October 2015
We’ve come a long way in 50 years Page 8
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Penn State Beaver Roar
News
October 2015
Board of Trustees meeting brings needed campus improvements
JULIE WORST
Senior Staff Writer jaw6062@psu.edu
Students were welcomed back to campus with flowers, new furniture and the sights and sounds of construction. Many improvements happened on campus from the spring to fall semesters. “Some of the projects were done to improve the campus in preparation for the Board of Trustees visit in July,” said Luke Taiclet, former director of business and finance. Each summer, the university’s Board of Trustees holds its quarterly meeting at a Penn State campus. This summer the meeting took place at Beaver, the first time in more than two decades. Taiclet said not every project was tied to the board meeting. “The landscaping around the campus was a part of the Campus Beautification Program and would have been completed even if the trustees were not visiting,” he said. The campus beautification project consisted of getting new trees going along University Drive and flowerpots in front of the classroom buildings and Brodhead Bistro. “The landscaping is a delightful improvement that we hope to keep up with,” said Adam Rathbun, new director of finance and business. Rathbun, who replaced Taiclet after he retired in August, started after the Board of Trustees came, but is hopeful to maintain the improvements that the campus received. The biggest project that was done because of the Board of Trustees meeting was renovating the Student Union Building Lodge. The renovation included the Lodge getting gutted and redone as well as the bathrooms in the hallway next to the Lodge getting new wall dividers and sinks. “The Lodge was renovated to facilitate the Board of
The Roar/ Matt Sweikowsky
New booths line the wall near the windows in the Brodhead Bistro. The booths are some of the new furniture that Housing and Food Services purchased over the summer.
Penn State Beaver Photo
The Michael Baker Building, currently under construction, will open an organic chemistry lab in January. The rest will open in the fall.
Trustees meeting in July, but now serves as a nice place to hold admissions events as well as other actives such as Mini THON and Club Beave,” said Amy Gartley, associate director of Student Affairs. The project that will directly affect the students the most is the
Student Activities Suite getting new furniture. “The Student Activity Suite serves as a study space and a place clubs can meet,” said Denise Turyan, staff assistant in Student Affairs. The space that used to have two couches and six computers on desks
now has all new tables and chairs featuring a cubicle style space for club executives and more portable chairs and tables that can be moved as needed to fit students’ needs. Gartley said she hopes that the space will be used as for small-group meetings as well as a comfortable place for students to hangout. The Student Activities Suite was not the only place on campus to get new furniture. The Bistro also got new tables, chairs and booths over the summer. “I hope the furniture will attract commuters as another place to hang out and study,” said Jeremy Linder, director of Housing and Food Services. The tables with the booths have plugs to make it easier to charge any device, Lindner said. The new furniture allows students more options when deciding where to enjoy their meal.
POLICE BEAT
Marijuana odor permeates Harmony Hall
Numerous people have reported smelling the odor of marijuana on campus since the start of the semester, but only three people have been found and charged. According to police records, there have been eight complaints of someone smelling marijuana, either inside or outside Harmony Hall, dating back to the first complaint Aug. 28 at 11:30 p.m. In fact, there were three separate reports on Sept. 11 – at 12:05 a.m. outside of the building, at 1 a.m. inside the building, and later that day at 8:30 p.m. also inside. Other reports where the source was never found were made Oct. 6 at 9:55 p.m. and Oct. 10 at 8:30 p.m. Of those eight complaints, only one person was charged, and a case is still ongoing. Brenda Martinez, a freshman from El Centro, California, was charged with possession of marijuana and underage possession of alcohol after a Harmony Hall employee reported the odor of marijuana to Penn State Police Sept. 25 at 9:50 p.m. Martinez admitted it to police, who filed the charges Oct. 7. Another complaint of someone smelling marijuana in Harmony Hall was reported to police on Sept. 16 at 1:30 a.m. Police investigated, and an unnamed student admitted to having marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to a police report. The case is still open and no charges have been filed. Two other students were also charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, this time in a campus parking lot. On Sept. 24, a campus police officer reported finding the two smoking marijuana in the parking lot behind the General Classroom Building at 10:50 a.m. Police filed the charges Oct. 7 against freshman Julius Illiano of Harrisburg and Rashitha Perera, a sophomore from Pomona, Calif.
October 2015 Penn State Beaver Roar
News
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Reactions mixed over new logo MARIA ROGERS Staff Writer
mrr5425@psu.edu
Penn State recently changed its official logo, and not everyone is happy about it. Penn State released a statement in August that the existing university logo that featured a shield with the Nittany Lion Shrine in it. The logo was going to be replaced with a refreshed, more contemporary look. The reasoning behind the refresh, according to the press release, is that the previous logo did not translate well digitally. The old logo was introduced in the late 1980s before the digital era. The new logo has a stylized shield and focuses on the Lion Shrine’s head. Unlike the old logo, which showed the Lion Shrine’s full body, the new logo shows only the lions head. The similarity of the shield is carried through to the new logo, however it excludes the founding date of the university that the old logo
The Roar/ Maria Rodgers
Amanda Hackinson wears a T-shirt with the new Penn State logo. Lion Ambassadors were given the shirts to wear at campus events.
included. Don’t get this refreshed logo confused with the University Seal or sports icon; those will remain the
same. According to campus Marketing and Web Specialist Cathy Benscoter, the old logo will eventually be
replaced by the new logo everywhere the old logo appears on campus. The change, however, is expected to take a long time.
Students and faculty have some mixed feelings about the new logo. “My father and my grandfather are both Penn State alumni, so the new logo lacks the ‘Penn State’ familiarity that I’m used to,” freshman Peri Coleman said. Sophomore Amber Alvarado said she noticed the change about a month ago on social media. “It’s going to take some time to get used to.” Sophomore Amanda Hackinson says, “The old logo was here before we were here.” She agreed with Alvarado that it’s going to take time to adjust to. Karen Barr, senior instructor in business, said, “I like the new logo. I don’t believe the university would seek to change the logo without a good reason.” Benscoter agreed. “I really like it. I think it’s a lot easier to use from a graphic standpoint. “It’s much bolder and I think a better representation of the university as a whole, but also the Nittany Lion Shrine itself.”
PERSON IN THE BISTRO
What do you think about the new Penn State logo?
“It’s too cartoonish. I like the older one. It looked more professional.”
“I think it looks good for what it is. The color isn’t the traditional darker blue, but I like it.”
Freshman
Sophomore
Andrea Blakemore
Boe Rice
“It’s not bad. The lion is bigger and you can see his whole head. I don’t like that this logo does not have the date.” Vina Liao
Sophomore
“I think it looks good for online and advertising. It will be an adjustment getting used to it.”
“I like it. But I think the date should be on it like it was the old one was.”
Senior
Sophomore
Maura Francis
Ben Smith
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Penn State Beaver Roar
News
October 2015
Two campus directors retire, one more hired JULIE WORST
Senior Staff Writer jaw6062@psu.edu
In August, Penn State Beaver said goodbye to two campus directors and hello to a new one. Amy Krebs, who served as director of Campus and Community Relations and the Brodhead Cultural Center, retired Aug. 31 after 35 years of service. Luke Taiclet, who served as director of Business and Finance, also retired Aug. 31. Taiclet worked for Penn State for 31 years, including 23 years at Beaver. Krebs was responsible for getting information out to the community through press releases and other forms of communication. She also was in charge of all the summer events at the Brodhead Cultural Center. Taiclet oversaw the campus budgets and where money was being spent. He was also responsible for campus facilities and overseeing construction projects such as the Michael Baker renovation. Both said they have fond memories of Penn State Beaver.
Penn State Beaver Photos
Left: Amy Krebs works in her office with Renata Shaw. Right: Luke Taiclet speaks with junior Brianna D’Itri and new Director Adam Rathbun. “The ones I will remember are when I got to laugh loudly with my staff,” said Taiclet. Taiclet’s colleagues said his laugh could be heard through the whole office. Krebs’ favorite memory “involved the people and the day-to-day camaraderie that occurred.” Both have colleagues who are sad to see them retire. Renata Shaw, administrative assistant in the Campus Executive
Office, said Krebs was a good friend and colleague. “Amy had a good heart and an incredible sense of humor,” Shaw said. “She always had her door open and was willing to talk to anyone who wanted to talk,” Shaw added. Shaw said she remembers Krebs’s office never being quiet. “Amy had that personality that was so vibrant and never dull.” Cindy Platz, staff assistant in
the office of Finance and Business, worked closely with Taiclet for many years. “Luke was dedicated to Penn State Beaver, and this dedication showed through with every project that he tackled.” Taiclet’s colleagues said he would even bring in treats that he made during the weekend. When asked what made Taiclet a great fit for the campus, Beth Hewitt, assistant to the financial offi-
cer, said it was Taiclet’s connections. “The connections that he had at University Park really helped, as well as his knowledge about the university as a whole,” Hewitt said Interim Chancellor Donna Kuga said in a campus announcement that the two were important daily campus operations. “Luke’s efforts to make the campus an attractive, welcoming place will always be appreciated,” Kuga said. “Amy’s kindness and trustworthiness will be missed,” Kuga added. One of the two vacant positions has already been filled. In August, Penn State Beaver welcomed a new director of business and finance, Adam Rathbun of Beaver. Rathbun formerly worked for the Borough of Beaver as borough manager. Rathbun says that he is excited for the experience Penn State has to offer. “[My] job is one that does not have much time to be dull,” Rathbun said. “Problems arise every day that are continuously different.” The search for Krebs’ replacement is still ongoing.
Search for new chancellor winds down to three ALEXA DIPIETRANTONIO Staff Writer
and151@psu.edu
The search committee for Penn State Beaver’s new chancellor has been working for over a year, and they have found three candidates who will be visiting campus in October. “The confidential search has been long and difficult, but for all the right reasons,” said Robert Szymczak, associate professor of history and head of the search committee. “Every single decision the new chancellor makes will affect the students, faculty
and staff.” “The [search] committee’s main job is to select three final candidates from which the choice for the new chancellor can be made,” said Szymczak. Three candidates, Jay Gatrell from Louisville, Ky., David Pearson from Calexico, Calif., and Lenore Koczon from Minot, N.D., will participate in day-long interviews on campus. There are numerous people on the search committee representing different parts of the campus. One thing many people do not know is that there are two representatives from
Shenango’s campus on the search committee as well. “Beaver campus oversees or works together with Shenango [campus]. They’re a small campus and have a shared governance with the Beaver campus,” said Szymczak. “[The new chancellor] will oversee that campus as well because they have a campus director, but not a chancellor.” “They have input, as they should, because it affects them, too,” he added. After the search committee went through nearly 50 applicants who sent in their curriculum vitaes (CVs),
the search committee narrowed it down to three candidates. Szymczak explained that CVs are not just a page or two, as compared to a resume. Depending on how much candidates have done in their academic careers, CVs can be extremely long. “It’s everything,” he said. “Everything you’ve done. Every paper you’ve published, every conference that you went to, and the jobs you’ve done in academia.” Last November, there were two candidates who came to visit the campus for day-long interviews, but
neither were chosen. “Of course they look for academic credentials or administration experience, but it’s about the fit and fairness,” said Donna Kuga, interim chancellor and past director of academic affairs. “People won’t follow you if you don’t care about them.” During the search for a new chancellor, Kuga has continued to oversee the campus operations since July 14, 2014. “It’s become an interesting position for me,” said Kuga, who plans to retire soon. “I got a deeper look at all the other units on campus.”
October 2015 Penn State Beaver Roar
News
Beaver hires two additions NITA WILLIAMS Staff Writer
new5130@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver has seen two new additions to the faculty and staff this year. Richard Lomotey has joined the Information Sciences and Technology department as an assistant professor and Nathan Kelley has taken on the position of residence hall coordinator. Hailing from Ghana in West Africa, Lomotey said he grew to love computer science as it has a universal language that works across all oceans. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, Lomotey worked in the industry for two years before embracing his desire to teach others. He crossed the Atlantic to attend
the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, where he obtained his master’s and doctorate degrees. He taught at the university for a number of years before his temporary contract was up, which lead him to Penn State Beaver. Lomotey said he was attracted to Penn State by its challenging environment that encourages the faculty to grow and the high quality and reliable resources. “I enjoy the attempt by Penn State to create a warm, academic atmosphere to enhance teaching and learning.” The new staff addition is Nathan Kelley, who was hired as a residence life coordinator. From Poland, Ohio, Kelley attended Slippery Rock University
Richard Lomotey
Nate Kelley
to obtain his bachelor’s degree in history and Youngstown State University to earn his master’s degree in
counseling for student affairs. The residence life coordinator position requires previous experi-
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ence in residence life work and student conduct. The chosen candidate is required to live on campus, must be on call with duty rotation and is expected to connect and stay involved with students. Kelley proved his worth with an impressive background in residence life and his overall comfort with the job. Amy Gartley, associate director for Student Affairs, said Kelley beat ou 75 other applicants. She said he “fits great into this environment” and was “raw and real with the job.” After being in the position for two months, Kelley said he enjoys the one-on-one connection with the students. He hopes to help them find their passion just as those who helped him during his own college experience.
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Penn State Beaver Roar
Viewpoints
October 2015
TUTITION FREEZE NOT ENOUGH...
MANAGING EDITOR OF CONTENT Lade King
lak5479@psu.edu
MANAGING EDITOR OF PRODUCTION Brooke Doerfler
bmd5296@psu.edu
BUSINESS MANAGER Elle George
erg161@psu.edu
PAGE DESIGNERS Brianna D’Itri
bbd5033@psu.edu
Adam Espinoza ate5052@psu.edu
Andy Germani
arg5226@psu.edu
Chris Rotondo
ctr5138@psu.edu
Zach Ulrich
zau5001@psu.edu
ADVISERS Cathy Benscoter cub15@psu.edu
Daniel Pinchot djp114@psu.edu
College shouldn’t cost more than living At the Penn State Board of Trustees’ meeting held at our campus this July, we heard President Eric Barron announce that, for the first time in 46 years, Penn State has frozen tuition on every campus for every in-state student. For in-state students at Penn State Beaver, that means that tuition remains at $12,718. As students, we are painfully aware of our impending student loans, so this was especially exciting news. Part of Penn State’s mission is to provide an affordable education to the people of the commonwealth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 12 percent of Beaver County residents live at or below the poverty line. Living in poverty for a family of four means earning about $2,020 per month, or $24,240 per year, or less. That means that for the 12 percent of Beaver County living in poverty,
providing a Penn State Beaver education for a commuter for one year at a cost of nearly $13,000 costs more than six months’ income. This does not include additional costs like fees, textbooks, transportation, technology or room and board. Add room and board, and the cost nearly doubles. A housing contract for a student with one roommate and the median meal plan is nearly $11,000 per year. If you add one year’s tuition to one year’s room and board, the sum is more than $23,000 per year. The cost of one year as a resident student at Beaver is that family of four’s entire annual income. It’s true, not everyone lives in poverty. The median income in Beaver County in 2013 was a little more than $49,000, below the statewide median of $52,000. But at $13,000 to $23,000 a year, that still means that a Penn State Bea-
ver education is expensive even to the average county resident. We are proud of the university’s decision to break the trend of rising costs and focus on the students’ financial needs, but we are asking that this initiative go even further. When the people of the Beaver County struggle to afford a degree from the institution placed in their community to provide accessible and affordable education, something needs to change. We understand that there are fixed costs that come with running a business and that tuition contributes to the quality of our campus and education. But in order to offer the same opportunity to everyone in our community, we urge the university to not just freeze, but to cut the cost of tuition – at least at small campuses like Beaver – to truly provide access to an affordable education.
Does Penn State’s new logo live up to expecations? It is difficult to determine if the university has achieved the purpose of changing the Penn State logo. Strength, distinction, memorability, endurance, visual appeal, meaningfulness and legal viability were supposedly the seven elements that influenced the design of the new logo. However, it is difficult to comprehend how $128,000 was spent on a logo that turned out the way it did. To put it bluntly, the new logo shows that more value was placed on the opinions of the so-called experts who designed it than the reaction of the students and alumni who have to live with it. Specifically, the graphic of the lion head
in the shield looks too much like a comic, and the font used to spell out “Penn State” is not classy or professional enough. Many believe that it has failed to maintain the original heritage and prestige of the university. The old logo boasted the year Penn State was founded – a fact that many alumni were proud of. The new logo, however, dismisses that part our heritage by excluding it. Even though it can be easily argued that the shield and lion head are symbols of Penn State heritage, zooming in on just the face does not convey the power or grandeur that the Lion Shrine has come to represent.
The new logo is supposedly designed to maintain the original heritage while being more friendly in this digital era, compared to the old logo that was developed in the 1980s. While the logo may be more modern and easier to use digitally, that shouldn’t be the reason to change something that has come to mean so much to the very people who make up this great university. Penn State has nearly 100,000 students enrolled across its system, with more than 600,000 living alumni across the globe. It is reasonable for the alums and students of Penn State to expect a logo that reflects the heritage of the university.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor are encouraged and can be emailed to: lak5479@psu. edu. Please include your full name, address, email address and cell phone number.
ADS FOR CLUBS Free advertising space is offered to any universityrecognized organization or club to promote upcoming events. The space is limited to one eighthpage ad per club per edition. To reserve space, email The Roar business manager at: erg161@ 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.
October 2015 Penn State Beaver Roar
Features
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Campus plans to add two more degrees BRIANNA RICE Staff Writer
bmr5418@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver hopes to offer two new majors to the campus by fall of 2016. Carey McDougall, director of Academic Affairs, said that proposals have been made to offer majors in project and supply chain management and biology at Penn State Beaver. Campus officials hope to receive approval from the University for project and supply chain management to start as early as January, and for biology to start by next fall. McDougall said that the choice to offer project and supply chain management and biology was made after looking at what specific careers are forming in the area with the hopes that the new degrees would benefit future students in these fields. Brenda Schultz, career counselor, said project and supply chain management is similar to business logistics. It involves making sure all the supplies needed by a company are received in a timely manner, keeping track of inventory, making agreements, negotiating products, and evaluating the processes to see if there are ways to improve it, both for cost and efficiency.
The Roar/Lade King
Jen Pierce and Brandon Clem look at their biology assignment during their lab. Biology is one of the new majors planned for the campus.
Schultz said the job prospects for students who graduate with a degree in either project and supply chain management or biology are good. “PSCM is actually a very boom-
ing field,” she said. “Graduates who have a degree in PSCM are needed in almost every industry – Giant Eagle, the auto industry, everywhere.” “As for biology,” Schultz contin-
ued, “it is definitely out there, but biology can be used in a variety of fields, so when we’re talking about job prospects, it would be more of what the individual wants to do
with their major. Everything from forensics to zoologists to chemists. There’s such a wide area that a biology degree can be used in.” Dan Smith, instructor of business, said the proposed Shell Ethane Cracker Plant in Monaca could potentially bring opportunities for students with a degree in project and supply chain management. “Most companies now view most of their work in terms of projects; therefore, students educated in the field of PSCM should find more career opportunities available to them,” Smith said. McDougall, on the other hand, said she believed most of the Shell jobs will go to skilled manufacturers, not project and supply chain management graduates. “But,” she added, “the minute you bring more industry into the area, the more jobs there will be. And a PSCM degree is applicable to many of these jobs.” According to McDougall, Penn State Beaver is hoping to add four degrees total sometime in the near future, one of them possibly being some type of engineering. Then, not only would there be an increase in opportunity on campus, but also an increase in enrollment, she said.
Pittsburgh becoming a good workplace BRIANNA RICE Staff Writer
bmr5418@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver students should be glad to hear that the Pittsburgh region has become an extremely desirable place to plant a career after graduation. According to a study by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, as reported in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in August, the number of adults within the Pittsburgh
region who have earned at least a bachelor’s degree increased by 37.3 percent from 2000 to 2013. The numbers only get better as the study showed the region’s increase in younger people with college degrees, saying that these individuals, aged 25 to 34, raised the stats by nearly 34 percent. Dan Smith, instructor of business, said he believes that Pittsburgh is a wonderful place to stay after graduation.
“I think the study shows that Pittsburgh has turned the tide, and that we are finally experiencing ‘Brain Gain’ rather than ‘Brain Drain,’” Smith said. Brenda Schultz, personal and career counselor, said that the opportunities here in Pittsburgh are only getting better for students who are graduating. “It is amazing,” she said. “The Pittsburgh region and the workforce development movers and shakers of
the industry are working really hard with employers in the area and have made a very strong commitment to retain our young people and bring in new industry.” Senior Morgan Zelkovic reacted to the study with much enthusiasm. “Before hearing about this, I knew I wanted to stay close to home to get a job after I graduated,” Zelkovic said. “Then after hearing about it, I thought, ‘Wow, these numbers are
really high,’ and that only gave me a boost in my decision,” she added. Shultz said she might recommend to a Penn State Beaver graduate that they stay in the Pittsburgh area depending on their field of interest. “Pittsburgh is a great place to work in,” she said. “But sometimes it is probably a good idea to go somewhere else, gain some experience, and then come back. “It really depends on what you’re doing,” Shultz added.
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Penn State Beaver Roar
News
October 2015
From sanatorium to PSU
50 years bring needed changes to campus for students ADELE K. K. SMITH Staff Writer
aks5753@psu.edu
Over the past 50 years, Penn State Beaver has morphed from the remnants of a tuberculosis sanatorium into a vibrant, student-focused college campus. Leo Takahashi, associate professor of physics, has been here for 48 of the campus’ 50 years and was around when Penn State started to build its first building on campus, the Michael Baker Building. “The athletic and academic buildings were holes in the ground, waiting for foundation,” Takahashi said. “The old sanatorium held all of the academic rooms, the library was a single room inside an old farmhouse, and garages made up the science labs.” The Harmony Hall dormitory wasn’t added until around 1970. The sanatorium, which Penn State repurposed as an administration and classroom building, was torn down more than a decade ago after the Ross Administration Building opened. Despite the primitive start to the
Archive Photos
Left: Jeremy Lindner, now director of Housing and Food Services, cuts the ribbon to the new Brodhead Bistro in 1998 as then-student government president. With Lindner is Manager Carl Miller, left, Assistant Manager Heidi Leiden and Chancellor Gary Keefer. Right: Leo Takahashi, associate professor of physics, poses with a student in the Admissions Office in the mid-1990s. Takahashi has been a faculty member for 48 of the campus’ 50 years.
campus, Takahashi said the new campus was filled with excitement. For 30 years, the campus was just a college for first and second-year students who had to transfer, typically to University Park, to finish a bachelor’s degree. Takahashi said that as the campus continued to change and grow, so
did the academic structure. Takahashi said that originally the campus offered trimesters, which were three 10-week sessions from late August to early May. Those were eventually replaced with the current two-semester system. “Essentially the only thing that has stayed the same [curriculum] in
my class is the black books,” he said. “We didn’t have electronic calculators then either; we used a slide rule.” The crude device was used for multiplication and embodies the idea that technological and educational advances go hand in hand. Tiffany MacQuarrie, instructor in English, started as a Penn State
Beaver student in 1989. “The wellness center was at one point a small weight room and a closet with cardio machines.” Since then, she’s seen lots of change. “The sidewalks and green space were once just roads connecting the buildings together. The beautifications done to the school are really to help provide more student space.” Jeremy Lindner, director of Housing and Food Services, remembers when the Brodhead Bistro opened in 1996. He was president of the Student Government Association at the time and cut the ribbon on a facility that he would later come to manage. “Before the Bistro opened, the students could only get food during certain restrictive hours and it was meant for those who lived on campus,” he said. A separate snack bar, located in the Student Union Building Lodge, served the needs of commuters. The Bistro has become the hub of much of campus life over the nearly 20 years that have passed, but Lindner said he’s most proud of how the food offerings have expanded.
Penn State Beaver celebrates 50th anniversary ADELE K. K. SMITH Staff Writer
aks5753@psu.edu
Penn State Palooza on Oct. 24 is like the birthday party for the campus, kicking off the student celebrations for Penn State Beaver’s 50th anniversary. “Penn State Beaver is reinventing each of the major campus activities to incorporate the 50th anniversary for both exposure and awareness,” said Amy Gartley, associate director of Student Affairs. The campus officially began celebrating its 50th anniversary year in
May at a Wine and Food Tasting fundraiser for alumni and donors. Since then, banners were placed on campus and a special calendar featuring photos from the past 50 years was printed before the Penn State Board of Trustees visited in July. On Oct. 24 Penn State Palooza will celebrate the anniversary with inflatables, booths and birthday cake. The day will then end with an alumni basketball game. Another event to take on the 50th anniversary theme will be Beaver Fest, an end-of-semester celebration by the Student Government Associa-
tion. The event will take place from April 22 to 29 and feature a week of fun activities during the last week of classes. Gartley said the campus is really celebrating with a lot of little things in the meantime. For instance, the framed posters in the hall in the Student Union Building (SUB) auditorium lobby were put in place this year to represent the history behind the campus. The large blue banners in the Bistro and the SUB were also made to celebrate. Calendars, which cover 18
months, are available to students for free in Housing and Food Services next to the Brodhead Bistro, in the Admissions Suite 113 SUB, in the Registrar’s Office 102 in the Ross Administration Building (RAB) and in the Chancellor Suite 201 RAB. Jeremy Lindner, director of Housing and Food Services, announced a new flavor of ice cream from the Creamery in honor of Beaver 50th anniversary: Beaver Berry Blast. “We are really excited about this flavor,” Lindner said. “The berries and the swirls are a familiar flavor that will be inviting to students.” It
will first be made available during Penn State Palooza. There will also be chocolate coins with the 50th anniversary logo, which will be placed on the deserts for special upcoming events such as the Scholarship Donor Recognition Dinner Oct. 21 in the SUB Lodge. The Penn State Bakery will also put the 50th logo on iced lemon cookies in the Bistro very soon. The major events are found on the student activities poster that was distributed at the beginning of the year and can be picked up for free in the Student Activities Office.
October 2015 Penn State Beaver Roar
News
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Big plans in the works for Palooza MATTHEW PALAHUNIK Staff Writer
mgp5156@psu.edu
This year’s Penn State Palooza will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Penn State Beaver. The event will take place at noon on Oct. 24 outside of the Gary B. Keefer Wellness Center in front of the gym. Student Activity Coordinator Jen Toof said everyone is welcome to attend and admission is free. The day will bring a host of events to the Penn State Beaver community beginning at noon. “The day will include an alumni basketball game (at 4:30 p.m.), live musicians, giant blow ups, tailgates and the most important thing of all to students, free food,” said junior Brianna D’Itri, president of Student
Government Association. D’Itri is also a member of The Roar staff. The food ranges from the iconic tailgate food of hot dogs and burgers to kettle corn and candy apples, said Toof. The food will be catered by Housing and Food Services. The event will feature a new Penn State Creamery ice cream flavor called Beaver Berry Blast, which was named in honor of the campus’ 50th anniversary. Penn State themed desserts and a giant cake to celebrate the school’s birthday will also be offered, Toof said. Besides food, plans for the event include giant inflatable activities as a portion of the entertainment. “It’s hoped that there will be a giant obstacle course, sparring platforms for you to knock your friend off, and giant basketball and ski ball
blow ups as well,” Toof said. “Other games will be centered on tailgating activities, such as cornhole.” At Penn State Palooza, many of the clubs will have games and activities. Sophomore Ryan Pinto said he attended last year’s event and is looking forward to this year’s Palooza. “It’s a cool contrast to the involvement fair.” Pinto said he loved how the fair is open for the entire community, from local residents to fellow Penn Staters. “It’s a last, great hurrah to mark the end of summer before winter comes,” Pinto said. The event is sponsored by the Blue and White Society, Campus Activities Team, Student Government Association, Varsity Club and Student Activity Fee, said Toof.
Students play with an inflatable “wrecking ball” at 2014 Penn State Palooza with the lion.
The Roar
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Penn State Beaver Roar
Features
October 2015
Have fun off campus this fall ALEXA DIPIETRANTONIO Staff Writer
and151@psu.edu
If you grew up in Beaver County, you may assume that the area may not be the most exciting place. But in reality, it has much to offer. Yinz gotta check out these three places near Penn State Beaver. For those looking for a fun place to have dinner or take a date, try Latitude 360, located in The Point at North Fayette, near Robinson Township. Latitude 360 offers comedy shows, luxury bowling, an arcade, a dine-in movie theater, live entertainment, dancing, a cigar lounge and even live entertainment. “It’s nice enough where you can go for a date night, but it’s also very family friendly,” said freshman Tyler Coulter. He and his girlfriend, sophomore Jenna Fratangeli, went during the weekend with her family this past year. “We signed up for the luxury bowling, and while we waited for our lane we got arcade cards,” said Fratangeli. Even on a weekend, the wait is not long because there are numerous things to do while waiting. From playing games at the arcade to grabbing a drink at the bar, there are plenty of things for everyone. Latitude 360, http://latitude360. com/pittsburgh-pa, is located about 23 miles from Penn State Beaver. It is open Sundays through Thursdays from 2 p.m. to midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Another attraction in the area is Dependable Drive-In in Moon Township. Although it used to be known as the drive-in that showed X-rated films, it is now family friendly. Dependable Drive-In has been around since the 1950s and is one of the last standing drive-ins in the area. At Dependable, there are four
Left: Photo by Haley Goonen, Top: Photo by Morgan Zelkovic, Bottom: Photo by Nick Casasanta
Left: The creek that runs through Brady’s Run Park is beautiful to walk beside. Top: Dependable Drive-In theater is empty before a feature film. Bottom: The luxury lanes at Latitude 360 offer a high-class way to bowl.
screens where people sit in cars and watch the movies, or sit on chairs and blankets outside of their vehicles. “My friends and I usually go in an SUV and lay down blankets in the back,” said sophomore Jenna Carey. While the regular movie theater costs about $8 to see one movie, Dependable Drive-In costs $7.50 for adults and $3 for children and you get to see two movies for that price. Plus, during some summer weekends, they have specials where they show three movies, all for the price of one.
“I’d rather go to the drive-in than the movies because you get more for your money and the environment is just more fun,” said Carey. Dependable Drive-In, www. dependabledrivein.com, is located about 15 miles from Penn State Beaver. During the fall, the first movie usually begins around 7:45 p.m., and the second movie around 10 p.m. Another popular place to go is Brady’s Run Park. Being the largest park in Beaver County, Brady’s Run has nearly 2,000 acres of land. While there are
plenty of activities to do outdoors, there are even a few things inside. Some of the outdoor activities are hiking and mountain biking trails; the lake where you can swim, boat and fish; tennis courts; an in-line roller hockey rink; and a walking track. One attraction in particular is Brady’s Run’s skate park. “I probably go once a week or so,” said freshman Adam Keifer. “I usually skate with (freshman) Ryan Durbin and a few other kids when they come back from college every once in a while.” If you do not want to spend a lot
of money, or even any money at all, Brady’s Run is the place to hangout with friends. Although the weather is starting to get colder, there are a couple activities inside. There are indoor tennis courts you can reserve for an hour for a small fee and an ice skating rink where you can rent skates or bring your own. Plus, there is a walking/jogging track free to the public. Brady’s Run Park, www.beavercountypa.gov/parks-recreation-bradys-run-park, is located in Brighton and Patterson townships about 8 miles from Penn State Beaver.
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Students learn how to love healthfully NITA WILLIAMS Staff Writer
new5130@psu.edu
Stacie Scheel from the Women’s Center of Beaver County held a workshop for students on healthy relationships Oct. 5. She gave students a relationship scenario and asked them to decide whether or not they would remain with the figurative partner. Scheel highlighted the importance of knowing wants and boundaries in a relationship and urged communication between partners. “Everyone knows someone who has been in an abusive relationship,” Scheel said. “It affects everyone.” She stressed how to reach out to someone who is being abused because “silence leads to more violence.” October is Domestic Violence
Awareness Month, and Scheel’s workshop was just one of a number of events for the students that the campus will hold. The Women’s Center will be hosting a food and supplies drive on campus from October 14 to November 15. The collection bin is located in the library. On October 16, Penny, a therapy dog from Crisis Center North, and her handler, Rachel Olszewski, will attend Assistant Professor of Administration of Justice Mary Pierce’s Corrections in America class at 9 a.m. Olszewski will discuss Penny’s role at Crisis Center North and in the Allegheny County Court System. Afterward, Olszewski and Penny will meet with students from 10 a.m. to noon in the Student Union Building. Penny is owned by Professor of Communications John Chapin.
Purple is the color used to represent support of Domestic Violence Awareness. The volleyball team will be sporting purple outfits for their games October 14 and 15. A campus-wide purple-out will be promoted on October 16. Chapin, who has been researching violence prevention for 17 years, has put in a great deal of effort to promote activities for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault awareness. He says it is important for college students to understand the dangers and to get educated because they are at the greatest risk for violence. Jenn Toof, the student activities coordinator, adds, “We need a greater understanding of what a healthy relationship is. Any piece of information can be used for education, and you can use it to help yourself or someone you know in the future.”
Photo by Jessica Zurrow
Radhika Navdiya, Jessica Sigala, CeAnne Taylor, Keirsten Lawrence, Brooke Doerfler and Chris Rotondo attended the workshop facilitated by the Women’s Center Oct. 5. Those seated were asked whether or not they would stay in a relationship with a ficticious partner.
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Students tie the knot SAVANA C. GRIGGS Staff Writer
scg5198@psu.edu
On a beautiful summer day in the Maryland panhandle, an intimate wedding was being held at the Mount Zion United Methodist Church. As Penn State Beaver senior Stephanie Porto walked down the same aisle that her own grandmother walked down years before, the only person that she saw was her groom: Penn State Beaver junior Colin Paich. When they looked into each other’s eyes, they were about to do something that most college students would never dare attempt at their age. They got married. The day was July 11 in Swanton, Md., and it was filled with happy memories for the now married Colin and Stephanie Paich. “My favorite memory was when-
The Roar/Lade King
Newlyweds Colin and Stephanie Paich pose for a picture on campus.
ever I first saw her,” said Colin. The young couple graduated from Central Valley School District together, and they have been in each other’s lives since their freshman year of high school.
Overall, they have known each other for eight years. “We were always friends, even if we weren’t together,” said Stephanie. The couple got married on the exact date of their first-year anniver-
sary of them dating. The idea of them getting married was a rather spontaneous decision. It wasn’t until late May that they decided to get married. “Over the years she was the one constant in my life that I’ve always gone back to,” said Colin. It was a small, intimate service and reception with family and friends at the bride and groom’s side. “I didn’t know we were going to get married as fast as we did, but it worked out,” Stephanie said. “A lot of my friends were just kind of shocked, but they generally accepted it,” said Colin. The family of the couple had the same reaction, but they are accepting of their decision and they are happy, Colin said. When it comes to short-term plans and goals, Colin and Stephanie are just planning to finish college and find good jobs afterwards. Stephanie will be finished with
her degree in Information Sciences and Technology this December, and Colin has a year and a half until he completes his degree in Business Management and Marketing. When talking about long-term dreams, they talk about possibly moving down south with Stephanie’s mother. There was even a mention of going to Nashville because of one of Colin’s favorite hobbies, music. “We have a couple of different long-term paths we could go down, but nothing set in stone,” said Stephanie. Classmate Dan Kavalesky, a senior, said marriage is not a common decision for most college students, but it seems right for the Paichs. “I almost see them as a partnership that works together to bring out the best in each other. It’s interesting because they went against the social norm, and it has absolutely worked out for the best,” said Kavalesky.
Sex expert leaves little to the imagination VASIL J. KRONSTEIN Staff Writer
vkk5041@psu.edu
The Roar/Brooke Doerfler
Justine Shuey uses a vulva puppet as a prop early in her presentation during her Sex and Chocolate event on Sept. 14 in Harmony Hall.
What was expected to be a talk cautioning students about safe sex turned into an entertaining and informative forum on Sept. 14 in Harmony Hall. About 60 students attended the Sex and Chocolate event, which featured renowned sexologist Dr. Justine Shuey, who told students how to have good, safe sex. Conversation concerning caution during sexual activities took a turn for the entertaining and, at times, shocking. The vulva puppet that was used early in the presentation quickly heaved conventional adult-sponsored
sex talk out of the window. Students were either stuck in confused silence or broke into boisterous laughter due to the graphic word choice and detailed sexual diagrams. The amazing thing is that it only got crazier from there. Shuey gave what seemed to be much more than a presentation or a speech. Shuey came to Harmony Hall and gave a stellar performance. She filled the night with sex talk that would be offensive to some but very useful to others. Conversation about the main source of physical arousal was brought up. Diagrams of sexual organs were broken down. Seemingly nothing was left out.
Even sex toys and sex positions were spoken of. “The most surprising thing,” said freshman Breanna Pancottini, “was the fact that she talked about all of these weird sex positions.” The Praying Mantis and the fictitious Earthworm positions garnered laughs from most of the students, including Pancottini, because it is a given that one’s head cannot stretch across a room to perform oral sex on another. Shuey also came to terms with the tendencies of people in their lateteens and early twenties to be fixated on having a lot of sex. Shuey said she understood that young adults will have sex whether
the negatives of the act are preached to them or not; that’s why educational programs like this are so important. Shuey rolled with the punches and encouraged the audience to continue with their sexual lives, but in a safe manner. She didn’t ask for fundamental change, as in abstinence, but she did ask that students be conscious of their decisions and make safe choices moving forward. “I was surprised that it wasn’t her telling us that sex is bad or to stay abstinent,” freshman Haley Engelman said. “She was open about the subject and wasn’t afraid to tell us how she felt.”
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Lady Lions having bounce back season TY COLE
Staff Writer wtc5037@psu.edu
In the words of junior captain Jessica Spina, this year’s Penn State Beaver women’s soccer season has been filled with progress. Coming off of last year’s winless season, the women this year are 5-5 overall and 4-2 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference with four games left to play. Coach Shaun Schetka said he is excited about the progression from last year to this year. “We are still a very young team, and we want to continue to build on that.” One of the major concerns the team had to improve on was scoring. One of the highlights so far was the team scoring nine goals against Penn State Greater Allegheny. Another key to this year’s success has been the goalkeeping of freshman Brittany Zahn. “The team has improved every game,” she said. Zahn provided 18 saves in a losing effort against out-of-conference opponent Alfred State. Freshman defenseman Sadie Stillwagon said the same thing. Stillwagon says the team’s pace is “aggressive” and is glad she joined the team. This year’s team has no seniors; seven freshmen, three sophomores and three juniors make up the roster. Two out of the three captains, Courtney Harden and Morgan Stillwagon, are freshmen, while Spina is a junior. One of Schetka’s concerns was how the young team would manage its schoolwork and soccer. “The transition is a big part of coming from
The Roar/Tyler Thellman
Forward Marcus Smith fights to gain possession back from a Penn State New Kensington defender on Oct. 7.
Championship or bust
Men’s soccer team has sights set on PSUAC title TY COLE
Staff Writer The Roar/Marcus Smith
Forward Morgan Stillwagon dribbles the ball for the Lady Lions.
high school to college,” says Schetka. Sophomore Taja Finley called this season “thrilling in every way.” After beating Penn State Mount Alto, the women are on a two-game winning streak headed into playing Greater Allegheny again. The team sits in second place in the conference standings. The last home conference game is against Penn State Brandywine Saturday, Oct. 24.
wtc5037@psu.edu
Expectations are high this year for the Penn State Beaver men’s soccer team, and with a 8-3-1 overall record, the team is delivering. After a 7-3 conference record last year and a hard loss to Penn State Brandywine in the Penn State University Athletic Conference tournament, Coach Jim Van Kirk wants a conference championship this year and nothing less. “This year is the most talented team I’ve coached here at Penn State Beaver,” Van Kirk said. “We are 18 players deep, and we can sub anyone in and out at any
given time.” Transfer sophomore goalkeeper Rashitha Perera said the same thing. “Coming into this season, I saw a lot of talent and knew that we could win a championship.” Beaver is led by returning junior captain Marcus Smith. Smith has 19 goals on the season with three games remaining. After a 3-2 overtime loss to Penn State Wilkes Barre in the first conference game of the season, the men’s team has won seven straight conference games. The most dominating victory this season came against Penn State Worthington Scranton. Smith and senior counterpart
Lamont Wright both netted hat tricks. Smith also had four goals in a game against Penn State Mont Alto, which the team won 9-2. Freshman Stephen Crnkovich described this season as surprising. “No one thought we would be this good. We knew that coming into this season we had a lot of talent and we could win the conference championship.” With three games remaining, the team is in first place in the PSUAC. The last conference game is Saturday, Oct. 17, at Penn State York. The team will face Valley Forge on the road Oct. 18 before heading to the PSUAC tournament.
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Volleyball aces competition ZACH ULRICH
Senior Staff Writer
ZACH ULRICH
zau5001@psu.edu
The Penn State Beaver Lady Lions volleyball team is off to a great start this year sitting at 10-1 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) and with an overall record of 14-7. The Lady Lions came up with a couple of big victories this year beating Penn State Fayette and the seventime conference winner Penn State Greater Allegheny. The Lady Lions’ schedule doesn’t get much easier. Out of their last six games, they play two of the four leaders in standings of the PSUAC. Most recently the Lady Lions faced off against rival Greater Allegheny. Taking the game 3-0, the Lady Lions looked very strong. Sophomore Jenna Petrucci led the way with 12 kills, and freshman Eden Scheafer added four. Currently sitting in third place of the PSUAC, the Lady Lions look to pick up some big wins in their last six games to pursue the conference championship. Coaches and players have a lot of expectations for the rest of the season still to come. “Getting to the final four and the
Senior Staff Writer zau5001@psu.edu
Lady Lions huddle up before their 3-0 win against Penn State Wilkes Barre on Oct. 4.
PSUAC championship have been our goals from the start,” Coach BJ Bertges said. “Our skill level is good and our team chemistry is better.” Sophomore captain Jenna Petrucci agreed. “We talk all the time. We
don’t get mad at each other, and it helps us in the end to get through tough situations.” The Lady Lions are a very young team with a lot of talent, only bringing back five players from last year
The Roar/Zach Ulrich
and recruiting a surprising seven freshmen this year. “The team is very eager and they don’t know the history of the conference or program, and that makes them want to win,” Bertges said.
Sports court opens behind Harmony Hall SAVANA C. GRIGGS Staff Writer
scg5198@psu.edu
After a series of uncontrollable delays such as torrential downpours in the month of June, the sports court that has been developing in the back of Harmony Hall is now open to students for their recreational use. Blue & White Day on Oct. 23 will be the ceremonial opening of the much-anticipated sports court, said Jen Toof, coordinator of student activities and residence life. The Blue & White Society plans to hold a pep
Fightin’ Beavs win first 3 games
rally around the court and a bonfire is also planned for those who attend at the end of the celebration. The new court will end up being a great new addition to Harmony Hall and especially to the campus, said Director of Business and Finance Adam Rathbun. “Hopefully we can expand it in the future to include other items in the area. There is a big concrete pad for a large pavilion, so we can move forward with plans to have that built,” said Rathbun. It will bring an extra element
that’s fresh and new, said Director of Student Affairs Chris Rizzo. This court will also be a much needed addition for the hockey team and other sports. In some ways, this court is specifically designed for the Fightin’ Beavs in-line hockey team. Every player has been looking forward to this opportunity for a long time. “[The hockey team] is pumped,” said sophomore co-captain Dom Rossi. “At a scale of 1 to 10, we’re at an 11. We are so ready.” In the past, the hockey team had
to practice at the gymnasium. The gym has been good to the hockey team, however; Rossi said they need more room to practice. He also said that the court will help them focus more on the task at hand. Rossi said they are also excited about the fact that they can play full scrimmages in the court since it wasn’t possible in the gymnasium. Hockey will not be the only sport that will be featured. Basketball and other intermural sports can be played there as well.
After having won the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Roller Hockey League championship last season, the Penn State Beaver Fightin’ Beaves are off to a 3-0 start. The in-line hockey team is coming off of three wins early in the season, defeating Carnegie Mellon 10-2 on Oct. 14, California University of Pennsylvania 8-4 on Oct. 7 and Duquesne University 7-3 on Sept. 30. “This is one of the best teams we’ve ever had,” said Assistant Coach Justin Vorbach. Vorbach said the team has great offense and defense this year. One of the big concerns for the team was replacing goalie Mike Martin. Martin was the goalie of last year but didn’t return this year. Sophomore Ryan Pinto is playing goalie now and is off to a great start. “Ryan Pinto really stepped up when we needed it,” said junior Alex Ribeau. Pinto has given up nine goals, but it has not hurt Beaver thus far. Beaver is outscoring opponents 25-9 over its first three games. Expectations run high this year as the Fightin’ Beavs defends their title. “We want to see guys perform well on and off the ice and keep the same success as in recent years,” Vorbach said. Beaver continues its season at the Robert Morris University Island Sports Center Oct. 21 as the team squares off against Slippery Rock University and Oct. 28 against Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
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Men’s basketball welcomes new coach MATTHEW PALAHUNIK Staff Writer
mgp5156@psu.edu
Penn State Beaver hired its second new men’s basketball coach in the past 12 months. Brian Bibey of Moon Township began work Sept. 1. He brings more than 10 years of experience as a coach, most recently at Shaler High School. He also spent six years coaching at the University of Pittsburgh Titusville. Bibey replaces Tim Kubis, who coached for just the 2014-15 academic year. He was a former player and assistant under longtime Coach Marcess Williams, who resigned last fall to take a full-time coaching job at Clarion University. Bibey said he coaches with a “we before me” mentality.
The Roar/Rob Trhlin
Brian Bibey cheers on his team during conditioning practice Oct.11.
“Being part of a team teaches unity, responsibility, determination and reward,” Bibey said. “I expect players to play smart, play together,
play hard and think as a team.” When it comes to games, Bibey said he expects his team to have a winning attitude. “I expect my play-
ers to respect their opponents and to give all their effort to win.” Sophomore Jermal Bell said Bibey has a set of five tenets which he posts for practices that he expects the players to live by: competiveness, enthusiasm, teamship, accountability and appreciate. Bell said the new coach wants his players to be competitive among each other in a friendly way to improve the team. Bell also said Bibey wants the players to enjoy what they are doing and to be a brotherhood. Bibey said he expects his players to be professional in public. He doesn’t want them to swear and misbehave, even among each other. He also wants his players to respect their competitors. “He’s not hard, but he challenges
us and we like it,” said senior Sidney Bates. The team has practice every day except Sunday, and he makes us run a lot during practice, Bates said. When he started practice, the team started off at 10 suicide runs back and forth on the court. Every week, they added 10 more. “Coach Bibey is a really cool guy, and we love him. I see him as a fatherly role model,” Bates said. “He helps us as a whole, as a team, and we accomplish our goals.” Bell said Bibey is a pusher during practice and conditioning. The team does intense workouts besides the running, and he makes them do a 45-minute, non-stop exercise from pushups to leg lifts. The team’s first game is on Nov. 9 at home against CCAC.
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