The inauguration of Barack Obama yesterday marks the first time in American history that a citizen of African descent officially holds the highest office in the country.

Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, was sworn in Tuesday afternoon with the Ferris community, as well as the country, watching every step of the way. Many have had a countdown to this day and have awaited it eagerly.

Within the Ferris campus, there were two locations that held viewings of the inauguration ceremony. IRC 121 and the Rankin Center Student Lounge filled with students and other onlookers beginning at 10 a.m.

The Political Engagement Project and other organizations have been with this election for all of its major occurrences. On “Super Tuesday” last spring, students gathered for some evening fun with pizza and politics at Westview Dining Hall.

This election has seemed to draw spectators from every age, race and denomination. Regardless of political affiliation, this election has been entertaining from watching SNL skits to seeing heated debates that have drawn out deep emotions from many citizens.

Keaton Kidder, a junior in the Music Industry Management program said, “I think this is a really historic event. He is obviously going to have his hands full but I think his ability to connect with the people will help him and our country through these tough times.”

This year’s inauguration is reported to be the most expensive of any year in the past. Despite the recent state of the economy, the inauguration was still a fullfledged celebration of a new president.

It has also been a much talked about fact that Obama was sworn on President Lincoln’s bible. Many past presidents have used their family bibles or other ones of importance, but this is the first time since the oath of Lincoln that his bible will be used at an inauguration ceremony. The historicity of this event is present in more ways than one.

The campus events of the coverage of the inauguration were put on by the Multicultural Student Services.

On Sunday afternoon, over 100 Big Rapids community members, Ferris State students, faculty, and staff braved the cold temperatures and snowy conditions to march and celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Ferris State University’s Office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) and several other campus organizations sponsored the annual MLK Freedom March that took place at 2 p.m. on Jan. 18. The event was open to anyone who wished to participate.

The event kicked-off Ferris State University’s 2009 MLK Week Celebration and is organized by the Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee.

The marchers met at Merrill/ Travis before making the nearmile walk across campus, carrying signs with quotes by Dr. King and singing songs, chants, and spirituals along the way.

College Day/Special Programs Coordinator Michael Wade said the songs and chants are a tradition of the MLK Freedom March.

The march ended in the Rankin Student Center Lobby where the marchers could come to de-thaw and have refreshments.

A special presentation took place in Rankin after the march, where marchers could warm up, listen to a few speakers and hear more about events that were taking place throughout the week.

Wade said that the march has taken place since the inception of the MLK Holiday in the late 1980s, and since then, Ferris has hosted the march to “symbolically participate in an event that was dear to the work of Dr. King and other Civil Rights Movement individuals.”

For more information about MLK Week events contact OMSS at x2617.

The office of Administration and Finances has named Jerry Scoby as its new vice president.

The decision was made by the faculty/staff search committee and Ferris State University President David Eisler shortly after Dec. 16.

Formally the vice president for Finance and Administration and treasurer for Alma College since 1998, Scoby oversaw the $50 million operating budget, long-term fiscal and capital planning. These plans also included the construction of a student recreation center and student apartments.

During his career at Alma, Scoby was responsible for the physical plant and investments, as well as leading financial aid and information technology.

The Central Michigan University graduate was chosen from 40 other individuals in a nation wide search. Ferris personally contacted Scoby, who had not initially intended to apply for the position.

The search was narrowed down to three finalists. The two finalists were originally Warren Hills and Walter Branson. Leonard Kogut, Jr., FSU alumnus, was contacted after Branson later withdrew without explanation.

Scoby will replace interim vice president since June, Rick Christner, on April 6.

The new vice president is expected to implement an operating budget of $187.3 million for the university. The VP will also serve as a member of the president’s council and collaborate with numerous departments throughout the university.

President Eisler said he is delighted to have Scoby on board. He also said Scoby’s 30 years of experience in higher education administration and finance at two Michigan institutions will be a great contribution to Ferris. Scoby said he was honored to serve at Ferris and looks forward to helping provide better programs and services to students, faculty and staff.

Scoby’s experience also includes positions as director of business services and assistant vice president of business affairs at CMU. During his 22-year career at CMU, he oversaw a $200 million operating budget, compensation and staff employee relations, professional development and student employment. During that time he was the university’s governmental relations officer for two different one-year periods.

In addition to graduating from CMU with a bachelors and masters degree in business administration and a specialist degree in education administration, Scoby also attended Stanford University and Harvard Law School. He currently lives in Mount Pleasant until his position begins this April.

In Michigan’s struggling economy there have been concerns that college students would be amongst the hardest hit in these tough times.

With the state of the banking industry, it was feared that there would not be sufficient funds to offer incentives to college students for student loans. Despite this, Ferris’ enrollment for the spring 2009 semester indicates that the number of students has increased by 2.3 percent over last spring.

Last fall Ferris was named the fastest growing public university in Michigan and it has upheld that title once again. This spring, university enrollment throughout the Ferris system is up by 280 students over the 2008 spring semester.

Last fall, Ferris President David Eisler was quoted saying, “students are responding positively to our small class sizes and the supportive educational environment that our faculty and staff create.”

Whatever the reasons may be for coming to Ferris, more and more students are flocking in.

Overall, including both on and off campus locations, Ferris’ enrollment has been reported at 12,687 for the spring semester. This includes the 10,246 students that take classes at the main campus in Big Rapids and the 2,441 students enrolled at the off campus locations in Grand Rapids and online.

Nearly all of the individual colleges have seen increases in enrollment; the largest being the College of Allied Health with 235 more students than this time last year. However the Colleges of Technology and Education have seen decreases of 40 and 80 students respectively over the spring of 2008.

Demographics have shifted slightly from last spring revealing a decrease in the number of minorities at Ferris. The largely Caucasian student body also includes students from ethnicities including African American, Hispanic, Asian/ Pacific Islander, and Native Americans. Since the spring of 2009 there has been an overall net loss of just over 90 of these minority students with a large number of unreported students.

As numbers continue to rise, Ferris is still committed to providing an education with small class sizes that will prepare its students for their future careers.

The Tunnel of Oppression teaches students history and diversity during Martin Luther King week 2009.

The Tunnel of Oppression is a free exhibit open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The tunnel is located in the Rankin Student Center in rooms 153 and 155 and starts Jan. 19 and ends Jan. 22.

The interactive exhibit highlights issues of oppression in the society of a given culture. This year’s focus will be the genocide in Darfur, women’s rights worldwide, and the emergence of nooses.

Each issue will have its own station that will feature multimedia displays with images of oppression. Other areas of focus include the holocaust, racial segregation and various derogatory images depicted of both presidential candidates.

The tunnel is intended to increase awareness of global oppression while providing historical background of these issues.

Michael Wade, College Day/ Special Coordinator for Multicultural services and MLK committee co-chair, hopes student connect to these issues even if they are not directly effected.

“We hope to make students more culturally aware,” said Wade. “Some students may feel this has nothing to do with them, but it has everything to do with them.”

Wade feels that the exhibit is so extensive and contains shocking and even disturbing material, that students may have to visit it several times to fully understand the featured issues. He also tries to give a well-rounded view of many cultures and issues.

The Tunnel of Oppression originated at Western Illinois University in 1993. Since its debut it has been featured at many universities throughout the United States. The program at Ferris has evolved this year to provide a simpler format for viewing the interactive exhibit, which this year has expanded to include multimedia images and a DVD on the rise and fall of Jim Crow, Wade says.

The Room of Reflection is connected to the Tunnel. This year’s reflection room focuses on MLK and documents a timeline of his life, and the positive attributes of his legacy. “This is more a positive display that shows events that happened after MLK,” said Wade.

There will be various images, video, and audio displays of King’s speeches and work.

The room also provides information about community services such as Women’s Information Services, Inc. – a shelter for women and children afflicted by violence and domestic abuse – Project Starburst, a local food pantry, and the Diversity Action Team, a volunteer organization, among others. It also features ways students can fight hate on campus and how MLK has influenced the society.

MLK Week - Tunnel of Oppression - Room of Reflection
From Sunday, Jan. 18 through Thursday, Jan. 22 in Rankin 153 and Rankin 155 there will be a multimedia presentation that is free and open to all. This presentation is designed to challenge peoples’ ideas and perceptions of issues dealing with oppression. This event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. For more information contact Michael Wade at x5029

MLK Week Featured Speaker Kirk Nugent
On Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Rankin Center Dome Room Kirk Nugent will speak about “pursuing your passion”. Nugent has made appearances on NBC, CBS 60 Minutes, and BET as well as presenting to Fortune 500 companies. This event is free and open for all to attend. For more information contact Michael Wade at x5029.

MLK Poster Board Competition Display
On Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Rankin Center Atrium come and view the displays and cast your vote in the 2009 MLK Poster Board Competition. For more information contact Michael Wade at x5029.

The Ultimate Road Trip (sponsored by FSUS)
On Thursday, Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in the Rankin Center Dome Room the Ultimate Road Trip will be presented about the student’s journey through college. Admission is free and open to all students. For more information contact Shelly VandePanne at x2360.

Japan Study Away Informational Meeting
On Thursday, Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. in FLITE 408 there will be an informational meeting concerning the short term study away trip to Japan in May. For more information contact Tara Benzing at x2451.

Blood Drive
On Thursday, Jan. 22 from 12 to 5:45 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center the American Red Cross will be conducting a blood drive. Remember to bring photo identification if you wish to donate. For more information contact Alana Herron at 734-306-6152 or by email at herrona4@fsuimail.ferris.edu

Intramural Sports Signup Deadline
Friday, Jan. 23 will be the last day to signup for intramural 5-on-5 basketball, ice hockey, and broomball. Applications are due to UREC by 6 p.m.. Costs are $75 per team for basketball, $125 per person for hockey, and $125 per team for broomball. If you want to play and are unable to find a team, they can draft you as a free agent and place you on a team. Applications are available online. For more information contact Intramural Coordinator Sara Erb, 231-591-3656.

Polar “Bare” Run
On Monday, Jan. 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the campus quad the Pre-Physical Therapy Club and Phi Sigma Kappa will host the polar “bare” run to benefit Project Starburst. Dress in warm clothes and winter-wear, take them off and donate them to Project Starburst, and run a mile in your skivvies. For more information contact Deirdre Koll by phone at 231-499-8071 or email at prePTclub@yahoo.com.

3-Way Accident
On Jan. 14 at 11 a.m., there was a report of a three car accident on Campus Drive in Lot 37. The first car struck the second car which swerved and hit a third car in the lot.

Pole Destruction
On Jan. 13 at 9:55 p.m., officers found a light pole knocked over. The vehicle left the scene and was not identified. This occurred on State Street and Knollview.

Illegal Smell
On Jan. 13 at 11:10 p.m., officers assisted hall staff at Hallisy Hall on a smell of marijuana complaint. Suspects left the room prior to the officer’s arrival. The case was turned over to the hall staff.

Swiper no Swiping!
On Jan. 13 at 5:45 p.m., there was a theft report at the women’s locker room in the Student Recreational Center. Two victims lost their wallets and other items were stolen from unlocked lockers.

2-way Accident
On Jan. 11 at 2:10 p.m., there was a report of a two car accident on Pickell Drive. A vehicle was backing up and struck a car causing damage to the passenger rear tire.

Disappearing Bike
On Jan. 10 at 3p.m., there was a stolen bicycle report. The bike was stolen from a bike rack at the Science building.

Party over here...Party over there!
On Jan. 10 at 9:50 p.m., officers assisted hall staff at McNerny Hall concerning a party. Three subjects were issued tickets and MIP citations. They were referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

It’s a Snow Plow not a Pick-Up Truck!
On Jan. 9 at 11:25 a.m., there was a report of a two vehicle accident in Finch Court Apartments. A parked vehicle was struck by a tractor removing snow.

The car is on fire!
On Dec. 30 at 12:25 a.m., there was a vehicle fire in Lot 16. The fire department found an electrical problem with the vehicle. The vehicle was towed away from the scene.

Hide and Seek
On Dec. 26 at 11:20 p.m., officers assisted the State police at Walmart concerning an attempted flee from arrest. The trooper was attempting to arrest for a warrant. Officers located the subject who was then transferred to jail.

False Alarm
On Dec. 27 at 10:45 p.m., there was an accidental fire alarm that set off at the Science building. No fire was present.

Unknown Hit and Run
On Dec. 23 at 7:40 p.m., there was a hit and run in Lot 47. An unknown vehicle backed into a parked car.

Harassment
On Dec. 28 at 5:45 p.m., there was a report of a harassment complaint. The victim received an unwanted communication by computer. The information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for a warrant.

Do Not Disturb
On Jan. 2 at 5:30 p.m., there was a report of a domestic complaint at the Holiday Inn. Officers assisted Big Rapids City Police. One male subject was arrested and lodged in the county jail.

Drinking and Driving
On Dec. 30 at 4:10 a.m., officers stopped vehicle on 14 mile rd. east of Northland Drive. The driver was intoxicated. Police arrested him and lodged him in the county jail.

Stolen Items
On Dec. 19 at 11:30 p.m., there was a larceny report at Merrill Hall. The victim believed here suite mate stole her hair iron. When contacted, the suite mate thought it was her own and agreed to return it after the semester break was over.

Unknown Charges
On Dec. 19 at 4 p.m., a victim reported his credit card was being used without authorization. His wallet was missing the day prior. The investigation continues.

Missing Tail light
On Dec. 19 at 1:45 a.m., officers stopped car on State Street driving without tail lights. The driver had a suspended license and was ticketed.

Ticket Totals:
From Jan. 1 through Jan. 15, public safety identified 286 violators. Each violator was ticketed for a total of $4,850. Actual amount depends on whether the ticket was paid, voided, or reduced.

Last Wednesday, Student Government held its first meeting of 2009 and its members were welcomed back by Dr. Daniel Burcham and Dr. Michael Cairns in their messages from the advisors.

At the meeting, Student Government representatives allocated money to several RSOs who requested funding for their upcoming events this spring.

One of the organizations, the International Student Organization (ISO), received support for their 21st annual International Festival of Cultures that is to be held later this spring. The festival brings in students from over 30 different countries who come to showcase different aspects of their cultures such as traditional music, dress, and cuisine.

In her address to the general assembly, Vice-President Claire Gould voiced her gratitude and thanks for making last semester’s Pancakes with the President a success.

The event allowed students to come and socialize with various faculty members and staff. Gould said that the event was quite a success drawing in over 600 students which she said was “pretty amazing concerning the weather.”

Gould also expressed her excitement for this year’s BIG Event, a community-wide service project that allows students to give back to the Big Rapids community by doing various chores such as raking leaves, painting, and washing windows for the Big Rapids residents.

The BIG Event will take place on April 19. Contact the Student Government Office about group applications to participate.

On March 26 Student Government will be hosting its annual Women Investing in Leadership and Learning (WILL) Conference.

The event brings in several successful women speakers who have overcome great odds to make a difference in other people’s lives. The event is open to all FSU students free of charge.