CayugaCollegian

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collegian@cayuga-cc.eduThe Voice of Cayuga Community College Students for more than 50 years Vol. 56 Issue 10 November 5, 2007

TV Reporter Gives Insight to CCC StudentsBy Tiffany Collinsworth, Assistant Editor

Beloved CCC Professor Vicki Condi to RetireBy Mathew Kratts, Collegian Editor-in-chief

News Ten Now videojournalist Evan Axelbank visted the Cayuga Community College Auburn campus last week at the invitation of the student-run newspaper, The Cayuga Collegian.

Evan Axelbank is an Ithaca College graduate (2005) with a degree in journalism as well as a minor in political science. “I knew what I wanted to do,” Axelbank said. “I wanted to be a television news reporter.”

To get involved with the audience, Axelbank took turns going around the room to ask for names and interests to survey what students wanted him to News 10 Now’s Evan Axelbank talks to students at CCC.

speak about.Following introductions, he asked for

specific questions to see where to take his address. CCC sophomore Kristi French asked what his typical day is like. Axelbank responded by saying “it’s crazy.” He explained how some days were easy when events are taped in one place, a occurrence known in his newsroom as “one stop shopping.” He says somedays he can be finished by one o’clock in the afternoon. Other days he says you might not even finish. Sometimes the station will send out a news truck so that you

Halloween Fun on Campus!

Nursing Professor and Department Chairperson Vicki Condi is leaving CCC.

The nursing department will be loosing a big piece of the puzzle this December. Professor Vicki Condie, who is the director of the nursing program, is retiring after over 20 years of service. “It’s gone so fast” she said “and what an incredible place to work,”

According to staff members, her contribution has lead the nursing program into becoming one of the best departments for a Community College. Even Condie say’s the program goes further beyond that, “We out perform four year colleges.” She believes that education is the key and a hands on approach is the best way to learn.

Under her leadership, the program has received national accreditation by the National League of Nursing (NLN), which establishes the criteria for nursing programs. “She is one of the most effective leaders I have ever encountered,” Associate Professor Linda Mackay said.

The nurse who is set to take her place is Professor Linda Alfieri, who Condie has been mentoring to ease the transition. The staff believes it will be an easy changeover but Condie will certainly be missed. “We’ll miss her sense of humor; we’ll miss her dedication to the program,” Mackay said.

Condie joined the staff in 1981 as a part-time teacher. She received her Associates at the School of Nursing In Buffalo, her Bachelors at SUNY Utica, and her Masters at Syracuse University. Oddly enough she received the Directors position before obtaining her Masters degree, which is the usual requirement.

The Director of the nursing program is responsible for the students, faculty and keeping the pass rate above standard. Condie says the passing rate for students is at a high of 94%. Even though the curriculum is tough, Condie attributes the success rate to the dedicated staff members they have. “If you can make

it here, you can make it anywhere,” Condie said.

The greatest accomplishment Condie has done so far is “being the chairmen of the 50th anniversary.” She say’s her legacy is to preserve the history of this great institution and the success of the nursing program.

In her twenty years of service she received the SUNY Chancellors award, she one of the founders of the Florence Nightingale museum in London and has served time in New York City during 9/11. She is held in high regards by her peers and staff members and they say she is deserving of retirement.

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Childrenat CCC’sPre-Schooltake overthe campus!

STORYINSIDE!!

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The Cayuga Collegian is published on announced publication dates during regular semesters at Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin Street, Auburn, NY 13021. Our phone number is 315-255-1743. The Cayuga Collegian is funded by CCC’s Faculty-Student Association through student activity fees. Opinions expressed in columns, news stories, features, interviews or letters to the editor are not necessarily those of the college administration, faculty, staff or students at CCC. The Cayuga Collegian is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

Editorial BoardMATHEW KRATTS, Editor in ChiefTIFFANY COLLINSWORTH, Sports Editor/Assistant EditorJESSICA MILES, Assistant EditorBEN BOLDING, Chief PhotographerMARY G. MERRITT, Advisor

StaffKathleen Sperduti, Fulton CorrespondentMatthew Kelley, Movie ReviewerRyan Wart, Staff CriticCarl Phillips, Staff ArtistJohn Young, Staff Writer Eric E. Sutton, Staff Writer

PAGE TWO

OPINIONS

The Cayuga Collegian welcomes letters from its readers. Submissions must be in a word document on a PC formatted disc. Submissions may be edited for content or length. Submissions must include your name, address and daytime phone number. All letters to the editor are copied exactly and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Collegian office, its staff or advisors. All letters are simply the opinions of the writers themselves.

Word of the WeekBy Eric E. Sutton, Collegian Staff Writer

Sutton

Reverse discrimination is a term used to describe discriminatory policies or acts that benefit a historically socio-politically non-dominant group (e.g. women, blacks etc), at the expense of a historically socio-politically dominant group (e.g. men, whites etc). Most academic and expert opponents of preferential policies that favor historically-discriminated groups, such as Carl Cohen, would avoid the term “reverse discrimination” on the grounds that “discrimination is discrimination” and that the label “reverse” is a misnomer (a point that experts on both sides of issue generally agree with). Groups such as the American Civil Rights Institute, run by Ward Connery, have opted for the more legally precise terms “race preference”, “gender preference,” or “preferential treatment” generally, since these terms are contained and defined within existing civil rights law, such as the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Gender discrimination is discrimination against a person or group on the grounds of sex or gender identity. Socially, sexual differences have been used to justify societies in which one sex or the other has been restricted to significantly inferior and secondary roles. While there are non-physical differences between men and women, there is little agreement as to what those differences are. Unfair discrimination usually follows the gender stereotyping held by a society.

The United Nations had concluded that women often experience a “glass ceiling” and that there are no societies in which women enjoy the same opportunities as men. The term “glass ceiling” describes the process by which women are barred from promotion by means of an invisible barrier. In the United States, the Glass Ceiling Commission has stated that between 95 and 97 percent of senior managers in the country’s biggest corporations are men. Another event where women have been discriminated is in Afghanistan under the rule of the Taliban.

Trans gender individuals, both male to female and female to male, often experience problems which often lead to dismissals, under achievement, difficulty in finding a job, social isolation, and, occasionally, violent attacks against them.

Reverse discrimination and RacialismRacialism is a related term intended to avoid these

negative meanings. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, racism is a belief or ideology that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially to distinguish it as being either superior or inferior to another race or races. The Merriam-Webster’s Webster’s Dictionary defines racism as a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race, and that it is also the prejudice based on such a belief. The Macquarie Dictionary defines racism thus: the belief that human races have distinctive characteristics which determine their respective cultures, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule or dominate others.

Racial discrimination is treating people differently through a process of social division into categories not necessarily related to “race”. Racial segregation policies may officialize it, but it is also often exerted without being legalized most broadly, Discrimination is to recognize qualities and differences of certain things or persons and making choices based on those qualities. This article focuses on discrimination amongst people- that is, discrimination based on personal qualities. Discriminating between people on the grounds of merit is generally lawful in Western democracies. Discrimination on other grounds, such as skin color or religion, generally is not. When unlawful discrimination takes place, it is often described as discrimination against a person or group of people.

In contrast, conservative writer and law professor Matthias Storme has claimed that the freedom of discrimination in human societies is a fundamental human right, or more precisely, the basis of all fundamental freedoms and therefore the most fundamental freedom. Author Hans-Hermann Hoppe, in an essay about his book Democracy: The God That Failed asserts that a natural social order is characterized by increased discrimination. -Eric E. Sutton

Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits of the

harvest” in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more than18 million people worldwide, as reported by the New York Times. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr. Karenga included an additional “a” to the end of the spelling to reflect the difference between the African American celebration (Kwanzaa) and the Motherland spelling (kwanza). Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st.

The seven guiding principles Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, “I am We,” or “I am because We are.”, Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community. Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world. Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support. Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community. Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community. Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our

ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle. As it is always better to get an early start, I suggest

that you begin the first week in December by making a check list for the following items: A Kinara (candle holder); Mkeka (placemat preferably made of straw); Mazao (crops, i.e., fruits and vegetables); Vibunzi/Muhindi (ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household); Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup); Mishumaa saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three green); and Zawadi (gifts that are enriching). It is important that the Kinara not be confused with the menorah.* The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles which are the foundation of Kwanzaa. If you don’t have a Kinara and don’t know where to get one, it is suggested that you use “kuumba” (creativity) and make one. A 2x4 or a piece of driftwood will do just fine, and screw-in candle holders can be purchased in most hardware stores. The Mkeka (place mat) shouldn’t present a problem. While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth makes an adequate substitute. If cloth is used, one with an African print is preferred. The other symbols are easy to come by and warrant no further discussion other than to caution against placing the Mazao (crops)in a cornucopia which is Western. A plain straw basket or a bowl will do just fine. One last note, even households without any children should place an ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social parenthood. All seven symbols are creatively placed on top of the place mat, i.e., the symbols should be attractively arranged as they form the Kwanzaa centerpiece.

Decorating the home The Kinara along with the other symbols of Kwanzaa should dominate the room, which should be given an African motif. This is easily achieved and shouldn’t result in too much expense. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. This should be kept in mind when decorating the home. Black, red and green streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers, and African prints can be hung tastefully around the room. Original art and sculpture may be displayed as well. Kuumba (creativity) is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts one squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa. Therefore, those symbols that can be made, should be made. The giving of gifts during Kwanzaa should be affordable and of an educational or artistic nature. Gift are usually exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time.

Pirates, princesses and spidermans roamed the halls of CCC for a Halloween parade last Wednesday. The annual event is held by the Day Care Center, where each preschooler dresses up in their favorite costume before the nights unveiling. Several members of the faculty joined in on the festivity in costume, handing out candy to each of the preschoolers.

It’s an annual custom that has been long lived at CCC. Preschoolers are broken up into three groups and are ushered by Work study students and faculty members around the campus. Some of the stops included the ASC, Library, Business office, Bookstore and the Nurse’s office. The money for candy is donated by some of the financial departments here on campus. Many of the staff members were dressed up handing out candy to each preschooler as they came along.

The director of the preschool Elizabeth

Preschoolers take over CCCBy Mathew Kratts, Collegian Editor-in-chief

DeFurio say’s she always enjoys the event and so does the faculty. “They seem to be excited, they call me every year,” She said. DeFurio encouraged the parents to come down and join in on the parade to make it more of a family event.

The faculty had a lot of fun at the parade and thinks it’s very important for everyone’s involvement. “I don’t want us to be so strict that we don’t enjoy ourselves and know how to have fun,” Nancy Decker from the Business office said.

Many costumes were present but according to DeFurio some of the costumes were unique. The ones that seem to stand out were the vacuum cleaner and the bubble bath costumes. The preschool had a pizza party after the parade ended for each of the students in costume.

PAGE THREE

A private foundation will award scholarships of up to $30,000 per year to community college students who transfer into a four-year degree program.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will offer approximately 50 such scholarships across the United States through its Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program. The program is intended to assist community college students in making the transition to a bachelor’s degree program. Scholarships can be used for tuition, room, board, books and fees. They are awarded and renewed annually based on student performance and

Scholarships to Help Community College Students Go On to Four-Year Schools

financial need. Eric Zizza, transfer coordinator for Cayuga

Community College, notes that Jack Kent Cooke scholarships are earmarked both for current community college students and for May 2003 or later graduates who have not yet transferred to a four-year college. Zizza provides assistance to Cayuga students and alumni in applying for the scholarships.

The deadline for Cayuga applications is December 3, 2007. Details and forms are available at www.jackkentcookefoundation.org.

TV Reporter Gives Insight ... continued from frontcan edit your package out in the field to get it done on time.

Axelbank showed to the audience some pieces of his work and allowed student to critique his work and ask questions.

“Do what you like doing first,” says Axelbank. He says in college he learned

the hard way it can be difficult doing homework that you’re not interested in. His advice was to do what you love first, work on it longest, but still get the other stuff done. He says as a reporter “you need to know what people are talking about and know what’s in the paper.” He says begins everyday by reading the Syracuse’s newspaper, The Post-Standard online so that he knows what is happening throughout Central New York to get an idea of stories he can cover that day.

CCC Telcom major and sophomore Jessica Miles asked, “Have you ever lost a tape?” Axelbank responded with a smirk followed by saying, “No, I’m too afraid to lose a tape with footage on it.”

To finish the presentation, CCC Telcom major and sophomore Mathew Kratts explained what he has learned as an intern working with Axelbank at News Ten Now and what he has taken from this experience. “I learned to put fear aside and just go in and talk to people,” Kratts explained how before interning at News 10 Now he knew very little about Broadcast Journalism. The information he’s absorbed has even helped him in other aspects of his major and his role as Editor-in-Chief of The Cayuga Collegian. “It has helped me be

a better contributor to the newspaper,” he said.

The Cayuga Collegian sponsored the event which took place in T-219. “It’s the first event The Collegian has ever had, which I think makes our club more active in the college community,” Mathew Kratts said.

Some of the students that attended the event were part of Mary Merritt’s Introduction to Mass Media class and Steve Keeler’s Television Production class. Refreshments were provided by The Collegian staff.

At the end of the presentation, Axelbank handed out business cards and spoke to students individually about interests and insight. He offered to return at any time for another presentation.

News Ten Now’s Photojournalist Evan Axelbank talks about his experiences in Broadjast Journalism in Mary Merritt’s media class.

What are Cayuga Community College students planning to do after graduation? Sophomore Nick Kent is majoring in accounting and plans to transfer to either the Rochester Institute Of Technology or SUNY Oswego after he finishes at Cayuga Community College.

“I have enjoyed and been interested in accounting since high school” Kent said. “It is a lot of hard work but I hope that after I am done college to be working for a company as an accountant making good money.”

Other students plan to pursue teaching careers. Alexandra Gardner, who is majoring in elementary education is planning on transferring to a four-year school but is undecided on her choice of schools. She wants to have a career as a grade school teacher or possibly an English teacher.

“Early on in my childhood, I loved playing school and always opted to play the role of

teacher,” Gardner said. “I am leaning more toward becoming an elementary teacher and hoping not only to educate, but also to inspire the lives of young children.”

Lyndsay Petrosino, a psychology and education major is planning on having a career as a counselor with a degree that would also let her teach Psychology. After Cayuga Community College, she plans to transfer to SUNY Oneonta, Brockport, Albany, or Cortland. Petrosino says she chose her potential career path because It’s a job that pays well and that she can take it anywhere. “Plus I can also practice psychology with this degree, ”Petrosino said.

Student Lou Rapa is a 2006 graduate of Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls is undecided about his ultimate career choice. “ I am looking into the field of criminal justice possibly something along the lines of a detective,” Rapa said.

By John Young, Staff Writer

What CCC Students are Planning to doAfter Graduation

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News Ten Now’s Photojournalist Evan Axelbank with Collegian Editor-in-chief Mathew Kratts during Alexbank’s presentation.

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“Do what makes you happy first.” -Evan Azelbank

John E. Walsh

COLLEGIANCROSSWORD

A History of Central New York...

Auburn MovieplexGrant Avenue Plaza, Route 5 Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 255-4635

Schedule through Thursday November 8, 2007 Rated Matinees Evenings LengthWe Own The Night R 1:00 3:30 6:45 9:15 1H 58MNRRendition R 1:00 3:30 6:45 9:15 2H 02MNBourne Ultimatum PG-13 9:05 1H 55MNBee Movie PG 1:30 3:30 6:30 8:30 1H 31MNSydney White PG-13 1:15 3:30 6:50 1H 48MNAcross the Universe PG13 1:00 3:30 6:45 9:15 2H 11MNGone Baby Gone R 1:05 3:30 6:50 9:10 1H 53MNBee Movie PG 12:30 2:30 4:30 7:30 9:30 1H 31MNThe Game Plan PG 1:00 3:20 6:50 9:05 1H 50MNThe Martian Child PG 12:45 3:30 6:40 9:10 1H 48MNMichael Clayton R 1:00 3:30 6:45 9:15 2H 00MN

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

MATINEES: Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday

l born December 26, 1945 in Auburn, New Yorkl host of the TV show America’s Most Wantedl Walsh is known for his anti-crime activisml his son adam was killed in 1981l Raised in a supportive Catholic homel settled down to raise a family and work as a hotel marketing executive in Hollywood,

Floridal helped pass the Missing Children’s Act of 1982 and the Missing Children’s Assistance

Act of 1984l The latter bill founded the National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrenl In1988,Walshagreedtotakehiscrime-fightingpassiontoTV’sAmerica’sMost

Wanted.Oneofthefivelongestrunningprime-timeseriesonnetworktelevision,theshow has helped capture hundreds of criminals, including 15 from the FBI’s most wanted list and the notorious convicts known as the “Texas 7.”

l In 1988 he was named the U.S. Marshal’s Man Of The Yearl two years later received the same honor from the FBI, the Bureau’s highest civilian awardl Walsh is the only private citizen to receive a Special Recognition Award by a U.S. Attorney Generall he’s been honored in the Rose Garden four times by three presidents: Clinton, Bush and Reagan.l After September 11, the White House called on Walsh to help Americans better understand the war on terrorisml The FBI also requested Walsh’s help with the investigation after the Oklahoma City bombings.l Hereceivedhisfirstprime-timeEmmynominationforStreetSmartKids,alaboroflovehecreatedandproducedforFox

Balancing wine glasses off of your face, twisting and bending your body beyond the

unthinkable, these are some of the few things audience members saw last Tuesday night when the acrobats from the New Shanghi Circus came to CCC.

The New Shanghi circus started in the 1950’s and has been going ever since, says Xiaojun Kong vice president of the company. “We have been in the State for 12 years. Our performers practiced about 6 hours a day.” The performers are between the ages of 15-26, says Kong. “Our headquarters are in China so all of our performers come from China,” says Kong.

Shanghi Circus Dazzles CCC AudienceBy Jessica Miles, Assistant Editor and contributing writer Martha Reutlinger

The circus began the show off with some dancing, slight body bending, and sword fighting. As

the night went on, so did the difficulty of the acts. As the first act came out and s t u n n e d

the audience with the amount of movement and body bending they did, it was easy to see everyone was enjoying the show.

Five female body contortionists came out to show what they could do. The act started off slow as the girls just moved around the platform. Soon the girls started to do flips and body bends. Then the girls went above and beyond as two of the performers did body bends and two other ones balanced themselves on top.

The next act brought the audience to a complete uproar as they flew threw the air. The

act started off with a female in middle of the floor dancing around. When her male partner came out to join her they took the show to new heights. As the couple flew through the air and did different acrobats while in the air, it was obvious the crowd loved the act.

The girl after that brought a new kind of juggling into Auburn. She started off by spinning cloths with her hands. She laid down on a cushion and juggled a huge vase with her feet. She used her feet to throw the vase into the air and spin it around in all different directions. Then she was brought out a table and did the same thing with the table as she did with the vase.

The New Shanghi Circus finished the night off by doing different roller skating tricks. As the girls skated around vases and each other, others did body bending and balancing acts. All of the performers were applauded for the success of their show.

The Earth is not your ashtray...Put your buttwhere it belongs!