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Spring 2001
Honors Colloquium Students'
Abstracts and Autobiographies
JASON D. BROZEK
"Residence Hall Smoking: Social Research as a Tool for
Policy Analysis"
Advisor: Stacy McMillen
Abstract
Due to increasing concerns from students, parents, and potential
freshmen, the Wayne State Housing Office chose in January
2001 to reconsider the current residence hall smoking policy.
To address the issue, I aided housing administrators in developing
three policy options. To gauge student reaction to these options,
I developed and distributed a survey of the on-campus student
population. In order to more accurately analyze the survey
results, a series of student and staff focus groups were conducted.
The final results of both phases of this research project,
as well as my recommendations, were presented to Admissions
office staff, student services administrators, housing administrators,
and President Stearns on March 28, 2001.
Autobiography
Jason Brozek is the son of Dan and Denise Brozek of Creighton,
Nebraska. He is majoring in Political Science with a minor
in Philosophy. Jason has served as student body president,
Bowen Hall RA, and STRIDE tutor. He is also a member of Wayne
Political Union, American Civil Liberties Union: Wayne Chapter,
Blue Key, and Pi Gamma Mu. After his wedding in August, Jason
will begin studying Political Science as a graduate student
at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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RICHELLE M. CECH
"Workaholicism -- Three Case Studies"
Advisor: Dr. Jeryl Nelson
Abstract
Hard work usually means great rewards; fancy cars, large homes,
and recognition for a job well done. This may be the way to
the typical American dream, but it is also becoming an addiction
for some, they are workaholics. Workaholics take work to the
extreme, never relaxing, always working, and letting everyone
around them disappear. Three firms were interviewed to learn
about their policies on workaholics, the programs they may
have in place, and the impact of workaholics on their firm.
Workaholicism is a rewarding but often misleading disease.
It can be extremely damaging to the individual, their family,
and the co-workers around them.
Autobiography
Richelle Cech is the daughter of Lumir and Mary Cech of Clarkson,
Nebraska. Richelle, a 1997 graduate of Clarkson High School,
is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration
in Finance, graduating in May 2001. While at Wayne State College,
Richelle has been an Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honorary,
a peer educator, CAT Council member, Dean's List, and currently
the WSC-PEN president.
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TASHA M. HOWLAND
"State-Trait Anxiety Following High Intensity Anaerobic
Exercise vs. Lower Intensity Aerobic Exercise"
Advisor: Dr. Stephen Glass
Abstract
Acute bouts of exercise have been shown to have a positive
effect on state anxiety. Studies have examined the combinations
of blood pressure and acute bouts of aerobic exercise on state
anxiety, as well as the effects of quiet rest and acute bouts
of aerobic exercise on state anxiety. There have also been
studies that examine weight training and its effect on state
anxiety. However, to date, no studies have examined both weight
training and aerobic exercise in a single subject group and
the subsequent state-trait anxiety response. With mixed results
for both resistance exercise and aerobic exercise due to the
wide range of intensities utilized, we proposed using light
aerobic exercise and heavy resistance exercises as a tool
to study post exercise state anxiety.
Autobiography
Tasha Howland is the daughter of Jerry and Sandy Howland of
St. Libory, Nebraska. She is majoring in Exercise Science/Wellness.
Tasha will graduate in August after doing her internship this
summer at the National Institute for Fitness and Sport in
Indianapolis, Indiana. Tasha is currently the S.H.A.P.E. club
president, member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Who's Who Among American
College Students, and an American Heart Association Volunteer.
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JEFF D. KESTING
"A Study of Taxicab Geometry"
Advisor: Dr. Tami Worner
Abstract
Geometry, one of the oldest branches in mathematics, has been
and still is one of the most important tools we possess in
order to answer many problems. However, Euclidean geometry
cannot solve every problem, and that is where Taxicab Geometry
comes into play. This non-Euclidean geometry, having only
one axiomatic difference from its Euclidean cousin, has been
used to solve many of the real-world problems that Euclidean
geometry cannot handle. This study shows how basic geometric
and trigonometric properties and theorems translate into their
taxicab counterparts, and what some of the uses of these re-defined
properties are.
Autobiography
Jeff Kesting is the son of Larry and Peggy Kesting of Pierce,
Nebraska. Jeff, a 1997 graduate of Pierce High School, is
majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science. He will graduate
in May 2001. Jeff is a John G. Neihardt Scholar, and he is
currently involved with Alpha Lambda Delta, Kappa Mu Epsilon,
and Blue Key.
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JEANA K. LUEBBE
"Debate Concerning Internet Sales Taxes"
Advisor: Dr. Tim Garvin
Abstract
The Internet Tax Freedom Act stops new internet taxes from
being levied; however, taxes already on the books apply. Proponents
believe that states are losing revenue and that conventional
businesses are getting unfair treatment. Opponents contend
that the complexity of the tax code would put too much strain
on this new industry and that states are not losing as much
as they think. Taking advantage of opportunities to save money
may be a better solution than new internet taxes.
Autobiography
Jeana Luebbe is the daughter of Daniel and Gladys Luebbe of
Utica, Nebraska. Jeana is a computer information systems major.
She will graduate in May 2001. Jeana was a member of the marching
band and concert band her first two years at Wayne State and
is now a member of the cross country and track teams. She
is also a peer minister at the WeLComE Plex.
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DANIELLE J. MORRISON
"Bombing the Serbs: An Analysis of U. S. and NATO Action
in Kosovo"
Advisor: Stacy McMillen
Abstract
In 1998 and 1999, the media drew our attention to a conflict
in a small province of Serbia called Kosovo. The conflict
in the province called for international attention. The final
decision to bomb Serbia came after over a year of deliberations
and attempted negotiations to resolve the conflict over the
province of Kosovo. After NATO's 78-day air campaign, it seemed
NATO had won on behalf of Kosovo. Some could argue NATO just
found a bigger problem with no solution. This paper goes over
some of the history leading to the conflict, the nature of
United States and NATO involvement, the bombing of Serbia,
and an evaluation of NATO's action.
Autobiography
Danielle Morrison is the daughter of Mike and Colette Morrison
of South Sioux City, Nebraska. She graduated from Heelan High
School in 1997. Danielle is majoring in Political Science
and has a double minor in Speech Communications and Pre Law.
She is secretary of Pi Gamma Mu, secretary of the Wayne Political
Union, and secretary of the ACLU. Danielle plans to attend
the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law in August
2001.
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DIANE E. MUNDAHL
"Theoretical and Practical Considerations in the Database
Development Process"
Advisor: Dr. Tim Garvin
Abstract
Development of a database involves multiple phases. Each phase
is subject to numerous theoretical considerations, in addition
to overall design and development considerations. This paper
presents the design concerns as identified through the study
of prescriptive approaches for database design and implementation.
It also reviews these elements in relation to a multi-semester
database development project of significant complexity. Many
issues involved in database design and development were encountered
during this project. The paper and presentation will define
and examine these issues and offer reflections on the planning
and management of the database design and development process.
Autobiography
Diane Mundahl of Laurel, Nebraska will graduate in May 2001
with a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems and
minors in Business Administration and Philosophy. Prior to
attending Wayne State College, Diane worked in a variety of
computer-related positions and taught adult education computer
classes. She was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta and the
Theta Sigma chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, and was actively
involved in AAUW. Diane plans to begin graduate school in
August 2001.
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MATTHEW J. NYKODYM
"The Influence of Negative Mood on Self-Discrepancies"
Advisor: Dr. Karen Walker
Abstract
The current experiment tested several aspects of the Higgins
(1987) self-discrepancy theory. Higgins (1987) self-discrepancy
theory suggests that self-discrepancies between different
aspects of the self are associated with tendencies toward
particular negative emotions. Shame and frustration were the
two emotions examined in this study. Participants at the first
experimental session revealed base levels of discrepancies.
Then at the second session shame and frustration were induced.
If Higgins' theory is right, participants should demonstrate
the discrepancies that correspond with these negative emotions.
Autobiography
Matthew Nykodym is the son of James and Loretta Nykodym of
Tilden, Nebraska. He is majoring in psychology and has minors
in history and political science. After graduation, Matt plans
to take a year off of school before applying to graduate schools.
He is a member of Phi Alpha Theta, Psy Chi, and the psychology
club.
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LINDA L. RASMUSSEN
"The Effects of the Implementation of the 150-Hour Education
Requirement on the Accounting Profession"
Advisor: Dr. Gary Volk
Abstract
Individuals desiring to become a CPA must now have 150 college
credit hours in the state of Nebraska and many other states.
The accounting profession has felt positive and negative impacts
as a result of these increased education requirements. Some
CPA firms see the increased education requirements as an attribute
to the profession, while others see it as a detriment. CPA
firms in Nebraska were surveyed as to their hiring intentions
as a result of the 150-hour education requirement and their
opinions on the effects of the 150-hour education requirement
on their firms.
Autobiography
Linda Rasmussen is the daughter of David and Della Rasmussen
of Homer, Nebraska. Linda, a 1997 graduate of Homer High School,
is majoring in Business Administration with concentrations
in Public Accounting and Finance. She is a Neihardt Scholar,
a member of Cardinal Key National Honor Society, and is currently
the Fundraising Chairperson for Delta Sigma Pi. After graduating
in August, Linda plans to work for Andersen, a Big Five Accounting
Firm.
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KOURTNEY M. ROEBER
"Standardized Tests: Do They Earn an A+"
Advisor: Dr. Monica Snowden
Abstract
Standardized exams are utilized throughout one's educational
career. However, validity and reliability are not always ensured
in students' test results. Standardized tests reflect one's
access to social and cultural capital, track students based
on achievement standards, reproduce and legitimize social
inequalities, as well as encourage and manipulate numerous
biases. A survey focusing on the ACT/SAT exam was administered
to a systematic sample of Wayne State College students in
an attempt to assess students' perceptions of the test and
the extent to which their social capital and scores impact
their educational career.
Autobiography
Kourtney Roeber is the daughter of Richard and Mikki Dowling
of rural Wausa, Nebraska. Kourtney, a 1997 graduate of Logan
View Jr. Sr. High School, is majoring in sociology. Her interdisciplinary
study minor focuses on child development. She will graduate
in May 2001. Kourtney has been a Wayne State College ambassador/
orientation leader, featured in The National Dean's List,
and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Pi Gamma Mu honor societies.
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ANGELA G. SCHAECHER
"Carhart v. Stenberg"
Advisor: Dr. Mark Leeper
Abstract
Beginning with Roe v. Wade, abortion has become an issue that
has taken center stage in politics, the legislatures, and
the courts. Since the Court has recognized a woman's right
to choose, state legislatures across the country have worked
to place limitations on that right. One of the most recent
limitations has focused on partial-birth abortions. This paper
begins with a look at abortion legislation and litigation
throughout the United States, specifically in Nebraska. It
then follows one specific case, Carhart v. Stenberg, from
the district court level to its appeal to the Supreme Court.
Finally, it concludes with a look at the present state of
Roe and future legislation that will likely occur as a result
of the Carhart opinions.
Autobiography
Angela Schaecher is the daughter of Marlene and Alvin Schaecher
of Battle Creek, Nebraska. Angela, a 1997 graduate of Battle
Creek Public High School, is majoring in Political Science
with a minor in pre-law. After graduating in May 2001, she
will attend the University of Iowa College of Law. Angela
is currently Vice President of the Student Senate, President
of the Wayne Political Union and the American Civil Liberties
Union, and a member of Habitat for Humanity.
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JACKELYN J. THOMAS
"Job Satisfaction in Northeast Nebraska Educators: What
Factors Lead to Teacher Burnout?"
Advisor: Dr. Fay Jackson
Abstract
From salary to administrative support, many different factors
contribute to burnout in educators. In order to determine
what factors contribute to the lack of job satisfaction of
educators in northeast Nebraska schools, a survey was taken
of a sample of teachers from 21 schools in the area. The results
were compared to a study of job satisfaction and burnout of
educators from urban schools. Ways to prevent and remedy burnout
are discussed.
Autobiography
Jackelyn Thomas is the daughter of Kenneth and Sally Thomas
of Scribner, Nebraska. She will graduate in December 2002
with a double major in elementary education and special education.
Jackelyn is currently president of the Student Council for
Exceptional Children and historian for the Cardinal Key National
Honor Society. She is also a member of the Northeast Nebraska
Teacher's Academy (NENTA), Kappa Delta Pi education honor
society, and Wayne Student Education Association of Nebraska
(WSEAN).
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