THE GATEPOST Framingham State’s independent student newspaper
Volume 86 • Issue 19
FSUgatepost.com
March 23, 2018
Shanleigh Reardon / THE GATEPOST
Students carry a project created in their 3-D design course commenting on gun violence.
A legend among us: Hamel wins DFI award
Admins talk alcohol policy, school shooting procedures
By Jillian Poland News Editor
By Nadira Wicaksana Asst. News Editor
Executive Vice President Dale Hamel accepted the 2018 Legend Award from Downtown Framingham, Inc. during the organization’s annual board meeting on March 15. Downtown Framingham, Inc. (DFI) is an independent nonprofit “dedicated to serving both people and local businesses by creating the most vibrant, socially engaged and innovative area outside Boston,” according to its website. DFI was previously known as The Framingham Downtown Renaissance (FDR). The organization follows the Main Street America model to establish initiatives focused on the economic vitality, design, promotion and organization of Framingham’s downtown area. These initiatives include hosting business-based events - such as the recent Shamrock Stroll through downtown bars and breweries - and providing support for local artists and businesses. Hamel said in an email the organization is working on “a number of initiatives focused on making the downtown more attractive, safe and convenient, as well as encouraging more interesting destination establishments.” He added, “Downtown Framingham now has ten eclectic restaurants providing live entertainment that are actually destination points as opposed to the downtown being seen as a place to cut through while trying to avoid train backups!” The Legend Award was created this year by Courtney Thraen, executive director of DFI, in order to “celebrate and acknowledge” the volunteer board of directors who have worked “tirelessly” to
Members of FSU’s administration and SGA, as well as other staff and students, met in the Alumni Room to discuss campus concerns during the semi-annual Administrators’ Forum on March 1. Among the concerns discussed were the current policy regarding the consumption of alcohol on campus and procedures for active-shooter situations. Students in attendance at the meeting - including Student Trustee Karl Bryan, who posed the initial question - asked administrators whether the alcohol policy was due for any changes. Bryan said he understands FSU’s alcohol policy does not designate FSU as a “dry campus,” but rather as a campus with “dry residence halls.” He said taking advantage of this section of the policy by serving alcohol at events in non-residence hall buildings, such as the McCarthy Center, would improve the quality of and turnout for campus events. He added, “It would allow for more engagement for the campus community. I think it would be a good boost for recruitment for incoming students.” President F. Javier Cevallos said he and other administrators, including Lorretta Holloway, vice president for enrollment and student development, as well as Glenn Cochran, associate dean of students and director of Residence Life, formed a group to look at the specifics of the alcohol policy. Cevallos said the group was formed in response to previous student concerns brought to his attention. He and Holloway agreed the issue was relevant and necessary to review.
See LEGEND AWARD page 3
News
Opinions
See ADMIN FORUM page 4
Arts & Features
Sports
ELIZABETH WHALLEY pg. 2
CHANGE THE NARRATIVE pg. 7
MUSICAL MUSINGS pg. 8
BASEBALL MOVES TO 7-6 pg. 13
4+1 AND 3+3 PROGRAMS pg. 5
#MENTOO pg. 7
DRAKE RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW pg. 10
SOFTBALL BLOWS BY UNE pg. 14
INSIDE: OP/ED 6 ARTS & FEATURES 8 SPORTS 12