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(01/29/08 4:09am)
Chocolate can be very beneficial to human health. This message was one of many conveyed to the audience at the “Science of Chocolate” event Saturday morning at WonderLab. \nKicking off “The Week of Chocolate,” the “Science of Chocolate” allowed attendees to learn about the scientific benefits of chocolate, all while enjoying hands-on activities and some tasting. \n“We’re talking specifically chocolate’s science and why it might be good for people,” said Karen Jepson-Innes, associate executive director of WonderLab.\nBruce Martin, an IU professor of physiology, gave a lecture at the event and revealed many chocolate facts. \n“A lot of people think that chocolate is just junk food, but it does have many benefits,” Martin said. “The lecture went very well, and we’re really hoping to do something like this next year.”\nMany people, including a WonderLab employee, joined in on the tasting activities. Patricia Cummings, a WonderLab supporter, came to the event out of curiosity. \n“There is more of a science to it than I thought,” Cummings said. “The effects and benefits were very interesting, and the hands-on activities gave me a better understanding of how it really works.”\nStaci Radford-Vincent, programs manager of WonderLab, led the audience in the hands-on activities and finished the event with a lesson on the art of tasting chocolate. While explaining the different qualities of chocolate, Radford-Vincent instructed participants in the different tasting methods, much like how a wine tasting event would be held. \n“We wanted to help people relate to its science and really understand the benefits, along with hands-on experience,” Radford-Vincent said. \nThe differences in how certain chocolates snap in half and between room-temperature and cold chocolates all helped the audience better understand the different qualities and types of chocolate.\nThe event, one of many during “The Week of Chocolate,” is part of a community partnership program with WonderLab, IU Continuing Studies and Options for Better Living, Inc. to raise funds to help serve disabled people in the community. \n“WonderLab has enjoyed providing one of the events for the last few years,” Jepson-Innes said. “It’s a great fundraiser.”
(11/30/07 4:30am)
Congressman Baron Hill will speak Friday at IU to a geography class about science and public policy. \nDuring his lecture, “The Role of Science in U.S. Policy Making,” Hill will discuss how scientific data impacts writing and approving new laws, and how scientists can do a better job at communicating with elected officials.\nProfessor Faiz Rahman of the Geography Department is responsible for bringing Hill to speak to his class and said the congressman is just one of many high profile speakers he has hosted.\n“I’m trying to make students understand how policy making works at the U.S. Congress and state levels,” Rahman said. “I want to educate our future scientists on how to speak with policy makers and citizens about science without using all the scientific jargon.” \nHill, a Seymour, Ind., native was elected to Congress in 2006 and serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Science and Technology Committee. \nJunior Josh Wolfson said he has always been interested in politics and he may go and see what Hill has to say.\n“I don’t know much about Congressman Hill, but from what I’ve heard he has some pretty good ideas,” Wolfson said. “I’m sure it will be an interesting lecture.” \nThe lecture, which is being hosted by the Department of Geography, will serve refreshments and is free and open to public. It will take place from 11 a.m. to noon Friday in Ballantine Hall, Room 330.
(11/01/07 10:57pm)
IU is still among the top candidates for hosting a 2008 presidential debate and should find out within the next few weeks whether it will be chosen, IU Student Association representatives said this week. \nThe Commission on Presidential Debates came to IU in July for a site inspection and approved it as a potential site to host the coming debate. \nJeff Fraser, policy advisor and 2008 debate director for the IUSA, said that this would be one of the biggest events to ever happen at IU if it takes place.\n“There would be 100 million television viewers watching from around the world and over 2,000 journalists coming to town,” Fraser said. “Every national talk show would be broadcasting all over campus.”\nThe debate, which would take place at the IU Auditorium, would draw up a lottery system on which students would be able to attend.\n“The press would take up the majority of the lower auditorium so seats would be limited,” Fraser said. “As for our chances to host the debate we are in a great position and we have submitted a bid that can be characterized as very competitive.”\nJoe Dejean, IUSA vice president, said that out of the 15 schools that have applied to host the debate, IU is definitely a top candidate.\n“IU’s chances are pretty good,” Dejean said. “It would be a great win because it started as a student idea within IUSA and we have collaborated with many administrators and students to bring this great coming to the University.” \nMichael Spitzer, a junior political science major, thinks that having the 2008 presidential debate at IU would be great for the campus as a whole.\n“It would allow for the students of Indiana University to begin thinking more politically,” Spitzer said. “It would definitely push them to take more of an active role on what’s going on in our country.” \nFraser, who said he came up with the idea for the debate being hosted at IU, put the bid together with last year’s IUSA vice president, Andrew Lauck.\n“The only occasion I know of with more national prominence is the Olympics,” Fraser said. “And I don’t see IU hosting that anytime soon.”
(10/31/07 4:00am)
IU is still a top candidate for hosting a 2008 presidential debate and should find out within the next few weeks whether it will be chosen. \nThe Commission on Presidential Debates came to IU last March for a site inspection and approved it as a potential site to host the coming debate. \nJeff Fraser, policy advisor and 2008 debate director for the IU Student Association, said that this would be one of the biggest events to ever happen at IU if it takes place.\n“There would be 100 million television viewers watching from around the world and over 2,000 journalists coming to town,” Fraser said. “Every national talk show would be broadcasting all over campus.”\nThe debate, which would take place at the IU Auditorium, would draw up a lottery system on which students would be able to attend.\n“The press would take up the majority of the lower auditorium so seats would be limited,” Fraser said. “As for our chances to host the debate we are in a great position and we have submitted a bid that can be characterized as very competitive.”\nJoe Dejean, IUSA vice president, said that out of the 15 schools that have applied to host the debate, IU is definitely a top candidate.\n“IU’s chances are pretty good,” Dejean said. “It would be a great win because it started as a student idea within IUSA and we have collaborated with many administrators and students to bring this great coming to the University.” \nMichael Spitzer, a junior political science major, thinks that having the 2008 presidential debate at IU would be great for the campus as a whole.\n“It would allow for the students of Indiana University to begin thinking more politically,” Spitzer said. “It would definitely push them to take more of an active role on what’s going on in our country.” \nFraser, who said he came up with the idea for the debate being hosted at IU put the bid together with last year’s IUSA vice president, Andrew Lauck.\n“The only occasion I know of with more national prominence is the Olympics,” Fraser said. “And I don’t see IU hosting that anytime soon.”
(10/26/07 4:23am)
Wildfires have scorched over 400,000 acres in Southern California in the past four days, a place where some IU students call home. \nThe first of the 15 or so fires started around midnight Saturday. By Sunday afternoon, fires were raging in Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange counties. Though wildfires aren’t uncommon in Southern California, 1,800 houses have been destroyed in the San Diego blaze, according to officials.\nIU junior Jordan Arnold said the fires are burning less than five miles from her home. \n“A lot of my best friends’ houses have been burned down,” Arnold said. “Everyone is okay though, and that is the most important thing.” \nArnold, who had a house burned down from a wildfire when she was younger, said fires aren’t that \nuncommon in her area. \n“I think everyone will rebuild their houses,” Arnold said. “We have a really tight knit community, so we will all be fine” \nIan Bell, a freshman from Pasadena, Cal., said everyone in the surrounding areas knows someone who has been affected by the fires. \n“We have family friends in San Diego whose house burnt down,” Bell said. “They’ve moved to a condo, and their insurance is going to help out enough to build a new house, but most of the concern is for the people in San Diego.” \nJeffrey Biggs, public affairs representative the American Red Cross, said they are doing everything they can to help the victims in Southern California. More than 50 mobile seating trucks, 3,000 workers from all 50 states, 40 truck loads of shelter and hundreds of workers have already been sent out to assist the people in need, Biggs said. \n“Wildfires are constantly evolving in Southern California,” Biggs said. “The winds are finally dying down though, which will hopefully enable the Red Cross and fire crews to work better and get on the ground. Our local chapters are doing a great job to make those affected as comfortable as possible.” \nKatie Honig, a senior at Point Nazarene Loma University in San Diego, said all classes on campus have been closed due to the evacuation of 150 faculty and staff from their homes in San Diego County.\n“Students’ and teachers’ houses have been burnt down, and many of my friends have had to evacuate their homes,” Honig said. “Considering what has happened so far, people have been very optimistic and thankful for the help they have received.” \nThe Santa Ana winds that had fueled the flames were all but gone by Thursday, but San Diego County remained a tinderbox. Firefighters cut fire lines around sections of the major blazes, but none of the four fires was more than 40 percent contained. More than 8,500 homes were still threatened.\nThe fires remained out of control Thursday but were being bombarded by aerial tankers and helicopters.\n-The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(10/18/07 2:17am)
A record number of donors was recorded as IU received $268.5 million in private-sector support in 2007. President Michael McRobbie announced IU’s accomplishment Monday. \nThe large sum of gifts from donors and non-governmental research grants reached the third highest level in IU history, according to an IU \npress release. \n“Indiana University’s excellence in teaching and research is reflected in the resounding support we traditionally receive from the private sector,” McRobbie said in a \npress release. \n“Through the immense generosity of a record number of donors, we are able to readily adapt to widespread changes in higher education, to build upon our world-class education and research environment and to expand our relationships with institutions around the globe. We are deeply grateful for this support, which will allow us to achieve our grandest aspirations and create an even more successful future for \nIndiana University.” \nThe record number of donors, which reached 112,195 this year, was a large increase from last year’s 106,735. \nBarbara Coffman, spokeswoman for the IU Foundation, said hard work and generous people made this record \npossible. \n“We always have a goal of having more donors than in the previous year,” Coffman said. “We always want to aim higher. IU deserves it.” \nIU has ranked among the top 20 universities in the nation – public and private – in the amount it receives from the private sector for 15 of the past 17 years, according to a press release. In 2006, IU ranked 17th in the nation. \n“The University is extraordinarily happy with the tremendous support they receive from alum and donors,” said Larry MacIntyre, director of media relations. “It makes a huge difference with the quality of programs that they’re able to provide, and without that support IU wouldn’t be anything like it is.” \nDonations, often received through mail, IU telefunds and special campaigns, are 98 percent restricted, which means the donor decides what the gift will be used for. \n“Most donors are looking to do something important and worthwhile that means something to them personally,” Coffman said. “They aren’t usually going for recognition; they’re usually giving so they can do something good for \nthe world.”
(10/16/07 6:20pm)
The atmosphere of the night is in their control. Everyone knows they’re in the bar, but it’s not their goal to stand out as a person; they let their music do the talking.\nDozens of disc jockeys flood the Bloomington bar scene with their live mixes and sets every week, but a select few really know how to get a crowd going. Jon Potts, known as “DJ Potts,” a senior at IU, got an earlier start than most when he was asked to DJ at a middle-school dance.\n“I had the equipment available, so they asked me to do my eighth grade dance, and I’ve been DJ-ing ever since,” Potts said. His father, who also was a DJ on the side, made the equipment easily accessible, and Potts didn’t let that go to waste.\nKilroy’s manager Dave Prall said the DJs that play at his bar are great for business.\n“They keep us up to date on the music,” Prall said. “Jukeboxes can get really repetitive, so the DJs keep a good flow going all the time.”\nPotts didn’t come to college with plans to DJ.\n“Just like any other freshman coming to IU, my eyes lit up like balloons,” Potts said. “I wanted to have fun like any other college kid, but my passion for DJ-ing stuck with me and now I’m playing most nights of the week.”\nIU alumnus Ben Jackson, better known as “DJ Action Jackson,” took a slightly different route into the DJ profession. Jackson, who originally had plans to produce music out of college, started his DJ-ing career as a side job playing around Bloomington. After performing at parties and clubs around town he soon realized that he was creating a reputation for himself, and now he DJs full time.\n“After graduating I had plans to come back and pursue a second degree,” Jackson said. “But DJ-ing really took off, and now I’ve just been concentrating on that.” \nJackson, who has been playing around the Bloomington and Indianapolis area, has plans to move to Los Angeles in a few months to further his career. \nPlaying at different locations throughout the week makes for some very interesting nights for most DJs.\n“You run into a lot different stuff,” Potts said. “I’ve seen anything from girls kissing to couples cheating on each other. This year I even had a guy urinate all over my equipment, and insurance doesn’t cover water damage!”\nJackson says that he sees more fights than anything.\n“The girls can also get really friendly,” Jackson said. “Most of the time it’s when they want you to play a request.” \nIU senior Mike Piermont, who is also the Interfraterninty Council President, said after picking up on DJ-ing as a hobby there have been a lot perks along the way. \n“Besides getting free drinks for the night, you’re getting paid for something you really like to do, and you also get to control the atmosphere,” Piermont said.\n Potts and Jackson have also had run-ins with their share of celebrities.\n“I’ve got to hang out with stars like Lil Wayne, all of the Wu-Tang Clan and even Macauly Culkin, as random as that sounds,” Potts said.\nBoth Potts and Jackson said they came into the DJ scene expecting somewhat of a rivalry between the guys playing around town, but both quickly realized that getting along with the competition worked in their advantage. \n“It’s very competitive because there’s always going to be more DJs than places to play,” Jackson said. “Most DJs today want to work together because good networking can get you gig, but there’s always going to be people that hate on what you do.”
(10/14/07 4:00am)
A lack of guidance for incoming Student Association members was an issue brought up Saturday morning at the IUSA symposium on the future of student government.\nThe symposium, hosted by a small but enthusiastic group, touched on topics that have been putting IUSA’s past and present impact on campus into question.\nDean of Students Dick McKaig and IU Provost Karen Hanson were present at the event and were able to voice their opinions on a number of matters that were brought up. \n“Enormous amounts of time are spent on trying to figure out what you’re going to do with your position,” Hanson said, pertaining to IUSA executive and congress members. \nParticipants agreed that members’ short executive terms are a big disadvantage. \n“While coming in as IUSA president, I could have used more guidance,” IUSA president WT Wright said. “We’re still trying to figure out some stuff, and we’re already halfway through our term.”\nAttendees talked about implementing an orientation program for new members. All present at the symposium agreed that giving the members an extra hand at the beginning of their executive terms would help in making their impact on campus more effective.\n“One of the biggest problems is that there isn’t a healthy turnover for the executives,” former IUSA president Alex Shortle said. “There are no records and no evidence of student government in the past, and those would be very helpful in making a smooth transition.”\nKelly Kish, who serves as the research assistant to IU President Michael McRobbie, was at the symposium and said she thought it was a great idea to start the conversation on what needs to be done. \n“It’s healthy to get the voices of different organizations heard,” Kish said. “If effective, the student government can be one of the most powerful organizations on campus.”\nIUSA Chief of Staff Matt
(10/11/07 2:11am)
The IU Student Association will be holding a symposium on the “Future of Student Governance” this Saturday at the Indiana Memorial Union, which will focus on and discuss how effective the student organization performs as a whole.\nThe symposium – the first of its kind at IU – will be an internal review on IUSA and a discussion about the future of student government and student organizations at IU, and what the organization might able to do with its future involvement on campus. \n“Organizations, faculty, administrations and students are all welcome to attend,” said IUSA Chief of Staff Matt Jarson. “We’ve cast a pretty big net in trying to get as much input as we can. This is a first so we’re hoping for \ngood things.” \nThe focal point of the symposium will be long-standing issues that have plagued the IUSA congress. \n“We’ve reached a point with IUSA where we’re having a difficulty with attendance at congress,” said IUSA President W.T. Wright. “Anyone who is showing any interest or looking to get involved is welcome to come and voice\nyour opinion.” \nAt the symposium, a panel discussion will take place with IU Provost Karen Hanson, Dean of Students Dick McKaig and IU Graduate and Professional Student Organization Moderator Paul Rohwer. \n“We’re going to pose several questions to get a historical background and ask questions to see what has and hasn’t worked in the past,” Jarson said. “In the end we’re hoping for a list of recommendations.” \nThe symposium will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the Frangipani Room at the IMU.
(10/11/07 12:50am)
The IU Student Association will be holding a “Symposium on the Future of Student Governance” this Saturday at the Indiana Memorial Union, which will focus on and discuss how effective the student organization performs as a whole.\nThe symposium – the first of its kind at IU – will be an internal review on IUSA and a discussion about the future of student government and student organizations at IU, and what the organization might able to do with its future involvement on campus. \n“Organizations, faculty, administrations and students are all welcome to attend,” said IUSA Chief of Staff Matt Jarson. “We’ve cast a pretty big net in trying to get as much input as we can. This is a first so we’re hoping for good things.” \nThe focal point of the symposium will be long-standing issues that have plagued the IUSA congress. \n“We’ve reached a point with IUSA where we’re having a difficulty with attendance at congress,” said IUSA President W.T. Wright. “Anyone who is showing any interest or looking to get involved is welcome to come and voice your opinion.” \nAt the symposium, a panel discussion will take place with IU Provost Karen Hanson, Dean of Students Dick McKaig and IU Graduate and Professional Student Organization Moderator Paul Rohwer. \n“We’re going to pose several questions to get a historical background and ask questions to see what has and hasn’t worked in the past,” Jarson said. “In the end we’re hoping for a list of recommendations.” \nThe symposium will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the Frangipani Room at the IMU.
(10/05/07 3:46am)
The Bush Administration failed to predict the future and as a result innocent people are suffering, said National Public Radio commentator David Cole on Thursday at the IU School of Law. \n“On 9/11 the United States had the world’s sympathy; today anti-Americanism has never been higher than now in the history of the country,” Cole said.\nThe Georgetown University law professor and writer for The Nation magazine spoke to a crowded audience in the Moot Courtroom at the law school. The lecture was sponsored by the American Constitution Society. \n“I had read about (Cole’s) speech being about our country losing in this war on terror and I agree with that, so I would like to hear his thoughts on the topic,” Bloomington resident Mel Hughes said prior to the lecture.\nAfter the 9/11 attacks, the Bush Administration’s attempt to prevent further terrorism has been questioned as to whether it is truly preventing or making our nation more vulnerable to terrorism, Cole said. \nIn its strategy to fight the terrorist threats in America, the Bush Administration made an attempt to adopt the approach of predicting what would happen in future attacks, he said.\n“The problem is that they don’t have the ability to predict the future,” Cole said. \nCole related the Bush Administration’s attempts to predict future attacks to the Steven Spielberg movie “Minority Report.”\n“There are many ways to effectively prevent terrorism,” Cole said. “And trying to predict events isn’t one of them.” \nIn his lecture, Cole explained instances where immigrants entering the United States were labeled as “bad guys” before they set foot on American soil. \n“Whether a person is an immigrant or an American, they are human beings first, and if they are in our country they deserve the full protection of our laws,” said audience member, David Keppel, a member of the Bloomington Peace Action Coalition. \nJohn Schlafer, president of the American Constitution Society, said he felt Cole showed a different perspective because “he recognizes that there is a danger” and Cole is concerned about it. \n“He is able to look past that fear to see how we’re actually doing in protecting ourselves, and I think that’s a perspective that we need to see more of,” Schlafer said. \nCole said the Bush Administration can take credit for things such as increased airport security and a strong military, but they need to keep their self-defense to preventive measures and within the rules of law. \n“The Constitution is only as strong as the people who believe in it,” Cole said. “And they really have more power than many realists and skeptics on the planet.”
(10/02/07 6:52pm)
David Cole, a Georgetown University law professor and co-author of the book “Less Safe, Less Free: Why America Is Losing the War on Terror,” will be speaking at the IU School of Law this Thursday. Cole will focus the lecture on his new book, in which he discusses why America isn’t succeeding in the war \non terror.\nCole, who is the legal affairs correspondent for The Nation magazine and a commentator for National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” said there are many sound ways to prevent terrorism in America that wouldn’t have the kind of blow-back effect that so many previous measures have had. \n“The Bush Administration has inspired higher levels of anti-Americanism around the world than this country has ever seen,” Cole said in a phone interview. “It’s the anti-Americanism that really poses the gravest threat to our national security over the long term.” \nCole plans to show where the Bush Administration has gone wrong in its steps in fighting terrorism and also discuss strategies for the U.S. to avoid future attacks. His book critiques the Bush Administration’s “preventative paradigm” in fighting terrorism.\nJunior Jeff Moskowitz, a pre-law major, said he likes the idea of getting different view points of the war on terror to speak around campus. \n“The more distinguished people you have speaking around campus about the war on terror makes the students more aware of what is going on with our nation,” Moskowitz said. “If the students are pro-active about seeing these speakers, they can really learn a lot.” \nThe lecture, which is being hosted by the IU student chapter of the American Constitution Society, is free and open to public. It will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the IU School of Law in the Moot Court Room.
(09/21/07 4:30am)
After Upland Brewing Company was listed in the October issue of Playboy Magazine as one of the “Top 10 college-town microbrewries” in the country, manager Ryan Harvey was not one bit surprised. \nUpland Bad Elmer’s Porter, the 2004 World Beer Cup Bronze Medal Winner, was given accolades in the latest issue of Playboy Magazine by Stephen Beaumont, a nationally recognized beer enthusiast and reviewer. \n“Hoosier beer can be fine stuff indeed, especially when it’s the smooth and coffee-ish Bad Elmer’s Porter,” wrote Beaumont in his article in Playboy.\n Beaumont also complimented Upland’s seasonal brews in the magazine. \n“Its roster of seasonal brews, such as autumn’s Oktoberfest and summer’s Belgian-style Saison, is also top-notch,” Beaumont wrote.\nDespite the Playboy praise, it’s business as usual for the brewing company.\n“We’re always this busy,” Harvey said. “We see a pretty mixed crowd year round, even when school is out for the summer.”\nThe Oktoberfest beer lives up to its ranking, at least in the mind of customers. Three batches of the Oktoberfest are made each fall season, which equals about 60 kegs per batch, Head Brewer Caleb Staton said. Just one week into the release of the beer, Upland has only ten kegs left of what Staton calls their “most popular seasonal beer by far.”\n“The Oktoberfest is a lager, so it takes a little longer in the fermenting process,” Staton said. “Each batch takes about a month and a half to brew. It’s the favorite, and it goes fast, so once it’s gone, it’s gone.”\nThe Upland Seasonals, which gives a different taste each season, are usually brewed for two to three months out of the year. This past weekend, the Oktoberfest seasonal beer was welcomed back on tap with an Oktoberfest celebration at Upland. \n“This place was packed full,” Harvey said. “There had to be around 800 people here for the event, and we made them all fit.” \nOn top of the many hours of labor put into brewing nationally recognized micro-brews, Upland also runs a restaurant that serves not only their beer, but anything from a vegetarian gumbo to a “beer-imbibed,” ale-soaked bratwurst. \nWith a wide variety of locals casually talking among themselves, the brewery’s restaurant is usually filled with beer-tasters and dinner-seekers alike. From construction workers taking that first sip after a hard day’s work to students looking to start their night off in the right direction, the brewery usually enjoys a large number of patrons. \n“This is my first time here at Upland and I am very pleased with the place,” junior Bryan Olson said. “I just turned 21 a few days ago, and I wanted to see what the place had to offer, and its selection of beers is very impressive.”
(09/18/07 3:10am)
Youth Advocating Leadership and Learning, known as “Y’ALL,” is holding a call-out meeting today and Wednesday for its upcoming winter trip to New Orleans, which is being taken to repair damage from Hurricane Katrina. \nSince 2005, Y’ALL has taken six trips to New Orleans. More than 700 IU student volunteers having participated. \n“Getting to know what happened first hand and seeing it with my own eyes was a great experience,” said Evan Holloway, planner and co-founder of Y’ALL. \nThe week-long trip, which costs under $200, does have fundraising opportunities available for students. “We want to make it possible for any student to come on the trip,” Holloway said. \nMike Deranek, an executive committee member for Y’ALL said the trip will be going to some of the most in need of repair places in New Orleans.\n“We have a great network out on the coast with the people whom we’ve worked with and this winter break trip is going to be a really good one,” Deranek said. \nY’ALL is planning on taking three buses to New Orleans for the coming winter trip, enough for 120 volunteers. \n“The volunteers will go through training and anyone willing to help is welcome to come,” Deranek said. \nY’ALL’s call-out meeting will take place at 9 p.m. today and Wednesday in the Psychology Building, Room 109. \nMore information for Y’ALL can be found at \nwww.yallrelief.org.
(09/10/07 1:32pm)
While many people around campus were fast asleep Saturday morning, IU student and University Athletic Club runner Andy Krack was standing at the starting line anxiously awaiting the Second Annual Circle of Life Mini Marathon, a 13.1 mile race through Bloomington. \n“I’m a little nervous; I’m just hoping to run well,” Krack said. “I would like to break 1:14.00, which would be a personal record, but realistically I’m going for 1:15.00.”\nThe heat and humidity was already starting to set in by 8 a.m. as 1,500 runners began the 13.1-mile mini marathon. \nThis year, the number of runners totaled 2,000, a decrease from last year’s 3,200. Organizers said the early race date and hot weather are partly to blame for the lower number. Though the race attendance was down, the event coordinators are still happy with how the race turned out, but they’re hoping to make some changes for next year.\n“This year was pretty good. Our numbers were a little down, but I think overall the event went a lot more smoothly, and I think we improved a lot of our cores and basically improved everything, and I think that’s going to go a long way in getting people to come back next year,” said Circle of Life President Ryan Risse. “What we really want to do is have a later race date and be able to get the dorms involved, have them outside on race day and just create more of a pleasant atmosphere for all of our runners and for all of our campus.”\nCircle of Life, a not-for-profit philanthropic event, was started in 2006 in hopes of raising money for scholarships for cancer survivors. In its inaugural year, it raised more than $60,000 for the Bill Z. Littlefield Scholarship for Survivors, according to a news release.\nAs the mini-marathon runners disappeared down the course, the 5K runners soon replaced them at the starting line. Chris Hatch, a 31-year-old Bloomington resident, was one of many participants stretching at the starting line.\n“I actually just started running this summer,” Hatch said. “Running’s been going very well for me, and this is my first time running the Circle of Life race. The farthest I’ve gone is about seven or eight miles, so I thought I’d stick with the 5K today. I think going 13 (miles) would kill me.”\nMario Macias, a California native, won the mini marathon with a time of 1:09.01. \n“I felt pretty good today,” Macias said. “I just decided to come out here and use this as a workout. I’ve actually run four minutes faster than this, but this was a really tough course when you add in the heat and humidity.”\nSecond-place finisher Jon Little, an IU class of 2003 alumnus, ran track and field for the Hoosiers.\n“When you have a four-minute miler (Macias) running, you’re going to be scared to death of what’s behind you,” he said. “This is the hardest course I’ve ever run, and it’s definitely the hottest day I’ve ever raced on. For the course and the heat, and running alone most of the time, it was a great race. I love coming back to Bloomington and seeing my former coaches and all of the old IU guys.”\nAt the awards ceremony after the race, IU men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson gave a speech with the men’s basketball players at his side and handed out plaques to the top finishers. \n“We try to get our players involved in as many community campus events as we can,” Sampson said. “It’s just a way for us to reach out and thank people who support our program so well. It’s a great opportunity for us when it gets our kids to understand that it’s not just our people supporting us, but us supporting those who support us. So it goes both ways.” \nComplete race results can be found at www.iumini.com.
(09/07/07 4:20am)
The second annual Circle of Life Mini Marathon and 5K will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday. The event will begin at Assembly Hall and work its way through the streets of Bloomington and the IU campus. \nThe mini marathon and 5K is a not-for-profit philanthropic event organized by IU students. Last year, in its inaugural year, more than 3,200 runners from 39 states competed in the 13.1-mile run and raised more than $60,000 for the Bill Z. Littlefield Scholarship for Survivors.\nThe event staff is looking to make the race the highlight event of the fall. \n“We want to get the campus really excited about our event,” said Brian Marks, the director of public relations for the race. “All money from the race will go to fund and provide scholarships for cancer survivors from one of the eight IU campuses for all four years of schooling.”\nPre-race ceremonies will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Assembly Hall, with the mini-marathon starting at 8 a.m. and the 5K starting at 8:15 a.m. \nRegistration for the race is $20 for the 5K and $25 for the mini-marathon. Late registration will start at 6 a.m. on the day of the race with a late fee of $5. At the race, runners will receive a race T-shirt and a sponsored goodies bag. Runners can also attend a pre-race pasta dinner for $10. The dinner is sponsored by Bucceto’s and will take place from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Friday at the IU Alumni Center.\nFollowing the race, IU men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson will be speaking at the awards ceremony. \n“This year runners can look forward to an exciting event, it should be a good time with live music on course and all of the Greek houses on their lawns,” Marks said.
(09/05/07 5:30am)
Dropping classes has just been made easier. \nStarting this week, students can electronically change their schedules using a program called eDrop. The new IU Student Association executive board supported the idea for an Internet method of dropping classes to it make easier on both students and teachers. \nPreviously, students had to walk to various buildings to get signatures, and then go to Franklin Hall to finalize the course withdrawal. But now this process can all be done using OneStart, as long as the drop does not depend on being able to add another class. This process is available through the last day to drop a course or to withdraw from all courses with an automatic grade of W.\nAll undergraduate and most graduate students will be able to drop classes using this method, but if they want to use the original method of paper and signatures, it is still permitted. In the future, IU hopes to use this process for adding classes as well.\nThe Office of the Registrar sent a mass e-mail Tuesday explaining the new eDrop system. A link included in the e-mail will lead students to a help guide that gives an in-depth explanation of how to complete the process.\n“When I received the e-mail, I felt great relief,” said sophomore Eric Ragan. “I feel like it’s a really good addition to our campus. When I had to do it in the past, I had to drop a yoga class at 9 a.m., I had to visit my counselor, visit the HPER building and then the registrar, and it was raining. As a freshman it was a really stressful situation.”\nAlso, students can now electronically check on the status of their drop and add requests. This information is available on OneStart under the “My eDocs” tab. \nIU hopes the new change does not encourage students to drop classes, but if they decide to, the University hopes the online drop process makes it a lot easier, according to the e-mail from the Office of the Registrar. \n“Knowing that I can drop classes from my bed makes me feel lazy, but also very comfortable,” Ragan said.
(08/28/07 4:00am)
From improving methods for adding or dropping classes to initiating student seating in Assembly Hall, the IU Student Association has a lot on its agenda this academic year. \n“A proper student seating section in Assembly Hall has always been an issue that IUSA faces,” said IUSA President W.T. Wright. “I think we’re going into a great time for IU basketball, and I want students to benefit from a seating arrangement that I would like to think we could achieve. I’m optimistic in sitting down and talking to the Athletic Committee, and hopefully they’ll see the benefits as well.” \nMore things IUSA plans to work on this year are the class drop and add methods. In the past, people have thought the method is time-consuming and confusing for both students and teachers. They hope to simplify it by pushing administration to put it online. \n“We don’t want students walking through the snow and cold weather across campus back and forth to drop a class,” Wright said. “It’s inefficient.” \nIUSA is also concerned that students can no longer charge books to the bursar at the IU Bookstore.\n“It’s ridiculous that students can no longer charge their book purchases to the bursar,” Wright said. “I would like to at least bring it back to where financial needs students can charge their books to the bursar, if not all students.” \nThe new IUSA executive board has already gotten the campus to recognize the 2009 Labor Day holiday and is now trying to get a fall break in exchange for coming to school a week earlier. \n“I definitely believe students would sacrifice coming to school a week earlier in exchange for a week off in the fall,” Wright said. “I know a lot of people who wouldn’t mind coming back to school a week early.”
(08/23/07 2:56am)
Thousands of students waited quietly in the IU Auditorium Wednesday afternoon. With many just arriving on campus hours beforehand, they were about to officially welcomed into the IU family. \nThe 74-year tradition has been bringing students and their parents in from the heat and giving them insight on what they might encounter in the next few years of their lives.\nDuring his introduction, IU President Michael McRobbie encouraged students to reach their full potential as students and members of society in the coming years. Through his thick Australian accent, McRobbie received a roaring applause when he stated “I may be an Australian by birth, but I am a Hoosier by choice.”\nIU Student Association President W.T. Wright welcomed the freshmen by reflecting on some moments from his own freshman induction ceremony. Wright encouraged students to be proactive and to get involved in campus activities rather than sitting on their futon and watching movies all day. \n“Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life,” quoted Wright, bringing some laughter to the very quiet and focused auditorium crowd.\nEach student received a small IU pin and was asked to keep that pin and wear it at the induction and also to wear it at their graduation ceremony.\n“I think the pin is a great idea” said James Highbaugh, a freshman from Indianapolis. “I think it’s great to be a part of a new tradition and it will be interesting to see if students can keep the pins and follow through to graduation.” \nAs the official induction of the 2011 class was given by Provost Karen Hanson, the crowd was asked to stand and sing “Hail to Old IU,” led by Rainelle Bumbaugh, the ceremony’s student representative from the Jacobs School of Music. \nDale and Terri Mirrow came to the ceremony with their son Ryan and thought that it was a great kickoff to their son’s college career.\n“We thought it was a great ceremony, we liked how they stressed academics and opportunities in their message, whereas other colleges and universities stress clubs you can join and activities you can get involved with” said Terri Mirrow.\nFreshman Makenzie Johnson and his mother Tammy said they were not surprised by IU’s welcome address.\n“I am not much on ceremonies,” Makenzie Johnson said. “I had a good idea of what it would be like before we came in, so it was pretty much what I expected.”
(04/17/07 4:00am)
The IU Foundation’s Senior Challenge is a campaign encouraging graduating seniors to give back to IU much sooner than they might have expected. It is asking the seniors to give to the school or major of their choice after graduation and be a part of making IU even better for its incoming students and their soon to be alma mater. \n“Our campaign is geared towards educating graduating seniors on philanthropy and giving back to IU,” said senior Andrea Burns, the Senior Challenge committee chairwoman.\nShe said that the IU Foundation wants to emphasize making a pledge now because if seniors give now, they will be more likely to give in the future. \n“A lot of people say they will never give back to IU because it took so much money away from them, but what they don’t realize is that almost half of their education costs are covered by alumni support,” Burns said. \nThis year seniors are being encouraged to recognize a professor, mentor or anyone who has made their IU experience great with their gift. The recipient recognized will receive a letter from Senior Challenge representatives and have his or her name displayed on the Senior Challenge Web site.\nStudents gave a mixed reaction about the challenge.\n“If I have enough money, I’d be more than happy to donate to the school that I graduated from” said Bryan Olson, a sophomore business major.\nBurns said that the Foundation sponsored an event at Macri’s Deli to try and get the word out about the Senior Challenge but didn’t get the turnout that it had anticipated. \n“Next year we are going to try to help sponsor events that will draw out a lot of people, such as sporting events and other student-involved activities,” Burns said. \nBut some are open to the idea of giving back once they establish themselves.\n“I would welcome the idea of donating once I start making some money; however, I don’t think that students will be very perceptive to a fourth-quarter donation. They most likely have more important things to worry about,” said Max Stewart, a senior marketing major.\nStewart said he will donate down the road. \n“It’s the least I owe them for a great education,” he said.\nBurns said the Senior Challenge is pushing for donations to IU that would be the equivalent of a senior gift. \n“I think it’s a good idea to put the money towards scholarships because scholarships make a big impact on bringing people to IU and help the future of a lot of students,” Stewart said.\nThe Foundation asks seniors to donate $20.07, which would represent their graduating year of 2007. \n“I think it’s do-able,” Olson said. “A lot of people spend more than that at the bar on \nthe weekends.”
