Alvernian September 2020

September/October 2020

THIS ISSUE

Women’s Ice Hockey

COVID-19 Conversations

Dave Sylvester Spreads Joy Across the Country

COVID Aftermath: Learning with Zoom Mackenzie Coombs Contributing Editor Everything was up in the air when we came back to campus after spring break.

No one knew whether Alvernia University would be shutting down as the COVID19 pandemic seemed to threaten the remainder of the spring semester.

As the students started going back to classes, other universities around Pennsylvania started to go online for the rest of the semester. Although the option wasn’t ideal for anyone, it was the best way to keep us all safe.

By the end of the first week back to classes, an email was sent out by President Loyack stating that the university

was physically closing, and the remainder of the spring term would be remote. It was hard for students who lived farther away to get home since we had just come back to campus, so they got the option to stay on campus while other students had to leave their decorated dorms that they learned to call home.

On March 18, 2020, these students left on campus were issued to go home; the virus had been deemed dangerous, and we didn’t know at the time, but that would be the last few days we’d see Alvernia University for a number of months.

Fast forward six months later, and the university has re-opened with many new health protocols to follow.

There are many hiccups when it comes to reopening, but those students who returned in-person were welcomed back with open arms.

With classes in full

swing, there are numerous things that are different. For example, wearing a mask is necessary. Social distance is required. Making sure to wash your hands. All the

things that we have been doing since the beginning of lockdown are still in place to keep all of the students and faculty safe.

But there are those who could not make it back to campus. Whether it was due to family reasoning or the idea of being exposed to different people, many students have opted to remain in classes remotely.

Although the university is operated as an in-person college, they had to adjust and make sure that those students were accommodated. There are a multitude of students who have come forward and noted how difficult classes are. Being one of them, it can be stated that being online isn’t the easiest option—it wasn’t an easy decision to make, but one that had to be made to think about the safety of others and my own family.

Steve Hilliard, a junior

Criminal Justice major at Alvernia, is one of the many students that opted to go online. Hilliard is from Washington, D.C., and unfortunately, he was affected

by COVID-19. For his own safety—and for the safety of his fellow classmates—he decided to stay home and not risk spreading the virus or possibly getting the virus again. However, he has found that Zoom classes can be very difficult to manage.

“I don’t like having classes on Zoom, because sometimes, it can be harder to focus on classes,” he said.

Hilliard mentioned that the connection isn’t great and as times and it’s hard to hear the professors explain different topics. This is notably the biggest issue with Zoom; several students have complained about the audio quality of Zoom, and technology does not always cooperate. “I have to ask

for help from my professor only through email and I personally like face to face meeting because I can get more of getting the help I need.”

Classes online aren’t easy.

Although there are many students doing remote learning, there are plenty of students that are on campus that are also dealing with the issues of Zoom classes.

Hannah Ververs, a junior Occupational Therapy major, has been doing most of her OT classes online and doing her internship via Zoom.

“It’s not ideal,” Ververs said. “I’d rather be working and getting experience in person, rather than having to watch online. It’s harder to learn things when you’re not there to see it and learn from it.”

Ververs mentioned that classes held on Zoom can be exhausting, because she’s online for classes from 8 a.m.

to 4 p.m., and sometimes it feels like she’s not really learning anything.

When getting feedback about how Zoom is working for different students, it’s clear to say that it’s not for every major. In fact, it’s easier to learn in the classroom where you can ask questions and get the help that you need. Not everyone can teach themselves the materials that are required for each course.

Although the professors are always an email away, it can be difficult to ask the right questions when you don’t understand the material you’re learning.

But overall, it’s a learning experience for all of us.

We never expected our college experience to be in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, but that’s okay.

We’re just living in an era of history. These are things that can be worked on, for better or for worse.

Zoom has become an education staple during the pandemic.

MISSION MOMENT

Study Abroad

“As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: And, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.”

— C.S. Lewis, “Mere Christianity”

Image Courtesy of www.twitter.com/zoom_us

what’s in

Volume 58 Issue 4

CORONACOUTURE Vol. 58 Issue 4

September/October 2019

Alexxa Powers Contributing Writer Face masks have become a part of the everyday lives of Americans. Masks are to be worn covering the nose and mouth, to try and prevent respiratory droplets from leaving your body and entering the bodies of others.

Adapting to this change has been easy for some, but extremely hard for others.

Today, nearly every business that relies on direct interaction with other people mandates employees, customers, and visitors to wear a mask. These mandates have created a demand for masks. Several stores have stocked up and become more versatile in the types of masks they supply. From disposable wear, to reusable, opaque or see-through, there is a wide variety of masks to suit any fashion sense or practical need.

Independent designers, large manufacturing companies,

Managing Editor Sidney Goodman Layout Sidney Goodman Section Editors Mackenzie Coombs Joely Griffith Anastasia Tomko Contributing Writers Kailey Conrad Victor de Avila Daviliana Gil Jared Montalto Matt Mitchell Carly LePore Alexxa Powers Dion Thorpe Teyon Thorpe Faculty Advisor Dr. Ryan Lange

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.

© 2019 The Alvernian

Vol. 58 Issue 4

Making Masks Trendy

t h e alver n ian

The Alvernian is the official student newspaper of Alvernia University.

To contact newspaper staff, the office telephone number is 610-796-8358.

3

and even an avid sewer, have created fashionable masks for people to wear in hopes to raise morale during a difficult time. People are now purchasing and making face masks to express themselves on issues, show support for sports teams, tell inside jokes, or just try to get a laugh or a smile.

As college students, we are told to wear masks everywhere we go. When walking on campus, you should be wearing your mask.

When in the dining hall, you cannot take your mask off until you sit down to eat your meal. When you go to the gym to work out, you must wear your mask. When inside buildings/classrooms, you are required wear your mask. The only time we can take it off is when we are in our dorms or apartments.

Due to the constant wearing of masks, we should want something that’s comfortable and unique to who we are.

After speaking with several

The Veterans Center Wants You to Vote Sidney Goodman Managing Editor With the Presidential election coming up in November, it is more important than ever for students to learn about their voting rights and the role that they play in the U.S. government system. This kind of education is not always available to students, and with the added element of mail-in ballots this election, voting can seem daunting.

Alvernia’s Veterans Center is striving to remove the confusion around voting and provide the necessary information for students to exercise their civil rights.

There are several different programs running this year to increase voter registration.

Some are through the Veterans Center, while others are being directed by other groups on campus.

Because this year is the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gives women the right to vote, Dr. Janae Sholtz, Coordinator

of Women’s Gender Studies, spearheaded the “100 For The 100th” campaign, the goal of which was to get 100% of women at Alvernia (and ideally the men too) registered to vote.

While many of the events planned around voter registration last semester were canceled because of COVID-19, the Veterans Center is renewing its efforts this fall. On Constitution Day, Veterans Center Coordinator Bret Krotee set up a booth for Alvernia students to come out and learn about registering and how to vote online, in-person, or by ballot.

“I want to do the best I can to inform, educate, and empower our students,” Krotee said. “It’s important to let them know about the rights they have.”

The momentum does not stop there. For National Voter’s Day, Krotee released a video of Alvernia students stating why they vote and showing their support for the Veterans Center’s programs, as well as manning a booth to

provide further information about voting in the upcoming election.

All of this hard work has paid off. This summer, Alvernia was recognized as one of the best colleges for student voting in 2020

by Washington Monthly.

The list acknowledged by the publication is comprised of two and fouryear institutions that have exhibited dedication to fostering student voting on their campus. Thanks to the hard work and encouragement that Krotee and other members of the Veterans Center have put in to Alvernia, the number of our students who reported voting in the 2018 election is nearly 20% higher than the national average of voters in that age bracket, which was 30.1%.

“This is many student’s first time being interested or being able to vote in a presidential election,” said Bret Krotee, Coordinator of the Veterans Center. “We want to educate our students so that they can bring awareness

to others as they grow into the community.”

It is important for students to be able to make their voices heard, and the work that the Veterans Center has put in to ensuring that they have the resources to do so is invaluable. Check out the links below for more information on various voting resources. Be sure to register to vote and be on the lookout for more events to come this semester!

To register in a state outside Pennsylvania: https://www.rockthevote. org/ To find your polling place: https://www. pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/ PollingPlaceInfo.aspx For information about Mail-in and Absentee Ballots: https://www.votespa.com/ Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mailand-Absentee-Ballot.aspx To register in Pennsylvania: https://www. pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/ VoterRegistrationApplication. aspx

By wearing your mask, another day of in-person classes is possible!

colleague, Dr. Nathan Thomas, Associate Professor of Theatre, said “masks are the first and most important means by which we can remain safe from the novel virus that has struck humanity.”

It’s unclear how soon our masked days will end. We have no idea if all these new regulations are going to still be here in a month or in a year. Regardless, we can make the best of a difficult situation and show some style and flair in the face coverings we all must wear. We can use the masks to match with

outfits or hairstyle, use colors to make your complexion and eye color pop, or present brands and beliefs that we are passionate about.

At one point in time, people felt these masks were a nuisance. Our outlook has dramatically shifted as our understanding of the pandemic has deepened. We, as members of society, can do our best to create light on the unfortunate events occurring in the world. Throw out your tired, blue disposable mask and let your creative side free. A fashion forward mask with different colors, designs,

faculty members and staff, I got to better understand the types of masks they enjoy wearing, and if statement pieces are a forte of theirs.

There are plenty of creative face masks out there!

Patrice Williams, Assistant Director for Career Development at Alvernia University said, she likes masks that “look cute and express myself and the things I like to do”. Ms. Williams has spent over one hundred dollars on masks from places like Amazon and Etsy, accumulating quite the collection on her behalf.

Other faculty members, like Jodi Radosh, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English and Communication and Center for Community Engagement said her favorite masks come friend Old Navy and neighbors. Dr. Radosh tries to have fun with her masks and match them with her outfits but often wears her “sparkly silver” or “rhinestone mask”. fabrics, and more will allow people to see who you are in a more expressive way. to make your complexion and eye color pop, or present brands and beliefs that we are passionate about.

At one point in time, people felt these masks were a nuisance. Our outlook has dramatically shifted as our understanding of the pandemic has deepened. We, as members of society, can do our best to create light on the unfortunate events occurring in the world. Throw out your tired, blue disposable mask and let your creative side free. A fashion forward mask with different colors, designs, fabrics, and more will allow people to see who you are in a more expressive way.

Professors and faculty members understand the importance of a mask and are willing to go the extra mile to be back on campus. Dr. Susan Guay, Assistant Professor of English and Communications

at Alvernia University, said “the mask is a means of survival during the pandemic, and it allows me to teach all of my classes in person.”

Many professors agree with Professor Guay. Her

Wearing masks and touching elbows are just some ways the Alvernia community are helping keep COVID-19 from spreading.

WORD OF THE ISSUE: Solitude /'säli,t(y)oōd/ “the quality or state of being alone or remote from society”

Photo Courtesy of @alverniauniversity

September/October 2019

POLITICS

Image Courtesy of Residence Life

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ON CAMPUS

September/October 2019

Vol. 58 Issue 4

September/October 2019

TRAVEL

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Commuter Take on COVID-19 Commuters, who normally have many changes to make when they start college, have faced even more extreme changes in the COVID-19 era.

Commuters and residents have two very different experiences when it comes to college.Socially distant learning styles have forced students and faculty to make difficult adjustments. From wearing masks to sanitizing everything touched, students are experiencing a much different school environment than in previous years.

Commuters, who arrive at Alvernia from their homes across the region, have to be extra prepared to attend school due to the intensity of the new health protocols.

At Alvernia University there are three ways in which faculty carry out their courses. There are in-class classes, online classes via Zoom, and being physically

present in the classroom while being on Zoom. Many courses do allow for students to be present in the class via Zoom, but not all. As for classes via Zoom whilst being present in the classroom, it is an inconvenience for commuters. Many agree that there is no true point to being in the classroom if the class is on Zoom because being in a classroom in general can expose students and faculty to the virus.

Two commuter students interviewed have different views on which learning style they prefer. Justin Abreu, a senior majoring in accounting, prefers going to school rather than virtual learning. He feels that Covid19 has not affected him as much as he thought it would.

“Despite having protocol in place, I’ve gotten used to the social distancing and mask policy outside of school,” Abreu said. “It’s just been a new daily routine on campus.”

Another student, Joel

Garcia, a junior majoring in accounting, would rather be on Zoom. He believes that it is more convenient having everything online. “It’s frustrating going back and forth when I could just be at home.”

He also believes that he is at a lower risk of getting sick when at home.

Professors have also dealt with the challenges brought about due to Covid-19. They have had to adjust to teaching in forms so that all students are comfortable with the material and understand it. They have also had to implement office hours virtually.

Dr. Corey Harris is a theology professor who has dealt with the drastic change of moving from indoor classroom to an outdoor classroom. Now with Covid-19, Dr. Harris feels the biggest change is office hour and meeting with students, something that is now done virtually. As far as classroom

experience, he thinks in person classes would be better, but circumstances demand adaptation. “Given the circumstances of everything going on, virtual is better in the moment.” He feels that in some ways being remote is easier on students when coordinating their day.

What can students and faculty hope for in the future?

“What I’m hoping is that for the spring, we have a plan that sits both with what students want and expect and what professors want and expect.”

Alvernia’s Friendly Faces

What do you think of the new normal?

How Alvernia Has Adapted to COVID-19

When Life Returns to Normal, Study Abroad

Teyon Thorpe Contributing Writer

Victor de Avila Contributing Writer

COVID is something that has changed the way that we all go about our daily lives. Wearing a mask and staying six feet apart has now become the new norm. Some people wondered if we would even be able to come back to school because of COVID, but the university made efforts to

put protocols in place to keep us safe. Some students aren’t sure the protocols are good enough and might even be counterproductive.

Alvernia practices social distancing, which includes course seating and where people can sit to eat, and mandatory mask use.

Everyone at Alvernia, faculty, staff, or students, must use the Campus Clear app

to be admitted to campus each day. The Campus Clear app records people’s self-diagnoses to try to detect COVID-19 infections as early as possible. All classrooms and every floor in the residence halls have sanitation stations. The university has prohibited room parties and does not allow people to visit other people’s rooms. Students who break the rules repeatedly will be sent home without a refund on room and board.

Alvernia has made changes on campus due to COVID 19 and with changes, there will always be people who don’t agree. While there are rules that seem unreasonable, students understand that everything is in place to protect our campus. D’Angelo Ferguson, sophomore, said, “I think not being allowed to visit a friend who lives in another hall is kind of harsh because if we are being allowed to go to class and be in class with more than 10 people while wearing a mask I think we should be allowed to visit friends while we were a mask as well.”

Despite the adjustments that students have had to make, there are changes on campus that they like very

much. Jordan-green Hinson, sophomore, said, “The one thing I love the most is how they have six feet marked for us in the cafeteria and classrooms.” The new outdoor dining patio is also a great way for students to enjoy themselves while still social distancing.

The most drastic changes on campus can be seen in the dynamics of all of our sports teams. Student-athletes and coaches were informed over the summer that there will be no fall sports, so it seemed to many that all of their hard work and practice for this semester was wasted. With no spring or fall, coaches and players had to adapt their practice style to align with COVID-19 guidelines.

“Our ability to adapt has produced mixed results,” Mark Surma, defensive coordinator, said. “We’ve transitioned well to conducting meetings online and finding new ways to teach and learn football material. Also, our players have demonstrated great judgment and character in abiding by the restrictions on social life on campus.

However, not every player has had the discipline to find alternative ways to exercise

and continue to improve themselves physically.

Fostering that discipline is a big part of our job as coaches, so as we continue to work with our young men I expect that to improve.”

Despite all of the changes that sports have had to face, not all of the changes that have occured are bad.

“Living in the era of COVID has drastically expanded our knowledge of alternative means of communicating,” Surma said. “Not only does that provide us with a variety of ways to connect, but it also allows people in many fields to gather for work, learning opportunities, or even recreation remotely. In this way, it has expanded access to those opportunities as well as allowing people to do things from home that they otherwise would not have had the ability to do.”

Everyone can agree that this is not the ideal situation to be in, and that all of the new rules from Alvernia can be confusing and sometimes feel restricting. But this is a good time for us to look at the good things and remember that all of the new guidelines are for our safety and to keep us on campus.

When my parents told me that college flies by, I never gave it much thought. But as time passed, I realized how valuable these college years really are. It’s easy to stick to our same old selves all four years, going with the flow and making simple decisions. I wanted to make bigger decisions and branch out in a unique way, and so I decided to study abroad. In fall semester of 2019, I found myself in London.

Students pursuing study abroad always have the same questions. Fortunately, the study abroad coordinator at Alvernia makes working through those challenges less daunting. One factor is always cost. To ease the pocketbook, you can apply for Real World Learning Awards and seek out additional scholarship opportunities online. The support is readily available, no matter the situation. As for choosing a country to study in, that will depend on your major, the courses the partner school offers, and your interests. A few places Alvernia’s study abroad program has placed students before are England, Ireland,

Spain, and Belgium.

Study abroad offers different durations of stay.

You can join a two to fourweek study abroad program in the summer, take part in a spring or fall semester trip, or attend an Alvernia sponsored class trip over winter break and spring break. Most importantly, each one of these options offers credit for courses to make sure you stay on track to graduate.

My final decision took me to the University of Roehampton in London.

Those three months were the most memorable of my life. I gained friendships that will last a lifetime, met people from all walks of life, and engaged in numerous cultures. There are many opportunities to travel throughout Europe inexpensively. During my time there I visited Ireland, Wales, Italy, and Germany - each trip opening doors to new perspectives on life.

Travel has always been important to me and living in a different country opened me up even more to the world. Studying and traveling abroad is one journey I highly recommend looking into. I urge you to break out of the norm

and open up to the world.

I promise you will learn more about yourself after a study abroad experience.

It’s a time to learn, expand your knowledge, and grow through new perspectives and experiences.

Tessa Logullo, a recent graduate of Alvernia’s class of 2020, expressed how study abroad shaped her. “Studying abroad in London, England for 6 weeks has changed me personally in many ways.

Getting to experience a different culture has helped me develop a more openminded attitude towards new people and opportunities.

Exploring around London also allowed me to develop my sense of independence more than I thought was possible by encouraging me to take risks and problem solve on my own. From this adventure, I am more confident when it comes to facing my fears and more open to trying new things.”

If you’re interested in studying abroad, I recommend expressing this to your academic advisor first and then getting in contact with the study abroad office through The Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement on campus. They

Senior Communications major Victor de Avila reels in a breathtaking moment at Stonehenge during his study abroad in Fall 2019. This excursion was one of many to historical sites throughout England.

Photo Courtesy of Nick Tanaka

Daviliana Gil Contributing Writer

can be reached at sibel.ahi@ alvernia.edu and 610-5681473.

Have questions about studying abroad? Scan this QR code!

Vol. 58 Issue 4

September/October 2019

Vol. 58 Issue 4

Spreading Joy “One Hug at a Time” Carly LePore Contributing Writer

Face to face interaction is unheard of in the United States of America since March, 2020. In today’s world, we find it difficult to spread happiness in normal times, let alone in a time now where we must remain six feet apart and wear masks.

Just before these unfortunate events occurred, on September 12, 2019, David Hale Sylvester (a.k.a The HumanHigh5) began his journey to bring people joy all throughout the country.

Sylvester began his “Hugs and High5 Tour” the day after the remembrance of September 11th. Sylvester had a lifelong childhood friend that lost his life in the World Trade Center attack in 2001 and wanted a way to lighten his grief, while touching the hearts of others.

Alvernia University’s creativity class is currently reading Sylvester’s book, “One Hug at a Time,”

reflecting on Sylvester’s interactions and inspirational experiences. Being the first class to read his book as a whole, Sylvester was more than happy to do a personal Q&A with us over Zoom.

Jessica King teaches Alvernia University’s Creativity class and is the one in which gave us the wonderful opportunity to meet Sylvester, and to learn about his remarkable journey. Having Sylvester as a surprise guest speaker was very exciting for students that enjoyed or were touched by his stories.

When asking his overall reason for choosing to embark on his adventure, Sylvester responded, “My goal was to go around and make the world smile.” He has given charitable service around the world. Some events that Sylvester has particpated in are North America ‘02 - Washington State to Philadelphia, Africa ‘04 - Cairo to Cape Town, Asia ‘07 - Istanbul to Beijing,

Sylvester has touched many lives during his tours and hopes to continue to do so after the pandemic situation is resolved.

North America ‘08 - San Diego to NYC, North America ‘11 – Minneapolis to NYC, and Australia ‘15 - Sydney to Melbourne.

Sylvester’s book not only allowed us to reflect on the importance of personal reassurance in times of need, but opened our eyes to how

disassociated we truly are with each other. Starting his journey in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania, all the way to California, Sylvester was out to make a change. In chapter one of “One hug at a time,” Sylvester reveals his little concern for his work in stating, “Unlike

Photo Courtesy of Dave Sylvester

September/October 2019

LIFESTYLE

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Dave Sylvester is a force for good in a world that truly needs it as he spreads positivity and touches lives with his many tours across the country.

traditional hunts for money or fame, searching for hug treasure hasn’t appealed to my worst qualities or corrupt me.”

When he was unable to cycle in 2016, Sylvester shared, “I continued on my mission via a car and held hug/high5 events in 31 states - making it a point to visit places touched by violence like San Bernardino, Oklahoma City, Chicago, Cleveland, and Orlando.

The previous year’s warmth prompted me to hug people at the “literal” heart/center of the nation in Lebanon, KS, on Valentine’s Day 2017.”

In July of 2019, Sylvester was in Jackson, Mississippi when a plane carrying 15 Marines and a Navy soldier crashed-killing all on site.

Sylvester was sure to rush directly to the scene to lend a helping hand or give a hug to whomever would take one.

Sylvester also visited Orlando, Florida to spread some much needed love right after 49 were killed and 58 wounded in the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting.

“My tour was a fantastic experience that touched a lot of people because when the shootings in Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs, Texas, occurred - people said, ‘Dave get down there and hug people.’ And I did,” Sylvester

said. “Since then, I have gone to stage hug tours throughout Alaska in 2018 and Europe, and Israel in 2019. Helping people wipe away their tears to find a way to smile has been an emotional undertaking, but each visit left me wanting to do more.”

Sylvester was even kind enough to reveal some life experiences not previewed in his book. He spoke about a dementia patient in South Dakota, who once told him she greatly appreciated what he was doing for the world...before later forgetting him. He also spoke about a Minnesota man near death, who told him he felt better about leaving behind his grandchildren in a world with people like him. As Sylvester puts his wonderfully kindhearted aspirations in

short, “I am just a guy who wants the world to smile and has embraced 500,000+ people in 50 states and 42 countries in 19 years to achieve it.”

Sylvester truly touched the hearts of many people in his journey to spread joy, and is not planning on stopping there. Sylvester is even thinking about doing another tour he likes to call “spreading socially distanced love” to spread joy through these unprecedented times without being in close contact. Though the confirmation of another tour is not certain, Sylvester continues to touch and inspire others through his stories and kindness towards society.

Photo Courtesy of Dave Sylvester

LIFESTYLE

Photo Courtesy of Dave Sylvester

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Sometimes people do not know how badly they need a hug until they get one.

September/October 2019

Vol. 58 Issue 4

Camel Project Provides Students with School Supplies During this pandemic especially, there has been an increased need for school supplies that has grabbed the attention of The Camel Project, a nonprofit organization based in Reading that’s core mission is to assist communities- including schools, organizations, and individuals- to change the violent and unacceptable behaviors that result in the classroom. Through helping children individually, The Camel Project is dedicated

to supporting each child’s success with the necessary tools to do so. A vital part of a child’s education is grounded in having the proper tools to keep them organized and learn efficiently.

Due to the growing number of students now online for the new school year, it is more important than ever to help provide children with basic school necessities to help strengthen their academic and personal journey throughout middle and high school. According to the NRF (National Retail Federation), households

spend nearly $700 per year on a combination of school supplies, clothing and electronics.

There are multiple ways to get involved in the drive, and it all ranges from how comfortable the volunteer is.

Donating $25 lets the Camel Project do all the work.

The donation will be used to buy the following items: • Pencils • Calculators • Notebooks • Pens • Rulers • Notebooks Donors can also fill up

The Camel Caravan- The Camel Project’s Community Advocacy Vehicle. This classic 40- foot steel vehicle symbolizes the strength of a community united to end the scourge of bullying.

Photo Courtesy of TheCamelProject.org

Anastasia Tomko Contributing Editor

their own backpack! Purchase a backpack from your local store and fill it up with basic items off the list mentioned previously. The Camel Caravan, T.C.P’s community advocacy vehicle, will be stopping at drop-off locations for any monetary or handbagged donations.

The approved donating spots are at Reading School District’s Northeast and Southern Middle Schools, as well as in front of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Pam Gockley noticed a disconnect in charity events throughout this pandemic.

“People were frustrated because they felt they weren’t a part of the community,” she said, “Since this is a low risk and easy way to help, it gave an avenue to community members that wanted to help but didn’t know how.”

One of the leading organizations that participated in the drive was RUOK Berks.“The Berks County Mental Health/

Camel Coloring

Developmental Disabilities Program and the RUOK Berks campaign were pleased to offer school supplies on behalf of the Camel Project,” Deputy Administrator of the MH/DD, Michele Ruano Weber said. “Ms. Gockley was supportive in assisting the Berks County Suicide Prevention Task Force spread the word about suicide prevention through their antibullying television show on Berks Community Television.”

To learn more about this organization, contact Pam Gockley at pamgockley@ thecamelproject.org, or her office at 717-964-7086.

PUBLISHING

September/October 2019

9 Vol. 58 Issue 4

So You Want to Be Published...

Kailey Conrad Contributing Writer

Where do I start? What places publish my style of writing? How can I actually get my work published – not just submitted? Can I make money? Will I have to give up my rights? There are many questions that come when considering publishing written works, and for some of those the answer is a simple ‘keep at it and submit like crazy’ but for other questions, there are much more in-depth answers.

Regardless of what a student writes, or what they are looking to publish, there is always the opportunity to self-publish. Amazon, for example, operates a selfpublishing program through Kindle Create. Kindle Create allows anyone to publish their work virtually with the option to have their work printedon-demand as well.

At Alvernia University, one opportunity available

to students interested in journalism, is publication through The Alvernian, the school newspaper.

For students who would like to gain experience writing articles, conducting interviews, and giving reports on current events, the newspaper is the easiest route – especially since it is a campus run production.

However, this is not the only newspaper available to students who would like to

be published. Students could intern with a newspaper company, and potentially have work published that way. Students can also look at small newspapers around where they live, and pitch ideas to those companies.

In addition, websites like Medium accept writings in article format – all you need to do is sign up with an email and verify that you are an actual person. Some sites, Medium in particular, pay

Alvernia students, it’s another very easy opportunity to get work published - just submit your work to the Zephyrus editing team at zephyrus@alvernia.edu when submissions are open.

“Zephyrus is a great example of the combined creative efforts of the Alvernia student body,” said Zephyrys editorin-chief Sidney Goodman.

“We want to see even more submissions in the future!”

There are also literary

their writers a fraction of the money that they make from subscribers to their website.

If you want to write something beyond news articles, another Alvernia opportunity to get published is the university’s literary magazine, Zephyrus.

Zephyrus accepts creative works from poems to short stories and even art. If you submit multiple items, the editing team may choose to publish all of them. For

Photo Courtesy of Kailey Conrad

IN READING

Many people with a well-loved bookshelf dream of one day being published themselves, but the road to get there can be long and confusing.

magazines that are not while others are free. These the Journal of Undergraduate – or multiple peers – review through the university that contests are typically harder Research and The Honors your work to point out any are still viable opportunities to win and become published Review focus on publishing errors, inconsistencies or to get work published. by than, say, getting published anything that an international interdisciplinary undergrad Plus, places like the Poetry by the university. However, research. For graduate reader wouldn’t understand.

Foundation, The Sun, The they are still in existence and students, the Journal of Make sure that your research Threepenny Review, and The good to look into, especially Student Research is a is clear, and that there is First Line, all offer payment if a student has confidence relatively common option for context as to what your for publication. While it multidisciplinary publication, in their work and would paper is about and what usually isn’t much, it’s still a like to make cash on the however, based on your field the research lies in. way to make some extra cash side - as most contests have concentration and what you With academic publishing, whilst boosting your resume. a monetary reward. Popular are looking to publish, more it is likely that your work Each magazine should have free contests include the specific journals may be a will be rejected, or sent back a place on their website that L. Ron Hubbard Writers of better option. to you for revisions. Don’t details their individual wants get discouraged by this – the Future Contest which Contests, sometimes run and needs, as well as what accepts short science fiction by a literary magazine, other sometimes it takes multiple someone has to do to get or fantasy stories, Inkitt times run by miscellaneous revisions for a document to published – how to create an which accepts novels, and the organizations, oftentimes be accepted. As for where account, how many works to Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry take written works and to publish, it all depends on submit, and how frequently Contest which, you guessed it, publish them. Some contests your concentration and what to submit them. Frequently, accepts comedic poetry. make writers pay for entry, your topic. Journals such as submissions are not accepted, but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. When trying to get published, revision is the key.

If a student is interested in getting nonfiction work published, or a research paper, there is also the opportunity to get published in an academic or scholarly journal. Scholarly sources are a bit more challenging to get published in, and there are most definitely more hoops to jump through when taking this route than there would be if you were publishing fiction. It’s best to start out your scholarly Award-winning journal Zephyrus is a perfect place for students to get published. The edition on the writing career by writing far right took second place in Sigma Tau’s Outstanding Literary Arts Journal competition. reviews and responses, and

Photo Courtesy of Sidney Goodman

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it’s always best to have a peer

As touched on before, internships are a great way to get content published as a student. From news articles to web posts, there are many opportunities to get published as a part of an internship. Simply look for internships that involve content creation and production or ask a supervisor if there will be an opportunity to publish work as an intern. An example of this, is myself.

Over the summer whilst I was interning with Special Olympics, I had an interview published that gained traction on Twitter. I also had a few miscellaneous articles published during this time.

It’s important to remember, that the publishing process isn’t always quick and easy. Sometimes written work may be sent back for revisions multiple times, and sometimes work may be taken in immediately and published. It’s always best to when thinking of publishing, have other people review and help revise a piece of written work. Research all opportunities thoroughly before publishing anything there are some publications that make authors give up their rights to a piece, and there are different standards and terms for each publication.

September/October 2019

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Women’s Ice Hockey Partners with Youth Program For ice hockey players, fall marks the exciting beginning of a new season. This year, Alvernia student athletes will not only be honing their own skills on the ice, but also mentoring and coaching local youth athletes.

In May of 2020, the Reading Royals announced

a partnership between their new Youth Hockey Program and Alvernia University Women’s Ice Hockey Team.

The partnership aims to foster the growth of youth hockey participation in the Greater Reading area and will provide youth players with coaching and mentorship from not only elite players of the Reading Royals (ECHL), but from Alvernia collegiate

athletes.

The Reading Royals launched their new Youth Hockey program in May 2020 under the direction of Terry Denike, who formerly ran Body Zone’s Youth Hockey Program. The program serves local youth players from ages 4-14 and offers year-round events and clinics with elite level coaching. The Program’s flexible scheduling allows it

Alvernia’s women’s ice hockey team celebrates first win in program history. 2019-2020 marked the highest level of women’s hockey to be played in Berks County.

Photo Courtesy of theuchc.com

Joely Griffith Contributing Editor

to accommodate and serve a larger number of youth athletes and their families.

By bringing together Berks County’s top level of men’s hockey (Reading Royals- ECHL) and women’s hockey (Alvernia- NCAA Div. III), the clinics will provide a well-rounded instruction experience to teach youth athletes the game of hockey.

Alvernia’s Women’s team broke uncharted ground as the first collegiate women’s hockey program in Berks County during their inaugural season in 2019-20.

According to USA Hockey, female participation in ice hockey has grown steadily by 34% over the past ten years.

The partnership between Royals Youth and Alvernia will provide the unique opportunity to specifically foster the growth of girl’s hockey by providing female mentorship for girls enrolled in the program.

As members of Alvernia’s women’s hockey team settle

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into campus this fall, the next phase of the partnership begins. Amber Steinhilpert, a sophomore on the women’s hockey team, said that the partnership allows her and her teammates the rewarding opportunity to serve as role models and be a source of information for the youth players.

“More than ever the future of hockey depends on our collective efforts to grow the game, and we are so grateful to the Reading Royals organization for their commitment to the youth of Berks County,” Josh Brandwene, head coach of the women’s ice hockey team, said in a statement. “Our Alvernia student-athletes are great ambassadors and role models, and we are all excited about this great partnership.”

Vol. 58 Issue 4

The Unpoppable Bubble Jared Montalto Contributing Writer

Trail Blazers had a sudden death set of games that they had to win in order to get the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Point Guard Damian Lilliard had a phenomenal Bubble experience and got his underdog team into the playoffs after winning Bubble MVP. The Bubble brought out a lot of emotions and funny moments from the NBA community. Some players referred to it like being in prison, but others embraced the unique experience and had fun any way they could.

76ers Center, Joel Emiid, said he lost 50 pounds due to the terrible food and not having his regular diet he had outside the Bubble.

“Definitely losing 50 lbs,” Embiid said on Instagram with a picture of his not too appetizing meal.

Ricahun Holmes of the Sacramento Kings had to be quarantined after he got a DoorDash delivery which was

not approved of by the NBA. Clippers’ former 6-Man of the Year Lou Williams allegedly left the Bubble to attend a family friend’s funeral, which was allowed, but was seen on Instagram at a Gentlemen’s Club, Magic City. He said it was his “favorite restaurant” but nonetheless had a ten day quarantine when he got back.

Mike Conley of the Utah Jazz had to leave the Bubble because of the birth of his newborn son and returned afterward. Conley quarantined and returned to play without incident.

Lastly, Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler, started up a coffee shop business and was charging $20 a cup. Butler claimed he makes the best coffee in the Bubble and decided to start charging for his services. “You can’t get coffee nowhere here. So I might bump it up to 30 bucks a cup. People here can afford it,” Butler said in an interview in the Bubble.

The first round of the

A mural of the late Kobe Bryant, whom the Lakers hope to dedicated their championship to.

Bucks in only five games after the Bucks were supposed to be Final contenders. Twotime MVP and Defensive Player of the Year winner Giannis Antetokounmpo was shut down by the underdog Heat team and surprised everyone in the NBA world.

Another Finals contender favorite Los Angeles Clippers lost in seven games to the Denver Nuggets. After being up 3-1 the Clippers couldn’t close out the series

and go to their franchise’s first conference finals.

Both teams star’s Kawhi Leonard and Paul George underperformed in what was their best opportunity to win a championship.

The Miami Heat continued their Cinderella-type playoff run after defeating the Boston Celtics in six games.

They started off winning a close Game 1 because young superstar, Bam Adebayo, blocked Boston’s Jayson

Tatum meeting him right at the rim. It may go down as the best block in NBA Playoff history. Miami went on to win Game 2 and wrap the series up in six games and advance to the NBA Finals for their 6th finals appearance.

In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets in only five games. Each of their three series ended in only five games. In Game 2 Anthony Davis hit a contested

buzzer-beater three-pointer to win the game which was a huge blow to the Nuggets who were already struggling in the series. LeBron James went off in Game 5 and dropped 38 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. In his 17th season, James is on a mission to capture his 4th Championship.

Miami versus Los Angeles.

This year’s NBA Finals has a great and unique storyline.

September/October 2019

Vol. 58 Issue 4

Kickoff or Kickback? Will the NFL’s Season Restart Last?

Photo Courtesy of unsplash.com

Is it possible for a bubble to not pop? So far, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has managed to keep its bubble intact. The NBA season had been prematurely ended on March 11 because of an outbreak of COVID-19 within the league, leaving 20 games unplayed. After months of no basketball and no startup of any sports in sight, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the season would continue in Walt Disney World in June with revised safety procedures and scheduling.

Nine teams from the Eastern Conference and thirteen teams from the Western Conference were invited into “the Bubble.”

Players, staff and coaches would have to be tested for COVID-19 and be quarantined once in the Bubble for safety precautions. Anyone who

was not comfortable with going into the Bubble for any reason, family or personal concerns, could do so. There would be no penalty for not going because players were still going to be paid. Even if their team won the NBA Finals, they would still be rewarded with the ring. There would also be a no visitation policy, so they were physically away from friends and family for months. Masks were also always required unless on the court or working out.

On July 30, the regular season finally resumed.

Teams would play eight games in order to see who would make the playoffs or would be leaving the Bubble early. Fans were excited to see sports back on television.

Although no fans were permitted in the Bubble, it was great watching the top athletes in the world back in action.

After an exciting set of seeding games there were two play-in games. The

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playoffs were set to begin August 17. In the Eastern Conference the games included, Milwaukee Bucks versus Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors versus Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics versus Philadelphia 76ers, and the Indiana Pacers versus Miami Heat. As for the Western Conference the series included, Los Angeles Lakers versus Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers versus Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets versus Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets versus Oklahoma City Thunder.

The first round included three sweeps in the Eastern conference by the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors. Two Game 7s were forced in the Western Conference in which the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets came out victorious.

Some major upsets happened in the Semifinals in both conferences. The Miami Heat beat the Milwauckee

Matt Mitchell Contributing Writer

The Heat have surprised everyone in the sports world except for themselves. “Not going to say that we’re any better than anybody else, but I just don’t think that we’re underdogs. I don’t,” Jimmy Butler, forward, said. The Heat expected themselves to be in this situation when everyone doubted them. The Lakers are looking to win their 17th championship in franchise history; favorites to win it with Anthony Davis and LeBron James. With Kobe Bryant tragically passing in January of this year, the Lakers are looking to win this championship for him.

The greatest basketball player in the world is on a mission and is looking to secure his 1st championship with the Lakers and 4th overall. LeBron’s first 2 championships were with the Miami Heat which makes it must-watch television.

Both teams are going to be locked in and go all out for this year’s championship. The Bubble worked well and kept the basketball season going.

Commissioner Adam Silver deserves big props for the way he kept players safe and got the season to continue.

The NBA Bubble is coming to an end and who will come out victorious, Heat, or Lakers?

their safety precautions in terms of games are similar to the MLB’s in the way that they are still traveling the country to play, it seems that their handling of facilities and recreation have been handled much more thoroughly. The biggest reason the NFL has had more success is due to their restricted traveling and monitoring of the players.

Since the MLB spends multiple days in each place they travel due to playing series of games, they spend more time in airports, hotels, restaurants, and the general public. In comparison, the NFL travels within 24 hours of the game being played, in which they travel by charter plane into a private area as opposed to an airport.

In addition, they receive all their accommodations and necessities within the team hotel and are carefully restricted to a curfew. Once their games have concluded, they are privately bussed directly back to the charter where they return home.

Since August 12, 80,017 tests have been administered by the NFL in which seven have returned positive, including two players, per Grant Gordon at NFL.com.

Each case has been taken care of and quickly quarantined in order to return, and no outbreaks have occurred

Everyday norms have been flipped upside down during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone wants to return to a normal, everyday life, but in the meantime everyone has to apply the necessary precautions and safety measures.

A sign of normality is the return of spectator sports.

As recently as July 27, the NBA was able to successfully install a plan to hold all remaining playoff contenders inside a bubble in Orlando in order to continue playing and avoid a COVID outbreak.

The success of the NBA was followed by the return of the MLB, NHL, NFL, and other major leagues around the world, each of which are using their own safety precautions.

The NBA’s solution worked well, though not without challenges. There have been a few instances of players

breaking the bubble policy.

Lou Williams of the Los Angeles Clippers was the first person to break the bubble rules by leaving the premises in order to obtain lemon pepper wings at a local strip club. The NBA handled the situation swiftly by forcing Williams to quarantine for two weeks in the midst of an important stretch of games, serving as both a safety precaution as well as a punishment.

Another instance involved Danuel House of the Houston Rockets. House was asked to leave the bubble entirely after an NBA investigation found that House “had a guest in his room for multiple hours,” who was not permitted to be there. Despite these incidents, the NBA has proven that their method has been successful.

The NHL has followed a similar format. The NHL also held a bubble, with two locations in Edmonton and Toronto. The NHL conducted 19,898 COVID-19 tests

without a single positive case. A huge factor in their success can be attributed to the assignment of compliance officers to each team, who are there to make sure each team is fully and completely following the guidelines in place.

Unlike the NBA or the NHL, Major League Baseball’s attempt to maintain operations during the pandemic did not go as well as they’d hoped.

The MLB re-opened their season shortly after the

return of basketball, but they continued to allow normal, daily lifestyles for the players and staff, as well as continued travel around the country for games. Within a month of the restart, there have been multiple series of games shut down due to COVID outbreaks in team facilities, including two different outbreaks in the Miami Marlins system.

The stops and starts have wreaked havoc on an already abbreviated schedule. Many sources, including players, have mentioned other

players’ off-the-field choices.

“Every player in this league better take a hard look at what you’re doing off the field, because what you do affects, more than just you and your team,” Chicago Cubs outfielder Steven Souza Jr. tweeted Friday night. “Your decisions off the field will put all of our seasons in jeopardy this year.”

The National Football League hopes to learn from the successes and mistakes of others. So far, they seem to be doing a very good job. While

so far. However, the NFL surprised America when they included something that no other sports have yet: Fans.

In the season opening game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans, Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri allowed 17,000 fans, which is about 22% of the stadium’s capacity.

Certain teams and cities were approved to allow a select number of fans depending on their COVID outbreak situation in the area. If

the city has a low enough case count, then they were approved by the NFL. The inclusion of fans in the stadium may be a risk for both players and fans. A Kansas City fan that attended the game last week has already since tested positive, and the Chiefs were forced to contact any fans in the area and ask them to quarantine.

While one incident may not be predictive of the rest of the season, it is a reminder that even strict safety procedures

are not a guarantee against spreading the virus.

While the world continues to crawl back to its natural form, we must continue to be smart in everyone’s handling of the situation.

While Americans are ecstatic with the return of live entertainment, movies, and sports, these things cannot last if nationwide health precautions are not followed.

Allen Sills, the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer, states that people are underestimating

the extents that the league is taking. “I think if you go to a facility and you see what is being done and then you look at all of the aspects of the protocol, you begin to realize the lengths we’ve taken to ensure the safety of everyone that’s involved.” Hopefully the NFL can find a way to quickly resolve its issue involving the fans, as well as the MLB finding a way to prevent any more outbreaks.

· · · ·

Kansas City is one of few teams permitted to allow fans at a limited capacity.

July Miami Marlins vs.

Baltimore Orioles (series) Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees (series) Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals (series) Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays (series)

· · · · · · · ·

August St. Louis Cardinals vs.

Detroit Tigers (series and double-header) St. Louis Cardinals vs.

Chicago Cubs (series) St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburg Pirates (series) St. Louis Cardinals vs.

Chicago White Sox (game) Cincinnati Red vs.

Pittsburg Pirates (game) Cincinatti Reds vs.

Kansas City Royals (game) New York Mets vs.

New York Yankees (game) Houston Astros vs.

Oakland A’s (game)

Games cancelled during the MLB season.

September · Oakland A’s vs. Seattle Mariners (series) · San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres (game)

Photo Courtesy of Charlie Riedel, Sep. 10, 2020

September/October 2019

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Table Courtesy of Matt Mitchell

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