NEWS 3 SPORTS 8 ISU CELEBRATES ASIAN YARBROUGH HERITAGE WEEK WILL NOT WITH DISCUSSIONS, FILMS ENTER NBA DRAFT, VIEWPOINT/TURNER 4 IF YOU HAVEN’T PLANS TO SECURED AN RETURN TO INTERNSHIP ISU NEXT YET, IT’S STILL YEAR THE VIDETTE NOT TOO LATE V TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2018 videtteonline.com Vol. 130 / No. 52 Living out loud Activist Nyle DiMarco encourages attendees to love themselves

KEVIN SCHWALLER News Editor | @kevschwa

inner of “America’s Next Top Model” and “Dancing with the Stars” Nyle DiMarco spoke about his life experiences and activism in the deaf community Thursday in the Brown WBallroom. Illinois State University President Larry Dietz introduced DiMarco. “I am the speaker that has never won ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ and certainly I haven’t won anything with ‘America’s Next Top Model’,” Dietz said. “But I hope that perhaps Nyle has a few minutes afterwards to perhaps teach me some new moves.” “In case that career change doesn’t work out for me, I will continue to identify with Nyle’s belief that all of you can do and be anything you want in life, no matter the challenge,” Dietz continued. DiMarco came out shortly after and started his speech by sharing his story about growing up deaf. “I’ve been deaf my entire life,” DiMarco said. “So I’m part Michelle Carrico | Vidette Photographer of a different world, and that world is so valuable to me. It’s “America’s Next Top Model” and “Dancing ith the Stars” winner Nyle DiMarco spoke about his activism in the deaf community. different from most of the people in this room’s world. I have a different language, American Sign Language, and those are which he won. After his time on reality television, DiMarco decided things that are irreplaceable.” “‘America’s Next Top Model’ […] contacted me through that he wanted to do something to help others by using his DiMarco said that when he was younger, somebody asked Instagram,” he explained. “The message said, ‘We think you platform. him if he wished he could hear. have a good look, why don’t you audition for the show.’” “I’ve met deaf people who don’t have the same privileges “My answer was no, I don’t wish I could hear,” he said. “I’ve DiMarco initially thought the message was a joke but and opportunities that I do and I want[ed] to do something never wished I was able to hear. It’s just not something that’s eventually reached out to the show’s casting director who in that area,” he explained. “We ended up setting up the Nyle part of my life.” confirmed they were interested in him. DiMarco Foundation. [There are] 360 million deaf people in He explained that roughly 25 people in his family are also “My experience on ‘Top Model’ was amazing, completely ir- the world, currently 70 million people who use sign language. deaf and it has gone back for generations. replaceable. I learned so much about modeling because I had But out of that, only 2 percent have access to the education, so “Some of you are thinking that our household is probably a no experience before that,” he said. most of them never go to school, or if they do, they don’t have really quiet place, and I’m here to tell you that is not the case. Before the modeling show wrapped, DiMarco was ap- education in their language. That’s a problem.” We are probably the noisiest people on the block.” proached by ABC to be a contestant on “Dancing with the “The goal is to stop the language deprivation that’s taking When DiMarco entered fifth grade, he said he wanted a Stars.” He said he was hesitant because he had no dancing place in our country,” DiMarco continued. “I’ve got this amaz- public school experience and got involved with different ac- experience, but ultimately decided to try it out. ing platform where I can inspire deaf people and people who tivities that helped him feel more confident around others. Due to his inability to hear, he and his partner Peta can hear to talk about deaf culture, deaf issues and the things “What you need to do, whatever your struggles are, who- Murgatroyd initially struggled to figure out how to rehearse. that we struggle with, and I’m doing it all just by being myself. ever you are as you identify, you have to figure out how to love However, the duo quickly established a routine and ended up All because I love and embrace who I am and even though my yourself and you do that by finding your community,” he said. dancing their way to victory. trajectory wasn’t a straight line to my goal, I’m getting there. The model and activist also discussed his time on “Amer- “I was shocked. The world was shocked,” DiMarco said. So love yourself first.” ica’s Next Top Model” and “Dancing with the Stars,” both of

Twin Cities scores record unemployment rate in state The Vidette takes home

MIKE SMITH metro areas in the United States.” News Reporter | @Agora_180 “Having the lowest unemployment rate of all metro areas in the 4 CMBAM awards state shows that local economic development organizations, city VIDETTE STAFF Bloomington-Normal has managed to maintain the lowest governments, and state government efforts are paying off,” he said. unemployment rate in the state of Illinois. “It also speaks to the strength of local employers, showing confi- Members of The Vidette advertising staff won two According to a report released by the Illinois Department of dence that business will remain strong in the central Illinois area.” second-place and two honorable mention awards at Employment Security, the Twin Cities have a record 4.1 percent Gough said one of the most significant factors for this trend in the College Media Business and Advertising Manag- unemployment, .4 percent below the national average of 4.5. unemployment rates was the economic investment that went into ers’ 46th annual convention March 27 to 31 in Kansas The percentage is lower than any other metropolitan area in both the town and city. City, Missouri. the state. “One of the factors that may contribute to the low jobless rate The Vidette won second-place for Best Self-Branded IDES Public Information Officer Bob Gough said this is not a in the Twin Cities is the diverse composition of industries, which Promotional Giveaway. Advertising Production Man- huge surprise to him, as the Twin Cities have had the lowest unem- include finance and insurance, agriculture, educational and health ager Evan Morris designed koozies and other items for ployment rate for the last couple of years consecutively. services, manufacturing and retail,” he said. “Over the past year Homecoming Week to encourage community mem- “Over the past decade, the Bloomington-Normal area has con- local employers have increased employment in leisure and hos- bers to download The Vidette app and follow the paper sistently had the lowest (or one of the lowest) unemployment rates pitality, professional and business services, wholesale trade and on social media. of all metro areas in the state and the trend continues in 2018,” the government sector.” Morris also won second-place for Best Designer. Gough said. “The Bloomington-Normal area at 4.1 percent unem- see UNEMPLOYMENT page 3 ployment, ranks as the 149th lowest unemployment rate of all 388 see AWARDS page 3 THE VIDETTE VIEWPOINT 4 FEATURES 6 #METOO, #TIMESUP ARE AUTHOR SHARES SEXUAL ASSAULT IMPORTANT FOR ALL EXPERIENCE IN NEW BOOK

THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL More than just

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018 Vol. 130 / No. 53 videtteVonline.com a statistic Every 98 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, according to RAINN statistics. Illinois State University will hold a variety of events on campus and in the community throughout the month of April in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month Full schedule of events, page 3

Photo illustration by MONICA MENDOZA | Vidette Photo Editor NEWS 3 SPORTS 8 COMMUNICATIONS REDBIRDS DIRECTOR FOR DEFEAT ‘HAMILTON’ TO VISIT PATRIOTS CAMPUS FOR COM WEEK IN 11 INNINGS FEATURES 6 EXPLORE HOW ON ISU’S IT SUNDAY DEPARTMENT THE VIDETTE KEEPS ERRORS OUT V MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2018 videtteonline.com Vol. 130 / No. 54 Grad students fight for union Some believe unionization will help raise standards, others think it will take away opportunities to be in program

ANDREW DOUGHERTY Senior News Reporter | @addough

he Illinois State Univer- the poverty line for a single person, sity graduate students according to the U.S. Department of pushing for a union for Health & Human Services. A house- about 500 teaching and hold with one person should be research assistants have making $12,140 to not be under the Tofficially received enough signatures poverty line. to formally request representation Even though he is walking in com- from the Service Employees Inter- mencement this May and will not national Union. receive any benefits of unionizing, Sociology graduate student and he knows he can help other graduate Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor union organizer Erik Zdansky said students who will be coming to ISU Trevor Rickerd, a biology doctoral student, speaks to a group of graduate students, faculty and staff members Feb. the discussion about raising the and will not have to struggle as much. 26 outside Schroeder Hall. Graduate students are currently in the process of evaluating what items they want writ- standards for graduate assistants “The important thing is to keep the ten in their union contract. has been an ongoing topic for sev- idea of unionizing going and to get all eral years. the facts out, such as who counts as we understand the right of people the student handbook that you should a way to voice their grievances on “Particularly for teaching assis- a union member, the issue of why to want to negotiate. On our part we only work a certain amount of hours, issues which would affect them. tants, we’d like to see an increase in teaching assistants can unionize yet are willing to work with any group work for one professor for one course “A few of the issues we’re con- stipends, extending the kind of ben- research assistants can’t, and why but I’m not sure where they are in the or only doing research or teaching,” cerned about are for the economic efits for insurance and other various undergraduate teaching assistants process at this point,” Hatch said. Lewis said. “A lot of the time there’s side of things,” Lewis said. “Right issues,” Zdansky said. “A major issue have to pay money to do labor for the Graduate student in the Depart- a significant amount of pressure and now, a large portion of graduate stu- for me is the stipend level. The fact university which is just silly to me,” ment of Sociology and Anthropology circumstances that would push stu- dents are getting a low stipend and a that I can be on food stamps while he said. J.D. Lewis said forming a union dents to do otherwise.” lot of us are on food stamps. We have being a graduate student seems a bit If the graduate student union does would give graduate students a stron- Lewis said grad students would a hard time making ends-meet and at odds with the mission of ISU, espe- come to fruition, Assistant Director ger voice to bring attention to unfair like to have more of a say so that paying bills.” cially with the amount of work we do of Media Relations Rachel Hatch labor practices. when they see unfair labor practices Lewis added another major con- for faculty such as grading and hold- said the university is open to work- “There are some students who being done, they can have a method cern was the absence of dental ing office hours.” ing with it. are struggling because they’re being of action and some power to change coverage from the university’s Zdansky said he has been making “The university works with a lot asked to do things that are above and it. healthcare plan. $8,000 the last year, which is under collective bargaining groups and beyond what they’re supposed to be Lewis continued to say that a doing even though the rules state in union would give graduate students see UNION page 3 “Right now, a large portion of graduate students are getting a low stipend and a lot of us are on food stamps. We have a hard time making ends-meet and paying bills.” J.D. Lewis, Department of Sociology and Anthropology graduate student ISU receives cell sorter through NSF grant Device will allow researchers, students to study thousands of particles in seconds

MIKE SMITH January 2017. News Reporter | @Agora_180 “We finally heard that it was selected for funding in September, so the whole process is quite long,” Vogel explained. “The FACS The National Science Foundation awarded faculty at Illinois Melody arrived on campus in January and is ready for use.” State University with a $316,778 grant to fund a new educa- The tool can be applied to several schools of study, includ- tional instrument on campus. ing gene expression, cellular physiology and cell morphology. The instrument is a flow cytometer cell sorter which can filter The device can progressively push advances in these fields of and collect rare cells, some of which can be further researched study at a high speed. Rachel Nathan Ben Laura and used for new discoveries. Bowden Mortimer Sadd Vogel Vogel said ISU researchers will use the cell sorter to study Although t is no larger than a microwave, this innovation cre- aging and the immune system, reptile and insect immunity, ates potential to study unique cell structures like never before. Vogel also said researchers were excited about the news. pollen grains, neuroscience, blood cells in birds, Leishmania Professors Rachel Bowden, Nathan Mortimer, Ben Sadd and “Our researchers were thrilled to hear our grant appli- parasites and the growth of microbes. Laura Vogel led the team. cation would be funded. The highly competitive Major “This cell sorter is a powerful tool that allows research- “It was fantastic to hear news about our proposal for the Research Instrumentation grant program received hun- ers to study cells or particles in a liquid suspension. It’s instrument being funded,” Sadd said. “A lot of work goes to sub- dreds of grant proposals from across the country and only commonly used to analyze things like blood samples, mitting grants, and at the national level most are unsuccessful, funded the top 16 percent of the applications they received,” liquid bacterial cultures and other small particles,” Vogel so we were extremely happy to have the instrument purchase Vogel said. explained. funded, especially as it is going to benefit a number of people The grant was originally submitted in January 2016, but was see GRANT page 3 and research areas.” sent back to the professors for revisions and resubmitted in THE VIDETTE NEWS 5 NEWS 3 ‘TRUTH OR DARE’ STARS LOS ANGELES TIMES EDITOR TALK FILM WITH VIDETTE JIM KIRK RETURNS TO ISU

THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL Hitting it out

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018 Vol. 130 / No. 55 videtteVonline.com of the park

Spence shines for ISU softball

STORY BY JONATHAN BARLAS | Features and Sports Reporter | @janveselybarlas

s Illinois State softball continues its batted in (23), Spence seems to embody the and 2014 Second Team All-State selection, rollercoaster ride of a season, better winning culture noted by the MVC preseason Spence’s gifted talent for the game she loves days are surely in sight. polls. While the Redbirds were predicted to was almost undeniable. While ISU has sporadically finish at the top of conference play, their cur- While Spence holds the game close to her Astruggled this season, marking a 14-23 record rent record says otherwise, as Spence contin- heart, she holds certain people closer. Starting as of Sunday, impact players such as infielder ues to strive to prove they are the team to beat softball around 4-years-old, Spence says her Allison Spence lead the charge for the Red- in the Valley. parents and former coaches have prepared her birds’ faithful turnaround. “The pre-season rank definitely has pushed us to play and play well at the Division 1 level. Being selected to the National Invitational to work hard day in and day out,” Spence said. “My biggest inspiration is my parents, Softball Championship All-Tournament “To return back to regionals [and] winning the Spence said. “They have done everything for Team, a 2017 Missouri Valley Conference conference tournament is our ultimate goal.” my brothers and I, and have worked so hard First Team All-Conference player and current As a three-year varsity player for head while doing it. I also had great coaches and single-season record holder for putouts (527), coach Kerri Evans at Marian Catholic High teammates along with playing tough competi- Spence’s remarkable 2017 season has bled School, Spence’s road to Division 1 softball tion throughout both club and high school ball into 2018. was almost always in her cards. With an All- that really prepared me.” Leading the ‘Birds in batting average (.314), Conference nomination, three-time All-Area slugging percentage (.457), hits (33) and runs selections, 2014 Illinois Times All-Area MVP see SPENCE page 7

Infielder Allison Spence records one of her four hits during a weekend series against Indiana State. Photo courtesy Dennis Banks | Illinois State Athletics MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 videtteonline.com Vol. 130 / No. 56

VTHE VIDETTE

The women of Delta Delta Delta dance to songs from “The Cheetah Girls” Saturday Magic of the movies at Redbird Arena. Chi Omega’s March Madness brings cinema to stage STORY BY ALEX DWYER News Reporter | PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALI RASPER Vidette Photographer

espite the dreary Saturday weath- er, Redbird Arena had the energy of a men’s basketball playoff game for Chi Omega’s 42nd annual DMarch Madness dance competition. Opening up with a “Grease” themed dance routine, the women of Chi Omega set the stage for the rest of the evening. The theme of the philanthropy event was “Night at the Cinema.” Each fraternity and sorority involved would perform a dance routine featuring music from a film or related to a film. The Rho Kappa chapter at Illinois State University has raised over $314,000 since partnering with Make-A-Wish in 2002. March Madness Chairwoman Shania Scurlock said this year’s goal was to surpass $50,000, which was raised last year. “We did fundraisers at Panera Bread, Chipotle and Blaze Pizza, but we won’t know how much we raised until a week later,” she said. “We raised $50,000 last year, so our ABOVE: Keeping up with the theme “Night at the Cinema,” fraternity Acacia payed goal was to beat that amount.” homage to the film “Napoleon Dynamite.” A family touched by Make-A-Wish and TOP RIGHT: The women of Alpha Omicron Pi wore cheerleader outfits as they the Rho Kappa chapter was presented to danced to music from “Bring It On.” the audience. The family had surprise trip- BOTTOM RIGHT: Sorority Delta Zeta won first place at March Madness. lets, one of which continues to have health implications even in the third grade. A [performance], but I liked them all,” Abby each with a respective cash prize. medical staff is always at hand within their Simpson of Chi Omega said. “All are unique, First place winners received $300, household. and it’s fun to watch it all.” second place won $200 and third With the aid of Make-a-Wish and Rho During intermission, Chicago Cubs tickets, place took home $100. Kappa, the family was able to take a trip to autographed Chicago Blackhawks gear and The women of Delta Zeta, Al- Walt Disney World, something they thought more was given away in a raffle. pha Gamma Delta and Zeta Tau would be impossible. Every group supported the other groups Alpha won first, second and third The featured event arrived, the lights went and cheered each other on despite it being a place, respectively. Acacia, Alpha down and “Sirius” by the Alan Parsons Proj- competition. There was a true sense of con- Sigma Phi and Sigma Nu fraterni- ect echoed through the arena to introduce the nection within the Greek community. ty members won first, second and emcees of the evening. “[My favorite part of the process] was the third place, respectively. A now bumbling crowd was loud, energetic sisterhood of gathering at the house prior The brotherhood and sister- and ready for the start of the show. to the show,” Alexis Lowenbein of Gamma hood of the event carried on well The night opened with Delta Upsilon’s Phi Beta said. “It took about two and a half into the night. There was never routine based on the hit franchise “Fast & months to put this together.” a dull moment within the nearly Furious.” “Alpha Delta Phi was phenomenal,” sold out stadium. Following “Fast & Furious,” the audience Lowenbein said. “All of the girls had great was taken on a journey through films such facial expressions, costumes and great forma- as “Burlesque,” “Space Jam,” “Hairspray,” tions.” Check out the related “Rocky” and “The Greatest Showman.” At the end of the night, sororities and March Madness gallery “Obviously Chi Omega was my favorite fraternities won first, second and third place, on videtteonline.com

NEWS 3 FEATURES 6 SPORTS 8 INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS A LOOK AT REDBIRDS’ SOFTBALL SWEEPS TO VISIT ISU FOR COM WEEK SECOND HOME ON CAMPUS EVANSVILLE IN 3 GAMES THE VIDETTE Fairytales come alive

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018 Vol.V 130 / No. 57 videtteonline.com

llinois State University has changed laid out,” she continued. in several ways since 1929. How- The next biggest facet is merchandis- Beauty ever, one remaining constant is the ing and volunteer recruitment for show Gamma Phi Circus. It is the oldest weekend. Between 85 to 100 volunteers Icollegiate circus in the United States. sell shirts, light sabers and programs dur- behind The next round of shows will begin 7 ing Friday and Saturday shows. Proceeds p.m. Friday in Redbird Arena. Addition- benefit GPC and provide summer camp ally, two shows will occur 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. scholarships for area youth. Gamma Phi’s Saturday. This year’s theme is “Once Upon Hard work ultimately pays off when the a Time.” curtain closes. As show time nears, a stream of prepa- “I guess my greatest satisfaction comes beast of a ration and anticipation flows through the from the smiles I see on the faces of the organization. Program director Debra troupe members when they have done a circus Wylie explains how she conducts behind- great show, the happiness of volunteers the-scenes business. when they enjoy the fun of being a roust- STORY BY STUART STALTER “My biggest preparations for show week about and the expressions of joy and awe Features Reporter | @VidetteStuS begins in January with finalizing plans for seen in the audiences that join us for our our media promotions for circus shows in shows,” Wylie said. Gamma Phi Circus members Mattie print, web and radio,” Wylie said. On the other side of the curtain, GPC Schaefer and Paul Bozek perform an aerial “In February, I work with the Redbird pulls out all the stops. The upcoming act as Belle and Beast, respectively, ticket office to prepare for ticket launch shows will include juggling, unicycles, from “Beauty and the Beast.” in February, and partner with Student aerial ropes, juggling and trapeze acts. Alumni Council in how the Saturday pre- PHOTOGRAPH BY NATALIE STUCKSLAGER Vidette Photo Editor show carnival areas on the concourse is see CIRCUS page 6 SPORTS 8 NEWS 2 REDBIRD BARRY BLINDERMAN TO FOOTBALL RETIRE AS UNIVERSITY PREVIEWS GALLERIES DIRECTOR

WHAT’S FEATURES 6 TO COME GAMMA PHI BRINGS IN 2018 FAIRYTALES TO LIFE SEASON VIEWPOINT 4 TIME’S 100 LIST TELLS US THE VIDETTE TO RAISE OUR VOICES V MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2018 videtteonline.com Vol. 130 / No. 58 Local high school students hold anti-gun rally in Uptown

ANDREW DOUGHERTY Halm continued to say her organization is planning a polit- Senior News Reporter | @addough ical involvement workshop at the Normal Public Library community room at 5 p.m. Wednesday. As high school students across the nation participate in “We also have a town hall planned so students can ask their March for Our Lives rallies to advocate for stricter gun con- representatives questions and we’re hoping to have a good trol legislation, students from the Bloomington-Normal area turnout for that as well,” she added. held a rally of their own Friday at Uptown Circle in Normal. Bloomington High School junior Michael Backman, who Students and community members held up signs reading was the first speaker at the event, said the Parkland shooting the names and phone numbers of Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Tay- is what motivated him to become politically active. lorville), Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) and Rep. “Before the Parkland tragedy, I hadn’t been quite as inter- Darin LaHood (R-Peoria). More than 100 people attended ested in being politically active, but two weeks after the the rally. shooting, my Temple brought us on a trip to Washington D.C. One by one, the high school students stood on the Uptown where we wrote speeches and presented them to congres- Circle hill, giving speeches about the need for the gun con- sional staffers,” Backman said. “Attending that trip is what trol reform, while encouraging those in attendance to vote truly sparked my interest and what really started it for me. for politicians who advocate for gun control in the upcoming Since then this has been the third time I’ve given a speech at midterm elections this November. Ali Rasper | Vidette Photographer a rally to speak on gun control legislation and I’ve just been Bloomington High School junior and member of the Normal High school students shared their concerns concerning gun going from there.” Community Justice Club Kimberly Halm said her organiza- control Friday in Uptown Normal. Backman is a member of Not in Our School, which is an tion helps plan social justice events around the school. we know they had problems with their walkout.” organization associated with Not in Our Town, which he said “We helped organize the walkout and we realized we “Their administration stunted and took over more of it represents some issues being addressed in the rally. wanted to do something else, so this was our next course of than the students thought they would do and so we wanted Backman said the topic of gun control is important to him action,” Halm explained. “We were able to get some of the to make sure those students had a stronger voice this time,” because “though we have rights right now it doesn’t mean other schools involved, especially Bloomington High because she said. those rights are more important than lives.” Rock the block, don’t tip the block over Normal, United Way of McLean County celebrate volunteerism, support local businesses with music, food, during annual Uptown party

STORY BY ALEX DWYER NEWS REPORTER | PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE CARRICO Vidette Photographer

ABOVE: Two West Highland white terriers rest on North Street after walking through Saturday’s Rock the Block in Uptown Normal. RIGHT: Two music fans look through discounted records in front of Waiting Room Records. Saturday was also Record Store Day.

n overcast and chilly day did not by United Way of McLean County. Scarves and Mike & Joe, which played acous- a stripped-down set. They’re always fun to stop the crowds from pouring Rock the Block highlights many local tic sets for the audience on Saturday. hear regardless.” into Uptown Normal for Rock businesses and musicians around the Red Scarves recently released its first Local businesses crowded the streets sell- the Block. Bloomington-Normal area. It sheds light on full-length album, “Sort of Scarlet,” in ing food, wines and spirits and even records. AFrom Mother Murphy’s to the grandstand businesses and artists that may get passed 2017. Saturday was Record Store Day, and Wait- by The Rock Restaurant, the roads were up by bigger names. “Red Scarves are pretty cool. They’re ing Room Records had its doors open with blocked off for an evening of music, drinks The event was free with a $5 donation a local band, and a local favorite,” Shelby $1 vinyl records for sale under a tent in front and shopping. encouraged. Donors were given a plastic cup Goodman, Civic Arts intern for the town of of the store. Rock the Block is an annual music festival to document the event. Normal, said. “Their drummer actually had put on by the town of Normal and sponsored Local bands performed, including Red to leave partway through, so they’re playing see BLOCK page 5 THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL Ready for summer

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018 Vol. 130 / No. 59 videtteVonline.com

Events to keep summer anything but ‘Normal’

STORY BY CINDY HERNANDEZ | News Reporter | @Cindylu_7

ummer is right around the corner and school is almost Illinois Shakespeare Festival out. With more free time on students’ hands, they will have a variety of opportunities to go out and enjoy local June 30 through Aug. 11 music, food and art. This year, the main stage productions are “The Merry Wives of S Windsor” and “Henry V” by William Shakespeare and “Shake- Make Music Normal speare in Love” by Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman. All productions will be held at Ewing Theatre. June 23 This year, a revealing of “Shakespeare in the Land of Lincoln” Make Music Normal 2018 is an all-day, free festival that will symposium will explore Abraham Lincoln’s fascination with Shake- take place noon to 11 p.m. June 23 in Uptown Normal. speare. Musicians of all ages, skill levels and genres will perform all day “There is a rich local history involving Mr. Lincoln from the years he long. Seven different stages will be set up around Uptown for worked in Bloomington-Normal,” Illinois Shakespeare Festival man- performers. aging director William Prenevost said. “After Dr. Anderegg agreed to Open mics and sit-in sessions will also be available to give come of ISF to talk about his book with our patrons, local Lincoln any attendee the opportunity to make their own music. More scholars convinced me to expand it into a symposium.” information on performers is available at the Make Music Normal see SUMMER page 3 Facebook Page.

Sophomore biochemistry major Brendan Wall eats free corn available to students Vidette Archive Photo with their IDs during last year’s Sweet Corn Blues Festival in Uptown Normal.

NEWS 2 SASIC/VIEWPOINT 4 SPORTS 8 STUDENTS TEAM WITH FOOD STUDENT NEWSROOMS NFL STAR AARON RODGERS BANK FOR ENERGY UPGRADES MATTER, SHOW SUPPORT VISITS NORMAL NEWS 2 SPORTS 8 FINE ARTS BUILDINGS REDBIRD LACK FUNDING NEEDED BASEBALL FOR RENOVATIONS RALLIES IN

VIEWPOINT 4 9TH INNING GATHER FACTS BEFORE TO BEAT MAKING DECISIONS BUTLER

FEATURES 6 NEW ‘AVENGERS’ THE VIDETTE FILM IS EPIC V MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2018 videtteonline.com Vol. 130 / No. 60 Annual Springfest to feature MAX, Relay for the cure Stacey Kay, Students, community SungBeats raise over $23,000 Dunk tank, animals, for cancer research inflatables all available to attendees GARRETT KARSTEN News Reporter | @GKarstenISU ANDREW DOUGHERTY Senior News Reporter | @addough llinois State University’s annual Relay For Life was held Friday and gave those af- Illinois State University students look- fected by cancer an opportunity to proudly ing for a way to take their minds off of display their ongoing courage in the fight. upcoming finals can look no further than IBy Sunday, this year’s Relay For Life raised to the annual music festival Springfest, $23,893 of its $41,000 goal. which will take place at 3 p.m. Wednes- “Relay is a late-night event full of games, day on the Quad. entertainment, food, and honoring those who The event is sponsored by ISU’s Uni- have won, lost or are fighting a battle with versity Program Board and the Student cancer,” sophomore Michaela Pierson said. Government Association. It is free and She is a member of the executive board for open to the public. Colleges Against Cancer, which is a campus Springfest will fea- organization responsible for Relay For Life ture Max Schneider, and the American Cancer Society (ACS). also known as MAX, Relay For Life is the primary fundraiser for who is an American the ACS, which seeks to free the world from singer known for his cancer. This is conducted though funding and popular song “Lights research, sharing information, spreading word Down Low,” which about prevention and supporting patients. has reached over The event, held at Horton Field House, 31 million views on MAX began with an opening ceremony, honoring YouTube. all who have been affected by cancer and who Award winning aca- generously contributed to this year’s season. pella group member Volunteer Erech Pierson said he is inspired and former “Ameri- by the event because it encourages people to ca’s Got Talent” artist come together. Stacey Kay will also be “To see very few things in this world affect performing, along with people as cancer does is a terrible thing,” Pier- beatboxer SungBeats. son said. “We band together and continue to UPB’s Center Stage fight, give back and raise awareness.” Chairperson Brandon Stacey Kay His daughter, Michaela, battled cancer Moran said this year’s when she was 7-years-old and underwent che- Springfest will include motherapy for two years. She was treated at new activities such St. Jude Hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee. as a dunk tank and The opening ceremony was followed by the inflatables. Survivor/Caregiver Walk, where the cour- “This event used to age and strength of participants are honored. be held a long time ago, They were cheered on as they walked. but then the university Everyone affected by cancer was repre- stopped hosting it, but SungBeats sented with a luminaria in the ceremony that it came back in Spring followed. Each luminaria bag is personalized of 2015,” Moran said. with a name and/or message and illuminated “UPB is the main presenter of the event after dark at every Relay For Life event. but SGA is also involved in this as well. This gave participants the opportunity to Springfest is a free show we put on for grieve, but also receive hope. the community and ISU, as well as to The closing ceremony focused on the future give students that last little hurrah for of fighting cancer and celebration of how the semester. much has been accomplished. “UPB uses a middle agent who contacts Relay For Life has raised about $406 mil- the artists’ teams so it’s very exciting to lion in cancer research grant funding this year be able to have MAX who is an upcoming alone, and roughly $4.6 billion since 1946. Photographs by Michelle Carrico | Vidette Photographer TOP: Sophomore mathematics education major Natalie Harmening jumps in front of the HOPE artist and famous for his ‘Lights Down Check out the related sign Friday at Horton Field House. ABOVE LEFT: Relay for Life participants played games such as Low’ song, Stacey Kay who is a very tal- Relay for Life gallery bags during the event. ABOVE RIGHT: Bags honoring victims of cancer were placed on the track ented singer, which is pretty awesome, on videtteonline.com inside Horton Field House. and SungBeats, who is a beat boxer,” he continued. Moran said besides the dunk tank and inflatables, the event will also feature sales begin 10 a.m. Friday. also stars in his own recently exotic animals, a rock-climbing wall Illusionist Adam Trent coming to ISU “The Illusionists” has become launched 10 episode series “The along with free food and tattoos. the best-selling magic show in Road Trick” on Red Bull TV. EMA SASIC magic act to campus for Family “We’re gearing this towards all stu- Broadway history selling $2.1 mil- Returning to his roots as a solo Editor in Chief | @ema_sasic Weekend on Oct. 27. dents because we want everyone to lion in one week. headliner, Trent brings his hits Presale tickets will be avail- come out and have a good time,” he Trent has been a guest on “Amer- from the Broadway show along “The Illusionists’” Adam Trent able on Ticketmaster until 10 p.m. said. will cast a spell on Illinois State Thursday, using the password ica’s Got Talent,” “The Today Show,” with never before seen material “Ellen,” the Travel Channel and in “The Illusionists Present The University when he brings his “REDBIRD.” General public ticket see SPRINGFEST page 5 Disney Channel. The 31-year-old Magic of Adam Trent.”