December 7, 2011 | Volume 110 | Edition 3B Graduation pg. 2 Campus Affairs pg. 3 Campus Life pgs. 4-5

Student Reviews pg. 6 Entertainment pg. 7

President Reflects on First Months at Kettering

by Rebeccah MacKinnon, Copy EditorNo one can doubt that our new President,

Dr. McMahan, is a people person. Within five minutes of entering his office, he had not only enthusiastically shook my hand, but also of-fered me at least four different types of bever-ages, three types of candy, and a handful of mixed nuts.

When asked what he’s thought of his past four months at Kettering, Dr. McMahan re-sponded “I’ve loved my time here so far. It’s been an incredible experience.” He went on to explain that, despite very candid discussions with the Presidential Search Committee about Kettering, he was not sure what it would be like until he got here. Since then, he’s had nothing but good surprises, highlighting the maturity of the students and the novelty of the A/B section system as some of the things that pleasantly surprised him the most. “It’s interesting to have two completely independent student bodies,” he said. “The students [on both sections] are more like graduate students [at Kettering]. They’re more focused and mature.”

The two-section system has made Dr. Mc-Mahan’s goal of listening to everyone before acting a bit more difficult. The rapport he had built with A-section was wiped out when B-section returned to campus, and he had to focus on building relationships with an entirely new set of students. Regardless, Dr. McMahan was able to learn quite a lot in the past four months. “I’ve learned about the issues and problems we as a university face,” he said.

Dr. McMahan’s work in improving

Kettering has already begun. A large amount of this was “behind-the-scenes” work, such as stream-lining administrative procedures to allow more people to spend time actually doing their jobs instead of filling out paperwork. He also has made a big push in the vision plan-ning initiative. “I want to refocus the university,” said McMahan, mentioning that this new focus will be the culmination of the entire campus’s ideas and effort. This process has already begun with the vision planning meeting held earlier this term.

Based on what’s he seen and heard so far, Dr. McMahan men-tioned some ideas that he would like to see implemented in Kettering. “I want to dramatically improve student life on campus,” he said. To do this, various ideas such as revi-talizing BJ’s to be a “hip Panera” and creating a bus loop between Kettering, Riverfront, and other downtown areas were thrown out. “2019 is Kettering’s Centennial,” said McMahan, “and with that might come a capital campaign to raise money” for improvements to campus, part of which could go to the construction of a student center.

Another area where he has plans to help along improvement is in the area of enroll-ment. An area the administration is focused on is “branding,” which is distinct from market-

ing. In essence, branding is directed towards increasing name awareness, reputation, and recognition in areas outside of this region. “We’re focusing on key cities where we’ve had success before, and plan to expand from there,” said Dr. McMahan. He also emphasized that recruitment events such as Dog Days and Discover Kettering were very important, and the success of them is in part due to the student involvement. “There is a great energy in the room,” he mentioned. Dr. McMahan also plans to get alumni more involved in the recruitment process.

Photo Courtesy of KettNet

The Technician offers their best wishes to the following retiring professors. Thank you for your years of hard work!

Last Wednesday, the Kettering community witnessed the origination of a new Holiday Tradition: The 1st Annual Community Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony. The idea behind this event was to simply facilitate the creation of a festive gathering for the Kettering Community to kick off the holiday season. Based on the attendance, the event seemed to be a big hit among students, staff and faculty.

The Participants were greeted on the beach by the President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan, stu-dent groups, faculty and staff with an array of holiday music, cookies and hot chocolate. Al-though not the primary highlight of the event, there were door prizes available to participants through a raffle. Taking a short break from the

First Kettering Community Holiday Tree Lighting

busy schedule at his north-pole production facility, Santa soon joined the festivities at around 4:30pm to spread some holiday cheer among the audience. He was also generous enough to bring along a few elves to help dis-tribute raffle tickets among the audience for the prize draw.

To celebrate the beginning of the new holi-day season, Santa spent some quality time with all the eager lads and lasses who were excited to tell him what they wanted for Christmas this year. At around 5:00pm, everybody assembled in the bell tower court to witness the official tree lighting ceremony. After a short countdown, the tree in the bell-tower court was lit up and is supposed to remain so throughout the holidays.

Professor Thomas Elsner - Mathematics

Professor Will iam Riffe - IME

by Ashwin Chacko, staff

Photo Courtesy of Matt Gessler

Continued on Page 3...

Photo Courtesy of Dawn Hibbard

December 7, 2011

GraduationKettering University - The TechnicianPage 2

by Kettering Communications

Commencement DetailsKettering University will host Commence-

ment ceremonies for almost 270 graduates on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011. The 11 a.m. event is free and open to the public in the Connie and Jim John Recreation Center.

Henio Arcangeli ’86, President of Motors-ports Group Company, Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, will deliver the Commencement address.

Kettering will graduate 217 undergraduates and 52 master’s candidates during gradua-tion services, with 195 undergraduate and 26 graduate students expected to march during the ceremonies.

University President Robert McMahan will preside over ceremonies. Dr. Laura Sullivan, Faculty Senate moderator, will be the grand marshal.

Here are the highlights of the upcoming ceremony:Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, 11 a.m.Connie and Jim John Recreation Center No tickets required to attend Commencement The event is free and open to the publicAllow 1 1/2 hours for the ceremony Presiding: Kettering University President Rob-ert McMahanGrand Marshal: Dr. Laura Sullivan, Faculty Senate ModeratorParking is free and available in all campus parking lots Information Center, first floor, Campus Center at BJ’s Lounge from 8:30 - 10:45 a.m.There is no graduation rehearsalTotal graduates: 217 undergraduates, 52 mas-ter’s candidates Graduates expecting to march: 195 undergradu-ate, 26 graduateExpected number of guests: 1,500 Faculty will host a light breakfast, International Room, fifth floor, Campus Center, 8:30 -10 a.m. Recreation Center doors open at 9 a.m. for visi-tors to arrive and be seated Faculty and staff assemble for the Processional between 10-10:55 a.m. in the third floor, Recre-ation Center Graduates assemble on the first floor of the Campus Center (just outside BJ’s Lounge) be-tween 10:30-10:55 a.m. Formal processional begins at 11 a.m.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER:Henio Arcangeli ’86, President of Motors-

ports Group Company, Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, will deliver the Commencement address. He joined Yamaha Motor in 2006 and has served as the Motorsports Group President since 2007. He is responsible for Yamaha Motor’s Motor-cycle, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Side-by-Side, Snowmobile, and Outdoor Power Equipment business groups, as well as Racing Operations.

As one of the largest motorsports compa-nies in the world, Yamaha Motor is a major contributor to the U.S. economy. It employs approximately 3,000 employees in the U.S. and supports more than 30,000 additional jobs through its manufacturing facilities, corporate offices, distribution centers, suppliers and

dealer partners. Yamaha Motor has facilities in nine states with its U.S. headquarters in Cy-press, California.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER:

Jozsef Benyi will be the undergraduate student speaker. He is originally from Dur-ban, South Africa. He is past director of the Freshmen Orientation Program and a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and the Inter-Fraternity Council. His awards include the Kettering University World Scholarship, Dean’s List and membership in Eta Kappa Nu Electrical and Computer Engineering Honor Society and Gamma Sigma Alpha National Greek Honor Society. Benyi will earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. His co-op is with Hamilton Sunstrand, a United Technologies Corporation, in Windsor Locks, Conn. After graduation, he will do graduate work in Indus-trial Engineering at Texas A&M University. His career goal is to help small businesses improve their operations infrastructure.

OUTSTANDING THESIS AWARDS:Andrea Matuska, Biochemistry and Chemical EngineeringThesis Title: “Development of Functional in Vi-tro Assays to Determine the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of an Autologous Solution Prepared from Whole Blood”Faculty Thesis Adviser: Dr. Stacy SeeleyCo-op Company: Biomet, Warsaw, Ind. Mori Yatsui, Mechanical Engineering and Elec-trical EngineeringThesis Title: “Optimization of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle State-of-Charge Detection with Integrated Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System”Faculty Thesis Adviser: Dr. Kevin BaiCo-op Company: Kettering University

PRESIDENT’S MEDAL WINNERSVictoria Hills, Flint, Mich.Andrea Matuska, Rochester Hills, Mich.Dan Van Cura, Swartz Creek, Mich.Mori Yatsui, St. Petersburg, Fla. SOBEY SCHOLARSAaron Robert TenHuisen, Hummelstown, Penn.Victoria Hills, Flint, Mich.Margaret Ellen Walch, Grass Lake, Mich. LEADERS FELLOWSChelsey Elizabeth Crabtree, Seneca, Kan.Scott James Price, Walker, Mich.Tyler Bradford Scott, Buford, Ga.Rachel Ann Wood, Warren, Mich.

ACADEMIC HONORSCum Laude: 32Magna Cum Laude: 23Summa Cum Laude: 12

TOTAL GRADUATES, BY DEGREEBachelor’s DegreesApplied Math: 2Applied Physics: 2Biochemistry: 1Business Administration/BSBA: 6Chemical Engineering: 8Chemistry: 1Computer Engineering: 14Computer Science: 4Electrical Engineering: 27Engineering Physics: 1Industrial Engineering: 11Mechanical Engineering: 130Dual Applied Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering: 1Dual Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry: 1Dual Computer Engineering and Computer Science: 1Dual Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering: 2Dual Engineering Physics and Dual Mechanical Engineering: 2Dual Industrial Engineering and Applied Math-ematics: 1Dual Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering: 2

BACHELOR’S TOTAL = 217 Master’s DegreesEngineering: 5Engineering Management: 7Information Technology: 2Manufacturing Management: 4Manufacturing Operations: 15MBA: 8Operations Management: 10 Dual MBA and Manufacturing Management: 1

MASTER’S TOTAL = 52

Technician Staff Editor-in-Chief:Matt Gessler

Copy Editor:Rebeccah MacKinnon

Advisors:Betsy HomsherChristine Levecq

Submission PolicyThe Technician welcomes submissions from Kettering

University students, faculty, and staff as long as writers identify themselves and their affiliation with the University and provide contact information. No anonymous submissions will be accepted. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Technician staff or of Kettering University. We reserve the right to edit for length. Kettering University is a private institution; as such, it need not extend freedom of speech protection as described in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Submissions must be sent electronically to btechnician@kettering.edu.

ColophonThe Technician is published triweekly by the students of

Kettering University and financed, in part, by the Kettering University Student Activities Fee.

Meetings are Thursdays at 12:20pm in the Technician Office

Layout Editor:Chris Sanocki

Staff:Tom GaleRyan DontjeJon CrombeAshwin ChackoBenjamin Archangeli

Photo courtesy of Kettering Communications

However, this is only a small part; the main idea o f the event is to cel-ebrate Ketter-ing’s accom-p l i s h m e n t s over the years. This three day event will be open to the entire commu-nity.

W h e n pressed, Dr. M c M a h a n could not pick

a favorite moment in his time at Kettering so far. “There have been so many!” he complained, citing painting the bulldog, watching the FIRST Robotics tournament, participating in Discover Kettering/Dog Days, seeing the SAE competi-

December 7, 2011

Campus AffairsKettering University - The Technician Page 3

Technician: Is there a 5 year plan for the depart-ment?

Geske: Strategically, C o m p u t e r S c i e n c e needs to concentrate on the following areas:

• Curriculum and pro-grams – our curriculum, courses, and programs need to reflect the cur-rent trends in the dis-cipline and be flexible and attractive to current and future students.

• Infrastructure – en-hance and build instructional laboratories to support our program strengths.

• Building research capacity in key growth areas.

We would like to expand our two existing concentrations – Computer Gaming, and Sys-tem and Data Security – to provide students with more elective choices. Currently students electing to have a concentration must take four specific CS technical courses. We would like to expand their options, i.e., students take four of possibly six technical electives in the concentra-tion. This would give students more flexibility, especially those students who would like to take a term overseas, and it would allow us to offer additional courses in relevant areas. Even more specific, we are planning to revamp our Computer Gaming concentration into a broader “Virtual Reality and Simulation” concentration. This encompasses our current gaming concen-tration, but reflects that this technology has far broader application, e.g., surgical simulation in medicine, or controlling drone/robotic air-craft, use precisely the same technology used in computer games.

In terms of our “Security” concentration, this is a huge growth area with national security implications. It is widely conjectured that the next war the U.S. will engage in will be a “cyber-war” waged in the computers and networks controlling the world economic infrastructure. The computer virus that infected the computers that controlled the centrifuges of the Iranian uranium enrichment facilities, and ultimately destroyed them, is widely considered to have emanated from U.S. security agencies, and it gives a portent of future cyber-battles. Trained

computer scientist will form the core of these “cyber-warrior teams,” both as assault teams, as well as the defensive front-line. Courses in our

security concentration must reflect this reality.

Recently, we have drafted a minor in Ro-botics. This is a result of student interest in the area, the increased importance of un-manned vehicles, and a reflection of the success Kettering University has had in recruiting FIRST Robotic students.

We have discussed plans to create a learn-

ing environment to support instruction, devel-opment and research in virtual reality, simula-tion, and computer gaming. We are currently seeking funds for this laboratory.

We are working closely with a local hospital to create collaborative research opportunities in the areas on medical simulation and health informatics. Our goal is to create an environ-ment where students and faculty can work side-by-side with surgeons, clinicians, and other healthcare providers to utilize virtual reality and simulation technology to improve healthcare outcomes. We have already had pre-liminary discussions with MDs that are leading to promising areas for collaboration. This is rapidly developing, and we believe this is going to be a fantastic opportunity to significantly ex-pand the research arena for Computer Science.

Technician: What are some of the main chal-lenges of the department?

Geske: Overall, the administration has been very supportive of infrastructure needs of the department. Most recently, this has resulted in a major upgrade of the hardware and software in the CS Security Lab. Our major concern: staffing. We have lost two faculty members in the past four years. While this may not seem like much for a large department, this accounts for over 25% of our teaching capacity, and it has seriously limited our course offerings. The unexpected loss of Dr. Changhua Wu in March (he joined the technical staff at Amazon) was particularly difficult. He was our resident ex-pert in virtual reality, and he had an impressive research record in medical imaging and robotic sensor networks. His moving to Amazon was a major loss for the CS department, and it left

On the subject of the hotly contested sched-ule change, Dr. McMahan says that a decision should be made by the end of March, when the vision planning process will conclude. The idea is to change (if needed) to support the new vision of Kettering, not to change for the sake of changing. “If changing to a more traditional schedule will help us reach the vision, it will be considered,” said Dr. McMahan, “but first we need to figure out what that vision is.”

In April, a large event called “The Investi-ture of the President” will be occurring on cam-pus. “It’s about celebrating the past, present, and future of Kettering,” said Dr. McMahan. “A small part of it is the formal instantiation of the president, and I’ll give a small speech about my vision for the school, which is well timed with the completion of the vision planning process.”

us particularly under-staffed in the computer gaming area. We are currently searching for a replacement, but pending a successful conclu-sion to this search, we are stymied in many of our strategic initiatives.

Technician: Is there anything new in the depart-ment?

Geske: Computer Science and Chemistry/Bio-chemistry collaborated to create a new inter-disciplinary degree program in Bioinformatics. Bioinformatics is the study of the mathematical, statistical and computing methods that aim to solve biological problems using DNA and amino acid sequences and related information. It is a key application area that is central to the bio-technology field. In addition, we have cre-ated a minor in Bioinformatics.

We initiated a new pedagogical model for our introductory CS course – CS-101. Unlike the traditional lab-oriented course where the student has three hours of lecture and a separate 2-hour lab period, students in CS-101 are in the lab, with the faculty instructor, for six hours a week. This creates a strong learner-centered en-vironment where the instructor can intermingle lecture topics with hands-on student exercises and laboratory assignments. This provides stu-dents with unmatched access to faculty, and we believe this model of instruction will make the subject matter more accessible to the students.

Technician: How long have you been the dept. head?

Geske: Computer Science became a separate department in July, 2007, and I was named as Department Head. Prior to that, I served as the Program Director of Computer Science since its inception in 1995.

Technician: What do you enjoy most about the position?

Geske: The opportunity to think strategically about the direction of Computer Science, and to create opportunities for our students to be successful. Being able to lead Computer Science through its initial, successful ABET accredita-tion was immensely satisfying. Not only was it a culmination of a goal we had at the creation of the Computer Science degree, but it signified a commitment by Kettering University to insure a quality program for our students.

Continued from Page 1

Interview with President McMahan

Department Head Profile: Dr. John Geske, Computer Science

by Matt Gessler, Editor-in-Chief

tion games, and going to the hockey games as just a few of the most notable ones.

“I love interacting with the students,” he said, “and I take every opportunity to do so.” He mentioned how he enjoyed simply talking to students in the hallways or sitting with them at lunch in the Sunrise Room. “I had a great conversation with the group at the large table in the back of the cafeteria during A-section. Another time, I talked with a group of students for about half an hour before one of them asked ‘Who are you?’”

Dr. McMahan is definitely excited to be here. “I see a bright future [for Kettering],” he said. “This is an amazing place.” Now only time will tell exactly what the impact of our new president will be on the university.

Fun fact: President McMahan does read The Technician. In fact, if he’s on travel when it comes out, he goes online and reads it there! His favorite article so far? “Any article that doesn’t quote me,” he said with a laugh.

photo courtesy of Kettering University

photo courtesy of Kettering University

which vividly demonstrated the vibrancy of their ancestry through their colorful costumes and energetic dance movements to the provoca-tive rhythms. Other acts included a rendition of a poem titled “I am” by Toni Arceno, member of the Asian American Association (AAA). In her poem, Toni described what it meant to her to be Asian, and her pride and passion for her culture. The Society of Women Engineers did a piece titled “Pick-up Lines” to playfully demonstrate the discomfort women feel when men use certain “pick-up lines.” A 70’s fashion show by the Black Unit Congress (BUC) was a funny contrast between the styles of main-stream American culture during the seventies and now. Other performances included a video presentation by the Model United Nation Club on how the United Nations became established and why fellow campus members should join this organization whose aims align on a global scale with those of our Destination Diversity celebrations.

Overall, a truly astounding program of events was achieved through incredible plan-ning and execution. The dedicated planning committee of students should certainly be pleased for bringing an event of that magni-tude to fruition. Additionally, most worthy contributors would be the generous financial sponsorships and supporters: the Kettering Student Government, the Office of Multicul-tural Student Initiatives and the International Programs Office. To all those involved, a job well done! Destination Diversity was a success as it reminded everyone of the culturally rich environment here at Kettering, where there are such countless faces from many different places.

Destination Diversity is the culmination of a week long celebration of the different cul-tures represented at Kettering. In this grand exhibition, the Kettering Community is given an opportunity to join in an amazing cultural exchange in an effort to build bridges of under-standing between the various cultures on cam-pus, especially with those we do not know or understand. The theme, “Countless Faces from Many Places”, was selected to best describe the immense diversity on our small campus that has faculty, staff and students from over 34 dif-ferent countries. Through its continued support

for this event, Kettering University shows its unfailing belief in the value of diversity and inclusion especially in today’s globalized world.

This annual event, now in its fourth staging, was organized by the different multicultural clubs on campus. It involved an evening of entertainment and educational portrayal of cultures through mu-sic, dance, fashion, and poetry. The International Room, the venue for the event, was lined with foods

from the various cultures. The aromas of the different foods, such as Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, and American BBQ ribs, tantalized the palates of salivating patrons while bidding them welcome. Over two hundred members of campus came, perhaps originally to sample the many dishes, but they ended up staying to watch the performances.

The performances of the evening were not only diverse, but also illustra-tively dynamic and often sent a bold message that asserted the cultures be-ing portrayed. The opening item was a cultural fashion show which displayed garments from Nigeria, Mexico, India, and the Philippines. The next act was a Latin dance by the Society of His-panic Professional Engineers (SHPE),

December 7, 2011

Campus LifeKettering University - The TechnicianPage 4

“Countless Faces from Many Places”: Destination Diversity 2011

by Kemoy Smith

KSG Election ResultsPresident

John Crimmins

Vice PresidentJacob King

AdministratorKelly Powell

Multicultural RepresentativeSharna-Kay Dobney

Infane Lowe

Senior RepresentativesKristen Russell

Nathan Ply

Junior RepresentativesNathan ShaeffBrittney White

Sophomore RepresentativeAndrew Disanto

Freshman RepresentativeChristopher Oskoian

Math majors, triangle enthusiasts, and as-sorted students searching for free lunch had a wonderful experience on 7th Thursday. Pro-fessor Brian McCartin wowed the assembled group with a scintillating lecture concerning the attributes and uses of equilateral triangles. “I want to convince people that simple things like equilateral triangles can produce awesome math,” said McCartin in his introduction.

McCartin then proceeded to take listeners on a journey through history from the perspec-tive of a triangle, showing how triangles are everywhere. He started with the obvious Euclid and his geometry, and then moved quickly through Archimedes and his three dimensional shapes with triangular faces to instances of equilateral triangles in Christian art, music theory, architecture, and even popular culture (the deathly hallows, anyone?).

McCartin dazzled the audience with the rest of his lecture with topics that ranged from

the properties of equilateral triangles to their applications. Perhaps one of the best parts of the lecture was when he discussed several dif-ferent puzzle games that could be played with equilateral triangles, such as the Haberdasher Puzzle. The Haberdasher Puzzle involves tak-ing a square, cutting it into four hinged pieces, and then rotating the pieces to form an equi-lateral triangle.

McCartin closed the lecture with a picture slide show of equilateral triangles in nature. This brought home the central message of the talk: equilateral triangles are everywhere. “Equilateral triangles are the atoms of shape,” he said, explaining how they are used every-where in nature and in mathematics.

Professor McCartin has been teaching at Kettering for the past 15 years, according to his profile on the Math Department’s website. His lecture was sponsored by Kappa Mu Epsilon, the math honor society.

Triangle Enthusiasts Rejoice at Math Lecture by McCartin

by Rebeccah MacKinnon, Copy Editor

Dancing the Night Awayby Rebeccah MacKinnon, Copy Editor

Students got all dressed up and danced the night away on seventh Saturday in the International Room. Kettering’s Dance Club sponsored an Intercollegiate Dance for students from Kettering, University of Michigan Flint, Baker, and Mott.

Terri Herrick, the local dance instructor who teaches weekly Dance Club lessons, gave an hour lesson in waltz and east-coast swing to the over thirty students who attended. The lesson was followed by three hours of open dance, where everyone swung and waltzed and the more advanced dancers showed off some tango, cha-cha, foxtrot, and west-coast swing.

Thanks to everyone who came to this awe-some event!

Photos of the event provided by Matt Gessler

Dance participants gather for a group picture.Photo courtesy of Stacy DeCrane

December 7, 2011

Campus LifeKettering University - The Technician Page 5

A Message From Sigma ChiThe Sigma Chi fraternity of Kettering University recently partic-ipated in its yearly candle walk community service event. Every year in an effort to get everyone in the Christmas spirit, the town of Flushing gets lit up with hundreds of candles all along the sides of Main St. The brothers of Sigma Chi help out with this by filling up the milk jugs with sand and candles, and then after a few days when the event has concluded blowing out the candles and helping to clean up. This is a fun event for every-one involved and always provides a beautiful shining light throughout the town signifying that Christmas is on the way.

by Clayton Roehrig

You might have seen them around campus, they wear bowler hats, carry canes and have bells on their shoes. They are members of the Robot Society, founded in 1928 at GMI. They weren’t always called “Robots” though; the name of the society was originally The Mad Hatters and this is where the tradition of wearing bowler hats comes from. Each member of the Robot Society must up-hold the organizations three ideals, leadership which is creative, service that transcends self, and citizenship that demonstrates responsibility. Only 1% of the student body can be a Robot at any given time, making this a prestigious honor. Six new candidates were inducted on December 5th, bringing the total number of Robots to nine. The three current members are Travis Townsend, Sta-cy DeCrane, and Mike Russell. Each new initiate is unique, they are involved with a broad spectrum of campus groups and have devoted countless volunteer hours to organizations in the community.

Robot Society Initiates

Victoria Hills is a graduating senior in Mechani-cal Engineering from Flint, Michigan. She is cur-rently obtaining her cooperative education at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford,CT. During her four years at Kettering University, she has been a devoted member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Pi Tau Sigma, a Mechanical Engineering Honor Society. She has also been heavily involved with numerous organizations such as the National Society of Black

Engineers, Kettering Student Government, Student Ambassadors and a valued member of the Residence Life Staff in Thompson Hall. In ad-dition to her extracurricular activities, Hills is also heavily involved with mentoring incoming freshman minority women, local youth in the Emerging Young Leaders program for 6th-8th grade girls at Center Academy and the Flint Inspires Real Engineers (FIRE) FIRST Robotics Team. Hills has not only contributed to her community through mentor-ing but she also volunteers regularly at the Food Bank of East Michigan, Children’s Museum and Carriage Town Ministries. The activities listed above have not only helped Hills gain admittance into one of Kettering’s most prestigious honor societies, but it has also allowed her to be named the 2010 Kettering University Women of the Year, 2011 Sobey Scholar and President’s Medalist.

Andrew Shumaker is a senior III Mechanical Engi-neering student originally from Kettering, Ohio who moved to Howell, Michigan before entering high school. Andrew has held many positions around campus as a part of Student Government and Phi Delta Theta. Most notably Andrew has been the Director of Academic Council, a Resident Assistant in Thompson Hall, and the Recruitment Chairman for Phi Delta Theta. While on Academic Council Andrew headed many initiatives to advocate for the students including adding a Multi-disciplinary Engineering Degree, adding more minors

and specialties focused on alternative energy, and eliminating the thesis and graduation fees charged to seniors. Andrew has volunteered for various organizations away from school by tutoring elementary students, volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club over work term, mentoring for FIRST robotics, and raising money and competing in the Phi Delt’s GM to GMI: Run for the Cure. Andrew is also a member of the Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi.

Nurudeen Huthman is a senior II majoring in Electrical Engineering from Lagos, Nigeria. Nurudeen is the current president for the Model United Nations Club, Muslim Students Association and Engineers Without Borders. Through Engineers without Borders he has positively impacted lives locally helping with ramp projects. He has also travelled as a team mem-ber to Mexico and South Africa to help with water purification. Nurudeen currently serves as a mentor and tutor with the Kagle Leadership Initiatives group.

Through this group he has been able to serve the flint community by volunteering to tutor high school students. Nurudeen is grateful for all the opportunities that have been afforded to him at Kettering and encourages other students to take advantage of these opportunities. Nurudeen will be spending his final academic term at Ulm, Germany in the spring of 2012.

Grant Thomas is a graduating senior with a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering from Grand Rapids, MI. During his four years at Kettering University, Thomas’s leadership involvement has included positions in the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Student Senate, Finance Council, Interfraternal Council, and Alpha Pi Mu, an Indus-trial Engineering Honor Society. Thomas has been very involved in service programs by participating in events such as Spike for a Cure and Relay for Life, and has given his time volunteering for the Food Bank of

Eastern Michigan. Thomas has also gone above and beyond by donat-ing bone marrow.

Kemoy Smith is a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biochemistry. He co-ops for Whirlpool Corporation and hails from Jamaica. Throughout his time at Kettering, he has been very actively involved in several clubs and organizations. Kemoy has served as a Resident Advisor, Student Ambassador, COMPASS Crew Member, and a Kagle Leadership Initiative Mentor and Tutor. Additionally, he has been integrally involved in NSBE, SHPE, and International Club. He is also a proud member of the Phi Delta Theta Michigan Delta chapter. Through his

involvement in extra-curricular activities at Kettering, Kemoy was able to enhance and develop his leadership skills. At first, he followed to gain knowledge which empowered him to lead effectively, and by continued service and commitment to his various organizations he grew. He admit-ted that it has not been easy and that there were certainly some rough patches. However, his experiences as a campus leader has helped him evolve into the man he is today; a developing man who is charismatic, adaptive, and one who continues to apply visionary thinking for the betterment of his communities.

Alexandria Petit is a Senior 1, Biochemistry major that transferred to Kettering her sophomore year. She is from Royal Oak, MI. Alex has held many positions within her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, including Vice President of Programming and Ritual. She also represents Kettering as one of the Flint College Town Initiative board members through the Flint Institute of Arts. Alex is involved on campus as well, both in the Panhellenic Conference and the Pre-Med Club. She is social chair for panhel, planning events such as orientation events, Greek week and the Greek awards

formal. Alex has volunteered at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI working in their simulated surgeries lab, assisted Detroit Public School teachers as a math and science aid during summer school, and travelled to Mexico with a group of doctors and volunteers from Michigan to run free optometry clinics for underprivileged areas in the state of Sonora. Alex is a member of the Panhellenic honor society, Rho Lambda and also the Chemistry honors society, Gamma Sigma Epsilon. It is because of all of these things that Alex Petit was named Greek Woman of the Year 2011.

by The Robot Society

Photo courtesy of Tom Gale

December 7, 2011

Student ReviewsKettering University - The TechnicianPage 6

As today’s television shows are looking like carbon copies of each other and turning into mindless entertainment, it’s clear that there is little hope for any original televi-sion show. At least this was the case until AMC introduced a series that will forever define “quality enter-tainment.” That show is Breaking Bad, starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul. Breaking Bad does the amazing job of showing you a typi-cal, everyday guy gradually losing his moral judgment. It is interesting how complex the characters are. You see first-hand the stripping of a character’s moral innocence, and him moving toward a more power-hungry, go-to-any-length type of guy. This transition is gradual and covers several seasons.

The show follows Walter White (Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher living paycheck to paycheck with his handicapped son and pregnant wife. On a doc-tor’s appointment about his constant extreme coughing fits, he finds out he has advanced lung cancer. Without treatment, he has very little time left before it will spread and become completely incurable. The next few days, Wal-ter thinks about his life, his soon-to-be-born daughter, his family, and of course money. He can’t think of one thing in his life his family will remember him by, and he certainly doesn’t have any funds to help his wife once he dies. Walter then gets a crazy idea that selling meth may be the way to pay for treatment and leave his family money if something goes wrong.

It is very clear that Walter is stepping from

Hoffman’s Deco Deli opened in 2008 by Nick Hoffman and his two sons, Mark and Heath. The trio own and operate the deli along with Carriage Town Antique Center and Randolph House Estate Liquidation. The deli and antique store occupy a former Sears Auto Center on the corner of Garland and Second Ave (just down the street from campus!). The family is native to Flint and exemplifies the upbeat energy in the Carriage Town neighbor-hood and downtown. If you are unfamiliar with or a skeptic of this energy, come down, introduce yourself to the Hoffman’s and have a sandwich—you might just become a regular!

There is an entire wall of sandwiches, soups and salads to choose from. Each item is named after a historic Flint icon; the “G.M.I.” is a grilled cheese on herb foccacia! Ingredi-ents are local and of the highest quality; all produce is purchased from the Flint Farmer’s Market. Each month Hoffman’s offers a unique

one world into another. Before, the only worry he really had was money, or if he should pick up some milk on the way home from the school. Now, he has the constant fear of himself and his family being killed, drug lords following him wherever he goes, and of course being found out by the police. The transition between the two worlds is very evident and harsh on Wal-ter, but as the story moves on, he embraces its effects on him, and this turns him from a shy, quiet school teacher, to a rebel on all counts.

Although Walter is embracing this new-found “adrenaline rush” and means of quick money, the writers of the show still want you to feel and know that he is doing this for his family and nothing else. Walter knows there is

no turning back, as his face has been seen by many of the drug dealers and his “product” is too good to stop producing, but he still makes an effort every so often to readjust himself and stay aware of his origi-nal objective.

But even as his feeling for his family is displayed many times, Walter eventually gives into this power that the drug business gives to those who know to use it. As his product is the example of perfec-tion in the business of drug selling, Walter uses this as leverage in many situations to keep the money flow-ing, and in many circumstances, to keep himself alive. He even has Jesse, his former student and busi-ness partner, take out the only other person who knows the recipe to further their livability. The end of

season four shows the full transformation of Walter in all aspects of his life to where he fully accepts this life of drugs, violence, and money.

Breaking Bad takes what conventional shows do and turns it around 180 degrees into something no one has ever seen before. It really shows the struggles of a man facing cancer with a new addition to their family in the distance. It is a show that, unlike many others, shows progression of the characters and also the events that influence them and make them who they are. It is good to see this in a show because the same cookie cutter shows aren’t cutting it now. The viewers want depth, originality, and a list of characters you love and hate, and Breaking Bad gives them that and more.

Television is Finally Breaking Badby Dan Leshock

photo courtesy of AMC

featured sandwich. Groups enter submissions for the featured sandwich, making this a great opportunity to get publicity in the community and get creative with your fraternity/sorority or organization members. The deli also offers Coffee Beanery drinks and, just recently, a self-serve frozen yogurt bar by Fro-Yo, the famous 8-calorie per serving treat!

Hoffman’s was recently showcased on UTR: Under the Radar Michigan, a PBS program tour-ing the great cities in Michigan. Check them out in Episode 24. You can also “like” Hoffman’s Deco Deli’s Facebook page and learn about upcoming events or find out what soup they are serving for the day.

Be sure to show your student ID when you stop by to receive 10% off your meal. The dis-count prices sandwiches competitively with the likes of Subway or Jimmy Johns, but definitely wins on flavor and atmosphere. Hoffman’s also caters and will deliver for free!

Restaurant Review: Hoffman’s Deco Deliby Ben Archangeli, staff

Hoffman’s Deco Deli is located at 503 Garland St. Flint, MI 48503. Contact them at 810-238-0074. www.hoffmansdecodeli.com Winter Hours are: Mon-Fri – 8am to 5pm; Sat – 11am to 5pm; Sun – 12am to 5pm

December 7, 2011

EntertainmentKettering University - The Technician Page 7

by Rebeccah MacKinnon, Copy EditorA man named Julf was condemned to death for kill-

ing his mother’s brother’s nephew’s former roommate. However, because Julf showed some form of remorse, the judge showed clemency and allowed Julf to choose how he would die. He was given the option of going into one of three rooms. The first was a room full of raging fire, the second was full of booby-traps similar to those in the Saw movies, and the last was full of lions who had not eaten in three years. Which room would be safest for him?

Movie ReviewThe Muppets

by Ryan Dontje, staffThis is probably the funniest movie I’ve

seen all year. Not many films can make some-one stop and laugh openly quite like The Muppets manages to do seemingly effortlessly. Furthermore, it’s got heart that few movies can match, coupled with a feeling of honesty that makes it a great experience for almost anyone.

The premise is an interestingly modern twist on the familiar “hold a big event to raise money” trope, centering around Ja-son Segel as Gary and his brother Wal-ter, a new muppet created exclusively for the film. Segel’s admiration for the material is apparent and really helps his performance. You can clearly see he has a love for the muppet characters. He has no issues interacting with them as if they were simply other human performers, lending a sense of life to the film and mak-ing the world they’ve created feel plausible and real. Amy Adams is incredibly likeable as Segel’s girlfriend, Mary, and is a wonderfully innocent-feeling compliment to his character’s naivety. Chris Cooper works well as the film’s primary antagonist, making the character clearly evil, yet silly enough to make him feel relatable. There are also an absurd number of cameos, which I won’t spoil here (being sur-

prised by some of them was part of the fun!). All of the live actors should be commended, as they seemed to follow Segel’s lead and make the film feel natural and alive.

The real focus of the story, however, is the muppets. Credit sim-ply has to be given to the actors voic-ing them and their puppeteers, who con-vey more emotion through a puppet than some actors can muster up in person. This is pretty much why the film really works, in my opin-ion. With that human feeling of the non-human characters, a film that would oth-erwise be a slapstick tale aimed at children becomes something everyone can enjoy. Their knowledge and usage of pop culture and current events doesn’t hurt either, as their occasional ref-erence of these pro-vides subtle humor for the older viewers in the audience. The characters retain their personalities from the television series

perfectly. Those not familiar with the show will be introduced to a whimsical cast of ridiculous characters that play off of one another well.

If one thing sticks with you when you leave the theater, it will probably be the film’s tone, which feels honest and harmlessly fun. It provides emotional drama and finishes with a

Logic Puzzle

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by Rebeccah MacKinnon, Copy EditorCryptoquote

hopeful feeling that lasts long after the film’s 98 minute running time is up. The film also pro-vides a well-structured emotional roller-coaster for the audience, transitioning successfully from the feel-good highs of the film’s humor to the heart-wrenching moments of its more dramatic scenes. You’re going to tear up at least once, but when it happens, it feels optimistic rather than hopeless. It’s also one of the few films I’ve seen this year that leaves the viewer with a lasting and relevant message, being of honesty and self-confidence, giving the film an inspiring feel. You’ll be surprised at how moved you’ll be after listening to the speech or musical number of a little green frog. Much like the original muppet show and movies, musical numbers are also a relatively large part of the film, and they work well, feeling catchy and fun. Like the rest of the film, they stay with you long after its all over.

To be honest, it’s probably not what you’re expecting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the muppets, but this is a definite gem that sim-ply should not be missed. I would gladly go on record and call it one of my favorite films of the year and a worthy addition to the classic mup-pet movies. It relies on straightforward humor that assumes and appreciates the audience’s intelligence and thus avoids the pitfalls of many similarly targeted movies. This is as much for the grown-up fans of the muppet adventures as it is for new viewers. The Muppets is also a prime example of a film that knows that it doesn’t need to pander to a specific audience to keep itself relevant. This pays off immensely, leading to a sense of humor that is genuinely funny and focused similarities among the audi-ence, rather than their differences.

If it’s not evident by now, I’m recommend-ing that you definitely check this movie out. If you can move past the seemingly childish outward appearance, you’ll find a mature and entertaining experience that is fueled by a love of Jim Henson’s characters, making for a true cinematic treat.

Each letter has been substituted for a different letter throughout the entire puzzle. Figure out the quote by de-termining how the letters have been substituted.

comic courtesy of xkcd.com

Citogenisis

photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

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1 Riverfront Center W | Flint, MI 48502 | P: 810.239.1234 | F: 810.244.3253 | E:info@flintstudenthousing.com

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