Breaking news and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. XLIX, No. 11
Pro-life activist defends political position
Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor
Hawkins is against abortion.
By Miguel Gonzalez News Editor
In the aftermath of this year’s contentious midterm election, TCNJ Students for Life held a presentation titled “Lies Pro-Choice Politicians Tell” on Nov. 7 at the Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater. The student organization invited Kristan Hawkins, the president of Students for Life of America, to debunk five myths of the pro-choice movement and how abortion undermines the mental health, physical health and dignity of women, according to the speaker.
Growing up in Wellsburg, West Virginia, Hawkins did not know about abortion because the subject was not discussed in her house, school or local church. By the age of 15, she favored the pro-life movement after first volunteering in her town’s crisis pregnancy center, a non-profit organization established to counsel pregnant women against having abortions. During her first day at the center, she vividly remembered how excited she was until she saw many clients around her age. At the time, the nearest abortion clinic to her hometown was 42 miles away in Pittsburgh. According to Hawkins, the majority of pregnant women were discouraged by the long trip. Looking back on her time as a volunteer who helped persuade women to not seek abortions, Hawkins appreciated that the center provided a safe environment for grieving clients who recently found out that they were pregnant. With that experience in mind, she asserted that college students are too distant from the issue to understand the struggles pregnant women deal with. see DEBATE page 5
Eickhoff reflects on his tenure as College President By Colleen Rushnak Staff Writer Former College President Harold Eickhoff’s name has long been part of the student body’s vocabulary — phrases like “Want to get Eick after class?” or “I live in Eickhoff Hall” are commonplace — yet many students are unaware of the scope of the impact he had on the College. Eickhoff was president of the College from 1979 to 1998 and played a large role giving the College a more elite reputation. When asked about his favorite part of his presidency, Eickhoff said “Watching it happen.” Before his tenure in Ewing, New Jersey, Eickhoff grew up in a much different part of the country. He was born in Kansas and grew up during the Great
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Depression as the youngest of five children. From a young age, Eickhoff’s mother was his main source of inspiration. Even though his family lived in poverty and lacked electricity and plumbing, her positivity never waned. “She was one of the most optimistic people I have ever met,” he said. “She believed that life should be joyful.” Even when she lost two of her sons, one in an accident and the other during World War II, his mother still managed to bounce back after trying times. The lessons he learned from his mother helped him during his time as the College’s leader. “I believe that from her I got this notion that life should be joyous,” Eickhoff said. “And when I was
Nation & World / page 7
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president, I had to set this tone. It is a way to live — to appear as a person who believed that education should be fulfilling, as hard as it is sometimes.” Eickhoff was also inspired to devote his career to education by the writing of former U.S. President James Madison. “If I were to lead to a conclusion that I find that what ails us more than almost anything, it’s the fact that our education system is dysfunctional,” he said. “James Madison said,‘Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and the people who mean to govern themselves must be equipped with the power that knowledge gives.’ There it is. Why I found my niche in education.” see PRESIDENT page 14
Editorial / page 9
Aoki ‘takes the cake’ during Fall Concert
Aoki’s EDM tracks energize the crowd. By Nadir Roberts Arts & Entertainment Editor
Students, friends and other guests of the College made the Energizer Bunny look like a measly little ball of fur when the effervescent and lively crowd hopped into the Recreation Center ready to fist pump and dance to American electro house DJ Steve Aoki on Friday, Nov. 9 at the College Union Board’s Fall Concert. Aoki makes remixes and original music with everyone across the musical spectrum –– he has worked with big name artists including The Chainsmokers, Kid Cudi, Daddy Yankee, Desiigner, Lincoln Park, Travis Barker and many more. “Steve, Steve, Steve, we want Steve,” the crowd shouted shortly after DUCKWRTH’s opening performance. To add to the EDM and techno vibe of the night, foam flashing LED sticks were thrown to many people in the crowd, illuminating the black sea of the audience with spurts of white.
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
Granting the crowd their wishes — Steve Aoki finally appeared. His long hair bounced as he ran through the long platform in his yellow and black track suit and faced the crowd. “What’s up New Jersey!” Aoki shouted. To kick off the bass-filled night, Aoki started his performance with “Shakalaka,” an EDM song with a mariachi twist, that electrified the crowd. With strobe lights that were flashing at an extremely incredible rate, the crowd reveled in the sensory stimulation. Aoki kept the hype and excitement going the whole night as the crowd waited for the climactic bass to burst with increasingly loud sirens. “I wanna make sure that we go crazy all the way till the end,” Aoki said. He stood at his DJ booth which was split by a screen on the lower half, but was still synchronized with a screen behind him, creating the perfect jumbotron-esque see LOUD page 13
Stigmonologues counter detrimental assumptions about mental health By Lara Becker Correspondent
Junior psychology major Rachel Craig said she first witnessed mental health discrimination from her own doctor. “‘I always worry if I’m in a room with someone like that in case they become violent or something, you know?’” These are words from her doctor she will never forget.
Opinions / page 11
Features / page 14
Craig was surprised to hear someone with so much credibility making such judgements — she assumed a doctor would understand that mental illness does not automatically equate to violence or insanity. Co-sponsored by the College’s Psychology Club, Active Minds, the Public Health Communication Club, TriSigma and the Panhellenic Society, the College’s Counseling and Psychological
Services Peer Educators presented “Stigmonologues,” an annual event during which students present their personal experiences dealing with the stigma that surrounds mental health. The phrase “You are not alone” flashed across a projector screen behind the presenters, who spoke on Nov. 5 in the Education Building Room 212. see HEALTH page 14
Arts & Entertainment / page 17
Sports / page 24
Lions Plate Learn to make restaurant-style Buffalo Chicken Dip
Soloist Night Students perform both covers and originals
Women’s Rugby Lions complete 4-0 undefeated season
See Features page 15
See A&E page 17
See Sports page 23
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Female entrepreneurs seek professional growth Speaker gives advice to aspiring businesswomen
Molina Niño encourages women to be their own bosses.
By Ashley Cooperman Correspondent
During the College’s eighth annual Women’s Leadership Summit, students had the opportunity to hear from the summit’s keynote speaker on Nov. 7 in the Education Building Room 115. Nathalie Molina Niño, the chief executive officer of Brava
Investments, spoke about her rise to the top of her company, her latest book and the need for women in the entrepreneurship industry. Molina Niño is an entrepreneur who has a background in engineering. After selling her first company in 1999, she dropped out of school. Molina Niño was inspired to start her own business after her grandmother and father,
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
who were also both business owners. Molina Niño received her master’s degree from Columbia University in playwriting, a completely different direction from where she started out in the beginning stages of her education and career. Molina Niño is known for her efforts educating women seeking to be founders of their own
companies. In 2012, Molina Niño co-founded Entrepreneurship@ Athena at the Athena Center for Leadership studies of Barnard College in New York City. Its mission is to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs with their male counterparts. “Women are starting more companies than men,” Molina Niño said. “Women have no problem being entrepreneurs. Molina Niño has started five other companies. She also began finding tech startups at just 20 years old, during the early days of global positioning systems. She said that one of her companies was in 42 countries and had 70,000 employees. Just over two years ago, Molina Niño started Brava Investments, a company that recruits and helps other businesses with their startups to ensure positive growth. Brava Investments seeks investments that help women achieve an economic impact with a platform of experts and gender equality advocates through a flexible and long-term company structure. Molina Niño then spoke about her book, “Leap Frog:
The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs,” where she gave tips, advice and guidance for entrepreneurs looking to succeed in the business world. In the book, she emphasized what entrepreneurship and investing is like for entrepreneurs who are tired and fed up with hearing often cliche advice. Molina Niño said her book is full of shortcuts based on her experience. After starting six companies and creating startups at a young age, she insisted that her success came from her work ethic and business capabilities. One of the key points that Molina Niño discussed was tokenism and how women do not need charity, but rather the economy needs women. Molina Niño’s presentation was not only helpful for students who plan on entering the world of business, but for anyone who is interested in women’s empowerment. “I think she had a lot of really great things to say about women empowerment and what that actually meant and how people, companies and investors can help,” said Ileana Androvich, a junior psychology major.
SFB zero funds HackTCNJ Vital Signs: Dangers of d‘ runkorexia’ By Garrett Cecere Staff Writer
One organization was zero funded and two organizations were fully funded at the Student Finance Board Meeting on Nov. 7. The Association for Computing Machinery, which presented for its event, HackTCNJ 2019, was zero funded for promoting its event before it presented it to SFB. HackTCNJ, also known as “the hackathon,” is an annual competition where students of design and technology fields gather for a programming competition. “You can’t advertise before you receive SAF funds,” said Ryan Kirschner, a management major and sophomore representative and programming assistant for SFB. Kirschner also explained that ACM has the option to go before the three-person appeals board and plead why the organization feels SFB should have funded its event, as outlined by the SFB student organization manual.
TCNJ Musical Theatre received $1,512 for house management and ushers as part of its production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” which was funded at a previous meeting. “This was a separate charge that we did not take into consideration,” said Alex Hanneman, a junior chemistry major and treasurer of TMT. “These are all students that do house management and ushering.” Lion’s Eye was funded $2,000 for 350 copies of the fall edition for the campus’ literary magazine. Lion’s Eye is published biannually and accepts poetry, photography, art and short stories for submissions. The magazine hopes to promote campus unity, showcase student work and demonstrate student creativity and achievement, according to the proposal. SFB will fully fund $321.25 for TCNJ Trentones’ uniforms. All College Theatre was fully funded $375 for the rights and royalties for its spring production of “She Kills Monsters.”
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
SFB fully funds the Lion’s Eye, the College’s literary magazine.
Drinking on an empty stomach can cause nutritional deficiencies.
By Anna Kellaher Columnist
Binge drinking and eating disorders are both big issues among college students. When these two habits combine, students may suffer in what the University of Texas at Austin refers to as “drunkorexia —” the practice of restricting calories throughout the day in order to make room for calories from alcohol. Studies show that 30 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 23 diet in order to drink alcohol, according to a study by The University of Texas at Austin. According to The New York Times, as soon as alcohol enters your system, your body starts breaking it down, but some will immediately enter the bloodstream. When you eat before drinking, the food in your stomach slows the absorption process. When you eat on an
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empty stomach, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream faster, making you feel the effects more quickly. This can lead to a higher level of intoxication that inhibits judgement and increases risk of injury. The body uses certain nutrients when it breaks down alcohol, but restricting calories limits the amount of nutrients available in the body. The combination of drinking and not eating enough can increases risk of nutritional deficiencies. Other physical risks of drunkorexia include blackouts, alcohol poisoning and stomach irritation. Make sure that you are keeping yourself healthy and safe by eating balanced meals throughout the day, especially when you are planning on drinking later. Finding a balance of healthy food and physical activity — not skipping meals — will help prevent weight gain associated with alcohol consumption.
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Debate / Hawkins denounces Planned Parenthood
SFL chapters share pro-life perspectives. continued from page 1
“Those women who normally come to the center, their lives were so much different than yours,” Hawkins said. “Regardless of whether they chose the abortion in Pittsburgh, their lives were never the same. They weren’t looking forward to a future they envisioned themselves. They were surviving. Everyday — just existing was (their) victory.” Hawkins further explained that many of the clients lived in poverty with barely a high school education. Moreover, she said women who have had abortions usually
Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor
live in inescapable abusive relationships. After spending three months at the center, Hawkins realized that abortion does not necessarily erase women’s issues. “Abortion doesn’t solve problems,” Hawkins said. “It creates new ones. It leaves behind pain.” As an alternative to abortion, Hawkins wished to see social justice for women. In her view, social justice does not relate to progressive ideas lauded at campaign rallies, but as a means to repair broken, abusive relationships among couples and families. She said that crisis pregnancy centers are more than capable of providing counseling to women
who feel isolated from financial and relationship issues. After recalling her memories at the crisis pregnancy center, Hawkins rejected five claims made by pro-choice politicians in regards to abortion. She said the first claim was that abortion solves women’s problems. She then stated that the second claim was that abortion advances women’s rights. According to Hawkins, she never understood why pro-choice politicians believed abortion empowers the individuality of women. “Our freedom and our dignity as women depends upon our right to kill someone weaker and smaller than ourselves that we help to create,” Hawkins said. Hawkins demonstrated the second claim by referring to the 2016 Supreme Court case, Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, where the Court struck down Texas’ state law that limited access to abortion clinics across the state, according to The New York Times. Hawkins found a contradiction in the briefings of the 113 female attorneys involved in the case who stated in a brief that they had exercised their legal right to an abortion, according to The Atlantic. She found it contradictory that women in the legal profession needed abortions in order to empower
themselves and escape from problems like abusive relationships. The third claim Hawkins outlined was that politicians falsely argue birth control methods do not cause a war against women’s bodies. She said that conflict against women’s bodies is the harmful effects of growth hormones from birth control pills. Along with abortion, Hawkins said that Planned Parenthood exacerbated the conflict by not educating women about the risks of birth control pills such as blood clots, infections and cardiac and respiratory arrests. Coupled with the physical repercussions, Hawkins said that there are psychological consequences following abortion. She cited a study from The British Journal of Psychiatry in which out of 163,831 women who had an abortion, 81 percent of them had mental health issues. The fourth claim that Hawkins argued was that legal abortion is necessary in order for women to not die from improvised abortions. Hawkins later refuted the fifth claim that the majority of Americans currently favor access to abortion clinics. She rejected this notion because Americans are not specific in their responses in terms of which phase of pregnancy women should have abortions. She cited a Gallup poll which found
that only 28 percent of Americans believe women should have an abortion in the second trimester. The rate falls to 13 percent in the third trimester. Hawkins also said that abortion drives big business and significant political donations for the Democratic party. She cited an article from USA Today that explained how Planned Parenthood has donated approximately $50 million to Democratic candidates and lobbyists since 2012. She capped off her speech by reiterating why pregnant women should have the resources and counseling available in order to prevent abortions. “My potential, your potential is not limited,” Hawkins said. “Our bodies are amazing. We can succeed as we are as women.” Joseph Ballesteros, a senior nursing major and a pro-choice advocate, appreciated how TCNJ Students for Life invited someone with a different perspective to speak on campus. However, he saw more room left open for students to have a informative conversation about the abortion debate. “We as students should be open for discussion with people such as like (Hawkins),” Ballesteros said. “I believe that students can benefit more if they openly discussed about abortion in safe spaces.”
College hosts Lion’s Hour discussion on abortion By Suchir Govindarajan Correspondent The Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion held a Lion’s Hour discussion titled, “Pro-life vs. Pro-Choice” in the Brower Student Center Room 225 on Thursday, Nov. 8. Students, administration and faculty members engaged in a conversation about the pro-choice and pro-life debate in American politics. Students expressed strong opinions on relevant issues such as safe sex, abortion and contraception. The discussion was facilitated by Don Trahan Jr., the director of the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion. Unlike the Critical Conversations where there is no set topic, Lion’s Hour was created to discuss a particular topic or idea and further advance College President Kathryn Foster’s commitment to universal inclusion. Some students reasoned that abortions should be stopped after 21 to 24 weeks, after a fetus’ age of viability where it can survive on its own without its mother. Other students countered that the fetus’ life begins at conception. The group then conversed about sex education, and some students believed it was necessary for both high school and college students to be properly educated on contraception and safe sex. The group came to the
consensus that providing resources on sex education would allow students to solve the issues surrounding abortion altogether. Another student said that although sex education and access to contraceptives is important, nothing is guaranteed and that women should have options and resources when contraception fails. Elisa Rios, a senior psychology and women’s, gender and sexuality studies double major, explained how students could be both pro-choice and pro-life, yet it is hard to have open conversation about the polarizing topic. “We live in a political climate where we are so in the extremes that we can’t even look at each other in the face.” Rios said. “We can’t even see each other.” The discussion aimed to be inclusive of opposing mindsets instead of turning into a heated battle between the two sides. Participants of the discussion felt that active dialogue such as Lion’s Hour fosters openmindedness over a contentious argument. “I’ve seen people fight and try to end good friendships and relationships over the fact they don’t have the same beliefs,” said Victoria Kiernan, a senior nursing major and a member of Students For Life. “It doesn’t make up who you are as a person, that’s really important to keep in mind.”
“We live in a political climate where we are so in the extremes that we can’t even look at each other in the face. We can’t even see each other.”
—Elis Rios
Senior psychology and women’s, gender and sexuality studies double major
SG hears changes to policy on group study rooms By Alex Shapiro Staff Writer
Student Government met with the Library Building and Safety Committee during its general body meeting on Nov. 7. The committee proposed new changes in regards to its library study rooms. The policy seeks to restrict the use of the library’s group study rooms to students, faculty and staff at the College. It also wants to ensure that study rooms are intended for collaborative school work and not for club meetings or extracurricular activities. The new proposed policy also makes the study rooms on the first, third and fourth floors available on a first-come, first-served basis. All of the rooms on the second floor will be reservable using an app. Groups of three or more will have
priority over the study rooms and all groups will have a maximum occupancy period of three hours. The Library Building and Safety Committee is looking to work with an app that can tell students if a room is booked or not and will allow them to make study room reservations on their mobile devices. The committee hopes this plan will be in place for the fall 2019 semester. SG then proposed a new Academic Event Bill, which would ensure that the senator cohorts host an academic event for their school each semester. The purpose of these events is to hold senator cohorts accountable for representing their academic school and increasing community engagement. The bill will be voted on at SG’s Nov. 14 meeting. Taylor Mislan, SG’s vice president of
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
The club wants its senators to be proactive with community engagement. student services and a senior marketing major, told the general body that preparations
for Finals Fest are underway and promised more updates to come.
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Kool & the Gang member shares path to success
Trumpeter introduces funk to Kendall Hall audience
Ray recalls working with a variety of respected artists.
By Len La Rocca Correspondent
Trenton Makes Music and the College’s Department of Music at the College invited Michael Ray, the Grammy-winning trumpet player from funk phenomenon Kool & the Gang, to put on a masterclass that showcased his expertise and passion for the music industry on Nov. 5 at Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater. The sonically dazzling Ray has
earned several lifetimes of topnotch musical prowess in his illustrious career, all stemming from his days as a student at what used to be Trenton State College. At 65 years old, Ray is still a touring artist and has worked with the likes of talented groups such as Sun Ra Arkestra, Van Halen and artist James Brown. Out of those artists, Ray remembered Sun Ra fondly for his musical knowledge, prolific writing and as the first musician to fuse electronic keyboards in jazz. He knew
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
Sun Ra was one of a kind when he first visited his house. “Let me tell you a more personal side of Sun Ra,” Ray said. “When I first went up to his house to rehearse, he had all these keyboards, manuscripts, milk crates, cassettes. I looked in the refrigerator. He had a milk crate of music in the refrigerator.” No matter how much Sun Ra criticized Ray’s music, Ray knew he had an excellent mentor. “He told me, ‘you sound like
an earthling, what’s wrong with you?’” Ray said. Sun Ra constantly put Ray’s vast musical knowledge to the test; such rigorous testing has influenced Ray’s cosmic and spacey sound. Ray recalled many grueling sessions at Sun Ra’s house for the sake of perfecting his craft. “I remember cats would play until they found the lost chord,” Ray said. “The lost chord is somewhere and you would just play until your fingers get to bleeding.” Being in the music business since the 1970s, Ray has learned the political side to the music industry in all of its ugliness. He claimed the music industry was a long plastic hallway where thieves and murderers ran free and good men and women died alone. Looking out at students sharing the special path that the College set forth for Ray, he offered advice that he wished he heard back his days at Trenton State College. “Just don’t let the lifestyle get you,” Ray said. “I reflect back on my own life about how carefree and frivolous I was as if it was gonna last forever, but as it turns out I’ve got a graveyard full of friends.” As a celebration of Ray’s career takes place Friday, Nov. 8 alongside the College’s Jazz Ensemble, one
special person will be in dedication through Ray’s music and heart. “I knew about Michael Ray before this and when I heard that the jazz band is working with him, I was beyond excited,” said Chris Cancglin, a sophomore music education major. Ray said that he will dedicate the jazz concert to his deceased mother. “She was a trooper to make it to 90 years old… When I was growing up I saw 20 and thought that’s old. I thought I was gonna live to about 35 and now I’m 65. So God has a plan for all of us,” Ray said. Perspective is a gift that Ray offered his audience a new perspective in what he referred to as a world in peril. Alongside his wife on vocals and Michael Green on piano, Ray delivered a dazzling symphony on trumpet and electric keyboard. He even improvised by playing the keyboard behind his back. Students were thrilled to hear Ray’s rise to stardom and his electrifying performance at Kendall. “I thought that performance was great, like really modern jazz,” said Keith So, a freshman music education major. “He also played some standards too, but some of it was really spacey and out there. I really liked that part.”
Lecture honors talent of renowned classical musician 19th century female composer breaks barriers to recognition
Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor
Left: Heisler highlights Beach’s musical talent. Right: Speth and Kanamaru captivate the audience with their rendition of Beach’s sonata. By Alexandra Bonano Correspondent In the eighth installment of the Fall 2018 Faculty Lecture Series, the School of Arts and Communication held a presentation titled, “Performance of Amy Beach’s ‘Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 34’ (1899).” in Mayo Concert Hall on Friday, Nov. 9. Uli Speth, Tomoko Kanamaru and Wayne Heisler, all professors in the department of music, analyzed and shared the history of Amy Beach (1867 - 1944) and the sonata, an instrumental musical composition typically of three or four movements in contrasting forms and keys of which Beach was a pioneer in creating. The lecture ended with a full performance that allowed the audience to experience how Beach intended the sonata to be played. Heisler compared the presentation of
each of the sonata’s individual parts as a “pre-performance tour” of the grand finale. He compared the presentation to going on a double decker bus tour in New York City and Philadelphia during which you get to overview of the city’s most important sights. According to Heisler, Beach was a female pianist and composer who possessed an astonishing musical talent since she was just 1 year old. At that young age, Beach was able to sing 40 tunes accurately and frequently in the same key. Just three years later as a 4-year-old, Beach mentally composed and performed her first piano compositions. After composing approximately 300 works, Beach became a renowned pianist and composer across North America and Europe. Heisler said Beach’s career as a composer hit a high point in 1896 when her first and only symphony, the “Gaelic” symphony, was first performed by the
Boston Symphony Orchestra. The piece went on to be played by orchestras across the nation. Heisler explained that Beach’s success was considered astounding considering how masculinity ruled orchestras at the time. “A gendered blind spot is also witnessed by the reception of Beach’s other major composition in 1896, the ‘Sonata for Violin and Piano,’” he said. This gendered blind spot allowed for Beach’s works to be more successful and widely accepted than most despite the fact that she was a female composer in a time where males dominated most industries. Throughout the presentation, Heisler displayed quotes and reviews of Beach’s work from people who had heard it during the first few years of the composition’s fame. It gave the audience an in-depth look at how her musical masterpieces were received.
“The sonata was everything from sweet and song like, to fast and with fire,” Heisler said. “It’s meant to make the audience experience a buildup in the music, with an explosive ending.” After examining each of the four parts, formally known as movements of the “Sonata for Violin and Piano,” Speth and Kanamaru, playing the violin and piano respectively, performed each movement for the audience. The crowd was captivated and left in awe as Speth and Kanamaru eloquently and expressively performed the sonata completely, filling the hall with their music. When they finished, the audience cheered as Speth and Kanamaru caught their breaths after an impeccable performance. “I liked how they gave historical context to the piece before they played it and I feel like it made me listen more critically while they were playing,” said Lorena Limato, a senior music education major.
November 14, 2018 The Signal page 7
Nation & W rld
Harvard denies allegations of discrimination
By Mallory McBride Staff Writer After 15 days of proceedings, Harvard University’s trial regarding its supposed discrimination against Asian-Americans in its admission process came to a close on Nov. 2, according to The Harvard Gazette, the official news website of Harvard University. The federal lawsuit, which can be traced back to 2014, started when Richard Blum, an opponent of race-conscious admissions and founder of Students for Fair Admissions, filed an initial lawsuit against the university, claiming that it is harder for Asian-American students to get accepted, The Harvard Gazette reported. According to CNN, Blum sued Harvard under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which does not allow for intentional race discrimination at schools that receive federal funds.
CNN reported that Harvard’s annual applications amount to about 40,000, with the freshman class totaling about 1,600. Through the years, the percentage of Asian-American students at Harvard has been rising, and its most recent class is 23 percent Asian-American, according to CNN. Harvard has denied all claims of race discrimination, claiming that race is only one of the many factors that are considered during the application process, according to The Harvard Gazette. However, according to NPR, the plaintiff’s attorneys referenced recruitment numbers and a Harvard program that sends recruitment letters to applicants based on standardized test scores as substantive evidence that the school has the bar set higher for Asian-American students. Harvard’s policy suggests that Asian-American males need a
score of a 1370 on the PSAT to get an acceptance letter, while white males only need a 1310. According to CNN, Harvard’s Dean of Admissions William Fitzsimmons, who joined the office 46 years ago, took the stand for four days on the defense of Harvard’s admissions practices. “‘We certainly do everything in our power to treat every applicant completely and fairly,’” Fitzsimmons said, according to CNN. He said that there are no quotas or limits for anyone of any race applying to the school. According to The New York Times, the plaintiff’s main focus is to eliminate the use of race in the admissions process. Throughout the trial, however, many students and alumni took to the stand to defend the university, race-conscious admissions, and affirmative action, according to NPR. “I personally benefited from
Students feel the school’s acceptance policy is biased.
affirmative action,” Harvard senior Thang Diep said according to NPR. “It allowed my immigration history (from Vietnam) to be taken into account.” While the trial has ended, it
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is not expected that U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs will release her opinion until 2019, according to NPR. The case may end up in the Supreme Court if both sides appeal.
Destructive floods threaten historical Italian sites
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Rising water levels leave parts of the country in a state of emergency. By Anandita Mehta Staff Writer
Italy faces historic flooding from a thunderstorm and hurricane system on Oct. 29 that affected the country from Sicily, an island in the southern part of the country, to
the Piedmont region, in the north, according to The New York Times. Twenty-nine people have died as a result of the flooding and 14 million trees were uprooted across Italy due to high speed winds, according to Express. As a result of the flooding, 11 of Italy’s
20 regions declared a state of emergency, with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declaring an orange alert, which refers to high tides, for the entire country, according to Express. The flooding was the result of a seasonal high tide and low pressure system circulating in Southern Europe, CNN reported. In Venice, fierce winds blowing at 112 mph brought the high tide to 61 inches above average sea level, according to The New York Times. Although these floodwaters were at the highest level they have been in a decade, they were not the highest the city of Venice has ever seen. In 1966, floodwaters reached 76 inches, the city’s all time high, according to The New York Times. Conte is also planning on providing an aid package worth $174 million for the country’s “clean-up bill,” which totals to approximately $3.5 billion, according to Express. A spokesman for Venice’s Civil Protection
Agency explained to CNN that a flood barrier system known as the Moses Project could have alleviated some of the flood water damage from the storm system. However, the project is not yet completed. The New Venice Consortium, which is responsible for the construction of the Moses Project, stated that the system, which began in 2003, is about 92 to 93 percent complete, according to CNN. Members of the board managing St. Mark’s Basilica and the Venetian Heritage Foundation are concerned about the lasting damage saltwater flooding has on historic buildings which will only show in time, according to The New York Times. Toto Bergamo Rossi, director of the Venetian Heritage Foundation, reflected on the irony of how Venice grew rich from the salt trade, but salt is now the city’s enemy as it slowly damages historic sights such as cafes, gardens and other city treasures, The New York Times reported.
Egyptian officials respond to attack on Coptic Christians By Gianna Melillo Nation & World Editor
A gunman opened fire on two buses carrying Coptic Christian worshippers headed to a monastery in Minya, Egypt on Nov. 2, killing at least seven and injuring 16 others, according to The New York Times. In response, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, Egyptian officials killed 19 Islamist militants accused of carrying out the attack, according to BBC. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for what was the deadliest attack against Christians in Egypt in almost a year, according to The New York Times. Six of the seven killed in the attack were members of the same family, according to Coptic Orthodox officials. Coptic Christians are a minority in Egypt, though they are the largest Christian community in the Middle East, according to CNN. This attack marks a setback for President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who had repeatedly vowed to protect this minority population during his presidency, The New York Times reported. In response to the attack, el-Sisi released a statement that read in part, “‘I mourn with deep sorrow the martyrs who were killed today by treacherous hands which aim to undermine the solid fabric of the nation, and I wish speedy
recovery for the injured. I confirm our determination to continue our efforts to combat dark terrorism and apprehend the culprits,’” according to The Washington Post. Timothy Kaldas, an analyst with the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy told The New York Times that the attack called “into question the quality of government efforts to enhance security, particularly in Minya, where the Christian minority has been targeted relentlessly.” On Nov. 5, hundreds of mourners attended funerals in the Egyptian city of Minya for those killed in the ambush. Mixed feelings persist among Egyptians as to whether el-Sisi’s rule has been effective in combating religious discrimination. The New York Times reported that in the past two years ISIS suicide bombers have targeted cathedrals and churches in Cairo and Alexandria, killing at least 100 people. Also, in May of 2017, gunman wearing military attire opened fire on three buses that were traveling to the same monastery, killing at least 28 people. Pope Francis denounced the violence against the worshippers as he addressed a crowd at St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Nov. 4. The U.S. State Department also issued a statement in response to the attack, according to CNN. State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert extended her condolences to the families of the victims and offered support in Egypt’s efforts to combat terrorism.
Mourners hold funerals for victims.
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page 8 The Signal November 14, 2018
SPRING AND SUMMER 2019 REGISTRATION PERIOD Initial Registration Period for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Tuesday, November 6 through Friday, November 16
Your enrollment appointment reflecting the first time you will be eligible to register for the Spring 2019 semester can be accessed via your PAWS account. To view your scheduled enrollment appointment, visit the Enrollment Appointment section in the PAWS Student Center. Once eligible, students remain eligible throughout the registration period. Undergraduate students who do not register for Spring 2019 by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 18, will be subject to a late registration fine. Undergraduate Late Registration Fine : $150
The Spring 2019 Schedule of Classes is available on PAWS and can be viewed by using the Search for Classes button. Both Winter and Summer 2019 registration are also open, along with Spring 2019 registration. Check PAWS frequently for any updated winter/summer course offerings and consult with your advisor for appropriate course selections.
Visit the PAWS HELP website for complete information on how to log-in to PAWS, search for classes, browse the Course Catalog, view your Holds, add courses to your Shopping Cart, and register for classes: http://pawshelp.pages.tcnj.edu/
Use the Validate feature directly from your PAWS Shopping Cart to check for potential pre-requisite issues before registration! For more information on the Validate feature, visit: http://pawshelp.pages.tcnj.edu/files/2011/07/validate1.pdf
Check PAWS early and frequently for Holds that will prevent you from registering. All Hold Flag information can be viewed under the Holds section in the PAWS Student Center.
Access your Academic Requirements Report on PAWS to view your degree requirements via the Advising Tools link.
Make an appointment to see your advisor to discuss your Academic Requirements Report. Your advisor’s name and email address can be located in your PAWS Student Center.
Double-check course numbers and course sections prior to your registration appointment for schedule changes and periodic updates.
Graduate Students: If you are a non-matriculant who is applying for Spring matriculation, you should not register during this timeframe. If accepted for matriculation, you will be invited to register during the Graduate Orientation session on January 9, 2019.
THE OFFICE OF RECORDS AND REGISTRATION Green Hall 112, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
November 14, 2018 The Signal page 9
Editorial
Past experiences remain part of students’ identities
There comes a day when every athlete will clean their lockers one last time. For many college athletes, playing a sport has consumed their lives. From a young age, hours of their day have been spent on tracks, courts, fields and weight rooms enriching themselves so that they can pursue the opportunity to play at a higher level. In some cases, their lives revolve around the sport they play, often robbing them of other social opportunities — “I can’t, I have soccer practice.” “I can’t, I have a tournament that weekend.” “I can’t, I have physical therapy.” Sports were my life, and I know I missed out on a lot of events because of my commitments as an athlete. I’ve identified myself as an athlete since I was a kid, and after my last track meet, I questioned my identity because it was hard to imagine life without sports. After competing in my final track meet during my senior year of high school, there was a period of transition that I know many other student athletes endure. Change is the only thing in life that is constant. Although I felt excited that I had more free time, I often felt a sense of loss. I had achieved a lot of athletic success and I did not know where to put my energy and effort that I had always channeled into sports. When I started my first semester in college, I felt like something tremendous was missing. I missed being a part of a team and having a routine of waking up before the sun to get a lift in in the weight room. It felt abnormal to be alone in an unfamiliar setting when I was used to having an entire team with me. I never thought that life after sports would leave me bereft of so many relationships. I had always had teammates to laugh with and coaches to push me to be the best person I could possibly be. After spending a lot of time reflecting about the big changes in my life, I realized that in order to feel complete again, I had to find a new “team.” This awareness lead to the understanding of what was different about my life and it helped me make the right choices and move forward. Although my days of competing came to an end, there are valuable things I learned as a player that helped me move into the next part of my life. By reapplying my interests, skills and passions in a different avenue, I was able to spend time finding a place where I could use my skills and put in effort. Though it’s not sweating together in a gym, I have found a new team –– a team of editors who work so hard to produce The Signal every week, a team that will go through the ups and downs with me, together. The end of an athletic career is bittersweet –– it’s the closing of an incredible journey but the start of new experiences that life has always had in store. One door has closed, but there is another waiting to be opened. Even though I’m not a part of an athletic team anymore, I am still an athlete. Because once you’re an athlete, you will always be an athlete at heart.
— Alexandra Parado Sports Editor
Editorial Content Unsigned editorial opinions are those of the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing, News, Features, Arts & Entertainment, Opinions, Photo, Sports, Review and Social Media editors and the Business and Production managers, unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed in signed editorials and letters to the editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Signal.
College gives students a chance to apply their skills in a new environment.
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Quotes of the Week tcnjsignal.net Email: signal@tcnj.edu Telephone: Production Room (609) 771-2424 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu
Editorial Staff Michelle Lampariello Editor-in-Chief lamparm2@tcnj.edu Elizabeth Zakaim Managing Editor zakaime@tcnj.edu Miguel Gonzalez Lily Firth News Editors firthl1@tcnj.edu gonzam23@tcnj.edu Alexandra Parado Sports Editor paradoa1@tcnj.edu Emmy Liederman Features Editor liedere1@tcnj.edu Nadir Roberts Arts & Entertainment Editor robertn5@tcnj.edu Clare McGreevy Opinions Editor mcgreec2@tcnj.edu Gianna Melillo Nation & World Editor melillg@tcnj.edu Nicole Zamlout Reviews Editor zamloun1@tcnj.edu Meagan McDowell Photo Editor mcdowem4@tcnj.edu Danielle Silvia Production Manager silviad2@tcnj.edu Heather Haase Web Editor haaseh1@tcnj.edu
Mailing Address: The Signal c/o Forcina Hall The College of New Jersey P.O. Box 7718 Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Alexandra Raskin Alyssa Louis Social Media Editors raskina1@tcnj.edu louisa1@tcnj.edu Katherine Holt Opinions Assistant holtk2@tcnj.edu Madison Pena Features Assistant penam9@tcnj.edu Camille Furst News Assistant furstc1@tcnj.edu Emilie Lounsberry Adviser lounsber@tcnj.edu Derek Falci Business/Ad Manager falcid1@tcnj.edu Brielle Bryan Business/Ad Assistant bryanb2@tcnj.edu
“The question is that it is part of the College’s mission not to abandon Trenton, but to build an institution that was to serve all of the citizens of New Jersey. To be a good neighbor and to be a place where students could learn from and (where) benefits could come from both sides.” — Harold Eickhoff
Former College President
“My potential, your potential is not limited. Our bodies are amazing. We can succeed as we are as women.” — Kristan Hawkins
Pro-Life Activist
Correction In an article titled “SG outlines booking guidelines for student organizations,” some of the booking timelines were printed incorrectly. The following timelines are correct: Tier 0 events must be requested 48 hours in advance, Tier 1 must be requested 10 business days in advance, Tier 2 must be requested 20 business days in advance and Tier 3 must be requested 30 business days in advance.
page 10 The Signal November 14, 2018
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November 14, 2018 The Signal page 11
Opinions
Pedestrian safety should be prioritized in Ewing
Walking helps eliminate traffic congestion. By Daniel Stevens An average of 4,700 pedestrians die and 66,000 are injured every year. This statistic implies a fairly obvious societal and personal cost of human death and suffering, but there is also a significant, although less obvious,
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environmental cost –– this statistic deters forms of transportation that are lower impact, such as walking, riding a bike, skateboarding or using a scooter. Of those who commute to campus, 69 percent of students, 38.3 percent of staff, and 28.7 percent of faculty live within a biking distance
of 10 miles off campus. Meanwhile, over half of the commuting student body live within a walking distance of two miles, according to PC3, an initiative organized by Bonner Scholars and the College, who conducted an on-campus survey about transportation. It is completely feasible for many more students, faculty and staff to commute via more sustainable and non-motorized means. One of the biggest obstacles that discourages people from walking or biking to campus is the lack of safe infrastructure. If there were more bike lanes, sidewalks and crosswalks on the roads leading to campus, this would increase the amount of nonmotorized transportation utilized to commute to the College. The decreased use of cars could have major environmental effects, many of which work on a local level. Our air quality is affected by the number of cars on the road. For example, NOx is one of the most damaging substances affecting air quality in New
Jersey and comes almost completely from automobiles, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Cars significantly contribute to traffic congestion, taking up valuable space on our transportation byways, whereas bikes and pedestrians typically take up a fraction of this space. This extends to parking, too. In suburban areas like Ewing, where most people drive, the streets have to be made wider and a lot of space needs to be devoted to making space to accommodate these cars. At the College, we have 18 separate parking lots, many of which seem quite large. If all of the people who could feasibly commute without a car did so, we could drastically reduce the amount of space needed for parking. This valuable area could be put to better use for more green space. We are all familiar with the impact that cars have on greenhouse gas emissions and the role that this plays in anthropogenic climate change. While Ewing’s cars have a primary
local instead of global environmental impact, they still have negative consequences. If the town was able to reduce its reliance on cars, it could would be part of a larger impact on the global environment. Commuting on foot or by bike can be a great quick exercise that many people can fit into their busy days. On average, bikers lose 13 pounds in the first year they begin commuting, according to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. They also save money when they stop paying for expensive parking passes. I am part of a group called TCNJ Walks, part of a social action class working to make this possibility a reality. This semester we are attempting to get a few crosswalks put up at points where many people jay walk on their way to class, as well as get the school to finish the loop. The positive effects of enabling more people to commute to the College without cars would be major.
Americans should welcome all refugees By Arshya Chopra
“The glistening bright sun had just peeped out of the horizon and birds chirped in exuberance when all of a sudden I heard the vociferous piercing sound of bullets. Fear was flashing as fast as lightning in my veins and there was absolutely no time to think about anything but to flee from our hometown Lahore and escape death. We had nowhere to go. As we tried to escape bullets, one fierce pellet came straight toward my uncle and he was shot dead. We came to New Delhi, India to find solace and make a new beginning. The sun set and the night was sad as the eyeball of sorrow behind a shroud.” These were the stories I grew up hearing from my grandparents, who fled from a city named Lahore in what is currently Pakistan at the time of the Partition of India. They came to New Delhi in the prospect of a peaceful and harmonious life. This event took place in 1947, but here I stand today in a modern and more developed world where not much has changed. There are more humans now, but, still, where is the humanity? The U.S.-Mexican refugee crisis is at its pinnacle as news about the crisis fills the media on a daily basis. This has touched many hearts all around the globe and has sparked great concern. In modern times, as countries are integrating and interconnecting, it is essential
for all people to unite to make the world a more congenial place. Refugees are our collective concern and, in the name of humanity, it is a fundamental duty of all able countries to take in refugees. Refugees are desperate to break out of apocalyptic conditions and start a harmonious life in which they have a future. Refugees see the light at the end of a dark tunnel full of obstacles and, though they are aware of their slim chances of survival, they still take the risk along with their loved ones. They come together to march toward the spark of light, but often an outraged wave comes and drowns the refugees along with their dreams. Refugees are innocent and optimistic people who only hope to improve their current undesired situations and futures. People often have a fear of refugees, and there is resistance to them in society. This fear of taking in refugees has existed even in the deep roots of history. The refugees and the situation may change, but fear of outsiders is a constant factor in most societies. People often feel that the socio-economic fabric of their countries will shift with the influx of refugees. People draw distinctions between people of different religions, ethnicities and skin colors. Members of society who perform unskilled jobs often fear that refugees will take over their jobs. There is absolutely no basis for this counterproductive fear, and it needs to be overcome. Influential and enlightened
The current immigration crisis divides the nation along party lines. people need to communicate to others why refugees must be absorbed and how, in the long run, they will benefit society both culturally and economically. Charities and political organizations can counter fear by creating positive feelings toward refugees. Refugees bring with them a plethora of contemporary ideas, energy, drive and hunger to catalyze the cultural and economic growth of the society that welcomes them. Albert Einstein, whose name often stands synonymous with the word “genius,” made a hasty retreat from Germany where he faced accusations of treason from the Nazi party. His contribution to science has greatly helped the U.S. economy and all of humanity. There are multitudinous archetypes of Jewish refugees who were being tormented
and abused in Germany and who fled from Europe to the U.S. with hopes for an improved future. Among other successes, these refugees have created prodigious world leading banking businesses in New York and movie-making businesses in Hollywood. The Parsi community in India arrived as refugees from Iran and have made substantial contributions to the Indian industry, economy, science and culture. They are the backbone of India, helping the subcontinent to spread its arms and achieve worldclass success on various fronts. Time and again history has proven that bringing in new ideas and people into a society, though it may cause some conflict in the short term, is very healthy for the recipient society in the long run.
Policies
The Signal is published weekly during the academic year and is financed by the Student Activities Fee (SAF) and advertising revenue. Any student may submit articles to The Signal. Publication of submitted articles is at the discretion of the editors. The letters section is an open forum for opinions. Submissions that announce events or advertise in any way will not be printed. All letters should be sent via email to signal@tcnj.edu. Handwritten letters should be sent to The Signal, c/o The Brower Student Center, The College of New Jersey, PO Box 7718 Ewing, N.J. 08628 or placed in our mailbox in the Student Life Office. Letters must be received by the Friday before publication and should not exceed 500 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. All letters must be signed, with a phone number and address of the author. Requests to withhold the author’s name will be honored only if there is a legitimate reason. All materials submitted become the sole property of The Signal. The editors reserve the right to edit or withhold all articles, letters & photographs. The Signal willingly corrects factual mistakes. If you think we have made an error, please contact The Signal at (609) 771-2424, write to the address listed above or email us at signal@tcnj.edu.
page 12 The Signal November 14, 2018
Letter to the Editor: Conservative rhetoric dangerous Student responds to opinion piece calling for open discourse
Recently, conservative sentiments and factions on campus have experienced a huge resurgence, likely due both to backlash after the TCNJ Committee on Unity sit-in two years ago and also due to the rise of Trump and his administration. This resurgence is epitomized in the opinion piece published in the October 31st edition of The Signal, “Liberal campuses stifle open discourse.” Her definition of “liberal” opinions and behavior as “aggressive, hostile and dangerous” as well as her use of “both sides” rhetoric makes it very clear as to where the author stands in terms of the current political climate and exactly what she feels stifled by. Unfortunately, she is not quite as moderate as she believes herself to be — if she even truly identifies with the term. Let’s discuss what the author leaves out, shall we? Not 500 feet away from the destruction of the Students for Life display (which was a graveyard for aborted babies that hurt many students who have had to have abortions) were representatives from the Key of David Christian Center, whose leader, Aden Rusfeldt, was stomping on gay pride flags, throwing diapers at students, calling young women “sluts” and “whores” and generally preaching hatred. If liberal campuses truly stifle open discourse, why did TCNJ allow this event? It should also be noted that SFL has a pro-life speaker coming to campus and has had many events and displays after the destruction of the flag display, which is interesting considering the way that they published the incident in national conservative media, hurt people as a result, and suffered no visible consequences. What the author fails to understand is that while she and her friends must sometimes sit with discomfort and think for one moment about how her statement might sound to others, many of the “liberals” she disagrees with literally have our lives on the line. The only punishment she might receive for sharing an “incorrect” opinion is shame, guilt or anger, whereas we
Political groups have the right to speak on campus. are currently having our rights stripped away by the U. S. government. These are not equal consequences, and it is either naive or foolish to believe that they merit the same consideration. I’m very sorry that the author is upset because her opinion isn’t being given “fair consideration” in the classroom, but perhaps she needs to consider how she might feel if she gave a wrong answer in mathematics, for example. Should one’s opinion, even if incorrect, be given “fair consideration” in that class as well? The author’s use of the many alt-right and conservative buzzwords in her article (“breeding grounds for far
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left thinking,” both sides rhetoric, “intolerance” related to Trump, etc.) makes me think that the opinions she is being rebuked for may stem from a disregard or disrespect towards people unlike herself. Whether this is true or not, let me make one thing clear: basic respect for other human beings is not an opinion or a political stance. It is a mandatory gesture of basic human decency. If you cannot understand that, then perhaps it’s best to take a moment to listen to others and take in experiences rather than whining about the brief discomfort you feel not discussing your own. Aviva Ron
November 14, 2018 The Signal page 13
Students share opinions around campus “Should students be concerned about the refugee crisis?”
Clare McGreevy / Opinions Editor
Tomer Aberbach, a junior computer science major. “They should probably care about what’s going on and care that there are people who need help.”
Clare McGreevy / Opinions Editor
Nivetha Srinivasan, a junior biology major. “In the end, humans are humans and if we don’t have compassion for them then who are we?”
“Is the campus safe for pedestrians?”
Clare McGreevy / Opinions Editor
Jasmine Mahajan, a junior biology major. “Driving around campus happens very frequently. I think that’s definitely the biggest hazard”
Clare McGreevy / Opinions Editor
Richard Wu, a junior computer science major. “I think so. As a pedestrian, you should always be careful on your own.”
The Signal’s cartoons of the week ...
page 14 The Signal November 14, 2018
Features
President / Eickhoff devotes life to education reform
Eickhoff advocates for academic advancement.
continued from page 1
Eickhoff received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in history from the University of Kansas City, and a Ph.D in history from the University of Missouri at Columbia. After working at the University of Missouri St. Louis and Old Dominion, he gained administrative experience in every department, from admissions to college financing. When he was given the opportunity to be the president, his goal became to reform the College with the help of the ambitious Board of Trustees. Eickhoff and the Board of Trustees set out to create an institution of prepared, high-achieving students who were also committed to living on campus. One of their main goals was to attract attract students from New Jersey who were planning on going to college out of state. They worked to make the institution small in size, and they placed a great emphasis on the
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benefits of undergraduate education at a low price. “We centered on the student and his or her education,” he said. “We saw the student as the center of everything, so we tried to design the campus (so that) students learn as much outside the classroom as they do inside the classroom. The essence of a great college is well-prepared students, eager to learn, and well prepared teachers, eager to teach. That’s when the great stuff happens.” Although much of Eickhoff’s presidency was about strengthening the institution’s academics and reputation, he is also known for the name change of Trenton State College to The College of New Jersey. “There was this aversion to stay away from Trenton, and it permeated the campus, especially the Board of Trustees,” he said. He eventually approached the Board directly about the topic its members so took much issue with. “In my second year, I got
kind of tired of talking about the handicap of Trenton in the name,” he said. “I had finally said to the Board, ‘Do you want to change the name? I will not, as your new president, I think it is a mistake, because you need to give the president a chance to get his feet on the ground, and to know why it is that people just don’t like Trenton.’ ” According to Eickhoff, this was decision not easily made, and it also came with a variety of repercussions. “It didn’t go away. It kept gnawing at us,” he said. “It was a tough sell, because people thought of us as in the middle of Trenton. I knew it, but I knew it especially from a man who wrote for the Trenton Times... He would say over and over again, ‘You’re losing people, good people, who never get past the name Trenton’ It wasn’t a single decision— it was a knowing the trustees had set out to create an institution that was not in service to Trenton, but in service to the state
of New Jersey.” After the school’s leadership finally decided on its new name, Princeton University filed a lawsuit, since Princeton University was originally named The College of New Jersey. However, the university had never copyrighted the name and therefore the suit was eventually dropped. Eickhoff saw the name change not as a way to distance the school from Trenton, but to open the school to people all over the state. “The question is that it is part of the College’s mission not to abandon Trenton, but to build an institution that was to serve all of the citizens of New Jersey,” he said. “To be a good neighbor and to be a place where students could learn from and (where) benefits could come from both sides.” When reflecting on his career at the College, Eickhoff could not help but think of his late wife Rosa, who died in 2015. Rosa was active in the lives of students, and she often invited them over for dinner at the
president’s home. “She never met a stranger,” he said. “She was everybody’s mother.” One of Eickhoff’s proudest moments was promoting the College to be featured in Money Magazine’s article as the first of the top 10 undervalued institutions at the time. Trenton State was not an original contender at first, but after a Money Magazine representative’s visit to the College, which was led by a Student Ambassador, it was clear to the publication that Trenton State put students at the center of learning. Not only was the College included in the article, but it was also ranked as the number one institution. After retiring as president, Eickhoff was not quite done with his career in education. He also spent time in the United Arab Emirates and helped develop a women’s university. Today, at 90 years old, Eickhoff continues to reside in Pennington, where he reflects on his presidency at what he believes is an extraordinary public institution.
The College’s dining hall is named after the former president.
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Empower / Student monologues address mental health shaming
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
Students share personal stories in an effort to end harmful stereotypes. continued from page 1
The purpose of Stigmonologues was to empower those who
struggle in silence by showcasing the courage of students who may experience similar pain. Senior communication studies
major Catie Gackowski discussed the pride surrounding her bodily scars, which were the results of years battling anxiety, depression
and self harm. “My mental illness doesn’t define me, but I’m damn proud of how relentlessly I fight it,” she said. Sophomore health and exercise science major Melanie Cohen said that her mental illness was downplayed when people often labeled her as nothing more than just being emotional. This caused Cohen to conceal her illness for 10 years. She encouraged the audience to persevere through their lowest points. “Grow through what you go through,” Cohen said. Junior public health major Danielle DeSantis struggled with the disparity between who thought she was “supposed” to be versus who she really was for many years. “Society doesn’t want to see you crying or telling yourself you’re worthless, but those are some of the things I deal with
on a daily basis,” she said. The presenters shared a common fear that others would perceive them differently after finding out they struggled mental illness. CAPS Peer Educators aimed to end the stigma of mental illness by simply starting a conversation and creating a support system for those with mental illnesses at the College. Their efforts have certainly paid off with the success of this event and its ability to provide students with a safe space to tell their stories. “I thought that the event was so empowering and moving,” said Evan Berrios, a sophomore elementary education and English double major. “It really gives people a new perspective on mental illness. This event definitely helps to reduce the stigma because it helps people without mental illness understand the struggles of having a mental illness.”
November 14, 2018 The Signal page 15
:March ‘62
Campus Style
Student represents TSC in beauty contest
Left: Clothing swaps are an inexpensive way to spice up your wardrobe. Right: Outlet stores offer new pieces for low prices. Photo Courtesy of TCNJ Digital Archives
Marcason proudly publicizes her nomination. Every week, Features Editor Emmy Liederman hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories. In the 1960s, it was commonplace for collegiate women to participate in beauty contests, and many were oblivious to the sexism behind the pageant ranking process. In 1962, sophomore Karen Marcason was chosen as the College’s representative for Glamour Magazine’s “Best Dressed Girl on Campus” contest. Participants were judged by a variety of criteria, which included having a “good figure,” “beautiful posture,” and an “appropriate — not rah-rah — look for offcampus occasions.” The article specifies that if Marcason wanted to win the competition, it was of the utmost importance that she maintained “shining” hair that was “not just neat but impeccable.” These standards of beauty have had a long-lasting effect on American women, and this article is a reminder how far society has come in promoting equality, but also how much work must still be done. Although the body positivity movement has skyrocketed in recent years, the same
shaming that existed in 1962 can still lead to eating disorders and unrealistic body expectations for young girls. Miss Karen Marcason, a sophomore elementary major, has been selected as Trenton State’s representative in the Glamour’s “Best Dressed Girl on Campus” Contest. Each year the fashion magazine sponsors a nation-wide contest to select the ten bestdressed college girls. The winners are featured in the August issue of the magazine. Miss Marcason will be judged on these points: 1) good figure, beautiful posture, 2) clean, shining, well-kept hair, 3) good grooming—not just neat but impeccable, 4) a deft hand with make-up, 5) a clear understanding of her fashion type, 6) imagination in managing a clothes budget, 7) a workable wardrobe plan, 8) individuality in her use of colors, accessories, 9) a suitable campus look (she’s in line with local customs), 10) appropriate—not rah-rah—look for off campus occasions.
Lions Plate
By Lexy Yulich Columnist If you’re anything like me, you get easily bored with your clothes and you are always looking for new trends and different ways to switch up your wardrobe. Usually, revamping your wardrobe and experimenting can be expensive, but that does not always need to be the case. Here are four easy ways to change up your style and experiment with fashion without breaking the bank. 1) Borrow from your friends. One of the biggest benefits of living on-campus is that you live in close proximity to your friends. Whenever I get stuck in a rut with my clothes, or I feel like I have nothing to wear, I always ask my friends if I can borrow their clothes. Sometimes we do a clothing swap where we trade pieces of clothing for a few weeks, and then we rotate. Clothing swaps are a great way to save money. 2) Thrift stores. Thrift stores are an easy and inexpensive way to change your wardrobe or find new pieces that you love. Thrift stores can be hit or miss, but if you go into a store with an open mind, you never know what you’re going to find. Also, looking at stores like Plato’s Closet or some of the
If you aren’t able to make it over to Landmark Americana, the College’s new restaurant and bar, for game day fuel, you will be left to your own resources to prepare a tasty halftime snack. If you have no recipes on hand or are not the most skilled cook
in the kitchen, never fear –– this buffalo chicken dip recipe is a sure hit. With only a few simple ingredients and just 30 minutes of prep time, it is easy enough for anyone to make in a pinch. Pair with crudités, your favorite tortilla chips or wings for a perfect duo. For those who want a thicker and more filling dip, I advise
upscale thrift stores in Philadelphia or New York are a good option. Also, looking at outlet stores such as American Eagle Outlet or J. Crew Outlet can help you find new pieces at a discounted rate. 3) On-trend stores. Stores such as Forever 21, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack and H&M have a wide arrange of clothing options for a more inexpensive price. If I’m feeling uninspired and bored with my wardrobe, I head to my local mall and browse around. I usually won’t buy more than two or three items, and I make sure that everything I purchase can be worn with multiple outfits to ensure my clothes won’t collect dust in my closet. 4) Purchasing accessories such as scarves, purses or hats is another easy way to change up your wardrobe. Rather then worry about finding the perfect fall sweater, or splurging on a new pair of jeans, focusing on the smaller details about your outfits is a simple way to experiment. While I always advise having a few classic accessories, purchasing some bolder accessories that are still affordable can pay off if you want to switch up your look. For example, an affordable bag in a fun color or a trendy scarf adds depth to an outfit.
Buffalo chicken dip
Left: You can enjoy your dip with chips or vegetables. Right: Cheddar cheese gives the dip a rich consistency. By Shannon Deady Columnist
adding a third can of chicken. Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz block of softened cream cheese ½ cup ranch dressing ½ cup buffalo sauce 2 cans of chicken 1 package shredded cheddar cheese
Directions: 1) Set oven to 350 degrees. 2) Remove chicken from cans and separate into smaller pieces in a bowl. 3) Allow cream cheese to soften before placing in blender with ranch dressing and buffalo sauce. Blend until smooth and pour over chicken, stirring until coated.
4) Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and top with a generous serving of shredded cheddar cheese. You can also layer the dip and cheese if you prefer to have a lot of cheese in the dish, rather than just as a topping. 5) Once your dip is covered in cheese it is ready for the oven! Bake for 20 minutes. 6) Let cool, serve and enjoy!
page 16 The Signal November 14, 2018
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$60,000 in Award Money November 2 - 30 Registration for Intent to Compete Open to All TCNJ Students nd
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November 14, 2018 The Signal page 17
Arts & Entertainment
Loud / DJ electrifies Rec Center stage
Left: Aoki hypes up the audience with deep bass and an upbeat sound. Right: DUCKWRTH raps about his childhood in L.A.
continued from page 1
display that screened an array of spectacular visuals. Getting the crowd involved for his next song, “Plur Genocide,” which Aoki teamed up with Carnage for back in February of this year, Aoki instructed his fans to wave in the indicated direction when the chorus of the song began. “When I say north side we go up,” instructed Aoki. “South side we go down!” “Plur Genocide,” which included a deep thrusting bass that streamed through the crowd’s veins, was amplified even more by the synchronized hand movements of the audience.
“Oh shit, we on the West Side/Oh shit, we on the East Side/Oh shit, we on the North Side/ Oh shit, we on the South Side,” were the lyrics the crowd waved to, as per Aoki’s instructions. Since he felt warmly welcomed at the College, Aoki debuted a new song, “Why Are We So Broken” that featured the likes of Blink-182, which has collaborated with Aoki in the past. Aoki wasted no time getting down to business and invited a few people to join him onstage –– the iconic cake throwing was about to commence. “Alright who wants to get caked tonight?” Aoki asked. Aoki was even asked for an encore of
his head banging, heart throbbing and fun loving music. DUCKWRTH, a South Central L.A. rapper who brought a lot of raw uncut verses to the stage, opened for Aoki. He performed a song called “LOWRIDR” from his 2016 album “I’m Uugly.” The song detailed a glimpse of his life as a kid growing up in California, riding around the city on his bike with his friends. “We cruise down the block/Sk8 hi Vans and some thick scrunch socks/Ice cream man let me get a double scoop/Then I ride off in my Lowridr drop,” rapped DUCKWRTH. With his mic stand at the start of the walkway, fans were at the forefront of the
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
immersive experience as he interacted with the audience during the show. “See I need everybody in here shaking ass,” the rapper said. “I understand not everybody in here is fluid and shit, but I need everybody in here shaking ass.” He played songs from his 2017 mixtape, “An XTRA UUGLY Mixtape,” that included “TAMAGOTCHI” and “BUMMER / 2BUCKS.” He even played his latest single, “SOPRANO.” Covered in cake fragments and sweat, concert goers left the Recreation Center with their ears ringing, hearts pumping and heads spinning after Aoki’s highenergy set.
Student soloists sing covers of fan favorites
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
Left: Fields performs a song from the film ‘A Star is Born.’ Right: Brueckner covers Hozier’s popular hit ‘Take Me to Church.’ By James Mercadante Staff Writer The small, yet cozy stage in the Traditions Lounge was set with three microphone stands and a soft-pale blue light that illuminated the space while students filed in and patiently waited for student musicians to take the stage at CUB Alt’s Student Soloist Night on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. Students had the opportunity to showcase their musical abilities through both covers and originals pieces. As the crowd grew larger, the soloists prepared for their performances by warming up their vocal cords or tuning their guitars, which made some audience members eager for the set to start. The first soloist was Jared Pinkham, a freshman speech pathology and audiology major. He covered two pop songs a cappella. Pinkham’s first number was “Latch” by
Sam Smith, and his second choice was “One Last Time” by Ariana Grande. Pinkham used his light and airy voice to encapsulate the falsettos that both Smith and Grande exercise in their musical repertoires. Next up was Luke Ambrose, a sophomore psychology major, who hopped on stage with his guitar in hand. Ambrose’s delicate vocals highlighted the rawness of Rex Orange County’s sounds. His first song was “Australia Street” by Sticky Figures. He also gave his own renditions of “41,” by Dave Matthews Band and “A Song About Being Sad,” by Rex Orange County, which was a crowd pleaser. Ambrose also performed an original song titled “Perfection,” which expressed his feelings for a girl he had admired. “Her name is Perfection,” Ambrose sang. “She’s a perfect girl.” His performance and original lyrics resonated with the crowd. Students in the audience were either dancing, singing
along or recording the show to support the performer. The last performance of the night was junior psychology major Jillian Brueckner and junior finance major Ryan Fields, who performed as a cover duo. They first sang “Take Me to Church” by Hozier, and Fields displayed sonically beautiful vocals while Jill matched the same talent. Brueckner said that she was sick earlier that day, and notified the crowd she “took so much cold medicine that (her) hands feel numb.” However, the audience could not discern any hint of illness when she sang, as her voice was clear, fluid and in complete control of vibrato. When they performed “Shallow” from the “A Star is Born” movie soundtrack, she belted the chorus and captured the raw vocals of Lady Gaga. Both Brueckner and Fields used harmonies to blend their voices together, which proved the duo to be a great match.
page 18 The Signal November 14, 2018
WINTER SESSION AT TCNJ January 7–25, 2019
Travel, blended and online courses may start sooner.
Visit:
winter.tcnj.edu Check for summer courses, too
WANT TO BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PAPER?
We’re looking for photographers to capture events happening on campus. Contact us: signal@tcnj.edu Located in Forcina Hall Room 204. Meetings every Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
November 14, 2018 The Signal page 19
Queen rules rock and roll era
Film pays homage to iconic band
YouTube
Mercury’s personal struggles are prominent plot points. By Jane Bowden Staff Writer
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” “We Will Rock You,” “Another One Bites the Dust” — these are just a few songs that transform even the shyest of people into full blown
stage performers. But what is even more iconic than the songs? Queen — one of the best bands of all time. Director Bryan Singer presents audiences with an authentic and thrilling inside view of the rise of Queen and the life of its lead vocalist, Freddie
Mercury, in the biographical film, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The film begins with Mercury (Rami Malek) as a baggage handler at Heathrow International Airport. He then meets with Smile band (a London-based rock band considered to be a predecessor to Queen) members Brian May (Gwilym Lee) and Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy), who are in need of a singer. After the trio join together and pick up bassist John Deacon (Joseph Mazzello), the group’s one-of-a-kind songs and onstage presence, largely led by Mercury, catapults Queen to fame. The rest of “Bohemian Rhapsody” features iconic moments throughout Queen’s career, such as writing and recording the 1975 hit “Bohemian Rhapsody” and performing at Live Aid in 1985, which is often dubbed as the best live concert of all time. The movie also highlights Mercury’s personal life by delving into his romantic relationship with Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton), his sexuality and his terminal battle with AIDS. However, “Bohemian Rhapsody” mainly focuses on Mercury’s creative genius and flamboyance behind writing and
performing each of Queen’s hits. The best aspect of the movie is Malek’s performance as Mercury. Rocking the singer’s famous buck teeth, Malek’s transformation from his role in USA Network’s “Mr. Robot” to Mercury is truly outstanding. From his passionate and inventive personality to his energetic performances, Malek honors Mercury’s legacy with his ability to portray each side of the singer. Many times throughout the film, it is even difficult to distinguish the actor from Mercury himself. What makes “Bohemian Rhapsody” worth seeing in theaters is Singer’s ability to capture the vivacity behind Queen’s concerts. His filmwork makes it feel like you are watching the band perform live. Between Mercury’s dazzling costumes, multicolored lights and up-close camera angles, each scene where the band performs in front of a crowd engulfs you in the world of rock and roll. “Bohemian Rhapsody” rocks audience members from their cushioned seats into Queen’s world of experimentive and ruledefying music.
Recital brings classical pieces to Mayo stage
This week, WTSR Music Director Brian Marino highlights some of the best new music that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into its weekly rotation.
Band Name: Interpol Album Title: Marauder Release Number: 6th Hailing From: Manhattan Genre: Alternative Label: Matador Recorders Marauder, Interpol’s sixth album further solidifies its influence over the alternative rock scene. This album is able to adapt and improve upon the classic Interpol elements. Like other Interpol songs, tracks such as “If You Really Love Nothing” and “The Rover” contain simplistic, yet memorable guitar riffs that encapsulate the early 2000’s alternative sound. Fortunately, Interpol does not follow the trend of declining quality that haunts many other 2000’s alternative bands. Instead, Interpol sticks to its guns and is able to create a well-produced album. Must Hear: “If You Really Love Nothing,” “The Rover” and “Flight of Fancy”
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
Left: Francese sings a French tune. Right: Mikula gives his grand finale on the trumpet. By Daniel Ruiz Correspondent
Mayo Concert Hall echoed with the sounds of classical music, temporarily transporting listeners to another time period through waves of smooth crescendos. At 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 the Department of Music hosted its weekly Tuesday Afternoon Recital Series for students and faculty alike. Sophomore music education major Joseph Reo started off the afternoon’s performances, accompanied by staff pianist Kathy Shanklin. The two performed the song “Air Gai” by Gabriel Pierre Berlioz with Reo on trumpet. The short tune started off with a very catchy and upbeat tempo that drew in its audience before transforming into a powerful ballad between the piano and trumpet. The two instruments complimented each other nicely and Reo and Shanklin meshed well together, climatically giving the crowd a commanding ending and an admirable performance overall.
Next to take the stage was junior music education major Angelina Francese, who was accompanied by staff pianist Nicholas Gato. She performed two songs, first “Will There Really Be A Morning” by Richard Hundley (19312018) followed by “Mandoline,” by Gabriel Faure (1845-1924). “Oh some Scholar/Oh some Sailor/Oh some Wise Men from the skies/Please to tell a little Pilgrim where the place called Morning lies,” she sang in her chirpy soprano range. Francese’s powerful high notes helped display the power of her voice and powerful lyrics. She helped draw the audience in and make them feel the emotion of the writer and performer. Francese’s second performance took a different approach during her song “Mandoline,” which she sang in French. The song carried a rhythmic tempo with a catchy piano melody. Francese’s upbeat stage presence added to cheeriness of the song, making it an enjoyable performance. Last to perform was sophomore music
education major James Mikula — the second trumpet performance of the afternoon. Accompanied by staff pianist, Kathy Shanklin, the two performed “Romance in E Flat” by Leroy Ostransky (1918-1993). As the last performer of the night, Mikula was expected to deliver a grand finale, and he did not fail to do so. Both Mikula and Shanklin kept feeding off of each other as the song progressed. The duet made for a moving performance. During and after each performance, the crowd seemed extremely involved and excited for their fellow classmates. Each performance ended with the crowd clapping and chanting the names of the performers. “We’re a tight knit group in the music program,” said sophomore music major Miranda Inglese. “Everybody knows everybody and everybody supports everybody. It’s honestly a great thing and events like this are special because you get to see the result of the hard work of our friends.”
Band Name: Alkaline Trio Album Title: Is This Thing Cursed? Release Number: 9th Hailing From: McHenry, Illinois Genre: Punk Rock Label: Epitaph Recordings Alkaline Trio’s ninth album sounds just as great as its older music. The low-tone vocals and occasional dark lyrics lead to an overall darker tone. However, the group definitely wouldn’t be considered a slow or calm band. If you’re looking for music that has a punk rock kick without the harsh vocals and fast tempo, this is the album for you. Must Hear: “Blackbird,” “Pale Blue Ribbons” and “Heart Attacks”
page 20 The Signal November 14, 2018
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November 14, 2018 The Signal page 21
Sports Field Hockey
Lions end season in NCAA quarterfinal defeat
Photos courtesy of Sports Information Desk
Left: Tiefenthaler scores the Lions’ first goal against Keystone. Right: The team’s defense protects the net to keep Middlebury from scoring.
By Alexandra Parado Sports Editor
Ranked seventh by the NCAA, the Lions competed for the championship title in the NCAA Championship tournament, but could not make it past the quarterfinals. In the first round of the tournament, the team faced Keystone College and went on to the second round against Vassar College. The team was defeated by Middlebury College in the quarterfinals, which took away its chance to be champion. On Sunday, Nov. 11, the team swept Keystone with a 3-0 triumph in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Sophomore forward Tori Tiefenthaler
got the Lions on the board by scoring a goal off an assist from junior forward Cayla Andrews. Andrews was able to get a goal for herself, earning her seventh NCAA tournament goal. In the second half, junior forward Jordan Allegretto scored the final goal of the game, extending the lead to 3-0. Junior goalkeeper Maddie Beaumont only faced one of Keystone’s attempted shots, but she rejected the ball from going into the net. Freshman defender Lauren Cammarata and senior defenders Sidney Padilla and Jackie Schwartz held down the defensive side to prevent Keystone from scoring. The Lions outshot Keystone 42-1 with 32 of those shots being on goal.
The team then traveled to Middlebury, Vermont to continue the tournament. On Saturday, Nov. 10, the College overpowered Vassar College in a close game of 2-1. Late in the first half, Andrews scored off of a penalty corner by junior forward/midfielder Kayla Peterson. Vassar did not score until the second half, forcing the game into two overtimes. Neither team was able to score, which resulted in nine shootout rounds in attempt to break the tie. After battling for eight rounds, junior forward Tori Hannah broke the tie in the ninth round and Beaumont made a stop that soon lead to victory. Beaumont recorded a new career-high of
18 saves this match. The Lions moved on to the quarterfinals against Middlebury College on Sunday. It was difficult for the team to score in the first half of the game, and Middlebury scored three points within 10 minutes of the start of the game. The second half started with a hot pair of goals by Middlebury, giving them a 5-point lead until Padilla scored the Lions’ only goal. Middlebury outshot the College 20-5 and Beaumont made eight saves for the team. The fight was not enough as the Lions fell to the 2017 NCAA Field Hockey Champions, 5-1. The team wrapped up its season on Sunday, Nov. 11 with an overall record of 16-5.
Women secure fourth place in Regional Championship Cross Country
Left: Cooper receives the Runner of the Year award. Right: Wasko finishes first for the Lions in the 8k event.
By Malcolm Luck Staff Writer
Coming off a bye week used to celebrate a New Jersey Athletic Championship title, both the men and women’s teams returned to action on Saturday, Nov. 10 to participate in the Atlantic Region Championship in Glassboro, New Jersey. The women once again dominated their opponents, earning fourth place in a field of 44 teams. Rival opponent and event host Rowan University was left in the dust in 13th place. Senior Runner of the Year recipient Natalie Cooper showed no signs of late-season fatigue in the 6k event as she claimed second place in 21:54.8, sandwiched between senior Elise Ramirez and junior Genny Corcoran from State University of New York at Geneseo in first and third places. Among 305 other runners, senior Erin Holzbaur raced her way into 15th place with her time of 23:04.3,
followed by senior teammate Madeleine Tattory clocking in 24th in 23:17.0. Breaking the streak of senior finishers was freshman Kelsey Kobus who crossed the finish line in 50th place with a time of 24:01.02. Sliding into 69th was junior Gabby DeVito in 23:21.8. Rounding out the day for the Lions were freshman Emily Prendergast and junior Hannah Fay in 84th and 86th, respectively finishing in 24:35.4 and 24:38.4. The women’s team ultimately punched its ticket to the Division III Championships in Oskosh, Wisconsin on Nov. 17. This marks the College’s second straight trip to nationals. Fay attributes the team’s success to its aggressive mindset. “Going into the race we knew it would be close. Our top five raced really well and we were aggressive from the start,” she said. “Luckily they were able to push through and knock off a bunch of Rochester girls near the end of the race. Going into Wisconsin we’re all really excited to see what we can do.” The team also received a number of honors prior to the
Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk
Region Championship. In addition to the Runner of the Year award, Cooper also received First Team All-NJAC honors along with Holzbaur, Tattory and DeVito. Earning Second Team recognition were Fay, Kobus and Prendergast. Head coach Justin Lindsey was also named Coach of the Year. The men did not earn a nationals appearance, but the squad achieved a 13th place finish. Finishing first for the men was senior Quinn Wasko, earning 54th place in the 8k event with his time of 27:33.2. Coming in 73rd was freshman William Mayhew in 27:53.0, followed immediately in 74th by sophomore Pelle Nogueira in 27:54.4. Sophomore Robert Abrams claimed 82nd place with his time of 27:58.8. The final three competitors for the Lions were freshman Nick Falk in 87th, sophomore Matt Kole in 90th and senior Luke Prothero in 194th. The men’s season ended early, but the women are giving the College something to root for. On Nov. 17, the women’s team will put it all on the line to secure an NCAA championship title.
page 22 The Signal November 14, 2018
November 14, 2018 The Signal page 23 Women’s Rugby
Women’s rugby accomplishes undefeated season
The team’s strong bond helps drive its success.
By Clare McGreevy Opinions Editor
The women’s rugby team may be a lesser known club sports organization on campus, but, through the success of an undefeated official season this fall, the 27 tough-as-nails women of the College’s rugby team are beginning to make waves in the collegiate club rugby community. Currently 4-0, the women’s rugby team has just come off of an intense and exciting season filled with many new opportunities and new players. The College ended the fall 2018 regular
season at the top of the Challenge division, which was closely followed by the club women’s team from Drexel University. When reflecting on their triumphant season, many players credited much of the team’s success to the installment of new leadership headed by an official coach for the first time in years. Senior elementary education and English double major Giselle David, a veteran player, recalled being coached by other teammates in years past. David said that this season, it was helpful to see a coach as someone who is older and has more experience.
“We respect them and they have that authority and we take them seriously,” David said. “They see the field differently than we do cause they’re not playing — we’re playing.” Rugby is not typically considered to be a popular sport in the U.S., especially among women. Most of the players have never played or even seen a rugby game before joining the team. Allison Bronander, a freshman open options humanities and social sciences major, is one of the few players who has experience with rugby outside of the College –– she began by playing flag rugby back
in kindergarten, and she was glad that there were so many more interested players at the College. “A lot of people came out, especially a lot of freshmen who didn’t know what rugby was,” Bronander said. “Everybody was super enthusiastic about learning. The coaches worked really hard with us. So I feel like everyone really genuinely cared and wanted to do the best that they could.” The club’s president, senior secondary education and mathematics dual major Nicole Krysa, said that nobody was expecting so much success out of this semester’s team, which now includes nearly fifteen new players. “The strength of the program is far beyond what any of our competitors expected,” Krysa said. With a much larger and less experienced team than everyone originally expected, hard work, grit and perseverance were the biggest factors contributing to the ultimate success of this past season. Rugby is a notoriously tough sport and requires a lot of physical effort. Camaraderie, according to the players, was the No. 1 factor that made their team so strong this season. One of the freshman players, biomedical engineering major Sarah Butchley, reminisced on the struggles of her first practice and of adjusting to the team. “For sure I was gonna quit, but I
just kept coming back and I liked the sport and once I met the girls I started to like the team overall,” Butchley said. “All of the upperclassmen seemed so close and it just seemed like a fun thing to be a part of.” When describing the cohesiveness of the group, Rebka Friav, a freshman nursing major, said that the women’s rugby team has no cliques, unlike any other team she has been a part of. “This team is inclusion,” she said. “They always make me feel comfortable.” The players have to work well as a team both on and off the field, according to junior psychology major Alexa Alioto, because the sport itself is so teamwork oriented. “In a scrum, we are all cogs in a machine,” she said. “We all have to work together and are literally physically connected. We have to rely on each other so much more. It’s unlike any other sport because you all come together and move as one literal unit.” The team has a special bond driving its success, and there is a bright future ahead for the women’s rugby team. Win or lose, at the end of the day, the College’s women’s rugby team is just happy to be together. “I’ve never been part of a team like this in any other sport,” said freshman health and exercise science major Mirelle Santos. “It really does seem like a family.”
Swimming and Diving
Wrestling
Lions place eighth in Fall Brawl Women defeat Stevens at home
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Soukup’s new record qualifies him for NCAA regionals. Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Dinger earns a pin after accomplishing his 4-0 victory.
By Christine Houghton Staff Writer
The wrestling team traveled to Ursinus College to participate in the Fall Brawl against multiple colleges on Saturday, Nov. 10. The College placed several wrestlers in this event ranging from first to fourth place. Sophomore Robert Dinger, weighing in at 141 pounds, had a dominant day on the mat. He went undefeated on the day to achieve the title including a pin and close 12-11 final victory. Sophomore 184 pounder Daniel Surich made it to the final round after three victories including a pin, but fell to his opponent and ended the day in second place. Competing for the heavyweight title, freshman Tom Maretta reached the
semi-finals after two wins and ended the day in fourth place. The 133 and 157-pound weight classes both experienced overlaps in Lions wrestlers, putting two wrestlers from the College against each other. Wrestling at 133 pounds, sophomores Connor Murphy and Jake Giordano met in the semi-finals with Murphy taking fourth place and Giordano advancing to the finals and taking second place. In the match for third place in the 157pound category, senior Mark Gerstacker wrestled sophomore Dominic Fano for third and fourth place respectively. For their next matches, the Lions travel to Stevens Institute of Technology for a dual meet on Thursday, Nov. 15 and hold their first home meet against York College on Friday, Nov. 16.
By Christine Houghton Staff Writer
Swimming at home on Saturday Nov. 10, the men and women’s swimming and diving teams had an eventful day against Stevens Institute of Technology. The women’s team came away with its second win of the season and the men’s team was handed its first loss. Taking the meet by storm, the women’s team defeated Stevens by a score of 171-91. The College’s 200-meter medley relay team, which consisted of freshman Zoe Chan, sophomore Chiara Mennonna, junior Kazia Moore and senior Hailey Thayer, placed first with a time of 1:53. Chan also took the 200-meter butterfly with a time of 2:11, Sophomore Melanie Fosko won the 200-meter freestyle with a time of 2:01 and junior Annie Menninger won the won the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:09. Freshman Meagan Healey took first in the
100-meter backstroke with a time of 1:04 and sophomore Elise Fraser won the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 24.92. Despite the 147-115 loss, the men’s team put up strong numbers in both swimming and diving events. Sophomores Griffin Morgan and Andrew Thompson both placed first in their respective races. Morgan won the 50-meter freestyle clocking in at 21.61 and Thompson took the top spot in the 100-meter backstroke with a time of 52.17. Junior Harrison Yi won the 200-meter freestyle with a time of 1:43 and senior Sam Marquet took first in the 200-meter butterfly with a time of 1:57. Sophomore Jay Soukup put up scores in both the one and three-meter dives, which made him worthy of the NCAA Regionals qualification with a 434.10 in the one-meter dive and a 460.95 in the three-meter dive. The Lions are set to host the TCNJ Invitational, a three-day event, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.
Sports
Signal
Lions victorious in final game of season By Maximillian C. Burgos Staff Writer
The football team traveled to Buena Vista, Virginia to face Southern Virginia University for its last game of the season on Saturday, Nov. 10. The Lions won 33-30 in a thrilling back and forth affair –– they scored in the final minute of the game to pull ahead and win. Freshman quarterback Dave Jachera’s abilities were on full display the entire game. Jachera, who ran 69 yards, passed for 196 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, led the Lions down the field in the fourth quarter to help capture the lead and win the game. Head coach Casey Goff was proud of his player’s performance. “Dave did a hell of a job for us,” Goff said. “His decision making and playmaking were on full display. Really his best complete game this season.” The game started as a shootout, but did not end that way. The only scoring that took place in the first quarter was a safety. Both teams struggled to find footing in the game by trading punts and struggling to gain any yardage on drives.
Junior punter Zach Warcola managed to pin Southern Virginia down at the three-yard line with a tactful booming 50-yard punt. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Southern Virginia’s running back was bottled up in the endzone after recovering his own fumble, putting two points on the board for the Lions. The Lions scored again early in the second quarter. After a shanked punt from Southern Virginia, the Lions were set up in Southern Virginia territory to start the drive. Freshman running back Colin Tong gashed the defense with a 33-yard run to start the drive, putting the Lions in the red zone. Two plays later sophomore quarterback Andrew Donoghue threw a dart to junior wide receiver Vinny Guckin, which put the Lions out to 9-0 lead. Southern Virginia answered with a 40-yard field goal on its next drive and would later score a touchdown with less than four minutes to go in the half, tying the score 9-9 after missing the extra point. The Lions again moved the ball later in the second quarter and by punting the ball back to Southern Virginia with 2:08 to go in the half. Southern Virginia capitalized
by gashing the Lions’ defense with a 56 yard rush for a touchdown. The Lions answered the score with a field goal, making the score 1612 going into the half. On a long 14-play 55-yard drive deep into the third quarter, the Lions clawed their way into the end zone. Freshman running back Mark Pacini and Jachera’s legs were both utilized on the drive into the Southern Virginia redzone. Donoghue also contributed on the drive with his legs and also connected on a pass to wide receiver Jack Clevenger. Jachera was the one to cap off the drive with a three-yard rush for a touchdown, reclaiming the lead for the Lions. “We took advantage of what they were giving us,” Goff said. “The offensive coaches did a great job making adjustments and it showed.” In the final quarter, Southern Virginia scored first, putting the score at 23-19. Two drives later, Jachera hooked up with Clevenger for a 90-yard touchdown pass. Clevenger ran away from the defense, stretching the score out to 26-23 and reclaiming the lead for the Lions. “The plan was definitely to get into the endzone,” Goff said.
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Jachera scores two touchdowns for his team.
“I was nervously confident. Our offense answered the call all day. When plays needed to be made, they made them. Really that was the case defensively as well. We didn’t have a great day on defense, but when a play needed to be made, they made it.” Jachera completed five passes on the final drive for the Lions, finding senior running back Connor Owen and Clevenger multiple times on the drive. Jachera found Guckin to cap off the drive with a nine-yard touchdown, giving the ball to Southern Virginia with 37 seconds left on the clock. After the
opposing team’s desperate hail mary attempts fell incomplete, the Lions celebrated the win. Goff commented on what the win meant for the seniors on the team, especially the five that played football during all four of their years at the College. “The win was great for the seniors,” said Goff. “ It’s been a rough year and an even rougher four years for them. I’m just excited that their last memory in the blue and gold is a victory. And to win in that thrilling fashion just adds to it. Our kids never quit and I think that has been the case all year.”
Women’s soccer advances to third round of NCAA tournament
Left: McGrogan assists with a goal against Famingdale. Right: DiPasquale completes her 24th career shutout. By Christine Houghton Staff Writer The women’s soccer team took the competition by storm for the first two rounds of the NCAA Championship with back to back wins on Saturday, Nov. 10 and Sunday, Nov. 11. First playing Western Connecticut State University on a chilly but beautiful Saturday morning, the Lions controlled the game early on. Scoring in the first half of the game, junior defender Jen McGrogan snuck in a goal past Western Connecticut’s goalkeeper.
Lions Lineup November 14, 2018
I n s i d e
The team’s typical dominance on both sides of the ball was prevalent in this match with the Lions holding Western Connecticut to only five shots, two of them being shots on goal and only one taking place in the second half. The College had a game total of 23 shots, 12 of them being on goal, with four goals. About 20 minutes into the second half, a series of goals sealed the win for the Lions. Sophomore forward Randi Smith cashed in on an assist from junior midfielder Despina Lianidis to score the Lions’ second goal.
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In the 80th minute, freshman midfielder/forward Lauren McLaughlin kicked in the team’s third goal with the help of sophomore defender Ally Weaver. Three minutes later, sophomore forward Julianna Bertolino scored the last goal of the game, making it 4-0 in the College’s favor. The frigid temperatures could not keep the Lions’ spirits down as they battled Farmingdale State College on Sunday, Nov. 11. Scoring right off the bat yet again, Smith punched in the game’s first and only goal off an assist from McGrogan for the Lions. The Lions’ defense completely shut down
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Rugby page 23
Photos courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Farmingdale, holding them to only one shot compared to the College’s 17 shots on the day. Freshman defender/midfielder Alexandria Ryan, sophomore defender Faith Eichenour, and junior defender McGrogan and Nora Burdge contributed to the defensive stronghold throughout this season. Junior goalkeeper Nicole DiPasquale completed her 24th career shutout after this weekend’s games, tying for seventh in individual shutouts in program history. The team continues its campaign on Saturday, November 17, playing away in Geneva, New York against Williams College in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
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