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Penn State Beaver Roar
News
November 2013
SGA helps fund and plan events LINDSAY BANGOR Senior Staff Writer lmb5793@psu.edu
Most students are unclear about what exactly the Student Government Association does and often wonder what its role is on campus. Simply put, the SGA plans multiple events on campus throughout the year and listens to student needs. “SGA is able to bring students together and help make changes that are needed,” said Student Activities Coordinator Jennifer Toof. Not only does SGA allow students to have their voices heard, it also allows the clubs on campus to plan activities students will enjoy. “SGA is able to bring newer clubs together while maintaining already established clubs,” said Toof. “There are currently new club guidelines being put into place to make sure students can be involved in as many clubs as they would like to be.” The new guidelines will ensure that the clubs become more streamlined and orderly in procedural processes for events they want to plan. “Clubs are to report back to us as to what they are doing so we can make sure they are doing the best they can,” said SGA Secretary Amanda Palombo.
Courtesy of Jen Toof
Students tie-dye shirts with the Student Government Association during PSU Day Oct. 26. The shirts and dye were supplied by SGA.
The goal of the regulations is to have the clubs meet at different days or times, so students will be able to
participate in multiple clubs without conflict. SGA has also been busy sponsor-
ing and planning campus events. An event SGA helped to plan was The Murder Mystery event held
by the Psych Club and the newly formed Administration of Justice Club on Oct. 29. SGA helped the two clubs plan for the event by advertising and giving advice on activities and refreshments. For Penn State Day on Oct. 26, SGA organized a carnival booth where students were able to tie-dye their own shirts with PSU logos on them for free. SGA also does charity events. The Blood Drive on Nov. 1 was SGA sponsored, and SGA will also be collecting donations for the Women’s Center until Nov. 14. So what is coming up for SGA throughout the year? “Beaver Fest is the next big sponsored event,” said SGA President Nick Masci. “That won’t be until April, but we definitely have a lot of planning to do!” And until then, SGA will continue to help clubs organize events and simply listen to students’ requests as much as possible. “As a representative, I want to show people the opportunities that this campus can offer,” said Upperclassman Voting Representative Joshua Nussbaum. “I am proud to be a part of SGA and would love to help the students as much as possible.”
Wellness Center to get card swipe entry system LUC SAUNDERS Staff Writer
lxs5326@psu.edu
Students, be prepared to have your Penn State ID on you when you go to use the Wellness Center next semester. The campus is introducing a card swipe system to enhance security in the gym and the Wellness Center. With the system, the university will be able to track and record who is using the facility. The system will not be installed until December and should be in full effect by next semester. The Wellness Center and gym hours will remain
unchanged. Currently, all students, faculty and staff – must sign a log when they enter to use the gym or Wellness Center. All users are also expected to sign out when they leave. Luke Taiclet, director of finance and business, said the card swipes were considered for the Wellness Center during its construction but were not installed. “We delayed doing this so our system would be compatible with the university-wide card access system,” Taiclet said. After the Sandusky Scandal at University Park, the university
required all campus gyms to have a secure system for entering. The card swipe system is being paid for completely by University Park, but its cost is not yet known. All registered students are kept in a database, and their student profiles are uploaded every time they swipe their cards. The information is processed every 24 hours, making an accurate list of users each day. Assistant Athletic Director BJ Bertges said the Wellness Center and gym will be more secure and the campus will save paper by getting rid of sign-in sheets.
“Worst-case scenario case, the sign in process lets us know who is in the building,” Bertges said. She said that cards would only work during the building’s hours, meaning that if someone gets to the gym early before the system is up, the card swipe system will not work. On-duty staff such as police officers, computer technicians, workers, coaches and the athletics department will not have to swipe their card while working. They will have to if they come in after hours. Unlike the card swipe system at Harmony Hall, the card reader will not be on the doors. These swipes
will be placed on the front desk at the Wellness Center, but there will still be a student working at the desk. All students who have a guest with them must have their guest sign in. Guests must stay with the student at all times and the student will be held responsible for any issues caused by the guest. Defensive soccer player Jon Lech thought that the card system is a great idea for the safety concerns. “I believe that it will make it safer because if something happens in the gym they can find out who was there and narrow down the suspects,” Lech said.
November 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
News
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Bistro Plaza remembers Chef Dawn
CAMERON BOGGS Staff Writer
cgb5148@psu.edu
It was a cold, rainy day on Oct. 16. The wind was blowing and you could feel fall in the air. Despite the dismal weather, students and staff came together to celebrate the official opening of the new Brodhead Bistro patio. What once was enough space for a couple of tables, has been expanded over the summer to a large, multipurpose area with enough space to host an outdoor event. Located right off the Bistro dining room, the patio can hold numerous tables and also has tiered seating built into the landscaping. Luke Taiclet, director of finance and business, said that the student members of the Student Facility Fee committee brought up the idea of expanding the plaza with Facility Fee funds. He said he was surprised, but very happy, when they decided to make this project their priority.
Penn State Beaver/Cathy Benscoter
During the Bistro Plaza dedication, students watch as a plaque is unveiled in the butterfly garden.
Part of the grand reopening included the unveiling of a memorial to former Chef Dawn Steele. Steele passed away unexpectedly last November after having worked at the campus for 18 years.
The memorial plaque was placed in a butterfly garden in front of the Bistro; Steele was well known for her love of butterflies. “The original plans called for Sweetspire (shrubs) at the ramp entry
and at the far end. We changed them to butterfly bushes in memory of Chef Dawn,” Taiclet said. The addition allows a better opportunity for people to meet as they are going to and from class and
to grab a bite to eat while catching up on work. Sophomore Katie Dennis was pleased about what she saw at the reopening. “I’m so thrilled because not only does it make it easier to meet up with people walking on campus, but it’s a great place to grab a Starbucks and sit on the patio,” Dennis said. “Also it’s nice that Penn State Beaver had a memorial for Ms. Steele,” she added. The new expanded space will allow for more eating, socializing, studying and fun. “I am looking forward to spring and having students sitting on the walls and at the new tables while enjoying outdoor programs,” Taiclet added. Junior Matt Dorenkott is anticipating spending a significant amount of time during his breaks enjoying a pizza and a drink. If it’s a nice, balmy day in the winter, he might even take his food outside, he said.
University seeks to unify its message with new brand LINDSAY BANGOR Senior Staff Writer lmb5793@psu.edu
“Penn State Lives Here.” We have all seen the signs plastered around campus, but what exactly do the signs mean? “It is a re-branding of the university,” said Amy Krebs, director of campus community and relations. “Penn State Lives Here” is a unifying statement being used across all the Penn State campuses. “I think is shows consistency,” said Krebs. “It shows how the excellence of Penn State is universal.” The slogan is still fairly new and some students are unsure of its meaning. “If the slogan means the heart of Penn State lives here, then that’s awesome,” said freshman Brianna Ditri. “But there should have been a more thorough explanation of it all.”
The ROAR/Dante Massey
Students show their school pride during a photo shoot to promote a new university branding campaign.
And that is exactly what the marketing experts at University Park are planning to do. University Marketing is in the process of putting together a blog that will explain the slogan’s impor-
tance and allow students and graduates to post pictures and write about experiences at Penn State. “I love the slogan,” said Krebs. “It really embodies the excellence and quality that we are.”
Although the slogan is meant to unify members of Penn State, some students are finding it hard to embrace. “I feel it is condescending to the branch campuses,” said freshmen
Jake Maxwell. “It feels we are almost subordinate.” Freshmen Peter Ellefson agrees that it may not be the best slogan for Penn State. “I do find it encouraging, but it also seems to be a little misleading,” Ellefson said. In addition to the mixed reviews, some feared “Penn State Lives Here” was going to replace the well-liked slogan “It’s Your Time.” “People were worried that slogan was going to be forgotten,” said Krebs. “However ‘Penn State Lives Here’ is simply adding to what Penn State is about,” she said. Freshmen Katherine Loza liked the idea of unity among the Penn State community. “I think it’s a nice new way of linking all of the Penn State campuses and people together.”
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Penn State Beaver Roar
News
November 2013
Scholarships honor Keefer and Takahashi
TAYLOR BRAXTON Staff Writer
tmb5242@psu.edu
Ever wonder if there’s a way to say “thank you” to an outstanding teacher, supervisor or colleague who made a difference in your life? A group of alumni, staff and board members have done just that by establishing endowed scholarships in honor of two prominent campus members. Three Penn State Beaver alumni donated the money needed to start the Leo Takahashi Honorary Scholarship, while six administrators and board members have done the same for the Chancellor Gary B. Keefer Endowed Scholarship. Diana Patterson, director of development, said the scholarships honor Leo Takahashi, assistant professor of physics, and Chancellor Gary Keefer, respectively, for all they have done for the students, the alumni and the university over the years. Each scholarship was endowed with a minimum of $50,000 in donations. To be eligible for the Leo Takahashi Honorary Scholarship, students must be enrolled full-time and majoring in engineering, physics or science. “I am deeply honored, but this is really about the quality of the students who take my classes and the success that follows their graduation,” Takahashi said in an e-mail. The alumni, all of whom are engineers, kept telling Patterson the story of how Takahashi had changed their lives. “When they were students, they didn’t appreciate his class. His class was the hardest they had taken through their college career,” said Patterson. Takahashi is the longest serving faculty member at Penn State Beaver, with about 46 years of service. He began teaching in 1967. Alumnus Greg Cerminara, president–elect of the Campus Advisory Board, said it has been an honor to be part of creating opportunities for students under the name of someone
Penn State Beaver/Cathy Benscoter
Leo and Mary Louise Takahashi show of the certificate he received in honor of a scholarship that alumni created in his name.
Penn State Beaver/Cathy Benscoter
Gary Keefer is honored with the creation of a scholarship in his name.
“
I am deeply honored, but this is really about the quality of the students who take my classes and the success that follows their graduation.”
“
Much like Leo, I was speechless that individuals would do this in our name.”
Gary Keefer Chancellor
Leo Takahashi
Assistant Professor of Physics
as accomplished as Takahashi. Cerminara said he wanted to be part of people understanding the importance of what Takahashi is trying to teach. “Leo taught me how to bear down and accomplish what is needed to be done,” Cerminara said. “From the lessons he taught, I grew as an individual, matured into adulthood, received a quality education and
learned how to be a problem solver – ultimately important lessons in creating what society needs and what businesses want.” Meanwhile, Patterson said the scholarship for Keefer was endowed because he has been a great leader. Keefer is the longest-serving campus leader, having been Penn State Beaver’s top administrator since 1997. “I was very surprised,” Keefer said.
“Diana did a good job at keeping this a secret. I didn’t suspect a thing.” Because Keefer challenges all incoming freshmen to maintain at least a 3.0 into their sophomore year, Keefer asked that the scholarship criteria match that challenge. Therefore, all full-time sophomores and above who have earned at least a 3.0 gradepoint average are eligible. Keefer knows all the benefactors and has sent personal thank you notes. “Much like Leo, I was speechless that individuals would do this in our name,” Keefer said. One of the benefactors for the scholarship is Daniel Pinchot, Penn State Beaver’s director of enrollment. Pinchot said he has been donating to the campus every year for the past five years for the Leadership Endowed Scholarship.
“Giving back to Penn State Beaver is second nature to me. Penn State Beaver has been very good to me,” Pinchot said. “I went here. I have been working here for 17 years, and I am more than happy to give back.” When the idea of a scholarship for Keefer came up, Pinchot was interested immediately. “To give back in the name of the chancellor is very meaningful to me. He gave me the opportunity to be a manager, a director and most importantly he helped teach me how to be a leader,” said Pinchot. Donna Kuga, director of academic affairs, is another benefactor of the chancellor’s scholarship. “Donating money for student scholarships is a good tribute to him,” said Kuga, who had a trustee scholarship established in her name several years ago. Tom Trzcinski, a 1973 graduate and advisory board member, said he has only known the chancellor for a short while but has seen his genuine concern for the improvement of Penn State Beaver. “I gave to his scholarship because Scholarship See Page 5
News Scholarships Continued from Page 4
of who I think he is as a human being. He is patient, persistent, loyal, sincere, kind and dedicated,” said Trzcinski. Trzcinski said he likes that he can help students accomplish their dreams, just as he has. “It all started at Penn State Beaver for me,” he said. John O’Leary, one of Keefer’s close friends and cochairman of the campus’ campaign committee, said his primary interest is in scholarship help for local high school students. “I think PSU Beaver is a great opportunity for local kids to get a college degree,” said O’Leary. John Feraco, a 1988 Penn State graduate and president of the Campus Advisory Board, said Keefer
November 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
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has demonstrated the kind of leadership and commitment to Penn State Beaver that he would like to emulate in the organizations he supports. “Gary has dedicated himself to serving the Beaver campus and he has done a great job. I’m proud to work with him and I was happy to donate to his scholarship to help remember his impact on the campus for the long run,” Feraco said. Being able to donate towards a scholarship that will influence future Penn Staters makes him feel “awesome,” Feraco said. “There is a large support group of Penn State alumni across the state, the country and the world who love to help other Penn Staters. Work hard, get your degree, be Penn State proud,” he said.
POLICE BEAT
Student faces drug charge Campus police charged Harmony Hall resident Jennifer Bacvinskas of Pittsburgh with possession of drug paraphernalia on Oct. 24. The charge came after a Sept. 30 incident where a resident coordinator reported the odor marijuana.
Female students caught fighting
Two female students were caught fighting in Harmony Hall on Oct. 26. A resident assistant reported the two to police, and when an officer arrived one of the females said that the other one struck her with her shoe. The incident is still under investigation, and police did not release the name of the students.
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Penn State Beaver Roar
Viewpoint
EDITOR EMERITUS Brandon Perino bjp5053@psu.edu
MANAGING EDITOR OF CONTENT Ben Keeler
bak5266@psu.edu
MANAGING EDITOR OF PRODUCTION Caitlin Vodenichar cav5119@psu.edu
PHOTO EDITOR Dante Massey
dwm5299@psu.edu
COPY EDITOR Mike Brayack
mib5566@psu.edu
PAGE DESIGNERS Amanda Palombo amp5831@psu.edu
Nancy Paoletti
nlp5099@psu.edu
Taylor Braxton
tmb5242@psu.edu
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Ben Keeler
bak5266@psu.edu
Lindsay Bangor lmb5793@psu.edu
ADVISORS Terrie Baumgardner tbm2@psu.edu
Cathy Benscoter cub15@psu.edu
Daniel Pinchot djp114@psu.edu
November 2013
Not a bunch of brats Some people definitely have the perception that student government groups have no real power and only exist so young people can play make believe. This may or may not be the case, but before you dismiss the Student Government Association, look at all the good it has done, mostly by doing nothing. When was the last time crazy-eyed zealots in the SGA threw a tantrum that resulted in your education being held hostage? When was the last time SGA President Nick Masci ordered an assassination on one of Penn State’s competitors — that you’ve heard of at least? When was the last time SGA undermined intercollegiate relations by wiretapping the Community College of Beaver County’s phones? The answer to all of the above is “never.” SGA is doing a marvelous job compared to the real thing. The U.S. government should take notes. The key to success is to not do stupid things, preferably by not acting at all – a stunning revelation to be sure, but one that Congress has traditionally taken to heart. If only we could go back to the days
Letters to the Editor are encouraged and can be emailed to: roareditor@psu.edu by the 20th day of each month. Please include your full name, address, email address and cell phone number.
ADS FOR CLUBS
when Congress was just woefully incompetent as opposed to actively malevolent. Overall there seems to be a lot of merit to not being trusted with real power. It certainly makes it harder to for you to screw over every last person you are supposed to be representing. With that in mind, the SGA model does seem to be the winning model.
If only the U.S. government was just a powerless figurehead controlled by shadowy, unknowable backers. Feel free to insert “The Illuminati,” “Aliens,” “The World Bank,” “Reptile People,” or any other nonsensical conspiracy you personally believe can replace “shadowy, unknowable backers” in the previous sentence.
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Students feel the crunch of time as deadlines loom, fun calls The text on your phone reads, “Hey, want to go do something?” But no matter how much you want to say “yes,” your reply has to be “no” because you have 10 projects all due tomorrow. The question you should be asking yourself is: Why did you wait so long to do your work? For some the answer is pure bone laziness. For others it may be that they were stuck at work all week helping little old women get cans of cat food off the top shelf. Regardless of the excuse, everybody has to learn to balance their life. Once you
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
cross that stage at graduation, it will not get any easier. Brace yourself now for 10 different levels of stupid coming at you from all directions. Get practice now in time management and the world will be your oyster. Common sense prevails. If you have multiple projects due all in the span of one week, do a little work on each project every day. In fact, it may help you to improve the quality of your work because when you look at a problem with fresh eyes, it’s amazing the new ways you see to solve it. Learning to manage your time will put
you at ease; you will not feel constantly panicked to get everything done. You will be able to enter a nice and easy flow, which will make your college experience all the more enjoyable. Make a list of the projects you need to get done with dead lines. Make the deadlines a day earlier than they are due and give yourself some breathing room. Plan for interruptions. Life doesn’t always run smoothly and things come up. Life is about learning to roll with the punches, and with proper time management, you will be able to bob and weave like Muhammad Ali.
Free advertising space is offered to any university-recognized organization or club to promote upcoming events. The space is limited to one eighth-page ad per club per edition. To reserve space, email The Roar business manager at: roarbusiness@psu. edu.
The content and opinions of this publication reside solely with the authors and not with the Pennsylvania State University or the Penn State Beaver Student Activity Fee Committee.
November 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
Viewpoint
Speak up and speak out for equity “I am woman, hear me roar.” These words are part of a song made famous in the 1970s by Helen Reddy during the time when women’s rights were on the forefront. From the mid-60s to the end of the 70s, while activists like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were fighting for the rights of blacks, women were fighting for equal rights as well. One of the rights we have fought so hard for is equal pay for equal work. In the more than 40 years that have passed since our fight began, the pay deferential between men and women has been slowly closing, but we still have a long way to go. You might ask, “Do we still need to fight for these rights?” After all,
IN MY OWN WORDS
Nancy Paoletti many women have broken the glass ceiling in politics, are heading up companies or are taking up arms to join the armed services. Despite these advances, women are woefully underrepresented in positions of power. According to an article in the New York Times, 49 percent of publicly traded information technology businesses have no woman on their boards, and 36 percent of the largest public companies in the U.S. have no woman in the board room.
Many women in the work force tend to take on jobs that are traditionally “woman’s work” – teaching, nursing and sales. Usually these jobs are not on the fast track to promotion. However, if a man enters any of these professions, he will be paid a wage equal to or more than a female counterpart. On the other hand, women who take a position that is traditionally “man’s work” are usually paid less. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the gap between wages has decreased about 26 percent since 1960. Sounds like a lot doesn’t it? But women are only making an average of 76.5 percent of what men earn. The American Association of Uni-
versity Women (AAUW) in Utah says there are many reasons, including discrimination, that women don’t get paid a fair wage compared to men. One of those reasons is that women fail to negotiate as vigorously as men do. It is up to us to do what we can to get the pay we deserve when going for a job. A recent example of how well this works can be seen in two of the female actors on the hit show “Criminal Minds.” Kristen Vangsness and A.J. Cook refused to sign a contract offer when their contracts ended in mid-2013. Being paid only a fraction of what their male counterparts were being paid, both Vangsness and Cook jointly agreed they would rath-
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er not return to the show unless they received equal pay. The strategy worked for them. They both signed new contracts and the series continues. We need to stand up, speak up and keep fighting for fair, equitable wages. Our education costs just as much as a man’s and we attend the same classes. There is no excuse for companies to pay us less just because we are women. We must learn to negotiate for a fair wage. Before going into an interview, we should know what the base pay is and accept no less if offered the job. We must be prepared to walk away. This would be the hardest part, because we need ‘that’ job. We, however, are worth it.
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Penn State Beaver Roar
Features
November 2013
Rite of passage Students look forward to having a good time partying and drinking on their 21st birthday MARISSA PATMON Staff Writer mnp5130@psu.edu
Turning 21 is not only a culturally accepted rite of passage to adulthood, but it’s also the legal drinking age. At first glance, it would appear that college students have everything in their favor when it comes to turning 21. However some college students are unable to exercise their new liberty due to being on a dry campus. Meghan Odon, a freshman who turned 21 just a few weeks ago, had the typical college student dream of partying. Unfortunately for Odon, her birthday fell on a weekday, and she couldn’t drink in her residence hall room Odon said she was a little disappointed. “If I was on the main campus, I would be partying and it wouldn’t
ROAR ILLUSTRATION/Dante Massey
A stuffed Beaver celebrates its 21st birthday with an adult beverage.
have mattered if my birthday was a weekday,” Odon said. “I would
have walked my ass down to College Avenue.”
Instead, she decided to go out to dinner with family and friends and have a relaxing time. The most exciting part of her evening was handing over her ID to the waitress after ordering a Piña Colada for the first time. Senior Tysheena Murray, who is on the verge of turning 21, said that being on a dry campus doesn’t affect her drinking plans. “Either way, if I plan on drinking or not, being here doesn’t affect my decision. I can leave campus,” Murray said. At one point, Murray had a different dream about her 21st birthday, she said, one typical of a transitioning adult. “I always said for my 21st birthday I’m going to go out to a club, drink until I pass out, smoke an endless amount of marijuana and take shots,” she said.
What changed Murray’s mind was the fact that she wanted to do something different; getting drunk was not a new experience. “Turning 21 is a moment that is filled with excitement and should be spent having new experiences,”said Nurse Barb Kugel. Being a health expert, Kugel has a split view of 21st birthdays. She knows that it is a time for excitement and celebration, but it is also a time to stay responsible. “Turning 21 is a milestone in everyone’s life, a major celebration. But on the other hand (it is) a time where one can lose their sense of good judgment,” said Kugel. “I want students to enjoy this time but also to be responsible and know there are other ways of spending their big day than just the partying/drinking aspect that is socially bonded to it.”
November 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
Features
Students balance life, work and classes KAYLA WAGNER Staff Writer
krw5239@psu.edu Balancing schoolwork, part-time jobs and a social life is one of the most difficult aspects in a student’s life. However, college is the time to learn how to balance these things. “I would prefer that no one work,” said Kevin Bennett, a senior instructor in psychology on campus. “I wish they would just go to class and focus on school, but that’s not always the case.” Many of the students are attending Penn State Beaver for financial reasons. While costs on this campus are less
than at University Park and students who commute can save even more, college is college and all colleges are expensive. This is why many students have part-time jobs. “These are the hard years. Students just need to get through these years,” Bennett said. “I would embrace the chaos that comes with both school and work. Embrace the chaos and imperfection. Try to let go of the anxiety and get into a nice flow.” One issue students face with finding this balance is managing their time. “Everyone needs to work on time management,” Bennett says. Senior Colby Hill is trying to find
her balance in school, social life and a new internship. “I have limited time to study outside of class. I feel like I have less energy now,” she said. “I balance them by trying to stay as organized as possible and making sure I always keep my top priority.” “It is very hard to balance all three of those things,” says junior Monica Pitcher. “I have days where I work and have school, and by the time I get home I am fighting off sleep.” Sigmund Freud, the founding father of psychoanalysis, always said the two most important things in life are love and work. “I don’t quote Freud often,” Bennett said, “but this is true. To have
a meaningful life you need to find people you love and have a job that you love.” This is an example of why social life is just as important. “Even I have to balance these things and balance my family life,” Bennett says. “Set up boundaries. Don’t always miss out on social life.” “You should have an escape from school and work and be able to relax,” Hill said. “Maintaining relationships with people is important and can execute into all aspects of your life,” added Hill “For social life, I try to reserve that for the weekends,” says Pitcher. “But sometimes schoolwork col-
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lides with that also.” On top of balancing school, social life and work, it is also important to incorporate sleep into the daily schedule. Without enough sleep none of these things can be done. “Sometimes you have to sacrifice to get enough sleep,” Bennett says. “It’s all decision making.” College is the time to learn how to balance these factors. During this time, students have the opportunity to learn how to make decisions and how to prioritize. “Where do you get the knowledge to make good decisions? By making bad decisions,” Bennett says. “I’m still trying to balance it all.”
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Penn State Beaver Roar
Features
November 2013
THON more than just a club Penn State Beaver students are passionate about giving children the opportunity to have fun CAMERON BOGGS Staff Writer cgb5148@psu.edu
Freshman Jessica Roknick needed to find a community service project she could participate in for her sociology class. She didn’t have to look too far to find a worthy cause on campus to get involved with — THON. Penn State’s Dance Marathon, or THON as it’s commonly called, engages students from all Penn State locations to raise money for pediatric cancer. Roknick said she is helping Penn State Beaver’s THON group raise money, but really hopes she gets the chance to become a THON dancer next semester. Canning is in progress throughout the area. You might see student volunteers along Brodhead Road or in Monaca, Beaver or Center areas, just to mention a few. In one weekend in October, Penn State Beaver raised $3,800 alone, bringing its total raised to date to $5,600. THON is held Feb. 21-23 at the Bryce Jordan Center and will last for 46 hours. Money raised goes to the Four Diamonds Fund to help fight pediatric cancer. In 1977, Charles and Erma Millard established the Four Diamonds Fund in memory of their son, Christopher, who lost his battle with cancer. Four Diamonds was originally a story by Christopher about a knight that must find the Four Diamonds – courage, wisdom, honesty and strength – in order to be released from evil sorcerers. Christopher believed these qualities were necessary to overcome his battle with cancer. Penn State has partnered with Four Diamonds to collect money for children with cancer that their insurance often doesn’t cover. Sophomore Brent ColemanMitchell is very excited about
“
Photos courtesy of Emily Winters and Jennifer Bacvinskas
Above, Emily Winters receives a donation from a girl while canning for THON at Pittsburgh International Airport. To the right, Jennifer Bacvinskas and Yousseff Helal show their Penn State pride by advertising for THON.
THON this year. “Meetings are more exciting and THON gives high energy. I really hope I can reach my goal this year,” Coleman-Mitchell said. Students not only raise money by canning, but also by THONVelopes. THONVelopes are the envelopes students give their family and friends to place donations. Sophomore Amanda Donatelli, one of the captains of THON, said this year’s goal is to reach $15,000. One obstacle Donatelli has
expressed is that there are fewer students involved than last year. But passionate volunteers are helping with fundraising. Donatelli said this passion will make up for their small numbers. “This is more than just a club,” said Nikki Nuske, sophomore THON chairperson. “It’s a way for students to work together and wholeheartedly be passionate about something that is all too common to all of us.” This year THON organizers have
been encouraging canvassing, where students go door-to-door not only to ask for donations, but to spread the good news of what THON does for the children who receive its help. “It’s one way that we can make a difference in bettering the lives of children,” Nuske said. “It gives encouragement to the families to keep on fighting. It gives a weekend away from hospitals, which allows them to forget about the cancer and gives them the opportunity to just be a kid. It is absolutely magical.”
It’s one way that we can make a difference in bettering the lives of children. It gives encouragement to the families to keep on fighting. It gives a weekend away from hospitals, which allows them to forget about the cancer and gives them the opportunity to just be a kid. It is absolutely magical.”
Nikki Nuske Sophomore
As a freshman last year, Nuske had the opportunity to be one of the 707 THON dancers. Standing on her feet for 46 hours without sitting or sleeping was difficult, she said, but all of the smiles and the laughter of children battling cancer helped her through it. “Not only did it put my pain in perspective, it put my life in perspective,” she said. “Suddenly the pain of standing for 46 hours didn’t hurt so badly.”
November 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
Features
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Psych majors attend Parris Island boot camp LYDIA AQUINO Staff Writer lra137@psu.edu
Bravery, wisdom and courage are words to describe senior Brandi Wolfe. During her time at Parris Island, she underwent many obstacles. One of the stories she recalled was about one of her friends from boot camp. This friend was very short and was having difficulty on the rope bridge. Wolfe and her friend took off their belts. Wolfe strapped water cans to one belt and strung it to the top rope. Then she did the same for the ammo boxes. Wolfe had another recruit take the water canisters, while she and her friend took the ammo boxes. Even with the extra weight pulling it down, her friend still could not reach the upper rope. So Wolfe had her friend sit on her shoulders, and when her friend grabbed the top rope, everybody was able to make it across the rope bridge with all of the gear. When the drill instructors came over to see what Wolfe did to complete this task, they were all amazed and took pictures. Wolfe and junior Shahanna Begay, both psychology majors, attended Parris Island – Wolfe in July 2006 and Begay in May 2008. Parris Island in South Carolina is a boot camp for recruits who want to be Marines and is the only recruit facility that allows women to attend. “I wanted to do something different and I was curious on what the military was about,” said Begay. Both men and women undergo intense drilling and training to prepare them for ‘The Crucible,” a 54-hour exercise of intense train-
THE ROAR/ Dante Massey
Shahanna Begay is one of two psychology majors who attended Parris Island as a recruit for the Marines.
ing and drilling that all recruits must pass to graduate. The Crucible includes only two ready-to-go meals and five hours of sleep, along with a 10-mile hike. “The purpose of the Crucible was to implement all of our training we learned throughout boot camp and apply those techniques in ‘real world’ scenarios we may face on deployment overseas,” said Wolfe. The boot camp lasts for 13 weeks. The first week is a receiving week. The drill instructors take the recruits around the base to collect all of the gear, weapons and uniforms they will need. Then the recruits take
an initial physical fitness test. A student might think waking up for an 8 a.m. class is hard. At boot camp, the wake-up call comes at a strict 4 a.m. This is not the usual phone alarm, either. It is drill instructors screaming in your face to get moving. Sunday to a college student may mean waking up at 1 p.m. At boot camp, Sunday means waking at 5 a.m. just to clean or to write to your family. If you’re a student it can be a big deal when a parent gets on your case, but at boot camp, a big deal can be three drill instructors in your face
without your being able to talk back. In weeks one through three, the recruits learn the basics of everything. At the same time, the drill instructors try to break them down and mess with them in every way possible. “They want to break you down of individuality and make your platoon one. I hated them at first, but I got used to it,” said Wolfe. “The psychology behind it [is] classic conditioning at its finest.” Over the 13 weeks, recruits complete gas chamber training and rappel a tower. They learn all about the M16 A2 service rifle that they carry through-
out boot camp, as well as the basics of how to survive, how to navigate on land and how to maneuver while under fire. Signing up for Parris Island boot camp with a recruiter means an eight-year contract. Wolfe did four years active duty and four years inactive reserve. Though she is not on active duty anymore, she is still under contract until May 2014. “It was a life-changing experience and I know the meaning of pride and respect,” said Wolfe. “At the time it sucked, but looking back now it was all worth it.”
Write Edit Create Ro a r Take Comm 001 Contact Dan Pinchot, 724-773-3806 or Cathy Benscoter, 724-773-3807
November 2013 Penn State Beaver Roar
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Men’s team builds chemistry ANTHONY LAMONT Staff Writer ajl5715@psu.edu
The time for tip-off is right around the corner and the Penn State Beaver men’s basketball team is eager to build off of last year’s performance. The team begins its season Nov. 13 against Point Park University at home. Coach Marcess Williams said he’s welcomed a lot of new players to the team this year, including two junior college transfers and seven freshmen. “We have a chance to be pretty good,” Williams said. “Talent-wise this team is as good as any championship team in the past.” The team is coming off a very successful year with a 21-8 overall record. Last spring, Beaver lost the Penn State University Athletic Conference in the championship round by one point, and its trip to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association ended after the second round of play. This year’s team will need to make some changes in how it prepares. The team has spent a lot of time and effort in the weight room in an attempt to be more physically mature as a team.
“This is the biggest change we have made,” said Williams. Senior Chris Weathers agreed. “We need to come into the season in better shape. We need to be a more physical team.” The players will also need to build their chemistry with one another. “In order to be successful we need a high level of commitment and chemistry. Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard,” Weathers said. While this team’s roster appears to
have the talent and potential to be successful, the ability of the team to work together will be the key to its season. Senior guard Nick Miller said he believes this team can be successful. “My expectations are the same every year. We want to win the conference outright undefeated,” Miller said. “To do any of this, we need to be one team, on the same boat, rowing in the same direction.”
THE ROAR/Dante Massey
At left, the Penn State Beaver basketball team listens as Coach Marcess Williams gives words of advise. Above, Markes Royster shoots a layup during practice with Luis Rodriguez behind him for assistance.
Women’s team focused on path to success MARCUS SMITH Staff Writer mas6432@psu.edu
THE ROAR/Dante Massey
From left, Cassandra Flowers, Kalynn Hill, Khalia Adams, Brittney Mineard and Jenna Petrucci practice for their first game. The team will kick off its season Nov. 9 at Ohio Valley University.
After all the conditioning and workouts in the off-season, the Penn State Beaver women’s basketball team is ready for the season to begin. The reigning Penn State University Athletic Conference champions had a great season last year with an overall record of 21-8, 14-3 in the PSUAC. The team lost in the first round of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association tournament. The women’s season begins Nov. 9 on the road against Ohio Valley Uni-
versity, followed by the Penn State Beaver Tipoff Tournament Nov. 16 and 17. “Conditioning was hard but great, too, because everybody pushed each other,” sophomore Khalia Adams said. “This year’s team is athletic and fast. I think we can make it back to the championship.” This year the team has only one senior, Kalynn Hill. With a young team, leadership can come from anywhere this year. “This isn’t the most talented group that we have had, but they are
probably the closest ‘team’ we have had,” said Coach Tim Moore. “We have a lot of young players so everybody wants to lead by example,” freshman Kelsey Brooks said. “I believe we will have a phenomenal team this year with all the talent and speed we have. We just have to stay focused and keep working hard.” With only five forwards on the team and the rest of the team being guards, the players will be pushing the ball with speed and quick guards. “Continuing to stay focused will control our path to success,” said Brooks.
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Volleyball loses in playoffs CHRIS BEST Staff Writer ckb5141@psu.edu
Despite a valiant effort, the No. 6 Penn State Beaver volleyball team was eliminated Oct. 22 by No. 3-ranked Mont Alto on the road in the first round of the Penn State University Athletic Conference playoffs. All seemed well for the Lady Lions as they came out firing on all cylinders offensively for the first play of the set. The team received great contributions from junior captains Natalie Gamble and Kayona Ward, who combined for an impressive 12 kills in the first set alone. “We played really good the first set,” said Gamble. “Our communication and rhythm were all on point. I feel as a team we came out very confident and strong." However, the tables turned in the second and third matches as Mont Alto bounced back to take command of the series 3 to 1. The Lady Lions never gave up. "We’re a strong team,” said Ward. “I feel as though our backs were against the wall, and we displayed resilience, proving that we were there to compete.” And compete they did. It came down to the fourth set which would be the last set of the season for the Lady Lions. The two teams battled back and forth,
The ROAR/Dante Massey
Amanda Palombo, left, serves the ball against Penn State Greater Allegheny on Oct. 6. Above, the Lady Lions celebrate a point.
“
I feel as though our backs were against the wall, and we displayed resilience, proving that we were there to compete.”
Kayona Ward Team Captain
but eventually Mont Alto gained momentum, defeating Beaver 25-11. "Regardless of the loss, I'm still proud of our team," said sophomore Jocelyn Warfield. "We just have to
work harder this off season, recruit more and get ready for next year.” Beaver finished the season with a PSUAC record of 10-7. Despite a rough start to the season, the Lady
Lions won 7 of their last 10 conference games, giving them just enough push to solidify themselves in the PSUAC playoffs. Next year, the Lady Lions will suffer the loss of two seniors, Amanda
Palombo and Gina Richman. Both Palombo’s and Richman’s presence at the service line will be missed, in addition to their presence on the court. Palombo said, “It’s bittersweet. I’m sad my career is over, but I can’t wait to see what things will be ahead for me. I’ll miss the team a lot.” Coach BJ Bertges is already recruiting for next year. "I've had a number of recruitment visits already,” said Bertges. “It's still kind of early in the game, so I'm just waiting for everything to settle down so I can put my pieces together.”
Cheerleaders support men’s and women’s basketball teams BREONA CAGER Staff Writer
bmc268@psu.edu
Sometimes people do not call cheerleading a sport, but the Penn State Beaver cheerleaders say they think of it as a sport. The cheerleaders support the women’s and men’s basketball teams at home games, helping to build team spirit. Andy Kirschner, athletic director,
is the reason why cheerleading was first offered here. Technically, cheerleading is a club, which means it is self-funded and you have people that are motivated to cheer. According to Kirschner, the club will be offered as long as the students are still willing to cheer. “Cheerleading here is fun and I get a lot of exercise,” said Alexa Kim, a freshman who is cheering for the first time. “It’s a good experience for me.”
Kim said she made lots of friends in the cheerleading club. “I wanted to be a part of something while I’m at school,” Kim said. “I also work out daily so cheerleading is extra exercise for me.” The cheerleaders are very diverse, not just in ethnicity but also in age, gender and even profession. The club includes Hispanic, African American, and Korean cheerleaders, as well as a male cheerleader and an adult learner
who is a former Marine. Sophomore Amanda Donatelli is in her second year on the squad. Being a cheerleader has made a difference in her college experience, she said. “I’ve made a lot more friends and found a new social aspect, and I’m more known around campus,” Donatelli said. Donatelli said her cheering experience this year has been more success-
ful than last year because there are more people willing to put in more work. She also said there are some new cheerleaders who have previous experience, and the team is preparing more challenging cheers for this season. “It’s more organized and more things are getting done with the club,” Donatelli said. “Also people are happier and willing to work."
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The ROAR/Dante Massey
Captain Jennifer Bacvinskas fights for a ball against Shawnee State Sept. 18. Beaver lost 7-0.
The ROAR/Dante Massey
Captain Jimmy Bing fights for the puck in the Oct. 3 game against Slippery Rock University. Slippery Rock defeated Beaver 6-5.
Fightin’ Beavs hockey team struggles to pick up a win DANTE MASSEY
Senior Staff Writer dwm5299@psu.edu
The Penn State Beaver Fightin' Beavs in-line hockey team has had a rough start and clearly isn’t prepared for the fight. The Fightin’ Beaves have lost all three of their games, but the players are still very positive about the team they've assembled. “We definitely outplayed the other teams,” said sophomore team captain Jimmy Bing. “We had a few bad bounces which killed our momentum.” Bing said he was upset with the losses, especially the most recent one against Clarion University on Oct. 24 that ended with a score of 7-4. “We pulled together as a team in this last game,” Bing said. “The first
“
I think that we are a well rounded team. Last year we only had a few scorers. I think we can do big things this year.”
but the team as a whole is much better,” said Harrington. Harrington and Bing both agreed on one thing: the team has much more skill than previous years. “I think we are a well rounded team,” Harrington said. “Last year Mike Harrington we only had a few scorers. I think Alternative Captian we can do big things this year.” two were tough losses but we have Bing agreed. been improving.” “Although we lost, the score was The first two losses were against close, so I see wins coming in the Slippery Rock University on Oct. 3 next few games,” Bing said. “We and Duquesne University on Oct. just have to play smarter and stay 9. The Fightin’ Beavs lost both by out of the penalty box.” one goal, 6-5 and 5-4 respectively. The Fightin’ Beaves play next Sophomore alternative captain against Grove City College on Mike Harrington said he feels the Nov. 6 at Robert Morris Univerlosses were due to the referees being sity Island Sports Center in Neville strict with the rules and regulations. Island. It will be fan appreciation “I think we have had to adjust to night where the team will take a picthe officiating in the last few games, ture with all the fans.
Women’s soccer ends season with a 7-0 victory JULIANNE BOSLEY Staff Writer jeb474@psu.edu
Despite the seemingly endless struggle to score this season, the women’s soccer team has plenty to be proud of. Before the season’s final game, Coach Shaun Schetka said, “We played really well the other day, and I hope the team can build up on that momentum.” After a final game against Penn State Greater Allegheny in which Beaver pulled off its second win, it was evident that the women’s team had built on its momentum. Beaver’s Rachel Charlier, a sophomore, managed to steal first blood within two minutes of the game’s start, but the remainder of the first half was fairly uneventful. Determined to end the season on a positive note, the team rallied after the second half and struck again at the 53:46 mark when freshman Jessica Spina scored. Freshman Ana Paula Garcia and Spina added a goal apiece, and the Lady Lions surged to a lead of 4-0. “It is nice when we are actually able to play with 11 players,” Schetka said. “It also helps to play against a team where we are more evenly
matched.” Having the extra numbers as well as utilizing teamwork clearly paid off as, minutes later, Spina earned a hat trick, followed by sophomore Carrisa Noce’s goal. With less than two minutes left to go in the final game of the year, sophomore Miranda Robson let loose a rocket shot into the back of the net, finishing the game with a 7-0 Beaver victory. The victory earned the Lady Lions a final record of 2-11, a notable improvement from previous winless seasons. Schetka said the win is important to the players. “It also gave them proof that the hard work and improvements they have put forth all season do pay off.” By ending the season on such a high, positive note, the team now looks forward to next year’s season. “Previously, the women’s soccer team was just something to do, but next year I want to make it the thing to do. I want to change that culture around here,” Schetka said. “The problem is that most people don’t even know we have a team.” Students interested in playing should e-mail Schetka at sms677@ psu.edu.
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Men’s soccer makes history JULIANNE BOSLEY Staff Writer jeb474@psu.edu
For the first time in Penn State Beaver’s history, the men’s soccer team competed in the Penn State University Athletic Conference championship. Although the team fought hard and earned victories against Penn State Wilkes-Barre and York, it finally fell to Brandywine in the championship game at University Park Oct. 27. “After our 16-0 loss to Medaille (College), we’ve improved a lot,” said freshman starting goalkeeper Matt Fetch. “Our chemistry got better. It’s important that we win in the play-
The ROAR/Dante Massey
Youseff Helal runs to beat an opposing player for the ball against Penn State New Kensington on Sept. 18. Beaver won 4-3.
offs, and we have competed well, even with playing one person down.”
In the championship game, Brandywine controlled the action for the
first half and managed to score three goals after 45 minutes of play. “In the playoffs, it's either win or go home,” said Beaver Coach Jim Van Kirk. The team was determined to come out in the second half and improve. Rallying after a halftime break, Beaver set out for revenge. After testing some new formations in previous games that ended in victories, the men’s team fought to determine that this was a championship year. Unfortunately, Brandywine kept up the high pressure from the first half and managed to sink two more goals into the back of the net. Although it seemed Beaver might never answer Brandywine’s challenge, sophomore Marcus Smith rebutted
by rocketing a shot past the opposing keeper with 20 minutes left to go. Smith’s late goal was unsuccessful at inspiring any more points for Beaver, but the team battled until the final minute. Beaver lost the championship game 5-1. “My goal,” Fetch said, “is to get in the top two of the section.” As it turned out, Fetch’s objective was completed, but now the men’s team can only look forward to a new season. “We have a young team, but I think that will be a good thing for next year. So long as the team plays together, like we did after Medaille, it should be a great season,” Fetch said.
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