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The Ferris State Torch NINETY YEARS OF ILLUMINATING THE TRUTH

Big Rapids, Michigan Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 www.fsutorch.com Eisler’s era coming to an end President announces he plans to retire from Ferris after June 2022

Cora Hall "That has really been a strength and a Editor in Chief change for Ferris and he has broadened the urban portion of Ferris State University and President David Eisler announced Mon- that was driven in large part by Dave Eisler, day, March 15 that he plans to retire in June making those contacts and bringing those of 2022 after what will be a 19-year tenure. things forward," Seibold said. Some of the most significant aspects of Since he was hired as president in 2003, his presidency listed in the university press Eisler has led the university through signif- release include increasing the graduation icant nationwide challenges, most recently rate to 65%, starting 15 building projects being the COVID-19 pandemic. Communica- worth $400 million and increasing the Ferris tions professor and academic senate pres- Foundation's endowment from $18 million ident Sandra Alspach said she has worked to $100 million. with Eisler in various settings throughout Eisler said in a message to campus that his time at Ferris, and he has "kept the ship he "believe[s] this will be a good time for a afloat through many a storm." leadership transition, and it is the right time "Even though I haven’t always agreed with for Patsy and me." his decisions, perhaps because I didn’t see "Working at Ferris State University is a the charts he followed, we’ve seen the Uni- privilege, and it has been my honor to serve versity in full sail moving forward and surviv- as your president over the past 18 years," ing a pandemic tempest during his watch," Eisler wrote. "This is a great university, with Alspach said. a unique and special mission that provides Nursing professor Mary Beaudry said life-changing opportunities." Eisler’s strength was his connection with He will leave as the university's lon- the community and was impressed with his gest serving president besides its founder, leadership through the pandemic. Woodbridge N. Ferris, which physical scienc- “Dr. Eisler kept us on task, yet recognizes es professor and Ferris Faculty Association the challenge that COVID-19 provided. Com- Charles Bacon called "quite an accomplish- munication turned out to be an important ment." Bacon, who has been at Ferris for 37 part of his job,” Beaudry said. “In addition, years, said he had not expected Eisler to he is a comforting presence when we were retire for a couple more years. all going through such chaos.” "This is a little faster than I thought," Ba- Takitaki has worked at two universities con said. "But he had some goals he want- previously and called 18 years a long run ed to accomplish, and I guess he's accom- for any president. There has been significant plished what he wants to do. challenges in higher education the past few "I think people need to give credit to folks years in Takitaki's eyes and if Eisler was that are willing to step up into leadership po- looking for a time to transition leadership af- sitions like that, that are difficult and they're ter seeing the university through them, "this going to go through good times and bad maybe is the right window." times." Among Eisler's accomplishments there

Though Bacon said he enjoyed working were also shortcomings, such as the Torch File Photo with Eisler, he wished there would have strained FFA contract negotiations that led President David Eisler, who has served at Ferris since 2003, announced he will retire after June of 2022. been more focus towards running and main- to a strike on the first day of classes in the taining programs in recent years. fall of 2018. There was also two different "Administrations always love building votes of no confidence by the FFA, the sec- "I like Dave personally, I've enjoyed our firms in charge of the candidate pools. In projects because they can point to a build- ond of which in 2018 resulted in 88.5% of interactions," Bacon said. "I've kind of put Bacon's eyes, search firms often "lead to a ing to say, I built that," Bacon said. "So we FFA members voting that they had no con- the union stuff off to the side because that's lack of transparency" in the process, how- would have preferred a little stronger focus fidence in Eisler’s leadership. It was Eisler's just business, it's just the way it is but as a ever, Seibold said the search firms were to on on the employees over the last five years, fourth round of contract negotiations with person, I've enjoyed working with him and ensure the process "is as transparent as it but that's just the way it is. They'd rather the FFA as president, and it left a bitter he's a nice guy." is supposed to be." build buildings than build people." taste in some members' mouths, such as While a president can never make every- As far as the next university president Political science professor David Takitaki mathematics professor Holly Price. one happy, Seibold said Eisler's focus was goes, Bacon hopes they'll find a candidate saw the university's change firsthand, hav- "With respect to Dr. Eisler as a president, always on what was best for the university. who has leadership experience in higher ing visited the campus as a high schooler. I’m going to follow the rule, 'If you don’t have "I will say that the job of a university pres- education, someone who has worked with He said when he returned 20 years later in anything nice to say, don’t say anything at ident is never easy," Seibold said. "He is the unions before and who involves the faculty 2017 for his interview process, he didn't rec- all,'" Price said. "With respect to the next lightning rod for all things. He is in the mid- in decisions because "it's a tiring process all ognize campus. president, I hope it’s someone who respects dle of all things, and he has the enviable job the time having to fight." "The growth and change that happened the uniqueness of Ferris State and better of trying to keep the board happy, the faculty Takitaki is looking for leadership that puts in those 20 years were absolutely phenome- supports the programs, activities, and peo- happy, the students happy, the staff happy the student experience first, which he con- nal," Takitaki said. ple that make it special." and the community happy... and there are siders to largely be dependent on having the Amna Seibold, the chair of Ferris' Board of Bacon said he and Eisler would always dis- always competing priorities and someone right people in crucial faculty positions so Trustees, said one of Eisler's successes in the agree on priorities, as is the nature of labor ends up feeling left out." students have "the support they need." big picture is the university's increased pres- management relations, but he believes Eisler According to Seibold, the search for the According to Seibold the search for ence in Grand Rapids with Kendall School of has done good things for the university. next university president has yet to begin, the next Ferris president will begin in Art and other satellite programs there. and the board has yet to choose the search the coming months.

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2 News Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 Ferris State Torch NEWS Noah Kurkjian| News Editor | [email protected] Ready, set, give Vaccines for all Ferris fundraising Gov. Whitmer announces everyone 16 older can be vaccinated starting April 5 event returns after

Noah Kurkjian "I urge all eligible Michiganders to get ministered in Michigan, and we are well News Editor one of the three COVID-19 vaccines. It is on our way to vaccinating 70% of Michi- one-year hiatus essential to getting our country back to ganders age 16 and up,” said Dr. Joneigh The COVID-19 vaccine is about to be- normal … And as always: mask up, prac- Khaldun, chief medical executive and come widely available across the state of tice safe social distancing and avoid large chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We Rebecca VanderKooi Michigan with the announcement that the indoor gatherings where COVID-19 can are pleased to lay out our plan for when News Reporter original phasing plan is being abandoned. easily spread from person to person. We every Michigander age 16 and up will be Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced will eliminate this virus together,” Gov. able to get a vaccine. We will continue to The One Day for Dawgs online fundraising event Friday, March 12 that every Michigander Whitmer said. focus our efforts on removing barriers to for groups on campus is taking place April 14, and age 16 and older will become eligible to Ferris students, staff and faculty resid- access for our most vulnerable to expo- receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting ing in Big Rapids will have several options sure and those at highest risk of severe ill- there’s still time for more programs to join. Monday, April 5. Before this announce- for where to get their vaccine. COVID-19 ness due to COVID-19. These vaccines are So far 30 groups in categories ranging from ment, Michigan was not projected to get vaccine appointments are currently avail- the way we are going to end this pandemic e-sports to disability services have signed up to through all phases until late August or able at Meijer, Rite Aid, Spectrum Health and I urge Michiganders to make a plan participate in this year’s event. early September. and Walgreens. to get your vaccine when you are eligible.” Megan Eppley, a communications expert at The press release from the governor’s Walmart is reportedly also going to This announcement comes just days Ferris, is helping to put on the fundraiser. She ex- office and MDHHS also stated that any start offering the vaccine at its Michigan after the CDC announced updated plained that it’s free for groups to join this event, person 16 years old or older that suffer pharmacies in the coming weeks as more COVID-19 social distancing guidelines to and there is still time for others to get involved. from a qualifying medical condition can doses become available for the state. include that anyone that is fully vaccinat- “We have until March 24 to set up a team. Af- receive their vaccine as soon as March “Over 2.7 million doses of the safe and ed may remove their masks indoors if they 22. effective COVID vaccines have been ad- are with other fully vaccinated individuals. ter that, it’s harder to market and get everything together in time for the event,” Eppley said. Last year the event was canceled due to COVID-19, but Eppley explained that in 2019 the HOW TO SIGN UP FOR AN APPOINTMENT 24-hour fundraising event raised over $94,000 between the 35 groups participating. One of the groups participating this year is Educational Counseling & Disabilities Services (ECDS), which is overseen by Julie Alexander, along with the Committee for Students with Dis- abilities (LCSD) in which Alexander is the chair of. These departments provide accommodations for students. College costs are rising, and Alex- ander explained that they realize with medical expenses, equipment, personal attendants and other costs it can make paying for college espe- cially challenging for students with disabilities. “ECDS and LCSD are currently campaigning to raise money for an endowed scholarship for students with disabilities. One Day for Dawgs is a great opportunity for us to make the Ferris com- munity aware of these issues and an opportunity to give to this cause,” Alexander said. According to Alexander, their goal is to raise $2,500 at the April 14 event. However, the plan is to continue campaigning until they reach $12,500. At that point the Ferris Foundation will match the funds to make an endowment. Dave McCall is another individual involved with One Day for Dawgs. He is an associate professor in Developmental Curriculum and is heading up the First-Gen initiative at Ferris. “I think first generation students are really the heart and soul of Ferris and represent the long-standing traditions that this school was built upon – providing opportunity for all,” McCall said. McCall explained that they are participat- ing in the fundraiser for the newly established First-Generation Student Scholarship. “Our hope is to eventually raise enough money to create an endowed scholarship that will sup- port first generation students for years to come,” McCall said. like us on Whether individuals can give or not, Eppley Follow encourages people to share this event on social media to get the word out about it. facebook us on “It’s just a really good opportunity for a lot of people to come together to support groups all at Ferris over campus,” Eppley said. twitter If you’re interested in having your group join this event, email Megan Eppley at meganep- State Torch @fsutorch [email protected]. To take part in donating to this event on April 14, go to the event website at fer- ris.edu/1day4dawgs or text ODFD to 71777. 3

NewsNews 3 Ferris State TorchFerris State Torch Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 THIS WEEK IN MICHIGAN NEWS Catch up on news around the state

Noah Kurkjian & Brendan Sanders News Editor, Sports Editor Sports Big Ten championship on Saturday, March 13. The No. 1 seeded Wolverines EAST LANSING — On Thursday, March took on the Buckeyes of Ohio State in 11, Michigan State, who was the No. 9 a rematch of their late season matchup Capitol Hill our country, biological females are losing seed in the Big Ten tournament, took on that saw Michigan come out on top. This opportunities at titles, records, scholar- No. 8 seed Maryland. They would fall to time would be different. MICH. — Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton and ships and, at times, participation itself." Maryland with a 68 – 57 loss. After Mike Smith missed the final 12 other Republicans proposed a bill late Erin Knott, president of LGBTQ advoca- Sophomore forward Malik Hall led shot, Michigan fell to the Buckeyes, 68 last week that would bar transgender stu- cy organization Equality Michigan argued the Spartans on the day with 19 points – 67, sending Ohio State to the Big Ten dents from being able to play on the team that this bill hurts young, vulnerable peo- to go with five rebounds. Junior forward championship against Illinois. of their gender identity according to the ple and it may be unconstitutional. Aaron Henry placed second on the team Freshman center Hunter Dickinson Detroit Free Press. "Kids learn a lot of important life les- with 12 points and nine rebounds. led the Wolverines in scoring with 21 "If the school designates a team in an sons in sports: leadership, confidence, These were the only two players to score points. He also notched eight rebounds interscholastic athletic activity offered to self-respect, and what it means to be part double digits for the Spartans. on 9-14 shooting. Senior guard Eli pupils enrolled at the school as a girls', of a team," Knott said. Maryland junior guard Eric Ayala led Brooks scored 12 points on the evening women's, or female team, a requirement “School officials shouldn’t treat a trans- all players with 21 points, along with while senior guard Mike Smith scored that each pupil who competes for a po- gender female student as a girl between 8 leading the team in rebounds with nine, 10 points. sition on that team or who is selected to a.m.-3 p.m. and then treat her like she’s a and assists with four. Junior guard Aar- For Ohio State, junior guard Duane compete on that team must be female boy when sports practice starts. It’s deep- on Wiggins scored 19 points on the eve- Washington led all teams in scoring, based on biological sex," the bill states. ly hurtful to the student and disrupts the ning. with 24 points on the night. He also led Currently there is no guidance as to en- school’s policy of treating all kids fairly." With the loss, Michigan State still the team in rebounds with six. Sopho- forcement or penalty for schools that do In a statement Monday, the Michigan made the NCAA Tournament as a first more forward EJ Liddell would follow not follow the potential rule. High School Athletic Association said that four out, play-in game. As an 11 seed, Washington up with 18 points of his own “As a society, we fought for generations the legislation was “unnecessary” citing they will take on UCLA as a play in with five rebounds and three assists. to ensure girls and women, through Title they only needed to use their transgen- game. The winner of the matchup will Despite the loss, Michigan was IX, have an equal opportunity to compete der athlete policy 10 times in the last five No. 6 seeded BYU in the round of 64. placed as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA in athletics on a level playing field,” Theis years. The game will take place Thursday, tournament, where they will face the said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. The likelihood of the passage of this bill March 18 at 10 p.m. winner of the play in game between Tex- “Sadly, today, identity politics threatens is still uncertain at this time. as Southern and Mount St. Mary’s. The all that was sacrificed and gained. Across ANN ARBOR — Michigan came one point game will take place Saturday, March away from punching their ticket to the 20 at 3 p.m.

Check us out online for exclusive articles Torch Corrections and photo galleries at www.fsutorch.com Did we make a mistake? Let us know! Corrections can be submitted through email at - ON THE RECORD - [email protected] or by calling 231-591-5978 A roundup of this week’s crime at Ferris State University

McDUI

Noah Kurkjian News Editor McDUI March 14, 4:23 a.m., officers were dispatched to Plate problems McDonalds on South State Street for a reported drunk Crimes on campus can March 10, 5:00 a.m., a license plate was reported driver. Officers arrived on scene for the suspect to missing from a vehicle in Lot 61. Officers and the stu- blow a .17, over twice the legal limit. The suspect was dent are unsure as to whether the plate was stolen arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. be reported to DPS at or if it came off in a car wash that the student went into prior. - 231-591-5000 -

Ferris State Torch Honest & affordable car care Corrections Mufflers • Brakes Struts • Shocks Undercarriage Specialist Students with accesibility issues left waiting foreign In this story last week, The Torch mistakenly attributed part of a quote to and domestic Kalina Mohnke. The quote“If I had to go to the IRC computer lab, I would kind of have to fight my way through the snow to get to the lab,” was said Certified Mechanics on Staff by Dustin Norman. Locally Owned and Operated FREE ESTIMATES Corrections can be submitted through email at North End of Town [email protected] or by calling 231-591-5978 1204 N. State St. Big Rapids, MI 592-1204 4

4 News Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 Ferris State Torch The nurturing side of cannabis Big Rapids’ new provisioning center stands out with personalized care

Jessica Oakes Barsic’s mother used cannabis as a ther- News Reporter apeutic coping tool in place of traditional painkillers. Mother Nurtures provisioning center “It really gave her more quality of life, as is now open, making it Big Rapids’ eighth opposed to the many opioids and painkill- functioning marijuana dispensary. ers that are prescribed to cancer patients This new establishment provides indica, going through the same thing,” Barsic said. sativa and hybrid as well as cannabidiol-in- “She definitely was helped by gaining appe- fused products for both medical and adult tite, and not being comatose [like] opioids recreational use. This includes flowers, ex- make you very often. In her last phase we tracts, vape cartridges and edibles, as well were still able to have conversations, and as many other products. she was really more coherent than we had Buyers may order products online for seen her in the past.” curbside pickup or come inside to experi- This inspired the pair to take their cus- ence Mother Nurtures specialized custom- tomer service background and dive into er service. the benefits of cannabis. Manager Shaun Barsic stated that the Under the Medical Marijuana Act of company steers away from a bland and 2008, Barsic was able to begin as a med- impersonal “Apple store” retail experience. ical marijuana (MMJ) caregiver. According “Customer service is lacking in some to Revolutionary Clinics, MMJ caregivers provisioning centers throughout Michigan. provide healthcare assistance to a qual- It is very important to us that all of our pa- ified MMJ patient by helping them obtain tients and customers feel at home and at and administer marijuana treatments. ease,” Barsic said. “We think a first-time Bud-tender Evans also joined the indus- experience within a provisioning center try after forming a close relationship with can be very intimidating, especially for first medical marijuana. time seniors who have heard all of the neg- “I’ve used marijuana to help my life- ative propaganda that the government has style. I had a major knee surgery, almost given over the last 70 or 80 years.” replaced it, from high school athletics. It Photo by: Cassidy Jessup | Multimedia Editor Every one of Mother Nurtures customers just like, it crippled me. I gained a bunch Manager Shaun Barsic strives to create a comfortable, unique shopping experience for his customers. and patients gets individual attention from of weight. I wasn’t able to like handle the consultants known as “bud-tenders.” pain, so I wasn’t working out again. And so “Our patients are able to go as fast or when I was introduced to marijuana, I really as slow as they would like. And we really wanted to help other people,” Evans said. want to drill down on their needs and their To truly help other people, Mother Nur- ailments. [We want to] get to know them, tures says they take the threat of COVID-19 not only as patients and customers but as very seriously. The pandemic delayed the friends, part of our bigger family here,” Bar- opening of the dispensary by six months. sic said. “The state just wanted to make sure Bud-tender Cameron Evans stated that that when we did open, we were going to this practice directly improves the custom- open safely for both our employees and ers’ relationship with cannabis. team members, as well as the patients “It helps people, because it no longer and guests that are walking in,” Barsic just becomes, you know, a drug. It’s more said. “We are very diligent in sanitizing all of like something that people can use to areas after each and every person walks help improve their lifestyle,” Evans said. in the place. We do morning checks of our While Mother Nurtures has only been staff and make sure that they are in good in open since Feb. 19, Barsic and founder health, as well as temperature checks.” Michael Vlasich have been in the business Barsic and Evans agree that the future for years. of Mother Nurtures is bright. The company Both Barsic and Vlasich’s mothers hopes to make a difference in the Big Rap- fought cancer twice and passed within a ids community and eventually expand with Photo by: Dylan Bowden | Torch Photographer year of each other. During her second bout, multiple operations within the next year. Mother Nurture aims to treat its customers specific needs and avoid the “Apple store” experience. Want to write for the Torch but don’t have the time every week? The Torch is now accepting freelance articles!

Pitch your story idea to our Editor in Chief, Ferris State University TORCH Cora Hall. If we like your story, we’ll send Truth, fairness and accuracy since 1931 you out to report and write and if we publish it, you’ll get paid.

Email [email protected] for more information or to pitch a story! 5

Lifestyles 5 Ferris State Torch Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 LIFESTYLES Marissa Russell | Lifestyles Editor | [email protected] Preparing for success TDMP program goes beyond teaching just filming technques

Marissa Russell Lifestyles Editor

Lights. Camera. Action. Television and Digital Media Production students live and breathe this phrase. From recording and producing TV shows, to hav- ing six-month-long internships, Ferris tries to make students in this program well-rounded and ready for real life work. TDMP students are taught not only how to become visual storytellers but also learn how to market themselves and learn differ- ent aspects in the media world. From making their own TV shows to re- cording live sports, students are allowed a lot of hands on experience. The studio class has four different TV shows, almost all of them are produced every week. Students rotate roles to allow more work place experi- ence with tight deadlines.

Behind the scenes Davis Fosgitt didn’t originally plan on coming to Ferris. Fosgitt had planned on go- ing to Northern Michigan but, due to the fact his mother worked for Ferris, Fosgitt decided to give the TDMP program a chance. Photo by: Cassidy Jessup | Multimedia Editor “I was originally wanting to go for just film, Ferris Out Loud and other TDMP shows allows students to get a real life experience producing their own shows. so I would just go and learn how to make movies not necessarily do a TV broadcast or More than a professor Getting real world experience Pardon said that the fact that the intern- anything,” Fosgitt said. “But learning all of Tingley is an adjunct instructor who orig- Ferris associate professor and internship ship program is a “capstone” experience the stuff that goes into a broadcast is huge, inally got his Bachelors degree at Ferris in coordinator Joshua Pardon said that the is a major factor. The six-month internship because I've now learned so much... I'm just 2004. The first time Tingley taught at Ferris TDMP internship program has been placing occurs at the end of the student’s time in becoming more well-rounded and more me- was in 2007 where he began teaching com- students into quality internship experiences the program after the completion of all other dia fluent basically.” puter animation for video, or 3D animation, for over 40 years. Their network of internship coursework. This facilitates the “school-to- Fosgitt recommends TDMP over special- and then compositing for video. placement sites is national in scope and the work” transition better than other intern- ized majors for anyone thinking about going Tingley taught these for two years until program has its own Internship Coordinator ships in the media production field which into something like film or animation. Fos- his company took off and he had to give up who mentors and places students into these often occur during the summer in between gitt said students can end up being better his teaching roll and focus on his company opportunities. All TDMP students who com- junior and senior year. worker or being better in the field than the in Grand Rapids. Tingley’s first video produc- plete the degree program will graduate with The TDMP broad-based curriculum gives average person because they have all of the tion company was called Creo Productions, six months of work experience, an online students experience in all aspects of media different aspects in the TDMP classes. Be- which started in Grand Rapids, and that last- visual portfolio featuring a video demo reel, production, according to Pardon. This in- cause Fosgitt is a first semester junior, he ed from 2006 until 2011. and a polished professional resume. cludes anything from studio television pro- has some ways to go in his classes. “At that point my business partner and I Internship sites can range from small duction, to animation, to scriptwriting. “I haven't been in the remote production wanted to do different things, we wanted to independent production companies, televi- “I think that the TDMP program’s ap- class yet,” Fosgitt said. “That's a big one be- essentially take the company in different di- sion networks and stations, larger film pro- proach to curriculum and learning is the cause you're getting hands on experience rections,” Tingley said. “So actually, we both duction studios, sports teams, and large right approach for today’s job market,” Par- with cameras and working in the trailer with shut down that business entirely and we corporations with their own in-house media don said. “Students in all fields need to be either graphics, technical directing replay or both started our own production companies production operations. versatile and resilient in a 21st Century job audio.” because I was more focused on cinematog- The TDMP internship is six months long, market, because change will be the only There is also the studio production class, raphy, and that's when I started Cinerrific!” during which time Ferris interns are ex- constant in their careers. For this reason, which is a really good one for that experi- The Cinerrific! motto is, “We exist to cre- pected to log 1,000 hours of work time our program doesn’t take a strictly “film ence, in Fosgitts opinion. Every week stu- ate videos that serve a purpose.” They pro- on-site. Most other college programs school” approach or “broadcasting school” dents are producing two shows, and they vide clients with full service video produc- in the media production field are three approach to the subject matter. are either working a camera, directing, tech- tion including pre-production, production months or less. “We feel that this makes our graduates nical directing, producing or doing some role and post-production. Pre-production mean- Pardon feels that their approach to intern- more adaptable with their skill set, and over like that and it rotates around for that. ing scripting and storyboarding and produc- ship gives students an advantage over the the long term, more successful in their ca- “We've got one class that I'm really excit- tion as in the directing and cinematography competition. Interns are actively involved reers.” ed for. We've got Doc, which is where you do done during shoot. Editing, motion graphics with a variety of production activities at their Fosgitt plans to try and get an internship like mini documentaries or just learn how to and animation is where post production fin- internship sites. in either Washington D.C. or New York and tell a story better,” Fosgitt said. ishes the process. Throughout the duration of the intern- learn how to be visual storyteller. He wants Students are also get exposure to profes- Because Tingley has had a lot of experi- ship, the intern is assigned a TDMP faculty to leave a legacy, something that people still sors who have experience in the industry ences with his businesses, Fosgitt likes to supervisor, who stays in close contact with watch decades after its created. and real world situations. Fosgitt said all go to him whenever he has questions about them, grades their weekly work and visits “What's something that you can leave be- of his professors have done their own thing his own business, Talen Media. Talen Media with them twice to evaluate their perfor- hind after you're gone,” Fosgitt asked. “What and done it successfully or have worked for is a small advertisement business based mance on-site. is something that somebody could have died somebody in the industry before. His current out of Bay City ran by Fosgitt and two of his “I feel that our broad-based curriculum but people are still consuming what they've mentor is his professor, Andrew Tingley, who high school best friends. and our internship program are both a big created? If it's a good enough story it's going also helps him shoot film for Ferris athletics. part of that success,” Pardon said. to be around for a long time. I want to leave a legacy.” 6

6 Lifestyles Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 Ferris State Torch The married student life Events calendar A personal look at love for Ferris sudents WEDNESDAY Alyssa Hubbard school relationships result in mar- lives for that' but I think when it’s Lifestyles Reporter riage. In the 1940's, it was more the right person, you just know and March 17 common to marry a high school that shouldn’t be viewed a certain Although Millennials and Gener- love or first love. way," Lee said. St. Patrick’s Day ation Z are deciding to marry later Facility management senior Although being young and in in life, that doesn't stop students August Lee met her fiancé Darren love is a thrill, it does come with its First-Gen Wednesday Workshops - from following their hearts earlier O'Malley through some mutual fair share of obstacles. Social Capital than expected. friends when she was a freshman Lee mentioned that planning a Contact: Dave McCall According to The Guardian, the at Ferris. This couple dated for wedding and "all the fun stuff" can [email protected] Office for National Statistics (ONS) three years before they got en- be hard to balance while studying Location: Virtual recorded in 2017 that heterosex- gaged. Lee and O'Malley plan to for classes. Time: 12 - 12:30 p.m. ual women are getting married get married later this year on Oct. Because the Bryants will be around the age of 36 and men, 38. 23, 2021. graduating from Ferris soon, As time goes on and different Lee knew that O'Malley was the they're worried about finding jobs LGBTQ+ Resource Center generations are born, people are one for her when, even during a that are close to each other. Coffee House choosing to get married later in life fight or Lee's darkest moments, Regardless of trials, both cou- Contact: Sarah Doherty than in the past. The National Vital O'Malley still found a way to make ples are pleased that they've found [email protected] Statistics System reported that in her laugh and smile. He's never someone they wanted to spend the Location: Virtual the late 1960's, women were get- judged her for it and always wel- rest of their lives with. Time: 4 - 6 p.m. ting married around 20 years old comes Lee with open arms, which Lee and Holly shared their wise and men, around age 23. Lee is so thankful for. counsel for anyone who feels like Free Ice Skate However, true love has not "We’ve gone through so much they "need" to get married young, Contact: CLACS stopped a few Ferris students from together in the short three years or by a certain age. [email protected] following their hearts and getting that we’ve been together, and "Everybody has different things married younger than "the normal we’ve always made it through," Lee that work in their life," Holly said. Location: Virtual age." said. "It hasn’t always been easy, "I’ve had so many people come up Time: 10 p.m. - 12 a.m. Holly (age 22) and James (age but it has just proven to me that to me and say ‘I wish I had you and 21) Bryant are recently married Darren truly is my best friend and James’ relationship’, ‘I want a boy- Ferris students who are pleased that I'm so excited to go through friend.’ There’s no right or wrong THURSDAY with their decision to get married the good, bad and ugly with him." way to do life. It made sense for us younger than the average age for People have joked with the to get married. It might not make March 18 Americans. Bryants that they’re too young to sense for someone else to marry Tune in with Teresa featuring "Through my personal experi- be married, but they’ve never re- until they’re 30 or 40. It’s just what Matt Lauckner Take II ence, being married at this age ceived hate for their choice. Be- works for you.” Contact: Teresa Fogel is weird," elementary education cause more people are deciding "I’ve never thought that mar- senior Holly Bryant said. "There to marry at an older age, there's a riage should come at a certain [email protected] have been times where I’ll go out certain perception surrounding the age, because when you know you Location: Virtual with my friends and I’ll mention to concept of getting married young, know but I do think that you should Time: 1 - 1:30 p.m. someone I just met that I’m mar- especially as college students. put a lot of thought into it because ried and I’ll kind of get a weird look. "College is a time to go out and marriage is a big deal," Lee said. NoBODY is Perfect It’s not like I regret it; It’s just not a find yourself, be single. Honestly, "This is the person you are going Contact: Sarah Doherty normal thing, not a bad thing nec- everyone’s on their own journey. to spend your whole life with, and [email protected] essarily." What works for some people won’t life isn't always easy. You have to Location: Zoom Holly and James were high work for others,” Holly said. be willing to fight when things get Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. school sweethearts, who went to Because marrying young seems hard and be able to work when it's their junior proms together. They a bit "old-fashioned" to many other not always easy and it's also not had been together for 3 - 4 years people now, it can sometimes be always hard parts, but you have FRIDAY before they got engaged in 2019. hard to understand why people still your whole lives to be together. You The happy couple officially wed on choose this lifestyle. have to make sure that, that per- March 19 July 24, 2020. "I think people get weird about son is who you want to spend your A relationship like the Bryant's is marrying young because it's whole life with." Virtual Grocery Bingo rare to find. According to Brandon viewed as people 'rushing' into Contact: Lane Steffke Gaille Marketing, only 2% of high things or that 'we have our whole [email protected] Location: Virtual Time: 7 - 8 p.m. Tune in to our Podcast: TUESDAY March 23 the fire pit Angels of Action Paper Sack Decorating Contact: [email protected] hosted by: Location: CLACS Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Women of Achievement Marissa Russell, Brendan Sanders & Contact: Darnell Lewis [email protected] Location: Zoom Noah Kurkjian Time: 6 - 7 p.m. Roll With Me: A Virtual Film Screening Scan the Spotify link t0 Contact: Julie Alexander [email protected] Location: Zoom listen to our Podcast Time: 6:30 - 9 p.m.

For more events, check out calendar.ferris.edu

Graphics made by Production Manager Charlie Zitta 7

Lifestyles 7 Ferris State Torch Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 A look back at a year of COVID-19 The pandemic-aversary precautions

Kendall Rooks would have liked to enjoy prom one last time and get to grow Lifestyles Reporter closer with all of my friends before they went to college.” Kapron felt he lost opportunities as well due to the pan- Anniversaries are an opportunity to recognize important demic. “I missed out on a summer internship last summer events in our lives, both good and bad, and reflect at how that kind of changed my plans for the whole summer. Even they have shaped us. This month there will be no shortage though my internship got pushed to this summer it still of anniversaries. The biggest anniversary in question was would have been nice to have had two internships for more March 11, 2020 the day the World Health Organization de- experience.” clared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Colley said, “The saddest part for me personally was los- There are also smaller anniversaries such as, the day ing my father, my mother-in-law and cousin and not being some students left for spring break for the last time, the day able to have true funerals or family gatherings. So many the offices closed, or the last time seeing a family member people couldn’t grieve in the usual way or even derive com- in person. A year later we are looking back at the start of the fort from family or friends during the past year and that is pandemic and how it continues to affect us to this day. very sad and may have long term effects that remain to be “As someone in healthcare and nursing education, it’s seen.” never really a surprise to hear about a new virus or poten- Colley explained that her experience with the pandemic tial epidemic or pandemic.” nursing professor Sharon Colley has made her more aware of mental health and how some- said, “The response to COVID-19 was much more extensive thing like COVID-19 and the isolation it brought can affect and global in nature than what we’ve seen in our lifetime a person. “My background is in mental health nursing and so that was alarming in terms of the seriousness of the sit- I’m aware that good mental health care is consistently less uation. I did not envision when this began that a year later available than medical care. However, increasing the use of multiple vaccines would be available.” telehealth for patients in all areas of healthcare has been Ferris students were much more surprised by the appear- a welcome addition and has increased access and options ance of COVID-19 then Colley. Construction management for many.” junior Chase Kapron never anticipated the way COVID-19 Photo by: Becca Witowski | Torch Photographer Vaccines are rolling out to the general public and there is would effect everything, “I didn’t think the whole world would Students reflect on a year of being in the pandemic. a glimmer of normalcy in out future. be shutting down when the virus first started to spread. I Possehn is also excited to hang out with her friends and also didn’t think classes were going to go fully online right Looking back on the pandemic reminds people of the family in large numbers again. “I hope to be able to attend away.” damage and sad moments that a deadly disease can cause. more sporting events and cheer on my favorite sports teams, Nursing freshman Kristine Possehn figured the pandem- The effects of the pandemic were different for everyone and go to the movies, concerts and get back to life again.” ic would blow over quickly when it first began to spread, for Possehn it meant missing out on a lot of high school With the vaccines coming and restrictions being lifted “I thought everyday life would continue after a couple of memories prior to coming to Ferris. Colley is looking forward to doing the normal things in life weeks. I never once thought that we would still be fighting “I missed quite a bit of my senior year due to the pandem- again like visiting family and going shopping without a mask. COVID-19, or that it would still be a worldwide pandemic a ic and never got to finish my last season of spring sports. I “…mostly just not thinking about this pandemic every day.” year later.” Student reading habits in 2021 Are students still reading during this chaotic time?

Meghan Hartley Freelance Reporter

Moving deeper into the digital age where social media consumes our everyday lives, messaging has become in- stantaneous and news is absorbed in seconds, one has to wonder, is reading going out of style? Taking time out of one's day to read an article from top to bottom, or a book from front to back, seems like a tedious task as the world keeps moving and there is no end to the amount of work received. Students, in particular, are given a lot to juggle in one day hoping to complete it all to earn a degree. However, are they as eager to pick up a book and read stories that take them away from their busy lives as they are for their degree? At FLITE the number of books physically checked out has gone down drastically from 2,048 books in the 2019-2020 school year to 297 books in this current school year. Sec- tions these books have been pulled from have been for aca- demic use, such as history, technology, social sciences and medicine, not books to be read for pleasure. Librarian Frances Rosen said there has not been a lot of circulation happening, as one might imagine with restric- tions that have taken place at the library. Looking only at numbers from the library, one might as- sume students' interest in reading has gone down, however Photo by: Dylan Bowden | Torch Photographer that is not the case for everyone. Most students learn in elementary school that March is reading month and continue the tradition even in college. Mechanical engineering major Damion Ball said he is ea- ger to read a few fantasy series he owns on hard copy and As it turns out, it’s not a question of if students are want- “I am reading more now,” Woodbridge said “I try to read a on his kindle as they help him escape from the stresses of ing to read, it's more of a question as to how they want to few chapters before I go to sleep, typically reading adventure school. read. More students are reaching for their tablets and elec- books. It in general helps me get out of my head.” “I’m reading a series called ‘The Summoner’, I have that tronics to read out of convenience and how fast they are With March the reading month upon us, we are encour- one on hardcover,” Ball said “ But I’m reading more on my able to find their next book that suits their interest. aged to read more this month and celebrate the incredible kindle because there is more variety without having to go to Especially now, reading for students has become a new stories we have grown up with and the stories that have the library or search online for books.” outlet for them to escape from their work, mentally relax and shaped society. Ball said having a kindle is much more convenient than enjoy a story they won’t later have to take a test on. Reading can broaden students horizons, take them to going to an actual bookstore because the stories are right at Architecture major Janette Woodbridge is one student new places, let them escape from the stresses of their ev- his fingertips, he doesn’t have to worry about the condition who has continuously been reading since the beginning of eryday lives and who couldn’t use a good distraction. the book is in and he is given recommendations constantly school, saying she has more time to read. It's become more for other stories based on his interests. exciting to read and it takes away the worries of COVID-19. 8

8 OpinionsOpinions Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 Ferris State TorchFerris State Torch OPINIONS Cora Hall| Editor in Chief| [email protected] The Ferris State Torch is published on 27 Wednesdays throughout the academic year. This student-run newspaper The year of YouTube is printed by The Pioneer Group. EDITOR’S COLUMN: By Cora Hall OUR LOCATION graduations Alumni Building 013 410 Oak Street Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI 49307 On March 13, 2020, I couldn’t demic. Like many people I know, fsutorch.com/letter-to-the-editor/ have imagined what the next 365 I’m exhausted. days would hold. Our lives have been inextricably The Ferris State Torch A year ago today, I thought we shifted in a significant way this welcomes comments on topics of would be back to “normal” by the past year. Our entire way of living interest to the general readership. Letters should not exceed 300 words time school started, and there was changed, our social interactions in length and The Torch reserves the no way I’d be missing out on an changed and, consequently, so right to edit for length. Letters will not in-person graduation. have our perspectives. It’s some- be edited for grammar, punctuation Now, if you offered me an in-per- times difficult to imagine what it or spelling. The Torch will not print son graduation, I don’t think I would was like to live without thinking letters deemed to be libelous or obscene. All letters must be signed even consider it. about how many times I wash my by their authors and include his or Last week, I went to the hands, how many masks I have her phone number. University Center for our gradu- washed and how many people I see Unsigned editorials appearing ation fair to pick up my diploma in a week. on this page are the opinion of The sleeve and a cap and gown for I feel like we are all wondering Torch and do not necessarily repre- sent the opinion of the university’s photos. All to watch my graduation ‘when things will go fully back to administration, faculty or staff. on YouTube. I picked up my cords normal?’ Not to get too far into Signed columns represent the opin- and bought myself an alumni stick- existential dread, but what even ion of the writer. Inquiries regarding er and sweatshirt, as if I needed is the definition of normal now? editorial content should be directed another to add to my Ferris col- At this point, the way we live now to the Editor in Chief at (231) 591-5978. lection. has gone on for so long, it qualifies There was a strange dissonance as normal. The real question is, To advertise with the Torch, contact between picking up graduation how much will our perception of Danette Doyle at the Pioneer Group: regalia like it was any other year, “normal” shift as more and more (231) 592-8391 or only to wear it in our living room people are vaccinated? I’m not [email protected] with my family. It’s a weird contrast sure it will ever get back to what to hear that a friend’s college grad- I perceived to be normal before uation in Missouri is going with an COVID-19. Student media retain the same in-person ceremony when we’ve But I’ll still dress up and take rights, responsibilities, privileges assumed since the fall we wouldn’t grad photos at the place I’ve called and protections afforded by the First and Fourteenth Amendments have a chance. home for the last four years and in of the U.S. Constitution and under It’s extraordinary how much your the office that I’ll always think of as applicable state laws. perspective can change in a year. the start of my career in journalism. The Torch and fsutorch.com, the Think back to your mindset a year I’ll still flip my tassel as I watch my student newspaper and its accom- ago; do you even recognize the way name get called on a live YouTube panying online version focused on you were thinking? I truly had no stream. I’ll still celebrate this mile- Ferris State University, are public idea what to expect when then pre- stone in my life as best as I can. forums for student expression. cautionary lockdowns were being My tassel and diploma sleeve Student editors have the authority enforced; I did not expect it to take will always symbolize so much and responsibility to make all con- so many lives, so many experiences more than a degree. They will serve tent decisions without censorship and life events until now. as reminders of this year, along or advanced approval for both the print and online editions of the I went from being one of the most with all of its unique struggles and extroverted people of my friends to accomplishments. student newspapers. an introverted homebody. I feel A degree is still a degree, Photo by: Cora Hall | Editor in Chief like I have been working round the even if it’s being presented from My tassel and diploma sleeve will always symbolize so much more than a degree. - TORCH STAFF - clock all school year during a pan- another city on YouTube.

Editor in Chief Reporters Cora Hall Austin Arquette (231) 591-5978 Brody Keiser Jessica Oakes 1. Think of a topic that you feel strongly about. Production Alyssa Hubbard Manager Rebecca VanderKooi Charlie Zitta Freelance Reporters Production Bailey Sergott GOT AN OPINION? Assistant Brandon Wirth - Jerry Gaytan Jessica Oakes News Editor Justice Kobish Noah Kurkjian Kendall Rooks 2. Write out your thoughts in a coherent and Matthew Miller respectful manner. Lifestyles Editor Meghan Hartley Marissa Russell Melina Talentino Trenton Carlson Sports Editor Brendan Sanders Managing Copy Editor Multimedia Editor Kaylin Johnson How to submit a letter to the editor: Cassidy Jessup Copy Editors 3. include a headshot and some information Social Media Alyssa Myers Manager Brandon Newman about yourself (location, age, etc.). Veronica Mascorro Hannah Kinlaw

Podcast Manager Distributor Marissa Russell Rebecca Vanderkooi

Visual Content Adviser Dylan Bowden Garrett Stack Becca Witkowski (231) 591 - 5869 Deadline for submissions every Friday by 5 p.m. 4. Email your opinion to the editor for a chance to Special Editions have your work published in our next issue! Editor Cora Hall | Editor-in-Chief | Email: [email protected] Noah Kurkjian 9

Opinions 9 Ferris State Torch Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 A match made in heaven...Well actually on Tinder Don’t be quick to call it on dating apps, you never know what’ll happen

The days following we spent all free time much else to do and not many options in you might set yourself up for failure or even our time texting one another nonstop, both how to meet potential partners. miss it when it could be right in front of Veronica Mascorro having wished we would've met a few days Fortune.com has reported that activity on you. It's important to go into it with an open Social Media Manager earlier so that we could've spent more time dating apps has surged during the pandem- mindset because sometimes the people in person. Before we knew it he was buy- ic with Tinder recording its highest number you least expect might be the right one If anyone else would have sent me the ing a flight back to Michigan after our first of swipes on a single day: 3 billion, OkCupid for you. Also you're most likely not going to message my partner sent me, I don't think I FaceTime call. saw a 700% increase in dates during March meet the one for you right away. Without a would've responded. He stayed with me for the weekend and - May of 2020 and video calls on Bumble doubt you're going to encounter people who Most people on Tinder are looking for one from the moment I picked him up from the increased by 70%. only want to hookups or people who want thing and that's to hookup, and although airport it had all felt so natural. It didn't feel Similar to those going on first dates vir- to play games. there's nothing wrong with that, you can't like he was some stranger who was visiting tually, we've been able to stay connected, Another big portion of it is the person help but roll your eyes when you get the me but instead it felt like we were living despite being 2,237 miles away from one behind the match. You can go on a few same old message about wanting to hook- together. Our relationship progressed really another. Thanks to the use of FaceTime and successful Tinder dates but if after some up. After being on the app for over a year, quickly and we knew it would be difficult other virtual platforms that have arisen due time you don't feel like you connect with the I wasn't expecting to meet anyone through because of the distance but we knew what to COVID-19, we're “together” all the time person or can't see a future with them they the platform. we wanted. So after 14 days of knowing and go through our daily motions as if we might not be the one for you. Because in To this day I'm not entirely sure what each other, we officially started dating. were with one another. my experience, it is true what they say about it was that drew me to my current boy- It's weird to look back at how we first It seems that the stigma behind online relationships; when you know, you know. friend's message, but I'm glad that I did met now, but finding relationships through dating is changing everyday, according to Don't be so quick to dismiss Tinder or respond. Originally being from Michigan, he Tinder or other dating apps is something a study by the Pew Research Center, 54% any of the other dating apps you never know was home for winter break and was set to that is occurring more and more, especially of those surveyed said that relationships what might happen, I certainly didn't. But return to California for school, the day after with COVID-19. The old "conventional" ways that begin on a dating site or app are just overall, be patient when looking for your we met. So it's safe to say that neither of of meeting a partner has changed, with as successful as those that begin in person. future partner. They're not just going to be us expected our mini date to really go any- different restrictions, regulations and lock- I don't think that you should go on Tinder another chapter in your life that flies by, where. Boy, were we wrong. downs, we've been stuck inside with not or other apps with the mindset that you're they're going to be the whole book that you going to find the love of your life. If you do, spend the rest of your life reading. Appreciate the Madness Ferris state torch March Madness should not be taken for granted

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and A ccura cy sinH games, fans need to simply appreciate that there will c e 1 Sports Reporter 931 even be a March Madness this year. The world has come a long way from a year ago, Last year, the meaning of March Madness changed but that does not mean we are clear of the danger of for me. COVID-19. It might have taken me some time to real- For the first 18 years of my life, March Madness ize this, but now I certainly know it is true. meant one thing — the best time of the year for col- March Madness is the peak of the college bas- lege basketball. In 2020, wonderful madness of col- ketball season, and for many people including me, lege basketball changed to the life-changing madness it is the peak of the year in terms of sports. Filling of the real world as the annual college basketball out a bracket, binge-watching games, experiencing tournament was canceled for the first time in history heartbreaking or thrilling buzzer beaters and watch- due to COVID-19. ing incredible upsets make March college basketball Grab a paper every I’ll be the first to admit that I took March Madness such an amazing time for fans. for granted, so I was devastated when the tournament This year, we will get to have all these things again Wednesday was canceled last year. This year, I will not make the after the devastation of not having them last year. same mistake. Not having sports for months during COVID-19 real- The craziness that defines March Madness will ly made me realize that I took for granted being able not be the same this year because fans will not be to turn the television on and watch whatever sporting present at the games. However, this is no reason for event I wanted to. However, COVID-19 also taught me - OR - us fans of the sport to be upset. We need to cherish a very valuable lesson about life in general, not just the opportunity to watch college basketball. about sports. At first, I was extremely upset that the NCAA can- We need to appreciate everything we have because celed the tournament last year. I thought the NCAA nothing is guaranteed. Read ARTICLES online at should find a way to play the tournament, regardless of COVID-19. That was the selfish side of me talking, and I quickly realized that the safety of everyone www.fsutorch.com involved was more important than my desire to watch college basketball. Even now, a year later, athletes risk their health to play sports. This NCAA sea- son has been like no other as countless teams experienced game postponements due to COVID-19. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is the health of play- ers, coaches, trainers, broadcasters, facility staff and anyone else involved in making this college basketball season run. These people put their personal health at risk nearly every day so that fans of the game like me can watch and have enjoyment. It’s time we appreciate that. Graphic by: Charlie Zitta | Production Manager 10

10 Sports Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 Ferris State Torch SPORTS Brendan Sanders| Sports Editor | [email protected] Historically poor season comes to close Ferris hockey tacks on two more losses to finish with all-time program-worst record

Brody Keiser Sports Reporter

Ferris hockey finished their season with a record of 1 - 23 -1 , their worst record in program history and worst record in all of college hockey for the 2020 - 2021 season. The Bulldogs entered the WCHA playoffs 1 - 21 - 1 and lost their final two games against the Minnesota State Mavericks in the WCHA playoffs to close their season. They had a difficult test facing the nationally third ranked Mavericks and were unable to pull off an underdog victory. Despite the historically poor season, head coach Bob Daniels was proud of the way his team fought in the playoffs. “I was really happy with how the guys mentally and emotionally and physically were in tune and into the series,” Daniels said. “I thought they played really hard and I was happy with everything but the loss.” The first playoff matchup was on Friday, March 12. Both defenses started strong as neither team scored in the first period, and the Mavericks recorded just seven shots on goal compared to four for Ferris. Ferris also killed a penalty in the period. The second period was also a defensive effort and the game remained scoreless heading into the third period. At the end of the second period, the Mavericks had 17 shots on goal and the Bulldogs had 15. Daniels credited his team’s strong defensive play to spending more time in the Maverick’s Photo by: Brendan Sanders | Sports Editor end of the ice and limiting their offensive op- Lucas Finner would score an assist on Ferris States only goal in Game 2. Ferris would lose 3-1. portunities. The Mavericks scored the first goal of I felt we got a little sloppy in our breakouts. Coale Norris and freshman forward Stepan compared to just 73% this season. They the night with 11 minutes to go in the third That can get solved very quickly. The sec- Pokorny. improved on their own power play success, period on a power play. Bulldog sophomore ond thing is our response to when the other Daniels said his team did “terrific” re- scoring on 19.4% of their power play oppor- defenseman Max Finner was penalized for team scores. Sometimes we get caught up sponding to the Mavericks’ goals on Satur- tunities this season compared to 14.5% last holding, allowing the Mavericks to take a 1-0 in our own zone and maybe feel a little sorry day. year. lead on the power play. for ourselves. Our response has to be stron- “We really responded well,” Daniels said. This season left a lot to be desired for A minute later, Minnesota State scored ger when they score,” Daniels said. “Last night when they scored, they scored Daniels and his team, but that never shook again to take a 2 - 0 lead. They would hold “I liked our play through two-and-a-half again a minute later. That didn’t happen Daniels’ optimism and confidence in his that lead until 4:30 remained in the game periods, we were as good we were all year. tonight. The response was really good. I’m team. He is excited to have a structured off- when they scored again. Daniels challenged We’re close, and we don’t have a lot to clean really happy and appreciative of the guys’ ef- season and looks forward to working with the goal for potential goaltender interfer- up, so I feel pretty confident going into to- fort. We pretty much played this team even, his young players. ence on the Mavericks, but the goal stood, morrow.” and they’re a darn good team.” “I’m looking forward to the summer of and Minnesota State took the first game in In Game 2 on Saturday, March 13, the With just under one minute to play in the conditioning,” Daniels said. “We’re going a best-of-three series with a score of 3 - 0. Mavericks scored the first goal of the night third period and trailing 2-1, the Bulldogs to get right after it and start our spring and For Maverick goalie Dryden McKay, it was at 9:03 in the second period. Unlike the pulled their goalie and the Mavericks scored summer conditioning program. We haven’t his ninth shutout of the season, and his night before, Ferris allowed the Mavericks to on the empty net to take a 3-1 lead, a lead had the chance with our freshman because second against the Bulldogs. It was also his score just once in the period. The Bulldogs they would hold for the rest of the game. of COVID to get them into Division I condi- 23rd collegiate shutout, three shy of former matched the Maverick’s shot count in the Junior goaltender Roni Salmenkangas got tion. I think they gained a lot of experience Michigan State goaltender Ryan Miller’s all- second period with 10 apiece, but Minneso- the start in goal for the Bulldogs in Game 2 this year, but now it’s time to get them into time Division I college hockey record of 26. ta State was able to capitalize with a goal and recorded 28 saves in the game. Division I shape.” Ferris got 24 saves from freshman goal- and take a 1 - 0 lead into the third period. For the season, Ferris averaged 2.2 goals Despite the record this season, Daniels tender Logan Stein in the game. The Mavericks scored again early in the per game, up from 2.0 a season ago. Howev- feels the future is bright for his young team. After the game, Daniels spoke on what third period to take a 2 - 0 lead. Ferris an- er, they took 24 shots per game, down from When the Bulldogs take the ice next season, his team needed to do to get a win in game swered back with their first goal of the se- 26.7 last year. Defensively, they allowed they will try to record Ferris’s first winning two and take the Mavericks to a third game. ries on a power play with seven minutes nearly four goals per game this year, up from season since 2015 - 2016. “We got it down to two things we feel we remaining. Senior forward Marshall Moise 3.47 a season ago. Last season, the Bull- can clean up going into tomorrow: one was scored and was assisted by senior forward dogs killed the power play 82% of the time

Volleyball Men’s Tennis Women’s Tennis WEEKEND March 12 - Ferris 2 March 13 - Ferris 6 March 13 - Ferris 6 Michigan Tech 3 Lewis 1 Lewis 1 March 13 - Ferris 1 SCORECARD Michigan Tech 3 11

SportsSports 11 Ferris State TorchFerris State Torch Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 Former equestrian looks back at A rider’s dream career and the future ahead

Photo courtesy of Rachael Milkey Rachael Milkey poses before competing in a tournament.

Austin Arquette time so the team could be in a said, “Rachel was a phenomenal While Milkey hasn’t competed said. “Horses have shaped who Sports Reporter good spot,” Milkey said. “We chose vice president and a great leader since she graduated, she does she is and will always be a part of to do the extra work to bring us to- who did a great job.” still ride. Milkey continues to train who she is.” For Rachael Milkey, horsing gether as a supportive team and it Gravelyn was also a highly ac- a couple of horses she worked Milkey is now sharing what around was a literal term for much was really fulfilling to be a part of tive member of the equestrian club with during college and hopes to she's learned with others and to of her collegiate career. spearheading that effort. I learned and attended every practice while start a small lesson program in watch them progress is incred- Now a business administra- a lot and am hopeful that what we juggling work like many college the next year or two. Milkey en- ible to her. Helping others gain tion graduate, Milkey is the for- did set the team up for future suc- students. Gravelyn said that Milkey courages anyone that wants to try confidence around horses makes mer vice president of the eques- cess.” had a big impact on the team. and chase their dreams, no matter Milkey grateful for what she brings trian team and enjoyed every Not only does the team get to “Rachel’s biggest strength is how crazy, to do just that. to any equestrian club. Milkey said second of it. practice, trail ride and show togeth- her can-do attitude, as she always “Horses are a big part of her that with every job there is a learn- Milkey got into horses by reading er, but they also try to plan fun out- showed up with a smile on her face life and always will be,” Ferris ing curve but hard work and it pays books about them and she slowly side activities, such as yoga, can- and a positive attitude,” Gravelyn welding engineering senior and off with huge dividends. became obsessed. She then de- vas painting nights and holiday said. “She was always willing to Milkeys boyfriend Charlie Beers cided to take lessons when she gatherings. As vice president, give a helping hand.” was nine. From there, Milkey start- Milkey was in charge of organiz- With all of Milkey’s dedication to Ferris State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion ed attending camps and showing ing community service events and the team and the sport, the eques- or creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital at 4-H fairs and fun shows. In high volunteer opportunities. She was trian team will not be the same status, veteran or military status, height, weight, protected disability, genetic school, she moved to eventing with also a captain for their Relay for without her. Milkey’s contributions Ferris State University does not discriminate on the basis of information,race, color, or any religion other characteristic or creed, protected national by applicable origin, sStateex, or sexual federal the Dexter equestrian team. Life team. to the team and to her individual laws or regulations in education, employment, housing, public services, or “When I was young, my abso- “Seeing all of the planning and teammates will stick with them for- otherorientation, University genderoperations, identity, including, age,but not marital limited to, s tatus,admissions, veteran programs, or lute favorite memories were of hard work paying off was so re- ever. activities,military hiring, status promotion,, height, discharge, weight, proteccompensation,ted dis fringeability, benefits, genetic job the annual 4-H fair where we got warding and understanding the “The team will truly miss Rachel training,information, classification, or any referral,other charac or retention.teristic Retaliationprotected against by applic any ableperson to spend a whole week nonstop work that went into organizing very much and all the knowledge makingState aor charge, federal filing laws a legitimate or regulations complaint, in testifying,education, or participatingemployment, in any with our horses and friends, rid- shows made me appreciate each she has,” Gravelyn said. “She had discriminationhousing, publicinvestigation servic or proceedinges, or otheris prohibited. University operations, ing constantly, having sleepovers horse event even more,” Milkey been with the team longer than including, but not limited to, admissions, programs, activities, in the barns and cheering each said. “I remember those being anyone and they will all miss her Students with disabilities requiring assistance or accommodation may contact Educational Counseling & Disabilities Services at (231) 591-3057 ecds@ferris. other on in the arena as we got to stressful weekends, but full of dearly.” hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, fringe benefits, edu in Big Rapids (including statewide students) or the Director of Counseling show a different discipline every laughter, learning and fun times.” job training, classification, referral, or retention. Retaliation and Disability Services for Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) at (616) day,” Milkey said. “There was such The equestrian team is a lot dif- Dream Chasing against any person making a charge, filing a legitimate 451-2787 ext. 1136 [email protected] in Grand Rapids. Employees and a feeling of camaraderie among ferent from other sports because complaint, testifying, or participating in any discrimination other members of the University community with disabilities requiring assistance everyone there. We made lasting of having to connect and relate When she graduated and left be- orinv accommodationestigation or mayproc contacteeding the is Humanprohibited. Resources Department, 420 Oak friendships and memories that are to team members in such a short hind her duties on the equestrian St., Big Rapids, MI 49307 or call (231) 591- 2150 [email protected]. still dear to me today.” moment. Milkey said that you are team, Milkey planned on train- Students with disabilities requiring assistance or accommodation Inquiries and complaints of disability discrimination may be addressed to the given a horse five minutes before ing and riding horses back home in may contact Educational Counseling & Disabilities Services at Collegiate Competition your event starts. Winning her first Dexter, Michigan, while she worked Director of Accessibility, Arts and Sciences Commons 1017, 820 Campus Dr., class was a memory Milkey towards her dream of opening a Big(231) Rapids, 591-3057 MI 49307 inor byBig telephone/email Rapids, or atthe (231) Director 591-3057 of JulieAlexander@Counseling, Looking back, Milkey said her will hold onto forever. When therapeutic riding facility. Milkey ferris.eduDisability or &to Tutoringthe Director Serv of Equalices forOpportunity, Kendall 120 College East Cedar of Art St., and Big favorite thing about her time on she made regionals Milkey said said that even a few years after Rapids,Design MI 49307 at (616) or by telephone/email 451-2787 ex att. (231) 1136 591- 2152 in GrandEqualOpportunity@ Rapids. the equestrian team at Ferris was it was the highlight of her time on graduation this is still her goal. ferris.edu.Employees and other members of the University community being around "fellow crazy horse the team. Milkey said she drew a “I’m a bit more realistic now and Individualswith dis abilitieswith complaints requiring of sex assistance discrimination, or including accommodation sexual harassment, may girls." When she was a part of one-eyed ex-barrel horse to ride on see that as a long-term goal. I’d maycontact address the those Human complaints Resourc to thees TitleDepartment, IX Coordinator, 420 805 Oak Campus St., Big Dr., the team, they were focused on her regional pattern and while it like to start smaller with a lessons BigRapids, Rapids, MI MI 49307, 49307 or or by c alltelephone/email (231) 591-2150. at (231) 591-2088 KaitlinZies@ team building and being a cohe- wasn’t her best ride, she’ll never program, as that would fit better in ferris.edu or to a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, including the Director of Equal sive group. Aside from keeping forget the energy at that event. my life right now, but involvement Opportunity, as above; the Extended and International Operations Director of their team compliant with Ferris When Milkey graduated in in therapeutic riding in some ca- StudentInquiries Services, or complaints 151 Fountain of St. dis NE,c riminationGrand Rapids, may MI 49503be addres or by telephone/sed to club sports and the Intercollegiate the spring of 2019, she left Ferris pacity will always be a dream of emailthe at Direc (616)tor 643-5741 of Equal [email protected]; Opportunity, 120 Eas andt Cedarthe KCAD St., Dean Big of Horse Show Association, the team with many long-lasting friendships. mine,” Milkey said. “Whether it is StudentRapids Success,, MI 49307, 17 Fountain or by St. telephone NW, Grand Rapids,at (231) MI 591-2152;49503 or by telephone/or Title leadership shared the common With being a senior and having vice owning my own, being a part of emailIX Coordinator, at (616) 259-1113 805 [email protected]. Campus Dr., Big Rapids, MI 49307, or by goal of becoming a true team. president duties of the equestri- one of the amazing facilities that Othertelephone inquiries ator complaints (231) 591-2088. of discrimination On themay KCADbe addressed Grand to the Rapids Director “There was a lot to learn as far an club, Milkey’s hard work has already exist, or even volunteering ofc Equalampus, Opportunity, contact asthe above. Title IX Deputy Coordinator, 17 Fountain as the nuances of club sports and been noticed. my time there, I do still see that be- St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, (616) 451-2787 ext. 1113. it was quite a time commitment, Ferris human resource manage- ing a part of my life later on.” Updated August 13, 2020 but it felt good to contribute my ment graduate Summer Gravelyn 12

12 Sports Week of March 17 - 23, 2021 Ferris State Torch The return of March Madness The sports squad picks their Final Four and National Champion After a long two years, March Madness is finally back. For us college basketball fans, March is the best time of the year. The Madness that comes with college basketball in the month of March allows us to witness some of the best basket- ball games ever played and, of course, fill out brackets. In the days leading up to the 2021 Tournament tip-off, millions of brackets will be filled out. The sports staff here at the Torch consisting of Austin Arquette, Brandon Wirth, Brendan Sanders and Brody Keiser are here to give you our Final Four and Championship picks.

Brody: Austin: Brendan: Brandon: This year is extremely interesting, be- March Madness has its name for a It’s been nearly two years since we last The fact we’ve made it to March is a bless- cause while it appears that the bracket reason and especially coming off a year crowned a national champion in men’s bas- ing in of itself. The month isn’t the same without is very top-heavy. I would have put both of ups and downs it just seems fitting ketball. Now, we finally have a full bracket unproductive work weeks, completely shredded Iowa and Gonzaga in the Final Four, but that NCAA basketball adds to the mix. in front of us. Who is Oral Roberts? What brackets, and single-month streaming subscrip- because they lie in the same region, I This year is just one I wouldn’t have ex- is a Drexel? How did my dad’s alma mater, tions. had a really tough time choosing my Final pected as to myself there is no one big Cleveland State, make into in the tourney? WEST: Gonzaga Four member from the West region. name standing out. WEST: Gonzaga The undefeated Zags should be considered WEST: Iowa WEST: Gonzaga Gonzaga is the best team in the West the favorite to win the West Region. With offen- After long consideration, I chose Iowa My winner from the West region has region, being the only undefeated team in sive firepower behind Jalen Suggs, Drew Timme, to win the West region. to be the Zags. Simply put the team is basketball, they are trying to become the and Corey Kispert, this team can break score- I might seem crazy to have the Zags undefeated. The Zags have shoot 54% eighth team to go undefeated and win an boards in March. Do not forget they beat four losing, Gonzaga won the regular season from the field, 44% from 3-point range, NCAA national championship. They would top 16 teams before the new year, including an matchup 99-88, but I think Luka Garza and 90% from the free throw stripe. be the first team to do so since the 1976 In- 11-point win against their biggest threat in the will have way too good of a tournament to They have all around starts and it’s diana Hoosiers. I see undefeated and I feel region, #2 seeded Iowa. lose to Gonzaga again. only fitting their dominance continues compelled to pick them to win that region. EAST: Alabama EAST: Texas through March. EAST: Michigan With #1 seed Michigan taking a hit with Isaiah The East region was tough as well. EAST: Michigan Michigan has been at times the best Livers’ injury, Alabama has an open door to slide Without Isaiah Livers, I personally do not Michigan has an easier path but with team in college basketball this year. Boast- into the Final Four. While the Crimson Tide do see Michigan making it past the Sweet Liver’s injury Michigan’s chances got a ing a 20-4 record in the best conference in rely on the long ball, averaging near 30 attempts Sixteen. I have Texas coming out of the lot tougher. I have Michigan still rolling college basketball, they have the tools to per contest, their efficient, gritty top-20 defense East and making the Final Four. Shaka strong and coming out of the East in a go the distance this year, with a strong big can stall sizable offensive threats like third Smart has the Longhorns playing some final four matchup against Gonzaga. man in freshman Hunter Dickinson, they seeded Texas and four seeded Florida State. really good basketball this year, and if SOUTH: Baylor will be a defensive threat. SOUTH: Baylor they can get past Alabama, I think Texas Baylor is ranked no. 2 in the BPI rank- SOUTH: Ohio State The Bears have been dominant in a loaded is the favorite in the East. ings. Versus top 25 teams, they stand Ohio State is arguably the most intrigu- Big-12 conference. Baylor has only lost two SOUTH: Baylor at 7 - 2 on the season. They also have ing team in the tournament. They have matchups this season in 24 games: a dogfight The South victor was perhaps my eas- an extremely high powered offense, been at times the second best team in to #12 Oklahoma State in the Big-12 semifi- iest choice. Now, I actually think Baylor scoring 84.4 points per game. the nation this year, but they are extreme- nal, and #11 Kansas. The Bears have pounded could get upset by Wisconsin’s veteran MIDWEST: Illinois ly streaky. They beat Purdue and their two their competition by an average of 21 points per team in the Round of 32. However, Baylor Sophomore center Kofi Cockburn is big men, Michigan in the semi-finals of the game. With the nation’s best three-point shoot- is my choice to win this region simply be- arguably the best center in the nation, Big Ten Tournament, and nearly beat Illi- ing at 41.8%, it will be tough to prevent Baylor cause I expect them to get back to their with an average of 17.6 points per game nois. That’s two no. 1 seeds and a 4 seed from playing in April. dominance pre-COVID shutdown. and 9.6 rebounds per game. His power in three straight days. They have the best MIDWEST: Illinois MIDWEST: Illinois inside works in perfect tandem with the small ball lineup in this tournament. There is not team hotter right now than the There might not be a team playing outside shooting of Ayo Dosunmu will MIDWEST: Oklahoma State Fighting Illini. Illinois has ran through their re- better basketball right now than Illinois. put Illinois in contention of a title. The Midwest will see Oklahoma State maining conference schedule thanks to the re- Other than a slight hiccup a few weeks CHAMPION: Gonzaga come out on top. They have the best player turn of junior Ayo Dosunmu. Although the threats ago against my Michigan State Spartans, I see Gonzaga able to handle Mich- in college basketball this year. Cade Cun- of Oklahoma State, West Virginia, and Houston Illinois has been dominant to close this igan and move into the Championship ningham is a top three pick in this upcom- loom, the Fighting Illini have the deepest bench season. The combination of Ayo Dosun- game against Illinois. My run in the ing NBA draft, and he directed Oklahoma to stay fresh during the tournament grind. mu and Kofi Cockburn will carry this team championship game will have to go with State to a Big 12 championship over Baylor. CHAMPION: Baylor to the Final Four. They are deep, and tal- the Zags as they will be ready to end CHAMPION: Ohio State While there is potential for Baylor to run out ented. their cinderella story in perfect fashion. Call me biased, but Ohio States offense of steam from 3-point range, the Bears’ defense CHAMPION: Iowa They have all the tangible weapons to is explosive enough to win this champion- can bring them home. The Bears can turn oppo- In the Championship game, I have Iowa stop Illinois and stay on top. It won’t be ship, it’s just a matter of if they are con- nent turnovers in points. The upperclassman’s beating Baylor. Luka Garza will dominate an easy victory by any means, but I have sistent enough. If they are, they can beat experience, coaching under Scott Drew, and this tournament and leave Iowa with his the Zags holding the trophy in the end anyone in this tournament. Ohio State wins overall versatility give them the ability to cut jersey hanging from Carver-Hawkeye of all the madness. it all and I go home with a large grin on my down the nets in 2021. arena next to a National Championship face. banner.

2021 MAY Saturday, May 1, 2021 COMMENCEMENT Virtual Commencement College Contact Phone # Location Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 9:00am Health Professions Richelle Williams (231) 591-2263 VFS 210 Arts, Sciences & Education Gayle Driggers (231) 591-3666 ASC 3052 Ceremony 1 Michigan College of Optometry Business (Undergrad Students) Carri Griffis (231) 591-2493 BUS 200 College of Health Professions ’ Business (Graduate Students) Shannon Yost (231) 591-2168 BUS 200E Can t COME Engineering Technology Joyce Mudel (231) 591-3983 JHN 200 Ceremony 2 College of Pharmacy General Studies Graduates Shelly VandePanne (231) 591-2360 ASC 1017 Doctorate in Community College Leadership Optometry Michelle Balliet (231) 591-3700 MCO 231 College of Arts, Sciences and Education to a Ferris Pharmacy Karen Ottobre (231) 591-2252 PHR 201 University College DCCL Megan Biller (231) 591-2710 ALU 113 Ceremony 3 College of Business SPortING Note: You must satisfy all of your degree requirements before you officially graduate and receive your diploma. Caps and Gowns, may be purchased at the Ferris State University Bookstore (located in the University Center , 805 Campus Drive, Ceremony 4 College of Engineering Technology event? Big Rapids MI 49307) or online at https://ferris.shopoakhalli.com and have it shipped to you (a shipping fee will be charged). Diploma Cover & Alumni Pin Pick up – For those Graduate who selected yes to The deadline to order for Undergraduate and Graduate degrees shipping through the website is April 16th. walk you may pick up your diploma cover and Alumni Pin during the following Commencement Electronic Program – Graduates must complete their online graduation application by Friday, February 19, times in the University Center on main campus in Room 123. Follow us on twitter 2021 for their names to appear in the Spring 2021 Commencement Program or their name will not appear in the 3/2 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 3/9 10:00 am – 4:00 pm @fsutorch for live up- Commencement Program. 3/4 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 3/11 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Virtual Commencement Slide – To personalize your slide please visit Virtual Commencement at dates on the game! https://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/current/Commencement/virtualcommencement.htm. An Online Graduation Application For special accommodations or for more information regarding must be completed in order for your name to appear in the virtual ceremony. Information for personalizing your slide must be the Commencement ceremony, please visit the Commencement submitted by the end of the day on Wednesday, March 10th. website www.ferris.edu/commencement or call (231) 591-3803.