The Collegian Fresno State | Serving the campus since 1922 May 6, 2009 | Wednesday collegian.csufresno.edu
sIRA p e c i a l i s s u e
p a r t o n e o f a t w o -p a r t s e r i e s
By Erin O’Brien The Collegian
ne year ago, Fresno State students voted on a fee referendum that would significantly hike Instructionally Related Activity (IRA) fees. Students Oanswered with 65 percent rejecting the proposal. But their wishes were denied when the Campus Fee Advisory Committee came together and recommended an amended increase anyway. University President John D. Welty approved a $52 IRA fee increase, making the total fee $62 for 2008-09. Welty told The Collegian in May 2008 that the increase was necessary because several programs would be in serious jeopardy if they didn’t get additional rev- enue. He named music and theatre arts, specifically, as two of the programs in need. Also, the new women’s lacrosse team and swimming and diving team needed student fee support, so the university could comply with federal gender equity rules. Dean of Student Affairs Paul Oliaro, Ph.D. was also interviewed in the May 2008 article and said that the fee hike was necessary. “We tried to do what was in the best interest of the whole university,” Oliaro said. One year later, The Collegian has now gathered and analyzed the last three years of IRA allocations. The Collegian elected to only examine allocations on the academic and extracurricular side, which takes about half of a student’s IRA fee. In tough economic times like the present, students should know where their money is going and why. Who is handling these funds? Who is reaping the ben- efits and who is not? President Welty and the sitting ASI president hand-pick the IRA Advisory Board that make the tough allocation decisions. This board is made up of three Fresno State students and three faculty/administrators. In a special report today and Friday, The Collegian scrutinizes the last three years of IRA allocations, conducts interviews and breaks down the disburse- ment of $1.2 million in IRA money.
w h e r e ? w h o ? h o w ? Where does money from the Which students are on What process decides which IRA come from? the IRA Advisory Board? organizations get money? Page 7 Pages 8-9 Page 7
Photo Illustration by Michael Uribes / The Collegian Page 2 • The Collegian • Wednesday, May 6, 2009 The Collegian Word of the Day buffer guest
A close friend that you invite to a party 10 or 15 minutes before other guests are scheduled to arrive, making it less awkward if someone you don't know well arrives first. FeaturesFeaturesPage 3 • Features Editor, Valerie Nevens • [email protected] • Wednesday, May 6, 2009 From UrbanDictionary.com Sprucing up the USU with student art
Photos by Sarah Gilbert / The Collegian ABOVE: Last week six pieces of art were displayed in the University Student Union and students had the opportunity to vote for their favorites; these are just three of them, from left the first is “Tres Mujeres,” followed by photography piece “Knowledge and Involvement:Self-reflection of a Fresno State student,” and “Untitled.” BOTTOM LEFT: A word art piece “Change” by Nicholas Montgomery was created to honor America’s first African-American president, Barack Obama. The winning piece of art could be displayed upstairs in the USU permanently. From handwritten art to photography, six student artists showcase their unique artwork By Victoria L. Jones The photographs were placed in his own words, his accep- The Collegian next to each other. Each photo tance speech. featured an outdoor scene. “In lieu of the new presi- The first ever University “Knowledge & Involvement: dent being our first African- Student Union (USU) Student Self-Reflection of a Fresno American president, it was Art Exhibition featured six State Student,” by Soua Xiong the best I could do to commem- pieces: three paintings, two was a photograph of the reflec- orate his election,” Nicholas photographs and one word art tion of the Peace Garden and Montgomery said. His piece picture. its immediate surroundings titled “Change,” is the eighth The theme-less exhibition mirrored in the side of the piece of its kind. Montgomery displayed several different Henry Madden Library. previously did the Twin styles and each picture had a “In my pictures, I want peo- Towers with the names of statement from the artist next ple to see life and its surround- the victims and a portrait of to it to better explain his or ings from a different point of Martin Luther King Jr., using her intent. view,” Xiong said. his speech “I Have a Dream.” The two smaller paintings The other photo, “Into The deadline for submis- were situated side-by-side and the Quietness,” by Elena J. sions was April 20 and the were starkly different from Polanco was a picture of the six pieces were on display for each other. artist’s “quiet place,” situated three days in the study area of The pink rose titled “Rose on in front of a setting sun. the USU building. Concrete,” by Maria D. Bravo The largest piece in the dis- During the exhibition, stu- was used by the artist as a play filled the corner of the dents were offered the oppor- symbol of beauty and bounced USU building with its star- tunity to vote for their favorite from its neutral gray back- ing eyes. The colors evened piece. The top voted piece was ground. out the two forms, struggling then recommended for pur- The earthy colored combi- for visual representation, the chase by the board of direc- nation of three women titled butterfly losing little ground tors. “Tres Mujeres,” by Cresencia against the blank stare. Participating artists said Cruz sank into its darker gray “Nature serves as a great they were pleased with their background. basis for my work, along with experience and hoped the USU When asked what inspired the human connection that would continue to do similar her art Cruz said, “Everything. one has with the earth,” said artist involved events. The world, people, my fam- artist Mauro Carrera of his Coordinators of the event ily, emotions, my never ending large “Untitled” painting. said that money had been put thoughts, nature, the social The word art used a combi- in the budget to do the art and political problems that nation of light ink, dark ink exhibit and will possibly pur- arise, my heritage, the list and a bit of red ink to outline chase more student art next goes on and on.” the face of President Obama year. Page 4 The Collegian • Features Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Features Editor, Valerie Nevens • [email protected] Full of tulle Alumnus Adam Albrecht’s designs focus on tutu material
By Victoria L. Jones The Collegian
Designer Adam Albrecht has found a tool in tulle. After graduating from Fresno State in the sum- mer of 2007, with a degree in mass communication and journalism, with an option in electronic media production and a minor in fashion mer- chandising, Albrecht moved to Los Angeles to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). “I had been bit by the fashion bug,” Albrecht said. After 15 months majoring in fashion design at FIDM, Albrecht moved back to the valley to freelance and search for his next inspiration. In March Albrecht had the second show of his fashion career at the Reedley Country Inn. The show titled “Tulle to Fame,” featured 22 dresses, each representing a separate country. Albrecht said he enjoyed the 5 month process of designing the dresses and the final show experience. Construction is a huge part of it he said, “It’s Photos courtesy of Adam Albrecht like a one man band to prove ABOVE: Kaci Raven models a Russian inspired outfit. BELOW: Martha Scott yourself.” ABOVE: Martha Scott models a Dutch inspired outfit. BELOW: Kaci Raven shows off one French inspired tulle-full outfit. Model Martha Scott said poses in an Italian inspired outfit. she thought the show was a success based on the size of the venue and the amount of attendees. “It was definitely something that you wouldn’t wear out in public,” Scott said of the dresses she wore, “but it was high fashion.” Tulle netting is a textile made from silk, rayon, nylon, or sometimes cotton. It is com- monly used for veils, gowns, and ballet tutus. Albrecht used tulle as a fill- er, a liner, a top, a fringed bot- tom and a full garment. Using the tulle in a different manner each time was not just about placement but also about color. Some tulle was fully draped over the dress, some tulle was made into sleeves and one outfit was topped with a tulle flower headpiece. Model Kaci Raven said she was impressed with Albrecht’s use of different colors of tulle. Her favorite gown was the one she modeled that was inspired by Russia. “I really liked the Russia dress, the train of tulle was definitely different,” Raven said. Albrecht auditioned for the show Project Runway, but didn’t make the cut. He is working on freelance proj- ects now and is open to new requests. If you are interested in hir- ing Albrecht he can be reached at (559) 906-1530.
COMMENT: The Collegian is a forum for student expression. C http://collegian.csufresno.edu The Collegian That’s What the People Are Saying On swine flu outbreak in Mexico ’m glad you’re all in a good mood, but I’m a little “I bummed out because I made a big mistake. It was so stupid. I took all of my money out of the stock mar- ket and put it in a chain of HoneyBaked Ham stores in Mexico.” OpinionOpinionPage 5 Opinion Editor, Daniela Lopez • [email protected] • Wednesday, May 6, 2009 —Jay Leno, The Tonight Show The skinny on skinny jeans Ca m p u s Sp e a k cuz my knots don’t fit.” How charm- heard never-ending jokes about them. Have you done anything differ- ing. Apparently our boy Hova is suffer- Co-workers have called me a male ently since the outbreak of the ing from elephantiasis. stripper. Journalists have made swine flu? The article that Tang referenced had wisecracks about my “nut graph.” another semi-homophobic statement Uncreative people have called me Johanna toward the end in what was called “short shorts”, “daisy” and “a fag.” “The anatomy test.” It states, “If we Rednecks just go ahead and say it: “I Gomez can see any of your frontal anatomy bet his dick’s gonna start hangin’ out!” Senior The upper upper deck through your pants they’re too tight.” Again, none of these jokes were ever English That’s pretty disgusting, but not leveled at the basketball players who Ha i s t e n Wi l l i s very realistic. It’s not as if men are wore perilously short shorts until the "I just feel a little wor- going out and buying jeans that don’t late 1980s. ried ‘cause of the news, ou may not always think so, fit them. Skinny jeans are the same Truth is, if you’re a man, you could I think it has been really but we really do appreciate waist size as regular ones, with the dif- probably walk around campus waving dramatic right now so Ygetting feedback from our ference coming through the leg. a giant “I have swine flu” sign and get I’m trying to do my best to be a little readers via online comments and let- And do we apply this gold standard less attention than you would wearing more hygienic. I work at a school site so I ters to the editor. to pro football players, the epitome of shorts above the knee. have to be really careful with my kids; to Monday’s most intrigu- Is there really a con- not get sick or anything." ing letter, by sophomore nection between the way Edgar Nursing major Amanda someone’s clothes fit and Tang, brought up a valid their sexual preference? Vasquez point about the skinny ay-Z gave a good example in last year’s hit song, Should we be questioning Senior jeans article which ran a ‘Swagga Like Us.’ In it he boasts, ‘Can’t wear skinny the masculinity of every Spanish few weeks ago. “J man who dares to not Miss Tang took strong jeans cuz my knots don’t fit.’ How charming.” wear enormous clothes? “I don’t get too worried offense to the word Surely not. because it’s the same “homo” being used in the These questions aside, thing as other viruses slang sense because it’s there are real benefits to that we have in our life. degrading to homosexu- wearing pants that don’t We have to get some prevention, but we als. manliness who just happen to wear cover your shoes and shorts that end don’t have to get all worried to see how This is true, though I don’t think pants tighter than the skinniest of above your ankles. Namely, you won’t we are going to deal with this… there are words shouldn’t run in a newspaper skinny jeans? Is Tony Romo a homo? look like a clown. professional people that are going to deal just because they aren’t politically cor- Does Big Ben like men? Was Jerry Tang is right. It’s time to overcome with this, they are going to find some rect. But the fact is, many men refuse Kramer a flamer? homophobia and the fear of being an solution.” to wear skinny or even medium-sized For years now I’ve been one of the individual. Have some confidence, step jeans for the very reason that they are few brave enough to wear the sum- it up and wear what looks good. Or, Jonathan homophobic and see the jeans as a mertime equivalent of skinny jeans: in the immortal words of Andre 3000, McManus threat to their manhood. shorts that fall slightly above the knee. “Your [clothes] look like a nightgown. Sophomore Jay-Z gave a good example in last While the practice is more common Make your momma proud, take that Mass Communication year’s hit song, “Swagga Like Us.” In where I’m from than it is here, I’ve still thing two sizes down.” it he boasts, “Can’t wear skinny jeans and Journalism “I think its a little bit over exaggerated con- sidering the symptoms are pretty small, just like any regular flu. I The stress of saying something just think it’s a bit of media hypocrisy.” Phylicia enough to keep reading. passed once and I had maintained well Shared experiences are preferred enough, or so I thought. Smith over shared opinions. And not just any The car failed smog and it cost me Senior experience will do, that too must be $58 to find that out. When the mechan- Health Science unique and justly written. ic called me with a diagnosis he asked, The stress is relentless. Having “How many hundreds of dollars are “I think it’s overdra- random thoughts of greatness begs you willing to spend to fix it?” matic. I think people are getting crazy for Vi c t o r i a L. Jo n e s for undivided attention and constant I’m just a poor student; hundreds of thought. dollars is not really part of my finan- no reason. Every year cially applicable vocabulary. they always say, ‘Oh it’s the bird flu’… he pressure of having an I spend $668 to get my car up to smog God knows what else before that. Call appealing opinion is bad it a pandemic, I don’t think it is; the uriously though, standards and guess what, it didn’t Tenough, delivering it eloquent- pass again! only thing I’ve done differently is maybe ly is yet another task. “Copinions typically The car is sitting down at the shop washed my hands more, but if you’re I wish I could say each time that I wane if they don’t piss right now and I feel obligated to fix it, going to get it, you’re going to get it.” was successful, but I’m not conceited, you off enough to keep spare the added expense. It would be so I know it’s not true. silly to spend over $700 and just give Jonathan As the end of the semester nears, I reading.” up. feel the sentimental need to wrap up Harrison I am eagerly awaiting the call from Senior my experience at The Collegian into a the mechanic, the suspense is better nicely paragraphed package. than that of a made for TV drama. Computer Science What does make an opinion article I’ve got a lot of random opinions The car has taken precedence over “I think it’s not a big a success? If I had to take a wild guess floating around in my head, but they the dryer that eats zippers. Luckily deal, I think people the answer would be neutrality. could all be considered well thought the weather is warming up and I don’t are freaking out for no One-sided politics never satisfies, out complaints, not 400 words of have too many zippered sweaters to reason. I just don’t think trash talk just gets people fired up and genius, unfortunately. wash and dry. everybody should be worried about it. hot topics attract hot heads. For instance there is my current I’ll spend my summer free of the Take precautions, but don’t get all crazy To use the old cliché, “You can’t win situation involving my Honda pass- worries of opinion article writing, but about it.” for losing.” ing smog. I haven’t had to smog the I’m afraid it will require me to find VIDEO: For the full Curiously though, opinions typi- vehicle since I bought it. When I took it another outlet for my frustrations. cally wane if they don’t piss you off CampusSpeak video, check out to the mechanic I had little worries, it C http://collegian.csufresno.edu
Letters to the Editor ([email protected]) Editor in Chief Brandon Santiago Local Advertising Manager Christina Johnson THE All letters submitted to The Collegian must not exceed News Editor Mathew Gomes Advertising Coordinator Stacia Sturman Copy Editor Melissa Knopp National Advertising Manager 250 words in length, must be type-written, and must be Thomas Rouse Collegian Features Editor Valerie Nevens Special Projects Enrique Loera accompanied by a full name and phone number to verify Features Reporter Sarah A. Peterson Special Projects Landon Reda content. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all material for Sports Editor Logan Hopkins Special Projects Tiana Durso Sports Reporter Lorenzo Reyna length, content, spelling and grammar, as well as the right to Art Director Michael Uribes The Collegian is a student-run The Collegian Opinion Editor Daniela Lopez publication that serves the California State University, Fresno refuse publication of any material submitted. All material Photo Editor Bryan Cole Assistant Art Director Brandon Ocegueda Fresno State community 5201 N. Maple Ave., M/S SA42 submitted to The Collegian becomes property of The Collegian. Multimedia Editor Heather Billings Distribution Manager Savannah West Accountancy Assistant Pasindu Samarasekera on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fresno, CA 93740-8027 Webmaster Christa Williams Each member of the campus community is permitted one copy of Assistant Multimedia Editor Joel M. Ede Fridays. Views expressed News Line: (559) 278-2486 Online Reporter Darrell Copeland III The Collegian. Subscriptions are available for $25, on a semester Newscast Reporter Whitney Vasquez Business Manager/Online Adviser Virginia Sellars-Erxleben in The Collegian do not Business Line: (559) 278-5735 basis. Staff positions at The Collegian are open to students of all necessarily reflect the views Multimedia Reporter Carl Merriam Faculty Adviser Jefferson Beavers majors. Contact the Editor in Chief for details. Broadcast Personality Toni Martinez Advertising Instructor Jan Edwards of the staff or university. http://collegian.csufresno.edu All content Copyright © 2009 The Collegian. Page 6 The Collegian • Opinion Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Opinion Editor, Daniela Lopez • [email protected] How ’bout we just take the walk?
n my four years at Fresno State, one of the people I usually judged for “far off” parking spaces is not really it’s has been a rare occasion their incessant parking complaints, I what bugs most people. It’s knowing Iwhen I’ve been pained with the began to think about the necessity of that they would be able to park con- task of finding parking. the proposed parking structure. veniently closer if it wasn’t for those Living across the street from cam- Usually a pedestrian to school, it’s early birds that swiped all of the clos- pus places me within walking distance easy for me to say that I’d much rather est parking spaces when going to their of almost everything “Fresno State.” take a 10 minute walk over of the con- God forsaken 8 a.m. classes. It’s almost like living on campus, just venience of increased parking and its Taking that along with innumerable without regulations, random room- Caffeine drip hefty $160-plus semester fee. factors of inconvenience, like walking mates and those freshmen still talking Da n i e l a Lo p e z But when experiencing the plight of in uncomfortable shoes or clothing, about their senior prom. those that park, the reasoning behind can make for a high percentage of stu- But by taking daily shortcuts the demand for closer parking became dents that would rather go without the through the parking lots, I’ve become campus turns to an obstacle course to clear, it’s simply a matter of conve- walk. acquainted with the scavenging nature any chick in heels, more so to one that nience. But when faced with the reality of of many students parking on campus. would be accident prone even if given And it didn’t take long to realize much higher fees versus the continued They seek for the closest spots or fol- flat terrain and hiking boots. that this continuous and ardent fight inconvenience of carrying flip-flops or low you around hoping to score a park- So in trying to keep the walking for the convenient is constantly plac- a change of clothes, having an umbrel- ing space close to their class. I won’t distance to a minimum, I circled the ing us further out of luck, and even la in the car for rain or sun, or even go as far as calling it harassment; it’s parking lot for what seemed like an out of cash. being the dumbass with a fan mister slightly annoying at worst, mildly on a hot day, I’ll still gladly take my 10 amusing at best. minute walk instead of dishing out After following you around for way more money. I’ll mist till my heart’s too long, many people finally give up content if it means saving myself from and park in Timbuktu, aka the parking nd it didn’t take long to realize that this continuous yet another questionable fee hike. Does spaces close to the Save Mart Center, and ardent fight for the convenient is constantly our convenience merit higher fees? and proceed to curse their luck all the “A Not so much. way to class. placing us further out of luck, and even out of cash.” As attractive as more parking may But, surprisingly, a couple of weeks seem, holding on to as much cash as ago, instead of being amused by these I can throughout my college years is parksters, I actually became one. far more appealing. And besides, we Coming straight to campus from my constantly hear Americans are getting job at a local day spa, I was in full work eternity— or rather five minutes, if Be a regular at the drive-thrus and fatter by the second— OK exaggera- get-up, meaning heels and a dress. we place impatience aside. Finally, I watch the scale slowly but surely rise tion, by the minute— so it would not Now I can handle the heels, three rapidly pulled into a space as the car those 10-20 pounds, just as your wal- be outlandish to deem that 10 minute years of working at a spa, and ran- had barely finished pulling out, only to let shrinks as the cost of eating out walk far from an inconvenience. It may dom nights of being out and about, realize someone else was ready to take adds up. Just the same, demand more actually be so far from it, that it could have forced me to get used to the that space, had I been seconds slower. parking spaces closer to buildings on even be called a necessity. four-inchers. It’s my clumsiness that I I didn’t follow anyone around but campus in the name of convenience always have to keep in mind. With the I did commit one of the most hated and get used to the high potential for COMMENT: The Collegian is a endless supply of uneven pavement parking offenses: spot stealing. fee increases. forum for student expression. and cracks in the sidewalk, the entire With my quick transformation into You see, the actual walk from those C http://collegian.csufresno.edu Le t t e r s t o t h e Ed i t o r ‘Injustice’ in Library: beneficial education system or superficial?
How ignorant can we be? How much The recent addition to Fresno State longer will we as students allow our is a sight to see. Its size and architec- selves to be financially oppressed? tural beauty is mesmerizing at first We are the living breathing body glance, but as everyone’s mother once of this university. If we as a single told them, never judge a book by its body were to rise and speak against cover, or in this case, never judge a the direct attack on our education the library by its size and outward appear- state would tremble. The institution ance. would tremble under the voice of a I must admit, I enjoy the fresh new single self-proclamation against the smell, the modern architecture and disempowerment created by the quick the giant MAC computers. But, picture rising student fees. this, your sitting on the second floor, While we wait, the individuals that at a table next to a wall of glass, when should be working against this mar- suddenly you hear what sounds like a ginalization are not only increasing stampede of animals running up the fees but also giving their rich salary an stairs made of an unknown material unneeded boost. September 19th 2007 that resembles the sound of alumi- California State Universities Board of num. Trustees approved a raise in salaries Then you hear the sound of the for campus presidents and system beeping elevator, and the large group executives. Our beloved president’s of people being toured loudly around salary was raised by an excessive by a man in a “Henry Madden Library 45,011, he is now making a massive Staff” shirt. 299,000. Chancellor Reed pay was Last time I checked, libraries where raised up to 421,000 dollars, compare places where silence was guaranteed, that to 400,00 that President bush was not distractions. Where one could go making annually. to sit at a comfortable, quiet, resource- Now think, is it justifiable that we ful place to complete whatever needed. as students are told that we are under Why was all that money spent on a going a crisis and that we must be new library that does not serve its comprehensive, while executives are main purpose? giving themselves pay boosts? That is why I ask you to educate yourselves, and your peers. Become aware of the injustice that is occur- Alexandra Marie O’Rorke ring in our education system. The Sophomore more you become aware the more you Liberal Studies are apt to oppose the transgressors of our rights.
Luis Sanchez COMMENT: The Collegian is a Freshman forum for student expression. English/Art C http://collegian.csufresno.edu The Collegian
IRAIRANews Editor, Mathew Gomes • [email protected] OverviewOverview • Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Page 7 Students’ IRA fees Wh e r e t h e m o n e y g o e s climbed over last 10 years
By Umaymah A. Rashid The Collegian
In fewer than 10 years, total registration fees at Fresno State have more than doubled. Overall there has been a 94 percent increase in tuition at California State Universities in the past 6 years, while infla- tion has risen by only 3 percent over the past decade. These fig- ures are according to Tuition Relief Now, an organization of concerned students, parents and California residents who are working together to make education affordable. The increase in fees at CSU campuses may seem extreme, but according to the vice president of student affairs at Fresno State, Paul Oliaro, Ph.D., the jump in fees has become necessary. “The reality is that the Illustration by Michael Uribes / The Collegian costs for higher education in California have been unreal- istically low for a long time,” Oliaro said. “Those things are starting to shift.” By Jessica Dugan and Erin O’Brien Fall award letters out by June 19. In 2001, the university col- The Collegian should point out that we have “The committee reviews those requests and awards what they feel is fair and rea- lected $10 for the IRA fee and almost $2 million in requests $714 for the state university Hey, Fresno State student: Do you know “I sonable,” Waayers said. “For example, fee. Registration fees for the what you get for your fee money? and only $950,000 to allocate IRA funds can be used for travel but not semester totaled $881. That Imagine the possibilities with a pot of this round.” pay for food. IRA funds are also intend- means that IRA was less than $1,218,996. ed to augment instruction rather than The typical student now pays $62 every replace funds provided by the state for 1.1 percent of total registra- — John Waayers, tion fees. semester into one fund. This fee is listed instructional purposes.” IRA money funds activities among the other costs of getting an edu- University Budget Officer The trick is for applicants to be as spe- that are in some way spon- cation under three simple letters — IRA. cific as possible in the request, which sored by an academic disci- According to university policy, the must fall inside the IRA guidelines. The Instructionally Related Activity (IRA) funding are ultimately at the mercy of a proposals are then looked over by the pline or department and can six-member committee. be proven to be integrally fee “provides funding for activities and IRA Advisory Board, which then has to laboratory experiences that are partial- University President John D. Welty, power to award or deny. related to instruction. who appoints the faculty members to In 2004, the university still ly sponsored by an academic program, “We really don’t have a formula other discipline, or department and that are the IRA Advisory Board, said he looks than for travel to conferences,” Waayers collected $10 for the IRA fee at prior service and past committee rep- while the state university fee integrally related to its instructional said. “I should point out that we have offerings.” resentation when deciding on potential almost $2 million in requests and only rose to $1,167. Total registra- candidates. tion fees for the semester were Currently, $32 of a student’s IRA fee $950,000 to allocate this [fall] round.” goes toward athletics. The other $30 pays “I try to identify faculty who are not Therefore, not everyone who applies is $1,352. The IRA then dropped from the same school or college,” Welty to 0.7 percent of total registra- for many important academic and extra- granted their request. curricular programs. told The Collegian. Hope not lost after denial tion fees. But two of the six members of the In 2007, the IRA fee again The Collegian compiled the IRA fund- Out of the 207 groups in 2008-09 that ing award allocations from 2006 to 2009 IRA board— professors Betsy Hays and received any amount, 21 were denied. remained $10 and the state uni- James E. Walton — teach in the College versity fee went up to $1,386. and analyzed them for patterns. According to The Collegian’s analysis, The Collegian elected to only examine of Arts & Humanities. Welty appointed departments were rejected equally. Total registration fees for the both. semester totaled $1,649.50. The allocations on the academic and extra- Although most of the denied parties curricular side, which takes about half Two more of the six board members — respect the way the decisions are made, IRA ticked down to 0.6 percent students Graham Wahlberg and Mathew of total registration fees. of a student’s IRA fee. they are still frustrated and disappoint- For the past three years, the top five Todd — are both from the College of ed with the outcome. Todd Westervelt, a Currently, for the 2008- Engineering. 09 school year, the IRA fee academic awardees are: the Bulldog music psychologist, was turned down on Marching Band; the Theatre Arts depart- Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) a proposal for new technology in a class- increased to $62 and the state appoints student members to the IRA university fee climbed to ment; the campus radio station, KFSR; room and for music research. the London Semester program; and a board, not Welty. “I’ve found that Fresno State is not $1,524. Total registration fees A ‘fair and reasonable’ process for the semester went up to culmination of music-related projects a research institution, it’s a learning like the flute ensemble. The marching There are two rounds of IRA awards institution,” Westervelt said. “I plan to $1,847.50. every school year: the “primary” That means that the IRA fee band alone earned $130,000 through IRA re-apply for next year and we’ll see what funds for the 2008-09 school year. fall term and the “late” spring term. happens.” is now more than five times Typically, the committee awards between the cost it was only eight years According to the analysis, all five of Westervelt applied for the first time the highest-funded groups fall within $250,000 and $500,000 more in the fall this past term, asking for $4,000 to $6,000. prior, now totaling 3.4 percent than in the spring. The fall deadline for of total registration fees. the College of Arts and Humanities. His intention was for the money to be That $332,325 chunk equates to about 2009-10 was March 20 and the reviewing used on new technology in the class- This is not to mention the process started April 20. near-doubling of the state uni- one-quarter of the $1.2 million total. room, as well as for music research. While some colleges or departments John Waayers, the university’s bud- According to his calculations, the tech- See FEES, Page 10 simply need more to get by, requests for get officer and one of the six IRA board members, said the board hopes to get the See IRA, Page 10 The Collegian
Page 8 IRA Committee: Student Profiles IRA Committee:The Collegian • Wednesday,Student May 6, 2009 Profiles Page 9 News Editor, Mathew Gomes • [email protected] a c l o s e r l o o k a t t h e s t u d e n t s o n t h e c o m m i t t e e IRA By Heather Billings thick and began flipping through them page by page. Each The Collegian page brought scrutiny, debate and sometimes disagreement. These six people, three students and three faculty, com- At 8 a.m. on a recent Monday, the large conference room prise the Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) Advisory that Associated Students, Inc. meets in was almost empty. Board. Five people sat around a folding table, conversing in quiet They examine more than 140 applications from clubs, or- tones, as if the largeness of the room was too much for their ganizations and departments requesting IRA funds. This year, voices to fill. the committee will disperse $2 million for 2009-10, collected The sixth rolled into the room a few minutes later, look- from a $62 fee that each student pays. ing like the early Monday morning didn’t mesh well with his The Collegian interviewed each committee member to weekend. bring you a closer look at who’s spending a chunk of your “Let’s do this thing,” he said. student fees. For part one of this series, we will look at the The others pulled out binders approximately six inches student members of the committee.
Photo Illustration by Juan Villa / The Collegian Graham Lauren Mathew Wahlberg Johnson Todd have to maintain a distance.” Fresno State students voted Johnson in again as ASI’s He is also part of ASI’s finance committee as In fact, Wahlberg considers this to be one of his vice president of finance for 2009-10. Those who know well, which specifically funds campus clubs. Each stronger points. Johson commend her for her tough budget decisions in club on campus is allotted money each semester “I never get too emotionally attached to any one the past. Vice President of Student Affairs Paul Oliaro, to put on events. Club representatives fill out project,” he said. “There are so many different types of Ph.D., supported Johnson’s decision to cut ASI’s travel an application — much like students, clubs and clubs and organizations asking for funding. Sometimes fund by proposing that all retreats be kept local. departments do for IRA funds as well. Being on you have to put your foot down and say, ‘This doesn’t “Lauren understands that budget decisions reflect the the ASI finance committee, Todd reviews lots of follow our guidelines.’” value of the organization and that is what budgets are funding applications. It is the board’s job to determine whether an supposed to do,” Oliaro said. “She’s a good learner. She “Club finance committee is very similar to IRA,” application meets the guidelines and whether IRA listens and she has students’ interests in mind.” Todd said. funding, if granted, would serve students. During Even her dad, David Johnson, VP treasurer/controller “But the guidelines are more specific on what a recent IRA board meeting, an application for of The Wine Group, praised her thriftiness. Unlike many the funds can be used for.” sheet music to be used at a choir festival brought up children, Johnson did not receive an allowance growing Todd is also involved in the Lyles College of discussion on whether the music department would up. But she was able to afford her own car before going Engineering Officer Council, or LCEOC, a club benefit more than the students would. off to college with the money she saved working in within the College of Engineering. The chairs Here’s how the discussion played out: accounts payable in her dad’s office. from all the clubs get together monthly and “Is this equivalent to a tool in engineering?” Wahlberg Whether it was during high school in Pleasanton or discuss issues or events in their clubs. By Sarah A. Peterson asked. A tool would benefit the department, making it By Ben Keller college in Fresno, Johnson has always been a person By Tori Pollock “My role is to be a link between the clubs and The Collegian ineligible for IRA money. The Collegian with varied interests. She played the saxophone in high The Collegian students with the ASI and other faculty outside “It’s not like, ‘OK, I’m going to buy a trumpet.’ They school, went to Washington, D.C., with her legal debate the college,” Todd said. As the current Associated Students, Inc. (ASI may or may not use [the music] again,” said John Junior Lauren Johnson is no stranger to dealing with team and now participates in the recycling club on Even at the age of 6, Mathew Todd understood Drawing from these experiences, Todd better president, Graham Wahlberg carries his fair share Waayers, one of the three faculty/administrator money. campus. Her father prides her ability to connect with the meaning of saving. understands what it is like to deal with and save of responsibilities, one of which is chairing the members on the board. As ASI’s vice president of finance, Johnson, a business others and make people laugh as well as “her willingness When Todd wanted something like a baseball bat campus money. And it has been something that Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) Advisory Board. “I was in choir for many, many years and we never got accounting major, manages a budget of more than to get involved.” or video games, his dad taught him the value of a has been important to him for a long time. “It’s called an ‘ex-officio position,’” Wahlberg said, to keep our music,” said Mathew Todd, senator for the $700,000 and sits on ASI’s finance committee. As a voting “She’s always been really active in different things,” he dollar. “I have always been a saver,” Todd said. “My “which means by merit of your position, you’re asked college of engineering. representative on the Instructionally Related Activities said. “She’s always wanted to try different things.” “He had the luck of being the third child, so drive is to save money. I want something, so I to serve on different committees. Every ASI president is Waayers agreed that the music was a gray area and (IRA) Advisory Board, she helps decide the allocation of But Johnson’s responsibilities have only piled up since we had practice,” Todd’s father, Ed, said about save.” chair of the IRA committee.” used the College of Engineering as an analogy. The class-related funds. beginning her stint in student government. teaching his children to be smart with their Todd was asked to be on the IRA board by Tara As a voting chair, Wahlberg heads a committee of six IRA would fund, he said, motors and tubing for a car- Now in her second semester sitting on the six-member “I spend so much time on school and work, it’s like money and save. Powers, the director of university affairs, and people — three students (of which he is one) and three building project, but not a saw used to build the car. IRA board, she will be helping whittle nearly $2 million I lost all the hobbies I ever had,” she said. Aside from Young Mathew Todd, who is now one of six IRA Jessica Sweeten, the current ASI Executive Vice faculty — who all take part in deciding which campus Similarly, the music department may not use the sheet worth of requests down to $900,000. compiling an extensive budget for ASI and reviewing Advisory Board members, always did his chores President, because they saw good qualities in activities and projects to fund. music after the festival, which would make it analogous “There are a lot of programs on campus and they all around 30 applications for IRA this semester alone, around the house, his father said. But when he him. Sweeten has been working with Todd since Wahlberg employs a scientific approach when it comes to the car parts, or it may use it again and again, making serve really important purposes,” she said. “The faculty Johnson also fills the role of unofficial ASI spokesperson wanted something, he would do other things to September. to helping make IRA funding decisions. it like the saw. and staff are really in tune to student needs. It has given for media when needed. earn money — mow the grass, wash cars and save “He has experience in dealing with large “It’s all about active versus passive: whether or not Wahlberg told The Collegian that the committee’s me a lot of faith in the faculty on campus.” In spare moments, she likes to follow up on his money even more. amounts of money since he served on the the student is engaged or participating in the activity,” guiding document is the IRA Policies and Procedures Johnson fell into the position last semester when constitutional law and court cases. Ed Todd said his son has always been very planning committee for a golf course in Dinuba,” he said. “An example would be if a student attends a manual, which is closely followed. former ASI President Mackee M. Mason and former Johnson keeps a law degree in her list of possible disciplined. Sweeten said. conference. Are they going to watch someone present a “There are a lot of different IRA applications,” Executive Vice President Sandra Flores were not able options after college, but it’s a vast departure from her “He puts money away toward things that are “So I thought this would be a great opportunity paper, or are they presenting the paper themselves?” Wahlberg said, “each one tailored to a specific activity. to serve for legal reasons. Since the IRA board’s bylaws original ambitions. A Smittcamp Family Honors College important to him,” Ed Todd said. to continue. He does have students at heart, which But one of the most important things he has to There is an application for study abroad, there’s one for call for an ASI executive to sit as chair, the responsibility student, she came to Fresno State as a biology major, Mathew Todd, a junior at Fresno State majoring matters.” consider is whether a particular activity will benefit conferences, for building projects and so forth.” passed to Johnson. Johnson is now carrying out her but soon realized she had other, less time-consuming in construction management, recently became a Todd said his strategies on what or who gets students on a larger scale. “The policies and procedures manual is kind of like second semester on the board under the current chair, interests in mind. part of the IRA Advisory Board about a month money is based on activities that will benefit the “It’s definitely about the students,” Wahlberg our bible. We use it to decide what’s instructionally ASI President Graham Walhberg. “The good thing about accounting is that it’s recession- ago. most people — hundreds of students instead of said. “We’re made up of half students and half related and what’s not,” he said. Johnson got into student government as a freshman, proof,” she said. “I’m pretty lucky. It’s a really solid job.” But he has worked with money in other just one. administrators, so you’re getting both viewpoints. IRA Advisory Board member Lauren Johnson holds serving as a finance assistant and as chief of staff She said if not for being compelled to follow the job capacities since becoming a member this year of “I go toward projects that will impact the most Sometimes we split hairs over what should be funded or nothing but respect for Wahlberg and his ability to for former ASI President Juan Pablo Moncayo. In her market, she would gladly stay in Fresno for a long time. the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Senate, a role students,” Todd said. not, but usually we reach a general consensus.” handle the pressures that come with being both ASI sophomore year, she was elected senator for the Craig During her sophomore year of high school, Johnson that has helped him understand how things work Working with the IRA board, he said, will If, however, the committee finds itself in a deadlock president and IRA chair. School of Business and later won the student body vote to moved away from Fresno when her father got a new job with the IRA board. help him even more with understanding the over a particular project or activity, Wahlberg must find “He was basically thrown into this position when he place her in her current position as ASI vice president of in Pleasanton. importance of a dollar. a way to get everyone to work together. became president,” said Johnson. “He came up to speed finance. “She wasn’t really thinking she would go to Fresno Working with the board, he also hopes to better “As chair, I will not let a decision move forward until really fast.” After a tense and controversial campaign this year, State,” David Johnson said. “Then we moved up [to understand the process and distribution of the we can come to a better consensus,” he said. “If there is “He is just so determined when it comes to getting the Pleasanton] and she got into Cal and some other great have always been a saver. My drive is funds. a three-to-three tie, that tells me we need to discuss the money back to the students, making sure they get the schools.” “I then take that information back to my clubs issue more until we can all be more comfortable with a most out of their fees. It’s pretty admirable.” he faculty and staff are really in tune to In the end, Johnson just missed the Central Valley too “Ito save money. I want something, so I within the College of Engineering to help them be decision we can agree on.” But the process is certainly never easy, Wahlberg said. student needs. It has given me a lot of much. “It’s one of those things when I was younger, I save.” as effective as possible,” Todd said. Conflicts of interest are settled matter-of-factly, with “Turning someone down is probably one of the hardest “T never thought I would come back here,” she said. the party concerned withholding their vote. faith in the faculty on campus.” things I’ve done. It’s really tough saying no, but saying “But after I left Fresno for those couple years, I really — Mathew Todd, Wahlberg, however, does not find himself in that yes is as well. It’s $2 million, you know, and we can’t just missed it and now that I’m here, I really couldn’t picture position very often. give it away.” — Lauren Johnson, myself anywhere else.” ASI Senator, College of Engineering COMMENT: The Collegian is a forum for student expres- “I don’t have any proposals within the IRA, so it’s Additional reporting by Heather Billings. ASI Vice President of Finance C sion. http://collegian.csufresno.edu usually not a problem,” he said. “But you definitely Page 10 The Collegian • News Wednesday, May 6, 2009 News Editor, Mathew Gomes • [email protected] FEES: 2008 brought changes in IRA fees for students
Illustration by Heather Billings / The Collegian
CONTINUED from page 7 Committee proposed a $52 fee- inexpensive compared to most to student tuition. activities and supplement the hike compromise. institutions.” Welty said. The facility fee is related to academic curriculum. The versity fee. University President John “Our IRA fees have been the maintenance of the prop- Bulldog Card fee provides all Prior to 2008, athletics were D. Welty told The Collegian among the lowest for many erty and buildings. The health students with a Fresno State not included in the IRA fee. that even with the increases in years.” services fee covers basic identification card that can be But in May 2008, the uni- total registration fees, Fresno In addition to the IRA fee, health insurance for all stu- used as a pre-paid debit card versity’s president, John D. State is and has been one of total registration fees consist dents at Fresno State, which for dining on campus as well Welty, approved a measure to the most affordable universi- of a facility fee, health services can be redeemed in the Health as other services like print- increase the IRA fee by $52 to ties in the CSU system and fee, student academic service Center. ing and checking out library its current $62 level. that California has enjoyed fee, student body fee, Bulldog The student academic ser- materials. Welty’s decision came after low-cost higher education for Card fee, university student vice fee and student body fee COMMENT: The Collegian is a students defeated a fee refer- a long time. union fee and a state univer- fund instructional and non- forum for student expression. endum to raise the fee by $72 “California has been very sity fee — which is equivalent instructional programs and C http://collegian.csufresno.edu and the Campus Fee Advisory IRA: Not all applicants receive the money they request
CONTINUED from page 7 said. number of majors on campus, ic climate, for example, the dependant upon the award. “Especially deserving ones it does host the largest num- College of Arts & Humanities “With the economy turned nology, which would be good that are interested in working ber of programs and projects. will cut the London Semester down, it’s getting crazy now,” from seven to eight years, in the [law enforcement] field. With nine departments in Arts program in 2009-10. This move Walton said. “I mean, word is could affect 50 students per Those who can attend are usu- & Humanities all applying for is expected to help support getting out.” semester and would reach a ally the ones that their parents IRA funding, the number of other applicants by leaving total of 560 students at the end can afford it and there are requests would also appear $35,000 in the IRA pot for other Additional reporting by of that time. students who don’t have that disproportionate. activities. Ben Keller, Tori Pollock and “I wasn’t upset at all,” luxury.” “It’s not the college itself With a limited amount of Dominique Vargas. Westervelt said. “Music money In the end, $5,000 was award- applying,” Diaz said. “There money available and more goes to experiences for our stu- ed to the trip, which covers are a lot of very active pro- requests pouring in, the deci- COMMENT: The Collegian is a dents. There is a range of very airfare and land fees for two grams within those depart- sions made by the IRA board forum for student expression. important issues the money students traveling interna- ments. It’s the reality of the will continue to be hard. C http://collegian.csufresno.edu we do receive in the depart- tionally. numbers.” Walton has noticed a change. ment goes to, like recruitment, Not discouraged, Masters But as active as a group He said that some of those band, and things like public and Owens have already re- proves itself to be, there still requesting from the IRA fund opinion and informational fly- applied for next term and may not be enough money to have no other source to turn ers. My request happened to hope to take at least eight to go around. Due to the econom- to while others have become Classifieds ten students on the upcoming be on the lower priority of the Are you waiting for each print list.” trip to either Amsterdam or edition to read the newest Some groups receive their Australia. classifieds? Check them out first request, but are denied A goldmine in hard times 24/7 online at: With band and theatre http://collegian.csufresno.edu for further allocations. Click on classifieds. Ruth Masters and Barbara leading the way in terms of 0LJUDLQH6XIIHUHUV Owen, both professors in the amounts awarded, there must The Collegian is not responsible department of criminology, be other helpful strategies for nor does it assume any liability to be able to access the fund Quote of the Day “An intellectual is a man who takes more Edited by Timothy E. Parker words than neccessary to tell more than he The daily crossword Universal Press Syndicate knows.” 62 Lunar valley — Dwight D. Eisenhower, ACROSS 63 Glossary entry 1 Hardly Ph.D. material 64 Some pastries former American president 5 Of equal size 65 Fawning females? From BrainyQuote.com 10 Ganges access 14 “… what ___ lurks in the DOWN hearts of men?” 1 Chapter 11 issue 15 Lorna of literature 2 Pigmented peeper part 16 Partner of every 3 Steelworker’s place 17 Dracula portrayer Lugosi 4 Reasons to use flashlights 18 Run circles around 5 Title words with 19 Vulcanized product “Flanders” 20 Tailor’s chalk ingredient 6 Worsens, as relations 21 Cranial mass 7 Leather wine bottle 23 “Get Smart” bad guys 8 Ark finder, familiarly 25 Madame Bovary’s prob- 9 Certain math class lem 10 Affect emotionally 26 Ballet dancer Nureyev 11 Country with a palm tree 29 Insignificant speck on its flag 31 “Don’t tell ___!” 12 Property measurement 32 Clue, e.g. units 37 Upper-rank NCO 13 1,000 large calories 38 Disagreeable 22 Dry-___ (like some steak) 39 Very funny one 24 Word with “clear” or “in” “How do you hue?” by Oscar Lyndley 40 Places for wildlife 26 A file that can’t be 42 Screwtape, for one opened 43 They may be caught 27 World power until ’91 PUZZLE SOLUTION: http://collegian.csufresno.edu 44 Rest of the day? 28 Old Venetian VIP C Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved. 45 Reason to get some ice 29 Painting Grandma 49 Trumpeting bird 30 Muesli ingredients 50 Bechamel, e.g. 32 Group of quails 42 Day in Durango 51 Surrounding glow 53 Ballet finale, e.g. 33 Certain IDs 44 Nobel and others 52 Manipulative person 57 Freedom from hardship 34 Aspires 45 Blood and tears link 54 Eclectic assortment 58 Pondered 35 Subject to debate 46 Full or first quarter, e.g. 55 Hill partner 59 Trans-____ Range 36 Peak seen from the 47 Chorus platform 56 Is green without envy? 60 Lost Ionian Sea 48 Col. “Hannibal” Smith, 61 Lead Belly classic 38 Pass on, as a genetic trait and friends Complete the grid so that every row, column and “Goodnight, ___” 41 Sal’s canal 49 What Fido follows 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively. C SOLUTION: http://collegian.csufresno.edu Page 12 • The Collegian • Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Wednesday, May 6, 2009 The Collegian • Sports Page 13 Sports Editor, Logan Hopkins • [email protected] GLORIA: Senior tennis star Most has four straight WAC titles CONTINUED from page 16 strong role in Gloria’s play. “She’s been pretty consistent for exciting Year in 2006 and an NCAA singles par- all four years,” Thibodeau said. ticipant. She finished the year ranked “She’s had four solid years. She has No.23 that season. improved a lot of her doubles skills, Prior to Fresno State, she was a she’s always been a strong singles four-time Canadian junior champion player. I think she’s playing a little bit in both singles and doubles. more smarter but she has a good work two With all the accomplishments on the ethic. She works hard and we know tennis court, Gloria actually doesn’t what to expect out of her.” have one moment that sticks out to Most recently, Gloria helped guide her. If anything, it was what she expe- her team to an astonishing eighth rienced her freshman year. straight WAC title. “I’m sure every “It was awesome,” Gloria said. “It moment [sticks out was just really fun especially this minutes for me],” Gloria said. year, because we were pretty close Charles Bertram / McClatchy Tribune “For sure, going to with Boise State in the final and we Sweet Sixteen was weren’t really expecting that. But I a great experience, think we’re just really happy that we an this past Saturday, the Rock, Gretchen Wilson, Travis Tritt especially as a fresh- made the tournament and won.” Kentucky Derby holds a and Aaron Rodgers were in atten- man. We were hosting The conference title has now given Runique place in the sports dance. [the NCAA tourna- Gloria more goals to achieve, as she world at the intersections of horse rac- The concept of equality and social ment] and we played continues to build her tennis resume. ing, gambling and pageantry. Ladies welfare is a joke to the men who spend Simon Thibodeau Cal-Berkeley. We won “Win NCAAs,” Gloria said. “It’s my show up in gigantic hats and sun millions on the acquisition and train- Head coach and they were ranked last year. I’m a senior and as a team, dresses, men in seersucker suits, sip ing of horses. Wastefulness is a way of 11th.” I think we can go farther than Sweet mint juleps and expensive whiskey. It’s life. Millionaire’s row is what they call Gloria spends her time at the Sixteen this year. Probably go Elite a scene from long ago that only par- the luxury suites where the affluent Spalding G. Wathen Tennis Center Eight, or Final Four and even farther tially counts as a sporting event. and famous patrons watch the race, playing close to the net, chasing down would be awesome. Hopefully, I can do To outsiders it may seem like an basking in the glow of their own good tennis balls, and ensuring that the better than the last year at the NCAA attempt to spice up a desperately bor- fortune. she’s in a good position to score on in both singles and doubles and try to ing part of the sports calendar. The Adding to the craziness is lack of her competition. get a title.” event’s tag line, “The most exciting evidence that spending money will win She’ll admit that there is really no two minutes in sports” belies its pur- the race. Mine That Bird, this year’s secret to her success on the court. pose further: How exciting can any- winning horse, cost 9,500 bucks. Some “I think just its work ethic,” Gloria thing be if it lasts only two minutes? of the losing horses cost more than said. “In tennis, we’re playing as Gloria and the Bulldogs will be traveling to Illinois to But like many great sports, the two million. a team but its really an individual host the NCAA Tournament later this week. Check athletic contest is a very small part The poor man’s equivalent of game. You really need to be focused back on Friday for more women’s tennis coverage. of the attraction, an Millionaire’s Row and work hard on the court. I still excuse to engage in is the infield of the have little things to improve on but I questionable and track. Infield ticket think I’m doing good.” VIDEO: Gloria answers rapid-fire reckless behavior holders have almost Her head coach, Simon Thibodeau, queations in a “2-minute Drill” at that would otherwise no shot or intention feels that consistency has played a C http://collegian.csufresno.edu be improper. The of actually seeing Kentucky Derby itself the race. Instead, is actually the culmi- it’s where ordinary nation of the two-week patrons go to drink long Kentucky Derby The Upper, Upper Deck themselves silly and Festival. party with abandon. The festival Ha i s t e n Wi l l i s As the horses are includes the largest paraded around the fireworks show in the track before the race, the United States, concerts, fashion shows University of Louisville band plays the and private parties. Waiters carry state song, “My Old Kentucky Home.” glasses of wine through an obstacle Written in 1853, it describes life on a course in something called the Run for slave plantation. Luckily, in 1986 the the Rosé. In terms of pageantry, The Kentucky General Assembly changed Derby makes college football look like some of the lyrics from “darkies” to a courthouse wedding. “people.” Hunter S. Thompson, of Fear and Too old-world for liberals, too sinful Loathing in Las Vegas fame, got his big for conservatives and too rich to be break by writing about the Kentucky shut down, the Kentucky Derby is one Derby. He slammed it as overtly racist of the last bastions of overtly bigoted and sexist, a place where a myriad of and politically incorrect behavior left real-life ‘Colonel Sanders’ “make an in America. And the millions spent by 18th century ass of themselves.” Mohammad and the mob will keep it This year’s winning horse was going for decades. owned by the son of a mob figure who I would never defend the going’s played a key role in the corruption on in Louisville, but it may be best to trial of U.S. Senator Ted Stevens. He’s just accept it for what it is. Mix up that a self-described cowboy, who beat, mint julep, put on your sundress and among other horse owners, Sheikh enjoy the most exciting two minutes in Mohammad, the emir of Dubai. Kid sports. Page 14 The Collegian • Sports Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Sports Editor, Logan Hopkins • [email protected] No.1-seeded ’Dogs begin play on Thursday By Sara Almario of the Week, sophomore Morgan The Collegian Melloh. Melloh received her eighth Pitcher of the Week award on April 20 As the Bulldogs’ softball team enters after throwing two complete shutouts the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) against the Nevada Wolf Pack on April Tournament as the No. 1 seed, players 17-18. Melloh ushered the Bulldogs to and coach Margie Wright said they do win the series 2-1. She finished the sea- not feel any pressure and are confident son with a 1.55 ERA and 387 strikeouts. they will do well in the tournament. “It feels great that I did my best out “We all know you got to play the there and it all paid off,” Melloh said. game, so I don’t think there’s any pres- Melloh believes that they played good sure,” Wright said. as a team throughout the season and Earning their 10th WAC regular sea- despite WAC being considered a tough son title, the ’Dogs are preparing them- conference, she is confident that they selves to face the tough competition will win the tournament. ahead of them. “There’s pressure coming into this Wright said that all the teams com- tournament as No. 1, but we just have peting in the tournament pose a threat to keep our cool and play the game,” to Fresno State, but she expects all the Melloh said. “It just makes us know we players will play a vital role in all the need to come out in the tournament as games and will come out on top when strong as we were in the conference.” the tournament is over. The one thing Melloh is more excited “Whoever’s in the game and whoever about than entering the tournament is we’ll call upon will play a significant having a familiar face in the crowd act- role,” Wright said. “Whether it is a run- ing as her personal cheerleader. ner or a hitter, it doesn’t matter. They “My dad is coming down to watch me all will play a huge role.” finally,” Melloh said. “He’s flying here Some of the Bulldogs’ players did from Indiana.” exceptional jobs this season, which Since they are the No. 1 seed, the were recognized by the WAC. One of Bulldogs will get a bye on the first them was the April 27th Hitter of the round where according to Wright, the Week, centerfielder Brooke Phipps. team will be using it to practice and The junior earned the award after Matt Weir / Collegian File Photo focus on school. she hit a .692 (9-of-13) on their double- Junior Brooke Phipps was named WAC Hitter of the Week on April 27th. Phipps and the Bulldogs They are expected to play against the header against Boise State April 24-25, will play the winner of the Boise State and San Jose State game on Thursday morning at 10 a.m. winner of the game between San Jose which included two homeruns and State and Boise State on the second day seven RBI. She was the only Bulldog to more than happy to help my team come so we’re playing in front of our fans.” of the tournament. steal a base and she did not get a walk through. Getting Hitter of the Week Although Phipps said she considers Last time Fresno State won the WAC or a strike out in that series. just made that win a whole lot better.” the other teams in the tournament as Tournament was in 2007. This year, Phipps was excited, yet surprised to Phipps said that the Bulldogs came tough competition, she said their team the Bulldogs expect they will win the be named Hitter of the Week for the out of the season strong, so she expects will have no problem playing against entire tournament and make it all the first time and said at the time, she was them to do well in the tournament. them. way to the NCAA playoffs. more focused on helping her team win “I think we’re going to do well; I “All the other teams are threats, “I’m hoping we can come out on top, against the Broncos. expect us to,” Phipps said. “We’ve been that’s why we have to play all of them we have to play our very best,” Wright “I was more happy that I could help a good team, we’ve been hitting the ball in the same mindset,” Phipps said. said. “It’s going to be a great tourna- out the team,” Phipps said. “We needed really good, plus we’re playing at home, Other WAC honoree is former Pitcher ment.” someone to step up and hit, so I was Page 15 • The Collegian • Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Happy Mommy Day Special 2QHPRQWKXQOLPLWHGWDQQLQJ VWDUWLQJDVORZDVDPRQWK 2)) Any monthly or V.I.P. tanning package (New Members Only) &KHFNRQOLQHDWWKH EHJLQQLQJRI-XQHIRU VXPPHUVSHFLDOV ([LVWLQJPHPEHUVUHFHLYHRII([LVWLQJPHPEHUVUV HFHLYH RII ZLWKWKLVFRXSRQDQGWKHLU Open 7 days a week )UHVQR6WDWHVWXGHQW,' 4IBX"WF$MPWJT $" 10% Off On All Lotions /FYUUP0ME/BWZ t (Plus additional monthly deals. &YQJSFTt/PUWBMJEXJUIBOZPUIFSPòFS Excludes samples and body shots) 23(1 0RWKHUV'D\ %X\RQHEUHDNIDVWRUOXQF%X\ RQH EUHDNIDVVW RU OXQFKK DQGJHWRQHRIHTXDORUOHVVHUYDOXH )5((ZLWKWKLVFRXSRQJRRGWKURXJK0D\ GD\VDZHHN DPSP 1&HGDU$YH The Collegian This Day in Sports History May 6, 1915 George Herman “Babe” Ruth made his debut on the mound for the Boston Red Sox and hit his first of 715 home runs. The Babe lost his first start to the Yankees in 15 innings. Not too long later, the curse of the Bambino would be on the Sox for 85 years. SportsSportsPage 16 Sports Editor, Logan Hopkins • [email protected] • Wednesday, May 6, 2009 n tennis, we’re play- “Iing as a team, but it’s really an individual Ce n t e r p i e c e game. You really need to work hard on the court.” — Melanie Gloria, of a Women’s tennis ace Dy n a s t y By Lorenzo Reyna which improved her career total vic- The Collegian tories at Fresno State to 98. Her victories against ranked oppo- Since 2005, senior Melanie Gloria nents include No.7 Marina Cossou of has built an impressive resume with Cal-Berkeley in the Fall of 2008, No.4 her work on the tennis court. Ani Mijacika of Clemson during the The Montreal native has won con- Spring of 2008, and No.1 Audra Cohen ference titles, International Tennis of Miami at the ITA All-American Association (ITA) championships, tournament in 2006. has defeated nationally ranked She is a two-time NCAA All- opponents and is also an NCAA All- American. She also has won three American. WAC Player of the Year titles and At the beginning of this tennis sea- earned All-WAC first team honors in son, Gloria was ranked No.1 in the singles and doubles. doubles category along with Tinesta She has helped her team reach Rowe. She won the ITA Northwest the WAC team championships and Regional singles title with a 5-0 NCAA team championships. In 2007- record. Gloria’s play earned her a 08, she reached the NCAA finals with selection to the ITA All-American Tinesta Rowe in the doubles bracket. tournament, where she reached the Gloria began her Bulldog tennis semifinals of the consolation brack- career as the WAC Freshman of the et. Gloria earned 11 wins in 2008, See GLORIA, Page 13 Juan Villa / Collegian File Photo