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$75,000?

Photo by Marketing

Tiffany Heavey
Staff Writer

Marjorie Marlow of Reno, Nevada decided to make a stock transfer of $75,000 over to Moraine Valley.  Marlow is a former MVCC student, and her son also attended MVCC.

She attended as an adult and benefited wonderfully from the education she received here. She is a committed woman who believes in diversity and helping people out.

The generous stock Marlow sent was put toward the funds of Returning Women Diversity Scholarship. The Returning Women’s Diversity Scholarship was established by Marjorie Brook Marlow.

“The program was intended to benefit adult women who are pursuing their educational goals at Moraine Valley after being out of school for more than five years,” states Susan Linn, executive director for Moraine Valley’s foundation. This money will make it possible for the school to give out $1,500 scholarships including tuition of course, books, and any miscellaneous fees. This scholarship is awarded to two women each year, and the first lucky recipients were Adriana Trejo of Oak Lawn and Eunice Ziyad of Chicago.

These scholarships were given out in April of 2009. The remainder of this gift will be invested so that the scholarship will be available in perpetuity. The amount given out is $1,000 divided into two $500 payments and applied to both fall and spring semesters. This scholarship cannot be renewed. Eligibility has to be a returning woman who has been out of school for at least 5 years or longer, she must be enrolled at MVCC.

She must carry a minimum of 6 credits during her semester in which the scholarship is awarded. She also must submit a 500 word, typed statement that addresses the student’s financial needs, expresses her educational and goals and expresses the applicant’s thoughts on being a returning woman from a diverse background. Diversity includes race, age, sex, sexual orientation, etc.  If you’re, interested please contact Sue Linn at (708)- 974- 5335.

Tiffany Heavey can be contacted at heaveyt@student.morainevalley.edu


Business Classes

Katie Baxter
Staff Writer

As you drive down the busy street in the neighborhood you’ve lived in your whole life, you notice something different.

Half the businesses that used to be on that block are gone. The windows that were used to display furniture, clothing, jewelry and more are now covered with “For Rent” and “Thank You For Your Business” signs. 

Now you start thinking about your major in business. An uneasy feeling in your stomach starts up at the thought of your dream not becoming a reality. Or if you are the local business owner, you are scared every business day might be your last.

Moraine Valley is encouraging its community to do something to stand out and work towards creating a better business. The college is now introducing four non-credited classes devoted to the local business owners and present Moraine Valley students.

Photo by Dana Lenckus

The class will include but will not be limited to: The power of fearless prospecting, network your way to success, presenting yourself with impact, leadership-creating a winning environment.  

Thee classes will cover everything one needs to know about starting a business. They offer classes about the basics that are key to helping you in this economy. It will include account/book keeping, cash flow, setting up websites and  getting the word out there. You are also offered free one on one counseling on your ideas and feedback from counselors.

Each class cost fifty dollars and it starts at 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

“Most businesses will fail without a proper business plan,” said Eda Schrimple. coordinator for Workforce Develoment. “We made it like that so the local business owners can come when they close shop."

They also offer sales and marketing “boot camp”. It’s a fast track class that covers everything in sales and marketing in four classes.

In addition to the one-on-one counseling and the night classes, if you want your employees to receive more training to fit your business, teachers will come to your place of employment and do the teaching for you.

“It’s convenient and easy for them,” Schrimple said.

If setting up websites, managing cash flow and book keeping are your strengths, these are highly recommended. For more information on these non-credit classes, Schrimple can be reached at at (708) 974-5714.

Katie Baxter can be reached at baxterk@student.morainevalley.edu


Going Green

Photo by Alexandra Dean

Joe Salah
Staff Writer

How many times a day does one throw aluminum and glass into a trash bin? 

How many times has someone thrown their food wrappers and other miscellaneous garbage out of their car window, or carelessly launched it into the street? 

The answer is probably often, but the importance of this issue does not lie within the pollution you’ve already contributed to, but rather in the actions you can take to improve our economy and prevent contamination from reoccurring in the future.

Tree Campus U.S.A is the title that was given to Moraine Valley, along with 28 other colleges dedicated to “going green.” It is awarded to campuses that meet the five core standards of tree care. 

The hectic construction that went on last year at Moraine would seem counterproductive to the Green Team considering many trees were removed, but Stephenie Presseller, sustainability coordinator and funded sustainability manager claims that “every tree removed during the construction was replaced at a 3 to 1 ratio.”

Moraine Valley’s endeavors to become more economically aware, or to “go green,” began in 2008, and have increased substantially, proving quite effective. Efforts include installing energy-efficient lighting throughout the campus, replacing plastic bags in the bookstore with completely biodegradable ones, revamping the concession stand in the FPAC to consist of healthier snacks with smaller packaging, and many more methods. The new Moraine campus being built in Tinley Park is also cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.  

A sustainability symposium was held at U of I this year where numerous ideas were presented to college students regarding how to become more involved in the promotion of a healthy economy. Governor Pat Quinn attended and signed a five-year promise of contribution to sustainability.  

“We felt kind of out of our league, in a sense of our budget compared to University of Illinois’ million-dollar budget,” said Dawn Fry, program assistant in the Student Life Office.

Moraine had pledged to achieve 75% of the goals of its old sustainability compact, and succeeded in doing so.  Some of the results from the success include Cy-Rides, a free web-based carpooling program, and decreasing the energy usage for hot water and heating by constructing solar panels for the A, B, and L buildings on campus. 

The college is also in the process of opening a satellite-based campus that is both USGBC (US Green Building Council) and LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) certified.

People can help the green team and the economy in general by taking it upon themselves to participate in environmentally friendly activities. Presseller urges everyone to recycle all dead and dried up Expo, Sharpie, and Papermate writing utensils at L242, the new Center for Sustainability.

Also, give the Cy-Ride system a try. Carpooling is free, gives opportunities to make friends, and eliminates the strenuous circling of the parking lot many students’ mornings consist of.

Joe Salah Can be contacted at Jsalah22@gmail.com


Holy War Near Ground Zero

Ayat Huseen
Staff Writer

The heated debate that spiraled sensitivity and questioned freedom of religion, involving a Muslim center to be built two blocks away from ground zero, came to an end on Tuesday, August 3. Americans of both stances voted and debated over the center at New York’s Landmarks preservation commission where the city voted 9 to 0 for the 100 million dollar center to be built at 4547 Park Place in Lower Manhattan, and it will be open to all faiths.  What used to be a Burlington Coat factory before the 9/11 tragedy will now be the home to a prayer center, a 500 seat auditorium, and a pool. Americans who are for the mosque have compared and argued past history of other racial backgrounds, deeming it unjust to blame a whole group for the actions of one.

Although terrorism does exist in all racial backgrounds, those against the construction feel the center’s mission is out of character.  

According to NY 1 News, Sharif El-Gamal, developer of the project, stated, "This is a defining moment for you and I and the First Amendment, and I see us passing this test as Americans."

Although others like Gamal agree that America’s fight should be over terrorism and not one stereotyped religion, others question the funding that a supposed terrorist organization could be a part of.  With September 11th approaching, the sensitivity towards the attack is at a peak.  According to the New York Times, audiences at landmarks preservation commission, shouted “Shame on you!” and “Disgrace!” Whatever is built or destroyed, many Americans will gather on September 11 to remember those lives lost from all faiths and backgrounds.

Ayat Huseen can be contacted at ayathuseen@hotmail.com


The Closing of the U-Mart

Photo by Stacey Reichard

Eleni Vryza
Staff Writer

The U-Mart café has closed. 

Remember the cozy corner at the entrance of the U building by the Pace bus station?  It was the place to stop by last semester and catch up with students, staff, and faculty. Hurrying bus drivers would also stop by there to get a coffee or a drink and visit the next-door bathroom.

“The U Mart was opened the second half of last year,” said Richard Hammesfahr, a representative of Sodexo Services at Moraine Valley. “Throughout the summer, it has remained closed as we went to summer hours. When this year came, in looking at its performance as a business, it made more sense to open the cafe up until 7:00 at night.”

Hammesfahr said, regarding the reasons it closed, that “The cafe had more of a variety of items available because of space and was not as crowded when there were ten people here. Also, it seemed to be hard to find and not as convenient, being tucked away in the hallway. We are looking to bring out the Starbucks coffee into the cafe, but we have to find room there. We will bring back the nachos for those who miss it.” 

This Hemingway story discusses the refuge the cafe gives to the main character of campus.  Expanding the Starbucks corner that Sodexo mentioned might be a good idea. Coffee shops are meeting places and Starbucks in particular, with their multicultural music, provides inspiration and a wonderful opportunity for meaningful conversations. Hammesfahr added, “As far as the people that worked in the U Mart, nobody has lost their positions, and you can still find Norine, the cashier, in the cafe Monday through Thursday evenings.”

If you need more information about the closed U Mart, Kash Shah may be able to give you more details.

Eleni Vryza can be contacted at uchirak@yahoo.com.mx  


A.L.A.S.

Photo by Jaqueline Jimenez

Joe Salah
News Editor

Moraine Valley is an extremely diverse community college, reflected not only by the student body, but by faculty members and staff as well.  Students originating from all over the world attend and work at our college, and the diversity is ever expanding, but one particular group of students have taken it upon themselves to create a club.  A club in which students of the same nationality come together to organize events and projects to improve the overall condition and experience included in the attendance of Moraine Valley.

A.L.A.S, or the Alliance of Latin American Students is a recently founded club where students of Hispanic decent come together and discuss methods and actions they can take to improve certain areas, host fun events pertaining to their culture, and assist members in finding internships and work post-graduation.
“We just want to help out as much as we can,” club president Jackie Jimenez says.

The Alliance is planning on assisting with the Buffalo Wild Wings fund-raiser in conjunction with Saint Xavier University in order to help setup an international community service project.  Also, October will be Latin-American heritage month followed by the club’s Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead) celebration.

Many new members have decided to join and bring new ideas to the table. 

“I want to make an impact.  We all want to do as much as possible and make a difference wherever we can,” claims new club member Lupe Vega.

The club was founded a couple years ago, and is rapidly growing in popularity.  Jackie and the rest of the members urge other Latin-American students to participate in the club and assist them in their benign and achievable goals of community and school improvements.

Joe Salah can be contacted at JSalah22@gmail.com    


Mock Interview Day

Photo from Mock Interview Day
Photo by Marketing

Frank Florez
Editor In Chief

Coming into college, many students are going to be looking to find a job for the first time in their lives. Although some may have experience in the work force, there are plenty of students who were able to enjoy their high school years without having to work on the side. With students now coming into a new chapter of their lives and gaining some more independence, now is going to be the time for many to find a job.

For the students who are looking to find a job for the first time or for those who want to brush up on their interview skills, look no further than this year’s Mock Interview Day hosted by Moraine Valley. On Wednesday, September 8 students will be able to have a practice interview with a real employer from the local area.

[You get] 20 minutes for interview questions and 10 minutes for really valuable feedback; a really quality amount of time. If there is room permitting they can have two session, two appointments if they call and pre-register with our office, said Job Resource Specialist Tamima Farooqi.

During the session students will learn how to answer interview questions and will also be given tips on how to improve their face-to-face interview skills.

It’s really a great opportunity, said Farooqi. We try to pair students up with an interviewer whose in their field. To get that insight is really precious.

To participate in this event students need to really play the part of the interviewee.  Participants are required to dress professionally and bring two resumes in order to be admitted into the event.  The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Moraine Business and Conference Center.

In order to sign up for Mock Interview Day students are required to pre-register. There are limited sports be sure to call the Job Resource Center at 708-974-5737 to schedule your interview.

Frank Florez can be contacted at florezf@student.morainevalley.edu


Tinley Park Campus

Photo fromt he Tinley Park Campus
Photo by Marketing

Joe Salah
News Editor

Moraine Valley, although a top-notch community college, is considered inconveniently located by many students.  Well, the tedious drive has finally come to an end for south-dwelling Moraine Valley students that are tired of scheduling a thirty to forty-five minute drive into their already busy mornings.

An alternate Moraine campus in Tinley Park has been under construction since spring of 2009.  The building will offer a variety of 20 classes, some of them being; Principles of Macroeconomics, American History I, General Education Mathematics, World religion, and Medical Terminology.   You can view a full list of the offered courses at the Moraine website (www.morainevalley.edu), and the fall 2010 Schedule.  Every class takes place on a weekday, and will be 10 weeks long.  The cost of tuition will be approximately 95$ per credit hour, and of course does not include book fees, and other miscellaneous fees. 

10.5 Million dollars were invested into the 32,000 square feet Southwest Education Center, and students couldn’t be happier.

“This is going to make my mornings way better,” MVCC student Justin Allen remarks.  “I won’t have to wake up at 6 a.m anymore to make it to an 8 a..m class.”

Construction encountered a few hiccups in the process since the project was approved in a referendum in early 2006, (permission to build near an interstate, etc.), but is expected to be completed and available for attendance on October 11th of this year. 


Trustee Corner

Photo of the student trustee, Julius Allen
Photo courtesy of Public Relations

Julius Allen
Student Trustee

Welcome back everyone! It’s been too long right? Time has certainly flown by and now it’s time to do it all over again. I know some of you feel like it hasn’t been long enough but duty definitely calls. I hope you all had a wonderful summer and really took advantage of the break. You didn’t have to do anything spectacular like going to Disney World or Australia. It could’ve been as simple as going to the movies more than you normally do or taking the train downtown to Millennium Park. I haven’t forgotten about those of you who took summer courses either. I’m sure you had a blast too but whatever was done, I hope it was made the best of.

I’m not sure if anyone noticed but business is booming in the S-building. The hallways are crowded, the lines are long, and everyone is super busy. It looked like the Taste of Chicago was now being held in the S-building. I was certain that an Italian beef would be waiting for me at the front of the financial aid line. Although it’s busy, faculty and staff are hard at work to get students on the right track. A lot of the buzz has been centered on the new MVCC Student Portal. I’m certain that everyone has gotten familiar with it but if you haven’t then here’s a little back story: Moraine Valley is always looking for innovative ways to improve the overall order of things along with staying modern in today’s world. With that being said, MVConnect was born. This system connects students like never before and now you can access your info at any time of day or night.

I encourage all of you to get involved if you haven’t already. School is more than just going to class and then going home. Get your money’s worth and build lasting relationships along the way. I understand that most people want to but they have other commitments and there’s nothing wrong with that. Members of our clubs and organizations are more than willing to work with you so please reach out. We’ll be reaching out during welcome week so I hope to see you there.

I’m a firm believer in being informed because having the knowledge on what’s happening is vital. I’m not talking about what Kim Kardashian ate for breakfast or what country Angelina Jolie adopted a child from. I’m talking about news that matters and affects us all. President Obama recently signed a bill that prevents future layoffs of teachers across the country. Teachers are people from all walks of life who bring balance to society and layoffs are totally unacceptable. The bill certainly includes more but I’ll leave that up to you to research. Many students are feeling the impact of the state not having enough funding for their education.

Community Colleges are leading with higher enrollment and activity but for some reason the major universities are first in line for funding. Nearly 2,000 students were denied the MAP grant this year due to the lack of funds. What can our legislators due to fix this? What can you do to make your voice heard?

Moraine Valley Alum Elena Herrera has been making her voice heard for quite some time on the issue and she needs your support. For more info, you can contact her at Eherrera@womenemployed.org.

I look forward to working with all of you in the future so feel free to send me an email or stop by the office anytime. I can be reached at allenj82@student.morainevalley.edu or 708-608-4165.

Julius Allen can be contacted at allenj82@student.morainevalley.edu



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