coreyliuget

takes control

summer fashionand still look hothow to keep cool

*the

on topstudents

nfl bound

thepower

issue

frat paradisewelcome to

go inside the pike mansion

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52{ {Skye BrynjelSen, Griffin

O’neill and alexandra BiziOS rOck the trendS all day lOnG.

DEPARTMENTS

in rhythm

Hitting tHe HigH notes ||20

Sam DeweSe SingS olD School opera, aDDing hiS own flair.

Music’s top Dogs ||21

JareD Borlock anD anDrea martinez turn up the volume, mixing muSic anD BuSineSS.

over tHe Moon ||18

Sam mccue SpenDS a SemeSter learning from the BeSt at naSa.

tHe glow of success |19

marc Blumenthal letS you wear the party, literally.

iGnite

riDe tHe rail ||22

all StuDentS ShoulD take aDvantage of thiS tueSDay night game.

get tHe Most for Your Dollar ||25

cheerS to getting Drunk on the cheap

Mastering college cooking ||27

enough frozen pizzaS anD fooD that comeS in a microwavaBle cup. try a quick, eaSy meal that will leave you feeling great.

indulGe

welcoMe to tHe pike Mansion ||29

get inSiDe the wallS of the ultimate Bachelor paD.

tHe perfect pitcHer ||31

check out champaign’S neweSt SportS Bar.

in SpOtliGht

calenDar ||9

letter froM tHe eDitor ||10

insiDe iMpulse ||8

letter froM tHe publisHer ||12

iMpulsive answers ||13

in Motion ||58

JuSt BecauSe they’re not here DoeSn’t mean we forgot aBout them. See what your frienDS are Doing overSeaS.

in focus ||15

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44{ {cOrey liuGet wOrkS Out hiS

talent.

FEATURES

power people ||38

ten of campuS’ moSt powerful StuDentS Share their StorieS.

HeavY Hitter ||44

u of i’S Shining footBall Star, corey liuget, prepareS for hiS next Step: the nfl Draft.

i’M Just a bill ||50

the inner workingS of our StuDent Senate.

suMMer fasHion ||52

Some of our SexieSt StuDentS Show you how to look hot thiS Summer.

on tHe cover

coreY liuget wears:tuxeDo bY carvelli

availaBle at SuithouSe

pHotograpHeD bY

sofia spentzas

tHe art of sexting ||32

the evolution of the Booty call.

tHe Do’s anD Don’ts ||33

laDy chaStity tellS all when it comeS to the ranDom hookup.

indecent expOSure

suMMer Hair savior ||36

get the perfect Sexy Beach hair, JuSt in time for Break.

triM Down & tone up ||37

get a BoDy that will turn heaDS on the Beach.

impreSS

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FOR INFORMATION REGARDING ADVERTISEMENTS, PLEASE EMAIL WADE.WITHINGTON@SWMEDIALLC.COM.

THE STAFF

PUBLISHED BY SW MEDIA

CEO ZAK STEMERCFO WADE WITHINGTONCOO KATERINA BIZIOS

Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, or other content to IMPULSE Magazine for consideration, please do not send an original copy unless requested by IMPULSE Magazine to do so. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material, and it may be edited as seen fit by IMPULSE Magazine.

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events

freeDoM celebration

cu ballet

August

May3 Spend an evening with Styx. The rock band

will be hitting Assembly Hall starting at 7:30 p.m. Students get a discount on tickets

under $38. for more information viSit aSSemBly hall Box office or ticketmaSter.

7 Take a break from finals and enjoy a classic. The CU Ballet is performing The Sleeping Beauty at the Virginia Theater. 7:30 p.m.

SaturDay, may 7 anD 2:00 p.m. SunDay, may 8.

27 Kick off the summer with the 11th annual Summercamp Music Festival. Over three days, 37 artists will

perform, including big names Girl Talk and Wiz Khalifa. three SiSterS park, 17201 n State route 29, chillicothe, il.

June3 The cast of Glee is going on

tour at the end of May. They will be heading to the Allstate Arena

in Rosemont, IL. on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4. ticketS from $50. availaBle at ticketmaSter.

4 End your day with a bang. The Champaign County Freedom Celebration has something for everyone, including a 5k run-walk,

parade, live bands and of course, fireworks. for more information anD exact timeS, viSit www.July4th.net.

11 Hit the streets for a night of music and dancing. Streetfest occurs three times throughout the summer in downtown

Champaign. Back by popular demand, these fests showcase a wide range of music as well as thriving areas in Champaign. June 13, July 11, & auguSt 8.

5 Looking to get out of Chambana for a couple days? Take a trip to Chicago for a long weekend at Lollapalooza.

This annual three-day festival is in its 20th year. It’s a weekend filled with music, food and art. Big name performers Eminem, Foo Fighters and Muse are already rumored to be performing. auguSt 5, 6, & 7 in grant park.

13 Before starting school again take a road trip to St. Louis for a concert. Taylor Swift will take the stage on August, 13-14 and Katy Perry will be touring on August 20. ScottraDe center, 1401 clark ave. ticketS availaBle at ticketmaSter.20

July

Calendar

katY perrY

lollapalooza

12 IMPULSE

A Toast to Success

Editor’s Letter

Top: Upper row: Katerina Bizios, Johnny Cifelli, K.T. Olandese, Ben Orloff, Sam Friedman and Andrea MartinezLower row: Anna Dzamashvilli, Louise Zhang, Liz Tucci, Christine Filarski and Salome DzamashvilliBottom: Elitsa, Antonia, Alexandra, John, Demetra and Katerina Bizios

It wasn’t long ago I found myself enjoying a cocktail…or two…or three with my sharply dressed, green eyed business partner, Zak Stemer. That was the first of many meetings to come as we decided to embark on a new venture. I’ll admit, it could have been his boyish charm, or, more realistically, the stiff martinis, but I jumped on board that day to be the next step in expanding Stemer Withington Media. With a toast and an oversized gulp of vodka, we started our adventure.

An offspring from what we learned interning together last summer at the Chicago lifestyle publication, Michigan Avenue magazine, Zak introduced DMIX to his campus at Duke. A one-stop shop displaying campus life in a whole new light, we wanted to create a publication that our peers would be excited to read. Thus, the U of I rendition was born and it’s been a journey ever since.

Alongside the always focused, money savvy Wade Withington, we’ve set our sights high. Without the help and support of my business partners, a ballsy publisher, dedicated staff, family and friends, IMPULSE would not have come to life. Now two magazines strong, connecting Champaign to the east coast, SW Media looks to expand and bring campuses nationwide a sleek, sophisticated and professional quality college magazine.

At a university with so much talent and potential, I had to kick things off with the IMPULSE inaugural “power issue.” I look to our cover story, heavy hitter Corey Liuget, for inspiration as he prepares to enter the NFL—No matter what bumps, bruises and doubts come along the way, he proves hard work and dedication pay off.

We wish Corey a successful career, and I look forward to the day he and all our power people join the likes of the greats: Hugh Hefner, Roger Ebert, the creators of YouTube and more, who have all called U of I their Alma Mater.

So here we are a few months later, and I’d like to toast my next drink to all of you, to your power and your success.

Cheers,

katerina bizios

eDitor-in-cHief

Editor’s Picks

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Maintenance

Men’s

It’s time to go for a groomed look that says you’re still casual. Make sure you’re caught looking like a suave slob by using Axe Messy Look paste. It’s affordable, easyand girls will still be able to run their fingers through your hair.

it’S okay to take time to make your hair look like you DiDn’t

The culmination of the series that has been with us for about half our lives. Let it be noted that Daniel Radcliffe’s career dies with Voldermort.

Editor’s PicksThe must haves, sees and do’s for the summer

Style

Entertainment

Crowning the top of my wishlist: the Brian Atwood Claudette pump. It’s the pefect mix of sexy and funky that will make every girl the envy of the party.

Events

Greek Reunion comes to C-U and is always a blast. Make sure you’re here for the parties and the embarrassing morning-after photos that jeopardize careers.

Beauty

Pour elle

The Lady Gaga Viva Glam line for MAC is beautiful,

classy, and charitable. Every cent goes to help

women, men and kids with HIV and AIDS.

a frat-taStic reunion of olD frienDS, cheap Booze anD poor life choiceS.

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The Power Equation

Publisher’s Letter

Let me begin by saying that I am not very good at math, or science, or directions. That is why, when we decided upon IMPULSE Magazine’s inaugural power theme, I surprised myself. My thoughts immediately returned to a hazy high school science lab, where years ago I somehow managed to survive six weeks of summer school physics hell. At this point in my life, I can say with utmost certainty, and embarrassment, that I am absolutely incapable of relaying the majority of information taught in that course. The only thing I am able to recount is the definition of power.

Don’t shoot the messenger, but if I can remember correctly, power is the rate at which work is done. In that moment, this was all I remembered.

As we began this project, I thought our search for power on campus would be apparent and structured, as I had semi-learned it to be in physics. I thought it to predominantly reside within the hands of the known heavy hitters in charge and in the spotlight. To me, power meant dominance, efficiency and taking clear initiative. It was a clear

equation, with power existing only as the direct result of a procedure and set calculation. I was right, and thankfully, became so wrong.

Power can be yielded. It can be that end result, but there is something to be said about the power that exists at the beginning and along the way. While creating IMPULSE Magazine we were given the incredible opportunity to

work with local business owners and entrepreneurs; whether it was Alexander’s Steakhouse or Alter Ego Hair Extensions. Whether working personally with Jimmy John or Richard Roeper, all of these individuals have something in common. They were able and willing to take a leap of faith in starting their own business ventures. They all believed in something that held no existing precedent. They were resilient and worked until their goals materialized and became more than an idea. Like the IMPULSE team, they also believed in this magazine. And like the IMPULSE team, they now have a product, but the real sense of agency surfaced well before that. That’s power.

Enjoy our first issue, we can’t wait to see you again in the fall.

Best,

Top: Milorad and Gordana Culafic

Bottom: Leksi Culafic and Katerina Bizios

aleksia culafic

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IGNITE

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Over the MoonSam McCue launches her career with NASA

by Sam Wagner

Sam McCue always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Currently majoring in aerospace engineering and being a part of the Professional Pilot Division at the Institute of Aviation, she is closer to achieving that dream than ever before. Spending the semester in Houston, Texas as an intern for NASA, Sam has been working with an engineer in the Extra-Vehicular Activity Office on projects, including a database pertaining to problems encountered with space suits.

Something most students don’t get to experience, Sam works alongside seasoned veterans of the field, getting to learn about NASA’s inner workings. “There are astronauts walking around and talking to us as well as people who have been at NASA for 20 to 30 years,” she said. Sam does admit it’s been tough being away from family and friends. “I’m always working 8 to 5. It’s not the same environment as college, where you have your friends around you all the time,” she said. “But

the experience has definitely been worth it,” she added. How can you land a dream internship like Sam’s? She said anyone looking to land an internship like hers should diversify her resumé and get involved in a wide array of activities. When on campus, Sam was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Society of Women Engineers and the Ski and Snowboard Club. “At the end of the day, you want to have things to talk

about during your interviews,” she said. “If you’re just studying and getting straight A’s, you’ll have a great GPA, but nothing else to talk about.” In the future, Sam has her sights set on a career in the aerospace industry and more specifically in human space flight. “I’ve always wanted to be an astronaut,” she said. “I like the idea that there is so much to explore in space and we’ve barely seen what is out there.”

ignite

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The Glow of SuccessWith his t-shirt company, Marc Blumenthal wears his way to the top

by Sam Wagner

photo by Jon Dayritt

Wearing the party — it’s a new verb, a unique experience and an Illini’s creation.

Marc Blumenthal created what he calls “the social networking of apparel,” a t-shirt that lets you create rhythmic light patterns so you can literally wear the party.

It all started when he and his business partner, Sean Hall, decided that they wanted to start a company that centered around their shared interest: the music scene. “We wanted to create a company that could be our work and our play at the same time,” Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal and Hall wanted to give back to the community that they come from — people who love music and who love to party. Thus, Wear the Party was born.

The special lights cause the shirt to glow for about 5 to 10 minutes before fading back to its original state. You can essentially paint with light on your own shirt as a way of expression. “It’s really about connecting music, movement and light,” Blumenthal said.

While Blumenthal would not reveal exactly how the product works, he said they took already existing technologies, combined them and advanced them further than ever before. After almost nine months of development, they finally have a durable model of the t-shirt – one that can be washed and worn over and over again.

Since he graduated last December, Blumenthal has been travelling all over the country to represent Wear the Party. From Mardi Gras in New Orleans to Ultra Music Festival in Miami to Caffeine Music Festival in Denver, Blumenthal has been to the biggest and best parties to show off his products.

Blumenthal attributes his success to the experience he’s had with College Works Painting, as well as his willingness to learn.

“I really do like to learn,” he said. “I’m like a sponge; if you have something to teach, I’m willing to sit and listen.”

After this taste of success, Blumenthal hopes to continue to see Wear the Party grow. While he is excited to see where the company will go in the future, he doesn’t want to outline a specific plan.

“If I’ve learned anything in business, it’s that setting goals is important to motivate yourself, but it can also limit you,” Marc said. “I don’t want to put a defining point on something that’s evolving on it’s own.”

For anyone looking to start his or her own business, Marc gives this piece of advice. “Find a job you like and you add 5 days to every week, find a job partying and you are on vacation all the time.”

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Hitting the High NotesOpera singer Sam Dewese is on key

by megan DaWSon

photo by brenDan Caffrey

IM: What do you want your peers and community to understand about opera?

SD: I want people to know that opera is not something just for old people. It may take some getting used to, but there are a lot of operas still being written about very real topics like Anna Nicole, based on the life of the former Playboy Playmate. Opera may seem lofty and elitist, but it’s surprisingly modern.

IM: Do you gravitate towards modern interpretations of opera or those from the renaissance era?

SD: Rather than focusing on classical vs. modern opera, I look for operas that present emotional truth. I think that opera is in its nature a fantasy, but the stories in many operas draw on very real themes: love, rejection, secrecy, jealousy and other very human emotions.

IM: What activities do you engage in during your free time?

SD: Believe it or not, in my free time I listen to a lot of music. I do listen to operas, but I’ve learned that I have a hard time listening to classical music and opera

With a charming smile, Sam Dewese swiftly led me through a series of dark hallways varying in lengths, widths and luminosity until we finally arrived at Krannert’s center stage: Dewese’s playground.

Dewese not only possesses the ability to speak and read proficiently in German, Italian, Russian and French but also holds a distinct aptitude for fashion. He once planned two large-scale fashion shows to “show the artistic side of fashion to campus,” and is a disciplined dancer, helping his performance factor.

IMPULSE Magazine sits down with this CU opera sensation to get a glimpse of this riveting genre of music and the lifestyle that accompanies it.

when I’m studying, because I’m too busy trying to figure out where the music is going rather than solving the mathematical equations in front of me. I like to run and swim to stay in shape and to improve my lung capacity, and I love museums. I have an equal amount of fun going out to a bar with friends for drinks, and also love to while away a lazy afternoon on my futon watching old TV shows or my favorite movies (Mean Girls, anyone?).

IM: How would you describe your voice?

SD: I think that my voice is youthful and agile, and I’m proud to say that I like my singing voice. Other people have told

me my voice is chocolaty, or like velvet. Another word that’s often used to describe my voice is “appropriate,” which may not seem like a compliment, but I’m always happy when someone tells me my voice fits my personality, my looks and my age.

IM: What’s next for you?

SD: In the immediate future, I’ll be singing in auditions to be placed in the apprentice or young artist programs at opera houses around the country. I’ll continue to work other jobs (like my current pay-the-bills job at the mall) and take voice lessons until I’m able to make a living off my voice, which is the ultimate goal.

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Music’s Top DogsJared Borlack and Andrea Martinez bring a new

beat to campusby Liz faermark

photo by brenDan Caffrey

Campus powerhouses Andrea Martinez and Jared Borlack are diving head first into the music biz. “It’s all coming together right now,” Borlack said of his professional commitments on and off campus. With an internship at Kauffman Sports Management Group in Chicago and the start up of his personal national sports blog, chalkthemup.com, he is on the fast track to success and a hectic schedule. Only the beginning of Borlack’s impressive accomplishments, he and a few friends took the concept of the increasingly popular chalkthemup.com and created a Chalk Them Up radio show, broadcast on WPGU on Sundays at 5 p.m. The show hosts college athletes and professionals in the business. Perhaps even more demanding than those projects is Borlack’s involvement in the University’s music scene. His work began last year when he assumed the role of head promoter

for Mike Posner’s performance at Highdive in downtown Champaign. Since then, he has collaborated with his connections across the Midwest to brand Mash Bash, the concert tour that brought LMFAO to 88 Broadway in Urbana last semester. Most recently, he has been working hard to promote campus’ favorite DJs, Milk N Cookies. Having completed a six state tour in February with the duo and California mash-up man, Hoodie Allen, as well as a few more recent tour dates, it is safe to say that these boys are blowing up. Jared is not the only one snagging the spotlight. Andrea Martinez is the woman responsible for bringing headline acts White Panda and 2 A.M. Club to 88 Broadway through her internship with Fluid Events. “I try to bring in acts that the music community here wants to see,” she said. When she is not planning shows and events, Martinez plays at other more creative avenues of music. She writes a weekly music blog for Illinois’ branch of hercampus.com where she discusses

news in the music world and covers buzz-worthy events. The blog keeps Martinez on top of all music and genres so she can offer quality insight to her readers. Martinez also stays involved in campus radio. Having served as a DJ on the prime time slot at WPGU last semester, she has moved on to craft a show more her own style. Martinez’s new specialty pre-game show featuring Joel Huston, a.k.a. DJ Red Beard, focuses on house, techno and mash-ups to get you ready for going out. “DJs are definitely growing in the music industry right now,” she said. “It’s exciting this new show can reflect these changes.” It’s easy to forget that Andrea and Jared are still students too. It’s clear that, when it comes to enriching the campus music scene and making a splash in the professional world, these two music moguls rock.

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So you’re not an upperclassmen, chances are, you tend to frequent Red Lion, you know the guys who work the door at Kam’s, and if it’s Monday night, then you’re probably in the back room at Joe’s doing amateur gymnastics on the poles. But don’t let your age hold you back from exploring all the venues this campus has to offer. Legends has something that all students can clink their glasses and cheers to: Tuesday night, Ride the Rail.

In order to ride the rail, students get a rail card with 12 different beers listed on it. The concept’s simplicity is what makes it brilliant—for every beer you drink, you get your card punched with a cute little star just like in fourth grade. Except these stars promise to do more than hang out next to your quiz on the U.S. capitals—they will get you good and sloppy.

For novices to the game, the first Tuesday night has the potential to turn into amateur hour. Even for the regular railers, $2 drafts of beers can lead to a pretty shoddy Wednesday morning if the right precautions are not taken. To keep it classy, here is a list of helpful dos and don’ts to get railed.

DO: Branch out of your usual comfort zones in terms of beer options. That is the beauty of riding the rail—it gives everyone the opportunity to sample a wide variety of beers that they might not otherwise have tried such as Magic Hat, New Belgium and Guinness. Sure, these beers tend to be darker, and therefore, heavier, but it’s not like you’re shotgunning a Guinness. Enjoy the flavor, enjoy the company and enjoy the atmosphere.

DO: Get to Legends early enough in the night so you can get a good booth or spot at the bar. For some reason, it can seem like there’s not a student on campus with a Wednesday morning class, or if they do, they don’t mind showing up reeking of last night’s booze.

DON’T: This one should seem obvious, but do not try to fill out your rail card in one night. You won’t have the opportunity to enjoy the experience, and it is very likely that even hearing the word “rail” afterward will make you throw up. Riding the rail is a marathon—albeit a marathon that will leave you in a drunken stupor—not a sprint.

DON’T: Lose your rail card. Sounds pretty basic, but once you get a little toasty it can be easy to leave it at the bar or with a friend. Nothing will make you more proud than turning in that fully-punched, wrinkled, beer-stained card for a tee shirt proclaiming your accomplishment as an official rider of the rail. Because once you’re in the rail club, you are in elite company.

DON’T: Regardless of what Jason Derulo may tell you, don’t ride (the rail) solo. Sure, it’s Tuesday night, but college won’t last forever. And unless you’re Barney Stinson, you won’t be able to spend your nights hanging out in the local pub after graduation. Bring your friends, bring your wives, because everyone’s getting railed up in here.

dO’S and dOnt’S

the BaSicS

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More Buzz for Your BuckTake your raging alcoholism—it’s okay, it’s college—to the next level for cheapby keLLy guStafSon

If you’ve been in college this long, and haven’t heard of “Tour de Franzia” you are long overdue for a rendezvous with the classiest of boxed wines. At just under 15 bucks for 5 liters of wine in a variety of flavors, it’s a sure-fire way to get buzzed and keep

A simple and sometimes overlooked way to save money when hosting parties and pregames is to simplify the mixers. Soda, juice and tonic all add to expenses, so make it easier by stocking up on flavored-drink packets like Crystal Lite and

Lastly, extend that party mantra of BYOB to the bars. My container of choice? A flask. Whether you received one for being in a wedding party, or made your own out of an empty water bottle, flasks are a great way to keep

your wallet from getting too light. “Tour de Franzia” is a college rite of passage that even Lance Armstrong would be proud of (well, possibly). Nothing brings people together like a highly intense race to chug zinfandel from a bag.

the party pumping even when you are strapped for cash. Bars tend to frown upon it, so if you decide to take this gamble, be prepared to be sneaky or risk getting kicked out.

equivalent of six beers. To save cash, buy two 40-oz. beers of your choice and pick a good playlist for the power hour mix. You can go from zero to smashed pretty quickly, so this method is not for lightweights.

A second option for the thrifty college drinker is also a viable choice for competitive drinkers: the power hour. The idea is to drink one shot glass of beer every minute for 60 minutes without stopping, which is the rough

adding them to mixed drinks or to create chasers. This adds one more way to make “one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor” a whole lot cheaper. Cheers to getting hopped up and making bad decisions? Only on the cheap.

Please drink responsibly

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Mastering the Art of College Cooking

It’s all about quick and easy on your budgetby keLLy guStafSon

photo by aLLiSon buLoW

Chicken & Penne Pasta

Instructions:1. Start by preheating the oven to 350

degrees. Once preheated, bake the chicken breasts until cooked thoroughly, usually about 25 minutes. While they are baking, prepare the other parts of the dish.

2. Finely chop the onion and place in a medium sauce pan with olive oil until carmelized, usually about 20 to 30 minutes. Frequently stir the pan to keep the onions from sticking and burning.

3. While the onions are carmelizing, boil at least eight cups of water for the pasta. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, toss in the penne and cook until al dente, usually about 10 to 12 minutes.

4. By this time, the chicken breasts should be cooked. Remove them from the oven and slice into half-inch strips, or about the thickness of a finger.

5. In a 9 by 13 glass baking dish, add the sliced chicken strips, the pasta and the onions. Pour about 2 and a half jars of pasta sauce over the top, completely coating the pasta and chicken evenly. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

6. The dish can be modified for non-meat eaters by substituting the chicken for salmon and switching up the type of sauce. If you are a beginner cook, it is best to stick to the recipe as closely as possible, but feel free to mix it up to truly make it your own.

Living in an apartment definitely has its perks, but with that new-found independence comes the challenge of cooking for yourself. And although we can’t all be Paula Dean - and probably would be obese if we could cook like her - it is possible to whip up a quick dinner after class that is both affordable and tasty.

One easy idea for a delicious go-to meal is chicken and penne pasta. Simply follow the instructions and you will be on your way to saying “bon appetit” instead of “Easy Mac, again?”

You Need:

• 1 pouNd peNNe pasta

• 2 boNeless skiNless chickeN breasts

• 1 Yellow oNioN

• 3 15-oz. jars of suN-dried tomato alfredo sauce

• 2 cups of italiaN-stYle bread crumbs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

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[P] 217.351.8900www.roland-realty.com

T H R E E - O - N I N E E A S T G R E E N S T R E E TS U I T E O N E - O -T H R E E C H A M P A I G N , I L L I N O I S 6 1 8 2 0

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Bachelor’s ParadiseThe new Pike mansion is a frat star’s dream house

by roSe-ann aragon

It took three years to solidify the final design of the house. The first design failed because it didn’t include enough features to improve the original model. Alumnus Michael Nelsen stepped in to spearhead the plans for the new house.

“We started on track to design a new house, which was a hopefully very forward thinking design. We wanted to make safety aspects of the house top notch,” Nelsen said.

The corporation utilized their resources, and had alumni like Larry Debb, a building developer in Chicago, to work on creating a feasible layout for the house. Used to working on buildings of fifty to sixty stories high, the Pike house was a lot easier to develop for Debb. With help of another architect in Chicago and oversight from Nelsen, the house was set to build.

“The prior house

held about 55-60 guys in it. It was way passed its useful life. The fire systems were not up to speed and neither was the layout,” Nelsen said. “When we went to design the new house we wanted to design it for about 75 guys, and the suite style was important. It’s really designed to be a living and learning environment. There is a lot of space designed to be common areas where the students can not only congregate amongst themselves, but also study.”

The house is also designed to keep upperclassmen living in as well. As you make your way to the fourth floor, the rooms for the most part seem to get bigger and better. The fourth floor rooms are specially designed with cathedral ceilings that are 16 ft high, have ceiling fans and are more spacious.

“The idea there was to keep as many

upperclassmen living in the house to provide some mentoring to the younger guys in the house,” Nelsen said.

And their plan seemed to work. Ramin Zacharia, the Public Relations chair of the fraternity, said, “We have five to seven seniors living in the house. This is very important to us because they are there to provide us with advice whenever we need it and it keeps us together.”

Ultimately, aside from providing comfortable living, the house was strategically designed to provide the best education and leadership opportunities.

“We are excited to provide a house that is designed to last for the next hundred years and will give our students an opportunity to have the same leadership development that we had when we were on campus,” Nelsen said.

The Design

By the Numbers

FIVE MILLIONthe budgeted cost, although after the fiNal

fiNishes, it cost “a little more.”

27,000square feet of

awesomeNess

4Number of floors (oh, aNd there’s a basemeNt too. guess that’s five).

Threefireplaces, just for a touch of bromaNce

aNd sophisticatioN.

75luckY meN who caN live iN the behemoth palace.

16 the height of the cathedral vaulted ceiliNgs iN the upperclassmeN’s rooms

1high-tech video survellieNce sYstem. check Yourself before You wreck Yourself.

Alumni were a fundamental part of supporting this project. According to the Beta Eta Corporation, over a million dollars alone came from direct contribution from alumni. In addition, a small group of alumni formed a single purpose LLC, where they each dished out a significant amount of money to raise enough capital to go to a bank and ask for a construction loan.

The Money

in spotlight

IMPULSE 33

The Perfect PitcherFirestation hits a homerun

by keLLy guStafSon

photo by aLeC pignotti

There’s a new bar on campus and it’s got students talking. Some may be wondering if the new bar on the block is some kind of sporty cross between the old Station 211 and its next-door-neighbor Firehaus, but Firestation is neither. The new sports bar, located at the intersection of Sixth and John Streets, promises to fill a niche that campus bars on Champaign have failed to fill - the ultimate sports bar.

Complete with 19-inch TVs at every booth, 11 50-inch TVs surrounding the main bar and a monstrous 120-inch projector screen, Firestation is a sports fanatic’s dream bar. Open for business in late February, it’s the eighth location for the chain, which got its start in Peoria, Ill.

One of the bar’s co-owners Erik Perkins said the decision to open a Firestation restaurant and bar in

Champaign was easy after first opening one at Illinois State University. At its other locations, the bar is called Firehouse, but Perkins said they changed the name to avoid confusion with Firehaus already on campus.

“We’re sports-driven and entertainment-driven. We felt there was a need and an opportunity that we found on this campus,” Perkins said.

The bar will feature 12 draft beers on tap in a unique glycol cooling system. In most systems, the beer in the line is not cooled, but in a glycol system, both the beer in the keg and in the tap line are chilled, creating

superior taste and less foam. The bar, which opens at 11 a.m. and stays open until 2 a.m., also hosts DJs and bands.

At the Normal location, the bar stays open an hour after close to serve jumbo pizza by the slice to hungry and intoxicated college kids. Perkins said the Champaign location may follow suit if there is the business to do that here.

The Peoria-native said he is excited to bring the business to Champaign.

“I never went to college, but I’ve always rooted for the Illini,” he said. “It’s very cool to kind of see the college life and be a part of Illinois basketball.”

Indecent exposure

34 IMPULSE

The Art of Sexting

Medival to Modern Courtshipby Samantha Wagner

For most of us, the days of flowers, candies and phone calls are no more. Sparks don’t fly, dates are few and far between and you

definitely won’t be seeing anyone riding around on a white horse. Some would argue

that romancing has gone out the window all together, but others would say it has just

evolved to a simpler form: the booty text.

The booty text can be just as artful and even more effective than the courtship of the past, when used correctly. Really, it is a just three-

step process. First you have the set up, then the reminder and last the final move. But be careful — there’s a fine line between Prince

Charming and King of the Creeps.

the medieval rOmanticS weiGh in

When we think of courtship, we often think what was painted in literature from the

medieval era. We think of damsels in distress and knights fighting battles to prove their love. We think of gifs, tokens of love, love songs and

lyric poems — and it’s all incredibly romantic and beautiful.

But what would the knights of the round table think of our modern way of initiating a budding romance? What would Sir Lancelot

think of sexting?

Reneé Trilling, a University of Illinois English and Medieval Studies professor, said that

medieval lovers would be all over it.

“Romance was supposed to be secret,” she said. “Marriage was economic, but love was all

in secret.”

Trilling said the people of the medieval era would always be looking for secret ways to

send messages — and texting would just make secrecy a whole lot easier.

“It wasn’t good form to reveal these types of relationships, so the idea of texting would fit in

nicely with romance of the medieval era.”

indecent exposure

IMPULSE 35

Lady ChastityThe residenT sexPerT divulges all The TanTilizing

secreTs you wanT To know. This issue she Tells Men how To keeP a one-nighT sTand coMing back for More.

IMPULSE presents

Rule Number

One:no glove, no love. Don’t leave HoMe

unprepareD.

Rule Number Two:

know Your target. tHere’s soMe trutH wHen tHeY saY “Hit it anD Quit it”- soMe girls Just want to Have fun, no strings attacHeD.

Rule Number Three:

Manscape. not a balD eagle or an aboMinable busH. You’re not 12-Years-olD or HoMeless (HopefullY). keep it triM.

Rule Number Four:

felaci-no-no. Don’t expeect to get tHis personal on a ranDoM Hook-up. anD if sHe Does...well, watcH for tHe Herp.

Rule Number Five:

s&M is for Date nuMber two. leave Your cuffs, wHips, anD cHains at HoMe—we Have enougH criMe on tHis caMpus.

Rule Number Six:

Don’t be tHat guY. if sHe’s obliterateD, keep it g-rateD. walk Her HoMe anD Don’t trY anY funnY stuff.

Rule Number Seven:

save it for tHe beDrooM. Don’t get too Hot anD sweatY on tHe Dance floor. Dancing is supposeD to SymBolize sex, not actuallY Be sex.

Rule Number Eight:

cHeck Your HYgiene. Make sure Your peen is clean.

Rule Number Nine:

on a seconD encounter, Don’t trY to Mount Her. act norMal anD see wHere tHe nigHt takes You.

36 IMPULSE

INTOXICATED

IMPULSE 37

INTOXICATED

IMPRESShealth and beauty

this issue: do the wave // fit tips

photoS by aLLiSon buLoW

Get your hair beach ready in a

breeze

hair extenSionS by aLter ego

www.alTeregohairexTensions.coM

IMPULSE 37

38 IMPULSE

IMPRESS

Your Summer Hair SaviorHow to achieve to-die-for beachy waves while keeping your hair healthyby amanDa Libertore

Long summer days are all about lying on the beach, perfecting a golden tan and sipping on margaritas. It’s leaving behind your responsibility until fall rolls around. Motivation to dress up, put on make-up or even sport a new hairstyle is probably the last thing on your to-do list. Fortunately, one of the best looks of the summer season is laid back and still manages to look effortlessly chic: Meet the beachy wave. For those who already have a natural wave to their hair, maintaining the waves requires just a few necessary products. “Most people think that they need to get a perm in order to style loose and beachy waves,” says Kate Endsley, artistic director at Rod Sickler Salon & Spa in Champaign. “You don’t have to get a perm. Just apply mousse to wet hair and start to blow dry it. While you’re drying your hair, go through and scrunch sections of it to create curl.” When the hair is dried and scrunched, Endsley suggests going through and curling random pieces with a curling iron. A 1-inch barrel iron will do the trick. “The key is to keep the waves looking natural and loose,” Endsley said. If you don’t have naturally wavy hair, curl every section of your hair and lightly apply hairspray. Then, run your fingers through the curls and break them up. Breaking up the curls with your fingertips will loosen them up without letting them fall. Keeping your hair healthy throughout the summer months is key to any hairstyle that you

decide to try throughout the season. “Any UV-protected hair care products will protect color-treated hair from fading or drying out, especially if you are going swimming in any water containing chemicals,” said Christopher Sullivan, a stylist at Fuse Salon in Manteno, IL. “Also, wearing hats helps protect against over-exposed sunlight.” Using a humidity-resistant hairspray is important to holding styled hair while also blocking frizz from unruly or coarse hair. “One amazing product that is great to use during the summer is Nioxin Scalp Guard Sunblock SPF,” said Endsley. “This spray protects sensitive scalp skin against sun damage and actually provides a really great hold to styled hair.” Healthy hair is always crucial to maintaining styles and protecting against hair styling tools like straightening and curling irons. Styling your hair into tousled, relaxed waves is perfect for summer bonfires and barbecues, and can also be changed up depending on the occasion. Adding a statement hair accessory or headband can spice up the look and can turn it into something new. Take these haircare tips to heart and sport natural, beachy waves during the warm summer months. This style is casual, carefree, and sure to help you make a statement this season.

1. 2. 3.

Instantly turn dull hair into vibrant color with a silky finish. It even prevents dryness and protects against damaging UV rays.

Healthy hair starts at the base, and there’s no coming back from a bright-red, sunburnt scalp.

This fantastic salt-infused spay is perfect for setting your beachy locks and adding a bit of extra texture.

Philip B. Maui Wowie Beach Mist | $22

philipb.com

Kérastase Sérum Après-Soleil | $36

keratase-usa.com

Nioxin Scalp Guard with SPF | $15

nioxin.com

BEFORE YOU HANG TEN...

Nothing will suck the luster out of your hair faster than too much sun or salt water.

If you notice your locks become a little drab, rub in some sesame oil (yeah, the stuff in your kitchen). It's a

natural UV protector.

impress

IMPULSE 39

Trim Down and Tone UpIt happens to the best of us: gettIng In front of that full-length mIrror after a long, dreary wInter and realIzIng that you’re no where near ready to put on a bathIng suIt. don’t fret and don’t contemplate the thought of goIng on an extreme crash dIet. Patrick DarmoDy, a junIor In KInesIology, gIves us tIps on how to hIt the gym no matter what season It Is.

fIt

Beginners should shoot for three days of resistance training (can’t beat old-fashion weights), and do light cardio excercises during the week.

Time and record everything you do. It’s the best way to measure your progress and stay motivated.

Patrick Darmody is a man on the run. He’s taken exercise, that evil word that makes most of us cringe and remember that we haven’t been to the gym in far too long, and made it his life. “I make exercise a priority in my life and forgo a lot of things I probably should be doing instead to make it to the gym,” he says. “I usually exercise about 5 to 7 times a week, and that will probably stay consistent in preparation for the summer.”

Quick Tips• Set realistic goals for yourself.

It will help you see results faster.

• Look at your schedule and figure out what sort of time you have to devote to your regiment.

• If you’re always busy, try doing at home exercises like push ups and crunches every break you get.

• When you’re exercising, always take breaks to drink some water. By the time you feel thirsty, it’s too late, you’re already dehydrated.

• Whatever you do, just remember that to make the results permanent you have to keep it up.

Your body is your temple, there’s nothing more important than eating well and living a healthy lifestyle. Try eating smaller meals throughout the day.

40 IMPULSE

RISING ILLINIThe2011

10 students taking charge and bringing their skill to the next levelChristain Gollayan Sofia Spentzas

IMPULSE 41

MUSIC MOGULSThe

RISING ILLINI10 students taking charge and bringing their skill to the next level

Portfolio

Imagine this, a scene of four dudes—all corn-fed handsome— on the set of our photo shoot. The impulSe team scurries between racks of clothes,

accessories and varying shades of make-up concealer to get all four members that make up team Milk N

Cookies, wide-eyed and prepped for the shoot.

“So uh, you want me to fist pump?” asks one of them with a sort of puzzled look. The girls in our crew

blush and let out a small giggle as James, Paul, Ryan and Kurt cut loose and got comfortable in front of

the camera.

It’s almost hard to believe this group’s meteoric rise has been over a span of just two years and they have

since become one of the most sought-after music performers on campus. Their journey began in the spring of 2009 when James McElwain –was then

just known as “DJ Milkshake”—spent his freshman year learning the art of mixing, playing minor gigs

through his fraternity connections. His twin brother, Paul joined as another DJ a couple months later.

In late 2010 they met rapper Ryan Rodino (MC Ro Dee), at a pregame –in a bromance kind of fashion—

and together with their manager, Kurt Henzdel, they made their rounds at campus bars as “Milk N

Cookies.”

They’ve built a solid reputation both in Champaign and Chicago, playing alongside musical acts like Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, LMFAO and Pretty Lights. They

have a distinguished fan bases both respective cities. When asked about crazy fan encounters, they all

looked at each other and smiled.

“Well, it’s more about just us being guys,” they said and laughed.

Their stock continues to rise. With a new EP out last January and having performed in Miami and looking

forward to performing at Summer Camp Music Festival, things continue looking up for this group.

What makes them feel powerful? No lines, no cover, free drinks, notoriety, Bro.

Milk N Cookies

42 IMPULSE

ARTISTSThe

Cortni Brown

Matt Waltersand

When she stepped out of the dressing room during our shoot in a yellow, baby-doll dress, she was all smiles, lashes and legs; she looked like a pop star.

As early as high school, Cortni Brown always knew she wanted to be a professional singer. She spent most of her childhood doing theatre and after-school musical

programs. Her parents, both of whom were musicians, were very supportive.

“There was actually never a time when I wasn’t involved in music,” Brown said.

During December of 2009, Brown auditioned for the Alicia Keys World Tour. A couple days later she found herself at Rockafeller Center, performing back-up for

Alicia Keys on Saturday Night Live.

“Working with Alicia is a crash course in greatness,” Brown said. “She’s an impeccable artist with a divine ear for music. She’s very warm and awesome.”

And just like that, Brown was given access to the fabulous world of artists and celebrities that’s taken her to perform across Europe, at the South African World

Cup and the opportunity to rub elbows with Rihanna.

In addition to Keys, Brown has built an impressive network, performing with big-name artists like Beyonce, Jay-Z and Prince.

“This is the life,” she said, with the enthusiasm of a girl who’s seeing this all for the first time, even though she’s been touring with Keys for two years.

As much as she enjoys working back-up, she aspires to shine on her own one day. Right now she’s working hard in the studio and recording.

“I’m working with some very talented producers to create some really incredible music for the near future.” Brown said. “Music can’t be limited to just singing.

Writing and composition are some of my most favorite parts of music performance.”

What makes her feel powerful? : “The ability to articulate…Not to just have something on your mind, but to be able to say it in a creative way where other

people can not only understand, but relate.”

He’s a man of the modern arts: photography, graphic design, industrial design, and right now he’s most known

for his latest work: a customized pair of Nike shoes.

Matt Walters has always had a passion for designing since 7th grade he’s made an impressive portfolio

designing page layouts and T-shirts for his friends.

It was in 2010 that he landed his big break. After finding out from fellow online designers, he entered in the NIKE

Future Sole Design Contest where a thousand college students sent in their shoe sketches in hopes of having it

reviewed by top NIKE and JORDAN designers.

Out of the contestants that entered, Walters placed 2nd.

Winning a roundtrip flight to Oregon where he was given a tour of the legendary NIKE World Headquarters—which looks like a cross between a NASA exhibit and a college campus—and was given the opportunity to present his design in front of top NIKE executives.

“Working along my peers is always helpful, but actually working with a professional whose job isn’t to design for a grade from a professor, but to design for literally the entire world is a whole new experience,” Walters said.

With the connections he made through the contest, Walters hopes to work for major companies like NIKE,

Adidas, and Reebok.

“It [the contest] definitely gave me more inspiration [designing shoes] than I already had. Just seeing their

different design studios and where they actually sat down and designed every day,” Walters said.

IMPULSE 43

HUMANITARIANSThe

Amanda Gross

Markita Landryand

Amanda Gross is both an artist and a philanthropist, and these qualities were evident when she stood in front of our cameras in her ballerina gown and a warm smile on her face that only girls

with generous hearts could have.

Gross comes from a military family, and from an early age traveled around the world. She spent a portion of her childhood

in Germany, and during her teenage years, she went to the world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts to study ballet and

modern dance.

By college, Gross joined International Impact Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid for

developing countries in Central America as well as the Caribbean. She has traveled to Guatemala, Peru, and India where she built

schools and tutored children.

“I fell in love with the children and their thirst for life,” Gross said. “It is important for young artists to be aware of the world

that surrounds them and to draw strength from those who truly struggle to find access to the necessities that we take advantage of.”

Gross will continue her humanitarian efforts after college. In the near future, she will be working with the Peace Corps in either

Africa or Central Asia. She hopes to one day create an organization dedicated to educating women in developing countries. Ultimately, she plans to use the stories that she has gathered through her years

of philanthropic work, and translate it into dance as a means to communicate the longing and hardships of those in less fortunate

countries, those whose voices can’t be heard.

What makes her feel powerful? : Helping a child in need.

She is a renaissance woman of sorts; a scientist, journalist, painter and dancer, and she does all of it with a worldly, feminine grace.

Ever since childhood, Markita Landry had a love for traveling and academia. She’s studied in Ontario and Venezuela for elementary

and middle school. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and currently she’s pursuing her Ph.D. in Chemical Physics at the University of Illinois.

Through her academic success, she earned a fellowship with the National Science Foundation, an independent federal agency that’s

dedicated to promoting the young scientists. The fellowship provides Landry with tuition and living expenses so she can focus her energy on scientific research. She’s currently studying protein-DNA interactions.

Right now she’s preparing for a summer internship as a science journalist for the Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laureates, where 500-plus

young scientists from around the world come together to exchange theories and ideas.

“[As a scientific journalist], I think it is very important for scientists to be able to explain the significance and impact of their research not just to other scientists, but to the general public as well,” Landry said.

She’s been published in academic textbooks as well as science magazines, and she’s also written a chapter for the American Chemical

Society for her thesis research.

Landry plans to stay in academia even after her Ph.D, as she hopes to pursue post-doctoral training at MIT. She also plans to start her own

research group in the area of nanotechnology.

What makes her feel powerful? : Knowing that one day, her research could benefit society.

44 IMPULSE

COMPETITORSThe

Her accolades are endless: Vance Stickell Internship award winner, Vice President of the National Student Advertising Competition, Web Developer for ATLAS Web Services, EVp for the American Advertising Federation at Illinois and internships

in both Austin and Chicago. With a lot on her plate, this advertising extraordinaire balance all her responsibilities, in a killer pair of heels.

“[Advertising] was actually not always something that I wanted to do growing up,” said Deterding. “I thought I was going to be a lawyer and actually came in as a

Political Science major.”

But Deterding was born to be a star in advertising. By 12 years old, she was already designing her own websites. When MTV’s “Laguna Beach” landed on the TV screens

of teeny-boppers everywhere, 16-year-old Deterding saw it as an opportunity to design a website based on the show’s main protagonist: Lauren Conrad.

From the site’s launch in March of 2006, its popularity grew from a seemingly obscure fansite, to a prime spot for digital advertisers, getting as much as 300-500 visits each day. At the peak of Conrad’s popularity, Deterding’s site received around

10,000 hits daily.

Deterding’s success in web design came in handy when she finally decided to switch over to the world of advertising academically. Last year, the American Advertising Federation awarded her with the prestigious Stickell Internship, and named her as

the number one advertising student in the nation.

“It’s pretty surreal,” Deterding said. “That opportunity was one of the most life-changing experiences I have had thus far.”

Deterding has her eyes set on the job market. She hopes to work in an advertising agency in either Austin or Chicago. With her star-studded resume, it’s hard to

imagine anything but success in her professional future.

What makes her feel powerful? : Teaching other advertising students what she has learned through her experiences both inside and outside the University.

There’s one thing that comes to mind when describing this athlete: gold.

Stephanie Wheeler has always been interested in sports. By high school, she realized that she had the skill and determination to play basketball.

At the University of Illinois, she joined the women’s wheelchair basketball team and placed first in the wheelchair basketball national

championship for three years. After her freshman year she tried out for the Paralympic team and was selected as an alternate for the Sydney

Paralympics.

Ever since, Wheeler has been on auto-pilot to greatness. She won the gold medal in women’s wheel chair basketball during the 2004 and 2008 paralympics. She’s traveled the world; from Osaka to Rio de

Janeiro to Beijing, where she collected medals like souvenirs to take back to the U.S.

Her success as an athlete landed her as the head coach for the women’s wheelchair basketball team at the University of Illinois, a role where

other female athletes with disabilities look up to her.

“I don’t know if I’m seen as a role model in the community, but I hope I am role model to my athletes and other young females with disabilities,”

Wheeler said.

As she continues her coaching duties, Wheeler is also pursuing her Ph.D in Adapted Physical Education. Even though she enjoys her coaching position for Illinois, she has her eyes set on international coaching.

What makes her feel powerful? : Showing other girls with disabilities that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, whether it’s winning a gold medal at the Paralympics or to be a CEO at a large

organization.

Brittany Deterding

Stephanie Wheelerand

IMPULSE 45

INTOXICATED

46 IMPULSE

HEAVY HITTERCOREY LIUGET IS IN IT TO WIN

katerina bizioS Sofia SpentzaS

IMPULSE 47

48 IMPULSE

take care of football.

Switching gears, we get Liuget in his first look of the day. Attracting whistles and attention from his former teammates, I arrange his bowtie, the finishing touch, as Liuget smirks, eating up every second of the attention. “Looking good, Liuget,” echoes behind us as we leave the locker room and head back on to the field.

Click, click, click. “Give us a different pose each time you move,” directs the photographer. With confidence and swag Liuget delivers.

“I feel like Beyonce or something,” he jokes. And then another charming smile, like he’s been in front of the camera for years. I reassure him that if football doesn’t work out he could always fall back on modeling.

“Now give us your sexy face,” says the photographer. Liuget does, but can only hold the face long enough for one click of the camera, then laughter.

HEADING TO THE WORKOUT ROOM AND PLAYER’S lounge, Liuget begins to open up. Although he can bench 415 pounds, his personality doesn’t match his tough exterior.

“I have two sisters who are both in the military and have gone to Iraq and two brothers who are raising their kids in Miami. I miss them, but I came here to better my future,” said Liuget. “I plan to take them all to New York with me and enjoy the draft.”

Peeling back the layers, it’s clear to see that Liuget keeps both his football family and family in Miami closest to him and credits them for his success.

“My grandparents had 16 kids and everyone in the family is still in Miami. Every third Sunday of the month we get together and play softball or kickball and have a big cookout. It was hard leaving home, but they support me and let me go to college.”

Leaning on his family as his support system, Liuget knew the odds were stacked against him.

“My father passed away when I was three. I don’t have any memories with him. Not having him, I grew up different and knew things wouldn’t come easy,” he said. “I knew I would have to work for everything.”

Not on track to play football until he was 14, Liuget credits longtime friend Deroy Merritt for recognizing his talent and encouraging him to leave his troublesome circle of friends behind to focus on football.

AAT 10 A.M. COREY LIUGET GREETS the IMPULSE team at the side door of Memorial Stadium. Fresh faced and ready to go, Liuget delivers one of his charming smiles and leans in for a hug, his 6’3”, 300 pound frame of solid muscle overpowering me. “Are you excited?” I ask. “Of course, let’s do it,” he responds with enthusiasm. Welcoming us to what’s been his home for the past three years, he politely holds each door open for me, the photographer and our video producer, a tipoff to his southern gentleman upbringing, as he gives us an exclusive tour of the stadium and football training facility.

Liuget, nicknamed “legit” is anxiously awaiting the NFL draft as a first round pick after three seasons as U of I’s star lineman. Earning All-Big Ten, All-American honors and the title of team captain for two years, Liuget led his team to win the Texas Bowl in 2010 and has built his accomplishments at U of I.

The excitement surrounding his success is contagious. Each hallway or room we walk into, Liuget gives someone new a hello, joke or laugh. I knew this would be a smooth day of shooting, and interviewing would be simple. To say Liuget has the gift of gab and huge personality is an understatement.

“Should we go talk to Coach Zook?” Uh, yes please, I immediately responded, never having anticipated meeting the head

football coach that day. We walk into Ron Zook’s office and talked with the man who played a big role in Liuget’s future plays.

“Thanks for doing this for him, he’s a great kid,” said Zook. “Anything he needs, he gets,” the coach affectionately said of his player. Agreeing to get on camera for an interview later in the day, we leave his office and head down to the football field to set up shop.

We surveyed the field on the cold, rainy day for the best photo op. Liuget looks out and takes in the scene.

“Man, I’m gonna miss playing here.” Liuget gazed out at the empty stadium, scoreboard and the unforgettable orange stripes of the field, seemingly thinking of the bigger things to come.

“On to my next step,” he said.

Liuget didn’t stay serious for long as he playfully challenged me to kick a field goal. Reversing roles from player to coach, he told me to keep my head down and focus on getting under the ball.

Liuget set the wager, “I’ll stand on my head right now if you make this,” he said kneeling down, delicately balancing the football with one finger. Okay, that seemed like a bet worth taking. Head down. Check. Focus. Check. I gave my best football kick. The only sound after the “thud” was Corey bent over in laughter. Fine, I’ll let Corey

IMPULSE 49

clotHing proviDeD bY SuithOuSe.

sHoes bY mercanti flOrenti OxfOrd

50 IMPULSE

suspenDers anD sHirt bY zeGna.

available at neiman marcuS

IMPULSE 51

easy for Liuget, despite his nonchalant attitude of his accomplishments.

“There have been a lot of times that Corey has cried on that couch right there, ready to call it quits and go home,” said Zook in his office. “He conquered a lot and did a lot that people didn’t think he could. Not only did he do it, but he did it extremely well.”

Corey seems to be in an ideal place. Awaiting his new team, teammates and future, he has a lot to be excited about.

“I’ve directed my life and I changed it. I made a big 180 and I’m heading on a different path. I have people that make me feel comfortable with myself and happy about my achievements and life.”

WHEN HE’S NOT CONCENTRATING ON football, you may find Corey down in Miami relaxing. “I like going fishing anywhere in

Florida. Deep sea fishing, it could be a lake or pond, doesn’t matter to me. I like it because it helps me think and forget stuff, the stress, problems and relax.”

So what makes this fearless lineman feel powerful?

“Knowing I have good people around me,” said Liuget.

Wrapping up the interview I ask Corey what he would say to his childhood pal Deroy. He leans back to think. There’s a long pause before he looks up, and with a proud smirk says,

“Were making it. That’s it. We’re making a change in life.”

Watch the first round NFL draft, Friday, April 29th on ESPN or the NFL Network and cheer on Corey Liuget as he takes his biggest step.

“I grew up in a nice neighborhood in Miami, but we definitely made trouble. Me and Deroy had each other’s backs no matter what. We always said if anything happened down the road when we had kids we would take care of them for each other. We would do anything for each other.”

Attending Hiahleah High School allowed Liuget to focus completely on football and a new lifestyle. Things were going well until his sophomore year when Deroy was shot and killed.

“It was big, it was crazy,” said Liuget, with a lull in his voice, the smile wiped from his face for the first time all day.

“I felt like a part of me was gone after that and I was down for a long time. Deroy helped me direct my life and I was hurt. I focused on football and did it all for him.”

Pushing himself harder than before Liuget honored Deroy’s name, elevated his game and earned multiple offers to play college football. He explained the decision on where to play came easy after meeting Coach Zook.

“Coach Zook told me it wasn’t going to be easy,” said Liuget. “He said it’d be tough and that that I would have to come in and battle.”

Their natural comradely developed from there.

“I like competition,” said Liuget. “I like someone who is straightforward, no BS, so I took a chance and came to U of I.”

Reflecting back to his days before college, Liuget thanks Zook for the opportunity to come to Illinois, for the opportunity to play and for the opportunity to make it to the next level.

“He’s a young man that I’m very proud of and very happy for,” said Zook. “He’s going to be a success in life. He’s going to make a great father, great husband and he’s a great person.”

But, like all great things, it didn’t come

“WE’RE MAKING IT. THAT’S IT. WE’RE MAKING A CHANGE IN LIFE.”

STATSliuget’s numbers are as impressive as he is.

11

6

4TH

13 Liuget played and started in all 13 games his junior year.

Career high tackles, made against Michigan State.

Career high solos, also against Michigan State.

Fourth-team All-American by Phil Steele (the revered sportswriter).

1ST First-team in Phil Steele’s All-Big Ten

“I GREW UP DIFFERENT AND KNEW THINGS WOULDN’T COME EASY. I KNEW I WOULD HAVE TO WORK FOR EVERYTHING.”

52 IMPULSE

IMPULSE 53

54 IMPULSE

INTOXICATED

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IMPULSE 55

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56 IMPULSE

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IMPULSE 57

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58 IMPULSE

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IMPULSE 59

INTOXICATED

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60 IMPULSE

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IMPULSE 61

62 IMPULSE

Summer ‘PaignSticking around the C-U this summer? Beat the boredom with these seven activities

by JorDan SWarD

Check out the Urbana Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival

Pair the award-winning smoky barbecue you’ll find here with rhythmic Blues music

and a cold beer. The Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival provides entertainment,

cooking expos, educational music sessions and more. All you have to bring is a bib to

stay clean while you chow down.

Pick up locally grown produce at the the

Square Farmer’s Market

Start your Saturday with more than 170 vendors selling everything from

produce to meat and dairy products. Can you say ‘bikini bod’? Cook up a healthy meal with the

items you pick up. Rain or shine, the Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday starting May 6th through November, on the corner

of Illinois and Vine Streets.

Wind down with wine at Uncorked

Wine, cheese, music, oh my! A little too much sun or a rainy night calls for a summer evening inside.

Spend your Thursday night at Krannert’s

Uncorked this summer. Oh yeah, did we mention

it’s free?

Dancin’ in the streets

Take a break from the Joe’s poles and dance in the streets of Champaign instead. Champaign Streetfest welcomes you to dance the night away to live music on June 4, July 9 and

August 20 in downtown Champaign.

On your mark. Get set. Kayak!

Enjoy the great outdoors at the Kickapoo State

Park in Danville. Whether you prefer to canoe,

kayak, hike, fish or camp- Kickapoo is the place to be. Be adventurous. Be active. And be sure to remember

bug spray.

Enjoy an outdoor concert

With Champaign Park District’s Summer Concert Series, free concerts are your go-to night away from campus. Pack some snacks, bring a date and enjoy music from a variety of genres in Champaign parks starting June 5th through August 17th.

Work on your tan at the pool

Bye-bye living room couch. Hello, pool! Detox after a crazy night of drinking while catching some rays at the pool. Lay out with a good book while donning

your most flattering bathing suit. Hotspots include the ARC pool,

309, or kiddy pool on your balcony—whichever you

prefer.

IMPULSE 63

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HedDek

by

64 || DMIX

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