Newspaper name

By the Editorial Staff

The IVCC student newspaper, the Apache, will be abandoning a 37-year tradition this semester by replacing its name.

At the beginning of the fall semester, the editorial staff decided to make the change. The decision was announced in an editorial in the Sept. 13, 2001 issue of the paper.

The process for selecting a new name began on Sept. 26 at the Student Government Association-sponsored Spirit Day when the staff began a contest, inviting students and staff to submit suggestions. Entries are still being accepted; a closing date for the contest has not been determined.

The new name will be selected by members of the newspaper editorial staff. The person who submits the winning entry will receive a $50 gift certificate for the bookstore.

Newspaper advisor Dr. Rose Marie Lynch said the decision to change was made in the face of mounting criticism from Native American and civil rights groups across the country.

"In the past, most members of the editorial staff did not favor a change," Lynch said, adding that she has been encouraging the staff to adopt a new name for years. Lynch admitted, however, that her feelings are split on the issue since the name and the newspaper has such a history.

Co-editor Manuel Garcia Sanchez agreed: "You get attached to the name, and it is hard to say goodbye."

Explaining that he favors the change Sanchez said the Apache name has no history in this area.

"There is not a need to have a name that may offend people as Native Americans," he said. "In addition, I think that a newspaper has a duty of being respectful to its readers."

Opinion page editor Marla Buchanan also defended the change.

"In our politically correct society, it is good that our newspapers reflect this growing respect for cultural diversity," Buchanan said.

Co-editor Brooke Fisher called the timing of the name change perfect, since the college mascot is changing.

"The newspaper needs a revamping so what better time than now," she said. "The newspaper needs to look the best it ever has and letting the students help decide is a great chance to make it happen."

Former members of the newspaper staff, who have traditionally called themselves Apache Alumni, understand but are less enthusiastic about the change.

John Baracani, former sports editor, said he understands the reason for the change but doesn’t agree with it.

"It’s not like Apache is a derogatory term like Redskins," Baracani said.

Rebecca Campbell Dougherty, a former editor, said she was saddened "because it signals the ending of an era, an era tht included some of the best times of my life."

Admitting that she doesn’t see the Native American mascots as offensive she added: "As a people, we should take strides to get along with others and sometimes that means change."

Michelle Uebel, a former reporter, said she hates to see the name go because it was representative of the college and especially specific to IVCC.

"No other colleges that I am aware of have a unique name such as The Apache," Uebel said, adding that she understands how some groups may find the name offensive.

Jason Piscia, a former sports editor, favors the change.

"Newspapers, by their very nature, need to change with the times," he said. "As we all know, using Native American names as nicknames and mascots has turned from an innocent display of pride to a racist practice in the eyes of some cultures."

Former editor Holli Rapp also favors the change.

"It was something that should have changed a while ago," she said.

Greg Halblieb, another former sports editor, said the newspaper name has to go since it was chosen specifically to identify with the college’s nickname.

"Once that (college nickname) changes, the name Apache for a newspaper has no significance other than as a bow to the past," Halblieb said. "However, if the name changes to something as routinely used as Gazette or Times, you might as well stick with the present name."

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