MEET the NEW SA PRESIDENT Japneet Singh of Students for Change Was Elected As the New Student Association President

April 13, 2016 Volume 22 Issue 11 theknightnews.com Breaking News & Video Journalism in the Interest of the Queens College Community MEET THE NEW SA PRESIDENT Japneet Singh of Students for Change was elected as the new Student Association President

SEE PAGE 3 Photo courtesy of Ming Photography QC alum helps refugees Professor elected president stuck in Greece of poetry association SEE PAGE 4 SEE PAGE 6 2 | April 13, 2016 www.theknightnews.com MISSION STATEMENT:

EDITORIALS “We aim to serve the Queens College community through a tireless pursuit for truths that may be hidden, obstructed An end to current politics? or otherwise unknown, to empower our readers with the The exceptional performances of the frontrunners are making history— information they need to inspire change.” political outsiders, a high possibility of a becoming unpopular. More than 50 percent contested convention and low favorability of Americans view Trump and Clinton ratings for current frontrunners in each unfavorably, according to a poll conducted Editor-in-Chief: Brandon Jordan major party. This highlights a political by CBS and the New York Times last Executive Editor: Christina Cardona system that seems broken. month. This is historic considering the poll, The question is a solution exists since it began in 1984, does not find any Managing Editor: Candice Samuels without the system becoming undone. other candidate with higher dislike. Managing Editor: Phil Vallone Donald Trump and Sen. Bernie But this is opening up an opportunity Copy Editor: Asher Horovitz Sanders, I-Vt., certainly shook their for third party candidates to not only get respective party’s respective primaries. media attention, but also provide an Copy Editor: Daria Kaczorowska Sanders gave Hillary Clinton, a alternative. Photo Editor: Amanda Goldstein political powerhouse, a run for her money in For example, Fox Business Network Jonathan Baron the Democratic primaries. Superdelegates, aired the Libertarian Party’s debate Photography: still unpledged to a candidate, are the only among possible candidates April 1, and a Photography David Gutenmacher factor giving Hillary Clinton any sense of recent Monmouth University poll found Social Media Editor: Yarah Shabana relief. Libertarian frontrunner Gary Johnson In the Republican Party, Trump polling at 11 percent against Clinton and Sports Editor: Albert Roman continues to turn the party upside down Trump. with his unconventional campaign rhetoric. Libertarian Party Chair Nicholas Reporters Despite fierce criticism against him and his Sarwark encouraged Americans to watch campaign by Republicans and Democrats, the debate. Jake Cohen Trump remains the frontrunner and likely “We urge all Americans to tell their Oyin Falana the nominee in a field that went from 17 friends, co-workers and family to watch Erica Marie Finocchio candidates to just three. this important debate and see they have a If Trump does not acquire 1,237 choice,” Sarwark said. “They do not have Aryeh Gelfand delegates before the Republican National to settle for candidates who are bigoted and Bianca He Convention, then a contested convention insulting.” Mahnoor Mirza will happen in Cleveland, Ohio. Delegates Jill Stein, the Green Party nominee, are free to support Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, also is campaigning across the country and Cheyna Mulligan R-Texas, and Ohio Governor John Kasich. urging a political alternative. David Rafailovich Moreover, this allows the GOP to “Now is the time to seize this moment nominate any candidate they want, even of crisis together and create the world of Jordi Sevilla Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. democracy, justice and peace that we all we But this denies a large portion of deserve,” she said at the launch of her bid Layout/Graphic Design dissatisfied voters, primarily white, that for president. Devin Lee support Trump. It is a risk the GOP cannot Unsatisfied voters will still threaten Bobby Soohoo take, but doing it can make the party lose the two-party system and a political class legitimacy. protecting it, regardless of the election. Melisa Tekin As each party struggle to unite, Our favorites for participatory budgeting at QC Advisers Gerald Solomon First, we need to congratulate for it? Current and future students will reap Sheryl McCarthy Participatory Budgeting at QC. Getting the benefits made possible through this. ideas—let alone 12—for students to vote Our final choice is a stage ground for Gavin McCormick on is a major achievement and highlights King Hall. In our back issues, we sometimes Phone: 347-450-6054 just why activism is vital for students. cover theater on campus that includes The Knight News reviewed each of students. We applaud these students’ efforts the 12 proposals that students will vote and think a stage ground could support not [email protected] for from April 18 to April 21. We decided only the students, but also the professors Logo by: Melisa Tekin three ideas that students should vote for: too. composting, heating and air conditioners, We want to emphasize that these are and a stage ground for theater. suggestions students can take. Anyone can Composting, for those unfamiliar, is disagree and say other ideas are preferable. turning organic material, like food, into Besides, the point of participatory soil. It’s found in nature, but it is done by budgeting is allowing students the right to people too. choose. The idea would help Fitness, Still, we think these are the best ideas. Corrections: Our masthead Nutrition and Exercise Science professor After voting ends after April 21, we hope Claire Consiglio’s class. But it also keeps the they are enacted. included Asher Horovitz’s college green, a goal it often pushes with Until then, we’re excited to see the renewable energy. This would strengthen results. that mission. name as “Asher Horowitz.” Another choice is adding heating and air conditioners in classrooms. There We regret the error. are some buildings that suffer from issues relating to heat or conditioning. Students and professors cite the lack of a heater or air conditioner as a problem. Even some transfer to other classes because of this. So why not solve this issue by voting www.theknightnews.com April 13, 2016 | 3 Incoming president hopes to make QC better PHIL VALLONE News Reporter “The biggest thing coming Singh said his biggest government can do so much, but He wants students to realize into my presidential year is challenge in student government when you elevate that to USS, that they control their destiny Japneet Singh, a senior diversifying [student government]. is unifying SFC and getting that which is the student government at QC, and the experiences they majoring in economics, finance, SA hasn’t always been known for message out to the student body. for twenty-four CUNY campuses, have depend on their level of accounting and international diversity. We now have so many “Even though we did all of that’s where you’re heard,” Singh involvement on and off campus. business, will serve as the next different perspectives on the table, these good things, I feel that SA said. “We’re going to keep fighting. “College is what you make president of the Queens College and I definitely look forward to still didn’t have its presence within We’re going to keep doing rallies. out of it, and how active you are. If Student Association. working for everybody,” Singh the student body,” Singh said. We’re going to keep protesting you just take classes and go home, A member of Students for said. Singh will act as president until our needs are met.” you’re not getting the best bang for Change, Singh will replace current Inclusiveness, providing of SA for a semester, since he is Singh hopes to raise your buck. Please be active,” Singh president Christopher Labial at a comfortable environment for graduating next semester. Still, he awareness on issues facing students said. the end of the semester. everybody and making a safe space wants to ensure that he makes QC at QC and wants to see more Singh attributed his where someone can share their better than when he first started at student participation on campus philvallo@theknightnews. unopposed run partially to a ideas and make moves on those the college. next year. com perceived loss of hope in student ideas is very important to Singh. “It’s all the generations that “In my opinion, the tuition government. Singh presently serves as come after me. That’s what student hike battle was a battle many QC “I think it is people losing both the programming chair and government is about. It’s to affect students, or even CUNY students, hope in student government as a vice-chair for Senior Colleges for the people that are going to come addressed as much as they should whole. They don’t know the real the University Student Senate. He after us,” Singh said. “I could have have. Not many students knew change it can actually provide. I previously served as vice-chair for graduated this year, but I feel that about it and that’s not good,” feel that it’s attributed to [a long public relations. I have an obligation, before I leave, Singh said. period] of not having that stable During his time with USS, that I leave something better for Singh said he would tirelessly student government and having Singh achieved numerous things the student body” work to dedicate his final semester that unified message sent out to that students at QC enjoy. For Singh spoke of the important at QC fulfilling his campaign the student body,” Singh said. example, Singh is proud of his role that student government plays promise. During his final year at QC, Singh instrumental role in the extension in defending low-cost tuition for “I want to leave QC better hoped to address issues of diversity of library hours, more food students and their plans for the than I found it. I’ll be living every and inclusiveness among the vendors on campus and adding future. day and every week of next year student body. stops to the shuttle bus routes. “Queens College student taking that route,” Singh said. Panelists share their analysis of 2016 election PHIL VALLONE News Reporter to be not nearly as valuable a Queens College professors surrogate for Hillary Clinton as he and students filled Powdermaker was in the past.” Hall 204 on April 6 to discuss the When discussing the GOP, 2016 presidential election. Brown said that a contested Ron Hayduk and Keena convention might result with none Lipsitz, political science professors of the three candidates getting the at QC, moderated the discussion nomination. led by Heath Brown, a professor of “As a result, a fourth person public policy at John Jay College is going to emerge. Somebody and the Graduate Center, as well who can unify the party; bring as Aaron Shapiro, a doctoral all of the various wings of the candidate of political science at Republican Party together, and I the Graduate Center who worked contend that it is going to be Paul in multiple election campaigns Ryan,” Brown said. including Barack Obama’s 2008 He said that a Ryan presidential campaign. nomination by the Republican Convinced that the eventual Party would succeed for two Democratic nominee will be reasons—Trump not running as Hillary Clinton, Shapiro explained an independent candidate and how bringing Democrats together PHOTO BY JONATHAN BARON endorsing Ryan as the nominee. is a major area of concern for the “If that doesn’t happen, I frontrunner. Panelists discussed the 2016 presidential election on April 6 during a forum think Paul Ryan or whoever comes “The Democratic coalition hosted by the Politcal Sciecne Department and Political Science Club. out of the convention would have that came out of Barack Obama’s general election should she win partisan. But the partisanship is general election in the South and zero chance of winning,” Brown 2008 and 2012 elections is one the Democratic nomination. not necessarily something that’s states like Virginia. said. that depends heavily on mobilizing “If Bernie Sanders does the result of us having stronger “The voters in Virginia, groups that are traditionally not win the nomination, one identification with the brand of Republicans and Democrats, view philvallo@theknightnews. underrepresented,” Shapiro said. incredibly important thing for the party we end up voting for. policy very differently, and it is com “Most crudely and bluntly, you Hillary Clinton, moving forward, In fact, it’s coming from a greater very difficult for somebody with can portion these out to non- will be the importance of the level of antipathy toward the Bernie Sanders-politics to win in white voters and youth voters.” youth vote in the general election,” party,” Shapiro said. a national race,” Brown said. He argued that Obama Shapiro said. Brown said that Republicans Brown also said that Hillary mobilized both groups in high Shapiro also argued that have the upper hand in winning Clinton, if the nominee, would numbers. Clinton and Sanders, the state of polarization and the presidency with Sen. Bernie struggle because of her husband. however, have split the coalition partisan antipathy would affect Sanders, I-Vt., former President “[Bill Clinton] is going to during the primary season. the election, which would help Bill Clinton and Speaker of the have a very difficult time staying Describing young voters’ opinion candidates that do not have an House Paul Ryan as major reasons out of the way of the candidate,” of Clinton as “lukewarm,” enthusiastic base behind them. why. Brown argued that Sanders, Brown said. “In the past, he has Shapiro stressed the importance of “We have become as a if the Democratic nominee, would been a very good surrogate [and] mobilizing these voters during the country significantly more struggle finding votes in the my argument is that he’s going 4 | April 13, 2016 www.theknightnews.com Queens College alumna helps refugees in Greece BIANCA HE “She went knowing that she News Reporter wants to do something positive,” Since 2015, more than Rosenstock said. “I admire her a million migrants left their openness and her willingness to countries to Europe for refuge, engage in this kind of work.” according to Eurostat. This Talking about the European caused a humanitarian crisis still Union-Turkey agreement, developing today. Septimus said it’s not only unfair \ Batya Septimus, a Queens but also unnecessary. She said there College alumna, shared stories is a better solution, an opinion of refugees in Greece through echoed by Sophia McGee, acting her website and emails since she director of the center. arrived March 11 to work as a “I think a better idea volunteer. would be for the international Septimus and other community to help process those volunteers from all over the world refugees, instead of holding them helped distribute clothing and food there, keeping them in detention to refugees in Chios and Idomeni, centers and turning them back,” places where most refugees live. McGee said. She also created a website called The organization plans “Behind the Migrants” that is to engage more people in the dedicated to reporting stories dialogue of migration and refugees of refugees through photos by dedicating most of the center’s and videos, especially after the next newsletters to Septimus’ agreement signed between the PHOTO COURTESY OF ELENA GESCH experience in Greece. Recently, European Union and Turkey on Refugees escaping violence in their countries are stuck in places like Vial, the center also worked with QC March 18. Greece. Grrrlz, a club, to donate leftover Under the agreement, all clothes to refugees. new migrants crossing to Greece It was not an easy decision seems dangerous, Septimus said She made the most out of her McGee said that Septimus’ return to Turkey. It is the European to make to fly to Greece amid the life is not always full of tension. experience abroad and plans to use work is a good start to attract more Union’s latest attempt to curb the migration crisis, but Septimus Refugees’ ability to handle what she learned about refugees attention to an important issue. migration crisis. knew what she was doing. traumas was sometimes stronger and trauma when she starts her “Part of the importance “The Middle East migration For about a month now, than people would have expected. clinical psychology PhD program. of Batya’s posts is for people to crisis is one of the worst Septimus has experienced ups and “I feel like even though I Septimus also sent updates understand what is happening humanitarian issues facing us downs. There were times when she can help them, they are the ones to the Center for Ethnic, Racial on the ground, to see how policy today,” Septimus said. “It’s one worked long hours, slept in camps looking after me,” Septimus said. and Religious Understanding at is affecting individual lives in this that we all have the power to help and felt helpless after refugees stole “Many of them experienced Queens College, where she has country,” McGee said. “We need with.” donations. things that no one should have served as a program director for that information in order to help.” Rejected refugees were But there were also times to experience, and yet they can two years. Her work inspired ” temporarily kept in a camp in when she built connections with dance, smile and invite you to many, including Yael Rosenstock, Vial, which was described by her new refugee friends, danced join them for tea, dinner or to stay director of programming at the bianca@theknightnews. Septimus as “prison” since it was in camps and was offered delicious with them.” center, who described Septimus com a camp with harsh condition and exotic food. Septimus plans to leave as an “intelligent, thoughtful and was controlled by the military. Though what she does Greece at the end of April. aware” person. State budget keeps funding for CUNY BRANDON JORDAN News Reporter CUNY will face no house were glad the $485 million because of student pushback. win or lose. For students, the inflationary costs like utilities and significant cuts in the new state cut was not included in the final. Chancellor James Milliken budget means they will finally collective bargaining agreements budget agreed before the April 1 “If we’re going to say SUNY felt relieved the $485 million cut get a break from annual tuition have not been included and it has deadline. and CUNY are state-supported was not included. However, he hikes. More broadly, while the cost CUNY and SUNY nearly Governor Andrew Cuomo colleges, then the state should be was concerned no tuition policy final budget restored the $485 $200 million, just to maintain announced CUNY would receive the one to invest in them,” Skoufis was created despite approval by the million shift in State funding, existing services,” Brown said. over $1.6 billion in the $147.2 said. CUNY board of trustees. which was an unnecessary and Despite the restored funding billion budget deal agreed by state CUNY and SUNY will “While some additional baseless cut that was included in and tuition freeze, Cuomo said lawmakers. both not increase their tuition. operating funding was provided the Executive Budget, it does not the budget does not include labor This is in contrast to In return, the budget will provide for specific programs, the loss of include increased funding to make costs for CUNY, which affects comments made earlier in the $85 million for each to cover the tuition revenue or its equivalent up for years of state disinvestment,” the potential of a new contract year by the Democratic governor gap. will impact CUNY’s ability to she said. for CUNY professors and staff. on CUNY. He intended to cut Skoufis and other lawmakers make needed investments in Still, she stressed there was The proposed amount to cover state funding to CUNY by $485 pushed for a tuition freeze as they its faculty and staff at a time of more the state could do for CUNY. retroactive pay was $210 million. million and make New York City’s felt tuition was a growing burden record enrollment and increasing “For instance, the DREAM But Robert Mujica, budget government pay for it. This figure on students in both institutions. graduation rates,” Milliken said. Act was not included in the director for the New York State is equal to one-third of revenue for Moreover, Skoufis said he wanted Tiffany Brown, a higher final budget, nor was a real Division of the Budget, said once all senior colleges. to decrease tuition, something education organizer at the New Maintenance of Effort provision, a settlement is reached between Late last month the Cuomo he advocates for in a bill he York Public Interest Research or MOE. A major component both sides, then the state will offer administration, under pressure introduced in the State Assembly. Group, a government watchdog, of NY SUNY 2020, the MOE the funds. from CUNY and activist groups, “I am certainly not in favor welcomed the tuition freeze mandated the state to provide a “When we finally know sought to not pursue the cut. of continuing that trend [of in the budget, but noted state steady level of funding from year a number, then we’ll be able to James Skoufis, a Democrat increasing tuition],” he said. disinvestment still affects CUNY to year -- in essence, promising address that at that time,” he said. representing Orange and Rockland Cuomo favored a tuition “It’s a bit limiting to that CUNY and SUNY would not County in the State Assembly, said increase, but acknowledged it was categorize the final budget as it experience budget cuts. However, brandon@theknightnews. he and other officials in the lower “politically difficult” to enact it relates to higher education as a predictable and mandatory com www.theknightnews.com April 13, 2016 | 5 Voting for change at QC MAHNOOR MIRZA News Reporter replace those already near the biology professor, which was about dead spots on campus and to see students directly engaging Participatory Budgeting auditorium, and PB-QC plans to initially pitched unsuccessfully to they are obligated to address those in making changes through at Queens College spent many add an irrigation system near the the college. problems,” Tariq said. “But the participatory budgeting. months developing proposals to auditorium so that the flowers “This raised a variety of problem is that no one knows “I expect that PB-QC will help improve Queens College. could sustain for years to follow. interesting questions for the PB- that you can do this. So this is be an opportunity for students to Now, students will vote on them Chandni Tariq, a junior QC process. We came across an interesting because PB-QC is a directly impact their campus in at tables from April 18 to 21. majoring in history and political amazing project that was proposed process that is meant to address creative ways,” Leston said. Students will vote on 12 science, explained the other by faculty. Should we be putting the issues with the institutions Johanna Colon, a junior proposals worked on by the four proposals which exist, including a a faculty idea in a ballot for themselves. Without PB-QC, we majoring in history and committees—Sustainability, composting program proposal. students? Is there any way that PB would have never known that OIT secondary education agreed that Accessibility, Technology and “We also have a composting can serve the needs of faculty and has a problem with outreach.” participatory budgeting provides Buildings and Grounds. Students initiative which we have non-instructional staff members In regards to accessibility, great opportunities for students to are each allowed to vote on a collaborated with a Fitness, in the years going forward?” Tariq some proposed ideas include choose what they would like to see maximum of three ideas. They can Nutrition and Exercise Science said. adding bicycle racks and Braille at QC. vote at tables located in Benjamin professor Claire Consiglio, who For the technology to the outdoor maps on campus. “PB is special to me because S. Rosenthal Library, the Dining has a composting program for a committee, the areas around For Buildings & Grounds, another it is direct democracy at its finest,” Hall and the Student Union. class. We are hoping that we can campus lacking Wi-Fi were cited proposal consists of acquiring Colon said. One popular proposal from provide the infrastructure for her as major frustrations. In response, lockers that students can rent out the sustainability committee is to make it a wider program that committee members met with the and use. adding more flowers on campus; isn’t just for her class,” Tariq said. Office of Information Technology Alexandra Leston, a junior mahnoor@theknightnews. specifically near the Colden Tariq added one suggestion to discuss the issue. majoring in CUNY’s Baccalaureate com Auditorium. Adding these flowers for PB was a beekeeping initiative, “They said that students can for Unique and Interdisciplinary would cost an annual $2,500 to drafted by Mitchell Baker, a actually voice those complaints Studies, said that she would like NYPIRG aims to increase voter registration JORDI SEVILLA News Reporter preventing underrepresented and able to go out and participate parties was October 9, 2015, but and people are starting to care groups are affecting voter turnout. in democracy,” Kirkpatrick said. some candidates announced they about the issues like college As the New York State “America, in general, has An issue that faces student were running the summer before. education and the minimum presidential primary election the lowest number of people voters is that certain voter rights Since the semester began, wage,” Rodriguez said. approaches, the New York Public registered to vote compared to are not common knowledge. As NYPIRG helped more than 1,800 “Social media and the Interest Research Group is working other developed countries. Under a result, NYPIRG educates voters students register. They are excited internet have definitely played a to increase voter registration on 50 percent of the country votes. on the various options that are because young voters make up larger part of being able to inform campus. The reason, in my opinion, is in available to them. If students do a third of eligible voters, which the youth vote, particularly,” New York ranks 46th out of the way the laws are structured. not know if there is something means they have the potential Kirkpatrick said. “They’re feeling 50 in state voter turnout. NYPIRG, It’s very difficult to vote, and this wrong with their voter status, to determine the outcomes of more and more inspired by what’s New York’s largest student-direct turns voters off,” Rodriguez said. they can cast a provisional ballot. elections. This also means that happening to take those extra government watchdog group, Ali Kirkpatrick is a project New York State law also requires politicians will attend more to steps, and we don’t see that often. hopes to change this. coordinator for NYPIRG. employers to provide two hours issues concerning young voters. It’s heartening to see a vast portion Franklin Rodriguez, Kirkpatrick emphasized the of paid leave for employees to vote Rodriguez and Kirkpatrick of the youth demographic taking senior majoring in psychology organization’s main goal is to if they do not have four hours of agree that the high-profile nature those steps to ensure that they are and sociology, is an intern with increase voter turnout, as one of consecutive free time before their of the upcoming presidential registered and active voters.” NYPIRG and felt that low-voter NYPIRG’s goals is to implement shift begins. election played a role in voter turnout in America is a cause of automatic voter registration at the Another issue that may mobilization among millennials. [email protected] concern. In the 2014 mayoral age of 18. pose a threat to voter turnout is, “This election is very unique campaign, only 11 percent of “Our main concern is the for already registered voters, the because people, especially the young voters ages 18 to 25 turned student vote, making sure the inability to change political parties. youth, are paying more attention. out. Rodriguez said barriers youth vote is more empowered The last day to change political There’s more name recognition, Social science journal starts at QC ERICA MARIE FINOCCHIO News Reporter that is under 2,000 words. Papers personal research interests Taleghani, a professor of Middle The deadline for the next Students now have an do not need to focus on research while simultaneously building a Eastern studies and Arabic at journal submission is May 1, opportunity to submit research as interviews and analyses are also portfolio of peer-reviewed work,” Queens College. Yasmin Eissaw, a 2016. New journals are available papers to a new, online academic accepted. she said. junior majoring in political science in June. To read QC Quarterly, journal called QC Quarterly. Two issues come out per There are five senior editors and Middle Eastern studies, wrote visit www.qcquarterly.com. Editor-in-Chief Madel semester. The editors on the board and three junior editors. They the piece. Beaudouin, a senior majoring in decide what stories to choose based decide on six research submissions Eissaw also enjoyed working [email protected] political economics, created this on how well they have conducted for the journal. not only with other editors, but academic journal. research on their project. Sara The journal’s academic also something that she likes “I started this journal Dorfman, a senior majoring in advisers are Thomas Ort, Julie doing—research. because undergraduate students history, is one editor in the journal George, Alexander Riechl and “Working on the journal need to get their academic work who likes the organization’s Jorge Alves. All except Ort are has been one of the best academic published,” Beaudouin said. “This structure. political science professors. Ort experiences here at Queens is a response to how competitive “Being able to work is a professor in the history College,” Eissawi said. “I was graduate school is.” collaboratively with like-minded department. able to incorporate my research The journal released its people has been an amazing One article featured in interests into dynamic projects and Volume 1, Issue 1 on March 1. experience. I am free to work the journal was a question-and- work with amazing people who Students need to submit a paper on projects pertaining to my answer piece on Rebecca Shareah share the same ambitious goals.” 6 | April 13, 2016 www.theknightnews.com QC Professor elected president of Poetry Society of America ALBERT ROMAN News Reporter “I was very proud of her. One of her great strengths is The Poetry Society of In addition to being a wonderful the way she uses language. [She] America, founded in 1910, poet and terrific administrator, she comes up with these phrases and choose Kimko Hahn, an English is devoted to cultivating an interest words that are surprising and full professor at Queens College, as its in poetry in the nation,” he said. of life.” new president of PSA on March Hahn won various awards Aside from poetry, she also 23. and honors, including the Shelly wrote and did voice acting for a Hahn was on the board for Memorial Award of the Poetry special called “Ain’t Nuthin’ But a seven years and succeeds Ruth Society of America in 2007, She-Thing,” released in 1995. Kaplan, who held the position Association of Asian American Hahn cited Louise Gluck since 2007. At first, she did not Studies Literature Award and and Charles Wright, two professors accept the nomination. Theodore Roethke Memorial at the University of Iowa, along “It seemed like a position I Poetry Prize, a prize given out with other poets as inspirations for wouldn’t be able to do with the every three years since 1967. poetry. amount of time I have because I But the honor of becoming “After work shopping in have so many projects and I teach. president ranks above all other college, I had a very particular But I thought about it and I have awards, said Hahn. view of poetry,” Hahn said. a sabbatical coming up. So I called “It surpasses anything I’ve “Then, when I started hanging the person back and I said do you ever received in part because out with poets who were reading still want me? I’m really pleased,” it’s not just for me; it’s for the their poems on the street, they Hahn said. organization,” she said. “To put were street poets or political poets, The main reason for me at the head of the board is and I kind of got kicked around changing her mind? Harold a great honor because I have the block. Which was a god thing Schechter, her spouse and English the responsibility of seeing the because that made me reassess professor. organization moving forward with the style I started with which was “[He] said ‘[A]re you crazy? programming and new ideas.” a little more conventional and You should really accept that She wrote nine book of then I got a little wilder and more nomination!’ People who are close poems, including “Brain Fever,” political,” Hahn said. know how much I love organizing released in 2002, and “Unbearable and getting poetry out to the world Heart,” released in 1996 and albert@theknightnews. into places where you might not received an American Book PHOTO BY JONATHAN BARON com imagine poetry, like the subways. I Award. Her poems explore the Kimiko Hahn, an English professor, was elected wanted to be a greater part of this,” major themes of Asian-American Poetry Society of America President on March she said. female desire and subjectivity. 23. Schechter felt excited upon “She has a certain fearlessness hearing the news that she changed as an artist. Her poems are very 20 years ago or so, I was really lot of poems but these were very her mind. beautiful. When I first read them blown away by them. I’ve read a powerful,” Schechter said. www.theknightnews.com April 13, 2016 | 7

MozartCHEYNA MULLIGAN and the Opera at Goldstein Theater News Reporter Queens College’s Aaron English major, felt the emotion Copland School of Music and the from the opera as well as the Department of Drama, Theatre energy from the audience. and Dance debuted Wolfgang “ The acting skills of the cast Amadeus Mozart’s “Cosi Fan were remarkable. I felt how they Tutte” on April 7. felt. I’m sure the audience did The event took place at the too. I was looking around the Goldstein Theatre where students, theater and the facial expressions friends and family of the QC were priceless. Everyone was so community gathered together to intrigued by the opera. I felt as if watch the opera. I was actually there. I’m interested “Così Fan Tutte” first in music so this was a personal premiered on Jan. 26, 1790 at the experience for me, too. It inspired Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria. me to become open to a whole The libretto, the text of the opera, other genre of music,” she said. is by Lorenzo Da Ponte. It is based Lauren Solano, a junior on the theory that all women are majroing in media studies, fickle. PHOTO BY CHEYNA MULLIGAN connected lessons from the opera Mozart’s “Così Fan Tutte” “Cosi Fan Tutte” used music from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to talk about to her real life. brought inspiration, lessons and relationships and emotions. “I felt a personal connection enjoyment. The opera is based amongst the two characters. I’ve off of the beliefs of Wolfgang was primarily composed of the and wooing their fiancées while an opera, I’m glad it was this learned that love doesn’t have to Amadeus Mozart. introduction of the characters and pretending to be other men. one. It was entertaining in so mean anything; it can be based on The principles featured in setup of the story. It begins with Act II features the plan in many versatile ways. This is how you feel. I personally believe “Così Fan Tutte” revolve around Guglielmo and Ferrando caught full effect. Despina, the maid, definitely encouraging me to see that it can be a weakness as well as topics such as tenderness in in a quarrel with their friend Don educates the sisters on a liberated performances at school more a strength,” she said. relationships and love. Mozart Alfonso about the fidelity of their view of love. This only adds to the often,” she said. reminds the audience that fiancées, two sisters. women’s conflicted feelings. The energy of the opera was cheyna@theknightnews. relationships with loved ones are Don Alfonso bets the two Katherin Bolanos, a senior dispersed throughout the theater. com fragile and essential. People can men that all women are fickle and media studies major, encourages The emotions the actors projected become vulnerable when it comes their fiancées are no exception. everyone to attend operas at the affected the emotions of the to love, since it has the power to Guglielmo and Ferrando hatch school. audience whether it was laughter, consume them. a plan to put the faithfulness of “I thought the plot was frustration or sympathy. The Italian opera was their girlfriends to the test by extremely satisfying. This is Brittany Nieves, a 76130 composed of two acts. Act I creating disguises for themselves the first time I’ve ever been to sophomore early education and

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5021A0113 Campus News_WE HELP THOSE WHO DO GOOD_REDISCOVER_C28789_9.5x6_Various_1.indd Cyan Magenta Yellow Black 8 | April 13, 2016 www.theknightnews.com REVIEWS Low-budget apocalyptic horror film delivers big scare DAVID RAFAILOVICH “10 Cloverfield Lane” News Reporter is masterfully crafted, and its “10 Cloverfield Lane” is, simplistic design and intricate at least in namesake, part of the plot delivers big. Horror films this J.J. Abrams produced Cloverfield clever do not come around the franchise. Unlike the original Hollywood circuit often, so see it Cloverfield movie which used while it still is in theaters “found footage” to recount an alien invasion of New York, this david@theknightnews. film forgoes the loud, overblown, com. elaborate alien action, and instead keeps the situation simple, smart and incredibly thrilling. The underground space in which the majority of the movie takes place is expertly utilized and the movie’s dramatic tempo is truly spectacular. This film is a sparkling example of what a simple horror movie can be, and proves that sometimes a creepy smile can be much scarier than a gargling alien perched on the top PHOTO COURTESY OF BAD ROBOT PRODUCTIONS of the Empire State building. “10 “10 Cloverfield Lane” is not a sequel to J.J. Abrams’ “Cloverfield” hit, but set in Cloverfield Lane” is a film that will keep audiences firmly clutching the same universe. their seats up until the very end. or savior? The dramatic situation and have such a deep effect on the incredibly standard. The overused The story begins when becomes more complicated when viewer is the tremendous acting camera techniques get the point Michelle, played by Mary she finds that there is another by John Goodman and Mary across, but they don’t add anything Elizabeth Winstead, walks out man in the bunker with them. Is Elizabeth Winstead. Goodman to the story. of her fiance’s apartment, leaving he a confidant or a conspirator is at times terrifying, channeling The film was also lacking her wedding ring behind. While with Howard? The movie gives Walter from “The Big Lebowski” in character complexity. The driving away she is sideswiped audiences confidence in each of in his angry outbursts, yet at other characters’ traits, personalities and and flies off the road in a violent its answers and then proves them points he unveils a believable drive make the story unpredictable tailspin. She awakens to find wrong when they least expect it. honesty and kindness. Goodman’s and compelling, but their herself in a dingy cement-walled The dramatic intricacies acting keeps us guessing. emotions don’t seem real. Michelle room with an IV hooked up to her of this film are expertly deployed Winstead is similarly doesn’t seem to talk or miss the arm. The person who has taken through clever dialogue and key wonderful and conveys much of past too much and Howard at her there is Howard, played by visuals. The story is fraught with her frantic internal struggle by not times seems nothing more than a John Goodman. schemes, ulterior motives and saying much at all. The panic that conventional nutcase. Howard tells her that there deception that will keep audiences she lends her character amplifies They are characters that are was an attack on America either by at the edge of their seat for every the terror of the horrible situation enjoyable because of the situations Russia or Martians, and that the twist and turn in this well-crafted that she is in, and makes us they are put in but not because air outside the bunker is poisoned. dramatic tale. The film evokes invested in every turn of her fate. they have any emotional depth. Howard is big, intimidating a Hitchcockian cleverness in Despite being a well-crafted Nevertheless, these flaws are and clearly insane, yet at the its plotting as well as it in its movie overall, the film falters in a relatively minor and Hitchcock same time sensible and even well- unexpected funny moments. few respects. The cinematography himself often had characters that meaning. What allows the narrative in this film is nothing to rave simply served the story rather than Is Howard Michelle’s captor devices in this film to be so effective about, and the techniques used are the other way around. Zootopia teaches lessons on inclusion and race JAKE COHEN News Reporter The film does well in using anything.” understand. Two memorable audiences as it is enjoyable and Walt Disney Studios released allegories. For example, the film Still, in a city with this references are “The Godfather” entertaining. another film that will join its uses predators and preys to talk motto, the only characters who and “Breaking Bad.” With the other animated feature films— about race or a group deemed appear queer are Hopps’ angry latter, the film includes a blue drug “Zootopia.” as the “other.” It even uses overt neighbors. It might have been produced, yellow hazmat suits and [email protected] The studio is making references to race like the word better to have more characters two rams named Jesse and Walter. headlines with its superheroes “token.” who are queer and add to the film’s Both adults and kids will love films, but “Zootopia” reminds This issue is seen in one social commentary. “Zootopia.” For anyone unmoved audiences of what Disney does scene when Hopps is called cute by Other actors do well in the to see gerbils in tiny business suits, best—making animated films Benjamin Clawhauser, a cheetah. film. J.K. Simmons’ performance actor Tommy Chong as a yak with an excellent narrative. She explains other bunnies can call as Mayor Lionheart, a lion, is named Yax at a naturalist club The plot in “Zootopia” each other cute, but finds it weird similar to Simmons’ role of J. where bears “go bear” will loosen revolves around two cops, a rabbit when other animals do. Jonah Jameson in the “Spider- them up. named Judy Hopps, voiced by Moreover, the film Man” trilogy directed by Sam In a world where mediocre actress Ginnifer Goodwin, and a encourages acceptance and Raimi. films like “Hotel Transylvania 2” fox named Nick Wilde, voiced by inclusion. The motto of the city There are even some parts exist, smart, funny animated films actor Jason Bateman. is “In Zootopia, anyone can be in the film that only adults will like “Zootopia” need support from www.theknightnews.com April 13, 2016 | 9 A night full of laughs with Kathy Griffin CHRISTINA CARDONA Chelsea,” she said. News Reporter Griffin also brushed up on Comedian Kathy Griffin strange celebrity tweets, mainly captivated Queens College on those from actress Kirstie Alley, April 9 with hilarious stories about who recently endorsed Trump and awkward celebrity encounters, is a Scientologist. Church of Scientology theories “Kirstie clearly does not and personal stories on Republican know that endorsing Donald frontrunner Donald Trump. Trump on Twitter means you’ll Griffin is on an 80-city tour receive hate,” Griffin said. “So called the “Like a Boss Tour.” The then she starts randomly tweeting well-attended event took place at things that are lovely and positive the Colden Auditorium. that has nothing to do with the Before the show started, wall of s—t that’s falling on her.” the speakers played songs such She also read some of her as Cher’s “Woman’s World” texts from artist Cher, whom and Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get she idolizes, and CNN anchor You Out Of My Head,” which Anderson Cooper, who was her audience members lip-synced and co-host for CNN’s New Year’s Eve danced to. Special. “I’ve seen her before, she’s She ended the show by very funny. She doesn’t do jokes reading billboards from the really, she’s more of a storyteller Southern United States, verbatim. and she’s a great storyteller,” Emil Most of them concern Jesus Christ Layacan, an audience member and conservative views. who works in sales, said. “One said ‘if you’re too busy As soon as the show PHOTO BY CHRISTINA CARDONA to pray, you’re too busy,’” Griffin started, there was a short video Comedian Kathy Griffin performed at Colden Auditorium on April 9. said.” that highlighted Griffin’s many “Queens, I have arrived! I’ve So if anyone is fearful they will be Sean Penn, update the audience accomplishments in her career. been around Queens all my life,” triggered by any of my foul, filthy on her 95-year-old, alcoholic christina@theknightnews. She is a two-time Emmy winner Griffin said. language, get the f—k out.” mother’s opinion of Caitlyn Jenner com and won a Grammy award for Griffin highlighted veterans Griffin said, regardless of her and make fun of Trump. Best Comedy Album titled “Kathy and members of the LGBT location, she does not tell boring “Look if you want to vote Griffin: Calm Down Gurrl.” community that were in the jokes about airline food, but for Trump, go on. Just let me She was also inducted into the audience. She openly supported instead gives the audience the real make fun of that crazy Oompa Guinness Book of World Records both groups for many years. deal. Loompa,” she said. for writing and starring in 20 “I’m a gay man, and so I love and “The world is so f—g nuts, She talked about “The televised stand-up specials. support you,” she said. and they think I’m going to hold People vs. O.J. Simpson,” a TV After she was introduced, Griffin is known for not back? I’m a 55-year-old chick who show, and how she thought that Griffin ran onto the stage having a filter and, during the still tells d—k jokes. This is no the actors look nothing like the screaming and sticking up both event, she proved that this is true, Deepak Chopra [event],” she said. people they were playing. She her middle fingers as the audience even at a college. Her main plan? Using a thought it was ridiculous actor applauded. She jumped, skipped “I am bringing the f—kin’ microphone and a few bottles of John Travolta portrayed defense and hopped all around the stage, heat tonight,” she said. “We’re at a water to make fun of people. lawyer Robert Shapiro. her silky red hair flailing in all college, and there’s this new thing She said she would talk “Travolta looks like he got directions. happening called trigger warnings. about an encounter with actor his eyebrows from a drag shop in English Professor lives a fairytale life ARYEH GELFAND News Reporter Most kids dream of growing “I grew up in New York in fact, she originally worked as an jobs they get, if any. Schanoes was “My writing is focused on up in the world of fairy tales, but the East Village back when it was administrative assistant at a health offered a position in the English telling stories with marginalized Veronica Schanoes, an English a seedy neighborhood. My mother care agency. She felt miserable Department at Queens College, a and working-class characters, professor at Queens College, believed in taking full advantage of working there and so she quit, position she held for nine years. women, and immigrants and figured out how to do it for real. the city. She was always taking me deciding she would find her Schanoes found the English changing fairy tale frameworks to Schanoes wrote her own to free shows and museums,” she calling. Department to be supportive of fit their stories,” she said. “Reading adaptations of classic folk and fairy said. “My uncle asked me what I her work. and writing is an act of creation.” tales. In her short story, “Ballroom Schanoes was given the liked to do best and I said I like “Many departments are Blitz,” she sets the classic tale unique opportunity to attend the to read books and talk about them skeptical of fields that don’t have [email protected] “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” Hunter School, which is a school with other people. He replied the sort of canonical weight of at a punk dive bar in the Lower for intellectually gifted children. ‘that’s what we call graduate things like the Victorian novel,” East Side of Manhattan. In doing She remained there until her high school!’” Schanoes said. “I was she said. so, Schanoes makes old stories school graduation, then went on delighted in graduate school when Schanoes identifies as Jewish relevant to a modern audience. to Barnard College. I realized that people were still and, despite an upbringing not “I have always loved [fairy “Being at a women’s college reading and writing adaptations of centered in Judaism, it recently tales]. I have always been fascinated was a really important experience fairy tales and I could still go on begun to show up in her work. by stories that have been told over for me, just to be somewhere reading and writing them.” “I recently began rewriting and over again, stories that are where being a women was normal, She said that graduates of fairy tales to center around Jewish able to hold so many different rather than a sort of deviation Ph.D programs in English “go concepts and characters,” she said. meanings and interpretations,” she from a male norm,” she said. on the market” and are offered Schanoes gives a voice to said. Schanoes majored in positions at universities around the those in society who without one. Schanoes’ upbringing gave sociology and minored in English world. She uses fairy tales because they are her a broad and diverse perspective and never dreamed she would She explained English Ph.Ds stories that everyone in society can of the world. end up as an English professor. In have very little control over the claim ownership over. 10 | April 13, 2016 www.theknightnews.com SPORTS Track team captain reflects on past, prepares for future OYIN FALANA Sports Reporter “I think he’s smart, he has a great GPA. I’m not him but from I On a windy afternoon, the what I see I don’t think he studies a Queens College track team lot so he could probably have a 4.0 captain Skandal Delince took if he wanted,” she said. the hurdles back to the storage In his personal statement for room with his assistant coach as graduate school, he affirmed his teammates walked off the track certainty about his career path. field. “Junior year of high school “It’s a lot of responsibility. was when I came to the realization Like random stuff that I’m that psychology intrigued me. It supposed to be responsible for drew me in, but like every young that I didn’t know about. I always adolescent, I had my doubts,” take the blame for my teammates Delince wrote. “However, as I over anything,” Delince said. grew older and broadened my During his career at QC, understanding of psychology, I he was named athlete of the week was reassured that this was the twice and field athlete of the week road I was meant to travel down.” three times. He also made the His teammate senior Mike First Team All conference in long Camacho expressed his confidence and triple jump, 4x400-meter in Delince’s career choice. relay and 400-meter hurdles and “He cares a lot, it’s not going Second Team All Conference in to be something he’s going to take the 4x100-meter relay. for granted,” Camacho said. His excellence on the track Balancing his responsibilities transfers to his academics. Delince as a captain and as a student while has a 3.67 GPA and was on the working at the QC Tennis office ECC Commissioners Honors PHOTO COURTESY OF SKANDAL DELINCE as an office assistant can become Roll as well as received the scholar Skandal Delince, a junior, is teh captain of the track team at Queens College. He quite stressful. To unwind he athlete award. played sports when he was five years ago. babysits his niece and nephew The 21-year-old junior done nothing anyways,” he said. “He was a fighter, I knew his own leadership. twice a week. double majoring in Psychology Although he has competed he was always going to give me “He leads his team by “They’re absolute characters, and Sociology will be graduating for seven years now, he still gets 110 percent. He was a really good making sure everyone else is I act like a big kid around them so a year early in Spring 2016. He anxious before his races. competitor. It’s a lot better now involved,” he said. it’s fun. I mean I can only keep up hopes to further his education “I pace a lot. You can tell that I’m coaching him. I can help His weakness according to with them for the first two hours,” at QC School of Psychology I’m nervous because I just keep him out in anyway that I can,” his coach is his mental game. he said. graduate program, and eventually walking back and forth. And I’ll Erazo said. “He gets a little angry at What keeps Delince become a School Psychologist at talk to everyone; I’ll just make Delince is described as himself and I try to calm him motivated and focused are his St. Anthony’s High School, his friends with anyone there. I’ll leave ambitious, motivated and helpful. down, but I know where he’s sisters. They have set the standards alma mater. a track meet and I’ll make like five “He always wants to improve coming from. He’ll get it and it’ll high and he strives to live up to At five years old, he began or six new friends,” he said. everyday. He’s always asking to come to him,” Erazo said. them. playing sports for fun; however, it He also acknowledges his do one more set of workouts. He On the table in front of him “The most recent advice I’ve was slightly competitive because deceased father and asks him for wants to do better than he did the next to some papers is his laptop. gotten is to stop worrying about he played with his brother, who is good luck before a race. day before.” Erazo said. Delince is studying for a midterm my future because everything will two years older. His favorite team to compete Junior Romaine Ewan, he has the next day. work out if I handle my part,” “It was really a way of getting against is the Spartans from St. Delince’s teammate, appreciates “I’m studying four to five Delince said. out of the house,” Delince said. Thomas Aquinas. him as a captain and as a friend. nights a week, basically I know I Sports became more than “We’ll always have one of the “He always tries to look for have to study every night. It’s the oyinkansola@ just a game when he started fastest runners between our two ways to encourage his teammates sacrifice you have to make,” he theknightnews.com training for the football team his schools. It’s a good competition and help you out if you’re slacking. said. freshman year of high school. every time. I’m also really good I’m going to miss his funny Junior Sarah Hussain is “I made the team, then I friends with half of their team,” he attitude,” he said. Delince’s friend for two years said realized how good I was. I did both said. Delince admires Lebron she believes he gets a little lazy in football and track, I was always One of those friends, who James for his exceptional talent and terms of school responsibilities busy all year round but I didn’t he used to compete against, is now leadership. It’s no coincidence that and doesn’t apply himself well mind. I would’ve gone home and his assistant coach, George Erazo. he exemplifies this characteristic in enough to reach his true potential.

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BEYOND THE TRACK WITH SKANDAL DELINCE

A track captain, a double major and a big brother reflects his career so far. SEE PAGE 10 Photo courtesy of Skandal Delince

Film review: “10 Cloverfield Lane” captivates audiences with suspense PAGE 8