Volume 125 Issue 64
kansan.com
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
MISS KU
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
1. Sloane Lewis, a junior from Norwich,
competes at the Miss America pageant
in Las Vegas earlier this month.
CAMPUS
2. Lewis performs her talent by playing the piano at the Miss America.
3. Lewis' platform is based off empowering at-risk youth and is involved in CASA, Youthville and the Urban League of Kansas.
Watkins Memorial Health Center explores options to expand space
EMMA LEGAULT elegault@kansan.com
elegault@kansan.com
Although there won't be any major renovations or construction crews occupying Watkins Memorial Health Center in the near future, the building could undergo some changes and some shifting of services.
Diana Malott, associate director of Student Health Services, said the physical therapy department had recently been downsized, and further consolidation of clinical services on the first floor is another possibility. This combination would allow for extra space on the second floor that other groups could potentially use.
"We're still investigating and exploring options on other departments within the University that might need some space, either temporarily or permanently, that might fit within both the mission of the building and the space that we may have available," she said.
In order to explore that possibility, Student Health Services has had to examine the will of Elizabeth Watkins, who funded construction of the building through her trust.
"Her will specifies what can and can not occupy this building," Malott said. "It made us realize that going to outside groups or someone outside the University or even a part of the University that's not tied to wellness of some kind or student benefit might be difficult because it would not really meet the terms of her will."
Groups wanting to occupy the building must be health-related and beneficial for students and can't disturb or detract from the services already being provided by the center.
"Space is at a premium here
on the campus," Malott said. "We just want to make sure that they're aware of ours, and we've tried to do that so that they know that we would be happy to host other departments if it works out for them and they fit well within our mission as well."
“What's driving this is our desire to give the students the best we can from that space,” he said. “If it's not going to be used for health care, then let's possibly look at generating some money that we can then direct toward the health care.”
Frank DeSalvo, associate vice provost for Student Success, said there are some "obvious connections" between the health center and other departments and that renting the space could benefit students either directly or indirectly.
The Student Health Advisory Board is one of Student Health Services' outlets to get feedback and suggestions and to implement them. Natasha Kothari, a senior from Overland Park and board chair, said the occupation of the second floor had not yet been discussed because the board is currently beginning the revision of the student health fee.
Malott said the needs of the building as well as the needs of students are being considered as they look at what direction to take in the future.
"As the student representatives in this decision-making process, we take this duty very seriously in the hopes that we can provide students with a financially viable option that does not compromise the quality of our services," Kothari said.
"It's what we're going to need and what the students want that will help dictate what we do," she said. "There are some shifting services, but were trying to stay with what the students need and expect from their health service."
— Edited by Paige Lytle
Small-town girl stars in big-time competition
深圳市宝安区深圳福田区新湖街道高新区高新区
EMMA LEGAULT
For hundreds of young girls around the country, competing in the Miss America pageant in front of an audience of millions is a dream for the future.
elegault@kansan.com
For Sloane Lewis, it became a reality.
Lewis, a junior from Norwich, began her pageant career in high school. As one of five girls in her graduating class in a town of 491, she saw pageants as an opportunity to make friends.
Being from a small town, Lewis chose to come to the University to explore new opportunities. She became involved in Alpha Chi Omega sorority, holding the dual position of Vice President and Recruitment Chair, and was also a Greek Ambassador.
"A lot of my fun times have come from being a member there," Lewis said.
Lewis' journey to the 2012 Miss America pageant started with competing for a local title in Leavenworth County. After winning and being crowned Miss Wooded Hills in October 2011, she was eligible to compete in the Miss Kansas pageant the following June.
"I kind of thought I had the image of what Miss Kansas was supposed to be, and I didn't think I was that at all." Lewis said. "But I was one hundred percent Sloane and they still picked me."
She said the Miss Kansas win was completely unexpected.
As Miss Kansas, Lewis built her platform around empowering at-risk youth. Her cousin was placed in several foster homes and was living with Lewis and her family
when he committed suicide last November. His story and his passing have been driving influences for her to share his message with youth in similar circumstances.
In addition to her involvement in CASA, Youthville and the Urban League of Kansas, she has been able to travel around the state to speak to audiences at high schools, middle schools and juvenile detention centers.
"I had the image of what Miss Kansas was supposed to be, and I didn't think I was that at all."
SLOANE LEWIS Miss Kansas
"I talk to them about setting their own goals, defining their future, defining who they are," Lewis said.
Lewis has a personal connection to the issue with what she went through with her cousin and wants to be able to give back to those who need a boost of positivity in their lives.
"They come from these horrible situations and don't feel like they have a future," Lewis said. "As Miss Kansas, I want to tell them that they do have a future, and it doesn't have to be their past."
On Jan. 12, Lewis made her way onto the Miss America pageant stage in Las Vegas, Nev. However, the journey wasn't as smooth and glamorous as it appeared on television.
ing her talent routine on piano, rehearsing with mock interviews and constantly watching the news to keep on top of current events.
In the weeks and months before the national competition, Lewis prepared by working out, practic-
During the week of the pageant, on top of being nervous for the preliminary interview, she was battling the flu the day before. Lewis also said her swimsuit broke and her evening gown was too big, forcing her to switch into a gown that she had no experience wearing. Despite these setbacks, she said she was still excited to be a part of the Miss America experience.
As she prepares to return to KU in the summer and looks at the possibility of attending law school in 2014, her experience in the pageant and as Miss Kansas will be something that she treasures and hopes that others can take something from.
"I think the most important thing to keep in perspective is you only have one opportunity to fulfill your dreams," Lewis said. "I was so caught up in graduating in four years that I think I forgot about the bigger picture—finding what you love to do and what's important to you. As Miss Kansas, I'm lucky to live my dream."
Edited by Jordan Wisdom
CLASSIFIEDS 7 CRYPTOGUPS 5
CROSSWORD 5 OPINION 4
All contents, unless stated otherwise; © 2013 The University Daily Kansas
Don't forget
Stop by the University Career Fair at the Burge Union from 4 to 5 p.m. to make sure your resume is stellar
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