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WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG FEBRUARY 14, 2018 VOL. 55— ISSUE 17

Republicans Racial slur in class causes outrage claim SCSU has political bias

By August Pelliccio

Lack of clear communication is what a few university officials attribute to a turn of events that was portrayed as discrimination against the Republican community in two publications last week. Sarah O’Connor, president of the College Republicans at Southern, said when she decided to book space on campus to host the CTGOP Digital Summit, she was very clear about what the event entailed. There were several speakers there to represent the Republican Party, whose goal was to inform students on how to effectively utilize digital and social media. “It’s a private event, and people have to buy tickets,” O’Connor said, “and I told them that.” O’Connor said she booked three rooms in Davis Hall for the event, which stretched across three days: Feb. 9-11. Daphney Alston, in charge of making that arrangement through a computer program, Ad Astra Infor- mation System, said every detail was not clear. PHOTO | AUGUST PELLICCIO “Maybe we should have gone more Students gathered in the Adanti Ballroom to discuss the use of a racial slur in the classroom. in depth,” Alston said, “but we didn’t.” In a statement by Tracy Tyree, vice By August Pelliccio and Josh doing his thing, dancing to it.” daughter he raised is a woman icut State University President president of Student Affairs, said she LaBella Along to the tune, Triffin of color born to Triffin’s wife Joe Bertolino promptly called wrote the event was presented as a said he sang aloud, “I’m a and her ex-boyfriend, an a meeting in the student center student organization. This was the happy n-----.” African American immigrant. in order to hold an open understanding according to Alston Professor Eric Tiffin’s White said he did not Triffin said at times while conversation with students and according to Brad Crerar, director public health class at Southern take this lightly, and after a raising his daughter, he about the values of social of the Student Center. Connecticut State University moment’s thought he said he sympathized with the racism justice. Tyree went on to explain that on began with him dancing, chose to not let such a thing she felt. Bertolino apologized to Jan. 26, a call came in to the univer- singing and spreading cheer slip by. “I use it as a learning the students on behalf of the sity switchboard, housed in Adanti but when he slipped a racial “I basically told him, ‘I don’t experience in the classroom,” university, before inviting Student Center, inquiring about the slur in, several students appreciate you saying that, Triffin said. students to share any feelings event. became outraged and he was and please don’t say it again,’” White said upon hearing they had regarding the inci- “Clearly a Democrat tried to suspended. said White. “He went on to this justification, he stormed dent. sabotage the event,” O’Connor said, Triffin’s Feb. 6 class began justify why he could say it, and out of the room, yelling and “It’s easy for me to stand “and they fell for it.” as usual, with the professor I took offense to that.” cursing at the professor. White here and talk about this; I’m Crerar said during the phone call, a taking suggestions from the Triffin said that his said he later apologized for the white man with power student asked about the $150 admis- students for songs to dance to. background from a “blended doing so to Triffin, who still here,” said Bertolino. “But sion fee associated with the Digital “Somebody played a song family” warrants his use of the stood by his justification for know I understand my privi- Summit. by Playboi Carti that had some N-word and that he has felt using the slur. lege.” “At that point we realized,” said profanity in it,” said student racism in his family. Triffin After hearing word of the Bertolino stressed he Crerar, “this really isn’t a university Steven White, “and he was went on to explain that the incident, Southern Connect- wanted all voices to be heard. event.”

SEE RACIAL SLUR PAGE 2SEE REPUBLICANS PAGE 2 ALEKS math program recieves mixed reviews

By Josh LaBella they arise and that ALEKS is the teacher.” Brin said he dooes not understand how someone could come to that conclusion, but that is not how it is supposed The ALEKS math program is its first semester of full to work. He said comparing the success last semester, use and it has received mixed reactions from students. when the program was being tested on a larger scale, to Leon Brin, chairman of the math department, said the historical rates, the last semester was better. He said the department have been using the Assessment and despite the fact that some students do not seem to like the LEarning in Knowledge Spaces program or ALEKS since program it is working and getting better. the summer of 2016 – but this is the first semester it has Jeremiah Banto, a freshman sports management major, been fully utilized. He said before he department was said he used ALEKS last semester and in the summer and using MyMathLab in their development classes. He said thinks it was good. He said it was the first time he had had the cost of the program is a bit cheaper than what they a full class focused on the computer and he found it easy had been using - about $60. He said ALEKS was “very sometimes and hard others. different” than other programs. “ALEKS gave you examples and stuff,” said Banto. “but “It likes to call itself an adaptive program,” said Brin. “It sometimes I found it harder when it would give you adapts to individual students. So it’s not like a standard one example on how to do it but then another problem course where everybody does this this week and this the came up with the same concept but harder. Sometimes next week. It’s really designed to cater to the individual. ALEKS wouldn’t have it. Overall it was good though. With

The model they like to use is with ALEKS you don’t have a a professor there it is better. Some people struggled that PHOTO | JOSH LABELLA class of 30 - you have 30 classes of one.” didn’t ask for help. Vance Upham, a freshman sports management major Brin said the program’s strong point is that there can Vance Upham, a freshman sports management major, sitting in Conn. Hall. be students with varying strengths and weaknesses in one said he used ALEKS three times and, while he preferred class but it is all addressed properly. He said the program the person-to-person interaction of a classic classroom the next thing he knew, he was 200 topics behind and he is only used in Math 100 and Math 100p. He said he has he liked the process ALEKS has to teach a student the never caught back up. heard mixed reviews but thinks there is a misconception steps to solve a problem. He said he failed it last semester “I ended up failing the class because of it,” said Slowik. on ALEKS’s role in the class. but only because he took a while to get the course code. “I strongly disagree with ALEKS.” “Because in the Math 100p class we run it emporium “The actual program itself,” said Upham, “is not hard.” Slowik said he thought the program went to fast and style, which means there’s essentially no lecture,” said Christian Slowik, a freshman earth science major, said he found it harder to keep track of online stuff opposed to Brin, “class time is spent on the computer on an indi- he used the ALEKS program last semester and thought it hard copy homework. vidual basis. So the misconception is during that time the was awful. He said the first couple weeks went alright, but “The whole class was talking bad about it,” said Slowik, instructor’s job is to sit there and answer questions when it kept adding problems on and he got one week behind, “saying they don’t like ALEKS.” PAGE 2 News FEBRUARY 14, 2018 Top Owl Awards encourage social justice

PHOTO | AUGUST PELLICCIO January recipients Virlinda Billups (left to right), Natalie Schriefer, and Sabrina St. Juste. commission is divided into a social justice,” said Brown-Albert, Victim Advocacy and Support educated about the award, as Josh LaBella few segments, including campus “if they advocate on behalf of center nominated St. Juste. In most of the nominations have climate committee, social justice targeted communities, they their nomination, they wrote been from faculty members. Top Owl Awards have been a committees and recognition should be nominated.” that St. Juste makes everyone feel More importantly, she would part of Southern’s commission committee, for which she is chair. The nomination form prompts valued and respected, regardless like more people working on the on social justice since November. Student and SGA representa- for specific examples of how a of race, ethnicity, age, religion, committee. Dian Brown-Albert said making tive Madeline Causapin sits in on nominee has carries out the core gender identity or socioeconomic “I could use some help,” the phone calls to recipients has the recognition committee, and values of social justice. Causapin status. Brown-Albert said. been wonderful. she said students are nominated said the more in depth, the better. “She presents herself with such The committee currently The awards are presented via written forms online. The “Make them lengthy,” Causapin dignity; she’s compassionate with consists of six people, but in three different categories, nomination form can be found on said. “Not bullet points, but others,” Xatse and Holman wrote. Brown-Albert said she would like according to Brown-Albert, the the social justice page of South- paragraphs.” “She’s always thinking of ways we to see two more faculty members, coordinator of multicultural ern’s Website. Winners of January’s award can help others on campus, in the an additional student and staff affairs: students, faculty and “Please send in nominations were announced at a multicul- city, in the state and globally.” member represented in the staff. For every month, one from for Top Owl Award,” said tural center activity on Jan. 31. Brown-Albert said students committee. each category is selected and Causapin, “I like reading them.” Virlinda Billups, psychology are often excited by word of their Brown-Albert said to get presented the award. Brown-Albert said a member department secretary, and nomination, which makes the job the ball rolling, the committee “It’s a way to encourage of the community should be students Natalie Schriefer and more enjoyable. was getting together rather students, faculty and staff to nominated if they work to Sabrina St. Juste were recognized. “I called one person who was frequently; but now that the help the university achieve its address issues of diversity, Brown-Albert said there was not screaming in excitement,” said awarding process is organized, mission,” said Brown-Albert, “of inclusion and social justice. a faculty member awarded last Brown-Albert. “Then they said, they will meet once per month. acceptance, diversity and social “If they educate themselves month. ‘so what is the Top Owl Award?’” Brown-Albert said, “It’s been a justice.” and others, if the participate in Jessica Holman and Mary Xatse That being said, Brown-Albert very exciting process.” Brown-Albert said the events and activities addressing from the Violence Prevention, wishes for more students to be Racial Slur Republicans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Crerar explained that student groups are allowed to charge admission in order to cover event costs, but that would be something coordinated with the school and processed through the school’s financial accounts. Because tickets were being sold and transacted through Connecticut GOP, Southern had to follow standard protocol for outside organizations. “The reality of it is, as a state institution,” said Crerar, “we are not allowed to use our space to support any political party.” This meant the school could not subsidize the event, and between the custodial staff and the site director, the room rental fee and insurance, the going rate was about $4,100. “We like to try to make things happen,” said Crerar. This is why Crerar said he handed the baton to Janet Klicsu, coordinator of Confer- ences and Events, who offered to change the location from Davis Hall to the Student Center Theater. Klicsu brought the cost down to roughly $2,100 with the change, largely due to the fact that a private company is contracted to maintain the Student Center 24/7, regardless of ongoing events. O’Connor said if she knew from the beginning that the reservation was only possible at such a cost, the College Republicans would have gone elsewhere for a venue from the beginning. By Jan. 26, O’Connor said tickets were already being sold. The CSCU Guidelines for Communication with Federal and State Public Officials and PHOTO | AUGUST PELLICCIO Political Activity on Campus clearly states that political events are welcome on campus, President Bertolino addresses students in the Adanti Ballroom. with certain restrictions. “Institution facilities may be rented for political events in accordance with campus CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 policy on facilities use,” the guidelines read. “Such sponsored events may not be ‘subsidized’ or otherwise supported by CSCU or an Institution.” Crerar said he went over that contract with O’Connor in their Jan. 26 meeting. “We have got to speak up, we have got to address it and we have got to end it,” said In review of that meeting, O’Connor said: “How am I, a student, supposed to know student Robert Heron. “If we don’t, then our sons and daughters will have to.” about that? It is not my job to know about that, so don’t put the blame on me.” Eric Clinton, president of the Black Student Union (BSU), said the group had put She said the whole situation would have been avoided if organizers knew what to together a list of changes they suggested Southern make. They included having at least ask, and properly relayed regulations and rules. 31 percent of Resident Life employees be black or people of color and to hire more On Feb. 2, News 8 reported on College Republicans at Southern saying they are black people or people of color in the administration and faculty. being discriminated against. “Student Government Association also needs to be representative of the black “I say with conviction,” said President Joe Bertolino, “that I won’t tolerate discrimi- students,” said Clinton. “The Multicultural Center needs as much funding as Student nation based on a political belief, or based on anything else for that matter.” Involvement. [Also,] teacher and faculty development and sensitivity training. And Bertolino said he was disappointed that instead of raising concerns to the school’s then the professor needs to issues a public apology; not only to the student, but to the administration, the decision was made to go straight to the press and “shape a story.” student body as a whole.” “I’m empathetic to the College Republicans’ frustration,” said Bertolino. “If they feel Many of the students present during the discussion were active members of BSU or there is a culture of discrimination, we should engage that conversation, and talk about other organizations for people of color, but not all shared exactly the same perspec- how to combat it.” tive. Bertolino said the College Republicans missed an opportunity to open a dialogue “Let’s be real: we use this word every day,” said political science student Ryan about political discrimination on this campus. Lumpkin. “Black people use the word every day.” “I think it went to press too fast,” Bertolino said. Lumpkin said he recognizes the history of the word, and the power that it has, but In addition, Bertolino was disappointed in the event coordinators failing to be that any individual who speaks it should take responsibility. communicative after the misunderstanding had surfaced. “I think he should apologize for being a professor and using the word at an institu- “The state GOP could have returned the university’s calls to renegotiate,” said tion,” said Lumpkin, “but he shouldn’t apologize for just saying the word.” Bertolino, “because there were options.” Student Jaquan Nelson pointed out some truth in Lumpkin’s statement, but disa- O’Connor said the decision was made quickly to secure the new location, the Caritas greed with his message. Christi Center, on the Campus of Sacred Heart Academy. After the weekend-long event, “We all do use that word,” said Nelson. “That doesn’t make it right; it never will be O’Connor said there was a good crowd, and she was happy to have knowledgeable right and it should have never come out of the professor’s mouth.” speakers. Throughout the evening, Bertolino kept returning to his message that Southern is “I wish it still took place here,” said Alston. “I feel very badly about the miscommu- dedicated to transparency and open dialogue. Nelson indicated that there is still room nication.” to improve on that front. Alston said during the first reservation of Davis Hall space, there was purely a “I’m glad it happened,” said Nelson, “because now it opens up a platform for misunderstanding. Alston said there was no interference regarding political agenda. a plethora of problems that have been happening at Southern Connecticut State “My goal is to build up and maintain a positive rapport with the College Republi- University to be talked about.” cans,” said Alston. “It makes me very sad when a student feels discriminated against Tiffin confirmed that the next morning he was suspended. He said he was “very over their political identity.” surprised” that this would happen after 32 years “without a blemish.” Alston said she wants to make herself available to have a conversation about how “I feel this is being blown out of proportion,” said Tiffin. “I would like to be in class political identity relates to social justice, and that her office remains a safe space for tomorrow but, obviously, it’s going to take a lot longer with the investigation.” anyone. FEBRUARY 14, 2018 News PAGE 3 Chair of Makerspace wants students to utlilize it

By August Pelliccio library as an example to strive for. “Libraries used to make globes and models available to borrow, and that is Cindy Schofield said a lot of students just being replaced with technology,” do not know that Buley Library offers said Schofield. “Nobody wants to free 3D model printing, and most do borrow a globe anymore.” not know what Keva blocks are, even Open Education Database has though they have been available for published a librarian’s guide to Maker- about two years. spaces, on which resources for libraries Schofield is the head of technical looking to build one could be found. services for Buley Library, and the Also in the guide is a description of chair of the Makerspace committee. why Makerspaces are important in the Schofield said the makerspace is an 21st century. independent learning environment that “One could argue that the phenom- can be found in the back of the “Media” enon of Makerspaces has led to a area on Buley’s ground floor. revitalization and reimagining of “Right now we are funded by the libraries in a digital world,” the guide library’s materials budget,” said Schof- reads. ield, “but we are looking for grants to It goes on to say that as means of support us.” accessing digital information grow, this The resources available through the concept is a renaissance for the library Makerspace include four 3D printers, as a place to gather, create and explore. a green screen and lighting equipment, As for Buley’s Makerspace, at the Maker Monkey robots and more. moment, 3D printing is a free service. “One goal is to educate librarians and Schofield said the printing can be teachers,” Schofield said, “but it applies accessed as long as students are able to to everybody.” submit .stl files. The green screen can Lauren Johnson is Schofield’s grad- also be used at will, and lighting equip- uate assistant. Johnson graduated from ment and robots can be checked out as University of Connecticut and is now reserve items. working toward a masters in library Some of the resources, such as PHOTO | AUGUST PELLICCIO science at Southern. Johnson said she the Keva blocks, are available to be Greenscreen in Buley Library Makerspace. would love to see students utilizing the borrowed like a library book. Johnson space for class projects. said Keva blocks can be stacked like thing in your dorm room.” something with the blocks, but new “This is a whole new way that Jenga pieces, or used as a stress Schofield and Johnson set out a and intricate structures seem to appear libraries are serving student and relief tool. Students can put together large box full of the Keva blocks in the when nobody is watching. communities,” Johnson said. complicated structures with these small Media area at Buley over the last couple Schofield said, “students and Schofield explained Makerspaces are wooden boards. weeks in an effort to get exposure for organizations are welcome to make appearing more frequently around the “You could even take them home,” the makerspace. Johnson said she has suggestions on new ways to utilize this globe, and cited University of Nevada’s said Johnson, “You could build some- yet to actually see a student creating space.” SGA members recap committee meetings team meeting, Gagliardi said members discussed Next, Stefany Mitchell and Joey Gentile reported on By August Pelliccio arranging “undocupeer training” for Southern’s the food service committee. One announcement Gentile members of the American Association of University made evoked a loud applause and cheer that filled the Recognition was given to a widely loved food service Professors, the faculty union. room. worker and acceptance of undocumented students was “The support team is also looking to provide an “They are going to rename the North Campus Market discussed among other committee reports at Student optional statement for faculty to put on syllabi,” said ‘Roberta’s,’” said Gentile. Government Association’s last meeting. Gagliardi, “saying that Southern supports undocu- He explained this is in recognition of Roberta Read, SGA’s President, Julie Gagliardi, attended Southern’s mented students.” the manager of North Campus Market, who has been undocumented student support team committee Feb. 5, The statement would provide contact information servicing the community for 27 years. and reported on a couple minor news points discussed for faculty that sit on the committee for any questions “Roberta deserves this more than anybody else,” said at their meeting. undocumented students may have. Gagliardi, “that woman is a goddess.” “It was a mixed group there of faculty, students and Another committee that was recapped at SGA’s Gagliardi said Read is best-known for her home- staff,” said Gagliardi, “and Connecticut Students for a meeting Friday was the Media Board. SGA Vice Presi- made cookies, and any student who has been to North Dream (C4D) was there.” dent Becky Kuzmich said the highlight of their meeting Campus Market to have a “Roberta cookie” knows how The first discussion Gagliardi mentioned was a was the need for new staffers next fall. kind she is. proposed bill for the state of Connecticut that would “The paper, the magazine, the radio station and Mitchell also announced that Connecticut Hall will change the way undocumented students pay for state all the media organizations will be having a lot of be adding a popcorn machine for students. schools. openings,” Kuzmich said. “A lot of members will be Gagliardi said at that meeting, the committee voted Currently, Gagliardi explained, undocumented graduating.” that all minors henceforth would require a minimum of immigrants are eligible to pay in-state tuition if appli- Aiden Coleman, SGA representative, responded with 18 credits. cable, but they do not have access to federal student his concern that not enough students are picking up “It was previously something that had just been loans. Gagliardi said the bill they are suggesting would newspapers. agreed upon on campus,” said Gagliardi, “but now they give these students access to financial aid. “They’re printing a lot more copies than what is have just put it on paper.” “They’re working on gathering testimonies,” said being read,” Coleman said. Gagliardi closed the meeting by announcing to the Gagliardi “so they’ll be able to submit a proposal about Coleman said Southern’s “recycle-mania” will be public that there would be no SGA meeting on Feb. 16, it.” coming up soon, and he does not want to see un-read in recognition of President’s Weekend Recess. Additionally, at the undocumented student support copies being put into recycle bins. Greek rush comes to a close: prospects hoping for bids

Maybe a potential new member By Josh LaBella or PNM as we call them gets to a certain event and says, ‘You Fraternities and sororities know what? Maybe this isn’t have finished their search for for me.’ Or maybe we decide to new brothers and sisters last give them another semester to week – the Greek Life Rush has find their niche at Southern and come again. maybe come back. This is a big Devon Wrinn, a junior commitment.” communications major, said Wrinn said Delta Phi Epsilon the Rush goes for two or three has about 47 active sisters and weeks starting at the beginning that it is a very diverse group. of the semester. She said during She said they are not looking that time her sorority, Delta Phi for a “cookie cutter” match but Epsilon, throws different events instead try and confirm the PNM for prospective members. feels like a good fit and everyone “One night we had a crafting is comfortable. She said they do night,” said Wrinn, the sorority’s not have a quota for how many coordinator of recruitment. members they will take on. “Another night we had pizza and “If you fit you fit,” said Wrinn, watched ‘The Cheetah Girls.’ It’s “and we’ll make a place for you.” PHOTO | JOSH LABELLA just a way to relax, open up, be Tori Santamaura, a junior Tori Santamauro, a junior, rushing Delta Phi Epsilon. yourself and for us all to get to social work major, said she know the girls coming in and for decided to rush because during prospective members. She said said he is always wanted to join a do fun stuff – communicate and the girls to get to know us. Meet the Greeks she saw the she does not want to say she is fraternity. hang out with them.” According to Wrinn, in order Delta Phi Epsilons rush video and confident she will get a bid. “I wanted to pledge last Lupoli said he is feeling to start the process of joining a fell in love with their purpose. “I love the girls and I hope semester but I couldn’t because confident about getting a bid. He Greek Life group a student needs She said it looked like a blast. She they love me as well,” said my work schedule was all over said he thinks everyone should to get a bid. She said all that said the rushing events have been Santamauro. “I’m hoping for the the place,” said Lupoli, “so I didn’t experience rushing a fraternity needs to happen to get a bid is for “so much fun.” best.” have the time. But now that it’s or sorority. the organization to get to know “The events were amazing, the Mike Lupoli, a freshman exer- not I can.” “Even if they don’t think they’ll them and both sides agreeing it is girls make me feel supported and cise science major, said he was He said rushing has made the fit in,” said Lupoli. “Everyone fits a right fit. comfortable,” said Santamauro. rushing Alpha Phi Delta because frat feel like home. He said for in somewhere – you just need to “The actual choosing process “I don’t have to be afraid to be he wanted to get more involved during the rush Alpha Phi Delta find the right place.” is a little bit more confidential myself. I’m completely home on campus and for an opportu- has had game nights and gone Both Santamauro and Lupoli just so no feelings are hurt when I’m with them.” nity to grow with the fraternity. out to dinner. He said it is a good confirmed Monday that they had and everyone can still have a Santamauro said she is spent He said at the end of the day it is way to interact. recieved bids over the weekend. good relationship,” said Wrinn. the past few weeks getting to a brotherhood and he will always “You don’t want to do student “Sometimes it’s just not a good fit. know the sorority and the other have people to depend on. He stuff,” said Lupoli, “You want to Features WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG FEBRUARY 14, 2018 PAGE 4 Unsung Hero: T. Wiley Carr %\-HƝUH\/DPVRQ One of Carr’s goals for the future is to visit more diverse locations in terms It was never his plan to of geography, geology and teach, but now T. Wiley elevation from sea level. Carr has been at Southern In a way of giving back, since 1992, teaching Carr has taken to making students the arts of art that is not typical of painting and printmaking. a gallery show. These Carr received his works, such as a mural at bachelor’s of fine arts Yale New Haven Children’s from Indiana University. Hospital, are mostly He then proceeded to get anonymous. They serve his master’s from Yale in a larger audience and 1987. At Yale, he taught Carr said that it was very color and color theory as gratifying. a graduate student for two Finding value in collab- years. Carr said that he oration and working with just knew that he wanted a group, Carr says that to paint. such projects, such as his “But,” Carr said, “I work with glass and ice, enjoyed the experience— are special and rewarding teaching—because I found in their own way. getting feedback from Carr said that if the students kept me really time comes when he is engaged and thinking not a full-time professor, about how I made my own he would still like to stay work.” engaged and remain He said that he is more involved with Southern’s concerned with being a diverse community. liaison to help students While he said that he follow their own vision. PHOTO | JEFFREY LAMSON maybe has not gotten to The way to do this, said T. Wiley Carr helping a student in a printmaking class. do as much of his own the painting and print- work as he would have making professor, is to “I’m not a teacher: only a their own, personal work. how guiding people can and things that he wishes liked, he does not feel respect the student, be fellow traveler of whom “It doesn’t have to be help them. to document. His pointer deprived because he likes open to their ideas and to you asked the way. I super profound, but it Carr said that he was stick is pointed at places teaching. grant them a certain level pointed ahead – ahead can be. It can have lots of not an art therapist but where he has or will As to why, Carr said that of freedom. of myself as well as layers of complexity,” said recognizes the, “positive collect pigment samples. he is grateful to be part Carr said that he views you.” Carr has a photo of Carr. value in being creative.” He takes these samples of someone’s education teaching as a journey with this quote saved on his He also said that his One of Carr’s projects is of rocks, minerals, roots and expression: “It gives an emphasis on explora- desktop. approach and style of the copyrighted Painter’s or even bugs and grinds people options for how to tion and self-analysis. Carr said that he helps teaching is still changing Pointing Stick Project. In them into a pigment to express themselves they Quoting George students isolate subject to this day. this, Carr goes to places be used in watercolor may not have considered Bernard Shaw, Carr said, matter that they can make He grew appreciative of and takes photos of places paintings of that place. before.” SART provides Students’ Valentine’s resources for survivors Day plans do not understand what a survivor is %\9LFWRULD%UHVQDKDQ experiencing, so Chrissy said she will school assignments. The holiday is speak to them on the survivor’s behalf as %\-HQQD6WHSOHPDQ on a weekday anyway, and I’m sure After becoming a victim of sexual well. on the weekend I’ll just do something misconduct, Catherine Chrissy, coor- In addition to providing these Valentine’s Day inspires different with my friends, if anything at all,” dinator of the Sexual Assault Resource resources, Chrissy said SART hosts feelings in different people, from said Salters. Team (SART), said all the little things can numerous events throughout the year. In extravagant expectations to just a She said if she was to plan her become overwhelming to a survivor. the fall, she said they focus on educating night alone with some chocolates. ideal Valentine’s Day, she would keep “[We] try to keep it as normal for a students through the INQ courses, Students said price is a major factor it classic with dinner and a movie. student as possible,” said Chrissy. residence halls, the Red Flag Campaign when considering their plans. “Dinner and a movie is kind of According to SART’s webpage, and the mandatory HAVEN program all Matthew Staniewicz, a first year the minimum so I would want that,” the team provides a collaborative SCSU students take online. graduate student pursuing a master’s Salters said, “I think the plans you victim-centered response to different In the spring, programs such as Take degree in social work, said his plans make all depend on who the date is forms of sexual misconduct such as Back the Night are held. Chrissy said with his girlfriend were going to be for. A long-term girlfriend makes for assault or harassment. The webpage SART is working on a new program intimate but on a smaller scale. different circumstances than a first stated the team is dedicated to helping called “I Choose,” which teaches men “This is my first Valentine’s Day date; spending anything over $100 victims transition into survivors through about intimate partner violence. with my girlfriend,” Staniewicz said, seems excessive.” the services they provide. “[It is] really about men thinking about “so I want it to be special and memo- This does not seem to be the Chrissy said a concept of SART has taking responsibility,” said Chrissy. “‘I rable, but nothing too crazy.” norm in American culture, however. always been to train employees to Choose’ not to use violence against Staniewicz said they both have According to Statistica, in 2017, help students who are sexual assault women.” classes here at Southern until late the nationwide total spent on “an survivors. The team, Chrissy said, has Noelle Couture, a freshman social at night, but after that he is going to evening out” on Valentine’s day was pamphlets describing Title IX rights, work major, said SART does enough surprise her with the gift and dinner over $5.5 billion. symptoms survivors may experience when it comes to providing resources with a nice bottle of wine. Salters said, “I think doing some- and resources for survivors. and informing students. She said SCSU “I bought her a $100 vinyl record thing together is important, more “[It is] really just about the concept is generally a comfortable environment that I know she’ll love and a dinner important than a gift usually.” there is support across the university,” with the resources being provided. and drinks, which will probably run The shift from gifts to experiences said Chrissy. “There is always someone you can me around $50,” Staniewicz said, “I seems to come at a time when This past fall, SART provided training talk to,” said Couture. “There are emer- think that’s about what the average millennials are looking for more to inform employees how to respond to gency buttons all over the place.” person spends on a special occasion value in their money. stalking and intimate partner violence. Mary Xatse, a SART graduate intern, like Valentine’s Day.” According to the National Retail Chrissy said there are constant opportu- said her role is to supervise student According to the National Retail Federation, 25-34 year olds spend nities for SART members to get training. workers and help with programs such as Federation, U.S. consumers are the most on Valentine’s Day activi- “We do get positive feedback from a the Brock Turner panel discussion held expected to spend an average of $144 ties, but are also seemingly getting majority, I would say 95 percent of the on Feb. 1. on Valentine’s Day as 55 percent of the most for it. students we work with,” said Chrissy. “I love talking to students and getting the general public celebrates this Jill Lenti, a freshman earth science However, she said students are not their perspectives on things,” said Xatse. year, which is an increase from last major said she would be sitting, always happy with how the criminal “It is so important. If I want someone year’s average costs at approximately working and thinking all by herself justice or school system handles their listen to me and my point of view, then $137. on Valentine’s Day. reports. I think it’s crucial to listen to them and Staniewicz said he as a man is not Lenti is one of the 45 percent of Chrissy said she can help survivors respect them as they are talking.” super excited for Valentine’s Day people not celebrating the holiday get doctor appointments, walk them Xatse said it is amazing to help survi- like he imagines his girlfriend is, this year, but she does have a through criminal proceedings and vors and give them resources for their and said he likes the holiday for the philosophy on what makes spending understand how to report a crime on recovery. She said even though she does sentimental value, something not money on your significant other or off campus. She said she has gone not always see how students are helped, everyone feels. worth it. with survivors to meet campus police it still means a lot to her that students Not everyone has grand romantic “I’m probably going to do nothing officers. Students do not always file a understand SCSU cares about them. plans out on the town this Valentine’s but hang out with a friend at most,” police report, Chrissy said, but they may “I know that it’s not always a situation Day; some just plan to eat some Lenti said, “I think if I was doing be able to get a “no-contact” request where we will get to see everyone who candy and do some school work. something, the price of whatever it filed. has benefited from it,” said Xatse, “but I Gabrielle Salters, a junior business was would be worth it, even if it’s a “Even as much as we simplify it, it can know that they are receiving help and major, said she has no particular little bit much; having one day that’s still be complicated,” said Chrissy. services, and that’s a great feeling.” plans for Valentine’s Day this year. all about you is always important.” Parents, friends and others sometimes “I think I’ll just be working on FEBRUARY 14, 2018 Features PAGE 5 Students react to professor’s use of racial slur

the word. But I don’t think profanity. He said it was Baah said the way the the board.” By Victoria Bresnahan anything serious needs thoughtless of the professor student reacted was not Marissa Siemiatkoski, a to happen, just a formal to use the word. wrong, especially since it is a junior psychology major, said On Tuesday, Feb. 6, univer- apology.” “I know some people that word that should not be said she heard of the incident per a sity President Joe Bertolino Jimenez said that if the aren’t offended by the word, in class by a professor. video posted on Facebook. sent out an email describing professor had apologized but I know some people that “Maybe it was implied or Siemiatkoski said the an incident in which a sooner, then it would not have are,” said Evans. “So even whatever, but you can’t really incident was inappropriate professor allegedly used a been such an issue. though there are people that tell,” said Baah. “That’s the and the professor should have racial slur in a classroom. A “I just think the fact he are not offended, you still thing most of the time; you examined the song before student in the class reacted tried to justify that he had shouldn’t say it because there can’t really tell the intent.” allowing the student to play it. and allegedly yelled and authority or a reason to say [are those who are offended].” Jamal Hanley, a senior “Obviously I see where the cursed at the professor for his [the word] made the situation Evans said it was okay for biology major, said the impact student was coming from, but use of the word, according worse,” said Jimenez. the student to play the song, of the racial slur depends on I feel the professor was not to earlier reporting by the This is currently a sensitive despite the words used in it. the context it is said in. aware it was [being used] as Southern News. subject due to the violence “You can’t really control “If I was the professor I a racial slur at the time,” said “This was a mistake on both occurring against black what people put in their probably would have kept my Siemiatkoski. the student’s and professor’s people and the beginning of music,” said Evans. “If you like mouth shut,” said Hanley. “I Siemiatkoski said the part,” said Katie Jimenez, Black History Month, she said. the music, then you like the wouldn’t put myself in that student should not get in a freshman earth science “People [are trying] to get music.” situation.” trouble for their actions. major. Some people may be other people to understand Kenny Baah, a freshman Hanley said the professor While she said the professor hurt by the word used in this why this is such a big thing,” sports management major, should not be fired due to this can learn from this encounter, confrontation, she said. said Jimenez. said the professor behaved allegation, since it could have the incident itself was racist. “I feel like there needs Gerai Evans, a junior unprofessionally during this been a lapse in judgment. “We have a lot of diversity to be an apology on both biology major, said it is not incident. “He wasn’t thinking clearly here, so it definitely was not [ends],” said Jimenez. “For a regular curse word—it has “It just slipped out, but as or whatever,” said Hanley. appropriate,” said Siemiat- [the student] lashing out and a lot of history behind it a professor that shouldn’t be “But definitely have a discus- koski. for [the professor] saying and goes deeper than other the case,” said Baah. sion with the president and

Registered independent students on campus

[conservatives], at least from what I [they’ve] got to deal with it.” “I feel like both sides are right By Victoria Bresnahan have seen, they feel more [comfort- As a registered independent, when it comes to certain issues,” said able] having an open discussion for Marsico said he can still engage in Rivera. “So, I kind of take both values As a registered independent, the most part,” said Helgeson. discussion with others who may from what each party believes in. I Adam Helgeson, a junior biology Committing to a specific party have a different political view than kind of intertwine both.” major, said he can be more involved may create an obligation to side with him—the conversations tend to stay Rivera said he is registered, but with political conversations when it regardless of whether a person mellow. he chooses not to vote due to feeling speaking to a Democrat or Repub- agrees with all its viewpoints, he said. “When professors talk about it uninspired by politics. He was lican. He said there may be tension “When you tell someone you are here, I don’t chime in—I just stay out considering voting in 2016, but lost between students and professors due a part of a political party, it auto- of it,” said Marsico. “I can only talk interest because of the candidate’s to the generational gap. matically creates a sort of stigma if about it with my immediate friend platforms, he said. “Just the age difference and the the person you are talking to has an group.” “If a social issue were addressed experience that professors have had opposing viewpoint,” said Helgeson. Marsico said he voted for Presi- that I really do care about,” said with political candidates versus with “Or, it kind of creates this artificial dent Trump this past election since Rivera, “and I heard about it, then of what we are dealing with today,” feeling of being an ally if you are he seemed the best candidate to him. course [I would vote].” said Helgeson. “I think also a large talking to someone of a similar “In my opinion, it could have gone Rivera said he respects others’ part of it—at least from what I have political party.” either way,” said Marsico. “[Hillary political views and beliefs. However, observed on college campuses— Stephen Marsico, a junior soci- Clinton] had different things than he said when others bring up their conservatism isn’t quite as looked ology major, said he would prefer to [Trump] did, and, I don’t know, I view consistently or pressure him to down on.” not get involved with politics or the just did not like her views on some take a side it becomes complicated. Today’s college students, Helgeson discussions which come along with things.” “At the end of the day,” said Rivera, said, may be more open to sharing it. David Rivera, a freshman social “I would still respect what they their political beliefs that do not align “People saying ‘Trump this, Trump work major, said although he stays believe in.” with their professor’s. that’-- I don’t want to hear it,” said up to date with politics he does not “I think that both Democrats and Marsico. “He is our president and affiliate with a specific party.

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[email protected] PAGE 6 arts FEBRUARY 14, 2018 Professor writes book on early sea exploration

PHOTO | MELANIE ESPINAL -DVRQ6PLWKDKLVWRU\SURIHVVRULQKLVRI¾FH This research includes the analysis and raphers, specifically those in the U.S. Navy, with the ocean,” he said. “I’m drawn to the By Melanie Espinal history of nautical charts from the 19th who were actively attempting to measure coast, to salt water. It is a passion of mine. century, to understand how science and and map the surface waters of the Earth. I am happy that it became an intellectual The open sea can be an enigmatic chart making reveal imperial interests, He said he felt the work of these people is pursuit as I grew.” concept in poetry, canonical works of like controlling ocean spaces and defining really underrated. As for writing, Smith assures students fiction and in so many texts of early those spaces. Specifically, cartographers like Matthew who may be in a similar position as he American history. “I’m trying to take historians away from Maury, an American ship captain who was, deciding to move forward with Professor of history at Southern, Jason land centered perspectives,” he said. recorded data in logs of ocean tempera- dissertation research into a book: it is no Smith, looks at the early interpretations of Smith acknowledged that historians tures, biometric measurements of various easy feat. oceans to determine the emergence of the may be criticized for studying articles or ships and passages. However, Smith did have some advice American ‘Ocean Empire,’ in his book, “To concepts that are not pertinent to today, “He was really a pioneer of crowd- for those looking to do the same. That Master the Boundless Sea: The U.S. Navy, but said the concepts he has explored in sourcing,” Smith said, “getting the data includes writing every day, reading every the Marine Environment, and the Cartog- ocean imperialism are still very relevant. from others that he needed.” day and appreciating the profound beauty raphy of Empire.” Specifically, he said, the relationship Maury is just one of the many “neat and sophistication of a concise three-word “It’s in its final stages,” Smith said. “It’s between man and nature is still very stories” Smith said is in his book. sentence. He advised that students invest been exhausting, very satisfying and relevant, considering environmental issues Smith’s fondness for these stories and themselves in projects that are long and rewarding.” and the effects humans have had on the interest in military history and nautical evolutionary. The book, which comes out in June environment. history goes back to when he was a kid. “Writing is not utilitarian,” he said. “It 2018, is the product of 10 years of Smith’s The book addresses some of these “Both my grandparents were veterans is a profound mode of expression. It’s so research, exploring early attempts of man issues to a degree, he said, and attempts from World War II and Korea,” he said. “I rewarding to know that someone can sit seeking to control the ocean, according to to provide the context for an important was fascinated with ships as a kid.” with something you wrote, and hopefully Smith. question: how can the ocean be territori- Smith said his fascination only grew they’re rewarded with it too.” “Long projects are like building a house,” alized? when his family went for vacations to he said. “Long projects take you a long For his research, Smith dissected the beaches and the ocean. time, but they are the most rewarding.” work of early hydrographers and cartog- “I developed a profound relationship FEBRUARY 14, 2018 Arts PAGE 7 Middletown stop on Mandala’s drummers journey

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It was raining heavily at night in Middletown, Connecticut, when musicians rushed to get inside the Mac 650 Art Gallery and Artist Co-Op to keep their amplifiers and instruments dry. Among them was Sean Connelly, a Southern student and music major. He plays drums for Mandala, a Connecticut band that hit their stride over the past year. Among the other musicians, Connelly, with a few select pieces of his drum kit, quickly gets inside. But the rain was hardly a set back for Connelly and his ensemble. If anything, as a musician, Connelly has faced much more severe trials during his career. Outside and away from the sounds of the other performing acts, Connelly and his lead guitarist Chris Desiderio explained how getting out to play their music has challenged them in the past. In particular, they remember breaking down in New York City. Taking the lead, Desiderio boldly said, “It’s a landmark in my life as a terrible day.” Getting into Brooklyn, the band’s car, which was carrying all their gear, died a few blocks away from the venue after an axle broke. After pushing the car to the side of the road they carried all of their equipment to the venue and still played the show. Well into the early hours of the morning afterwards, the band got towed by AAA and drove back to Connecticut in Connelly’s car. Upon reaching Connelly’s hometown of Cheshire, his car also broke down. Connelly still made it to work at seven in the morning. It is just another challenge of the job. “Half your day is going to class and spent doing PHOTO | TYLER KORPONAI homework,” said Connelly, “and the other half of your Sean Connelly performing with his band Mandala. day is however hard you want to work at booking a show and thinking about the future. Communication is a huge we’ll already be booked. The biggest interference is work.” among the many prints and paintings decorating the factor, so we try and do the best as possible. When it Nevertheless, it is worth it for Connelly. walls, Connelly began to play. He sat behind the drum kit. comes to making a record, you have to come together. If Connelly said, “Being an active drummer, I love it. It’s Connelly said, “My favorite part about playing a show we weren’t in school, it’d be a completely different story. very hard. But I just try and work with it the best that I are the moments before. The last hour before you go on I’d be practicing every single day.” can. Traveling is amazing. Philly is definitely one of the is always interesting. I love being in the moment. Not Morgan Fasanelli, the lead vocalist of Mandala, agrees furthest places I’ve gone. I played a show in Delaware. remembering anything and just being in the zone. All with Connelly about the levels of dedication required to I’ve played in D.C. before. That was with Mandala. I have in your head and you’re thinking about the music and make their passion come to life. played in New York City and upstate. Some shows in sometimes it’s all instinctual.” Fasanelli said, “We’ve learned that it takes a lot of Vermont. We try and hit every corner of the east coast. It’s planning. Right now in the beginning of February we’re great. I never really traveled my whole life.” planning for April and May and June already. And some- Middletown is just another stop in the musical journey times that sucks because last minute shows come up and for Connelly and Mandala. After getting warmed up University Choir is going to Portugal for spring break

PHOTO | JEFF LAMSON The University Choir rehearsing.

the choir, she said that the days were long, but it’s never songs that we wouldn’t also said that going to Greece and being %\-HƝ/DPVRQ with multiple rehearsals and concerts at have picked ourselves.” Some additional able to sing there for the choir was a, the end of the long day. songs that will be performed include “In “double-whammy.” A trip to Portugal, a remembrance She said that it was not all about being Remembrance,” “Soon Ah Will Be Done,” She said that to be able to travel, “and concert for Sandy Hook in May and the on vacation and that it was a lot of work. and “Turn The World Around.” Gemme to also do something that you love there, regular spring concert are on Southern’s Baker did say that it was a way to break said that the themes of this semester’s it’s kind of just an unparalleled experi- University Choir calendar for Spring 2018. through cultural barriers and, “when music are peace and justice. ence.” The choir will travel to Portugal over you love it, it doesn’t really feel like work Naude and Baker are in their fourth and Gemme had introduced Baker to the spring break next month to perform anyway.” sixth semesters of Southern’s University choir in the Honors College, where they alongside another choir from Portugal. “Everybody’s there because they want Choir, respectively, and both plan on both work. Baker said that she was glad “Foi Deus,” and “Accordai,” will both be to be there,” said Choir Director, Terese continuing with it for their entire time at that she was able to be a part of the choir performed in Portuguese and were recom- Gemme. She said that some of the roughly Southern. without sacrificing the studies in both of mended by the other choir. There will also a dozen alumni who sing in the choir have “If I wasn’t doing it,” said Naude, “I her majors. be a song in both French and Russian. been doing so for 15 years. Two of the would be thinking about doing it.” She For her future in the choir, after “Their songs are really beautiful,” said community members in the choir are the said that there was nothing that could stop university, Baker said, “If I’m here, I sophomore music major, Candace Naude. parents of someone that Naude had gone her from doing choir and asked, “What’s without a doubt would probably keep “I really look forward to singing them, to school with. three hours out of your day just to be able coming back, probably as one of those even though I can’t pronounce Portuguese Naude said she loves the presence of to have that experience?” Naude said that alumn-community members.” at all.” these community members in the choir. singing in a group is just as important as Megan Baker, a junior history and “You can meet anybody,” she said, “and it the work of a soloist. political science major is going to Portugal expands your social world.” Baker said that the inconvenience along with Naude and most of the choir On the selection of the music, Naude of 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. is minimal members. When she went to Greece with said, “Dr. Gemme chooses the music, compared to what she gets out of it. She WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG FEBRUARY 14, 2018 PAGE 8 Students shine at annual Kennedy Festival

if he wins the national fun, but also scary. competition. Regardless of “You would think it the outcome, McLoughlin would be a competitive said he would like to attend feeling being around the festival again next year. everyone you are “[In] this [show] I was a competing with,” said part of the story; I was a Davenport, a theatre minor. part of the narrative,” said “It was just more fun. McLoughlin. Everyone was really nice to Theatre professor each other and supportive.” Michael Skinner said 14 Davenport performed students attended the two scenes with her partner Kennedy Festival and Steven Belli—one was a overall the group did romantic encounter and wonderful. Skinner said the other a British farce. three students received Davenport said they were Merit Awards, in addition competing in the Irene to McLoughlin advancing Ryan Scholarship and were to nationals. the only ones to make it to “The last person we the second round from that sent to nationals for sound category. design was me when I was “I feel like a lot of us did a student in 2006,” said not take it seriously because Skinner. “So, it’s come full you go into it thinking ‘I am circle for me.” probably not going to win,’” Skinner said the said Davenport. “One of my students could always best friends actually won be more prepared when the singing competition. So, PHOTO COURTESY | BROKK TOLLEFSON competing in this competi- then you open your eyes Olivia Davenport and Steven Belli performing in the musical “Violet.” tion. Some of the students, and say, ‘Oh wow I could such as those from ‘Stop win this if I actually put in By Victoria Bresnahan we are presenting at a awards and scholarships McLoughlin will now Kiss’ only had a month to all this effort.’” festival,” said McLoughlin, in playwriting, acting, progress to the national prepare, he said. If Davenport returns to junior and double major dramatic criticism, round held in Washington “They do very good the Kennedy Festival next The only short come in communications and directing and design. D.C. this April. He will be jobs and I am proud of year, she said she wants to of theatre is time cannot theatre. “You’ve [only] got As a sound designer, representing the Northeast them,” said Skinner. “But I practice more and keep an be stopped, or at least that a minute to talk [in the first McLoughlin said his as he presents his audio always want them to work optimistic attitude towards is what JT McLoughlin round].” presentation consisted of again. a little harder. I thought we how far she could progress said when describing his According to its exhibiting audio he had “[My presentation] relied represented the school very in the competition. award-winning sound website, KCACTF is an created for “Stop Kiss”—a a lot on describing what I well.” “It is really good expe- design performance at the annual competition which play performed at the did and my intentions,” said Olivia Davenport, junior rience for theatre people,” annual Kennedy Center welcomes 20,000 students Lyman Center during the McLoughlin. “I think that is and sociology major, said Davenport. American College Theater nationwide. The website Fall 2017 semester. what got me in.” performed two scenes Festival. stated the KCACTF recog- After winning the second McLoughlin said it at KCACTF and said the “It’s tough because nizes students through round of the competition, would mean a lot to him energy of the event was Student artist of the week: Taylor Thomas

PHOTO | JEFF LAMSON PHOTOS COURTESY | TAYLOR THOMAS )UHVKPDQ¾QHDUWVPDMRU7D\ORU7KRPDVDQGDSLHFHIURPKHUVNHWFKERRN 7ZRJHRPHWULFDOSDLQWLQJVE\7KRPDV

“I always tend to base it off of either a grid, or halve the paper in a bunch of halves for some reason and structure it around that. I felt that kind of expressed my personality a little bit. Because I’m kind of logical and intellectual and I always try to look at bigger pictures and what the other perspective is. To me, I always visualize blocks and squares and stuff, because it just is very ordered and structured so having that in my art feels like I’m putting a little bit of me in there.” Sports WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG FEBRUARY 14, 2018 PAGE 9 40 student athletes named to ECAC honor roll

PHOTO | SOUTHERNOWLS.COM

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PHOTO | SOUTHERNOWLS.COM By Matt Gad Sophomore Imani Wheeler looking to pass the ball during an away game this season. Forty Southern student-athletes were named to the Eastern College Athletic Conference’s academic honor roll for the fall semester. Members from field hockey, football, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball were honored on either the academic or president’s honor roll. Owls’comeback victory “It was rewarding to see that my hard work in the classroom is paying off,” volleyball’s Leanna Jadus said. “It can definitely be challenging to balance school work, practice and games, my accounting internship and extracurricular activities but I really enjoy keeping myself busy.” Sophomore guard Imani Wheeler scored the go-ahead bucket in the final Jadus, who was named to the president’s honor roll, meaning she obtained a grade minutes of Saturday’s game securing the Owls’ one-point victory over Le Moyne. point average of at least a 3.6, was part of this year’s volleyball squad which reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time By Michael Riccio 14 points per game. example of how hard her however, outscored the in program history. Everyone on her “Roberts is an excellent team works. Owls 21-18 in the frame and team that received honor roll distinctions player. She can handle the “Saint Rose was a close took a five-point lead into qualified in the president’s category. In a matchup for first ball and she can shoot,” game, Saint Michael’s we the fourth. “The most important thing for our place in Southwest Divi- Lynch said. “Our plan was won at the buzzer, Assump- The Owls started the student-athletes is to graduate. We love sion of the NE-10, Imani to make sure she didn’t get tion we were down double quarter scoring seven when they get the academic awards, Wheeler scored the final any shots off. We did what digits and came from straight points to take whether it’s the ECAC academic award four points for the Owls we needed to hold her to, behind,” Lynch said. “They the lead. With five lead or the NE-10 honor roll; it just shows the to seal their comeback 10 points, which is low for don’t give up on each other changes in the final seven balance of what a student-athlete is all victory over the Le Moyne and don’t give up no matter minutes of the game, Africa about,” athletic director Jay Moran said. “It’s Dolphins 53-52. “They don’t give up on how much they’re down. Williams and Wheeler about competition and practice on one end The Owls (18-8, 12-6) That’s a good attribute to scored the final 10 points but most importantly it’s about studying entered the game a half each other.” have as a team.” for Southern, with Wheeler and knowledge so it’s a great honor for game ahead of the Dolphins — Kate Lynch, The Owls led after the hitting a layup with 1:45 left these individuals to get these awards.” (14-9, 10-7) in the division, head coach first quarter 10-9, but the to give the Owls a three- In addition to the ECAC honors, with both teams leading the Dolphins went on a 10-2 point lead. The Dolphins the athletic department also had 207 division in fewest points her.” run to start the second had a chance to win after student-athletes honored with the North- allowed. Head Coach Kate The Owls have won six and took a 23-21 halftime a turnover, but McKayla east-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, which Lynch said the plan was of their last eight games, lead. In the third quarter, Roberts shot at the buzzer requires a 3.0 minimum grade point to limit the production of five by single digits. Lynch both teams nearly equaled was no good. average to be maintained. McKayla Roberts, who leads said winning a lot of their scoring output in the The Owls had six “An academic honor is like another the Dolphins in scoring at close games recently is an first half. The Dolphins, players finish with at least volleyball award or winning a game because it serves as

SEE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PAGE 1O SEE HONOR ROLL PAGE 11 Club hockey looks to make national tournament

in positions out on the ice say they do not blame people By Matt Gad and three on the goalkeepers’ for not coming out but know roster. Luc Amatruda and that they could all feed off the The Southern men’s club Matt Paolini, who have split energy of a large crowd. ice hockey team is sitting at the majority of time in the “I think if we were closer 12-9- 1-3 so far this season goal this season, both have more people would start after falling to 18-win Fairfield save percentages in the .900s. coming and hopefully University, 2-1, this past Amatruda has 10 wins and two realizing that our games are Saturday at Northford losses and Paolini is 9-3. nothing short of exciting Pavilion. Tom Brunski, a forward, every night; we’ve got plenty “Last year we had a great leads the team with 48 points of entertainers on this roster, run,” forward Brian Flanagan while Johnny Johnson has 33 that’s for sure,” Amatruda said. said. “We went on an 11-game and Jake Crowe has 27. All of Bill Walsh is the team’s winning streak, finished third the 20 players have scored at head coach, now in his second in the region and second in least one goal this season with season. Walsh helped the Owls our conference and we made six scoring a minimum of 23. get to the tournament for the good on a run in the national The team said they are first time in seven years last tournament in Columbus, in a tough position because season and he received the Ohio.” they play far off campus and Empire Collegiate Hockey PHOTO | FRANK ALBANO This year’s team is made can not draw a large crowd Conference Coach of the Year Junior wing Brendan Srobel during a game this season. up of 23 members: 20 players at their home games. They Award.

SEE HOCKEY PAGE 11 WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG FEBRUARY 14, 2018 PAGE 10 Olympic politics in South Korea

because Rippon spoke negatively of a gay person and one who has tried to repair his image by By Matt Gad of Pence when he found out called them “sick.” Two weeks tagging Adam in a tweet saying that Pence would be leading the before the Olympics, Pence’s team that he was supported and that he We can’t get away from politics United States’ Olympic delegation felt like an organized conver- “shouldn’t let fake news distract now, can we? At this year’s Winter into the Pyeongchang Games. sation between both parties him.” Through and through, the Olympics Vice President Mike “You mean Mike Pence, the same was necessary. The Olympian man there to skate continues Pence, tried to put some more Mike Pence that funded gay declined, and true to this admin- to hold his head high. After pressure on North Korea in what conversion therapy?” he told istration’s fashion, Pence, who, competing this past Sunday night, was a clearly strategic move for USA Today before the Olympics, if nothing else, has been rather NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico asked an administration that has repeat- adding that he would not meet professional with his Twitter him about the recurring incident, edly vowed to “end strategic with the Vice President due to account, tweeted, “Headed to the and Adam said he is just here to patience” with the nuclear leader obvious personal frustration for Olympics to cheer for Team USA. stay true to himself and to focus and got himself into some more the 28 year old who would prefer One reporter trying to distort 18 on competing for his coaches, hot water of late. The Vice Pres- to just focus on ice skating. year-old non story to sow seeds teammates and his country. ident and openly gay Olympian Rippon said he would “abso- of division. We won’t let that skater Adam Rippon have been lutely” not go out of his way to happen! #FAKE NEWS.” paired together in the headlines meet someone that is not a friend And if it wasn’t worse, Pence Matt Gad - Sports Writer

Winning streak comes to an end for men’s basketball

PHOTO | PALMER PIANIA Senior guard Bernard Brantley reseting the offense during Saturday’s game against Le Moyne College.

By Kevin Crompton Early in the second half, shooting 42 percent from the got around seven offensive the playoff tournament that lies freshman guard Jesper Sandager field, 44 percent from 3-point rebounds and scored on six of ahead: sank a 3-pointer giving the range and averaging 14 points per them and that gave them their “We just got to win every game. Southern Connecticut State Owls their second lead of the game. However, he struggled to run,” said senior forward Jerry We got to practice to prepare University’s men’s basketball head afternoon. On the following get his shots to fall on Saturday. Luckett, Jr. who lead the Owls in ourselves to win every game. coach Scott Burrell and company possessions, Southern struggled Coleman reflected on how he scoring with 18. Jefferson is a very good team, were unable to post their seventh to score and come up with defen- tries to overcome difficulties in Prior to Saturday’s loss in they’re going to come here trying straight victory on Saturday sive stops, enabling the Dolphins scoring for his team: Southern’s previous win over to get a W on the road to help evening. to post a 12-0 run taking the lead “You got to find a balance in American International College their power rankings but we need Le Moyne College put an end to for the remainder of the contest. whatever you do,” said Coleman. on Feb. 6, the team clinched a to win, we need wins. the Owls’ six game winning streak “We didn’t take them out of “I definitely try to look for open spot in the NE-10 conference “Southern has three games Saturday, winning by a ten-point anything they ran,” said head teammates if drive but I also have tournament. remaining on their regular season margin, 80-70. In the first four coach Scott Burrell. “They ran the to keep finding my shot because if “[Playoffs have] been on our schedule. Their next two will be minutes of the game, Southern clock down and they got what I don’t the defense is just going to mind but we’re just trying to take at home against 17-10 Jefferson set the tone by going on an 8-1 they wanted. We competed in stay stagnant so I got to make sure it one game at a time,” said Luckett University on Feb. 12 and 10-16 run. By six minutes into the first spots at certain points in the game I do both.” Jr. “We started off kind of rough Adelphi University on Feb 14. half, the Le Moyne Dolphins tied but we didn’t compete for 40 Second chance opportunities this season and that’s just been They will close out the regular the game and continued building minutes.” hurt the Owls as Le Moyne our motto; just take it one game at season on the road against Pace their lead with a 24-7 run. Just 6-4 freshman guard Ulyen managed to score on the bulk of a time and try to get better every University (7-18) on Feb 17. before halftime, Southern rallied Coleman has been one of the their offensive rebounds. day. Keep moving forward.” closing the gap to five points. Owls’ leading scorers all season, “Coach was saying [Le Moyne] Burrell also commented on

Women’s basketball

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six points, with Abby Hurlbert leading the way with 15. Murphy Murad said the team had to make adjustments on offense during the game in order to comeback and win. “We had trouble moving the ball so we did a better job of attacking and kicking out,” Murad said. “There was movement on their defense so we got better shots offensively.” Lynch said her team “looked timid” in the first half and were “afraid to lose.” She said confidence is an important element for her team that relies on shooting. “Coming out of halftime we made that adjustment to play to win and get open shots and knocked them down,” Lynch said. “We’re a shooting team so we have to be confident. Shooters keep shooting.” Courtney Webster led the Dolphins in points and rebounds with 15 and nine. Joanna Dobrovosky and Roberts also finished in double figures. Webster, a 6-foot-2 forward, and Dobrovosky, a 6-foot-3 forward, enabled the Dolphins to score 30 points in the paint. Kiana Stein- auer said it was important for the Owls to stay in front of them on defense. PHOTO | SOUTHERNCTOWLS.COM “They had a height advantage over Sophomore Kiana Steinauer being guarded in the post during a home game this us,” Steinauer said, “and we just had to season. do whatever we could to make sure they didn’t get open.” WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG FEBRUARY 14, 2018 PAGE 11 Paul Pierce joins Celtics legends in the rafters

By Kevin Crompton the NBA, and ultimately result From a number stand point, first decade of the 2000s era in his recognition as one of Bird has the upper hand on when Pierce led the Celtics in After Sunday’s game the best Celtics to ever don the career average points with 24.6 raising their first championship concluded between the Boston iconic green and white. points per game; Pierce, 21.8. banner in 22 years. One thing Celtics and the Cleveland According to former Celtic However, despite the — always that will not be debated upon Cavaliers in TD Bank Garden, Robert Parish, whose 00-jersey hard to argue against factual is that Pierce is well deserving former Celtics small forward number also hangs in the numbers — there is more to of the highly coveted honor Paul Pierce was honored as his rafters, Pierce was a better thoroughly evaluating a player that jersey number retirement jersey number, 34, was retired. offensive player than Larry and putting a crown on the is and that The Truth’s number Pierce became the 22nd Celtic Bird, who is widely regarded more deserving. Basketball 34, deserves to be enshrined to have his number retired and as one of the best NBA players and Celtics fans will debate in the building home to one of hung on a banner in the rafters in history. Parish, who played over who was the better Celtic the most historic franchises in of TD Bank Garden. Pierce gave alongside of Bird, said that and answers will likely be sports history. an emotional speech thanking Pierce was more creative in influenced by the generation teammates, coaches, friends, his game which is a reason the fan belongs to — 1980’s family and many others who he believes him to be a better era when Bird helped Boston helped him achieve success in scorer than Bird. win three NBA titles, or the Kevin Crompton - Sports Editor

Hockey Yakabu Ibrahim: best hurdler in conference CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

PHOTO | SOUTHERNOWLS.COM Senior Yakabu Ibrahim in the 60 meter hurdles during a meet this season.

PHOTO | FRANK ALBANO Members of the club hockey team celebrating after a By Matt Gad the 60 meters, outlasting competitors relay and hurdles. goal this season. from all divisions. With a time of “Thinking about my teammates 8:04, he led a pack that also included always comes second nature, from Yakabu Ibrahim, a redshirt senior sophomore Ruvens Exantus, who, inspiring them or making sure He is assisted by Frank Butler, a former and quad-captain, is ready to go for like Ibrahim, brought home All- people get the message of the goal Division III player at Nichols College, and Mike this weekend’s NE-10 Indoor Cham- New England honors. we’re trying to accomplish,” he said. Ginnetti. pionships. He is number one in the “No matter who you are, there’s “A lot of us have our eyes on making “We all came to Southern in pursuit of higher conference for hurdles and number a lot of work that goes into being a it to nationals and I bring a certain education. Having the opportunity to play hockey two in the 60 meter. “My coach is leader and performing on the level of energy and mindset at prac- is just a bonus and we all continue to play simply looking for me to score big points track,” Wallin said. “The better you tice that we’re all here to get better.” because we all love the game,” Flanagan said. at conference,” Ibrahim said. “I’m get, the higher the stakes so there’s a He also said that he is felt like the “We all take the game very seriously but also number two in the country just off lot of work that goes in whether it’s coaching staff has done a good job know how to have fun and enjoy ourselves in the the national automatic qualifying Yakabu or someone else. There’s a lot this year in spreading out athletes process. Not being able to play locally definitely time and the season has been going of work going into being prepared to over all of the event categories and has an effect on our fan base.” pretty consistently.” compete.” making the team more balanced with Team President Frank Albano, who played last His head coach, John Wallin, a Ibrahim said communication is depth this season. Ibrahim said that year but has since largely stepped aside and just 10-time Coach of the Year from the generally better within everyone’s with more athletes there is less pres- takes care of managerial duties, said they all wish United States Track and Field and specific event groups because sure for others to triple or quadruple there was some more promotion that went on Cross Country Coaches’ Association, people have things in common. He themselves on a meet day. in the campus recreation office, but that they are said Ibrahim has been doing great said that the jumpers have a different “We tried desperately on the men’s just used to being independent. and he recently won his third career bond with each other just like side to keep a very balanced team and Club Teams at Southern rely on social media as New England indoor title, a meet throwers, hurdlers, pole vaulters and I would say we’re very balanced now, the driving force because they do not have their moved up in the schedule this year in the distance runners. we just happen to be much stronger own sports information director or marketing a possible attempt to help qualifica- He has served as one of four of this across the board probably in the past department like with the NCAA Division II teams. tions for the nationals meet. year’s indoor track and field captains, two or three years,” Wallin said. “We Without being tied into the NCAA category, the New Englands took place on Feb. along with Tikuan Johnson, Brian have more depth and more high- club teams on campus still have to comply with 2 and 3 in Boston, Massachusetts. Sappleton, Hunter Stokes and Luke quality athletes at every the campus’ regular club rules in terms of setting one week before this past weekend’s Velez. Ibrahim is a multiple time All- position.” up an executive board and maintaining a Valentine Invitational. In New American and All-New England presence on OwlConnect. Englands, the Owls finished in fourth student-athlete and has also previ- place with Ibrahim finishing first in ously been an NE-10 Champion in

Honor roll

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motivation to keep working hard,” Jadus He also said that the athletic department said. “It shows that good things will won it just give awards for those with come.” the highest cumulative averages but that Kelli McCombs, a member of the field they also take into account one’s leader- hockey team, said her honor roll selec- ship skills. tion attributes to her time-management Colin Walsh, who battles multiple skills and that she plans out her weeks sclerosis and recently competed at the on Sundays to make sure that she alumni track meet, was the recipient of fits in time for every class she takes. the department’s scholar-athlete award “If I didn’t write everything down I in 2007-08, along with former field would never get it all done. I also utilize hockey player Kate Gedney. And last bus rides and get a lot of work done at year that award went to Caroline Staudle night and during the days when I don’t of women’s soccer and Jonathan Paul of have classes,” she said. “I’ve been recog- the men’s basketball team. “They know nized for academics by Southern before that, at the end of the day, they could be but this is the first time that I’ve been riding back from Syracuse, New York recognized by the ECAC.” and need the light on their phone to read Moran said that each student-athlete so many pages or to pull out their Mac knows their potential, not just as an to write a paper. So the coaches may athlete but also academically, and that be sleeping on the way home but the PHOTO | SOUTHERNOWLS.COM someone who gets a 2.5 can be just as student-athletes are probably up doing Junior Leana Jadus, one of the athletes named to the ECAC honor roll, important as someone with a 3.5 as their work.” during a volleyball game last season. long as that is what they are striving for. WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG FEBRUARY 14, 2018 PAGE 12 Men’s basketball vs. Le Moyne College

PHOTO | PALMER PIANA Junior Isaiah McLeod during halftime warm ups.

Senior Taurus Adams II taking a jump shot vs. Le Moyne College on Saturday. PHOTO | PALMER PIANA

PHOTO | PALMER PIANA Freshman Jesper Sandager looking to pass the ball during Saturday’s game. PHOTO | PALMER PIANA Junior Isaiah McLeod prepares for free throw during Saturday’s game.

Northeast-10 Standings MEN’S BASKETBALL WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

CONFERENCE OVERALL CONFERENCE OVERALL GP RECORD WIN % GP RECORD WIN % GP RECORD WIN % GP RECORD WIN %

NORTHEAST DIVISON NORTHEAST DIVISON

SAINT ANSELM 18 13-5 0.722 24 18-6 0.750 STONEHILL 18 17-1 0.944 23 21-20.913 MERRIMACK 18 12-60.667 25 16-9 0.640 BENTLEY 18 15-3 0.833 24 21-30.875 STONEHILL 18 11-70.611 24 15-9 0.625 SO. NEW HAMPSHIRE 18 11-7 0.611 24 15-9 0.625 SO. NEW HAMPSHIRE 18 9-9 0.500 23 13-10 0.565 SAINT ANSELM 18 11-7 0.611 25 15-10 0.600 BENTLEY 18 9-90.500 23 12-11 0.522 MERRIMACK 18 10-8 0.556 23 14-90.609 FRANKLIN PIERCE 18 8-10 0.444 23 13-10 0.565 SAINT MICHAEL’S 18 5-13 0.278 23 8-15 0.348 ASSUMPTION 18 3-150.167 24 7-17 0.292 ASSUMPTION 18 5-130.278 23 8-150.348 SAINT MICHAEL’S 18 3-15 0.167 23 6-17 0.261 FRANKLIN PIERCE 18 1-17 0.056 23 4-19 0.174

SOUTHWEST DIVISON SOUTHWEST DIVISION

LE MOYNE 17 16-1 0.941 24 19-5 0.792 SO. CONNECTICUT 18 12-6 0.667 26 18-8 0.692 SAINT ROSE 17 13-4 0.765 25 18-7 0.720 LE MOYNE 17 10-7 0.588 23 14-9 0.609 NEW HAVEN 18 11-7 0.611 23 14-9 0.609 PACE 17 10-70.588 25 14-11 0.560 SO. CONNECTICUT 18 10-8 0.556 23 13-10 0.565 ADELPHI 18 8-100.444 26 12-14 0.462 AMERICAN INT’L 17 6-11 0.353 25 11-14 0.440 SAINT ROSE 17 7-10 0.412 23 9-14 0.391 ADELPHI 18 6-120.333 26 10-16 0.385 NEW HAVEN 18 6-12 0.333 23 10-13 0.435 PACE 17 3-140.176 25 7-18 0.280 AMERICAN INT’L 17 5-12 0.294 25 11-14 0.440 Opinions WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG FEBRUARY 14, 2018 PAGE 13 Issues with Southern’s tobacco-free initiative

PHOTO | SCSU Southern’s tobacco-free initiative poster.

You can see it in a few locations are tied. No one likes cigarette butts song “Man in the Mirror,” which I can By Tyler Korponai around campus. Like when examining littering the ground. Why doesn’t one hardly believe I’m referencing, I think the ground for footprints, you can see bloke put unmarked buckets around that I could easily make Southern a Back in 2016, Southern received a the remains of Southern’s smokers here campus? Right? Smokers are naturally cleaner campus by making one small grant from the State Department of and there: a few cigarette filters scat- in their own social club. It is not too change. And yes, for a lot of people Public Health for $235,496 “to enhance tered on the pavement, testaments to hard to see their preferred smoke spots. quitting smoking is a massive and its leadership in snuffing out campus smokers’ persistence. And that is where Why not discretely make one petty unthinkable change. That said, let’s tobacco use and to encourage its I take my issue. concession so that the campus is a little address a problem that has an easy students to kick the habit,” according to As part of Southern’s stance on cleaner? solution and isn’t so daunting. Southern’s website. smoking, I have come to understand Let me put it this way. I do not smoke As I said earlier, I think absolutes Simply these funds were, and are, from chatting with the student body frequently and yet sometimes the day are not a great stance to take. I think intended to lower smoking rates that adding disposal bins for filters gets ahead of me and, after not eating having a responsible way to dispose of of students on campus, to expand would violate the conditions of South- all day and still having to keep moving, cigarettes on campus does not really programs that support this initiative, ern’s grant, which I think is sort of a shared cigarette with a friend may be promote smoking. If anything it could and to set Southern as a leader for backwards. the best, or only thing, to keep me from isolate smoking to a few corners even other colleges interested in creating I think any policy that positions itself having a total meltdown. I understand more than it already is. In the great similar policies. And you know what? as an absolute really ignores the reality that is not a healthy way to cope with journey that is battling a nicotine Good on Southern for doing so. And of how things work. So sure, Southern my problems. But this is the hand that addiction, why don’t the smokers of that is coming from an off and on social has been “smoke free” for a while now. I have been dealt on a few occasions. It Southerns out there do their small part smoker. But not really. And there are still issues is a small thing. I would just prefer to to combat the perception of smoking. However, I know-- really we all that persist whether or not this policy is neatly dispose of the remains of my bad Despite our habits we can in small ways know-- that smoking on Southern’s in place. habit. be conscious and responsible. campus still happens every single day. So here is my take. Southern’s hands To paraphrase Michael Jackson’s The hunter became the hunted: big game hunting

By Mary Rudzis there is justice in this world. That is sport is taking that risk and it is no and entertainment, or otherwise karma. Big game hunting is problem- fault but their own if they get injured. exploited in the event of the Running atic considering that there are less Morrissey has a song titled “The of the Bulls. This past weekend, a suspected than 20,000 lions are left in the wild Bullfighter Dies” in which he writes I am not losing sleep over the poacher was mauled and eaten by in Africa. about people cheering when they fact that a man who intended to lions while allegedly hunting at a Unfortunately, the skin, skeletons hear the news that a bullfighter kill an animal was killed by that South African game reserve. and teeth of lions are valuable and was killed. “Hooray, hooray, the animal instead. After the incidents The lions quickly killed him, and therefore incentivizes those who bullfighter dies and nobody cries with Cecil the lion and Harambe, it his head was the only part of his want to kill innocent, nearly endan- because we all want the bull to seems as though the general public body that was untouched. Officers gered animals to make some quick survive.” is becoming outraged when it comes believe that the hunting rifle found cash. While that may seem like a to exploitation and abuse of certain nearby belonged to him. With one less poacher/hunter controversial message for a song, I animals. That is a step in the right Lions kill up to 250 people a year in the world, I’m not shedding any would like to believe that most sane direction that will hopefully even- in Africa. It is incidents like these tears. It may seem harsh, but anyone people would be upset at the fact that tually lead to a more compassionate that, for me, are a reminder that who sets out to kill an animal for innocent beings are killed for sport and aware social consciousness.

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 Advisors: Cindy Simoneau Section Editors a correction or clarification in the next issue. Frank Harris III Josh Labella News Contact information: Mary Rudzis Opinions & Features We are the student newspaper of Email: [email protected] Melanie Espinal Arts & Entertainment Southern Connecticut State University, Newsroom Phone: 203-392-6928 Kevin Crompton Sports and we welcome the writing of all Fax: 203-392-6927 Palmer Piana Photo Southern students and faculty. Tyler Korponai Online Mailing Address: To submit a piece, email it to Southern Connecticut State University Staff Reporters [email protected], or stop 501 Crescent Street August Pelliccio News Writer by the Southern News office on the second Student Center Room 225 Matt Gad Sports Writer floor of the Student Center, Room 225. New Haven, CT 06515 Victoria Bresnahan General Assignment Electronic submissions are preferred. Jess Lamson General Assignment Issues printed by: Valley Publishing, Derby, CT Opinion Columns are 500 to 800 words Follow Us on Twitter: @Southern_News Copy Desk and Letters to the Editor are a maximum Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thesouthernnews Gary Scaramella of 400 words. They must include the writer’s Mariam Alajjan Amanda Cavoto name and phone number for verification. Visit us online: TheSouthernNews.org We reserve the right to edit for grammar, View print edition at: OurSchoolNewspaper.com/Southern Palmer Piana Business/Ad Manager spelling, content and length. Photo WWW.THESOUTHERNNEWS.ORG FEBRUARY 14, 2018 PAGE 14 Basketball injury results in hospital trip

By Palmer Piana An ambulance arriving outside of Moore Field House.

Teammates and coaches helpng Tom Brown, No. 4 on Le Moyne College’s men’s basketall team, stands after taking a fall and hitting his head on the court.

Joe Hines, associate director of athletics, cleaning blood off of the court before play resumes.

Blood on the court as a result of the injury.

Brown holding a compress on his face while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Stretcher being taken out of the ambulance.