molly lappin
how csu’s number one
cadet rose to the top
20
an inside look at
the repeal of ‘don’t
ask, don’t tell’
back country bunking
explore the hidden huts
of the high country
molly lappin
how csu’s number one
cadet rose to the top
18 molly lappin
a salute to one cadet’s rise
18 above the rest
spring 2011 1
t he g i st
letters to the editor
as the magazine produced by csu
students for the csu and fort collins
community, we would like to extend
an invitation to our readers to submit
letters to the editor ranging from 50 to
mission statement
college avenue is a magazine pro-
duced and operated by csu students.
our mission is to serve the csu and fort
collins community with innovative and
engaging coverage of relevant issues.
our staff is dedicated to providing
balanced and accurate reporting as
8 where to go for old town treats
after dark
well as visually stimulating design and
photography to a diverse audience.
above all, we strive to maintain integ-
9 don’t roll in this hay: haystack rock a
local billboard
rity through professionalism and this
standard of excellence.
39 picking apart the sport of ice climbing the rocky mountain student media
corporation. college avenue is a
complimentary publication for the
csu and fort collins community. The
College Avenue
next step: learn what’s next in the CSU Lory Student Center Box 13
lsc renovation Fort Collins, CO 80523
(970) 491.1687
2 spring 2011 csumag@lamar.colostate.edu
letter from the editor
staff list
As I leave this issue on the stands,
moving on to graduation and the publication editor in chief
world beyond Colorado State University, I kelly bleck
smile.
This conglomeration of stories has the managing and
heart and soul of every individual on staff photography editor
chelsea dunfee
wrapped within its lines. Stories are drawn
from threads and made into a masterpiece features editor
by reporters. Our talented designers present aliese willard
readers with visual delights, representing
each story in unique, creative ways. These visual representations design editor
wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and technical skills of our vincent nigro
photographers, capturing emotional and astounding moments. web content editor
Everything within these pages has the tone and aura of tenae allison
professionalism that Student Media strives to teach its members. The
amount of effort that went into interviewing, compiling information copy editor
and writing the first difficult draft is astounding. But the subsequent kelly sterner
perfecting is even more so.
assistant
This issue is an exploration into the deeper world of the CSU and photography editor
Fort Collins communities. Beginning with pages of short, interesting kate wilson
pieces including how likely you are to find your true love, roommate
wars, late night food options and the girls of roller derby, the reporters
magazine soon delves into the deeper issues of “don’t ask, don’t tell” laura esposito
and alternative biofuels. jessica fish
natasha leadem
No matter what you are looking for, this magazine will touch on it. allison lecain
And that is the legacy I would like to leave with College Avenue. emily mccormick
College Avenue needs to be a mosaic. It needs to cover what you, jaime pritchard
as readers, want to see, read and experience. This issue is just the logan triesch
beginning of this exploration. kate wilson
As my predecessor Laura Esposito takes over I expect, as should
designers
you, an amazing, interactive experience that will take you to places in sydney graham
Fort Collins and introduce you to the people of CSU in ways you never logan hunter
expected.
Seeing the magazine expand and knowing that 2011 will bring photographers
fantastic feats, I am incredibly proud – and looking forward to garrett mynatt
everything the next year will bring. chase baker
adviser
Kelly D. Bleck jenny fischer
marketing director
megan lujan
4 spring 2011
h ot b utto n
by jessica fish
Love Actually...
the statistics behind love at first sight
I
t could happen in a coffee shop, in convinced her somehow.” 19 percent of married couples.
class, at work, back in high school, Nearly one-tenth of couples in college Dick P.H. Barelds and Pieternel Dijkstra
even at next week’s party – no one began dating in high school. According to wrote in their article, “Love at first sight
ever really knows when they will find the Harris survey, only 2 percent of those or friends first?” published in the Journal
true love. People are told that the high school sweethearts are expected to go of Social and Personal Relationships, that
possibilities of meeting someone are endless, all the way down the aisle. they do not believe in randomly meeting
but what are the chances? But almost 14 percent of all couples someone compatible.
Author of “Love at First Sight,” Earl that end up getting married met at school People need to be more observant and
Naumann, found that two-thirds of at some point, most commonly at college. wary because, “‘chemistry’ or physical
Americans believe in love at first sight and People are older and more prepared for a attractiveness lures individuals into an
supposedly half of those have experienced it relationship and college offers so many intimate relationship before they have
in one way or another. ways to meet people: sharing a floor in gotten to know their partner’s personality.”
According to a Harris Interactive the dorms, clubs and organizations, sitting Barelds and Dijkstra believe this can
online survey of married couples in 2006 together during classes or sharing a moment distort or cause an incomplete image of the
and 2007, 8 percent met at a bar or club, 8 in the library. person. They also wrote that the couple can
percent at a social gathering, 2 percent at a Junior Brandon Hauss, a food science take the time to get to know each other,
restaurant or coffee shop and 1 percent met and human nutrition major, met his fiancé make accurate assessments of each other
shopping. These couples set eyes on each in his dorm freshman year. and be happy in the long run.
other and had enough of a connection to “She lived on the same floor and was But they have found that an intimate
take things further. a friend of my roommate. Then we both relationship after initial friendship is a
“We just started talking at a coffee shop decided my roommate was kind of weird good base for a long-term relationship.
because the line was long. Hours go by … but [she and I] still hung out. We used “Romantic love may develop more
and next thing I know we’re exchanging to watch infomercials and try to guess the gradually, but individuals become friends
numbers and going on date number two, prices,” he said. before they become lovers and get involved
then 200,” said junior Stephanie Trent about They started dating only a couple days more intimately after they have gotten to
her boyfriend of two years. “We just seemed before he transferred to Colorado State know each other thoroughly.”
to click. I don’t really know what drew me to University, and after dating for the
him like that, it just happened.” last couple of years they are
Vault.com writer Phil Stott reported in planning on getting
his study on office romance that 30 percent married on New Year’s
of the full-time working population has been Eve 2011.
in a long-term relationship with someone Up to 18 percent
from work and nearly 19 percent end up of couples meet
marrying a co-worker. through their family
“We met at work and we weren’t supposed or mutual friends
to date, but of course I couldn’t stay away according to the
and now we’re going strong a year and a half Harris study. The
later. So just imagine if I had followed the study said another way
rules,” sophomore Owen Jones said about his people meet the person
girlfriend Britney, whom he met at the coffee of their dreams is through
shop at which they both work. “My boss online dating, chat rooms or
wasn’t too happy when she found out, but we social networking online, equaling nearly
T
• Put dirt in your roommateʼs milk?
he crazy roommate – • Stand over your roommate while
a student’s biggest fear they sleep?
“Lego Land vs. The Bakery
– can make or break • Break and throw things angrily for
– those were our room names –
a college experience. and we did a lot of mean things no apparent reason?
There are horror mov- over three months. There were • Pee on your dorm room floor?
ies dedicated to the incident of hav- shaving cream bombs, flash • Refuse to put any clothes on?
ing the roommate from hell. floods, smeared Vaseline. We hid • Deliberately kill your roommateʼs fish?
Christian E. Christiansen, direc- cat food under their beds, shoved • Match your outfit with your room-
tor of the 2011 thriller, “The Room- onions under their door. We both
mate everyday?
mate,” depicts incoming freshman stole stuff from each others rooms.
We put pads and ketchup on • Pretend to be a cat and meow to
Sara being terrorized by her new yourself all the time?
roommate Rebecca. their door and wrote ʻSurrender
Period.ʼ They almost burnt down • Leave your roommate alone with
CSU students have shared some your naked one night stand?
all of Durward residence hall
of their past roommate experiences. • Deliberately steal your roommateʼs
because they put an apple in our
Here are some of the worst and microwave for 30 minutes when stuff and hide it around campus?
most unique stories shared with no one was there and it lit on fire.
College Avenue. “It completely destroyed our Think you could never be – or never
friendship. I got into fistfights with have – the crazy roommate?
both of the guys and came out Send your roommate stories to
“My roommate smells bleeding after somebody else csumag@lamar.colostate.edu
really, really bad. Iʼve gone had to break it up. It started out
through five bottles of Febreze fun and got nasty.”
in my room in the last semester.” - Erika, sophomore
- John, sophomore
ÀlatelanightCart
hunger stops cold turkey
A
mountain
s the sun sets over Old Town Chilikova, a staff member at Stuft said.
Square in Fort Collins, metal Stuft offers a list of eight meat and
beasts begin to meander veggie burger options, nine cheeses, 27
through open spaces and take toppings, 15 sauces and five buns that you
over street corners. Smells of can mix and match at will.
fresh baked pizza dough, sauerkraut and Continue to head north to the corner
tzatziki sauce follow quickly behind them. of Mountain Avenue and College Avenue,
It’s the late night food eaters’ dream where the Fort Collins Gyro Stand draws
come true: traveling food carts. people in with their made to order gyros,
Indecisiveness and a low budget meet in hot dogs, brats and hummus wraps.
a glorious harmony of mouth-watering foods Laurel Kessler, 22, a junior biomedical
ranging from a slice of pizza bigger then your sciences major, said that places like the gyro
face, to burgers stuffed sky high with caramelized stand not only offer delicious food, but
onions, scallions and basil pesto mayo. they make her feel like she’s been relocated
Only if that’s what you’re craving, of course. to the heart of New York City.
Stephanie Cavinder works the window “If I’m down at the bars late at night
at King Weenie, a walk-up hot dog and ice and I’m hungry it’s awesome because it’s
cream shop that serves up some seriously right there, it’s fresh, you get to see it made mulberry
stuffed hot dogs and desserts for less than right in front of you and it tastes awesome,”
four bucks. Kessler said.
“We usually get a lot of people stumbling Tucked into the Old Town Square,
over from Tony’s after last call and then they Pizza Casbah dishes up their famous pizza
realize they’ve been drinking all night and slices from a cart and the latest addition of
college avene
they’re hungry,” Cavinder said. a hot dog cart will round out the late night
Displaying an award for first place at the invasion of filling foods.
Sundance Music Festival and Chili Cook
Off in the window, their Western Dog go to collegeavenuemag.com
packed with bacon and chili mesmerizes to read about the newest
hungry hot dog lovers. cupcake cart hitting the streets lemay
If a place to sit down is on the menu, a few
doors down College Avenue is Stuft Burger Most of the carts begin to pop up
Bar, which offers customizable burgers until around 10 p.m. and stand strong until the
midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. If there last person dwindles from the surrounding
are too many options, the staff has also made a nightclubs and bars, happily fed, usually
list of suggestions. around 2:30 a.m. stuft gyros
“I like the Western Burger but I Fear not, late night food connoisseurs,
king weenie pizza casbah
suggested the Black & Bleu burger,” Irina Old Town has you covered.
8 spring 2011 design by vincent nigro
h ot b u tton
by allison lecain
A
spot for the Border War rivalry.
figure of public opinion, a While they never did find the men who “For many years it has been spray painted with
master of the arts and a canvas tricked the settlers, that is not so important either CSU or Wyoming messages,” Hirn said.
for Northern Colorado. Would today considering the rock stands for The rock is currently plastered with
you believe we are talking about a something different. University of Wyoming logos on two sides.
rock? While Haystack Rock is no Most people know little to nothing of the Haystack Rock stands about 12 feet tall and
human, it has character and personality that rock’s history because Haystack Rock is more 15 feet wide.
has withstood the test of time. of a public graffiti outlet for anyone to express “It’s a place for people to say what they
John Hafnor, author of the historic novel their feelings or show off their artwork. want to say and have some fun,” Hafnor said.
“Strange but True Colorado,” said that today,
Haystack Rock is somewhat of a First Amendment
billboard, but it has a unique history.
Dating back to the 1860s when Fort
Collins truly was a fort, there was a large,
distinctly square-shaped rock just north of
what is now Laporte. At the time, settlers were
contracting with farmers to sell them hay.
“One of the farmers who provided the
hay told the settlers that there was a haystack
past Laporte that they would sell to them,”
Hafnor said. “When they went out to retrieve
the haystack they realized it was just a small
amount of hay draped over this rock, and that’s
how it became known as Haystack Rock.”
haystack rock is located north on highway 287 between fort collins and laramie, wyo.
T
here’s no beachfront be prepared before setting out.
view, all-inclusive buffet Each hut is equipped with a
or towels in the shape of propane stove, wood burning
cute little animals, but heater and solar-powered lights.
for some, backcountry Everything else must be packed
ski huts might as well be five- and brought in. When venturing
star resorts. Located miles from away from civilization, hut
civilization and only accessible users must be prepared to face
by hiking or snowshoeing, the survival situations.
huts provide the perfect getaway “The trails are not clearly
from the rest of the world. marked, so it’s important to
“You’re surrounded by the have a map of the system,”
mountains and there’s no sign Dodge said. “Some people
of any humans for miles,” said don’t arrive at the huts at all while hiking from “the tagert hut” to the
Eli Cagen, 2010 Colorado and have to sleep in the snow.” and a lot of us were really tired friends hut on their 2009 trip, ben ryan
State University alumnus. at that point,” Cagen said. stops to play the banjo.
Colorado has a series of Having to make a hard
hut systems, connected by a Establishing a Tradition decision, the group decided to
single trail, that offer shelter For CSU graduates Cagen split up. Half went on to find
for outdoor enthusiasts. and friend Chris Pearson, the hut while half set up camp
One of the more popular the backcountry huts offer in the snow.
systems, the 10th Mountain more than just a shelter and “It was pretty scary because
Division, began with two huts in an escape. Six years ago they we didn’t really have the
1981 and is now composed of 31 began an annual ski trip with equipment to be camping out,”
huts, 14 publically owned and 17 high school friends. Pearson said. “We just made a
privately owned. The system was “We’ve all been to different huge fire to keep warm.”
inspired by a division of troops parts of the world, but we all After a cold night, the
stationed in the mountains during try to make it back for that hikers who stayed behind were eli cagen, john trautwein, john harrold, matt
weitz, ben ryan, sam arnsmeier, chris pear-
World War II. Fritz Benedict, an time of the year,” Pearson said. all able to reach the second hut
son, and wayne wagner stand in front of “the
architect who wished to honor The group will typically set safely and reunite with the rest target hut,” the first stop on their 2009 trip.
the military troop he served in, out for six or seven days and of the group.
began the 10th division. stay in at least two different While snowshoeing and
“The goal of the hut-to- huts through the course of carrying large backpacks full
hut system was to connect their trip. of supplies can be a grueling
communities, particularly Aspen In 2009 during a trip along process, they find that it’s
and Vail,” said Ben Dodge, the San Juan hut system, Cagen worth getting a chance to lay
executive director of the 10th and Pearson’s group had been fresh tracks, as the huts are
Mountain Division. “It was so hiking for more than 12 hours located in perfect terrain.
people could ski from community when they found themselves “The hiking isn’t so bad,”
to community without having to navigating to the second hut Cagen said. “It makes you feel
sleep in the snow.” by moonlight. like you’re earning your turn during one of their earlier trips in 2006 the
Guests planning on utilizing “We were really prepared and wherever you go there’s group stayed in “the fabi’s hut.”
the backcountry huts have to but the trail was poorly marked always powder.” all huts pictured are part of the 10th
mountain division system.
S
leek. Smooth. Small. The Kodak
Zi8 portable HD video camera may
be the neatest gadget I’ve found at “its pocket-sized
an easy-carry size and even easier framefitseasilyinto
price tag.
This little baby retails at $179.95 directly ajacketpocket;and il son
from Kodak, but I found it new on Amazon. the cost won't keep a t e w
com for just $99. k
by
It features a 2.5-inch color LCD screen, youfromyourcollege
user-friendly button operations and a education.”
lightweight body that spans a tiny 4.5 inches
in length. Beside the fact that I could pop in if you are looking to frame an 8-by-10 photo
an SD memory card and go, I enjoyed the for your mother’s birthday, you may want to
convenience of the USB arm. It plugs directly stabilization component, I experienced no keep shopping.
into the computer for instant uploading or blur – only clear, crisp movement. For the price and convenience, the
battery charging. I can only make one complaint. While Kodak Zi8 is a worthy piece of equipment.
Perhaps the most valuable detail to video the photo quality of the Kodak Zi8 for still Its pocket-sized frame fits easily into a jacket
enthusiasts is the HD video capability of images is average at 5MP, I prefer to shoot pocket; and the cost won’t keep you from
this instrument. It shoots 1,080p HD at photographs at no less than 8MP. If you are your college education. It may be a coveted
30 frames per second or 720p HD at 60 looking to shoot photos for your Facebook gift for that hard-to-shop-for someone or the
frames per second. With the built-in image profile, this camera will work great. However, perfect addition to your techie-toy box.
I
’m a chocoholic. There, I said it. The
first step to overcoming a problem is
admitting that you have one, right?
I say wrong- there is no problem.
In fact, I have discovered a
secret that has allowed me to continue to
enjoy my favorite, most sinful chocolaty
treats without feeling like the button on
my pants will snap off in the middle of class
and unsuspectingly blind someone.
The answer is vegetables. No, not like
broccoli covered in sugar free chocolate
syrup. I’m talking about things like black
beans and sauerkraut. Not only do they
pack a ton of fiber to keep you full, but they
have the ability to take on whatever flavor
you mix them with.
I know it sounds strange, but hear
me out. Missy Chase Lapine, author
of "The Sneaky Chef," has made it her
goal to hide vegetables in kid’s favorite
recipes such as macaroni and cheese or
desserts, such as brownies.
One of her solutions to making yellow
cake mix healthier is to add pureed sweet
potatoes, carrots and applesauce in place of
oil and butter.
These sly substitutes cut the calories for
yellow cake nearly in half and add more
than 150 percent more fiber. The downside,
however, is that the recipes often call for
ingredients that you wouldn’t normally
carry around the house.
No worries, I can fix that too.
I recently discovered two recipes, one for
black bean brownies and one for sauerkraut
chocolate cake, that require less ingredients
and less preparation time. My best friend
tried both recipes on me, knowing I can’t
resist chocolate, without telling me what
was in them.
brownie recipe
1 can unsalted black beans
1 box brownie mix, any type
1 tsp cinnamon or to taste
1 tsp vanilla or to taste
directions:
puree black beans in a blender. slowly add brownie mix and continuously blend (may need to add one-fourth to
one-half cup water if the mix is too thick). add as much cinnamon and vanilla as desired.
grease baking pan and add brownie mix to pan.
follow normal baking directions for heat and time that are listed on the brownie box.
yields 18 to 20 servings
1972
- Ramskeller was the place to be: students drank 3.2 beer and
played bridge
- Students under legal drinking age hung out in the game
room: bowling in the 12-lane alley and playing Snooker or
billiards
- Sunday Cinema in the LSC for 75 cents was a popular the lsc renovation may include an expanded food
pastime court and ballroom with a view of an enhanced la-
goon where the west entrance is currently located.
1982
- Ralph Nader lectured to approximately 1,000 students in the
LSC ballroom, mostly about Ronald Reagan, hot dogs, nuclear
power and gas-guzzling American cars
- CSU students’ “Concert of Dance” was a hit in the LSC with
a punk-rock version of a West Side Story number and several
modern dances
1992
- Hardee’s, now Carl’s Jr., was the only retail food chain in the
LSC cafeteria
- Subway was added next to Ramskeller
- ASCSU celebrated its 75th anniversary with a ceremony to
reinstate the “Stump,” which had been stolen from The Rocky
Mountain Collegian in the 1970s
the renovation of the theatre will begin june 2011.
2002
- A Peace Pole was planted in the sculpture garden to commemorate
sources: csu silver spruce 1962, 1972, 1982,
the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks
1992-93, 2001-02; the rocky mountain
- The LSC 40th anniversary celebration took place collegian vol. 101, issue 38;
- E-Cave computer lab opened hordon hazard, csu alumnus
leading
lady how molly lappin rose to the top of
csu’s biggest boys club
S
he was a nervous wreck. For couldn’t do it,” Lappin said, “but if someone
the next 29 days, every inch of discouraged me, it would be motivating.”
her body would be burdened, Both Lappin’s father and mother
every grade would be counted work for Sandia National Laboratories
and every element of her in Albuquerque, N.M., where she
character would be scrutinized. Three attended El Dorado High School.
years of blood, sweat and tears would be Joining the army had always been at
measured and calculated by a panel of the back of Lappin’s mind, but it was her
strangers to generate a single but infinitely high school marching band instructor
significant number: her rank. who first introduced her to the basic
Today, a doctor would inspect her. elements of military obedience. As a
Ears? Clear. Head? Not even close – veteran of the Army band, John Sanks
her mind was hemorrhaging thoughts. demanded a sense of self-discipline and
Eyes? She could see the white walls of professionalism from every musician
the room. Then she saw black. while emphasizing the importance of the
“I look back and laugh now, but at individual player to the band as a whole.
the time, it was so embarrassing,” said “I grew up with that sense of camaraderie
Cadet Battalion Commander Molly and I knew that I wanted to find a group [in
Lappin, who passed out on her first day college] that had that,” Lappin, who played
of Leadership Development Advanced tenor saxophone, said.
Camp this past summer. That group was delivered to Lappin’s
The senior sociology major is the mailbox in the form of an invitation
highest ranked cadet in the Army Reserve to attend The U.S. Military Academy’s
Officers’ Training Corps at Colorado summer camp. The camp gives interested
State University, a responsibility for high school students the opportunity to
which no member of her family had the experience life as a cadet and learn more
personal experience to prepare her. In about military careers. This was her
other words, Lappin’s number is one. opportunity to test the water.
“I had no idea what I was getting
myself into,” she said with a laugh. basic training
Despite her achievements in high
recruitment school and enthusiasm for the army,
Although she is the first person Lappin would inevitably have to overcome
in her family to pursue a career in the her biggest challenge yet: proving herself
military, both of her parents have always to CSU’s biggest boys’ club.
supported her choice. “In our profession, it is hard
“They have never told me that I for women to succeed in the male-
leading
lady how molly lappin rose to the top of
csu’s biggest boys club
S
he was a nervous wreck. For couldn’t do it,” Lappin said, “but if someone
the next 29 days, every inch of discouraged me, it would be motivating.”
her body would be burdened, Both Lappin’s father and mother
every grade would be counted work for Sandia National Laboratories
and every element of her in Albuquerque, N.M., where she
character would be scrutinized. Three attended El Dorado High School.
years of blood, sweat and tears would be Joining the army had always been at
measured and calculated by a panel of the back of Lappin’s mind, but it was her
strangers to generate a single but infinitely high school marching band instructor
significant number: her rank. who first introduced her to the basic
Today, a doctor would inspect her. elements of military obedience. As a
Ears? Clear. Head? Not even close – veteran of the Army band, John Sanks
her mind was hemorrhaging thoughts. demanded a sense of self-discipline and
Eyes? She could see the white walls of professionalism from every musician
the room. Then she saw black. while emphasizing the importance of the
“I look back and laugh now, but at individual player to the band as a whole.
the time, it was so embarrassing,” said “I grew up with that sense of camaraderie
Cadet Battalion Commander Molly and I knew that I wanted to find a group [in
Lappin, who passed out on her first day college] that had that,” Lappin, who played
of Leadership Development Advanced tenor saxophone, said.
Camp this past summer. That group was delivered to Lappin’s
The senior sociology major is the mailbox in the form of an invitation
highest ranked cadet in the Army Reserve to attend The U.S. Military Academy’s
Officers’ Training Corps at Colorado summer camp. The camp gives interested
State University, a responsibility for high school students the opportunity to
which no member of her family had the experience life as a cadet and learn more
personal experience to prepare her. In about military careers. This was her
other words, Lappin’s number is one. opportunity to test the water.
“I had no idea what I was getting
myself into,” she said with a laugh. basic training
Despite her achievements in high
recruitment school and enthusiasm for the army,
Although she is the first person Lappin would inevitably have to overcome
in her family to pursue a career in the her biggest challenge yet: proving herself
military, both of her parents have always to CSU’s biggest boys’ club.
supported her choice. “In our profession, it is hard
“They have never told me that I for women to succeed in the male-
don’t ask,
After 17 years of implementation, “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the law preventing gay
and lesbian soldiers from openly serving in the military, was repealed by Congress
on Dec. 18, 2010. Abolishment of the policy served as a major victory for the Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community, but the issues created by the repeal
and its potential effects on military operations are far from resolution.
S
he arrived at 1000 hours, sharp. To the majority of the American public, sergeant and master’s candidate in business
Closing the door behind her, repeal represented a human rights victory administration. “If we are serious about
Lacy took a seat at the head of for the GLBT community and a positive our military representing justice and
the table. She was clearly used to step toward equality. freedom, then why are we suppressing gays
being in charge. Twenty chairs To the Department of Defense, repeal and lesbians?”
circled the room but 18 remained empty, signified a major policy shift that would Army Sgt. Jeffrey Dale, who is currently
all reserved for the silent audience to whom require an overhaul of the military legal system. demobilizing from a yearlong tour in
she began to speak. It would improve the lives of thousands of Afghanistan, points to sacrifice.
“I couldn’t be who I really am,” Lacy military employees, allowing gays to serve “To argue that someone shouldn’t have
said. “I couldn’t talk about things or go to without the fear of being discovered and to give up something to be in the military is
anybody without the fear of losing my job.” discharged. However, it could also threaten preposterous because being in the military
During her eight years of service as a unit cohesion on the front lines, causing is about losing everything,” Dale, a junior
combat medic for the Marine Corps, Lacy potentially fatal internal struggles. art major, said in an e-mail.
recalls hearing anti-gay sentiment from her Members of the CSU veteran community Dale had to put his education on hold,
peers on a daily basis. spoke out about these issues, sharing a wide move out of his apartment and say what
“There was a lot of general hate speech range of opinions and calling into question could have been his last goodbye to his
but it was never directed at me,” Lacy said. both the effects of the law on the individual friends and family when he was deployed.
“I think I did a good job of maintaining and the overall cohesion of the military. “I am generally in agreement with the
my cover.” “At some point, you’ve got to say: what original policy,” Brett Hanneman, a senior
Lacy took several measures to hide her logic or facts support that gays can’t serve construction management major and
secret. At work, she built herself up to be in any capacity if they are intellectually, former infantry sergeant, said. “But I can
the toughest girl in the unit, admittedly physically and emotionally able?” Anne see problems that would arise from being
creating an intimidating exterior persona Morris, a retired colonel in the Air outspoken about being gay.”
as a defense mechanism against people who Force and master’s candidate in business Hanneman served as an enlisted
questioned her. At home, she constructed administration, said. “The service has a Marine for four years and admitted that
an acceptable heterosexual personal life. need for them.” discrimination was very prevalent in his unit.
“In order to stay consistent with my Morris, who was in the Air Force for He blames lack of education for the narrow-
cover, I would sleep around with some 26 years, recalls a time when women were minded attitudes of his peers and claims that
of the other guys in the unit,” Lacy said, hardly allowed to serve. many enlisted soldiers would not follow the
“which is a ridiculous way to conduct “Society has undergone a change so authority of an openly gay superior.
your career.” I think it’s only natural that the military, “If I knew someone was openly gay
Lacy, whose name has been changed which draws from the population, do the on my team, I hate to say it but I would
to protect her identity, is a member of the same,” she said. treat them differently,” said Robert Haner,
Colorado State University community, a Morris argues that the Armed a former staff sergeant in the army and
former military service member and is a Forces began accepting women when sophomore history major.
lesbian. Thanks to the recent repeal of the the American public recognized them as In order to obtain an accurate survey of
“don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, Lacy and the equals, and suggests the military follow its opinions among current service members,
statistical thousands of other homosexuals own example. the Defense Department administered an
in the military are no longer bound to a life “I think it’s long overdue, frankly,” opinion poll to military personnel from all
of silence and secrecy. said Adam Redgrave, a former army branches. According to the Washington
don’t tell
design by kelly bleck spring 2011 21
c ove r
“to argue that someone shouldn’t have to benefits in the context of homosexual
individuals and couples. It will face new
give up something to be in the military is forms of conduct violations such as hate
22 s p r i n g 2011
h ot b utto n
S
weating under layers of heavy going into, I knew that there was a huge of people that were fighting against you
combat gear – gun in hand – a probability that I would go into high- that were not wearing a uniform. You saw a
soldier sits in the back of a truck risk situations and do high-risk things. small occurrence of that in Vietnam, [but]
barreling across the hot desert Going into the military, I did not have the you did not see any occurrence of that in
of Iraq. The eyes of the enemy expectation that I would survive, just taking the Gulf War,” Hodge said. “It was not
cross his or her line of sight; their gun into context the effects of 9/11.” until I was in the military that I became
aimed, the soldier quickly contemplates Along with low survival expectations, aware of the concept of children being used
the consequences of not pulling the trigger. Hodge has found it hard to cope with as combatants. It is a scary realization to
Mind racing, the soldier fires and the enemy survival when so many soldiers lost their come to terms with. I had some friends that
fades into the distance. lives that fought alongside him. got hurt by children.”
Chris Dadderio, 18, an Army “I had some very good friends that Dadderio explained his perception of
commissioner as of late October 2010, were severely wounded, and some friends Iraq and how he believes the armed forces
has spent time contemplating that vision that were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. should prepare cadets for more intense
of his future when he may be deployed battle experiences.
to the Middle East after graduating from “[The Middle East] is definitely war
Colorado State University. “going into the military, i torn. It is probably one of the biggest
“I could definitely do it, but I’m not
going to be able to [kill someone] quick and did not have the
easy,” Dadderio, a freshman history major expectation that i would
said. “I am going to feel some emotional
things about it, because that is someone’s survive.”
son, someone’s brother. It is not just point - paul hodge, 32, senior
and shoot – it’s more human than that. It is
going to be either him or me.”
Paul Hodge, an undergraduate senior I don’t know that I really feel good about
seeking a second degree in social work, my survival and being in one piece,” Hodge
was in infantry as a corporal in 2005 and said. “I only know that I can’t take anything
2006. Hodge had a different experience back. So I can only move forward, and I am
when it came to joining the military: doing that in the best way that I can, trying
his motives were selfless when it came to to get my education.”
serving his country. Hodge explained the difference
“I did not really go into the military between the Iraq war and past wars,
expecting to come out. I thought we were including that it is hard to decipher the
in that serious of a situation,” Hodge, 32, enemy from civilians. paul hodge served in the u.s. marine corps and
plans on attaining his degree in social work so
explained. “Knowing which branch I was “I never really had an idea or concept that he may help other veterans in the future.
W
hen in uniform, the professor of aerospace studies, said. “You have “They will be second lieutenants in the
cadets never stare down something on your resume that says you have Army and will be responsible for about
at their feet. They walk, learned leadership skills and organizational 10 to 40 soldiers within their first year in
heads held high with behaviors. This is great no matter where you the Army,” Moose said. “We teach the
a sense of leadership, go or what you do.” soldier skills that they need plus a lot of
believing they will be performing a valuable This is of the utmost importance for developmental leadership that prepares
service to our country once they have students preparing for a career in the military. them so they are ready to be a platoon
learned the tricks of the trade. While it may Cadet James Schumacher, a senior leader in the United States Army.”
seem that nothing could fully prepare them history major, said that ROTC forces people Kemmerlin said when participating in
for what lies ahead, they are well versed in out of their comfort zones, and as a result ROTC, not only is a cadet ready for the
the roles of teamwork and leadership. makes them stronger and more confident. responsibility of being a leader in the military,
While the purpose of ROTC, Reserve “I don’t know any other program in the but they are guaranteed employment.
Officers’ Training Corps, is to commission world where someone can gain these life “I think the biggest value that students
students into the Army and Air Force, skills at the age of 18,” Schumacher said. get is that when they get out of college they
the goals of the students are even greater. By being a member of ROTC and don’t have to send in any type of application
Cadets in ROTC train to become strong finishing the program, a cadet is guaranteed for a job,” Kemmerlin said. “It’s all taken
leaders and to develop more confidence. a job of active duty in the Army or Air Force. care of for them.”
“What you learn in ROTC, whether that’s Lt. Col. Channing B. Moose says students Cadet Molly Lappin, a senior sociology
Army or Air Force, can be carried out wherever who participate in ROTC will begin in a major, said she believes the greatest benefit
you go in your life after your undergraduate mid-level leadership position instead of of the program is the camaraderie. She said
career,” Capt. C. Ryan Kemmerlin, assistant starting off in the lowest rank. the friendships she has made are important
because they are all going through the “The part of ROTC that is kind of a $600 per semester book allowance,
challenges of the program together. unique is that it does almost the same thing according to Moose.
“Whether it’s emotionally, physically, as a military academy does, but it gives them “The primary motivating factor usually
or mentally, ROTC is constantly pushing the opportunity to decide whether or not it isn’t money – it’s part of it, but everyone I
you and the end result is significant and is a good path for them,” Col. Peter Bleich, have interviewed with has a desire to serve
valuable personal growth,” Lappin said. Jr., enrollment and scholarship officer of in the military,” Moose said. “To me, they
Army ROTC, said. “They can try out the are more giving and more selfless than the
for more on molly lappin, class and get credit for it, but if they decide average person you would meet and they
check out page 18 that’s not the path they want to follow they want to do something big with their lives.”
have no obligation.” Cadet Bradley Johns, a senior history
For some people, such as Lappin, ROTC For those who do follow this path, major, values the importance of learning
can lead to a career in the military. For others ROTC offers two, three and four-year how to be a leader.
it may not, but an advantage to the program scholarships. In addition, there is a monthly “ROTC helped me discover my
is that a student can try it out if they are at stipend of $300 for freshmen, $350 for weaknesses and incorporated ways in
all interested in serving without having any sophomores, $450 for juniors and $500 which I could overcome them,” Johns said.
commitment to join the military. for seniors. Scholarship cadets also receive
B
eeping myself back into my first hall meeting. articles for College Avenue, visit my long
door, I walked down the long, “My parents actually signed me up for distance boyfriend on the weekends and
dimly lit hall. It always reeks [LSF], so I didn’t even know. It was my still have down time during the week.
of Axe and dirty gym socks. freshman, sophomore and junior year [of I know that everyone has that down
Rap music blares. Video game high school] when I drank and smoked a time because I hear the video games, the
shooting and screaming come from my lot,” Nguyen, 18, said. “But then my se- guitar playing, the giggling, the TVs and
neighbor’s room. A faint sound of angels nior year, I started to calm down because I the occasional soccer game in the hall (shh,
singing is always present – the religious res- didn’t like it anymore. I guess it was a good don’t tell our residence assistant).
idents singing and playing guitar in their thing I got into this hall. If I do drink, it Then there are the activities that we do
rooms. Sounds pretty typical of a dorm is really little. I don’t get belligerent like I on the weekends. There are several residents
hall, at least to me. I live on the second who enjoy hunting and camping, some go
floor of Parmelee Hall, in one of the two home and some go hiking and bike riding.
residence halls that is occupied by the Liv- Those who stick around enjoy cheering at
ing Substance Free community. sporting events and going out for frozen
“my parents actually signed
Whether it is asking my neighbors at 2 yogurt at Mahalo, or a walk in Old Town
o’ clock in the morning the keep to video me up for [living substance afterward. However, I can’t deny that not
game screaming down or asking them to free], so i didn’t even know.” everyone resists the party life.
go to dinner, we get along. We are all dif- A few residents tend to check out each
ferent and have our own reasons for being –ryan nguyen, 18, sports medicine weekend to go stay at friends’ houses. It is
in LSF. There are residents in my hall that common knowledge that they go out to
are overtly religious, some are addicted drink or party while they are gone, but no
to sex and others just want to avoid the one really cares. The rule “out of sight, out
party scene. I am one of the residents who of mind” definitely applies for our hall. We
signed up for the residence hall myself, used to. So, I am trying to stick with it. It all look out for each other. If someone does
just looking for friends who wanted to do has been about three months.” break the rules, he or she has the courtesy
something besides go out to drink or ex- Juggling my life seems easy and I know to keep it out of the residence hall.
periment with drugs. I wouldn’t say I take I can attribute that to being substance free. Nguyen believes that if he goes to a
my college education “seriously” but I am I say this because I never have to battle hang party, there are choices to make when con-
going to say that I appreciate it, and being overs. I also do not have friends who like to suming alcohol or not.
substance free is a personal choice to avoid drag me along to parties. That happened to “If I drink a little bit and I can tell
compromising it. me last year, I got left on the dance floor that I am feeling it or I smell really bad, I
My friend Ryan Nguyen, a freshman in while she and some random guy made out will stay somewhere else. But if I think I
sports medicine, did not have the luxury of in the corner. am sober enough to walk around and talk,
choosing where he wanted to live this year. I attend all 15 credit hours of my class- then I will come back [to the residence
He had quite the surprise when we had our es, usually get my homework done, write hall],” Nguyen said.
28 s p r i n g 2011
Coming back from Thanksgiving “I had a meeting [with our RA]
break, I was standing in line for pasta in and the worst thing that could happen
the dining hall and overheard a fellow is that I could get kicked out, if they “i joined lsf, because i wanted to
LSF member bragging about how, “my thought I was drinking and I broke the be in a community that supported
Thanksgiving consisted of getting high rule of conduct,” Nguyen said. “The
until I passed out.” person I talked to saw it in my favor,
my decisions, instead of ridiculing
This has happened more often in so she basically gave me a warning and me for them.”
previous years, according to my LSF I had to take a life choices class, so it
resident assistant Dustin Cooper, a wasn’t that bad. If I got kicked out, it - claire redmond, 18, undeclared
junior in construction management. would have sucked.”
Cooper explained that in past years the This is the biggest difference be-
rules were not nearly as well-kept as tween LSF and a typical residence hall.
they have been this year. The consequence for alcohol miscon- “the idea of living with people,
“LSF had a setback in the year of duct for students in a typical hall is that
2008 to 2009. There were a lot of prob- they might have to take a life choices
who shared my decisions, con-
lems with the residents and values had class. LSF residents face a real possibil- stantly and sharing a home with
been pushed back. Since then, we have ity of being kicked out of the hall and them really appealed to me.”
been trying to revamp the hall,” Coo- reassigned to another residence hall for
per said. “This year has probably been the remainder of the school year. - abby chestnut, 19, economics
one of the most successful, as well as the The fact is, LSF is not the only
most followed years in which people ac- place substance-free students can be
tually remained substance free.” found. According to Uconsiderthis.org,
It may be the most “followed” year, 36 percent of CSU freshmen abstain “i like the atmosphere. i am not in-
but there have still been a few incidents from drinking.
in which people have slipped up. Nguy- So, instead of facing judgement volved in anything, so i wanted to
en has been in a situation in which he from the drunk girl stumbling up the meet people who wanted to focus
was almost reassigned to another resi- stairs, we get more people who just on school like me.”
dence hall for a situation in which he want to go out and have a good time
was in another resident’s room (outside without having to light up or drink - jenna farmer, 18, communications
of the LSF hall) in which they were from a red cup.
consuming alcohol and were caught.
T
he game is called Chicken brother’s health, for her family and for this being rebuilt so that the families could
Run and it’s not for the faint little girl’s happiness.” move back in,” Dana said. “This was five
of heart. Alternative breaks at Colorado State years after the hurricane and some parts of
It requires teams of two: University are one of the only ways that the area are still in ruins and the huge black
one person to throw a series some students know how to spend their X’s are still emblazoned on the houses. It’s
of rubber chickens from a set distance, and week away from schoolwork. These students just not something you could understand
the other to catch them in a giant pair of donate their time and energy to complete until you get down there and see it, hear
clown pants held open by a hula hoop. service learning all around the country and people’s stories of what happened and their
Lindsay Dana and her 5-year-old partner, the world. last years of rebuilding.”
Katie, were dominating the stage. Dana For Dana, a senior Spanish and According to Dana, she is completely
and Katie gave it their all – and found biomedical science major, the trip to and hopelessly addicted to leaping into new
themselves in the lightning fast pie-in- Kissimmee, Fla. to volunteer with children situations where she can volunteer to help a
the-face finale. According to Dana, Katie’s who have terminal illnesses was a powerful specific community and meet new people.
brother Jack cheered louder from the introduction to alt. breaks at CSU. “It is a feeling that spans all differences
audience than anyone else in the “Give After Dana’s experience in Florida, she – cultural, racial and socioeconomic – and
Kids the World” theater auditorium. I love the changes being in the program has
“I was enchanted by Katie’s laughing "it is a feeling that made in me,” Dana said.
and her ability to let herself be happy in spans all differences Jen Johnson, an assistant director in the
the moment, even though I knew from my - cultural, racial and SLiCE office who coordinates volunteer
own experience that things with her brother socioeconomic - and I programs and community engagement,
weren’t going well,” Dana said. “Her home
life, although she wasn’t the one who was
love the changes being said that many students are impacted far
beyond their expectations.
sick, was almost certainly a mess.” in the program has “Students will go on these trips and
Katie’s family was at “Give Kids the made in me.” I think they have these expectations that
World Village” because that’s what they -lindsay dana, senior it’s going to be really fun – they’re going
wished for – a trip that allowed them spanish and biomedical to learn about their issue area and make
to relax and enjoy the time they had science major new friends,” Johnson said. “I think
left with Jack, who was diagnosed with sometimes what they’re surprised by is
cystic fibrosis. jumped headfirst into dedicating her spring just how profound [the trip] can be.”
Dana was there to bring part of her life breaks to the alternative break program. Jennifer Sneden, a senior biomedical
full circle. So far she has led a trip to New Orleans to sciences major, got to participate in a trip
“I had known Katie’s situation all too help rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane to Kenya and said it was one of the most
well before. I had lived this life she was Katrina, and is getting ready to lead her expensive and powerful trips that she has
living now,” Dana said. “Looking at this final trip to Achiote, Panama, to assist in experienced. The trip focused on female
girl, I saw myself for a moment as a kid building projects that focus on ecotourism genital mutilation and early education for
all those years ago and it filled me with a and sustainability. the people in the community.
sadness for my own loss, but moreover a “In New Orleans we did construction “You basically live for two weeks with
full-hearted, big-as-the-world hope for her on homes that had been gutted and were a community that still practices female
spring 2011 31
h ot b utto n
by jessica fish
Because I said so... students discuss parental control of tuition and majors
S
ara Heisdorffer’s parents offered to lead to “mental health problems, estranged parent expect when the child is even further
pay all four years of their daugh- parent-child relationships, or socially de- away? These parents are more likely to be
ter’s college if she chose to study linquent behaviors.” controlling in other aspects than just school-
medicine or go to law school. Her Often times when children are not ing, such as social circles and monitoring
mom is a nuclear medicine tech- living up to the expectations of mom and drinking and illegal behaviors.
nician and her dad is a lawyer. dad, there is more on the line than just “If I were ever caught by my parents do-
But Heisdorffer, a freshman, knew since another argument. ing any sort of drugs they would cut me off
she was a little child that she would never “Fighting with the folks is no big deal, completely,” senior communications major
go into either of those fields. but when there is the threat of them pulling Shannon Dobrovolny said. “Because they
When she told them of her choice to their money? It makes you want to do what are paying they have a right to be involved.
study music education they said, “Well they say,” freshman business major Kate If I was completely paying for myself, it
OK, you can be that way, but you know Demkowicz said. “But they also know what would be different.”
what that means.” is best a lot of times. It is about finding a When it gets to the point where students
Ever since then she has been on her own middle ground, compromising so everyone are studying for a career their parents chose –
– paying her way through all four years. is OK in the end.” and not what they want to do with their lives
“It’s hard when school is something that – it is no longer in their best interest.
you can’t talk to your parents about. Every “i think it is extremely Freshman business adminstration ma-
time I bring up music they get this look on jor Wendy Bowling has seen her brother’s
their faces and I know they won’t disown me important to have relationship with her parents suffer because
or anything, but I want them to be proud of parental involvement in they didn’t support his work.
me and excited for me and that’s just not how “All parents have control over their
it is,” Heisdorffer said. college ... it really does child’s education to a point. My parents are
Yourstory.org published parents’ top encourage you to work hard great, but my mother expects too much,”
10 career choices for their child. Coming Bowling said. “She cut my brother off – he
in first and second were doctor and lawyer, and stay on a straight path” was a music and theater major. She wanted
followed by scientist, policeman, profes- beau loendorf, sophomore
— him to get a ‘real’ major. So my parents saw
sional athlete, businessmen, firemen, poli- it as a waste of time and money.”
tician, inventor and in last place, designer. Her brother now works at The Metro-
The site found that parents want their Parents often get active in their child’s politan Opera.
children to be in stable careers that offer schooling because they miss being a part of Bowling has decided to choose a career
lots of job opportunities and make as much their child’s life. that would make money and that makes
money as possible. Some parents want their Mark Crawford, a clinical psychologist, her parents happy, even if it’s not some-
child to be financially or emotionally sta- told CNN, “Helicopter parents are always thing she specifically loves.
ble. Others say they want their child to ex- around their kid’s life, kind of on the fringe, al- Parenting expert Andy Cole said of
perience better and richer things than they ways making sure things go the way they need parental control, “It is completely natu-
were able to experience. Some try to live vi- to go and not really allowing the kids to figure ral for a parent to want the best for their
cariously through their child or use them to out solutions to problems on their own.” child. I have aspirations for my children,
finish goals they were never able to meet. Other parents hold on because they do but I would never push my expectations on
The authors of “Parental Influence not trust their child due to past negative them or pressure them into a career they
on Career Development: An Integrative experiences. Many find this a reasonable don’t want to pursue. I was relieved to find
Framework for Adolescent Career Coun- reaction, as it is not fair for parents to pay that 92 percent of the parents questioned
seling,” psychologists Eric B. Middleton to send their child to do drugs or party and in our study want happiness above all else
and Teri A. Loughead argue that the bur- not take education seriously if there has been for their children, but my heart breaks for
den of meeting parents’ expectations can evidence of this in the past. What should the those children whose don’t.”
32 s p r i n g 2011 design by sydney graham
h ot b utto n
by natasha leadem
O
n Jan. 10, 2006, Devan who couldn’t afford a college education. For Leah Rosen, a 2007 Daniels scholar,
Leazer made the decision to The selection process for the scholarship the fund stuck with her even when she was
take control of his life. Sitting follows stringent criteria. Student applicants unable to meet the required GPA. During her
outside as snow fell around must complete a series of essays as well as first year of college, Rosen was stricken with
him, he watched helplessly as meet for an in-person interview. a respiratory disease. The Daniels Scholarship
his apartment was emptied onto the street and his “While academics are a large part, I believe allowed Rosen to transfer schools her freshman
belongings were discarded like trash as his family that Bill Daniels was more interested in the year and even helped with the medical costs.
was evicted from yet another residence. heart, mind and character of the individual,” “The Daniels Fund has stood by me even
“I remember thinking in that moment, said Scott Southworth, scholar relations officer though the disease has been holding me back,”
I have to do something,” Leazer said. “I at Colorado State University. “These students are the junior liberal arts and history major said.
wanted to work to get out of that life.” a cut of a different cloth. When we are choosing, To Rosen, the scholarship has provided her
Having been relocated so many times, we are looking for students with a high degree of with the support she never had growing up.
Leazer struggled to attend high school, character, integrity, personal responsibility and a Rosen was faced with a life of inconsistency.
changing districts multiple times in one potential to make a difference in the world.” Her mother struggled with drug abuse while
year. When his family finally had a stable Since its official beginning in 2000, after Rosen was juggled between foster homes,
home, Leazer put all of his energy into his Daniels death, the scholarship has been granted eventually ending up in a homeless shelter.
schoolwork. Settling for nothing less than a to more than 2,000 students from Colorado, “The Daniels Fund has become the
4.0 GPA, Leazer climbed to the top of his Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico. backbone that I never had,” Rosen said.
class rank, solidifying himself as salutatorian. Located in Denver, the Daniels Fund “They have given me the confidence to
Little did he know all his hard work headquarters houses 35 staff members believe that I can do it for myself.”
would pay off. During his senior year, when dedicated to helping Daniels scholars with The Daniels Scholarship also allows
applying for college financial aid, Leazer found any problem that may arise. more than one student in a given family the
the answer when his counselor informed “The Daniel’s Scholarship is so much chance to go to college. Shannon Patilla,
him of the Daniels Scholarship, a four-year more than I expected,” sophomore freshman health and exercise science major
supplemental scholarship that could provide journalism major and 2010 scholar and 2010 scholar, celebrated the good news
him with a complete college education. He Joshua Cherry said. “I’ve never heard of a with her cousin, Nigel Daniels, a freshman
found out a day before the deadline and stayed scholarship so eager to offer benefits.” political science major and 2010 scholar.
after school to finish the lengthy application. “I was almost more happy for him when
Months later, after a nerve-wracking waiting I found out that he got it too,” Patilla said.
period, Leazer got the best news of his life. Ashley Johnson, a freshman human
He would be one of the few to receive development and family studies major, and
the Daniels Scholarship. her sister both got the chance to take the
“I was in the hallway of my apartment next step into higher education when they
when I opened the letter,” said Leazer, who received the Daniels Scholarship.
was chosen from over 1,000 applicants. “It While many other scholarship programs
was overwhelming. I was like, ‘Wow, I’m look for students at the top of their class
really going to college.’ It’s something that I in academics, the Daniels Scholarship is
never thought would happen.” truly dedicated to creating an equal playing
Leazer was given the choice to attend any field for underprivileged, hard-working
U.S. college, and he chose Colorado State students.
University to pursue a degree in business. “The Daniels Scholarship is one of the
Established in 1997 by a respected joshua cherry gives a speech as senior class best things that could have ever happened
member of the cable television industry, Bill president of his high school and president for to me,” Cherry said. “Without it, I don’t
the national honor society at his high school.
Daniels, the Daniels Scholarship was meant cherry was the second member of his family to think that I would be here.”
to provide funding to hard working students receive the daniels scholarship.
The billion
dollar
question
will pond scum become a sufficient alternative fuel?
*Note: Nick McCormick is the cousin of on depleting fossil fuels. as biodiesel is alluring. But the potential
I
College Avenue reporter, Emily McCormick Our conversation continues with of pond scum as fuel has yet to unlock
stare at my computer screen, McCormick filling me in on where he is the complex secrets of one of the simplest
listening to and observing our now. The cousin I once knew so well just organisms on earth.
online conversation that takes me to a few years ago has transformed into a Researchers, scientists and engineers
a quaint farmhouse in Washington published author in the field of sustainable have yet to develop a sustainable and
from the comfort of my living fuels, a successful farm owner and an active economically viable way to produce the
room in Colorado. My attention is quickly participant in the long fight to create a amount of algae needed to meet the world’s
focused on Nick McCormick’s enthusiastic cleaner environment for future generations. demand for liquid fuel transportation.
mannerisms. Though I should be frantically McCormick, employed by World “I believe in the American dream,”
taking down notes, I am unable to tear Steward in Underwood, Wash., has McCormick says with sheer confidence. “If
my eyes away from the screen. His hands dedicated his time and money to promoting I am so lucky to be blessed with children,
compliment the urgency in his voice and alternative biofuels. He has a strong belief I want to do everything in my power now
the task-oriented stare of his eyes indicates that with new policies, our nation has the to ensure a beautiful future for them.”
his dedicated spirit. potential to be nearly independent from McCormick has taken an interest
His chair gets closer and closer to fossil fuel-driven transportation. in sustainable entrepreneurial ventures
the computer. It is clear to me that Recently, academic laboratories are since high school, and after studying
McCormick, 24, has a love affair with this presenting a refreshing idea: produce algae environmental sciences at the University of
subject matter: pond scum. That is, his in order to extract oil from them, allowing Portland, Ore., his interests have expanded
heart is set on the potential that algae have the oil to act as a replacement fuel. into clean energy and public health.
in acting as an alternative biofuel; one that The prospect of taking pond scum and “For the past six years I have been
could bypass the dependence of the world converting it to oil that can be redefined running WVO, waste veggie oil, in my car
Slippery
CLIMBERS CONQUER
THE ICE Slope
W
inter months mean administrator for the computer science “it gives you an
curling up next to a department at Colorado State University,
fire with a steaming and a former ice climber. “Ice conditions can opportunity to
cup of cocoa for severely change from one season to the next.” challenge yourself
many, but some Ice can be deceiving, hardening over
adventurers choose to cling to the side of a pockets of snow and leaving weakened to do extremely hard
giant ice cube. Ice climbing isn’t a sport for patches in a wall. Ice climbers have to physical activity and
the typical outdoor enthusiast. It is a sport carefully analyze their surroundings before
where climbers scale frozen waterfalls while ascending a route. to keep your mind
facing freezing temperatures and risking under control.”
serious injury. dangers of the sport ~ wayne trzyna, systems admin-
Ice climbing is the offspring of rock istrator for csu computer science
climbing, born when mountaineers For climbers like Trzyna, the risks make department
discovered that at high altitudes they had it appealing.
to find their way across frozen terrain. “It gives you an opportunity to of the world’s most renowned ice climbers,
“Rock doesn’t change except with challenge yourself to do extremely hard fell to his death while at an ice festival in
geologic time,” said Wayne Trzyna, systems physical activity and to keep your mind Montana. Lacelle’s death was the result
under control,” Trzyna said. “There is more of a freak avalanche triggered by climbers
adventure in the wintertime because there above. Lacelle had been climbing since
are less people around, and the mountains the late 1970s, and had traversed some
are so beautiful and quiet.” of the most difficult routes known to ice
Trzyna climbed for more than 30 climbing. While Lacelle’s death came as a
years, conquering several ice routes in the shock to the whole climbing community,
Canadian Rockies and Rocky Mountain it was a reminder of the risks involved
National Park, when he decided that the with the sport.
stakes were getting too high. “The thing is, you tend to take bigger
“I got hit in the eye by a falling chunk risks as you get more confident in yourself,”
of ice,” Tryzna said. “There was a period of Trzyna said. “Most of the really avid ice
about a month when I wasn’t sure whether climbers seem to get injured or killed the
or not I was going to be able to see out of longer they’ve been doing it.”
that eye again.” With so little room for error, ice climbing
In December 2009, Guy Lacelle, one isn’t a sport to get into spontaneously.
ice types
- ice falls, waterfall ice, water ice: created from a
freezing waterfall
- alpine ice: formed from melting snow, which
re-freezes
- mixed ice and rock: both ice and rock climb-
ing elements
tools
- ice screws: protection
- crampons: 10 to12 points on shoe
- ice climbing boots: plastic/leather, stiff sole
- ice climbing gloves: padded in knuckle, pro-
vide grip in wet conditions, insulated and
water repellent
- avalanche beacons, first aid kits
- climbing rope
- climbing helmet
~information from indoorclimbing.com