Students Try Owls Struggle Students’ Virtual Reality in 2018 New Year

Headgear Page 9 Resolutions

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WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG JANUARY 24, 2018 VOL. 55— ISSUE 14

Budget cuts Business students win competition will not directly third time impact students

By August Pelliccio

President Bertolino and Assistant Dean of Students Chris Piscitelli have persisted through last semester’s budget cuts that service to students would not be “directly affected.” The plan as of the Fall 2017’s semesters close was to absorb the $4.1 million budget cut through a combi- nation of staffing holds, and reserves. Mark Rozewski, executive vice president for finance and administra- tion, confirmed that no alternatives have been discussed yet, saying, “Little, if anything has changed since the fall.” The budget and planning committee retains awareness that additional cuts could be made, but specific decisions of how to cover those have not been discussed, according to Robert DeMezzo. DeMezzo sits in on the committee as the director of residence life on campus. He said the committee is diverse, with representatives from student life and SGA, faculty and facilities, housing and more. With this in mind, DeMezzo said, “It’s a full community initiative.” This means voices are heard from each avenue that deals in service to students. DeMezzo said even though PHOTO | DAVID TYSON the committee has not decided to cut Mike Sullivan, Page Decker and Tyler Fedak (left to right) after their Dec. 11 VCIC triumph. library hours or short change food service, the hiring freeze does make a By August Pelliccio proposals to be evaluated by the proposals. performance oriented – VCIC difference. student judges from other At the presentation itself, participants rigorously “I’m not going to pretend that schools. Tyson and professor however, Decker, Sullivan and prepare for the event, and we haven’t affected students,” said The Venture Capital Invest- Han Yu both advise students Fedak were on their own. break down each proposal. DeMezzo. ment Competition trophy who wish to participate in the “It’s just the team members “Valuation methods for There are repercussions that affect rotates from winning team to competition. representing themselves,” Yu small businesses are a lot students indirectly, but DeMezzo said new winning team each year; Yu said the format of the said, “We basically serve as the different than valuation they are still important to consider. any team who wins three times competition could be directly audience.” methods for large companies,” “There are less people cleaning gets to keep and display the compared with ABC’s “Shark Along with the student Decker said. “Therefore, we these buildings than there used to be,” trophy for life. Tank.” In Southern’s case, judges, Yu explained there had to look into the assets said DeMezzo. “Maintenance is getting This is exactly the honor students acted as the “sharks.” were career venture capitalists versus the liabilities in order to deferred.” bestowed upon Paige Decker, “We gave some feedback, that also judged business value the companies and try to For example, DeMezzo said that Mike Sullivan, and Tyler asked questions, and we picked proposals. The way to win project what we thought future there are not any full time custodians Fedak after their Dec. 11 the best presenter,” said Yu. the competition as a team sales would be.” assigned to clean Connecticut Hall. VCIC triumph. Associate Tyson said that before the of student judges is to make Decker said profit margin DeMezzo said, “We have to pull professor of finance David competition, student judges choices most similar to the was one of the key statistics to custodians from other buildings just Tyson explained the nature were given some preliminary professionals. consider in this valuation. to service that facility.” of the competition: students information about each busi- Yu said unlike Shark Critical considering like this In addition to maintenance staff, from various schools around ness model in order to develop Tank, which is optimized for meant these Southern students DeMezzo said administration and the the state submit business critical questions and analyze television – dramatic, and flourished in competition, campus police department are also

See Competition Page 2 See Budget Page 2 Students react to rescindence of net neutrality

August Pelliccio providers.” Student Mohamed Khatib said He continued to say the fact his concern is how the change that internet speeds will easily be will affect commuter students Southern students who live manipulated by any of the larger who are in “the slow lane.” He and operate mostly on campus service providers is wrong. said it would affect ease of access may be protected from the recent Ceci commented when asked if and communication with other rollback of net neutrality rules; he feared a decrease in reliability students. the service to students elsewhere for Southern’s internet network, “Everybody uses some sort of may be compromised. “It’s sort of an eventuality in social media platform to connect Southern chemistry major a world where you can put a with someone else,” said Khatib. Douglas Ceci said he feels price on your availability of the This aspect of the issue strongly about the recent change internet.” is in fact the way that Abid in national policy. He said net The good news, according to said the recent change in net neutrality the way it existed Omar Abid, a member of South- neutrality would affect students before was put in place for a ern’s computer science staff, is – off campus. Internet service reason. that the university’s network providers can now, according PHOTO | AUGUST PELLICCIO “I think some of it is really access should not be affected to Abid, choose to throttle A group of computers in Buley. critical to a free society,” said Ceci. by the change in net neutrality everyone’s connection to select Freedom of information regulations. sources, but advertise and charge making Netflix so slow that it’s neutrality. has become a particularly hot Abid said, “I believe the for the rate that the remainder unusable.” Between this new develop- topic since the inception of university is a member of the flows at. He said this would allow One thing students might ment, and the safety shield of the the internet, and now that the Connecticut Education Network, those providers to keep making be relieved to hear – Abid said Connecticut Education Network, profiteers can regulate the level which would unlikely throttle money without having to update Connecticut has finally joined Abid said his overall opinion on of service more, Ceci said he feels speeds for any reason.” their infrastructure as frequently. the multi-state plea to overturn the new repeal of net neutrality untrusting. His expert opinion is that Abid gave an example of the recent FCC rollback on net is as follows: “The rollback of “As somebody who spent CEN would not take advantage how ISP’s can manipulate their neutrality regulations. In other the rules could affect students, a decent amount of time in of its clientele the same way a customers with this change: “If I words, the state government but it will likely not affect the Maryland dealing with Comcast,” commercial internet service am your service provider, I could is openly rejecting the federal university.” said Ceci, “I already have a provider like Comcast, Frontier, basically force you to use my decision to begin eliminating particular dislike for most service Cox or Verizon FIOS would. service like Xfinity Streampix by the protection offered by net Page 2 News January 24, 2018 Steppin’ Up Team helps students plan for positivity

PHOTO | AUGUST PELLICCIO A collection of student vision boards at the Steppin’ Up event.

Jones said the boards become a August Pelliccio “reflection of yourself before you start the semester.” Karen Jean-Baptiste said 2017 was a She said that her biggest personal rough year for a lot of students. goal to tackle this semester is to be more Jean-Baptiste, treasurer of Southern’s focused and more driven: something she Steppin’ Up Drill Team, said she was said she already takes pride in, but can offered by the Office of Student Life the always improve. Next on Jones’ list is to opportunity to participate for the Week of begin her own YouTube channel, and aim Welcome. She had heard of vision board to gain subscribers. events, where students gather to create “Everybody should have different sets visual posters to represent their goals and of goals: short term goals, and long term visions, but she had never seen such an goals,” said Jean-Baptiste. event at Southern. It is best, she said, to tackle the short The goal, Jean-Baptiste said, was to term goals first, while slowly picking incorporate positivity in goal setting to away at the long term ones. Working ensure 2018 could be as good as possible strategically like this, to achieve goals, for students. Jean-Baptiste said, is a process. Jean-Baptiste pitched the idea to Freshmen sports management major Steppin’ Up’s president Ashley Jones, and Kenny Baah is a non-member of Steppin’ with her approval, the event was planned Up, but came Jan. 18 because the event was for Jan. 18 in the Adanti Student Center. open to the student body. Baah said the The conference room was nearly full of nature of the event made sense, because students eager to build vision boards; it got students to think about their aspira- PHOTO | AUGUST PELLICCIO Jones said she was happy with the turnout. tions for the semester. A vision board from the Steppin’ Up event on Jan. 18. Jean-Baptiste stocked the room with “I’ve known about vision boards for a magazines to cut out from, Sharpie while,” Baah said, “I’ve just never done it.” thing he visually represented with cutouts in May. She said tryouts are being held on markers to draw with tape and glue to Ultimately, Baah said he was happy he of athletes on his board. Jan 23, in Pelz Gymnasium. create collages. came, and he shared a couple of his goals Colorful posters came along as the The event at large was a success, and “It’s good to see it in front of you;” for spring 2018. evening continued, many featuring Jones said it was “a great way to meet Jones said, “to write out what you want to “A bigger goal for me is to step out of motivational phrases such as, “this is your some new people, and hang out with my accomplish.” my comfort zone more,” Baah said, “and to year,” and “you can be anyone.” teammates.” Creating vision boards is something try some new things.” Jones said her goal as president of Jones said she does herself, to stay in check Baah also said he hopes to make the Steppin’ Up is to recruit more members, so with her goals. men’s soccer team this semester, some- the team stays full when seniors graduate Budget Competition

Continued from page 1 compete with other schools in the region,” said Decker. “This is the more challenging flourished in competition, which competition and we are excited for this according to Tyson, was not surprising next opportunity to complete. considering the three have done well in his Their reward for Dec. 11 was the classes. trophy which is now proudly displayed in “We now have the opportunity to move the School of Business’s dean’s office, and on to the next round of the VCIC challenge a monetary prize to cover travel expenses in Boston where we will compete with for Boston, according to the VCIC website. other schools in the region,” said Decker. Forthe last three years Southern “This is the more challenging competition has taken the Connecticut trophy, but and we are excited for this next opportu- Decker said they have not yet placed in the nity to complete. national competition in Boston. Their reward for Dec. 11 was the trophy Yu and Tyson both explained that which is now proudly displayed in the any students interested in participating are School of Business’s dean’s office, and a welcome for next year’s competition. Yu PHOTO | AUGUST PELLICCIO monetary prize to cover travel expenses said this opportunity is not even limited Brochure in Buley on student budgeting. for Boston, according to the VCIC website. to students in the school of business. She For the last three years Southern has said if an engineering, computer science taken the Connecticut trophy, but Decker or biology student, for example, had a Continued from page 1 said they have not yet placed in the proposal to contribute, they could. operating on a hiring freeze because of the cuts. national competition in Boston. Tyson said, “we keep encouraging “For us who live on campus, this is basically our home,” said Herrera. Yu and Tyson both explained that any people to do it, and it’s a good way to apply DeMezzo said nothing that would affect the safety or health of the students would students interested in participating are what we learn in some of the classes.” be considered to absorb the $4.1 million cut. welcome for next year’s competition. Yu DeMezzo said he would not personally vote for a decrease in hours for student said this opportunity is not even limited resources, and that student government is even pushing to increase hours for the to students in the school of business. She library. said if an engineering, computer science Agreeing with their concern, DeMezzo said, “That library was built in a way that or biology student, for example, had a could sustain 24-hour coverage,” but that it is not likely to happen. proposal to contribute, they could. There is also concern about the portion of the budget cut being offset by pulling Tyson said, “we keep encouraging from Southern’s reserves. people to do it, and it’s a good way to apply “That’s not sustainable,” DeMezzo said, “you can’t keep dipping into your savings what we learn in some of the classes.” account, because you’ll run out of money.” flourished in competition, which The committee will have to come up with more clever ideas as time goes on if this according to Tyson, was not surprising new lower budget has any permanence, should they want to sustain president Joe’s considering the three have done well in his wish to leave student services “untouched.” classes. As for now, DeMezzo and Rozewski said the general plan is to not increase tuition “We now have the opportunity more than previously planned for; but as for future cuts, DeMezzo said: “We’re all to move on to the next round of the waiting. The president is extremely concerned, as well.” VCIC challenge in Boston where we will January 24, 2018 News Page 3 Multicultural Center welcomes back students with lunch

marketing major and senior, said By Victoria Bresnahan he was introduced to the MCC in his freshman year. Alexia Reyes, a junior and “One of my goals and expecta- early education major, said some tions for the Multicultural Center people do not realize that the is that a lot of organizations will Multicultural Center is meant for funnel their members through everyone, not just one specific here,” said Heron. “As in, use their type of person. members to get active with the “A lot of the same people are Multicultural Center more.” coming in here,” said Reyes, Heron said organizations do who also works in the new MCC frequently collaborate with the study lounge as a peer academic MCC, but the student population coach. could be more active. “We want to get more people “I believe just by stopping by it involved and we are open to will eventually just go down that suggestions on how to, as well.” path,” said Heron. “Slowly, but it Joscelyn Fernandez, MCC is getting there.” graduate intern, said their Winter Fernandez said she thinks MCC Welcome event is something the has a big following of students, group hosts per semester. but if their promotions are not “Students can come into put out on time numbers tend to the Multicultural Center,” said be lower. Fernandez said the MCC Fernandez, “and learn about tries their best to promote their where the center is, what it programs to allow students to get is about, and what are some involved. services and resources we “We work hard with getting provide.” our fliers in the residence halls Fernandez said the MCC would and different departments,” said like to see the whole student Fernandez. “Letting departments population across Southern know of programs we are doing learn more about the MCC and and if it’s possible their students programs offered. Beginning might be interested in it or if they PHOTO | VICTORIA BRESNAHAN this semester, the MCC has also want to offer extra credit for it.” unveiled a new student study Alina Perez, junior and Students take advantage of the Multicultural Center’s event. lounge, said Fernandez. exercise science major, said “We have computers, free she was introduced to MCC in area that you feel comfortable. and more organizations should and do other things,” said Perez. printing, we have success coaches her freshman year through the No matter who you are, you just introduce students to the MCC. “Or [they] hesitate to go to other and tutoring,” said Fernandez. Organization of Latin American come in here and it is a very However, she said since her places or maybe [its] timing. But “That is something we now offer Students. welcoming environment.” freshman year more students they have definitely done a lot too through the center [Academic “To me, you kind of see people Perez said she agreed with have attended events in the MCC. more to help and I think it’s going Success Center].” you relate to [in the MCC],” said Heron’s statement that more “I feel like some people in a to down the right path.” Robert Heron, a senior Perez. “It is kind of a huge diverse students could get involved sense are scared to reach out Service Commission shares lunch and service opportunities where young people come to campus from around New “Community service is important to me and this will By Josh LaBella Haven and enjoy holiday activities and get a gift at the be helpful in getting me involved,” said Bourisquot. “You end. can do service in whatever area you want, which is cool.” The Service Commission held a lunch to share the “We also do the Day of Service and the Big Event,” Yushana Jones, a senior interdisciplinary studies major opportunities they had for students to get involved with said Alston. “One happens in the fall and one happens with concentrations in business administration and community service and leadership on and off campus. in the spring, and (programmers) coordinate 300 to 600 management, said her friend told her about the event and Daphney Alston, assistant director of the Office of students going out into the community and doing service she has done community service before so she thought it Student Involvement and Leadership Development, said on that day. It’s a relatively new structure that we’re would be interesting. the Service Commission was looking for students who trying to move forward with and it’s a paid position.” “It’s important that we have groups like this on campus want to be programmers – people who create programs Kathryn Ionta, a graduate intern in the Office of because they help the community,” said Jones. “I might around service. She told the attending students the details Student Involvement, said they were hoping they can join, but it depends on the hours because I have to work of the job over lunch catered by Panera Bread. facilitate connections between the service commission as well.” “Let’s say you have a passion around health,” said and other service based groups on campus. Alex Burness, a senior philosophy and IDS major, said Alston. “Maybe you are the programmer who will do “In the past, under the previous structure,” said she was at the lunch because she wanted a place to sit most of their events around health related things – like Ionta, “we’ve sort of been in this position where we’ve down. When the Service Commission brought in food, organizing a trip to a hospital or supporting Global competed and we don’t really want to do that we want to she decided to stay for the meeting. She said she liked the Brigade with their medical program. Whatever you want support them. So that is something we would hope the new structure of the Service Commission. to get involved with.” programmers have a hand in as well.” “They want to make it a very small group with paid Alston said she and the Office of Student Involvement Dashka Boursiquot, a junior public health major, said positions that can hold their own events,” said Burness. would help programmers create events, getting informa- she came to the event because she wanted to get involved “Their main objective is to support others and I think tion around campus and build programs that match their on campus. She said it is her second semester on campus that’s really great.” theme. She said one of their bigger yearly programs that and she didn’t get involved last semester so she was programmers would help execute Friends of Rudolph, looking for something to do. Students design flags representative of themselves

By Josh LaBella

Coral Jimenez said after having success last semester with the Share Your Culture Event, the Cultural Compe- tence Club was excited to do it again. “We just brought a bunch of materials,” said Jimenez, a senior communications disorders major, “and told everyone to make their own flag. And if they didn’t want to make their own flag we told them to just do something that represented them, their culture – just who they think that they are.” During the Jan. 17 event, students supplied with construction paper, colored pencils, crayons, scissors and glue students designed their own flags. Jimenez said the topics incorporated in their resulting work ranged from sexuality to music. “[Last semester] we had a big piece of construction paper, as people were finishing, we took a picture of people with their flag, or the item that they created, and made a collage,” said Jimenez, the president of the Cultural Competence Club. “At the following meeting we cut the pieces out and made a scrapbook of them.” According to Jimenez, the goal of the Cultural Competence Club is to spread the importance of cultural PHOTO | JOSH LABELLA diversity and being culturally sensitive of others. She said Students holding their flags they created. it was not just based off heritage, but on other factors such as socio-economic status or sexuality. She said in different clubs. She said her flag was about self-love and semester so we made friends and everything.” the communication disorders major sensitivity is part of her journey to Southern. Gregory Byrd, a junior psychology major, said he the curriculum but it isn’t as prevalent in other depart- “I cut this out sort of like Connecticut so I’m going to made a flag that was abstract and meant a new beginning. ments. put our Southern’s location and my hometowns location,” He said a new beginning was important to him because “Through events like this we can share what we’re said Schull. “I’ll write a couple things around it related to he’s made mistakes in the past but he’s still standing. He learning in the classroom with other students that aren’t Southern as well.” said it is a new year and a new time and he thought, “why in our department,” said Jimenez. “We came up with Emily Earnshaw, a junior communications disorders not?” He said events like that are important so students this event because we thought it would be a fun way for major and treasurer of the club, said she thought it was can remember where they came from. people to get involved while also doing something related cool seeing that everyone has something that’s important “Maybe someone won’t like their history or where they to what our club really is.” to their identity. came from but sometimes it’s good to look back,” said Adriana Schull, a freshman pre-nursing major, said “I think it [the event] just connects everyone,” said Byrd. “It was very nice.” she came to the event to meet people and get acclimated Earnshaw. “It brings people together and you find out to campus. She said she had been going to different Week what you have in common with everybody else. We had of Welcome events to test the waters and find out about so many people come to our meetings after we did it last Features WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG JANUARY 24, 2018 PAGE 4 Humans of SCSU: Drew McWeeney

University to commission and By Victoria Bresnahan perform a wind ensemble piece he wrote. In September, Drew Michael McWeeney, a McWeeney said he will be going senior double majoring in early to Drexel University to attend childhood education and music the rehearsals and prepare the composition and technology, piece to be played this coming said he is currently working on December. separate projects with a Grammy Lastly, McWeeney said he Award-winning composer, a has been working with David member of Eric Clapton’s band, Darling, a Grammy award and the director of bands at winning musician, and has been Drexel University. arranging, orchestrating and “The top of the line people transcribing his music. He said I have worked with have he will finish this project tenta- given me actual scenarios of tively at the end of February and what to expect in real life,” Darling will be distributing the said McWeeney. “There is just music to be performed. nothing else you can do that is “There are talks of collabo- better than that.” rations in the works, so that is McWeeney said he began to a big project,” said McWeeney. compose music in his freshman “I am fortunate enough to land year of college, but has been that opportunity because he is a playing percussion and the Grammy winning artist.” piano for 16 years. He said he is Upon graduation, McWeeney a composer of wind ensembles, said he would like to teach orchestras, jazz bands and preschool children and have a creates electronic compositions music career on the side. He said using music platforms. he has been interested in early McWeeney said Southern childhood education since the Connecticut State University second grade. was the only college he applied “I knew I wanted to be a to due to its strong education preschool teacher because there program and “booming” music PHOTO | VICTORIA BRESNAHAN are a lot of young boys that do program. In addition, McWeeney Drew McWeeney, an early childhood education and music composition and technology double ma- not have father figures,” said said none of Connecticut’s state jor, sitting at a piano. McWeeney, “and they need that schools allowed him to pair role model.” early childhood education and certification. So, I am going for a “I said to him, ‘If I wrote you McWeeney said he would McWeeney said music is also music as majors. whole handful of things.” a very big solo piece for an not be the richest person in the an important aspect for young “That is also why I chose Currently, McWeeney said upright bass and we confirmed world for these projects, but he children. Southern because they were he is working on a project with an orchestra to play it would is grateful to receive more side “Kids need movement,” said able to make those two majors Nathan East—a member of you do it?’ he said, ‘Absolutely.’” work. He said the expected date McWeeney, “and there are compatible,” said McWeeney. Eric Clapton’s band for over 30 McWeeney said. “So, we have this piece will be played is 2020. certain aspects of schooling that “So not only will I get an early years—whom he met during been in touch every week for Additionally, he said he you cannot teach, [but] you can childhood certification, but I a soundcheck in the Lyman about a year going through the recently received a call from teach through music.” will also get music education Center. music.” the director of bands at Drexel The challenges of renting textbooks

By Victoria Bresnahan back their rentals According to a 2013 Cash4Books survey, out of the 532 students Textbooks; they collect dust on polled, 83.6 percent primarily buy our desks, roll around in the back of their textbooks and 16.4 percent student’s cars and rarely see the light rent them. The survey stated Chegg of day. The Southern Connecticut and Amazon were the top websites State University bookstore offers students used to rent their textbooks. students the option of renting or 94 percent of the students stated they buying these books. Sometimes, a choose to rent their books because it rental period ends with students is cheaper purchasing it if damage is done. Allyn Petrillo, a freshman and Ashley Connolly, a freshman and elementary/special education elementary education major, said major, said she was able to buy and one of her SCSU rental textbooks had rent almost all her textbooks from a little water on it and she had to buy Southern Connecticut State Univer- it back at the end of the semester. sity’s bookstore. “It was not bad; it was probably “Everything was there more or 30 dollars,” said Connolly. “It wasn’t less,” said Petrillo. “There was one that bad of a water stain. I was like, ‘If time I did not have my art history someone is going to complain about book, so I had to buy that.” this, I would be surprised.’ I was a Petrillo said the art history class little annoyed.” she took had a large number of Adrianna Breda, a junior and an students enrolled in it. Connolly, employee at the SCSU bookstore, who was also in the class, said due to said water damage and issues to the the class’s large enrollment number spine of the book are some reasons there were too many people who why the bookstore may not take back needed the book at once. a rental. Additionally, Petrillo said she had “If the book is falling apart, or out to purchase back a rental book from of its spine, we can’t take it back,” said the bookstore due to damage to it. Breda. “It is company policy.” “One of the books I had I kind of Breda said students should put messed up a little bit,” said Petrillo. “I their books somewhere safe, or leave had to buy it because it wasn’t usable it at home unless they know they anymore—my dog kind of got to it. It need them. was right before I was going to bring Mac Linsley, SCSU Bookstore it back, too. It was okay; it was only general merchandise manager, 30 dollars.” said the bookstore tries to not let Petrillo said in the future she damaged books appear back on the would buy her textbooks through shelves for rental. Linsley said if a whatever platform is cheapest. student is given a damaged book as “Sometimes it is just easier because a rental, they should bring it to the they [the bookstore] are right attention of the bookstore immedi- there,” said Petrillo. “Whereas [with] ately. Amazon, you have to order ahead.” “You can leave it [a rental textbook] on your desk, but do not put water there,” Linsley said as a suggestion to students looking to avoid buying

PHOTO | PALMER PIANA January 24, 2018 Features Page 5 Students’ New Years resolutions

resolutions can always start again. “Just because you stop, or have By Victoria Bresnahan a bad day, does not mean the next day you can’t just start right back up again,” said Plavcan. Wishes, hopes, goals and dreams According to 2017 Statistic Brain are the nouns edited and reinte- Research Institute data, the most grated back into our lives each year. popular resolution Americans chose The fresh feeling at the beginning of was to lose weight or eat healthier. the year prompts people to reima- The data also stated 41 percent of gine who they would like to be. Some Americans usually make a New envision a slimmer self, or working Year’s resolution, and of those who a job that provides them with more do, 44.8 percent of these goal-setters satisfaction. maintain their commitment to it past With another semester beginning six months. for Southern students, some of Kayla Ewing, a sophomore them have created fresh academic working on entering the social work and scholastic goals to achieve this program, said her resolution is to spring. be healthier this year and get more Emily Plavcan, a senior journalism sleep. major, said her 2018 New Year’s Eve “For school, [I want to] stay on resolution was not focused on doing top of tasks,” said Ewing. “Obviously more or less of something, but rather you can’t do everything all at once making this a “year for oneself.” when you first receive it. My goal is “[I do not want to say] ‘Oh I need to at least do something towards the to lose weight’ or ‘I am going to stop assignment when it is assigned.” doing this,’” said Plavcan. “Just, if Ewing said she has a problem of PHOTO | MARY RUDZIS something makes me happy, do it.” forgetting her resolutions. Plavcan said, as a senior, she wants “When I do not feel very moti- handed it,” said Rivera, “because I what I used to spend on last time.” to have no regrets and take all the vated, just reminding myself that as have a thing for procrastination and Rivera said goals are important courses she would like to before she much as it sucks now, it’s going to it’s pretty bad.” for people to set because it helps aim finishes her four years at Southern. suck more doing it at 2 a.m.,” said Additionally, Rivera said she them for something. “I want to go to all the activities Ewing. would like to budget her expenses “If you are going aimlessly,” said that I want to go to—I don’t want Lourdes Rivera, a sophomore art because she spends a lot of money. Rivera, “you can still get there; it’s miss out on anything,” said Plavcan, history major, said one of her reso- “[I spend a lot on] things here, just not as easy.” “[to] kind of just live up my last lutions is to try to stay on top of her especially the bookstore, and food,” semester.” school assignments. said Rivera. “Trying to spend less Plavcan said those who procras- “Essentially, it’s just me trying on food is definitely one of them tinate or do not complete their to complete everything once I am because that is like 50 percent of New classes for the spring semester

PHOTO | PALMER PIANA Students sitting in a classroom in Engleman.

By Jeff Lamson On how students are eased into evaluated. tice more mindful behaviors. what can be a touchy subject, Existing programs may have not “Stop. Pause,” Yang says, “and Hopper said, “I try to start with some been enough to prepare and students observe your breath and pay atten- This spring semester, Southern topics that I think are less likely to be who would have this evaluation tion to what is going on in the here is offering some new courses to fill extremely contentious.” coming up, so this new Special and now.” certain needs for students. There Hopper starts the class by Topics course was developed to Yang encourages learning through is a political science course about addressing political inequality in make them comfortable enough one’s body and mind and to some- inequality, as well as a new education the Constitution and structure of to complete edTPA when the time times “just be.” course to prepare future teachers American government, noting the comes. Yang has students practice for a new certification requirement electoral system. The course is complete with a breathing exercises and evaluates and mindful leadership from the Hopper hopes to create a, mock portfolio and, according to their mindfulness by having them management & MIS department. “respectful, academic discussion,” Goldberg, eventually elements of keep meditation journals, which he Jennifer Hopper of the political in this course while also teaching this course will be incorporated into reads. He says that students continue science department, now in her students, “to be critical, and to kind others so that this one is phased out. their mindful behaviors because second year of teaching at Southern, of really evaluate and analyze the “I don’t think other schools “they experience the benefit.” is bringing PSC 398 Politics of things that they’re presented with.” have it,” Goldberg said, noting that According to Yang, this approach Inequality to Southern for the first Adam Goldberg, a professor of Southern is ahead of the game in to leadership is often ignored in time after teaching it at Washington math education in the elementary preparing future teachers for this management education but says, College, a private school in Mary- education department, has his own assessment. “this is a life skill,” and that it has land. special topics course for student In the management & MIS applications in any field of profes- Of the course’s past, Hopper says, teaching to help with a new develop- department, Charlie Yang is teaching sion. It is starting to catch on in even “[It] worked fairly well. It deals with a ment in teacher certification. mindful leadership for the last time professional sports coaching. lot of topics in American politics and Starting in fall 2018, to pass as a special topics course before it is On teaching students to practice a lot of different forms of inequality.” teacher certification one must now eventually made a fully approved, mindfulness, Yang said, “This kind of According to Hopper, students do an edTPA (Teacher Performance regular course. experiential learning is the building usually gravitate towards at least one Assessment), which is a portfolio Yang aims to teach students to blocks for future, responsible aspect of the course because of the in which student teachers develop be more responsible leaders and managers.” diversity of topics discussed. teaching units, teach and film it to be managers by teaching them to prac- Page 6 arts January 24, 2018 Student explores passion for writing through young adult novel

themselves in the story. So, Melanie Espinal I think I put her in there because it put in some of Writing a book may my thoughts about going seem ambitious for some. off to school and stuff like Jolee Parolise, senior early that, and just growing up childhood education major, and getting older.” wrote her first book her Parolise said she used senior year of high school. her characters to revamp One of her dreams was her reality, giving some to be an author, she said. characters traits she wish She always liked to read she possessed. and write, and felt she had “I think in high school a big imagination. In her I didn’t really put myself senior year at Branford out there that much,” she High School, she used a said. “So, I didn’t have a capstone requirement to lot of interesting things do just that. She used the happening to me so that’s courses deadline to force why I would write stories.” herself to achieve her goal: These stories would writing a young adult feature characters with novel. futures she would hope for, Parolise said, “As soon like outgoing people with as I pulled it out and said successful college memo- ‘Oh, I wrote a book,’ the two ries and bonds. Since then, teachers in the class were she said she made a lot of like, ‘What?”’ friends at Southern and The book she wrote was did a lot of things her high called “We Are Young,” school self would not have inspired by the song by thought she could.

F.U.N., which was popular “I’ve come a long way, PHOTO | MELANIE ESPINAL the year she wrote it. The now I have different Jolee Parolise, a senior early childhood education major, holding her book “We Are Young” in Engleman Hall. cover of the book, which experiences that I can write was bound at RJ Julia into stories so I definitely Booksellers in Madison, is accomplished that goal,” finishing it, she said at done to improve it, like to use Southern’s creative about what she wanted to a collage of youthful stock Parolise said. times she gets embarrassed adding more research and writing professors as a do in life, but knew she photos with teenagers Parolise made eight about the book and knows making the chapters held resource, and speak with wanted to write. Although laughing. copies of the book and gave her work is not yet done. in the future more realistic. them about the publishing she has decided to be an The book is a coming them to friends and family. The book was never offi- Now that she is older, she processes. early education teacher, of age story about a group She said she does not think cially published and that is said she thinks she might “It’s kind of hard to be she said she does not plan of high school seniors her mom even got through something she definitely have better insight and noticed and recognized as on abandoning writing. who are all friends, with it because she cried so wants to do in the future. answers to the questions an author,” Parolise said, Instead, she has pondered different things going on in much, being proud of her Before that though, she said her 17-year-old self asked “or make it to the best- the possibility of creating their lives. There is a part daughter. The copy she has it needs a lot of edits. through these characters. sellers list.” children’s books, but admits of the book that is set in the on hand was the one she “It’s like double spaced, After high school Despite this, she remem- that the young adult genre future. dedicated to her mother, I wrote it on [Microsoft] Parolise still dedicates her bers young adult novels is her passion. “There is one character with her high school Word,” she said, laughing. time to her craft, taking that were not necessarily “My first love was I’ll definitely say I can signature in blue pen on the “I was in high school and I creative writing classes and popular having the most writing,” she said, “and probably relate to,” she said. dedication page. didn’t think to shorten it.” publishing a piece at South- impact on her life. that’s definitely something I “I think most authors do Although Parolise was Reflecting on it now, ern’s literary magazine, Growing up, Parolise don’t want to leave behind.” that, they can’t help but put very proud of herself for she thinks a lot can be Folio. She said she hopes hadn’t really thought ‘The Shape of Water,’ an amphibious love story

PHOTO COURTESY | GAGE SKIDMORE Guillermo del Toro photographed at a San Diego Comic Con.

to be a anthropomorphic, amphibi- the building, resulting in mass panic. This though she is silent, expresses her Mary Rudzis an-aquatic animal hybrid in the top-secret tension makes the film feel action-packed, affection for the Asset. She eats her lunch facility in which they are janitorial staff. seeing as janitorial staff were not even with it and brings a portable turntable Guillermo del Toro’s latest film, “The Elisa develops a fascination with the supposed to know about the Asset, let so that they can listen to music together. Shape of Water,” is an absolute master- creature, referred to as the Asset, and they alone interact with it. The scene is reminiscent of two lovers piece. Del Toro, who also created riveting communicate with one another through The cinematography, the soundtrack on a picnic date. The whimsy of this movies such as “Pan’s Labyrinth” and sign language, music and the eggs she and the fantastic acting of Sally Hawkins, relationship feels innocent and mystical “Hellboy,” has the ability to tell stories that brings the Asset to eat. who plays Elisa, makes this period piece and later turns into a deep and meaningful are so unique and out of this world in a To the government, the Asset is just an a swelling, forbidden romance, as well as bond, especially seeing how Elisa saves the way that makes them feel close to home. animal in a cage to be poked, prodded and a clever play on the classic trope of one Asset’s life. “The Shape of Water” is about a mute used for human benefit. However, because person’s struggle against their government “The Shape of Water” is a celebration woman named Elisa who works in labora- Elisa sees the Asset as more than that—as or the powers that be. The storytelling hit of love, self-discovery, acceptance and tory run by the American government in an equal, and as a being with personhood every mark, making sure that no detail sticking it to the man. For del Toro fans, it the early 1960s. Elisa is lonely, as she lives just like her—she knows that it has a soul was overlooked and that the audience was is a definite must-see. It may be a bit of a alone; her next door neighbor Giles is also and the right to live freely. captivated throughout the entirety of the strange somewhat of a recluse because he is often This film is a sort of twisted, two hour long adventure. caught up in his work painting advertise- science-fiction love story. The Asset is There is an ethereal, fairytale feel ments for companies like Jell-O. valuable to not only the U.S. government to “The Shape of Water;” not only Elisa and her coworker and friend but foreign powers as well. Eventually, considering the “Beauty and the Beast” Zelda discover that there is what appears Elisa and her friends free the Asset from undertones, but also the way that Elisa, January 24, 2018 Arts Page 7 Theater students prepare for Kennedy Center Festival

PHOTO | MELANIE ESPINAL Iannantuoni and Davenport running through their lines.

Melanie Espinal to represent Southern’s theatre The workshops offered are Belli said their characters are audition for. There are awards department in the festival listed on a tentative schedule a new couple wrapped up in a for scholarly articles, acting, which is in Western Connect- on the Kennedy Center Region miscommunication. musical theatre, directing, When it comes to preparing icut State University, as well One website. Among them is a The two of them, along with design, tech, directing, for the 50th Kennedy Center as having a chance to move workshop titled aspire Creating Iannantuoni, ran through their playwriting and even theatre American College Theatre further in April to the nationals Your Own Destiny: the business lines in the communal area journalism. Some, like the Irene Festival, junior theatre major held at the Kennedy Center in of running a small theatre, alongside the theatre depart- Ryan Acting Scholarship, range Matt Iannantuoni said repeti- Washington D.C. with speaker Paul Ricciardi, ment office. from $500 to $5,000, according tion is key. This is the first time which teaches students steps to Belli has been to the festival to the KCATF Region One “Repetition, repetition, Iannantuoni will be attending organizing a non-profit theatre before. He said another great website. repetition. Knowing I know it the festival. He stressed the company. experience at the festival is At the last festival, two is important,” he said. “It’s a importance of reading through Davenport said the festival is being able to watch the perfor- Southern students received different type of nervousness, lines, in preparation for the one of the only opportunities mances of the other schools some of these awards. James performing in front of profes- pre-festival rehearsal showcase for students to “have classes, involved, and get a feel for the McLaughlin received The sors than at the festival.” in front of faculty. go and learn at workshops and competition. Vectorworks Award for Design, Iannantuoni, along with Olivia Davenport, a soci- get feedback on things that we “I get to sit and listen to a technology and management several other students nomi- ology major and theatre minor, choose.” the other students who are in award, and Marcelle Morrissey nated by Southern’s theatre is also attending the festival for She and her performance the same kind of boat I am,” received the directing award, faculty, will compete in the the first time. partner Steve Belli are Belli said. David Wheeler Award for annual festival on Jan. 30, Davenport said that there’s performing “Almost, Maine” Besides the ability to Excellence in Actor/Director which features student acts a lot more to the festival than a play by John Cariani of perform, watch performances Communication. from colleges throughout New student performances, like vignettes which feature and attend workshops and Belli said of the festival, England. their panels, workshops and different characters who are panels, the main attraction “It’s like the college Tony Every year, theatre staff speakers for both students and couples experiencing love and of the festival is the various Awards.” selects students based off of faculty throughout the six-day loss in small town in Maine, awards and scholarships their craft and performances long festival. “almost” in Canada. students can be nominated and

French Club holds movie night with crepes and Disney

Jeff Lamson

On Saturday, Jan. 20, French Club hosted their first Week of Welcome event, a movie night in Adanti Student Center’s theater. Though the venue may have been too large for the number of students attending, the French Club, led by Jessica Hartwell, club president and senior, made their best effort to have an accessible cultural event. “Beauty and the Beast” was presented on the big screen in French with English subtitles as the club and attending students enjoyed Pizza Heaven’s party sized pizzas alongside crepes prepared by advisor, Dr. Luke Eilderts. When asked about the choice of film, Hartwell noted that “Beauty and the Beast” takes place in France and that the title also allowed the club to have some fun naming the event Beauty and the Baguette. “Everybody loves Disney,” she stated. PHOTO | JEFF LAMSON The club was originally aiming Students watching Disney movie hosted by French Club for a Friday night event in one of French culture. settled in and relaxed to watch the Though the turnout was maybe the smaller meeting rooms upstairs In this effort to make Southern film. With less than ten people in not what the club was hoping and but were moved to Saturday more aware of its presence, the attendance, it was a quiet affair. the event may have lacking some afternoon in the Student Center’s French Club has begun making The film felt surprisingly natural organization, the core members theater. pens reading, “Le Cercle Français,” in French, but some of the nuance of the French Club came out with On having their first Week of with the colors of the French flag. was lost in the dubbing. Certain effort and enthusiasm despite their Welcome event, Hartwell said that, After the Club Fair on Jan. 22, moments were less impactful, but small size. While the future of the “[It] is pretty exciting because we the French Club aims to have overall “Beauty and the Beast” was French Club seems unsure, Beauty weren’t sure if we were gonna get more movie nights in the future what it always has been: a solid and the Baguette may just be approved or not.” As noted in a with more natively French films. Disney movie. another step towards learning what Southern News story in December According to Andrew Patenaude, The event allowed some time for will bring the club success. 2017, the French Club is still small club secretary and senior, he has a socializing and eating as the film and has had issues with scheduling film in mind but is having technical fell well short of the two-hour time and events approval in the past. difficulties in finding a way to slot that the French Club had been This event, according to Hartwell, present it with English subtitles. allowed. As for how the time would is another event to boost aware- The pizza, crepes and snacks be managed, Hartwell said, “We’re ness of the French Club and share were served before those attending just gonna wing it.” WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG JANUARY 24, 2018 PAGE 8 Students try out new virtual reality gear

PHOTO | JEFF LAMSON Students try on HTC Vive in front of student center ballroom. By Jeff Lamson experience into a much more social affair. On Thursday, some students were seen encouraging and giving advice to those in Whales, zombies and dragons were the VR headsets. spotted in Adanti Student Center as Originally planned for Wednesday, fear students and some brave faculty members of snow convinced Alston to reschedule to experienced the virtual reality world the same time as the Commuter Luncheon brought to Southern by UNIVRSE. which she admitted might have increased Running two HTC Vive Virtual Reality turnout. “I think it was a happy coinci- headsets, those in attendance were able to dence,” Alston said. play game demos and VR experiences in Some students came back to try more front of the Ballroom in ASC last Thursday. than one of the demos and others played Daphney Alston, assistant director of the same one more than once. One of the clubs and organizations in the Office of latter is freshman English major, Sophia Student Involvement, discovered UNIVRSE Oneto. Oneto says she was drawn to the from their participation in a Network and Commuter Luncheon and VR Experience Chill event that took place in Hartford in by a general interest in video games. October 2017. According to Alston, she While Oneto says VR is an, “awesome witnessed the young professionals from concept,” she also says that she is not yet the area posting their VR experiences sold on it, adding, “I feel like the tech- online and generally having a good time. nology still has a few bugs to work out.” Alston then contacted Earl Stallings Oneto said that some of the problems and made arrangements for the demo at like not really being able to move but Southern. On UNIVRSE’s website they instead to stay stable or in the case PHOTO | JEFF LAMSON describe themselves as, “Connecticut and of the bow and arrow game that she UNIVRSE associate demonstrates HTC Vive. Massachusetts premier virtual reality played, “teleport,” to different locations destination.” Through what they call a by shooting highlighted areas with the what was their first experience with VR, Alston also says that the goal of having VRNITEOUT, they can provide between arrows. they re open to trying out some more of between 20 to 25 students attend the VR one and three Vive headsets to entertain There were also some technical difficul- what VR has to offer. According to Alston, Experience was successful and that in the parties and all sorts of social gatherings in ties with too much sunlight getting into the UNIVRSE’s VR Experience might return: “I future more events that can be experi- groups more than 20 people. sensors on the controllers; because of this, think this would be a good thing to bring enced by one person in 10 minutes or so UNIVRSE also provides a 50-inch TV the curtains to the room had to be drawn back to campus.” Alston noted that the might be paired with commuter events. so that those not wearing the headset can closed. event was easy to organize logistically and see what the player sees. This turns the VR Both Alston and Oneto said that after that UNIVRSE offered a “great price.” Student art of the week: Mary Koller

“A strong positive self image is the best possible.” preparation for success.”

PHOTO COURTESY | MARY KOLLER Graphic Design project by Mary Koller “I am very exact as an artist and I can express that through PHOTO COURTESY | MARY KOLLER Mary Koller, graphic design major graphic design.” with a minor in marketing. Sports WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG JANUARY 24, 2018 PAGE 9 Luckett Jr. has career night despite loss

PHOTO | SOUTHERNCTOWLS.COM

The basketball team holding hands for the national anthem prior to tip off this season. PHOTO | SOUTHERNCTOWLS.COM Jerry Luckett Jr. during his 31-point scoring perfomance this season.

By Mike Riccio

Jerry Luckett Jr. scored a career high 31 Owls struggle in 2018 points and grabbed a team high of nine rebounds against Stonehill on Saturday, but the Skyhawks defeated the Owls 96-80. The Owls (7-8, 4-6 in the NE10), have lost four of their last six games to fall below The women’s basketball team has lost four of their last six games to start the .500 for the first time since early December. The Skyhawks (9-7, 5-5) have won seven of their last nine games after starting the new year. season 2-5. struggled with 1-8 shooting Hyslip’s 17 points and Kelly and held a 13-point lead For the Skyhawks, sophomores Brandon By Matt Gad and 0-4 from range. Martin’s 13. Lynch’s squad in the final stretch of the Twitty, 34 points, and Will Moreton, 22 “The refs are always a came out of the gate strong, game. The Owls’ largest points, both set career highs in points as Double-digit wins for frustrating factor,” Murad taking a 17-9 lead after lead was a 10-point advan- well. Moreton also grabbed a game high 11 women’s basketball head said, speaking to a lot of the first 10 minutes, but tage in the second and they rebounds, recording his second double- coach Kate Lynch before tight calls that were was outscored in every scored 18 in the paint and double of the season. Luckett Jr. said he the calendar struck Jan. made as the game wound remaining quarter as the 19 off Stonehill turnovers. and the team want to improve off their 1, 2018 was impressive. down in the fourth quarter, game went along. As the 2017-18 season performance in order to try to turn their But the team has to finish “but at the end of the day Said Lynch after the has progressed, both teams season around. if they want to continue we have to focus on us. The defeat: have found themselves in “I’m just going to come out and try to playing basketball in late second quarter really hurt “[Stonehill] beat us good spots in the NE-10. be aggressive, like I did tonight, and try February and March. us.” to every loose ball. We Southern has only managed to correct those little mistakes that I had In one of the first home In that second, the Owls didn’t box-out enough; to go a tick up in their personally and help my teammates and try games for the 2018 part we guarded their stuff home record at 4-3 but to lead my teammates so we can get these of the season, the Owls pretty well, it was just that has won nine games on the victories.” fell to Stonehill (15-2), “We had open shots; we made some defensive road so far this year. Luckett Jr. scored the first 12 Southern by a final score of 63-52. we need to knock them mistakes and a team like Lynch said she was able points of the game to give the Owls a 12-8 That afternoon, senior that is excellent, and they to tell the team that despite lead. The Skyhawks took a 35-33 lead with Abby Hurlbert and soph- down.” run the stuff really well the loss, they had a stretch 5:15 to go in the first half, their first lead of omore Kiana Steinauer —— Kate Lynch, so we have to guard it where they played some the game, but the Owls responded with a led the show with 16 and head coach one-on- one; you can’t strong competition. 19-5 run to take a 52-40 lead into halftime. 13 points, respectively. make defensive mistakes.” “We beat ourselves Luckett Jr. scored 21 of his 31 points in the Redshirt senior Murphy Stonehill capitalized off in some facets but we first half, while Isaiah McLeod added eight Murad, raised in Storrs, were outscored 21-13 to an 32 points in the paint and certainly didn’t lose to a points and a pair of three pointers for the Conn. and a graduate of opponent that was led by 14 off turnovers. They also bad basketball team by any Owls. The Owls shot 56.8 percent in the E.O. Smith High School, the hot hands of Samantha had 12 from their bench means. first half en route to their largest scoring half of the year.

See Women’s Basketball Page 11 See Men’s Basketball Page 10 Cheerleading gets taste at nationals chest was amazing.” Ala, won. Senior Lauren Sheetz By Matt Gad The championships featured said she was just so excited to schools from all three NCAA see Southern go to the nationals Cheerleading recently divisions. In Division II, where for the first time in her tenure appeared at the 2018 UCA and the Owls competed, the Univer- and that she was fortunate to UDA College Cheerleading and sity of West Georgia took home be “able to go and perform for Dance Team National Cham- first place, followed by the my final time [on the nationals pionships, held in Orlando, University of Puerto Rico stage].” Florida, from Jan. 14 to 18. - Bayamon, Pittsburg State, Said Sheetz: “It was the first “I think that this experience Northwest Missouri State and performance all season for a lot was much needed for both me the University of Puerto Rico - of the girls, and, for some, their and the team,” junior Jessica Mayaguez. first performance in years. We Telesco said. “It opened our eyes Morehead State University were proud of ourselves for to see what it is like to compete won the women’s Division I making it to Florida and since at the college level. As for repre- title and the University of West the team is 99 percent under- senting Southern, it was a great Virginia claimed the top victory grads we will be better prepared opportunity. Some of these girls in Division III. The champi- for nationals in the upcoming have been working three to four onships also featured coed seasons.” Like with the dance years, including myself, to get programs and an open slate team, most of the cheerleading back on the nationals mat and for community colleges, where efforts are done to raise spirit PHOTO | PALMER PIANA to wear Southern across our Shelton State, out of Tuscaloosa, during the SCSU cheerleaders at one of their performances. See Cheerleading Page 11 WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG JANUARY 24, 2018 PAGE 10 Men’s basketball

Continued from Page 9

PAGE The Skyhawks answered by going on a 15-2 run to take a 55-54 lead. Three-pointers by McLeod and Ulyen Coleman helped the Owls build 60-56 lead, but turnovers on three straight possessions allowed the Skyhawks to retake the lead. Stonehill never trailed the rest of the game. The Skyhawks outscored the Owls 56-28 in the second half by going 16-23 from the field and 7-12 from 3-point range. The Skyhawks also made 17 of their 21 free throw attempts in the second half, whereas in the first half they went just 2-3 from the line. Luckett Jr. said coach Scott Burrell wanted the team “to come out and put our foot on them first” as they were coming out of halftime. “We turned the ball over right away and they just started getting PHOTO | SOUTHERNCTOWLS.COM it going, they started hitting shots Junior guard Isaiah McLeod during a home game this season. and we never got back in the game.” Luckett Jr. said, “Our motive was to come in and try to keep our lead. We The Owls return to action is not a concern or an issue learn to guard the perim- guarding on defense and went away from being aggressive on on Wednesday against for the team and it is not an eter, that seems to be our we just have to really, really offense and we just didn’t stick with Franklin Pierce (8-7, 3-7) issue for the Owls to focus weakness,” Luckett Jr. said. have a defensive mindset.” the game plan and it shows, and we in Ridge, New Hampshire. on their defense. “I think everybody just has let them get back in the game.” Luckett, Jr. said the offense “We’re going to have to to have pride when we’re

Indoor track facing new challenges

PHOTO | SOUTHERNCTOWLS.COM The men’s indoor track sprinters during the 55-yard dash this season.

Southern program, and many indoor team has competed at the to qualify for nationals at the Meet in the 2016-17 campaign. By Matt Gad other Division I, II and IIIs: the Barber and Wright Alumni Meet, Boston University Last Chance And on the indoor season as a New England Championships, the Elm City Challenge, the Yale Meet Feb. 25. whole, Wallin said the expecta- Breaking up a season with the typically put after everyone’s Season Opener and the Saint “[The schedule] may change tions are to perform well at New holiday break is never ideal for conference meets, has been Thomas Aquinas Division II the tactics of how we run Englands, to win the conference any coach or any program, but moved in front. Wallin and Challenge, which was held in and where we run [late in the meet and also to send more indoor track and field, like men’s senior sprinter Luke Velez know Staten Island, N.Y. Jan. 12. Ahead season],” Velez said. “I hope it student-athletes to nationals and women’s basketball and the it is a new challenge that has to the team will compete at the Dr. wasn’t a permanent change. For than they did last season. swimming programs, takes a be faced. Sander Invitational Jan. 26 and the younger athletes’ sake I hope “We’re frustrated with the direct hit from the calendar. “One of the big championship then will have the Metropolitan [changing the New England change,” Wallin said. “Some “It’s the worst thing in the meets that we focus on is usually Championships Feb. 1 and meet] wasn’t a permanent change people really like it but its not world to have a break like that after the conference meet; the second in New York, N.Y. and the but I know for outdoors the good. But we’re just trying to win in-between [the season]. You conference is usually the start moved-up New England Cham- schedule is going to stay the the conference and send a bunch go home and get comfortable, to our championship season but pionships, in Boston, Mass., Feb. same.” of kids to the national meet if we but then you need to come this year it’s different. The New 2 and 3. Last year the Owls placed have three guys there and they back and be grinding until England meet is going to be two The Northeast-10 Champion- third at New Englands when they each win we score 30 points and the end of the season. It isn’t weeks before our conference ships this year will be Feb. 17 and were held Feb. 24 and 25 in then it places us as a team. [With good for any sport,” Wallin meet, so we really try peak for 18th in Northampton, Mass. and Roxbury, Mass. A change in the meet switch] we advance said. This year, though, there that meet,” Velez said. then there will be one more the scheduling, Wallin did not based on performance.” is an added obstacle for the So far in the season, the chance for student-athletes schedule the BU Last Chance

Chris Palmer named UNH athletic director

landscape and in the short-lived director similar to what Sacred the brief United States Football By Matt Gad United Football League, where Heart did a while ago when League, the same league Trump he served as both head coach they named Bobby Valentine, tried to make great, Palmer’s Former Southern football and general manager for the someone who spent years as a offense with the New Jersey player Chris Palmer, who holds Hartford Colonials. His last stop manager in Major League Base- Generals had the likes of quar- two degrees and is a member of in the NFL came with the Buffalo ball, into their athletic executive terback Doug Flutie and running our athletic Hall of Fame, was Bills in 2015 and 2016 as an office. back Herschel Walker. And his recently named as the University offensive assistant. As an Owl, Palmer was the first NFL experience came with of New Haven’s Director of But despite 25 years of starting quarterback for three the former Houston Oilers, and Athletics and Recreation. experience in the country’s top seasons and he graduated in guess who was part of that staff: A high school and college league and 15 years in NCAA 1972. And during his time as a yet another former Southern quarterback turned professional programs, Palmer only has coach on the Charger football Owl in Kevin Gilbride. The football coach, Palmer’s career limited administrative expe- sidelines he led them to back-to- later was known for his seven has been all over the map. He rience, highlighted by his role back 8-2 seasons, an impressive years of service as an offensive coached in the Canadian Football with the Colonials. It is a whole feat. coordinator with the New York League, the National Football new ballgame for him now over During one of his first gigs Football Giants. Matt Gad - Sports Writer League, over the college football in West Haven, a rookie athletic as an offensive coordinator in WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG JANUARY 24, 2018 PAGE 11 Women’s basketball

Continued from Page 9

We need to have better shot selec- tion and to capitalize on more of the other team’s mistakes,” Lynch said. “We had open shots; we need to knock them down.” Murad echoed a lot of the frus- trations her head coach saw in the game, adding that Stonehill runs a very familiar offense for the Owls to go up against and that some of the fast-break scenarios put them in a bad spot. In their next showing, though, in Ridge, N.H, the women pulled out a 55-54 victory over Franklin Pierce. They lost to Bentley, 64-48, last Sunday in Massachusetts but come back to Moore Field House for a stretch of games that includes Assumption, Saint Michael’s and the University of New Haven on Jan. 31 at 5:30 p.m.

PHOTO | SOUTHERNCTOWLS.COM Africa Williams driving to the basket during one of Southern’s games this year. Cheerleading Swimming closing out season strong Continued from Page 9

Indoor track facing new challenges

PHOTO | SOUTHERNCTOWLS.COM Swimmers diving into the water during a meet this season.

yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, Quill and his assistants sung the By Wensley Alcide 50-yard freestyle, 200-yard IM and praises of the team. PHOTO | PALMER PIANA 1-meter diving, amongst others, are “We’re back! We’re back in the Cheerleaders during an earlier competiton. The men and women’s team all competitions the women of SCSU game!” said the former coach of the of SCSU swimming had a strong took home. year. showing last Friday, defeating the Castellone, was as enthusiastic as Quill feels strongly about his team, football and men’s and women’s basketball games. This College of Saint Rose by a point total he was optimistic about what lies and their showing on Friday showed year, though, with the Owls’ volleyball team making it to of 279 to 142. Dominant from start to ahead. good reasons why. He also had some their first ever Division II Women’s Volleyball Champion- finish, SCSU looked poised as they “We’re twenty days out of our strong and optimistic words about ship, the cheerleading squad also made an appearance at aim to bring the state championships championship, so we’re coming Prescott. the University of New Haven, the hosts of the back to New Haven. down to the nitty-gritty,” said “I think he’s going to eventually East Region. Lead by captains Tyler Castellone Castellone, discussing the team’s break the conference record by two After the experience down in Orlando, the team really and Lucas Fanucci, the men were focus. “We’re focusing on technique; seconds,” said Quill. feels like it has been “put on the map” with all the other fired up and ready for the challenge. we’re focusing on building up to this The crowd favorite on Friday national programs. They have only used their underdog Standing out was the preparation of championship.” was sophomore Max Prado, who status to motivated themselves. the team. They train hard and the Castellone was pleased with the won the 100-yard butterfly by three “Southern has been known nationally for so many results showed. team’s performance, but not satis- tenths of a second. Prado had a very years but unfortunately had gone down in the past,” At the finish of the 1650-yard fied. competitive approach. Sheetz said. “This was definitely a rebuilding year for our freestyle, Fanucci came in second “The women are defending their “Let’s go! Let’s go!” screamed team and by being surrounded by other amazing teams place. He used one word to describe title and the men, we’re fighting for Prado, as he blasted music through with higher level skills it has inspired and motivated the the race: “brutal”. The 1650-yard that spot so these are big days for his headphones while slapping his girls to want to do better in the future and work for new race is a 66-lap race which Fanucci us,” said Castellone. hands against the wall. skills.” completed in 17 minutes and 50 In terms of the specificity of their With only two remaining meets, The Owls won the 2009 national championship in Lake seconds. training regimen, Castellone said: the SCSU Owls have their eyes on Buena Vista, Fla. They won the all-girls’ lineup for Divi- On the women’s side, they were “We swim roughly seven miles the ultimate prize. The women will sion II that season. The cheerleaders are currently back completely dominant, winning with per day.” be defending their title, and the men in action, performing throughout the men’s and women’s a point a differential of 90. Led by Recently, the team swam 93,000 are looking to avenge what they feel basketball home games inside Moore Field House. captains Katie Crotchet – winner of yards in eight days while in Fort should be theirs: the championship. “This program was once nationally ranked and with it the 50-yard freestyle, and Sydney Lauderdale. Junior Tyler Prescott, falling off the past couple of years getting our name back Fromkin. The women’s team of the men’s team, was the unsung out there showed that we can again compete with the swam St. Rose out of the water. hero of the night. Having twice won best,” Telesco said. “I think that seeing the other teams got The reigning Women’s North East North East Conference Athlete of the the girls more motivated. [It was] encouraging us to work swimming and diving champions week, Prescott was quite impressive. harder for the following years to come.” took the first relay race of the meet He dominated winning the 100-yard and never looked back. backstroke. The 500-yard Medley relay, 1650- During the meet, head coach Tim Jags best season in 10 years

not going to the big game for in the front office, the Jaguars than the 2002 Bucs, allowed By Kevin Crompton a shot at the Lombardi trophy, managed to sign defensive fewer pass yards per game than making it to the AFC champi- end Calais Campbell, corner- the 2013 Seahawks, and scored When the Jacksonville onship in 2018 is a tremendous back A.J. Bouye, and former more defensive touchdowns Jaguars beat the Buffalo Bills turnaround and something Jags Dallas Cowboys star safety than the 1985 Bears. in the AFC wildcard game two fans should be inspired by after Barry Church. These brilliant Yes, there is never just one weeks ago, it was their first ten years of agony. offseason moves, paired with element that makes a football playoff win in ten years. The So now comes the question, talent already on the Jasonville team successful; as the proper last Jacksonville post-season who is responsible for the Jags roster such as guys like Telvin combination of many factors is victory came in 2008 from a recent success? Smith, Myles Jack, Malik essential for success, however David Garrard lead offense At the beginning of the 2017 Jackson and Jalen Ramsey – just Tom Coughlin’s presence in the along with the two-headed year, Jacksonville hired the to name a few – enabled the Jacksonville front office and the monster of Maurice Jones- former New York Giants head “Sacksonville Jaguars” to be a Jaguars best season in over a Drew and future hall of famer coach and two-time super top two defense all year. decade is no coincidence. Fred Taylor in the backfield. bowl champion, Tom Coughlin, In the 16-game regular Just a year ago, Jacksonville as the team’s executive vice season, the Jags allowed fewer ended their season with a 3-13 president of football opera- points per game than the 2015 Kevin Crompton - Sports Editor record. And although they’re tions. Since Coughlin has been Broncos, recorded more sacks WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG JANUARY 24, 2018 PAGE 12 SCSU swimming vs. The College of St. Rose

PHOTO | PALMER PIANA PHOTO | PALMER PIANA An SCSU swimmer reaching the a wall to finish a race. SCSU swimmers checking scoreboard during meet on Friday.

PHOTO | PALMER PIANA PHOTO | PALMER PIANA SCSU women’s swim team diving into water at start of race. SCSU men’s swim team preparing for relay.

Northeast-10 Standings

Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball

Conference verall C onference verall

GP RECORD WIN % GP RECORD WIN % GP RECORD WIN % GP RECORD WIN %

NORTHEAST DIVISION NORTHEAST DIVISION

SAINT ANSELM 13 10-3 0.769 18 14-4 0.778 BENTLEY 13 12-1 0.923 19 18-1 0.947 MERRIMACK 12 9-3 0.750 18 12-6 0.667 STONEHILL 12 11-1 0.917 17 15-2 0.882 SO. NEW HAMPSHIRE 12 7-5 0.583 17 11-6 0.647 SO. NEW HAMPSHIRE 12 8-4 0.667 18 12-6 0.667 BENTLEY 13 7-6 0.538 18 10-8 0.556 SAINT ANSELM 13 7-6 0.538 20 11-9 0.550 STONEHILL 12 6-6 0.500 18 10-8 0.556 MERRIMACK 12 5-7 0.417 17 9-8 0.529 FRANKLIN PIERCE 12 5-7 0.417 17 10-7 0.588 ASSUMPTION 12 4-8 0.333 17 7-10 0.412 ASSUMPTION 12 2-10 0.167 18 6-12 0.333 SAINT MICHAEL’S 12 4-8 0.333 17 7-10 0.412 SAINT MICHAEL’S 12 2-10 0.167 17 5-12 0.294 FRANKLIN PIERCE 12 1-11 0.083 17 4-13 0.235

SOUTHWEST DIVISION SOUTHEAST DIVISION

LE MOYNE 12 11-1 0.917 19 14-5 0.737 SO. CONNECTICUT 12 7-5 0.583 20 13-7 0.650 SAINT ROSE 11 10-1 0.909 19 15-4 0.789 LE MOYNE 12 7-5 0.583 18 11-7 0.611 NEW HAVEN 12 7-5 0.583 17 10-7 0.588 PACE 12 7-5 0.583 19 10-9 0.526 AMERICAN INT’L 11 5-6 0.455 19 10-9 0.526 SAINT ROSE 12 7-5 0.583 18 9-9 0.500 SO. CONNECTICUT 12 5-7 0.417 17 8-9 0.471 ADELPHI 12 6-6 0.500 20 10-10 0.500 PACE 12 2-10 0.167 20 6-14 0.300 NEW HAVEN 12 3-9 0.250 17 7-10 0.412 ADELPHI 12 2-10 0.167 20 6-14 0.300 AMERICAN INT’L 12 2-10 0.167 20 8-12 0.400 Opinions WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG JANUARY 24, 2018 PAGE 13

FLICKR | JACEK BECELA Xanax usage in college PHOTO | GARY SCARAMELLA By Mary Rudzis The best veg-friendly options in New Haven College is when many young people are away from home for the first time and are exposed to the realities of By Gary Scaramella Chapel Street, has been dishing out while chowing down on pickled living among their peers; it is no secret that this can and animal-friendly dishes since 1975. fries, buffalo cauliflower bites, a jerk often will lead to partying. MSNBC called the restaurant “one of jackfruit wrap or a vegan po’boy. The Whether they are at house parties or even just drinking Maintaining a vegan or vegetarian the 10 best heart-healthy restaurants bar, in addition to their extensive with a few friends in a dorm room or apartment, college diet as a college student is not always in America” and they were not lying. veg-friendly options, also serves students are drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol easy; limited on-campus dining There is a reason Claire’s Corner non-vegetarian options in case you Abuse and Alcoholism reported that 60 percent of college options as well as tight schedules for Copia has been around for so long; are looking for somewhere to go with students reported drinking alcohol on a nearly weekly both commuters and residents can they offer kosher, organic, healthy a picky meat-eating friend. Do not basis. make it difficult to follow a plant- and delicious plant-based dishes. worry about cross-contamination, On top of alcohol, students are also smoking marijuana, based diet. Luckily, SCSU’s location in One of my favorites is the vegan however; Swift Half uses separate with one in every 17 college students partaking on a daily New Haven provides students with quesadilla with refried beans, guaca- fryers for their plant-based dishes. basis according to University of Michigan’s Monitoring a variety of close-by and affordable mole and buffalo chik’n (a chicken According to Baum + Whiteman, a the Future study. dining locations that offer a multitude substitute). New York-based restaurant consul- So, it is no secret that young people are using of veg-friendly meals. For those who have always wanted tancy group, plant-based diets are substances. However, another drug that has been gaining Edge of the Woods, located on to try New Haven’s famous pizza but expected to be the hottest food trend popularity recently among this age group is in the face of Whalley Street in New Haven (about either cannot or will not eat cheese, of 2018. It is a trend that could not the media now more than ever: the prescription anxiety a five minute drive from SCSU’s look no further than De Legna on have happened sooner; plant-based medication benzodiazapine known as Xanax. campus), is something of a plant- State Street. This quaint little pizzeria diets are better for your health and This shift may have to do with modern music culture. based promised land. This entirely does serve cheese pizzas, but they have a significantly smaller impact On Nov. 15 of last year, musician Lil Peep died due to vegetarian grocery store offers a also offer a separate and entirely on the environment and on climate taking Xanax laced with the deadly drug Fentanyl. multitude of affordable and healthy vegan menu. You do not have to settle change when compared to omnivo- Another artist, Lil Xan, despite what his name suggests, foods for residential students to bring for a plain pizza with vegan cheese rous diets, according to a study done quit using it and writes songs about how Xanax can ruin a back to their dorms. The location either; De Legna will dress your by Oxford University. The brightest user’s life. also offers both a hot bar and a wood-fired, brick oven pizza with side of switching to a plant-based While other musicians such as Lil Pump and sandwich bar where customers can vegan sausages, tofu and a whole diet is that no animals have to suffer Smokepurpp have publicly stated that they will stop order delectable sandwiches and garden’s worth of vegetables. for it. So, try eating vegan at some using Xanax, likely as a result of their fellow artist’s tragic smoothies. In addition, the store has Looking to get some drinks with of the area’s best vegan-friendly passing, college students across the country are contin- a bakery which bakes both vegetarian friends as well as enjoy some deli- restaurants this semester; your body, uing to abuse the drug. and vegan breads, cakes, cookies and cious cruelty-free bar food? Swift the planet and the animals will thank From 1993 to 2005, student use of Xanax for recreation other treats. Half, located on Washington Avenue you for it. rose 450 percent, according to Addiction Center. On its Claire’s Corner Copia, another New in North Haven, has it all. You can own, the drug is not deadly; but when combined with Haven vegetarian staple, located on enjoy a bevy of local craft beers alcohol, it becomes dangerous and causes those who mix the two to black out and lose control, with many users reporting that they cannot recall their actions from times in which they were “barred out.” The Women’s March and performative activism Because Xanax is physically addictive, it leaves users needing to take it often and in consistently higher doses as has become easier to show care for a issue on the mind of the public. As they build up a tolerance. Addiction can lead to financial By Lynandro Simmons political matter without real effort. more women come forward about issues, health problems, strained relationships and a Both Aziz Ansari and James how they have been treated by men, decline in academic performance. For the second year, people Franco appeared at the Golden the movement continues to grow It is scary to think of college students, and young gathered for the Women’s March. Globes with Times Up pins to show stronger. people in general, abusing any substance. However, it is The march coincided with the recent solidarity with the movement. The good side of events like the also troubling that many people consider prescription Times Up and #MeToo movements, However, they were both called out Women’s March is that they can be drugs to be safer than illicit drugs simply because they are which push for gender equality. for their actions toward women. a useful display of numbers and legal and regulated. That is not the case, especially when Once again there was a huge turnout At the Golden Globes, attendees catch the eye of the public. As more taking what is a prescribed drug without a prescription for the march, but with a full year wore black to show solidarity. This women continue to reveal their and in higher amounts than would be recommended for a since the last, some could argue performative act is not enough. struggle it’s important men do more patient. much has not changed. Many in the crowd were accused to then simply wearing a suit or pin to As more musicians who have an influence on young Protests in any form do not have known about the allegations in show solidarity. people speak on the dangers of Xanax use, especially as a always spark immediate change. Hollywood circles. Grandstanding and hashtag reaction to a Lil Peep’s death, it will create a culture shift Often, fighting for equality is a long Marches are important, but activism won’t sustain a movement. that could curb the appeal of Xanax. Hopefully, as the and steady process. Though remem- without further action these Simply having discussions aren’t negative effects of Xanax start to outweigh the seemingly bered favorably even the Civil matters are forgotten. The 24-hour going to put a dent in these prob- positive effects to those who abuse the drug, there will be Rights movement had its ups and outrage cycle appears to move lems either. For real change to be a decline in illegal use. downs before reaching its end goals. simultaneously with news cycle, enacted people need to take action in For those struggling with addiction, students are However, the hurdle to overcome with news often coming and going. real life. These movement shouldn’t encouraged to reach out to the on campus counseling for protests today is grandstanding, For movements like #MeToo, the stop at simply marching, everyone center, health services, or wellness services. The National or even worse: hashtag activism. constant allegations being revealed should get up and be involved. Addiction Hotline is 1-888-352-6072. With social media and the internet it have put gas on the fire and kept this

Lynandro Simmons Editor-In-Chief Southern News welcomes any and all Chloe Gorman Managing Editor comments and suggestions. If we make a mistake, please contact us and we will publish Section Editors a correction or clarification in the next issue. Advisors: Cindy Simoneau Josh LaBella News Frank Harris III Mary Rudzis Opinions & Features We are the student newspaper of Melanie Espinal Arts & Entertainment Southern Connecticut State University, Contact information: Kevin Crompton Sports and we welcome the writing of all Email: [email protected] Palmer Piana Photo Southern students and faculty. Newsroom Phone: 203-392-6928 Tyler Korponai Online Fax: 203-392-6927 To submit a piece, email it to Mailing Address: [email protected], or stop Staff Reporters by the Southern News office on the second Southern Connecticut State University August Pellicio News Writer 501 Crescent Street floor of the Student Center, room 225. Matt Gad Sports Writer Electronic submissions are preferred. Student Center Room 225 Victoria Bresnahan General Assignment New Haven, CT 06515 Jeff Lamson General Assignment Opinion Columns are 500 to 800 words and Letters to the Editor are a maximum Issues printed by: Valley Publishing, Derby, CT Copy Desk of 400 words. They must include the writer’s Follow Us on Twitter: @Southern_News Gary Scaramella Amanda Cavoto name and phone number for verification. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thesouthernnews Mariam Alajjanw We reserve the right to edit for grammar, Visit us online: thesouthernnews.org Palmer Piana Business/Ad Manager spelling, content and length. Photo WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG JAN 24, 2018 PAGE 14 Slippery start to first day of

Students walking by to class at 9 a.m. on Jan 17th. semester

By Palmer Piana

Three to five inches of snow were forecasted to fall the day the spring semester was scheduled to begin. As morning broke, school was not canceled or delayed but a thin white blanket of snow began to cover the sidewalks and streets. Eventually the temper- atureture began to rise and the snow turned to a mix. By the time the after- noon arrived the snow had melted. There were no classes affected by this quick winter flurry

A Maintenance worker plowing the sidewalk.

Footprints in the snow outside of the Adanti Student Center. A mix of snow and rain coming down around 3 p.m. on Jan 17th.

Students walking in front of Buley Library at 9 a.m.