Attending Gordon with Four Senses

By Katie Thompson

It’s lunchtime on a busy afternoon in the Lane Student Center. Tables are filled with students eating and talking together. At one table two students eat their lunch and discuss the latest in computers and software.

Except this conversation is different.

Katherine Moss and Karl Belanger can’t see each other. Moss, ’13, a secondary education major from Billerica, MA and Karl Belanger, ’10, a business major and computer science minor from Dover, NH, are blind.

Moss, born with Retinopathy of Prematurity, can make out some light, colors, and shapes, while Belanger, born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, has light perception but can’t see shapes, shadows, or colors.

Moss and Belanger chose to attend Gordon for many of the same reasons that any sighted student might have. Moss was interested in the Christian environment and the academic opportunities. Belanger chose Gordon because it was close to home and offered a good computer science program.

There was one common factor in both students’ decision to attend: the programs and services offered for the disabled. Moss and Belanger agree that Gordon has a great system.

“The Academic Support Center knows what they are talking about and are very willing to work with me on any issues that I may have,” Belanger said.

According to the Academic Support Center, .004% of students are visually impaired, the highest percentage in recent years. In order to accommodate to these needs, the faciltiy scans texts, finds students to read to the visually impaired, and gets books in audio format.

“Our goal is to make academics as accessible as possible for the visually impaired so that they have equivalent opportunities,” said Jennifer Jansen, the administrative and accommodations assistant in the Academic Support Center.

Terry Charek, associate dean of students, has worked with both students to accommodate their physical needs. Moss and Belanger live in Chase Hall, chosen because of its centralized location. Classroom access, food service, and grounds maintenance are crucial components of keeping the campus accessible for students with such disabilities.

“I am amazed at how well Katherine and Karl function and at their sense of independence on campus,” Charek said.

With the training that they receive at Gordon, both students have plans for the future. Moss wants to teach at a visually impaired high school where she can have the same positive impact on students that her teachers had on her. Belanger desires a career in the Information Technology field where he can use his background in business and computer science.

Aside from their studies, Moss and Belanger are involved with various hobbies. Moss loves to sing and has been a pianist for fourteen years.

“I feel like the piano is a part of me,” she said, “I can’t go without it.”

She is also a self professed “technology geek” who loves to chat with friends online, learn computer programming, and research new technology.

Belanger is musically inclined as well. He has played the alto saxophone since the 5^th grade and is currently a member of the Symphonic Band at Gordon. He is also a passionate sports fan who enjoys keeping up to date on the latest statistics and scores of his favorite teams.

His other hobby is spending time with his Seeing Eye dog, Quasar. Belanger has had him for four years and Quasar was an instrumental part in helping him to learn the layout of the campus when he first arrived.

“The problem with navigating Gordon is that there are so many paths going to the same place,” Belanger said. “With Quasar I don’t have to worry about it. I can tell him where I need to go and he takes me there.”

Moss and Belanger receive assistance from the Academic Support Center and from their canes or in Belanger’s case his dog, and because of this sometimes feel that students aren’t sure how to approach them.

“In certain areas we might need assistance, but beyond that there is no difference between us and everyone else,” Belanger said.

Moss wants the sighted population to understand that though she may be blind it does not mean that she is abnormal.

“It’s very hard for me to meet people,” Moss said, “No one should be afraid to approach me or get to know me.”

Moss and Belanger are both convinced that they are blind for a reason and harbor no feelings of resentment. Moss believes that she is blind, just like she is a musician and tech savvy, for a purpose. Belanger views his blindness as an opportunity to share his story and his faith with others.

“God gave this to me for a reason and I will do what I can with it,” he said.

From Watergate to your Backyard: the Elements do not Change

By Katie Thompson

Journalists are pounding away on typewriters, running throughout the office with cigarettes dangling from their mouth’s, and decked out in a sea of plaid shirts and bell bottom pants, a clear signal of a 70s style newsroom.

This is a scene from William Goldberg’s 1976 film, All the President’s Men, starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.

The film tells the true story of two Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward (Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Hoffman), who were responsible for first breaking the Watergate scandal to the nation.

The technique and style of journalism employed by these two men revealed that the elements of journalism, as described in Bill Kovach’s book, are just as applicable in the 1970s during one of the greatest scandals in history as they are today in the smallest of hometown newspapers. The elements do not change.

Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth. This fact was the driving force behind Woodward and Bernstein’s coverage of the Watergate scandal as it unfolded. They stayed with the story, despite being doubted, mocked and even put in physical danger, because they knew it was their responsibility to uncover the truth.

In the process of uncovering the truth comes the difficult and often time consuming job of verification. Sources must be confirmed as reliable and accuracy is essential. Woodward and Bernstein found it a tedious task to verify their sources, or even get sources to go on the record for that matter, but knew that if they were to break a story of this magnitude it had to be perfect.

Their editor, Ben Bradlee, stressed the discipline of verification to them. In the early stages of their investigation, Bradlee held the story from print several times citing that they needed to “get some harder information”. He knew that the reputation of The Washington Post rode on whether the sources named (or more often unnamed due to the nature of the story) could be verified and made it clear to his reporters what was needed in order for their report to print.

The full story did eventually print and the men involved in the Watergate scandal were exposed and indicted. This was only possible because of the diligent and responsible journalism conducted by Woodward and Bernstein. They never stopped in their pursuit of the truth, and in the end neither they nor the nation were denied of it.

"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"

By Katie Thompson

“The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” The title of this famous Clint Eastwood film describes the different styles of journalism represented in Jo Kadlecek’s book, A Minute Before Friday.

The book follows the story of Jonna Lightfoot MacLaughlin, a religion reporter for a New York City newspaper, The Clarion, and the journalistic and moral issues that she encounters.

The main conflict arises when MacLaughlin is informed that an Ivy League school, Regal University, has been secretly withholding funds from Christian clubs and organizations that were donated specifically for that purpose.

It is in the coverage of this story that Bill Kovach’s The Elements of Journalism can be seen in good, bad and ugly forms.

The Ugly: The ugly journalism is practiced by Walter Wood, a man new to The Clarion who has a vision to take the paper in a new direction, one in which sales and profits are the top priority. Wood has missed that journalism’s first loyalty is to the citizens, not to profit. Wood manipulated some of MacLaughlin’s stories in such a way that he believed would sell more copies. He was also not willing to put MacLaughlin’s story about the scandal at Regal in print because he thought the public wouldn’t be interested. The work of a journalist is to present the facts and let the citizen’s interpret them, and Wood eliminated this crucial aspect of journalism by not printing the story.

The Bad: The bad journalism is seen in Skip Gravely, MacLaughlin’s long time friend and editor. In the past Gravely had always insisted that journalism’s first obligation is to the truth and its first loyalty is to the citizens. This was why MacLaughlin was shocked when he refused to allow her story about Regal to print. It seemed as though Wood’s economic motives had rubbed off on him and his status as a Regal alumni may also have provided a reason for not wanting to tarnish the University’s reputation. Skip failed as a journalist- he was not interested in the truth and denied the citizen’s the right to know it.

The Good: MacLaughlin and fellow reporter Hannah Hensley represented the good journalism in this story. MacLaughlin’s first obligation was to the truth and she stopped at nothing to get it. She knew that illegal activity was taking place, and felt it her responsibility to expose it. Aside from being loyal to the truth and the citizens, she also practiced the discipline of verification. She found reliable sources and documents to confirm and strengthen her case. Hannah believed in these basic elements of journalism as well and helped her with uncovering the scandal. When MacLaughlin was just about to give up, Hensley helped her by going directly to the sources and demanding information- a picture of journalism at its best. It was Hensley who ultimately brought the story to a Senator, who released the information at a press conference and exposed Regal’s wrong doing.

Wood and Gravely failed to be a “voice for the voiceless”, however MacLaughlin and Hensley never ceased in their search for the truth and eventually were able to provide that much needed voice.

The Role of the Media in the Civil Rights Movement

By Katie Thompson

The civil rights movement was a turbulent time in US history where issues of segregation and discrimination dominated society. It occured predominately in the South, and were it not for the media, the rest of the nation would not have known the atrocities occuring. Through the diligent work of reporters and news agencies, stories and pictures were published and distributed throughout the nation and the world. The scene that the media portrayed disturbed many around the globe, and was an impetus for the desperately needed change that needed to occur in the South.

Elements of Journalism visible in Good Night, and Good Luck

By Katie Thompson

Good Night, and Good Luck, (2005) directed by George Clooney, tells the story of CBS reporter Edward R. Murrow and his coverage and ultimate exposure of Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare.

In the 1950s the fear of Communism in the United States was made worse with McCarthy and the scare tactics he employed. Few were willing to oppose him in fear of being blacklisted and accused of being a Communist. Murrow, however, was not one of these people and courageously decided to take a stand against McCarthy.

His reasons for going after McCarthy and the means by which he did so reflect some of the principle concepts in Kovach and Rosenstiel’s book on perfecting the art of journalism, The Elements of Journalism.

Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth, according to The Elements of Journalism, and this was something that Murrow fully understood. He sought the truth by first collecting all of the background information and facts on McCarthy that he knew would be pertinent and irrefutable to his case. He was then able to question McCarthy in such a way that the facts themselves could reveal the truth. Murrow felt it his responsibility to defend a cause that may be unpopular at the time and thus pursued the truth behind the things McCarthy was claiming and sought to reveal it.

Elements of Journalism also emphasizes that journalism’s first loyalty is to the citizens and that it should provide a “voice for the voiceless”. Journalists during the Red Scare were afraid to report on McCarthy and his scare tactics because they feared becoming his next target. Murrow recognized this risk but also recognized his responsibility to be the “voice for the voiceless” and to stand up to injustice.

In the end Murrow’s stand against McCarthy paid off, exposing the Senator for who he really was and what his true motives were. It was Murrow’s careful reporting and loyalty to the truth and to citizens that made it possible. In perfect accordance with the ideals of The Elements of Journalism, Murrow summed up the task of a journalist in simple terms. “Search for truth with diligence and report it.”

Former and Current Scots Assemble at Gordon to Trot the 3rd Annual 5k

By Katie Thompson & Abigail Solberg

The clouds gave way to the sun Saturday morning just in time for Gordon College’s 3^rd Annual Scot Trot, one of several athletic events during Homecoming weekend.

The Scot Trot featured 101 runners comprised of students, parents and alumni who’s registration fees, for the first time, went towards the Partners Program. The Partners Program provides financial support to students who otherwise would not be able to afford Gordon.

“I wouldn’t say there was that much money raised through registration for the Partners Program, but there were food donations which enabled us to give more money to the program,” said Jennifer Thorburn Migonis, ‘04 the director of development of events for Alumni.

The Scot Trot has been a success the past three years, primarily due to the fact that it is the only athletic event during homecoming that is open for all to participate in. “There are a lot of students running this year, as well as parents running with younger kids,” Migonis said.

For a few runners, the Scot Trot was the first organized race that they have decided to take part in.

Emily Bell, ‘12 from Harare, Zimbabwe, was one of these runners. “I enjoy running. I am not a big competitor, but I wanted to do this race to see how well I can do,” Bell said. “It helps that the money is going to a good cause.”

Another first timer at the Scot Trot was Donna Loy, the Application Assistant for the admissions office of Gordon College. “It was my first race and I was really excited about doing it,” Loy said. “I started running about two and a half years ago and even though I had a knee injury over the summer, I still wanted to be part of the Scot Trot.”

Loy is not the only member of her family to run for Gordon College. “My daughter, Sarah, ran for Gordon while she went here. Here’s a fun fact, I ran the 5k in about the time she runs the 10k. Even though I came in last, I feel like I won.”

Exploring Psalms with Rabbis

By Katie Thompson

Rabbi Baruch HaLevi spoke in front of a chapel filled with Gordon students and faculty on September 11, 2009, the first of several rabbis scheduled to speak on campus for an educational series entitled Exploring Psalms with Rabbis.

Gordon’s Dr. Marvin Wilson, a biblical studies professor who was instrumental in setting up the series, introduced HaLevi.

“The Psalms, or the ‘hymnbook’ of ancient Israel, has had profound influence in shaping the thought and worship of Judaism and Christianity,” said Wilson in a recent press release.

Having a rabbi speak at a Christian college may seem contradictory, however Gordon student Aleah Tarnoviski ’12, an Elementary Education major, was interested in the fact that a rabbi would be speaking in chapel.

“I was interested when I heard that a rabbi was coming because being a Christian is the fulfillment of the Jewish faith. It is our history, and I enjoy learning about it.”

HaLevi spoke on the importance of the Psalms, particularly examining Psalm 145, King David, and the universal lessons that can be learned.

He emphasized emulating God in our behaviors, thoughts, and actions.

“We need to live these Psalms in the way we act,” he said.

Whether Jewish or Christian, HaLevi delivered a message applicable to all.

Zinsser's 30 Year Old Book on Writing still Speaks to Modern Reporters

By Katie Thompson

Imagine using a 30 year old refrigerator, watching a 30 year old television set, or driving a 30 year old car. Most wouldn’t even consider using these “ancient” items in an era where new technology abounds.

Now also imagine reading a 30 year old book offering advice on non-fiction writing. Could it possibly still be relevant to modern reporters in a journalistic world so different from the one in which the book was originally written?

It seems unlikely, yet William Zinsser, author of On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, has made it happen.

“It’s just the basic stuff, simple things that you can work on that make the biggest difference in your writing,” said Katie Zarrilli, ’12, a Communication Arts major from Gorham, ME.

On Writing Well offers advice on a wide array of topics within the writing field that is highly applicable to modern reporters. He has sought to share his knowledge of professional writing with the next generation of journalists.

Deborah Devenney, ’12, a Communication Arts major from East Haddam, CT felt that, “He (Zinsser) was very practical and had a grandfatherly tone about him, like he was passing on wisdom.” Devenney was impacted by Zinsser’s respect for the English language and his advice to choose words carefully.

“He has a love for words and using them properly that I can only hope to achieve,” she said.

Zarrilli also found elements of On Writing Well that she will carry over into her writing.

“I really liked when he (Zinsser) talked about hearing yourself in your writing,” said Zarrilli, who continued, “I want to work on my own sound and voice so that eventually people won’t have to see my name but will know the work is mine.”

Zinsser’s book not only provides grammatical and stylistic advice, but encourages writers to believe in themselves and to constantly revise their writing to bring it to its highest potential.

“On Writing Well has given me more confidence in my writing,” said Zarrilli.

While a 30 year old refrigerator, television set, or car may seem impractical and irrelevant all these years later, Zinsser has proven that his book On Writing Well has withstood the test of time.

College Students Mixed About Online Journalism

By Katie Thompson

A common trend sweeping over the world of journalism has arrived at Gordon College. More and more across the nation, print news has been evaporating into world of online journalism, and beginning this Fall Gordon College’s own newspaper, The Tartan, will be going completely online.

In the past, The Tartan, student led and operated, has offered students a place to catch up on what is going on around campus. As the paper now looks toward the future of going completely online, it will seek to keep its same basic values and principles.

As journalism has become increasingly accessible online, the nation’s youth are turning to the Internet to access the information that is important to them.

Katie Zarrilli, 19, a Communication Arts major, now receives her news almost exclusively by means of the Internet. She follows the Web Site of her home news station to find out what is going on locally, nationally, and globally.

“It is important that everyone knows what is going on; news connects people,” said Zarrilli. The Tartan going online will provide Zarrilli with another way to keep up with the news, especially that pertaining to her life at Gordon.

Not all students, however, are as willingly accepting of the trend of online journalism. Hala Coker, 19, a Deciding major, believes that The Tartan should remain a printed publication.

“No one is going to read it. In my opinion no one seemed to read it when is was in hard copy, so I’m not sure that people will make the effort to go online to read it now,” stated Coker.

Coker acknowledges that she has never been a big newspaper reader, yet she still represents a large percentage of students who will not be so readily accepting of a solely online Tartan.

Thus far there have been mixed reviews on the paper going online, just as there is currently a large national divide as to whether online journalism will prove to have a positive or negative effect on the field of journalism.

As The Tartan makes its biggest transition in over 50 years of publication, only time will tell whether students will make the transition with it or if it will simply fall to the wayside.