Dough for Dawgs Too Little, Minimum Wage Increases to $9.25 Too Late? Behind the Scenes of the Ferris Alert System Grant Siddall Torch Reporter

www.fsutorch.com Single Issue Free, Additional Copies 50 Cents Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 HERE’s wHAT’s INSide Ferris State University Remembering Nicole Unleashed

Swanson Catch up on the recent success of Read a tribute to Nicole Swanson, the Ferris men’s basketball team TORCH and their hope of a fourth straight a Ferris student who passed away Truth, fairness and over winter break. GLIAC championship. accuracy since 1931 News | Page 2 Sports | Page 10 Dough for Dawgs Too little, Minimum wage increases to $9.25 too late? Behind the scenes of the Ferris alert system Grant Siddall Torch Reporter

The alert messages sent in December regarding an armed man on campus have left many students wondering how the Depart- ment of Public Safety (DPS) handles alerts. At 5:50 p.m. Dec. 2, Ferris Department of Public Safety issued an alert stating that there was a report of a man with a gun around North Residence Hall and that there was a shelter in place. The next alert at 6:10 p.m. clarified that there had been a Snapchat photo at 2 p.m. of a man with a gun possibly on campus but that there was no specific threat. At 7:33 p.m., the final alert was sent to let students know that the shelter was lifted and that there was no immediate threat to campus. Many students have had questions regarding why it took almost four hours between the time the original photo was posted and when the alert was sent to students. DPS Director Bruce Borkovich, who is in charge of the alert system, said that DPS acted as soon as they had knowledge of the photo. “I can’t write a para- graph, I’m limited to 150 characters. The information goes out as we have it. In this particular case, at approximately two o’clock a female and Bruce a male posed for a Snap- Photo by: Abbey Good | Multimedia Editor Borkovich chat and the male had Ferris social work junior Mackinzy Folkes dresses a caramel coffee at the University Center Starbucks on campus. a handgun in his hand. Megan Lewton you’re not gaining anything. So we did because I’m only making eight-some- Snapchats have a geography and the ge- Torch Reporter increase the awards to allow students to thing right now and also my hours were ography showed that it was taken in North work more hours,” Randle said. kind of cut short, like a couple hours Hall. Eventually, that picture got to an RA in Working Bulldogs will see a few more Increase in minimum wage can cause less a week than I’m doing now, so North Hall,” Borkovich said. dollars in their paycheck this year as the some workers to worry about hours be- those extra couple “The RA called us and we went over minimum wage makes another increase. ing cut. However, Randle said Ferris is dollars might come in quickly to investigate it and saw that, yes, Starting Monday, Jan. 1, minimum working to increase budgets to allow handy,” Deising said. there was a guy on campus with a gun. wage was raised from $8.90 to $9.25 students to continue to work. Others, such as Fer- That’s what we had at the time. As more in- an hour. This is the final minimum wage “Our budget people that determine ris information security formation came in, we found out that it had raise in a series of four increases begin- the budget that go to all of the depart- and intelligence senior taken place hours ago. However, it sounds ning in 2014, according to Ferris Manag- ments, they are very and FLITE library page like as officers walked into the building, er of Student Employment John Randle. concerned that stu- Megan Kludy are sup- that guy was walking out in another area. These messages evolved as we got more “Every student that’s making $8.90 or dent hours don’t get Megan portive of the raise but $9 or anything less than $9.25 will au- reduced. So they try Kludy don’t feel that it needs information.” tomatically be moved up to $9.25. Stu- to give more money to be increased more. As for behind the scenes, DPS workers dents that are currently above $9.25 are to the departments “It’s always nice when wages go up were making calls and locking down build- not going to be automatically increased to offset the minimum but I stand with the consensus that ings once the threat was confirmed. and if their supervisor feels that they wage so they can still minimum wage is for high school and “While we’re putting these alerts out, we should be increased and they have the work the same hours,” college students. I don’t think minimum have about six phones going at once and funding in their budget, they would have John Randle said. wage is meant to be a livable income, we’re communicating with residence halls to go in and manually request that those Randle Although the 35 just a source of extra cash or to pay and other more vulnerable areas on cam- individuals be increased,” Randle said. cent increase won’t small bills,” Kludy said. pus where there are a lot of students. We In addition to the minimum wage make Ferris student workers go from Randle said that although there are no had the ability to put the University Center raise, Randle said the awards for work rags to riches, many are pleased with more approved minimum wage increas- on lockdown so we did that, and we thought study have been increased as well. the minimum wage raise, such as Ferris es at the state level, Ferris individually ‘what else is vulnerable?’ and we had the “We did increase the work study social work sophomore Cassie Deising, reviews wage increases and will raise ability to lockdown the Rec Center so we award amount to accommodate that, so who works at the Ferris Student Code of minimum wage on campus if the state did that,” Borkovich said. students can work the same amount of Conduct Office. goes a long time without an increase in “We immediately let all the residence hours. If you keep getting more per hour “I think it’s a really good thing that it’s minimum wage. and you have a limited amount to earn, going up. I think I will see a difference Alert| see page 3

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2 News Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Ferris State Torch

“The legacy Nicole left seems to be that she could always make people laugh.” NEWS - Chris Barton - See below for story Harley Harrison | News Editor | [email protected] Remembering Nicole Swanson Her vehicle went off the right side of the road and crashed scary movies, drawing and writing, as she aspired to be Ferris student dies in into a tree, causing the car to catch on fire. a creative writer, according to Barton and Dana Swanson. Although a passerby was able to pull her out of the ve- “I remember when Nicole showed me this poem [Cof- hicle and support her until emergency responders arrived, fee Shop] for the first time. We met in the UC and she was car accident Swanson was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after so excited to read it to me. She was always so proud of emergency medical services got there. Swanson was 22 the poems she wrote and she worked so hard on them. Harley Harrison years old. Her strong suit was definitely being creative,” Dana Swan- News Editor Today, Nicole Swanson is remembered by her younger son said. sister, Ferris nursing junior Dana Swanson, and her sis- Despite being described as polar opposites, the sisters Just days before Christmas, tragedy struck the Ferris ter’s boyfriend, Ferris accounting and finance junior Chris were considered best friends. community after a student died in a car crash. Barton. Dana Swanson and Barton described Nicole “The legacy Nicole left seems to be that she could al- Ferris communications junior Nicole Swanson was driv- Swanson as being bright, outgoing, confident, kind and ways make people laugh. She was such a jokester and ing north around the area of South Maple City Road at ap- funny. loved scaring people,” Barton said. proximately 3 a.m. Dec. 23, according to an MLive article. Nicole Swanson enjoyed playing the piano, watching For more details about the accident, visit mlive.com. Coffee Shop

A poem by Nicole Swanson slowly stirring

The bell rings as the glass She places herself on a door opens wooden chair She is welcomed with a friendly smile Her coffee in front of her The chalkboard is filled with colorful choices Paintings inside of frames staring at her asking… She finally orders What do I mean?” Her eyes, glazed from the sun As she perches her lips upon the cup of coffee, she notic- The coffee is placed gently es a bird resting on the fence on the counter, waiting to be fed cream and sugar Then all of a sudden, she gets an inspiration… She glances at the boy behind the counter She wants to write a poem He looks and his eyes smile Her heart jumps as she shy- It starts off saying, fully peers down at her cof- “The bell rings as the glass Submitted photo fee, door opens...” Ferris communications junior Nicole Swanson was an animal lover, according to her sister, Ferris nursing junior Dana Swanson. Animals find forever and since I’m away from home, I don’t have my dog or my Shelter saves animals cat,” Ferris public relations senior Brooke Bewak said. “So, I thought I would channel all that stress-energy into doing as well as students something good so it would be beneficial for the animals and beneficial for myself to have a time to breathe and re- Cora Hall lax.” Torch Reporter Ferris business administration senior Gaige Tucker agreed that playing with the kittens in the The story of the Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC) of Me- shelter was a great way to de-stress for costa County began with the biggest rescue mission of all. him and that some of the playing included Most people know it as a place where animals find their rehabilitation of mistreated animals. forever homes but what most people do not know is that “Sometimes they’ll get a new cat and ARC replaced an old shelter that had bad practices, accord- it won’t be as friendly. So we try to break ing to ARC manager Cynthia Glazier. them in, just to get them used to being “They were euthanizing dogs using the gas chamber— around other animals because they will they were one of the only two shelters in the state that still Brooke get animals that have been abused or did that—and they were selling dogs to a research facility. Bewak mistreated and that’s rough to see,” Tuck- So our director, Cate Arroe, wanted that to change and she er said. got a petition together to take before the County Commis- ARC has more than 60 student volunteers, who do much sion,” Glazier said. of the cleaning and chores around the shelter and they are Opening its doors in 2012, ARC took on all the pets from invaluable according to Glazier. the previous shelter and found forever homes for all of them. “We have some of the best, most-dedicated student vol- Glazier explained that the shelter has since then received a unteers in the world. I don’t think we could lot of support from the community through donations. do everything we do without our student “We are very blessed that we have some very generous volunteers,” Glazier said. “The only thing donors in our community. It can be financial or if we get low I dislike about student volunteers is that I on cat litter, we post on Facebook and within two days I’ve get super attached to them and then they got 30 people coming in with cat litter, dog food and cat graduate and leave. ARC would not be food, so we rely a lot on donations,” Glazier said. what it is without our students.” Ferris students who volunteer at ARC have found it to be Students who want to volunteer at ARC a good way to relax amidst all the stress that comes along can pick up an application at the shelter Gaige with school. or online at arcofmecostacounty.com. Photo by: Cora Hall | Torch Reporter Tucker “I started because I was actually stressed with school ARC manager Cynthia Glazier cuddles a cat at the shelter. 3

NewsNews 3 Ferris State TorchFerris State Torch Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 - ON THE RECORD - A roundup of this week’s crime at Ferris State University Intense times Harley Harrison Drug bust fice. Intense times News Editor Dec. 7, 12 a.m., officers investigated a Dec. 28, 4:43 a.m., officers responded narcotics equipment and controlled sub- Lovin’ drugs to a noise complaint in Finch Court where Oh, lovely larceny stance violation in the 500 block on Clark Dec. 11, 4:33 p.m., officers investigat- they discovered a non-student having a Dec. 3, 4:15 p.m., officers investigated Street. One subject was arrested and re- ed a violation of the Controlled Substance breakdown due to a mental condition. a report of larceny in Vandercook Hall but ferred to the Office of Student Conduct. Act in Vandercook Hall. One warrant re- The incident resulted in a minor assault no action was taken. quest was submitted to the prosecutor’s between the two parties. The subject is The one that got away office and one subject was referred to the now being evaluated by community mental Food fight! Dec. 7, 3 p.m., officers investigated a Office of Student Conduct. health professionals, a warrant request Dec. 3, 8 p.m., officers responded to report of breaking and entering in North was sent to the prosecutor’s office and a report of assault and battery and ob- Hall. The investigation is still open. Sweet escape the suspect has been trespassed from struction of justice in the Rock Café. One Dec. 11, 6:40 p.m., officers investi- the university. subject was arrested and referred to the For the love of Brophy gated a report of larceny in the Student Office of Student Conduct. Dec. 7, 8:25 p.m., officers responded to Recreation Center. The investigation was Bad decisions a subject trespassing in Brophy Hall. The closed after a lack of leads. Dec. 28, 7:26 p.m., officers investigat- Bad boys subject was arrested and referred to the ed a Controlled Substance Act violation on Dec. 4, 7:42 p.m., officers arrested two Office of Student Conduct. Rockin’ Robin Perry Avenue and Clark Street. Two sub- subjects for violating the Controlled Sub- Dec. 12, 4:28 p.m., officers have subjects were arrested and one subject was stance Act and for a narcotics equipment Druggie troubles mitted one warrant request to the prose- referred to the Office of Student Conduct. violation in North Hall. Both subjects were Dec. 8, 8:44 p.m., officers arrested one cutor’s office for a controlled substance also referred to the Office of Student Con- subject for a Controlled Substance Act vio- violation in Robin Court. Three months later... duct. lation on Northland Drive and Arthur Road. Dec. 31, 11:21 p.m., officers closed an Smooth criminal investigation that was originally reported Get outta here! Not cool, dude Dec. 14, 10:27 a.m., officers investi- on Sept. 29. Officers had received a re- Dec. 6, 4:35 p.m., officers referred one Dec. 8, 10:14 p.m., officers arrested a gated a report of malicious destruction of port of an obstruction of justice on Elm suspect to the Office of Student Conduct subject at the Oakwood Apartments for property in Lot 61. The investigation was Street. The investigation is now closed for trespassing in Brophy Hall. drunk driving. The subject was also re- closed after a lack of leads. and one subject was arrested. ferred to the Office of Student Conduct. Fraud fails Out of control You can’t run Dec. 6, 10:49 p.m., officers investi- Keep your hands to yourself Dec. 14, 9:36 p.m., officers investigat- Jan. 1, 6:15 p.m., officers investigated gated a report of fraud in the Rock Café. Dec. 10, 12:40 a.m., officers responded a Sex Offender Registry violation on an obstruction of justice on the US 131 One warrant request was submitted to the ed to a report of domestic violence in Rob- State Street and Cedar Street. One sub- ramp. One subject was arrested. prosecutor’s office and one suspect was in Court. One subject was arrested and ject was arrested. referred to the Office of Student Conduct. referred to the Office of Student Conduct and the case was sent to the Title IX Of- WEEKLY W RLD NEWS NEWS BRIEFS Harley Harrison Catch up on news around the globe News Editor Office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) spring semester Harley Harrison Original story by Egill Bjarnason and Christine open house News Editor Hauser, Jan. 3, 2018. The New York Times. Students are invited to join OMSS for their Spring Open House Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 12 – 3 p.m. in FLITE 159. Students can en- Kroonstad, South Africa Lima, Peru joy light refreshments and learn how they can get involved. For more At least 18 are dead and more than 260 in- The Peruvian government has banned buses information, contact OMSS at [email protected]. jured after a passenger train hit two vehicles. from a stretch of road after a bus plunged off a According to a spokesman, a truck driver at- cliff and onto a beach, killing 51 passengers. Campfire and hot cocoa in the Quad tempted to rush across the track and miscal- The stretch of road has been called the Devil’s Join the Ferris Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Ser- culated the speed of the train. The death toll is Curve and it curves 52 times in 14 miles and vices (CLACS) for hot chocolate by a campfire in the Quad. The event expected to rise. doesn’t have safety rails in most areas. will be held Thursday, Jan. 11, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more infor- Original story by Kimon de Greef, Jan. 4, Original story by Marcelo Rochabrún, Jan. 3, mation, please call Teresa Fogel at 231-591-5936. 2018. The New York Times. 2018. The New York Times. The 32nd annual MLK Freedom March Reykjavik, Iceland Kabul, Afghanistan Come participate in OMSS’ annual MLK Freedom March to honor A new law called the Equal Pay Standard, At least 20 were killed and 30 wounded after and commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The march which passed in June, has taken effect in order a suicide bomber working for the Islamic State will take place Monday, Jan. 15, from 4 – 5 p.m. and it will start in to minimize gender inequality. The law requires detonated a bomb in a market where shopkeep- the University Center Rankin Atrium. For more details or information that all companies with at least 25 full-time em- ers were protesting. Most of the victims were about other OMSS events, please contact [email protected]. ployees analyze their salary structures every members of the police force or security officials. three years and then report it to the government Original story by Fahim Abed, Jan. 4, 2018. to ensure men and women are paid the same The New York Times. amount for doing the same job. Check us out online for exclusive articles and photo galleries at www.fsutorch.com Alert tory they’re breaking a state law,” Borkovich said. Continued from page 1 “In this particular case, we discovered a pretty large amount of marijuana, enough to indicate that the halls know, the residence halls then immediately person was selling it. HONEST & AFFORDABLE CAR CARE have their staff roaming all over checking doors. “We believe that the marijuana was also owned Then we got police officers from other agencies and by the person with the gun so that person, had sent them to the sports arena. The information that they been caught, would have had several felonies. Mufflers • Brakes we had was that the guy that had the gun was long We’re still working on [the case]. Everything looks Struts • Shocks gone and headed back to Chicago.” like this person is probably a resident of Chicago Borkovich also added that DPS was first informed and we’re still not sure who it is but it’s unlikely this Undercarriage Specialist of the photo at about 5 p.m. and that the reason person will be prosecuted and the student who was FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC for the delay is that they make sure to verify all in- with this person has still not been cooperative.” cidents before sending out alerts so they can avoid According to the DPS Crime Log, the crime was false alarms. classified as a weapon’s offense, an obstruction of Other questions many students had were what justice, an unlawful use of an automobile, a nar- legal ramifications face the man with the gun and cotics equipment violation and a possession with Certified Mechanics on Staff was he a student? intent to deliver. A warrant request was submitted, Locally Owned and Operated “The mere possession of a firearm on campus is one suspect was arrested, one suspect is still un- known and five subjects were referred to the Office a rule violation, not a law. Now even if someone has FREE ESTIMATES of Student Conduct. North End of Town a concealed weapons license, if they’re in a dormi- 1204 N. State St., Big Rapids, MI 592-1204 4

4 News Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Ferris State Torch The FCC voted 3-2 to What comes next? end net neutrality Grant Siddall & Harley Harrison available to students and teachers online. formation for students will become much more difficult. Torch Reporter & News Editor With the removal of net neutrality, companies will be Internet prices may rise, Internet may get slower or be enabled to slow speeds of free content throttled, finding the right information may require sub- The impact of ending net neutrality on students is un- in an attempt to steer students and ed- scriptions or special packages. These are things that no known but it has the potential to hurt education. ucators towards paid content, which will student wants to deal with in our already stressful lives.” Net neutrality, which is also referred to as the open in- have a negative impact on education, Entertainment industries could be another way that ternet, was a policy that requires all internet providers to especially in poor areas, according to people are impacted by a repeal. Many streaming ser- treat all internet content equally so that users can access the interview with Culatta. vices like Netflix or Hulu could see reduced speeds from all websites with the same ease. While the issues mentioned by Culat- certain Internet providers and things like online gaming According to an article by ABC News, the Federal Com- ta are more focused on K-12 schools could see a similar fate. munications Commission (FCC) voted in 2015 to consider and less on college, the same issues “Outside of academics this will affect how I get a lot of consumer broadband service as a public utility, which fell Phil with accessing content applies to col- my information news wise and also how I get my enter- under the Title II Order of the 1934 Communications Act. Sciriha lege students. For example, access to tainment,” Ferris welding engineering senior Phil Sciriha The FCC determined that the internet was a public utility Google Scholar is currently available for said. “I am definitely hoping they don’t do anything to our similar to electricity and phone service companies. free, however, with net neutrality repealed, Internet pro- Internet in terms of gaming, in terms of games like PUBG But Dec. 14, 2017, the FCC voted again to reverse viders could throttle speeds to the site in order to steer or League of Legends. I play all games of that nature. If net neutrality policies, such as the one that considered users towards paid sites or charge extra for the use of they start messing with that it’s going to get really bad, the internet a public utility, according to a different ar- the site. really quickly. They are going to get a lot of backlash from ticle by ABC News. This rollback may contribute to the Some Ferris students are worried about the ways that a gamers.” development of different speed lanes for websites, which repeal could negatively impact their lives as students and The next step in the net neutrality battle is a vote by could mean users will have to pay higher prices for faster outside of school. congress to repeal the FCC vote under the Congressional speeds. “I think that net neutrality impacts students in a huge Review Act. US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer So what does this reversal mean for students? way. Today a vast majority of our information comes said that the congressional vote does not need the sup- According to an NPR interview of Richard Culatta, the from the Internet, even publishers are beginning to offer port of the majority leader and that “we can bring it to the CEO of the International Society for Technology in Edu- E-Books and learning material directly from a web brows- floor and force a vote. So there will be a vote to repeal the cation, the removal of net neutrality could have large im- er,” Ferris computer information technology senior Ryan rule that the FCC passed.” pacts on students due to the amount of free materials Fouts said. “If repealed, I feel that easily accessible in-

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Graphic by: Sarah Massey | Production Manager Big Rapids Planet Fitness coming soon gym when they can access one for free Yes, there will though and Ferris pre-pharmacy sophomore Veronica Mills thinks that the number of students who get memberships will depend on be pizza too the quality of the renovations at the SRC. “I think it depends on how fast the reno- Cora Hall vations get done. I feel like a lot of students Torch Reporter at home do go to Planet Fitness, so they probably will move over because it’s super Big Rapids will be gaining another way for cheap and they like it better. But I think it students to get fit, de-stress and get their all just depends on how nice the Rec turns pre-summer tan in the spring of 2018. out,” Mills said. Many Ferris students are members al- Planet Fitness prides itself in providing a ready at their local Planet Fitness locations judgment-free zone for anyone to work out and will soon be able to work out 24/7 at in. school too. Memberships start at $1 down “Our mission is to offer anyone and every- and $10 per month and many students one a friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere think it will be worth the money. to exercise at a very affordable price,” CEO “I’m going to get a black card and go, of Impact Fitness Chris Klebba said in a especially since I already use it at home,” press release. Ferris nursing sophomore Kenzie Gormley Among the amenities included in a Plan- said. et Fitness membership is unlimited small Even with the option of going to the Ferris group fitness instruction by certified train- Student Recreation Center (SRC) for free, ers and free pizza on the first Monday of ev- Gormley said she would prefer to work out ery month, according to the press release. at Planet Fitness. According to Ferris welding engineering “It is a hundred times better. The Rec freshman Jake Warnaar, Planet Fitness is Center here has no machines and they’re not seen as a fitness club for those who are always broken,” Gormley said. “Planet Fit- serious about lifting. ness is always well-kept and clean.” “There’s two different kinds of gyms. The new Planet Fitness, which will be lo- There’s a gym for people who just want to cated at 1250 Perry Avenue, will officially get into better physical shape, lose a little open its doors this upcoming spring and fat and just get healthier and then there’s will be accepting memberships in February, a gym for people who want to get really according to a press release from Decem- strong. I would consider myself more on the ber 7. Members who want full access to power lifting side, rather than just getting massage chairs, tanning beds, free guest fit,” Warnaar said. passes and other amenities can buy a With the renovations at the SRC and the Black Card membership, which is $21.99 opening of Planet Fitness, there will be per month. Promotional image plenty of new options for students to work Not all students are willing to pay for a Planet Fitness facility will be coming to Big Rapids this spring. out and stay healthy this coming spring. 5

News 5 Ferris State Torch Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Preferred Stressful scheduling Behind the scenes at Ferris administration Megan Lewton Friday to meet in 50 minute happy with their schedule. How- Torch Reporter increments and Tuesday and ever, our department leadership names Thursday classes to meet in tries to find a way to honor the Many students put a lot of 75-minute increments. Adhering faculty’s wishes while meeting work into planning their class to these standards helps us to student need. Sometimes the New policy takes strides schedule for each semester. maximize our use of classrooms faculty’s wishes are met and However, the work put in by ad- while ensuring that students sometimes not, but we always Harley Harrison approval of the policy only took a ministration to plan what cours- have fewer schedule conflicts, try to have a win-win situation,” News Editor few months. es will be offered each semester allowing them time to move to Ferris Associate Dean of Opera- “This policy and the technical often goes unnoticed. and from back-to-back classes,” tions in the College of Arts and For many transgender or gen- advances to ensure its imple- The process of scheduling Gramza said. Sciences Trinidy Williams said. der nonconforming students, mentation was a collaborative requires multiple members of The process becomes increas- In addition, there are some- their first legal name can be- process. We had students ex- administration and faculty and ingly complicated as many ele- times conflicts with students come an issue, especially in re- press the need for a preferred has several factors that need ments need to be considered. who need to take multiple class- lation to the University. first name, staff that spent hours close attention in order to avoid According to Johnson, some of es that overlap in a particular As of Dec. 13, 2017, Ferris im- of time researching the policy conflicts. the many factors include avail- semester. plemented their Preferred First language and technical compo- According to Ferris Associate ability of professors that may “When a conflict is discov- Name Policy (PFN) so that stu- nents and stakeholders across Provost of Academic Operations have professional responsibil- ered, every effort is made to dents can choose the first name the university that came togeth- Leonard Johnson, each semes- ities that conflict with a class make a change to accommo- that appears on class lists, wait er to consider the implications of ter’s class schedule is deter- time, assuring the space in the date students who may need to lists, final and midterm grades, its implementation to ensure a mined by program directors and classroom is appropriate for the take two classes on the sched- registration status, student ID smooth and possible transition,” department chairs. These peo- class size and avoiding conflicts ule that may conflict/overlap. and diplomas. Gramza said. ple are ultimately in charge of with other required classes with- Accommodations have included “Our goal with this policy is to Ferris biology and psychology scheduling but they often con- in a program as to not cause rescheduling one of the classes ensure all students, staff and junior Duvonna Haynes said she sider the needs of faculty mem- overlap. Additional factors in- to avoid the conflict or working faculty are recognized, respected was surprised by the new Ferris bers. clude sudden personal conflicts, with individual students inde- and connected within the Ferris policy, especially because of how Although the process can be such as family or health issues, pendently to allow them to com- community. While a preferred small Big Rapids is. time-consuming, it is made eas- that would prevent an instructor plete required course require- first name is just one piece of “It’s a good thing. I think that ier by using a scheduling matrix from teaching a class. ments while not penalizing them that, it’s a visible and important it’s good that that sets time increments that Although these factors are for missing class time,” Johnson part of a person’s experience at they’re start- most classes fall into, according closely considered while deter- said. Ferris,” Associate Dean of En- ing to accept to Ferris Registrar Elise Gramza. mining class times, faculty mem- The scheduling process is rollment Services Elise Gramza that a person “For fall and spring semes- bers sometimes disapprove of successful in scheduling more said. “Our hope is that the more should have ters, the matrix requires cours- their given schedule. than 2,700 classes a semester, people are connected and ac- the right to be es on Monday, Wednesday and “Sometimes faculty are not according to Gramza. cepted at Ferris, the more like- themselves, ly they will be successful here, basically,” whether that’s in the classroom Duvonna Haynes said. or within their career.” Haynes “So, no one While the PFN policy allows for else can tell a lot of changes for students, it you who you are or who you want does have its boundaries. The to be, and if they really believe name change is restricted from that they are the wrong gender or legal documents such as finan- they believe that their biology’s WANTED cial aid records, health records, wrong and they want to be re- employee health insurance, IRS ferred to as this and called that. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF forms and social security forms. “I feel like they have the right Legal names will also appear on to do that because they didn’t Ferris State Torch the back of all University IDs, ac- have a choice when they came 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR: cording to the PFN policy. into this world, you don’t have a We are seeking an organized student (enrolled in at least six credit hours) for “I believe one of the most im- choice. And like now, we’re given portant aspects of the policy is back that choice in a way. So, I the Editor-in-Chief position during the 2018-19 school year. Candidates must write that it is for all Ferris community feel like that’s very open minded well, possess excellent leadership skills and be prepared to work the entire school members, not just students or thinking and I’m surprised that year. Candidates should be familiar with printed and digital publishing techniques. just faculty and staff. It is truly Ferris has done that.” Qualified students can receive competitive wages for up to 20 hours per week. an inclusive policy for everyone To find more information about Ability to work and train in April and August of 2018 is necessary. Prior journalism at Ferris,” Gramza said. “Anoth- the policy, it can be accessed off er item for consideration is that of the Ferris Registrar’s home experience or training desired. there are some instances, like page. Ferris community mem- APPLICANTS NEED TO SUBMIT: financial aid and employment bers can find the policy, Fre- purposes, that still require the quently Asked Questions and a • Resume use of a legal name. The use of request form to change their pre- • One-page (typed) essay answering the following: a preferred first name will be a ferred names. >> Why do I want to be Editor-in-Chief? balance of business processes “We have created a website >> What should be the goals of a student-run newspaper? that require a legal name and linked from the Registrar’s Office those that can allow a preferred page. This page includes the pol- >> How will I, as Editor-in-Chief, ensure that the newspaper first name.” icy, frequently asked questions reaches its goals? According to Gramza, the big- and a request form and process • Copies of articles or other written work gest struggle in implementing for students who wish to des- • At least two references (recommendation letters not required) the policy was the technical ignate a preferred first name,” abilities of the student informa- Gramza said. SEND RESUME, ESSAY AND CLIPPINGS TO: tion systems. While a group had Ferris staff and faculty can Steve Fox at [email protected] been working on the implemen- contact the Human Resources tation of the policy for two years, Department for further informa- DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28, 2018 after the technical abilities were tion and steps of action, accord- The Torch offers a chance to work in a professional “real world” environment and adds excellent changed, the development and ing Gramza. credentials to your resume.

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6 Lifestyles Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Ferris State Torch

“I learned how important leaning on others and being open minded is.” LIFESTYLES - Jake Trethaway - See below for story Alicia Jaimes | Lifestyles Editor | [email protected] Moving forward A new year with new someone else in the same situation was successful,” Smith said. possibilities and lessons Finding your place in the world is a struggle. Luckily, Smith has taken a large learned leap in getting closer to that goal. For some, wanting to be involved in some- Kat Merby one else’s journey causes them grief and Torch Reporter stress but in that case, it is still important to With 2017 wrapped up and 2018 in keep an eye on the its first month, students reflect on all bright side of the situ- that 2017 taught them as they hope to ation. make the new year a memorable one. Ferris music industry “I hope to stay sober, find a good pay- management senior ing job so I can move out of the house Jake Trethaway faced and hopefully find a nice lady friend,” Mike a lot of hardships last Ferris general studies freshman Mike Harrington year. However, it was Harrington said. also a year of growth. Harrington believes that one of the best “I’m in love with one of my best things that he learned from last year were friends. She’s going through personal the benefits of being sober. Improving his stuff of her own, so trying to be a sup- mental and physical health, Harrington portive friend while not acting on my left 2017 feeling happier in general. How- feelings has been incredibly stressful. ever, looking back on the past two years, Overall, I’d say I live a fortunate life, be- he wishes he could have reminded him- cause I’m healthy and have friends and self to slow down, in regard to his alcohol family that love me,” Trethaway said. consumption and enjoying the moment. One of Trethaway’s goals this year is Another Ferris student doesn’t loathe to focus on himself. 2017 quite as much as Harrington. “I’ve been dealing with my depression “I could leave 2017 where it is. Howev- for years and the combination of my er, I learned lots of lessons,” Ferris psy- medications balancing and my own per- chology freshman Autumn Smith said. sonal growth has helped me enormous- Since this was her first semester in ly. Yoga and meditation are key. Taking a college, Smith got to experience univer- hard look at what your unhealthy habits sity life and living on campus. She is ex- are is difficult, and previously my failures cited to attend Ferris Fest in the spring got to me and discouraged me from try- and looks forward to seeing her family ing to improve my life. Luckily, my best over spring break. friend moved in with me and helped Photo by: Marcus Gurnee | Torch Photographer Though excitement is in the future, remind me every day that life is worth Ferris construction management senior Zack Wilk said goodbye to 2017 and embraces the Smith shared a lesson learned from living,” Trethaway said. new year. 2017. He has also struggled with having the “I learned that no matter how much motivation to finish school because he Ferris. He also has some wisdom to share no challenge in life is too big and that no you might want something, if it isn’t has multiple job opportunities lined up. that he acquired in 2017. mental illness will define my outlook on for you, then you simply can’t have it. However, Trethaway knows that it is im- “I learned how important leaning on life,” Trethaway said. I learned that from situations that I portant to take advantage of any learn- others and being open minded is. Even in thought were for me didn’t work out but ing opportunity that is available while at the crazy messed up world we live in, that

Bulldog goals Resolution-izing for 2018 Kat Merby Torch Reporter

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Ian Evo Michael Becerra Kate McGuire Chloe Millard Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Monday MusicTuesday Industry WednesdayPlastics EngiThursday- Friday Saturday Sunday Criminal Justice Nursing Management neering

“I need to be nicer “I need to be “I want to get fit to people and do “Drink less and healthier and not and pass all my better in my class- get more sleep.” be so consumed classes.” Mondayes.” Tuesday Wednesday Thursdayby technology.”Friday Saturday Sunday Ferris State TorchFerris Lifestyles discounted meals. Kitchen, Baristas.and bonus, Housing, Dorm Clerks, Sales Staff, Wait Staff, Bell Desk, Front Ryba’s Fudge Shops areareas:all in seeking help lifelongHouse HotelThe Island friends. and Work– MakeIsland This Summer on Mackinac Many studentsusegamingasaway tounwindafterclasses. “It alsoislargelyfocusedon are bored,” Woodard said. it totalkwomenwhenthey looking forahookuporuse seriously. Mostareeither or Bumbledon’t take itvery on datingappslike Tinder I’ve foundalotofthemen serious aboutarelationship. difficult for students who are al friends. one she knows through mutu- datingsome that sheprefers both methods but has found Jordin Woodard hasused method either. al friendsisnotaforgotten ing friends or through mutu- arelationshipbyforming be ble arepopularoncampus, such as Tinder and Bum- lationship. come inwithacommittedre relationships, hookupsor time many ventureintonew Torch Reporter Briana Hammontree New romantics “I think dating online is senior Ferris pre-pharmacy While many datingapps College tends to be the www.theislandhouse.com (906) 847-7196 Photo by: Gurnee| Marcus Torch Photographer - - - over a year now as he attends Calpin datingherboyfriend of Ferris students, withMc ships arealsoprevalent to technology,” McCalpinsaid. talking through a piece of ing toopenupwhenyou’re people arealotmorewill know peoplebutsometimes waypreferred ofgettingto ismyHanging outinperson way toreachoutpeople. apps andtextingarethebest person. have difficultyopeningupin be beneficial for those who finds that dating apps can senior Savannah McCalpin too.” ing themonadateinperson, andask someone inperson becoming acquaintedwith is throughfriendsormaybe someone seriouslylooking successful way todatefor Ithinkthemost of person. hard toattracttherightkind factors, makingit important appearance, insteadofmore Long–distance relation- “I believe social media Ferris publicrelations

- - - just depends,” Kiersey said. get closeasfriendstoo.It ple sometimes just meet or ingeneral. Peodating world is biginfluenceonthecollege relationship, orIthinkTinder come toFerris, like me, ina I’ve seen.Eitherpeople is alotdifferentfromwhat to make itwork. ship andfoundherownway came toschoolinarelation majorKennedywork Kiersey McCalpin said. alone along–distanceone,” volved inany relationship, let iskeyicant others whenin- of schedulesbetween signif- cation andanunderstanding life. Having goodcommuni volvement, ontopofasocial and studentorganizationin- ademic schedule, load work ing between balancinganac- can occasionallybedistract- rewarding. It ficult andvery dif college canbebothvery Michigan StateUniversity. “I think dating on campus Ferris thirdyearsocial “Having arelationshipin your team? Who wouldyouwant on The digitallife male gamers,” Scottsaid. don’t seeadifferencewhenIplay againstfemaleor butIpersonally selves asquoteon‘camgirls’ areonthere to promotethem the femalegamers on thestreamingsitecalledTwitch isthatmany of favorite gamesis“Wolfenstein 2.” out and play whatever his friends play. One of Scott’s ufacturing engineeringsophomoreRiley Scottsaid. swear we couldplay thatgameforever,” Ferris man 4.”charted Oneofhisfavoritewith others. gamestoplay is“Un It’s and a way alsoaconversation toconnect starter plays videogamestoday torelaxthroughouttheday. playing age.Hestill videogamesatanearly to start ordination, gamesaswell. reactiontimeandsports excelatroleplaying,that femalegamers hand-eye co andteams.Barberhasfound force intournaments areadominant and heclaimsthatfemalegamers Barber hasplayed onnumerousgamingplatforms Barber IVsaid. television anddigitalmediaproduction seniorJohn should not be on an equal playingders field,” Ferris that many donotbelieve thatbothgen malegamers one. world, many womenfacediscriminationinthedigital Torch Reporter Kat Merby “One of the misconceptions about female gamers “One ofthemisconceptionsaboutfemalegamers outnew gameswhenthey come Scott loves totry “I played alotof‘CallDuty’withmy cousins.I Barber’s dadencouragedhimandhistwinbrother From hisexperience, thisideamakes nosense. “A misconceptionthatfemaleshave todealwithis While gender-relateddebatesrageoninthepolitical

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a love menot... They love me, they - - - - - reality Isay ‘well, Iactuallydo,’” Betts said. aftertalkingaboutvideogamesbutin understand’ my guy friendssay somethingsuchas‘youwouldn’t do. don’tgamers take playing as seriously as male gamers her the most is that female that bothers male gamers Us.” Themisconceptionthatshehasheardaboutfe- One ofherfavorites atthemomentis“TheLastof tion freshmanAishaBettssaid. ments. want ontheirteamwhenitcomestotourna girls Chaplinsky thatdon’t knowsofsomemalegamers females areasseriousaboutgamingthey are. andtheytations forfemalegamers don’t believe that don’t highexpec knows thatmalegamers have very As farasmisconceptionsthatshehasheard, she man yearofhighschool.Herfavorite Souls.” is“Dark said. since,” Ferris public health senior Caitlyn Chaplinsky my owngamesandI’ve beenhooked onthemever ofgotmeaddictedandIendedupbuying all sort of theguysIusedtohangoutwithplayed alot.They thinking andbetterresponsetime. haveScott alsobelieves thatfemalegamers clearer play have videogamesforthesamepurpose—to fun. Scott Riley “One of the things that really bothers meiswhen “One ofthethingsthatreallybothers playing videogamesineighthgrade. She started arealways“Gamer girls expectedtobesupernerdy playing video gamesduringherfresh She started playing becauseofmy“I started friendsandalot The way he sees it, both female and male gamers Photo by: | KaitlynKirchner Torch Photographer mode,” Ferris businessadministra while, playing onstory thenstarted with my friend.We practicedfora outplaying ‘CallofDuty’ “I started joy. en same gamesthatmalegamers ed whenwe win,” Chaplinsky said. playing asguysdoandjustexcit mal andwe getjustashyped about but inreality, we canbeprettynor Many play femalegamers the Week ofJan. 10-16, 2018 HOUSES FOR RENT 9 or12monthleases Wash/Dryer,& WiFi Available Mid-May 231-349-3178 Utilities Included Close toClose Campus Air conditioned, CALL ------

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8 Lifestyles Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Ferris State Torch New year, new students Fresh faces begin their second semester with conﬁdence

Briana Hammontree willing to be more comfortable and less Following in his father’s footsteps to at- lege experience by incorporating college Torch Reporter worried about every aspect of the college. tend Ferris, Rase found methods in their classes but Falkner still It also helped because I previously knew his college experience found difficulty in his time management The first semester of freshman year can that Ferris had a pretty good program for to be different from that his first few weeks here. make or break a student’s college experi- nursing.” of his experience in high “I feel I struggled with managing time. ence: will they or won’t they return? Full of new experiences, the beginning of school, finding college to Because the first week, when I had my While some students find the change to freshman year is the time students build be more demanding and six hour gaps, I didn’t know what to do in be a bit too much too soon, others find joy friendships, discover their interests and rigorous. those times. Now, I use that time to study in their new experiences. determine their own academic success. “It’s comforting to and stuff. Another thing was studying hab- Ferris allied health freshman Loretta “The beginning of the year involved a Jeff know that all the classes its, because I procrastinated sometimes Gutierrez tried to keep an open mind when lot of adaptation to the social surround- Rase that I am personally pay- to the last minute,” Falkner said. it came to her first experience at college, ing,” Ferris computer ing for are actually going With the first semester wrapped up, knowing since her freshman year of high networks and systems to benefit me in the ‘real world’ someday,” freshmen such as Rase, Falkner and Guti- school of her desire to go into nursing. freshman Jeff Rase said. Rase said. errez are preparing themselves for the “When coming to Ferris, I didn’t real- “However, about halfway Due to college being a demanding expe- second semester, enjoying the reunion ly have any expectations because I had in, my focus shifted al- rience for many students, new challenges they will make with their new friends. picked my college mainly off the fact that most entirely towards and struggles push students to find ways “I did enjoy my first semester because one of my best friends was going here, so I academics. Overall, I’d to learn to adjust to their new lifestyles. of the friends I have made, they all helped wouldn’t be alone in this experience,” Guti- say the first semester Ferris general studies freshman Jake to make it a very memorable place for errez said. “I think it helped that I didn’t Jake was about adapting to Falkner previously found his school to me,” Gutierrez said. have expectations because it made me Falkner campus life.” have somewhat prepared him for his col- nce upon a time What to read when you aren’t reading textbooks

Briana Hammontree book. It’s not like historical fiction, it’s Torch Reporter just a guy who wrote this really great O “Ready Player One” by Ernest story. You’re like ‘wow, I can really see “The Defining Decade: Why Your Cline someone going through all this’ and Twenties Matter and How to Make “It takes place in then they are probably like, ‘well this the Most of Them Now” by Meg Jay the future where ev- probably isn’t real but he put a lot of “Clinical psychologist Dr. Jay claims eryone pretty much him into it.’ That’s what was so inter- that the twenties are the defining spends their time esting about it,” Ferris graphic design years of adulthood. She helps to put in a virtual reality sophomore Brendan Teays said. a lot into perspective by causing you video game called to not see your twenties as only a the Oasis. The Oa- “Into Thin Air” by transitioning period. She also pro- sis was created by Jon Krakauer Jayla vides career tips that can be ben- a man called James “That one was Smith eficial to us all, seeing how we Halliday. In his will, interesting because are going to school at Ferris Halliday says that it shows how crazy State to pursue a certain oc- he has hidden an Easter egg in the some people get cupation in the future,” Ferris Oasis and that the first person to when they are just pre-pharmacy sophomore find the egg will inherit his fortune. like, ‘oh yeah, let’s Jayla Smith said. This causes a group of individuals Oliver climb Mount Ever- called gunters to Wissman est.’ I don’t want “The Tipping Point: How form, people whose to go through that. Little Things Can Make a Dif- sole purpose is to But that one was just really interest- ference” by Malcolm Gladwell find Halliday’s Eas- ing because it followed Jon Krakauer “This book is describing how ter egg. The book who was like, ‘hey I’ve always want- little everyday things effect the follows one such ed to climb Mount Everest.’ He was world around us and can eventual- gunter named Wade a hiker—he could climb a mountain. ly become a big epidemic,” Ferris Wyatts, who goes He said it was the worst thing he hospitality management sopho- Zach on a life changing has ever done. It was also one of the more Oliver Wissman said. VandenBerg journey to find Hal- deadliest years up liday’s Easter egg,” on the mountain,” “Insight: Why We’re Not as Ferris digital art and game design ju- Teays said. Self-Aware as We Think and How nior Daniel Cortez said. Seeing Ourselves Clearly Helps Us “The Inheritance Succeed at Work and in Life” by “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hos- Cycle” by Christo- Tasha Eurich seini pher Paolini “Asking questions about your- “My favorite book “It’s four books self is important for yourself and is the ‘Kite Runner.’ Brenden but most people for others to understand you better. The movie is not Teays know it by its first Without asking yourself these ques- that good, because book, ‘Eragon.’ It tions, it’s impossible for one to know of what happens takes place in a fantasy world, a way what makes us better and stronger when you transfer long time ago. It’s an adventure in a in everyday life. Even still, most of through mediums fantasy world where one main charac- us are poor judges of ourselves, so but that book is ter struggles throughout it. It’s fanta- to other people we get different in- amazing. It deals sy, so there is magic of course. There Daniel with a lot of stuff is also dragons,” Ferris digital arts sights on how people perceive us in Cortez the world,” Wissman said. like personal strug- and game design sophomore Zach gle and it’s a good VandenBerg said. 9

LifestylesLifestyles 9 Ferris State TorchFerris State Torch Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 New semester necessities

Alicia Jaimes “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” Lifestyles Editor

• Purchase textbooks (and ask professors if textbooks are necessary) • Buy a planner • Read your syllabus • Buy rolls of quarters to feed meters • Get pens, pencils, high- lighters, calculators

Promotional image Your social calendar

The newest installment to Some good reasons to fill your planner the “Star Wars” film franchise dropped in theaters recent- Alicia Jaimes Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Date: Jan. 24 Marley Tucker Lifestyles Editor Location: IRC Connector Time: 5 – 7 p.m. ly and “Star Wars: The Last Opinions Editor Jedi” does not disappoint in Location: MCO 210 all its glory. If you’re a lover of Bonfire and hot cocoa in the Spring RSO fair sci-fi like I am, you’re in for a Quad Date: Jan. 22 Indie Incubator: From Poem to came on-screen. To know roller coaster ride. Date: Thursday, Jan. 11 Time: 4 – 7 p.m. 3D Print Reception that the artists we lose are “The Last Jedi” is currently Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Location: University Center Date: Jan. 26 immortalized in the craft they the 11th highest-grossing do- Location: Campus Quad 202 Time: 5 – 7 p.m. loved is a comforting feeling mestic movie of all time and Location: Fine Art Gallery, UCB and “The Last Jedi” reminds has the media buzz to prove Plan Your Planner Auditions for FSU Theatre 205 everyone why Fisher will al- it. Date: Tuesday, Jan. 16 spring show ways be royalty to us. “The Last Jedi” follows the Time: 2 – 4 p.m. Date: Jan. 22 – 23 Go Big or Go Home: 10 Habits For decades, “Star Wars” heroes from “Star Wars: The Location: CLACS Lobby, Univer- Time: 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. of Highly Effective Students movies have supported the Force Awakens” as they join sity Center Location: Williams Auditorium Date: Jan. 30 simple doctrine that there is legends from the original tril- Time: 11 – 11:50 a.m. good and there is evil. Temp- ogy in an urgent adventure Pancakes in the IRC The Social Impact Project- key- Location: Science 102 tation, morality and human that unveils mysteries and Date: Thursday, Jan. 18 note speaker emotion play a significant role addresses character’s past in “The Last Jedi.” We see all motivations. of the characters coexisting I think that one of the best along a spectrum and I think features of the film is its atti- this film is a breath of fresh tude as a bold and unapolo- air. This film is more realistic getic continuation of the fran- in that respect and it handles chise. The film pays homage the narrative we’ve come to to its predecessors without love with an adult touch. feeling like a carbon copy of Characters change over the original movies. time, sometimes in painful “The Last Jedi” defies ex- ways, and I firmly believe that pectation and is ambitious the attitude of the film has in its departure from what been a long time coming. fans expect. The plot twists Like the famous binary sun- For Rent: within the film had me sitting set made famous in “Star on the edge of my chair, and Clean 1 to 6 Bedroom Wars Episode IV,” hope exists as someone who has loved even in the saga’s darkest Apartments and Houses. “Star Wars” for many years, I moments. felt my heart race in sync with Whether you’re a fan of Deposit Required. the opening credit’s score. the new trilogy or not, “Star The main protagonists em- No Pets Allowed. Wars: The Last Jedi” is an un- body the hope of the Resis- forgettable installment to the Close To CAmpus tance and as audience mem- beloved space opera. bers, we see them grow into If you’ve never watched Some with FRee HeAT their roles amidst conflict a single “Star Wars” film, I and fear. Rey, Poe and Finn highly recommend finding definitely stand out as people www.silvernailrealty.com a friend and fixing that right we can relate to. away. Binge watch all of the (231)796-6329 We also see iconic char- films and then get to a the- acters like Luke and Leia on- ater and experience “The 17810 205th Ave. Big Rapids screen again. I shed a tear Last Jedi” while you can. when the late Carrie Fisher 10

10 Sports Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Ferris State Torch

“The GLIAC is such a tough conference, anyone can beat anyone on any given night.” SPORTS - Lexi Bush - See page 12 for story Brendan Samuels | Sports Editor | [email protected] Bulldogs building résumé shinier Unleashed than the hardwood they play on Jacob Carlson Torch Reporter

In an era where Ferris athletics is achieving success on all levels of the spectrum, men’s basketball has continued to lead the charge. The Bulldogs are now 16-1 after their win against Davenport Saturday, Jan. 6, and have won four straight games after their first loss of the season on the road against a tough Lake Superior State team, who sat atop the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) standings as of Dec. 16. Though the Bulldogs have grown accustomed to this kind of success, it is safe to say that their 12-0 start to the season, the best in school history, will live on forever in the minds of current players and coaches. “It was pretty great, we had high expectations for ourselves at the beginning of the year and so far, we are doing a good job living up to them,” senior Noah King sad. What’s more impressive than their record is the un- derlying numbers behind it. Out of 16 of their wins, 12 of them have been by more than double digits, five of them by more than 20 and two games of more than 30, including a 100-51 victory over Ohio Valley before Thanksgiving. The team is rolling and with just over 10 games left in the regular season, it doesn’t appear that the Bulldogs have any thoughts of slowing down. Head Coach Andy Bronkema and members of the team know that it’s not time to let go of the belief that they are ready to win a national championship. “There’s certain things that you have to do to have a chance and all you’re going to get is a chance,” Bronke- ma said. “There are several teams that can win our league. There’s several teams that can win our region and there are several teams that can win a national championship. Do I think we’re one of them? Yeah but does the neighboring team think they’re one of them? Yeah. We got to just keep believing that this is the year. Our team has that belief and it should.” The team has gotten solid numbers from many players including King, who sits third in team scoring behind senior Drew Cushingberry and junior Zach Hankins, with 11.4 points. King is part of a starting five that has seen Andy starts in every single game from each Bronkema of the five members. The team’s ability to rotate players in and out throughout games has been one of its significant attributes during the spectacular start to the season and any thoughts on chemistry issues can be thrown out the door. Now it’s just a matter of continuing to move forward as a group. “There’s no doubt that we have the talent but we have to make sure we stay locked in everyday and continue to get better as a group each and every day,” King said. The best part about being three-time defending GLI- AC tournament champions may just be the competition that it brings from opponents eagerly trying to achieve the success that the Bulldogs are known for. In a league as strong as the GLIAC, the games tend to get more exciting as the impact of the games grow larger and larger. “It’s important and it gets you ready but it’s just more fun. There are a lot of great teams in this league. Good coaches and good players, so it’s fun. That’s what competitive athletics are about. It shouldn’t be any other way,” Bronkema said. The Bulldogs will have plenty of healthy competition coming their way Noah in the final month and a half of the King regular season as the team hosts a strong Northern Michigan team that sits right ahead of Ferris in the GLIAC standings while also getting a rematch with Lake Superior on home court in the month of January. One thing is for sure, this team is for real—ask Tom Izzo. The Bulldogs are hungry and that NCAA tournament leash that’s caught up with them the last few Photo by: Keith Salowich | Web Supervisor years is very close to coming loose. Ferris senior Drew Cushingberry pulls up for a jump-shot. Men’s basketball has been on fire, posting a 16-1 overall record thus far. 11

SportsSports 11 Ferris State TorchFerris State Torch Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Sports Shorts Brendan Samuels Ferris men’s basketball team Sports Editor

Passing a milestone The Ferris men’s basketball team has been on ﬁre this season, posting a 16-1 record up to this point. While the players deserve a ton of credit for their play, so does head coach Andy Bronkema. The Bulldogs dispatched Wayne State 86-80 on Thursday, Jan. 4, and handed Bronkema his 100th career win as head coach at Ferris. Bronkema has been the head coach of the Bulldogs since the 2013-14 season and has lead the team to back-to-back- to-back GLIAC championships.

Lampman staying put Former Ferris football receiver Jake Lampman was signed to a Futures/Reserves contract by the National Football League’s (NFL) Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The contract ensures Lampman will remain on the team during the offseason. Lampman has shown an ability to produce on the professional level as he was promoted to a starter for the New Orle- ans Saint’s special teams unit last season. With some hard work in the offseason, Bulldog fans can expect to see Lampman streaking down the field in the 2018- 19 NFL season. Photo by: Kaitlyn Kirchner | Torch Photographer Brendan Samuels games. Cushingberry has also done a nice job set- All-stars Sports Editor ting up teammates as he has averaged five assists Two defensive stars from the Ferris football team have been in that period as well. named to the D2Football.com All-American team. It’s been nearly a month since the last Top Dawg While Cushingberry has done well, junior center Junior defensive lineman Zach Sieler and senior defensive honors were dealt, so this time around the award is Zach Hankins has been putting up solid numbers, back Tavierre Thomas were both selected with Sieler garner- going to a team in its entirety. averaging nearly 14 points per game as well as ing first team honors and Thomas hauling in second team The spectacular play of the Ferris men’s basket- nearly 10 rebounds and four blocks. recognition. ball team has been no secret this year and their Ferris has also enjoyed solid play off the bench Sieler and Thomas were arguably the two most consistent momentum kept rolling over winter break. as players such as senior Tyquone Greer and junior players for the Ferris football team this past season as Sieler The month of December has seen the Bulldogs Deshaun Thrower have posted solid numbers and lead the team with 21 tackles for loss and Thomas was always continue to build on their solid season, posting a helped the Bulldogs to a 16-1 record so far this around the ball with 18 pass break-ups and four interceptions. 5-1 record. The Dawgs’ ability to score consistently season. While Thomas will be graduating soon, Sieler still has a year has been aiding in putting tallies in the win column. The Dawgs are coming off a nice 89-75 win over remaining but has a choice to make as he enters his first year As a team, Ferris was averaging nearly 83 points Davenport on Saturday, Jan. 6, and look to carry of NFL draft eligibility. per game in December. their dominant play into 2018. Senior point guard Drew Cushingberry has been Ferris men’s basketball will be back in action at a huge part of that scoring ability, averaging around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, when they take on the 13 points per game over the team’s last eight Michigan Tech Huskies at Wink Arena. Stuntin’ on em Ferris cheer team provides home away from home

Jacob Carlson Torch Reporter

The Ferris cheer team has not only provided fans and players energy, it has also provided a family for many of its members. The Ferris cheer team has become a staple at football and basketball games throughout the athletic year and Photo by: Keith Salowich | Web Supervisor members of the team are certainly enjoying the tight-knit Members of the Ferris State cheer team pump up the crowd on the sidelines at a home football game. community that the growing team has built. “We’re a very loving bunch of guys and girls. We’ve all like Zielinski to continue growing in their cheer while per- time. Peca also provides private lessons while opening really come together and we can talk to each other about forming at a high level. her door to any member in need of growing in their abili- anything. We’re not just a team, we’re more than that,” “When I got to college I was not expecting to be a part ties. The work has paid off as Ferris is introducing a wom- freshman Lauren Zielinski said. of a team or any athletics here but my high school coach en’s stunt team to bring their talent to a competitive level. It appears as if that tight–knit atmosphere is helping knows one of our coaches and they were looking for some “I am so excited for this journey. Being able to put our the cheer team grow into a special group. The team is more girls and one of my head coaches name out there is huge, we have been determined and boasting tremendous numbers and is currently sporting said I would be a great candidate,” Zie- practiced hard to be able to perform our best come game 30 plus names to a growing list of members who are linski said. time,” Peca said. striving to provide fans with a fun atmosphere at sporting Peca has certainly played a huge The stunt team opens their season on Jan. 28 at Dav- events. role in giving members of the team that enport and will look to continue to build off the success That number makes the team larger than any in recent warm and welcoming environment to be and promise that current members of the cheer team memory and it appears as if the size of the team isn’t a part of. Many times, fans are blown have shown. going to stop growing at any point soon. away by what the team can accomplish As the stunt team looks to develop into a competitive “I believe that this is the biggest Ferris cheer has been, on the sidelines and it doesn’t happen team, there is no mistaking the fact that the group looks for as long as I know of,” Coach Caitlyn Peca said. “It is Lauren without a lot of hard work and effort to grow closer as it becomes bigger. growing very fast, as I have already had three high school Zeilinski from everyone involved. “My goals for this upcoming team is to become a stron- cheerleaders reach out to me to do a visit and an inter- The team practices three days a week ger family, to get our name out there and to provide a view for tryouts in the spring.” for two hours at a time while also attending mandatory safe and fun environment for anybody who has ever had There isn’t too much talk of college cheer but Peca’s lift sessions one day a week and many more in their free a dream to become a college cheerleader,” Peca said. growing team has provided the opportunity for members 12

12 Sports Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Ferris State Torch Home for Applying the pressure the holidays Ferris student-athletes look to keep their momentum

Danny Collins Torch Reporter

A big challenge that student-athletes face is downtime and what to do with it to keep their edge. While coaches understand the importance of resting their athletes for a couple of days, they also need their players to be aware of what is at stake when they arrive back on campus after a break. Each team has their own speciﬁc workout re- gimes to follow while home for break and here are a few of those offered up by teams here at Ferris.

Men’s hockey The Ferris men’s hockey team currently sits at 9-14-1 on the season overall. The team is also 6-9-1 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) play and sits at sixth in the conference standings. “Being in good shape is huge in college hockey with such an intense schedule playing back-to- back nights almost every weekend,” junior defenseman Zac Tierney said. “I personally do a lot of bike workouts to keep the cardio up, a couple skates on the Andrew ice to stay fresh and then some Dorantes weight lifting in the gym to just keep the muscles moving. Coach Daniels stresses taking the time to rest and enjoy time with our family but we need to make sure we stay in shape so we are ready to hop back into the second half when we come back.” Senior forward Drew Dorantes is entering his final season with the Bulldogs and has faced the challenge of heading home for breaks multiple times. “Before we leave, we’re fortunate to receive workouts from Dave Cencer, our strength trainer. For the two weeks we are off, we had six workouts provided,” Dorantes said. “Other than that, the coaching staff feels it is important to take some time off and enjoy the holidays with family and friends.” Photo by: Abbey Good | Multimedia Editor Men’s basketball Senior Leah Humes looks to get the ball down the court. After a solid start to the season, the team has taken a few losses The nationally No. 10 ranked Ferris men’s bas- recently. ketball team is currently 16-1 overall and is 6-1 in GLIAC play. The team is currently tied for first in the GLIAC standings. Ferris women’s hoops look to rebound The team is coming off an 89- 75 victory over Davenport Satur- after a tough December day, Jan. 6. The win marked head Coach Andy Bronkema’s 100th career victory. Danny Collins said. “We lost to the No. 1 team in which the Bulldogs will face twice. “The day after we played our Torch Reporter the nation and a really good North- “I think we have gotten a little com- last game before we went home wood team and after that, I think we placent. I think this stretch has been for break, I took off to recover The Ferris women’s basketball began to second guess ourselves. a reality check for us and a wake-up Rachel but after that I was lifting and team is coming off a 68-63 GLIAC Saginaw had no call that though we are good, we still McInerney working out with my trainer in loss against the Davenport Panthers, business beating have to work hard night in and night Grand Rapids. I also got on the Saturday, Jan. 6. us, so that really lit out,” junior guard Lexi Bush said. treadmill a couple times during break to mix it up,” With the loss, the Bulldogs have a fire in us to make “The GLIAC is such a tough confer- senior forward Peter Firlik said. “Coach Bronkema lost six out of their last eight games. changes and I think ence, anyone can beat anyone on any doesn’t stress too much about staying in game Five of those games have been on we adjusted well.” given night.” shape because he knows how much we love the the road and one of their losses The Bulldogs are The Bulldogs schedule doesn’t get game and how important it is, especially halfway came against the Ashland Eagles currently 8-7 overall much easier in the month of January through the season to stay in good rhythm.” who currently stand as the No. 1 na- Lexi on the season and as the team will face Northern Mich- tionally ranked team in the country. Bush are 6-3 at home in igan, who currently sits two spots Women’s basketball In the month of December, the Wink Arena. ahead of the ninth-ranked Bulldogs The Ferris women’s basketball team is current- Bulldogs were on a skid, posting a Last season at this time, the team in the GLIAC standings. The team ly 8-7 overall on the season and is 2-5 in GLIAC 2-4 record and dropping three GLIAC was 3-12 overall and had only one will also face archrival Grand Valley competition. The team sits at ninth in the GLIAC games. win at home, so clearly changes have State, who sits at second in the con- standings. The women’s team has shown been made in the offseason. ference, on Saturday, Jan. 20. “As captains, we sent out accountability workout signs of spectacular play this sea- “As long as we believe in what we “We talk about getting 1 percent expectations for our team. For example, we want- son, in which they started the season are capable of, we will create a lot better every day and focusing on the ed everyone to shoot five out of eight days that we 6-0, more wins than their total from of trouble in the GLIAC this season,” process. We have big goals but we had off, make 300 shots a day and shoot 100 free a year ago. Blair said. know that it’s the little things that throws a day, interval cardio, etcetera and every- So, you may ask yourself what the The GLIAC conference is arguably get you to those big goals and I think one got it done,” senior captain Rachel McInerney trouble has been during this stretch. one of the best in all of Division II for that is what our coach stresses the said. “Our coaches can’t ask us what we do over “It’s no secret that we hadn’t won nearly every sport, including women’s most,” Bush said. break because of certain rules, they simply told too many games our last two sea- basketball. This year, there are cur- The team will return home to Wink us to get good cardio workouts in and get a lot of sons, so when we came out so strong rently two teams from the conference Arena to take on the No. 13 nation- shots up.” this year, we were super confident,” in the top 25 national rankings— ally ranked Michigan Tech Huskies at redshirt sophomore guard Riley Blair Ashland and Michigan Tech, both of 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. 13

Sports 13 Ferris State Torch Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Icy conditions Icy roads ahead for back and forth Bulldogs

Jacob Carlson Torch Reporter

As Michigan drivers have been slipping and sliding on the icy roads, Bulldog hockey has been excited to step back onto the ice of Ewigleben for the second half of a season that has a lot left for the taking. The Bulldogs have found themselves not performing as well as they have in previous seasons and are looking to turn the tide sooner than later. Ferris has shown what the team can do when at full potential, allowing nothing to hold it back from weekend sweeps nor the postseason success that head coach Bob Daniels’ teams have become known for in recent years. Daniels knows that it’s time for the team to start reaching that potential. “We’ve got an uphill climb but I’m really excited about this climb. They want to win as bad as we do, so it’s a partnership. We’ve all got to give a bit more,” Daniels said. The Bulldogs looked like they were hitting that potential in early November when their first win at Yost Ice Arena since 2006 propelled the team to six wins out of their next seven WCHA games. Sweeps against both teams from Alaska and splits on the road against Ala- bama-Huntsville and Michigan Tech put the team closer to where it wanted to be. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were not ready for a hard- Photo by: Keith Salowich | Web Supervisor hit of being swept twice, one from the strong Northern Junior defenseman Zac Tierney makes a push down the ice against Bowling Green but is ultimately defeated 0-3. Michigan team in Marquette to wrap up the year and the other from the Bowling Green State Falcons who did the “I’m so excited to get back into the lineup. We’re ready coming for the Bulldogs, as he has just one point in 12 same thing to welcome back the Bulldogs after the winter to bounce back because conference play means a lot to games this season, Mayer has certainly earned the nick- break. us. I know getting good body checks in gets my team name given to him on the ice, utilizing all of his 6-foot, The Bulldogs now sit in eighth place in the WCHA going and gets confidence and momentum on our side,” 225-pound frame to put fear into opponents. Hopefully standings and are in desperate need of wins to try to Mayer said. it’s enough as the Bulldogs welcome some tough compe- gain ground on teams ahead of them like Northern and Mayer, who missed 10 games, is looking to provide the tition in the month of January. Bowling Green and to have a chance at a playoff spot. spark that the Bulldogs need and there is probably no- Ferris hits the road Jan. 12 and 13 to face off against For a team not short on hunger right now, it’s only fitting body better on the team to do it. His tenacious approach Lake Superior State before finishing off the month with that one of the best at delivering a spark enters back into to the game and relentless aggression has earned him a pair of series against Bemidji State and Michigan Tech the lineup, as forward Andrew Mayer has returned from a the nickname “Slayer.” at home. hernia injury. Though Mayer may not be the guy to get the goals

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14 OpinionsOpinions Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Ferris State TorchFerris State Torch

“The fact that some of us even consider drunk driving is absolutely OPINIONS ridiculous.” - Megan Lewton, see below for story Marley Tucker | Opinions Editor | [email protected] The Ferris State Torch is published on 27 Wednesdays throughout the academic year. Chat with the chief This student-run newspaper is printed by The Pioneer Group. Editor-in-Chief, Angela Graf Not resolute OUR LOCATION Alumni Building 013 I’m not really one for resolu- resolutions and posting them all I also want to spend less time I want to read more. When I 410 Oak Street tions. For the most part, they’re over Facebook, only to go back on my phone. When I get home was younger, nothing made me Ferris State University empty promises that we make to and delete them in shame a few after class or work, I’ve tried to happier than curling up with a Big Rapids, MI 49307 feel good about ourselves. weeks from now, I took a differ- get in the habit of turning my good book and losing myself in fsutorch.com/letter-to-the-editor/ In reality, six months from now ent approach. ringer on, because I still need the pages (and I’ll need some- you probably won’t be going to In the wee hours of the morn- to be reachable, and leaving my thing to fill the void that used to The Ferris State Torch the gym everyday, or religious- ing on Jan. 1, I laid in bed phone on the end table by the be cat videos on Facebook). welcomes comments on topics of ly filling out your journal every with my boyfriend and we talked front door. Finally, I want to make more interest to the general readership. night, or entirely abstaining from about all the little things we want I’ll still send a text or set of an effort to stay in touch with Letters should not exceed 300 fried food, soda or whatever your to change and do better with a reminder if I need to but I friends. Life gets so busy, it’s words in length and The Torch vice is. this year. can’t help but think about all easy to lose touch with people reserves the right to edit for length. The thing I hate about resolu- First, I want to make time to the mind-numbing time that I’ve that used to be an everyday part Letters will not be edited for grammar, punctuation or spelling. tions is just that they’re meant to do my homework at the library wasted scrolling through a time- of your life. It never hurts to see The Torch will not print letters be absolute, and life just doesn’t a couple times a week. I tell line full of people that I don’t how someone is doing. deemed to be libelous or obscene. work that way. myself I’m just as productive at care about and videos that I’ll All letters must be signed by their So rather than coming up with home, but that’s just not true. never remember. authors and include his or her phone number. Unsigned editorials appearing on this page are the opinion of The Torch and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the university’s Drinking and not thinking administration, faculty or staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. Inquiries regarding editorial content should be directed to the Editor in Chief at (231) 591-5978.

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Student media retain the same rights, responsibilities, privileges and protections afforded by the First and Fourteenth Amend- ments of the U.S. Constitution and under applicable state laws. The Torch and fsutorch.com, the student newspaper and its accompanying online version focused on Ferris State Universi- ty, are public forums for student expression. Student editors have the authority and responsibility to make all content decisions without censorship or advanced approval for both the print and Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons online editions of the student Beyond the dangers of drunk driving, legal ramifications for a first offense DUI in Michigan include up to 93 days in jail, up to $500 in fines and as much as newspapers. a six month license suspension.

It’s 2018. We are adults. The fact that - TORCH STAFF - Let’s leave drunk some of us even consider drunk driving is Megan Lewton absolutely ridiculous. It has the potential to Editor in Chief Visual Content Angela Graf Samantha Cavotta driving in 2017 Torch Reporter be damaging to so many people, including (231) 591-5978 Kaitlyn Kirchner people who are doing nothing wrong and are Megell Strayhorn Production Marcus Gurnee For a while, I thought it was redundant to simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Manager inform people not to drink and drive. I always words, in 2016, there was one fatality every There are more ways to get home than Sarah Massey Reporters Jacob Carlson figured it was common sense and that most 50 minutes. driving yourself if you’ve had too much to Production Danny Collins people wouldn’t be foolish or selfish enough Nationwide, it is illegal for a person to drink. SafeRide in Big Rapids is a free shut- Assistant Briana Hammontree - - Beau Jensen to do it. drive with a blood alcohol concentration of tle service that runs during the weekends Megan Lewton Then I came to college. 0.08 percent or greater. This limit means and takes students home. It picks up at News Editor Kat Merby Harley Harrison Grant Siddal Throughout my time at Ferris, I’ve been different things for different people; the Gypsy Nickel, Sawmill Saloon, Shooters and Cora Hall in way too many situations where my peers smaller the person is, the quicker he or she the Gate. If you’re in a city that has Uber or Lifestyles Editor Holly Baker Alicia Jaimes and even some of my close friends have will reach this limit. Lyft, you can always get a ride that way to Interim Visual encouraged drunk driving. I’ve gone out with Driving under the influence is not only avoid driving. And of course, you can always Sports Editor Content Brendan Samuels Lauren Jones friends and had our DD take a couple shots harmful to those in the car. Every time you ask a sober roommate or friend to pick you and then still offer to drive. I’ve had a friend get behind the wheel after consuming alco- up and take you home. It’s likely that your Opinions Editor Managing Marley Tucker Copy Editor adamantly explain to me that he could drive hol, you are putting everyone else on the friends would rather come and pick you up Jen Corrie us somewhere a few drinks deep because roads and even the sidewalks in danger. No in the middle of the night than have you put Multimedia Editor Abbey Good Copy Editors he was “good at drunk driving.” one deserves to be stripped of their loved yourself in a dangerous situation that could Rebecca Bostic I used to think that everyone knew that one because someone made a reckless cost you your life. Web Supervisor Ebony Morrissette Keith Salowich driving under the influence is incredibly decision to drive drunk. Let’s start the new year off right. If you’ve Distributor dangerous. I’m writing this because my time Aside from physical danger, drunk driv- been drinking at all, your best bet is to have Ofﬁce Manager Keith Salowich Kaitlyn Kirchner at Ferris has proven this to be uncommon ing can have a serious legal impact as someone else drive you home or wait until Adviser knowledge. well. According to the Department of Motor you sober up. Even driving the shortest Podcast Manager Steve Fox - - (231) 591-2529 According to the National Highway Traffic Vehicles, conviction of a DUI or OWI in distance while drunk has the potential to be Safety Administration, in 2016 there were Michigan can lead to fines, imprisonment, fatal. It is never worth the risk. Cartoonist Samuel McNeill 10,497 fatalities from motor vehicle crash- community service, points on your license or es with an alcohol-impaired driver. In other license suspension. 15

Opinions 15 Ferris State Torch Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018

Cartoon by: Samuel McNeill | Cartoonist The kids aren’t alright Toxic people create toxic relationships We are surrounded by people who can either inspire I try and surround myself with people that care uncon- us to live out our dreams or ruin our lives. The power we ditionally. Even now, I struggle with cutting out hurtful give people to effect us is unique in each relationship Marley Tucker relationships, because a lot of the time people don’t and sometimes people abuse that power in every way Opinions Editor acknowledge that they are toxic and I am the bad guy for that hurts. calling them out. Cutting ties with family members is one of the hardest In fact, familial estrangement is a lot more com- decisions we may face in life. It is an incredibly difficult ing relationships with “family” is inherently wrong and mon than you might think. In “Debunking Myths About thing that I have personally struggled with the past few sacrilegious. Estrangement” the New York Times highlighted myths years. The quotation “blood is thicker than water” is common- people believe about cutting ties. It was found that when For people trying to endure the holiday season, the ly used to justify sticking by destructive family. However, adult relatives willingly sever contact with each other slump after Christmas can be rough to reconcile when the real version of the quotation completely changes the because of a longstanding negative relationship, it is everyone talks about how amazing their family is. Toxicity meaning. The quote comes from: “The blood of the cove- neither unique or easily repairable. poisons your life in a variety of ways, from passive nant is thicker than the water of the womb.” Unfortunately, Hallmark movies don’t always mesh with aggressiveness to verbal altercations. Family isn’t just tied to our genetic code or societal real life—grand declarations of forgiveness don’t just Being in college means that many are experiencing expectations. The nuclear family is quickly changing happen out of thin air. what it’s like to live away from home for the first time. shape, and the “Leave it To Beaver” archetype is turning I just want to tell everyone who struggles with toxic Sometimes that is all it takes to recognize the way people into a fever dream the further we edge away from the people in their lives that wanting to cut them out of your mistreat you. 1950s. life doesn’t make you a bad person. You are enough. Family estrangement comes with its own baggage of Family isn’t meant to cast someone aside like a broken guilt and heartbreak. We are raised to believe that end- toy or ask for help out of convenience. Five years and counting TORCH POLL RESULTS I don’t regret community college

What are you focusing on in 2018? That’s the name of the game, isn’t it? However, despite what community college Brianna Hammontree Torch Reporter can offer in price, I found it can lack in the classes offered. The community college I attended did not offer courses that could My health 34% really help my major, drawing out my gradu- I’ve been in college since fall of 2013. I’m ation to 2019. finally a senior, after attending Ferris to get I wouldn’t encourage a student who knows a bachelor’s degree in journalism. So you they want to go into pharmacy to attend a may be thinking, why am I still here? community college if they can easily attend My GPA 24% I’m a transfer student, having attended the school that is better for their major. community college right after I graduated Sometimes the transfer experience draws from high school. out your education for a longer period and There are a lot of thoughts and opinions in today’s job market that can be a gamble. out there circulating the drain that is com- Community college also doesn’t always My love life 21% munity college: some think it’s a waste of have the biggest campus community. I know time, others think it saves money and so on. my own community college, North Central As someone who has experienced com- Michigan College, didn’t have a mascot. munity college but is also finishing off her Attending a university offers students more college career at a university, I’m here to say of social life, with events like games and My bank account 21% it does both—depending on your own goals. concerts to draw people in. I found community college to be rather Even in a small town like Big Rapids, we rewarding. I was able to meet new people, create our own culture that is unique to save money by staying at home and avoid every Bulldog. student loans for all of my general educa- So while I admit I regret not having Stay updated on campus news by liking us on tion courses. attended a university sooner, I wouldn’t take Community college also helped me decide back my community college experience for Facebook or following us on Twitter on my major as I took a variety of classes anything. to pursue my interests at a cheaper price. 16

16 Opinions Week of Jan. 10 - 16, 2018 Ferris State Torch ENTER TO WIN FERRIS STATE 1st Prize $100 2nd Prize $75 Torch 3rd Prize $50 Best Of Big Rapids

FERRIS STATE Torch Best Of Big Rapids 2017 2017 Ferris State Torch Best Of Big Rapids. Deadline March 23rd. Mail to: FSU Torch, C/O Pioneer Group, 115 N Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307 or drop at Torch office/Student Rec center or enter online at www.FSUTorch.com Vote for Your Favorites! Best Apartment/Housing Complex ______Best Hotel/Motel ______Best Bank ______Best Ice Cream Store ______Best Bar ______Best Jewelry Store ______Best Bargain Meal ______Best Late Night Eatery ______Best Bookstore ______Best Mexican Restaurant ______Best Breakfast ______Best Nail Salon ______Best Cell Phone Provider ______Best Oil Change ______Best Church ______Best Party Store ______Best Coffee Shop ______Best Pizza ______Best Downtown Business-nonfood ______Best Place for Lunch ______Best E-Cigarette/Smoke shop ______Best Place to Dance ______Best Fast Food Restaurant ______Best Place to Hear Live Music ______Best FSU Athletic Team ______Best Place to Take a Date ______Best FSU Fraternity ______Best Professor ______Best FSU Residence Hall ______Best Resident Assistant ______Best FSU Sorority ______Best Restaurant-Chain ______Best FSU Student Organization/RSO ______Best Restaurant-Local ______Best Golf Course ______Best Salon/Spa ______Best Grocery Store ______Best Sandwich Shop ______Best Gym/Health Club ______Best Tanning Salon ______Best Hamburger ______Best Tattoo Business & Body Piercing ______Best Happy Hour ______Best Thrift/Vintage Shop ______It’s time to vote for your favorite person, place or thing! To be eligible for the drawing you must fill out at least 75% of the poll. The Pioneer employees and families are not eligible to vote. All entries must be turned in or postmarked by Friday, March 23, 2018. Please fill out Name: ______to enter our Address: ______contest! City, State, Zip: ______FERRIS STATE Good Luck! Daytime Phone: ______Torch