Alvernian December 2016

November/December 2016

what’s in THIS ISSUE

Volume 55 Issue 6

The Best C.A.B. in the Nation!

By Veronica Cepparulo Contributing Writer

Photo courtesy of Alvernia University

“CHAARG” Into Fitness

Alvernia’s CAB took NACA by storm during Family Weekend. Instead of spending time with their families, five members of Alvernia’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) traveled to Buffalo, New York for the Mid-Atlantic National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) conference.

With the help from student testimonials, CAB was awarded the “Outstanding CAB Board” in the MidCabbies gathered after working hard on Alvernia’s Got Talent, Atlantic region at the awards one of many activities that makes Alvernia’s CAB the best Campus dinner during NACA. Along Activities Board in the nation! with the “Outstanding CAB

Come Together with Commuter Council

Photo courtesy of Carmen Gonzalez

By ReJeana Goldsborough Contributing Writer

L-R: Joshua Harmes, Ofelia Villaseñor, Caroline Delacruz, Melissa Rivera, Margaret Majia, Carmen Gonzalez, and Sam Dieffenbach, all commuters, gathered in the Bernardine Hall lounge.

By Carmen Gonzalez Contributing Writer

A Force to be Reckoned With

Continued on page 3

Alvernia Budget Cut Woes

Adventure Awaits

Justice through Journalism

Board” award, one of CAB’s advisors, Joe Benyish was named “Best New Professional,” and CAB’s Special Events Chairperson, Jocelyn MacAleese, was named awarded the “Unsung Hero Award.”

MacAleese was not only surprised, but grateful as well.

“Winning an award at NACA was unreal,” MacAleese said. “I have been going to NACA since my sophomore year and never really thought I would really ever receive any type of recognition, not because I’m under-valued or anything along those lines, but because everyone

Many have heard the recommendations by faculty to get involved on campus organizations and activities.

However, sometimes it is not the easiest thing to do when managing life outside of school especially for commuters.

To offer commuters a better opportunity for networking, effective interactions, and team management the office of Student Activities is delighted to announce the integration of what could

be a new club on campus for commuters.

The goal for the Commuter Council is to help commuters get involved in various ways.

This club will allow commuters with the chance to have their voices heard about any issues they may have, be aware of things happening on campus, feel like a part of the campus community by meeting new people with similar interest and develop leadership skills useful for future careers.

The Commuter Council will be hosting various activities in an effort to bring

back commuter lunches for students. This club is also planning to have a bingo afternoon strictly for commuters. This will allow students to become more connected with the university and help them discover their passions and strengths that will guide them throughout their career path.

“As the council begins to expand we wish to hear more ideas and try to bring them forward” Graduate Assistant, Amber Nikolaus

Continued on page 5

Alvernia’s 2016-17 operating budget was cut this year due to an enrollment shortfall. The projected number of incoming freshmen and transfer students exceeded the actual amount, impacting the incoming revenue and operating budget for the university.

“When we talk about the annual operating budget we’re talking about the budget that pays for all the expenses that run the university for a year, and most of that money comes from tuition,” Doug Smith, Vice President of Finance and Administration, said in an interview.

“A shortage of freshmen and transfers leaves us a little short of our planned revenue. So we had to adjust our budget to accommodate,” Smith said.

Certain positions within the faculty and staff that were already vacant were frozen and left empty to help offset the low revenue. The faculty

Continued on page 3

flynn files

2 November/December 2016

t h e alver n ian Managing Editor Mady Johnston Layout Mady Johnston Section Editors Mikaileigh Baker Paige Burkett Ryan Weber Contributing Writers Gwen Bauer Veronica Cepparulo Mirco Giangiulio ReJeana Goldsborough Carmen Gonzalez Justin Herforth 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

Vol. 55 Issue 6

Flynn Files - December 2016 I promise this will not be yet another post mortem on the recent presidential election.

For one thing, I don’t have the expertise to make grand interpretations (although the experts evidently have less expertise than we--and they-assumed.)

For another, I am a life-long political Independent who seldom finds a welcoming home in either political party.

And finally, this year’s Thanksgiving holiday brought with it the gift of grateful deliverance from a relentlessly negative campaign that confirmed that politics and the media are seldom the best sources of values to inspire and guide us as members of a Franciscan university community.

Faculty and administrators who, like me, have spent their adult lives on college campuses cringe when pundits condescend to us as not living in the “real world.” Well if this election campaign is the best the “real world” can offer, then spare us all!

So let me turn instead to some ways that college communities--and Alvernia in particular--can seek to model two of the high-minded challenges of our university’s Mission Statement: that our students and all of us be both “engaged citizens” and “ethical leaders with moral courage.”

1. Words Do Matter!

Contrary to what was claimed during the campaign, what we say actually does matter. Our words hold up a mirror to our integrity (or lack thereof).

We must say what we mean and mean what we say.

Speaking honestly is one of the ways that we demonstrate respect for the people around us. And the fact that being dishonest is sometimes expedient, in politics or elsewhere, does not make it acceptable.

But HOW we speak matters too. Speaking respectfully to (and about) others is a precondition for living in an inclusive community.

Do we show openness to the views of others even when we disagree profoundly? Do we acknowledge, at least to ourselves, that we might sometimes be wrong or less than fully right? Do we assume that those with whom we disagree are fools

or enemies? Or are they perhaps well-meaning folks with whom we have a legitimate difference of views or values?

Intentions matter too.

When we speak carelessly or thoughtlessly and cause offense, do we intend to hurt or humiliate those with whom we disagree? Or are we simply wanting to express our opinions forcefully, and with conviction? Are we seeking “common ground”-some shared beliefs--or do we assume there is little of value to learn from those different from us?

2. “Knowledge Joined With Love”: Yes, that famous phrase of St. Bonaventure, the great Franciscan, also matters. It conveys a Franciscan philosophy of education. Knowledge should be conveyed with charity, in a supportive fashion. At two of my recent “Pizzas with the President,” groups of firstyear students expressed yet again their gratitude for our faculty’s interest in them individually.

But this wonderful phrase also suggests how we should use the power that comes with our knowledge: with compassion, even kindness.

Perhaps the learning that comes from a privileged education loses meaning if NOT linked to the heart as well as the head, to the emotions as well as the intellect. At a place like Alvernia, students and faculty alike cultivate habits of the heart and soul as well as habits of the mind.

3. Alvernia’s Core Value of Humility: We trivialize this trait by equating it merely with a lack of arrogance or a refusal to gloat when we are triumphant.

There are deeper lessons of humility when we fail or fall short or are proven wrong.

And at a university filled with bright articulate people, we are called to exercise humility in our daily lives.

As we express our views, positive we are right, are we really listening and being open to the views of others?

Are we ready to engage with those different from us in background, experience, and points of view? Do we believe we can learn also from those beyond our campus, including those who are less formally educated?

Dr. Thomas Flynn, Alvernia University President

4. “One Nation under God with Liberty and Justice for All”: We all have been saying these words since first grade, right?

Both concepts are essential: Liberty and Justice. Individual liberty and freedom of expression are enshrined as the fortunate gifts of Americans. Pursuing what is best for each of us and our future is, of course, part of the point of college.

But Individual responsibility matters too. Doing and saying what we want are not absolute rights to be practiced at the expense of others.

Our “expression” must not unduly impinge on others by limiting their freedom or treating them unjustly. And as the late Dr. King prophetically proclaimed, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!”

Our American “pledge” emphasizes “all” not just those with power or in the majority. It includes migrants and immigrants. The poor as well as the wealthy. Muslims and Jews as well as Christians. Franciscans believe community develops through relationships from a stance of “minoritas” (“being lesser,’” being a servant to all”).

Inclusive community at Alvernia celebrates all of us with our diversity of backgrounds, faiths, and experiences. But we celebrate our

unity too.

Our shared commitment to come together in work and in play--in academic team projects and student club activities; in theater productions and athletic contests; in faculty-student research and student-led retreats--offers us countless opportunities to build and practice servantleadership in our community.

Our passion for service, whether on an Alternative Break in Appalachia or a tutoring assignment at Reading High—provides the opportunity for us to reach beyond our comfort zone to put others first and express our deep caring for one another.

In a country so deeply divided, our campuses, like all communities, need what the Springsteen song celebrates as “the ties that bind.” With attention to what we say and how we speak; with the recognition that we have much to learn and gain by listening carefully (and lovingly) to others; and with a desire to build bridges that connect us instead of walls that divide us, may we seek to model “the real world” right here at Alvernia . . . as both “engaged citizens” and “ethical leaders with moral courage.”

Peace and All Good, Tom Flynn

campus news November/December 2016

3 Vol. 55 Issue 6

The Best C.A.B. in the Nation (Continued pg. 1) Photo courtesy of Campus Activities Board

From left to right: Nick Jaisingh, Joe Benyish, Jocelyn MacAleese, Macy Storm, Veronica Cepparulo and Lauren Bull all pose with their awards after the NACA awards dinner!

involved does good work so I figured I was just like everyone else.”

For those who do not know, CAB provides a variety of free events on campus every semester which include musicians, comedians, special events and novelties. These events would not run as smoothly as they do without

the executive board and the “CABBIES” who work hard at every event.

Winning these awards was an honor and would not have been possible without everyone who helps with Alvernia’s CAB. After winning, the group was discussing with an associate that works for NACA

about which region was her favorite. Without hesitation, the associate answered, “This one [Mid-Atlantic].”

The country is separated by region and each region hosts a conference for all of the schools in that specific region. Lauren Bull, CAB President, took this as an opportunity to name Alvernia’s CAB

and staff also did not receive any sort of raise for this fiscal year.

“It’s important to note that the expenses that were cut almost in no case affected student services or academics. They mostly were in areas that did not have immediate impact on the students, or their education, or their quality of life,” Smith said.

Many, however, are wondering how then in a fiscal year with a low tuition and a subsequently adjusted operating budget, the school could afford to fund major projects: Specifically, the PLEX, the football team and the renovations to the track and field.

“The funding for football comes from football players.

It’s really that simple,” Smith said.

“Much like when we started the Doctorate in Physical Therapy program; What pays for that program and the facilities they need is the Doctorate of Physical Therapy students.”

The university plans to borrow a modest amount of money in order to make improvements to the field.

The revenue from the football players will then not only pay for the interest on that loan, but also for the upgrades to the field, creating new posi-

tions, hiring new faculty and multiple other things around the university.

“When we get to the PLEX there’s a whole multitude of things that are helping pay for it,” Smith said. “Some of it will be borrowed, but a lot of it will be fundraised through donors.”

Projects like the football team and the PLEX do not affect the operating cost of the university and therefore don’t affect the school’s yearly operations. This allows big projects to go forward regardless of if the university has a good or bad fiscal year.

The school did take care to adjust the budget so as not to heavily impact students.

However, some of the university’s clubs and organizations faced cuts in operating budgets for the 2016-17 school year.

Zephyrus, Alvernia’s literary magazine, was one of the organizations at the receiving end of these adjustments.

Zephyrus serves as a collective publication of students’ creative works, from poetry, fiction and essays to photography and artwork.

Published every spring and overseen by Associate Professor of English, Dr. Tom Bierowksi, The Zephyrus is an important staple of Alvernia’s

liberal arts curriculum and dedication to the arts.

“We know funding will be cut. We don’t know by how much,” Bierowski said.

“I’m not taking it as a slight to Zephyrus or to student creativity on campus. It’s just a lay of the land, money-wise, this year.”

For many students, Zephyrus is their first chance at getting creative works shown for public consumption and recognition.

This past spring Colton McLaughlin, a senior English major and one of the editors of Zephyrus, organized a release party where contributors were welcome to read or display their work for the community.

“Lit mags show the caliber of the students’ creativity and artistic prowess, reflecting on the university itself,” McLaughlin said.

As both an editor and contributor, he worries about the future of The Zephyrus with a budget that is currently up in the air.

“I worry that we won’t be able to publish. And without Zephyrus, the school shows that it shuns creative talents,” McLaughlin said.

While The Zephyrus might not be a publication that pulls in a large revenue like a foot-

as the best CAB in the world.

“After I heard that the MidAtlantic was the best region, I took that as we were the best nation,” Bull said. “I don’t think we have much competition in other countries either, so we’re the best CAB in the world!” The rest of the group agreed.

CAB gets one of the biggest budgets from the Student Government Association (SGA) CAB’s budget is used to book the best acts for Alvernia’s campus, which can be an expensive proposition.

Fortunately, NACA makes picking acts easier, as many college-oriented performers go to NACA to try to find bookings. At NACA, CAB regularly watches prospective musicians, comedians, magicians and a bunch of other talented acts to book for the spring semester.

When the weekend was over, the group was excited to return to campus. The group was able to book some amazing talent that they think will

bring Alvernia students joy!

Nick Jaisingh, senior, was one of the students who had the chance to attend NACA. “There are some amazing acts that will truly bring our community together through comedy and music,” Jaisingh said. This was Jaisingh’s first NACA conference.

The spring semester is going to be full of fun events for every student to enjoy!

Keep an eye out for the activities calendar in the spring!

You can always check out CAB’s PAX page as well; it is always updated with events!

ball team, or a project that will be one of the school’s most attractive assets like the PLEX, it is still an important part of the university and the liberal arts core.

Zephyrus is a stepping stone for many students who are passionate about their arts and want to publish their work.

“You can’t have a liberal arts college without an original student produced creative product. And I’m sure the administration agrees with that,” Bierowski said.

“Zephyrus will be published if we have to write it in chalk on the pavement.”

To find out more information about submitting work to The Zephyrus or about this year’s theme of redemption, you can email the publication at Zephyrus@alvernia.edu.

Photo courtesy of ReJeana Goldsborough

Alvernia Budget Cut Woes (Continued pg. 1)

Zephyrus, Alvernia’s only literary magazine, highlights creative works from the student body. It has been a staple of Alvernia’s campus for over 30 years.

4

campus news

November/December 2016

Vol. 55 Issue 6

Photo courtesy of Alicia Sprow

Adventure Awaits with Expeditionary Leadership Club!

Member Emily Gargiulo attempts the High Ropes Course at South Mountain YMCA.

By Mikaileigh Baker Contributing Writer Looking for a club that takes you out of your comfort zone? If so, the Expeditionary Leadership Club (ELC) may be for you. ELC takes members of the Alvernia commu-

nity on a variety of trips, from adventures close to home to exotic Canada.

ELC was formed by Claire Sutliff, a senior occupational therapy major. Sutliff serves as club president this year.

“I actually began forming ELC the fall of my freshman

year (2013) after having a 1 credit adventure class with Alicia Sprow,” Sufliff said. “I filled out all the paperwork, created a constitution and cover letter, and completed an oral defense. Then I had it approved by the members of SGA in the spring, and we have been a club ever since.”

Past semesters have seen ELC tackle rock climbing, laser tag, zip-lining, and skiing. Most recently, students in the club have gone on hikes on the Appalachian Trail, kayaking trips down the Schuylkill River, and tested themselves on a high ropes course.

“I love Expeditionary Leadership Club because it helps you dedicate some of your time to the outdoors and adventures I wouldn’t have otherwise taken,” Emily Gargiulo, a junior, said.

The club’s trips are not all free, but tend to be inexpensive. Each trip is chosen by the members by group discussions.

The members run this club so there are always new plans in the works. With Sutliff soon to graduate, the club is looking toward its future leadership.

“In the future I would like to turn the club over to a freshman or sophomore that is just as dedicated to it as I am,” Sufliff said.

“I will have a selection process that will be announced at the next meeting. I would like to see this club either stay the same size (we have about 25-30 active members and 200 + on the email list) or increase in size. I would like the numbers to remain manageable!”

ELC is for anyone from the least adventurous to the most adventurous. It is for anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone to someone who wants to conquer their fear.

Why should someone join ELC? “I think that someone should join the club if they enjoy the outdoors and being

adventurous. Even if they are not very adventurous, there is always room to try new things and step out of their comfort zone. People discover their own leadership qualities through ELC and I think that can be so rewarding,” Sutliff said.

If you would like more information or would like to join ELC, you can either join on PAX or contact Claire at claire.sutliff@alvernia.edu.

reporting, Kristof has caught malaria, experienced war first-hand, confronted warlords, seen an Indonesian mob carrying heads on pikes, and even survived a plane crash in Africa, all in the name of journalism.

“I’m quite determined to get stories that aren’t being covered,” Kristof said. “You carefully weigh what you think the risks are versus the importance of getting the story out.”

Kristof firmly believes in reporting these stories in the hope that people will realize their severity and attempt to make a difference in society.

“I hope students will not only be informed but, also be galvanized to do things and to get involved in the course of their life to here and there, try to make a difference,” Kristof said.

“You don’t have to go off to Bangladesh to be a missionary or something, but just to here and there, where they can, make a difference for some people.”

During Kristof’s lecture, he expressed his frustrations as a journalist to report on less fortunate people in the world, specifically refugees in Sudan who are dying to keep their children alive, and not have any aid to provide them.

Kristof then described how he would like for reporters to have the courage to report on these issues, like humantrafficking, so that they are well-addressed and inspire change in society.

“These issues are painful to follow and think about,” Kristof said.

Kristof explained that when reporting on these issues, it is also hard to attract big audiences because of how difficult it is to listen to them.

Kristof finds that he motivates himself to cover the hard stories by making a human connection with his subjects.

“What motivates me is the individual stories. I go out and meet somebody, and it breaks my heart and makes me indignant,” Kristof said.

Kristof uses journalism as a tool to try to make a change for the people he covers in his travels.

“It makes me want to use my tools to fight back and my tools are a notepad and a camera,” Kristof said.

Kristof’s lecture eventually moved to discuss the election.

He said that the presidentelect will need to address issues of bias on ethnicities and races. Kristof believes that people in our country

perceive others as different, which creates biases and even discrimination.

The purpose of Kristof’s reporting and lectures is to make people aware of these difficult issues and hopefully inspire them to make change, one step at a time. He hopes that his work inspires people for change to finally prevent issues of oppression, discrimination, sexual assault, and hatred of others from happening so frequently in our world.

“Half the Sky” is available at independent bookstores near you.

Photo courtesy of The Holleran Center

Nicholas Kristof Labors Under “Half The Sky”

Nicholas Kristof discusses the intersection of social justice and journalism in his book “Half the Sky.”

By Mirco Giangiulio Contributing Writer On Thursday, October 27, the Holleran Center hosted New York Times writer, human rights advocate and two time Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof.

During his talk, Kristof discussed issues that society finds difficult to discuss, such as Sudan refugees, sexual assault, AIDS, mental health,

and racial discrimination.

Kristof is also known for his book, “Half the Sky,” a work that discusses female oppression, sex trafficking, maternal mortality and sexual violence. The book argues that the oppression of women throughout the world is the “paramount moral challenge” of the present era, much like how slavery was in the past.

During his travels and

new clubs

5

November/December 2016

Vol. 55 Issue 6

Photo courtesy of Carmen Gonzalez

Come Together with Commuter Council (Continued pg. 1)

Flyer made by Carmen Gonzalez for Student Activities to promote the Commuter Council.

said.

The Commuter Council held an interest meeting on October 12 to get a sense of how many students were interested in starting this club.

Although only a handful of people showed up to express their interest, it is very important to spread the word and help students learn about this great opportunity.

Several senior commuter students are excited about the idea of having this club on campus and wished it would have been part of their college experience at an earlier time.

“I’m glad to hear about this opportunity for commuters,” Ofelia Villaseñor, commuter, said. “I hope lower classmen take advantage of it if I’m not here when it becomes official.”

Once the Commuter Council is in action, students will be more attracted to it and attentive to what they are doing.

“We wish to make commuters feel like they are actually involved on campus through the availability of this club,” Nikolaus said.

Commuter are anxious to know what types of activities they will be a part of throughout their involvement in Commuter Council.

“I hope we’re able to get involved in service projects around the community and gain some experience with campus event planning,” Villaseñor said.

Commuters are always welcomed to events that various registered student organizations execute and the Commuter Council will maintain the emphasis on staying involved and attending various other events.

However, students need to care for the Commuter Council to exist. Per the Student Government Association, at least 10 members must take part in a club for it to exist.

“When members do not commit their time or do not

By Gwen Bauer Contributing Writer

Photo courtesy of Heather Wood

Coming to Alvernia this Spring is Changing Health Attitudes and Actions to Recreate Girls (CHAARG), a women’s health and fitness club. The mission of the club is to encourage college girls to own their fitness by proving that it can be fun to stay fit.

Heather Wood, a junior athletic training major, switched from the University of Pittsburgh to Alvernia University after her first three semesters. At the University of Pittsburgh, Wood joined the group CHAARG and loved it.

“The club was very positive and inspiring,” Wood said.

CHAARG member, Breanna Roland, sophomore nursing major, joined after hearing about it through Wood, and decided to join, needing an outlet to take her fitness to the next level.

“What I love most about CHAARG is the freedom to lack perfection while working towards my fitness goals and the encouragement that comes out of the community of imperfect girls working towards their own standard of perfection,” Roland said.

Wood felt that Alvernia needed a fitness related club, so she decided to start her own. She started by con-

L-R: Becky Marburger, Elisabeth Goida, Abbigail Westgate and Heather Wood of Alvernia CHAARG

tacting some people about creating a CHAARG club and talking to other girls to see who would be interested.

Once the club was approved by the university, she started spreading the word about the club through social media, drawing interest from several Alvernia ladies.

Once the club was approved by the university, the national CHAARG organization had to provide its blessing for the Alvernia chapter to become official.

Alvernia was among seven new schools that were approved for new CHAARG chapters, including Ohio University, Syracuse University, University of California San Diego, UMass Amherst, University of Florida, and the University of Wisconsin.

By the spring semester, when CHAARG will officially start at Alvernia, there will be a total of 44 schools representing CHAARG. CHAARG members pay $45 a year in dues. Their dues allow them two guided workout sessions a week. One session is a spotlight session, meaning a volunteer professional instructor will come to the school and do a workout with the group. Other available sessions include running, weight lifting and yoga.

Photo courtesy of Heather Wood

Get Ready To “CHAARG” Into Fitness

get involved a club may cease to exist,” Nikolaus said.

The current staff advisor for the start-up of the commuter council is Joe Benyish.

Commuters who are interested in executive positions or being a member of this club are highly encouraged to stop by the office of Student Activities. Students can also email Amber Nikolaus at amber.nikolaus@alvernia.edu or Joe Benyish at joseph.benyish@alvernia.edu. The more students on the interest list, the greater the chances are to make this club available for commuters.

L-R: Abbigail Westgate, Breanna Rowland and Heather Wood promoting CHAARG

CHAARG also provides chapters with a weekly high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, which focus on maintaining a high level of cardiovascular performance through high-rep, low-weight exercises.

The Alvernia CHAARG chapter has leadership opportunities available for interested students. Two students are needed to serve as event coordinators, while another student is needed to act as a vice president of media.

The event coordinators will oversee setting up studio spotlights, while the vice president of media will manage the chapter’s social media presence with a focus on recruitment. The chapter also requires a treasurer and a secretary.

For more information about positions within CHAARG, or to learn about joining, students can email alverniachaarge@gmail.com.

sports

6 November/December 2016

Vol. 55 Issue 6

AU Field Hockey: A Force to be Reckoned With

By Paige Burkett Contributing Editor

Photo courtesy of Alvernia University

This year’s Crusader field hockey team may be the best in school history.

The team started the 2016 season out very strong with a 2-1 win over Juniata College followed by a 4-1 win over Gwynedd Mercy University.

The streak continued with

some big wins including a 5-1 win over Misericordia University, 4-0 win over Arcadia University, and a 5-2 win over Stevenson University.

The team ended the season with an exciting win over Stevenson University in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) championship. The season had been a rollercoaster of ups and

Andrea Wysocki, Junior, pushes the ball into play during an offensive corner.

downs, but they were able to pull it together for the postseason.

On Saturday, October 22, the team prepared to face the top team in the nation, school rival Messiah College.

At this point, Alvernia had an undefeated 16-0 record, and was ranked #16 in the nation, highest in program history.

This game against Messiah was named “most anticipated game of the week” by Team USA, and was obviously not going to be an easy win for either team.

The game proved to be as exciting as expected, but unfortunately the Crusaders fell to Messiah 3-0.

“We have worked very hard this season to get to where we have, we have definitely had upsets, but that has only made us stronger,” Becca Brosious, senior goalie, said.

Even after the painful loss, the Alvernia team was far from being forgotten. They entered the post-season as a tough competitor for the

MAC championship, and the possibility of even appearing in the National post-season tournament.

So what changed this season? Why is the 2016 team the best team in the history of the school’s field hockey program?

Part of the reason this team is so strong is the leadership. Every team needs strong leaders to help pull the team together and push them to their greatest potential.

“This year, we all get along and we are all spending time together outside of field hockey and I think that has been making a huge difference this season,” Margaret Wentzel, senior, said.

The team could not have been as successful without amazing leadership from Andrea Wysocki, Margaret Wentzel, Rebecca Brosious, and Alexis Krall.

Wentzel and Wysocki are an unstoppable team who have accounted for half of the team’s goals throughout

By Justin Herforth Contributing Writer Coming off of a 15-11 season, the Alvernia men’s basketball team is looking to rebound this season. The Crusaders lost some talent in the off-season, but they are coming back ready to prove they are contenders once again.

Key returners for the Crusaders this season include senior forward Marquis Marshall and junior guards Mike Miller Jr. and Alex Shippen.

Last season, Marshall was the most dominant player on the floor, averaging 18.8 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game. Miller and Shippen averaged over 10 points per game, as well.

The one area the Crusaders will look to improve upon this season is rebounding.

They were ranked at the bottom in the MAC conference in that area last year.

It will take a collective team effort to improve in that area.

The team will have a new starting point guard this season, Sophomore George Williams. Williams is a transfer student from Lehigh Carbon Community College and is looking to be a key contributor to the team this season.

“George (Williams) has been able to pick up the coaching schemes extremely fast so far,” junior captain Mike Miller said.

“He has been extremely receptive to everything that has come his way thus far which has been impressive considering he has not played college ball before this season. He plays hard every second and he can be the Point Guard we need to win the MAC this year.”

The Crusaders are still led by four-time Commonwealth Conference champion Head Coach Mike Miller. Under Coach Miller, the Crusaders have gone 206-96 in his 11 seasons. He is very confident in his team’s ability to grow from last year and make a run at the MAC championship once again this season.

“We have our nucleus back with captains Marquis and Miller. Both of them have shown great leadership as well as talent on the court being our leading scorers,” Head Coach Miller said.

“Shippen and Hoff are going to be a huge part of our team’s success as starters this season along with new starting guard George Williams, who has shown a lot of heart on the court in his time here. With the team we

Photo courtesy of Jon King.

Men’s Basketball Looking for Rebound Season

the season, respectively. As captains, they are great rolemodels to help motivate and push the team.

“I love having all of them as captains. They are some of my closest friends, and even if they weren’t, I totally feel like they are people I could go to if I had a problem and they are also people who push me to do my best,” Nicole Hienze, sophomore goalie, said.

The team has also had a very strong coaching staff for many years, and this year the dynamic between the players and coaches has proven to be a strength.

Head coach Laura Gingrich has led the Crusaders to two conference titles, two ECAC Mid-Atlantic Region titles, and three NCAA appearances.

In addition, Gingrich’s teams have earned NFHCA Team Academic Awards for 12 straight seasons.

Clearly, the AU field hockey team is a force to be reckoned with, and a team that this university can be proud of.

L-R: Mike Miller Jr., Head Coach Mike Miller and Marquis Marshall are ready to bring a MAC title back to Alvernia in the 2016-17 season.

have this season, we have a good chance to bring the MAC title home, because I have confidence in these guys as a team.”

The team has high hopes for themselves this season as some players only have one more opportunity to bring a championship back to Alvernia. Marshall wants to do just that.

“For us as a team this season, we are not just trying to take things one game at a time. We are looking at each victory we get as being one win closer to a champion-

ship,” senior captain Marquis Marshall said.

“My expectations are very high for this team, we have tremendous chemistry on the floor and we have a good time playing together, which is important.”

“I have been on many teams in my life and I have never seen a group of guys hate to lose more than this group. With that mentality and the collective talent we have, we know we will be in every game this season, no matter the opponent.”

Crusader men’s basketball

opened their season at home on Tuesday, November 15 against Wesley College.

Make sure you get down to the PEC for all of the basketball action this season. If you are unable to make it to the game, tune in to the Crusader Sports Network so you do not miss a second of the action.

Follow the Crusader Sports Network on Twitter, @Vern_ CSN, to keep up with men’s basketball action this season.

spotlight November/December 2016

7 Vol. 55 Issue 6

Photo courtesy of Ryan Weber

Dr. Mark Kaufman: A New King of Horror?

Blending literature and film, Dr. Kaufman discusses Stephen King’s Horror “Tarot,” the three main types of monsters in horror.

By Ryan Weber Contributing Editor COM 353: Film Studies is taught every other year at Alvernia University. However, there is always a different theme presented for this class. Dr. Mark Kaufman designed COM 353’s work course for this semester

around the idea of Horror Stories.

According to Dr. Kaufman, “I proposed horror because I knew students would be interested in it, and the fall semester is the best time to get in the mood for scary movies.”

With so many great horror movies to choose from, Dr.

Kaufman said it was a difficult decision narrowing down which films would be chosen.

“In the end, my strategy was to choose movies that represented different subgenres (zombies, witches, slashers, and so on) as well as films that illustrated theoretical concepts (e.g. the Freudian uncanny). I want students to see that “horror” is actually a blanket term for a wide range of styles and subjects.”

Along with westerns, science fiction, and film noir, horror is an important category of cinema. Unlike other film genres, horror is unique in that it takes something that would normally be considered negative and turns it into a pleasurable experience.

“I find that process mysterious and fascinating. I’m also interested in the way horror registers and perhaps alleviates our real-life fears and anxieties, both as individuals and as a nation. It has a therapeutic quality.”

Dr. Kaufman is likely the

best faculty candidate to teach COM 353 this semester based on his education in horror.

“As a graduate student at Tufts, I also worked as a TA for a class called Horror Stories, which was a combination of literature and film. Since that time, I’d always wanted to teach a similar class, and this was my opportunity. In the future, I’d be interested in teaching a horror literature class as well.”

Dr. Kaufman is also the most qualified professor on campus to teach this course because of his background in film, where he has studied the history of cinema.

According to Dr. Kaufman, “Many years ago when I was in Colorado, working on getting my master’s degree, I wrote about James Joyce and early cinema. I was really interested in his writing style and early cinema, like silent films, and the 1920’s.”

As for other film courses, Dr. Kaufman also teaches

COM 250: Interpretation of Film. COM 250 is a similar format to COM 353 but it’s not focused on a particular genre. “Instead, we watch different types of films that exemplify various aspects of filmmaking (editing, acting, music, etc.).”

When it is all said and done for Dr. Kaufman it really is about learning and having fun in the classroom. With the material he presents for Horror Studies, it is hard not to have a good time.

The Alvernian is looking for writers, editors, photographers and more for the spring 2017 semester.

If you have an interest in writing, taking pictures, making art or otherwise getting out of your comfort zone, the Alvernian is for you.

Contact Dr. Ryan Lange (ryan.lange@alvernia.edu) or use this QR code to find out more.

Undergraduate & Graduate Courses

Winter SessÄąon Starts December 12

Winter Session: December 12 - January 13

Online Undergraduate and Adult Education: ART 122-W1: Introduction to Digital Photography BIO 109-W1: Human Biology BIO 203-W1: Biosphere BUS 342-W1: Business Law COM 290 or ENG 290-W1: Folklore of North America ENG 103-W1: Introduction to Poetry HIS 112-W1: The Study of American History MAT 110-W1: Business Mathematics PED 304-W1: Wellness for Life PHI 105-W1: Introduction to Philosophy PHI 210-W1: Professional Ethics PSY 101-W1: Introductory Psychology PSY 208-W1: Human Development Across the Life Span PSY 215-W1: Multicultural Issues

r e t s i ! g e R day To

SOC 111-W1: Principles of Sociology THE 105-W1: Foundations of Theology THE 210-W1: Medical Moral Theology THE 225-W1: Global Issues: Gospel Perspectives

Online Graduate: COR 520-W1: Ethics & Moral Leadership MBA 518-W1: Corporate Communication MBA 610-W1: Legal Environment MED 535-W1OL: Issues Concerning Special Education Programs (12/12/16-1/22/17)

Get ahead this winter break!

Convenient Online classes!

5-week accelerated courses. Credits are readily transferable. Financial aid may be available.

Register today at alvernia.edu/winter