September/October 2016
Volume 55 Issue 4
what’s in
Alvernia Resolves Angelica Park Dispute
THIS ISSUE
Photo courtesy of (Courtesy of Bill Uhrich)
By Mady Johnston Managing Editor
From Tragedy to Triumph
A virtual conception of the new Berks Nature facility in Angelica Park.
The Calming of Nature
Continued on page 3
Dominican Republic usually bring their most famous dish known as Mangu. Mangu is mashed plantains with salami and onions and sometimes eggs and fried cheese to go along with it. Another famous Puerto Rican dish that is brought to this event are Pastelillos. Pastelillos are meat filled pastries made with thin dough, crimped edge and fried. Others also include Pupusas, which is another delicious known dish from El Salvador and is made of thick
usual fillings are meat and cheese, but may also include beans, lettuce or tomatoes. The guests also enjoy from the visual representations and attires of different cultures set up on booths around the festival. While having a pleasant time and reaching out to the community through their service, this event also serves as an excellent opportunity for small companies in the area to increase their networking circle. By being provided with the chance to present their
The National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, and celebrates the contributions Hispanic Americans have made in the United States. According to the 2010 Census, 58.16% of the population in Reading is of Hispanic or Latino origin. Many are excited to celebrate their culture this month. The Centro Hispano hosts the Berks Latin Festival, where all Hispanics from different countries in the community come together in Reading to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Executive Director at Centro Hispano, Michael Toledo said, “The Centro Hispano is the lifeline to the Latino community in Greater Reading. Celebrating our heritage means taking pride in where we come from and more importantly where we are going as a Latino community. Recognizing that we all have a role to play in leading with passion and purpose.” During this event a variety of different dishes are prepared by individuals Dancers perform at Berks Latin Festival. from different cultures for guests to enjoy. For example, people who wish to be part
By Veronica Cepparulo Contributing Writer
Continued on page 5
Photo courtesy of Centro Hispano
Tap Into Your Creativity
Expanding one’s horizons can be hard, but expanding one’s campus can be even harder. Alvernia’s planned expansion onto East Campus was briefly stymied by a property dispute over the use of Angelica Park. Alvernia University was moving forward on plans to make Angelica Park the main entrance of the campus over the past year. The school believed it was legally able to do so based on its agreements with neighboring municipalities. However, unknown to everyone involved in the use
Mes de la Herencia Hispana en Reading! One Tree Hill Comes To AU of the event that are from the By Carmen Gonzalez handmade corn tortilla. The Contributing Writer
Intellectual Freedom: It’s Your Right!
of the park today, restrictions had been placed on the land in both 1966 and 1971 by both the federal government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In both 1966 and 1971, the City of Reading received federal grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) totaling $350,000, which would be over $2.5 million today. These grants were used to build a new outdoor recreational facility. In those grants, the City of Reading was required to be the permanent owners of the
Francis Hall Theatre was full of good times and music as One Tree Hill alum Tyler Hilton hit the stage on September 9. Campus Activities Board (CAB) sponsored Hilton’s concert as a free music event. With 172 students in attendance, there was not an empty spot in the house. The concert was one of CAB’s most successful events of the semester so far. Students may know Tyler Hilton as Chris Keller from One Tree Hill. Hilton played a cocky musician on the show, but you would never be able to tell based on his behavior at Alvernia. Hilton met with the CAB executive board and a few of the Cabbies who volunteered their time to work the event before the show. Tara Gorman, senior, was one of the many One Tree Hill fans and Cabbies that got to work the event. Gorman was also one of the lucky ones who got to meet Hilton at the meet-and-greet. “I’m such a huge fan of
Continued on page 3
flynn files
2 September/October 2016
Managing Editor Mady Johnston Layout Mady Johnston Section Editors Mikaileigh Baker Paige Burkett Kyle Grim Connor Mustakas John Petrecz Ryan Weber Contributing Writers Veronica Cepparulo Cheyenne Ettinger Tommy Godin ReJeana Goldsborough Liz Gonyea Camren Gonzalez Leah Green Justin Herforth Yashira Onque Macy Storm Sarah Verneret Jessica Warner Faculty Advisor Dr. Ryan Lange
The Alvernian is the official student newspaper of Alvernia University. To contact newspaper staff, the office telephone number is 610-796-8358. Articles submitted for consideration into The Alvernian should be written in some semblance of AP style. Letters to the editor, requests for advertisements, and general comments and questions may be submitted to ryan.lange@ alvernia.edu. The editors reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, accuracy, and length. The views expressed in The Alvernian are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the student body, faculty, staff, administration, or sponsors.
© 2016 The Alvernian
Flynn Files: September 2016 Dear Students, As I enter my 12th year as Alvernia’s president and begin another edition of Flynn Files, let me again welcome new and returning students alike--undergraduate and graduate, doctoral candidates and Seniors College “life-long learners.” Each academic year brings out the best in our people. New students and faculty bring fresh energy. Cultural events stir reflection. Athletic events build spirit. Student clubs and organizations sponsor wideranging activities. First-Year seminars and other courses engage students in pondering “enduring questions.” From our Orientation Service Day to the Mass of the Holy Spirit to the commissioning of student leaders, our Franciscan mission is front and center! This fall began with a spectacular announcement and the arrival of the impressive Class of 2020! Just consider: PLEX IS COMING! On their first day on campus, the Class of 2020 helped celebrate the announcement of our largestever project: a Recreation, Wellness and Health Sciences Complex, called “The PLEX,” the centerpiece of a new East Campus. Highlights include: • A multi-story academic wing housing leading-edge interprofessional teaching and learning spaces that will engage students from athletic training, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing and social work programs to enhance total patient care. • A massive field house, designed to provide indoor recreation space for all students and an indoor home for our track and field program. Included is a six-lane, NCAA competition-level indoor track and four, full-sized, multi-use sport courts. NEW ARRIVAL! New and returning students were greeted with a new arrival court and Welcome Center at Francis Hall as well as a grand campus entrance on St. Bernardine Street. Rebuilding of St. Bernardine Street through Angelica Park is nearly complete, with replacement of an aging bridge and addition of new lighting planned for later this fall. FRESH FACULTY! Sixteen new faculty members, with diverse backgrounds, have also arrived. They will offer courses in Biology, Business, Chinese, Criminal Justice, Education, Nursing, Occupational and
Physical Therapy, and Spanish. SERVANT LEADERS! More than 450 of us served at 17 of the 19 schools in the Reading School District during our Orientation Day of Service, one of four such days annually. Students reported 34,351 hours of community service during 2015-16, with 46 of them each providing 100 to over 500 hours. The St. Francis Day of Service took place on Oct. 1, with several hundred students “branching out” as volunteers at Angora Fruit. Service is indeed deep within the Alvernia DNA! GET REAL! Ten students have received inaugural Real World Experience Awards. Students were invited to apply for awards of up to $2,000 to defray the costs of enrichment experiences such as study away, non-domestic service learning or Alternative Breaks, credit-bearing internships away from Alvernia or home, and undergraduate research. A second call for applications will be made later this semester. HOME SWEET HOME! This fall, 52 percent of freshman residents are housed in living/learning communities: Pulse (health professions), Crusader Scholars (honors), #DoWellDoGood (service), and Athlead (student athletes). Forty-three percent of upper division students also live in themed communities. MORE JUSTICE! The second year of Alvernia’s Justice Everywhere initiative is challenging students to engage in experiences that encourage growth and learning about social justice and diversity. Featured already was a discussion with Ferguson, Missouri’s Michael Brown, Sr., and an interactive drama called Defamation. A Faculty Roundtable Series on human dignity and social justice is among the upcoming events. ON THE RIGHT TRACK! In partnership with Caron Treatment Centers, Alvernia’s work with college-age students in active addictions recovery continues to grow. Several students in Caron’s residential or transitional programs have enrolled in Alvernia online courses. Caron-run 12 Step meetings for college students began last spring at Alvernia, and a recovery housing community at Alvernia is being developed for fall 2017. ARTS & CULTURE ALIVE! This fall’s arts events and lecture series has an exceptional line-up. Rep. Charlie Dent (R - PA) will
Courtesy of Alvernia University
t h e alver n ian
Vol. 55 Issue 4
President Thomas Flynn, Alvernia University
discuss the importance of compromise and civil discourse at the annual O’Pake Lecture (Oct. 31). Col. Cole Kingseed (Nov. 15) biographer of Major Dick Winters (Band of Brothers) will highlight our commemoration of National Military Appreciation Month. A Far Cry (Nov. 17 ) will feature an 18-piece ensemble group with world-famous clarinet soloist David Krakauer. Jason Vieaux, classical guitar soloist, will perform a mix of multi-cultural music and American classics (Dec.1). TOP COPS! Students in our Criminal Justice program will soon benefit from the expertise of some impressive leaders. An advisory committee of top professionals will review curriculum and recommend changes based on best practice in the field. Included are John Adams, Berks County District Attorney; Tim Daley, executive director, Berks Habitat for Humanity; Andres Dominquez, Reading chief of police; Steve Kristovensky, director of security, Hershey Lodge; Tom McDaniel, director of campus safety, Friends’ Central School; Janine Quigley, Berks County jail; Capt. Kristal Turner-Childs, commanding officer, PSP Troop L – Reading; Eric Weaknecht, Berks County sheriff; Robert Williams, chief, Berks County probation department and Nancy Xavious, PA Commission on Sentencing.
ALUMNI ALL-STARS! Four projects focusing on K-12 education and nutritious food education and access are underway, with new PACC*VISTA leadership, including two Alvernia alums-Madison Kaley ‘15 and Alex Roche ‘15 who are joined by Emily Butz and Lauren Lesser. The Pennsylvania Campus Compact and the Corporation for National and Community Service selected Alvernia as the only university in the state to host more than two VISTA members for the 16-17 academic year. One of our recent biology graduates, Briana Pearson ’16, as part of the Holleran Center’s Post-Graduate Year of Service, is working with education and science students to bring STEM education to local children from disadvantaged backgrounds. And Alvernia alum Anthony Recker, who played for the New York Mets last season and was recently signed by the Atlanta Braves, is on a roll: through 22 games, he is batting .293 with seven doubles, a homer, and eight RBIs. Have a great year! Peace and All Good, President Flynn
campus news September/October 2016
3 Vol. 55 Issue 4
Alvernia Resolves Angelica Park Dispute (Continued pg. 1)
and Administration, Alvernia and the City of Reading were unaware of the restrictions when they leased parts of the land. “The grants required you to keep every piece of land in its exact same use as it was when it was built in 1971... [but] no one remembered, no one had the institutional memory... and there was nothing, other than the restrictions in the grants, to control it.” Smith said. After state officials rediscovered restrictions from the grants in 2015, Alvernia was called to a meeting with officials of the City of Reading and Berks Nature to try to resolve the situation. While there were initial
the show and I have been watching it for a long time,” Gorman said. “It was one of the best days of my life.” Gorman also had the opportunity to give Hilton a piece of artwork that she had previously made. “He was super nice and so cool about meeting all of us. It was nice to see.” Hilton started playing music when he was only ten years old. “I really wanted to be Elvis and Frank Sinatra, so I thought that would be so cool,” Hilton said. “My family played music all the time and I just felt like I would be so included.” Hilton actually went on to portray one of his inspirations, Elvis, in the movie Walk the Line. In 2004, Hilton was signed onto One Tree Hill to play Chris Keller. He was only supposed to be on one or two episodes so he could perform a few songs, but he soon became a regular recurring character.
“They liked a couple of songs of mine and they wanted a musician to come on to sing their music live,” Hilton said. He compared his time on the show to going to college. “We were so young and so close, it felt like we grew up together. It turned into a long life of friendship,” he said. “I just ran into Chad [Michael Murray] recently, so we see each other all the time.” The show started at 7 p.m. with his friend, Corey Balsamo, a singer-songwriter from New York. He sang a few songs of his and even covered “No Diggity” by Blackstreet. After playing his set, Balsamo got the crowd excited for Hilton. Throughout the show, Hilton talked to the crowd about his experiences on set of One Tree Hill and his own life. Most of Hilton’s set list was old songs. With his new album coming out within the next month, he wanted to
play old music. He did take requests from the audience which consisted of songs that were on the One Tree Hill soundtrack. As the show came to an end, Hilton told the crowd that he felt connected and wanted to do something special for them. For the last song, Hilton went to the center of Francis Hall Theatre, stood in the center of the crowd and just sang to the crowd. He let the audience gather around him and they listened quietly to him sing his final song of the night. Overall, the Tyler Hilton concert was a huge success in the eyes of the CAB executive board. “We weren’t expecting the outcome we had,” said Kerry Johnson, Vice President of Programming. “As an exec board we can only hope the events we plan are as successful as this one was. We were very pleased with the outcome.”
Courtesy of Bill Uhrich
land and to maintain it for public recreational use. Time passed, and the memory of the stipulations faded. In 2007, the City of Reading leased the ball fields in Angelica and the entrance to the park to Alvernia. The leased land allowed the university to construct a new main entrance to the campus and refurbish the ballfields for student use. In December 2013, the City of Reading leased another 31 acres of Angelica Park to Alvernia. The remaining land was leased to the Berks County Conservancy, now Berks Nature, for constructing its headquarters. According to Doug Smith, Vice President for Finance
fears of how these breaches in restrictions would affect the building of the “Plex” on the east campus, the university does not see the plans for construction being disrupted by this dispute. “Luckily, the problems in Angelica Park do not relate to where the “Plex” will be,” Smith said. “It’s in a completely different area than the one in question.” The restrictions do pose indirect challenges to the university’s Plex planning. Alvernia hoped to reconstruct the road leading from Route 10 (Morgantown Road) to the university this past summer, but that was put on hold while the City of Reading tried to remedy the issue with the state. Alvernia’s greatest fear was having their lease of Angelica Park invalidated by the state, dismantling the plans that the university had for Angelica Park. Thankfully, the City of Reading managed to work with the state to find a solution. “The city has made alternate arrangements with the state and national parks to allow everything that was indented for Angelica Park to continue,” Smith said. Alvernia and Berks Nature can move forward with their plans for Angelica Park.
With renovations underway, Angelica Park will continue to be recreational grounds for the campus and the community.
Alvernia has since completed the new main entrance for campus and the Welcome Center in Francis Hall. As the semester began, Alvernia also started work on reconstructing the road through Angelica Park. As a bonus, there was enough funding left over in the road reconstruction budget to add in streetlights, adding some extra security for those who travel through Angelica Park after dark. Berks Nature will also begin constructing their new headquarters in Angelica. Berks Nature plans to utilize their headquarters as a “shared resource” for surrounding schools. The property dispute is another chapter in Angelica Park’s curious history. Angelica Park was originally a man-made lake held up by a dam. In the 1920s, Angelica Lake served as a boating and fishing area that was owned by the Angelica Water and Ice Company. From 1927 through 1936, the City of Reading began buying up parcels of Angelica Lake and the surrounding property. Several renovations, cleanups and refurbishes to the land occurred between 1938 and 1962. In 1966, the city won their
(Courtesy of Macy Storm)
One Tree Hill Comes to AU (Continued pg. 1)
first grant of $100,000 to further clean up the land and construct a boathouse, which now serves as a science center used by students, Berks Nature, and other organizations. The city finished construction of the boathouse in 1968, and, in 1970, bought a nearby 12-acre property to construct ballfields and tennis courts. In 1971, the City of Reading received a second grant of $250,000 from the U.S. Department of the Interior to expand their recreation area project. These grants were used to construct an ice rink and spray pool combination, as well as to finish construction of the ballfields and tennis courts. Things started to fall apart in 1972 when Tropical Storm Agnes severely damaged the lake and the dam. The city closed the lake for major repairs and rededicated it in 1976. Most recently, heavy storms breached the dam in 2001, draining the lake. The City of Reading was ordered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to convert the former lake to a wetlands area while they devoted other funds to the rebuilding of their sewage treatment plant.
Tyler Hilton sings on stage in front of a crowd of 172 students.
spotlight
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Vol. 55 Issue 4
By Yashira Onque Contributing Writer Michael Weisskopf, Time magazine senior correspondent, spoke at Alvernia about his book Blood Brothers: Among the Soldiers of Ward 57. Weisskopf discussed his experiences as an amputee and the challenges veterans face receiving medical care. In covering a story of “The American Soldier,” Weisskopf found himself in the back of an Army Humvee with several troops on December 10, 2003. Little did he know the events that were to take place and an incident that would change his life forever. A grenade flew into the Humvee, which fell into the back of the vehicle. Instinctively, he rushed to grab the grenade to throw it out of the vehicle. He was a moment too late. “I could feel my flesh dissolve beneath it,” Weisskopf said. “[It was]
not how I pictured my life ending.” Weisskopf blacked out and found himself lying down trying to determine if he had lost his right hand or had just imagined it. Weisskopf was taken to an Army hospital in Baghdad, where he was then referred to Walter Reed Bethesda National Medical Military Center. Weisskopf found himself in the Warrior Care Division for Amputees, otherwise known as Ward 57. He is the only civilian to have ever been admitted there. Surrounded by so many injured veterans, he felt he had much more in common with them than anticipated. Around him, he found that others were in critical condition and suffered a greater loss than he did. These were very dark and trying times for Weisskopf, as well as his family. What would be of his life now? How would his family react in seeing him this way? There
was such a great deal of confusion, pain, and suffering. During the time that Weisskopf spent at Walter Reed, he became acquainted with other amputees who shared his pain and grief upon moving forward through life. He became disgruntled throughout the different processes of learning to live while accomplishing tasks with one hand. “I missed being able to do more than one thing at a time,” Weisskopf said. Coping with the long journey of recovery, he had to be desensitized in order to gain a foothold through the gracious help of physical therapy. Being right handed his entire life and suddenly needing to learn to write and do all of his tasks with his left hand was not an easy process. Weisskopf made it through recovery, and was able to return to his family with an experience that not many
“The most common reason for a book to be challenged or banned is obscenity… often considered to be morbid, shameful, and unhealthy interest in sex,” Kane said. The most common reasons that books are banned include the presence of racial issues, encouragement of damaging lifestyles, blasphemous dialogue, sexual situations, violence, negativity, witchcraft, religious affiliations, and political bias. From this list, the topics that have most often led to a book landing on the banned list are offensive language, sexual content, and violence, and a large majority of challenges come from parents and administrators. Because of these challenges, books like Harry Potter get taken off the shelves of school libraries and public libraries, and out of school curriculums, for reasons as small as “the presence of magic.” Some of the top most challenged books from last year include Looking for Alaska, by John Greene, for offensive language and sexual content, Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out, by Susan Kuklin, for offensive
language, homosexuality, political viewpoints, religious viewpoints, and anti-family content, and The Holy Bible for religious viewpoints. Most of the books that the world considers “classics” have been banned or challenged every year. These are the books that teachers feel are necessary to share with students because of literary merit, their sophisticated topics, and captivating stories. Some of the classics that are banned on a regular basis include The Great Gatsby, The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a
Photo courtesy of Yashira Onque
From Tragedy to Triumph
Michael Weisskopf survived a grenade explosion and lived to tell the tale, as well as telling the stories of veterans he met while recovering.
would be able to understand without going through it themselves. His significant other assured him that her only concerns were his heart and mind. He proposed to her shortly after realizing her deep love for him. Weisskopf’s deepest sorrows and tragedies, as
well as those of the soldiers around him, inspired him to write Blood Brothers: Among the Soldiers of Ward 57, available now through online purchase to hear his full experience in his own words.
Mockingbird, The Lord of the Flies, Of Mice and Men, Catch22 and Animal Farm. The greatest works of literature are the ones that provoke us. The ones that question current ideals, the ones that call for change, the ones that evoke emotions, the ones that slap the reader in the face; those are the ones that are worth reading. So why should you care about Banned Books Week? You have the chance to show people that what they do and do not read should be a personal decision, not a rule enforced by the government.
Literature is an important part of human culture because it is a form of art that brings people together. Clearly, it is a form of art that needs to be protected and accessible. “It is everyone’s right to decide for himself or herself what they prefer to read or have their children read… no one but myself has the right to censor what I might deem ‘okay’ for me to read,” Kane said.
By Paige Burkett Editor Banned Books Week is an annual event, meant to celebrate the freedom to read. “When a book is banned it is removed or restricted from collection and does not circulate to patrons in a library,” Susan Kane, Technical Services Librarian, said. This year, Banned Books Week took place from September 25 to October 1, and students were invited to stop by the library, see the informative displays, ask questions about banned books, and celebrate their intellectual freedom. Every year, books considered “classics,” like The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, have been taken off library shelves across America because of content objections. Books are challenged or censored in schools, public libraries, and book stores when they are thought to have scandalous, controversial, or otherwise unfit content for certain audiences to be exposed to.
Photo courtesy of Alvernia University
“Intellectual Freedom - It’s Your Right!”
Students gather in the Franco Library to hear readings from some of the banned books of 2015.
culture September/October 2016
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Mes de la Herencia Hispana en Reading! (Continued pg. 1)
business professionally it also allows them to promote themselves and inform residents in the community what they have to offer. “The festival is an opportunity to share and showcase our rich Latin culture here in Reading,” Toledo said. “Our festival provides a family friendly environment for people to explore the diversity which is our Latin influence. Once exposed to this culture people have a
more welcoming perspective to the growing diversity of our city.” The festival also hosts dancing events and competitions with some of Berks’ most talented dancers. Many of the dancers are from the Reading area and some are children from the Reading School District. The live performances are the most entertaining and capture the audience’s full attention because the types of dances range from
classical merengue, bachata and salsa to modern dance, capturing the diverse breadth of Hispanic experience. The festival celebrates how the Hispanic community has a positive impact on Reading by teaching and maintaining a solid commitment to service and helping others. The Hispanic community works hard to keep the community connected. “The main purpose of the festival is to open the community’s eyes to the
By Mirco Giangulio Contributing Writer
American individuals because sometimes we cannot always rely on history lessons.” Celebrating Italian heritage is something that should be ongoing through the year, but is highlighted in October along with other ethnicities. “We want to be more inclusive,” Copeland said. “For example, September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic heritage month. We do things for that particular month and then it’s done, some people forget about it.” “However, if we’re being inclusive it should be an ongoing everyday thought. We want to do different things to become more inclusive to understand
everyone and every individual.” What Multicultural Engagement plans to do to become more inclusive is hold “Culture Corners” throughout Italian-American Heritage month as well as all months, which involve students and colleagues to discuss their own cultures. The first “Culture Corner” was held September 15 and involved two colleagues of Copeland’s and a student discussing Hispanic culture. “This is the first time that we put the heritage months on the student calendar,” Copeland said. “We want to let people know that we’re going to be doing different events that kind of talk about different areas really hitting social justice.” “Whether it is ItalianAmerican history, Black history, or Hispanic history, it’s everyone’s history. Its American history, everyone and every individual is a part of that.” Copeland hopes to encourage students to celebrate and embrace everyone’s culture every day, not just devote months. Alvernia University Dean of Students, Dr. Joseph
Photo courtesy of Centro Hispano
Photo courtesy of Centro Hispano
Mexico’s booth featured a variety of traditional attire and cultural artifacts.
beauty of our diversity in Reading,” Toledo said. “Being Hispanic I really appreciate the time and effort that goes into planning this event for everyone in the community,” Francisco Reyes, sophomore said. Reyes is a commuter student and has attended The Berks Latin Festival several times in the past. “This event helps outsiders see a different perspective of
the city of Reading filled with positive energy and leaders.” “Hispanic Heritage month should be celebrated with honor, and visiting the Berks Latin Festival can be a fun and great learning experience for anyone.” Reyes said.
Many companies across Reading have sponsored the festival, and use the opportunity to interact with attendees while marketing their products.
Multicultural Engagement Celebrates Italian-American Heritage
Photo courtesy of Mirco Giangulio
Multicultural Engagement will celebrate ItalianAmerican heritage at Alvernia through October. The celebration of Italian heritage in October began six years ago. “Back in 2010, President Obama signed a proclamation designating October as Italian-American Heritage Month,” Wanda Copeland, head of Multicultural Engagement, said. “My understanding is it is to be held in October to focus around Christopher Columbus and to highlight the achievements of Italian-
Wanda Copeland wants everyone to recognize and appreciate all the heritages of our world.
Cicala, who has paternal and maternal grandparents from different regions of Italy, sees an opportunity for Alvernia students to grow through cultural exposure. “There was a time when the on-campus celebration of heritage months was considered kind of the model for raising people’s awareness of diversity and for promoting inclusion,” Dr. Cicala said. “We are intended as human beings to live in harmony with one another, and with creation and with our creator. In order to live in harmony with one another, we have to understand one another and the fact is that it is a very multifaceted, multidimensional world.” Dr. Cicala explained that Italian-American heritage is important to the fabric of American life. “I think it is important to celebrate the many contributions ItalianAmericans have made to American life and understand that the journey of ItalianAmericans in America is in many ways similar to the experiences of other groups who came to the United States,” Cicala said. Gennaro Milano is an
Italian-American first year student. Milano has learned greater appreciation for diversity while at Alvernia through his roommates. “My roommates all come from different heritages,” Milano said. “Sometimes whenever we’re missing home, especially the cooking from home, we end up talking about our family members like grandparent, uncles, and cousins. Eventually, all this talk of family gets us to talking about our heritages and I love it.” Sharing stories with his roommates encourages a greater sense of unity, but also uniqueness, in Milano. “I think it’s important to appreciate other cultures because it helps you appreciate your own heritage first and its values. I think this also helps opening yourself up to other heritages and accepting their way of life as well throughout our world,” Milano said. In the month of October, Multicultural Engagement invite people of the university to celebrate the heritage of Italian-Americans, but also recognize that we as people are united and we should appreciate other heritages of our world.
fine arts
6 September/October 2016
Vol. 55 Issue 4
By Sarah Verneret Contributing Writer A number of opportunities await the students and community members who participate in Alvernia University’s Fine and Performing Arts Department. Alvernia University offers music, theater, and art courses to students, faculty and staff, and community members. Many of these courses such as voice lessons, Design with Type, and Concert Band are overlooked by busy students. Although Alvernia University does not provide formal art or music majors, students must have three credits of art, theatre or music to graduate. Unfortunately, students are often unaware of the different courses beyond the basic Art Appreciation or Music Appreciation courses. Other students are reluctant to attempt a new skill, such as singing. “Most
people can sing they just don’t know how…and that’s my job to teach them.” Jennifer Michalik said about those who doubt their ability to learn music. Michalik, assistant professor of music, has been the choir director at Alvernia since 1992. It will be her 25th year with the University in 2017. She currently teaches vocal-oriented courses from Music in Health to Broadway Musical. Alongside the music courses are theatre courses that are open to anyone. Dr. Nathan Thomas, associate professor of theater, encourages students to explore courses such as Introduction to Acting to learn about various aspects of the stage. Students may be surprised to learn that theatre is not only about acting. The art of theatre involves those who create the set, controls the light and sound board, and more.
Students can also join the Theater Club, which works as a creative ensemble to produce a play every semester. “Theatre Club is always looking for new members!” Amy Dundon said. Dundon is a history major who is also the Secretary/Historian of the Theatre Club. She has taken part of two live performances, “The Phoenix Always Returns” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Every live performance by the theatre club is special and can never be duplicated. “With live theatre, it is special or specific to that group who is both doing it and watching it.” Dr. Thomas said. Similar to the expressiveness of the Theatre’s performances, art courses at Alvernia help students express themselves using different tools. “I feel that there is a diverse selection of courses from traditional to digital
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Michalik
Tap Into Your Creativity
Band is one of many extracurricular activities in the Performing Arts at Alvernia.
[art] that offer students the ability to develop their creative thinking skills,” Peter Rampson said. Rampson, assistant professor of art, encourages students to consider an art minor. While Alvernia does not offer art as a major, it is offered as a minor with a requirement of 21 credits. The Theatre Club performs a show every semester. Concert Band and Chorus performs their annual spring and winter concerts every year. Art students display their art achievements
in the Francis Hall lobby. Performance groups are also asked to perform during the school’s donor dinners and Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The Fine and Performing Arts department is constantly creating new opportunities for Alvernia University’s community, and everyone is welcome to participate.
Residence. During her tenure at Mesa Verde, Haley was able to record outdoors, capturing the sounds of the national park to use as inspiration for her music. “I started recording the wind, the birds, the crickets. I remember one night the crickets were really loud and I recorded all that and used it for inspiration,” Haley said about her experience. For her latest album, Haley had put together a video of photographs and videos to accompany the 12 tracks on “National Park Landscapes” from the various national parks she had visited. “When people see the video and look at the photos they remember when they visited those parks. Or, they go ‘Wow, I’ve never been to Mesa Verde or Badlands and after I saw that I really want to go.’ So, it’s kind of like fantasizing about future trips or reliving the past,” Haley said in regards to the appeal to audiences of her mixed media performance. Becky Jones, sophomore social work major, attended the performance as a peer mentor in an effort to get first year students more active with the Alvernia Arts Series.
“I could see where she got the inspiration for the music from by seeing the sites she took pictures of. It was very insightful,” Jones said after the performance. This October Haley will be traveling back to Glacier National Park to act as an Artist in Residence. “I went there as a visitor first, wasn’t thinking about this project at all, and now I am established as writing music for national parks. So I think it’s going to bring about a lot of new music,” Haley said about her upcoming trip revisiting the park that inspired her National Parks Series 6 years ago. To listen to samples of Jill Haley’s music and find out more information about her and her work, visit her website, www.jillhaley.com. For more information on The Alvernia Arts Series and upcoming events, visit www. alvernia.edu/arts-culture or call 610-796-8322.
Jill Haley’s “Soundscapes” Celebrates National Parks Photo courtesy of Jill Haley
From L-R: Jill Haley, Susan McDevitt (pianist), and David Cullen (guitarist)
By ReJeanna Goldsborough Contributing Writer Jill Haley, English horn performer, oboist and pianist, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the US National Park Service with “National Park Soundscapes,” a live performance of music set to a video and photo collage from 12 various national parks. Haley’s tribute to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in America combines music and photography in an emotionally powerful way. The Miller Art
Gallery displayed Haley’s photography from August 22 through September 16 as a part of the Alvernia Arts Series. Haley, along with husband, guitarist David Cullen and pianist Susan McDevitt, performed on September 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis Hall Theatre & Recital Hall. The performance was preceded by a small reception where attendees could meet Haley and view her photography. Prior to “National Park Soundscapes”, Haley had written and released 3 albums for her National Parks
Series, which included music inspired by Mesa Verde, Zion and Bryce Canyon and Glacier National Parks. She began presenting concerts paired with video and still images of the national parks after her visit to Glacier in 2010. “I do believe in climate change, and I wanted to see the glaciers before they melted, but I hadn’t thought of writing music about it until I was actually there in the national park,” Haley said about her experience in Glacier. Her first National Park Series album influenced by Glacier was released in 2010 and was appropriately dedicated to all the men and women working to stop the effects of global warming and climate change. In 2013, Haley was invited by Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado to be an Artist in Residence. “What you do is you live there for two weeks, they give you a place to live, and then you basically have free rein, you can explore the places even when they’re technically closed. You can really have peace and quiet,” Haley said about her experience at Mesa Verde as an Artist in
recreation September/October 2016
7 Vol. 55 Issue 4
Thanks to online streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, binge-watching television programs has become America’s newest favorite pastime. Reader’s Digest reports that the majority of millennials now stream television programs rather than watching them through traditional formats. According to a survey conducted by Netflix in 2015, over 60% of TV streamers regularly engage in bingewatching. However, does consuming large chunks of our favorite shows affect us beyond the instantgratification of watching what’s next? Experts say “yes.” Bingewatching impacts viewers from both a physical and a psychological standpoint. In a study published in the Journal of American Heart
Association, researchers found that remaining sedentary for more than three hours at a time can cause cramped muscles, induce spinal pressure, and alter posture. In addition, the French researchers for the Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) conducted research into the effects of fluorescent and LED lighting on human health. Researchers found that extended exposure to the screens on laptops, tablets, and smart phones causes eyestrain, headaches, anxiety, and the disruption of natural sleep cycles. “Sometimes I end up [binge-watching] until 3 a.m.,” Madison Blum, sophomore, said, “I don’t get tired. Without [commercials], you don’t realize how much of a time-suck watching movies and shows can be.” Studies conducted by Marketcast, an entertainment
research firm, indicated that excessive indulgence in bingewatching can result in antisocial behavioral patterns. According to Netflix, 56% of bingers watch alone and 98% do so at home. However, a majority of those viewers report positive feelings associated with devouring large hunks of television in one sitting. According to the survey, binge-watching helps relieve stress. But why do we find bingewatching so gratifying? It’s all in the science of the brain. Binge-watching affords us an escape from reality and gives us a sense of control. During a binge-watch, the brain releases the chemical cortisol, which helps release stress. Viewers also experience a heightened version of a psychological phenomenon called “cognitive empathy.” Cognitive empathy occurs when audience members empathize with and project onto fictional characters. It’s
keep it maintained, updated, and available for all to enjoy it. “I spend a good amount of time riding this trail and it is always beautiful and well kept,” Alex Roche, AmericorpsVISTA at Alvernia, said. “I know that the money raised …will continue to help with the upkeep and consistent and continuing beautification of the trail, so that it can remain accessible to the greater Berks area.” The Ride for the River route follows along the river on stone, pavement, through wooded areas, under bridges,
and through towns all while experiencing the Schuylkill River Trail and the Schuylkill River in a new and exciting way. Alvernia has a team of nine individuals participating in this ride. There was a choice between a 40-mile and 16-mile ride, but the Alvernia team chose the 16-mile ride. The Crusader team has trained hard throughout the summer months. The Alvernia team has had quite the journey getting ready for this ride and is excited to be participating in it. “Training for this event was a lot of fun because I got to do a good amount of it with my favorite people,” Sadie Shinn, sophomore, said. Other members of the team feel that biking has helped them to connect with nature as well as exercising. “Biking through nature is one of the most relaxing and meditative times I can find, and getting exercise while being surrounded by trees and fresh air is an amazing feeling!” Emily Gargiulo, junior, said. The actual ride will start and end at Sly Fox Brewery, Pottstown, as a part of their annual Can Jam Festival.
Alvernia Rides the River By Mikaileigh Baker Editor
A biker enjoys the views of the Schuylkill river on a section of the Schuylkill River Trail.
Photo courtesy of Walt Hug
When you think of biking, do you think of taking a leisurely ride down the sidewalk, beach or a trail? Or do you think of biking along a gorgeous river through the tall trees and under bridges? Both of those experiences can be brought to life in one event: Ride for the River! The Schuylkill River Heritage Area hosts Ride for the River each year. The purpose of the Ride for the River event is to raise money for the trail to help the Schuylkill River Heritage Area
Streaming services are available on a multitude of entertainment platforms.
how and why we seek out and fixate on emotionally charged narratives. According to NuSkool, a platform geared toward entertainment and educational research, the massive content-consumption of binge-watching enhances a viewer’s cognitive empathy. Binge-watching also plays into the basic human desire for instant-gratification. On a positive note, bingewatching hones the ability
to focus. This directly contradicts the stereotype of the scatter-brained miillennial incapable of focusing on a single task for any extended period of time. Binge-watching is a time suck. So, as with all fun activities, one should partake in moderation and without neglecting responsibilities.
Photo courtesy of Alicia Sprow
By Jessica Warner Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy of Jessica Warner
No Cliffhangers, No Commercials, No Problem?
Campers that attended bike week through Berks Nature this summer enjoy the Schuylkill River Trail. Part of the Alvernia team helped during that week.
The Can Jam festival will include free music and fun throughout the day. Riders will have regular stops for rehydration and snacks to keep their energy up. Other events throughout the year help to raise awareness of the importance of the trail, such as the Pedal and Paddle event. These events, Pottstown to Douglassville and back, include a 4.5 mile bike ride and end the day with kayaking on the river. All of the events are aimed at showing the impact we all can have on the trail and water systems. The Holleran Center’s sustainability initiatives office is sponsoring the
Crusader biking team. Being on the biking team is a unique service opportunity in that the participants have to pay to do it. The money for registration goes back to the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. The Holleran Center offers many fun service outings to get community service hours. Watch your Alvernia inboxes for Holleran Center emails to get involved with the Berks community.
sports
8 September/October 2016
Vol. 55 Issue 4
Stage Set for Brand New Crusader Golf Team With the fall sports season rapidly approaching, the Alvernia Crusader men’s golf team is ready to hit the ground running with fresh new gear and a revamped roster. The team will still be anchored by returning co-captains, sophomore Tommy Godin and junior Keith Noonan. In addition to their existing strong lineup, the Crusaders added five incoming freshmen hailing from all over the country. Coming by way of Johnston, Rhode Island, Jake Rosen is a highlight of the new class. Rosen was first team all state in high school and is the proud owner of a 1.5 handicap. Rosen is excited to begin the season and said he“can’t wait to [finally] tee it up in a Crusader uniform”.
Another key addition to the team, from Ramsey, New Jersey is freshman Ryan Faulkner. A four time first team all-league selection and New Jersey state champion, Faulkner also is primed for an outstanding career as a crusader and is itching to get started. In addition to Faulkner, Bradley Viggiano also hails from the Garden State. The transfer junior could be the missing piece the Crusaders need to become the elite team that they have the talent to be. Viggiano, a first team all conference member at his previous college, will bring his talents to the Middle Atlantic Conference, arguably the toughest conference in all of Division III golf. From New Jersey to North Dakota, Aiden Mansfieldwill make an immediate impact for the Crusaders as well.
In the roughrider state, Mansfield had an excellent high school career, netting two top 20 finishes in the North Dakota state tournament. Last but not least, making the 24-hour trek from Austin, Texas to Reading, PA, is Bobby Cullen. Cullen, a Texas 6A State Champion earned a total of eight medalist honors in high school and is ready to bring his Texas sized game to the table. Head Men’s Golf Coach Jon King is enthusiastic about the upcoming season. King is entering his 17th year with the team. “This is certainly the deepest recruiting class we’ve had to date,” he said. “We are eager to get them together and see what we can do as a team.” He also mentioned his eagerness to field a team with extraordinary depth mixed in with the experience and mentorship of his returning
“Fightins” For The Win Photo courtesy of First Energy Stadium
Dylan Cozens getting ready to hit during a beautiful sunset over First Energy Stadium.
By Cheyenne Ettinger Contributing Writer If you are an avid lover of baseball, or just simply enjoy sports in general, you may be broken hearted over the fact that it has finally come to an end for the year. However, if you have kept up with local minor league baseball team, the Reading Fightin’ Phils (affiliates for the Philadelphia Phillies,) you are probably aware of all the awesome things the team has done for the 2016 season. This year, the Fightins did so well that they had landed themselves a spot in the Eastern League Playoffs. The playoffs took place on
September 9, 2016 at First Energy Stadium, located on Centre Avenue, home of the beloved Fightins. The team swept their way to victory Friday, September 9, as they defeated the Trenton Thunder (13-5) leading them to play again on Saturday, September, 10. Unfortunately, the team’s season came to an end that night, as they were defeated by the Trenton Thunder (3-2.) However, losing didn’t change the impressive season the team had given baseball fans. In fact, it was one of the most impactful seasons the franchise has ever had. Since the beginning of the
2016 season, the Fightins had a good start with some amazing players. This year’s favorites included the batting leaders, Dylan Cozens, Rhys Hoskins, and Jorge Alfaro, as well as pitcher Nick Pivetta, all of who helped to lead the team to their achievements. A big achievement made by the team this season was having the opportunity to send six of its top players all the way to Akron, Ohio to play in the Eastern League All-Star game. The All-Star game took place back on July 13, where batters Hoby Milner, Dylan Cozens, Jorge Alfaro, and Rhys Hoskins and pitchers Nick Pivetta and Jesmuel Valentin competed. The Fightins did well, with a homerun from Hoskins, Cozens scoring twice, as well as a 3 for 3 run score from Alfaro, all which led up to the team having victory of the game, finishing with the score 10-2. Other exciting moments for the Fightins include their triple play. “I’ve been here since 2003 and have never seen that,” Andy Kauffman, director of video at First Energy Stadium, said of the play.
Photo courtesy of Tommy Godin
By Tommy Godin Contributing Writer
captains. With all that is happening with the team, it is safe to say that the Crusaders have a bright season ahead of them. The season opens Tuesday, September 13 with Messiah, and continues through the end of April. For more information about the golf team, contact Jon King at Sophomore Tommy Godin hitting his approach shot jon.king@ en route to his T-6 finish at the LVC Invitational. alvernia.edu.
On July 8, the team had also had 21 runs within the first five innings, an impressive score to have within the first half of a game, ending the game with a score of 21- (Fightins) – 4 (Bowie.) With such a fantastic season, fans may be wondering what the 2017 season holds for the Fightins. “It is hard to predict because the roster changes so much, but it should be decent. I’m hopeful,” says Kauffman. Due to the Fightins being affiliates to the Philadelphia Phillies, players can get called up to play for Philadelphia, such as Ryan Howard, who played for the Fightins, but was then drafted to the Philadelphia Phillies back in 2001, where he debuted in 2004. Since there were many great players this season, there are many choices as to who could rise to being a big name baseball star. “I’m going to say Jorge Alfaro will get called up because the Phillies traded Carlos Ruiz,” Andrew Faust said. Faust works for the grounds crew at First Energy Stadium. In fact, Faust’s guess was right. Jorge Alfaro ended up
being called up to play for Philadelphia, as well as team mate Roman Quinn, a switch hitter, who has impressed the Phillies with his powerful throws and hostile hits. It seems easy to predict that the Fightin’s will probably have another great season in 2017 and that fans have something to look forward to. As far as having a great experience for players and fans, there are also great experiences as well as opportunities for internships that college students may be interested in, such as communications, sports management, or business. To get involved with the Fightins, contact Mike Robinson at Mrobinson@ fightins.com.
profiles September/October 2016
9 Vol. 55 Issue 4
The Science Behind Political Science
Photo courtesy of Ed Kopicki
Dr. Victoria Williams cautions students to consider the news skeptically.
By Connor Mustakas Editor Dr. Victoria Williams is Alvernia University’s political science expert, a professor who has been truly dedicated to her craft since a young age. “In 10th grade I took a class on contemporary world
affairs and instantly fell in love,” Dr. Williams said. Since then Dr. Williams has continued to keep her focus and pulse on the political world and grew to realize she not only loved to learn about it for herself, but also to teach students to get informed and involved with their
communities. Dr. Williams went to Lynchburg University where she graduated with honors as a Political Science major. Next she headed to Baylor University to receive a M.A in International Relations, before lastly receiving an M.A and Ph.D in Political Science as a whole from the University of Kentucky. Although she found her love of political science through the study of international relations, in recent years Dr. Williams has begun to form a love for American government. Dr. Williams enjoys studying voter behavior, and the psychological factors that go into the decisions made inside the voting booth. When asked about the state of her major at Alvernia, Williams felt that it is upsetting new students are not being pushed towards the field out of fear of not finding a job right out of college, when at the current state
most majors are like this. On the topic of more contemporary issues, Dr. Williams feels that most Americans are very socially informed about politics, soaking in the opinions of parents and teachers and never striving to build their own informed opinions. “Citizens are turned off to politics, do not trust their politicians, and feel that even if they learn about the way the government works, it does not matter as corruption runs rampant,” Dr. Williams said. “This cynical view of the political scene turns many off to politics and government as a whole.” When questioned about how students can become more involved in the political climate, she had multiple points of insight. “First, just start paying attention,” she said. “The news can be an uphill climb to comprehend, but as long as you have a news
app on your phone you can quickly begin to form an informed opinion.” Next, on the amount of bias in today’s news and media. “The news that is on is not always news, its commentary.” Dr. Williams is known to be a hard but fair teacher. “She pushes her students to the next level, and you can tell she is extremely dedicated.” Christopher Thomas, junior, said. Thomas is a history and political science major. Thomas said her classes have heavy workloads, but the pay off is always worth it. American government is something that is not required for students, but a topic Dr. Williams feels students need to be informed on. “We need to recognize it is part of our responsibility as citizens to our democracy to be informed.” Dr. Williams said.
By Justin Herforth Contributing Writer
Pete Reilly, junior, hanging out during an after school program.
Photo courtesy of Madison Kaley
Have you ever heard the saying, “everything happens for a reason?” What if everything that happens in life was accidental? Reilly, junior, has gone through life having a direction that he thought he wanted to go in, only to have fate take him in another. From his early life to his days here at Alvernia, everything that has happened to Reilly has been by accident. Reilly, a native of Logan Township, New Jersey is very sociable and outgoing. He is known for his role as the new
president of the Crusader Crazies and getting the crowd riled up during sports events on campus. “I kind of just sat with Matt Pyne at the basketball games. He was the president of the Crazies at the time,” Reilly said. “I was friends with him because he was my OWL and by sitting with him, it turned into me taking over for him as president when he graduated.” Reilly has plenty of experience in being the leader of a fan section as he did it all throughout high school. Reilly’s main goal in taking over as president of
the Crusader Crazies is to continue to build what Matt Pyne started. Reilly wants to promote the student body to attend all sporting events on campus, not just basketball. Being crazy is not the only side of Reilly. He is someone who always has a positive outlook, is high energy and looks for the best in people. Reilly is the kind of person that brings groups of people together. During his first year, he went to the student involvement fair on campus, originally planning on joining intramurals going in, but he was drawn to the Holleran Center table and fell in love with their program and the people in it. Reilly cares deeply about giving back to the community and those who are less fortunate than us. Andrew Cook, junior, has worked with Reilly at the Holleran Center together since they both came to Alvernia in 2014. Cook has gotten to know Reilly well throughout that time. “The best thing about Pete is his desire to help the community,” Cook said. “While working with children, he always puts everything he has into making sure that they are
Photo courtesy of Crusader Crazies
More Than A Crazy: The Pete Reilly Story
Reilly and the Crusader Crazies at a “black out” game.
doing well in school.” Reilly had an influence from early in his life that made him the way that he is today. He showed him how to be a leader. “My very first soccer coach was my biggest influence, I had a bad experience my first time playing,” Reilly said. “He got me to keep playing and took the time to make sure that I was having a good time. He made me love the game and playing soccer helped me make friends. Life is always better when you make friends. He taught me how to be a leader.” Reilly, in his time so far here at Alvernia, has already made a huge impact, from
his role with the Crusader Crazies to helping the community through the Holleran Center. He wants to leave his mark here at Alvernia beyond those roles. “I want people to remember me as sociable. Someone who is always positive and high energy and looking for the best in people,” Reilly said. “I like bringing friend groups together. I want to be that guy.” When Reilly graduates from Alvernia University he wants to find a job that he can help people in as helping is his passion, whether in sports or teaching.
campus news
10
September/October 2016
Vol. 55 Issue 4
Unstoppa-”bull” CAB President Nears Graduation Photo courtesy of Macy Storm
her than just an education. Little did she know that joining Campus Activities Board (CAB) her first year would be the thing that offered her more than she bargained for. Though she joined many other clubs, CAB was the one that made an impression on her. She felt involved on campus. Other clubs did not make her feel that way. When board positions were open for the next year, Bull did not hesitate to apply. She was offered the position of Vice President of Membership Development and her love for CAB began to
blossom. The Membership Development position allowed her to build a strong foundation as a leader. Bull was a quiet person, but her position required her to interact with members through activities such as ice breakers, signing members up to work events, etc. Bull was able to build connections with members and keep them coming back. Her position gave her the confidence to take a chance at the reigns. “CAB meant so much to me,” Bull said. “I wanted to play as big of a part as I possibly could and point it in a direction that could help people on campus.” Her leadership style is just that: she’s a helper, motivator, dedicated, and encouraging. Now, as she steps into the presidency for the second year, her love for CAB has turned into a passion. Her dedication to CAB is evident to those around her.
“She’s the most involved President I’ve ever seen,” Madison Kleintop, Student Government Association President, said. As a leader, Bull has brought new ideas to the table. One of her biggest and most successful ideas that she created was CAB Carnival. The first CAB Carnival, with all its rides, novelties, games, and prizes, was a complete success. Bull has created a tradition that will remain in CAB for many years to come. When Bull isn’t planning big events, you can find her sitting in the office, putting extra time in to make sure all events are planned and ready to go. She keeps her Executive Board motivated, and many of the board members admire her strong leadership. “She is one of the most dependable people I know,” Kerry Johnson, Vice President of Programming, said. As she takes her final charge into senior year, Bull
reflected on the greatest gift CAB gave her: The confidence to be a leader. “If I can stand in front of ninety college students and talk to them about CAB, I can walk into a room of first graders and teach them,” Bull said. CAB has given her the ability to branch out and stretch herself. She commends CAB for giving her the confidence to believe in her abilities as a person and a leader. Her newfound confidence does not go unnoticed. “Lauren Bull has shown me what it means to be a leader, and I continue to look up to the strong, selfless, wise, and confident person that she is,” Sarah Englert, Publicity Chairperson, said. Though Bull cannot picture herself stepping down from the position of President, she has one piece of advice for the future CAB President: Trust yourself.
envisions her future. While the police force is her priority, when she becomes acclimated she wants to tattoo the people she is serving as well. Lacy knew she wanted to become a police officer years ago when a police officer helped her through a hard time in her life. “The officer influenced me to take the right steps forward and helped me to take a stand in my life,” Lacy said. “This had an enormous impact on my life and since the situation, I realized I wanted to do what the officer did for me.” Since this declaration, Lacy has begun to take the steps towards becoming a police officer. Her dream is to become an officer in the busy city of Philadelphia. As one of three women in her class, she has to overcome the physical obstacles that come along with the daunting training. According to Time Magazine, only 13 percent of police officers are women in the force today. However, Lacy maintains an optimistic view. “The physical conditioning that we do three times a week
is challenging. The instructors push us, and it can be quite exhausting, but I know it will help me to become a better police officer in the end.” She does not find her gender to be a setback in her career. Lacy said that she does not find it difficult to be a woman in the force, but does find it challenging to keep up with the men in the conditioning aspect of her training. Lacy feels that the reason there are not more women in the force was solely because of the physical tasks in the job. In an article on PennLive about women in the police force, former State College police officer Beth Dombrowsky discussed the challenges female officers face in the field. “It takes a very strong personality to be lone women in the male world when you have male supervisors, male colleagues and the type of work it is,” Dombrowsky said. “It is very dependent on strength, the ability to be tactically sound and think on your feet.” In Lacy’s spare time, she enjoys showing her artistic side. She creates elaborate designs and patterns as well
as naturist photos that can be converted into tattoos. In the future, once Lacy settles into the police force she plans on going through the certification training to be a licensed tattooist. “Hopefully when I get settled in a department, and I begin working full time I would love to start pursuing a career in tattooing as well,” Lacy said. She claims that drawing is an outlet for her from all the
stresses of daily life. “I forget about the world and just focus on what I am drawing. It completely relaxes me.”
Lauren Bull (R) with “Cabbies” who worked Alvernia’s Got Talent.
By Macy Storm Contributing Writer If there’s one thing Lauren Bull knows, it’s about grabbing life by the horns. Originally hailing from Towson, Maryland, she came to Reading, Pennsylvania to pursue a degree in early childhood and special education. Bull had a 3rd grade elementary teacher that inspired her to pursue a degree in education. Despite the education program shrinking in numbers, she couldn’t help but believe that Alvernia had more to offer
Policewoman by Day, Tattooist by Night Photo courtesy of Sarah Lacy
By Liz Gonyea Contributing Writer Imagine having a local police officer protecting your community throughout the day, but then you walk into a tattoo parlor and see that same police office giving tattoos to members of that same community. This scenario is exactly how Sarah Lacy, senior criminal justice major,
Photo courtesy of Sarah Lacy
Sarah Lacy, senior, is a Criminal Justice major.
Sara Lacy’s interpretation of a resting fox.
campus news September/October 2016
11 Vol. 55 Issue 4
The Calming of Nature known as Berks Conservancy, was recommended for me, and then I started working with them,” Waller said. Bog Turtle Creek Farm, where he currently works, helped expand his knowledge of sustainability methods while being hands-on and outdoors. “The unique strengths and expertise that Rob has brought to the Bog Turtle Creek Farm project have grown and changed just as he has during his four years at Alvernia,” Alicia Sprow, Sustainability Initiatives Coordinator, said. “As he moved through the sustainability minor and participated in related events and activities, his increased knowledge and interest in sustainability is reflected in his passion for and commitment to Bog Turtle Creek Farm.” Waller called Alvernia an interesting place, and said it “opened doors to doing things I have never done before.”
background where at times Hickey was even homeless. She now strives to constantly better herself and those around her. Hickey did not want her brothers to live a hard life, so she became a role model for them. Hickey was on a path that was spiraling downward but decided to take matters into her own hands. When Hickey was young she spent a lot of time
reading, but not the books some may assume for an average 12 year old. While other children were reading Harry Potter, Hickey was captivated with books like A Child Called It. She had always been fascinated with people who do horrible things. She wanted to find out why some people do heinous deeds. “I see the light in people, even people like that. I want to study them, work with them and rehabilitate them,” Hickey said. Hickey’s curiosity led her to want to become a Forensic Psychologist and work for the FBI. To do this she decided to join the National Guard while still going to school. This summer Hickey graduated from Basic Training with a patch, chevron and a rocker. Hickey learned a lot at Basic Training about how the military operated. She had to learn to take orders even when she didn’t agree and how to survive off of three or four hours of sleep. Hickey also learned that the military liked to keep everyone on a level playing field during training. She gave the example that during drills, privates had to show up in plain clothes as to not
A One Woman Army By Leah Green Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy of Aijah Hickey
Aijah Hickey: Private First Class, psychology and criminal justice double major with a minor in Spanish, and pizza deliverer. To be more specific, Hickey holds four jobs, seven leadership positions, and is a member of three national honor societies. Hickey came from a poor
Hickey and her cousin, Maddie Lipford, on graduation day from Basic Training.
“I never thought I would be wanting to open a non-profit.” Sustainability has had an impact on his lifestyle and he has become healthier in his quality of life. This helps sustain resources as well. Waller said that many people in society fill themselves with products and money to fill a void in their lives. Waller addresses his inner struggles by fishing and being outdoors so he can get away from people and escape society.
Being in nature makes him feel like he is free, and that freedom keeps him level in a busy world. ‘Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!’” Waller said, quoting Dr. Seuss. “You know that I am talking to you.”
Photo courtesy of Bog Turtle Creek Farm
Traveling and sustainability. How do these two very different terms work together? With Robert J. Waller, these two ideas worked hand in hand to get him where he is today and doing something he thought he never would be doing. Waller, a senior, is an accounting and marketing dual major with a minor in sustainability. Alvernia University may not have been his first or only home, but it has made a large impact on Wallers’ way of life and thinking. During his active duty, Waller did not have a support system and only had his ex-girlfriend, at the time. The idea of a nonprofit came when he thought he was going to become homeless. These circumstances led to him using all of his money for schooling.
Alvernia is where he eventually landed, as well as, where several doors of opportunity would open for young Waller. Sustainability has practical implications for Waller. He believes that sustainability strategies can help him sustain a business. Waller is not sure what business he would like to get into, but did propose opening a bar and a pizzeria with a laugh. More seriously, Waller has considered opening a nonprofit that would help homeless veterans readjust back into society. Waller chose accounting because he is interested in how money works while he chose marketing because he became interested in the market research aspect. Although sustainability is Waller’s minor, protecting the environment is greatly important to him. Part of that interest came from his work with Berks Nature. “Berks Nature, formerly
Waller in August 2015 bonding with his then-new puppy, Panda.
Photo courtesy of Aijah Hickey
By Mikaileigh Baker Editor
Hickey and her girlfriend, Hannah Martin, after Hickey was inducted to PSI CHI.
show that someone may be wealthier than another. “It really gave you the ability to feel comfortable walking up to anyone and be able to talk to them,” Hickey said. Hickey did note that the girls tended to be a bit meaner. The recruits were not allowed scissors because sergeants feared they would attack each other. Hickey will continue next summer with more training at Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where she will learn how to carry out her job as a Human Resource Specialist.
Back at Alvernia, on top of everyday homework and clubs, Hickey will attend monthly weekend trainings. She stays active on campus by being the treasurer of the Psych Club and Active Minds, a member of the Expeditionary Leadership Club, a student ambassador, and a Community Facilitator for Reslife. She also works as a Shadow Host, the host at the Art Gallery and delivers pizzas for Bella’s Pizza at night. “I don’t ever want to go backwards,” she said. “I just want to go up.”
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The Alvernian is Alvernia’s monthly student newspaper. We are a Registered Student Organization (RSO) looking for students to serve as writers and editors, as well as students interested in public relations, marketing and social media. Students can take part in the newspaper as volunteers or enroll in one of our two classes for Communication credits. Students may also qualify for service hours.
The QR code on the left links you to our website.
For more information about The Alvernian, contact Dr. Ryan Lange at ryan.lange@alvernia.edu, (610) 568-1557, or stop by his office in BUSCOM 19 on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.
The QR code on the right will email Dr. Lange from your phone.