The lack of disagreement about climate change caught guest speaker Howie Spero off guard. A crowd consisting of com-munity members and about 20 students attended a presentation about climate change entitled “The Changing Seas” on March 22 in the Tahoe Center for Environ-mental Science building.

Event organizer Heather Segale, Uni-versity of California, Davis Education and Outreach coordinator, introduced Spero, chairman of Geology at UC Davis.

“The whole national discussion on cli-mate change has become politicized,” Spero said at the beginning of his speech. “We forget it’s not about politics, it’s about simply understanding the science that af-fects the Earth.”

Spero explained that his intent was not to change people’s opinions, but to inform them about the science of climate change so they could form their own opinions.

Throughout the presentation, Spero covered five different topics: the Earth’s climate system, carbon dioxide, ocean acid-ification, Earth in the past, and posed philo-sophical chal-lenges.

C l i m a t e change is the science of how the Earth’s climate system works. According to Chuck Levitan, professor of Science at SNC, the study of climate change involves predicting past climate conditions through ways such as studying ice cores and under-standing how greenhouse gases function.

The seemingly neutral stance that Spero held about climate change did not raise any objections with the audience, who sat in attentive quietness.

“His unbiased presentation made the audience feel comfortable,” said Junior Sonya Hernandez. “He really helped ev-eryone appreciate the importance of the subject matter.”

According to Spero, he became inter-ested in climate change while working as a research assistant in the Barbados Islands. There he studied Foraminifera, a type of marine plankton, which he based his doctoral thesis upon. Examining the geo-chemistry of their shells gives scien-tists the ability to predict the past climate conditions of Earth.

The Changing Seas presentation by Spe-ro continued the UC Davis Tahoe Envi-ronmental Research Center lecture series at SNC. There will be an upcoming pre-sentation about biophotonics from speaker Marco Molinaro on April 18.

Vol. 32 – Issue 13 | THURSDAY April 5, 2012 999 Tahoe Boulevard, Incline Village, NV | www.sierranevada.edu

S i e r r a N e v a d a C o l l e g e

When Senior Will Folkers entered the Sierra Nevada Col-lege library on Tuesday, March 13, he sat down and immedi-ately put on black and white Skullcandy headphones. Folk-ers explained that this was due to the increasing sound levels in the library.

“When I come to the library and it is loud, I lose focus and can’t do my homework,” Folk-ers said. “The first thing I do is put on headphones.”

The issue surfaced last semes-ter during finals when a student

sent an email to President Lynn Gillette addressing the increas-ing noise levels in the library, explained Library Director Bet-tes Markle. This semester, post-ers and quiet-zone cards were issued throughout the library to remind students to be quiet and respectful.

“When there’s a lot of people in the library, the noise problem escalates,” said Markle. “Some students require a quieter envi-ronment in which to study, oth-ers do not.”

The posters placed around the library emphasize rules and tips that should help sustain a quiet library. They suggest tak-

ing Skype and phone conversa-tions outside, setting phones to vibrate and using headphones. The library offers free earplugs and $1 ear buds at the circula-tion desk.

“We try to offer other places to study, such as the gardens, gazebo or cafeteria,”

Markle said. Junior Karen Duran, who

regularly studies in the library, explained that the noise level reaches its peak when people leave their classes.

There are some who have noticed an improvement in the

On Tuesday, March 20, students, fac-ulty and Incline community members had the opportunity to directly converse with President Lynn Gillette in a two-hour Fire-side Chat in the Tahoe Center for Environ-mental Sciences.

After a lengthy introduction detail-ing Gillette’s past positions and accom-plishments, that had host Andy Whyman “winded, and I’m only a third of the way through this,” a room full of Incline Vil-lage residents, students and faculty gave President Lynn Gillette a loud, welcoming

applause.“This evening we’re going to have the

opportunity to speak about the past, the present, and the future of SNC,” said Whyman, to start off the discussion. Whyman, an Incline Village resident for over 10 years, asked Gillette questions regarding the college’s growth, financials, and role in the community.

“Which masochistic part of you decided to take this job?” Whyman asked, fol-lowed by laughter from the crowd. Gil-lette responded by reiterating his love for higher education and told Whyman and the crowd that no matter how long he is

in the presidential position, he will always teach.

Gillette accepted his current position as president Nov. 1, 2011. He served as the vice president of Spalding University and administrative positions at three other uni-versities, and has held faculty positions at Southern Methodist University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A & M Univer-sity.

“I was born for a reason, and the reason is quality education, student learning and transforming student’s lives,” Gillette told

CAVES, COVES AND CALIFORNIA CONDORS

Index News.............................1,3,4Campus...............................2Forum.................................5Sports..............................6,7 Outdoor..................8,9,10,11A&E..............................12,13Features.......................14,15

Nine Sierra Nevada College students travelled to the coast for a California Condor conservation class over Spring Break.

Turn to page 8 to read about the adventure and see more photos.

DANNY KERN

Climate change presentation doesn’t aim to change mindsBY PATRICK HOEPPNERStaff Reporter

Signs voice need for quiet in Prim LibraryBY PATRICK HOEPPNERStaff Reporter

Gillette frames future of SNC at Fireside ChatBY JASON PALADINONews Editor

See LIBRARY, 4

See FIRESIDE CHAT, 4

Throwdown at the Snowdown

Turn to page 7 to see more photos from the back-flippin’,

burger-flippin’ good time.Eagle’s Eye

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012Eagle’s Eye 2 CAMPUS

of eventsCalendar

APRIL 5: THURSDAYSNC Co-ed Soccer Game

vs. Leon FC7 p.m.

Incline Village Rec Center

Gallery Reception:Jessica Hayworth, BFA

5 - 7 p.m.Tahoe Gallery

Laird Blackwell’s Farewell Reception

4 - 6 p.m.TCES 139/141

Fireside Chat:Dale Brown: Author and Aviator

6 - 7:30 p.m.TCES 139/141

APRIL 6: FRIDAY$10 Paintballing in Reno

Departs 12:45 p.m.Patterson Lobby

APRIL 12: THURSDAYJunior Proficiency Test

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.TCES 139/141

APRIL 12: THURSDAYThird Annual Tamale Drive

11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Patterson Hall

APRIL 13: FRIDAYWriters in the Woods:

Suzanne Roberts7 - 9 p.m.

TCES 139/141

APRIL 14: SATURDAYWriters in the Woods:

Workshop Suzanne Roberts

9 a.m. - noonTCES 139/141

APRIL 19: THURSDAYSNC Choir Concert

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church7 p.m.

The Eagle’s Eye is produced by the Journalism students of Sierra Nevada College.

Managing EditorSavannah Hoover

News EditorJason Paladino

Campus EditorRich Cooch

Assistant Photo EditorsPatricia Sainz De Rozas

Assistant Photo Editor Danny Kern

Sports EditorAndrew Dunning

A&E EditorChelsea De La Rosa

Assistant A&E EditorDominique Campora

Copy Editor / Advertising Director Caitlin Khoury

Features EditorJennifer Sheridan

ReportersLiz HillJake PollockSpencer OwenPatrick Hoeppner

ContributorsMarissa StoneEliza DemarestRicko ErikssonTaylor PuscBrett Sobaski

AdviserTanya Caninotcanino@sierranevada.edu

Letters to the Editor:eagleseye@sierranevada.edu

Corrections Policy:The Eagle’s Eye strives to be accurate, fair and complete in its coverage and corrects significant errors of fact. If you see an error, please e-mail the editor at eagleseye@sierrane-vada.edu or call the adviser at 530.386.5042.

Advertising:Businesses who would like to support the student newspa-per at Sierra Nevada College while gaining exposure to the Incline Village com-munity are encouraged to advertise in the Eagle’s Eye. For more information, please call our advertising repre-sentative Caitlin Khoury at 603.913.5325 or email caitlinkhoury@yahoo.com

Eagle’s Eye mission statementThe Eagle’s Eye is a student-run publication which covers news of interest and importance to the greater Sierra Nevada Col-lege community. We will remain open to your feedback as the Eagle’s Eye progressively im-proves.

The Eagle’s Eye is a member of:

BY RICH COOCHCampus Editor

Faculty of the Fortnight

Name: Andy Rost, Ph.DHometown: Truckee, Calif.Department: Science and Technologies

What brought you to Sierra Nevada College?

After about 10 years of guiding and teaching for Outward Bound, various raft-ing companies, outdoor education compa-nies and Proctor Academy, my wife and I were looking to settle down a bit. I wanted to go back to school and study rivers and the University of Nevada, Reno had a na-tionally ranked Hydrology program, so we thought Truckee would be a good place to sink some roots. A friend of mine from Truckee had been teaching a little for Si-erra Nevada College and asked me to sub-stitute for him once. This was probably in 2002. That was when I was first exposed to SNC. In 2003 I co-taught Lake Tahoe Ba-sin Ecosystems with Steve Ellsworth. At that point in time, SNC was on my radar for a potential place for me to invest my-self after I finished my doctorate. I taught some more courses and ultimately felt that my style and interests fit well into the SNC culture.

So, you have a Ph.D in Hydrologic Sci-ences, what exactly does that mean?

Hydrology is the study of water with a broad range of topics and applications. My doctorate was an interdisciplinary study, focusing on benthic stream algae. I never

thought I’d end up studying stream algae but now that I do, I wonder what took me so long to get here. As organisms of lim-ited mobility, stream algae are particularly vulnerable to alterations in the physical, chemical and biological environment and as such are wonderful indicators of envi-ronmental conditions. They are also just wonderfully complicated and interesting.

That sounds really “deep.” There’s a rumor that you’ve received a special grant from NASA. What will you do with it?

Yes, I did receive a grant from NASA. In December of 2011 I received a grant from Nevada NASA Space Grant Consortium which supports Nevada students and fac-ulty whose focuses are science, engineer-ing, mathematics, technology and science education through a variety of program-ming and funding opportunities. I wrote this grant, with the help of the development office on campus, to design an Earth Sci-ence curriculum at Sierra Nevada College. Specifically, I wrote the grant to develop curriculum for ESCI 101 and 105, Intro-duction to Geology and lab to be offered in the fall of 2012 and ESCI 301 and 305, Hydrology and Water Resources to be of-fered in the Spring of 2013.

Okay, so who should sign up?I’d recommend these courses for anyone

who is curious - curious about the world around them, how it works, how it got here, and how it came to be like this. If you look out your car window at the landscape passing by and wonder, “what is that?” or “how did that get there?” then these classes are for you. I am a firm believer in place-based education that grounds us in an un-derstanding of “place.” This place could be a philosophical place, or a literary place, or in my particular focus, a physical place. At SNC, we are fortunate to have a campus in an absolutely wonderful place to study our natural world. Open your doors and come take a look at what is out there!

Speaking of the out-of-doors, consid-ering the unpredictable weather we’ve experienced this winter, do you have any thoughts as to what this summer and next winter might be like?

As your question states: unpredictable. The March storms have added to our tiny snow pack but we’ll be at a considerable

deficit with current estimates around 50 percent of normal. At that level, we can an-ticipate the soils to dry out early with dusty trails and higher fire danger than we’ve had the past couple of summers. Predictions for next winter…give me a dart board, I have no idea.

I guess all we can do is hope for the best. Living in Truckee; do you have a favorite eatery to recommend for those who don’t often make it out that way?

• Coffee shop: Coffee Bar – great cof-fee and tasty treats.

• Breakfast: Squeeze In – it’s a bit pricey but good.

• Simple: Burger Me and/or Blue Coyote.

• Higher end: (i.e., folks in town who’ve got a date and want to im-press) Dragon Fly

Delicious. What is the most exciting part about being a professor of science and technology?

I get to do what I love! I love our world and I get to teach about it which keeps me focused on it and get to share that with stu-dents.

You just won the Mega Millions jack-

pot of $6.4 million - what do you do with it?

I actually did, and... we’ll I can’t talk about it. OK, I didn’t... Let’s see, I’d buy a bunch of stuff – cars, houses, new skis - the usual. Then, I’d endow some faculty chairs at SNC. I’d give a bunch of money to the non-profit I’m on the board of; Headwaters Institute – keep that organization afloat. And I’d put a bunch away for my kids.

And nothing for The Eagle’s Eye, hmm.Have you heard of “cat-breadding?”

Like most fads, I’m pretty slow to the game. I’m catching up but I think there may be some subtleties missing…poor kitty.

Any final thoughts? Two favorite quotations:“Interested people are interesting,” and, “The moment you notice you are just an instrument of God, the moment you become like a hollow

flute, the wind will blow through you and there

will be music.”

RICH COOCHANDY ROST of the Science and Technology de-partment is excited to launch the revamped Earth Sciences curriculum, funded by NASA. See related story on page 14.

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012 www.sierranevada.edu 3NEWS

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MID-CAREER MEDIAN PAY

STARTING MEDIAN PAY

Survey asks 1.2 million graduates: How much are you making?

Does an average starting salary of $98,000 a year sound appealing? Perhaps you should study petroleum engineering.

A 2011 survey by PayScale, Inc, an organization which acts as a Kelley Blue Book for payroll, found that recently

graduated petroleum engineering majors are bringing in more bank on average than any other college undergraduates.

Although Sierra Nevada College does not currently offer this major, PayScale’s survey of over 1.2 million recent graduates with bachelor degrees does contain information relevant to SNC students.

“In choosing your future career, because deviation is relatively slight among majors offered here, you should obviously allow your enthusiasm to be the major determinant,” said Assistant Provost Dan O’Bryan in response to the survey data. O’Bryan cautions that students shouldn’t base their career decisions entirely on this data. He explained that few people end up in careers directly related to their majors, and that PayScale data also does not account for students who choose to pursue graduate degrees.

The data does not give accurate salary information for SNC’s more unique majors, such as Ski Business Resort Management or Sustainability. It does include similar majors, such as hospitality, for example.

“The number of times you change careers is phenomenal right now,” said O’Bryan, who believes the chart shouldn’t be used to choose a major, but rather as an informational tool.

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal on Sept. 4, 2010, the typical American worker’s tenure with his or her current employer was 3.8 years in 1996, 3.5 years in 2000 and 4.1 years in 2008, the latest available data.

The job with the highest pay may not be one that can benefit you the most, O’Bryan explained.

“Find something that satisfies you,” he said.

BY JASON PALADINONews Editor

“

“

“In choosing your future career... allow your enthusiasm to be the major determinant”Dan O’BryanAssistant Provost

Graphic: Jason PaladinoData: PayScale, Inc.www.payscale.com

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012Eagle’s Eye 4 NEWS

“The idea is not to enroll everyone, rather, it is to enroll all those who will flourish.”

This was one of the many mindsets that Ray DeGraw came to Sierra Ne-vada College with, when he was hired approximately six weeks ago.

DeGraw is from a small town in Utah where he grew up in a family of eight children. At the age of 22, he started his college

career at Harvard University. He graduated in 1993 with a degree in history and from there he took a job in Alabama as a Social Studies teacher for three years.

“It was a real culture shock from growing up in central Utah and being educated in Boston,” said DeGraw.

He then moved into the field of educational publishing where he worked in sales and marketing as well as busi-ness development.

“I started out with early childhood literacy software

working in inner cities and rural areas; the areas where they had high need populations like Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland,” said DeGraw.

He lived in the Cincinnati area for 12 years and moved into curriculum alignment, which means helping schools teach students what they actually need and making sure that teachers are covering concepts presented on state ex-ams.

After being promoted to vice president of sales and mar-keting, DeGraw was never home to be with his wife and children.

“By then we had six kids and I couldn’t be away all the time so I stepped away from that to figure out what I want-ed to do,” said DeGraw.

After a two-year break, DeGraw’s friend suggested working in college admissions and he knew it was perfect.

“It was kind of a combination of my passion and so I looked around and got hired in Missouri,” he said. “I was there for two and a half years and then this job opened up.”

After working in admissions for a smaller liberal arts college similar to SNC, DeGraw knew this was the place for him.

“I love the four core themes, they’re wonderful. They

are so much more expansive than they appear to be on the surface. They all apply to every aspect of SNC,” he said.

DeGraw keeps pieces of paper in his wallet, one of them being the core themes. He said that’s how he operates.

“I loved President Gillette’s focus on owning who we are and not comparing ourselves to others on all aspects of what makes a great school,” said DeGraw.

“My core strategies are intensive, individual and inter-personal interaction. I believe on doing what works, not what is traditional,” he said.

“I love the small environment and the liberal arts focus. I had a pretty decent idea of the potential of SNC. There’s tremendous room for growth here and that’s the main rea-son I came. I would love to be able to retire here,” said DeGraw.

Senior Admissions Counselor and co-worker Paul Thibodeau said, “Ray brings a wealth of knowledge into the admissions office from his prior work experience in higher education and sales. His outside perspective has already proven beneficial in implementing new ideas and strategies in our office. He is demonstrating strong leader-ship skills and I look forward to working with him.”

Ray Degraw: A fresh addition for admissionsBY LIZ HILLStaff Reporter

noise levels since the release of the posters and quiet zone cards.

“I think it’s improved a lot from last year,” Senior Betsy Sipe said. “I think having those little signs help people be aware that they’re being loud.”

Katie Zanto, chair of Interdisciplinary Studies, is posi-tioned in an office that does not have walls on the second floor of the Prim Library.

“People used to Skype below my office and I would hear it, but it’s quieter in my office,” Zanto said.

While there are certainly both sides of the issue, Gillette holds what seems to be a positive attitude about the issue.

“I am delighted when a student tells me that the library or other study areas on campus are too loud to study,” said Gillette. “To explain, I am delighted as it shows students are focused on learning.”

Though the library can sometimes be loud, this shows that students are spending time in the library and focused on studying.

RAY DEGRAW

LIBRARY, from front page

the crowd.Gillette spoke of the unique nature of

Sierra Nevada College’s small classroom size, and the academic opportunity it pres-ents.

“You can’t hide here,” he said. Gillette then went in-depth into SNC’s

finances, and explained the financial fu-ture of the college without the support of Michael Milken’s Knowledge Universe Learning Group (KULG), which provided yearly multimillion dollar donations be-tween 2007 and 2011. Gillette aims to low-er the college’s average operating loss from $3.5 million to just $500,000 this year. Next year’s operating budget should have a surplus of $1.8 million, he explained, re-iterating how incredible these numbers are compared to SNC’s financial history.

“The days of SNC begging are over,” Gillette said. “We’re going to win it with our programs.”

Gillette emphasized the importance of at-tracting donations by gaining recognition for SNC’s programs and identity.

The majority of the chat was focused on

SNC’s changing financial model and its impacts on campus life, faculty and stu-dents. After Gillette’s many answers re-garding finances, the discussion shifted to SNC’s involvement in the community.

Whyman explained that Incline Village

is not as economically vibrant and healthy as it once was. He explained that the com-munity has been hit especially hard by the recession. After acknowledging that SNC benefits the community as the city’s sec-ond largest employer to IVGID, he asked Gillette: “What more can you bring to the table?”

SNC is located in a place with an incred-ible number of successful, retired people, Gillette explained.

“I want to offer the people in this com-munity that have retired, but have had these incredibly fantastic careers, to come on this campus and share with us what they know,” said Gillette.

Several community members in the room later asked how they could be more in-volved in this type of program, and Gillette applauded their enthusiasm.

At one point Gillette asked every student to stand up and told the community how uniquely hardy SNC students can be.

“These are some quality people that love the outdoors. But you get them in a class-room and push them to death and they’ll respond,” Gillette told a chuckling crowd, “because they are used to it on the moun-tain.”

Several community members asked pointed questions about the direction and identity of the college. Gillette spoke of the future plans of the college, the future financial stability and even surplus, and the specialties that SNC can offer. Another community member asked what the col-lege will be known for in five years.

“For us to say that we want to be the best in the world at undergraduate and graduate resort management education is a real pos-sibility,” Gillette said.

Lawrie Lieberman, vice chairman of the Desert Research Institute Foundation and an Incline Village resident, expressed his dismay at the lack of execution of the col-lege’s good ideas over the years. He called the facilities of SNC “grossly underutilized in the summer.”

“It makes me furious on a daily basis what we have not executed on in the past,” Gillette explained. “We are going to de-velop a reputation of under-promising and over-delivering.” Creating more summer programs is a very high priority for the ad-ministration, he explained.

The chat ended light-heartedly, and Whyman expressed his gratitude for Gil-lette taking the time to chat.

FIRESIDE CHAT, from front page

JASON PALADINO PRESIDENT LYNN GILLETTE speaks to his audi-ence about Sierra Nevada College’s future on March 20 at SNC’s Fireside Chat.

Following a record-breaking season, some locals would say this winter never really started. April 15 marks the date that the first resorts will close in the greater Lake Tahoe area putting a start to the end of the 2011/2012 win-ter ski season.

Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Mt. Rose and Tahoe Donner all plan on closing operations on April 15. Although these dates are set with a “weather permitting” side note, they are likely to be the actual closing date, according to Jessica Van Permis of Northstar, Jenny Bartlett of Sugar Bowl, Kayla Anderson of Mt. Rose and Shelly Sonder of Donner.

Sugar Bowl is in the progress of deciding whether or not

it will stay open full time or weekends only until April 29. Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley will close for week-days on April 29 and stay open, weekends only, Friday-Sunday, until May 13.

“If snow comes, we will definitely stay open longer,” said Jenny Kedrik of Alpine Meadows.

News of the resorts’ closing dates has stirred up contro-versy over this season’s lack of winter. Although Northstar is planning on closing on April 15, other Vail Resorts in Tahoe including Heavenly and Kirkwood have extended their seasons another week, setting their closing date on April 22 and operating weekends, Friday-Sunday, until April 29.

Sierra-at-Tahoe has yet to set a date although it closes

around April 22 every year, according to Robert Schmidt, retail shop employee at Sierra.

“I didn’t know that they were closing so soon,” said Se-nior Ashton Leutner. “It’s shocking coming from a winter like last year to this year. Now I need to save my money so I can go up to Mt. Hood or Whistler this summer.”

The resort closure dates have not been affected by this season’s lack of snow causing them to terminate opera-tions around the same time as usual. This has stirred up a little controversy among some pass holders.

“If Northstar is closing on April 15, then all I have to ride in North Lake is Boreal,” said Senior Nate Moylan. “Otherwise I have to drive down to South Lake to ride, which sucks.”

Lake Tahoe ski resorts begin announcing closing datesBY JAKE POLLOCKStaff Reporter

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012 www.sierranevada.edu 5FORUMHow would you change or improve the Eagle’s Eye?BY PATI SAINZ DE ROZAS Photo Editor

“I like it the way it is. Other than that I don’t really have an opinion on it.”

Halle DaubnerFreshman

“I would put ads for people seeking people and that sort of thing. All the single ladies out there, you know what’s up.”

Brett WulcFreshman

“One thing that could be improved is where the papers are distributed. Most students will pick them up.”Bridget Mcguigan Sophomore

“More news from around the Tahoe Area involving the environment. More job ads for students.”

Alejandro Chernacov Junior

Would you like your opinion published in the Eagle’s Eye? Please send comments to

eagleseye@sierranevada.edu.

Letterseditorto the

reader opinions

We’re not all journalism nerds clutching at our notepads, pens and cameras.

Journalism can be defined as the inves-tigating and reporting of news, events, issues and trends through a plethora of media sources beyond newspapers. Tele-vision, radio, magazines and all forms of online media (photos, videos, blogs, etc.) are all outputs for journalism. The information provided by these sources is vital to the functioning of our society on a global scale—how political, social and economic issues are communicated—and on a local scale—finding out the weather or who’s running for local office.

Whether you have aspirations of be-coming the next Anderson Cooper or are considering a career in ski-business, get-ting involved in the Eagle’s Eye journal-ism program will increase the quality of your college education, regardless of your major. Our staff comes from a multitude of academic and personal backgrounds. Some of us are considering future careers

in journalism, while others have interests in entrepreneurship, outdoor education, graphic design or photography. However, we have all come to a similar conclusion: the skills we’ve acquired with the Eagle’s Eye will directly benefit our success in fu-ture prospects.

As President Lynn Gillette mentioned in his letter in the March 22 issue, “At SNC we learn by doing.” In the Eagle’s Eye newsroom, we produce a paper every two weeks and distribute 5,000 copies within the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza. That means all reporters, contributing writers, graphic designers and photographers have their work published and exposed to thou-sands of readers every month. Talk about a resume builder.

Working with the Eagle’s Eye teaches you how to question thoroughly, write competently and think critically about is-sues all while operating on a tight sched-ule. You will explore your creativity and learn tangible skills from interviewing and research techniques to photography

and design. If you become an editor, you will be

dealing with real-life ethical and man-agement issues. Conflict will occur and you’ll learn to overcome it and grow from it in a professional manner. We also create revenue by selling advertisements to lo-cal businesses, giving students hands-on experience in marketing and promotion, skills considered necessary in nearly any industry.

We envision the future Eagle’s Eye to be a growing business of expression and profressionalism, opening up opportuni-ties for more positions and more involve-ment. As Sierra Nevada College grows, so will the quality of the Eagle’s Eye if a diverse group of passionate people are involved. So maybe you aren’t sure what your future entails, maybe you have not yet declared a major, But there is always a chance you will be introduced to some-thing you didn’t even realize you enjoy. Take a chance. We encourage it. Get in-volved with the Eagle’s Eye.

Journalism is not just for English majors

StaffEditorial:

I want to tell you about an extraordinary leadership course that Rosie Hackett, Assistant Professor of Outdoor Adventure Leadership, designed. Before I describe the course, stop and ponder how you would design a course to teach leadership. In fact, many people believe that leaders are born, not developed. I, along with highly acclaimed author Jim Collins, strongly disagree with that proposition. But one thing does seem clear: one learns to lead by leading. Reading, thinking, and studying about leadership are important, but leadership development must also incorporate hands-on experience guided by a mentor.

Rosie worked with NOLS, the National Outdoor Leadership School, to design a three-week field expedi-tion capstone course for students pursuing a degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership. Ten SNC students took the inaugural course, which took place last May in southern Utah. With an instructor, they lived in the wilderness, relying on their own accumulated knowledge and training in teamwork, outdoor skills, and technical expertise.

How did Rosie design this course so that it would integrate all a student has learned in three years and provide the potential for transformative learning? Remember that great teachers design experiences that engage students. As Russell Dudley, Professor of Art, helped me articulate several years ago, great teachers build trust so students will risk going out of their comfort zones. So here’s the setting Rosie chose for her students: the course is in a beautiful and demanding wilderness that touches their souls. There will be risk involved. Their classmates will be friends they care about and don’t want to let down. The students know the course is going to challenge them in ways they never imagined. But they also know that to become the person they want to be, they must face the challenge.

Last week, these students gave a presentation to the campus. Everyone who heard them saw and felt the deep experience they had. Rick Normington, Chair of our Business Department, said, “I have never seen an experience that provided deeper learning.” During the presentation, we heard these students describe in authentic ways how the course changed them and how they became better leaders during the experience. From their comments, it was clear that during this course, these students really met them-selves—they were forced to look directly in the mirror to see areas of weakness and decide whether they could summon the courage to change. I am convinced that great challenges cause us to meet ourselves, and if we have the courage and knowledge to honestly self assess and adjust, we are transformed forever. Rosie, I salute you for having the guts to design this course. Students, I salute you for having the guts to take it.

The 2011 Capstone Expedition Students:

By the way, the Chair of the NOLS Board of Trustees, Tori Murden McClure, will be our 2013 Commence-ment speaker. She is a good friend of mine.

Stephen CostasChase CoheeMatt FallSonya Hernandez Kaitlyn Lambert

Jason PaladinoHeath PiersonCamilla RinmanSam RogersBrandon Sorel

A letter from President Lynn Gillette

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012Eagle’s Eye 6 SPORTS

As it is for me and most other col-

lege skiers, the biggest change is the fact that now everyone is com-peting as a team rather than an individual as

most people are used to. I would say that skiing nationals this year was a big revenge from last year because this year the whole

team, including me, stood up for the pres-sure. The nationals week turned from being a race where we all were in a good position so that we all were able to ski relaxed. A race, that in the end turned out to be the most nervous race most of us have been in. As a skier, you are always faced with pressure that mostly comes from yourself. However, now when we are suddenly ski-ing for a team instead of ourselves, we know that it is not only our own individual result that is in danger if we perform badly, but the whole team’s. Therefore, I must say that this year’s nationals has been one of

the most nerve-wracking races I have done in my career.

Going to nationals is so much more than the races. It is a lot of fun just to go to na-tionals and see how the sport is becom-ing something new, especially for myself and the rest of the people on the team that are coming from Europe. The whole team thing makes the whole college ski racing a lot more fun. In the beginning, that is what playing a sport is about, and that is some-thing that the U.S. has been very successful in building up. Also, nationals are so much more than the skiing. All the different peo-

ple and the friends that I am able to spend time with is a valuable part of what makes nationals something that everyone wants to go to.

As a conclusion to nationals I would say that it has been a very tough week with a lot of skiing. Being able to meet a lot of new and fun people will make nationals a memory for life. It has given a new boost being in this sport when suddenly new goals are ahead of me. Knowing that train-ing hard will affect the results of every one of us in the team, that is a great source of motivation.

Some may call the success of the Sierra Nevada College Winter Athletic Programs teams intimidating, while others may see this success as just another year in the books. March 11 marked the end of the United States Collegiate Ski and Snow-board Association national championships in Sunday River, Maine, sending the SNC ski and snowboard teams roughly 3,017 miles back out west with another champi-onship season under their belts.

At 6 p.m. on March 22, the SNC ski and snowboard teams met for dinner at their annual awards ceremony at the Tahoe Bilt-more Casino in Crystal Bay.

“I’m very excited we did as well as we did, bringing home another champion-

ship,” Head Ski Coach Branko Zagar said. “We deserve it.”

The SNC winter athletic program con-sists of women’s and men’s ski, snow-board, and freestyle teams. The ski team is a 22-time USCSA National Champion, and the snowboard team has won the title for six consecutive years, according to a recent SNC press release.

The evening started out with food pre-pared by the Biltmore while Vice-Presi-dent/Emcee Leroy Hardy thanked commu-nity member Janet Pahl, “the driving force of honoring the ski and snowboard team.”

SNC President Lynn Gillette awarded School Mascot Eli the Eagle with the “most congeniality” award. Hardy didn’t miss a beat when it came to pleasing the crowd, making fun of his “hand-me-down sweater” he was “forced” to wear and shar-

ing a variety of his skier vs. snowboarder jokes that seemed to keep the teams and community members chuckling in their seats.

Before introducing each team individual-ly, a short video was shown on the USCSA events that the teams partook in throughout the season, expressing the hard work put into this year’s national championship.

The awards began with more video foot-age of the Alpine Ski team members com-peting, followed by each individual team member receiving their awards presented by Zagar.

Then the Freestyle Ski team followed with a short video of their talents followed by Team Coach/Admissions Counselor Jon Cherry presenting each member with their awards.

The Freestyle Snowboard team was the

final team to be presented. A short video showcasing a few team members was showed, followed by their awards present-ed by Head Coach Spencer Reeves.

The evening was a success, according to Gillette, who brought the ceremony to an end.

“I cannot tell you how humbling it is for me to have my role,” Gillette expressed. “These student athletes are incredibly talented people and Branko, Branko is not good, he is great. Spencer, Jon and Branko, you are unbelievable and we are lucky to have you.”

The teams took home a combined seven national titles this season, not including individual titles, while upholding a team average GPA of 3.5.

“These people are leaders on the moun-tain and in the classroom,” said Gillette.

Award ceremony held for champion ski and snowboard teamsJAKE POLLOCK

THE SNC EAGLE’S ski and snowboard teams gather for a group photo in celebration of bringing home four national titles from USCSA national championships in Sunday River, Maine.

BY JAKE POLLOCK Staff Reporter

SNC skier Ricko Eriksson describes experiences at nationalsBY RICKO ERIKSSON Contributor

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012 www.sierranevada.edu 7SPORTS

The Sierra Nevada College ski, snowboard and freestyle ski teams butted heads against fellow students at the first annual SNC Snow Down on March 24 at Diamond Peak Ski Resort.

The competition consisted of a big air jump in which the freestyle ski and snowboard teams went head to head against other students. Those who entered tested their skills against the National Championship teams.

“It was a sunny day at the minimal air competition at the Snow Down,” said student competitor Oli di Constanzo. “It was the perfect getaway for middle aged women and students alike. I personally loved the company of both. Two

thumbs way up.”The SNC race team also set up a slalom course next to

the jump where they sported their costumes while going through the gates. Mario and Luigi came along, as well as a couple of ladies in 80’s wear.

Students who came to spectate were given a free lunch and a lift ticket to watch the event from the base lodge patio. A drawing was held to give away a free pair of powder skis to students who came to the Snow Down.

There were seven different winners overall for the com-petition. Kim Smith was the only female competing in the skier category, therefore awarding her first place.

Director of Student Activities Will Hoida said, “I think the event was awesome and it was great to see so many students come out to both compete against and support our teams.”

STORY AND PHOTOS BY LIZ HILL Staff Reporter

COUNTER CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: SENIOR HEDVIG SPANGS sports her 80’s wear while skiing through the gates; SENIOR CHAD HEDLUND hits the gate, sporting his suit for maximum style; MARIO (CAROLINE KLAESSON) AND LUIGI (EMMA ABRAHAMSSON) race each other down the slalom course; DJ PARKER MARTIN plays various genres of music on the base lodge patio at Diamond Peak; MELISSA DANIELS AND LOUISSA RUSSELL-HENRY hug each other after a mock proposal halfway down the slalom course. She said yes!; BEN CURRIER does a spread eagle during the Big Air portion of the SNC Snow Down; BRYANT KNOWLES pulls a rodeo off the big air jump, showing off the men’s freestyle skiing skills to the crowd watch-ing below on the base lodge patio; FRESHMAN PATRICK MCKEON pulls a nose grab during his competition against SNC snowboard team; STUDENT COMPETITORS SPENCER FISCH AND VINNY JOHNSON stand on the podium after placing third against the SNC Men’s Freestyle Ski team members.

SNOW DOWN

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012Eagle’s Eye 8 OUTDOOR

Over Spring Break, nine students enrolled in the Califor-nia Condor Conservation class which traveled to Central California to observe the largest bird in North America, the California condor. Hosting the trip was Kirk Hardie, adjunct faculty of Science accompanied by science and technology professor, Steve Ellsworth.

The class met once two weeks prior to the trip. The students left the morning of March 12 from Incline Village. They camped at Pinnacles National Monument Park in Central California near Hollister and stopped along the way at the mouth of the Consumes River to observe birds and learn about the wetland environment.

“One of the days that we camped at the Pinnacles camp-ground we did a 6-mile hike where we bird watched along the way,” said Junior Jeff Reifers. “We spotted roughly six condors and also got to explore some really cool caves.”

Students learned about the reintroduction of condors into the wild and why they became nearly extinct.

With an average wingspan of up to 10 feet, the California condor has become nearly extinct due to lead poisoning, poaching and habitat destruction. According to National Geographic, these scavengers were sacred to the Na-tive Americans who lived in the open spaces of western America. Today, there are captive breeding programs and organizations that are trying to save them from extinction.

Senior Graham Johnson didn’t know much about condors prior to the trip but he learned a lot about how the popula-tion has increased due to captive breeding programs.

“In 1987, the program wanted to get the number of condors back up because there was only 27 that remained in California,” said Johnson. “Agencies such as Ventana Wildlife Society and Fish and Game joined in a collaborative effort to take them into captivity and remove them from the environ-ment. Once they bred the species, they could release them in a controlled way back into the environment.”

Reifers described one day that stood out as being especially memorable. After camping at Pinnacles, they continued their journey to Big Sur where they camped with beach access at Kirk Creek. With beautiful weather along the coast, they were able to view more condors, along with hawks and other marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins and seals.

Reifers noted that his teacher, Kirk Hardie was a great host on the trip.

“Hardie was very knowledgeable in the field of Ornithol-ogy, the study of birds,” said Reifers. “He was like a human encyclopedia, he knew every species of bird just by looking at it.”

According to Reifers and Johnson, the trip consisted mostly of wildlife observation with background lectures.

“I definitely learned a lot from this trip,” said Johnson. “It gave me more awareness on the impact of lead poison-ing. I’m a hunter and the prime ingredient in ammunition is lead, so it made me rethink what I do because I don’t want to contribute to that problem.”

Johnson said that it’s great that SNC offers, “hand on experiences” such as this. As a California local, he’s always had the privilege of exploring the state on his own. He thinks that these kinds of trips opens doors for others that haven’t had the opportunity to see the West Coast.

“Overall, it was a great experience, everyone in the class got along really well,” said Reifers. “The nights were com-plimented by campfire stories and the weather was nice. I would definitely do it again.”

Students travel to Central California for California Condor Conservation class

BY ELIZA DEMAREST Contributor

STUDENTS observe the largest bird in North America, the California Condor in the Central Coast of California over Spring Break.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY STUDENTS AND FACULTY

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012 www.sierranevada.edu 9OUTDOOR

The sky was clear, the snow was firm and the skis were short at the Pain McShlon-key Classic that took place March 23-24 at Squaw Valley Resort. Using 90 centimeter skis known as “snowlerblades” profession-al and amateur skiers went head to head in a Chinese downhill race and big mountain ski competition to prove who would reign supreme.

“This is the sickest ski comp known to mankind,” said Freshman Richard Saffo who competed alongside Sophomores Jake O’Leary and Damon Huber.

The Pain McShlonkey Classic was cre-ated as a tribute to the late professional skier, BASE jumper and overall wild man Shane McConkey who created the first Pain McShlonkey open in 2003, according to the Shane McConkey Foundation web-site. Truckee local, McConkey is credited with designing the first reverse camber, or “rocker” powder ski, the Volant Spatula.

He combined his passion for skiing and BASE jumping to form “ski basing” a sport that took his life in 2009.

The festivities began with a kick-off party at 2:30 p.m., March 23 in the Rocker at Squaw bar. The evening closed with a Legacy Gala in memory of McConkey at the Olympic Valley Lodge.

Competitors arrived on the morning of March 24 decked out in outfits ranging from neon-colored, one-piece suits and oversized cowboy hats to cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Some outfits, such as the one Saffo wore, resembled clothing worn by McConkey’s alter ego, Saucer Boy.

At 9:30 a.m. 60 snowlerbladers descend-

ed from the top of KT-22 in an all out battle for the finish. High speeds and icy snow conditions kept the racers on edge and en-sured that Pain McShlonkey lived up to its name. In the end, former Olympian, X-games athlete and Truckee local Daron Rahlves snagged the lead to finish first and lay his claim to the Golden Saucer prize.

“I love my golden saucer,” said Rahlves, adding that it made a great addition to his trophy case. The name of the game was to stay on your feet, said Rahlves, though he mentioned a few times where sliding on your back across the ice may have been an advantage.

U.S. Mogul, big mountain and 2012 overall Banzai tour champion Shelly Rob-ertson claimed the victory in the women’s category.

After a short break, the competitors re-convened at the top of KT-22 for the start of the “small-mountain competition” a play on words as it was actually a big-mountain competition on small skis.

Crusty snow did not deter the snowl-erbladers from skiing hard. Cliff drops, spread eagles and unintentional somer-saults were just a few of the antics seen on the mountain. Skier Rachel Burke skied fast and straddled trees to a victory in the

women’s category. Laughter ensued when judges disquali-

fied competitor Kyle O’Neal after he ducked a rope and disappeared out of bounds, only to reappear minutes later rap-pelling down a large cliff.

Impressed with his creativity, judges re-versed their decision to disqualify him, in-stead awarding O’Neal with the first place prize.

The day wrapped up with a costume con-test and “trashion show” featuring clothing made from recycled materials such as plas-tic bags. An awards ceremony took place on the KT sun deck.

“As for the results, I have no idea. It was unorganized and wild as you may have no-ticed,” said Saffo. “It doesn’t really matter to us because it’s all about having fun as Shane would have wanted.”

The Pain McShlonkey Classic is a fun-draiser benefitting the Shane McConkey Foundation, an organization that works to “inspire positive change in the world and the lives of others” according to the foun-dation’s website.

“It’s just amazing. It’s overwhelming emotionally,” said Sherry McConkey, wife of Shane McConkey in response to the large turnout and laid-back vibe of the event. “’You just have to keep it real. Don’t be so serious,’ that’s what Shane al-ways said.”

In 2011, the Shane McConkey Founda-tion donated $20,000 to the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District to help Tahoe area schools implement environmentally sus-tainable practices on its campuses, accord-ing to an article on ESPN.com.

BY JENN SHERIDANFeatures Editor

Flying saucers spotted at Squaw during Pain McShlonkey

jENN SHERIDANCHINESE DOWNHILL PARTICIPANTS surround downhill winner, Daron Rahlves and his golder saucer.

JENN SHERIDANABOVE LEFT: Afternoon festivities kicked off with a “Trashion Show” featuring clothing made from recycled materials. ABOVE CENTER: Sophomore Damon Huber and Freshman Richard Saffo celebrate at the finish of the Chinese Downhill. ABOVE RIGHT: Freshman Richard Saffo, dressed in the style of Saucer Boy, casually sips a Red Bull as he cruises through the finish of the Chinese Downhill. BELOW, Judges reverse their decision to disqualify competitor Kyle O’Neil, instead awarding him first place after he rappells down a cliff face.

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012Eagle’s Eye 10 OUTDOORStudent organizes local freestylecompetitionBY SAVANNAH HOOVERManaging Editor

Three date cancellations, two venue changes and one stormy morning couldn’t stop the 2nd annual Jibs 4 Kids from hap-pening this past weekend at Sky Tavern.

The freestyle competition’s first day of activities was postponed from Saturday, March 31 until the following afternoon due to wind hold and unfavorable weather, however Sierra Nevada College Senior Stephan Moore explained such hang-ups are inherent in the ski industry.

Unpredictability is all you can count on, said Moore. “Dates changed, venues switched, we had half the kids show up of what we expected, but it all worked out in the end. It was still a great event.”

Moore created Jibs 4 Kids as a service learning project for his Interdisciplinary Studies major last spring. Though the sec-ond year’s event came with more difficul-ties, it also came with more success.

“Last year more kids signed up, but those who did this year were ready for compet-ing,” said Moore.

Sophomore Sean Burke competed both years and considered this year’s Jibs 4 Kids to have been even better than before.

“We’ve got more terrain to build on and a

more organized crew helping out,” said Burke. “It’s always been about the kids having a good time.”

Teri Henderson, Sky Tavern’s director of Member and Student Relations, expressed her hope for more SNC students to get in-volved with the program’s younger partici-pants, especially those interested in riding park.

“We put our focus on the terrain park lately and we have a freestyle team,” said Henderson. “A few years ago, a student came and worked with the kids, built the features and was really involved. We just need to keep this kind of relationship, so

the kids might go somewhere in the ski business someday.”

Henderson said having college students there was a positive experience for the younger kids.

Junior Ethan Rollins contributed to the event by donating some of his Local Knits products as prizes. Ten-year-old Rece Hug-gins and 9-year-old Joshua Paley competed knowing what awaited the winners.

“I really want the colorful hat,” said Hug-gins. “I’m getting that after I get into the finals with the big kids.”

After a dozen competitors under the age of 14 swarmed toward the announcer, it

was revealed that Huggins placed second in snowboarding and received the hat he desired.

Though Moore will be graduating next fall, he plans to leave behind a manual and contact list for another student to continue Jibs 4 Kids into the future.

“Jibs 4 Kids couldn’t have happened without my professors, Sky Taverns, the SNC students, CAB Snowboarding and Local Knits sponsorships,” said Moore. “We’ve built good relationships. Everyone is helping out and supporting one another, so we want to keep that going through this event.”

Jibs 4Kids

FRESHMAN PETER ROSPOLI competes in the college rail jam during the second annaul Jibs 4 Kids. SAVANNAH HOOVER

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012 www.sierranevada.edu 11OUTDOOR

Midnight train to Uyuni

COURTSEY OF MARCELA DE LIRA ASTORGA MARCELA DE LIRA ASTORGA shines in the sunlight of Bolivia in October 2010 as she traveled from Men-doza, Argentina to Uyuni, located in the southwestern region of Bolivia.

The veiled woman watched us with careful attention. Perhaps we captivated her by our con-versation that at times switched from Spanish to English, or the dis-tinctiveness of our bi-racial portrait—a gangly Americano and a Morena. I’m sure the conversation was hard to follow, and it was getting rowdy in the bar car of the 18:20 train going from Tupiza to Oruro. A group of four Argentinians, a few Germans and a Brazilian couple joined us to drink wine and beer in their booth. The smoky bar car turned into the city of Babylon with myriad tongues and varied loosened Span-ish accents. Our conversations full of col-ored language, ranged from the just-hours awarded Nobel Prize laureate Mario Var-gas Llosa to the fading legacy of Che Gue-vara. All the while, the woman watched us. An older woman traveled with her. Per-haps, 50 years old, she kept looking at her vigilantly which seemed to indicate she was her chaperone, but not her mother or sister.

Through the midnight hours, our train stole the cold escarpments of the altiplano. It was hard to tell if the woman was amused because she was covered head and mouth with a shawl, leaving just a narrow slit revealing her Mongolian black eyes. Her hand fidgeted with busy fingers, as if they were singing a complicated set of instruc-tions to a deaf listener. As the train passed through a small village under a starry sky, I felt a strange pleasure intoxicating the

bar with the smoke and acridic perfume that hung heavy in the cold air.

Though she was watching us, I was also watching her—the woman traveler was a mystery to me. From time to time, I glimpsed

her face through her veil and won-dered her thoughts, or whether she

was looking at me. Was she laughing or was she appalled by the loud and obnox-ious behavior these European women and I exhibited among men?

The bartender served the woman and her chaperone coca tea, and when he came to our booth, I inquired. “What’s with the veiled girl?”

He said, as he rolled his eyes with dis-taste, “La prostitute? She’s on her way to Oruro’s red light district.”

The more the train traveled, the farther I felt she was from home; the hours passed and the woman continued sitting by the window, occasionally, looking back at us. When her companion fell asleep, I wanted to ask her to join us, but the other woman had a firm grasp of her hand.

Dawn came illuminating the multicol-ored mountains to one side, and to the other, the patches of dried earth and lakes colored by pink flamingos. The train con-ductor announced as we neared Uyuni.

As we left the train, I caught sight of this mysterious Bolivian woman, her face cov-ered once again. She was sitting next to the window watching us leave the platform, and slightly waving goodbye, a tentative gesture, which grew with enthusiasm after I waved back to say “Adios.” She uncov-ered her mouth with an “Adios” in return.

BY MARCELA DE LIRA ASTORGA Contributor

Midnight train to Uyuni is based on the author’s travels to the country of Bolivia, Oct. 9, 2010.She and her husband started their trip in Mendoza, Argentina, then traveled north to the countries of Bolivia, Peru, Chile and finishing up in Buenos Aires. They took the train in Tupiza and arrived to Uyuni the next day, Oct. 10.Marcela De Lira Astorga is a junior at SNC planning to major in creative writing. Born and raised in Mexico, she moved to the USA 16 years ago. She currently lives in South Lake Tahoe with a husband and two children. Their future travel plans are to travel around India and Asia with their children.

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012Eagle’s Eye 12 A&E

On March 24, rasta history was made at Kirkwood Ski Resort as it hosted its first ever High Up music festival that included hip-hop and reggae sensations Iration, Col-lie Buddz w/ New Kingston, The Move-ment, Zion I, Kelley James, Cozbykidz and DJ RyOn & Mic-Rob.

As the hypnotized crowd of head-bob-bers jammed in sync to Collie Buddz, “Come Around,” I watched in awe as more and more hands lifted to the sky. Hundreds of reggae lovers flocked to Kirkwood’s ex-tensive mountain peaks, which provided a sublime backdrop for the event.

Working together, Battle Born Entertain-ment and Kirkwood Ski Resort hosted the event in conjunction with the week-long Free Ride Flow Festival.

“It’s an honor to have Kirkwood and the rest of the Vail family standing behind Bat-tle Entertainment,” said investor and coor-dinator Tim Wagner.

Not only could you hear the vibrations that night, you could feel them moving through you. The energy of the crowd was a mirror reflection of the spirited vibes that the artists put out. The showcase combined some of the genres bigger names with more up-and-coming artists and DJ’s. As I was familiar with artists such as Zion I and The Movement, I was blown away with the tal-ent that came from under-the-radar artists

Kelley James and the Cozbykidz. Event or-ganizers played a key role in selecting such a reputable lineup that truly encompassed reggae music.

“There’s no greater high than being in one of the best spots in Lake Tahoe, listen-ing to some of my favorite bands and be-

ing surrounded by fun people,” said Junior Weston Moyer who attended the event. “I couldn’t imagine a better way to end a day of boarding.”

While covering High Up, I was given the opportunity to hang out backstage with some of the artists performing that night.

Surprisingly, all of the groups I met were extremely down to earth.

“High Up was a great opportunity to do some networking with the artists. The lineup was sick, which made for an unfor-gettable night,” said Junior Colby Wagner, son of event coordinator Tim Wagner

Jordan Miller, lead singer of The Move-ment, backed by his vivacious stage per-formances, kept mostly to himself before venturing out to the spotlight. When asked what his routine is prior to performing, Miller replied, “I’m currently listening to Drake and the Silversun Pickups.”

Fans dressed to impress; some head to toe in bright neon ensembles, furry ani-mal costumes, ski gear and anything else that made a statement but also kept them warm in the near-freezing temperatures. Although it was cold, the crowd’s hands remained pointed to the sky, dancing and moving to the beats. It was one of the live-liest crowds I have ever witnessed.

“Everyone was so happy to be out there,” said Junior Blake Phillips, “you could tell by the energy in the crowd.”

Overall, High Up music festival was a magical experience for everyone who was able to make it out. Kirkwood’s scenic mountains provided a prime natural back-drop for some of the most firmly grounded voices of hip hop and reggae I have ever encountered.

HIGH UP MUSIC FESTIVAL

BY TAYLOR PUSCStaff Contributer

COURTESY OF TAYLOR PUSCCOLIN HARPER aka Collie Budz hyping up fans with hits like his song Come Around on March 24 High Up.

COURTESY OF TAYLOR PUSCTHE MOVEMENT’S Jordan Miller on guitar and Jay Schmidt on bass excite the crowd with their tunes.

COURTESY OF TAYLOR PUSCTHE CROWD at the High Up music festival, held at Kirkwood Ski Resort on March 23, raise hands in a hypnotized state of bliss while enjoying reggae music paired with the beautiful backdrop Kirkwood had to offer.

COURTESY OF TAYLOR PUSGARY JACKSON of the band the Movement rocks out on the drums at the High Up Festival at Kirkwood.

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012 www.sierranevada.edu 13A&E

On March 23, the Clay Club led by Sheri Leigh O’Connor, Fine Arts department chair, and Assistant Professor Rick Par-sons, embarked to Seattle for the National Council on the Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), an international ceramic conference held annually.

“The Clay Club submitted a proposal to a themed juried exhibition, ‘Weather or Not,’ and was accepted as one of the groups to make an installation at the conference based on this year’s theme, ‘On the Edge,” said Parsons.

An excerpt from the proposal explained the Clay Club’s hopes for their installations acceptance.

“The installation is designed to raise awareness of the environmental impact of pollution within ecosystems.This instal-lation provides the SNC Clay Club with an opportunity not only to speak publicly in a contemporary and alternative artistic fashion regarding this issue; it also allows members to actively address pollution by picking up ‘trash,’ repurposing it, then dis-posing of it properly. Hopefully, the con-trasting elements of the industrial cityscape

and the recycled and organic nature of this installation perpetuate our intentions and concerns surrounding the issues of sustain-ability, environmental impacts, and use of resources,” stated the proposal.

The students who participated in the conference included SNC Clay Club mem-bers: Karl Schwiesow, Amanda Dabel, Bi-anca Del Cioppo, Molly Allen, Heath Pier-son, Marvin Blake, Flor Widmar, Shannon O’leary and Evan Cook.

The NCECA had 6,000 people in atten-dance, that included ceramic artists, sev-eral students and the general public. The conference held a number of gallery and ceramic shows as well as several lectures. There were six to seven events at any one time throughout each day.

“It is very hard to make a choice of what to see,” said O’Connor.

While among the some of the best, SNC was able to set up a table in the exhibition hall that represented the school. Students and faculty passed out brochures with general information about SNC as well as information about the summer workshop programs.

The city plays a part of making NCECA the best it can be. Some of the best ceramic works in the world were showcased in Se-attle.

“Attending this conference is very ben-eficial to any student interested in ceram-ics and they will come back completely changed after seeing all of the work that is showed in Seattle. Also, for our students to be able to show their work for a world wide public is very wonderful,” said O’Connor.

The Clay Club’s participation in the con-ference allowed for an engaging public art piece to be displayed, while focusing on SNC’s core themes. They focused on learn-ing at the conference and bringing back knowledge and experience to SNC and the Fine Arts Department, said Parsons.

Dorm cooking doesn’t have to mean frozen burritos

With recent changes to cafeteria hours, students may find them-selves searching for other op-

tions to satiate their appetites. For students living in the dorms the op-

tions for cooking are limited. Fortunately a surprising variety of meals can be made with just a refrigerator and microwave.

SaladsChopping up a few of your favorite veg-

etables and tossing them together can be a quick and healthy snack, side dish and meal. Make extra and store it in a Tupper-ware for future use.

Combine a salad with some soup, or use

it in a wrap with your favorite lunch meat. Add cheese crisps by microwaving piec-

es of crumbled hard cheese like parmesan until it is crunchy and sprinkling it over your salad.

TacosCombine a can of black beans, some

corn, a can of green chilies and some sea-sonings in a bowl. Microwave it until it’s warm.

To heat the tortillas, wrap them in a damp towel and microwave them for approxi-mately 30 seconds.

Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, salsa and guacamole.

Steamed VegetablesMost vegetables can be easily steamed

in the microwave. Cut vegetables into bite sized pieces. Combine them in a mi-crowave safe bowl with approximately 2 tablespoons of water.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or any microwave safe cover, even a plate will work.

Cooking times will vary depending on the vegetables, as well as the microwave. Broccoli can take between three and four minutes, while green beans can take up to 10 minutes.

Experiment by trying two or three min-utes at first, continue cooking in minute intervals until vegetables are tender.

Be careful removing the cover, as the trapped steam can burn you. Serve the veg-etables with pre-cooked noodles, rice or enjoy them as is.

Baked PotatoesBoth potatoes and sweet potatoes can be

cooked in the microwave. Cook it on high for approximately 12

minutes. Check for tenderness by poking it with a fork.

RamenThere are many ways to spice up ramen.

Drop an egg into the cold water and mix it in, the egg cooks while the water boils and gives the ramen some extra flavor and add-ed protein, add some steamed vegetables to make it a filling snack.

Use only half the flavor packet, and add some hot sauce such as sriracha to cut down on sodium.

BreakfastScrambled eggs and bacon can be cooked

in a microwave. Mix two or three eggs, a dash of salt and pepper and a splash of milk in a microwave safe bowl.

Stir thoroughly and microwave for a minute and a half. Check the eggs, stir and continue to microwave in thirty second in-tervals until they are the desired texture. You can add peppers and onions before microwaving to make a scramble.

Place the bacon between two paper tow-els, being sure that no strips are overlap-ping. Microwave on high for four to six minutes.

Cleaning your microwaveMicrowave a mug of water on high for

two to three minutes, the steam from the water will loosen any food encrusting the walls of your microwave making it much easier to clean.

BY JENN SHERIDANFeatures Editor

Clay Club takes on Seattle with environmental installation

COURTESY OF RICK PARSONSCLAY CLUBS installation on display at the NCECA ceramic conference in Seattle from March 23 to April 1.

BY RICKO ERIKSSONContributor

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012Eagle’s Eye 14 FEATURE

Dr. Andy Rost, Ph.D, who represents the ever-growing Science and Technology Department at Sierra Nevada College, has exciting news for the school.

Geology, Meteorology, Soils of Death Valley, Climatology and Hydrology are six new classes being offered this upcoming fall semester, all of which were put togeth-er by Rost with the close help of Deborah Prout of the college’s Development Office.

These classes all fall under an Earth Sci-ences subject within the Department of Science and Technology.

All six of these classes have been offered in the past, however have not received enough attention to fulfill the class enroll-ment requirement.

Rost wonders why these courses have re-ceived such little attention.

“It’s probably one of the most beautiful campus locations in the world,” said Rost

referring to SNC’s prime location in terms of these courses. “People come here be-cause you’re living in the Sierra, next to Lake Tahoe.”

Although some of the curriculum is spe-cific to those who are majoring in Earth Sciences, the Geology course being of-fered this fall has no prerequisites. It also offers four field trips over the course of the semester.

“Learning how to read the landscape is like reading a great book. Once you start to understand the stories, you can’t put the book down,” said Rost. “If you just have any interest or curiosity in this landscape, you must somehow notice how striking it is.”

According to Rost, the curriculum grant was given by NASA, or more specifically, the Nevada NASA Space Grant Consor-

tium. Rost applied for the grant with the pitch that Earth Sciences would be a great complement to what SNC already offers. He feels that SNC has all the ingredients to have a nationally recognized science pro-gram and that it’s time to bring fresh cur-riculum to the table.

Why take these classes? They offer a new lens for observation and inform the student about the place we live in, while giving them the tools to replicate what they have learned so that they may share that with others.

While Earth Sciences have been offered at SNC in the past, they are officially ready to show off their new, polished look during this upcoming fall 2012 semester.

For more information on these courses offered, as well as others, visit the 2011 -2012 course catalog at sierranevada.edu/169.

Student projects to feature in Experimental Psych Research Fair

A few weeks remain for students in the Experimental Psychology course at Sierra Nevada College to collect final pieces of data for a presentation of their findings for the Psychology Re-search Fair that will take place at 2 p.m. April 16 in the Tahoe Center for Environ-mental Sciences.

The Psychology Research Fair is the culmination of two semesters of work. Students take a course titled Research Meth-ods in Behavioral Psychology in the fall where they chose a study that hasn’t been researched before. Students write a hypothesis and design an experiment. Their proposal must be sub-mitted to the Institutional Review Board to have the ethical implications of the study assessed before they can proceed with the experiment.

The next step is to enroll in Experimental

Psychology in the spring where students conduct the experiment they designed, said senior Troy Mott, who is taking Ex-perimental Psychology this semester.

“My favorite part about experimental psychology is how you are personally re-

searching informa-tion that is of inter-est to you and not being told facts that could have come from anywhere and anyone,” said ju-nior, Beau Kissler also in the Experi-mental Psychology class.

The amount of time going into re-search and making sure that the studies

haven’t been done before can be stressful, according to Mott.

The process wasn’t made any easier by the weather.

SNC had two snow days that interfered with many students’ experiments.

“The snow days were brutal, I missed a possible 20-30 participants to incorporate

into the study, but I did have fun skiing,” said Kissler.

The hard work will pay off as students learn what goes into creating a study, and have that background to analyze articles they read in the future, said Anza Jarschke who is interning as a teacher’s assistant in experimental psychology.

“I think there is a stigma around it from

students who aren’t interested in research, but when I tell a grad school that I ran my own experiment they are impressed,” said Jarschke.

Jarschke is working with Psychology program chair, Christina Frederick to re-vise her experiment from last year. She hopes to publish her findings in the near future.

BY JENN SHERIDANFeatures Editor

JENN SHERIDANSOPHOMORES Kat Daubner and Cooper Boylan participate in an experiment by senior Anthony Somer-ville.

NASA grant ensures SNC’s Earth Science program is ready for takeoff

“ “Learning how to read the landscape is like reading a great book. Once you start to understand the stories, you can’t put the book down.ANDY ROST Adjunct Professor

BY RICH COOCHCampus Editor

Psychology Research FairExperimental Psychology students showcase their findings.

Time: 2-4 p.m.Date: Monday, April 16Place: TCES 139/141Price: Free!

Twelve students to present findings after two semesters of work

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012 www.sierranevada.edu 15FEATURE

MUSICKarl Denson’s Tiny Uni-verse- Sticky Fingers Tour- w/ Special Guest -Anders Osborne + After Party TbaFriday, April 6Crystal Bay Club Crown Room, Crystal Bay, Nev.Show: 9 p.m.Price: $25 adv. $30 d.o.s.

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe performs the Rolling Stones’s “Sticky Fingers” album in its entirety, with Special Guest Anders Osborne! Karl Den-son has led a storied career as a multi-faceted recording and performing artist who first came to prominence as a member of Lenny Kravitz’ band.

Spring Music Series ft. Mojo GreenApril 8Alpine Meadows Sun Deck Tahoe City, Calif. Show: 1p.m.-4p.m.Join us on the Sun Deck for a rocking’ good time with Mojo Green. Mojo Green is a collective of individuals who all share the same philoso-phy when it comes to music, life and love. The journey is never over, it’s always just the beginning. This means our music and our performances are always evolving.”

Yonder Mountain String Band w/ special guests Brown BirdApril 12MontBleu Theater, Stateline,

Nev. Doors: 7 p.m., Show: 8 p.m.Tickets: $25 adv. $28 d.o.s. (Plus Tax & Fees)

Doors: 7 p.m., Show: 8 p.m.All General Admission shows are seated on first come first serve basis

SPORTSBoreal Expression Session #4 Frirday, April 6 Registration: 5:50 p.m. Competition: 6:30 p.m.A refreshing change from your everyday rail jams. This year’s theme is “Junkyard Jams,” meaning each feature has been recycled from a previous use off the snow and modified for use in Bo-

real’s terrain parks. Open to all ages (7+) and ability lev-els. For more info visit, www.rideboreal.com/expression

Tahoe Rim Tour & Race ~Nordic RaceFriday, April 7North Lake Tahoe High School, Tahoe City, Calif.- Northstar California Truckee, Calif.Registration: 7 a.m.- 8:15 a.m.Classic ski, skate ski or snowshoe your way from the Tahoe XC ski trails to Northstar. Enjoy lunch at the

finish line. This is a fundraiser for the Far West Nordic Junior Ski Program. For more info visit www.farwestnordic.org/tahoerimtour.html

Retro Ski Day at Squaw Saturday, April 8Squaw Valley, Calif. All day break out the rear entry boots, that swanky sweater and all the neon you can find for the annual ode to our glorious roots. After shredding Headwall all day on your 201’s stop on by the Plaza Bar to hear live music. www.squaw.com/retro-ski-

day

EVENTSTOCCATA 6th Annual St. Matthew Passion Pt. 2 in EnglishFriday, April 6St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Incline Village, NEv.Begins: 7 p.m.To purchase tickets for TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus 2012 visit website at www.toccata-tahoe.com

Sierra College’s Experts and Insights: Sustainabil-ity, Change and the Great ResetSaturday, April 13

What are the links between Machiavellian principles, Ghandi’s words and change agents? Find out from Mi-chael Kane, Sierra College’s Associate Dean of Sciences and Mathematics during Experts and Insight. The Dean Lecture Series takes place on the Sierra College, Tahoe-Truckee campus and is offered to the community at no cost. Doors open at 7 p.m. and complimentary refresh-ments will be served. For more info visit sierracollege.edu/about-us/visit/tahoe-truckee/deans-lecture.php

BY DOMINIQUE CAMPORAA& E Assistant Editor

Name: Emilie LamoureuxYear: Freshmen Age: 19Hometown: Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, CanadaMajor: Double majoring in Finance Eco-nomics and Entrepreneurship

Why SNC?It wasn’t suppose to be SNC but I found it

on the Internet and contacted Bronco. He later offered me a scholarship to be on the ski team.

How was the adjustment from Canada to Tahoe?

I grew up in a small touristy town, close to ski resorts. The transition wasn’t hard for me.

How long have you been ski racing?I have been racing since I was five years

old, and just fell in love with it.

What is your craziest ski story?A downtown race in Lake Louise, Alber-

ta. My maximum speed was 126 kilometers per hour. It was super crazy and fast. We were fore-running for the World Cup.

Did you go to Colorado to race recently? How was your trip?

Yes, it was fun to compete against Nation-al Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competitors. Great competition.

What events do you do?Giant Slalom and Slalom Food of choice before a race?

Honey Bunches of OatsFavorite dessert?White Tiramisu

Are you superstitious when it comes to your races?

No, but I do knock on wood occasionally.

Do you still find yourself saying “eh?”NO.

If you had the opportunity to quit school and become a professional skier, would you?

No, I had that opportunity once. I wasn’t in school for a few years where I was just skiing and racing. I got over that and de-cided to come to school. I am here now and plan on finishing.

What’s your biggest secret?I like to put Canadian maple syrup on a

lot of things.

How was your experience at Nationals? It was really good. It was really different

from normal races because we raced to-gether as a team, and that’s what was differ-ent because normally we race individually. This time was a different kind of pressure because everyone wanted everyone else to do well, because our scores were together as a team. At one point I felt like I had all the pressure on me in the world because I had to do good in order for us to win. Our work paid off because we won!

How did you do individually?On the Giant Slalom I fell the first run, so

I had to hike up to the gate and I got 55th. The second run I came sixth, so it gave me a total of 28th, which isn’t too good, but my second run was a lot better than my first. In Slalom I came in fourth, it was a really good race.

BY TAYLOR PUSCStaff Reporter

Pati Sainz D RozasEMILIE LAMOUREUX came to SNC from Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, to finish school and to race on her skis.

EMILIE LAMOUREUXTiramisu and skiing too

THURSDAY, April 5, 2012Eagle’s Eye 16