University of Akron - Tel Buch Yearbook (Akron, OH)

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Vf really mouei ourselves after anyone, we have our own style . -Harry Sivec, Pelican ' s guitarist Senior music major and guitarist, Kevin Miller, and part-time bass instructor Jeff Bremer enjoy an impromptu jazz jamming session at Schwanies, a local bar which encourages university musicians. Life 12 Student

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With the passage of a new city ordinance, scenes like this should be a thing of the past as landlords must meet strict regulations before leasing units. Unfortunately it took the tragic death of senior Mike Albaugh in May 1987, to garner the attention of the University, city, and student leaders in regards to importance of safeguarding homes. Albaugh died in his third floor room during a kitchen fire. Crack-Down On Campus Housing Off-campus housing targeted for improvements The classic view of a college student is one of a person juggling work a nd school while residing in a ramshackled residence. Along with the apartment or house comes the landlord who, if you’re lucky, is around when needed and not just when rent is due. Sadly this is not a classic, but a stark reality to many students who must daily face living in unsafe conditions. All this ended tragically for UA senior Michael Albaugh on May 14, 1987. He died in his 3rd floor room, a few short days before graduation, when he was unable to escape the smoke and flames that engulfed his home. Michael’s death didn’t simply disappear into a meaningless statistic; it became a motivator to other students living in off campus housing. 1987 became a year of reform in the area of housing. For the first time the university hosted a housing fair for students. The show informed students of their and the renter’s rights. Campus police officer s offered tips on securing and safeguarding their homes. The City Council of Akron approved an inspection plan for student-oriented housing. The $500,000 plan calls and provides for initial inspections, annual reinspections, and the relaxing of zoning laws to encourage development of housing. “I can’t think of anything more important than having our students live in safe housing,” stated an enthusiastic Robert Dubik, associate provost and dean of student services. The new program will consist of a rigid inspection of approximately 1100 housing units. Two inspectors will be assigned from the City Health Dept. The City will foot the bill for the project for the first two years and according to Jerry Egan- a city planner in the D.O.P.U.D.- a self sustaining fee will take over after that. The program hopes to build a stronger relation between landlords and tenants and tear down the stereotypes that tend to plague new programs of this kind. John Cavalier of University Rentals supports the program and thinks any problems will be “minor”. Cavalier controls 135 units and is planning renovations and new constructions in the area. He hopes that the inspections will help both landlords and students. - James A. Piedad Off-Campus Housing 11

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Strutting their stuff, the Pelicans, Danny Vec (bass guitarist), Jeff Harmon (drums), and Bob Baracz (lead vocals), helped residents of Gallucci Hall get their Halloween weekend rolling with an outdoor classical rock concert. Members of Power Drive, Clyde Hensley (lead guitar), Darren Whitford (bass), Scott Gorczynski (drums), and Dave Zuder (rhythum guitar keyboards) are just one of the Akron bands trying to make it big. y§P r ,i m •- i y m k ft 7-lr . The Circuit Student bands gain local and national attention Appearing with Joan Jett and Michael J. Fox in 1987 summer rock-n-roll movie “The Light of Day,” four University of Akron students felt it would provide the opportunity to promote their band. They were right! Harry Sivec, Bob Baracz, Denny Vec, and Jeff Harmon make up the classic rock new wave band, the Pelicans. “Doing the movie was a lot of fun, even though we didn’t have a major role,” claims Harry Sivec, lead guitarist and a sophomore psychology major, “There was an ad in the paper wanting a local Cleveland based band to do a few scenes in the movie, so Bob sent a demo tape and a group photo, we auditioned, and got the part.” Playing around their hometown of North Ridgeville, the band has the affection of a devoted group of fans. Production of an eight song studio and taking fifth place in a national college band contest, has led to increased air play of the Pelican’s originals on local Akron radio. The classical rock and new wave music style of the Pelicans seems to be a popular combination, but what about some other style of Music? Heavy Metal fans will be pleased to know that not every band has turned Top 40 or New Wave. There are still a few die hard metal heads around. One group of students, known as Power Drive, is making an impression as one of this areas hottest new bands. Members of the band Clyde Hensley, Darren Whitford, Scott Gorczynski, and Dave Zuder can be seen playing at local bars and the Annual Katherine Place bash. Not all bands are of the rock-n- roll persuasion, so for those of you who enjoy a little more mellow music Schwanies has the answer. Every Tuesday night, the pub hosts a jazz jamming session. Students, usually music majors, are given the opportunity to display their talents and practice their craft in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. “This is practically the only local place where jazz musicians, particularly students can come to and play impromptu sessions as we do,” states Jeff Bremer, a bass player and part- time instructor at the University. Other students, like Chris Hanning, are part of the house rhythm section and play on a more permanent basis. Chris is a graduate student finishing his M.A. in education and percussion. UA Bands 13