RCTC Echo, October 2014

1. Rochester Community & Technical College Volume 83 - Issue 2 - OCTOBER 2014
Cambodia study trip fosters
globally engaged campus
Reaching out,
we touch the world
Page 11
Food shelf
leadership
changes
By Zech Sindt
Editor-in-Chief
zechariah.sindt 8464@mb.rctc.edu
Many people are celebrating the grand opening of the
RCTC Student Food Cupboard, but a few changes have left
some a little edgy.
Originally the brainchild of student member Betty Truitt
and former Campus Lion’s Club Adviser Joe Schlichenmeyer
about four years ago, the Food Shelf has served hundreds of
disadvantaged students.
“At that time there were at least four people living in their
cars on campus, and many students were going hungry,”
Truitt said. She decided to step up to the plate and help them
after finding out that a fellow student, desperate for food,
stole some sandwiches from the cafeteria and ran off.
With the assistance of Channel 1, Hy-Vee, and a few other
donors, the Lion’s Club successfully put together a Food
Shelf program that served about 120 students a month and
operated year-round.
In June, much to the disappointment of the Lion’s Club,
Student Life assumed oversight of the Food Shelf.
Under the leadership of Scott Krook and Cody Pogalz,
Student Life rebranded it the RCTC Student Food Cupboard
and reopened in September, leaving the Lion’s Club totally
out of the picture.
Pogalz said that after visiting Normandale Community
College, Minneapolis Community and Technical College,
North Hennepin Community College, and Century College,
they decided to set up a Food Shelf program similar to ones
in operation at those colleges. Under their new model, college
staff rather than the Lion’s Club will directly oversee it.
Since assuming oversight of the program, a number of
changes have taken place.
• They will no longer accept or distribute clothing.
• Students will no longer use a point system. Rather, each
student gets ten food items per visit. All hygiene products
will not count against their 10-item count.
• It is in a much larger space at CC406 rather than the
closet sized room at CC420.
• It is now open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. rather than twice a month.
Food Cupboard, Continued on Page 2
By Danielle Kruger
Staff Writer
danielle.kruger2528@mb.rctc.edu
Have you registered to vote yet?
“Voting is one of the most important
things a student can do to have a say in the
cost of higher education and the economic
situation they’ll have to contend with when
they graduate and move into the workforce,”
said Student Senate President Mike Wenzel.
Since 1996, the number of citizens
eligible to vote has increased in every
presidential election. However, young voters
between the ages of 18 through
24 have consistently voted with
lower rates than all the other
age groups, dropping from 50.9
percent in 1964 to 38 percent in
2012, according to the U.S Census
Bureau.
Looking to change the decline
in young voters, Wenzel stresses
the importance of voting and
participating in the political
process.
“If students ever want an issue like
exorbitant textbook prices to be taken as
seriously as, say, Social Security,
they need to start speaking up,”
Wenzel said.
In order to spread the message
of the importance of civic duty, a
registration drive is taking place
between Sept. 1 and Oct. 16.
Wenzel hopes to give every RCTC
student an opportunity to register
to vote. Already surpassing the
Minnesota State College Student
Association goal of 383 registrations, the
Student Senate is aiming to register 1,000
students.
Interested in having a voice in the
upcoming elections? The Student Senate
will be visiting classrooms of participating
instructors, registering voters in the atrium
and at special events.
If any student would like to register to
vote, they can also visit the Student Life
offices on the fourth floor of the College
Center, above the cafeteria.
Any questions or concerns, can be
directed to studentsenate@rctc.edu.
Page 4: Not voting is an act of
surrender, Echo editorial says
:30pl
By Scott Arndt
Staff Writer
scott.arndt2174@mb.rctc.edu
Weylin Carr wants to see you on
stage.
Carr is the planner and emcee for
RCTC’s weekly Open Mic event held
Wednesdays in the cafeteria on the
third floor of the College Center.
The Echo sat down with Carr to
talk about the weekly performances
and its organizer, RCTC’s Music
Tech Club.
What is the Music Tech Club
and what do they do?
The Music Tech Club is a club
where we learn the technology
around music. What we do is we
host shows every Wednesday in the
cafeteria, and sometimes other events
around campus.
What’s the deal with these
Wednesday events going on?
We host this for the students in
the cafeteria, every Wednesday from
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., so they can have
a good time showing off their talent.
How do you sign up to perform?
I will have a sign up sheet on me
by the stage, so come to me. I will
sign up you up.
Are there any other events
planned besides Wednesdays?
Like I said before, it varies. I
have no information regarding future
details outside of Wednesdays at this
time.
How do I get involved with the
Music Tech Club?
Come to the events, or meetings,
and talk to instructor Kevin Dobbe
for more information. Our meetings
are on the first and third Thursdays
at 2 o’clock in CC-412, the Charter
Room, fourth floor in the cafeteria.
Stop on by and get involved.
Open Mic offers
an opportunity
for all students
Echo Photos by Scott Arndt
Weylin Carr is the planner and emcee for Open Mic held every 11:30 a.m.
to 1 p.m. every Wednesday in the cafeteria.
The Music Tech Club sets up the stage and accompanying technology for
every Open Mic event.
Campus voter drive aims to register 1,000 students
Mike Wenzel
Stage
right

2. 2 NEWS
2 NEWS
2 NEWS Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
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Food Cupboard
continued from Page 1
• It has also opened up three work/
study opportunities for full-time
students; two of which have been
filled.
• There will no longer be any
refrigerated items or bread.
Truitt is concerned. She says that
many students who used to take
advantage of the program may now
avoid it because of the new location,
prominently located above the
cafeteria in sight of everyone below.
Truitt also believes that many of
the struggling students who came
at night will not be able to take
advantage of the program because
they close at 4 p.m.
Truitt says that bread and
refrigerated products, including milk,
meat and cheese, are important for a
healthy meal. The changes may leave
some students lacking for the well-
rounded meals they had come to rely
on from the program under Lion’s
Club leadership.
Pogalz, on the other hand, says the
results of their grand opening have
so far been very positive. The Food
Cupboard has served more than 50
people since their grand opening on
Sept. 10, and he believes that the Food
Cupboard will be able to reach out to
more students now that they have the
full support and funding of the Student
Life program.
Pogalz says the program will
continue to evolve, ensuring that the
needs of struggling students are met.
They are working with Channel 1 and
other area food banks to appropriately
stock, oversee and manage their
inventory.
Meanwhile, the Lion’s Club is
turning its efforts to collecting winter
clothing — coats, hats, boots, scarves
and gloves for men,women and
children who need to help keeping
warm this winter. If anybody wants to
donate to, or needs to take advantage
of this new service, call Betty Truitt at
(507) 271-4220.
Help wanted: RCTC website lists student job openings
By Grace Boyum
Staff Writer
grace.boyum4051@mb.rctc.edu
Are you looking for a job? If so,
you need to visit the RCTC student
job website.
Started a few years ago, this
website has replaced the old job
boards in an effort to make it easier
for students to find jobs. And it
certainly is easy to use. All you need
to do is visit http://www.rctc.edu/
counseling_career_center/html/jobs.
html and scan the list of options. After
that, you apply to the company like
any other prospective employee.
“Our goal is that as many students
as possible know about this site,” said
RCTC job coordinator Rose Conway
who posts the advertisements.
Companies from as close as
Rochester to as far away as Duluth
advertise on this website, so there
are a variety of jobs posted. A recent
check of the list showed ads from
well-known companies such as Kmart
and Menards, as well as the City of
Rochester.
In the future, Conway is hoping
that the site will be integrated into
D2L for easier access and awareness
for students.
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EOE/AA
Use for Echo
The Student Food Cupboard is
open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and
Wednesday in College Center 406.
Echo staff report
A retired music instructor and department chair from RCTC donated
$80,000 to establish an endowment to support and promote excellence in fine
arts education.
Willard Johnson had a notable career at the College from 1958 through
1985 as a music instructor and department chair. The donation is to establish
the Willard and Lorraine Johnson Family Fund for Excellence in Fine Arts
Education. The primary focus of the endowment will be on advancing career
aspirations for students, with a special emphasis on careers in music and
closely related musical fields.
Donation to promote fine arts education

3. 3
3
3
NEWS
NEWS
NEWS
Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23
6 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church
Be our guest for dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Register at augsburg.edu/rochester
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ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA
President encourages students‘to keep moving forward’
By Brock Stevens
Staff Writer
brock.stevens5886@mb.rctc.edu
Our new school president, Leslie McClellon, is originally
from Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a small town,
Enid, Oklahoma, where she lived for 34 years. At a young
age, McClellon was a member of her church choir, enjoyed
running track, and played women’s football and basketball.
After graduating from Enid High School at age 17,
McClellon went off to college at Langston University
on a music scholarship. She played the flute in Langston
University’s band for one year, and then decided that music
wasn’t her passion anymore. While at Langston, McClellon
earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, and then her
master’s degree in urban education.
McClellon has had her fair share of miscellaneous jobs.
She has worked on her college campus, worked with the
mentally ill, helped youth and families overcome alcohol
addictions, worked at the Oklahoma City Youth Shelter
and brought siblings together at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
McClellon was also part of a gang task force and taught
sexuality education. She loves providing services and helping
people, and that has sparked her interest and led her on a path
to several professional jobs.
Her higher education career started out as a financial
aid counselor and worked her way up the ladder. She soon
found herself working as a dean at Wright Business School
in Oklahoma City, and then as dean at Arizona Western
College. These professional job opportunities eventually led
her up to the Denver Community College in Colorado as vice
president of student affairs. She began her tenure as RCTC’s
president on July 1.
Raised by her mother, McClellon is an only child. She has
a 15-year-old daughter named Sydney, who is a sophomore at
Lourdes High School in Rochester. Sydney has an interest in
journalism, and is considering it as a possible college major.
McClellon spends her “off time” reading and spending
time with friends and family. She also loves to travel to
various places, and spending time at spas with friends. Her
favorite movies consist of “The Godfather,” “Rocky” and
“Secretariat.” She also likes to dance and listen to different
types of music.
When asked what she was looking forward to as the
college president in a new community, she said, “All of the
opportunities that Rochester brings for RCTC, and all of the
opportunities that we at RCTC can give back to Rochester,
which is, an educated work force.”
McClellon also offered students advice as they look
forward.
“Your goals may change,” she said. “Don’t let things
over take you to the point where you’ll make or break. If
life happens, then don’t let that distract you, because life will
happen. Even when life happens for schooling, take care of
that, and know when you have to pick it up and put it back
in. Keep moving forward.”
Echo Photo by Brock Stevens
Leslie McClellon began her term as president of Roches-
ter Community and Technical College on July 1.
President McClellon was gracious enough to answer
three non sequitur — OK, oddball — questions.
Q: If James Cameron were directing a movie about
your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play
you?
A: “Taraji P. Henson or Regina King”
Q: Name three uses of a stapler, without staples.
A: “Oh it’s a good hammer, paperweight and I hate to
say it, but it would probably make as a good weapon.”
Q: A penguin walks through that door right now
wearing a sombrero and a Jurassic Park T-shirt. What’s
the first thing it says?
A: “It’s quitting time! Because that would represent
fun to me. A penguin wearing a Jurassic Park T-shirt
would mean ... it has been somewhere having a good
time. So, it’s quitting time. Time to go have some fun!”
‘A penguin walks through that door ...‘

4. October
2014
Volume 83, Issue 2
CC-209
507-285-7246
RCTCecho@gmail.com
www.rctc.edu/echo
Editor-in-Chief
Zech Sindt
Managing Editor
Sarah Jeanson
Graphics Manager
Kyong Juhn
Sports Editor
Caleb Anthony
Photo Editor
Emmy Miller
Arts/Entertainment Editor
Josiah Smith
Business Manager
Kohl Hanson
Advertising Sales
Danielle Kruger
Staff Writers
Scott Arndt
Grace Boyum
Ben Haney
Parker Rosedahl
Jennifer Rogers
Brock Stevens
Betty Truitt
Faculty Adviser
Dwight Boyum
We want to hear from
our readers. Send your
comments, story ideas
or upcoming events to:
rctcecho@gmail.com
The Echo is a free publication
written by RCTC students who
are dedicated to freedom of
press, while reporting on issues
affecting the student body, faculty,
administration and staff. Letters
to the editor are subject to editing
for content and length, and opinions
expressed within The Echo do not
necessarily reflect the views of
Rochester Community and Technical
College’s administration, faculty,
staff or student body.
Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
4 OPINION
4 OPINION
4 OPINION
Don’t surrender your right to vote
V
oting season is upon us once
again. It is time to step up
to the ballot box and vote
representatives that meet our standards into
office.
College students have traditionally had
the lowest voter turnout of any other group
of voters. Yet, whether we like it or not,
politics plays a crucial role in college life.
Politicians determine our Pell, and State
grants. Politicians determine our tuition.
Even the cost of our textbooks is determined
by the political world on some level. It is
those who were voted into office that can
make it easier for us to stay in school, or
make it so difficult for us that it forces some
of us out of college before we can even earn
a degree.
According to Minnpost, Curtis Gans, the
founder of the D.C.-based Center for the
Study of the American Electorate, believes
that most Americans do not feel enthusiastic
about either of the major political parties.
The Republican Party tends to give out
messages in their attack ads that imply that
“government doesn’t function very well.”
The Democratic Party, on the other hand,
never appears to have a clear message at
all. Gans says voter motivation declines
when they believe their choice is actually
the lesser of two evils. Rather than voting
the blame-gamers out of office altogether,
prospective voters become complacent and
do not bother going to the polls at all. It is
time to turn this trend around for the benefit
of college students.
Reality is that politicians will never
seriously address student needs unless we
strive to become an important part of the
voting process. If politicians become aware
that we have the power to throw them out
of office with our votes when they refuse to
work for us, they will learn to shape their
policies to suit our best interests.
Failure to vote is not an act of rebellion;
it’s an act of surrendering to the will of
others. It is our right and our obligation to
vote. We have the power to shape social
agenda, economic policies, foreign policy,
environmental policy, and even the policies
that allow us to continue our collective
education, by simply getting out to vote
politicians into office that will do what is
best for us.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8
p.m. on Nov. 4. If you did not register to
vote prior to Oct 19, you must bring proof
of residence, complete a voter registration
application, and sign an oath stating that you
are eligible to vote in the precinct where you
are voting. If you are unsure of where the
polling stations are, visit http://pollfinder.
sos.state.mn.us/ and enter your zip code to
find the nearest one.
It is time to vote. Make your vote count.
Photo courtesy of Student Senate
Members of the RCTC Student Senate conduct a voter-registration drive this fall in the
Atrium. The Senate’s goal is register 1,000 students.
By Michael Hastings Ereth
My name is Michael, I’m 21 years old, and I’m a Libertarian.
I am a Libertarian because I know that free markets are the
only way to create economic freedom. I am a Libertarian because I
understand the difference between anarchy and
chaos. I am a Libertarian because I don’t want
to bail out banks. I am a Libertarian because
I believe that all human affiliations should
be elective and not managed or monitored by
the federal government, state government or
any third party association. I am a Libertarian
because I believe that all people have the right
to defend themselves with both words and
actions without feeling threatened for offending
others. I am a Libertarian because it is wrong
to give prison sentences to non-violent drug
offenses when the past three presidents all admitted to using illegal
substances.
I am a Libertarian because I don’t want the public schools
indoctrinating my children with political agendas. I am a Libertarian
because I know spending other people’s money will not fix my
problems. I am a Libertarian because I want to keep the money I
work for, not use it to build trains and stadiums. I am a Libertarian
because I refuse to kill innocent civilians through funding wars. I
am a Libertarian because people who benefit from problems are
incentivized to create more of them. I am a Libertarian because I
know humanity can work together peacefully without government
intervention.
I am a Libertarian because everyone should have the right to
choose his/her own lifestyle. I am a Libertarian because solving
government problems with more government is like telling someone
addicted to gambling to gamble their way out of addiction. I am a
Libertarian because my body is my business and no one should tell
me what I can do with it, or what I can put in it. I am a Libertarian
because I know that equal treatment does not mean special treatment.
I am a Libertarian because I want all Americans to prosper.
My name is Michael, and I am a Libertarian. Cogito Ergo Sum.
Michael Hastings Ereth is a sophomore at RCTC.
Libertarians want everybody to prosper
By Maren Schroeder
I’ve always been told, “a vote for the
Independence Party is a wasted vote.” So,
for 10 years I followed that advice.
This year, that
stops.
In the past 10 years
we have gone to war
in multiple countries
under Republican
leadership, and now
Democratic leadership,
watched the price of
gasoline more than
triple on occasion, and
seen our civil liberties depleting by the day.
Today, according to Gallup, 42 percent of
Americans identify as “independent.”
In Minnesota we have the House of
Representatives divided from the Senate,
both of which cannot come to any real
agreements with the governor. Passing
legislation has been nothing but a magic
show — it only appears our elected officials
are getting their jobs done.
The DFL and GOP are so divided they
have caused multiple government shutdowns
and wreaked havoc on our budget. Taxes are
higher, inflation is rising, corporations are
leaving, and everyone is unhappy with their
elected officials.
It is time for a breath of fresh air. I am
of the generation of ingenuity, sharing and
thinking “outside the box.”
This November, research the “other”
candidates: Hannah Nicolett and Tim
Gieske, Pat Dean, Bob Helland and Brandan
Borgos deserve as much consideration as
their DFL and GOP opponents.
I gave them my consideration, and these
candidates easily won my vote. I hope they
win yours, too.
Maren Schroeder of Stewartville is
a student at the Minnesota School of
Business.
Independence Party brings a breath of fresh air
Schroeder
Hastings Ereth

5. Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
OPINION 5
OPINION 5
OPINION 5
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VITERBO UNIVERSITY
October is the time to be
aware of the power of pink
By Sarah Jeanson
Managing Editor
sarah.jeanson@4357@mb.rctc.edu
I believe in pink.
By no means am I a girly girl, talking
about some exaggerated wardrobe full
of frilly blouses and handbags. I mean,
pink, real pink, the pink that makes people
believe. The kind of pink that makes people
strong, have hope and faith, and love for
others, the pink that fills ribbons with a
meaning of courage for those who need it
the most in times of illness.
If I’ve lost you, let me explain. With
October being National Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, it is important to remind
ourselves that this disease is far too familiar.
This disease in one way or another has
touched most people.
It is very important to know your family
history and be aware of what it could mean
for you. With breast cancer being the
number one killer of women in the United
States other than heart disease, it is no
surprise so many people are affected by the
disease.
With advancing technologies and medical
findings, more and more women, and men
for that matter, are being helped. Survival
rates are getting better every day, with stage
one breast cancer patients having a 100
percent five-year survival rate, stage two
at 93 percent, stage three at 72 percent and
stage four at 22 percent, according to the
American Cancer Society. While each case
is different due to treatments, these numbers
can further improve if more people are
knowledgeable and aware.
Annual mammograms, self-exams
and support teams are all tools that can
contribute to being aware.
Marilyn Baker, adjunct-nursing staff at
RCTC, was diagnosed with breast cancer
in 2007, after her physician did an exam
and discovered a lump. “People today are
fortunate that there are early screenings
to find the disease before it is in advanced
stages,” Baker said.
ViAnn Olson, mathematics instructor
and Math/Computer Science Department
Coordinator at RCTC, has two sisters who
have had breast cancer. “I have learned
the importance of getting an annual
mammogram and doing self-exams,” Olson
said.
Throughout October, I challenge you
to remember those you have been affected
by breast cancer. Like loved ones on
Valentine’s Day, let survivors know how
much they are appreciated. This is when the
“pink” is important. Think of what it means
to not only yourself, but also the survivor(s)
in your life.
Kimberly Rowley, DVM, of the
Veterinary Technology Department at
RCTC, lost her mother to breast cancer
when she was 11 years old.
“Be diligent and hopeful,” Rowley
said. “Provide funding in ways that you
can. Keep the memories alive of those who
fought and lost. Share stories of survivors.”
Do your part, support whenever possible
and don’t forget the power of knowledge.
Being aware and educating yourself could
be the smartest thing you ever do.
So as October is upon us all, I ask you,
do you believe in pink?
Pink is the official color for National
Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Help others feel
the warmth
By Betty Truitt
Staff Writer
elizabeth.truitt6915@mb.rctc.edu
It’s going to get mighty cold out there.
To help out, the Rochester Campus Lions
Club will be collecting coats, hats, gloves,
mittens, scarfs and boots for men, women
and children as part of its “Feel the Warmth”
winter clothing drive. The collection begins
Monday, Oct. 13, and will continue through
the end of winter. (Whenever that will be.)
There will be extra yellow barrels at
different entrances of the campus to drop off
your donation.
The clothing is for all RCTC and Winona
State University students and their families.
All items will be given out free of charge.
Please check around your home for any
winter items you could donate. The Lions
Club thanks you for your help.
If you have questions, you may email
elizabeth.truitt6915@mb.rctc.edu, or call
(507) 271-4220.

6. Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
WE OPEN THE WORLD TO YOU
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is the university for students who are standing at their personal
frontiers and know that with the right opportunities, they can build the future they want.
COMPLETE YOUR BACHELOR’S DEGREE
RIGHT HERE IN ROCHESTER.
Most students choose Saint Mary’s for practical reasons—our fair credit
transfer policy and programs which are designed to meet the scheduling
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1926 Collegeview Drive S.E.
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507-285-1410
rochcenter@smumn.edu
TRANSFER TO THE TRADITIONAL 4-YEAR
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THIS IS YOUR TIME SMUMN.EDU
Rochester-ECHO-10.25x7.5.indd 1 10/2/14 4:18 PM
Josiah Smith
eavedrops
With open ears
and open eyes,
Unguarded words
are no surprise.
A habit I fear I
cannot stop,
I am compelled, I must eavesdrop.
Here are a few, of the many, out of context
phrases that your fellow students have said.
“I could even draw the little balls!” – girl
in Art Hall
“I have no idea what you mean, but then
again, I’ve been drinking all morning.”
— guy in the Atrium
“Really, I don’t want your feminine
products!” – girl in the cafeteria
“That would be traumatic in either hole!”
— girl in the Music Department
“You have @$$ on your hair ... wait.”
— guy in the Health Science building
“I’m glad I’m not the only one who
smells that.” — girl in Plaza Hall
Music is an elective and an experience
By Josiah Smith
Arts/Entertainment Editor
josiah.smith4051@mb.rctc.edu
Walking through these halls, a person
is exposed to a wide assortment of
possible creative outlets. Two of these
outlets are the RCTC band and choir.
These “classes” are more than just that,
they are a doorway into a place where
the love of music is shared by all.
Chuck Blattner, RCTC band
and choir director, talked about the
current situations that are happening
in both band and choir during this
new school year. The situations
are low involvement and an overall
misunderstanding of how the music
department functions. Students need
to understand just how flexible Blattner
is willing to be to accommodate any
person who truly wants to participate in
the music.
Blattner wanted to make it clear that
the low numbers in the arts is evident
in a lot of college level schools, not just
RCTC. A misconception about band
and choir is that it is more of a “high
school thing.” It is important to realize
that beyond high school, there are still
outlets, such as band and choir, for
individuals to be involved in.
Another excuse students use for not
becoming active in band or choir is that
students may feel they have scheduling
conflicts. Blattner is all about working
around anyone’s conflicts.
“We can and will make the music fit
in your schedule,” Blattner said.
Blattner wants it to be known that
this isn’t a call to arms, but more his
personal invitation to those who are
interested in getting involved. He
believes that if a student wants to
experience “a good slice of college life,”
starting or continuing a musical outlet
allows an individual to do just that.
So remember, if you want a creative
and musical outlet during your college
experience, band and choir may be
for you. Stop down in the music
department and make time to talk to
Blattner. He is more than happy to get
more people involved in the creative
world that is the arts.
Music is for all who are interested as
long as a person is “not afraid to try.”
Echo Photo by Josiah Smith
Chuck Blattner directs (in no particular order) Adam Poliszuk, Sean Ling,
Buzz Peterson, Breanna Kerssen, Ben Carter, Becca Bany, Holly Gorrill, all
members of the RCTC Concert Choir.

7. Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7
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By Jennifer Rogers
Staff Writer
jennifer.rogers9107@mb.rctc.edu
Get into the Halloween spirit by
joining Director Jerry Casper and the
Young People’s Theater Productions
as they present “Sleepy Hollow.”
It’s going to be a spooky event
with a lot of fun.
Sleepy Hollow is based on Wash-
ington Irving’s story “The Legend
of Sleepy Hollow.” The main char-
acters in the plot include a detective
from the past, Ichabod Crane, who
investigates murders that have taken
place in Sleepy Hollow. The other
main characters are Katrina Van Tas-
sel, and of course, the famous Head-
less Horseman.
Sleepy Hollow has some strange
people that encounter ghosts from
the Revolutionary Era. The main
ghost is the Headless Horseman,
who is constantly in search for his
head. Casper puts a humorous twist
to this version by having the town’s
bully, Brom Bones, play jokes on the
citizens. He also has some teachers
go missing.
This version also includes a hint
of a love story in the making. Icha-
bod Crane has eyes for Katrina Van
Tassel, but so did all of the teachers
that went missing. Will the mystery
be solved? Or will Ichabod go miss-
ing, too? Who’s really kidnapping
the teachers, and why? You will have
to find out.
The beauty of Sleepy Hollow is
that every version is different, yet
they all include the same characters.
Casper shows his creativity with this
latest twist on the plot.
Performances will be held in the
Hill Theatre at UCR Campus at 2
p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, October
25, and 2 p.m. Saturday Nov. 1. Be
prepared for 70 minutes of entertain-
ment.
You can get your tickets in ad-
vance, or at the door.
Students are free, adults are $5,
and senior citizens and children
younger than 13 are $3.
To get your tickets in advance,
visit the box office Monday through
Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you have any questions, please
call 507-285-7200. The box office
will be closed Oct. 16-17.
Get ready for Halloween with
RCTC Theatre … Have a scream
… Have a laugh … Have some fun!
Don’t lose your head:
‘Sleepy Hollow’is back
RCTC instructor Jeff Jacobsen
discusses his exhibit “Thoughts,
Ideas and Dreams,” during
a reception at the University
Center Rochester Art Gallery.
The exhibit runs through Oct.
23. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The gallery is located on the
second floor of the College
Center building across the hall
from Hill Theater.
Echo Photos by Kyong Juhn
‘Thoughts, Ideas
and Dreams’

8. 8 SPORTS
8 SPORTS
8 SPORTS Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
Imagine
Imaginea religion that
embraces many different beliefs…
...including yours.
If you’re searching for a religious home where people honor each
other’s different beliefs and worship together as one faith, find us.
We are a compassionate and welcoming community that nourishes
spiritual growth and practices justice. Join us on Sunday and discover
Unitarian Universalism. Services at 9 and 11 am.
First Unitarian Universalist Church
1727 Walden Lane SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507-282-5209  www.uurochmn.org
RCTC Students: Schedule Your Admissions
Appointment with WSU-Rochester!
www.winona.edu/Rochester
507.285.7100
rochscs@winona.edu
80%
of RCTC students that attend WSU
graduate with a bachelor's degree
Stop by the UCR Welcome Center (in the Atrium)
and meet Carmen and Paula.They will help you
explore your options to complete a 4-year bachelor’s
degree with Winona State right here in Rochester,
on the RCTC campus.
By Kohl Hanson
Staff Writer
kohl.hanson2736@mb.rctc.edu
OTTUMA, Iowa — The RCTC
Disc Golf Club placed fifth in the
Heartland Collegiate Disc Golf
Championships held on Oct. 3-5,
falling just short of a qualifying for
nationals.
RCTC’s first team took fifth
in the Championship Division
with 513 throws. RCTC’s second
team, competing in the First Flight
Division, placed third with 634
throws.
The top four teams — the
University of Northern Iowa,
the University of Iowa, Iowa
State University and Indian Hills
Community College — advanced to
nationals.
RCTC players swept the putting
competition, with Dan Seechan
taking first with a 50-foot putt, Gerry
Peterson at second with a 45-foot
putt, and Garret Stensgard with third
on a 40-foot putt.
Disc golf team falls short of nationals
Sophomore C.J. Lucas was one of eight RCTC students who competed
in the Heartland Collegiate Disc Golf Championships in Ottuma, Iowa.
Photo courtesy of Indian Hills Community College
Quarterback sets yardage record
By Caleb Anthony
Sports Editor
caleb.anthony1431@mb.rctc.edu
Breaking records means breaking
news.
RCTC quarterback Nick Rooney
learned that on Oct. 4, after setting a
new personal best for passing yards
in a 63-13 romp over Minnesota
West.
According to the Yellowjackets’
website, Rooney threw for 569 yards,
which Co-Offensive Coordinator/
Quarterback Coach Rob Neumann
calls “borderline ridiculous.”
Rooney’s final stat line was 36-
53, 569 yards and seven touchdowns.
He tied his own record set last week
with the seven TDs.
For the season, Rooney is 129-
209 for a 61.7 percent completion
rate, for 2144 yards and 28
touchdowns. He averaged 357.3
yards per game.
“Nick’s accuracy and quick
decision making were once again
on display on Saturday in our game
against Minnesota West. He has
a knack for putting the ball in the
perfect spot for our wide receivers to
catch and run with it, which makes
our offense very dangerous,” said
Neumann.
“569 passing yards? Those are
video game numbers. It’s been a lot
of fun to watch this year.”
Rooney has already tied the
school record for 28 touchdown
passes in a season in just six games.
The upcoming game on Oct. 18
against Fond du Lac will give him
the chance to break that record as
well.
But Rooney wasn’t the only
Yellowjacket breaking records
against Minnesota West.
Wide receiver Patrick Bolton
had 10 catches for 207 yards and
three touchdowns. He may break the
school record for both receptions in a
season and receiving touchdowns.
Marley Allison had 12 catches
for 179 yards and two touchdowns,
while Tanner Menke added the other
two touchdown receptions.
Echo Photo by Emmy Miller
RCTC quarterback Nick Rooney has a chance to break the school record
for most touchdown passes in a season against Fond du Lac on Oct. 18.

9. SPORTS 9
SPORTS 9
SPORTS 9
Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
Transfer to UMD today and discover
your future.
Explore possibilities.
Embrace wonder.
Learn by doing.
Visit www.d.umn.edu/transfer to submit your
application or schedule a campus visit.
next level
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education to the
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Offer good at the following Rochester
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Phone: 281-8291
Fax: 281-4527
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Phone: 292-9449
Fax: 292-0103
High school teammates reunite at RCTC
By Ben Haney
Staff Writer
benjamin.haney0206@mb.rctc.edu
What do Brianna Atkins, Haley
Lenz and Amberlee Dunagan all
have in common?
They all are starters on the
Rochester Community and
Technical College Yellowjackets
volleyball team, and they all
played on the Rochester John
Marshall Rockets High School
volleyball team.
Atkins, Lenz and Dunagan all
started playing volleyball when
they were in middle school. Atkins
and Dunagan went to the same
middle school.
“I wanted to try sports,”
Dunagan recalled.
They said being teammates
together in high school was fun,
with Atkins saying, “It brought us
closer together.”
They had no plans to play
together in college. Lenz and
Dunagan chose RCTC because
it was close to home. Atkins
originally attended Minnesota
State University Moorhead before
deciding to transfer to RCTC.
Playing volleyball at RCTC is
different than at Rochester John
Marshall because it’s faster paced
and more intense style of play, they
said.
“It’s a different group of girls,”
Lenz said.
When Atkins, Dunagan and
Lenz are in their formations they
are aware of what each other is
doing and thinking. “Playing in
high school has helped with this
because we kind of know where
each other is going to be,” Lenz
said.
Atkins is first in the country in
kills, with 215, Lenz is first in digs
with 224 and Dunagan is second
in set assists with 356. All three
have taken home national player of
the week honors this season, and
all three are among the nation’s
statistical leaders.
The Yellowjackets finished
the 2013 season with a record of
26-6 overall and were MCAC
co-conference champions and
were ranked No. 1 in the nation
at one point. They finished the
2013 season ranked No. 4, which
allowed the team to host the
Region 13 Tournament where they
finished in second place.
The Yellowjackets volleyball
team is 16-3 with eight meets
remaining. According to the
NJCAA website, the Yellowjackets
are ranked No. 2. Coach Amber
Zitzow expects RCTC to be very
competitive and make a run for the
conference title.
The Yellowjackets are preparing
for the regional tournament, which
opens November 7, with the
ultimate goal of qualifying for the
national tournament.
From left to right, Brianna Atkins, Amberlee Dunagan and Haley
Lenz are key members of RCTC’s nationally ranked volleyball team.
Echo Photo by Ben Haney

10. 10 CAMPUS
10 CAMPUS
10 CAMPUS Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
Visit Us!
uwm.edu
POweR uP
Your Future
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that you can find a home here, have
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more clearly the path that will
take you to your future.”
Graciella RodRiguez
American Sign Language
Studies, Interpreter Training
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By Josiah Smith
Arts/Entertainment Editor
josiah.smith4122@mb.rctc.edu
Test anxiety: Why does it happen,
and how can it be overcome?
Othelmo da Silva, an academic
adviser at RCTC, led a Student
Success Day session regarding this
topic. Da Silva described how a
college student could overcome test
anxiety with a three-step method that
he titled “Before,” “During” and
“After.”
The “Before” step is studying a
week in advance to become familiar
with the material, thus reducing
overall stress about the test. He also
mentioned that studying in the seat
you sit in while in the classroom
allows your brain to remember
information better and lets your body
become comfortable with the space,
thus reducing anxiety.
The “During” step happens while
a student is taking the test. Da Silva
made it clear to not just dive into a
test, but rather “fluff,” or look over,
the test to tackle the information you
know first. Another significant point
he made was when taking a test it is
important to see each question as an
independent one — multiple choice
for example. He also mentioned that
the student should not show up to the
class early, due to the fact that there
will always be students frantically
trying to cram the information in to
their heads. That aspect would add
to a person’s stress level, instead of
lowering it.
The last step is the “After.” It
was at this point in the session where
the word “RELAX” was plastered
on the projection screen. Da Silva
made it clear to the group that it is
vital to have a set time to relax after
a test. This allows for a recharge
period for both your mind and
body. It is an important step for the
individual to become unstressed. Da
Silva mentioned that there are places
on the RCTC campus where students
can be assisted on an assignment if
things are becoming too stressful for
the student to handle.
Test anxiety is a very real
problem that affects many
individuals. This session was
particularly helpful to anyone
who may feel overstressed by an
upcoming exam. There were a great
number of students who attended. It
gave everyone valuable information
for dealing with stress and being
successful on examinations.
Beating test anxiety
is a three-step process

11. CAMPUS 11
CAMPUS 11
CAMPUS 11
Rochester Community & Technical College | The Echo
14,629
students (fall 2013)
100
majors
800
faculty
18:1
student :faculty ratio
14
athletic teams
compete in Division I
ndsu.edu/visit
NDSU IS
RECOGNIZED
AS ONE OF
THE NATION’S
TOP 108 PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE
UNIVERSITIES BY
THE CARNEGIE
COMMISSION
ON HIGHER
EDUCATION.
Cambodia study trip
can be transforming
Echo staff report
Rochester Community and
Technical College invites students
— PSEO and college — and
community members of all ages
and backgrounds to enroll in its
nationally and internationally
award-winning travel/study
program to Cambodia during
winter break.
• When: Dec. 26-Jan. 11 (final
dates determined when flights are
booked)
• Contact: lori.halverson@rctc.
edu or (507) 285-7553
•Signup deadline: Oct. 31 (or
when seats fill)
• Cost and more information:
www.rctc.edu/studyabroad/.
cambodia-travel-study.html
The course is flexible and
student-centered. It may be
audited or taken for credit to suit
student interests, needs and goals.
Personalized student projects
allow for transferable credits are
designed to complement one’s
program of study.
The RCTC Student Senate
and Student Life clubs will be
helping to promote the human
rights causes through collecting
items donations and participating
in the program’s Fair Trade Sales.
The goal is to create an engaged
campus this year.
The experience is part of
an introductory International
Communication course that
stresses not just books and
theories, but practical and
meaningful service. The trip
is unique — we intentionally
interact with and learn from the
Cambodian college students and
NGO volunteers with whom we
partner, working on individually-
tailored student and ongoing group
service-learning projects such as
building wells and bathrooms, and
teaching English.
This is a distinctive opportunity.
We will visit Angkor Wat, the
cultural sites of Phnom Penh, and
the villages of the countryside.
Students experience poverty, the
Killing Fields Memorial, first-
hand stories of genocide and the
resilience of Cambodian culture
and the human spirit.
Photos courtesy of Noah Fisher
RCTC nursing student Alyssa Moravec and Cambodian student-leaders Sarath Te and Sathya Yoeun
teach hand-washing skills as they sing songs with rural Cambodian children. This project is a part of a
hygiene and sanitation initiative.
Seeing the temples of Angkor
Wat are one of the historical and
cultural opportunities on the
Cambodian study trip.
Open House
Thursday, Oct. 23:
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Atrium 102
Sunday, Oct. 26:
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Atrium 102

12. Finish
what you
started.
Transfer to St. Scholastica and earn your 4-Year Degree
St. Scholastica offers you a seamless transfer of credits, credit for prior
learning, personal advising, and an affordable pathway to a four-year
degree in two years or less. Transfer to our beautiful Duluth campus, take
evening/weekend classes at our downtown Rochester campus, or choose
from a wide range of online programs.
Duluth undergraduate programs
go.css.edu/Transfer
Evening/weekend and
online programs
go.css.edu/ExtendedCampus
(507) 424-0144