March 11, 2015 THE KNIGHT Volume 21 Issue 8 theknightnews.com NEWS Breaking News & Video Journalism in the Interest of the Queens College Community QC GRADUATES AWARDED FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIPS

Three Queens College graduates, such asPatryk Perkowski (above), were offered the prestigous Fulbright program.

SEE PAGE 3 Photo Courtesy of Patryk Perkowski

CUNY invests in Documentary highlights private prison industry immigration and technology SEE PAGE 5 SEE PAGE 8 2 | March 11, 2015 www.theknightnews.com EDITORIAL MISSION STATEMENT: “We aim to serve the Queens College community through A victory for one is a victory for all a tireless pursuit for truths that may be hidden, obstructed The Knight News would like to College. or otherwise unknown, to empower our readers with the congratulate the Women’s team The reasons are plenty for this with for its ECC Championship. It is their first reasons ranging from apathy to students often information they need to inspire change.” championship since 2009. The game came unaware of certain sports teams. down to the wire with the team defeating the This is an exciting time for the women’s NYIT Bears 65-63. basketball team as they potentially could Brandon Jordan Things were looking bleak at the end advance far into the NCAA Division II Editor-in-Chief: of the first half with the Lady Knights trailing tournament. The last time they even entered Editor-in-Chief/Copy Editor: Jaime Zahl by 16 points. It took a total team effort to into the tournament was 2009 so it is worth rally back. Led by Eastern Conference Player following their efforts. Managing Editor: Stephanie Davis of the Year Madison Rowland, they outscored Still, we think it is best to show the Bears 42-24. Madison had a double- solidarity with not only sports teams on Managing Editor: Candice Samuels double with 38 points and 13 rebounds. She campus, but clubs as well. Sports Editor: Albert Roman earned the Most Valuable Player Award. There is a reason why the motto of With the victory, the Knights have Queens College is “we learn so that we may Social Media Editor: Yarah Shabana secured a spot in the NCAA Division II serve.” It is because what we learn helps us Women’s Basketball. They are the fifth seed in serving others through anyway. Following Photography: Amanda Goldstein in the East Region of the tournament. Back sports teams and offering a sense of support is Photography: Jordi Sevilla in 2009 the Lady Knights were eliminated in just an example of that. the first round. The team looks to turn this When we reported on the fencing team fortune around and advance deep into the last issue, we discovered a new world full of bracket. students with stories to tell. We’re confident Reporters Queens College’s next game is March more student-athletes can talk to us about Pala Ali 13 against Stonehill College in round 64 at their unique experiences in their teams for Adelphi University. future issues. Nina Bakoyiannis Athletics are a big part of the college We’re not asking Queens College experience. This month in particular is students to immediately drop everything Tori Bowser known as “March Madness.” It’s a time where their doing and go to every game of every Christina Cardona students should be coming out in groups to team on campus. Rather, when there is a cheer on their Lady Knights, yet this isn’t the victory, like the women’s basketball recently Fernando Echeverri case. Indeed, the lack of genuine support accomplished, it is best to give support for is puzzling considering the size of Queens them through any means possible. Victor Hillergren Aryeh Gelfand

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QC graduates honored with Fulbright honors and awards

CANDICE SAMUELS News Reporter PhD. From this experience I know I really want to be an economist.” Queens College Macaulay Like most competitive scholarship Honors graduates were among programs, a strenuous application the 2014-2015 recipients for the process is required. highly competitive Fulbright U.S. “The application process was Student Program. time consuming,” Perkowski said. The program is the largest “There are two intensive personal U.S. exchange program offering statement essays with strict word grant opportunities for students count limits. You also need three and young professionals. Once letters of recommendation and inducted, students participate responses to a number of short in international graduate study, answer questions.” advanced research, university Fortunately for QC students, teaching and primary and Egan assists students in all aspects secondary school teaching of the application process. worldwide. “I work with students to help “It’s a wonderful program them identify which fellowships that allows students to be might be good for them to immersed in another culture and apply for and also assist with the allows them to devote full time application process,” Egan said. to a research project, earning a “I advise them on their essays and master’s degree or teaching English about choosing recommendations overseas.” Moira E. Egan, national so that their academic and fellowships advisor at QC, said. work history fully addresses the “Students serve as PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRYK PERKOWSKI fellowship’s requirements.” ambassadors for the us. Through Patryk Perkowski, a recent QC grad, declined the Fulbright scholarship and joined the Federal Reserve of San Francisco. In addition to helping academic and cultural exchange, students find financial support Fulbright’s mission is to increase anthropology major, who tutored class valedictorian, also won a which he enjoys. for their education, the Office of international understanding for four years at Queens College’s Fulbright grant, but turned it “As a research associate I Honors and Scholarships, located and fosters American students’ Writing Center, is in the Czech down when he was offered a job assist economists in producing in Honors Hall Room 16, provides knowledge of other countries.” Republic. at the Federal Reserve Bank in San academic research and monetary advisement for honors programs Karla Padawer Solomon Both are spending 10 Francisco. policy tasks. It was a tough and merit-based awards. and Chloe Weiser won Fulbright months abroad promoting “I knew I wanted to become decision to pick between both An information session on awards in the Master’s Institutions cultural exchange and language a professor, but I wasn’t ready for opportunities but my position the Fulbright program will take category. skills. grad school yet. I thought it would at the Federal Reserve gives me place on March 30 during Free Solomon, a psychology major In addition, the program awards be beneficial to take some time off so much insight of what it truly Hour in Honors Hall Room 17. who volunteered with the New approximately 1,900 grants after graduation,” Perkowski said. means to be an economist,” York Deaf-Blind Collaborative annually in all fields of study Perkowski majored in economics Perkowski said. -dedicated to improving services and operates in more than 140 and mathematics while at QC. “The job prepared me for candice@theknightnews. for deaf-blind youth – now resides countries worldwide. Currently, he works as a research the major commitment and com in Spain. Weiser, an English and Patryk Perkowski, last year’s associate at the Federal Reserve, dedication required to obtain a CUNY professors and staff remain without contract after 5 years BRANDON JORDAN News Reporter All employees of CUNY, far below those of comparable reached.” CUNY faculty yet earn nearly one- seek retroactive pay raises for from professors to staff members, public institutions.” “We doubt that any of you fourth less than full-time faculty, professors in light of the expiration are still working without a contract The PSC is a local union would work at your positions for said the CUNY Adjunct Project. of the last contract. as negotiations continue to stall. of the American Federation of 5 years without a raise, and you CUNY Chancellor James Bowen, in her testimony The last contract was conceived Teachers and represents more clearly did not expect a chancellor Milliken spoke in Albany last to the state Senate’s Finance in 2006 and lasted until 2010. than 25,000 faculty and staff to work at the pay rate of 2009,” month and emphasized the Committee and the Assembly CUNY officials pledged to make throughout CUNY. It formed in Bowen wrote. “Why, then, should importance of support from state Ways and Means Committee on a deal last semester, but nothing 1972 in the midst of strikes. we?” and city officials for contract Feb. 10, stressed the importance of came of it. At least 9,000 faculty A report from the Fiscal negotiations. a new contract. She said the lack Francis Clark, members signed a petition earlier Policy Institute on Dec. 2 “An important part of of investments from CUNY led communications director of the this year calling for a new contract highlighted the difficulties New this effort, of course, involves to the rise of adjuncts. Thus, there Professional Staff Congress, said immediately. York City residents experience in discussions with the Governor’s was an immediate need for a new CUNY faculty and staff need a The union demands not only sustaining themselves with the office and the Mayor’s office as contract. contract in order to help both pay raises, but also restructured cost of living. A household made has been the case in the past. We “[They] are not the smiling professors and students. workloads for full-time faculty, up of one adult and a preschooler hope the state, to a lesser degree faces you see in CUNY’s subway “CUNY is in danger a permanent paid parental leave in Queens would need $59,502 the city, will provide support for ads, but they are doing the bulk of not being able to offer the program and other benefits. to sustain themselves, which is this highest university priority,” of the teaching, especially of the rich education our students At a CUNY board of significantly higher than the cost Milliken said. “Being competitive highest-needs students. That is no deserve. The faculty and trustees meeting on Jan. 26, PSC of living in the Bronx, Brooklyn for faculty and staff is essential way to run a university,” Bowen professional staff represented by President Barbara Bowen told and Staten Island. to this university and the people said. the PSC have worked for four years the board about the urgency of Adjunct professors earn it serves as well as the funding of without a contract and five years a new contract and pledged to $2,900 per course and are not that obligation has a great deal to brandon@theknightnews. without a contractual raise,” Clark “escalate our campaign this spring guaranteed a job the following do with CUNY’s ability to provide com said. “CUNY salaries, once able to in every way necessary until a fair, semester. Moreover, adjuncts access and high quality.” attract the best professors, are now progressive contract settlement is account for 59 percent of the Milliken noted he would 4 | March 11, 2015 www.theknightnews.com New app offers emotional support for anonymous users

NINA BAKOYIANNIS News Reporter a therapist. What do people do who do not have a therapist for a 7 Cups of Tea is a free spouse?’ It was then that it struck emotional support app seeking me.” to put counseling services in the Plans for the future of Seven hands of individuals nationwide. Cups of Tea include streamlining Launched last July by the app, for quicker service, and psychologist Glen Moriarty, working on a growth plan feature, the app connects users with which would educate users about nonjudgmental listeners trained in short, simple steps to help them discussing issues such as anxiety, cope. depression and eating disorders. “To be honest, I’ve realized So far, it’s used in 150 I’ve been too trustworthy in my countries, features 130 languages life and it hasn’t ended well for and, on average, hosts 85,000 me. I think that this app will allow conversations per week. people to freely discuss what’s on “The basic, overall goal is to help their mind without feeling judged people know that they are not because they don’t know them alone, that we all struggle and personally,” said junior Catherine Seven Cups is a place where all Donohoe. “I can’t wait to start people are accepted and belong,” PHOTO COURTESY OF iSTOCK using it. I’m sure it will take some Moriarty said. 7 Cups of Tea is a new app students can use for emotional support and to cope with mentall illnesses like depression. of the stress in my life away from Through the support of PHOTO BY JORDI SEVILLA me.” Y Combinator, an investment people could benefit from this,” get the services they need. personal experiences. He wanted Students can check out company that funds start-ups, the junior Oyin Falana said. All listeners must complete to create a medium for those who this service by either going app was designed to be completely According to a Psych Central an “Active Listening” training simply wanted to vent at their to www.7cupsoftea.com or anonymous so individuals can talk report, 44 percent of American program, an online course in convenience. downloading the app on their without fear of judgment. They college students experience advanced skills for compassionate “I was thinking about offline smartphones. also recently released an emotional symptoms of depression and over communication. The extensive behaviors that haven’t yet moved wellness and depression test. two-thirds of young people do not training process involves watching online. For example, dating was “I think it’s a great platform talk about or seek help for mental course videos, participating in once a behavior that occurred [email protected] considering the fact that people health problems. mock conversations and going offline and then it moved online.” don’t talk about their issues With cost being a huge through 242 different levels to Moriarty said. “While I was because of the fear of being judged. barrier for individuals to seek unlock badges for each training researching this, I was talking to So to be able to talk to someone mental health support, Seven Cups session completed. my wife who’s a therapist about sincerely and feel supported is of Tea provides free, innovative The inspiration for the app a personal problem. I thought to pretty awesome. I think a lot of support to those who are unable to came from Dr. Moriarty’s own myself, ‘I’m so thankful Nikki is

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Attend in person or online via live stream. RSVP to attend or learn more: comminfo.rutgers.edu/CUNY Save the Date! comminfo.rutgers.edu/CUNY Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey www.theknightnews.com March 11, 2015 | 5 CUNY financially tied to private prison industry FERNANDO ECHEVERRI AND BRANDON JORDAN News Reporter

CUNY invests thousands of dollars into private prison companies, said documents obtained by CUNY Private Prison Divest through a Freedom of Information Act request. The documents revealed CUNY invested $275,200 in total in private prisons as of September 2014. It invested $248,900 in G4S, one of the top private prisons in the U.K. Moreover, it invested $13,300, $8,400 and $4,600 in Corrections Corporations of America, GEO Group Inc. and Aramark, respectively. A private prison operates as a contractor for governmental agencies to house inmates in either public or private jails. Its use surged in the 1980s due to overcrowding, a result of the War on Drugs. This new information gave legitimacy to CUNY Private PHOTO COURTESY OF iSTOCK CUNY holds investments in for-profit prisons like Corrections Corporations of America and GEO Group, which are controversial due to their policies and structure. Prison Divest’s claims, said Arlene Cornejal and Nancy Uddin, core communications and marketing communities from which Prison Divest are not alone in “We’ve primarily focused members of the group. for CUNY, said the investments prisoners are drawn.” their efforts. Students at Columbia our work so far on building “We requested the FOIA made by CUNY are used for Sonenstein stressed that University and University of awareness around this issue in our report so that we could receive student scholarships. Last year, private prisons focus on one California at Berkeley rallied for respected campuses. However, we actual proof of these investments the university used nearly $2.5 important thing – profit. divestment in private prisons do strategically plan out on calling that were taking place. We knew million from its investments to “But, on a fundamental in 2014. At Berkeley, a student out CUNY for it’s investment that a lot public institutions help enable “nearly seven of ten level, the problem with private resolution was passed to stop the in private prisons that allow are investing in companies that full time undergraduates to attend prisons is the profit motive. college from investing in private for the mass incarceration and uphold the prison industrial tuition free.” Corrections Corporation of prisons. criminalization of black and brown complex,” Cornejal and Uddin “To ensure that this vital America, [for example], is a Columbia Prison people,” Cornejal and Uddin said. said. source of scholarship money business first and foremost. It Divestment, a similar group, CUNY Private Prison remains available for deserving exists to make a profit. It has discovered last September how fernando@theknightnews. Divest was created in response students, the University shareholders, like schools such their college owned $8 million com to the problems of for-profit utilizes Cambridge Associates as CUNY, demanding it do so,” and $2 million worth of shares in prisons, specifically because of the to recommend and advise on Sonenstein said. CCA and G4S, respectively. They brandon@theknightnews. disproportionate incarceration of the selection of several fund Private prisons profit from found such figures after obtaining com people of color. Indeed, a study managers,” Arena said. overpricing inmate commissaries, a breakdown of 10 percent of the from Oregon State University last Furthermore, Arena which include food, clothing and university’s investments, said The August found black and Hispanic highlighted how small the hygiene products bought with Columbia Daily Spectator. inmates were overrepresented in investments were in relation to the their own money, privatizing Arena stressed investments private prisons. rest of the holdings. inmate communications and were not made on an individual “As a student[s] of color “As of Sept. 30, 2014, controlling medicine by changing basis, but part of Russell attending a public university, G4S represented 0.1 percent of or canceling prescriptions, Investments’s Russell 3000 Index, [We] think it is important to be CUNY’s investment pool. GEO according to Sonenstein. which, according to the firm, in solidarity with people in prison Group represented 0.003 percent Moreover, they hire people represents “98 percent of the who are constantly hurt by the of the CUNY investment pool,” with minimal experience in investable U.S. equity market.” injustice system and this is why we Arena said. order to pay them less, under- “CUNY’s investments need to demand our institution to Brian Sonenstein, a journalist staff prisons and overwork their do not involve individual stock stop investing in racism,” Conejal covering criminal justice and employees, which results in a purchases, but rather purchases and Uddin said. prisoners’ rights for Firedoglake, breeding ground for violence. in funds that hold basket of More than 53 percent of said there are multiple problems For-profit prisons enter stocks. For example, one of the students that identify as black with private prisons. contracts with state and federal funds reflects the holdings of the or Hispanic made up CUNY’s “It’s a massive misuse of governments, where beds must be Russell 3000, an index fund that fall 2013 student body, said the taxpayer dollars that otherwise filled between 90 and 100 percent is passively managed. Because CUNY Office of Institutional could be invested in community capacity. In turn, as documented expenses are generally lower for Research and Assessment. justice alternatives instead of in a report by the Committee index funds such as the Russell CUNY works with incarceration, it reduces the on Causes and Consequences 3000 Index, more of the earnings Cambridge Associates, a company government’s accountability of High Rates of Incarceration, can be reinvested for greater that provides “investment for prisoners and some research they “expended substantial effort returns to fund scholarships,” consulting, independent research would suggest it actually and resources in lobbying for Arena said. and performance monitoring,” increases recidivism,” Sonenstein more punitive laws and for fewer CUNY Private Prison Divest said the Cambridge Associates’ said. “Finally, it breeds a self- restrictions on the use of prison formed recently, but it aims to raise firm description. perpetuating cycle of crime labor and private prisons.” issues involving private prisons Michael Arena, director for and poverty in families and Groups like CUNY Private across CUNY campuses. 6 | March 11, 2015 www.theknightnews.com Students share relationship insight at college dating panel CHRISTINA CARDONA News Reporter

The Queens College Tan, another panel member, said Women’s Center held an event that physical attraction is not the called “Real Talk: College Dating” only important factor. in which a diverse panel of college “You’re always attracted to students talked about what dating the physical part but eventually and relationships mean to them you look past it,” said Yu. “If you on Feb. 25. guys don’t connect mentally, it The event started off means nothing at the end of the with introductions from Isioma day.” Ononye, the secretary of the Another topic was about Women’s Center and a senior sex and whether or not it’s an English major, sitting in the front important part of a relationship. of the classroom along with nine The panel brought up topics such other students on the panel. as sexual compatibility, cheating, “We are a community pre marital sex and the emotional of girls who want to educate aspect of sex. and empower members with The event concluded with discussions, seminars, lectures, a reading of the questions in the PHOTO BY CHRISTINA CARDONA community service and career Students listened to the experiences of others on dating while in college, what is attraction and more. question box. Tiffany Edwards, workshops,” said Ononye about president of the Women’s Center, the Women’s Center. or if it’s more likely to meet really a good way to live,” said Kurt “People feel that these read out the questions. She stressed that this room people who are only interested in Holness, a single graduate student. particular gender roles are Some questions that the and event was a safe space and that engaging in sexual activity. A member of the audience supposed to prescribe who says audience asked were, “How did everyone needed to be respectful “It all depends on the asked the panel how this works in something to someone first,” said you come out of the closet?” and to the people on the panel and personality of the people involved, the gay community. Hargraves. “If you like someone “How do you feel about dating what they said. if you’re interested in meaningful “If I like someone, I just you should let them know you’re someone you don’t see a future A question box went around relationships you can find it,” said go for it and give it a shot,” said interested.” with?” the room and students in the Leah Goodman, a senior who is in Ceara Olsen, who is bisexual and The next question for the The entire event created an audience were able to write their a relationship. “I don’t think it has currently in a relationship with a panel was if physical attraction was open forum for students to share questions on a piece of paper that to do with college as much as it has woman. “Men and women, we’re a deal breaker. their experiences and learn a little would be answered at the end of to do with people.” all equal and if I could lesser the “Initially, I would find bit for future dating endeavors. the panel. The next topic that was who pressure and do it myself I think someone appealing to my eyes first The first topic was about the approaches whom: guy or girl? it’s a nice gesture.” and their personality is the sun christina@theknightnews. hook up culture. Ononye asked “A lot of the time we get in Anthony Hargraves, a senior through the clouds,” said Anastasia com the panel whether it is possible our own heads and you end up who is gay and single, agreed with Neree, a single sophomore. to meet somebody in college and telling yourself no rather than Olsen and said that if you like Lionel Yu, a senior in a long- have a meaningful relationship them saying no and that’s not someone you should go for it. term relationship with Victoria

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The Queens College Women and gender sTudies Program

presents

The Virginia Frese Palmer ConFerenCe Women’s hisTory monTh 2015 Women, Technology, and Internet Culture Monday, March 16, 2015 • 9 aM–2 PM Queens college student union, 4th Floor

9 aM–12 noon Panel discussion

aniTha raj “Step Up to Tackle the Myths.” ellen ullman “Dispatches from the (Male) President of ARAR Technology and board Culture of Software Programming.” A former soft- director of Women in Technology, Raj holds ware engineer, Ullman is the author of Close to the degrees in computer science and business man- Machine, The Bug: A Novel, and the novel By Blood. agement, and has published white papers on a Her essays have appeared in Harper’s, the variety of technology topics. She is an ambassa- Times, the Washington Post, Wired, and the American dor for women and girls in the STEM (Science, Scholar. Her writings explore the effects of technology Technology, Engineering, Math) industries. Elliot Ross © 2012 Photo: on civil society and on an individual’s internal life.

kaTherine Cross “Ethics for Cyborgs.” mikki kendall “Social Justice, Social Media, Cross researches gender in virtual space, focusing and Stalking.” Kendall is a writer and “occasional on the social dynamics that animate online harass- feminist” whose writing can be found at XO Jane, ment. Her work has appeared in Women’s Studies Salon, NPR’s Code Switch, the Guardian, and other plac- Quarterly, Loading: The Journal of the Canadian Games es willing to let her rant. She commits occasional acts Studies Association, and First Person Scholar. She has of fiction largely focusing on black people in every a weekly column in Feministing, and writes widely situation under the sun and a few under undefined celestial bodies. She often can be found on Twitter on gaming and gaming culture. She serves on the board of Feminist Frequency. as @karnythia.

amanda FiliPaCChi “Wikipedia’s Gender holly jaCobs “Nonconsensual Pornography Problem.” Described by the New York Times as a and the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative Combatting It.” “lovely comic surrealist,” Filipacchi is the author Founder, president, and executive director of Cyber of the novels Nude Men, Vapor, and Love Creeps. Her Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI), which advocates for writing has appeared in the New York Times, New technological, social, and legal innovations to fight Yorker, Wall Street Journal, and the Atlantic, and has online abuse, Jacobs holds a PhD in industrial/

Photo: Marion Ettlinger Photo: been included in Best American Humor and other organizational psychology. CCRI has supported anthologies. more than 2,000 online harassment victims world- wide, helped pass criminal “revenge porn” laws, and enlisted lawyers to help victims.

12:00–2:00 PM coMPliMentary lunch

For lunch, rsVP to [email protected] or 718-997-3098

Co-sponsored by the Divisions of Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences. 8 | March 11, 2015 www.theknightnews.com Students of undocumented parents beat out M.I.T. in robotics competition JORDI SEVILLA News Reporter

A documentary was regarding immigration including Anahi Viladrich. leaking into the robot. immigrants in Arizona. presented at Queens College the implications and continuing In order to gain state The team passed all phases Restrictions include removing concerning the challenges conversation around the Deferred support, the high school decided of the competition, ultimately state assistance to attend college. minority students face in the Action for Childhood Arrivals to enter a college level robotics being awarded first place. “Just knowing you can’t U.S., while striving to achieve Act, ballot measures restricting competition, sponsored by NASA Their victory inspired do something because you’re academic success. undocumented students from and the Office of Naval Research, other students to participate in like a piece of paper is pretty Underwater Dreams receiving in-state tuition in certain among other organizations. leadership roles and work in their devastating,” one of the team is about how a team of states and policies affecting the “I was sure we were going community. members said. Mexican students, children of ability of undocumented students to lose,” one of the Carl Hayden “For the Carl Hayden The team has influenced undocumented workers, from to seek employment after college. science teachers said. team, robotics was never just other students to participate in Carl Hayden High School in The film was presented The team used tools from about building a robot. It was academics as well as fight for the Phoenix, Ariz., managed to defeat by the CUNY Service Corps Home Depot to make a robot about building a culture of taking chance to gain a quality education prestigious colleges, including and hosted by Cesar Oyervides- that could respond to commands responsibility and giving back,” and employment. ” M.I.T., at a robotics competition Cisneros, the manager of Service underwater. They encountered the narrator said. in 2004. The documentary also Corps at QC. A discussion panel various problems, including Current challenges facing [email protected] follows their journeys after their followed, moderated by Associate leakage. The team utilized undocumented workers are victory. Professor at the Departments unique solutions, including using laws such as Proposition 300 This film touches on issues of Sociology and Anthropology tampons to absorb the water that targets undocumented www.theknightnews.com March 11, 2015 | 9 NYPIRG rallies in Albany on Higher Education Day VICTOR HILLERGREN Sports Reporter

After traveling for Fignole said. hours, more than 300 students Higher Education Day, throughout New York gathered overall, felt like a success to in Albany on Higher Education students and student groups. Day, Feb. 26, to meet with “We got to see how things representatives to discuss college work out in the ‘belly of the investment. beast,’” Amir Khafogy, project The trip, organized by New leader for NYPIRG at QC, said. York Public Interest Research “It’s not so often you get to see Group and supported by state how things are run in the state public colleges, enabled students capitol.” to meet with elected officials and representatives of their districts to victor@theknightnews. present their views and show their com support. “It’s a great opportunity for both students to express their support as well as for politicians to see how many students are in support and just how important higher education is to us,” said Tiffany Brown, project coordinator at Queens College NYPIRG. PHOTO COURTESY OF NILY ROZIC NYPIRG, established in QC’s NYPIRG chapter and SA President Raj Maheshwari (right) talked to state representatives in Albany 1973 at Queens College, is a non- about college investments on Higher Education Day. partisan, not-for-profit student- Vice Chairperson Lucas Almonte aid from the Tuition Assistance NYPIRG Environmental directed research and advocacy gave open orientation speeches to Program, was one of the biggest Campaign Project Leader Anik organization with primary students about the day ahead of issues on Thursday’s agenda. Nath. concerns for environmental them. Queens College NYPIRG Despite Governor Andrew Cuomo “[We need] more funding protection, consumer rights, Project Coordinator Tiffany including act in his executive for teaching hospitals, more government reform and more. Brown informed students how the budget, many politicians are funding to generate student The trip was solely focused day was going to go, how to push against it because it takes money success, which would mean more on higher education. 16 NYPIRG for The Dream Act and advice for away from other governmental trained doctors. The more trained chapters throughout the state meeting with legislators. funding. doctors we have would solve the along with Dream Team and “We would like to see more TAP reform was also a major doctor shortage issue with more SEEK leaders were in attendance. funding, more students graduating topic as many faculty members health care providers,” Nath said A rally and orientation and being able to land a great job spoke about TAP, its uniqueness Darren Fignole, a student began before students met with where they can pay off their debt,” and why it needs to expand. The leader, believed the event was elected officials. Professional Brown said. max award for TAP as of today is successful put it as it was as there Staff Congress President Barbara Due to many lawmakers $5,165, which is less than tuition. was a “good turnout, especially for Bowen fired students up with attending the state assembly at NYPIRG, along with other students. an education rally chant where once, many students met with a student leaders and supporters, “It’s great because we have students chanted, “Education is director or staff member rather want it increased to $6,500 to hundreds of students who all a right, fight, fight, fight!” in the than a lawmaker. keep up with inflation. believe in the same things as each capitol building. The Dream Act, which Students across the state other. Interns and even some University Student Senate allows undocumented students advocated for an increase in CUNY lawmakers relate to us because they Chairperson Aileen Sheil and in the state to receive financial and SUNY funding, including are or once were CUNY students,”

“Year of South Africa” panel sheds light on the fight against apartheid ARYEH GELFAND News Reporter

A group of students and on their website. white community. It was a perspective implemented sanctions against South Project does in preserving the history community members gathered on This exhibition seeks to that no white reporter could give. Africa. of anti-apartheid groups in the U.S. Feb. 23 at the Godwin-Ternbach highlight works of art created by The next speaker was Satadru The final member of the panel Museum to talk about apartheid from members of the disenfranchised Sen, a professor in the history was Richard Wright, a professor of aryeh@theknightnews. a variety of perspectives. African community during apartheid department. Sen worked in New York Indian studies at QC. Wright gave com The gathering was part of the in South Africa. as an activist against apartheid. He was a historical overview of the foreign “Year of South Africa” at Queens Les Payne, collector of the art a member of the African Committee policy aspects of apartheid. College. It is part of a series of events and a former journalist for Newsday on Africa, an organization that fought Wright also explained Western surrounding the current exhibition in the 1970s, spoke first. He said he to popularize sanctions and divestment support of apartheid in South Africa. at the museum, “The Collection was first inspired to cover the story of against the South African government. He stressed how the Cold War led the of Violet and Les Payne & Next the South African community’s plight Sen emphasized the widespread U.S. to bolster relations with South Generation: Emerging Photographers under the laws of apartheid after support amongst the countries that led Africa until the 1980s. From South Africa.” hearing about the shooting of Hector to adoption of the sanctions. He also After the fall of the Soviet “The Payne collection is Peterson, a 13-year-old fatally shot elaborated on how unions, churches, Union, however, the U.S. supported focused on works on paper and during a protest against the regime. banks and politicians on both sides the African National Congress, which paintings by artists from the black Payne spoke about how his of the political spectrum came included Nelson Mandela. township of Soweto, Johannesburg,” race gave him access to the African together on sanctions. It led up to the The event was an important the Godwin-Ternbach Museum said population that was closed off from the Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, which part of the work the African Activist 10 | March 11, 2015 www.theknightnews.com SPORTS QC team hopes to strike out 16-year playoff drought VICTOR HILLERGREN Sports Reporter

After spending months in the weight room, the Queens College men’s baseball team was anxious to get out and start playing ball. The season was scheduled to begin on Feb. 28. However, due to inclement weather, the away game in Virginia was canceled. In fact, many games across the country were cancelled, especially in the northeast. “At this point, the significance would be to get outside and play some ball,” Coach Chris Reardon said. Starting on March 7, the Knights were scheduled to compete at Franklin Pierce University, but this game was postponed as well. The team’s season finally began on March 8 with a loss to Franklin Pierce University in both games of the doubleheader. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL BALESTRA Located in Rindge, New Joe Paparella, senior, is a veteran the men’s baseball team and says he would play “whereever the team needs me.” Hampshire, just north of Massachusetts, Franklin Pierce haven’t done since 1998. At the wins championships in America’s and leadership to the young team. This talented, young team rank number 9 overall in Division time, QC was the best team pastime,” Coach Reardon said. Paparella, 22, discussed consists of “good students who get II. This doesn’t seem to faze in the conference and won the Coming off a poor year in his role on the team. Capable of good grades and are a good overall Reardon and his Knights, and conference tournament with 2014, the team is faced with a playing shortstop, third base and group of guys who mesh well despite their competitive schedule Reardon playing as a pitcher. number of challenges this year, second base - although, not all together,” Reardon said. they are up for the challenge. Despite changes over including 17 new players on the at the same time- Paparella plays ”If you want to be the best, the years with different rules roster. However, Reardon feels “wherever the team needs me,” he [email protected] you have to beat the best,” Coach and regulations, like the use of comfortable about this. He said said. Reardon said. aluminum bats as opposed to there are “quite a few new guys While Paparella isn’t the Although the Franklin Pierce wood, Coach Reardon sees some who can make an immediate loudest guy on the team, he does field is made of turf — making similarities between the title team impact.” lead by example. The senior shares it easier to play and clean — of 1998 and this year’s players. The new recruiting class tips and ideas with the younger Reardon described it as “a unique “2015’s defense is looks to veteran utility player Joe players by demonstrating his and interesting site.” comparable to the 1998 team. Paparella, senior, for guidance. diverse fielding skills and ability to The immediate goal for The pitching staff also looks Paparella is an enthusiastic and play multiple positions. He does the team is to make the playoffs, solid. Offense is also key, but elaborate small-ball baseball player all this while also batting to the top which is something that they defense and pitching is what who brings veteran fielding skills of the order.

Attention students, faculty and staff!

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in any major stories affecting your or your club

Please send all op-eds, tips and letters to

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*All guest op-eds and letters are published unedited* www.theknightnews.com March 11, 2015 | 11 SPORTS Womens : Starting Fresh and Ready to Win TORI BOWSER Sports Reporter

Last year, the Queens College “It’s hard playing with people “I want [our] team to be the for the Knights were postponed due to the same page to win, and if we’re all Women’s Lacrosse team entered the who don’t know lacrosse, and you’re one that sets the tone and expectations the heavy snowstorms. on the same page, then we can’t lose,” 2014 season with only six girls on its losing games but we did the best that for QC lacrosse for the future,” junior “It sucks that [they] were Ancona said. roster, mostly containing players from we could,” Carly Chierico, a junior goalie, Krista Ancona, a transfer, said. postponed, but it also gives us more The Knights’ next game is other various sports. midfielder on the team, said. QC is the third institution time to prepare for our other games scheduled for March 14 against In his first season, head coach Chierico has been with the Ancona has been enrolled in, and the and better ourselves,” sophomore Bridgeport. Todd Kaiser was faced with the program since its first year and dramatic change has been positive attacker Angela Acevedo said. obstacle of finding girls to fill the has experienced its ups and downs for her. The team prides itself on The Knights, along with the team, or he would’ve been forced to throughout her three years. their strong chemistry, their ability to other outdoor sports, have been forced [email protected] cancel the season. “Todd has been the change for communicate with each other and the to share gym space for practice. The “I knew that the program was the program and I’m so happy we now time they spend with each other. differences between the hardwood in a little bit of a hole coming in have girls that can play this year. We’re “I have never been on a team floor and the field have not only made and it was going to take [immediate] working hard not only for ourselves, where every single person gets along it hard to practice plays, but have even rebuilding,” Kaiser said. “I needed to but for Todd as well,” Chierico said. with one another,” Ancona said. provoked injury. get kids, and get this program back on Kaiser went out on a recruiting “When people from home ask me how “A lot of our girls have shin, its feet.” spree, and managed to fill a full school is, my answer every time is, ‘I ankle, and knee injuries and the Kaiser managed to compose 16-person roster of girls from lacrosse love it.’” condition of the floors hasn’t helped,” a team of 11 lacrosse players, three programs throughout the state, Due to weather conditions, the Acevedo said. soccer players, two track runners, and including nine returners. The hopes Knights have spent all of their practice The team has no intention of two basketball players. Having an for the success of the program go time indoors, except for a Saturday letting the weather, or anything else, inexperienced team made it difficult beyond the returners, and lies heavily practice at Mitchell Field on Long get in their way this season. to have a successful season. on the new names on the team. Island. The first two games scheduled “We’re all so determined and on

ESPN legend Bob Ley and executive VP Norby Williamson visit Queens College PALA ALI Sports Reporter

Queens College Sports Broadcasting students met Bob Ley, host of ESPN’s “” series and SportsCenter anchor, along with Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive vice president, on Feb. 26 at the Campbell Dome. Bob Ley began working with ESPN in 1979, only the third day of ESPN’s airtime. He spoke to the students about what it takes to be in the business. He provided insight into the field of sports coverage, how to react to a breaking story and what’s needed to cover the issues. “If you are writing for TV, then you write for the ear. So develop your own voice,” Ley said. Levy mentioned how the PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL BALESTRA media has changed over the last Bob Ley and Norby Williamson guest lectured in Michael Cohen and Michael Weisman’s sports broadcasting class - a new addition few decades. He explained the to the media studies program. unique challenges journalists face the individual and 49% on covered. “I learned a lot from them the past weeks, the class hosted when covering a tough story such management.” Ley and Williamson gave and they were very inspiring and Ben Grossman, Justin Kutcher, as being vigilantly objective, fair, “You need to be true to students advice for their future in I appreciated that they were here,” sportscasters from Fox and Howie accurate and credible. yourself and you need passion to sports broadcasting. Dukas said. Rose - the radio voice of the Williamson has worked succeed,” Williamson said. “Be a critical consumer of Michael Cohen, who and television with ESPN since 1985. He Ley said how proud he the media,” Ley said. teaches the class, extended his announcer for the New York started his career with ESPN in is of the history of ESPN and “Take away one thing gratitude to the guests. Islanders. the mailroom and worked his way how they have real fans instead from me today, don’t ask yes [or] “Michael Weisman and I In the coming weeks, the up to the where he is today. of just viewers. Ley, a passionate no questions. Ask open ended were honored to have Bob and class will meet Ken Aagaard, Williamson spoke about soccer fan, also spoke about the questions, ask probing questions,” Norby speak to the class. They executive vice president of CBS what qualities a person must have achievement of being able to cover Williamson said. provided the students [with] Sports, just in time for March to succeed as well as how much seven World Cup soccer games. After the class ended, tremendous insight into the Madness. control they have over their future He recalled one of his students gathered around Ley sports television business and the Sports broadcasting is held at a job. He also talked about greatest moments at ESPN and Williamson to ask individual impact that ESPN has had in the every Thursday at 10 a.m. in the individual branding. on April 14, 1998. ESPN had questions. industry,” Cohen said. Campbell Dome. “You must have great exclusive broadcasting to cover James Dukas, a senior and The sports broadcasting work ethics,” Williamson Bill Clinton discussing on role of Queens College Men’s Soccer class taught by Cohen and [email protected] said. “A person’s control over race in sports with a panel of 10 team member, was excited to meet Weisman is a great addition to the their promotions is 51% on athletes and managers, which he Ley and Williamson. media studies program in QC. In KNIGHT NEWS SPORTS

NO CURVEBALLS THIS TIME AROUND

Men’s baseball aim high for the new season

SEE PAGE 10 Photo Courtesy of Michael Balestra

Women’s lacrosse team rebuilds ahead of new season PAGE 11