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Articles by Maclen Johnson
An Editor in Chief Moves On
Maclen Johnson Once in a lifetime: Reflecting on three years with the Mirror “News is only the first rough draft of history.” The quote, attributed to Washington Post editor Alan Barth from the 1940s, has stuck in my head for the last three years. In a way, it’s been the culminating statement on my time here at Drury, but especially with The Mirror. I was pleasantly surprised by how well my history major linked into journalism.
Changes to overload waivers aim to reduce inequality among students: What these changes mean for Honors, music students
Changes to overload waivers aim to reduce inequality among students: What these changes mean for Honors, music students Campus News, Community April 26, 2021, by Maclen Johnson 2 For music majors, overload credits are frequently a fact of life. Prior to this change, every credit above the standard course load cost $1,006. This fee will drop to $675 per credit hour starting in fall 2021. University provost Beth Harville explained the decision and how it will affect the student body.
Best foot forward: Vaccine distribution, efficacy and the impact on college campuses
As spring flowers bloom after a frigid winter, vaccination trackers are popping up alongside them. In Springfield, these trackers are posted on street corners, including on Drury campus at the intersection of Central and Drury Lane. They’re a promising sight, but the road ahead is still a little unclear. Sean Barnhill, public health information specialist with the Springfield-Green County Health Department, shared his insight on vaccination progress.
A Medieval Feast: The Mirror makes Medieval Meals
Let’s be honest: the economic future of college students is a very unsure and scary one. With the growing economic disparity in America, we might all end up becoming the modern equivalent of medieval peasants. So, to help us prepare for this possibility, a few of us at The Mirror decided to cook and eat peasant food. In order to help us understand what peasants ate and why, we turned to history professor and Drury’s resident Medievalist, Dr. Shelley Wolbrink.
Panther Profiles: The five finalists for SGA’s $1000 Challenge
Drury University is home to a vast student body that are intriguing, ambitious, individualistic and a delight to know. To showcase these varying personalities, the Mirror has created Panther Profiles as a spotlight on those within the campus to share their memories and experiences at Drury University. As student voting draws to a close, the five SGA $1000 Challenge finalists shared their projects, what inspired them to enter the challenge and their time at Drury University.
Springfield Coffee Crawl: What Springfield’s Indie-Coffee scene has to offer
Maclen and Cheyenne set out on a warm sunny day to see what Springfield’s Indie-Coffee scene really has to offer. They stopped at some of downtown’s favorites: Big Momma’s, Eurasia and The Coffee Ethic. They also stopped in on the town’s newest additions, Black Lab Coffee Co and Rise, to see if the places offered anything new to the already bustling coffee culture. To keep things fairly consistent, Maclen chose to stick with iced drinks with dairy milk and Cheyenne ordered hot drinks with oat milk.
“A year of new wrinkles”: How Drury administration calls snow days and online classes
The week of Feb. 14-20 saw record low temperatures in Springfield that haven’t been felt since 1989.Rolling blackouts were a new wrench, as were considerations for online classes if students could not meet in-person due to weather. David Hinson is the executive vice president and chief of staff at Drury University. He responded to questions from the Mirror via email. Hinson detailed the Drury response to winter weather, and how in-person classes came to be canceled for the week.
Still indivisible? Drury faculty reflects on the state of American government
Suggested by Drury President Tim Cloyd and provost Beth Harville, the Still Indivisible panel was coordinated by Dr. Daniel Ponder through the Meador Center. Mike Brothers, executive director of public relations, fielded questions submitted online. The panel ran from 5:30 to approximately 7:00 in Reed Auditorium. It was livestreamed as well. Surveying the sparse in-person attendance, Ponder noted he was “grateful but surprised” anyone had chosen to physically attend at all.
Culture shock: staff reactions to watching Twilight and Star Wars: A New Hope for the first time
Stephenie Meyers’ Twilight Saga and George Lucas’ Star Wars adventures are cemented in contemporary pop culture. Maclen loves Star Wars but had never seen Twilight. Marissa loves Twilight but has never seen Star Wars. Initial thoughts Marissa: I didn’t really know much about Star Wars before I watched A New Hope. Science fiction was always something I didn’t see myself enjoying ever much (even though I’ve always loved fantasy books/movies). I quickly changed my mind about that.
Frog bread: it sparks joy!
Frog bread: it sparks joy! Community, Lifestyle December 7, 2020, by Maclen Johnson 2 Frog bread was one of the quarantine trends I was desperate to try back in April, but it never happened. I would watch and rewatch my friend’s Tik Tok where she created her frog bread and named it Biscuit, yearning that one day I could make my own Biscuit, too.
COVID-19 vaccine candidates: Precautions and expectations about a potential coronavirus vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine candidates: Precautions and expectations about a potential coronavirus vaccine News December 7, 2020, by Maclen Johnson 1 There is still no authorized COVID vaccine in the United States, but Pfizer and Moderna have both announced candidates that are in trials. In early November, Pfizer announced it had a vaccine candidate that was over 90% effective in a study of 43,538 participants. On Nov. 30, Moderna presented similar results for their candidate with a 94.1% efficacy rate.
Contention in Presidential Elections: The history of United States’ contested elections and how it tracks in 2020
This is not the first presidential election which has seen conflict. This is not even the first election that has been contested by candidates. Not even close. However, the 2020 battle between former Vice President Joe Biden and President Trump is unique. For one, it can hardly be constituted as a battle. According to the Associated Press, Biden has won 290 electoral votes and over 77 million individual votes. Trump has won 219 electoral votes and over 72 million in the popular vote.
Mail-in voting is legitimate, even outside of a pandemic: How the U.S. and nations around the world conduct the mail-in process
Mail-in voting is legitimate, even outside of a pandemic: How the U.S. and nations around the world conduct the mail-in process News November 9, 2020, by Maclen Johnson 3 We’ve survived election day, but we still must wait to find out who wins the presidential bid. It’s a contentious cycle; Wisconsin and Minnesota have returned to the Blue Wall, and key states Texas and Florida have swung red.
President Cloyd and The Bright Horizon: Drury’s future, social unrest and institutional accountability
I spoke with President Tim Cloyd on Sept. 10 to follow up on interviews with the Committee and to hear about his role in the pandemic response. Sarah Nenninger, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications for Drury joined us. While it did not make it into the official interview, President Cloyd elaborated on the story behind the art and objects in his office. The massive John Lennon portrait is the first thing that catches one’s attention as they walk in.
Journalistic integrity: A statement on Bob Woodward and the duty of newspapers
Journalistic integrity: A statement on Bob Woodward and the duty of newspapers Editorial September 25, 2020, by Maclen Johnson 0 When Bob Woodward’s book, “Rage,” came out in early September, a piece of information that spread rapidly was from an interview in which President Trump admitted that he knew about the dangers of coronavirus in February. Meanwhile, a national response did not begin until March, and the president continued to downplay the severity of the disease.
Online, seated or somewhere in between: Trying to find a happy medium for classes in the School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
The School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, largely hosted in the Trustee Science Center, faced unique challenges in the fall. Majors in this college, ranging from chemistry to physics to behavioral neuroscience, demand a certain level of hands-on work that cannot be supplemented without access to the right supplies and setting. While other schools on campus had some classes offered through an entirely online format, this was not an option in the TSC.
The necessary normal: COVID-19, The Panther Plan and the road to an in-person fall semester - Drury Mirror
To say 2020 has been a difficult year is an understatement. Upheaval is present at every level right now, from local communities to the world stage as nations grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. From cameras in classrooms to stacked chairs in the CX, Drury University has taken necessary measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 – and to keep students on campus for in-person classes.
Red’s Giant Hamburg: A Classic 1950’s Diner
Red’s Giant Hamburg: A Classic 1950’s Diner Uncategorized March 3, 2020, by Maclen Johnson 1 Photo via Maclen Johnson. Springfield is proud of its Route 66 heritage, and that is reflected in Red’s Giant Hamburg restaurant. Located at 2301 W Sunshine St, Red’s is like stepping into a time machine. Even before getting to the food, the interior is worthy of appreciation. You can see the care that went into constructing the furniture, lighting fixtures, and aesthetic immediately.
The Admissions story: The Drury student body and the declining Midwest population
With the introduction of Your Drury Fusion, the unveiling of the Enterprise Center and even the surprise Blackbear concert announcement, Drury is making substantial changes to its image that can affect the perception of potential students. The university has prided itself in its unique approach to education, with eclectic major mash-ups and an emphasis on professional development as well as academics.
The RA Experience: Perspectives from Students
The RA Experience: Perspectives from Students Uncategorized February 21, 2020, by Maclen Johnson 0 As the school year crawls to a close, it opens up plenty of new housing choices for the outgoing first-year students. The year in the dorms may have the less pleasant memories of juggling shower times and the uncomfortable experience of sharing a room, but the RA staff strives to ensure the anxieties fade away and the transition to college life is a good one.
The Psychic Question: Is it worth it?
The Psychic Question: Is it worth it? Uncategorized February 14, 2020, by Maclen Johnson 1 Belief and practice of the metaphysical is blossoming today. Custom-art tarot cards are easy to find and many antique stores, including Springfield’s A Cricket in the House, sport specialized sections for essential oils, gemstones and color-coded candles. Psychics can be seen as a joke to many.
Living history: Black History yesterday and tomorrow
The Springfield community celebrates and honors Black History Month Black History Month started out only being a week. In 1926, Harvard graduate Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History started Negro History Week. It fell on the week of Feb. 12 and 14 because those were the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. For this one week, educators prioritized black history, its effects on this country and influence on the world.
The decade in review
The decade is coming to a close. In the spirit of hindsight, The Mirror takes a look at the chart-topping people and moments of the last 10 years. Unexpected events It’s been a weird, weird 10 years. This list is by no means all-encompassing and is not meant to identify the more comedic listings with the somber ones. 1.
Movies, Marvel, Martin Scorsese: What is the future of cinema?
Movies, Marvel, Martin Scorsese: What is the future of cinema? Editorial November 22, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 1 Popular doesn’t mean bad, but popular doesn’t mean artful, either Martin Scorsese wrote in his op-ed for the “New York Times” that Marvel doesn’t qualify as cinema because there is nothing at risk in a plotline about superheroes, that they oversaturate the market. He’s right. I adore the MCU with all my soul.
Places around town to hit the books
Places around town to hit the books Campus News, Community November 15, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 3 Find the perfect study spot to get caught up for Finals Week The last month of the semester is closing in. If you play your cards right, there’s plenty of time to replace those all-nighters with three-hour stints in environments that hone your focus.
Student Government Association proposes new voter initiatives: SGA hopes to improve voter turnout among students on campus
Student Government Association proposes new voter initiatives: SGA hopes to improve voter turnout among students on campus Campus News November 8, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 4 As the 2020 election inches closer, Drury’s Student Government Association (SGA) is working to increase voting resources available to students on campus. The “Initiative to Increase Student Voter Participation” was released in October with a discussion opening on the proposal in September.
Urinetown comes to Drury: Students will perform the satirical musical
Urinetown comes to Drury: Students will perform the satirical musical Uncategorized November 1, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 1 This fall, Drury theatre department will put on Urinetown, the dystopic story of a society that charges people to use public restrooms, leading to social control by the upper class and leaves the poor struggling. It’s a strange name and an equally strange premise.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The story of the pink ribbon and a resilient movement
With football season in full swing, an October signature of many team uniforms is a pink accessory, be it socks, shoes or a special jersey variation. Fundraisers and events happen on a global scale with local and campus support as well. Breastcancer.org cites that, aside from lung cancer, breast cancer kills more than any other type of cancer. Approximately 12 percent of women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer within their lifetime.
What happens when we let a little evil slide – Ellen and Bush - Drury Mirror
What happens when we let a little evil slide – Ellen and Bush Editorial October 27, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 0 Rich people are above politics, but we are not The infamous picture of Ellen DeGeneres hanging out with former president George W. Bush at a Cowboys game has finally left the media circuit, so now is a perfect time to bring it up again. And yes, she did kiss Howard Stern on her show to make everyone forget about the picture.
DUkes, strumming and humming through the semester: Drury’s ukulele club earns first at Humansville Fall Fest
DUkes, strumming and humming through the semester: Drury’s ukulele club earns first at Humansville Fall Fest Campus News October 11, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 2 With Drury University’s focus on community service and involvement, it is no surprise that Drury’s ukelele club, DUkes, works hard to spread their music, joy and message beyond campus. On Sept.
Spotlighting youth climate activists: Meet the young leaders who are demanding a change in climate control
Spotlighting youth climate activists: Meet the young leaders who are demanding a change in climate control News October 4, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 3 Students leading the environmental charge On Sept. 23, 2019, Greta Thunberg spoke at the United Nations (UN) to demand action from policymakers around the world regarding the climate crisis. Thunberg is a 16-year-old girl from Sweden, and she has become the face of the environmentalist movement.
Take other people’s diets seriously
Take other people’s diets seriously Editorial September 27, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 1 Allergies and personal food choices are legitimate On Sept. 16, I was accidentally served a beef patty after ordering a veggie burger from my work. I hadn’t eaten red meat since my freshman year of high school and my digestive system made sure to remind me of that.
The cost of attending Drury University: The student perspective on student debt
The cost of attending Drury University: The student perspective on student debt Community September 20, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 1 Drury’s statistics There are many factors to consider when selecting a college to attend and finances are near the top. In a recent study published by LEND EDU, Drury University is 678 of 845 colleges across the nation from lowest to highest student debt. Drury ranked 17 out of 21 Missouri. Drury averages 35,202 dollars per student.
Make a mark on Friday the 13th with a flash tattoo
Make a mark on Friday the 13th with a flash tattoo Community, News, Weekend September 13, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 2 As summer winds down and everyone settles into their school routine, some are restless for a change. Body modifications like piercings and tattoos are increasingly popular as social acceptance grows – especially among college students.
The Amazon is burning: Understanding the politics and international stakes
This past week, social media ignited with news of the Amazon rainforest fires in Brazil. The Amazon fires are a political and environmental concern. According to National Geographic, the 2019 blaze is an 80 percent increase compared to 2018. Despite that figure, this year’s fires are not the largest in the last decade. A part of this is because restrictions on logging and agricultural use of the rainforest are a relatively recent development that is constantly in flux.
Mac’s Tracks: Give “Cats” a chance
Mac’s Tracks: Give “Cats” a chance Editorial April 26, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 2 The following is an edition of Mac’s Tracks, The Mirror’s music column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror.
Fast fashion and the environmental impact
Fast fashion and the environmental impact Editorial April 26, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 4 The following is an editorial. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror. It’s hard to get by a day without seeing another desperate plea to stop using hairspray, to stop eating meat, to please for the love of God recycle your plastic Starbucks cups.
Mac’s Tracks: Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”
Mac’s Tracks: Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” Editorial April 12, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 9 The following is an edition of Mac’s Tracks, The Mirror’s music column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror. At the risk of beating a dead horse: if you’ve made it till now without hearing about Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and the ensuing battle with Billboard, you haven’t been paying attention.
Fun in the sun with Spring Fling
Fun in the sun with Spring Fling Campus News, Community, News April 12, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 16 It’s finally spring in Springfield, and the Student Union Board (SUB) has plenty of activities set up to celebrate the season. SUB is the force behind all the wonderful free things Drury hosts both on and off campus throughout the school year. The events are planned by students, for students. Events for Spring Fling run on Monday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 23.
Spotify v. Apple Music: The lawsuit, not the debate
Spotify v. Apple Music: The lawsuit, not the debate Editorial April 6, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 19 The following is an edition of Mac’s Tracks, The Mirror’s music column, contributed by Maclen Johnson. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Drury Mirror. Spotify is suing Apple Music, and they’re kinda justified. Spotify put out a pretty scathing press campaign against Apple Music in late March.
Why do we care so much about astrology?
Why do we care so much about astrology? Editorial April 5, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 3 The following is an editorial. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror. Why do we care so much about astrology, and our zodiac signs? Growing up, we all probably checked the newspaper once our parents were done with it to read the comics and laugh at our horoscope.
Celebrate the Tomb Sweeping Festival at Drury
Today, the celebration of Chinese festivals like the Chinese New Year and Moon Festival are common in the west. The Tomb Sweeping Festival, taking place at Drury on April 4 and internationally on April 5, is less known. Dr. Hue-ping Chin and our Fulbright professor of Mandarin, Tina Chiou, explained the history of the festival. In Chinese, the original name for the celebration is “Qingming,” meaning “clear” or “bright.” “It’s a festival related to a historical story, and also a season.
Unsung Heroes: The people who write your favorite songs
Unsung Heroes: The people who write your favorite songs Editorial March 29, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 1 The following is an edition of Mac’s Tracks, The Mirror’s music column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Drury Mirror. We don’t always know their names, but we probably should.
Mac’s Tracks: The evolution of American folk music
Mac’s Tracks: The evolution of American folk music Editorial March 22, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 8 The following is an edition of Mac’s Tracks, The Mirror’s music column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror. One of my best friends is from Sikeston, Mo. For those who are unfamiliar with the name, that’s the town in the Bootheel that gets by on being the home of Lambert’s Cafe.
Don’t abandon the liberal arts
Don’t abandon the liberal arts Editorial March 22, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 31 The following is an editorial. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror. When people think liberal arts, even those who support it wholeheartedly, the stereotype associated with it is a useless degree. Of course, anyone could tell you that isn’t true.
LCA hosts second annual trivia night
LCA hosts second annual trivia night Campus News March 1, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 4 Nothing says college quite like free food, laughing with friends and the chance to show off all the weird knowledge you’ve picked up from your classes – and on March 5, the brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha are providing all three. The event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the FSC Ballroom. Six to eight people may join as a team, with registration costing $60 for the full group.
“Yesterday:” The new movie trailer from the perspective of a kid named after the Beatle
“Yesterday:” The new movie trailer from the perspective of a kid named after the Beatle Editorial March 1, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 33 The following is an edition of Mac’s Tracks, The Mirror’s music column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror. In early February, the trailer for the new movie, “Yesterday,” dropped online.
You’re more of a leader than you think you are
You’re more of a leader than you think you are Editorial, Uncategorized February 22, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 3 At some point in your life, you’ve probably heard a motivational speaker or teacher tell you that there is more than one way to lead. Maybe you’ve rolled your eyes or known they were right, but I had no idea how to put their advice into practice.
Mac’s Tracks: A guide to Motown tributes
Mac’s Tracks: A guide to Motown tributes Editorial February 22, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 1 The following is an edition of Mac’s Tracks, The Mirror’s music column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror. Are you thinking about putting on a Motown tribute for your next event? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do so: 1. Are any of the Motown artists that are still alive today in attendance or performing? 2.
Mac’s Tracks: We killed music genres, too.
Mac’s Tracks: We killed music genres, too. Editorial February 15, 2019, by Maclen Johnson 3 The following is an edition of Mac’s Tracks, The Mirror’s music column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror. Newspapers and websites are far from subtle when it comes to their accusations of industries that millennials have killed. We’ve ruined American cheese, Buffalo Wild Wings, the diamond industry – you name it.
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