LA VIE COLLEGIENNE LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE’S STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1924 VOLUME 85, NO. 7 | FEBRUARY 26, 2018
Pedestrian bridge construction COLIN ALBRIGHT ’18 STAFF WRITER The pedestrian bridge that connects the athletic side of campus to the academic side has undergone structural construction. The 40-year-old bridge that spans the railroad tracks is constructed of reinforced concrete, which is concrete that is poured over a carefully engineered grid of steel reinforcing bar (rebar). Over time, the concrete and structural rebar undergo a gradual deterioration due to exposure to all kinds of weather. “The winter weather in this area accelerates the pace of deterioration,” Don Santostefano, senior director of facilities management, said. “The same structure in an area that never experiences freezing weather will tend to last longer.” In addition to general
Photo by: Theresa Messenger ABOVE: The south side of the pedestrian bridge now has structural supports to make it safe for people to use.
deterioration because of the weather,
cause the concrete and rebar to
chemicals that the bridge is exposed
become weaker over time. When the
to such as ice-preventative salt can
bridge was newer, corrosive rock salt
New star crowned CASSANDRA BARRETT ’19 STAFF WRITER A new Dancing with the LVC Stars winner was crowned in Lutz Hall. The second annual Dancing with the LVC Stars event was held on Friday, Feb. 23, and featured 13 staff and faculty members who laced up their dancing shoes to perform with members of the LVC Dance Team. Only one star could be crowned the winner of the Mirrorball Trophy. Throughout the evening, the
audience cast votes for their favorite dancers by donating money to each dancer’s designated money bin. The Dance Team will donate half of all proceeds to the Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center of Lebanon (SARCC). After an evening filled with music, laughter and roaring applause, Maureen Bentz, a ‘00 graduate of LVC and a member of the Vernon & Doris Bishop Library staff, was crowned the winner of Dancing with New star continued on Page 3
was used to prevent ice. The facilities staff is currently using less corrosive chemicals to prevent ice. “Over the past couple of decades, we have used less corrosive chemicals for the ice melt operation,” Santostefano said. “The recent severe cold and freeze/thaw cycles resulted in chunks of concrete being pushed off the structure.” Sections of concrete fell off the west side stairs on both the north and south sides of the bridge this winter. A structural engineer was hired to inspect the entire bridge and recommend possible solutions to the problem. “[The engineer] recommended the installation of supports under the cantilevered sections of the stairs on the west side only,” Santostefano said. “The east side stairs do not need the Bridge continued on Page 2
March 2 | 5 p.m. - March 12 | 8 a.m.
SPRING BREAK Dorms close: Following classes | March 2 Dorms re-open: Noon | March 11 ALL students are expected to leave campus unless approved by residential life.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF LA VIE
CULTURES & COFFEE PAGE 2
DOCTORATE OF THE DIAMOND PAGE 3
2000 POINTS PAGE 4
SWIM & STUDY ABROAD PAGE 4
2
FEATURE
February 26, 2018 La Vie Collegienne
Cultures and coffee ered.” Global Coffee Hour takes place in the Lebegern Learning Commons every Friday from 3 - 4 p.m. Each event is open to the entire campus and local community. “Global Coffee Hour has inspired me to consider studying abroad before I graduate,” CaitPhoto provided by: The Office of Marketing & Communications lyn James, a sophomore ABOVE: The presentations are held in the Lebegern Learning business major, said. Commons. For more information content,” Murphy said. “Our attendees on other cultural events, students can may even be inspired to study abroad email Caitlin Murphy at cmurphy@ in some of the locations that are cov- lvc.edu.
CHELSEA MOYER ’18 STAFF WRITER LVC’s Center for Global Education offers students an opportunity to share and learn about others' personal international experiences. Global Coffee Hour is a gathering at which faculty, students and staff present on thematic international topics. Snacks, coffee and a variety of teas are offered to those who choose to attend the events. “It is a great place to meet new people and engage in cultural conversation over coffee and snacks,” Caitlin Murphy, international recruitment and engagement coordinator, said. “We encourage new attendees and are always looking for new presenters.” The Center for Global Education occasionally partners with the Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery and other LVC departments on campus. Each event focuses on different themes and topics depending upon the presenters. Collaborations help make each event unique. “It is our hope that attendees will learn new cultural and international
Global Coffee Hour Spring Schedule: March 16 – International Student Presentations March 23 – Student International Experiences April 6 – Service Around the World April 13 – Staff and Faculty International Experiences April 27 – Africa
continued from page 1
added supports.” An entirely new bridge is fully-planned, and construction was initially expected to begin in the summer of 2018. The goal of starting construction has now been pushed back to the summer of 2019. “As part of the design process, we must work with various approving agencies to gain approval of our design,” Santostefano said. “The approvals required involve somewhat lengthy bureaucratic procedures. It has recently become apparent that necessary approvals cannot be obtained in time to allow construction during summer 2018.” Tours given to prospective students go across the bridge and some ques-
Devastation leads to new beginning
tions have been raised by these students. Current and prospective students can look forward to a new bridge be-
SHILESKY MONTALVO ’19 STAFF WRITER “Hurricane María left me without a house, zero communication, water shortage and unstable electric grid,” Victor A. Fuentes Ortiz, a junior business administration major, said. Because of the devastation brought by Hurricane María, one student found refuge at Lebanon Valley College. That student is Victor A. Fuentes Ortiz. The junior transferred to LVC from the University of Puerto Rico. “The University of Puerto Rico in Humacao was among the worst campuses damaged by María,” Fuentes Ortiz said. “It is mold-infested and the roof leaked” Fuentes Ortiz had to get accustomed to a new environment, the weather and being away from his family. Fuentes Ortiz decided to come to central Pennsylvania because his sister lives here, and it was the best place to continue his education. “Even though my previous campus is destroyed, my desire to study is stronger than ever,” Fuentes Ortiz said.
Pedestrian bridge
ing constructed in 2019.
Photo by: Shilesky Montalvo ABOVE: Victor A. Fuentes Ortiz and Lu Chen work on an assignment.
Fuentes Ortiz is grateful; he loves LVC for its quality of education, and because of the people on campus. He says everyone's supportive and friendly. “I come from a low-income household, and I was concerned about how expensive it would be to study in the U.S., especially in a private institution like LVC,” Fuentes Ortiz said. “When other institutions did not understand my situation, LVC, especially Mr.
Roberto Marti [assistant director of admission & coordinator of transfer enrollment] helped when I needed it the most. At this moment, I feel valued.” Fuentes Ortiz is continuing his studies as a business administration major. He intends to graduate in May 2019 and his goals include owning a business and being a role model for future generations.
February 26, 2018
FEATURE
La Vie Collegienne
3
Doctorate of the diamond MADDIE NOONAN ’19 STAFF WRITER Super busy is an understatement when it comes to describing Dr. Holly Wendt, assistant professor of English, who not only teaches Literature of Baseball, but also doubles as a sports writer. Wendt writes for the website The Classical and recently has been a weekly contributor to Baseball Prospectus's Short Relief feature. “I don’t remember a time in my life without baseball,” Wendt said. “The voice of Harry Kalas, the famous Philadelphia Phillies’ play-byplay announcer, is a big part of the soundtrack of my life. Also, my brother played baseball and I played softball, so our family was always playing catch, practicing hitting and talking about situational baseball strategy.” Wendt is a talented writer, but also enjoys teaching COE 208HU, a baseball-themed connective experience class. Students who are just as enthusiastic about the sport as their instructor appreciate Wendt’s passion
when she was living in Wyoming. At the time, Wendt was writing a novel about ice hockey but couldn’t seem to stop thinking about her love for baseball. David Roth, founder of TheClassical.org and current editor at Deadspin, invited Wendt to write for the TheClassical.org without past journalistic training; Wendt’s experience was completely devoted to creative writing. Since then Wendt has written various articles for The Classical, including a story on Phillies shortstop J.P. CrawPhoto by: Kurt Harnish ford’s first game with the Reading Fightin Phils. This ABOVE: Dr. Holly Wendt teaches her Literature of Baseball class about “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. story is what prompted Baseball Prospectus to contact her. and passionate about literature, basefor baseball. Luckily for LVC students, Wendt al“Holly brings a lot of knowledge ball and any way that we can better and excitement to the table,” TJ Hol- ourselves and is very well educated lows students who love baseball to explore their passion on the diamond dredge, a sophomore physical thera- on the world of baseball.” py major, said. “She is very engaging Wendt’s writing journey began and in the classroom.
New star crowned
ABOVE: Maureen Bentz was presented with the Mirrorball trophy. continued from page 1
the LVC Stars alongside her Dance Team partners, Robyn Meashey, a junior mathematics major, and Carolyn Enigk, a sophomore digital communications major. Enigk and Meashey were both grateful to be a part of Bentz’s victory. “Robyn and I are dancers and we’re used to being on stage, but Maureen not only stepped out of her comfort zone, but also she absolutely killed it,” Enigk said. “There was nothing bet-
Photo by: Cassi Barrett
ter than seeing the smile on her face when her name was called!” Can’t Touch This, a sexual assault prevention and awareness club, partnered with the Dance Team for the event and raised money at their concessions table which will also be donated to SARCC. The Dance Team looks forward to partnering with more clubs and organizations in the future to put on many more successful Dancing with the LVC Stars events.
Want to advertise with La Vie? Check out our website www.lvc.edu/lavie or contact Jaime Fettrow-Alderfer at fettrow@lvc.edu
February 26, 2018
SPORTS
La Vie Collegienne
4
Going for gold: The 23rd Winter Olympic Games KURT HARNISH ’20 STAFF WRITER People, including LVC students, have shifted their focus on a worldwide event that symbolizes unity and peace in the world along with competition. February welcomed the 23rd Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where 93 countries have sent at least one or more athletes to compete. The Summer Olympics include more sports than the Winter Olympics, but this difference does not take away from the athletes who have made it to this world stage. The Winter Olympics has 15 sports and LVC students have their favorites. “I love to watch skiing and snowboarding,” Nick Bentz, a sophomore physical therapy major, said. “My favorite event is the Snowboarding Freestyle competition and the Slopestyle competition.” The Olympics has a worldwide symbol of unity since the modern Olympic Games began in 1896 in
Photo by: Kurt Harnish Caption: The flags flying on LVC’s campus represents some of the countries competing in the Olympic Games.
Greece. The symbolism of the Olympics remains the same. “The Olympics allows the world to not only celebrate their own countries’ athletes but also other countries,” Bentz said. “It helps the countries get along, even if they do not normally get along.” LVC has exhibited the spirit of the Games by sponsoring recent ski and snowboarding trips this past
month. Metz has also gotten involved in the Olympic spirit as it offered an “Olympic Games Deal” on the purchase of flex dollars to be used at the Dutchmen Den or Intermetzo. The students have their own ways of getting into the spirit of the Games. “I plan on sporting my USA gear walking around campus,” Michelle Dardaris, a sophomore physical
Across the pond to the pool
therapy major, said. “Snowboarding is my favorite event and I plan on wearing my USA shirt when I watch it.” The Olympics is a time that allows the world to focus on athletes from all over the globe. Americans celebrated the success of their winter Olympic athletes, and students shared what the Games mean to them. “The Olympics let me display my passion for this country, and for that, I am grateful,” Dardaris said. The Olympics is also a time for history to be made and it was in a few events. In the men’s Snowboarding Slopestyle competition, Red Gerrard, a 17-year-old American male, took the gold for team USA. Then later in the men’s Luge finals, team USA’s Chris Mazdzer won USA’s first ever medal in the Luge as he brought home silver. The 23rd Winter Olympics concluded on Sunday, Feb. 25.
Light records 2,000 points
HUNTRE KEIP ’20 STAFF WRITER For some college students, studying abroad while missing half of a sports season is not an easy adjustment; one LVC swimmer proved it is possible. D’anna Sydow, backstroke and butterfly specialist, studied abroad in London during the 2017 fall semester. As a neuroscience and psychology double major, she took many classes related to psychology and British life. She enjoyed these classes and traveling to other countries, but one of the priorities in her life was missing: swimming. “I basically had a year off from swimming, so I was really anxious to get back into the pool,” Sydow said. While the rest of the swim team began their training season on Sept. 11, Sydow flew to London to begin her new experience. Sydow was unable to swim because the only public pools available were in gyms. To purchase a gym membership, she needed a U.K. bank account. She was frustrated by her lack of training; frustration subsided once back at home. “Being in a place where I was comfortable like LVC made the adjustment so much better,” Sydow
Photo by: Cassandra Barrett ABOVE: Sam Light takes a jump shot in the close game against Messiah College on Feb. 17.
THERESA MESSENGER ’18 CO-EDITOR
Photo courtesy of: D’anna Sydow ABOVE: D’anna Sydow at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England.
said. “My swim family was there supporting me, and I felt that love.” The swimmer returned to campus with the swim team a week before classes started, which gave her the jump start she needed to finish the season. Her determination followed through by qualifying for the MACs twice, in both the 100 meter backstroke and 100 meter butterfly.
“It didn’t surprise me that D’anna qualified for two events,” Mary Gardner, LVC’s head swim coach, said. “Although she probably felt like a fish out of water, she didn’t act that way.” The MAC Championship was held Feb. 15-18 at the YMCA in York, Pa. For more information about the results of MACs, visit www. gomacsports.com.
Senior guard Sam Light becomes one of three players in the history of the LVC basketball program to record 2,000 career points. Light joins Mike Rhoads ‘95, current head coach of Virginia Commonwealth University and Andy Panko ‘99, Consensus Division III National Player of the Year, in the 2,000 point club. The Dutchmen secured a spot in playoffs when they defeated Lycoming 82-79 on Tuesday, Feb. 13 and Light’s 16-point game led him to a personal milestone in the record books.