Bulldogs the only goal they would need in the 1-0 victory.

The offenses sputtered a bit in the second half due to the tight play, but each goaltender came up big. For the game the shots were virtually equal as FSU outshot SVSU 19-18. However, Bulldog goalie Connie Bigott did not let a goal by, as she made 10 saves for the game. Pacing the offense for the Bulldogs were Jen Gaylor and Emily Rogers, who each tallied a couple of shots on goal. The win moved the Bulldogs to (5-4-2, 1-0 in GLIAC.)

On Oct. 5, the Lady Bulldogs took on Hillsdale for their second conference game of the week. One might have expected the Bulldogs to come out flat after such an emotional victory over SVSU only a couple days prior to the game. Although they didn't come out flat, the Bulldogs did give Hillsdale plenty of chances to score in the first half on goaltender Connie Bigott.

In fact, the Bulldogs gave Hillsdale 11 chances to score, all of them thwarted by Bigott. In a half the Bulldogs would have liked to have replayed, the Bulldogs surrendered 11 shots on goal compared to the three they were able to muster. However, at the 8:00 mark of the first half, the Bulldogs scored on a goal when sophomore forward Sara Ideran took a pass from sophomore forward Emily Rogers and buried one into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. Bigott, who was coming off the shutout of SVSU, calmly turned aside each shot as the Bulldogs were able to limp away ahead at the half 1-0.

The Bulldogs came out with more bite in the second half, as the Bulldogs buckled down defensivly. The Bulldog defense only allowed one shot to reach goaltender Bigott, which she turned aside. Meanwhile, the offense was getting cranked up, and at the 75:15 mark of the second half junior defender Sarah Hyde scored off of a corner kick from Rogers to make the score 2-0 in favor of the Bulldogs. That was all the Bulldogs needed as Bigott made the lead stand up and the defense was relentless, as the Bulldogs moved to 6-4-2 on the year and 2-0 in the GLIAC. For the game, Hillsdale outshot the Bulldogs 24-13.

Coleman ready for next challenge

By Jason Nelson
Assistant Sports Editor

"Special players make special plays on special days," a simple statement made on a Monday Night Football game by St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk.

This quote certainly applies to Ferris State University's own Clarence Coleman. Coleman, a senior wide receiver, set the all-time Division II records for receptions earlier this season and recently broke the record for career receiving yards in this past weekend's loss at Mercyhurst.

Coleman, from Miami, Fla., was overlooked in Florida his senior year of high school by such powerhouses as Miami, Florida State and Florida. Florida's loss was Ferris State's gain, as the 5'10" wide receiver chose the Bulldogs.

"I had the opportunity to play right away, the Bulldogs had a wide-open offense and they liked to pass alot. I didn't want to wait around to see if the Florida schools were going to offer me anything," Coleman said.

Coleman, who runs a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash, hopes that the NFL will notice him for his ability to make big plays.

"Yeah, I want to play at the next level whether I get drafted, sign as a free agent or play in the Canadian or World leagues," Coleman said.

Coleman came to Ferris State with high expectations, but even he could not have predicted the success that has followed him.

"This is a little bit more than I expected, I did not expect to have all of these accomplishments in mind. I came here to make a name for myself, and to show people than I can play at the next level," Coleman said. Coleman, who has been the Bulldogs biggest threat offensively and on special teams, says that he strives for perfection in everything that he does.

"I try for perfection, I try to do things the right way, so our team can win," Coleman said. In recent weeks, it became obvious that the record for pass receptions and yardage in a career were going to be broken by Coleman.

The pressure mounted with each game and according to Coleman getting the records were like "taking a monkey off my back." Now Coleman can get back to focusing on football and getting in the endzone a few more times for the Bulldogs in their last four games.

Coleman likened his abilities to the "Greatest Show on Earth" or in other words, the St. Louis Rams trio of wide receivers Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and Az Hakim. Coleman says that like those players, he also has big play ability, which he has shown time and time again in his four years at FSU.

In a sports world that has become infected with ego-maniacs, Coleman is a breath of fresh air. He sights his mother as his greatest motivator.

"My mother has been very supportive, she has always believed in me. I have been playing football since I was six and she has always believed in my ability," Coleman said.

Coleman could follow in recent players such as Shawn King from Saginaw Valley State who was drafted by Seattle two years back.

"I am just looking for a chance, I think if I get one I will be all right," Coleman said.

In the last four games, Coleman says that the Bulldogs need to suck it up and get some wins. "We just want to win, play with some pride, and give the guys next year something to build on."

As for Coleman, he has something to build on already. One of his goals has already been accomplished.

"Going to college was one part of my dream, and playing at the next level is another. Why should I stop here?" Coleman asked.

While one of Coleman's dreams may have already come true, another is only about six months away when the draft and free agents sign with NFL teams.

Dead Warriors left on the ice

By Jeff Mier
Ferris State Torch

Let it be known that it only took only 14:39 for the Bulldogs to open the 2001-02 campaign in fashion.

The credit goes to Rob Collins, who was assisted on the play from freshman Jeff Legue and junior Chris Kunitz. The Bulldogs scored again in the second with Phil Lewandowski and Kristian Schroder helping on Derek McIver's goal that made it a a 2-0 game.

Less than four minutes later, Lewandowski took matters into his own hands, sliding one past WSU goaltender Dave Guerrera. Wayne State tried to get back into the game with two goals of their own. However, Phil Meyer tallied one for the Dawgs with only 11 seconds left in the second period and Brett Smith capped off the win with an empty-net goal in the last minute of play.

When the smoke cleared from the Bulldogs offense, the final was 5-2. Freshman goalie Mike Brown stopped 21 of 23 shots by the Warriors and recorded the first win in his collegiate career.

The scoring and wins didn't stop on Friday night. The second half of the two game set showed the Bulldogs meant business. The moment the game began, it belonged to Ferris State. Freshman Jeff Legue put one past Wayne State's Geurrera at the 15:11 point in the first period to make the score 1-0.

In the second, junior forward Chris Kunitz scored a short-handed goal from Collins and defenseman Troy Milam. Sophomore defenseman Simon Mangos scored his first goal of the season during the second period as well. The Mangos score moved the lead to three for Ferris State. Collins then scored his second goal in two nights at the 14:55 minute mark of the second period off of a Derek McIver assist while Ferris State was also a man down.

The final goal came at only a minute and twelve seconds into the third with the junior left winger Lewandowski scoring his second of the new season.

The Bulldogs came out and did what they do best, hit hard, went for loose pucks and scored. The Bulldog team shut down the Wayne State Warriors, the CHA (College Hockey America) Tournament winners from a year ago.

"There's a bit of an unknown from the standpoint we have the goaltending situation which needs to be answered," stated Daniels. "I'm excited about the freshmen we have coming in and I believe they will have a positive impact throughout their four years."

The Bulldogs, picked by CCHA.com and U.S. College Hockey online to finish dead last (12th) in the CCHA this season, hope to come out and play every game like they did this past weekend. With a great deal of dedication from the Bulldogs, they might find themselves moving up the CCHA standings board and into the playoffs in a role that they have played well with in the last couple of seasons: the role of the underdog.

The next game for the Dawgs is this Saturday at Michigan State's Munn Ice Arena, with a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. This will be a challenge for Ferris State, as Michigan State is currently ranked first in the nation and sits atop the CCHA standings with a 2-0-1 record.

The Spartans are led by junior goaltender Ryan Miller, who is a recent draft pick of the Ottawa Senators. Legendary MSU coach Ron Mason will also be going for his 900th career victory this weekend against the Bulldogs of Ferris State.

The second half of this series will be played on Tuesday, January 15th in Big Rapids.

Photo by James Bednarick, Photo Editor

Senior Erin Minnis sets up for a spike attempt in this past weekend's win over Hillsdale. Minnis (#13) has recorded at leaast one kill in 87 of FSU's 88 contests.

Break out the brooms

By Jason Nelson
Assistant Sports Editor

If Ferris State University's women's volleyball keeps winning like this, they just might finish in the top three of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

After a solid weekend last week, the women hosted Hillsdale and Wayne State this weekend in some key GLIAC battles. Perhaps Hillsdale and Wayne State would have been better served to stay home this weekend, as the Bulldogs buried both opponents for a sweep of the weekend matches.

On Saturday the Bulldogs were overwhelming favorites as they took on 5-14 Wayne State. In some occasions teams will overlook a weak opponent in anticipation of a stronger one that follows. This might have been the case for the Bulldogs as Wayne State came out aggressive in the first game and nearly won it before falling to the Bulldogs 30-28.

After the initial rush, the Bulldogs settled down and focused on Wayne State, as they pummeled them in the second game 30-16. The Bulldogs ended any chance of an upset in the third game, as they edged WSU 30-27, to take the match 3-0 This put Ferris at 15-9 overall and 8-5 in the GLIAC.

Leading a spread-out attack for the Bulldogs was senior Erin Minnis with 12 kills followed by juniors Alaina Olds and Kate Pickvet with 10 kills each.

Freshman Ashley Green had 34 assists for the Bulldogs to set up the scoring. Junior Stephanie Speed led the defense with 15 digs and Alaina Olds chipped in with three serve aces, seven digs and five blocks, three of which were solo.

Against Hillsdale on Friday, the Bulldogs played one of their best matches of the year. Hillsdale, who was ahead of FSU in the standings, was no match for the Bulldogs.

During the first game of the match, Ferris State asserted itself on the floor, winning convincingly 30-22. Hillsdale battled back in the second game tying the match at one with an emotional 31-29 win.

All the momentum Hillsdale had earned with their game two victory was quickly snuffed out by Ferris, as FSU won the very next game 30-25. The Bulldogs then put Hillsdale away with in the fourth game 30-26 to move to 14-9 on the year and 7-5 in the GLIAC.

The loss put Hillsdale at 15-7 for the year and 6-4 in the GLIAC. Olds (21 kills), Minnis and Speed (13 kills each) helped Ferris to the win. Green again helped pace the offense with 54 assists. Defensively, Speed had 17 digs followed by juniors Erin Rind with 13 and Angie Desmarais with 12.

This weekend the girls travel to Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan for more conference matches.

Streak snapped

By Nicholas Wasmiller
Sports Editor

The Ferris State University women's tennis squad had its 162-consecutive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) dual match winning streak come to an end on Friday as the Bulldogs fell to GLIAC rival Northwood by a score of 6-3 in Midland, Mich.

The Bulldogs, now 9-1 overall, had not lost a conference dual match since Sept. 4, 1984. Against the Timberwolves, the 17-time defending conference champions won only one of three doubles matches and lost four of six singles matches in the singles round. Northwood improved to 10-0 overall and 9-0 in GLIAC play with the win.

Ferris State junior Suzanne Batten and senior Hulda Grin accounted for all three Bulldog victories. Batten beat Berenice Ferrer at the No. 3 singles spot by a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Grin won at the sixth singles flight as she toppled Sara Smith 6-7, 7-5, 6-3. In doubles play, Grin and Batten beat Ferrer and Helena Kotaskova at the No. 2 doubles spot by a score of 8-4.

With Friday's loss to Northwood, several streaks came to an end. Sophomore Barbara Jilkova had won 22-straight GLIAC singles matches before her 6-2, 6-3 loss to

The squad recovered from Friday's 6-3 loss at Northwood to post a 9-0 win over Saginaw Valley State on Saturday in University Center, Mich.

Against the Cardinals, FSU won all three doubles matches and swept the singles round to improve to 10-1 overall

"The match with Saginaw was a difficult match to play considering that emotionally we had to recover from a very tough match on Friday," head coach Dave Ramos said. "I am so proud of the way our girls played and conducted themselves. They gave it everything they had this weekend and have nothing to hang their heads about."

In Saturday's contest, senior Jennifer Garvey, Jilkova and junior Suzanne Batten posted victories at the top three singles spots. Senior Hulda Grin, freshman Elena Blackman and sophomore Rachel Prescott won at the bottom three singles flights.

In doubles action, Garvey and Jilkova posted a win at the top flight while Batten and Grin were victorious at the No. 2 position. At the third doubles flight, Blackman and Prescott teamed up to beat Cassie Jastrzebski and Meghan LaForrest by a score of 6-3, 6-2.

Garvey and Jilkova will represent Ferris State in doubles action at the 2001 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Small College Tennis Championships slated for Oct. 18-21 at Collin County Community College in McKinney, Texas.

The women's tennis team will return to play Oct 26-28 at the GLIAC Tournament in Midland, Mich.

Lakers flood Dawgs again

By Nicholas Wasmiller
Sports Editor

Coming off a blowout loss to Grand Valley last weekend, the Bulldogs dropped their second straight game to a Lakers team, with this loss coming against the Mercyhurst Lakers in Erie, Pa. last Saturday.

The Lakers snapped a five-game losing streak dating back to last year and won their first game of the season in the process by defeating visiting Ferris State 25-14 before 2,300 fans at Tullio Field.

The Bulldogs jumped on the board first when senior flanker Clarence Coleman caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from freshman QB Tom Marsan in the first quarter. That catch made Coleman Division II's all-time leader in career receiving yards.

Mercyhurst scored late in the quarter on the first of three field goals by junior Vinny Repucci, this one from 27 yards. The Lakers took the lead late in the second quarter on a 2-yard run by junior Phil Provenzano, followed by a 47-yard field goal by Repucci with just two seconds left in the half.

The Bulldogs recaptured the lead late in the third when Marsan found junior flanker Robert Giles from 44 yards out. Sophomore Tom Perez provided the point after to give FSU a 14-13 advantage. But the Lakers refused to wilt and scored the final twelve points of the game, all in the fourth quarter.

Repucci connected from 20 yards out to put Mercyhurst ahead to stay at 16-14 with under eight minutes left. Junior quarterback Mac McArdle scored on a four-yard bootleg with 97 seconds left and the Lakers tacked on a safety on the next Ferris State possession when the snap went over Marsan's head at the Bulldog 20 and the freshman swatted it out of the FSU endzone.

The Lakers played error-free football against FSU while forcing four Bulldog interceptions, two by Rob Keefe and one each by Frank Pappano and Garrett Patty.

Mercyhurst won the first-ever football meeting between the schools last year 21-10 in Big Rapids. That victory also snapped a five-game losing streak.

Coleman finished the game with eight catches for 134 yards and one touchdown. Senior tailback Matt Otero rushed for 114 yards for the Bulldogs and quarterback Tom Marsan completed 17 of 36 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing four interceptions.

Next week the Bulldogs take on Michigan Tech in the 75th annual Homecomming game at 2 p.m. The game will be held at Top Taggart Field.

This place is a dump

By Brian Van Steenkiste
Opinions Editor

I've been meaning to write this one for awhile.

Down south of Detroit there's this ski hill that's actually a dump. They just kept piling trash on top of trash, occasionally covering it with dirt, and before long they had this "big" hill they thought was suitable for skiing down and they named it Riverview Highlands. As it turns out, they were wrong (about it being fit for people to want to ski down) because it's out of business now.

So what does the rubbish heap, which local nicknamed Mt. Trashmore, have to do with anything in Big Rapids? Well, I thought it was a good analogy to help describe the despicable housing situation in this town.

Where's 48 hours when you really need them? In my opinion, someone from Lansing needs to read this, come see with their own eyes the squalor that is off-campus housing in Big Rapids, and then hire a big bulldozer to level every slum within two blocks of our campus.

They say that the years we spend in college are supposed to be the best years of our life. So far, I'd have to agree with them. I do have one tiny little observation though. These wonder years could be a whole lot more wonderful for everyone involved if we could live somewhere nice.

I have a newly-developed theory on why college kids drink so much: College kids drink themselves into a stupor to forget they live in hovels. This theory is substantiated by the fact that we drink so much on Thursdays (in anticipation of) and on weekends. What other days of the week do we have to spend so much time at home (away from class)? Interior decorating with kegs starts to make more sense now, doesn't it?

It wouldn't be so bad if we didn't know better though. Going back to Trashmore, kids from Metro Detroit didn't seem to mind the place all that much. Bring someone in from the Rockies and make them try to ride down Trashmore though, and you'll certainly hear a plaintive wail. We students, like the person from out west, know better.

I'm not trying to say that I was raised in a mansion or anything, but I sure as hell wasn't raised in a house resembling anything kids live in around campus! Does anyone who grew up in a decent/nice/respectable house truly enjoy living in off-campus housing in Big Rapids?

Right about now a lot of students are probably standing up cheering me on as a voice for their discontent. But, we're not all lily white and virginal without any blame either.

You'd have to have holes in your head the size of some of the holes I've seen in the foundations of some student houses to rent something nice to a lot of the students around here. There's good investments, then there's the type of investment that goes something like this: Buy/build a nice house, fix it up, make sure everything is running and in tip-top shape then rent it to a bunch of party animals who just turned 21 and have hundreds of friends looking for a place to party six and a half days a week.

To some extent, we and those who have come before us, have placed ourselves in this terrible predicament. Years and years of childish, alcohol-fueled, destructive and immature behavior without students taking accountability for their actions has led us to our sorry state. And I don't know if there's anything we can do to dig ourselves out of this hole.

Students will do almost anything to get off campus. I don't want to turn this article into a commercial for FSU housing, but I do want to give one word of advice to those seeking alternatives to on campus living: BEWARE. The grass isn't always greener on the other side, and while campus food and the (childish) treatment you get living in a dorm aren't all that great, living in a house with fleas where live bats await you brushing your teeth and the smell of a rotting opossum permeates your kitchen that resembles a mystery spot isn't all that great either.

All of a sudden that "nerdy" senior living on campus deserves more credit than we give him/her.

With enough exposure, there are many different adverse conditions a human being can get used to. I myself could get used to having my roommate vomit on me every day. In fact, I would rather get used to this foul act than have to live in some of these houses I see and go into on a daily basis. There are just some things one can't get used to.

I'm not saying every house in this town is in need of a wrecking crew (besides those that might already have one living in them). There are some very nice towny residences, even some right next to our campus. What I'm saying is that far too many houses that are intended for student living are in horrible condition and someone needs to enforce some laws and crack down on the renting of these slums.

This city's rental housing regulations are not being met, and the responsibility for enforcing them does not fall entirely on the shoulders of the students. Specifically, the building conditions section of the standards needs to be addressed, because as far too many of us know, the houses we live in are not "waterproof, weatherproof, insect and rodent proof" nor do they provide "a safe habitable dwelling."

For something to be safe, it must be free from danger harm or evil. These "residences" or should I say (with very little conviction) "structures" are straight up evil to live in. If you doubt me, look up the definition and tell me we aren't suffering by living in them. These houses are not habitable, that is "fit to live in," either.

As the city's regulations define/distinguish, weatherproof is not waterproof. Sit in a living room where you can feel the wind blow through a wall (hella draft!) and suggest that a landlord shouldn't be responsible for the heat. You can see light through the walls of houses my fellow students are forced to live in while they seek an education.

The list goes on and on, but I don't have the space, and you don't have the time, for me to tell a story everyone already knows too well.

More than anything, this article is a call for help. Landlords and rental agencies that take offense to these accusations need only ask themselves "would my family and I want to or enjoy living in the house(s) I rent to Ferris students?" What do you think? Write me some letters and maybe we can get something done around here.

The little game we play

By Mike Domerese
Ferris State Torch

It's Thursday night and you are in the mood. The week has been long and tedious and you are in strong need of a stress reliever. Nothing sounds more intriguing than heading out to your favorite establishment to have a few cold ones.

Also on tap is the little game we like to play called "trying to find that special someone." Well, let me warn you boys and girls, the bar is not the answer! Yes, there may be attractive men and women there, but you are just looking for trouble and most importantly, heartache.

Far too often I hear the rumblings around campus on Thursdays; that people can't wait to get to the bar. Girls are giggling and chatting away about the new skin-revealing outfit they're going to wear or wondering if that certain guy is going to be there. The guys are just as anxious, wanting to prove to their fellow brethren that they are indeed the best drinker or the best "Mac daddy." The game is on.

You often arrive at one of our fine local establishments only to be greeted by that anguishing mood-killer of a long line. This is not always the case, but usually a five to ten minute wait anyway. The juices begin to flow as members of both sexes are already surveying the situation. Is it worth staying? Is there plenty of the opposite sex here? Most importantly, is that special, certain someone there? Sometimes we wait, and other times we opt for "bar hopping" until we find that "target-rich environment."

Finally, you have chosen your hunting ground and the games begin. GAME ON! You never hear such a call of the wild expressed, but it is truly there. Beautiful guys and girls everywhere are scattered around looking in each other's direction, standing in line waiting for a drink or playfully headed for the "promised land" known as the dance floor.

Upon arrival of this fertile ground, the ritual known as courting and/or dancing begins. Like peacocks flashing and displaying their tails to draw the opposite's attention, guys are trying to look like something that just walked out of the latest edition of GQ magazine. Women also are hard at it, wearing next to nothing in hopes of drawing more eyes toward them, thus increasing their selection.

OK, so now our hero has a few cocktails in him and is feeling confident with the eye contact he has been getting with that of a few possible mates. He walks over and smiles or attempts to dance with one these possibilities and to his surprise, he's blown off or has gotten "the look."

Now ladies, I know you know what I mean by that, so don't play dumb. Guys are often just as guilty. Showing interest and flirting, the guy has shown interest, so after much convincing from her friends, she heads over to this "hottie." Much to her surprise, he would rather continue looking around or talk about the return of Jordan with one of his buddies.

OK, so now you are all probably mad, but my point is this: guys and girls alike will continue to dress and act the way they do for some completely opposite reason of what they really want. If you are looking for that special someone, 99 percent of the time you are not going to find him or her at the bar. It's all just a little game that the sexes play.

My best advice to you all is this, don't go looking for that special someone. Nine times out of ten, you have already met them and just haven't realized it yet. It could be one of your very close and personal friends, your best friend's brother, that cute little girl at the checkout who always seems to be flirting with you or even someone you have dated before.

Love is a weird thing. Sometimes meeting that special someone totally blindsides you. Although you may not have been looking for it, it happens at the most odd times. Basically, keep an open mind when dealing with the opposite sex. The next person you meet, that guy who smiles at you or the girl who seems to not give you the time of day could just turn out to be "the one."

Defining the First Amendment

By AARON HATFIELD
Ferris State Torch

Stating one's opinion--as long as it is not malicious, libelous, obscene, does not create a clear and present danger and is not deemed as "fighting words"--is completely protected by the First Amendment. As American citizens, we have the right to express ourselves through written and spoken word in any sort of media. Why do we exercise these rights, but then turn around and fight against the very rights and freedoms that this country was founded upon?

The Torch, covered under the First Amendment, has the distinct ability to publish and print whatever it deems necessary to fill its pages. Some of these include an opinions section. The opinions section includes exactly what its title says: opinions.

The Torch cannot and will not guarantee that you will like, let alone agree with, every opinion presented in this section. But, that is the beauty of America and the First Amendment. We, as Americans, have the ability to express, without the fear of persecution, our opinions and ourselves.

In order to be a diverse culture, we cannot choose to only protect those opinions and expressions of the majority. We have to protect those of the minority as well. Laws and rights are set to protect the minority. This does not leave out the First Amendment. Regardless of how we feel about someone else's opinion, it is just as relevant as our own.

Newspapers by far seem to be the easiest type of media to knock. When an article or opinion is presented, it seems all too easy to write a letter to the editor, send it in, and have it published rather than to accept others' opinions, choke it down, and go on with your life. With any other sort of media it is much harder to truly get at the source and challenge the opinion.

I do not understand how Americans can listen to a singer's point of view or opinion that has to do with drugs, sexual assault, violence or is degrading to our government, and not say a word. Then, when they hear a journalist's point of view, they get bent out of shape and decide to butt heads with the opinion and many times the journalist. That makes no sense. It would be better to remain consistent and act the same way towards every opinion you disagree with than to pick and choose the ones that will take the least amount of effort to combat.

It is easy to combat the opinion of those that cannot defend them in the same way as their attacker. Many people knock President Bush in any way possible. Sure they would--President Bush is not in their presence to defend his opinion or actions in the way necessary. It's too easy to complain about another's opinion that cannot be defended in the same way.

Again, your opinion is just as relevant as ours is. Sometimes, however, even the opinion of a newspaper's reader is ignorant and very uninformed. These opinions exist in a vacuum, though, and get little to no criticism. But, they, as well as the paper's writers, have the right to express those opinions.

Omar and even myself may have very controversial opinions, but these opinions are in some instances more informed than those of the people who combat them. Like I said before, the Torch does not and will not guarantee that you will like or agree with the opinions of its writers. These opinions are valid and relevant, just like your own.

I do not share all of Omar's opinion, nor does he share all of mine. Despite this, I still stand behind Omar in whatever he has to write. He is a great writer and is very informed. He is opinionated, just like myself. That is why we write for this section.

I can honestly say, when you write in to combat or agree with one of my opinions, you please me in your endeavors. When I state my opinion I look to get a reaction from the reader. If you like it, great! If you hate it or it pisses you off, even better! I did my job. I got readers to react enough to write the editor and say pissed or happy they were when they read it. Though, the editor only seems to hear from those who aren't too happy.

Those who enjoy the articles, your voice should be heard as well. I'd like to thank Sarah Hall for her letter to the editor showing her support for Omar and his articles. I'd also like to thank those of you who wrote in regarding some of my own articles. Like I said, if I pissed you off, I did my job and am pleased to hear your reaction. I am in all honesty a pretty open-minded person and usually accept any opinion that comes at me. I may not agree with it but I will accept it. That is all we ask of you. My grandma said it best when she said, "opinions are like (sphincters). Everyone has one."

I leave with a word from Thomas Jefferson. In a letter to Colonel Edward Carrington, written in 1787, Thomas Jefferson wrote his opinion. "The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without government, I would not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter."