Students participate in Mock Murder

Kyra Wood - The Corsair

The Criminal Justice program set the stage April 22 with mock murder scenes on PJC’s Pensacola campus.

Assembled by the program’s all-star faculty, with a little help from the Collegiate High School’s Art department, the scene provided the vocational training needed by the Criminal Justice students as well as shined some light on the program’s potential.

Students were given a basic briefing of the situation before being unleashed onto the scene where art students provided some realistic finishing touches, such as fake blood patterns.

Both real clues and simulated clues were left for students to observe, record, identify, collect and preserve as if they were working a real crime scene. This was an official law enforcement exercise.

Hank Shirah, school resource officer at the Collegiate High School and lead instructor of the program, has huge hopes for the future, but believes that “lack of awareness” is the main contributor to the problem of proper work space and funding.

The mock murder scene was an exercise not only to showcase its practical existence, but to help the instructors evaluate the progress of students and their own teaching methods.

“The bottom line is it served as a measure of the program and provided us with a marker to tweak the program to provide the law enforcement community with a better employee,” Shirah said.

26 students are officially enrolled with the program, three of which transferred from Troy University and UWF because PJC is the only college in the area that provides a CST (Crime Scene Technician) Certification program. All instructors have extensive experience in law enforcement in several different areas.

Shirah served not only as a sergeant in Vietnam and a lieutenant in charge of major crimes, but also as a state trooper for seven and a half years and with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office for 23 years.

Teamed with Nadia Attamincuh and Jim Wilburn, who handle the more technical courses, the three provide what they can with limited space and technology.

Attamincuh specializes in Crime Scene Photography and worked as a Crime Scene Technician for Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Wilburn is a retired West Palm Beach police officer that is a certified Crime Scene Investigator who also teaches at the George Stone. He has worked with the FBI’s serial crime scene profilers and is a fingerprint specialist.

“We ordered supplies that gave us all the tools needed to simulate a working crime scene unit,” Shirah said.

Items on the list included cameras, demonstration kits, collection tools, measuring equipment and a metal detector.

“Our goal was to train students and provide them with the skills and a portfolio to present to a potential employer that will demonstrate that not only do they have the book knowledge; they have the foundational skills to be an excellent employee,” Shirah said

A buried body simulation was in the works with help from Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office.

“The more equipment we get, the more we can do,” Shirah said. “There is already a plan being worked out with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office where we would be able to simulate a buried body, use ground penetrating radar to find the site and do the archeological dig and evidence recovery.”

Until the program is granted a more personal space for growth, instructors will make the best out of Building 11’s T.E.A.L Room.

“As our course grows, I would hope to supply a lab with much of the equipment used in a forensic lab,” Shirah said. “We are a young program; we have some exceptional instructors, a truly interested and committed group of students, and an administration that is committed to providing quality education and training that is current and relevant.”

Global Warming: is it fact or is it fiction?

Kimberly Sweetman - The Corsair

The debate continues to rage over global warming. Is there cause for alarm? Does the condition even exist? If so, are mankind’s activities responsible for climate change?

Those are the questions researched and debated by 14 members of science teacher Jeff Wooters’ introduction to environmental science class during a presentation for fellow students and community members held March 22 at PJC’s Hagler Auditorium.

“We have been investigating this topic through several different guest speakers, panel discussions, discussion forums, and classroom assignments,” Wooters said. “Last year I had my zoology students do a class project on endangered animals. This semester I decided with all the things in the news lately about global warming, it would be a good time to get the students to investigate.”

Wooters pointed to increasingly dire predictions about rising temperatures on earth by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, along with the worldwide attention given to former Vice President Al Gore’s film, “An Inconvenient Truth.”  Countering such arguments, however, have been questions about the trustworthiness of data gathered about global warming, and even the fact that this past winter was one of the coldest on record.

Team 1 argued that global warming is taking place and is caused by human activities. Team 2 argued that global warming is not occurring or, if it is happening, is a natural environmental event. Both sides had to do extensive research for the debate and each team member contributed either through research or a presentation.

Kelly Suhrheinrich began the debate with an opening statement for Team 1.

“Basic principles of physics and chemistry dictate that the earth will warm as concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases increase. Indefinite temperature data from the atmosphere, the ground, and the subsurface, combined with evidence such as melting snow, ice and permafrost, rising sea levels and observed changes in plant and animal behavior make it clear that the earth’s surface is warming noticeably,” Suhrheinrich said.

She then cited examples and data supporting her argument.

Marian Doyle opened Team 2’s presentation with statistics she collected.

“Global warming is defined as an increase in greenhouse gases resulting from human activity such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation,” Doyle said. “A stunning 79 percent of Americans polled in 2007 agreed that human activity is largely the reason why our climate is changing. In reality, humans are only responsible for 3 percent of fossil fuel emissions released into the atmosphere. The rest is largely due to decay of plants, volcanoes and forest fires.”

She urged the audience not to “jump on the band wagon” before researching the topic.

Damien McNeil made a point during Team 2’s presentation that lightened the room’s serious mood: “In 1998 the U.N. reported that the earth’s global warming phase was officially over. There was, however, a Senate hearing on global warming last month that was unfortunately canceled due to unexpected freezes and snow patterns. Sorry about that, better luck next time.”

But that remark about this past winter’s severity was rebutted by Chelsee Raynsford: “As climate changes, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events will change whether it is warming or cooling.”

Raynsford and other Team 1 members argued that the rising level of carbon dioxide is causing global warming.

Catherine Churchwell with Team 2 countered that “when temperatures increase, carbon dioxide increases as a result.”

Following both teams’ closing presentation, most agreed that the debate had ended in a tie. But that did not diminish arguments that continued even after the presentation.

Said Allie Toussaint, an audience member and student in Wooters’ class: “I don’t think global warming is actually happening because I think it is hype, and a lot of propaganda is behind it.”

Fellow student Kieanna Ponds begged to differ, believing humans are the cause of environmental problems that are growing increasingly more serious.

No matter what your opinion, the most important thing is to educate yourself about the issue, said Roman Fiol.

“Regardless of which side of the debate you are on, it is best to look at both sides of the argument and make the decision for yourself before you jump on the band wagon of what everyone claims,” he said. “The environment is very important, but exactly how much do we impact it is the important question here. Open your eyes and look at all the facts before you jump on.”

SGA students visit Tallahasee for Rally in Tally

Wade Manns - The Corsair

Twenty-one PJC Student Government Association leaders joined 325 other community college student leaders from across the state April 7-8 to lobby legislators on bills currently being considered.  The annual Rally in Tally, staged by the Florida Junior/Community College Student Government Association, included a rally on the steps of the old capitol building as well as individual meetings with legislators in their districts.

The Pensacola group met with District 2 Rep. Dave Murzin, District 3 Rep. Clay Ford, and District 4 Sen. Don Gaetz. Before the meetings, students were taken on a tour of the new Capitol building, including gallery views of the House of Representatives and the Senate as well as the office of Gov. Charlie Crist, led by PJC Executive Director of Government Relations Larry Bracken.

“I believe that we made an impact on the legislators because they saw a group of college students that have a strong passion for our schools and who care enough to all gather together to fight for what we believe in,” said PJC representative Cody Ray Engle.

The state group lobbied legislators on several issues, according to PJC SGA representative Tremayne Burnett, including: textbook affordability; legislation that would allow undocumented students the right to claim residency for tuition purposes; and no more changes or reductions to Bright Futures, or to the state college system budget.

Burnett said, “We wanted to make the incentive here to afford those foreign students the same opportunity that we have to get an education. This is America.  At some point in time we were all foreigners.”

At the Rally, the state group welcomed Ocala native, 24th District Representative Kurt Kelly, who began the Rally with a speech: “I am now looking into the eyes of leaders. No, not just future leaders, but leaders. You are leaders of people, already… the leaders of the House that are coming up the next couple of years were all presidents of their respective schools… Many of them were involved in student government; they understand what it takes to be a great leader… kindness.”

This was not only an educational opportunity for the students involved, allowing them to get an inside view on politics as it affects them, but was also a great social opportunity, culminating in the awards banquet and a late-night dance party afterwards.

“Being able to come together with other people that believe in the same things as me and fight for what is right made it so much better,” Engle said.

Pensacola campus offers motorcycle safety course

Register now for the Pensacola Junior College Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider course that provides complete instruction to develop safe, street-riding skills and obtain a motorcycle endorsement.

The three-day course is held 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays on the Pensacola campus. Starting dates for upcoming courses are April 8, 15, 22 and 29. This course will also be available in the summer.
Cost is $180 per student.
Classroom instruction is combined with motorcycle riding activities on an approved training range. Motorcycles are provided by Southern Motorsports Safety.

Students must be at least 15 years-old and hold a valid Florida learner’s permit for six months to take the course. All students must successfully complete the skills-riding evaluation and written exam to receive a motorcycle endorsement.

PJC provides the student handbook, insurance, helmet and motorcycle; students can use their own DOT/Snell Foundation-approved helmet. Students must wear a long-sleeve shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves, long pants and sturdy shoes that cover the ankles.

Register and pay the course fee prior to class meeting to ensure a position in class. Class size is limited to 10 students per week. Register at any PJC campus in the Registrar’s Office or go to www.pjc.edu/ContinuingEducation.

For more information, call 484-1797.

PJC students will debate global warming

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Pensacola Junior College students tackle heated topic of global warming Monday, March 22.

In conjunction with PJC’s project “Environmental and Economic Sustainability,” professor Jeff Wooters and Introduction to Environmental Science students present “The PJC Great Global Warming Debate” 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hagler Auditorium, Building 2, room 252, on the Pensacola campus.

The event is free and open to the public.

Wooters moderates the debate that features two teams of seven students.  One team defends the position that global warming is occurring and is caused by human activities; the other team defends the position that global warming is not occurring, or if it is occurring, it is caused by natural phenomena.

All attendees receive a bibliography of sources to obtain more information on each side of the topic.

For more information about the debate, contact Wooters at 484-1160, jwooters@pjc.edu.

Jing Zhou displays talent in Switzer building

Adriana Dueck-The Corsair

 When it comes to visual arts, Jing Zhou is a master. From pho­tography to drawing/sketching to producing print design for book and movie covers, Jing is one of China’s most talented and profi­cient artists.

On Feb. 25-26, she’ll visit PJC to be honored as the school’s latest Switzer Distinguished Artist dur­ing ceremonies in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts. Her artwork currently is on display un­til March 12 in the PJC Art Depart­ment.

“The Switzer Distinguished Art­ist Series is something that we do every year in order to give our students a taste of similar artists in the working world,” said Krist Lien, head of the art department. “Displays of artists who have suc­ceeded in the tough industry that is art will encourage the students and refresh their vision, giving them hope for a future in which they will hopefully leave their own legacies as Zhou has.”

Born in Chongqing, China, Jing graduated from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in Chongqing, then earned a master of arts degree at Georgia Southern University and a certifi­cate in 3D Modeling and Anima­tion from Stanford’s Digital Media Academy in California. A former professor at Georgia Southern, she currently is an assistant professor at Monmouth University at Long Branch, N.J.

“I have always had in interest in art and I have been painting since my early childhood,” Jing wrote in a brief e-mail interview. “I started in elementary school in China with the traditional drawing style. I be­gan photography in my sophomore year of high school and graphic de­sign when I was 18.”

She describes her art as reflect­ing her interest in spiritual expe­riences, and Eastern and Western art, literature and philosophy. Her clients include Greenpeace, the en­vironmental activist organization.

Jing has been honored for her work around the globe. She has re­ceived numerous awards in many different categories of art, includ­ing recognition by the PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris and the International Photography Awards in Los Angeles.

Gallery director Vivian Spencer said Jing’s appearance here is de­signed to enrich PJC students’ edu­cational experience.

“Not only does Jing’s visit show­case artists who have similar inter­ests as our students, it also repre­sents our academic offerings here in the PJC studios,” said Spencer, adding that successful artists like Jing “can tell students what it will be like when they graduate from college.”

A reception for Jing Zhou will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 25 and she will participate in a lec­ture/panel discussion at 2 p.m. Feb. 26. Both events will be held in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts on the Pensacola campus.

Her work can be viewed in the art department gallery from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday until March 12.

For more information about the artist, visit www.jingzhoustudio.net.

Studio Amped Continues to Impress for third week with the Modern Eldorados

Adriana Dueck-The Corsair

The Modern Eldorado’s played an impressive live show in front of 250 plus viewers at the WSRE building on the PJC Pensacola campus Jan. 29.  

With a name like The Modern Eldorados, most people would expect a band to put on a glitzy, gold-invaded show ended with a stage-dive or dancers dropping down from the ceiling.  

However, The Modern Eldorados are more Country-styled that finds joy in playing music from their soul and making non-stop, hilarious wise cracks during performance.

“I got the name for the band in a dream that I had,” lead singer, Tyron Lyles said, who is inspired by country legend Jonny Cash.  

The show included many self-written tunes such as one of their oldest and favorite, Everybody’s Girl. 

“I don’t normally listen to country music, but they were talented nonetheless and played a good set.” PJC student, David Taylor said.

Lyles danced and made jokes when the strap for his guitar wouldn’t work, and all of the band members played passionately and displayed their personalities through their given instruments. 

Before the show, food was served and tickets to Seville Quarter were distributed one-per-person. Only the top two rows of the studio had empty seats and the audience was actively engaged until the show ended.

Jeremy Gibson Band continues the music

Studio Amped continues this Friday with a performance by the Jeremy Gibson Band named after the main vocalist and guitarist.  The band plans to play songs from their new album, “Unsuspecting Will,” which will be sold at the event for $10. 

Band members Jeremy Gibson (vocals, guitar and keyboard), Josh Sullivan (guitar and keyboards), Jesse Dillaha (guitar), Brandon McKenzie (bass), Duane Mays (drums) and Lauren Naherny (vocals and keyboards) will be performing on stage at the Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio at 7p.m. 

The doors open at 6 p.m., but audience members that arrive early will have the opportunity to get free drinks and Cici’s Pizza inside the building starting at 5 p.m.

Don’t miss this awesome opportunity for free food and great entertainment.  For more information go to wsre.org/studioamped

Rolf’s Piano Series keys it’s first performer

Kyra Wood- The Corsair

 

Rolf’s Piano Series is a donation sponsored effort to spark more appreciation toward the classical art form.

Daneshpour delivered her piano technique interpreting artists such as Scarlatti, Rachmaninoff, Schumann, Chopin and Prokofiev.

Enrolled in piano classes at age five by her parents, Daneshpour blossomed gradually into a devoted musician. “It was a natural process,” she said.

A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, she accepted guidance under Leon Fleisher. Presently she studies under Dr. Oleg Volkov, James Tocco, and Jerome Lowenthal.

She has performed in Finland, Germany, Denmark, Japan, Estonia, Russia, Sweden, New York, Cleveland and Philadelphia. Also, 160 public radio stations have featured Daneshpour’s piano act.

Next to perform in the Rolf’s Piano Series is Ning An on Feb. 6, followed by Petronel Malan Feb. 20.

 

 

 

‘Doubt’ comes to PJC

Rose Jansen-The Corsair

Auditions have taken place and tickets will soon be available for the next theatre production, Doubt, at the Ashmore Auditorium on the Pensacola Campus. Directed by the Lyceum  Director, Stan Dean, shows will begin Thursday and Friday, February 26-27, 2010 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 2:30 pm.

If you don’t catch it the first weekend, the performance will continue the following weekend, March 5-7. Tickets are free to PJC students but be sure to get your tickets at the ticket office in the Ashmore Auditorium ahead of time. 

Doubt was written by John Patrick Shanley and is set in a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, where Sister Aloysius Beauvier wrestles with conscience and uncertainty as she is faced with concerns about the principal of the school, Father Brendan Flynn. Sister Aloysius finds herself compelled to challenge Father Flynn after a young nun comes to suspect that the priest’s interest in Donald, the school’s first black pupil, is not altogether wholesome.

Though the play may seem to have a controversial theme “the controversy is between people rather than religious beliefs.” said Dean. “The audience is left to decide for themselves the guilt or innocence of the priest.”

Cast members:

Father Flynn:  Rodney Whatley
Sister Aloysius Beauvier:  Donna Quinn
Sister James:  Kat Cooper
Mrs. Muller:  LaVetta J. Fowler

Stan Dean, Director of Lyceum, received his bachelor of arts degree in theatre from the University of West Florida and his master of fine arts degree in drama from the University of Oklahoma.

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