I am writing this editorial as a gay man. Before I came to Antioch I worked in politics after my graduation in 2002 from Malcolm Shabazz City High School. At Malcolm Shabazz I had many friends. Most of them loved politics. We all ended up becoming political science majors at Oberlina, Antioch and Hampshire, and Beloit College. My best friends were Timothy Benton, Joy Spear, Sol Kelley Jones, and Mark Rasmussen. I learned tonight that one of my close friends has past away. Timothy Benton died of an overdose of oxy cotton earlier this week. Tim was a fourth year at Beloit College. I remember how wonderful my time with Tim was he was one of the smartest people I knew but he was always depressed because being a bigger gay man in this society, as we all know sucks. He had body image issues that dogged him throughout his whole life. Tim was a beautiful person, smart, funny, and charismatic. Even though he was younger than me he taught me a lot about life. I was an asshole before I met Tim. He sat me down with that voice of his and taught me humility. He taught me that there always was another side to issues. I feel guilty because I could have been there for him but I wasn’t. I imagine him now as I write that he would be laughing that so much energy is going into his death. He would have made somebody extremely happy I am just sad that I didn’t get to say goodbye. Life is tough but you take it in stride. Tim I love you god speed Buddy.
I dedicate this to you Timothy Benton
Your friend
Bryan Utley
Tag: IT
STAFF PROFILE : Shahkar Strogler
by Alex Mette
How long have you been at Antioch?
Coming up on ten years.
Did you grow up in the area?
No, I moved here when I was thirteen.
From where?
Reston, Virginia.
How did you like growing up half here and half in Virginia? My formative years, that’s why I’m a weirdo now I guess.
I moved here when I was in high school, most people get crazy so…
So you were involved with Antioch through Yellow Springs for a good part of your life.
Oh yeah, I partied here.
Any stories about coming to Antioch?
No I can’t go there. It was always fun, it used to be that they had a big thing about townies coming to campus so we got chased off. People I knew stopped coming around because it was such a hassle. Continue reading STAFF PROFILE : Shahkar Strogler
Senior Profile: Gabriella Ruiz
By: Erin-Aja Grant
What are you studying? What are you getting your Degree in?
I am studying linguistics. Just a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics.
What has kept you here this year to finish out at Antioch?
Specifically, the fact that I was almost done. Um, I need to finish because I have to take care of my parents when I am done here.
What has been the thing changed the most for you since you personally have been here, from your first year to now being a fourth year?
My assertiveness, I think before, when I first got here I wasn’t a very assertive person and I didn’t really voice my opinion, because when I was growing up that wasn’t what we did. You were seen and not heard. I’ve gone through my time here and pretty much developed a voice for myself, and been able to articulate how I really feel.
Continue reading Senior Profile: Gabriella Ruiz
Against the Odds
By Erin-Aja Grant
This past weekend Antioch was alive with visitors. They were alums, town members, and the Antioch community’s first glance at the newest abbreviated in-group. The AC3, or ACCC, or Atrip, is officially named the Antioch College Continuation Corporation. This all-star alum group came to Antioch hoping to gain a community perspective on the College’s current situation. Students, faculty, and staff were provided the opportunity to interact with the ACCC Saturday in smaller groups. The AC3 members are: Frances Horowitz ‘54 (co-chair), Eric Bates ‘83 (co-chair), Laura Markham ‘80 (secretary), David Goodman ‘72 (treasurer), Steve Schwerner ’60, Catherine Jordan ’69, Lee Morgan ’69, Barbara Winslow ’68, and Terry Herndon ’57. Some of these people are familiar faces from the Alumni Board and some of them are just outright familiar names. There was no doubt that as Antioch Alums each member feels a responsibility and nostalgic love for the school, but the community still had its questions.
After breakfast planning, the day kicked off at 10am with a community meeting. It started with Andrzej Bloch, who made a few brief remarks concerning the recient power outage on campus. The meeting proceeded with an introduction by the ACCC members, and a brief presentation on the new corporation. McGregor 113 was packed with Yellow Springs residents, faculty, staff, and students. Many people said during the meeting, and after, that they were confused by the presence of Glenn Watts. Watts, the former CFO of the college, stated that he was only there to record the events happening and is no longer affliated with the University or its board. Continue reading Against the Odds
Letter from Collective
Dear Antioch College Community:
The past eight months have been extraordinary for our collective, and the experience of running for Community Government has been deeply meaningful in each of our lives. We have been fortunate enough to influence campus discourse and the future of the College by publicly naming what we believe to be the school’s dire needs. We are proud to see our ideas, including a fully-funded fourth CG Officer, an endowment for CG, the first year mentorship program, and the careful analysis and restructuring of our current shared governance model, added to the community agenda. Being at Antioch during this turbulent time has been nothing less than a high-speed rollercoaster ride. We have all played various roles and held various views on the future of Antioch. We greatly cherish the experience of working within shared governance and of campaigning as a collective for Community Government.
Regretfully, we must inform the community of our collective’s decision to step down as candidates for CG, for reasons both personal and political. As we look to the future and assess our individual wants and needs, we feel strongly that our values, coupled with the experience bestowed upon us by an Antioch College education should be brought to the world in other meaningful and effective ways. We will move on in different directions.
Moving on has been a difficult decision for us, but we feel it is the right one. We give thanks to all those whom have provided us guidance. We are especially grateful to the professors, staff, students, friends, and family who have supported us throughout our time at Antioch College. We are confident that we have each made our own marks on this place and we know our vision of what Antioch can be will live on in the future. We trust that the members of the “Fab Four” collective have the talents, skills, energy, and enthusiasm to lead this community through the difficult transition ahead.
Sarah Buckingham
Julian Sharp
Micah Canal
Nicole Bayani