AU President Dr. Carlos Campo Speaks to Race, Ethnic and Minority Issues Class

On April 20, 2016, students in Criminal Justice Professor Hedrick's SOC 301 (Race, Ethnic, and Minority Issues) class heard from AU's President, Dr. Carlos Campo, about his experiences as a Cuban-American.

Race, Ethnic and Minority issues, which is offered each semester and meets core credit for social sciences, allows students to examine the impact of living in a multi-ethnic, multi-faith, and multi-cultural society.

During his talk, President Campo brought up his struggles growing up with a Latino name in Miami, Florida, but not having the look or the Spanish language faculty of a Latino to back it up. He said many people had different expectations of him just because of his name, but he felt like he couldn’t live up to these expectations because he didn’t have the look that matched his name. As a result, President Campo believes that we as a society need to start to break down these barriers and quit labeling people. It is easier said than done, though. Our society needs to realize that if we quit labeling people as something that they are not, then they will turn out to be a totally different person or, rather, become the person they are supposed to be.

President Campo’s lecture on Latinos was enjoyed by the entire class.  “For someone who has as much knowledge and education as Dr. Campo, I expected him to have some insightful thoughts on the issues of race, but I never thought he would be so inspirational,” said Jessica James, a dual Criminal Justice/Social Work Major.  Ms. James further explained, “I appreciate Dr. Campo coming and talking to our class and opening my eyes to so many issues that I knew already existed, but I didn’t realize to the true extent how bad they were in our society. With Dr. Campo coming into a predominately white area, and becoming the first Latino president in AU’s history, he has already broken past so many barriers, and he continues to keep breaking down more of these. It is good to see that we have a president who cares so much and is so influential because that is what it will take to work down to the student level and have them start to take the same actions.”

"Truly it was great to have somebody who is Latino and who fully understands the issues and problems surrounding Latinos speak with clarity, personal insight, and from a balanced viewpoint on a topic that many try to make contentious,” said Professor Hedrick. 

Convocation Honors Outstanding Criminal Justice Students

Each year, departments across campus choose one of their students at the sophomore, junior and senior levels to receive the distinction of Outstanding Student.

Criteria for this award include scholarly achievement, acting as an academic role model for other students within the department, and possession of an inquiring and/or creative mind.

On Sunday at the Academic Honors Convocation, three Criminal Justice students were recognized for their outstanding achievements:

       Kimberly Vidika, sophomore criminal justice major
       Morgan Scarberry, junior criminal justice major
       Maxwell Ostrowski, senior criminal justice major

Congratulations, Outstanding Criminal Justice Students!

It's National Crime Victims' Rights Week!

Every April, communities throughout the country observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW).  This year it runs from April 10-16.

The Office of Victims of Crime, which helps promote NCVRW, explains this year's theme, Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope., as a way to "underscore the importance of early intervention and victim services in establishing trust with victims, which in turn begins to restore their hope for healing and recovery."

It is important to raise awareness of victims' rights because there are still many unmet needs that need addressed.

For more information, visit the Office for Victims of Crime website, or view the NCVRW Resource Guide. 

Students Inducted into Criminal Justice Honor Society

On Wednesday, April 6, 2016, the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of the national Criminal Justice Honor Society inducted 7 new members.  Current members Daniel Medvetz, a junior criminal justice major, and Megan Maguire, a senior criminal justice major, assisted in inducting their fellow classmates into the honor society.

To be eligible for membership, students must meet rigorous academic standards.  "It was an honor to recognize the students who were inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma," said Criminal Justice professor Marc Hedrick, who advises the honor society.  These students are some of the most studious, hard-working, and bright students, both from the online and classroom programs, in the Criminal Justice Department and at Ashland University."

Members of the Alpha Phi Sigma Alpha Upsilon Chapter
with the Honorable Brent N. Robinson

(L to R; New Member*) Laura Stanley*, Michael Talbert*, Judge Robinson, Megan Maguire,
Daniel Medvetz, Aimee Linville*, Morgan Scarberry*, Kimberly Vidika*, Tarin Cook*
Not pictured: Burton Roberts*

The Honorable Brent N. Robinson, Judge for the Richland County Common Pleas Court and Former First Assistant Prosecutor in the Richland County Prosecutor's Office, spoke at the ceremony.  Judge Robinson, who as a prosecutor handled thirteen murder trials, including one death penalty trial, and had a 100% conviction, discussed the ethical challenges present when prosecuting serious felonies.

When addressing the students, he spoke about the importance of not letting emotion or passion get in the way of justice and on how crucial it is to preserve the legal process and uphold the rights of the accused individual.

"He really impressed upon us how important it is to never sacrifice our integrity, character or reputation," said Morgan Scarberry, a senior student and newly-inducted Alpha Phi Sigma member.

Thank you, Judge Robinson, for sharing your insights with our students!

Congratulations on your academic achievements,
Alpha Phi Sigma members!