UCPD officer arrested on OVI charges | pg. 2
WorldFest to celebrate diversity at UC | pg. 4 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020
UC Crime Log: Feb. 16-22
Gerald Crosby, a University of Cincinnati Student Government at-large senator, had his slate for student body president denied after his petition was turned in late. INSTAGRAM | GC4UC
Students rejected from SG election
QUINLAN BENTLEY | CHIEF REPORTER In an unprecedented move, two of three slates intending to run for student body president and vice president of the University of Cincinnati’s Undergraduate Student Government (SG) were rejected after failing to turn in their petitions on time — leaving only one slate to run unopposed. As potential candidates filed their petitions to run in this year’s election, SG’s Election Facilitation Commission (EFC) decided to deny two presidential candidates — Kish Richardson and Gerald Crosby, who both currently serve as at-large senators — the ability to run. Only one slate will run in this year’s election, making this the second consecutive presidential election in which a campaign ran unopposed. This decision came after Richardson and Crosby’s
campaigns failed to deliver their nominating petitions to EFC by the deadline at Feb. 19, at 5 p.m. Subsequently, Richardson and Crosby both filed complaints with the University of Cincinnati Student Court alleging that they were each given false information by EFC vice-chair of Operations and College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) senator Nathan Halbisen. They also allege “impartial bias” on the part of Halbisen, as he represents the same college as CEAS Tribunal President Logan Lindsay, who is currently the only candidate running for the presidency. Halbisen did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The News Record, but denied that he had communicated with the slates regarding the petition deadline in his witness testimony to student court in its Continued on Page 3
KEELY BROWN | MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
disposition is “active.”
Sunday, Feb. 16 A liquor law violation in Daniels Hall was reported to UCPD. The disposition was handed off to the Office of Student Conduct. Four drug law violations in Stratford Heights building 14 was reported to UCPD. The disposition was handed off to the Office of Student Conduct. A burglary on the 2600 block of University Court was reported to UCPD. The disposition was handed off to the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD.) Two accounts of aggravated menacing and a Clery weapon violation in Stratford Heights building 13 was reported to UCPD. The disposition was closed with a UCPD arrest.
Thursday, Feb. 20 Two drug law violations in Scioto Hall were reported to UCPD. The dispositions were handed off to the Office of Student Conduct.
Monday, Feb.17 A burglary at The Deacon was reported to UCPD. The disposition was handed off to CPD. Wednesday, Feb. 19 A theft in Teachers College was reported to UCPD. The disposition is “active.” Stalking behavior at Clermont College was reported to UCPD. The
Friday, Feb. 21 An attempted burglary in McMicken Hall was reported to UCPD. The disposition is “active.” A theft from the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) was reported to UCPD. The disposition is “active.” A drug law violation in Scioto Hall was reported to UCPD. The disposition was handed off to the Office of Student Conduct. Saturday, Feb. 22 Criminal mischief in Langsam Library was reported to UCPD. The disposition is “active.” Criminal damaging of parking equipment in Corry Garage was reported to UCPD. The disposition is “active.” A burglary in The Deacon was reported to UCPD. The disposition was closed by a CPD arrest. A sexual assault in Siddall Hall was reported to UCPD. No criminal complaint was filed.
FEBRUARY 26, 2020 January 29, 2020 September 4, 2019
NEWS
UCPD officer arrested for OVI; students speak out
QUINLAN BENTLEY | CHIEF REPORTER An officer with the University of Cincinnati Police Department (UCPD) was suspended following his arrest for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (OVI), leaving students questioning their safety on campus. Following a history of misconduct and a Jan. 26 OVI arrest by Ohio state troopers, UCPD Officer Andrew Mueller’s police powers have been suspended — according to a recent report from Fox19 — giving UC students cause for concern, as to wether the university is a safe place for students. Mueller has a documented history of misconduct related to alcohol abuse, with three investigations opened in the past year in response to his conduct while under the influence, according to the report. He has previously been reprimanded for harassing a woman over the phone and later showing up at her house while under the influence. There was also an incident in June 2019 where he was found to have possessed a firearm while also under the influence, according to documents obtained by Fox19. In response to charges being brought against him in Butler County, Mueller’s police powers have been put on hold pending an outcome, according to Kelly
Cantwell, spokesperson for the UC Department of Public Safety, in an email statement to The News Record. Before being hired by UCPD, Mueller disclosed during a polygraph test administered by UC that he had been previously reprimanded while working for the Xavier University Police Department, according to the report. Despite this incident, Mueller cleared a psychological examination in 2014, being deemed “qualified and demonstrated an average skill and ability level,” according to Fox19. Cantwell did not provide comment as to whether the university knew about his history with alcohol abuse. Many students, however, are concerned as to whether Mueller’s conduct poses any implications for student safety on campus. “That makes me concerned on how he got hired here then,” said Justine Kenny, a health sciences student at UC. “How can you handle underage drinking if you’re drunk at a job?” added Katie Woods, also a health sciences student. Even still, some students believe that because the incident didn’t occur on campus, there was not a serious safety risk posed to the university. “Campus is pretty safe,” said Anna Davenport, a psychology student at UC.
Page 22 Page 2 Page
“I don’t usually see cops around that often, but knowing someone like that is working here makes me a little nervous.” Mueller was one of five UCPD officers recognized for saving a construction worker’s life outside Nippert Stadium in 2018 by assisting in giving the man CPR. According to the report, he had also received a commendation from UCPD Chief Marris Herold. “Officer Mueller, you are deserving of this commendation for your teamwork and ongoing commitment to community engagement and excellence,” she wrote. Mueller was released from jail late last month, Andrew Mueller, pictured here receiving an award in March 2018, was recently arrested for operating a vehicle while toxicated. but a case against him TNR FILE ART is still pending in Butler County.
UC Latino Faculty Association to honor members KATHLEEN HORNSTRA | DIGITAL PRODUCER The University of Cincinnati Latino Faculty Association (LFA) with host the 2020 Latino Faculty Awards March 31 to honor those who have made an impact to further diversity in the UC community. The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 31, from 6-9 p.m. at the 1819 Innovation Hub. The LFA was co-founded in 2017 by Drs. Flavia Bastos, Maria Espinola, Mauricio Espinoza, Farrah Jacquez and Michael Odio. There are currently 116 Latino faculty members at UC. Their mission is to create an inclusive environment that values Latinos as an essential component of UC’s diverse community by retaining the Latino talent on campus. In addition, empowering our members toward action and attracting future faculty to meet the needs of the rapidly growing young Latino population in the U.S., Ohio and the Cincinnati region. Nominations are open now and the categories include the following: •Excellence in Research: Recognizes faculty for outstanding career achievements in research. •Distinguished Service: Recognizes faculty who have demonstrated exemplary community service either by developing a
program or engaging in volunteer work that has significantly impacted the community. •Outstanding Mentoring: Recognizes faculty for displaying excellence in mentoring students, interns, postdoctoral fellows, residents and/or junior faculty by providing outstanding support, encouraging and promoting education and training, professional and personal development and career guidance. •Exemplary Leadership: Recognizes faculty who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within their professional societies, organization, academic or research organizations. •Distinguished Teaching: Recognizes faculty for displaying excellence in teaching students, interns, postdoctoral fellows and/ or residents. The LFA is focused on increasing the visibility of members and bringing attention to the valuable contributions that members make to the university, to their own fields and to the community. “The political climate in the country has severely damage the image of Latinos and we are hoping to change that,” said Maria Espinola, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience and LFA cofounder. “We also hope to bring awareness to LFS’s members’ diverse identities.” People often forget that Latino refers
to a shared ethnicity, not to a race or a nationality, Espinola said. Believing that there is a specific way that Latinos should look like or sound like increases Latinos’ invisibility. The LFA awards will have a guest host, Paola Suro, who is a multi-media journalist for WCPO Good Morning Tri-State. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast & digital journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, Suro helped establish the only Spanish-run newscast in the school, CitrusTV Noticias. Suro is originally from Puerto Rico and
considers herself a “citizen of the world,” as she has lived in Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Panama and New York. Food will be catered by Colombia native Chef Jose Salazar, the owner of “Mita’s” — a 135-seat restaurant located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. If you are interested in nominating a faculty member, tap or click here; the deadline to apply is March 6. If you need more information on the Latino Faculty Association, tap or click here to visit its website.
The 2019 UC Latino Faculty Association Awards at Butcher and Barrel in Cincinnati. PROVIDED | MARIA ESPINOLA
NEWS
FEBRUARY 26, September 4, 2019 January 29,2020 2020
Page 33 Page
SG to make examination Campaign spots denied books free for students over missed deadline QUINLAN BENTLEY | CHIEF REPORTER Just in time for mid-terms, the University of Cincinnati’s Undergraduate Students Government (SG), is making blue and green examination books available to students at no cost for the remainder of the school year. At its weekly senate meeting Feb. 12, SG unanimously voted to allocate $1,250 from its budget toward buying enough blue and green books for every UC student through the end of the spring semester. Being that this initiative was spearheaded by his administration, student body President Chandler Rankin said he got the idea for the legislation while at conference of student body presidents from across the country. Specifically, he cites a similar initiative by the Undergraduate Students Association Council at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). From there, conversations with university administration began as to how to make these books free at UC as well, said Rankin. Acknowledging the low cost of blue and green books – generally 50 cents per book, he still believes the bill could help relieve some slight financial stress for students. “I think if we’re requiring a resource for students, it is within [SG’s] scope to be able to provide it instead of putting the additional burden on them to do so,” he added. “It may not break the bank for some of our students, but for others it’s an additional thing that has to be paid for.” Rankin also noted that at a rate of about 5,000 per year, UC does not go through
nearly as many books as UCLA which use approximately 32,000. But even at that rate, this bill gives SG the opportunity to at least reach out to about 1,200 students a semester, he said. “I say that’s [a] considerable impact.” While it will only last until the end of this year, a possibility does remain for this initiative to be replicated next year whether it’s under the new administration or not. In fact, conversations with UC Campus Services about what this initiative might look like in the future are already underway, with the current bill acting as a test run, said Rankin. Citing the low cost to the university to stock these books, it may also become prudent for UC to adopt this initiative on its own, he said, however, adding that nothing is set in stone. “I mean when you look in the grand scheme of things for our university, if they can provide that they might go ahead and do it,” he said. But even if the initiative isn’t adopted by the university, Rankin would like to see SG continue to pass similar legislation beyond his time in office. “It would be my hope that in some way, shape or form Undergraduate Student Government passed this semester considers what this initiative should look like and how we can continue to provide a similar service to our students,” he said. The bill is officially slated to go into effect Feb. 26, with the blue and green books then being made available at select retailers on campus at no cost to students.
Blue and green books on display at Market on Main, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020. ALEX MARTIN | ART DIRECTOR
Crosby complained to the University of Cincinnati Student Court, claiming that he was given false information about the due date for the petition for student body president. INSTAGRAM | GC4UC
Continued from Page 1 hearing Feb. 24. Although one witness, Lauren Reynolds, a member of SG’s University Funding Board, told the court in her testimony that she was in the SG office from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and did not see anyone turn in a petition late. In his complaint, Richardson said Halbisen gave him false information by telling him that a portion of his nominating petition could be turned in after the deadline. He also acknowledged in his testimony that he was 20 minutes late picking up the petitions, leaving the possibility for Lindsay’s slate to turn in its petition late without being penalized. While he doesn’t deny that his petition was turned in late, but that given the circumstances and a lack of precedent, he doesn’t believe that his campaign should have been barred from running. “But for this penalty to be administered — completely inappropriate, completely unnecessary,” he said. “We are already in a situation that we’ve never been in before.” Crosby’s complaint also alleged that Halbisen also told him that his campaign could turn in their packet after the deadline, adding that EFC exercised an unjustified level of power in making this decision. “Three people literally decided to the fate of the student body elections,” he said, in reference to the three-member EFC.
The committee followed the rules as they are documented, said EFC Chair McKenna Johnson in an email to The News Record. The rules, including the due date of the petition, were approved by SG senate in November, she added. Johnson also denied any allegations of bias or favoritism on the part of EFC, saying there were not any concerns raised to the committee during confirmation of the rules. Despite this, Richardson believes the denial of both his and Crosby’s slates holds much deeper consequences for the student body — the two campaigns being the only minority representatives for president. “The implications of denying our slates the ability to run extends so much further than what EFC is taking into consideration,” he said, adding that this election has had more minority slates than recent SG elections. In its Feb. 24, decision student court sided with EFC, finding the committee “not responsible” for petitions being deemed ineligable. Richardson is not discouraged, however, having already filed an appeal with student court and is planning to pursue a referendum. “I’m definitely a believer in the process despite all barriers that might seem to work against me,” he said. “I believe that if I go through the proper channels and I’m truly fighting for the right thing, then the right outcome will come about.”
FEBRUARY 26, September 4, 2019 January 29,2020 2020
FEATURES
Page 44 Page
UC to celebrate diversity Living Openly: Building during 2020 WorldFest a welcoming classroom DAVID REES | FEATURES EDITOR
UC Ethnic Programs WorldFest 2020’s logo. TWITTER | @UC_EPS
QUINLAN BENTLEY | CHIEF REPORTER The University of Cincinnati’s office of Ethnic Program Services (EPS) is preparing to host its annual WorldFest event, which encourages students to adopt a new perspective. With the events beginning Feb. 27 and ending Mar. 8, this year’s WorldFest promises students a chance to experience other cultures and celebrate diversity on campus, said Fabrice Juin, program manager for EPS, in an email to The News Record. “WorldFest is an opportunity to truly become a global citizen and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Juin said. “It is an initiative for students and by students.” With more than 20 events scheduled, there will not be any shortage of activities for students to participate in throughout the week, he said. This year’s events will include: •Culture Show – Feb. 29, from 4:30-10 p.m. •WorldFest Trivia Night – March 5, from 5-7 p.m. •Bachata Dance Lessons – March 5, from 7-8 p.m. •The Intercultural Talent Extravaganza – March 6, from 4-8 p.m. •Cultural Fashion Show – March 8, from 4-6 p.m. For this year’s theme EPS has chosen, “UC 20/20: See the world, from all lenses!” “The inspiration came from the fact that we are currently in the year [2020] but also from the desire to produce an initiative that is truly expressive of UC’s diverse
identities,” Juin said. Originally the theme was supposed to be “UC 20/20 Vision,” but EPS decided that might be too exclusive to those with visual impairments, he said. While many of the traditional aspects of culture such as food and art will still be showcased this year, Juin hopes to do something different in broadening students’ view of other cultures. “We want to provide the campus community with the full picture of the endless aspects that go into someone’s identity,” he said. In addition, EPS is partnering with Cincinnati for Puerto Rico, a nonprofit organization, to help raise funds for the hurricane relief effort there. WorldFest is also trying to reach out more to the local community by bringing one of its events to Taft Elementary School, Juin added. There will also be booths set up at the WorldFest Opening Ceremony to “engage the UC community in traditions that they most likely have never heard of,” he said. Based on what he’s heard from students in previous years, Juin is confident that this year’s event will also be a success. “And honestly, I would just encourage students to ask a friend or a classmate who has attended the Opening Ceremony or any other WorldFest event before,” Juin said. “I’m positive that their responses will show that WorldFest 2020 isn’t something that anyone will want to miss.” The Opening Ceremony marks the official beginning of WorldFest and will be held Feb. 28, in Tangeman University Center’s Great Hall.
faculty members who are not out in their departments because they fear retribution. “We need to make UC inclusive for all people whether you’re talking gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity,” Metzler said. “This should be an environment that fosters discussion, and people feeling safe being who they are. We’re still not there.” Metzler hopes organizations like the faculty and staff association help further visibility and make UC a place where everyone can simply be who they are at their place of work. In the future, Metzler would like the faculty and staff association to further student connections through the university’s LGBTQ Center. “One of the things I would like to see us do is clearly show our support for students, because that’s one of the reasons most of us are here,” she said.
For a large part of her life, Maribeth Metzler tried to live up to the expectations made for her. Growing up in conservative Christian family, she knew it was expected of her to get married and have children. While she didn’t have children, Metzler did get married. Still, she had known since around age 10 that she was gay. Coming out as a lesbian woman in her fifties, Metzler became so much happier and felt a weight lift off of her shoulders. As a professor in the communications department at the University of Cincinnati since 2003, Metzler has felt so much support from her colleagues and students, she said. “This department is the greatest place,” Metzler said. “Everyone around here is so accepting. I have two gay colleagues and a lesbian colleague in the department and we’re just people, we’re just colleagues in the department, and so this is a really great place to be.” After working at her alma mater, Miami University, for nearly six years, Metzler came to UC to assist in developing the public relations program. At the time, Metzler said there were only one or two classes dedicated to public relations. Metzler was further drawn to UC by the diverse student body and the opportunity to create something new. After many years, the communications department will begin offering public relations as a major next fall. Throughout her UC career, Metzler has taught courses like communication ethics, rhetorical theory, public relations research and more. She also serves as the department’s internship director. By the nature of being a great communicator, Metzler has worked to do whatever she can to ensure all student issues are addressed, which she says is reflected across the department. “It is hard enough being a young adult, but to be a young adult who is different from the mainstream, makes it so much harder,” she said. While Metzler is proud of UC’s effort to create an inclusive environment, she knows the university can always do better. As a member University of Cincinnati communications professor Maribeth of UC’s LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Metzler poses with the Bearcat. Association, Metzler has witnessed PROVIDED | MARYBETH METZLER
FEBRUARY 26, September 4, 2019 January 29,2020 2020
FEATURES
Page 55 Page
UC graduate student wins national archaeology award
Alice Crowe is the third UC classics graduate student to win an Archaeological Institute Award in a decade. TWITTER | @UC_ARTSCI
KATHLEEN HORNSTRA | DIGITAL PRODUCER A University of Cincinnati student was the third classics graduate student in a decade to win an Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) award Feb. 1. Alice Crowe, a doctoral candidate specializing in Aegean Prehistory in the UC Department of Classics, received the AIA’s Harriet and Leon Pomerance Fellowship in the archaeology of the Bronze Age Aegean for 2020-2021. Crowe received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeology and Classical Civilization from Boston University. She completed her Master of Arts degree at the University of Cincinnati with her thesis entitled, “The Minoan Past in the Past: Bronze Age Objects in Early Iron Age Burials at Knossos, Crete.” She has participated in fieldwork in Crete and Mainland, Greece, Turkey, Albania and Cyprus at sites spanning in date from the Bronze Age to the Roman periods. Crowe spent the 2018-2019 year at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA) as the Emily Townsend Vermeule fellow and is returning to the ASCSA for the 2019-2020 year as the Gorham Phillips Stevens fellow. Crowe’s research interests consist of the archaeology of Late Bronze Age Crete, urbanism and urban decline, household archaeology, the reuse of objects in antiquity and Bronze Age and Early Iron Age burial practices.
The purpose of the award is to support an individual project of a scholarly nature, associated to the Aegean Bronze Age Archaeology. Preference is given to candidates whose project requires travel to the Mediterranean. The award is for her dissertation project, entitled, “Beyond the Walls of the Labyrinth: A Site-wide Perspective on Final Palatial and Postpalatial Knossos.”This is the study of the Greek archaeological site of Knossos, located in Crete, in the 15th to 12th centuries B.C. that adopts a sitewide approach, looking at developments in both the elite core and the surrounding settlement. Knossos is most famous for its palace. In Greek mythology, the palace was the setting for the legend of the Minotaur. Today, it is the second most visited archeological site in Greece. Instead of focusing on Knossos’ palace, where most scholars give their attention, Crowe’s dissertation takes a deeper look at how the site functioned by analyzing developments in elite and non-elite parts of the city. “Studying the ways in which a city — whether it is an ancient one, like Knossos, or a modern one, like Cincinnati — is organized and how it develops over time provides many clues into what the society living there was like,” Crowe said. Crowe examines collections from the “mansions” and “villas” of the city center of Knossos and materials found in more outer
areas of the site. Also including surface finds collected by a thorough survey of the Knossos valley and excavated deposits from outlying parts of the settlement. During the fall semester, Crowe will use the award to support her stay at the Knossos Stratigraphical Museum, where she will inspect artifacts kept in the museum’s storerooms. “One primary objective of my project is to determine what city in its entirety looked like,” Crowe said. “But this goal is difficult to achieve, because archaeological excavations have focused on the palace and the city’s elite neighborhoods,
which represent a small portion of the total site.” To address this problem, her dissertation draws upon several different datasets. The dataset Crowe will be using at the Knossos Stratigraphical Museum is a collection of artifacts recovered by an archaeological survey. A survey consists of a team of archaeologists who systematically walk across a defined area of land and collect and record the artifacts they find on the ground. Crowe will be studying the finds that are recovered, which are almost exclusively fragments of pots. Pottery is found everywhere; Crowe describes it as “the plastic of the ancient world”. During her time in Crete, Crowe hopes to finish the data collection component of her project and then return to Cincinnati to synthesize her findings. Beyond her work at the Stratigraphical Museum, Crowe also hopes to improve her proficiency in the Greek language. “Currently, I can carry out basic conversations and I am great at ordering a cappuccino,” she said. “But I hope that by the end of my stay I’ll be having more extensive conversations.”
LIFE&ARTS
FEBRUARY 26, September 4, 2019 January 29,2020 2020
Get out and do something: Feb. 28 to Mar. 1 Uptown, 42 Calhoun St.
EMMA BALCOM | STAFF REPORTER Just because the weather has been gloomy doesn’t mean your weekend has to be. Check out these fun things to do around the city to add some light to your weekend.
SUNDAY, MAR. 1
FRIDAY, FEB. 28 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: Jane Austen’s beloved tale of romance takes new light on the stage starting this Friday with the opening night of “Pride and Prejudice.” Described as “delightfully different” and “sweepingly romantic” by critics and crew alike, this adaptation of one of the world’s most well-known novels comes to life right before your eyes, inspiring subtle — yet strong — feminist messages and a new look at the story of Elizabeth Bennet. 7:30 p.m., Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St. LED ZEPPELIN SHOW: Bundle up in your warmest clothes so you can rock out to the hardcore music and catchy tunes of Led Zeppelin, presented in tribute by Kashmir. Sing along to some of the most popular songs of the past, such as Stairway to Heaven and Rock and Roll. The work of one of the most iconic bands to date will be stuck in your head for the rest of the
Page 66 Page
The Bockfest parade takes place Friday, Feb. 28, starting at 6 p.m. FACEBOOK | BOCKFEST
weekend, and no one’s complaining about it. 8 p.m. Riverfront Live, 4343 Kellogg Ave.
SATURDAY, FEB. 29 BOCKFEST: Over-the-Rhine’s 28th annual Bockfest comes back this weekend for days of funk and fun. Enjoy delicious food and frosty-cold drinks provided by local breweries and participate in fun games and dancing for hours on end. Bockfest presents a tasty pig roast and various other activities to appeal to anyone willing to stop by. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the yearly
coming-of-spring party. Over-the-Rhine.
OFF THE RECORD: TEDxUCincinnati is hosting its sixth collaboration with the well-known TEDx, hoping to move the UC community through inspired speeches on topics you may have never even considered before. Self-described as wanting to “ignite passions” within the student body through these carefully coordinated events, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to be a part of TED and experience firsthand the kind of emotions this organization can inspire within you. 1-5 p.m. Crossroads
BLUES JAM: End your weekend with the chill tunes of the blues, performed by Jimmy D. Rogers, the MainStreet AllStars, and other local Cincinnati musicians. The cool, sophisticated music mixed with dotted, preppy rhythms is enough to put anyone in a mellow mood. Feel free to bring out your own instruments and show off your skills or sit back and enjoy the talent of other artists for a sweet night out.7-10 p.m., Westside Venue, 3721 Harrison Ave.
DESTINY OF DESIRE: If you’re down for a laugh, you don’t want to miss this dramatic comedy show. The show starts with a band, telling tale of two girls switched at birth and following the drastically different paths their lives take from the moment they leave the hospital. Their epic story will keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing at the outrageous antics and dancing to the Latin music and choreography of your new favorite show characters. 8 p.m. Marx Theatre, 962 Mount Adams Cir.
The best of the worst online UC professor reviews MEG BOLTE | STAFF REPORTER Almost as vital to a college education as BlackBoard and Chegg, Rate My Professors has offered students the chance to review their educators since 1999. With the ability to check a professor’s overall rating and difficulty level, students are able to get a better idea of whether the teacher is the one for them. We’ve compiled the best of the worst reviews for professors here at UC. The Cocky Timewaster, 4.43 “Extremely cocky, tells stories that are completely inappropriate. This class was a waste of my time, [he] constantly goes on and on, it took us two days to go over the syllabus!” The Dream-Crusher, 4.2 “I was appalled at the fact she told our class, ‘If you don’t have a 3.2 when you graduate, you will never get a good job.’” The Stress-Inducing Confuser, 4.2 “You will never not be stressing about his class. When you think you know what he’s talking about, you don’t.”
The Off-Track Ranter, 4.1 “[He] will talk about literally anything that he can think of before covering the class material. Class involves him putting up vocab terms on the board while he talks about whatever irrelevant non-sense come to his mind.” The Complaining Comedian, 3.8 “She uses her class to complain about her life and try to perfect her comedy. Neither of which are very interesting. She is constantly vulgar and doesn’t talk much about the class.” The Dictator, 3.4 “I have no qualms placing [him] in the same category as Pol Pot and Mussolini. Regularly disrespects his students and violates their rights. You can tell that he doesn’t season his turkey.” The Clueless Explorer, 2.8 “She honestly doesn’t know what she’s talking about and even tells us that she ‘knows nothing about this so’ we’re
‘exploring it together.’” The Hard Grader, 2.1 This is the most useless class I have EVER taken. The teacher is a jerk. He makes it hard for students to ask questions in class. Aweful at explaining concepts. His test are extremely hard, the class average was a 65% on the first two tests. If you know the homework like the back of your hand and can memorize ton of concepts you should do well. The DIY Professor, 2.0 Sets overly-high standards for intro level Freshman class. Did not explain the program used in the course at all, more or less “figure it out as you go.” Prepare to spend all your nights and weekends working on rediculously complex assignments.
the worst teacher I have ever had in all my life.” The Self-Esteem Stealer, 1.8 “I went into his office hours to introduce myself and ask for tips on how to succeed in the course and he LAUGHED IN MY FACE.” The Opinionator, 1.4 “Most of the class is spent giving her opinions. I gave it a few weeks to get better, but it only gets more and more opinion oriented as the class moves on. At this point, the tests will be on her opinion as well.”
The Arrogant Critic, 1.9 “For your own good, please avoid [him]. Entering the semester, I saw all the bad reviews he had but thought ‘How bad could it be?’ Well, it is terrible. [He] is an arrogant, unhelpful, stubborn man and he is by far
FACEBOOK | RATE MY PROFESSORS
LIFE&ARTS
FEBRUARY 26, 2020 September 4, 2019
Historic eatery offers German cuisine
Page 77 Page
CLASSIFIEDS PRINT RATES
First 15 words and under: $8.00 Each additional word: $0.50 Boldface: $1 Logo/Picture: $3 Rates are full-run, per issue. Deadline: two days before publication
ONLINE RATES
Housing: $45 Employment: $30 All other categories: $20 Ads appear on NewsRecord.org for 15 days.
Place your ad at www.newsrecord.org/classifieds
JOBS
Mecklenburg Garden is one of the oldest restaurants in Cincinnati, having opened in 1865. MARY LEBUS | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
CHLOE ROSENBERGER | STAFF REPORTER Nestled in the heart of Corryville, just steps away from Highland Coffee House, lies an eatery rich with flavor and history that many students are sorely missing. That place is Mecklenburg Gardens, hailed as “Zinzinnati’s Oldest Restaurant” with an opening that dates back to 1865, the same year that the American Civil War ended. This is no coincidence — formerly Mt. Auburn Gardens, the restaurant served as a gathering place for returning Union soldiers, who were part of the first allGerman infantry, as they adjusted to life in Cincinnati. “They were drinking here in the beer gardens and learning to become Americanized — they assimilated into our culture,” said John Harten, manager and coowner of Mecklenburg Gardens. “They even taught people how to vote in this country.” Connections to the Civil War are just one facet of Mecklenburg Gardens’ history; the restaurant also has ties to Cincy’s long line of breweries. According to Harten, the establishment was sold to Christian Moerlein (of Moerlein Lager) around 1887 — at the time, it was common for big breweries to own bars and saloons to sell their beer. Eventually, Moerlein sold the restaurant to his head waiter, Louis Mecklenburg, and Harten’s family assumed ownership in 1996. History plays a major role at the restaurant today. Mecklenburg Gardens occupies a spot on the National Historic Registry and prides itself on supporting different German clubs and societies in Cincinnati. The restaurant’s back story also has a physical presence: old photos decorate the dining room, along with
a frame containing Moerlein’s lease to Mecklenburg. The original bar is still in use, juxtaposed against sleek signage and modern draft beers. In hopes to preserve a traditional German feel and to cater to a contemporary crowd, Harten ensures that Mecklenburg Gardens has a wide variety of drink offerings. Warsteiner, which Harten calls the “Bud Light of German beers,” is served alongside craft beers from Rhinegeist. “We can have anywhere from 16 to 22 different beers on tap,” Harten said. “We list all of our beers on the ‘Untappd’ app so that people can know when we get new things coming in.” As far as food goes, Mecklenburg Gardens keeps to its roots. Offerings include traditional staples, such as sauerkraut and three different schnitzels, which are Harten’s favorite. However, keeping with tradition does not mean that the restaurant is afraid to go big. “We were on the Food Network and did this thing called Ginormous Foods,” Harten said. “We have this 38-inch sausage called the Terminator, which comes on a 32-inch bun that’s filled with sauerkraut and onions and peppers — altogether it’s five pounds. If a person gives us advance notice, they can try to eat it within an hour for free. The Food Network heard about this and featured it, and they also showed off our sauerbraten and cod sandwich.” With so much hearty food and tasty beer in store, Mecklenburg Gardens has become the perfect venue for drinking and dining during sports seasons. Die Innenstadt, one of the main fan clubs of FC Cincinnati, hosts its pre-gaming events at Mecklenburg Gardens before every home game. Harten said when the soccer league first came to
Nippert Stadium, there would be 50 to 75 people pregaming in the beer garden – that number has grown to almost 300 people per game, filling the beer garden, bar and beer hall. “When FC moves downtown, we’ll lose some of that crowd, but we will be running a shuttle for those who want to continue with us,” Harten said. “We actually run a shuttle now, too, so that we can get people to all of the UC basketball and football games.” Though athletic events can bring in students who are sports fans, Harten said that a youthful presence at the restaurant is lacking on a daily basis. Two years ago, Mecklenburg Gardens added Bearcat Card acceptance to encourage students to come in, but there has not been much change. “We have had a lot of fraternities in here, but we would love to see more students overall,” he said. For anyone who may be intimidated by a traditional menu and atmosphere, they should know that Mecklenburg Gardens is more of a warm, rustic environment than an uppity European establishment. The dining room is homey and welcoming, and the outdoor beer garden becomes gorgeous and lush in the spring and summertime, shaded by the greenery of overhanging grape vines. Altogether, it’s more of a cultural experience than just a dining experience, which Harten recognizes. “I know that there are people who come into Cincinnati who are not German, but who do want to see what a German beer garden is like without going to Germany,” Harten said. “My goal has been to provide an environment supportive of that German culture, and of all cultures, really.”
Vintage Wine was formed in 1972. Since 1985, we have had distribution centers in Solon and Columbus, Ohio. It has been, and always will be, our intention to sell wines of significance to and from people who care. In order to continue aggressively, forthrightly, competitively, and profitably pursuing the NEEDS and OPPORTUNITIES provided by our customers, our suppliers, ourselves, and the corporate identity that binds us, we need to expand. We have been distributing our products in Southwest Ohio for over forty years, but in order to better service our customers in this area and to continue growing our business in Ohio, it is time to open a wholesale distribution warehouse in West Chester. Positions in the following departments need to be filled by 3/31/2020: Office | Delivery | Warehouse-Day | Warehouse-Night If you or anyone you know is interested in any of these opportunities in West Chester, please direct them to our web site, www.vintwine.com, and click on the Jobs link at the bottom of the page. Once there, complete the application for West Chester. We are excited for this new era and look forward to being closer to our customers in Southwest Ohio. As the business grows, so too will the opportunities within the company. Email L.KASTELIC@VINTWINE.COM
LOCATION IS EVERYTHING Want The News Record delivered to a location near you?
LET US KNOW
SPORTS
FEBRUARY 26, January 29,2020 2020 September 4, 2019
Page 88 Page
UC track and field sets sights on outdoor season MARCELLO JONES | STAFF REPORTER The University of Cincinnati track and field team is set to finish the indoor season by heading to Birmingham, Alabama, as it competes in the American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships Friday and Saturday. In total there are 84 athletes on the team with 43 women and 41 men. Throughout the season, records have been broken and three athletes in particular have stood out: Hannah Markel, Ellie Leather and Arthur Greenlee IV. Hannah Markel, a senior distance runner, is a leader not only for her team but for the whole athletic department. Markel, who is intrinsically a quiet person, has challenged herself to speak out and be the figure that her team needed, according to head coach Susan Seaton. Markel became one of the team’s preferred long-distance runners by her junior year. “She has been a force to be reckoned with,” Seaton said. Markel ranks among the fastest in program history in four events, holding the fourth-fastest mile, third-fastest 3,000-meter time and in the top ten for 5,000 meter and 1,500 meter. But what is overly impressive is her commitment to the betterment for those
around her, and in particular the women of UC’s student-athlete body, Seaton said. Markel, along with Dr. Jane Sojka, a professor-educator and marketing undergraduate program director in the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, started a women’s initiative that focuses on building confidence and resiliency. “Our aim is to inspire our female student-athletes by equipping them with the strategies and skills they need to become leaders within their teams, classrooms and in their workplaces,” Markel said. One of the fellow student-athletes that Markel looks to guide is partnered distance runner Ellie Leather. Leather arrived at UC last summer as a transfer from Fresno State. Originally from Bristol, England, she quickly established herself at UC. Leather, who most recently broke her own record for the fastest mile in program history at 4 minutes, 46 seconds, was also part of the distance medley relay that set a school record at the Charlie Thomas Invitational in College Station, Texas. Leather has achieved feats in her first semester in the Queen City that many do not accomplish in all four years, but it wasn’t a surprise. “We knew that if we could keep her healthy and provide her with a good supportive environment for her, that she could excel,” Seaton said. “…I think her forte
The UC track team begins its outdoor season March 19. PROVIDED | UC ATHLETICS
The University of Cincinnati’s track team currently has 84 athletes on the team. PROVIDED | UC ATHLETICS
is really the 1500 meter or the mile. So if she concentrates on that, I think she has a really good shot at representing Great Britain.” So, perhaps there will be another Bearcat running in the red, white and blue, but this time donning the Union Jack. But it hasn’t been just the women that have been exceeding expectations, as Arthur Greenlee IV, a senior hurdler from Toledo, Ohio, positions himself as one of the men carrying the baton forward for the male Bearcats. Greenlee arrived at UC last year as a junior from Ashland University, and since his arrival, he has “been a spark plug for the men’s team,” Seaton said. Greenlee arrived at a time when the team had just finished having athletes on the team from when they weren’t allowed to give out scholarships, like with men’s swimming and golf, but were still expected to compete at the division one level. “Arthur came in with a perspective of that is no longer who we are, and really
challenged himself and the team to think bigger and better,” Seaton said. “He is extremely dedicated, extremely disciplined … all of his lifestyle choices are all geared at being the best possible athlete he can be.” Greenlee has helped the team fight the stigma that they weren’t just a club team; he has brought a mentality and a voice to the team that has been vital, according to Seaton. “His biggest talent is he has the ability to see that this is not just about him, … but he is also trying to influence his teammates around him.” Both the men and women’s teams have been on a steady rise throughout the indoor season as they approach the conference championships. The team thinks very highly of themselves, according to Seaton. “We like to not tell ourselves no, so we always aspire to finish in the top-3 of the conference,” Seaton said. This will be the last chance for the Bearcats to bring home a trophy before starting the outdoor season March 19.
SPORTS
FEBRUARY 26, September 4, 2019 January 29,2020 2020
Santilli’s consistency shines in singles play
Page 99 Page
The University of Cincinnati women’s tennis team currenlty has a recrod of 6-5. FACEBOOK | CINCINNATI BEARCATS WOMEN’S TENNIS
AARON SARY | STAFF REPORTER The University of Cincinnati tennis team has gotten off to an up-and-down start to the 2020 season with a team record of 6-5. A large part of the upside has come from sophomore Maria Santilli, whose role in the team focuses largely on singles matches. The product of Norwin High School in North Huntington, Pennsylvania, has raced out to a record of 8-1 in singles matches. Santilli was undefeated before dropping one against the University of Tennessee last Friday. She will look to get back in the win column Friday in a home matchup against Wright State. Santilli came to UC after putting together an illustrious four-year varsity career in high school. She played as the No. 1 singles player at Norwin all four years, and was a four-star recruit, ranked No. 2 in Pennsylvania and No. 150 nationally by TennisRecruitung.net. She took home the Pennsylvania singles state championship in 2016 and was named a National High School All-American twice. Getting off to a good start to begin the season is familiar territory for Santilli. As a freshman, she reeled off eight straight wins before suffering her first defeat — an exact replica of her start this year. She finished her freshman season with a record of 22-6 in singles play. “Last year I told myself to do my best and see what happens,” Santilli said. “Honestly, I’ve had that same approach this year too and it’s been working, so hopefully I can keep going.” “She had a good freshman year,” said head coach Eric Toth. “I think it has really carried over into this year.”
Santilli has tried to put last year’s success in the rearview mirror and focus her energy on upcoming matches. “I try not to think about it too much,” she said. “A new season is a new season.” Santilli was not complacent with her success last year and worked during the offseason to improve upon her weaknesses. When back in Pennsylvania during breaks in the school calendar, she spent three to four hours on the court every day. “I really wanted to make sure that I was ready for the season so I could hopefully put a lot of wins together,” she said. Her work in the offseason has not gone unnoticed by Toth. “I think she’s improved her fitness and her movement a little bit from her freshman year, and that has been important,” he said. Santilli’s focus stays the same for every match, as her priority is making sure she brings her best to the court regardless of who is on the other side of the net. “I usually don’t try to look at my opponent,” she said. “I try to focus on what I can do to win the match.” This approach has carried over and led to sustained success and consistency. After her opponent in the first match of the year retired midway through the first set, Santilli dropped only one set in her next seven matches, while winning 14. She has played three matches with only dropped one game and has played eight sets where she has won 6-1 or 6-0. The lone blemish came against Western Michigan, where she lost the second set of the match 2-6. She bounced back and took the 10-point match tiebreak by the score of 10-6 before emerging victorious.
On the court, Santilli tries to employ a withdraw from the competition, Santilli technique called “serve plus one,” where she faced an opponent from Cincinnati who makes a big serve that generates a weak Toth was scouting. The match put Santilli on return from her opponent and allows her to Toth’s radar and the rest is history. take control of the rally with her next shot “It was a freak chance,” Santilli said. “He — often a forehand. just happened to stop by the match. I’m so “I really like my serve,” she said. “I feel grateful for it. I love UC with all my heart.” like my game revolves around my serve. If that’s going well then usually the rest of my game is.” In addition to her “serve plus one,” Santilli’s success also comes from her precision and accuracy with her groundstrokes. She rarely yields free points to opponents by making unforced errors. “She makes a lot of balls [in play],”Toth said. “She’s a very consistent performer.” Toth has become one of Santilli’s biggest supporters on the court, constantly offering encouragement during her matches. He is very hands-on with Santilli and the other players during matches. “He always comes over after every time I win a game, gives me a high five or tells me good job from another court,” Santilli said. “He’s very positive. He’s very supportive. Honestly, I wouldn’t be able to do it without him.” UC’s star of the season became a Bearcat by chance. While playing in a high school Maria Santilli has a record of 8-1 in singles matches this season, tournament on a broken losing her one match to the University of Tennessee. foot that almost forced her to FACEBOOK | CINCINNATI BEARCATS WOMEN’S TENNIS
FEBRUARY 26, September 4, 2019 January 29,2020 2020
Opinion | College textbooks suck SAMUEL SCHELL-OLSEN | OPINION EDITOR I tend to not look at the negatives of my college experience, but one comes to mind and sticks out like a sore thumb. What is my complaint you ask? Everything to do with college textbooks. I have good reason to complain. According to CBS News, the average cost of college textbooks over the past 10 years rose four times faster than the rate of inflation, and 186% in an eight-year span (1998-2006). Everything about college textbooks suck. They are expensive and are often unnecessary. I only used one college textbook for every three I bought. I have wasted at least $2,000 in my college career on unused college textbooks. For comparison, the average college student spends $1,200 on college textbooks used and unused a year, according to the College Board. I know textbooks can’t be included with tuition because of copyright laws, but I believe there should be a law permitting an exception. According to Greenfield Community College in Massachusetts, college students spend an average of $153 per course. Textbooks were created to summarize the course’s lessons and create tests based on those lessons. But if you don’t use it, what’s
OPINION
the point? There is nothing I hate more than a teacher listing a textbook in a syllabus, then proceeding to never use it. Textbooks are often large, heavy and take up space in your backpack and in your room. I would bet a good percentage of college students have more textbooks than books for pleasure. I would often buy a textbook instead of renting because I thought it was a pain to mail a textbook back and forth via Amazon. Sometimes that wasn’t even an option. All textbooks don’t come from Amazon or Kindle, so sometimes I’m forced to buy the textbook. One of my most memorable moments in college was being a freshman and rushing to the bookstore to see if my textbook was still on the shelf. It was sold out, so I had to buy one online. I was so stressed out at the time. Would my version of the textbook be the right one? Is this a common occurrence for college students? It turns out we would never use that textbook in the course. It cost me $101 for unnecessary stress and wasted shelf space. But that experience taught me a valuable lesson. Textbooks suck. As ice hockey player Hilary Knight once said, “The real answers aren’t in textbooks; they can be found through experiences.”
The average college student spends around $1,200 on textbooks per year, according to the College Board. FLICKR | JOHN LIU
Page 10 10 Page
Opinion | Book bans are outdated of reasons. Even modern authors like J.K. Rowling and John Green have had their At this point in your life, chances are books challenged for various reasons. you’ve had to read American classics like Shelby Hatton — a second-year UC “1984” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Although student studying Neuroscience and Biology many high — went to schools require a Catholic their students elementary to read these school, where books, others “To Kill a have banned Mockingbird” them from and “The being read or Catcher in carried by their the Rye” students. In our were banned technologically because advanced world, school officials information is didn’t think available with they were just a few taps. appropriate for So why are we children. still limiting the “Most people education of our think books nation’s youth should be The American classic, “To Kill a Mocking Bird,” has been banned banned because by banning from classrooms in the past. books? of the content,” WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Since they’ve Hatton said. existed, books have been challenged, “But that’s the real world. The world can be banned and destroyed by those who’ve ugly and harsh and that is knowledge that sought to control access to them. In shouldn’t be hidden to children but taught America, having a book banned locally to them so that they may be prepared.” means more than forbidding its possession This outlook is shared by second-year or distribution in that area. It can also Psychology student Kaylor Gause, who said permit the postal service to limit shipments banning books may cause children less of that book within the country, an action inclined to read to never experience that made legal by the Comstock Act, said Mike author’s art. Students who aren’t allowed to Hennessey, an educator assistant professor read certain books – especially those with in UC’s English Department. heavier themes – would also miss out on “Beyond governmental or civic the life lessons that those books touche on, authorities banning books, there’s also making them further unprepared for the a long history of religious organizations real world. imposing similar limitations, like the “Reading opens mental doors,” Gause Vatican’s Index Librorum Prohibitorum said. “Even if it is fiction, you see the world [a list of publications deemed heretical or through a different perspective with every contrary to morality that Catholics were book you read, which helps you be more forbidden from reading], which existed for sensitive or open minded in the real world.” more than 400 years and only ended in the There has been a recent trend of mid-1960s,” Hennessey said. “It might even challenging books that have any trace of take the form of individuals stealing, hiding, LGBTQ content, said Hennessey. Incidents or throwing out copies of books from similar to the book burning in Iowa can libraries so that others can’t have access to make it harder for children and teens them.” struggling with their sexual orientation to This was the case recently in Iowa, find book characters facing the same issues where a man burned four LGBTQ themed as them. A connection that can save lives, children’s books because they conflicted said Hennessey. with the beliefs of the religious group he “I also think we sell kids short in terms was affiliated with, according to nwestiowa. of what they already know and what com and the American Library Association they can handle,” Hennessey said. “Books (ALA). This nonprofit organization are frequently challenged for things like regularly updates its list of challenged and profanity, drugs and alcohol, or sexual banned books, with genres ranging from content, as if the mere presence of such children to classics. things would destroy their character. According to the ALA, numerous books Frankly, I think there are far more offensive in the “Captain Underpants” series have and detrimental things to be found on the been challenged for encouraging disruptive nightly news than in most of the books that behavior, violence and depicting a same-sex have faced bans.” couple. While classics like “Slaughterhouse We’re two months into 2020, and at Five,”“Of Mice and Men,”“To Kill a this point our future citizens’ educations Mockingbird” and “The Catcher in the Rye” shouldn’t be limited to what a disengaged have accumulated dozens of challenges schoolboard or some easily offended and bannings for an even greater number parents feels is appropriate. TAWNEY BEANS | STAFF REPORTER
INTERACTIVE
FEBRUARY 26, September 4, 2019 January 29,2020 2020
Page 1111 Page
Sudoku By The Mepham Group
Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square. Does it sound complicated? Each Sudoku grid comes with a few spaces already filled in; the more spaces filled in, the easier the game – the more difficult Sudoku puzzles have very few spaces that are already filled in.
OFFICE HOURS
Editor-in-Chief Noelle Zielinski
Features Editor David Rees
Managing Editor Matt Huffmon
Life & Arts Editor Anne Simendinger
Multimedia Editor Keely Brown
News Editor Shannon Smith
Opinion Editor Samuel Schell-Olsen
Sports Editor Logan Lusk
Chief Reporter Quinlan Bentley
Art Director Alex Martin
Digital Producer Kathleen Hornstra
Chief Photographer Mary Lebus
509 Swift Hall ML 0135 Cincinnati, OH 45221 Phone: 513-556-5912
Monday 1PM-4PM Tuesday 11AM-5PM Wednesday 10AM-5PM Thursday 9AM-2PM Friday 11AM-1PM, 3PM-5PM
SEND US YOUR LETTERS Got a suggestion? Opinion? News tip? Share it with us! The News Record prides itself as the student voice of the University of Cincinnati, and your input fuels our content. If there’s anything you think our staff should cover, we want to know about it. Letters to the editor are strongly encouraged and will be published in print or online, subject to review by our staff. Please send all questions, inquiries, or story ideas to editor@newsrecord.org.
WEBSITE newsrecord.org FACEBOOK /TheNewsRecord TWITTER @NewsRecord_UC INSTAGRAM @thenewsrecord The News Record is an independent, student-run news organization of the University of Cincinnati. The free tabloid-size newspaper is published on Wednesdays during the school year except on holidays and during final examinations and is distributed to more than 100 locations on and near the UC campus. The News Record’s website, newsrecord.org, is updated continuously and offers e-newsletters, video, audio and interactive features. The Communications Board of the University of Cincinnati is responsible for operating and policymaking activities of The News Record and its affiliated media, including oversight of fiscal operations, sound educational experience for students, protection of press freedoms and adherence to University rules and regulations.
FEBRUARY 26, January 29,2020 2020 September 4, 2019
Page 12 Page 12