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By Caylin Dean, Contributing Writer The average college student rolls out of bed approximately 15 minutes before (or sometimes after) their class starts, grabbing a can of caffeine and rushing out the door to catch the Bogey bus. Their uniform is typically a variation of a three-day-old outfit they slept in, its odor becoming a little ripe. Our lady bearcats attire typically consists of a pair of LuLuLemon leggings, a Patagonia pullover, and, depending on the weather, Uggs or Birks for their tootsies. Our male counterparts tend to have a go-to ensemble as well: sweatpants, tennis shoes, and a t-shirt or sweatshirt that dons their respective sports team. Although these are the traditional garb that we often see fellow classmates sporting on campus, there are some hidden treasures in the fas...

By Victoria Sananikone, Assistant Editor The following article represents the author's opinion about a specific topic. The information is backed up and was proof read by our editors. Freedom of speech is part of the First Amendment of the US Constitution and therefore has every writer the right to share his or her opinion. Feel free to email your editors about any issues with the article or leave your comment here. The following intro is simply a visual description of my experience within the weight room in the morning. Cheerleaders, this is not an attack, just my observations, so please don’t come high kick me in the face. Thank you:) So, I’m standing there, already dripping with sweat from our warmup, watching helplessly as a horde of cheerleaders claims more than half of the racks in...

By Magdalena Knapp, Editor Featured Image: mckendree.edu 80% of students on campus have a double life: They get up before dawn, put on their athletic attire and work out before the sun is even completely out. Then they go back to their dorms, shower, grab their backpacks and head to class. After class they sometimes squeeze in another workout before devoting the rest of their day to homework and studying. Being an athlete in college is a huge commitment and requires a lot of time management skills and desire, the desire to achieve goals, become better and stronger every day, and represent McKendree at tournaments, meets and games in the best way possible. Towards the end of the school year we tend to forget what huge impact and successes our athletes on campus had throughout the year. We...

Katherine Gemmingen, Head Copyeditor Pictures from Katherine Gemmingen, Dr. Ann Collins On March 28, I traveled with three other students, Taylor Ganz, Chandler Henson and Caden Owens, along with political science professor Dr. Collins, to Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Our mission: attend a policy summit focused on solving issues plaguing Illinois. Hosted by SIUC’s Paul Simon Institute of Public Policy, the Renewing Illinois Policy Summit brought together about 35 students from 8 universities throughout the state. The four of us from McKendree all have lived in Illinois for most, if not all, of our lives. Given that we also are in Dr. Collins’s public policy class this semester, the trip was quite fitting. Illinois government and politics have long been criticized for the p...

By Daniel Kimmer, Contributing Writer It was a cool, breezy Saturday night at Melvin Price Convocation Center (MPCC) on McKendree University’s campus. The men’s volleyball game was about to start, hosting Lewis University. Lewis University was ranked No. 10 in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) coming into the game. It was going to be a tough game for the Bearcats needless to say. I walked inside MPCC directly towards the gymnasium, and the music was loud, volleyballs flying all over from teams warming up as the crowds in the stands were slowly starting to fill just before game time. I located my seat for the game, right in the middle section, second row, a stellar seat (I felt) to get the best experience for the game. As I was sitting in my seat looking at all ...

By Cole Landon, Contributing Writer All photographs credited to Celebration Day: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin It’s Friday, February 22nd at the popular St. Louis concert venue The Pageant. The stage lights flash to life and two amphetamine-thin figures swagger up from backstage and into the crowd’s view. The beer-infused, middle-aged audience roars in applause for the two rock stars decked out in 70’s counter-culture apparel. The men dawn skin-tight bell-bottoms, floral women’s blouses, and long, natural hair. The band is Celebration Day: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin, with vocalist Mark Quinn and guitarist Jimmy Griffin playing the roles of Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, respectively. All St. Louis native musicians, drummer John Pessoni, bassist Cub Smith and keyboardist Dave Grelle complete the...

By Madeline Cade, Contributing Writer Group photo credits- Curt Copeland All other photos- Madeline Cade Even on the dreariest Wednesday nights Matthew DeTore and I pull up to the hole-in-the-wall bar around 9:30 PM. The small banner above the door reads “Seven Restaurant and Lounge.” A group of people hanging out outside are vaguely illuminated by the Guinness Draught sign. We fill our arms with a guitar case and multiple song books, and weave our way to our table—always the same small table in the back. We are greeted by musicians and regular patrons. To many, this is just a regular night at the bar. To others, this is their staple showcase. After 9 o’clock on Wednesday nights, a local musician, Curt Copeland, hosts an open mic night for other musicians to come up and sing and play the...

Hello McKendree, It is finally getting warmer and we can slowly (but surely) get out of our cozy rooms and spend more time outside! We provide you with a calendar of events that are coming up soon. Get up, go outside and enjoy being a student at McKendree University by attending some of these events! Art Department Related Events April 11-20 Senior Exhibition: Darla Allen Reception: Thursday, April 11, 5-7 pm   April 25-May 5 All Student Exhibition Academic Excellence Celebration Reception: Thursday, April 25, 4-6 pm   April 25 Academic Excellence Celebration, 4-6 pm Kappa Pi induction ceremony and reception, 6:30-7:15   Music Related Events Thursday, April 4 – Andrew Rist, clarinet, Senior Recital – 7:30 p.m. – Bothwell Chapel Thusday, April 11 – Beth Me...

By Rebecca Chicosky, Contributing Writer Photos by Jennifer Moder At around 7 o’clock on a chilly Tuesday evening, Bothwell Chapel filled with the rich sounds of 24 clarinets. On February 19th, McKendree University held its first “Clarinet Night” in which eighth grade through high school students were invited to a masterclass and concert alongside McKendree’s own clarinet section. The ensemble featured E flat, B flat and bass clarinets to an audience of parents, music teachers and overall lovers of the woodwind instrument. I got the amazing opportunity to play B flat clarinet in this ensemble and learn more about helpful and different ways to play the instrument. The night kicked off with a small masterclass given by clarinet instructor Mary Nan Jordan. Mary Nan received degrees in clari...

By Caylin Dean, Contributing Writer As my group and I creep through the door frame, struggling to get through with our full bags of craft supplies- construction paper, markers, scissors, and glue galore- we are greeted with the smiling faces of the residents who have waited so patiently for our arrival. I volunteer at a site that provides care to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Due to limitations at the site, I am prohibited from using any identifying information. Some of the people that we work with have Down’s syndrome, autism, or other forms of impairment. However, they are so much more than their disabilities; they are humans like you or me who long to have love and interaction, participate in meaningful activities, and make friends, which is why it has become such a passi...