Extended campus fees to change
First increase in 8 years would eliminate Auraria fees, services for students at Metro North, South
John R. Crane
The Metropolitan

A fee increase for Metro North and South Campus students will take effect in Fall 2002.

This increase is to offset eliminations of four Auraria campus fees, said Karen Raforth, dean of student life.

"Unlike Auraria campus, there is no per-student state funding on North or South campus," said Raforth. The increase will more than double the fee from $23 per credit hour to $49 per credit hour.

The Auraria campus fees to be eliminated are those for student affairs, athletics, health services and the RTD bus pass, said Carol Svendsen, director of extended campus.

Presently, all Metro students pay $22.10 in athletics fees, $27.60 for health services, and $20 in bus fees. The student affairs fee ranges from $28 for three credit hours to $52 for 18 credit hours. Per credit hour fees for North and South campus students and Auraria students are the same.

"The elimination of the fees is not really our decision," Svendsen said. "The decision was made by the Colorado Committee on Higher Education."

State policy dictates that off-campus students cannot be charged for on-campus services they never use, Svendsen said.

The proposal to raise per-credit-hour fees was introduced by Svendsen and approved by Metro President Sheila Kaplan.

The per credit hour fee increase will be the first in eight years, said Cathy Lucas, director of campus communications. The increase is to compensate not only the elimination of Auraria fees, but increases in rent, instructional costs, and the absence of per-student state funding for North and South campuses, Lucas said.

"During those eight years, rent for South campus has increased by 31 percent," Lucas said. "Rent for North campus has increased by 54 percent."

Instructional costs have gone up 16 percent, Lucas said. Without state funding, all expenses must be covered by student tuition and fees.

There were 1,265 students registered on South campus and 475 on North campus in Fall 2001, Svendsen said. Those numbers do not reflect duplications caused by students taking more than one class at the extended campuses.

Extended campus students will not be allowed to use Auraria campus services as a result of the fee eliminations. Like online students who do not pay Auraria campus fees, they will not be issued current student stickers for their ID cards which would otherwise enable them to use a computer lab or ride the RTD buses for free, Svendsen said.

Under current policy, a student taking three hours of classes on Auraria campus and three on an extended campus pays six hours’ worth of Auraria campus fees. Starting next fall, that student will only pay three hours of Auraria fees, Svendsen said.

Metro student Barbara Scheer thinks the fees should not eliminated entirely, but instead be the choice of the student.

"The school should give you an option of waiving the fee if you don’t use the facilities or paying for it if you want to use them," Scheer said.

Scheer takes a yoga class at Metro North, as well as corespondence courses.

Adam Daily, a Metro student with classes on both Auraria and extended campus, said the proposals do not bother him.

"I don’t mind the cut because I don’t use the facilites at all," Dailey said.

The Metro Student Government Assembly welcomes student feedback regarding proposed increased fees for Auraria campus students. E-mail your comments and suggestions to Chris Meskow, vice president of student fees, at meskow@mscd.edu or call SGA at 303-556-3312.
‘The school should give you an option of waiving the fee if you don’t use the facilities or paying for it if do want to use them.’

-Barbara Scheer, Metro North student
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Kansas storms cause accident
Black Student Alliance Missouri trip derailed, details pending investigation
David Proviano
The Metropolitan

As students from across the nation converged in Columbia, Mo., for the Big Twelve Council on Black Student Government, Metro students returned to Denver following an accident with their van.

"It was a slow-speed event that happened in a heavy snowstorm in Goodland, Kan.," said Cathy Lucas, director of campus communications. "Nobody was hurt. That’s the important thing."

Although the accident left the van safe to drive, the group of six, including four Metro students, decided to return rather than continue their journey, Lucas said.

"I’m just glad everyone got back safe," said Tony Price, campus recreation director and Black Student Alliance adviser.

As papers are still being filed on the incident to the college, specifics on the incident and names of individuals involved could not be discussed, Price said.

Gina Ward, president of the organization, was unavailable for comment.

The Council is actually a student governing body that consists of black student governments from educational institutions in the big twelve conference.

In 1977, black students representing each school in the Big Eight Conference met to discuss similar problems they were having at their respective institutions. In 1978, student created the Big Eight Council and Conference on Black Student Government at the University of Missouri. In 1997, four Texas institutions were added. The council then changed their name to Big Twelve Council on Black Student Government.
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Bills to affect higher education
Sean Weaver
The Metropolitan

Bill requires universities to adopt anti-terrorism measures

A bill that would require university administrations in Colorado to comply with federal anti-terrorism measures unanimously passed the Senate Feb. 12.

The Senate voted 34-0, with one senator excused, to pass S.B. 113, which requires universities and colleges to adopt policies to implement all anti-terrorist measures required by the FBI, CIA, the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Office of Homeland Security.

"We have become complacent, and we fail to take the necessary measures," said Sen. Ken Arnold, R-Broomfield. "So consequently this is just a proactive bill that says each governing board shall provide all the help the (federal government) asks for."

Metro has not adopted a position on the bill, according to Metro spokeswoman Kathy Lucas.

"We’re going to have to look into it and see how it affects the college," she said.

Additionally, the Colorado chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has not yet adopted a position on the bill, according to the chapter’s representatives.

Name change on the table for University of Southern Colorado

The University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo might have a new name if lawmakers get their way.

Thirty-five representatives sponsored and introduced H.B. 1324 Feb. 8, which would change the University of Southern Colorado to Colorado State University - Pueblo.

"The name change would give the university a broader scope," said Rep. Betty Boyd, D-Lakewood.

A similar bill was introduced in last year’s session, but was defeated. If this year’s bill is passed, the University of Southern Colorado will change its name July 1, 2003.

College open meeting exemption passes Senate

The Senate approved an exemption from Colorado’s open meeting laws for colleges and universities.

The Senate voted 33-0 to pass S.B. 144, which would allow university governing boards to hold closed-door meetings after a two-thirds vote to discuss awarding honorary degrees and medals and to consider naming campus buildings after people.

The bill would also close records submitted to a college or university nominating individuals for honorary degrees or medals.
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The Metropolitan takes 15 awards
The Metropolitan was presented with 15 awards from the Wyoming Press Association during the 2000/2001 collegiate competition.

Ad designer Paul McNeill was the big winner over all, receiving five first place awards. The categories were: Use of color in an ad, Institutional ad, House ad, Merchandise ad, and Best designed ad.

Past feature editor Chris Ward received first place in the special section category for the Denver International Film Festival design and writing. Ward also received an honorable mention for column writing.

Past editor Sean Weaver received two first place awards. The first for open page design and the second for the Denver International Film Festival entered into the special section category.

Photographer Melanie Bialik won first place for her feature photo of Deb Gallegos, a Metro student and actress, rehearsing her role in The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

Photographers Adam Houseman and Scott Smeltzer won first and second, respectively, for personality photos.

Photographer Kelli McWhirter was given third place for her photo essay entitled Moving Mountains about a student in Metro’s program at Lookout Mountain.

Artist David Menard received second place for the informational graphic titled "1999 reported crimes on campuses in Colorado." Menard also received an honorable mention for an editorial cartoon.

Rie Speer, an ad designer, received second place for her house ad- Editor wanted.
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Metro briefs

Scholarship workshop

Three scholarship workshops are being offered by the Institute for Women’s Studies and services and the Office of Financial Aid.

February 20, 10:00 to 11:15a.m.

February 26, 1:00 to 2:15 p.m.

April 9, 5:15 to 6:30 p.m.

All workshops will be held in Tivoli 442 and are open to all students, faculty, staff and community members.

For more information, please call Tara Tull at 303-556-8441.
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police briefs

Bicycle thefts

Arthur H. Nelson Jr. reported a theft Feb. 6. According to reports, Nelson locked his bicycle to the bicycle rack next to the North classroom at 8:00 p.m. Feb. 5. When he returned at 9:30 p.m. he discovered his bicycle and lock missing.

Jeong Ho Lee reported a theft Feb. 6. According to reports, Lee locked his bicycle to the bicycle rack at the North classroom at 1:00 p.m. Feb. 5. When he returned at 2:00 p.m., he discovered his bicycle and lock missing.

Thefts from vehicles

Erin Elizabeth Enna reported a theft Feb. 6. According to reports, Enna parked her jeep in Auraria Lot K at 10 a.m. Feb. 6. When she returned to her jeep at 3 p.m., she discovered the soft top unzipped and her wallet and 25 compact discs missing.

Jason Sedillo reported a theft Feb. 4. According to reports, Sedillo parked his car on Auraria campus at 4:30 p.m. When he returned at 6:50 p.m., he discovered his stereo, cologne and several quarters missing.

Backpack theft

Clarence C. Cathy reported a theft Feb. 5. According to reports, Cathy left his backpack on a bench at the light rail station at Colfax and 10th Street at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 4. When he returned five minutes later, he discovered his backpack missing.

Harassment reported

Francisco R. Gonzalez reported harassment Feb. 5. According to reports, Gonzalez was in Central Classroom 105 when a man walked in asking for class information at 1:35 p.m. Reports said the man left, came back three minutes later and told Gonzalez that he had given him the wrong directions and hit him on the back of the head with his rolled up Metro class schedule. The suspect is described as a bald white male, who was wearing a gray sweater and blue jeans and carrying a green backpack.

-John R. Crane
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Taking credit where Reagan’s due
David Hindman
Staff columnist

Get ready for political blood and Gore as Democrats draw their ideological sabers to take a whack at the Bushes.

Our beloved former Vice President Albert Gore, co-participant in "the most ethical administration in history," (according to President Clinton), was recently in Nashville, Tenn. to prove his economic wits are not quite as sharp as his tongue.

Gore accused Bush of "squandering" the projected budget surplus of some $4 trillion and of being "fiscally irresponsible" with the U.S. economy. Gore has apparently forgotten that the surplus came from over taxing Americans during the Clinton administration. (That’s really the only way to get a surplus; take in too much money). But that isn’t all he forgot.

The fact the Clinton/Gore administration gave U.S. citizens the largest tax increase in the nation’s history, and the economic significance of this policy, also escaped him.

Taxes have a slowing effect on the economy because businesses and individuals have less incentive to work hard when their profits are siphoned off by the government. If you pay a higher percentage of taxes for making more money, why not scrap the overtime and go home early to knock back a couple brewskis?

Clinton/Gore saw a soaring economy during their reign, not because of increased "broad-based contributions" (spelled t-a-x-e-s) but, rather, in spite of them. It was the sound economic policy of former President Ronald Reagan which was the impetus leading to the economic growth the Democrats parlayed into popularity.

Reagan knew, when you lower taxes, the economy grows because, (guess what); people will work harder for money they can keep! Furthermore, they’ll invest it so they can make more money. This causes the economy to grow, as long as funds are invested in something with real or actual value. (Are you following this Vice President Gore)?

During Clinton’s presidency, the momentum of the economy would have been stifled by tax increases more than it was but the timing of Y2K was in favor of the Democrats. During Clinton/Gore’s second term, literally billions of dollars were being spent into the American economy to prevent the much-dreaded national computer shutdown, which had sparked fears ranging from a global market crash to inadvertent nuclear doom.

Further fueling the fire was pandemic, paranoia-induced profiteering. Survivalists were selling $800 generators and a two years’ supply of freeze-dried food to any poor sap worried his wife and kids would be plunged into the new "dark ages."

The circulation of this huge amount of money caused a thermal economic rise to a level that day traders had only dreamed about. When the amateur investing public got wind there was pie in the sky, their newly invested dollars sent the market to unprecedented heights, forcing Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan to coin a new term describing the market–"irrational exuberance." In other words, it was all puff, hot air, artificially inflated, you know, kinda like Gore’s speech.

This "irrational exuberance" was the fuel for what other’s called "the new economy," which consisted of a group of technology companies, the stock prices of which continued to soar skyward despite yearly losses. It was almost like the world’s grandest pyramid scheme. There was little or no real value being developed, the trick to keeping the thing going was the massive amount of money being pumped into it, and in the end, it was mostly the little guy who got hurt.

The new economy pyramid was the Clinton era economy. Tech companies pumped Y2K money into the market. The economy got hot. Amateur investors jumped on the cash rocket of imaginary wealth and, when it lost momentum, they came crashing back to earth. The Democratic government siphoned off what taxes it could while it had the chance–money that couldn’t be reinvested in the economy because it was sitting idle in the Democratic surplus "lock box."

Both little guys (amateur investors) and big guys (corporations and heavy hitters) suffered when the economy fell on them and the Democrats left Bush holding the bag. The blame for the recession lies, largely, with Clintonian economic policy.

For proof of this, all one has to do is look at the financial events of the year 2000, prior to the Florida election debacle at year’s end. The market had been in an alarming downward trend most of the year, coming off a falsely pumped up pre-Y2K high. This was reflected in below-the-mark earnings expectations early in the spring of 2000, nine full months before Bush took office and continuing until that time. I invite the reader to view the Wall Street Journal website at http://interactive.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/dj10k-frameset.html. Be sure to click on each quarter in the year 2000 and read all the descriptive highlights below the graph. They’re very informative.

Contrary to the "Gorey" story of Bush squandering the previous administration’s "economic progress," the fact is Bush was handed a rapidly souring lemon.

The former vice president, in accusing Bush of hurting the economy, reminds me of the kind of kid that bruises himself falling out of a tree and then runs to Mommy saying his brother hit him. But what would you expect from a member of the Clinton legacy–an administration who couldn’t accept responsibility for anything they did wrong, while taking credit for everything Republicans did right.
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Something sappy for Valentine’s Day
Jenny Arribau
Staff Columnist

Valentine’s Day is by far America’s strangest holiday. Some people love it, more people dread it, and others just don’t really care about it. No matter how much someone loves it or loves to hate it, everyone has an opinion about V-day. My opinion is this: if you want to have a good day on Feb. 14; be creative and spontaneous, and spend it with people that you love.

The best Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had was during my study abroad in Rome, Italy. I was studying with other American students, and all of us were either single or far away from our lovers, so we all went out to our favorite group of bars in the city. A few people in our group decided to buy out all of the inexpensive roses from a few street vendors. Suddenly all of us had bushels of red, white, and pink roses in our arms. No hearts were broken or feelings hurt as they sometimes are on V-day. We were all just friends celebrating friendship, and we all had a blast.

Unfortunately, many people still rely on Valentine’s Day to tell them where their love life really stands, instead of celebrating the love they share with others. For many people, this makes V-day a bad day, as many people aren’t getting any action lately. This holiday should not be used as a scale to measure the excitement in everyone’s love life. Instead it should be a day to express our love to not just a lover, but a friend, family, and/or ourselves. If you don’t feel particularly loving or lovable on the 14th, buy something for yourself, or do something that you enjoy.

My own experience has proven that the more carefully that the day is planned, the bigger a disaster it will be. The worst V-day I’ve ever had happened during my freshman year of college in Fort Collins, Colorado. I was living in the dorms at CSU, and the guy I was dating lived in Denver. As the big V-day approached us, I suddenly got cold feet. The whole thing was moving too fast, I wasn’t over my ex yet, and I needed some breathing room. I told him that he shouldn’t come up to see me for Valentine’s Day. He pleaded with me but I had made up my mind. Well, the poor guy had bought me roses from a shop in Fort Collins that didn’t deliver. Respecting my wishes, he delivered the flowers to my roommate while I was studying. Afterwards he realized that he had locked his keys in his car, and stood in the cold for hours waiting for a locksmith before driving all the way back to Denver. I felt horrible. He had spent so much money, and all because of this red day of teddy bears, kisses, and sappy phrases. Everyone is expected to feel romantic on V-day, but in a relationship, mutual feelings are impossible to plan.

If you don’t have time or money to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, whatever you do, please don’t run to the store and buy a cheesy card for your significant other. Most of the time, a card that you didn’t write tells your lover absolutely nothing about your feelings besides your feelings of obligation, and that’s not very flattering. Why not be creative and make your own card? It’s cheaper, the poem that you write will truly describe your feelings, and you will impress him or her with your extra effort and creativity. And don’t stop there! Cook something special and/or plan a fun unexpected activity.

You don’t have to be dating someone to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Whether you are spending it with a loved one, with your buddies, or on your own, remember that it is a day to celebrate love. That can mean family and friend love, the love in a relationship, or even self-love. Just make sure you have fun; you deserve it.
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Fetuses aren’t people, too
Walter Gant
Staff Columnist

The recent political games of George Bush have caused another uproar in America. The Bush administration recently declared an unborn fetus should be eligible for government funded health insurance. What this does in many people’s eyes is throw a wrench in the abortion debate. There are many ways that this could be argued, but before I go on a tangent I’ll present facts.

The first and most important part of this argument is the verdict of Roe v. Wade. On Jan. 22, 1973 the Supreme Court voted in favor of Roe, a woman who had been denied an abortion in the state of Texas. Their verdict made it possible for women in all fifty states to receive an abortion if they chose to.

The first thing that we must take into consideration is the administration that is pushing this. The Republican Party has a history of being pro-life. One of Bush’s first anti-abortion moves was enacted outside of America. They eradicated funds sent throughout Africa and other third world countris. Not only were abortion clinics closed, but also clinics that distributed birth control and health care services to women.

I’m not saying that abortion should be used as a form of birth control. If you and your partner know that a child is not what you want, then you do what you have to do, but there’s nothing worse than seeing a parent that doesn’t love their kid. It’s better to not be a parent at all then be a parent that feels like their child is cramping their style.

This new law basically could give rights to a fetus. A being that can’t talk or think doesn’t have rights so how can they have medical insurance? Half the people walking around on metro won’t have that coverage and they really need it. If this gives fetuses the rights that people have, abortion would be eventually looked at as homicide. It’s bad enough that we make people that have abortion feel like crap. If this rule is enforced, they will be murderers, too.

They scary thing about this is that congressional approval is not needed for this to take place. They can just get the wording correct and make it official. Is that fair? No, it’s not. But that’s the way of Washington. They just make sure that all of the people who helped them get into office are taken care of. They don’t take into considerations all of the lives that could be affected or ruined because of this. A lot of people have died for people to continue choosing their rights for abortion. Clinic bombings, shootouts, protests, religious groups and others are what make this fight for your rights that much more serious.

This rule change will only go as far as the people let it. With enough public scrutiny this can be challenged. It must be challenged. Even though I’m pro-choice it really comes down to women. I can’t have kids. I can go half on a baby but I won’t be delivering a child anytime soon. Women this will become your fight. Do you really want another man telling you what you can and can’t do with your body? Let’s open our eyes before another cheap rule deprives you of your rights.
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Letters to the editor
Are fee increases on the way?

Dear Editor,

I need to get the word out on some proposed fee increases. Let me tell you a little about them. First of all there are three proposals. The first two are for Intercollegiate Athletics (Student Athletic Fee) and the Student Affairs’ Fee. Both of these proposals are asking solely for a cost of living increase of 3.2 percent. The third on the other hand is for Information Technology and they are asking for a chunk of change.

The Athletics Fee increase would account for standard inflation, mandatory salary increases, inflation of lodging, meals, equipment, as well as making up for the loss of revenue due to online students no longer having to pay the fee, and revenue lost from an increased bad-debt charge of 9.5 percent (the bad debt charge is how the college pays off any outstanding debts from past students who have neglected tuition bills). If you’re wondering what this increase would look like if it were to take place here it is. Currently you pay $22.10 and after the fee increase you would pay $22.81.

An increase in the Student Affairs Fee, which pays for services like the Counseling Center and Legal Services, would account for the bad-debt charge as well as lost revenue from online students. This increase does not allow for salary increases or any increased spending on Student Affairs’ Fee funded programs. Currently students pay this fee on a gradated scale based on the number of credit hours a student takes. Basically, a student taking one class at three hours would see a $0.68 increase, where as a student taking 8-27 hours would notice a $1.67 increase in their current fee.

The third fee increase proposal is for Information Technology. This is where the money to buy computers for labs and maintenance for those labs comes from, not to mention, all the other costs that come along with keeping up with technology. This fee increase would be used to increase IT services. These services include plans to add a new computer lab in efforts to accommodate students’ growing need for computer access. And, if things go right, this lab will be a tri-institutional lab in the Tivoli, meaning all students, whether they go to Metro, the Community College of Denver or the University of Colorado, Denver, will have access. Also in the works are plans to start a laptop checkout program, add three ROWDY like kiosks to campus, expand network electronics that would provide better video streaming, replace old furniture, printers, and provide scanners for labs, and add employees to better support students.

So, you might ask what does a fee increase for technology mean to your pocket book? Well, it means a hefty tax. This fee, like the Student Affairs’ Fee, is a gradated fee. So a student taking 1-3 credit hours would pay a $3.60 increase and a student taking 16-27 credit hours would see a $18.30 increase.

All right, now you have an idea of what it is that I’m dealing with here and you might even wonder why I’ve taken the time to write all this. The answer to that is simple: I just want to know what the students think. Get in touch with me and let me know what you think. You can contact me via e-mail at meskow@mscd.edu or feel free to call me at 720-296-8630.

Chris Meskow
Vice President of Student Fees
Metro State
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Letters Policy

The Metropolitan welcomes letters of 500 words or fewer on topics of general interest.
Letters must include a full name, school affiliation and a phone number or e-mail address.
Letters might be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.

Mailbox:
The Metropolitan
900 Auraria Parkway, Suite 313
Denver CO 80204

e-mail: haraburd@mscd.edu
phone: 303.556.2507
fax: 303.556.3421
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Slipping and sliding on the slopes
National Brotherhood ski summit yields 2 bronze medals for Metro alum
Elena Brown
The Metropolitan

He has already won several medals; most of them are gold. His goal was to add to his precious medal collection. And now he has.

Metro faculty member Alton Clark, 49, placed third and won two Bronze medals at the 2002 National Brotherhood of Skiers Annual Meeting and Challenge Cup. Clark, who was racer 113, completed his first run in 37.42. The pacesetter set the time at 28.03. On the second run,

"I fell, but I got right back up." His time was 45.10. (The handicap is considered by time and age.) "I do pretty good for a guy that’s almost fifty" Clark said. He was all smiles this year in Snowmass, CO.

He races in the Intermediate/Advance races. He has been racing for quite a few years now. He did not even know he placed until just a few hours before the awards ceremony. It’s not a gold, "But I’ll take it," he said.

The NBS (aka The Black Ski Summit) held its mini-summit this year at Snowmass. The summit, held Feb. 2-9, consisted of a week’s worth of races, fund-raisers, a picnic, concerts, happy hours and, of course, skiing and snowboarding. The NBS’s theme, "Color Of Achievement", was chosen to represent the NBS’s success in introducing blacks to the sport of skiing in both recreational and competitive fields, said Lauren Summers, public relations staff member. The 2003 summit will be in Feb. 1-8 at Whistler, B.C., Canada. And Clark is planning to go.

Clark began skiing in 1968. And for more than a decade he has been a member of the Colorado based Sippers-N-Sliders ski club. When people say black people don’t ski, Clark said, it’s just a lack of knowledge. "I just show them my pictures of the summits." More than 1,200 people attended this year’s mini-summit. "Snowmass was pretty welcoming," Clark said. "But Aspen was kind of snooty." This was the first year that Aspen was associated with the N.B.S. since the summits began.

On Feb. 6, The Southern Snow Seekers from Atlanta, GA; Black Ski from Washington, DC; and the Sippers-N-Sliders from Denver, CO were all acknowledged at the President’s Award Dinner for bringing the most skiers to this year’s AM/CC. The Sippers-N-Sliders brought over half of its 350 members to the event

The non-profit, predominately-black N.B.S. has more than 14,000 members from 73 cities in 32 states. There are 49 clubs in the Eastern and Midwest region and 33 clubs in the Rocky Mountain and Western region. It is one of the largest ski conventions in the United States.

The NBS mission is to identify, finance and develop Olympic caliber athletes.

The NBS is the only organization that provides athletic (training) scholarships for potential Olympic caliber minority youth.

It was founded in Aspen in 1973 by Ben Finley and Art Clay. The organization is currently headquartered in Chicago, Ill. The summit was full of planned events, such as a concert performance of Parliament Funkadelic, the band gained famed in the 1970s. The summit held a few surprises like Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick at the Taqueray-sponsored Apres Ski Party, and including an Anheuser Busch picnic, held at Spider Sabich Picnic Area, complete with prizes and a disc jockey. Most of the events were held at the Snowmass Village.

Clark, a Colorado native, received his degree in human services drug and alcohol abuse from Metro. He has been with Metro’s Veterans Upward bound and Student Support Services for the past four years. And for three of those years, he has been the advisor for Metro’s Black Student Alliance.

He has also asked Greg Muckelroy, the president of the ski club, to allow a discounted membership rate for college students. Right now, the annual fee to become a Sippers-N-Sliders is $30 for a single member and $60 for a family. Registrations for members to attend the summit are approximately $150.

Clark continues to downhill race and has plans to ski this weekend at Vail Mountain. The Sippers-N-Sliders will be sponsored by Black Enterprise magazine. Although snowboarding is in fashion these days, Clark has never been snowboarding, "Maybe when I feel suicidal, I’ll give it a try." He said.

Elena’s trip diary

Tuesday, Feb. 5

Black people don’t ski. Well, maybe a few…

I really didn’t know what to think when I saw the 1,200 or so black skiers and snowboarders. I mean, really, who knew? But then again I found out that black people could also sunburn, so I have been known to be out of the loop.

I am in SnowMass! Although it did take four hours not three, as I was previously told. And anyone that has taken a road trips and found out you still have an hour to go, knows my pain. When I passed the town of No Name-Just how much thought went into that?

I pulled my mom’s car into Snowmass Village there were black people everywhere. At the restaurant-black people. At the ticket offices-black people. Talking to each other-black people. Black folks in ski gear. WOW.

The National Brotherhood of Skiers began this year’s summit on Feb 2. So I am behind. But I mean to catch up. Maybe at tonight’s peek-a-boo Pajama Party. According to the schedule I should be in PJ’s and a blanket. They were gonna be showing the new Denzel movie, John Q. Pajama’s in the winter? Well, anything for Denzel…

Tonight’s party? The Renegades Chocolate Singles Party-Downtown Aspen

Wednesday, Feb. 6

Well, got a late start-but I hit the slopes to go riding. I meet up with friends at the Anheuser Busch Picnic-on-the-hill. When I arrived there was a full sized caddie made of snow and ice. After a choice of chicken or beef fajitias-And some dancing in snowboard boots-which is a feat, needless to say.

There are over 82 clubs here; The Denver-based Sippers-N-Sliders, the Texas Ski Rangers, The Boston Ski Party, the Sunshine Slopers of Florida.

I was ready for the Tanqueray Happy Hour at Bumps at Buttermilk Mountain.

"Six minutes. 6 minutes. 6 minutes, Doug E. Fresh you’re on!" Come on yall know the words. Yes Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick preformed at the happy hour. It was about 9 degrees outside and about 70 inside. Or that could have been all the apple martinis.

Tonight’s party? Soul on Ice-Downtown Aspen

Thursday, Feb. 7

Another late start…but hey, can I really be blamed or can I blame the demon of Gin.

I did manage to hold my hangover to a minimum and meet Andre Horton. The young man the NBS has trained and sponsored. He made the US Ski Team. But he tore his ACL. So no Olympics-bummer. Went to the Freestyle bump competition.

I have been handed so many flyers for so many parties. Tonight? Either the House Party in Snowmass, or the Martini Cabaret or the Renegade Round-up Party….oh decisions, decisions.

Friday, Feb. 8

Ended up at the house party and the downtown Aspen parties, yes that’s plural. Needless to say…another late start. Time to ride. And watch some of the races. It’s finally snowing.

Tonight’s party? The Chicago Party-Downtown Aspen or the Parliament Funkadelics concert.

Saturday, Feb. 9

Check out is at 10 a.m. I got out of there around noon. Can’t wait to get these pictures developed. And get some aspirin.

See ya next year in Whistler!
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Cellist talks with music
Mullikin chosen "Distinguished Composer" of the year
Matt Campbell
The Metropolitan

After talking with David Mullikin, one might think he is a quiet, shy, and humble man. By all accounts, that might be true. However, that doesn’t mean he has nothing to say. He just tells his stories in a different way. He talks through music.

And now what he has said has won him an award.

Mullikin recently was chosen for the "MTNA-Shepherd Distinguished Composer of the Year."

"I have been performing music for most of my life, but only within the last 10 years or so have I begun composing," says Mullikin. "I feel honored to receive such an award."

A cellist, he has been a part-time faculty member with Metro’s School of Music for 11 years. He is a 29-year veteran of the Colorado Symphony, a member of the Ariel Trio, a three-person ensemble-in-residence at Metro. Also an accomplished composer, his works have been recorded most notably by Neville Mariner and the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields. For a man with many accomplishments the idea of more recognition would seem a forgone conclusion. Yet, this most recent milestone may be his greatest.

Early in 2001, Mullikin was commisioned by the Colorado State Music Teachers Association to write a piece that would then be performed at their convention in June. The piece turned out to be ‘Voice Of The River Han," a collection of eight songs for soprano, piano, violin, and cello. The words that make up the song were pulled from ancient Korean poetry and were intentionally written with his group, the Ariel Trio, to perform.

For this particular piece, Mullikin employed the help of Dr. Mee-Ae Nam, also a Metro faculty member. The Trio performs at various times throughout the year, putting on two formal recitals, and also performing for Introduction to Music classes at Metro.

"I actually consulted with Dr. Nam with regards to the musical style and Korean culture," said Mullikin.

Premiered at the CSTA convention in June 2001, the piece was met with a good response, according to Mullikin. In turn, it was submitted by the association to the Music Teachers’ National Organization.

Each year, the national group considers entries from various states and then awards one composition and composer. The award also includes a cash prize, which is made possible by the generosity of Dr. Sylvia Shepherd.

This year’s award, chosen from a field of 33 pieces, will be given to Mullikin at the MTNA Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, in March. Along with the award, the trio and Dr. Nam will be traveling to the Convention to perform the piece.

For Mullikin, it’s just business as usual. For Dr. Cable, the larger honor is working with Mullikin. "He wrote the piece with every instrument in mind and the piece really shows that. I find this piece to be full of color and wonderful imagination," says Cable. ‘"I just hope that people realize what an honor this is for David," adds Cable. "To be recognized on this level is a major accomplishment. I just love the music.
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Love and basketball
Eric Eames
The Metropolitan

Something was up on the last day of September, in the first week of autumn. Chris Ford and Kara Swartzendruber trekked two miles through willow thickets and rows of gold-leafed aspens on their way to Cub Lake in Estes Park.

Ford was unusually nervous this day. Upon reaching the lake he dashed off to find two girls to take a picture of him and his girlfriend.

Something was up. And Swartzendruber knew it.

"He wanted to keep it a secret, but he just couldn’t keep it to himself," Swartzendruber said. "He would drop hints and kept saying, ‘What a big day it was going to be.’"

Even though this moment may have been eagerly anticipated, its emotional tug was just as strong. With the water lily-lined lake in the backdrop, Ford dropped to one knee. The air became motionless.

"I was nervous right up to the point I asked her," Ford said.

He asked her to be his wife. Tears streamed from her eyes. He had told the girls to throw the camera in the lake if she said No.

She said Yes. It was a Kodak moment. The wedding is June 29.

Christopher Zane Ford. He doesn’t measure his life by the numbers, but in moments that make him smile–and that he can brag about too.

Ford was born in Montana. In seventh-grade, the Little Grizzly football team he quarterbacked played at half-time during a University of Montana-Missoula college football game. On this day, Ford he didn’t just steal the spotlight; he was the spotlight, throwing for five touchdowns in the packed stadium.

"I lit it up," Ford said proudly. "That was the highlight of my entire career and that’s probably why I love sports so much, is because of those moments."

When the Metro men’s basketball team won the 2000 National Championship during his sophomore year, it was another moment for the memory bank.

Ford, though, is not a star basketball player at all. He probably could’ve had a fine football career if he hadn’t fallen for hoops. He’s not the fastest on the team and he can only touch backboards. No rims.

"I’m definitely ground bound," Ford said.

He has no recruiting story. After averaging roughly 18 points for a lowly Arvada West team his senior year (1997), Ford enrolled at Metro, walked up to then new head coach Mike Dunlap and asked to walk on.

"I told him that he was welcome to and I gave him the expectations and he’s followed everything I said to the T," Dunlap said.

He’s a senior now. He sits toward the end of the Roadrunners’ bench during games. He’s averaged no more than three points and 10 minutes a game. But his coaches and teammates agree that his impact cannot be quantified.

"It’s hard for people from the outside looking in at our team to understand what he does for this team," said Clayton Smith, who has know Ford the longest. "Right now he would be our MVP, without question.

"The stats don’t tell anything about what Chris brings to this team….By far he is the biggest leader we have and I know for sure that the whole team will follow him anywhere."

Ford was born to lead.

On the second day of first grade, Ford knocked out a sixth-grade bully who was constantly picking on Ford’s friend in a wheel chair. He got in-school suspension for the fisticuff, but he was fighting the good fight.

"I’m not a big fan of people who think that they are better than others," Ford said. "That angers me when I see that."

In practice, Ford is the one who keeps control, often pulling freshman aside to make sure they understand the plays and he picks up the player's’ moods by making fun of himself. He often takes players out to lunch and on the road, everybody visits his hotel room to play cards or dominoes or to just feel his presence.

"It’s just a good environment," Smith said. "You always want to be around a guy you can trust, a guy who tells that truth, a guy you know is doing the right thing on and off the court."

Ford thrives in the classroom (3.5 GPA) while double-majoring in business and finance. He has a job waiting for him as a financial bond trader after graduation in May.

"He’s sincere in what he says and what he does," Smith went on. "And the reason why he is a good leader is because he does it with his actions. He doesn’t have to tell you all the time. You watch him and watch what he does and he is such a great example. You just follow him and you know that you are all right."

Such unmatchable dignity has earned Ford the admiration of even his coach.

"You can’t do what we’ve done over the years without players like Chris," Dunlap said. "He is straight glue. He makes us all possible. He’s the framework. He’s why I’m in the business. He is the essence of why coaches do what they do."

Yes, there have been better players at Metro, but there is no better player for Metro than Christopher Zane Ford.
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Baseball prepares for season
Jason Sheehan
The Metropolitan

After coming down the stretch with a 27-23 record last season, Metro State’s baseball team hopes to build on that confidence when they open their season on Feb. 16 at Auraria Field.

With 12 seniors and eight juniors, Vince Porreco has assembled a team primed to make a run at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title.

"I think we got a lot of depth," said Porreco. "At putting a guy at a position and not missing a beat, I think we’re right there. It’s a team that has a lot more ability, has played together and is aggressive both offensively, defensively and up on the mound."

According to Porreco, the pressure to win the RMAC is not put on them from anybody besides themselves. "I think every year you strive to meet your goal and that’s to win the RMAC. There’s no pressure. The pressure is put upon yourself. We’re going to go one game at a time, and hopefully through the course of the season, we’re going to be peaking at the right time going in to the conference tournament and that gives us the chance to win the RMAC."

ROUND THE HORN: PITCHING...

Roles have been established as far as the starting rotation is concerned. Porreco will use a four man set, all right-handers, starting with seniors Steve Fox, Jason Richardson, Steve Neely and junior Jason Humphrey. Porreco said competition will continue throughout the season. "We have quite a few guys that can compete later on. The rotations may change," said Porreco. "The first month and before we get into conference we’re going to feel everybody out, and hopefully be set right where we want to be going into conference play."

As far as the bullpen is concerned, senior Eric Cummings is back and will resume the role as the closer. According to Porreco, Cummings has "the mentality and the makeup" to come in when the game is on the line. The set-up men will be junior left-hander Dan Morasci, junior Jason Grover, freshman Burly Burns, and seniors Tim Price and Robert Carson.

"All of them are capable of going out and competing for us," Porreco said. "Our mentality right now, we’re going to go after hitters, put the ball in play and make our defense do the work."

Despite only having one left hander on his staff (Morasci), Porreco seems unconcerned about the lack of southpaws.

"No, I’m not worried," said Porreco. "Obviously the more left handers, the more looks you get to see. I think what we do have is a variety of different pitchers with different styles and different arm angles which is the most important."

BEHIND THE PLATE...

Senior Donnie Gwinner returns as the starter, although Brandon Payne will share the backstop duties.

"Donnie leads the team, and he did a great job last year and we’re expecting some big things from him this year," said Porreco. The freshman Payne, according to Porreco, is going to be "a very good player."

AT THE CORNERS...

Nate Lavrenz will be at first base, while David Dudley will man the hot corner. Both are seniors and are primed for big years both on the field and at the plate.

UP THE MIDDLE...

There are no set players at shortstop or second base. Instead, the Roadrunners will use a rotation that will feature three ‘outstanding’ middle infielders.

"Basically we have guys that are going to be rotating in and out. They’re all capable of being very good middle infielders," Porreco said, about the rotation of senior Steve Guerro, freshman J.C. Reigeborn and sophomore Tyler Wood.

OUT IN THE FIELD...

Sophomore Brian Edwards, who led the team in hitting last year, will start the season in right field. Junior Aaron Garcia will play center field, and juniors Josh Coe and John Burney will split time in left field. Also in the mix are injured senior Brian Filizetti and junior Jared Devine, both of whom will have the opportunity to win a starting position when they are healthy.

Although the roster is dominated by upperclassmen, the Roadrunners will use the depth of their team as their strength.

"When we get on the field there is no freshmen, there are no seniors. These guys are capable of competing at any level...we look at them as good athletes that are going to be able to play," Porreco said. "I think we are going to be solid one through nine. Our team is going to be extremely aggressive. It’s going to be exciting to watch."
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sports briefs

Men’s Basketball

The Roadrunners extended their win streak to four, beating Colorado School of Mines 79-54, Feb. 5 and cruising to an easy victory over Chadron State College 77-67 on Feb. 7.

With the two wins the Roadrunners slipped into the No. 24 slot in the NCAA Division II National Coaches Poll. Metro State holds the best men’s basketball record in the state of Colorado, (both Division I and II).

Senior Mike Buggs was named RMAC East Division Player of the Week.
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