students inducted into Phi Alpha Epsilon - University of Indianapolis

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NOVEMBER 17.2004 THE REFLECTOR PACE 6 H STUDENT-OWNED BUSINESS Graduate student owns and operates nightclub Craig Haupert Eiitertainment Editor Jared Sigler is not a typical graduate student. At age 27, this Indianapolis native owns and runs a nightclub called Fusion, while attending graduate school at the University of Indianapolis for his MBA. He will tell you that the combination is not for the motivationally challenged. “When my brother Jason and I started this club back in 2001, I was a nervous wreck,” Sigler said. “I had so much stress that I would literally start cramping up, and 1 had trouble sleeping.” The stress accumulated as Sigler quickly learned that owning a nightclub is not easy. It takes time to establish a client base. The club lost a substantial amount of money during its infancy. “When we first opened we spent about $13,000 at Radio Now 93. I . We tried to do like an eight-week ad campaign, and I bet we only saw about a fourth of that money come back to us,” Sigler said. Sigler had a tough time finding an audience for Fusion. “We are not on Meridian street and we are not in Broadripple,” Sigler said. “So we had to basically find a niche.” It took about a year, but Sigler and Fusion found that niche and it turned out to be the Gothic and hip-hop crowds. The gothic crowd was a demographic that was not well served by night- clubs in the Indianapolis area. Sigler found in them a small, but loyal crowd that helps keep his club making money. The hip-hop crowd has been consistent as well. “On Sunday night, which is our busiest night, we do a hip-hop night,” Sigler said. “We get 350 to 400 people: on Sunday night and it is about 95 percent African American. It is a totally different demographic than Friday niglht.” Before Jared became involved in the nightclub business, he was a student at IUPUI. where he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2001. Sigler originally had planned to be a school counselor. After graduating from IU- PUI he expressed an interest in starting a nightclub to his father, Joe Sigler. His father had owned a nightclub in Florida before he moved to Indianapolis. He played an important role in helping Sigler get Fusion started. With his father’s help, Sigler and his brother Jason purchased Ozzies, a bar on Market Street in Indianapolis. Sigler ,grew up in Perry Township. When he was three years old his parents divorced. Sigler and his brother ended up staying with their mother and their father moved away. Sigler still saw his dad in the summertime and when their family took vacations together. Sigler said his parents are still very close. “He [our father] has given us a lot of advice and guidance. His involvement now is helping write the employee checks and he helps with the taxes at the end of the month,” Sigler said. In the fall of 2004, Sigler decided to go back to school to earn his master’s degree in the School of Business at the University of Indianapolis. He has found his first semester at U of I to be a challenging experience. “1 actually enjoyed the psychology courses more than I enjoy my business courses now,” Sigler said. “They are very hard, but there are a couple reasons for that. I am not very interested. I also feel like I am at a bit of a dis- advantage because I did not have any undergrad business courses. So going into it [the business program] has been intimidating and it has been difficult to grasp the material.” Sigler plans to use the knowledge gained in his U of I business courses to help him succeed with Club Fu- sion. He also is interested in sales and marketing. “I have been working with this guy, he is a regional sales manager for a company called William Grant and Sons. They own Armadale Vodka and other liquors. 1 give him ideas all the time to help him with his products. I love taking a product, something that is not well known, and trying to make it a hot product. Maybe I can get into that business someday,” Sigler said. Recently, Sigler has had to as- sume more responsibilities at the club because his brother decided to step aside and just help out with repairs and maintenance. This left Sigler in charge of everything. Although owning Fusion takes up a significant amount of his time, Sigler is excited about where the club is going in the future. “Right down the street, we have Market Square Arena, and the city is getting ready to build a whole new neighborhood,” Sigler said. “Two 20-something story high condos, retail, like high end.. . It will move right into here.” Sigler is hoping that this develop- ment will bring in more business. He is planning to change the whole atmosphere of his club to cater to the new prospects. Sigler wants Fusion to transform into an upscale Cheers-like neighborhood bar. “People tell me to be patient with it, that I am sitting on a gold mine,’’ Sigler said. Jared Sigler (right), a graduate student in the School of Business, owns and operates Fusion. Fu- sion is a nightclub that ca- ters to different groups on different nights. The dance floor offers a unique setting (below). Phoro b y Lirhc ThorribrrrL Photo h,v Zuch Bolinger INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IPROFILE Student from Rwanda active on campus Brittani Whitmore Stu8 Writer Maintaining a full schedule of classes, studying two majors and being involved in more than five different co-curricular programs on campus are just some of the items on Chantal U w izera’s schedule. Uwizera. currently a junior at the University of Indianapolis, is a native of Rwanda, Africa. Uwizera arrived in the United States in 2000 along with her sisters. She attended Riley High School in South Bend, Indiana, before coming to Indianapolis. “It was different because I came when I was 16 or 17, and that’s the time when you make all your friends. So I left [Africa] kind of sad but it was good. It was a really good change,” Uwizera said. Uwizera moved to the United States for safety reasons. Her mother was Tutsi and her father was a Hutu. They were unlikely to marry because the two tribes wlxe in a conflict, so they were discriminated against. The conflict cost Uwizerai several members of her family. She is here under political asylum. Before coming to the U.S., Uwizera attended a private Catholic school and a French school. When comparing the GREYHOUND ADVENTURE,S FUNDING Greyhound Adventures ~~ ~ Becky Nakasone Stuff Writer Thousands of dollars recently became available for students to use for off-campus learning experiences. Greyhound Adventures was created so that undergraduate students can have a chance to be involved in an area of interest off campus. This funding program can help with the needed extra money. it also provides funding for intern- ships and vocational callings through projects, and for service-learning travel experiences. If a student wants to take an internship that will only pay half of what they could make at another job, but will greatly assist the student with his or her major, the funding can help make up the difference from the internship. Or if a group of students would like to go to another country to help build homes, and they do not have enough money for the travel expenses Photo by Zuch Bolinger and materials, then the funds can help. ‘‘We want to make it possible for a variety of students to take initiatives to serve, to explore, to discover possibili- ties that they are interested in doing,” said Michael Cartwright, dean and associate professor of Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs. This funding came from The Cross- ings Project. The Religion Division of the Lilly Endowment, Inc., funded the Crossings Project through the Programs for Theological Exploration of Vocation Initiative. The Lilly Endowment Inc. gives to campuses across the nation who are exploring in the area of vocation, or careers. ‘‘The whole point of [The Crossings Project] was to find ways to have the campuses intersect with each other and give people opportunities,” said Sister Jennifer Homer, co-chaplain and assistant professor of spiritual formation. “We’re really blessed to live in Indiana because [Lilly] is in Indiana.” The funds have been broken up into three different types of funds, and each has si set amount of money that can be used for that area. An International schools in Rwanda to the ones she has attended in the United States, she notices some major differences. “[The private school] was really strict. We wore uniforms, no makeup, nothing like that. Like here in class, you bring your food, or you can sit the way you want to, and there you can’t just talk without raising your hand.. . it’s really proper the way it is,” Uwizera said. After arrivng in the United States, Uwizera noticed that the U.S. is perceived incorrectly in Africa. “[l noticed] how friendly people are. Because when we are there [in Africa] all we see on TV is totally different, like the political side. But when you get here, you see that people are actually nice, and Chantal Uwizera, a junior, helps a student in the library. Uwizera works in the Krannert Memorial Library and as a resident assistant in Warren Hall. She is majoring in political science and international relations. Uwizera is an international student from Rwanda who came to the United States in 2000. they try to get to know you. Also. how diverse it is. Different people dress so differently. In Rwanda. we dress inore European, although it is changing right now because hip-hop is niorc popiilar over there,” Uwizera said. Although she has lived in the L’nited States since her departure from Africa, Uwizera does miss Rwanda. “I miss everything. No matter where you go in your life there is no place like home. I miss just going out and having fun. Here you have to force yourself to have fun. There it just comes natural. I don’t know, maybe it’s because of the music. And the food, oh gosh, the food!” Uwizera said. While attending school in South Bend she became involked with the Notre Dame Talent Search. This orga-nization sent out her profile, and the University of Indianapolis was one of the colleges that contacted her. “This school was sending me information. Every time I had a question, they were so quick at responding. When 1 came to visits like Campus Camp-ln, the people were really nice. 1 wanted to get to a big city but not that far, and Indianapolis was the one. ..I fell in love with this school,” Uwizera said. Uwizera has a double major in political science and international relations. “I love it. especially right now with the election. I love my professors and how they interact with us,“ Uwizera said. In October, she was crowned Home- coming Queen, after a vote by the students. “It was good, and a surprise. It was a really good thing. I don’t know how to say it. We don’t have anything lihe that at home,” Uwizera said. Aside from her studies, Uwizera spends time getting involved in many co-curricular activities. She is the diversity and current events chair for Campus Program Board and a mentor in the College Mentors for Kids program. “I have a little girl that 1 love,” Uwizera said about the child that she mentors. She is involved in the (;reyhound Ambassadors, International Student Association, the Janus Club and is a resident assistant for the fifth tloor of Warren Hall. “She is very cool, and nice. Nobody has a problem with her and she is easy to get along with. Overall she is a good person,” said Semhar Meresie, fifth floor resident of Warren Hall. Uwizera also works at the Krannert Memorial Library on campus. “She is reall) helpful. and a lot of the patrons know her, which is good to have that cunnection. Also, she is always in it good mood. Students seem to be frustrated sometimes when they are searching for things, so her good attitude helps,” said Adela Chipe, a library co-worker. After college, Uwizera would like to go to law school, possibly to study international law or human rights law. “I want to save the world! ... 1 know that there are so many things that happen in my country. I’ve been questioning my country about human rights violations, and nobody cared about it. So whatever I do with my life, 1 just want people to learn more about it [Rwanda] in order to help,” Uwizera said. n tunding helps meet students’ needs Service-Learning Travel Study Opportunities area has a total of $5,000. A Christian Vocation Opportunity has a total of $5,000. Co-Curricular Programs ServiceiExploration Funds have a total of $1 2,500. In each area a maximum amount of money can be applied for for individual grants: International Service-Learning Travel Study maximum is $1,000, Christian Vocations maximum is $1,250, and Co-Curricular Programs maximum is $1,250. According to Cartwright, the funds are supposed to help with some of the “financial obstacles” that students who do want to take the initiative may encounter. The money can be used for such things as books and materials, travel expenses and tuition and fees. The money is not going to cover all the expenses; students will need to make up for the rest of the money needed. The money,also can be used toward a certain kindof international service learning that may earn college credit. This kind of program must go through the Financial Aid Office. “There is a sort of obliption, once you get a certain level of education, and get to a certain level of life. and then there is a little bit of obligation to help others,” said Mimi Chase, director of the lnternational Di\ I is ’. ton. ’ The program already has peaked interest in some students according to Dan Stoker, director of co-curricular programs, but they are still working on putting it all together. “We’ve already had two or three requests that have already come in. and right now, since it is a new grant opportunity as well as processes, we have not figured it out yet,” Stoker said. Collaboration with other undergraduate students, graduate students. and faculty is encouraged. Only undergraduate students are eligible for the money. After students decide that they would like to pursue this in some way they need to set up a meeting with the appropriate person. “Anybody who is interested is supposed to set up a meeting with either myself, Sister Jennifer, or Mirni Chase. We’re supposed to help understarld and exdain what the urocess is going to be and how their interest may fit in with the goals of the project, and give them the application materials,” Stoker said. A separate committee will be in charge of granting the funds. None of the advisors of this program will be on the committee. Students should know within about three weeks after submit- ting their application whether or not they will receive any money. After students have returned from their adventures, they are required to present what they have done. “We’ve always had Study-Abroad Coffee Hours,” Chase said. “We coiild do something like Service-Abroad Coffee Hours. The brand new thing we‘re going to do next year is called a study-abroad fair. So we might call it a service abroad fair.” Chase is thinking about having the students who have been part of this funding program be on hand to talk to students who may be interested. These funds will only be available for the next two years, until 2006, because The Crossings Project, the program that makes this possible, is in its final two years.
CONCERT REVIEW Rock band shows up late, sends editor home early Treologic has yet to find its own sound Katy Yeiser Sports Editor Usually bands that have the right mix of dift‘erent sounds, genres and hflucnces make successful acts, such a:: No Doubt and The Black Eyed Peas. T le group Treologic, which played at tl- e Ransburg Auditorium on Nov. 5, is trying for a different sound like the previously mentioned bands but has a long \n ’iy to go before perfecting its sound, Treologic group members include a lead rapper, an electric guitar player who does vocals, a keyboard player wJ;o contributes back up vocals, a drummer who also sings back up vo;als, a DJ and a tenorbaritone saxaphone player. To start the band was 30 minutcs late to the show and were still doing soundcheck when the audience was seated. However, I don’t think it was that big of a deal because only around 50 people attended the concert. The band showing up late, the lack of support and the silence of 50 people sporadicly seated among a 500 plus capacity auditorium did not set a great tone for the show. Treologic started the show with four of its members (the guitar and keys players, DJ and drummer) playing a tune that at first sounded like elevator music or something WICR would play. The guitar player had a definite jazzy sound and was joined by the keyboard playersjazz and hip hop sound produced by playing the bass lines and the melody on his double decker keyboard. The sound was very relaxing and cool at first, but got old after a while. The stage presence and manners of the band did not help their appeal at all. After airound a minute of playing the first tune, the DJ left the stage to go walk about the auditorium for an extended sound check, which threw me off a bit. After a little more playing the lead vocalist walked out without any introduction and attempted to start the rap verses to the song, but he first had to do the soundcheck on his mic. Instead of hearing the opening verses and finding out what the vocal side of Treologic was all about, the audience was treated with “check, check, check, hello, hello, higher, higher, no sorry a little bit less vocals, yo, yo, yo, can you hear me” fix about a minute. The leaid rapper then went on to start his verses but the volume of his vocals went from soft to medium to high over and over again during the first song. It was hard to understand what he was saying and it seemed at times that he just started to freestyle over the music. I was thrown off once again during the opening song when the sax player came out around seven or eight minutes into the song and started to nonchalantly set up his sax stands and mics while his band was trying to perform. The opening two tunes, which flowed toglether, lasted almost 25 minutes and sounded pretty much the same. The players seemed to be well trained musicians and played their instruments well, but I had no sense that they had yet found their sound. There was little to no interaction between the members on stage and there was little to no uniqueness to their sound. With such good muscians I thought at least they could have came up with a cool or different sound, but all they could come up with was a Photo hv Luke Thornberry The lead singer, guitar player, and keyboardist play in front of a small crowd at the Ransburg Auditorium. Treologic’s sound is a mix of hip hop and jazz. bland jazzy light rock feel. The only exciting part about the first 25 minutes was this random middle aged guy in the audience who got up in front of the stage and started to dance wildly. I think he may have been a honiclcss person or really drunk. The third song, however, did have a unique sound. The keyboard player started out with the music to Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and the drummer’s beat gave the classic piece a hip-hop beat. The sax player also joined the keys player with the lines to Beethoven’s classic. Although it was still hard to understand the lead rapper’s vocals, the third song was by far better than the first two. The fourth song returned to the badness of the first two songs but the interaction of sounds between the keys and DJ was impressive. 1 could barely hear the guitar player and was not impressed with the lyrics to this song’s chorus which were “ooh, ah ah, ooh, ah ah.” Then the band came back \vith their best songs of the night. Their best song was about cadillacs and “gangster leans” that was played with just the electric guitar player, the keys player and the drummer. The vocals displayed by the electric guitar player was stun- ning and made me wonder u hy hc hadn’t been singing all along, instead of the rapper. He had a nice range in pitch and had a smooth clear voice. I cnjoyedjust the three members of the band playing together during this song than I did the rest ofthem all together, and thought it might even be better to let the guitar player sing the bulk ofthe band’s lyrics. The sound made from the three was very organized, clean and catchy. However, that Libe \+as shot dovvn when the rest ofthe band came back on stage andjoined thcm for the remainder of the song. I left after the band started to play some covers which the lead rapper Movie Reviews ‘The Incredibles’ fails to meet expectations Valerie Miller Munu,yinR Editor The latest computer animated movie to hit theaters is Disney and Pixar’s “The Incredibles.” I was a bit disap- pointed by this much-hyped movie. Maybe it’s because I was ready for a laugh-out-loud, rolling-in-the-aisles comedy, but all I really got was a mildly humorous, kid-oriented flick. The movie focuses on superheroes forced into hiding because of a lawsuit- happy society. Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) and Elastigirl (voiced by Holly Hunter), the two main heroes. marry and have three children. They are subsequently forced into a sort of witness protection program for superheroes and must lead normal lives with normal jobs like everyone else, rather than the dramatic superhero lives to which they are accustomed. The story follows Mr. Incredible’s struggles to adjust to this “normal” life in hiding when all he really wants to do is save the world with his superhuman strength. A disgruntled former fan draws Mr. Incredible out from hiding and plots to destroy hiim. After being trapped, Mr. Incredible relies on his family of superheroes and superhero friend Frozone (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) to help him save the day. While Ihe movie wasn’t bad, it didn’t meet my expectations, and the plot was slow-moving early on, which left me looking at my watch, rather than anticipating what came next. Most of the scenes just weren’t that funny. In fact, one of the funni- est scenes was one in which Frozone is looking for his suit. This scene has been played a million times in the previews for the movie. Another scene that I found hilarious was one in which the Incredibles are driving down the highway trying to find the right exit. Really the only reason I thought this was so funny was because I had been in that situation numerous times a few days before I saw the movie. Other than that, most of the humor only got minor chuckles from me, not roaring laughter. Don’t get me wrong, the movie was by no means bad, just not as good as I had hoped. Obviously, many people disagree with me, including my boyfriend, who thought the movie was absolutely hilarious. Maybe his opinion is in the majority, because the movie garnered more than $70 million in its opening weekend, but maybe they saw something I didn’t. To me, it just seemed like another Disney movie geared towards kids, without the Shrek- like adult humor I was hoping for. I will give Pixar credit for the animation, which was of course high quality, typical of what I have come to expect from them. But for me, animation takes a back seat to plot and humor, so it didn’t save the movie. I actually enjoyed the short little animated story that came before the movie more than I really liked the movie. “The Incredibles” is a mediocre comedy that didn’t really appeal to me. It wasn’t nearly as funny as I anticipated, although there were some funny scenes. This movie will almost definitely be a kid favorite. Adults may not enjoy it as much. But feel free to disagree, obviously millions of people did. ‘Ray’ chronicles life of superstar Sarah Clough Distrihiition Mmager The life of Ray Charles unfolded onto movie screens Oct. 29. Fourteen years of planning and preparing paid off, making “Ray” into what many believe is the best movie of this year. “Ray” shines out among the current onslaught of horror films, romantic comedies and cartoons, providing one of the most emotional plots by reveal- ing the story of Ray Charles Robin- son’s ascent to fame, despite being blind, and his plummet caused by drug abuse and infidelity. Jamie Foxx takes on the lead role of Ray and nails it. Prior to the production of the film and the recent death of Ray Charles, Foxx took the time to study him, his movements, how he played the piano and how he spoke. It is obvious to the audience that he did his homework. As 1 watched the screen, memories of photographs and footage I had previously seen of Ray Charles came flooding into my mind. They easily mixed together with the action on the screen. The producers of the film used flashbacks as another way to add depth to the plot and reveal the strong impact Ray’s mother had on his life. The scenes colntinued to jump back to his childhood and to the two major events that affected his life: the death of his younger brother and him losing his sight when he was seven years old. The audience sees the lessons that Ray’s mother had taught him and what he held on to throughout his life. Even after her death, her words “Don’t ever let anyone turn you into a cripple” echo through his mind. The two and a half hour movie feels a little long in some parts, but after realizing that it had been packed with over 30 years of events you know that it probably could have been longer. Also the length of the movie allowed the producers to cram an awesome soundtrack into every scene of the movie. This helps to show the constant presence of music in Ray’s life. The movie progresses to show how his life develops and evolves from playing in small bands to becoming a star and all the mistakes that come with it. His life is the perfect portrayal of the downfall of a iock and roll star. He began getting mixed up with drugs, starting with marijuana and gradually building up to heroin. He began neglecting his family and friends in order to pursue his dreams and other women. While he was pursuing drugs and fast women Ray tried to hide it from his family. As his career succeeded, it became harder to hide these things from the ones that he loved, and after being caught twice for possession Ray entered a rehabilitation clinic to clean up his life. Not only does the plot of this movie captivate you by showing the trials of his life, it inspires you by showing how Ray was able to overcome his handicap to become one of the greatest musical legends of his time. He forced a musical transformation within his generation as he strove to break out from the mold that had been set by previous artists who had inspired him. By finding his own sound he also developed the music of our nation as he combined country western with gospel. with jazz and with blues to create soul. Ray is well worth the two and a half hours spent at the movie theater and even afterwards you’ll walk away humming “Georgia’s on My Mind.’‘ called “a journey through old school hip-hop.’‘ The highlight of the compila- tion was the cover of “Let Me Clear My Throat.” I thoroughly enjoyed this part ofthe show and decided to leave on a high note because I was certain the band would eventually go back to their boring jazz sound. I left the show with mixed feelings about their performance. The pros of the show were the few unique songs I licard, the muscianship of the band and the bocals of the guitar player. The cons oSthe show mere the boring repetitive long songs, the lack of stage presence, the band not identifying themselves or their songs and the disorganization 01’ some of the songs. Sometimes, the songs would seem more fit for a mixed C‘I) for someone to play at a new age cafc that people Lvould freestyle over. If the band can stick to the formula that produced the unique songs played during the set then they might be well on their nay to successful careers. Jude Law scores with ‘ Alfie ’ remake Lauren Howey Feature Editor I love Jude Law, and I couldn’t wait to see his new movie. “Alfie.” What I expected when I went to see it was a romantic comedy. What 1 got was something much different. “Alfie” is ii dark and depressing movie about a promiscuous man who tills his life with hot women, sex and no emotional ties. “Alfie” is a remake of a 1966 film starring Micheal Caine. The new film adds a modern setting and some feminism.. . but not much. This movie makes it certain that Law is one of the sexiest men in Hollywood. His cha- risma permeates the film. He charms the audience directly, by narrating his on II story. One of Alfie’s first comments to the audience sums up his attitude. He says, ”1 rarely spend the night in my owti bed.” Alfie spends his time with barious lad) friends played by Marisa Tomei, Susan Sarandon and Nia Long. .4lfie makes efforts to justify his behavior. hut it is clear to the audience that it is self-destructive. After he sleeps with his friend’s (played by Oniar Epps) ex-girlfriend, he says to the audience, “I find that lately even lying to myself comes easily.” ‘The movie was hard to watch because there are some emotionally disturbing moments. The movie had this effect because of Alfie’s lack of regard for others- including his best friend. I found the movie upsetting, but 1 ,aw’s character was charming. Alfie is ;in irresistible but destructive force. “Alfie” is definitely worth seeing if you’re a man or a woman. Men will tind enough eye candy in the female characters. The plot is one that can appeal to all types of people.
Page 1 and 2: VOLUME 83, ISSUE 5 Winter sports Se
Page 3 and 4: SAGAMORE INSTITUTE ‘Think tank’
Page 5: THE REFLECTOR PAGE 5 SPURl% NOVEMBE

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