Michael Frizell, MFA

ABSTRACT
Student retention rates are increasingly important in higher education. Higher education institutions have adopted various programs in the hopes of increasing graduation rates and grade point averages (GPAs). One of the most effective attempts at improvement has been the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program. We examined our SI program relative to three facets: attendance, attendance's influence on final scores, and graduation rates for students who had participated in these… Show more

ABSTRACT
Student retention rates are increasingly important in higher education. Higher education institutions have adopted various programs in the hopes of increasing graduation rates and grade point averages (GPAs). One of the most effective attempts at improvement has been the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program. We examined our SI program relative to three facets: attendance, attendance's influence on final scores, and graduation rates for students who had participated in these courses. These questions were also investigated focusing on specific comparison groups, as we looked into how these effects differed for minority students and nontraditional students compared with those of White and traditional peers. Overall, SI attendance led to positive outcomes— increased final course grades and graduation rates—even after adjusting for previous achievement. Show less

Expectations and the pressure following them could break lesser men. Fortunately for Seattle Seahawks fans, Russell Wilson manages to withstand success and defeat with grace and aplomb. Follow Wilson’s meteoric rise from high school athlete to superstar NFL rookie who won Super Bowl 48.

The sequel to the sold-out comic book "The Cast of Doctor Who" brings the stories of five more Doctors. The enigmatic, often eccentric, time travelling hero known only to science fiction fans as the Doctor, explores the timeline in order to save the world from dangers both mysterious and impossible. However, the five men profiled in this issue have been heroes in their own right. Peter Davison, Sylvester McCoy, Jon Pertwee, Christopher Eccleston and more!

Dedication to Dr. Jane Hoogestraat.

As the Godfather of Heavy Metal, Ozzy Osbourne pioneered his dark sound as the front man for Black Sabbath. As a solo artist, he has forged a legacy, influencing modern rock, reality television, and more. Jump on board the crazy train and read about the artist who occupies a special place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“Dynastic politics has emerged as the leading theme of the 2016 election cycle,” artist Joe Paradise, who illustrated the “Jeb Bush” comic, tells The Post’s Comic Riffs. “Both major parties have believed-to-be-inevitable frontrunners with very familiar last names leading their respective conferences.

“In both parties, the base seems less than thrilled about their party’s ‘inevitable’ choice,” continues Paradise, who has also illustrated “Female Force: Hillary Clinton — The Graphic Novel”… Show more

“Dynastic politics has emerged as the leading theme of the 2016 election cycle,” artist Joe Paradise, who illustrated the “Jeb Bush” comic, tells The Post’s Comic Riffs. “Both major parties have believed-to-be-inevitable frontrunners with very familiar last names leading their respective conferences.

“In both parties, the base seems less than thrilled about their party’s ‘inevitable’ choice,” continues Paradise, who has also illustrated “Female Force: Hillary Clinton — The Graphic Novel” and Ron and Rand Paul comic books. “This is showing up as tremendous momentum for candidates considered to be outliers — if not an outright joke — just a few months ago.” Show less

As the country prepares itself for the 2016 presidential elections, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton decides to make a second attempt to become the nation's first female President. Can she run on her record? Her likability? And how will lingering questions about Benghazi and her email inform her choice?

Politicians are both born and made. As one of the most powerful women in politics, Hillary Clinton has served as an inspiration and lightning rod. Often controversial, she has carved an unmatched legacy into a traditionally male occupation. This volume collects Female Force: Hillary Clinton, Hillary Clinton: Secretary of State, and Political Power: Hillary Clinton.

As the country prepares itself for the 2016 presidential elections, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton decides to make a second attempt to become the nation's first female President. Can she run on her record? Her likability? And how will lingering questions about Benghazi and her email inform her choice?

ew bands have achieved the success and status afforded the heavy metal pioneers known simply as Metallica. Metallica’s sound, a raw fury few can match, has stood the test of time and placed members James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Dave Mustaine, Cliff Burton, and Kirk Hammett in an exclusive club of artists. Read about the formation of the band in this special issue of Orbit. Cover by famed artist David A. Frizell.

Legacy. For the Bush family, legacy is a powerful word, hinting of destiny made manifest and the promises of generations kept. Prescott Bush, a Senator from Connecticut, felt its power, as did his son, George Herbert Walker Bush, who went on to be the 41st President of the United States, and his son, George W. Bush, who became the nation's 43rd President. But will the weight of legacy be too much for W.'s brother, John Ellis "Jeb" Bush? Can Jeb forge his own legacy? By the acclaimed writer and… Show more

Legacy. For the Bush family, legacy is a powerful word, hinting of destiny made manifest and the promises of generations kept. Prescott Bush, a Senator from Connecticut, felt its power, as did his son, George Herbert Walker Bush, who went on to be the 41st President of the United States, and his son, George W. Bush, who became the nation's 43rd President. But will the weight of legacy be too much for W.'s brother, John Ellis "Jeb" Bush? Can Jeb forge his own legacy? By the acclaimed writer and artist team of "Political Power: Rand Paul," Michael Frizell and Joe Paradise! Show less

Dr. Rand Paul is the son of former presidential candidate and "intellectual godfather" of the Tea Party, Ron Paul, and considered in many circles to be the Republican's nominee for President during the 2016 elections. Though his short time as the Senator of Kentucky hasn't been without some controversy, Dr. Paul has made an indelible mark on politics.

A brilliant artist taken from us too soon, counterculture and non-conformist icon Jerome John “Jerry” Garcia was a musician best known for his distinctive guitar playing and his thirty-three year history with the Grateful Dead. Bluewater explores the life of the man who would hate the idea that he’d somehow become the “face” for a movement that changed the social climate of the United States.

As the lead singer of U2, Bono electrifies audiences with his dynamic stage presence, while his electrifying persona draws people to causes that concern all of us. His story is born from a divided Ireland and the dueling nature of the rock star live versus a devout faith. Special cover by famed artist David A. Frizell.

Don’t let the controversy of her later personal life fool you, Liza Minnelli was once the most respected star of the musical theatre stage. Her signature role as the rough, sexy Sally Bowles in Cabaret defined a uniquely Broadway style, catapulted her to the top of the musical charts, and solidified her position in the pantheon of live performers. Special cover by famed artist Keaton Alexander Kohl.

Alice Cooper is a man, a band, and an idea that took on a life of its own, a voice for shock and glitter rockers whose influence created stars like Marilyn Manson and KISS. Behind the paint, the boa constrictors, and the staged executions is a man whose creative energies gave rise to a legend. Half truth, half fiction, Alice Cooper defines fame.

From Disney darling to shock pop princess, Miley Cyrus has enjoyed a bombastic career that crosses genres. A musician, singer, writer, and actress, Miley Cyrus has become an icon to tweens searching for their identity and to teens who have grown up with their idol, the effervescent Hannah Montana. Covers by famed comic book artists Joey Mason & Nelson Hernandez.

Bettie Page’s influence is evident even today. From humble beginnings, her work exploded onto the pop culture scene, dominating magazine covers and the fetish scene until one day suddenly disappeared from public view, garnering her cult status. Read the compelling story of the Queen of the pin-up.

Amy Winehouse, the newest member of the “27 club,” musicians at the height of their career who have lost their life at 27 years old, lived a hard and fast life. Her story, illustrated on her body in the form of tattoos, tells the tell of a talent flaming out long before her time.

Siegel and Shuster created the first of the great comic book superheroes, and their square-jawed defender of justice has been personified by the esteemed actor George Reeves and the heroic in his own right Christopher Reeve. The stories of the men behind the cape give Superman his power.

Can Chris Christie navigate the often treacherous waters of presidential politics and remain New Jersey’s favorite son? Read the story of Christie’s rise to power, the formation of his political platform, and his devotion to his home state. New Jersey, and the country, are watching.

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Prince Rogers Nelson, a musician from Minneapolis, started a musical revolution with the hits “1999,” “Little Red Corvette,” “When Doves Cry,” “Purple Rain,” “Batdance,” and more, challenging even the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, for chart supremacy during the 1980’s. The book chronicles his meteoric rise to dominance in the pop/funk music scene.

From actor (Lost, Vampire Diaries, and more) to environmental activist, Ian Somherhalder is someone who cares deeply about the craft of acting and the stewardship of the planet. Read the life story of the young actor who works to restore the gulf after the devastating effects of the BP disaster while balancing the demands of Hollywood stardom.

What makes a man a true hero? Is it the role he plays or the life he leads? Explore the life of legendary actor and philanthropist Christopher Reeve in this tribute to the man behind Superman’s cape.

The whimsical, nonsensical stories exploring the fantasy world of Alice started with the simple friendship between young, beautiful Alice Liddell and the kind and creative Lewis Carroll. This books is a tribute to both the artistic use of the language displayed in the stories and the influence they have on modern literature, media, and art.

Book Review

Creative nonfiction essay about the trials of running a Writing Center at a public university.

Article about the development of a new learning commons at a public institution of higher education.

Creative Nonfiction

Creative Nonfiction

Book Review

Creative Nonfiction

Creative Nonfiction

The 2016 election cycle is fast becoming one of the most interesting – and most divisive – in history. Clinton. Bush. Trump. Sanders. Paul. All strong personalities vying for the attention of the electorate. From the wild statements loudly announced by Trump to the frustrated uttering of Jeb and the defiant proclamations from Sanders, this volume explores the rise of those who lead the United States.

Before Lady Gaga and The Killers, there was the enigmatic, undefinable David Bowie. The chameleon of the music industry, Bowie was one of the most influential artists of any generation, constantly reinventing himself while defying convention. "Tribute: David Bowie” features new pages chronicling Bowie’s final days.