The Wood Word - February 2015

THE WOOD WORD FEBRUARY 2015 • Marywood University’s Official Student Newspaper • www.thewoodword.org

Former tenured professor files lawsuit against university Rachel Looker Asst. News Editor Satara Dickey News Editor Dr. Frederick Fagal Jr., a former tenured Marywood professor, recently filed a lawsuit against the University accusing the school of violating its disciplinary policy.

According to the lawsuit filed on Dec. 17, 2014, Fagal invited a speaker from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) to give a presentation to his social science class in Nov. 2011.

With the approval of Marywood’s administration, Fagal advertised the speaker around campus using posters he had purchased. The lawsuit claims, however, that between Nov. 28, 2011 and Nov. 29, 2011, Marywood employees tore down Fagal’s posters.

In response, Fagal requested an apology from Marywood for the removal of his posters and compensation for the money he had spent on them.

Shortly after the posters were removed, Fagal sent a mass email to Marywood faculty criticizing Marywood’s administration. The email included links to

two YouTube videos, which criticized Sr. Anne Munley, IHM, Ph.D., president of Marywood University, and other members of the administration.

According to the lawsuit, "the videos were created by replacing the English subtitles corresponding to several scenes from a wellknown foreign movie. The subtitles expressed Professor Fagal's own satirical message."

On Jan. 23, 2012, Sr. Anne informed Fagal his employment was suspended immediately. This

such as personal conferences, oral and written warnings, and opportunities for monitored assistance” should take place.

At the time of Fagal's suspension, according to the suit, Marywood's progressive policy said in a section labeled "Suspension" that "The faculty member may be suspended by the Vice President for Academic Affairs at any time during the proceedings involving him or her. Suspension is justified if immediate harm to the faculty member or others is threatened by the coninuance of the faculty position."

In his suit, Fagal claims that he did not receive a warning about his suspension. In addition, the Graphic Credit/ Kelsey Van Horn action contends Sr. Anne, not the Vice President for Academic suspension, according to the law- Affairs as per the policy, handed suit, was a breach of contract down the suspension and eventuThe lawsuit argues that Fagal’s al termination. suspension was handled in a way The Progressive Discipline polcontrary to Marywood’s Progres- icy was revised on May 7, 2014, sive Discipline Policy. five months prior to the filing of On Jan. 24, 2012, Sr. Anne sent the lawsuit. Its last revision priFagal a letter that stated she was or to that is dated Oct. 12, 2011. recommending his employment Both revisions were "approved by and tenure at Marywood be ter- the President of the University as minated immediately. recommended by the Policy ComThe Progressive Discipline mittee of the University," accordPolicy states that, in cases of em- ing to Marywood's website. ployee suspension, “a series of Mary Theresa Gardier Patgradual steps involving strategies erson, Esquire, Secretary of the

University, would not comment on the specific changes made to the policy. Gardier Paterson also declined to comment on the suit, stating "University administration cannot comment on pending litigation."

However, the policy now includes a clause titled "Exceptions to Progressive Discipline" that reads: "Progressive discipline, however, is not guaranteed in every instance. In certain rare and extreme cases, the President has the authority to initiate procedures for suspension or dismissal of a tenured faculty member without that person first undergoing progressive discipline. However, the faculty member retains the right to keep working until the full procedures are completed as outlined below and in the Faculty Grievance Policy."

Dr. Alan Levine, vice president for Academic Affairs, said that administrators work hard to adhere to university policy whenever issues of faculty employment or termination arise.

“What we try to do is follow the AAUP [American Association of University Professors] guidelines,” said Levine. “We try very hard to follow this policy. It is in our handbook as well.”

Please see LAWSUIT, page 3.

Winter weather causing damage to parking lots Rachel Looker Asst. News Editor The extremes of the winter weather throughout the past few months have worsened the condition of parking lots across campus.

With the frequent snowstorms and bad weather, many of Marywood's parking lots appear to be deteriorating.

The holes, uneven pavement, and the appearance that the Nazareth Student Center's parking lot is “sinking” may be caused from the bad winter weather and cold temperatures, according to Mark Burns, superintendent of Grounds.

“We do suffer damage from the elements," said Burns. “There is a freeze and thaw cycle which re-

ally destroys blacktop. I am not sure if the parking lot is sinking or if the blacktop around it is rising. It could be both."

The continuous winter weather is forcing the grounds and maintenance crews to wait until spring to repair the parking lot.

“We plan on rebuilding that, hopefully over spring break. If the weather is good we can plan on re-

building,” said Burns.

Mike Finegan, chief of Campus Safety, said he is aware of the depressions in parking lots due to winter weather but so far, he said, no complaints have been filed about parking conditions due to winter weather.

"I haven't received any complaints about parking related to damage," said Finegan. "Not from

students, faculty, or staff. I assume people are handling it because they know the weather is how it is," said Finegan.

Contact the writer: rclooker@m.marywood.edu

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NEWS

February 2015

Public Administration program to make virtual transition

Photo Credit/ Katlynn Whitaker

A student looks over the Public Administration page on Marywood’s website.

Satara Dickey News Editor Marywood's Public Administration program will go completely online in the fall of 2015.

“Online education is an ongoing trend and many programs at the institutions of higher learning are moving toward that path,"

said Alexander R. Dawoody, Ph.D., associate professor of administrative studies.

The idea to take the program online came from students, consultants, our accreditation board and Dawoody himself.

With the transition comes a change in the program's curriculum, according to Mark. E. Rodg-

ers, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health & Human Services.

"We want to make sure that the quality of the program that is there now will continue," said Rodgers.

The curriculum will be reduced from 42 to 36 credit hours. According to Dawoody, many outdated and repeated courses were

eliminated from the new curriculum while new courses are being introduced.

The new program will also offer a specialization in Homeland Security.

The reaction from students and faculty so far has been "all supportive," said Dawoody.

"The thing we need to be concerned with is how to market something that's online. How do you inform the public that this program exists? That's what we are working on now," said Rodgers.

When the program officially launches in the Fall of 2015, it will no longer be a part of the School of Social Work and Administrative Studies. Because of accreditation standards, the School of Social Work needs to stand on its own as an independent unit with no other program drawing attention from it.

"We decided not to make this particular program a stand-alone program, but to combine it with social sciences. It needs some approval yet, but the thought is that

if the approvals are offered, this program would move over there around the first of July," said Rodgers.

When the program officially launches, all classes will be taught through Moodle.

“Online education is an ongoing trend and many programs at the institutions of higher learning are moving toward that path.”

-Alexander R. Dawoody, Ph.D associate professor of administrative studies

"By offering an online program with affordable cost and more convenient delivery method, students can pursue their academic goals without allowing cost or schedule to be an obstacle to their progress," concluded Dawoody.

Contact the writer: sdickey@m.marywood.edu

Marywood to be reviewed by Middle States next spring Satara Dickey News Editor Marywood University will be undergoing the Middle States review process in the near future.

According to www.msche.org, The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is "a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that is dedicated to quality assurance and improvement through accreditation via peer evaluation." It's purpose is to instill public confidence in institutional missions, goals, performance, and resources.

In the Spring of 2016, Middle States will appoint a team to visit Marywood.

During this visit, the team will verify the information Marywood will submit after completing the necessary self-study document focused on the 14 Middle State standards.

The standards evaluate areas such as the university's mission,

goals, resources, assessment of student learning, and student support services.

"Currently there are eight work groups comprised of administrators, faculty, professional and support staff who are preparing reports that describe how Marywood is addressing the standards," said Dr. Kathleen Ruthkosky, associate vice president for Planning & Institutional Effectiveness.

Bill Conlogue, English professor and co-chair of the Middle States administration and shared governance standard committee, said his committee divided into two separate groups to work on their document.

"We compiled our 10-page draft and have it put together. We are in the final stage of editing before submitting to the Steering Committee," said Conlogue.

The Steering Committee is comprised of students, faculty, administrators, professional and support staff and Board of Trust-

ee members who are overseeing the entire Middle States Review process.

The Steering Committee will review the draft reports from each committee before combining them into a single report. A self-study document must be submitted every 10 years.

"During the fall semester, the report will be shared with the various constituencies on campus.

Using a town hall meeting format, people will be able to share thoughts and comments on the report to ensure the report accurately represents the institution," said Ruthkosky.

Once the report is submitted, the Middle States team, who reviews the document and will visit campus, may make some suggestions or issue recommendations for institutional changes in their final accreditation report.

"Suggestions do not require a follow-up response," said Ruthkosky. "Recommendations are ad-

Photo Credit/ Katlynn Whitaker

Marywood’s Middle States review is underway. dressed in the five-year Periodic Report and may require submission of a follow-up report."

In all, the purpose of the process is to ensure that institutions are living up to their missions, goals, and performance standards.

"It has been a very interesting study on the institution," said Conlogue.

Contact the writer: sdickey@m.marywood.edu

NEWS

February 2015

Student Veteran Alliance named 2014 Chapter of the Year

Page 3

Marywood students take first and second place in ‘Business Plan Concept’ competition

Photo Courtesy of Marketing and Communications Department

SVA members pose with President Sr. Anne Munley, I.H.M., Ph.D. after receiving their award at the Student Veterans of America’s national coference.

Satara Dickey News Editor

“To be able to have people come up to me while I was there and ask me every single night, 'How do I make my club better?' 'How do I do this?' How can we make this possible?' and to be able to share with those people the things that have made our club successful was validating," said Christopher Smith, senior nutrition and dietetics major and president of the Student Veterans Alliance.

Marywood's Student Veteran Alliance (SVA) was recently named the 2014 Chapter of the Year at the Student Veterans of America's national conference.

The chapter was up against 1,200 other Student Veteran Alliance Chapters for the award.

"To have a club that is so small and so new on a campus that isn’t well-known “We got this great honor, [and] we across the United States are going to keep doing amazing receive this award is just a things on campus and in the community. really big deal," said LauSo come and be a part of it.” ren Williams, director of -Lauren Williams, Military and Veteran SerDirector of Military and Veteran Services vices and chapter adviser.

The conference, which took place Jan. 8 through Jan. 10 Marywood’s SVA Chapter was in San Antonio, was a gathering formed in 2012 and is open to all of student veterans from across Marywood students. the United States.

"If you would like to get in"The conference is meant to volved in community service, if bring veterans together from all you are patriotic, if you want to do over the United States so they anything to get involved with the can network with one another campus and the community, join and share information on what’s the Student Veterans Alliance," working for them and their chap- said Williams. "We got this great ters," said Williams. honor, [and] we are going to keep The conference included ad- doing amazing things on campus dresses from Vice President Joe and in the community. So come Biden, Secretary of Veterans Af- and be a part of it." fairs Robert McDonald, Retired Contact the writer: U.S. Marine Core and Medal of sdickey@m.marywood.edu Honor Recipient Kyle Carpenter, among others.

Photo Courtesy of Marketing and Communication Department

Dr. Chris Speicher and second place winners Rich Manuli and Zach Graham, co-founders of OMB OnBoard, pose with Tiffany Luciani, Executive Director of TecBridge after receiving their award.

Erin Yeager Staff Writer Marywood University’s School of Business and Global Innovation students placed first and second in the TecBridge Fall 2014 Entrepreneurial Institute "Business Plan Concept" competition.

The "Business Plan Concept" competition is held annually, encouraging all entrepreneurs from around the region, young and old, to participate in the competition.

The three-day program allows students to learn about building business plans, making profits, and running their own companies. On the final day, students pitch their business plans.

Chris Speicher, M.B.A, Ph.D, associate professor in the business department, has been advising the competitors for about five years.

"The turnout is always pretty good," said Speicher. "There’s 14 schools that come around, so we definitely see diversity, such as engineering and science majors, who really should dominate this competition. It’s always pretty stiff."

Frank Winger, junior management major, took first place in the competition. Marywood Senior management major, Richard Manuli, took second.

Winger's concept presentation was on his Spotlight Boards, winning a total of $200. Spotlight Boards are lighting devices used to attach onto the underside of skateboards to make boarding safer for the rider, as well as pedestrians and other drivers.

"I honestly wasn’t expecting [to win]," said Winger. "The night before I was at a late-night concert.

Dr. Speicher just told me that if I wanted to stop by, I could. So I did."

"I’m always awed by the quality of thought that goes into these ideas," said Speicher. "I love seeing students come to me with ideas about what they want to create. It’s just like being in a candy shop for me."

Winger said he plans to compete again.

"I do plan on entering the Spring 2015 Business Plan Competition to take my concept to the next level," said Winger. "I’m very hopeful for the future. My team and I plan to make it big."

For additional information on the TecBridge Entrepreneurship Institute, email info@tecbridgepa. org.

Contact the writer: eyeager@m.marywood.edu

and should have the opportunity to be heard in his or her own defense by all bodies that pass judgment upon the case.”

“In my time [as VPAA], I don’t believe we have done anything but follow the AAUP guidelines and the guidelines that are in our

faculty handbook,” added Levine.

Contact the writers: rclooker@m.marywood.edu sdickey@m.marywood.edu

Lawsuit In its 1940 Statement on Principles of Academic Freedom and Tenure, AAUP outlines the proper procedures for termination of an employee when there is a conflict saying, “the accused teacher should be informed before the hearing in writing of the charges

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NEWS

February 2015

Winter weather causes damage to Performing Arts Center

Nursing students receive blessing of hands in new ceremony Rachel Looker Asst. News Editor

Photo credit / Paul Sevensky

The snack room in The Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts (PAC) took the brunt of the damage from the heating unit that broke on Friday, Feb. 20.

Autumn Granza Editor-in-Chief Vincent Schultz Managing Editor On Friday, Feb. 20, a heating unit broke near the entrance of The Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts (PAC) causing several offices and hallways to suffer water damage.

The water forced maintenance workers to take down ceiling tiles in several areas of the lower floor of the PAC. The snack room took the brunt of the initial damage. Part of the lower floor was blocked off because of damage to the ceiling and carpeting.

Later that day, another heating unit located in room 92 leaked, causing water damage to that room and the carpeting in the nearby hallway.

A water main break on Friday night caused Joseph X. Garvey, vice president for Business Affairs and Treasurer, to order the PAC closed. The water main break left the building without water.

According to Campus Safety, the water main break affected Regina for a limited time but has left the PAC in worse condition.

In order to make any repairs, the water main must first be dug up.

Though there is no definitive reason why these instances occurred, a Campus Safety official said he believes it was simply

in response to the cold temperatures. With no water circulating through the PAC, it is considered to be a safety code violation to allow students, faculty, and staff to use the facilities.

Following the closing, Patrick Toomey, the stage and tech director for Marywood's theatre, was forced to move an event that was set to take place within the PAC auditorium.

"We had a music therapy event ... that got moved to the Swartz [Center for Spiritual Life] and some of the conference rooms in the Swartz Center," said Toomey.

With the Music, Theatre, and Dance Department set to present Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" on the weekend of Feb. 27, Toomey said it was fortunate that the incidents occurred now.

"We're lucky that it wasn't next weekend because we would be closed. We couldn't do a show the way that the situation is right now," said Toomey.

At the time of print, the PAC is still closed. The building is still without water but does have electricity. As of right now there is no time frame as to when the building will be fully operational.

Contact the writers: agranza@m.marywood.edu vschultz@m.marywood.edu

The "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony, a new tradition for the nursing department, was held on Jan. 28 in the Marian Chapel.

The ceremony honors sophomore students who are about to begin their first clinical experiences.

These students will begin to apply the knowledge they have accumulated from their studies in real world situations.

Dr. Barbara Higgins, chair of the nursing department, said the ceremony “recognizes the work other nurses and health care providers do.”

Sr. Anne Munley, IHM, Ph.D, president and Sr. Catherine Luxner, IHM, director of Campus Ministry, began the ceremony by blessing nursing faculty members’ hands. The nursing faculty then blessed the sophomore nursing students and other caregivers that were present at the ceremony. Junior and senior

Photo courtesy of Marketing and Communications

Nursing students and faculty gathered for the Blessing of the Hands ceremony held on Jan. 28 at Marian Chapel. nursing students also participated in the occasion.

Students' families, friends, and many of those involved in the nursing program attended the event.

"It gave me such a sense of excitement that all of my hard work is finally going to pay off because I will be doing something I love every day," said Christina

Hernandez, sophomore nursing major.

According to Higgins, the "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony has been used in many other nursing programs and is a common practice at different health care institutions.

Read full article at www.wordword.org

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OPINION

February 2015

Our Opinion: Two giants in media fall, one is missed The Wood Word Editorial Staff As a result of his bending of the truth in regards to his experiences in Iraq, Brian Williams was suspended for six months from his position as the main anchor on the NBC Nightly News.

In one of those strange quirks of timing, Jon Stewart announced on the same night that he would be leaving his longtime position at Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” some time later this year.

To put this another way, on Feb. 10, Americans found out that one man who made fun of the news by stylizing himself as an anchor and one man who was once a great anchor would both be leaving their jobs.

Jon Stewart is not a journalist.

Stewart made his living by turning the news into a farce for almost 17 years.

Brian Williams is not a journalist. While he was once widely respected, perhaps even a great journalist at one point, since the revelation of his inflated story, he has only shown America that he is no longer a journalist. A journalist is impartial, unbiased, and, above all things, truthful.

One of the most important aspects of a journalist’s training is that the story is not about the reporter. But Williams tried to make his stories about him, in some sort of quixotic quest for personal glory.

This kind of action is destined for failure. As has been shown time and time again when journalists lie to make stories better, someone will eventually figure it out, and there will be very harsh consequences.

So why did Williams lie? That’s tough to say. For years, Williams has appeared on a number of comedies and talk shows such as “30 Rock” and “The Tonight Show.”

Perhaps he was feeling increased pressure to entertain--to give audiences what they want--and that led him to sensationalize his story.

But why does society chastise people like Williams, but adore

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THE WOOD WORD

An award-winning student newspaper A product of the Marywood University Communication Arts Department

Autumn Granza Editor-in-Chief

Vincent Schultz Managing Editor

Satara Dickey

News Editor Rachel Looker Asst. News Editor

Mackenzie Warren Web Editor

Anne Zukowski Asst. Web Editor

Alex Weidner

Asst. Multimedia Editor

Patrick Kernan Opinion Editor

Dominic Behler

Asst. Opinion Editor

Paul Capoccia Community Editor

Amanda Duncklee

Asst. Community Editor

Juliette Meyers A&E Editor

Francelis Capellan Asst. A&E Editor

Evan Felser Sports Editor

John Ferraro

Asst. Sports Editor

Kelsey Van Horn Design Editor

Katlynn Whitaker Photography Editor

Comic Credit/ Alex Weidner

people like Jon Stewart? Both of them have sold fiction to the American people--albeit, with Stewart doing so nightly, and with Williams only doing so in one case he has admitted to, while accusations swirl around other possible lies.

The difference is this: Stewart’s fictions say something about American society, from its government to its people. Since he often and obviously operates in character, the public understands that Stewart’s fictions are only satire, and satire is an important way of keeping society honest as well as entertained. Maybe this was something Williams aspired to?

As one of the most fierce and biting satirists of our time, Stewart will most surely be missed. In fact, Stewart’s openness about the satirical nature of his show has struck a chord with Americans. According to the Columbia

Journalism Review, he was rated as the most trustworthy reporter in the United States as recently as 2009, winning out over Katie Couric, Charlie Gibson, and, of course, Brian Williams. This is despite the fact that Stewart is a comedian, and often emphasizes that he is not, in fact, a journalist.

Perhaps this is the reason that Williams lied. In a media landscape where a comedian is a more trusted “journalist” than a newsman with actual training, and where, according to the Pew Research Center, NBC Nightly News was the only network news losing viewers in 2013, maybe Williams felt as though his stories needed to be more entertaining to compete.

Williams’ lies did not have a context like Stewart’s satire, which is what makes them far more egregious. When Brian Williams speaks to the Ameri-

can public, the American public assumes he is telling the truth, while they assume that Stewart is telling a joke. As they rightly should, since Williams was a journalist, and Stewart is a comedian.

Williams’ lies are nothing more than ego-stroking and self-endorsement. He may have been a valued reporter once, but he has lost all sense of credibility.

Whether or not he will be missed is up to the viewer.

Check out thewoodword.org for more opinion pieces on topics like: • • • •

ISIS Measles Wearable tech A Marywood student’s adventures in London

Kristen Pietryka Social Media Editor

Maura Olek

Asst. Social Media Editor

Janice Richardson Copy Editor

Sarah E. Cruz Copy Editor

Lindsey Matylewicz Advertising Manager

Erin Murphy

Asst. Advertising Manager

Lindsey Wotanis, Ph.D. Faculty Adviser

Paul J. Sevensky, M.A. Faculty Adviser

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He Said, She Said: Free education?

She Said: Free college doesn’t work Brigid Edmunds Multimedia Editor

The first thing I learned in my high school Economics class is TINSTAAFL, or “There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.”

This means that if you or I were to get something for free, it really isn’t free because somewhere down the line, someone else is putting the money in.

This may seem like a simple concept to grasp, but I have noticed that not many people get it.

Another thing I learned at a very young age is that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

In January, Obama pitched a proposal that would allow students to attend community college free for two years so that everyone has a fair shot at higher education. To many, this seems like a “cure-all” to the problem.

Now everybody will have the chance to earn a degree and to be more equipped for jobs that aren’t

minimum wage based.

There are a few problems with this; free doesn’t exist, bachelor’s degrees are losing their value, the price of college needs fixing, and public schools are not preparing kids for college.

The most important thing to remember is that nothing is free.

That notion does not exist. Both the Associated Press and CNN pointed out that the proposed bill will cost billions as well as increase national debt.

While it may seem like a great idea right now, those dollars will add up and Americans will be paying for it-literally. Besides, the cost of free college isn’t the only issue.

We have all heard it before: our bachelor’s degrees are becoming useless. Since so many people can now afford to go to college, we are starting to see the decreased value of a B.A. or a B.S. Students are now going to college even longer to obtain master’s degrees or to get their doctorates.

Free college will lead to more

and more people earning bachelor’s degrees; as more people earn bachelor’s degrees, their value will continue to plummet.

The long term issue will be that soon everyone will need a master’s degree to stand a chance in the job market, which can be grossly expensive. According to Columbia University, to enroll in their master of arts program in journalism (a nine-month program), the estimated cost with living expenses is $85,118. That is just shy of the cost of four years of a Marywood undergraduate education.

So, what is the answer? It depends on which America wants to fix first, the cost of college or public education. CNN writer Michael B. Horn addressed one of the root problems accurately: Helping students pay for college isn’t the problem that needs fixing, it is the cost of a college education that needs to be addressed.

Contact the writer: bedmunds@m.marywood.edu

He Said: Free college an answer Patrick Kernan Opinion Editor

Brigid, I think you’re right when you say that a lot of people are thinking of President Obama’s plan as a “cure-all.” People act as though making college free for two years will fix everyone’s problems, but it won’t.

What it will do, though, is help.

According to College Board, the average price per year of a private four-year institution, like Marywood, was $31,231 in 2014, before room and board and other expenses are even considered.

Multiply that by four years, and it doesn’t take a college education to realize you’ll end up with a huge sum of debt by the time you get your degree.

It should be emphasized that President Obama’s plan won’t pay for all four years of education.

According to PBS, it will only pay for the first two years of education

OPINION

February 2015

at a community college, and only for students who maintain a GPA at or above 2.5.

This addresses your main point, Brigid. The President’s plan will make it cheaper for a student to get his or her degree, but it won’t make it any easier.

Although more people will conceivably be getting their degrees with the lowered cost, I don’t think that the value of the degree will be as watered down as you’re making it out to be. Ultimately, the President’s plan aims to make sure only those most likely to get the most of an education will find it easier to get one.

Hopefully, students will be pursuing degrees in growing fields in order to keep their degrees as valuable as possible. This means more STEM majors, and fewer art ones. The technological world is where new jobs are, and unfortunately artists will struggle.

Ideally, most of the students

Photo Credit/ Alex Weidner

Brigid Edmunds and Patrick Kernan argue over the merits of President Obama’s free education plan. who take advantage of President Obama’s plan will recognize this.

While you argue that the problem is the undervaluing of bachelor’s degree, I would argue that the real issue lies in high school.

With programs like No Child Left

Chapel Hill shooting: pathetic act with a worse excuse Dominic Behler Asst. Opinion Editor According to CNN, three students were shot and killed on Feb. 10 near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The alleged shooter, Craig Stephen Hicks, claims that it was over a parking dispute. However, there is substantial evidence to suggest, at the very least, something far more unpleasant had occurred.

Could a mere parking dispute incite such immediate violence?

Perhaps not.

The victims, Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha, and Razan AbuSalha were all Muslims.

Although it has yet to be concluded, there are many signs indicating that the incident may have been a hate crime. Hicks is an atheist, which on its own, says nothing. However, he reportedly began to exhibit confrontational behavior at approximately the same time that the victims’ religion became clear, according to the family of one victim.

In addition to this, there are reports of a Facebook post that very obviously displayed a substantial degree of hostility toward an unnamed religion.

There could be something more to this than simply a “parking dispute.” If it were more common in our society for people to be shot over small matters such as this, there would be a self-evident problem.

That being said, one cannot adequately express with human pity how pathetic it must be to have said that you shot three innocent Behind in place, it is far too easy for a student to glide through high school all the way to a diploma.

Unfortunately, as any astute reader with some knowledge of the Constitution will point out, the educational system is one of the rights afforded to the states, not the federal government, which makes any sort of sweeping reform to the entire nation’s educational system incredibly difficult. Until some sort of plan is put

people over a parking dispute. Do not insult the entirety of humanity with as lame an explanation as that.

There is the possibility that Hicks may have been suffering some extreme mental duress.

The volatile combination of his distaste for religion, the so-called “parking dispute,” and his divorce from his wife could have all come to head in the form of a psychotic episode where he shot three people--who may never have wronged him--in the head, execution style.

However, this is mere speculation based on a series of reports from the sources available.

Regardless of what Hicks’ motives truly were, whether fueled by hatred or instability, they are nothing short of detestable.

Presuming, however, that this was indeed a hate crime, the situation becomes infinitely more indefensible.

Violence against any individual because of their race, creed, or any other aspect of their person is directly contrary to what it means to be an American. The victims of this crime had just as much right to practice their faith as anyone else, and if Hicks’ crime truly was influenced by hate, he was trying to strip them of their right to their faith.

No one has the right to do that.

If someone violates that pillar upon which this country is built, America weeps, for the ignorance of the few is just enough to lay the liberty of the many to ruin.

Contact the writer: dbehler@m.marywood.edu

in place to make the high school diploma valuable again, President Obama’s proposed reform is the best we’ve got.

Contact the writer: pkernan@m.marywood.edu

Community Date auction supports service trips

Photo Credit/ Katlynn Whitaker

Emcees Frank Winger and Ryan Kozich ask candidate Dana Boeh questions at the date auction held on Feb. 13.

“We wanted to help sponsor the Katlynn Whitaker service trips and keep the money Photography/ Asst. Design on campus,” said Kimberly ColeEditor man, assistant director of Student Activities & Leadership DevelopMarywood students gathered ment and adviser to the Commutthe night before Valentine’s Day er Committee. to bid on potential dates at the Emcees Ryan Kozich and Frank Date Auction held in the Fire- Winger began the night by bringplace Lounge of the Nazareth ing the 12 candidates on stage.

Student Center. The event was Then, each candidate was called held by the recently formed Com- on stage individually to answer muter Committee in an effort to a series of questions before being raise money for Campus Ministry auctioned to his or her date. Folservice trips. lowing the auction, the pairs went

February 2015 on to a night of line dancing, desserts, and a movie.

“The most fun part was definitely the line dancing after the auction,” said candidate and freshman hospitality management major Lauren Kishel. “I think the most nerve-wracking thing was all the questions you were being asked.”

The highest bid of the night was $150, and almost $500 was raised. In the future, the Commuter Committee would like to keep this event going and possibly add things like limos to the date experience.

“I think the event went pretty well overall,” said Kishel. “I think everyone had a great time and raised a good amount of money to help benefit our service trips.”

The alternative break service trips take place over spring break and the summer in places such as Texas, Guatemala, and Maine. For more information about Campus Ministry visit www.marywood.edu/campmin and email commutercommittee@m.marywood.edu for more information about Commuter Committee events.

Contact the writer: kmwhitaker@m.marywood.edu

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Paul Capoccia Community Editor

Kate Waverka

Photo Credit/ Alex Weidner

Kate Waverka is a freshman Pre-PA major from outside of Philadelphia. In the early morning of Jan. 31, Waverka helped save a neighboring family from their burning home near her current home in Scranton.

Q: Tell me about that night; what happened?

A: “I was coming home. I was

Project HEAL: Raising funds and awareness for eating disorders Paul Capoccia Community Editor Help to Eat, Accept, and Live.

That’s the message behind Project HEAL, a 501(c) nonprofit organization that recently gained an official Marywood chapter.

Founded in 2008, Project HEAL, or PHEAL, aims to help people struggling with eating disorders.

The organization aims to provide scholarship funding for people who cannot afford treatment, promote healthy body image and self-esteem, and serve as a testament that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible, according to the project’s website,

theprojectheal.org.

Marywood’s chapter of Project HEAL was recently rejuvenated at the start of the spring 2015 semester by freshman nutrition and dietetics major Johanna Lamb.

The club was originally founded in 2014 but was not Marywoodaffiliated or officially part of the national organization of Project HEAL until this semester under Lamb’s leadership.

Lamb was personally inspired by the story of the national organization’s co-founders, two teenage girls who met while undergoing treatment for anorexia nervosa and helped each other fully recover before deciding they wanted to

Photo Credit/ Paul Capoccia

Students discuss ideas for future events and meetings at a Project HEAL meeting held on Feb. 17. find a way to help others.

“I want to help people with eating disorders,” said Lamb. “I am very passionate about what PHEAL is about and being in recovery from anorexia nervosa myself, I want to help others to know that they are not alone and not to be ashamed or embarrassed.”

Since 2008, PHEAL has raised over $400,000 nationwide to send nearly 20 people to treatment and has 40 chapters nationwide. All money raised through fundrais-

ers in the Marywood chapter of PHEAL will go directly to the national organization.

Morgan Siniawa, fellow freshman nutrition and dietetics major, was similarly inspired by personal adversity.

“Throughout high school, I surrounded myself with an overwhelmingly negative sense of selfworth,” said Siniawa. “Ultimately what I discovered was that ... it didn’t matter what weight I was or what color my eyes were or

just hanging out with friends after the sorority. It was about 1:30 a.m., and I was getting really tired. It’s Friday, you know how it is. I live with my grandparents. I just pulled into the driveway, and I heard people screaming help, and I was actually hesitant to go and help right away because as a young girl, you have to be very careful of things like that, so I actually went in the house ... and looked out the window and that’s when I saw the flames and the family on the roof. So, at that moment, adrenaline kicks in, and I ran out, called 911, and then proceeded to help the family. We tried to get them off the roof as quick as possible. The father had jumped off the roof, and I actually caught the children off the roof, and then we got them and put them into my house. And then, that’s when finally all the rescue crew came.”

even how fit I looked.”

Siniawa stressed how the mission of the chapter is to spread eating disorder awareness. She explained how the chapter will promote a positive body image by supporting one another and raising money for individuals who need treatment.

Lamb explained how anyone can join the club; no experience with an eating disorder is necessary.

“No one with an illness should have to feel like they need to hide,” said Lamb.

Project HEAL is open to all Marywood students. Information can be found at the chapter’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ phealmarywood, and all inquiries or interested individuals can email Johanna Lamb at marywood@theprojectheal.org.

Contact the writer: pcapoccia@m.marywood.edu

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It’s all about the numbe New task force targets decline in enrollment Autumn Granza Editor-in-Chief

Enrollment of incoming freshmen at Marywood declined this year, prompting the formation of a special task force at the end of the Fall 2014 semester.

The Enrollment Task Force was formed by Sr. Anne Munley, IHM, Ph.D. Currently, the task force is comprised of 17 faculty and staff members. Having only met once, plans to increase enrollment are still in the early stages.

“We are looking for different opportunities where we can boost up enrollment and identify certain areas where we can grow,” said Christian DiGregorio, director of University Admissions.

According to statistics obtained from The College Board, there has been a decline of first-time freshman students throughout the nation as well as in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This is due to a decline in the birthrate, meaning that

the number of traditional 18-yearold students ready to enroll in college has declined.

In addition, the number of students residing on campus has decreased while enrollment of commuter students has stayed the same.

“We really need to take a proactive approach to enrollment rather than a reactive [approach],” said Ann Boland-Chase, Enrollment Task Force chairperson and vice president for Enrollment Services and Student Success.

The Enrollment Task Force is looking at what happened in the past and what will happen in the future, according to DiGregorio.

This involves determining where there will be areas of growth both geographically and academically.

The demographic of students in Northeastern Pennsylvania is changing, according to BolandChase. The student profile has changed in that there are more diverse students. The Caucasian stu-

dent population is declining while the Hispanic and Asian student populations are on the rise.

The number of international students has also increased. According to DiGregorio, in 2010 there were 36 international students enrolled at Marywood. Now, there are about 175 international students.

According to Boland-Chase, the growing number of international students has helped to build globalization on campus and administration is attentive to serving the growing population of international students.

Enrollment Task Force members are working on four main areas of emphasis to determine how to combat the enrollment issue, according to Boland-Chase.

The first part, is to focus on new programmatic offerings or new modalities. This includes the possibility of online classes or new programs opening on campus.

The second emphasis is the de-

velopment of articulation agreements. Articulation agreements benefit each school as well as the student. This allows an instant, seamless transfer for students and also allows Marywood the possibility to serve students who transfer after obtaining a two year degree.

The third emphasis is best practices for recruitment. This emphasis involves departments making blogs or websites, or working on outreach to prospective students.

Although the task force meets together, this emphasis allows members to take what they are learning to their departments so that new ideas can be implemented.

“I think [the blogs] are very dynamic,” said DiGregorio. “The blogs that they have are quite good and gives the perspective student a better insight as to what is going on within that academic department.”

Lastly is best practices in retention. This emphasis ensures that students who come to Marywood are successful, make it to gradua-

tion, and are then prepared for the job market.

“There is a renewed emphasis on student success and trying to make sure the students we bring to Marywood become graduates and find a great career,” said Boland-Chase.

The task force will break down into sub-committees to work on the four areas of emphasis. After their findings, members will share the information they have obtained and best practices.

As of right now, the Enrollment Task Force will be meeting bimonthly and the next meeting is planned for early March.

“I think that the task force is working together to plan for Marywood in the near future and longterm to continue to ensure student success, and that our graduates are prepared professionally and personally to achieve their goals,” said Boland-Chase.

Contact the writer: agranza@m.marywood.edu

Faculty form AAUP chapter as admins make changes to employee benefits Brigid Edmunds Multimedia Editor A group of faculty members at Marywood have started a local chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).

The AAUP is a national nonprofit organization that helps faculty members at universities ensure their administrations follow procedures like shared governance, academic freedom in the classroom, and even freedom of speech.

According to the AAUP’s website, shared governance is “emphasizing the importance of faculty involvement in personnel decisions, selection of administrators, preparation of the budget, and determination of educational policies.”

AAUP chapter forms Marywood AAUP chapter President Brooke Cannon, Ph.D., psy-

chology professor, said the purpose of the AAUP at Marywood is to ensure that Marywood administration is following these guidelines.

The Marywood chapter was formally recognized by the national organization in December. “It’s been something that’s been discussed for many years,” said Cannon. “It seemed that there was enough interest at this point to go ahead and go through the steps to have a chapter form.”

Dr. Frank DeMatteo, associate professor in psychology and atlarge representative for the AAUP, said that the time was right, but for other reasons.

“I think with the climate changes at the university, I think that we needed to access outside resources because we exhausted all of our own resources in terms of understanding what shared governance looks like, what academic freedom looks like,” said DeMatteo.

Initially, about 30 faculty members had joined the chapter when

it formed in December, but Cannon said that this semester would be the time they would openly start recruiting.

According to Cannon, the Marywood chapter is hoping to ensure all policies and procedures suggested by the AAUP are followed on campus.

“We will serve in an advisory capacity to Faculty Senate,” said Cannon, “and also communicate directly with administration.”

Dr. Alan Levine, vice president for Academic Affairs, said that administration is open to communication with the newly formed chapter.

Two of the main issues AAUP deals with as a core part of its mission is academic freedom in the classroom as well as freedom of speech. Cannon explained that these are both student and faculty issues. This point was emphasized

by DeMatteo.

DeMatteo said he believes that there should always be an open

line of communication at universities between administration, faculty, and students.

“What makes, I think, a good university is when there is an interactive dynamic between all, where ideas are shared, where all sides are listened to. Where administration, faculty, and students are comfortable and respect each other for their specific areas of expertise,” said DeMatteo. “It’s an energy, and I think AAUP represents that energy.”

DeMatteo, who is trained as a school psychologist, said he believed being a part of AAUP is another way for him to advocate for his students, as well his fellow faculty members. He said that the AAUP will help Marywood stay current with what other universities are doing in regard to policies on shared governance and academic freedom.

Administrators slash retirement benefits

The formation of the Marywood AAUP chapter came around the same time administrators announced that certain benefits would be reduced not only for faculty members but also for all Marywood employees.

Joseph X. Garvey, vice president for Business Affairs, explained that a 10 percent decrease in enrollment in 2014 necessitated cost-saving measures. The vice presidents and cabinet met to discuss possible ways to save money and then took a proposal to the Board of Trustees.

The proposal including Marywood cutting its matching payment into employee pensions from 10 percent to 5 percent for those employees contributing 2 percent of their salary to their pension and cutting the match from 5 percent to 2.5 percent for those contributing 1 percent of salary. In addition, the university cut operational funds by 20 percent. According to Garvey, operational funds include things like supplies for the university and

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renovations on campus.

According to Cannon, the AAUP has national policies regarding the role of faculty in budgetary and salary matters.

At Marywood, the pension reduction was solely an administrative decision. “[Enrollment] is not just a difficulty with Marywood University; it’s a difficulty with almost every institution in the Northeastern United States, and most particularly in Northeastern Pennsylvania right now,” Garvey explained.

According to Garvey, Marywood saved approximately $650,000 from the pension reduction and about $2 million from the expenditures reduction. These funds will go toward the continuing payment of employee benefits as well as paying for the other 80 percent of Marywood’s operational costs.

Contact the writer: bedmunds@m.marywood.edu

Marywood and LCCC finalize enrollment agreement Amanda Duncklee Asst. Community Editor

Graphic Credit/ Kelsey Van Horn and Katlynn Whitaker

On Dec. 17, 2014, Marywood University announced two new student enrollment agreements involving Luzerne County Community College (LCCC). By combining their resources, Marywood University and LCCC have committed to further assisting students of both schools who are pursuing Baccalaureate and Associate degrees.

President Sr. Anne Munley, I.H.M., Ph.D, and Thomas P. Leary, President of Luzerne County Community College, both agreed to launch the Dual Admissions Agreement and the Reverse Transfer Agreement.

The Dual Admissions Agreement allows LCCC students to transfer to Marywood so long as they satisfy several conditions.

Students who wish to participate in the Dual Admissions Agreement must graduate from LCCC with an associate degree and must have declared a specific major in order to enroll at Marywood within a year of their LCCC graduation.

LCCC students are granted automatic admission to Marywood so long as the student does not attend another college or university in the interim. Once at Marywood, the student will be at junior status and will be able to obtain a bachelor’s degree in four semesters provided the student follows a full-time schedule.

“Nearly two hundred undergraduates transfer to Marywood University each year,” said Ann Boland-Chase, vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success. “While there are no current students who fall under the agreement at the current time, we [Marywood’s administration] anticipate 25-30 new students entering the pro-

gram each year and we would love to see this number increase.”

Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.3; however, some majors, including education, nursing, science, architecture, pre-physician assistant studies, and communication sciences and disorders, require a higher grade-point average.

LCCC graduates who plan to major in architecture also will need a portfolio.

In addition to being granted automatic admission at Marywood, the students under the Dual Admissions Agreement will not have to pay an application fee to Marywood and will be granted a benevolent merit-based scholarship.

This is to promote the agreement and to encourage more students to participate.

The Reverse Transfer Agreement is the second part of the enrollment agreement. Students who take advantage of this agreement will be able to more easily earn an associate degree by transferring credits earned at Marywood to LCCC. A student must earn at least 32 credits at LCCC after they transfer and must be in good standing at both Marywood and LCCC in order to benefit from the Reverse Transfer Agreement.

“The Reverse Transfer Agreement allows transfer students from Luzerne County Community College who never earned the associate degree the opportunity to transfer Marywood credits back to LCCC to be awarded the associate degree.” said Boland-Chase.

Students who are a part of the Reverse Transfer Agreement are also able to re-attend Marywood to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Dr. Alan Levine, vice president for Academic Affairs, said the new enrollment programs will benefit community college students, allowing them to more easily continue their education.

“Students will not only have the chance to obtain more than a twoyear degree,” said Levine. “They will be able to grow as humans by expanding their minds through a Marywood education.”

Contact the writer: alduncklee@m.marywood.edu

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Community

February 2015

Forum allows MU students to discuss death Sr. John Says: “I felt a need to offer a place for Amanda Duncklee Happy birthday, Marywood! Asst.

Community Editor people of the Marywood commuSr. John Michele Southwick, I.H.M. Special Contributor to The Wood Word

This is it! Happy birthday!

The year we have been preparing for: 2015. The 100th birthday of Marywood University has finally arrived. Let’s celebrate!

What do you know about the history of your university? If this was your grandmother’s birthday, wouldn’t you want to know all about her?

Well, Marywood was founded in 1915 by the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known more commonly to us as the IHM sisters, who still sponsor and support the university. Sr. Anne Munley, our president, and 16 other IHM sisters serve and teach at Marywood today.

These sisters, along with the dedicated staff, have kept Marywood’s mission and core values alive over these last 100 years. I think the line from our mission statement that sums it up best is: “Marywood University prepares students to seek sustainable solutions for the common good and educates global citizens to live responsibly in an interdependent world.”

The core values of Catholic identity, service, respect, empowerment, and excellence support this statement and help our students to be the best they can be.

Our world is in great need, and our students will be the leaders of tomorrow to bring about solutions for the common good, of which Pope Francis often speaks.

Let the celebration begin because our students are the best.

They are the global citizens who will live responsibly in an interdependent world.

Happy birthday, Marywood!

Contact the writer: southwick@marywood.edu

Marywood’s newly-established Death Café is alive and well.

Held on the last Tuesday of each month now through April from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Room 319 of the Learning Resources Center, the Death Café is a public forum that enables the Marywood community and the community at large to talk freely about death and any concerns about death.

“The goal of the Death Café is to talk about death and deathrelated issues,” explained Marion Beddoe-Iobst, the facilitator of the Death Café. “We do not have speakers or themes, other than the umbrella topic of death. Attendees can bring questions they have been longing to ask and every member is welcome to speak.”

Beddoe-Iobst is a junior English major at Marywood. She is an adult learner and is a thanatologist with a Masters in Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Thanatology is a branch of science related to studying death and circumstances surrounding death.

nity to talk openly about death,” said Beddoe-Iobst. “Not everyone has a chance to do so openly, and I wanted to enable people to do so.”

Jan. 27 marked the first ever meeting of the group. However, the concept of a Death Café is not new.

Jon Underwood and Sue Barsky Reid of the United Kingdom are the founders of the Death Café. They formed the Death Café from an idea by Bernard Crettaz in Sept. of 2011.

Death Cafés have received particular success in Europe, North America, and Australia. The facilitators run the Death Café on a completely voluntary basis and have more information listed about the organization’s origins at the official website, www.deathcafe.com.

Philosophy Chairperson Philip Jenkins, Ph.D., is in full support of the Death Café.

“Marywood University is an institution with a strong sense of community and social justice as part of our mission,” said Jenkins.

“I think that being able to offer a

Photo Courtesy/ Phil Cooper

safe place to discuss issues surrounding death and dying is very much in keeping with who we are as a university.”

The Death Café is a welcoming and safe environment for any person who wishes to discuss topics surrounding death. No previous experience with a Death Café is needed to participate. Attendees are encouraged to come with questions, though it is not required.

“We will have sweets and people could bring tea,” said BeddoeIobst. “I want everyone to feel comfortable, to participate, and to have a good time.”

Contact the writer: alduncklee@m.marywood.edu

Marywood learns to kick and swing for charity Paul Capoccia Community Editor

Open House

In celebration of the Year of Consecrated Life, the Sisters of IHM wish to invite you to our Open House at the IHM Center 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509 (last building at the top of University Avenue)

Sunday, March 22 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

All are welcome!

communications@sistersofihm.org 570-346-5404

Marywood students came out for country line dancing to raise money for service trips on Feb. 13 in the Latour Room of the Nazareth Student Center.

This was the second country line dancing hosted in support of the service trips. The first event was held on Oct. 31, 2014.

Organizers Keandra Koons, junior nutrition and dietetics major, and Alyssa Wood, junior art therapy major, decided last semester to bring something they both love to Marywood for a great cause.

“I absolutely love to go line dancing,” said Koons. “Sharing this experience with other people on campus was a great experience.”

Matt Parkyn, senior business management and marketing major, is also raising money for charity on the dance floor.

On April 19 in the Latour Room of the Nazareth Student Center, Parkyn will be helping to host a

ballroom dancing workshop for students and members of the local community. The event will also raise money for service trips.

Attendees can look forward to learning dances like the ChaCha, the Foxtrot, and some swing.

Parkyn said he is excited to have an evening of dance instead of his usual weekends.

“We truly want to give people a new way to spend their Friday and Saturday nights,” said Parkyn. “Instead of going to some party or bar ... You’ll have so much more fun.”

Parkyn and other organizers are hoping to hold similar dances and workshops on a biweekly basis in the near future, with the potential for dances at a local dance studio. Parkyn hopes everyone can enjoy the beauty of dancing as much as he does in the future.

Contact the writer: pcapoccia@m.marywood.edu

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

February 2015

Marywood hosts 2015 Scholastic Art Awards

The 2015 Scholastic Art Award exhibit showcased in the Mahady for Visual Arts.

Juliette Meyers ter of Lackawanna County), Alissa A&E Editor Outwater (Delaware Valley High The Mahady Gallery is cur- School), Mahala Sampson (Forrently displaying the 2015 Scho- est City Regional High School), lastic Art Award Exhibition, Westen Johnson (Western Wayne which features award-winning High School), and Alexa Meyer work from local middle and high (Honesdale High School), were school students. also awarded the American ViLocated in the Shields Center sion Award. for Visual Arts, the exhibition “This region is assured that at will run through March 1. least one of those winners [of The The Scholastic Art Awards pro- American Vision Award] will repgram is for students in grades 7 resent this region in the national through 12. Students are judged exhibition,” said Sandra Povse, based on their artwork in 28 dif- gallery director. ferent categories. This year’s award According to Povse, three panpresentation was held on Feb. 7 at els of judges evaluated this year’s 1:00 p.m. exhibit—one in photography, twoThe work displayed in this dimensional art, and three-dimenyear’s gallery is by the students sional art. who won Gold and Silver Key This year, Povse worked with awards from schools through- Ellen Silberlicht, an art educator out the Northeastern Pennsyl- from Honesdale High School, to vania region. The exhibit also come up with jurors. includes several honorable men“There are a number of people tions whose work can be seen in from the art department […] as a slideshow presentation on com- well as professional artists, and puter screens in the gallery area. I generally like to always include Gold Key winners are ranked judges from other schools […] so as the highest artists in the com- that it’s more community-based,” petition. Their work will go on to said Povse. be judged at the National SchoSeveral of the chosen works lastic Art Awards in New York. this year incorporate anti-bullyOf the Gold Key Winners, Kira ing messages,which Povse sees as Karboski (Career Technology Cen- an indication of the times.

Photo Courtesy/ Amy Sledoba

Gallery in the Shields Center

“The work many times […] is kind of a barometer of the way people are thinking, and/or the way students are thinking—and what’s happening in their schools as well,” said Povse.

Robert Flynn, a junior psychical activity major who also works in the Suraci Gallery, found a lot of the artwork to be relatable.

“I was actually impressed when I saw that they were high school [students]. Them being high schoolers made it that much more interesting,” said Flynn.

The exhibition was sponsored by Times-Shamrock Communications, as it has been for the past several years. Next year, Marywood plans to sponsor the exhibition. “[Sponsorship] is something more tangible to get Marywood’s name out there, and tangible in Marywood’s commitment to the arts too,” said Povse.

For more information about this year’s winners visit, http:// www.marywood.edu/galleries/ Contact the writer: jmeyers@m.marywood.edu

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Preparations underway for first Empty Bowl Project Juliette Meyers A&E Editor

Marywood’s Art Honors Society, Zeta Omicron, is planning the campus's first Empty Bowl Project this spring.

The Empty Bowl Project is an international effort to stop world hunger created by the non-profit organization The Imagine Render Group. The idea behind the project is for organizations to craft bowls to be sold to community members with soup served in them.

The proceeds will be donated to a hunger-fighting organization chosen by the organization. Community members leave the event with an empty bowl, a symbol that there are still others in need.

Sophomore ceramics and arts administration student, Emma Pilon, brought the Empty Bowl idea to Marywood’s Zeta Omicron earlier this year.

“I used to work with my ceramics teacher in high school pretty closely, and [The Empty Bowl Project] was one project she would always do,” said Pilon.

Pilon is now a major part of the Empty Bowl planning committee along with Zeta Omicron President Amanda Hinkle and Vice President Alyssa Wood.

In late March, Zeta Omicron will host the Bowl-A-Thon where nearly 40 Zeta Omicron members will create the bowls for the project.

Following the creation of the bowls, Zeta Omicron has elected to showcase the bowls prior to

purchase. This will give community members the opportunity to choose the bowl they would like to be served in.

“We have a really great art program here at Marywood, so we wanted to highlight that as much as possible,” said Amanda Hinkle, senior arts administration and art history major.

Net Impact, Marywood’s business group on campus, is teaming up with Zeta Omicron to help with marketing and promotional aspects of the event. With the help of Net Impact, Zeta Omicron will showcase the bowls at the Entrepreneurial Launch Pad during May's First Friday event in Downtown Scranton. “[The Entrepreneurial Launch Pad] is right on Linden Street of the Square [in Scranton], so that’s a prime location. I’m really excited,” said Pilon.

Proceeds from the night's event will be donated to Meals on Wheels.

According to Hinkle, the Empty Bowl Project is Zeta Omicron's big event for this year. Last year they hosted a gallery show with all the Zeta members.

"It's a big undertaking but I think it will be really successful," said Pilon.

More information on the Empty Bowl Project will be available in the upcoming months around campus.

Contact the writer: jmeyers@m.marywood.edu

Photo Credit/ Brigid Edmunds

Sophomore ceramics and arts administration student, Emma Pilon throws a bowl in preparation for the event.

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February 2015

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Students make ‘Do It Yourself’ craft at new SAC event

Drake offers surprises on multiple levels Pat Kernan Opinion Editor On Feb. 12, Drake pulled a Beyoncé, dropping new music with absolutely no announcement, and he called the release "If You're Reading This It's Too Late."

There's a lot of debate swirling around on the Internet about whether or not this release counts as an actual album or just a mixtape, but I'm not sure how important the distinction between those two terms is. What is important, though, is the music.

When this album dropped, I knew that I needed to write a review on it. The biggest problem was the fact that I've never listened to any of Drake's albums before. Sure, I've heard some of his singles, but I never sat down and really gave Drake a listen.

So, to get ready for this review, I spent the day after the release marathoning all of Drake's discography.

By the time I got to "Reading," I realized something about Drake: he's matured a lot over the years, and this release is really his most mature to date. This comes by way of some pretty big changes in the production and Drake's rapping, the two most important aspects of any hip hop album.

The best phrase for the production is "minimalistic." The drum sections are simplistic, and focus on lighter cymbals instead of the heavy bass drum. And there are moments where what the production isn't doing is even more important than what it is doing.

The beats will occasionally totally

drop away, leaving the listener only with Drake's vocals.

This all serves to emphasize Drake's lyrics. Drake here often eschews the typical rap brags-although they still feature prominently--in favor of something more emotional. Drake touches on themes of love, loss, and other more complex emotions than he dealt with in his earlier work.

For example, in the chorus to "Know Yourself," he talks about "runnin' through the 6"--a section of his hometown of Toronto--with his "woes." "Woes" here has a double meaning. Obviously, there is the obvious meaning of sadness.

However, according to The Fader, Drake has said that "woe" is actually an abbreviation for "working on excellence," and that his woes would be his crew.

With double entendres like this, Drake not only displays his own growth as a lyricist but also his devotion to personal growth.

I find this growth to be very exciting.

I make no secret about my negative feelings about Young Money artists like Drake, Lil Wayne, and others, but with the amount he's grown, Drake gives us the best Young Money release to date. I'm giving "If You're Reading This It's Too Late" a 4 out of 5, and I'm excited to see what's in his future.

Contact the writer: pkernan@m.marywood.edu

Photo Credit/ Katlynn Whitaker

Junior architecture majors Andrew Reynolds, Tom Ellis, and Chard Howley learn to make bouncy balls at the SAC DIY event.

Francelis Capellan Assistant A&E Editor Marywood's Student Activities Crew (SAC) hosted its first installation to the DIY event series on Feb. 4 in the Fireplace Lounge of the Nazareth Student Center.

The event sets up 'Do It Yourself' (DIY) projects for students inspired by Pinterest ideas.

The project for the first DIY session was, ‘Make Your Own

Bouncy Ball’. Students used white glue, borax powder, glowin-the-dark paint, cornstarch, and warm water to make the balls. The balls took a total of five minutes to make, and they actually bounced and glowed in the dark.

SAC members, Maria Temples, junior nutrition major, and Lauren Notchick, sophomore pre-PA student, were involved in the majority of the planning for the DIY

event.

Notchick explained that she got the idea for the DIY event following the success of SAC's 'Make Your Own Sushi' event last year.

“We wanted this event to be sort of like a therapy for students, we wanted to be fun so they can just relax and enjoy their night doing arts and crafts,” explained Notchick.

“Most of the ideas for the DIY event series come from Pinterest. We all look up what kinds of things are simple and fun, [things] that everyone is capable of doing, and we vote on it,” said Temples.

Three more DIY events are planned through out the semester. The DIY events will be held Feb. 25, March 19, and April 15 between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

For more information on the upcoming crafts-- check out www. marywood.edu/studentactivities/ Contact the writer: fcapellan@m.marywood.edu

Students receive American Advertising Awards

Photo Credit/ John Meza

Marywood graphic design seniors show off their AAF NEPA American Advertising Awards with Desiree Zielinksi, AAF Board Member and Award Chair.

Back row, from left to right: Samantha Nardelli, Marywood BFA Design 2012, AAF Board member, Patrick Mineo, Thomas Cunningham, Christine Medley, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Ashley Kujat. Front row, from left to right: Desiree Zielinksi, Marywood BFA Design, 2011, AAF Board member and Awards chair, Jessica Meoni, MFA Graphic Design student, BFA Design 2011, Nailea Meneses.

Students Nailea Menese and Tom Cunningham won Best of Show. Other winners include Ashley Kujat, Pat Mineo, Jess Meoni, and Chris Medley.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

February 2015

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Movie Review: “Fifty Shades of Grey” fails at blending romance and BDSM Vincent Shultz Managing Editor “Fifty Shades of Grey” took the world by storm in 2011 with the release of a novel boasting a blend between romance and BDSM. Now call me square, but I was never aware of what exactly those letters stood for. Assuming this abbreviation is not general knowledge, let’s solve this mystery right off the bat.

BDSM is considered an overlapping abbreviation meaning Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism.

What’s interesting however, is that “Fifty Shades of Grey” doesn’t seem to have much of any of this. Instead, it takes a different route that might not have the best message for audiences.

Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, “Fifty Shades of Grey” stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan is the story of the twisted relationship between a student and a successful businessman.

The film follows Anastasia Steele (Johnson), a quiet literature student whose life is drastically changed following an interview with billionaire Christian Grey (Dornan). As Grey continues

to probe into the life of Steele, she soon finds herself in a twisted yet exciting relationship.

Audiences anticipated that “Fifty Shades” would be filled with mature content, much like the novel. In fact, there were more than 20 minutes of either nudity or graphic scenes spread throughout the film, which seems rather lengthy. Despite this, the movie feels rather tame in comparison to other similar genres.

Films like Steve McQueen’s “Shame” or Lars Von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac” are violent, dark, and hard to watch. But this is for good reason. These films

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portray extreme sex and torture in a more realistic way and show characters much like Grey, stuck in a world of addiction.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” instead tries to take an emotionally disturbed character and turn him into a romantic prospect instead of a cautionary tale. Despite obsessing, stalking, and completely taking over Anastasia’s life, there is this desperate attempt to portray Grey as a character who just needs a wholesome girl in his life.

on the doors.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” isn’t exciting or racy. It’s not adventurous or new. “Fifty Shades” fails to accomplish anything besides setting a record for the amount of times the words “dominant” and “submissive” are used in under two hours.

I’m giving “Fifty Shades of Grey” 1.5/5 kernels.

Contact the writer: vmschultz@m.marywood.edu

If anyone were to realistically find an individual like this in their lives, my advice is to get a restraining order and extra locks

Students showcase talent at Open Mic Night Autumn Granza Editor-in-Chief Marywood students have got talent, and they showed it off at last week’s Open Mic Night.

The Student Activities Crew (SAC) hosted its first Open Mic Night of the semester on Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge of the Nazareth Student Center.

Open Mic Night is a social event that is free and open to the Marywood community.

“Just show up the night of and sign up,” said SAC intern Rachel James, junior criminal justice and sociology major.

Performers include singers, acoustic acts, pianists, and Marywood’s acapella group--Nomadic Chromatics. According to James, poetry and spoken word has become popular, too. “[Open Mic Night] is really successful each year,” said James.

“Everyone always wants [Open Mic Night]... I think it’s an event

that is demanded.”

According to James, audience members often consist of performer’s friends showing support.

James Phillips, junior environmental science major and member of Nomadic Chromatics, said people should come to Open Mic Night because it’s fun.

“A lot of people do a lot of different artsy things. A lot of them don’t know about Open Mic Night, so it’s probably a better opportunity for them to get out, come do their fun thing, let other people in on the fun, and just hang out with people,” said Phillips.

The next Open Mic Night will be March 23 and the final, April 13. SAC members are also planning a Comedy Show that will be held on April 20 in the Black Box Theatre of the Sette LaVerghetta Center For Performing Art. Contact the writer: agranza@m.marywood.edu

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SPORTS

February 2015 athlete but as a student and person as well.

“John is one of two captains on the team and he leads by example along with his motivational talks as a top defender on our team," said Perrelle. "But, John is also a well-rounded young man.

He is one of my main guys who talks to families of prospective My entire family was big into the lenging to juggle practices and players because of his easy going sport so I was always surrounded school work. Trying to get as personality.” by it.” many players to practice as posWerner’s educational and caAs he goes through his fourth sible while working around their reer pursuits include receiving year of being a student-athhis Master’s degree from an lete at the college level, the institution overseas or landsenior marketing major is ing a job in New York City. no stranger to the challenges The soon-to-be graduthat come along with being a ate credits a majority of his student-athlete. success in the classroom “Playing a sport usuto the close-knit relationally adds at least four more ships he has formed within hours of commitment a day Marywood’s newly formed on top of your course load. If School of Business & Global we have an away game, it’s Innovation. closer to eight hours," said “You often have teachers Werner. "Because of that, more than once so you estabthere are plenty of times aflish personal relationships Photo Credit/ Alex Weidner ter a late practice where I've with the professors as well as Sean Higgins, freshman business wanted to just knock off for management major (Left) and John the other students," said Werthe night, but I've had to fin- Werner,senior marketing major chat at ner. "A lot of the kids appear in Nazareth Dining Hall. ish other school work first.” more than one of your classes Marywood’s head coach so it’s a familiar atmosphere of men’s lacrosse, Tyler Perrelle, class schedules is challenging so and a pretty tight community.” said he knows the struggles that a student-athlete must stay orgaWhen he’s not on the field or in his players go through on a daily nized and on top of their work,” the classroom, Werner can probabasis because he competed in Di- said Perrelle. bly be found in the weight room or vision I lacrosse for four years at The defenseman’s coach went hanging out with his friends both Binghamton University. on to acknowledge the success on and outside the lacrosse team.

“As a student-athlete it is chal- Werner has had not only as an “I'm a very social guy so I love

John Werner Men’s Lacrosse

Zack Klien Correspondent As it does for many studentathletes, John Werner’s day tends to begin before 9 a.m. as the senior lacrosse player wakes up to listen to his favorite sports talk show.

“I'm pretty fortunate not to have any morning classes this semester, but I do get up at 8:30 every day to listen to the Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton radio show, which allows me to work on my homework as well,” said Werner.

Originally from Hicksville on Long Island, New York, Werner is completing his last semester at Marywood along with finishing up his final season as a defender and captain for the Pacers’ lacrosse team. This spring will mark the end of a long and successful career in lacrosse for Werner.

“I didn't start playing yearround until high school really, but I've played since third grade.

to be hanging out with my buddies. I'm also a big Giants, Yankees, Islanders, and Knicks fan so I follow them and listen to a lot of sports radio. I am actually a big Jeopardy guy too; this surprises a lot of people but I watch it whenever I can,” said Werner.

As he looks back on his playing days at Marywood, Werner said he sees the 2014 season as a whole as the highlight of his career.

While making the CSAC conference championship, Werner recalls one specific game that the team now refers to as the “Parade Day Game” in which the Pacers overcame a seven goal deficit to win the game. Werner described the game by saying, “It was bananas.”

Werner says that the success the team has on the field translates to great chemistry off the field where everyone always gets along really well.

As the calendar begins to shift closer to the team’s season opener, both Werner and coach Perrelle acknowledge high expectations for the team in 2015.

“The outlook for this year is great. The goal is to take down the big dog in the conference (Cabrini College), and win a conference championship," Perrelle said.

Contact the writer: zklien@m.marywood.edu

Baseball team hosted annual“Pitches In” clinic Evan Felser Sports Editor

On Feb. 15, the baseball team hosted its second annual “Pitches In” clinic at the Insalaco Arena in the Center for Athletics and Wellness.

During the four-hour clinic, baseball team members led a group of young people from eight to 16 year olds in drills while offering advice on pitching, hitting, and fielding.

The cost to participate was $25, with an additional $10 for a Tshirt. The proceeds went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The foundation helps grant a child, with a life-threatening illness, his or her wish to come true nationwide, such as taking Dis-

neyland trips, meeting real ballerinas and making a music video, according to the charity’s web site.

Pitcher Joe Hunt, a sophomore accounting major who coordinated the clinic, said he was happy with the turnout.

Hunt explained that he wanted to keep the Make-A-Wish Foundation mission going, which is why he started the event. He said “Make-a-Wish” stories on ESPN also motivated him.

The clinic helps the kids participating get ready for the upcoming baseball season.

“Some of these kids haven’t brought out their gloves all winter. So now they are getting their gloves out, and they’re getting to work with our players. They are learning new techniques and

some skills from our players,” said Hunt.

Jerry Davis, Marywood’s head baseball coach, said the clinic is a good uplifting event because the baseball players know that it’s for a great cause.

“You have to feel good about yourself after you host an event like this. This is something that is near and dear to Joe Hunt’s heart. He puts a lot of time and effort into this, and for the second year in a row it has been a success,” said Davis.

The “Pitches In” clinic raised a total of $875 according to Hunt.

That total only included the income from registration fees.

Hunt believes that the future for the clinic is very bright, and he wants to continue overseeing this event the remaining two years

he’ll be at Marywood.

“I’m hoping to groom some underclassman to keep it going, I love to always have a hand in it, but obviously when I’m gone someone else needs to run it. But

I have a lot of teammates who love to do this, so I have no doubt that it will continue after I’m gone,” Hunt said.

Contact the writer: efelser@m.marywood.edu

Photo Credit/ Katlynn Whitaker

Sophomore first baseman, athletic training major Matt Staback tosses the ball to 6th grader AJ Keller at the “Pitches In” baseball clinic.

SPORTS

Shane Kellaher Year: Senior Major: Criminal Justice Hometown: Dayton, Md. Evan Felser Sports Editor When did you start playing basketball?

I started playing basketball when I was four years old in a recreational league in my hometown.

What is your favorite part about playing basketball?

The best part about playing basketball is the competition the games provide.

Who is your favorite basketball player?

My favorite basketball player is

MU March HOME GAMES 4th Men’s Lacrosse vs University of Scranton 6 p.m.

February 2015

Steve Blake because he played at the University of Maryland, and I was able to attend a bunch of his collegiate games.

What music do you listen to before the game?

I listen to country music before the games because I love it, and it allows me to stay calm, loose, and relaxed.

What is your favorite part about being on a team sport?

My favorite part about being on a team sport is being able to help my teammates, and I improve every day.

What has been the highlight of your basketball career?

My junior year of high school my AAU basketball team came in third place in Nationals out of 225 teams throughout the country. Our team was unrated and

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overlooked; however we came together and did something no one thought we could accomplish.

What are some of your strengths in basketball?

My main strengths in basketball are shooting/scoring, versatility, basketball IQ, and leadership.

What has basketball taught you about life?

There are a ton of ups and downs in the game of basketball and even more in life. Basketball taught me to roll with the punches and handle adversity.

If you could play against any NBA basketball player one on one, who would it be?

I would like to play against Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards. The Wizards are my favorite team, and I played against Beal in high school so it would be

Photo Credit/ Katlynn Whitaker

cool to play against him again.

What do you plan on doing after Marywood?

After graduating with a criminal justice degree in May, I plan on moving back home to Mary-

land and hopefully getting a job with a Federal Government Agency or Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Contact the writer: efelser@m.marywood.edu

21st

14th

Women’s Lacrosse vs Notre Dame of Maryland 1 p.m.

Women’s Softball Double Header vs Notre Dame of Maryland 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Men’s Lacrosse vs Morrisville State College 1 p.m.

20th Men’s Baseball vs Immaculata University 3 p.m.

22nd Men’s Baseball Double Header vs Elmira College 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Graphic Credit/ Kelsey Van Horn

In honor of Marywood’s Centennial Year, The Wood Word will be running items from the University’s archives to explore the history of the campus. Below is the oldest copy of the student-run newspaper on file, The Marywoodian.