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M A G A Z I N ES H I E L D
T H E I N D E P E N D A N T S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F R O C H E S T E R C O L L E G E
M O R E T H A N D E C A Y
As the Michigan winter finally relinquishes its death grip on nature, Rochester College’s campus comes alive. Flowers bloom, trees sprout leaves and Canadian geese re-invade the grounds.
And while these beautiful changes happen (“beautiful,” that is, except for the geese…), school gets more difficult. Exams loom, Academic Symposium terrifies upperclassmen and seniors scramble to figure out what to do after graduation.
Spring might be a beautiful season, but we hardly have time to breathe, let alone stop to frolic in nature. Instead, most of us just want to put April behind us and move on to summer. Spring is also a season for wanderlust. We’re looking forward to summer jobs, internships, vacations,
adventures...in short, we’re excited to be anywhere but in a classroom. When the future is this exciting, the present can pale in comparison. Because we’re itching for the next
season, pausing to appreciate the place we’re at right now becomes an afterthought.This issue of Shield, therefore, is designed to help us all stop and give thanks for the exceptional place we
are at and the wonderful people by whom we are surrounded. Inside this magazine, you will find several articles about Detroit: that vibrant, re-emerging city that is in
Rochester’s backyard. If you only hear about Detroit on the news, it may seem like the nation has given up on the city. But many
Detroiters are pouring their energy into revitalizing the place they call home. Detroiters have not abandoned their city in search of something better; instead, they are working toward
progress right now, within their own neighborhoods. This magazine also has stories that are closer to home. In this issue, we have three profiles on RC faculty who are retiring at the end of the semester. For Paula
Bonbrisco, Allie Keller and Dr. Craig Bowman, summer will begin a transition into a new chapter of their lives.
Before they go, however, we will spend their last weeks showering them with gratitude for all they have done for our school.
The end of the semester is exhausting. But even as we look hopefully toward the relaxation summer will bring, we must also stop and find gratitude in the spring.
Y O U D O N ’ T N E E D A T U R K E Y T O G I V E T H A N K S
Peace, Love and Little Baby,Natalie Redmond
S H I E L D
A L E T T E RF R O M T H E E D I T O R
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F I N D I N G O P P O R T U N I T Y
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Are Mi l lennia ls Afraid of C ommitted Relat ionships?
Why Mil lennia ls Are Moving to Detroit
Moving to Detroit creates great memories and gives young people a chance to show the nation that this city should not be known for crime and violence, but rather for hope, change and creativity.
R C S H I E L D . C O M // 03
S The Shield Online
www.rcshield.com
@SHIELD_RC
RCShieldtv
F E AT U R E S
S P O R T S
T H E B A L A N C E
L E T ’ S G O R E D W I N G S
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T R U E W A R R I O R
H O W T O N O T F A L L A S L E E P I N C L A S SKey Word is “NOT ”
F A C U LT Y F A R E W E L L SPaula B onbriscoAl l ie Kel lerCraig B owman
M I S S I O N S . M E
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Bui lding C ommunity or Causing Divis ions?
Managing Work & S chool
Ethan West
Loca l organizat ion pioneers g lobal miss ions
Nuggets of enter tainment goodness
I l l i tch Breaks Ground in the D
C O N T E N T S
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S H I E L D // SPRING ‘15
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR-DIGITAL MEDIA
ASSISTANT EDITOR-DIGITAL MEDIA
ASSISTANT EDITOR - CONTENT / CREATIVE
DESIGN MANAGER
COPY EDITOR
PHOTOGRAPHY MANAGER
OPINIONS EDITOR
SPORTS EDITOR
VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
NATALIE REDMOND
NICK SIMONIS
DYLAN BOLE
ALYSSA YAKEY
RACHEL TAYLOR
AMBER JOSEPH
JOSHLYN BOOTH
NICHOLAS O’NEIL
SHILOH COVELL
LINDSAY BASLOCK
MILTON CRIBBS
KAITLIN MILLIGAN
PUBLISHER, FOUNDER & ONLINE ADVISER LORA HUTSON PRINT ADVISER LIZ FULTON MULTIMEDIA ADVISER KAYCE MCCLURE
»
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSTEELLE CASE, DANIELLE FECTEAU, ELIJAH WAGERS
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERSTeELLE CASE, STACY CATALANO, CHLOE COTTON,
BRAD FECTEAU, GABII HARJU, MASON STORAY
S H I E L D SPRING // 04
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R C S H I E L D . C O M // 05
ALYSSA YAKEY
Alyssa is a junior majoring in Mass Communication/Public Relations.
Talk to Your Adviser Contact him or her and schedule a meeting to discuss your
course load. Advisers are always there to help you register for classes, and they can assist you with creating a schedule that fits your daily life.
When you meet with your adviser, come prepared. Bring a schedule that lists what days you work and how many hours.
You don’t want to accidentally schedule yourself for classes and work at the same time! This mistake will make your life hectic, and you’ll lose time trying to reschedule one of the two.
Communicate With Your Manager Just like your adviser at school, your manager is the one with
whom you need to speak with if you are experiencing any problems. An open line of communication with your manager will help
you feel comfortable asking for time off if you become overwhelmed at school.
If you know you are going to need to cut back on your hours during midterm and final exam weeks, make sure you give your manager a heads up.
Your manager should be able to accommodate your school schedule as long as you notify him or her of conflicts in advance.
Always Know Your ScheduleYou never want to show up to class and forget that you had an
important paper due or receive a text from your manager asking why you aren’t at your shift. Knowing your schedule will relieve some stress because unexpected conflicts are less likely to arise.
You’ll be able to make classes and work shifts on time, and your professors and boss will take notice of your preparedness.
A great way to stay on top of your schedule is to invest in a planner. In this book, write down your class schedule, work shifts, important meetings and due dates for assignments.
You’ll be able to mentally prepare yourself for upcoming events and see what each week has in store for you.
Plan for the FutureNo plans are set in stone, and this uncertainty also applies to
your schedule. Though you might not know what the future has in store for
you, you can still stay on top of your responsibilities. Finish homework assignments before they are due, and don’t
wait until the night before to study for an exam. What if someone at work gets sick and you have to take up a shift? Or a teacher moves a due date? Planning for the future can help you earn some extra cash at work while also maintaining good grades at school.
Balancing your work and school obligations may seem tough at first, but by following these tips, you can take some stress out of your schedule. The
managing work & schoolBALANCE
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S H I E L D SPRING // 06
Chapel has been one of Rochester College’s traditions since the school opened in 1959.
According to RC’s website, the mission of community chapel is to provide a twice-a-week opportunity “for students, staff and faculty to connect, be made aware of what is going on within the campus community, take a breath as
well as learn about life.”Chapel days feature programming that include praise and worship,
updates from various academic departments and occasional guest speakers. This year, chapel has also included a series of testimonies in which students and staff share how they have encountered Christ and what gifts they bring to the community around them.
While some students enjoy these events in chapel, many others feel that the programming offered does not have a wide enough appeal to speak to the whole campus community.
“I don’t mind going to chapel, but when we have praise and worship, it’s generally just straight up Church of Christ singing,” sophomore Caleb Touchstone said.
Though other styles of singing are occasionally performed in chapel, Touchstone added this variety is not offered frequently enough to feel truly incorporated into the programming.
“Plus, worshiping in chapel makes you feel like people are watching you, and you can’t do anything about it. And for some people, they feel watched when they choose not to sing,” Touchstone said.
Obviously, not every chapel event can appeal to every student, but some students feel a significant portion of RC’s community is consistently neglected in chapel. This disengagement also undercuts chapel’s community-building purpose.
“Chapel has a judgmental atmosphere, by peers and adults both. In chapel, you see people you don’t see all the time, but this means you can judge a stranger by the way they act in chapel, even though you might not see that person outside of chapel. Not everyone is into praise and worship; some people might be shy or feel uncomfortable. Sure, you see more people in chapel, but do you see them in the best light?” junior John Parks said.
Though RC is a Christian-based school, a campus-wide survey conducted by Shield revealed that approximately 10 percent of RC’s student population does not identify as Christian. These students often feel left out by chapel talks that assume every student is seeking a Christian lifestyle.
“I don’t mind the testimonies; it’s interesting to listen to others. But hearing how other people encounter Christ is going to be different for each person. And for some people, that message might not apply at all,” freshman Tyrone North said.
While most students agree that listening to their peers speak in chapel is interesting, the stories of RC students who do not identify as Christian have been notoriously absent from the testimony series.
“If people package their stories well, they’ve been important. But a speaker’s message has to reach everyone, not just select groups of students. Not everyone’s experience has been spoken to,” junior Elijah Wagers said.
BUILDING COMMUNITY OR CAUSING DIVISIONS?
at RC: Chapel
NATALIE REDMOND
Natalie is a senior majoringin English and Theatre.
Ultimately, students had a few suggestions for how to
make chapel more appealing to a wider range of people:
1. A video series“Pick a meaningful movie that we could watch over a couple days in chapel. People will come back to watch it, and it could make a good discussion piece. There are good movies out there that can refresh people and get them to think more about themselves and their spirituality,” Parks said.
2. A detailed schedule from the get go Publish the chapel events at the start of each semester, so students can plan chapel into their schedules and attend on the days they know will most interest them.
3. more opportunites for chapel credits Provide chapel credit for attendance at other campus ministry events, such as 10th hour or the Offering.
4. make programming interactive Offer more programming that allows students to talk to each other and encourages them to meet new people. “In chapel, teams have to sit together, and friends sit with each other, but this can create division,” junior Shelby Ramey said. Students would also appreciate more opportunities to engage in chapel beyond just singing or listening to a lecture.
5. More diversity in viewpointsAs a school, RC prides itself on its inclusive Christian heritage. Chapel is a ripe opportunity for students to engage with other religious perspectives and beliefs in a Christian setting.
Here’s an ideaThe testimony series also suffers when speakers are under
prepared to give their talks. Students should feel comfortable coming together in chapel, but
this sense of community is difficult to achieve when the audience is put off by speakers who are hard to hear, noticeably uncomfortable or tell stories that ramble.
“The best chapel days are when a guest speaker comes in who grabs your attention. Then, you get a bigger audience and, instead of people just sitting in chapel because of the requirement, you get people to actually tune in,” Parks said.
Junior Brenden Kruckenberg agrees that guest speakers and performers greatly improve the chapel experience.
“I really liked when The Gray Havens performed. It would also be cool to have a broader range of religious experiences talk in chapel. Speakers from RC can get monotonous,” Kruckenberg said.
Though completing 25 chapel credits per semester is mandatory for full-time RC students, this requirement can be inconvenient for students who have work or family obligations in addition to their schooling.
“I would attend chapel even without the GPA requirement if the topic was interesting. But when the programs are all similar, it becomes a chore,” Kruckenberg said.
When students are obligated to attend chapel but uninterested in the programing, the atmosphere suffers. People who would otherwise be engaged in the day’s topic feel surrounded by apathy or, worse, hostility.
Chapel has been a hallmark of Rochester College since the school began. However, in order to maintain its relevance to RC’s student body, chapel programming must reflect the diversity that this small college has come to hold.
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TeELLE CASE
TeElle is a junior majoring in Mass Communication/Public Relations.
Picture this —the time is 3:35 p.m. on a Tuesday. You’ve been in class since 8 a.m., and the afternoon sleepies are creeping up on you.
You have one more class to go before you’re done for the day, but your eyelids feel like they each weigh a hundred pounds. It also doesn’t help that your professor is mumbling about the least interesting topic imaginable.
You know you need to pay attention in this class, but the thought of closing your eyes and falling asleep is sounding appealing.
So how do you keep yourself awake?
Make a Coffee RunIf you have time between your classes, grab a coffee or another
type of energy drink. Just make sure you don’t drink it too late in the day: stick to between 2-3 p.m. Any later, and you might stay up all night. (And start the vicious tiredness cycle over again tomorrow!)
Not a fan of caffeine? Just get yourself some ice water. The coldness will help rejuvenate your senses, and keeping yourself hydrated will give you energy and mental clarity. You can also splash cold water on your face to give you a brisk pick-me-up.
Keep BusyAs long as you are keeping yourself busy, you are more likely to
stay awake. Taking notes or doodling are two ways to keep yourself
preoccupied. If you want your notes to be coherent or your doodles to look like artwork, then you’ll have to keep your eyes open.
Alternately, even if you don’t have to go, get up and walk to the bathroom. You’ll be up and moving, and leaving the classroom to get some fresh air will give you a burst of energy to carry you through the rest of class.
how to
fall asleep in classnot
Eat Some Sweets Another secret to staying awake is peppermint. Chew some
peppermint gum or eat some peppermint candy during class. Peppermint has been proven to help increase the oxygen flow
to your brain. More oxygen to your brain helps you stay awake and focused. Plus, who doesn’t love peppermint?
Dark chocolate is another treat that will help if you catch yourself falling asleep in class. The yummy snack contains the natural stimulant theobromine, which is similar to caffeine because it boosts your energy. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need another excuse to eat chocolate? (You’re welcome.)
Be InvolvedWant to stay awake AND stay on your professor’s good side? Be
involved in class. Keep your eyes on the professor during the lecture and ask
questions. You can also repeat back in your head everything the professor says.
This way, you not only stay awake during class, but you also gain insight on the subject on which you may have otherwise missed out. It’s a win-win.
Going to bed early (or even at a decent hour) is not always possible. Because we’re up so late, classes can be enticing times to get in a quick nap. Hopefully, though, these tips will help you stay awake and focused during class.
S H I E L D SPRING // 08
Forystek said he was never really intimidated by the thought of getting married.
“I’ve seen my parents struggle through a lot of things that most couples wouldn’t make it through,” Forystek said.
Forystek comes from a long line of lasting relationships and was raised with the belief that divorce is not an option.
The idea of getting and staying married seems to be less intimidating to those who haven’t personally been affected by divorce.
Depending on how smoothly the divorce process is handled, the children caught in the situation may end up with a twisted view of what a marriage is supposed to look like.
Still, among many millennials, the hope of getting married and keeping that marriage flourishing is alive. Strong relationships like Brooke and Chris’ have potential to break the divorce trend that is currently running rampant in the United States.
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DANIELLE FECTEAU
Danielle is a junior majoring in Mass Communications/Public Relations.
Marriage. What images does that one word bring to mind?
For many people, the connotations of love and commitment that
marriage can hold are overshadowed by marriage’s negative flipside: divorce.
Between 40 to 50 percent of first marriages in the United States end in divorce, with any subsequent marriages resulting in even likelier chances of divorce. Has the high divorce rate in older generations scared our generation away from the idea of marriage? Do millennials even believe committed relationships are still possible?
With such staggering odds stacked against married couples, the idea of such a commitment can be frightening.
Since 1950, the divorce rate has nearly quadrupled in America. Many of these breaks are associated with a couple’s financial troubles, but poor communication, lifestyle changes, violations of trust, abuse and personal trauma can also contribute to a marriage’s disintegration.
Divorces can be grueling, especially when children are involved. In the Journal of Child
Psychology and Psychiatry, Peter Hill writes that teenage children of divorce are three times more likely to need psychological help within a given year.
As the rate of divorce in America increases, these problems have the potential to worsen.
Still, there are many young adults who still believe in the power of love. Brooke Watts and Christopher Forystek, both seniors at RC, are getting married this summer.
Watts has experienced more than one divorce in her family. Her parents were divorced when she was about 4 years old. Her father is now on his third marriage, after divorcing again when Watts was 17.
“When I was younger, I would have called divorce one of my biggest fears,” Watts said.
Witnessing divorce up close gave Watts the opportunity to be more observant when it comes to her own relationships. She said she is now more conscious of what the church and Bible say a marriage is supposed to be.
“I know what it takes, and I know it’s not easy, but I’ve found a stable relationship,” Watts said.
THE DIVORCED
ARE MILLENNIALS AFRAID OF COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS?
GENERATION
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y“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your
God” is more than just a verse from Micah 6:8. This message is also at the heart of the 12-year journey, Paula Bonbrisco, director of Rochester College’s Academic Center for Excellence, has taken.
Bonbrisco’s time at the college has been significant, both to her and to the campus community.
In 2003, after the college received a federal grant, Bonbrisco began working for the ACE Lab in order to start up an academic support system.
“I was shown a cobwebbed, box-filled room that was to be turned into the ACE Lab,” Bonbrisco said. “Maintenance moved in some tables and two computers, and that was how ACE was born.”
As ACE director, Bonbrisco has a busy job. One of her biggest duties is hiring and training peer tutors. “The tutors are the backbone of the program. They are the ones who meet with the students, and they will make or break the program,” Bonbrisco said.
The early years of ACE focused on retaining freshmen students and helping them succeed in one or two primary subjects, usually math and composition courses. In recent years, however, ACE has expanded its offerings to include tutoring for a wider range of subjects.
Presently, ACE offers tutoring help for English, Western Civilization, Math, Accounting, Statistics, Psychology, Economics, Nursing, Chemistry and Biology. Supplemental Instructors also offer small group study sessions for freshman Bible courses.
Furthermore, ACE also has an online component that allows tutors to help work with student papers via email. In the future, ACE will be growing its online tutoring offerings because of its convenience and efficiency. ACE tutors will also grow their English as a second language experience as the college continues to recruit students from around the world.
“I tell the tutors they have the ability to make a difference in people’s lives. Having a college degree does make a difference in someone’s life. If tutors can help students accomplish that, then the tutors have really helped them take another step in their journey,” Bonbrisco said.
With mixed emotions, Bonbrisco will retire at the end of the 2015 spring semester.
“The Rochester College community has graced my life with purpose, meaningful employment and wonderful friends,” Bonbrisco said.
Most of all, Bonbrisco said she will miss the community of support and caring. During her time at the college, she is grateful for the opportunity she had to learn at the feet of some of RC’s spiritual leaders, such as the Barton family and Dr. Rubel Shelly.
Though she will go on to a happy and relaxing retirement, Bonbrisco will be greatly missed. “Paula is the sweetest and most understanding person, and I am honored to have worked for her for two years,” Angela Stabel, RC junior and math tutor, said.
Bonbrisco’s only son lives in Colorado with Bonbrisco’s two grandchildren. Not suprisingly, her next chapter will begin there.
PAU LA B O N B R I S C OBY L I N D S AY B A S L O C K
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After overseeing the library’s operations and staff for the past nine years, Library Director Allie Keller will be leaving both Rochester College and her home in Lake Orion when she retires at the end of the year.
When Allie was first presented with the library position, the Kellers did not want to take it. “The job [at RC] opened up twice, and I looked at it once and said ‘No, I don’t want to move to Michigan,’” Keller said.
When the job opened up again, however, she reconsidered. “So we came, and we loved Michigan. It really has a lot to offer;
we had no idea!” Keller said. In particular, Keller added that she sees Detroit making a comeback, and she thinks this change is thrilling.
“There’s a lot going on in Detroit, and it’s a fun place to live,” Keller said. Keller is an advocate for the Detroit Institute of Arts, a prominent art museum located in Midtown Detroit.
“Art is something we all should know about. We should appreciate what people can make with the artistic gifts that God has given them. Art impacts history, literature, psychology and more,” Keller said.
Keller has also taught Information Literacy and Art Appreciation at Rochester College, a position for which she is well qualified. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Memphis State University, a master of library science degree from Villanova University and a master of art degree in art history from University of West Virginia.
In the library, Keller’s front corner office perfectly connects her passions and personality, as many books neatly line the bookshelves and pieces of artwork are placed from wall to wall.
Each tapestry, mask and painting Keller owns was a gift from someone special: present reminders of family both near and far.
At RC, one of Keller’s main responsibilities includes overseeing the library staff.
RC student and library employee Stacy Catalano has been learning from and working under Keller for the past two years.
“Today I was working with another student, and I was surprised that I knew how to explain the task. I can credit Mrs. Keller for my ability,” Catalano said. “Whenever I say I need help with something, she’s always there.”
Keller said, “I will miss my staff; they are really good people.” She also shared how she will miss working at Rochester College.
“RC has been a good experience for us, and we’ve enjoyed it very much,” she said.
Her husband, Dr. David Keller agrees, but he and Allie are also excited to retire and move closer to their family in Kansas City, MO. “We’re excited because we’ll be able to become more involved in the lives of our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren Morgan, Logan and Owen,” Dr. Keller said, who will join his wife at a later date.
Keller relates her upcoming move to the wisdom literature in the biblical book of Ecclesiastes.
“There is a season for everything, and this is the season to be more of a grandma,” Keller said. “I love my staff, and I love the library, but it’s time to do something else.”
Dr. Craig Bowman, professor of Old Testament and one of the most multitalented “Renaissance men” ever to teach at Rochester College, will retire this year and move back to his native California.
From a young age, Bowman has lived an active life. He learned how to swim at age 3 and played water polo with a high school team by age 7. Bowman also is a three-time Ironman triathlete, a nationally ranked swimmer and an avid cyclist.
Bowman’s intellect is just as impressive. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California Santa Barbara in kinesiology. After graduating college, Bowman taught at several different Catholic schools before completing his master’s degree in New Testament at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. However, Bowman quickly realized the New Testament field was highly competitive, and he did not like the contention such a field encouraged.
Coupled with some encouragement from the department chair at Pepperdine, Bowman decided to continue his studies and obtain a doctorate in Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary.
In 1993, Bowman returned to Pepperdine to teach web design. Not suprisingly, however, he was still seeking an opportunity to teach biblical studies. That opportunity soon came in the form of Dr. Mel Storm, who knew Bowman through a mutual friend. He called Bowman and offered him a position teaching at Rochester.
Fifteen years later, Bowman is still here. “It’s been a blast. I’m very grateful that I have been able to pursue
archeology and design new courses. That’s something that larger institutions do not always permit,” Bowman said.
Bowman considers none of his time wasted, even the time he spent battling leukemia. In 2007, Bowman was diagnosed with blood cancer. With only a 3 percent chance the operation he needed would succeed, he was devastated.
Yet, even though the odds were stacked against him, Bowman beat cancer in a year. “I had great doctors that carried me through. I trusted them completely, and that made all the difference,” Bowman said.
Doctors, too, are baffled by Bowman’s incredible recovery. “Even doctors acknowledge that it was a miracle I survived,” Bowman said.
Having experienced such a miraculous recovery, Bowman now possesses a new understanding of God. “I see God as an emotional being, with emotions that exist beyond our own; one who is intimately concerned with our sufferings, who mourns with us, and laments with us as well as helps us. This in Hebrew is called kessed, the illogical loving loyalty of God,” Bowman said.
In his retirement, Bowman plans to care for his father, spend time with his youngest daughter and grandchildren and, most importantly, celebrate life.
A lli e k eller c r a i g b ow m a nBY E L I J A H W A G E R SBY R A C H E L TAY L O R
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RACHEL TAYLOR
Rachel is a sophomore majoring in Mass Communication/Public Relations.
Countless people across the world have signed up for foreign mission trips, trading comfort zones and the security of home for a new reality. One organization, however,
has exceeded every expectation set for the global missions movement.
This organization has successfully launched the largest missions campaign in history—1Nation1Day—and they have done so right in RC’s backyard.
Missions.Me is a non-profit missions organization based in Rochester with a home office on West University Drive. Rochester native Dominic Russo founded Missions.Me in 2004, when he was only 19 years old.
Missions.Me has mobilized thousands of missionaries to serve in countries across the world. These missionaries conduct medical missions trips, citywide outreaches and clean water projects, as well as build safe homes for orphans and victims of human trafficking.
In 2013, Missions.Me launched the largest missions campaign ever recorded with 1Nation1Day in Honduras.
The team, comprised of 2,000 missionaries, partnered with Honduras’s government to pursue its goal of reaching every citizen with the Gospel and humanitarian aid.
Missions.Me achieved great strides as it filled nearly every school in the nation with tangible and lasting hope.
The 1N1D campaign created a buzz in Honduras by hosting a national event on Saturday, July 20, 2013.
Afterwards, 487,000 citizens gathered in the nation’s largest stadiums to worship and celebrate a new beginning for Honduras.
The next day, multiple newspapers declared, “We Have a New Honduras.” The team followed the challenge posed by a prophecy penned in Isaiah 66:8 nearly 3,000 years ago: Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment?
1Nation1Day proves it can. Over one and a half years after the
event, violence in Honduras has dropped 38 percent and school attendance is at an all time high.
The nation held a peaceful election and transfer of power for the first time in two decades, and the next generation is filled with dreams for tomorrow.
This July, Missions.Me and 1Nation1Day are expecting the same result with the launch of 1N1D in the Dominican Republic.
About 2,500 missionaries and medical professionals from across the United States and 15 other countries will gather in Miami for one day of training before the trip.
There, they will have meetings and teachings about the trip, as well as a celebration with worship led by Jesus Culture artists Brian and Katie Torwalt.
Chartered airplanes will fly the massive missions team to four different locations within the Dominican Republic and then
transport the teams into each of the 20 states.
In these states, the teams will set up free medical clinics, implement clean water projects and distribute hundreds of thousands of pairs of shoes to children in need.
Additionally, the teams will conduct multiple city campaigns each day, bringing messages of hope and one-on-one prayer to millions of citizens.
These strategic outreach events will lead to a national event once again as the Dominican Republic gathers in unity to celebrate “a better Dominican.”
“Of course, doing it again will be challenging, but we believe the Dominican is next,” Dominic Russo, founder and visionary said.
“We know it will take a new strategy, a new set of pioneers, missionaries, medical professionals and translators,” Russo said. “The Dominican faces its own set of challenges, but we believe that with God, all things are possible.”
connect with the movement// missionsme
S H I E L D SPRING // 12
Dawn of a new missionsera
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TO BE FEATURED IN THE FEED, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SHIELD_RC
TeElle CaseEmily Bodine
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Just went to Ikea for the first time this weekend. Sorry wallet you didn’t stand a chance.
I panic when someone asks me if they can get me anything at places. I’m like no thanks, I’m good. Then they walk away and I’m like wait no.
We have a hamster that runs around our library, if that isn’t awesome I don’t know what is.
Not letting myself look at puppies until AFTER I get a grown up job. #selfcontrol
Kimmy Schmidt is my spirit animal. Getting compliments for a haircut is funny. Basically receiving praise for something I had no part in.
Canadians are super nice. I mean, they really go the extra kilometer.
I have this fun game where anytime someone talks about essential oils, I just start talking about what vaccines I give to babies.
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R C S H I E L D . C O M // 13
M O R S E L S
TUNES
THE REEL DEAL
G E O R G E E Z R A / W a n t e d O n V o ya g e
L E T H O P E R I S E T H E A G E O F A D A L I N E
S T I L L A L I C E P I X A R ’ S I N S I D E O U T
A char t- topping smash in the U.K. , this Engl ish s inger-song writer’s debut LP is a wonder. George Ezra’s swagger is decidedly modern. Yet , the 21-year-old star has the deep and smoky voice of an old t rain-hopping t roubadour. (Rolling Stone)(Singer/S ong w riter) - If you l i ke: Hozier
Grants an ins ide look at Austra l ia-based Christ ian band Hi l lsong United’s unexpected r ise to prominence.*Hi l ls ong Unite d
A young woman, born at the turn of 20th centur y, i s rendered ageless af ter an accident . Af ter years of sol itude, she meets a man who might be worth los ing her immorta l ity for.*Blake L ively
A l inguist ics professor and her fami ly f ind their bonds tested when she is
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
*Ju lianne Mo ore, Ale c Baldw in
Growing up can be a bumpy journey, and it’s no exception
for Ri ley, who is uprooted from her Midwest l i fe when
her father starts a new job in San Francisco. As Ri ley and
her emotions struggle to adjust to a new l i fe, turmoil ensues.
*Amy Po ehler, Mindy Kaling
After taking a few years to hersel f , F lorence Welch has restar ted Florence and the Machine. Her return a lbum, “How Big , How Blue, How B eaut i fu l ,” wi l l be avai lable on June 2nd. (Rolling Stone) (Alternative) - If you l i ke: The Black Ke ys
F L O R E N C E + T H E M A C H I N E / H o w B i g , H o w B l u e , H o w B e a u t i f u l
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S H I E L D SPRING // 14
NUGGETS OF ENTERTAINMENT GOODNESS
PAGES
CLICKS via YouTube
D O O V E RP A P E R T O W N S
Star t ing on the f i rst day you got paid to scoop ice cream or restock shelves , you’ve had the chance to develop the four e lements a l l great careers have in common: re lat ionships , sk i l l s , character and hust le .Now it’s t ime to ampli f y and apply them in a new way.
Af ter a l i fe t ime of loving Margo f rom afar, things
are f ina l ly looking up for Quent in, unt i l one day she
vanishes . Always an enigma, Margo has now become a
myster y. But she has le f t c lues , and they’re for Quent in.
Johnnyswim is comprised of Abner R amirez and Amanda Sudano, daughter of Disco-icon Donna Summer. Their sound is a folk/countr y/soul hybr id. “Diamonds” is their debut a lbum. (Singer/S ong w riter) - If you l i ke: The Civ i l Wars
With a voice fu l l of nuance and emot ion, and an a lbum ful l of t racks that become more contagious with each l is ten, R ae Morr is’ debut studio release wi l l leave you intr igued and enchanted.(Alternative) - If you l i ke: E l l ie G ou lding
R A E M O R R I S / U n g u a r d e dJ O H N N Y S W I M / D i a m o n d s
D O V E — C H O O S E B E A U T I F U L T H E C O L L A B O R AT I O N P R O J E C T- F E A R
C H R I S T I A N T I N G L E 1by : Dove
by : John Green by : Jon Acuf f
by : JacksGapby : Tr ipp and Tyler
R C S H I E L D . C O M // 15
M O R E T H A ND E C A Y
S H I E L D SPRING // 16
M O R E T H A ND E C A Y
H A S H TA G S O F H O P EInstagram user Jack B eaudoin (@jackbphoto) may be young in the photo world, but he is a lready wel l on his way to leaving his mark. B eaudoin is the creator of the “More Than Decay” hashtag , that has become known for it s goa l to por tray the c ity of Detroit as more complex than its decrepit reputat ion. In a recent inter view, B eaudoin said his goa l i s to capture the beauty of the Motor City that people f rom the outs ide may not see. B eaudoin is not a lone in his hopes for Detroit . The idea of “more than decay” carr ies fur ther than the reaches of Instagram, f lowing through the veins of the c ity and many of those who inhabit i t .
F o r M o r e :#MoreThanDe c ay I N STAG R A M j ackbphotoFAC E B O OK Jack B eaudoin Photography
*Urban ar t by HENSE
R C S H I E L D . C O M // 17
PA G E S / P H O T O B Y N I C K S I M O N I S
ADDICTED TO DETROIT
Mother, designer, realtor, investor and TV show producer are just a few hats worn by Nicole Curtis, host of HGTV’s show “Rehab Addict.”
Growing up in Lake Orion, MI, Curtis came from a home where her parents taught her the only way is the right way and that sticking by her word is important.
Curtis’ grandparents owned a garbage disposal business. From a young age, she was always taking old “junk” and turning it into treasure.
She never thought there was any difference between the work of males and females. She was considered “one of the boys” because she could work a backhoe and drive a stick shift.
Curtis attended college in Georgia, Florida and Michigan. She intended to major in law but later switched to education. She finished up school in Michigan while operating her own cleaning business. She also gave birth to her son Ethan before graduation.
Today, Curtis is 38 years old and the executive producer of “Rehab Addict,” which airs on HGTV. The show highlights Curtis’ passionate preservation and restoration of older homes in Michigan, Ohio and Minnesota.
“I got interested in rehabbing because I was poor. Nothing motivates you to learn how to do something like not having the money to pay to have it done,” Curtis said in an interview with AZ Central.
“Rehab Addict” has been popular since the first season aired in 2010. Now in its fifth season, “Rehab Addict” is over 70 episodes strong.
A popular trend in home remodeling is demolishing the old structure and rebuilding a new one. However, Curtis feels differently
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about this destroy-and-restart trend. “‘Disposable’ is a hot trend that is wasteful
and a pet peeve of mine,” Curtis said.Through the course of Rehab Addict seasons,
Curtis has worked alongside some interesting people and organizations, including the Lebron James Family Foundation. With the help of Lebron James, Curtis traveled to Akron, Ohio, to restore an old home for a deserving family.
“Ten years ago, I was a struggling single mom working for people to take my design and construction work seriously, and here I was working alongside a man whose name appears in almost every news feed all day long,” said Curtis.
Curtis is also a licensed realtor for Keller Williams Real Estate. Her work has been featured in both The Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press.
Curtis said her home will always be in Detroit. Practicing what you preach is a philosophy by
which Curtis lives. Curtis owns a 1904 Detroit home where she lives with her son and two dogs, Max and Lucy.
Most of her upcoming restoration work will be primarily in Detroit.
“My home was a foreclosure that had been stripped clean. I spent three years restoring it, which included hand-staining more than 1,500 square feet of flooring, stripping paint off woodwork and — the worst of the worst — stripping wallpaper,” Curtis said.
“Rehab Addict” has become a staple to the HGTV community and its popularity has made Curtis recognizable in public. She and her son are often noticed in public places, and fans often ask Curtis and her son to take pictures with them.
“It’s very cool that everyone loves the show and is getting into treasuring their communities and everything old, but some days, it’s a bit much for my son. I’m not sure if I would involve him on the show if I had to do it again,” Curtis said.
For Curtis, her advice for homeowners is to take pride in yourself, your homes and your communities. There are endless opportunities for a house to become your home with just a touch of inspiration and creativity.
“Opportunity comes to those who value what they have,” said Curtis.
HGTV’s “Rehab Addict” with Nicole Curtis airs daily with new episodes coming soon.
“I only know what the media portrays, and basically all I know is that the city has declared bankruptcy, it’s an old automotive business city, and Eminem is from there. Basically, if I just read the news, then I would think it’s a dangerous place to live and wouldn’t move my family there. That probably isn’t a true representation.”
Detroit. Viewed as a bankrupt city spun into a hopeless chasm of debt, broken politics and subpar economic policy. Yet, I view it as a city of opportunity. Seldom does a chance come along to completely revitalize a city and restructure a culture. Though the car capital of the States is now looked down upon now as a failure, I think it has great potential to once again become a regional powerhouse. In automotive terms, it just needs a little more than an oil change.
“I honesty don’t really know anything about Detroit, but what I’ve heard is that there are a lot of car manufacturers there. I also have heard that it has an extremely high crime rate and very cold weather. I think it probably has some beautiful views of both urban life and nature, but I think that the bad probably outweighs the good. I don’t think it would be a good place for me personally to live because of the cold, and I also would like more of a family-friendly environment.”
“I think Detroit is a city that has a lot of history to be proud of. But, I also think we see what’s hurting America today magnified in Detroit. Failing manufacturing, extreme poverty and racial segregation. It all seems magnified, at least in the news.”
*The people interviewed here are eefriends of Shield staff members who live around the country.
-mathias ham
From the outside looking in
what do you think of detroit?“
-luke hammer
-lainey berry
-chi young moon
norman, oklahoma
des moines, iowa
Kansas city, missouri
chicago, illinois
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LINDSAY BASLOCKsports editorLinsdsay is a junior majoring in Mass Communication/Public Relations.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb ConservatoryBelle Isle offers multiple attractions to visit. One such place is the beautiful botanical
gardens of the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, also known as the Belle Isle Conservatory, which combines the allure of a historical legacy with gorgeous nature.
The Conservatory has five different sections: The Palm House, Show Room, a cactus house, the Fernery and the Tropical house. After Anna Scripps Whitcomb donated her exotic orchids to the conservatory, the gardens were dedicated to her in 1955.
The conservatory is open to the public free of charge between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays.
detroit lighthouse depotBuilt in 1874, the Detroit Lighthouse Depot has quite the historical legacy. The
location was first used as a U.S. Coast Guard post and then as a place to store oils, fuels, buoys, lenses and other lighthouse equipment. However, the Depot has recently been transformed into a museum.
Although touring inside the house is off limits, the buildings and grounds surrounding the Depot are worth photographing. The architecture of the three-story house mirrors the time period in which it was built, and the historical grounds surrounding it are beautiful.
The flower houseThroughout Detroit, there are many abandoned houses that people seem to have
forgotten. However, one house is getting new life. The Flower House is located just outside of Hamtramck in Detroit. Florists from around the country are filling the walls and ceilings with American-grown flowers. The structure will then be featured in media throughout the country and the world, showing the innovation of the project and the work in Detroit.
It will be open to visitors from Oct. 16-18 of this year, and then the house will be responsibly deconstructed to create a flower farm.
Punch bowl social Punch Bowl Social has eliminated needing to choose between delicious food and
beverage or a great social experience. Punch Bowl combines “old school” entertainment, culinary refinement and a modern beverage program under one roof. According to its website, Punch Bowl Social’s “dirty modern” style combines industrial, Victorian and modern design elements into a playful, timeless setting for all.
Located on Broadway Street, Punch Bowl Social offers a tasty menu (Shield recommends the burgers and Almond Joy milkshake). But once your gang is done chowing down, the real fun begins: take part in bowling, darts, Ping-Pong, marbles, shuffle board and karaoke all under the Punch Bowl’s roof. A
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Many students at Rochester College can easily rattle off famous attractions to visit in Detroit, but have you ever wondered what off-the-beaten path sights there are to see? Here are a few quirky places in the big city to hit up on your next Detroit adventure:
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R C S H I E L D . C O M // 21
Heidelberg ProjectFounded in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton, the Heidelberg Project is an ongoing
compilation of many works from Guyton and numerous other local artists. Overall, the project aims to inspire and entertain visitors while simultaneously bringing awareness to Detroit’s forgotten neighborhoods.
This neighborhood display of East Side Detroit art is a crossroads of chaos and creativity. The Heidelberg Project is an open-air art environment that infuses everyday living with artistic experience.
With streets, fields and houses full of art and people of all kinds, the Heidelberg Project has a vibe that is vastly different than the DIA, the more traditional art museum in Detroit.
To visit the Heidelberg Project, you can either schedule a tour at the project’s website, www.heidelberg.org, or spontaneously show up and enjoy the view.
Motown Historical MuseumA tribute to Motown music and its creators, the Motown Historical Museum—also
known as the Museum Home of Hitsville U.S.A.—is one of Detroit’s best hot spots. The museum’s purpose, according to its website, www.motownmuseum.org, is “to preserve the history and legacy of Motown Records Corporation.”
Founded in 1985, the museum still features the original recording studio, Studio A, where many Motown hits were once recorded.
The cost for general admission is $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends, and the venue is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
eastern marketThis 4.5 acre area, which first opened in 1841, is the largest market in the country,
attracting over 40,000 visitors every week. Eastern Market has the freshest produce, specialty foods, art and music, and the vibe is quintessentially Detroit. Every Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 100 vendors gather to sell their products adding to the shopping and dining options already in the district.
Although Saturdays is when most people visit the market, there are events every day of the week. From June through October, Sundays at the Market feature goods from unique local artisans, as well as a special brunch menu made from local ingredients. If gardening is your jam (or if you just love looking at flowers then don’t miss Flower Day on May 17. Fifteen acres of the hardiest varieties of flowers for this region are available for purchase.)
Admission to the market is free, and tours are available.
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Bankruptcy, crime, violence and abandonment are just a few words that make up national headlines about Detroit.
Some people wonder why anyone would want to move to Detroit, but countering this prejudiced mentality is one of the reasons why the younger generation is packing up and
moving in. Young people believe that in moving to Detroit, they can make a difference, prove the media wrong and share their love for the city.
Currently, there are many properties for sale in Detroit, and this includes old and new housing.
The options are endless when it comes to purchasing new apartments and condos downtown or renovating brick houses in the surrounding neighborhoods.
These great property deals catch the eyes of many people, including young and determined entrepreneurs.
Recently, Detroit has become a home for new businesses. Though the city went through a long period when many retail establishments downtown closed and were left vacant, this trend is changing.
Ambitious business owners are establishing their companies in Detroit, intending to change the city’s economy.
One innovation hub, TechTown, is doing just this. TechTown was built to attract entrepreneurs. The group loans entrepreneurs the cost of properties in order to catalyze business growth in different Detroit communities.
TechTown’s goal is to reenergize and reinvent Detroit. Since their start in 2007, TechTown has served over 1,000 different organizations.
Companies like TechTown have been essential to Detroit’s revival and play a huge part in the community.
The streets of Detroit are flourishing with an assortment of art projects. From the Heidelberg Project and Red Bull House of Art to everyday street graffiti, inspiration comes from all corners.
Visual artists are not the only ones setting up Detroit studios. Both literary and culinary artists are making their marks, too.
22 // SPRING S H I E L D
BY A LY S S A YA K E Y
finding opportunitywhy millennials are moving to detroit
One mission, Write-A-House, is a Detroit-based organization that provides permanent housing across Detroit for unemployed poets, writers and journalists.
Write-A-House’s goal is to create a literary colony in Detroit, and, in the process, stabilize the surrounding neighborhoods.
Through Write-A-House, artists from near and far are moving to Detroit in hopes of making a difference and leaving their mark.
Jacob Schwandt, a 24-year-old jazz musician, is one such artist. Schwandt made the move to Detroit five years ago, and now he
couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Schwandt attended Wayne State University and was a part of the
college’s jazz musical program. He gives credit to the city for allowing him to grow musically.
“Detroit has a rich musical history, and I wanted to be a part of this legacy,” Schwandt said. “My creativity was nurtured by the city, which in turn allowed me to grow artistically in a way that could not have happened anywhere else.”
Schwandt encourages people of all ages to make the move to Detroit because the city holds endless opportunities.
“No matter what you want to do, there will be something for you in Detroit. It is one of the country’s greatest cities and has a story that is both fascinating and inspiring,” Schwandt said.
Whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat or gambling at the casino, there are countless venues and events in Detroit at which people can enjoy their weekends.
“It’s a joy to see the uniqueness of each event take shape and contribute to Detroit,” Schwandt said.
All within one city, a person can take a trip to Mexicantown, go to a show at the Fisher Theatre or attend a Tigers’ game at Comerica Park.
Moving to Detroit creates great memories and gives young people a chance to show the nation that this city should not be known for crime and violence, but rather for hope, change and creativity.
TIMRA TOMA Timra Toma lives in a suburb of Detroit, but she used to live in the
city when she was younger. Having lived in and around Detroit, Toma has seen the violence
that Detroit neighborhoods and schools hold. However, Toma is also happy about the changes that are taking place in Detroit. Those changes became more evident to her when she went on Urban Plunge this year.
“[The rejuvenation of Detroit] means that people will stop being afraid of such a great city,” Toma said.
Toma believes that not only are neighborhoods changing physically, but also people’s mindsets are shifting.
As these repairs are made and stigmas lessen, Toma thinks people will be encouraged to visit Detroit, and more people in the city will work on improving the schools and the daily lives of Detroit’s citizens.
jacob inbodyOn his visits and drives through and past Detroit, Jacob Inbody has
noticed how rundown the city seems to be. Inbody believes, however, Detroit’s stigma of dilapidation ignores
all of the potential the city holds. Volunteering at JJ’s House, a foster home in Detroit, has given
Inbody a look into the hearts of people in Detroit who are helping to bring about change.
Inbody thinks the changes going on in Detroit are improving not just the city and the lives of the people in it, but also Detroit’s national reputation.
chelsea goodinBefore coming to college, Chelsea Goodin heard a lot about how
“sketchy” Detroit was. However, at the urging of her RC friends, she took a visit to the big city, and her fear diminished as she saw a different side of Detroit.
“The more work they do on Detroit, the more people will go there, and it will become more of a hopping place,” Goodin said.
Goodin believes that as Detroit’s transformation takes place, people will start appreciating other areas of the city beyond just visiting stadiums for sports games. “Hopefully, Detroit will once again become a thriving city that makes Michigan proud,” she said.
alex linkAlex Link lives in Flint, Michigan. In regards to Detroit and Flint’s economies, Link joked: “Detroit
and Flint have a healthy competition going on to see which can be the worst city in Michigan.”
Aside from this comparison, however, Link has heard about the progress made toward lowering the city’s crime rate, cleaning up the streets and making Detroit into a city full of hope.
However, these physical efforts are only part of Detroit’s rebuilding process. Link believes both Detroiters and those in surrounding areas need to let go of their preconceptions about Detroit in order for the city to reach its full potential.
“I think the rejuvenation of Detroit is actually a rejuvenation of Michigan,” Link said.
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Throughout its long history, Detroit has been at various points a cultural and economic powerhouse, the site of devastating race riots and a crippled shell of a city.
In recent years, however, changes have begun, and hope is spreading through this once-great city.
Irreparable abandoned buildings are finally being demolished, old homes are being repaired and urban ministries are pouring love into the people and city of Detroit.
Each of these renewed restoration efforts chip away at the prejudices that surround Detroit and renew the pride Detroiters have for their city.
As this revival sweeps through Detroit, metro Detroiters’ perceptions about the Motor City are changing.
Here, four RC freshmen share their views on Detroit’s comeback.
I A M D E T R O I T
SHILOH COVELL
Shiloh is a sophomore majoring in English.
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Dylan is a junior majoring in Mass Communication/Journalism.
The slogan “Detroit vs. Everybody” has been appearing everwhere recently. Created by Detroit-born graphic designer Tommy Walker in 2013, the motto has appeared oon apparel and
even headlined a popular song. Walker said the slogan represents “how
much Detroit has contributed to the culture of America.” He feels his beloved city doesn’t get enough credit.
The city of Detroit is the hometown of many prominent people, including singers Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross, record producer Berry Gordy, Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks and rapper Eminem.
Detroit is also responsible for historical and cultural milestones such as Woodward Avenue, the nation’s first concrete highway; the first four-way electric traffic light; the assembly line; Motown music; Vernor’s Ginger Ale and Better Made potato chips.
However, nowadays, when Detroit is covered in the news, stories of unemployment, blight and crime overshadow the headlines about new businesses and initiatives that are reviving downtown Detroit.
As of Feb. 16, 2015, six businesses
moved into four separate buildings in Detroit’s central business district, located on Woodward Avenue and Broadway Street. “Downtown Detroit has become a collaborative environment with an energy and entrepreneurial spirit that cannot be found anywhere else,” Dan Mullen, vice president of leasing and development with Bedrock Real Estate Services, said.
Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert and Bedrock Real Estate Services have been critical to the city’s re-development.
Gilbert moved Quicken Loans and five other associated companies to Downtown Detroit’s Compuware building in 2010.
Now, Gilbert buys vacant buildings in Detroit and helps residents stay in the city and work for Quicken Loans. Gilbert currently owns 70 buildings and has invested $1.6 billion in Detroit through Bedrock Real Estate Services.
New restaurants are also popping up from Corktown to Midtown.
Gold Cash Gold, a restaurant found in Corktown, was originally a pawnshop. Now, it serves popular dishes, ranging from potato soup to homemade pork sausage.
Likewise, Selden Standard located on Cass
“Downtown Detroit has become a collaborative environment with an
energy and entrepreneurial spirit that cannot be found anywhere else.” -DAN MULLEN
Avenue in Midtown used to be a graffiti-covered dry cleaner before the building was transformed into a restaurant. Now it provides guests with fresh homemade pasta and bread.
“Living here, I felt like I was part of some kind of renaissance of the city and food. It was exciting, and […] I was 100 percent committed to doing something here,” Andy Hollyday, Selden Standard chef and owner, said in a recent Detroit Free Press interview.
The addition of new businesses and restaurants in Detroit has created a new, positive mindset, spurring the continued growth and development of the city.
Though other American cities might overlook Detroit’s rich cultural history and exciting potential, those who believe in Detroit’s ability to rebuild refuse to be defeated.
In both Detroit’s present and its future, “I see a very beautiful, positive Detroit,” Walker said.
S H I E L D SPRING // 24
MOVES O
n Feb. 5, 2006, the Seattle Seahawks and the Pittsburgh Steelers faced each other for the Super Bowl XL game.
This NFL championship match was held at Ford Field in Detroit, and with new visitors pouring in from across the country for the game, it became clear that Detroit lacked suitable public transportation structures to help people travel downtown.
The influx of people for the Super Bowl XL game paved the way for the M-1 RAIL, a new transit project in Downtown Detroit.
The project officially began construction on July 28, 2014, and sections of the 3.3-mile circuit from Congress Street in downtown to West Grand Boulevard in New Center have already been completed. Hours of operation are expected to be 6 a.m. (8 a.m. on Sundays) until 10 p.m. each day. The rail project will offer reliable transportation for up to 8,000 people each day.
Many people are anticipated to use the streetcar each day for their commute, which will establish the rail as a critical factor in Detroit’s economic growth.
“The M-1 RAIL Project will be a catalyst for continued job growth, economic vitality and improved mobility,” M-1Rail.com reads. “[The streetcar] is expected to provide a major economic boost of more than $3 billion in development.”
Matt Cullen, M-1 Rail CEO, said this type of project can only happen with a shared vision and leadership.
“A project like this is unique in the United States. There really never has been an example where corporations came together with philanthropy, came together with government to take on a transit project like this,” Cullen said.
According to MLive.com, over $100 million has been donated to the rail project by private donations. Among these donors, Quicken Loans’ Chairman, Dan Gilbert, Penske Chairman Roger Penske and Cullen himself have contributed the greatest amounts toward the project.
Penske, founder and CEO of Penske Corporation, is also the chairman of the M-1 Rail board of directors.
“Penske has given back plenty to Detroit, raising millions to help the bankrupt Motor City replenish its fire,” Forbes.com said.
Because of Penske’s commitment to this project, the rail’s main operations facility has been named in his honor. The Penske Tech Center is located at the north end of the circuit and will be completed by the end of this year.
“This is a home-run project for the city of Detroit,” Penske said.
The streetcar is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2016 and will be an especially great resource for young professionals and college students in the metro Detroit region.
During a day exploring in the city, visitors can easily connect from a restaurant in Midtown to the Joe Louis Arena via the streetcar. The streetcar will be a vessel for travel opportunities and a new, sustainable
making
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R C S H I E L D . C O M // 25
resource in the Detroit area. “The streetcar helps advance everyone’s
opportunities forward,” Michael Ford, incoming CEO of Regional Transit Authority, said.
Undoubtedly, all those aboard the M-1 RAIL will not only move forward through the city of Detroit, but will be key players in moving the city forward.
“detroit is like rock and roll. it’s like soul. detroit is like this whole idea of cool. if you have to explain it to someone, they probably won’t understand. you have to see it. live it. be it. that’s when detroit starts
to move you.
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R C S H I E L D . C O M // 17#MORETHANDECAY
S H I E L D SPRING // 28
D etroit Hockeytown and the Red Wings are soon to have a new home.
By 2017, the current Joe Louis Arena will be replaced by a new arena, courtesy of Mike Ilitch. Mike Ilitch and his family are best known for owning the Detroit Tigers
and Red Wings teams, as well as the Little Caesers Pizza franchise. But what Ilitch has planned for the city of Detroit over the next
two years stretches far beyond just the world of sports (and pizza, for that matter).
In September 2014, ground was broken on the arena the Red Wings will soon call home.
Christopher Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Holdings, was joined by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan at the event that welcomed a new stadium and entertainment district to Detroit.
Building for the new arena is anticipated to conclude by the Red Wings’ season opener game in 2017.
This arena will feature a unique glass-roofed concourse
connecting the stadiums to the surronding offices and shops. Seating inside the arena will provide room for at least 20,000 spectators to attend each game, concert or event.
“We’re convinced that what makes the fan experience special is proximity to the playing surface, feeling very close to the action, amazing sight lines where every seat is a good one and an immersive experience that’s engaging, exciting, loud —an intimidating place for the opposition to play. That’s what we have planned,” Christopher Ilitch told CBS Detroit.
The ambitious arena alone carries an equally heavy price tag of $450 million.
In addition to the new hockey home, a 650,000 square foot sports and entertainment district will also be created.
This district will include current mixed-use neighborhoods, as well as new residential houses and retail outlets. All of these new developments will be in close proximity to other local attractions, including the Cass Corridor, Ford Field and Comerica Park.
Ilitch Breaks Ground in the D“LET’s GO RED WINGS”BY L I N D S AY B A S L O C K
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project is anticipated to cost $650 million. The
Ilitchs plan on paying for $365.5 million of the development from
a private investment. $284.5 million will come from public investments, primarily funded with tax-increment financing. This captures future property tax revenue while also banking on increased real estate values.
Right now, some critics oppose using state taxpayer dollars to finance a professional sports development. However, many city and state development agencies have defended the project by pointing to the many ways this project will benefit the city of Detroit in the coming decades.
This new hockey arena and retail and entertainment development in Detroit is expected to attract more people to the city. Overall, the project will bring a fresh new angle to sports and entertainment in Detroit.
QUICK FACTS
owned by olympia entertainment
to be completed by late 2017
$450 million to construct
anchors a new $650 million 650,000
square foot sports & entertainment
district, Located near cass corridor,
close to ford field and comerica park
Houses at least 20,000 spectators
Eight-story area built as a bowl
ice surface 40 feet below street
level
37,300 Square feet practice area
Ability to project graphics on the
arena’s glass roof that forms an
indoor “Street”
R C S H I E L D . C O M // 29
BY R A C H E L TAY L O R
Ethan West
S H I E L D SPRING // 30
“I feel like people always deserve a second chance. If I can help people in one way, it’ll start a chain reaction and just keep going.”
Aspiring lawyer and Rochester College senior Ethan West adopts this philosophy about the future that lies before him.
In the past four years, West has invested himself in the soccer program at RC while also working toward a degree in pre-law and psychology.
This spring, West will graduate, take the LSAT and apply to law schools across Michigan.
West recently sat down and talked about his past, present and future.
From Royal Oak to Rochester HillsWest graduated from Royal Oak High School in 2011, where he
played soccer on the varsity team for three years. Upon graduation, West planned to end his soccer career and
begin a new chapter at Michigan State University. However, right before he finalized his college decision, West received a phone call from his previous soccer coach, Cliff Bradford, who was an assistant coach at RC.
Bradford mentioned there were a few spots available on the men’s soccer team at RC, if West was interested in the opportunity.
West was invited to a team practice and offered a scholarship soon after his visit.
“Had I gone to State, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Rochester has given me a different way to perceive things, and I am grateful for that,” West said.
The Warriors and the Wests At the young age of 11, West knew he wanted to be lawyer. His
older brother, Joshua, is a graduate from Wayne State University’s law school and a practicing lawyer in the Detroit area.
“I remember sitting in a courtroom, and it was a great experience. My brother Josh wasn’t doing it for the money; he was doing it to help someone who needed it,” West said.
West aspires to be the same type of man and lawyer: one who uses the gifts God has given him to help those in need.
Though Josh has set a great example for West, Josh is not the only family member to do so.
West is the youngest of five children and credits his close family with helping him become the person he is today.
“If I didn’t have four older siblings, I wouldn’t have the drive and motivation to do what I want to do and be who I want to be,” West
said. “My family has big expectations for me.” The West family is value-orientated and a part of the Christian
community. His parents liked that RC is a Christian school, so they fully supported of his decision to attend the college. West has enjoyed the small class sizes and the professors here, especially his favorite mentor, Dr. John Todd.
RC has also served as an important step in West’s journey to becoming a lawyer.
West mentioned that his psychology and communication classes at RC have really helped him prepare for the road ahead.
“I’ve learned how to talk to people, get [key] information and interpret that into something I can use,” West said.
Work Hard, Play Hard Many college students balance a full-time class load with a part-
time job. West, however, excels by managing not one, but four part-time jobs during the school year.
One of his jobs includes being a personal assistant to Todd, which includes handling phone calls, emailing and helping with grading.
On top of this duty, West is also a manager at Windstar Soccer in Pontiac; a barback at Plymouth Roc restaurant in Plymouth; and an assistant at his brother’s law firm, the Joshua D. West Law Firm, which operates out of Bloomfield Hills, Flint and Detroit.
During the past three summers, West has also volunteered his time coaching soccer at the Royal Oak Youth Soccer Association.
As a soccer player for 18 years, West has especially enjoyed the opportunity to play forward, midfield and defense at the collegiate level.
The Future Before Him “I’ve always loved to play soccer, so I’d love to help out and coach
someday in addition to being a lawyer,” West said. By coaching, West said he could offer kids a chance to be a part
of a team and a family. West hopes to give others the same quality of life that he has been
offered through his family, his soccer coaches and his professors at RC.
At the moment, West has his goals set on law school at Wayne State University and hopes to work full-time at his brother’s law firm upon graduation.
More importantly, he has a desire and commitment to help justice reach those who need it the most. West is a true warrior, and Rochester College is proud to have him as a student, athlete and, soon, alumnus.
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"DO WHAT YOU CAN,WITH WHAT YOU HAVE,
WHERE YOU ARE."
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
